Lost Act: The King part I

[5 Years Later | Lincoln Performing Arts Center]

It was a mad scramble for a new Fed Ex employee as the twists and turns of the Lincoln Center backstage was a challenge for any newcomer. Frank Gathers, the normal deliveryman for Thomas Leroy's productions had recently retired, meaning a replacement had to take the reins of transporting mail in this mad house.

Meet our newest FedEx employee given this lucky task.

Jesse Pinkman was new to this whole delivery thing. He was just a young and spikey haired hopeful that wanted to get mail to the right hands and head home to a beautiful family… nothing more or nothing less. This was his last delivery of the day in fact. Sadly, it was proving to be quite the hard task to complete.

Nothing comes easy around these parts. It was just the Thomas Leroy ballet way.

"Hey excuse me!"

The words were ignored like the wind, a blur of tutus and tights running by as excited as can be.

"H-hey yo! I just need to be pointed in the right direction here?"

Another blur of giggling ballerinas draped in old Venetian costumes darted by, ignoring Jesse like he was a ghost. The mailman sighed deeply with that box in hand but was on guard soon after. There were rumblings around the corner that sounded like a stampede in the wild.

The sight of an entire ballerino ensemble running at you in a confined space was pure horror.

"Whoa! H-hey! Watch it! Ow!" Twisting and leaning against the wall smothered, Jesse dipped and dodged his way around a group of stampeding men in tights, protecting the box like it was his lifeline.

"Sorry dude we're late to a meeting!" One of them patted Jesse's shoulder neighborly as they darted into one of the dressing rooms to the left.

"I hope I have... hazard pay."

Exhausted, stampeded, and desperate, Jesse plodded along deeper into this maze, engrossing himself in the madness of a fully operational ballet house. A few steps to his left and he began to hear strange music erupting from one of the rooms. In a ballet house you'd expect to hear the usual violins, cellos, horns… orchestral arrangements that would tug at the heart strings.

Electronic tunes you'd hear at raves these days were not exactly in the same ballpark. Ever since a certain someone took over the Swan Queen role all those years ago it's been more of a mainstay around these parts… much to Thomas' chagrin.

Can you see it?
The worst is over…
The monsters in my head are scared of love…

Fallin' people!
Listen up!
It's never too late to change your luck!

"Oh this is my favorite part gals!"

"Sing it baby!"

"So don't let them steal your li~ght!"

"Ey… eyah… eyah… eyah…"

"Don't let them break your str~ide!"

"Ey… eyah… eyah… eyah.."

There's light on the other side!
You'll see all the raindrops falling behind!
It's a revolution…
And we'll make it out tonight!

"IT'S A REVOLUTION!"

Jesse peaked through the door opening hesitantly, seeing a trio of ballerinas giggling to themselves, dancing quite cute as the song 'dropped'. Raving ballerinas had to be more helpful than ones that were in a hurry right?

"Hey uh sorry to interrupt you gals but can one of you help point me in the right direction here?"

"That depends cute Fed Ex man. "One of the girls turned, still shaking her rear. "Are you married?"

"Gailana, you have no frickin' shame do you?" A chuckle broke between the group of girls.

Jesse flashed his ring awkwardly. "Uh, yeah I'm happily married… but-"

"Aw that's too bad. I really wanted to help you too." Gailana giggled mischievously while Jesse deflated like a popped balloon. She turned to the other two still perky. "Come on Madeline we gotta get these costumes adjusted pronto!"

"Sorry Lynn, Gail loves this Shakespeare shit way too much." Madeline eyed to the youngest in the group as she straightened her tutu. "Okay hottie Ms. Lead for the first time! You are going to rock it as Juliet girl."

"Heh, stop. You guys are making me nervous." Lynn bowed her head bashfully.

"Hey, after practice we're all still going to dinner right?" Gailana latched onto Maddie as she bounced in excitement.

"Wouldn't miss it." Lynn stretched her back. "Gonna be practicing a bit longer tonight though. Gotta get the work in."

"We're going late so that's cool. Don't over work yourself." Madeline bounced along with her friend. "Don't pull a Nina okay?"

"I won't."

"And don't be getting up in Romeo's stuff after hours either." Gailana nudged suggestively. "Remember, this is a respectable ballet production house now."

"Eeeh, just get out of here you two!" Lynn blushed pushing them away. "I'll never get any work done at this rate."

"BYE JULIET!" The two giddy ballerinas yelled out in unison, prancing out as excited about the new production as can be.

"Bye married Fed Ex man!" Gailana twinkled her nose at Jesse as she and Madeline frolicked out the door, humming to the dance beat.

Jesse could only frown dumbly with a defeated sigh. This thing was never going to get delivered at this rate.

"Hey sorry about those two. They're just a little too excited we don't have to wear feathers this season." Lynn walked over to him with the soft steps of a ballerina. "You must be the new Fed Ex guy?"

"Oh… y-yeah I am." Jesse smiled so big, someone finally giving him the time of day in this place. "You're the first one who noticed me… the name's Jesse."

"Hehe yeah it's a little crazy around these parts." Lynn winked. "My name's Lynn. So what can I do for ya?"

"Oh right! Um… yeah… uh… I need to deliver this box to a… Thomas Leroy. Do you know where I can find his office?"

"For sure it's down the hall but sadly he's out for a bit." Lynn frowned in empathy. "Practice just got done so he usually goes for a coffee break before a late night of critiquing the shit out of today's practices. Just so he can scream at us tomorrow."

"Crap..." Jesse glanced at his watch with a huff. "Well if you can always just sign for it and give it to him. I'm running a little late. You'd be doing me a big favor here."

Those big blue eyes just screamed… take this box away from me.

"Heh sure, I'll be glad to help." Lynn smiled so cute as she walked over to him, taking the box and placing it on a nearby chair.

"Oh you're an angel!" Jesse jumped as he saw the delivery actually made, feeling he just scored a touchdown to win the Super Bowl. "You just need to sign here… and here…"

Lynn giggled amused at the euphoria. She took the papers with a gentle swipe, walking over to her makeup table and started to sign away.

"S-so I heard you're Juliet eh? Like Romeo and Juliet?"

"Yep, just like in those old plays."

"What are you guys doing? Some EDM Romeo and Juliet ballet?" Jesse was bobbing his head to the music from the boom box now, resembling those guys from 'Night at the Roxbury'.

"Haha… oh God no…" Lynn realized her iPhone speaker box was on quite loud, lowering the dance tune with a turn of the knob. "I just listen to this stuff while I stretch, it makes me relaxed." She paused for a bit. "Just an old habit I picked up from an old friend..."

A friend that just sent a package…

Lynn inspected over at the box a bit more closely, eyeing the delivery tag. Two names made her face light up as bright as the New York skyline. "W-wait… oh my god… Lily and Nina sent this?"

Jesse scratched his head. "Those names ring a bell for some reason."

"They should!" Lynn's enthusiasm shot off the roof as she held the box in her hand. "They're the girls in that picture over there." Her head nudged towards said photo.

Jesse took a gander over at the woodened framed picture right dab in the middle of the room, seeing faces that were indeed familiar to even a layperson like him. One dark looking beauty and another lighter looking cutie, sandwiching a younger Lynn in between them. All three girls were beaming, all decked out in feather boas of black and white, seemingly a group of joyful Swans.

I'll miss the days we spent together. Stay strong. You're my favorite dancer Lynn.

- Nina

Don't sleep with everyone who hits on you when you get the lead parts. Just pick the hottest one.

- Lily

"Heh, these two girls taught me everything." Lynn's grin was so bittersweet. "… I owe them everything."

"Nina and Lily…" Jesse mumbled as he gazed closely at the photo of a Swan Lake production from years ago. "They were like all over the place a couple years back on billboards and stuff. Couldn't turn without seeing them on like a bus. Heh ballet kind of was cool for a second right?"

"Yeah I guess it was…" Lynn smiled fondly at the image, looking at the picture with a deep longing now as she sighed.

"Not that… ballet isn't cool now or whatever… but uh…" Jesse fumbled to a recovery. "So uh whatever happened to them?"

Lynn hesitated as she thought of the pleasant memories, the extremely tough times, and those sad good byes. She remembered their smiles so well. "I guess they went to go do their own thing. They moved on. They really did all they could here you know?"

That deep and saddening pause made Jesse feel he pried quite enough.

"Huh, well I hope they're doing good." Jesse prepped his departure with a smile. "Thanks for being so generous. You really saved my life here! You know I might just go check out this ballet with my fam because you've been so cool."

"Heh, thanks. I hope you do! We need the support!" Lynn perked up, only to see that evasive strong figure dart passed her doorway. That French enigma!

"Oh God that's Thomas! I'll go deliver this!" Lynn grabbed the box, bolting towards the door excited. "See you again on the next delivery Jesse!"

"Y-yeah… heh... heh… totally looking forward to that."

Sigh.

- B – B – B –

"Thomas!"

The perky voice barely received a reaction, a grayer haired Thomas Leroy peering up after taking off his winter coat. The choreographer glowered at Lynn with not much fanfare, draping his coat neatly across his office chair as she walked in quite happily with that package.

"You got mail sir."

"… Thank you, you can put it on my desk Lynn." Thomas was as always, stoic and ready for work, taking a seat while getting his notes out for another long night.

"Sure thing." Lynn tip toed over snugly, placing it on his desk with a gentle plop. "It's from Nina and Lily by the way."

Thomas froze a bit as the names called to his ears like firecrackers, slowly looking up at this quite enthused ballerina. She motioned with her eyes for him to check out the package hurryingly, the choreographer obliging now at his own pace. It was a good sized package, definitely not just a letter. To say Thomas was intrigued wasn't doing it justice.

Apparently someone else was just as intrigued.

"Lynn, what are you waiting for?" Thomas eyed his newest lead accusingly, the girl just staring at him and the package like they were going to explode at any minute.

"Aw come on Thomas… can't I see what's inside?!" Lynn pouted.

"Don't you have a leading role to be preparing for?" Thomas shook his head with no pity. "Besides this is my package. My privacy."

"Ugh… fine fine fine…" Lynn sighed moping out the door. "But you know if you don't let me see what Nina and Lily sent, I'll probably be distracted. And I won't be able to practice-"

"Nice try… now go."

After a young lady's huff Lynn exited defeated. Thomas just dropped his head, wondering what happened in the last years as he looked at the names on the box. The times where ballerinas would tremble at the sight of him seemed to be dissipating nowadays. He was more open. More accepting, that emotionless stone persona leaving as something inside this man changed. He was still effective… just not as cold.

But as he was about to open this little package he was reminded wasn't all pleasantries though.

"Lynn I see you peeking through the door. Close it or I'll need to reevaluate your role in this upcoming season."

"Okay! Okay! Sorry! I'm gone!"

Thomas smirked to himself as he heard the angry footsteps fading away for a confirmation. It was time to see what the two dancers that turned his career and life upside down sent him. He slowly grabbed the package, reaching for his keys nearby. He cut through the tape slowly as he pressed his metal down, opening the box with a split of the cardboard.

A letter sat above with words inscribed in a blue pen quite artistically, a few gifts for him underneath.

From Nina and Lily,

To the King…

- B – B – B -

~ Three Months Earlier ~

The sound of a door opening and closing echoes in an empty pitch dark theater, footsteps following in a rhythmic beat. A dancer always seemed to have that musical cadence even when just strolling along leisurely. Nina Sayers was more than just a dancer.

Who is that?

… That can't be her can it?

I thought she forgot about us…

In the darkness of the stage there was only a spotlight now, illuminating the black around it as best as it could. Light was battling darkness. White was battling black. Nina stepped to center stage now and into the light where she felt so at home. She let out a deep breath as she stared out to the empty seats, remembering all that happened here. She could almost hear the crowd in her ears.

On stage there were tall mobile mirrors that were being used for self-critiquing, the multitude of ballerinas using this as their 'teacher' when inspecting themselves when alone.

Nina Sayers was no stranger to these mirrors nor being alone. And while she looked at herself, deep into her gaze she was staring and analyzing at the woman she had become.

Her hair that used to be tight and coiled against her scalp was long and flowing, hanging down to her budding chest and free. Her skin had life now, glowing a bit in the spotlight which used to be so muted and pale. She had curves. She had confidence. Her brown eyes had a sparkle. That timid girl that started on this stage… that timid girl that died on this stage…

Heh… look at what she's become.

She looks beautiful… we look beautiful.

Nina didn't say a word, her dancer's outfit split down the middle of her body with black and white, making it seem that there were two different reflections depending on the angle she would look in the mirror.

To her left was the light.

To the right was the darkness.

The White Swan.

The Black Swan.

I don't understand, why is she crying? The Black Swan grumbled from the shadows. She made herself the perfect life… she left us a long time ago.

In the spotlight a tear glistened off of Nina's cheek, the young woman biting her lip as she held her own heaving chest, feeling a longing and a love she hadn't felt in along time. Her memories. Her pain. Her happiness. She was staring at the white clad Nina in the reflection.

The White Swan looked at her sister solemnly. She's crying because she's going to miss us… she's saying her last good byes to us.

Hah, maybe… she'll miss you.

The White Swan mirrored Nina's movements, dressed in the angelic costume that started the journey. Tears rolled down the White Swan's face too as she looked at her real self, this woman that transformed into a success story all those years ago. Beautiful, tragic, loving… the White Swan reached out pressing her hand against the mirror… touching the one she now became hand to hand.

Nina did the same with a weak smile, looking at the image with reverence and a love she couldn't explain. Nina loved her old self. She knew that for a while now. She would always remember that 'sweet girl'. Her eyes spoke louder than any words.

Saying good bye was breaking her heart.

Please don't cry Nina. The White Swan sniffled as their hands connected in the glass. I am so proud of you. I know… you love me. I know you cared for me. I will… miss you too.

The tears wouldn't stop even at the White Swans request. Nina let out a deep breath as she hesitantly let her hand fall from the glass, slowly backing away as her mind felt the reflection of the White Swan literally step out of the mirror. The ballerina grinned as in the darkness as she stood strong. The glowing white adorned self, the White Swan smiling back at her as she joined her center stage as if the reflection was no longer just a reflection.

I remember every pain. I remember every emotion as we picked up the pieces to our life. I am happy… you didn't forget about me.

Nina gazed at the White Swan, nodding as she wiped her glistening eyes. The White Swan bowed curiously, seeing Nina lift her leg striking her first position. For both of them the orchestral intro of 'A Swan is Born' began to play, the familiar melody sparking their ballet toes to life.

Nina began the movements as always gracefully, knowing this would probably be the last time she would do the steps that literally changed her life. The White Swan gladly obliged, dancing with the woman she now was, smiling tearfully as every movement was like a memory being picked up again.

Thomas. Beth. Erica.

Struggles. Death. Life… love.

Lily…

Lily has made you into something that I always dreamed of. Someone who is happy. The White Swan was on her tip toes like Nina, moving along gracefully to the music. I love her… don't ever take her for granted.

Nina only replied with a nod as her cheeks were now completely damp, spinning on her toes now and landing as elegant as ever with the White Swan mirroring her so perfectly. She had the body of a woman but matched her old self just as well. The dancer in her would never waver no matter how much she had changed. She was the Swan Queen.

Suddenly Nina stopped her motions, beholding at the White Swan with that teary-eyed grin. She did something strange, out of nowhere beginning to dance the next few steps a bit sloppily, doing more of a school yard hop scotch prance rather than a perfect pirouette. No. She was more than the Swan Queen.

How silly. The White Swan giggled at the laughable motions and the big smile on Nina's face. Knowing before that laughter was so rare for her made it so special. Playfulness was so rare when you were trying to be so 'perfect'. Laughing at yourself.

Something Lily taught you…

The reflection in white began to mirror Nina hesitantly but becoming more into it after a few seconds, dancing playful too as they both giggled in amusement. It was amazing. They were dancing silly to the orchestral soundtrack that they bled for just years ago.

Nina felt happy seeing her old self laughing and so content, slowly bringing back the technicality she knew so gracefully in a step to second position that the White Swan didn't even notice the change in tone.

Our last dance…

The White Swan tried to be strong as they took their final steps, suddenly breaking out in a wheezing cry as Nina finished. Her chest heaved as she felt the last movements, Nina's last dance as Odette now complete.

I'm going to miss you so much Nina. The White Swan cried, wiping her eyes as suddenly she felt arms wrap around her tightly.

Nina was hugging her with love. Nina wasn't going to forget her. That glass to her side was such a faint memory.

"I remember everything…" Nina whispered the first words of the night softly into her ear as the White Swan felt her 'real self' feel the side where the wound was. "… I will always remember you. The way you strived to be something more. Remember me please. Because I did become something more... something way better than we could've imagined."

Nina's hand and touch was so soft but strong now. Her words were the same. The White Swan began crying harder into Nina's shoulder, not wanting to let go as she remembered how Nina pulled the glass out to heal herself years ago.

G-good bye Nina… I love you.

In an instant Nina felt that the White Swan had disappeared from her grasp, once again being just a reflection in the mirror. Nina let out a deep breath, clutching her heart as she gave that image a nod of approval. From her right she turned slowly, the dark half of her dancing outfit creating the other reflection.

Red eyes stared at her curiously.

You made yourself the perfect life. Congratulations.

Nina stared at the Black Swan without a hesitation or fear, even as the creature stepped out of the mirror, the theater actually feeling like it came alive as the barrier was broken. The gray curtains began to shake and flow to life, the stage lights flickering uncontrollably. Even black feathers seemed to fall from the stage ceiling, blowing around them like a storm was brewing inside the theater.

We served our purpose… you can go live your life happily ever after right?

The Black Swan was now eye to eye with Nina, hissing as it stared at the woman she became. Nina's eyes didn't waver, still being as silent as the Black Swan was loud, still as calm as the creature was intense. The crimson orbs scowled as the Black Swan screeched.

Leave me Nina. Just LEAVE!

Nina's face didn't waver; her stare didn't leave. She suddenly reached out her hand and extended it to the Black Swan asking her dark self for a dance. Curiosity. Confusion. The creature smirked to herself, looking at the hand with a playful shrug and taking it, the Black Swan doesn't hesitate. It never did.

**"Alright… come on… it's time to go dance…"**

The music shifted in tone, pulsing hard and fast as the violins fade away. Synthetic bells began to ring as Nina held the Black Swan's hand firm, almost as if she didn't want to let go. The dark Swan tilted her head curiously as they began to sway together in harmony, Nina leading the way to the music.

~ Don't think. ~

~ Just let it flow. ~

The Black Swan gasped as there were no ballet steps, Nina pushing forward and pulling her in tight warm body to warm body, their noses touching and staring deep into each other's glare. The dance began with a primal grind, Nina smiling as she began to bounce and swing like a certain someone taught her too like in a club.

The Black Swan's dark glare slowly broke into a small lustful grin, starting to mirror Nina as she moved freely, sexually, and without a care in the world. Nina didn't need the Black Swan anymore to push the sensuality out. Nina wanted to dance this way… to dance with the Black Swan. To make herself feel good.

~ Don't think. ~

~ Just let it flow. ~

There was not a pirouette to be seen as the Black Swan followed Nina's lead, the primal beat almost moving along with them in their dance. Nina's hands stroked the Black Swan's naked shoulders, down to her waist, making the Black Swan gasp as she did. A gentle caress of her thighs was making the Black Swan purr… Nina seducing her.

The creature could only stare back surprised, looking this young woman up and down.

This is her… seducing me.

The Nina of today leaned forward even more now, grinning confidently as the Black Swan felt itself hit the mirror behind her, its back against pinned tightly. The darkness was reeling. This Nina had control of it. Nina pinned her down…

"I will miss you too." Nina whispered to her ear, unexpectedly giving the Black Swan a kiss on her darkened lips.

The Black Swan froze at the touch of her real self's lips, staring at the young girl that trapped her. The young girl that refused to grow up before.

She was a woman now. More woman than the Black Swan ever thought she could be.

"Thank you for teaching me how to take pleasure for myself." Nina held the Black Swan's hands as tears ran down her eyes again. "Thank you for teaching me how to feel… alive. How to be alive. How to win the heart of the one who makes me feel… so alive."

Lily makes us feel alive… because you fought for her.

The Black Swan gulped as she saw the tears run down Nina's cheeks, dripping to the floor just as much as it did for her White Sister. The creature could only mimic her master, the tears flowing from her as well… for once feeling so attached to her true self as they were one.

I will miss you as well… Nina Sayers.

Nina pulled the Black Swan into a hard hug, not wanting to let it go. The reflection only replied by returning the hug, holding with the same strength as its pale skin touched Nina's face.

This was the creature that almost killed her. This was the creature within that scared her for so long. This was the creature that forced her to become what she had become.

Her darker self only clung back in the hug, knowing this was it.

Go live your life after us. Be happy…

Nina felt the Black Swan disappear into the darkness of the theater, everything that was moving coming to a halt. She gazed at her two reflections in the mirror, looking back at their real self with as proud as could be.

This was too much. The sadness of her leaving for the last time was almost too much to bare, both Swans crying the same way she was.

Nina felt it, holding herself in a hug as she slowly sat on the floor, her face buried in her hands soon after, sobbing at the thought of leaving her memories behind her.

"It's so hard to say good bye." Nina trembled as she cried for her old selves. "I love you both..."

I love… myself.

- B – B – B –

Five years later and it was still vintage Nina.

Even after these years the image of her sitting alone in the theater practice space wasn't alien at all. She had come to peace with it. The times before where she drove herself mad being alone were just memories. She appreciated the peace and quiet. She loved sitting here and reflecting. Being alone really didn't feel like actually being alone anymore.

It gave her time to think. The ballet barre. The piano. The gray walls. The slightly padded flooring. The lonely nights. The dancing. The art… she created here.

She was going to miss all of this.

A tissue paper took some of the moisture away, Nina letting out a deep breath of sadness as she tried to be at peace with leaving this place behind her. The Lincoln Performing Arts center meant so many things to her. Too many things…

It was hard to explain what this all meant.

Crrrrk! A door creaked open breaking the silence like glass, Nina barely flinching as that same ghost appeared in the darkness as it did other times.

"Aren't you going to ask who it is?" The dark silhouette said in the depth of the shadows.

"Are you going to walk in here all sexy and cool… asking if I'm okay?"

Lily was sexy. Lily was cool…

"Oh you know it babe." The dark haired girl smiled. "All the while blowing smoke up all in this joint too."

The one and only. No… Nina's one and only came into the light, dressed in a white tank top, black jeans and a matching jacket, a hoody covering her long hair. Lily always seemed to bring a darkness with her. A darkness that people found irresistible. Time didn't change that at all.

Thick vapor escaped from those lips, a fog of smoke exhaling as Lily waltzed over to Nina in that sexy confident strut like it was years ago. Nina smiled as she wiped her eyes, looking at her love with only open arms.

"You can smoke in here if you use the vape I bought you." Nina teased, looking at Lily's vaporizer with a wink.

"Yep, but please don't tell my friends about this." Lily looked at the e-vape, her replacement for the packs of cigarettes she used to go through weekly. "This is a little embarrassing."

Lily was getting older now, her twenties would be leaving her soon and Nina urged her to be more conscious about her health. Sacrifice was something Lily would never question when it came to Nina. She threw away a lot more for this girl than some daily Marbolo lights.

"I think it's great you're trying to quit smoking." Nina sniffed the fog of vapor Lily let out. "Plus you smell like mangoes now. It's a bonus."

"Yay I completed the two main things on my bucket list before leaving New York City dear." Lily glanced down at the love of her life. "First hook up with the lead of my Ballet Production and then smell like mangoes 24/7."

"Stop teasing… I like the smell." Nina made a cute face.

"Well at least you're happy." Lily sighed at the thought of a real cigarette, taking a puff from her vape and blowing it out at her girlfriend playfully. It just wasn't the same.

"Mmm so good." Nina sniffed it so strong, over selling it and smiling as Lily took a seat next to her. The darker of the two grasped at Nina's thigh and rubbed it delicately, looking at her with the most caring eyes in the world.

"So… big day's getting closer and closer… huh?" Lily hinted at nostalgia, Nina only chuckling lightly at her attempts to recreate history. "… Well I think we're going to be amazing."

The big day was indeed coming. The big move from New York City to San Francisco.

"Thanks." Nina would gladly play along, knowing what was to come, taking the vape offered from Lily, now taking a hit of it with a slow exhale.

"Now you can smell like mangoes too." Lily tickled her thigh now in her ribs, making Nina playfully bat her hand away.

"Thanks for coming down." Nina smiled as she thought of the text.

"It was getting lonely at home…" Lily replied with another puff. "I can't keep watching Game of Thrones over and over again you know?"

The two ballerinas now sat in a bit of silence reflecting at the room around them, Lily looking at the pile of tissue papers that had been building up around Nina for probably what had been hours now. Lily had a look of pity, stroking her girlfriend's arms so thoughtfully now. She knew this was hard for Nina to leave this place.

"So… want to talk about it?" Lily kept egging on nostalgia.

Nina giggled again, looking at her with a shake of her head. "I had a really… hard couple of years."

"Was I playing a little too rough for ya?"

"Yes…" Nina nodded wiping her eyes a bit, only caressing Lily's cheek. "You play it rough. You're brilliant… and you're warm and fuzzy." She grinned. "And I know you… and it looks like someone's hot for Lily."

Lily took the praise in stride, pouting those lips and batting those cute mink eyes. "Well it's okay… I don't blame you."

Nina laughed again as Lily followed suit, the lighter haired ballerina sneaking a kiss to the cheek to show how appreciative she was. Lily always made her laugh. The girl with her heart also knew her funny bone too well.

These two remembered every little detail of every conversation they had. The first conversation in the practice studio… now to this.

Their last one here at the Lincoln Center.

The thought made Nina tear up again, Lily only sighing sadly at the sight.

"Look babe, I thought you already cried it out at the good bye party we had this morning with the whole gang." Lily got closer to Nina, hugging her waist, blinking amazed at the island of Kleenexes she was going through. "Besides, you're running out of tissue paper."

Nina only replied by pulling out an unused box from behind her rear, then pointing at another pile of unused boxes on top of the piano after. Lily conceded the point with a roll of her eyes.

"Well, you were always the most prepared one huh?" Lily tried to grin her way to Nina's happiness. "Some things never change…"

"Yeah I thought I did too…" Nina sighed, tapping the floor reverently. "I had to dance one more time. I had to feel this place one more time before leaving." She closed her eyes. "I have so many memories here. Even the ones that scare me… even the ones that were ugly… I cherish every one of them."

Lily could only nod at Nina, holding her tightly, trying to be her support.

"This place used to scare the hell out of me." Nina held Lily as well, looking around at every nook and cranny of the practice space. "I learned how to dance here. I learned who I was here. I almost… died here… I met the love of my life here."

Lily nuzzled Nina's head, stroking her. "This place will miss you too. It will… miss us."

"I told you before… I wouldn't change a thing." Nina looked into Lily's eyes. "I would live that nightmare… live my death over and over… if that meant you and I being together…"

"N-nina…"

"I almost died so I could learn how to finally… live." Nina fought back her tears to little effect. "This place... this was my home even at its worst…" She began to cry again. "Saying goodbye to my home… is so hard Lily. I cherish every moment good and bad only because everything here makes me think of you."

Lily gulped at rising emotion with in her, looking at her love's tears. The pure sentiment finally got to her, a whimper coming out of her lips. "G-god damn you..." She bit her lip. "You bitch…"

Lily closed her eyes tightly turning away as Nina was staring at her curiously.

"Hand me the other tissues." A few droplets of tears now snuck out of Lily's eyes. "Fucking always making me cry… you're the only one that does this."

Nina smiled at her girlfriend's innocent tirade, knowing Lily didn't like to show this side of her, suddenly giggling as Lily held her hand out taking the box of tissues a bit bitterly.

"It's okay… we'll cry together." Nina encouraged it as Lily ripped the plastic casing, wiping her face as quickly as she could with the white cloth she tore from the case.

"Well we do everything else together don't we?" Lily batted her wet lashes with the tissue, as Nina nuzzled up against her adorably.

"We will always do everything together… just like moving west." Nina reminded her.

"Heh," Lily put her head on top of Nina's as they both reflected together tightly. "Truth is moving from here has been messing me up the last few weeks too." She sighed against Nina's hair. "I'm going to miss walking into those doors. I'm going to miss messing with the girls and guys… messing with Thomas… heck… I'll miss the smell here too."

"Hehe… the smell?"

"Yeah that diet coke, cigarette, sweat smell. Fuck mangoes." Lily made her own cute a face. "I have a lot of the memories you have. I met the love of my life here too. I learned about myself here."

Nina's fingers intertwined with Lily's as they held tight.

"I used to think I could disconnect myself from anything if it troubled me." Lily said it with a brisk walk down memory lane. "My job. My friends. My love life. The people I fucked that I didn't give a shit about…" She sighed. "Fact is I just never connected to anything just so I wouldn't have to disconnect."

Lily's free hand stroked Nina's neck, running a finger down her chest, making Nina look up with red cheeks.

"You forced me to connect to you and made me realize my life wasn't really working for me anymore." Lily was stroking her warm face now. "Thank you for existing because I agree with you. I wouldn't change a damn thing because you and I are together right now. Together for life."

"For life." Nina kissed Lily's caressing hand, suddenly a curious look on her face.

"What?" Lily tilted her head at Nina's pondering stare.

"Speaking of together and for life, I always meant to ask this." Nina contemplated as she eyed around the studio, remembering the moment so clearly. "The day you made the bet with me about our relationship, do you remember that?"

"Y-yeah, you mean the Swan Queen role dance off?"

"Yes that one…" Nina observed her serious. "Let's say I totally bombed that day. And Thomas said I was terrible and I lost the role fair and square and by a landslide." She poked Lily's nose. "Were you really going to just to be a friend with benefits with me if I lost?"

"Heh, such the magic question huh?" Lily teased poking Nina right back.

"Oh no. Don't you avoid this Lily." Nina prodded with her finger to Lily's neck.

"Ow! Okay okay tough girl. No. You had me the second you agreed to the terms." Lily admitted with a devilish grin. "I had to know how strong you were. I knew I couldn't hurt that fragile Nina I first met. I'd shatter her. I needed the strong you."

"No way…"

"Yes way." Lily confirmed, mimicking Nina's tone. "It didn't matter how well you did at the dance off because the fact you took the offer showed me how serious you were about healing yourself… about wanting me."

"Grrr, I never worried more than on that day." Nina suddenly scowled. "I think I lost five years of my life worrying about that dance. Now you tell me I already had you the night before."

"Gotta earn me dear." Lily laughed as they both grinned giddily at the statement. "I was worth it right?"

"… More than worth it."

Lily was well worth it. So worth it Nina was willing to drop everything in New York City to move with her back to her home in San Francisco. Lily and Nina had opportunities waiting for them there and it was time Nina spent more of her hours meeting and bonding with Lily's family.

These two had been together so long… it was time to think of their future beyond being girlfriends.

"I know we're both balling like little crybabies right now but I have a good feeling about this." Lily nodded more sure of herself. "You and me, no matter where we go are going to tear it up. We will own the place. Wherever it is."

"I love it when you talk so strong." Nina tried to flex, not very many muscles showing. "You inspire me."

"Hah, it's the truth Super Girl." Lily held her up, bringing their heads together. "You and me are fucking unstoppable. Whether it's ballet or whatever we decide to do with the rest of our lives. Team L and N for life right?"

"Team L and N huh? Is that the best you got?"

"Yeah team Ballet Bitches or team Tutu Twins didn't really sound that good and those were my only other options."

Nina and Lily shared a frowning pause.

"… We'll work on a team name… but anyway…" Nina stole a soft kiss from Lily suddenly, their tender lips touching making Lily playfully smirk. "But you're right. We'll be successful together I know it. I'm not scared for our future. I'm just sad leaving our past."

"Mmm, fair enough but don't you be giving me that soft peck stuff right now after making me cry yet again."

"Hey now… mmm!"

Before Nina could say another word Lily pushed forward as always undaunted, opening Nina's mouth with her tongue forcibly, letting it slide into her lover with all passion and lust. Nina took the pleasant surprise in stride, holding Lily tightly as the two began to make out like it was the first time all over again in her bedroom.

Lips together, noses scrunched, the sweet warm taste was not ending as they both wouldn't stop. They swapped spit and moans. Their bodies warming each other in the connect. This felt like one last kiss of passion in this place they called home for five years.

Lily began sliding her hands up Nina's shirt, finding her breast so quickly.

"L-lily…" Nina mumbled with blushed cheeks as she fought off Lily's tongue. "We can't be doing this in here… what if they have cameras installed or something?"

"Oh kinky… sex tape…" Lily didn't stop, nibbling on Nina's bottom lip.

"No sex tape!" Nina gasped, pulling away.

"But look what it did for that Kardashian chick!"

Nina shook her head not amused.

"Okay fine, no boob grabbing underneath the shirt. Make out time… now." Lily pulled Nina back into a deep kiss without permission, her girlfriend giggling in a muffle as their mouths were inseparable.

Nina loved Lily's taste. Lily couldn't get enough of Nina's. What could stop this?

"Merci, do you both have to be here at this hour to be doing this? Don't you two still have an apartment?"

With mouths still on each other and hands in each other's long hair, both girls rolled over to see a half asleep Thomas staring at them dumbly. Nina blushed, slowly backing away, wiping her mouth as their wet lips parted.

"Oh whatever, you were enjoying the show Leroy." Lily rolled her eyes doing the same. "Don't be complaining like you didn't like what you saw."

"The novelty of you two kissing wore out about 4 and a half years ago for me." Thomas shot back.

"Ouch, that hurt a little." Lily held her heart playfully with both hands while looking at Nina. "You'll miss it when we're gone. I bet you."

"I apologize Thomas." Nina bowed her head. "It's not Lily's fault. I chose to stay here. She was just worried about me is all."

"It's 2 a.m. and no one is supposed to be in the premises. It's called liability. You two know what that is?"

"Liability sounds like a word for people who like responsibility." Lily shrugged. "So nope. Can't say I know what it is."

"Insurance only covers business hours Lily in the performing areas. If anyone is hurt after hours, I am in responsible."

"Sorry Toma." Nina still gave it that French flare. "I'm just having a hard time letting this place go."

Thomas glanced around, seeing both girls surrounded by their island of Kleenex. "So I see."

"Yeah that cake and good bye party just wasn't enough apparently." Lily hugged onto Nina as they both peeped over at their soon to be former choreographer.

"How did you know we were here?" Nina asked.

"Bob Fett our security guard called after quote unquote 'a loud mouthed ballerina barged her way into the complex without permission.'" Thomas turned to Lily accusing.

"Oh tell the old fart we're not vandalizing or anything." Lily hmph'd. "He wears a helmet and thinks he's so cool and scary."

"He's just following directions Lily." Thomas walked over them with that stone face, towering above the seated dancers. "Something you should try to do once in a while."

"Hey it's the last day. I'm not under your control anymore Leroy."

"You never were."

"Damn straight I never was."

"Ugh, will you two calm down?" Nina sighed, looking at them both still saddened. "This is my fault… like I said."

"Never mind this blame game." Thomas nodded, leaning on the piano now, looking at the stacks of unused tissues. "So were you planning on staying the entire night or something?"

"I was going to try." Nina pouted.

Thomas looked down at the girls, noticing their wet eyes now closely. He looked to his hand, brushing off some dust off his jacket cuff. "I know you have some trepidation leaving this place Nina. You accomplished a lot here. You grew up here. You made a name for yourself here."

"You taught me to dance. You gave me the tools for my success." Nina added, looking at him solemnly.

"I taught you many things." Thomas said a bit softly, thinking hard now as he looked at her tearful eyes. "Some things I regret sadly."

Nina and Lily stared at Thomas a bit confused. He sounded… emotionally genuine. A little warm? A little fuzzy?

"Truth is I was going to tell Bob to let you two stay as long as you wished." Thomas made his way around the practice facility like the proud man he was. "I think you both have earned enough respect for that."

"Thank you Toma." Nina bowed her head. "T-then why did you come?"

Thomas tapped his foot almost nervously, staring into Nina's eyes now as he let out a breath. "For some reason, as I thought you were leaving for good. I felt I needed to clear the air with you before you both leave."

Nina blinked, having a slight feeling where this was going. "Toma we've spoken about this." She remembered the tactics Thomas used trying to pull out the Black Swan all too well. "I forgive you for all-"

"But I have not forgiven myself Nina." Thomas let out words of weakness. "For all these years I told you that I purely did it for the art. Purely did it for the sake of my production." He sighed. "Seeing you so happy with Lily I decided to not push this for all these years as I felt it was irrelevant."

"Thomas… I…"

"During that time when I was trying to make you the Swan Queen I knew my feelings for you blurred the lines." Thomas said it truthfully, like a weight on his shoulders was gone. "During that time I felt something for you. I know, I did some scumbag things as you Americans say. My justifications of such acts were selfish and greedy."

Nina stayed silent.

"I cared for you though Nina Sayers." Thomas bowed his head. "And I respect the relationship you have with Lily now but know that I was not just thinking about the show. I was just not thinking about the Swan Queen. I was truly thinking about you as well."

"I… I understand." Nina nodded. "And of you… I felt similar things. I was confused at the time… but… I appreciate you telling me the truth. It's hard to be truthful to yourself. I know you cared for me… you stayed with Lily when I was in the hospital."

"Ugh, it was so obvious Leroy." Lily finally chimed in finally. "Everyone thought you had the hots for Nina, especially me. That Frenchie artsy crap doesn't really hide it well."

"Well I hope everyone saw that because it was true." Thomas shrugged. "Perhaps in another life you could have been my princess Nina. But as life goes you make decisions… and life moves on when you hesitate." He smirked. "You found a wonderful person to spend the rest of your life with. I am genuinely happy for you both."

"Wow Thomas giving me such praise… freeze this moment in time babe." Lily grinned, nuzzling Nina to a giggle. "Can you repeat this for the camera?"

"Lily… don't tease him he's being… a nice guy."

"I always call it as I see it. That will never change." Thomas analyzed them both, a choreographer like him would always be truthful in his critiques. "Anyway. I wish you both the best of luck with whatever you do. Ballet or otherwise."

"Thank you Toma." Nina nodded in much appreciation. "You will continue to run a great ballet production here. And you've become so much more accessible for the dancers. I'm proud of you as well."

"That hasn't been easy." Thomas laughed to himself weakly, starting to walk off. "But as I said, it's getting late for me. Au revoir ladies."

Nina and Lily watched their teacher begin to walk off so suddenly, both of them looking at one another with blank faces. Nina's eyes seemed a bit hesitant, Lily just rolling her eyes and nodding at her silent request almost giving her a blessing of sorts.

"W-wait Thomas!" Nina stood up as he stopped on his tracks. "Please stay with Lily and I. It's our last night and we would love to spend it with you here at the theater where we started together."

"Well, I wouldn't say 'love'." Lily said only to be nudged hard by Nina's powerful toes. "Ow… ow… okay okay… we'd love to have you with us."

"You girls are doing fine." Thomas shook his head in reply. "I'm an old man now. I need my sleep."

"Old? Oh god that just sounds depressing." Lily sighed, suddenly picking herself up as an idea popped in her head. "Okay Leroy stop with the games. Look I've been here about five years now and I now remember one thing I haven't completed yet here in New York." The dark hair girl suddenly bolted off and into the dressing room area.

"What is she doing?" Thomas looked at Nina confused.

"I ask that all the time." Nina replied dumbly.

"I just remembered I've never gotten a Lily special out of you." The dark swan came out with some champagne and glasses, apparently left over from the going away party that happened earlier.

"I've turned Nina into what she is now. I don't roll anymore. I fucking buried the hatchet with that bitch Veronica. All I need to do is to get one night of fun partying in with Thomas Leroy to finish my bucket list."

"A Lily special?" Thomas curled his brow.

"It's harmless Thomas." Lily grinned evilly as she walked over, clanging the glasses. "Come on you felt bad not telling Nina the truth for five years, she's asking you to stay with us and have a little fun one last night here. Don't be a square. We're not your dancers anymore."

"But liabilities."

"Break the rules." Nina smiled at him standing beside Lily quite content with the idea. "Let it go…"

Thomas chuckled at the two girls as he let out a breath. How many rules has he broken for these two? How could he argue with his own advice? "Fine, a quick drink and a little bit of talk but I will leave soon after."

Lily and Nina smirk at one another.

"Sure thing Leroy." Lily began to open the bottle. "One last drink for the King with his Queens."

A/N: I don't know if anyone is out there as no one should be... but either way they're... ba~ck.

The next chapter will end the arc in Two Birds with One Stone (I can't finish that... although people have asked me to complete that last naughty chapter... which I may.) and complete something I never thought I did well in this fic... which is explore closure with Lily, Nina, and Thomas.

And I will of course send off my fav ballerinas on the next chapter of their life. Sort of like me.

If anyone is out there. Thanks for reading. And making the Black Swan section of this site so awesome. Five years away is too long, but some things happened in my life that just made me miss these two characters.