skipalong

Um, the most concerning part? Whichever that is, uh, that’s the part that definitely isn’t what it looks like. This is a punch stain. [ He indicated to his shirt, unsure why this had been his number one priority to explain. ] But yeah, yeah. I’m good. Are you good? You look… I got you a- a thing. Shit, where did I— Yes! I mean, here- I mean, it’s not like, you probably don’t need it. We’re right beside the trash though if you want to just— [ He very helplessly, hopelessly held the boxed corsage out to her. It was a little battered by this point but still together. (Unlike some). He should just go. Greg rocked on his heels, almost taking several hundreds steps backwards but for once… ] Sorry, this isn’t going great. I mean, this wasn’t how I wanted to do this. I just, um, I just wanted to talk to you without doing anything stupid or shitty but obviously that’s not going to plan… You look- I mean, you know- but you do. Were you gonna go to the after party?

Seems like quite a bit of punch. Uh, good is relative, really. So who can really say if anyone is... good. I look--? Oh, you... got me something? [ She tried very hard not to ask why, but it was a close thing. And then he was handing it to her and it was all she could do not to scream. Still, she definitely spent too long just staring at it in her hands but it was impossible to make sense of. After a while she finally looked up, blinking away the million question marks in her head as she processed what he was saying. ] A lot to unpack there but first, you have to stop talking about what I look like without actually saying anything. Is it the dress? Is it weird? You’re making me self-conscious-- or, well. More than usual, at least. Second, this... [ She held the box closer to her chest, taking a step away from the trash, just in case he got any weird ideas. ] It’s not stupid, or shitty, or... Whatever. I’m keeping it, so don’t even think about trying to take it back. You know, I wasn’t actually planning on going anywhere except straight to bed after this but, I don’t know. I might be convinced otherwise. The night is young, and Jenny would be so sad if I skipped. What do you think?

[ All Greg Porter had wanted to do tonight was talk to Bonnie Brightman. Yes, he’d picked out a corsage and yes, he’d even learned- sort of- a few very last minute card tricks but mostly, he’d just wanted to talk. What he could say- that wasn’t the thing he wanted to say- to make it all better, well, he was still working on that. Or he had been. After Logan, after Jesse, after he’d had punch spilled on him by Yvonne DeLisle (who even invited her?), bumped his head or something (he thought he’d seen Juliette go by but…who knew?) and all but watched his chances go down the drain, he wasn’t hopeful. In fact, he was standing a little too close to the garbage cans outside of prom as everyone else poured out to head to the after party feeling very sorry for himself. He didn’t have a chance with Bonnie. At every turn tonight the universe had been against him. He deserved it too. To top it off, of course when he looked a mess, half-way mumbling about stupid magic, in the semi-privacy of a sulk, he’d turn to the sound of those high heels. ] I… This isn’t what it looks like.

@brightbonnie​

[  All Bonnie Brightman had wanted to do tonight was have a nice night out with her friends. She didn’t even want to go to prom. But, of course, all her friends were going, and she was supposed to be Benjy’s date --- then Logan, then Jesse, of all people --- but well. Well. Clearly, she was cursed. Besides, a part of her always knew prom was an overrated concept and now she was too tired for anything else to affect her. So when she rounded the corner and the last person she wanted to deal with was right in front of her, hiding in the shadows and muttering to some trash cans, it just. It didn’t matter anymore. Greg had a tendency to conjure up many, sometimes conflicting, emotions for Bonnie, especially as of late but she didn’t want to think of any of that right now. The most important thing about Greg that she wanted to think about right now was that, at his core, Greg was just simple. If he could stop tripping over himself for a just this single conversation, maybe Bonnie could even tolerate his presence for the entire evening. Maybe.  ]

Ah, which part, exactly? Because you have to understand that what I just walked up to has the makings of a real nightmare. Are you -- and I can’t believe I’m asking this -- okay...?

Bonnie Brightman, as I live and breathe, you look like the most elegant star of our modern century. That dress suits you perfectly.

I would call that incredible growth, but pamphlet or no pamphlet, nothing can stop us from starting meaningful conversations about the planet, right?

Isaac Rhodes, as I live and breathe. You sure have a way with words, don’t you? You look great, too, by the way.

                   So you usually just walk around with stacks of pamphlets?

                   I mean... yeah? You never know when you’ll need to help people understand how the environment works.

Samesies but hey, what the fuck, you look amazing. I love the dress on you, Bonnie. RIP to the pamphlets but here’s to your character development. How’d you get here?

Oh, oh my god, thanks. That means a lot coming from you. Especially when you look like that. I... was hoping no one would ask. You know how Cooper got a group for a limo?

Can’t vote for myself? Psssh! Who am I supposed to vote for? Leo? Greg? Laughable. Whatever, Mr M. I have better places to be than at this lame attempt at a party. Peace!

@havensdalestarters​

Not that I don’t get ditching at this point, but the least you could do is at least offer your date an invite.

Oh yeah. Given how well decorated the school is, I’m sure there’s someone here is excellent at putting up flyers. We just have to find said person. If you must repay me, I do enjoy an almond croissant. But it can wait until after prom.

Consider it done. I’ll come find you after prom then, how does that sound? Not to get ominous, but you’re getting this croissant one way or another. Speaking of prom though, are you all set to go?

What? No. I’m shocked you would think I could ever do such a thing. [ hand on his heart ] Bonnie Brightman, I am asking you to prom.

Oh. That... That sounds very nice. I would like that very much. Um, but are you sure you don’t have a date already? Super duper positive? Because it can be very easy to forget, apparently, and I can’t go through that again.

                  I never thought I would say this, but it feels good to be home.

Welcome back! You’re just in time for things to get a bit festive around here, so I’d say you’re just in luck. How long have you been away for?

Among other things. I mean, I definitely wouldn’t have lasted more than a day at the animal shelter last summer without your shockingly compelling pep talks. And cute sweaters. Maleficent is still pissed I was around other cats though, I think. Mhm, you’ll save the world yet. Not nearly enough of the time but yeah. The more the better. Nothing makes a splash like a good leopard print, or leather. But I mean, you know that; I still remember that dress you wore to the unnecessarily annual Sadie’s dance. Knock. Out. You are definitely going tonight though, right? Prom queen nominee- bleugh- solidarity and all.

Oh, gosh, no, you give me way too much credit! I’m sure you would have done absolutely perfectly without me. Not-- Not that I didn’t love having you there! It was honestly so nice to have the company, especially with, like, a girl, you know? Because guys are just so agh sometimes, haha. The what? Right, right! The.... leather. Many memories made, good and bad. Hmm? Yeah, of course! Solidarity is so important. Are you... going with anyone?