Alchemechanical (HugoxDrina Oneshots)

Ballroom

I always wanted a ballroom scene in the original story but have long forgotten about it so here's what I had in mind. enjoy

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Hugo was sweating profusely. He tugged on his collar, trying to ease his breathing. Why was he so nervous? He is-was-a criminal mastermind. A little dance wouldn't hurt him... right? 

It was weeks after they got back from their escapade and the queen ordered that a celebration be planned. That was where he was now. A nervous wreck for no reason other than waiting to see his crush in whatever beautiful outfit she was made up in. No other reason than hoping he wouldn't trip walking her through the ginormous doors. What happened to the man he was? The boy he use to be? He would not care whether he would slip. He had the confidence that he wouldn't. Tonight, he would try to be that man for her. Not the scoundrel, but the smooth talker, the charmer. Hopefully she'd like that.

Hugo looked down at his apparel. His white collar, blue tie, and yellow suit that crossed over his chest buttoning on his right side. It's the same thing he wore when they were in Sorcerer's Kingdom, Valeria. His home town... before Donella took him from there when his parents were both dead. He sighed and turned around, hoping nobody saw the emotions contorted across his face. Oh, how he use to be so good at hiding them. What a change he went through all because he wanted to be a spy and hopefully get rewarded, but that backlashed when Donella found him and it was revealed whose side he was "truly" on.

Stop it, he thought, You're changed. That was then, this is now.

He felt a tap on his shoulder and he spun around. He smiled, heat rushing to his cheeks.

"Wow." he exhaled. He took in her gown and her hair and her accessories. She was wearing a sleeveless bodice and long, full skirt. Her colors were ombre blue, purple, and orange. Her entire dress was covered in black flowers. She had silver and blue earrings and choker with a matching bracelet. Her hair was in a low, braided bun decorated with silver gems. "You look..."

"Yes?" she crossed her arms.

"Beautiful," he held out his arm for her to take, pretending his insides weren't shaking. "As usual." She took it with both her hands and smiled at him, gazing into his eyes. He chuckled and shook his head. She always had these googly eyes, but it never stopped making his stomach flutter. 

The doors opened and they entered the glorious ballroom. Hugo sought out Nuru and Yong and found them by the snack stand, chatting away. Nuru's own kingdom was doing great, though she wasn't yet ready to be queen. She said she needs to research more about her meteor showers before she can accomplish anything as queen. Varian was helping her by bring her books about meteors and stars, things she herself haven't read before.

Yong and Nuru stopped talking to look at them and Yong laughed. Drina and him walked over to them.

"You look great, you two." Nuru said.

"Thanks to you." Drina chuckled.

"Hugo looks ridiculous!" Yong exclaimed, still laughing. Hugo looked sheepish.

"Yong!" Nuru slapped his head. "You can't say that!"

"Hey," Yong rubbed his head. "Not that hard." Hugo chuckled.

The trumpets sounded and the large doors opened and Varian and the queen entered. Hugo started to clap.

"Whoo!" he yelled. Everyone followed suit.

Varian walked over to them, face red from embarrassment.

"Hugo, really?" He smiled sheepishly.

"You deserved it." Hugo shrugged. Everyone fell silent as Queen Rapunzel raised her glass as she stood in front of her throne.

"To Varian, and his friends, for ridding our world of the Amasser and saving all of the Seven Kingdoms!"

"To Varian!" the crowd called in unison.

"To Hugo!" Varian yelled. Hugo jabbed him with his elbow. Varian laughed hard.

"The dancing may commence!" The queen called across the room. With that, the music started with a joyous violin and flute song. Before he knew it, Varian and Nuru were out on the floor already. Hugo smirked. Yong was with some younger girl dancing. Drina looked out lovingly at the dancers. He knew she loved music. She and Nuru would sing endlessly during their journey throughout the kingdoms.
She looked at him, her eyes darted to the crowd and to him. His face widened with realization.

Crap, he thought. I can't dance. She can't know that. Maybe if I pretend that I don't notice...

She grabbed his wrist and dragged him out to the crowd.

Too late.

She started dancing around him clapping, like everyone else. He glanced around the crowd, mimicking the men's movements. He better not trip.

The dancing continued, Hugo grew very anxious for the end but it kept on.
He spun Drina to him, hiding a grunt when she bumped into him. She stepped on his feet several times. He looked down, not wanting to step on hers.
It was agonizing, but he managed to go the entire dance without tripping. Exhasperated, he bowed as she curtsied. She hugged him, he hesitated before hugging back.
She let go and held him at arms length.

"Thank you." she smiled and hugged him again. She whispered. "For trying."
He squeezed her. She let go and went to find the rest. Hugo blinked after her and chuckled. He turned around and walked to the balcony and rested his elbows on the railing. He was all alone with his thoughts. He was angry that he didn't try hard enough it seems. He was not as graceful as he was when he was a thief, not as charismatic. She didn't deserve a klutz when she was all grace. Drina deserved an equal. A charmer. She felt a hand on his back and started. He looked back and there she was again.

"Hey," she said, looking into his eyes sternly. "What's wrong?"

He sighed and he waited a few moments before responding.

"I wish I was the man I was. The boy I was."

"A thief?"

"I'm not as charismatic as I was."

"Hugo..."

"Not as graceful." He looked at the sky. "I've changed."

"Hey. Look at me." He did. "You changed for the better. No one cares if you're not as graceful, not as witty."

"But, do you?" His eyes were questioning.

"Hugo." she said with power. Her arms wrapped around his and her head age laid on his shoulder. "I love you, for who you are. You are Hugo."

He smiled. "I love you, too."