Mila's POV - dance above if u wanna c it again^

I sat in the car quietly as Ajax drove along the highway. It wasn't awkward to say the least, we were both nervous. His parents were going to be there and that added to the pressure. I couldn't mess up. 

The light pressure against my neck from my necklace comforted me. I felt my phone vibrate in my lap and I glanced at the screen to see Ben's name flash across the screen. 

"Do you mind if I take this?" I asked Ajax quietly and he shook his head, muttering a soft 'go ahead'.

"Hi," I greeted, hearing the clattering of utensils in the background. 

"Hi Mila! How's it going?"

"Eh, pretty good so far," I replied, fiddling with my nails. 

"I called to say good luck and don't stress too much. You're going to do great," he spoke and I could feel my nerves calm a little from encouragement. 

"Thank you," I said, a smile spreading across my face. 

"Is Ajax with you?"

"Yeah he's driving," I replied, flitting my eyes over to him. His side profile is insane. 

"Mind putting it on speaker, I'll wish that sour lemon too," he said making me chuckle. 

"It's Ben," I informed, holding the phone closer to him. Ajax shot me a confused look.

I waited patiently as they spoke in German for a few minutes. When the call ended, he gave me a look that made me raise my eyebrow. 

"Why do you have his number?" he asked, narrowing his eyes at me. 

"Uh, he gave it to me?" 

"When?"

"Yesterday?"

"Oh."

The car lapsed into silence once again. 10 minutes later, we pulled into the parking lot. I got out quickly as Lena's car pulled up beside ours a minute later. 

"Oh my gosh!" she squealed, hopping up and down lightly. "I'm so excited, I can't wait to see you two, Lotte, and Dean perform."

"Lotte and Dean go tomorrow right, cuz theirs are solo's?"

"Yeah," Lena nodded. 

"Let's go," Ajax said, slamming the trunk shut. Not knowing where to go, I followed closely behind him through the narrow backstage passages. 

He led us into a single dressing room with a long vanity and a full body mirror. The day before we had decided to wear casual street clothes because it was too late to get custom costumes.

"Are you going to change?" he asked me as he took off his jacket. I shook my head, pulling my hair out of it's bun. We had 45 minutes to get ready and 15 to do a practice run. I took my time straightening my hair, making sure I didn't leave and wonky parts in the back. 

20 minutes passed before a knock sounded at at the door. 

"How are you two doing?" Adam asked, popping into the room. 

"So far so good," Ajax replied, giving him one of those handshakes guys do. I turned my attention back to the mirror, bushing once again through my hair. 

"Oh hey Lena," Ajax spoke, catching my attention. 

"Heyyy party fam," she grinned, speeding her way to me. 

"Wowwww, it's so shiny!" she said, lifting strands of my hair. 

"Thanks," I chuckled lightly, pinning it back so I could do my makeup. I ignored the puppy eyed look that Lena was giving me, I knew she wanted to do my makeup. I applied a bit of bronzer, highlight and dark and mauve eyeshadow with a shimmery inner corner. My cheeks were already flushed from nerves and once she started dancing, she would end up like a tomato if she put blush. 

I had chosen a mauve bralette top with faded blue jean shorts. The top matched with Ajax's pants so it looked a bit more uniform. 

"Can I please do your eyeliner?" Lena whined as I moved to grab my water bottle from my bag. 

"Ugh, fine," I sighed, plopping down on the chair. 

5 seconds later...

"Ow, you bitch! Why are you stabbing my eyeball?!"I exclaimed, pushing her hand away from me. 

I heard a snort from the corner of the room and turned to see Ajax standing there, an amused look on his face. 

"Would you stay still, just let me-"

"Uh no, I think the fuck not.  Gimme," I huffed, taking the liner and finishing the other side myself. 

"It's crooked," Lena mumbled quietly and I glared at her. Leaning closer in the mirror, I noticed the side she did was indeed crooked. 

"Well, no one's going to see it except Ajax. And quite frankly I don't think he gives a shit," I retorted, glancing over to him. He shrugged, running a hand through his slightly gelled hair. 

"Mila we need to go practice," he spoke and I nodded, waving to Lena as she slipped out the door. 

"We can go to the parking lot, behind the building."

"Ready?" he asked, standing as I sat on the cement floor next to him. 

"Always," I nodded and I could've sworn I saw a smile flicker on his lips. 

I let the music flow through my movements, making sure everything was on par with Ajax's moves. Since we didn't have any fancy lifts, we had to show almost all the chemistry in the movements so it had to be in sync. 

"Good?" I asked, breathless as the music ended. 

"Really good," he nodded, wiping his face with the bottom of his shirt. I glanced away as his abs were on full display. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  - -

"He better not fuck up my name," Ajax muttered behind me as we stood behind the curtain and I almost laughed. I felt like I had to pee but that was just the butterflies in my stomach. 

"Please welcome, Mila and Ajax!" the announcer called, pronouncing both our names perfectly. We both shared a long look before hurrying onto the stage. My breath caught in my throat as I gazed out at the crowd. Only the lights were so blinding I couldn't see the people in the audience. After 7 months, I found myself back on a stage. 

The music started up and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I focused on his movements, timing them perfectly. Then, it was time for the lift. Blood rushed to my head as I hung upside down. Ajax's warm hands around my legs. His grip was strong as he pulled me up with ease. A few heartbeats later, we were done. We both gave a short bow before running off the stage.

We had just finished, and I already forgot what happened. I never remembered the actual performances clearly. 

"That was incredible! The best run you two have done," Adam praised, a proud look on his face. He gave both of us a hug.

Now we wait for the results. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

"The groups advancing to the National Championships are..." the announcer began. 

I felt a hand brush against mine. Without glancing up at him, I grabbed Ajax's hand gently, giving it a squeeze. He squeezed back and I bit back a smile. 

God, please let us advance. 

I closed my eyes, listening to my breathing. 

"Anja and James!"

A round of cheers erupted from the crowd. 

"Vanessa and Caleb!"

Another wave of cheers. 

"Mila and Ajax!"

My mouth dropped open as I froze. I felt Ajax rip his hand from mine, grabbing my shoulders. The look of happiness on his face, I'd give anything to see it again. 

"We did it!" he cheered and I pulled him into a hug. My feet left the ground as he spun me around. The butterflies in my stomach returned as his hands wrapped around my waist leaving tingles on my exposed skin.

"Ajax! Glückwünsch!" A woman congratulated, giving him a hug. He started walking away with her but stopped to look at me. I waved him off, giving him a reassuring smile. 

He should be able to celebrate with his family. Even if I couldn't.