"Terezi Pyrope."

It is my turn.

I stand up, letting go of my mothers hand, and turn toward the screen. I feel my heart pounding. I'm so nervous. I'm tempted to twist my hands but I keep them still. I must stay calm. I hold perfectly still, my chin pointed up as I stare at the screen. I am ready.

I watch and wait but nothing happens. I remain still, determined to show my match someone who is poised and lovely. Why has nothing happened? The screen remains black.

I stand and look at the screen, and as the seconds go by I am tempted to reach out for my mother. I keep still though. I can hear the whispers start around me.

The screen is black.

This can only mean one thing.

The whispers rise around melike birds beating their wings under city hall. "Your match is here this evening." I remember that the same had happened to John but a picture of Vriska had at least shown up, so why was my screen blank?

These thought tumblr in my brain and I close my eyes briefly, as I realize I know my match. I went to school with him, I played dart with him, and I had swimming lessons with him. The chance of this happening twice in a Banquet was unheard of.

"Dave Strider."

At his table Dave stands up. a sea of clinking glasses and silver boxes stretch before us.

I can't believe it.

This must be a dream. This surely could not actually be happening. I feel the stares of those around me. It doesn't feel real until Dave smiles at me, and suddenly I find myself smiling back. I knew this boy, I knew my match. In fact I was his best friend. I break protocol, giving him a tiny wave. Dave returns it.

"You may take your seats." I flush a bit before returning to my seat. I pinched my wrist, was this real. As I sat Vriska reached out, taking my hand in hers. My mother hugged my shoulders and Latula patted my back. They were all so happy for me.

Before we leave the hostess asks Dave and I to stay behind with her. She explained that our rules would be different and that since we knew each other we would have to proceed differently.

The rest of the night is a blur and soon I find myself on the air train home. My mom and Dave's Father can't stop talking about how choice this set up was. It was as if all of their prayers had been answered. I didn't listen. My eyes stayed on the silver box in front of me. I was still in shock.

"I can't believe it." My voice is shaking slightly, and for a moment I feel like I might be floating.

I can just hear Dave laugh. He didn't seem in as much shock as I did.

I feel myself blush as Dave offers me a hand and helps me off the train. Before I know it though I'm home.

Back in my room, I shake the tablets from my compact. Blue, Green, and Red.I slide the tablets back into the cold metal cylinder they are normally in.

I know what the Blue and Green tablets do. I don't know anyone who knows for sure what the Red tablet does. There have been rumors about it for years, none of them true.

I climb into bed and push the thought of the Red tablet out of my head. For the first time in my life I am allowed to dream of anything I want. I dream of Dave.

Sorry for this being kinda short. The next ones will be bigger I promise!