To Better Suit Your Moves -- part 6
Part 5
“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the Southwest Invitational Dancesport Championships! You’re going to see some of the top dancers in the Southwest Region tonight!”
Jared clapped along with the crowd as the dancers out on the floor spun out and bowed in turn, grinning at Chad when his friend looked his way while trying to ignore Tom and Adrianne standing next to him. The dancers paraded off the floor like a flock of well-trained peacocks, and the intermediate class dancers started grouping in preparation for their turn out in the spotlight.
Chad and Sophia made a beeline for him, both grinning. Jared smacked Chad on the shoulder amicably. “Looked good out there. I could barely even tell when you were ogling Sophia’s boobs.”
Chad thumped him back before Sophia leaned over to swat his shoulder playfully. “Shut up. He was not.”
Jared just laughed as Kim and Sam approached, both glancing towards the dance floor where Alona and Gabriel were taking their positions. Kim managed a smile for his students, mind clearly elsewhere at the moment. Sophia tugged at Jared’s arm. “So when are you and Erica taking the floor?”
“After the intermediates, Erica has her last dance with Justin. She’ll join me in the social dance at the end,” Jared told her, trying to dredge up more enthusiasm. Nobody else seemed to notice, as they were too busy still congratulating him and watching as Alona and Gabe started dancing. They did look cute together.
Jared watched them as they swirled around the other couples, saw their easy interaction with each other, the fluidity of the dance partnership. He once had that, and had the chance to have again with Erica. They danced well and could probably be fairly good friends as well.
Feeling eyes on him, he took a deep breath and turned to see Jeff scrutinizing him. He raised his eyebrows questioningly, but after a pause Jeff only shook his head and turned back to his camera, snapping more pictures of the dancers. Jared frowned; his uncle was acting weirder than normal lately, never mind the midnight sessions in the studio. What was going on with him?
He was jolted back to the present by the applause, realizing belatedly that the dance had finished and Gabe was hurrying towards their group, Alona following beaming in his wake. He hugged Alona, almost lifting her off the ground, and managed to tug Gabe in for a one-armed hug. “Great job you two,” he congratulated before Kim drew them aside for feedback and critiques.
“And now, dancing together for the very last time tonight, let’s give it up for Justin Hartley and Erica Durance!”
“Come on, I want to get a better view,” Sam half-shouted over the sudden increase in crowd noise, and they started to push their way through the gathered spectators to the edge of the floor. Jared made to follow, but movement caught the corner of his eye and he turned to see Jensen duck through one of the exit doors. Glancing at his aunt and his coach, he changed course and followed.
He trailed in Jensen’s wake as he made his way through the crowds and to the backstage area. Jared momentarily got caught up in a flurry of excited chattering girls as they headed for the huge lighted mirrors, and by the time he broke free of the glitter and big skirts, he’d lost sight of Jensen. Scowling, Jared used his height to his advantage to scan the area, and caught a glimpse of the stage door closing.
Walking as fast as he dared, Jared ducked through the door and found himself at the back of the stage, separated from the lights and crowds only by the curtains. Jensen stood to one side, peeking through the curtains to the spectacle out on the dance floor. Jared almost smiled at the image - reminded him of a kid sneaking out of bed to catch a glimpse of the party downstairs.
As silently as he could, he stepped up behind Jensen and wrapped his arms around his shoulders. Jensen jumped, clearly startled, and threw a mock glare over his shoulder when Jared chuckled. “How the hell did your ginormous ass manage to sneak up on me?”
“I can be sneaky like a cat sometimes,” Jared murmured back, all too aware of the judges’ table only feet from them on the other side of the curtain. Resting his chin on Jensen’s shoulder, they watched as Erica and Justin danced gracefully together with the ease of long-time partners. They looked terrific.
Jensen leaned his head against Jared’s, swaying slightly to the music. “You’ll look great dancing with her. She’s your style, has the flair. You’ll suit each other. Not to mention the judges love her.”
“Yeah,” Jared sighed. “I know.”
Jensen frowned. “What?”
“Nothing. It’s nothing.”
“Bullshit.” Jensen dug a gentle elbow into his stomach. “What?”
Pulling back, Jared stayed silent for a long moment, marshalling his thoughts into something coherent. Jensen turned to face him with an inquisitive look. “It’s just . . . it’s stupid.” Jensen arched an eyebrow, and Jared sighed again. “Fine. We’ll probably be good partners, work really well together. But . . . it’s the same old steps, isn’t it? Same old stuff allowed or not, no matter who I dance with. And that . . . it’s not fun anymore.” Jared looked down, scuffing his feet. “Not like . . . when I dance with you.”
Jensen smiled, gentle and bittersweet. “Maybe. But you’ll win.”
“What if I don’t care anymore?”
Jared didn’t know he was going to say that until it was already out of his mouth. But even as Jensen’s eyes widened in mild shock, he realized it was true. Winning had always been his primary goal; he thrived on the competition, the exhilaration of meeting and defeating all challengers. But ever since the last festival, he’d slowly realized that dancing to win wasn’t fun anymore.
He loved to dance, but the only steps that made him feel truly alive were the ones that the judges frowned upon. Because they weren’t standard. Because they weren’t the norm, violated the status quo. Because it was something unexpected and unusual and wholly natural to the dancer, the kind that can’t be really taught, only encouraged.
Jensen shook his head. “Jared, you’ve been working towards winning Nationals since you were nine. Erica’s your best shot.”
“Yeah, she is.” Jared glanced through the curtain again in time to see Justin pull Erica into a quick whip-spin. “But . . . sometimes dreams change.” He let a smile quirk his mouth and he held a hand out to Jensen. “Dance with me?”
Jensen blinked at him, so Jared took his hand and stepped back from the curtain, pulling them away from the lights. The music was loud enough to cover their footsteps on hardwood, and Jared let the slow beat play through his body as he started to rumba. Jensen hesitated, glancing back over his shoulder, then slowly smiled and stepped closer.
It was slow, careful, nothing like the tango from a few days ago. Neither really led, their bodies falling into the rhythm together naturally as they moved. This was the kind of dancing Jared had grown to love; the kind that told a story, that meant something. Nothing really fancy, and no talking, at least not verbally. Every movement spoke volumes.
Jared danced backwards, sashayed to the side, Jensen mirroring him perfectly before sliding up into his dance space. One hand hooked around his waist, the other raised above his head; Jared followed, fingers lacing together as they spiraled together, hands slowly lowering and separating to caress their faces. Jared caught his hand again, turning him around and wrapping his arms around him. Jensen leaned back against Jared, cuddling close with eyes closed as they continued to move.
As they danced together, the world disappeared around them. Nothing mattered; not the festival, not the crowds, not the judges, not the steps. Just his body and Jensen’s and the music guiding them.
Face to face again, chest to chest, Jared found himself staring at Jensen’s mouth. Well, who could blame him? Those lips could tempt saints to sin. And Jared knew how it felt pressed against his. Jensen’s tongue darted out, quick and nervous, to wet his bottom lip, and Jared jerked his gaze back up to Jensen’s. That didn’t help, as the look there was nothing but hot and encouraging.
Helpless as a moth to flame, Jared leaned in, one hand coming up to cup Jensen’s neck. Jensen tightened his grip on him, tilting his face up, waiting . . . .
A sudden rattle, then the curtains flew open, spilling blinding light backstage. Jared and Jensen jumped apart, wide eyed and flushed, as the world abruptly crashed in on them. Jared took it all in with a sick feeling in his stomach - the startled people gathered in the wings watching them, Sam and Kim and Adrienne included; Dawn O. glaring at him with an ugly looking sneer; the spotlights illuminating Justin and Erica as they paraded up the stage to thunderous applause, their dance finished.
Jensen met his look with a slightly panicked one of his own, then they scrambled out of the way as the couple took a final bow and the curtains swung shut behind them. Erica turned, saw Jared standing with Jensen at his side, and her face creased in a confused frown. That seemed to be the signal, as suddenly several people crowded around them, forcing them apart as chatter erupted almost as loud as the applause still ringing on the other side of the curtains.
Jared barely saw Sam tugging Jensen away as Kim got right up in his face, hissing furiously, “What the hell are you doing?!” Grabbing his arm, the dance coach led him away from the rest of the people still watching curiously, full of thunderous rage. “Are you trying to ruin your career? Jared . . .”
Abruptly Dawn O. stepped in front of them, a shark’s smile on her face. “Fredric would like to see you both. Now.” She jerked her head and marched off imperiously, and Kim followed, still dragging Jared along with him.
On the other side of the stage, Sam was ranting at Jensen, fire in her eyes. “God damn it, what the hell did you think you were doing?! You’re a beginner! Jared’s a champion! What the hell?!”
Jensen tried to answer, but Adrienne butted in, “Not to mention you’re a guy! Why the hell were you two dancing together? What were you thinking?”
“I don’t think that’s any of your business,” he retorted, but Sam yanked him around to face her.
“Yes, it is our business,” she snarled, “because Jared’s our business. We’re the ones who’ve raised him and trained him and been there every step of the way. He’s been aiming to win Nationals for years. And right now, it looks like you’re the one who’s trying to ruin that for him!”
“It’s not like that,” Jensen gritted.
Sam steamrolled right over him. “And please tell me you weren’t doing what it looked like you were doing.”
“Which was what, exactly?”
Sam bristled, clearly flustered. Adrienne took pity and said bluntly, “Looked like you were about to kiss him.”
Jensen raised his eyebrows at her. “So?”
“So? So?” Sam spluttered. “My nephew is not a fag. How dare you?”
Jensen’s face darkened. “Don’t you dare call him that again.”
Sam just glared right back. “I won’t let you corrupt him, and you can be damn sure I won’t let you ruin his career." She got right up in his face, her voice deadly cold. “Stay away from Jared, or I swear to God . . .”
“And what if it’s Jared who won’t stay away from me?” Jensen shot back.
Sam stilled, a viper about to strike. “He will. Never come near him again. Never show your face around my studio again. Got it?”
Jensen gave her a long hard look. “Y’know, the only thing I’m wondering is whether you’re more concerned about Jared, or about your own reputation.” With that, he stormed off, leaving Sam fuming and Adrienne frowning.
In the meantime, Jared found himself ensconced in the commissary kitchen with Kim, Dawn O., and Fredric Lehne. Fredric sighed heavily. “Jared my boy, we at the Federation have reason to be concerned about your recent behavior.”
“Oh really?”
Kim smacked his arm. “Watch it.”
Ignoring the interruption, Fredric continued, “Nationals are not that far off, officially you don't have a partner, and now you’re seen dancing with another man in public? And after your actions at the last festival? Jared, these kinds of shenanigans don’t reflect well on you or the studio.” He shared a glance with Dawn O. “We went to the trouble of convincing Erica Durance to dance with you, and this is how you repay us?”
“I don’t owe you anything,” Jared retorted. “If Erica is going to dance with me, that has to be her choice, not yours.”
“I don’t think you understand the gravity of the situation, Jared,” Fredric said. “Today, backstage. What did you think you were doing?”
“Dancing. That’s all.”
“Didn’t look like that’s all to me,” Dawn interjected.
“Other people saw you, Jared,” Fredric pointed out. “Saw you dancing during someone else’s exhibition, which was rude, but also with a man. Highly inappropriate. What are people supposed to think?”
“Does it look like I care what people think?” Jared asked pointedly, crossing his arms over his chest.
“You should,” Kim snapped. “This reflects badly on not just you, but on the studio.”
Fredric was starting to get angry as well. “Do you think the judges will want to vote for a deviant? Do you think any woman will want to dance with you if she thinks . . .”
“Thinks what? That I might like a guy?” Jared snorted. “If anything, it would make her feel safer. ‘Cause at least then I won’t be trying to feel her up while dancing.”
Dawn looked outraged, but before she could say anything Jared cut her off. “My personal life is none of your goddamn business. It’s not like I’ll be entering competitions and festivals with him. And if that’s what the judges are focusing on, then what the hell is the point of dancing out there? Completely unprofessional, if you ask me.”
Fredric sighed. “Jared, you’re missing the point. To put it bluntly, we don’t want any of your funny business associated with the ABDF.”
“What funny business? What I was dancing, or because it was with him?” Jared glared at all three of them.
“Both.” Fredric fixed him with a hard stare. “Jared, think very carefully about what you’re doing. You keep this up, you won’t have a career in professional dancesport.”
“When I’m treated like this, what makes you think I want to?” Turning on his heel, Jared stormed out, barely hearing Kim sputtering in his wake. Maybe his coach would try to smooth things over - right now, Jared didn’t give a damn. He wanted to find Jensen.
Hurrying back towards the stage area, he wasn’t watching where he was going and consequently nearly bowled over Erica Durance. She yelped at he slammed in to her, and it was only through some interesting flailing and him grabbing her arms that kept both of them from tumbling to the floor. “Sorry, sorry, sorry,” Jared chanted, flushed embarrassed and apologetic. No matter his mood, he didn’t need to be flattening people.
“It’s okay,” she tossed him an insincere smile as she brushed at her dress. “I’m okay. Was looking for you, but didn’t expect to literally run in to you.”
“Yeah, sorry, wasn’t looking where I was going.” Jared ran a hand through his hair, looking down sheepishly. “Um . . . saw your exhibition. Looked good.”
“Thanks.” There was an awkward pause, then Erica sighed. “Jared . . . I saw you backstage, afterward. What was that about?”
“Nothing! It was nothing,” he assured her. “People just . . . overreacted.”
“Good. That’s good.” Erica fiddled with her bracelet. “You’re still dancing with me at the social dance?”
“Yeah. Of course.”
“Good,” she repeated. After another pause, she looked him straight in the eye. “Look, Jared, you’re a great dancer. We both need partners, and we work well together. I think we could be incredible. But . . . . I don’t want to be a laughingstock. If you’re dancing with me, you’re dancing with me. Not him.”
Jared gaped at her. Why the hell was everyone making such a big deal over this? They were acting like he’d kicked a puppy or dropped a baby or something horrendous like that. Running both hands through his hair, he tried to blow out his frustration in a long breath. “Erica . . .” How could he explain? We’re just friends? But that was a lie. “He’s not a threat to you.”
Maybe that wasn’t the best way, as Erica only looked dubious. Glancing around at the people passing by, she took his arm and led him over to a quiet corner. “Listen, I know why Adrienne dropped you, and I have to admit, if it wasn’t for Justin being an egotistical asshole, I probably wouldn’t want to dance with you. But Nationals are only two weeks away, and you’re the only free partner who’s got a chance in hell of competing. Right now, we need each other. But I do not want to be embarrassed. Got it?”
Jared was getting seriously fed up. He fixed a hard look on her. “And what exactly do you think I’ll do that’ll embarrass you?”
Erica’s lips pressed in a tight line, clearly angered, and shot a significant look towards the backstage area.
“That’s nobody’s business!”
“If I’m going to be your partner, then yes, it is my business!”
“Well, then maybe we both need to reconsider our options,” Jared said coldly, then walked away, leaving her shocked speechless. Fuming, he pressed his way through the gaggles of dancers and supporters, just wanting to get out of there as quickly as possible. He shoved past Tom, who was watching him with smirking interest before turning to where Erica now stood alone.
The exit sign shone like a beacon from above, and Jared strode for it as quick as he could. Unfortunately Sam caught sight of him, and before Jared could duck out of sight she was there at his side, clearly pissed off. He tried to cut off her tirade before she could really work herself up to it. “Where’s Jensen?”
Wrong thing to say. Sam’s expression hardened and Jared nearly flinched back. “He left,” she told him shortly. “I told him to stay away from you, and stay out of the studio. He’s not welcome there anymore.”
“What?!” Jared shook his head in disbelief. “Why the hell’d you do that?”
“Because I’m not gonna sit back and watch you wreck your career with his help,” Sam bristled. “And if you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay away from him.”
Fists clenched, Jared bit down the first three things he wanted to say to that, mostly profane. Instead he settled on giving her a furious look and stormed off, shrugging off her hand and taking the service exit out the back and ducking down the alley towards the parking lot. He had to find Jensen.
Thirty minutes later, when he pulled up in front of Jensen’s house, he saw Chris and Steve out front on the porch, arguing. They quieted when he jogged toward them, Chris crossing his arms and glaring darkly.
“Where is he?” Jared asked without prelude, directing this towards Steve in an attempt to ignore the guard dog.
No such luck. Chris shook his head. “No. What’d I tell you ‘bout doing something stupid?”
“Not to,” Jared said, “and I haven’t.”
“Oh really?” Chris arched a sardonic eyebrow. “Then why’d Jenny go blazing outta here fit to be tied?”
“Because my aunt’s being stupid, and it’s really none of your business!” Jared growled. “Now where’d he go?”
Steve put a calming hand on Chris’s arm, cutting off whatever he was about to say. “Said he was heading out to the Fusion Lounge.”
Jared frowned. “He goes clubbing?”
“Not often,” Chris drawled. “Only when he really, really needs to blow off steam. Said not to expect him back before midnight.”
Jared groaned; it was barely 7pm now. “Okay, thanks.”
Before he could take two steps down the sidewalk, Chris called out, “Just so’s you know, you break his heart, I’m gonna break your face.”
Jared nodded. “Understood.” He had no doubts Chris would too, but right now he really didn’t care. He had to find Jensen.
The Fusion Lounge wasn’t hard to find, but getting in was another story. It was a fairly popular dance club, surprisingly busy this early on a Saturday evening, and the line of pretty hopefuls outside stretched halfway down the block. Jared, feeling completely out of place in his dress slacks and shirt, had to tip the guy at the door extravagantly in order to skip the line.
Inside, music thundered, reverberating off the dark-painted walls and directing the writhing bodies crowded under flashing lights. Taking a moment to get his bearings, Jared glanced around the room, but faces were nearly impossible to make out in the dimness punctuated by multicolored strobe lights. With a sigh, he plunged into the crowd.
Bodies pressed in around him, against him, a near solid mass of humanity, more skin than clothes, sex an almost visible haze in the air. Ignoring the wordless invitations to dance from various girls, Jared kept going, looking for his quarry. He paused, blinking in surprise, when he spotted two guys grinding together. He didn’t know it was that kind of inclusively friendly club. Not that he minded, as he stopped to enjoy the sight of an all-girl three-way kiss. Shaking himself, he turned . . . and there was Jensen.
Jared’s mouth fell open, and a buzzing filled his ears as his blood immediately rushed south. Jensen stood alone, head tipped back and eyes closed as he danced, the people surrounding him clearly unnoticed as he immersed himself in the music. The simple black t-shirt looked painted on, and his worn jeans hugged his ass and thighs like plastic wrap, showcasing smoothly flexing muscle. His body moved to the music in that way Jared always found so enticing, letting it play through him like a physical force, transforming. The blue-green lights tattooing him gave him an otherworldly look, mysterious and fey.
Several girls and a guy or two danced around him, occasionally touching, but Jensen ignored all of them, lost in the dance and the music. Jared didn’t like it, but he couldn’t blame all the eyes watching Jensen. There was something so appealing about him, drawing one in like moth to flame, but with an air of inapproachability around him, a subtle hand’s off. Enticing and rejecting all at once, which made them want him even more. Jared bet he wasn’t even aware he was doing it, either.
Yet Jared saw something deeper underneath, the reason why the introverted Jensen was out in this club, dancing like temptation personified. He was hurt, confused, pain and anger coiled together inside, needing the movement to unwind. The dance became a physical catharsis as he let go in the faceless environment, shedding himself to disappear into the nameless crowd.
Jared ground his teeth when he saw a guy take a chance and undulate closer, hands brushing Jensen’s hips and ass in clear invitation. Without opening his eyes, Jensen arched away, silently rejecting him as he briefly writhed in accidental sync with a petite blonde, then turned, solo again. The guy didn’t take the hint, though, dancing up again to grind himself against Jensen.
At that he finally opened his eyes, glaring dangerously at the intruder, a blatant fuck off in that blazing look. The guy got smart and backed off, but not far enough for Jared’s liking. He finally stepped forward, pushing through the dancers and the invisible boundary around Jensen, letting his body feel the beat and start to dance. Jensen turned towards him, iron to a magnet, and Jared saw his eyes widen in surprise.
Jared smiled at him, dancing right up to him, body automatically matching to Jensen’s movements easy and natural as breathing. Jensen’s lips quirked, not quite a smile, and leaned in close enough to shout in his ear, “What’re you doing here?”
“Looking for you,” Jared yelled back over the pounding music, daring to step close enough to touch him. That earned him a grin, eyes glinting in the dark, and then they no longer needed words. Bodies shifted and fit, moving as one to the beat, uncaring of steps as they simply let the music pour through them, communicating volumes with each move, each brush against each other, eyes locked.
The music changed, becoming slower, more sultry, and the atmosphere shifted noticeably with it. With a smirk Jensen closed that last hand span of distance between them until they danced in each other’s arms, pressed together chest to thigh. Jared pressed a hand to the small of Jensen’s back, forcing them even closer until hips notched together.
Their blood thrummed with the music, a physical force melding them together as they moved with it, never looking away even as arousal grew, cocks grinding through clothing. Jared heaved in a deep breath, tasting the sweat and lust in the air, a near-visible miasma making everything heady and hazy. Jensen felt amazing against him, hot and hard and perfectly matched, and without hesitation Jared leaned in and kissed him.
Jensen opened to him immediately, the kiss quickly turning heated as tongues battled before falling into sync, instinctive give and take. Jensen tangled his fingers in Jared’s thick hair, guiding his head as he sucked and nibbled at Jared’s mouth, all the while keeping the beat moving between their bodies. Jared groaned into Jensen’s mouth, overwhelmed.
They eventually broke apart long enough to breathe, and, conscious of the people around them, pushed their way out of the spotlight and into a darkened corner. Jared backed Jensen up against the wall, shoved his thigh between Jensen’s legs, and did his best to kiss the breath out of him. Over here, in the dark, close and tight, music vibrating through the air and the walls into their bodies, hands sneaking under shirts to caress and grip sweaty skin, Jared let himself go to just feel.
Trailing kisses and tongue down Jared’s neck, Jensen laid his mouth on the pulse point and sucked, laving his tongue over the faint teeth marks he left. Jensen’s hands were everywhere, dragging blunt fingernails up Jared’s back, gripping spurs of hips to keep him close, popping open buttons on his shirt to thumb and pinch Jared’s nipples. Jared did his best to keep up, skimming hands up his back to spread palms over shoulder blades, hiking his shirt up to feel bare skin on skin, wanting to be closer. Wanting more.
Nudging Jensen’s head to the side, Jared greedily sucked his own mark into Jensen’s neck, a dark blood-purple bruise rising on fair skin. Pleased at the low moan that elicited, he ducked down farther to lick one of Jensen’s nipples before he caught it between his lips and sucked. That netted him a growl, distinguishable even through the music, and a sharp buck of Jensen’s hips into his. Jared smirked to himself, but then his breath caught in a gasp as Jensen deliberately ground his thigh between his legs, stroking his balls through his slacks.
Groaning, Jared shuddered involuntarily, clutching Jensen closer as his cock throbbed, fingers dipping down under his waistband into those interesting dimples above the curve of his ass. Jensen’s hands matched his, groins pressed so close he could feel their blood pulsing in time, then Jensen let one finger drift a little further down, stroking tentatively at the top of the crack of Jared’s ass. Jared arched into the touch, heat flushing through him at the idea. “Oh god,” he managed, blindly seeking Jensen’s mouth for another kiss.
“S’okay?” Jensen murmured shakily against his lips.
“Yeah,” Jared breathed, licking Jensen’s bottom lip. “I want you.”
Jensen shivered, his voice dropping to a whiskey-gravel rumble as he said, “Let’s get outta here ‘fore we get arrested.”
Jared nodded. “Your place.”
It was only with reluctance they parted just enough to straighten out clothes to be more-or-less presentable, but Jared plastered himself to Jensen as they made their way through the crowds and out the door. The fresh air outside, while not cool, still was a biting shock on overheated skin, but did nothing to calm his arousal.
Jensen breathed deep, trying to clear his head enough to think even as he leaned into Jared. “Where’s your car?”
“Down the block,” Jared made a face at the thought of walking that far. “Yours?”
Jensen shook his head. “Took the bus and walked.” He laced his fingers with Jared’s and tugged, shooting him a heated look. “C’mon. Sooner we get home, the sooner we’ll get naked.”
That was enough to have Jared nearly running for the car. Naked was an awesome idea.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
part 7
“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the Southwest Invitational Dancesport Championships! You’re going to see some of the top dancers in the Southwest Region tonight!”
Jared clapped along with the crowd as the dancers out on the floor spun out and bowed in turn, grinning at Chad when his friend looked his way while trying to ignore Tom and Adrianne standing next to him. The dancers paraded off the floor like a flock of well-trained peacocks, and the intermediate class dancers started grouping in preparation for their turn out in the spotlight.
Chad and Sophia made a beeline for him, both grinning. Jared smacked Chad on the shoulder amicably. “Looked good out there. I could barely even tell when you were ogling Sophia’s boobs.”
Chad thumped him back before Sophia leaned over to swat his shoulder playfully. “Shut up. He was not.”
Jared just laughed as Kim and Sam approached, both glancing towards the dance floor where Alona and Gabriel were taking their positions. Kim managed a smile for his students, mind clearly elsewhere at the moment. Sophia tugged at Jared’s arm. “So when are you and Erica taking the floor?”
“After the intermediates, Erica has her last dance with Justin. She’ll join me in the social dance at the end,” Jared told her, trying to dredge up more enthusiasm. Nobody else seemed to notice, as they were too busy still congratulating him and watching as Alona and Gabe started dancing. They did look cute together.
Jared watched them as they swirled around the other couples, saw their easy interaction with each other, the fluidity of the dance partnership. He once had that, and had the chance to have again with Erica. They danced well and could probably be fairly good friends as well.
Feeling eyes on him, he took a deep breath and turned to see Jeff scrutinizing him. He raised his eyebrows questioningly, but after a pause Jeff only shook his head and turned back to his camera, snapping more pictures of the dancers. Jared frowned; his uncle was acting weirder than normal lately, never mind the midnight sessions in the studio. What was going on with him?
He was jolted back to the present by the applause, realizing belatedly that the dance had finished and Gabe was hurrying towards their group, Alona following beaming in his wake. He hugged Alona, almost lifting her off the ground, and managed to tug Gabe in for a one-armed hug. “Great job you two,” he congratulated before Kim drew them aside for feedback and critiques.
“And now, dancing together for the very last time tonight, let’s give it up for Justin Hartley and Erica Durance!”
“Come on, I want to get a better view,” Sam half-shouted over the sudden increase in crowd noise, and they started to push their way through the gathered spectators to the edge of the floor. Jared made to follow, but movement caught the corner of his eye and he turned to see Jensen duck through one of the exit doors. Glancing at his aunt and his coach, he changed course and followed.
He trailed in Jensen’s wake as he made his way through the crowds and to the backstage area. Jared momentarily got caught up in a flurry of excited chattering girls as they headed for the huge lighted mirrors, and by the time he broke free of the glitter and big skirts, he’d lost sight of Jensen. Scowling, Jared used his height to his advantage to scan the area, and caught a glimpse of the stage door closing.
Walking as fast as he dared, Jared ducked through the door and found himself at the back of the stage, separated from the lights and crowds only by the curtains. Jensen stood to one side, peeking through the curtains to the spectacle out on the dance floor. Jared almost smiled at the image - reminded him of a kid sneaking out of bed to catch a glimpse of the party downstairs.
As silently as he could, he stepped up behind Jensen and wrapped his arms around his shoulders. Jensen jumped, clearly startled, and threw a mock glare over his shoulder when Jared chuckled. “How the hell did your ginormous ass manage to sneak up on me?”
“I can be sneaky like a cat sometimes,” Jared murmured back, all too aware of the judges’ table only feet from them on the other side of the curtain. Resting his chin on Jensen’s shoulder, they watched as Erica and Justin danced gracefully together with the ease of long-time partners. They looked terrific.
Jensen leaned his head against Jared’s, swaying slightly to the music. “You’ll look great dancing with her. She’s your style, has the flair. You’ll suit each other. Not to mention the judges love her.”
“Yeah,” Jared sighed. “I know.”
Jensen frowned. “What?”
“Nothing. It’s nothing.”
“Bullshit.” Jensen dug a gentle elbow into his stomach. “What?”
Pulling back, Jared stayed silent for a long moment, marshalling his thoughts into something coherent. Jensen turned to face him with an inquisitive look. “It’s just . . . it’s stupid.” Jensen arched an eyebrow, and Jared sighed again. “Fine. We’ll probably be good partners, work really well together. But . . . it’s the same old steps, isn’t it? Same old stuff allowed or not, no matter who I dance with. And that . . . it’s not fun anymore.” Jared looked down, scuffing his feet. “Not like . . . when I dance with you.”
Jensen smiled, gentle and bittersweet. “Maybe. But you’ll win.”
“What if I don’t care anymore?”
Jared didn’t know he was going to say that until it was already out of his mouth. But even as Jensen’s eyes widened in mild shock, he realized it was true. Winning had always been his primary goal; he thrived on the competition, the exhilaration of meeting and defeating all challengers. But ever since the last festival, he’d slowly realized that dancing to win wasn’t fun anymore.
He loved to dance, but the only steps that made him feel truly alive were the ones that the judges frowned upon. Because they weren’t standard. Because they weren’t the norm, violated the status quo. Because it was something unexpected and unusual and wholly natural to the dancer, the kind that can’t be really taught, only encouraged.
Jensen shook his head. “Jared, you’ve been working towards winning Nationals since you were nine. Erica’s your best shot.”
“Yeah, she is.” Jared glanced through the curtain again in time to see Justin pull Erica into a quick whip-spin. “But . . . sometimes dreams change.” He let a smile quirk his mouth and he held a hand out to Jensen. “Dance with me?”
Jensen blinked at him, so Jared took his hand and stepped back from the curtain, pulling them away from the lights. The music was loud enough to cover their footsteps on hardwood, and Jared let the slow beat play through his body as he started to rumba. Jensen hesitated, glancing back over his shoulder, then slowly smiled and stepped closer.
It was slow, careful, nothing like the tango from a few days ago. Neither really led, their bodies falling into the rhythm together naturally as they moved. This was the kind of dancing Jared had grown to love; the kind that told a story, that meant something. Nothing really fancy, and no talking, at least not verbally. Every movement spoke volumes.
Jared danced backwards, sashayed to the side, Jensen mirroring him perfectly before sliding up into his dance space. One hand hooked around his waist, the other raised above his head; Jared followed, fingers lacing together as they spiraled together, hands slowly lowering and separating to caress their faces. Jared caught his hand again, turning him around and wrapping his arms around him. Jensen leaned back against Jared, cuddling close with eyes closed as they continued to move.
As they danced together, the world disappeared around them. Nothing mattered; not the festival, not the crowds, not the judges, not the steps. Just his body and Jensen’s and the music guiding them.
Face to face again, chest to chest, Jared found himself staring at Jensen’s mouth. Well, who could blame him? Those lips could tempt saints to sin. And Jared knew how it felt pressed against his. Jensen’s tongue darted out, quick and nervous, to wet his bottom lip, and Jared jerked his gaze back up to Jensen’s. That didn’t help, as the look there was nothing but hot and encouraging.
Helpless as a moth to flame, Jared leaned in, one hand coming up to cup Jensen’s neck. Jensen tightened his grip on him, tilting his face up, waiting . . . .
A sudden rattle, then the curtains flew open, spilling blinding light backstage. Jared and Jensen jumped apart, wide eyed and flushed, as the world abruptly crashed in on them. Jared took it all in with a sick feeling in his stomach - the startled people gathered in the wings watching them, Sam and Kim and Adrienne included; Dawn O. glaring at him with an ugly looking sneer; the spotlights illuminating Justin and Erica as they paraded up the stage to thunderous applause, their dance finished.
Jensen met his look with a slightly panicked one of his own, then they scrambled out of the way as the couple took a final bow and the curtains swung shut behind them. Erica turned, saw Jared standing with Jensen at his side, and her face creased in a confused frown. That seemed to be the signal, as suddenly several people crowded around them, forcing them apart as chatter erupted almost as loud as the applause still ringing on the other side of the curtains.
Jared barely saw Sam tugging Jensen away as Kim got right up in his face, hissing furiously, “What the hell are you doing?!” Grabbing his arm, the dance coach led him away from the rest of the people still watching curiously, full of thunderous rage. “Are you trying to ruin your career? Jared . . .”
Abruptly Dawn O. stepped in front of them, a shark’s smile on her face. “Fredric would like to see you both. Now.” She jerked her head and marched off imperiously, and Kim followed, still dragging Jared along with him.
On the other side of the stage, Sam was ranting at Jensen, fire in her eyes. “God damn it, what the hell did you think you were doing?! You’re a beginner! Jared’s a champion! What the hell?!”
Jensen tried to answer, but Adrienne butted in, “Not to mention you’re a guy! Why the hell were you two dancing together? What were you thinking?”
“I don’t think that’s any of your business,” he retorted, but Sam yanked him around to face her.
“Yes, it is our business,” she snarled, “because Jared’s our business. We’re the ones who’ve raised him and trained him and been there every step of the way. He’s been aiming to win Nationals for years. And right now, it looks like you’re the one who’s trying to ruin that for him!”
“It’s not like that,” Jensen gritted.
Sam steamrolled right over him. “And please tell me you weren’t doing what it looked like you were doing.”
“Which was what, exactly?”
Sam bristled, clearly flustered. Adrienne took pity and said bluntly, “Looked like you were about to kiss him.”
Jensen raised his eyebrows at her. “So?”
“So? So?” Sam spluttered. “My nephew is not a fag. How dare you?”
Jensen’s face darkened. “Don’t you dare call him that again.”
Sam just glared right back. “I won’t let you corrupt him, and you can be damn sure I won’t let you ruin his career." She got right up in his face, her voice deadly cold. “Stay away from Jared, or I swear to God . . .”
“And what if it’s Jared who won’t stay away from me?” Jensen shot back.
Sam stilled, a viper about to strike. “He will. Never come near him again. Never show your face around my studio again. Got it?”
Jensen gave her a long hard look. “Y’know, the only thing I’m wondering is whether you’re more concerned about Jared, or about your own reputation.” With that, he stormed off, leaving Sam fuming and Adrienne frowning.
In the meantime, Jared found himself ensconced in the commissary kitchen with Kim, Dawn O., and Fredric Lehne. Fredric sighed heavily. “Jared my boy, we at the Federation have reason to be concerned about your recent behavior.”
“Oh really?”
Kim smacked his arm. “Watch it.”
Ignoring the interruption, Fredric continued, “Nationals are not that far off, officially you don't have a partner, and now you’re seen dancing with another man in public? And after your actions at the last festival? Jared, these kinds of shenanigans don’t reflect well on you or the studio.” He shared a glance with Dawn O. “We went to the trouble of convincing Erica Durance to dance with you, and this is how you repay us?”
“I don’t owe you anything,” Jared retorted. “If Erica is going to dance with me, that has to be her choice, not yours.”
“I don’t think you understand the gravity of the situation, Jared,” Fredric said. “Today, backstage. What did you think you were doing?”
“Dancing. That’s all.”
“Didn’t look like that’s all to me,” Dawn interjected.
“Other people saw you, Jared,” Fredric pointed out. “Saw you dancing during someone else’s exhibition, which was rude, but also with a man. Highly inappropriate. What are people supposed to think?”
“Does it look like I care what people think?” Jared asked pointedly, crossing his arms over his chest.
“You should,” Kim snapped. “This reflects badly on not just you, but on the studio.”
Fredric was starting to get angry as well. “Do you think the judges will want to vote for a deviant? Do you think any woman will want to dance with you if she thinks . . .”
“Thinks what? That I might like a guy?” Jared snorted. “If anything, it would make her feel safer. ‘Cause at least then I won’t be trying to feel her up while dancing.”
Dawn looked outraged, but before she could say anything Jared cut her off. “My personal life is none of your goddamn business. It’s not like I’ll be entering competitions and festivals with him. And if that’s what the judges are focusing on, then what the hell is the point of dancing out there? Completely unprofessional, if you ask me.”
Fredric sighed. “Jared, you’re missing the point. To put it bluntly, we don’t want any of your funny business associated with the ABDF.”
“What funny business? What I was dancing, or because it was with him?” Jared glared at all three of them.
“Both.” Fredric fixed him with a hard stare. “Jared, think very carefully about what you’re doing. You keep this up, you won’t have a career in professional dancesport.”
“When I’m treated like this, what makes you think I want to?” Turning on his heel, Jared stormed out, barely hearing Kim sputtering in his wake. Maybe his coach would try to smooth things over - right now, Jared didn’t give a damn. He wanted to find Jensen.
Hurrying back towards the stage area, he wasn’t watching where he was going and consequently nearly bowled over Erica Durance. She yelped at he slammed in to her, and it was only through some interesting flailing and him grabbing her arms that kept both of them from tumbling to the floor. “Sorry, sorry, sorry,” Jared chanted, flushed embarrassed and apologetic. No matter his mood, he didn’t need to be flattening people.
“It’s okay,” she tossed him an insincere smile as she brushed at her dress. “I’m okay. Was looking for you, but didn’t expect to literally run in to you.”
“Yeah, sorry, wasn’t looking where I was going.” Jared ran a hand through his hair, looking down sheepishly. “Um . . . saw your exhibition. Looked good.”
“Thanks.” There was an awkward pause, then Erica sighed. “Jared . . . I saw you backstage, afterward. What was that about?”
“Nothing! It was nothing,” he assured her. “People just . . . overreacted.”
“Good. That’s good.” Erica fiddled with her bracelet. “You’re still dancing with me at the social dance?”
“Yeah. Of course.”
“Good,” she repeated. After another pause, she looked him straight in the eye. “Look, Jared, you’re a great dancer. We both need partners, and we work well together. I think we could be incredible. But . . . . I don’t want to be a laughingstock. If you’re dancing with me, you’re dancing with me. Not him.”
Jared gaped at her. Why the hell was everyone making such a big deal over this? They were acting like he’d kicked a puppy or dropped a baby or something horrendous like that. Running both hands through his hair, he tried to blow out his frustration in a long breath. “Erica . . .” How could he explain? We’re just friends? But that was a lie. “He’s not a threat to you.”
Maybe that wasn’t the best way, as Erica only looked dubious. Glancing around at the people passing by, she took his arm and led him over to a quiet corner. “Listen, I know why Adrienne dropped you, and I have to admit, if it wasn’t for Justin being an egotistical asshole, I probably wouldn’t want to dance with you. But Nationals are only two weeks away, and you’re the only free partner who’s got a chance in hell of competing. Right now, we need each other. But I do not want to be embarrassed. Got it?”
Jared was getting seriously fed up. He fixed a hard look on her. “And what exactly do you think I’ll do that’ll embarrass you?”
Erica’s lips pressed in a tight line, clearly angered, and shot a significant look towards the backstage area.
“That’s nobody’s business!”
“If I’m going to be your partner, then yes, it is my business!”
“Well, then maybe we both need to reconsider our options,” Jared said coldly, then walked away, leaving her shocked speechless. Fuming, he pressed his way through the gaggles of dancers and supporters, just wanting to get out of there as quickly as possible. He shoved past Tom, who was watching him with smirking interest before turning to where Erica now stood alone.
The exit sign shone like a beacon from above, and Jared strode for it as quick as he could. Unfortunately Sam caught sight of him, and before Jared could duck out of sight she was there at his side, clearly pissed off. He tried to cut off her tirade before she could really work herself up to it. “Where’s Jensen?”
Wrong thing to say. Sam’s expression hardened and Jared nearly flinched back. “He left,” she told him shortly. “I told him to stay away from you, and stay out of the studio. He’s not welcome there anymore.”
“What?!” Jared shook his head in disbelief. “Why the hell’d you do that?”
“Because I’m not gonna sit back and watch you wreck your career with his help,” Sam bristled. “And if you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay away from him.”
Fists clenched, Jared bit down the first three things he wanted to say to that, mostly profane. Instead he settled on giving her a furious look and stormed off, shrugging off her hand and taking the service exit out the back and ducking down the alley towards the parking lot. He had to find Jensen.
Thirty minutes later, when he pulled up in front of Jensen’s house, he saw Chris and Steve out front on the porch, arguing. They quieted when he jogged toward them, Chris crossing his arms and glaring darkly.
“Where is he?” Jared asked without prelude, directing this towards Steve in an attempt to ignore the guard dog.
No such luck. Chris shook his head. “No. What’d I tell you ‘bout doing something stupid?”
“Not to,” Jared said, “and I haven’t.”
“Oh really?” Chris arched a sardonic eyebrow. “Then why’d Jenny go blazing outta here fit to be tied?”
“Because my aunt’s being stupid, and it’s really none of your business!” Jared growled. “Now where’d he go?”
Steve put a calming hand on Chris’s arm, cutting off whatever he was about to say. “Said he was heading out to the Fusion Lounge.”
Jared frowned. “He goes clubbing?”
“Not often,” Chris drawled. “Only when he really, really needs to blow off steam. Said not to expect him back before midnight.”
Jared groaned; it was barely 7pm now. “Okay, thanks.”
Before he could take two steps down the sidewalk, Chris called out, “Just so’s you know, you break his heart, I’m gonna break your face.”
Jared nodded. “Understood.” He had no doubts Chris would too, but right now he really didn’t care. He had to find Jensen.
The Fusion Lounge wasn’t hard to find, but getting in was another story. It was a fairly popular dance club, surprisingly busy this early on a Saturday evening, and the line of pretty hopefuls outside stretched halfway down the block. Jared, feeling completely out of place in his dress slacks and shirt, had to tip the guy at the door extravagantly in order to skip the line.
Inside, music thundered, reverberating off the dark-painted walls and directing the writhing bodies crowded under flashing lights. Taking a moment to get his bearings, Jared glanced around the room, but faces were nearly impossible to make out in the dimness punctuated by multicolored strobe lights. With a sigh, he plunged into the crowd.
Bodies pressed in around him, against him, a near solid mass of humanity, more skin than clothes, sex an almost visible haze in the air. Ignoring the wordless invitations to dance from various girls, Jared kept going, looking for his quarry. He paused, blinking in surprise, when he spotted two guys grinding together. He didn’t know it was that kind of inclusively friendly club. Not that he minded, as he stopped to enjoy the sight of an all-girl three-way kiss. Shaking himself, he turned . . . and there was Jensen.
Jared’s mouth fell open, and a buzzing filled his ears as his blood immediately rushed south. Jensen stood alone, head tipped back and eyes closed as he danced, the people surrounding him clearly unnoticed as he immersed himself in the music. The simple black t-shirt looked painted on, and his worn jeans hugged his ass and thighs like plastic wrap, showcasing smoothly flexing muscle. His body moved to the music in that way Jared always found so enticing, letting it play through him like a physical force, transforming. The blue-green lights tattooing him gave him an otherworldly look, mysterious and fey.
Several girls and a guy or two danced around him, occasionally touching, but Jensen ignored all of them, lost in the dance and the music. Jared didn’t like it, but he couldn’t blame all the eyes watching Jensen. There was something so appealing about him, drawing one in like moth to flame, but with an air of inapproachability around him, a subtle hand’s off. Enticing and rejecting all at once, which made them want him even more. Jared bet he wasn’t even aware he was doing it, either.
Yet Jared saw something deeper underneath, the reason why the introverted Jensen was out in this club, dancing like temptation personified. He was hurt, confused, pain and anger coiled together inside, needing the movement to unwind. The dance became a physical catharsis as he let go in the faceless environment, shedding himself to disappear into the nameless crowd.
Jared ground his teeth when he saw a guy take a chance and undulate closer, hands brushing Jensen’s hips and ass in clear invitation. Without opening his eyes, Jensen arched away, silently rejecting him as he briefly writhed in accidental sync with a petite blonde, then turned, solo again. The guy didn’t take the hint, though, dancing up again to grind himself against Jensen.
At that he finally opened his eyes, glaring dangerously at the intruder, a blatant fuck off in that blazing look. The guy got smart and backed off, but not far enough for Jared’s liking. He finally stepped forward, pushing through the dancers and the invisible boundary around Jensen, letting his body feel the beat and start to dance. Jensen turned towards him, iron to a magnet, and Jared saw his eyes widen in surprise.
Jared smiled at him, dancing right up to him, body automatically matching to Jensen’s movements easy and natural as breathing. Jensen’s lips quirked, not quite a smile, and leaned in close enough to shout in his ear, “What’re you doing here?”
“Looking for you,” Jared yelled back over the pounding music, daring to step close enough to touch him. That earned him a grin, eyes glinting in the dark, and then they no longer needed words. Bodies shifted and fit, moving as one to the beat, uncaring of steps as they simply let the music pour through them, communicating volumes with each move, each brush against each other, eyes locked.
The music changed, becoming slower, more sultry, and the atmosphere shifted noticeably with it. With a smirk Jensen closed that last hand span of distance between them until they danced in each other’s arms, pressed together chest to thigh. Jared pressed a hand to the small of Jensen’s back, forcing them even closer until hips notched together.
Their blood thrummed with the music, a physical force melding them together as they moved with it, never looking away even as arousal grew, cocks grinding through clothing. Jared heaved in a deep breath, tasting the sweat and lust in the air, a near-visible miasma making everything heady and hazy. Jensen felt amazing against him, hot and hard and perfectly matched, and without hesitation Jared leaned in and kissed him.
Jensen opened to him immediately, the kiss quickly turning heated as tongues battled before falling into sync, instinctive give and take. Jensen tangled his fingers in Jared’s thick hair, guiding his head as he sucked and nibbled at Jared’s mouth, all the while keeping the beat moving between their bodies. Jared groaned into Jensen’s mouth, overwhelmed.
They eventually broke apart long enough to breathe, and, conscious of the people around them, pushed their way out of the spotlight and into a darkened corner. Jared backed Jensen up against the wall, shoved his thigh between Jensen’s legs, and did his best to kiss the breath out of him. Over here, in the dark, close and tight, music vibrating through the air and the walls into their bodies, hands sneaking under shirts to caress and grip sweaty skin, Jared let himself go to just feel.
Trailing kisses and tongue down Jared’s neck, Jensen laid his mouth on the pulse point and sucked, laving his tongue over the faint teeth marks he left. Jensen’s hands were everywhere, dragging blunt fingernails up Jared’s back, gripping spurs of hips to keep him close, popping open buttons on his shirt to thumb and pinch Jared’s nipples. Jared did his best to keep up, skimming hands up his back to spread palms over shoulder blades, hiking his shirt up to feel bare skin on skin, wanting to be closer. Wanting more.
Nudging Jensen’s head to the side, Jared greedily sucked his own mark into Jensen’s neck, a dark blood-purple bruise rising on fair skin. Pleased at the low moan that elicited, he ducked down farther to lick one of Jensen’s nipples before he caught it between his lips and sucked. That netted him a growl, distinguishable even through the music, and a sharp buck of Jensen’s hips into his. Jared smirked to himself, but then his breath caught in a gasp as Jensen deliberately ground his thigh between his legs, stroking his balls through his slacks.
Groaning, Jared shuddered involuntarily, clutching Jensen closer as his cock throbbed, fingers dipping down under his waistband into those interesting dimples above the curve of his ass. Jensen’s hands matched his, groins pressed so close he could feel their blood pulsing in time, then Jensen let one finger drift a little further down, stroking tentatively at the top of the crack of Jared’s ass. Jared arched into the touch, heat flushing through him at the idea. “Oh god,” he managed, blindly seeking Jensen’s mouth for another kiss.
“S’okay?” Jensen murmured shakily against his lips.
“Yeah,” Jared breathed, licking Jensen’s bottom lip. “I want you.”
Jensen shivered, his voice dropping to a whiskey-gravel rumble as he said, “Let’s get outta here ‘fore we get arrested.”
Jared nodded. “Your place.”
It was only with reluctance they parted just enough to straighten out clothes to be more-or-less presentable, but Jared plastered himself to Jensen as they made their way through the crowds and out the door. The fresh air outside, while not cool, still was a biting shock on overheated skin, but did nothing to calm his arousal.
Jensen breathed deep, trying to clear his head enough to think even as he leaned into Jared. “Where’s your car?”
“Down the block,” Jared made a face at the thought of walking that far. “Yours?”
Jensen shook his head. “Took the bus and walked.” He laced his fingers with Jared’s and tugged, shooting him a heated look. “C’mon. Sooner we get home, the sooner we’ll get naked.”
That was enough to have Jared nearly running for the car. Naked was an awesome idea.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
part 7