Work Text:
The Waltz
A SiriAshe story (Sirius x Ashe Bradley from Witch’s Heart)
"...What? What is all of this, nonsense??" The door creaked open to a confused Sirius, as he gazed into the dinning room area with a frown. He only entered the room because of the commotion that echoed throughout the halls.He was hoping the sounds of clapping was due to finding a way out of the mansion, more like his guests finding a way out. Although, he was mistaken.
By the long stretch out table, a short woman with light blue hair was smiling brightly as she took some steps forward, with a man with teal long hair and a cunning smile holding her hands, as they slowly stepped back and then forward. Dancing. The rhythm of their shoes on the wooden floors added to enough context clues for Sirius. One two, one two. They both looked happy and so bright. A thought of the mansion actually having a ballroom crossed his mind for a moment. Would Lady Dorothy mind? There was probably no point in one. Not now. Another man stood off by the side, watching the two in question move rather gracefully. Wilardo didn’t seem bothered, as he stoically looked a bit distant. As if, he was watching a movie, no better yet, recalling a memory. That man was a mystery.
“A-ah, Sirius!” Claire was surprised and startled as she heard the interruption behind her. She turned her head around, and accidentally stepped on Ashe’s right foot. Oops, the woman didn’t seem to notice this.
“Ow, oh hi Sirius! I was just teaching Miss Claire to dance.” Ashe smiles as he gently lets go of her smaller hands, and notices Sirius’ slightly annoyed expression. Although, maybe it was just his normal resting face. “Do you not like dancing?”
“Dancing is fine, I heard clapping and I thought we were celebrating a better situation. Ones without demons.” Sirius frowned as he approached those two, but looked back at Wilardo. Someone who was at least more serious. “More importantly, any updates with the door?”
“None.” The crimson eyed man dryly answered, they still can’t leave this mansion. The atmosphere in the room turned grimm even more solemn. They were trapped in something deadly. Claire decided to speak, it wasn’t like Sirius could outlaw dancing.
“I do think dancing is a way to pass the time, Sirius! Do you know how to dance?” She tilted her head a little, curious to see that. She tried to picture the image in her head, but it wasn’t working that well.
“Do I dance?” Sirius turned to her, and brought a hand up to his chin. When was the last time…no matter! It seemed like something he could be good at, it’s not like he’s going to try it. “I am sure I can.”
Ashe’s smile returned to his face, as he heard Sirius so confidently answer. “Oh, you can?” There was a moment of sparkles in his eyes, matching Claire’s. Although, if this was genuine or not was unclear. “Do you mind showing us? We will be grateful!” He leans closer to Sirius, basically egging him on.
“Now? I would love to, but I have to get back to my room.” That wasn’t much of a smooth excuse, but it worked for Sirius.
“Oh, that’s okay.” Ashe sounded a bit disappointed, but the smile never left his face. “It’s okay to be shy!”
“Yeah! I am not that great either!” Claire nods.
“....” Sirius was quiet for a moment, looking more annoyed. Him, shy? In his home, in Lady Dorothy's home? Impossible. He can’t let them mock him like this. “Fine, fine I’ll show you my skills.” A little smirk appeared on Sirius’ face, he can do simple ballroom dances. He now had to pick a dancing partner, and quickly. Realistically, Claire was the best choice, she clearly a new dancer from what he saw. And it appeared like it was more about having fun for her. Ashe had experience from somewhere and Wilardo might turn out to be super skilled. “Claire, come over here–”
“Aha, I actually wanted to dance with you, Sirius.” Ashe’s bright eyes lit up, as he extended his hand out to the other, successfully cutting him off to Claire. “And plus, Claire already told Wilardo that she’ll dance with him next.”
Oh great. “Ugh, fine.” He sighs, and squints his eyes looking at Ashe Bradley. He would rather have himself done with this quick, anyways. Ashe was someone who…he wasn’t totally sure about. Besides Noel and Claire, he doesn’t have much trust in the other two. To him, Claire didn’t appear as much as a threat especially with her bright and naive attitude towards things. Thump thump thump. He could hear his own heart beating against his chest. Nerves. This shouldn’t be so scary. Sirius eventually takes the other’s hand, and without much warning Ashe had started the Waltz. Admittedly, Sirius copied his steps,mirroring them, and quickly had his hands holding Ashe’s.
Oh God, he was so close to him. Oddly enough, Ashe’s hands were ice cold but perhaps that was just in Sirius’ imagination. Sirius watched Ashe’s closely, and a cold breeze brushed past them, but again perhaps only Sirius felt this. This was unlike the bright scene from when Ashe and Claire danced. Ashe’s smile looked more…mischievous up close. Huh? Ashe’s moves and steps felt so calculated. In short, Sirius felt like he was in danger.
Was he? Ashe’s current demeanor wasn’t helping him easily doubt this feeling.Not when he’s picking up the pace, Sirius couldn’t keep up. Sirius’ breathing was a little more thick, his face a slight tint of red. Unfair.
“Aha, Sirius?~” Ashe suddenly whispered into the dance, his voice was smooth, too smooth, he was leaning close to the other’s ear, holding him close to him. Ashe’s hand was on Sirius’ waist for a split second. “This was so fun, watching you try to keep up.” He grins and suddenly brings him closer, breathing down his ear before twirling him around. He then lets him go.
Sirius stumbles a little before composing himself.
Ashe clasped his hands together and smiled, he was back to his usual self. “That was great!”
Before Claire and Wilardo could turn around and look at the two, Sirius was out of the door. He didn’t want to present himself in this manner, or give Ashe the satisfaction of seeing it any longer. He stood behind the door for a second, placing a hand on his warming face.
Ashe Bradley is dangerous.
…..
…
..
.
“Give it up Sirius.” Ashe cruelly smiles at the man, deep crimson creeping down his lips. He then dodged another book thrown at him by Sirius who is standing far away from the murderer. “It’ll be so much easier if you just let me see Miss Claire.” He laughs, his movements only becoming more snake-like as he readies to throw more knives.
“Never.” He glares at the man, feeling his heartbeat even faster. He could die, he could die and lose it all. Lose it to a person who he secretly loved, but one that was too deadly.
"We dance along Death’s icy brink, but is the dance less full of fun?” –Richard Frances Burton