The Next Step Oneshots

11. The Dream Duet - Nochelle

Today was the day. The day that she'd dreamed of ever since she was 13. She'd never been a super girly person, preferring to spend her time at the studio perfecting her dancing. Gossip or "fun" relationships were a waste of time to her.

Even so, she'd has always dreamed of having a special duet at her wedding. Ever since she'd seen the internationals duet between James and Riley, that's what she wanted. To dance alongside her other half.

It seemed like a sappy concept. Which was why she had always hid the fact that she really just wanted someone to love her. Someone she could love back equally. Being a child who'd been deprived of pure, parental love growing up, it's what she constantly craved.

She had high standards. With this dream, she knew that she wanted someone who would support her. But they would have to be willing to dance alongside her; most likely someone she always danced with.

A perfect duet with the perfect person. She just never knew that it would be her childhood best friend alongside her.

--

To him, love was something he'd always been striving for. His parents were a dream couple; from high school sweethearts to their currently still loving relationship. He aspired to have something special like them.

In his attempts, he'd dated many different girls. But none of the relationships were ever something that he wanted permanently. He held nothing against them, simply realising that they weren't meant to be.

In fact, his heart had belonged to someone else. It had taken him years to realise it, but he truly was in love with his best friend.

He'd known. The minute that he'd met her. That she meant something special to him. The tiny, sassy teenager who'd always pushed him to work his hardest. He'd been drawn to her ever since she'd taught him how to do a layout. It had just taken him multiple relationships to realise what he truly wanted.

They'd been through so much together, but he'd finally achieved his happy ending. She'd confided in him that she wanted to do a duet; that it had been a part of her dream wedding. He'd agreed immediately, loving to dance alongside her.

--

They spent months choreographing the duet. It had to be perfect; the most amazing performance for the most amazing day of their lives.

Each of them had custom made costumes. He had a lightweight suit jacket, and specially stretchy suit pants. It was a bit like the costume he'd worn so many years ago performing at regionals.

She had a beautiful white costume. Lace and bejewelled detailing all over the halter top. The skirt was long and mesh, and they'd ordered a petticoat and chiffon skirt that could be tied on top for the rest of the party.

Their reception couldn't have gone any better. They'd each prepared speeches, declaring their love for each other. She'd shown a vulnerable side of herself; something which she rarely showed to the public. He'd always been the one to support her emotionally growing up, with nobody else around to see. He was honoured that she'd done it in front of all their friends and family for him.

Eventually, it was time for the first dance. Their first dance.

--

They started off slow, taking the time to embrace each other and feel the music. And then he gently lifted her into a star lift; the lift that had been a defining moment in their relationship. Their first lift and dance together back in j troupe. It was only right that it started off their dance.

Their chemistry had hit another level when dancing. She'd thought that their last duet at regionals had been emotional. But this was a whole different level. And she couldn't be happier to share it with her other half.

Staring at each other, they share a smile as they're dancing. Clasping hands, they hear the chink of colliding metal from their newly procured wedding rings. They share a giggle between them, and continue their routine.

Arch back lifts, fouettés, aerials, 540s. All of their signature moves, intricately woven together to make their perfect routine.

--

The guests watch, enraptured at the audience. Non dancers audibly gasp at their flashy tricks. Incredibly hard tricks performed by each of them to perfection, seemingly effortlessly.

Their old team watch them knowingly. Having watched them dance as a duet for years, it was nice for them to see the two dance again. It was always a beautiful experience, no matter how many times they'd seen the pair dance.

His parents watch them proudly. Her parents, not having the best relationship with their daughter, hadn't shown up. But she didn't care. She had all of her family here. Her previous team. His parents. The love of her life. There wasn't anything else she needed.

They finish the dance kissing. Cheering from the guests in the background. They invite his parents onto the dance-floor for the traditional mother son father daughter dances. It didn't matter that her biological father wasn't here. She had his father, and it was more than she could ever ask for.

Eventually, the formal dances end. And all the guests flock to the dance floor, dancer or not.

--

After a couple hours of dancing, he pulls her aside to a secluded room, where they finally get some peace and quiet.

"So, Ritchie. Everything you've ever dreamed of?"

"A hundred percent. Thank you for everything, Noe."

"You're so welcome. I love you."

"I love you too."

"Ready for our next step?"

"Definitely."

Today was the best day of their lives so far. But they had so much ahead of them, he realises. Maybe one day they'd have a better day in their lives. Perhaps one day they'd even have a child.

But that was something to worry about later. Today was a day of living in the moment. And we was going to enjoy it to the fullest.

--

Finally, it's time for the bouquet toss. Neither of them wanted to go straight on their honeymoon after the ceremony, but they'd planned a trip to Paris next week. For this week, she just wanted to enjoy his company, and she knew that he wanted the same.

She tosses the bouquet in the air. She doesn't show it, but she really hopes that her best girl-friend catches it. Piper had been with her boyfriend for so many years now, and she knew that Finn had been thinking of proposing for a long time.

She turns around when she hears a squeal. The brunette had caught the bouquet after all. She glances over to her husband, and they smile. Both of them share a knowing glance with Finn.

--

The wedding had been over in the blink of an eye. And it was a day that both of them could've never imagined to be this amazing. Both of them had dreamed of this day, yet nothing could've prepared them for the rush of emotion and adrenaline in the moment.

They had tied the knot. And it was the best moment of their lives. They couldn't wait for what would come next.