{SF} The Auction of Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Technically Elsa should be on the center stage right now, or possibly not even involved. She was something of the coordinator for the event, yes, but she'd coordinated it so she wouldn't have to be in the spotlight. She'd been up in front of people enough lately: she was more than happy to slide back into the background for at least this particular outing. However, she had been somewhat surprised that this particular individual had even signed up for the auction, and apparently had done it herself. She'd heard of Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe, mostly because of the whole Lesbian Pikachu incident, but she hadn't had much call to interact with the young girl before. Elsa vaguely recalled something about a video campaign or something along those lines. She really didn't pay much attention to Tim Tawfeek's work either.

But she did know that Zoe was about as shy as last year's prom princess had been. Given the debacle that particular auction had been, Elsa thought it in her best interest to intercede for this particular individual as well. Which meant taking the stage and getting ready to introduce someone. There were quite a few people, mostly females, which was certainly a good sign. There hadn't been any strict orders stating that someone couldn't go against someone's preferences for this, but it was encouraged. Elsa did note a few locals in the mix too.

"Interesting," she said to herself as she took the podium. Elsa adjusted the microphone. "Next up we have lot four for this particular stage: Miss Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe," she gestured, knowing the girl was supposed to step forward.

[Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe]

Zoe still wasn't entirely convinced this was anything resembling a good idea. Sure, she needed to put herself out there, but offering herself up to auction? It had sounded like a much better idea when she'd talked it over with a few friends, and she seemed to vaguely recall someone suggesting that she'd be volunteered if she didn't sign herself up. It really didn't matter, the result was the same: Zoe was standing behind the curtain, waiting.

She'd opted for a simple look. White breezy sundress that left a bit of shoulder bared, white headband with yellow flower to pull hair off her face, light dusting of makeup (enough to at least diminish the freckles that just wouldn't go away), yellow sandals that laced up her legs, and her hair tied back into a simple style. She took a deep breath and smoothed her dress.

Nobody's going to bid on you anyway she told herself, or maybe Frank Cox will coming charging in Zoe smiled. She supposed Frank would be at least bearable, though she couldn't see that date working. Maybe one of her roommates would step forward? Or her friends? Quinn was technically available, but she didn't see him doing this. Maybe Vera or Devyn? No, that probably wouldn't work.

Panic took hold of Zoe as Elsa began speaking. She licked her lips, trying to shove down the urge to vomit. She just needed to take a step forward: that was all. Just one step. Zoe took a deep breath, nodded, and did that, smiling and waving to the crowd.

She could hear Elsa talking: "Miss Wallerstein-Smythe is a Freshman at Bellefonte University majoring in Creative Writing and Photography. She's also a teacher's aide. This sweet girl comes originally from Britain and you can still hear the accent when she speaks. There's definitely a preference for other ladies here, as anyone who's paid attention to rumor knows," that made Zoe flush practically scarlet, "but nothing says a nice gentleman can't enjoy a night on the town with this lovely lady.

"So," Elsa paused, Zoe's heart skipped a beat, "who will give me an opening bid?"

[Riley Forrester]

So there was a dating auction. The moment Riley had heard about it, she was consumed with intrigue. There's a dating auction? Seriously? She had wondered, listening in on some kids who were talking about it. From what she gathered, it was a fundraiser for charity to go to other mutant programs that were less developed or something. You brought money, bid, and then went on a date. It kinda blew Riley's mind, and she just knew she had to check it out.

So she got dressed in a relatively simple outfit. Hey, it was hot out and if she ended up bidding on anyone, she didn't want to completely scare them off. So she headed over to the fairgrounds to investigate.

When she got there, there seemed to already be a bid going on. It was for some girl named Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe. Wow, that's a mouthful She thought, listening in. So apparently the girl liked Creative Writing and photography, and came from Britain no less. Aaaannnndddd she liked girls. Riley raised an eyebrow and smirked slightly when the girl walked out. She looked like a sweet girl, and was one according to the announcer. So Riley though, Why not? Her parents certainly wouldn't notice her spending in comparison to her insane siblings going on cruises and trips to Italy all the time. Besides, it was for charity! Who could say no to that? So Riley raised her hand and voice, shouting out:

"$1,500!" She got a few glances from the people beside her, but she shrugged at the one guy right next to her. "What? It's charity." She said before looking back at the girl. That and she looks really cute.

[Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe]

Fif--fif--fifteen? Zoe's eyes went wide. She'd been hoping for some bids, perhaps a friend or two throwing her a bone, but this? Plus it was coming from a girl, a youngish girl, an attractive youngish girl. Zoe couldn't recall having seen said girl before now. She was already looking over at Elsa, wondering if that sort of bid was high enough to just have things end. The Bellefonte looked mildly surprised herself, but Zoe didn't see any hints there that the auction was about to come to an early end.

Still, Zoe didn't really see anyone else coming forth. She was already edging toward the stage, thinking she should point out that someone didn't need to spend that. If Elsa hadn't stopped her, she likely would have done just that. Instead she flushed and looked around, wondering if anyone was even going to bother trying to trump that rather impressive early bid.

[Devyn Solway]

This was a bad idea? Was it a bad idea? Part of Devyn felt like it was a bad idea, but she had already talked about it to Vera. Devyn and Vera were friends of Zoe, so it made sense that they would show up to support her while she was being auctioned off. Dev did wonder who had put her up for it, since she knew that she did not. They might not have been together but that didn't mean Devyn wanted to know about Zoe being with someone else or being bided on by whomever. That was the part of why she thought this was a bad idea, because she would see who was bidding on her...'friend' and the last person she loved before she and Vera were a thing.

Just show up, bid, give Zoe some encouragement of some kind, and then just leave. Don't over think it or start to get all territorial. Devyn thought to herself as she let out a sigh and scratched at her head a little. Vera had said that she would show up to support Zoe as well, but they got separated in the whole chaos of the fair so who knew where her girlfriend had wondered off to. She would track her down later after giving her support. She showed up a little before the one chick put up a bit of 1,500. Wow, a kind bid and almost out of Devyn's bit range. Wait, it needed to be out of her bid range because she was not here to win. She had to remember that.

"Nice, but I'm everyone here can raise the bid a bit more. I mean look at her. Class A cute little photographer right there. Hot accent and she is sure to have you smiling at some point in whatever 'date' option you choose." Devyn said, speaking loud and proud to talk Zoe up. She felt good that she picked safe words and that practicing it al first helped make it come out without any slip ups like saying sexy or anything. "One thousand and seven hundred dollars!" Devyn then called out with a raise of her hand. There. Friendship support complete and she was every so casually trying to force herself to turn around to leave now but also debated if she wanted to wait for Vera to show.

[Riley Forrester]

Someone else started talking and Riley turned her head to look. They were actually pretty close in the crowd. The girl must've known the girl on stage, cause she really went on to speak for the chick. Riley smiled a bit at that; it was pretty damn nice for the gal to talk her friend up to the crowd to get higher bids. When she raised the bid, Riley grinned, willing to go higher too now. Especially since the girl seemed like someone everyone liked. And holy crap she looked cute when she was blushing. So Riley nodded at the girl who had spoken.

"You know what, you got a damn good point. And hell, it's going to a good cause too." Riley mused with a shrug before raising her voice again. "$2,500!" She yelled out. Cause screw it. Riley was a bit determined now, and if anyone beat her then whatever. Let the charity drive keep on rolling!

[Vera M. Solway]

It hadn't been their worst idea, no. Or at least Vera didn't like to think so. She'd like to believe that they were implementing some sort of teamwork for Zoe's sake. And for once, the telekinetic had not been up for auction for reasons to keep her relationship as sane as possible. Especially now with Frank not being in control this time, she'd have to thank Elsa for not trying to shove her into the hungry mouths of the guys and girls.

Now that she wasn't on the auction block, she had time to enjoy her day watching the bidders and those who were being auctioned off while spending as much time as she could with Devyn. Even while they happened to be split up, Vera took her time through the crowd and even stood to watch them reveal Zoe while introducing her, who was dressed up in the most adorable way possible.

And would you look at that, someone already started the bid at fifteen hundred. Her hazel eyes glanced over the new bidder and Vera had to admit, the girl had a unique flavor to her. Which was good but if she planned on winning the date, Vera hoped her confidence in bidding would be stronger than that. Then she finally spotted her girlfriend who decided to hype the crowd into bidding a bit more, even bumping up the bid. Who knew what was running through her head at that moment, let alone Zoe's.

Vera finally decided to walk further until she stopped next to Devyn, looking up at Zoe with a grin, as she sipped on an iced latte. She gave off an 'eh' facial expression, "Yeeaah, I don't know..." Her eyes then looked towards Zoe's first bidder and then up to Elsa, "I'm not really feelin' twenty-five hundred..." Vera lifted her cup as she placed her bid with a simple smile, "Twenty-eight!" She had it, so why not? Their whole plan was to get people to bid more on Zoe while Vera also knew that she was trying to avoid Zoe ending up with some creep (and yes, girls could be creeps too). If she won, then she won and if she didn't then it was all for a good cause, right?

She looked at her beautiful girlfriend with an uneasy smile and chuckled, "I probably over did it, huh?"

[Elsa Bellefonte]

"Clearly we need to have more cute British lesbians," Elsa said, somewhat amazed. The first bid had been more than had nearly gone for Ellen Banks, who had rich friends, suitors, and siblings to bid for her. Apparently this Zoe happened to get the right kind of attention. Elsa glanced at her, and she supposed she could see the appeal. Not to her taste, but apparently to at least a few people in the crowd.

Isn't that her ex though? Elsa vaguely recalled the whole DL incident and the strange name, whatever it was. And there was... an actual bidding war. Elsa couldn't help but look slightly amazed by the whole thing, and her eyebrows actually raised as Vera bid. "I don't recall paying you that kind of money," she said, smiling and raising her brows. She flicked a hand toward Devyn, "and isn't that your girlfriend? Are you two trying for a threeway?"

Which of course would have the Brit blushing. The poor girl already looked about ready to duck behind a curtain. Clearly at least one person there shared Elsa's opinion: someone wasn't worth that kind of money.

[Devyn Solway]

The 'talking Zoe up' plan had worked. The others around them seemed to take a bit more interest and the girl that had put up a bid before put up another. Devyn could not help but feel a mix of happiness and also wanting to maul the other girl. She just had to remind herself that Zoe was not hers, Zoe would never be hers again, and that Zoe had been the one who didn't want her. She was just here to support her friend, but that still didn't fully help. Thankfully her girlfriend showed up and was standing next to her. That helped Devyn calmed down almost all the way as she gave her a girlfriend a smile.

Vera had put up a very nice bid, making Devyn wonder if Vera was doing it to again support their friend or if she wanted to win Zoe. It had to be the former, right? Sure Zoe and Vera were friends but there was not attraction there...right? Okay, now Devyn could not help but to start to feel mixed emotions again and wonder what Zoe and Vera even talked about when they hung out with one another. She was able to keep those thoughts aside for the sake of again reminding herself they had both agreed they would support Zoe. Then...Erika; no Elsa, was talking and seeming to be surprised by the bidding going on. Wait, what did she mean about paying Vera that kind of money? Didn't the school pay Vera? Or was Vera doing something on the side for Elsa, and if so what was it?

Another question, wait did Vera not tell Elsa that she was going out with Devyn. Dev didn't say anything and just glanced at Vera before she was practically glaring at Elsa for her next words. A three-way! Devyn could not help but to let out a low growl as her green eyes turned a few shades darker. They were here to support Zoe, not that...even if; no. "No need to comment in such a manner, just do your job of running the auction and keep it going." Devyn responded, since she figured that was why Elsa was up there. There should have been no need for that girl to say anything that was not talking Zoe up or moving the betting along. Dev could not help but also worry about what was possibly going through Zoe's and Vera's mind. Damn it.

[Vera M. Solway]

"I don't recall paying you that kind of money,"

Vera smiled, with humour lacking. "You don't." While money wasn't as easy flowing as the rest of the rich kids she went to school with, but she had her ways on getting her hands on it. Her two jobs and her uncle were probably the last things on her mind right now. She was just enjoying the slight remarks Elsa was making. Elsa among almost the whole school knew that Devyn was her girlfriend, in a serious relationship, that was closed to just them two. Elsa would've probably known even if no one else did. That was the great thing about having a friend whose abilities were mental based.

Which was why she found the remarks so humourous. 

Vera looked over to Devyn who was already speaking up. Her girlfriend didn't seem very pleased. Her hazel eyes looked back up at the stage towards Elsa and Zoe. "I don't share." Letting out a chuckle as she shrugged, which was probably ironic, really truly ironic and both Devyn and Zoe probably knew why.

The telekinetic gestured towards the girl who bidded earlier, "Hey, you might wanna - you know, get to out bidding. Wouldn't want this to go on longer than it needs to, chica."

[Elsa Bellefonte]

So did Vera have another job? Elsa stared at her friend, wondering what was going on there. The woman insisted that she didn't share, and Elsa had to quirk a brow and look to Devyn. "See, that's why I needed to make my remarks. I'd hate for her to drag poor Miss Wallerstein-Smythe into an uncomfortable situation," and Elsa flashed a cold smile. She could feel another comment rising up on her lips, and Vera did seem somewhat distracted, pointing to the other participant in the auction.

Elsa had nearly forgotten there even was someone else. She glanced over at the other woman, almost surprised to see her there. Likely she'd been letting the whole little drama play out before her. "Yes, we wouldn't want Zoe here to wind up in their clutches," she gestured at Devyn and Vera, "so surely you have enough to top their bids?"

Elsa raised her brows at that. She was wondering who this person was who could open the bidding for the Lesbian Pikachu as high as she had. Did she have enough to increase it still further? or was Elsa going to have to intervene, throw some of her own money in to make certain she got the result she wanted.

[Riley Forrester]

Ok, this is friggin hilarious. Riley thought with a grin as she listened to the banter. First off, another girl came out and increased the bid, and she definitely seemed to know the girl. The previous girl who had increased it seemed a little hostile, but Riley ignored that. And then there was a bit of banter between the spokeswoman and the two girls before she directed her attention to Riley again to get her to outbid the two.

RIley glanced around and thought about it. How high could she go without making her dad get too suspicious? Well, that girl did want me to outbid before things got crazy, and it seems like others are more interested.... oh whatever, I'll increase one last time.. She thought with a dry smirk before nodding at Elsa. "Alright then. $4,000"

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Well, at least the other woman reacted now. Elsa looked at her with expectation clear on her face. She could practically feel Zoe protesting behind her, but this had more or less stopped being about that young woman some time ago now. The original bidder seemed about as amused as Elsa, smirking and nodding.

"Four thousand it is," Elsa said. With no other preamble, she turned, giving Zoe a look for a moment. "Unless you've any reason to protest the matter, I think we can end it there?" She looked over her shoulder for a moment at the "happy couple." "That is, unless they've suddenly had a change of heart and were thinking that the perfect anniversary present would be--"

[Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe]

"No!" Zoe nearly squeaked. "I mean, no, that's fine, really," she flushed, stepping forward. "Um, four thousand is a lot of money anyway, and, ah, I don't see why we shouldn't just end it there? I'm, um getting tired?" She looked over to the scary Bellefonte woman, offering up a slight smile. She waited just long enough for Elsa to nod before turning back to her friends. Zoe mouthed an apology before trying to scurry to the side of the stage. She was definitely done with this, and she wasn't sure if she should be happy about the result or not.

because yes, she had put herself out there, and she'd apparently raised quite a bit of money for it. Once again Zoe had found herself at the center of people's charity and she just had to push forward with it. She offered Vera and Devyn a reassuring smile, wanting to confirm that yes, she was fine and that yes, she did appreciate what they'd done.

"Hi," she said as she drew close to the winning bidder. "Um, you'll need to go pay Elsa?" she turned and directed. "Or, ah, pay later, I guess..." Zoe paused, chewing her lip and flushing. "You really didn't have to pay that much, you know..."

[Riley Forrester]

Riley smirked back a little at Elsa, but then glanced over at the couple she had indicated. Wow, looks like these guys really do know each other She thought with a faint chuckle before her eyes were drawn back on stage at the shy girl that was now heading down the stage towards her. She seemed to mouth something to the couple and then send them a smile before looking at Riley, who was now giving a lopsided smile to the shy girl.

"Hi yourself." Riley said back before nodding. "And I know. I read up. I'll pay after." She said. Then she flushed again, and Riley only smiled more. That is so adorable. Is she biting her lip? Holy crap. Riley thought before shaking her head. "Oh, don't worry about it." Riley said. "It's for charity, right? And besides, you're adorable, ok? Oh! Name's Riley by the way." Riley said with her trademark two-fingered salute from her temple towards the girl. Then she rubbed the back of her neck and grinned. "Gotta admit though, this is definitely an odd way to meet for the first time. So I hope you aren't against chatting a bit so I get to know you and plan out our whole date thing? Since you're stuck with me, I wanna make sure you have fun." She said. Riley had basically trapped the girl, so she might as well make the date as best as she could