Out of all the people in the world she would have thought to bump into at Walmart, why would it has to be him? He who broke her heart long ago and made her a bitter person she is today. He who forgot her existence until that very day. He who is none other than Juilliard's own Lee Pace.
Out of all the people in the world she would have thought to bump into at Walmart, why would it has to be him? He who broke her heart long ago and made her a bitter person she is today. He who forgot her existence until that very day. He who is none other than Juilliard’s own Lee Pace.
Title: Wildest Dreams
Chapter Number/One-Shot: One-shot
Author: paigeelisehalelahey
Actor/Non-Actor(AU) Lee/Character: Actor Lee
Rating: T
Author’s Notes/Warnings: Inspired by “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift
“What’s a pretty thing like you doing out here all alone?” a deep voice asked.
“That’s original”, Tera said taking a sip of her champagne. She turned and saw a man leaning up against the railing facing her.
“It wasn’t a pick up line. I was asking a genuine question”, he said.
“It’s not really my kind of party”, she told him.
“Then what do you say we get out of here?” he asked.
“I barely know you”, she said.
The man straightened up. Holy hell, he was tall…and rather handsome. “Lee Pace”, he said.
“Tera”, she said.
“No last name?” he asked her.
“Like I said, I barely know you Mr. Pace”, she told him.
“At least allow me one dance”, he said holding out his hand.
She took it and he led her onto the dance floor. Tera placed her hands on his biceps, due to the height difference and Lee placed his hands high on her waist.
Their eyes never left each others and Tera got lost in Lee’s crystal blue eyes.
They suddenly stopped dancing and Lee grasped Tera’s chin in his hand, titling her head back.
He leaned down and placed his lips on hers.
Tera’s hands slid into his hair. Tera pulled back and said, “I’m going to go get something to drink”.
He watched her disappear into the crowd. He never saw her again.
Title: More Trick Than Treat
Chapter Number/One-Shot: One-Shot
Author: paigeelisehalelahey
Actor/Non-Actor(AU) Lee/Character: Actor Lee
Rating: T
Author’s Notes/Warnings: No warnings
“Marvel is hosting a Halloween party”, Lia told Lee as she read the invitation, “You should go as the Black Bandit!”
Lee sighed.
Lia loved his film The Fall. She watched it whenever she had a bad day.
“Lia…” Lee said.
“You don’t have to if you don’t want to”, Lia told him.
“And who will you be going as?” he asked her.
“I have no idea, but I’ll figure something out”, she said stroking her 8 month pregnant stomach.
“Where is it being held?” Lee asked.
“Here in New York, so there won’t be any problems traveling”, Lia told him.
Lee managed to find someone to recreate his costume.
Lia settled on being a cat.
“Are you sure you’re up for this?” Lee asked her.
“Yeah”, Lia said. Her back had been hurting all day. Lia went in search of something non-alcoholic to drink. When she found Lee again, he was talking to someone.
“Oh here she is!” Lee said, “Lia, this is Tom Hiddleston”.
“It’s very nice to meet you”, she said, “Who do you play?”
“It’s nice to finally meet someone who doesn’t know who I am. I play Loki in the Thor movies”, Tom said, “Congratulations by the way. What are you having?”
“We don’t know”, Lee told him, “We wanted it to be a surprise”.
“Do you have a date tonight?” Lia asked.
“Yeah, she’s around here somewhere”, Tom said.
“Lee!” they heard a voice squeal.
A small blonde barreled into him and hugged him.
“Hey Belle”, he said.
The blonde let go and said, “How have you been?”
“Good”, Lee said.
“Oh Lia, look at you. You look like you’re ready to pop any day”, Belle said, “I mean that in the best way possible”.
“I didn’t know you two knew each other”, Tom said.
“I visited Ben briefly when he was in New Zealand”, she told him, “Shortly after we met”.
“I remember reading about that”, Lee said.
Lia looked at Belle’s costume.
Belle was wearing a leather jacket, a union jack t-shirt, jeans, and converse.
“Who are you supposed be?” she asked her.
“I’m Rose Tyler”, Belle said, “Matt thought it would be clever”.
“No one has asked me who I am”, Tom said.
“We all know you’re Shakespeare”, Belle said, “Who else would you be?”
Lia suddenly doubled over and gasped.
“Lia? What’s wrong?” Lee asked her.
She cried out.
“Oh my god. She’s in labor”, Belle said.
“Tom, Belle, could you watch her while I go get the car?” Lee asked.
When they arrived at the hospital, Lee ran up to the nurse’s counter. “My fiancé’s in labor”, he said.
“Very funny sir”, the girl said.
Lee slammed his hand down on the counter. “This isn’t a joke!” he roared, “She’s passed out in my car! Something’s wrong!”
A doctor came running up. “Calm down sir”, he said.
“My pregnant fiancé is passed out in my car and I don’t know what to do”, Lee said.
The doctor grabbed a group of nurses and a gurney and they wheeled Lia into the maternity ward.
“We’re going to do a c-section”, the doctor told Lee, “If something is seriously wrong with her, we need to get the baby out. Then we can make a decision”.
“A decision?! This is my fiancé’s life we’re talking about!” Lee yelled.
Tom stood up and said, “Thank you doctor”. He led Lee back over to the chairs.
“It wasn’t supposed to be like this”, Lee said softly.
Lia opened her eyes. Her vision was fuzzy, but she could make out the outline of Lee, purely because of his costume. Her vision focused and she noticed Lee holding a small bundle. “What is it?” she asked hoarsely.
“A girl”, he told her.
Lia smiled and said, “Alexandria”.
Lee let out a small laugh. “Of course”, he said taking her hand in his, “It’s perfect. Alexandria Pace”.
Title: Play it again
Chapter Number/One-Shot: Oneshot
Author: paigeelisehalelahey
Actor/Non-Actor(AU) Lee/Character: Actor Lee
Rating:T
Summary: Lee, while on break from filming Pushing Daisies, goes home to Houston, Texas. While there, his family is invited to a BBQ being held by the Lincoln’s. Lee agrees to go and ends up meeting their daughter Lia.
“Lia, sweetheart. The Pace’s have just arrived”, her mother said. Lia didn’t know anything about the Pace’s, other than they had a son around her age. She didn’t know anything about him either, except that he was an actor. Her mother led her over to where the Pace’s were sitting. She assumed their son was the one with his head leaned back, lightly napping.
Lee’s mother gently shook him, waking him up.
“Charlotte, James, this is my daughter Ophelia”, her mother said.
“Please call me Lia”, she told them. Lia’s eyes settled on Lee. “Aren’t you a tall glass of water?” she teased.
Lee smiled at her.
Her accent wasn’t too thick, but just enough to make it cute.
He stood up and towered over Lia.
“I take that back. More like a pitcher of water”, she said.
Lee blushed and put his hands in his pockets. “I’m Lee”, he told her.
“You’re adorable!” Lia gushed, “Seriously, someone as tall as you shouldn’t be this adorable”.
Lee gave her a shy smile. He glanced around and realized that their parents had left them alone.
The two of them had been so wrapped in each other that they hadn’t noticed.
As the night went on, Lee and Lia continued to get to know each other.
Lia’s mother and father had started up some music, so the guests could dance. Suddenly, Lia’s favorite song came on. “Oh my god! I love this song!” Lia said grabbing Lee’s hand.
“I don’t dance”, he told her, “Tall people don’t dance. It’s just not right”.
“There’s a first time for everything”, she said and dragged him onto the dance floor. She started dancing while Lee just stood there awkwardly. “Relax”, she told him.
“I told you. I. Don’t. Dance”, he said.
Lia thought up an idea. She dragged him off the dance floor and pulled him into the house. She scooped her keys off the counter and led him out to her truck. She drove them to a back country road. She got out and pulled out her phone. She plugged it into the truck’s speakers and turned up the volume.
“Um…why are we out here?” he asked her.
“So you and I can dance without you having to worry about looking like an idiot”, she told him.
Lee smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist, while Lia held onto his biceps due to their height difference.
Lia didn’t mind the significant height difference. She liked feeling small, even though she was 5’6, but she knew Lee was well over 6’.
They swayed together as they danced in the headlights.
“See? You’re dancing”, she told him.
“I highly doubt swaying counts as dancing”, Lee said.
“First time for everything”, she repeated, causing Lee to smile.
They drove back to Lia’s house and by that time, the party was over.
“I had a nice time tonight”, Lee said.
“Me too”, Lia said, “When do you go back?”
Lee knew this question was coming. “’Bout a month”, he told her.
“Well then, you’ve got exactly a month to sweep me off my feet”, she said. Lee smiled. She turned to open her front door, but Lee grabbed her hand. She turned and Lee’s lips were on hers. She grabbed onto his neck and Lee lifted her up so their heads were level.
Title: Tiny Dancer
Chapter Number/One-Shot: Chapter 8
Author: gamoraaaaa
Actor/Non-Actor(AU) Lee/Character: Actor!Lee
Rating: T
Author’s Notes/Warnings: Soooo, this isn’t as long as the other chapters, but I’ll make up for that later on. I figured it needed a change of pace (hehe, pace) just to keep it interesting. Anyway, thank you for the love and I hope you enjoy!
“A hundred bucks says they break up within the month.”
“I’ll take zat bet.”
“I dunno. I think their kinda…cute.”
Simone, Amalie and Georgia were eavesdropping and making occasional glances at Lee and Lana in her dressing room. He couldn’t keep his hands off of her. Lana would kiss him mid-sentence and giggle.
Maria came in, rolling her eyes. “Mind your own business, puntas. You’re just jealous.”
“Please. I am plenty taken care of, thank you very much.” Simone answered, running a hand through her dark tresses.
“Not like that you don’t. When was the last time a man stared at you like that with your clothes on?”
Simone didn’t answer.
Georgia sighed. “She deserves to be happy. I just wish some famous actor would come sweep me off my feet.”
“She’s just the movie of the week, Georgia. He’ll get bored with her or get tired of her dancing and drop her ass. There’s a reason dancers are single.” Simone applied another coat of mascara and rubbed her dark lips together. “Don’t start planning their wedding yet.”
“Ohh, I zhink someone iz jealous.” Simone grinned, winking at Georgia.
“Whatever.” Simone threw her lipstick on her vanity walked to the stage in a huff.
Lana poked her head out of the dressing room. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah. Simone’s just on the rag or something.” Georgia answered.
“Okay…” She turned back to Lee.
“Is there a vicious cat fight about to start?” Lee asked, smirking.
Lana rolled her eyes. “Hardly. So, what were you going to tell me?”
“Well, I have to go to London for re-shoots and I have a live fan event for The Hobbit.”
She looked at him in the reflection of the mirror, swiping a blush brush over her cheek. “Mmm-hmm.”
“And,” he stood up, walking behind her, “I was wondering if you wanted to come with me.”
Stopping her strokes, she moved her eyes to Lee. “Seriously?”
“Yeah. I mean, it would be nice to have you there with me.”
She turned around. “Won’t you be busy most of the time? What would I do?”
Lee wrapped his arms around her. “Explore. Relax. Meet some of my friends. I don’t know, use your imagination.”
“You want me to meet your friends?”
“Of course I do. Why wouldn’t I?” Lee asked, frowning.
“Oh, I don’t know. Being a burlesque dancer comes to mind.”
He frowned deeper. “And that matters because…?”
“Because it’s not exactly a profession looked at kindly. I’m one step away from being a stripper and-”
“Lana, stop.” Lee interrupted. “You’re not a stripper. You’re a singer and a dancer. It’s not anything that we haven’t done before.”
Lana rolled her eyes. “Please. Your friends are legitimate actors. It’s not the same.”
“Why are you so worried about what my friends think? They’re going to love you no matter what you do.”
Lana sighed, turning back to the mirror. “You don’t know that.”
“I know my friends. And I know that they don’t care what you do for a living. You don’t even have to talk about it.”
Lee saw Lana’s eyes glaring at him from the reflection in the mirror. Slowly, she turned around. “So, lie about it?”
“That’s not what I said. I said you don’t have to talk about it.”
“You don’t think it’s going to come up somehow? It’s part of normal conversation when meeting someone.”
It was Lee’s turn to glare. “It didn’t come up when you met me.”
Lana blinked. “That’s not fair.”
“Isn’t it? I mean, come on Lana. Why didn’t you want to tell me when we first met?”
“I already told you why.”
Lee nodded. “Exactly. You were too ashamed to tell me. It has nothing to do with me or my friends. Have you considered that maybe everyone would think that what you do is impressive? I know a lot of people and there aren’t many that can do what you do.”
Lana crossed her arms, staring at Lee.
“You’re already putting labels on something that hasn’t happened yet. Come to London with me. Give them a chance; you might be surprised.” He gently held her arms.
She stared at him hard for a few more moments, then she rolled her eyes. “I have to ask for the time off. I don’t know if I can.”
“Try. If you can’t, then you can’t.” He leaned down, kissing her unyielding lips. “Kiss me.”
“No. I’m mad at you.” Her eyes were focused on her feet.
“Okay, okay. I’ll leave.” Pressing his lips to her cheek, he then turned to leave. “The door will be unlocked if you want to come by. Have a good show.” The curtain swished as he left.
Lana watched for a few more seconds before sighing and turning back to her vanity. She had just started on her makeup again when she saw a pair of eyes staring at her from the curtain.
“Did you work out that solo, Simone?”
“Yeah. Your boy just left. He didn’t look too happy.”
Lana smirked. “Just a little tiff, nothing too serious.”
“It could turn into something serious. We don’t have relationships like everyone else.”
“What are you getting at, Simone?” Lana asked, gingerly applying lipstick.
“I’m saying,” she moved closer to Lana and leaned over her check her own makeup, “-you should end it before one of you gets hurt.” Simone peered down at Lana. “I’m only looking out for you, honey.” Rubbing her lips together one last time, she stood up and walked out.
Lee could have sworn he heard the front door open, but he knew he was probably dreaming. Lana had been pretty mad at him when he left, so his invitation probably wasn’t going to be accepted tonight. His eyes became heavy again and he started drifting off to sleep. The left side of the bed shifted and a warm hand swept the hair away from his brow.
Lee opened his eyes. Her hair was curly and loose around her face, but the makeup was gone. He noticed she was wearing one of his t-shirts. “I’ve been looking for that.”
“It smells like you. I didn’t think you would mind.”
“It looks better on you anyway.”
She swallowed and sighed, pushing hair behind her ear. “I talked to my boss.”
Lee sat up. “And?”
“He said I can only take a week off.”
“I can work with that.”
Lana tilted her head. “I’m sorry I freaked out. I just-” she shook her head, “-it’s just hard to-”
“I know.” He grabbed her hand. “You don’t have to explain. I’m sorry I upset you.”
She nodded. Wordlessly, she removed her shirt, pulling up the covers to snuggle in next to him. He held her close, reveling in warm scent of her skin and how her fingers caressed his chest softly. One of her bare legs wiggled it’s way between his. His fingers twirled in her hair, letting the ebb and flow of her breath lull him to sleep.
“Lee.”
“Mmhmm?”
For a second, her body tensed. Then she relaxed again and nuzzled her face against his collarbone. “Nevermind. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
Lee frowned. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah. I’m sorry I woke you up.”
“Okay. Lana?”
“Uh-huh?”
“I’m-” he paused, “I’m kind of crazy about you.”
The tension in her back returned, but she didn’t move away. She also didn’t say anything. He convinced himself that she had just fallen asleep and decided not to bother her. Closing his eyes, he let himself slip into sleep again. Some time in the night, the sound of a closing door startled him away. Lana was gone. His t-shirt was still on the floor. He waited a few minutes, listening for the sound of the fridge opening or the faucet turning on. After a little while, he realized she wasn’t coming back.
He laid back down, but this time he wasn’t sleepy.
Once the clapping stopped and the audience sat back down, the ladies went off in different directions, Lana with them.
“For our first number,” the Emcee started, “we want to take you back to a simpler time. Where everything was new and the word 'vintage' hadn't been invented yet. Once again, ladies and gentleman, Miss Lana Martin.”
Lee felt his entire body stiffen as the spotlight centered on her silhouette. Her back was to the audience, but he could see feathers covering her lower half. Her back was bare, showing a tattoo between her shoulder blades. The music started up and she turned her head, showing a glittering headband. Lee's eyes attached her her red lips.
She smiled and started to sing, “The French are glad to die for love.”
Spinning around, his eyes moved to the diamond-studded leotard she wore, making her porcelain skin shine brighter. He watched her dance and sing with such grace and poise, he almost didn't believe it was Lana. A group of men came on stage, lifting and dancing with her effortlessly. Lee was having a hard time getting a breath or concentrating for that matter. All he could see was her and the way her body moved. The way her hand touched the bare chests and drew herself so close, one second more and he could have sworn they would have kissed. A strange mixture of jealousy and arousal coursed through his body.
At one point, she looked over in his direction. She stayed smiling, but her eyes told him that he had been spotted and his presence was most unexpected. The number ended and she flitted her eyes back to the audience, bowing to their their applause. Lee grabbed Mike's arm.
“Why didn't you tell me Lana danced here?”
Mike looked back at him, confused. “She didn't tell you?”
“No, I just assumed she worked a night shift somewhere.”
“I guess she didn't want you to know.” Mike shrugged.
Lee gave him a look, “But she told you?”
“Yeah, the day I helped moved her in. What's the big deal?”
He opened his mouth to answer, when Alice came to their table. “So, what did you think?” The question was directed at Lee, but he was too distracted to answer. She smiled widely, “That good, huh? Lana seems to have that effect on people. Can I get you something else?”
Lee blinked up at her, “Yeah. Would it be possible for me to talk to Lana?”
The waitress looked a little hurt, but she smirked it away, “You liked her that much, huh? I'll see what I can do.”
She flounced off and Mike frowned at Lee, “You're not gonna go back there and ask why she didn't tell you, are you? She obviously didn't want you to know.”
“Then why did you bring me here? You must have known she was dancing tonight, why else would you have been so insistent on my coming with you?”
Mike sighed. Another dance number started and he raised his voice, “Look, I actually forgot until they announced her name and by then it was too late. What'd you want me to do, cover your eyes? You would have found out eventually.”
Alice came back and squatted down next to Lee. “She said to wait for her after the show ends.”
He looked at Alice who smiled and patted his shoulder. She sat next to Mike and took a swig of his drink. Amalie was dancing on stage, singing something in French which Lee only knew a few words of. He was too busy thinking about Lana to be fully engaged in the song anyway. He clapped when it was over, then stood up.
“Are you leaving?” Mike asked, craning his neck to look at Lee.
“I just need some air. I'll be back.” Without looking back at his friend, he made his way out to the lobby.
An escort asked him if he was alright and he nodded, grateful that the man didn't insist he go back inside. There was a small window set in the door to the auditorium, where he could see Lana dancing to her next number. This time she was dancing with with one man. She wore a red dress that barely came past her thighs, which as he later saw, was so the man could pick her up easier. The dance was seductive and slow. If it hadn't been for the clothing, it would have looked like they were making love on stage. She gripped onto him as they bodies moved together and he didn't refrain from touching his mouth to her skin on a couple of occasions. That strange feeling from before was starting to churn in his stomach again, but this time he was more aroused than before.
He imagined it was him that was dancing with Lana, bringing her body close to his in such a way that they moved as one. Her red lips parted ever so slightly and her eyelids fluttered closed as the male dancer moved a hand down her body to grab her waist and spin her around. Lee's mind went back to her lying on the floor, wet and naked, looking up at him. A knot began to form in his chest and he breathed heavily to try and relieve the tension.
Tension was building elsewhere and from a slight glance down to his pants, he saw the evidence bulging out. Lee suddenly wanted to go home. He was so turned on by Lana's dancing he wasn't sure he would be able to function if he met with her face-to-face. The music swelled to an end and he was silently grateful. When he looked back to the stage, the man and Lana were gone. He sighed.
The rest of the evening was spent on a set of stairs leading to the balcony. He was trying to get calm and level-headed before meeting with Lana. He didn't know what he was going to say to her. He really wasn't upset at her keeping her job a secret. On the other hand, it really bugged him that she trusted Mike enough to tell him and not Lee. A raucous round of applause signaled that the show was over and soon, the patrons started filing out. Mike was the last one out and he sat next to Lee.
They were quiet for a minute. Lee appreciated his friend not asking why he hadn't come back in. They had been friends for a long time, but he didn't think Mike wanted to hear about Lee's raging hard-on. Finally, Mike stood back up and headed towards the exit. Before he left, he turned around.
“I'm not expecting you to kiss and tell, but if something happens, I kind of want to know about it.”
Lee shook his head, “Go home, Mike.”
His friend laughed and left. It was suddenly very quiet and he felt strange sitting on the steps alone. He kind of felt like a little kid waiting for his mother to come and get him. Lee stood up, deciding to go back inside to wait for Lana. A few of the waitresses were picking up empty cups and beer bottles. Alice was sitting at the bar, counting tips. They made eye contact and she smiled, giving him a little wave. He waved back.
A tap on his shoulder made him turn around. Amalie, much shorter than she looked on stage, was looking up at him.
“Lana would like to speak wiz you.” She said in a very thick French accent. She spun around and started walking towards the stage. Lee stood for a moment, not sure if she wanted him to follow her or if he should wait for Lana out here.
Amalie turned around, walking backwards. She crooked a finger at him, “Suivez-moi!”
“Oh.” Lee followed after her quickly.
They went behind the stage to a room line with lighted vanities and dressing partitions. All the girls were in different states of dress and undress, but none of them seemed to notice Lee. The one they called Simone was bent over in front of her vanity, still dressed in her nylons and spanks. One more glance and he noticed that was all she was wearing.
“Put some clothes on, Simone! We 'ave company!” Amalie cried.
Simone gave Lee a heated gaze, her dark eyes roving over him. He looked away and he heard her chuckle. Finally, she stood up and moved behind the partition.
“I'm back here.” Lee was relieved to hear Lana's voice and quickly walked towards it, trying hard to not make eye contact with anyone else.
He was also relieved to see that Lana was fully dressed. She was putting on her street shoes and finished tying them before looking up at Lee. He didn't say anything at first and neither did she. Soon, the other women were gone, leaving them alone. Lana leaned against her vanity, staring at Lee.
“I guess Mike told you.”
He exhaled, shaking his head, “He swears he forgot you were dancing until you came on.”
She nodded, looking at her shoes. “And now you're wondering why I didn't tell you.”
“Yeah. A little.” He leaned down, trying to catch Lana's eyes. She flicked her eyes to him.
“I wanted to tell you. I almost did last night. I just-” she paused, crossing her arms, “I wasn't sure how. I mean, I felt ashamed, I guess. I didn't think you would like me if I told you that I'm a burlesque dancer.”
Lee smiled, “And a pretty good one too.”
She blushed a little, trying her hardest not to smile. They were quiet for a minute and Lee moved closer.
“I'm not trying to be funny or anything, but do you want to come over?”
Lana frowned at him. “Why?”
“There's something I want to show you.”
*~*
Lana agreed to come over and he was glad to see that she wasn't upset with him for finding out her secret. When Lee opened the door, Carl bounded over to Lana, practically jumping into her arms. She squealed and cooed at him, kneeling down to let him lick her cheek. Lee watched them, feeling his heart turn to mush at how affectionate they were with each other.
Lana stood back up, wiping the slobber off of his cheek. “I'm going to have to get my own dog soon or I might steal yours again.”
Lee laughed, “I'm sure he wouldn't even notice.”
She moved to the kitchen, sticking her hands nervously in her pocket. “So, what did you want to show me?”
“Patience." He chortled at her anxiousness. "Do you want a drink first?”
“Wine, if you have it.”
He nodded, “I do actually. You sit and I'll get the drinks.” He motioned towards the couch and she obliged without argument.
A few minutes later, the drinks were poured and he handed one of the glasses off to her.
“Okay, so you are being really cryptic and it's making me nervous.” She said, taking a sip of her wine.
Lee bent down to a shelf beside the T.V scanning the titles of his movie collection until he found the one he wanted. He pulled it out, keeping it hid from Lana. She sat up higher to try and get a better look.
“So, we're watching a movie?”
“Yes.” He answered, smirking as he put the DVD in the player.
Her eyes followed him as he joined her on the couch. “Which movie?”
Lee looked at her, “Just watch and you'll find out.”
Title: Tiny Dancer
Chapter Number/One-Shot: Chapter 4
Author: prettypaperdoll
Actor/Non-Actor(AU) Lee/Character: Actor!Lee
Rating: M
Author’s Notes/Warnings: Thank you for reading!! Things are about to get very interesting.
The next evening Lee got a call from Mike.
“We should go out, dude. Celebrate your glorious return.”
Lee sighed, “I've been back for a couple weeks now.”
“Better late than never, right? Where should we go? I know of this really awesome place on fifth.”
He listened to his friend ramble and he smirked. “Mike, I don't know if I'm really up for going out tonight. I have a lot of stuff to do and-”
“What stuff? Are you already on the next project? I thought you were taking time off.”
“I am, but that doesn't mean I don't have things I need to do. I have a play coming up that I need to start getting ready for and I'm pretty sure-”
“One night is not going to kill you.” Mike interrupted again.
Lee looked at the wall connected his and Lana's apartment. He hadn't heard from her since last night and part of him wondered if his being anti-social was because of her. He thought another moment and then sighed again.
“Okay. Fine. But no strip clubs. I mean it.”
Mike chuckled, “Scout's honor.”
When they entered the building Mike promised wasn't a strip club, Lee couldn't help but wonder if he had actually been telling the truth. Once they got past the bouncers and vintage twenties decorated lobby, they were escorted to a large room with a stage covered by a bright red, velvet curtain. Black tables and chairs were spaced evenly in front of the stage. An elaborate bar stood on the left side of the room with what looked like very alcoholic drink known to man.
Lee was confused. This placed looked like a dinner theater which he knew Mike had no interest in whatsoever. Mike, however, looked excited; happy even. Lee looked around, seeing other patrons filling up the other tables until very soon the entire house was full.
“Don't looked so weirded out, man.” Mike said, hitting Lee's arm with the back of his hand. “I told you it wasn't a strip club.”
“I'm starting to believe you. Are we seeing a show?”
Mike nodded, a Cheshire cat grin on his face. “Oh. Most definitely.”
Lee had more questions, but from the way Mike was being so evasive, he might as well just sit back and relax. A few moments later, a group of girls who he assumed were the waitresses, came floating out. They were dressed in the traditional cigarette girl costume, but without the box of cigarettes hanging around their necks. A tall, blonde girl came to their table and smiled at Mike.
“Back again? This is the third time this week.”
Mike grabbed her gloved hand and kissed the back of it. “Just for your sweetheart. I'd like you to meet someone. Alice, this is my friend and the best actor in Hollywood, Lee Pace.”
Alice turned to him, wide-eyed. “Oh? Is that so?”
Lee smirked awkwardly, “Mike likes to exaggerate.”
“Mike exaggerate? No!” She looked back at Mike, who shrugged. Alice turned her attention back to Lee, “Well, Mister Actor-Man. Is this your first time here?”
“Yes. I didn't even know it existed until Mike brought me.”
Alice leaned down, her exaggerated cleavage directly in his eye line. “We're New York's best kept secret. You're gonna have a great time, I promise.”
Her full, red lips formed into a seductive smile and Lee smiled back, “I hope so.”
Mike had leaned around her, nodding happily. She leaned back up, leaning on Mike with her elbow. “What can I get you?”
“I'll have a Jack and Coke, please.” Mike requested, looking up at her almost lovingly. Alice looked back at Lee. “And for you?”
“Just a beer for now, please.”
She raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow, but nodded and sashayed away, throwing a look over her shoulder at Lee. He turned his attention to the red candle burning in the middle of the table, trying not to make eye contact with Mike, who was obviously still watching Alice and apparently didn't notice how hard she had been flirting with Lee.
“She's something, right?” Mike asked, finally peeling his eyes away from Alice.
Lee nodded. “Yeah. Definitely something.” He inhaled, looking back at the stage.
New York's best kept secret, he thought. For being a secret, they didn't have any trouble filling the place up. It made him a little nervous to not know what he was about to watch, but he trusted Mike enough to not bring him someplace that Mike knew the other would be uncomfortable with. He wasn't a prude, considering that he, himself, played a dancer and lived that life for a little while. His thoughts were interrupted by a beer bottle being placed in front of him.
“Beer for the movie star and a jack and coke for Michael. Can I get you two anything else?”
Mike grabbed her hand again, “Just your lovely company.”
Alice sighed, “Alas, I would love to sit with you, but I have a job to do. Maybe you can sweep me off my feet and take me away from all this, then I could sit and have a drink with you.” She gestured around her.
“In a heartbeat, darling.” Mike said.
Alice made a side glance to Lee, giving him that seductive grin again. He felt his stomach tighten a little under her hot gaze. He smirked back and took a sip of his beer. It had been a long time since he had flirted so heavily with someone, especially someone like Alice who obviously knew exactly what she was doing.
“Well,” she sighed, “I better get back to work. If I get a break, maybe I'll come have a drink with you.” Alice winked at Mike, then turned and walked to another table.
The house lights started to dim and Mike looked at Lee. “Here we go. If you like Alice, you're gonna love the others.”
Lee frowned, “The others?”
The sound of the curtain being opened snapped Lee's attention to the front. A lone chair stood in the middle of the stage with a bright spotlight shining on it. A slow jazz number started and an older man in a tuxedo came out on stage. He came to the chair and stopped, facing the audience.
“Ladies and gentlemen. It is my great honor to welcome you to our humble abode. We know that you have all had a long day and an even longer week. These times are hard. We slave behind desks, typing our life away one hour at a time, only to be rewarded with measly pay and no gratitude whatsoever.”
Someone in the audience shouted, “Yeah!”
The man smiled and continued. “But tonight, you are forgetting about all of that. Tonight, you only are required to drink, be merry, and most importantly,” he paused, “be entertained. So! Without further ado, I present to you the lovely ladies of L'Artiste!”
The emcee flourished his hand up, then backed off the stage. The music picked up and a line of six girls made their way onto the stage, each dressed more differently than the next. They all glittered and shined, dancing to the rhythm of the music. They were mesmerizing and beautiful, like stars on a clear night. Lee looked over at Mike who was whistling and clapping wildly. The music ended with each girl in their own pose and Lee started clapping too.
The emcee returned on stage and a new music number started. “Aren't they lovely? For most, you already know these ladies, but for those with us who are new, we'll do an introduction. The lovely flower on the far end is Amalie. She is our lady of Paris, and she is very French in all the good ways.”
Amalie smiled mischeviously, winking at the audience. She flipped her long, black hair behind her and started moving her hips to the beat of the music.
“Next we have Miss Georgia. She hails from the south and is sweet at the peaches that grow on her daddy's farm. I'm sure if you asked, she might even give you a taste.”
This girl had her red hair in pigtails and she wore tall Cowboy boots. She twitched her chest, making the audience howl and clap in response.
“Our third lady is the mysterious Simone. I can't tell you where she's from because I honestly don't know. But we all love a lady with a secret, don't we?”
Simone leaned forward, giving a deadly stare to a man in the front row, who stood up and walked towards her. She whispered something in his ear and his smile grew wider. When she moved back into the line, the man stumbled back to his seat, nearly missing it as he sat down. The audience laughed and Simone smiled.
The emcee introduced Betty who so closely resembled Betty Page, she could have been her twin. Then it was Maria, the Spanish beauty who could hypnotize a man with the flick of her wrist. Last, he introduced Lucy, a book worm who could teach them a thing or two. Lee gathered he liked her the best, from the frantic way he clapped and hollered.
He couldn't help but chuckle at Mike's enthusiasm. The emcee moved to center stage, in front of the girls.
“And last, but certainly not least, I want to introduce you to the shining jewel in our crown, our headliner, Miss Lana Martin!”
The ladies and emcee parted left and right. Lee's breath caught in his chest. Lana strutted down the center of the stage, smiling at the audience, who for the most part was on their feet, including Mike.
A few days passed and Lee was starting to get settled again. He had jet lag like crazy, but having time off allowed him to sleep when he needed to and get his internal clocks running normal again. It felt strange knowing that he was never going back to the world Peter had created. He had grown so accustomed to the scenery and the sheer beauty of everything around him, New York seemed almost dull in comparison.
Acclimating wasn't so hard the first time around because he knew he would be going back for re-shoots in a few months. This time, however, was a little more difficult. The first few hours after getting back, he went through all the pictures he had taken, remembering everything and everyone, feeling pangs of a strange sort sadness; almost like he was homesick.
Now he was sitting in his living room, feeling bored and lazy. His body had woken him up at five in the morning, and two hours later, he hadn't accomplished anything. He had flipped through all the T.V. channels a million times and it was only when he heard Carl whining at the door of the balcony that he lolled his head away from the screen.
“What's the matter, buddy?”
The whines were getting louder and he even jumped up to the door handle, apparently hoping that it would just come open. Lee smiled and got up, opening the door for him.
“There. As bad as you want to catch those pigeons, you'll never get one. It requires stealth, which you-” his words suddenly failed him as he looked over at Lana's balcony.
She was sitting on a bright pink yoga mat, legs crossed underneath her and wrists resting on the side of her knees. A breeze blew through her waves of dirty blond hair, which flowed behind her, catching the rays from the rising sun. Her eyes were closed and from the way her chest moved up and down, it looked like she was doing deep breathing. Lee's eyes focused on the neon blue tank top she wore and how it accentuated her curves in all the right ways.
He blinked suddenly, looking away. Yeah, I'm definitely being a creep.
Carl jumped up on the rails and whined again. Lana's eyes fluttered open and she smiled, moving fluidly from sitting to standing and coming to her own railing.
“Hey buddy! I've missed you!” She made eye contact with Lee and raised an eyebrow, “His Stockholm syndrome hasn't improved, I see.”
He smiled back at her, “Not at all. He stares at the the wall conjoining our apartments and cries. You've ruined him for life.”
She giggled and his heart fluttered unexpectedly at the sound.
“I'm sorry about that.” She was quiet for a moment and she glanced down at her feet. Lee noticed her top teeth worrying her bottom lip, bringing about that speechlessness that he experienced yesterday. He was grateful when she started talking again, otherwise he would have stared at her biting her lip all day. Their eyes met again and she nervously pushed hair behind her ears.
“I was actually thinking about asking you if I could borrow him to go jogging. He was my partner for a little while and now I feel so lonely when I go by myself. But if you don't want him reuniting with his kidnapper, I completely understand.”
Lee laughed out loud, “I think that'd be okay. If you're looking for a partner that doesn't try to sniff other dogs while running-” he paused for a second, “-I can go with you too.”
Lana's eyes brightened. “That would be great! It is a bit of a work out to keep from him chasing the squirrels. And birds. And other runners.” She laughed again and he felt that weird thump in his chest.
“Great. When do you normally go?”
“Oh, well, I was going to go right now. You can come with me tomorrow if you'd like, seeing as you're still in your pajamas and all.”
Lee looked down at his sweats, giving her an awkward smile. “Give me a few minutes and I'll be ready.”
She shrugged, “Okay. I'll meet you in the lobby, then.”
He had never gotten ready for something so fast in his life. It took him a few minutes to find all his workout clothes, but he dressed quickly, put a leash on Carl and headed to the elevator. He watched as the numbers got smaller, descending to the lobby. The doors finally opened and he saw Lana bent over, putting her long hair into a ponytail. Again, his eyes went to how tightly her running capris hugged her legs and ass, which was one of the more amazing ones he had ever seen. He had to avert his eyes to the floor before she saw him ogling her.
She flipped her hair back, and smiled at Lee. “Ready?”
He swallowed, “Yeah. Ready.”
“Okay, I usually jog to the park, run the trail and then walk back. Is that okay?” Her brownish-green eyes looked bigger with her hair being up and he found himself staring into them once more.
Lee nodded, remembering that it was weird to stare. “Uhm, yeah, I usually do that too.”
“Great, let's go.”
Even though he was several inches taller than her, making his strides much longer, she was able to keep up rather well. They jogged the mile to the park and then ran around the cement path that went through the park. Occasionally, he would look over at her, watching her breathing and concentrating on keeping up. One of the times, she caught him looking and blushed, then sped up a little so he couldn't look directly at her. The creep factor was kind of coming into play, so he kept his eyes on the path, trying not to concentrate on anything but the way she looked while running. Mouth slightly open, breathing heavily, sweat dancing on her brow. Not to mention the way everything moved underneath her clothing.
“Lee, look out!”
He only had a few seconds to react and by that time, it was too late. He felt himself falling and then Carl was on top of him, licking his face. After the sudden vertigo went away, he saw Lana standing above him, eyes wide with fear.
“Are you okay? I could have sworn you saw that stump.”
It took a few times of blinking before he could answer. “I-I guess not.”
“You fell pretty hard. Did you hit your head?”
He didn't feel anything but embarrassment. “No, I don't think so.”
“Here, let me help you.” Lana gently helped him up to sitting position. “Does anything hurt?”
“Now that you mention it-” He looked at the palms of his hands and saw bright red scrapes, with darker tinges of blood starting to ooze through.
She made a pained face and gingerly held both hands to examine the wounds. “Ouch.”
Lee felt the warmth of her hands calm his shaking ones. “It's alright. I've had worse.”
“We should probably get you home so we can clean your hands. And your knee apparently.” She looked down a the patch of red that was coming through his pant leg.
He sighed, “You must think I'm a complete idiot.”
Lana laughed, “Not at all! I'm one of the clumsiest people on the planet. You should see me fall up the stairs sometime. It's a hoot.”
He managed a chuckle and attempted to stand up, but the pain in his knee made him think better of it. Lana put a hand on the back of his arm to steady him as he came back down.
“Let me get us a cab. You can't walk back like this.”
Their eyes met for a moment, and he finally nodded. “Alright.”
“Okay, we'll have to get over to the street first. Think you can manage that?”
Lee nodded, “I think so.”
Despite her small size, she was stronger than she looked. Lana was able to help him up and support him the few feet to a park bench close to the road.
“Alright, I'll flag one down.” She trotted to the sidewalk and waved her arm out.
He watched her, standing on her tiptoes and now waving both arms. It was incredibly cute.
The cab ride was a mixture of awkward and funny, with him hobbling into the cab and her insisting that he rest his leg on her lap, as well as Carl squished on her lap. They reached the apartment and she insisted on paying, despite his arguing and was promptly silenced when she pulled out cash from her pants pocket, shoving it into the driver's hands. He was able to limp to the elevators with her walking behind him like a mother watching a baby walking for the first time.
Once they reached their floor, Carl instantly went for Lana's door, but she went right past to Lee's.
“Uhm, my place is a giant mess, sorry. Come on Carl.”
He couldn't help but notice that she looked nervous and started walking faster, away from her apartment. Lee shrugged it off, digging his keys out of his pocket. Once they were inside, she made him sit on the couch.
“Do you have a first aid kit? Or some rubbing alcohol?” She bent down to the cabinet under the sink.
Lee stood up, cautiously walking to the kitchen. “It'll most likely be in my bathroom, uhm, I can get it.” He turned, starting to hobble to his room, but Lana was faster. She sat him down again, quite gracefully, and stood in front of him.
“I don't think so, mister. Just tell me where it is and I'll go find it.”
He stared at her for a second, wanting to insist that he go get it, but the look on her face suggested that if he did, she might tie him to the couch. He smirked at the idea and she frowned.
“What's so funny?”
Lee shook his head, “Nothing. If you go in my bathroom and look in the cabinet under the sink, there should be rubbing alcohol and a first-aid kit.”
Lana nodded and went about her quest. Lee looked down at Carl, who laid his head on the unhurt knee.
“She's bossy,” he whispered, rubbing behind the Pointer's ears.
Lana scurried back in, the kit and brown bottle of alcohol under her arm. She sat in front of him and started to roll up his pant leg. Lee hissed, his leg involuntarily trying to get away from the offending pressure.
“I'm sorry. I either have to roll it up or you're gonna have to take your pants off.” She looked up him, a hint of a smile on her lips
Lee gulped, realizing how bad things could go if he took off his pants, so he winced, motioning for her to keep going with the pant leg.
She opened the kit and bit her lip again, which made Lee grateful he kept his pants on.
“This is going to sting a little,” She warned, holding up a washcloth.
He nodded, bracing himself. The alcohol-soaked rag touched his skin and his first instinct was to jump right off the couch, but he steadied himself, squeezing his eyes shut.
“I thought you've had worse.”
Lee opened his eyes, seeing Lana's brownish-green ones staring up at him. That same playful smile lingered on her lips and he couldn't help but smile back.
“I have, but that doesn't mean that future injuries hurt less.”
Chuckling, Lana started cleaning his knee and he winced again. It felt like she was skinning his knee all over again.
“Almost done,” she reassured. Lee watched her doctor his knee, taking extra care to be gentle as she put medicine and a bandage over it. She doused the other side of the cloth and moved to his side on the couch. “Now for your hands.”
Without hesitation, she turned his left hand over and held the rag there for a few seconds. She looked up at him, “Does that hurt?”
“Uhm.” It was all he could say, being entranced by her eyes again. “N-no. Not as bad.”
A light tinge of blush crept on her cheeks and she looked down, switching to the other hand. The warmth of her hand and the way she held it against her knee made his stomach tighten. The sudden urge to kiss her came over him and for a wild second, the urge was so strong, he felt himself moving closer to her. She suddenly took the rag off of his hand and stood up. Lee blinked, clearing his throat.
Lana went into the kitchen, “Do you want me to leave this in the sink or put in your washer?”
“Just leave it in the sink. I'll take care of it later.”
He heard her wash her hands and then come back into the living room. She smiled, but it was different than the ones she had given before. It was a bit sad, almost like if she gave him a full smile she would cry.
'I better go. I need to uhm,” she looking at her hands, “I need to shower and get ready for work. If you need anything, don't hesitate to knock on my door.” She turned and headed for the door.
Lee wanted to get up and chase after her, but he could only sit on the couch and watch her go. The door closed and he sighed, laying his head on the back of the couch.
