Dancing Man 3/6 - You Make Me Feel Like Dancin'
Author:kitsune_tails. Though just call me Jay.
Pairings: Mike/Kurt
Disclaimer: Glee and all affiliated characters are property of their respective owners. Not me.
Word Count:
Rating: PG now, different later.
Genre: Romancy, Self-Discovery.
Summary: Everything is a dance. Every step has one that follows. Every turn brings us to a new revelation, a new rotation. That’s how we live, dancing through life.
Songs: "You Make Me Feel Like Dancin'" by Leo Sayer
Author's Note: A little later, and a bit longer than I anticipated. This should cover through Mattress. More romance progression. Hurray.
Chapters: -1- -2- -3- -4-
You've got a cute way of talking,
You've got the better of me.
Just snap your fingers and I'm walking,
Like a dog hanging on your leash…
Drama and showchoir. They go rather well together. Which is good. Because New Directions certainly keeps Mike on his toes with the new and sorted details of public and private scandals. It really started right after the Invitational. Tired Finn, Mrs. Schuster with some kind of pill, and crazy emotional and amazing dancing.
Mike had readily thrown himself further into the dancing than he had too. It was exhilarating. He’d just kind of thrown himself into it, letting himself get out of his reserved space during rehearsals. Matt had just smirked and nodded, knowing his friend had been itching to get that out since he joined the club. And the shocked looks on Finn and Puck’s faces had been priceless.
But it was the appraising gleam in the eyes of one Kurt Hummel that made Mike really happy. And slightly bouncy.
Or perhaps that was just the pseudoephedrine. Yeah…that was believable.
The flutter he kept getting in his stomach. That was undeniable however. He had no problems what so ever when he and Kurt were dancing next to each other during the mash-up. He had no problems with the small glimmers of approval he got from the other boy.
After the whole fiasco with the “vitamins” from Mrs. Schuster and the contest ruled null for use of stimulant - something Puckerman seemed most annoyed by, giving some longwinded rant that involved Hugh Heffner, Viagra, and himself in some weird analogy that would have stumped anyone - Mike found himself alone in the choir room, dancing and spinning again to try and center himself, as odd as that sounded. He blinked owlishly as he came to a stop, facing the door and a curious looking Kurt.
“So it wasn’t just pills…” the other boy murmured. Mike bristled a bit, frowning.
“No way dude. Dancing is what I do,” he snapped, agitation evident in his face for a moment. Passions were personal. And he wasn’t going to let Kurt diminish that for a second.
“No need to get defensive,” Kurt sniffed, lifting his chin defiantly. “I’ve just never seen you dance like that before.” His face was schooled in his trademark defiant glare, but his stance held a bit of curiosity. Mike just beamed at him, forgetting his earlier aggravation.
“Maybe you just never noticed before,” he replied, turning and grabbing his bag. He heard the click of expensive shoes and knew Kurt was already heading for the lockers and football. He smiled to himself.
The moves sounded a little out of sync. Maybe that was a good thing?
Mike was practically floating after that. He had no problem with the knowing smile and the laughter that Brittany threw his way that night. It even made the news that Coach “I’m-better-friends-with-my-bullhorn” Sylvester was the new Glee Club co-advisor almost tolerable.
Almost being the key word.
It was still Sylvester. It was still different. Glee fundamentally changed when she was there. There was a tenseness in everyone’s shoulders - with the exception of the Cheerios of course - that made the environment so different. And Mr. Schu had slightly panned his idea for pop’n’lock. That left Mike hoping he’d still have the ability to dance so well…so uninhibited that Kurt noticed…
Wait. Other asian?! What the heck did that mean?
Watching Sue Sylvester pulling out all the students that were somehow different was a little insulting. And frightening. The list was nothing short of a list of horrible stereotypes that made the idealist in him cringe. This was above slightly infuriating. But he was in the group with Kurt. He was getting a chance to do what he did best - Coach Sylvester even called on him to dance.
When he moved to throw out some of his moves, he noticed that spark of curiosity in the eyes of Kurt. And he couldn’t help but put a little more flare than usual.
You put a spell on me
Right when you walked into me
McKinley High apparently exists in an anti-glee bubble. It’s the only logical explanation for the sheer insane amount glee destroying activities that seem to appear. As if the meltdown between Schuster and Sylvester wasn’t bad enough - and equally terrifying to watch - then Coach Tanaka had to have some feud with Mr. Schu and there was an ultimatum: Football or Glee.
Mike had scowled when Coach had made that call. It forced the idea of labels. Forced the idea of stagnant roles and boxes. A point he had moved past. Or at least had in his mind and wanted to in school, in life. It was annoying to him to see that side coming out again.
He had already made up his mind by the time he’d left practice. He hadn’t asked Matt or Puck or Finn. This was about what he wanted. It made things easier when Matt clapped him on the shoulder as they walked out of the locker room.
“So you’re going to Glee right?” Matt asked, falling into step next to Mike. That nervous energy was back, thrumming as his best friend walked next to him.
“I was planning on going, yeah,” he replied, looking slightly confused. “What about you?”
“I like football…” Matt replied, seeming to search Mike’s voice for any direct, any hint. But the dancer just nodded and watched him curiously. Matt sighed. “But Glee. Glee is fun. It’s freeing ya know?” He stopped walking and frowned.
“Yeah. I know it is,” Mike said, stopping and turning, looking at his best friend with a smile. “That’s why I’m not quitting it.”
“The guys are gonna be mad ya know…” Matt murmured, a small smile appearing on his face. Mike just laughed, turning back around and gliding down the hall. His steps became lighter and lighter as he moved.
“So let them,” Mike called back, a huge smile on his face. “There’s more to life than football and high school popularity you know!” He did a small leap, clearing his mind further. He was right. This was right. Glee was right.
And honestly, so was everything that was going on right now. Including that crush.
Wouldn’t Brittany be happy.
You take me higher.
I’m gonna catch on fire ‘cause…
As sectionals raced towards them, the Glee rehearsals became more and more bizarre. But each one added something new to his understanding of movement, of dance, of freedom. The biggest one was the wheelchairs. For Mike, a man who was used to free and agile movement, it was confining. It was incredibly stilted.
But it definitely gave him a new perception on life.
Mike had hummed along rather easily, enjoying the added fluidity at times and cursing the stilted maneuvering. He spent time talking with Artie, learning how to use and - to some respect - enjoy the chair and its mobility. It was…intriguing. He always thought Artie moved in a way that was shameful, stilted. But he quickly came to realize that it was only stilted because of the way the rooms, the auditorium, the doors were put together. But on stage, in the choir room, he moved in a way that left him in awe of the graceful nature the other boy had.
He could admire it. But he wouldn’t envy it. That much grace and fluidity trapped to metal and rubber. It was sad. Artie just smiled when he said that and shook his head.
“At least I still move right?” he said, a bright smile on his face. Mike just blinked and Artie laughed. “Movement’s key for you isn’t it? I mean…you’re always bouncing your foot in Calc, keeping a rhythm.” The boy shrugged and wheeled himself towards the exit.
“At least you’re still moving…” Mike murmured, following after him. That was the first revelation that came that week.
The second was Kurt and his fear.
The Diva-Off was well liked. Defying Gravity was a good song, powerful and soaring. And both Rachel and Kurt had the ability to make it work for them. So the rest of them sat watching and listening as each sang. Rachel was powerful and thrilling, giving a performance as good as she usually did.
But Kurt…Kurt gave the song such a haunting quality with his soprano, the lyrics holding a different meaning when he sang them. It was…heartbreaking. The desire to move on, move up, move past. And then that high F. Where his voice cracked. Mike felt his eyes widen ever so slightly before narrowing.
He’d blown it.
Kurt was good with his masks. Anger and disappointment shown on his face. But his eyes. They were hardened and determined and full of fear. An odd combination, but not something that was unusual for Kurt. Those designer shields were in full force, and Mike wanted to know why.
He waited after Glee, watching as Mercedes and the other girls consoled him before moving on, Kurt asking for some alone time. And there he was, by himself, with the piano and a karaoke track of the song. And Kurt sang.
It was flawless and soaring, the high F being held perfectly and gracefully by the boy. And the only things marring the performance were a few tears that dropped down his cheek. Mike frowned, closing the door softly behind him and leaning against the frame, watching as the song ended. He swallowed his fear - Angry Kurt stares were best avoided - before he asked quietly.
“Sounds amazing.”
Kurt stiffened, turning further away from the door and wiping his tears quickly on a swiftly produced Kleenex. His shoulders stiffened and his hands tightened. The walls were up and the shields were tightened. Mike watched, the tense nature of the other boy was so disquieting.
“What do you want Mike?” Kurt asked, his voice clipped and raw. It took all the joy out of hearing his name for the first time. Mike paused, watching the tense nature. He could be blunt, ask him why he had blow the note. But he had an idea.
“Do you like Glee?” he asked, taking a few careful steps into the room. Kurt whirled and looked at him incredulously. Unbalanced. Good.
“Of course! I’ve been here longer than you have,” he snapped, his eyes narrowed. “And what does this have to do with anything?” He looked about ready to run into a new tirade. But Mike moved on, stepping through to the next move in this dance.
“Because you’re stiff,” he muttered, toeing off his shoes and taking an experimental flick of his ankle. It was a long time since ballet. “Your movements when we dance, or just when we jam, are so stilted. So concerned with appearances.” He arched an eyebrow and met the other boy’s eyes when Kurt huffed. He was leaning against the piano, his designer sneer in place and his arms crossed over the sweater he wore.
“Really? And what do you know about moving and dancing? Are you secretly a Cheerio?” he asked, venom lacing his words. Mike just smiled and took a leap, throwing his body forward in classic steps, even a little point work - something he hated - before ending his quick routine. He turned to look back at the other boy and smiled.
“Hardly. But I know dance,” he said calmly, walking back towards his shoes, keeping his comfortable gait and calm smile. “And so do you. Which begs the question why you’re so stiff, so aloof in Glee.” He shook his head and slipped back into his shoes, catching Kurt’s eyes again as he picked up his bag. They were wide, shocked, off-balance. “See ya later Kurt.”
And he walked out of the room, a smile on his face and a light bounce in his step.
You really slipped me a potion,
I can’t get off the floor.
All this perpetual motion,
You gotta give me some more.
Mike didn’t see much of him after that. Not alone at least. They had Glee and classes - though he shared none with the other boy - and time in the halls. It was different. The eyes that he met from time to time were appraising. Confused even. It was a small victory. He was getting noticed. And turning someone’s head and making them loose count of their steps and the beat of the music usually was a good thing.
Look what had happened when Hummel did it to him.
Glee was eventful as always. Ballads and fake hair and insane amounts of baby drama. And school photos, class photos, and television advertisements. Jump. On mattresses. It was high energy and exciting. They were bouncing from mattress to mattress, playing off each other’s energy and happiness. Or perceived happiness. Whatever. It was fun.
And it was a good distraction from their problems and from the drama that seemed to whirl around Glee.
Mike practically hummed with energy, watching the video of the dance. He smiled. Everyone was moving, bouncing, jumping. Thriving. Even Kurt. The others were getting changed, but he stayed behind, dancing a bit for himself. He was enjoying the limber feeling he had. So much dancing to this new tempo, and everything was well.
“So you just dance constantly now, do you?” came the prim voice of Kurt. Mike just grinned, turning to face the other boy.
“Something like that,” he replied, shrugging a shoulder. “But I think I said this before, I’ve always danced. You just never noticed.” Kurt huffed and looked away, a faint blush on his cheeks.
“Yes well. I noticed now,” he murmured. Mike blinked owlishly, caught off guard.
“Thanks,” the dancer said, smiling brightly. “Nice to see you started loosening up.” Kurt smiled at that.
“Well I could hardly let you win that argument,” the diva huffed, looking over at Mike with fire in his eyes. “I am a dancer too. And you…” he paused and shrugged, turning around and heading towards the girls who were waiting for him. “You make me feel like dancing sometimes.” He jogged over to the girls and Brittany gave Mike a significant glance with a large smile.
Mike stared after him as he walked away, his eyes wide and his mind blank. He was causing someone to dance. That in and of itself was brilliant. But that it was Kurt? That made it even better.
“Trust me Kurt…” he murmured, a smile stretching across his face as he watched the other boy leave the mattress store, “the feeling is more than mutual.”
Pairings: Mike/Kurt
Disclaimer: Glee and all affiliated characters are property of their respective owners. Not me.
Word Count:
Rating: PG now, different later.
Genre: Romancy, Self-Discovery.
Summary: Everything is a dance. Every step has one that follows. Every turn brings us to a new revelation, a new rotation. That’s how we live, dancing through life.
Songs: "You Make Me Feel Like Dancin'" by Leo Sayer
Author's Note: A little later, and a bit longer than I anticipated. This should cover through Mattress. More romance progression. Hurray.
Chapters: -1- -2- -3- -4-
You've got a cute way of talking,
You've got the better of me.
Just snap your fingers and I'm walking,
Like a dog hanging on your leash…
Drama and showchoir. They go rather well together. Which is good. Because New Directions certainly keeps Mike on his toes with the new and sorted details of public and private scandals. It really started right after the Invitational. Tired Finn, Mrs. Schuster with some kind of pill, and crazy emotional and amazing dancing.
Mike had readily thrown himself further into the dancing than he had too. It was exhilarating. He’d just kind of thrown himself into it, letting himself get out of his reserved space during rehearsals. Matt had just smirked and nodded, knowing his friend had been itching to get that out since he joined the club. And the shocked looks on Finn and Puck’s faces had been priceless.
But it was the appraising gleam in the eyes of one Kurt Hummel that made Mike really happy. And slightly bouncy.
Or perhaps that was just the pseudoephedrine. Yeah…that was believable.
The flutter he kept getting in his stomach. That was undeniable however. He had no problems what so ever when he and Kurt were dancing next to each other during the mash-up. He had no problems with the small glimmers of approval he got from the other boy.
After the whole fiasco with the “vitamins” from Mrs. Schuster and the contest ruled null for use of stimulant - something Puckerman seemed most annoyed by, giving some longwinded rant that involved Hugh Heffner, Viagra, and himself in some weird analogy that would have stumped anyone - Mike found himself alone in the choir room, dancing and spinning again to try and center himself, as odd as that sounded. He blinked owlishly as he came to a stop, facing the door and a curious looking Kurt.
“So it wasn’t just pills…” the other boy murmured. Mike bristled a bit, frowning.
“No way dude. Dancing is what I do,” he snapped, agitation evident in his face for a moment. Passions were personal. And he wasn’t going to let Kurt diminish that for a second.
“No need to get defensive,” Kurt sniffed, lifting his chin defiantly. “I’ve just never seen you dance like that before.” His face was schooled in his trademark defiant glare, but his stance held a bit of curiosity. Mike just beamed at him, forgetting his earlier aggravation.
“Maybe you just never noticed before,” he replied, turning and grabbing his bag. He heard the click of expensive shoes and knew Kurt was already heading for the lockers and football. He smiled to himself.
The moves sounded a little out of sync. Maybe that was a good thing?
Mike was practically floating after that. He had no problem with the knowing smile and the laughter that Brittany threw his way that night. It even made the news that Coach “I’m-better-friends-with-my-bullhorn” Sylvester was the new Glee Club co-advisor almost tolerable.
Almost being the key word.
It was still Sylvester. It was still different. Glee fundamentally changed when she was there. There was a tenseness in everyone’s shoulders - with the exception of the Cheerios of course - that made the environment so different. And Mr. Schu had slightly panned his idea for pop’n’lock. That left Mike hoping he’d still have the ability to dance so well…so uninhibited that Kurt noticed…
Wait. Other asian?! What the heck did that mean?
Watching Sue Sylvester pulling out all the students that were somehow different was a little insulting. And frightening. The list was nothing short of a list of horrible stereotypes that made the idealist in him cringe. This was above slightly infuriating. But he was in the group with Kurt. He was getting a chance to do what he did best - Coach Sylvester even called on him to dance.
When he moved to throw out some of his moves, he noticed that spark of curiosity in the eyes of Kurt. And he couldn’t help but put a little more flare than usual.
You put a spell on me
Right when you walked into me
McKinley High apparently exists in an anti-glee bubble. It’s the only logical explanation for the sheer insane amount glee destroying activities that seem to appear. As if the meltdown between Schuster and Sylvester wasn’t bad enough - and equally terrifying to watch - then Coach Tanaka had to have some feud with Mr. Schu and there was an ultimatum: Football or Glee.
Mike had scowled when Coach had made that call. It forced the idea of labels. Forced the idea of stagnant roles and boxes. A point he had moved past. Or at least had in his mind and wanted to in school, in life. It was annoying to him to see that side coming out again.
He had already made up his mind by the time he’d left practice. He hadn’t asked Matt or Puck or Finn. This was about what he wanted. It made things easier when Matt clapped him on the shoulder as they walked out of the locker room.
“So you’re going to Glee right?” Matt asked, falling into step next to Mike. That nervous energy was back, thrumming as his best friend walked next to him.
“I was planning on going, yeah,” he replied, looking slightly confused. “What about you?”
“I like football…” Matt replied, seeming to search Mike’s voice for any direct, any hint. But the dancer just nodded and watched him curiously. Matt sighed. “But Glee. Glee is fun. It’s freeing ya know?” He stopped walking and frowned.
“Yeah. I know it is,” Mike said, stopping and turning, looking at his best friend with a smile. “That’s why I’m not quitting it.”
“The guys are gonna be mad ya know…” Matt murmured, a small smile appearing on his face. Mike just laughed, turning back around and gliding down the hall. His steps became lighter and lighter as he moved.
“So let them,” Mike called back, a huge smile on his face. “There’s more to life than football and high school popularity you know!” He did a small leap, clearing his mind further. He was right. This was right. Glee was right.
And honestly, so was everything that was going on right now. Including that crush.
Wouldn’t Brittany be happy.
You take me higher.
I’m gonna catch on fire ‘cause…
As sectionals raced towards them, the Glee rehearsals became more and more bizarre. But each one added something new to his understanding of movement, of dance, of freedom. The biggest one was the wheelchairs. For Mike, a man who was used to free and agile movement, it was confining. It was incredibly stilted.
But it definitely gave him a new perception on life.
Mike had hummed along rather easily, enjoying the added fluidity at times and cursing the stilted maneuvering. He spent time talking with Artie, learning how to use and - to some respect - enjoy the chair and its mobility. It was…intriguing. He always thought Artie moved in a way that was shameful, stilted. But he quickly came to realize that it was only stilted because of the way the rooms, the auditorium, the doors were put together. But on stage, in the choir room, he moved in a way that left him in awe of the graceful nature the other boy had.
He could admire it. But he wouldn’t envy it. That much grace and fluidity trapped to metal and rubber. It was sad. Artie just smiled when he said that and shook his head.
“At least I still move right?” he said, a bright smile on his face. Mike just blinked and Artie laughed. “Movement’s key for you isn’t it? I mean…you’re always bouncing your foot in Calc, keeping a rhythm.” The boy shrugged and wheeled himself towards the exit.
“At least you’re still moving…” Mike murmured, following after him. That was the first revelation that came that week.
The second was Kurt and his fear.
The Diva-Off was well liked. Defying Gravity was a good song, powerful and soaring. And both Rachel and Kurt had the ability to make it work for them. So the rest of them sat watching and listening as each sang. Rachel was powerful and thrilling, giving a performance as good as she usually did.
But Kurt…Kurt gave the song such a haunting quality with his soprano, the lyrics holding a different meaning when he sang them. It was…heartbreaking. The desire to move on, move up, move past. And then that high F. Where his voice cracked. Mike felt his eyes widen ever so slightly before narrowing.
He’d blown it.
Kurt was good with his masks. Anger and disappointment shown on his face. But his eyes. They were hardened and determined and full of fear. An odd combination, but not something that was unusual for Kurt. Those designer shields were in full force, and Mike wanted to know why.
He waited after Glee, watching as Mercedes and the other girls consoled him before moving on, Kurt asking for some alone time. And there he was, by himself, with the piano and a karaoke track of the song. And Kurt sang.
It was flawless and soaring, the high F being held perfectly and gracefully by the boy. And the only things marring the performance were a few tears that dropped down his cheek. Mike frowned, closing the door softly behind him and leaning against the frame, watching as the song ended. He swallowed his fear - Angry Kurt stares were best avoided - before he asked quietly.
“Sounds amazing.”
Kurt stiffened, turning further away from the door and wiping his tears quickly on a swiftly produced Kleenex. His shoulders stiffened and his hands tightened. The walls were up and the shields were tightened. Mike watched, the tense nature of the other boy was so disquieting.
“What do you want Mike?” Kurt asked, his voice clipped and raw. It took all the joy out of hearing his name for the first time. Mike paused, watching the tense nature. He could be blunt, ask him why he had blow the note. But he had an idea.
“Do you like Glee?” he asked, taking a few careful steps into the room. Kurt whirled and looked at him incredulously. Unbalanced. Good.
“Of course! I’ve been here longer than you have,” he snapped, his eyes narrowed. “And what does this have to do with anything?” He looked about ready to run into a new tirade. But Mike moved on, stepping through to the next move in this dance.
“Because you’re stiff,” he muttered, toeing off his shoes and taking an experimental flick of his ankle. It was a long time since ballet. “Your movements when we dance, or just when we jam, are so stilted. So concerned with appearances.” He arched an eyebrow and met the other boy’s eyes when Kurt huffed. He was leaning against the piano, his designer sneer in place and his arms crossed over the sweater he wore.
“Really? And what do you know about moving and dancing? Are you secretly a Cheerio?” he asked, venom lacing his words. Mike just smiled and took a leap, throwing his body forward in classic steps, even a little point work - something he hated - before ending his quick routine. He turned to look back at the other boy and smiled.
“Hardly. But I know dance,” he said calmly, walking back towards his shoes, keeping his comfortable gait and calm smile. “And so do you. Which begs the question why you’re so stiff, so aloof in Glee.” He shook his head and slipped back into his shoes, catching Kurt’s eyes again as he picked up his bag. They were wide, shocked, off-balance. “See ya later Kurt.”
And he walked out of the room, a smile on his face and a light bounce in his step.
You really slipped me a potion,
I can’t get off the floor.
All this perpetual motion,
You gotta give me some more.
Mike didn’t see much of him after that. Not alone at least. They had Glee and classes - though he shared none with the other boy - and time in the halls. It was different. The eyes that he met from time to time were appraising. Confused even. It was a small victory. He was getting noticed. And turning someone’s head and making them loose count of their steps and the beat of the music usually was a good thing.
Look what had happened when Hummel did it to him.
Glee was eventful as always. Ballads and fake hair and insane amounts of baby drama. And school photos, class photos, and television advertisements. Jump. On mattresses. It was high energy and exciting. They were bouncing from mattress to mattress, playing off each other’s energy and happiness. Or perceived happiness. Whatever. It was fun.
And it was a good distraction from their problems and from the drama that seemed to whirl around Glee.
Mike practically hummed with energy, watching the video of the dance. He smiled. Everyone was moving, bouncing, jumping. Thriving. Even Kurt. The others were getting changed, but he stayed behind, dancing a bit for himself. He was enjoying the limber feeling he had. So much dancing to this new tempo, and everything was well.
“So you just dance constantly now, do you?” came the prim voice of Kurt. Mike just grinned, turning to face the other boy.
“Something like that,” he replied, shrugging a shoulder. “But I think I said this before, I’ve always danced. You just never noticed.” Kurt huffed and looked away, a faint blush on his cheeks.
“Yes well. I noticed now,” he murmured. Mike blinked owlishly, caught off guard.
“Thanks,” the dancer said, smiling brightly. “Nice to see you started loosening up.” Kurt smiled at that.
“Well I could hardly let you win that argument,” the diva huffed, looking over at Mike with fire in his eyes. “I am a dancer too. And you…” he paused and shrugged, turning around and heading towards the girls who were waiting for him. “You make me feel like dancing sometimes.” He jogged over to the girls and Brittany gave Mike a significant glance with a large smile.
Mike stared after him as he walked away, his eyes wide and his mind blank. He was causing someone to dance. That in and of itself was brilliant. But that it was Kurt? That made it even better.
“Trust me Kurt…” he murmured, a smile stretching across his face as he watched the other boy leave the mattress store, “the feeling is more than mutual.”