Dancing Without Music (closed)

[Mateo Azarola]

Mateo spent a good chunk of his time at the penthouse, just hanging out or practicing for the next show. He'd never had much of a social life outside of Alexis and in turn the band. His three friends had Aegis and were must more social creatures than he'd ever been or could ever hope to be. There were days when admittedly he wasn't sure if he felt like he was left in his friends' shadows or simply left behind. He'd found himself missing the days when it had been just them and their families enjoying their music. Not to mention homesickness was a bitch. He'd needed something to do that was just his, something he found relaxing or already enjoyed. Something to do when his friends were off on missions for Aegis so he wouldn't be sitting at home worried - sure they could all take care of themselves but the list of super powered threats kept growing and growing stronger. He'd spent plenty of time alone at the penthouse, music playing just loud enough that he could hear it but not too loud that he wouldn't hear keys unlocking the front door, dancing to the music and remembering practicing with his mom. Dancing had always been a passion of his thanks to his mom and he honestly felt like he'd been neglecting it for far too long now, focusing on other things like the band. So he'd simply joined a dance studio. He'd chosen a smaller one, one that was less likely to plaster his face all over their social media once they found out his association with VALENCIA or three Aegis members. He also hadn't meant to show off but it was kind of hard to hide the fact that he'd been dancing for as long as he could remember. For the past couple weeks now, Mateo had been sneaking off - well he hadn't tried to hide the fact that he was leaving but he left without explaining where he was going or what he was doing and when asked, he'd simply nonchalantly shrug and reply he went for a walk - and meeting up at the studio every Wednesday (weekends had to be left available for band gigs). It was now his third week of doing so and he was honestly impressed with how his friends seemed to be respecting his privacy so far. None had forced him to let them tag along - he'd deflected a few offers to join him on his walk admittedly. He'd expected more suspicion or invasion of privacy. After all it wasn't as if he'd ever gone out without one of them, most often Alexis, before. If they weren't available to hang out or they simply didn't want to, he'd usually just stay home. "Ah, Mateo!" the studio's director said as he walked in, joining him in his walk to the dance room. "Have you re-thought the event I told you about?" Mateo felt a pang of guilt. The studio had entered a competition and because of his experience, he was the best dancer in the group. But it was that coming Saturday. He had to keep Saturdays open for possible band gigs or practice. "I'm sorry, I still can't," he replied to which the director said he understood but that didn't take the guilt away. Once in the studio, he set his bag in his corner and sat down, getting to work removing his shoes and socks. What? They weren't ideal for dancing in. Not on this floor.

... see your eyes in a darkened room look at mine, see where your thoughts stray to. 'Cause I get chills anytime you almost touch me ... mateo Gael Asturias , Alexis García , + Miguel Espinosa outfit 586 words Takes place after Waiting. --- First round decides posting order. 💜

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[Gael Asturias]

"So why haven't we incorporated Mateo's moves into our act yet? Because for the life of me I can't remember."

It was clear that something was up with Mateo. Gael was pretty sure it had something to do with the very obvious fact, at least to everyone else, that Mateo and Alexis had a thing for each other and were in denial or something. They were just resisting. Regardless, Mateo had been leaving regularly, without anyone else. Which for him, was a little odd. His social group was made up entirely of Alexis, Miguel, and Gael himself, and he was really a homebody, he didn't spend time at bars or the arcade or anything else.

So Gael had been one of the group that insisted they follow him and figure out what was going on. To make sure he was okay. He did have an ulterior motive to encouraging this as well, however. If it was something he could work into getting Mateo and Alexis into some sort of romantic setting together, then by God he was going to try to make that happen. Mateo needed to get laid, and he wasn't going to go for it unless it was Alexis.

With that in mind, finding out that he had been going to a dance studio felt perfect. He'd find a way to swap the music and shove the two of them together, and hope the music took control. Hopefully that would work.

"Come on. Let's see what our hermano is dancing to." He waved for Miguel and Alexis to follow as he slipped inside the door of the building.

Miguel Espinosa , Alexis García , Mateo Azarola

[Alexis García]

Alexis fidgeted in the mirror under the scrutiny of his own searing gaze before they had left the penthouse. He had hickeys on his neck from his last and final encounter with Kellan. Normally, he'd strut around without a problem and show them off like a badge of honor, but when Gael suggested they follow Mateo, he immediately panicked at the idea of Mateo seeing them. He despised the fact that it bothered him but it didn't stop him from flicking up the collar of the jacket he was wearing and throwing a scarf around his neck for good measure. He was easily cold, and Astaria even in its warmest days didn't compare to home. It would not turn any of the heads of his fellow bandmates. Or, so he hoped.

Alexis had donned a disguise. He wore a large floppy summer hat, sunglasses, and a surprisingly realistic fake goatee. He found that type of facial hair unbecoming, so he knew if Mateo landed eyes on him somehow or anyone else, he'd likely be looked over. Or, so he hoped once again. The band was easily gaining traction in the United States more and more by the day and the last thing he wanted was for their covert mission to fail before they hardly got out the door. He would never admit it to Gael aloud, but he was thankful he'd suggested they follow Mateo. Alexis was uncomfortable every time he saw Mateo leave and didn't know where he was going. Of course his mind went straight to envisioning Mateo in the arms of another man, and the fantasy alone was enough to make his stomach did uncomfortable summersaults and for his vision to go green with envy. Another feeling he hated and therefore would never admit aloud. The possessive he felt over his best friend was intense. 

Alexis picked at dry skin around his fingernails, tapping his foot impatiently and doing a piss poor job at pretending to have an air of indifference about the whole ordeal. He was anxious to get inside the building as Gael scouted ahead. He jumped at Gael's words, that were urging Alexis and Miguel to follow him with a quick wave inside.

"This is stupid," he grumbled out in Spanish, trying too hard to continue the façade of indifference. He knew the swiftness of his feet to follow after Gael betrayed him and showed his eagerness. 

Miguel Espinosa , Mateo Azarola , Gael Asturias