okay I know its been a while and there are some ppl ready to kill me. I can think of one right now....*gulp*
Kai: duh. State the obvious.
but hey I updated and lovershoe guys for keeping up with me. XD
Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade or the characters associated with it.
Dance Part Two
Teara looked over at Kai with a groan of dispair. The DJ was bad, the atmosphere was horrible, she couldn't dance to save her life, and the company definately left much to be disired. He was content to sit back and sip something all night. She didn't like Kai, but it would have been nice if they would actually carry on a conversation to pass the time.
Desiding to watch the guest Teara saw Hilary trying to pull Tyson away from the buffet along with Daichi. The sight was gruesome. Chris had already madke her first round it seemed and had moved away. The scene had put her off getting another plate so far, Teara was sure it wouldn't last because she new the girl could put some food away.
Bryan was talking to the "good" twin in her book and for some reason that caught her attention. She had seen Bryan when he was a Demolition Boy on television and the nervous way he kept shifting did not seem like him at all. The sight just looked completely wrong.
Moving her eye sight she compared him to Michael. Her fellow American looked at ease as he talked back and forth with Emily. He even leaned over and whispered something in the girl's ear. Teara didn't know enough about Emily or even know the girl at all, but she looked completely at ease with her companion as well. That old saying that a woman knows made a sly grin appear across Teara's face.
The grin faded as she moved on to the empty table beside Michael. It was longer than the rest of the tables and would have benefitted several other with seating, but there was a reserved sign on it. 12 seats. Just enough for the OutKast and Black Out along with their goons Boris and Voltaire to sit. Knowing what the two men had done and what had happened to the Bladebreakers set her hair on end. She was thankful they weren't here yet along with their masked blader.
Suddenly the music changed and instead of the soft dance music it was upbeat with drums and a trumpet in the back ground with guitars. The dance floor that had been empty all night suddenly appeared full of life as Tala stepped into view and Taylor across from him several feet away. Considering who the two of them were Teara sat up a little straighter waiting for a show. Now this could be interesting.
She wasn't disappointed.
Taylor did a swift turn in Tala's arms that landed her back right against his front. His scent and sweat was all around her making her aware of only the two of them. It had been a while since she had been with a partner almost as accomplished as herself.
His breath tickled the back of her neck as he moved towards her ear never missing a beat.
"If you come in a little closer you might like what you find," his breath was calm and low. Keeping her composure Taylor managed not to pull away from him in disgust. Her leg went between his and slid down bringing her body with it as his hands danced up her arms to her wrist.
"And just what would that be?" she hissed.
Tala whirled her around back on her feet and pulled her close himself with his hand at the very bottom of her back. "I think you know." The red head was proud of himself. He was sure that he was giving the woman in front of him quit a show. It was something that he had wanted to do since her blush the night before. She had been so ill since she'd joined the Blitzkrieg boys. She never did what he told her to do. Never came to the practices. Never once did one work out that he knew of and if it wasn't for the fact that she was needed he would have benched her for the things she'd called him.
But than an inspiration had come to him. There was always more than one way to dominate a person. Especially a woman. And who could resist the number one hottest blader known to mankind?
Taylor rolled her hips to the song as she was supposed to because she was determined not to lose her temper. She snarled when he rolled right back into her like some sort of lover. Looking up into his eyes she showed off some teeth.
"Sorry Tal I'm not a lesbian. You might think you've got something for me, but I'm into men."
He only gave her a wolfish grin and spun her around one more time twisting her arms around her waist.
"I think I'm more man than you could ever handle princes."
Taylor shook her head and dipped back. This was insane. She could not figure out his deal. How many times had the two cursed each other out? How many times had Spencer been forced to restrain her before she tore of his face? And that stupid grin of his.
This had to be some sort of trick. Some sort of game. Tala was just that kind of person. And so was she.
The song ended with one last stomp that brought the two of them so close that their faces almost touched. "You know," Tala breathed, "I think you missed a step."
Taylor swung out of his arms and crossed her own. "Excuse me?"
"Oh now don't get mad just because I didn't stomp on your feet. I know you wanted me to mess up, but like I said you are not the only one with skills outside the ring. And mine are rare and satisfying."
Taylor snorted ignoring the last comment. She was not even going to touch that one. "Oh really? I was not impressed with what you just showed me. You were a second off."
Tala gawked at her, "A second off? Are you crazy that was perfect."
Taylor gave a sarcastic laugh, "I've danced with a lot of guys and you are definitely near the bottom of the list."
Tala watched as she turned to walk away from him. Oh this was not working. The red head bit his lip wondering what was wrong with the girl. Thinking fast he decided to get her attention again. "Well fine, but you lack passion. And isn't that what dancing all about? The attitude. You are a freaking robot."
"Robot?" Taylor turned towards him. "I'll have you know that I've won first place in over seven dance competitions. And I went to Nationals in my home country."
"And what did you place?"
"Third."
Tala gave a barking laugh, "Third? Then who needs to go back to the studio now?"
Taylor grounded her teeth. She hated everything about the boy in front of her and wondered if anyone would fault her for punching his lights out here and now, but pushed the thought aside. She would face his challenge.
"Alright," She walked back to him. "Let's see what you've got. And I hope your last performance wasn't your best."
Tala smirked at her, "Not by a long shot."
The music started up again in a tango, but before the two could start their dance the doors opened and everything came to a standstill.
The music stopped. The talking stopped. Even Tyson stopped eating as Voltaire and Boris descended the steps with their teams. Boris gave them all a friendly wave and walked towards the microphone as the others sat in the reserved seats.
Tala watched the old man with every step his expression darkening. Seeing that man brought back so much pain, misery, but mostly anger. He had to swallow to keep himself still.
"Greetings," Boris gave a chilling smile that no one returned. "I'm afraid that we are late, but I hope everyone here is having a pleasant time. All of you look quite dashing tonight. I'd like to remind you that the tournament starts tomorrow and on behalf of Biovault that you should enjoy tonight before the real fun starts in the ring. I know that you are all excited to see what the tournament has in store."
His eyes focused on Tala, his number one student at one time. His ultimate failure. Now the red head was going to wish that he had done his job years ago. He was satisfied when Tala lowered his gaze in submission and let a little laughter enter his voice. This was wonderful.
"I know I'm excited. So please enjoy the rest of your night."
"He needs to put a cork in it," Taylor mumbled before turning back to Tala. The red head was still focused on the spot that Boris had just left on stage. "Don't tell me that you're going to chicken out."
Tala came back to earth quick when he finally registered what she'd said. He felt like he was a kid again listening to one of Boris' speeches back at the Abby. He blinked a couple of times to rid his mind of the feeling and focus on his mission. He had things to do.
"Hell no," Tala's voice was harsher than he meant it to be, but Taylor rolled her eyes as he took her back in his arms.
Teara sighed again. That dance had been amazing. Who knew that someone as crude as Tala had been last night could move as graceful as he had with Taylor. Part of her wished that it had been her instead of the black haired female. After Boris had made his little speech Teara started to burn a hole in the ground with her eyes.
She was determined not to look up at all so she wouldn't have to see that kid and have another episode like last night again. Being in the same room with him now made her nervous and jumpy.
"Hey Kai," Tyson came up to the table with a plate full of food. Hilary was behind mumbling something about Boris and the justice system of the world along with all its failings.
"Kai!" Tyson nearly whined and Teara glanced up to see the slate haired male finally open one eye to look at him. Kai looked tense in his chair as his arms were crossed against his chest.
"What Tyson?"
"You know you haven't done your dare yet. I haven't seen you dance one song with Teara or get her anything." Teara could have smacked that chicken leg out of Tyson's big mouth.
Kai didn't say anything.
"I mean that's why you don't have a girlfriend. You don't know how to treat a lady even when it is a dare."
"Tyson really," Hilary cut in. "It's not like we've been on the dance floor at all yet. And I mean," she gestured towards the small amount of bladers waltzing. "they're having a good time."
"Hil I promised I'd take you after I finished eating," Tyson took another bite of his chicken. "Kai are you really not going to do your dare? What are you some sort of chicken?"
"It's fine Tyson," Teara cut in sounding sort and to the point. She glanced at the couples out there and felt butterflies in her stomach. Even if Kai took her out there she would make a fool out of herself. She couldn't waltz if her life depended on it!
"I mean I don't want to dance with him anyway. This whole dare was just something they cooked up to get back at me." Teara crossed her arms.
Kai stood up cutting off Tyson's next sentence and sighed. "Come on," he held out a hand towards her and Teara went wide eyed.
"What?!" Tyson voiced her own opinion. Even he couldn't believe this was happening.
"But I…"
Kai growled and grabbed her hand pulling her to her feet and onto the floor. Teara was well aware of the looks she was getting from her team mates and some of the others. The idea of Kai dancing was crazy, but everyone knew of the dare and she was sure they wanted to see.
"Look you don't have to do this. I can't even dance myself," Teara tried to pull her hand back. Now all she wanted was to get back to her chair and be bored for the rest of the night. Anything would be better than this.
"You know this dance it's the one that Renee taught you at Tyson's house," Kai turned back to her and grabbed her other hand. "So quit whining like a child and just do it."
"I am not whining," Teara shot back at him and in fear continued, "I'll just end up stepping on your feet or tripping over my own. We can just go back to our seats and I'll take the crap from the girls. You don't have to worry about it."
"Shut up. All you have to do is follow my me. You weren't dancing with a partner before this time I'll lead and you follow."
Teara bit the inside of her lip and caught Tess and Chris' evil grin. She was going to work them to the bone if she fell, "Alright." Kai gave her a slight nod and moved her slowly around the dance floor.
"Concentrate," Teara thought hard and glanced down at her feet. "1…2…3…1…2…3…"
"Stop looking at your feet and counting."
Teara was about to tell him that she wasn't doing no such thing, but didn't. He knew as well as everyone else what she was doing. Looking into his face she tried not to be as nervous as she felt.
He spun her around and she realized that she was really dancing. She wasn't falling or anything, just letting him move her. She could do this. She looked at the scenery behind him and when the turned her gut fell. Out of the corner of her eye she saw that Mask staring at her from beside Voltaire. It was looking right through her.
Her foot stuttered and she stepped on Kai's left foot and nearly fell to the floor, but he hissed and pulled her back. He didn't have time for this, couldn't she do anything right?
"I'm sorry," Teara tried to hid what had happened with a short laugh, "I told you so." But Kai knew that something was wrong with her. He could feel the muscles beneath his hand tense up and he moved them in another turn trying to figure it out.
He found Voltaire with his hand on his cane and that forsaken satisfied grin on his face. Kai met his grandfather's gaze with one of his own trying to tell the man that he was no longer affected by his presence. That Kai was dead and gone.
His grandfather just laughed at something Boris said and turned away giving Kai a simple message. He wasn't worried about the his grandson at all. And that made Kai all the more angry as he turned Teara around. Finally the song ended and Kai let the girl go and without a word walked to get her something to drink. He'd do the dumb dare and tomorrow he would see just what exactly his grandfather was so smug about.
"Aw you two looked so cute," Renee laughed when Teara got back to the table. She'd been waiting the entire time to pounce on the girl knowing how much her friend 'loved' the experience.
"Remind me to send you all a post card to addressed to hell because that's where you're going." Teara sat down angry. She couldn't believe she was letting herself get so worked up over just one simple look. It was years ago she should be over it all by now.
"Aw it wasn't that bad. You only stepped on his foot once," Renee gave her a trade mark grin.
"Yeah," Teara laughed, "I'm thankful I didn't fall. Where have you been?"
"Dancing with Robert, Oliver, Spencer, Enrique…"
"Enrique?" Teara piped up at the obvious playboy. Renee just shrugged. "His mother put him in a dancing school so he's one of the few guys that can actually keep up with me."
"I bet Tala could."
Renee nodded, "Oh yeah. Who would have thought he was graceful huh? Him and Mr. I could kill you Hiwatari had some pretty smooth moves."
"Then why aren't you dancing with them?" Teara asked looking up at her friend who laughed, "Does it look like I have a death wish? Oh I got to go. I promised Robert a dance after this."
"I can't believe you of all people are getting along with him."
Renee chuckled walking away, "I know he's says I'm sophisticated. Isn't that funny?" She waved and disappeared into the crowd.
"Shows that he obviously doesn't know you very well," Teara grinned to herself when Kai came back and drank what he gave her with a polite thank you. He just grunted.
What an ass. At least her team was having a good time.
Max couldn't stop staring at Johnny and Miriam as the two glided across the dance floor together. A pang of jealously wound through his heart, but the blonde turtle blamed it on the fact that he was just being possessive or at least that was what he told himself about thirty minutes ago when Robert and Johnny both had approached his table.
"Hey Max, are you okay?" Joseph came up to the table and took his sisters seat. There was something about the boy's tone that didn't sit well with Max's stomach. He had the urge to get up and leave. Smiling at Joseph the blond shook his head to appease the boy and shake off a wave of giddiness. He was not happy to say the least, but he'd had an on and off fit of giggles since he'd got there.
"I'm fine. I think I'll go get some more punch," Max stood up and ignored the way the younger male looked at him. "Don't you think you should lay off a bit? If you keep this up you'll be pissing like a Russian race horse." Max laughed at the comment, "I'm fine." And started towards a small crowd of bladers talking near the punch bowl.
"I can't believe Taylor and Tala haven't sat down yet," Ming Ming's voice crashed into Maxi's ears. He'd never realized how annoying she sounded.
"I heard from Bryan it's a bet," Kat sighed beside her, "And if I know my sister she's all up for it. She hates Tala and she hates to lose. Any chance to beat him is one that she is not going to give up." The good twin giggled, "They make a cute couple on the dance floor though."
"I know," Ming Ming agreed, "Although I have to say that Johnny and and Miriam are even cuter. I know she's with Max, but come on everyone can see the chemistry between the two of them. That's why she can't stop talking about him and everything."
Apparently the girls didn't know he was there, but the comment struck Max like ice cold water. Chemistry between Johnny and Miriam? What were they talking about? He swirled around and looked at the two. It was a waltz yet the length between the their two bodies was small and that bored look in her eyes he saw when they were together was gone. Max downed the glass of punch in his hands and got another downing that one too as if he were trying to kill the image. He could help but to look back again and the scene tore the plastic glass out of his hands and onto the floor. They were laughing at something Johnny had said and their hips were touching. Johnny turned the two of them around and for the first time Max got a good look at where the man's hands were. On the lower back and a hairs breath away from touching her backside.
Max was not a coward. In fact it was very much the opposite, but like his blade the American was a reactor not a starter. Max rarely took the offensive route in the beydish or in life, but now it was an easy choice to make with the blood flowing hot in his veins. Max pushed past Ming Ming and Kat surprising the two girls and walked on the dance floor with white covering the edge of his vision. When he reached the two Miriam stopped seeing him looking confused herself while it took a hand on his way to expensive suit to get Johnny to turn around.
"Max?"
"Move your hand McGregor or I swear you will wish you had."
"Max what are you talking about?" Miriam frowned, but Jonny's voice drowned hers out as his anger got the best of him. No one threatened a McGregor. "I don't know what the hell your problem is Tate, but we were just dancing and if you honestly think you can take me on you've another thing coming. I would kill you before you got a punch in."
Max gave an uncharacteristic smirk. It was not the smirk that usually lighted his face, but something darker. His fists were clenched at his sides. "Oh really?" Max was sarcastic, "Somehow I don't think you could. I'm going to ask you one more time to get away from my girlfriend."
The second threat was too much for the Scots-man. He turned completely around giving Max his undivided attention. "I will dance and be as close to Miriam as she's comfortable with. She's not your wife and you don't scare me you little pussy."
"Johnny!" Miriam was shocked at his vulgar language.
"Really?" Max voiced before pulling back his right hand and sending an uppercut to the Scot's jaw. All of Kai's training for beybattles over the years as rough as it was apparently had just paid off because Johnny fell to the ground unconscious.
There were several cries of "Max" as well as "Johnny" and Miriam hit her knees on the ground to cradle to the red head. Max blinded and the room seemed to clear. It was like he'd been watching things from an outsider's point of view his entire life. He could now clearly see the other teenagers crowding around him. Tyson and Michael pushing to get close, Enrique kneeling beside Miriam, and his own mother along with Hiro were parting the others like the Red Sea. The clearest thing he saw was Miriam. Her features were shocking under the lights. Her skin flawless, her hair immaculate, and her dress was a picture sprawled out beneath her, but it was her eyes that kept him entranced. She stared at Johnny with a look he had never seen before and down in his soul he saw what it meant for the two of them.
"Max what did you do?" Judy breathed at her son in awe and horror before checking on Johnny. The Scots eyes were finally opening as Michael finally got close enough to put a hand on Max's shoulder.
"Max man?" Tyson looked at him as if he'd never seen the blond before.
Max didn't say a word but his hands went to his neck. Underneath his tuxedo was a necklace with a baby turtle shell on the end. It was a gift that Miriam had given him on her last trip to New York City before the tournament and before Johnny.
"Max what are you doing?" Miriam asked. She was a strong independent woman and it didn't shock him in the slightest to here the command in her voice.
"You guys obviously like each other," Max's own voice was shaking. "I see no reason to keep it." The pain he expected to come didn't and instead he felt a hollow anger as he tossed the necklace to her. There was a faint squeeze on his shoulders as Michael turned him away from the scene and gently guided him towards the exit. The others opened a path for him and Max could hear Hilary telling Tyson not to follow much to the boy's obvious rant. Max was completely grateful because although he loved Tyson as a friend he did not want to deal with the boy right now.
Joseph stepped in front of him sparring his sister an anxious glance. Max answered before he got a chance to ask. "I'm fine Joseph." The male nodded before going to comfort his weeping sister. It occurred to Max that Joseph wasn't angry with him and knew why Max had done it.
Michael pushed the blond out the door and to his mother's car. Judy would be out in a minute he was sure to take the boy home. In the cool air and away from the confusion Max seemed to be more like his normal self.
"I'm nuts," the blond leaned against the side of his mother's car. "Honestly to think that I could be have some luck when it comes to women. You know?" He gave Michael a look and half grin.
Michael narrowed his eyes at the blond's behavior and leaned close. He smelled like liquor. The American was confused, but his younger just continued.
"Like I could do better than my parents. I mean look at them. The two of them went ka-put and I thought that maybe I could be different. Maybe I could be the break in the chain you know? Aw long distance relationships don't work man. Trust me." Max laughed again before getting uncharacteristically serious.
"I mean we didn't do anything. Not in public anyway. We didn't hold hands, kiss, giggle, none of that stuff right. That's why it was always there. We didn't really like each other. If we did than why the secrets from the world right? We would have just shouted it out loud if we were really serious. Now Johnny," Max pointed at Michael knowingly, "he just swoops in and bang. Starts touching her. Defending her and making her laugh. Everything that I didn't do. But hey I thought we were straight. I thought we were cool."
Max ran a hand through his hair, "Maybe I'm just like my dad. He couldn't keep mom and turned her into what she is today. Cold. Frigid almost. Do you know what it took me to get her to notice me at the American tournament years ago? Everything I had."
There was an uncomfortable silence as Michael just stared at him in wonder. He guessed he should have said something, but he couldn't think of anything good enough to say. Judy came out of the corner with Emily a second later and he helped get her into the car before the two of them drove off.
Who knew that happy go lucky Max was so insecure?
"I feel sorry for him," Emily voiced as they walked back. Michael was in deep thought.
"I smelled liquor on him. There was a lot of punch cups at his table. Someone should check it out."
"I'll tell Dickenson," Emily started forward.
"Yeah, you do that," Michael walked off leaving Emily a little confused. Max had given him a lot to think about that Emily knew nothing about. She had no idea why Michael didn't come to her bedroom that night.
Kat grabbed Taylor off the dance floor and pulled her sister outside angry. What she had just heard had her mind rolling. How could Taylor have been so stupid?
"What's your problem?" her twin asked pulling away once they were in the night air.
"You," Kat threw her hands out dramatically. It drove Taylor nuts when she did that. "You spiked the punch. I told Emily tell Mr. Dickenson that Max smelled like he'd drunken some alcohol."
Taylor shrugged at being found out, "So? I didn't tell him to drink it all."
"Are you insane? Do you know what you could do for us during the tournament if someone found out what you did?"
"No one's going to find out," Taylor rolled her eyes. "And even if they did what evidence do they have?"
"Do you not think Voltaire doesn't have security camera's around this whole place?" Tala stepped out of the shadows. He'd followed the sisters outside and now he was glad he had.
"Oh spare me," Taylor grumbled.
"Not a word to anyone about this," Tala snapped at the two of them. "This could get us kicked off the tournament, but if I can speak to Dickenson before he gets to Voltaire we might get out of this okay. But you," He grabbed Taylor's arm in a vicious grip causing her to wince in pain. Didn't she know that she had almost cost him his revenge?
"You are going to be running laps all day tomorrow."
"Oh bit me Tala," Taylor pulled her arm out and walked out of the parking lot. Tala grounded his teeth and told Kat to back inside and act natural as he tried to find Dickenson.
Taylor was going to regret this.
Hi! That was it. It's been forever, but writing block seriously sucks. I hope this chapter didn't.
Please Read and Review.
I love you! XD