Kasey's POV

"I hope you realize how happy my feet are to not be on pointe right now," I remarked, and Sky laughed as he propped his phone up to film the dance combo he just taught me. 

"Bam, one take," Sky gloated, and high fived me. He noted that he'd post it on Instagram later. It was around 11 pm, and we'd just finished our Newsies Variety Show at 54 Below earlier that night. I sang "Burn" from Hamilton, along with the group numbers we'd done with the whole cast. It was the first of hopefully many more Newsies reunions, it was great to see everyone again and to meet so many lovely fans. Even though it was late and we were tired, Sky and I had promised to get a quick dance session in before I went back to Boston in a couple days, which was why we were currently in the studio. The past 2 months had been a little crazy. After tour ended, I went back home to see my family for a little bit. I went back to my dance studio, and we worked out a plan to get myself ready to audition for the BBC in the upcoming year. I was training almost everyday for several hours, which was draining, but at the same time energizing. It'd been a little tough (and painful) coming back to pointe after not actively training for so long, but once I got back into the groove of things, the free feeling dancing had always given me was back. It felt incredible to be back in the dance world, and I had a good feeling about getting into the company. On top of all this, I was still trying to finish high school, it was my last year. I was also spending some time in NYC, staying at Ben's apartment and spending time with him and all our friends. He also would stay with me in Boston, we made it work. If I made it into the company, that would mean more long distance. It would be hard, but I knew we were both strong enough to endure it. After turning all the lights off in the studio, we said goodbye and went our separate ways, as he was going back to New Jersey tomorrow. 

-

Ben's POV

"I'm hommee!" I smiled as I heard her voice and turned to see her come through the door wearing sweatpants and carrying a pizza box. I went to meet Kasey at the door and took the pizza box, then kissed her quickly. 

"How was dancing?"

"Super fun. Did you guys decide what we're gonna watch?"

"I was thinking high school musical," Josh piped up from the couch, causing Dan to groan. 

"Wait, that's a good idea. I vote yes," Kasey said.

"Well I'm in too. Sorry Dan, Forrest Gump will be for another night," I shrugged. Kasey forced me to give her a piggy back ride to the couch. I dished out the pizza, and poured some wine for Josh, Dan, and I. Kasey didn't drink, which was understandable. I snuggled up next to her, and we spent the rest of the night watching high school musical, laughing and singing along to our favorite parts. Kasey rested her head against my shoulder, and I gently played with her hair. These past couple months had been tiring going back and forth between Boston and NYC, but it was all worth it if I got to see her. I was proud that she was pursuing something she was so passionate about, and Kasey was obviously so talented. As long as I got to be in her presence, it didn't matter where I had to travel to. I was so excited to see where we'd both end up. The next couple of months and the coming year were going to be fun. Josh and I were taking a trip to Europe, starting in London. The Law and Order episode I'd filmed last month comes out in a few months, and of course the premiere of our Newsies movie does as well. I loved getting to see so many of our Newsies family thrive and work on their own projects after tour ended, and soon we'd all be able to see the one we'd created together. I noticed Kasey was now asleep against my arm, I smiled and gently wrapped my arm around her, pulling her closer. 

"She didn't even make it to 'Breaking Free'. Lame," Josh rolled his eyes. I chuckled.

"Heyyy give her a break JB, she's been working her ass off day and night. Let her get some sleep." I asserted. We were all tired from the show tonight, but we ended up finishing the movie around 1:30 am. Josh and Dan both headed to bed, and I gently woke Kasey up so she could get in bed. 

"Hey guess what," I whispered, as I crawled into my bed right next to her.

"What?" she murmured.

"I love you," I kissed her cheek, and she smiled, keeping her eyes closed.

"I love you more," she sleepily yawned, and I closed my eyes, sighing. She made me happy, happier than anyone I've ever met. Falling asleep next to the person you love is kinda amazing. 

-

February 13, 2017

I looked out the window to see a few snowflakes falling towards the ground, mesmerized as they slowly twirled.

"Jack, put your bowtie on! We gotta leave soon," Dan scolded him. Nick and Sky were watching the baseball game on TV, and shouting. Josh was fake tap-dancing to pass time, and I was simply watching them all, laughing at the chaos in my apartment. Time went by fast, and the new year was already here. I was filled with excitement, ready to see the premiere of our movie and celebrate with the most amazing people. In just a few days, the rest of the world would get to see it. I went to go adjust my tie in the mirror, and from behind me the shouting stopped and I heard whistling from the boys.

"Ben, come look at your girl, she's stunting right now," Dan called out to me. I heard her giggle. I turned around, and nearly did a double take. She was wearing a "little black dress" that loosely hugged her body in all the right places, with some silver heels. Her hair was curled loosely and pulled back into a ponytail, with 2 strands left out front that framed her face. Her lips were red. No matter how much time passed, I don't think I'd ever stop getting butterflies when I looked at her. 

"You look gorgeous Kase," I beamed, and she leaned in for a hug.

"And you look very handsome," she murmured. 

"Alright you two sweethearts, we gotta go. Can't be late for the premiere," Josh clapped his hands, trying to get everyone up and out the door. We piled into our Uber, and excitedly chattered about tonight. I noticed Kasey kept checking her phone, and fidgeting back and forth. Her audition for the ballet company had been about a month ago, and she was supposed to hear back from them soon. She had spent her recent days anxiously awaiting the phone call that would change her life.

"Still thinking about the company?" I questioned. She looked up from her phone and nodded sadly. 

"I wish they'd given me a specific date. I just have a feeling they're gonna turn me down. It wouldn't be a big deal either, I'm young. I'm so young. But I just really want this," Kasey explained.

I'm proud of you no matter what happens. Hey, promise me you won't think about the company tonight and you'll enjoy the premiere?" 

"I promise," she assured and put her phone in her purse. We arrived at the theater, and it was instantly overwhelming. There were so many people and so many cameras, it was hard to believe this was all for us. Kasey and I both looked at each other, and smiled excitedly. 

"You ready to hit the big screen?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," she grabbed my hand and we walked into the event. First we hit the "red carpet", and got our pictures taken. After that, we went around greeting everyone, and eventually I found my family, and Kasey found hers. There was more photo opportunities, which we all took. Broadway.com was here along with other interviewers. Anthony Rosenthal was interviewing for YesBroadway, and he asked me a few questions. I chatted with Jeremy and Kara for a bit. Then it was finally time to see the movie. It was a bit nerve wracking as none of us had seen it yet, but I was thrilled to see the final product. "Carrying the Banner" started, and there I was, enlarged for everyone to see. This is unreal. My eyes were glued to the screen, engaged in every moment. Finally, the credits rolled around, and we all got excited as we spotted our names. 

"That was incredible. I can't believe that's us," Kasey gushed as we got out of our seats. Before leaving the theater, I found my family again, and I received hugs from all of them.

"I'm so incredibly proud of you," my mom said to me, smiling with tears in her eyes. I thanked her and leaned in for another hug. 

"Just reason 1 million on why you're the better twin," Emma sarcastically sighed, and I playfully punched her shoulder.

"Oh come on Em, you know you're incredible. I'm just a movie star now," I joked, and we both laughed. I looked around for Kasey, and I spotted her with her family, engulfed in a group hug. She was grinning from ear to ear, and her brothers looked so proud of her. Her mom was crying as well (I guess that's a mom thing). I smiled at the sight. Her family hadn't always had it easy, so seeing them all happy together in this one moment was priceless. I was happy for them and how far they'd all come. It was finally time to leave, and I'd invited a small group back to my apartment for an after party. We spent the rest of the night drinking champagne and celebrating our movie. Halfway through the night, JP started out drunk karaoke with "Hey There Delilah", and we all started to sing along. The next hour was spent doing more karaoke, and then reciting monologues. Charades also happened, but we stopped after Josh proved to be really bad at it. Slowly the group started to leave, and we cleaned up and got ready to finally go to bed. It was such a fun night, I was glad to celebrate with my favorite people. 

-

"Man, not only is this kid a movie star, he's a TV star too," Ian said, and I laughed. My Law and Order episode was premiering in just a few minutes, and some of my friends were here to watch it with me. I hadn't seen any of it yet, so I was a bit nervous. Kasey was back to anxiously checking her phone right next to me. She was wearing the "I ❤️ Ben Cook" sweatshirt that someone had mysteriously sent us last week, and we all thought it was funny, so she wore it tonight. The episode started, and everyone cheered when I came on screen for the first time, and Josh made me pose with myself and got a picture. The content was pretty heavy, it followed the story of an abusive father, and there was one scene where I got "beat up" pretty badly. We got to that part, and everyone was watching so intently, that I hadn't even noticed Kasey was no longer next to me. I turned around, and Kasey was slowly walking back to the living room, face blank. Oh no. I got up off the couch and went over to where she was standing.

"You okay?" I questioned, concerned.

"They called. I-I'm in. They want me. I'm officially a soloist dancer at the Boston Ballet Company," she spoke out, a small smile forming on her lips. 

"No way, Kasey that's amazing!" I picked her up and twirled her around, and she squealed. 

"You're incredible. You deserve every bit of this," I kissed her. I announced it for everyone in the living room, and we all cheered and many hugs went around. She was still shocked for awhile, but once it finally sunk in, she was excited. The next day, there were already a few big news articles out, highlighting the latest addition to the company, 18 year old Kasey Hartley. The youngest soloist dancer they'd had yet. Some dancers didn't make it into a good ballet company until their late 20s. Kasey had managed to snag a solo spot, and she hadn't even finished high school yet. It was well deserved, her ballet dancing never ceased to amaze me. She was also fluent in so many types of dance, which I'd got to witness partially on tour. She had nearly perfect technique, and was always consistent. It was mesmerizing to watch. I'd seen videos of her before she went on tour, and everything I'd seen had shocked me. Even at a younger age, it was some of the best I'd ever seen. I understood what her instructors saw in her. Despite taking a couple years off, it hadn't seemed to be a problem at all. She hadn't lost even an ounce of talent. She was a mix of so many things- elegance, power, liveliness, and control. I was so excited to see where this new journey would take her. 

-