Blessings! For this chapter, I recommend that you listen to the songs and watch the videos at least once. I'm not a dance expert, but I really wanted this to be a fun experience for you, so I used several references for specific songs. I hope you enjoy the read! On Wattpad & Ao3, I'll leave the video links in the comments under each part to make them easier to find.
Spotify Playlist Name: iDance.
Link:https/open./playlist/5AnT0uziFdsD9HffrN9ab2?si=r4KVdDZLQkifgh6PJFJLcw
Video list:
1. Enchanted - "So Close"Dance Scene (HD) Music Video.
2. Juan Luis Guerra- "La Llave De Mi Corazón".
English /2008/01/11/la-llave-de-mi-corazon.
The Mask of Zorro (4/8) Movie CLIP- A Very Spirited Dancer (1998) HD
Michael Bublé- "Sway" Latino Wedding Dance Pierwszy Taniec KURS TAŃCA ONLINE
These last few aren't essential to watch, since I mainly used the songs for the playlist. But I still wanted to share the dance scenes with you because they were just so good! I also included some songs with their English translations:
Me Muero Por Conocerte(ft. Amaia Montero) - Alex Ubago (Lyrics in English)
Baile el Farolito.
Juan Luis Guerra - "El Farolito" (Lyrics in English)
Milly Quezada - "Entre Tu Cuerpo y el Mío" (English translation).
Take the Lead- Antonio Banderas Wedding Dance Online Night Version A.
A Piazzolla. Libertango
Hopefully, the choreography descriptions in the story are clear enough. Just in case, I'll mention in the paragraphs which song goes with which moment. Oh, and by the way, if anyone feels inspired to create more fanart based on this fanfic, feel free to draw and post it on Pinterest—I'd love to share it through there or maybe even on Tumblr, always giving proper credit.
Enjoy your reading!
Chapter 9
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[ Part 2: iDance ]
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Just like Sam had said, they found Carly with a tall guy near the lockers. He was talking excitedly, and she was listening while checking her phone every now and then.
"I thought he'd be cuter, based on the way Carly talked about him," Sam remarked.
"Same here", Freddie said. "But at least they seem to be having a good time."
"I hope so, because if not, everything we did the other day was just a waste of time."
Freddie nodded without adding anything, not wanting to speak too close to the couple. Once they were right in front of them, he decided to greet them in acreativeway in spanish.
"Buenas noches, dulce pareja."
The guy looked at him, confused, and Sam held back a smile, rolling her eyes.
"There you go with your nonsense again," she said, pretending to be annoyed. On the inside, she was amused—she was pretty sure Freddie thought that wascool.
"Looks like we've got company," the guy said.
Carly, busy typing a message, started talking without looking up.
"Took you long enough. It's been more than—whoa."
When she finally looked up, she stopped mid-sentence, surprised, then smiled when she noticed how great they looked.
"I knew you were going to dress up, but I didn't think both of you... I mean, you—" she looked at Freddie first, then at Sam. "Weren't you just coming together because you had no other choice?"
Sam just smiled. Carly probably hadn't imagined they'd both put in so much effort just to show up with someone they supposedly couldn't stand.
"Who says we can't do it in style?" Freddie said with confidence, gesturing toward himself and then striking a dramatic pose with one hand on his chin. "I can't even decide which angle makes me look better."
"Don't mind him," Sam said, stepping closer and muttering," He's acting all high and mighty just because, for once, he actually looks like a decent human being. Sadly, there's still nothing he can do about that face."
"I heard that!" Freddie said, pretending to be offended—though honestly, it made him smirk. It hadn't even been half an hour since she told him theopposite.
"Sam, what did we say about talking about Freddie's face?" Carly scolded her, and this time, Freddie looked at them truly confused.
"That it's not okay because it's rude," Sam recited, dragging out the words like they weighed a ton. "Anyway, the dork's right about one thing. If I was going to go through with the ankle swear, I might as well look good and feel comfortable doing it."
"Well, you ended up looking more than good. You look amazing," Carly said. "Both of you do. I just really didn't expect you to try this hard. What inspired you?"
"Melanie," they answered in unison.
"Melanie? Oh, wait..." Carly looked at Freddie, remembering something. "You said you two ran into her. Was that when she helped you guys out?"
"Who's Melanie?" Austin interrupted before they could answer.
The three of them turned to look at him. They had completely forgotten he was still there. Oops.
"My twin," Sam explained.
"She helped us a lot with picking out the clothes," Freddie added. "Though I'm surprised Sam's actually giving her credit."
"And I'm surprised you didn't already bring her up, considering you thanked her every two seconds."
"That's not true."
"That's not true," Sam mocked in a higher-pitched voice.
"My voice doesn't sound like that."
"Sorry, it's hard for me to mimic dorks."
"Guys, please," Carly stepped in, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. "We came here to have fun, remember? Not to fight."
"Were you guys fighting? I thought you were flirting," the guy suddenly said.
The comment left Sam and Freddie silent, unsure how to react. Carly, on the other hand, laughed, taking it as a simple misunderstanding.
"Oh, no, they always argue about everything, but they're great friends. Right, guys?"
Freddie mumbled,"Uh, yeah, sure,"while Sam just gave a"so-so"gesture with her hands.
"And what's your name? I don't think we've been properly introduced," Freddie asked, trying to change the subject.
"Right! Where are my manners?" Carly turned to her date and took his arm. "Austin, this is Sam and Freddie—my best friends and co-hosts on iCarly. Sam, Freddie, this is..."
"Austin Tartlet, her date for the evening. Nice to meet you," he said, reaching out to shake their hands.
Freddie shook his hand politely, but Sam raised an eyebrow.
"Tartlet? Like... tart?"
"Exactly," Austin said with a smile. "My great-great-grandparents were bakers—famous for their tarts. My great-great-grandfather was an orphan, and no one ever knew his real last name, so people just started calling him Tartlet because of his specialty. Eventually, it stuck as the official family name."
Sam tilted her head, clearly intrigued now.
"Does your family still make tarts?"
"Oh, no," he replied with a shrug. "My grandpa was super into architecture, and since no one else in the family wanted to keep the business going, they shut it down. So we went from pastry cream to 3D blueprints."
"What a waste," Sam said, shaking her head.
"Yeah, my mom says the same thing," he chuckled while the three of them exchanged glances. "Anyway, back to people who argue all the time..."
"I thought we cleared that up already," Carly said with a slight frown.
"My older brother had these two friends—one guy who didn't really care about anything and a super responsible girl," Austin went on, ignoring Carly. "They argued constantly, but deep down, they really cared about each other. More than they wanted to admit."
"And what happened to them?" Freddie asked, mostly to break the silence.
"Well, it turns out the guy teased her because he liked her and wanted her attention."
Sam began fiddling with her necklace.
"And she always clapped back and gave him attitude because, deep down, she actually liked how he was."
Freddie glanced away, suddenly interested in the hallway decorations.
"Actually," Austin continued, completely oblivious to the growing tension between the two, "my brother went to their wedding a few months ago. Pretty wild, right?"
The word "wedding" made Sam and Freddie glance at each other, then quickly look away and take a subtle step apart—suddenly overwhelmed by the thought of such a huge commitment when they'd only been dating for a few weeks.
Carly noticed they were uncomfortable, but for the wrong reasons.
"I'm happy for your brother's friends, but Sam and Freddie are just friends. We all are," she clarified kindly, not noticing how Sam and Freddie exchanged side glances, feeling a little guilty. "Anyway, we didn't come here to talk about family relationships but to have fun. I heard there's a photo booth. Do you want to go?"
"Sure! Although that reminds me of a cousin of mine..."
And Austin continued with his story as the four of them walked toward the photo booth.
Freddie, silently, couldn't help but wonder if Carly was really enjoying his company or if she was just putting up with him out of obligation.
After another round of photos, this time with Carly and Austin—though mostly with Carly—the four of them finally reached the gym. Colorful lights illuminated the place, and the thumping music made the walls vibrate. As soon as they crossed the entrance, Sam shot toward the snack table like she was in a speed competition.
"Remember to eat slowly so you don't choke!" Freddie yelled from behind, but she was already lost in the crowd.
Freddie smiled fondly as he noticed how fast she could run, even in those shoes. Then he turned to Carly and Austin, who had stayed closer to the entrance.
"You two want to join us? With a bit of luck, she won't have devoured everything by the time we get there."
Carly smiled. "We'd love to, but..."
"I'm not that hungry," Austin said with a shrug. "Plus, I don't really like school snacks."
"What are you talking about?" Carly asked, puzzled. "We had some before meeting them, remember?"
"I know, I was just joking."
He laughed by himself (again). Carly didn't reply. Freddie didn't say anything either, and once again, another awkward silence formed, which he had to break himself.
"Well, I better go with Sam, but first..." He gave Carly a meaningful look. "Will you come with me for a second?"
"Sure, excuse us?" she said to Austin, who nodded before going off to socialize with the first person he saw around.
Freddie didn't speak until they were at a considerable distance.
"Are you sure you want to keep going with your date? I'm not saying he seems like a bad guy, but he's a bit... weird."
Carly sighed, as if she had already anticipated the question.
"Yes. He's cute, and he has good stories. Plus, I made a deal with Sam, and she already kept her part."
"Alright. But if the guy acts even weirder, let us know by message."
"I will. Thanks for caring. Now go and enjoy the dance with Sam. Just try not to kill each other so soon," she joked, and they both laughed, easing the tension.
"I'll try, but I can't promise anything with Sam," he replied with a smile before getting more serious. "Take care, Carly."
Freddie walked away, thinking about how obvious it was that Carly felt uncomfortable with that guy, even though she tried to hide it with her kindness. He felt bad, because he had hoped that, after so much effort, she could actually enjoy the night. But if her choice was to stick with her date, he would respect it.
...
As he walked away, Carly watched him for a few seconds. It still took her a while to process that Freddie was no longer interested in her after so many years, though she knew it was for the best for all three of them. A romance between them would only have complicated their friendship, and it's not like she felt the same way. He was a good guy, sure, but he wasn't for her. They were too alike, and she saw him more as a friend, maybe even as a brother.
However, she couldn't deny that she would've liked to receive some of that attention. Not from him, of course, but from the guy she was with, who, little by little, she was starting to like less. But she had made a promise, and leaving just like that would be rude on her part.
Thinking about that, she felt arms wrapping around her from behind.
"Boo!" someone shouted, making her jump in surprise.
"Ah!" Carly took a step back until she recognized him and, with a playful smile, said, "Oh, it's you, Austin. You almost gave me a heart attack there."
Austin's expression changed instantly, looking worried.
"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
Carly blinked, confused.
"I'm not upset; I was just playing around because you were joking."
Austin smiled again.
"Really? That's good. Then let's talk for a bit."
"Haven't we already done that enough? How about we dance for a while?"
"There'll be time for that," he insisted. "Anyway, as I was saying before Jam and Eddie came in..."
"Sam and Freddie," Carly corrected him, a bit disappointed.
"Yes, them. I have a cousin named Eddie and an aunt named Jam; that's why I got confused."
Carly sighed as he continued talking. She was starting to become less sure that she would actually dance that night.
"Hey again," Freddie greeted as he approached the snack table.
Sam glanced at him from the corner of her eye but kept chewing.
"Are the pastries good?" he asked, curious.
She nodded and handed him one to try. Freddie leaned in and took a bite.
"Mhm. This is way better than I expected."
"I know," Sam replied after swallowing. "I feel like I should eat it slowly and really savor it."
"Me too," he agreed, grabbing another pastry from the table. But when he noticed the hot dogs, an idea popped into his head. "Hey, what do you think hot dogs and pastries would taste like together?"
Sam looked at him with interest.
"I have no idea, but now I really want to find out."
They both grabbed a hot dog and a pastry, and at the same time, took alternating bites. They exchanged a knowing look before nodding in approval.
"Not bad. I think I like it," he said.
"I love it, but if I get a stomachache, it's your fault."
"I'll take the blame then," Freddie replied with a smile, returning to his food.
Freddie glanced around. He'd left the snacks behind a while ago; he was full and preferred not to overdo it. Unlike Sam, he couldn't move much with a full stomach. And speaking of moving, he'd been wanting to get up for a while now. Music filled the gym, wrapping every corner with its contagious rhythm, and it was impossible for him to stay still every time he recognized a song. So much so that his foot tapped along with the beat and his fingers drummed on his pants.
He really wanted to dance.
So, little by little, he started getting ready. He wiped his mouth and hands with a napkin, but still felt that annoying sticky trace of sugar. He decided to go to the bathroom to freshen up a bit. While rinsing his hands and checking his reflection in the mirror, he hummed to himself one of the songs that had played a little while ago.
When he returned, his eyes scanned the room again, watching the dancing couples—some moving awkwardly, others with a confidence and skill that was honestly enviable. He couldn't help but think that soon he and Sam would be dancing too. The thought excited him, but that excitement faded a little when he realized she was no longer by the snack table.
"Maybe she went to the bathroom," he figured, taking a seat again.
He waited a few minutes, but Sam didn't show up. Where could she have gone?
Just when he was about to text her, a whisper in his ear nearly made him jump out of his seat.
"Looking for me, Fredward?"
"Sam!" he scolded, jumping to his feet. "Don't do that, you scared me!"
"I just asked you a question," she defended herself, tilting her head slightly in a gesture meant to look innocent. "I don't understand how that could shake you up so much."
Liar. She knew very well. And so did he, but he wasn't about to give her the satisfaction that easily.
"Don't play coy. You know."
"Oh, do I?"
Freddie raised an eyebrow. Sam batted her lashes with feigned innocence, then gave a nonchalant shrug and casually glanced around, as if everything else in the room had suddenly become more interesting than him.
That's when he took a few sweet seconds to admire her again.
This time, she seemed a bit more flustered, as though the night was starting to catch up with her. The makeup that had once stood out no longer seemed as noticeable, but to him, she was just as beautiful, maybe even more so. Her curls fell with a softness that made him want to run his fingers through them, and her cheeks, rounder with time, seemed absolutely adorable...
"Freddie," she called, not looking at him—her voice was clear but airy, like she was thinking out loud.
"Yeah?"
"You planning to stand there staring at me all night, or are you finally going to ask me to dance?"
"I could stand here all night... if you don't mind, of course."
"Flattering, but boring."
"In that case..." Freddie stepped forward and stood in front of her, giving a slight bow as he placed one hand behind his back and offered the other. "May I have this dance, fair lady?"
Freddie half-expected Sam to throw in a sarcastic remark or play hard to get, but to his surprise, her answer was a sweet, "It'd be my pleasure."
With that, she gave a small curtsy, smiling in such a genuine way that Freddie felt a tight flutter in his stomach. That familiar mix of nerves and excitement hit him all over again. He took a deep breath, exhaling softly as he gathered a little more courage while they headed to the dance floor—where other students, and even a few teachers, were dancing.
Freddie noticed the crowd had thinned a bit. Most had probably gotten tired or wandered off to grab something to eat. On one hand, that was a good thing—it gave them more space to move freely. But it also meant they were more exposed. With a little luck, though, everyone would be too wrapped up in their own stuff to notice them.
They stopped in a spot with just enough room to dance but still surrounded by other couples—enough to blend in a little. The song playing had a slow, graceful rhythm. The kind that invited couples to sway together in close, measured steps.
He placed a hand on Sam's waist, feeling the faint warmth of her skin through the fabric of her dress. She, just as gently, rested her hand on his shoulder, and Freddie's heart skipped a beat. Their free hands found each other between them, and their fingers intertwined softly—like they were always meant to fit that way.
Freddie tried to follow the rhythm. He kept the steps going, but it took effort. His body felt stiff, like every move was overly rehearsed. His mind jumped from one step to the next, chasing perfection, but his legs didn't seem to get the memo.
With every second, he felt like he was blowing it. He'd practiced that morning, hoping to avoid this exact feeling. He wasn't supposed to feel this clumsy, this out of place. The thought of ruining a moment they'd both looked forward to tightened his chest. The more he worried, the more mistakes he made—again and again. The excitement he'd felt at first slowly faded, replaced by a growing urge to run and hide somewhere no one could see him.
The song was only halfway through, but he couldn't even bring himself to look her in the eye. He kept his gaze fixed on his shoes, stuck on the thought that he'd messed up. He pictured Sam making fun of him, and honestly, he wouldn't have blamed her. Furthermore, he might've laughed too—if he didn't feel so awful right then.
But instead of laughing or making a snarky comment like he feared, Sam gently wrapped her arms around him. Freddie, surprised but grateful, closed his eyes for a second, letting the warmth of that hug wash over him. Then, she began to sing softly under her breath. He shut his eyes again, letting the melody carry him. And slowly, all the nerves started to melt away.
Then Sam mumbled something he didn't quite catch.
"Sorry, what was that?"
"Left," she repeated. "Step to your left. Slowly."
He didn't question her or hesitate. He just followed her lead, taking the step carefully. Little by little, his movements began to feel more natural, more comfortable. They kept going like that—one step at a time—her guiding him gently. And even though she was kind about it, he couldn't help but feel a little stupid for not getting it right from the start.
When the song changed and Sam kept offering quiet instructions, he couldn't hold it in anymore.
"I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For being so clumsy, for messing this up... after we both tried so hard to make this night special and..." He shut his eyes tight. It wasn't the time or place to cry, but the frustration was rising in his chest. "I'm sorry for ruining it."
He heard her sigh. At first, he hesitated to look at her, but when she gently cupped his face in her hands, he had no choice but to meet her eyes.
"You haven't ruined anything."
Freddie opened his mouth to argue, but Sam didn't let him.
"I'm not here because of some silly dance, Freddie. I'm here because I want to be with you. Because I... I like you."
The confession seemed to take even her by surprise—but she didn't take it back.
"I like you a lot, okay? So I don't care if you're not the best dancer."
"Sam..."
"In fact, I wouldn't mind teaching you another time. But for now, just follow my lead. No sulking, and no more thinking you're stupid for messing up or anything like that."
"I... alright," he replied, moved. "Thanks for not making fun of me."
"There'll be other times for that."
This time, he returned the smile. A genuine one.
They were now so close that their noses almost brushed. Before overthinking it, he leaned in and placed a kiss on her forehead, closing his eyes for a moment. As if that simple gesture could chase away the last remnants of anxiety and sadness, helping him regain his confidence and feel like himself again.
A different melody filled the air. Freddie forced himself to take a step back, trying not to raise any unnecessary suspicions. But Sam didn't pull away. She just looked at him, as if she wanted to make sure he was feeling better before moving on. It was a very sweet gesture on her part, and he knew exactly how to respond to her silent question.
"Are you going to keep staring at me all night, or are we going to keep dancing, Your Highness?"
Sam let out a little laugh, instantly relaxing.
"Copycat," she teased, taking his hand. "I know it sounds cliché, but just try not to overthink it and follow the beat, okay?"
He nodded. Took a deep breath and tried to feel the music instead of analyzing every step.
A careful move. Then another.
He focused on her instructions. Took one step cautiously, then another, making sure to stay in rhythm. His eyes stayed on Sam's movements, watching each gesture, every shift in direction. She moved lightly, as if floating just above the ground. She was flexible, fluid... in a way that made what wasn't easy seem effortless.
His movements started to loosen up, letting go of the tension. Five steps to the left, six to the right, and then a turn: Sam stepped away gracefully, only to return to him with the same smoothness.
The song ended. A new melody began to play through the speakers—slow, but full of emotion. Freddie was almost sure he'd heard it before in a Dingo movie. He couldn't remember the exact name, but the scene came back to him clearly: a serious man and a fairytale-like woman sharing a dance.
"I think I've heard this before," Sam said, taking his hand again.
"Me too," he replied, more scenes from the movie flashing in his mind.
He remembered the main characters: a serious, structured man ready to settle with someone he thought he loved... until she came along. A joyful, spontaneous, outgoing, and unpredictable woman, with a view of the world completely different from his. They were different. They came from completely different worlds—but somehow, they managed to learn from each other and fit together perfectly.
Unconsciously, that scene reminded him a little of his situation with Sam. Of course, it wasn't the same. They were just teenagers, and Sam wasn't exactly the most optimistic person in the world. But there was something about the song, the story it told, that feeling of being so close and yet so far, that really hit home for him. Because right now, he couldn't go public with their relationship. He had to watch his gestures, his impulses, his emotions. Not just because of the contract, but because of how his friends, the iCarly audience... and especially his mom would react. He didn't even want to imagine it.
His mind drifted back to the movie scene, and without realizing it, he began to mimic some of the steps he remembered. Sam noticed the change, but didn't say anything—she just let him take the lead, curious to see what he'd do.
Freddie gently spun her around, then guided her movements with quiet precision until she ended up with her back to his chest, his left hand still holding hers. Carefully, he placed his other hand on her waist and led her through the space, twirling her across the gym floor. When they came to a stop, Sam twirled away gracefully, landing right in front of him once more. Now even closer, she started humming the melody softly, making him smile again.
With growing confidence, he kept leading the dance, shedding the last traces of his nervousness and early hesitation. Then, caught up in the moment, Freddie summoned all his courage and lifted her by the waist, raising her with both arms just as the music swelled to its emotional peak. Sam gasped in surprise, but quickly settled into the movement, resting her hands on his shoulders. When he gently set her down, she looked at him in disbelief.
"How do you...? Since when did you get so strong?"
"I guess it came with the deeper voice," he replied, raising his eyebrows up and down with a grin.
Sam rolled her eyes and flicked him on the forehead with two fingers.
"What's that for?" Freddie asked, furrowing his brow in a mix of amusement and confusion.
"Just a little reminder of who's the strongest here," she said with a smile.
This time, it was Freddie's turn to roll his eyes, but he quickly grinned again, just like she did.
As they were talking, a new song started playing. They began to dance gently to the rhythm. Freddie recognized the lyrics right away. It was in Spanish, by a Dominican artist he really liked.
"This one's gotta be in Spanish," Sam commented, hearing the lyrics.
"It is. It's called 'Frío, Frío' by Juan Luis Guerra. I've heard it before."
A lot, actually. Especially when he searched for bachata videos to practice dance steps. But that was something Sam didn't need to know.
"It sounds nice. What's it about?"
Freddie leaned in toward her ear, as if he were about to share a secret.
"Love," he whispered.
"Aha." She gently pushed him away by the nose. "Come on, seriously, what's it about?"
"I just told you, it's about love. A lot of his songs are."
"And do you understand what it says?"
"Only some things, to be honest, but I still think the melody is nice. Although he has other, more upbeat songs than this one."
As if the DJ—or whoever was in charge of the music—had heard them, the song switched to another by the same artist, but with a more lively beat. As soon as the intro played, both Sam and Freddie got excited.
"I don't really know how to dance to this, but... you in?" Freddie asked.
"Isn't that what we're here for?"
They were about to keep dancing like before, but then noticed a group starting to gather in the center, putting together what looked like an impromptu group choreography. After exchanging a mischievous look, Sam and Freddie decided to join in, copying some of the other moves and adding their own with excitement.
The songLa Llave de Mi Corazónfilled the gym with its infectious energy. Some parts were in English, which they understood easily, and others in Spanish, which they hummed along to cheerfully, not caring about the pronunciation. They just wanted to enjoy the moment.
At one point, they found themselves face to face, stepping sideways before grabbing each other's hands and spinning. When the clapping came in the song, they joined in without hesitation, clapping and laughing.
Freddie spun her again, and then they both crossed to the center like they were in a playful dance-off, moving their feet to the fast-paced, joyful beat of the chorus. They ended with an exaggerated pose, both laughing uncontrollably.
"What are we even doing?" Sam asked through giggles, just as the next song began—El Farolito, which Freddie recognized instantly.
"No clue," he replied, stepping back into dance position with a smile.
Before long, their movements began to sync with the other couples who had formed a circle. There was something almost straight out of a musical in the way everyone moved in time with the beat—quick steps, perfectly timed spins. Sam and Freddie caught on to the pattern and, without needing to say a word, started following along with growing confidence. With every shift in rhythm, they adjusted, letting themselves be carried away by the song's infectious energy. When the music reached its climax, they went all in—grabbing each other's hands and spinning around without letting go, laughing as the music surrounded them.
As the song came to an end, Sam grabbed Freddie by the waist and, mimicking a classic movie scene, dipped him backwards. He clung to her dramatically and, for extra flair, lifted one leg into the air—just like the couples in the movies. Only this time, the roles were reversed. Naturally, Sam couldn't hold back her laughter at how ridiculous he looked and let him drop without mercy.
"Hey! Watch it!" He protested, caught between indignation, pain, and amusement.
"Sorry, sorry!" Sam said through her laughter, reaching out a hand to help him up.
Freddie took it with a mischievous grin and, in one swift move, pulled her down with him.
"Freddie!" she yelped, startled.
Before she could react, he took advantage of the moment to launch a tickle attack, making Sam burst into loud, unrestrained laughter as she tried to wriggle free. Just then, a new song started playing—La Cosquillita. Freddie couldn't help but think it was hilariously fitting.
Sam finally composed herself, and they stood up, but instead of jumping back into the dance, she gave him a look. He understood instantly: that was his cue to run.
Freddie took off across the gym, fully aware that Sam's shoes wouldn't stop her from chasing him down. He dodged a few dancing couples, nearly tripped over a table, and ended up in the snack area, circling the table in a desperate attempt to escape. Every time he moved one way, Sam mirrored him, cutting him off with uncanny precision.
The chase went on until she took a shortcut and caught him, claiming her sweet revenge. They used the moment to catch their breath, munching on snacks as one or two more songs played in the background.
At some point, his hand reached for the table, aiming for the last available cookie. Just as he was about to grab it, he felt another hand land on top of his. Any other couple might have shared the cookie in a sweet and romantic moment—but they weren't just any couple. They both knew exactly what this would turn into: a competition.
Their eyes met. One second of silence was enough for the tension to settle in the air. And then, without a single word, the war began.
Sam was the first to lunge, but Freddie reacted fast, snatching the cookie and pulling it away with a swift move. They started circling the table like in some improvised duel, eyes locked, each watching for the perfect moment to strike.
Somehow, that silly little battle led them back to the dance floor—just as the speakers kicked off a dramatic tango, as if the DJ had decided to crank up the intensity.
Using his height to his advantage, Freddie kept the cookie out of Sam's reach, stepping back while she, determined as ever, clung to his arm to stop him from getting away. He tried to shake her off, but Sam held on tight, grabbing his sleeve like her life depended on it. With a frustrated grunt, she gave him a light jab in the side, forcing his arm down instinctively. That split second was all she needed—Sam pounced and snatched the cookie with lightning speed, flashing him a triumphant grin. But Freddie wasn't one to go down without a fight. Before she could get away, he grabbed her by the waist in a hold that was almost possessive.
For a second, they just stood there, breathing hard, until another song with a similar rhythm kicked in—signaling the start of a new round.
He used their closeness to try and reclaim the stolen treasure, but Sam slipped out of his grasp just in time, making him chase after her. They began moving in opposite directions, circling each other with deliberate steps, their gazes sharp, daring, and oddly in sync. This wasn't just about having fun anymore—now their competitive fire was lit, and neither was backing down.
Without exchanging a single word, their bodies began to move with the flow of the tango-flamenco. Every motion was a challenge, each step a silent dare, both trying to outdo the other without losing the elegance of the dance.
He ended up cornering her against a wall, blocking any escape with his arms. With nowhere to run, Sam went for the only option: she brought the cookie to her mouth and bit into it, wearing a defiant smirk and a victorious look in her eyes.
Freddie didn't hesitate. He leaned in closer, never breaking eye contact, and bit the remaining half—his lips brushing lightly against hers.
Sam froze—not because of the almost kiss, but because of the sheeraudacitywith which he leaned back so casually, chewing the cookie with a smug, amused expression.
"Something wrong, Sam?" he asked after swallowing, playing dumb. "Cat got your tongue?"
Oh.
Oh.
Oh,sweet, clueless Freddie.
If he thought that with that move he had leveled the playing field or intimidated her, even just a little... He was very, very wrong. Because far from holding her back, all he had done was fuel her competitive spirit even more.
Sam swallowed calmly and gave him a fake, almost charming smile. Then, she slid her hand down to his waist, pulling him so close that their noses brushed. She smiled with satisfaction when she saw Freddie's Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed.
"Maybe," she murmured, running her free hand across his face to wipe away a drop of sweat from his face before letting it rest on her own hip. "I hope you're not tired, baby, because we're just getting started."
Freddie straightened his back and mimicked her stance, placing his other hand on his own hip.
"I'm not," he affirmed, accepting the challenge, as theSpanish Tangocontinued playing. Both of them recognized the song from a well-known movie.
With just a few chords, Freddie could feel the excitement running through his body, but he was waiting for her to lead. Sam noticed this and, happily, took the lead.
Following the melody and recalling some steps from that movie (though less daring and more unpolished), Sam moved to the left, and Freddie followed. They spun around the gym, relaxing their arms and letting them fall to their sides while keeping their hands on each other's hips.
At one point, Freddie let go of her so she could do a spin, and he spun himself before grabbing her hand again. Then, he twirled her several times in a row until Sam ended up in his arms. Inspired, she slid to the left, extending her arm with grace before returning to him, wrapping her hands around his neck. She waited for a few seconds, then let go, leaning back and dancing on her own as he followed her.
Sam struck playful poses, and he kept up, mirroring her movements with his own style. They both laughed, drawing the attention of those around them. They took each other's hands again, moving in and out in a constant back-and-forth game. Finally, Sam ended up with her back to him, perhaps showing more emotion than she intended, until her hair brushed his face. Freddie didn't mind; he just turned the other way, which gave Sam an idea.
When he placed his left hand on her hip, Sam started moving to her right, forcing him to switch hands with each step. Freddie caught on after the second try and followed her lead. They repeated the move a couple of times until, in a final spin, he placed his hand on her stomach instead of her hip.
Sam placed her right hand over his, letting him hold her left hand for a few seconds as they took slow steps forward and backward, catching their breath.
That's when Sam spoke.
"Hold on a sec."
Sam saw the panic in Freddie's eyes. He immediately pulled his hand away from her stomach.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
"It's not that. It's the jacket," she explained between breaths, still catching her breath. "As much as I like it, I'm going to sweat like a lobster in a pot if I keep this on much longer."
She took off the jacket and tried to tie it around her waist.
"Won't it get ruined like that?"
"I hope not, 'cause if I leave it on the chair with my purse, someone's bound to snatch it," Sam said, then paused for a second. "Wait—who'd even try to steal from me?"
"That's what I was thinking."
"Come on, let's take this over there, then. Sorry for killing the vibe."
"You didn't kill anything," he clarified, looking at his own vest. "Actually, I think I'm going to take off the vest and the tie for a second. I'm feeling a little suffocated too."
"Alright."
When they returned to the dance floor, the vibe had shifted. The bold, adventurous feel of their earlier impromptu tango was gone, but at least they both felt lighter without the extra layers. Sam was cooler; Freddie had more freedom to move.
"Ready for another round?" he asked, holding out his hand.
"You already know the answer," she replied, taking it without hesitation.
Just as they found a spot,Swaybegan to play. Freddie considered going back to the classic dance hold, but Sam turned her back to him. With her right hand, she grabbed his left and held it out to the side. Then she guided his right hand to rest on her stomach.
"I told you it didn't bother me," she said when she noticed his surprise.
He smiled and started swaying with her to the rhythm of the music.
They kept dancing, with Sam taking the lead, setting the pace with small, well-timed steps. With a quick flick of her wrist, she turned around to face Freddie. She gave him a daring smile and stepped forward, pushing him back. He reacted quickly and matched her energy, stepping forward and making her move in reverse—never once letting go of her hands.
Then Sam stepped closer again and let herself be wrapped in Freddie's arms for a few seconds, enjoying the warmth of his chest at her back. After a moment, she gently lifted one of his hands. Freddie caught the hint and spun her around carefully. When the spin ended, they took each other's hands again and began moving—short steps to the right, then to the left. Two steps forward, three steps back.
"Sam."
"Yeah?"
"I've got an idea."
"I'm listening."
Freddie leaned in a little, whispering a move he wanted to try. Sam listened intently and nodded, agreeing to give it a shot.
They stood face-to-face and moved to the rhythm of the music. First, they held hands and turned their backs to each other. Then, as they spun back around, their hands found each other again. Each time they ended up face to face. They repeated the sequence three times, always seeking each other's eyes in the final turn.
In the end, Freddie placed his hands on Sam's waist, and she rested one hand on his shoulder, lacing the other with his.
Dancing together came pretty easily to them. Their dancing wasn't some carefully planned choreography—it was more like a playful back-and-forth between the two. But what really amazed her was how, after all those years of clashing, they were finally able to sync up without much trouble. And Sam loved how hard Freddie was trying. Even though he'd said he didn't know much about dancing, he was actually doing a great job.
And acting like a total prince,whispered that annoying little voice in the back of her mind.
Trying to shake the thought before it made her feel flustered, she focused on her footwork—but that only made her more aware of what they were doing. She ended up tripping a bit to the side.
Freddie caught her by the waist, and she clung to his shoulders to keep from falling. They were back in the same position they'd been in before heading off for snacks—only this time, it was Sam who was slightly leaning forward.
"You okay?" he questioned, helping her steady herself.
Sam nodded, trying not to think about how close they were. She wondered if, with so many couples dancing, anyone would even notice a few stolen kisses—but decided not to take the risk. Then she felt her feet throbbing and considered whether kicking off her shoes for a bit would be a smart move... or a terrible one.
"Something wrong?" Freddie inquired when he noticed her quiet.
"My shoes are bugging me a little," Sam explained. Without waiting for a response, she leaned on Freddie and quickly slipped off both boots, catching him off guard. Then, grabbing the nearest person by the shoulder, she said bluntly, "Hey, you! Yes, you. Take these over to that table—the one with a purse, a jacket, and some other stuff. Make sure nothing happens to them, and he'll give you five bucks," she added, pointing to Freddie. "Got it?"
The guy nodded with a shrug. Huh. She expected at least a bit of resistance. Guess he didn't have anything better to do.
When Sam looked back at her boyfriend, he was staring at her in disbelief.
"You're unbelievable." Before she could say anything, he slipped off his own shoes too and politely asked the same guy to take them over. "Now we're even," he added with a grin, lifting one eyebrow in his usual way.
Sam returned the smile, feeling her cheeks warm up. Yep, this is why she liked this guy.
Now, completely unrestrained, they exchanged a knowing look before linking arms and walking straight ahead like they were strutting down a makeshift runway in the middle of the dance floor.
By the time they blended in with the other couples,Entre tu cuerpo y el míohad started playing—a fast-paced, catchy song. At first, they just moved along to the beat, finding their rhythm, but soon they let the melody carry them. Sam spun Freddie, and he quickly countered, giving her a twirl right back until she landed in his arms again.
They slipped back into their usual stance—Sam's arms resting on his shoulders, Freddie holding her by the hand and waist as he led. Their steps were completely improvised, but they moved in sync.
Even though fatigue was already creeping into their bodies, neither wanted to stop. They wanted to squeeze every second out of this moment. It didn't matter if they were a little clumsy or didn't really understand the lyrics. They danced freely, dedicating the song to each other in a language they barely knew how to pronounce—but one that perfectly expressed everything they were feeling right then.
Twenty or thirty minutes had gone by, and Sam still felt like she was floating. She had always thought it was a bit over the top when movies talked about feeling like you were inside a bubble, cut off from the world, as if only two people existed in the crowd. But now that she was in that very position, she could understand it better.
The gym was still packed, the air thick with heat, footsteps, and constant chatter—but Sam barely noticed. She was exhausted, her feet ached, her muscles complained, and a thin layer of sweat clung to her skin, but she didn't care. She still didn't want to stop, because the moment she did, the bubble would burst and reality would catch up. And she wasn't ready for that.
Staying like this forever sounded perfect. Melt into him, let her forehead rest against his, and let the rhythm of his heartbeat lull her. She longed to run her fingers through his hair, cover his baby face with soft kisses, and whisper all those sweet things she thought about him but never dared to say out loud.
Closing her eyes, she let herself sink into those thoughts. It's not like they had to stay there all night. They could sneak out, find a quiet little corner just for them, away from the eyes and expectations. A karaoke place, an ice cream shop... even that spot where they had their first kiss and first date. They could go anywhere.
A small smile played on her lips as she shifted slightly in Freddie's arms—just enough for him to lift his head from hers and look at her curiously.
"Wanna sneak out?" she whispered.
Freddie only blinked, as if trying to process what she'd just said. Then, understanding lit up his face. Sam didn't need to hear it—just by seeing that soft smile, she knew his answer was a definite yes.
Hand in hand, she led him through the crowd. First, they went to grab their stuff and paid the guy who had been standing next to their things like a security guard.
Sam helped Freddie with the buttons on his vest and his tie, although she wasn't really sure how to deal with the latter. Then Freddie helped her with her jacket, gently holding her hair out of the way. He hurried to put on his shoes. She was about to do the same when she noticed he was staring at her.
"What is it? Did I spill something on myself?" she asked, looking down, a bit worried that she might've stained her dress. (Which was unusual for her to care about.)
"No, you look perfect. It's just... uh..."
"Just say it."
"Can I help you with those?" he asked, pointing at her boots.
Sam nodded, trying not to smile as she remembered what she'd thought earlier about being Cinderella. She mentally scolded herself for that... not knowing that Freddie had been thinking something pretty similar.
After resting a bit, they stepped out into the hallway, which felt surprisingly calm compared to the dance floor. It looked empty, although Sam had the slight feeling that someone might be there. Still, she didn't give it much thought.
"I'm craving some ice cream right now," Freddie said with a sigh.
"So am I. It was way too hot in there," Sam agreed, fanning herself with her hand.
"Should we go get some, then?"
"I don't know. I don't have much money right now."
"It's fine, I'll treat."
"Alright, let's go for that ice cream then," Sam declared, linking her arm with Freddie's.
As they walked down the hallway, they passed the photo booth. Sam had an idea when she saw it.
"Hey, Freddie. You've got some change, right?"
"Yeah. Why?"
She didn't answer. She just grabbed him by the tie and practically dragged him toward the booth. By the time Freddie reacted, the curtain had already fallen behind them, isolating them from the rest of the hallway.
"Why are we here again, Sam? We've taken a ton of pictures today."
Instead of responding, Sam slid her arms around his neck, pulling him toward her with a softness that contrasted with the impulsive action from before. Before he could say anything, she stole a quick kiss. When she pulled away, Freddie stared at her, surprised, as if he was finally starting to understand what was going on.
"You're too smart sometimes, Puckett," Freddie complimented her smiling with admiration and amusement.
"It's one of my many qualities."
"Oh, really? And what are the others?"
For goofing around, Sam stomped on his foot hard enough (only with the front of the boot, not the heel) to cause him to grab his foot and start complaining loudly.
"Ouch! That hurt!"
"Shhh. Don't ruin the moment, Benson."
"Don't you thinkthatruined it!?"
Alright, maybe it wasn't her brightest idea. Feeling a bit guilty, she kissed him on the cheek and apologized. That was enough for him to let out a defeated sigh and lean into her, burying his face in the curve of her neck.
"I give up," he murmured, his warm breath tickling her skin.
Sam ran her fingers through his hair, gently caressing it, savoring the light tingling sensation that closeness gave her.
"If it helps, I'm in the same boat."
"Really?"
"Yep. I don't think anyone's ever both irritated and charmed me so much at the same time."
"Maybe that's a sign we're meant to be."
"Maybe," she echoed, distracted, showering his forehead and cheeks with a flurry of kisses.
Freddie straightened up and kissed her on the lips, letting out a soft laugh as he pulled away.
"What's so funny, Fredison?"
"Nothing in particular."
"You're weird."
"Only for you," he replied, covering her cheek with little kisses that made her laugh.
"Hey, that tickles!"
"Oh, really?"
"Yes!"
They both chuckled softly, their foreheads barely touching. Then, there was a kiss. Another one. And one more. Little by little, they completely forgot about the outside world, lost in each other's affection.
"We should get going before anyone starts suspecting anything," Freddie suggested after a while.
Sam thought about telling him that after being this close all night, it was impossible for no one to notice, but then she realized that would only worry him, so she nodded and pulled away from her boyfriend. Still, they decided to take a few more pictures in the booth.
The coins went in, and the booth started the countdown.
The first photo showed them simply smiling. In the second, Sam stuck out her tongue while Freddie raised an eyebrow, resting a hand on his chin. The third was different: it caught them in mid-motion, faces very close, leaning in toward each other, still wrapped up in their own world. But the last one... In the last one, they were clearly kissing. The happiness was obvious in every photo.
Sam looked at the strip of photos in her hand and smiled.
"I think that one will be my favorite," Freddie said, pointing to the third picture.
"Mine's this one," she added, referring to the second one. "Will you keep them? My place isn't exactly the safest."
"Neither is mine, but I guess I'll figure it out." He took the photos and carefully tucked them into his wallet. "I think I'll put them in a tech album. My mom rarely checks my books or notebooks about that stuff, so I guess it'll be a safe place for now."
"Not a bad idea," Sam admitted, taking his hand again. They started walking. "Are you going to keep the ones we took earlier too?"
"If you're okay with it."
"I am. Maybe we could make an album together to keep our memories or something."
Freddie looked at her, a mix of confusion and amusement.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Because you just volunteered to do something that takes effort without me mentioning food or money," he explained. "Who are you, and what did you do with my girlfriend?"
"You know, I was thinking about helping, but if it's so weird for you, then you'll be the one in charge of the materials and everything else," Sam replied, crossing her arms with a mischievous smile. "I'll just take care of the fun part: sticking the photos in."
"And there's the Sammy I know," Freddie sighed, shaking his head but still smiling.
"And the one you still owe an ice cream to," she reminded him.
They sank into another conversation as they left the school, walking side by side, too caught up in each other to think or remember anything else.
The night had definitely turned out much better than they had imagined.
And that was the second part! You didn't expect it so soon, huh?
I hope the dance part wasn't too difficult for you. I tried to make it a simple read. Hope you followed my advice and watched the videos or listened to the songs for at least once so it made more sense to you, just like it did for me every time I imagined them while washing the dishes :D
By the way, what Freddie said about the voice was a reference from the same episode ofiThink They Kissed. I've always found that line hilarious, and I wanted to include it here somehow.
Also, tell me I wasn't the only one who blushed once in a while. Even while editing, there were things that excited me a lot, and then I'd remember I wrote it, and it would make me shy. But honestly, they flirt on their own, I insist ahahslamks
Anyway, I hope you have a lovely Holy Week. Blessings, and enjoy your rest. Take care!