Chapter Two: In Your Words

The first day of tryouts was done and the frontrunners were already obvious. Nina wasn't a fan of the process of choosing and eliminating but with the night mostly done she was back to what she actually loved doing. Staging and laying out performances.

It was strange watching herself dance and not actually critiquing herself. Nina remembered exactly what it was like for her a year ago. Do it better. Your form is off. Why can't you just get it right every damn time? Nina knew better than anyone that no one put more pressure on herself than she did. It was a time where nothing else mattered around her or even to the point that nothing else existed. That was Nina, the obsessed dancer of old. That was the Nina before meeting Lily.

Ironically it was almost the same in terms of her professional life. Except her vision was no longer tunneled.

The whole picture. Something's missing in the finale. But what?

Renowned choreographer Nina was watching a Chicago performance of Swans with intense eyes, trying to imagine what was exactly off about the stage action in the final act. Lily was doing her thing, dancing fantastically and freely. The stage mirrors were all working fine. She was dancing like the virtuoso she was as usual. It all looked fine… but something just wasn't right. It was killing her but Nina couldn't quite put a finger on it yet.

"Always here Nina… you're nuts about this job aren't you?"

Nina twitched inside at her assistant's words. She hated being called anything remotely to nuts… or crazy. Beth should have known better.

"Beth… Thomas." Nina glanced over the top of her notebook not so neighborly, acknowledging her fellow office peers with a busy nod.

"What are you doing here still?" Beth rolled into the room.

"I'm just overlooking… some details before the choreography session tomorrow." Nina's eyes snaked back towards her monitor as fast as she rolled up. "Just taking… notes."

"Huh, Nina its 9 o clock. Shouldn't you be getting ready to go out with a certain someone?" Beth simpered with that hint, knowing how much Lily would brag about being the only person to ever get reserved Nina to let loose. At least Beth would hear it constantly. While Nina and Beth were friends and business associates? Lily and Beth had become complete banter buddies.

"… Don't worry about me. I'll close up when I leave."

Beth and Thomas felt the eerie nostalgia.

"As much change that has gone on here. I guess something's never change." Thomas said with reverence.

All of them for just a split second remembered all the moments that happened in the first reiteration of Swan Lake. Nina's struggles. Their… turmoil and relationships. Of all the memories Nina tried to forget? Biting that lip of Thomas and that kiss were the most regretful. She knew Beth wouldn't be too amused with either story and she knew Thomas would never forget them. It was surreal running through the memories, especially with these two.

Sitting across from the two figures she always put above her on a professional level – Nina still couldn't get used to being their equal peers.

"Beth and I are meeting with a new group willing to invest in the production." Thomas said with a bit of disappointment. "… I really miss the old days where I could just concentrate on things that mattered. Strange things… like… ballet."

"Don't be the usual square." Beth rolled her eyes. "What we're doing here is historical. What I'd give to be able to be a part of this on stage."

Nina in her silence understood them both. The artist and entertainer in her wanted to push this new production as far as it would go. It had already reached heights she could never dream of. But… a little urge inside to bring it back to the small production… where it was just pure ballet always nudged at her. She missed that part of her old life. Where her dance was all she had to worry about.

"By the way, I am proud how you handled Lynn today Nina. I know it was hard for you but-"

"Please Thomas. It's done." Nina said her first words in the conversation so firmly the room's vibe felt dark. The tension was still there clearly. Thomas gave Beth a look and was replied with a clueless shrug.

"Fair enough… on another note, I am sure you already have your favorites to replace you?" Thomas changed the subject expertly.

"I see three… right now." Nina answered... softly calm.

"Really Nina? I see only two that are clearly above the rest." Beth recalled the intense first practice. "Veronica. Jade."

Nina knew she lied. She really only had one unbiased favorite if anyone forced an answer out of her. Even Veronica's experience couldn't stop Jade's… raw and unlimited potential for the role of the Swan Queen.

"I am quite surprised I haven't heard anything of this Jade." Thomas wondered as he tapped his defined chin. "She dances like she's been doing it at the highest level for years. Her files say that she hasn't danced ballet since 2009. That isn't... a common occurrence."

… Please don't talk about this now.

"Between her and Lily there must be something in the water in Frisco Thomas." Beth assessed with amusement.

Jade

Lily…

Ugh…

Nina's slightly annoyed body language got Beth's attention as unlike Thomas… she knew what was going on. It was definitely a girl thing. The older woman got caught looking at her watch, needing to create a diversion and Nina knew it. "Come on Thomas. W-we better get going. Old rich men hate to wait you know?"

Nina and Thomas could only sigh at that nervous comment. Beth in her hay day probably had a lot of experience with old rich men. It wasn't a wise choice of words for the first Swan Lake star.

"Er… bye Nina." Beth waved as she was being pushed out.

"… By the way I need those notes on my desk tomorrow Ms. Sayers." Thomas also reminded.

"… Have fun you two." Nina's stare never left her work as Beth and Thomas walked off with the same admiration and slight pity for her. It was clear Nina was still the workhorse of the company, even just as a backstage presence. Performing dancer or not it was really the same. She was working all day and night. She was naturally a loner in her work. Even after all the changes with Lily… it was no surprise that it just the way she was.

The first one in the building.

Always the last one out of it.

- B – B – B –

After an attentive hour, another long day was in the books for Nina Sayers. A last flip of the light switch and Nina was about ready to take off from the premises in a rushed hurry. She didn't want to be late for the dinner but the busy bee in her sure made it a struggle. Nina did a double check on her things half-looking, going through her large white bag that sat on the floor. Content with her findings she took a last secure glance around as she grabbed her belongings by the ready to shut the entrance.

Nina…

Nina gasped as a rush of wind felt like it hit her in the chest as if someone punched her. In the mirror was an old horror, staring into an old face she thought she was done seeing. The black make up. The Swan's blood eyes… the white skin. It couldn't be…

"Hey… Nina…"

Nina let out a scream that echoed throughout the building when a cold hand touched her neck, feeling her heartbeat stop almost as she backed away in a tripping fall. She hit the lights as she staggered against the mirror wall, seeing someone holding their chest desperately, staring dumbly at her like they were looking at a psycho.

"Holy fuck, what was that?"

"Jade!" Nina was panting as she clutched her own aching chest now, leaning against the mirror barely standing. "Why are you still here!"

"J-jeez… sorry I startled you." Jade was rubbing her ears because of the scream, never quite hearing something like that. "The lights went out and I couldn't adjust my eyes. I couldn't see you until you were so close. Are you okay?"

"Y-yes b-but w-what are you still doing here?" Nina tried to catch her breath, still feeling the goose bumps.

"I… I was just practicing." Jade recovered now with a big smile. "I figured first day… I should push it till I drop right?"

No… one should do that.

"I… I haven't seen anyone in the last hour." Nina was still recovering slowly. At least she was standing on her two feet now, brushing herself off. "I didn't see you practicing."

"Oh… well… I was practicing. Heh, I got kind of comfy when I was taking a break in the locker room." Jade laughed. "And uh, I took a little nap on that nice couch you guys have inside. A good three hour one."

"J-just tell me next time. I could've locked you in here without knowing!"

"Well then, I would've got a lot more practice than I thought I would then." Jade smirked. "It's all good right?"

Nina composed herself as she shook off the initial shock. She never noticed it until now but Jade… in the dark… kind of looked like that haunting vision of her past. Like a Black Swan without any make up or touching up. It was a freaky thought… but Nina was just glad it was okay and it was real. She wasn't going crazy… again.

"Um… are you ready to leave? I am in a bit of a… hurry."

"Ah, meeting up with Lily huh?" Jade said it so nicely Nina had to do a double take. She walked by Nina with a sigh, showing she too had something to get off her chest. "Before you go can I just have a minute with you? Please?"

Most of Nina wanted to ignore this problem. A curiosity and glutton for punishment inside her wanted to delve into this girl's past. Lily… would never speak about it. Who better to learn from than a long-term previous lover? Lily's only long term girlfriend…

"… Jade really I-"

"I know you're in a hurry but I just have this feeling that you right off the bat don't trust me. Am I right?"

"Look-"

"I know Lily hasn't painted the most flattering picture of me. I get it."

That's the understatement of the year.

"But I don't want my past with her to affect my chances for my dream job Nina." Jade crossed her arms tight. "I don't think it's fair to judge someone by what they did three years ago only you know?"

"I… I agree Jade." Nina nodded softly. If Nina was judged by the way she was years ago… she'd probably not even be here today.

"Let's not kid ourselves. Lily is a doll, I know and you know it. But she's hardheaded too. Her memories of what happened are her versions. Not exactly an unbiased truth. I don't want to start a slam war between us. I just want a clean slate… and to be judged fairly. You two are together now. Let me just be Jade… okay? Not… the other woman."

"Jade… we're professional here. We're going to judge you on the dance floor and nothing else." Nina reassured. "That I promise you."

"T-thanks Nina! You are really as nice as they say." Jade grinned huge as she clapped. "Have fun tonight! Tell Lily I said hi even though she'll probably roll her eyes. H-hey, where are you two headed tonight anyway?"

"Uh… sushi bar. Having dinner with one of the girls that got cut today."

"Aw… Lynn right? Poor girl. I hope she's doing okay." Jade said it quite genuinely and began to walk out at that as Nina followed, keeping an eye on this girl she didn't know she could trust or not. She seemed nice but… that's what Lily warned her about. Nina had a guess about Jade's destination. Probably some club…

"A-and where you going tonight Jade?"

"Heh, some of the boys invited me to a club nearby. Rumps…"

I wasn't thinking a strip club…

"T-that's a strip club."

"Well uh… dancing on a pole is fine unless you keep doing it over and over again right?" Jade laughed patting Nina on the shoulder, like they were old friends from a storied past.

"Heh… right."

"Lily and I used to crash places like that all the time. It's nice seeing her calmer and more… normal now with you." Jade winked. "You're the best thing that's happened to her Ms. Sayers."

Normal? Calm? Nina had almost forgot what Lily was before they became really close. She used to be so unpredictable and wild… did she change her?

"I… uh… thanks…"

"Just need to check my hair do and see if I'm good real quick." Jade took a fast glance in the mirror, adjusting herself from head to toe like the pretty girl she was. She ran a finger through her hair. She made sure those jean shorts rode… short. The little breast manipulation to get that cleavage perking up caught Nina's eye. Jade really was the prototypical pretty girl from California. Confident. Sexual. She was a vision to what Lily used to do all the time… party. Party. Party.

"How do I look Nina? Would you go out with me if you were single?"

Nina didn't even listen. Her eyes suddenly got stuck on Jade's lower half… a tramp stamp right above a nice firm little ballerina's rear.

"Huh, are you staring at my ass Nina?"

"… Wha-what?" Nina blushed as she turned her head upwards ashamed. "N-no… I was… I was staring at your tattoo."

"Oh… hehe… I was kidding by the way." Jade smirked as she looked back, shaking her hips a few times. "Nice though huh?"

"How do you read that?"

"Meshuggah… it's Yiddish."

"… What does it mean?" Nina calmly brought her head back, blinking a few times.

Jade turned around quite suggestively, pausing in thought with those lips pouty and playful, slowly breaking a smile. "You know what? Why don't you research it and tell me what you find tomorrow. It'd be more fun that way. More mysterious you know? … I know you're a girl that doesn't like things given to her. Just like me…"

Just like you…

"… Alright." Nina just kept staring away as Jade gave her a pleasant wave. Apprehension from a being past lover with Lily. Intrigue from a gorgeous body. Cluelessness from her playful personality. And fear… from what should represent. No one made Nina feel split on opinion since… Lily herself.

"Shit, I'm late. Later teach… See ya tomorrow!"

"Bye…"

And with that she was gone like a specter in the night. A ghost to a past Nina never thought she'd learn about. Lily's past was something she never bothered to try and uncover. Jade was leaving her with very little choice.

- B – B – B –

She was late again. Nina rushed into the Japanese restaurant Samurai after a rapid taxi cab ride, walking towards the VIP section in the back room. After being greeted kindly by the hostess she saw Lily and Lynn sitting with Rick… a male dancer from the ensemble.

"Nina!" Lynn waved happily.

"Early to practice, late for the fun." Lily blew her a kiss from afar. "The routine isn't a healthy one dear."

"Sorry everyone…" Nina snuck over bashfully, hugging Lynn and Rick before going to her seat, Lily kissing her on the cheek as she sat down. Lily's kisses made her instantly warm, returning the favor gingerly like the cute couple they were. Rick and Lynn only goaded them with just as cute faces.

"Oh stop it you two." Lily shook her head at them. "Why don't you two kiss and let us stare at you like you're puppies."

The two bashfully turned away when the tables were turned.

"Yeah that's what I thought." Lily had her hand on Nina's leg underneath. "I ordered for you. Sashimi platter… no rice."

"Thanks Lily…" Nina clasped hands underneath the table with her lover, intertwining their fingers.

"What can I say? She likes it raw… like me."

Lily had a dirty mouth. Nina loved and hated it.

"Hah! I always love your sexual tension in your words Lily. I'm gonna miss it." Lynn giggled.

"Oh Lynn! Tell Nina the good news before she starts breaking down and crying again please."

"What good news?"

"Well… apparently, my phone has been ringing off the hook with offers from other ballet ensembles. Being a part of your group apparently makes you really wanted!" Lynn smiled big.

"T-that's… that's wonderful." Nina had a great smile on her again feeling a bit of guilt soar off and into the sky, Lily tightening her grip on her hand. "I'm so happy for you."

"It will work out… I know it will. I owe you so much Nina. Please don't feel bad again like you did today." Lynn pleaded.

"I'll try not to."

"Hey Rick didn't you say you wanted to challenge Lynn to a game of Street Fighter II?"

"Oh yeah… Lynn said… she was good at it right?" Rick chimed in for the first time. "What do you say Lynn? Loser has to down two shots of Sake?"

"B-but I'm under aged…"

"No one's looking… Rick you have a deal. Go start it!" Lily made the agreement while Lynn kept grimacing to not agree to the terms. Rick the young kid bolted towards the arcade machine, ready to go.

"Lily! I don't think a game of Street Fighter is-"

"Come on… he obviously likes you. Will you make your move already?" Lily pushed her to do it. "GET HIM."

"I already lost my job today. I don't need to lose my self-esteem if he doesn't-"

"Lynn be a woman and go get him. You like him too… stop being a little priss. If you don't leave right now, I'm going to tell him myself."

"Fine… fine… fine…" Lynn scowled, as the young girl looked at Nina. "How can you deal with this day in and day out?"

"… Miracles happen." Nina laughed lightly as Lily was quite content with herself. The two lovebirds watched as two young and more typical romancers were flirting. Watching Lynn laugh as she was playing a game, and Rick helping her was making Nina so happy. What was a bad day was turning out not so bad, and actually great. That was why she loved Lily so much. Her darker Swan could turn mildew into gold.

"How was your day baby?" Lily made her intentions known, pulling Nina's face towards her and kissing her lightly.

"You just wanted alone time didn't you?"

"We~ll… I'm not getting enough of it lately… can you blame me?"

"No… no I can't…" Nina pressed her lips back into Lily as they let their passion out in small bursts. Lily held onto Nina's waist, stroking the fine material of her strapless white dress making her weak in her knees.

"Mmm.. screw the fish… can I just have you on the table right now?" Lily mumbled as she pecked Nina's bottom lip, her own almost leaf inspired black dress letting that body to die for be shown.

"D-don't tempt me… you're too good at this." Nina let out a little bit of that Black Swan growl, Lily being able to pull it out whenever she wanted. Even after a year it felt like every time they touched it was the first time. When Lily's hand reached into her inner thigh… Nina was already… ready for her. Her heart was thumping.

"Swans!"

All that sexual tension broke like a shattered glass. Nina and Lily suddenly split apart as a small Asian family… more specifically Japanese tourists were staring at them. Nina and Lily noticed that they were glancing back and forth, behind and back to them. The two Swans turned around and took notice of the large billboard that was skied above hem, a picture of the two promoting the show. Nina sighed while Lily giggled at the thought of them being stalked by huge billboard selves.

"They still haven't put that down yet?" Nina grumbled.

"Guess not…" Lily waved at the family. "H-hey! You want pictures?"

It took no time before Nina and Lily were happily taking pictures with the family, greeting them. The language barrier was a problem but Lily knew some Japanese phrases, granted most were pickup lines or dirty jokes. She kept pushing the fact she was rooting for their country and that her and Nina were trying to raise as much money as possible for the earthquake/tsunami disaster. During the photo shoot Lily noticed Nina's less than enthusiastic body language.

"… Hey what's wrong?" Lily smiled as a light flashed.

"I can never have time alone with you anymore." Nina whispers back, smiling as another camera flashed.

"… It's okay Nina. We're being famous…"

Flash!

"That's the problem…" Nina paused before turning her head. "Lily am I boring you?"

Flash! Lily's face in that picture looked a bit strange with even bigger bulging eyes. The family was content apparently now as Nina and Lily waved to them goodbye. As soon as they were out of the picture Lily held Nina's wrist and pulled her into her seat.

"What kind of question is that Nina?"

"… I… just… I've been thinking."

"About?"

"Well I know we've been having such a good time for this year. We've got to travel and our relationship has been so smooth. I haven't had time to reflect on any of it because I've just kind of put my head down… and pushed along. I don't think all this fame and traveling will occupy you anymore."

"H-hey, we're doing great aren't we?"

"Yes no problems whatsoever. I just sometimes I wonder… if I'm exciting enough for you." Nina rubbed Lily's leg. "I'm not the adventurous girl I thought I'd transform into… after I survived Opening night. I'm not the club girl that you were. I'm not as brave and outgoing as you are. Maybe it was silly to think that I could be that girl."

"Nina… if I wanted to date myself I would've just added to my sex toy collection instead of taking you."

"But I do know… sometimes you miss the old days right? I know how much you love to… have fun." Nina sighed. "Sometimes I feel like I'm anchoring you down. I'm always busy. I'm always not brave enough to be daring… just like the skydiving thing."

"Hey come on… I don't think you should want to jump out of a plane."

"I just don't want you to think I'm boring. I don't want you to get bored of me."

"Nina… how can you be bored of a person?" Lily silenced her with a nuzzle of their noses. "Stop worrying…" She looked at her for a few seconds, blinking. "Wait a second. Did… Jade say something to you?"

That name always brought a fire out in Lily, it even made Nina a bit nervous.

"I… oh no… no… she didn't." Nina shook her head quickly, only to look down. "B-but maybe seeing her has made me think about all these things."

"Aaah…. Now it starts making a little more sense." Lily's eyes felt pity but had the utmost care.

"It's just she looks like the girl that you would want." Nina spoke her heart. "She's pretty. She's fun. She's outgoing."

"She's also crazy… and we're done. I don't see why we need to talk about her."

"I just wonder how… I measure up is all."

"Huh, my God, Nina needs her ego stroked?" Lily tilted her head playfully laughing to herself.

Nina just pouted at the notion. "I just see her. And I see exactly why you wanted to be with her in the past. And I look at myself and I don't see why you'd want to be with me at all."

"Wow, really? Did you forget all we've been through already Sayers?" Lily stroked her hair softly. "That part of me is done. Why don't you give yourself more credit? This is what got you in trouble the last time right? Self-doubt and no confidence."

"… Right."

"You want to know why I want you and choose you?" Lily licked her lips. "How about the fact that you're unselfish? How about the fact that you're beautiful? How about the fact that your voice is so soft it melts me inside? How about the fact that when I see you succeed… it makes me happier than even when I get something right?"

"… Lily…"

"You're kind. You care for others. You're a relentless worker. You inspire me. You're the most talented dancer I know. And really when it comes down to it? You make me so horny all the time." Lily finished in usual fashion. "How can I possibly get bored with that?"

The waitress put down a plate of sushi, as she heard the horny line, blinking at Lily and Nina not knowing what to say. Nina just smiled to herself as she looked down with a warm embarrassment, Lily giving the waitress her own smile. "Yes… this girl turns me on. It's no secret."

The waitress in her awkward pause, dashed off hurriedly, not wanting to touch his conversation. Lily and Nina laughed as they held hands again, clasping. Lily began to work her chopstick magic, mixing soy sauce and wasabi like a pro.

"Thank you again as always…" Nina let out a breath.

"I'm going to start charging you therapy hours. Screw that Harley Quinn doctor." Lily winked.

"Heh, sometimes I just wish all this craziness of the production would just stop you know? So I can just reflect… and breathe for a second."

"You're living out a dream Nina. You can't stop. Who knows how much longer this lasts?"

"I know… but sometimes… I wish I can work on myself rather than the show." Nina tried to reflect now. "I healed so fast… so quickly. Sometimes I'm afraid I might fall back."

"I told you I won't let you fall back." Lily grabbed a piece of fish and hand fed it to her, Nina tasting the delightful food with a smile. "I love you Nina."

"I know you do…" Nina felt so pampered. "And I love you even more."

I love you so much… I want to be perfect for you. I wish… I could be a White Swan… and more of a Black Swan so we can have more fun… together.

"Wow, foods here!" Lynn was being carried back by Rick, laughing like a schoolgirl. "Guys! I beat him! I won!"

"Wow, Rick you must suck…" Lily commented.

"I let her win… you know… because I love Sake…"

"Actually you're a smart man." Lily gave him props while pouring everyone a shot. "Okay Lynn… let's sneak one in before we get kicked out for under aged drinking."

"Ugh… fine just one."

"What do we drink to?" Nina asked as she held her small cup.

"To a bright future!" Lynn was quite excited as she and Rick apparently did some relationship talking.

"To forgetting the bad stuff in the past… and keeping only the good." Lily added.

"To success for everyone here who tries so hard to achieve it." Nina nodded.

"For… warm sake and cute Japanese chicks!" Rick finished.

"Amen to that! Bottom's up!"

- B – B – B -

The four drank quite a lot to go with their delectable fish dishes. Two of them apparently held their alcohol better than their counterparts though.

"R-r-remember when Lily almost t-t-took us into a fight…. With that big guy at the Yankees game?" Lynn slurred.

"Heh yes… I do." Rick laughed nervously as he held her up, body weight fully on him.

"Hah, wearing a Giants jersey to a Yankees game is always a good idea." Lily held onto Nina, being her own support. Nina was a bit quieter than the other drunk surely. Lynn and Nina were not the most experienced drinkers and it showed. Three shots did one in. Five did the other.

"Y-yeah… we would've kicked his… ass…" Lynn belched cutely.

"Make sure s-she… gets home… safe okay?" Nina mumbled to Rick poking him hard in the chest, slowly hugging onto Lily, trying to kiss her in rapid succession. Lily wouldn't usually avoid the sweet kissing of Nina Sayers but she needed to hail a cab with that distinct voice of hers.

"Heh, calm down Nina… we have time to do this later." Lily brushed lips as she tried to peak around. "TAXI!"

"No... now… now…" Nina mumbled in a whining way, trying to aim for Lily's mouth but was seeing double. She didn't know which one to kiss, lunging forward and missing.`

"Lynn's apartment is not too far from here. It's about a block down. We'll truck it from here guys." Rick lifted Lynn up, being ballet dancers making it quite easy. "See you two tomorrow alright?"

"Later guys! Keep in touch!" Lily waved. "Take care Lynn!"

"I LOVE YOU BOTH!" Lynn yelled out as she curled her hands around Rick. "Let's go home and m-make out! Oh Rick, drop it to the floor make me wanna say hey baby…"

"S-she seems happy…" Nina whispered with her own inner joy as she held Lily's face close.

"Of course… I told you she'd be fine."

"Woooo! SWANS!" A bunch of young college kids walked by and into a nearby bar called Smithies. A couple of the girls twirled like ballerinas drunk off their own selves, the guys whistling at the sight of the two beautiful Swan Queens. Lily turned with a simple wave and nod.

"Yo ballerinas, want to come hang tonight or what?" An overzealous or drunk male yelled out.

"L-let's go pa~~rty." Nina whined drunk as well, urging Lily to go do her usual thing of the past. This Lily… wasn't exactly as careless. She wasn't only worrying for herself anymore. She had someone she loved as her best interest.

"No no, you're going to hate me tomorrow if I let you do anymore alcohol damage dear." Lily was surprisingly the controlled one, holding her up and ignoring the invitation that she'd usually jump at.

"Aw, what's the matter? Ya'll skinny broads can't handle this machismo?"

"Heh, keep thinking that so you can sleep sunshine. All that talk usually means I have a small dick and I need to let you know." Lily shot back as she watched the college drunks blast their own for being verbally worked by San Fran's best. She got the taxi finally as Nina stayed hugged in her arms. Watching the kids sway off on their fun, Lily took a glance back. A glance at what she left behind… the loud music. The socializing… the wild fun. All that used to be an every night deal.

Because of loved one in her arms… she gave all that up.

As the taxi drove off Lily leaned back in the car laying Nina so she could sit comfortably. The two looked out the window and towards the glitzy life of the New York nightlife.

"Why didn't… you go party?" Nina leaned forward, putting her head on Lily's shoulder.

"Because you're tired. And you need to be strong tomorrow." Lily ran her fingers across Nina's smooth head of hair, and held her around her smooth naked shoulder. "Besides… when I get back home I have a little surprise for you."

Nina smiled with a drunk face. She liked… surprises.

- B – B – B –

Life was good financially for the two ballerinas, the two highest paid ballet dancers in the world sharing one place. Getting back to their posh penthouse in Trump Towers with a slide of the key, the dark room was lit up with a simple clap. Swan Lake memorabilia and images of Nina and Lily together sat across the entire living space, Lily actually dragging Nina passed a mannequin with the Black Swan outfit draped over it. This was an improvement in living spaces for sure… especially for Nina Sayers.

Sliding into their room which actually had a sliding door, Lily told her love she was going to "Put on something more comfortable.", and that made Nina's eyes light up like a child as usual.

In seconds she put Nina into the bed with her laptop on and place on that lap, Nina even drunk wanting to keep her eyes on her work. As an inebriated Nina was watching, probably not understanding anything that was going on onstage, Lily was in the bathroom, hurrying her little surprise… grooming and dressing herself as the part as the sexy Swan she was. She smacked her lips together as she glossed up that mouth nice and shiny… slowly opening the door.

"Oh Nina…" She stepped out in silk lingerie from a Victoria's secret catalogue, see through black and lace, barely covering a goddess' body. Lily was proud of her body and flaunted it accordingly, that would never change. Smokey eyes and a dark and mysterious aura, knowing that the sight of her in a sexy pair of bra and panties made Nina squeal made her quite happy. Or at least… that's what she'd usually do.

"Nina?" Lily blinked only to see her lover asleep against the headboard of the bed, laptop still on and going. Nina was out cold.

Darn it…

She sighed to herself as she walked over, trying not to wake Nina up. She slides the laptop away from her lap, and gently and slowly, tucked her in. Nina mumbled a few words but didn't open her eyes being exhausted. Lily leaned over kissing her forehead, as she slowly waded passed the bed and back to the bathroom. It was apparent that she needed to change into something more comfortable… than more comfortable.

"Getting none tonight." Lily said with a blank voice, taking off her sexy wear to get into a big shirt and shorts. Before she would though she began talking to herself with hand puppets, doing a little show in the mirror for her own amusement.

"Oh Lily you look so sexy." Lily mimicked Nina's softer voice pretty well.

"Why thank you… Nina… only for you…"

"Aw… I love you Lily… please… you're the best sex I ever had. Come take me!" She said it like a damsel in distress.

"But of course… mmm mm m." She made her own hands make out, blinking at her silliness as she stared into the mirror. "… And cue the hot sex…" Lily finished to herself.

After some more maintained she walked out of the bathroom all ready for bed, sliding the thick blanket open and taking a seat on the soft cushion. She grabbed Nina's laptop for a quick shut down but noticed that she wasn't watching any Swan Lake performances or doing any work. She was on a dictionary… Urban dictionary website.

Meshuggah – crazy… insane.

Lily blinked a few times knowing only one person who'd ever use that word. It was tattooed across her lower back and proudly so. Lily shot Nina a soft glance, wondering to herself. She closed the laptop, sliding into bed, and holding onto Nina as she tried to sleep… images of her past kept slowly creeping back though.

So you did talk to Jade… or at least… you're looking at her.

Huh, I don't know which one's worse.