Shorts

Perfect (OneRepublic×OC)

Requested by FireflyForeverlark
Brent Kutzle (from OneRepublic) × Safire Barnes (OC)

Safire pov

Perfect, just perfect, I groan inwardly as I shift in my green gown uncomfortably - I'm going to be so late! I sit in the silence, frustrated and running my hands through my brown hair. Brent doesn't say a word; I never have known a man to be so quiet in my entire life. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad quiet at all. It can be quite comforting, actually.

"Thanks for taking me, sorry this was so unexpected," I splutter, genuinely feeling terrible. I was on my way home when my car broke down on the way to my senior prom, and I called Brent rather unexpectedly. I would have called Nicki, but she was out with Ryan for the evening. And my dad. . . Well, you know.

"It's not a problem, really," he mumbles, his eyes locked on the road ahead. "I'm sure tonight will still be perfect for you." There's that word again: perfect.

I peer over at his focused face, carefully watching the road. "Hey, at least we're not in that junky hospital from a few months ago, right?" I joke, earning a light chuckle from him.

"Good point," he replies.

We arrive to the hall earlier than expected, and I suspect Brent was speeding just to get here before the doors close. Sure, I may have missed dinner, but at least I'm here for the rest. He unlocks my door and I begin to step out, pausing midway as an idea pops into my head. I dig quickly through my silver clutch before turning back to Brent.

"Hey, do you, um, do you want to go with me?" I ask, taking out a spare ticket and handing it to him. It was originally for Nicki, but she obviously has other plans.

He seems caught off guard and almost startled. His eyes fall to his knees as he says, "Oh, uh, aren't I over the age limit or something?" He brings his gaze up from his knees, meeting mine.

"There's no age limit, and no dress code," I state, motioning to his black pants and blue polo shirt. At least he's not wearing jeans or anything, that would be problematic.

He stares at me questioningly for a moment before I roll my eyes and jump out of the car, slamming my door shut. I march over to his door, tearing it open and grabbing his hand. "Oh, come on," I insist, practically pulling him from the car and stuffing the extra ticket in his free hand. Surprisingly, he gets out of the car and follows me with only slight hesitation.

We enter the building after much bickering with the security officer, and it's jam packed. The music is blasting and everyone's having a grand old time. I can feel Brent tense up as I drag him further into the swarms of people, not even allowing my silver heels to slow me down. We get multiple strange looks, but I personally couldn't care less. They can judge me if they want, I'll just go ahead and judge them right back.

"Well, it sure is busy," Brent muses, gaping at all of the people.

I nod. "It sure is, but that's prom for you."

The song, upbeat and jazzy, is just beginning to end. Brent stands beside me awkwardly, his hands buried deep in his pockets and looking around. He towers above most of the crowd, much the opposite of myself.

I immediately recognize the next song as it changes - and everybody in the room partners up with their significant other. I shift awkwardly beside Brent; now we're just flat out sticking out like sore thumbs.

The song changes to "Hallelujah" by Jackie Evancho and Peter Hollens. It's slow and emotional, also one of my personal favorite versions of the song. Brent bounces on the balls of his feet for a second, his eyes flicking down to me.

"Do you - do you want to dance?" he asks, extending his right hand toward me.

I smile widely. "Of course." I take his hand and he leads us into a roomier space.

Clumsy and clueless, we sway in time with the music; his left hand on my hip, my right hand way up on his shoulder. I can see just a hint of a smile on his lips as he looks down at me, and I eagerly return his smile.

Everything seems just so perfect and serene. Holding his hand and looking up into his deep, blue eyes is just so comforting. There's nothing I'd rather be doing right here, in this moment.

I nearly trip as Brent accidentally steps on my satiny skirt, and I fall forward. He catches me with ease, and we both bust out into laughter. We laugh rather loud, earning a few stares from other couples.

I've only heard Brent laugh a few times, but every time it melts my heart the same exact way. You know, that feeling when your arms tingle but you don't know why, and you maybe even feel like crying a little.

He helps me back onto my feet, which now feel like jell-o. I had expected we would simply resume dancing, but such is not the case. Brent holds both of my small hands in one of his, gazing down at me.

His opposite hand brushes against my cheek, and I try not to blush. A warmth rushes through my body as his hand cups my jaw, fitting perfectly over it like a blanket.

And in this moment it's as if all of reality freezes. Everything around me just seems to stop, and it feels as though I'm moving in slow motion. The music zones out and the lights seem to stop flashing.

Before I realize what I'm even doing, my weight has shifted forward. Ever so slowly I lean forward, rising up onto my toes as much as I can.

Brent seems confused at first, but it doesn't take long for him to catch on. His lips are smooth and soft compared to mine which I know to be chapped.

I bring one of my hands up to his head, which is now within reach. I further frumple the dark, curly mop atop his head, but I doubt he minds at all. My hands are crazed but his remain hesitant, a feather light weight upon my lower back.

As the song draws to a close we do as well, resuming our failed attempts of dancing. I rest my head on his chest as we continue to sway to the fading music.

Tonight has truly been perfect.

~~~

First one shot is complete! Let me know what you think, and feel free to request your own!

The picture above is an edit I made of what I imagine Safire to look like, in case anyone was even curious about it and why it was up there.