Work Text:
To Solitarycreaturesthey on Tumblr
Tik Tok video inspiration: Tik Tok video
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As the early birds sang, the sun slashed its rays into the Laura Lye Dance Studio.
The studio was clean and everything was in its place for the next day. Black tap shoes lined the wall in cubbies; pink and beige ballet slippers hung on hooks; and ballroom heels and flats sat on metal shoe racks.
The dressing rooms were organized and prepared with towels, slippers, hair gel, hair pins, and stage makeup, all placed in their respective drawers. Dresses, gowns, and tutus in assorted colours hung to the right of the dressing rooms, and suits of all styles were on the left. A round black staircase led upstairs to the large dance studio, where windows lined the right side of the wall and a large mirror on the left. The hardwood floors were gleaming clean. Ballet bars were positioned under the windows and stood empty except for a rogue bow that a student left behind. A sound system attached to a Google device hung above and turned on just as a key jingle could be heard from the first floor.
The large oak door opened, and two people entered the studio. Only soft breathing and grunts could be made out as the lights were turned on, and the security system was turned off with a beep. A Starbucks drink holder was placed on a nearby counter, and the names L and M were written on the cups. A woman in her early fifties, with long black hair, wearing a blue dress, picked up the cup with L on it and took her first sip of coffee that morning. She sighed as she placed her cup on the counter and grabbed her tan heels from the shoe rack. She was putting them on when she began to speak.
“Mikhailo! How’s the floor up there? I told Iggy to make sure it was properly lacquered!” She finished belting her heel on and grabbed her cup again.
Sounds of heavy feet made their way down the stairs. A young man with black hair, dressed in a black tank top and black track pants appeared, His hand was tattooed with the word FUCK, and it was holding a pink ribbon. “Yeah. Looks ok. Either Iggy started wearing bows or one of the kids left this behind.” He smirked, holding it up while reaching for the coffee cup marked M.
“Hmm. Highly doubt he has. Most likely one of the girls. Leave it here, and I'm sure someone will see it.” She motioned her head towards the counter. Both stood silently, enjoying their morning coffee.
Suddenly, the door flew open, making the two jolt a little. “Ma! We have a problem!” A younger version of the woman stumbled in, her dark hair up in a messy bun. She was wearing a similar outfit as Mikhailo but in pink. A rogue strand of hair had fallen into her face, and she moved her head to escape it as she faced her mother.
“What?” The woman sat her cup down and held her daughter's arms in concern. Mikhailo rolled his eyes and chuckled at the spectacle.
“I may have overestimated the partner dance-off this week!” the young girl huffed.
The woman exhaled and let go of the girl's arms. “Mandy! For the love of God! Why would you make that sound like you were dying?!” She ran her hand over her forehead.
Mandy’s brows raised and she still looked worried. “It is an emergency, though! It’s my event and I fucked up!” Mandy leaned her head back and pouted.
“Oh geez, baby Mandy and her pout,” Mikhailo grunted.
Mandy’s lips curled and rolled her eyes. “I am not pouting, Mickey!”
Mickey snorted, murmuring under his breath, and faced the opposite side of the wall. “Yeah, you are.”
Laura cleared her throat and shot a side-eye to her son, then returned to her daughter. “How many did you overestimate?”
Mandy pulled out an iPad and looked at the screen. “About ten! Thirty people are coming, so there are ten people with no partners!”
Laura inhaled and wrapped her arm around her daughters’ shoulders. “Ok. That’s fine. Between the four of us, we can double up with the extras to help things roll along.” Her voice was reassuring as Mandy leaned against her arm for comfort.
Mickey was just swallowing his last drop of coffee when he nearly sputtered it out of his nose. “What do you mean? I only see three of us here; who’s the fourth? The invisible man?”
Laura squinted her eyes and gave him a death glare. Mickey’s eyes widened as he lowered his head and cleared his throat. “I-I mean, who is the fourth?”
“Iggy can be an extra body.” Laura scratched her nose as she walked away.
Mandy and Mickey shared disbelieving looks and turned to their mother with silent questioning.
“What? Iggy isn’t just a cleaner, you know. He has experience in dance, just like you two.” Laura shrugged.
“He hasn't danced in years, Mom! For all we know, he may swing some poor student through a window,” Mickey quipped.
Laura wiped down a shelf and placed the remote by the TV that hung in the main entrance. “Iggy has been practicing his tap, he’s gotten better.” She sounded confident in her statement, so the siblings just shook their heads and decided not to argue.
—
Laura opened her dance studio ten years prior. She had been an award-winning ballroom dancer for twenty years before she got married and had her three kids. Once the kids had started school she needed to find a job so she opened her first studio and started with a small group of students, her kids among them.
Laura was relieved when her ex-husband Terry Milkovich was placed in jail for illegal arms smuggling and drug distribution. She quickly divorced him, took the kids and moved from New York to Chicago. Terry wasn't getting out of jail for a long time, so she had no worries. The last she heard was that he got shanked in prison; she didn't care if he lived or died.
Mandy had taken it upon herself to create monthly dance-off competitions at the studio, the money they collected would go to family charities to help those in need. They relied on those charities themselves when they first came to Chicago with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
The day went on like any other day, kids coming in getting their lessons, couples taking ballroom dancing for their weddings, and the regulars practicing for an upcoming competition. Mandy had her hands full looking over her plan for tonight’s dance-off; participants were coming from different parts of Chicago, New York and some from Canada. Mandy had her brother help with setting up folding chairs and the projector screen to announce the song and dance style that the participants had to dance to. Mickey and Iggy were accustomed to their little sister’s bossy ways, but they always liked to complain.
“Mickey! You have the screen crooked!” Mandy huffed out.
Mickey grunted and spoke under his breath. “You’re crooked.”
“I heard that, dick breath!” Mandy walked by, leaving an angry draft.
Iggy walked over to his brother and slapped him on the shoulder. “She’s a walking nightmare when she wants to be.” Both brothers laughed.
“What’s so funny? Iggy! We need more chairs! Mickey, where are the labelled number sheets?” Mandy screeched from the other side of the room.
Her brothers sighed and went to where they were needed. Mickey went down the stairs to get the labelled, numbered sheets for the participants to wear. Laura stood by the printer as they printed out.
“Your majesty is grating on my nerves.” Mickey crossed his arms and leaned against the counter.
“You know how she is when this comes around. You should be proud that she is so motivated.” Laura pulled out the last sheet and placed it into the pile and passed it to Mickey.
“Yeah. Yeah.” He stood up to leave, but Laura stopped him, holding his arm. Mickey looked into her blue eyes and she smiled warmly.
“I’m proud of all of you.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek. All of his anger melted away and he nodded. Laura watched as he made his way up. She winced when he yelled up to the second floor.
“Your majesty! Your fuckin’ sheets are done!”
====
“Ian! It’s time to get up!” Fiona yelled from below.
A messy redheaded man pulled down his bedsheets, a freckled arm slung over his eyes shielding his face. “Five more!” His voice was scratchy.
“No! Up. NOW!” It almost felt like the room shook at how loud she yelled.
He flung his sheets off. Wearing checkered boxers and a white tank, he began to fling his body around like a child and groaned. “Why? It’s Saturday!!”
Fiona started up the stairs. “Did you forget already? You promised your girlfriend you’d help out at the dance-off!”
Ian’s eyes flung open, revealing clover green eyes. “Shit! She’s not my girlfriend! Mandy is my friend period!” Ian began to rush around his room looking for his clothes.
“She’s a girl and a friend! Hence, girlfriend!! Your clothes are in the dryer, dumbass!” She laughed at the last part.
Ian sighed in frustration as he rifled through his pile of clothes and threw them to the floor again. He made his way downstairs to the kitchen. His long legs skipped a couple of steps, making it faster to get there.
Fiona stood at the kitchen counter making pancakes. She pointed to the table with a spatula. “Breakfast then clothes.”
Ian grunted as he sat at the table and poured syrup on his pancakes. He hummed in delight when the buttery cakes hit his tongue.
Fiona sipped on her coffee at the sink and chuckled at her brother’s reaction. She pulled the cup away and swallowed. “So, what’s the purpose of this dance-off?”
Ian was mid-chew when he answered, “It’s for charity. Anyone can participate.”
He took a sip of orange juice, then continued to shove food in his mouth.
“How do you know what you're dancing to? Do you even know how to ballroom dance?” Fiona’s brows furrowed.
Ian nodded “Yeah. I’ve been to Mandy’s night classes, and she’s shown me a lot. I mean, I have some experience dancing. It’s all categorized anyway, so I made sure to sign up for the jazz category.”
“Jazz?” Fiona put her cup down.
“It’s like a large range. It could be line dancing, hip-hop, two-step, or swing. There’s a bunch more.” Ian swiped the last of his maple syrup from his plate and ate the last bite. He stood up and brought his plate to the sink. “They pull names, song genres and the type of dance.” He went to the dryer and pulled out his clothes.
“Ok. Well, take pictures!” Fiona yelled the last part as Ian ran back up to get dressed. He yelled back “Yeah!” and went on with his day.
Ian and Mandy had met at the community center, where he was doing some volunteering with the local fire department to help complete some hours to finish his EMT course. They had hit it off as friends and hung out every weekend. Mandy had then invited him to come to her dance classes at night. They have been inseparable since.
Mandy had asked about Ian’s life before being an EMT, and he had told her about his go-go dancing days as a teenager before being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and doing it for money to support his family. Mandy suggested dance could be a positive outlet for him and that he could make it part of his routine. He had reassured her that his levels were good and was confident that he had it under control with therapy and medication.
About two weeks in, Ian suspected that Mandy might be developing a crush on him, so he told her he was gay. She was disappointed at first but was over it in less than two minutes.
—-
Later that day, Ian got off the train and headed to Mandy’s family dance studio. He flung his backpack over his shoulder and lit a cigarette as he walked. When he reached his destination, he flicked his cigarette away and walked into the studio. It was all a buzz, people running around, getting dressed and practicing.
Mandy's excited voice rang through the hallway, making Ian jump back in surprise. “IAN! You made it!” She ran into his arms and he hugged her tight.
“Hey Mands! Everything going well?” He chuckled as she pulled back to look at him. Her blue eyes are highlighted by black liner and purple eyeshadow.
“Just about! The kids did their event this morning, so tonight is the adults. I’m so excited!” She giggled and jumped in place.
Ian smiled back as he adjusted his bag on his shoulder, and Mandy directed him to where he could place his things. “Just put your bag in a locker, sign in and get a number. Iggy is passing them out upstairs.” She hugged him again and told him she had some loose ends to tie up and would see him later.
Ian headed to the lockers, placed his bag into one, and pulled his dance shoes out. He stepped back when he bumped into someone and heard a loud yelp.
“Watch where you’re goin’!”
Ian swung around, his face apologetic. “Oh shit! Sorry!”
Green eyes met familiar blue ones. They paused and stared at each other, and Ian couldn't help but notice how attractive the other man was. He had thick arms, a black shirt covering his biceps, and tight black pants that left little to the imagination. Their eyes remained glued as the other man looked over Ian.
Suddenly, the man with the beautiful blue eyes cleared his throat. “Yeah. Just be careful.” He rubbed the side of his nose and walked away.
Ian tried to swallow, but his throat became dry. He wiped his mouth, hoping that he wasn't drooling. “Fuck. He was hot.”
—
Mickey hurriedly walked away from the redhead. His body was betraying him as he felt it warm up. Those green eyes were so fucking beautiful, the red hair was something he appreciated, and the man was tall. All the traits that he was attracted to. Mickey inhaled and shook his head to remain focused. This was not the place to be sexually attracted to paying clients
Mandy came around the corner and faced her brother as he stood dazed. His cheeks were pink, so she was curious. “Why are you blushing?” She giggled.
Mickey looked up, his mouth sucked in. “Huh? Nothing, must be the stress or whatever. Are we almost set?”
Mandy’s brow rose as she eyed her brother. “Uh-huh. Yeah. Stress. Everything’s good.”
Mickey felt his pockets for something to distract him, mumbled that he forgot something, and shoulder-bumped his sister. Mandy just laughed, her brother must have seen someone attractive. She shrugged and went back to finish up her tasks.
—
Ian signed in and picked up his number. He received help from one of the attendees to tape his marker on his back and sat on a folding chair for the event to start.
Mandy’s brother Iggy was the MC and introduced the event. Ian noticed Mandy across the room. She beamed back at him and waved. Ian waved back, noticing that she was standing by the man he had bumped into earlier. He gave her a questioning look. Mandy wiggled her phone towards him, letting him know to text.
Ian had his phone out already and looked down at the screen waiting for her message.
Mandy: It’s my older brother Mickey. I thought I introduced you.
Ian: Uh, no.
Mandy: Sorry. He works at the studio during the day, probably why.
The event had begun, so he just nodded at her with understanding. His leg began to bounce as the thought of being attracted to her possibly straight brother got him anxious. Ian cleared his throat and patted the number eight on his chest to distract himself.
—---
Mandy was putting her cell phone away and had a huge smile. Mickey nudged her. “Who’s that? Your new flavour of the month?”
Mandy rolled her eyes. “No dumbass. That’s Ian. He’s gay. We’re best friends.”
Mickey rubbed his nose and coughed slightly. “Ah. Ok.”
Mandy looked at him with a shit-eating grin. “What? Do you think he’s hot? I can introduce you.”
Mickey snorted. “He’s a client.”
“Hmm, not really. He attends some nights, but he isn't a client. You want me to?”
Mickey looked around and sniffed. “Maybe later.”
Mandy took her cell phone out. “I can te-”
Mickey cut her off before she could finish and grabbed her cell phone away. “I said later. Fuck.” He handed it back to her with wide eyes and a silent warning.
Mandy chuckled and put her phone away. “Fine.”
Mickey exhaled as he casually looked back across the room. The redhead was looking down and adjusting his number. Mickey prayed to the gods he could get through this without popping a boner.
The event started, and it was very entertaining. Some of the songs were a hilarious match. Mandy was paired with a man she taught in her class, and they did the Cha Cha to “Save a Horse” by Big & Rich.
Ian laughed at all the funny ways different songs were paired with styles of dance. By intermission, his name had not come up yet. He got up and went to use the bathroom. When he exited, Mandy nearly tackled him and dragged him around the corner.
Ian was startled as Mandy held him against the wall and looked around. “Ian! My brother is interested!” she whispered.
“Iggy?” he gasped.
“God no! Mickey!”
Ian blinked in quick succession. “Mickey? Your brother?”
Mandy sighed. “Yes, dumbass, I told you that in our text. He’s gay! Totally into you!”
Ian ran his hand through his red hair. “He said that?”
“Uh. Not exactly, but his face said it!”
Ian shook his head in disbelief. “Mandy. Stop interfering. We don't know if he is or not.”
Mandy opened her mouth to retort but was interrupted by Iggy’s announcement. “Ok! So let’s continue! Not many people left, but we’re still having fun, right?” Everyone cheered. “Onto our next couple!”
Mandy relaxed her hold on Ian and turned to face the crowd. Iggy pulled out a name. “Number eight, Ian Gallagher!” Ian smiled as he made his way up to the front. Iggy went in and pulled out another name. “Number 21, Mickey Milkovich! Wait…uhh. This is different. Mands?”
Mandy rushed up and smiled politely at everyone. People were seemingly unbothered and were clapping. Mandy looked over at Iggy, who shrugged. Mickey made his way up and stood beside Ian, his vision down on his feet and his arms crossed behind his back.
Mandy took the mic. “Well, there are no rules against same-sex dancing! Let’s go!”
The crowd cheered. Ian looked over at Mickey, who was smirking. Their eyes met and Ian leaned over to talk to him. “So, uh. I’m not great at lead, I’m more of an improv dancer.”
Mickey bit his bottom lip and continued to look down at the floor. He nudged Ian. “S’ okay. Just follow my lead. I'm well-versed in all kinds of positions.” Mickey sneaked a look over at Ian with a raised brow and a grin.
Ian felt his cheeks heat up. Was this man hitting on him already? Ian cleared his throat. “Ok. Sure.”
Iggy waited until Mandy gave the go-ahead and pulled notes out of the two remaining hats. “Ok, so the style you’ll be dancing to will be Swing, and the song is ‘Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels’ by Todrick Hall.” Iggy looked utterly confused. Mandy was bent over with laughter, along with many others.
Ian’s mouth hung open, and his face may have turned the colour of a tomato. He looked over at Mickey, who looked unfazed by it all.
“Well? Are you ready, Red?” Mickey motioned towards the floor.
Ian shut his mouth and just nodded. They made their way to the middle of the dance floor and waited for the music to start.
Mickey held his left arm out and wiggled his hand to get Ian to take it. Ian obliged and swallowed nervously. Mickey nodded to Iggy and the song started.
Everyone began to cheer as Todrik’s song started to play. Mickey did exactly what he said he would and led Ian, who just went with the flow and did what came naturally; danced while following a man.
Everyone cheered when Mickey shook his ass, Ian did a chest shake and slid in between Mickey’s legs when he was prompted. It went on like a blur. The music soon stopped, and both men stood at arm's length, their chests rising and falling with sweat adorning their temples. They both bowed and walked off the main floor.
Mandy was the first to congratulate them. “Oh. My. God! That was AMAZING!!” Her smile filled her face.
Mickey passed Ian a water bottle from a cooler and was mid-drink when he stood there giggling. He swallowed and exhaled. “Yeah. You’re pretty good there, Gallagher.”
Ian’s brows raised as he unscrewed his bottle cap. “Yeah. Thanks. You’re not bad yourself.” He took a sip of his water bottle. Both men were now facing each other and making eye contact. Mandy looked in between the two and cleared her throat.
“So, I can see the sexual tension. I’m just going to go,” she leaned forward and whispered into Ian’s ear. “You’re welcome” and scattered off.
Both men drank their waters, their eyes not losing contact. Mickey wiped his mouth with the back of his arm and motioned towards Ian. “So. Are you free later, for a beer?”
Ian bit his bottom lip. “Beer sounds good. Where?”
Mickey scratched the side of his nose and chuckled. “I know a good place. My place.”
Both men’s smiles widened as they shared a chuckle. Ian would need to thank Mandy tenfold. Mickey would worry about Mandy rubbing it in his face another day.
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