Ruffled Feathers

A/N: This is just a one-shot. Happy holidays.

"I got the part," Sandy said, tossing her keys on the table and looking at Clara. "What?"

Her roommate squealed, rushing over to hug her. "I'm so proud of you!" she yelled, grabbing Sandy's hands. "So, who's the lucky Prince Siegfried?"

"That's the thing, never heard of him," she said, looking at the casting choice again. "Guess he's new."

Clara looked at the paper. "Oh, I know him."

"You do?"

"Yeah, he comes by the flower shop sometimes and Nazo knows him."

Sandy nodded, walking further into the apartment. They had weeks to prepare, so at least she had time to get to know Shadow.

The one thing Sandy noticed about Shadow right away was that he looked like he'd rather be somewhere else. Nonetheless, she smiled, walking towards him. "Hi, I'm yer partner fer Swan Lake. Good to finally meet you." She said, shaking his hand.

Shadow pushed off the wall. "Alright let's get this over with. Have you stretched yet?" he asked, going into the middle of the dance room.

"I was jus' gettin' started," Sandy answered, putting her bag down next to Shadow's. "what brought you into ballet?"

Shadow shrugged, moving to sit on the floor. "Used to get bored a lot so my stepmom used to take me to her classes with her and I picked it up from there." He said, tapping on his phone. "What about you?"

"I wanted a challenge," she said, grinning as she finished stretching. They had weeks to prepare so they had to make every day count.

It was finally here, opening night. Sandy tapped her foot against the floor, trying to calm her nerves. It was almost time for Odette to meet Prince Siegfried and she didn't want to mess up. She had been in position for a while, humming along to each song so she wouldn't get fed up. She unfurled herself as the music started and she looked at Shadow. They had both trained hard for this so it was only fair they gave the audience a worthy performance.

The play continued, Shadow's lingering touches as they danced not going unnoticed. It was believable enough to almost fool her that he actually liked her, especially with what happened while they were training. She never dwelled on his lips on hers for too long and the way he immediately put space between them.

She sucked in a breath as Shadow lifted her, putting her down for the finale. She looked out at the crowd from the platform she was on, arms moving to signify wings and for a brief moment, it felt like she could fly.

Sandy headed outside, breath puffing out as she adjusted her scarf. Clara wanted to celebrate once she got back to the apartment.

"Hey," Shadow said, moving towards her. "Uh, I was wondering if. . .after, I mean, could we," he stopped, swallowing.

"You askin' me out on a date?" she asked, smiling as Shadow nodded. "Well," she continued, grabbing his arm. "Clara's celebratin' at our place. You should come with me."

Shadow opening his mouth to speak before closing it. He nodded, walking with her back to the apartment.