Melanie leaned against the entrance to the cafeteria, waiting. She was in a simple purple gown, with platform heels and her mother's necklace. Her hair was done up in a braid for more elaborate than what she normally did. One hand rested at her hip, the other dangling by her side. She'd gotten there early, so she wasn't annoyed at how long she'd been waiting just yet. She spotted Reed, dressed in a blue tux and looking ever the image of composure and formality.

"Sup?" She asked.

"Wanted to greet Nina at the entrance." He explained. "You?"

She shrugged. "Waiting for Crimson."

As soon as she said it, she spotted him over Reed's shoulder. She stepped past, looking him up and down. Crimson was in a dark suit with a red shirt and grey tie. His hair was still spiky and unkempt, but for once he wasn't wearing his scrollglasses. For a brief moment she regarded his scar, before banishing it from her mind and looking straight into his eyes.

"You're late." She teased.

He rolled his eyes. "Please, you were probably here before it even started."

"So?" She raised an eyebrow.

After a moment, they both cracked up and started laughing. Interlocking arms, they walked in, leaving Reed outside. He didn't wait long, as he soon saw Nina arriving. She was in a beautifully intricate black dress, with yellow trim. She wore silver flats and dark tights, as well as some form of netted sleeve that covered her arms and hands. Her hair was brushed in a way that covered her left eye. The more Reed looked at it, the more he realized That Nina's face was about the only thing that wasn't covered.

"H-hey." She greeted. "You look nice."

"Thanks, you too." Reed replied, deciding not to question her decision. "Shall we?"

Nina nodded, and the two held hands as they entered. Yang Xiao Long greeted them at the door, making a few quips before letting them through. Inside, the cafeteria was packed. A disco ball and fog machines had been set up, certainly setting the mood. Crimson and Melanie had gone straight to the dance floor, and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.

"Enjoying yourself?" Crimson asked.

Melanie grinned. "You know it."

Crimson smiled in return. "Hey, so...if you don't mind my asking...why did you not want to go with me before?"

Melanie paused. "I...was scared...I thought I might hurt you."

"Hurt me?" Crimson questioned.

"It's...complicated." Melanie sighed. "I have secrets, Crimson. Secrets I'm never going to share, and I have reasons for that...I don't want that to make you feel...less."

Crimson looked her in the eye. "I won't pry into your secrets, Mel. If you ever feel comfortable sharing them, then I'll listen. If not, then that's fine. It's you I care about."

Meanwhile, Nina seemed to be actively avoiding dancing, using any excuse to get out of it. She mingled with the others, she went to get punch, she made nervous conversation, until finally, Reed was too worried not to ask her about it.

"Is something wrong?" He gave her a concerned look.

Nina paused, looking as if she was about to make another excuse...but then her shoulders and ears sank in defeat. She sighed, setting her drink down.

"I don't deserve you." She muttered.

Reed raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"No, that's not right, it's..." She hugged her sides. "I know why you're doing this...to make me feel better. Because of everything I've been through, you want me to be happy, but...that means you're stuck with a broken mess...and I want to be more than that, but it's always going to be there. I can't undo all the things that happened to me."

Reed placed his hands on her shoulders. "Nina...look at me."

She looked up, and he stared into her eye. Then, his hand reached up to brush the hair away from her other eye...and the scar running across it. He looked at it for a moment, then past it, into her eyes, and smiled. His wings wrapped around them for a moment, and while they were concealed, he leaned in and gave her a kiss. When it ended, Nina's face was red, and her mouth hung open in shock.

"If you're more comfortable hiding your scars from the world, that's fine...but you don't have to hide yourself from me." He stated. "Of course I want you to be happy, especially with all that's happened...that doesn't change how I feel about you."

Nina smiled wide, still looking a little nervous, but definitely happier. "So, wanna dance?"

"Gladly." Reed offered his hand, and led Nina out to the dance floor.

The party went on, and the four enjoyed the rest of the night in peace. When the ball was over, they were exhausted from dancing, and happy to get back to the dorms. Melanie claimed the first shower, leaving Crimson to plop down on his bed as he waited his turn. Meanwhile, Nina and Reed were snuggling up to each other a bit more openly now. Crimson didn't pay it much mind at first, until they started kissing.

"So, you two had a good night then?" He asked.

Nina squeaked and blushed, hiding her face. Reed just sighed, but still couldn't stop smiling.

"Yeah, we did." He adjusted his glasses. "You?"

Crimson shrugged. "Pretty much, though I don't seem to be as far along as you."

Reed rolled his eyes. "I took a leap of faith."

He smiled at Nina, who hugged him tightly. "I'm glad you did."

That was all that needed to be said, as the night finally came to a close.