Merrion/Ari/Drake/Open
Merrion let himself preen over Ari's compliment as they walked back to Drake; he'd have to thank Guy tomorrow. Did he like chestnut, Merrion wondered. But finally, Merrion danced at a ball, and he couldn't have asked for a better partner in all his life.
To Drake's remark, he answered with a question: "Why wouldn't you want to dance with her? Oh!" he realized. "So you won't offend your dates? Well, you can dance with them too! And you should! And I haven't seen Chloe, no." Merrion paused, then frowned. "Wait, where are your dates anyway? Is Chloe one of them? Who's the other? I can help you look for her if you want!"