The music floated softly through the night air, warm and inviting, as lanterns flickered along the wooden boards of the town square. Couples spun and swayed, lost in the rhythm of fiddles and banjos.

Arthur stood awkwardly on the porch of the saloon, dressed in a suit that felt stiff and unfamiliar. Charles stood beside him, smirking with satisfaction.

—“Told you,” Charles had said earlier, “today’s gonna be different. You gotta look the part.”

Arthur had grumbled but eventually pulled on the jacket, straightening the collar and adjusting the tie Charles had handed him.

Across the square, you sat alone on a bench, wearing a fine, elegant dress — something expensive and out of place for a simple town dance, but it made the lanterns catch the light in your hair just right.

Charles nudged Arthur, nodding toward you.

—“Look at you. Fancy as hell, and there you are, just watchin’ the whole dance. That’s your friend, yeah?”

Arthur didn’t say much, but his eyes followed yours, noticing the way you smiled quietly, the way you seemed content to just watch.

Charles laughed softly.

—“Come on, Arthur. Go on. Ask ‘em to dance.”

Arthur took a slow breath and pushed off the porch, boots crunching against the gravel as he made his way toward you. The couples parted as he passed, curious eyes tracking the man in a suit who didn’t usually look so... polished.

Stopping just before you, Arthur cleared his throat, voice softer than usual.

—“You look like you’re enjoyin’ the music. Thought maybe it’d sound better if you were dancin’ to it.”

He extended his hand, hesitant but steady, an invitation glowing between you under the flickering lantern light.