A/N: Surprise, it's a song fic chapter! This was hard to do with this website's rules on using lyrics due to copyright, so it's a description-heavy chapter. I highly encourage you to listen to every song mentioned for full immersion. :)
"The Dunbar Effect: FC Versailles 78's Secret Weapon"
By Luc Martel
In the world of football, certain players have the uncanny ability to change the course of a match with a single touch, and at FC Versailles 78, that player is none other than William Dunbar. While the young striker may not always be in the starting lineup, he's proven to be an invaluable asset coming off the bench, delivering game-changing performances that have captured the attention of fans and scouts alike.
William's journey with FC Versailles 78 has been nothing short of remarkable. Since joining the club as a promising talent from Kadic Academy's soccer team, he has quickly risen through the ranks, becoming a pivotal figure in the squad. What sets William apart is his incredible impact as a substitute player. One might wonder how a player who doesn't always start matches manages to make such a significant impact. The answer lies in his versatility and adaptability. His football IQ is evident as he reads the game brilliantly, making timely runs, accurate passes, and providing vital assists.
One particular match that showcased William's ability to change the game was a recent encounter against a fierce rival, US Avranches. Versailles found themselves trailing by a goal with just over 20 minutes left on the clock. Enter William Dunbar. Substituted in, he immediately injected energy into the team. His pace and dribbling skills left defenders trailing in his wake, and it was no surprise when he netted the equalizer with a powerful shot from outside the box. Moments later, he set up the winning goal with a perfectly timed through-ball.
What makes William's contributions even more impressive is his consistency in delivering when it matters most. It's not a one-off occurrence; rather, it's a trend that has caught the eye of both fans and critics. His impact off the bench has led to crucial points and thrilling comebacks for FC Versailles 78.
Beyond his on-field heroics, William's demeanor off the pitch has also earned him respect within the club. Known for his strong work ethic and dedication to training, he leads by example. He's an eager mentor to younger players at Kadic, always ready to offer guidance and support.
As the football world takes notice of William Dunbar's remarkable performances, there's growing speculation about his future. The whispers of interest from clubs in various top-tier leagues—like Olympique Lyonnais, Borussia Dortmund, Verona, and West Ham United—have become louder. These clubs see in William a player who can be the difference-maker, even at the highest levels of competition.
While William may not be a regular starter with Versailles, his impact as a substitute is undeniable. He's a game-changer, a player who has the ability to turn the tide when his team needs it most. With every electrifying performance, he edges closer to a future where he could become a star on the world stage, all while leaving an indelible mark on FC Versailles 78 and their passionate supporters.
Aelita lets out a breath, not realizing she had been holding it. "Holy shit, Sissi. You gotta check this out," she calls to her friend, who's across the kitchen making matcha lattes for the two of them. "A top sports critic wrote an article about William—this is so crazy!"
"What does it say?" Sissi calls back from her corner of the kitchen.
"The title calls him Versailles' secret weapon. Not only that, but it's saying there are rumors of scouts from teams in upper leagues starting to become interested in him." Aelita squeals happily and does a little jig in her chair. "I have to send it to him!"
"Oh my God! That's amazing, Lita!" Sissi half-shouts with a wide smile as she brings the lattes to the table and sits. "He's gonna be so pumped!"
Aelita quickly sends the article to William, excited to share the news with him. She sits upright from a sudden twinge of soreness shooting through her lower back. She winces while she rubs it out, complaining about their workout earlier. "You know, I'm not sure hot yoga was the move today. I was not expecting it to be that difficult."
"Nonsense," Sissi says, waving a hand at her friend. "It's good for you. Plus, it helped you release some of that tension you've had the past couple weeks."
"True. I have felt better lately." Aelita sips her latte. "But I think I have therapy to thank for that, not sweating buckets doing the locust pose," she adds with a smirk.
"Hey, whatever works," Sissi says, shrugging.
Aelita's phone buzzes, blinking to life with a response from William. She smiles, quickly grabbing the device and bringing it up to her face.
"What did he say?" Sissi asks, leaning in.
Aelita's eyes scan the message, and her smile spreads wider across her face. "He said, and I quote, 'This is fucking awesome. I can't believe people are noticing me. I'm so happy, Princess. Thank you for sharing this with me. I love you.'"
"Awww," Sissi coos. "He's so sweet."
Aelita swoons, a blush creeping across her face. "He's the best, isn't he?"
Sissi wiggles her eyebrows at her friend. "So, what are you gonna do to celebrate?" she asks, suggestively.
"I don't know. Maybe go out for dinner or something," Aelita replies, shrugging.
"Orrrrr you could have a sexy night in," Sissi adds with a wink.
"What?!" Aelita's eyes widen. "Sissi! Don't say things like that!"
"I'm just saying." Sissi takes a sip of her latte, a hint of smugness overflowing as she peers over the lip of her mug.
Aelita silently protests, shaking her head.
"Why not? You've been doing so well, Lita. I think it would be good for you," Sissi says encouragingly.
"I don't know if I'm really ready for that yet," Aelita says, biting her lip.
Sissi places a reassuring hand on her friend's arm. "Just think about it. You don't have to decide right now."
Aelita anxiously plays with her hair, her mind reeling with the thoughts of actually taking the next step in her and William's physical relationship. "Okay," she relents. "I'll think about it."
The two friends finish their lattes and chat about other topics, ranging from midterm exams to the latest episode of their favorite reality TV show.
Aelita's phone vibrates with a notification again, and she checks it. "Hm? What's this?" she asks, skimming through the text.
"What is it?" Sissi asks, curious.
"Another text from William. 'I guess we both have articles to share today. You're going to want to read this.'"
"Ooh, what is it?" Sissi leans in, eager to know what William sent.
Aelita clicks the link William included in his text and is brought to an article on the website of a local newspaper. "No way... it's... it's an article about Pelletier," she says.
"You're joking! Lemme see!" In an instant, Sissi snatches the phone out of Aelita's hand. "'FC Fleury 91 Midfielder Brandon Pelletier Arrested and Dismissed Amidst Serious Allegations.'"
Aelita covers her mouth with her hand, but not before a gasp escapes.
Sissi continues reading aloud. "Shockwaves ripple through the soccer world and Monod Academy after FC Fleury 91 midfielder Brandon Pelletier was arrested and charged with one count of sexual assault against an unnamed female Kadic Academy student. The arrest had immediate consequences, as FC Fleury announced Pelletier's dismissal from the club following the serious allegations while Monod Academy suspended him, barring him from the campus for the remainder of the school year pending their own investigation.
"The incident in question occurred on the evening of January 10th earlier this year, when collegiate students from all over Paris gathered at a residence in Garches for a social event. After the alleged assault took place, local authorities were alerted to the incident. An official police report confirmed the arrest of the young midfielder, who had been making waves on the field both for Monod Academy and FC Fleury 91.
"In response to the situation, FC Fleury 91 released an official statement expressing their shock and disappointment regarding the allegations against Pelletier. The club emphasized its commitment to the safety and well-being of all individuals and made the decision to terminate Pelletier's contract.
"The legal process is now underway, with Pelletier set to face the charges in court. The case has not only left a stain on the young athlete's career but also has sent a strong message about the seriousness of such allegations within the sports community.
"FC Fleury 91 and Monod Academy have both expressed their intention to cooperate fully with the authorities during the ongoing investigation. The incident has highlighted the need for increased awareness and education regarding sexual assault prevention in schools and sports clubs."
Aelita is speechless. She can't believe what she's hearing.
"Wow. Lita... this is huge," Sissi says, her eyes wide.
"I know," Aelita whispers.
"This may be the justice you've been waiting for."
Aelita's eyes start to well up with tears, and she wipes one away with the back of her hand.
"Hey hey hey, no crying," Sissi says, reaching over the table and grabbing her friend's hand. "This is a good thing."
"I know. I just... I'm scared of what's going to come next. The court proceedings, especially," Aelita says, sniffling.
"I know. It's a lot to take in." Sissi squeezes her hand. "But it's a step in the right direction. He'll get what's coming to him."
Aelita nods, her eyes still glistening with tears.
"You know what I think?" Sissi asks as she rubs the back of Aelita's hand with her thumbs. "I think we need a night out to celebrate. Karaoke, maybe some dancing, and lots of drinks. We can bring the boys along. What do you say?"
A giggle breaks through before Aelita can stop it. "That sounds perfect. Let's do it."
"Perf. I'll text Odd and William and see if they're interested. And maybe we should invite Bastien, too. I know he was an integral part of everything."
"That's a great idea, Sissi."
"I'll send them a group text. You just sit back and relax." Sissi takes her hands back and begins typing on her phone. "There. Sent." She places her phone back on the table.
"Thanks, Sissi," Aelita says, smiling.
Sissi smiles back. "Don't mention it. It's what friends are for."
"I'm so lucky you're my best friend. Seriously."
"Yeah, I know." Sissi smirks. "What the hell would you do without me?"
As William pushes open the heavy glass door of the karaoke joint, a warm wave of music and laughter greets him. The venue is dimly lit, with colorful neon signs casting playful shadows on the walls. Aelita texted him earlier that they already claimed a corner room. He spots Sissi amidst the kaleidoscope of patrons and starts to push through the crowd.
Sissi waves him over enthusiastically. "William! Over here!"
When he walks into the room, the first thing he notices is that Odd has already made himself comfortable and is currently gorging himself on food.
"Dunbar!" Bastien claps him on the back. "Finally! What took you so long?"
"Sorry, man. My psych midterm was a bitch," William replies. "I would have been here sooner but one of the questions was like a three-page essay."
"Sucks, bro. Well, you're here now, so it's time to let loose, yeah? We're celebrating tonight!"
William nods, grinning. "Hell yeah, we are." He looks around the room and sees Odd and Sissi suddenly engaged in a heated debate about song choices, and a girl with copper hair watching in amusement. "Oh, hey Maeve. What are you doing here?" he asks, genuinely surprised.
"Good to see you, too," she responds sarcastically. "Your roommate didn't want to be a fifth wheel, so... tada. Here I am."
William turns back to Bastien, looking incredulously at his friend. "How long have you two been a thing and you're still asking her out like that?" He clicks his tongue. "Damn, bro. How lame is that?"
Bastien scrunches his face in mock annoyance. "Am I telling you how to run your relationship?"
"Oh?" Maeve feigns surprise at Bastien's statement. "Relationship, huh? Didn't realize that's how you felt."
William starts cracking up, throwing his head back in laughter. "Anyway," he starts when he finally calms himself down, "it's good to see you two together again. Glad you're here to keep him in line, Maeve."
Aelita walks into the room then, shutting the door behind her. Her gaze is angled towards the floor as she pulls her long pink hair into a high ponytail.
When William catches sight of her, he freezes. "Whoa," he breathes, his voice barely above a whisper.
Aelita looks up and locks eyes with him. "What?" she asks when she notices him staring.
"Nothing, you just look amazing as always," he says, his eyes trailing up and down her body.
Aelita blushes but says nothing. She looks down at her outfit, a grey cotton lounge set with a slightly cropped top that shows off the tiniest bit of her toned stomach. The matching pants hug her hips and accentuate her curves. "Thanks," she says quietly.
William walks over to her and wraps his arms around her waist, pulling her close. "You're beautiful," he whispers in her ear.
Aelita shivers slightly at his touch. "Stop it," she whispers back playfully, her cheeks growing even redder.
"I'm serious." He plants a soft kiss on her forehead. "You're gorgeous."
"Ugh, gross. Enough with the PDA. I knew we should have all pitched in and just sent you two to a hotel," Sissi teases, interrupting their moment. "It's time to get this party started!"
Aelita giggles at William's scowl and breaks away from his embrace, grabbing his hand and leading him to the couch.
"So, who's up first?" Maeve asks, an amused smirk on her face as her eyes flit to Odd, who has his arms crossed and a not particularly enthused look on his face.
"Lita! You and I should do 'For Good.' I've been wanting to sing it with you for ages!" Sissi replies, taking a swig of water. "You down?"
"Absolutely!" She leaps off the couch and hurries to stand with Sissi by the screen causing a light chuckle to escape William's lips.
Sissi squeals with excitement. "I call Elphaba!"
"Uh, obviously. I am not suited for that style of singing," Aelita says.
"Alright, ladies," Odd says, his mouth full of fries. "Get up there and give us a performance we won't forget." It seems his pouting was extremely short-lived.
"Don't mind if I do," Sissi quips, flipping her hair.
Bastien struggles to hold back a snicker.
The opening notes of the song begin to play, and Aelita's eyes sparkle with excitement as she begins to sing, her voice soaring through the room with a delicate warmth. Her graceful gestures and expressive movements add a touch of enchantment to her performance, much like the Good Witch she is portraying.
Sissi's presence, on the other hand, is commanding. As she sings, her voice is a compelling blend of power and vulnerability, capturing the essence of the Wicked Witch's complex character. Her eyes convey the deep emotions tied to the song's narrative, and her hands gesture with poignant significance.
Together, Aelita and Sissi create a mesmerizing duet, their voices harmonizing and weaving the tale of friendship and change.
William looks on in awe, mesmerized by his girlfriend's beautiful voice. Her passion and emotion are palpable, and he can't help but be swept up in her spell.
As the song draws to a close, Aelita and Sissi's voices rise and fall in perfect harmony, their words echoing the sentiment of the lyrics: "I have been changed for good."
The last notes fade away, and the room erupts in applause. Bastien whistles loudly.
"That was amazing, you guys!" Maeve exclaims with admiration.
"I'm speechless, Princess," William adds, a smile playing on his lips.
Aelita beams, her cheeks flushed with pride. "Thanks, guys," she says, a hint of shyness in her voice.
"Yes, yes, you're both so very talented, who could've guessed, et cetera," Odd says, waving his hands dismissively as he stands up from the couch and heads towards the screen. "My turn!" He quickly selects Toto's "Africa" and bounces excitedly as the music begins to play.
Bastien's head snaps up as he recognizes the song's intro. "Della Robbia, doth mine ears deceive me?"
Odd laughs over the song's intro. "Oh, it is exactly what you think it is, my friend."
Bastien leaps over Maeve and out of the booth to stand next to Odd. "Fuckin' A, alright! Gimme the other mic!"
"Oh, God..." Maeve puts her face in her hands. "Here we go."
Together, the dynamic duo transforms the classic tune into a comical masterpiece. Bastien's enthusiasm is off the charts as he scream-sings his way through the melody, and his vocal performance matches his zealous demeanor. It's as if the whole room is transported to a high-energy concert. Odd, his trusty sidekick, joins the adventure with harmonies that could rival the smoothness of a chocolate fondue fountain. With a grin as wide as the Cheshire cat's, Odd's vocals slide effortlessly beneath Bastien's exuberant and slightly off-key lead. He throws in a few wacky dance moves, adding a sprinkle of goofiness to their performance.
Their voices, like a pair of mismatched socks, somehow work perfectly together, creating a musical rollercoaster of hilarity. They leave their friends cackling messes, and by the end of their act, everyone is wheezing from laughing so hard, thanks especially to Bastien riffing improvisations like a madman.
"Oh, my God, my face!" William wipes tears from his eyes as he says, "Holy shit, I can't breathe... I don't think I've laughed that hard in a long time."
"Me neither," Aelita gasps, trying to catch her breath.
"Sometimes I wish I wasn't so attracted to you, Bastien," Maeve says, doing her best to hold in her own laughter while shaking her head in disbelief.
Sissi clutches her stomach, doubled over in laughter. "I think I'm gonna pass out," she wheezes.
"That was awesome," Odd says, his eyes shining with amusement. "I think we should do an actual duet next time, Roux."
"Hell yeah, man," Bastien replies, slapping Odd a high five.
William finally catches his breath enough to speak up. "Alright, who's next?" he asks, glancing around the room.
Bastien gets a mischievous grin. "For my next trick, I'll need a volunteer from the audience."
William's face drops, realizing what his friend wants to do. "Please, God, no. No! Absolutely not!"
"What's that, Mr. Dunbar? You'd be happy to come help me? Wonderful!" He puts on a showy act while pulling William out of the booth by his collar. "Come on down!"
"Let me go! No! Hey!" William looks at Aelita pleadingly. "Help."
"Have fun, honey!" she sings back in response, pushing him fully out of the booth toward Bastien.
William reluctantly trudges up to the screen. Bastien slaps the second mic into William's hand and selects Kendrick Lamar's "Humble" as he lets out a maniacal laugh. William just pinches the bridge of his nose and resigns to his fate. "I'm gonna get you back for this, motherfucker," he grumbles as the song starts and the boys' audience erupts into cheers.
"Just put it on my tab," Bastien says confidently.
Aelita can't contain herself and lets out one loud "WOOO!"
Hearing his number one fan cheering him on gives William a flash of courage as he and Bastien blast through the rap verses.
Bastien, with his wild energy, leads the charge. He emphasizes every word of the first verse with animated flair. Each word he delivers is like a lightning bolt, striking the audience with its intensity. His rapid-fire delivery and sharp movements command the room's attention. William, the cool and collected counterpart, follows suit with a calm but equally powerful presence. His verse flows effortlessly, mirroring the song's rhythm with precise timing. His delivery is smooth, like a seasoned rapper in the spotlight, providing a perfect contrast to Bastien's high-energy performance. Together, they create a dynamic duo that electrifies the room.
Aelita can't help but be captivated by their synchronized performance. She watches them in awe as they seamlessly trade verses, and catches William gazing at her for a specific lyric, one that makes her cheeks redden: "I'm so fuckin' sick and tired of the Photoshop..."
Sissi whistles. "Damn, Will," she says, her tipsiness coming through her voice a bit. "That was impressive."
"I didn't know you could rap like that," Aelita adds with a tipsy lilt to her own voice.
Feeling a surge of confidence, he throws his arm around her. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Princess," William says, smirking.
"I guess so," she replies, smiling bashfully and tucking a strand of her hair behind an ear as she fidgets in her seat.
Sissi stands and walks to the screen. "My turn to sing on my own! Is anyone surprised? If you are, you're a fucking idiot."
Bastien nearly spits his sake out from laughing.
Sissi selects Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" with a confident air, and the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Sissi knows how to command attention. Throughout her performance, she doesn't hold back. She uses the stage as her playground, pacing back and forth with an air of defiance, and occasionally punctuating the lyrics with sharp hand gestures. As the song reaches its crescendo, her voice soars with determination, letting the audience feel the emotional intensity that the song conveys. Sissi is nothing short of a powerhouse of a performer, showcasing her vocal prowess and stage presence.
When she's done, she takes a bow and the room erupts in applause. Odd is the most enthusiastic, standing and clapping wildly. "Holy shit, babe. That was amazing!" he exclaims.
Sissi beams. "Thank you, baby."
"Who's next?" Bastien asks, looking around the room.
Before anyone can answer, Sissi speaks. "I think Lita should sing something on her own now!"
Aelita's eyes widen. "Me? Sing alone? I don't know, Sissi..."
"Come on, Lita. You're great!" Sissi encourages.
"Yeah, Aelita. I'd love to hear you sing something on your own," William says, smiling sweetly at his girlfriend and rubbing her back in encouragement.
"Okay, okay," Aelita relents. "I'll do it. But only because you guys are so pushy."
"That's the spirit!" Sissi exclaims.
Aelita chooses Sammy Rae's "For the Time Being" and begins her performance. As she starts to sing, she locks eyes with William and holds his gaze for almost the entirety of the song, silently dedicating her performance to him. Her voice is almost uncharacteristically smooth and sultry, weaving effortlessly with the music's lively rhythm. Her expressions are inviting, as if she's sharing a secret with her one special audience member.
When the key change hits, Aelita's voice soars with a captivating mix of vulnerability and resilience. William watches, the astonishment clear on his face. The girl he's watching right now is decidedly different than the timid Wendy Darling soprano he secretly fell for years ago. This girl is something else... something more, and William can't deny he wants to find out what. As the song comes to an end, Aelita's voice rings out with a final, soulful note. The room is silent for a beat, then explodes in applause.
William is the first one to stand, clapping and cheering. "Holy hell, Aelita," he says, his eyes wide. "That was unbelievable."
"Thanks," Aelita replies, blushing again.
"Lita, that was amazing!" Sissi says, hugging her friend tightly.
"Thanks, Sis," Aelita replies, her voice squeezed.
"I wanna sing 'Problem' but... we have a problem. I can't do the rap," Sissi says with a laugh.
"I technically could, but I'm not doing it either," Aelita replies.
Maeve stands up. "I'll do it."
Everyone's heads swivel in her direction.
"What?" she asks, shrugging.
Bastien shoots his roommate a look of confusion, but says nothing. William shrugs in return.
"Alright, Maeve," Sissi concedes. "Let's do it, then."
The Ariana Grande song starts, and the two best friends perfectly capture the essence of the verses, delivering them with a blend of sweetness and attitude. But it's when Maeve steps forward to take on the rap verse that the real surprise unfolds. With impeccable timing and a distinct swagger, she confidently spits out the rapid fire lyrics, seemingly without needing to breathe.
When the song is over, jaws are on the ground.
"Damn, Maeve!" Bastien says, impressed. "I didn't know you could rap like that!"
"Well, you'd have to actually make an effort to be around me to know that," Maeve replies.
"Fair enough. Count me as intrigued," Bastien says with an eyebrow raised, matching her sarcastically flirtatious energy.
"Good. I'll just have to keep you guessing, then."
William and Aelita watch the exchange, amused.
"Those two are definitely banging tonight," William whispers to his girlfriend.
"Oh, for sure," Aelita whispers back, stifling a giggle.
The next half an hour passes in a blur of laughter and alcohol. Sissi, now squarely drunk, tugs on Aelita and Maeve. "One more song... just one more."
"What do you want to sing, Sis?" Aelita asks.
"Hmmm... oh, I know! Let's do 'Bang Bang!'"
"Oooh, yes!" Maeve agrees.
"I call being Jessie, obviously," Sissi says with a dramatic flip of her hair.
Maeve replies, "And I'm obviously Nicki."
Aelita shrugs. "Guess I'll be Ari then."
The three girls take the "stage," and Sissi embodies Jessie J's fierce attitude, prowling the stage with confidence as she belts out the bold lyrics. Her presence is magnetic, commanding attention from everyone in the room, but especially from her boyfriend, from whom she never moves her half-lidded gaze. Aelita embraces Ariana Grande's seductive charm, swaying sensually to the rhythm and delivering the lyrics with a playful yet captivating allure. Her silky vocals effortlessly soar through the room and silently drive William crazy. Then there's Maeve, who takes on Nicki Minaj's rap verse with a fearless intensity. She spits out the lyrics with a fiery passion, punctuating each word with a provocative flair that draws Bastien's eyes right to her, making him practically drool over her.
The song comes to a close and once again the three young men cheer their respective girlfriends on.
Odd stands up and drunkenly plods over to Sissi, wrapping his arm around her waist. He slurs out, "Well. I think I speak for the three of us guys right now when I say I am hungry." He puts a little emphasis on on the Y, almost growling it out while looking directly at Sissi. "But first. I need some cholesterol to absorb all this alcohol in my stomach. Who's up for some greasy-ass American diner food?"
William, feeling the alcohol himself, tries to reason with his energetic friend. "Dude, do you know what time it is? You'll wreck your stomach eating that shit this late."
"You say that as if we haven't, as a group, destroyed like two hundred Euros worth of sake and beer."
William wants to fight back, but Odd is right. They're all drunk and some heavy food would really help.
Sissi chimes in, "All in favor of Chibby's Diner?" The room erupts in agreement. Sissi nods and half stumbles to the door of their booth. "Follow me, everybody. Luckily, it's right down the street."
The group checks out of the karaoke bar and heads out to the street, Sissi and Odd leading the way. The cool, night air refreshing them after all of their dancing and shouting and singing.
After about fifteen minutes of walking, they find the diner. It's a large space decorated with 1950s American Art Deco. They grab a table and begin debating with each other what they're all going to have. They end up getting stacks of pancakes and waffles with mounds of eggs, bacon, and sausage—all served family style.
"Holy shit, this looks so good! Here we go!" Odd yells a little too loudly as he shoves nearly an entire pancake in his mouth while the rest of the table looks on in horrified amusement.
The meal is enjoyable. The three couples chat about whatever they feel like, most of the time ending up on the karaoke they had just finished an hour and a half before hand.
"Whew!" Bastien sighs. "That'll put you right to sleep. How do Americans put this much food away?"
"Beats the hell outta me," William slightly slurs. "I feel like I can't move."
Aelita leans over and whispers suggestively in his ear, "Don't worry, Will. The way I see tonight going, you won't need to do much of the moving anyway." She punctuates her sentence with a kiss to his cheek.
William's eyes widen at Aelita's uncharacteristically overt comment, but he doesn't respond. He didn't realize a simple sentence could both so heavily turn him on and also terrify him.
The group finishes the meal, pays, and gets up to leave. They walk the distance back to campus and William and Aelita split off towards the Hermitage.
"Did you mean what you said in the restaurant?" William asks, his mind still clouded with a mixture of alcohol and lust.
"Every word of it." Aelita says as she leans into William.
"Good. Because I'm not gonna lie, the way you were singing directly at me during your song did things to me," William says unabashedly before realizing exactly what he just told his girlfriend. "Uh... whoops. That was meant to stay in my head."
As they walk up the front steps, Aelita turns around and quickly kisses him. "It's okay. I'm thinking the same thing."
"Really?" William asks, slightly stunned.
"Yes. I want you. I want... us," Aelita says, her voice dripping with lust.
"I thought I'd never hear you say that," William says, his own arousal growing, lust now completely clouding his already impaired judgement.
Aelita smirks and starts to saunter up the stairs towards her room, swinging her hips just a little extra with each step, causing William's mind to freeze over. He stares as she disappears into the darkness in the upstairs hallway.
"Are you coming or not?" she yells back downstairs.
Slowly he follows her, his mind and heart racing. He opens the door to her room and sees her lying on her bed in only her underwear. He'd be lying if he said she wasn't sexy. He starts tearing off his own clothing when, suddenly, it hits him.
He's still drunk, and if he's drunk, she's plastered for sure. He hates to admit it, but he'd rather not let their first time together happen this way.
The clatter of his pants and belt as they hit the floor brings him out of the trance he's in. "Dammit, Lita. As much as I want this, I want to know for sure we're going to remember it. I want our first time together to be special, not just a drunken encounter."
Aelita shakily sits up, the alcohol still very obviously wreaking havoc on her system. "What do you mean, Will? Why not now?" she complains, almost whining. "I'm ready now and I really want you."
He walks over unsteadily and sits on the edge of the bed. He starts to speak, trying not to slur his words. "I don't want you to think I'm leaving you hanging or rejecting you. Trust me, I'm not. If we were both sober, or if it wasn't going to be our first time together, I'd be all over you right now. But... tonight isn't the night for that. Not while we both are having trouble standing and talking straight." He sighs heavily. "Let me make it special for you, okay?"
Disappointment flashes across Aelita's features. "You keep saying that. 'Special.' What do you even mean by that? It's just sex."
"But it's not 'just' sex to me. I want you to know what sex is supposed to feel like when you're with someone you love." He pauses trying to think of how else to explain his feelings. "I want you to know what it's like to be worshipped. To be loved. To be cared for. I want to make you feel good, not just have a quickie. We've got the rest of our life for those."
Aelita looks at him, her eyes wide. She's touched by his sentiments, and a small smile creeps onto her flushed face. "Alright. Fine." She kneels behind him and grabs onto his shoulders for support before draping herself over him.
"Look. I happen to have a bye week next week. And there's no practice or anything that weekend either. How about we make a date out of it? Next Saturday night. I want this to be a night you'll never forget, Aelita."
"You're setting some pretty high expectations for yourself, my love."
He shrugs. "What can I say? I'm a hopeless romantic." He stands up, pulling himself out of her arms, and finds her a pajama shirt and grabs some shorts he left in her drawers.
"That you are, Will." She yawns and stretches.
"Tired, Princess?"
She nods wordlessly, rubbing her eyes.
He chuckles and climbs into bed, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. "Let's get to sleep then, yeah?"
Aelita nods again and nuzzles into his chest after getting under the covers. "Good night, honey," she says softly.
"Good night, Princess."