"I never really belonged anywhere."

John Smith. 19. Year 5 classes. House Diorama. I'd consider myself an easy enough guy to get along with. I like to search for new places, learn new things.

[goodbravesoul]

"Uh- no, I've got no idea what you're talkin' about."

[fairestgrim-blog-blog-blog]

John was far too easy to lure in and manipulate; it wasn’t even that hard to get him defensive and trying to insist he’d never felt any sort of attraction for Grim. It was amusing, to say the least. “Sounds to me like you’re trying to convince yourself more than you’re trying to convince me,” she teased, glancing over at him with a small shake of her head. It was obvious that he was drifting closer thanks to the power of the alcohol, but she kept her stance and didn’t bother moving away. “Thank you for telling me something I already know; always good to hear people admit how hot I am.”

[goodbravesoul]

He knew Grim well enough to recognize when she was playing with him, but now, with the alcohol traveling through his system, he wasn't even sure he could entirely blame her for landing him in her 'trap'. Squinting his eyes a bit, his lips curled mischievously. "Maybe. Can't really tell, I'm drunk," Pulling away slowly from the bar, he grew closer to her, "If I fall on my ass while dancing, you're obligated to help me out, it's in the best friend's contract." And with that, he backed away from her, heading to the dance floor.

[pocahontaspow]

“Oof,” Falling from the tree with a loud thump Pocahontas let out a laugh, looking up at the person she’d fallen next to with a soft grin. “Ah–hello. Sorry if I’ve disturbed you, but I–uh, I tripped.“

[goodbravesoul]

John awoke with a start- how had he not noticed the girl hovering in the trees over him while he took a mid afternoon nap? And how long had she been exactly up there? Just regaining his bearings, surprised turned into concern over the strange mystery girl. He'd never met a girl in such a loud, unexpected manner; most girls around here were more focused on clothes and the latest “who’s sleeping with who” drama- not climbing bloody trees.

“Uhh... wow. Are you alright?” His eyebrows lifted and then urgency filled his features. “Holy-- you're bleeding! Can you sit up?” 

While one of the more careless, rowdy students that gave teachers hell, John did extend a helping hand when he realized someone was in need. He touched her arm, attempting to get her to sit up against the tree trunk, where he could examine the cut on her face more closely.

“What the hell were you doing up there anyway?” He had to ask.

[fairestgrim-blog-blog-blog]

“You act as if I was worried about that in the first place,” Grim scoffed, rolling her eyes with a small smirk. “I didn’t think you’d try dancing with me or feeling me up, but good to know you thought about it somewhere in the back of your mind. Creepy, but good – it means I’m as hot as I think.”

[goodbravesoul]

“Pffft, no way.” He'd no idea where this topic was drifting off to, but he could feel heat instantaneously lick beneath the surface of his skin and crawl up his chest and throat. He blamed the uncomfortable sensation on the alcohol, and swayed closer to Grim just a bit, grinning down at her. “If I was actually into you like that, I would've acted on it a long time ago.” This conversation, obviously, wasn't how true platonic friends actually spoke to each other but they were just going to give each other hell anyway. “But you are hot, I'll give you that.”

[fairestgrim-blog-blog-blog]

Grim narrowed her eyes as she watched John down the vodka straight from the bottle, processing what he’d just said. “You shouldn’t flatter yourself into thinking I’d have sex with you,” she called out over the thrumming of the pounding music. “What kind of girl do you take me for?” She continued with a smirk, rolling her eyes and turning to glance back out at the crowd. “I have standards, you know – I don’t just screw any guy that has a dick between his legs. Besides, you’re not even really my type, so you’ll never have to worry about that.”

[goodbravesoul]

“Fair enough,” John mused, feeling like they'd been taking little verbal shots at each other all night. But she'd started it, ahem. “Feeling’s mutual, so you definitely don't have to worry about me asking you to dance and trying to grope on you. Happy?”

[fairestgrim-blog-blog-blog]

“You make me sound like I’m some evil queen bent on making everyone around me miserable,” Grim scoffed, rolling her eyes. “I’m not that bad, John. And even if I do use and push people away, why does that concern you?” Turning back towards the bartender, she ordered one last shot and downed it in one go, not drunk enough to handle this sort of conversation. “Oh, so now you’re interested in who I’m screwing? I highly doubt you know them, but one’s called Phillip and the other Jack. The first one was okay when it came to the sex, but the second one – well, let’s just say he knew what he was doing.”

[goodbravesoul]

It really didn't concern John. He was just being a nosey prick, and with the alcohol flooding his bloodstream steadily, he was struggling to filter out anymore intrusive questions. "Yeah, I guess you're not that bad," he shrugged, admiring the bottle of Vodka pushed his way over the counter. "Yeah just don't think about jumping on me. I may be irresistible, but we're friends," giving her a goofy grin, John took the neck of the bottle and then proceeded to pop the lid off the top. The bartender slid them a couple of glasses, but John wasn't sure he'd need to drink out of them- the bottle would suffice.

[fairestgrim-blog-blog-blog]

Grim cocked her head to the side as John explained himself, taking her eyes off the crowd in order to direct her attention towards the older boy. “So she basically has to be a special little snowflake that has something unique about her?” She confirmed with a playful roll of her eyes. “Wow, here you are telling me to fit in more while you’re off hoping this dream girl of yours has rainbows coming out of her ass and shit like that. Double standards much?” Motioning for the bartender to bring her another shot, she downed this one just as quickly as the first. “Pretty predictable, though – you’re gonna have to try harder to surprise or impress me.”

[goodbravesoul]

"There's standing out in a good way, and then there's pushing people away. You use and push people away, deliberately," John told her, "I'm not talking about rainbows n shit. I'm talking about not giggling when I walk in the room and trying too hard to impress; a girl who has something more interesting to say than only physical things to offer. Conversation, personality, wit- it really is that simple." Possessing a provocative little smile, John turned to the bartender, and ordered an entire bottle of his particular brand of Vodka. "So, who are these guys you've hooked up with? Do I know 'em?"

[fairestgrim-blog-blog-blog]

Grim was immediately on the defense as soon as she entered the building and kept her guard up, but she allowed John to grab hold of her arm and guide her towards the bar. She could go for a drink or two to unwind her nerves and loosen her up a bit, at least so she could enjoy herself a little more. “Or maybe I’m so right that it scares you,” she called out to him over the pounding music, slamming her fist down on the counter so the bartender could give her a shot. By now, he knew what she and John both liked to drink. So long as they had the money, he’d turn a blind eye to their drinking habits. 

Leaning up against the counter, she scanned the crowd and assessed whether or not any of the guys were worth her time. Usually, she simply came into town to get the sort of excitement that the school lacked. There was only so much fun she could have with the same teen angst drama that seemed to be all over D’isigny. At least when she went into town to have fun, she wasn’t surrounded by whining teenagers and nosy teachers. “If I’m wrong,” she spoke up, downing a shot, “then tell me what sort of girl you see yourself with.”

[goodbravesoul]

As they each tossed back shots and climbed into that uninhibited partying mood, John took a moment to ponder over Grim's question. He couldn't verbally point out the things he was looking for in a girl, because these were things he didn't often speak of, although he may deep down quietly seek. Looks and good sex were desirable things, but they were basic wants that any girl could bring to the table, and so he needed to dig a little deeper. What made him really, truly notice a girl's greatness? Well... a girl that believed in her own greatness. Someone not too nice, but could hold a conversation and bring a unique perspective of the world into John's life. Any girl could bow down, but few knew how to stand up. "Hm," John leaned his side against the counter, shoulders and body facing towards Grim. He licked his liquor stained lips, and knew after this he'd have a taste for Vodka. Grim would more than likely join in, if she wasn't too busy scoping out prey... "A girl who's intelligent, thinks for herself. She's got to be pretty and have something going for her that I don't see in every other girl. Ooo, you weren't expecting that, now were you?"

[fairestgrim-blog-blog-blog]

As he continued questioning her, she looked up at him with a raised eyebrow and rolled her eyes yet again. “For starters, you have to stand out from the rest,” she replied, going to stand in the small line leading into the club. “I don’t need to waste my time dating someone who’s bland and acts like every other guy at school. I need a man who isn’t afraid to break the mold. He also has to be able to take charge, but not to the point where he’s trying to control me.”

[goodbravesoul]

John licked his lips while he listened to his friend, standing beside her in the line snaking towards the club entrance. What she expected out of a partner wasn't anything crazy.. much to his surprise. They weren't unreasonable demands or outrageous qualities; like a man who kissed her ass and overly spoiled her. She wanted more practical things and it made Grim that more relatable to him. "Grim with a boyfriend- that'll be pretty fuckin' interesting to see now that I really think about it," He mused, lips quirking with amusement. The truth was that he never thought of Grim in a romantic light, because they'd both been happily single. Love wasn't something they brought up in typical conversation, because it bored John and maybe even made Grim physically ill. However, when he did give it some thought? Grim could use a guy that could straighten her out a bit... or at least keep up with her. "Fine. Now what kinda girl could you see me with?" This he had to get an answer to, 'cuz it would probably be funny as hell.

[primrosereed]

Drizella rolled her eyes. “Fine, I’ll let it slide this time because I’m all for working out the body.” She grinned over at him. “Groupie, follower, whatever you want to be. It’s all the same thing.”

[goodbravesoul]

“Thanks? And I don't follow anyone, sweetheart. Maybe, instead of trying to get people to worship you, you could go out and make actual friends.”

[primrosereed]

Drizella sighed as she started down the hall and looked over at the other person with her. “Look, if you want to be seen with me, you need to start dressing better. I’m all in for groupies but I don’t want to look like I’d actually hang around you.” She laughed. “Not that we would anyways.”

[primrosereed]

[goodbravesoul]

“Uh, good morning to you too, Princess. Damn, what's with the attitude? I just left the gym and didn't get to change yet.” Here John was yet again with another one of his more difficult acquaintances. “And last time I checked, I wasn't a groupie.”

[fairestgrim-blog-blog-blog]

“You, romantic? Don’t make me laugh,” Grim scoffed, playfully rolling her eyes. As they finally pulled up into the parking lot, she checked herself in the pull-down mirror to make sure her make up and hair were still to her standards. When she realized he was looking towards her expectantly, she turned in her seat and properly faced him, a smirk tugging at her lips. “I’m definitely not going to feed your ego anymore than I already have,” she said with a quick shrug. “You might be good for a couple rounds of sex, but that’s about it. It takes more than good looks and charm to get me interested in a relationship, buddy.” With that said, she flashed him a full smirk before letting herself out of the car and gesturing for him to follow.

[goodbravesoul]

John was definitely too sober for this conversation, so thankfully they were on their way inside, and he hopped out the truck after her. Feeling the slight challenged he typically did when denied something, John approached Grim closely and continued interrogating her. "Oh, yeah? And what would it take to get you interested?" If it were more than looks and charm, certainly he had those other finer qualities- didn't he? Not that he cared. But still.

[fairestgrim-blog-blog-blog]

“Wow,” Grim laughed, shaking her head as she turned to glance in his direction. “Someone has a rather inflated ego, don’t they? Your charm and good looks can only get you so far – trust me, I would know. Anyways, girls don’t like it when you mock them and they sure as hell don’t like it when guys question their motives. You’d definitely be able to run off a few of those clingy stalkers just by unintentionally insulting them, I guarantee it.”

[goodbravesoul]

"Hey," he had to stop her there, adding some force to his normally easy tone of voice. Grim clearly didn't understand the level of babe magnet John truly was. "I can be a romantic, too, y'know. I only question and mock you because: 1. Some of the shit you say needs to be questioned and mocked. And 2. It's freaking fantastic seeing you get mad. ...Besides that, I've got other things going for me. Even you would date me. Don't lie." He parked in the desolate back lot of the bar, music spilling from the building and practically pounding through the entrance. But he was quite intrigued to hear Grim's answer, and turned off the truck, looking at her.

[becasbeale-deactivated20190113]

[fairestgrim-blog-blog-blog]

“Don’t make me take off my heels and beat you with them,” Grim threatened, but there was no anger or actual frustration in her tone. It was merely an empty threat, meant to get a laugh out of him and keep the playful atmosphere up. “Are you mocking me, John Smith?” This time, she reached over and smacked the side of his arm with the small clutch she’d brought with her. “First of all, I do not sound like that! Second, that was a terrible impression of what a girl sounds like.” Rolling her eyes, she crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back in her seat, watching as they passed by the outskirts of the forest and left school grounds. “You know, if you pulled this sort of shit with all of your adoring fangirls, I bet you’d have no problem warding them off.”

[goodbravesoul]

Her threats, while not entirely harmless, didn't phase John in the slightest. And the light smack against his arm earned nothing but a deep chuckle out of him. He did, however, pause at her last statement. And his jaw dropped. "Pffftch. And what is that supposed to mean? I'm charming as all hell, don't deny it." He continue sparing glances over at her, his truck beginning to reach actual streets and peel into civilization.

[fairestgrim-blog-blog-blog]

Sensing that the brunt of the debate had passed, she simply let it roll off her shoulders and tried to get past it. Usually, she was all for holding grudges and never letting others live down their mistakes, but when it came to the few friends she had, she learned to just let things go. “You’ve managed to put up with me far longer than most people have, so I guess you could fall under the ‘best people’ category,” she replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “And I’ll have you know that picking the perfect pair of shoes is extremely important. I can’t go out with heels that don’t match my dress, can I?”

[goodbravesoul]

John understood Grim's personality, especially the worst parts of it, and if pressed the wrong way... she could be rather unforgiving. However, John hardly ever bit his tongue, and a part of also being his friend was putting up with his pesky habit to always speak his mind. Regardless if he had nothing nice to say at all. He challenged Grim... because he cared for her. And maybe he just liked ruffling her temper every now and then, eheheh. "Is that a smile? Holy shit," John lightly chuckled, glancing over at her when he could look away from the road. "Look at you. Cutie-pie." And if he wasn't driving, he was certain that would've earned him a swift slap across the head. "Girl, I know. I almost walked out with Nikes that didn't match my underwear and nearly died."

[fairestgrim-blog-blog-blog]

“Maybe I want to stand out,” Grim said, rolling her eyes. She honestly didn’t expect John – or any other non-magical person, for that matter – to understand where she was coming from and she knew he probably didn’t mean to come across as rude, but his words still managed to get under her skin. “Maybe I like having all eyes on me, maybe I like being unique. And I don’t mind having people fear me if it means they try to stay on my good side and don’t get in my way. It makes things so much easier for me. Besides, what’s the point in being civilized and polite when people just judge me for my magic anyways? If I come off as a bitch, the people who still manage to stick around wind up proving that they can be trusted. It’s like a screening process, really – only the best people get to associate with me once they’ve proven themselves worthy. Now if you’re done lecturing me, get this hunk of junk started so we won’t be late to the party.”

[goodbravesoul]

John shook his head, a small smile that showed no true harm brushing over his lips. There were just some things he didn't understand about his friend, but that didn't mean he didn't want her around nonetheless. John, naturally, was attracted to anything different and confusing because he liked to think he knew it all. “So do I qualify as the ‘best people’-?” He did. He just wanted to hear her say it. “And if we’re late, it's ‘cuz you couldn't decide what shoes to wear.” Turning the keys and putting his truck in reverse, John set off toward the party and left the radio down to a minimum to hear her response.