Chapter 2
"Erik, have you found someone to dance with yet? It's been two months and we haven't seen anyone come in to practice with you-"Ororo said as she went through her paperwork in Erik's office.
Erik's office has become the main repository for the dance studio's books and paperwork that through the years, it grew into a towering pile in the corners of the room. The old and rusty filing cabinets were actually bursting with backdated files and obsolete records, rendering the drawers unusable for newer files and likewise, the shelves by the curtained windows are stacked with outdated books. It was a wonder how anyone could find anything in this hoary heap of papers and folders. Erik just can’t seem to get rid of anything because of their sentimental value to him and consequently, he left the décor as it is.
Nevertheless, the office still gave Erik enough legroom to work on his dance routine privately. He even installed a mirror on the opposite wall so he could view his moves. Perhaps the only area left nearly clutter-free was Erik's own desk, with a digital mp3 player attached to a speaker set occupying the table, sitting next to an old-fashioned reading lamp. It was all due to Erik's detestation of seeing his desk cluttered and for this reason, he stored everything in the desk's drawers, recalling which drawer he crammed his papers in by rote. Given these points, his office was at least dusted and cleaned regularly to make it presentable for the visitors, but once the instructors finish their classes, the room is off-limits to everyone else. It becomes Erik's private place which allowed him to practice with Charles secretly.
Thoughts of Charles made him recall his funny yet endearing moments with the other. Erik tried to stifle the amused grin that rose to his lips, but Ororo caught it and it displeased her even further, mistakenly thinking that Erik wasn't taking things seriously after all. She quickly placed her hands upon her hips, her eyes going round with indignation.
"Do you think this is a joke, Erik? You only have four months to find someone who will dance with you! In case you didn't notice, our school is the only remaining dance studio in this neighborhood and if this place goes-"
Ororo didn't finish her sentence anymore. She smiled at Erik slowly instead, a sudden realization dawning upon her.
"I think I know what you need. I'm going to open auditions for you to get a partner!"
Erik's face fell. "No, you don't need to-"Erik began, but Ororo cut him off.
"I'll open auditions tomorrow! We'll have everyone in the studio participate in the preparations! This will be so exciting, Erik!"Ororo cried out excitedly, clapping her hands together. Ororo is of an African-American descent, but she dyed her hair a platinum blond, her sense of style bordering on Punk Rock that people frequently see her clad in leather and mesh. She formerly mentored under his mother so her loyalty to the school is quite understandable. Furthermore, she taught all forms of Historical and Vintage Ballroom Dance to their students aside from Samba, making her his right-hand woman at the studio.
"Ororo, really! I'll find someone myself! There aren't any decent dancers out there anyway. I'll look elsewhere-"
"On the other hand, Erik! Somewhere in our neighborhood, there's a hidden talent, awaiting our discovery. They just need the right incentive!"Ororo said playfully, giving Erik a wink.
Erik froze up at her words, a dismayed expression crossing his face."What incentive?"
Ororo beamed at him so mischievously that he immediately regretted even asking the question.
When he stepped out of his office later in the day, he got the shock of his life. Instead of students dancing and practicing, the activity about the studio was more of a flurry of cleanup and redecoration. Azazel and Armando, along with their students Scott and Alex—the Summers brothers— currently painted the walls and the ceilings a cool blue color, while the ladies, Ororo and Moira worked with their students, Peter and Wanda to move some new furniture into the studio. In one corner, their students Jean Grey, Kitty Pryde, Sean Cassidy and Charles painted posters. Rogue, another student and the Waltz instructor, Hank McCoy, just came in carrying boxes of flyers. When Erik finally got over his mini-heart attack, he shouted out his exasperation.
"What the hell is going on here?"
Everyone suddenly stopped what they were doing, their attention going to him. Ororo placed the box she had in her hands down on the floor and briskly walked towards him.
"Erik! Didn't we discuss this already?"Ororo began, sounding testy and giving him a pointed look.
Erik didn't care if she got mad with him. He pointed in the direction of the newly painted area, hissing an angry response.
"You only discussed about auditions! I don't recall the involvement of a renovation! How the fuck am I going to pay for all this?"
Ororo lifted a hand up, rolling her eyes at him in a sarcastic manner."Erik, please! We all chipped in! None of the money came from the studio's funds!"
"Huh?"Erik said, quirking an eyebrow, dumbfounded.
Ororo made a face and placed a hand upon her hip. She waved her other hand about the studio.
"The paint is a donation, courtesy of Hank McCoy's Hardware store-"
Hank's lips trembled with a nervous grin as he pushed his glasses up over his nose."Yeah, it's true. We had a batch of custom paint that a client didn't want because it was the wrong color, so instead of throwing it away, I'm giving it to the studio for free-"
"Oh,"Erik mumbled, stunned that Hank would do something so generous.
"The new furnishing came from my Furniture store. These are from a bulk stock I wasn't able to sell, so I'm donating it to the studio instead-"Ororo said with a self-satisfied grin. She could see Erik mellowing after finding out he didn't need to spend a dime on anything. Ororo endeavored to explain further.
"Moira provided the supplies for the posters and the flyers and Armando's been kind enough to provide free cleaning essentials from his Laundry shop. As you can see, everyone's made a contribution-"
Erik shook his head in disbelief."Why are you guys doing this?"
"We need to look presentable, of course. We need to show these people that Lehnsherr's dance studio is a first class place. We can't have them seeing us looking run-down. Besides, we want to show you our support so we all chipped in with whatever help we can provide-"Moira said loftily.
"I'm actually fixing our signage outside, using the spare neon fixtures from my Uncle's Auto shop-"Azazel added, amused to see Erik so flabbergasted.
"The students even pooled some of their cash together to buy new ceiling panels so that Hank could fix that hole in our ceiling-"Armando rejoined. Armando was one of their part-time dance instructors and he taught the students Quickstep and Jive while Azazel taught Paso Doble and Rumba. Moira taught Tango and Cha-cha-cha after her teaching job at a local Preschool and together with Ororo and Azazel, she comprised the pioneer staff who taught ballroom dancing in Erik's school after Erik’s parents gave over the studio to him. All in all, the people working in Erik's studio do have their own day jobs, but driven by their passion to teach and the need to pass on the craft, they volunteered their services to Erik's school. In short, Erik only depended on funding from his parents' Metal Factory and the students' payment for their lessons, but having so few students to teach and having zero clients requesting for their performances or services, his school might actually shut down. So, all things considered, their only chance to prevent the school from going belly-up relies on Erik bringing fame to their school's name by winning the Grand Prix.
Erik clapped a hand to his forehead, still speechless. When he found his voice, the first words out of his mouth was,"Holy shit!"
Ororo quickly strode over to him, grabbed one of his arms and slapped the back of his hand."Stop swearing before the children, for goodness sake!"
Erik began to laugh, unconcerned that Ororo scolded him."You're all impossible, you know that?"
Ororo gave Erik a wan stare."Speak for yourself! Now come over here and help us out, why don't you?"
Grinning, Erik grabbed a paint roller and joined in on the project, looking around at everyone in the room fondly, proud that he had their support. They finished late, but they were all satisfied with the results afterwards. The studio looked impressive. The cool blue paint brightened up and widened the place, while the black and white furniture contrasted well with the coloring. The saloon swing doors to their kitchen/break room also received a splash of new paint, but they used a Metallic turquoise color instead, the paint coming from Azazel's garage. They left the windows open, arranging pedestal fans about to clear out the paint fumes while the students left to distribute the flyers. Even though it wasn't required of him, Charles remained at the studio.
Usually, Charles hid himself at the balcony because people at the studio tend to forget about his presence and he preferred it that way, but since they had to leave all the windows open, he couldn't hide at the sides of the balcony this time. He hung out in the locker room instead and waited. Once everyone left, he knocked on Erik's office door.
Erik opened the door for him, looking high in spirits because of the studio's improvement.
"Charles!"
"Hi, Erik! Are we still up for some practice today?"
Erik chuckled and he was about to say something else when they heard a noise close by the entrance of the studio. Someone was dragging a heavy object and was pushing it through the main doors.
Erik suddenly grabbed Charles' wrist and placed a finger over his own lips, indicating that he wanted Charles to keep quiet and guided him up the stairs close by his office. The stairway led up to the studio's rooftop access. Erik locked the door and both he and Charles peered down into the studio through the building's sunroof. They saw that the person entering the studio was Hank McCoy. Hank dragged wooden panels wrapped in plastic into the room. He had a toolbox in his other hand and then he placed it on the floor. Of course, Hank still had to fix the damaged ceiling panel. Hank headed for Erik's office, checking to see if Erik was there.
"Erik? You in?"Hank said, his voice sounding muffled to both Charles and Erik's ears as it carried up to their location on the rooftop.
They waited to see what Hank would do. Hank opened Erik's door and seeing that no one was inside, Hank went to the studio's sound system and played some Waltz music. Hank went to work on the wood panel, but in the same moment, he shuffled on his feet, doing a subdued form of dancing while he prepared the panel for installation. Moments later, Hank furtively looked around to see if anyone was watching him and when he thought no one was looking, he began to glide about the room, dancing by himself.
"He's a frustrated dancer too, Charles. He wanted to join in the dance competitions, but he's too nervous, so he settled on teaching the Waltz-"
"That's too bad. Everyone in class is just so talented and I envy them-"Charles said as he kept leaning on the glass, his expression dreamy. Erik suddenly regarded Charles with interest. Charles' appearance had most certainly improved as well as his dancing skills. Previously, Charles still had red splotches on his face, but now, his pale skin shone with a pleasant, rosy glow, fresh and smooth under the rooftop's lamplight. Erik had this sudden urge to remove Charles' eye glasses. He reached for the glasses, taking them away so that he could get a good look at Charles' eyes. His fingers momentarily brushed against Charles' skin. Erik didn't know why but his heart suddenly began to skip faster as he gazed into Charles' eyes. Charles' bright blue eyes just about arrested him. Although Erik would be loath to admit it, Charles had transformed himself into someone very attractive, enough to draw Erik's admiration. When Charles met his lingering stare, the tenderness in Charles' eyes enthralled him. Charles grew conscious of Erik looking at him that he averted his gaze, blushing hotly.
"Can you dance without the glasses?"Erik asked softly.
Charles smiled at him shyly and nodded. He quickly looked away again and wondered what would happen next. Erik placed Charles' glasses upon the surface of the sunroof. Erik suddenly reached for Charles' hand and led him down the middle of the rooftop access. He did a mock bow.
"I think it's time you brushed up on your Waltz, Charles. May I have this dance?"
Charles giggled in response and mocked a return bow himself. They got into position and they began to dance to the tune of Johann Strauss' famous Waltz 'By the beautiful Blue Danube' on the rooftop, the music issuing from the studio's sound system down below. As they danced, Erik commented on Charles' eyes.
"You certainly look good without the glasses, Charles and besides that, it helps me connect with you while we are dancing. Like I've told you before, dancing is also about connecting with your partner, to deliver the right expressions during a performance and believe me, you've got really expressive eyes-"
Charles murmured his thanks at the praise and allowed Erik to lead him through the Waltz.
"I hope I'm not getting you into trouble with your family. It is getting late,"
"It's a Saturday today, Erik. It's my day off-"
"Good, because I'd hate to get you into any hassle with your Uncle. He sounds like a strict guy,"
Charles uttered a low laugh at that, nodding in agreement. The Waltz music quickened and Erik whirled Charles about expertly as they danced to the music transmitted from down below, while Hank danced by himself with an invisible partner in the studio.
"Charles, may I ask you something?"
"Hmm?"
"Have you finished with your academics? I don't see you studying like the other kids-"
"Oh, I've already graduated from a community college. However, I plan to pursue a new course after I've earned enough money,"
"What course are you planning to take up?"
"Behavioral Sciences. If not that, I'd take up Cultural and Dance Arts-"
Erik nodded in approval."That's cool. If you decide to pursue dance and you graduate, I'll invite you to teach here,"
Charles laughed again, his luscious, red lips mesmerizing Erik."You're on!"
The Waltz finally ended and afterwards, they continued to practice their usual routine. They talked as they danced, finding out intimate details about each other and the more Erik knew about Charles, the more affection he felt for the other. Charles was a kind and gentle person, even though the other students didn't like him. Perhaps once they win at the Grand Prix, Charles' life will turn around.
Because of the lateness of the hour and Hank working overtime to install the panels, Erik invited Charles to sleep over. Charles didn't know that Erik had a tiny residence on the rooftop and he felt special because Erik wanted to show him his personal place.
"I feel privileged that you're allowing me into your house, Erik-"Charles said as he followed Erik.
"Yeah well, it's a dump really. It's just that my parents moved into a different neighborhood and I have to get to our Metal factory nearby to finish my inspection job in time, so I chose to live here. I only get to see my mother every weekends, but I see my dad at the factory everyday-"
"Oh, no wonder you're not available during weekends!"
"Unfortunately, I won't be seeing my mom because I have to indulge Ororo's harebrained ideas for tomorrow!"
Charles chuckled at that as Erik pushed the door to his house open and ushered Charles inside. Erik must have a penchant for old-fashioned things. Although the house is small, Erik has a four-post wrought iron bed positioned against the wall, with an ancient orange brocade sofa at the foot of the bed and a vintage luggage box which served as a coffee table. An antique electric heater kept the place warm and beneath the smudged window, Erik had placed a rustic green side table, with two mismatched chairs; one is a crumbling wine-colored leather wing back, the other a metal chair with an encrustation of green patina. Erik gave Charles a lopsided grin.
"Not my choice of décor, believe me. These belonged to my parents and they gave it to me-"
Charles shrugged."It looks nice. Cozy."
"You're too kind, Charles. Take a seat, I'm going to prepare your bed-"
Charles sat in the wing chair as Erik opened up an old-fashioned cabinet and pulled out a thick red comforter and laid it out on the brocade sofa along with a pillow from his bed.
"Tea?"Erik queried but Charles shook his head. Charles may appear calm, but deep inside, he was screaming with joy because he was sleeping in the same room as Erik.
Erik prepared for bed after Charles wrapped himself up in the comforter, lying back on the sofa. Erik washed his face using a small sink near a makeshift pantry and Charles' face grew flush as Erik peeled his shirt off, revealing his muscled and very lean torso.
Oh my God! Erik's baring his chest! Charles gushed quietly, hoping Erik wouldn't notice his beet-red face or hear his hammering heart.
Surprisingly, Erik took no notice of his weird behavior. Erik climbed upon his bed and they continued to have a quiet conversation until Erik fell asleep. Charles was still too excited that it took him some time to calm down and go to sleep himself. He kept sitting up to gaze at Erik affectionately, but eventually, sleep found him as well.
This wasn't funny. Not even remotely. Erik stared angrily at the flyer in his shaking hands, the paper crumpling up in his rage. Ororo specifically intended to annoy him out of his wits, it seems. Erik's shark-like grin was anything but pleasant as he glowered at Ororo, teeth bared out as if he was about to shred her to pieces.
"Are you insane? You promised that the winner will get a date with me and become my partner for a year? Are you trying to pander me around like I'm some male escort?"Erik shouted at her, his face reddening with his wrath. Erik regretted that he didn't take a closer look at the flyers the students distributed around the neighborhood yesterday. Now he had to deal with the swarm of women, waiting for them outside the studio. The pale blue flyers had Erik's picture on it and what woman in her right mind would dare to refuse such a good deal?
Ororo wasn't even perturbed by Erik's shouting. She had gotten used to Erik's outbursts at this point, owing to the years they've spent together as colleagues. She made a face instead, meeting his angry stare.
"Oh come on! This is the big break you've been waiting for!"
Erik just shook his head, refusing to accept her words.
"We need to get popular and get the word out there! We need students! This is the perfect vehicle to let the masses to know about you! Once you dance in that competition and the people see you there, you'll be everyone's favorite and this will increase your chances of winning!"
"Yeah, pimping me around will definitely do that!"Erik said sarcastically.
"In either case, whether you want to do this or not, it's still your call, Erik. You get to choose who you dance with."
"So I have a say in this after all?"
Ororo sighed."Point is, why don't you just give it a try? What if one of those women turn out to be the right one?"
Erik exhaled a heavy breath. He couldn't do anything about it now. What's done is done.
"Ok, fine! Let's just do this!"Erik muttered and then both he and Ororo stepped out of the break room to face everyone else. Like he mentioned to Charles, he had no plans of taking anyone else as a partner. He had already made up his mind that it had to be Charles. He only humored Ororo because he didn't want them to know about his secret routine with Charles. Not yet, until the actual day of the competition, where he will shock the hell out of everyone with his choice of partner and their breath-taking moves.
That day, none of the staff taught any dance lessons. The instructors, along with the students lined themselves up against the corner of the dance hall, close to the entrance of the break room. They watched Erik dance with one woman after another, as they quietly criticized each dancer. Erik stealthily rolled his eyes at the sub par talent of most of the women, who only took this opportunity to dance with him even though they didn't have any skills. They swooned and made overt passes at him and out of his politeness, he treated each women with respect, declining their offers of a rendezvous where they promise to show him their 'real' moves. He didn't want to let these women see what he's really like because he kept Azazel and Ororo's words in his thoughts. He took their advice. He had to make these people like him. Charles didn't mind Erik dancing with these women because they had discussed this earlier. Erik assured him he wanted none of these women as his partner so Charles still felt complacent about his position. Until Emma Frost arrived, along with her retinue.
The women remaining at the studio whispered among themselves as Emma, the 'White Queen' of the dance floor strode past the line of gawping women, the lot of them jealous of her beauty and curvaceous body. She headed straight for Erik. Poised and confident. She stopped, crossed her arms before her ample breasts and smiled at Erik in a haughty way. The instructors and their students could only stare at her in awe as they whispered to each other.
"That's Emma Frost!"Jean said and there's no mistaking the admiration in her voice.
"Is she going to dance with Erik?"Sean whispered to Alex and in response, Alex just shrugged.
"Oh she'd be perfect for Erik!"Ororo murmured, her eyes wide and filled with amazement.
Emma lifted her chin up and spoke loudly for all to hear.
"Well, well, well Erik! I didn't think you would be this desperate, but I suppose...desperation does make one dangerous. I find that very attractive in a partner,"Emma purred. Erik kept his face expressionless as he stared at her in stoic silence. Emma was a blond and blue-eyed beauty and she used her beauty to her advantage wherever she went. Emma turned to look at the women at her back, coldly regarding them and saying one cruel word towards them."Pathetic."
The women just kept on gawking at her, unable to utter any retort. They knew they didn't stand a chance against a pro like her. Emma turned her attention on Erik, giving him a dazzling smile.
"Sugar, why don't we teach these children and show them how it's really done?"
Erik furrowed his brow, unsure of what her agenda was for coming to his studio. Still, he obliged her by signaling Hank to start the player and he held his hand out to Emma. Emma was currently wearing a stylish white cape coat lined with fur. She pushed it off her shoulders and her assistant caught it in time before it fell to the dance floor of the studio. Emma had on a revealing white mini with a flowing skirt, the fabric studded with rhinestones. She's indeed a stunning vision, arousing the envy of all the women, including Ororo and Moira.
Erik and Emma started off with Rumba and Emma wowed everyone as she expertly followed Erik's lead even though they never danced before, doing the quick and slow steps in time with the music. She suddenly slung her leg over Erik's waist and sidled up against him with aplomb, unabashed to dance intimately with him. She sizzled as she swayed her hips provocatively when she and Erik switched to Tango, rubbing her ass against Erik's crotch, her arm lined up against Erik's extended arm, while her other hand grasped at Erik's waist, her back pressed to Erik's chest. Charles couldn't help it when he felt a twinge of envy, watching them dance. They looked perfect together. What was he compared to her? Charles did his best to hide his dismay, averting his eyes as Erik pressed his face close to Emma's face. He wanted to run away from this awful sight, but the others might think it strange if he did so. He endured watching them until they got to the end of the song. After a moment of silence, everyone began to clap their hands, amazed by the stellar performance. Even the women Emma ridiculed clapped along. It was that good.
"Perfect. I've always known there's something special about you, Erik Lehnsherr. No wonder Sebastian's so threatened by you-"She murmured into his ear as she kept her arms around him. Erik slowly pulled her hands down from his neck and frowned at her.
"What are you doing here? Did Shaw send you to spy on us?"
"Of course not! Haven't you heard, darling? Sebastian and I have split. I'm looking for a new partner and surprise, surprise! Here you are, looking for a new partner as well. Match made in heaven, don't you think so? What do you say, hmm? Why don’t you and I become partners?"Emma said, ending her words with a seductive purr.
Erik wasn't buying it. He knew something was off about this entire thing. He stepped away even further. He snorted and placed his hands on his hips, smiling at her knowingly.
"Sorry, not interested!"
When Charles heard Erik flat out refuse Emma, he nearly wanted to jump up and down with happiness. He composed himself and remained quiet, his eyes glimmering with his feelings.
Emma looked stunned."What?"
"You heard me! Not interested!"Erik said with biting clarity, enunciating his last words to taunt her. She may be beautiful and she may be the perfect match, but he didn’t want anything to do with her.
Ororo slapped a hand to her forehead, wanting to kill Erik for his bullheadedness. She had to interject and fix this mess. She walked over to Erik and patted his shoulder, pushing him away, smiling at Emma ingratiatingly."Erik's just tired, Ms Frost. We'll let you know our decision soon!"
Emma shrugged it off, pretending that she did not to lose her cool and successfully regaining her composure."Very well! I'll have my assistant follow up with you!"
With that, Emma snapped her fingers and her retinue followed her out. She strutted as she walked, head turned up snootily. The other remaining women witnessing the exchange knew there's just no point in their trying to audition. They quickly dispersed from the studio, finally allowing the studio's instructors and students to take a break. However, as they ate in the break room, they could hear Ororo and Erik's shouting match from Erik's office, regardless if their voices sounded muffled. Charles strained to hear what they were saying, but he couldn't make it out. Eventually, Erik and Ororo both stepped out of the office and Ororo made an announcement.
"Alright. Erik has agreed that he might consider Ms Frost as a partner, but he said he's still going to look for a partner, under his own terms-"Ororo said glumly. She was obviously still upset with Erik.
Erik remained silent, allowing Ororo to explain things to everyone. Everyone showed their disappointment upon hearing Erik’s decision, but since he’s the boss, they had no say in the matter. Moira decided to speak on behalf of the others.
"Erik, I think it would be a huge mistake if you turn Emma Frost down. With her representing the studio, we'll surely be famous, even before you dance in the Grand Prix,"Moira murmured, despite her utter dislike for Ms Frost.
Everyone turned to look at Erik, waiting to hear what he had to say. Erik leaned against the wall of the break room, arms crossed before himself. He closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them, his gaze went to Charles. Whenever they are around everyone else, Erik and Charles ignored each other, pretending as if they are not on friendly terms due to the secret they had to keep. He realized that he shouldn't let his gaze linger upon Charles and so he turned his gaze to Azazel.
"Like I've said to Ororo, I don't trust Ms Frost. I'd rather work with someone I can rely on. I'll consider her offer, but only when I'm sure that she's sincere,"
Ororo just threw her hands up in the air in exasperation. This was the last straw. She's had enough of Erik for one day.
"Fine! Do whatever you want! I'm done with you for today! You're just hopeless!"
Ororo stormed off and one by one, everyone began to leave as well. Azazel remained to talk to Erik.
"I've always trusted your instincts, Erik. Let's just hope you've made the right choice this time-"
"I know what I'm doing, Azazel. She's not the one,"
Azazel just patted his shoulder and then he stood up, walking out of the studio like everyone else.
Except for Charles. He remained yet again, hiding in the balcony. When he was sure no one was around, Charles headed into Erik's office.
"Charles! You're still here?"
"I...I thought you would chose her,"Charles murmured and Erik saw Charles' anxiety over the entire thing.
"Why would I do that?"
"Because she's famous. She'll bring fame to our studio and she's a better dancer than I'll ever be-"
Erik placed his chin upon his palm as he regarded Charles with affection.
"Charles, I've told you my reasons, did I not?"
Charles closed the door and walked closer to Erik's desk."It's not a matter of you not liking her, Erik. Even if you didn't get to dance with her, once her name's associated with our studio, we'll be famous as well-"
"So are you saying I should have said yes to her?"
Charles bowed his head low, gazing down at his sneakered feet."No…Maybe. I don’t know-“
"Am I sensing some jealousy here?"Erik teased him and Charles quickly snapped his head up to shake it.
"No! Why should I be jealous?"
Erik chuckled quietly as he stared at Charles fidgeting before him. He’s just too cute for words.
"Let’s go topside, Charles."
Erik stood up and reached for Charles' arm. He led Charles up the rooftop access door, locking the door once more. He had a Bluetooth speaker with him and his mp3 player. He placed this upon the corner of the building's exhaust system, a box-like structure about three feet high. The night was cool yet balmy. The skies are already dotted with stars and from far off, the city lights shimmered dimly like a sea of lights.
"It's nice up here, isn't it?"Erik breathed out as he stared at the scene before them.
"Yeah, I like it here too,"
Charles turned to look up at Erik."So since you've already chosen me as your partner, does that mean I win that date?"Charles said, attempting to make light of Erik's situation. He wanted to cheer Erik up after everyone left the studio in a bad state. Erik smiled at him gently.
"Yeah, sure."
Charles blushed beautifully at that. He didn't think Erik was serious so he said nothing. They grew quiet for a moment, enjoying each other's company, that there aren't any words necessary. Erik suddenly broke the silence as he turned to gaze at Charles' profile. Charles dressed like he's still stuck in the 90's. He had on a plaid shirt and a neon yellow t-shirt underneath. His jeans didn't even fit him right.
"Come here, Charles-"
Charles drew closer and it shocked the hell out of him when Erik began to unbutton his shirt. He blushed furiously, pushing Erik's hand away and placing his hands over his chest as if Erik violated him.
"What are you doing?"
"I think you need some help with your wardrobe, Charles. Let's go into my house and I'm going to teach you how to properly dress-"
Charles eventually calmed down. He thought Erik was undressing him because the other wanted to do something indecent to him and now, it mortified Charles that he would think of such things about Erik. He knew Erik wouldn't get interested in him like that. Charles knew he wasn't anything special and Erik surely preferred women, not men. Erik led him into his house and taught Charles the basics of dressing cool. He helped Charles into a white button-down shirt, even though it was several sizes too big for Charles. He rolled up the sleeves so that it would fit Charles' pale arms. Charles kept his eyes averted that he did not notice Erik admiring his pale chest and slightly muscled body.
"Keep it simple. No loud colors and you should wear clothes that fit you-"Erik said in a soft voice, helping Charles into a pair of black pants, made of a stretchy fabric so it was a great fit on Charles.
"I know my clothes are just pitiful, but most of my clothes are hand-me-downs. I can't afford to buy new ones-"
"Let me help you with that then,"Erik said and then he gave Charles a slick little wink. Charles smiled warmly at him in response and then he held his arms out.
"How do I look?"
"Like a real dancer. Now let's go outside. We need to practice-"
They went back on the same area where Erik placed his mp3 player and they began to do their routine. After a couple of hours, they took a break, sitting upon the wide ledge railing, their backs resting against the rail. They listened to some songs playing on Erik's mp3 and then "Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps" began to play. Erik grinned at Charles in a naughty way. He stood up and took Charles by the hand and they began to dance a Rumba move to the music with that slow and then fast step; hands linked and faces so close they could almost kiss. For some reason, Charles just looked so inviting to Erik. He can't seem to stop gazing into Charles' blue eyes. Was it possible that Charles was attracted to him? The way Charles looked at him...
Erik led Charles through a spin and Charles gracefully moved about, following Erik's lead. Yet again, Charles was so attuned to Erik's direction that Erik didn't even need to give him anymore instructions. Erik had his hand around the side of Charles' slender waist and as Charles moved closer to lean against him, Erik moved in quick and kissed Charles on the lips. Immediately, Charles pulled back in shock, but he still kept his face close.
"Erik, what are you doing?"Charles whispered softly, his eyes trembling with his feelings as he kept looking into Erik's eyes. Erik nuzzled his face gently against Charles' burning cheek, whispering his response into Charles' ear.
"I'm taking a chance on you,"
Erik pulled back to smile at him affectionately and then he leaned in to kiss Charles again. Charles wrapped his arms about Erik's shoulders as they kept on kissing, hoping with all his heart that this wasn't some dream.