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“You know, I could see if they got something more your style," he says, spinning her around so she faces away from him. “Or you can infuse some of your style into the dance if you want."

Arya closes her eyes and lets herself melt into the dance. “I'm not dressed properly for that," she says.

“Oh, I know, but that shouldn't be a problem for you." he says, whispering into her ear, “In fact, I think I've figured you out."

Arya squeaks, but before she can confront him, he pulls away from her, disappearing into the crowd. Alone among a sea of people, Arya shrinks back, but the lights all dim, save for those just above her, putting her literally in the spot.

The brass section of the band lowers their instruments as a few extra drums get ready. The beats they play remind her of the beats of the Darbuka. As they play their way through strangely familiar tune, she can't help but feel the familiar twitch in her fingers. “Oh, I'm gonna get you for this," Arya hisses, but she raises her arms up, closing her eyes and loses herself in the dance. How he knows she trained in this style, she'll have to find out, but for now, she just needs to dance.

Her body moves to the beat of the drums, from the top of her head, to the tips of her fingers. Minor twitches to large shifts in her stance come from the flow of the music. Had she access to her tail, the belly dance she displays would be through her whole body. Even with only her upper half really getting into it, she shows her flexibility and her reflexes to be superhuman, arching her back to degrees that made her rival contortionists. Her body is on autopilot, as if she was hypnotized by the beat of the drums, but soon enough, they stop, and with them, the trance on her body fades.

Arya opens her eyes, panting from the intense performance, only to realize once more that she's the center of attention and that everyone cheers for her.

“That was beautiful," Jay's voice comes from behind her once more.

Arya whirls around, glaring at him. “What the hell? What am I, some kind of side show attraction?"

He holds his hands up defensively, but doesn't step back. 'Not at all. You're a star, and one that can shine bright."'

“I can shine bright enough on my own, thank you very much," she says, crossing her hands over her chest and puffing out her cheeks.

“Well, then," Jay says, his whiskers twitching. Seems like he has something he wants to get at. “Don't you think you're being a hypocrite? I mean putting you out on stage here and letting you dance for everyone is just like what your Uncle does to you. Well, except he puts your whole livelihood on the line instead of your pride."

Arya's heart sinks in her chest, a shiver rising up through her scales underneath her human skin. “I… what did you say?"

He pulls her in close as the music switches to a slow tune. With cheek pressed to cheek, he speaks to her soft enough so their conversation can remain quiet. “You're a capable woman, Arya—probably beautiful, too-but you're being manipulated by a man you care about. He's forcing you to perform for him, and you walk right into his plans without a second thought, dancing for him like his puppet."

Tears well up in Arya's eyes when he says this. “Ho… how?"

“I'm a jack of all trades," he replies. “And I've been tracking down your Uncle's business for some time now. Imagine my surprise when Uma makes a business deal with one of his workers. Imagine my delight when she turns out to be a decent person who cares what others think about her and doesn't want to be a part of his business."

“Have you been stalking me!?" She pushes him away. He steps back a few steps, and adjust his hat.

“Nah. That's not classy. I'm just that good at reading people. I have a job to do and I think you can help me so we can help each other. Look, I like you. That's why I'm being upfront with you now. I want you to be the woman you're meant to be: strong, independent, beautiful, and unafraid to be herself. It doesn't take a genius to realize that the niece of “the Snake" ain't a blond human bombshell. Who are you dressing up for, me? Yourself, or for him?"

Arya's head swims with the revelations. Who does she trust? What should she believe? Is she being manipulated? Is it happening twice? “I… I really need to think this over," she says.

“That's fine," he says, holding out his hand. “If you want, I can call you a ride home. It's been a fun night, but I can't leave you alone with all this stuff bubbling around in your head."

“No," she says, grabbing his arm. Their eyes lock once more. “I mean, we can go, but I don't want to go alone. You really want to help rid me of my Uncle's influence?"

His whiskers twitch as he smiles warmly towards her. “Of course. It will be the icing on the cake when I take him down. Plus, I'll make sure you don't take any fall for it. You're a victim here, after all."

“I… I don't think I'm that innocent,"

He holds onto her chin gently, and leans in, his mouth inches from hers. “You are the key to stopping a major crime enterprise, and you are so much more than that. You're not innocent, you're going to be a hero."

Arya's lips crease into a tiny smile as she pulls Jay close this time, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. “Well, then, if you're so confident, how about we go home and I'll show you just what I got?"

The band plays its final song for the evening as the two dance together. This time, though, Arya leads the way for the both of them.