Wandering heart 1

 " I guess I live to see another day now.  

For the short period of my life when uncertainty won over any shred of reasoning I had in my mind, I was confused. I was overwhelmed. I was slowly losing grip on reality. Everything was darkness, everything could stop tomorrow and I spent nights being afraid to even close my eyes because I wasn't sure I would be awake the next morning. 

With this came questions and a hard look at my life. What would people say about me if I died during the night? what print would I leave here, did my life even matter? Does it today? My life became the zero-sum of all of my mistakes, all of my sunken dreams, all of the things I couldn't accomplish nor dared dream. I became nothing and my harsh mind was judging me irrelevant, already dead.... a living dead person with no future and ridiculous dreams. 

It would be lying to say that I pulled through and managed to see something different. It would be lying to say I am still not afraid of losing everything and everyone I have ever loved or realize that they have stopped loving me for reasons unknown to me. It would be lying to say that I am not feeling like a prisoner of my own mind. 

but like I said earlier on, I guess I live to see another day. 

Hope still found a way, Life does too. Even at the lowest point in my life, I still kept some wonders, some devouring desire to live my life to the fullest. I still found the energy to put one foot after the other and move forward. I can't be limited to the erroneous thoughts that plague my mind, nor to the scalding feeling of failure that embraced it. Hope is still there, reminding me by little touches that I do have people who care, that I do care about them, that my life isn't over -far from it- and that I could still redefine what's true, what's real and what's about to come and make me feel fulfilled. 

My life isn't over, it had just begun. 

My love isn't over, I have plenty to give to those who want it. 

I have plenty to get for those who want to give it to me. 

I have dreams and ideals and I will achieve my goals. 

Starting with waking up tomorrow again

starting with living the moment

starting with dreaming bigger than I allowed myself to until now. 

I feel that blood pumping through my veins and I am still breathing, so yes, there is still a tomorrow, isn't it? 

We still have one. 

You still have one. 

And no matter the unknown, we'd go through with it. 

like we always do. 

Together.

GoT Modern: Silent celebration

 GoT Modern:  Silent celebration

 

A/N: Just a follow-up to her “perfect dance”. I love our babies <3

 

xxxxxx

 

 

Baahal finally reached her bedroom and threw her sports bag on her huge bed. She closed the door behind her and leaned against the wooden door. Slowly she dropped her body onto the floor and stretched her legs forward. The night had been magnificent, she had won the cup, she was number 1 in the underground dance world but that wasn't even the reason for her happiness. No. It was her dance. She did the perfect routine that night and felt that every movement was perfect. She was in harmony with herself and was in total control of her body.  She removed her shoes, kicking them away from her and cringed as she noticed her injuries.

 

They were part of the deal. The cuts and bruises. They were visible testimonies of her hard work and dedication to her craft. Her feet were cut, there was blood on her skin, some in her scalp and hair. She could feel the pain in her ribs, that drove her to remove her shirt slowly and carefully. Her bra followed, and she pushed her yoga pants off of her legs, alongside her underwear. A nervous laugh escaped her lips and looked at the bathroom's door. Could she drag herself there? She had to, at least to have a good sleep, to be able to start the next day with clean sheets. So the silver head left the spot behind the door and went to the bathroom.

 

As she turned the hot water and yanked her head back, the heiress was feeling the hot stream wash away her blood. She ran her hand over her neck and tilted her head to the side. Again, another laugh escaped her lips and she celebrated. It made up for the humiliation she felt last time she entered the contest. It rewarded her extreme discipline and countless hours spent dancing. It rewarded her stubbornness and passion but that perfect night felt empty. She had wanted to dance in front of him, she had wished that their names meant nothing so they could enjoy being outside together. But the name had a price, the name had history and the heads of both families would never allow for their children to be together. The thought sobered the young woman who closed her eyes and dropped her head under the stream of warm water.

 

The name had a price… Her mother did try to keep her away from her father for as long as she could and Bäahal blessed her younger years away from the strict protocol and this family that didn’t love her. Bäahal blessed the time she spent with her mother where she knew love and warmth. She blessed those moments when her mother would kiss her bruised knee into healing, or when she would patch her up and then encourage her to keep dancing.  She missed her mother; she missed her freedom, and the thought made her sob.   Without being able to refrain from crying, the silver head let go of her tears and cries under the shower where nobody would see her. Some might say that it was adrenaline finally dropping, others that she simply was expressing her true emotions.

 

Come on, chin up, things weren’t so bad! Yes, things weren’t so bad, her mother was probably watching from above and was seeing how her little girl was doing. She was seeing strength; she was seeing resilience. Bäahal did survive those lonely years surrounded with people who hated her -save for her father-. She grew into a beautiful woman who was running her hand over her face and then over her bruised chest.  Tonight was a night of celebration, she did a perfect routine. She might not have danced in front of Jaime but she would share it with him. Her joy, her celebration, her warmth. Yes, she would do just that. Bäahal turned off the water and went on to dry herself and put on PJs.

 

She then grabbed her phone and quickly looked out for Jaime’s number before she sent him a text [Text Golden Lion: “I have won first place tonight. I even did the best routine of my life. I wish you had been there and you could have seen me dance. Someday maybe. Until then, I will tell you next time we meet. With love. Your firecracker.] and she went to bed with an exhausted smile on her lips. She was happy. She felt fulfilled.

 

-TBC-

chronicles of the primeval gods: life of Elpis: Rebirth

 Chronicles of the primaeval gods: life of Elpis: Rebirth

 

A/N: I love our babies <3

 

XXXX

 

 

The primaeval goddess was staring at the beautiful city lights from the balcony she was standing at. Her pink hair was tied on an elaborate bun, that left a couple of locks to tease the back of her neck and she was wearing a white and golden dress that enhanced her beauty. Her eyes were glowing quietly as she was observing the restless humans enjoying their nightlife. She was feeling good perhaps her most powerful she'd ever been. Her skin suddenly got covered in goosebumps as she felt the presence of the Sin behind her. He returned from an urgent matter in the Underworld, which lasted a couple of humans’ days without him. She had been missing him but took upon herself to complete her recovery instead, on her own. As the blonde sin closed the distance between the two of them, Elpis tilted her head to the side as he rubbed her shoulders and planted a kiss to her neck.

 

« Mmmhhh... And now you're back, Beloved. » -She rolled her head tot he side, exposing her neck to him so he could kiss it. « You were fast. »

 

« Fast? I nearly lost count of time. » He said with a chuckle before he let his hands on her shoulders. « I was expecting you to welcome me with an angry fit. » He tested her, reminding the goddess of her infamous tantrums when the Sin was away for way too long. She chuckled and kept running her forefinger on the concrete balcony.

 

« Tantrums? You really thought that I would be upset because you left for the Hades? I outgrew my frustration a long time ago. » She assured, but she could tell he didn't agree with her given the sinister chuckle he let out.

 

« I beg to differ, my Light. » He said in a sultry voice, his hand shifted her body so she was now facing him in one swift swirl. « You have a temper, one that could be difficult at times but one that is yours nonetheless. » He said with a grin before he stroked her cheek. She leaned into his touch and nodded quietly.

 

« Alright, you got me. I have a temper. » She admitted and rolled her eyes as he pressed a kiss to her neck, playfully. « What gives... My King, I suspect things went very well in the Underworld. »

 

« Have I ever not returned victorious? I needed to see Lust for an urgent matter but once that was settled, I could return to you. » He studied her face, the uncanny glow that was on it caught his eye. She felt different, she was different.

 

“You have always returned victorious.” She conceded and nodded at his words. As the sin pressed himself into her and against the balcony, the goddess ran her hands into his blonde locks and gently massaged his skin.  He was right about something; she was different from the days he rescued her. She was whole again and even more. Her lips gently pressed to his after she had studied his face. Pride kissed her back and felt the sparkle in her touch. As he pulled away, he noticed her face, glowing so much that was new. Intrigued, he pulled away.

 

“Intriguing…” He said with eyes now glowing purple.

 

“I am whole again…” She gave him a sheepish smile before she lifted her arms up. “I have recovered fully, my king. Our efforts paid off.” She said with a chuckle. “I am better than ever! Stronger than I used to be.” She then turned around and looked past the balcony again. “I can hear my humans. Each and every one of them has been praying, worshipping me with or without my knowledge. So many are praying for good luck, for better health, for a future. So many are worshipping Life and Light in their lives.” She smiled excitedly. “So many mistook me for being the kind to choose only one side of a coin, but I am the goddess of Hope and Light, it doesn’t mean the very same for everyone. Why do you think I followed my brother on the battlefield?” She purred and outstretched her hands forward, to the city light.

 

“This Earth is thriving with life, no wonder you feel stronger now that you got your powers back. You never heard all of mankind before.” He furrowed his brows and  closed the distance with her again. “so this does indicate an improvement.”

 

“I fear that if I show you my new true form, I might help Ayasha locate me. It is… tremendous power that I feel within my body.”

 

“I will see you in due time, I promise.” He could see the excitement and disappointment on her face, dancing together as she was so surprised to feel her new power rush through her veins, yet was upset she couldn’t show it to him, not in the mortal world where Ayasha’s eyes were everywhere.  She turned to look at him, her eyes now golden pools and her hands bright as Light. He didn’t need to see her whole true form, for he could already tell she would be a being made of pure light. She was magnificent already, and he knew his eyes would feast on her sight in due time.  He watched as her bun came undone and wrapped his hand on her delicate neck before her hair fell over his hand.  She turned to look at him, her eyes now back to normal yet still intensely glowing.

 

“I could rival the All-mother, I sense that I could become the new All-Mother if I’d try. Can you imagine that much power within my hands?” She teased him with before he pulled her closer to his frame, his lips brushing over the soft skin of her forehead, then her nose.

 

“I can very much imagine you with that much power. You already are, my empress, my Light. With this power, you would rule over the universe. You could create life. You could end it with a snap of your fingers. You would become so strong and powerful, my Light and you would need a guide throughout this transformation.”

 

“I already have one, beloved.” She whispered. “And he is right next to me.” She pressed her lips to his again, creating sparks that made him smile between their lips before he went harder on her. He had come back with a good mood, but the goddess had just put him into another type of mood, something stellar, something… Immortal.

 

-TBC-

GoT (regular): A sign of Hope.

 GoT (regular): A sign of Hope.

 

Tyrion closed the door of his bedroom, exhausted by the day that had yet to end, the blonde Lannister went to his cabinet. He was glad to have his own room, empty ever since he became the HAND of the princess, so he could rest his mind. He pulled the chair towards him before he climbed on it and sat in front of his desk. The day had been long, excruciatingly long and busy. The blonde man rubbed his temple and fixed himself a glass of wine and leaned his forehead against the cold metal of his cup. He knew, from the moment Daenerys would be victorious that it wouldn't be the only fight she would have to lead. His experience as the Hand of the queen at King's landing proved to be useful. He knew the mentality here. He knew how old nobles were keen to protect their old ways and wouldn't accept a brutal change in their culture. They already accepted the queen with pursed lips and clenched jaws, they weren't ready to accept her to marry someone who wasn't a noble, yet when Daenerys told Tyrion of her plans to marry Jon Targaryen, he couldn't help but shiver. This union, while legitimate now that Jon's lineage had been revealed, would still anger a couple of them.

 

Yet, it was his job to think of solutions for his queen. It was his job to anticipate any harmful reaction to her actions and prevents a potential tragedy to occur. It was his job to advise her so she could make the best decisions and that was quite a lot on his plate. While she decided to get married to Jon, they also had to deal with the attack her sister was a victim of. They had to consider Jaime's plan to bring them out in the light. He didn't approve of hiding the survival of the princess and throwing her into the devil's den once again. He didn't approve of Bäahal to leave King's landing again and put her life in danger. His queen already lost her mind and questioned her decision-making abilities when it transpired that her sister was under siege. It took all of his will-power to convince her not to jump on her dragon and fly towards her. How could Daenerys react if she was aware of the plan of her sister? For now, anyway, she wasn't aware yet. One thing at a time. Jaime tried to refine his plan and convince Commander Targaryen of the viability of his plan. Tough work that was. !

 

They didn't even have time to think of his brother's union with the princess. That was yet another issue to be discussed. Tyrion still remembered as he took another sip of his wine. He remembered the face he made when Jaime confessed to him his love for the silver princess. He remembered calling him an imbecile, a man who would run his family name into the mud. Jaime would always love the wrong person. Tyrion was afraid for him and wished that his new relationship wouldn’t bring him to his demise.  Tyrion rubbed his temples even harder before he put the letter he’d just received from Bran. He spent enough time with the Starks to have established an epistolary relationship with Bran. He expressed his concerns to the young seer, concerns about the Queen, about her relationship with Jon, about the assassination attempt on the princess. Bran brought him some comfort, in his own way, by conversing with him therefore, receiving the letter made the second son of Tywin feel relieved.  He remembered the last sentence he wrote in his last letter: “ Is it possible for a Lion and a Dragon to find happiness together?” As he opened the letter, he started to read the letter.

 

“My dear friend...” The letter started.  The green-eyed kept looking from left to right as he devoured the words his friend wrote to him. He kept reading, feeling relieved as Bran made his mind travel outside of the bricks of the Red Keep. He smiled at the stories of the great queen of the North Sansa who was getting even more confident in her work.  After a few encouraging comments on hos things were sorted out by the new queen, the three-eyed crow mentioned the many challenges ahead of them but ended his letter with a positive note “And to answer your question Love is a powerful thing and true love is the strangest thing to ever exist. There would always have people who would want to taint the purity of such love, but I see triumph, in the long run. Love will prevail.” It wasn’t much, but it was enough to bring some comfort to Tyrion who relaxed his shoulders and took another sip of his drink. Perhaps there was hope to still have. Perhaps.

 

-TBC-

Doya: conversation between the Thomas -Aftermath-

 Doya: conversation between the Thomas -Aftermath-

 

 

A/N: A little insight into how others perceive the power couple and the aftermath of the bloody hunt that left Joshua paralyzed.

 

 

XXXX

 

 

« Ah! Finally, you're here!  I'm sorry Josh, the kids weren't supposed to be around now»

 

 

 

Sarah's warm voice echoed through the walls of the patio. It was a beautiful day, the-cloudless-blue-sky-kind-of-day with a bit of a fresh breeze. The tall blonde woman watched as her twin girls were playing with their uncle's chair and shook her head and crossed her arms against her chest. She was glad to see her brother was recovering from his attack and was happy to see him smile. Sarah feared the toll it could take on her brother’s psyche. Joshua was the hunter of the family, the one who took after their parents work. He took the job seriously but was able to find some joy in helping the world getting rid of the monstrous threat. He was a man of the field but with his injuries, he would never be able to go back to the field, lest he wanted to be killed. For now, he was laughing, enjoying the simple things in life, but Sarah wasn’t sure he would keep going without at least preparing for his next hunt.

 

 

 

« It's okay Sarah. I'm fine. I love the girls you know that. » He said while smiling at the toddlers. Who waved at him for a minute before they started to play together. Sarah smirked and looked at the garden. « I just needed a moment to appreciate the weather. It's a nice day today. »

 

 

« It is... I'm glad you were able to wheel yourself here. I.....I promised Oya I would take care of you, and I'm glad to see you're not exhausting yourself » She grinned and walked closer to him.

 

 

« You're being good to me, Sarah. I'm glad I can stay here and enjoy my nieces and my family... » His face became somber for a minute. « it's a miracle that I survived when you think of it... » He let his bandaged hand touch his bandaged torso. « I was... I would have died.. I should have died but I didn't. » He sighed deeply and curled his fingers into a fist.

 

 

« I am grateful you didn't... You're alive and this is the most important Josh. » Sarah sighed and grabbed one of her kids she carried in her arms. « I truly believed you were dead, I was losing my mind. » She let a tear roll down her cheek and then another. «I think that it hit me harder than I want to admit. » Her toddler started to rub her mother's cheek, wiping out the tears. « I'm fine baby, mom's fine. »

 

 

« Hey, Sarah could you stop crying? » He grinned at his sister and wheeled himself closer to her. «  of course, it hit your hard, we lost mom and Dad... you were about to lose me. It's okay, it's normal. » He held her hand with his and squeezed gently. « But I'm alive today. Crippled, but it doesn't matter because I can live and tell the tale. » He smiled broadly. « I can spend more time with my family, make my own family with Stephanie... spend time with Oya.. »

 

 

« Jo--- You love hunting. Don't you think you're going to be frustrated because you can't be on the field again? »

 

 

« Why are you bitter for me? You're thinking way too hard, way too much, Sarah. I'm fine. I might not be able to be on the field anymore but Oya and Dean can... »

 

 

« I can’t help but be worried. I guess that’s what a sister does.” She tried to smile at him, but her heart wasn’t ready for this. Joshua understood and didn’t want her to pretend she was fine when she wasn’t. he turned his wheelchair so he could stare at the garden again while his sister put her left hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently. She wouldn’t contest his claim nor would she want to further the conversation about his health and future. There was a time and place to worry about things, and her brother was making a spectacular recovery. Not so long ago he was loaded with tubes and now he was able to breathe on his own and move on his own. Still, the doctors told her to be careful with him and make sure he does the minimum possible, hence why she was always by his side.  The kids didn’t mind which state he was on, they recognized this bandaged man as their uncle and played with him regardless, which soothed his heart.

 

“Fine. Speaking of these two. How—how did that first encounter with Dean Winchester go?” She asked a tiny hint of some curiosity hid in her tone. Joshua lifted his head to look at her and chuckled.

 

“He’s even better than in the stories. I was surprised he came to see me since we’re just acquaintances of his girlfriend.”

 

“We’re more than that, Josh. We’re her family. Of course, he’d come.” She grinned at her words. “Oya wouldn’t have chosen someone who didn’t care for her family.”

 

“Oh yeah? Do tell me what I’ve missed when I was in a coma.” He leaned against her belly and she gently ran her hand over his hair.

 

“I told you I lost my mind. I didn’t know what to do, but I wanted to avenge you. I’m not a hunter, I’m not a field person anymore, but I knew that if I called Oya, she would come. So I called her.”

 

“How did she react when she knew what happened?” He inquired; his eyes half-closed as he was getting exhausted.”

 

“She was devastated. I could tell just by the tone of her voice, but it was when I saw her that I realized, she was as lost as I was. Josh, Oya loves you very much. I saw her cry, I saw her shake and I saw Dean comfort her when she saw you.” Sarah’s eyes quickly filled with unshed tears as she spoke. “But she was stronger than me and quickly pulled herself together. She went with Dean and the two of them investigated on your case. They gave me support when I needed it. Getting to know what attacked you and knowing it was put to Death was…” She paused and ran her fingers on her brother’s hair a little faster.

 

“I knew it. I knew she loved us enough to come when we would need her the most. “ He smiled to himself. “I have missed her. I know the life we chose kinda forces things to be that way but seeing her at the hospital was… it honestly felt good.” He wiped the tears that had rolled over his cheek. “Feeling her warm hand on mine, feeling her tears on my skin… she was there, with you and Stephanie and Dean.” Sarah nodded and let her daughter wipe her tears off of her face while whispering she was okay.

 

“Dean is truly attached to her. He cares a lot. They work well together, and I’m not worried anymore about her. She’s happy with him.”

 

“Happy? How do you know? She was extremely emotional when you saw her.”

 

“She let him touch her hand. She let him pull her into a hug. She let him in, Josh. She let him in.”

 

Joshua nodded at his sister’s words. If Oya was allowing anyone to get close to her, let alone touch her when she felt the most vulnerable, then she was loving this person. Then she trusted this person. There was nothing else to say but to accept that she chose her soulmate and was happy with him. Oya had the life she wanted to. She was still on the job, still hunting monsters and saving people but she was doing it with her soulmate. She was building her own family -or even better, she made this family her own- He liked Dean, for the short while he saw him at the hospital. Dean wasn’t full of shit like most hunters were, he wasn’t full of himself, he was just doing the job he was good at and didn’t need praises to do it.

 

It felt strange for Joshua, for he expected Dean to be a jerk, or to talk about his feats to people. No, Dean was much simpler than that. He was just a man who was doing his job, who was caring for his family, who wanted to protect people, who loved Oya. Nothing more, nothing less. The youngest Thomas knew that his sister was in good hands because Dean would care for her. He would not break her heart, at least, not intentionally. That felt good, for both Thomas. That felt well earned, after a life made of misery and pain. He was making her happy and that was the most important.

 

“It seems that she’s finally happy. It seems that she’s stopped tiptoeing around her feelings for this man. Good.”

 

“I guess so. What lies in the future is still not accessible for the likes of us, but I still pray that she will finally rest her soul.” But Sarah knew her prayer to be in vain. In their line of work, living a life without pain and regret was something that rarely occurred, if not never.  Joshua looked up at her and held her hand tightly. He wouldn’t add anything to what she’d just said. He could only pray with her that the life Oya chose would now bring her some comfort and joy. Perhaps it would… they’d pray it would.

 

-TBC-

Modern GoT: Bäahal: the perfect routine

 Modern GoT: Bäahal: the perfect routine

 

A/N: I love these two, I miss them too. I love how impactful her golden lion is for her.

 

XX

 

She took a deep breath and yanked her head back. The black locks of her wig were teasing the small of her back. The dim light of the changing room felt like a constant reminder of what she was doing there. Sunglasses and a wig were a small price to pay to do what she genuinely loved: dancing. She was a semi-professional in the underground world, working hard, perhaps harder than anyone else on her craft. She was flexible, sensual, toned, and passionate but it still wasn’t enough to compete at high levels. Behind the door of the changing room was the real competition. Pros from all around Westeros who would challenge the aptly dubbed “unknown princess” and show her what Dancing truly meant.  It was her second national competition, and the weight of her first loss was still overwhelming the young woman. Could she pull it off tonight? Could she truly face those professionals and win the competition?

 

Bäahal didn’t do it for the money, she was filthy rich. If she wanted to win, it was in order to prove herself. Dancing was in her DNA, it was what drove her and gave her a reason to endure her life. It was her true calling. The underground world was the only one where she didn’t have to face paparazzi or disappear behind her name. No. She wasn’t a Targaryen, she wasn’t one of the “8^th wonders” as they called her. She was just a very good dancer, ducking it off with some of the best dancers around the country. Winning only meant establishing her presence in this world, showing her true self and not the socialite assigned to representation duties as Daenerys and Viserys wanted. There, she could prove with her hard work what she was truly made of.

 

“Are you hiding?” -The stern voice of her mentor ripped through the silence that had settled in the room. The redhead had just entered the changing room after looking for her protegee near the stage. “It will soon be your turn.”

 

“I’m not hiding. I just needed a moment to think.” -Her voice was laconic, almost absent as she was stretching her legs. Magali lifted her brow, unimpressed with the heiress’ attempt at hiding her fears.

 

“You can lie better than this.” She sternly said, closing the distance between the two. “The first time you competed, you were green. Losing was part of the process you had to learn. Now, a couple years later, you can truly show who you are.”

 

“And lose again?” Bäahal lifted her face and despite the sunglasses hiding her purple hues, there was no doubt in the fiery passion that animated her gaze. Magali shrugged but didn’t move.

 

“Even the number 1 is afraid to lose. What truly matters here is not who will lift the cup and get the money. Even the number 1 isn’t satisfied when he wins, and you know why!”

 

“Is this a test, Magali?” Bäahal asked, while shaking her head. The redhead looked up and down and shook her head. “Then what is it?”

 

“I asked you a question first. Why is it that the number 1 isn’t satisfied with his routine, even when he wins?” -Bäahal pinched her lips together and looked down. She changed her legs and started to stretch the other one. “Why are you so reluctant to answer me?”

 

“I’m not—”

 

“Why aren’t you answering this simple question?”

 

“It’s not what you---”

 

“ANSWER ME!” -Magali hit the lockers on her left with her fist. She was angrier than usual and the sight of the redhead losing her cool was so surprising that the heiress stopped stretching and quickly wrapped her arms around her legs and pulled them up in a defensive move. Her mentor’s breathing became laboured and she genuinely regretted what she just did. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to lose my cool with you. Something’s holding you back and I wanted to exorcise it off of you.” She admitted while crossing her arms above her chest. “I didn’t mean to scare you off. I won’t… I won’t hit you.” She tried to reassure her and clenched her fist out of frustration.

 

“It’s okay… you didn’t mean to.” Bäahal’s voice was softer now. While her body was relaxing now that she was certain she wouldn’t be hit, Bäahal put her legs back onto the floor. “The number 1 is not satisfied because all that matters is the routine. They want the perfect routine.. I want the perfect routine.” She bit her bottom lip and looked back at the redhead. “Maybe you’re right, I might be putting too much pressure on my shoulders. I just want a perfect routine.”

 

“Princess… Pour your heart into your dance, make sure that each move you make feels like you, expresses all that you can’t say. Make sure that each move is precise, perfect and yours and you would make a perfect routine.” She said finally sitting next to the black-haired-wigged heiress. “You came to me because you wanted to be yourself, the stage is nothing more but a place where you can express yourself. It is you who make the world stop for a minute to watch you grace our lives….this is not the other way round. This is /never/ the other way round. So, remember why you are going out there. Remember why you came to me.”

 

“Are you... encouraging me, Magali? You’ve always had a snarky remark for me, always… why the change of heart?” She asked with a bemused tone. Magali shrugged and glanced at her “protégée”. “Unless you are not encouraging me?”

 

“Don’t start… Let’s say I took a liking in you after all this while training you. You are truly passionate about your craft, you are genuine. I don’t know you very well, it’s true. I can’t say I am a friend to you, and I’d like to stay away from your family drama… but I have noticed how happy you were lately. Something good is happening to you and your dance conveys those emotions as well. It’s… I’m happy for you.” She then patted Bäahal’s shoulder with her left hand. “I’m sorry about my outburst, it won’t happen again.”

 

“I… no, it’s okay. I was startled but I know you.” She gave her a sheepish smile and nodded. “And you’re right, I have been happier lately.” She decided to keep it to a minimum.

 

Bäahal and Magali had a deal. The redhead would train Bäahal but for their safety, the silver head would wear a wig and sunglasses to hide her true identity and she wouldn’t talk about her family to her. It was decided right after a distraught Bäahal started to talk about living in a gilded cage, on her own, without any other freedom but to dance. She talked about how dance was the only thing that made her feel free, and the gift her mother passed onto her. It was enough to make Magali cave in and take her in. Yet, despite the deal they struck, Magali still cared enough to notice when Bäahal was happy and enough to genuinely be happy for her.

 

Bäahal would not tell her that it was Jaime. The Golden Lion was the reason she was feeling much better these days. He brought something new into her life: a connection. He brought her something she wasn’t sure she could ever have with people. Jaime made her happy, the little moments they could steal for the two of them. He showed her a different side of life, a fun way to enjoy it and the anticipation of their next meeting. She was determined, yes, but through a moment like this one, she was wishing that Jaime was there. He had never really seen her dance before, and she wanted him to. She didn’t’ know how to make it happen, but she wanted him to witness her in her element. She wanted him to encourage her, clap for her, maybe even watch her train, but it was asking way too much from him given the circumstances they were in.  It wasn’t to be seen and known by the public, their relationship was to be theirs. It was to be secret, at least for the time being. This meant he wouldn’t be able to see her in public, she wouldn’t be able to hold his hand in public, she wouldn’t even dare say his name in public and Bäahal was okay with it.

 

Being okay with it, didn’t prevent her from wanting to see him here. In such a moment. She clenched her fists and sighed deeply. She would dance tonight as if it was for him. She wanted to give her best that night, dance as if she was dancing for Jaime because yes, she wanted to let her body express all she couldn’t with words yet. How confident he made her feel, how sexy, seductive, and powerful he made her feel. How happy she was when they were together. He was making her feel so differently from how her family was making her feel. He was making her feel so differently from how the world was seeing her. They were just Jaime and Bäahal. they were just JB.. they were just…humans.

 

“I will ask you once again… why are you going to compete?”

 

“I want to make the perfect routine.” She repeated while looking straight before her.

 

“Then go make it!” Magali patted her shoulder again and watched as the ebony dancer stood up.

 

Bäahal glanced at the front door and nodded with determination. Suddenly the stress she was feeling before vanished now that she was animated with a different desire. So, she went to the door and looked at the doorknob. Come on Bäahal, go on!

 

-TBC-