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[ Tsuruno has kept herself busy, as expected. Even when dressed up appropriately, with her hair gathered half-up with the rest left to fall down her back, she's spent more time manning a food station than mingling or dodging mistletoe or pretending she knows how to dance.

And she's fine with that. But she also knows enough to free herself when she glimpses a chance for a reprieve, heading out to locate Robby with a delicate prod to his lower back (as though she has tried valiantly to sneak up on him and surprise him). ]

Excuse me, sir! You're looking like you might want a bit of company.

[ Is he. ]

[ Robby knows how to dress for a prom--it helps when clothes are $free.99, and that he's been to one before. The party is nice, far more work put into it than the rebel one he and Tsuruno put together in October, and he hopes it's more enjoyed than that one was.

He's here, of course, for Tsuruno. It'd be a shame not to attend prom with your girlfriend, and he figures this would be the first prom she's gone to, not even knowing if Japan has them, to have one waiting for her in the future. But he says hi to a few people, has something to drink, enjoys the space.

But nothing is quite as enjoyable as the touch to his back, almost confusing for a second (it doesn't get much of a jump, but it does make Robby look, as if he might see a passerby) before he hears a very recognisable voice. He turns, a wide grin on his face. ]

I could do. [ He reaches for her hands, takes a hold of each one. ] My girlfriend can't help but spend time with other people, helping them out and making sure they're fed. [ A purposeful beat. ] It's kinda her thing. She's a people person.

[ Anyone who does not think Robby is supportive clearly hasn't spent enough time with him, but Tsuruno is aware he's got her back and usually ends up looking out for her more than she thinks he probably should. But that's how he is and he knows how she is, so it feels as though they've settled a little more comfortably into looking out for each other.

She beams at him, squeezing his hands as soon as her own are taken captive. ]

Lucky girl then, to have a boyfriend who's okay waiting for her to calm down a little. She's probably not gonna mind if I cut in for a bit, right?

She's not the type jealous type.

[ And fortunately, his girlfriend and Tsuruno are one and the same, so then he can lean in, give her a warm kiss. A greeting, a hello. ]

Unless you think you are?

[ How about it? ]

Mmm...

[ She hums a little thoughtfully, as if in deep consideration.

But then she's pressing up on her toes a little to kiss him back. Make it even, you know, just as warm. She's happy to see him and it's written all over her face. ]

Nope! I believe in you.

[ His smile turns wide, a grin with teeth--both from her response, and from the kiss. ]

How are you enjoying yourself?

[ He can make plenty of assumptions (he thinks a Tsuruno with a task involving and surrounding people shows her at her best), but he wants to hear it all from her. ]

[ Well, his assumption wouldn't be wrong. ]

It's been fun! I've gotten to meet people I haven't had a chance to talk to before! And promote the restaurant! And any time with you's a great time, even if I didn't get the chance to break away before now...

[ She squeezes his hands, expression falling slightly. ]

Sorry about that. You've been okay?

I've been fine. [ Does a little added reassurance help? Lifting their hands so they're chest level, giving hers a squeeze back. ] You like getting involved, this is good for you. I'm glad you're having fun. And it's a good time; I'm liking it, too.

People deserve to let off some steam and dance.

[ Which, oh- ]

Speaking of: how're you feeling about your dance moves?

[ It's good he's tacking on that he's also having a good time, because she sure looks like she's gearing up to launch into an argument that it's not as much fun if he's not enjoying himself too--

Crisis averted!

Instead, she sighs heavily. ]

Not great. I'm pretty sure the last time I danced, I was like... 13?

[ Ohhh. Look at this sympathetic-but-wincing look. Very exaggerated. ]

I should've asked before we got here. Well, guess we know what music we're working with. [ Considering Robby isn't going to pretend he knew what would be picked. ] I can give you a couple of cheat moves. Everything's in how you move your hips. Having fun.

[ Especially when you're listening to a Mambo No. 5 rip-off. ]

All in the hips, huh?

[ Experimental shimmy? Does this meet the approval of the master here? ]

"And don't step on your partner's feet", probably.

[ Well, the experimental shimmy does get a chuckle, a grin lingering after. ]

It helps, but how about I show you some foot movements? Here-- [ They have held hands, there's space between them, and Robby puts one foot inward, then out again. ] Copy this. Don't try to bring in too close--just a step in.

[ It's simple! It's baby steps! Surely Tsuruno can do it without any accident, and even do the same with the other foot. And if she can, Robby will introduce some of that sway, that hip movement; give more life to the legs, and even into their hands. A small swing one way, a small swing to the other.

And if she's entirely successful this far: ] You feeling it?

[ It maybe feels a little goofy (but hopefully in a fun way), a very basic movement that feels like it should lead onto more. And it will. But fun, fun small steps, first. ]

[ It definitely feels a little goofy, but fun, given the way Tsuruno's grinning as she tries out what Robby walks (dances?) her through. Definitely less formal than the waltz Alhaitham had given her a crash course in just before and maybe it's because it's Robby that she can just relax into it.

Go figure, though she's not all that surprised by the thought. ]

I think so. It kinda feels like it'll end up in a spin eventually!

Oh yeah? You wanna spin?

[ That's not a question that needs a Yes said, only a no--because Robby is lifting one of their arms, loosening his hold on her other, and it's okay, is there any wrong way to do this when Robby encourages: ] Then come on and spin!

[ To Rita and Erica and Monica~♫ ]

[ Tsuruno lights up instantly, releasing his hand if just to follow through on the encouragement without hesitation and doing a twirl with a laugh. ]

Don't mind if I do!

[ He's beaming as she comes back around to him, lowering their held hands. ]

Wanna try another one?

[ Going through all the spins: truly the most important moves to learn first. Especially when they make your girlfriend smile and laugh. ]

Sure, but do you wanna be the spinner this time? Spin... ee?

[ Tsuruno is an equal-opportunity girlfriend. Or. Person, rather. Robby probably remembers her dipping him. ]

[ He's about to answer, but another second to think about it? ]

Alright, let's try it. Take both of my hands here...

[ And Robby's going to...attempt to do explain-and-do them into this spin. With a- ] I'm coming in now. Lift my right hand, up-- [ for directions.

That can either end up in a successful spin and tuck against a darling girlfriend, or end up with a near twist of limbs that will be funny, but not quite finishing the move.

Honestly, either end result will be funny. Do you have it in you to spin your boyfriend successfully first time, Tsuruno? ]

[ She would like to say yes, but no, they do end up looking like a pretzel, which Tsuruno is doing her best not to laugh at once she realizes this is not quite As Planned.

Whoops. ]

Okay, okay, hold on. Redo! I think I get it now!

[ Prepare to be tucked, Robby!! ]

You sure? [ It's a teasing, yet an encouraging 'you sure?'--because Robby won't resist getting back in place again, with a small chuckle between his teeth and looking at her with that grin.

But come on, wonderful, show him how one does it! ]

I only ever need one redo.

[ with the confidence of someone who has probably needed more than one but it's accurate enough that she can stand behind it.

But, to her credit, she does appear to have corrected her mistake before, lifting and shifting and behold!

Still ridiculous but correct spin! ]

[ Robby likes the confidence anyway, when hasn't he?, and it turns out well: with Robby the one turned, his back close to her chest, head angled to face her. ]

Do you like me like this?

[ It's a cheeky, fun question--and flirty, of course. Like to have a man in your arms, Tsuruno? ]

[ What else is she supposed to do here? How can she not steal a kiss while he's smiling at her like that, all snug in her arms?

Please. She's definitely not resisting the urge. ]

I like you in all the ways. But this one might be pretty high up there!

[ Is this really dancing, or even considered learning to dance, when it seems more like goofing off? Who knows, who cares, when Robby can't stop smiling at Tsuruno (and what he said about her, how much she makes him smile--it's not lie), a stolen kiss leaving him beaming at her and her response. ]

Good, [ he says, when anything he has to say doesn't matter, though the eventual, ] Unwind me, [ is good to pay some attention to, so he can follow the reverse spin into spreading out an arm, doing a pose as one does when they're unravelled in a dance.

Even if this one is more for show, a wink flashed Tsuruno's way before he comes back in. Maybe take her hand so they're holding onto both again. ]

This is almost as fun as dancing for real.

[ She'd clap if she could but hand-holding takes precedence; she looks out over the dance floor and takes a breath. ]

Then I guess we should follow the progression, huh?

[ She at least feels slightly more confident about it, or at least the fact that they'll have fun. ]

action; december party time

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