A week had gone by, and it wasn’t as awkward anymore, at least on her end. She wasn’t sure about his as he was a mystery, mind-wise. Some of the time, he seemed genuine, others it was closed off. Not that she was surprised, as they’d been thrown together to save his career, not to bond over ice cream and foreign films.<br/><br/>One thing that took getting used to, however, was the night schedule. He’d said he was a night person and that it was just habit, though no company she’d ever heard of rehearsed at night. It was unconventional, and peculiar to say the least, when the body needed full rest and you couldn’t possibly get that, and be on point, while adjusting your schedule to some weird night time ritual.<br/><br/>Her technique was getting better, though, she’d noticed. The more they worked together, her lines were more on point, which had her feeling accomplished, even if some of the dance was still awkward; Solely for the proximity, having to be so intimate with a stranger just had her off kilter, especially where she had to trust him so completely.<br/><br/>To his credit, though, he’d yet to drop her, which was nice. She liked her neck unbroken.<br/><br/>At the dance studio on time, she started stretching and running through what she could on her own while she waited for him to get there, using the floor-to-ceiling mirrors as reference.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">For a week they worked together, sometimes at her place, sometimes at the studio, but so far never at his place. They had gotten better though, he could feel that much. When they moved together, there was a connection now, even if it was still awkward at times. The only issue he had begun to notice was is hunger. <br/><br/>It was the emotion that he tapped into, in order to feel anything while they danced and as he focused on that while he danced with her he begun to notice things...<br/><br/>Such as the way she smelled. A scent that he had begun to enjoy, there was a feminine quality to it, which appealed to him. It had been so long since he spent years with a woman for any extended amount of time. To have her pressed against him and he against her. It had begun to capture and hold his attention. Especially, when her heart raced. <br/><br/>Those moments when he had to practically nuzzle her neck, he could just about taste her pulse in his mouth. Almost imagine the sensation of her hot blood as it rolled across his tongue and down his throat. More than once he found himself lingering at her neck, his gums itching as his fangs began to crest and then he would wonder, just what did she taste like. <br/><br/>Tonight he again went without feeding, it was his ritual, his drive and focus when he danced. Though perhaps he should think about changing this ritual, at least until he got a hold of this craving. <br/><br/>“Evening, Tempest” he greeted her when he entered.</span><br/><br/>As she limbered up, rolling back into a handstand and holding it, allowing her legs to split as they’d have to during the dance, she glanced over at the now-familiar voice that’d entered the studio. “Evening, Athanase,” came her greeting, completing the walkover and rolling out her neck. “How’re you this evening?”<br/><br/>As she stretched out, she meandered in his direction out of habit, something she generally did while talking to another person rather than “yell” across the room. “Well, I hope?” In truth, she was just glad the awkwardness (for the most part) was done with. While they weren’t where they needed to be, in chemistry nor routine as a whole, they were getting there. Slowly but surely, each night that passed, they got better, leaving her feeling more and more accomplished, and excited for the performance; Barring they got it down in time.<br/><br/>Last thing she wanted, was to be the end-all reason his career tanked.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> With her in her current position, one that had become familiar, he was afforded the chance to observe. In that predatory fashion, he watched her move as his mind took in each and every one of her moves. The strong lines she now made, the strength in her muscles and he wondered....<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">What would it be like to tame that....to conquer her and take what he wanted from her....</span><br/><br/>By the time she approached him his gaze had lost that predatory gaze and instead he just smiled, “Well enough. Sometimes it is hard to get started, especially on an empty stomach.” He winked at her and tossed his bag off to the side. “So, where do you want to start today? Maybe from one of the lifts?”</span><br/><br/>Oblivious. Tempest was happily oblivious to his current mindset, not realizing exactly whom she’d approached, or<span style="font-style: italic">what</span>she’d approached.<br/><br/>“Gotta tackle ‘em eventually,” she joked with a nod before moving back toward the center of the floor. “Shouldn’t you have eaten before rehearsing? Don’t want to be, you know…weak and all that…” Tempest added, glancing back over at him with a grin. “Would be such a shame if you couldn’t lift me off the floor because someone had forgotten to eat before coming to rehearsal…”<br/><br/>Then, rolling over, she grabbed her toes just to continue with the last stretch she’d wanted to do, while waiting for him to meander over. “Which one do you think we should work on? Which one needs the most work?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">“Why don't we just try and see what feels right?” he smirked and moved into position behind her. Music was queued and they started to dance. He moved with her, actions slowly became more fluid and flowing, while he focused on the one feeling he had left. The feeling of hunger, power and dominance that he felt whenever he hunted. As the dance progressed and the exertion increased, so did her heart rate and his own hunger grew. <br/><br/>Fangs were just starting to crest, just the smallest bits while he nuzzled along her neck. It would be so easy to do what he needed...to take what he needed...what he wanted....<br/><br/>“Athanase,” <br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">That voice!</span><br/><br/>“What are you doing? Playing with your food?” <br/><br/>The moment was lost, broken and shattered by the presence of one whom he was not happy to see. Music stopped and Athanase stepped to the side, though his hand remained on her waist, “Colt....what a surprise.” There was no warmth in his voice as he spoke and he visibly tensed, “Shouldn't you be out running with the other strays?” <br/><br/>A male stepped forward, his hand casually behind his back while he smirked at Athanase. “Now, why would I be doing that? I was called here by the director, something about replacing a robot or something.” It was at this moment that his gaze landed on Tempest and his smile changed, “I know it is not this lovely piece of life before me....” He extended his hand to take her own, “Colt Pierce. I believe that you are to be my partner?” <br/><br/>A silent snarl was given and Athan stared at Colt, “I thought you had been lost in that spat we had in Germany?” <br/><br/>Colt smirked, “Well you know me, hard to get put down. Though I am surprised you are here, doing such a passionate piece. I had thought all of the life had left you long, long......long ago?”<br/><br/>An urge to choke the life out of the dog before him was great, though he ignored it, for now, “Isn't there hydrant to sniff or a leg for you to hump, somewhere?” <br/><br/>“That is on my schedule for tomorrow,” eyes ever on Tempest. “Speaking of tomorrow, you and I should do breakfast. I can pick you up at, 8. Sounds good?” Though he did not wait for a response before he bent to kiss the back of her hand and turn on his heel to leave. The turn a bit more of a flourish then needed, but Athan said nothing. Merely stood there and glared at the back of the retreating male. <br/><br/>When he was finally gone, he released his hold on her waist, “So...shall we pick back up where we were before we were interrupted?” An effort made to get back into the mindset he was in, but it was obvious he was rather put off by this sudden appearance of an old acquaintance.</span><br/><br/>She noticed that every time they danced, it got more and more passionate, like whatever it was that he’d tapped into was getting closer and closer to the surface each time. It was becoming more and more natural the more they rehearsed it, and she’d almost his side of their necessary connection was slightly one-dimensional. But it was progress.<br/><br/>And progress was good.<br/><br/>Her mindset had shifted completely into focus, going along with the routine, head tilting to the side as he nuzzled along her skin…and then it all went sideways. A voice broke through and caught her attention; Someone Athanase knew, it seemed. And the comment he said had her perking a brow and glancing over at it with curiosity and slight irritation that they were getting interrupted.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Food…strays…? What sort of comments are those…?</span>she wondered to herself, observing Athan in her peripheral though her focus remained more on Colt…who’d just mentioned being her new partner.<span style="font-style: italic">The guy they called in,</span>she reminded herself, taking his hand with a nod. Something about him had her more focused, head tilting a bit more to the side as she regarded him, the conversation odd though taking back burner while she took in his appearance. His eyes, a deep green, were intense, seemingly deep. The chiseled jaw line had her wondering what it’d feel like to just…lightly run her finger across.<br/><br/>Then, further down…the muscles. Even in the shirt he wore, they were clear as day. But, something about a hydrant and humping a leg caught her attention, causing her gaze to slip to Athanase with a frown of confusion. She’d have said something then had it not been for Colt speaking again, his eyes boring into her own as he replied to Athan…and then kissed the back of her hand before she could even begin to come up with a reply for his words.<br/><br/>And then it was over. He’d left, and the whole feel of the room changed. Athan was no longer in sync with her, she having to work harder to try and make up for it. At one point, they were face to face, her eyes staring into his as she tried to read him, only to remark, “…He really got to you, huh?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">A sigh left his lips and he nodded, “Yes. I am sorry....I did not mean to mess up our rehearsal.” With another frustrated sigh he released her hands and ran his own through his hair. “I thought we were finally making that connection and my dancing was improving...” he paced away in an effort to work off some of his tension. “I don't see why they would call in another and especially....him....” the last word was said with a soft growl. <br/><br/>“I'm sorry, Tempest” an apology given, for what he was not sure, but he just felt as if he owed one to her.</span><br/><br/>Rocking back and forth on her heels, she crossed her arms in front of her and dropped her gaze with a shrug. She felt bad, bad that he’d taken whatever had happened so hard. Adding salt to the wound as…Colt…seemed to do, that was the last thing she’d wanted. “They called him two weeks ago….That night we fought, I thought throwing it in your face would provoke some sort of reaction…I doubt it’s that you’re not improving, because you are, but…maybe more to help me? I’m the less experienced of us, anyway…” Though, even saying it, she didn’t believe it and doubted he would, either; The “robotic” comment made that difficult. “But this may not be a bad thing? We’ve been making strides and can only go up from here.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “It is nice of you to try and make me feel better,” he looked over his shoulder at her and smiled. “When you threw that at me before it did not bother me so much because I figured it was....” he paused and changed the word he had prepared. “Just not him...” he shrugged. “I will just have to see what happens with my future,” he looked off at the clock. “What do you say we call it an early night? I am going to grab something to eat and then head home,” he felt defeated, tired and pissed. Right now he wanted to ravage some poor soul until he could no longer feel this rage.</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">So much for rehearsal…</span>she thought with an inward sigh before nodding and walking away. Picking up her things and pulling on her sweatshirt while slipping into her shoes, Temp slung the strap over her shoulder. “See you tomorrow then; Usual time?” came her goodbye with a half-glance over her shoulder at him. Though without really waiting around for his confirmation, she continued out and started the walk home, planning on running over what she could for a little while longer before going to bed for the night.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">There was no seduction, no stalking or hunting. Tonight it was about the kill, the blood and the pain that he could cause. In the end there were several bodies that were found in a state that left the police baffled. How could there have been a bear attack in the city?<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">- - - -</div><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">KNOCK! KNOCK!KNOCK!</span><br/><br/>Eight o' clock sharp, Colt knocked on her apartment door; morning paper in hand. It had been easy to follow her scent and track her back to her apartment. Now, it was just a matter of making sure that she answered and came with hi to breakfast. After all, he knew that she was kept up late with Athanase. Such a delight he had in the thought of how pissed he made the man, just by being there. <br/><br/>When she finally answered, “Good morning. Have you seen the paper yet?” the paper was thrust into her hand before she could answer, right as he moved to enter her apartment. “Some animal mauled a bunch of people. So, I think it is a good thing that we are going to breakfast together this morning,” smile was warm and friendly the whole time.</span><br/><br/>The sudden knock at the door woke her up suddenly, startling her awake and leaving her momentarily disoriented. Her eyes blinked, though wasn’t fully seeing as she tried to remember what day it was, and why there was a knock so damn early. “Mrs. McFinney, the rent isn’t due until the fourth, and I already paid this month,” she half-mumbled, half-loudly spoke for the benefit of the only person she’d thought of who could be at her door at some ungodly hour…<br/><br/>…Only to pause when her eyes focused and the voice she heard once her door opened.<span style="font-style: italic">Colt…</span>He thrust the paper into her hands, barely keeping hold of it while she struggled to wake up more fully, standing in the doorway as he strode passed, not even registering that part yet. She could hear him talking behind her, about some animal attack that had made the front page as she slowly woke up more, reading the tragedy of the attacks.<br/><br/>And, with waking up and becoming more lucid, something else clicked in with what he said:<span style="font-style: italic">“…Good thing we’re going to breakfast together this morning…”</span>Despite his warm smile, her eyes took on a confused frown, keeping the door open as her head slowly turned in his direction. “Not to be…rude, but…” A pause as she thought of how exactly to word what she was going to say. “…How did you find out where I lived?”<br/><br/>Didn’t matter if he was hot and just looking at her eyes got her heart racing a bit more; The fact he knew where she lived without her telling him had her slightly creeped out.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">“Someone at the company gave me your address,” he remarked in a casual matter as if that was known information. “So, what do you feel like? Eggs and bacon? Perhaps waffles? Or, you know we could do both as I found the greatest place while I walked over here,” every word was spoken with complete confidence and ease. As if the fact that he obviously had her a bit uneasy and nervous did nothing to his overall confidence in the matter. <br/><br/>Already he could tell that he affected her the way he wanted, even if it was subtle and not as apparent as other females. It was there and that is all that mattered. That increased heart rate, the slight dilation of her eyes and the smallest shift in her scent to tell him that she was attracted to him. A reaction he had noted that she did not give off when she was with Athanase. <br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">I am already winning and I have not even begun to play the game </span> <br/><br/>The thought was accompanied by a slight smirk, which merriment and amusement even managed to reach his eyes.</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Someone at the company?</span>she repeated to herself, eyes narrowing a fraction as the last remnants of her tired demeanor diminished. No one at the company was to give out information, partner arrangement or not. That just set a person up for stalking. That was something that could get a company sued.<br/><br/>His confidence had her prickling a touch, lips setting into a thinner line as she tossed the paper down onto the nearest table and crossed her arms. “No one should have given you my address…” was all she said for a moment before her chin lifted a bit, head tilting to the side. “And you were serious about breakfast? I’m normally, you know…asleep at this time, not awake and venturing out into the world, so if you could kindly…” Her words trailed off as she gestured out the door, ready to crawl back into bed with a safely locked door.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Well, then someone will be getting fired. I shall make sure of that myself,” he said with some formality. As to everything she said he sighed, “I just figured, since you would be dancing with me now that this would be a perfect time to get to know one another. Besides,” he paused to lock his eyes with her own. “If we are to be dancing, you are going to have to get into a normal sleeping schedule and not an Athanase schedule. No?”</span><br/><br/>The confusion that had been edged out of her gaze by the suspicion came back, though not nearly as prevalent as it’d been the first go around. “You’re not replacing him; You’re<span style="font-style: italic">helping</span>him, otherwise they’d have brought you in far earlier. Otherwise, I wouldn’t still be here learning this dance when it’s to save his career,” she reasoned with a perked brow.<br/><br/>It was hard not to react when his eyes locked with hers, and the thought of dancing with him filled her mind. The thought of being close, moving along with him, wondering if the intensity his gaze held translated to his movements. “So what…I’ll be dancing with you in the mornings and him at night? Am I supposed to sleep midday then?” came her question, the tiredness from her early awakening leaking into her tone, along with a bit of wary as she figured the two of them wouldn’t do well sharing a room, or switching their schedule to accommodate the other.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">“Actually, his career was not really something they sought to save. This would be something of a farewell performance and I am going to take his place in the company,” none of this was true, but that was his plan. “Word had been sent out to be, but I was off on retreat through the mountains so my reception was not the best,” he gave a shrug. <br/><br/>“No, you are just going to be dancing with me and he is going to....well get himself another partner,” he licked his lips ever so slightly as if in an unconscious habit. “So, we dance during the afternoons and then we would sleep at night. Like usual,” he said with a smile.</span><br/><br/>As she listened, she had to resist the urge to roll her eyes. And, just like that, the attractiveness started to diminish. Temp didn’t realize how naïve she’d been about the primadonna personalities she’d encounter, even among those who weren’t yet famous, but had a chip on their shoulder.<span style="font-style: italic">Like Colt.</span>“Careful now, Colt,” she cautioned wryly. “Your arrogance is showing.”<br/><br/>She wasn’t gullible; She knew the plans of the company, and knew he was lying through his teeth…after finding his way to her apartment and coming in without being invited. “Now…if you could kindly leave as you can clearly see I’m in no state to go anywhere for breakfast, that’d be wonderful,” Tempest added with yet another gesture at her door.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">He smirked and gave a slight bow, “But of course. Forgive my forwardness, it has been a while since I have been in the company of anyone as striking as yourself.” With that he moved toward her and the door, though he paused beside her, probably unnecessarily close, but close enough so that they could feel the warmth from one another's bodies. <br/><br/>“I will still look forward to the times when I am allowed to dance with you,” his voice pitched low. “That is, if you would allow me to do so?”</span><br/><br/>Eyes widening a fraction, the pupils dilating at the compliment as a heat took up in her face, her heart skipped a beat, taken aback by the compliment. And, while she knew it was a line…it still affected her, regardless, which annoyed her to some degree; A degree that was ignored when he stopped so close to her, looking up at him and trying to keep her mind from wandering. The warmth from his body was almost too much even in that brief moment, pushing it back from the forefront of her mind and instead focusing on the words.<br/><br/>“…I suppose I’ll allow it…” she replied, quiet though the confidence was still there. “Just a matter of when we’ll start.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Hopefully, it will be this evening. After all...” he leaned down just a fraction. “I am supposed to show him how to put the life....back into his dance....” he smiled, gave a small nod of his head. “Rest well, Tempest. Until tonight,” then he was gone.</span><br/><br/>Breathing suddenly became a foreign concept as Colt leaned down just that little bit more, heart all but stopping. All she could do was return the nod and watch him leave, unable to come up with a coherent string of words to save her life, slowly closing the door a while after he’d disappeared from site, locking it before padding her way back to bed.<br/><br/>Did she sleep? Not right off. Instead, she imagined what it’d be like to dance with him, trying to compare what little she knew of him to what little she knew of Athan, and thinking on how badly rehearsal would go if they started in on another bout of insults. All the sleep in the world couldn’t prepare her for an intense babysitting session of two grown men.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center;">- - - -</div><br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">Athanase felt better, if a bit guilty for the mess that he made the night before. Even now, as he warmed up on the dance floor, for once there before everyone else he could remember their screams and how sweet their blooded tasted. There was something about fear that made blood taste sweet and more alive to him. It was a taste and sensation that one could get easily get addicted to, even if it was so messy and often caused one to be run from town via fire and pitchforks. <br/><br/>Control. Restraint and moderation. <br/><br/>These were the three hard lessons that his sire practically beat into Athanase for several long years. It was hard to resist the taste of blood. To resist the thrill and rush that he got when he fed from a person who stared at him in panic and fear. As he felt that last bit of their lives leave their body. It was in those moments that he was God. The giver and taker of life. It had taken years to work on his control, to fight and not give in to the seduction of the blood. <br/><br/>Even those with absolute control managed to slip from time to time. <br/><br/>All he could do was erase evidence of himself and pretend it did not happen. However, as he moved and danced, he thought back to that moment. Felt it once again and he filled his steps with passion and life. For the moment, the rest of the world had left him. No longer was he bothered by Colt and what he  being here could do. Tempest, her sweet scent and strong body, faded from his mind as well. All that was left, was him and the dance.</span><br/><br/>At some point, she’d drifted off, awoken by the sound of her alarm for the second time that day. Getting up from bed, she cracked her back, padding out into the center of the room, half convinced she’d dreamt Colt in her place, only to see the newspaper where she’d left it and a groan loosed.<br/><br/>Today was going to be interesting, to say the very least. Colt and Athanase couldn’t stand each other and she somehow had to form a bond with the both of them for the sake of the performance.<span style="font-style: italic">If</span>they could get through it. She predicted more of their egos getting in the way and the rehearsal failing miserably like last night’s had.<br/><br/>But, trying to remain optimistic, she took a shower, got ready, grabbed a fruit salad on her way out the door and ate it on her walk over, stopping short at the door as she caught sight of Athan already moving about the stage. Part of her wanted to try and press for the motivation behind his movements, as he’d clearly tapped into something that wasn’t there before. By the same token, she didn’t want him to pull it back, to reign it in, if it were too personal for him to discuss.<br/><br/>So, rather than announce her presence, she remained at the door, waiting for him to finish.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">It came to an end and he stood there on the stage with a strangely relaxed sensation.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Clap.....clap....clap...</span><br/><br/>A slow applause came from off stage to the right and he knew who it was without even looking over at them. <br/><br/>“Enjoy the show, Colt?” he asked and glanced over his shoulder at the other man now. <br/><br/>“It was...moving,” his voice held a taunting edge. “Seemed like you were really feeling it this time,” he slowly approached. “Something powerful and moving to you? Something recent perhaps?” <br/><br/>A sigh and Athanase crossed his arms over his chest, “Colt, why are you really here? Dancing was never something that you really enjoyed. So, why the fuck do you continue to stalk me through my career?” <br/><br/>“Career?” he laughed and shook his head. “What bit of a true career you lost, years ago. I merely just happen to come across you while I am doing my own thing. You do not own the world, Athanase. Despite what you might think or feel, you are not that fucking important,” he smirked. <br/><br/>Another sigh and he pinched the bridge of his nose, “Look whatever fucking game you are up to this time, just keep it between us.....ok?” <br/><br/>“Aww....does the cold, robotic and perfect Athanase have a soft spot for the girl?” Colt taunted. <br/><br/>“Let's just keep this professional...ok?” there was a stressing in his wording that Colt finally picked up on. <br/><br/>“Fine. But, I want to dance with her first, since you have had her all to yourself for so long,” There was a demand feel to his request that Athan arched a brow about. <br/><br/>“If she wants to, that is fine, but it is her choice,” Athanase clarified for Colt.</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">And so it begins…</span><br/><br/>The tension was palpable from her position, as far away as she was. And, more passive aggressive remarks were passed back and forth until the topic shifted. To her. The shift had her grimacing, eye rolling, physically face-palming as her form leaned against the door jam and waited for the opportunity to assert herself into the conversation.<br/><br/>That opportunity came in the form of remarks specifically about her and dancing with her.<br/><br/>“Why don’t you ask her directly what she wants, since it’s obvious you both know I’m here,” she remarked loud enough for both to hear, pushing off of the frame and walking further in. Her bag was then dropped on the floor, coat following suit shortly thereafter, bending over to stretch out a bit while removing her shoes. “Going to play nice, or do I have to put the pair of you to separate corners?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">A long look was shared between the pair before Athanase gave a slight bow to Tempest, “No need for that, Tempest. We can behave ourselves. Right, Colt?” Another look was shared but no more words were said, as Colt merely bowed to her as well. <br/><br/>“Who would you like to dance with first?” Athanse asked, all of his energy put into the effort to show that he was not bothered or put off by the presence of Colt.</span><br/><br/>While they shared the look, she finished stepping out of her shoes, pants following shortly thereafter, before glancing between the pair with a perked brow.<br/><br/>Who<span style="font-style: italic">did</span>she want to dance with first? That was the Million Dollar question. But, then again, it shouldn’t be too hard to choose where one of them she had to dance with, and the other was brought in to help with her partner. He should have an idea of what he has to work with, she’d think. “Athanase,” Tempest finally answered, shifting her attention more fully in his direction, rather than Colt’s, who still had her slightly uneasy. “Makes more sense this way, I’d expect, if Colt’s supposed to help us, right?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">There was a small change, a slight shifted in the posture of both males once she made her decision. Colt had stiffened just a hair and Athanase had relaxed a bit. <br/><br/>“Of course,” Colt said as he looked between the pair. “I have to see where he needs the help, right?” his smug tone directed fully at Athanase whose lips tightened into a stiff smile. <br/><br/>“But of course,” his managed to answer in a tone that hid his true feelings. However, he had won a small victory in that she had chosen him first. Even if it was under the idea to aid him with his technique it meant that she may prefer him to Colt. Which, in this game of immortal cat and mouse, had just bought him some extra points. <br/><br/>“Shall we?” he asked with a slight bow to Tempest, before he took her hand and led her away from Colt and out into the middle of the stage. “How about we pick up at...” he gripped her hand, spun her away and then back into himself so that her back was not against his chest and his lips just grazed her neck. <br/><br/>When the music began, Athan had little trouble in his steps and getting into the mind set of the dance. It was easier now to tap into those emotions, to feel them and channel them into his body and each action. As it had earlier, the world faded into the back, all of it save for Tempest. A woman who drove him mad, but whom he wanted to conquer and taste. To watch that fear form in her eyes, as he fed and took from her what he needed.</span><br/><br/>Their shifts, though small, weren’t unnoticed, and another eye roll was held back. The logic was sound, so it wasn’t as though they could refute it, even if Colt turned it snarky. As long as they could dance, she didn’t see an issue; At least, for the moment, there was no issue. That wholly depended upon the two men and whatever issues they had with each other, whether or not they’d be willing to fully set them aside or if it’d turn into a one-up fest.<br/><br/>But, pushing that back from her mind, she followed Athan’s lead to the middle of the stage, rolling her neck as she walked and seamlessly falling into her role in the dance. Her back to his chest, his lips at her neck, her mind and body fully committing as the music started. The glances she dared take at him told her he was committing more and more to the dance, to the emotion tied to it, with a renewed vigor, almost. Whether or not it was a direct result of Colt’s appearance, she almost thought a “thank you” was in order. He was shifting, changing, just as she was learning the structure and form, he was learning the fluidity.<br/><br/>In her mind, it was a good balance they’d struck, and could only go up from there. However…she had an inkling that<span style="font-style: italic">someone</span>would have something to nitpick at, no matter how good she thought they were doing.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">Colt watched with an emotionless face, though all the while inside he felt himself rather annoyed. <br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Well well....it would appear that he has some feeling left after all. Which would make my whole presence here pointless....</span> <br/><br/>“Alright!” he called the dance to a halt before they even began to get into some of the more, intimate moves and lifts. <br/><br/>Athanase stood with his arm about Tempest's waist, as he watched the wolf approach and wondered just why he had stopped them. That felt good, felt really good and he wanted to continue want to start it up again. “Something wrong?” he asked when Colt was at last before them. <br/><br/>“Several somethings,” the wolf remarked with an air of superiority that made Athan's eyes narrow slightly. <br/><br/>“Care to explain what...exactly was wrong? Or, are you just going to have us stand around here and waste time when we could be dancing?” the tone was bitter, which Athan did not even try to hide. <br/><br/>“I will show you what you are doing wrong,” the pleased wolf said, before he extended his hand to Tempest. “If you would please?” <br/><br/>Once she accepted he would lead her in the dance and it was not hard to see the passion, life and energy that he put forth easily. Each move fluid, powerful and filled with something that Athanase had sure lacked, even with this last run through. Perhaps, someone needed to be alive in order to off that appearance?</span><br/><br/>The sudden outcry had Tempest snapping back to reality, eyes blinking in confusion as her movements halted and her attention shifted over toward Colt’s form. She couldn’t understand what was wrong, where they’d miss-stepped, a sigh tumbling free before she could catch it at the apparent “somethings” that she’d missed. And, she couldn’t blame Athan for his reaction, sneaking a look in his direction before looking back at the man before her, hand extended. “…Your cockiness is showing again…” she mumbled, begrudgingly accepting his hand and falling into step with this new partner.<br/><br/>It felt…different, dancing with him. There was something there, to be sure, that Athan had lacked, but she hadn’t noticed it until now. That wasn’t to say he’d not improved vastly, as he had; This only further put it into perspective, however, where they needed to strive to meet. She committed, as she always did, though the back of her mind was taking stock of how it felt to dance with Colt, where the similarities lay between the two and where the differences were.<br/><br/>But, again, they stopped before any of the more intimate movements happened, this time at her own behest. “You’ve made your point,” Temp spoke, pulling back from Colt, putting that little bit of distance between them even if it’d felt nice to dance with him for that moment. “Perhaps instead of trying to show off you could be constructive.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">Athanase smirked though he made an effort to hide it with his hand, when Colt was stopped before he could try and show off. Tempest's comments along made him chuckle as he enjoyed the look of frustration as it played across the wolf's face. When he did manage to speak again the words seemed tense and short.<br/><br/>“Feel more,” he said as he shot a look at Athanase. “Try and pretend you have a soul and a pulse for one night and just feel it,” gaze shifted back to Tempest. “Was that constructive enough for you?”</span><br/><br/>His definition of “constructive” and her definition clearly differed, as that was about as helpful as a pictorial map for the blind. And when he turned to her, she took another step back before migrating to Athanase’s side, partly out of spite, partly to keep from doing to him what she’d done to Athan the day they’d met. “Don’t strain yourself now,” Tempest remarked, her tone casual and wry. “Wouldn’t want you to actually act like you want to help him rather than replace him.” An arm hooked over one of Athan’s shoulders, leaning on him in a light manner, as the other arm lifted in a shrug. “I’ll be sure not to bother you for such a thing next time; How very inconsiderate of me.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">Colt had lost this round and he had lost it hard, all because of how he had acted. This would not be the last time that he had a chance with Tempest. There were still two weeks left and Colt was more than prepared to redeem himself later. At the moment he stood off to the side and allowed Athanase and her to dance. <br/><br/>With Colt for the moment out of the way, Athanase took up the dance once again, though this time he did as Colt suggested. More feeling was put into it, each step he committed to it, felt it and lost himself in the moment with her. This time they made it through to the end and he held her close, eyes locked with her own. <br/><br/>“How was that?” he asked her with a smile.</span><br/><br/>The feeling that Colt had brought up was suddenly infused into the dance. Athan felt more committed, taking Tempest off guard as they moved, as they gelled. It was almost like she was seeing him for the first time, and that, despite it being the first time she’d caught a better glimpse…she trusted him.<br/><br/>Now it was a matter of living up to the standard he’d created, and trusting him explicitly to not drop her, and trusting herself to hold the pose, that she had the balance. Eyes locked on his when the dance ended, her chest heaved a bit while she drew in several breaths, heart skipping. “…Better…” was the only word she managed at first, voice quiet, a hint of a smile on her lips. “Now it’s just a matter of…me not flailing or falling with those lifts…Unless the peanut gallery has something to add?” Her remark was thrown out casually as her mind started to come back to reality, the last part directed at Colt, though she made no move to look in his direction.