Pocahontas Powhatan leaned back against the passenger seat of her father's pick-up truck. The dark blue vehicle currently housed about nine guests. Most were settled in the box sitting on blankets and hoping no cops were patrolling the back roads to Kuzco's party. Pocahontas suspected not, but if worse came to worse, she'd figure something out. She glanced at the driver, Kocoum, who was in a dark blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a pair of dark wash jeans, and sighed. How she let her father hand the keys to her "date" she'd never know.

'At least we're going to the party though. It could be worse.'

She could be stuck at home babysitting Tiger Lily. Well, helping her with homework. In that regard, the sisters were alike. Pocahontas usually liked the outdoors more than her school work. Lily followed dutifully in her sister's footsteps to the point where it was a miracle to find her on school grounds at all.

'Unlike me though, if she's not at school she's at the reserve.'

Pocahontas adjusted the hem on her knee-length poppy red dress. The elbow-length sleeves were riding up but she didn't move to fix them. She moved one of her hands and let it hang out the window, feeling the cool breeze tickle her dark fingers. She registered the pointed stare from Kocoum but didn't make a move to put her hand back inside. It was unlikely the limb would get torn off by another car, seeing as it was after eight and the single-lane road was deserted.

The senior student glanced at the rear view mirror and spotted her friends chatting in the box. Aladdin and Jasmine were the farthest away from her view, seeing as they were picked up last. Originally there was going to be a limo involved but Jasmine insisted on catching a ride with Pocahontas. The girls, including Kida, already agreed to go together. Aladdin wasn't complaining seeing as that saved him some cash that he really didn't have. It was going to be awkward enough going to the party of Jasmine's pursuer. The less attention they drew the better.

Kenai and Nita joined the group as well. They were stationed to the left of the Arabian kids and were in conversation with Nakoma and her date, another boy from the reserve. Pocahontas smirked as Nita made Nakoma blush. She was just as bad at teasing the elder girl as Pocahontas. Poca recalled earlier helping Kenai pick out a suit for the party. He was hopeless, as most men were in some cases, at finding the right outfit. Pocahontas made sure he didn't clash with Nita's magenta ensemble. It helped that he lived in her attic so whenever there was an issue, she was on hand to help.

'It's nice to have an extra hand around the place.' Since her mother's kidnapping some years ago, things were strained in Pocahontas' home. When Kenai and his little brother moved to the reserve, his offer to rent the attic was greatly appreciated. Koda, as most freshman students, were not invited to the party so he stayed home with Tiger Lily, likely watching movies or getting into trouble while Mr. Powhatan held his council meeting.

Pocahontas glanced at her mother's turquoise necklace that weighed down her neck and smiled bitterly. The hand that wasn't hanging outside the window touched the silver pendent, causing her to sigh.

'Maybe someone will bring news tomorrow.' She doubted that, but it didn't hurt to hope. It had been years since she heard anything from her mother, and even then it was just as scribbled note saying she was fine but would not be coming home. It mentioned something about moving in with someone, but Pocahontas knew that was a lie. Her parents loved each other deeply and she wouldn't run off with another man, not ever. Yet that note kept the police from pursuing the case, so any information on finding her mother would have to come from Pocahontas herself.

"You alright?" Kocoum asked, his deep voice startling her. She flicked a glance at him and nodded.

"Yeah, I'm fine." She dropped her hand and folded it on her lap as the outside breeze tossed around her loose hair. She considered putting it up in a bun, but the thickness of it would never be held back that easily. Lily was lucky; hers were almost always in pigtails.

"Thinking about your mother?" he persisted.

Pocahontas looked at the roof of the truck and shook her head. "Not now Kocoum, I don't want to argue with you before the party."

He nodded and for the rest of the half hour drive said nothing. They drove through the silver gates up to the mansion that was separated from the suburban area of Walterelias, parking next to the stable area that housed cars as well when the horses were moved to the animal sanctuary for parties.

Pocahontas had been to most, if not all of Kuzco's parties mainly because Jasmine insisted she come along. Well, that was freshman year. By now, her invitation was expected and she willingly went. She enjoyed Kuzco's secluded area. The amusement park, forest, man-made lake, golf course, zoo, marina, shopping center, everything was astounding. In the summer when she wasn't helping her father, she could be found at the park of exploring the forest with Giselle and Vixey. It was easy to forget that billionaires ran the place and that she went to school with their spoiled son.

'This summer will be my last though.' At least that was the plan. So far, England still looked appealing, but plans had a habit of changing. Pocahontas wasn't known to choose the smoothest course either, meaning her changes weren't easy to handle sometimes. Either way, doing a little traveling was certainly her best idea.

Kocoum came round to her side after opening the tailgate for the others and helped her down. Considering she was in black boots with a heel, she accepted the help. He placed his arm around her waist and as she tried to wriggle out of it, Kida locked arms with her, trapping her. The girls exchanged smiles as the others caught up and they headed up the front steps to the multilevel mansion.

Kocoum pushed open the door and the group entered the overcrowded manor. The foyer was wide enough for everyone to fit and while some of the girls hung up their jackets, Pocahontas appraised the area.

Gold statues of Kuzco lined the hallway, paintings of he and his family hung on the red walls; the hardwood floors were freshly waxed. She heard a commotion in the room to the right and guessed that's where karaoke was being hosted for the party. To her left she saw the big screen television hosted Guitar Hero. She suspected the basement theatre had a romantic movie playing, as it did every year. Pocahontas briefly wondered which one it would be but decided against inspecting it. Music blared from the back of the mansion where the added on ballroom was attached. Straight ahead of her a plethora of delicious smells came from the kitchen. Upstairs was music too, but after exploring her first day, she knew there were only bathrooms and locked bedrooms up there.

Pocahontas spotted Jasmine take Aladdin's hand and lead him to the gaming room. Kenai's stomach gurgled and he shot Poca an apologetic look as he and Nita went to the ballroom where he knew snacks were. Nakoma and her date made a beeline for the basement. Pocahontas smirked, causing Nakoma to blush. She approved of the man escorting her friend but it was still fun to tease Nakoma, seeing as the girl rarely went on dates, if ever.

'At least Kida's loyal enough not to leave me alone,' she thought as she gave her friend's arm a squeeze. Kocoum suggested they go to the ballroom as well and the remaining trio set off.

Upon entering, Pocahontas winced at the onslaught of heart shaped apparel. Balloons filled with helium clung to the oval ceiling. Cupcakes and other treats were constructed like hearts and flowed abundantly from a nearby table. The wide windows had pink, red, and white streamers hanging around them. Various chairs and couches in the holiday's colours were brought down from the attic and placed on the perimeter of the gargantuan room, leaving enough space in the center to dance.

As expected most of the guests were located in this room and Pocahontas could barely recognize anyone. All the ladies were in dresses of practically the same colour. At least the men were a little more distinctive. Suddenly Kida gasped.

"Audrey!" The Ramirez girl turned upon hearing her name, her black curls wiping her face, and launched herself at Kida.

"I didn't know you were coming! I would have dumped Jim's ass if I knew!" The mechanic wiz exclaimed as the girls began to catch up. Audrey used to attend DSNEY but she went to study abroad for a semester in London. Apparently, that semester ended and she was now home. Pocahontas smiled at the reunion then realized she was alone with Kocoum.

'Fantastic.'

The Native woman looked up at her "date" and cleared her throat. "Uh, could you go get us some punch? My throat's a little dry."

He nodded and obediently headed off for the refreshments. Meanwhile, Pocahontas went the opposite direction and submerged herself in the waves of pink and red.

Audrey's date, Jim Hawkins, stayed beside Audrey as the girls caught up. From her position, Pocahontas caught him send a longing glance at Ariel King as she danced nearby with Eric Shuttleford.

Not too far from the couple was a group of four lead by Robin Hood. His date Marian looked like walking bubble gum in her thick strapped dress. Still, it suited her. Klucky, petite as she was, stood out in the group with her bright blue dress, especially next to her giant of a date, John.

Pocahontas moved further into the mesh of people and got a good look at some other couples. Duchess and Thomas were jiving right near the band as "The Muses" put on a good show, just as they did every year at Kuzco's parties. Philip and Aurora were giving them a run for their money though, especially with a few added twirls. Snow White, wearing a white dress with red stars, hung back with Ferdinand, each sipping cans of coke.

Jane Porter, a girl Pocahontas knew very well of the art club she and her teacher sponsors Ms. Amelia and Abigail Gabble ran, was there too with a date no less. Tarzan, who looked ready to crawl out of his skin in his suit, happily listened to Jane ramble on about something extremely important (at least in her mind it was). Pocahontas caught her friend's eye and waved. Jane responded with a smile and made the signal to call her sometime, likely so she could go on about the details. Pocahontas knew of Jane's crush very well and was only too happy to listen to how it went late.

Belle and Adam, Anita and Roger, Esmeralda and Phoebus, all were there too, dancing with their significant others. At one point she spotted Esme break the dance with Phoebus to invite Quasimodo into the circle. Pocahontas beamed as she watched Quasi's face light up at the chance to spend some time with Emse, even if her boyfriend was right there.

Dodger's group was there too and as she walked by them, she caught the definite odor of beer on Dodger's breath. 'Oh well, so long as he didn't spike the punch.' Then again, that might make things a little more interesting.

Pocahontas giggled as she spotted Kuzco dancing with Anastasia and Drizella. Apparently he wasn't dateless to his own party. Neither was Naveen though who was twirling around the ballroom with Fifi as a jealous Charlotte watched from the sidelines. Pocahontas looked around and finally spotted Lumiere who was dancing with Cogsworth. He spun the clock-loving boy around and when the two came back to each other, Pocahontas almost thought they were going to kiss. She grinned and moved on, nearly bumping into Mowgli and Taran who were working on setting food out and refilling drinks. Pocahontas spotted the glances Taran threw to Eilonwy who somehow managed to get an invite. Perhaps after his shift he could sneak a dance with her.

'So far, so good.' Kocoum had yet to find her and her feet weren't completely killing her. All in all, the night was going well. She hoped it would stay that way.

On her way to find a spot to momentarily rest her wandering feet, she came upon Hercules, one of her school mates. Known for his football prowess, Pocahontas knew him mainly because of track. He was a great runner, but he bested in most of the track games. He had yet to beat Pocahontas in the 400 metre dash or hurdles. It was a running joke between them that before graduation he would beat her. So far he had yet to fulfill that goal.

"You clean up nice Hercules," she teased, giving him the once over. His white tux with the classic pink bow suited him well, although she doubted it was his first choice.

The athlete grinned and adjusted the bow. "Really? Thanks, I was worried you know. All the other guys are so dark. I kinda stand out," he chuckled nervously.

"For more reasons than one," Pocahontas said, pointing to his almost orange hair. "But seriously, you look wonderful. I'm sure you've been asked to dance hundreds of times since you got here."

"Well, not hundreds. Fifty tops," he chuckled. She laughed in reply and the two got to talking about what they knew best, track.

"Think Gaston will coach again this year?" she asked.

"Has to. Who else will lead us to victory like last year?"

Pocahontas shrugged. "I don't know, but he's already doing football and wrestling, plus I heard he was looking to take over basketball."

"Football will be over by then," Hercules pointed out. "He can manage."

"Let's hope so. I do not want to deal with Mr. Ratcliffe trying to coach."

Hercules flinched at the memory. "That was awful."

"Tell me about it," she chuckled.

"So, where's your date?"

Pocahontas shrugged. "Not sure. I kinda ditched him," she smirked.

He shook his head with a chuckle. "Pocahontas, always the heartbreaker."

"That's my spirit name: girl who crushes hearts," she joked. "What about you? Where's the arm candy tonight? One of the Bimbette sisters couldn't make it?"

Hercules shook his head. "I never asked them. Besides, I'm pretty sure they all have dates."

"Why didn't you?"

He shrugged. "I don't know, just felt like going stag."

"More like you were afraid of getting rejected."

Hercules pouted. "Was not!"

Pocahontas smirked. "Liar, I can see right through you! Who is it that you wanted to ask?"

"No one!" he insisted.

It took some coaxing, but eventually she got the name. "Meg?" Pocahontas bit her tongue to keep from giggling, but it didn't work. "You wanted to ask Meg to the dance?"

"Don't laugh!" Hercules whined. "I think she's pretty and nice, what's so wrong with that?"

"Nothing, nothing! I'm just surprised you didn't ask. I mean, you're so confident usually. Get tongue-tied?"

Hercules sighed. "You don't know the half of it." He looked over her head and squinted. "Does your date happen to be Kocoum?"

"Yeah, why?"

"You've been spotted."

Pocahontas cursed and swerved around Hercules, intent to get away. "See you later Herc!"

As she maneuvered away from the perusing boy, she rammed into another. This one was blonde with blue eyes, a typical dreamboat in every sense of the word, and as she fumbled to steady herself, he reached out and pulled her towards him to avoid a dancing couple.

"Whoa there, what's the hurry? They aren't playing your favourite song?" he asked with a smirk.

"Quite the opposite, trying to get away from an unwanted date," she explained, trying to catch her breath.

The stranger nodded and took her left hand in his. "I think I can be of some assistance then. Thomas, if you'll excuse us." A stunned brunette Pocahontas hadn't even realized was there stepped aside, making way for the pair to dance away.

Pocahontas honestly wasn't sure what to do at this point, so she opted to following the man's lead. He was a good dancer and this did help her hide from Kocoum. So far she hadn't spotted him.

"So who are we avoiding?" he asked as he spun her away then back towards him.

"My date, Kocoum. Well he's my date in the sense my dad wanted us to go together. I've been avoiding him since we got here."

He nodded and dipped her. "What's he look like?"

"Long black hair, dark shirt and pants, and he's native like me."

"Got it. We'd best find another part of the ballroom then."

"At least it's big enough, right?"

He nodded. "Yeah, got a good first impression of the place."

"You've never been here before?"

"Nope, just moved to town with my dad and little brother, Thomas, you met him briefly earlier."

"Oh, that explains why I haven't seen you around before!"

He chuckled. "That it would. The name's John by the way, John Smith."

"Pocahontas," she smiled. "Nice to meet you."

"The pleasure's all mine."

They continued to dance for some time, possibly four songs at best, before her feet were starting to hurt.

"Think we can take this outside? I need a break." John agreed and tactfully glided her to the door. Outside was a backyard full of trees, bushes, and many, many flowers. Sometimes if the party scene started to wain on her and she had to wait around for her friends, Pocahontas would come outside and wait out the night by wandering the paths. Now though, she preferred the idea of sitting. The bottom step looked appealing and as she took a step there, she spotted a couple in the moonlight. She pressed a finger to her lips and they kept quiet as they watched.

"—Tramp I'm not gonna do this anymore. I told you in the beginning I wasn't going to put up with this and I'm serious. Either it's only me or not me at all. You can't have a girl on the side in a serious relationship," Lady said.

"I know Lady I just—I don't know what's wrong with me! I like you, I really do, I just-"

"And I like you too Tramp! I love you damn it! But I won't do this anymore. I won't. So what's it going to be?"

"You love me?"

"Of course I do you idiot, now answer the question."

"I-I love you too!"

"If you loved me then you wouldn't keep hooking up with Peg."

"You're right. I'll end it with her. You're the only girl I need Lady, I promise."

"I don't believe you."

"Why not?"

"Because she was your date tonight!"

"Only because you said no!"

"Of course I said no, we're not dating!"

"That's not the point. People don't have to date to love each other. And I—Lady I've loved you since we started dating."

"Then why didn't you tell me? Why did you start fooling around?"

"Because I'm scared okay! I'm scared of losing you. All I do is mess things up. It's my God given talent. I didn't want you to leave but old habits die hard and if I'm completely honest you probably shouldn't love me at all because what kind of life can I give you, honestly, but . . . God Lady I love you and I think I'm going crazy."

The backyard grew eerily quiet then Pocahontas picked up the sound of shoes crunching on snow. She caught the intake of breath and guessed Lady kissed Tramp. After a minute, someone spoke up.

"You're an idiot, you know that, right? I won't leave, okay? Just stop pushing me away. Let me in Tramp."

"Okay."

"Can we go back to the party now? I'm freezing."

"Sure thing."

"Where are you staying tonight?"

"I was thinking of crashing at Dodger's."

"In that airy boat? You'll catch cold! You can stay in the guest room. My parents are at a conference and Wendy owes me for helping her with an essay."

Pocahontas and Smith quickly moved away from the door, not meeting Lady and Tramp's gaze. Once they were gone, Pocahontas smirked.

"Love is in the air."

Smith rolled his eyes as he smirked and went down the stairs to the bottom, taking Pocahontas with him. They settled together and huddled under Smith's jacket while her gaze was directed to the stars. They were brilliant this far outside of town. Although on the reserve they were a little better.

"So, you said you just came here. Where did you live before?" she asked.

"A lot of places," he chuckled. "My dad, brother and I have been travelling around a lot on Dad's boat since Mom died of cancer when I was seven. Dad pulled us out of school and we've been going ever since," he explained. "What about you, ever done some extensive travelling?"

She shook her head. "Sadly, no. The farthest I've gone has been to another reserve one summer and that wasn't thrilling. Not as much as sea travel I guess."

"What do you mean another reserve?"

"Well, I live on one now, so . . ."

"Oh! Gotcha," he blushed and she smirked.

"Never been to one before?"

"Can't say I have. Didn't really know they existed still."

Pocahontas shrugged. "Not a lot nearby, but up in Canada they have many because of their treaties. I've got a cousin up there right now who's the band leader and he says it's okay but a lot of work needs to be done to make the place feel like home."

She could tell from his glazed expression that these terms were going right over him. "You don't care, do you?"

"No, no I care! I just . . . I don't know, my dad isn't exactly . . ."

"Tolerant?"

"You could say that. Thomas and I weren't exactly raised to look past skin colour. Most of the places we go rarely house anyone of non-European decent."

Pocahontas nodded and focused back on the sky.

"Not that I think your people are evil or something. I'm not crazy," he reassured her.

She snorted at the phrase "your people" and didn't reply. John sighed beside her. "I'm just digging myself into a pit, aren't I?"

"Just a bit."

"I'm sorry for that. Thomas thinks before he speaks. He got the brains in the family."

"Let me guess, you got the brawn."

"So you've noticed!"

Pocahontas tried to stifle her giggles but failed. "Kinda hard not to when I bump into you and stuff."

"True," he chuckled. "I'm glad you did though. Thomas thought this party would be great. I wasn't so sure about it."

"How'd he hear about it?"

"He saw the posters at school. He's a senior and thought it would be fun to finally go to a party before he graduates."

"If he's a senior, what are you?"

John shrugged. "Not sure. I kinda drifted out of the whole school thing, but since I'm twenty, I guess I'm college ready. If I wanted to be that is."

"And you don't."

"Not a bit. You?"

"Maybe someday, but not right now. This is my last year, so once I get that diploma, I'm gone."

"Where will you go first?"

"London likely. I've heard it's a lovely place."

Smith nodded. "It is. I was born there. You'll enjoy it."

Pocahontas smiled. "Care to be my tour guide?"

He laughed. "If you need a ship, I could certainly get you there."

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."

Pocahontas found one of her favourite constellations and pointed it out to Smith. They found his and soon the conversation turned to nature.

"Dad talks a lot about how it was conquered by man for our advantage," Smith explained.

She shook her head. "The way my people look at it, is humans are meant to work in harmony with nature. Take no more than you need, do no unnecessary harm, and above all else, respect the land and Mother Earth."

John was quiet for a moment then nodded. "That makes a lot more sense than what my dad talks about."

Suddenly Pocahontas' phone buzzed from the side pocket of her dress, causing her to gasp. "Forgot that was there," she muttered. She pulled out the appliance and saw it was a message from Kida.

Heading back with Audrey to her place. Going to catch up. Koco looking for you. TTYL!

Pocahontas typed back a message and sighed. "Seems like my date is still looking for me. Should be an interesting ride back to the reserve," she muttered, repressing a yawn.

"Guess that means we have to say goodbye then," Smith sighed.

She nodded. "Guess so. Hand me your phone."

"Why?"

"Just do it."

John gave her the Blackberry where she proceeded to type in her phone number. She handed the phone back to him. "Text me when you get home. That way I can message you on the weekend."

"Why the weekend?"

"So I can give you directions to my reserve."

Smith's left eyebrow rose suspiciously and she laughed. "I'm not going to have you skinned alive! But what better way to overcome your prejudice then seeing my people for who they really are?"

John nodded as a smile appeared on his face. "Alright, sounds good. Come on, let's get inside so your date doesn't get even more angry." She agreed and the two got inside just in time to see a reunion Pocahontas didn't think would happen for a while.

"Who's that?" he asked as Ella launched herself at Charming who proceeded to spin her around in his arms while the crowd cheered.

"Ella Cordona. She went away to get some help for her cutting and I guess she's back," Pocahontas' smile grew as she watched the couple kiss. 'A perfect reunion.'

"Thanks again, I had a nice time," she said.

John chuckled. "Me too. I look forward to this weekend."

"Same," she nodded. Without warning, he dipped his head slightly and kissed her cheek.

"Text you later," he promised then disappeared into the crowd. Pocahontas stayed put, stunned with a hand on her cheek.

'I certainly wasn't expecting that to happen.' She spotted Nakoma, her date, Aladdin, Jasmine, Kenai, and Nita along with Kocoum all ready to go. Pocahontas began to weave her way back to them, wondering if they all would somehow know what she had been up to.

'Feels like I've been branded,' she mused. Her phone buzzed and she pulled it out again.

Is it later yet?

She laughed and shook her head as she replied. I guess 30 seconds is later.

Pocahontas sidestepped Ella and Charming and joined her group who were chatting amongst themselves about the great time they had. She couldn't agree more.