PROM: Cupid Didn't Miss This Time

[Oneyka A. Duffuor]

Despite hiding the fact, Oneyka had been pretty nervous, if not anxious about prom this year. This was hear first year away from her old school, The La Roux Academy and her first year in America. Not to mention she had a boyfriend for the first time and there were a lot of firsts for them, and more specifically, for her. While it wasn't her first prom, she could finally say that she was going to be attending with a date that she was actually dating. Someone who she'd know she'd enjoy the night with and not just any stud trying to win her heart with horrible egos.

She had Jack now, and he had her and it was kind of exciting to see them together in new events. As long as they could avoid dealing with that Director again, she would always look forward with attending them with him.

Taking a deep breath, she pressed her red lips together while straightening out her dress. The same dress she hadn't bothered showing Jack as it was a surprise and she hadn't really worn anything fitting to her curves since IMAC. They'd both be dressed in a deepish red, or light maroon depending on how the light hit them and that's all she knew they'd agree on. If Jack had actually followed through with the theme of fire. Oh God, she prayed he actually dressed up and followed through. She knew what he was capable of and needed to always expect the unexpected. Which she didn't mind, but for once she just wanted him to show up prom-esque. Just for this one night.

Standing confidently, she smiled and waved at a few friends who passed her by, and even some acquaintances. Her brown eyes glanced every which way until he'd show up because dear it was certainly time.

[Jack McCarthy]

Some people had a certain routine when it came to Prom. Some broke their clothes in hours before hand and some caked themselves in makeup in preparation for the night’s festivities.

Jack has spent the last hour and a half pacing back and forward.

Nervious? Just a tad…ok maybe a little more then just a tad, All day Jack had been on the verge of a nervous breakdown to say the very least. What exactly was he afraid or nervous about? If you were to ask him that, he wouldn’t be able to tell you. (What he would be able to do is stutter and scream that he was totally relaxed and shut the hell off)

He didn’t go to prom last year, he had wanted to ask a certain someone but couldn’t exactly work up the courage to ask her out so he stayed home that night and wondered what might have been. But now? Now he was actually going to prom with a woman that, for whatever reason is totally fine with being seen with him in public. This was totally new to him, how does one prom? There wasn’t a hand book for this and had no idea how to go about this.

And understandably this has caused him to lose it ever so slightly.

“Ok, Ok” Jack had said over and over again his hands shaking “This is nothing. Nothing. Just a party, That’ll all it is, just one big ol’ party. Who cares that it’s the social event of the year? It’s not like you’re going to totally ruin Onnie’s night by doing something stupid and making her hate you forever. Nooo that’s just stupid” Jack voiced to the mirror version of himself looking at his dark red suit, trying to decide if he should adjust it again. He had done so several times. Tie too loose, Tie too tight. Unbuttoned. Buttoned. And so on and so forth

“Ok, you’re going to go in there and you’re going to have a magical night. So, so magical” Jack said beginning to walk away before turning back to the mirror for a moment “…and maybe see someone about the whole talking to yourself thing…”

And with that Jack made his way to the Gym…

So this was prom? Well it was certainly was crowded and loud Jack thought as he pushed forward trying to find Onnie he turned the corner…and a great big red dress slammed into his line of vision.

He could feel his heart go pitty patter instantly…

It was as if time slowed down and the world just vanished around her as Jack became utterly entranced by this red clad siren before him, he was dimly aware that he seemed to be floating towards her “You’re you look very…” Jack’s throat seemed to be closing up despite himself “…Red, you’re very Red. So red. Like you’re on fire. Not that you’re actually on fire. That’ll be awful. If you were on fire I would tell you if you were burning to death. That would suck if you were, I knew a guy who burned his hand, and that sucked for him, so you wearing a dress of fire would be hella painful, not as painful as other stuff like killer bees, or a shark attack. Did you know more people die licking batteries then shark attacks? Sharks get a bad rep, except Jaws. He was just a tool I remember when-“

Jack might go all night if someone didn’t interrupt him, or until he ran out of breath

[Oneyka A. Duffuor]

There were these mental checklists that everyone seemed to go through before some sort of event or big day. While everyone cared about different things, Oneyka had over a thousand things to go over without giving a slight hint that she was frantic or panicky. Yes, she was anxious and excited but going overboard would only lead to perspiration, sweaty palms, and wet armpits and her makeup had to last through the whole night and even if she had protective deodorant, she didn't want to take the chance of getting anything on this gown.

Taking a deep breath, she glanced around before looking down at her nails and then shoes to see if they still matched in this lighting. Why would she be worried about everything matching according to her set color scheme? Because what if Jack noticed something as small as that? He always noticed things that no one else really cared about - but - but no, that was stupid. He wouldn't care about her nail color, would he?

Then her eyes caught a glimpse of him nearing. It was Jack. Thank goodness. Though, once it finally registered, she was pretty sure her heart was beating way faster than normal. Oh dear. Okay, Oneyka you must calm down and breathe dear, keep it together. He was in a suit, he looked really clean, and - oh god, keep it together.

“You’re you look very…” Parting her lips, she smiled with her eyes narrowed slightly as she tried to follow where he was going with this. "Very..." Of course, once Jack started going... he never really did stop, now did he? Had this been one of their first meetings, Oneyka may have been a little lost, confused, and blinded by his rambling words and where he thought he was going with them. But now, she couldn't help but to grin. This was truly one of his finest compliments but you'd have to understand Jack to understand why she thought that.

Thanks to her heels, it didn't take as much effort to move in towards Jack's face as she softly planted a kiss upon his lips. Oneyka gently laid a hand on his chest before she moved her head back and smiled. "Thank you." It had been for the compliment, or whatever it was. That and the fact that she knew he'd continue on forever if she didn't attempt to shutting him up. Narrowing her eyes, she brushed her thumb against his bottom lip, just to make sure he didn't end up wearing any of her lipstick.

She gave him a soft smile, "You look amazing - by the way. Absolutely stunning."

[Jack McCarthy]

Jack mouths kept on going happily but his eyes were telling an entirely different story all together, His eyes were wide as if trying to communicate telepathically with Onnie “Oh God, I can’t stop. I literally can’t stop speaking. I’m trying but I physically can’t stop talking. I’m scared, Stop me. Stop me. Please stop me.” He was pretty sure that his mouth would either over heat or explode, either that or his brain would just implode on it’s self from speaking far too much

Well, it wouldn’t exactly be the most surprising way for Jack to meet his death, Really, someone somewhere must have predicted that.

But before Jack could truly build up steam, with a surprised squeak he felt Onnie’s soft lips cover his hushing him nicely, and shutting up Jack was no easy feat as history has showed. At time’s it felt like Jack was going a thousand miles per hour getting faster and faster with every second and Jack had to strain to keep up with it all.

But when the full comforting warmth of Onnie’s kiss came to him, it was like his brain finally seemed to distort and slow down to a soothing pace and Jack was momentarily at peace.

“Y-you welcome” Jack said coughing trying to clear his head after the surprise kiss “Oh well if you think I look good now you haven’t seen nothing yet Jack said smiling as he produced with a flourish a big top hat and planted it on his head “Huh? Huh?”

[Oneyka A. Duffuor]

He stopped. Thank God. She wasn't sure what the outcome could be for moving your mouth faster than a speeding bullet but she didn't wan't to find out, especially not here at prom. They had a whole night ahead of them and god forbid Jack ran out of stuff to ramble about before the night even started. Sure, it might have seemed as if she did it to shut him up but she wouldn't have denied it if he accused her of doing such just so she had an excuse to kiss him.

Yes, she'd actually agree this time around.

She smiled softly as she removed her hand from his face. Her brown eyes studied his face. Oneyka wasn't too sure if she could have pictured herself here, right now, at this moment, being able to handle such a soul as Jack McCarthy. How on Earth did she not run away the moment she saw his arm stuck in the vending machine? It was as if Fate decided that they were to be together for some reason...

Then he brought out a ridiculous looking top hat.

With her bright smile still planted on her face, she put her hand out with a gesture that he should hand it over. "Give it here." This was prom night. She promised herself that she would NOT be controlling, bossy, nor expecting in any kind of matter towards Jack because it was indeed his night as well.

Oh dear Fate, could this possibly be the reason?

"When was it exactly that you thought that was a good fashion choice, let alone a good idea?" Oneyka folded her arms and managed to still let out her hand for him to hand it over.

[Jack McCarthy]

This was going well right?! Right?! God, he was nervous. He really wished there was a handbook to have a magical prom. Or at the very least if he came into the prom with any kind of game plan… This is how you Prom right? This was a proming thing to do right? He hoped so. This wasn’t really his kind of thing, he wasn’t used to anything this…formal, this wasn’t really his bag. He much preferred to stay in and play video games

Jack had no earthly idea why this was happening to him, why someone like Onnie who ever go near Jack, She was way out of her league, that much was true to anyone who saw them together knew, What did she get out of their relationship? Jack had no earthly idea.

But Jack got everything out of it…

Jack face soured instantly in a “Aw, Shucks” expression, clearly not waiting to give over his hat, “aww man…” Jack muttered his head going towards the floor clearly disappointed but ever so reluctantly handed it over “What can I say? I’m a showman, a stable of fashion and this is the night to wear super fancy shit right? In fact…” Jack trailed off as he pulled a monical and placed it in front of his eyes “Ah, much better…”

[Oneyka A. Duffuor]

Sure, she hated to see him bow his head in disappointment but she was sure he'd be even more disappointed with what she had in store for him had he not handed the hat over. It was somewhat cute, to think that he believed he'd actually get away with it. This is exactly why she found herself so attracted Jack. His sense of freedom... even if it was short lived by Oneyka's wishes to have somewhat of a "normal" prom night.

A breath of fresh air; to be in accompanied by someone who didn't seem to believe in social norms, or what current society saw as a "proper way to behave". "A showman? Right." She said while placing the hat on a nearby chair behind her. "I don't believe a stable of fashion would be the best way to put it, but I admire your confidence." To think that he had another piece of accessory up his sleeve. How could she not see that coming, right?

A brow raised as she chuckled. "A monical? Seriously? Ha, H-How did you even manage to get your hands on one?" She shook her head, she reached her hand out. Pressing her lips together as she looked at him, waiting. "Na-uh. C'mon, hand it here."

This would surely be a long night.

[Jack McCarthy]

Say what you want about Mr. Jack Mccarthy but he did have a very expressive face especially when it came to disappointment, only the most stone heated of students could truly resist Jack’s sad puppy eyes, Jack might not be the top of the clas academically but when it came to heart wrenching eyes Jack was head and soldiers above the rest (One of the benefits of practically being a human puppy dog)

Jack was unique, that couldn’t be disputed the problem was figuring out if his own particularly brand of quirkiness was a good thing or a bad thing. He didn’t pretend to be something he isn’t. He was self aware to know that he could never fit in, and he didn’t exactly know how to play by the rules so he just stopped trying. He was a misfit and he didn’t want to be anything else.

“Yeah maybe you’re right….” Jack admitted shrugging his shoulders rocking back and forward “Maybe they just aren’t ready for me. I’m like Mozart, or Copernicus. Too ahead of my time” He nodded once at his prom date

Jack pouted once again at the fact that he has to give up yet another of his effects “So I guess you want my spinning bow tie too…and my cane…and my slightly smaller tophat…
 

[Oneyka A. Duffuor]

Sure, Jack's expressions had moved Oneyka in one way or another. Either she felt bad for telling Jack "no" or had a difficult time with telling Jack "no". But after a while, she figured had she fallen for his eyes filled with disappointment, he'd just win her over all the time. Though it may have been a bit too late for that.

Onnie lifted her brows at the mention of Mozart and Copernicus. "Oh, absolutely. That must be it, dear. That must be it." She pressed her lips together, trying not to let out any sort of laughter or chuckling from her part. She had a feeling was being serious and she didn't want to taint that too much.

She held her hand out once more, "Yes! I would like your spinning bow tie and your cane-" Then it just hit her. More than a puzzle look resided on that ebony face of hers, "Where on Earth are you even getting a spinning bowtie and cane and slightly smaller tophat from?" She was highly confused and now walking around Jack trying to figure out the science behind the endless items when he only had pockets that could hold a few dollar bills.

Taking a deep breath, she put a hand up. "Forget it. Would you like to dance? I suppose since we're here... at prom, it would only be proper."

[Jack McCarthy]

In case he hasn’t made it abundantly clear at this point. Jack was something of a prom virgin to say the very least, back in Ireland they didn’t have anything like this, but nothing like the fabled high school prom (..And needless to say that Jack was too much of a wimp to ask any girls which was fine since no one noticed him at all back then) Last year he wanted to ask out Luxanna to the prom but couldn’t work out the nerve to do it. Until someone got there first and he was too late, so he was a new comer

And he had no idea what he was doing

Ok, don’t panic; Just think of everything you’ve learned from Prom from movies: Prom. Dancing. Kissing. Dresses. Drinking. Carrie. Pig blood. Fire. Murder. Abandonment. Lonely forever.

Ok, maybe that wasn’t a good idea.

“I know right?” Jack shrugged spreading his arms “I’m unappreciated in my own time, When I’m gone they’ll build a giant monument to me made of solid gold where people can leave candles and weep for their fallen hero” Jack said not comprehending how insane that sounded and how unlikely it might be that any of this happens. He’ll try and include it in his will.

Jack sighed so, Not liking how his party was getting poofed, shaking his head before shrugging his shoulders at Onnie’s question “Where wouldn’t I get a tiny top hat? I’m quirky” He answered with a straight face as if that explains everything

Jack blinked at his date as if he’s never heard those combination of words before “Right dancing. I could do that. That seems east enough. Because of course I can dance…Oh a scale of one to ten…I’m like…a 12…on the dancing scale…the scale of dancing…”

Jack had no idea how to dance

[Oneyka A. Duffuor]

Crossing her slim arms, she raised both brows in amusement as her lips parted. He had quite the imagination, yes but she couldn't knock him down for dreaming big. "Right, right - Absolutely. I'm sure the people would never pass up an offer to honor their great fallen hero." Onnie chuckled, glancing back at the dance floor where she spotted numerous of people and as well as couples either dancing or chatting with one another. She wondered if their conversations could ever be as great as the ones she had with Jack.

That may or may not have been sarcasm just then.

Blinking, she simply looked at him even when she furrowed her brows, confused. "Maybe everywhere? Because you may not know but it's not like your local store just carries tiny top hats for the thrill of it." Seriously, where on earth did he manage to get one.

A smile slowly crept onto her face as he spoke. She knew that tone, that body language, she caught on and regardless of how sure he sounded...

He was bluffing.

Grabbing his hand, she played along. "Lovely because there's a slow song calling our names and I just could not wait until we had our first dance." Okay so maybe there had been some force there when she attempted to pull him more towards the center of the dance floor but it was for a good reason. Oneyka had no intentions of calling his bluff because honestly, you didn't need to do much to slow dance with a partner. It wasn't as if they were going to waltz or salsa across the area. It was a simple slow dance and all Jack really had to do was let himself sync with her.

While placing her left hand on his shoulder, she held his right and linked her fingers with his, waiting for him to place his hand on her waist or wherever he felt most comfortable to hold. "Since you're such the professional, when I'm in the studio for my dance rehearsals, I'll be sure to invite you." Onnie playfully winked at him while she smiled.

[Jack McCarthy]

“Great fallen hero” Jack said as if trying that phrase on for side on his mouth before giving an approving nod to the title “You know, that has a nice ring to it…Well besides the fallen bit…I kind of like living….like it’s my fifth favorite thing to do…” Jack nodded to confirm this, The only thing about being a beloved heroic martyr was the actually act of martyism itself. Which was a pickle but one day Jack’ll figure it out.

Was there ever a moment where she didn’t look at him confused, like Jack had grown two heads…was that a good sign or a bad sign? He could never tell when it came to Onnie, she just looked very confused mostly…

Why did she go to prom with him again? “it’s easy when you know where to look” Jack said trying to maintain the obvious mystic and mysterious that surrounded him on a constant level. Truth was Jack seemed to have a talent for finding odd knick knacks and what’s it. He ran across the strangest things,

You get used to it…

Jack expression turned a distinct shade of “Aw, shit” As Onnie laid him towards the dance floor slowly clearly nervous, this was what he feared the most…Dancing…Oh god, Oh God what did he have to be him right now? Jack thought to himself.

Gulping Jack made his way to the dance floor and followed Onnie’s lead and took the desired position- Feeling the usual tingles when Jack touched her skin “Haha. Right…I should…because I such a good…you know..dancer and stuff..the waltz…the samba…the macarana…all that…right…here I go..about to dance…this is it…any second now”

[Oneyka A. Duffuor]

Oneyka, herself, wasn't quite sure if her confusion had grown to be a good thing or a bad thing. It was most certainly confusion, she knew that much. Sometimes she wondered (as every girl did) if a future with Jack would also consist of confused looks and trying to solve the complicated algebra that was indeed; Jack McCarthy. If that was to be true, she had some studying to do. A lot of it.

"Right." She nodded, "I'll be sure to keep that in mind next time I need to buy one." And no, she would never buy one but it was the thought that counts. Right?

At this moment Oneyka had been eating up and just in such delight from Jack's facial expression. As much as she adored him, calling his bluff had been one of her favorite hobbies. This was how she managed to get him back from being all talk. At least he knew where to hold, so that was always a plus. Onnie tried to keep the entertained smile to a minimum but it was just so difficult. He sounded and looked so unsure of himself, "Oh really? See I knew you were incredibly talented. I'm so very lucky to have a boyfriend who can actually waltz." Of course Oneyka could care less if Jack could dance or not. Stuff like that didn't matter to her, because she was always willing to lead if he wanted her to.

Oneyka started moving in the slow rhythm of the usual "prom slow dance". Laughing, she smiled at Jack and how adorable he was. "Just follow my lead, okay?" Onnie gently pressed herself against Jack just so it might have made it easier for him to feel how she moved. She moved her head closer so that her lips could be close enough to his ear when she spoke. "Feel how I'm moving? Just... move with me." While it may not have been for everyone else, dancing was just something that felt natural to her. But a slow dance, it was a very intimate thing when it happened between two people who either were, or had, or wanted to be intimate with each other.

So she wouldn't have been surprised if Jack could feel her heart wanting to beat out of her chest right about now, despite her calm demeanor.

[Jack McCarthy]

Jack couldn’t help it if he was confusing, he didn’t go out of his way to be as such. That was just his way, his mind was just wired slightly different from the average person and he honestly thought he couldn’t be normal even if he wanted to. Confusion was par for the course if you wanted to spend an extended amount of time in the company of Jack Mccarthy.

Let’s just hope that Onnie could handle it…

“Right, waltzing…I’m all about the waltzing…That’s what were doing now right?” Jack said uncertainly, really wishing he had brushed up on his dancing before he came to Prom tonight…but he was far too busy doing nothing whatsoever.

But then Onnie began to take the lead, something of which Jack was grateful for and the moment that Onnie pressed against him, time seemed to slow down and all the nerves Jack felt just seemed to melt away, all that existed seemed to be Onnie, the music and the gentle swaying. Jack moved as best as he could, taking the time to drink Onnie and bask in her natural warmth.

…It was quite soothing…

“This…This is really nice

[Oneyka A. Duffuor]

Oneyka pressed her plump lips together as she tried to swallow her heart that had constantly tried to jump out during the duration of the dance. She didn't understand why she was feeling like this but it was happening. It was a simple dance, just prom, right? While her poker face had been something of a talent, it still didn't change the feeling the got when she stayed so close to Jack; Someone who she felt so comfortable with in such a short amount of time. She could only imagine what was going through that head of his.

Her lips curled into a soft smile as she chuckled, "A very watered down version, but I suppose you could call it that." Another ballroom dance she had be taught to master at a very young age. Waltzing had been so stiff, so... unemotional. She was sure only the most elderly of elders had invented that dance.

Where she was just now, she felt very safe. It was a rare feeling. To think that Jack of all people made her feel secure. As if there was no need to worry but once he spoke, she slightly moved her head back, just so she could have a good sight of his face. When it came to being Jack McCarthy's girlfriend, you had to be ready for a change of scenery very quickly. Things could switch up in a moments notice and she was quite used to it by now. If he didn't feel the need to keep dancing, she was okay with that. Oneyka gained the ability to be ready and willing to do what Jack felt the need to do, especially in this prom setting... or she knew she'd get left behind.

"Is it?" Well that was unexpected.

"Are you certain? Or are you just saying that because I wanted to dance..." Oneyka then took a breath as she knew she was getting ahead of herself. Was he really enjoying this dance? "I will say, I'm surprised. I thought you'd want to leave by now." Despite the amount of work and time it took to get her hair perfect for the event, she found herself gently laying her head against his chest. She didn't ever want to leave this spot.