This Dance
A modern!AU fic for Itzal and Wendy.
--Are you nervous?
--A little.
He muffled a laugh into his right shoulder, the sound too tight with anxiety to skitter far beyond the girl’s ears. His large, prominently bony hands rested comfortably in preparation for the music because this was Wendy, his best friend, and this was her big day. But Itzal’s eyes were dark reflections of fear, windows baring the maws of a thousand worries about gripping her hand too tightly or stepping on her train and ripping the delicate lace.
--It’s okay. Relax.
--Trying to.
The music wafted through the room and Itzal hunched his shoulders as if he could make his 6’3” frame fold up neatly onto the floorboards to make way for the next man in line who would be better, more deserving, more whole. Wasn’t it a little late to tell her? That he did not dance, that he had never danced since Nere’s death and that yes, they had practiced just yesterday, but that was different. This was her day, her only-once day, and he did not want to be the one to ruin in.
The music swelled.
--Well, here goes nothing.
--Yeah.
His physical defect was a noticeable impediment, a tell-tale limp that hooked apprehension into his chest. His gaze groped for the toes of his pointed shoes that disappeared under the folds of Wendy’s white dress. She smiled up at him, catching his eyes before they could crash to the floor.
--I’m terrified, he whispered.
--Why? Her delicate brows drew together with concern.
--I’m...I’ll mess everything up.
--No...never. This day would be nothing without you.
Her ballerina flats always hit the ground running while he was content to watch her with his hands hidden in his pockets and loafers planted, the rock she could return to if she somehow managed to get lost in that sunshine world of hers. A world he could sometimes catch a glimpse of when they had cupped palms to the spring rain, when they had wandered the City searching for the freshest mint for that perfect vegan ice cream recipe that Itzal had discovered purely by accident.
Wendy placed a hand against his cheek. The song was over. His nose stung as he relinquished her to Alex’s arms and hurried off the stage. His part was over at last and there would be others to hold her hand and kiss her cheek and wish her the happiness she deserved in full. Others with whom to dance.