tns oneshots

Act Suprised

A/N- this is like an au if A-Troupe went to Nationals instead of Dancemania

She stares out at the stage. The huge crowd. It's exciting. She's been thinking about this moment since she was in J-Troupe. But, there's also a small part of her that's scared. Not that she wants to admit it. Any minute now, they'll be announcing this seasons Ms. National's soloist. Any minute. She spins quickly as she hears a voice behind her.

"Hey Richelle".

She smiles half-heartedly.

"Hi, Ozzy."

He throws his water bottle up in an arc and catches it again.

"Nervous?" he jokes.

She sighs. "A little" she confesses.

"Wait, really?" He looks shocked."Why?"

"Why? Why? Because they're three seconds away from giving an award that could either make or break my whole dance career! I have been working for this since I was ten years old, and if I don't win I have wasted my life. This is a really really really big deal!" she exclaims.

There's silence for a moment. Then he speaks up. "You know, I'm not sure it's that deep."

She stares, more than a little angry. It wasn't up to him to decide how deep it was. "What?"

"Well I wouldn't say it's a 'really really really big deal', more of just a really really big-"

"Ozzy, this is serious!" she practically yells.

"I know, I know, I'm just messing with you. But still. Even, in the impossible situation where you don't win, I wouldn't say you've wasted your life".

"Well, I would. Because I have. For my entire dance career, I've had two long-term goals. To be dance captain, and to win Ms. National Soloist. I've already failed at being dance captain. Emily gave it to Summer, even though she knew how much I wanted it. So, now I have to win, or my life is completely and utterly pointless."

"Well, I still think you're wrong. You're life hasn't been pointless. Look at everything you have accomplished. Your first year on A-Troupe, you were picked for the qualifier trio, Riley even added you to a different group because she wanted you to represent the team. Then, you were put in the regionals duet, and you and Noah got the team through to the next round. Then, the next year, you made the team again, and you became the first ever dance captain of TNS east. Then, you got a featured solo in our qualifier video, which was probably the main reason we even got into regionals in the first place. Then, you were considered for every single solo and featured dance leading up to regionals. Again, you did an incredible duet that got us to the finals, where you helped us win. Then, you helped Summer choreograph most of the Nationals dances, and represented the team in the solo round, which you won, in case you forgot. I don't think that sounds like a waste of a life."

She smiles. "I guess not. Thanks, Ozzy. That was actually really helpful."

"Well, this is sort of my thing. If I wasn't a dancer, I'd be running a cheerleading squad with Henry. We have eight routines choreographed already" he brags.

"You've thought it out quite a lot, haven't you?"

"Yup. It's our Plan B if dancing doesn't happen."

"I always thought of "Plan B's" as something losers have to fall back on because they're not talented enough to achieve any of their hopes and dreams so when they fail they lie to themselves and others and say that's what they wanted to happen anyway."

"Oh. Well, that's why this isn't a "Plan B" as such, I would describe it as more of a "Plan A+".

"I see you've already started lying to yourself and others. You'll have to break that habit if you expect to achieve your Plan A."

"Duly noted. I'll do what I can."

One of the judges cleared his throat then spoke into the microphone in front of him. "Would all the candidates for Ms. National Soloist please come out to the stage? All candidates for Ms. National Soloist to the stage."

Richelle took a deep breath. This was it.

"Good luck" Ozzy told her.

"I don't need luck. But thanks."

She starts to walk towards the stage.

"Oh, and Richelle?" he calls after her.

"Yeah?"

Ozzy smiles. "When you win.... remember to act surprised"