Joel smiled too, and continued dancing. He danced rhythmically with the slow song.
Ashley wanted to say something, but he felt it might ruin the moment. For once, he kept his thoughts to himself, instead moving a little closer.
Joel didn't mind and may have moved closer himself. He softly looked into Ashley's eyes. He thought about how it was customary in America to kiss after the first date, but Ashley wasn't American... and this wasn't a date, was it? And would Ashley want to kiss him? Did he want to kiss Ashley. Joel mentally chided himself for thinking so much.
Ashley cocked his head, seeing the look of deep thought in Joel's eyes- a look he found attractive, for some reason. "You're thinking about something. Can I ask what it is?"
"The differences in social constructs and behaviors between the English-speaking countries in the eastern and western hemispheres," Joel supplied quickly.
He grinned. "Yes. English-speaking westerners tend to be more fond of throwing wooden shoes than their eastern relatives, dont they?"
Ashley's smile softened. Joel was intelligent. He liked that.
Joel hesitated. "I was thinking more along the lines of dating behaviors," he admitted quietly.
"Oh?" He raised his eyebrows a little. "Courtship patterns? What did you conclude- or did I interrupt your thinking before you had the chance?"
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