m o v e

kieran . 24. principal dancer / founder of the kieran parsons company

[havencurriere]

Dance, for Haven, had never been a choice, not hers anyway. Her peers all had their stories, of when and why they chose dance, when it clicked, and when the question fell back on her she just shrugged, said she’d always known. It was the truth, sort of; she danced because it was what she was brought into this world to do, to achieve all her mother couldn’t. Sometimes she caught herself hoping her ankle would give out from under her, just as Kieran’s did— and then she shoved the thought away, panicked at the prospect of not dancing, even after all the pain it’d caused her. Who was she without it? She cheated her way through school and so she had no other skills or interests to fall back on, she’d given her all to dance. Panic could’ve been her out but instead it gave her perspective, as near death experiences did. She slowed down, determined to make ballet something she enjoyed and not just the thing she did. 

It was Kieran who’d helped her the most, giving her space when she needed it but also challenging her to set boundaries with herself, to strive for something other than perfection. She was embarrassed to admit she stayed at the studio so late not to fine-tune her technique but to step outside her comfort zone, playing and experimenting in a way that still felt totally unfamiliar to her. Even as she watched Kieran she wasn’t focused on technical prowess as much as overall feeling – she had a few notes, but it was late and she figured it was nothing he wouldn’t work out himself. 

She clapped as he finished and walked towards her, the polite and silent kind usually reserved for tennis. “Maybe. Is that allowed?," she teased, brows raised, then shrugged. “Lost track of time.” Watching the sweat pool off of him, she grabbed a towel from her bag and tossed it to him. “I like when it’s quiet like this too. Like I have the freedom to embarrass myself.” It was strange to admit out loud, that she was even capable of such a thing, but she knew he’d understand. She hesitated a moment then stood up, and stepped closer to him, “No notes.”

[kieran-parsons]

Kieran nodded and laughed in recognition of her comment. As much as he lived for the applause it was refreshing to be able to move outside the lines, push the boundaries of skill and redefine 'good' and 'bad' dance. It was all just movement anyway and he was like a shark, just had to keep moving.

No notes from Haven of all people was unimaginable, not with her eye, but it was evidence of growth he supposed. She wasn't so eager to point out perceived flaws and he wasn't suspicious of her biting her tongue now just to save it for later to put him off his game. Crazy, he thought, how they'd all once been tooth and nail to rise above each other on some invisible ladder of perfection, now he was just happy to see her.

"Shower?" he suggested, using her close proximity to flick her with the towel she'd given him. "I'm starving and I'm not gonna take my girl out to celebrate all sweaty. You, obviously," he clarified, joking about her being the sweaty one. And before she could ask, "I don't know what we're celebrating. Just life. Success. Bein' sexy as hell and everyone being jealous about it."

[havencurriere]

"Okay, " she said, unconvinced his one more actually meant just that. At least her's rarely did, which he'd seen time and time again, when she insisted on running something to perfection or until she wore herself out, whichever came first. It was late though and Kieran had a little more restraint than her. "I have a few," she offered tentatively, as though asking if he really wanted her criticism. Her eyes narrowed as he hooked a finger under her chin, a challenging look on her face which barely concealed the smirk she was fighting back. She kissed him quickly, and then again, in case he had any qualms about the first. "Good?," she asked as she pulled back, teasing, and nudged him away. "You can keep the change on that too." Even when they danced together it was a different experience, she didn't get to appreciate Kieran's talent the same as if she were a spectator. He was a treat to watch, the effortlessness with which he moved always something she'd quietly envied. Haven dropped her bag to the floor then slid down next to it, back against the mirrored wall, and looked to Kieran expectantly. "Ready when you are."

[kieran-parsons]

They'd both gone through the motions when it came to their feelings toward dancing. Back in high school when he'd broken his ankle and taken the Chicago Ballet for everything they had he'd been relieved to have been forced to stop. Then the dust had settled and he'd come back more determined to prove himself than ever. His company was thriving and he'd made a real name for himself... and then dancing was just business all over again. This time he was less self destructive about the feeling though, choosing to find his joy in these rare moments where no one was expecting anything from him. Haven could understand better than anyone, he was certain, which was probably why she never tried to stop him.

"Mm," he hummed happily at the second kiss, not shying away from making it known how he wanted her. She deserved it, to be chosen and wanted exactly how she was, and for once he was happy to lay his ego to the side and prove it quietly. What he appreciated was that her presence wasn't a distraction as he danced. He could feel her eyes on him but his focus wasn't pulled. It didn't feel like a performance, it still felt like the same freedom as he'd had when no one had been there at all. Well, maybe he'd added a few flourishes because he was by nature a show off, but he swore it was all in the name of Haven's entertainment.

"Probably a bit much for the kids, huh?" he joked as he caught his breath, rising from his final position. As the track started over again he made a few languid steps toward her, fishing his water bottle off the floor next to her. He let the music play, if only because it made the room feel warmer. "Why are you still here, anyway? You miss me that bad?"

[havencurriere]

Haven didn't insist on being last to leave the studio like she once did but there were moments, like today, where time just got away from her. The lights were off, practice rooms all but empty besides one, at the end of the hall, which she poked her head in to. She lingered in the door frame while Kieran, headphones on, briefly oblivious to her presence, blocked choreo. They kept it professional at work (or tried to, at least) but that hardly stopped any gossip from circulating, jealous whispers of what she'd done to get a role. As if she hadn't danced lead long before they started sleeping together too. Like a sixth sense, Kieran always knew when he was being watched and she smiled as he caught her. "How long is this going to take?" She wagged a finger in his general direction, recognizing that same bit of tenacious perfectionism they shared. "Before I say I'll wait up, I don't want to be here all night either."

@kieran-parsons

[kieran-parsons]

Kieran hadn't even meant to be in the studio that evening but once inspiration struck he was unstoppable. Hours later and he was slick with sweat, completely in his element as he studied his every move in the mirrors, correcting and correcting until the foundations he'd laid were perfect. Almost magnetically he came out of a turn facing his audience, expression of focus loosening into his ever-charming smile toward Haven. "Now's the only time I get to dance without being interrupted," he said, though he did scoff a laugh to himself when he picked up his phone and noticed the time. "One more," he promised, changing the music connection from his headphones to the sound system in the studio so she could hear it as well. "Opinions are welcome," he noted, knowing full well he was opening himself up to what some considered Haven's harsh truths. "However, if you're going to watch you have to pay the entry fee," he hooked a finger under her chin gently, clearly expecting a kiss.

[havencurriere]

Though they wore it differently they were just as stubborn as the other, and that was probably why she didn't like him for so long, his unwillingness to compromise like being confronted with a mirror. That and she'd been jealous- that Kieran seemed to get just as much from ballet as he gave to it, like it lit this fire within him.

If he said something she'd hardly registered it, her lips back on his almost as soon as they'd parted. He could call it eager all he wanted but he was hardly innocent in that regard either. Haven looked up at the sound of someone's throat clearing, dazed, and stifled a laugh as her gaze shifted from the older woman they'd interrupted them back to Kieran. "Are you sure, I think I'd like to hear what you have to say," she teased, moving off the wall she'd been backed into but not any farther from him. "Back inside?" It didn't sound that enticing coming from her, the gala full of only the stuffiest of high society, but she didn't want to be presumptuous either. "Or somewhere else?"

[kieran-parsons]

"Of course arguing would turn you on," he was smooth with the way his lips just happened to keep finding her jawline as he spoke, not giving an iota of care toward the woman who had spotted them. No doubt she'd tattle to someone inside but that was a potential issue for future Kieran. Present Kieran was preoccupied. It was clear both in the way Haven had said it and in the way his brow arched at the idea of going back inside that it had been the last option on either of their minds. "Nah baby that's not gonna be it," he stepped back, hand outstretched reminiscent of the way he would if they were dancing.

At first he started walking, but the nosy woman clicking onto who they were and calling their names had his pace increasing until they were running away down the street. As they slowed he glanced back at the glow of the venue and breathed a sigh of relief. "Freedom," he chuckled, slipping his jacket off and giving it to Haven without a second thought while he organised a ride. "Kind of ironic," he was casual as ever with her as they waited, the only difference that rather than standing a few respectable feet apart he couldn't help but be in her space, "how you've never been to my place because I didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea, and now... I mean, it's crazy how hard scrabble goes after too much champagne." Not that he was intending on playing board games, but he wanted to give her an out. It was a new feeling, knowing that it was going to hurt if she woke up and regretted it all in the morning.

[havencurriere]

Kieran had his reputation: whatever vibe there was between the two of them she figured wasn't just exclusive to her, that he got like that with everyone. They kissed once, on New Year's, and then she felt stupid for reading it as any more than that, a drunken midnight kiss, and shut the thought down entirely. They'd changed though, as gradual as it was, Haven lightening up as much as the universe could allow, noticing the subtle ways in which they'd become gentler with one another.

"Don't need you to try," she quipped back, welcoming his hand on her waist. "Not that there's not room for improvement, but.. don't do it on my behalf." She didn't shy away from holding his gaze, moving in closer to him until their lips met.

[kieran-parsons]

Kieran exhaled a short laugh; they both knew better than to think he would do anything purely for anyone else's sake. Like he said, he was trying to be better but he was hardly there. It helped too that Haven knew him, had seen his selfish nature in full force and even butted heads with it for years during their youth.

"Let's-" he started to suggest they keep it moving but cut himself off, too engrossed in the moment to let it end just yet. Their New Year's kiss had been hurried enough, a drunken product of him being scared for her during those stupid daredevil games. It wasn't until he heard someone clear their throat nearby that he parted from her, though continued to hold her close and murmur his displeasure at being interrupted. "We should make a move before I start saying some shit to an old white lady..."

[havencurriere]

It said something that Haven felt comfortable enough moving past just friendship without so much as a second thought, or at least- no second thoughts yet. They'd been dancing, literally dancing, around it a while now, and apparently were the last to really notice. "Not right now," she huffed back, playful. Neither of them seemed to be in any immediate hurry as they kept gliding through the dance floor, seeing the song through to the end. There was no sense in rushing now, not after it'd taken this long to clear the air between them. With a nod she followed his lead away from the ballroom, away from any prying eyes. "Oh Emory's been bugging me for months," she admitted with a laugh, coming to a stop once they were well enough down the hall, the sound of the gala a distant hum. Smirking, she stepped closer to him. "Sixty seconds is really all you need, huh."

[kieran-parsons]

If he stopped to think about it he'd realise how crazy it was that he'd never considered Haven with her sky-high walls the challenge to beat, rather his own flighty history. He'd gained enough self awareness over the years to understand that he wasn't the type of guy who left people better off in the end. Slowly, one moment with her at a time, he'd been changing until he'd reached the point where he didn't feel entirely like the old Kieran anymore, that maybe he could be worth the risk.

"I'm trying to be a good guy," he admitted, though he wasn't shy in the way he welcomed her closer with a hand on her waist. "Or at least a better one. Baby steps." He lingered for a moment longer, allowing himself the freedom to openly let his gaze wander between her eyes and her lips, before he finally leaned in to kiss her.

[havencurriere]

For as long as she could remember Haven kept her feelings to herself, not necessarily out of a mistrust for others but it was just how she was, insular. Maybe that was her upbringing too; push it all down, no interferences, don't lose sight of the bigger picture. That balance she had to find on her own, between drive and everything else, and was still finding it, clearly. For as much as she'd let Kieran in she still chose to ignore the palpable tension between them, not entertaining the idea past any of their usual banter. When they danced together it seemed like her feet hardly touched the ground, like floating through air. "For better and for worse," she teased after she'd spun back to face him. If she hesitated a second it was only to ensure he was genuine, not nearly as self-assured as he was. "I think I could be ready now... if that's alright with you."

[kieran-parsons]

As much as Kieran's ego entered the room a step ahead of him he found himself calm as he decided to shift beyond the comfort of the grey area they'd been in. Maybe because he didn't feel like he had anything to lose, that even if Haven shot him down they'd remain as they were – which, considering his track record he wouldn't have flinched if she'd keeled over laughing. Still, he couldn't say he'd felt that before, the sense of confidence that he wasn't about to make a mess of everything. "Right now? Okay, eager," he teased, clearly pleased with her answer. As happy as he was he left it lingering in the air as they danced through the rest of the song, not trying to rush the moment. This time was going to be different. "Take a breather?" he kept a hold of her hand as the song petered out and he took a step toward the ballroom door. "Full disclosure I want sixty full seconds alone before Emory senses a disturbance in the force."

[havencurriere]

Maybe that was their common thread outside dance- they were equally stubborn, just as difficult as one another. Her mom might've been a sensitive subject but she was a nuisance more than anything else these days, no longer the force she'd once been in Haven's life. As Kieran he took her hand, she smirked back at him, not above showing off in the slightest. It was less about captivating a crowd for her though as much as it was spending time with him, communicating how they did best. She bit back a grin at his warning, brows raised as she anticipated whatever it was he had to say. Her reaction didn't come as an outright laugh but an amused smile, threatening to bubble over into a chuckle, "You watch me dance with other people all the time." The setting was different though, and so were the implications, as nonsensical as it sounded. "You've spoiled me though. It's not the same with anyone else."

[kieran-parsons]

Anyone who knew Kieran even vaguely knew he wasn't the cryptic type. He said what he meant and he meant what he said, always. The issue was that he was a busy man – between running the company, being a dancer in said company himself, as well as his hobby side quests choreographing and dancing outside of ballet it didn't leave a lot of time for a personal life. Hence his reputation in the dance community as the king of one night stands. It seemed sensible too, allowing Haven to handle her recovery in peace. She'd needed a friend and for perhaps the first time ever he didn't want to take advantage of that for his own gain. "That's work. I tolerate it," he said, guiding her into a spin. It was effortless how elegantly they danced, the movement coming to them as naturally as breathing. "Could be said that nothing about me is the same as anyone else," he smirked as they came face to face again, playful but also confidently in his ego. "This vibe we've been ignoring, I'm ready whenever you are to see where it might go."

[havencurriere]

"Have we?," she countered, smirking. So much of their friendship relied on unspokens, silent understandings; polar opposite to her relationship with Emory, where every little passing glance or change in tone required a debrief. As nice as it was to get a change in pace it could be frustrating too, when the things they didn't say lingered too long between them. "Yeah, you're a handful too." She glanced back at the ballroom then to him again, cautious, as if she'd really say no. "And you've been saving it for me right, I hope you're saying that." Setting her drink down, she extended a hand. "I don't think you're getting off that easy."

[kieran-parsons]

He scoffed a short laugh if only because she was right. Being a handful had been his goal from the very moment he'd set foot in Rosewood, in one way or another. "Well I wasn't saving it for Emory so–" he shrugged, expecting her to blow him off when he mentioned her mom, a delicate topic at the best of times. When she presented a hand he ducked his head and smirked, knowing from experience that her mom was far from the type to be easily satisfied. "Lucky I can back myself up." It was a treat for the entire room to see Rosewood's best dancers in action, even if Kieran was focused more on enjoying himself than showing off for once. More focused on Haven than onlookers adoration. "Don't laugh..." a preface that would probably only encourage the reaction he wanted to avoid but also made it clear that he knew it leaned ridiculous, "but I'm glad I haven't had to watch you dance with anyone else tonight."

[havencurriere]

She shot a quick glare in Kieran's direction before her potential suitor at last took the hint and left. Only after the fact was she grateful for his company, figuring no one would dare interject themselves into their conversation. "Sure, but what would we talk about then?" She smirked, quirking her brow up at him. Even if their friendship revolved around more than just dance now it always boiled back down to that; it was always about dance, even when it wasn't. "Think I've pretty much hit my friend threshold anyway, and Emory has to count for five friends at least. That's like a full time job."

[kieran-parsons]

"I dunno, we've always been good at the not talking thing." He meant it in the sense that there'd been legitimate years where they'd barely spoken in any real sense because it was always about dance first and foremost. Now it was... different. Where Jacy had been a quickly rising infatuation, Haven was a soft spot and if he paid attention he would have realised that he might have been the last to notice. "You think they're gonna let you use that as an excuse? I mean, not that I'm arguing. More for me." He cocked his chin toward the ballroom floor– as always, when he didn't know what to say it all came back to dance. "I've been saying I only got time for one dance tonight. Want to show off for your mom? Keep her off your back... Or mine, mostly."

[havencurriere]

Haven was convinced there were only a handful of people who actually looked forward to Rosewood's charity balls and she was not among them. That wasn't to say she hated them either, it was more like an indifference, and if rubbing elbows with every pilates mom in town got the company more money then that was the price she paid. Champagne in hand, she stopped mid-sip as someone approached her to dance. "Oh- I don't really think I'm up for that right now, and," she held her glass up, "my hands are full."

[kieran-parsons]

Kieran didn't feel the need to swoop in– Haven was easily more intimidating than him in these scenarios anyway. Instead he positioned himself a short way away behind her apparent admirer, pulling a stupid expression that insinuated it was cruel of her to keep anyone hanging. Once she was alone again he sauntered over, he himself hoping that they seemed uninterruptible. Even he and his god given skills of socialising needed a break sometimes. "Aw, come on, your hands are full? You can do better than that... Have you ever considered that it might be good for you to have friends in other professions? I mean... knowing an accountant or whatever could even be useful. More useful than a dozen ballerinas who can't even look you in the eye."

[kieran-parsons]

[havencurriere]

Technically perfect she could do all day but there was no spark there, not unless she had new choreo at the very least, and Romeo and Juliet she could do with her eyes shut. She liked to be pushed. "Sorry, was there a mood?," she teased, smirk just barely breaking way onto her lips. "Yeah, whatever." She tugged on his arm, knowing they were bound to stumble into another round of frosé eventually. "You know if you like rosé I won't tell anyone. Criminally inoffensive is kind of its whole thing."

[kieran-parsons]

"Never really been a wine guy," he revealed, though he'd faked it for long enough that he figured people probably thought the opposite by that point. "Gives your whole vibe though, high society pool party. Don't worry, no judgment, I respect your culture." Given how serious Haven was in general he tended to be more downplayed in his sense of humour, less theatric. Maybe he wanted to make her laugh, he didn't know, he didn't spend any time thinking in depth about it. "What flavour? Since you're the connoisseur and all," he pondered over the options, "Mango lime sounds alright... Yeah, gimme a fishbowl of that. Extra gummy bears on top. It's cheat day."

[havencurriere]

As one of the company's more accomplished dancers, Haven rubbed elbows with a lot of the same donors Kieran did but of course not nearly to the same extent. The way they regarded her was usually different too- never like they were doing her a favor. She frowned a second then smirked, "Think they'll let me be Romeo?" Reinventing the classics didn't always bide well, and even she didn't like to mess with them too much, but maybe it'd be just enough to get the suits off their back and let them try something new. She narrowed her eyes at him as he flicked at her hair and shrugged. "I might. We should probably do it soon too, before everyone's peed in it."

[kieran-parsons]

Haven was making comments in jest, but Kieran couldn't say it wasn't an idea worth considering. Sure, they'd have to redo the choreo from the ground up but he could do it... Later, when he wasn't trying to relax for the first time in what felt like months in the midst of preparations for their ongoing summer shows. "Still a mood killer. Love the consistency for you, girl," he grimaced toward the water, even if it did look pristine. "We're doing refills first. I don't even like this shit but I'm gonna need to forget you said that."

[havencurriere]

Haven tensed up as somebody grabbed her, about two seconds from whirling around and letting them have it before she realized it was Kieran. "Oh- Mhm. Excuse us." She smiled back at the couple he was trying to escape- old money, felt entitled to every little thing they opened their wallet for, then ushered him away from them. "What'd they want this time, new leotards in exchange for your soul?"

[kieran-parsons]

He was torn between wishing it were someone else and being relieved that it was Haven he'd come across. At least she understood his plight on some level, but that also meant she knew enough to ask questions. "Something like that," he chuckled, actively trying to let the greasy feeling slide off him as they started walking. "Said I wanted to put on an original production at the end of the year but they want us to do Romeo and Juliet again." The pair of them could have danced that entire ballet in their sleep, and it was no secret they made magic every time they did, but as much as Kieran respected the classics his entire dream revolved around the innovation of dance. Still, there was no point in getting in his head about it then and there. Instead he flicked at the ends of her hair, "You gonna get in the water? Seems redundant for us to be here if we don't."

[kieran-parsons]

"Yo, I've been looking for you everywhere–" Kieran reached out, corralling the passerby on reflex without even looking to see who they were. Anything to get out of the conversation he was having. As much as schmoozing with the upper crust was necessary to get donations toward his company, he was trying to move out of the phase of his life were he was quietly pimping himself out to keep afloat. It made him sick, the way these people looked at him like a conquest, like he was lucky they wanted him. "Remember that thing I messaged you about? We really gotta talk about that... Somewhere else..."

[kieran-parsons]