Disclaimer: I do not 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 - Reigning Champion

Chaifetz Arena – St Louis University, MO
June 9 2012

"In just a few minutes, the Senior Women will take the floor for competition," Tim Daggett announced in an ominous tone, building up the anticipation of what was to come. "The final round of this years Visa Championship."

"And here with us now," Elfi Schlegal segued, "we have MJ Martin from IMG management to give her predictions.

"Who do you see taking the top spot this Nationals?" she asked eagerly, turning to the dark haired sports agent who'd become a fixture at Nationals due to her ability to spot talent.

"I think it will Payson Keeler," MJ answered surely, "and I think it will be by one of the largest margins we've seen yet.

"Just based upon what we've seen of Payson this year," she explained, "Payson continues to set herself apart from her competitors, both here and overseas. She is a very strong favourite for this competition and the coming Olympics."

"And what about Kelly Parker and Kaylie Cruz?" Tim asked curiously. "Both girls have been fierce rivals for Payson in the past, and I think Kelly Parker is looking to finally consolidate her titles before she retires."

"Not this year," MJ said, with a shake of her head. "I think we'll be seeing a close competition between Kelly and Kaylie for silver, but not for gold."

"Any other year, any one of those girls would have been a shoe-in for National Champion," Tim agreed. "But not this year." Tim and Elfi nodded their thanks, dismissing her so they could now talk about themselves.

"Now Kelly had some difficulties on Beam yesterday – just a 14.150, which is not the sort of score we're used to seeing from Kelly Parker," Tim explained, going over Day 1 for those who had just joined. "I'm hoping that we'll see a much stronger performance from her today."

"She's got a lot of ground she needs to make up if she wants to come even close to Payson," Elfi noted. "Payson already has a two point lead over her closest competition.

"But if anyone could do it, I think it would be Kelly Parker," she added with admiration. Kelly Parker had always been one of her personal favourites. "She's a great little athlete that can just pick herself right back up after something like that. She went straight from that fall to a phenomenal Amanar on vault."

"And as to Kaylie Cruz," Tim said, wanting to compare the two girls nearly neck and neck for silver. "If she still wants to be considered an All-Around gymnast, she's going to need some serious upgrades to her Uneven Bars routine. A 6.0 start value just isn't going to cut it against her own teammates, let alone China's Genji Cho."

"Admittedly, that was intended as a 6.2, but Kaylie missed out on one of the major connections in her routine," Elfi defended, "but I do see your point Tim. With such a low start value, she's at an immediate disadvantage especially against gymnasts like Payson and Genji who have absolutely meticulous execution – they won't be giving an inch on their already elevated start values."

"Here come the athletes," Elfi said, as she noted some movement on the floor below them. "The girls are just going through some brief warm-ups on the floor, and then they'll move towards their apparatuses."

"The NGO have invited twenty-four girls to Nationals this year," Tim reminded their audience, the number slightly greater than usually expected for the National competition. "For nine of these girls, this is their first year competing as a Senior."

"Which is certainly something to hold against them in team selection," Elfi pointed out. "Experience and consistency are important currency going into the Olympics, and it's something the top three girls have in spades. All three have an extensive list of National and International accolades collected over the last four years, which are going to leave a lasting impression on the judges when it comes to choosing the six girls for the Olympics."

Tim nodded his agreement, watching as the girls began to scatter around the arena. "And it looks like we have our top three together in the same rotation," he nodded with approval. That would certainly make things easier on all of them. "Starting on vault, which will give Payson Keeler and Kelly Parker an immediately head start over Kaylie Cruz."

"Just waiting on the judges," Elfi said a few moments later. "And now, first up on vault we have Hayley Greene form UCLA, with Lauren Tanner from the Rocky Mountain Training Centre on beam. From WOGA, Elizabeth Nelson on bars, and Andrea Conway from Boston Elite on floor."


"Mom! Dad!" Becca called out excitedly as she found her parents in the crowd of spectators, a seat saved beside them for when she arrived.

"You were so good, Becca," her Mom said proudly, standing to embrace her. "I don't think you've ever been better." Beca beamed at the praise, letting herself be passed between her parents before coming to the free seat next to her dad.

"Your Mum's right," Sasha agreed from her other side (yes, her Dad had voluntarily sat beside Sasha – Payson was going to be so happy when she told her). "If they don't give you the gold on Beam, they're idiots."

She smiled brightly, the words all the more meaningful from someone as knowledgeable on gymnastics as Sasha. All the girls in her rotation had been so jealous to see Sasha Belov cheering for her specifically, even if Larissa Waverly had said he only did it because he had to. Anyone who knew anything about Sasha Belov knew he would never cheer out of obligation, not even to gain favour with Payson (especially as at this point there was very little he could do to fall out of Payson's favour). Larissa – who everyone hated anyway – was so jealous that she completely messed up her floor routine and stepped out of bounds on two of her tumbling passes.

"Where's Payson?" she asked, scanning the floor for her sister.

"Just below us, I think," answered Sasha. "She's next on Vault."

Satisfied, Becca turned her attention to the gymnast currently poised at the end of the runway. Kaylie had been first up and now it was Kelly Parker's turn, performing a very nice Amanar. There was no trace of residual pain from her 'injury' in Florida – not that Becca actually expected her to be showing signs of injury given her knowledge of what really happened with Kelly's vault.

"Next up on Vault: Payson Keeler. On Bars: Emily Kmetko. On Beam . . ."

Becca watched raptly as her sister took her place at the end of the vault runway. A 6.5 start value was posted by her name, indicating that she was starting with her easier vault. The term was relative, of course. Payson had been working on the Tsukahara 2.5 for more than two years, and landing it solidly since the 2011 American Cup. Her 'easier' vault – a round-off flic-flac half on with a stretched salto with one and a half twists – was one she'd only upgraded over the last six months, and while it was competition ready, it still wasn't at the same level as her Tsukahara vault or the full twist she upgraded from.

Becca was sure that any other gymnast in the country would be more than happy with the sorts of scores Payson was posting on what she considered a poor vault. She scored a 15.450 on her 'bad vault' the previous day, which outscored everyone but Kelly Parker on their good vaults. Just more proof that her sister was certifiably insane.

The score for Kelly Parker's second vault was posted as Payson walked back to her start position. It was a well-deserved 15.750, and it looked like it would be close on vault. Payson would need to do better than Kelly's average from the previous day if she wanted to secure the gold in this event.

All that looked doubtful for a moment after the first of Payson's vault scores were posted, slightly lower than her Day 1 score. But her second vault had been perfect, or as close as you could get to perfect under the current code of points. This was confirmed a few minutes later when Payson was given a 16.155 for her more difficult vault.

"Yes," she heard Sasha utter beside her, giving a small pump of his fist. Some complex mental arithmetic told anyone interested that her chances of being knocked out of that position were non-existent. The only person close was Sabrina Banks from WOGA, and in order to knock Payson out of first place she would need to score a perfect ten on both of her vaults with an extra six tenths thrown in to make up the difference.

"One down," her dad said proudly, having obviously reached the same conclusion as Sasha. Seriously, it was like they shared a brain or something.

With her sister's place secure, Becca took the time to see how the other Rock girls were going. After the first rotation, Emily and Lauren were both leading in their individual specialties, the Uneven Bars and Balance Beam respectively. But unlike the Vault standings, which were unlikely to change markedly in later rotations, those results were still hugely uncertain with Payson, Kaylie, and Kelly yet to perform on the same events. Nothing could be known for sure with Payson and Kelly's insanely hard Uneven Bars routines still to come, and with Kaylie still to perform on Beam.

"Is it terrible that I want Payson to do the Arabian just so I can see the look on Steve Tanner's face when Payson knocks Lauren off the podium?" her Mom asked, probably voicing all their thoughts aloud. Lauren's lead was only two tenths at present, and would be unlikely to hold once Payson's double Arabian dismount raised her degree of difficulty from a 6.3 to a 6.6. It was a little bit terrible of her mother to want that, but it was Steve Tanner they were talking about, so still totally forgivable.

Kaylie was first on Beam in the group, as she had been on Vault. How the NGO were ordering the rotations wasn't exactly clear, but Payson wasn't until the end of the group, performing fifth between Kelly Parker and Harriet Pryce from All Olympia.

Next to Lauren, of course, Becca reckoned that Kaylie was probably one of the best beamers in the gym. She was fun to watch and she always made everything look so easy and natural. Plus she did the back flip into full-twisting lay out combination that Becca desperately wanted to include in her own beam routine. Kaylie's routine was gorgeous from start to finish, ending with a powerful double salto.

The two girls that followed were okay, but nothing to really write home about. They were good beamers, which was obviously what had gotten them their invitation to Nationals given that it was potentially a weak point for the US team. They both gave solid performances, but nothing that really put them in contention against the top girls from The Rock. The Rock would likely take a sweep in the Beam competition.

Kelly Parker was next, much improved upon her Day 1 performance. And then it was Payson's turn to take the beam, starting with an aerial walkover and finishing with a gainer salto. In between was one of Becca's favourite skills within her sister's repertoire, despite its low value – a fouette hop with a half turn to arabesque, which was so graceful and beautiful that Becca was sure the whole audience had been stunned into silence. It was something so simple – a B-skill even – and yet it was awe inspiring all the same.

"She looks so elegant," Becca whispered, unable to keep her admiration to herself. The men either side of her each gave a stoic nod of agreement, both of them transfixed on the figure below as she practically twirled off the apparatus and landed gracefully beside it. Becca was pretty sure she saw her dad wiping a tear from his eye as he applauded, then giving a cheer similar to the one Sasha gave earlier as her score was posted, a 15.425 combining with her score from the previous day to secure her a silver on beam. At this rate, she would more than likely secure her second National Championship.

"Hey, Sasha, what's London like?" Becca asked suddenly, her question seemingly coming out of nowhere to those around her. For her it was simply a logical progression from Payson is so gonna win this to Oh my god! My sister's going to the Olympics to I wonder what London's like. Thus her question.

"It's nice," Sasha told her in a vague sort of way that wasn't particularly helpful. Payson lovedLondon, and Becca was sure that this wasn't solely because it was where Sasha lived. 'Nice' just wasn't going to cut it, especially when they'd be spending practically a whole month there soon enough.

"It's pretty busy, but there's lots for you to do there," Sasha added, giving her more details. "It's got an amazing culture and there are so many different places to explore.

"Lots of shopping," he added, figuring that would likely interest Becca.

She smiled, satisfied with the answer and turning her gaze towards Floor where Emily was tumbling at high speed.

"I'll have to have you all over for dinner at some point," Sasha added, perhaps speaking more to himself. Like her, he had already assumed that Payson would be making the Olympic Team. Or maybe he was thinking further forward than that.

Becca just shrugged, not wanting to confirm it aloud in case she somehow jinxed Payson's position. Instead it was her Dad who acknowledged the thought with a lowly spoken, "That'd be nice."

Becca couldn't help but agree.


Women's All Around Standings Day 2 and Final Scores - 2012 Women's U.S. Visa Championship

1. Payson Keeler – 127.270
Rocky Mountain Training Centre

2. Kelly Parker – 122.200
Denver Elite

3. Kaylie Cruz – 121.925
Rocky Mountain Training Centre


Everything seemed to pass by in a whirlwind blur. There was an award ceremony, and then two press conferences, and then just enough time for them to get changed before they were ushered into a large ballroom for a celebration.

A loud cheer arose from the crowd as the ten girls entered, all of them moving on to the next stage in the selection process. Olympic Team Trials were in a little over two weeks, giving them little time to improve on what had already been shown at Nationals, but nothing was set in stone.

Payson found her family quickly amongst the throe of people. It wasn't too hard to do so given the way that Sasha and her father both towered above most of the people around them. Both men were over six foot tall and she rather thought her father put out by the fact that he couldn't intimidate Sasha with his height and build the way he could most boys her age.

She couldn't help but smile to see them – the two of them talking without any help from her Mom or Becca. It might have been the best thing she'd seen all day, except maybe her final score. But seeing Sasha and her dad genuinely getting along was a very close second.

"Sweetheart, we're so proud," Kim exclaimed once she was close, moving to take Payson into her arms. Becca and Mark followed suit, the family crowding around her to congratulate her. Sasha held back, letting her have this moment before he took his own.

"You were completely awesome," Becca said excitedly.

"Completely," her Dad agreed, only half-teasing Becca's enthusiasm. His expression was warm as he wrapped her tightly in a hug and kissed the top of her head. Her Dad was a man of few words, and that gesture alone said everything that he wanted to say.

Then it was Sasha's turn to greet her, playfully lifting her off the floor and spinning them both in a circle before he returned her to he feet. "Frumoasa fata mea . . . Tu ai ceva aparte," he told her, tracing the outline of her face from temple to chin with just the tips of his fingers.

She smiled at the familiar words and pressed up onto her toes to kiss him. It was only a brief kiss, the both of them still aware that her parents – particularly her Dad – were still around. When she pulled away from the kiss, she remained close, leaning into Sasha's side as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. It was like the perfect ending to the perfect day – just standing there with the people she loved.

Of course, that didn't last long. Not with a party full of well-wishers all eager to congratulate her on the win, including some of her closest friends who she was happy to share these quiet moments with. Others . . . not so much.

Like Marcus McGowan looking as oily and slick as ever in a suit slightly darker than the one he was wearing two nights ago. "I must commend you on how well you've done, Payson," he said in an almost scripted fashion. "You must both be so proud," he added, turning to Kim and Mark who smiled pleasantly and shook his hand.

Then he rounded on Sasha, a glint in his eye that seemed almost predatory. "I don't believe we've formally introduced," he said offering his hand. "Marcus McGowan – Women's National Team Co-Ordinator."

"Alexandru Belov," Sasha replied quite formally, not making his usual offer that Sasha would be fine. Despite shaking Mr McGowan's hand, he maintained a cool distance between them, not letting his guard down until he knew exactly what the man was after.

"I hope you don't mind," Mr McGowan pushed forward, unfased by Sasha's cool. "I'd really like you to meet the rest of the committee." When Sasha frowned he elaborated further. "Payson is just such an important member of the National Team. We'd really like to get to know all the people who have contributed to her journey."

Sasha glanced towards Payson who was as clueless as Sasha when it came to Marcus McGowan's motives. Although, she was sure they were starting to show through and she suspected that his sudden interest in Sasha might have something to do with the Kellogg's deal and the man she had been introduced to the other night. She shrugged, letting him know that it was up to him to decide.

"Maybe another time," Sasha suggested carefully. "Let tonight be about the girls. You're going to be spoiled for choice at Olympic Team Trials," he added, hinting heavily at where Mr McGowan's attention should be focused.

But Mr McGowan would not be deterred, clinging fastidiously to his aim. "Belov," he said jovially, with far more familiarity than Sasha thought polite, "I'm sure you can spare a moment. We can – "

"Sasha, why don't you and I go get the girls something to drink?" Mark suggested, dropping a hand heavily on Marcus McGowan's shoulder and cutting him off mid-speech. He squeezed slightly, making it seem like nothing more than a casual reflex and then turned on the man with a chillingly pleasant smile. Marcus pulled back his hand immediately. "Can we get you anything, Mr McGowan?"

"No, Mr Keeler," Mr McGowan replied. "I should go congratulate the other girls," he added, finally taking the hints they'd been trying to drop about his unwelcomed presence. He quickly excused himself to go greet another group of people, although still glancing in their direction as though he was waiting for another chance to intrude. Payson smiled gratefully at her Dad for doing what she and Sasha couldn't.

"C'mon, Sport," Mark said, nodding his head to Sasha. "We better get those drinks before he gets the wrong idea."

"I'll have a Shirley Temple," Payson said to Sasha, smiling sweetly and then kissing his cheek.

"Me too," Becca said, intrigued by the sound of it. Kim just nodded, twenty-one years of marriage having firmly cemented her drink order in her husbands mind.

When the men returned with their drinks, Mark held up his glass of scotch in a toast. "To Payson," he said with a proud smile. "And to an uninterrupted evening."


Payson shivered slightly as a cool wind swept around her, catching her hair and storming the golden curls around her for a few moments before it settled back down. She leaned over the balcony, taking in the view from the top floor – the St Louis skyline was gorgeous and the Gateway Arch lit up across the water.

She was so absorbed in the view that she didn't even notice Sasha approaching until she felt his arms wrap around her from behind and his warm breath against her ear. "I finally have you to myself, dragă," he noted in a low tone, nuzzling against the juncture between her neck and shoulder. She shuddered ever so slightly, relaxing her body against his and drawing some of his warmth.

"Finally," she agreed wistfully, craning her neck to see him better. Sasha took full advantage of this new position, pressing his lips against her neck and earning himself a low hum of enjoyment.

And then Sasha's cellphone rang with some jingle that she didn't recognize, but which Sasha obviously did given the way he let out a small, frustrated groan. He obstinately tried to ignore it, continuing his ministrations against her neck and shoulder.

"You should answer that," she said smugly, grinning to herself. She should have known better than to goad him, and Sasha retaliated with a quick nip to her right shoulder.

"No I shouldn't."

She turned, sending him an incredulous look.

"It's Howard. He can wait," Sasha assured her before winding his fingers into her hair and bringing her lips to his. He kissed her to distraction, letting the call ring out so that he could put all of his attentions firmly where it belonged.

"Who are you? Who, who? Who, who?"

Sasha barely stifled a groan as his renewed attempts were once again interrupted, this time by The Who.

Payson reached for her purse, putting some distance between them as she found her ringing cell phone. "It can wait," she repeated sarcastically, sending him a knowing look. The number was unfamiliar, but she could guess the caller's identity from the +44 on her caller display.

"Hey, Howard," she said on answering, laughing as Sasha sulked in response. "Sasha's right here if you – "

Howard didn't let her finish and she listened intently as he spoke in an urgent tone. Her happy expression dropped from her face and she paled as the news sunk in. Sasha watched the change in her demeanour with growing concern.

"What is it?" he asked worriedly.

Payson shook her head, unable to find a way to soften the blow.

"Nikolai's had an accident."

~ to be continued ~

So lots of good stuff happened in this chapter (Payson winning, Mark and Sasha getting along) and then one really bad thing. I actually had to do a bit of a rewrite on the next couple of chapters because I'd created all these plot holes in the original version (most of them to do with time zones, so I might have actually gotten away with it so long as no one knew that London was 6 hours ahead of St Louis), but I think I'm happy with it now. I hope.

Anyways, real reason that I wanted to make an authors note was that I'm going to Oz in about two weeks time and while they do have the internet there and computers, I won't be bringing mine so I won't be updating for a couple of weeks while I'm there. Of course, I'm not going to leave you for several weeks on this horrible cliffhanger - hiatus starts after next chapter and then I'll start back up in February.

In the meantime, I'll have a bonus chapter in a couple of days, which is all about Nikolai and sort of hints at his 'accident'.


Notes:


Translations:

Frumoasa fata mea . . . Tu ai ceva aparte: My beautiful girl . . . you have that something special