Play That Song Again

[Jessica Matthews]

Apart from a few minor annoyances that had occurred here and there throughout the day, all in all Jessica's Valentine's had so far gone wonderfully. Certainly better than last year, of course, as this time she had actually received some roses of her own, rather than just sending them and getting nothing in return. The day wasn't over yet though, as Jessica still had the entire dance to spend with her current favourite person, something she was really looking forward to. It was hard to believe that it had been a year ago today that she had met Tristan, and waiting for him outside the doors to the Great Hall, she smiled fondly at the memory. Tonight was going to be even better than that night, she was sure of it. Lifting her head up to watch the other people milling around the doors, Jessica examined each face intently. That was, of course, if Tristan ever managed to show up on time.

 

[Tristan Collins]

Another holiday, another dance. And another date with Jessica. As much as Tristan enjoyed her company, he had to admit to himself that this Valentine's day had opened his eyes. He had more opportunities than he had previously thought, as he was realizing other students were noticing him more and more. As nice and pretty as Jessica was, she was a second year. And he couldn't help but wonder if it wasn't a little bit lame to go to two parties with the same girl in a row, if he could have used the opportunity to show off that he could get more girls. Or boys, hopefully.

It took him a long time to get ready today, as he wanted to look his best. As a consequence, he was running a little late. He hoped Jessica wouldn't make a big thing about it, as the last thing he wanted was some big drama at the dance. That wasn't part of the reputation he wanted to cultivate.

Tristan made his way down the staircase in the Entrance hall and smiled at Jessica as soon as he laid eyes on her. As always, she looked adorable, though she definitely wasn't the most eye-catching girl there either. He made his way to her and mimed a kiss on her hand. "Are you ready for the dance?" He asked her with a charming smile.

 

[Jessica Matthews]

Watching every new arrival as she was, Jessica caught sight of Tristan almost as soon as he came into view and with a smile she raised her hand to wave as he came towards her. She hoped he would appreciate her dress; she'd spent quite a bit more time deciding on which was the perfect one to wear than she had done last year. On that train of thought, Jessica automatically assessed what Tristan had chosen to wear and felt herself slightly let down - she was sure that was the same suit he had worn to Yule Ball. Hadn't he wanted to make any effort for her at all? Of course, boys didn't usually tend to worry as much as herself about outfits, but one of the reasons she liked Tristan was that he cared about presenting his best possible self at all times.

Electing to push the irksome thought away in favour of having the wonderful night she had been planning - as well as the fact that he had arrived later than Jessica thought he should have - she smiled at his mock greeting of a kiss to her hand. "I'm ready if you are." Slipping her arm through Tristan's, Jessica turned her face up towards his as they headed into the Great Hall. "Thank you for the lovely rose you sent today. I actually received it not long ago, it was very much worth the wait." It was a small lie, as she'd been on edge all day expecting it to be delivered, but she could hardly blame that on Tristan. "I put it in the very centre of my vase, it looks so nice against the others." She was still thrilled by the fact that she had actually received roses this year - she was glad she hadn't packed the vase in vain.

 

[Tristan Collins]

As Tristan smiled at his date, he saw her eyes dart to his clothes. He wasn't sure if he imagined it or not, but he got the feeling she didn't quite approve of him wearing the same suit as last time. It irritated him, as it was something he as actually somewhat insecure about. He simply couldn't justify spending money on a suit that would look nearly identical to this one, as he would grow out of it in no time. Girls had it easy, as they had a lot more choice. It wasn't fair of her to even silently judge him for it, and even if she hadn't, her glance had put the thought into his head.

He forced himself to push the thoughts from his mind, as he had to focus on the lovely night ahead. He smiled at Jessica as she took his arm, his smile only widening as she mentioned his rose. "No problem, a girl like you deserves a lovely flower." He told her with a smile. As she mentioned she had more than one, he couldn't help but comment himself. "I got a few today too, though I looked forward to yours the most." Not strictly a lie, as he had figured Vivian might send him something that would make him feel guilty, and the one from Corrine had been a total surprise. He lead Jessica into the Great Hall, fighting to keep his expression neutral at the sight of the decorations. They really didn't hold back, did they? It felt a little like they feared the Holiday today's dance was celebrated would be forgotten if they didn't put pink and red everywhere. Not to mention hearts. He grimaced slightly. "A bit tacky, don't you think?" He commented as he took it all in. Not thinking until it was too late that the girl might actually like them. Well, he had spoken his mind, and he refused to take it back now. He didn't really think Jessica would disagree with him openly, though he almost hoped she would. It would make the evening more interesting, at least.

 

[October Alcott]

October wasn't entirely sure why she had decided to come to the Valentines dance. This had been the first year she had roses of her own to send to friends, and it had been... disappointing, not to get any of her own in return. There was nothing to be gained though, by sulking and moping and avoiding the ball. Better to go, be seen and around people and make a show of having fun with her classmates. No point in sulking away and acting like things were wrong. So, she had dressed up nicely, and at least felt pretty, if she didn't feel happy.

Standing by a table, October struggled not to regret coming. Everyone was in pairs, or groups, talking and dancing, and she was standing by the table alone, like a girl stood up for prom. Nobody to talk to. She spotted Amber but the other girl was clearly busy, dancing with that strange tall redhead she was always hanging around. No need to interrupt that. She just stood by the tables by herself, sipping her drink and wishing she hadn't worn quite such tall heels, as much as they did to bring her in line with her classmates height.

 

[Tristan Collins]

Tristan smiled at Jessica a she lead her further into the Great Hall but his eye was soon caught by another girl. October Alcott looked incredible, and Tristan immediately cursed himself for not asking her instead. She was older than Jessica, and honestly, prettier. He debated what to do for a moment, but in the end the idea of getting seen with the beautiful Ravenclaw won out. With an apologetic smile to his date, he let go of her. "Excuse me for one moment." He said, giving her arm a slight pat before heading over to October at a nearby table. He had his most charming smile in place as he approached. "Hey October, are you having fun? I just had to come and tell you you look absolutely beautiful tonight." He picked up a nearby empty cup, jokingly raising it at her with a wink.

 

[October Alcott]

October was a little surprised to see the boy she had met in the student lounge recently approaching her. Tristan, she had made a point to remember his name after realising how many classes they had together. She still wasn't sure of his motives for approaching her, but she straightened her back slightly, relieved to at least almost reach his eye level with these heels on. It made him less intimidating, to be able to look him directly in the eye. When he spoke though, October went back to having no idea how to respond to him. This cleared up why he had approached her in the first place, at least. The desperate, lonely part of October was... flattered and excited, to be told something so nice, even as the common sense part of her knew he was only actually talking to her because of her looks. It was Valentines Day though, and October was all alone, and the lonely part of her won out, as she gave the boy a nervous smile. "Thank you." She said a little softly, looking him over. "You look... nice too." It was strange, being winked at, and October didn't really feel like returning the gesture, so she just sipped her drink nervously.