Special thanks to AnonyMoose

Without which this story would not exist

Thank you friend

chapter 1 - 

Ashton took a step forwards then, closer to the mirror, eyes wide as he stared at his reflection. Behind him, his teacher stood leaning on a hip, her arms folded, and a teasing smile playing about her lips as she watched him closely.

Ashton leant forwards; eyes wide as he looked at his own face.

He had a mask of sparkling pink painted around his eyes, fading to the natural colour of his skin, with bold yellow lips.

Ashton lifted a hand to his face but didn’t touch the makeup for fear of smudging it.

The bright colours suited him, suited his pale skin, his blue eyes, and his false pure-white hair, which was tied as a ponytail over his shoulder, reaching his hip and tied in red ribbons. He wore a black close-fitting garment that covered his chest and was high-necked but left his shoulders and stomach back. There were tight black sleeves on his arms, he wore black shorts, and on his feet were high black stilettoes.

His heel clicked on the smooth floor as he took another step towards the mirror, eyes roving all over himself as he observed his reflection.

‘Oh my god’ he gasped, managing to speak at last. ‘I look incredible.’

‘You look fierce’ his teacher said behind him, raising an eyebrow.

‘I’m so happy’ Ashton uttered, his body beginning to shudder as he balled his fists to his chest, shoulders hunched.

His teacher let out a sigh, unfolding her arms and grabbing a box of tissues on the side, stepping up to him.

‘Don’t smudge your makeup’ she said to him, ‘it looks too good to ruin.’

‘Thanks Michelle’ Ashton mumbled, dabbing at his eyes tenderly. ‘I just feel so happy when I am here.... I feel like I am truly at home.’

‘I know you do.’

‘I just hate having to keep this a secret. Its who I truly am....oh...’ he breathed. ‘My family would be horrified if they ever found out.’

His teacher Michelle turned away then, folding her arms again as she looked towards the poles in the dancing studio.

‘I’ve thought of a great name of you’ she said offhandedly.

‘Hu?’ Ashton mumbled.

‘Hotstuff. That will be your stage name.’

Ashton stared back at her for a moment, before breaking into a smile. ‘That’s awesome’ he breathed, ‘I love it.’

‘Good’ Michelle frowned at him, tapping him on the shoulder. ‘Now straighten up, stand tall and don’t slouch. Try to be more the self you are when you are dancing, not the fragile little flower I see you as every other time.’

‘I don’t mean to be so weak...’

‘Stand up straight’ Michelle snapped at him then, and Ashton jumped, tensing at the sudden sharp tone.

She glared at him, and he stared back at her timidly, before dipping his head.

Ashton lowered his arms, relaxing his body and lowering his shoulders.

He let out a sigh. The next time he raised his head, he stood more confidently now, with a smile upon his face, and eyes shining happily.

‘That’s more like it’ Michelle spoke gently to him. ‘You’re far more handsome when you smile. Now come on’ she said to him. ‘Let’s do some stretches, and remember, not to push yourself to hard. You won’t gain anything and you’ll end up only hurting yourself.’

‘I know’ Ashton replied delicately, ‘and I’m sorry, I’ll try to do better next time.’