[fanfic] Dancing is the perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire (1/3) (J², NC-17)

[chaotic4life]

Titel: Dancing is the perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire (1/3)
Author: chaotic4life
Rating: R ~ NC17
Word Count:+/- 7,900
Disclaimer: All fiction. No profit made. I don't know any of them, nor am I affiliated with DWTS. I can't even dance all that well.
Summary: It’s the summer of 2005 and with his run on Gilmore Girls ending and no other interesting prospects knocking, Jared finds himself as the newest candidate on “Dancing with the Stars”. With the coaching of Jensen Ackles and being paired with Sandy McCoy, last season’s champion, his chances of winning the title are as good as they could possibly be. But what happens, if winning the championship title suddenly isn’t the only thing worth fighting for?

Characters: Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Eliza Dushku, Sandy McCoy, Tom Welling, Chad Michael Murray, Michael Rosenbaum, Allison Mack, Justin Hartley and others I needed to fill in the blanks.
A/N: Thank you to my amazing beta kituralb, without her this story would be unreadable. She did/is doing a fantastic job of correcting and encouraging. All my love to my bestest faith_mars for cheering me through this, coming up with amazing, and multiple plot twists. I love you!
I am aware that I am taking a lot of freedom with DWTS ... just run with it.
Written for the j2_diaries Dancing! Challenge



All new episodes this fall. Tune in, when Dancing with the Stars returns. Last year Sandy and Justin blew everybody away, but who will …

Jensen just let out a groan and dropped head down on his folded arms on the bar, while the sound of the TV kept on mocking him. That’s what his life had come to.

Chris just laughed, slapped him on the back and ordered another round of whiskey, sliding the tumbler in front of Jensen, before picking up his own and drowning it in one gulp.

“Look at it this way, you could have been stuck with ‘I used to be a Backstreet Boy’,” pulling his buddy off the bar stool heading towards the back, where an old pool table being deserted under the flickering light of the green lamp waited for them.

“At least he can probably count to eight. My boy hasn’t mastered standing up straight yet!” -Jensen muttered unhappily as he followed, still trying to figure out what the hell he did to deserve this. “And do I even want to know how you know that that guy used to be a Backstreet Boy?”



Jensen felt like dying when the unrelenting sunbeams tried to burn its way through his eyelids. His mouth felt like something had crawled in and died and the drumming pain behind his eyes were a very real reminder that Chris plus alcohol never equalled a good idea in the morning. He tried to open his eyes far enough to make out the time on his alarm clock, when the faint sound of his cell phone on the kitchen counter made its way into his conscience. He really needed to change that song before Gwen Stefani hollered back one too many times.

“Mhh?” was all he could get out, before falling unto his kitchen chair and trying to get his coffeemaker to run with the push of his toe. Boy, that was so much easier without having a hangover from hell.

“Where are you?” Eliza sounded way too chipper for this time of day. Jensen could hear her directing through traffic, letting out an annoyed huff here and there. He pictured her in her little sports car, flipping off people left and right, all with a bright smile and a scowl. Somehow that image had his mouth form into a grin.

“Don’t tell me you are still at home?! ‘Cause I am running way late and you are supposed to meet the camera crew in 20 minutes!”

‘Great,’ he groaned, this day was quickly turning into a nightmare, and he hadn’t even had coffee yet.

“’n my way” he mumbled and just hang up on her. Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge and 2 Advil on the way to the shower, he tried to jump start his body.

Thirty minutes later he pulled his SUV into the parking lot behind his studio, ready to face whatever the damn production company was throwing at him. Large sunglasses covering the dark circles under his eyes, he blindly grabbed his bag from the seat next to him and unlocked the backdoor to his office. The typical smell of any dance studio in the world assaulted his senses. The mix of sweat, chalk, paraffin, and wood polish had a way of calming him down and he could feel his body relax for the first time this morning. This, he could work with. This was his home, and if it took a stupid dance show and a boy who felt like making an ass of himself in front of a national TV audience, then so be it.

He had worked too hard all his life, to have his dreams and ambitions destroyed by some fucking corporate suits who thought that another useless outlet mall was exactly what this Neighbourhood needed.

Walking towards the glass door that was separating the locker rooms from the main hallway he could hear Ally laughing and talking to what he presumed was the producer of today’s segment. Checking his reflection a last time in the door, he slid both hands through his hair in a last attempt get his tresses to behave before putting on his brightest stage smile and pushed into the room.



“What? You okay?“ Chad followed Jared into craft services looking completely dumbfounded since he hang up his phone a minute ago.

Jared just looked up at him with an odd expression; it seemed his mind was miles away.

“’Dancing with the Stars’ wants me.” Completely in awe, not really looking at anybody.

It was taking Chad all but three seconds for the information to hit his still half asleep brain and in the moment he actually understood what Jared just told him, the coffee came spewing out of his mouth.

“Dude! Hot beverage on site! Wardrobe will love this!” trying to get the coffee stains off the jeans.

Unable to hide his amusement, he asked innocently “So when did you drop off the B-list? Guess it will only be a matter of time until VH1’s “Where Are They Now” will be calling about your sorry ass.”

Slapping Jared jovially on the shoulder, he dropped into the seat next to him, trying to calm down and wake up at the same time. The day was still early and the set had only been starting to wake up, with the crew busy setting up and getting everything ready for today’s shoot.

”Shut up! It could be fun!”

“It could be fun?” the raised eyebrow showing Jared exactly what Chad was thinking. “Are you fucking insane? You aren’t seriously considering entering the Reality Circuit, are you? Because I heard the Surreal Life is looking for contestants in Cabo!”

Come to think of that, THAT could be fun.

Jared just gave Chad a dirty look, who was still trying not to fall off his chair from laughing so hard about his own apparently funny joke.

“Come on Jar, you are not seriously thinking about it, are you? You have trouble coordinating those 6 feet forever of never ending arms and legs as it is. Why would you want to dance on national TV and make an ass out of yourself?!” figuring that maybe logical reasoning would be a better approach to stop his best friend from screwing up his chances of ever getting laid again.

“I can dance!” Jared couldn’t help but pout like a six year old.

Well, if he was true to himself, maybe not really well, but come on, how hard could it be?

He had taken dance lessons when he was young. His agent thought it would be great exposure and with no really interesting parts coming in, this could really be good for him and open some doors. Because unless he wanted to play cute but faceless boyfriend for the rest of his life, something had to happen quickly. Dancing with the Stars was a top rated show and getting his name out could only help his career.

His thoughts were finally interrupted, when Chad is snapped his hand in front of his face, trying to get his attention.

“Let’s go Baryshnikov! Time for make-up!”



The morning went a lot more quickly than Jensen had expected. Once the introductions had been made he had sat down with Noel, the on-site producer, to go over the tentative schedules for the next few days. Sometime during the first half hour, Eliza had finally shown up and shoved a venti cup of fresh Starbucks in his hand before strutting out. Of course not without giving him a knowing smile and a thumbs up behind Noel’s back.

Okay, yeah, Noel wasn’t really unattractive, by anybody’s standard, but Eliza’s blatant obviousness annoyed him. "He knew he looked like crap, with his hair unkempt, and the old white v-neck t-shirt, old Adidas track pants that rode way too low on his hips that were all he had been able to find this morning before running out of his apartment. Maybe it was time to do some laundry."

So, what the hell did she have to make a fuss about? As if a guy like Noel, successful and stylish, would even waste a second glance on a sorry ass like him. Karma was a bitch.

“So, Jensen … Jensen?“ snapping fingers bringing him back to reality.

“Sorry, all here!“ He tried to refocus his attention to the man across from his desk. All the talk about schedules, camera angles, jingle segments, and interviews were making his head spin. Noel just shot him an encouraging grin, his eyes blazing an appreciative trail over Jensen's well-toned arms.

So much for obvious.

“Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. After a few days, this will be a routine.” He said while giving Jensen a friendly pat on his shoulder.

Jensen swallowed hard, panic setting in again. He could suddenly see himself year after year training Idol rejects and glorified extras that were too damn perky for their own good. Depressed, he grabbed for his empty coffee cup, hoping against hope that more hot java had magically appeared.

He was in dire need of a refill and a smoke, not to mention another couple of hours of sleep and a round of great sex.

He really must be feeling better, if he was able to think about getting laid again. Eliza would be so proud, he snorted to himself. He was a guy after all, and being locked in a small room with an exceptional specimen did nothing but remind him of the fact that it had been entirely too long.

Noel seemed to see that Jensen had reached his limit of input and smiled. ”Well, why don’t we get you out of here? Jared should be here in half an hour. After we introduce you guys, we can film some of the scenes of you guys meeting, and then head out to lunch to get acquainted. Later we can get both of you into make-up and film a few cues and interviews. Who knows, maybe after that you two can actually get to work on your dance moves.”

Jensen just tuned Noel out somewhere in between. Fuck! Did this guy ever stop talking? The throbbing pain in his head came back in full force, and he wasn’t sure if it was because of the still wallowing hangover or the fact that this guy kept talking a mile a minute while blinding him with a set of pearly whites, never letting his mouth drop to anything but a gloriously fake smile. He quickly wondered if he would smile like that while blowing another guy, but the image just made his stomach queasy.

And just like that, his priority list got shorter.

Leaving the building like it was on fire the minute Noel had left up, Jensen finally relaxed again. His back leaning against the warm bricks of his building, soothingly inhaling the smoke as he closed his eyes and let his head rest against the wall.

“You okay?” Eliza came around the corner, startling him, holding two mugs of black coffee out, and leaned next to him, facing Jensen.

“So? What’s this hangover all about? Haven’t seen you like that in months?” messing up his hair jokingly after handing him one of the cups. Jensen just shot her a dirty look, trying to smack her arm away, a lazy smile brightening up his face.

”Chris thought it was a good idea to go out to play pool last night.” he said dryly, unable to hide his own amusement. “I thought a few beers were a good plan. Didn’t consult my lifelong experience though. I should have known better.”

Eliza just laughed out loud. “Ouch! Well, maybe someday even you will learn, sweetie.” Letting her sunglasses slide from her hair to cover those sparkling eyes, she sipped her coffee in silence for a minute.

“How is CK doing, these days? Haven’t seen him in a while."

They had been a team for years. He adored Eliza like few others. She was an incredible woman, full of life and spontaneity, not to mention that she was the best dance partner he had ever worked with. They just meshed, on and off the dance floor. When they met about four years ago, there was an instant connection. If he hadn’t been already openly out of the closet, he would have kept the door shut and fallen head over heels for her. He never got tired of her energy and spirit. Where Jensen was more quiet and shy, she sparkled with personality and glamour and left him standing in the shadows. On the dance floor he just led her to perfection and bringing out the best in her. He knew they would be able to go a long way, if everything would work out the way he planned.

“Doing good. He says ‘hi’. Been keepin’ busy with Steve and doing a few acting gigs.” Jensen wasn’t able to keep his drawl out of his voice as his body grew tired again. The sun was warming his skin, and he just wanted to escape into dreamland right now. “They are working on a few new songs. Sound pretty awesome to me. Got ‘em in my car if you want to check ‘em out.”

“Great! Give him a hug and slap on that gorgeous ass from me.”

“Why don’t you just come with the next time? Saves me from embarrassing myself in public. Not to mention from having my gorgeous ass kicked by my best bud.”

“And end up looking like you do today, the next morning? No thank you. I pass. No ass is worth that much!” sending him a teasing bright smile. Jensen just opened one eye and flipped her off before leaning back again and sipping his coffee while snapping the cigarette butt into the unknown with his thumb and middle finger.

“So are you ready for her?” Eliza suddenly quietly asked, and just like that, all the tension returned to Jensen, a low groan leaving his lips.

Her. Her as in Sandy McCoy. Dance Magazine’s breakout star of 2001 and Jensen’s personal black history month. He had been trying to ignore the fact that Sandy was going to be Jeffrey’s? -- or was it Jeremy? -- dance partner. To be fair, at least the guy had gotten lucky and got the best available dancer out there at the moment. She had won the last round of Dancing with the Stars by being partnered up with Justin Hartley, and she was one hell of a firecracker on the dance floor. Unfortunately that didn’t make up for the fact that Jensen and her weren’t actually friends.

It wasn’t so much that he hated her; The competitive thinking that had been ingrained in him since day one was more accurate. They both had entered the juniors competition circuit at about the same time, young, dumb and full of bullshit dreams. Jensen had come from Dallas to L.A. to get the coaching he needed to make it as far as he could go. He'd worked as a waiter, an extra, and joined a cleaning crew in order to be able to pay for shoes, clothes and entry fees. Sandy had been the all-American Cali-girl, born with the golden spoon. She had been pampered by her adoring parents since the day she was born. Everything came easy to her: dancing, socializing and not to mention paying for the best teachers and workshops around. Jensen was blinded by irrational jealousy back then and tried his best to beat her to the punch, but he was always kept one step behind. When a coach finally had the bright idea to match them up for Latin American formations, it was like magic. They were the golden junior couple. Predestined to make it to the top with hard work and an easy step. Unfortunately their egos had disagreed, and six months into their partnership, Sandy had just dropped him weeks before the Nationals to pair up with a douche-bag from Miami who supposedly "knew how to handle the pressure and realized that dedication and persistence were the name of the game". It also helped, that the guy didn't have to work every non training minute to pay for their expensive dream. So Jensen was left standing on the sidelines, watching Sandy and douche-bag take the Championship title that was rightfully his.

It was just his luck that he had to face her again now. As their coach nonetheless. But seeing her all shiny and star-like with a perky attitude and surrounded by air of superiority was all he needed. Fun, fun, FUN!

“Can someone please shoot me now?” He was looking pleadingly at Eliza, who had a worried smile on her face. She knew exactly what was riding on this gig. If they could manage to coach those two successfully, the money would be enough to finally pay off that damn mortgage, before anybody could get their grabby hands on their land. Right now, it was all or nothing. As long as Sandy and that TV guy would be able to pull it off, it was all going to work out, and the longer they stayed in the competition, the better. It was a risky and nerve wrecking move, but as of today, the four of them had to work like a well oiled machine, or their life would take a serious blow.

Their quiet time was suddenly interrupted by a hyper “Jared’s here! Jared’s here!” Ally’s voice came calling out of the door, before they could even see the blonde receptionist. Allison was untypically jumping up and down in the door. “Oh my god! He’s even cuter than on TV! And he’s so freaking tall, like you wouldn’t believe. I can’t believe he’s here!”

Eliza and Jensen just looked at each other and started laughing.

"Wow!" Allison had just pulled the total fan girl. Who’d thunk it. "Who are you? And what have you done to Allison?" Eliza asked, looked at her friend completely stunned.

They slammed back the last of their coffee and pushed themselves off the wall. Years of practice had them almost move synchronised in their everyday life. Scary when he thought about it, but somewhat comforting.

"Well," Jensen let out a sigh, "let's welcome the Gilmore Girl into our life!"



Jared was officially a nervous wreck. What had sounded like a brilliant idea a few weeks ago, seemed to be the dumbest shit he ever set his mind on by now. For once he should have listened to Chad. Yep, definitely a bad idea, if he was now agreeing with the biggest dumb ass on the planet.

When he finally pulled into the parking lot of Ackles Dance, his stomach felt like it was doing somersaults, and not in a good way. He sat in the car for a few minutes, silently staring at the building’s façade, his fingers drumming nervously on the steering wheel. He watched a mother carrying her little girl, dressed in a fluffy pink tutu, through the door inside the dance studio. The girl was beaming at her, her arms moving like the little ballerina she was aspiring to be. Well, this couldn't be all that hard, could it? If cute little girls could do it? He took a last deep breath, grabbed his shades and slid out of the car.

Entering the building, he was looking left and right, trying to figure out where to go from here, when a cute blonde girl behind the receptionist desk suddenly turned all wide-eyed and bubbly.

"Jared? Hi! I'm Allison. Welcome to our studio." she enthused, all but leaping out from behind her desk, smiling at him brightly and shaking his hand. That, he could do. Flailing fan-girls where definitely known territory. He instantly relaxed and send her his biggest smile.

"Allison. Nice to meet you. Well, I guess I made it to the right place. Any idea where everybody is?" he asked her, towering over the tiny girl. She seemed nice, and he let out a breath he didn't realize he was still holding.

"Follow me" she said, almost pulling him by his sleeve down a hallway lined with pictures of dancing girls and cheerleaders, passing a large portrait of a gorgeous couple holding up medals and flowers and smiling into the camera. He couldn't help but stop in front of the enlarged black and white photograph. The girl in the picture was stunning, dark curly hair framing her heart-shaped face and cat-like eyes, sparkling mischievously. But the eyes of the guy next to her were what truly grabbed his attention.

Although it was a black and white picture, the man's eyes reflected a depth and passion that he hadn't seen on anybody before. It looked like Jared would be able to look all the way into his soul. He was breathtakingly beautiful, with a smile that could brighten anyone’s day.

"That's Jen and Liza after they won the Latin American state championship two years ago. Jen owns the studio and will be coaching you. He's an amazing guy. You'll love him. They are the dream-team. Everybody adores them." She explained, pulling Jared back into reality.

He followed her to a large glass door leading to a typical large dance studio. Mirrors covered the walls from ceiling to floor on one side, a few temporary bars moved out of the way and a stationary ballet bar wrapped around three sides of the room.

"The producer and everybody is in there, just go ahead. I'm gonna go and grab Jensen to meet you in there." Sending him a encouraging smile, she was gone, leaving Jared with a residual thought of soulful eyes and a step into a scary future.

'Yep, definitely a dumb idea!'



"Okay, rule number one on this glorious day," a dark baritone voice resounded through the room, making several heads spin towards the back door, "everybody with street shoes carefully back themselves towards the side of the room on the carpet. I don't want anybody messin' with my beautiful polished flooring, y'all!" the smile in Jensen’s eyes making up for the threatening tone. He just loved messing with those network dudes. Eliza couldn't hold her laugh, looking at some of the shocked faces.

They had snuck into the back, still laughing about Allison's fangirl episode. Now they were huddled together, Jensen's arm wrapped around her tightly, standing across the room from the group of people, that were the deciding factor of their near future.

Jensen let his eyes wander over the assembled group, silently assessing them as was his habit. His eyes paused on a guy in the back of the group who was hunched together with his hands in his pockets, curiously staring at him from behind long tresses. His eyes travelled up and up until he was able to see the man’s eyes. When their gazes locked, he froze, staring into the warmest and largest dark orbs he had ever seen. The room suddenly felt electrified, and he could feel himself blush under the scrutiny. Eliza felt Jensen tense and looked up to find out what was suddenly bothering him. Following his line of vision she had to swallow. Jared was amazing. All tall and cute, hiding large, intense eyes behind a mop of floppy hair. Allison hadn't been kidding though; he was freakish tall. He truly looked like he had just dropped off the cover of TeenBeat. "Damn!" she whispered, nudging Jensen blatantly back to reality.

He looked at her with a dazed expression and suddenly realized that everybody expected him to talk. "Well, Hi! I'm Jensen Ackles, and I'll be your tour-guide for the day!" Jokes were there to break the ice, right? Right.

Thankfully, Noel took over, "Okay, let's get everybody acquainted here. Jared? Come here and meet your drill Sergeant!" pulling Jared away from the group, towards the couple.

"This is Jensen, he will try to get you up to speed and coach you all the way until you're voted off the island," he grinned at his wunderkind, "which hopefully won't be for another couple of weeks."
"Jensen, meet Jared Padalecki. Actor extraordinaire and future heartthrob of America."

Jared could do nothing but grin foolishly at Jensen, taking in the whole package, from head to toe. The image had not been doing him justice. His eyes were the craziest shade of emerald green and splashes of gold.
The white T-shirt did nothing to hide a perfect body, and the low riding pants exposed the smallest line of soft skin, his mind going to all the wrong places.

Oh yeah, dumb idea indeed. He was screwed.



The four of them made it all out to lunch soon after and back in time to film a few segments and cues, which were later going to be included in back-stories and commercial breaks.

By the time they were done, it was well past four p.m., and Jensen was beyond exhausted. Nothing had prepared him for the noise and take after take of cues and one liners and the constant chatter going on behind the scenes.

He was a dancer and a coach for crying out loud, not a TV host. Of course Jared had just sat through it all with a smile and a half and patiently awaited his turn. Jensen figured he was probably used to much worse, but he just got more antsy.

Jensen felt out of control and miles out of his element. It didn't help that Jared was all he could think of all day. His eyes kept darting over to the gentle giant, how he had named him silently, all floppy hair and huge hands and a smile that brightened up the whole city. Okay, when he got to the point that he got poetic like that, it was most definitely time for a smoke break.

He called to Noel that he was taking five and slid out towards the back. In passing, he grabbed another mug of coffee from the breakroom and sat out on the steps leading to the parking lot. He lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply, letting the nicotine calm his nerves. Carefully putting the cup down on the stairs between his legs, he folded his arms on top of his knees to cushion his head. He didn't look up when he felt Eliza slide down behind him, hugging him tightly around his back and chest, letting her head rest on his neck. They just sat together for a moment, enjoying each other’s company and relaxing. Jensen played mindlessly with a stray strand of Eliza’s hair, taking in the flowery scent of her shampoo. This was his comfort zone away from all the buzzing that had invaded his space.

A tall shadow fell over them and pulled him back to reality. When he looked up he saw Jared leaning in the doorway, looking nervous but smiling. Jensen couldn't help but take him in more closely. The oversized hoodie and baggy pants, paired with a shaggy mess of dark hair made him look so incredibly young. He remembered something about him being 23 or something, but at the moment, Jensen thought he looked more like a lost puppy, shifting from one leg to the other.

"You'kay?" he asked concerned, looking at him intensely.

"Yeah, just nervous," he grinned sheepishly at Jensen, "Right now I’m pretty sure I signed my soul over to the devil. Please tell me you’re not the devil!"

"Naw, don't think so. It all depends who you are asking, though." raising his eyebrow mockingly towards Liza.

"He’s not the devil himself, I don’t think … “ looking like she had to really think about it, “ but I am pretty sure they are related. Especially if you mess up the same steps over and over." She laughed and punched Jensen in the arm.

Jensen just grinned and locked his arm around her neck in a headlock, pulling her up to make their way back inside passed Jared. Eliza couldn't stop laughing and tried to tickle him as hard as she could while stumbling up the stairs back into the building.
Jared just smiled and followed them, a sharp pain piercing his heart at the obvious display of love and affection. Stupid really, he scolded himself.

As if there had been a snowball’s chance in hell that a gorgeous man like Jensen was ever going to fall for a too tall and too lanky, not to mention, completely untalented dancer like himself. He really had to get a grip. Passing the picture again in the hallway, he couldn't help but stare at those eyes once more.

Physical torture he was prepared for, but an emotional rollercoaster? He had definitely not signed up for that.

Jensen turned around at the entry to the studio, only to see Jared staring at the picture of Eliza.

It was the story of his life, he sadly realized once again, every cute guy he met was always falling madly in love with his dance partner. Not that he could blame them. Hell! He was madly in love with her, and he wasn't even straight. And yet, some small part of him had just wished, that maybe, somehow his stars had aligned for once and had sent him someone to claim for himself. With a last longing glance, he let out an silent sigh and held the door open for Liza.

Turning around again, he called out to Jared who was still all but drooling over the picture.

"Yo, Jay! Come on, stop staring at her picture, she's right here, man!"



When they met up with Noel and the rest of the crew again, everybody was already busy packing up and loading stuff into vans and cars. Jensen was thankful for the day to finally wind down.

"You are up for the challenge?" Noel patted Jensen jovially on the back, giving him an encouraging smile.

"He's nice enough, let's hope he listens as well to me as he did to you today, and we should be okay," Jensen remarked more to himself than anything, leaving Noel at the parking lot and walking back towards the entrance.

"Well, you got your work cut out for you. Make the best of it," he laughed "Oh, and Sandy McCoy called earlier, she'll meet you guys around noon tomorrow. She had an audition or something today."

Great, he'd almost forgotten about her. Well, grace period extended. At least he'd be in better shape tomorrow.

When he came back into the dance studio, Jared was animatedly talking to Eliza, and both of them were laughing, turning around expectantly.

"So what's the plan? Jared just told me about his in depth dance experience when he was about 10 years old."

The look of plain horror on Jensen's face had them both bursting in laughs again. Jensen just rubbed his face tiredly and smiled. "I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful." he mumbled and went straight towards the break room, leaving Jared and Eliza starring at each other confused.

"Don't worry, he'll be coming around. He's never backed down from a challenge," she grinned, looking Jared up and down, taking in the baggy look once more, sure that Jared was probably hiding a lot of things behind his attire, "and you, my friend! You are definitely a challenge!" poking him jokingly in the chest. "Let's see what we are gonna do the next couple of days."

They found Jensen in the break room leaning into the fridge, not sure what he was looking for. Jared couldn't help but let his eyes wander across Jensen's back and ass. He looked phenomenal, and the shirt had ridden up just far enough to expose creamy skin and he could see freckles dusted all over. He could feel the heat rush through his body, going south, and he was extremely glad for his long sweat shirt.

"Hi! You are not going to hide in that fridge, are you?" Eliza slapped him on his ass and jumped on the counter, grinning expectantly at Jensen, who just shot her a wicked smirk. Jared couldn't help but suck in a breath, feeling that slap all the way in his own body. Oh boy, these next weeks were going to be the death of him.

"I thought we could show Jared what he's going to be up against in the next weeks." Jensen just groaned at the insinuation. "Come on boy, dance with me!" Eliza looked at him all mock bashful, batting her lashes at him and pulling him closer with her legs. "You know you want to. And Jared here, has no clue what he's doing. After a few weeks of your boot camp hell, he might be better than us, and what are we gonna do then?"

Jensen just raised an eyebrow and looked both of them up and down. "You are so on, girl!" and grabbed her, carrying her on his back into the dance studio. Jared just laughed and followed and sat down on the side, his back resting against the wall and hugging his knees tightly, watching as they changed their shoes and argued over the music.

The moment the first beats came over the speaker system, the atmosphere in the room changed. Jared was fascinated by the changes in the couple; their whole bodies suddenly seemed to tighten as they took position and started to move on cue. It was breathtaking seeing them dance in complete sync, moving across the floor like it was made of water. Their movements sure and teasing at the same time. He watched them like a movie, the story of lovers laid out on the dance floor. Teasing each other, trying to get the other’s attention and yet so involved, blind to the obvious attraction. He'd never paid much attention to actual dances, always laughed when his sister started into full diatribe of choreography she learned or the newest music video she had watched on TV. For him, it was moves. Separate entities of bodies swaying to a beat, but this, right there, that was story telling. He was mesmerized, unable to take his eyes off of Jensen. The play of his muscles underneath his shirt keeping him glued as he followed them around the room. His body was tight and every step and every move was calculated and looked effortless. Jared was pretty sure that this was a bad idea on so many levels. Why did he ever think he could do that?

When the music stopped Jared felt like his whole body was on fire. Watching Jensen dance, displaying nothing but sexual heat in every spin and move was too much to bear. His whole body was burning and all he could think about was to get away. He needed to put physical distance between them, and he definitely needed alone time. And possibly a cold shower. Like now. Or fve minutes ago.

He scrambled off of the floor. "That was ... uh, awesome. I am officially scared shitless now. Thanks guys, but I gotta go. My dogs are probably freaked out by now. Um. Bye. See 'ya tomorrow." Jensen and Liza just looked at each other confused as Jared all but ran out the door.



When Jared got home, he was still rattled to the bones. The day had presented way too many surprises, and he felt young, dumb, and completely discouraged. Harley and Sadie all but pounced on him when he opened the front door, demanding his attention after being left alone for entirely too long. He crouched down to pet them and scratch them behind the ears, happy to be comforted. "Especially from the two beings he knew wouldn't judge him for his lack of...well, anything."

When he got up to let them out the back door, he pulled his shirt off and strutted towards the kitchen to grab a beer, dropping into his couch. He was exhausted, and they hadn't even started training yet. His mind went back to Jensen. He could hear the sound of his deep voice, see the blond hair sticking out at so many odd angles, and those beautiful eyes. He still couldn't get over those eyes, green hazel with a touch of gold, deep and thoughtful. He could drown in those endless pools of color and emotion.

He wondered what Jensen would look like, aiming that gaze at him, every inch the predator he was on the dance floor, all tensed muscles with heat in his eyes crawling up on his body. With closed eyes, his hands slid down his body on their own accord, sliding into his boxers. His cock was hard in his hand as he let his thumb circle the tip, precome slicking the movement of skin on skin. A sigh left his lips as his mind wandered back to the memory of Jensen's body. Sliding his hand up and down his dick, he could only throw his head back and ride it out. The feeling taking over every inch of his body as he paced himself, trying to prolong the sensation as long as possible. Every slip and slide washed over his body as he wished the object of his fantasy to be there, to be in the room, watching him with the same desire as he felt for the older man. He opened his fly and letting his cock spring free, giving him easier access to speed up his strokes, desperate for release and yet not willing to give up on the images in his mind. His breath caught as his thumb played over the slit, caressing the underside of his dick; he could feel the pending orgasm in his spine. He pulled harder, wanting to be taken away by the release, willing himself to give in to the feeling. A few more strokes was all he needed, coming with a loud groan and the picture of Jensen's lips on him; shooting in warm spurts over his hands and stomach.

Jared groaned and wiped his hands off on his pants, dropping everything in the hamper on the way to the shower.

He had no idea how he'd be able to make it through the next couple of weeks without making a total fool out of himself.

For once, he wasn't even thinking about the dancing.



The next morning came too quickly for Jensen. He'd spent another hour teaching his adult evening class before finally coming home to relax. He would be lying to himself if he said he didn't spend a great portion of the evening thinking about Jared. There was just something about the boy with the bright smile and the shy attitude. Somehow he was positive that the boy’s demeanor would change soon though; He had seen glimpses of a carefree young man that apparently could talk a mile a minute with his arms and legs. It would be interesting to see if he was right. In order to be the leading man on the dance floor, he had to be cocky and sure of himself, an attitude that was hardly taught, but came with experience and time; two things they were extremely short on. He had to admit that he already liked Jared. The younger man seemed like a fun and interesting guy, not to mention those large hands and never ending legs. He knew he needed to keep his emotions and physical reactions in check, or he would loose it quickly.

When he entered the break room around nine, he was greeted by Eliza, Alona, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee. It had become somewhat of an tradition for the whole team to meet up an hour before opening to just hang and start the day over breakfast.

"Morning," he mumbled, while grabbing a mug of coffee and dropping down next to Eliza on the bench, resuming his sleeping position by laying his head on her lap.

"Mmm. Tired. Coffee. Now," he just muttered, waving cheesy at Alona on the other side of the table.

Tom walked in, threw his bag in the corner and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge sliding in next to Alona, giving her a peck on the cheek. "Hi guys! What's up? So how did it go yesterday?"

"Where's my breakfast? No information before donuts! It's your turn!" Jensen pouted, sending daggers over to his buddy, who apparently came in empty handed.

"Breathe, Jen. Mikey is on his way in, don't worry you won't have an insulinemic crisis on my watch," he snarked, snapping the cap of his bottle at Jensen.

They were interrupted by Jared appearing in the doorway and Jensen had to take a deep breath. Jared's hair was still wet, framing his face in large strands. He had traded the over-sized sweatshirt for a white polo shirt, faded dark jeans were completing the look. All around Jared looked stunning. His arms tanned and a rich caramel color, the shirt snug around a well-toned chest. Jen couldn’t take his eyes off him.

"You're up early. Didn't we say ten o'clock?" he looked confused to cover up his blatant, extremely unprofessional, observation.

"I was up early, so I thought I'd swing by and start off on the right foot. Not much of a sleeper, with two dogs and all." He grabbed a chair, turned it around and straddled it.

"Why is everybody in my life a morning person?" Jen whined, "don't you guys understand the basic concept of sleeping in?"

"Honey, if you want to sleep in you can always get a job as a male stripper. No early morning shifts there!" a voice sounded from the doorway as another guy came around the corner, throwing a box of Krispy Kreme on the table and grabbing coffee. Jensen just flipped him off and sat up.

"Where's my breakfast, Rosey?"

"Chill. One whole wheat bagel, lightly toasted with low fat cream cheese and sprouts, coming right up, " he said, throwing him the bag.

A collective 'ew' sounded from everybody around the table.

"Guys, you have no idea what a donut does to your system!" Tom retorted before grabbing his bagel.

"Well, since the gang’s all here, let’s do this thing. All right, y’all, this is Jared, who will be braving the tough audience of Dancing with the Stars this season. Jared, meet Alona, she teaches mainly ballet and children's dance here, then Tom who will be taking over my classes while I am coaching you and usually teaches Ballroom Dancing and the freak over there, that's Mikey, Tom's lesser half, and ...yes, Mike, what is it again you do here?"

"Fuck you, bitch!" he just responded without even turning around.

Jensen laughed and continued, "Actually Mike does all of the choreography for Eliza and me, and teaches cheerleading and tumbling. Don't ask, it's a long and painful story."

Jared just grinned and waved. He felt good about this. The whole group made a nice and friendly impression, all close and laughing like a family. L.A. was so anonymous and cold, and he constantly missed his friends back home, but here, with these people he actually felt comfortable and welcome.

"So where is Sandy? Thought she was going to be here today?" Alona suddenly asked.

A dark cloud overshadowing Jensen's eyes. "She had some audition yesterday. She'll be here around noon."

Mike just looked up, "What is she auditioning for? Dead hooker #3 on CSI?"

"What do I know? This is L.A.. They make you audition to work at McDonalds."

Alona laughed "Maybe she screwed Justin Hartley to get on Passions. She'd make a fantastic soap star. She’s got the drama queen act down pat."

"Justin is gay, Alona. That wouldn't really work."

"Actually Justin is married and has a baby girl. I met them at some party a few weeks back." Jared couldn't help but speak up.

Jensen’s eyes shot up at Eliza, suddenly uncomfortable with where this conversation was going.

"Sweetie, that makes him possibly blind and stupid, but certainly not straight. No one that good-looking can seriously be straight. It's basic biology," Mike patted Jared on the shoulder before sliding in next to Tom.

"Amen to that," both Eliza and Alona mumbled.

They sat around for a while talking and joking until Allyson came in and it was time to start the day. Everybody but Jensen and Jared left to get to their classes and begin the daily routine. Jensen grabbed another mug of coffee for each of them handing one to Jared, which he butchered with mass amounts of milk and sugar.

"You want some coffee with that milk shake?" Jensen couldn't help but laugh. Coffee gods were certainly turning in their grave when Jared took a sip of the watered down brew.

"I hate coffee and love sugar, so I compromise," he grinned.

"Okay, let's go over our plans here," he said, pulling out a manila folder with multiple sheets of paper, all baring the show’s logo, looking a lot like schedules. "We have four weeks to get you up to speed and until the first show. It's tight, but it can be done."

Jensen was leafing through the pages, and Jared took the time to get a closer look at Jensen's face. His skin was pale, but dusted with hundreds of freckles making him look younger than he was, his lashes were obscenely long and looked almost fake, framing the most beautiful eyes. His lips were pouty and full, slick with moisture and oh so soft. Jared wondered what would happen if he'd just let his finger run over them, feel them part beneath his fingertips.
He was completely fascinated by Jensen's face when he suddenly realized Jensen staring back at him, a frown on his face.

"Do I have something on my face?" he asked confused, trying to get whatever it was off his lips with his left hand.

"Donut crumbs," was all Jared came up with, his face turning pink from the blush that crept up his face.

Jensen looked at him questioning, unable to pin point what just happened. If he hadn't known better, he would have thought Jared had been checking him out. He erased that thought quickly.

"Okay, so what we will do is start you off with an overview of the basic steps. It might not even be bad idea to join a few of the classes around here, just to get a feel for ballroom dancing in general. As soon as we got you safe and sound in basic steps and posture, we will fast forward to the choreographies you'll need for the shows. They are starting you off with Waltz, Cha Cha and Jive and then moving you on to the more complicated Samba, Tango, Foxtrot, Rumba, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep and Paso Doble."

Jared just looked at him with a blank expression, showing very clearly that all those things meant close to nothing to him.

"What did I do to deserve this?" Jensen wondered not the first time since signing on.

Part 2