Storm Park

a smirk made its way onto noel’s face before he responded. “ honestly? i think you telling me i have some windsor in me is probably the most effective thing you’ve said yet. it actually made me throw up in my mouth a little, so congrats for that one, “ he clapped sarcastically. “ also, no offense, but having you step close to me and look me up and down? a bit odd considering you wanted to deny asking me for a hook-up, “ he winked at them, completely fucking with them at this point. “ it’s sad you think the way you do and then say i have the issues. you should care about people, and i don’t know how else to tell you that. i’m sorry you grew up thinking that the world is cruel, but you cannot use that as an excuse to add on to whatever problems there are. if you guys are all so well-versed in how cruel the world is, maybe try to stop the cruelty. try to give other people your apparently almighty knowledge instead of defending your selfishness. and how dare you call others weak just because they aren’t assholes who get off on being literally the worst in the name of precious self-preservation. i think the people who put up with you guys are so, so much stronger than any of you will ever be if you keep your ways. you’re confusing caring about yourself to just having a complete vendetta against others, and i don’t know if you can see that. but what does it matter? you’re done with this conversation, i know that. i shouldn’t waste my breath, “ he sighed. “ although, i think you need to hear that being bitchy isn’t a personality trait. or is that the only substance you have to you? “

They rolled their eyes at the wink, ignoring the tiny effect it had on them. “Sizing you up and checking you out are two entirely different things. I don’t do subtle when I want to hook up.” They put back their sweet smile, tilting their head before saying “Literally nothing you’ve said is original. I’ve heard all this shit before, so you’re really wasting your breath. They turned on their heels, circling their hand in the air as the started to walk out of the room. “Don’t approach me again until you have something I haven’t heard before, dork,” they said as a sort of goodbye.

“ shut the fuck up with your narcissistic bullshit spouting fountain of a mouth before you let out all of that air in your head filling up the space your brain should be in, “ noel spat. “ you think i’m some hidden hook-up case, and it’s pathetic! you know, i think i’ve figured it out. to you guys, nobody remotely below you has the right to say anything against you unless they’ve been in your beds. people below you are worth quick hook-ups, and that’s all you see them as when they have any criticism.  so, of course, instead of actually addressing any of my issues, you psychoanalyze me as some poor little charity case that is upset because i got rejected or had sex with one of you. and you have the gall to call me pathetic for standing up to you. you’re hilarious. losing at your own guessing game because you won’t admit that i have valid reasons and arguments. i have nothing to admit to you when you won’t admit the flaws in the existence of your elitist clique. i have nothing to admit to you when you won’t admit your own wrongdoings. start there, and maybe, just maybe, i’ll shockingly admit that wow, never had sex with a windsor! how many people have you guys hurt, manipulated, used, and things i probably can’t imagine with my pathetic dork brain. i have no doubt in my mind you guys ruin people. maybe that’s what you need to hear. that you’re fucking hurting people and changing them and their personalities. i mean fuck, here you are talking bad about your own people. does that even ring to you though? do you have enough brain cells to process that you can hurt people? no wonder you love acting, everything’s written for you, no need to actually say anything intelligent yourself. “ okay noel, you’re being really mean… he thought to himself, resisting the urge to apologize. 

Storm listened to the entire rant before full on laughing out loud, throwing their head back. They honestly took a few seconds before they could respond. “Wow. You know what? Fuck it, I’m impressed. This kitten has claws, good for you,” they said, slowly nodding. “However. If you think you’re the first person I’ve tried to hookup with while drunk and then made certain they knew I would deny it, then you’re sorely mistaken. And guess what? I don’t care. Almost every single thing you just said was completely correct, but I don’t give a shit. This world is a cruel place, and you need to look out for yourself, because no one else will. The Windsors are simply the people who have learned that and used it to their advantage. It’s not our fault you guys are too weak to do anything about us stepping on your throats. Though, you might’ve come the closest just now.” They took another intimidating step forward. “You think we all love each other and are sunshine and rainbows? No. Windsors exist as a status symbol, not a family or some shit like that. We don’t all like each other, but we all agree that we’re better than the rest of you because we know how to put ourselves first.” They squinted, tilting their head and searching the boy’s eyes. “I’m not wrong, though. You really aren’t that upset at me.” They couldn’t help but smirk, eyeing Noel up and down. “Maybe there’s more Windsor in you than I thought.” They blinked innocently before asking “Is there anything else you want to say to me? Or should I leave you to work out your deep seeded issues?”

a dry laugh escaped noel’s mouth as he shook his head, using everything he had in him to not go completely crazy at them. “ oh, you really don’t fucking get it. that’s fucking rich. and not in a good way, i know all you trust fund babies jump on anything money and elitism related. you just… you’re that self-centered, really? so self-centered that obviously, if somebody has a problem with you, it must because they’re fucking one of your clique members? like that’s the only reason that would justify my anger. newsflash, you windsors are more than a group that does more than perform some fucked up charity work by hooking up with the less fortunate, or whatever. newsflash, you guys are also manipulative bullies. dante hooked up with three separate people because his girlfriends weren’t enough, had people fucking do his dirty work for him by spying, and kept joy in knowing people’s secrets. do you know how fucked up you have to be for that? and you guys love acting like it wasn’t a problem. like he didn’t screw over a portion of this student body. you, particularly, are so into that acting that you like to pretend i must’ve fucked one of your manipulative asses to be upset at how much you frequently screw anybody over you see as lesser than you. but hey, i’m sure your broadway acts will be really great! just make sure you don’t get any roles that require empathy or sympathy, and i really think you’ll be set! “ 

This dork had more bite than Storm previously thought. They were almost impressed. Almost.

“No, it’s that you’re clearly projecting some problem you have with one of my fellow Windsors onto me. Unless you’re more pathetic than I though and our non-event at the party rally fucked with you that much. So, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and say it’s the latter. You’re welcome.” They started tapping their cheek, searching the boy’s eyes for the answer. “Now the only question is which one is it? It can’t be Lysander since he’s clearly not gotten laid in years if ever. You’re not my cousin’s type, so she’s out. Valerie was a Windsor, but even I have to admit you’re way above Leonard Johnson, so she wouldn’t settle for him if she had you in her bed... hm...” They smiled again, the boy’s words clearly not hitting as hard as Noel wanted them to. “As much as I love guessing games, you might as well just tell me and save yourself the trouble and me the time. Unless you want to admit that you really are pathetic and my denying hitting on you hurt your poor wittle feewings.”

noel clenched his fists, taking deep breaths. “ it’s just that i don’t fucking get it. most of you guys are barely people, and it’s honestly fucking disgusting. you guys think you can get whatever you want out of vulnerable people because you have money and manipulation tactics! none of you know what human emotion is, do you? like i said, i rejected you, and now you want to deny the situation happened because why? it’s too embarrassing for you? i talk about dodging a bullet and yet you don’t give a shit. you get to not care who you fuck over, because it almost never comes back to you, huh? if it does, that’s just who you are. well, wake the fuck up because it’s not cute. the act isn’t cute, leading people on isn’t cute, and flirting-drunk or not- and then pretending it didn’t happen for your own benefit isn’t cute. i heard about you guys doing all this, and i guess i finally got to see it with you. “ he laughed, “ you had the audacity to ask me what my game was too. so surprised your little power trick didn’t work, weren’t you? have fun peaking in fucking high school. “ noel had never gotten this angry before, and he knew deep down that he was being harsh at this point and he looked crazy, but it was too late. he somewhat hated himself for yelling at them, but he doubted it would even affect them.

Okay, this definitely wasn’t all directed at Storm. Storm barely knew the guy, and their almost hook up at the party didn’t warrant this anger. They simply listened, keeping their face completely neutral as he shouted at them. They were definitely glad they had pushed him into the room, though they were also feeling... was that a pinch of... guilt? No, there was no way. Storm hadn’t done anything wrong. They didn’t let it show on their face, though, instead letting him get it all out before asking “You done?” They took a step towards the boy before asking “So. Which of the Windsors have you been fucking?”

“no one once said you were ugly.. just that you can’t dance for shit.” he said with another laugh.”not over my dead body i don’t dance… you are outta luck.:”

“Probably?” Brooks glanced around, but much to his dismay, he didn’t see the petite girl anywhere near the drink table. “The face?” A frown etched into the jock’s features. “Well, I’d like think it’s more than just that, but thanks for the compliment, I guess?” 

“If I say it was a compliment, will you dance with me?” they asked, trying to put on a cute smile to tempt the boy.

noel’s eyes widened, not expecting to be pushed around—and surely not enjoying it. “ first of all, you can calm the fuck down and stop shoving me around, thanks. “ he snapped. he was seldom the angry type, but something about this situation upset something within him. “ but hey, go on, say it didn’t happen. you guys all just love your ability to fuck everybody over with your money and power, huh? i’ve always heard that. guess it was proven when you were oh so willing to hook up with the ‘hot dork’ while you were drunk. thank god i said no, i very much dodged a bullet. asshole. “ he had to force himself not to apologize for being mean. they didn’t deserve his apology. 

Storm was honestly surprised at this reaction. Sure, they were expecting a sort of retaliation, but nothing this strong. It wasn’t a big enough of a deal on Noel’s side to warrant it, so it definitely caught Storm off guard. They tilted their head, their signature sickeningly sweet smile appearing. “Someone’s touchy. Wasn’t expecting you to care so much, but maybe you had more hope than I thought you did?” They were definitely curious. “Did I hit a nerve?”

“The mental pictures are getting mental frames and go on a mental wall of compliments, don’t you worry,” she said with a wink. “You’re right about that. Freshmen always have so much energy. I’m excited.”

❝ geez, storm, what’s gotten into you? did you miss me that much? ❞ she chuckled, imitating their manner. ❝ maybe, for now i’ll just enjoy my juice. ❞ she leaned her head back in attempt to stop their tapping and whined, ❝ ew, stop, you’re gonna mess up my hair. ❞

“I didn’t know you were keeping tabs on me Storm.” She said smirking, right before she twirled on the dance floor. Dani didn’t know why she had decided to tease Storm but it was fun.

“Hey, I keep tabs on everybody,” they defended. “I have to in order to know everything about everyone... or at least most things about most people.”

“Of course. You’re not cheer captain for nothing,” Maritza said, letting them lead her in dance. “Think we’ll get some good newbies this year?”

“Hey, I was actually complimenting you, take mental pictures, that shit is rare,” they said laughing before rolling their eyes. “We better! I’m not having the team suck on my senior year. Plus, freshman are usually more willing to get shit done to earn their spot. I’m so ready.”

“The only hitting here is you to my shoulder,” he joked, referencing the other slapping his shoulder earlier. Ethan decided not to hold it against Storm that they thought he was hitting on them. “I’ll accept the compliments, but I promise I wouldn’t hit on you,” Ethan said, frowning slightly. “Wait that came out wrong too…” 

“Probably? I think it’s a bit more certain at this point,” Ethan told Storm playfully as they leaned against him, giving them a slight nudge. “Stop what you definitely not drunken idiot?” He asked moving slightly closer in case Storm decided to lean again. Rather Ethan’s shoulder than the floor - there were already enough drunk high school students faceplanting. 

“Stop hitting on me,” they clarified as if it was obvious. “Just ‘cause I’m drunk doesn’t mean I’ll fall for your sarcastic charm and pretty face!” They then squinted, looking around as they said “Wait, that came out wrong...”

“Oh, okay.. So, where was the last place you saw her? Anywhere nearby?” This mansion was so large and so difficult to navigate, that admittedly, Brooks was a little bit overwhelmed by it all. “Dance? With you?” The boy raised his brows in surprise. “Nah, I think you’re doing great by yourself, Storm. I’d probably just end up stepping on your toes or something.” 

“Probably by the drink table, but that was like an hour ago, she’s probably somewhere else by now,” they explained before scrunching their nose. “You’re no fun. What does my cousin even see in you? Wait. It’s the face. Nevermind.”

noel tilted his head while taking deep breaths, giving them a confused look. “ huh? i don’t think i understand. what game? “ he asked.

“Your game with your blushing and receptivity and then nope!” they slurred, that sentence making perfect sense in their head, but then again, their thoughts were swimming in alcohol. “It’s rude is what it is.”

“Oh, good to know,” she giggled. Mitzi herself knew that she moved well, so even if their words could have been taken as a slight dig, she didn’t take it as such. “I like that about you, Storm. Always so confident.”

They gave her a wink, taking both of her hands to twist with her to the music. “Well, there’s a lot of be confident about, but I’m sure you know all about that,” they explained.