devil on my shoulder

“didn’t you already say you’re voting everybody black? just keep that energy and tori, obvi,” vanessa grinned.  she could never really explain why prom meant so much to her, at least without sounding crazy from an outsiders perspective. vanessa had spent all high school climbing the social ladder, holding herself to the impossibly high plastic standards, and protecting her popular status at all cost. it would be embarrassing for her to do all that work at not win. prom culminated everything and it’d be tragic if this didn’t come to its logical end for her. “i mean, they are a cute couple in like a dweeby kind of way. and as for his hair, some girls don’t go for guys with fades. some of us like guys with hair,” vanessa teased. vanessa moved up on her tippy toes, going in for another kiss. there was always something about how vince looked at her that got vanessa going. “you say high maintenance like it’s a bad thing,” she joked, nudging the boy lightly. 

“t’ll probably be salty if i don’t vote for his lil girlfriend. prolly thinks the crown is gonna increase his chances of gettin some” he shakes his head fondly at his little brother and the mere thought that the gears always seem to be turning in that kid’s head. “some of us?” there’s emphasis on the last word as he shoots her a quizzical look, detaches the arm slung around her shoulder to run it over his clean fade. “i mean shit if that’s what you like they still sell s-curl at the corner store” he’s joking, mostly, couldn’t get any respect around the way looking like 1982 michael jackson. but it doesn’t refute the fact that he’ll do anything for her. and it feels good to finally be in a place like this, where they can laugh and be light, and not have the weight of their issues to bog them down. “never that, baby. and i know you don’t need no man” he rolls his neck and makes a show of it. “but if you want a date i can’t imagine going with no one else”

kc: yeah i am, i asked tori

kc: what about you? since you're nominated and all

vince: oh bet. me you her and nessa can all chill together then.

“fingers crossed. seems like everyone is on this dumb underdogs kick. like whatever, prom isn’t even for them. it’s for the pretty and popular people,” she replied. sure vanessa could of found a kinder way to put it, but it was how she felt. “yeah you are,” vanessa  replied, shaking her head of course he hadn’t been keeping up “you know danny and his girlfriend are nominated but not that you’re nominated?”  maybe she was the only one who got hype about prom, and that’s fine. it was what she’d been waiting her whole life for practically. “i hope that isn’t your vince way of asking me to prom?” she teased. vanessa was so caught up in everything else that she hadn’t even noticed vince leaning in. but she matched his energy, lips coming together they way they always did when it came to the two degrassi students. “vince bell as my prom king? i think i like the idea of that,” she grinned, words tracing against the boy’s lips. 

he can’t help but roll his eyes as vanessa expresses her less than subtle disdain with her less popular running mates. “if it makes you feel any better i’ll let you fill out my ballot.” he offers in consolation. isn’t exactly concerned with securing his spot in high school history as he is with getting the hell out of this place and getting on with life. “heard some niners talking about how cute of a couple they were” he says mockingly, gives his best impression of 14 year old girl. “it’s all that curly shit on his head, that’s all” his lips curl when she mentions prom. “for your high maintenance ass? not a chance--” he chuckles, pressing his lips to hers, has to restrain himself from letting pda land them in detention but the taste of her lips is far too good to pass up even for a second. and he was originally considering not even showing up to prom, figured he’d skip the tux and cliches and spend the night playing 2k, getting up on business. but with his recent nomination, and never ending inclination to be the one to put the stars in her eyes, maybe plans have changed. 

she was grateful for vince pulling her away before anyone saw her with tears. vanessa didn’t care about being seen vulnerable, but she did care about people seeing her cry. at vanessa’s core her image was all that mattered. and she’d be damned if anyone saw her likfe tat. vice knew that. maybe he didn’t understand it fully, but he knew. vanessa wiped her face, “you kow the usual, get your jocks to vote for me over you know who, scare some others,” she joked between sniffles. “aren’t you nominated to? want me to shake some trees?”

“i’ll do what i can--” he chuckles in response, but knows full well vanessa doesn’t need his help to secure this thing. she’s the obvious choice, a queen bee through and through. and anyway that fails to see that is little more than a hater in his book. “i’m sure most of them will vote for you anyway, i mean danny’ll probably vote for his girl but the rest? it’s a no-brainer girl” when conversation turns to him he furrows his eyebrows. “am i?” he hadn’t paid much attention past the first name on the list. “you know me, i’m not really pressed about this shit. i mean, unless you want me up there as your king--” he places himself in her path, wry grin and wiggling eyebrows as he leans in for a kiss.

kc: she doesn't seem like the kind of girl who takes relationships/break-ups lightly

kc: like i don't think she'd be willing to just be your friend or whatever but you can try

vince: i know that's why it's...rough

vanessa, T, and shay. the obvious choices.

Becky glances down at the hoodie and she can’t help but smile. Despite everything that happened between the two of them within their relationship he did always try to look out for her and that was something she wanted to remember him for. Becky nods and then she hands him an envelope. “Doing all that to your car the other day felt good at first, but the second I got home I felt bad about it. It just irked me seeing you and Vanessa together the second after I told you my feelings. I know that’s not really much of an excuse for what I did, but I’m really sorry. I hope you accept the money to get your car fixed. Just because I’m still mad at you doesn’t mean Tiny should be punished for it too.” 

he heaves a sigh when she tries to offer him money, the pang of guilt in his chest multiplying by tenfold. “i can’t take that, b.” he mutters solemnly, and his heart twists at the fact that she’s still trying to take care of him. even now. “we’ll figure it out, we always do” he’ll pick up the slack one way or another. his head turns to the uber to ensure it’s still parked out on the curb before he turns back to the younger girl. and he doesn’t know where it comes from, or what prompts the response but when he turns back to her the words just come and come. “you were the best girlfriend, b. i don’t want you to ever doubt that. you never did anything wrong. and i know you don’t wanna hear that shit about you deserving better and finding someone else cuz it’s a cop out. but i did really care about you. and in a few months when you’re finally way over me, you’ll forget about this. but i ain’t gonna forget you” he sighs, handing his hoodie over. “i gotta go”

vanessa tried to hide how choked up she was becoming once those words escape his lips. happy mother’s day. the only person she had heard it from was kai and drew, people who knew that she spent the day grieving and drinking. this was the last thing she expected from vince and it was evident on her face as she felt herself welling up in tears. vanessa holds the locket box to herself close, pausing for a moment to try and get her herself together, but instead without a word she fell into vince, wrapped her arms around vince not caring who saw or was around. vanessa had been fighting and battling yesterday and totday she didn’t even give herself the time to enjoy mother’s day. “it’s perfect,” she mumbled into his shirt, still hugging the boy.

the corners of his lips lift into a smile when she likes it (genuinely likes it). vanessa’s never been the easiest to please, but he likes that about her, likes that she gives him something to strive for and won’t settle for less. but this is sentimental, and from the heart he hopes she hasn’t forgotten he has. and feels like a tiny triumph all in it’s own. “i’m glad you like it, v” he throws and arm around her shoulder and walks her in the other direction, hoping to distract her before she can get all teary. “so what you need me to do for your prom queen campaign. cuz i can’t bake for shit but i’ll rock a vote nessa tee all week”

Imogen gave Vince a rather hard stare, arms crossed over her chest in a feeble attempt to mask the way her hand ached after smacking him as hard as she did. She laughed dryly at his insult, she’s been called worse before. “Maybe. And I can do a lot worse if you don’t watch yourself,” she spat.

“yo out of respect for danny imma choose my words carefully--” he remarks through a piercing glare, keeping his distance but pointing a stern finger in her direction. “but you need to take your meds and quit trippin”

kc: yeah i saw you and vanessa went off by yourselves

kc: so are you done with becky for good?

vince: i mean...

before vanessa could say anymore or react, vince had the kid against the locker. the whispering just got too much for vanessa and she wanted nothing more than to sink ever vile action of her being into them, but as usual vince fought her battle. and even though she’s upset that vince let the kid get away, she figured it was better than do something she’d regret later. her arms crossed, “i’m going to kill your little stalker girlfriend,” but still, vanessa followed his lead knowing if he were to leave her alone vanessa would chase after the kid. “what’s up?” her fustration still clear in her voice.

it’s a short walk to senior hall, past the water fountain and the biology labs. “i told you i got you something--” he turns to her and says, and in contrast to her demeanor there’s a subtle and uncharacteristic enthusiasm in his. he starts on his combination, finally remembers it after 8 months, and what he removes in a tiny blue box. “happy mother’s day” he says in a voice that’s low and intimate, reserved for only her ears. and he knows it’s a bold leap, knows her reaction could go either way but he didn’t feel right letting the holiday pass and not doing something for her. “it’s a locket, with rock’s picture inside--i got it done a little after the vigil, debated on actually giving it to you but now just felt right” doesn’t do sweet or thoughtful often, so he scratches the back of his neck and looks on at her, uncertain. 

Imogen rolled her eyes at just the sound of his voice, knowing very well she didn’t have to turn around to know who it belonged to. “I don’t think I was talking to you,” Imogen snapped as she turned away from her group of friends. “But I’m glad you’re here, I’ve been meaning to give you something.” And with that, Imogen reached over to smack the shit out of him. “I’d tell you what that’s for, but I’ve lost track by now.”

for such a tiny girl she packs some force. he’s left standing, rubbing his cheek to reduce the sting. “what the fuck?” he shouts loud enough that everyone in earshot turns to stare. the repercussions from his most recent fuck up just keep coming. but even when he knows he deserves it, it doesn’t settle his temper. “you really are a fuckin psycho”

What’s a better way to spend a day full of responsibilities other than ignoring most of them and going to the aquarium? Jellyfish were calling my name, all of the other lame, boring stuff? Not so much.

jellyfish? boring. if you’re gonna go to the aquarium you at least gotta see some sharks.

“You wanna repeat that?” Vanessa’s voice snarled, lifting up her from her seat and approaching. Today was not the day to fuck with Vanessa. “I couldn’t hear you over you trying to whisper behind my back.” 

he hears her as soon as he leaves second period--speaking in that fierce, threatening tone reserved only for striking fear into the plebs. he approaches from behind and before she can even corner the unsuspecting nerd, grabs him by the throat and slams him clean against the locker. “go find you something safe to do, dweeb” he delivers with a hard, piercing glare of his own, allows the little dork to scurry before he ends up in detention this late in the school year. like nothing happened, he turns his eyes on vanessa, nods in the direction of his locker. “come on, i got something for you”