[40.1] -Rewind a Lil Bit-

[Author's note: This chapter has returned to Reika's point of view. It takes place during the same time frame as Della at the graduation ceremony.]

…During the graduation ceremony…

Cyrus and I entered the party that was just starting to pick up in energy. I heard an upbeat song start to play by the performing band and pulled Cyrus towards where everyone was already dancing, "Let's dance!"

He raised an eyebrow, "Do you know how to dance?"

"Eh. No. Not really, but why is that important? I can twirl and that's enough."

The corner of his lips curled up into a smile, "I am interested in seeing that."

I dragged him to the center of the room where he bowed and I curtsied. I took his hand and placed my other one on his shoulder. He wrapped his hand around my waist and started to lead me through the song.

Cyrus spun me around and I twirled in several circles allowing my dress to shimmer. I felt dizzy and tripped over my feet as a result, but he easily caught me.

He laughed, "I thought you said you could twirl?"

"I can! But I can't help it if I get dizzy." My face lit up with a grin, "Have you ever danced the tango?"

"What's the tango?"

"Watch this!"

As I danced around him poorly he tried hard to suppress his laughter, "What kind of dance is that!? It doesn't even go with the song."

I laughed, "Okay! Now catch me!"

"Huh?"

I ran at him and jumped in the air. He panicked and reached his hands out to catch me.

I landed in his arms as he spun us around.

He stared at me, "Are you trying to dance or hurt yourself?"

I shrugged, "A little bit of both, I suppose."

He laughed joyfully, "You're so weird."

As he laughed, I stared at his features which were finally resembling that innocent little boy I grew up with.

He noticed I was staring, "What is it?"

I reached out to poke his cheek, "You always have a stiff scowl on your face. I didn't think you had enough facial muscles to smile anymore."

His smile turned to a frown, "You always know exactly what to say to ruin a mood."

I laughed and placed my hands on his shoulder. I gave him a wink, "I'm also great at setting the mood. Maybe if you're lucky, I will show you."

He cleared his throat and averted his eyes, "I… I may take you up on that offer."

"Okay, okay. But before that, have you ever danced the charleston?"

"Now I'm certain you're just making up names."

We danced to a few more songs before I grew so exhausted I could no longer stand.

I collapsed onto a seat and laughed, "Oh! That was so fun!! I haven't danced like that since my college days…"

He grabbed me a glass of water and handed it to me, "College?"

I took it and gulped it down. I sighed with nostalgia, "Those were the days. I was so broke I had to rely on my charm to get free drinks."

His face stiffened, "You what!?"

I paused, "Holy hell… I sound old."

"You're younger than me." Cyrus stared at me, "Rather than sounding old, you just sound crazy."

I tapped his arm with a large smile, "Thanks, whippersnapper. You keep me young."

"What's 'whippersnapper?' Some kind of turtle?"

Before I could answer, the King entered the ballroom and a hush came over the crowd. Cyrus forced me to stand up and join the crowd. Servants passed out glasses of wine to all the adults and handed one to me and to Cyrus.

I looked at the red wine curiously.

I wonder if the wine here is any good.

Eh… But I don't really want to try it.

I have no idea how I will react.

Cyrus nudged me, "The King is giving his speech. Pay attention."

I turned my attention back to the King as he spoke, "Today we are gathered to celebrate this year's graduating class from Alora Academy…"

Ugh.

Blah blah blah.

I'm bored.

I glanced at Cyrus who was diligently paying attention.

I poked his side as the King gave his long speech. Cyrus tried his best not to flinch, but I could see his face twitching.

I laughed quietly and leaned over to whisper in his ear, "That'll be you someday."

He tried his best to maintain a calm expression, "Don't talk. If you speak over the King it's considered incredibly rude."

I thought for a moment before smirking.

I smoothly reached down and patted his rear.

His entire body stiffened. He looked at me in shock and whispered, "What are you doing!?!"

I gave it another pat, "Inspecting the goods. Hehe~"

"Stop it!!"

The people around us turned to glare at us.

Cyrus and I both closed our mouths and straightened our backs at the same time.

The King finally finished his speech and everyone raised their glass to toast.

I eyed Cyrus's glass and watched him raise it to his lips.

He realized I was staring and paused, "Is something wrong?"

I shook my head, "No. I was just wondering how you act when you're drunk."

He pursed his lips, "You think I will get drunk from one glass?"

I held out my glass, "Then drink mine as well."

He clicked his tongue as if annoyed, "Are you trying to get me drunk?"

I snickered, "Maybe."

"Why!?"

"To see if you pass the test!"

"What test?"

I pushed the bottom of his cup to his lips, "Drink! Hurry! Gulp it down! Chug it!!!"

Cyrus coughed and raised the glass out of my reach, "Are you serious?"

I pouted, "You're not going to drink it?"

My eyes watered as I forced myself to look as pitiful as possible.

His expression twitched before he let out a sigh, "Fine."

In one swift gulp, he drained the rest of the glass.

"There. Are you happy?"

I held out mine, "Now drink mine."

"Seriously!?"

"If you drink it, then I will-" I stood on my tiptoes and leaned forward to whisper in his ear, "-give you a kiss."

His face twitched before he swiftly grabbed the glass from my hand and drank it in one gulp.

I laughed, "Wow! So fast."

He looked at me with a faint blush from the alcohol, "Now you can't forget your promise."

I grabbed two more glasses of wine from a passing servant. I held them out to him, "Two more."

"What!?! No way!"

I smirked, "Two more kisses?"

He grabbed the drinks from my hand and downed them. He pursed his lips, "Okay, but no more wine. I might actually get sick."

I pulled at his tie as I batted my eyes, "Deal. If you pass my test, I will show you something better than a kiss."

Cyrus broke out into a cough as if he was choking.