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 Stephenie Meyer. I own nothing.
Comments: Based loosely on the reality t.v. show Dancing with the Stars.
Thank you, Candy!
Its the finals. I wonder what goes on....
May 27th 2008
Edward POV
It was Sunday, and we were at the studios going over a run through with the rest of the couples. Jared was talking to Jessica. The two of them had a brother/sister type of relationship- Jared annoyed Jessica, and Jessica ignored Jared's jokes. They liked each other though. You could tell they were both in it to win it.
This past week has been so hard. The pressure, the dances, the choreography all wore me out. I never thought I could feel this exhausted, and from dancing no less! I have a lot respect for Bella and the other dancers. They dance at a much higher level, and they make look easy. I'm only dancing for a reality show, and I'm exhausted.
I was happy with our two dances. Our Samba was fun. We had a lot of moving around and spins and rolls. I really liked the Samba rolls. It's a move where Bella is in front of me-I hold her against my chest and we bring out right arms forward and rotate together. It is an extremely advanced move, and it was difficult to learn. I had to be careful with her, and I had to work out the timing in my head because we were literally moving together.
Our freestyle was a whole other story. Bella decided to go with my original idea-we'd be showcasing a medley of Latin dances. Our core dance was the Cha Cha. Our costumes were basic colored black. Bella had a rhinestone and tasseled black skirt with a black bustier. I had on black pants with pin stripes and a vest to match. I was comfortable and I was glad Bella didn't go crazy. The only crazy thing Bella did with the costumes was that she had a longer attachable skirt with Velcro. I'd snatch it off to reveal her skimmer skirt during our routine. I found it very funny that Bella seemed to choreograph lots of dances that included me removing a piece of her clothing.
After our run through, Bella insisted we go back to the dance studio for one last rehearsal.
We had our Samba routine memorized. Both of us were very confident in our routine, what we really needed to practice was our freestyle. It was crazy! Bella was going to do a 'helicopter' move, I was going to 'death drop' her, and we had some pretty amazing stuff in our routine. In the beginning, I was apprehensive abut the lifts. I was scared. What if I dropped her? What if she fell? What if we got hurt? All these things were bothering me, and if Bella hadn't screamed at me to 'get it together' I may have lost it.
"Let's try the helicopter again," she said.
I finally perfected that move. Bella was light. I could carry her very easily, but not being able to see her and having to carry her over my head at the same time was terrifying. Thank God for the crash mats.
The helicopter move consisted of me kneeling down on the floor on one knee. At this point in our routine, Bella would be behind me, she'd have a running start, and then she'd lightly step on my leg. That gave me my warning and signal. From there, I'd wait less than a second for her to lean forward. When she did this, I'd stand up, along with lifting her into the air.
"What, you don't trust me?" I teased. "We've been doing this move for days. I've got this."
"It's not that I don't trust you. I think we need to do it at least one more time to get more comfortable."
"Such a perfectionist," I grumbled.
"Be nice."
I flashed her a mock smile.
We went over the move three times.
After the third time, I called for a water break. Professional Bella was cracking the whip. I missed Girlfriend Bella. She was much nicer and easier to get along with.
Bella was drinking from her water bottle, when I got an idea. I reached out with my left hand and tipped her water bottle down her shirt. Bella's reaction was comical. Her eyes grew wide; it was like she couldn't believe what I'd done. Surprise left her eyes, and now she looked livid. I knew what she was going to do, so I made my move before she could.
I grabbed her, and kissed her hard. At first, Bella wasn't sure what the hell was going on. She didn't respond, so I softened the kiss, and then gradually added more pressure to her lips. Bella responded, but I was leading. I could feel her arms encircle my neck, and her wet t-shirt was cold against my sweat drenched shirt.
I knew Bella didn't understand what I was doing, and truth be told I wasn't exactly sure what I was doing. All I knew was that I had to get her back for her 'toughness' in the studio, and this was the only way I knew how. When I felt her tongue against mine, I knew we were getting carried away. It was okay for us to kiss and make out, but not in the middle of the dance studio. Sure, the camera wasn't here now, but there were other people in the building. Come to think of it, I was sure Jared and Jessica were in the studio next door.
Bella began moving, and I knew what that meant. She was getting turned on. Which would be great in another situation, but I knew if I didn't stop, we'd be caught in a potentially scandalous situation. But when she ran her tongue along my bottom lip I lost it. I did pull back, only to attach my lips to her collarbone. I slipped my tongue to taste her skin. She was divine, like sugar and her strawberries. It must have been her body lotion. I trailed kisses up her neck and settled at her pulse point. She was melting in my arms, and I loved it. Bella's little hands were roaming around my back, and when I licked the side of neck, she said my name.
She said my damn name!
I internally patted myself on the back.
"Edward," she sighed.
Yeah, she was enjoying this as much as I was.
"Edward," she repeated.
Poor Bella, I'm killing her here. Oh, well, if she had to die, then what better way than to die in my arms, with me kissing her?
"Edward," she said more forceful.
Oh, look, Professional Bella was making appearance. I could please them both.
"Edward!" she screamed. She shoved me away, and pointed at the window. "People were taking pictures of us!"
"What?" Clearly I heard her wrong.
Bella was hysterical.
"I saw a bunch of paparazzi outside taking our pictures! Two of them used the window washing thing to get a closer look at us! They took pictures of you and me… doing that… oh my god! I'm going to be sick."
It was so ironic that one minute we were making out like teenagers and the next the paparazzi ruined it.
"Bella," I said softly, in hopes of getting her to calm down.
"No," she snapped. "You can't 'Bella' me! They took our picture! They have pictures of us doing…"
"Doing what?" I asked. "We weren't doing anything illegal. We were perfectly decent. No harm, no foul."
Apparently that wasn't the right thing to say because Bella promptly took my Gatorade, opened the bottle up, and poured it on me.
"No harm no foul?" she screeched. "It doesn't matter if we were obeying the law, Edward what we were doing was something intimate and private. It was only a couple of kisses, but still."
Only a couple of kisses? I scoffed internally.
"Okay, I deserve that," I amended.
She gave me a 'oh really' look.
"Bella, I know you're upset, but honey there is nothing we can do. They have the pictures already, and they will most likely circuit the Internet first, and then hit the mainstream gossip media. I'm sorry we got caught; you were right-what we did was meant to be private, and it is my fault that we 'kissed' here. I shouldn't have gotten so carried away."
"It's scary," she replied. "The fact that someone has photos of me and you like that…. It just makes my stomach churn. I hate it."
"I know," I said walking over to her, and pulling her close. "I'm sorry, honey. I wish I could erase those pictures, but there really isn't anything I can do."
"It's not your fault," she mumbled against my chest. "What's going to happen when the pictures come out?"
I wrapped my arms around her waist and pressed a kiss atop her head.
"I'll call Jasper. He can try to get the photos from hitting Perez. However, ET and Access Hollywood may present them to us tomorrow during our press time."
"How is it possible that the mainstream media will get a hold of it, but the Internet won't?"
"Well, I'm not sure if the Internet won't get them, but if Jasper can prevent it from hitting every single website, then it'll help."
"But ET and Access Hollywood?"
"Have friends in high places. They'll be able to get a hold of the pictures. I'm so sorry, Bella."
"Everyone is going to talk about the pictures, Edward! Instead of focusing on our dances, they'll be asking if we want to confirm or deny that we're together."
"What do you want me to say, Bella? My life is like this all the time! I made some bad decisions when I was younger, which led me to a close relationship with the tabloids. You know who I am, and you knew the consequences of being with me. Now I'm asking you again, tell me it's over, and I'll leave you alone. We can just be professionals if that's what you want."
"You're giving me a choice?"
"Yes."
"There is no choice," she said. "It was always you. Don't let me ever hear you utter those words again, you got it?"
"Okay," I said. "Let me call Jasper and we'll try to figure things out."
"I'm going to get another bottled of water."
As soon as she walked out, I pulled out my phone and hit Jasper.
"What's up, Edward?"
"I'm in trouble."
"Oh, shit."
Exactly.
I informed Jasper about the pictures. He wasn't very happy with me, but I expected that. Ever since I was on the show, things calmed down. I wasn't in the negative press light. I was being taken seriously, and everyone was treating me and Bella with respect. Now, everything we'd worked for was coming to a halt. The pictures would be the talk of the town. Bella was scared, and things were only going to get worse.
We worked so hard to perfect our routines, and now no one would even care about that. Everyone would be talking about the pictures. It was my fault really. I knew the windows were big and clear, and I knew it was risky to do that to Bella in the studio.
I'm such a fucking idiot.
Jasper was trying to get a hold of the source. He probably wouldn't be able to. Once Jasper contacted the websites, he'd devise a plan for me and Bella. It was too bad that Bella and I couldn't ignore them. We were in the prime time media coverage now, thanks to the show.
I knew we couldn't deny what was in the photos. It was pretty straightforward. The only thing to do was laugh it up. Chalk it up for a 'chemistry' technique or some other bullshit. If Bella and I appeared to be cool with it, then the hype would die down faster.
No big deal folks. Nothing to see here. What? That's not groping. That is what I liked to call 'intensive chemistry'. Yeah, Bella and I suffer from it. It's a very rare disease.
I almost laughed at that thought, almost.
When Bella came back with a new water bottle, she had her professional face on.
"From the top," she snapped.
Uh-oh, I'm in trouble.
We went over our routines twice. Bella was short and abrupt with me. She was most likely pissed at the paparazzi, although I'd venture a guess and say she was also furious with me.
When she packed everything away, I pulled her close, and she tried to get away.
"Keep it professional," she hissed.
"I'm sorry," I said sincerely.
"I know."
***
May 28th 2008
I arrived at the set, before eight a.m. Bella and I decided to take separate cars, in hopes to not fuel the picture scandal. It was still early, so the pictures hadn't ended up at the mainstream media. Jasper and I guessed the pictures would leak by the afternoon. By that time, Bella and I would be finished with hair and makeup. I dreaded the leak, and I tried to focus all my energy on the show.
I looked around for Bella, she hadn't returned any of my calls or texts and I was getting worried. I knew her parents were in town now. They flew in from Forks, and I was sure I'd meet them later. I wasn't nervous about meeting them, but because of the pictures, I was almost positive Bella's dad would try to castrate me.
I went inside the building, and made a beeline for the crafts table. I found Jared there already munching on a breakfast roll.
"Have you seen Bella?"
He gave me a wry grin. "Trouble in paradise?"
I narrowed my eyes at him. "Well…"
He laughed. "I don't want to know, I was just teasing you, Edward. I saw Bella talking to Jessica. They're in Jess' trailer."
"Okay, thanks!"
I went outside, and decided to give Bella some space. If she was with Jessica, then I knew she'd be okay. After nearly four months, I knew Bella pretty well. She was scared right now and that was normal. I knew she'd never dated a person like me before. I had a lot of baggage, and I wouldn't blame her for needing some space, but I just wanted her to talk to me.
The morning passed, and Jasper said the pictures were already up on some gossip sites. PEOPLE and PopSugar had the pictures as well as Perez. In a matter of hours, ET, Access Hollywood, and Extra would show the pictures to the whole American public.
Jasper suggested that we try to steer the interviews back to the dancing. If Bella and I kept our answers short and brief in regards to the photos then no would make a big deal out of it. If Bella and I refused to say anything or if we got bashful then that would only fuel the fire.
I was sad for Bella. She wasn't used to this type of scrutiny. I told her along time ago, how things were going to be with me. Of course I'd try to shield her from this stuff, but sometimes we couldn't avoid it. Bella didn't deserve this, but the only thing to do was face it head on.
Alice and Jasper arrived at two. I met them in the back, and the three of us spoke in my trailer.
"Emmett, Rose, Mom and Dad are here," Alice informed me. "Emmett and Rose know about the pictures."
Sighing, I ran a hand through my already made up hair.
"And?"
"And nothing," Alice answered. "They were laughing."
"Typical," I muttered. "Where are they?"
"At the hotel with Mom and Dad."
"Okay," said Jasper trying to refocus. "You guys go live at five. The media airs before the show. That means in a couple of hours everyone will see the pictures. Now while I think it's unfortunate that there are pictures of you and Bella like that… I think you shouldn't make a big deal out of it. It's not like the pictures are R rated. It looks a bit scandalous but oh well."
"Have you spoken to Bella?" Alice asked.
"No," I shook my head. "She hasn't answered any of my calls or texts. I haven't seen her the whole day."
Alice got up. "I'm going to pay her a visit."
"No, Alice don't!"
"She needs to know our game plan, and she needs a friend right now."
"Her parents are here," I said.
"Oh, shit," muttered Jasper.
"If you meet them, Alice can you just… fuck it. I don't know what to do!"
"Everything will be okay, Edward."
By the time I met Bella in the studio, Alice, Jasper, Emmett, Rose, and our parents were all in the audience. I still hadn't met Bella's parents, but Alice had.
When I walked to Bella, I was met with a smile. A real genuine smile. My girl was alright. Thank God!
"Edward," she sighed as she wrapped her arms around me, giving me a bone crushing hug. "I'm sorry for avoiding you all day. I was being stupid and I'm so, so sorry!"
"Shhh," I said hugging her. "It's okay. I understand this is all new for you, but talk to me, okay?"
She looked up at me. "Last night was so scary. I know I can't do anything, but it was about privacy, you know? I know we should've been more careful, but whatever. Alice came and talked with me. I'm glad she did because it really helped."
"Are you sure you'll be okay to talk to the press tonight?"
"Yes," she said firmly. "I'm not going to let this affect me anymore. This is my work, and I'm proud to be your dance partner. Whatever we do outside or inside the studio is private, but I know that sometimes things like this happen. I'll be okay. All I want to do is dance with you. Give me your all and I promise I'll be happy."
I leaned down, ready to kiss her when a nearby makeup lady barked at me, "Oh no you don't! She is perfect and we're going live!"
I ignored her. I gave Bella a quick peck, much to the makeup lady's chagrin.
"Edward!" Bella teased. "Keep those lips away from me, that's what got us in trouble in the first place!"
I laughed, "Can't help it. Oh hey, do your parents know?"
She furrowed her brow. "No."
I breathed a sigh of relief. "Neither do my parents, but Emmett and Rose saw them."
"Great."
"We're going live in one minute!" a stage manager yelled.
"Ready babe?"
"I'm ready."
The music started, and Bella looped her arm through mine. As we walked down the stairs, I took a glance at her. Her costume was a hot pink jumpsuit, backless, with rhinestones. Her hair was set in loose curls and her makeup was stunning. I was wearing black pants and an open collared white shirt. There was no way in hell I was going out here wearing pink. I wasn't taking fashion risks for the show. I still had a reputation to uphold.
Bella and I were first to dance tonight. A long time ago, I was scared shitless to go first. Now, I had the confidence to go out and just have fun. We cut to a commercial, and Bella and I took out spots on the floor. She directed me to the right side of the stairs.
Our Samba started with the two of us on either side of the staircase. Bella and I would meet in the middle of the floor, and then we'd go down the steps and start circling each other. That was our opening. We had rolls and side by side sequences. Since Latin wasn't my forte, Bella tried to choreograph a clean routine. If I was technically good the maybe it would be enough to get a decent score. Anything below nine would not do. I needed to surprise everyone.
Our ending pose was Bella doing a split move between my legs. Once I got her on her feet, we high-fived each other. She gave me a hug and a pat on my arm.
"Good job," she said. I knew she meant it.
When we got to the judges, we were met with mixed reviews.
"That was fabulous and fun! You two are the ones that light up the whole audience!"
"It wasn't good enough. This is the finals, and I was expecting something more."
"It was good, not great. You played with each other, and that showed in the dance, but it wasn't spectacular."
Bella and I took it with a grain of salt. The judge's comments had little influence on the public voting. People were going to think whatever they wanted, and the photos that leaked could either hurt or help us tonight.
We cut to another commercial and Bella and I made our way backstage. Jared and Jessica were clapping for us. The other couple, a Russian newcomer to the show, Garret, and his partner, television actress Kate was taking their cues on the floor. No one really thought they'd win. We all got along, but Garret and Kate was kind of the oddball couple of the show.
Back on air, we received our scores. Two 9's and one 10. Not bad!
Bella clapped and bounced in my arms. "That was awesome!"
When asked if we'd share anything about our freestyle, Bella pretended to zip her lips.
"My boss says I can't say anything," I joked as I draped right arm across Bella's shoulder.
The camera left us, and we scrambled backstage to change into our freestyle costumes. I really liked our freestyle. It was probably one of my favorite dances. The lifts were crazy, but showing everyone how far I'd come in the competition was aw inspiring. I didn't know shit about dancing, and now it was like I was completely transformed. I had a lot of respect for Bella and the whole show was a lot of fun.
After we changed, we sat down in the red room. We watched the other couples dance. Jared and Jessica were last. They danced the Paso Doble and killed it! It was a really awesome performance.
I always thought I had the potential to win. If I had a competition it would be Jared. He was young, cool, fresh, and he had swagger. He was just a really cool guy. I'm glad I got to know him through the show, and if I had to lose I'd want to lose to him.
The freestyle round was next, and Bella and I went to our marks. This time, we'd be starting on right side of the dance floor. Bella and I would be in hold, but we'd be Cha Cha (ing) across the floor. Once we reached the middle of the dance floor, I'd death drop her, spin her around two times, and then catch her in my arms. She'd wrap her legs around my waist, and I'd bend backwards just a little, Bella would bend backwards too, and she'd do a little back flip. When both of us were standing facing each other, we'd circle one another and then I'd duck between her legs and do a flip. I can't tell you how much work I put into that flip. I hadn't flipped liked that since I was a teenager. Anyways, we had a few Salsa steps and other Latin sequences. Our helicopter move was in the middle of the routine. Once Bella was up in the air, we'd transition to another trick. I'd flip her, so she was hanging upside down, I'd spin her around and then we had more freestyle. Our last trick consisted of Bella facing me, her hands were on my thighs or hips, her legs spread and me spinning around. Form there, I'd place her on the floor and she'd jump up, while I went down on my knees. Our ending pose was me on my knees in front of Bella with my hands on her hips.
When the dance was over, we looked into each others eyes and knew that we nailed it.
Now how's that for the final show drama?
The next chapter is BPOV.
Till next time.
Tina