Ballet Shoes

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This one's inspired by a comment SoloLibrosParaMi left on "Ben's Expensive Hobby" over on Ao3 about thinking Ben's hobby was going to be ballet up until it was revealed. I love the idea of Ben doing ballet cuz it contrasts with him perfectly. Enjoy!

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Third Person's P.O.V.

Ben hurriedly took off his seatbelt and hopped out of his car. Barely putting it in park before doing so. He pulled his jacket closer to himself and reached back into the car. He grabbed the small duffel bag on the passenger seat and threw it over his shoulder. Ben fumbled with his car keys as he shut the door. Double-checking he actually locked his car before speeding off towards the building he parked a few feet away from.

"You're late."

"I know and I'm sorry Miss Finch," Ben replied, putting down his bag in one corner and stepping out of his shoes.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to apologize for being late when it's due to your hero duties?" Miss Finch asked.

"It's a-"

"Habit of yours. I am well aware," Miss Finch interrupted.

"I'm still sorry though," Ben said, shrugging off his jacket and sitting down on the floor to slip on his full sole ballet shoes.

"Well then Benjamin," Miss Finch began, a hint of playfulness in her voice, "You can make it up to me by starting your stretches. We have a lot to cover in tonight's class."

Ben nodded and stood up. Doing a few simple steps and a turn to make sure his shoes were on securely. He didn't want a repeat of last time.

"Also," Miss Finch said, "How many more times am I gonna have to tell you that Miss Finch is too formal?"

"Oh right!" Ben exclaimed, "Sorry Estelle."

Estelle laughed while Ben rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

"It's quite alright Ben," Estelle affirmed, "but I was serious about those stretches. Now chop, chop!"

-page break-

"And that's the end of class for tonight," Estelle announced.

Ben could only do a thumbs up in response from his position on the floor. He was panting heavily trying to catch his breath. A three hour ballet class, including pointe work, really takes it out of you. Especially after a busy day of hero work. Ben is somewhat used to this but physical activity is still tiring regardless.

"You did very well tonight Ben," Estelle said, "I'd say almost perfect."

"Thanks Estelle," Ben said sitting up and removing his pointe shoes.

Estelle walked over to Ben and extended a hand. Ben took it, allowing his dance instructor to hoist him up. Once he was steadily on his feet, Ben gathered his things and put his shoes back on. Slinging his small duffel bag over his shoulder when he was done and exiting the building. Estelle a few paces behind as she had to lock the door to her rented studio space.

"See you at tomorrow night's class Ben," Estelle said once they were both outside.

"See you then," Ben replied, "I'll be on time tomorrow!"

"We'll see."

The two shared a laugh before going their separate ways.

-page break-

Ben groaned as he woke up. Groggily sitting up after a few minutes and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Ben stretched then swung his legs over the side of his bed. He hissed softly as he set his feet on the ground.

"That's what I get for forgetting my toe pads," he said aloud, "At least I was on time yesterday."

With that, Ben got up and walked gingerly to his bathroom. He flipped on the lights before riffling through his medicine cabinet. Upon finding the item he needed, Ben shut it and hobbled back to his bed. Applying the blister band-aids where he saw necessary.

"There," Ben said once he was finished.

He carefully slipped on his green fuzzy slippers and decided to start his day. It was a Sunday and luckily Ben had taken the day off. Meaning that his horrendous sleep schedule wasn't a problem today. It also meant that if he wanted to, Ben could do some extra practice in his makeshift dance studio since he doesn't have ballet classes on Sundays. That sounded like a plan.

-page break-

It was now the late afternoon, almost evening. Ben was laying down on the floor in his basement where his makeshift dance studio was. He had just finished practicing and was breathing heavily. Ben stayed like that for a few minutes before getting up.

"That's good enough," he said to himself as he headed towards the stairs.

Upon reaching the main floor, there was a knock on the front door. At first Ben was perplexed by this. Who could that be? He wasn't expecting anyone to visit today. Ben's eyes widened as he remembered that he and Rook agreed weeks ago to hang out tonight and nothing was set up yet.

"Shit," Ben thought as he practically tore off his pointe shoes and slid them under the couch. Not realizing they weren't completely hidden before frantically running around his house to set things up. Once done, Ben dashed for his front door.

"Hey Rook," he said upon opening the door.

"Good evening Ben," the revonnahgander replied.

Ben stepped aside to let Rook in. Shutting the door behind him.

"You can sit in the living room while I get snacks," Ben chimed before going in the kitchen.

Rook nodded and made his way towards the living room. He didn't need to be shown the way as he practically knew the layout of Ben's house. Rook has visited many times since Ben moved in on his eighteenth birthday last year. As Rook was about to sit down on the couch, something poking out from under the couch caught his eye. He decided to bend down and fish the item out, letting his curiosity get the best of him.

Ben soon arrived in the living room, snacks stacked high in his arms. As he set them down on the coffee table, careful not to spill or drop any, Rook spoke up.

"Ben?"

"Yeah Rook?"

"What are these?"

All the colour drained from Ben's face when his eyes landed on the items in Rook's hands.

His ballet shoes.

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What's this? A cliffhanger on the first chapter?!?! Yes. Bwahaha! /lh

Looks like Ben has a lot of explaining to do next chapter. I'm planning on updating once a week until this story is done. There'll be a one week gap for Brooken week tho. Making sure y'all know that in advance.

Anyway, have a good rest of your day/night!