Disclaimer: I do not own Make It or Break It. Cause if I did there would be some major changes to certain pairings!
Warnings: Language, AU, Mario Bashing,
Pairings: Payson/Austin, others...
The First Meet
"We are on the National team; I think he knows who we are." Kaylie said as she flipped her back, and smiled smugly as she talked about approaching the Bad Boy of Gymnastics- Austin Tucker. Payson could already see where this was going, as her friend put on her usual flirty face. Stepping in front of her, Payson placed a hand on the brunette's shoulder.
"Kaylie, I don't think this is a wise choice." Payson knew Austin Tucker and the man probably didn't even remember her, and they had met twice before- Both times seemed to have the same pattern with the Party Hard Gymnast teasing Payson and her telling him to work harder. It was an endless frustration to Payson that the man had somehow won an Olympic gold medal hungover. It just wasn't right!
"Trust me Payson. I will just say hi and show you that even Austin Tucker knows who the national girls are." Kaylie raised her hand and brushed Payson off.
"No really-" Payson started to say but was cut off by a deep voice from behind her.
"Payson? Payson Keeler...?"
Turning around, Payson couldn't stop the exasperated smile from forming. He had only said her name and she felt tired already as this meeting was following along the same lines as the last two. "Tucker."
The male gymnast smiled widely, his entire countenance changing from its previous laidback posture to that of an excited little boy, as he stepped towards her. "I knew that back injury wouldn't keep you down and out."
Payson smiled softly at him. "Well like I always tell you, training hard pays off." It seemed that today was a day he would remember her...even if it wasn't for the best of reasons.
Austin Tucker just gave a chuckle at her words. "Never change Keeler." He could hear the affection in his voice for the girl in front of him, so thinking quickly he looked around. Spotting the other rock girls, he knew they would be the perfect distraction. "Well Keeler even after the fall you are still being hounded for autographs it looks like."
Payson bit her bottom lip from laughing. She shouldn't laugh. The man had just insulted the national girls team and her friends. But it was still a little funny. "Actually-" but Payson was interrupted, this time by a short brunette.
"We're not fans. We're-" but it was Kaylie's turn to be cut off.
"Well maybe we can change that." Austin said. "I mean one look at this girl's gymnastics and you might consider taking up the sport. And if Keeler here can't do that than maybe I can." Austin raised his sunglasses and gave Kaylie a wink.
Payson looked towards Lauren and Emily and saw the pair struggling to keep the laughs in and the smiles off. It wasn't working well. Seeing that they would be no help, Payson decided it was time for her to step up and save Kaylie from Austin's dangerous charms. "Tucker, that's Kaylie Cruz the National champ."
Austin's eyes flickered over to Payson before they went back to Kaylie. He narrowed them as he studied the girl for a moment. Suddenly he snorted, causing Kaylie to jump. "I see it now. She does have that... that pretentious air about her like the last champ... Kelly Parker?"
Payson coughed to cover up her laughter at his statement. "Well anyways, we should probably be going..." Payson tried to urge her teammates into action. It was one thing to not recognize Kaylie but to compare her to Kelly Parker? Well Payson could see the anger levels quickly rising under Kaylie's skin and she wasn't looking forward to the end result.
"Well in that case Keeler let's walk and talk. I want to hear all about your miraculous recovery. I may even learn something from your never say never tale, and wholesome personality." Austin quickly focussed his attention on Payson. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, lifted her bag, and started leading her away.
"Tucker..." Payson said with a warning in her voice.
"What Keeler? Not like I'm going to steal your innocence or anything, just a friendly talk between two good looking world athletes." Austin sent her a flirty wink as if that supported his innocent statement.
Payson groaned. She so did not need this. "Tucker..." She repeated as they walked into the hotel, leaving a fuming Kaylie, and a laughing Lauren and Emily behind.
The situation only seemed to escalate further when they were met with a certain NGO rep, Ellen Beals. She was standing in the middle of the foyer staring harshly at the arm Tucker had wrapped around her shoulders- as the approached Payson thought she heard Austin mumble the word 'bitch' under his breath.
"Payson, Austin, well this is unexpected. Where are the other girls Payson?" Beals asked, her sharp witch eyes flittering between Payson, Austin, and his arm.
"They're right behind us." Payson explained, shrugging her shoulders slightly hoping to knock Austin's arm off. No such luck, it was stuck.
Beals stepped to the side and looked around Austin's larger frame to see the other rock girls slowly coming over to them. She frowned slightly. "I already checked you girls in, here's your keys," the woman said handing out the room keys, and shooting disapproving looks at Austin's continued presence. "Now I suggest you girls go up to your hotel rooms and rest."
"Oh, we slept on the plane. We were hoping to get in some sight-seeing." Lauren spoke up.
"Absolutely not." Beals said quickly. "You will not leave your hotel rooms. Let's not forget why we are here- to compete, to represent our country. Kaylie as Team captain I'm counting on you to make sure everyone follows the rules. Sleep well and I expect to see you all at practice in the morning." Beals said with absolute authority.
"Shouldn't we check in with Marty?" Kaylie asked between sneaking small glares at Austin.
"Oh... you didn't hear?" Beals said in a remorseful tone. Payson heard Austin snort again and mumble 'fake' under his breath. She would have to agree that Ellen Beals wasn't putting on the most convincing display at the moment as she talked about Marty being on suspension, and pending a committee review. The woman may sound sad but the small sparkle of triumph in her eyes was shattering any illusion to Payson and apparently Austin.
"Mumbling is rude." Payson whispered to the bad boy. Looking up she could see a wide grin spread across Austin's face that didn't fit in with the current conversation. She looked away when Beals revealed she would be supervising them, and Austin tightened his arm around Payson, in an act of sympathy. Payson could only sigh, and watch the Beals walk away after issuing some final commands to them.
"Well aren't I glad I don't need to listen to her. " Austin said once the NGO woman was out of earshot.
"Yes well it's for the best. Beals was right that we need to rest up and stay focussed on why we are here. And that includes staying away from anything or one who will cause problems." Kaylie stated as she sent a meaningful look in Austin's direction.
"This sucks, I really wanted to hit up a few shops and buy some new clothes." Lauren whined.
"Maybe we should just listen to her and go to our rooms now." Emily suggested, clearly uncomfortable with doing anything to disobey the woman.
"Well you all just sound like barrels and barrels of fun." Austin said sarcastically. "Hey Keeler, how about we ditch these losers and you go out with me tonight. A certain Team Captain can even chaperone." Austin smirked at Kaylie.
Kaylie huffed. "Payson lets go and ignore this idiot. You have to focus on passing your petition." Kaylie grabbed Payson's arm and dragged her away from Austin, the other girls quickly following. When they reached the eleveators, Kaylie seemed satisfied that the doors opened immediately. They stepped in, and Kaylie pressed the proper floor number when they heard a shout.
"Hey wait!" Austin called from behind.
Kaylie seemed to have had enough with him as she turned around a snapped "What?"
Austin smirked as he reached into the elevator and pulled Payson out. "Sorry girls but I got her bags." Austin sent them all a wink just as the doors closed, silencing any protests.
"What are you up to Tucker?" Payson asked.
"Nothing." Austin gave her his most innocent smile.
"Right..."
"Listen Keeler, I actually do want to talk to you seriously. Have you really returned to gymnastics?"
Payson took a moment to gather her thoughts. It was a new experience to see a serious looking Austin Tucker. "I have. I'm not at the same level I was before the fall, but I am working my way up quickly." She explained.
Austin did something that Payson never expected. He gave her a sincere smile. "I'm glad to hear that. I knew you would be back, I had hoped it would be sooner rather than later. The London Olympics would have felt empty if you weren't there."
Payson felt her cheeks warm a little at the man's statement. "Well...just..." She struggled for something to say to that. It was the first time she heard someone say that they had believed the entire time she would make a full comeback. "Thank you." She settled on. "You're the first to say that to me." She confessed.
"Well I'm glad. Now hand over your phone Keeler, I need a reward for being on my best behaviour this entire time." Austin held out his palm and gave Payson an expectant look. Sighing, she slowly took her phone out and handed it over, a feeling of dread forming in her stomach.
"I promise this won't be painful." Austin reassured her with a cocky grin. Payson frowned, she would regret this, she knew she would.
o.O.o
Payson didn't want to but she let out a small groan when they entered the training facility and saw Austin Tucker practicing on the pommel horse. The day just started and already she saw Kaylie's feather ruffled at the sight of the man. Last night Kaylie had gone out to get ice, and when Kaylie had charged back into the room, she was ranting about that 'arrogant ass Austin Tucker'. Payson was tempted to throw Kaylie's words of not letting anything or one distract them back in her face but decided not to and just tuned the girl out. Kaylie Cruz would always get distracted by a boy. A second later she had received a text message 'Captain Green is feisty'. She didn't bother responding.
Shedding her sweats, Payson started stretching, determined to work hard and have all the requirements met for when the committee came to see her. She needed to focus on passing this petition and getting her spot on the National Team. Kaylie, Austin, and all that drama that seemed to surround The Rock was pushed aside as she approached the floor. This was her one chance.
Payson breathed heavily as she completed another tumbling pass. She put her hands on her hips as she mentally broke down how she felt the execution went and where she would need to improve to have it perfect.
"That's good Payson but I have yet to see your double pike." Ellen Beals said as she stepped up behind Payson.
Payson turned, and tried to hide her worry. "but that's not compulsory."
"I'm afraid it is. They just added it. That's not going to be a problem is it?" Beals asked. Payson shook her head no, but inside she was having a mini freak out. She hadn't nailed her double pike once since her surgery. As she watched Beals walk away, Payson was giving herself a pep talk that she could nail it if she just practiced a bit more.
Opening her gym bag, Payson took out her water bottle and had a sip. She could not freak out because if she did her nerves would shoot her chances to hell , and she didn't need that. A flashing light from her bag showed that she received a new message. Payson knelt down and grabbed her curve to see a message from Tucker.
'How is practice with the Captain Green, and The NGO Witch?' He asked.
Payson sighed and in a moment of frustration she typed back 'better if I could land my double pike'
Payson was about to put her phone away when it vibrated again. Wondering what The Great Austin Tucker would say to that she opened his message 'Tonight I could help you learn pikes, tuck, layouts and everything else. I heard I'm excellent at tumbles ;-)' Payson sighed and put her phone on standby, not even bothering to respond to him.
"Payson, get back to work!" Beals yelled. Payson shook her head and focussed back on the floor. She needed to practice.
When the practice finished, the other girls filed out but Payson declined to join them as she needed some extra hours in the gym. Beals had given her an approving look, and said nothing more. Once they were all gone, Payson approached the uneven bars and stared at them. The memory of her fall didn't even come to her as she visualized her routine.
"You know getting on them helps with practicing a lot more than staring." A deep voice mused from the doorway. Payson didn't even turn to face the man.
"Tucker why are you here?" She asked, tightening her wrist guards, and chalking up.
"I told you I would help. Not let's get to work. There's a double pike that I am determined to see tonight." He said, walking into the gym with his full work out gear on.
"I.." Payson wasn't sure what to say. Tucker was going to help? That didn't sound like him at all.
"Come on Keeler, let's get to work. I have a concert tonight, and I want to be able to party with the pride and satisfaction of helping a damsel in distress."
Payson frowned at his wording. She was not a damsel in distress. Showing her disapproval, she threw a bit of chalk at him. The Olympic Bad Boy only laughed and nudged her towards the bars. "Come on Keeler, a gymnast should work hard, not play around." He smirked.
"I'll find out what you want later Tucker, but for now just spot me." She said, deciding to ignore her own words being used against her. Looking at the bars, Payson grabbed the low bar and swung herself up.
Awhile Later...
Payson punched the mat in frustration as she failed to land the move properly again. "I hate this!" Payson yelled in frustration, punching the mat again.
"You just need more strength. While you were out you lost muscle mass and grew, it's hurting you now." Austin tried to explain. It was hard on him too, to see her fail again and again. She had always been this unwavering body of power and seeing this repaired version, was tough. He had foolishly thought that a few hours together, her double pike would be good to go, but it was sinking the enormity of her injury.
"I know that Tucker! Sasha said the same thing, but... but I just hoped he was wrong..."Payson said a slight waver to her voice.
"I know it sucks Keeler, but maybe in a few months you will be back at the top. You just need time. It's amazing enough that you can still do gymnastics at all after that injury." Payson wiped fiercely at the gathering tears as she sat at the edge of the mat. Austin was tempted to go to her and wrap her up into a comforting embrace, but he doubted she would appreciate that.
"I don't have months. This is my last Olympic cycle and if I don't compete at World's then I'm as good as done. I need on the National team now!"
"Keeler.." Austin sighed. "Let's get you back to the hotel. You almost had the double pike, and who knows, maybe after some rest you will nail it tomorrow." He didn't believe his own words, but he couldn't stand seeing Keeler so distressed. Keeler was passion, determination, and power...not this.
Payson grabbed the hand Austin held out to her, and let him lift her to her feet. Once she was up, she gathered her stuff and walked out of the gym. Austin sighed and rubbed his scalp, slowly turning to follow her, and sorting through a variety of ideas that had just popped into his head. He needed her back on top.
"Thanks for trying to help Tucker..." Payson mumbled as they walked down a hallway.
"Mumblings rude Keeler, but no problem." Austin threw his arm around her shoulders again, helping keep her steady since her legs were tired and weak. It was also a selfish action on his part since he needed her to ground him from his chaotic thoughts.
o.O.o
Austin watched the meet, barely watching the girl doing their routines. He was only tuning in for one reason. Payson Keeler. When the meet finally came to a close and Nastia was about to announce the results of her petition, Austin leaned forward in his seat, finally giving the T.V his full attention.
"-and Payson Keeler will not be joining the National Team this year." Austin felt his heart sink at those words.
Minutes after the announcement he heard his phone ring, and opening it he was surprised to see Keeler texting him. Once he read her message, he knew he had to do something 'Thank you for trying, but I just wasn't enough'.
Austin closed his phone and gathered his thoughts. He had spent majority of the Green day concert thinking about ways to help her after France, and he had decided that the best course of action was his original plan that he started the night he saw Keeler in France. Dialling a number, he had waited for the person to answer.
"Hello, The Rock, Sasha speaking."
"Belov, have you thought about my question?"
"Tucker?"
"The one and only." Austin said his smirk clear in his voice.
"Mmm... I have thought about it, and I think the girls could benefit from training near an Olympic medalist." Sasha said, but then he tone got a bit of steel to it. "But be warned, if you play your little games with them and mess up their training I will throw you out."
"I understand but I do have one more thing I would like to ask." Austin said, suddenly nervous about this.
"What?"
"Keeler-"
"You are not playing with Payson." Sasha cut him off. Austin could hear the waves of protectiveness in the other man's voice.
"No but I do want to help her. I want to see her make the biggest comeback the gymnastics world has ever seen, and I want to be beside you as she does it." He explained. He might as well tell the truth upfront instead of beating around the bush while at the gym and have Sasha suspicious of him.
"Why..." That was a fair question.
"I tried to help her train before her petition here in France. She is ... unbelievable Sasha. I mean it. When I told you that I wanted to train there to get back on a steady path, I meant it and seeing Payson work that hard, with that much focus... She helped me and she didn't even know it."
Sasha was silent for a few minutes. When he finally did speak, Austin could hear the fondness he held for Payson in his voice. "She is a very special girl isn't she? Well I have a plan already and if you think you can help, well I won't turn it away."
Austin grinned. He would make sure Payson reached the top again.
o.O.o
A few days later, Austin was parking his bike, Lolita, and confidently striding into the rock. Looking around he noticed that his presence seemed to bring the entire place to a standstill, but he didn't mind. It happened often, and in a few minutes, all their stunned states would pass.
Walking forward he gave a nod to the rock rebels, but was disappointed when the one he was looking forward to seeing wasn't present. Kaylie Cruz interrupted his search as she stepped forward.
"Hey! What are you doing here?" she asked crossing her arms, her entire body screaming at him that she demanded answers.
"I'm training at the rock now." He told them. Curious as to how this exchange will go since she seemed, very hostile, and Austin didn't like others trying to proclaim any dominate status above him.
"Oh? Does Sasha know about this?" Kaylie asked, confident that her coach would turn him away.
"Actually it was his idea..." Austin informed them. Well Austin had approached Sasha, but they didn't need to know that. Plus the fact that their coach invited him would ruffle them all up. Seeing their disbelieving faces, Austin wanted to smile at his little game. "But it's only until I can build my own gym." He added, to help rub it in a little.
"Your own gym..." Emily repeated.
"Yeah. My sponsors are springing for it, next to my lake house." He enjoyed this game as he saw their imaginary feathers poof up even more in annoyance. The never stood a chance against him.
"You're moving to Boulder?" Lauren piped up this time.
Austin knew it was time to go for the kill. "You got everything here, water skiing in the summer, snowboarding in the winter, college co-eds year round." He sent a nod to a girl that was drooling at him from the corner of the room.
"Big surprise..." Kaylie said trying to seem unaffected. "You're not here for the gymnastics." Austin didn't like that superior tone in her voice. It was like another challenger.
"Listen I respect that I'm a guest in your gym. Promise that you will hardly know that I'm here." Austin smirked at them. When he heard the garage door, he couldn't have prayed for better timing.
"What is that?" Kaylie asked her attention completely focussed on the apparatus that two men were bringing in.
"My parallel bars."
"I can see that." Austin was seriously getting curious as to where Payson was. He thought she hung around these three, but she wasn't present. His game was getting boring and he wanted to see her soon. "The gym is full, where do you expect to put them?"
"In place of the second set of uneven bars." Sasha said from behind them. Austin wondered when he got there. But the man's effect on the girls was quite humorous to Austin, as they turned eyes wide, and confident postures dropping a bit. He couldn't help giving the older man a grin. "What? Did staring become an Olympic event? Get moving." Austin chuckled... he liked this man.
Stepping forward, Austin happily greeted him and followed him up to his office, determined to ask about Payson. Once the door was closed, it was the first thing out of his mouth.
"She didn't come in. Usually she's the first one in, so as far as I know she's hiding out at home, too embarrassed to see me." Sasha responded.
"Oh..."
"Yes, but I think a visit from you might drag her out of the hole she has no doubt built herself. First, we will go over my plan, and see if you have anything to add. I will get you both back onto the Olympic path." Sasha promised. Austin could see the sincerity and commitment in Sasha's eyes. Those eyes told Austin that any hesitation he had about coming to Boulder were pointless- this was a man who would ensure Austin and Payson both won gold at the Olympics.
"Let's get started. We have a Future Gold Medalist to save." Austin grinned as he sat down and gave all his attention to Sasha.
o.O.o
Later Austin rolled up in front a nice modest home, and turned off Lolita. Step one, of Sasha's plan involved getting Payson out of the house and to The Rock. Sasha had entrusted Austin with that job first, and if he failed than Sasha would go in next. Austin shook his head... he wouldn't fail.
Walking up to the door, Austin checked that he still had his backpack with his secret weapon, and then he knocked lightly and waited. He could hear the soft footfalls approaching the door, the handle turning, and there was Payson Keeler, in a baggy shirt and some jeans. Her eyes were wide in shock at the sight of him, and Austin felt that small ting of pleasure at catching her off guard.
"Hey Keeler." He said.
"Tucker, what are you doing here? How do you know where I live?" She asked.
Austin smirked. "Small details Keeler. The real question is why I was at The Rock today, and my favourite female gymnast wasn't?"
Payson frowned at him. "You were at The Rock? Why..."
"I'm training there now." Austin answered simply.
"Oh..."
Austin stepped past Payson and into her home. He looked around before walking further into the house "Tucker would you like to come in? Sure why not Keeler. I'm glad to have you..." Payson mumbled to herself.
"Mumbling is rude Keeler."
"Shut up." Austin smiled at her soft petulant tone.
"So hiding from the coach eh?" Austin found the living room, and didn't waste time taking a seat on the comfortable looking couch.
"Well... I don't know if I can face Sasha. I mean he said I wasn't ready and I should have listened, but instead I blew my chance to make it to Worlds." Payson explained as she sat beside him. "He was right and I just really don't want to see the disappointment in his eyes."
"I can understand that." Austin responded. "But after talking to him about you today, I don't think he's as upset as you think he is. In fact he's worried that after France you will give up on gymnastics."
Payson sat up straight in alarm. "I don't want to give up gymnastics! I just...can't face him yet."
"He has this good plan you know." Austin stated.
Payson seemed to be taking the bait. "Oh?"
"Yup... thinks it can get you that Gold Medal you crave." Payson leaned closer, waiting to hear the rest. "It involves fusing Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson."
"What? Nastia? But I can't move like Nastia! She's all pretty with graceful moves, and long legs, and all artistic. I'm a power gymnast. I can't do that kind of stuff!" Payson stated quickly, and bit defiantly.
"Payson..." Austin grabbed her hands into his. "You are beautiful, and you are graceful. You can do artistic just as well or even better than power gymnastics. It will take time and hard work but I know you are the most hardworking person in The Rock."
"No Tucker! If that's Sasha's plan than it's over for me!"
Austin tugged on the blonde gymnast's hands to get her attention. "You listen to me Payson. You can do this, and you will. Why? Because you're Payson Keeler and this is your road to the Olympics. What do you have to lose? Learn the artistic style and when your power moves return, fuse them together and be the best fucking gymnast in 2012. I mean it. I remember seeing you competing at Junior Nationals and you flew during you bar and vault routines. It was unbelievable to me that such a small and young girl could do half the stuff you did, but then I realized one thing. You, Payson Keeler, were born to dominate gymnastics. Nothing is impossible for you in this sport.
"When London rolls around I expect you to be wearing Gold beside me and you will do that by listening to Sasha and learning the artistic style. I will help in every way I can, but frankly like I said in France, the London Olympics won't be the same without you." Austin told her bluntly and with as much conviction as he could. He needed her to commit to this.
"Do you really believe that? Everything you just said?" Payson asked, as he lightly chewed her bottom lip.
"I wouldn't have said it if I didn't." Austin tried to put as much honesty and sincerity into his voice as he could.
"I just don't know if I'm mentally ready to change to artistic. I will try, but it will be hard." Payson said softly, refusing to meet Austin's eyes.
"Don't worry, I'll be around to help push you back on track." Austin squeezed her hands again before dropping them. "So Belov didn't think I could convince you to try artistic and said that I had an hour with you before you would arrive and try smooth talking you."
Payson gave a small oddly endearing snort at that. "Sasha said he was going to come smooth talk me?"
"Something like that. But that's beside the point. I knew I would succeed." Austin smirked as he said that. "So while we wait for him, let's play some Mario kart." Austin grabbed his bag and pulled out his Nintendo Wii.
"Mario Kart?"
"Yes. I figure I could leave and play all alone in my big empty lake house or force you to be player number two." Austin quickly started setting up the system. It was a brilliant plan really, play some Mario kart, get her guard to drop, and when she least expected it-
"But I've never played a video game before in my life." Payson protested.
"Well you can start now. Video games improve your hand eye coordination, and concentration."
"And there's a study saying that where..." Payson replied, a hint of amusement sneaking in.
"They don't need a study; any male can tell you that." Austin finished and sat back down, handing her a remote. "Now it's simple, just use the remote and drive, but don't pass me. My male ego wouldn't be able to stand it if you beat me."
Payson gave him a bemused expression as she delicately held her remote.
"Let's pick characters. I pick Yoshi." Austin stated to get the ball rolling.
"Yoshi? Why not Mario? Isn't he the hero guy?" She asked curiously, fiddling with the buttons.
"Mario isn't a hero, he's a douchebag. I mean sure he might have been at the start but Peach refuses to put out for him no matter how many times he saves her and he takes his frustration out by killing his most loyal friend Yoshi." Austin explained.
"If Yoshi always dies, than why do you want to be him?" Payson asked seriously.
"Because he's a badass dinosaur!" Payson gave him a weird look, but Austin ignored it. "Come on Keeler, just pick a character."
"How about... Peach?"
"No. She's a bitch remember? As soon as we hit the track she will have a target on her back from all others because she's such a tease."
"Austin, you do know this is only a video game right?" Payson asked.
Austin shook his head, she just wouldn't understand. "Just trust me Keeler, pick someone else."
"Luigi?"
"No that's Mario's perverted brother. He tags along with Mario hoping that the day Peach caves he can stand by and watch."
"Right... Browzer?"
"That's like the video game version of Kelly Parker. Do you really want to be her?" Austin asked.
"True... why is picking a character so hard? Fine... Toad?"
Austin paused for a moment wondering if he had anything against the fungus guy. "That's fine." He decided when nothing untoward about the mushroom head came to mind.
"That entire conversation was completely ridiculous Tucker, they are just characters." Payson huffed.
"You will understand in time Keeler, in time..." Austin promised.