#tableship

The hall was large, floors polished and the silver lining of porcelain tiles glistening under the radiant glow of the chandelier. Arin had even gone as far as to arrange a buffet for them, platters of fine food placed upon stretches of clothed tables. Dan felt incredibly out of place. How had Arin managed to afford all of this?

But that night, it was not Arin who had caught his attention. Though the younger man looked absolutely dashing in his tuxedo and pale pink tie, his eyes drifted towards Holly, who was enjoying a glass of white wine and chatting merrily to Suzy. Seeing some sort of opportunity, he strode towards the two of them.

“This place is so fuckin’ fancy.” Dan grinned goofily, sticking his hands into his pockets. Suzy and Holly were charmed by his presence, turning to face him with smiles across their faces. Suzy wore a long black dress with a shiny bow-styled belt, and Holly was dressed in dress pants and a shirt, coupled with a waistcoat.

“It’s so beautiful, I absolutely adore the architecture…” Suzy tilted her head to look up at the ceiling in awe. Holly followed suit, as did Dan, the three of them gawking at the murals on the ceiling. Their gaze was quickly disturbed by Arin, who had come bustling over with a tipsy Ross linked in his arm. 

“Don’t forget there’s food on the tables and more drinks in the back, if you need ‘em.” Ross grinned. Arin rolled his eyes and kissed Ross’ cheek.

“I think you’ve had enough to drink.” Arin chuckled, dragging Ross closer to his side - this earned a laugh from both Dan and Suzy, which granted Holly the opportunity to look over Dan discretely.

“Mm? And I think you’ve had enough to eat.” Ross chortled, his humour rewarded with an elbow in the side from Arin. 

“Where have you two even been all night? I’ve missed your faces.” Suzy pouted, reaching forward to squeeze Arin and Ross’ cheeks.

Soon, Holly noticed that they had become engaged in full conversation, Dan standing idly to the side as he enjoyed watching comments be passed back and forth between them. She shuffled closer to Dan, reaching down to put an arm around his wrist. Dan snapped his head to look at her, a rush of curls falling across his face and back again, with a confused expression.

“Do you want to go get some fresh air?” She asked, finishing off her wine glass and leaving it on one of the food tables. Dan didn’t seem to understand fully, but he nodded, following Holly as she lead him to one of the balconies of the hall.

It was quite late in the evening, and the sky was had darkened considerably since they’d all arrived. Holly placed her hands on the banister of the balcony, looking out across the gardens below them. It truly was a wonderful sight, to see the trees illuminated by moonlight, as they swayed gently in the evening breeze. The moon was also casting a soft light across her face, which Dan was endeared with, joining her at the banister.

“Uhm…” He began, feeling awkward. “You know… You look really beautiful tonight and all.” He smiled, his eyes resting on her gentle features. Holly cracked a smile, feeling embarrassment overcome her.

“But I’m not wearing a dress.” She said. “It’s typically not the kinda thing you’d wear to a ball, or whatever…” She shrugged and hummed softly, turning to face Dan. Dan raised an eyebrow.

“And I’m not wearing a tie. What does it matter?” He remarked, reaching up to undo the top button of his shirt, which had been suffocating him for the majority of the evening. Holly laughed at this, shaking her head and looking down at her boots.

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right, mm.” She wiggled her toes, her gaze attracted to Dan’s face again. “You look really good tonight, too.” She smiled. Dan waved a hand at her with a cheeky grin, stumbling backward in embarrassment.

“Why thank you, Miss Conrad.” He giggled, bowing. Holly clapped for him, laughing along. “Would you care to join me for a dance this evening?” He asked, using a regal-sounding voice. Holly pondered for just a moment, looking out to the gardens.

“I would very much like that, Mr Avidan.” She decided, turning to Dan to take his hand. Their hands melded together perfectly. With a swift kiss to the back of Holly’s hand, Dan led her back into the ballroom, as the music over the speakers began to play. It was no orchestra, but Arin could only accomplish so much with what he had.

Dan and Holly took their position on the floor, swiftly being joined by Ross and Arin, then Barry and Suzy. Several others took their places, too. 

Dan was no expert at dancing, and neither was Holly, but they twirled around the floor with ease - it was truly the beginning of a beautiful bond.

((i… had so much fun writing this? thank you for prompting me. also the song linked is my favourite piece of classical music from the studio ghibli movie ‘the cat returns’! #trivia))