EVENT: Autumn Dance, open to all students/staff

[Samuel Rixon]

Normally, Sam wouldn’t be going to the dance for anything, other than to cause havoc. Spiking punch, jumping on Vincent’s shoulders, attempting to break dance on the stage and fail miserably. He didn’t mind making a fool of himself. Especially in front of crowds. This dance, however, was a little different.

First of all, Vincent already had a date. One he was working to try and impress. Chances were, he wouldn’t want to pull any idiotic stunts around his boyfriend. And then there was the other difference. Sam had a date. That wasn’t really a date. Really, it wasn’t. His date was too young to be a real date.

When Gerri had asked him, Sam had only issued a surprised ‘sure!’ before realizing just what he’d agreed to. Normally, he might have tried to drag Ember to the dance with him. But now he was stuck. Not that he minded Gerri’s company. She was actually a pretty cool kid.

He just knew he was going to get flack from Vincent for this.

He’d dressed slowly, a little more casual than semi-formal really called for, but no one had explained to him what the words actually meant. A t-shirt (tucked in), a belt, and a jacket. His hair was still wet from the shower, but that didn’t bother him. This was the best he was going to get, so he headed down into the auditorium to look for Gerri.

[Eric Bower]

He could already feel the skin of his hand get sticky, to which he made a face at. That was hardly fair. He couldn't exactly excuse himself to go to the bathroom to clean his hand properly. It'd be rude to leave Autie alone when she just got here, right? (or was Eric just crazily over his head?) He opened and closed the hand a few times before he looked up at Autie. He had seen how the flowers act with Autie's influence, but each time he was still just as amazed. The flower that wrapped itself around the table caused him to laugh once in surprise, and continue to look at it in wonder.

He had only been a meta for a little over two months so this world was still fresh in his eyes. Her power was so...cool. And it seemed like she was in such control over it too. He grinned as she scolded the flower like a mother. When she asked him about dancing, what color was in his cheeks drained. Eric knew the moment was going to happen, but he just didn't know how to dance. Sure, he knew out to jump around in his socks (and sometimes underwear) while he listened to his music. But that was in the privacy of his own room! He didn't know how to dance in a crowd, let alone with a girl.

Why did she have to say that word? He kinda froze at the word 'virginity.' He was just too innocent young to be able to hear that word and just not react to it. He was on a date with Autie, the girl he liked, and he had no idea what to do. Hearing that word stated a panic--a small panic, but one none the less. "Eh..uhm...later? D-dance later. We can dance later."

Then she brought attention to the others in the room and he took that time to compose himself, and calm down. Hopefully the red left his face. He looked at her when she dragged him over to a table and he sat down thankfully. He felt a lot better sitting down for some reason...more relaxed, maybe. After a moment, his eyes turned to hers, a short little surprised gasp left him before he closed his mouth. "I l-like you too, Autie. And of course I'm wearing the bracelet." He rambled, using the bracelet as an excuse not to look at her (not that he didn't like looking at her, he was embarrassed), he fiddled with it. "I never take it off." He smiled up at her before looking back down at his hands quickly. He then chuckled at her switch in conversation (both in appreciation and because she was so random like that).

"Yeah me too." Though he had a bit more sugar in him, from those cookies he'd tried, and the cup of punch he already had. Though it wasn't like he didn't have sugar all the time. "Maybe there is soo much sugar so everyone will be jittery and want to dance?" He asked as he looked at the dance floor. There were more people standing around than dancing. He was under the impression that school dances involved dancing, and dancing only. (Though he was kinda happy to learn different.)

[Vincent Verax]

Being the genius that he is, Vincent just stared at Moe blankly as he mentioned spikes. What on earth was he talking about? It wasn't as if L.C. was going to appear from under the table and shoot spikes up through the bottom of Moe's little plastic cup. Granted, that would have amused Vincent quite a lot, but he didn't see her anywhere around. There was a girl that walked in that sort of looked like her, but he was sure the L.C. he knew would never dress quite like that. It was as he was staring at her that he finally realized what Moe was talking about. "No! Not spikes-spikes, y'know, spiked... with like vodka or somethin'."

He let Moe drag him out to dance easily enough and, though this wasn't the type of dancing he'd had in mind, he had no problems with wrapping his arms around tiny little Misato and moving with him. He would have preferred a faster song, where he could show off all his horrible amazing dance moves, but Moe looked so happy that Vincent didn't have it in him to complain. "Nah, I can't b', 'cause y'are." What's this, Vin turning down a compliment? We're all dead.

Things might have gone smoothly if this was all that the dance consisted of, but honestly, where's the fun in that? Thankfully, as they were dancing, Vincent caught sight of his best friend/best enemy. (It changed so often, it was hard to keep track of, but right now they were on pretty friendly terms.) "SAMMY!" He shouted, grinning like a madman, then waved frantically at his friend before looking back down at Moe. "C'mon, I wanna show y'off!" I hope Moe doesn't mind being treated like a trophy wife...

[Zachary LaRousse]

[Zac’s weird outfit]

Zac takes pride in his ability to be fashionably late for most (if not all) social events (if that is a thing to be proud of really). Being the attention-whore that he is, he knows coming in at such a late moment would turn all heads toward him. If this was a masquerade ball, then everyone would ask who the late and hot guy is underneath the mask. And while the dance wasn’t a masquerade one, he still has a few tricks up his sleeve, namely the sleeveless robe-dress-shirt-hybrid he sported. Unconventional, sexy and a sure show-stopper. Whoever said that only ladies can sport weird dresses in a dance?
(He doesn’t mind the cold much, seeing that he’s tapped into a polar bear for insulation/cold-resistance.)

Zac confidently entered the room, a few paces in front of L.C. Sure they were ‘dates’, but that doesn’t mean they’d have to enter the room together, or even link arms. No, these are modern times, and he told himself that such practices are now obsolete. (Well, if only he hadn’t gotten into such a heated argument with L.C., he would’ve gladly taken her to the dance. After all, his team did a great job in giving her a make-over. She’s more ‘trophy’ date now more than ever. But sadly, such is not the case, lest he risk appearing like the shallow fool that he is, he must maintain his cold and irritating front to L.C.).

His eyes wandered for a moment, and already he saw a small group of girls giggling in the corner. He only recognized one or two, probably a former classmate or something, but he could care less. He was about to tell L.C. he’ll be gone for a bit, when he saw her back out. “Stage fright dear drama queen?” he said sourly, masking his concern for the lady, “Don’t be. You look amazing. Stunning. A goddess even.” There, he said it. He finally did. Hopefully he still managed to insert his sarcastic tone somewhere. He grabbed L.C.’s arm suddenly, not caring if she’d stab him there and then (not that she could, if she has any common sense; chaperones were all around after all).

“You look wonderful. Gosh. Don’t doubt Nessa and her team.” Even he couldn’t believe he’s all into this pep talk thing. He’s telling himself that he’s just doing this just because it’ll be a waste not to showcase the one-of-a-kind dress L.C. is wearing, which people would instinctively think is Zac’s gift, given L.C.’s current financial standing. Yes, that’s right, this is all for him, he reassured himself. He’d be showcased in L.C.’s beauty, right. “I’m the envy of every guy in this room right now,” he added, tugging her and putting her arm around his, “Now come along, I didn’t get paired with a scaredy cat, did I?”

[Jared Park]

His brother did warn Jared about the awkwardness that could develop in such a social event, but he said that it was because both parties had nothing to say really, hence the terrible silence that follows. He never told him that such awkwardness can also be caused by one party’s excessive nervousness, resulting to his unnecessary blabble and stutter about anything and everything, making the other find ways on how to pacify the said nervous person.

Lucky for Jared, the dance floor seemingly helped in loosening his nerves. Almost immediately he felt at home with the music and the beats, easily easing through the crowd to find a nice spot for him and Noor (not that the place was packed already). It didn’t take much for him to get into the groove. He started dancing the moment he found himself content with the space he’s got. A pop-and-lock here, a slick slide there – it was pretty much obvious that Jared was enjoying himself. After all, being a fashion outlaw only comes second after dancing. He was having so much fun that he’s completely forgotten he’s got a date with him. Poor Noor.

His trance was broken when Noor suddenly spoke. “What? Are you saying something Noor?” His inattentiveness combined with the sound system’s loud boom make a pretty much deaf and oblivious Jared. The lights didn’t help much either, as he could only figure out parts by trying to read Noor’s lips. “Animator? Where’s the animator?” he asked. Did someone just animate a party equipment then? He tried looking around, thankfully he’s tall enough to get above of people’s heads. But then he found nothing. Then it hit him.

“Oh, my powers,” he beamed, turning back to Noor. He blushed for being such a dope. “I am pretty much invisible to technology. Phones, webcams, anything,” he said, lowering his head, hoping Noor would hear him better. He felt weird seeing ‘cause he feels that introductions like these are better suited somewhere nice and quiet, but he wasn’t complaining either; at least they had something to talk about. He only regrets not thinking about it first.

[Autumn Buckland]

Autumn's red hair bobbed from side to side as she eagerly watched Eric's movements, and those of the others around the room, her mouth parting as some of the girls came in with pretty fairytale gowns on. Pressing her small fingertips together, then letting out a light, friendly laugh, the girl sipped more of her punch, licking the stickiness from her mouth. "Dance later." She agreed, fingering the beaded necklace around her throat and twisting it in knots.

Autumn was a self-assured girl. She had no identity crisis, no need to be anyone she wasn't or behave any way she didn't want to. Around Eric, however, she felt less assured, less certain and that often came out with incessant rambling and fidgeting. Clearing her throat and instead tearing a napkin into shreds that the flowers gathered and flicked further away, she smiled awkwardly and ran her fingers through her hair. She knew she was odd, in this crowd of fancy clothes she couldn't afford and teenage chitterchatter. The girl had only ever really been around her family for her life, and the habit to over-speak and to talk of fantasies that only Alice ever understood was unavoidable.

"Well." She started, hands stilling on the paper napkin. "I think it suits you, your whole outfit, I mean. It's quite wonderful. You should dress like it all the time, but then I suppose you'd be overdressed, though the word overdressed is funny, don't you think?" She asked curiously, head tilting to the side like a curious bird, flowers nodding in agreement. "Overdressed makes me think of wearing scarves and a big coat in summer, not wearing nice clothes all the time." Autumn's voice died a moment, as she looked down at her dress, the dress that wasn't even a real dress. Swallowing, and smiling weakly down at the flowers that peered up at her fondly, she shook thoughts like that away.

"I think everyone is meant to be jittery at a dance. Because girls are dancing with boys they like, and boys don't know what to do and the girls don't either. Someone should write a book on it." The redhead added brightly, smiling. "That way we can go to the dance next year and I wont talk so much and you wont spill punch on yourself!" She declared, resting one hand on Eric's own, cheeks going faintly pink.

Under the table, and out of Autumn's mind, one tendril of green decided to quietly bind itself to Eric's ankle. A disaster waiting to happen.

[Oberon Sparks]

Oberon grinned and kissed Rose, giving her a little squeeze as he did so. It might have been a public display of affection, but they weren't being obnoxious about it, not like some of the teenagers were. (Though so long as all hands were visible and it looked consensual, he wasn't about to interrupt anyone else's fun time.) And he had to chuckle at her question.

As much as he adored his girlfriend, probably wouldn't make the best chaperone in the world. That was okay though, since it wasn't actually her job. "No, you're a special invited guest of a chaperone. And you actually got to come in when students are around; not many people get to do that." Besides family members of students, that is. And he actually was exaggerating a bit on the stats there, but he'd never brought anyone from outside the school to a function like this before. And she was special to him, so it counted. "And please don't yell at them. It's not like they'll listen anyway."

Since he'd picked her up earlier that evening, Oberon hadn't stopped smiling once. "You're gorgeous all the time, but you do look great tonight." With his arm firmly around her waist, he was on top of the world. Until she asked him to dance.

He tried grinning wider to hide the panic behind his eyes. He couldn't dance. "Maybe later? Like, to a slow song?" At least those were easy. You just kind of stood there and swayed back and forth. (Or that's what Ben had told him anyway.)

Hoping to draw her attention away from that, he offered, "Hey, we could just people-watch. I know a lot of the people here and what they can do. Like him." He waved to an older man on the other side of the room. "That's Dr. Neville. He's a psychiatrist here, and a telepath." Though he didn't know everyone, hopefully he could keep her amused until the music stopped being so fast.

[Noor Qadri]

Okay. Wow.

Before that night, Noor hadn't known much about Jared. She knew he looked kind of feminine--It was the long hair. She just didn't know too many guys with long hair--dressed really nicely, and that was about it. Then, after meeting him tonight, she'd added: Acts kind of awkward, and probably gay to her mental file folder.

But she didn't know he could dance. Particularly not like that. "Wow, Jared, you're really good." She said in surprise, but he was grooving, and he wasn't entirely sure he'd heard her. (And she was fine if he didn't, really.) "Maybe he's trying to impress someone?" Noor thought, looking around to see who she thought might be to his taste. Honestly, there weren't that many people on the dance floor, and she didn't see anyone she thought he might like. (After a minute more of dancing, she scanned the area again, this time looking at the girls. Just covering her bases.)

Okay, so maybe it was harder to talk now than she'd anticipated. "I'm the animator!" She said, raising her voice to match his. Music + dancing + teenagers = no understandable conversation. Noor got that now. But once he leaned over a bit and told her his power, it was a bit easier. Okay, so maybe that equation should be amended to music + dancing + Jared. "What about old-fashioned cameras? Like, the ones with the huge flash and the hood that goes over the photographer's head and mercury in the film?"

See, Noor had totally paid attention in photo class. Kind of. "Oh, what about security cameras or sensors? Electric scales?" See Jared, now that you got her started, she's not going to stop.

[Eric Bower]

As Autie agreed to him, he nodded his head, happy that she agreed. He knew he wouldn't be able to say no to her if she wanted to dance now, but he was afraid he'd make a total idiot out of himself with his uncoordinated dance-flailing. He really couldn't jump around and play the air guitar with Autie (maybe if they were like in his dorm room, but in that case, he'd be too caught up on the fact it was the two of them in his dorm for there to be any dancing. Moot point, really.) He wasn't even sure what sort of dancing Autie did, but given her gypsy like and fantastical personality he was sure it would be graceful and pretty.

Eric was a pretty easy going person...when he was just hanging out with friends. Eric was pretty good in most social situations--if they didn't involve shouting and fighting--and he liked to laugh and make other people laugh. But when it was just him and Autie (or him, Autie, and Alice), he had a lot harder of a time just relaxing and having fun. He was constantly questioning the things he said (or thought about saying) what he did, and everything she said. He was constantly nervous and blushed every other word.

He grinned at her little spiel about over dressing, though his blush deepened a bit 'cause she said he looked nice. "Well its not that comfortable, and I think I'd always be worrying about spilling something on the shirt." Because of Eric's increased clumsy tendencies and habits, wearing white was a bad idea. He really hoped he didn't somehow manage to spill punch on himself. "I see that too, instead of it being like a formal overdressed thing, it's like I am just wearing too many things." Cue the awkward laughter. He caught her look down at her own dress and he couldn't help but frown a little. He got the feeling she wasn't as proud of that dress as she should be. It was amazing.

"Hey..." He said slowly to get her attention, even though he kinda got the impression she didn't wanna bring attention to it. "Autie you definitely have the coolest dress here. Anyone can just buy a dress, made by a total stranger. But you made this totally awesome thing on your own, and that is so far awesomer than any of those other girls." Eric said, his cheeks darkening in color. He meant what he said though, and he hoped to cheer her up, even if just a little.

Yes, Eric agreed with Autie on that. "A book would be very helpful." Of course he didn't realize he just admitted to not knowing what to do, but come on, that was obvious. "Hmm, yeah." He agreed again, spilling punch on himself again would be awful. His cheeks darkened again when she laid her hand in his. He licked his lips a little, because it was a cause of heightened nerves and mouth-breathing. He turned the hand sideways so he could kinda hold her hand. At the same time he lifted his cup up to his face to take a drink.

He didn't notice anything going on beneath the table.

[Germaine Sharpe]

True, she had asked the one and only Samual Rixon to the school dance. It was quite possibly one of her worst ideas ever, but he had said yes and it meant the world to her. Immediately after he accepted her request, she rushed back to her dorm to try on all her dresses, even though she knew she already had the perfect one hiding in the back of her closet. It was pink, it was floral, it was fluffy. Where could she go wrong?

Germaine arrived at the auditorium ready to give a performance. She thought it would be a crime to do any less in a outfit as awesome and beautiful as hers. It didn’t matter to her if her skills in dance were lacking because she wanted to try anyway. So she leaped through the auditorium doors, did a few twirls (with some prancing in between when she needed to get into a space with more room), and ended her entrance with a clumsy pirouette. Hold for applause.

When all she got was one or two stray stares in return, she huffed and put her hands on her hips. “Ya’ll don’t know a good performance when yah see it,” she muttered. Gerri wasn’t going to fret anymore than that, though. If these people didn’t have good taste, that was their problem, and she would just have to show them up later on the dance floor. There were currently more pressing matters at hand anyway; like finding her date.

She practically screamed when she finally picked him out of the crowd. “SAMMY!” But the call was followed by a pout because someone older and more masculine had said the exact same thing at the exact same time and overshadowed her voice. She glared at stranger from across the auditorium, and then sprinted as fast as she could to Sammy because she was going to get there first. “Sammy! I‘m so glad you came,” she cooed, plowing into him with a hug. “ I thought you might treat this like a class and ditch and go smoke something instead or maybe hurt yourself and I would have to come find you and save you and then we could dance and it would be awesome.” Kudos to anyone who understood that.

[Fifi Hart]

Fifi nearly purred with glee when the pulsing music was no longer an indistinct hum in the back of her mind, but actual sound floating around in her head. Much better. Much much better. Fifi wasn’t necessarily a social creature, being that she didn’t see people as her equals so much as her playthings, but boy did she like to party. And this was going to be a party weither Ev liked it or not.

“Excellent, Van---“ she said with a smarmy smile, nearly rolling her eyes at his correction of nickname. What a douche-y name, Van (no douchier than Fifi, but that’s beside the point). Fifi was mostly disappointed in her date, but she wasn’t going to just let him off. He’d officially agreed to her deal, and she was about to squeeze every drop of fun she could out of him. Looking around a bit, Fifi steered herself and her date to a vacant table on the side of the dance floor. She plopped into one of the chairs and leaned her elbows on the table, suspending her thin chin against her hands.

“So, Van. How old are ya? I haven’t seen you around much.” She said, surprisingly pleasant for how incredibly skeevy she was.

[Rose McGovern]

Rose couldn’t promise her hands would be visible by the end of the night. Not if Oberon kept kissing her like that. She felt a little like a giddy high school girl again. Only with more curves, and a killer dress. And a boyfriend she adored. She smiled up at him, resisting the urge to gently tug his tie and pull him in a kiss that wasn’t so G-rated. She settled for the innocent kiss he gave her.

At least Oberon had the sense to know she would make a terrible chaperone. Either she’d yell at everyone that looked like they were even thinking about something indecent, or she’d let them get away with murder. “Really? Does that mean I’m special?” That idea thrilled her, for some inane reason. The fact that Oberon trusted her around the students, the kids he was supposed to help protect from people like her. Normal humans. “Fine, no yelling. I promise. Scout’s honor.” She grinned playfully and gave him a little salute.

“Aww, Ben. Thank you.” She’d tried to look good for him. “You should seriously let Ronnie play dress up more. She does a good job. Not that you’re ever not cute.” Yes, she’d told him that she’d always thought he was cute. Even before she’d accosted him in the coffee shop.

Slow song? Where was the fun in that? “Aww Ben.” She pouted slightly, but it cleared off fairly quickly. “Fine. But the first slow song, you’re mine.” She was staking that claim now.

The offered diversion worked. As soon as Oberon suggested they people watch, she was all over that idea. She clung to his arm eagerly as he pointed out the psychiatrist. She waved at him eagerly. “Why does the school have a psychiatrist? Does being meta make you crazy?” No, Rose, it really doesn’t. But she decided to go along with the little game and pointed out another adult, one that looked younger than both her and Oberon. “What about him? The wallflower? What can he do?” This game was going to be fun.

[Samuel Rixon]

Sammy was looking a little... lost, in the middle of the auditorium. He saw lots of people he knew. Zac and someone that looked like L.C., he saw Dr. Neville and Eli (he avoided Eli, if he could help it). He saw a tall, skinny, dorky looking guy he thought he’d seen in the halls once or twice before, but he had a hot date on his arm. Lucky bastard. But he saw lots of other classmates. Lots of other teachers, too. He wondered if his new trainer was here. And if he was, what insane powers he might pick up now. (The other day, he’d had way too much fun in class with him.)

But still no Gerri.

Sam wandered to the refreshment table, snatching a few cookies. He’d felt a little run down lately, and he was hoping that a little sugar rush would alleviate that. But it was then that he heard his name called. In... two... different directions? A distinctly feminine voice, masked by a deeper, much more male one. One he recognized. Thankfully, they were back on friendly terms, so he didn’t make a run for it. He just turned to look and see where Vincent actually was before waving.

... And being tackled by a midget in a tutu.

Awkwardly, he wrapped his arms around who he was hoping was his so called “date.” And then realized that this could be very, very bad. Vincent was one of the few people he wanted Gerri to stay away from. And they were about to meet. Not good. “Uh... no... I wasn’t gonna ditch.” Much. “Dances are more fun than class and Gerri, can you please let go?” The last thing he wanted was to have her clinging all over him when Vincent was about to come over and harass him. Not that he was embarrassed. No. Not at all. ... He was trying to protect Gerri! “Uh, listen, if a big scary gothy guy comes up to talk to me...” Okay, there was no getting around it. He sighed. “That’s Vincent. One of my friends. One you shouldn’t ever listen to, got it?” He might as well warn her. He smiled fondly and ruffled her hair before looking back for Vincent. Might as well let them meet in a public place, when Vin was with his boyfriend. As long as nothing was mentioned about drunken hook ups, he was good.

[Evan Brackett]

Evan much preferred the music when it was only a hum in the background. At least he could ignore it then and pretend like this disaster had never happened. Now he had to actually listen to it and accept that he was at a school dance. Not to mention the fact that he could barely hear Fifi’s comment over the music, having to crouch slightly just so he could catch what she said.

The teen didn’t care where they ended up because he didn’t want to be there regardless. He walked silently as she scouted the area, and followed her like a lost puppy when she picked a destination. Van looked around as he was pulled along, and sighed as he realized how few people he actually knew and that the few that he did recognize were already preoccupied, therefore unable to save him. And--oh, God--at least one person was eyeing him, and he didn't know why. Great. He nervously ran his free hand through his hair. Please let this be over quickly. Please, he prayed.

He scowled when they ended up at a table next to the dance floor. Maybe he should have cared more about where they were going. Evan slid into the seat on the far side of Fifi, as far as he could get from the dancing while still sitting next to the girl. While it wasn‘t nearly as secluded as he would like, it would have to do, and even though he was sitting next to her, he still had to lean towards the girl to catch he question. Stupid music. “Uhm, sixteen,” he told her. “You?”

[Jared Park]

As usual, the music pretty much drowned out Noor’s compliment. Jared couldn’t understand a word she’s saying, much less hear her voice because of the speakers’ loud booming (not that he’s complaining anyway, he’s actually enjoying every minute of it). Heck, he didn’t even notice her speak. Fortunately he turned just at the right moment (i.e. when Noor was mouthing off “really good”) and he caught he compliment – more of tried to decipher what she just said, then remember what her face and eyes looked like, then put it into context. Due to the long thought process that happened, it actually took a while for Jared to respond. “Thanks,” he said, blushing at her compliment. (Yes, lucky for Noor that one came through).

Jared was starting to go wild again when he heard Noor speak saw Noor’s mouth open again, which meant she’s saying something. And while he would rather dance the night away, he remembered that he was Noor’s ‘date’ and as Jasper said, a guy must take care of his date (not that he doesn’t want to talk to Noor anymore, it’s just that he’d prefer dancing over talking). He squinted and tried to make out what she’s saying to the best of his ability, which to say is really unreliable.

“What? A camera? I’m sorry, I didn’t bring mine,” he laughed, partly ashamed for forgetting a social event necessity, somewhat. Well, he did have a camera with him and was debating whether or not he should bring it, but decided to leave it a few minutes before walking out of the room. He wasn’t going to be seen anyway, what’s the point? He didn’t actually think that his date might actually want to have a commemorative photo of sorts.

He looked around then finally found the photobooth he saw earlier, when they entered the auditorium. “If you want, we can take our pictures there, but I don’t think I’ll be visible in any of them. I only appear in ones with film,” he nodded, feeling bad for Noor for having a partner with such a crappy power.

Sorry Noor, Jared isn’t really good with loud music. Nor is he an excellent lip-reader.