A party at John Egbert's? Rose was so in.
Standing beside her half-best-friend-half-brother before the bathroom mirror, Rose carefully applied her black lipstick as Dave fumbled with his visage. The party wasn't going to be exactly formal, considering the host, but Rose only found it proper to follow appropriate procedures.
"How do I look?" Dave asked matter-of-factly as he turned to face his sister.
"You look like a boy trying much too hard to be a man," she said, only barely eyeing him in the mirror before stepping back to examine her work.
"So, good."
The dame smiled, turning to her brother with a chuckle. Rose extended her arms and took Dave's bow-tie and adjusted it.
"You look lovely," she finally assured with a firm pat on his chest, her arms fallojg to their usual length at her sides, where she flattened her dark purple dress. It was short, held together tight at the waist and flowing out in layers. The top exposed little cleavage; enough to remain seductive while still appearing modest, the straps choking her to stay up. Her legs were bare, heels that added an extra inch on her feet.
"You too," said the teen donned in a suit. It was a black suit, the undershirt white per the norm. He wore it well, that much was incredibly certain. On his feet were a pair of black shoes, a red tie to accent the whole ensemble. His sunglasses, gifted by a best friend by the name of John, sitting on his face like usual. He nodded, his lips pulled into a tight line, the only light being in his red eyes that flooded with glee and anticipation.
Unfortunately, the enthusiasm died, diminishing from his eyes as Rose's eyes widened abruptly. She began to cough and sputter, dropping to her knees instinctively as she yanked back the toilet seat. Her body tensed and spasmed as the female tried to force up the vomit she felt in her stomach, but nothing more than strangled coughs and gags escaped as she gripped the bowl with either hand.
"Dammit, are you alright, Rose?" Dave exclaimed as he knelt at her side, rubbing her back sympathetically.
In response, Rose's shoulders hunched and her person convulsed once more. Giving a violent last cough, black gulck left her throat, splashing into the toilet water. The woman drew in long breaths as the soothing comfort of Dave's hand eased her mind. She wiped her mouth on the back of her wrist, startled by the goo that stained her pale skin.
"I'm fine," she lied slowly. Her eyes were glued to the black for a moment, only to be averted disgustedly as she flushed down the black mess. Blood, she was accustomed to puking up, but black splooge? That was entirely too new.
Swallowing hard, on her pride and all else, Rose scrambled to her feet, watching as the toilet flushed away the blackening water that howled a futile accusation.
"Do you still want to go to the party?" Dave inquired, worry draping over his usual blank demeanor.
"Yes," Rose nodded to accentuate. "I do, let's go."
Unsure, Dave suspiciously followed Rose into the hall, sticking close behind her as she slipped out the front door.
The blond dug into her clutch-purse, presenting a set of keys as she withdrew her hand. It dangled and jingled before she tossed them to her brother.
"You drive," she offered, rounding to the passenger side of the black vehicle that belonged to their mother, who had fallen asleep earlier that afternoon after swimming in intoxication.
Dave grabbed the keys from the air, slipping into the car and assuming his role immediately.
"Tell me if you need me to pull over."
Rose nodded, her eyes set on the windshield blankly.
The male pulled out of the driveway, concern beating hard against his ribs. He knew she was thinking about it. She knew he was thinking about it. But neither wanted to admit it.
Rose was, essentially, going grimdark.