Don't Give Up On Us (Valdaya)

Am I just a kid?

I felt an arm drape across my shoulder and pull me close. Maks was by my side again.

''Come on little one, you don't need to be here. Let's go find your parents.''  Maks said gently after shooting Val a bitter look. I couldn't move, I didn't know what I was feeling. I was angry and upset. He called me a kid! Is that really what he thought of me? My heart slowly sunk with the realisation that these past 3 months had obviously not meant as much for him as it did me. I thought we were closer than that... He never called me a kid before. He made me feel mature beyond my years but this hurt me... much more than losing out on the title.

Just the week before as we started to prepare for our freestyle, we really grew close. Closer than we'd ever been before...

~Flashback~

Wednesday night and Val and I were putting together the last bits of our supersize freestyle. I was shattered! Actually, reflecting on it, I'd had a really great day... rehearsals ran as smoothly as ever, me and Val were able to joke around most of the day and it often resulted in him tickling me.

On our 15 minute break, I pretended to be an interviewer and asked Val some questions. We were both cross-legged opposite each other on the floor, next to the mirror. I used my water bottle as a microphone.

In the worst British accent possible I asked, ''So Val, it's the final of Dancing with the Stars, how would you sum up your journey this season?'' I giggled as Val looked horrified at my attempted accent.

''Well, I'd have to say..'' he started off with the same rubbish impersonation, ''beautiful'' he said without a trace of mockery. ''Yeah truly beautiful.'' An uninvited blush made its way to my cheeks, as I allowed myself to believe he was talking about me, momentarily. Val smiled.

''And what of your partner Zenda–''

''The same.'' Val coolly said as if he knew what I was going to ask, except I hadn't expected that response. His gaze was very direct, it was like he reading my mind or at least trying to! My cheeks burned a bright red and I was lucky for the distraction of Val's phone going off. We broke eye contact but only momentarily as Val looked at the caller I.D ( -I think it was Kelly Monaco) nonchalantly forwarded it and then resumed his gaze.

''I think we better start rehearsing Valentin.'' I went to get up but Val pulled me back down. I giggled as I fell  awkwardly onto his lap. Val laughed too.  I loved the sound of his laugh.

He shifted to make himself more comfortable, drawing me in closer to him. This was my favourite place in the world, in Val's arms. ''For some reason I love it when you call me that... Valentin.'' he laughed, drew me in closer, kissed my head, then sighed– almost sadly.

''Val, what's up?'' I said in a quiet voice. My back was to his chest,  so I couldn't see his response but I think he shook his head. ''Come on grouchy pants, get up'' I got up off his lap, making him groan. I put out my arms to help him up but he shook his head, folded his arms and very childlike he said, ''No,'' and pouted at me.

I could not help but laugh out loud, uncontrollably.

Val was laughing too but then all too soon he started playfully pouting again.

I couldn't resist playful Val; he looked so cute and I must add– incredibly sexy! I joked, ''You know the kids we were rehearsing with today were better behaved than you right?!'' This made Val pout more, I giggled some more and couldn't resist, I patted his head and placed chaste kiss on his cheek–well at least I aimed for his cheek but somehow, caught the corner of his mouth. Oh shit!  

Val didn't move, I didn't say anything... maybe I didn't actually get him as close to his mouth as I thought. He didn't seem to register it and if he did, he hid it well! So quickly I tried to pull away. As I did, Val grabbed hold of my elbow and tugged me to him. I almost fell on him but steadied myself with my free hand on his shoulder. My heart rate spiked as he tenderly ran his hand up my arm and up to my face where he settled his hand on my cheek. Absentmindedly, I leaned into his touch. I tried to focus on his hand but looked up to see he his face, his eyes and lips... inches from mine. Good God he's beautiful.

Val's phone rang again but neither of us stirred or averted our eyes. The moment was very intense and Val's scent and closeness was driving my senses wild. Val dropped his gaze to my lips and back up to my eyes. Is he actually going to do it? He leaned closer... really close. He hesitated if he were fighting an urge and then put his forehead to mine and screwed his face as if he were expelling a thought. Val sighed and brought his lips to my forehead.

''I can't believe this is our last week,'' he breathed opening his eyes and reaching for my hands, ''I am going to miss you Dayachka, seriously, more than you know.'' His voice was serious and his eyes burned with some raw emotion I had not seen before. Quickly he pulled me into an embrace and planted a kiss on my head, ''You mean a lot to me you know.''

''I know'' I replied instantly, ''You mean a lot to me too Val... You're like my big brother,'' I panicked and added with sweet with a smile. He could never be my brother though? You can't be crushing on your brother Zendaya. Gosh!  Val returned the smile however the smile didn't reach his eyes.

I got up and dragged Val up with me, ''Come on Grouchy pants we still have a few more days together so let's not waste it. Let's get through this dance then you can take me out for Pizza.'' I said with a huge grin. Val laughed.

~End of Flashback~

Maks tried to tug me away, pulling me out of my reverie when Val exclaimed, ''I'll take her Maks!''

''I don't think that's wise bro'' Maks said warningly, ''Val sort whatever this is out,'' he said gesturing to Kelly and tightening his grip on me.

''BRO I am taking Zendaya, I need to talk to her'' Val said in his 'end-of-conversation' tone and looking at me expectantly. Maks too looked at me quizzically waiting for a response. The truth is I really wanted to speak to Val too, but not now, I knew it'd just make things worse. I'd see him at the after party at some point later on anyway but I didn't want to upset him by going with Maks.

Gathering myself together again and faking a bright smile, ''I'm fine guys, really. And I know where my parents are, I can go by myself. It's cool!'' I lied.

Turning I made off to go but someone pulled me back. Val had gripped my arm, ''Z, I want to talk to you.'' I lightly shrugged him off. I needed space right now.

''Val you sort out Kelly, she's not in a good state right now, I'll still be hanging around for a bit and the after party is later so I'll see you sometime then.'' Again I ended with another forced smile, one that didn't fool Val in the slightest. He pulled me in for a warm, reassuring hug... A really tight hug that lasted minutes.

''I will speak to you later...'' he sighed. ''Don't give up on me Dayachka,'' he whispered in my ear and pulled away from the hug, leaving me feeling cold and puzzled at what he'd just said.

I quickly hugged Maks , kept my head down and left before they could see my face. Tears threatened again. I quickly went in search of the nearest bathroom to hide myself in a cubicle.

­­­____

I had cried a great deal. I was in there for probably half an hour– although it seemed longer– when someone came in. I immediately knew it was my mum as she knocked on the door very timid-like and besides she was the only one who knew I always picked this bathroom; it's the furthest away from everything and anyone in the building. During rehearsals it was always the place I went to when I was stressed or upset and just needed space.

''One sec Mom.'' I barely recognised my own voice, it was very hoarse from all the crying. I looked a state but it was only mum–she understands so I didn't bother tidying myself up. I unlocked the door and stepped out to see that it wasn't my mom... What? It was Val, leaning against the wall-sized mirror.