[Action - backdated to before the Homecoming Dance]

[dancing_flames]

[Times have been tough for the Glory household lately. They've always been lower class, but with the crop failure and then the factory strike, the dance school has been getting even fewer patrons than usual due to the lack of spending money among everyone but the upper class. Things have been tight even with Haru's help from his job as a carpenter.

In short, it's not a good situation. But never let it be said that Shuda didn't know how to take an opportunity and run with it. Haru had mentioned something about the high school having its homecoming dance over dinner the other night - in the context of going with a girl, but that's unimportant - and immediately Shuda saw his chance. After all, a dance is all about dancing, and there are no doubt plenty of students who would like to attend but don't know the first thing about dancing. Why not capitalize on that?

So he sets out a sign in front of the dance school with two simple sentences on it:

50% OFF DANCE LESSONS
IMPRESS YOUR DATE AT HOMECOMING

[If this will draw more customers, then hey, why not? It's certainly worth a try. He'll be sitting in a chair in the corner of the studio for anyone who wants to drop by and sign up or ask him any questions.]

Comments

[ravelt]

I only have work when people hire me for it, Dad.

[dancing_flames]

Still no luck?

[He scowls.]

You'd think the mayor would realize that this whole situation is just getting worse. Then again, he's probably off on another vacation without a care in the world.

[ravelt]

I've got work! Just... not anything recently... Sis always puts a good word in for me when the store needs repaired! But I can't really rely on just that place needin' repairs all the time...

[He shakes his head.]

But I didn't come here to talk about jobs.

[dancing_flames]

And you didn't come here to talk about dancing either, because I'm not giving you lessons. I already told you, you're a lost cause.

[He doesn't care if you want to impress a girl, Haru. Your dancing is guaranteed to have the opposite effect.]

[ravelt]

I just want some tips! I don't wanna make Elie look bad out there!

[dancing_flames]

You'll need a lot more than just tips to keep her from looking bad.

[ravelt]

C'mon, Dad. I'm serious here! I really like her!

[dancing_flames]

Enough to take her to the dance and want to impress her?

[Oh, his son is finally growing up and noticing girls. HE THOUGHT THIS DAY WOULD NEVER COME.]

[ravelt]

Y... Yeah. And I just really don't wanna make her look bad. She's such an amazing dancer... She puts you to shame even!

[dancing_flames]

... she puts me to shame, you say?

[Oh. Oh. Them's fighting words, Haru. You KNOW about your dad's pride when it comes to his dancing.]

[ravelt]

Your dancing doesn't bring me to tears like hers does. [Stated bluntly.]

[dancing_flames]

That isn't necessarily a compliment.

[It depends on what type of tears you're talking about.]

[ravelt]

You'd have to see it to believe it.

[dancing_flames]

I'm sure I would. But either way, she's good, and you want to be at least good enough to be able to keep up with her. Correct?

[ravelt]

[Quickly nodding.]

[dancing_flames]

Very well. I'll accept you as my disciple if you agree to heed my every instruction for as long as you are my student.

Do exactly as I tell you, with no protests.

[ravelt]

[There's a pause. A long pause. Listening to dad with no protests...

...

...

...

He nods.]

[dancing_flames]

Are you willing to work until you're so exhausted you can barely stand?

[ravelt]

Only if you're willing to work with me no matter how frustrated you get.

[dancing_flames]

I'm willing if you're willing to listen to me and give it your all.

[ravelt]

You have to pinky promise on that.

[dancing_flames]

... what?

[He can't have heard that right.]

[ravelt]

You heard me. I want a solemn vow from you!

[dancing_flames]

I can make a vow without doing something as ridiculous as that.

[ravelt]

It means more to me if you do it this way.