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 Stephanie Meyer. I own nothing.
Comments: Based loosely on the reality t.v. show Dancing with the Stars.

Thank you so much Candy!

Sorry everyone for the wait, but Candy and I are in school again so it gets harder to update.

May 2nd 2008

Edward POV

Jasper and I strolled down the sidewalk; we were headed to the local bakery for lunch. We ordered a couple of sandwiches and some coffee. Once Jasper and I had our food and drinks we went outside to sit in the patio area. The day was sunny, like any other day in Southern California and the weather was crisp and hot. I ran a hand through my unruly hair in an attempt to keep some of it off of my sweat slicked forehead. I pushed back my Aviator sunglasses to my eyes and picked up my sandwich.

Jasper took a drink of his iced coffee and then wiped his mouth on a napkin. Before he began eating his food he opened up to talk to me.

"Well? Have you thought about it?"

I swallowed my food and sat back in the plastic chair. I have thought about it. It's all I've been thinking about since I've read his text from this morning.

"Yes," I replied. "I almost can't believe how lucky we are."

Jasper nodded in agreement. "I told you this would work Edward. You've been doing splendidly since you've been on the show. Keep it up and this could be in the bag."

I frowned slightly. A few months ago I never thought I would be in this position. In fact I was almost going to quit. But Jasper and Alice's crazy idea for me to join Dance X and now my whole career seemed to be coming back together.

"I honestly didn't think it was going to be like this. Its all so surreal," I lamented.

Jasper had picked up his club sandwich and was halfway through it. He wiped a piece of tomato and then said, "You see? This whole dancing thing is helping you. This show has done wonders for its contestants and the people involved are genuinely one of a kind."

I agree with him on that. The shows production, crew, management, dancers, make up and wardrobe, they all are wonderful. It doesn't feel like work; it's such a family oriented atmosphere and everyone looks out for each other. This show easily is one of the best shows there is.

"So how many offers are there total?" I asked.

Jasper grinned broadly. "Quite a few from California. The Angels, Padres, Giants all have shown interest. And what's more are the Mariners, and the Rockies. We'll need to look over each proposition, but I think it's safe to say that this time next year you'll be playing baseball again."

"I have to think about this. I've only ever lived here in Los Angeles. This is big."

"Well, if you went with the Angels you could still live here," Jasper said.

I knew that, but the Angels were too close to my old team. And I kind of wanted to go further away so it could be like a clean break for me. But on the other hand Los Angeles is all I know. Jasper and Alice live here too and they're the closest family I have. Everyone else lives on the east coast. And what about Bella, she lives here too. Now that we're together I don't know if I can go far away from her.

"Can you bring over the paperwork tonight? I think we need to have a meeting with Alice. This is a decision I can't make on my own. I need you and Alice to think about this too."

"You got it," he said. "How about you text me after you and Bella practice?"

"Okay."

"So," said Jasper. "How are you and Bella?"

I smirked. "Are you fishing for information? Or did Alice put you up to this?"

"Nahh," he replied. "Alice is getting the 411 from Bella right now as we speak."

"Things are going well with Bella. She's a drill sergeant on the dance floor and a sweet person off the dance floor."

"She seems like a good match for you," he commented.

"She is," I replied. "But sometimes I feel guilty. She doesn't know all of me."

"What do you mean?" he asked.

I sighed. "She literally did not know me before meeting me for the show. She isn't into sports which are fine, but she doesn't know me Jasper."

Comprehension dawned on his face.

"You haven't told her?" he asked.

"I've told her bits and pieces," I mumbled.

"Edward," he sighed. "You have to tell her what went on back then. She needs to know if you guys are going to continue to see each other."

"I know that Jasper," I cried. "But look at it from my point of view. Would you want to divulge the worst of you to someone you care about? I was or am a fucking cocky asshole. I'm conceited and materialistic. I have a difficult time with the whole concept of team sportsmanship. I'm not a good person."

"Will you shut the hell up?" Jasper hissed. "You are a good person Edward. Since being on the show and being with Bella you've calmed the fuck down. Bella is good for you and she's teaching you stuff you've need to know for years."

"Oh yeah? Like what?"

"She's teaching you the importance of a partnership. When you dance with her you know you can't do well on your own. Ballroom and Latin dancing is a two person deal. One cannot dance well alone. And in the same way with baseball you need to know that you cannot do well on your own. It's a team sport and not one player can shine without the other players support."

"I never looked at it liked that."

Jasper laughed. "Yeah well, you wouldn't. But can we blame you? You were only eighteen and that alone was enough to make your immature head swell up with arrogance."

"It only got worst as time went on," I muttered.

"Yes, it did," Jasper agreed. "But you're never too old to learn new things. And that is what Bella is doing for you. She may not know it, but she's doing so much more than teaching you how to dance. And, by the way, I heard you and Bella are going to win this competition."

"I don't know about that," I answered. "It's getting tougher and tougher and there are some good competitions that can give me a run for my money."

Jasper waved his hand. "With Bella's creativity and your willingness to please her then I'm sure you guys have a very good chance at winning."

"Bella has won before and I do want to do well for her. Shit. We've already decided that we want more than a fling. This is turning into something serious and it scares the crap out of me, but at the same time it puts a smile on my face. I've never been like this!"

I wasn't aware that I was ranting and when I was done I was met with silence. Jasper just looked at me and when I thought I couldn't take it anymore he smirked.

"Alice was right," he said. "Alice had a feeling this would happen. I see now she was right."

"What?"

"Calm down Edward," Jasper instructed. "It's okay to be scared and happy at the same time. Bella is a good girl and you deserve someone like her."

"What if I mess this up?"

"Well," he said contemplatively. "I can't say that you won't fight and that being with her will be perfect because that's not how real relationships are. But if you care about her then that is enough."

"I do care about her. More than I thought I would."

"Then that is enough for now," Jasper said simply. "We'll talk more tonight. You order the pizza and supply the drinks. I'll bring Alice and the paper work. Are you inviting Bella?"

"No," I answered. "I don't feel comfortable letting Bella in on this. Not yet."

"I understand. Anyways, we need finish eating so you can go back to rehearsal."

***

Bella POV

"Try this on Bella!" Alice said excitedly as she swung another shirt over the dressing room door. The shirt hit me square in the face.

"Ugh! Alice!" I said.

"Sorry!" she squealed.

I giggled. "It's okay I guess."

When Alice said we'd be having a girly day out I really wasn't sure what to expect. Whenever I went out on girly outings with Jessica or Angela it always consisted of getting our nails done and eating globs of junk food. With Alice it consisted of shopping and grabbing coffee.

"You got it?" she asked.

"Yeah," I answered. "I'm trying it on now."

We were at the Kitson Boutique on Robertson Boulevard. We weren't far away from the studio and I was glad. Alice, unsurprisingly, shops here often. I've been here a couple of times, but it was a bit pricy for my taste.

"Okay, I'm telling myself that I can live without this top, but my inner voice doesn't want to listen."

"Ohhh let me see!" Alice cried.

She and I were using the dressing rooms. Hers was right next to mine and we'd been tossing clothing back and forth over the walls.

Spending time with Alice was fun. Though I haven't known her for very long I knew deep down that we would be good friends.

"Come on out so you can show me those pants," I said.

"Okay," Alice replied.

Alice found me a v-neck shirt with short sleeves. It was teal and had a little bow on the bottom. Earlier I found a pair of leather pants for Alice. I picked them up as a joke, but she ended up liking them.

The both of us emerged from our dressing rooms and we faced each other. Alice was tiny, standing at barely four feet eleven and the leather pants she was wearing made her legs longer than they really are. It looked good on her.

"Wow," I said. "I didn't think they could look like that."

"I know right? I love them!" she said. "Oh, Bella please tell me you're going to get that top. It looks awesome on you."

"I don't know," I said hesitantly. "They're a bit too pricy but on the other hand I really do like them."

"Come on, live a little!" she cried. "I'll get the pants and you get the top. I won't be happy unless you do."

"Fine," I huffed dramatically. "You win."

"I always get my way," she smiled.

"I'm beginning to see that," I muttered.

"I heard that," she quipped.

We went back to the dressing rooms and changed and gathered up the clothes. Twenty minutes later we were getting another cup of coffee. Alice got her leather pants and I got my teal top.

Alice and I sat down in the patio area in front of Panera Bread. We both got coffee and a sandwich. It was nice being with Alice. She was pleasant and outgoing. She praised me about my work on the show and gushed about how cute Edward and I are.

"I can't believe how good you make Edward to be! He's so surprising!"

"Trust me," I said. "Every Wednesday morning it's difficult. We always start from scratch and Edward works hard to do his best."

"It's not only him working hard, but he's doing it for you. He doesn't want to make you look bad," she giggled.

I smirked. "He would never have lived it down if he was eliminated first."

"I know," Alice said nodding. "He's macho like that. So very 'guy-ish'."

"He's doing okay today. We just started on the basics of the dances."

"What are you dancing?"

"The Quickstep and Samba."

"Oh, I love the Samba! It looks so fun!"

"It is, but it's a difficult dance to perform. A lot of people struggle with it."

"Well, I'm sure he'll have it down in time."

"I know he will," I agreed.

"Bella can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Do you love my brother?"

I nearly spit out my coffee all over her. That was not what I was expecting.

"Alice!" I gasped. "I.."

"Sorry," she said apologetically. "But I need to know."

"I think I do," I said. "I know it's still early, but there's something there. Why do you ask?"

Alice smiled wanly. She reached out and grasped my hand in hers. "Please don't think I don't like you. I like you very much Bella. You are so good for my brother, but you have to know my brother isn't the easiest person to work with. He's been a brat to say the least and he's never been very close with others outside our family. He wasn't even close to the team he used to play with. I can see he's been changing since he's started on the show and I'm so very grateful for it. I'm especially grateful for you. It would sadden me to see you hurt because of my brother."

"He's not like that at all with me."

Alice shrugged. "That's because he loves you."

"I don't think…"

She cut me off. "It's true. What I've told you is true about him. He was like that, but since you've waltzed into his life he's been better. He's happy."

"He doesn't talk much about his career. I don't really know that much about him in that respect."

"He probably will tell you about that stuff soon. Right now he's preoccupied with the show and trying to impress you."

I laughed. "That's a lot to handle."

"Eh, he can do it," Alice said lightly.

"Alice, do you know what Jasper is talking to Edward about?"

I had to ask her. It was bugging me for the past hour and I figured since Alice got to integrate me then I could return the favor.

"They're having a business meeting," she replied.

That didn't tell me anything.

"What kind of business?"

"Bella," Alice said. "Edward told you why he's doing the show, right?"

"Yeah."

"The show is helping him clean up his image and he's getting back into his career. Edward has some new options now and he's looking into them. That's all I can tell you."

"Okay," I said in understanding. "Thanks for answering my question Alice."

"It's not a problem Bella. Now come on, I promised your man I'd get you back by two and it's almost time! Edward hates it when I'm late."

Alice drove me back to the studio. The car ride was filled with her joyful singing voice.

"Well, this is where we part," Alice said cutting the engine.

"Thanks for a great afternoon Alice," I said giving her a hug.

"You're welcome Bella. I had a great time!"

"So did I," I said. I got out of her car and waved to her before making my way to the back entrance of the studio.

By the time I walked into the studio Edward was already there waiting. He hadn't put on his dancing shoes yet, but he was stretching on the floor.

"Hey, partner," I drawled.

He looked up and smiled. "Hey Bella, did you have a good time with Alice?"

I sat down next to him and began my own leg stretches. "Yeah, we had a good time shopping. And it was nice having some girl talk and coffee."

"Ugh," he groaned. "Girl talk, do I even want to know what that entails?"

"No," I replied. "And you're not going to know. It's the secret girl code: we never tell our guys what we discuss with our girls."

Edward rolled his eyes. "It's probably better that way."

"It is," I agreed. I placed a quick kiss to his cheek and then strapped on my heels.

"Alright, Cullen, it's time to Quickstep. I want you to glide by the time we're done."

Edward and I practiced for another four hours. The camera crew came back at four and they left at six.

Our practice session was very good. Edward was picking up the Quickstep a lot faster than the Samba, but that was okay for now. We still had two days left to hash out the choreography and perfect everything. Today was just a crash course on those dances.

What I liked about his progress in regards to the Quickstep was that he has the ballroom build. He's tall and a bit lanky. His frame looks good when he dances and he's got that handsome leading man face. I was going to be a little bit ambitious with the Quickstep choreography. I planted a couple of leaps in our dance and Edward took on the challenge gracefully. He still needed work, but now it was just a matter of refining his moves.

The Samba was a whole different case. Edward didn't look fluid enough. He still didn't have the bounce. But he did have the hips. Hey, one out of three isn't bad, right?

Right after the camera crew left Edward and I began taking off our shoes. We were sitting down next to each other and Edward was fast with his shoes. He was stretching his back by the time I had my ballet flats on.

"Be here at ten tomorrow?" I said.

"Yeah," he replied. "Hey, Bella tonight Alice and Jasper are coming over to my place to discuss some things with me. I'm going to be pretty busy tonight so I'll call you when I get home and then I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

Edward was informing me that he was going to be busy and therefore I shouldn't call him. Subtle, Cullen. Not.

"Edward you don't have to call me if you don't want to."

"No, it's not that. I just don't want you to be mad if I don't pick up my phone tonight. I've got some things to think about and I need Alice and Jasper's help."

I held up my hand. "It's okay Edward. You don't have to tell me anything unless you want to. I won't pry."

Yeah, right. I'm totally calling Alice. She better give me the dirty details.

"I don't want you to be alarmed," he said. "I saw the look on your face earlier today and I just need you to know that everything is okay."

"What are you discussing Edward?"

Okay, so maybe I am prying.

"My career," he said. "I've got some new things to decide on. Nothing is definite yet and we're still looking at my options. Please Bella I can't talk to you about this right now."

"Fine," I amended. "Just let me know whenever."

"Bella!" he sighed.

"It's fine Edward. You have business to take care of. I don't need to know anything, right?"

"Right."

If you go back 2 chapters or so you'll see that Edward did tell Bella he could end up playing again. Alice also tells Bella a little of what Edward is going through.

For those of you that keep up with the actual DWTS show: I'm not going to have Edward and Bella dance the Lambada or the Hustle or any of the other "new dances" the show has introduced. I like the old format of the show and that's how I'll write this story. I find it is also much simpler this way.

Till next time.

Tina