#dancer! reader

Adults in Sumeru didn’t dream and Sumerian children were told that when their dreams stopped they would be an adult. Al Haitham hadn’t dreamed in a very long time, but looking down at the street below him and watching you swirl through a crowd of revelers he knew what he would dream of if such a thing were possible.

Fingers tangled together as he rested his mouth against his hands, watching silently as you partook in the festivities. He’d known you were heading to Sumeru City for the Festival of Sabzeruz, but he’d never expected to see you again so soon. Much less during the festival itself.

But there you were, laughter on your lips as you spun among other celebrators like a poem given life. 

Dancing and arts were looked down on by the Akademiya but he found himself curious as he watched you. Perhaps such frivolities weren’t so bad. They certainly didn’t seem that way when you were the one partaking. 

That said, there certainly wasn’t any rationale that he could see behind them. Only that they seemed to cause joy and have a certain captivating charm to them. Or perhaps that was just you.

Glossy fabric swirled around your person as you moved, as if you were a part of the rhythm and it were a part of you. He’d never thought much of music, but seeing it embodied by your graceful form…. Well, it certainly did make him rethink his views on it.

Al Haitham realized that his current actions could be deemed as creepy and/or distressing, but in truth he felt no real shame in watching your performance. After all, what was the purpose of a performance if it wasn’t to be watched? 

He felt a smile creep onto his face as he analyzed you, your every motion, every smile, every laugh. The musicians around you hardly seemed entranced by your motions which made the sight even more peculiar. They merely played, grinning and cheering as you gave their tune body and appearance.

A dream found in reality, an impossibility in a world of logic, a dancer in a world of logic. You were an oddity and one that kept Al Haitham thinking, pondering, and wondering but not dreaming. Because it was impossible to dream when the vision of one’s heart and restless mind was in front of them.

You came to a gradual stop as the song slowed to its end. A racing beat slowing to a gradual lilt and then lapsing into silence. Applause filled the streets below him and he could tell you were shyly waving off the compliments and praises thrown your way.

You took a final bow and exited the dais. Sweeping away and trailing the threads of an unspoken fantasy behind you. 

Al Haitham stood, finished with the festivities below as soon as your form was lost within the crowd that was showered with the bright lights of lamps. He hesitated though, watching as you suddenly emerged, free of the harsh yellow gold lights of the festival and alone in the pale light of the moon and stars.

You glanced back, a slight smile on your face before you strolled away, disappearing into the night. A fitting parting for a meeting you hadn’t even realized had occurred.

A smirk now played around his lips, barely noticeable before it disappeared as he too swept off into the night in the direction opposite of you.

“I'm sorry, but you’re too young to be taking this class.” You had said, leaning over the counter to look closer at the short girl. “This studio is for adults only.”

“I don't see a sign saying that.” She had said simply, crossing her arms across her chest, a clear sign that she was not going to back down without a fight. And she was right, there was no sign because it had never crossed your mind that a child would ever want to take classes at your studio.

“Well, I don't think you could afford my classes.” You said, before quickly adding, “no offense.”

“None taken,” Jinx said, surprisingly well spoken for a girl of her age. “And I asked about how much it would cost, and I'd think this would cover it.” she then placed a bag of coins on the table, to which your eyes widened at the heavy sound it had made connecting with the wood.

You sifted through the bag, your eyes growing large. Such a large amount of money could cover numerous months worth of lessons, hell, it could even cover the rent on your studio for a couple months. You looked up at the girl, your hand still caught in the bag. “And this is all for how many lessons?” At this point, you could not say no to the young girl. If you hadn't the heart to before, the idea that you wouldn't have to worry about rent for the next couple of months cemented the idea in your mind. You couldn't say no.

“Well my dad said that they had to be private lessons, and he gave me enough to cover…” she began counting under her breath, using her fingers. “Around 4 months of lessons? And I wanted two sessions a week, so, 32 lessons?”

You let out a slow breath of air, no one had ever booked this far in advance and you had only ever offered public classes. “How did you even hear about me?”

“I saw one of your shows.” she said, and you could see the tension releasing from her back. She had grown comfortable with the idea that you were not going to deny her. “In a bar on Tuesday, you did that leg thing-” she stopped talking, moving to grab her leg and attempt to lift it above her head. You smiled at her, laughing quietly to yourself.

“I see.” You remembered the show she was referring to, you had been booked for a gig at the White Lion and performed a risque jazz piece, scantily clad. It was one of the nicer bars, offering bouncers and live music as opposed to the seedy clubs you made a point not to frequent, without bouncers and crackly music coming from broken speakers. The White Lion was frequented by Piltoverians who wanted a taste of the Undercity without getting their hands dirty or their lives put in danger. It was along the river’s edge, just beneath the bridge, but nice enough to the point where people continued to show up. That being said, you hadn't expected such a high ranking bar to let in a child.

“How did you even get in?” You asked, curious.

She smiled up at you, a gap gleaming through the center of her grin. “I snuck in.”

“Wow,” you said, slightly in awe. Not many people could say they snuck through the tightly secured bar. “You must be a pretty smart girl to get through the security.”

“I guess you could say that.” She said, shrugging as if it was nothing, but the shine in her eyes gave her away, she enjoyed your praise.

“I'll tell you what,” you rocked back onto your heels, from where you had leaned over the counter to talk to her. “You can start taking classes here, private of course.” You looked up from the paperwork you had grabbed from a filing cabinet behind the counter making reassuring eye contact with her. “But cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance or you have to pay a cancellation fee. You can sign up for when you’d like to take them on this sheet.” You handed her a clipboard, which she greedily took. You clicked a pen, putting its tip to the paper as you looked up through your lashes at her. “And you said your name was…?”

Jinx was a quick learner, picking up choreography quickly and stretching her bendy limbs in ways even you couldn't. Her technique was impeccable, pointing her toes on command without any reminders from you, stretching her arms wide, keeping high energy, and holding from her back.

“Jeez Jinx, I think you could start teaching the class now.” You said fondly, ruffling the hair she had forgotten to pull back into a bun.

Jinx had detested the idea of putting her hair back in a bun, typically opting for a braid, but you had insisted. Nevertheless, she ignored you, which backfired on her after a particularly powerful pirouette caused her braid to snap her cheek. After that, she had left her hair down or allowed you to twist it into a bun.

She giggled softly, turning to look up at you, eyes shining brightly with cheeks slightly flushed from the workout the two of you had just completed. “You really think so?” she puffed her chest out a little bit.

“I do,” you smiled. “And I think you’re ready for your first recital.”

Jinx’s eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. “For real?”

“Of course! I think it's about time we show your old man what you've been working on.” You tapped your chin thoughtfully. “How does next Tuesday sound?”

“I don't know if he’ll be free then but he’ll clear his schedule for me.” she said.

Jinx often talked about her dad, saying he was very protective of her, and from the occasional guards which accompanied her to class after a particularly gruesome crime occurred, you didn't disbelieve her. From what she had said to you, she hadn't had a mom or any siblings. Anymore. She had added quickly after you inquired if she had any siblings who wanted to take classes from you.

“It's a date.” You called after her as she packed up her dance bag and waved goodbye to you.

Jinx was a mesmerizing dancer, you thought as you watched her move across the marley, spotting perfectly. Her expressions were concentrated and portrayed strong emotions, her breaths coming in huffs. Jinx had picked the songs herself, and the two of you had worked side by side to choreograph the right moves.

You were in the small booth your studio offered, handling the lights and sound. You hadn't had enough time to book a club, not that you wanted Jinx’s first recital to be in front of tens of strangers; so you had settled for the small performing area your studio supplied, considering there was only an audience of one.

You hadn't had time to meet Jinx’s dad, too busy fussing over Jinx’s hair, slicked back into a tight bun, which she had complained about every time you slipped another bobby pin into it. And after the hair, you had headed to the booth, giving the jittery girl a thumbs up.

In the dark room, you could see the backs of two heads, watching the tiny girl as she improvised a front walkover. You flipped the spotlight on, following the girl as the music faded out. Jinx took a bow, a grin breaking across her face.

The two figures stood up, giving her a standing ovation. You smiled softly as you watched Jinx walk into the wings, her head held high.

You made your way out of the booth, walking out to the lobby. Jinx had beaten you there, holding a large bouquet of roses, standing in front of a bulky woman with a metal arm and a rather tall man, hair dark save for a small strip of gray slightly deviated from the center of his head. What drew you to him was the scar running down his left eye, extending to the center of his cheek. His eye was nearly all black, except for the deep red pupil in the center. His gaze was piercing as his focus shifted to you.

The woman behind him handed him another bouquet, this one full of daisies. He patted Jinx softly before heading toward you. You smiled politely at him, clasping your hands together.

“You must be Jinx’s dad.” You said at the same time he said, “you must be Jinx’s teacher.” You laughed softly. “Yes I am.”

He smiled and smoothly handed you the flowers. “Thank you for your work with Jinx, I know that not everyone is willing to teach a child, especially with the grace and patience you have, and for that I deeply thank you for it.”

“Oh, it was nothing. You see, it's very easy to be a good teacher when you have an amazing student.” You craned your head to look at Jinx, who had latched onto the woman’s metal arm, who was standing stony faced as if nothing was happening. “That must be your partner-?” You asked presumptuously.

Jinx’s dad’s eyebrows raised nearly to his hairline before he barked out a laugh. “Sevika? Oh no, I'm afraid you must be mistaken, she's my employee.”

“Oh I am so sorry,” your eyes widened as you began to babble. “Jinx had never talked about a mom and I was so surprised to see her dad with someone here that I made an assumption, I am so sorry.” you apologized.

“It's ok, if anything, at least your speculation was amusing.” he smiled, taking your suspicion with grace.

“Once again I am so sorry,” You cleared your throat, desperate to move on from your embarrassing accusation. “If anything though, I must say, you have raised a wonderful daughter. She is a pleasure to teach and is such a wonderful student and person. She is so polite and thoughtful, I couldn't’ve raised a better child myself.”

He smiled at you, showing chipped front teeth. “Thank you very much.”

You introduced yourself, smiling shyly. “And you are?”

“My name is Silco.” You felt the blood drain from your face. You had never been very interested in the politics of Zaun, but if anything, you remembered names very well.

       The infectiously cheery smile that perked at the ends of her lips at the sound of his lyre was the mark of her everlasting presence. Even when his eyes fluttered shut to bask in the dulcet melody of his own creation, the image of her breezy features would persist. His ears perked at the ring of her chiming laughter and the skirt of her dress would flit along with the mellow breath of the surrounding plains as she twirled in tune with the music. To him, she was a refreshing sight among the sea of green and her dancing only served to adhere to her angelic allure.

       With his back against the great tree he treasured so dearly and his lyre resting atop his lap as he plucked away at its strings, life never felt more unrestrained. She brought that sense of security and with her at his side, he could momentarily forget the bonds of fate that tie him down. Here, he was Venti; a carefree bard in search of both free wine and entertainment. For just a few seconds he could ignore the guilt that his lie imposed.

       Venti, the person she thought she knew and loved, was in fact a lie.

       If he had the courage to tell her everything, what would she say? Would she hate him? Would she leave him? He couldn’t even begin to imagine what her anger looked like neither could he picture her spewing venom from the same lips that whispered her sweet affection for him. Although small, that part of him that still clung to the hope that she’d accept him as easily as she had with everything else that came her way. The thought of losing her felt as if he were parting with the bit of humanity he held onto.

       “Venti?”

       He perks at the sound of his name and his gaze lifts from the rolling plains before him to instead focus on the concerned visage of his companion. He doesn’t understand her worry at first until he realizes moments later that his fingers no longer plucked at the strings of his lyre and instead they were frozen idly in place. His lips part to offer a cheeky response, one that he was sure would have distracted her from his previous melancholy, yet the words died midway and he merely provided a wistful sigh as he hugged his instrument closer to his chest.

       She was quick to detect his change in mood and, despite her love of dancing and all things sprightly, she lowered herself down to sit right next to him. It was odd to see her become so compliant with the act of settling down for once, but to him, it was just another sign of her unspoken care for him.  Her brows were knitted tightly together and her lips, which were pulled into a bright smile several moments earlier, were now pressed into a flat line. He thought nothing suited her far more than the expression of happiness and knowing that he was the cause of her drastic shift in features, added to his considerably dampened mood. He willed himself to try once more, forcing a wry smile upon his lips in an attempt to mimic his usual carefree expression.

       “It’s. . . nothing.” He huffs a bit of laughter as if to further convince her though it’s obvious she doesn’t seem to be buying it.

       Although her look of concern seems to soften significantly, he still catches an almost knowing look in her eyes but she doesn’t press him for a more proper response. Instead, she wordlessly leans her head against his shoulder and stares ahead at the expansive fields of green. She says nothing to fill in the vacant silence between them and it’s her presence and added touch that brings him a sense of comfort.

       As talkative as he could be, especially around her, he couldn’t help but relish these passing moments of peace. Nothing disturbed the natural ambiance the windy fields provided save for the occasional passing breeze that swayed the extensive canopy above them, and the melodic chirping of birds that were, in a way, carrying a tune of their own. She didn’t press for questions and he wasn’t forced to admit something he wasn’t ready to say, not when their fate still hung uncertainly above their heads. He wanted her to know everything there was about him and even though he couldn’t bring himself to open up in that very moment, he knew in time that he would be comfortable enough to one day tell her the truth.

       Until then, he knew she would stay by his side. Her hand which intertwined with his own wordlessly promised him that and the accompanying squeeze only further lay claim to her silent oath.

He paused, nearly causing his brother to run into him, and strained his ears towards the sound curiously. Yes, that was definitely his favourite, he would recognise that Spanish guitar anywhere! but the tempo was sped up?

Without warning he immediently altered course from the path and instead followed that alluring sound.

As the music got louder he could see a group of humans standing in a circle, and the familiarity of the set-up made his grin widen eagerly. A performance! How wonderful!

His height parted the group easily, and he didn’t even notice sans beside him in a calm flash of light. No, all eyes were definitely on you.

Dressed in a flowing red and gold, you danced within the circle as if nothing else existed. Your moves were graceful and seamless, large kicks and spins as if you made the dirty concrete beneath you into ice and were simply gliding across.

Yet the fast beat matched your moves effortlessly, each movement swift and decisive, flipping and turning with the cheers of the crowd.

You were absolutely mesmerising.

You opened your eyes, only for them to immediently fall on Papyrus. They widened curiously but your dance did not suffer so much as a pause, eyes trained on him even in mid spin.

He felt his cheeks heat up at your attention.

Without warning you spun to the side of the crowd, stopping with your arm outstretched towards him…

He waited for you to keep going but you stayed put, letting the music go by without you.

You gave him a small, inviting smile, and that was more then Papyrus needed. Without hesitation he grabbed your hand, and together you jumped back into the dance as if you never stopped.

He knew this beat all too well, and the fast tempo didn’t so much as faze him as he spun you around. You led him into the style but, with one hand firmly on your hip he led you across the grounds.

Papyrus has danced with many partners before, but this was something new. Your hand just fit within his so perfectly, your every step matching his large stride without complaint, and he echoed each jump as if you two had practised for years.

Not a word was spoken, not even through your gaze as you stared within each others eyes, your bodies just knew.

He picked you up, throwing you high into the air but you didn’t even flinch, eyes closed and arms open wide as if you were soaring, with complete trust you would be caught safely in his arms.

and you were.

The music stopped and you ended frozen in a pose, your arms resting at his broad shoulders and his planted at your sides, both slightly panting as you tried to catch your breath. Eyes never once leaving the other’s gaze.

You didn’t hear the crowd’s cheer or their footsteps when they dispersed, only jumping away when sans’ light chuckle reached your ears as he stood right next to you.

You quickly rubbed at your arm in embarrassment “thanks for joining me, you’re a really great dancer…um?”

A faint glow lit up his cheeks, “T-THANK YOU HUMAN, I AM THE GREAT PAPYRUS”

“OH, AND THIS IS MY BROTHER, SANS” he added, when he remembered he wasn’t there alone. Sans didn’t seem to mind at all as he greeted you, with a casual nod of his skull. “‘sup”

“I’m (y/n)” you introduced with a smile.

“(y/n)…” Papyrus mimicked, with his own dazed smile on his face, only to snap out of it with a small, very amused, nudge from his brother.

“w-WELL (Y/N) YOU ARE AN EXCELLENT DANCER YOURSELF, THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL” he praised enthusiastically.

You lit up at his compliment, ignoring the light blush that adorned your face, “thank you”

“Welp… Paps and I were going to grab some lunch, you wanna join us bud?” sans offered with a smug, knowing grin, Papyrus’ own sweet smile growing at the thought.

“Yeah! definitely, lunch sounds great, um, j- just let me pack up my things i’ll be with you guys in a sec” you nodded eagerly much to Papyrus’ utter delight.