The Third Annual Winter Formal

It was just a popularity contest when it came down to it. A popularity contest that people lost their minds over, but still a normal popularity contest. She wished she could've said that she hadn't voted, but... Kayla's eyes wandered back into the crowd before snapping back to the podiums again. The idea of Pres in a crown made her a bit sick. His ego was inflated enough without being called a king too. She rubbed at her temples, only perking back up again when Clint Eastwood started to ramble off again.

Did they talk like that all the time in the south? They'd only just met and he'd practically given her half of his life story already. She gave a small snort of amusement. Manners... Was he fucking with her? She was the one with manners? It felt like a bad joke. They were the ones dressed like this in a room full of glittery hundred dollar dresses and dress-suits. "I think that's the first time in my life someone's ever said I have manners," she laughed, almost a little bitterly. A spark popped off near her face, illuminating a long faded scratch that stretched from earlobe to cheekbone. "No, my dad never spared the rod." She, on the other hand, had always known she was poor. People never stopped reminding her. Sometimes they didn't have anything to eat either, but their closest thing to a backyard was a tiny balcony. Thankfully, she'd never tried to shoot anything roosting on the railing. "Nothing makes me different. I'm just me."

Jillian snapped out of her dizzy trance as Sean spoke, but she continued to watch him as he responded to her compliment. She barely noticed when he took the napkin out of her hand, she was so entranced by his mere presence. When the blond's fingers gently brushed against her cheek, her face exploded with sensation. The touch tickled her skin ever so slightly and knowing that it was Sean's touch simply enhanced the feeling.
He leaned in close, so close Jillian could feel his warm breath on her lips. She closed her eyes for a moment and the small second he was close felt like an eternity as she hoped he would lean in just a little bit more...
Once he backed up, Jillian opened her eyes and tried to quickly process what he had asked. The words had reached her ears, but they had not felt real, for she was so lost in that one, anxious moment. Finally she recognized his request to dance and responded:
"Yeah, I'd, uh, love too. I just want to get some more punch first," The clarity of her speech in her dizzied state would have shocked her if she hadn't been entirely disoriented by Sean's closeness.
She passed over his hand to reach for the punch and poured another glass for herself. After taking a big gulp, she grabbed Sean's outstretched palm with her free one and began leading him to the dance floor. Her heart was fluttering and a warm feeling began to grow in the pit of her stomach. Jillian flushed with happiness and grinned from ear to ear as she lead Sean, teetering a bit in her heels and carelessly letting the punch in her hand slosh around.

Adeline hadn't been paying much heed to his words, her fingers taking up all of her focus as she loosened his tie and put it back together, crossing one end into the wide loop. Once the cloth was folded neatly, she tightened it with a gentle pull, the tie inching itself closer to the collar of his suit. With a deep breath, she took a small step back to give Magic a bit of space. Hopefully it wasn't too tight... It shouldn't be. But then again... maybe it was a bad idea to have messed with the tie in the first place. Turning her gaze down to her shoes, her hands folded in front of her. There were so many people still filing in and out. Too anxious. Far too anxious. What was she doing?

Her feet shuffled themselves, her mind blocking out the conversations and talk of everyone else, turning it into white noise. Some people were complimenting the decorations that created the synthetic wonderland of snow, others fiddling around and trying to figure out what they wanted to do for the rest of the night, and yet there were some who wouldn't shut up about the stupid ballot. The King and Queen, the jewels of the event, the crowns that sat and gleamed on the stage, waiting to claim their owner. How did she end up as a nominee again? How...? Why...?

I can't...

Why, out of all the possible girls at the school, did she get the position? What a complete waste. This was only her second formal. Both times, she somehow snuck her way into the votes. No, no... The Queen was supposed to be someone beautiful, caring, generous, and intelligent. They were the epitome of the academy, representing all of its grace and how charitable and wonderful it was to be at the campus. A bright, blooming flower with a smile that rivaled the sun's radiant rays and passion, a work with touch that would make the moon just as envious. And she? She wasn't any of that. A piece of trash, a stepping stone, another obstacle. Plain, boring, uninteresting. Impossible to talk to without being stupidly antsy and anxious, like she had burned down their house. It was stupid how clingy she got, latching on like some stupid parasite before forcing the person to get rid of her.

The idea of leaving before the Formal officially began was suddenly rather appealing. No, no, no. Magic had asked her and walking away was rude. It would be selfish and only played to her own pathetic interests. Then again, he was popular enough that someone else would approach him if she left. All she was doing was getting in the way. Of course, she was just some burden weighing down on his shoulders. Maybe she could slip away or if she willed it hard enough, the ground would open up below her and swallow her up whole, never letting her come back. Yeah... That wasn't out of the question, was it?

In her stupor, Magic's voice caught her attention. Slowly, Adeline looked up, trying to process what he said in the poor functioning of her mind's machinery. Beautiful? Amazing? You don't have those words in the same sentence as her name if you don't put "isn't" between them. Ahaha... red blossomed across her cheeks, heating her face up, and she kept trying to grasp and find the right words. Should she say something to him about it? Instinctively, she tucked a strand behind her ear, averting her gaze to look at anything but him. Her mouth opened a bit to at least attempt to return a compliment, but the words were lodged in her throat and refused to loosen themselves. Right, right. No point trying to say anything. A compliment would be awkwardly quaint coming from her anyway. She was just bad.

And yet she tried anyway.

"Uhm... y-you l-look... uhm..." The sentence was left, lingering in the air, so soft that she wasn't sure if she had begun to say anything yet. There wasn't any that she could say, her voice trailing off into the distance and pretending not to exist. Agh, that was so stupid.

Go inside? Right. Of course. That's why they were here. Not to stand outside of the Hall and freeze to death... Freeze? Oh yeah, it was supposed to be cold, wasn't it? Even with the snowflakes drifting down in front of her and the tracks left on the ground, she'd forgotten. Magic was offering her hand to her again. Well, that was what all the other couples were doing, so maybe it was a good idea. Nononono, they were just friends, weren't they? It wasn't like he had invited her here for anything else. Just to hang out. And have a little fun. That was all. Nothing more, nothing less. You're oblivious. Shut up.

With a tiny nod, she placed her hand on his and walked in. At least her outfit for the night had gloves... she wasn't going to be able to hurt him. Hopefully. That's how it should work. By the time they walked in, Adeline couldn't help but look at the grand hall in awe. It had truly transformed into the wintry landscape of another realm, the twinkling lights, the weary branches of trees. Patches of snow collected on her hair and bare shoulders, melting immediately and vanishing into thin air. Couples were already waltzing in and out of the dance floor, others were grouped together and snacking at the diner. She forced every urge to look up at the stage. Not like she had anything against the band playing, but... no. That crown had to go to someone else. Anybody but her.

Dancing again seemed almost out of the question. As much as she enjoyed that one time before, it was... well... embarrassing. She was guaranteed to mess up in the sea of people. Spare him the possibility of stepping on him. So what else could they do? A few familiar faces were littered in with the strangers here and there. Talking to them was an option, but there was no point and would be bad if Magic didn't know them either; would be nice not to waste anyone else's time tonight either. The food was delicious and certainly grade A, given by the school itself. But she was never hungry, she couldn't be. Then all they had left was to talk, right?

About what was the question. Adeline eyed Magic and her face heated up again. Should she say something first? Do something? Anything...?

Too many people... it was too overwhelming. She couldn't think. There was so much noise. Was he doing alright himself?

"A-are you doing o-okay...?" Oh wait, she was still holding his hand. Carefully, she slipped out of his grasp, her arms hanging limply in front of her. Everything coming out of her was just so stupid. This was too hard. Shutting up and not saying anything sounded like an idea.

It wasn't worth it when he'd forget she was here anyway and go find someone else to talk to.

Myles looked to the side for a second, a sigh escaping his lips, he was talking too much, being too friendly and too forthcoming, he bit his tongue for a second.  He then said "Sorry if I talk to much, guess I can just talk yer ear off, heh."  That was probably the most awkward chuckle Myles had heard in his life, and it just came from his lips.  He quickly changed the topic, maybe a little too fast "But, uh, I guess I consider not wrinklin' your nose, putting your chin up or givin' me an ugly look is manners."  He decided to end it there, usually he always talked, a huge extrovert, extender of conversations.  It was a problem in an environment like this, the awkwardness was almost palpable.  He was used to giving wisdom out to listeners, or just talking.  Of course everybody had a story, everyone always had a smile and everyone was a friend.  But the close-knit society he had was gone, and now he had to find the right people to talk to.  He noticed that scar on her, face but he didn't figure it was her father.  Sure, he got into scuffles with his father, probably had a few scars he forgot about, but he never thought about hitting a woman, not even his daughter for discipline.  It wasn't his way and none of his family's way, he remembered a fight at a party he started when he was 15, guy was pulling his girl along with him, and when she got out of his grip, he gave her a slap.  Big buff guy too, Myles may have won, but only because he had his gift and even then he left with a black eye, a busted lip and bruises all over his chest and stomach.  He just told her to get away from that fuck, stumbled home and drank himself to sleep.  Myles nodded at her last statement saying "It's you being you is that makes ya different, 's why you and I are dressed like we are, how much you wanna bet half the guys and gals here hate the feelin' of that formal stuff, fixin' and loosenin' their ties and such."  To Myles, he was told to dress like he's about to meet the love of life.  He said sure and strapped on his jeans and boots, put on his hat and best flannel and walked out the door.  He would much rather meet his girl in what he was wearing now, rather than some fake suit, with a fake smile to match.  His hair slicked, telling his woman all kinds of programmed words.  He thought it was a lousy way of trying to get in her pants and impress her.  You should be able to impress a girl with what you're wearing normally, how good of a shot you are or how well you can talk, not how good you can lie.  He just waited for a response from Sparks McGee, not that they were much, usually some cryptic statement or some type of biting thing against her or someone else.  But that was alright for him, he knew he had enough conversation for the both of them, and he was sure enough about him would open up doors to her or at least show he considered personal things open to people who deserved to hear them.

Brailynn held back a small laugh, feeling all her unease begin to melt away as it was. It was nice being so flustered over. Maybe it was a stupid, selfish feeling, but it was true. She couldn't find herself to feel bad about it in the least. "Thank you, Sir." She beamed up at him, glancing across the room. It was amazing how many people had turned up. Had the school always had this many people around? "Maybe you could get me some punch, if you're not too busy with guardian duty and stuff." She could cool herself off before a little dancing, if there was still time.

So many people were coming in and going out, and the Summer prefect had been sitting by herself for what seemed like such a long time, she was honestly worried that she was going to be stood up. Not that it was that big of a deal, she supposed. She was looking forward to being with Grace for the evening, but it wasn't as if it were anything special... right?

And then her date came crashing in, almost literally. "There you are!" The young woman had explained, perhaps a little too excitedly. Alicia caught herself on it, clearing her throat and glancing the girl over. Although she looked flustered and a bit dampened from running in the snow, it didn't distract much from her appearance. "You... you look wonderful." She said quietly, insisting with a small smile and going in to give her a small hug. She felt a little bad she couldn't stick around for the moment. "I'm sorry, they need me right now. I'll be back...

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Alicia strode across the room, shooting a few smiles to others that she passed by as she made her way unto the stage. There was a sleek white envelope hidden beside the crowns. Gracefully, she bent down, slipping the paper into her fingers and making her way to the center, calming the band down and reaching for the microphone. "Good evening!" She called, waving her hand to the crowd. "May I have everybody's attention? Welcome to the annual Winter Formal!" She waited patiently for the applause to die down and for everyone to come together. "And now, the moment you've all been waiting for, the winners of the Winter Formal..."

The prefect sleekly ripped open the envelope with her nail and pulled out the results, glancing them over quickly and stepping back up to the mic. "Beata Academy, I give you your year's King and Queen: Leo Herman and Keirsta Chree!" The two of them would go up to the stage, where Alicia would cheerfully present them their crown before moving on. "Your Prince and Princess: Chip Dalton and Jane Grey!" The smaller crowns and tiaras were presented in a similar manner before them all. And then, it was time for their dance. "Congratulations!"

Barely focused on Leo as things went on, Keirsta had snapped her head towards the stage when Alicia had made her way up to announce the winners. It was nice to see a familiar face announcing the names, but she was also slightly surprised that it wasn't the Headmaster announcing things. Oh well.

She had known that she had been cast into the voting for Formal Queen, and with Verona and Jace gone now, it wouldn't surprise her if she won. Not to sound like a jerk, of course, but it was painfully obvious every year that they'd be the winners.

As Alicia announced king to be Leo, she felt her skin start to crawl with heat. He was drunk, but she also hoped that he wasn't tipsy drunk... Nope. That'd be bad if it happened.

When she was announced as Queen though, she couldn't help but bow slightly before making her way to the stage with Leo, bowing her head with gratitude as the crown was placed upon her head. Taking a spot on what was her right, and the left of the stage facing the crowd with Leo, she watched as the next line of royalty was announced.

Applauding the two winners of Prince and Princess, Keirsta waited for them to be crowned before stepping off stage with Leo to dance. It wouldn't be all that awkward, she was his girlfriend, and they had practiced. She just hoped he would be alright.

Lord, make it so things go smoothly tonight...

Her comment was placed in her mind as she took her place with Leo, waiting for more or less the 'cue' before grabbing his hand, stepping close to him, and beginning to dance.

Memories from when she was a small child with her brother popped up in the back of her mind as she began dancing with her boyfriend, the old ballroom-like music playing as she pretended to dance like a princess with Cam. The memory was a delight, and at the end of every dance they'd bow, before striking up yet another little dance, in a different genre of music.

One thing that Keirsta also did... She did dance time to time, but it more or less was just one of those, bust a move to the music, type of dances. It worked for her personality, so she never thought anything of it, but sometimes there was a small thought here or there on how silly she might look.

Being semi-aware about what was going on around her, especially with the crown on top of her head and making sure her hairdo didn't fall out, Keirsta began to enjoy herself dancing with Leo. Even if she could smell the alcohol on his breath, it wasn't too bad. She herself had secretly popped a mint into her mouth, so hopefully hers didn't smell as bad.

But, shoving those worries aside... She promised herself mentally to just enjoy the little dance that had to be held.

Richard smiled at how Lynn seemed to relax even though he continued to stammer. He felt stupid, but when she laughed, he felt a little bit better. "Guardian duties? Nah. It's just watching a bunch of people dance and be stupid. There are plenty of other teacher and guardians to do that job," he told her before he started turning around. "I'll be right back!" He quickly made his way over to the tables with the several bowls of punch, not even thinking about how much alcohol was put into every single one. His mind was too focused on making sure Lynn was happy. He quickly grabbed two cups, filling them up and carrying them back to where Lynn was standing.

Even as he walked back, he couldn't believe how beautiful she looked. All he could do was put a goofy grin on his face as he walked back, standing there awkwardly for a moment when he arrived. "Here you go!" he said, holding one of the cups out to her. "Hope it's what you wanted." It didn't take him long to begin sipping out of his own cup, finding himself pretty thirsty from getting so nervous. Funny enough, he managed not to notice the burn of the alcohol through the carbonation that was already in it. What a goofball.

"Thanks." Maisie's reply to Liam's compliment was a little fatigued. She already felt like she had taken the brunt of the formal, and she had only walked there. She looked him up and down, acknowledging a formal side she had never seen of him. She had seen him as wild in her short acquaintance with him. She noticed his empty hands, though, and with a cocked smile, remarked: "No flower?"

When they had made their way inside, Maisie had gotten a little-more accustomed with walking. Each step was more pronounced, though still cloppy, and she felt that she'd evolved from foal to fully grown horse. She made a bee-line to the refreshment table, the bright red bowl of punch, dodging away from the crowded dance floor, the open space of imminent failure. She didn't want to dance. She couldn't dance. It was so out-of-character for her, so humiliating. Maisie supposed learning would have been a good thing to do beforehand, at least a little bit, but she kept putting it off and putting it off, and the date whacked her in the face. She'd spent a little too much time picking out the dress. Why did she give a shit about the dress?

"So, Ginger--"she cleared her throat"--Erm, Liam." Scooping out a cupful of punch, there was a nervous smirk on her face, the kind that said she had some time to kill with someone she didn't know too well. "Tell me a bit about yourself."

Behind them it seemed that festivities had already commenced, a product of her being late, but she ignored them. Surely it didn't involve them. He seemed like as much of a nobody as her. There was a strange comfort in that.

Maria turned her head towards the announcer, as the nomination winners were finally told. She was an initiate when the votes took place and wasn't able to vote. But she understood why the people that won were chosen. Of course, the prefects won. I bet they always win. She wondered it the votes were biased at all. They probably are. She gave a smile. That'll be me someday. Maria watched the crowns be placed on the student's heads.

Pepper turned her head from the floating boy when the winners for king, queen, prince, and princess were announced. Aww, Jake didn't make it. She thought, trying to find her friend through the crowds.

Jake crossed his fingers awaiting the prince and princess. Damnit. He thought when his name was announced. He gave a fake smiled to Jane as she walked to receive her crown. In a bit of sorrow the tall student walked to the punch bowl, filled a cup to the top and sat down at a table. Screw this fuckin dance. I mean, I didn't need to win, but now I have to watch her dance with some shrimpy loser. He gave a sigh, chugging the glass.

Blue eyes wondered over to the student who stood on the stage as she quieted down the band and begun to announce the winners. At first, Leo was a bit confused as to what was going on. Winners? Of a raffle? He didn't even know there was a raffle. Oh, wait. The Winter formal winners. Man, was he out of it. Maybe he just was tired? Or sick maybe? Sick felt a bit more likely then tired. His stomach burned and churned. Finishing this cup of punch should help. Or so he thought.

He listened curiously as she began. Leo had known he was nominated. Which was pretty cool. He hadn't been at Beata for too long. Seven months? He shouldn't be too surprised, right? He had done the tournament and became prefect within that span of seven months. Honestly, even then the angel felt highly flattered.

Being the first of the two to go up, the blond bowed his head to have it be placed. A blush spread across his cheeks for more than a few reasons. Gracefully, he stood to his full height and guided his girlfriend across the stage. A soft smile on his lips. Although he felt a but ill, Leo didn't want that to get in the way of this dance. He knew it meant a lot to Keirsta to have him keep it together at least for this dance. Or two. Depending on how he felt.

With the other couple with a surprising height difference was called up, they stepped out into the dance floor. A gentle hand from Leo was pressed against the small of Keirsta's back until they got into position. Once the music began, the Formal King placed his hands on her lower back and held her close. It took a moment to find the beat of the song played. There seemed to be a point where it clicked for the both of them.

The tempo and their steps fell into align. The crowd's stares were nothing to him anymore. A truly content look appeared on his face.

---

Chip didn't want to go to the formal. He wanted nothing more than to sit in the library and do nothing. Because that was all he ever could and would do. The Mongolian trip had ruined the outside world for himself, and the books that he had access to had more than enough information to where he could live vicariously though what the books said...And not have to go there himself.

Yet when he had found out that he had been nominated, Chip felt like he had to go. Especially if he won, and was not there. That would be pretty terrible. Not just for the princess, but for the others as well. They all voted for him, and expected him to show up. As much has he didn't want to be there, Chip didn't want to let anyone down.

He had spend the majority of his time sitting around at one of the tables, not feeling hungry nor thirsty. He didn't have many friends either. So talking was out of the question. Yet it seemed people didn't mind him too much. The young looking teen looked down at himself. He wore black dress pants, shoes and a vest over a white long sleeve shirt. Instead of a tie, Chip wore a bow. Not because he wanted to be 'hipster' or anything. But because any ties he put on went down father then they should.

All he hoped was that he would not be called up.

While he had practiced by reading the very many books about slow dancing, they all suggested one thing. Practicing. Which was all fine and dandy until Chip realized that he had no one to practice with. Which brought the boy to his hope of not winning.

Which was unfortunately not granted.

Hesitantly, the boy stood up from his seat. It felt like all eyes were on him.

A cover of a book that said 'How to Get Over Your Stage Fright in 5 Easy Steps' flashed in his head, before the blond flinched and pushed the thought away. He didn't have time for that. Chip took careful deliberate steps up to the stage. He really did not want to face plant in front of the other students. Biting his lip, the boy bowed his head slightly to receive the crown. Blue eyes then looked hesitantly toward his dance partner.

Oh god.

Chip never felt any more need to grow in his life until that moment. This was going to be the most awkward time of his life. Worse then the ride to that Mongolian city...Never mind. He didn't want to think about it. Despite this, he gave Jane his best pleasant smile."S-shall we?" The blond managed to say, doing his best to look even a bit composed.

Chip was sure she didn't want to dance with someone as short as him. Especially since he went around to the height of her breasts. The shota hoped she wasn't the kind to like close dancing.

"I-I do?" Grace knew her face must be glowing red, but she felt a small smile forming on her face all the same. "Th-Thank you! Y-You look r-really nice too." Which was true. Alicia did look stunning. They only had so much time, however, before Alicia had to go up to the stage and announce things, specifically the formal royalty. Grace clapped for the winners, noting how everything seemed very beautiful, very neatly-done. Even with what Alicia said still in her head, Grace felt somewhat out of place.

Magnolia watched as the random girl drug away the only thing between herself and Evelyn's company. The two settled into a table, and the flip-flopping in Maggie's stomach settled too. She was afraid that Jonathan was going to drag Eve off and that would be her last chance to talk to her. Why did she care so much though? If anything, dragging Eve to her dorm the other night would have sent her in the other direction. Yet here she was, trying to capture the little blonde's attention via the punch bowl.

Fighting what seemed to be her nature Magnolia looked up at Eve, her cheeks pink from the compliment on her outfit. She put a hand against her bare shoulder, suddenly feeling a little exposed underneath Evelyn's eyes. "Thank you. I admire your necklace, it's unique." Maggie said reaching a hand up to touch Eve's necklace. It was cool and lighter than expected, but was satisfyingly smooth. Realizing what she had done, she quickly dropped the necklace, letting it fall from her fingers.

She abashedly looked away, her face turning an even deeper color of pink. What was she doing, touching people she barely knew? If she was lucky, Evelyn would be cool about everything and not think Maggie was a complete weirdo. For some odd and unexplainable reason she wanted Eve to like her.

Jane was glancing over for a place to sit with a glass of punch cradled in her hands when a voice broke over the microphone. A quiet murmur came over the room almost immediately, silencing all the other chatter in the hall. First up was the king and queen, a pair of prefects. They looked the part, even if they weren't her votes, and even if the blond looked a bit unsteady on his feet. Then her name was called. This really was turning out to be a perfect night.

Queen next year.

She shot an apologetic smile to her date as he skulked off to down a cup of spiked punch. That was too bad for him, but she couldn't complain about the arrangement. She was princess, center stage, and that was the main thing that mattered. Jane made her way up to the stage to receive the crown, smiling and waving to the crowd. It was a beautiful piece of jewelry, a silver circlet adorned and embedded with sapphires. Her dancing partner, on the other hand... Wait, where was he? Jane glanced around the stage, from the two prefects, to... oh. She looked down. There he was.

A wide grin stretched across her face. She wanted to crane down and pinch his cheeks or something, but that probably wouldn't have been very appropriate with everyone in the room staring right at them. So instead she just took his hand and slid forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. Unfortunately for him, dancing close was the only true way to slow dance. "Nervous?" she asked, smiling down at him. "I don't bite. You're looking very handsome tonight."

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Was that a compliment? Kayla just took another swig to fill the quiet. He did talk. Maybe he talked too much. That southern accent grated on her after so long. But it wasn't like there was anything else to do, and she supposed him rattling off his life story was better than sitting there in silence drinking soda. "Don't worry about it, I guess." Was that whole spiel supposed to be a compliment? The whole subject made her uncomfortable. "Then I guess you have 'manners' too." It sounded more like a jab than flattery.

Kayla narrowed her eyes as a girl took the stage, reading from a flashcard. "She almost shot me with an arrow once," she murmured, almost absentmindedly. She'd been trying to zap some information out of a girl and she intervened. That whole thing had been a headache.

The king... Not Preston, and not his date. She felt oddly disappointed, even if she gave a small sigh of relief. At the very least, he'd be entertaining when they both went home tonight. He was always most easy to deal with when he was pissed off and bitter. That, combined with the fact that the queen was her other roommate. Her excitement would make his loss taste that much sweeter.

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Evelyn barely heard the announcement. It was just an excuse not to talk or look at anyone else. Her gaze was locked on the all-too-familiar girl at the microphone. The other girl dragged Jonathan away, but she could only give a longing look as he was seated at a faraway table. It wasn't particularly that she wanted to talk with him. More of the opposite, really. It's just that with him pulled away, it was just her and...

Maggie.

She found herself staring out the corner of her eye and was quick to rip her gaze away, and almost wilted as Maggie returned the compliment. Right... Right, her necklace. Evelyn reached up instinctively to grab it, but her hand froze in place as Maggie reached out to grab the snowflake pendant. For whatever stupid reason, she felt her breath catch in her throat. "Oh, um... T-Thank you..."

Evelyn turned her eyes back to her punch as Maggie turned her head away, a red tinge to her cheeks. "Um..."

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OOC: Sorry for late/shitty post, Eb is a distracting pleb and I wrote this with an annoying cartoon blaring in the background. <3 pls don't mind me and continue ur dramas.

Barry chuckled. "Never danced before in my life." he replied quietly as the winners were announced. He stooped at bit to be at Cass' height and whispered, "Maybe next year that'll be us." His face went red as he said this, and he couldn't stop smiling. This night was going to be one of Barry's favorite memories.

Maria turned her head back towards Jonathan. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. You seem like the right partner." She smiled, not afraid admit she wanted him to be her partner. Let's just hope we last a year. Maria glanced around, seeing Jake slump down to a table. Guess he didn't make it. She wondered how close the other nominees made it to being crowned.

Pepper clapped, applauding the "royalty". She must have lost the hovering boys attention, for she didn't get a reply. I'll see him later. She wondered if it would be rude to walk away.

Jake sat at the table, holding an empty glass and watching everyone dance. I guess this night could get worse. He thought to himself in silence, wishing Jane were with him.