Author's Notes: I actually really enjoyed writing this one! I didn't have an inspiration dance performance for this one, but I listened to "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri for the first draft and then Paul de Senneville's "Spring Waltz (Mariage d'amour)" for all of the editing. To be honest I think the "Spring Waltz (Mariage d'amour)" made me a little soft which might show in the writing. Also, I think the timing for this fic's release is kind of fitting considering what is currently being released in the Japanese server. Just like the rest of this AU/series the reader is female for this fic. I hope you enjoy!
If you would like to read more this AU/series, the fics can be found here: Strictly NRC Dancing AU Master-List
Type: Dance AU/female reader/romantic/fluff
Word Count: 996
I inhaled softly before slipping out of the dressing room and heading out for the final performance of the day. My dance with Malleus.
The Viennese waltz was, fittingly, one of the oldest ballroom dances. It was also one of the dances with the biggest legend surrounding it.
Commonly thought of as the most romantic dance and well known as one of the most popular forms that a wedding’s first dance could take.
In a strange way, it was almost daunting to be performing such a dance with Malleus.
It was completely different from dancing with Trein. Rather than being incredibly relaxing, it was more like it was half-embarrassing.
But those feelings melted away once Malleus met my awkward gaze with a smile. Holding out his hand with gleaming eyes, he calmly asked an incredibly simple question: “May I?”
It was almost odd for him to ask if he could dance with me, considering that Crowley had forced me into this position. Dancing any and every dance I was pulled for in these classes’ games of straws. No matter the class, partner, or my feelings on the matter, I was going to perform.
Perhaps that was why the smile I gave him in return was a genuine one as I slipped my hand into his gloved one and nodded, “Of course.”
His fangs flashed as his smile widened, and he backed up slowly to the center of the floor, pulling me along with him as the lights slowly dimmed.
The music had just started as he gently pulled me into hold. His eyes never left mine even as he slowly began to guide me into the gentle but surprisingly fast and whirling dance.
And I found I was content to gaze back at him, fully trusting him to lead me through our performance as I matched his smile with one of my own. But, at odds with my earlier embarrassment, there was an ease to being him.
Perhaps it was because our friendship had sprouted out of nothing with no expectations and me even calling him Hornton of all things.
I had to bite back a quiet laugh as I thought about the fact that even now I was calling someone so supposedly scary something as ridiculous as Hornton. But that’s just how we were.
At this point, I could confidently say that neither Malleus nor I really cared what others thought about the two of us. Which was probably why I no longer had any nervous butterflies or concerns as I danced with him.
I wasn’t being graded, and I had no doubts that Malleus would pass this class with ease. So all I was really doing was just dancing. Only for the fun of it.
And I’d even gotten the chance to accept this dance and this partner instead of just being pushed into performing and expected to just accept it.
“You’re quite talented, Child of man,” There was a sparkle in Malleus’s eyes as he spoke, and I felt a grin creep onto my face.
“I ought to be, what with all the training I’ve been getting,” He chuckled slightly, nodding his head in admission to my wry words.
“That is true. But Lilia told me there was a perfect dance partner out there for everyone… Perhaps you shall find yours in the course of the classes.”
I smiled slightly at his words. Of course Lilia would say something like that. Ever the romantic.
But I couldn’t deny it was a pleasant thought, “Maybe… It would be nice.”
He huffed out a quiet laugh, “You are as much of a romantic as Lilia.”
I fought the urge to shrug. Even as skilled a dancer as Malleus was, that would ruin the performance for sure, “Hey, everyone’s got their weaknesses.”
He hummed in response as he pivoted us across the floor, something flickering through those bright green eyes of his as his gaze shifted to something in the distance and turned thoughtful, “Indeed, I seem quite weak to moments such as these.”
His eyes found mine again, his slit pupils dilating as soon as our gazes met, and I fought the urge to tilt my head questioningly. Opting to instead let him explain on his own time.
Malleus wasn’t one to leave me hanging.
“I’ve grown quite fond of making these memories with you… Perhaps you have become more precious to me than I realized.”
Even if I’d had the words, I wasn’t given the chance to respond as he punctuated his statement by gently pulling me up into a bridal-style hold.
Carefully cradling me against his chest, he leaned his head forward to gently rest his forehead against mine. Our spinning slowed to match the gradually fading song.
In just a few more moments, our performance would be finished.
“Perhaps this is what it means to find one’s perfect partner?” His voice was quiet, but I still caught the words he practically breathed out. There was no way I could miss them with how close we were to one another.
His gaze held mine as he cradled me against him, and silence spread through the room as the song finished its lilting end.
The final notes of the melody clung to their small area in what felt like a massive span of time as me and Malleus came to a stop, still staring at one another. His, an almost solemn but tender gaze while I stared back at him, wide-eyed.
And then he sat me down, a smile back on his face that made it look like nothing had been said as he inclined his head, “Thank you for the dance, Child of Man.”
He turned, still holding my hand gently, as he headed over towards the applauding judges, but I barely even heard them congratulating him on a dance well done. Instead, my head was too filled with his words and exactly how tender his gaze had been in that brief moment.
Seeing that I am promenading down nostalgia lane, my next modern kdrama rewatch after I finish Doctor Stranger is my favorite of the seasons dramas - Spring Waltz. I adored it so but I don’t remember much other than the glorious angst, amazing ship and my burning hatred for every parental figure in this.
This was Han Hyo Jo’s first leading role and she’s gone on to become one of my all time favorite actresses. Seo Do Young, the leading man here, never had much of an amazing career after and it’s a pity because he was great in this.
Dance with me
Life is a dream
We can take the reigns
Oh see, the moon
Nothing to fear
Wait for me and I'll be there
Follow me
Into the clouds
Lift upon the breeze
Oh, those days are gone
But we can remember
You are my memory
We all want to be seen by another
For all we hope to be
We never know the way
We'll be brought together
But when we are, it sets us free
I'll wait for you
We all want to be seen by another
For all we hope to be
We never know the way
We'll be brought together
But when we are, it sets us free
Follow me
Into the clouds
Lift upon the breeze
Oh, those days are gone
But we can remember
Wait for me
And I'll be there
Mmm…
