Work Text:
Khun watched Earn perform, graceful and fluid but somehow still elegant and stern. He had yearned everyday to share those steps, to walk side by side holding hands and to dance together til the end. But Khun knew he was not good enough for Earn. Earn deserved someone perfect.
Khun was so lost in thought he began mimicking Earn. He was hiding behind a few pillars away from everyone's sight so he let himself sway around for a bit.
***
Earn heard the yelp before the thud. Before his mind could figure out who the all too familiar voice was, his heart had caught up and he went running towards the sound.
"Khun! Are you okay?" The shorter man was lying in a heap on the floor, obviously in pain but he plastered a smile on his face as Earn approached.
"I'm okay, Hia. I just misplaced my feet." Earn followed Khun's steps, stamping down the butterflies at the way Khun's voice called him hia.
"If you want to practice the dance why didn't you come to me?" Earn knelt beside Khun and gingerly held his ankle. Khun suppressed a hiss.
"I was just ...ow Earn!"
"Sorry, sorry, I don't think you broke anything but you definitely have a sprain. Can you stand?" Earn offered Khun a hand but Khun couldn't move his leg without tears in his eyes. The sight of it made Earn sad and angry. Khun should've practiced with him. Earn would never let Khun fall.
"Can I pick you up?"
"Uh huh?"
Earn looped his hands under Khun's waist and knees and picked him as gently as he could, trying not to joslte Khun's feet.
"Let's get you to bed." The closest room was Earn's so Earn made a beeline towards it. He placed Khun on the bed adjusting the pillows behind his back and placing one under his sprained ankle. Khun watched him quietly, his expression guarded.
"Stay here. I'll get you an ice pack and call a doctor."
"Thank you, hia." Khun whispered just loud enough for Earn to hear.
"Next time just dance with me." Earn ruffled Khun's hair and was surprised to see Khun's eyes fill up with tears.
"Did I hurt you?" Earn pulled back quickly but Khun grabbed his hand before he could go far.
"No no I'm just ... touched that you want to dance with me, hia."
"Why wouldn't I? We are friends." The word stuck a little on Earn's tongue. He wanted to be so much more but for now he was content with friend.
"I am just...i am just a dog, hia." Khun looked away refusing to meet Earn's eyes.
Earn lifted his chin gently, "Well then you are my dog and I want to dance with you. Once your leg heals, will you do me the honor?"
***
Khun's heart was thudding in his chest. He could still feel the warmth of Earn's arms on his waist and the safety he felt leaning against Earn's chest. And now, Earn was offering Khun everything he had ever wanted. Those eyes he had dreamt of looking at him everytime he watched the dance were intent on him now. There was something raw and vulnerable in Earn's gaze that broke Khun. He felt the tears before he let himself cry.
"Yes, hia, I would love to dance with you if you will have me."
"I will have you in a heartbeat." Earn leaned forward and placed a soft kiss to Khun's forehead. Khun's heart melted. He pulled Earn into a messy hug and settled into the crook of his arm.
"Stay with me, Earn."
"I'm not going anywhere." Earn promised and wiped the tears from his cheeks.
Khun closed his eyes savouring the touch until he felt the softest touch of lips against his lips. He opened his eyes quickly but Earn was already moving away.
"Just stay. I'll bring the ice pack and the doctor. Then I'll stay here until you get better."
***
Khun recovered fast. It wasn't too serious but Earn worried constantly when he had to be away. They hadn't discussed the kiss yet and Earn was anxious that maybe he had misread Khun.
The doctor was visiting Khun in his room so Earn paced outside too nervous to practice but unable to walk away.
The doctor left the room with a nod. Earn waited quietly holding his breath.
Khun walked out, with confident steps and Earn sighed in relief.
The sigh turned into an exhale as Khun ran up and threw himself into Earn's arms. Earn wrapped himself around Khun and kissed him, over and over again.
They would have all the time in the world to dance for now holding hands and staying close was enough.