Author: MoiraShipper

Summary: AU. Kate and Rick are dancers that were designed to become partners during the 'Swan Lake' season, but Kate isn't too happy with the idea, as her director wants Rick to help her to improve her performance of the Black Swan. What'll happen?

Black Swan

Chapter 1

Kate Beckett, a 23 years old brunette had reached the top of her career. She had become the new star of the National Ballet of Manhattan, after long years of many painful ballet classes, rehearsals and having to swallow her cry. That had been her dream since her mother, Johanna, had taken her to watch Romeo and Juliet when she was 6 years old.

But, despite having reached where many of her colleagues wanted to be, she still wasn't satisfied. Neither was the director of the NBM, who had his arms crossed while Kate took a deep breath, her beautiful hazel eyes narrowed.

"One more time Beckett, do your variation from the 3rd act, ballroom scene."

Kate, wearing a leotard and a black tutu, nodded as she walked back to the corner of the room, rising on her pointe shoes and dancing the variation of the Black Swan. In the end she finalized with 3 pirouettes and stopped in the pose, but the director groaned, putting a hand to his forehead.

"It's not good."

"I did 3 pirouettes with a perfect ending..." The woman said, frustrated, not able to understand what the problem was, while several dancers entered the room and began to warm up to rehearse their parts.

"Beckett, your pirouettes were perfect. The problem is your expression."

"Pardon?" Kate said, trying not to let the irritation appear in her voice. "I've shown all of Odile's sensuality and abillities."

"But I haven't seen her hatred... Beckett, we'll debut in two months and you are the star, I know you are talented, but if you can't do the two swans, we'll have to call other ballerina to play Odile."

"You've seen my performance, I'm sure I can bring this hatred into play... It'll be the best not to take the risk letting her do the two swans since the sponsors also didn't like Kate's performance." One of the ballerinas, Gina said, looking disdainfully at Kate, who frowned, turning to the director.

"Sr. Montgomery, I won't give up the two roles, I'll manage to bring this hatred in scene!" Kate said, her eyes shining and he sighed.

"This is your last chance Kate. And also, I want you to meet someone."

"Who?" She asked and everyone turned to the door and several ballerinas who were on the ground stood up, adjusting their tutus and whispering, throwing smiles to the dancer who'd just entered.

"Kate Beckett, this is Richard Castle, he's a dancer from the American Ballet Theater. He's going to stay with us for the 'Swan Lake' season."

Richard Castle was a 25 years old dancer, with defined muscles, toned thighs, brown hair and beautiful blue eyes, with a smirk on his face. He was from the corps de ballet from the ABT and had received the chance to stay for the season as the star of the NBM. He wore a black mesh and black ballet shoes and he smiled, stopping in front of Kate, extending his hand.

Kate, although being annoyed with the whole situation, couldn't ignore the electrical discharge she felt when she'd reached out and shook him, her hazel eyes meeting his blue eyes.

"It's a pleasure, Kate."

Rick felt that he was already attracted by the ballerina who exuded sensuality without even making an effort, with beautiful cheekbones and hazel eyes that right now, were showing all her irritation. But he was sure she had felt the electric discharge too.

"Nice to meet you." It was all she said, walking away and going to talk to the director, confused and angry.

"Why is he going to stay with us for the season? What about Esposito?"

"He resigned after receiving an irresistible invitation to join a company of hip-hop so we needed a good dancer, because things haven't been well at all here, especially financially. Now go rehearse with Castle."

And he walked away, leaving a very angry Kate behind.