Prompt: Human AU! Where Chell is a studying ballerina and Wheatley is her clumsy and awkward boyfriend. An outsider's glimpse into their life.

"Hold yourself."

The instructor stood back and observed Chell's posture and form as she, once again, did it with ease. Her ability to support herself and have impeccable balance is what made her an excellent ballerina.

But there always had to be one limit that was pushed, one little thing to fix each time. Despite the fact she was seemingly organized and wonderfully pleasant, and already silent, unlike her other students, she had to treat her with the same pressure. Simple compliments would get her nowhere.

"Lift your leg a little higher."

And especially at such a crucial time, when Chell had a few auditions coming up.

There would be nothing to distract her—

Taptaptap.

A knock on the door came at 7:02 PM, and her teacher signaled for her to keep stretching while she answered.

A tall man stood there, having to stoop so he would be able to duck inside. His curled brown hair was to his shoulders, and vibrant blue eyes lit up when they saw Chell. She too, smiled, her posture slightly relaxing before she remembered what she was supposed to be focusing on.

"And who are you?"

The man nervously twiddled his thumbs around, not really looking her in the eye. "My name is Wheatley. I've just come to pick Chell up. She's usually done at 7 but—"

"We still have her improvisation to do. Then the lesson will be over. We had a late start this evening. Good night." Shutting the door, she came back over to Chell, motioning for her to relax while she found a track for Chell to dance to.

"Who is he?"

The question made Chell pause for a moment, wondering how she could word the answer.

"My boyfriend," she finally stated simply.

Her teacher glanced at the window, then the clock, before picking out a longer song.

After a session of improv dancing and a cooldown, Chell left, and her teacher watched as she got into a car waiting outside with a smile.

Giving a huff, she only hoped that this boyfriend wouldn't be interrupting another lesson.

"I'll come back at 7," the voice said outside the door. The teacher paused, hand hovering over the doorknob. She wasn't going to answer it yet.

"You don't have to come apologize, you know." That was more words in a single sentence than she sometimes said during an entire session.

"I feel bad. She seemed pretty irritated last week. Slamming the door in my face and all. And I'd hate to be early again tonight and make you feel bad. Might ruin our plans."

While listening, she noticed the slight accent in his voice? British? Clearly he had spent time in the States, but the tone was unmistakable.

"It's fine. I'll see you at 7." She heard a kiss on the cheek and shuffling away while she finally opened the door.

"Early again, as usual." Her teacher nodded as Chell stepped inside. She seemed happier. Briefly, her teacher wondered if there was something going on tonight, but pushed the thought aside in favor of instructing Chell on stretches and the proper way to tie her knot for her ribbon so there were no creases to ruin the image.

The entire lesson, there were zero distractions on Chell's part as she focused on her audition work, but her teacher instead kept thinking about those plans as she changed songs or during brief break periods. It was not right of her to be so defensive and parental to Chell, but she couldn't help it. She had been with her for a long time and felt like her aunt. And watching a strange man who seemed to be her near opposite (At least, that was the brief impression she got) be in a relationship with her… it was almost strange.

Chell tapped her shoulder quietly, wondering if she was doing all right. Nodding, she went right back to working and critiquing.

When the time came, Chell packed up her bag methodically and easily, while the door was knocked on again. Opening it, she saw the man again, stooping to see inside.

"Hello there! Sorry to drop in again, but I came later so I would be sure I wasn't interrupting anything. We got plans, see, and—"

"Wheatley." Chell came over to her teacher's side, and she saw just how dynamic their height difference was. Chell was about her height, but this man towered above her at what she believed to be at least six feet. Most likely more.

And his name was Wheatley. Seemed oddly fitting.

"Sorry, luv, I'm just excited to make dinner." He took her hand when she stepped out, and waved. "Thank you for today. I'll see you next week."

Again, more words than she ever heard her say in a lesson. This man brought words out of her so easily. Her teacher gently waved back, and watched as the man briefly kissed Chell's forehead before getting in the driver's seat. She sighed, leaning against the doorframe.

Maybe he wasn't all bad.

"You cannot talk while she is performing. You'll run the risk of distracting her while she's performing. This is just for her to do in front of people." Wheatley nodded, completely understanding and knowing that he had to be as little of a distraction as possible.

Her teacher leaned back and hit play on the music, and the piano slowly filled the room as Chell began, sweeping through motions and doing what looked like impossible feats. Despite the fact she was one soloist, her dancing filled the vast space of the studio around her.

And her teacher saw that look on his face. His eyes weren't glassed over, but they were intently focused, but also seemed to be out of focus. They were… loving. His adoration for her was clear.

When she completed her dance, she faced Wheatley, and gave a graceful bow, pose held until the very end when Wheatley started clapping excitedly, showering Chell with praises. Her teacher decided to not dampen the mood in being extremely nitpicky. Instead, she watched as Chell's boyfriend complimented her and gave her a massive hug.

He was so supportive, and kind, and—

She loved him too. That small smile, the way she talked with him…

They were perfect for each other. They complimented each other, and it was clear that they were meant to be.