A Different Beat

"Okay, okay, okay. You can do this," Jasey encouraged her reflection in the mirror, shaking out her sweaty hands in a vain attempt to ease some of her nerves. It didn't work.

Her first performance - her single - went really well. She knew she killed it and, even though Jarren also rocked his performance, she felt that they did equally well. But when she sang Pour Some Sugar On Me, she was dressed comfortably - or the "comfortable" she'd gotten used to being on the show. She didn't even think about what they'd dress her in when Jarren came up with an idea for their duet.

Jasey's hair was in loose curls, her eyes dark and her lips bright red. Her legs were nearly suffocating in the tight, black leather skinny jeans and her boobs were pushed together in the black crop top, the zipper between her breasts not even able to go all the way up. Finishing the look with black Doc Martens - the only good thing she found about the outfit, since she was able to change their minds about the red high heels they suggested - and an unbuttoned leather jacket, she felt like she belonged in an '80s greaser movie. She almost felt sexy and that furthered her nervousness, especially since her family was sitting in the audience somewhere.

"Ms. Sampson? They're ready for you," a crew member informed her and she politely smiled, nodding as she followed him.

"Damn, you look good," Jarren expressed, already waiting for her with his microphone in hand. He was dressed in a black t-shirt with the hem of the sleeves rolled slightly and his own pair of black skinny jeans and black boots.

Jasey blushed, grasping his outstretched hand for support. "So do you." Butterflies filled her stomach at his words and she couldn't help but wonder what Michael would think. Michael more than likely had no clue about wardrobe's outfit choices - she prayed he at least liked what he saw, rather than thinking she looked like a complete joke.

Michael clapped as he watched Luke's blonde finalist walk off the stage, practically glowing from happiness. He glanced at his band mate, watching Luke's eyes linger. "She's good, huh?" he said loudly enough for only him to hear, leaning over to reach him.

Luke jumped, like he'd been snapped out of a trance. "Yeah, definitely, " he agreed.

Michael laughed and shook his head but decided not to press it further. It seemed like each of them had their own issues, so it'd be unfair to do so. Instead, he sat back as the noise died down, getting ready for the next performance. The lights cut out, the spot lights focusing on the center of the stage and the music began as Jasey came walking out, adding a little sway to her hips that made Michael clamp his tongue between his teeth.

Jarren followed soon behind, a smug smirk on his face as he watched her. Bringing the mic to his lips, he began to sing.

"I got chills,
They're multiplyin'.
And I'm losin' control,
'Cause the power,
You're supplyin',
It's electrifyin'!" he sang, his voice hitting every note and his body moved smoothly, mimicking John Travolta's moves well.

Jasey finally stopped walking and turned on her heel, her own smirk present as she poked Jarren's chest once it was her turn to sing.

"You better shape up,
'Cause I need a man,
And my heart is set on you."

Michael's eyes widened as his ears zoned out, his eyes falling on her body as she danced to the beat. Her clothes were tight, showing off every curve on her body. Her lips were brightm curved in what seemed to be a permanent smirk and, for what felt like the millionth time, he felt a bit of jealousy in him that it was directed at Jarren. Of course it was only for show, to have a better performance, but still. It pissed him off.

"Holy fuck," he whispered, rubbing his eyes to snap himself out of it. There was no way he'd be able to give an honest response if he kept staring at her. Luckily, he was able to tune in on their last chorus, though he had no clue how the hell he'd managed to miss the majority of the performance.

They were dancing together now, pretty well for being that they only had one free hand.

"You're the one that I want,
Ooh, ooh, ooh honey,
The one that I want,
Ooh, ooh ooh,
The one I need,
Oh yes indeed," they finished together, backs pressed together as they both breathed heavily to catch their breath.

The crowd erupted in applause, him following in the excitement. He knew they did amazing, even if he'd missed most of their performance. He watched Jarren and Jasey hug, whispering in each others ears.

Jasey was ecstatic, fire burning through her veins. That had to have been the most exciting thing she'd ever done in her life, reenacting Grease with someone fun like Jarren. Gripping his hand, they both turned toward the judges and waited for them too respond. "That was possibly my favorite cover of You're The One That I Want that I think I've ever seen, maybe even better than the original," Calum complimented.

"And that's saying something, because Calum's incredibly into Grease," Ashton added. "That was amazing. Jarren, you've really balanced the quality of your sound and your performance and that's a real accomplishment from your first performance. Jasey, the girl standing up on that stage is nothing compared to what we say in your audition. I don't know what Michael's doing with you, but it's really working."

Jasey blushed. "Thank you," she replied. She liked Ashton's feedback, it was always detailed and precise with every contestant. And even though he more than likely had no clue exactly what Michael's doing with her, she was glad to hear it.

Her eyes fell on Michael briefly, though she knew Luke was up next. Michael was looking at her with a weird look in her eyes and it made her body tingle. "I think you guys sound fantastic together. Your voices mesh really well together and, to be honest, I'm glad you two aren't mine because it'd be an impossible decision to make."

"Thanks, man," Jarren said, beaming.

All eyes fell on Michael and he cleared his throat, making sure to look between the both of them. "I have no regrets that you two are the ones standing in front of me. You both have made it so far and grown as musicians and I'm really proud of you both, really." His voice held nothing but sincerity, making both contestants smile. "What I do regret, though, is that I do still have to make a decision for one of you to go home."

Jasey's grip involuntarily tightened, nervous for what was coming next. "This is the hardest elimination I've done but there's somebody who's shown a little more progress. They've shown that they learned a lot here and are applying it to their voice, working toward bettering themselves," he explained. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to choose Jasey to take further. Jarren, you've worked hard to get to where you are and I respect that and I know that this isn't the last we'll hear about you."

Jarren nodded, letting go of Jasey's hand to pull her into a hug. "You've earned this, love," he assured her in ear.

She felt her eyes burning, both in excitement for her and sadness for him. "I'll miss you so much, oh my god," she replied.

Jarren laughed, pulling back to look at you. "You'll see me again, I promise you that," he promised, causing her to laugh.

A hand clapping Jarren's shoulder stole his attention and Michael gave him a sympathetic smile, holding out his hand. "Mate, I really wish you the best," he told him.

Jarren complied, shaking his hand before giving him a bro-hug. "Take our girl to the end, alright?" he instructed.

Michael laughed and nodded. "I'll do my best, dude," he promised, sending a quick wink toward Jasey.

A commercial break was announced and Michael decided to make a break for backstage. He slipped into Jasey's dressing room, not even thinking about how she could've been naked or something. "Jesus, Michael!" she exclaimed, holding her hand over her heart. "You scared the hell out of m-"

Michael cut her off, taking the few strides to her to grab her face, crashing his lips to hers. It was slow but deep, him trying to express how much he enjoyed her performance. Her hands rested on his forearms, returning the kiss just as eagerly. "Sorry," he apologized insincerely once he pulled away, pressing his lips to the corner of her mouth.

"We said this wouldn't happen again," was her response, though she didn't move.

"I know," he said. "But you looked so good and happy up there... I couldn't help myself. This has to be quick but I really couldn't help it."

She grinned, standing on her tip toes to press her lips to his one more time before pushing him away. "Go, before someone sees you," she demanded.

"Okay, okay," he surrendered, walking toward the door. "Bossy, dominant you is sexy."

"Stop!" she whisper-yelled, throwing a pillow at him but it only hit the door as he exited, his laughter booming from the other side. She rolled her eyes but couldn't help but grin. She'd made it to the finals.