Title: Dance with Me
Rating: T
Summary: A major league baseball player with a bad rep needs to clean his image. He signs on to do a reality dance show. Will he clean his image and have the right kind of chemistry with his partner?
Disclaimer: Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer. I own nothing.
Comments: Based loosely on the reality t.v. show Dancing with the Stars.

Thank you, Candy! :)

This chapter consists of the actual show day.

May 14th 2008

Edward POV

I had no idea where Bella was coming from. Three days ago she totally blindsided me.

She blatantly asked about my private and personal life before I met her. She was demanding, and I was apprehensive to tell her. Because the thing was, I didn't want to tell her. I didn't want her to know the worst of me. Since I've met her, I've been a totally different person. I mellowed out in more ways than one. Bella was the sole reason for my change. And the show helped too. I was so focused on something good that I didn't have time to mess it all up.

I tried to evade Bella's questions, but it was a failure. The look in her eyes, the tone of her voice, compelled me to tell her.

I told her the truth. I was a very different person five months ago. Five months ago, I'd have been gallivanting all over Los Angeles with skanky looking girl. I was just trying to have fun. Now, I spent my time with the most beautiful, and down-to-earth girl. Everything about her and the show was good. The atmosphere was very family oriented, and I liked every minute of it.

Maybe I just needed to focus my energy on good things. My interests are different now, and it felt good to be at this place. My past was a bit wild, and I was involved in some bad things. I did things my mother frowned upon; don't get me wrong, I'd never been in serious trouble, but I'd certainly had my fair share with recklessness.

That night at the studio Bella cried. She confessed her fears to me, and she let her walls down. She was so sad, and it hurt me to see her in such a fragile state.

The reason for Bella's breakdown was Rose. Rose informed Bella on my not so happy past. When Bella told me it was Rose who had spoken to her, I almost lost it. Rose was family, why would she do that to me? But then I thought about it, and realized she was just helping us. I knew I was in the wrong for not being so open with Bella. I guess I was trying too hard to be in the moment with Bella that I ignored some very important things.

I understood her concerns. I owed it to her to be completely honest with her. The way I looked at it, I didn't lie to her. I just hadn't come around to telling her about some stuff.

For the past few weeks I was so worried that Bella wouldn't want to be with me. I was worried that the media scrutiny would get to her, or that the possible long distance would turn her away. None of those fazed her. It was just the little, the more intimate details that mattered to her.

Bella took it all in. She let me talk, and never once interrupted me. She allowed me to explain myself, and she didn't yell or get angry. What hurt her was that she had to hear it from Rose, and not me. I admit, that sucked. I should've been more forthcoming, but I was a little preoccupied. It was a lame excuse, but it was the truth.

The good thing about Bella was that I could tell her anything. She wasn't judgmental.

I wasn't completely bad. I wasn't completely good. I had my fair share of troubles and rowdiness, but since being with Bella my priorities and goals have changed. I'm focused on getting back in the baseball field, and in making Bella happy. In order to do that I had to do well on the show; we've put in some long, hardworking hours this past week. We're really trying to step it up a notch and perform for the people who vote for us. I know that I can only control how well I dance, and the fans that vote for us are our lifesavers. Bella and I owed it to them to put on a good show.

As usual Monday was filled with an early call time. We arrived at the studio before eight a.m. and went off to the trailers. Most of the time, Bella and I don't get to see each other till right before dress rehearsal. Either I'd be in my trailer calming my nerves, or she'd be in hair and makeup with the girls.

Most of my morning and early afternoon was spent in my trailer with Emmett, Rose, and my parents. They arrived early to keep me company. Rose brought up the idea of going out after production. She said Bella thought it'd be nice if the four of us went out to dinner and then a club. I remembered Bella telling me that yesterday, so I agreed that we'd all go out after the show.

While Emmett went to take a phone call, I talked to Rose about her "chat" with Bella. Rose, of course didn't even deny it. She flat out told me that she felt right in her actions. She wasn't remorseful and I knew she wouldn't be. I wasn't angry with Rose, because I knew she was only trying to help in her own way.

By the time Emmett came back he'd heard us talking about me playing baseball again. I confided in Emmett. He knew I was close to choosing a team, and he already talked with Alice and Jasper. It was down to the Mariners or the Angels. Each was a good team in their own right, and it was just a matter of where I'd like to go. Which change of scenery would benefit me more? Where would I have the better opportunity to flourish and win?

I had so many things to think about, I felt like my head would explode. I couldn't afford to think about other things right now. The show and Bella was all I had time for.

After our dress rehearsal I went back to my trailer to calm my pre-show nerves. Even after all this time of being on the show I still got nervous.

By the time I met Bella backstage, I felt calmer. I had time to go off by myself and relax and now was the time for the hype and adrenaline to kick in. Being on a live show was fantastic and scary at the same time.

Bella and I were sixth to dance. That meant we'd have plenty of time to sit around and wait. On days when we're almost last to go on, Bella and I just chat and try our best to keep busy. We tried our best to keep our mind preoccupied.

Our first dance went well. It went better than I could have imagined. I'd always loved the song "Iris" and dancing to it with Bella really had some special meaning for me at least. Her choreography was wonderful, and she really showcased our partnership. I could lead her throughout the routine and that made me feel good. Another thing that went well was that the feelings I had for her radiated through our performance. We'd always had chemistry and we got along well, but at this stage in the competition and in our lives, our chemistry sizzled. It really helped us with our Viennese Waltz.

We hugged each other after we finished the routine and went to get our judges comments. I was very happy that they all liked her choreography and praised us for our hard work. We ended getting perfect set of scores. Neither one of us was expecting that because we'd never gotten a perfect score for a ballroom dance.

"You did so awesome!" Bella praised. She high fived me and then we went to get changed into our Paso costumes.

I was glad the Viennese Waltz was out of the way. It was the easier one of the two this week.

The Paso Doble and I had our differences, but Bella was certain I'd get it today. We rehearsed it today on stage and it went much better than in the studio rehearsal. I think it was a combination of the stage, production, and costumes that really helped me get in the character. I wasn't an actor by any means, but this show had a certain level of role-playing.

The movements of the Paso are very staccato and not as fluid as a regular Latin dance. Even though I had the steps down, I also had to have the performance and details covered. Bella worked very hard to get my performance where she needed it. I only hoped I could deliver when it was time.

My nerves were getting the best of me, and Bella could tell. Right before it was our turn; she took me aside and gave me a little pep talk. She told me exactly what I needed to hear. I just had to go out there, and own it. Even if I didn't feel okay and even if I was still insecure I had to own it. It was all about the right attitude and that's what the Paso is. It was an attitude, and I had to let all my fears and insecurities out and just tap into some aggressive mentality. I had to do it. I owed to Bella to do my best.

Sometimes, I feel funny and silly when I'm learning a dance. Other times, I feel awkward and insecure when I'm standing on the dance floor waiting for the music. There's all these questions filling around in my head, but as soon as Bella looks at me she snaps me back to our little bubble. After that, I can easily ignore the crowd.

The music started and I immediately went into that dramatic mood. It was easy to get into character when I was with Bella. She had this uncanny way of getting me to do what I needed to do.

Just like practice I grabbed her hard and pushed her towards me. I looked into her eyes and then released her. We circled each other and then got into our hold position. We had this side by side sequence that was perfect. I knew it was because I could feel it. When Bella and I dance well together, we kind of have a sixth sense. We can sense and anticipate where we'll step before it happens. For our ending pose Bella ended up on her back against the floor, and I was hovering over her.

I honestly didn't hear anything after that. I could tell we pleased the crowd and the judges. When we got backstage I felt so relived that the aggressive Paso was over. I really had a difficult time with it, and I was happy that I came out on top in the end. I proved to myself that no matter how stupid, awkward, funny, etc I felt it didn't matter. I had a job to do, and if I could own the stage for the minute and forty seconds I was out there, then I did my job. It was a different experience to have been so aggressive and menacing with Bella, but I could tell she liked it. It was all about performance and after working so hard with me and my insecurities I was happy that I could overcome this Paso.

To my surprise we ended up with another perfect score. I was blown away. I wasn't expecting that at all. Bella was on cloud nine.

"I'm so proud of you!" she cried happily. "You were amazing and I'm very lucky to have you as my partner this season."

I couldn't answer her. I couldn't form the right words. I was speechless. Instead I scooped her up and spun her around.

"Thank you so much!" I finally said. I looked at the camera. "It's because of Bella and the people out there who vote for us."

I knew I sounded grateful, but I think Emmett could have laughed. I kind of sounded a little bit pageantry. Oh well.

Bella and I didn't have a lot of time to celebrate our scores because as soon as the show wrapped up we had to do press.

We had so many interviews. It lasted nearly an hour.

On the bright side every person who interviewed us where congratulating us on our perfect sixty. They all loved Bella's choreography, and said I wasn't bad either. I could tell they really liked Bella, and it made me happy to know I could be a good partner for her. We were pretty good together if I did say so myself.

Right after we ended interviews, we rushed backstage to get back to our trailers. Bella and I were giddy. Tonight had gone so well and it was all because of the tiny dancer walking beside me.

"Thank you," I said as we approached our trailers. "Bella, you're incredible and if I forget to say it tonight… thank you. Everything that we accomplish is because of you."

"Edward," she said choking up. She tried to laugh it off. It didn't work. "I'm proud of all my partners and I love them all, but you're so special to me. Before, I felt like I was in working mode all the time. When I'm with you, I feel happier. You bring something out of me that no one else could."

Maybe it was the dancing. Maybe it was our undeniable chemistry. Or maybe it was our mutual work ethic, but there was also something that Bella brought out in me that no one else had.

Perhaps it was something more. Maybe we were meant to meet each other through the show and fall in love with one another. It's pretty cool when you think about it. How many people can say they fell in love with their significant other while dancing?

In reality Bella and I would have never crossed paths. We would never have met each other, so in a funny way I was grateful to the show. I was grateful to the people who paired us up together and I was grateful to Alice and Jasper for pushing me to sign up for the show.

"I think tonight we have a lot to be thankful for," I said smiling down at her. "Come on, we're celebrating with my family."

***

Bella POV

I was glad Alice and Rosalie brought something for me to wear. I found the two of them sitting in my trailer waiting expectantly for me.

"Well, hello there, Bella," Alice sang.

"You look mighty happy, Ms. Blackpool Latin Champion," Rosalie teased.

I narrowed my eyes. "You googled me."

"Duh," they both said laughing.

"Why am I friends with you?" I said half groaning. I took the dress Alice was holding out for me.

It was a silk, blue, scoop neckline BCBG Max Azria dress. Alice took the liberty to do a little shopping for me last weekend. I changed quickly and then went back out to Alice and Rose.

Rose was still perched on the couch and Alice was dangling a pair of black pumps at me.

"Thanks," I said slipping them on. "Where are your parents?"

""They decided to leave the celebrating to us for tonight. They called dibs on you and Edward for tomorrow night," Alice explained.

Rose whistled. "You look great, Bella."

I smiled in thanks. "Where are we going?"

"The Grove," Alice replied. "We have reservations at the Italian place, and after that we're going to meet up with the rest of your colleagues at Avalon."

I smoothed out my dress and then went to the mirror to tie my curly hair in a ponytail.

"Don't," Rose said stopping me. "Your hair looks amazing."

I made a face. "It's not too much?"

"It is," she said. "But you were in the hair trailer for so long it would be a waste to pull it back and hide their work."

"I guess you're right."

"Hey, Bella?"

"Yes, Rose?"

"How are you?"

I looked at her through the mirror. "I'm good, thanks."

She rolled her eyes. "Are you okay with Edward? I know I gave you a scare last week and I just want you to know if I did anything wrong, I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to do anything bad."

"No, it's okay. I understand what you were doing, and I'm glad you and I talked because honestly Edward and I needed it."

"Good," she said. "I'd hate it you were angry with me because the truth is you don't want me as an enemy."

I smirked at her. "I know."

"Now that we have that off of our chests, we can all relax and enjoy Bella and Edward's success," Alice said happily. "Come on, ladies!"

We piled out of the trailer and met the guys. Of course they were all ready and waiting for us.

We had four separate cars. Jasper's Edward's, mine, and Emmett and Rose's rental. I was going to drive with Edward, but I couldn't leave my car for so long. Normally Edward and I come back for my car, but we'd be put really late. I had to make a call.

I called Jessica. She and Mike normally go out on Monday's and they take one car. After I explained to Jessica what I needed she agreed to take care of my car for me. I met her and Mike in the lot.

"Thanks Jess," I said. I handed her the keys and she handed them to Mike.

"No problem, Bella," she smiled. "Congrats tonight, you and Edward were spectacular."

"Thank you," I said graciously.

Jessica explained that Mike was going to drive my car to my apartment with her driving their car right behind them. After Mike parked my car in my spot, he'd go with Jess and they'd head over to Avalon.

"See you in a few hours," she and Mike waved.

"Bye!" I called.

I headed over to Edward's car and slipped inside the passenger seat.

"Everything okay?" he asked.

"Yup," I answered. "Come here," I said beckoning him with my fingers.

He leaned forward and I smiled sweetly at him. "You did so well tonight."

I leaned in and gave him a slow kiss. "There's your proverbial prize," I laughed.

We were the last to arrive at the Grove. Alice was waiting impatiently at the front of the restaurant.

"Come on!" she said grabbing our hands. She led us through the restaurant and we sat down in the back.

I'd been here before. A lot of us dancers liked the Grove because it was a neat shopping center that was literally right next door to the studios where we filmed the show. We could even walk here if we'd wanted to.

Dinner was absolutely fun. Spending time with Edward's family makes me remember when I was abroad dancing and competing. I wasn't with my family all the time and I spent so much time with my dance coaches and other students. We did become a family in a way, but it's not the same as this. Being with Edward's family almost makes me believe they're my family too. I don't have any siblings and I've never really had a best friend. I've had friendly competitors and co-workers, but I've never had a real best friend. Angela was the closet friend I'd had, but I still wouldn't consider us really close. We worked together and we got along well, we hung out in the off season but we weren't very close and deep as friends.

Alice and Rose were like sisters. I could tell just by how they act towards each other. Edward had Emmett and Alice as siblings and the three of them were close. They spent a lot of time together growing up, and now that they're all adults they still get along extremely well. Jasper too was a very big part of their family. He loved Alice so much, you could tell by one tiny look. He also was fiercely loyal to Edward. The two of them were best friends and they worked so well together.

I wished I had that.

My upbringing was very different than Edward's. We'd shared our backgrounds with each other the first day we met each other. I was away from my parents for half of my life. When I moved back here I spent less than three years with my parents and then I moved out here to LA to pursue my work. I've been here for a few years now and I've established a life here. It was busy and I didn't have a lot of time for anything else, but since being with Edward, it's made me think about my future. I'm starting to want things I'd forgotten I'd wanted. Like family. I have my parents, but it's not the same as the big family I envision for myself. How was going to get that? Was I sure I wanted that? What about Edward? He's convinced me that he wants me for the long haul, but we have a long road to take before we get to that point. He's going back to the league next year, and he may be moving away from California. I promised myself that I'd re-think my next year if Edward was willing to let me in when it mattered.

I knew I shouldn't be thinking about our work schedules now. Tonight we'd gotten a perfect sixty and we were going to celebrate.

"Alright," Emmett said getting our attention. "I'd like to propose a toast, to my brother, Edward. Who knew you could be such a graceful ballerina?"

"Shut up, Emmett!" he growled.

Emmett laughed. "Just kidding! Seriously, bro, you made us proud, and more importantly, thanks to our new girl, Bella! You rock, sweetie!"

We all clinked our glasses and drank. I wasn't much of a drinker, so I just sipped.

We continued talking and laughing. The Cullens were so wonderful to be with. I enjoyed myself a lot and Edward could tell. Usually I was shy and very modest whenever we went out, but the Cullens made me feel so welcomed that was easy for me to loosen up and feel so comfortable.

"So," Alice said smiling. "The semi-finals are next week. You guys get to pick your dances. Have you chosen them?"

"We have," Edward replied. "Bella and I picked the first two dances we did at the beginning of the competition."

"The Foxtrot and the Salsa," I clarified.

"Oh, very nice!" Rose gushed. "I love how glamorous the Foxtrot looks."

"Me too," I agreed. "The Salsa will be fun too."

"So what happens after the semi-finals?" Jasper asked.

"The finals," Emmett said. "They get to dance a freestyle routine and then re-do their favorite dance."

"What's your favorite dance?" Jasper asked.

"I don't know," Edward said. "They were all so hard to learn and I liked them all in a way."

"We'll think about it when we get to that point," I said finishing the conversation. I didn't need Edward to stress about unimportant stuff now. We'd have to take it one step at a time. He always stressed that saying, whenever I freaked about our relationship.

"Are we ready to get out of here and party?" Alice asked getting up.

"We are now," Emmett chuckled.

After the bill was paid, we all started getting up and getting our things. The six of us walked outside and were immediately met with the paparazzi. They were everywhere all at once. Snapping pictures. Calling out Edward's name, my name, Emmett's name; we didn't answer and just kept going to the elevators. Edward and Emmett waved to them as we stepped inside the elevator.

"I can see it now," Alice sang. "Isabella Swan getting cozy with dance partner and family."

I groaned.

Emmett snickered. "Don't let them get to you, Bella. They're all not that bad."

"Yeah, if you're quiet and nice, they'll respect you more," Rose piped up. "Sometimes," she added lowly.

I forced myself to forget the whole incident. By the time we got to Avalon I was in a better mood. The music was pumping, and I was with Edward. That was all that mattered.

We saw a lot of people from the show. After making our rounds we got to the dance floor. You'd think Edward and I would be tired of dancing with each other, but we're not. Dancing at the club was a lot different than dancing on the show. Here, we could let loose and just move. There was no frame and designated steps. Edward's body molded against mine and we moved together on the floor. I danced with Alice and Rose and we all danced as a big group. It was a lot of fun, and I was exhausted when Edward led me out.

It was almost two a.m. that was the longest I'd stayed at the club since working at the show. Edward could tell I was exhausted. I was barely walking, and he had to keep his arm around me as we made it to the car.

"Shh," he soothed. "I'm going to take you home."

See, I didn't make Edward that bad in this story. He really isn't bad. He's just a normal guy whose done some normal "frowned upon" stuff.

Nothing is going to happen to Bella. He's not going to take advantage of her. He's going to be the perfectly nice guy that we know he is.

For some real facts: yes, the Grove in LA is located right next to CBS studios. The Avalon is located in LA too.

Everyone ready for NM? LA premire tonight. I'm not camping out at Westwood. I like Twilight, but I'm not freakin' crazy about it. :)

Till next time.

Tina