six of crows one-shots

Dance AU pt. 1

HIIIIIII this is late. I'm sorry. Hope u enjoy it!

Inej POV

     When Inej received the message, she was beyond shocked.  It was a simple message, no more than two sentences, yet it shook her whole world.  All the message said was "Come to the Slat Studio; you have been chosen for this year's Crow Club Competition"

  And there she was. Well, standing out in the lobby, anyway. It was a busy place, parents and children running back and forth, toting costumes and dance bags, tripping on each other, and hugging mothers and reluctant fathers.   While Inej waited for some kind of indication of where to go, she heard Jesper.  "HEY, INEJ!"   Inej grinned. Jesper was something else.   "Hey, Jesper. Did you get picked too?"   Jesper grinned.  He was a wiry person, and his sharp grey eyes shone with mirth.  "Yep. And quite frankly, I'm shocked they didn't pick me sooner"  Inej smirked, remembering a rumour she heard.  "You know... I thought I heard that Wylan would be here too. Doesn't that sound nice?"  Jesper huffed and looked at the ceiling. "He's just a snooty rich kid who pirouettes all day and calls it dancing. "   But he couldn't hide his blush. It was a well-known fact that Jesper liked Wylan. Well, it was a well-known fact to everyone except Wylan, who had transferred to their school and studio around three months ago.   Before Inej could tease him further, Nina appeared, dragging her on-and-off boyfriend, Matthias, by the hand.  She waved her free arm wildly as she approached. Jesper tensed "I, ah, left something in the car..."  Inej shook her head as he practically sprinted out the door.  Ever since Nina threatened to tell Wylan that Jesper liked him if he didn't buy her waffles, Jesper had been scared of her. Even though she was only kidding. Probably.   Nina squashed her into a hug and the two chattered for a minute or two. Wylan arrived, and Jesper was following him and trying not to look thrilled. And failing.   Inej surveyed the group.  They had some of the best dancers in the district right here, and all of them were grouped together.  Whoever was picking the team knew what they were doing. 

 Wylan had studied ballet, both Balanchine and classical for years.                                                                 Nina had amazing arms and facial expressions and was amazing at partner dances.                             Matthias seemed like he was made to dance with Nina, and was incredibly strong.                               Jesper was flexible and perfect for lifts and throwing people and brought a general happy feeling to the room. 

Inej knew she was flexible and had impeccable balance.  She wasn't sure what else she had to offer.  But-

Her thought was cut off when one of the secretaries, "Big Bolliger", as they called him, came over to the group.  "Hey. You al's the Crows?"   They all stopped talking and looked at the tall man, nodding.   He nodded, and in the same gruff voice said, "right. I's way. "  

They followed him up several flights of stairs to a large, open studio. There were small windows near the ceiling that let in natural light, but the room was mostly illuminated by fluorescent lights stretching the length of the ceiling.  "Wow Jesper, you actually can't touch this ceiling!" Nina deadpanned as they walked around the room.  "As a matter of fact, I can. Matthias, lift me up. Right now. "  That flustered Matthias. "What? You idiot, I would never-"

"Mr Brekker 'll begin shortly. Yer schedules 'r on the table. This class'll last 'till 8'clock"                 Then Bolliger left.  Wylan looked at his watch. Of course he had a watch.  "It is 4 o'clock now"  He stated in his crisp, accentuated accent.  "And we will be here until 8?"   "Aw, poor richie, you have to stay here for four hours"  Jesper mocked.  Wylan looked up, slightly flustered.  "I am just stating the time!"  They kept bickering.  Inej got down to the floor and began to stretch. After a moment, Nina joined her, followed by Matthias, then Wylan and Jesper.  At least those two had the sense to start stretching.  Then a figure emerged from the back room, thumping the floor with a cane as he moved toward them.  Then he spoke, his voice a gravel rasp;

"Good afternoon. My name is Kaz Brekker, and today we will begin to bring you all to the highest level.