Chapter Text
You walk into the entryway of the studio, a small smile on your face. You can’t believe it’s finally happening. After years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice you’re here, Galaxy Dance Company.
Excited butterflies flit through your stomach as you swipe your badge and the door unlocks. Studio 6 is the one you’re looking for, Studio 6. You pass Studios 1, 2 and 3 before you come to a T in the hallway, glancing to either side doesn’t really give you any hints. Both sides look almost identical. Thick, light colored oak doors, mostly closed, with a small window in each. It almost reminds you of your old high school.
You take a chance and start for the left hallway when a door pops open and a small pretty brunette woman and a tall blonde man come out of the room. He’s dressed in blue sweatpants and a grey tee with the sleeves cut off, she’s in a light pink practice leo and skirt with black leggings and bright green fuzzy socks. A pair of pointe shoes are dangling from her hand, and he’s grinning down at her with his black shoes in his hand. It suddenly clicks who the two are.
Rogers and Carter. One of the most famous ballet duos in the world. You’re attempting to muster up the courage to ask for help when they realize you’re there.
“Oh, hello,” Peggy says, “you must be the new girl. I’m sorry I’ve forgotten your name, I’m Peggy, this is Steve.” Steve gives you a little wave and you smile at them.
“Hi, it’s a pleasure to meet you both.” Not realizing that you haven’t introduced yourself.
“What was your name again?” Steve asks kindly and you feel your face heat up.
“Right, sorry.” You try to play it off with an awkward laugh, then tell them your name. “Most people just call me Chou.”
“Well, it’s great to meet you,” Peggy says plucking a hoodie off of the wall, “if you need any help let us know.”
“Actually, I’m looking for Studio 6. Can you point me in the right direction?” The pair share a quick look that you can’t quite read before Steve says,
“Two doors down. Make sure you don’t wear your street shoes into the studio.” You give him a nod and smile.
“Thanks.”
“Where are you staying?” Peggy asks before you can turn away.
“The studio is putting me in one of the apartments in the building but it’s not ready yet so I’m staying in a little Airbnb. Why?”
“Most of us live in the building,” Steve explains, “so we don’t have to worry about street shoes.” He gestures down to his and Peggy’s feet. You’d noticed Peggy’s fluffy green socks but had missed Steve’s slippers.
“That’ll be nice.” You tell them with a smile as you start to back away, you want to get into Studio 6 so that you can do a bit of stretching before you have to get started. “Thanks for the help.”
“We’ll see you around.” Peggy says with a smile before you turn and make your way to the door Steve had indicated. You tug off your shoes leaving you in your socks then off comes your sweatshirt and pants leaving you in your favorite black leo and leggings. You pull your wrap around skirt out of your bag and tie it around your waist before grabbing your pointe shoes and hurrying out of the cold hallway.
The studio isn’t much warmer, you’ll be thankful for that later, you pad your way to the mirror to pull your hair into a neat bun. Then you start going through your stretching routine, upper body is always first then core then legs. You end on the the floor stretching slowly, taking deep even breaths to get focused. The door opens behind you and you sit up from where your face had been pressed to your legs to find a dark haired man scowling at you from the doorway.
“What are you doing in here?” He asks and for a moment you don’t know what to say. Your email had said Studio 6 at 10 am.
“My email said to be here at ten. This is Studio 6 right?”
“Yes. You’re not my partner Dot.”
“I don’t know what to tell you, I can show you the email if you’d like but I’m just following directions.” You say tugging off your socks and pulling on your pointe shoes. You tie the ribbons then stand and sway your hips to stay loose.
“I’m not dancing with some newbie.” He scoffs and you’re about to correct him when he’s smacked on the back of the head as Natasha comes into the room.
“Don’t be an ass James.” She says as she walks past him and gives you a wide smile. “Hey, super excited you’re here.”
“Hi Natasha, it’s nice to see you again.”
“Where is Dot?”
“She was let go. Breech of contract. Besides we’re lucky to have Chou join the company.”
“Wait, Chou? As in Petite Chou?”
“I’m not so Petite anymore but yes.” You tell him, resting a hand on each hip. “Which clearly tells you I’m no newbie I’ve been dancing professionally since I was 14.”
“What are you doing here? I thought you danced for Shield.”
“I did. My contract just ended and Fury wanted to cut my salary so I decided to go elsewhere. As Prima ballerina of a successful and well known company I should be able to survive on a ballet salary.” He doesn’t say anything so you elect to ignore him and turn to Natasha. “Carol told me that we were doing Sleeping Beauty, is that still the plan?”
“It is, you’ve done that one before right?”
“I have, I enjoyed it.”
“Good, you’re dancing Aurora and Bucky’s going to be Prince Charming, aka Phillip.”
“That’ll be a stretch.” You grumble and she snorts.
“I’m excited to dance with you again.”
“Again?” James, or Bucky or whatever, asks and Natasha responds for you.
“We went to school together, Chou danced in my senior show.” She says throwing an arm over your shoulders with a wide grin. “You’re going to love Thor, he’s a phenomenal choreographer.”