Chapter 1
That's basically Erik's problem. He's a control freak. The time has finally come for him to bring glory to his parents' dance studio in the upcoming Graymalkin Grand Prix Ballroom Championship—which would have given their company a chance to join an international competition and attain fame—but Erik's high-strung and controlling nature sent his dance partners packing. Erik's current dance partner, Angel Salvadore, although diminutive and dusky, danced with him with as much patience as she could muster out of her sympathy for his cause (albeit reluctantly as a favor to Erik's mother). However, her self-control has its limit.
"Why can't you just turn towards me and lift your arms out in time, huh? Is it hard to get that part right?"Erik demanded, glowering at her.
"Erik, you're turning around too fast! I can't match your pace!"Angel complained.
"We're trying something new, ok? We need to get the moves right to get the attention of the crowd! Now let's start from the top!"Erik cried out, returning to his original position with his back straight and arms extended, his impressive physique and imposing stance eventually grabbing everyone's attention in the open studio. Erik was trying to incorporate his own dance moves into the routine and he's been attempting to foist it on his partners, but he's had no luck so far. Five partners had already walked out on him. The moves he had developed required power and stamina, a peculiar marriage of gymnastic movements and modern dance fused with ballroom dancing. It was unheard of and in this instance, it was a risky maneuver in an attempt to wow the crowd. The reason he's pushing this is because he heard that the crowd's reaction at the competition was integral to get a win. He knew he had to bring something new to the table. He understood he'd get some backlash from the purists for doing something unique, but the stakes are high this time.
His parents had announced the imminent closure of the floundering studio to their staff and their students, due to the cost of the upkeep and the dance studio's unpopularity. Besides, they profited from their Metal factory rather than with the studio, hence they earned a living despite the studio's expenditures. Moreover, the dance studio was just a whimsical dream his parents once had when they were young and dewy-eyed, plus the times had changed. The era of ballroom dancing has come to an end. Not so for Erik. He loved the studio. He had so many happy memories in this place. He recalled the times he watched his parents dance back in the day, winning numerous competitions and filling up their trophy room with award after award and Erik dreamed of a time when he would add to his parents' achievements. He begged his parents to reconsider and to keep the studio open for a while longer. They were initially reluctant, but they gave Erik an ultimatum, regardless if it may seem insensitive. They are living in harsh times after all. Unless Erik wins the Grand Prix, the studio will have to close, whether he liked it or not.
"What the hell!"Erik cried out when Angel's arm collided with his. They lost their rhythm once more. Angel uttered a cry of frustration, running her hands through her hair as she flung a sour glance up at Erik. They've been practicing for hours and they are both sweaty and frustrated by their lack of progress.
"I can't do it! You're too fast for me! Why can't we just slow it down a little?"Angel protested.
"We need to put more thrust and power in our moves! Otherwise, we'll just be like everyone else there! We need to stand out!"Erik countered, disgusted by Angel's lack of enthusiasm and her complaints.
Angel rolled her eyes at him, placing her hands upon her hips.
"What's the point of trying? We'll lose anyway! Shaw and Emma are going to win again!"
Erik suddenly bristled at her words, his expression becoming menacing and all about them, the other students gasped quietly and froze up. Angel had just uttered the very words that would send Erik flying into a rage. Ever since Erik began competing in various competitions in the recent years, Shaw and Emma had always swept up first place, leaving him in the dust and picking up the pieces after each defeat. Erik has never won any award before and that had dealt a terrible blow to his ego. However, it did not kill his spirit, nor his love for ballroom dancing. Indeed, Sebastian Shaw and Emma Frost were the dance expert favorites, due to their fanfare and traditional approach in the competitions, but the situation is about to change. Owing to the growing lack of support from the community, the dance proponents have devised a means to ignite the people's interest in the sport. When a major dance studio announced the competition, a stipulation from the sponsors indicated that they want competitors worthy of drawing in a crowd, both locally and internationally and for this reason, they are open to anything. Notably, the experts won't have a say in the matter because the crowd themselves will be the judges this time. Erik knew that this was his time; his moment in the spotlight.
"What's the point?"Erik drawled out with a deadly softness and the other students and instructors averted their eyes. Erik sauntered over to Angel, his eyes penetrating and frightful, his mirthless smile full of teeth. Angel had to step back, the expression on her face like that of a deer-in-headlights and then, Erik unleashed his monster.
"The point is we are trying to save this goddamned studio from closing! What have you got against trying, anyway? Haven't you ever tried something new in your life? Haven't you tried to do something crazy insane just for the hell of it? Just because you had to? I'm going to win this time. I know it, but I don't think I'll win, dancing with someone half-hearted like you! I'd rather dance with a beginner with heart than dance with a puny, no-talent has been like you so just get out of my studio! GET OUT!"Erik shouted at her and at the last part of his rant, he pointed angrily towards the exit.
Angel couldn't snap back a retort at him. Not only because he owns the studio. It was because of that look on his face that prevented her from giving him anymore attitude. That look meant he was not going to spare her and if needed, he would physically drag her out of the studio and bodily throw her out on the streets. He's done it before and she knew she was no exception.
Trembling and blinking back tears of humiliation, Angel ran for the exit. As the doors closed after her retreat, everyone caught the sound of her wailing on the other side. The other dancers remained silent and then they continued with practicing their own routine as if nothing happened, while Erik rubbed an angry hand over his face and stomped into his parents' old office to cool off. However, one beginner peered in the direction of Erik's closed door, a look of hope crossing his face.
"You know, a bet's going around the studio, right under your nose-"Azazel said slowly as he helped Erik mop the floor after all the other dancers had left. Ever since Erik was young, he had always cleaned the studio, occasionally enlisting the assistance of any staff or student because they couldn't afford to hire maintenance for the place.
"What bet?"
"That in six months time, you won't find anyone worthy to dance with and end up not joining the competition. The studio will eventually close and that's that. Poof! Twinkly dreams of dancing in the Internationals gone-"Azazel drove his point further by fluttering his fingers, doing a sarcastic rendition of jazz hands.
Erik glared up at Azazel defensively."I'm going to find someone else! Eventually! Just not Angel! I'm not dancing with her again!"
Azazel sighed."Erik, why don't you get that lump of coal out of your ass and start reconsidering your position. Don't get me wrong, ok? I want the studio to remain open. I want this place to become famous, but at the rate you're going, there won't be a professional dancer left willing to dance with you! Angel's what, the seventh person you sent out of the studio?"
"Sixth!"Erik shot back as Azazel assisted him with pushing the students chairs up against the wall.
Azazel placed his hands over his hips, shaking his head at Erik in disapproval."Man, don't you think that tells you something? You have to stop acting like an anal dance Nazi and you have to focus on what works-"
They had just moved the blackboard against the wall on the opposite side of the room. Erik suddenly stopped, coldly regarding his friend."What's that supposed to mean?"
Azazel exhaled a weary breath and went over to Erik, patting his shoulder sympathetically."We all know Shaw's going to join the competition too, right? Even though Professional Judges won't have a say in it, the crowd loves Shaw. He gives them exactly what they want and they've known him for years. He's a shoo-in and he knows it too. This, whatever you're trying to do...it's not going to work unless you get the people to love you-"
Erik restrained himself from blowing up on Azazel as well, but he couldn't prevent himself from getting offended."What the hell's wrong with my dancing?"
Azazel shook his head again."I didn't mean your dancing, Erik. I meant your attitude."
Erik looked Azazel over. They've been friends for years, which was probably why Azazel wasn't afraid to speak his mind. Despite Erik's indignation at his friend's words, he knew Azazel had a point. Perhaps this was one of the reasons why the judges ignored his talent. He was too rigid and it prevented them from seeing the fire in him, the passion. He blinked at Azazel, as if he was seeing the other for the first time. Azazel didn't even look like he belonged in a dance studio. He dressed like an emo stoner, wearing a vintage AC/DC shirt with the sleeves cut off over ripped black jeans, his black hair messily flopping back and his trimmed beard pointing out impudently, like he didn't give a fuck what people thought of his fashion sense. What completed the ensemble was Azazel's Marijuana leaf earring, his various leather bracelets and chains, with a red devil tattoo on his left arm, complete with a pointed tail, tattooed right up to Azazel's wrist. Whereas Erik looked clean-cut and attractive, Azazel looked like a misfit. Erik liked him because of that.
Azazel placed an arm around him, gesturing towards the main door."Come on. Let's go get a drink and discuss this further over a couple of brewskies,"
Erik almost relented, but then his eyes fell on his studio's trophy cabinet, covered in dust and untouched for years now and then he looked around at their crumbling studio, with its peeling beige paint, old equipment and fading studio mirrors. The ceiling even leaked whenever a heavy downpour comes along. The studio was in such a sorry state indeed. He shrugged Azazel's arm away.
"I have to practice,"
His friend just smirked and shrugged."Alright then. I'll leave you to it!"
With that, Azazel sauntered off, pointing a finger his way and then Azazel disappeared from his sight after the swinging doors of the exit closed. Erik sighed and then he pushed the mop and pail out of the way. He stared at himself upon the dance studio mirror and got into a stance, with his back straight and his ass thrusting out pertly. He closed his eyes for a moment, listening to an internal music playing inside his head and then he began with the steady beat of a Cha-cha-cha move, arms half-outstretched as if he was leading a partner and then he broke into a shimmy. He switched it up by kicking back, holding one arm out to the side, the other over his head, like a gymnastic move and then he expertly spun on his heels after falling back into position. As he danced, thoughts of what happened today ran through his mind.
Why am I even trying? Why do I even bother? Angel is right. I'm never going to win. I'll always lose to Shaw.
He was half-way through his routine when he noticed someone watching him from the balcony. He didn't even sense the other because whoever it was, that person stood quite still in the shadows for some time. Erik started in shock, eyes going wide, but when the individual approached him, Erik realized he knew who it was. It was Charles Xavier, one of their beginners. Erik had seen him around, but took no notice of him until now. Usually, Charles was at the end of the class because he was a slow learner and looking at the state of him, Erik didn't think he would amount to anything. To put it another way, Charles was just not cut out to be a dancer at all. Charles just didn't have the look. He was pimply and freckled-faced, his pale countenance too tender and evidently lacking any confidence. His stature was slim and small, his unremarkable chest covered by a geeky looking, over-sized sweater vest and completing the look were his thick glasses. In short, he was a dance nerd, a walking joke in their dance studio.
"Charles, what are you doing here?"
Charles smiled at him hesitantly, taking timid steps towards him."I...um...I'm sorry to bother you, but I wanted to speak to you privately,"
"About what?"
"Did you mean what you said earlier?"Charles countered with a question of his own, daring to lift his head to meet Erik's direct gaze, but then he lost his guts and looked away."That you'd rather dance with a beginner with heart than with anyone half-hearted?"
Erik shook his head weakly."Wait, don't take my words out of context-"
Charles stopped in his tracks."So you didn't mean them? You don't believe in your own words-"
Erik waved his hand about in denial."No, I meant every word."
Charles squinted up at him, swallowing thickly. He hesitated once more, but with effort he mustered the courage to say what he needed to say."Then listen to me! I have a proposal for you. I know this is highly unconventional and you might think I'm out of my mind, but I want to be your partner in the coming dance competition!"
Erik gazed out at him incredulously, stunned beyond words."What?"
"I read the bylaws! The competition is open to same-sex dance partners. If we do it together-"Charles began in a rush, but Erik interrupted him by moving away and lifting both his hands out in refusal, snorting scornfully.
"No! Jesus, no!"
"P-Please, just hear me out, Erik! Your routine requires strength and stamina! That's why it's not working when you do it with...with female partners. You have the technique down, but you're doing it with the wrong people. They're just not the right body type-"Charles stuttered.
Erik would have thought Charles' attempts laughable if it wasn't so pathetic."You've got to be kidding me! You can't even get out of beginners for a month now! Your footwork is sloppy and your arm movements just plain clumsy! How can you ever hope to get into a competition with your track record?"
Charles' face crumpled up with his disappointment, hearing Erik talk like this. He couldn't help it when he responded heatedly at Erik's words."Why won't you just give me a chance? What you just said earlier was all a lie then, wasn't it? You just said those words to feel big, but you're really just a hypocrite and a coward! You can't even practice what you preach!"
Erik glowered at him in a threatening manner. He grabbed Charles' wrist roughly."You take that back!"
Charles met his gaze head-on, even though he was close to tears. He lifted his trembling chin up defiantly at Erik."No! Unlike you, I stand by my words! Do you have any idea how much courage it took for me to talk to you? Do you?"
Just when Charles thought Erik was going to hit him, Erik suddenly pulled back. He placed his hands on his hips instead, shaking his head in disbelief and chuckling. He suddenly remembered Azazel's words.
"You sure have some spunk for taking me on, I'll give you that. Ok then, I'm going to give you a chance. Dance with me right now and show me how you'll-"Erik began, but his eyes widened in surprise again when Charles stepped forward quickly and drew up a knife from somewhere in his pocket. He held the knife right up to Erik's throat, the blade pressing dangerously close to his skin that for a moment, Erik thought Charles was going to stab him. Nevertheless, Charles surprised him when he began to do a slow, yet precise turn on his heels. He was doing a move that looked like Tango, his hips swaying slowly as he kept the knife at Erik's throat then he switched his knife hand expertly and continued with the hypnotic dance steps, interchanging from one foot to the other. That certainly got Erik's attention.
Where the hell did these moves come from? Even though Charles wasn't attractive, the way he moved just now...there's passion there and a strange lethal seduction in his movements, especially in his blue eyes. Erik suddenly became interested in Charles' new steps. He reached out and drew Charles' wrist down to stop him and then he spoke in a more subdued tone of voice.
"Now you've got my attention. That was some move! What was it?"
"It's Tango-"
"No it's not! I haven't seen moves like that before-"
"My friend. You don't know your dance history then. It's Argentine Tango, mixed in with Knife-fighting Tango. Men in Buenos Aires and Cuba used to dance to this with other men in exclusive bars and back alleys in the 1900's. I've been working on it secretly because I'm trying to revive it-"
"It's certainly going to flip the crowd over-"
Charles straightened up and shrugged."Well it's not going to see the light of day now,"
He was about to leave when Erik stopped him."Wait, I'm sorry. I think you have something here and I think it's going to be great-"
Charles brightened at his words and turned to smile warmly at him."Really?"
Despite Erik's own reservations, he could see some potential in Charles' technique. It just might work. He smiled back at Charles, albeit uneasily."Yeah. Show me some more-"
They danced for almost three hours, trying out each other's techniques until they grew tired. They both sat upon a sagging black sofa in the studio's break room, quietly talking. Erik was wiping at his sweaty forehead and then he looked over at Charles strangely. While they were dancing so close earlier, Erik thought Charles would smell like a typical teenage boy; sweaty and perhaps the other might even assault him with a smidgen of halitosis to turn him off, but as they danced, only a clean, soapy smell rose from Charles' skin and his breath smelled like mints. This is a good start. Aside from the fancy footwork, it's equally important to have a good hygiene. It's a must for dance partners. Besides that, once they started dancing, stage makeup will come in quite handy for Charles' acne and freckles. Although Charles' body was pale and smooth, with but a few freckles on it, Charles' face was a disaster. Erik didn't have anything against pimples, he occasionally had some himself, but other people wouldn't be quite as forgiving. Charles' severe acne might actually damage their chances during the competition. Dance competitions can be pretty harsh and cutthroat. The sport demands nothing less than perfection. It was not only technique that comes into play, it requires attractiveness in its dancers as well.
Regardless of the situation, Erik became willing to take Charles on because as soon as Charles challenged him and showed him that fiery determination, he knew he found the right partner. It was because he saw himself in Charles, even though they are not on the same level. There's a fire in Charles and there's spirit and that's all that mattered to him.
"What is it?"Charles asked timidly, shoving his messy mop of dark brown hair away from his forehead.
"You're a wonder, you know that? I mean, you do know how to dance-"
"I only know Tango, my brand of Tango. I joined your dance school because I needed help overcoming my shyness and my clumsiness-"
Erik nodded in agreement."Christ, you sure do need a fucking overhaul! Tell you what. After classes, I want you to stay so we can practice privately. I'm going to teach you the basics and in the same instance, we are going to work on our routine. How's that sound?"
Charles was speechless. He could only nod and smile with happiness.
One of the reasons why Erik wanted them to practice secretly was because the entire thing was not only bold, it was downright awkward. They would both become the laughingstock of the studio if they saw Erik paired up with a clumsy beginner like Charles. They would think it was a desperate move on his part and perhaps it is, but he knew that their pair-up was a brilliant plan. Once they've got their routine perfected, not only will they be the dark horse of the competition, they'd garner the attention of the crowd. Erik didn't realize though, that he had his work cut out for him. Charles at the onset, was just hopeless.
Erik had advised Charles that in order to gain confidence, he had to get comfortable in his own skin in the first place.
"First thing to remember, Charles. You have to let the rhythm move within you naturally. Let it flow and you'll feel a bit more confident as we continue-"
Erik was wearing an all-black number. He had on a black sleeveless shirt that emphasized his long and lean muscled torso, tight black pants and his dancing shoes. Charles on the other hand, had on a faded T-shirt and probably something that looked like his old Phys Ed jogging pants. Erik ignored Charles' pitiful outfit and focused on the things that mattered. He unabashedly reached for Charles' waist and drew the other close to his body, their chests and their lower bodies pressed together. Erik didn't shy away from touching Charles because when he was younger, he had danced with other boys before, especially when there's a shortage of partners. He didn't find it awkward back then, but things are different now. He was dealing with someone like Charles after all. He clasped Charles' hand in his other hand and kept his grip on Charles' waist. He locked gazes with Charles.
"We'll start with the traditional ballroom Tango first. This is important Charles because you'll have to learn how to act like you're relaxed with me when I touch you. I don't want you skirting away from me like I'm molesting you. That's not what this is about. You have to get used to my body against your body. Forget about personal space at this point, ok?"
Charles was too conscious of Erik's hand holding his own, that his gaze became riveted to their clasped hands.
"Ok?"Erik prompted Charles again with an edge in his voice and Charles finally drew his attention back to what Erik was teaching him. Charles nodded his assent and then his face grew hot as Erik leaned in close towards his face as if he was about to kiss him. Because of Charles' quiet embarrassment over his acne, he became conscious of Erik's face touching his. He didn't want to gross Erik out, although Erik didn't seem to mind their skin contact at all.
"Charles, look at me! Keep your eyes on me!"Erik commanded Charles. Charles blushed furiously and he wondered if Erik could feel his body growing hot at their nearness. Charles felt like dying because he was too conscious of his appearance even though Erik wasn't concerned about it.
"Whereas Argentine Tango requires me to walk outside of your leg work, the ballroom Tango is traditionally danced with an inside walk. Are you ready?"Erik murmured softly into his ear and Charles felt prickles of goose flesh race down his body, feeling Erik's hot breath upon his skin. Charles lost his concentration and his legs collided with Erik's own, causing his crotch to brush up against Erik's prodigious crotch. Charles' face went full-on flaming and he pulled away shyly.
"I'm sorry!"
Erik just shook his head dismissively."Again!"
They repeated the move several times, until Charles got over himself. Erik eventually turned on the music and they began that slow walk movement, the basis of all Tango routines. Erik kept his hand on Charles' waist as they moved to the music.
"Now lean into me, keep your hand above the middle of my back. That's it. Now, I want you to look at me. Go on! Look at me like you love me! Tango's supposed to be the dance of love! Pretend that you're in love with me!"Erik ordered Charles nonchalantly, not realizing that Charles was truly falling for him. He's had a crush on Erik ever since he started studying at the dance studio. He admired Erik from afar, hopelessly fantasizing over the other, but he never realized that they would touch like this or look at each other so intimately. Charles could feel his heart pounding frantically within his own chest that he almost fainted. He vaguely hoped that Erik couldn't feel his heart beating so fast. He was becoming overwhelmed by Erik's nearness and his scent. He wondered if Erik could smell his cologne as well because he could definitely feel his pores opening up with heat and perhaps...arousal.
"Lean your head on my shoulder, Charles-"Erik said huskily and Charles nuzzled his face against Erik's broad shoulder, feeling light-headed and lost in their dance. He peered up to admire Erik's handsomeness again. Erik's skin was lightly tanned, a complete opposite to his milky paleness. He wondered if Erik's light brown hair would feel soft under the touch of his fingers. His gaze next settled on Erik's face, chiseled and perfect, unlike his own face which was soft and somewhat effeminate compared to the other. His only masculine quality was his rounded chin and his slightly hooked nose. He envied Erik's straight nose and flaring nostrils. Up close, this was the first time he noticed that Erik had a scar on his upper right lip, but it did not make him any less attractive to Charles. Erik's eyelashes were thick and curly, that they almost seemed to touch his straight eyebrows whenever he narrowed his eyes at someone. Charles also lusted after Erik's thin, yet sensuous lips and his long earlobes, all these intimate particulars that made Charles swoon with the passion he felt for Erik.
"We'll start with some figures this time. We'll do a couple of more walks, like we are circling each other and then we'll do some leg hooks and turns. Now turn, turn for God's sake!"Charles lost his focus again, dreamily hanging on to Erik that they fell down to the floor, with Charles draped over Erik's body.
"I told you to turn! Where the hell is your head at, Charles?"Erik cried out at him and Charles felt his cheeks flush hotly in his mortification. Erik pulled away from him, disgusted. A long and awkward silence settled over them. Erik exhaled a huff of breath in his frustration.
"I get it! You're conscious about your acne, but just get over it, Charles! I don't find your face disgusting ok? You can't help it if your skin is like that. Besides, what matters is that we get our moves perfect. That's all I care about, you got that?"Charles nodded slowly in agreement. Unknown to Erik he wasn't even thinking about his acne at all. He was too busy lusting after his handsome instructor.
Erik immediately stood up and then he grabbed Charles' hand, helping him up off the floor. Erik went for the digital music player to rewind it and then he reached for Charles' waist, pressing up against him, chest to chest.
"Again!"Erik said tersely and Charles decided to focus on their moves instead of his idiotic longing for Erik.
They've been practicing for weeks and slowly, Charles began to show some improvement. Erik couldn't help but admire Charles' gracefulness and precision when they began their practice routine that day in his office. When they got to the last part, Erik actually whooped with joy and without thinking about his actions, he grabbed Charles waist and lifted him up, pleasantly startling the other.
"We're going to win! I can feel it, Charles! We'll finally beat Shaw!"
Charles giggled along because he found Erik's joy infectious, holding on to the other's strong shoulders as he looked down at him, blushing softly.
"I'm glad I could assist you, Erik!"
Erik rolled his eyes, chuckling."Don't be so formal with me, Charles! We're partners after all! We'll have to celebrate! Why don't you join me and my friends for a drink?"
Charles' bright smile suddenly faltered and he shook his head slowly."I'm sorry. I have to work at my Uncle's restaurant tonight-"
"Well when will you be available?"Erik asked, his expression hopeful.
Charles began to turn away, saddened that he couldn't give Erik what he wanted."Erik, after we practice, I usually go straight to the restaurant. I have no time to have fun or even have a drink with friends. My Uncle's already getting on my case because I'm always late-"
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get you into trouble-"
Charles shook his head, giving him a sad smile."No, Erik. I wanted this. I want the people to see our dance moves-"
"Are you sure you can't come with us? At least for a little while?"
Charles shook his head again and Erik didn't force him any longer. He could see how disappointed Erik was, but he just couldn't. Besides that, there's another underlying reason why he turned Erik down. His appearance still hampered his self-esteem. Erik and his friends are very attractive people, their skins clear and blemish-free. They would never understand how awful it is to suffer this condition. They'd probably hang out at that bar frequented by other dancers and dance enthusiasts and they'll ridicule him for even having the audacity to hang with them. He tried everything to get rid of his acne, but nothing seemed to work. After Erik said goodbye, Charles headed for their common bathroom to take a bath and afterwards, he sat upon a bench before his locker and got dressed, still depressed over his skin problem.
"Charles!"Ororo suddenly cried out, surprising him. Ororo was the dance instructor for Samba in Erik's dance studio.
"Oh Ororo! You scared me! What are you still doing here?"
Ororo made a face."I should ask the same of you. Shouldn't you be heading off to your Uncle Logan's restaurant?"
"Yeah, well I had stuff I had to do-"Charles mumbled. He still had to keep his partnership with Erik a secret.
"Say, what's got you so down?"
"Nothing!"Charles immediately replied. Ororo stared at him intently as he kept his eyes averted, tying his shoelaces to avoid meeting her eyes.
"Young man, I think I know exactly what's wrong. It's your acne, isn't it?"
Charles just shrugged, keeping his lashes downcast.
"I think it's about time I helped you out. I have a cousin who's a dermatologist. He can treat you and give you a prescription-"
"I can't afford it,"Charles said weakly. Ororo suddenly dragged him up from the bench.
"Nonsense! I'll help you out! I'll pay for your medication and don't worry, my cousin will give me a really big discount if I cover it myself-"
Charles' blue eyes grew wide."You'll do that for me?"
"Of course, Charles! It's your reward! You've been getting really good in my class and I just want to show you my appreciation-"
Charles had to grin at that. It was all due to Erik's tutelage. They've practiced for many hours and he also practiced by himself at home that his dancing improved exponentially. Erik taught him all the basic dance moves like the Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and even Paso Doble. He's getting so good that the other dance instructors were taking notice. Ororo led him out, linking arms with him as they walked.
"After your acne medication's finished, I'm going to introduce you to a special remedy of mine. You'll need lemon and walnut oil for this and a Buff Puff-"
Ororo's help caused a drastic change in Charles' life. He woke up one day to find that the acne on his face is nearly gone; Only one pimple scar remained right at the bridge of his nose and a few sprays of freckles upon his face. His skin practically glowed. He grew confident in himself that his dance routine with Erik got even better. One day, as Charles passed by the other students during a Jive lesson, one of the boys hooted out and made a comment about Charles' appearance.
"Wohoo! Charles is lookin' sharp! Look at his face, bro! He don't look like a Pepperoni Pizza anymore!"Alex crowed out and the other boys hooted and snickered along with him. They used to call Charles cruel names like 'Freddy Krueger' or 'Human zit', that he avoided their company altogether, causing him to have no actual friends in the studio. Although as he recalled his bumbling beginnings, he realized that Erik had never called him names or even said anything remotely mean to him even from before.
"Hey Erik, check out Charles! He's worked on his mug!"Scott called out to Erik as their head instructor sat close by, reading a book on modern dance. Erik slowly stood up and closed his book. He didn't even glance at Charles and it hurt Charles' feelings that Erik didn't care about the improvement of his complexion. Erik began to stroll away with a faint smile on his face.
"What are you talking about, Summers? He's always looked like that to me-"Erik said smoothly.
Charles' head snapped up at Erik's words and he brightened, a soft blush playing about his cheeks and Erik secretly looked over at him and tipped him a wink. Charles was practically floating on air as he went about his day, training with the other students. After his training, Charles furtively headed over to Erik's office where Erik was waiting for him. Erik clapped his back and gestured for him to get into position.
"Come on, I want us to try this dance move I've been reading about. We'll be incorporating the real Paso Doble in our moves! We'll start with the knife tango like before, ok Charles?"
"Sure thing, Erik!"Charles said brightly, unable to stop smiling as they danced that Erik had to draw him back into reality. When they finished with their set, they sat in Erik's lounge chair in his office, discussing improvements on their routine.
"No, if you switch up like that, I'll come in too short. Just follow my lead when we swap knives. We have to work in tandem, Erik!"
Erik had to chuckle at Charles' enthusiasm."Who's leading who here, Charles? Am I not the one who leads?"
Charles blushed hotly at that. He didn't want to take over Erik's routine."I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"
Erik suddenly startled him when he reached out and gently pushed Charles' dark brown locks away from his brow, his fingers tender and almost affectionate.
"You need a haircut, Charles. You have to get the hair out of your eyes so you can look into my eyes directly-"
Charles could feel his neck burning, the heat crawling right up to his ears and his cheeks. It wouldn't surprise him if some steam suddenly rolled out of his ears. Just having Erik touch him like this caused his heart to skip madly in his chest and his stomach to flutter. Erik actually lingered, tracing his fingers down Charles' smooth cheeks, oblivious to the effect he was causing in Charles.
"Are you ok, Charles?"Erik asked, genuinely concerned for him.
"No..um, yes! I mean, of course! I think...um, I better go! The restaurant-"Charles cried out a trifle shrilly, flustered out of his wits. He almost felt as if he was about to blow a fuse due to sensory overload. Erik finally released him and they both stood up, but Erik grabbed his arm to prevent him from leaving.
"Wait-"
Charles finally dared himself to look into Erik's eyes directly."Yes?"
"I think you need to brush up on your basics. You're getting conscious of me touching you again-"Erik murmured in a gravelly voice. Erik was about to say something else, but he stopped himself in time. He reached out instead and slowly caressed Charles hip, drawing the other against his body.
"We'll do Rumba this time,"Erik whispered against his hair and then Erik quickly reached for the player on his desk and they began with the slow and quick steps that comprised Rumba, with Erik leading Charles fluidly and Charles becoming strangely attuned to Erik's direction; their movements similar to a well-oiled clock, every gear moving with an astounding synchronicity or perhaps, like the steady beating of two hearts, wanting to be one.