𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐍 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 ♡ (𝐎𝐍𝐄-𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐓𝐒)

𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢

now playing:
» [favorite record by fall out boy] «
⠀⠀✧ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ 0:00 ─〇───── 3:24
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⇄ ◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹ ↻
story by: dancingwiththestarsinhereyes

"What's going on between us?" he asked her, running his hands through his hair in exasperation.

His question took her completely off guard. Sadie swallowed as potential answers flooded her thoughts. He paced back and forth, and she sensed Mark's overwhelming frustration.

Moments earlier, they'd been inside a crowded restaurant at a table with several of their fellow All-Star season cast members when he'd stood up abruptly and walked outside. He'd left without saying a word to anyone about where he was headed. Sadie had excused herself and followed after him, knowing something was wrong.

But, she hadn't been prepared for the question he'd immediately thrown at her.

"Mark, could we talk about this later?" she asked. She threw a pointed glance in the direction of a couple of photographers hanging out near the restaurant's entrance.

They were in the heart of The Grove, and she didn't want everyone knowing their personal issues. Plus, she needed a little more time to compose the right answer.

"Sadie, please, give me something to go on... say something, anything." He closed the few feet between them, and Sadie looked into the face of a tortured man.

Despite her fears, she knew they could no longer put off this conversation.

"I-I'm so confused," she started, "I kno– please, Mark, can we go somewhere a little more private to have this conversation?," she asked again, tears pricking her eyes as she shifted nervously.

There was so much more she could say if they were alone. Since arriving back in LA three weeks ago all of the feelings she'd had willed herself to bottle up two years ago were now driving her mad.

Sadie had fallen for him a long time ago, but it'd been so much easier back then not to let herself see it. She'd been too young, and they'd both had significant others.

Now, they were both single and she was an adult– nothing stood in the way, and there was nothing to hide behind. Her feelings for him were complex– a blend of friendship, romance, passion, and a healthy dose of respect for the person who'd been responsible for pulling her out of her shell.

Before their first competition, she'd been so nervous and intimated, but Mark had helped her find her inner confidence, and she'd bloomed beneath his guidance. She owed him so much for pulling that out of her.

"Yes, of course. Sadie, I'm sorry I'm pushing you so hard," he said, his frustration melting away as his face filled with concern for her feelings.

He tentatively took her hand in his. Sadie smiled at him, hoping her eyes would convey what she couldn't find the words for just yet. She'd never had a problem talking with Mark about anything, but after the past few days of intense practice for their upcoming rumba, it had became clear that there was definitely something going on between them.

Just in today's practice alone they'd shared that I-really-want-to-kiss-you look several times– even with the cameras and the producer popping in and out of the studio. Even though his sudden behavior had taken her by surprise tonight, she knew the reason behind it– they couldn't continue on like this, or he really would end up kissing her in the heat of the dance.

Maybe for other dancers, that wasn't a big deal, and it wasn't like Sadie had never kissed anyone before, but still. Mark meant so much to her. If they were going to have a first kiss, Sadie didn't want it to be taped for millions of people to watch.

Their first kiss would need to be shared only between the two of them and no one else.

"Will you take a walk with me now? There's a coffee shop just down the way." His voice was tender.

She nodded. "We need to explain our reason for leaving dinner," she pointed out. Mark pulled out his phone.

"Done. I'm texting Derek. He'll let the group know we are leaving."

"What reason did you give him?" Sadie asked. Mark looked up from his phone, giving her a pointed look.

"Really, Sadie? Do you honestly think they don't know what's going on?"

"Okay. I suppose I get your point," she admitted with a small laugh, taking his hand again when he offered it. At least, she was starting to feel more like herself and at ease with Mark again.

As they strolled away from the restaurant, Mark wasted no time in starting the conversation, "I think you know how I feel about you– how I've always felt about you..."

"I think I know, too, but I want to hear you say it," Sadie told him.

to be continued...

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
This one is another of my favorite story of them 🥺 anyways hopefully you guys enjoy this chapter <3