cw ﹕ ballerina!reader , teacher!ellie , age!gap , reader is an adult. slight touching , mainly kissing. parent issues , topics of being a disappointment , a failure , etc. daddy issues , but i wrote him kinda sweet in some parts cause well . . anyways
wc ﹕ 2.9k
an ﹕ i want to do this idea but character is odile . . . mean sex . . rivals . . but with who ! i did proofread but i also can’t read or something i dunno …..
𝓣he only child , born into a family of wealth n power. the outcast , the misfit , or what your mother calls you , 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧.
forced into ballet at such a young age , you had to be perfect. demanding recitals , brutal performances , but the punishments for failure were much worse.
your parents pushed you , not for success , not for your passion , but for their own sick n twisted need to use you to fulfill their ambitions & dreams that they claim you stole.
꒰ྀི১ ໒꒱ིྀ
𝒔𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 has crept its way through winter. though , it’s more gloomy than anything. grey skies , constant rain , it feels like you haven’t seen the sun in ages.
your alarm rings , your bedroom still very dim. the smell of coffee brewing mixes with the scent of your vanilla wax melts , filling the room with a comforting , familiar aroma.
rubbing the sleep from your eyes , you slide out of bed , walking over to your victorian styled window. you draw the white floral curtains back , revealing the intricate details carved into the wooden frame , rain drops sliding down the glass.
although it’s quite foggy out , a natural light still shines in your melancholic room. you begin your morning routine , starting with your skincare n oral hygiene , picking out your clothes n packing your ballet bag , then setting yourself down at your vanity.
every drawer has it’s own section for your makeup , each stroke of your brushes dainty n precise. after that , you style your hair , appreciating your attention to detail n the way you always look like a little doll.
once you’re finished , you gather your things n head out of your room , already imagining tonight , binging your favourite show n falling asleep to the sound of the upcoming thunderstorm.
‘there you are.’ your mothers voice rings in your ears. ‘how long does it take to get ready? do you want people to think you’re lazy?’ you’ve learned to not argue with her , knowing its a never ending cycle. ‘no , m’sorry.’ you mutter , heading into the kitchen.
‘your father n i need to speak with you , it’s important.’ you stop at the fridge , turning your head to face her. your father stands up from the table , his expression stern n cold per usual.
‘you’re not working hard enough. the competition is in two weeks , n so far all you have done is shown that you’re useless.’ his words sting , n you try to hide the hurt in your gaze , biting your tongue to avoid saying something you’ll regret.
‘so , we decided that you’re going to be attending a private school. you’ll be trained one on one , where you can actually learn.’ you’re hit with a wave of anxiety as the words roll off your mothers tongue. the idea of being somewhere you’ve never been , witnessing unfamiliar faces . . you’ve always struggled with anxiety , n everytime you tried to seek help , your parents denied you because they believe it’s simply a made-up excuse to gain sympathy.
‘b-but , i won’t know anybody there- m’not-‘ your father cuts you off , crossing his arms while your mother clings to him like a damsel in distress. ‘you’re going whether you like it or not. i’m going to start the car , you better be ready in five.’
the drive is long , quiet , n the fragrance of your dads cologne hits your nose every once in a while. when you finally reach the destination , you’re taken aback by the size of the school n it’s exterior.
you open the passenger side door , putting your bag over your shoulder n stepping out. you admire the divine garden that's so carefully crafted , the prettiest pink peonies blossoming , easily standing out amongst the dark leaves.
your father motions with his head for you to follow , n you do , his tall frame n expensive suit grabbing looks from others. as you get closer , you’re able to view inside the building through the beautifully designed glass door.
stepping indoors , the foyer is large , n the glistening chandelier above your head gleams against the walls. your father talks to the receptionist , leaning over her as she types up your name.
paintings hang from many different parts of the room , depicting such elegance n poise. your fathers voice guides you away from your own little world , snapping you back into reality.
‘alright. you’re to go up to floor 3 , room 407.’ he hands you the card , adjusting his watch without even glancing at you. ‘can’t you go with me? to find it . .’ he looks at you , n for a moment , all he can see is his little princess , something he used to call you before everything changed.
‘fine , cmon.’ he leads the way , providing you some sort of comfort in this foreign place.
stopping at room 407 , you feel sick. you look at your father , worry etched on your face. ‘you’re going to be okay.’ his hand rests on your shoulder , which prompts him to pull you in for a hug. you’re caught off guard , but then you sink into his arms , feeling young all over again. ‘if you need me , just call me. i’ll be here at 8 to pick you up.’ you nod , trying not to cry.
he pulls away n gives you a final nod , a long suppressed sigh finally escaping you. you twist the door handle , revealing the spacious dance studio. it’s empty , the silence deafening. you walk in n sit in the middle of the room , placing your bag down next to you.
a couple minutes later , your new teacher walks in , her appearance triggering a sudden blush across your cheeks. ‘i apologize for being a bit late.’ you both make eye contact , a smile forming on her lips.
‘you’re my new teacher . . ?’ you push yourself off the floor , standing much shorter than her. ‘mmhm . . why do you sound so surprised ?’ she chuckles , stepping closer but keeping a respectful distance. ‘mm- m’not i just- it’s nice to meet you . .’ you redirect the conversation , putting your hand out nervously. ‘likewise. i’m ellie , but you can call me whatever you want.’ you shake hands , the touch forming feelings you’ve never felt before.
‘so. i will give you a moment to put on your things n then we will start.’ she turns to leave , but you interrupt her , wondering how to word this without sounding like a total creep. ‘well i- i always wear everything just underneath my clothes . . so there’s no need for that.’ you slide your shoes off , moving onto your pants , then your shirt.
your white , lacy leotard lined with frills n twinkling gems looks so precious on you , n ellie can’t seem to pull her eyes away. she clears her throat , pretending to flip through your chart on her clipboard. ‘says here you’re . . in advanced stages now? the role of odette , wow.’’ you nod , pulling your pointe shoes out of your bag.
you sit on the floor , sliding each shoe on n lacing up the silky ribbon , intertwining it around your legs. ellie grabs a chair , pulling it away from the wall before taking a seat. ‘alright.’ she starts from the top of her list , working her way down. ‘show me a relevé.’ you stand flat at first , releasing the tension without breaking your posture. with ease , you lift your heels upward until you’re vertical , balancing on the very tips of your toes.
‘that’s perfect. show me a piqué.’ you step forward , shifting your weight onto your right leg. your right foot falls directly en pointe , your body relaxed yet proper. ‘hm , yeah . .’ she adjusts in her seat. ‘let’s just move onto your part.’
𝓣𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏 "𝒔𝒘𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒂𝒌𝒆" 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 (𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝑰𝑰, 𝒏𝒐. 10: 𝒔𝒄è𝒏𝒆)
you’ve been practicing the role as 𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆 for months , studying the movements so well you can do it in your sleep. you twist n step across the floor with grace , your arms moving in specific ways to mimic a swan. you’re so delicate , perfectly composed n coordinated with the music. until you get closer to the run of doom , n you can’t seem to get it right. you’re flawless all throughout , then you lose focus , unable to properly create the illusion.
‘i see the issue.’ ellie pauses the music , placing her clipboard down n walking over to you. ‘you’re not securing your ankle. it has to be firm in order to hold the pose , even for a split second. then you can melt out of it.’ you look down , fiddling with your hands. you expect her to scream , tell you how disappointing you are , but instead , she is gentle n reassures you with absolute certainty.
‘hey , you still have two weeks. everything else is spot on , so we will focus on this part specifically.’ your eyes meet hers , the fear in your chest slowly replacing with confidence n desire to see this through.
over the next few hours , you’ve tried over n over a dozen of times , your muscles burn , you’re dizzy , tired , but slowly making progress.
‘focus on me. just relax , chin up , shoulders straight.’ oblivious to the door opening n your dads presence by the entrance , you begin to put what you’ve learned into this final try. although you’re aching , n your body is about ready to give out , you flourish , freezing in place en pointe. as the music continues , you melt out of the pose with ease.
‘atta girl , i knew you could do it.’ you practically jump around , giggling with excitement. ‘oh i can’t believe i finally did it ! i hope my parents will be proud . .’ ellie tilts her head , eyebrows furrowing. ‘you’re telling me they aren’t already?’ you shake your head , not prepared for a possible lecture tonight.
ellie’s hand cups your cheek , your eyes widening like a little puppy. ‘i’m proud , n you should be too.’ your father speaks loudly , ellie’s touch disappearing almost immediately. ‘i knew this place would be a good fit for you.’ he walks in with such enthusiasm , a smile , a real one plastered on his face.
‘dad i- since when did you get here? n yeah i- i actually quite like it . .’ his arms wrap around you , pulling you in. ‘i always knew you were capable , my little 𝒔𝒘𝒂𝒏. mom will be so proud.’ you look at ellie as your head is pressed against his chest , n she can tell you’re conflicted , confused , n simply a sweet girl who yearns for love n validation.
꒰ྀི১ ໒꒱ིྀ
as night fell , limbs tangled within the blankets , all you could do was think about ellie. the look she gave you no matter if you failed or succeeded , her hands adjusting your position , fingers lingering longer than normal. her praise so simple , yet , you secretly love her need to bring it so close to crossing that line , the one that prevents students n teachers from engaging in something deemed so wrong.
what would your parents think? their one n only daughter falling for a woman , one twice her age. surely they would pull you out of ballet for good , or transfer you across the country . . your hands meet your face , gliding down while applying a bit of pressure. ‘what am i doing . .’ you whisper , turning your head to check the time. it’s late , n you must be up early for rehearsals.
꒰ྀི১ ໒꒱ིྀ
time flies by faster than you can comprehend. the daily training n consistent resting builds up your strength , endurance , n ability to perfectly execute the role of 𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆.
today marks the final day before the opening night of 𝒔𝒘𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒂𝒌𝒆 , n so much has changed since you first got here.
you n ellie have been more touchy , flirty , saying things you probably shouldn’t. you exchanged numbers despite the legality of her contract , spending most nights texting her until she forces you to rest.
you've moved from the studio to the stage you will be performing on , the rows of seats n large curtains making you nervous. but everytime you lock eyes with ellie , everything else seems to disappear.
‘let’s start from the beginning. take your places , you all should know your cues by now.’ ellie really has an eye for even the slightest mistakes , analyzing every turn , bend , n move each dancer makes.
the music starts , the lights dim , the haunting sounds echoing enchantingly through the air. you watch in awe as every dancer plays their part , feeling uneasy as you wait for them to finish.
before you know it , your solo is next. you’re not focused , muscles tensing to the point your form is anything but smooth. as you progress , you feel your body stiffening. suddenly , you fall , landing on your knees. the room spins , your face red from embarrassment. muffled voices come closer , unrecognizable silhouettes crowding around you. you push yourself to your feet , running off the stage with tears streaming down your sweet face.
you push open the door to the bathroom , heading over to the sink. you stare into your reflection , n all you can see is what a disillusionment you are. what looks back at you within the mirror doesn’t look nor feel like you , instead a warped image of the real you underneath the facade you wear.
rushed footsteps grab your attention , your gaze landing on ellie’s worried expression. ‘hey , hey. it’s okay , it happens , you’re doing great , better than everyone else out there.’ you lean your head down , tears falling onto your white tutu.
‘i can’t do it- m’not meant for this . .’ your voice cracks , n ellie’s urge to comfort you physically instantly takes over. her arms wrap around you , pulling you close against her. you sob into her chest , makeup smeared , hands shaking.
‘shh . . just breathe. i know you’re burnt out , this is a lot. but listen . .’ she pulls away , holding both of your hands. ‘you have made so much improvement throughout these two weeks ,, n i am so honoured to have taught you.’ you look up at her , glossy eyes changing into something woeful.
without thinking , you push up on your toes , pressing your lips against hers. your fingers meet her hair , n she firmly pushes you against the wall. when she pulls away , you’re both left breathless , your vanilla lipgloss leaving a subtle taste on her tongue.
‘we shouldn’t be doing this . .’ she hums , looking down at you with admiration n lust. ‘i know.’ every kiss turns sloppier , ellie’s hands roaming in places they shouldn’t.
the distant sound of voices is heard outside , ‘we can’t get caught-‘ you whisper , eyes darting between ellie n the door. ‘i know , i don’t want anyone to see us.’ she checks the time , rehearsals are wrapping up. ‘i will tell them i found you n you wanted to go home. but , please. they need you for tomorrow . . i need you.’
the way her desperation slips through her empathetic tone , those green irises meeting yours. you nod , trying to hide the fact you’re blushing. ‘yeah?’ you sniffle , letting out a soft chuckle. ‘yeah.’
꒰ྀི১ ໒꒱ིྀ
𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕
the dressing room is chaotic. outfits are everywhere , not a single makeup chair is empty , n it’s so loud you can barely hear yourself think. though , the image of ellie’s touch is the only thing you see n an ache forms between your legs.
you’re the last to put on your dress , nervously emerging from behind the paravent. you look identical to a swan , the embroidered designs within the white fabric standing out in the light. the skirt has sewn in feathers n lace , matching perfectly with your custom made pointe shoes.
as everyone begins taking their places , ellie finds you in the crowd , her fast pace coming to an abrupt halt when she sees how ethereal you look. ‘do you like it . .?’ you softly turn , showing the corset ribbon on the back. ‘you look like a doll . .’ she steps closer , adjusting your hair n head piece.
‘you’re such a pretty little thing , you know that?’ others notice how close you two are , the way you’re smiling so wide n giggling at every joke she makes.
‘places everyone!’ the ballet mistress shouts. you kiss ellie on the cheek before quickly running to your designated spot , giving her a look from across the room.
the lights shine , n the music starts. you watch as the corps de ballet begins , their movements so smooth. next is the pas de trois , the audience cheering after every momentary pause. act I finishes with the goblet dance , the backdrops switching in order to fit act II.
as the ensemble of swans fill the stage , your solo is up. you focus intently , remembering what ellie taught you. breathe , relax , keep your posture upright. you embody odette with such perfection , the audience in awe at your performance. you see your parents in the front row , n for once , they look proud.
the rest of the show seems to pass by so quickly , n before you know it , you’re on the final pas de deux. you dance the final duet with prince siegfried , conveying an emotional , devastating message.
you both hold the final pose , the lights dim , the velvet red curtains closing. the reactions are an uproar , roses being thrown onto the stage.
everyone begins to celebrate , but all you can think about is ellie. you slide past the groups of people , finally finding her near the sidelines. you run to her , jumping into her arms , not caring what anyone may think or say.
‘there you are , i’m so proud of you.’ you practically kick your feet at her words , giggling as she tightens her squeeze. ‘thank you . .’ you whisper , letting ellie place you back down. ‘for what?’ you grab her hands , the same way she did with you , smiling up at her. ‘for believing in me.’
she leans down n kisses you , cupping your face with her hands. you feel like you’re in a dream , butterflies swarming around in your tummy. ‘always my sweet girl.’
