Title: Boys' Night Out

Synopsis: Bodie was always a good listener, especially when it came to Angel's girl problems.

Genre: Drama (mostly?)

Sometimes their dance battles were a chance to hang out and blow off some steam doing what they did best. Other times, it was just an extension of Aubrey and Emilia's catfights. Either way, Angel and Bodie opted to just sit out and watch whenever the girls got heated up. They had long since known that it would be too dangerous to interfere. Apparently this time they were arguing over a post on Instagram, or something like that. As long as those two had known each other, there was always one thing or another that set them off into fights like this.

Bodie was grateful he wasn't treated with disdain by association. Then again, you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who could admit to disliking Bodie. His relationship with Lush Crew certainly fared better than Emilia's at any rate. Still, Emilia and Aubrey do this so often he and Angel had taken up making wagers on the victor (behind the girls' back of course, they would not be pleased to know their "business" had become a source of amusement). The usual bet was either a small amount of cash or treating a round of drinks at the club.

It was Angel's turn to treat. It was somewhat expected, since Emilia seemed really determined to make up for Riptide's previous loss. The score always ended up even when it came down to it. They headed down to the club that night, ready to wind down from the day's events. Angel in particular, since he got an earful from Aubrey even though she was the one doing all the work. He always managed to be a convenient target for her to take out her frustration on, Angel being one of the few to ever remain in her extended company.

Times like these were pretty much their "guys' night out". It was a moment to have time to themselves and catch up on the latest happenings. Still, one way or another the conversations always end up revolving around Aubrey thanks to Angel. Bodie knew when Angel was thinking about her: drink in hand, he'd stare off into space with a stern expression when he'd usually face the world with confidence and swagger. The dapper playboy who always kept his cool even when things didn't go his way somehow fell apart when it came to the queen of Lush Crew.

Bodie was never one to say an unkind word about anybody, but even he was concerned that the "relationship" between Angel and Aubrey was getting a bit out of hand. Of course Aubrey had the right to have control over her personal life, but she was infamous for being a perfectionist with nearly impossibly high standards. Angel may be a flirt, but beneath that cocky exterior was a heart of gold. Bodie couldn't help but be sympathetic. Not that papi chulo would want any pity, but Bodie wanted to support him somehow.

"What am I doing wrong, Bodie?" Angel asked suddenly. Bodie was caught slightly off-guard by the question.

"I wouldn't say you're doing anything wrong necessarily, but don't you think you should just give up on her?"

"Me, give up? That's not how I roll. You know that." Angel did love a good challenge, though describing Aubrey that way was quite the understatement.

"Well, how long are you going to keep this up? She could just say 'no' no matter what you do."

"I know but... I can't seem to keep myself away you know? This is going to sound crazy, but I'd rather be with Aubrey than anyone else."

"Even with the hundreds of girls always chasing after you?"

"More like thousands. And yeah, even then." Angel took another sip from his drink, leaving Bodie to consider ending the night early.

"So what exactly do you like about her anyway?" Angel paused, supposedly to gather his thoughts on the subject.

"You may not believe me, but she's more than a pretty rich girl. She's so talented and assertive..."

"And therefore thinks she's better than everyone and bosses you around all the time." Bodie obviously meant it as a joke, though it didn't stop Angel from getting riled up.

"Okay, I know it looks bad; it kind of threw me off too when we first met. But she's not like that all the time." As he spoke he had finished his glass and asked the bartender for another. Bodie decided to start keeping track in case things got out of hand. "Anyway, Aubrey's actually a sweet girl. Sure she talks about herself a lot and flaunts her money around a bit, but she's a lot nicer than she used to be you know?"

"Yeah, I know." Aubrey had certainly eased up on the haughtiness since the crews had formed. She still bragged about Lush Crew's apparent superiority of course, but she wasn't nasty about it. Bodie let Angel ramble on for a while, giving his friend a chance to vent. It was almost amazing how long Angel could talk about Aubrey, and so affectionately.

"...and I know I look kind of estupido when she makes me dance to 'Venus' with her, but it makes her happy. Dios mio, su sonrisa es tan linda~." Bodie had to refrain from laughing. By the time Angel started excessively slipping into Spanish, it was obvious he was reaching his limit.

"Love's rough isn't it?"

"Love, huh?" Angel responded, as if he hadn't even considered it. "Yeah, I suppose it is. I haven't been with another girl since I became her dance partner. And why would I? Aubrey es la perfeccion... She wouldn't believe me if I told her though." Angel simply sighed and sloshed the ice around in his glass. Bodie shrugged in response.

"Do you really want to be with her that badly?" Angel nodded and smiled to himself.

"She drives me crazy sometimes, but I still love being with her. Not just as part of the crew, but like, having her in my life. Heh, I look like a fool don't I?"

"Nah, I think that maybe Aubrey just doesn't realize what's she missing."

"Thanks man."

"Come on, I think it's time to go." Angel agreed and took care of the bill as promised. They left the club and after Bodie made sure Angel could make it back on his own, prepared to part ways.

"I'll see you later Bodie."

"See ya, and good luck with Aubrey."

"Gracias, but papi chulo doesn't need luck. I'm not giving up any time soon." He then turned and with a wave left in the direction of his apartment. Bodie stood there for a while, lost in his thoughts. He knew Lush Crew would probably go back to their roller-coaster of a relationship as soon as the next day, but knowing Angel was in a better mood since the night began was enough for him. Content with the sentiment, Bodie made his way home.

Wow, this turned out longer than I thought it would. Consider this a companion story to "Selfies" since that was Emilia's POV on Lush Crew while this is Bodie's. I'm sad to know that Angel won't be in the upcoming Dance Central Spotlight, but I'm trying to work my way through it to keep bringing stories to you. Thanks for supporting me in writing these! Just because my favorite crew won't be together for a while doesn't mean I'll lose hope! Hope you enjoyed and feel free to leave reviews.