Open Keep Me in the Light

[Nikko Blackwood]

[Open after Jess posts with Aubrey]

If Nikko thought he had been nervous for the ball, he had greatly underestimated how uncomfortable Valentine's day would be. He had considered not going but he didn't want the memories of last year steal his change to enjoy his seventh year. He had at least gotten someone else to take over his photography duties for the night so he could do what ever it was that he wanted. Not that he was really sure what he wanted. He had been a bit stunned when he walked in and was impressed with the decorations. The rose garden looked really nice and he caught himself staring at the fairies as they flew around with their lights. Almost as a reflex, Nikko found himself at the snack table, ready to grab a treat. That was something he could always rely on, the food. "Do you want anything?" he called over his shoulder to Aubrey. There had been a sudden lull in the music and his question rang out through the hall. He felt his cheeks flush and he laughed.

 

[Aubrey Blackwood]

Aubrey wasn't looking forward to tonight. Well, she was. But she wasn't. She trailed behind Nikko, unusually quiet, smiling gently as he called back to her. She moved up to stand beside him, reaching out to slip a hand gently over his arm. "No, thank you," She offered, not realizing she was staring at him a bit. She just wanted to remember him. The softness of his hair, the way his eyes shone when he smiled. The clear cut of his jaw and his dimples. Without meaning to she sighed softly, feeling melancholy.

 

[Nikko Blackwood]

Nikko shrugged when Aubrey said she didn't want any. "You're missing out." he teased. She was looking at him and he wondered if he had anything on his face so he tried to wipe his face discreetly. "Well I don't know if they're better than mine, but they're not bad." he said after a second thought. Nikko reached out and nudged her with his elbow. "Something on your mind?" he asked a bit more seriously now. He knew tonight would be tough for him but he hadn't really thought how Aubrey might be handling it.

 

[Aubrey Blackwood]

Aubrey smiled softly at Nikkos commentary. When he asked her what was up, she shrugged. "Just wondering if I'll bother with these dances without my trusty sidekick," she offered, trying to be flippant about it a bit. She did reach for his hand, though, brushing her fingers against his gently in a silent offer.

 

[Nikko Blackwood]

Nikko's smile fell when Aubrey said she wasn't sure she would bother with dances when he was gone. He momentarily thought about how Sully sent a cardboard cut out for Chloe, and he was almost tempted to offer but he knew it wouldn't be the same. "The snacks will still be here." he joked quietly and felt her hand brush against his. He took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Well we're together now." he said firmly. "Why don't we dance and really make the most of it?"

 

[Aubrey Blackwood]

Aubrey smiled as Nikko suggested they dance, lacing her fingers through his. "You know what, that sounds nice," She agreed, motioning for him to lead the way. Why was she feeling so melancholy tonight? She tried to brush it aside and focus on just being with her friend. She could be melancholy next year, where he couldn't see. She reached up for that stray bit of hair, meaning to try and brush it back out of his eyes.

 

[Nikko Blackwood]

Nikko put down the plate of snacks he had made for himself on a random table, he could come back for it. With his hand still in hers, he was about to lead her to the dance floor when she reached out and tucked a strand of hair that had fallen in his face. He hadn't even noticed it. "Oh thanks." he said sheepishly. "Come on." he said with a grin again. "Let's go dance."

 

[Aubrey Blackwood]

Aubrey laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Anytime." She replied lightly, letting him lead her to the floor. She danced along with him easily, swaying and spinning to the music. They danced for a while, before the music shifted to a slow song. Aubrey stilled, considering a moment, before turning to Nikko. She caught his hand, and fell easily against him, leaning her head on his shoulder and shutting her eyes. This was nice.