Prom: A Prince for the Prom Prince

[François Laffont]

“Come on, it’ll change your mind. And I don’t have a date to bring, I can't seriously go there alone, can I? It'll be fun, I promise.”

This was how he came to convince Felix into coming with him to the prom. Let’s face it, Franck didn’t understand the whole appeal of the thing either. He thought those spending a fortune on the perfect dress and all were crazy. But he had to admit it came at a perfect time. They needed a break from all the drama that occurred lately, Felix as much if not more than any others. He let the boy be gloomy for a time, or at least gloomy in comparison of his usual state. But now it had to end. He deserved to have some fun, forget about all the bad things that happened and enjoy himself. Franck also had the argument should Felix tried to back down: to do it for his sake.

Franck was not lying when he said he had no date for the prom. Not taht he really minded bu with all the drama that occurred, finding someone had been very low on his list of priorities. Besides, he didn’t want to think of the prom as, well what Americans made it look like. They didn’t have that sort of things in France, or at least not with that intensity. He didn’t care about the prom King and Queen. Though he was surprised to have been nominated for Prom Prince. Seriously? They nominated the French guy. The gay French guy? He wouldn’t have thought it possible. Then this guy that was making the Clean Laundry, he really liked his blog, came up and did a campaign for him, if you could call it like that. Hey, he had to go then, right? Sure, there was a big risk of turning up in front of Erika and her boyfriend. And this might hurt Felix. Despite how laidback he pretended to be, Franck suspected it hurt him more than he would like to admit. Another reason for him to enjoy himself a little. Franck would make sure of it anyway. Even if he had to toss random girls at Felix every time the boy would try to run away.

Despite his views on how crazy some could be with the whole prom, he still took the time to dress properly for the event. And then he went to Felix’s room to get him out of his misery. It would be a good night, he was certain of it. Even if he did think he will have a lot of watching to do on Felix’s part. With a bit of luck, once down to the gymnasium, he will hear the music and ease off a bit. Might even enjoy himself. Seriously, what was the worst that could happen? Franck told him he could hate him forever if this turned out to be a disaster.

[Felix Nicholas]

Going to prom was the VERY last thing Felix wanted to do. He'd already settled himself on having a quiet night in his room, alone, perhaps have himself a lonely movie marathon. The radio host had always been an avoid lover of formal events, of social occasions, of any excuse to dress up... And right now, at this moment, he never wanted anything less. Who cared about prom anyway? It was nothing more then an pompous event for idiots to go and flaunt themselves in stupidly expensive outfits. Who cared? Certainly not Felix Nicholas.

Although it wasn't hard to see that this wasn't the central reason for his desire to avoid the event altogether. To say the past months or so had been hard emotionally was a minor understatement, and in fear of causing any more tension or uncomfortable atmospheres the radio host had opted to remain in his room or the radio's office, avoiding certain persons as much as he possibly could. He didn't know what he felt more strongly for... His drive to see the girl he once claimed to love happy or his anger over the entire situation and the way in which she went about it. His thought process seemed to shift from "Her happiness was always more important then mine, at least she has someone who can make her happy now" to the quite bitter opinion of "Fuck her and her selfish, uncaring attitude". Being bitter wasn't in his natural nature, and he could't help bit feel saddened immediately after thinking a bad thought on the woman he still cared about. The entire situation hurt him more then he could possibly say.
So, he'd thought ti best to avoid prom altogether.
That was, until Franck pushed for Felix to join him. As desperate as the man was to avoid the event, Franck had almost begged him to come along as his "date" since he didn't have one, and how embarrassing it would be for the prom prince not to have a date. With extreme reluctance, Felix eventually agreed, and now found himself staring at his own reflection in the bathroom mirror, a young man in a well cut black suit, fixing his tie. He sighed, his expression lacking any enthusiasm for the hours ahead. This was going to be one hard, long night. Buy hey... It was for Franck. And that guy deserved all of this and more, for the amount of comforting and support he'd given Felix over the past few weeks.

[François Laffont]

Franck was determined into not letting his friend stay all alone in his room tonight. Maybe the prom was the last thing he cared about right now and maybe it was a little too soon but it was not like Franck meant to throw the guy there and leave him all alone. He wanted to change his friend’s mind. And what was prom, really, other than a big party with music, food and lots of people? Sure, it was pompous and a ridiculous excuse for the popular kids to look even more popular by being called King and Queen, or Prince and Princess for the juniors like him. But he wanted to get Felix out of his room and it was a perfect excuse to do so. Besides, a party was perfect right now. They’ll be able to chill out, to let go of whatever stress that remained in their body, at least for a night.

He knew of course just getting the boy out of his room will prove difficult. He had tons of arguments, which all probably sounded silly to Felix. He needed to change his mind, it could be fun, they’ll be music, he didn't want to go unaccompanied, etc, etc. Franck didn't really mind going unaccompanied. Felix might even prefer not to say they went together. Not after Tim so nicely told the whole school, or at least those who watched his blog, that he was gay. But Franck was not hitting on Felix. He wanted to go, as friend, because, as a friend, he could tell the boy needed to have some fun.

Now, Franck will have to be the wingman and shield Felix from Erika. He expected her to attend the prom. And despite how Felix tried to pretend things were fine, if they ever brought it up, he could tell he was still very fragile. Still, not a reason to stay locked up. He could not stop living just because of a heartbreak. One day, he would have to face Erika and the others. “Look Felix, I know you find it hard and you’d rather not be there. But this is good, alright. You can’t stay up in your tower all your life. Trust me, I went through the whole moping state, you don’t want to stay in it,” he assured him after he finally saw him. Well, at least he worked on his appearance. He could have just gone for jeans and t-shirt and go all ‘I don’t give a fuck about your goddamn prom’. He knew he did some emotional blackmail on the boy, but he really thought it was for his own benefit. “We’ll just... we’ll go slow, drink, walk around, listen to the music. It’s not that hard, right?” he added, ready to head there now. If things went well, perhaps he’ll talk of dancing and talking to people. But he didn't want to send Felix running back to his room and locking himself inside.

[Felix Nicholas]

There was always the faint hope that perhaps the night would be an enjoyable one. Maybe he wouldn't have to directly encounter Erika, perhaps she'll have the same thoughts regarding him and want to avoid any confrontation. He'd simply have to hope for that... He certainly wanted nothing to ruin the evening, more for Franck then then himself. He didn't care too much if his night as a complete disaster, but his friend deserved a good prom.

Felix adjusted his tie into a tidier position, taking one last gaze at himself in the bathroom mirror as he fixed on a false smile, knowing full well that Franck would be able to see through it regardless. He sighed, running a hand through his hair as he went to his bedroom door, opening it knowing his date for the evening was waiting for him. He greeted Franck with his fake grin as he closed and locked his bedroom door behind him. "Someone's looking mighty fine this evening," He spoke, gesturing to his friend's outfit as he pocketed his room key. He was about to continue speaking when the boy spoke instead, seeing through Felix's happy masquerade before they'd even entered prom. The radio host bowed his head, furrowing his eyebrows as he listened, knowing that when it all came down to it, he was right; What use was their moping about alone in his room? It would only make him feel worse... He was in need of some social therapy, for however short a time he could cope with all the happy couples. "I know... I know. I'll take it slow... A drink, a dance maybe, a little bit of socialising," He replied, raising his hands defensively. "I hope you're happy though, this is all for you." He grinned, trying to lighten the mood even slightly as he then offered his arm to his friend. "Come on then, don't want to miss your first dance as prom prince."

[François Laffont]

Franck knew that for Felix to enjoy himself tonight, even just a little, there was but one rule: no talking of Erika. Franck would make sure no one would mention her around Felix and if she was there, he’ll try to keep them apart as much as he could. If he could manage that, he was certain Felix would end up with a real smile at some point. Maybe not overjoyed or anything, but better. It was all he asked for. In a way, he was sorry he had to pretty much emotionally blackmail Felix into coming. Franck didn’t really care about the prom either. He was not into that sort of thing. But it was a party and they could all use one, Felix perhaps more than anyone else. It was the perfect occasion to forget about all that happened for a night, to dance and drink and enjoy themselves.

Franck chuckled when Felix got out and commented how he was dressed. “You’re not bad either. Tell the truth, you had it lying around somewhere in your room all that time, just in case?” he replied. He doubted it but if he could at least make that smile a tiny bit more genuine. It was too obvious to his taste right now that Felix came reluctantly. And then Franck had to dampen the mood with what he had to say. But he still felt like it was necessary. Locking himself in his room, all alone with his feelings, it was not the solution. Franck was not even asking him to express them. He knew how he felt already. But he had to get over it, no matter how impossible it looked right now. And Franck would help. It was what friends were for.

He smiled when he agreed with him. “We’ll start with the drink, then we’ll see for the dance and socializing,” he told him. Besides, Felix might not dance with him. There might be some rumours going on about him already for showing up with Franck, even though they came as friends only. That’s what happens when the Clean Laundry specified you were gay. Franck had no problem, he accepted that part of himself, but he didn’t mean for the whole school to know. He chuckled again at what his friend said. “And I’m very grateful,” he replied. He nodded and walked all the way to the gym. “I don’t even know what prom looks like for real, you imagine?” he said as they walked there. “It is a very American thing.”

[Felix Nicholas]

Although Franck had pretty much emotionally blackmailed Felix into attending and the guy knew it, Felix was almost glad for the excuse, deep down. As much as he currently wanted to remain lurking in his room like an antisocial teenager, he was naturally a social creature and normally he'd have been one of the first to arrive at the event had the circumstances been more positive and less... Heartbreaking. But, for his friend, Felix was willing to go ahead and perform the usual social connotations required for such an evening as best he could, in the faint hope that the night would actually go smoothly. But strangely, a part of him highly doubted that. He'd somehow become a beacon for ill fate, so why would tonight be any different? But despite all of his anxiety, he still hold onto that positive hope. it and Franck were the only reasons he was going through with this.

"Oh, you know me, I have an outfit for near enough every occasion," He joked, choosing to avoid the fact he'd gotten a new suit made purposefully for the event. Purposefully for going with Erika. It was almost laughable now. "This was jut laying around." He began to walk with his friend towards the Gymnasium, trying to ignore his steadily growing uneasiness towards the event, listening to Franck as he spoke. Felix was thankful for the light hearted conversation, since it provided some distraction. "Oh, you better be grateful," Felix replied, mocking acting annoyed with a pout before playfully nudging Franck. "You owe me a drink for this. Make that a month's worth." He was joking, of course, simply trying to lighten his heavy heart. As they approached prom, the radio host's smile faded, and he shrugged a little at Franck's comment. "I never thought it that much of a big deal to be honest but it seems to be for everyone else," Felix replied. "It's just a party at the end of the day... Nothing to be afraid of." He was trying to convince himself more then Franck.

[François Laffont]

It was not like Franck had Felix dressed up only to shove him in a room full of people on his own. He even assumed that most people there would not really care about them. They could easily go unnoticed, minding their own business, Franck carefully picking which ones they would be socialising with based on how delicate they would be around Felix. Not too or else the boy would feel bad for the pity he was getting from them but also not bluntly asking precisely that which Franck tried to avoid. That might limit the number of people they could talk to but Franck was still determined for them to have fun.

Besides, after a few drinks and seeing how it was not the end of the world, Franck was confident Felix’s usual personality would come back to him. He was sociable, not a wallflower staying in the dark somewhere. Felix needed to see there was something good that could come out of the mess that currently was his life. And what better way to shake things up than a party? And this one was supposed to be the biggest of their school year so Franck had high hopes for it.

Felix was even started to joke and Franck took it as a good sign. He laughed with his friend. “Anything you want. I think we can both use a drink,” he replied. Of course, Franck doubted there’d be alcohol. He didn’t even consider it a possibility since they were all under the right age for that. The drink will have to be punch he supposed, or a diet coke. Not that he meant any other kind anyway.

Franck handed over the tickets he bought for the prom. He turned his head and frowned a bit as he caught what Felix said about it. Grabbing his arm, he gave the boy a gentle squeeze. “And you’re absolutely right. No one will care about us, we’ll go in, have fun and leave,” he told him. He didn’t care what that could sound like to the others. He knew what he meant by that.

[Felix Nicholas]

As much as Felix knew he wasn't exactly going to be everyones' centre of attention, he couldn't help but feel as though most eyes would fall upon him and think along similar lines; And just knowing that he would no doubt receive a number of pity filled gazes
was bad enough without the likely event of pitying comments thrown in his direction too. The last thing he wanted was any unnecessary attention... For once, Felix hoped he could go through this party making as little impact as possible. He knew however how much effort Franck had no doubt planned to go in order to try and raise Felix's spirits; He did so much for him, even though this was HIS night. Franck had been named Prom Prince after all, and yet here he was wasting time babysitting him. Felix knew it wasn't fair on his friend, but at the same time he needed his support. He needed his comfort.

And Franck's comforting nature was beginning to actually bring a slight upbeat to his heavy heart, soothing the radio host however slightly with his lighthearted jokes and the clear casual attitude he was displaying. Perhaps... Things wouldn't be so bad after all?
It was a faint hope, but hey, right now hope was pretty much all Felix could latch onto for this event. Hope and Franck. He paused when his friend grabbed hold of his arm, Felix's gaze snapping to Franck's as he gave his arm a comforting squeeze. Felix's expression softened, a small but genuine smile crossing his lips. "You're right... But if it gets too much, don't just leave on my account, alright?" He spoke. "You deserve a good night. You've been like... My personal pillar of support for weeks. You need some time for you."

[François Laffont]

The title mattered even less to him than the fact this was prom. Oh, he was flattered and all. He never expected to be even nominated to begin with. A French gay boy? He kind of had everything playing against him. But no, apparently not. Still, to him it mattered more that his friend was fine than he got some lame crown and had to show off in front of everyone. Anyway, they were all over the king and queen, right, not the prince and princess. He didn’t even know there was such a thing as prince and princess up until he heard that he was nominated for it. Where that came from, he had no idea.

Franck was making sure to keep a close watch to Felix’s feelings. He could feel him getting slightly better but there was still a lot of improvement to do. It was a good start however. The man didn’t try to lock himself in his room or to convince Franck to ditch the event entirely. Franck didn’t have to drag him by his feet or something. And they had yet listened to the band or danced or tried a drink. He wouldn’t even mind if the band sucked and they mocked it in the back. At least it would be something and Felix would be out with people.

He smiled to what his friend said. It meant a lot for him to be described as this. Sure he didn't help his friends in the vain hope of some recognition but it always felt good when your efforts were noticed and appreciated. “Come on, let’s get ourselves a drink and see what that band is like,” he replied, dragging him inside.

[Felix Nicholas]

Come to think of it, Franck had done a heck of a lot for the radio host over the past few weeks... Not that he did anyway, but even more so since the attack on SPECTRE. Franck had been his solid pillar of support, despite no doubt feeling horrendous for his trouble thanks to Felix's emotional turmoil. He was always there for him... Thinking on it even more now, Felix was even more determined to make this guy's night go well. He deserved to be treated like a prince for everything he'd done, as cheesy as that thought sounded to Felix. And after all, the radio host honestly adored his company, so a night with Franck was always something to look forward to, despite the circumstances.
Felix also knew of course that Franck was no doubt going to be keeping a careful watch over him and noting any emotional shift, and would most likely rush him out of the event if he noticed too much nervousness or anxiety. The thought was a comforting one,
knowing no matter what happened tonight he had this guy looking out for him; And again, his mood lightly moved with a slight upbeat.

"You know, I owe you a dance," Felix grinned when Franck dragged him inside, his smile however flattering when he was met with
the sight of prom. The Gymnasium had been transformed as best it could into a dance hall, and in all it looked rather impressive, and while normally the radio host would have leapt at the social occasion with excitement, now it all seemed rather intimidating.
But no, he couldn't think along those lines; He was near for Franck and to attempt to get back into some form of normality, for a night away from bis bedroom. The music was loud, and already it seemed a number of students were getting into the swing of things, the overall atmosphere one of heightened excitement. It really did seem to be such a big deal for most of them. "... So, um, you fancy a drink?"

[François Laffont]

François laughed as Felix told him he owed the boy a dance. Franck did wish to dance a little tonight and to enjoy the prom. He knew he might not as much as he first expected to, since he’d be watching over Felix like a hawk. But François would never turn his back on a friend, especially not for something he’d consider selfish, like thinking only of his fun for the night.

He did notice the change in Felix’s figure as they entered the gymnasium. He paused for a few seconds, making sure he would not turn back at the sight of the festivities. Quite a few people were here already still it looked a bit empty. Obviously, many more would arrive later on. Not that he thought of it as a bad thing. It would be easier for Franck to adjust to the flow of emotions and for Felix to get a grip. Franck could already get the excitement from all these people and that lightened up his mood significantly. He will have to be careful then.

He nodded to Felix as he talked of drinks. “The tables are there, let’s see what they prepared for us,” he said. Not to add it would give them something to do instead of standing there for all to stare back at them. Franck poured himself a cup of punch. While he was about to drink it, he stopped and stared at his friend with a mischievous smile on his face. “You think it’s safe or did they spike it with alcohol already?” he asked Felix, almost laughing at the thought of it. He didn’t think they would be able to spike it really. Especially not yet. So even if there was any, Franck didn’t taste it as he drank from his cup.