Chapter Text
Apart from dancing, she has always loved teaching and the sense of fulfillment that comes along with it. Seeing her students grow right before her very eyes, seeing them fall in love with the craft she had so long dedicated her life to gave her a sense of purpose.
It also gave her a sense of security. She was in the right place.
But somewhere along the way, she knew things were about to and should change. The teacher had to go back to being a student and it wasn’t as easy as she thought it would be.
“I’m starting to think that you’ve been lying to me this entire time, Thomas.”
It was their fifth salsa lesson and Tom was showing really quick progress. He was one of the fastest learners she’s ever taught.
“I have to admit that I am quite gifted in the dance department”, Tom said as he continued to spin Andy around. She rolled her eyes in response but failed to hide the faint smile on her face. She let go of his hand and proceeded to her kitchen.
“Hey! Why’d you stop? I wanted to dance some more.” Tom asked.
“I just need to get something to drink. I also need a break from your arrogance.”, she retorted. Tom did a small, cute pout. “That whole pouting like a 10-year old gag won’t work, Hiddleston. I’ve seen that far too many times back home. It’s not going to work on me."
"I have also seen cuter ones!”, she shouted from her kitchen.
Tom sighed and followed Andy to her kitchen. Andy handed him a glass of water.
“Thank you”, said Tom. He took a seat and watched the dancer as she continued to look for something in the fridge. Andy took out a bottle of red wine.
“Do you miss it?” Tom said, deciding to break the silence in the room.
“Excuse me?”
“Teaching. Do you miss it?” he asked again.
“Of course I do.”, Andy sat across Tom. “Every single day.” She poured wine into her glass. “Some cabernet sauvignon to unwind?”
Tom nodded. “Do you regret coming over to London?”
Andy stood up and sighed. “No. Not at all.”. She reached up her cupboard for another glass. Tom stood up behind Andy and helped her reach for the wine glass. Andy stiffened. “I got it”, Tom whispered close to her ear. Andy turned around slowly to face the young lad. Tom handed her the glass. “Thanks. Excuse me.”, she said as she returned to her seat.
“Don’t get me wrong”, she said as she poured wine into Tom’s glass. “Moving to London is one of the best decisions I ever made in my life and I was aware of the many sacrifices that came along with it. Here’s your glass, Sir.”
“Thank you kind ma’m.” he said with a wink.
“I’m really thankful that I got a job here, more so at West End. As much as I do love teaching, I also miss being a student and coming here meant that I could be one again.”
“Cheers to that then”, Tom said. “Cheers”, she responded as their glasses clinked.
“Although I admit that I kind of forgot how it feels like to be a student again. I mean sure, I’ve taken classes back at home but the fact that this is a job is kind of freaking me out.” Andy took a gulp of her wine. “The pressure is clearly on and I don’t think I’ve been reaching Wilson’s expectations.”
“Wilson?”
“Our choreographer. He’s quite an intimidating one. There was one time during rehearsals that he almost threw his shoe at me because of a tiny mistake I did.” Tom’s eyes widened. “I kid you not”, Andy continued. “I’ve met harsher choreographers but I really think Wilson hates me. Although I’m pretty sure he’s like that because there’s probably more pressure on him than there is on us.” Andy refilled her glass.
“Wow, this girl can drink”, Tom thought to himself.
“Whenever shit goes down at rehearsals, I always feel the urge to just let this all go and fly back home. I always think that if I were the choreographer, I would probably do things differently.” Andy sips from her glass. “I definitely won’t teach the way Wilson teaches but hey, to each his own. He got this job because he’s damn good at it. I just have to get my shit together and do my part. More wine?”
“Yes please.”
Andy poured more wine into Tom’s glass. “Everyone’s so professional. Too professional, even. Most of my fellow dancers aren’t as chummy as I wish they would be. When things fuck up, they still keep their composure. As for me? Well, I always feel the urge to run to the bathroom and hide there until rehearsals are over. Pathetic, right?”
Tom noticed Andy getting teary-eyed. He could tell that she was trying really hard to hold back her tears as she stared at her wine glass.
“But you’d always stand out during rehearsals.” Tom said.
Andy gave out a small laugh. “Probably because I always make mistakes.”
“Not from what I’ve seen”, he said.
Now you’re just being too nice.”
“Now you’re just being too modest, Larson.”
Andy rolled her eyes yet again.
“It’s true. Trust me when I say that you stand out. Believe me when I say that I can see the love and passion you have for your craft whenever you move. You draw people in. You command them to watch you.”
“Did you just admit to checking me out, Hiddleston?!”, she joked.
“Well if you want to look at it that way, then so be it.”
She fell silent.
“Thank you.”, she said softly.
“For what?”
“For listening to my nonsense.”
Tom reached out for hand and gave it a light squeeze.
“Hey.”, he whispered.
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.” Tom squeezed her hand harder. Andy raised an eyebrow. “For leading me whenever we dance.”
“Thank you for letting me teach you.”
“It’s a privilege to be taught by one of the best.”
Andy blushed. She let go of his hand and poured more wine into hers and Tom’s glasses.
Tom gulped down the entire glass, stood up and went to the living room, leaving a confused Andy glued to her seat.
Soon enough, Andy could hear music.
She stood up from her seat and went to the living room. There she saw Tom standing with a big smile on his face. “I thought you weren’t going to get out of your seat.”
“Simon and Garfunkel?”
“Yes.” Tom walked up to Andy. “May I have this dance?”
“Gladly.” She responded. Tom held her hand and pulled her close to him.
I hear the drizzle of the rain
Like a memory it falls
Soft and warm continuing
Tapping on my roof and walls.
Andy sighed at the comfort she felt being in his arms. Tom held her tighter.
“Thank you for making me feel like I’m home.” She said.
And from the shelter of my mind
Through the window of my eyes
I gaze beyond the rain-drenched streets
To England where my heart lies.
Tom kissed her forehead.
“Thank you for letting me in.” Tom said as he continued to hold her in his arms and slowdance the rest of the night.