The evening transitioned seamlessly into the dancing portion of the night. The soft notes of a romantic ballad floated through the air as Aaron and Amy took to the center of the dance floor for their first dance as a married couple. The crowd watched with smiles and awws as the couple moved gracefully, their love for each other palpable.
John leaned casually against a pillar near the edge of the floor, nursing a glass of champagne. His sharp gray eyes followed the happy couple, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. The atmosphere was warm, the kind of happiness that made even the most reserved hearts feel lighter.
Athena sidled up beside him, her violet eyes sparkling mischievously. She sipped her drink, leaning slightly against her brother. "So," she said, breaking the comfortable silence. "Enjoying the show, Mr. Google?"
John smirked, taking another sip of his champagne. "Not bad. They've got good rhythm. Better than Aaron's usual flailing, at least."
Athena chuckled. "True. Though, let's be honest—you'd probably be worse."
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that," John said with mock offense.
As the song ended and Aaron and Amy received a round of applause, the DJ invited everyone to join the couple on the dance floor. The lights dimmed slightly, and the next song began—an upbeat yet elegant waltz that set the perfect mood for the guests.
Athena set her glass down on a nearby table and turned to John, a sly smile on her lips. "Alright, tall guy. You're up."
John raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Dance with me," she said, grabbing his hand.
John hesitated, his expression caught somewhere between amusement and reluctance. "Athena, you know I don't—"
"Don't even try to back out," she interrupted, tugging him toward the floor. "You owe me. Remember who saved your butt during that spaghetti incident?"
John sighed dramatically but let her pull him along. "Fine. But if I trip, I'm blaming you."
"You won't trip," Athena said confidently, stopping in the middle of the dance floor. She placed one hand lightly on his shoulder, the other still holding his hand. "Now, just follow my lead."
John looked down at her, his gray eyes softening. "You know, it's supposed to be the other way around."
"Well, I'm the better dancer," Athena quipped, smirking.
As the music swelled, John allowed himself to relax, matching her movements with surprising ease. Despite his earlier protests, he moved with a natural grace that belied his lack of practice. The siblings fell into an easy rhythm, their playful banter giving way to a quiet connection that only they shared.
"See?" Athena said, her voice soft but teasing. "Not so bad, is it?"
John's lips curved into a rare, genuine smile. "I'll admit, it's better than sitting around watching everyone else."
The other guests began to notice them, their striking presence on the floor hard to miss. A few whispers and curious glances spread through the crowd, but John and Athena were oblivious, lost in their own world.
"You know," Athena said after a moment, her tone light but affectionate. "For all your fame and fortune, you're still just my annoying little brother."
John chuckled, his deep voice warm. "And you're still the bossy one who always has to be right."
"Because I usually am," she shot back, her violet eyes gleaming.
The song shifted into a slower tune, and Athena rested her head lightly against his shoulder. It was a rare, tender moment between the two of them, a reminder of the unbreakable bond they shared.
"You're not so bad, John," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the music.
"Neither are you, Athena," he replied softly, his hand resting protectively on her back.
As the song ended, they pulled apart, their usual playful expressions returning. Athena gave him a mock bow, and he responded with a teasing smirk.
"Thanks for the dance," she said, brushing a strand of blonde hair from her face.
"Anytime," John replied. "But don't expect me to make this a habit."
"Deal," Athena said with a wink, before turning and heading back to the table.
John stayed on the floor for a moment, watching her retreating figure. For all her sharp wit and sass, she was still his sister, his greatest ally and his closest confidante. And in moments like these, he couldn't help but feel grateful for her.
The night carried on, but the memory of that dance lingered—a quiet testament to the love and connection that only siblings could share.
To be continued...