DISCLAIMER:
Blake and Andie are freaking Cute together; it just seems so clichéd to put Chase and Andie together. They have everything in common, which is so boring. I mean with Blake and Andie there is that traditional essence of beauty, in that tale as old as rhyme that opposites attract. Besides with Blake and Andie there was obviously so much more passion when it came to him teaching dance and all through those hands on moves, "SQUEAL!" I mean who didn't notice his mischievous smirk when he says, "Yes it's supposed to"? Moving on;
I do own the room in which Andrea West sleeps in, I'm describing my room, to the best of my ability, so bear with me, and I'm not very good, when it comes to describing rooms or things or clothes in general.
I do not own Giazotto or Albeniz…
I do own Laura and Cassandra Lewis, I also own Deli Delights.
I also own Maria and Paul Sanchez.
SUMMARY:
Blake Collins never understood why he was treated differently; give him music and a dance floor and he was okay and happy with the world, what had he ever done?
Andrea West Loved dancing, it allowed her to be someone else, just for a little while to get lost in the music, but in the outside world she needed to feel she was important to other ppl. What could she do?
What happens when your classic Sociopath and happy-go-lucky dancer get together and start living together? Absolute Chaos…
NOW ALTHOUGH, THE PLOT IS ALL MINE; THE CHARACTERS BELONG TO WALT DISNEY STUDIOS, TOUCHSTONE PICTURES, OFFSPRING ENTERTAINMENT AND JOHN CHU. THE REST OF THE STORY AND CHAPTERS BELONG SOLELY TO ME 'SAHIBA'. This story is rated M. Please Enjoy.
Pairings:
Blake/ Andie
Moose/ Camille
Tyler/ Nora
Note: It is seriously wicked hard to find any of the songs that could possibly sit with the situations that I come up with (After searching through 1000 songs I really give up). Please give me some examples if the music doesn't fit the scene. Help would be oh sooooo appreciated. – Syd.
Chapter Three
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
"Holy Shit!" Andie exclaimed as they crossed the lobby and walked outside the Apartment complex. Andie stared mostly in wonder of absolute silence, too awed to speak in the marble threshold, they had just crossed, and she could feel Blake holding back his sniggers. Having walked out of the building and now standing on the street, she turned and stared at the complex. To say it was big would probably be a pun in all its grace. Blinking rapidly she stared between Blake and the building, "Where are we?" she asked. Blake sniggered, "I assure you we're still in Baltimore", he said. "Really? Cause it doesn't look like it", she retorted. Turning back to stare at the grand structure, she spoke softly, "Three buildings in a semi circle, Building A with 12 stories, Building B with 16 and C with 12. A pool in the inside, and a full entertainment recreation center, it's almost like a different village. You know for all its grandeur it's really quite beautiful, given that it looks like a crown".
Guiding Andie down the street Blake nodded, "Yeah, you know when I came back I needed a place to stay, so I searched high and low for a good place". Andie smiled at him it was a sad-happy-go-lucky smile, "Where were you before? And How did you find The Devil's Wings?" she asked. Blake smiled, "London", his voice carried a wistfulness that made Andie grin. "That explains the accent, you don't have a USA accent, there's a tinge of Europe in it, I couldn't place it, but it makes sense now". Blake laughed, "Yeah I guess, I really do have an English twinge to my accent. Anyway I found The Devil's Wings by mistake, quite literally", laughing he crossed the street, to the Deli that stood at the corner a few miles away on the opposite street.
"I got lost, when I was driving to my parents home, which are on the outskirts of the city, when I accidently took a left instead of a right, I figured I could go in a circle", "This is Baltimore, you know that right?" Andie smirked, Blake chuckled, "Yeah I kind of figured that out when we I made the turn, I drove for quite a while, made a turn and reached the Deli, that's where I met Laura, the owner of Deli Delights, I know not very original, eh?" chuckled, "So she tells me I'm about 26miles in the wrong direction". Andie giggled, "What? How?" Blake shrugged sheepishly, "MSA is 15 miles away from the main residence, and well, I travelled-", "-eleven miles in the opposite direction, oh that's Classic!" laughing stopped in front of him, twirling as she faced him, she shook her index finger in his face, "You've a lousy sense of direction, right?" Blake frowned, "I wouldn't go that far", he poked his tongue out at her. "Mature for all your…uh 23 yrs?" she guessed. "Twenty four, actually So, Laura goes and gives me a drawn up map, and when I asked if there were any apartments on rent she pointed me to The Devil's Wings. Long story short, I asked if I could buy two apartments and refurbish 'em", chuckling at the memory, he turned to her, "The owner has this really drawn out Texan drawl, and says to me, 'Son, you could build and indoor pool or a casino, as long as me gets me cash. If you buy 'em both I'll even throw in the terrace', so I chose the top two floors, and have a garden roof". Andie laughed, "OH! So you're a flower guy", she teased. Blake smirked, "only if you want me to be". Andie giggled, "Dude that is seriously cheesy!" Blake grinned, shrugging, "I try, and oh I do try".
"Deli Delight, could be easily termed as a diner, you know a truck stop greasy diner", Andie stated as they reached the Deli. Blake snickered, "Oh you poor child, if Laura hears you, you're on your own". "Charming; aren't you supposed to be a man?" she simpered mockingly. Blake shook his head violently protesting the idea, "Nope, against Laura I'm a mouse", he smirked. Andie smiled, shaking her head she pulled Blake into the Deli. "Just so you know, if we get caught", Andie began, "We?" "Yes we, and then afterwards when you throw me to the wolves, my 'plead' would be, 'it was a compliment'". Blake's laughter echoed in the small, Deli. Grinning Andie pulled him to a booth at the end of the Deli, in the corner, of the very curb, it faced.
Andie stared outside the window, "I always enjoyed watching people". Blake looked at her, "why?" he asked curiously. Andie shrugged, "When I was a little girl my mama used to take me out to parks and stuff, we'd always point out people that were ridiculously weird you know. There was this one guy we saw, dip a corn-dog in honey, revolting but still unique, another time, there was a lady, who dressed her dog in the exact same fashion she was wearing to a T. I used to wonder what kinds of lives they lived, so mom and I used to come up with these seriously sick ideas, like corn-dog guy worked in a research facility for the production of exotic foods, probably to be released in the next century. And that dog-lady was an undercover spy to blend in with the rich". Andie smiled a wistful sad smile, "When my mother passed away, I went to the nearest park and just sat for hours staring at people, watching them pass by, it gave me a chance to feel I was close to her, like she was with me, for the last time. I've never really watched people after that, not for a very long time, but I don't know why I suddenly remembered that". Blake nodded, "When was the last time, you could simply sit back in a diner, you know a truck stop greasy diner?" he asked replaying her words. Andie smirked, "Careful, those are powerful words you speak laddie", Andie teased adopting a Cockney British accent, sobering she took a deep breath, "It's been a while, honestly, just sitting back and enjoying the air around me".
They sat in silence simply enjoying the hustle and bustle of the everyday mechanism, until Andie's stomach growled, reminding them the need to feed. Andie blushed, "Ignore that!" she said. Blake snickered, "I think we should feed you", he joked. Andie poked her tongue out at him, "Oh shut up! So what will you have for breakfast?" "Oh honey, he'll have his usual", a woman in her forties proclaimed, with a thick Russian accent, from the other side of the room. "Laura!" Blake exclaimed. Laura walked through the crowded Deli, with the assurance who knew people would step aside for her. She was small, with a trim build and grace that revealed her training as a model, by the looks of the grace she walked with. Her hair was palely blonde her skin smooth and pink. The angelic face belied a keen mind. "Child, this boy's usual, just so happens to be a fruit salad with a cup of yogurt", she laughed when Andie made a face. "It's true, his ideal breakfast just so happens to be pieces of fruit and curd".
"Oh hell no! Uh-huh, that's not breakfast", turning to Blake she scowled, "Hasn't any one told you that breakfast is the most important meal of the day?" she asked. Blake nodded his head, smiling at her disgruntled expression, "Mostly My mother and Laura", "Let's not forget good ol' Cass", Laura intoned cheerfully. Blake flinched, a gesture Laura noted. "Oh and Cassandra Lewis, she's the only friend I have", Blake explained begrudgingly. "Hey! I resent that", Andie exclaimed, "I just so happened to be your friend as well, a title I'll fight to the death for", she proclaimed, "Anyway, I'm starving, thanks to the fight with Missy I didn't have any dinner, so, Miss Laura", she looked up at Laura's bemused expression, completely oblivious to Laura's merriment and Blake's shock over her proclamation, "Could I get two fried eggs, sunny side up, a bit runny not overcooked, two slices of toast, a plate of Bacon, and uh…two sausages", Andie listed of the choices in rapid succession, "Oh, and a coke", she finished her order.
Turning to Blake she smirked, "What? Now, it's your turn", she waved a hand in his direction. Blake stared at her in awe, "Where do you put all that", he asked. Andie sighed, "We're dancers, you and I, and we both know that when we dance we burn off more calories than the average Joe, besides I have a pretty good metabolism. Now order something other than cut up pieces of fruit. I'm going to need your help, with the workout. So order something more substantial", she explained softly encouraging him. Blake nodded and sighing, "I'll have two eggs, scrambled with two slices of toast, and a glass of orange juice", he ordered not looking at Laura already aware of her smug expression. "Right away kids, now you two have fun", she laughed mostly at Blake's defeated expression.
"So", Andie began tapping her fingers sporadically against the table top, Blake turned to her warily, "Cassandra Lewis is what- your girlfriend?" "No!" Blake interrupted, "Oh-kay, then she's your ex, or sister or oh maybe she's your mistress", Blake laughed, "To have a mistress I'd need a wife, and she is neither nor my sister. Cassandra is my neighbor and well she usually drags me over for lunch if I'm ever home. Which is usually always on Sundays", Blake explained wearily, resting his head on the table he sighed, "Cass is great except she usually treats me like her gay friend, explaining everything that goes wrong in her job, in excruciating detail", he mock-sobbed into the table. His voice muffled against the wood. Andie giggled, "Well that explains the flinching", she said. Blake groaned, "You noticed that?" "Kinda hard not to have, it travelled through your entire body, with a pronounced effect", she answered. "So having missed this Sunday, what will she do to you?" Blake shivered, "Something evil!" he whispered worriedly. "I'd offer to protect you, but well I'm just a mouse". "Oh Bravo! If I wasn't jamming my head into the table I'd bow before you", Blake muttered sarcastically.
Andie laughed, "Oh hush you, just out of curiosity what has been the most extravagant meal you've ever had that's high on the Richter scale when it comes to a high-calorie diet?" she asked somewhat dreading the answer. Blake looked up, "Chocolate covered strawberries!" he answered laughing at Andie's gob-smacked expression, "You really have a knocked for six expression there, what's wrong?" Andie blinked at him, "I was just shocked you knew what chocolate was?" she answered. Blake grinned mischievously, "I was fed it, I guess I can say it was delicious", he smirked. Andie scowled, "Ugh! Message received. Please DO NOT elaborate!" and shaking her head to erase the images of Blake lying in bed with a woman feeding him strawberries. Andie almost hugged Laura who returned with their order.
"Here you go", Laura returned holding a tray filled with three plates, and she proceeded to place the dishes laden with eggs in front of the respective people and a platter of bacon and sausages in the middle of the two. She proceeded to place a glass of orange juice in front of Blake and a coke, in front of Andie. "Thank Laura", Andie chirped. Laura snickered, "Oh Darling child, it is I who must thank you", tousling Blake's hair affectionately she continued, "Getting him to have one healthy meal that's not made of fruits is truly a blessing. So, I thank you". Leaning down she placed a kiss on Andie's brow, "His like a son to me. Please take care of him", she said. Andie nodded her promise. Grabbing her knife and fork, she dug in with gusto, Blake chuckled, "You really are hungry aren't you". "Starving!" she murmured after swallowing a mouthful. Blake nodded and tucked in. They ate in relative silence, and simply enjoyed each other's company.
"Okay I'm sold, Deli Delights, it is. Is Laura married, because if she isn't; do you think she'd be interested?" Andie wondered as she placed her knife and fork on her plate, wiping her mouth on the napkin, she took a sip of her coke. Blake grinned, "Sorry but she is married, you know I could always steal the papers for this joint for you", he joked. Andie smirked, "When you go to jail, do you think you could leave me the green room?" she asked innocently. Blake laughed, "Wow, the things I'd do for you", he stated mournfully. Andie chuckled, "Well it was your idea", she began, "The first of many stupid ideas, I assure you", pausing Blake looked out the window, "you could always trade me in for a newer model", Andie smiled, "And lose all that precious wit, not in a million", she promised.
Blake stood up, "Let's go, I think I'm gonna need the world's greatest workout to kill off all those calories", he joked weakly. Andie shoved him playfully, "you're as strong as an ox, chill", she recommended, "We're taking corner turns". "You're never gonna let me live that down, are you?" Blake asked. Andie shook her head, "Never", she answered smiling mischievously. Blake sighed heavily with a defeated air, crossing to the other side of the room; he left to pay for the food. Wishing Laura a goodbye, Andie watched her tousle his hair one last time, and he kissed her against the cheek. Andie smiled, softly.
Blake walked back to her, "Shall we?" he said. Andie nodded following him, they walked out of the deli in silence. Andie paused at the curb, listening to the music coming from the left hand side. "What's wrong?" Blake asked, Andie put one finger up, "People are dancing in the park, by the sounds of the shrieking, I'd go with kids, ages 10-13 years. Let's go", Andie walked in the direction of the music. Blake lifted an eyebrow, pouting he shook his head, "Oh you are seriously wicked weird!" Andie laughed, "Hurry up!" she called as she already reached the other side of the street, where she waited for Blake.
Blake jogged, over, "So, what exactly are we doing here?" he asked as he took in his surroundings, they were standing on a basket ball court in a corner, where girls and boys aged roughly 15 above were either playing basketball, or were grooving in the corner they stood in. A few people walked by as if oblivious the ground existed, mostly couples and a few people who were jogging, or returning from their morning jogs. "Blake have you ever danced to street music?" Blake shook his head and, "I am ridiculously bad at street dancing", he answered. "But you have danced to street music, so dance with me", she implored. "B-But, I'm not good at dancing to street music", he stuttered nervously. Andie took his hand, "This Is the Tango; Dance with me", she smiled impishly. As the beat began Blake tripped, "This isn't music for the Tango", he mumbled apprehensively. Andie grinned, "Aint that the tooth", she joked. Blake swallowed, "This is a bad idea", he murmured anxiously. "Relax, just feel the music", she said. Blake smiled, "Touché".
Andie placed Blake's hand on her waist, "Let's not waste good music, you're an extraordinary dancer, surprise me", she purred smirking wickedly. Blake smirked, "Oh you're evil", pulling her close to him, he allowed her body to melt into his, "Interesting Song to Tango to", he shook his head in amusement. Andie grinned, "I thought so too". "You do realize it's in half in Spanish right?" Blake asked as he began the eight-step combinational dance. Andie nodded, "Hmmm… Blake shut up…." she ordered softly.
Blake shivered, he knew he was stalling, there wasn't any other word for it, and it wasn't the reluctance to dance with her it was the apprehension. He had felt desire course through him, once when they danced. To feel that again, made him slightly apprehensive, what he would feel if he held her close once again, but as the music coursed through him, he noted briefly at the introduction was slightly longer. "Remix?" he wondered. He felt Andie nod, once in acknowledgement, looking down, he instinctively lost himself in her eyes. They held a deep rooted sense of apprehension, as if aware of Blake's fears. Swallowing he closed his eyes, and then opening them, he nodded slightly. Andie smiled in acknowledgement, Blake grinned. Blake wrapped his arm around Andie's back, the heat he felt through the thin material of her T-shirt, abruptly curbed all thought processes, the dance was beginning.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The music began at a moderate pace (A/N: Shakira Ft. Alejandro Sanz'-La Tortua-remix version). The two stood close to each other, the children stopped dancing and shrieking, the surrounding area fell through in silence except for the music that reverberated through the speakers, and they stood with baited breath watching the dance that began, with passion.
Bodies not quite touching, yet at the same time, almost too close for even air to pass, Blake began to move them across the floor, in a comfortable eight-step walk, gradually the tempo of the music increased. Blake pulled her closer and quickened his movements, slipping his leg between Andie's as they danced.
Andie's temperature rose, a few degrees, feeling the beginnings of a hot pool of desire curling in her abdomen, and she moved closer to Blake, enjoying the feel of the other man's body, against hers. As they continued to move to the ever increasing beat, the movements of their dance became quick, intense and suggestive, and much to her surprise Andie felt no discomfort or embarrassment, rubbing her body against Blake's so sensually. The swift intoxication of lust that burned through her pushed away all inhibitions from her mind. Right now there was no where she'd rather be than in Blake's arms, and no intention of leaving now that she was here.
Andie smiled, at it reached her eyes, filling them. Blake noted that for once her eyes were not guarded or filled with sarcastic humor, or a smirk, she was honestly enjoying herself. Andie had longed to feel the heat of two bodies moving together, and though she had thought of a different kind of dance, this was far more intense, her cheeks flushed, in reaction to the warmth echoing through her.
Blake too, was having problems controlling his body's reactions, to their dance. A certain part of him was enjoying the dance too much, every time Andie's hips moved against him, startlingly close in a quick, short grind, he fought not to pull the woman closer and arouse more of the hot, delicious friction. Blake sent a silent prayer to whichever Deity was paying attention to him, to put Andie in jeans, was a relief, if she had been wearing a dress, he wouldn't have known what he would have done, if he could have felt the feel of her skin. Blake found himself drawn to the intensity of the dance, as he countered the woman's actions with his own body.
The two moved together almost effortlessly—with that same surety which they had danced in the three-step earlier that morning. Their movements bled seamlessly—shamelessly—into each other's, and Blake was struck by how natural their dance felt, as if they had done this before, each step exactly as it should be and each warm breath as he felt against his neck, as Andie tried to breathe, despite the exertion was collected inside him, each hot wind captured to join the other small vestiges of heat as he inwardly stoked them, allowing them to become something more demanding.
As a general, Blake never gave himself up to anyone. He would date girls, take them to bed with him—perhaps he'd even cared about them, but he had never felt so fulfilled—in every aspect as he felt now, just by dancing with a woman who had crashed into his life so unexpectedly, and he liked it. He was happy to be consumed by the brunette and her hazel eyes. (A/N: oh trust me between light brown, brown, grey and hazel, I chose hazel, seemed more magical. As cheesy as that sounds, and I really can't make out her eye color, after 12 viewings, I give up!) Andie's hips ground against Blake's groin again—and just like that—and his thoughts immediately flew away, allowing his body's natural responses to take full control.
Andie panted slightly as Blake's grip tightened on her waist. As it was, the aura of bright, heavy, passion the two of them had created was quickly consuming them both and she felt the weight of it pressing down on her. Blake's hands no longer felt hot on her, they burned, and sparks of heat licked her skin wherever Blake touched her. Andie tried to hold back a shudder of pleasure. To say it felt good would be a lie, it felt like liquid electricity flowed through her veins. The elder boy, moved them in a position for a dip, and Andie wrapped her leg around his thigh, causing a lance of heat to carve through both of them, rushing to the point of contact as the cradle of their hips met—again.
Both closed their eyes, in pleasure as they executed the move perfectly before straightening and allowing themselves a short gasp of reprieve before they continued to move against each other, as sensually as they could. The hand at her waist, urged her impossibly closer, as if all he wanted was to force their bodies so close that neither could tell where one of them ended and the other began, and Andie found she was more than happy to oblige.
A low growl escaped Blake's lips, in the form of Andie's name and the teen let her hands wander Blake's chest in the hope of eliciting more uncontrolled sounds from the older boy's throat. She should have felt embarrassed at being so open about her feelings, but her lust was driving her. She turned her back to Blake as they walked an eight-count and Blake dipped her a second time, though with less body contact. Andie's head spun and her body seemed weightless as Blake led her through the steps. Both knew the dance was ending and Blake tried to pull himself back—to exercise some restraint over his want, but his subconscious refused to be controlled. He pulled Andie close as his lower body moved to the girl's motions.
Their movements were fluid, intense, and existed solely for this moment. Those watching could not help but be caught up in the aura of passion the two created, passer bys had stopped to witness the meeting of two strangers in a dance filled with so much heat it could melt ice, couples felt the craving, individual joggers felt the heat ignite within them a workout so much more powerful, the teenagers stood in awe, and the children watched pure magic unfold. The dance was unique—fuelled by their suppressed desires. Even the best dancers in the world would not have been able to replicate the emotion their dance exhumed because theirs was real.
Their eyes met and Andie felt the pull on those dark orbs, nearly certain her own had bronzed in a desire she could not help but return. The onlookers waited with baited breath as the beautiful dance began to draw to a close. They had been enveloped by the ardor of the two and now all expected some sort of display of affection to conclude it. The couple danced closely, their bodies in constant contact their lips, a few inches from each other's, and the crowd began to whisper of a kiss. They watched as the girl spun away from the dark-haired boy. He pulled her in close to him, and they posed together as the last note died off.
Blake and Andie panted heavily, their faces were scant few inches from each other, and Blake so badly wanted to kiss this enchantress' beautiful lips. Unknowingly, he bent his head towards Andie's mouth. Andie's breath hitched as she realized Blake meant to kiss her. A misplaced smattering of applause broke out and the two realized the moment which had felt so intensely private to the both of them, had just been witnessed by an entire world of people they did not know. Blake mastered his desire and backed away, leaving Andie momentarily bereft. A groan rose from the expectant crowd, Andie closed her eyes, trying to quell her want as reality rushed back in.
Blake having, recovered himself, took her hand; Andie's eyes flew to his earnest gaze, as he pulled them into a low bow. Someone shoved a bouquet of flowers, from god only knows where, and thrust it into Andie's awkward hands, and they suddenly were surrounded by an awed crowd. She shuffled the blossoms to rest on her shoulders so she could reach Blake's hand, she sure as hell didn't want be pushed in the ever growing crowd. Blake looked down at the sudden contact, but Andie would not meet his eyes, her cheeks tinted pink in embarrassment. The crowd showered them with praise and Blake smiled as a small girl no older than 10 pulled on Andie's jeans, "Would you teach me to move like that?" she asked. Andie blushed, slightly in surprise and mostly by the hand that squeezed her own. Andie nodded, "I guess", she replied warily. Blake chuckled; Andie poked her tongue out at him.
"That was absolutely marvelous!" a man in his early thirties exclaimed suddenly dragging a younger woman in her late twenties with him. She was dressed in a short knee-length brown skirt and a pink blouse, her dirty blonde hair framed perfectly around her soft round face in ringlets. She had sparkling blue eyes, that seemed to 'huff' at the man's dragging; "Such strength, such passion!" "Maria, did you see that, that—this, is what I call dancing!" grabbing Blake's free hand he shook it exuberantly, "Oh you must come and teach at our school we at Madison High School, would certainly look forward to anything you would teach", Blake and Andie turned to each other in shock, before they could say anything, the man continued, hands waving madly, "A young couple like you would be great for the Summer Dance Festival we've assigned, to the seniors. Maria is a dance instructor too, but she teaches fox-trot and waltz. NO! No No No, what we need is dances like this", he prattled on, not waiting for anyone to grab their attention, "Look around you, the children surrounding you are all from Madison High", turning to the crowd, he shouted, "Wouldn't you like it, if this couple-", Andie and Blake blushed, as the man indicated them, "-would come to our school and teach us how to dance like this?" he asked. A resounding 'YES' echoed through the crowd.
Andie sighed, "About that, we're students as well", she began faltering in her speech, Blake smiled and continued as she paused, "We study at MSA", he tried to continue only to have the man interrupt again, "MSA? Really well, now isn't that fantastic darling?" he turned to the woman who stood by his side, rolling her eyes, Maria elbowed him to shut up in silent warning, Andie giggled quietly as the man let out a soft 'Oof'.
Maria bowed, "Please forgive my husband, he gets a bit mental when he finds people or things that excite him, and he has no filter and just goes a little crazy in exuberance over things. My name is Maria Sanchez, this bumbling idiot-", she pointed at her husband, "-is Paul Sanchez, I do not know what I see in him, but hey beggars can't be choosers", she ignored Paul's indignant 'Hey'. Smirking she turned to the crowd, "So…. scatter!" she barked, the students immediately went off to do their respective things, a few couples lingered to offer last minute praises, and then slowly dispersed leaving Blake and Andie with the Sanchez'. "Walk with us", she invited as she led the way forward, to down the road unaware that Blake's residence lay ahead of them. Blake sighed heavily silently asking Andie if they should accompany the strange couple. Andie shrugged, "Okay", she said, allowing Maria to lead them.
"Now as my husband so carelessly rambled through, we have a summer festival at our school, it's held in autumn, for two reasons, One; to say goodbye to summer. Two; to say hello to a new season. Kids these days just need an excuse to party", pausing she took a breath, "The point is this time we're trying to donate to charity, well to MSA to be more apt". Blake's breath hitched, "Wait what? Why? MSA doesn't need any contributions". Maria smiled, "Actually this is for the charity event they introduced last year, but due to some reasons the gig that they arranged was never conducted. I don't expect the students to know much about the organizational details, no matter how intimate you are with the school. No offence", she added as she took in Blake's scowl, apparently having hit a nerve, she apologized. "I am sorry. Anyway, as I was saying we were the charity isn't for the school, more for a fund raiser the school conducts for future scholarship students. Or well maybe some of our graduates can be your juniors next year. We are still discussing details, although for reasons we still don't understand MSA's heir seems to be refusing the crown". Blake bristled, but before he could say anything Andie shook her head imperceptibly. Maria noted the apparent chemistry, she smiled softly.
Reigning in his temper, Blake asked quietly, "How do you know of that? Those circumstances, are very personal, to-", "-the Royals of MSA. Yes we're aware", Paul interrupted, smiling cordially he continued, "Where I am a bumbling fool, apparently my lovely wife missed her calling; she should've gone into politics. Ignore her, she's being subtly curious". Maria shrugged, "Can you blame me? MSA is an intriguing school, I wanted to teach dance there, but a professor Philippe, seemed to be taking the audition for new teachers, he said I had two left feet. Pardon me, but I have a very inquisitive opinion when it comes to MSA. I also don't like that man", she scowled. Andie grinned, at Blake, a gesture both Sanchez' noticed, Maria raised her eyebrow. Blake laughed, "Apparently the Jerk-o happens to hit on every nerve in the city", he said. Andie laughed, "Oh we understand perfectly, Philippe is just plain weird, and not cool weird, he's like creepy weird". Maria smiled, "I guess I owe you an apology, I must have come off as someone insulting the administration of the school", she said.
Andie shook her head, "Oh we're used to it, most students at MSA seem to be angry with the Admin, as well, it's with good reason actually. The school just doesn't seem to want to change their styles, and continues to group people in the really wrong departments", she tried to explain. Blake nodded, "That's why you and your crew tried to perform at the streets, it was about a group of students that were willing to raise their voice against the administration. Your speech against 410's pretty much highlighted that, right?" Andie nodded, "A friend of mine Robert Alexander III also known as Moose, was at the streets, and you were there, those guys have some sick moves, but MSA, put Moose in lights and details, and Cable was really cool, he was put in the video year book editor. Most of the others were also put into weird places, Monster was slick on the dance floor, but they put him as stunt double in MSA. We're still waiting for the teachers to quit grouping us in departments we don't wanna be in, and if we don't like the way you're teaching, isn't it their responsibility to help us out, give us extra classes we'll take it. And Hair, man that guy has some really cool moves, I mean when he gets bored, he really comes up with some authentic unique steps. And they work", Andie paused biting her lip she flushed, "Heh-Heh. Sorry I got carried away".
Blake squeezed her hand, "No it makes sense. Thanks, you. You've given me an idea", he said thinking, far ahead not completely aware of the people around me. Maria smiled at Paul who smiled back, "So how long have you two been a couple", Maria asked. Andie blushed letting go of Blake's hand rapidly shaking her head. The question brought Blake back, his eyes widened comically, his pale features flushed, looking away, he coughed, and "Er… we aren't a couple. We've only known each other two days", he said. Andie nodded, confirming his words as she continued, "I didn't even know he existed, we met quite by accident", she said. Blake snickered, "Oh accident's the right word; for she crashed into my life". Andie rolled her eyes, "I was in stunned captivation, excuse me for my klutziness", she harrumphed pouting.
Blake pulled on the lip she had jutted out, Andie laughed as she swatted his hand away, "He was dancing and I had left school, only to realize I'd forgotten my books, so when we met, this Devil was dancing. Oh Boy! Hold that thought dancing would be an insult; he's like a black winged angel spouting magic", she grinned weakly, "I was stunned. By the time the dance ended, I was so caught up in my thoughts that I crashed into the door", Andie threw Blake a fleeting glance as she lied. Blake nodded, "Yup and we became friends pretty instantly. I'm glad I met her", he said taking her hand unconsciously. Andie flushed her eyes dancing with pleasure.
Maria grinned at Paul, "That's so cute", she began, "But we'd really appreciate if you could teach our students dance, please?" he begged seriously. Blake sighed, "I'm free on the weekends, I live here, but I usually have things to do on the weekend. Very complicated things", he answered vaguely and he indicated the building they stood in front of. Maria caught her gasp just in time, she was aware that strictly the affluent lived here. "And I live 11 miles in the opposite direction", Andie continued, "Even if I'm free every weekend, it'd take awhile for me to get there, to your school, I don't know if I could make it". Maria groaned, "I guess that would complicate things, the whole distance thing, and it wouldn't work if only one of you were there", she sighed heavily. Paul sighed, "Well, this is our card, if anything works out for you, will you please give us a call, we'd seriously appreciate it", he handed a gold bordered card to Andie and then shook Blake's hand. "It truly was a pleasure meeting you and your lady", he bowed exaggeratedly, chuckling as he missed Maria's attempt at stamping his foot. "Ten years of marriage, darling. I'd like to believe I've learnt", he joked, as he kissed Andie on the cheek. Maria shook her head, in amusement, "It's been a pleasure Andie, if you ever you come down this way again, do call. I wouldn't mind leaving this Idiot to come meet you two", she kissed Blake on the cheek, and stepped back after hugging Andie briefly.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Andie and Blake said their goodbyes and watched the two leave joking and teasing each other. Andie smiled, "Can you imagine them being married for ten years?" she asked weakly. Blake choked on a laugh, "I'm surprised they haven't killed each other yet". Andie grinned. "Actually my parents are a bit like them", Blake began as he led her back into the compound of The Devil's Wings, veering to the side where a path led to a small park. The residents were either enjoying the cool air and the warm sun, or children were playing and having picnics with families. They walked beneath a boulevard of overhanging trees on a leafy path. "Actually they're worse", he continued shuddering visibly, Andie held back a remark as he finished, "they're still so in love it's sickeningly sweet", and he cringed. Andie grinned, "Oh come on they can't be that bad", smiling she walked besides him, enjoying his company. "Oh believe me it is. My mother's birthday is coming shortly, its next month on the third, September the third. I can just about picture my father organizing an exquisite ball in her honor; oh the dancing that will take place will be the stuff of legends".
Blake closed his eyes painfully afraid Andie would see the pain and hurt in his eyes. Andie saw it but did not comment instead she changed the subject. "Do you visit your family often? Talk to your mother?" she asked. Blake shook his head, "No, not really. I guess I call once in awhile to let them know I'm still alive, but Andie there's a reason I left for London, I could have been in the American Ballet, but I chose to leave, I needed the distance, the space". Andie noted the sadness, "I'm glad you came back", she whispered softly. Blake smiled as he led her to a bench, "Do you like snow cones?" he asked and Andie quirked an eyebrow, she nodded. Blake grinned, "Which flavor?" he asked curiously cocking his head to the side. Andie closed her eyes, "Any, I'm adventurous when it comes to flavors, why?" she asked as she sat down. Blake grinned, "That's great, wait here, I'll be back in a few moments", he jogged over to the corner of the park, secluded by a few trees stood a small shop that sold Snow cones. Andie grinned.
Andie sat in silence, enjoying the breeze and the sunlight, closing her eyes, she enjoyed the peace. Few moments before the silence was interrupted by a song piercing the air, Andie groaned, fishing out her cellphone, from her coat pocket, she looked at the caller ID, "Moose", she sighed heavily. "Hello", 'Where the hell, are you Andie?' a voice not belonging to her friend shouted over the line, a soft female voice gently reprimanded the caller, 'Tyler, speak softly'. Tyler's voice crashed through the speakers, 'Nora, I'm only asking her where she is? So, Andie where are you?' Tyler asked again. Andie cursed softly, "I see your tour's over. I'm with a friend", Andie answered. 'yeah which friend, cause I asked around, you aint at Missy's and Moose hasn't seen you in practically a year excluding the monthly visits, since you're no longer associated with the 410's Felicia's isn't where you're at so like where are you D?' Tyler asked angrily. Andie sighed, and jumped as a loud crash echoed over the line 'Andie?' a soft female's voice came over the line. Andie smiled, "Nora, hello", Andie looked up to see Blake ambling over holding two snow cones, smiling she waved, "Look I really don't need this I'm with a friend, I'll be back tomorrow, I've gotta go, where I'm at is no one's business, and why I left, you can the details from Missy, goodbye Nora", Andie hung up, switching off her phone.
Blake sat down beside her, on her left, "Here, I took a guess", he said handing her a Blue flavored cone, and licked a green one. Andie grinned, "Thanks. It's blue, so Blackcurrant, Bubblegum? Yours lime?" Blake shook his head, "That's usually purple and pink respectively, and no, mine's Guava, I know it's usually pink, but this guy makes it with green". Andie took a bite of her snow cone and laughed, "Is he color blind?" she asked. Blake snickered, "Dunno, so do you like your flavor?" he asked. Andie grinned, "Yup, it's one of my favorites, how did you know?" Blake shrugged, "You seemed like Blueberry kind of girl". Andie sucked the juice from her snow cone, "Thanks". Blake smiled; they enjoyed the snow cones in relative silence simply enjoying the peace around them.
Blake tilted his head and looked at the cloudy sky, "I haven't talked to my parents since I've returned, most details that need my attention are delivered by my brother, or through emails, always containing the same detail, about my inheritance, my duties the family", he began suddenly, Andie turned to him, mid-bite, "A job my brother seems to detest with a passion that can't really be put into words. I suppose I should sympathize with him", Blake sighed, "But I really can't, a part of me has always hated him, envied him, I do love him, I'd help him, if he ever asked for it, but I don't think I could ever really care for him, we haven't know each other for a very long time, we're brothers by blood alone", Blake's voice clenched in pain.
Finishing his snow cone he tossed his empty cup into the bin. Andie remained quiet aware that Blake needed to talk, yet. "When I was raised I was raised in discipline, all I've ever known is the brunt of my parents talent, they are legends in the world of Ballet. My parents, Eleanor and David are what I grew up as knowing the best teachers on earth", his voice clenched, and in barely a whisper he murmured, "also the worst parents in the world". He paused, controlling the tears that threatened to fall, swallowing the lump in his throat he continued, "I craved for their praise", Andie noted the tenor of his voice, and she reached for his hand silently supporting him.
Blake started as he felt her hand take his. Smiling bitterly he continued with a bit of effort, "I worked hard, bled through it. You know what they say about dancers' right? Beautiful swans with ugly feet. I suffered silently, I never asked for a second chance, Andie all I ever wanted was one 'good job, well done', anything along those lines, and all I ever got was, 'Hmm, Blake concentrate on your steps, work harder, you can do so much better'. It hurt Andie, I never got a good job from them, any insignificant praise, would have helped, it would've been enough", Blake's voice faltered as silent tears fell, turning away; he wiped them away with his free hand. Andie squeezed his hand, instinctively knowing he had not finished.
Blake sighed, "When my brother was born, he started dancing when he was five, I was eleven. Andie I was so proud of him, he was what we call a natural", he sobbed laughing through his tears, "The first time I saw him groove, as he called it was to The Nutcracker in kindergarten. They had a play, and in came my brother playing a soldier, he danced beautifully, and he was so cute. I recorded it for a memory; I still have the tape, somewhere". Andie smiled softly. "Things changed when he was six years old; he took to ballet like a fish does to water. I was proud of him, but then he did this piece that I once did, I guess I was a bit jealous he did it better than me. I was proud of him and I envied him. That's where this story actually begins"; he laughed and groaned almost instantly, "Every move I did, he did it better, effortlessly. I struggled he succeeded. I hurt he enjoyed. I started detesting the dance I did, I loved dancing. But everything I did, he did better, and they showered him with praise. I bled for them and he did everything as if he had practiced it a thousand times before. My brother has the ability to dance to any music. He's quite good in streets. The only reason I was at the streets, was because he missed the fund raiser MSA holds. I went after him, to bring him back, David asked me to get him back". Andie noted the use of his father's name, and she sighed softly.
Blake closed his eyes, his voice rough and dry, "I left after the streets back to London. I left home when I was 17. I was the Principal Dancer in The Russian Ballet and when I was 19 in The English Ballet. I stayed in England when I turned twenty, and danced for a few tours that surrounded Europe and Australia. I never went for a tour anywhere near USA. I haven't seen my family in eight years, and the last time I knew my brother he was eleven. The same age I started resenting my brother. Could you blame him, for hating his brother, if he grew up knowing his brother hated his parents?" Blake cried softly.
Andie sighed, "You don't hate them, and I'm sure he knows you love your parents", she spoke softly, sliding of the bench, she kneeled in front of him, placing her hands on either side of his cheeks, she pulled his face towards her, "Blake, you have a communication problem with your folks, but I know you love them", she nodded and smiled when Blake nodded his head. "I like you and I've known you for two days, so trust me when I say your brother knew you for eleven years, he knows you and he loves you. All you really need to do is talk to your parents. Why don't you call your mama, jus to say 'hi'", she encouraged. "I can't", he choked out. Andie shook her head, "No, I can't talk to my mother, yours is just a phone call away", she held his hand, "I won't go anywhere if you need me, but you should talk to them. I'm sure they miss you Blake". Blake shook his head, "No, they don't; all they want is someone to run the family business, and not dance in tours. I have an agreement with my parents, a deal if you will. If I get the chance to finish my final year in MSA and with the final showcase approaching perform a show that excels so well, I get a job with any major dance company in the USA then I don't have to take over the family legacy, but if I don't catch anything, I'll be left to take care of a lot of loose ends, I have very little interest in", he explained wearily. Andie nodded, "A last chance", she stated blandly and sighed when Blake nodded painfully wincing at the finality in her voice.
Andie sat down cross legged at his feet, "I guess that is a big deal. But, Blake would you be able to forgive yourself if God Forbid, something happened to your parents and you never had a chance to tell them you love them", she spoke slowly almost swallowing the words. Blake looked at the expression on her face, it was filled with pain. "I never knew my dad, he died when I was five, so I never ever told him I loved him, I have an acute memory of almost everything else, the way he smiled when he looked at my mother, the way his eyes would crinkle when mom teased him. He died in a gang-shoot-out. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time, My mama tells me he knew, but I never said it and I regret that, I've learnt to live with it, but I really regret having never said, 'I love you daddy', when he left for work the next day". Blake sat down next her, his back against the bench seat, "there wasn't anything you could have done Andie, and I agree with your mom, I'm sure he loved you", he said. Andie smiled, "I know that, so do you, but having to actually tell a person you love them is better than just assuming they know, right?" Blake smiled, pulling his cell phone out of his pocket he dialed a number, as he waited for the person to answer he held Andie's left hand, lifting it to his mouth he placed a soft kiss on her ring finger, he breathed the words and smiled as the person on the other end greeted him, and he whispered a quick, "Thank you".
