The bonus chapter of Slow Ahead was kinda cute. And if you're her practice dummy, bring a rain suit.

Enjoy.

~~~~~

Sirius was practicing trying to be as ladylike as possible. Then to have the nerves, balance, and composure to do her job properly. But there was a problem. A problem with all three of those. Even Belfast being her instructor for a while was concerned. A clumsy maid was good in a maid cafe, but not for an event, royalty, or military leadership. When the time was to come, this wasn't it. That's when Belfast had to get creative.

When Belfast has to reinvent the wheel, it gets real. As her friend Formidable would put it, "Become a lady." There was only one thing to have her get better at this. There is only one thing that can be done. You have to work through it.

That in mind, she wanted to ask a friend for a favor. Especially since he asked for one just recently. (FN) of Armory was done with his post when he got the visit.

"Belfast. Good afternoon." He smiled.

"(FN) Dear. I had a proposal for you." She replied.

"Well work is over with. What can I do for you?" He asked.

"You were interested in finding a lady. And I need help with a friend on her practice on being the best maid she can be. She dreams to have my ability. That said, may she serve you? I'll make sure that you have plenty of help." Belfast smiled and thought this was a good deal on both sides. Overall an absolute win. 

"Okay. Got that part. Sure thing. Now? Ironically I was just thinking about food."

"I'll do the cooking and she will serve you and use you as practice. I already set up everything in the gymnasium." Belfast seemed to have already have everything planned out.

"Okay. Where the party will be in a few days, correct? Now?"

She nodded. "Yes. And now."

"Wonderful. Thank you." (FN) walked behind Belfast as she lead the way. "So who is this lady in training you're talking about? She one of the little ones? Javelin? Z23 perhaps?"

"Her name is Sirius. Nice gal. Rather shy. Gets flustered and doesn't know how to compose herself. Though she is determined. Wants to work hard."

"She from the Maid Core?" He asked.

"Not quite. But no worries. I will have splash-guarded Dear." That sounds oddly specific.

"Splash-guarded? Okay then." It sounds that he is protected. But as to what? That seems a little off. 

~~~~~

In the gymnasium there were a few tables set up. Two of them for a pair of people and two more for a set of four. (FN) took a seat at a table for two as Belfast stood next to him. On top of the table were parts of a rain suit. Jacket with hood, pants, and even the boots. Anyone wearing this would like a caution pole for safety purposes. What's next? Water wings for ordering the soup?

"I recommend putting on the suit (FN)." Suggested Belfast.

"Wait... Splash guard..." It was starting to worry him. "Why exactly?"

"Any spills. That's why we are on wood and not carpet." Explained Belfast.

"Ohhh, got it." He got up and even though he was regretting his decision, still going along with it. Everything was going on. He wondering what he had signed up for. Potentially a tea kettle the size of a cannon. "Just in case, will I get burned?"

"You'll be safe. Why?"

"Why do I get this sense that I'm getting hot tea spilled in my lap?" He gave Belfast an annoyed glare.

"You aren't wrong Dear. Here she comes."

With a teapot and cups on a tray came a woman with short white hair and red eyes. Maid outfit in full. Though the heels could be an inch or so lower. She looked unwell and anxious. Anxiety. Uncertainty. Overwhelmed. It looked like she wasn't comfortable in her own skin. Outright awful.

"Easy does it." Cheered Belfast.

"Hello Master." Said Sirius nervously.

"Afternoon Lady Sirius." (FN) greeted in his rain suit.

She looked at him and blushed. A man smiling at her and then the rain suit. The big yellow rain suit indicating that they plan on her screwing up. "Going fishing today Sir?" She asked.

"I assemble weapons." He replied.

"Focus now." Encouraged Belfast.

"Okay." The cups and dishes were clattering and it made Sirius worry even more. She got to the table with no damage dealt thankfully. But then when she leaned over her breast touched the hot pot. "Eep!" The tray flipped and the whole setup went airborne.

"Oh!" (FN) reached over and caught the pot. Using his left arm to support it and then quickly grabbing the handle with his right. Tea spilled on the rain suit. "Ahhh." He waved his left hand as he tried to put the teapot on the table.

Sirius had caught one set of a cup and dish as she fell to the floor. The other set crashed and broke. "Ohhh..."

"Also why I haven't brought the good china." Said Belfast looking at the damage. "Are the two of you alright?"

"Fine. Not bad." He replied. Then he looked at Sirius that felt that the world around her was just crushing her. Extending his hand for a little comfort to pick her up. "Need a hand?"

"But Sir." She whispered.

"Please. (FN). Allow me." She took his hand and he helped her up. "No worries. You're doing fine. I hope I'm not a distraction for you."

"You're-" She was now stumbling on her words too.

"(FN) of Armory. Weapons Assembly. And don't mind me. I'm alright. I'm concerned about you. Please tell me if you're okay or not."

"I think I'll be okay." She blushed again and looked away.

"Okay. Let's try again." He sat himself down. "Evening Madam."

Sirius composed herself. "Evening Master. What can I get for you?"

"A cup of tea and a slice of one of your cakes. Surprise me. They're all wonderful." He smiled and made sure that he was approachable. Otherwise he is a failed exercise subject.

"Right away Sir." She walked over to the doorway where the locker rooms would be. Belfast must have set up a simulation of a party or dinner service. All was good so far. Always on top of her craft. Not shocking.

Actually, he might be good for her. And she would genuinely care for him. I was wondering who, but I think I can see it work. Both aren't overflowing with a powerful or aggressive energy and both sincere. Have I put them in to much of an awkward situation? Or could this work?

Right as Belfast had finished her thought, Sirius came back with another teapot, a cup and dish, and one slice of cake. Since this was the second time she seemed better. A little slow, only because she is still nervous.

(FN) was thinking about Sirius as a woman. Needs a little confidence and she can show herself. Beautiful and cute. Very cute.

She came back and put the cup and dish down at the table first. Then the cake. Then finally putting the tray down and pouring a perfect cup. "Please enjoy."

"You did great." (FN) took off the jacket. "Now try champagne and a pair of glasses. I believe in you."

"Certainly." There was still a little blush on the face of Sirius. Though she was able to head back to the mock setup.

"You took off your coat off?" She was wondering.

"If you think she's going to slip up, then she's going to. She's on course. A smile and a better mood should do the trick." Then he smirked at Belfast. "Is she the one you were referring to?"

"Actually I had a few other ideas, but I think this could work." Belfast was honest. At least this wasn't some other sort of stretch.

"Me too actually. How much longer you think?"

"I think if she perfects the bottle and glasses, she's ready."

"Fair enough. Too bad this dance she will be working the whole thing. And, no way I'm dressing up as a butler for double time."

"She has an hour break. Maybe the two of you can have a chat. Hold now. Here she comes." She attempted to cut the conversation short and see how Sirius would do. Good steps, straight walk, no clattering, and nothing unbalanced. That champagne wasn't going to the floor thankfully.

(FN) nodded to her. "So hopefully this is chance. That way we're even."

"I did say girlfriend. Not girl to just flirt with. Correct?" Giggled Belfast. "Pardon me. Not laughing at you."

"None taken. I can hope."

~~~~~

The party was in full swing. A big buffet, people dancing, and the maids working hard as please their guests. This gathering for going to go nearly all night. With some entering and leaving as they please. The girls enjoyed themselves as they were doing their best to become ladies as some of the royalty were treating themselves to fresh tea, champagne, and some goodies. Everyone was having a great time. Man or woman, this was the place to be. 

Edinburgh tapped Sirius on the shoulder. "Sirius, it is time for your break. I must ask you to head towards the balcony."

"Okay? A visitor?" She asked.

"Indeed." Edinburgh pointed to the doorway and went back to serving.

A visitor during work? Who could it be? She thought. She made sure her dress was free of dirt or wrinkles and stepped outside. "Sir?" Sirius was surprised to see (FN) looking over the view. The night of the town and the ocean underneath the stars. 

"Sirius. Evening. Mind if I borrow your time? Just for a few minutes?" (FN) smiled.

"Oh no. Not at all." She was a little flustered again, but working through it. Secretly happy that a man was at her attention. 

"Can I get you anything? Tea or coffee? Water? Anything?" He offered.

"Shouldn't I be asking you?" Sirius was hesitant.

"You're not working at the moment. You're a lady. Please. It's my pleasure. And it seems like for some reason we are the only one's on the balcony. It has a table of everything too. Funny as it is."

"I would like to have some tea. Maybe I should pour some with you." That was an insisted statement where he should really just go for it. Let it ride.

"Sure."

The two walked over to the table and poured cups. Then brought the cup and dish over to the edge. There was an ever so slight breeze that made the air comfortable. It was quiet enough where someone could ever so gently hear crashing waves. Simply a beautiful night. Sirius thought it may be inappropriate for her to be alone with a man while technically at work, but she really liked this. 

"So, what brings you here tonight?" Asked Sirius.

"Well Sirius, I was around to catch up with some people. Some from Armory have come. A few as married men and others as singles. But that aside, I wanted to see you again." (FN) put his cup and dish down by a table next to him. 

"Me? To see if I broke anything or soaked someone?" She closed her eyes nervously.

"No, you're beautiful. That's why."

She squeaked. "How can you say that so easily?"

"Actually, not easy. But I've been thinking about it." He replied.

"Just, why me?" She asked curiously. "There are plenty of single maids."

"Your cuteness. The care and determination. I like it."

Sirius was blushing. "Thank you. No one has ever said that to me." She cleared her throat. "Is that why you wanted to see me tonight?"

"That and if you're wondering why not near the dance floor is because I am not much of a dancer. Sorry to say. But I'm honest at least."

"And graceful. Thank you." 

"Anytime. Just glad that we can chat and no one will order you back to work for a while. You worked hard. Practiced even harder. You deserve your rest."

"Thank you." She put an arm around him. "So much."

He turned around and they realized that they were looking very close to one another. Now both of them were blushing. She was as nervous as she was just yesterday. While (FN) thought he overstepped his boundaries. Just a little. He inched back a bit. "My apologizes."

"Please, don't go. I like your comfort." She seemed saddened when he took a step away. 

"Beg pardon?" He pondered.

"I always wanted to meet a man that was so kind. Someone who could make me feel, well...-"

"Feel?" He stepped towards her again.

"S-special."

"But you are. I'm surprised that you didn't know. Look at you tonight. You're positively glowing. Your hair, eyes, and smile just really do it too. You're an angel in a dream. And I really don't know how else to describe it?"

"See what I mean? Comfortable, respected, cared for. I want you to hold me, give me kisses, and never let me go." She looked into his eyes. "So handsome."

"And you are beautiful and it seems like you just found out." He reached over to kiss her.

"Love?" She gasped.

"Yes?" He smirked.

"You just-"

He chuckled. "Well, as you said." (FN) softly grabbed her hand. "Kiss, hold, and never let go?"

"Yes." She smiled and froze. It looked as everything that she had worked and dreamed for was going to be a reality. Sirius thought that this was going to be the most amazing thing that her work can give her. Not just culture and a way of life, but a man. And with the help of Belfast, this was coming around. The of them owed her big time. And Sirius had about 50 minutes left of her break left. 

~~~~~

After writing part of this by the ocean, I am happy with this one. Hope you are too. This entry at least.

-Rel