Hope you guys like this one! I'm surprised I wrote so much in such a small time span.
Tracy made her way towards the little group Medic and Heavy had created around themselves. She almost felt guilty or perhaps intrusive as she pushed through a few people.
"Hey guys!" She gave them a small wave. Medic perked up and smiled, waving back. Tracy cocked a brow, an amused smile gracing her lips. "I see you're enjoying yourselves."
"Yes, is good times!" Heavy proclaimed, drinking from a very expensive bottle of vodka. "Why is leetle one in dress?"
"Ohohooh, yes! I was a bit apprehensive, but this hasn't been so bad." Medic tittered, resting a hand on the Russian's shoulder. "And it seems the Spy has had you dressed up, eh?"
"Oh! Yeah, I almost forgot..." Tracy blushed, rubbing her cheek. "Something about you guys not having dates and I already had one..."
Medic stepped forward, leaning down to whisper, "Well, I think you look lovely."
Tracy stepped back, flustered, a red tint on her cheeks. "Um, well, thank you. You're uh... very well dressed tonight as well!" Geez, she sure was great at conversation.
Medic laughed, patting her shoulder. "Yes, well, perhaps we should dance then? Comrade, would you hold my drink?"
Heavy nodded, taking the wine glass gently in his large fingers as the German doctor took her hand. Tracy was surprised at his enthusiasm, but nonetheless happy to see the doctor enjoying himself. They didn't go inside the group of dancers, yet made their own space near them. Medic took her hip and hand in a fluid motion, twirling them around. Tracy was almost dizzy, but was laughing too much.
"Doc! C'mon, spin me too much and I'll get sick!" She leaned her forehead on his shoulder, giggling while trying to quiet herself.
"Then it is a good thing I am a doctor, ja?" He quipped before dipping her, nearly touching the floor. They began to strut across, the Medic must have had been taught very well at dancing. Tracy could barely keep up with him, too out of her element but unable to notice due to their conversation.
"I would have thought you to reject the Spy's idea. We were all aware you were going to be in a dress, although I think some may have forgotten." He nodded his head towards the Heavy, who was chatting up another hulking figure. Heavy never seemed to talkative before, although alcohol may have had something to do with it. "I apologize for the secrecy, but we had no idea what your reaction would have been. Especially myself, since I... well, I know." Medic winked.
"I woulda been fine with it. Thanks, by the way." Tracy playfully poked him in the side.
"Oof!" He flinched mockingly, "Ow, that hurt!"
"Oh, don't be a baby." Tracy patted the Medic on his shoulder as they twirled around once more. "Never thought you'd be a party person."
"Well, you never know what you expect with me, now don't you." Medic snickered, squeezing her hand gently.
"You're just about as mysterious as the Spy." She snorted, "How has the night been for you so far?"
"Splendid. Good drinks and good company. And beautiful women." He fluttered his eyelashes at her before laughing. Tracy's face once again became red with embarrassment.
"Oh really?" She tilted her head, squinting her eyes. "Do tell."
"Are you asking me to sing your praises?" Medic grinned slyly. "Oh, how I count the ways you brighten my day... One, you're-"
"Okay, I've heard enough!" Tracy slapped her hand over his mouth, laughing too hard. "Oh, my good doctor, you brighten my day as well. No need to flatter me anymore, I accept your undying infatuation."
"I am glad you accept." He gave a little bow, a small red tint on his cheeks. From drink or the quip from beforehand was yet to be revealed. "Now, perhaps you should dance with the others? I am feeling a little tired out."
"Alright grampa, I'll leave you to recuperate." Tracy chuckled, lightly shoving him back towards the Heavy. The German snorted, giving a wave as he walked back.
Perhaps the Soldier next? Probably best to get the most excitable mercs out of the way first. Not that Tracy didn't enjoy his company, though. She did enjoy the Soldier's company quite a bit, since he had calmed down so much. Making her way towards the wall, the Demoman and Soldier seemed to perk up.
"Hey, you pretty lil thing..." Demoman slurred out, clearly more drunk than usual. Tracy laughed, resting a hand on his shoulder.
"It's me, Demo. Thief." Tracy pointed to herself. The Demoman clearly didn't really understand what she just said, and sort of slumped against the wall again.
"Okay, lassie. Just... ask me to dance when ya feel like it." He grumbled sleepily.
"Is that you, soldier?" The Soldier asked, peering at her. He had left his helmet in their van, so he was without it. She liked that he had gone with her advice, since his eyes were quite pretty. A nice, bright blue that was brought out even further by his blue uniform. "Heard you were going to wear a dress. Didn't expect a man like you to agree."
"Nice to see you too, Soldier." Tracy rolled her eyes mockingly, "And you look great too."
Soldier perked up, laughing. "Thanks! I wasn't insulting you, just to clarify. I mean, er, you look good. The dress is... good." He swallowed, shifting from foot to foot.
"Why thank you." She curtsied. "Wanna dance?"
"Of course!" He took her smaller hand into his larger one, escorting her to the dance floor.
His dancing wasn't exactly as good as the rest of her team had been. His movements were stiff, probably from his Soldier persona being so constrictive. Still, it was rather fun.
"You need to loosen up, Soldier." She took both his hands, "Follow my moves and relax."
He cocked a brow, but eventually as they moved around in a circle he began to relax his shoulders and arms and wasn't moving as robotically as before. Soon he was busting out a few moves she didn't know he had in him, even if they weren't very appropriate for ball room dancing.
"Aw yeah Soldier! Let's dance!" Someone in the crowd shouted, the Scout. The party-goers made room as the Scout began to break-dance, twirling on his knees and elbows and striking a pose. Tracy laughed, but was impressed.
"So we are finally breaking this tirade of formality?" Medic chortled, Heavy at his side as they approached. "Great! Finally."
More and more people began to give up the classics and moved to the music, which had turned to a more upbeat tune. Spy was in a corner, rolling his eyes and shaking his head at the display. Tracy searched around, unsure how to dance without a partner.
"Ey lassy, a bit lost?" Demoman must have been awoken from his slumber by the music, "Watch this!"
He began a traditional Irish jig, clapping his hands and whooping in laughter. Tracy thought it was a bit unflattering to dance in such a way in a dress, but joined him as best she could. It was rather fun, the two linking arms and spinning this way and that.
Sniper had joined in, trading off with Demoman. "Havin' fun Sheila?"
Tracy rolled her eyes and laughed, "Seems like you finally got out of your shell."
"Hardly can't, since you and Soldier started this all." He gestured to the entire room, which had fully filled with dancers of all sorts. Salsa, cha-cha, tango, and even a few ballerinas in the back twirling on their toes. Sniper pulled her into a swing, stomping and tapping his feet while holding one hand. She followed his lead, twirling around and tapping her feet. She couldn't help but laugh as Sniper stomped his feet to the rhythm and clapped his hands. "Happy feet!" He chortled, just as arms came around Tracy.
She gasped, but was relieved to find the Pyro lifting her up and twirling her around. Tracy wrapped her arms around their neck, almost becoming dizzy as the masked person set her back on her feet. Pyro began to do the twist, moving their body from left to right while snapping their fingers. Tracy joined in, sometimes stomping her feet to the song and jumping up.
Pyro caught her before giving a muffled laugh, spinning her away. She bumped into a larger person, who chuckled under their breath.
"Leetle man is having good time?" Heavy asked. He seemed to have abandoned his drinks, but was still rosy cheeked and grinning.
"You bet. Havin' a good time yourself?" She took the Heavy's hand and began to twirl herself around, finally giving up her earlier shyness and stage fright.
"Yes! Is good times!" The Russian clapped his hands as he began to folk dance, not totally dissimilar to the Scottish jig she had seem from Demo earlier, yet it was closer to the ground and looked much more difficult to perform. He clapped and gaving a booming laugh as Tracy began to dance around him, almost trying to mimic the ballerinas from before.
Just as she spun a fifth time, she noticed a small figure in blue hiding in a corner. Tracy spun to a stop and began to march toward him, brushing and squeezing past other dancers.
The Engineer hadn't seemed to move from his spot, still hiding in his little corner. He did have a cup of water in his hands, but that was all the hint that he might have interacted or moved.
"Hey, Tex." She greeted with a small wave. "I like the dress."
The Engineer perked up, looking at her with surprise. He immediately became flustered, rubbing his helmet-less head. "Aw shucks, I'm mighty sorry I didn't tell ya. I thought you'd... laugh in my face or something..."
Even if Tracy had been mad, the look on the Texan's face would have melted that all away. Tracy immediately stepped forward, gently taking his chin to meet his eyes. "I am not mad. In fact, considering everything, I'm quite happy with how this all turned out. Your idea has made everyone so happy. You should be proud. I mean, not proud of keeping something away from me, but y'know... still."
Engineer blushed bright red, but gave a smile. "T-Thanks. I mean, still, sorry. But... thank you."
"Of course," She took the cup from the Texan's hands and set it on the ground, taking one of his hands. "Now c'mon! No sense of standing around when you could be dancing."
The Texan stuttered for words, unsure how to reply as she pulled him through the crowd near the rest of her team. Instead of waiting around, she took his other hand and began to spin with him, laughing. Engineer was surprised, but seemed to get into the mood and took her hand and hip. This wasn't any two-step, since he began to jump and move them around the room, twirling and hollering. Tracy was so, so happy to see the Texan open up, even just a little bit. They had come quite far from their first interaction.
Just as they were doing the Texan Two-Step, another arm linked in hers and she was pulled away from her partner. She was going to argue, when she recognized who it was. The RED Engineer.
"Sorry fella, gotta share now dont'cha?" He smiled, although Tracy could sense a tad bit of hostility. The BLU Engineer scowled, and looked about ready to start a tussle.
"Now now, it's alright. Tex, I'll join ya in a bit alright? Gotta dance with the guy who saved me." She winked. The BLU nodded, not without looking a little disappointed, and made his way towards the rest of his team. Turning back to the RED, Tracy cocked a brow. "Now, what was that all about?"
The RED lowered his head, perhaps in shame. "Right sorry about that. Just seein' ya with the BLU so happy... must admit, made me a tad jealous."
Jealous? He had been jealous? Her face went as bright red as his suit, which was startlingly the similar as her own Engineer's. They began to dance, quite similar to the old ball room dancing that had been going on earlier, yet he put his hand on her lower back. A pleasant shiver went down Tracy's spine.
"Well, don't feel jealous now. He's my team, gotta give them all my undivided attention. Which, I may add, is quite difficult." She clicked her tongue, hoping he didn't notice the blush on her cheeks. "But... I suppose I can give some of my attention to you as well."
"Well, thank ya kindly." He tilted his head, "Might I add, you look very lovely tonight. Seems your team and mine had the same idea."
"Oh, dressing in drag?" She asked, "Figures, there's an odd matching thing the teams have, now don't they?"
"I'd imagine so. We do tap from the same source, now don't we?" His expression became grim for a moment.
Tracy gently whacked him on the face. "Now, no talk about clones and other dark topics. It's a dance! Have some fun."
"Right, right. Sorry about that." Engineer chuckled, pulling her slightly closer. "Actually, I had something to tell ya."
"Oh, what might that be?" Tracy cocked a brow, but wasn't exactly uncomfortable with their situation.
There was a slight pause, their dance slowed to a stop, and for a moment it seemed like the world had slowed around them.
"I know."
It would have been foreboding, perhaps fear-inducing, if not for the kiss.
Just a second after revealing this secret, he gave her a whopper of a kiss. Tracy froze in place, shock on her face, unable to move. Then, the world went back into motion. She caught her breath as the kiss ended, her whole face feeling as if it had caught on fire.
"Hope ya don't mind, but I gotta get back to my team. They see me with you, and they might just throw a fit." The RED chuckled, almost as if the kiss had never even happened. Tracy nodded dumbly, unable to vocalize words at the moment. The Engineer gently let go, giving one last sweet smile as he left.
How did he know? What the hell was that kiss all about? Tracy stumbled towards a wall and leaned all her weight onto it.
Him knowing? How? Perhaps... perhaps the RED Thief told him? She had saw them talking earlier, but why now? Perhaps he knew due to the clones. He would have to know due to that, right? It made sense, but it still worried her. If he knew, what's to say the whole RED team knew?
No, Engie wasn't like that. He wouldn't tell anyone. And Thief? Why would she tell anyone? It was her secret as much as her own. The most likely answer was the clones. If the Engineer had to work on the Respawn, he had to know about what he was working on. Hence, the clones.
That also meant the RED Medic knew, or most likely knew. Since RED Thief was her clone, perhaps the Medic didn't even need to implant the heart. Still, the idea did not comfort her much.
But... if the RED Engineer knew... then what was to say that her own Engineer did?
And that kiss. What was that all about? Did he like her? Was it just to throw her off? She had no idea.
She did like her team. She liked all of her team. And she did like the RED Engineer. But... like-like? God, it sounded so childish. She really didn't have time to consider romantic partners when she was a mercenary, god dammit.
Shaking her head, the Thief decided she had done her part and was entirely done with the dancing. Thankfully, it was just about time for it to end.
"Hey, Tracy!" Someone shouted. Tracy turned and was relieved to find Miss Pauling waving to her across the room. Most of the dancing and shouting had calmed, since most had tired out due to how late it had gotten. Tracy walked over, smiling as well as she could after receiving such information.
"Hey Pauling. What's up?" She asked.
"Not much, but I received this. Someone during the dance slipped it to me while you were dancing, asking me to forward it to you." The violet woman handed over the slip of paper. "They also mentioned not to look at it until you make it into your car."
"Uh... thanks?" She folded up the paper, "How much longer is this dance anyways?"
"Just about to end. They'll have one more announcement and ask everyone to leave and have a good night. How was the dance? By the way, nice dress."
"Oh, good. I had a great time, actually. Better than expected." Tracy bowed, "Why thank you. I might have already mentioned it, but you look great too."
"Heh, thanks." Miss Pauling shuffled slightly, looking to the floor before meeting Tracy's eyes again. "Hey, how about one more dance?"
Tracy shrugged, "Why not?"
So they danced one last time. It was slightly awkward, and was funny to see, since they both took the lead. Still, they twirled and laughed, happy just to dance together. Just as they twirled one last time, a booming sound entered the room.
"Hello ladies and gentlemen! Have you been having a good night?!" Saxton Hale asked, demanding attention. "No need to answer, I know you have!"
Everyone whooped and hollered anyways, either too drunk or too happy to consider the consequences of interrupting Saxton Hale. Still, he seemed pleased with the response.
"Good! Unfortunately, this night has to end sometime, and now is the time. Please vacate the premises in twenty minutes, or I will have to release my pet eagle onto you. Have a good night and please, take as much food and drinks as you wish!"
Most if not all of the crowd funneled out of the dance room. Tracy grouped up with her team once more as they made their way out into the hall. A few people were grabbing a last few bites to eat or a drink before making their way out.
"Anyone got anything to put food in?" Tracy asked as she grabbed a couple bottles of really expensive looking champagne. Scout decided to raid the kitchen and grab a tupperware container, and began to fill it with all the food it could handle, especially the sweets.
Finally ready to go home, Tracy just remember the note from before and pulled it back out, unfolding it. Sitting down in her seat, she was surprised at what she read.
"Greed is only human nature, now isn't it?
Love, Victor."
Tracy whipped around, searching out the window when she spotted someone in the distance. Cream, blond colored hair, cerulean blue eyes... A wicked smile.
Victor.
Okay I may have lied a little bit when there wouldn't be as much romance. But, hey, it's not gonna be a full blown relationship at all until the sequel!
And yes, I have brought Victor back! I'm still trying to figure out what he's gonna be doing, but I've already got a good idea.
Once again, please leave a review telling me what you think! Hope you guys liked this chapter!
