Invasive Thoughts
A Princess Tutu fanfic by Klondike Aura
Perfection lives in stories. Rue reaches pretty close, however. She hides her flaws away on stage, arching gracefully and stepping lightly. The thrill courses through her veins, setting her blood on fire as she dances the cherished role of Swan Queen for all of Goldkrone to see.
She feared being chosen at first. It was inevitable, being the best of the best in the company. When she peered into Swan Lake, the glasslike surface did nothing but reflect her past.
"A past that needn't trouble you anymore," her lover assured. "Hadn't you said before that Mr. Cat-" and it's here that he chuckles, though at the notion of Mr. Cat and not at her expense, "-once theorized that Odile's love might not be impure?"
His strong arms hold her close, stronger than she ever expected them to be, and she leans her head on his shoulder.
"You don't have to dance it. I'd never hold it against you, not when the phantom limb of the past still pains you. But I know you would be radiant."
Rue gave the Swan Queen a chance after that, letting Odette carry the past and Odile throw it away. How liberating to turn fouette after fouette in the present, how liberating to break apart her history piece by piece and die with it at the end of each performance. She almost wanted to switch the characters' costumes.
It helped that he was there for every step, accompanying her every move. Even when she danced alone, his presence supported her.
"Only the Prince can love you?" he asked long ago. "That lie serves no purpose but to hurt you. I will help you see how wrong it is."
She looks to the audience when she takes her bows but she knows he's not out there. He left to linger backstage sometime after her latest dramatic death. But she smiles to the crowd as though she sees him there. She turns her head and spies the gleam of his glasses and the bouquet of gardenias balanced in his arms as he claps callused hands. Her dance partner steps over to bring her the flowers but Rue is sure to blow a kiss to Autor.
"Do you miss your Prince?" he asks as they walk home arm in arm.
"Sometimes," she admits, taking in the heady aroma of the gardenias. "But it's not as often anymore."
Autor nods.
"Do you get jealous?" she asks back. "It's not fair to ask you to compete with a dream or delusion."
"Not really," he replies, adjusting his glasses. "The important part is the Prince isn't the only one who loves you."
Rue leans her head on his shoulder and she can feel the heat from his cheek.
Sometimes it's difficult, finding love in the real world. And yet love found Rue.
fin
Author's Notes: I guess I was in the mood to write some Autor/Rue? It's a sort of what if the events of the series were...well, not exactly only in Rue's head but if she remained in the reality she was born in. Or if there were a real Rue that lives in Goldkrone after the Rue of the series departed for the story.