Disclaimer: I don't own MIOBI.

Just a Number


Summary: What if Sasha never came to The Rock? He was never her coach, and she was never his gymnast. Now all that stands between them is the age gap . . . and the Atlantic Ocean. Not to mention his reputation, the competition, and the fact that everyone seems to have an opinion on how she should feel about him and nobody thinks he's right for her. Nothing between them but age, and well . . . it's just a number anyway, right?


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Just a Number – Getting Off on the Right Foot

Yubileyny Sports Palace – Saint Petersburg
29 March 2012

Payson felt supremely confident as they neared the end of the first day of competition. With just one rotation to go she was a comfortable two tenths ahead of Genji Cho. She had qualified first in both vault and floor giving her the advantage going into event finals. She was currently in third for beam, but she didn't expect to make the final, as Lauren and Kelly were yet to compete on the apparatus.

"Better," Ellen Beals pronounced snarkliy as Payson left the podium. "Just keep your head in the game and you might have this," she suggested sarcastically, as though there was nothing she wanted to see more than Payson losing it in the final rotation.

Payson moved away, having no time for whatever mind games Beals was trying to play. She watched as Kelly and Lauren each performed a strong beam routine, qualifying second and third behind Genji Cho and knocking Payson out of the finals.

They moved across the floor to the uneven bars, waiting while the Australian athletes ahead of them began their rotation.

"Are you okay, Payson?" Marty checked, his forehead creased with concern. "That was a solid routine, Payson, and you shouldn't let Beals get to you."

"I know, Marty," she said, forcing a smile. Ellen Beals was barely a blip on her radar. It was unfortunate that she had brought the woman's attention upon herself by messing up at practice, but she wouldn't let Beals ruin this for her.

Marty nodded but didn't look convinced. "You're looking more yourself today," he noted. "If you want to talk about anything . . ." he said trailing off uncomfortably.

"See, this is why we have a no-dating rule at The Rock," he hissed in frustration. "I can't talk about these things with you girls."

Payson almost laughed at his awkwardness. "It's fine, Marty," she told him sympathetically. "You don't have to worry about any more relationship drama, at least not from me."

"Okay then," he said and breathed a sigh of relief.

"I shouldn't have let it affect me," she said apologetically. "It won't happen again," she assured him feeling as though she should say more. She had put Marty in an awkward position that wouldn't have happened if she'd just stuck to the rules – even her own rules – and kept the relationship under wraps. His number one priority was her gymnastics and knowing about the relationship burdened him with a duty to intervene where things affected her gymnastics like they had at podium training.

He read the guilt in her expression and put a hand on her shoulder, accepting both her promise and apology. "If you feel up to it, we can put your beam back in rotation for tomorrow," he suggested, confident that she'd learnt her lesson. She'd let her personal life impair her professional life, but he knew Payson was smart enough not to repeat the mistake.

"It wouldn't be fair on Elista," she said, refusing the offer. "She's been performing really well today, and her degree of difficulty is higher."

"Not if you do the Arabian dismount," he pointed out. "But I'd rather you didn't," he added.

"It's probably best not to make the change," he conceded reluctantly. "I'd never get it past Beals anyway."


"And now the US are stepping up to their final rotation," Tim Dagget noted from the commentary box. "The team have put on a very strong performance today, in both men's and women's."

"Indeed," Al Trautwig agreed. "We already saw Austin Tucker take the All-Around gold today with an impressive margin, and I think we're about to see Payson Keeler do the same."

"The Chinese team have made some unfortunate errors today," Elfi Schlegal put in. "Their last rotation is floor, their weakest event, while the US team steps up to their strength – the uneven bars."

"It's certainly Payson Keeler's strength," Tim said. "We've seen a lot more artistic elements in her other routines today, not just floor, and I hope we get to see the same on the uneven bars."

"Speaking of what we've seen today," Elfi segued, transitioning from legitimate sports commentator to tawdry tabloid journalist. "Sasha Belov, Olympic and World Champion gymnast, is in the crowds today with Payson's 'Rock' teammates Austin Tucker and Nick Russo."

"I bet that's an uncomfortable arrangement," Al added salaciously, almost as bad as Elfi when it came to gossip and drama. "After all, Russo and Payson have been linked together in the past and Sasha Belov is her current man of the hour."

"More than 'man of the hour', I'd say," Elfi disagreed. "From what I've seen the two are looking very close. I wouldn't be surprised if we see wedding bells in their future," she gushed.

"Elista Vega, first up for the US team, gives a strong performance on this event despite it being her weakest," Tim commented. "It won't be enough to secure an all-around medal, but still a strong performance from her today."

"Next up we have Rebecca Keeler," Elfi said. "This is Payson's little sister, currently ranked fourth equal on the Junior National team. Rebecca has already qualified for beam."

"Good straddle jump to high bar," Tim continued, "and into a handstand. Excellent balance here."

"Oh," Al grimaced, momentarily distracted from the US team, "Kasumi Minihara from the Japanese team barely staying on her feet after a Yurchenko double. That hop is going to cost her the Junior All-Around, giving China's Xiefa Chang the opening she was looking for."

"And now, Sabrina Banks, currently in second after Kasumi's vault," Elfi said, bringing them back. "If she gives a solid performance here on bars, she'll have secured the silver, maybe even gold."

"Sabrina Banks is one of the fastest rising juniors in gymnastics," Al pronounced. "Look at that," he said as she performed a difficult release move he couldn't name. "She's a real performer."

"And she sticks the dismount," Tim congratulates. "That will definitely get her the silver, if not the gold. Xiefa Chang is just beginning her floor routine and look at that illusion – just incredible to watch."

"I think she could have gotten a bit more height on that last tumbling pass," Elfi criticised, "especially a girl her size. I expected a lot more power than we're seeing from the Chinese team this year."

"But still, a 15.6 or higher will secure her the All-Around title," Al said disappointedly.

"Lauren Tanner is not normally a gymnast that we associate with the uneven bars," Elfi continued, returning once again to the American team. "This is where we usually see fellow 'Rock' teammate Emily Kmetko shine. But she does incredible, scoring 15.65 on this event," she finished with a cheer.

"Kelly Parker, on the other hand," Al segueyed, "is a gymnast we definitely associate with the bars. This girl really flies through the air. She's like the Michael Jordan of gymnastics."

"She gets great height on that salto," Tim agreed. "Kelly Parker is the sort of gymnast that was built for the uneven bars – delicate frame, incredible flexibility, and with the power to back it up."

"Kelly's is definitely one of the best uneven bars we've seen here today," Elfi continued. "And we'll see her finish it off with a double salto in piked position. Perfect."

"The judges agree," Al commented a few moments later. "A 16.1. Very impressive."

"And now we have Payson Keeler," Tim said, watching as Payson took to the podium. "We've already seen three incredible performances from Payson today, but this is the event where she really blasts away the competition.

"This isn't the most difficult mount we've seen in the competition," he continued as Payson mounted with a front salto over the low bar, "but look at the clean lines and watch her swing forward into a handstand on the low bar. I dare anyone to find fault in that transition."

"Flawless," Elfi agreed. "And a perfect pirouette on one hand – a skill we rarely see performed and certainly not with such finesse.

"And – woah!" Al gaped, cutting himself off mid-speech. "What exactly do you call that move, Elfi?"

"A Marinich," Elfi replied. "That's an F-skill and just . . . wow. The counter-salto . . . it's a move I love seeing performed because you never see it coming. It surprises you in the best way."

"You can say that again," Al agreed.

"And just the dismount," Tim announced. "See her hips circle the bar – absolutely artful. And now a salto stretched dismount with a full twist – excellent. I think this is the closest to perfect we've ever seen in any gymnast. A flawless routine from Payson Keeler and more than enough to secure the All-Around gold in the first day of competition."


"You can stand here," MJ offered derisively, allowing him to stand in the wings as a press conference was held outside of the event.

"Thanks," Sasha replied sarcastically and watched as Austin and Payson fielded questions from the pool of sports journalists.

"It's unfortunate that you didn't tell me of your plans," MJ said formally, making notes on her smartphone. "I could have organized some press.

"Although this works too," she noted with a smirk. " 'Sasha Belov takes time out of his busy training schedule to see girlfriend compete'," she suggested with a snort of amusement, already predicting tonight's headlines. "I'll suggest that one to Rena," she added. "She'll give it the right spin."

He rolled his eyes and did his best to ignore her.

"You should take her out to dinner tonight. At Gimnazya," she said without looking up from her phone.

"Thanks for the suggestion," Sasha grimaced.

"It wasn't a suggestion," MJ replied dangerously. "If you're going to insist upon dating my client you'll do what I tell you, Sasha. You're taking her out to dinner."

He scoffed mildly. "And how do you expect to get that past Marty and Ellen Beals?" he asked her. "I'm sure you're not Ms Beals' favourite person."

"I'll leave that for you to deal with," MJ shrugged, sending him a saccharine sweet smile.

He shook his head and said nothing more. MJ Martin was the most controlling person on the planet, and this sort of thing really didn't surprise him. That being said, it still annoyed him to no end to have MJ interfering in his relationship with Payson and telling him when and where he was supposed to go out.

Payson stepped quickly down the stairs as the press conference came to an end, looking both drained and relieved from the ordeal. He opened his arms to her, letting her fall tiredly into his embrace.

"You did good, dragă," he told her affectionately, kissing the top of her head. She groaned a non-committal response as she settled into his arms.

"Anyway," MJ cut in, ruining the moment, "I've organized a table at Gimnazya so you two can have a celebratory dinner. I've sent over something for you to wear. Booking's at six."

"Um . . . thanks," Payson grimaced, looking as pained by the interference as Sasha had earlier. MJ hardly noticed, already bustling over to Austin to give him whatever instructions she thought necessary.

"You'll love Gimnazya," Sasha assured her. "It's like 18th Century Versailles," he said, appealing to her inner history buff. "It used to be a girls school. Thus the name – gymnasium."

She laughed, relaxing into his presence. "I've had nothing but gymnastics for eight hours and she wants us to go to a restaurant called 'gymnasium'?" she asked incredulously.

"I think we can agree on the irony there," he said with a grin.

"Come on, we should get back to the hotel," she sighed reluctantly. He nodded, leading her through the crowd of press to a car waiting outside. When they got back to the hotel she went straight to the concierge's desk to ask if MJ's clothing choices had arrived.

"Would you like yours sent up, aussi, Monsieur Belov?" he asked after confirming that the items had been sent to Payson's room

"What?"

Payson laughed at his horrified expression even as she gently stroked his forearm to placate him.

"I take back every bad thing I've ever said against Howard," he said doggedly as they left the lobby and headed to the elevator alcove. "That woman is ten times more controlling."

"My poor baby," Payson cooed, obviously not all that sympathetic as she had to deal with MJ on a regular basis. The lift arrived and they stepped inside. "I'm sure you'll look spiffy in whatever you wear."

"You cheeky thing," he murmured half-affectionately, smiling gently. The elevator dinged as it stopped at her floor. "I'll see you tonight," he said simply, bringing her hand to his lips before letting her go. The sweetness of the gesture left her a little dazed and it took her a moment to realize where she was.

"Payson, you have to see what MJ sent you," Becca greeted eagerly as Payson arrived at their room. It wasn't hard to miss – displayed upon a designer's mannequin in the centre of the room. The dress was strapless, a soft peach tulle or chiffon fabric and silk, gathering at the knees and draping to the floor.

"Wow," Payson gaped.

"It's Monique Lhuillier," Lauren announced like only Lauren could. Payson hadn't even noticed her and Kelly in the room, gaping at the dress with similar expressions to her own.

"It's gorgeous," Payson awed, a cautious hand reaching out to touch the fabric but second guessing herself at the last minute and pulling away. "I feel as though it's too nice to wear," she admitted nervously.

"Well, somebody has to wear it," Kelly butted in, "and if it's not going to be you then I'd be happy to go out to dinner with Sasha on your behalf." Payson gave her a dry look that clearly said that wasn't an option.

"I'm surprised MJ didn't send over a gaggle of hairdressers and make up artists to go with it," Payson mused to herself, genuinely surprised that MJ had stopped at merely dressing her and Sasha for the evening. She made the mistake of glancing up at Kelly and Lauren, seeing her two teammates share sinister looks.

"Oh no," she said, catching their intentions. "You really don't have to," she protested.

"We're not doing it for you, Pay," Lauren insisted. "We're doing it for the dress."

Kelly nodded her agreement. "And for Sasha," she added. "We can't let you go on a date with Sasha Belov in a dress like that just looking like you."

Becca laughed at their scary insistence. "It's too late," she laughed. "Sasha already knows what she looks like." For some reason this made Payson flush.

Nearly an hour later Kelly and Lauren's work was done. Kelly had taken responsibility for her hair, doing it up in a loose French twist with soft curls around her face. Lauren had done her make up, using spring colours that complimented her dress, paying extra attention to her eyes. Neither of them seemed to realize how bizarre it was for the two of them to be cooperating so effectively.

"Now put on the dress," Lauren commanded. "We want to see how it looks altogether."

She did as she was told, emerging just as there was a knock on the door. Lauren and Kelly decided for some reason that this meant they had to go hide out of sight and Becca was too busy laughing at them to do much else, thus leaving Payson to answer the door herself.

"You look beautiful, dragă," Sasha greeted smoothly as she opened the door. He took a moment to appraise her before handing over the bouquet of gerberas he had hidden behind his back.

She smiled at his good memory and offered her cheek – Lauren would kill her for messing up her lipstick after the blonde had spent nearly ten minutes fixing her apparently crooked cupid's bow. "You're even earlier than usual," she noted as he lingered at her cheek. He wasn't due for another twenty minutes, even taking into account that he was usually five to ten minutes early for everything.

"I have a very good reason for that," Sasha assured her with a charming smile. He pulled away and glanced around her. "Becca, would you like to come to dinner with us?"

"Can I?" Becca asked eagerly, glancing at her sister hopefully.

Payson nodded, pleased with the invitation. "We are supposed to be celebrating, so you should be there too, Becca," she smiled.

"Oh, what am I going to wear?" Becca asked aloud as she disappeared from view to riffle through her things.

"I would have given more warning, but I didn't think of it until I was getting ready," Sasha shrugged apologetically, looking back down at Payson.

"It's the thought that counts," she beamed at him. "You're really racking up the boyfriend points lately," she said, sniffing appreciatively at her flowers.

"I'm hoping to cash them in," he replied with a grin.

"For what?"

"Paintball gun," he teased her. She laughed and kissed him swiftly on the cheek, leaving a small smudge of pink lipgloss.

"We'll meet you down in the lobby in twenty minutes," she told him and ushered him out of the room.

"Will this do?" Becca asked, holding up her dress for inspection. It was a knee-length dress with a solid plain black top and a silver patterned skirt. Payson nodded, pleased that her mother had the forethought to pack a couple of nice dresses in Becca's luggage, just in case.

"That was so . . . nice," Kelly gaped seeming to struggle to come to terms with what she'd just seen.

"Sasha is nice," Payson shrugged. "I almost feel as though I should be offended by how surprised you are by it."

"No, I just . . ." Kelly said, trying to explain why it shocked her so much. "He's Sasha Belov. He doesn't need to be nice."

"But he is," Payson shrugged again, looking distractedly through her things. "I don't think I have any shoes to go with this dress," she murmured aloud.

"MJ already thought of that," Kelly replied, pointing to a couple of boxes sitting on a chair by the door. "I think she's setting up a new endorsement in a somewhat passive-aggressive 'Dear Armani, doesn't Payson look nice in your things' sort of way."

"And the dress?" Payson had to ask.

"It's couture," Kelly shrugged. "If Armani are going to see you as a viable investment they need to see that you can wear more than just your club casual and party dresses.

"I love those shoes," Kelly sighed as Payson pulled on the peach/pink sandals.

"Me too," Payson sighed. "I was going to buy them in the blue, but even with all the endorsement money, I can't seem to justify spending that much on a pair of shoes until I know where I'm going to wear them."

"You're so weird sometimes, Keeler."

"Done," Lauren cheered, returning to the room with Becca in tow, her hair in a classic beehive style with a silver headband to match the dress.

"It looks great, Becca," Payson grinned. "Thanks, Lauren."

"No problem," Lauren shrugged. "We better go.

"Enjoy your date, Payson," she said as she left with a teasing smirk.

Payson smiled despite Lauren's teasing. "I will."


Gimnazya – Saint Petersburg

"I can't believe you're wearing those," Payson flushed, shaking her head as she spotted the novelty cufflinks she had bought him for his birthday. The bronze daleks he now wore with his new season Armani suit (which made Kelly's suspicions all the more convincing) were meant to be a gag gift – not to be taken seriously, and certainly not to be worn out in public.

"I wore them to dinner, didn't I?" he shrugged. "Table for three under Keeler," he said to the maître d.

"Yes, but I thought you were just humouring me then," Payson almost whined, turning redder when Becca laughed in amusement.

Sasha smiled at her embarrassment, giving her a quick, placating kiss on the lips. "I wasn't humouring you when I told you I love them, dragă," he told her. The maître d gestured for them to follow, and Sasha took her hand as they weaved through the tables.

"Is Gordon Straus in?" he asked once they reached their table, taking their seats.

"He is, Gospodin Belov," the maître d replied.

"Could you ask him to come see us at the table?" Sasha asked. "Tell him that an important guest wishes to speak with him." The maître d nodded and went on his way.

"You'll really like this place," he said to Becca with a warm smile, making sure she felt included. "It's the best sushi in Saint Petersburg."

"I didn't know that Russians were known for their sushi," Payson mused as she and Becca perused their menus.

"What's 'herring under a fur coat'?" Becca asked, her expression a mixture of intrigue and distaste.

"It's not as bad as it sounds, but I don't think you'll like it," Sasha assured her, mostly because the dish involved more mayonnaise than Becca had probably eaten in her life. She seemed to be leaning towards the more traditional items on the menu so he suggested she might enjoy the borsch.

"Sasha Belov!" an unfamiliar voice called as a finely dressed man approached their table. He had a strong cockney accent, which contrasted with many of the softer European accents around them, and had dark hair and eyes. Sasha stood to greet him with a warm smile.

"They told me we'd be 'osting a famous gymnast," the man continued, "they di'nt tell me 'e was an old friend."

The two embraced in a manly hug as Sasha corrected his assumption. "It's not me they're talking about," he said, directing the man to the table. "Gordon, I'd like to introduce you Payson and Rebecca Keeler of the USA gymnastics team."

Gordon nodded to them formally, offering his hand to the two girls. He spoke particularly, his accent becoming less stark. "Ladies, let me start by sayin' that it is an honour to 'ave your patronage at my restaurant. Your meals and drinks are on the house and my staff and I will do our best to meet your every whim.

"That said," he went on, losing his formality and puling up a chair to their table. "What you doin' 'ere with this old boy?" he asked with a thumb in Sasha's direction.

Becca bit back a laugh as Payson gave a dramatic sigh. "You have to be the fourth or fifth person to ask me that," she laughed.

Gordon looked confused for a moment, but it quickly dawned on him. He had thought that this was Sasha hanging out with a fellow gymnast for publicity, he hadn't realized – "So yer' that Payson."

"I guess I am," she laughingly shrugged.

"Forget 'bout these," he said, gathering their menus. "I'll 'ave the chef cook ya somthin' spesh. There anythin' you girls don' eat?"

They both looked embarrassed for their dietary requirements and Sasha answered for them. "Payson and Becca are competing tomorrow, so nothing too heavy, Gord'," he warned. "And no mushrooms or olives," he added, guessing that Becca probably followed her sister in this respect.

"Nothing too spicy, please," Becca added. She didn't think that Russia was known for having spicy food, but the menu was eclectic, displaying delicacies from all over the world.

"Right-o," Gordon nodded. "Be back lat'a ta see how yer doin'," he promised as he disappeared to the kitchen.

"Look, they have a band," Becca exclaimed, pointing to the jazz quartet as patrons took to the floor. "Are you guys going to dance?" she asked the couple eagerly.

"That sounds like a good idea," Sasha said as he stood. He held out a hand and smiled, "Payson?"

She looked slightly reluctant, biting her lip as she considered the proffered hand before her. "Will you be okay, Becca?" she asked carefully.

"Of course," Becca agreed. She winked cheekily at Sasha, making it clear that she'd brought up the subject solely for his benefit. Sasha nodded his thanks, returning the wink while Payson wasn't looking.

Payson nodded slowly and placed her hand atop his palm. He smiled affectionately, bringing the same hand to his lips as she stood up and guiding her through the tables to the edge of the dance floor.

The first song was slow, and they stood close together, her cheek against his chest and their hands entwined. "When are you going to accept that I'm really not very good at this?" she bemoaned as they swayed back and forth, her eyes trained on their joined hands.

"When are you going to accept that I think you're perfect, Pay?" he returned. He dropped her hand and turned her chin up to face him. "Even when it comes to dancing," he added sincerely, kissing her briefly on the lips.

"I suppose we'll just have to agree to disagree," she willingly conceded, sliding her free hand up his chest. She settled it on his cheek, pressing lightly to indicate what she wanted from him. He obliging lowered his head, kissing her gently until the music changed – turning to something faster with a strong beat – and she tried to escape before she embarrassed herself.

He supposed this was something she was always going to be self-conscious about – dancing in public – but he refused to let her stand on the side lines.

"Dance with me, dragă," he pleaded, catching her hand before she left. "Please?"

"We're going to look like a pair of perfect idiots," she protested, but she was already giving in to his pleading expression and the way he gently tugged her back towards him.

"I don't mind," he assured her, pulling her close and then quickly spinning her away as the music dictated. She laughed brightly as he spun her back in, catching her in his arms, and he knew he had her.

~ to be continued ~

~ to be continued ~

Does anyone else get a semi-apocalyptic feeling at Lauren and Kelly co-operating? Just me then. You can tell I'm building up to something bad, can't you? That's why you've got a chapter of almost pure fluff and Sasha being ridiculously sweet.

Thanks for everyone's assurance re: last chapter. Was feeling rather insecure about that one, so it was all appreciated.


Notes:

For those that might be confused, I'm assuming that the two per country rule applies at the Pacific Rims competition. That means, even if Payson did qualify, because Lauren and Kelly qualified higher, only those two would go to event finals, not all three of them.

The following skills are featured in this chapter:
1.206 Free straddle jump over LB to HB (B)
1.407 Salto fwd tucked over LB to hang on HB without touching LB (D)
3.604 Facing outward on HB - swing fwd and counter salto fwd with legs straddled to catch HB in reverse grip (F) (Marinich)
6.506 Swing fwd to double salto bwd stretched with 1/1 twist (360°) in first or second salto (E)

For pictures of the outfits go see the LJ version.


Translations:

French
aussi
: also

Russian (phonetic)
Gospodin: Mister