hold my hand and take a leap

by McSquiggles

Summary:

After spending years practicing formal dance, Yun Xie is sure Jiang Xunyi needs a change to his routine. If he has ulterior motives for the close contact, no one has to know.

----

Short series of Yun Xie and Jiang Xunyi, childhood friends out to conquer the dance world but takes more of a backseat as the two spend most of their attention towards each other as they figure out their way through their emotions.

Notes:

This is so self indulgent I can't even explain it but My City Now. Honestly most of the stuff I know about dancing comes from years of being around it so much and dabbling in different kinds cause I'm just too curious. All i know about dance schools is what a good friend told me about little while back since she went to one, so if there's any mistakes please forgive me cause I'm just rowing a boat without glasses on and praying I don't crash into anything.

Not Beta'd but I tried my best to clean it up so sorry for the mistakes.

Chapter 1: Chapter 1

It really didn’t have to be this hard. Jiang Xunyi couldn’t help but scoff as the music continued to change. None of the songs seem to fit his needs and at this point he was ready to throw the whole idea of “mixing up his routine” out the window. Only an idiot would change something that wasn’t broken.

Said idiot kept his eyes glued to Jiang Xunyi’s face, his eyes catching every change in his face as he lazily tapped the button on the laptop. No matter how many songs he showed him, Jiang Xunyi wouldn’t be satisfied and Yun Xie knew that as well as anyone. The fact he kept insisting was beyond him.

“None of these fit, this is just a waste of time.” Jiang Xunyi started again. And again like the last twenty times, Yun Xie just hummed in neither agreement yet denial before skipping on to the next song.

Jiang Xunyi was going to strangle him.

“You’re just overthinking it, just find a song that clicks with you and go with it.” Yun Xie said before clicking onto the next playlist.

“That’s generally not how it works. If you’re going to make a whole choreography on a song, you have to take into consideration the theme of the dance, the place you will be performing at, skill level, complexity, how well everything goes together. There’s so many things besides if something just vibes with you,” Jiang Xunyi said, reaching over and with a tap, stopping the current playlist, “You know this as well as I do.”

“Of course,” Yun Xie quickly compromised, “But where’s the fun in it? If you just dance for routines and competitions, than it sucks the fun out of it.

“Also it won’t kill you to let loose once in a while. Think of it as practice.” He finished with a wink before standing up. Jiang Xunyi watched him as Yun Xie bent back down and turned on the music again and than made his way to the middle of the studio.

The pop song was… eccentric to put it lightly. Yet the way Yun Xie moved made it seem like something else. He slowly began to sway to the rhythm and soon began to move in earnest. The more he watched the more he wondered how often he did this, or if he actually did practice these random routines for fun.

Jiang Xunyi watched as his childhood friend seemed to set the pace for the music, the once almost wild music seemed to bend and shift with Yun Xie’s dancing. From the way he moved it was almost like he tamed the music as it changed from something that should be playing at a nightclub somewhere, and into an elegant waltz. Out of the norm and probably strange enough to give some of the older judges a heart attack, but elegant in it’s own way nonetheless.

Jiang Xunyi almost didn’t catch when the song finally ended, the sound of the electric keyboard lingering in the air for a second as Yun Xie came to a complete stop right in front of him.

Yun Xie’s eyes seem to shimmer, his grin contagious as he gave a quick bow towards Jiang Xunyi.

“Ok… you make a good point,” Jiang Xunyi admits as he flashes a grin right back at him, “Though I never expected the Rising Star of The Solar Envy Academy to have a thing for dancing waltz to punk rock.”

“Hey, don’t knock it until you try it.” Yun Xie said as he reached down towards the laptop again. He spent a few minutes going through his music before clicking on a new song.

“Perfect. A good way to start off a beginner.” He said as he straightened up again and reached a hand out towards Jiang Xunyi. The later of who stared at it like a foreign object before looking at his face in confusion.

“Come on, it won’t mean much if you just watch-- you have to try it out.” Yun Xie coaxed.

Jiang Xunyi almost swatted his hand away but as he raised his hand, it was snatched up by Yun Xie and a strong tug had him on his feet, “Anyways, I don’t get to dance with Ah-Xun as much as I’d like to anymore.”

Yun Xie tossed him a quick smile as he led him to the center of the studio again. Bold words for someone who came over to Jiang Xunyi’s studio everyday with the excuse of practicing together only to coax Jiang Xunyi into a pair dance every time.

In the end he let Yun Xie have his way, watching as the other all but vibrated out of his skin as he quickly placed his hands in their usual starting positions-- years of practice taking over as Jiang Xunyi easily placed his own hands on the other’s hand and waist. The music had been playing in the background, probably a good third already over but Yun Xie didn’t seem to notice as he set a pace for Jiang Xunyi and led him slowly across the floor.

Yun Xie easily followed his lead, his feet guiding him along. They danced slowly-- a huge contrast to the upbeat song in the background but Yun Xie completely ignored it in favor of their own rhythm. Jiang Xunyi was tempted to point out they were missing the point of the whole exercise before a flash of a smile full of too much-- but very familiar-- mischief appeared on Yun Xie’s lips and with a flick of his waist, he changed the pace.

Jiang Xunyi managed to adjust in time, the surprise making its way onto his face as he followed his partner’s lead. From a basic waltz, it quickly changed. It easily became more as Yun Xie began to mix in different steps. Waltz. Tango. Salsa. Folklorico. Jiang Xunyi mentally named each new step but before he could think farther into the routine, it changed again and his body reflexively moved to adjust to every new move. If it wasn’t for the years of dancing with Yun Xie and the familiarity, he was sure he would have long stumbled on his toes.

It reminded him of days spent learning, both of them hidden away in the attic of one of their houses as they tried to replicate the dance moves they would see on the TV. Awkward steps and hesitant hands leading each other until experience and, slowly, confidence took over as the years went on.

Even after being accepted into different dance schools, the two never gave up the chance to practice together. Yun Xie coming over too often but chalked it up to not being interested in practicing with his own classmates. Too boring, he would say and Jiang Xunyi knew it was more lie than truth, but he never called him out on it. His own time spend alone practicing made him grateful for a familiar face and someone to stumble across basic dance exercise with. No one at the school could read his mind and understand his thoughts as well as Yun Xie after so many years dancing together already after all. Who else better to practice with.

A light laugh caught his attention and he watched as Yun Xie’s smile broadened, the shimmer in his eyes turning mischievous as he gave Jiang Xunyi a quick spin before pulling him back into his arms, closer than before but still not faltering in his steps.

Even though the dance was anything but challenging at their skill level, Yun Xie’s breath still came out a bit uneven, eyes narrowing slightly as he stared at Jiang Xunyi. It might have been how the studio suddenly was too warm-- he really should have opened a window sooner, Jiang Xunyi thought to himself, ignoring the voice in his head whispering how the studio had been a comfortable cool temperature to begin with. It might have also been the fact that he still had his jacket over his usual exercise shirt. Though no matter the reason, it felt like the atmosphere was suffocating. It was too warm, the room too small out of nowhere and Jiang Xunyi felt like he couldn’t quite catch his breath.

He missed the moment the music stopped again, his focus solely on the other. So he was surprised when Yun Xie finally slowed before leaning backwards. Jiang Xunyi quickly slid his hand to securely wrap around Yun Xie’s waist, carefully helping him through the dip before straightening him back up.

They stood still, bodies still attached to each other. Yun Xie seemed to be waiting and Jiang Xunyi held his breath in anticipation. He wasn’t sure why but it felt like the climax was still underway, swallowing them like a whirlpool.

“Well?”

“Hm?”

“How was it? Had fun?” Yun Xie asked, his voice low for once. Jiang Xunyi almost missed the exact words, his mind still spinning before he processed what the other said.

The atmosphere had become unbearable, yet as the words hit him properly it seemed to loosen suddenly and disappear. Jiang Xunyi couldn’t help but laugh. It sounded breathless for a moment before it became louder and seemed to carry across the whole room. Yun Xie’s laugh followed and mixed in. If it sounded just as breathless, Jiang Xunyi didn’t comment.

“Ok yeah, I did have fun,” Jiang Xunyi finally admitted, his smile widening, “Though the music choice could have been a bit better.”

“Hey, Enrique Iglesias can be considered a classic in this day and age and you know it.” Yun Xie defended.

Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Summary:

Rivals keep competitions interesting. Having them join hands sets the world on fire.

Notes:

Takes place a few years from first chapter because why not. I like jumping around- keeps stuff interesting yanno??

Also this chapter is like a Valentine's day gift for Namio. Since they basically kinda helped poke and give me the idea for this chapter while we were talking, so I managed to write the whole bit more or less that day, thanks Mom!

Again not Beta'd so excuse any mistakes.

It caused a major sensation. News spread like wildfire and it seemed to be everywhere a person turned. The top stars of the Hidden Spirit Academy of International Dance and the Solar Envy Academy had put aside their mutual rivalry to team up as a duo.

It was old news that the two disciples were childhood friends that entered different schools and later-- after graduating and taking their place among the alumni and reaching the very top of the respected schools-- started a rivalry that kept everyone on their toes.

Jiang Xunyi held the audiences captivated-- elegant dance steps let him glide across the dance floor as his body seemed to keep your eyes glued and wanting more. Like an immortal descended from the heavens, he seemed to command the very ground he stood in and everyone couldn’t help but bow before him in his domain.

Yun Xie caused a sensation with his mix of classic dancing steps and pop music. Tango would give way to street dancing as upbeat music turned to something with more of an edge and metallic rhythm. While Jiang Xunyi commanded the very room he stood in, Yun Xie was the master of the very music he used-- and it never disobeyed his orders.

Separately, it made every competition a treat-- a chance to see two geniuses of the dancing world come together. Now, dancing together? Everyone, from the audience to the fellow competitors agreed. They would be unstoppable, a duo to talk about in the decades to come.

The men’s single dancing competitors couldn’t help but light a candle for the pair dance section of the competitive world. They hid their relief at having the giants focus on conquering a new land and prayed that they’d stay there for at least the majority of the time to give someone else a chance for first place. The pair dance competitors all just nodded to one another and agreed in their hearts. They were fucked.

Everyone who could, tried their best to cram into the auditorium. Every seat was packed and everyone tried their best to try to catch a glimpse of one of the two who might be moving behind the curtain. No one wanted to miss the pair’s first competition together and there were even a few who appeared just to see if they’d crash and burn. Who can expect a pair of rivals to suddenly become good friends again and compete together? No matter what past history they had, Yun Xie and Jiang Xunyi were famous for their competitive nature and cut throat methods. It was hopeless to expect anything but bloodshed.

The lights dimmed and the curtains rose and as the competition proceeded, everyone clapped politely and energetically depending on how well each pair did. Yet it was obvious with the tension in the air everyone was waiting.

It wasn’t until near the end of the competition that the announcer loudly called out Yun Xie and Jiang Xunyi’s names. Everyone held their breaths and watched as the pair walked to their starting places on stage.

They wore matching outfits-- black trousers that hugged their hips and framed their legs and long sleeve white shirts with blue jewelled designs. With every breath they took it, seemed like the very ocean moved and everyone kept their eyes glued on them.

Yun Xie’s smile was contagious and radiant. It held a warmth that no one was expecting but was gone as his face turned from his partner’s and towards the audience. The smile shifting to what seemed like his casual stage smile-- cocky and confident. Jiang Xunyi kept his face as serious as ever, eyes never wavering from where they stared off into the distance.

The audience held their breath and as the music started playing, the pair started to move. An upbeat and light sound resonated across the room and the pair followed in time to it. Their movements light and their steps in sync as they made their way across the dance floor.

Yun Xie, known for his unorthodox and unique routines, easily fell into step with Jiang Xunyi’s elegant style and it left many of the other competitors wondering if they were dreaming. Yun Xie had always made his stance clear on traditional forms of dance and had never hidden his intention to shake things up even if it killed him-- breaking from the norm and watching it burn behind him. Yet here he was, dancing with a relaxed looked on his face. And with his long time dance rival!

Than it seemed as if the music mocked the crowd and their thoughts. The pair had been dancing in sync but rarely touched-- strange for a salsa dance-- but with a kick of their legs, the music changed and a faster beat took over. Yun Xie easily held Jiang Xunyi’s hands as he led him through a few spins across the floor. Jiang Xunyi followed his lead, his hair following behind him like a trail of silk as he spun.

If the audience noticed how Yun Xie seemed to hold his partner’s hands as if in reverence, no one commented.

The dance seemed to keep speeding up, dance moves changing from pure elegance to something less uniform and more passionate. Tempered steps led way to quick and haughty steps and everyone again wondered if something had happened to one of the two.

Jiang Xunyi was known for his traditional dance routines-- he added his own flair and made it his own but he was never one to listen to Pop of all things. Yet here he was, as once again the music seemed to shift and the fast beat music took on a familiar rhythm that had been replayed over the radio for weeks not too long ago.

Their movements became bolder and Yun Xie easily lifted and spun his partner around. His hands’ kept a tight but gentle grip on Jiang Xunyi. For a second their bodies seemed to meld into one and everyone held their breaths as Yun Xie tossed his partner into the air before carefully catching him in a bridal style hold and dancing a few more steps as they spun around.

As the pair kept dancing and their hands gripped shoulders and hips and slid across the other’s back, everyone couldn’t help but remember who taught these two geniuses.

Cheng Wudao and Ti Ming had held the dancing world in their hands for years, claiming victory after victory in every competition. First in the single men’s section and then later in the pair dance. Their methods and routines had been new-- and in some cases-- almost outright scandalous. They didn’t shy away from touching the other and were comfortable being in close contact.

It was a common thing in dancing, especially between partners of course. Yet there was a way that they went about it. How each touch and each movement held something more that made people want to turn their eyes away in embarrassment.

It always felt like you were intruding when you watched the two dance. As if you had walked into something private. If this led to rumors about the two teachers, everyone turned their heads away and never admitted it. For one thing, the pair weren’t the kinda people you wanted to make enemies out of.

Especially when they were so close.

To insult one, was to do the same to the other. So it was safer to stay quiet and count yourself lucky to be able to witness them dance.

And of course the students would pick up from their teachers, everyone thought with a nod. That's what many people chalked up their too warm faces to as they saw the pair dance-- bodies in many cases flushed against each other as they stepped in time together.

Even as their dance seemed to slowly come to an end, everyone sat with breaths held until the very moment the pair executed a quick dip and stopped.

--

Jiang Xunyi was going to kill Yun Xie.

He knew he said that a lot, that at this point it was running joke between the two for years since they were still kids-- and they were usually jokes even if the idiot pushed his luck a lot. Though this time he really was going to kill him.

He should have seen it coming the minute they had been getting ready backstage. Yun Xie was basically radiating as he zipped up his shirt. For once he actually kept himself to admiring Jiang Xunyi as he got ready rather than pestering him and putting his hands where he shouldn’t.

That was a clear sign. Yet Jiang Xunyi ignored it in favor of finishing up any last minute preparations.

He should have seen it coming as they waited backstage, listening to the sound of each pairs names being called and their accompanying music playing. With each passing pair, Yun Xie’s good mood got better.

Jiang Xunyi again decided to brush it off. It was their first pair competition so considering what kind of person Yun Xie was, of course just that thought alone would be satisfying to him.

It wasn’t until they were both on stage, the music beginning to play and as they fell into step, that he realized what he had missed.

They had been practicing the routine for weeks. Going back and forth between their styles until they found a good compromise. Luckily the two had spent enough time practicing together over the years to know what kind of steps they each liked. It made the transition easier and quickened the process.

Yet, Yun Xie’s thumbs slowly gliding across the back of his hands almost had him miss a step right before he was spun. He kept his expression schooled but looked questioningly at Yun Xie. The latter just widened his smile as he pulled him back close to him and guiding him through their next few steps.

The longer the dance continued the more Jiang Xunyi kept score against his boyfriend. A point for every time Yun Xie’s hand seemed to grip Jiang Xunyi’s waist slightly lower than normal or the way he gave a light squeeze to one of his thighs as he lifted him. He should have known the other was up to something.

He gave him a quick glare as his back faced the audience and could only narrow his eyes further as he got a quick grin in return. Little shit.

What almost did him in was during one of the moments Yun Xie picked him up--and while holding him horizontally across his shoulders-- and spun him. Jiang Xunyi almost squeaked in surprised as he felt the soft brush of Yun Xie’s lips against the slightly exposed skin where his shirt lifted up slightly. He almost punched Yun Xie right in his lips but was set down again before he could move his hands.

“Will you behave.” Jiang Xunyi hissed under his breath as he pressed his back against Yun Xie’s chest.

Yun Xie’s hands encircled his waist, fingers brushing against his sides-- way longer than what was appropriate in public-- before letting out a soft laugh. Jiang Xunyi couldn’t help the slight shiver that ran through him at the touch but before he could swat at Yun Xie, he spun him around to face him again.

“Careful Ah-Xun, we wouldn’t want the audience to catch any mistakes.” Yun Xie said, as he slid one of his hands slowly down the length of Jiang Xunyi’s arm before lacing their fingers together again.

“Wait till after the competition, you won’t have to worry about the audience when I leave you bedridden.” Jiang Xunyi muttered to him as he took a second to give a few quick steps and spinning out from Yun Xie.

“Oh Ah-Xun, leave that kinda talk to the bedroom.” Yun Xie teased as he passed behind him, giving him a quick wink before shifting into the next set of steps.

Jiang Xunyi was really going to kill him.

He took a quick breath before he followed Yun Xie’s lead into the last set. His feet moved automatically and his hands helped to guide him as he reached out to place them back on Yun Xie’s hip and outreached hand.

With a quick smile and swing of his body, Yun Xie reversed their positions and leaned back. Jiang Xunyi quietly cursed before he leaned forward to follow him through his dip as the music came to a halt.

“One of these days you’re going to make me accidentally drop you.” Jiang Xunyi told him as he secured his grip on the other’s waist, “You seem to have a bad habit of switching the steps last minute, Ah-Xie.”

“I know you’ll always catch me.” Yun Xie said as he moved his hand from Jiang Xunyi’s shoulder to wrap around the back of his neck. His eyes practically glowing at the use of his old nickname, easily ignoring the tone it was used with of course.

“Anyways, mixing in a surprise or two keeps things interesting.”

Jiang Xunyi opened his mouth to respond but closed it again as the thundering applause sounded across the auditorium. He glanced at Yun Xie, hoping his glare was enough warning to behave before he pulled him upright.

Surprisingly it was. Was. Until the pair took their turn bowing, their arms around each other as they bowed. As Jiang Xunyi straightened up he felt a hand sliding down his back, fingers brushing against the band of his pants before they moved away as Yun Xie led the way backstage again.

If anyone heard the loud smack that was followed by the sound of something crashing to the floor from behind the curtains, no one commented.

Chapter 3

Summary:

Before the pair took the stage together, they had to start somewhere.

Everything tends to fall out of order the longer it goes on. At least that’s how it felt like to Yun Xie as he scrolled through his phone. The news about Cheng Wudao and Ti Ming’s retirement took the world by storm.

The legendary pair had already been lowering the amount of appearances they had been making for years-- the amount of competitions next to non existent at this point. Yet the world was crying blood and throwing pleads all over the internet at the idea that the two would officially stop competing and instead focus solely on teaching.

The fact that the pair had kept dancing into their forties was gracing everyone with more time than most dancers were willing to give. Usually at this point, many had retired to live their lives comfortably if they were successful, and desperately if they weren’t. Better to leave the scene at the top than continue after you can’t keep up with the current generation.

Everyone stirred it up as if it was the end of the world, yet within a few weeks the news died down, until a few months it was just another slow buzz in the backs of people’s minds.

Though the news of his teacher retiring had calmed, but the news of the two who would replace them soared. Everyone knew Ti Ming and Cheng Wu were teachers many would sell their very souls to be taught by. They weren’t the easiest teachers--always fair, but not lenient.

If you wanted something, you had to work for it. They made sure all their students knew that.

It was also well known that the two masters had already each chosen a student to take under their wings directly. Personal successors to their legacy. Now it seemed like all eyes were on them as the two giants stepped down.

Not long after his teacher made his announcement, Cheng Wu went to find Yun Xie and tell him his plans for his succession. He had come to talk to him before his announcement months before when the decision had been finalized, yet this felt different.

He greeted him with a smile but there was a weariness in his face that Yun Xie had never noticed in him before. When he explained how he was basically only to become a figure head to his own school, he understood why.

Dance had been his life for years, but now there wasn’t anything else for him to compete for and even teaching had produced new successful dancers. Yun Xie was his successor and now that he was nearing the end of his time at the academy and his graduation came closer, there wasn’t much more Cheng Wu could teach him.

Once he graduated, he could slowly started taking things over until Cheng Wu officially gave up his place and retired even from his position as teacher and headmaster.

He was tired. He wanted nothing more than to enjoy his life and have some time to himself. Cheng Wu had had dreams of conquering the dancing world from a young age, but now that that had been completed, what else did he have to do? It was his drive and now he was finally at a place where he was content to write his name down and move on.

“You’re still so young, Xie-er, in the dancing world you’re still new even with the list of titles you’ve collected for yourself in these few years.” Cheng Wu said.

He poured himself another cup of tea, enjoying the fragrance briefly before he took a sip.

“Shifu talks as if I’m still a child. I did just turn twenty six.” Yun Xie reminded him. An amusing smile crossed his teacher’s face before he set his tea cup down.

“You’re right, but many people don’t expect a headmaster to be someone who has less than a decade of competition experience under their belts. My name can only take you so far.”

“Your name is more than enough to warrant respect for the Solar Envy Academy.”

“The academy is one thing, you yourself are another,” his teacher reminded firmly, “Of course they will associate you with the academy and vice versa, but it doesn’t mean they won’t be watching your every step like wolves to catch any mistakes you might make. Any sign of weakness and they’ll aim for your throat”

Yun Xie was more than well aware of that fact. From the moment he entered the academy at the young age of seventeen, he had been watching his back against everyone. Even in many cases the other students. No. Especially the other students. Weakness was targeted and anyone who showed it was ripped apart without mercy.

The way to the top was filled with deceit and plots and Yun Xie had long learned how to maneuver through them.

“This student is well aware,” a quick gesture towards the notebook on his desk, to the notes covering every inch of the pages, “I’ve done my own research.”

Cheng Wu glanced at the notebook before giving Yun Xie a smile and a nod, “I know. Though you can’t blame me for wanting to be cautious.”

“I know, Shifu. And I am always grateful for any wisdom you’re nice enough to pass on,” Yun Xie added easily, his own smile mirroring his teachers, “What little of it there is.”

Cheng Wu laughed, the sound seemed to fill the room, “Brat! Luckily you don’t hold back at least.”

The atmosphere seemed to lighten and Yun Xie smiled his response as he drank his tea. Yun Xie understood his warning well. He’d be an idiot not brush it off completely.

He could see it in the way he was placed on a pedestal by the media. The way he was dragged through the mud by the opposite side. Loyalty with these people could change at the drop of a hat. A single comment; a single mistake. Anything could kick his feet from under him.

 

----

The first time Yun Xie had seen Cheng Wu and Ti Ming dance, he was a little over seven years old. Most of his memories from his early years bad long since faded, but that was one that stayed etched in his mind. It was before Jiang Xunyi’s health declined further. Back when he was teetering from going further down but still healthy enough for outings once in a blue moon.

He remembers holding Jiang Xunyi’s hand so they don’t get separated as the pair sat in their seats close by Jiang Yuan and his parents. He remembered the smell of wax from the floors and the slightly too warm air inside of the auditorium.

By this point, Yun Xie had been the adopted son of Cheng Wu for a little over two years, and yet he felt like he was seeing him for the first time all over again.

Cheng Wu strode onto the dance floor-- the air of confidence like a king walking towards his throne. His chin was held high, his shoulders squared, yet still somehow still having his usual relaxed nature. Yun Xie noticed the slight smile on his face, eyes warm as he reached a hand out towards Ti Ming who followed closely behind him.

The future Hidden Spirit Academy headmaster had a softer look to him. His smile gentle and posture just as graceful to match as he reached out to take Cheng Wu’s hand.

How old where they then? Ninteen. Twenty maybe.

Even with this young ages, they seemed to hold an air as if they had lived a hundred years and were expecting a hundred more. Life passed them like a spring breeze-- nothing but a gentle caress and a promise of new beginnings.

Yun Xie had heard a lot of music at home as Cheng Wu spent weeks practicing and picking songs out with Ti Ming. He had heard them in the dance room that replaced their attic upstairs, steps even and steady as they followed the beat of the music. He heard times when their steps were quick and yet still seemed to match whatever song they had playing.

Yun Xie had spent days trying to sneak into the room only to be stopped by Cheng Wu and his insistence to keep it a surprise. He sent Yun Xie on his way with a quick ruffle to his hair and a cheeky grin as Yun Xie tried his best to convey his displeasure with is face.

Yet as he watched the first notes of the music play, he realized this wasn’t a song he had heard.

The beat was slow and almost melancholy as it played. Even their softer songs had a bit more beat to it, and yet this sounded like a song that was best at conveying the sense of loss and longing someone had to a home they hadn’t seen in years.

The pair moved in time with the music, their hands locked as they took slow steps across the floor. The room seemed to hold their breath as they watched. Yun Xie almost thought he had missed something as he saw the more serious look on Cheng Wu’s face.

Only time he had seen him so serious was when he thought their cat had knocked his whiskey cabinet.

As the pace continued, a few notes seemed to clash with the music. The soft tempo began to have a slight tilt up as it went on and the pair moved to the rhythm. Twirls and light lifts were added as Cheng Wu held Ti Ming’s waist carefully. Yun Xie started to realize the music didn’t seem to have the same effect on the pair as it did with the others.

While the music conveyed its own story, it changed when paired with the dance. Ti Ming and Cheng Wu didn’t seem to be sad at all. Not even a slight bit of melancholy filled their faces. Instead they looked nothing but content.

They still kept their faces mostly neutral and serious, but Yun Xie saw the way Cheng Wu’s eyes softened slightly. Ti Ming wasn’t any better as he stared back. His mouth seemed to curve up as the moved and Yun Xie was sure that Cheng Wu really didn’t have to hold on to the other’s waist or shoulders as long as he did. Ti Ming didn’t even seem to notice as he seemed to give a slight squeeze back every time their hands touched.

Yun Xie had a weird instinct to cover his eyes, and Ah-Xun’s. A quick glance over showed him the other also seemed caught up in the dance, a bit of confusion in his eyes but he didn’t seem like he hated what he saw or was going to turn away any time soon.

Jiang Xunyi’s parents on the other hand seemed to look slightly embarrassed as they watched. Yun Xie wondered if they knew something he didn’t as Jiang Xunyi’s dad gave a slight cough to cover his embarrassment.

Yun Xie turned his attention back to the dancers. It wasn’t a terrible performance. It was actually cativating and made him wish the song wouldn’t end. Yet he felt like he had walked in on something private. Like those days when Ti Ming came over for dinner and Yun Xie walked into the kitchen to see their heads close together as they prepared something or washed the dishes.

A bubble that just seemed to encompass the two.

Even when the music finally ended, the two didn’t let go right away. Instead they danced a few more steps, adding a few more slow spins before finally ending the dance in their own terms.

Of course the auditorium erupted into applause. In the flurry of people standing and the thunderous wave of clapping, Yun Xie saw Cheng Wu look right at him. He had turned himself forward with Ti Ming to bow. The moment their eyes locked, Cheng Wu gave him a smile-- it seemed filled with its usual warmth but also seemed to harbor a challenge. And Yun Xie knew he wasn’t going to back down.

It took him a few lessons to pick up the basics, Cheng Wu personally supervising him as he repeated the same basic six steps over and over. Waltz. Tango. Bachata. Every step he tried to pick up, even if one took him weeks to stumble through.

He spent hours in the attic dance room with Jiang Xunyi when the other started his own lessons. The two staring at their feet as they tried to keep tempo with each other. Eventually adding music and then their hesitant steps giving way to more confidence as they kept their eyes on each other. The sounds of laughter and jokes flowing out of the room along with their steps and music.

Yun Xie remembered entering the academy. Rushing home from school to pick up his things, before leaving with Cheng Wu. He had taken over as head of the academy and so he remembered clearly his days among the other children, the air of superiority never quite leaving him then as they all stared in awe at the child who always arrived with the new headmaster.

When Jiang Xunyi’s health took a bad turn in their early teens, he began to divide his time into thirds. Yun Xie would appear in his friend’s hospital room, a radio in tow and notes to keep him up to speed.

Even with his weakened state, Jiang Xunyi’s eyes were steady. His posture straight as he could manage as he listened, even if he could barely move or speak on the worst of days.

Jiang Xunyi lost his hair in those days, but he didn’t seem to notice as Yun Xie showed him song after song. His hospital room became their own personal studio as Yun Xie moved his lanky growing limbs into new steps.

Years of practice; of slowly helping Jiang Xunyi fight his illness. First Yun Xie held Jiang Xunyi’s hand to help him walk a few unsteady steps before he could lead him back into a dance.

By the time they could apply for the adult program in their respective academies, Yun Xie was leading Jiang Xunyi back into those first basic steps. Jiang Xunyi had missed years of practice but he didn’t even seem to notice. His determination was contagious as he slowly put himself through his lessons again.

First slowly, until his health recovered enough for him to get back into a normal routine. Yun Xie kept an eye on him even after all the reasurances from the doctors. Illness took a toll and he had watched it first hand through his best friend. Jiang Xunyi’s hands stayed firm in his every time he practiced, yet Yun Xie began to notice his own squeezing back a lot gentler than before. He never doubted Jiang Xunyi for a moment, but after all these years, the exact value of what he was holding had become etched into his mind.

Jiang Xunyi was like a precious stone. He was brilliant and kept others captivated even when he didn’t seem to appear in his best. Yet, Jiang Xunyi held a firm and unwavering strength that would topple mountains and shift raging currents.

That same strength propelled him to the top. The same strength kept him from falling.

Even now, as Yun Xie spent weeks going through the media again after the official succession plan was announced. The reactions were obvious. Predictable enough it was boring. Cheng Wu never did anything that didn’t leave an impression and his announcement had dropped like a stone in a pool.

As Yun Xie scrolled through, he found the Hidden Spirit Academy’s official individual statement. Jiang Xunyi had spoken to Yun Xie about it, an air of arrogance seemed to fill him as he brushed off the affair.

Jiang Xunyi had made it seem like he could care less, but Yun Xie saw differently. He stared at the photo uploaded with the announcement. The basic automatic well wishes to Ti Ming and then congratulations to Jiang Xunyi. The photo under it was simple.

It showed the dance studio. Lines of dancers filled the room and reflected off the mirrors and standing off to the side was Jiang Xunyi. His posture was straight and perfect, his hair tied back and his eyes seemed to have caught the camera almost by accident. Jiang Xunyi seemed to command the focus of the picture, his face holding his trademark smile that was easily a challenge.

Yun Xie felt his heart quicken, his own smile coming out to meet Jiang Xunyi’s even through the picture.

It felt like seeing an oasis in a dessert; the calming eye of the storm out at sea. Yun Xie was walking into an abyss as he took up his place and stood among the rest of the elites in the industry. Yet, he saw Jiang Xunyi beside him, hand reaching out towards him like a hundred times before and Yun Xie would take it like he had a hundred times before.

Each time gave birth to a new moment and he never wanted to miss a single one.

Notes:

I've been in bed sick with vertigo and nausea for most of the day so staring at screens hasn't been something I can really do right now, but I had a random urge to finish this and since I have no impulse control, here it is. Sorry if it doesn't make any sense or is rushed since I kinda just wrote it and didn't read it too closely for obvious reasons but hopefully its legible.
I might edit it later, or figure out if I can ask someone to beta but anyways, I'll add in some side stories with other characters later since I have some ideas for like Jiang Molou and the rest.

Notes:

I'm planning to add chapters to this as I go, mostly have three main ones in mind an than might do dabbles or extra content to flesh out some of the backstory of side characters or random events (cause in this house we love and appreciate side characters) and maybe whatever other ideas come to mind.

Shout out to Namio for indulging me with this AU. It's good motivation when you see a friend reading something and dying over it.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of with every step, a wish is born