Heat 10
A/N: Depression freaking sucks. But thanks to jediannsolo for inspiring a few events in this chapter with her recent art.
He had lost. Weeks after Sandy's injury and bartering with his former boss, he had lost. Initially, he had won the game, knowing it wouldn't stop Von Barke. But now, now as Von Barke could be clearly seen among other spectators some form of dread crawled it's way into Shadow's stomach, twisting it in knots.
He shook his head, looking away from Von Barke. He had to focus. Not get distracted by— "Roxanne?" he asked, easily recognizing the jackal he'd been dancing with ever since he started. He walked towards her as she smiled, smoothing out the dark blue, one-shouldered dress with lavender ruffles on the side and bottom.
"Hey," she said, hugging him and pulling away to look at him. "Heard you got a new partner. How's that working out?" she continued, squeezing his arm briefly.
Shadow swallowed. "Pretty good, bit of a learning curve with her but—"
"There you are," Sandy said, silver dress shimmering as she nudged him. Her sides and back showing with a diamond cut extending from the collar to her chest, arms bare. Lethal. "We're startin' in an hour, go get changed."
Shadow scoffed, forgetting about his former boss for a moment until he looked at the stands for Nazo and Clara. He didn't notice how Roxanne's face fell or the step she took back, away from Sandy.
"Looks like yer ankle is better," Sandy commented, smiling as she stepped closer to Roxanne. "which is fine all things considered, but, Roxy, do me a favor." Her smile grew as Roxanne shivered, meeting her gaze as Sandy tilted her head.
"Yeah?" Roxanne mumbled, glancing around for the stocky build of her new partner.
"Next time you see or touch my partner, your ankle won't be the only thing broken like last time."
She watched as Roxanne gulped, quickly nodding before she went to go find her partner. Sandy sighed, rubbing at her temples. Since when did she start referring to Shadow, of all people, as hers? As a partner really.
She watched as Shadow walked towards her, straightening his cufflinks. She rolled her shoulders back as he led her to the polished wooden dance floor. She waited as the announcer called numbers and names. She placed a hand on his bicep, the other around his neck as the music started, easily carving out steps to follow him in.
"Watch your tempo," he mumbled, fluidly moving across the floor among other dancers.
"I'm fine, worry bout yourself." She shot back, holding onto him as her leg pressed against his ribcage.
"Might want to mind your business," he replied, turning.
"This is my business long as we keep this up."
Shadow swallowed, quickly grabbing at her hip to steady them and ignoring the glare she sent him, the grip she had on his back and arm, how close they were. Her leg struck downward, the solid sound of her heel against wood echoing as the music ended.
He looked at her, taking her hand in his as they bowed. "What was that?"
"Lil finesse, that's all." Sandy answered, grin unwavering as she glanced at him. "Crowd seems to love it."
Shadow was suddenly aware of the cat calls and excited shouts of 'number 15' as he looked up.
The Quickstep passed by, followed by the Waltz and Sandy's right leg against his shoulder, black heel high as the crowd cheered.
"You do this kind of thing often?" he asked, wiping at his face with a towel. "Whole 'not so innocent' shtick?"
Sandy scoffed, hanging the towel around her shoulders. "You'd like that wouldn't you?"
"In your dreams," he said, walking towards her. "You should be glad you're awake." he continued, touching her cheek.
He sucked in a breath as his back hit the wall, cool metal against his throat as Sandy frowned. "Don't think just 'cause we're dance partners you can insult me."
Shadow blinked, glancing at the knife and then her face. "Did you have that on you this entire time?" he said, licking his lips. It was smart and, if he was being honest, sort of hot.
"Course I did, I ain't dumb enough to be around you most days without somethin' to protect myself with." She replied, tapping the knife against his chin. "Two weeks til Nationals start, and in those two weeks I don't need you messing around with shipments or sellin'."
Shadow huffed, looking down at her. "Well, I can ensure the shipments won't be in until next month. Customers keep coming though until I run out."
"Run out sooner then, my brother won't leave me alone whenever I go stock up or run into one of your goons." She said, taking the knife away. "Let's just get this over with."
He nodded, glancing at her shoulder. It probably left a scar. "How's your shoulder?" he asked, despite himself as she headed for the door.
She shrugged, replying, "It's fine. Let's go 'fore they think we left."
He wasn't expecting their number to be called for first place. He wasn't expecting Von Barke to stand in front of him and act like they were old friends or posed a threat to his partner. He was more surprised by how easily his former boss charmed a group without breaking a sweat.
