Disclaimer: I do not Static Shock or The Incredibles
Chapter Eight: Dance
"So let me get this straight." Virgil said slowly. "You're taking Violet to the dance?"
Francis was flicking rapidly through the TV channels, ignoring Virgil. Dash was sitting on the couch beside the pyro, shaking his head at every channel. Francis was waiting for a nod.
"Yup." Francis said idly. Dash nodded his head enthusiastically. Francis took his thumb off the remote. The TV came to a rest on some loud, colorful cartoon. Dash bounced up and down the couch excitedly. "Hell no." Francis resumed skimming through channels.
"Aww." Dash whined.
"Language." Virgil reminded him.
Francis looked over his shoulder. The three were alone in the living room. "Do you see the adult? I don't."
Virgil frowned. "Why are you going with Violet?"
"Yeah, why?" Dash piped up. "She's a loser."
"No she's not." Virgil said quickly, giving Dash a disapproving look.
"If you're afraid I'm playing her, don't be." Francis said gruffly, dropping the remote onto the table. A sports program flickered across the screen. He reached for his can of pop.
Virgil zapped the can into his own hand, getting Francis' attention. "You're gonna have to forgive me for not being so trustful."
Francis scowled at the other teen. "I know you think I'm an idiot but I'm not dumb enough to mess with Mr. Incredible's daughter." Francis clapped his hands over Dash's ears. "I'm actually trying not to fuck things up right now." He removed his hands. Dash smiled up at Francis.
Virgil handed the can over. "Fair enough I guess."
Francis popped the tab. Virgil shrugged. "I'd hate to be you if you did hurt her."
"Yeah, Dad would break your arm…or your leg." Dash jumped up and down on the couch. "Or both!"
Francis sank into the cushion, frowning at the TV. "Gee thanks guys."
It was the best feeling, walking through the hallways and watching the students subconsciously step from his path. Francis smirked. He had yet to do anything wrong at this school, but word had gotten around about his near fight with Wade in the parking lot, and people were either giving him a wide berth or encouraging grins. Wade did not have many friends here. The students were sick and tired of his bullying and underhanded criminal behavior. Nobody had ever had the courage to stand up to him before, and now Francis had. This new level of respect felt good. He might have to be the bigger man more often.
Virgil, Violet, and Francis had been attending Dakota High School for a week and half now and were getting used to the new schedule and new surroundings. They had gotten their morning routine perfected to the second. Francis knew just when to leave the house to avoid morning traffic and Virgil had found a secluded spot around the corner from the school that was safe to change in and out of uniform in.
Even better? Bob was cutting Francis' training sessions back by an hour every day so he had time to do his homework. Unfortunately Helen made him do it at the kitchen table, so she could make sure he actually did the work. That wasn't so great. Especially when Virgil would walk in and promptly correct about half of his math problems. That just made Francis feel stupid.
Bob hadn't said anything about him taking Violet to Homecoming yet. It made the encounters between the two stubborn Supers very tense. Francis was sure some intimidating speech was coming his way, he just didn't know when. The dance was in three days. Bob was sure to corner him sometime.
The final bell of the day rang and Francis sighed with relief, heading for his locker. He had skipped out of gym class a couple of minutes early to get a head start to the bike. He wanted to get home fast today. Francis pulled up short. Home? Had he just thought of the Sanctum as home? He shook his head to clear this mind.
There was a commotion from behind him. Francis turned. Some students were scurrying in the opposite direction while others were crowding closer to get a better look. Francis pushed through the rabble to see what was going on.
Wade had Virgil pinned up against the lockers with one hand, the other clenched into a fist at his side. Two guys from Wade's crew were restraining Richie.
Francis frowned and shoved to the front of the onlookers.
"Did I hear right nerd? I asked you to do a little favor for me and you're saying no?" Wade growled.
Virgil struggled in Wade's grip but didn't look too concerned. He stared back at the much larger boy. "Yeah, I said no. I'm not going to do your project for you. Do it yourself."
Wade relaxed his grip a little, smiling at Virgil. The grin sent a shiver up Francis' spine. He slipped his backpack off.
"I don't think you're understanding me. I could make things real easy for you." Wade said, smoothing Virgil's collar. "Or I could make them real tough."
Virgil brushed Wade's hand away. "Thanks but no thanks."
The smile vanished from Wade's face. He looked back at his crew; they were all smirking dangerously and nudging each other. Wade looked back at Virgil and shrugged. "Final answer?"
Virgil nodded.
Wade reared back his arm, fist cocked. Francis stepped into the circle and whistled to get Wade's attention. The gang leader looked up at the noise. Francis smirked and waved at him.
"Hey." He nodded at Virgil. "Hands off the nerd."
Wade looked from Virgil to Francis. "Excuse me?" He chuckled a little. "What does this have to do with you, Francis?"
Francis crossed his arms defiantly. "That's my nerd."
Again, Wade laughed. "You Metroville trash stick together huh?" He released Virgil and turned on Francis, looming menacingly large over the shorter teen. Francis raised an eyebrow, unimpressed at the size difference.
"Sure." Francis said lightly, ignoring the insult. He was the one baiting Wade. It was working too. Wade was obviously used to some sort of reaction out of his victims. He didn't like that he wasn't getting one from Francis. He stepped closer. Francis stepped away; his back was now pressed against the lockers on the opposite side of the hall.
Wade smirked and closed the distance between the two. Francis hadn't moved his arms; they were still crossed lightly over his chest. His face was expressionless save for a teasing little smile. He wasn't giving anything away. The hall was quiet, watching the encounter with wide eyes.
Francis scanned the crowd and found Frieda on the periphery of the crowd, looking on in worry.
Wade noticed Francis' gaze shift off of him and took the advantage. He swung his fist at Francis' face as hard as he could.
Francis saw the movement out of the corner of his eye and ducked. Wade's fist whistled past his ear and into the steel locker behind him.
Francis heard the crack of bone against metal and winced, dancing tauntingly away from Wade.
The force behind the punch left a fist-sized dent in the locker. Wade pulled his hand to his chest, his mouth open in a silent scream.
Someone in the crowd whooped in approval.
Francis grinned and then felt a very heavy hand land on his shoulder. He looked up. Principal Duncan glared down at him. Francis rolled his eyes. "Aw shit."
Francis kicked the chair next to him, frowning at the secretary. Wade was in the office with Duncan, telling his side of the story. No doubt spewing every lie that could come into that big head.
This was bullshit. He hadn't done anything wrong! He'd goaded Wade into throwing that punch. It's not his fault the other banger lacked the reflex time Francis had or that his bones were apparently made of glass. Francis smirked at that image. Oh yeah. Wade's hand was definitely smashed to bits in several places and he had only himself to blame. Life was sweet.
Then Francis remembered he was sitting in the office looking at a possible suspension for fighting in the hallways. If Wade spun his story he could be facing potential assault charges. If Duncan called his guardians, and Francis was sure he would, he was doubly screwed. Rule number two. Francis sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
The door to Duncan's office opened and Wade emerged, cradling his hand. He glared at Francis and walked from the room.
"Stone." Duncan called.
Francis got to his feet and trudged into the office. Duncan motioned to the seat across from his own. Francis slouched into it.
"I thought I told you I never wanted to see you in this office again." Duncan said sternly. He was frowning.
Francis shrugged. "It's not my fault y'know."
"That's not what Roberts was saying." Duncan jotted something down on the paper pad in front of him. Francis craned his neck to get a look at the scribblings. It looked like Wade's testimonial.
"He's lying."
"Roberts stated that you attacked him in the hallway and broke his hand." Duncan said, tucking the pad away, out of sight.
Francis shook his head. "I didn't touch him." Duncan didn't look convinced. "Seriously. I didn't lay a hand on him." If Francis hadn't actually touched Wade, did that count as fighting?
Duncan sighed. "It seems you two have very drastic ideas about what happened in my hallway."
There was a knock on the door. Francis and Duncan looked up. Virgil was standing in the doorway. "Mr. Duncan?" The teen said tentatively, stepping into the office.
"Yes? Virgil isn't it?" Duncan gestured for Virgil to come in and shut the door.
"Yeah. I wanted to tell you what really happened." Virgil said.
"Oh?" Duncan was intrigued.
"Francis didn't even touch Wade. I saw the whole thing. Wade was picking on me, asking me to do something for him. When I said no he got made and was about to hit me when Francis stepped in. Wade threw a punch at Francis but he ducked and Wade hit the locker instead." Virgil explained. "Francis didn't do anything wrong."
Duncan looked at the two boys. They stared back. "Are sure?"
Virgil nodded. "Of course. There are a lot of other witnesses I can go get if you think I'm biased. Frieda Goren is outside."
"Frieda? She's one of the best students in the school." Duncan muttered to himself.
"She's ready to testify on Francis' behalf." Virgil said.
"No, no." Duncan smiled. "That won't be necessary. I believe you Virgil." He looked at Francis. "You're free to go."
Francis rose from his chair with a grin. "Great."
"It looks as though Roberts is the one facing a suspension now." Duncan sighed. "What a mess." He walked the two boys to the door. "Thank you for being honest."
Francis shrugged. "Thanks for believing me."
Frieda greeted Francis when he came out of the office with a hug. He pulled away uncomfortably. She didn't seem to mind. "That was very brave of you." Frieda smiled at him.
Francis rubbed the back of his neck. "Didn't do it to be brave."
That didn't diminish her smile. Frieda smiled at both boys. "See you guys tomorrow." She turned and walked away.
Francis and Virgil caught up with Violet, who was waiting in the lobby with Richie, and walked out to the parking lot.
"Later." Richie waved and headed down the street.
"I'll start the bike." Violet held out her hand for the keys. Francis dropped the keys into her palm.
"Hey, let's just keep this between us." Francis said.
"No problem." Virgil said. Violet nodded her agreement and then skipped off to the bike.
Francis made to follow her. Virgil stopped him. "What?"
"Thanks."
"For what?" Francis pulled his arm away.
Virgil grinned. "You know."
Francis rolled his eyes. "Whatever."
It was the day before the dance. The second Francis pulled into the garage; Violet had scurried into the house saying something about hair and nails. Francis shrugged and locked everything up.
Girls were so weird. He'd asked Helen to get him dress pants and that was that. Actually, Helen had pretty much picked out his entire ensemble for him, which Francis wasn't going to complain about. He'd never done the dance thing before.
Francis walked into his room and threw his backpack onto the bed. The joy of Fridays, not having to worry about homework.
"Let's go." Bob ordered gruffly from the hallway.
Francis shut the door and stripped, slipping into his bathing suit. He grabbed a towel before hurrying after Bob.
Wordlessly, Bob pointed at the pool. Francis jumped in and started his laps. Bob paced the pool beside him, uncharacteristically silent.
After the tenth lap, Francis stopped. That was usually all he did for a warm up these days and then Bob would have him run through various other exercises. Bob shook his head. Francis kicked off from the wall and kept swimming.
He lost count of the laps, although Bob seemed to be keeping a tally on his clipboard. Francis didn't try and stop again. Clearly Bob had something on his mind.
He must have swum fifty laps, without feeling the same gut wrenching, paralyzing effects as he had that first day. Not to say he wasn't tired. Francis just didn't have the urge to go and puke his guts out. Maybe this training was finally starting to pay off a little.
Bob stopped him a few laps after that with a raised hand. Francis attached himself to the side of the pool and looked up at the hero. Bob squatted down to Francis' level and glared at him. Francis stopped himself from recoiling. Oh shit. Speech time.
"Tomorrow night you will be taking my daughter to the school dance." Bob started slowly, a menacing edge to his words.
Francis nodded.
"You will be a perfect gentleman. So help me, if you upset Violet in any way, you will not step foot in this house ever again. You won't want to."
Francis nodded again. This was definitely not the time to talk back.
Bob expression intensified. "I do not want Violet to go with you, but I want her to be happy and she wants to go so it looks like I'm stuck. If I hear anything from either Violet or Virgil about your behavior that I don't like, you will have to answer to me. Do you understand?"
"Yeah." Francis said slowly.
"Good." Bob straightened. "We're done for the day." He turned to leave.
Francis hoisted himself out of the pool. "I'm not going to do anything you know."
Bob looked over his shoulder at the teen. "No, I don't know. That's why I'm worried."
Francis scowled and snatched his towel off the ground. How could he prove to everybody that he was serious about not wanting to screw up? Francis left the pool area, deep in thought.
That night, after everyone had gone to sleep, Francis locked himself in the bathroom. He peered at his reflection in the mirror. The same hard-angled features that he'd looked at everyday stared back at him. Francis knew he was good-looking, enough girls over the years had told him so. He flexed a little in the mirror, satisfied at the way his muscles bulged taut. This swimming routine was good for him.
Francis a hand through his spiked red and blond streaked hair and then down his face, tracing over his jaw line and his goatee. He frowned at his reflection. Okay, he could get why a father wouldn't want his daughter to go out with him. In Metroville, this look had served its purpose. It had been in accordance with gang culture. That was done with now. If Francis wanted to fit in at Dakota and date girls like Frieda, this look wasn't going to work anymore.
Decision made, Francis rummaged around in the drawers until he found what he was looking for.
"How do I look?" Violet did a twirl for Virgil.
He gave her a thumbs up. "Looking sexy."
Violet flushed a deep red. "Virgil!"
Both teens were dressed for the dance, Violet in her dress and Virgil in black dress pants, a dark blue button-up shirt, and a black tie. Homecoming was a pretty casual dance; suits weren't required for the guys.
Violet's hair was in a bun; she'd fussed over the hairdo for most of the day. Thankfully, she wouldn't have to mess it up with a motorcycle helmet. Lucius had agreed to drive the three teens to Dakota. Their curfew had been extended until one in the morning and they were expected back on the dot. That meant they'd have to leave at midnight, but at least it was something.
"You guys look great!" Lucius commented, walking into the room.
Bob was right behind his best friend. He smiled at Violet. "You look beautiful."
Violet flushed again but smiled. "Thanks Daddy."
"Wait! Everybody wait!" Helen walked into the room with a camera in hand. "Nobody move." Virgil and Violet groaned good-naturedly. They'd been expecting a photo op.
Helen looked around. "Where's Francis?"
"Here. Sorry I'm late." Francis walked into the room smoothing out his tie. He looked up and everybody was staring at him, mouths agape. "What?"
"You…wow." Violet muttered.
Lucius whistled. "Looking good kid."
Francis held out his arms and did a spin. "You think?" His hair was cropped shorter, although still spiky. He couldn't help that, his hair naturally grew straight up. He had also washed the blond streaks out of his hair. The new cut drew attention away from his previously distracting hairstyle and brought it down to his bright green eyes. It made Francis look older and less like a hooligan. He was wearing black dress pants, buckled appropriately, a black button-up shirt, and a red tie.
Helen clapped her hands together excitedly. "You look great! So handsome."
"Thanks." Francis ducked his head so everyone wouldn't see his blush.
"Get over there." Helen prodded Francis into line beside Violet and Virgil. She put the camera to her eye. All three teens grinned. Helen took a few more, then one with just Violet and Francis. Then one with Virgil and Violet.
"Helen, I think that's enough." Bob said with a smile.
"Yeah, we're going to be late." Lucius added.
"Okay, okay." Helen acquiesced. "Go on. Have fun."
Lucius stuck his head out the window, watching as the kids stepped over the curb. Virgil looked back at his Dad, waving his hand in farewell.
"Call me if you need anything." Lucius said.
Virgil nodded and waved his father away. Lucius started the car and peeled away from the sidewalk.
"See you guys inside." Virgil called to Francis and Violet before running inside to meet up with Richie and the rest of his group.
Francis and Violet looked at each other for a moment, an awkward silence descended between the two of them. Francis stuck his arm out. Violet looked at the arm and then at his face. Francis raised an eyebrow. Violet took the challenge, looping her arm through Francis'. Together, they walked inside.
The gym was hardly recognizable, the decorating committee, headed by Frieda, had done a great job. There were multicolored streamers everywhere, hiding the bleachers and basketball hoops. The lights were dim and spotlights of different colors swept across the hardwood floors. At one end of the gym there were several round tables coated with white tablecloths and surrounded by chairs. Many of these tables were already occupied. There were also several long tables covered with food platters and punch bowls.
There were a few groups lounging against the bleachers, chatting in small numbers. The dance floor at the opposite end of the gym was packed with the sweaty, gyrating bodies of teenagers. There was a DJ on a little stage playing music, catering to the audience's demand. At the moment, the demand was for fast, dizzying music that had everyone dripping sweat as they tried to keep up with the beat.
Francis looked around and smiled. This might not actually be so bad. Violet's grip on his arm tightened. He looked down. She was surveying the gym with nervous apprehension. Francis raised an eyebrow again. She was nervous? Francis looked around for something to do.
"Want to dance?" He asked, shouted really. The music was too loud for normal communication.
Violet shook her head. "Not right now." She yelled back. "Let's just sit down."
Francis nodded. Fine by him. He spotted an empty table and steered Violet to it. He sat her down and went to get them punch before sitting down. She smiled her thanks and sipped at the drink, watching the dancers.
Francis slung an arm over the back of her chair. She didn't seem to mind. He drained his glass and rolled the sleeves of his shirt up. It was hot in the gym.
"Hi!" Francis almost jumped as someone shouted in his ear. He spun around and came face to face with Frieda. She looked delighted to see him. She sat down beside him. Francis pulled his eyes away from her body. She was wearing a gold dress that fit her in all the right places.
"Hi." He said back, grinning.
Frieda ruffled Francis' hair. "Looking studly."
Francis laughed. "Thanks." So his makeover had definitely been a good idea.
"Isn't this amazing!" Frieda fanned her face. "I needed a breather. Adam was merciless on the dance floor."
Francis clenched his fists at the mention of Frieda's date. The guy was a straight A honor student with his own convertible and a trust fund.
"The gym looks great." Francis said, nodding at the decorations.
"Thanks!" Frieda put her hand on his arm. He ignored the tingling that shot up his arm. "It took a lot of work."
Frieda looked across the table at Violet. "Hi. I don't believe we've met." She stuck her hand out across Francis. "I'm Frieda."
"I'm Violet." Violet returned the gesture.
Frieda looked from Violet to Francis. "Are you guys here together?"
Francis nodded.
"As friends." Violet quickly added. "We live together and we thought, why not?"
"Oh yeah. You and Virgil. You guys are all from Metroville." She laughed. "It's so funny. You're all from different families but you all live together. That must be so much fun!"
Francis snorted. Violet elbowed him. "You could say that."
"Saves gas anyway." Francis put in.
Frieda laughed. "That's true."
Virgil walked over to the table. "Hey guys." He sat down, a plate of food in hand. He nodded at Frieda. "Hey."
"Hi there." Frieda returned the greeting.
"Aren't you guys going to dance?" Virgil asked.
Francis looked at Violet. "I think we're waiting for a slower number."
Violet nodded her agreement. Francis smiled to himself. So that was it. She wasn't comfortable dancing the fast songs.
"I'm about ready to dance again." Frieda stood up, scanning the room for Adam. "Where did he get to?"
Francis looked around. He didn't see the guy anywhere. "I'll dance with you."
Frieda was startled. "No, I couldn't. You're on a date."
Francis turned to Violet. "Do you mind if I dance a song with Frieda?"
Violet smiled and shook her head. "No. Go ahead."
Francis got to his feet and held a hand out for Frieda to take. She hesitated. "I don't know."
Francis sighed. "Look, it's not a date. It's a dance. A friendly dance."
"Well." Frieda looked intertwined her hand with his. "I guess so."
Francis and Frieda fought their way through the crowd on the dance floor. The music was still upbeat. After a moment, Francis found the rhythm. He was actually a good dancer. Frieda looked surprised, then delighted. She put her hands above her head, swaying her hips hypnotically to the beat. Francis put his hands on her waist, swaying his body alongside her. They were inches from grinding. Francis didn't cross that line. That would not be friendly dancing.
When the song ended, Francis took Frieda's hand again and wove out of the crowd. At the edge of the dance floor, he bowed at the waist. Frieda laughed and swatted his back. "You're such a goof." Francis laughed too.
"Frieda! There you are." Adam walked up to the two, holding a cup of punch in both hands. He offered one to Frieda.
"Adam, this is Francis. Francis, Adam." Frieda introduced the two boys.
They nodded stiffly, sizing the other up. Francis broke the staring contest first. "I better get back to Violet."
"Save another dance for me later?" Frieda asked.
Francis grinned. "Sure."
He found the way back to the table and found Violet where he had left her, although now members of Virgil's group, who were now occupying the table, surrounded her. She was laughing at something Richie was saying. Francis let out a little sigh. He wasn't sure if he had overstepped by leaving her there for a moment. She seemed to be having a good time.
"Hey." Francis grabbed an empty chair from another table and dropped down next to Violet.
"Did you have a nice dance?" She asked, turning from Richie.
"Yup." Francis smirked.
"Bro, you shouldn't give up so easy." Richie said. "I think Frieda's into you."
Francis shrugged. "Who says I've given up?"
Richie looked at him for a moment and then laughed. "You're a weird guy."
"And you're a dork." Francis quipped. "We can't help it."
Richie laughed again. "True."
A slower song finally came on; the dance floor was bathed in a soft blue light. The crowd thinned a little as couples paired off, clinging to each other in tender embraces. Francis looked at Violet. "Ready?"
"Now?" Violet squeaked, looking wide eyed at the dancers.
"C'mon. I'm not gonna bite." Francis got up and offered her his hand like he had to Frieda. Violet took it.
Francis put his hands on Violet's hips, not too low. He was going to let her set the boundaries for this. She put her hands gently onto his broad shoulders, smiling shyly. "Thanks for asking me."
"No problem." Francis said.
Violet looked past Francis at the other couples. A girl was resting her head on the shoulder of her date. Violet copied the position, although Francis was a little too tall. She ended up resting her head against his chest. She could feel the strong muscles flex slightly beneath his shirt at her touch. She liked it.
Francis moved his hands to Violet's back, pulling her a little closer. This was nice. He'd never slow danced like this with a girl, in a completely innocent way.
When the song ended Violet thanked Francis. He didn't let her go back to the table right away. The DJ put on a moderately fast song and Francis made Violet dance to that as well, trying to break her out of her comfort zone. By the end of that song, Violet's bun was a little askew but she was laughing and hanging off Francis, clearly having the time of her life.
Lucius pulled into the garage and the kids piled out, all very happy with how the evening had gone. Virgil followed his father inside. Francis hung back with Violet.
"Did you have a good time?" Francis asked.
Violet nodded. "Yeah, it was a lot of fun. Thanks for taking me."
Francis shrugged. "My pleasure."
Violet smiled at the older boy and stood on her tiptoes, kissing Francis on the cheek. "Don't worry. My Dad will be getting a good report."
Francis grinned and Violet went inside.
The house was dark and Francis walked to his room silently. There were lights shining under Violet and Virgil's doors as they undressed and got ready for bed. Everyone else seemed to be asleep. Francis opened the door to his room and let out a deep sigh. He was exhausted. He tore the tie from around his neck and kicked his shoes off, shutting the door. Francis stripped down to his boxers and collapsed face first onto his bed, falling asleep in seconds.
Author's Note:
Man, still got nothing to say. This is the longest chapter yet, so that's something. The story is progressing as intended and we're going to start getting into the good stuff in the next few chapters.
PLEASE REVIEW!
FHGVZEhyde