"Swipe" by Ed Alger, aka "SecondLevelWriter"
Author's Notes: All disclaimers from previous chapters still apply for this one. Also, Round and Round is performed (and likely written) by Ratt. Artist names could not be acquired, but I still go on record as saying that I don't own this song.
Chapter 9
Boogie Night - Part 2
Robin and Starfire had just entered the club as the band was nearing the end of their first song. The Tamaranean was quick to spot Swipe on the stage, while her friend noticed that Jinx was right up front as well. With no tables available, the pair simply stood at the back of the crowd and watched. It wouldn't take long for Starfire's toes to start tapping to the music.
"This music is quite uplifting! What is it called?"
"I think they call it 'Classic Rock' now," Robin answered before giving a slight chuckle. "Looks like our friend is quite a singer."
It was then that Swipe leapt from the stage and took Jinx by the hand, leading her to the dance floor. Robin and Starfire exchanged "let's dance" looks and made their way over to join in. Swipe noticed them out of the corner of his eye and decided greetings didn't have to wait, after all.
"Well, look who's here! I never would've expected to see you two here in the club!"
"Let's just say we needed a change of scenery tonight," the Teen Titans' leader smirked as he nodded his greeting to the other pair.
Jinx seemed uneasy to be so close to two of her mostly-former enemies, especially Robin. She kept quiet as the others talked, tightening her grip on her friend's hands. Swipe gave her hands a reassuring squeeze in return to let her know he had everything under control.
"Robin wanted to do the checking out of this new dance club," Starfire explained quickly. "It is a surprise to see you working as a performer!"
The band had begun playing the opening riffs of the next song, prompting Swipe to abruptly end the conversation. The rogue gave the other couple a quick nod to say, "We'll talk later." Much of the crowd had already made room for both couples, which soon inspired the rogue. As Jeff began singing the song, Swipe ducked behind a rather confused Jinx. With each line of the song, the rogue popped up over alternating shoulders as he lip-synced the words himself.
Out on the streets, that's where we'll meet.
You make the night. I always cross the line.
Tightened our belts, abused ourselves.
Get in our way, we'll put you on your shelf.
Swipe pointed over Jinx's right shoulder to nobody in particular for the last line as he swiftly came back around front. Robin and Starfire watched with amused smiles on their faces at the performance.
Another day, some other way,
We're gonna go, but then we'll see you again.
I've had enough! We've had enough.
Jinx playfully pushed her friend away at this point, before she rhythmically stepped back to him while she swished her dress back and forth and did some lip-syncing of her own.
Cold in vain, she said...
"I knew right from the beginning
that you would end up winnin'.
I knew right from the start
you'd put an arrow through my heart!"
Jinx placed her hands on Swipe's shoulders, still singing along to the music as she put her right hand over her heart for the last line. Swipe could only grin as he watched her, setting his hands on her waist and picking her up into the air with a twirling flourish for the chorus.
Round and round!
With love, we'll find a way, just give it time.
Round and round!
What comes around, goes around. I'll tell you why!
Starfire looked expectantly at Robin, who gave a return smirk of understanding. Clasping hands, they joined the other pair in the middle of the dance floor with their own whirling dance maneuvers. Jinx flashed a grin to Swipe, who quickly picked up the hint and nodded his answer. The sorceress suddenly backflipped out of Swipe's arms, doing a few handsprings before being caught again by the fast-moving rogue. Robin and Starfire soon answered by spinning each other around like a two-person top.
Lookin' at you, lookin' at me
The way you move, you know it's easy to see
The neon light's on me tonight
I've got a way, we're gonna prove it tonight
Like Romeo to Juliet
Time and time, I'm gonna make you mine
I've had enough, we've had enough
It's all the same, she said
Not to be outdone, Swipe gestured for Jinx to get onto his shoulders. She agreed to it, but not before she added her own suggestion. Starfire and Robin could only watch in curiosity as the sorceress climbed onto her partner and signaled for his hands. Amid the applause they were already getting, the duo went one better as Jinx performed a handstand high above the crowds before letting herself fall back into Swipe's arms again.
Upon completion of the maneuver, they found that their friendly rivals had performed a similar stunt. The only difference was that Starfire was holding Robin up with only one hand. Swipe attempted to protest that the Tamaranean possessed more strength than either himself or Jinx, but was only answered with a pair of stuck-out tongues.
I knew right from the beginning
That you would end up winnin'
I knew right from the start
You'd put an arrow through my heart
Jinx hopped to her feet and started nudging Swipe backwards, still singing along with the music. Starfire soon picked up on the idea and mirrored the action with Robin, until both were back-to-back with each other. The sorceress then leapt back a few paces and conjured an arrow made of magical energy. She took careful aim and "shot" is towards her partner's chest, dispelling it just before impact. An overexcited Starfire was about to mimic the move before Robin frantically pointed out that starbolts are not the same as Jinx's magic.
Round and round
With love we'll find a way just give it time
Round and round
What comes around goes around
I'll tell you why
For the reprise of the first verse and the final chorus after it, the two girls raced back to their respective partners and leapt into their arms to spin around and around as fast as they could possibly stand it. Both couples became nearly blurs as they spun, while the crowds cheered wildly for them. At long last, for the song's finish, they all collapsed into a large heap at the center of the floor while everyone in the club erupted into a fresh round of applause.
Swipe was the first to pick himself up, "Right, let's call it a draw."
Robin was up soon after, "No way! We totally beat you!"
"I beg to differ! Listen to the crowds, they're cheerin' for all of us!"
Starfire got to her feet next and interjected, "Actually, I agree with Swipe. We were evenly matched."
"There, see? That's two votes!"
"I still say we did better."
"Will you two give it a rest?" Jinx finally chimed in. "Besides, it was all in fun... and I never would've believed how good you two are at dancing," she grinned at the other couple.
In the meantime, Tim started to play a soft intro on the keyboard as the lights dimmed a bit, "We're gonna slow things down now. Swipe, you stay out there, all right? This next song's another one from Journey, called 'Open Arms'."
End of Chapter 9
In Chapter 10 - Run for your lives, people! It's about to get mushy in here! Need I say more?