Chapter 3
When Charles went home that night, it almost felt as if his feet weren't touching the ground. He felt so light and free...so happy after his first kiss with Erik that he didn't even notice Logan waiting for him in their living room. He was climbing up the stairs, smiling dreamily to himself when his Uncle Logan made a throat-clearing sound to get his attention. His Uncle would usually be asleep around this time, but he was actually lying in wait for Charles. The happy cloud over Charles vanished altogether when Logan made his presence known. Charles' shoulders drooped and then he turned to face his Uncle.
"Where the hell have you been? You didn't come home last night and you didn't even call your mother! Sharon nearly had a heart attack, thinking that something bad happened to you! What the fuck have you been up to?" Logan cried out angrily.
"I'm sorry. Things just got so busy at the dance studio that I-"
His Uncle Logan quickly cut the distance between them and the other grabbed his shoulder roughly.
"What? Don't tell you me you've been wasting your time with that dance crap again!"
"I just wanted to do something that I want on my own time-"Charles said quietly, but Logan would have none of it.
"You have better things to do than spending it in that dump! You have a responsibility to your mother and don't forget that you have your duties at the restaurant-"
"We aren't even open during the weekends!"Charles cried out petulantly, frustrated that his Uncle ventured to put him through this guilt trip. He pushed his Uncle Logan's hand away from his shoulder and continued to climb up the steps, regardless if his Uncle followed him while fuming expletives at the back of his neck.
"Fuck this, you little shit! Are you trying to mouth off me? Hey! Don't turn your back on me! I'm still talking to you!"
Logan grabbed his arm violently, forcing Charles to stop. He wearily turned to meet his Uncle's deadly stare.
"It's late. Can't we just talk about this tomorrow? Look, I'm sorry I didn't call mom, but I'm old enough to make my own decisions-"
Logan's eyes widened in his fury, exasperated by Charles' petty defense. "You wouldn't hear shit from me if your so-called decisions were actually responsible. Coming home late, making your mom worry. Would you call that the actions of someone responsible? Huh?"
Charles' didn't want to say anything disrespectful, so he quietly took in his uncle's ire. Logan loudly ranted and raved and when he ran out of steam, he dismissed Charles with one last tongue-lashing and then Charles trudged up the stairs and entered his room. He pressed his back to his locked door and sighed heavily. Why can’t his Uncle understand him? He's already finished college and yet his Uncle treated him like he was some teenage delinquent. He just wanted to enjoy his new-found happiness now that so many things are opening up for him. For the first time in his life, he just wanted to feel alive. His Uncle was only right in one instance. Charles failed to contact his mother the other day, only recalling it at a later time and then he sent her a text message, informing her of his whereabouts before Ororo opened the dance auditions to find Erik a partner. His phone had numerous missed calls from his mother and he cursed himself for doing something so insensitive to her. He wanted to apologize to her, but she was probably asleep and so he decided he'll have to do it once she is up.
He walked towards his dresser and looked into the mirror. It has been a long while since he had the courage to gaze at his reflection head-on. He used to hate staring at himself in the mirror, only giving himself a fleeting glance, but now, he dared to think that he might be attractive enough for Erik. Erik kissed him! They kissed for a long while and when they finished, Erik offered to walk him home. Charles smiled at his reflection, his cheeks glowing with a faint blush, still recalling that wonderful moment when he and Erik kissed. The feel of Erik’s lips on his, the taste of Erik’s mouth. Charles sighed once more, albeit with longing and then he placed his chin upon his palms, a dizzy smile still on his face. He found it incredulous that Erik would choose him over Emma Frost, but as Erik had explained to him, while the other walked him back to his home, that Emma wasn't a trustworthy person. Truly, she could make the studio famous, but her association with Shaw made her actions suspicious. For all Erik knew, Emma might be baiting them with the intent to ruin their chances to join the competition. Erik didn't want to put it past Emma and above all, Erik had faith in their moves.
"Charles, if I'm to take up another dancer partner, I'd have to take on another guy. You were right, you know? These steps require power and thrust. It needs a masculine drive. I can't dance my new steps with any woman for this reason. We're already a perfect match when we dance together and knowing the way Emma danced, she won't be able to do our steps-"
"I see," Charles said as they walked side by side down the empty streets. Their town barely had any people out and about during this time of the night.
"Besides, I'm not only dancing with someone I like, I'm dancing with someone who has heart-"
Charles quickly looked up and Erik winked at him in a conspiratorial manner that Charles had to smile back.
"You remembered,"Charles murmured, blushing softly.
"Of course I do!"
Charles giggled."Well our first encounter wasn't exactly my finest. I know the people at the studio practically laughed when the instructors asked me to show my dance moves during my admission into the studio. I remember what you told everyone that first day, after I finished making a fool of myself. You told everyone, 'He sure has heart!'. You even said it with a straight face and I thought to myself, here's a guy willing to take a chance on a bumbling and awkward nobody like me-"
Erik shook his head in an admonishing way."Charles-"
"Well it's true! I was awful back then, but now you've made me stronger and better than how I was before. What you said that day inspired me to find the courage to come up to you and offer up myself as your partner, especially when you said the same thing to Ms Salvadore when you sent her away. You said you'd rather dance with a beginner with heart and it just...caused these sparks to fly in me. For a moment, I thought you were making a reference to me and our first meeting-"
"To think that I almost sent you away. I'm just glad things turned out differently-"Erik said, gazing at Charles in wonder.
Regrettably, they arrived at Charles' house. Charles almost did not want the night to end. They stood there, facing each other before Charles' front gate and then Erik planted a quick kiss on his forehead, gazing down at him affectionately.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Charles-"
With that, Erik hurried off without another word and left Charles standing there for a long while, too stunned with happiness to make a move. In due time, he snapped out of his reveries long enough to sense the cold seeping into his skin and then he entered the house, only to face his Uncle's hostility. Surely, there will be more of it by tomorrow morning, but Charles didn't want to think about that right now. The promise of tomorrow with Erik made him smile endearingly to himself until he fell asleep.
Whenever they faced each other, they can't seem to stop smiling, as if they both shared a delicious secret that the others in the studio can't help but notice it. Erik and Charles nearly collided at some point while Charles practiced a West coast swing dance with Kitty Pryde along with the other students. Scott danced with Jean Grey while Alex danced with Rogue. The brother and sister tandem, Peter and Wanda danced together. Sean Cassidy wasn't around that day, calling Ororo and informing her that he was under the weather. Usually, Kitty danced with him and not Charles. From time to time, the instructors taught older students quick courses on dancing and at the moment, Azazel taught several ladies Rumba. Moira taught a couple some Tango moves and in one corner, Hank taught Foxtrot to several youngsters who needed to learn the steps for a school performance. Even though the studio appeared to have new students, these people however, only came to their studio for several sessions. In short, they were only here temporarily. They didn't attend the studio to compete professionally and this is what the studio direly needed. They only have a few regular students, albeit young ones, willing to commit to the art of ballroom dancing and Erik was thankful that they remained with his studio even with the threat of the studio closing.
"Sorry!"Charles said quickly, a dismayed look crossing his face. Erik pretended to roll his eyes at him. The other students doing the Swing stopped dancing momentarily and Kitty looked equally as embarrassed as Charles. Kitty thought it was her fault because she tried to go in too slow. The other instructors continued with their work, only slightly distracted by the incident and glancing over at Ororo's class. Erik was wearing a black turtleneck that day and he had on dark gray pants. He walked over to Charles and grabbed his wrist.
"Don't hesitate to lead. When your partner changes her pace, you have to learn how to take charge and redirect her! Allow me to show you!"
Erik nodded for Ororo to repeat the song and she went to the player to take it back to the beginning. Erik began to dance with Charles, with Erik showing Charles how the lead should move and directing Charles' movements.
"Now lead me! Show me what you've learned from that!"
Charles followed Erik's instructions and as they danced, the other people in the studio noticed the intensity in the way Charles and Erik gazed at each other, along with the familiar and intimate way they moved together. Half-way through the set, Erik stopped the dance and stared down at Charles, a soft smile playing about his lips.
"Good! Continue with your class, Ororo!"Erik said and then he walked off without another look back, but Charles gazed after him affectionately and Kitty noticed the way he looked at Erik before she started dancing with Charles again. She found it odd. Throughout the day, Erik kept reappearing around class, helping teach the students several dance techniques, but his eyes always returned to Charles. Ordinarily, Charles didn't get much attention from anyone, until now. The other students murmured about the odd behavior of the pair; their meaningful glances and their secretive smiles. Erik lingered close to Charles as the other assisted Hank in teaching the children Foxtrot, smiling and laughing over something with him and doing so in a quiet manner, as if they were flirting.
"I'm not imagining things, am I? Do you see the way Erik kept looking at Charles? I mean, they keep making googly eyes at each other-"Jean commented as she squinted at Charles and Erik from across the room while the other students sat back to take a break.
"Come on! It can't be that! Erik's as straight as they come! He's too macho to go for that gay thing!"Alex scoffed as he followed Jean's line of sight.
"Maybe they're just getting friendly, I don't know-"Scott added as he remained seated in his chair.
"I saw it too, Jean! The way Charles mooned over Erik was just too syrupy sweet! It's creeping me out!"Kitty said, making a face.
Rogue stood close by, leaning against the wall. She chewed on her gum and remained silent, letting the others continue with their assumptions. Hank ordered Charles to put aside the Foxtrot manuals in Erik's office when the children left. Charles suddenly dropped the books while he was walking and Erik immediately knelt close to him to help him pick up the books. Charles blushed and looked away as Erik kept gazing at him intently. Peter snorted, stifling a bout of laughter.
"They are so gay for each other alright. No doubt about it!"
The other students looked over to him and shushed him because he spoke too loudly, but then again, they all thought the same. Something was definitely happening between Erik and Charles. Erik followed Charles into his office, announcing loudly that he had locked it and that he would open it for Charles. Charles entered the office first and then Erik also entered and closed the door. They did not come out for some time.
"Now don't tell me they are actually making out in there!"Peter said snidely, laughing. Peter's sister Wanda remained silent like Rogue. It wasn't her business anyway.
"Shut up, Peter! You don't know what you're saying!"Scott responded in indignation. He always idolized Erik and he didn't want to think his idol would go for twinks.
"So what if they are? It's their life and nowadays, there's nothing wrong if two men get into a relationship. I happen to think its cool!"Rogue suddenly said and everyone turn to look over at her, astounded to hear her even make an opinion at all. Rogue, like Ororo dressed herself to express her individuality. Rogue wore dark makeup and favored an emo style, wearing black leather coats even in muggy weather and piercings. She dyed part of her dark red hair with white streaks, specifically, the locks that framed her face. She always had a bored demeanor about her and frequently kept to herself. Scott recovered himself and shrugged. In either case, whether Erik was gay or not, he still admired the other.
"Ok, I'm keeping time. Let's see how long they're gonna stay in there!"Peter said and he started a timer on his watch as the other sat back to stare at the door.
Erik and Charles did make out on the couch in Erik's office, with Charles lying on top of Erik's body. Erik had decided to get physical with him by taking his relationship with Charles further. He began to grope Charles' body and Charles moaned softly as they kissed, trembling slightly because of the thrill he felt, just to have Erik desiring him. Erik's hands wandered slowly down Charles' back, on to his waist and then Erik's hands gripped and squeezed at his backside. Charles thought Erik was taking things way too fast. He pulled away from the bliss of Erik's kisses.
"Erik, I think I had better leave. Ororo might be looking for me-"Charles gasped.
Erik gave him a huge grin and Charles was slightly perturbed to see Erik's shark-like smile, as if the other was about to eat him up. It was disturbing yet equally fascinating to look at."Don't worry about her, Charles. Let's just kiss some more-"
"They might wonder why I'm taking so long in your office!"Charles cried out, pushing Erik away from himself, as Erik made these ridiculous pouty faces, intent to smother him in kisses.
"Let them! I don't care what they think!"Erik said, grabbing Charles' cheeks and raining his face with kisses. Charles struggled in his embrace. He finally managed to push Erik back and he practically ran out of the room, his cheeks burning up. To his surprise, he saw that the other students were watching Erik's door for his exit.
Peter uttered a wild, cackling laughter and waved his watch towards Charles in a taunting manner." Twenty minutes and eleven seconds!"
Charles realized Peter was keeping time over his length of stay in Erik's office. They must know that something romantic was happening between him and Erik. Cheeks blushing furiously and feeling utterly mortified, Charles rushed off towards the locker rooms to wash his face and cool off. Erik emerged from the office moments later with a languid smile on his face. He leaned on the door frame and gave the students an unabashed yet penetrating stare.
"What are you all looking at?"Erik drawled and the students took this as their cue to disperse.
Erik scoffed at their retreat, unconcerned over what they thought about him and Charles. However, the instructors were not blind to the situation. They all noticed it too, of course. Hank, Armando and Moira kept out of it, but both Ororo and Azazel needed to say something about it. Ororo scolded Erik in his office after she told him she would like to discuss the matter privately.
"He's a student Erik! What were you thinking? He's too young for you, not to mention that he's also an innocent young man!"
Erik made a face at her, quirking one eyebrow up."Just so you know, Ororo, he's no longer a young man. He already finished college for Christ's sake! He's free to make his own decisions, as well as I do! Besides, we're not in a bureaucracy here where it's not cool to like or date someone just because they have the same gender!"
Ororo's eyes widened in shock."You're dating him?"
Erik narrowed his eyes at her."What if I am?"
The admission appalled Ororo and she placed a hand on to her forehead."No wonder he keeps staying in the studio late. You and him-"
Erik smiled at her defiantly."Yes,"
"-are having sex?"Ororo cried out indignantly. Erik's eyes grew round at her exasperation over his supposed raunchy nights with Charles that he struggled to keep a straight face. She didn't know that he and Charles weren't doing anything of that sort. They practiced their secret dance routine and that was all. Erik bit back the bark of laughter that rose to his throat, placing a hand over his mouth. He tried to maintain a serious demeanor.
"So what? It's not like we're making out before you people or doing anything indecent-"
"Thank you for sparing me the details!"Ororo said, holding one palm up in a ward-off gesture, exasperated beyond words.
"Are we done with this discussion? Because frankly, I have other things I have to do besides explaining myself to you like you're the boss of me!"Erik said evenly, showing her that he's about to get testy if she persisted. Ororo rolled her eyes at him, exhaling a weary breath and then she stopped at the doorway before stepping out.
"Just don't hurt that boy, Erik. He's a good kid."
Erik offhandedly waved a hand towards her."Yeah, sure!"Ororo gave him one last pointed look and then she left.
After she left him, Azazel entered Erik's office next, approaching Erik's table slowly and scratching the back of his own head. Erik's reserve of patience was slowly wearing thin. Everyone was on his case today for some reason.
"So...you and Charles-"
Erik pressed his lips together in a thin line and leaned forward on his table with deliberate slowness."Well, yeah. I like Charles. Anything wrong with that?"
Azazel placed his hands on his hips and stared at Erik hard."Yes and that's my beef with you. If he's the reason you can't focus on searching for a dance partner, then this place should very well go to seed right now. It would spare our other students the heartbreak and disappointment to see the studio close-"
"What are you saying? That I don't care about the studio anymore? You people just don't have any idea! I'm working hard, struggling day and night to keep this place afloat!"Erik said loudly, glaring out at Azazel in anger.
"Then why don't you have a partner yet? Four more months Erik! You don't have time to practice with anyone on such short notice!"Azazel cried out with feeling and this was the first time Erik had seen his friend lose his cool.
Erik wanted so badly to tell Azazel that he did have someone and that both he and Charles had to keep their moves a secret from everyone else because he knew they would oppose the partnership. They didn't know about Charles' special moves. Surely, they would immediately assume that Charles wouldn't be able to do anything that would amaze them.
"I do have someone-"Erik said in a low voice and Azazel's eyes widened.
"What?"
"I already have someone. We've been practicing non-stop,"
Azazel exhaled a relieved breath at the news. He shook his head in disbelief. Erik's been holding out on them all this time.
"Why didn't you say so? You've had Ororo so upset over nothing! I gotta tell everyone about this-"Azazel made as if to leave, but Erik stopped him.
He quickly stood up from his chair, alarmed."No! Don't tell them anything!"
"Why?"
"It's a secret!"
Azazel snorted at that."Erik, regardless if you want to hide her, you don't have much of a choice. The promoters of the Grand Prix are holding a Showcase portion for the contestants of the competition this weekend, to confirm that the talent will be up to par. In this case, they'll be weeding out people-"
Erik looked as if he was about to have an apoplectic fit. He didn't even know about that."What the fuck!"
Azazel nodded slowly, unperturbed by Erik's response."So whoever she is, she'd better be ready for what's coming-"
Erik sat back heavily. He blankly stared down at his desk at this news. Azazel didn't wait for Erik to say anything; Azazel calmly opened the door and stepped out, announcing that Erik has a partner and that they'll be attending the Grand Prix Showcase after all. Erik barely noticed the whoops of joy from outside. He was too busy feeling shell-shocked. How was he to break this gently to Charles?
As soon as Erik informed him, Charles began to freak out. Charles still stayed at the studio, despite the talk of the other students around him. He remained in the locker room to avoid them, only coming out when they showered and changed clothes. He met up with Erik in his office later that evening and Charles nearly bolted out of the room after Erik told him about the showcase, but Erik grabbed his arm and pulled him close. Erik embraced him, doing his best to soothe his young partner.
"Charles, calm down. We can do this! Hell, we're going to dance in the Grand Prix eventually! This shouldn't come as a surprise to you anymore-"
"Erik, I don't think I can do this! It's too soon! I'm not ready for it!"Charles cried out tearfully, afraid to face so many people and afraid of making a fool of himself. He didn't want to bring shame to Lehnsherr's dance studio. He'd been mentally preparing himself for the actual competition, but the showcase was an entirely different matter. It was this weekend! They wouldn't have enough time to practice. Erik kept on holding him, even as he struggled and then Erik kissed his lips softly, gently running his hands over Charles' shoulders. Erik pulled back, whispering in his ear.
"Shh!It's ok. Calm your mind! Just calm your mind, Charles and listen to me. I'm going to the Graymalkin Ballroom Centre to write down our names in the registry tomorrow. Once I do that, there's no turning back. You're my partner and you can't back out. Do you want to know why I'm doing that? It's because I have total faith in you. I wouldn't do that if I wasn't sure about you-"
Charles looked up at Erik in disbelief. It astounded him that Erik would put such faith in him, convinced that he would be able to pull it off. Although the Graymalkin community didn't have anything against men dancing together in the competition, Charles just didn't have the right amount of self-confidence yet. Pitted against professional dancers, Charles knew that no matter how much he practiced, he didn't have the years of experience under his belt to match their skills. Erik placing his trust upon him was just too much. He didn't want to be the cause of the studio's downfall. Erik thought of something to help calm Charles' nerves.
"Come on. Let's go to the rooftop-"
Charles remained silent, glumly allowing Erik to lead the way. He thought Erik would encourage him with a bout of practice, but Erik led him into his bedroom instead. Charles didn't want to entertain Erik's need for a make-out session. He showed Erik his annoyance when the other locked the door.
"Erik, I'm not in the mood, ok? I don't want to-"
Erik went to him and planted a hungry kiss upon his lips, hugging him tightly. Charles closed his eyes and savored the kiss, letting Erik slip his tongue into his mouth. He felt light-headed and weak in the knees once more. Charles didn't want this to distract him from their predicament and so he pulled away from Erik's arms.
"Erik just stop it! The other students are already talking about me! About us!"
Erik sighed and reached for his hand."Why should you care about what they say? What they say about you wouldn't matter anyway. What matters is what you feel about me and what I feel about you. I like you Charles, I really do, and I want us to deepen our relationship-"
Charles chuckled weakly at that."So your idea of going deep is getting me in the sack?"
"No. It's not just about that-"
Erik went to him again, gently reaching for his cheek to draw him close and then he kissed Charles passionately. Charles couldn't control his feelings any longer. Erik was such a good kisser that he just couldn't resist him. He melted against Erik as they kissed and Erik edged closer to the bed, guiding Charles to lie down. They just continued with their torrid kissing until Charles had to break it off, gasping breathlessly. His heavy-lidded eyes glimmered up at Erik as the other gasped over him. He could feel Erik's body heat, burning against his skin. He could certainly feel more of Erik down there and it startled Charles to find that he'd automatically wrapped his legs about Erik's waist, his ankles crossed, one over the other. His hands had snarled up into Erik's hair, restlessly running through Erik's locks. Erik slowly reached up and caressed Charles' hair away from his face.
"Dancing is about passion, Charles. It's not just about technique or years of practice. If I'd ever learned anything in dancing, it's this. Although I've failed to show other people my passion back then, now that I'm dancing with you...now that you've sparked this fire in me, I know that people will see that I'm a passionate person-"Erik murmured softly.
It is true. Everyone saw Erik as a rigid person and it showed when he danced. Charles realized that when he and Erik danced, something also changed within Erik. It wasn't just him that had gone through a transformation. Charles was too focused on practicing and keeping up with Erik that he failed to notice it. Charles gently reached up and held Erik's cheeks in his hands and then he drew the other close to kiss him hungrily. Making out like this surely elicited something else in them. Charles felt the nether stirrings of lust within his body as Erik caressed and kissed him. Erik seductively circled his hips against Charles' hips, letting the other feel his erection and Charles moaned wantonly as Erik kissed his chest and his nipples, lapping them up with his tongue and sucking hard. Charles writhed against Erik, allowing the seduction to go on. He bit his lower lip in anticipation as Erik kissed his torso, the other's burning kisses trailing down to his belly and before Erik could touch his zipper, Charles frantically pulled away, gasping raggedly.
"S-Stop! I'm...I'm..."
Charles couldn't tell Erik that he was about to come. It was too embarrassing to him and yet his body burned for more, his own mind ached with his desire, hungry for Erik's pleasuring. Erik knew exactly what sexual pangs Charles suffered and he wanted the other to experience his first sexual encounter with him. He began to zip Charles fly open and Charles, in a panic tried to pull away.
"Erik wait! I think-"
Erik sighed and looked up at him meaningfully."Do you really want me to stop, Charles?"
Charles bit his lower lip anxiously as he held Erik's stare. They gazed at each other for some time and then he answered Erik truthfully."No."
Erik carefully reached for Charles' zipper and he slowly zipped Charles' fly open. He pulled down Charles' pants along with his underwear, leaving Charles with only his T-shirt on, the shirt rucked right up to his upper chest. Charles uttered a quivering moan as Erik kissed his cock, licking at the upper side and then he took Charles' cock into his mouth and began to suck him intensely. Charles could only moan and thrash about in ecstasy as Erik pleasured him with a fervid blowjob. As Charles neared the limit of his arousal, his hips rocked up rhythmically to meet Erik's mouth as the other worked on his erect dick. Erik added fuel to the flames when he began to caress Charles' balls as well. Finally losing it, Charles' shoulders hitched up violently as his come spurted into Erik's mouth. He threw his head back, mouth half-open in a state of rapturous bliss. Charles released a satisfied sigh, gasping and breathless afterwards. He shyly looked down at Erik, as the other clutched at his cock loosely. Erik smiled up at him, gasping softly himself.
"You feeling better now, Charles?"Erik drawled out, gently releasing Charles' cock and caressing his lover's hip.
In response, Charles let his head roll back on to the pillow and he stared up at the ceiling with a dreamy smile upon his face, his creamy cheeks touched by a soft blush. He began to laugh quietly.
They didn't practice that night. They just snuggled and kissed and with much reluctance, Charles left Erik to go to his Uncle's restaurant to work. As he worked, serving customers and helping in the kitchen, Charles thought of a plan that might help them in the competition.
The next day, Erik headed for the Graymalkin Ballroom Centre by himself and then he filed for a registration. Surprisingly, the attendant taking care of the registration papers didn't even look over Erik's papers. When Erik stepped out of the center, he ran into none other than Sebastian Shaw. Shaw was the epitome of your typical ballroom dancer, feeding off his own fame and being pompous about it. He had on an expensive dark red silk shirt and a Rhinestone-studded, white leather jacket and leather pants of a matching color. He'd combed his dark red hair and slicked it back, giving him a cool, supercilious appearance and on his fingers, numerous jeweled rings. The Paparazzi and adoring fans followed Sebastian Shaw around and when their gazes met, Shaw gave him a dismissive sneer. Hanging onto Sebastian Shaw's arm was Angel Salvadore. She haughtily turned her nose up at Erik as the press and the Shaw's fans followed him inside while he registered for the competition. So Angel was now Sebastian Shaw's partner. Although seeing Shaw made his blood boil, he decided not to let the other get to him. When he saw the venue, an idea came to him on how to impress the crowd.
He had spoken to a promoter present during the registration while he looked about the stage, studying it and then he offhandedly asked the fellow if the dancers could use any props.
"Sir, anything that will rouse the crowd is a must in this competition. Use whatever means necessary for you to do so-"
Erik beamed at him with his huge, shark-like grin that the promoter thought Erik was intending to do something outrageous."Well, er...as long as whatever you do is within reason. No naked prancing or bizarre stunts involving fireworks or fire-"
"Of course! I wouldn't think of doing such a thing!"Erik said and shook the man's hand enthusiastically and then he left. He hurried back to the studio, hoping to catch up with Scott and the other students. He decided to keep this from Charles so that Charles wouldn't go against his plans.
"Where the hell is he?"Erik muttered as he worriedly looked at his watch. He did not want to make any assumptions that Charles would be a no-show tonight. He was still in his own dressing room at the Graymalkin Ballroom Centre, on the night of the Performance Showcase. Erik held out some hope for him. Notwithstanding getting a case of cold feet, Charles wouldn't abandon him just like that. The other instructors had taken up a table among the crowd watching the performance of the competitors and Erik was glad that he and Charles would be performing last. He had enlisted the help of his studio's students with the props they had prepared for their dance routine. However, no one in the studio still had any idea that his dance partner was Charles. He had kept it a secret from everyone else. He decided to worry about that later. His main concern right now is Charles. Someone suddenly entered his room without knocking and he turned to face his visitor.
"What-"Erik began to say as he turned in his seat and to his immense shock, it was Charles. Charles had donned a black bustier and a black taffeta skirt with a thick layer of tulle and a long embroidered trail. He also wore a curly blond wig and black mesh stockings. It left Erik speechless. He could only gawp at Charles in this getup. It was equally mind-boggling to see Charles wearing makeup and heels.
"Why in the world did you wear that?"Erik asked, finding it astounding that Charles would go to such lengths.
Charles nervously kept his head down, staring at his high-heeled feet, his cheeks naturally blushing a furious shade of red."I...I thought, people wouldn't recognize me if I'm wearing this. Under the stage lights, I'd look like a girl, right?"
Erik slapped a hand over his eyes. "Charles you didn't have to do this. I've put your name in the registry. I'm supposed to be dancing with a guy!"
"I'm sorry-"Charles said, his shoulders sagging in defeat. Erik went to him and lifted his chin.
"Don't be sorry. We'll have to make do with what we have. I'll explain it to the event officials that it was part of our routine. Are you still feeling nervous?"
Charles exhaled a trembling breath."Yes."
Erik kissed his cheek affectionately. “It’s just nerves. It will pass. We'll be alright-"
It was too late to have Charles change into something now. He heard the announcer call out his name and the announcer emphasized the word 'partner' after announcing their turn. Erik grabbed Charles' gloved hand and led him down the narrow passageway, leading towards the stage. Charles found it odd that instead of a crowd, a long stretch of white fabric obscured them from everyone's view. Charles thought that the stage crew would draw up the curtains at the last minute. Erik left him for a moment and spoke to someone from the passageway and then he hurried back to Charles.
"Since you're wearing this outfit, I asked them to change the accompanying music. We'll do set number three from our practice routine-"
Charles froze up and then he swallowed nervously, waiting for the curtains to come up. Brow furrowed, he turned to look up at Erik. Erik looked so handsome in his formal ballroom suit, a black and white number, complete with a bow tie. Charles gestured towards the white fabric.
"Is there a problem with the curtains, Erik?"
Erik smiled down at Charles knowingly."No. It's working quite fine-"
"Then why-"
Before Charles could finish his question, the music began to play and at their side, the stage crew activated the white lights.
"Erik still won't tell me who it is! I was waiting for the announcer to say the girl's name, but they just kept saying the name of the lead and then they'll just say 'partner'. How are we ever going to find out about her now?" Ororo hissed angrily, fuming in her seat. She nervously wrung her hands together, anxious over how the crowd would react to Erik and his partner. It killed her that she didn't even know Erik's routine. Erik kept everything hushed up and she hated Erik for doing this to her.
"Don't worry, we'll see her in the flesh soon enough!"Moira whispered and to everyone's astonishment, they didn't get to see Erik and his dance partner after all, for instead of showing their faces to the crowd, Erik and his partner danced behind a stretch of opaque white fabric, illuminated only by the white lights from the back and causing their shadows to 'dance' upon the fabric. Hank McCoy and Azazel's jaws dropped as they stared at this performance. It was mad and yet it was brilliant. It tantalized the crowd, their attention drawn to the dance routine, instead of the spectacle of the performers themselves, and what a performance it was. Erik and his partner danced a Swing number to Frankie Valli's "Can't take my eyes off you". The way Erik's partner moved in a fluid and hypnotic way as she danced with Erik certainly wowed everyone in the room. Mesmerized, the crowd clapped and cheered as the lights illuminating Erik and his partner changed colors.
Ororo was beside herself with joy, watching Erik and his dance partner, clapping along with everyone else as she cried uncontrollably. Armando placed an assuring arm around her and the crowd gave Erik and his partner a standing ovation as they performed a modern Swing routine that verged on the acrobatic. Erik's partner maintained her poise and grace as she and Erik went through perfect swivel kicks, multiple turns and intricate hand motions. Azazel glanced over at Shaw's table, where the pompous peacock and his friends sat. Shaw was seething with jealousy and rage, seeing Erik doing something that amazed everyone. It incensed him that Erik had finally beaten him.
Erik and Charles reached the end of their routine in time to the music. Erik had Charles' weight resting on the side of his hip as he held on to Charles and rotated on his heels, his eyes only on Charles' face. He drew close and planted a kiss upon Charles' lips and Charles smiled at him warmly when he pulled back. The music had already stopped and the lights had already dimmed down, and yet Erik continued to dance with Charles, feeling buoyant and happy, just dancing with him. The cheering and clapping outside was just deafening. They didn't notice that Erik's students watched them from the passageway, their eyes nearly popping out of their skulls. They were the ones operating the light show and when the music stopped, they clamored at the passage to get a look at Erik's partner. It was quite a shocker to see that Erik's dance partner...was none other than Charles, the clumsy beginner. Charles suddenly sensed their presence and when he did, he lost his nerve. He collapsed to the floor, losing his balance and Erik bent down to help him up, concerned.
"Charles? You've got to be kidding me!"Scott cried out in dismay. Charles could do nothing but hide his face in his utter shame.