in the details with the devil

burn everything you love, then burn the ashes. mary-elizabeth williams, 17, junior, shifterhunter.

[mary-shot-thelamb]

little-leila​.

Well, not literally of course. Because high school has been around a lot longer than Quinn Valentine, obviously. But metaphorically? Yes. Quinn Valentine definitely invented high school. Yes. There is hope for everyone. Exactly. You get it! Wait. You…Flipped a kid? Like, on their back? Action movie style? That’s really intense. But cool. Intense but cool.

Tell me about it. Like, some days, my eyebrows hurt after practice. Who even knew that was possible? But we won. So it’s all worth it, right? Totally worth it. Oh my gosh, yes, this summer. Summer is the best time for smoothie hangouts. And we should have more free time. I’d be more than happy to hang out. I mean, if you’d like to.

Obviously. I mean, factually speaking, that would absurd and yet there’s a tiny part of me that might still believe it. Exactly that. I never--- I mean, before I came here, I was home schooled so the whole lunch table hierarchy thing was lost on me. I, um, yeah... You think it’s cool? [ Mary paused for a moment, faltering, smiling... Why couldn’t this night last forever? ] It was intense and totally accidental. His name was, uh, Keith I think. He took it really well considering.

[ Laughs ] I actually know exactly what you mean. You think you know rigorous training and then you join a high school cheer squad. Um, yeah. I mean that’s what my mom always says. Quitters don’t win and winner don’t quit. I guess she’s, um, kinda intense too. Smoothie hangouts? That sounds nice. Really nice, actually. I- I’d like to. Yes, I’d really like to. Thank you, Leila.

[mary-shot-thelamb]

Mary had been put through some of the most vigorous training that any hunter her age (of any age) had been put through. She had been through hell and survived in record time. She was the perfect little machine. So, just, like... This whole ‘fit in’ thing had made her softer. It must have because she was currently soaked through, having just made it back inside and she was suddenly a little bit miserable her feet were so wet. As if that was anywhere near the end of the world. “It, um- It’s raining.”

[mary-shot-thelamb]

connie-derosiers​.

Hmm. Have you guys done the whole slow dance thing? Oh and the whole taking adorable selfies together thing? Has he gotten you snacks and a nice drink yet?

Um, no. There were some photos though, in the limo with Christian Cooper and Quinn and Isabel and...everyone else. You were there though so, um, you know what happened. He did say something about going to get a drink but that was approximately 41 minutes ago. Did you and- [ she paused briefly, racking his brains for his name. C... Craig? Cr... Something. ] Your date do all that stuff?

[mary-shot-thelamb]

gwen-the-red-bird​.

Well, I don’t have a prom date, and I’ve been dancing to the songs and embracing the fact that I have no sense of rhythm.

Really? Huh. I mean--- That’s, um, cool. It sounds like you’re definitely doing this whole ‘prom’ thing right. I don’t even know how to dance, with or without rhythm. At least not like... [ she gestured vaguely out to the dancefloor ] That.

[mary-shot-thelamb]

little-leila​.

Oh my gosh, that would make total sense. Both because that would be how she knows all the rules, and because she’s super smart and would totally be the one to codify all of them. Well, high school tended to be sort of the worst for me until recently. But then that all changed, so… Oh, I had to practice so much to walk in these. Like, if I had to run, I’d be dead.

Yeah. I guess so. Cheer practice is really intense. Like, I’m always so sore after. But, like, we could have grabbed smoothies after. Or like been homework buddies. I do much better on tests if I can talk the material over with someone. Studies back that up. Oh. Yeah, I guess not being here that long would make things hard. If it helps, I think you seem pretty good with people?

That all sounds entirely logical when you say it out loud. I suppose, basically, Quinn Valentine invented high school. We’re all very lucky to have her in our lives. So...? You guess there’s hope for everybody? I mean, I was kinda the weird girl who freaked out and flipped a kid over for tapping her on the shoulder. I wasn’t exactly set up for success pre-Quinn. No running then.

Yeah it’s, um, a lot. Very vigorous training- it’s no wonder we won that cheer trophy...thing this year. Now that was a real battleground. I--- Um, well, there’s always next year. Or summer. I mean, it’s really nice of you to say all that. I never really expected to make many friends when I came here, despite what my mom wanted. Thanks Leila, I’ve tried. Like, really tried.

[mary-shot-thelamb]

little-leila​.

It’s like, did someone write a super secret guide book for utterly conquering high school and then give it to her? And if so, can she give it to me because that would have made the last few years so much easier. Oh my gosh, that is an absolutely genius plan. Love it. Just a subtle emoji. Maybe the dancing girl? That seems appropriate. Yeah, of course I’m wearing heels. Aren’t you?

Well, I sort of hope that she would know everything since she sort of organized the whole…prom? Thanks, Mary. Not to be weird, but why haven’t we, like, you know, talked before?

Maybe Quinn’s the one who penned that super secret guide and that’s how she did it. A self-made woman. I wouldn’t know though, high school hasn’t exactly been my forté which is weird because I usually don’t, um, fail. Dancing girl, yup. Very appropriate. Yeah, actually. It wasn’t exactly my choice but I’m getting by at least. I doubt there’s going to be any...chaos at prom.

Right, of course. Makes sense. You’re welcome, Leila. Oh... Um... [ Because making friends wasn’t- shouldn’t have been- a part of her mission? Because this was all just a means to and end? Soon enough this place would be a bloody mess so what was the point? ] I guess cheer practice was all about the work and, well, I have only been here for this year. Plus, I’m not, um, super great with people.

[mary-shot-thelamb]

gwen-the-red-bird​.

I think I saw him getting some popcorn? But that was a while ago?

Right... I’ll just, um, leave him to that then. Wherever he may be now. [ She paused, shuffling a little in her stupid high heels ] Do you know what to do when you’re not occupied with a prom date then?

[mary-shot-thelamb]

connie-derosiers​:

I don’t think you want to go where he is. Unless you like the boy’s bathroom?

Oh. No, it’s not really that important. Unless... Is it? How much time are you supposed to spend with your prom dates? Is there a quota to meet or something, do you know?

[maziekeen]

[mary-shot-thelamb]

cami-howell‌.

Nope. Have you tried near the snack tables? A lot of people seem to be looking for him.

I was there earlier but no such luck. Um, he’s wearing a tank top? And is nominated for prom king so... Maybe there’s some prom related obligation he had to get to. If I’m being honest, I have no idea how any of this is supposed to work.

[mary-shot-thelamb]

okay it’s happening again fhedji my replies are keeping the post i deleted on my replies! i emailed tumblr about this and they said:

“Our engineers are actively working on this bug, but it’s going to take some more time to fully resolve. Thank you for your patience”

[mary-shot-thelamb]

Has anyone seen Jesse?

[mary-shot-thelamb]

little-leila.

We should ask Quinn. Quinn would definitely know. Ugh, I wish I hadn’t left my phone at home. It was this whole attempt to live in the moment, but…That a really good idea, Mary. Hmm. What could I drop? And could I do it without falling? Those are the main questions, and I don’t have answers for either of them.

Ummm. I don’t really know. Jenny didn’t say any rules against trying on a prom crown. Which would be really cool. Can you imagine what it’d feel like to actually wear it? I mean…Anyways. It’s definitely a good thing. It means your hair looks beyond amazing.

Quinn does seem to know everything there is to know about all of this...stuff. She could write a book on it. Actually, that might have been really helpful. Oh? I have mine. My mom--- Um, my mom's not one for 'living in the moment'. I'll send her an emoji and see if she's nearby yet. I don't know... Are you wearing heels? I feel like they create a pretty spectacular disadvantage when it comes to balance.

Jenny also seems like she knows everything about this stuff too. I would guess like a hat but more pointed? You'd be aware of it on your head. Right, I knew that. Thank you! That's really nice of you to say. Your hair looks beyond amazing too, Leila. 

[mary-shot-thelamb]

little-leila.

Oh yeah, the carpet is definitely red. It looks like it’s super soft, but I feel like touching it might be a…no go? Oh, being the first person to be on the dance floor is fine, but it’s not really, you know, my style. I’m sure other people will start once there’s one really great song.

Huh. It is curious. Maybe he’s secretly trying on the crown? Oh. Thanks. So do you. The thing you did with your hair is super wow. Like, it’s Pinterest-worthy.

Um, I don't know. Probably? I could text Quinn about it. Or... I mean, you could always "accidentally" drop something and then brush it when you pick it back up. Stealth is key. Right, okay- I get that. It just depends from person to person but at some point there will be dancing. I'll keep an ear out for it.

Can you do that? If you can, I don't see why not. 'Try before you buy' is one of the many things I think Quinn might have said on that last six hour long shopping spree she took me on. You're welcome. Oh, um, thank you? I imagine that's a good thing then.

[mary-shot-thelamb]

cami-howell.

                 I guess prom technically is just one big kinda fancy party when you think about it. Ugh me neither,  I don’t have a date though and it seemed a little weird to get myself one so I just didn’t bother. Your friend Quinn might actually be on to something with the whole ‘have fun’ thing, but it’ll hopefully be easier once someone spikes the punch.

                With everyone who you have Chemistry class with. Everyone who saw you accidentally flip that one kid over when he tapped your shoulder... Yeah, definitely a big fancy party. I wouldn't worry, you're not missing anything except a tightly tied knot. She has made this whole 'high school' experience very bearable for me so I usually trust her judgement when it comes to these kinds of things. Quinn hasn't been wrong yet. Is that um, a common prom thing?

[mary-shot-thelamb]

little-leila.

I really feel like I’m on a red carpet. Not that I’ve been on a red carpet before, of course, but I can imagine what it’d be like. Well, my plan is try some of the snacks and then dance a bit. But only when other people have started dancing. I don’t want to be the first one on the floor.

Oh. Huh. Okay. That’s…cool. Cool.

Me neither but the carpet is red and we did walk on it so... I think that counts. Uh huh, okay. Yes. Try some of the snacks and then dance but not if no one else is dancing? Is that bad? Being the first one to do it, I mean. Wait- Then how does anyone start dancing?  

Yeah, I didn't really know what he meant to be honest but I've never been to a prom before. You look really nice though, Leila. Pink looks really good on you.

[mary-shot-thelamb]

little-leila.

Oh my gosh. This is…just beyond what I could have imagined. Like…It’s absolutely amazing.

Um. Has anyone seen Jesse?

Yeah, right? It’s... Definitely something else. Amazing is a pretty good word for it, you’re right. Just, um, do you know what it is we’re supposed to do? Besides just being here, that part I got down and- Oh, wait, did you say ‘Jesse’?

Last I saw him he said he had ‘prom king nominee stuff’ to do.