there and back again.

DIALOGUE PROMPTS

may i have this dance?

you clean up nice.

shall we?

pretend you're talking to me.

have we met?

you've got a strong grip.

my eyes are up here.

i hoped you'd look my way eventually.

you look beautiful.

mind if i cut in?

i should warn you, i'm a horrible dancer.

you help me, i'll help you.

it's a pleasure to meet you.

put your hand on my shoulder.

don't look so stiff.

i wasn't expecting you to be here.

have you tried the punch?

how did you get an invite?

you weren't supposed to find me here.

we shouldn't be seen together.

mind joining me for a walk in the gardens?

this is a masquerade party, after all.

i couldn't find a date in time.

dance with me.

quick, while no one's looking.

i need another drink.

the rumor mill's already started.

at least pretend that you like me!

the pleasure is all mine.

that's good to know.

are your spies in position?

what an unexpected pleasure.

right this way, please.

take my arm.

were you eavesdropping?

we shouldn't keep them waiting.

i wouldn't be caught dead dancing with you.

did you hear the news?

are you the guest of honor?

that's a rather garish color on you.

i've heard the rumors about you.

i need some air.

you stepped on my foot!

i was just going to introduce you.

do you like my dress?

don't waste my time with pleasantries.

a word, when you have a moment.

ACTIONS AND SETTINGS * feel free to substitute "ball" for any fancy event :)

[ crowd ] sender and receiver lock eyes across the crowded room of a lavish ball

[ approach ] sender approaches receiver at a ball and asks to dance with them

[ introduce ] sender's friend introduces them to receiver at a ball

[ avoid ] sender tries to avoid awkward conversation by staying away from receiver at a ball

[ alone ] sender finds receiver alone at a ball and quietly approaches them

[ gardens ] sender and receiver abandon the crowded ball and go for a walk in the nearby gardens

[ stolen ] sender steals a moment alone with receiver at a ball and kisses them

[ wrist ] as receiver tries to return to the ball, sender reaches out and grabs their wrist, begging them to stay

[ danger ] sender realizes receiver is in danger at the ball and tries to warn them in time

[ drink ] sender brings receiver a drink at the ball

[ blend in ] receiver tries to blend in at the ball and remain unseen, but sender notices and approaches them

[ dance ] after a dance out on the ballroom floor, sender and receiver freeze in place and stare into each other's eyes

[ balcony ] sender finds receiver standing out on a balcony alone and joins them

[ stairwell ] sender stumbles upon receiver sitting in the stairwell alone, hiding from the crowded ballroom and all the guests

[ last kiss ] sender and receiver kiss before sender leaves the ball and disappears into the night