He dances with Aria

He finds her before she finds him, which for once makes a change.

She is at the edge of the floor, her date somewhere in the background, and when she sees Miles walking toward her something shifts in her expression. Not surprise. Something more like satisfaction.

Miles: dance with me.

It is not a question. She looks at him for a moment, then at the floor, then back at him.

Aria: took you long enough.

She takes his hand and lets him lead her onto the floor. They find a spot near the middle and she turns to face him, stepping in close immediately, her hand going to his chest before his even finds her waist.

Aria: She looks up at him. last dance of the night.

Miles: last dance of the night.

Aria: She tilts her head. make it worth my while.

He pulls her closer and she lets him, her body pressing against his with the easy confidence of someone who has already decided how this evening ends. They move together slowly, her chin tipped up toward him, her dark eyes holding his with that particular look she reserves for moments when she has stopped pretending entirely.

Miles: you've been watching me all night.

Aria: She does not deny it. You've been worth watching.

Miles: is that right.

Aria: She runs a finger slowly along his lapel. Don't let it go to your head.

Miles: too late.

She laughs, low and genuine, her head dropping briefly to his shoulder before she lifts it back up.

They turn slowly. Her hand moves from his chest to his shoulder, fingers curling slightly at the back of his neck. He keeps his hand at the small of her back, lower than strictly necessary, and she does not move away.

Aria: She says it quietly, close to his ear. you know what I keep thinking about?

Miles: tell me.

Aria: She pulls back just enough to look at him, her lips close enough that it would take almost nothing. That restroom on the third floor.

He holds her gaze.

Miles: that was a good night.

Aria: She presses slightly closer, her hips moving with the music in a way that makes it very difficult to think clearly. The night is not over yet.

Miles: no it is not.

Aria: She looks up at him from under her lashes, her voice dropping to something that is almost a whisper. So what are you going to do about it?

The music begins to fade. She steps back slowly, her fingers trailing from his neck, her eyes staying on his the entire time.

Aria: She says it like a promise. After party.

She turns and walks away, the red dress doing what it always does.

He watches her go.

The night is very far from over.