well dang it... Here we go: shifting tenses prequel to
this --
for
all_unwritten --
The first time they met, she was an unfamiliar face in a sea of nameless bodies. They shared a smile, and a dance, and then went their separate ways.
The second time they met, she was a vaguely familiar face in a cluster of irrelevant beings. They shared a smile, and then went their separate ways.
The third time they met, she was recognizable enough. They shared a smile, and a wink, then went home together.
The first time she left, she was still asleep...