Prom.

It was a funny word, it meant so much for some, so little to others. And Jerome wasn't sure what he felt about it. Right now, it meant very little to him. But if he had been going with someone, then he might have felt something.

But he wasn't going with anyone. And it stung, real bad. Like fire. As he watched the girl he'd loved for longer than he could remember, walk down the stairs in a stunning dress and into the arms of another boy.

Oh yeah. It burned.

They all walked to prom in a big group, and just his luck. He was behind them. The cute lovey dovey couple. He was so close to her, so agonisingly close. And it burned.

The school hall was all done up, it looked good. Even Jerome had to admit that. He stood under the strobe lights, to the side of the dance floor next to the punch. He was watching Mick spin Mara around, and the smile on her face. That smile, that beautiful smile. He'd messed up.

He had messed up.

Jerome knew that much. She had tolerated him. She had hung around with him, played chess with him. Smiled at him. Then helping Amber with the election, was probably the dumbest thing he had ever done in his entire life. After that, she had completely shunned him out. She wasn't mean to him, but she did everything she could to avoid confrontation. And Jerome didn't blame her. He had been horrible.

"Sorry dude," came a voice, and a comforting hand laid on his shoulder. Jerome didn't have to move to know it was Alfie.

"Such is life." Jerome said in a low voice. His fringe was brushed forward, making him look slightly younger. More mysterious. He didn't normally where his hair like that. But Mara had once commented that she liked it, and he must have sub consciously done that to his hair today. Ha! What a joke, he wanted to impress her. Just another thing he failed at.

"You don't have to take that man," Alfie shook his head "Just ask them if you can cut in, Mick won't say no to you. He probably feels really bad that you've been moping around here like a loner."

Jerome turned to him and snapped "Thanks for the self esteem boost mate," But Alfie didn't get the sarcasm, and smiled, walking back onto the dance floor where Amber was waiting patiently for her punch.

Jerome watched Mick and Mara dance, and realised. Alfie was right. He made his way to the dance floor, working up all the courage he could muster, and tapped Mick on the shoulder. Mick turned around and smiled a goofy smile at him

"Hey," he grinned

"Mind if I cut in?" Jerome asked, hopefully. Mick nodded, as if it were nothing.

"Sure mate, I'm tired anyway," and with that Mick walked of the dance floor, not even bothering to turn and say good night to Mara. Jerome managed a small smile at the dark haired girl, but Mara just looked down shyly.

"You don't mind, do you?" he asked, just as another song started to play. Mara shook her head, and he placed his hands hesitantly on her waste. She moved her hands up to his shoulders, and they moved gracefully to the music.

"Have you liked the dance so far?" she asked, much to his relief, he would have hated a silent and awkward dance like that.

"Sure, standing all alone while everyone else is dancing with joy. My cup of tea," Mara laughed slightly, looking up and meeting his eyes for the first time. Blue on Brown. And it just felt right.

Jerome coughed, not use to such intensity and looked away "So you and Mick, back together huh?"

"Yeah," Mara nodded, swaying "Just something about him," she gazed of in the distance for a second, before snapping back to reality.

"Do you love him?" asked Jerome. It was out of character, but he didn't really care about his façade right now.

"I think we're too young for love," Mara laughed softly "But I have this really lovely feeling about him."

Jerome nodded once, sighing. Then, before he could stop himself, the words slipped out. And he regretted them as soon as he said them

"Did you ever feel that way about me?" he asked. She looked up at him, shocked. And didn't answer. Jerome wanted to die right there. He was so embarrassed, and Clarkes did not get embarrassed. It was taking everything he had not to blush and stutter some excuse to leave.

But he did it. He kept dancing with her, and did not take back what he said. She hadn't said no, his optimistic side argued. She hadn't said no. Too true, but she hadn't said yes either. It burned him, as they danced awkwardly. If Mick hadn't existed, they would be dancing together happily, romantically. The possibility burned.

It was odd as they danced in silence. Jerome wasn't sure whether he wanted an answer, or wanted to leave as soon as possible. Soon the song faded and Mick came back over

"All done?" he asked cheerily. Mara nodded.

"Thanks for the dance, Jerome," she smiled. And it made her smile, she hadn't said his name in a very long time. She reached up and hugged him. "Yes, I did once," she whispered into his ear. Before leaning away, and taking Mick's arm and walking away.

Jerome stood there. Stumped. Yes, I did once. And if she did once, she could do it again. Jerome smiled, in the middle on the dance floor.

"You okay Jerome?" asked Joy. Jerome looked down at the petite girl.

"You know how you feel about Fabian?" he asked eagerly. She arched an eye brow, but nodded "Well, I win." And with that he turned and walked out. He would get Mara. He had too. It was inevitable. She was the princess, and if he tried hard enough. He could be her prince.

Hey, I'm not sure whether to continue or not. But if I did, please bare in mind, I would include some Jabian moment, they WOULD NOT get together, but I would have some moments. It would still mainly focus on JARA.

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