[arcus_gray]

As Gray was enveloped in the hug he had been about to turn and go right back but this was physically preventing him from doing so. Then she started scratching his ears and at that point he was completely powerless. Gray's tense muscles almost immediately relaxed and he almost collapsed into Ki's arms until she let go. After that rather awkward experience most of his anger was gone and it was instead replaced by curiosity. "why would you help me?"

[The Mythic Scribe]

Prim let out a breath that she was actually aware that she was holding as the situation seemed to lessen in extremity as one couple she didn't really pay attention left, though Cheri seemed to be caught on something. Then Ki pulled Gray out of that hot mess, and then there was just Jack, Orabel, Red, Cheri, and Marigold, by her count. Well Marigold was probably leaving soon as well, seeing as her... date? The one who stopped Gray, yes, had left with the others. So now it was them versus Orabel and Jack, and the latter seemed to be doing a 180 along with the mood of things. Prim couldn't help narrowing her eyes just for a few split seconds, letting out a small 'hmph,' at his act. Even she knew that doing all of that, and insulting this Felicity girl (Red's girlfriend? Sister? Friend? Co-worker?) in such a vulgar way, then just saying that he got heated, that couldn't pass. She was glad most of the drama was over though, and the apparent antagonists in the whole scenario were leaving too. And she could also swear that they were sort of getting cozy with each other. Well that was a fast move on Orabel's part. So then there were three. Prim could only shake her head at the whole debacle. To think that she'd actually liked Jack in the beginning of the year. It didn't take long for the rose tinted glasses to slip back on though, and the little sweetheart was yet again convinced that maybe having a SO would be good for Jack. Maybe he'd change if she just kept on being nice. He would, right?

But right now she had to focus on the situation at hand. "So... um, that was messy..." Prim said awkwardly. "Are you-Are you sure you're okay, Red? What Jack said seemed to be really, um, mean." Looking up at Cheri's bodyguard with wide eyes, Prim tried to catch any sign of 'not okay-ness' in his face to no avail. "It's good that you didn't do anything though! I think Jack just needs some better role models. You know, it can't be all too good growing up in such a rich family, and you've heard the stories and stereotypes and things, so being uber rich can't be too good for you-Oh wait Cheri I forgot you're here too!" Now facing more in the popstar's direction, Prim continued, "I really didn't mean to include you in there, because you're pretty rich too and all of that but you turned out nice, and I just mean that sometimes it can get to you even if it didn't get to you as much as it got to Jack, not saying that it got to you at all because you're such a nice person and-and-and..." Prim let out a long sigh. "Sorry, I always talk too much, and I never help anything either. That's what Rima says too... But I do know what may help a little bit."

Thinking that such a thing could possibly be useful in a time like this, Prim quickly held up a finger to say ‘wait’ before scurrying over to what seemed like a random tree to pull out a box of something, then wasting no time to return back to Cheri and Red. Oh! And Blanca was there too, how’d she not notice her? Waving a quick hello to the model, Prim opened the cardboard box to reveal circular, flat cookies with a heavy drizzle on some cookies, glaze on others. A primrose design was etched in the drizzle/glaze and it was topped with cut up pieces of candied or sugared rose and lavender petals. “I hid a box of these cookies just in case, which might seem weird that I didn’t stash a weapon instead, but… They’re lavender shortbread, the glaze is rosewater-flavored. It’s kind of my signature cookie. Want some? It's not booze, but they taste pretty good.” Shyly, she held the box out to the four-about-to-become-three still standing around.



“Wow, suave much?” asked Mauve teasingly at Nathan’s response. “And they say I’m good with words. But you,” she placed a finger on his chest, “might give me a run for my money right now.” Smiling warmly, Mauve detached herself from Nathan, though she made sure that her right hand fell down into Nathan’s left. “I don’t suppose we should stay in this little corner the whole time though. Dancing… might not be the brightest idea at the moment… But we can go get some punch, or try some of those little snacks the staff have laid out for us. Hmm?”

[Uncouth T-Rex]

Spoiler: ShowHide

Warning on Red's language.

Ki took Gray's hand, her eyes going soft. "Huh. I guess that does work on you guys too. I've only touched the tips of Cheri's, and that was for a photo shoot." She sighed. "Because in the middle of your life falling apart you tried to stop mine from crashing down around me. It's why I know Jack's wrong about you. Assholes don't do that." She smiled toothily then, punching his shoulder gently. "You might be a lot of things I don't know about yet, but you're no cheater. Miss Arachne'll see that, once this calms down. It'll work out."

"Yeah kid. Just fine." Red grinned forcefully, and turned around to check on Cheri. Aww, balls. She was a mess, about ready to just turn on the waterworks all over the place. Welp, better fix that. Reaching out and pulling her over by the arm, he gave her a hug and ruffled her ears, making sure to be delicate with them. Those things were sensitive..."Easy, I'm alright, he can't do shit to me. Let him run his mouth, he'll get enough rope to hang himself eventually, the dick. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Or he'll swing on me first." He liked the second option a lot better.

Cheri let herself go at that point, and just started crying into Red's suit. The ear massage was much appreciated, though, and she felt herself melting down into a puddle of wet sadness instead of a frantic emotional tornado. She wasn't exactly paying attention to what Prim was saying, but it sounded comforting and sweet whatever it was. Felicity was just so nice, how could anyone treat her like that...And Cael, how had he found a date without her knowing? Wouldn't one of the other boys have mentioned it? And why was it bothering her so much? That question rankled most of all, and as the tears started to dry up, she wracked her brain for an answer.

Out of nowhere, Prim, that little heaven-sent wonder, produced a box of cookies. In or around a tree. Wasn't she the best?

Red couldn't help himself, and laughed out loud. "Kiddo, I don't know what mold they made you in, but you're one in a million! Cookies! Fuck!" He was almost in tears at this point, and had to let Cheri go so he could double over. "Sugar and spice and everything nice! You're a damn children's rhyme! I love it!" After handing the box to Cheri, who gratefully sobbed a thank you and began weepily eating one of the scrumptious confections, he lifted Prim off the ground by the waist and held her up in front of him. "I bet I could shake you and fairy dust would come out! I can't believe this!" Man, he was going to have to introduce her to Felicity now. They'd overwork her damn oven until it died. Shit!

Blanca simply waved to Jack's teammate, and politely declined the cookies with a delicate shake of her head. Jack had mentioned earlier that her dress fit her pretty snugly, and while she was almost certain it had been a compliment, she had been feeling a little pudgy lately. Best not to risk it. Besides, she still had to meet this boy he had wanted to show her. It was hard to be pretty while eating something with crumbs.

[arcus_gray]

Gray let out a sigh. "I'm not so sure i want things to work out. To make a threat like that even if it was an empty one and refusing to listen when i tried to explain it." Gray gave her a pleasant smile. "I guess so. I also took a shot at him. I would have thought me taking a swing at your friend would make you less likely to help me out. I guess we are even then."

[nathan67003]

Nathan couldn't help but keep the goofy grin he had on his face at Mauve's retaliation, his heart nearly skipping a beat as she laid a finger on his chest. "Really? My pleasure, then.". He slid is hand into hers as she did the same, keeping his eyes trained on her as she spoke. His gaze quickly switched at the mention of 'snacks', however, and he started scanning the vast room for the tables he'd seen earlier. His smile faded a bit, although a small one categorically refused to go away. "Oh you know I'm always up for food.", he said as he started trudging his way through the hall's crowd alongside his - quite wonderful - date.

[Sesh]

Fuck she was right. Of course she was, she had some modicum of common sense. He spun on his heels in an about-face turn, facing the front of the ballroom once again. He strode towards the girl he had left behind, already righting his mistake in his mind. He always did this, thinking in ones and zeros and ignoring anything in between. His dad had often reminded him to think of the shades of gray, nobody was purely good or evil, nothing was purely right or wrong, blah blah blah. He didn't see it that way, but during his short time at Beacon and in Vale proper he had already learned that it would bite him in the ass more often than not.

It was good that Marianne had been there to remind him that he could go back. He found Cheri in the courtyard where he had left her. "Excuse me Red, I'm going to be borrowing your ward for a little bit, hope you don't mind."

Then, wordlessly, he helped Cheri to her feet. Unsure of what to do, where to put his hands, he stumbled for moment. However remembering a tip that Cheri herself had given him for situations like this, he did what felt natural. He rapidly bundled her into a hug, holding her tight to his body for a long moment that felt too short.

[Uncouth T-Rex]

Marianne frowned to herself once Mr. DeWitt's back was turned. Well that was a bit rude of him to walk off without so much as a goodbye, but he was under stress and, from what she remembered Marlon saying, almost as out of place here as she was. There was nothing for it then. Making sure to give him a wide berth and let him handle his business, she went back inside, avoiding everyone around the entryway as best she could. Ugh, that awful music once again...Hoping to salvage some part of the evening, she swept the crowd with her semblance, and zeroed in on Miss Roux and Mr. Eau nearing the refreshments table. Odd, the waiter's pants fit him strangely, as if he were carrying things beneath them...Thinking nothing more of it, she went on her way, realizing that she was becoming peckish and that the muffins looked delicious. Oh, and they were Machiavelli's, too!

She had just started to nibble at a blueberry one when the people she had been hoping to intercept reached the table. "Oh hello again, Miss Roux, Mr. Eau. Are you enjoying yourselves?" she asked with a gentle smile. You didn't need a semblance like hers to catch the way they were acting toward one another. How sweet and wholesome, especially after the fracas outside.

Ki looked downcast for a moment. "Well, I guess if that's the way you feel. I'd just hate to think I played a role in ending you two, even by accident. Miss Arachne's why I became a model, and Jack helped get me there. Even if he deserved that punch you were gonna give him, his heart was in the right place. He looks out for us girls." Despite what Red and Cheri liked to tell her, she'd never once been mistreated by him, and hadn't seen any evidence to the contrary. Her brow furrowed. "By the way, what was that threat she made about, anyway? It just seemed so strange and out of character for her..."

This cookie was like eating paradise...Cheri could have jumped on a giant mound of them hot from the oven and wallowed like a hippopotamus until she was too bloated to move. It was hard to just savor the thing too, the temptation was strong just to cram the whole thing in her mouth and collapse in bliss. Mmmmm just as good as Mom's....If she hadn't already been crying, she might have teared up a little out of homesickness just then. Just as she finished the last bites, with her mouth packed full of deliciousness, she felt Cael's arms around her and was too shocked to swallow. In fact she choked a little, but she'd already been sobbing so it wasn't noticeable. Once she'd regained awareness of just what was going on, and been able to actually finish chewing, she returned the hug and wrapped herself as tightly around Cael as she could, taking immense comfort in his return.

"Oh Cael..." she murmured, closing her eyes and nestling in with her tail twitching away, "I've been looking for you all night. It's been awful...I'm so glad you're here. I really needed you right now." Her ears lay flat, the tuft of one brushing against his cheek. Go ahead, crack a joke, bring on the sunshine...

Red, having a blinding flash of insight that he was holding a teenager off the ground and crowing like a total jackass, put Prim down, laughed again, wiped away a tear, and gave Cheri another glance. Oh, that goofy DeWitt kid was back. Smooth, Fernando, smooth. Ah, what the heck, the dude was harmless, just an "I'm as awkward as your racist grandpa" kinda guy. At least Cheri looked happy. That was what mattered. That was really why he'd even come, wasn't it?

[The Mythic Scribe]

Primrose was not expecting Red's reaction, that was for sure. So when Cheri's bodyguard lifted her off the ground, continuing his already surprising words about how apparently great-and made of fairy dust?-she was, a few squeaks were let out, more than a few blinks were made, and she could do nothing but go along with it. At least Cheri was having a good time with those cookies though, that was something good! Prim always loved seeing her customers, or anyone really, enjoying the confectioneries she'd made for them. It just made her day! Seemed like Cheri's Prince Less-Than-Charming had come back to comfort her too, so that was something. Though she could've sworn that he'd been with that pretty girl in that pretty black dress earlier... But Red put her down and her train of thought was diverted.

"Uh... thanks..." Prim said shyly, scuffing the ground with her shoe before realizing that if she wanted them to last, that would not be the best idea. "It's just a box of cookies... Cheri seems to be enjoying them though, so tell her to stop by at the bakery I work at part-time if she wants some more. It's called SweetCakes. Or just tell her to stop by the dorm room, I always bring something back for my teammates, so there's always something to eat..." Looking up and smiling brightly, Prim gestured to the ballroom through a window. "I would say it's even better than the stuff here. I make great coffee and tea too! Rima doesn't seem to like it so much, and Stella always makes sure that there's some underlining mean thing, but it's still early in the school year, they'll warm up. Everybody, or at least the bold people, always say that they feel sorry for me, but Stella and Rima aren't that bad!" Notice how she didn't mention Jack...

Sighing, she looked back to the dance happening inside. “This has already been way too much drama for one night. A day in the life of a Beacon student, I guess! And their friend’s bodyguard who is doubling as a babysitter!” Bringing to her mouth a cookie she’d managed to snatch up before taking an impromptu lift, Prim began nibbling quietly at her signature pastry.


Mauve smiled gracefully as they met Marianne yet again. “Oh why hello to you too Miss Murk! I can’t speak for Nathan, but I have to say that I’m quite enjoying myself so far. I just hope that Mr. Pettibone doesn’t cause too much of a ruckus. I’m starting to get worried, seeing as he’s disappeared for the moment.” She let out a small laugh before continuing. “Ah, it’s most likely just me.” Daintily, Mauve picked up another blueberry muffin, taking a small bite out of it while chewing almost thoughtfully. “I have to say, you simply can’t go back after tasting Marigold’s food. Everything else tastes so plain! I don’t believe that you’ve met her yet either, have you? Oh, I’ll have to introduce you two, she’s the absolute best I tell you! Hmm, I know she’s here somewhere, but it seems she has also eluded me at the moment. No matter. How are you doing? Are you enjoying your stay at Beacon so far?”

[nathan67003]

Nathan curtly nodded at Marianne, then nodded again to confirm he was enjoying himself before turning his attention to the food. Picking a large chocolate muffin with his free hand, he managed to bite at least a tenth of it without seeming disgusting, bad-mannered or having any crumbs drop or stick to his face, which were feats in and of themselves. Chewing slowly, he listened to the girls talk.

[arcus_gray]

Now it was time for Gray's expression to return to downcast. As Ki asked what he should have seen coming. "well. I don't know exactly. It seemed like she was threatening me with my past but there is no way she would know that. I never told her so it couldn't be. She probably just got a lucky guess and as a result it was terrifying. There's no way she'd have the power to make good on it anyway." Gray rubbed his arm nervously as he spoke before he realised his semblance was still active. "oh fuck" Gray then collapsed to the ground as his time limit ran out.

[Uncouth T-Rex]

Threatening him with his past? That didn't sound like Miss Arachne at all...Ki's doubtful expression switched to one of total surprise as the boy just swore and collapsed like a rag doll. In a rush she managed to catch him before he slammed face-first into the pavement, and struggled to get him back on his feet. "Hey, Gray, snap out of it, ah, c'mon, what's gotten into you?" No response. Just dead weight. Perfect. She was lost in the middle of Beacon and her main source of directions was out cold. Maybe she could call Cheri...nope, she'd landed on her scroll when Miss Arachne had thrown her to the ground. So much for that idea...There was no way she was going back to that stupid dance, either. And of course she'd driven with Jack. With a grunt, she put Gray over her shoulders in a fireman's carry and started walking in the direction of the dorms. At least, where she guessed the dorms were.

Thankfully she found a map on a billboard a few minutes later, although she was already getting tired. He was getting heavier by the minute. Oh good, she was close. It still felt like forever. When the hell was he going to wake up? He was pretty clearly breathing...other than being dead to the world he seemed fine. It seemed like centuries before she made it to the lobby of one of the dorm wings. Ki had no idea if it was the right one or not...Who gave a shit? She dropped Gray on a couch, a little more unceremoniously than she intended, and sat down by his head. Whoof...she kicked off her heels, letting her feet air out. They'd been screaming for air too long to ignore. Just a little rest and then she'd find out where he...and she fell sound asleep.

Red took a page from everyone's else's book and began munching on a cookie. Wow, these were pretty tasty. "Okay, yeah, she'd like that. She'd actually like to see a lot more of you, from what I hear. Somethin' 'bout you being a sweetheart, can't say I disagree." He chewed thoughtfully, and continued through a mouthful of crumbs. "Jeez, sounds like it's not just Jackass, your whole team's a bunch of f...freaking terrible people. You should tell them to piss off some time, they probably deserve it." He frowned as he swallowed. "Actually yeah if anyone's a d...mean to you they probably deserve a foot up their...a punch in the mouth. You're a nice girl, there really aren't too many of you out there. You outta be treated real special." Even if you are dumber than toast sometimes, from the look of things, kiddo...

"Man, you are not kidding about the drama here. I was in a gang where we yelled less! Shit!" he exclaimed, shrugging. "People just need to grow the hell up and relax."

"She sounds lovely...and with much regret, no, aside from a short dance with Marlon's teammate Mr. DeWitt, the evening has been...horrid?." Marianne smiled apologetically. "You see, I've just had the misfortune to watch Mr. Pettibone and some other people, Miss Chanson included, start a dreadful row outside. Blows were exchanged, there was a great deal of salty language, all over some petty romantic entanglement...I tell you that if this is what life at the Academy is like, I don't know how anyone could stand it. Least of all my brother. They all seemed such children..." she paused, catching herself before she let any more anger slip. She was here to have a nice time, to relax, and meet sensible, appropriate people. The sooner she put those fools outside behind her, the better. At least she'd managed to keep her face calm and composed, although she wasn't so sure about her voice. Really, what beasts they all had been...

[Asterisk]

Back in the auditorium, after the song finished playing, turned the music back to ballroom music as the room calmed back down. Meanwhile, she stepped off the podium and called Marigold on her scroll.

Meanwhile, back outside Marigold looked at the cookies and politely declined as the box passed her with a soft "No thank you.". Feeling a vibration in her clutch purse, she took out a wireless earpiece with a small blinking red light and excused herself, putting it in.

"Yes Astrid?"

"Hey General, do you know where Cheri is?"

"Yes, she's here."

"Is she occupied?"

"More or less."

"I see. Can you tell her to come in later? I've got something for her."

"Alright."

"Thank you. That will be all."

"See you soon."

Taking the device out and putting it back into her purse, she then gently tapped on Cheri's shoulder while the other girl was hugging Cael, handing her an unused black silk handkerchief with gold lining. "Hey Cheri, Astrid wants you in there later, but take your time. No need to rush." She then walked up to Ismael till she was alongside him. "Are you okay, Ismael?"


Ophelia stood still as Verdant threw her arms around her and, looking down at the girl for a bit, was about to kindly and gently push her away but then the other girl broke off first. "Since I don't use weapons, I keep some changes of clothes in my Beacon locker. Want me to show you the way?"

(THOSE COLORS ARE PRETTY)

[Th3King0fChaos]

Ismael gave a sigh as he ran his fingers through his hair, "Yeah I'm fine. I'm worried for Gray. Jack is a dick, but now it's worst than I expected". Ismael goes to adjust his glasses and make sure he was presentable. He holds the door open for Marigold to walk in before him.

[terexia]

As Ki spoke Orabel acted respective and thoughtful on the outside , as if she actually was considering the possibility of apologizing. As soon as Ki left the room she rolled her eyes irritated at the whole situation. ‘Hokay… time to get the fuck outa-’ her thoughts were suddenly cut off by Jack's words. His flattery pushed all the right buttons, his coy adorable demeanor. Orabels stomach fluttered as Jack caressed her cheek. Her face flushed slightly, and the blushing became deeper as his fingers trailed up her face and to her horns. His words, his actions , pushed all of the right buttons. Everything he did made her feel dominant but shy, made her feel powerful when she needed to feel and slightly under his spell when he made advances. It almost felt too perfect ,and a small part of her doubted how perfect this spectacle in front of her could be. The stunning image of a gentleman who said the right things at the perfect times ,a person who she’d just met who was just charming enough and alluring to make her bite her lip, but was gentle and chivalrous enough to show that he legitimately cared for her.

This was such a strange sensation for her , usually, she was the one on the flirtatious side. She was the one who played men that she wanted to try out for a spin, in fact, the only person she had ever truly fallen for was Gray. His mysteriousness intrigued her  and she wanted to build him up , to try and be everything she would ever need to rely on. But this… this was so much different, the level of grace, finesse, and seductive perfection Jack's words and actions enveloped her. He treated her like the lady she was and was confident to make his move. As he moved closer and put his face near hers, Orabel inwardly trembled. She wasn't used to being the one being seduced, but she let herself fall into his spell. She left behind all worries or reservations about her feelings. ‘God knows I deserve this after today.’ she thought as she softly laid her gloved hand on top of his.Everything about him was perfect , even the smell of his breath was lightly laced with the send of mint with undertones of chocolate.  “Well, Mr. Pettibone,”  She enunciates softly with her face almost touching his.  her eyes took in every chiseled detail of his face, his. “ I was planning on heading back to my place,” She says softly and flirtatiously , “But looks like I have a reason to stay, and it would be such a shame to leave without having a little fun." She whispers to him before lifting her hand with the torn glove.  The glove softly glows along with her hair and slowly unravels. Slowly breaking apart and morphing into a mass of fabric and seams. It then  remakes itself perfectly as if it had never been torn, with only a slight red blemish on the palm. She then takes a step back and holds out her hand. “Lead the way.”

[Uncouth T-Rex]

Verdant sighed happily. "Oh, would you? You're heaven sent, I swear." Newly amazed at the generosity of this total stranger, she patiently followed her out, content to be cared for by...whoever this was...Once they were outside and away from prying eyes and ears, she decided to figure that out. "So, I'm Verdant Sesily, who do I owe this rescue to?" she asked, smiling brightly as she walked beside the girl.

Ember, having successfully navigated Beacon due to having been around it with Jack many times, was now waiting for a taxi to arrive. Still fuming from earlier events, she pulled out her scroll, and decided to make good on an earlier threat. There, you two hicks can choke on that...

Jack let himself watch in awe as Orabel's semblance came to life and fixed her glove. It wasn't that hard to fake, it was actually a beautiful thing to behold, but still, an extra dash of boyish wonder never hurt. Man, the attention she was showering him with right now was so heady he might as well have been high. He could get used to to this kind of reaction. If he could keep this up, oh the possibilities in store...but enough about the future, he had a woman to entertain for an evening, and who likewise would be entertaining him. He breathily chuckled as he took her outstretched hand, winking as he did so. "Well, your place does sound like an adventure, but I think an adoring public suits you best right now." He lead her inside then, holding open the door like a perfect gentleman. Before he followed, he motioned to Blanca that Cael was the one he had mentioned, and gave her an "OK" with one hand. Hah, good luck prying him off of Cheri! Once inside, where the music had calmed down enough to be elegant again, he let her take his arm, and leaned in close.

"You know, if any of these people payed attention to everything you've achieved like Ki and I have, they'd all be at your feet." he remarked, sounding thoughtful. "A true desert flower, rising in the harshest place on earth and thriving, all the while possessing a fierce and remarkable beauty." He let his eyes meet hers again. "I have to admit, you've probably heard some of my choice words about the faunus community, and while I still mean them about certain of its members...you, you're something else entirely. You're the exception that leaves the rule shattered on the floor. After years of watching you from afar as a model, I can only be astounded." he purred, both husk and honey in his voice. "I..."

A sharp noise from his scroll interrupted, and he scowled darkly, pulling it out. "I put this thing on silent, you know how it is, I'm sorry..." he stopped talking then, his expression morphing itself into something cold and alien, almost divinely wrathful. In truth, he wasn't even mad, but a gentleman would be.

E: Hey, so that clod you keep arguing with?
J: What, Murk?
E: That's the one. Verdant and I were having a little fun with Miss Piggy when he showed up and shoved us around. Take care of him, will you? And give Miss Piggy my worst.
J: You got it. I'll have an apple in her mouth by night's end.

He shoved the scroll viciously back in his pocket, turning it off. "Forgive me. It looks like you're not the only lady being unforgivably mistreated tonight. I'll have to deal with it at some point, if you don't mind...but for now, let's try to enjoy ourselves?" he explained, clearing his throat and returning some softness to his face.