The music pulsed through the club, heavy beats and flashing lights creating a surreal atmosphere. Ferdinand sat at the bar, feeling slightly out of place. He wasn't used to clubs or crowds like this, and despite his initial reluctance, he had to admit that Elara was having a blast. She had already ordered something colorful and fancy, a drink with an umbrella and more fruit than alcohol. Ferdinand, on the other hand, had stuck to his usual—whiskey, neat.
He took a sip, the familiar burn of the whiskey grounding him in the chaos around them. Elara was a few feet away, dancing to the music, her energy boundless. She waved at him with a wide grin, clearly enjoying herself.
Ferdinand smiled back, but he was still shyly perched on the barstool, not quite ready to dive into the scene just yet. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, feeling the buzz of excitement as he saw Daisy's name in his messages. Without hesitating, he typed a quick message:
"Hey, I'm at a club with Elara. She's already on her second drink... should I let her keep going, or should I stop her after this one?"
He grinned to himself as he hit send, imagining Daisy's reaction. His phone buzzed almost immediately with her reply.
"Why stop her? She's got her big brother to take care of her " she teased.
Ferdinand's heart skipped a beat, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Daisy's flirty tone always had that effect on him. He quickly typed back:
"You think I can handle her?"
Her reply came just as fast:
"I have no doubt you can "
Ferdinand let out a small laugh, feeling a rush of warmth spread through him. He stared at his phone for a second longer before putting it away. He turned his attention back to Elara, who was now fully immersed in the music, moving freely on the dance floor. Her drink was almost gone, but she wasn't ready to slow down yet.
"Hey, Ferdy!" Elara called out, her voice barely audible over the music. She waved him over excitedly. "Come dance with me!"
Ferdinand hesitated for a second, still sitting at the bar. Dancing hadn't been on his agenda for the night, and it had been a while since he'd really let loose like that. But seeing the joy on his sister's face was enough to convince him.
"Come on, don't make me dance alone!" she insisted, grabbing his hand and pulling him off the stool.
With a resigned grin, Ferdinand allowed himself to be dragged onto the dance floor. Elara's energy was infectious, and before long, Ferdinand found himself moving to the beat alongside her. The bass thudded in his chest, the lights swirling around them as they danced together in the crowded club.
At first, Ferdinand was stiff, awkwardly shuffling his feet, but Elara wouldn't let him stay on the sidelines for long. She took his hand, twirling around with a laugh before pulling him closer.
"You're so out of practice!" she teased, her voice rising over the music. "When was the last time you danced?"
Ferdinand chuckled, shaking his head. "Probably at some wedding years ago. I'm rusty."
"Well, you're dancing now!" Elara laughed, spinning around again, her happiness radiating. She held onto his arm, making sure he stayed with her.
Ferdinand couldn't help but smile. His initial reluctance faded as he allowed himself to just enjoy the moment. It felt good to move, to forget about everything else for a little while. He wasn't sure how long they danced, but the minutes seemed to blur together in a haze of music and movement.
For the first time in a long while, Ferdinand let himself be free, his usual restraint slipping away. He caught sight of Elara's smile, her laughter lighting up the room, and realized just how much he had missed this—these simple moments with his sister.
After a few songs, Elara leaned in, breathless and beaming. "You're actually having fun, aren't you?" she teased, nudging him playfully.
Ferdinand wiped the sweat from his brow, laughing. "Maybe a little."
Elara grinned, pulling him closer. "See? Clubs aren't so bad after all."
Ferdinand glanced around the room, the flashing lights making the whole place feel like a dream. He wasn't one for clubs or crowds, but dancing with his sister, feeling the music reverberate through him, was an experience he hadn't expected to enjoy so much.
"Alright, you win," he admitted, his voice soft but genuine. "I'm actually glad we came."
Elara raised her drink, clinking it against his glass. "To trying new things," she said with a wink, before taking a sip.
Ferdinand watched her for a moment, feeling an odd sense of pride. Despite their differences, their bond was unshakeable, and nights like these only reinforced that. He sipped his whiskey, the familiar warmth spreading through him as he looked at Elara.
"You sure you're okay?" Ferdinand asked, his protective instincts kicking in as he saw her drain the last of her drink.
"Come on, I'm fine!" she laughed, nudging him. "You worry too much. I'm a grown-up, remember?"
Ferdinand shook his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'm still your big brother. It's my job."
Elara smiled, her eyes softening for a moment. "Yeah, I know. Thanks for always looking out for me."
They danced for a little while longer, Ferdinand letting himself get lost in the rhythm, the tension in his shoulders finally melting away. He hadn't realized just how much he needed this—time to unwind, to let loose, to be with family. The club wasn't his scene, but tonight, it didn't matter.
He thought back to Daisy's text, her teasing words replaying in his mind. It was funny how one message from her could put him in such a good mood. He'd have to tell her about tonight—about how Elara had dragged him out of his comfort zone and into the chaos of the club. She'd laugh, no doubt.
As the night wore on, the music shifted to something slower, and Ferdinand glanced at Elara, who was still dancing with as much energy as ever.
"You ready to head out soon?" he asked, leaning in so she could hear him.
Elara gave him a mock pout. "Already? You're such a party pooper!"
Ferdinand chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm not as young as you anymore."
Elara rolled her eyes but smiled. "Fine, fine. One more song, and then we can go."
Ferdinand nodded, watching as Elara danced for a little longer, her energy seemingly endless. This night had turned out better than he had expected, and for the first time in a while, he felt completely at ease.
Ferdinand stepped outside, letting the cool night air hit his face as he answered the call. It was an important work matter, something he couldn't ignore, even while out with Elara. The conversation dragged on longer than he anticipated, lasting almost 12 minutes, and by the time he wrapped it up, he felt a twinge of guilt for leaving his sister alone for so long.
He hurried back into the club, the thumping bass and swirling lights greeting him once again. As Ferdinand approached the bar, a strange sight caught his attention. Elara was at the center of a small group of girls, her drink in hand, laughing louder than he had heard her all night.
But something seemed off.
Elara, her cheeks flushed from too many drinks, was enthusiastically gesturing toward the window, pointing outside and giggling. "Look, see that guy out there? That's my brother! Isn't he cute? You should totally go out with him!"
Ferdinand's eyes widened in surprise as he watched her push a napkin toward one of the girls, scribbling something on it. His heart sank when he realized what she was doing—writing his number and handing it to complete strangers.
"Elara..." he muttered under his breath, but the music was too loud, and she didn't hear him.
One of the girls glanced at the napkin, then back at Elara, stifling a giggle. "Wait, you want us to ask him out?"
Elara nodded eagerly, nearly spilling her drink. "Yes! He's amazing. Like, the best brother ever. You guys don't know what you're missing!"
Ferdinand sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, trying to figure out the best way to intervene without causing a scene. He walked over, weaving through the crowd, and gently placed a hand on Elara's shoulder. She turned to him, her eyes wide with drunken excitement.
"Ellie," he said softly, using the nickname he reserved for her when he needed to be serious. "I think it's time for us to head home."
Elara blinked up at him, her expression shifting from joy to confusion, then to exaggerated disappointment. "But, Ferdy, I was just getting you some new friends!" she protested, her voice slurring slightly. "These girls, they think you're cute!"
He couldn't help but chuckle despite the situation. "I appreciate the thought, but I don't need any help making friends. And you've had a bit too much to drink, don't you think?"
She pouted, crossing her arms in protest. "I'm fine, Ferdy. I can drink more if I want to!"
Ferdinand knelt down slightly, looking her in the eyes. "Ellie, let's go home, alright? We've had a fun night, but you're going to regret this in the morning if we don't head out now."
Elara looked around, as if considering his words, then let out a dramatic sigh. "Fine... but only if we get pancakes on the way home."
Ferdinand smiled, relieved that she wasn't going to put up a fight. "Deal."
He turned to the group of girls Elara had been talking to, offering them an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. She gets a little enthusiastic when she's had a few drinks."
One of the girls laughed. "No worries. She's adorable."
"Thanks," he said, giving them a small wave before gently guiding Elara toward the exit.
As they stepped outside into the cool night air, Elara leaned against Ferdinand, still tipsy but calmer. "You're always taking care of me," she murmured, her voice soft.
Ferdinand wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "That's what big brothers are for, Ellie. Now, let's get those pancakes."