Disclaimer: I arrange the words, but own nothing.

Warning: I'm not known for finishing what I start. Is that a chance you're willing to take?

The Difference Between

Chapter Two: A Distraction

To Nicky Russo, this friendship with Kaylie Cruz is just as unexpected as falling for Payson Keeler.

Then again, falling for Payson could have been predetermined if Nicky actually believed in fate and destiny and all that drivel men with no real careers spend their oh so precious time preaching about on street corners. But he doesn't and he has a real career so he doesn't bother with any of that. He gets lost in his thoughts sometimes, but then decides his contemplations are better spent perfecting his routine on the still rings and improving his dismount from the pummel horse.

Nicky doesn't know what to believe in. All he knows is that he's never met another human being that made him feel the way Payson does.

After all, Payson is just so much like him. She's focused and driven. She doesn't let the little things get to her and she's a complete natural when it comes to competition. They have the same goals (well, not so much these days) and a mind and heart and soul that bleed for gymnastics. Yes, there is a life after gymnastics, but they shouldn't be concerning themselves with such trivial things right now. The present is all they have and opportunities are scarce.

That's something he's been trying to teach Kaylie Cruz for weeks now.

Kaylie is the type of girl Nicky has always steered clear of. She's the type of girl that can (and does) have guys effortlessly wrapped around her little finger. All it takes is one of her room-brightening smiles and the bat of her long, dark lashes. Nicky's made up his mind some time ago. He isn't going to be one of those guys.

Then, when least expected, change creeps in.

"So, I, um, think we should talk about Payson…"

"You're distracted."

"You're distracting."

Nicky knows the awkward position they're in. It's an hour before anyone else usually shows up at the Rock. Nicky knows because this is his routine. He wakes up early so he has free reign over the practice space and doesn't have to worry about anyone getting in his way. He knows how some gymnasts (like himself) enjoy their personal space.

So why is he practically pinning Kaylie Cruz to the mat?

Honestly, not even Nicky knows anymore.

Even though they're "friends" now, it doesn't register in Nicky's head that him hovering over her like this might be a tad bit inappropriate. Her back is against the royal blue mat and she's beneath him. Their bodies overlap, his chest almost touching hers. He has a hand at each side of her and his toes are pressed into the mat between her ankles. He tells her to push him up, a sort of reversed push-up and Kaylie looks absolutely petrified.

"What's wrong with you?" Nicky questions, like he doesn't already know.

"Nothing," Kaylie answers. They're just frozen there. "What if Sasha walks in?"

"We're training."

"It might not look that way…"

"Just push me up, Princess."

Kaylie complies with her hands bracing the muscles of his chest. He doesn't go easy on her either. He tenses his body and presses down on her each time she pushes up on him. Her elbows bend and he lowers himself down on her before she pushes up again. Sometimes he even gets low enough that he can feel her breath on his skin, bringing about instant goose bumps.

Okay, so maybe this wasn't the best idea.

After the seventh or the eighth, they easily fall into this rhythm. It's kind of nice. Sometimes his skin accidentally brushes hers and a light blush colors her cheeks. Nicky tries not to show that he notices because saying something or even smirking would easily shatter this rather fragile friendship. Still, it is nice to know he can have that affect on even the untouchable, National Champion Kaylie Cruz.

It's sort of sudden, but Kaylie laughs.

Nicky blinks. "What's so funny?"

She smiles that bright, earth-shaking smile. "The tabloids would have a field day if they saw us like this."

"So would Payson and Carter," Nicky whispers. He feels her hands weaken against his chest and that smile quickly washes away. Inwardly, Nicky curses. He shouldn't have said anything. "Ten more."

"I can't, Nicky."

Nicky doesn't know if it's just him, but those three words, those ten letters, in this one moment, don't sound like they're just talking about practice. Without needing further explanation, Nicky gives her a little nod before he rolls off her and his back hits the mat beside her. His heart is racing and that too, Nicky doubts, is a byproduct of training.

They lie there for a long while, neither of them keeping track of the passing time. Nicky would usually be up and pushing her to start another one of his ridiculous training exercises, but right now he simply can't bring himself to move. This isn't something Nicky does often. This, pause in his day, taking the time to just breathe and be, it's something he only ever does with Kaylie.

"People are going to start coming in," Nicky says when he finally finds his voice.

"Yeah," Kaylie nods. She turns on her side and gives him a pointed look. "And since I know you oh so well, Nicky Russo, by people you mean Lauren and whenever she's around, you conveniently have to be on the other side of the gym. Why is that?"

His face crinkles in distaste with eyes squinting at her and he feels like a child again, not wanting to own up to what he's done. "Has anyone ever told you you're extremely annoying sometimes?"

"Has anyone ever told you that you can't answer a question with a question?"

"You just did."

"I'm a girl," Kaylie says. "You're a boy."

"It's nice to see you've got at least basic anatomy down," Nicky teases. He climbs to his feet and helps Kaylie up despite her groans of protest. "I think you've earned a break. Now I'm going to hit the horse before everyone gets here."

Kaylie sighs. "Are you really avoiding the question?"

Nicky grins. "Yes, and you'll let me get away with it anyways."

"Oh, don't worry. I'm just pacing myself," she tells him. She rocks back and forth on her feet, looking at him in a way that says he has a whole mastermind plan just waiting to be set in motion. "One of these days, Russo, you're going to spill all your deep dark secrets to me. Just watch."

"Is that so?"

"Oh yeah," Kaylie says. Her confidence never dwindles. "I have my ways."

Nicky flashes her one last smile and chuckles before he turns away. Deep down, there's a part of him that he's trying to repress, to control, but it keeps surfacing to warn him that she's right, that it's only a matter of time before she knows everything. This bond they've forged seems to be unraveling him layer by layer and Nicky can't help, but find that a bit scary. Even scarier, he realizes, is he's never had someone try so hard to get to know him before.

It surprises Nicky when he sees Kaylie go back to jumping up on those blocks, trying to increase her speed, perfect her balance and gain power. He expects her to lie down, sprawled out on the ground until Sasha really does come in and starts yelling. He expects her to check her messages on her phone or text away, but no, she goes on practicing even without him there to hound her. Who would have thought?

Even if he's seeing her in this new life, it doesn't mean Nicky's about to put her up on a pedestal. She's still Kaylie Cruz. With the intense (and a little too intimate) training that happened that morning, she thinks it gives her an excuse to go easy the rest of the day. She spends a lot of time chatting with Lauren, probably gossiping, really, and stealing these pathetic, hurt looks at Carter. It's sad. What's even sadder, Nicky decides, is how he notices.

He's always known about all the drama that goes on at the Rock, but never took a personal interest. The reason he drags himself out of bed to come here every day is to train. But then Payson gives him a cold brush-off in the parking lot and Nicky somehow finds himself at the center of the toxic Rock drama. Four words, eighth letters and one shattering moment, all currently on repeat in his head.

"I met a boy."

Needless to say, Nicky feels like crap and it isn't helping much that Kaylie finds his hiding spot. Admittedly, the weight room isn't much of a hideaway, but it's quieter than the main gym and no one was in there before Nicky set up camp. Still, Kaylie manages to find him and she just won't shut up even though Nicky is being distant and unresponsive. What is it that she can't shut up about?

Carter.

"And who does he think he is? If he honestly believes I don't see him moping around the Rock like some sad little puppy then he isn't just socially retarded, but actually retarded. If anything, I'm the one that deserves to mope around and binge on chocolate, but I can't. Do you know why?"

"No." Nicky sighs heavily. "But I bet you're going to tell me right─"

"I'm the National Champion," she says. Her tone, to Nicky at least, sounds like a burden rather than the honor it actually is. He releases the weights and lets his eyes rest on the dark-haired girl currently pacing in front of him. "Everyone has standards and expectations of me─"

"Kaylie, shut up," Nicky breathes.

She stops, appalled. "Excuse me?"

Nicky stands. Running his fingers through his short, dark hair. Once he's in front of her, Nicky lays his palms on her tan shoulders, trying to get her to stop moving. Honestly, he's sure if he sees her start pacing again, Nicky's going to lose his mind.

She makes a face he can't quite understand. Kaylie cringes. "Your hands are sweaty."

"You're driving me crazy." Nicky isn't grabbing her or holding her. He just has his palms resting against the soft curves of her shoulders. Kaylie pouts, one of her signature looks, but Nicky remains unaffected.

"I thought we're over snapping at each other?"

Nicky groans. "We are, but if I hear you say his name again, Princess, I swear I'll lose it."

A pause. Kaylie just stares up at him, eyes a little wide, pout still in place.

"Your hands are still sweaty."

"Your mouth is still moving."

It seems that this newfound label of "friends" hasn't erased their inclination to banter. There's still that underlying irritation. He's irritated by the fact that she won't shut up, her inability to focus and the only thing she's capable of ranting about is her jerk of an ex. She's irritated that Nicky Russo might be the only human being on earth that can resist her pout.

"Alright." Kaylie sighs. "I'll shut up. No more talking about him, I swear."

"Good." Nicky smiles, feeling like he's finally getting somewhere. He doesn't really thing about the way he lets his hands trail down her arms as they fall away from her shoulders or the way she seems to tense at his touch. Nicky just quickly turns away, his sights set on the weights, ready for another set of reps. It's only when he settles down on the bench that he realizes now it's too quiet.

Leaning back, Nicky knows he's going to live to regret this, but he looks over at Kaylie anyways. He's always been a guy that prides himself on wearing his mask properly, surrounding himself with ice, especially around competitors. Sitting here with Kaylie Cruz, he knows his mistake. He may be immunity to that pout of hers, but that frown is just a kick in the groin.

Nicky sighs. "Alright."

Kaylie shoots him a look. "Are you mocking me?"

"As fun as that is," he starts, grinning, "no. I'm not. I do have a proposition, though."

She lifts an eyebrow, apparently intrigued. "Explain."

"You have five minutes," Nicky tells her. He feels like one of those hosts on those stupid competitive reality television shows which he doesn't even watch because, one, they're stupid and, two, future Olympic contenders don't waste time on television. "Five minutes to talk all you want about him. Get it all out and I don't want to hear about Carter from you for the duration of our friendship."

Kaylie purses her lips. "Assuming we're really friends, that's a long time, Nicky."

"Take it or leave it."

"How about no more complaining about Carter for the rest of the day?"

"Month."

"Week."

"Deal," Nicky says. It's silent for a moment, both allowing their brains to comprehend what just happened. They're the only two in the weight room and they're both glad for it. Not only is this conversation ridiculous, but it's also going to get all sorts of personal.

Nicky turns to her, an act that assures Kaylie she has his complete and undivided attention. He leans forward with his forearms resting on his thighs and he doesn't say anything more. He watches carefully as her eyes glaze over and she quietly begins from the start. She tells him about how good things were and how they're tainted and torn. Her eyes begin to tear and her voice starts to waver. Suddenly, Nicky's overcome with the desire to find Carter right this second and beat the crap out of him.

"Don't, Nicky," Kaylie says. Apparently that last thought was simply too powerful for Nicky to keep to himself. His fists form fists in anger and Kaylie lays a hand on his, an act of comfort or a warning to restrain him, Nicky isn't too sure which.

"Why not?" he wonders. "Don't tell me you still have feelings for the guy."

"Of course, I do. He's the first guy…but he's," she struggles to speak, "he isn't worth it."

Nicky tilts his head, knowing it's what always gets a girl's attention. "Say that again?"

Kaylie blinks, a bit confusedly. "What?"

"What you just said," Nicky reiterates. "Say it again."

"He isn't worth it," Kaylie says. Her voice is slow and unsure until a smirk lights up Nicky's face. She bites her bottom lip in an attempt to keep that smile hidden, but it doesn't work.

"Just remember that when he-who-shall-not-be-named tries to come around again, which we both know he will. Despite what I may have said in the past, both to your face and behind your back, you're a good person, Kaylie. You deserve a lot more."

"Wow, Nicky, that might have been the nicest thing you've ever said to me," Kaylie says. "I didn't know you were capable of compliments."

Looking away, Nicky just shrugs his shoulders, playing it off. He swings his legs over the bench once again and stretches his arms to the ceiling, flexing those perfect muscles. "And with that, Cruz, your five minutes are up."

"Alright," Kaylie says, finally with content in her voice. Nicky grasps the steel bar above his head when Kaylie asks, "So, how's Pay?"

Nicky sighs, his hands falling back to his sides. "I gave you five minutes, Kaylie."

"About that guy, Nicky," she says back, curling strands of her hair around a single finger. "Are we not going to take five minutes out of your oh-so-important workout to talk about the girl you for some reason won't call?"

"That's the plan," Nicky replies. Ignoring her downcast eyes, he continues his workout.

"You're no fun."

"Go be productive, Kaylie."

She does this thing where she reaches her hand out to him, but then second guesses the gesture and ends up awkwardly patting his shoulder. Nicky throws her a questioning glance, but she's already halfway across the room, heading for the door. Honestly, that girl might be the death of him, that is, if Payson doesn't get there first.

Pushing aside all thought of the women in his life, Nicky gets back to work. He doesn't think about anything other than the way his muscles contract and mentally pushes himself through the exercises. He feels the sweat slick on his skin, but pays it no attention. He's never been too concerned with appearances. After all, he did show up to a Rock soirée in a hoodie.

As if he couldn't get any more distracted, Nicky's startled by a, "Hey, man!"

His concentration shatters like fallen glass, complete with the disastrous sound when he accidentally lets go of the bars. The weights slam and Nicky feels as though all the posters and signs up on the wall, reminding the gymnasts to be kind to the equipment, is just there to mock him. Nicky turns to the source of the voice and it turns out to be Carter. Nicky doesn't hesitate to show his irritation and Carter smiles, either oblivious or faking it. Nicky doesn't say anything in return. He gives him a nod. To Nicky, it's a brush off, but Carter seems take it as an invitation.

"So there's nothing going on between you and Kaylie, right?" Carter wastes no time, just comes right out and says it. "I mean, you know the rules around here. I just wouldn't want anything to happen to her, to either of you, if Sasha were to find out."

Nicky rolls his eyes. Seriously, dude?

He feels the impulse to straight-out tell Carter that he's Team Kaylie and to get out of his face; however, with the training he's done all his life, he knows what strength of will looks like and practices it often. After all, he's a gymnast. Kaylie's a gymnast. If they didn't grow up with the discipline they did, something would have happened this morning during push-ups. It isn't luck that they didn't kiss and turn this entire "friendship" into one big, bleeding complicated mess. It's simply self-control.

"Well, you've seen the tabloids," Nicky replies. He isn't Lauren, all manipulative and whatnot. He probably should have went with the cliché: we're just friends. Although, considering how Carter played with Kaylie's head for months, he deserves a taste of his own medicine.

Carter appears perplexed. "Oh? What are you trying to say, Russo?"

Nicky shrugs. This is some great conversation. "It is what it is."

"You know, just because you're the men's silver medalist, don't think you can call the shots around here," Carter warns him. He glares and puffs out his chest and Nicky tries not to laugh.

"Silver in the nation," Nicky is sure to add with pride. He might not have been proud of it at first, but after beating himself up over it for a few weeks, Nicky's come to terms with it. Also, it's more than Carter can say for himself. Shrugging, Nicky adds, "Kaylie was impressed." He stands, grabbing his nearby towel and wiping away the perspiration from his forehead. "At least I got to compete."

Carter is about ready to throw punches. "If you hurt her, Russo—"

"I don't think anyone can hurt her any more than you did," Nicky smoothly cuts in.

It's then that he looks past the glass walls to where Lauren and Kaylie are chatting by the water cooler. Kaylie talks animatedly about something though Lauren has her eyes on the two boys in the weight room. Nicky shakes his head. This love-square-thing really isn't something he wants to be apart of, but because he's still a bit wounded by Payson and it would make his day significantly better if he pissed off Carter, Nicky walks out of the room and over to the girls.

Sasha is nowhere in sight, which is a good thing, because Nicky wraps his arms around Kaylie from behind in an affectionate hug. Lauren's eyes widen and Kaylie stiffens and all of them know Carter is throwing a tantrum in his head right now. Nicky tries to hide his smile in the crook of Kaylie's neck, but the way it feels to hold someone in his arms and the sweet and salty scent of Kaylie Cruz only makes his smile widen.

"Whoa." Lauren teasingly clicks her tongue. "Should I start making those 'Team Kaylicky' tees now or save them for the wedding reception?"

Kaylie squirms and Nicky holds on tighter. In a hushed whisper, Kaylie demands, "What the hell are you doing, Russo?"

"You did good today." Nicky tells her that because it's just easier and true and sounds a lot less douche-y and less childish and less not-another-teen-movie than I hate your ex and he's watching so let's give him something to watch. Kaylie seems to relax in his arms and Nicky grins.

He knows, however, something's wrong when he feels her hand cover his and give a comforting squeeze. Kaylie somehow finds room to spin around in his arms and gives him this look that screams concern. "Nicky," she says so tenderly. "What happened?"

His face drops. Is he really that transparent? Nicky's always been honest with Kaylie and he isn't about to stop now.

"I, uhh, I tossed out my heart with the trash today."

He means it both figuratively and literally. Payson with surely never know that, but Kaylie, maybe. She looks at him and he can already feel those deep, dark secrets she mentioned earlier, trying to claw their way out.

This is definitely not how Nicky imagined Valentine's Day.

Author's Note: Hey! Don't read the rest of this if you haven't seen Loves Me, Loves Me Not. Wasn't it funny how the producers/writers/ABC Family just…sent Nicky to Denver without a legitimate explanation? Umm, okay, but…random? I was laughing because, well, they took the easier way out. Either that or they'll bring him back but it prolongs the storyline which is frustrating and Nicky Russo is admittedly one of the few good things about this show. Seriously, ABC Family? Hilarious.

Anyways, I wasn't expecting all this awesome feedback. Thank you so much!