Chapter Text
< I didn’t know you could play the violin, Heathcliff.>
Heathcliff chuckled, a smug grin on his face. He held up the instrument, resting it under his chin.
“Those snobs back home were insistent on teachin’ me proper arts. Music was one of the only extracurriculars I really bothered to give a shit about. Been awhile since I’ve held one of these though…”
Heathcliff held up the bow, though he seemed a bit hesitant to press it down to the strings.
“Sir Heathcliff! I wish to hear thou playest thine violin!!” Don Quixote chimes in with stars in her eyes.
“Ooooh yeah yeah!! We could really use something to lighten up the vibes around here!!” Rodion adds.
Despite the insistence of Don Quixote and Rodion, none of the other sinners seemed as enthusiastic about the idea. Many of them simply looked off into the distance or out a window.
“Oi, if ya think I’m gonna be rubbish, ya could at least say that-.”
“Hey Heathcliff, can ya play a waltz song?” Rodion interrupts, a mischievous look grows on her face.
“Uhhh…sure, but why ya ask?”
“Wouldn’t it be fun to dance to live music?”
Rodion’s suggestion definitely got everyone’s attention.
“Hey, weren’t you the one who said your dancing was embarrassing back in J Corp?” Gregor asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Greg, Darling, that was a different context. It’s much less embarrassing when you’re not tryna appease a Syndicate.” Rodion wrapped an arm around Gregor’s shoulder. “Besides, this allows us to dance together!”
“Rodya, did you forget I can’t exactly…guys back me up on this!!” Gregor desperately turned to the other Sinners for assistance.
Yi Sang closed his eyes and hummed. “It has been ages since I allowed myself to dance…yes…I think this would be a fun exercise.”
“Yes yes YES!! I wisheth to DANCE!!!” Don Quixote screamed.
“I suppose it couldn’t hurt…heh, it’s actually kind of nostalgic in a way. Reminds me of my school dances.” Sinclair smiled to himself as he looked off to the side.
“Kiddo is my waltz partner.” Ryoshu blurted out as she aggressively pulled Sinclair towards her. “Only one worthy of C.I.A..”
“You really think I’m worthy of Collaborating in Arts?” Sinclair looked surprised, almost honored.
Gregor groaned with a pathetic sense of dismay.
“C’mon guys…”
Heathcliff began making sure the violin was tuned properly. “Alright, if we’re doin’ this none of ya comment on me bein’ rusty got it? Gimme a second to tinker with this thing.”
And so the Sinners willing to dance entered into their pairs. Ryoshu with Sinclair, Yi Sang with Don Quixote and somehow Hong Lu managed to rope Ishmael into dancing with him.
As the negotiations were under way, Rodion noticed Gregor attempting to sneak away. She wrapped her arm around his left arm, yanking him forward.
“Gaah, Rodion-!!”
“Babe, why don’t we dance with the others?”
Gregor looked at her with a gaze of bewilderment. “Rodya, did you forget I can’t? The bug arm? Hello?”
Rodion scoffed. “It’s a waltz, Greg! It’s not like it’s gonna be that intense!!”
Gregor didn’t seem convinced.
Rodion let out a sigh. “Look, if you really feel worried we can stop whenever. Just let yourself enjoy this moment, ‘kay? I’ll be there for ya anyways so there’s no need to worry!”
Gregor eventually sighed after a long pause. Rodion had won.
She looked excited as she dragged the shorter man to the area where the Sinners had gathered. Just in time for Heathcliff to be finished preparing the violin.
“Alright, gather ‘round everyone…” Heathcliff gulped as he began to play.
Despite his clear nervousness and insistence that he was rusty, it was undeniable that Heathcliff was talented. The Sinners instantly felt transported, as they allowed themselves to be swept up in the music.
Though some were having an easier time dancing then others.
Yi Sang was not half-bad, being able to move slowly and in time with the melody, if a bit sluggish. Though Don Quixote’s erratic and clumsy movements proved to be a challenge for him, not helped by her boisterous apologies for stepping on Yi Sang’s shoes.
Sinclair happened to have memorized the song being performed. While he attempted to dance in a straightforward, choreographed manner, Ryoshu was much less fond of that action. She moved at her own pace, muttering to him that he should do the same.
Hong Lu and Ishmael were mostly in sync. Ishmael was much more stiff in her movements, while Hong Lu moved with a lighter step. Despite their seemingly opposing flow, they managed to perform mostly consistently to the expected choreography.
“This is ridiculous…” Gregor muttered sharply under his breath.
“Just chillax, babe. I can take the lead if you’re too scared!!”
“I-I’m not scared.” Gregor pouted as he grabbed Rodion’s hand with his human hand, trying his best to suppress his hesitancy.
Rodion however, wasn’t having it, as she tightly held both his hands and pulled him forward. She took the lead in the dance, trying her best to keep Gregor’s bug arm in mind. It wasn’t easy trying to follow choreography while being gentle enough to keep Gregor’s arm under control. But despite Gregor’s concerns, Rodion could’ve sworn she saw a smile start to crawl onto his face. Even if they were less coordinated than the other sinners, they still were able to enjoy the moment together. She wasn’t going to let that stupid arm ruin it.
“See? This ain’t so bad! No need to worry, darling!
“Yeah…guess you’re right.” Gregor chuckled.
It was rare to experience a moment like this. Gregor always felt so distant compared to the others. No matter how hard she pushed, his walls never broke down. Rodion always cherished the moments where Gregor allowed himself to be free and loose. She understood why he couldn’t be so carefree, but she still hated those walls that barred him from expressing the side of him she loved. The charming, calming, hilarious side of him. The side of Gregor that Rodion loved more than anyone.
She hoped that one day she got to see that side without any hint of hesitation.
“What’s so funny?” Gregor asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.
She snickered. “Nothing…just…you’re adorable.”
Gregor stopped in his tracks, blushing heavily. He opened his mouth to say something, but was cut off by the sound of Don Quixote tripping and falling flat on her face.
The room erupted into laughter, and annoyed groans from Heathcliff.
And Rodion couldn’t help but admire the smile on Gregor’s face.