Multifandom One-shots

107. A Dance Against Expectations - Link x black female reader (Hairspray 2007)

Hello, beautiful angels!

I'm so excited to share this one-shot with you, even though I'm not sure how many of you will stumble upon it. This story is close to my heart, drawing inspiration from a lesser-known 2007 musical that holds a special place in my life. It features the incredibly talented Zac Efron as the charismatic Link Larkin and the delightful performances of Amanda Bynes and Brittany Snow.

As I pen these words, I find comfort in knowing that somewhere out there, fellow lovers of storytelling and music might discover and cherish this tale as much as I do. It's a homage to a movie that may not be on everyone's radar, but I believe its magic deserves to be celebrated and shared.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I sincerely hope this story brings you as much joy as it has brought me in creating it.

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Y/N and Link had been secretly dating, their love carefully concealed amidst the racial tensions of 1960s Baltimore. As a black woman and a white man, they navigated their affection with caution, cherishing stolen moments where they could find solace away from society's prying eyes. Each clandestine rendezvous became a sanctuary, shielding them from the harsh realities of a world that struggled to accept their interracial relationship.

But perhaps change was on the horizon.

The courtyard at Patterson High School buzzed with anticipation of the upcoming school ball. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows upon the pavement. Amidst the laughter and chatter, Link, the charismatic Corny Collins dancer and singer, scanned the crowd with his deep brown eyes, seeking a brief respite from the bustling social scene.

Then, amidst it all, he glimpsed Y/N seated alone at a picnic table, engrossed in a book. She exuded a quiet elegance, her dark curls cascading like a soft veil over her shoulders. Her rich cocoa-hued skin glowed under the dappled sunlight, radiating both grace and strength.

Link's heart skipped a beat at the sight of her. Despite the everyday chaos of high school life, Y/N remained a calming presence, a beacon of hope and love in his tumultuous world. Gathering his courage, he set aside the worries that usually clouded his mind and approached her with determined steps.

Y/N looked up from her book, surprised yet pleased to see Link approaching. Her warm eyes, filled with intelligence and a hint of apprehension, met his with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. Slowly, she closed the book, her fingers lingering on the page as if marking her place.

"Hey, Y/N," Link greeted, his voice steady despite the nervous energy coursing through him.

Y/N smiled softly, a flicker of uncertainty dancing in her eyes. "Hey, Link. What brings you over here?"

Link hesitated briefly, searching for the right words. "I... I wanted to talk to you about something."

Y/N's brow furrowed slightly, sensing the seriousness in his tone. "Okay," she replied, setting the book aside and giving him her full attention.

Taking a deep breath, Link gathered his thoughts. "Y/N, this past year has been incredible. Being with you... it's like everything else fades away." He paused, his gaze earnest. "I... I want everyone to know how much you mean to me."

Y/N's heart skipped a beat, her emotions stirring. She knew where this conversation was headed, yet the reality of it still felt surreal.

Link continued, his words steady yet laced with vulnerability. "The school ball is coming up, and I... I want you to go with me. Openly. Proudly."

Y/N's breath caught in her throat. The weight of his request hung between them, both thrilling and terrifying. She glanced around the courtyard, aware of the eyes that could be watching, judging. The tension of their interracial relationship in Baltimore loomed large.