Disclaimer: I wish.
A/N: Thank you for all the reviews! ^-^ They always make my day. So, you all know I kind of suck at updating, so if you sort of want to keep updated on my life, and when I'll be updating, you can follow me on tumblr, at onbrokensouls[dot]tumblr[dot]com. I generally post when I'm writing and stuff, so yeah. Heheh.
Song: Always Attract by You Me At Six = love. I saw him perform this with Hayley from Paramore last December. Yeah, be jealous. Best night of my life.
The Only Exception – Paramore. Yup, heard this live too – and hopefully will hear it again twice this year ahaha.
And just a heads up, you'll probably hate me for this chapter... Enjoyeth!
I really don't get the point of school dances. I mean, you just go to the same place of torture, of your own free will, to see the people you hate all shiny and dressed-up after raiding the make-up counter at Boots and practically clearing out their entire stock. Although, I'm pretty sure that Lissa uses Oompa-Loompa's Own. Haven't heard of that infamous range? Good. That means you're not a slav. Congratulations.
Being the amazingly awesome me, I immediately attracted the attention of just about everybody in the room. I kid. About the awesome thing, not that everyone was staring at me. Because they really were. Even Lissa and Brigid had their gazes fixed on me, and Fang, I guess, since he was stood next to me. Everyone else had been taken in by the 'professional' photographer (my science teacher wearing a moustache. Our school's just that cheap), even Ella who was still acting weird. Can someone please explain to me why, after spending twenty minutes having your picture taken, fifty-odd times, the moment you actually get where you want to be, you go have your picture taken? Confusing much?
I was about to shout out 'Take a picture, it'll last longer' (in typical Max fashion. Yes, I am proud I have my own fashion), when two things happened. Wow, how dramatic does that sound? Just call me the Drama Queen. Actually... the Queen of Drama is preferable, thank you very much.
One – our 'world-renowned' DJ (the head of PE wearing sunglasses... and you thought the photographer was bad) started playing Ke$ha (she really needs to learn how to spell her name. I mean, last I checked, $'s not a letter. Next thing you know, we'll be known as G01d3n $113nc3... actually, no, when we decide to change our name to that retarded jumble of letter and crap, they will be planning my funeral after my oh-so-tragic suicide. Sorry folks). Me and Fang immediately turned to look at each other and groaned: we'd been hoping for something slightly decent, at the very least. I mean, if Sir's so intent on playing Tik Tok, why not the Midnight Beast version? Now that I'd enjoy. Though, someone else really did seem to be enjoying the music, if his séance to raise the dead was anything to go by. I really wish I could tell you it's Ella, or Nudge, or just... a girl. Actually, what am I on about? Ig, shock, horror, is secretly a girl. Yup, secret's out. Anyhow, I swear, his 'dancing' and 'singing' is really the brand-new way to raise the dead. No joke.
Two – after we'd managed to tear our eyes from the human freak show (i.e. Iggy), we turned away, only for eyes to settle on the future Oompa Loompa princess. Nope, not Lissa (she's going to be the King, duh). Guess again. Ding ding ding, we have a winner! Yup, it was second in command of the slav army: Brigid.
She sort of sauntered up, brushing her hair back from her surprisingly clean face. I mean clean as in it didn't have a five-inch thick layer of make-up (I'm not going to try and name the various face-paint she slathers on there, because I'll just embarrass myself. Go ask Ella. Actually, don't, she'll do a Nudge on you). Her face just looked ten times uglier without it.
…
...
...Fine, I'm being bitchy, but isn't that what Brigid does best? If you want a non-balanced description, go ask Fang, he doesn't know her.
Actually... on second thoughts, you can't ask Fang either, if the way his eyes are glued to her are any indication. He obviously doesn't find her quite so repulsively unattractive... hey, is he blushing? Damn, where's a camera when you need one? Not that, you know, I'd ever embarrass my best friend by exploiting his embarrassment... who am I kidding?
Brilliant. The one time I actually want a picture taken, not a chance.
Anyway, she stopped in front of us, and looks straight at me. I manage to narrow my eyes in a glare and raise my eyebrows at the same. Hey, it's harder than it sounds. You try. To my surprise, instead of glaring back, or turning to Lissa (being the coward she is), her gaze turned to the floor, as if she was actually embarrassed.
"What?" I eventually asked, rather rudely even for me. To be honest, right now, I'd rather be moving all the food plates around just to get the organisers all freaked out (you wouldn't believe their OCD. It's a million times worse than my CDO. Seriously). Don't knock it 'till you've tried it, me and Ig almost busted our guts laughing last time.
"I just wanted to say I'm sorry," she eventually said in a sickeningly-sweet voice, looking up at me under her eyelashes like she was flirting with me and... ew, I'm stopping that train of thoughts right there, because that topic really is unbearably revolting. "Me and Liss... we've been out of order, and I realise that now. She... we had a disagreement over you, Max, and the others," she looked up at me earnestly. Like I cared. "I asked her to leave you alone, Max, but it was as bad as the time I asked her to do her own homework," she gave a nervous laugh. "We made up then, though, but this time I don't think there's any going back. You were amazing tonight, by the way." She finished with a little suck-up, finally meeting my eyes fully.
W. T. F? Okay, rewind, back up, whatever, just... pause it right there for a second. Brigid Dwyer, someone I'd hated from second glance (the first glance honours went to King Lissa), someone who'd tried to make fun of me, tried to make me a social reject (and failed, I might add. We all know Ig's the social reject around here), Brigid Dwyer, had just apologised to me.
Okay, who spiked the punch? There's no freakin' way she's sober right now. I mean, seriously! Drunk or not, if she thinks I'm gonna go all soppy then she's got another think coming. Okay, if it'd been someone like one of the minor slags who'd apologised, then I'd probably have just nodded, and been cordial, then walked off and cracked up laughing. But Brigid? The Princess of Darkness (or redness, if you're going with hair colour)? No. Just no.
"Where's the heroin?" I asked. Don't hate on me, it was one of the, uh... nicer options. Considering most of the others were about hitting her in strategic locations.
Brigid turned bug-eyed, and I have to say, not a good look on her (though, what is?). Fang just looked at me, and I could see he was fighting laughter. Like, really fighting laughter. As in, his shoulders were shaking and his mouth was pressed into a single line. That kind of fighting laughter.
"What are you talking about?" Brigid eventually replied, still shocked. She really shouldn't be. My one-liners are pretty famous.
"Don't answer a question with a question," I chided. "Where's the heroin you're obviously rather high on?"
"I..." she stuttered, then straightened up and looked me right in the eye. "I'm trying to apologise to you, Max, why are you making this so hard?"
"Well then, good for you." I turned to Fang, the conversation over in my mind. "You comin'?"
And then I walked away. After a split-second hesitation, Fang followed me, though I didn't miss the look he cast over his shoulder at Brigid. I didn't need to turn around to know that she was studying the floor, wondering what she did wrong.
You know what she did wrong? She was a bitch for years. One apology doesn't change that. One apology can't change the past. Hey, that was deep! And people call me stupid (I think they mean Iggy, but you know, whatever).
"You okay?" Fang asked, once we were leaning against a wall out of the way. Hmm. We've done a lot of leaning on walls tonight. We're obviously just that cool.
"Yup, I'm good," I replied, fiddling with my string bracelet, sliding the beads around. "You?"
He studied me for a moment, his eyes flickering to my face, then to my hands, which were still playing with the bracelet.
"You're not," he decided. "Brigid messed you up." He said it coolly, like it was no big deal.
"Nope," I argued. "Just bored."
"You weren't expecting her." Another statement.
"Well, it's only a matter of time before people start bowing to the future world leader, right? It's not that big of a surprise, after all."
"You're freaked out." I meant to bait him. I failed.
"Charming!"
"What's she done to you?" he turned to look at me, his eyes dark and shiny in the light. "Before, I mean."
Wow. Butterflies. Without trying to sound like Ella, I will admit that Fang has never looked more handsome than right now. Maybe he and Dylan switched duties for tonight? Like, Fang took control of the butterflies, and Dylan's looking after his army while Fang's not around? Yup, that's it.
"She's just one the whisperers, you know? Lissa's always been the one actually saying things, but Brigid's too big of a coward," I finally conceded. "Doesn't make her any better though."
"So you just shot her down?"
"She deserved it," I said darkly.
"Not saying she didn't. Seemed genuine, though."
"You're on her side?" I looked up at him, feeling kind of... I don't know, hurt? I just... I guess I just expected him to back me up, you know, him being my best friend, and all. Guess I expected wrong.
"No." No elaborations, no explanations, just a rock-solid, simple answer.
"...Thanks."
I looked up into his eyes again, and the butterflies let rip, seriously threatening to tear right out of my stomach and make a rather unscheduled appearance. His gaze locked into mine, and I felt like I was sort of... melting-
"See now, was that really that hard to say?"
We both jumped, and I spun round accusingly to see Iggy, one arm slung around Lily's neck, grinning like an idiot.
Please tell I didn't just think that I was melting into his eyes. That is the corniest thing I've ever thought. I mean, seriously? Ew.
"Get lost, Ig," I glared at him, slapping his face lightly. His grin just grew even broader in reply. "Seriously! Go... go crawl in a corner and die."
"Aw, you don't mean that," he winked at me.
"Oh believe me, I do."
"Nah, you don't. You love me, see."
"You wish!" I spluttered.
"I don't need to wish," he said, placing a hand on his heart in a typically love-struck expression that I really wanted to smack right off of his face.
"You really do. Go die."
"You know you don't want that to really happen."
"Oh yeah? Why not?"
"Your life'd be boring without me," he winked again, and I just rolled my eyes, turning to Lily.
"You really want to date that?"
"That has a name!"
"Oh, sorry," I slapped my head like I'd just remembered something. "You really want to date Thing?"
"If I'm Thing 1, you're Thing 2!" Iggy said, smiling.
"Shut up, Thing, I'm talking to Lily here!"
Lily just blushed, smiling sweetly. Aw. She's like a little girl. Cute.
"See? Everyone loves me," Iggy grinned victoriously.
"Your loss," I told Lily, prompting a giggle from her, and a low chuckle from Mr Silent over there. "I'm gonna get some punch," I told Fang. "And move a few plates around while I'm there," me and Ig high-fived, remembering last year's epic triumph (one of the organisers broke down in tears). "Anyone want anything?"
"Nah," Ig said. "I have it on good authority it's a slow dance next, and I'm going to ask Lily to dance with me like the gentleman I am."
Lily's cheeks reddened even more.
"Reject him," I advised. "Want anything?"
"I'm fine, thank you!" she said brightly, smiling as Ig glared at me. Personally, I have reason to believe my advice is amazing, but each to their own.
"Tall, dark and silent?"
Fang shook his head, his lips curving. What can I say? I have a talent for nicknames, I know.
"Alright," I aimed a kick at Ig as I strolled off. "Back in a few!"
"Take your time," Ig called after me. I shot the bird back at him, smiling to myself. "No, seriously!"
Idiot.
As I made my way to the long table laden with carefully-arranged plates, I was more than aware that a lot of eyes were on me. I guess people never expected to see the day I wore a dress, huh? Well, me neither. I might have to self-harm later to, you know, erase the memories, but right now? It could be worse. I'm kidding about the self-harming thing, by the way. Like, seriously kidding.
I grabbed a paper cup, and poured some of the raspberry-red punch into it, still painfully aware of the gazes on me. Honestly. Some people have no shame. As I picked up one of the plates, all ready to send the organisers into a nervous breakdown (if they hadn't already had one. I mean, seriously, putting up streamers can be a difficult experience for anyone), Always Attract by You Me At Six came on. You have to be kidding me. They play a way more than decent band, and it just has to be a slow song. Typical. I shoved a few plates about, starting slowly: I knew they'd notice, then I'd just move one plate each time... Excellent.
Retrieving my cup, I turned around, my eyes searching for where I'd left Fang. It wasn't like he'd be dancing with anyone either. Hey, we could make fun of all the soppy idiots dancing (i.e. Iggy. Not Lily. Just Iggy)! He wasn't there, though. Hmm. Guess it's time for a game of Find the Emo! Way better than Where's Wally? any day. Want to play? Kidnap Fang, then untie him. Wait, that's Emo Run... uh... so, anyway...
Maybe he's in the bathroom or something. Well, duh, Max. Took me a while, huh? I moved away from the table just as one of the organisers came over to grab some chicken, or whatever else they wanted, and just stare at the table like they couldn't comprehend what they were seeing. Then, very slowly, they backed away, and looked at it some more, before pursing their lips and walking off, throwing glances at it over their shoulder every few steps. Oh, you ain't seen nothing yet, love.
Bored, I surveyed the dance floor. Iggy and Lily were there, obviously. Lily had her head resting contentedly on Ig's chest, and Ig was smiling sweetly down at her. Since when did Iggy smile sweetly? Another camera opportunity (I'm sorry, but that's just too good for blackmail), and no camera in sight. Typical. Nudge and her date, Luke (I remembered!), were both gazing into each other's eyes, all love-struck, but the most shocking thing by far? You couldn't see Nudge's teeth. Yup, her mouth was closed. The first miracle in years (since she was born. The last miracle was how long she could talk without taking a breath. At three). Even Ella was dancing with some soccer player in my year. He was comically tall, and Ella looked like a midget next to him (even though she's taller than me), but they both seemed happy, so hey ho.
Hey, is that Brigid? Ha, I knew she'd go crawling back to Lissa and their pathetic slav crew. They'd obviously paired her up with some tall black-haired boy by use of fluttering spider-leg eyelashes and pursed lips (I'm not going to describe what I think they look like. Too rude). She looked really happy, though, her eyes bright, her face split by a smile. I couldn't see the poor guy's face, but I felt sorry for him.
For some reason, I couldn't stop watching them. Don't make a stalker joke, I know you're about to. My gaze was just drawn to them. It was only when the 'DJ' announced the next song (The Only Exception, by Paramore. They play one of my favourite songs ever by my favourite band ever, and I have no one to dance to it with. Typical. How many times have I said typical tonight? Sigh. Too many times) that they spun round, and I saw his face. And felt my heart drop. Like, around a million miles. As in, my heart physically hurt.
Because guess who it was? Do I even need to say it? My best friend. Fang.
And don't get me wrong, it's not because I'm in love with him, or anything, because... just no. I'm just kind of hurt, I guess. Because he lied to me. That whole thing about being on my side? It was nothing. A lie.
The worst thing? I would've danced with him to that song. Heck, I would dance with anyone to The Only Exception. Fang knew I loved that song. He knew me well enough to know that I'd have danced to it, would've wanted to dance to it. He knew all that, but he didn't even let go of Brigid in the gap between the two songs.
Typical.
Just as the chorus started, I felt a tap on the shoulder and almost jumped out of my skin. I turned round to face a familiar blue-eyed boy who I'd thought was at home in his bedroom. His hair was windswept, and he was panting hard, though, so I figured he'd just ran all the way here. For me. Okay, even I'll admit that's pretty freaking romantic.
"Hey," he said between breaths, waiting until he had his breath fully back before asking: "Do you want to dance?"
I let my eyes meet his, almost losing myself again in the pure ocean blue colour, the small flecks of hazel like ice-cream lashings circling out. No butterflies, though. Was that a good thing? Heck yeah, no more stomach ache.
"Okay," I finally said, and let him pull me into his arms. I led him onto the dance floor, though, because the day I become dependant on men will be the day I die (i.e. I'll let male doctors try and treat me).
We danced to the sound of Hayley singing about her only exception, and I smiled. Really smiled. I'm not love-struck or anything, heck, I'm not even sure I'm in love, but... what a fitting song right now.
Fang didn't even notice us he was so wrapped up in Brigid (literally). Maybe that's for the best: if he looked at me, the butterflies would re-ignite, and I don't want my partner to feel them. That'd just be plain embarrassing.
Ella did, though. She lifted one hand and gave me a thumbs-up, grinning. Her and the soccer player had stayed on the floor, too. Maybe she'd found a boyfriend tonight, even with her lower-than-low expectations of any romance any time soon. Sweet.
Just before the song ended, I looked up, and smiled at Dylan.
A/N: Told you you'd hate me. Just remember that in the end, Fax will always triumph. Ahaha, sorry this is a little late . Hope you enjoyed it though.
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