Distractions (Misunderstandings)

Here's my complete story, without comments from the other site, per request. Please leave comments! I know the second to last paragraph of Chapter 10 is weird! : D

*Chapter One*

Benji was in love. That fact had become so painfully obvious that even he had stopped denying it to himself. He could never seem to get Donyelle out of his mind... And he knew he didn't want to. Just the thought of her made him smile giddily. Her laugh so infectious... Her scent so intoxicating... And she was so damn gorgeous he literally went weak in the knees. That part was what would get him into the most trouble.

It was a Wednesday night when Benji decided to walk the halls of the hotel, searching for someplace quiet enough to gather his thoughts. It seemed the competition never quite left time to be alone. As he walked the corridor, his mind began to wander, as it seemed to so increasingly as of late. Donny. What was she doing right now? Was she lying awake in bed? Was she thinking about him? That thought alone made him grin like an idiot, but only momentarily. Anytime his heart allowed him to think such glorious thoughts, his brain decided to cut in and point out the brutally viscious truth: Donyelle felt nothing more than friendship for him, and she never would. It was simply time for him to come to terms with that fact.

He rounded the corner as though on autopilot. He was too deep in thought to consider just where he was headed, as could be seen simply by glancing at his face. Anytime a new thought occured to him, his expression would change. It was just like him to have such a habit.

Eventually he ended up in the small sitting area of their floor. Believing it to be deserted, he walked on in, clearly not minding his surroundings all too well. Soon he was made aware that he was not alone. Donyelle had been watching him intently, amused that he had not yet noticed her presence. When she saw just how carelessly he was pacing around, she chose to make her presence known, suddenly exclaiming a loud, "BOO!"

Startled, Benji stumbled and whipped around, entirely unstable. Upon seeing whose face it was waiting to greet him, his knees gave out, and he finally tumbled down, taking a rather large table down with him. He immediately turned red, while Donyelle merely laughed at his clumsy manuver.

Doubled over in absolute hysterics, she made her way over to a humiliated Benji, offering him her hand. He took it and stood up, not yet willing to look her fully in the eye.

"So," Donyelle began, while trying desperately to contain her amusement, "What brings you here on this fine night?"

"Oh, just trying to find a quiet place to think," he managed to get out before mentally slapping himself for letting too much slip.

"What's on your mind?" she inquired, truly interested and intrigued by the possibility.

Damn. That was STUPID. "Nothing..." he responded after a pause that lasted just a little too long.

"Oh. So there's nothing you want to talk about...??

"Nope," okay, now that was said a tad too quickly.

Figuring he wanted to be alone, Donyelle decided to return to her room. She said goodnight, and gave him a sweet kiss on the cheek, allowing her lips to linger longer than actually neccessary. Sighing, she walked off down the hallway.

As she disappeared beyond that same corner that Benji had just passed, she could hear him exclaim something to himself from where he sat. Perhaps it was just her mind playing tricks on her, but it sounded strangely like he said, "IDIOT!" She smiled to herself as she walked off to bed.

Benji continued to sit in the chair Donyelle left him in. He brought his hand up to his cheek, revelling in the feel of that kiss. He sighed as he slowly drifted off into a pleasant slumber. He'd be having sweet dreams, tonight.

*End of Chapter One*


*Chapter Two*

It was early Thursday morning when Travis awoke to the deeply unpleasant din of the alarm clock at his bedside. Groaning, he flailed his arm in that general direction, knocking over everything he came in contact with until his hand hit the offending device, now beat up from his continual morning ritual. He covered his head with his pillow, beginning to drift into a comforting sleep, once more. Ivan chose that unfortunate moment as the one to come barging into the room, swinging the door open with a clatter as he did.

The limp figure on the bed remained immoble, so Ivan approached it, shaking him brutally. Travis tumbled to the floor with a rather loud thud. After quite a long while, he rose, shooting a highly displeased glare in the direction of his roommate. Ivan merely laughed, but a confused expression crossed his face as he asked, "Where's Benji?"

Travis looked over to the bed that was usually home to the unconcious form of his friend at this time of morning, finding it unoccupied. The two left the room, moving on to the next bedroom to ask the others. When all denied that they'd seen him since the night before, Travis volunteered to go ask the girls.

Reaching their room, he knocked lightly on their door. Several minutes passed without a response, so he tried once more, this time more forceful in his pounding. Eventually, the door opened, and he was greeted by the sight of an irritated and dishevelled Natalie, who had clearly just woken up. "Travis..." she whined, "It's 5:00 in the morning - What could you POSSIBLY need at this ungodly hour...??"

Trying to surpress the grin that arose at the her choice of attire - some rather skimpy lace pajamas combined with two pink terricloth bunny slippers - he got to the point, "Is Benji here?"

She responded by facing him with a blank and intimidating stare. "You came to our room at 5:00 in the morning... Looking for Benji?" she paused, then continued, "What exactly do you think Benji would be doing here at 5:00 in the morning?" See, now this was becoming intriguing...

Travis sighed, "Can you go get Heidi?" Natalie snorted, but went off to wake her, glad for the opportunity to go off to sleep. About ten minutes later, Heidi walked out of the bedroom, stumbling around hopelessly as she attempted to make it to the door without opening her eyes. They soon snapped wide open as the lamp went crashing to the floor. Apparently clumsiness runs in the family.

Travis chuckled, walking in to help her out with the mess. As he fetched the broom, Heidi seemed genuinely surprised to find him there. "Have you seen Benji?" he asked, getting straight to the point.

Heidi looked initially perplexed, then simply laughed, "You lost Benji?"

"No," he bagan, choosing his words as carefully as he could, "We just don't know where he is."

She groaned and proceeded to mumble something incoherently. "I'll be right back..." she said, sighing. Soon she returned with Donyelle in tow.

"He was in the sitting area when I left him last night," she offered, refusing to look anywhere but at the unpleasantly discolored carpet of the unsanitary hotel room floor, "He could still be there." With that said, she left the room, assuming that the others would follow her lead. Walking slowly out of sheer exhaustion, she made her way down the hall and toward their meeting place from the night before.

"So tell me again what you and Benji are doing during these secret rondez-vous held far, far away from our hotel rooms?" Travis pressed.

Donyelle sighed, hoping that she could gracefully avoid the line of questioning. Sure she liked Benji, but she most certainly did not need anybody else to know that, especially taking into consideration just how clear it was that the feelings were anything but mutual. Striving to remain casual, she replied, 'I was sitting in one of the arm chairs when he came in, we said hello, and I went off to bed... That's it." She knew that her explanation was all but convincing, and was sure she could feel the disbelieving looks of the two behind her. It was becoming awefully difficult to ignore her feelings when everyone continued to bring them up.

Finally, they found the sitting area, and Benji within it. He was curled up in one of the big arm chairs, and Donyelle couldn't help but think just how good he looked when he was asleep. She slowly walked up to him, not realizing that the other two had elected to watch them from afar. Tenderly, she touched his shoulder, and he began to stir. As he opened his eyes, a smile spread across his face at seeing who it was who had come to greet him. "Just where I left you..." she whispered to him, laughing. Offering him her hand, she helped him up, and pulled him back over to where Heidi and Travis stood.

The four walked back to their rooms in near silence, but for the occasional complaint concerning the unpleasantly early time of day. Several sideways glances were stolen between Benji and Donyelle, but neither one noticed those given by the other. Travis and Heidi merely shook their heads at the pitiful sight before them. Eventually, they made it to the girls' door, and split up so each could prepare for the day.

Once back within the sanctuary that their own rooms provided, it began to sink in: it was the day of the results show, once more. Two more dancers were to be sent on their way.

*End of Chapter Two*


*Chapter Three*

The van pulled up to the arena and all 16 dancers stepped off. Silence encompassed the group as they entered the building, all too nervous about the outcome to speak in their typical banter. Finally, the couples were called onto the stage to determine who among them would be safe, and who would take a walk to the gallows. Fortunately for Benji and Donyelle, their performance of "Pop Jazz" had managed to keep them away from the judges' maw, once more. Ben and Aleksandra were sent home.

As per tradition, the group proceeded on to dinner so that they could spend time with those who would be leaving the show. They drove straight to their usual restaurant, discovering that the table had already been setup in anticipation of their arrival. Donyelle was unsure of where to sit, but ended up by Martha, making sure to leave an empty seat to one side, should Benji decide to join her. Fortunately, he chose to be less discreet about the situation than she had, immediately filling the chair, and boldly placing a hand on her thigh.

She flinched at his movement as waves of pure joy and excitement were sent shooting throughout her entire body. She had had no idea that anything could ever feel so good... Benji took her surprise as a sign of discomfort with his forward action, and immediately withdrew his hand. As a result of the interaction, the two disillusioned partners proceeded to sulk throughout the dinner, only wishing that they weren't alone in their feelings.

The dinner eventually came to an end, and they were driven back to the hotel. Practice for their newly picked dances was to start in the morning, leaving the 14 of them little choice but to head straight for bed. Donyelle and Benji's cautiously hopeful biddings of goodnight were misconstrued by each as being cold, empty, and meaningless. It was another sleepless night for both, each wishing that their feelings would one day be mutual. If only they could see that they already were...

*End of Chapter Three*


*Chapter Four*

Practice for the Viennese Waltz turned out to be an interesting experience for both. Each took full advantage of all the contact that the choreography called for, but, in the end, it only served to install a feeling of self-loathe in Donyelle. She failed to take to heart all the secret touches and strokes he gave her. Instead, she focused her mind only on the disaster that seemed to follow her every move. When she touched his chest, his face was perplexed and uncomfortable... So she turned it into a joke. He responded by telling her to picture Dmitry, instead of him. He was clearly trying to convey his lack of interest. She then proceeded to choke him in her clumsy execution of a simple move. Not only was this a thoroughly humiliating moment that reflected poorly on her dancing skills, but she also assumed it led him to view her as a certifiable idiot. Even after making a fool of herself, she relentlessly proceeded to stroke his neck. She simply couldn't help herself. She was certain that he would hate her now. He clearly didn't convey just how much he had loved every second of it, and took her suddenly withdrawn demeanor to mean she held remorse. It was certainly going to be a long competition, indeed.

Monday had found it's way back around, once more, and the 14 remaining dancers arrived at the arena. After stopping in at wardrobe, hair, and makeup, Donyelle and Benji decided it would be wise to practice their dance one final time. Something was different tonight. Over the weeks spent together, the two had developed a vernacular all their own; every movement had a hidden meaning, every glance a message to convey. They each refused to look at the other, both concerned that they might allow their deepest feelings to be seen. As a result, both assumed that the distant behavior meant their love would be dismissed.

Alas, it was their turn to go on, and they finally managed to offer each other warm smiles of reassurance. As they made their way on stage, they could hear their own voices on the screen above, something they would never quite get used to. Neither could help the quiet laughter that came as Donyelle's voice read out their pick of the 'Vietnamese' Waltz. As Benji's voice proudly declared that Donyelle was already in love with him, she hoped he didn't notice the look of shock that grew on her features, and prayed that he was unaware of the truth behind his statement.

The music began to play, and they danced the familiar steps. The movement had become second nature to them, but the passion and intensity in each dancer's eyes was something neither had seen before. The gazes were those they could get lost in, swimming in those endless pools of blue and green. Donyelle knew that Benji's reactions were all for show; after all, he could barely stand to look at her during their practice backstage. Something about that ending pose made her wonder, though... As he pulled her to him, he caressed her cheek in a movement she couldn't recall from the choreography. She instantly leaned into his hand. His gaze held such a power over her that she lost control of all she did. She began to follow his lead, bringing her right hand up to meet his face. Her left hand found its way straight into his hair, grabbing it and pushing his face closer to hers. She was made painfully aware of just how close their faces had become. If she simply tilted her chin up, their lips could meet. Oh how she had longed to taste those lips. She came so close to taking that leap, but what little common sense she had been able to keep grasp of overtook her in the end. He had no feelings for her, so would surely laugh if she were to make such a move.

They walked over to the judges without once breaking the gaze. She refused to tear her eyes from his. Benji was the only one she saw, and she didn't even stand a chance.

*End of Chapter Four*


*Chapter Five*

Another Thursday passed, and the pair was declared safe, yet again. They had returned to their separate hotel rooms after the routine dinner, but none had gone to sleep as of yet. Soon a knock was heard at the door to the girls' room. Donyelle rose to see who it was, and was silenced by the sight before her. There was Benji, looking more endearing than she had ever seen him, and he was adorned in simple pajamas. She didn't even notice the other five guys as she stared. A small smile crept across her face, and she prayed she wasn't drooling. Benji simply chuckled good-naturedly. "Can we... come in?" he asked the dumbstruck Donyelle. Realizing that she had once again adopted the role of the lovesick teenager going after her out-of-league crush, she stepped aside, hitting her head repeatedly against the door as soon as she was certain nobody would notice.

It appeared that, as she had stood there, frozen to the spot, the boys had explained to the others their reason for coming. Trying to subtly figure it out, she gathered that they had brought a movie along for them all to watch together. In an effort to convince the group that she was completely aware of what was going on, she offered to microwave an insane amount of popcorn for them to share.

Standing by the microwave, she let the rhythmic popping of the wonderous treat, in all its buttery goodness, entrance her. Her thoughts began to wander to the only person who had occupied them as of late. She had reveled in his warm embrace on so often an occasion... If only she could do so right now... Suddenly, she felt two hands grab her from behind, and laughed as he rested his forehead on her shoulder. Believing this interaction to be one of a mere fantasy, rather than the very embodiment of such, she leaned back into him, allowing herself to rub against him ever so slightly. She reached one hand behind her, entangling it in his hair. He placed a sweet little kiss on her neck. She smiled, and turned around to face the group, only then coming to the realization that Benji was truly before her. Oh. Dear. God. She immediately dropped her hands to her side, and backed against the counter. "I'm so - I thought you were -" she stuttered out. He assumed that she had taken him to be another of the contestants. She took his confused expression to mean that some of what had just happened had only been the product of her mind's desire - that was EXACTLY what she was anxious to assume. He walked away without saying a word, and sat back down by Heidi.

About 20 minutes, and enough bags of popcorn to feed a third-world country of moderate size, later, Donyelle rejoined the group, and the movie was started. Oh no - it was a horror film. As the movie progressed, various squeals and whimpers could be heard from both the guys and girls. Most of the time was spent with at least half of the group covering their eyes, and, more often than not, rocking back and forth while humming to themselves.

At one point, Benji rose from his spot on the floor - a spot that just so happened to be on the opposite side of where Donyelle had chosen to sit after their awkward exchange - to enter the kitchen, intent on getting himself something to drink, while also using that excuse to get away from the movie he was sure would install nightmares into his brain for years to come. To get there, he had to pass all of the contestants, including Donyelle. An especially haunting part of the movie came on the screen just as he walked by. She jumped in pure fear and anguish (Who chose that movie, anyway???!!), and wound up grabbing his ankle. Her gaze wandered up to him, and she realized just the humiliating situation she had put herself in, once more. Both began to laugh at the situation, and simply couldn't manage to cease their thoughts at the hilarity of it. They offered each other smiles rich with warmth, and she decided to follow him to the kitchen. Their friendly manner and ways had returned to them, and both thought to themselves that, while a perfect romance may be far out of the question, this friendship was something they couldn't live without.

*End of Chapter Five*


*Chapter Six*

It was the first day of practice for their Broadway routine, and they were to meet with choreographer Tyce Diorio. After declaring themselves to be self-proclaimed dorks, they began to learn the steps. As soon as Benji overheard Donyelle explaining to the camera man that this was an opportunity to show of their real friendship, over the romance they had been told to procure, he reinforced his hopelessly contrived concept that he could never be a love interest to her (A/N: That is probably the longest, most utterly confusing sentence I have ever written : D). Just the same, that didn't stop him from having a little fun... He jumped at every opportunity he found to be near her. When she was instructed on a move, he began to do that move, as well. When Tyce mentioned just how energetic his routine was, Benji staged a race, and slapped his Donny's butt. He later chose to hold her from behind, using that to get a clear look down her tank top. Her participation was not in the least bit necessary to allow him to enjoy himself.

Well, that was the unbelievably transparent lie he continued to feed himself. Once Monday night rolled along, he had returned to his original state of downtrodden resentment that she could never be his. He had stood there holding her, burying his nose in the side of her face... to no avail. That memory only served to increase his anguish. He replayed that moment until the tape in his mind got choppy and worn down, but he couldn't let it go. Her scent still lingered, clouding his thoughts and senses. It distracted him to the point that he failed to notice the knock echoing through the dark hotel room, or the squeaking of a door that soon followed.

When Donyelle saw the state he was in, she swore her heart stopped beating. The man she loved was sitting alone in a pitch black room, staring vacantly at the wall. All he needed was a sizable tub of cookie dough, and the wallowing would be complete. What she couldn't understand was just what had gotten to him. They'd danced so well today, and had been praised by the judges. It was even predicted that one of them would win it all. The crowd had screamed for him... Everything was perfect.

She strode across the room, taking a seat by his side on the bed. He jumped and jerked his head toward her, drawing a joking "Boo" from her mouth. He was just lucky to have been sitting in this instance, so he wouldn't pull any large furniture to the ground. As she looked into his eyes, she saw what could only be perceived as fear, combined with a glimmer of that heart wrenching depression she had perceived through the setting. The shock from that sight, alone, made her consider leaving... But she knew she had to stay for him, whether he tried to push her away or not.

"Benji?" she asked with the quiet voice of that scared child who walks in to see his father crying, "What's wrong?" As she asked him this, her hand found its way to his, attempting a gesture of comfort. She expected him to pull away, as he had done before, but he didn't. Instead, he raised his head up to gaze into her eyes. It was a gaze so intense, so full of emotion, that even she would have knocked down a table, if only one were in the near proximity. Tonight, both were rather lucky to have elected to sit on that bed, though each would swear that the other could sense the heat radiating from them in response to their closeness. She refused to be weak, to break his gaze, but felt the flames that enveloped her lungs, and the blade that pierced through her heart at the sadness in those blue pools so often lit with childish laughter. This Benji before her was the man. That man was the one who made her want to die for him, and she would do anything to draw away his pain.

As they continued to sit in their heavy silence, she began to wonder if, perhaps, he hadn't heard her. As he turned away, she made up her mind. Her mouth opened as if to speak, but she was quickly cut off by his quiet and pained voice. "I'm fine," he choked out, not even attempting to hide the sadness in his tone.

Donyelle, herself, was near tears at the sight. "You can talk to me," she insisted, her voice resolute, yet gentle in its urgency. She turned his head to look at her, lifting his chin in such a way that left both their hearts racing at the mere thought of their lips... So close they could but flinch and they would touch. "I-I'm h-here for... for you," she stuttered out feeling truly idiotic. She might as well have simply screamed her feelings out to the world.

"I know," he said, and slowly, almost imperceptibly, he leaned toward her. Even he did not fully comprehend what he was doing. All he could think of was the feeling her lips would have on his. Donyelle took a sharp intake of breath as his lips approached hers. This couldn't be happening... Could it? He could never want her. She kept telling herself it couldn't be, but she simply couldn't deny the truth... His face was far closer than it was before.

Both jumped as the loud screech of the door broke through the moment, and Benji was sent falling off the bed and to the floor. Heidi entered the room, entirely oblivious to what it was she had interrupted. As she walked toward the bed, she found her cousin on the floor. Her eyebrow quirked at the scene, but she brushed it off with laughter, walking over to help him up. Looking over to Donyelle, she found her stance to be a puzzling one, stiff and immobile. Finally, the capacity for movement was restored to her, and she turned to leave, but not before giving Benji a telling glance. One that said, "You know where I am if you need to talk," and one she surely wished she could use to convey that she was there for all else, as well. Both thoroughly confused by what had just happened between them, it was certain that neither would be enjoying the luxury of sleep.

*End of Chapter Six*


*Chapter Seven*

Tuesday morning had come far more quickly than Donyelle had wished. When Allison came to her door at 7:00 a.m., she was shocked to find her fully awake, simply staring at the ceiling, undeterred by the creaking of the door, or the movement of her friend as she gradually neared the bed. "What are you doing awake this early?" Allison began, sure there was something deeper than mere insomnia toying with Donyelle's mind, but choosing to approach the situation as cautiously as possible. When no response came, her tone turned to one more serious, and she had to ask, "Is everything okay?"

"What? Oh yeah, yeah I'm fine," Donyelle responded, having just then fully comprehended the fact that another being had entered the room.

"So, there's nothing... On your mind?" she tried again.

"No, not really, just the choreography, and everything. Nothing much special," she said with finality, smiling in reassurance and rising from the bed. Though not overwhelmingly convinced by her explanation, Allison offered her a smile in return, and turned to leave the room. "Allison?" Donyelle called after her, "thanks."

Allison was nearly taken aback by the sincerity in her voice. "Anytime, Donyelle," she returned.

As Allison left, Donyelle went to the closet, drawing out the usual baggy attire. She knew all the contestants would soon be off to the usual breakfast. As much as she loved to be in the company of her friends, all simply enjoying the presence of those around them, she knew she couldn't face Benji. She had nearly kissed him! Her heart would skip several beats at each thought of his lips, and how they looked as they approached her own, but her rationality had convinced her, throughout the long night, that it had merely been a trick of the light. He didn't see her as anything more than a friend, and she accepted that. Any speculation merely added to her confusion and frustration. It was better to be entirely truthful with herself from the start.

Unknowingly, she had been getting herself ready as she explored her grueling thought process. Now fully dressed, she put her hand to the doorknob, intending to join the other girls in the common room. Just as she readied to turn it, she realized all she had done while deep in concentration, and threw herself back on the bed in sheer annoyance. Unfortunately, the act had caused such a clamor that another of her roommates was drawn to the door.

"Donny?" came Martha's worried voice. When an answer was once again refused to be given, Martha opened the door, not bothering to knock. She couldn't help but laugh at the sight before her - Donyelle spread haphazardly across the mattress... Martha went to her side, offering her a hand. As she pulled her up, she slowly approached the door, leaving Donyelle no choice but to follow. To breakfast, it was.

As they neared the table, Donyelle found herself losing what little confidence she had worked up, and she immediately turned to walk in the other direction. Martha grabbed her shoulders, gave her a disapproving look, and guided her back in the right direction. Suddenly, she saw him. He sat by Travis with his head turned down, looking just as uncomfortable with the situation as she was. She couldn't help but smile at the thought of poor Benji being lead in just the same way she was at that very moment. As she stared at him, she felt herself collide with a rather hard object, and, as result, the eyes of everyone there smirking at her choice to run into the chair. His eyes were the only ones she could focus on. She felt them bore holes through the entirety of her being, marking her as his for life. His chin abruptly lowered once more as she tried to meet his gaze. Sighing, she sat in the chair her body had so recently met with, noticing the strange looks she was faced with at being the only one still standing.

Their breakfast continued much as she had expected it to. She routinely glanced in his direction, drowning out the chatter of her peers. His gaze never seemed to move from his plate. That only finalized her opinion of the situation - any thoughts she had had as to his actions were a mistake. Nothing had happened between them as they sat on that bed. She resolved to stop looking in his direction, to stop embarrassing herself by making it so painfully obvious what she felt.

As Benji saw her look away, he looked up to gaze at her perfect features. He had enveloped himself in humiliation over the night before, but could only focus on one solid thought: At least he hadn't kissed her. That was the mantra he forced to pulse through his every vein, but he could still see an image of her lips, clouding his mind. At that thought, he brought his hand up to touch his own.

*End of Chapter Seven*


*Chapter Eight Part One*

Donyelle sat through the majority of the meal in silence, only answering the occasional question with a simple "yes" or "no". Her gaze continued to find its way in Benji's direction, but he never once returned the gesture. Eventually, she gave up her resolution to sulk, turning instead to Martha, intent on engaging in some sort of conversation. Seeing that Martha was already deep in a discussion with Ashlee, she turned instead to the person on her left - Dmitry.

Benji had been attempting to stay staring at his plate for as much of the time as he could. When he did look up, he made sure his gaze fell anywhere but to Donyelle, too afraid to see the expression written across her face. Hard as he had tried to avoid it, his head snapped up and in her direction when he heard her laugh. He could swear his heart exploded and his mind went dead as soon as he realized the scene before him.

"Dmitry, I never knew you had such a sense of humor!" Donyelle choked out through her laughter. Dmitry laughed along with her, carefully placing his hand on hers. She was startled, at first, but did nothing to remove it. After all, Benji had offered the same gesture on many an occasion, and she knew that that was out of nothing more than friendship. Having reinforced that concept in her mind, she had virtually no issue leaning over to touch his arm when he made her laugh once more. She didn't even notice the look of pure jealousy that crossed Benji's features as he reluctantly looked on.

As breakfast came to an end, eleven out of twelve contestants headed off to the studio, Donyelle staying behind as she would not be participating in the group dance this week. Sighing, she walked back to her room, contemplating what to do with herself for the day. She simply sat around for some time, enjoying the luxury of being alone. Eventually, she knew it had to be done. The competition left close to nothing in the form of free time, and what little they were gifted must be thrown to the cause of the essentials. She simply had to do it. Grocery shopping, it was.

Three hours, and several different levels of irritation later, she got back to the room, throwing the bags full of various cereals, bread, fruit, and junk food to the floor. She didn't have the energy to put it all away just then, so she collapsed in the nearest chair, trying to relax the throbbing toe. Just as she got comfortable, flipping through the channels on the television in search of something to watch, there came a knock at the door. Figuring it to be room service, she yelled for them to come back later. The knocking continued, now accompanied by an unmistakable voice. "Dahniel?" he asked. Smiling to herself, Donyelle got up to greet Dmitry, wincing in pain as she rose.

"Hi Dmitry!" she said, smiling, "What are you guys doing back so soon?" Knowing that the group rehearsals tended to require significantly more than a few hours time, she was deservingly confused.

"Oh, Dorianna let us go early today. She said she had a botox appointment to get to, so we have the rest of the day to ourselves," he said, smiling just a bit more than was the usual for him. Brushing off what appeared to be flirting on his end of the interaction, she smiled warmly, inviting him in. "Actually," he said, "I was coming over to invite you to come back to the guys room with me; all the others are there, already."

"Oh, great!" she said, feeling more relieved than she ought to that he had not accepted her offer, which would have left them alone together for more time than she would like. Smiling, once more, she followed him down the hallway. They made it to the door, pushing it open with ease, as it had been left slightly ajar. The ten inside were all laughing in understood companionship. It was time for lunch, but none seemed to take notice, simply fooling around in the group.

Finally, Travis noticed their recent presence, and called out to them, "Hey Donny, Dmitry! You two come sit over here!" They quickly obliged, joining the circle. Unfortunately, this left Donyelle in the awkward position of having to be in such close proximity to Benji. Dmitry had already sat down by Travis, so she couldn't very well ask him to scoot over. She'd simply have to sit next to her partner, as awkward as it was.

"So... What are we doing?" she asked of no-one in particular, in an attempt to put that awkward feeling in her stomach at ease.

Few in the room were not incapacitated by their uncontrollable bursts of laughter. Benji, of course, remained silent, and Dmitry knew no more than she did, herself, so that left Ivan to explain the situation. "We're playing Beyond Balderdash," he told both of the newcomers, though he directed it at her. The confused expression on her face did not waver, so he elaborated, "You go around, and on your turn, you pick a card, and then choose a category. Each category has a question to go with it, and all of the other players write down what they think the answer is. The person who drew the card writes down what the real answer is from the back. Then that person has to read all the answers that people wrote down, as well as the real one. Everyone guesses which answer is correct. If you guess the right one, you get a point; if someone guesses your answer, you get a point. Its pretty simple."

"Sounds fun!" she said, "Count me in."

*End of Chapter Eight Part One*


*Chapter Eight Part Two*

As the twelve sat in their circle, the game began. Musa was the first to draw a card, chuckling lightly to himself. "What does the abbreiviation 'V.I.E.' stand for?" he asked the group. All looked in concentration, save for three; Benji, Donyelle, and Dmitry were all far too distracted by those in their close proximity to focus on the game. The hotel room was small, so there was an understandably short supply of elbow room. As Donyelle moved to reach for the paper she had been passed to write her answer on, her arm gently brushed over Benji's knee, drawing a visible shudder from her partner. Looking over at him, she was hurt to discover just how disgusted he was to come in contact with her. Attempting to brush it off, she offered him an apologetic smile. "Okay," Musa's voice cut it, "Pass me your answers." Donyelle jotted something down absentmindedly, sending it off in his direction.

Musa gathered the papers, reading them aloud to the group. "Okay, guys, the answers to choose from are: 'Virtual Intelligence Exhibit', 'Voyeuristic Islanders Exclusive', 'Visible Icicle Evolution', 'Vampire information Exchange', 'Varsity I-quip-ment Etc.', 'Very Important Existentialists', 'Viable Imports of England', 'Visigoths Irrigate Everything', "Very Intelligent Elephants', 'Vindictive and Irate Europeans', 'Viciously Irksome Effervescence', and 'Visibly Inky Eels'. Eyebrows were quirked at the list of possibilities, none of them seeming all too likely, yet all voted for the answer they hoped to be correct. In the end, it was announced that the correct answer was, in fact, 'Vampire Information Exchange.' None had guessed this, but points were awarded based on whose responses had been chosen

The game continued to progress in much the same fashion. It was learned that a 'spong' was a piece of land shaped like a tongue, though other votes were sent off in the direction of 'a spoon used as a gong', 'a sponge used by the illiterate', and 'a small bird found exclusively in Peru'.

"In Arabia, it used to be grounds for divorce if the husband did not keep..." Heidi read, preparing to reveal the answer to her question, after all guesses had been submitted, "his wife supplied with coffee." Most in the group laughed at the report, most likely considering just how appropriate it was for the ever-smiling Heidi to read this question. Benji, however, remained stoic and stiff in his posture, his gaze never faltering from its target. He had been watching the exchange for some time, entranced by the heart-wrenching sight set out before him. He had never once seen Donyelle so nervous around a man before, a realization that tore through his chest as he failed to comprehend exactly which male friend was the source of such behavior. All he saw was the hand of his rival as it gently brushed against her thigh.

They played well into the afternoon, being educated in all matter of odd knowledge. Who knew that 'turpiloquence' was a word for three-letter words? That the P.T.C.A. was that 'Professional Turkey Calling Association'? Fortunately for the motley crew, they were currently residing in L.A., rather than Chicago, for there it is illegal to fish while sitting on the neck of a giraffe. Others rolled with tumbling laughter, rejoicing in these newfound knowledges. Donyelle's smile was forced, plastered on as a thin film to conceal the truth within her soul. Benji remained defiantly silent, not bothering to pretend. As it was announced that 'haptodysphoria' was an odd sensation felt by certain people when handling peaches or other fuzzy surfaces, Benji could only manage to focus on Donyelle's fingers as Dmitry entangled them with his own. As they intwined, Benji could not resist the urge to look away in pure disgust and a longing to change places with this man he had once considered to be his friend. He had averted his gaze too soon to see her jerk her hand away, resting it resolutely in her lap, and thus sending a clear message to the admirer on her left. Benji could not form any coherant or rational thought beyond the sensation he was feeling right then. He had not recently come in contact with a peach, so assumed it could only be one thing: a deep-rooted jealousy.

*End Chapter Eight Part Two*


*Chapter Nine*

The week progressed in an agonizingly slow routine: Wake up, eat breakfast, go to group practice, return to the hotel. For Benji, the majority of that was done without thought, as his mind would direct itself at only one trouble - that of Donyelle and Dmitry. He always seemed to be talking to her, following her around as though lost or in love... If only he would get lost so Benji wouldn't have to worry about the love part. His socialization with his fellow contestants had reduced to next to nothing, and his late night staring contests with the wall in his pitch black room had become more frequent pastimes. Many an occasion had arisen when a knock would come at his door, announcing him of the arrival of the same concerned friend each time. He ignored it all, for that heart-piercing word that distinguished her as a 'friend' was just what had set him off. He was well aware of his childish stupidity, but had managed to thoroughly convince himself of one clear decision: If she could only ever offer her friendship, he was not inclined to accept any such gift, at all. Dmitry could have her all to himself.

The routine continued on Wednesday night. Donyelle approached his room, fearful of his response, or rather the lack thereof. The images from that night were still imprinted in her mind, not only of the kiss that almost was, but of the sadness that she saw. She still had not discovered what it was eating away at her Benji, making him a stranger to her eyes, but she was determined to save him somehow. She simply could not stand by as he continued down the path he had chosen; she loved him too much.

Knocking on the door, she received the greeting she had been expecting - one of a deep and eery silence. She pounded, once more. Still, there came no stirring. Finally, she yelled for him, losing her generally calm demeanor. "Benji, come open this door right now!" she yelled, and was suddenly taken aback by the stern tone of her own voice. just the same, she resolved to stand her ground. If an act of tough love was all that could get through to him, she would simply have to lay her impeccably clean record of all things kind and gentle to the side. Still, she was afforded no acknowledgment. She stopped her futile beckoning.

FInally, she had given up... Or so Benji thought. The pounding and yelling had stopped, but a rather peculiar sound came to pay him a visit about ten minutes later. He was just beginning to register what that sound was, when the door swung open, revealing Donyelle, newly-printed room key in hand. "Thank God for those nice men at the front desk," she began, smiling what was not a smile of true happiness or laughter, but of bitter resentment and a matter-of-fact statement of how the scenario was about to play out. Benji instinctively leaned back in his chair as she approached him, and she could not help the smile that graced her features at the sight. As soon as it came, it disappeared, replaced by a look of sadness at the mere realization that, at that moment in time, he was afraid of her.

Resolutely, she inched her way closer to him. upon running out of space, she found a route to bring her to his side, and sat down upon his lap. She leaned in to his neck, planting small kisses along it as she worked her way up to his ear. Alas, she reached it, whispering, "Talk to me," so softly that Benji could not be fully sure if she ever truly did, but for the cold shiver sent cascading down his spine. He could no longer resist the temptation. He brought his palm up to touch her cheek, and forcefully brought her face to his, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss. As the two drank in the lips of their fantasies, a pig flew in through the window and landed at their side, drawing arrows from the quiver between its wings, and playing cupid to the lovers.

Benji awoke from his brief though shockingly realistic daydream to find her standing still before him. "Talk to me, Benji," she begged, in a voice quiet, yes, but more the small sound of a child than a whisper of pleasure. She pleaded with him with all of her, her words, her eyes, and her heart. Alas, he acknowledged the sadness he had brought upon her. Rising from the chair he had embedded himself in as he attempted to back away from her, he wrapped his arms fully around her waist, holding her, protecting her. Both sunk into the embrace, reluctant to break the bond. Finally, they forced themselves to let go, sincerely hoping that the other had not understood that more than simple camaraderie had been felt on that end. They spent the night by each others' sides, watching movies in a comfortable silence, stealing glances all along.

*End of Chapter Nine*


*Chapter Ten*

Thursday hit all with the intense force of its sickening reality. This week was anticipated to be especially difficult, as Nigel was to announce a change in format, in addition to the short walk that two were to take to the chopping block. The twelve walked into the arena in an uncomfortable silence, nerves overtaking their usual urge to take part in a regular socialization.

Alas, they made their way to the stage. As eleven among them performed a Disco routine, Donyelle remained backstage to watch. She simply could not help but notice just how incredible he looked out there, the only man on that stage she dared to watch. It was as though the spell would be broken if she even glanced away, as though she would no longer be privileged enough to feel that special way. She laughed to herself as she was brought back to a memory of the night before:

They had watched the movie 'Saturday Night Fever' with John Travolta, simply because they desired a film that they could laugh over. That was what they did most when around each other, making it a favorite past time, and an endearing insight into their hearts. They spent the night sitting side by side on the couch; first with a sizable distance between them, but lessening it significantly as the movie progressed. Eventually, Donyelle had found her way near enough to him that she could no longer resist the urge to come in direct contact with part of him, any part of him. This piece of writing is merely a mild PG-13, so I will tell you now that she chose his shoulder, opting to lean her head ever so slightly down to rest upon it. This simple act installed enough courage in the unsure Benji to inspire him to move as well, to tell him that he should go for it, should put his arm around her. And so he did. They stayed that way for the remainder of the night, never wanting to move, again.

Lost in her thoughts and fantasies, she failed to note that the number had come to an end, and the contestants had begun to file backstage. Benji patiently waited for her attention, then gently lead her onto the stage behind the others.

Now the time had come. Nigel was to announce the news to them all, and wasted no time in getting right to the main, disheartening point. As soon as the news had been told, the room began to blur for two. They prayed for it to be announced as false, as some sort of twisted joke. As distressing as the scene would have been, they would have loved nothing more than to hear Nigel exclaim 'PSYCHE!' It never came... Others around them clapped in joy, but Benji and Donyelle could not even tell if a breath was entering their lungs. Everything was black to them, enveloped in death and despair. It didn't make sense.

The couples of the past week were called up in small groups, forced to face their fate. The two barely even registered that they were safe. They were pleased, of course, but failed to see the joy in the experience without the other to remain by their side. They were broken.

It was a bittersweet scene when Musa and Ashlee were sent home. The pressure forced down upon them all throughout the night had caused many to let go of any thread they had been futilely clinging to, to let all emotions run free. All eyes were filled with emotion, moistened with loss.

It was later in the night that all began to unfold, to gain interest and appeal in a shattered world. The time had come for partners to be chosen. Dmitry had approached Cat, reaching his hand in to withdraw a name, to be the one to tear a partnership, no matter who he was to pick. Benji only hoped that he would not withdraw the name of the one he could not bare to see dance with his rival. "Dahniel," he announce, at last, clearly uplifted by the possibility of such a match.

Benji could not contain himself, could not control the actions that were to follow. Immediately, he dropped to the floor, exclaiming a loud, "No!" as he rose. All eyes fixated on him, and he did not disappoint with the words that followed, clearly not shamed by his outburst. Donyelle looked on quizzically, so he chose to placate all with an explanation, "You can't be paired with HIM! You're supposed to be with me; you're MEANT to be with me, alone, but all of a sudden you only have eyes for Dmitry! I've tried it all, I've accepted our friendship, but, at he end of the day, it's his hand you're reaching for. He's the one you talk to, you laugh with, you spend ALL your time with! Now, that's just great... Swell... Why don't you two just start going out already, and get all this pretending over with? Everyone can see you two like each other, so why not? You can go off and live a happy, fulfilling life with your stud, here, and I'll keep dancing my lonely existence away. I give up on lov-" But his words were cut off, leaving the syllable as something more akin to "luvv". Just the same, Donyelle knew what he meant. Her lips had begun to approach his from the very first words he had uttered, and she had lessened the distance progressively throughout his speech. As the rant wound down, she had heard all she needed to know.

Her mouth crashed down upon his as she forced him upon the chair she had just risen from. Her hand immediately rose up to grasp his hair, pulling him closer to her, refusing to let him go. The fingers of her other hand gently caressed his cheek as she felt him giving into the kiss, realizing just then what was happening. He threw one arm to her waist, entangling the other in her thick curls. Neither wanted that moment to end. As she slowly began to take his bottom lip between her own, he realized he could not stand the teasing, so chose to test the water. Soon Donyelle felt his tongue running across her mouth, and was captured by a flood of emotion that reached far beyond the love she had known to exist there. Shivers of pure pleasure shot up and down her spine, not ceasing in the act of making her aware, aware of just how much she was enjoying this. She had needed no reminder. Finally, she responded, giving him silent permission to proceed as she parted her lips ever so slightly. It didn't matter that so many were looking on, or that cameras were intensely fixated on them alone. They did not care that Dmitry was awaiting his new partner. All that mattered was them, the kiss, and now. All else could wait for an eternity. This moment was to last forever. They were both a tad distracted for the time being, and not by any pigs with wings.

*End of Chapter Ten*


Sorry this post is so long! PLEASE COMMENT!!

~ Moose ~