Probably the best aspect of Cirus teaching Ayanami-sama how to dance is the progressively growing awkwardness he has while she becomes more and more confident. From holding hands, to drawing close, to spinning... and then to rolling along the arm, across the torso, and out along the other. Rei starting the roll by backing against Cirus is probably the most effective way to make Cirus blush immaginable. (Those of you with dirty minds need to keep it to yourselves...) During the spinning practice, however, the choice Rei makes of looking Cirus in the eyes as her focal point is probably the real shift from helpful teacher to awkward helper. The little stumble she has when first spinning is just classice cute romance potential. I had to have it somewhere.

The actual dance is, as one can probably guess, one of my favorite scenes in Kenosis (yes, there are a lot, leave me alone...). For those curious, yes, it was written to specific song, though it would be slightly modified to fit the scene properly. From the 'Gladiator' soundtrack, 'Now We Are free'. I recommend it, very pretty song. I also have very specific 'camera work' visualized for the scene. During the push-pull and spin bit, the view is from the top down, during the spins, it focuses on Rei, emphasizing the billowing skirt and sparkling earings in turn. During the close-in-pull-apart portions, the camera would zoom in on either face, then both as they draw close, and pull away to show the whole gesture. When Cirus reaches in to let Rei finish the rolling step, the camera would show his hand, then show the rest from a distance to emphasize Rei more.

The finishing slow dance is very unique, and pushes Rei's character a little, I admit. The scene is a big marker, because it lets Rei really enjoy herself with Cirus. That she pulls against him with her back is a way of showing how she feels supported by him, and how he's happy to be so. Then, of course, they face each other in equal affection, enjoying the finish of the dance. Naturally, as with all dramatic dances, the star-couple get the floor-cleared out of plot-convenience. The fact that both of them are crying gently shows how emotional the event really was. Rather than being a stretch, this scene marks another big shift in Rei's growing humanity. She had fun. Real fun. The trading of thank yous becomes a bit of a theme for the pair, and I try to make it a light joke by the end of Kenosis.

Simply because of context, the line 'You're embarrassing me' in Rei's voice is one of my favorite sounds, so I used it as often as I possibly can. The next section is a key example, when Cirus says she was magnificent as a dancer. Naturally, the scene is not so much a major plot event, as a wonderful character-interaction between the two. I find it very romantic, and quite adorable when Cirus puts his oversized coat on Rei's shoulders. I take the time to point out that Rei still isn't sure what she's feeling... but she knows she likes it. And, in case it wasn't already obvious, I emphasize the 'knight in shining armor' routine for Cirus by having him kiss Ayanami-sama's hand (gently and with the utmost care, of course.) Really, I think it's the first kind of specifically romantic physical affection between the two. Cirus would never it force Rei, of course, but there's definite romance in his meaning (and how she receives it, but neither would assume it of the other.)

I end chapter fourteen with a clear narration that Rei is overwhelmed by new things, but doesn't necessarily want it all to stop. This is near the end of the original 'story one', and I didn't intend a sequel when writing it, so this was meant to show a great deal of change from where Rei started to where she is. I'll mention the actual end of story one when it comes up. So please, read on!