A/N: I wrote this listening to "Don't Think" - Chemical Brothers, from the club scene in the movie which inspires this chapter a lot. That scene is freaky and sexy! :) About Nina's psychosis and schizophrenia. I don't think people would automatically assume she was that unless she told them so. Owen Wilson had a suicide attempt and no one called him psycho just yet... in this story she is diagnosed with severe depression and stress.

But that's what she is 'diagnosed' with.

Thanks for the support everyone.

Act III: Don't Think

Let me go…

Comfortably numb.

The rhythmic pulse was all she could feel.

The bass frequencies from the club's sound system were overwhelming her senses, Nina feeling wave after wave slam straight into her with mechanical precision, an emotionless groove that caressed her ears and body into a frantic primal dance. Deep inside, the rhythm matched her racing heart, pushing hard against her bony chest, forcing her to move almost against her will. Neon colors flashed around her in a confused flurry, bouncing to music just like she was. Like everyone else was.

Don't worry...

Just let it all go…

She felt unreal. It almost seemed out of body. Nina could have been any of these club goers around her, contorting, thrusting, and grinding their bodies together – all in a sinful display of tainted lust that she felt was unspeakable. There was male on female. Male on male. Female on female. It didn't matter it seemed. Ballet taught her that dance was about discipline and the beauty of the arts. This rhythmic miming of human passion she was partaking in was a dance in a way she never knew. A dance of the most primitive of natures….

A dance with no control.

Nina…

A dance with no precision.

Nina…

Only lust.

SET ME FREE!

"Nina!"

She could barely hear it. Nina was lost in the chaos of the dance floor, trying to catch her breath as her mind was overwhelmed with feelings so alien to her. The voice pulled her eyes across the lustful stares of sweating men and woman, all vying for a piece of her body, grinding and pulling her with sinful intentions. Her weightless form tumbled into the arms of a familiar face – that face smiling at her, drawing her in like always.

"Hah, someone looks like they're having fun!" Lily yelled into her ears with an ecstatic laugh as she brought them cheek to cheek.

Nina just beamed dumbly and didn't even reply to that sultry gaze, only closing her eyes in ecstasy, burying her face into Lily's shoulder as she fell forward limply. Lily caught Nina's wavering body with a tight grip around her shoulders, Nina breathing deep through her nose as she couldn't get enough of the sweetness that was Lily's bare skin. The scent was putting her in a trance and was intoxicating her as the drug that started this journey. She cooed as she felt Lily's arms wrap around her as they swayed to the music, embracing the warmth and depraved atmosphere.

"I had my doubts Nina, but I knew you could dance without a tutu!" Lily complimented over the bumping music as she pulled away gently, making a dismayed Nina open her entranced eyes curiously. "Now let me see all you got..."

Oh, it feels good doesn't it?

Nina let out a pleasurable gasp, sensing her knees buckle as she felt Lily's thigh press up against hers, skin against skin. The only reason she didn't collapse was because Lily's arms were coiled like snakes around her thin waist, pulling both their lower halves tightly together in a lustful bond. Nina was hesitant at first but that lasted only but a moment. The ballerina reluctantly grooved as the music took her yet again, both those girls' hips thrusting forward, both now moving in unison.

Bare skin to bare skin, dress to dress, Lily's and Nina's mouths were agape as their bodies smoothly caressed one another, sensations of pleasure and desire oozing through Nina's loins.

Lily was so beautiful.

You want her so bad don't you?

So mysterious.

So… sexy…

I want her too…

Nina's breathing only intensified as the music seemed to pick up the pace, Lily relentless in her grinds and strokes. The pleasure was almost unbearable, a throbbing deep inside Nina that felt like it wanted to scream out. There wasn't a thought of control. There wasn't a concern with getting anything correct or perfect. There were only her and her immoral feelings towards this sex driven creature.

Creatures…

I want everything Nina.

Everything!

Lily was strangely oblivious to it all as they shared in their ecstasy but Nina sensed it as clear as day. She couldn't voice her displeasure as in an instant Lily's lips seemed to silence her. Even in the pleasure filled trance Nina felt they all were closing in around them like predators on the hunt. Nina's eyes rolled to the left and right as she felt lips on her neck, hands on her perky chest, caressing fingers against her belly and underskirt, feeling every sensation that was making her want to cry out. Lily's lips wouldn't let her do so. It was scary but the pleasure was actually becoming painful…

Black birds.

Headless Dancers.

Distorted Monsters.

A Dying White Swan.

They're all out to get us…

- B – B – B -

"Huh, a night at the club gone wrong. That sure brings back memories for me. Heh, like last night's memories!"

The words came slowly with a stern statement as much as it was perkily voiced. Nina laid puzzled as she was in her required therapy session. The reaction of her listener made her know this wasn't the most professional of psychiatrists but at least she was really nice and laid back.

"I'm just kidding by the way…"

With some high pitched poking following soon after, Nina heard that doctor's pen scratch against that notebook yet again. The ballerina was antsy but calm, lying her head down against the couch's arm rest, staring up at the dead white ceiling. Her arms coiled around her body as she retold the tale of when things began to spiral out of control in the last month, hugging herself almost being the only comfort she had.

It was difficult for Nina to open up completely. The ambiguity of her club story was the only option. The question of this psychiatric counselor was a bit unfair to say the least. How could she explain all that happened to someone who didn't even know her?

"So you don't remember who you went to the club with that night?"

"No." Nina closed her eyes in the lie.

"I see…" The psychiatrist leaned back against her leather seat, Nina getting the sense that this woman while fun could see right through her. This was confirmed as that blue pen was tapped against wood impatiently. "So, it was that night that you could remember where it all started?"

"N-no but… it was the most vivid for sure." Nina stuttered in deep thought about that evening. Although the memories felt like scrambled eggs, she knew it was the night she first let all her doubts and worries go. The night where she finally 'lived' for once. Of course all thoughts focused more specifically in the end. Lily being so close to her, feeling her warm breath against her lips, all the feelings of letting go for her sake being a drug that consumed her.

"Some people do react to certain drugs quite badly but I think there's much more to this than just one night." The psychiatrist was speaking so elementary; Nina knowing that she wasn't buying this is an entire explanation to her breakdown. "Anything else you want to share with me about it?"

The hallucination after the club… maybe?

"It's just a big blur to me… honestly." Nina defended herself from any more mental prodding with a simple excuse.

"Look dear, I know it's hard, but you have to trust me if we're going to make any breakthroughs." The blonde doctor adjusted her seat, leaning forward as she adjusted those thick black bifocals as well. "Okay what about your love life? Do you have a boyfriend? A fiancé?"

Love life? That was a strange topic…

"N-no… and I don't see how that pertains to anything."

"Love is the most polarizing feeling known to mankind." The doctor smirked in her own defense. "Now, are you interested in anyone at the moment?"

Awkward pause.

"I… um… don't know what to say."

"Hmm, you said something earlier about how you felt your own teacher was-"

"Thomas…" Nina reminded, the name making her jolt inside.

"Yes… Thomas." The doctor stared closely at her reaction. "What is your relationship with him like?"

Nina blankly looked at the ceiling again as she said not knowing what words would be acceptable to divulge. What of her and Thomas Leroy? On one hand they have kissed. She had been seduced and totally amored by him. Thomas gave her a chance at making a dream a reality with his opportunity of being Swan Queen. Thomas LeRoy was integral for her accomplishments as a dancer and now was at her side when she needed someone the most. Only a fool would deny someone like this a place in their heart.

But deep down in the pit of her stomach and mind was confusion… the struggling of what Nina would call the biggest fool.

Even last night at the dinner, it was awkward as Thomas ate with her in her newly furnished apartment home, sharing a glass of champagne and making jokes earlier in the night. He was entertaining, charming, and sexually imposing as usual. It was only a matter of time until they were close on the couch, Thomas forcing his strong hands and lips to her, the two making out instantly like a pair of stirred teenagers. What was just fun and games soon became a furious and rugged dance as Nina felt her clothes being pulled away.

Just like that though the night stopped and surprisingly Thomas went home without much satisfaction.

She told him she wasn't ready.

Honestly at this rate she wasn't sure if she would ever be ready for him.

"… I don't know where I stand with him." Nina answered after the long pause, making the psychiatrist drop her attention in disappointment.

"Okay, alright then… um, let's get to your family then…"

Oh no…

"You used to live with your single mother am I correct?"

Nina tried to stop it but could only nod desperately as the thoughts of her mother began to flood her mind. It was like a monsoon coming down upon a third world village. Her last phone call with her mother was superficially supportive but still had that tone of what had been terrorizing her life for too many years. Her mother's worry and overbearing nature was only softened by a near death experience after all. Nina needed to move out for a reason and speaking about this right now was too soon in her mind.

"Ms. Quinn, I thank you for this but c-can we continue this tomorrow?" Nina suddenly sat up, her sympathetic face begging for a way out.

"First just call me Harley." The blonde curled her eyes. "Second, we've only been here for half an hour. Your session is a required hour."

"I know but… it's the first day of this and…" Nina began fidgeting with her fingers.

"Alright… alright…" Harley interrupted calmly, surprisingly giving in quickly, standing up and grabbing her papers. "Now, I'm letting you go early today ONLY because I know it's difficult the first time. I expect more openness from you tomorrow. Understood?"

Nina smiled appreciatively as she grabbed her purse. The ballerina's luck seemed strong these days as her spirits were lifted again by a bit of kindness. It was almost like this doctor was the perfect one for her. Dr. Harley Quinn was extremely kind, young and empathetic, probably a similar age to Nina herself. She'd be truly perfect if not for a bit loose professionalism and that high pitched energy in her personality and voice.

"Now you have your medication right?" Harley handed her the list to go over. "Sleeping pills for if you have trouble going to bed. Anti-depressants as well?"

"Uh, yes. I believe I have everything." Nina confirmed as she looked over the list paper, almost amazed if not horrified at how much drugs she was on. It's strange how a pill can save all your problems right?

"Good. Now, if you feel strange or just feel bad please give us a call anytime."

"Yes Harley, thank you so much."

"See you tomorrow 8:30 a.m. sharp Miss S."

- B – B – B -

Showtime was arriving fast and it snuck up on almost everyone but Thomas himself. The lead of the group was as always on the ball and calm but even he was surprised at the pandemonium that was this 2nd Opening Night. Outside theater it was a frenzy that was usually saved for a celebrity get-together in Los Angeles. Nina of course was surprised as well. Usually there wasn't this much hoopla over a show like this. As big as Thomas Leroy and his production company was, ballet was still the beneficiary of a niche type of audience – small relative to other types of entertainment. Outside it looked more like a rock concert to be honest and it seemed all the hype was true.

The coverage Nina garnered with her controversial performance was bearing fruit. Those 5,000,000 YouTube hits and counting of "A Bleeding Ballerina" meant something.

With an open of the backdoor and passing through a plethora of security guards, Nina arrived through the back of the Performance Arts center as the hectic nature of a ballet production backstage was running full force. Girls were running around like chickens without heads as they were doing final costume checkups. Makeup designers were begging their walking canvasses for one more touchup to make it perfect, and assistant producers were running final light and stage prop setups, praying nothing would go wrong.

Nina was supposed to be at Thomas side at this point and was trying to find him. From down the corner she sees a head pop out of a dressing room, stopping the girl right on her tracks with those agile toes.

"Oh awesome timing you!" Lily waved towards Nina, hiding her body in the doorway for some reason. "Hey Nina can you come here? I need some help!" her head popped back in like a gopher as fast as she appeared.

"Uh, Lily?" Nina blinked curiously as she walked down towards the room with much reluctance, slowly but surely realizing where she had to go.

The bloody room where it all happened was like some sort of ominous area where Nina hadn't stepped into since that night. It felt like silly superstition but in her fragile state her fear was an overwhelming feeling that couldn't be reasoned with. But strangely as she kept hearing a thumping beat and loud rumblings coming from the Swan Queen's room; even she had to put away her personal thoughts of paranoia.

Poppin' bottles in the ice
Like a blizzard
When we drink we do it right,
Gettin' Slizzard.

Sippin' Sizurp in ride,
Like a Three 6
Now I'm flyin' so high like a G6

"Lily?"

Nina tentatively grabbed the door knob and opened it up, glancing inside as a cranked boom box was responsible for the loud rattling. The sonic euphoria wasn't exactly the main attraction and it almost sounded like nothing for a split second to Nina. She could only gaze on with a bit of quirkiness as the sight in front of her would make anyone just silently ogle in admiration if not absurdity. Lily was standing there only in a towel wrapped around her body, wet from a just finished shower. Dancing as if she was back in the club, swaying those hips, and shaking her toush, Nina couldn't believe this could be the warm up of a proper Swan Queen.

"Like a G6! Like a G6! N-n-n-now I'm feelin' so fly like a G6!" Lily sang loudly and proudly as she turned seeing Nina with a happy face. "God don't you love this song!"

The music was way too loud.

"Lily! Can you please turn that down?" Nina winced as she plugged her ears, getting over the preliminary excitement of a towel adorned Lily. The Swan Queen complied quickly with a huff, turning down the volume knob as she swayed her smooth self over towards Nina.

"Sorry." Lily as always played it so innocent. "When you give a girl like me her own dressing room, she needs to break it in." She walked over to Nina with a hip hop strut as the music still playing at lower volumes. "It's better than sharing a room with twenty catty ballerinas that's for sure."

"Apparently so…" Nina blushed looking down towards tiles as she tried to not stare at Lily's toweled body. She nervously glanced around the room for an out, observing a new type of decorative style that Lily had imposed onto the room. Two pictures of famous Hollywood stars were posted where the shower room was. Lily really was making this her own room now.

"Like what I've done with the place huh?" Lily walked over towards the area of interest, planting a playful kiss on both the pictures as if they were the real deals. "Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie… aren't they just the cutest?"

Nina just blinked away. "U-um… you are attracted to them… both?"

"Uh, who doesn't love those two?" Lily questioned puzzled.

"I just wasn't sure if you were even… attracted to women." Nina wanted to bite her tongue till it bleed, knowing this was a territory of very little comfort for her.

"Hmm, well besides the fact that any straight girl would love to fuck Angelina anyway." Lily added that point poignantly. "I'm from San Francisco babe. If you're not at least bi-curious something is really wrong with you."

"R-right of course." Nina relayed the knowledge to herself, almost already knowing the answer she was going to get from Lily but having the confirmation sober made it more official. It kind of made her happy to hear it… strangely.

"How about you madam?" Lily turned the tables like a pro, those wet dark bangs of hers whisking to the side as she turned her head in a seductive manner.

"M-me?" Nina stepped back both mentally and physically. "Y-you mean am I…"

"A fan of Matt Damon?" Lily scoffed disappointed but jokingly. "No silly! I'm just making sure I got you 'straight' is all. I am guessing you're at least bi-curious… am I right?"

"Lily… please…"

"What? I thought we had an open discussion here."

Nina's now silence spoke louder than words.

"Ah I see." Lily snuggly grinned to herself, crossing her lean arms in confident subtlety. "Is Lily being a big old prod again?"

"Yes…" Nina confirmed bashfully.

"Well it's just I tell you everything about me and I get nothing. Does that sound fair?"

"Please, just tell me what you need." Nina had now gotten over Lily's sexually charged post shower get up at this point. "I need to get back and help Thomas."

"Help Thomas?" Lily gave a curled look that made Nina feel crazy. "Nina, the guy's been running the show for years without an official assistant! Just relax. I just needed someone's help with this."

Cranking up the heightened mood, Lily abruptly turned around, doing something that made Nina literally twitch of surprise, horror, and internal excitement. Her damp white towel dropped away from her body and hit the floor as silent as a feather. Lily was now standing freely like it was happening in slow motion, Nina seeing her entire backside in the nude. Nina didn't know whether to run away as her mind was telling her, but another side couldn't let her eyes rip away. That slender body, that smooth back, that nicely shaped and curved…

"I need you to magically make these tattoos go poof be gone." Lily made a wiggling motion with her fingers like a wizard would, gesturing Nina to the skin toner mask that was on the desk with the other.

"… Hiding your tattoos." Nina mumbled dumbly, red hot inside her body and cheeks knowing that the front side naked show was just a few footsteps to the right or left. Lily used the mirror to track Nina's movements, of course being amused at how the former Swan Queen was dealing with her brash comfort in her own body. Making Nina squeal was a cute guilty pleasure.

"For the White Swan they'll be gone but once the Black Swan hits? Boom! I got some bad ass wings. Cool huh?"

"Y-yes that'll be quite the impactful detail." Nina agreed halfly listening; shaking her head and trying to stay composed and focused. Gradually she was building herself up to work on this temple of a lean ballerina body. It was ironically the best choice to choose Nina for Lily. For those scars on those lean shoulders of Nina Sayers made her an expert at hiding things with makeup.

"Brrr, hurry up its cold in here Nina. I won't bite…" Lily pleaded cutely and teasingly.

Nina held her own inhibitions inside like she always did and began to work in the make up with the brush like a tentative child, her fingers against Lily's back softly. As always this was a feeling of excitement and nervousness that Lily's presence brought with her. Only this time this was compounded to a level where Nina was just almost beside herself. Growing friendship or not, being sober and being this close to Lily was just… so many things she couldn't explain it. She was actually touching her bare skin. So smooth…

"I am making you nervous aren't I?" Lily just peered upward cutely, herself enjoying Nina's touch without much reaction. There was no line Lily wouldn't cross.

"Nervous isn't exactly the word."

"Oh?" Lily smirked about to step over another line. "How about… aroused then?"

"… I… y-you enjoy just watching me look stupid don't you?"

"Stupid isn't exactly the word." Lily laughed as she wisely spun the statement back towards Nina. She was pretty and clever. That was all part of her aura and charm.

Surprisingly to even Lily, Nina broke a smile as the darker haired one appeared to just find a way to turn this sheltered nervous girl into a friend who could just exchange quips. For Nina she just focused on those tattoos with no distractive temptation and it helped gravely with the naked eye feast that was Lily. Those beautiful wings of a swan, etched with perfect precision, contrasting greatly with the canvas that was Lily's posterior.

"These tattoos are beautiful." Nina commented with all truth as she started to cover one up with a base coat. These tattoos were works of art as far as she was concerned.

"Thanks." Lily appreciated the words. "Why? Is Ms. Perfect thinking about getting one?"

"… N-no…" Nina shook her head quite quickly as if it was an unrealistic desire. "Aren't these sort of a permanent thing?"

"Wow, you really are the careful thinker." Lily clapped her hands amusingly. "I should try to be more like that. I'm more of the jump into it and ask questions later type of gal."

"I just don't see a reason for me to get one." Nina finished the base coat, stroking passed Lily's shoulder blade, feeling the lean muscle beneath. "Uh, w-what made you want to get these tattoos?"

With that question Lily paused for a moment, Nina noticing for the first time some real hesitant thought coming from her old rival. The new Swan Queen rubbed her arms as she stared to the ground in a broken grin. It was as if she was pulling something from a long time ago into her mind. Images that took a while to process.

"I was young and stupid Nina… that's all."

There was no playfulness in those words and it made it that much more discerning for Nina as she looked into the reflection of Lily's face. For a split second there wasn't that carefree smile or that sensual look. It was a side Nina had never seen before. A side of discomfort…

"Nina what do you really think of me?"

What do I think of you?

"Um, what do you mean?"

"I meant what I asked." Lily peered over her shoulder, glancing back at the reflection that was Nina to her rear. Nina couldn't really understand what Lily was asking. She thought they had cleared up where they stood yesterday over that nice dinner. Some filler words began to pop up.

"Well I think you're a nice person. A wonderful dancer."

"Okay, yes I was expecting the kiss my ass answers but I am being serious." Lily insisted again. "You're not mad at me are you? Not even the least bit? You… trust me don't you?"

Why are you questioning me?

"Yes… didn't I tell you this already?"

"Yes… I know." Lily scrunched her neck to the side. "It's just… I have a feeling that deep down something's still not right between us… crazy right?"

Crazy…

"N-no… I meant what I said Lily." Nina paused her make up work for a second, trying to be careful with her words. "I am fine with you being lead. Why are you asking me this now?"

"I j-just got to thinking yesterday…" Lily continued to push the issue, thinking of what Veronica was accusing her of and how angry it made her. If it was all bullshit then why did it bother her so much?

"You promise everything is alright Nina?"

"Yes… I…"

Think… I do.

"… Promise."

Lily let out a deep breath as she nodded, taking Nina's words to heart if not fully in mind. Nina's confusion with the question made her work more calmly, actually worrying for Lily as she patted down the skin with powder. Was the infallible Lily actually wilting under the show pressure? Nina showed her professional work as she completed the disappearing tattoo trick in record time.

"It's done."

Lily perked up and spun around so she could glance in the mirror, almost in a naive way now flaunting the front side to which made Nina turn her eyes away in embarrassment. Lily stroked her shoulder blades amazed at the job Nina did, the usual work from her makeup artist not even close to this good.

"Wow this is amazing Nina, it looks just like my skin."

"I get a lot of practice." Nina gulped as now that her attention was no longer occupied. "So um… I guess now I'll be going then…"

"No please… come on! Just stay so you can give me company till show time." Lily pleaded grabbing Nina's hand. This was bringing flashbacks of the time Nina ran into Lily at the sponsor party, both of the girls meeting for the first time in a bathroom. How sleazily appropriate Nina thought.

"Alright…" Nina opened her eyes noticing now Lily was already beginning to assemble her White Swan outfit. As much as Nina knew she'd want to see Lily nude for some sick reason, she had a feeling she wasn't exactly ready for it yet.

Lily kept glancing in the mirror, getting dressed up in the tight white number, peaking over at Nina as the assistant sat down. The silence and sight of Lily finally in clothing let Nina finally breathe in this room. It wasn't exactly a pleasant thought. Even with Lily's presence she began to feel it. That same isolation and loneliness that let her madness take over her. She sat in that chair just like Lily did right now… preparing for the night of her life.

The Black Swan outfit was hanging in the closet, Nina's eyes slowly peaking that way. It was a memory unlocking itself as she then peaked over to the doorway to the shower, where the puddle of blood came rushing out. That was the costume Lily had on when they battled in this room to the death. Nina began feeling lightheaded. She… hated this room.

"Hey are you okay?" Lily took her hand shaking, Nina breaking back into the reality.

"Y-yes… w-why?" Nina felt like she almost nodded out.

"You just kept staring at the ground not saying anything." Lily blinked. "I asked you how do I look?"

Nina didn't notice the time pass by, now ogling from head to toe the most beautiful White Swan she had ever seen. Lily fit it so nicely, hugging her every lean curve, it being a real treat for the eyes to see her in a light colored get up so up close. The blacks didn't do this girl justice.

"You look beautiful." Nina had a moment of weakness as she breathed the words.

"Why thank you advisor." Lily bowed, hugging herself and making a playful over dramatic stare to the ceiling. "Oh where oh where is my prince? For I am the virgin swan! Desperate for help and attention!"

Nina blinked at the Shakespearian over acting. The word virgin and Lily don't even belong in the same paragraph let alone sentence.

"Not going to win an Oscar am I?" Lily knelt down to Nina's lap as the lighter haired one shook her head. Nina suddenly felt a rush of warmth rush around her legs, Lily hugging them as she glanced up appreciatively with honest eyes.

"Nina thanks for accepting me… it really means everything to me." Lily spilled out something different rather than playful sexiness. How about real emotion for once?

"I… it's nothing Lily." Nina smiled back in just as much appreciation. For Lily she began to honestly believe Nina's heart was in it when said she was alright with her having the Swan Queen role. Right now Nina had her own realization. That all her fears and doubts waned almost to non-existence whenever Lily was around and had her complete attention. If she were alone in this room she had no idea how she would react. If it wasn't for Lily, Nina probably wouldn't even be here.

"Thank you…" Lily almost whispered it being a couple inches away from Nina's face, their noses almost touching.

Their eyes locked deeply into each other, both admiring the most beautiful complexions they had both come across. Their bodies kept telling them to get closer both feeling the urge to connect. The moment that came next was about to make them both feel lightheaded but…

KNOCK KNOCK!

"There I knocked Lily! You have thirty minutes! Get your ass out to the stage and stand by!"

Lily huffed as she blew upward, Nina backing away, finally getting to breathe again. A moment like this ruined was like being sideswiped by the New York City Metro.

"Alright Thomas! I'm coming!"

Lily turned to Nina and began to shake her dancer's body. "I guess it's show time baby!"

She's not nervous at all…

- B - B – B -

Lily felt the energy out in the crowd as she stood behind the curtains. A humming roar was seeping out from the theater seating area. The Swan Queen was stretching her arms and legs, pumping herself up as she jumped up and down, an intense energy overcoming her. Lily was fun and games but when it came down to dance she was as in the zone as any ballerina was. For her? There was no one around her. It was just her and the stage. This was her time.

"Alright Lily, this is what we've been training for." Thomas walked over taking her arms into his hands. "Are you ready to continue where we left off?"

"Yes Thomas… this crowd won't know what hit them." Lily bounced in his grip.

"That's my girl." Thomas smiled, turning to the other dancers. "This is all your moments! Do not cheat yourselves by doing anything less than excellence!"

Nina admired the charisma from behind as she walked over to Lily with a notepad in her hand. She just got done checking the ballerinas for any last questions, now finally being able to stand side by side with Lily as they both stared at the stage. Nina had run through this before. Lily was about to hit a roller coaster she would never forget.

"Is everything okay?" Nina asked, imagining the night of pure intensity, waiting for her moment on the stage.

"More than okay… I just want to get out there and do my thing now!" Lily shivered. "This wait is killing me."

"Just stay calm and remember, just like practice." Nina adjusted her radio microphone she now had to communicate with Thomas from across the stage.

"Wow you look so professional with that mic thing." Lily poked at the microphone headset.

"You… just keep your mind on the performance. Good luck alright?" Nina giggled as Lily kept prodding at the pretentious tool.

"You just wait here. I want to see you when I am done with the first act." Lily patted her cheek as the music hit, ballerinas beginning to pour on stage. Nina waved as Lily smoothly backed up, for the first time the spotlight hitting her as the crowd was now locked onto that ball of energy.

The act went smoothly, Nina admiring from the side what everyone was seeing on the stage. Lily kicked it up to a level that no one had seen, hitting moves so precise and effortless, position transitions as smooth as a Swan would be. Her eyes looked so innocent, her motions so beautiful. Nina was lost in the music, her love for ballet channeling through her newest friend. It was making her chest heavy watching Lily dance.

From outside Lily was feeling it, trusting her partner as she was lifted up like a bird, her hands striking a perfect line, legs parallel against the floor, spinning around high in the air weightless. She lands with a spin and a push to second position, toes straight up and pushing off into a leap to the side. Being perfect wasn't Lily's common thread but she was doing a hell of a job, Nina almost swearing she got a wink from Lily as she passed by the side stage.

"Lily's doing great isn't she?"

"Yes…" Nina mumbled, humming the Swan lake theme, watching the ballet outside.

"She's so beautiful out there as the White Swan… dancing it so innocently as if she were the type. She isn't as good as you are though."

Nina suddenly froze as her attention on Lily was jolted. She noticed it wasn't a voice that should be there. A feeling that should not be here right now. Nina turned in a horrified gasp as she saw no one beside her. All that was there was the mirror for ballerinas to do a final check, an image of herself staring right back at her, smiling.

I hope nothing bad happens to her…. like it happened to you.

Don't you agree… Nina?

A/N: Things will start feeling a bit more like the movie for now. :) The next chapter is tentatively named Bleed... that's all you need to know.