Our Kingdom at Our Feet

[Tristan Collins]

Tristan was thrilled about tonight. He had October Alcott as his date. After what seemed like ages, he had managed to make his romantic interest in her clear without repulsing her. As she had never openly dated anyone, he felt like that was sort of an accomplishment. To him, she seemed like the type to turn boys down if they asked her, but she hadn't turned him down.

As they had agreed to meet in the Entrance Hall, Tristan had made his way there early. He made sure to stand in a place that was easily visible from the staircase, even if he had to elbow someone out of the way. Now he waited while students in dresses and suits milled around him to get into the great hall. He couldn't wait to see his date. He remembered how October had looked last year, back when he had gone with Kauri. It had been the sight of her in her dress that had been a large part of his breakup with the boy. It had made him realize he didn't want to be chained down with someone so immature. Someone so different than him. October was perfect, and he couldn't wait to show the rest of the school that she had picked him as a date. He did hope Vivian wasn't at the ball this year. It was always awkward when he was, and it wasn't really his scene anyway.

 

[October Alcott]

October felt sparks of nervousness under her skin, the kind she had felt before performances as a child, before she learned to fight her stage fright. She smoothed her skirt down for what felt like the hundredth time, checking yet again that she looked alright. Tristan had asked her out so surely he thought she was pretty, and she wanted to make a good impression. October wasn't entirely sure what people did or said on dates, this felt entirely different from attending with Jessica as friends, and it was difficult to shake the fear that she was going to manage to ruin everything, to say something... offputting or too serious, and cement her status as undateable and alone. This was a year of firsts for October, and she wasn't going to ruin her first experience of dating someone, of actually being liked. She still wasn't entirely sure what she felt for Tristan yet, but tonight was the time to figure that out. Assuming she didn't ruin everything, of course.

Having run out of things to check again and again October took a deep breath and stepped forward, descending the last few stairs to the entrance hall. She spotted Tristan quickly, smiling as she walked over to him. "Hi." She smiled, trying not to look as nervous as she felt. "You look handsome." She added quickly, heart fluttering slightly at the sight of him. "Should we go in to the dance?"

 

[Tristan Collins]

As soon as he spotted October, Tristan felt himself grin. She looked amazing, she really did. Her dress wasn't long and dramatic, but it still managed to look very classy and dressed up. It gave him a thrill to know she had picked it out for this date with him. She had picked it with him in mind, and it made him feel powerful. Though he had done the same for her, put careful work into his appearance. Now he was sure they looked great together, and he couldn't help but hope they would get a mention in the Hogwarts paper. He gave her a charming smile as she approached. "That's saying something coming from someone looking as beautiful as you." He told her, holding out his arm for her to take. "I thought you were gorgeous in your dress last year, but here you are, exceeding expectations." He smiled at her question and nodded. "Yes. I want to dance with you."