leo valdez. (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
commandertoolbelt) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
arrays2014-06-30 07:52 pm
commandertoolbelt) wrote in arrays2014-06-30 07:52 pm
Entry tags:
[ open ] we'll keep dancing til we die
want to dance?
or can I buy you a drink; dance club au
Weird, he'll think later, how comfortable this is with a complete stranger. If this were a girl Leo was crushing on, he'd be spazzing out right now, so excited and stunned and happy he'd be. Though as it stands, he may not be as excited or happy as in that case, but he's certainly still feeling the high, and whether that's real or from the alcohol, he doesn't know and doesn't much care to find out.
The music is changing again, and Leo gives a soft sigh as he shifts to match the new tempo, leaning into her more the closer she gets to him. It's almost hard to ignore the way that she moves against him, but anytime he has trouble, he simply refocuses on the music and how to move with it. The way he dances tonight is nothing special, not compared to the lessons he received from his mother when he was younger, but he's fluid in his movements and it's obvious he's at home on the dance floor, with or without a partner.
The music is changing again, and Leo gives a soft sigh as he shifts to match the new tempo, leaning into her more the closer she gets to him. It's almost hard to ignore the way that she moves against him, but anytime he has trouble, he simply refocuses on the music and how to move with it. The way he dances tonight is nothing special, not compared to the lessons he received from his mother when he was younger, but he's fluid in his movements and it's obvious he's at home on the dance floor, with or without a partner.
When the song changes again - she's having some trouble keeping track of everything, not that it matters or anything - Natalie decides to bring his head down to meet hers again in yet another kiss. Some time, she's sure, has passed since the last one and she's feeling rather needy tonight. She likes how he moves , partially because it almost makes her feel like she's a halfway decent dancer herself.
Hopefully this won't feel rash or stupid when she wakes up in her own bed tomorrow, nursing a hangover after tonight.
Hopefully this won't feel rash or stupid when she wakes up in her own bed tomorrow, nursing a hangover after tonight.
He’s more than happy to oblige her, easily adjusting so he can meet her lips again, a smiling all the while. They’re moving a bit slower now, caught up in each other instead of the music, and Leo hardly has the presence of mind to care. It might have been a slow start, but they’ve found their own rhythm. Isn’t that what matters most, in a place like this? The rest of the club is fading from his attentions, the other dancers and sounds just background noise. He has something - someone far more interesting to focus on tonight, and it can only last so long, but Leo only hopes she won’t leave before he’s ready for it to be over.
Natalie curls her fingers into his hair, getting a good grip to kiss him properly, tongue and all. She moves from foot to foot, resting her other hand over his, curling her fingers through his. He's been respectful of her boundaries - not that those matter much - and she feels like she can give into her desires here. She groans softly, unheard over the noise, and opens her eyes when their kiss ends, her lips still parted in curiosity.
He's a touch surprised when she adds her tongue to the mix, but it's welcome, and he melts into her touch, eager to explore in another way. With their hands laced together, he gives her a little squeeze and takes a breath when they part, eyeing her lips thoughtfully. He's starting to wonder how long this is going to last and how far they're going to go before they both realize that there might be something screwed up about this. Maybe they should consider leaving the dance floor for a while, if they plan to keep this going.
They've gone this long without a single word between them. He's almost surprised to hear her voice among all the other sounds, unsure if that's what he might have expected from her appearance, but he stays close to be sure that she hears his answer.
"Leo." He doesn't ask for hers, assuming that she'll offer it in return. And if she doesn't, he can just ask later.
"Leo." He doesn't ask for hers, assuming that she'll offer it in return. And if she doesn't, he can just ask later.
"Natalie."
Everything about her says that she never actually does this, nor does she actually stay to get the other person's name. But maybe that's all that will happen tonight, because instantly, she's already itching to get out of the crowd, slowly slipping her hands out of his. "Thanks for the dance."
Everything about her says that she never actually does this, nor does she actually stay to get the other person's name. But maybe that's all that will happen tonight, because instantly, she's already itching to get out of the crowd, slowly slipping her hands out of his. "Thanks for the dance."
"Anytime."
Leo really doesn't want to see her go, but he's not about to stop her if that's what she wants. You can only run so far, and things like this never do last. With one more smile for her, he turns to head off the dance floor once her hands are out of his, intent on getting another drink at the bar.
Leo really doesn't want to see her go, but he's not about to stop her if that's what she wants. You can only run so far, and things like this never do last. With one more smile for her, he turns to head off the dance floor once her hands are out of his, intent on getting another drink at the bar.
Most days, you stick to one club and that's plenty to get your high and let out all that pent-up energy. Some days, it's not so easy to get into the groove. Other days, one is not enough, and neither is the second place, or the third, or even the fourth, and you keep going and going until you can't go anymore - like the Energizer bunny, but eventually you run out of power and pass out.
Even before he'd met Natalie, Leo had been exploring the club scene. She'd shown him a few he hadn't known about, but most days, when they're together, they stick to one of the usual places.
Tonight is one of those other days.
They've already been to a few places already, staying for a short time before taking off again, and he's already starting to lose track between the drinks and the whirlwind energy they've both worked up. It's his turn to pick the next one, though, and he pulls her up to a door, grinning mysteriously, and says something in Spanish to the bouncer as if they're old friends. The guy nods and steps aside, letting the two of them in without protest, despite their age, and they're met with a blast of energetic music with a bit of a Latin flair.
"Salsa bar," he explains, leaning just close enough so Natalie will be able to hear him over the noise. "Welcome to the land of my people," he says with a laugh. "Margarita?"
Even before he'd met Natalie, Leo had been exploring the club scene. She'd shown him a few he hadn't known about, but most days, when they're together, they stick to one of the usual places.
Tonight is one of those other days.
They've already been to a few places already, staying for a short time before taking off again, and he's already starting to lose track between the drinks and the whirlwind energy they've both worked up. It's his turn to pick the next one, though, and he pulls her up to a door, grinning mysteriously, and says something in Spanish to the bouncer as if they're old friends. The guy nods and steps aside, letting the two of them in without protest, despite their age, and they're met with a blast of energetic music with a bit of a Latin flair.
"Salsa bar," he explains, leaning just close enough so Natalie will be able to hear him over the noise. "Welcome to the land of my people," he says with a laugh. "Margarita?"
It's weird, being together, but not together because other than giving him her number and her name, they don't really know much about each other at this point. There's no room for getting to know yous when you're busy trying to sneak into places and good luck having a conversation once you're inside.
The even weirder part is that she's given up everything but the alcohol, able to let loose and enjoy herself without much of anything in her system. It's therapeutic, releasing all that pent up energy this way.
Her eyebrows raised appreciatively, she remains stuck to his side as they enter the new place. The heavy bass barely knocks her off balance. The music is exciting, like nothing she listens to on a regular basis. It's a lot classier-sounding than most of the places they frequent.
"I'm thirsty," she tells him, her eyes briefly flicking over his face before she turns her attentions to the bar.
The even weirder part is that she's given up everything but the alcohol, able to let loose and enjoy herself without much of anything in her system. It's therapeutic, releasing all that pent up energy this way.
Her eyebrows raised appreciatively, she remains stuck to his side as they enter the new place. The heavy bass barely knocks her off balance. The music is exciting, like nothing she listens to on a regular basis. It's a lot classier-sounding than most of the places they frequent.
"I'm thirsty," she tells him, her eyes briefly flicking over his face before she turns her attentions to the bar.
Margaritas it is. His eyebrows hop in amusement, and he takes her hand to lead her over, taking the initiative to order, again in Spanish. They speak English just fine here, Natalie will find, but the employees definitely appreciate someone able to level with them in this way. In a few minutes, the bartender is offering them the drinks, and Leo returns the gesture with a few dollars to pay it off before turning away to lead her to a spare table.
“So, what do you think?” he asks when they’re settled, glancing between Natalie and those patrons already on the dance floor. He’s itching to get out there soon, but he can wait for a drink first.
“So, what do you think?” he asks when they’re settled, glancing between Natalie and those patrons already on the dance floor. He’s itching to get out there soon, but he can wait for a drink first.
"Thanks," she mouths to him when she takes her glass, already sipping through the bright green straw on her way to the table. A grin forms around the plastic once she's seated, denim skater skirt tucked neatly under her legs, and she leans in close over the table, enjoying the heaviness of the alcohol and the tartness of the lime juice.
"It's perfect."
Taking an even longer sip, Natalie closes her eyes, tucking her hair behind her ears.
"It's perfect."
Taking an even longer sip, Natalie closes her eyes, tucking her hair behind her ears.
Leo beams. He hadn’t been sure she’d like it, since it’s so different from all the other places they’ve gone together - somehow a little more put together, but no less energetic, no less passion in the air. Whenever they’re done with their drinks, he’ll show her how to cut a rug in a classier way than usual.
“Good music, right?” It’s got a touch more life to it than the stuff that typically plays in dance clubs, though he doesn’t hate that music, either. The energy is different in such a subtle way that it can hardly be noticed, but it’s certainly felt. It shows in how the patrons here dance and carry on, how a good number of them carry on without an ounce of alcohol in their systems. He loves it here, for many reasons, but that is definitely one of the atmosphere is definitely one of the bigger ones.
“Good music, right?” It’s got a touch more life to it than the stuff that typically plays in dance clubs, though he doesn’t hate that music, either. The energy is different in such a subtle way that it can hardly be noticed, but it’s certainly felt. It shows in how the patrons here dance and carry on, how a good number of them carry on without an ounce of alcohol in their systems. He loves it here, for many reasons, but that is definitely one of the atmosphere is definitely one of the bigger ones.
"It's different. I like it," Natalie says simply between sips. It has a funny way of actually making her want to move without much alcohol in her body. A part of her holds back, though, uncertain of what it will be like on the floor, being unfamiliar with the moves and all. She's sure he will reassure her that she'll be fine, but she takes her time in drinking anyway, occasionally looking to Leo and then casting a gaze over the crowd.
She licks a bit of the salt off the rim before licking her own lips.
She licks a bit of the salt off the rim before licking her own lips.
“I grew up with this stuff,” he tells her suddenly, for once unconcerned about his past catching up to him. The alcohol helps. “My mom taught me to dance with this music.”
His eyes are steadily locked onto the dance floor, watching them move. The way Esperanza Valdez had taught him wasn’t quite like that, but he could easily see how it translates. What it amounts to is energy, lots of energy, and letting the music take over and move you as fluidly as water, with or without a partner. Some of the people in the crowd don’t have the basis he does, that much Leo can tell - but for this place, it’s never mattered. What matters is that you move, and don’t hold anything back. That’s exactly what he intends to do tonight.
His eyes are steadily locked onto the dance floor, watching them move. The way Esperanza Valdez had taught him wasn’t quite like that, but he could easily see how it translates. What it amounts to is energy, lots of energy, and letting the music take over and move you as fluidly as water, with or without a partner. Some of the people in the crowd don’t have the basis he does, that much Leo can tell - but for this place, it’s never mattered. What matters is that you move, and don’t hold anything back. That’s exactly what he intends to do tonight.
"So you better be good," Natalie retorts teasingly. She is only vaguely aware of the significance of that one statement; she figured he was a runaway, that parents were out of the picture. Not knowing much and not saying much has been rather liberating, making things physical and less personal.
Well, maybe a little personal, if she's being honest. But that doesn't matter now. She's quiet after, sipping away and occasionally watching him or looking at the DJ or the band setting up onstage.
Well, maybe a little personal, if she's being honest. But that doesn't matter now. She's quiet after, sipping away and occasionally watching him or looking at the DJ or the band setting up onstage.
“I’ve been doing this since I could walk,” he scoffs. “Of course I’m good.”
And he can’t wait to get out there and prove it. In fact, watching them set up is making him feel more restless than he did before, and the music that’s already playing is lively and has his fingers tapping on the table to the beat. As it crests and the people on the floor spin, he makes an effortless decision.
“Here,” Leo says, setting down his drink and standing. “I’ll show you.” He doesn’t ask her to get up, leaving that choice to her since she looks pretty happy with just the margarita keeping her company, but heads on out to the dance floor with the others on his own. The beat is quick and easy to pick up, and without moments he’s dancing with the best of them, casting a daring glance back at Natalie as if to ask, How’s this for good dancing?
And he can’t wait to get out there and prove it. In fact, watching them set up is making him feel more restless than he did before, and the music that’s already playing is lively and has his fingers tapping on the table to the beat. As it crests and the people on the floor spin, he makes an effortless decision.
“Here,” Leo says, setting down his drink and standing. “I’ll show you.” He doesn’t ask her to get up, leaving that choice to her since she looks pretty happy with just the margarita keeping her company, but heads on out to the dance floor with the others on his own. The beat is quick and easy to pick up, and without moments he’s dancing with the best of them, casting a daring glance back at Natalie as if to ask, How’s this for good dancing?
Natalie gives him the biggest eye roll she has in her, effectively hiding how appreciation for his sweet moves.
"Okay, dude," she groans, leaning over the little table to finish the rest of her drink through the curly straw, pushing her hair out of her face. The drinks don't seem to cost much but they don't give you that much either. At least the alcohol seems to be strong. She reaches for his drink and nudges her way through the crowd to hold the rest of the margarita out to her evening companion.
"You didn't need to do that, you know."
"Okay, dude," she groans, leaning over the little table to finish the rest of her drink through the curly straw, pushing her hair out of her face. The drinks don't seem to cost much but they don't give you that much either. At least the alcohol seems to be strong. She reaches for his drink and nudges her way through the crowd to hold the rest of the margarita out to her evening companion.
"You didn't need to do that, you know."
“I know,” he says smugly, downing the rest of the drink in one go. It gives a nice little rush, and has him reaching for her hand with a grin. “I wanted to. There’s not much point in coming to a place like this if you’re not gonna dance, is there?”
Which is basically him saying come on, already.
Which is basically him saying come on, already.
"Don't rush me," she mumbles, taking his glass and setting it on a passing tray held above the heads of the patrons.
Natalie shakes her hair out, sinking happily into that alcoholic lull that she's enjoyed for the past for months now. It's not that destructive feeling, something to numb the senses. It's just enough to loosen her locked limbs to get her to dance, to do things like ... taking his hand and tugging him closer to her.
Natalie shakes her hair out, sinking happily into that alcoholic lull that she's enjoyed for the past for months now. It's not that destructive feeling, something to numb the senses. It's just enough to loosen her locked limbs to get her to dance, to do things like ... taking his hand and tugging him closer to her.
"Well fine, if you want to sit down for a while..."
Of course, he knows by now that isn't what she means at all, but it doesn't stop him from teasing. There isn't a trace of surprise in his grin as Natalie pulls him closer. It's obvious that he's enjoying it, his hand automatically settling on her waist as if they belong there. And as much as they've danced together up to now, they might as well. They've been closer than this before, anyway.
Of course, he knows by now that isn't what she means at all, but it doesn't stop him from teasing. There isn't a trace of surprise in his grin as Natalie pulls him closer. It's obvious that he's enjoying it, his hand automatically settling on her waist as if they belong there. And as much as they've danced together up to now, they might as well. They've been closer than this before, anyway.
Natalie reaches behind her to flatten one of his palms against the small of her back before she slides her hands up his arms, linking them behind his neck until he decides to take them both to go into some more complicated dance move.
In response to his question, she shakes her head, smiling slowly as she presses up against him partly because she wants to and partly because of the size of the crowd.
In response to his question, she shakes her head, smiling slowly as she presses up against him partly because she wants to and partly because of the size of the crowd.
This is exactly where he wants to be, so they'll keep it simple for now, just enough to keep up with the crowd. It's almost funny, how close they get without being close at all - he still knows hardly anything about her, but that's alright with him. Maybe sometime later, maybe not. It's not like it'll matter, anyway. He's already stayed in this town way longer than he'd planned, and sooner or later, Leo will have to take off again. He'll miss these nights, though; having someone to go out with definitely makes it more fun.
Tonight, all that is far from his mind when she's so close, pressed against him in exactly the way he likes. Natalie has a way of distracting him that few others have discovered, and he gladly slips his arms around her waist with a grin, eyes gleaming. He knew she'd stay.
Tonight, all that is far from his mind when she's so close, pressed against him in exactly the way he likes. Natalie has a way of distracting him that few others have discovered, and he gladly slips his arms around her waist with a grin, eyes gleaming. He knew she'd stay.
New York City is full of beautiful people. It's this fact that allows Lydia her camouflage as she moves through the club. She's just another beautiful face, lost in a sea of bobbing bodies, controlled by the beat of the music.
Lydia isn't listening to the music. She traces a path along the edge of the dance floor, listening with her mind, rather than her ears. She had sensed the budding Break Out and it had brought her here, to the club. Ignoring the throb of the music, she curses her petite height as she scans the crowd, trying to find him. Him? Yes. Definitely him.
Lydia isn't listening to the music. She traces a path along the edge of the dance floor, listening with her mind, rather than her ears. She had sensed the budding Break Out and it had brought her here, to the club. Ignoring the throb of the music, she curses her petite height as she scans the crowd, trying to find him. Him? Yes. Definitely him.
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