Hollywood Rivalries Chapter 16: Dirty Dancing, a zoey 101 fanfic

A/N: Sorry for the long wait. Here's Chapter 16 of Hollywood Rivalries. I was swamped with school and stuff, but here you go. Sorry if this chapter kinda sucks. I just updated Clash of the Secrets, so check that out. Thanks. Ok, on with the story. We're starting with Nicole and Stan because they're not getting enough story time, so yeah… here we go.

I don't own "Crushed" by Rosette and "Give It Up to Me" by Sean Paul f. Keyshia Cole.

Chapter 16: Dirty Dancing

I pulled away after I realized what I did. Yeah, I kissed Nicole Bristow. It's only been a day, but you know what, kissing her felt so right. She looked at me with big brown eyes and a dazed look on her face. Maybe I was being selfish.

Oh God. What if she hates me? I've really fucked up this time…

"Nicole, I'm so sorry," I apologized, blushing slightly. "I shouldn't have kissed you…"

Her brown eyes filled with confusion as she touched my arm, "Stan?"

I sighed heavily. I may have ruined the one chance at happiness. Chelsea was my girl, yeah, but she was really clingy, and she wasn't fun to be around. Three and a half whole years of my life wasted. Even Chase thought she was annoying. In fact, they hated each other. Nicole was the opposite of Chelsea. She was a happy person, and she made me feel so carefree. The truth was…

I loved Nicole… a lot.

She probably wanted to tell me she didn't want to be around me anymore. I wouldn't blame her, even though it would hurt like hell for like, I don't know, forever.

"Yeah, Nicole?" I answered, avoiding eye contact with her. I made her hate me. Get ready for it. Here it comes.

"Don't be sorry…" she said, as my eyes eventually locked with hers. What? "Don't be sorry, Stan… because I liked it a lot. I liked kissing you…"

A grin grew on my face, "Seriously Nicole?"

"Uh huh," she replied, nodding enthusiastically. Oh my God. If this is a dream, I never wanna wake up again!

I had one more question, "Um, Nicole?"

"Yes, Stan?"

"Uh, Nicole… willyoubemygirlfriend?"

"Huh?" Nicole questioned a confused look crossed her face, and her face changed into a thinking face. She's cute when she's confused. Then the biggest smile grew on her face. I think she understood me. "YES! Ohmigosh! Yes, of course I'll be your girlfriend!"

"W-what? You will?" I asked. I had to make sure I wasn't hearing things.

"Yes, silly!" Nicole said with a giggle. Then she frowned. "Unless, you don't like me because that would so be suckish and—"

"No, no…" I cut her off, laughing. "That's not it at all! In fact, I like you a lot."

"Yay!" she squealed, as I wrapped my arms around her in a hug. I want to remember Nicole's scent forever. She put her arms around my neck, as I placed my arms around her waist. I leaned in and we kissed.

The pressure of her lips against mine felt awesome. It was short but the best kiss of my life. We parted, and rested our foreheads against each other.

Nicole's eyes twinkled happily, as I took her hand in mine…

"I love you, Nicole…"

She answered, "I love you too, Stan."

I pulled her into a hug.

Somewhere deep down, I vowed never to hurt Nicole. I promise to never hurt Nicole. I love Nicole, and anyone that hurts her… deals with me.

I swear it.

We smiled as I interlocked my fingers with Nicole's.

Oh my God. Michael kissed me. He's an awesome kisser.

I pulled away, and we still were holding hands. We stared into each other's eyes. I've been waiting for this from the first time I met him. He feels so right. So perfect.

"So, what does this mean?" I asked, my eyes never leaving Michael's.

"I don't know, but I do know one thing. I like you, Vanessa… a lot. Kissing you felt so great. You're a great person, and so much more… I want to be with you. I guess I'm trying to say… I love you," Michael explained, averting his eyes.

I held his hands, and he looked up.

"Michael, I don't know what to say. I like you, Mike. A lot, in fact. I felt, like I was walking on air when you kissed me. I know we've only known each other for a day, but I feel like I've known you forever. I guess what I'm trying to say is that… I love you too, Michael. I love you," I said, as a grin grew. Then I frowned. Damn, I hate my past. I closed my eyes, as tears started to build up. "…but I don't want to hurt you. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I did."

"What? What are you taking about?" he asked, soothingly.

I took a deep breath, "There are a lot of things I need to sort out first. I'm scared, Michael. I can't set myself for heartbreak. Logan did it to me once… I can't go through it again. It's been about a year and half, and I've been scared ever since."

"Vanessa…"

God, I hate doing this to him. He pulled me into a hug instead. I wrapped my arms around him, and whispered in his ear, "I do love you, though. Please don't hate me."

He pulled away, looking me in the eyes. I could feel Michael's eyes boring into my soul, and gently placed a finger underneath my chin. I looked up at him, and I could feel my eyes brimming over with tears. I think Michael knew because he wiped one away with his thumb.

"Listen, I can never hate you. It's cool that you want to sort things out. I'm okay with that, ok? Just promise that when you get everything sorted out… you can become my girl, aight?" Michael said, with the trademark smile that made me melt in the first place.

"Promise," I replied, nodding. "I promise Michael."

I hugged him, and kissed him on the cheek. Crushed by Rosette came on. It was the perfect song for at least four people right now. Chase and Zoey because he waited two years to tell Zoey how he felt. Then there's Michael and me. We really told each how we felt. Now things are great between us. I know, though…I'll never be happy unless I really tell Logan what's on my mind. Then I'll be happy with Michael…

I told myself today was gonna be the day
No more excuses 'cuz I knew exactly what to say
Was gonna make my play but just like yesterday
My mind erased and I let the moment slip away
Another night got me sitting here all on my own

"Wanna dance?" Michael asked as he extended his hand. I smiled, and gladly took it. Chase and Zoey were going on to the dance floor too. I caught Nicole holding Stan's hand, as he slipped an arm around her waist. They were going to dance too.

"Sure. I'd love too…"

We walked onto the dance floor, as the slow music started. He put his hands on my waist, and I put my arms around his neck, as we swayed to the music and danced extremely close to each other. I closed my eyes, as I inhaled his scent. I never want to forget it.

I never wanted to forget Michael. Not now. Not ever.

Picking up the phone,
But I can't get past the dial tone
Rocking my brain
Going insane
Again and again
I can't keep going this way

I watched as Michael danced with Vanessa. It's not supposed to be bothering me, but it does. I'm with Dana, damnit! Why is Vanessa doing this to me? A part of me still lies with Vanessa, and I hate that it has to be like that. I liked this song. I know…big surprise. I love Dana Cruz… I think. Right? I shook Vanessa out of my head, and smirked at Dana. I'm with her. Dana. Dana. Dana.

"What are you smirking at, Reese?"

"It appears you owe me a dance, Cruz," I replied, still smirking. I extended my hand to her. She rolled her eyes, and took my hand.

"Whatever. You're lucky I actually this song, Reese," she said, with a smirk, and we walked on to the dance floor. She put her arms around my neck, as I placed my hands on her waist, and we swayed along to the music. The rest of the dance was silent… which is a weird surprise because when it comes to Dana and I… there's no such thing as silence.

Speaking of silence, why can't my head do the same damn thing and shut the hell up?

My eyes averted to Vanessa…

Oh, right. That's why.

CRUSHED,
By the sweetest lips I've never kissed
And your fingertips and the warmest touch I've always missed
CRUSHED,
By the softest hands I've never held
Probably never tell,
You're the strongest love that I've ever felt

I refuse to get hurt. I'm trying to act like something isn't up with Logan. He's been weird ever since he talked to Vanessa. Wonder what that is about. There's no way in hell I'll let Logan Reese or any other man for that matter play me. No one will play Dana Cruz. I can't do that again… because next time my heart won't be just broken.

It'll be shattered.

So I pray Logan isn't screwing me over… because if he is, God help him. God help them all.

CRUSHED,
That I haven't ever let you know
How it always goes
Cuz I lose my nerve whenever you get close

They don't call me Danger Cruz for nothing.

I watched as the four couples dance together. They all seemed so happy, and it brought tears to my eyes, but I blinked them away because if I cry, I wouldn't be able to cease… and besides, I don't want to cause myself excessive dehydration.

I dumped Mark.

The reason… he was kissing some other girl. He tried to explain, but I wouldn't hear of it. I guess I wasn't good enough, and some times I find myself thinking that maybe it's true.

I thought we'd be molecularly compatible for a lifetime. Usually I'm never wrong, but I'm forgetting that this isn't another one of my Quinnventions. Who would want me? I'm way different from my friends. Zoey has Chase. Dana has Logan, although they do bicker a lot. Nicole has Stan… and Vanessa has Michael.

I'm quite fond of Vanessa. She doesn't think I'm weird, and she was the first to willingly befriend me. I trust her completely.

Can I trust the male species? I'm not sure. I came tonight thinking I was going to have fun. I've given up my glasses. I've been wearing them since I was 5. I thought they'd make me fit in. Instead, they've made me the odd one out. Tears blur my vision, until I feel someone tap my shoulder.

I sighed sadly, as I turned around. Probably someone else wanting to tell me what I freak I am. I'm used to it.

And so I'm left,
Short of breath
With that heavy feeling in my chest
Baby I'm so crushed

"Can I help you?" I asked to the unknown person. It was a guy. He had dirty blonde hair, and soft hazel eyes that were hidden behind stylish black glasses. He was cute, but what did he want with me anyway? I felt a tear slip down my cheek.

He touched my shoulder, and I flinched, "I'm sorry, but why are you crying? I didn't mean to upset you."

I wiped it away, "No, you didn't upset me at all. It's just that… you wouldn't comprehend my situation anyway."

"Well, I'm sorry about whatever bothering you, and I won't force you to tell me, seeing as we just met, but I saw you and your friends up there, and just wanted to say that you sang beautifully," the stranger said, smiling. I blushed, signifying shyness.

"Thank you. That's really considerate of you…" I said, looking down at my sandals.

"I'm Matt by the way. Matt Keller," he said extending his hand, with a soft smile. I looked up, and took his hand, shaking it to be polite.

"Quinn. Quinn Pensky."

"That's a unique name. I like it," Matt told me. This guy is too good to be true. It appears he had a sense of humour too. "My parents got too lazy to make up a cool name, so I'm just stuck with Matthew Albert Keller. Can't complain though."

I laughed a little.

"So, I was wondering if you want to dance with me…" he asked. I blushed again.

"Sure… That would be nice."

We walked on to the dance floor and he placed his hands on my waist, and put my arms around his neck. We talked a little, as we danced…and he was an exceptional dancer.

I said, "So do you attend PCA?"

He nodded, "Yeah, I do. Tell me about yourself…"

"Well, I don't know if I should. I don't want to scare you off…"

"Quinn. It's ok," he urged, kindly. "I'll tell you if you tell me, ok?"

"Ok," I started, "I'm from Seattle. I'm an only child, and in my spare time…I like to um, invent things. My favourite subject is biology, and a bit of chemistry."

So I told myself that tomorrow's gonna be the day
And I keep on telling myself that I'm gonna find a way
And I won't be afraid just like yesterday

"Really? Because I'm not freaked out at all. I'm from Denver, Colorado. I'm the youngest child with two older sisters, Penny and Haylie. It's a small world because I love to invent too. My favourite subject is physics and I like a bit of biology and chemistry."

I smiled. We were so much alike.

"We're so much alike, Matt," I told him. He nodded and smiled.

"Not only do you sing beautifully, Quinn. You dance beautifully as well," Matt told me, as he pulled me closer to him. My cheeks were emblazed with crimson again.

I might be enamoured with Matt. He feels so right, even better than Mark Delfiggalo. Mark is my past. I liked having Matt's arms around me. His muscular form giving me some sort of re-assurance.

Won't walk away never gonna let another chance slip away
Cuz' I gotta know which ever way it's gonna go
Rest my heart and soul
Cuz' there can never be no more
Rocking my brain

Yes, it's inconclusive.

I'm clearly falling for Matthew.

I continued to dance with him. I never want this moment to cease.

Going insane
Again and again
I won't keep going this way

I like Quinn, and not just as a friend either. She's simply the girl for me. I haven't had that much luck with girls. I always end up getting hurt. Everyone thinks I'm weird for liking to invent contraptions… but it seems that Quinn and I are kindred spirits, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Quinn?" I asked, as her hips swayed with the rhythm.

She looked at me, her brown eyes twinkling, "Yes, Matt?"

"What dorm are you staying in? You know, so we can get acquainted with each other better," I asked, staring her in the eyes.

"Oh, I'm in Brenner Hall, room 102," she answered, smiling. "And you?"

"Oh, I'm in Branford Hall, Room 38." I answered back.

"Good. I look forward to get re-aquatinted with you, Matt," she said. I love the way she says my name. It sounds corny, but it's a fact. You know, how I love facts.

I nodded yes, "Likewise."

CRUSHED,
That I haven't ever let you know
How it always goes
Cuz I lose my nerve whenever you get close
And so I'm left,
Short of breath
With that heavy feeling in my chest
Baby I'm so crushed

We continued dancing. I liked having Quinn in my arms.

Crushing I'm so into you, don't know what I'm going to do.
Gotta find a way to you (and I wanna stress that I always missed)
(Crushed)

Am I falling for her? Even though I just met her a couple minutes ago…

Crushing I'm so into you, don't know what I'm going to do.
Gotta find a way to you. (and I wanna stress that I always missed)
(Crushed)

I look at the beauty that was Quinn in my arms. I blushed, and hoped she didn't notice.

Yeah, it's true.

I'm finding myself falling for Quinn Pensky.

Crushing I'm so into you, don't know what I'm going to do.
Gotta find a way to you (strongest love I ever felt)
(Crushed)
Crushing I'm so into you, don't know what I'm going to do.
Gotta find a way to you.

She put her head on my shoulder, and I had no objection whatsoever.

Holy Albert Einstein! I'm falling for Quinn… and I enjoy it very much.

And so I'm left, short-of-breath
With that heavy feeling in my chest
Baby I'm so
Cruuuushed

The music faded and I let go of her, as reluctant as I was to do so.

"That's was amazing, Matt," Quinn said, finally, as we walked off to the dance floor side by side, along with the other pairs on the floor.

"I agree." I replied. What kind of line was that? Another fast song came on.

"Would like to dance? I don't listen to this song very often…but I do find it very entertaining." Quinn suggested.

"I'd like that very much," I replied, as she took my hand, and led me back on to the dance floor. This song entertains me too.

Zoey and I finished dancing. She's amazing as always. I don't know what I did to deserve her. Sometimes I feel like I don't deserve her, seriously. I walked off with Zoey, as she interlocked her fingers with mine.

"Chase, you were amazing," Zoey said, kissing me on the lips. I'll never get tired of that. If this is all one dream, and Michael and Logan think of waking me up, I will punch them out! I pinched myself to make sure. Nope, it was one hundred percent real.

I pulled away and held her, "You too, Zo. I love you."

"I love you too."

We walked until we were met by Dana, Logan, Vanessa, Michael, and then Nicole and Stan, but where was Quinn? Probably off by herself somewhere. Oh well. Michael found me and pulled me in so he could talk to me.

"Dude! You'll never guess what happened?"

"What?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Vanessa kissed me, man!"

No way! Absolutely no way! Wow…

"Nice… I'm happy for you! Wait…"

"What, Chase?"

"Was it a kiss on the cheek, on the lips, or on the lips with tongue?" I questioned. I read it in one of Zoey's magazines somewhere.

"Number 3. With tongue, man. Vanessa is an awesome kisser," he told me. I'm happy for Michael.

"Once again: nice job!" I congratulated him, high fiving him. "Go for her…"

"Thanks. I will," and we separated, as I went to Zoey, and Michael and Vanessa held hands. I know there was more, but I'll get the long version from him in the morning. It's almost 11 now. Eleven oh five, I think.

Get out my head and into the bed girl...
Cause you done know, plottin' out the fantasy...
Hey baby girl and it's you a the key...yo...me go so then.

I, for one, am all clubbed out.

Then when I think I've seen everything. I see Quinn and some mystery dude… literally steaming up the dance floor.

I tapped Zoey, "Hey Zoey. Look."

Zoey looked at what I was looking at, and I thought her eyes would fall out of her head.

"Chase? Is that Quinn?" she asked me. Hey, I'm just as shocked as she is.

"I'm pretty sure that's Quinn grinding against an unknown guy…"

"What's his name?" Zoey asked me.

"No clue, whatsoever…" I told my girlfriend, shrugging.

She alerted everyone else. Cool, Nicole and Stan are official. I know that because they've been holding hands and kissing for half of the night. I'll get the story tomorrow. Right now… I didn't know what Quinn was capable of. Actually I did, but I didn't know she was capable of THAT.

"You guys, look!" she said, getting Dana, Logan, Michael, Nicole, Stan, Vanessa and Michael's attention."

I was hanging out with Dana, oh yeah and everyone else… when I heard Zoey's voice. What could Miss Perfect want now?

"You guys…look!" she said, directing our attention to the dance floor. Whoa! Is it… Quinn? And whose the mystery dude getting all touchy-feely with her?

"Quinn?" Nicole asked.

"Go Quinn," Vanessa said, coolly. "I give the girl props…"

"About time she got over that salami-wielding dork!" Dana retorted. She rolled her eyes. Quinn is definitely on my make-out waiting list.

"Well, well, well, looks like she broke loose…" I pointed out smirking.

"You think?" Vanessa said with sarcasm. So it's things like her smart-ass charm that make me so torn between them…and they're best friends. This sucks. I'm the school player, and I shouldn't care… but I do have a soul, you know. Sometimes I wish I didn't though… then maybe it wouldn't hurt so badly.

"Wow, Quinn got over Mark so quickly," Zoey pointed out. Well, obviously… or she wouldn't be feeling up this dude.

It's interesting to watch really.

From you look inna me eye gal I see she you want me
When you gonna give it up to me
Because you body enticing you makin' me horny
When you gonna give it up to me
Well if a no today girl then a must be tomorrow
When you fulfill my fantasy
Because you know I give you lovin' straight like an arrow
When you gonna give it up to me

The music played as Quinn and I got on the dance floor. I liked the feel of her body against mine, her hips swaying in a quite seductive manner. Her brunette locks cascaded around her like sheets of Belgian chocolate. I danced against her, as she teased me. I teased her back. All in good flirting fun.

So back it up deh...So pack it up yeah
Cause I wanna be the man that's really gonna have it up and mack it up and
Slap it up yeah...So what is up yeah...You know you got the sinting inna me pants a develop and a swell up and
Double up yeah...So gimmie the work yeah cause if you no gimme the work the blue balls a erupt yeah..
So rev it up deh gal gwaan try you luck deh cause when you stir it up you know me haffi measure up yeah

I think I love Quinn. She's so fun to be with. I loved the way she moved. So carefree. She's too good to be true. I loved the friction between us, in a literal sense as well. We were the only ones on the floor. Quinn and I must be that good then. I loved a bit of Sean Paul, every now and then. I listened to him while I was in my dorm/lab trying to put together new compounds. Now I had Quinn to do that with, if she would let me…

I felt Matt's sturdy hands on my waist, and I grinded up against him trying to get lost in him. So this is what you call flirting.

I feel like Matthew is the one.

So why can't you see...we ought to be...together girl don't front on me
I just wanna be near so don't have no fear and lemme see you bring your body right over here
Because you should share it...girl I'll care it...And I'm gonna give you love so clear
It gonna make you shine and once you are mine...we be rockin' it until the end of time

Mark was an infatuation, a crush… and now Matthew was the one with my heart. I understand I'm moving quite quickly with this guy, but speed doesn't matter when it's true love. I hope he's fallen for me too, as much as I have for him. The music was controlling me. I don't think that it's scientifically possible, but either way, I'm enjoying it.

I'm enjoying having Matt with me.

I'm enjoying having the music pulsate through my body.

No one can take that away from me.

The music faded, and we stopped dancing, as we walked.

"You were great," Matt told me.

"So were you…" I replied. My eye caught my friends, and it was about eleven thirty. I think he had to go too.

"Oh, well. My friends are waiting for me," he told me, jerking a thumb behind him. He was studious like me but he didn't have one of those pocket protectors and suspenders… those kinds. He was a normal guy with from I can tell, an IQ similar to mine.

"Yeah, well… mine are waiting for me too," I said, with a small laugh.

"Can I?"

"Can you what?" I asked, curiosity getting the best of me.

"Hug you."

I blushed for the third time that night, "Ok, Matt… because I'd like to, um, hug you too."

He hugged back, and strangely I hugged back and I whispered in his ear, "I'll always be grateful for tonight."

He pulled away, with a smile, "It was no problem…really… I guess I'll see you at school then."

"Yeah, I guess we will," I said, returning the smile. I watched as he walked off, but when he reached the door. He waved at me with a smile. I waved back, and his dirty blonde was no longer in sight.

I turned to meet everyone and everyone actually came to me. It was silent for a couple moments and then the first to speak was Nicole. She screamed happily.

"Ok, Quinn! Dish the dirt. Who was the guy that just waved to you?"

Next was Zoey, "Come on, tell us…please?"

"Um…I…" I started. I really didn't know what to say after that, but I miss Matt already…

A/N: So there's Quinn's POV.

She met a new guy and isn't dating Mark anymore… Matt Keller. Trust me, we'll see more of Quinn/Matt. But I like my OCs. What will Quinn say? Read the next chapter, which you won't get for another weekend.

Oh, and I've also changed my penname. It's now x3 My December x3 I chose this, because I like the song, and I'm a Sagittarius, so it works. I'm still Tears On My Pillow, just under a whole pen name now… so yeah. Just thought I should let you guys know.

So REVIEW! It's a fairly long chapter. Over 4,000 words. 4,690 to be exact.

Poll Question:

Who's your favourite pairing so far?

Chase/Zoey

Stan/Nicole

Dana/Logan

Vanessa/Michael

Quinn/Matt

Tell in your reviews. If you want to see me smile… pile on those reviews, and while you're reading… check out Clash of the Secrets. Really dark there. It would make me happy if you reviewed that too.

Thanks for reviewing and reading as always (hugs reader)

--x3 My December x3