A/N: I love you guys. :) This... is the time where things lighten up a bit before the big finale. I like to call this... the "White Swan" section.
Act X: Dig
Even after all that had happened it wasn't a debate for Nina. Lily definitely still gave her the damn worst butterflies ever.
If Nina felt nervous about today's dance against Lily then this date was at about the same level. She couldn't remember another instance where she spent so much time and effort on primping herself up beyond the ballet aspect of her life. This new Nina wasn't inept about female beautification but she still was no expert. She took what she learned from Lily and simple observations. Thankfully she was just a naturally attractive girl.
A bundle of nervousness gets to the doorway on the top floor of Lily's apartment, taking a deep breath, slumping onto the metal opening before she even thinks about turning that knob. She was actually going on a date. A date with Lily. A date with destiny?
Is this even real?
Am I imagining things again?
It was almost like the first ever ballet dance she would perform with Thomas it was that intense. She was shaking, trying to control herself, opening the cold knob with a slow creak. She stepped outside to the night sky of New York City, the only sky she only knew, the sounds of a calm wind, pedestrian night life, and traffic to greet her ears. The NYC lights below gleamed across the rooftop edges, shooting up like a nice back lit drop from a ballet stage as she sees Lily sitting near the edge at a viewing seat.
The door shut tight.
"Is there a reason we're meeting up here?" Nina asked as she closed the distance, reminding Lily of her strange request of a text.
"It's a long story." Lily didn't turn her head back to simply answer, those dancer legs to her chest, arms wrapped around them.
"I think we have time to talk." Nina reminded as she sat down across from Lily, seeing her date partner for the first glimpse of the night.
For Nina Lily was just a natural born a beauty. Probably out of the womb she must have had a layer of make up on and a nice dress to boot. It was an effortless attractiveness but tonight Lily seemed to have been a bit finer with the details. Her lips were a vivid red, her soft face was as even as a big show night. Those eyes were just piercing as always just with heavily outlined eyeliner to contrast them even more.
On the other side a curious Lily finally peaked back to see Nina so primed and ready to please her eyes. She almost felt giddy inside at the moment looking at how beautiful Nina was when she spruced up. Delicacy meets empowerment was an excellent combination. Both of them had on long coats to hide what they were wearing underneath adding even more intrigue.
"… Want to talk about the long story?" Nina broke the silence of their mutual physical gazing.
"Can't we just talk about how good you look instead?"
"… I think the other one might… be a bit more interesting." Nina laughed. "You… look great too by the way."
Lily sighed at the realization. They were like kids when it came to this. Complimenting each other on a date physical preparation well done.
"Okay might as well tell you." Lily then huffed a bit bitterly. "I… uh… freaked out downstairs and went up here to think. I needed the air."
"Well you came to the right place… there's definitely a lot of air up here."
"Y-yeah…" Lily shrugged. "I got home all excited and pumped from the dancing tryout. I was so Gung Ho after Thomas told us everything. I was ready for this. I was so ready for a change. I was so ready to go on my first real date in about 8 years."
"… And?"
"Then I actually started thinking about it." Lily looked with a few discerning taps of her fingers. "I kept thinking that I am actually going on a date." She choose the dark sky as her viewing partner. "What am I going to wear? What are we going to do? What's going to happen?"
"Lily I can't believe you're questioning these things." Nina wanted to gasp, Lily was showing a part of herself rarely seen. Someone that was flat out unconfident and unsure. It was kind of scary.
"You're telling me!" Lily shook almost annoyed. "You have no idea. I was putting on my makeup and I all could think about is… Lily, what the fuck are you doing? Who are you kidding? You have no clue!"
"We don't have to do this if you're not ready…"
"Oh, Nina no." Lily said with an apologetic stir. "I just guess I finally was out of my comfort zone for once… I didn't expect a little panic attack but I think I'm fine now."
Seeing Lily uncomfortable, was like seeing Big Foot or a UFO. Just how bad was her love life?
"It's strange." Nina pondered, having a realization. "I made you uncomfortable. I made you worry. How about that?"
That's a first.
"Congratulations." Lily sighed pathetic. "Want a medal?"
"Lily, I don't know what I am doing either. I think we're in the same situation here."
Lily gave it a bit more thought before she spoke. "I think I can safely say that I usually at least know how 90 percent of things are probably going to play out in my life. I'm going to get by. I'm going to have fun. I'm going to be strong enough to handle life in general. But with you and me trying this… dating thing… ugh… I feel like a little kid worrying-"
"I know you're scared." Nina didn't want to let Lily beat herself up. "You don't know what's going to happen and it's-"
"I just don't want to hurt you Nina and I can't promise what I don't know." Lily frowned. "The thought of this going bad for us? It just… scares me. I haven't cared about anyone like this in a very long time. And that last time wasn't exactly what they write about in Hollywood."
"I guess… I can't understand…" Nina admitted, her cheeks warm from Lily's statement about caring. "Y-you are the first real person I feel this way about."
"Ugh, I'm sorry I am bringing this up right now. I thought I could brush it off to the side like I usually do."
"No it's okay. I am glad you told me this. I'm scared too. I know this isn't going to be easy." Nina reached out suddenly and held Lily's hand. "But I do know that because of you? For the first time in my life I look forward to the unknowns of tomorrow. I want to see what's going to come for me. Good or bad. I know I want this…"
The statement coming from this young woman calmed her. Lily now had a smile that only cupid's arrow could produce, looking at their hands, fingers intertwining, tightening it. "It's nice seeing the adventurous you." She felt the roles had reversed strangely, chuckling to herself. "It's funny. I came off the jet from San Francisco so naïve. I had a good gig back in the west coast and for some reason I felt the need to go out here and prove my worth."
"And you've most certainly done that."
"Maybe as a ballerina…"
There's so much more Nina… you'll never understand.
"Ugh, enough of this downer crap. This is supposed to be our fun night! Let's start this date!" Lily looked at her with a stroke of her cheek, nervously glancing back towards the New York skyline, uncomfortable speaking about her inner feelings. Nina noticed it. They both had issues with emoting. Nina was improved now but Lily? She was still that girl who hid things with her natural charm. Hiding behind that party girl persona was someone there with a broken soul.
I can see that you're just like me… why won't you open up?
"Isn't the New York skyline just freaking awesome?" Lily whispers as she glanced over Time Square, all the large buildings and signature towers looming over them. "I can sit here and stare at it for hours. I was iffy at first but damn I love this place now."
"You know I'd much rather sit here all night with you rather than the usual Lily night out right?" Nina giggled a little, remembering those nights out now with a bit of grain of salt.
"Clubs are not really your thing huh?" Lily hits her own head lightly as Nina replied with a simple and lighthearted nod. "… It's so stupid the way I tried to help you." She brushed the floor with those heels. "For me my escape was drugs and a crazy night out. When I watched you struggling I thought doing the usual would loosen you up."
"It did… but not really the way I wanted it to."
"Gotcha…"
There was another silent pause as they both took a peak at the thousands of walkers below. New York City never sleeps and the thought of walking through that for two ballerinas who had just went to 'war' didn't seem so appealing. They were on the same wavelength tonight at least on that front.
"Hey as much as I love seeing this nice night, maybe we can go somewhere warmer?" Nina shivered. "I almost just want to just sit in your apartment and talk to you like this. It's fun for me."
"But when you got here I thought I could stay out here all night cause baby? You so hot…" Lily said seriously like a pick up line should be… only to burst out laughing a second later as she hugged around Nina to warm them both up. "Hah! Wow that was a lame but sexy line right?"
"More lame... but I'll take it." Nina stood up with a big smile, pulling up Lily as they began to walk back to the elevator hand in hand.
"Sorry I freaked out."
"You don't do it much." Nina comforted. "I think I'm winning the freak out count between us."
"Heh, you know, I was wondering what we were going to do tonight but I guess since this is a time of renewing." Lily playfully held Nina's hand, swinging it like they were on a school playground or something. "Me and you in an apartment all to ourselves? Some Chinese takeout? A warm bed? That sounds like a date to me right? Not the Lily usual?"
"It actually sounds like the best idea I've ever heard from you ever." Nina gave out a breathy giggle. "After today I feel like my body wants to collapse."
Lily had her old happy self back up and running. "Say… I do owe you… a massage don't I?"
"I wasn't keeping count on that one… but yes. Yes you do."
- B – B – B -
Nina and Lily made their way down to the 8th floor, walking their way to Lily's apartment with a brisk pace. It was all calm and good until they notice the door to the apartment shoot open with a pair of loud girls arguing about who was more cute from Twilight, the werewolf or the vampire. Nina and Lily could only stare on dumbly as the two were clearly under the influence. The smell was undeniable.
"Whoa Lily's back!" Faith waved as she noticed Nina and blinked. "Wow, is this your date Lily?"
"Damn… what a cutie." Mikaela nodded approvingly with a clap. "Yes our Lily still gots it…"
Nina only bashfully answered. "T-thank you."
"Faith and Mikaela, this is Nina. She dances with me in the ballet studio." Lily introduced with a simple gesture of her hands. "Nina these are my childhood friends from San Francisco."
"Nice to meet you both." Nina waved.
"Say you're that girl who had that little incident months ago! I saw that shit on Youtube." Faith shook her head. "Yeah for sure it's you! Nina Blood Ballerina Sayers… right on!"
"Oh yes… so I've heard people are seeing this." Nina sighed, knowing all the people that have come up to her to confirm that was indeed Ms. Bleeding Ballerina herself. It was quite annoying. The fact that she had never even seen the video made her antsier.
"It was really a freaky video but you were dancing so awesome with that glass in you. You're getting more hits than that Chocolate Rain kid! How the hell did you dance with a wound like that?"
"I… I am not sure."
"H-hey girls! Can you not bring back bad memories please?" Lily scowled at them.
"N-no it's okay I almost want to see this video." Nina turned to Lily making her blink a couple of times. It was almost a huge error that Nina hadn't seen any of the footage of her dancing that night… let alone that last part.
"Hmm, anyway, we're going out now." Faith put on her coat limb to limb.
"Lily we met these two guys who were actually selling decent weed." Mikaela pulled out a bag of doobie as she smiled. "They're taking us out for White Castle and then we're going for karaoke."
"Wow you two met some cute guys already?" Lily was pulling Nina along to the door.
"Yeah, these two crazy dudes Harry and Kumen… or uh… I forget their names. They're not really cute actually." Faith shrugged. "Hah, we just want free weed." The two girls gave each other a high five.
"If both of us gotta shake some ass for some free grass? It's already done." Mikaela tosses Lily the bag. She catches it in a hesitant gaze. "We're getting more tonight. We wanted to save some for you because this East Coast stuff sucks. Have some fun with it with your cute Nina right there."
Lily takes a look at Nina, staring at her for a second as it was a blank stare. Nina didn't really have the most accepting body language. She turns to Mikaela and suddenly tosses the bag back. "Hey why don't you two gals have fun with that? I think I've burned enough brain cells for the past few months as it is."
Nina could only smile as she looked down towards the floor, squeezing Lily's hand almost like she was encouraging it. Faith and Mikaela only blinked as they ultimately shrugged.
"Alright Lily… but you're missing out." Faith walked off with a wave.
"Huh, I think we better call like those Alien encounters people." Mikaela followed as the two girls made off. "I think someone took Lily and replaced her with a look-a-like clone. She gave me back a free bag of doobie snacks."
Lily could only shake her head in dumb amazement as she watched her two old friends make off to yet another night of debauchery. One she wasn't going on for once. Nina was quite amused to say the least, stroking Lily's hand... so proud of her.
"You have nice friends." Nina laughed. "Is everyone from San Francisco that-"
"Eccentric?"
"Yeah…"
"Nope… we're a special breed for sure." Lily smiled, nudging her. "Come on let's go inside…"
"Lily, I want to see that video…" Nina said it with a sure voice, following with a ginger walk.
"You sure…?" Lily didn't want any demons brought back, holding Nina and guiding her.
"Yes…"
"Fine… then welcome to my humble abode. Tadaa!"
- B – B – B -
Coats off and sexy dressed on, after clearing the bongs and ordering take out Lily's favorite Chinese restaurant she set up the living room table with some fruit drinks and her laptop. Nina sat comfortably as she was joined, the two side by side and going through the YouTube channel with Lily's swift computer hands. She was a social network freak and Nina could tell.
"Lily the Tutu Goddess?" Nina read her screen handle with a giggle, giving her one of those looks.
"Sweet name… I know." Lily pulled up a few files now playing the video with a click of the touch pad. "Okay here goes."
The video played. Nina watched the little square moving image, the music distorted but the picture surprisingly clear. It's zooming in as everyone was almost silent, watching the ballet take place in its epic glory. It pulls into the stage and frames a Nina that was dancing without a hitch or struggle… almost ignoring the pain. It shouldn't have been possible for anyone to do this what that wound. It just wasn't something that could be ignored… but she did it. She sees the pain in her own face… the real pain that she remembers wasn't from the glass. It was from what she realized she had become…
"That night was just so strange…" Lily whispered, stroking Nina's back to comfort her. "You were so wonderful that we were all so happy. But when we found you bleeding on the bed… and the medics came in. We were all just… it was just crazy. Like a real roller coaster."
People in the video begin to chatter as they see blood dripping down her ballet costume. A lay person would assume that it was just a fake theatrical display. But the people that went to these ballet shows knew better. They knew that in a Thomas Leroy production gimmicky props would never be used. There was a concern as Nina dropped from the high tower… after a few minutes of the loudest ovation the Lincoln Center had ever seen, medics could be seen rushing the sides of the stage.
"It's crazy to think that an inch to either the left or right you would've hit an artery that would've killed you instantly. Or if we were even a minute late." Lily frowned, caressing Nina's hair. "You'd be dead and I wouldn't even be able to talk to you right now. Let alone-"
"I was so lucky." Nina whispered, interrupting Lily, not wanting to talk down that road.
Me… lucky…?
"By the way if you ever do anything that stupid again I swear Nina I'm going to be pissed." Lily pulled her face to her. "I'm not living that shit over. If we're going to do this relationship thing you promise me nothing like this ever happens again! I know you're strong now but-"
Nina silenced Lily again now with a press of her lip against hers, a very cute peck. Lily flinched lightly, smiling at her semi aggressive move, feeling just a little light headed from the touch of soft mouths. New Nina… was playful.
"… The girl in that video, I can't even identify with her anymore. It doesn't even feel like me." Nina mutters as she reassured Lily. "It's not going to happen again… not now." She goes back to the video, replaying it yet again. Lily was content with that answer glancing down again as she continued to watch.
Nina was in a trance. She sat solemnly as she looked so closely, analyzing every detail and trying to piece together that night in her mind. Ever since her recovery she'd been so focused on the actual recovery she never really reflected on the moments that led up to her awakening. All that happened between Opening Night and the awakening at the hospital... with Lily at her side.
"Lily you barely knew me." Nina looked to her. "Why did you care so much? Why were you there for me? You told me because I was one of the dancers… but…"
"I don't even know." Lily stroked her. "Maybe it was guilt. Maybe it was just that I liked you at first sight. I am not sure…"
Nina turned back towards the pixelated imagery again, not satisfied with the answer but at least she had something. The video was a window to the old Nina and she couldn't look away. To the Nina she left behind a while ago. She would never forget this Nina but this past was something she wasn't a part of anymore.
I need to make it up to you… Nina thought to that image. Not a hallucination. The real image of herself. I will make everything up to you for time lost.
"Wow you got so many hits Nina on this. You're like world famous now." Lily saw the hit count. "It's up to twenty million in about a month." She scratched her head. "You throw some blood on a cute ballerina and who knew you'd get so much exposure."
'I've been asked to do interviews and turned them all down." Nina shrugged. "I don't want to be remembered this way."
"… Nina what interviews?"
"CNN… NBC, CBS, I think… and that Oprah network…"
"ARE YOU CRAZY?" Lily gasped in horror. "Nina you need to go on those! It would be great for our production. Heck it'd be great for ballet. You're making ballet actually somewhat relevant in the modern world again. I know it feels like they're just using you to exploit but… I think your story needs to be told."
"Maybe… I will now." Nina pondered about her future as she glanced down, noticing comments. "What are these?"
"Oh… on YouTube people can like… type what they think of your videos. They're comments. "
Nina looked down at a few.
**Highest Rated Comments**
MrTsSon: Give a thumbs up if you think this ballerina is the hottest one you've ever seen! *440 Thumbs Up*
GagaLover69: Aw don't you just want to hold her? She's so cute! Poor girl! She's a fantastic dancer! GET BETTER NINA! *350 Thumbs Up*
LinkinParkFan22: My girlfriend forced me to go to this show. I was there. I so wanted to hate it but this Nina girl changed my tune. She's freaking amazing! I felt so bad when we heard the news about her. Thumbs up if you want to go see her when she's back! *225 Thumbs up*
JayandSilentBobFruit: She was dancing like that with a freaking piece of GLASS in her… is she the Terminator or some shit? Baddest ballerina bitch alive ya'll. *125 Thumbs Up*
Nina and Lily only chuckled at the comments after reading a lot of them. Almost all of them were well wishes or funny comments praising her abilities or beauty. There were a couple of obscure posts that didn't get much attention but spoke to Nina deeply. Personal stories of people that had researched her mental problems and spoke out… were so touching. Stories about themselves, or about relatives, or about loved ones, or significant others… pushing themselves to the limits… forgetting what's really important in life.
Nina knew she had a story to tell now. To tell everyone she got passed all that and was now back and living her dream regardless of what happened. She just didn't expect so many people to care. Ballet was a small market crowd. It almost felt now that… she transcended it.
"Thank you for showing me this." Nina had a brighter smile on her for sure. "I had no idea so many people would actually care to see this."
"When someone as beautiful as you on stage that's already something to talk about." Lily complimented with a cool face.
"Now that's a better line." Nina laughed as she glanced at Lily. She had an appreciative stare as she held onto Lily's bare leg with no shame. "You know you're the reason I can even be thinking about these things right now?"
"Oi as much as you build me up, I think I had enough reminiscing for tonight." Lily closed the laptop without a request from Nina, getting closer to her as she crawled on her couch like a spider closing in on prey. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"
"I am not sure…" Nina blushed, leaning back. "What are you thinking?"
"Guess co-Swan queen…" Lily kissed those tantalizing lips, now having Nina pinned into the couch with nowhere to go.
"mmm… cookies?"
"Something sweet huh? You're getting close." Lily stole another kiss with delight, her and Nina flashing a bit of tongue as she parted. "Is that enough of a clue?"
"C-can I get more… clues?"
"Hah, I'm thinking I really want to try this with you." Lily looked down at her seriously, a dreamy eyed Nina Sayers nodding along. "If anyone can pull me into a real relationship that's worth a damn I know it's you."
"I wanted to hear that for too long…" Nina gently held Lily's neck in a lover's crane. "Now please stop talking and please kiss me…"
"Hehe, as long as you say please…" Lily gladly obliged to her cute little doll beneath, their make out session beginning with a passionate moaning French kiss that tickled as deep into their insatiable mouths as possible.
The date... was working for both of them.
- B – B – B -
We all have a weakness,
But some of ours are easy to identify.
Look me in the eye
and ask for forgiveness;
We'll make a pact to never speak that word again.
Yes, you are my friend.
It was about 4:00 a.m. Lily opened those eyes slowly as she felt the warmth next to her, a breath that tickled her neck waking her up. The room smelled of sex as she felt the blankets and sheets around her coiled up and in disarray. Lily and Nina apparently had one wild night and for once she remembered all of it. She looks over in a slight whisper, Nina muttering some things she couldn't hear.
"Nina…" Lily whispered, looking at her cute face. "Are you awake?"
Nina doesn't reply as she was apparently in a deep dream. Her facial expression seemed happy enough, Lily assuming it was a nice dream to have. They were both naked under the sheets, Lily feeling them skin to skin, Nina being so smooth and those warm arms wrapped around her body in a hug. It felt so good… being this close. Heck, it felt good waking up without a hangover. It felt good being next to someone after sex that Lily actually cared about. Just remembering exactly what they did almost for hours was making Lily all excited again. She could feel it inside.
Every orgasm was a feeling she couldn't forget. Sober… clear… sex… at least with Nina was something she could never explain in words. Lily hadn't slept with anyone sober in God knows how long.
"… You're a fucking amazing catch aren't you Sayers?" Lily whispered at Nina, stroking her hugging arm gently, reminiscing on how far they've gotten from square one.
From the first bump at Lily's first practice, all the way to the last bump now on the bed, it was just a trip Lily would never fully believe happened. That frigid little girl that she grew so enticed with came from near death to the strong woman she was calling her lover… her serious lover right next to her. Lily felt the change in herself too. She didn't feel it was as dramatic as Nina but it was there like a lit candle ready to emerge.
She wanted to open up so badly. Nina her inspiration. She wanted to tell her everything.
I hate talking about deep feelings and crap… but…
Maybe now she could… when Nina couldn't hear or remember. She needed to vent somehow.
"Nina I came here from San Francisco to prove myself that I didn't need anyone to be close to me. That I didn't need anyone else to tell me how to live my life. That I was an unstoppable person and that anyone else connected to me would just drag me down."
Nina only murmured in her dream as a reply. It was so easy speaking to someone deeply when they couldn't reply. Just like it was when Nina was in the Hospital. Lily… had someone to confide and 'listen' to her.
"I failed so bad." Lily smiled. "I was so wrong and you proved me wrong… you cute little devil." She gently stroked Nina's shoulders, playfully walking along it like smooth mountains with her fingers. "You keep talking to me like I'm some sort of superhero when I didn't do anything really that amazing."
She wanted to kiss Nina so bad, but waking her just felt wrong.
"You're the amazing one." Lily was breathing more than speaking, staring Nina face to face. "You're the one who dealt with the worst… and came back… so… great."
** Remember me like I am now…**
"I said I can't recognize you but really you're still you… just better." Lily complimented as she adjusted herself so Nina's head could rest more comfortably. "Thank you for going through what you went through… because I needed this opportunity..."
**"Do you even want this role?"**
**"Are you here just for a good time?"**
We all have something that digs at us.
At least we dig each other.
So when weakness turns my ego up
I know you'll count on the me from yesterday.
"You suffered for me. I owe you everything too." Lily's eyes spilled appreciation. "Who knows if I never met you? If you kept the role and I never learned from it? You and this opportunity to dance on such an important stage… it's priceless." She stroked Nina's cheek. "You've done as much for me… as anyone's ever done in my life."
**"I don't mind if Lily keeps the role. She deserves it more than anyone else."**
"Life dealt you such shitty cards and you're still the best person I've ever met." Lily let out a breath and paused, leaning her head back in thought as if she had to be careful with these words even to herself. "… I guess I should be scared of commitment because of what's happened to me. But I'm also scared that my weakness will come back to hurt you…"
**She's stronger than me…**
"T-then again you make me feel stronger. You make me feel like I'm more than just that party girl Lily. Nina, I'd do anything for you and most importantly… I trust you…"
**"You're the best Lily…"**
"The minute I first met you… for some crazy reason… I felt like I wanted to hug you… to make you smile… to do anything and everything I could to make you happy." Lily blew a kiss. "I guess its fate. I guess… this… has to be… love right?"
Lily froze like a block of ice as she muttered the four letter word. It wasn't fuck and it wasn't shit but it was worse. A word she hadn't used in so long to anyone in a serious manner. It wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. The person sleeping next to her meant the world to her.
"I think… I do love you…"
What happened next felt like time froze now. Nina slowly opened her eyes staring at Lily. For a second Lily felt like her heart was stopped, gulping as she looked back into Nina's half closed eyes.
"D-did you say something to me?" Nina whispers.
"… No… I didn't. uh… just go back to sleep... Nina." Lily encouraged by shutting those eyes. "You have a big day tomorrow…"
"Okay… y-you… you… too… sleep Lily." Nina mumbled leaning forward and kissing Lily on the nose before laying her head down and eyes. Lily finally could breathe again as she smiled, pulling away and letting Nina lay on her pillow comfortably. She knew she couldn't sleep, pulling out her laptop and logging on while on her bed. She looked over towards her sleeping lover with one last look with a grin she knew would be stuck on her as long as they were together.
I'm scared but I don't see how I can turn back anyway. You forced me on this road…
"And I love you for it…"
If I turn into another?
Dig me up from under what is covering,
The better part of me
Sing this song
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone…
- B – B – B -
Nina yawned as she stretched her arms out in front of the mirror, a yellow tape pulling around her lean chest looking at herself. She didn't remember the last time she looked this… healthy. Neither did Georgina apparently.
"Wow you gained back the weight you lost awhile back. Thank goodness because I was worried about that." Georgina sighed in relief.
"That's the greasy Chinese food we had last night Georgina. Told you grease is good for you!" Lily answered behind the hidden view of an En Vogue magazine she was reading, sitting on someone's make up table… obviously she didn't care whose.
"I feel really good." Nina smiled at Georgina as she was doing final measurements.
"You don't know how happy we are to have you back Nina. Especially me. You have a glow to you now. It's nice."
"Thank you so I've heard… oh! Did you get my text yesterday about the adjustments me and Lily's costumes? Is it even possible?"
"Oh you know dear, I almost forgot. I had my old partner Serge to send me over some samples. I did read what you wanted and I have something here to show you might like. Hey Lily can you be a sweetie and go grab me that blue outfit on my desk?"
"Yes ma'am…" Lily was still reading the magazine intently, passing over the costume with a nonchalant hand off without really looking. Nina took the blue outfit and pulled it up to her body carefully analyzing it like a hawk.
"In a previous Sleeping Beauty production they needed a quick costume change from a light blue one to a pure white. You see, you just twist the top little lock on the chest and then you can pull it off in less than a few seconds."
"… Wow, this is perfect." Nina put it against her body, practicing by doing, Lily peaking over as she watched Nina switch from blue to white, pulling the fabric away. Georgina and Lily shared a little glimpse at one another, both equally impressed with this new passion finding Nina.
"You're a changed person Ms. Sayers." Georgina laughed. "Don't be upset but I used to get depressed looking at you."
"I'm sorry Georgina. I did not meant to be a downer." Nina did a little ballet twirl with a nice smile, grabbing the uniform, tearing it from blue to white again.
"Hey that's pretty cool I have to admit." Lily put her magazine down. "I am guessing you're gonna make something like that-"
"From white to black." Nina clapped joyfully, hugging Georgina. "You're the best!"
"Anything for you or Lily." Georgina laughed in return hug. "Thing is, this gets a little more expensive hun. You have to run it by Thomas to do these hybrid ballerina outfits. Especially rush orders."
"Right…" Nina was too excited to contain herself she didn't even care about that. The three in this room knew it. Being part of the creative process was definitely her calling.
"You know we as an ensemble should just do the whole dance butt naked." Lily spoke genius. "It saves money. And a lot more people will show up…"
Georgina and Nina just turned to Lily blinking with accusatory stares of a bad idea suggested.
"What? I'm just sayin'."
"Heh, it's actually alright by me… I get paid either way." Georgina commented dryly as Nina and Lily laughed in combo.
"Hey guys!" Lynn suddenly busted into the clothing department breathing heavy. "Lily and Nina you guys have to come look at what's happening outside and in the lobby!"
"What's wrong?" Nina asked concerned.
"Come on! Let's just go!" Lily got up as Lynn shot out like a bee after a flower.
- B – B – B –
All of the ballerinas were in shock as they crowded around the largest window in the room. Lily and Nina were just two of the group now, looking out the window from the highest vantage point of the Lincoln Center seeing pandemonium outside the building. News vans and TV vans littered the lot, press, paparazzi, and the whole 9 yards stack together like a sack of sardines. The security of the building seemed to be pushing them back, making it look like a battle for position.
"This has to be all for Nina." Madeline commented as she turned back. "The press is out to get you again."
"Who let out word that Nina got back so fast?" Lynn asked.
"I certainly didn't." Thomas scowled as he joined his group. "One of our overzealous sponsors let the word out early once he caught wind of some internet buzz. He just gave me a call. He says tickets have sold out for the last remaining shows and they're getting an uncontrollable amount of orders."
"This leaked through internet?" Nina gave it careful thought. "B-but… how?"
"Ummm…"
Everyone heard Lily mutter as they turned to her.
"I kind of… made you a Twitter Account last night without asking… and um… sent out a message saying you're back."
"Lily!"
"B-but h-hey! Didn't you hear? Ticket sales are off the charts! We sold out the rest of the shows! That's good!"
"But that wasn't me posting! That was you!"
"Well… now you can post." Lily smiled innocently to a flustered Nina.
"It gets more complicated than that I am afraid." Thomas seemed a bit flustered himself, probably the most he's ever been. "I'm getting pressured by those involved in the studio to expand the production. They want to move the ballet towards a bigger venue based on the volume of interest." He cursed in French for a good measure. "I am just a choreographer. This is bullshit I do not want to deal with."
"What bigger venue?" Lily asked.
"Madison Square Garden…"
The whole ballet squad went into shock, looking at one another in disbelief.
"You're telling me Nina's return generated that much interest?" Lily looked over to her lover with a shrug.
"The marketing department was just funded exponentially overnight." Thomas sighed. "I've never been a part of something like this before honestly. This is out of my grasp. They want Nina to go on a press tour almost. Blasphemy. This is ballet! They are turning this into Hollywood… something I didn't sign up for."
"Thomas we can't let this opportunity slip. The people want a powerful story to cling onto. They eat that shit up like apple pie!" Lily turned to the group. "We can finally do something that's beyond the normal damn old crowd. Something really awesome."
"Ahem… that is my crowd…" Thomas cleared his throat.
"Okay my bad! I love that crowd! They've been feeding me for years. But Nina has an appeal to her that kind of goes beyond that." Lily was the most excited by far. "Imagine guys, we can push ballet almost main stream here in New York. Madison Square Garden? That fits at least 15,000 people. I mean wasn't Eminem just there last week?"
"S-so… what do we do? Do we just re-organize the show?" Lynn asked curiously.
"Our sponsors see money and apparently they want us to go all out and revamp the show for a mainstream audience." Thomas shrugged. "The demographic of people calling went from 40 and above, all the way down to kids in their 20s. It's not normal and I agree with Lily… it is an opportunity. I just don't see where my expertise fits in all this."
"This is… nuts." Nina whispered.
"I will be honest. I am a purist but it seems my hands are tied because you all also want to do this. You all did such a wonderful job for my production… I leave it in your hands. This is more than a Thomas Leroy production as far as I am concerned. The sponsors will be heavily involved. Politics…"
"Does this mean we have to redesign the show?" Nina asked with a sparkle in her eye.
"If we decide to do this we finish out our contract here at the Lincoln which is one more show. And then we'll have about a month and a half to prepare a new version of Swan Lake for at least four performances at Madison Square Garden. A lot of work."
"I say we do it now!" Lily raised her hand, everyone around them instantly agreeing with her. "Guys this doesn't come around very often. You all know it."
"Performing in front of all those people? And possibly younger ones for a change? Who isn't in needs to be slapped." Madeline clapped as Lynn hugged her happily.
"What do you say Nina?" Lily held her hands. "You think you're up for it?"
"Of course. I'll do anything to push this." Nina turned to the choreographer than began this awakening in her. "I want this Thomas. I think it's something we cannot turn our backs on."
"Yes, this new you does indeed seem to be a bit more daring." Thomas looked around at his group, as what he was so used to was being taken away. "I guess it's time all of us have to get up and do something different. It settles it. I will call the sponsors back and say they have our full backing. I am warning you when something gets this big, just know there will be much more work and much more hassles for the entire production."
"We're prepared Thomas." Nina nodded on behalf of the team, the rest agreeing as well the same. "We're not afraid."
"Then I'll let them know of our decision."
"Guys, we're fucking in MADISON SQUARE GARDEN!" Lily yelled out as the entire ensemble had as much adrenaline and blood rushing through them as they ever had. They were hugging, kissing, and yelling out in youthful exuberance. This was unheard of for any ballet ensemble. Even for ones led by Thomas Leroy.
"I'm getting too old for this." Thomas sighed as he stood next to Nina, the two probably being the calmest of the bunch. "You've turned this production upside down Nina. It doesn't even feel like my creation any longer. This is more… the ensembles project. The minute you returned from your… incident. I knew something would happen."
"You know me Thomas I am a fan of the purity of ballet as well. But when an opportunity arrives to grow this art form again? I don't think we should waste it. I'll sacrifice all my time if this will help us bring awareness back to ballet. I want the young crowd to understand the beauty of it again. To understand why Lily and I and the rest of these men and women sacrifice our bodies to do this night after night. Besides, you can add to your legend…"
Thomas couldn't believe he was listening to Nina Sayers.
"Heh, you sound like me when I was young and full of ambition." Thomas chuckles turning. "What other surprises do you have for me Ms. Sayers?"
"I want to do something special. Something the world has never seen." Nina answered plainly with a smile but with an unlimited amount of ambition. "I want people to be blown away by what we have in store. I know you can use my help in this Thomas. I've learned from the best… you. Let me help you reach a crowd that you've had little experience with."
Thomas stared at her hesitant to answer. Nina waited for something… anything.
"Then you and I have a lot of work to do now don't we?" Thomas walked off with a simple statement, adding another hint as if he was seeing something in Nina that perhaps could be her future. "I do not envy your schedule now Nina. It will be rough. Not easy."
"I've been through the worst, don't worry about me." Nina answered as he left only to be held from behind by Lily, the darker haired one stroking her sides gently.
"This was crazier than I thought… can you handle this?"
"Will you be by my side..?"
"Does Britney Spears lip sync?"
"Then let's just have fun doing it." Nina smiled.
"Hmmm Nina, did I mention that I like the new you?"
"… Not nearly enough."
- B – B – B –
**All the ballerinas and ballerinos of the Swan Lake production were on stage feeling the camaraderie, Nina and Lily in the front reading a script they had. The whole cast were apparently preparing for a commercial shoot.**
Veronica: Hey um did you guys read the lines we have to say?
Madeline: Definitely not original or fun or anything that would make me want to go watch 2 hours of us prancing around.
Lily: Damn this is fucking lame. Who wrote this?
Nina: Maybe, we should just do this and get it over with. We have a lot of work to do for the show. This is just a commercial.
Lily: Just a commercial? We have four shows at the MSG to sell out Nina. We have no time to half ass a commercial! *She turned to camera* Hey you, who's in charge here?
Voice Off Camera: Well-
Lily: Well it doesn't matter. *Lily walked towards the cameraman.* I am going to make some changes to the script. We want people to actually show up and watch don't we?
*Static*
**Swan Lake MSG – Commercial 1 – Take 4**
*The screen is all black, a Nina in all white walking to center stage in casual wear, getting into first position, and beginning her graceful dance across the black background. Suddenly as the camera pans Lily walks into the side, dressed casually in a long white coat.*
Lily: Hold it! Don't touch that remote control! Trust me! I know what you're thinking. Who gives a donkey's behind about ballet? Isn't that for little girls and old people to kill 2 hours of their night? Isn't it for the snooty old geezers with too much money on their hands? Isn't it for little prissy girls only?
*Nina kept dancing furiously, showing the whole repertoire amazingly. Even a novice could tell she didn't move like any ballerina.*
Lily: Let me convince you good people otherwise. I'm the co-ballet lead Lily and behind me is YouTube sensation and co-lead Nina Sayers. The best and cutest ballerina in the world with a past you have to hear to understand. She's hot. She's talented. And she has the lightest toes you'll ever see... and she has a cute toush.
*The camera cuts to Nina with an annoyed face at the last statement, Lily winking. The whole ensemble began to follow in randomly all in casual practice wear from all over the place, dancing in sync with Nina now.*
Lily: Behind her is the best ensemble in the world taught by the legendary Thomas Leroy. We're doing Swan Lake like you've never seen it before and it's going to be the show of your life. Ladies come on down to see glamour you only thought Lady Gaga had. Fellas? Trouble with the love life? Take your ladies because they'll love you for it! You're still not with me on this? Still don't believe me you should go?
*All of the dancers began to strip off their clothing like a college after party, tossing it off the screen and all over the stage Lily and Nina included. Slowly but surely and sensually donning their skimpy ballet outfits they had planned for the show. Close ups of skin, lips, legs and service shots were a bit excessive but no one would complain. They all posed like showgirls... led by a sultry looking Nina and Lily in front.*
Lily: … For those crazies that still don't want to see us? *She shrugged, walking over to the side as the camera moved with her, showing a group of bird creature dressed dancers crossing their arms*
Birds: Sup?
*The camera slid back to a snug Lily*
Lily: Brilliant Ballet. Bodacious Ballerinas. Big freaking Birds… need I say more?
**This message has been paid for by the Leroy New York Ballet Company.**
**Tickets on sale at Ticketmaster and MSG Box Office now!**
A/N: First chapter of the no more beating down on Lily and Nina chapter... and it feels great. Haha. I love them so much! :)
There is supposed to be a sex scene in the middle of the chapter but that will be next chapter folks... intertwined with plot. Just the way we like our sex reading right?
One or two more chapters and this arc is done. I've been on a writing roll as far as non writer's block... hence the frequent updates. I don't know if there will be a sequel but for those who want one let me hear it. I was either going to do a direct sequel (based on Lily's past) or an AU story of the Black Swan movie... set in high school. Not sure yet but I'd love to hear what you guys want.
Much love!