2023-03-11: GUTS Prom - Holding Court

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<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.

It's the night of the Gathering to Unite Transnational Students Prom, and Tsutsujidai High School has pulled out the stops. Even from the outside, the school gym looks like a different building, with a number of false parapets and a GUTS flag atop it. A banner across the top reads 'Welcome to Castle Promenade'.

The path to 'Castle Promenade' has been turned into a red carpet, where attendees can get the celebrity experience and friends and family can take photos of their attendees on this most important day. In addition, there's a several professional photographers for the night, their costs covered by the GUTS Prom committee, with every student who wants one guaranteed a professional shot. Voluneers from the school papers are taking shots as well.

For those who find the red carpet experience overwhelming, there's a quiet side entrance where a chaperone will let you in discreetly.

Inside, the 'theme' of 'britannian fancy' has been taken to mean fancy curtains draping the walls, and long tables with 'royal style' tablecloths with catered food and drink. There's an arrangement of finger food, chosen to minimize spillage or mess. On stage is a small ensemble that's finished warming up.

Students are still filtering in, and the sound system is playing light pop while everyone makes their entrances. A microphone stands on the stage, for when it comes time to announce the Prom Court- and let the dancing commence. 

<Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.

Akane Shinjo, who has been briefed on what to expect tonight, approaches prom with a certain trepidation -- for lots of reasons. It's the first face-to-face appearance she's made at Tsutsujidai High since it reopened to the world. It's her first school dance -- indeed, it's one of her first true high school events at all. She's also looking... a little different.

The most notable thing is, of course, her deep brown hair. Gone is the lilac she sported in Tsutsujidai -- and it seems a little more voluminous, too, even if she's recently had it cut to the length it was in Tsutsujidai. It frames her face (a little rounder -- maybe she's eating better?), drawing attention to eyeshadow that uses a mix of red, orange, and blue to paint a sunset, and blush with a bit of pearlescent, snowy white. One of her eyes seems a little darker than it used to -- though you'd have to be looking very closely in just the right light to catch the difference between red and brown (and her outfit, as it happens, makes that all but impossible to achieve).

But of course, we can't get away without talking about the ensemble.

The core features of Akane's dress for the night include an ivory dress, just a hair off of true white, with a bright blue bolero jacket with shoulder-length sleeves worn over it, pointing the eye inexorably toward her breastbone. (The astute might notice a few scars here and there along Akane's right bicep -- new, or were they simply hidden?)

If this were all it was, of course, it'd be hard for Akane to command much visual interest. A gunmetal grey-green belt with a gold clasp slashes through her midsection at a diagonal. Her shoes and necklace are a bright gold, and gunmetal-green resin bracelets adorn each of her wrists. Both bracelets have a play/pause button-like pattern in raised gold, ||>, atop them.

She's also decided on tinted glasses -- though whether it's to mask her face or to draw attention to it is anyone's guess. The lenses have been tinted a modestly deep blue.

Popping the glasses back off as she enters and gets situated, Akane gently holds onto her date's arm. "Ahaha, I... have no idea what I'm doing," she mumbles, resisting the urge to rub at the back of her head. "You ready?"
Kallen Kozuki teleports in. 

<Pose Tracker> Seolla Schweizer has posed.

        If Seolla Schweizer were all that certain of what a prom entailed, she would probably be a lot more nervous right now.

        As it is...for someone like her, as prone to getting hot in the cheeks as she is, as difficult as socializing often is for her - for a time, at least, she is in her element.

        That's in large part, of course - because as is her habit, she's arrived extremely early to the site of the prom, and is filling her thoughts by filling her hands with idle duties - poking around and offering a hand to Move Stuff or Prepare Things wherever possible.

        Seolla is, of course: doing this while actually in her prom dress! Which would normally be a bad idea! But - she's picked something relatively breezy to move in and hardly prone to getting scuffed or ripped just because of what she's doing. It's simple but effective - her front covered by criss-crossing sky blue and silver bands, leaving three somewhat revealing diamonds. From the hips downward, everything's clad in a tight, deeper blue affair down to the calves, where somewhat more practical shoes than expected finish it off. Showy and stylish and attention grabbing, maybe to a bit of Seolla's dismay - but as long as her purpose can be fulfilled...!

        That purpose being, of course - to make sure nothing dangerous happens as this event. A guard, like she's been often enough at fancy VIP galas. It's nothing she hasn't done before! She just has to think in those terms to make it through.

        ...but...soon, the preparations are all done, and people begin arriving. Largely as couples, and in groups. ...And a little bit of Seolla sinks. Color draining from her cheeks. These arent faceless elites - these are the people she sees every day. Even knowing some of them, though mostly just as recurring names.

        The tiredness from scurrying around Helping for a while has set in, and being here relatively on her own - still at great distance from those who are supposed to be 'like her' - makes her position at a side table a somewhat heavy one to remove her from.

        There's a coiling of the turtle into its shell, and an unveiling of thorns - most who try to take up seats next to Seolla get a slightly prickly "I'm saving these for someone else-!" and a huff to go with it.

        She's perhaps awaiting . . . what she says to be true. 

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

Damask woven into intricate swirling patterns in seagreen shades makes up Banagher's suit jacket. The overall effect is more subtle than it would seem, especially in the dim light of the dance floor. A clean, brand-new white shirt rests beneath a tie crafted from the same swirling, silky pattern. His pants are simpler: a slightly darker shade of sea green. Shiny dress shoes and a white pocket square complete the outfit.

Everything about Banagher's outfit is designed to emphasize Leina. A soft blush dusts his cheeks, knowing she wants to be with him tonight. This beautiful, amazing young woman chose him. A matching corsage to Leina's rests on Banagher's lapel, bearing the same cream-colored rose and anemone, a symbol of their unity.

This is all more than the young pilot knew how to put together -- so again, he turned to help from the paternal figure he trusts most. Surrounded by the Garencieres crew, Banagher's preparations were full of good-natured laughter and slightly dubious advice. While Flaste manages to miraculously tame Banagher's hair, brushing it until it shines, the Captain presents Banagher with a small box. Inside, golden Haro-shaped cufflinks shimmer, and the young pilot's eyes sparkle with delight.

Upon arriving at Tsutsujidai High School, Banagher keeps his arm available for Leina. A real red carpet? Leina's going to love this. Professional pictures are a must -- even if Banagher is startled by the constant flashing. Once inside, he looks around in awe. This is... definitely the second fanciest place he's ever been.

"What's first?" He asks Leina, excitement and love shimmering in his eyes. He can't stop looking at her. "This night is all about you, love."
Alouette Pommier leaves for Tsutsujidai [---].
Hikaru Amano teleports in.
POT: Hikaru Amano is now set observer.

<Pose Tracker> Gemini Sunrise has posed.

         Miss Gemini Sunrise had never thought she'd be back in Tsutsujidai so soon after...well, you know. But far be it from her to avoid a social event! This one wasn't even at the theater, so she wouldn't be hassled by fans...much.

         The troupe had asked if she needed an escort, but she'd be fine, she would find someone to dance with there. They at least had helped her with the dress, a simple, light blue affair, incredibly fitting for a simple country girl like Gemini. It went down to her knees, with white collar and trim, matched by a large bow tying her hair into a high ponytail. She stumbles into the party in her heels (which she hasn't really gotten much experience walking in yet) and marvels at what she sees.

         "Gosh and golly! It's a real high school prom, just like on the TV!" 

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


Nights like this with a red carpet always give her a little pause, but only a little. She actually wants to face the scrutiny of the professional photographers even as they become silhouettes behind flashes of light. As she walks down the red carpet, her arm in Banagher's observers will see just everything she put together, though perhaps several saw her in advance...

A seagreen sleeveless halter jumpsuit, which crisscrosses over the torso to wrap around the neck, before sliding around to sheath her from armpit to waistline. A thin cutout across the center of her abdomen that traces down from just below her rib cage to her waist, showing off just a tasteful amount of skin around her navel concealing something that only a select few would know is even there.

There's a subtle shimmer of sequins that offers a touch of dazzle throughout. The legs are sheathed in the same material, albeit where it was snugly fit before, now its loose and wide-legged, a pair of cream colored flats upon her feet.

Her right wrist sports a lacy lighter green embroidered wrist sheath with a floral pattern, upon her left bicep is a gold-colored armlet with loops that create the impression of a flower, and the occasional tiny green aventurines. On her left, she's wearing a wrist corsage, a tasteful arrangement of a cream colored rose, surrounded by white anemone and bound in a green silk ribbon.

The left side of her short fluffy hair has a tiny green ribbon, with a subtle bloom of tiny cream colored flowers across it. Her makeup, truly the pride of any theater kid is made to highlight this more, skin sacral with the lightest dust of foundation, shadowed and smokey eyes that draw attention and highlight their green, contrasted to her lashes and the ghost of a blush. Her lips a more vibrant pink, and the nails of her hands well manicured, short, with a glossy seagreen sheen.

Leina laughs lightly, as her fingertips close in tightly around his arm, "For me?" She sounds amused, touched but also...

"And here I was thinking you'd hit the Jackpot tonight, Banagher."

As she flashes him a wink, he might understand that besides those things she is also, herself. "This is your night too. Don't forget that alright? I want you to enjoy yourself just as much as I do."

<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.




As Ranka Lee got ready, there was this bubbly happiness about her, contrasted with nervousness. Osanshoo-san was on the counter of her hotel room, text open to Alto asking her to the prom. Despite how nervous she was, her heart was aflutter with excitement, as she sang to the image of her future self that was slowly coming together the more she worked.

                "Do you know? My heart is beating.
                "If you slip and fall off the galaxy of fantasies,
                "What lies below is a poison sea.
                "Cross countless light years, with a daring kiss.
                "I'm hungry Let's head for the next stage!"

It's further along in her prep now, and her makeup is coming together, a towel around her head as she applies some foundation, she's already on another song and hasn't lost a single iota of energy, as if its bottomless in the moment with Osanshoo showing Alto's invitation.

                "Darlin', I'm telling you, come closer
                "No you, no life: that's the rule of my heart
                "I need your heart and need your love
                "Yes, I'm happy to start!"

-=-=-

Elsewhere...

Nanase gives Michael a High Five, as the two of them coordinate texts to Ranka and Alto.

-=-=-


Ranka meets Alto at the prearranged spot, with the first thing he hears being, "Alto! I was really happy when you asked me to come to the prom with you!" The first thing he likely sees is that glowing toothy smile, with her canines just subtly sticking out. However, then the rest comes into view.
 
A powdery pink off-the shoulder dress with wide layers of ruffled tulle skirts. She's wearing a pink ribbon on the back of her head as per her usual style, but there's the addition of a light pink rose on a hairpin to the left side of her green hair. Her right arm is sporting the rose gold bracelet from Sheryl Nome's 'The Kiss' line. Her neck is sporting both a dark red satin ribbon where the knot of the bow is sporting a red rose on the left side of her neck, and a gold heart necklace dangling on a simple chain.
 
What little glimpses one would see of her feet show that she's sporting white heels. Her hairstyle is unchanged, but seems more finished than usual. Her hair glossier, more even, less rough, but still with that puppy dog innocence.
 
Her makeup isn't as polished as it is on the movie set, but it's still done well, with its subdued foundation, and lovely touch of pink blush. Her eyelashes long, drawing attention to those big red eyes that offer so much warmth. There's an obvious spot on her left wrist left open for a corsage.
 
"Here, this is for you." As she reveals that for Alto's corsage she's brought a lovely red tulip arrangement, with white ribbon tied into a bow that she pins upon his lapel. "I hope you like it. I think it suits you!"

Yep, she's entirely clueless to what kind of plot she just fell into.
 
Either way, she gives him an assessing look, "Do you want to walk down the red carpet together or-?" She certainly wants it, it feels like a wonderful fantasy but she'll follow his lead here.

<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.

"The blue is my wish to see a clear summer sky with all my friends by my side."

In another life, Gridman dreamed of this day. Even though the sky is filled with stars instead of clouds, Tsutsujidai's summer warmth wraps around him. It's difficult not to feel emotional -- he alternates between grinning and tearing up, making Kaworu's job applying his makeup difficult.

Gridman's outfit was a work of committee. Vit took the reins when it came to deciding on the suit, settling on a classic black of the finest quality. The Neon Genesis Junior High Students have very deep pockets.

Beneath the suit is a vest of brilliant blue, the very same shade as the cheongsam Gridman once wore at another GUTS celebration. Max fastens the buttons up, pride in his heart. A matching bow tie honors Gridman's youthful appearance (and is far easier to tie).

Borr's contribution was corsages for Gridman and his partners: hand-grown blue roses on a bed of baby's breath. Rei's features a dark blue ribbon. Pinning Gridman's to his lapel, Borr grins. "You're gonna knock 'em dead tonight."

After thinking long and hard about what to offer, Calibur chose to collaborate with Domon Kasshu. Together, the two created a bright red waist sash to fit underneath Gridman's suit jacket. Tied carefully, it wraps about his waist with the tails hanging down to just above his knees. The sash serves a pop of color echoing the Hyper Agent's vibrant hair -- the symbol of The School of the Undefeated of the East proudly on display.

Kaworu's expertise with makeup is, as ever, more than Gridman could dream of. Though his skin is already perfect, foundation and blush makes it glimmer. The real showstopper is perfectly-applied eye makeup -- blue, glittering eyeliner and thick mascara. Gridman blushes at his own appearance once his boyfriend is finished.

It's a quick trip to Tsutsujidai High from the secluded neighborhood of the Neon Genesis Junior High Students. With a glance to Kaworu and Rei, Gridman moves toward the more subtle entrance. They can get pictures later -- he can't imagine either of his partners appreciating the flash bulbs.

Inside is... food! Music! Fancy decorations! Gridman is a little overwhelmed. He takes Kaworu and Rei's hands in his own.

"Live music and everything!" He says, yellow eyes reflecting the light. "I had no idea it was going to be so... much! Marusan really is powerful."

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        Like Gridman, Kaworu wears a black suit for the night's prom. Though he could have purchased it himself, he didn't have enough after buying up his monthly store of cosmetics, and so the Neon Genesis Junior High Students decided it just wouldn't do for him *not* to match his fashionable boyfriend--and also girlfriend. They wouldn't come here without Rei, too.
        
        The details, however, diverge. While his jacket and slacks are black, his shirt is sky blue and his bowtie is white, bringing to mind a vision of the open sky past a dark window. His corsage, blue roses with baby's breath, ties with silken pale blue ribbon at his left breast, over where his heart theoretically would be.
        
        His gray hair is groomed immaculately, and he's done the make-up for Gridman, Rei, and himself (and Akane, but that's a separate matter). All three of them seem more lustrous than usual. In particular, Kaworu's pale eyelashes are brushed dark with mascara, and a glimmering haze of maroon veils his eyelids, making the brighter red of his eyes stand out. He's all smiles too. Getting to do make-up for all three of them was truly enjoyable.
        
        Of course, while he is here with his dates, he has someone else to look forward to: namely, Mari Makinami Illustrious. For certain reasons, Kaworu imagines that they'll share at least one dance tonight.
        
        He only imagines it, though. Kaworu doesn't know anything about prom and neither do his datemates. He's excited for the new experience, in his typical laidback, subdued way.
        
        And in that laidback, subdued way, he eschews the flashy main entrance to enter in the side with Rei and Gridman. He pauses to admire the ensemble on stage, though at the moment the music is playing through a sound system. The buffet table gets precisely none of his attention, at least at first.
        
        "It seems like it will be a momentous occasion," he agrees, looking at his dates as Gridman takes his hand. He smiles fondly at Rei and offers a hand to her as well, pulling the three of them into a triangle. "Akane is fortunate to have a friend who cares for her so dearly."
        
        Now what does that have to do with anything...?

<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.

Rikka has been looking forward to this for a while. Some people may have already gathered from the campaign posters that Marusan have put up, but tonight will erase all doubt anyone may have about her feelings for Akane Shinjo. Not just in their friend group, but the school at large and beyond...

It's nice, even if it's a little intimidating. But it's something she's willing to face with the same resolve she shows toward anything else. ...And it helps, too, that Akane looks remarkably beautiful tonight. She always does, in Rikka's eyes, but tonight, highlighted by the gym lights...

She really is extraordinarily lucky, isn't she?

She's arm in arm with Akane now and of course Rikka, too, has dressed for the occasion. She sports a brilliant purple gown, accented with silver chains and accessories, most notably, a silver lily in her hair, as well as a white fur shrug. On her right wrist, a wrist corsage of salmon-colored lilies rounds out her outfit.

"It's alright. This is my first time at one of these, too. We'll get through it together." Rikka assures with a small smile - and then, a nod. "I am." 

<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.


Borr approaches Rei Ayanami.

Rei Ayanami has never been to a prom before. Of course not; indeed, that's probably not remarkable for someone at her grade level. The thought was surprising, although as is her custom and her habit, once others for whom she cares have shown enthusiasm, she does not resist. At least while it isn't unpleasant.

There are unpleasant aspects of this, of course. This is not one of them.

Rei extends her wrists to Borr. Both of them. Borr can choose. (Borr chooses the left.)

Rei's outfit is thus: A dark-blue ribbon affixed gently to the back of her head, tied cunningly around the back of her head to stay firmly in place without intruding on the faintly gamine greyish-blue locks before.

A black dress, of a satiny synthetic. The top of it wraps round the neck and features a pink five-limbed flower on the decolletage. The rest hugs downwards, form-fitting til beneath the ribcage, when it poufs out, vigorously. A long dark-gray petticoat comes down below the knee with a scalloped fringe. The hem of the dress proper is a hand's length higher, frilled with white lace. At the waist, an overskirt wraps, a translucent dark-blue on top. Opera-length matching gloves and open-top heels round it out.

And setting it all off is makeup. A sharp shade of red, softly faded across the lids of her eyes, and matched by an equally sharp red on slim lips. Those are the obvious highlights, of course; the rest of her face seems, paradoxically, slightly paler than usual -- foundation muting the subtle pink hues of her pale skin. It is set off by the eyes, as well as a sprinkle of silver glittering across the cheeks, like freckles of light.

Rei walks, a little carefully. Naturally she is in the side door. The lights might shine too bright and she would melt away, evaporating in the intensity. She seems a little taller, in practice as well as in literal additive height. Her eyes turn around.

Lights. Beauty. The luxury of Britannia?
It is here again.
Humanity's resilience.

Rei's hand is taken.

"Yes," she answers Gridman quietly, glancing towards him and past him. "It's," a pause for words for a moment, "lively," she reaches. It may be the first time she's said it aloud, even as she's pulled into a triangle, looking back and forth between the others. It is not quite swift enough to seem metronomic.

"... What happens now?" Rei asks.

<Pose Tracker> Milly Ashford has posed.

Clad in a red and purple dress with a neckline that we might generously describe as 'daring,' Milly Ashford... is actually already in position when prom proper starts. This is a bit of a working night for her, even if it's mostly not her responsibility; getting things in position at the last second is the duty of a Student Council member, after all.

Yes, even if she's not a Tsutsujidai Student Council member.

She absently reaches for some finger food -- a few more meatballs would do her good. (She's been a little bit iron-deficient since her post-bullet nanotherapy. It's important.)

<Pose Tracker> Mari Makinami Illustrious has posed.

"Ah, prom! The most awkward and hormonal time of the year! <3 How romantic~! <3"

This is the heartfelt enthusiasm of one Mari Makinami Illustrious, the young woman who somehow has come to represent Tokyo-3 Municipal's Student Council in a landslide decision that absolutely no one saw coming, because no one knew she was attending, or even if she actually is now. Still, she has all the school spirit and enthusiasm one might hope for from a student council president, that's for sure: hands up against her cheeks, Mari practically (literally) wiggles with enthusiasm at the sight of a prom made manifest, her bespectacled expression full of delight and -- nostalgia?

Can a middle school student be nostalgic for prom--??

She's dressed to impress today, eschewing the wonders of a good dress in favor of a good, three-piece tailcoat -- sleek, obviously custom-tailored, the tailcoat itself is largely black, much like the slacks -- but the ensemble has weaponized the color pink in the form of Mari's bow tie and vest and - when she moves the right way, it becomes clear - even the interior of the tailcoat itself. The pink menace cannot be stopped -- especially not when it fits her breast-pinned pink corsage so perfectly! Her hair is done up in a way to reflect her attire, long, reddish-brown hair assembled into a braided bun that makes that hair look much shorter than it is, all helping to cultivate a silhouette that lovingly straddles the border between feminine and masculine.

It's a dashing look, and one she squanders immediately by seeking to pounce upon Rei the second that the poor girl is within her sight to attack her with the dread art of

"Awwww, Vanilla Bean! You look meowvelous~~~~!"

                AGGRESSIVE CHEEK RUBS

No one is safe.

<Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed.

        Alto had not intended to come to this prom. It wasn't really his type of thing...

        ... But then Ranka texted him, asking him to go with her. Something about being too embarrassed to go on her own. And yeah, he could see that. Thus she was asking him for help in that department. It felt a little awkward, given recent events. But Alto didn't want to deprive Ranka of this opportunity to attend. So of course he agreed.

        Fast forward to the night of the event, Alto is waiting at the agreed upon location. His tuxedo is fairly standard for a male attendee at one of these events. Or so he was informed by the tailor who had suited him up. An acquaintance of a certain stylish Captain in SMS...

        Alto definitely doesn't have a tailor of his own. At least, not any more.

        Back to Alto's tux. As said, it's a fairly standard affair, though Alto has gone with all black, rather than the more common white shirt. He sees Ranka approaching, giving her a wave. He has to admit, she definitely looks cute in that dress.

        Ranka walks up to Alto, 'Alto! I was really happy when you asked me to come to the prom with you!'

        Ah, that's nic-Wait what!?

        Alto freezes as his thoughts quickly spin. He asked her? Since when? How? What? She asked him! It was a text and...

        "Ah, excuse me a moment..." Alto excuses himself, taking a step back and spinning around. He pulls his sleeve up a bit to reveal his phone on his wrist. He brings up the holographic interface, beginning to roll through his text history... And sure enough, a text sent from his phone to Ranka, asking her to the prom.

        He didn't send that!

        Alto thinks back to the date and time listed on the text... The locker room!

        Michael!!!!

        Alto clenches a fist at that man's antics. But he then stops, trying not to be too obvious in front of Ranka... Nngh, he doesn't want to ruin this for her. So he has no choice.

        Alto turns back and smiles at Ranka, "Well, things have been a little rough for you lately... So I thought you deserved to have a good night. Though I suppose it's a little late now, given the good news about your new role in the movie."

        Ranka presents Alto with a corsage which she pins to him. He smiles, saying, "Thanks... It looks good." Don't be awkward. Don't be awkward.

        'Do you want to walk down the red carpet together or-?'

        Not particularly. But...

        "Sure." He offers Ranka his arm to guide her into the 'castle'.

<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.

        Emilia Eschonbach had never expected to go to prom. It was one of those things she had thought was completely unavailable to her.

        She certainly never thought she could attend with the woman she loves- even if her date is already waiting inside. Emilia walks down the red carpet in a dress reminiscent of of late 70s Britannian Fashion, updated for modern tastes. It's a mix of pinks and purples, and goes down to just above the ankles. A slit down the front left shows purple stockings- and just a touch of thigh. The standout features are the puffy sleeves with attached long fingerless gloves. She has a silver bracelet with two green gems, and a ring in Rose Gold from the Sheryl Nome 'The Kiss' line, and simple silver earrings. Her lavender hair is floofy as ever, and around her neck is a sort of ribbon-cravat, in pink and dark green. Sat in the center of it is her locket that she was never seen without.

        In some small way, her parents could see her to prom after all.

        She walks in through the red carpet, stopping for occasional photos- her fellow FSC members would be disappointed in her skipping such an event. She looks confident and happy, as she walks through the doors and into the prom. In her hands is a lavender corsage-

        And Emilia makes a beeline to Milly, and in front of everyone, leans in close to kiss her, unable to wait a second- even if it comes with the lingering taste of meatball. It may not be long- but she's had to wait since they finished her hair and that was far too long. And she has to make up for missing the red carpet together.

        She offers the corsage to Milly, a big dumb smile on her face. "W-we made it. W-we're here. It's w-wonderful."

<Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.

At the assurance they'll get through it together, Akane leans her head on Rikka's shoulder just a bit. "Ehehe, yeah," she agrees, letting one hand come over and give one of Rikka's a squeeze. "Your dress is amazing, by the way."

(Astute viewers may notice that Akane and Rikka have very perfectly matched their outfits to those worn by Cecilia and the titular Serena of Truthseeker Serena from episode 19, the show's second major formalwear segment -- making these looks a quiet 'sequel' to Rikka's episode 12 formals from the cosplay segment of the GUTS pageant.)

"Hmmm... I'm kinda feeling taking a bit to sit until," vague gesture, "you know." (She can't give away the surprise now, when it's so close!) "Jeez though -- this really is a ton of people..." She drops her voice low, noting, "Right now I think after that we might wanna ditch... unless this gets a whole lot cozier fast. Or at least head into the practice building."

She looks over to Gridman, Rei, and Kaworu; seeing them with their makeup done gives her a small smile, and she waves to all three of them.

<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.


Ranka is UTTERLY oblivious to what happens when Alto turns his back. She doesn't even try to look at what he's doing. She figures its just work stuff? SMS or Bodyguard stuff or SMS bodyguard stuff since often they go hand in hand.

As he turns back around, she's just shining still, "Thank you! Between being asked to play Mao, and this. It really feels like things are looking up for me!"

and this?

Was this night with Alto really that important to her?

Either way Ranka takes his arm as they walk down the red carpet, "Ehehe... this makes me feel like I've debuted already a little."

She leans forward and gives him that toothy close eyed smile, "But I kinda feel like you're the more photogenic of the two of us in that suit."

She doesn't even seem mad about that, like she's just accepted that fact when the two of them are together. Once inside, she gives Emmy and Milly a big wave. And mouths 'Happy for you!' Though one wonders if she's wondering if Emilia is two timing Tessa still?

"Did you know Emilia is dating Tessa too?" Ranka whispers to Alto, "I didn't realize she was so bold!"

Oh, that answers that.

<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.

Rikka smiles, leaning her head against Akane's in turn as she gives her hand a squeeze. It's nice to share this moment with her.

"Thanks, I'm glad you like it. Yours is, too... You wear it so well! I'm so glad we decided to go through with this." Rikka replies with a nod.

"Yeah, that's a good idea. Milling about would take kind of a lot of energy..." Rikka agrees with a nod, and pauses for a moment as Akane continues. Ditching, huh...? So that's why. She doesn't have a problem with it, though. "Okay. We'll see how things look and go from there."

For now, though, Rikka follows Akane's line of sight, soon spotting Gridman, Rei, and Kaworu. She smiles along with her, offering them a wave as well. It's good to see the three of them together. They deserve to be happy.

Rikka gently leads Akane over to a pair of seats, somewhere they can easily keep an eye of things while being close enough to be ready to move when the time comes - in either direction.

<Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed.


Seeing Ranka so happy about recent turn of events-Being here at the prom one of them-Alto thinks that maybe this won't be so bad after all. Admittedly, the company helps. There probably isn't anyone else he'd do this for. Except maybe...

        Alto's rubs the back of his head a little in embarrassment as Ranka points out his photogenicness. He quickly tries to pass it off, countering, "I'm sure you'll draw far more eyes than me. After all, you're the movie star here. And who knows, maybe it'll help draw some attention to your singing. It's possible?"

        The two enter proper, Alto glancing around. Wow, there are a lot of couples here... More than he expected. Not awkward. Nope. Focus. Ranka brings up Emilia, "Oh?" He's familiar enough with her, though the two have really only interacted in passing. Still, he knows enough about her to say, "Impressive. I didn't think her the type. I guess it's always the quiet ones, huh?" Pause. "Wait, isn't Tessa into that Sousuke guy? Or am I thinking of the other one?" Alto doesn't pay that much attention to this stuff, so he's going to have to defer to Ranka's expertise on the matter.

<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.

        There's a tap on the microphone, the music fades and the head of the Tsutsujidai Prom Committee- a black haired third year named Yoko Kanomura- looks out on the crowd and speaks with a strong Osakan accent.

        "Thanks for coming to the GUTS Prom everyone! It's been a real hard year for everyone, but it's about to wrap. We're through exams, we're through disaster, now it's time to have some fun! I'm not gonna keep youse all waiting much longer, so it's time for Castle Promenade to welcome it's Crown Princess and Princeps for the opening dance!"

        The spotlights light up two places, where the two students with the most varied pairings in the voting are to stand.

        "Crown Princess Mari Makinami Illustrious and Crown Princeps Kaworu Nagisa!"

        And with that, the ensemble pick up their instruments and start to play...

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        It is interesting, how Mari can look nostalgic for something she shouldn't have ever experienced.
        
        Kaworu can relate.
        
        He laughs a little as Mari pounces Rei with cheekrubs, just as Rei asks what happens next. He steps to one side to give Mari room to aggress, slipping his hands from both of his datemates to tuck them into his pockets.
        
        "That's a fine look for you, Mary," he comments. "The androgyny is intriguing."
        
        From across the room, Akane and Rikka wave to their polycule. Catching the movement, Kaworu smiles to them broadly and raises a hand in counter-greeting. The two of them look happy too, and it lightens his heart to see them that way.
        
        For a moment, though, his smile turns wistful as he sweeps his gaze across the room to note the distinct lack of a certain presence. Well, this kind of crowded venue isn't to Shinji's taste anyway, and he rather doubts Asuka would be interested in something like this, either... Whether those two are, he hopes they (Shinji) are happy.
        
        A tap on the microphone pulls his attention to the stage, and he watches and listens politely to the speech. He was already told of this, so it's no surprise, but he does smile warmly, first at his datemates, then at his friend, as the spotlight shines down on him and his fellow Crown Princess.
        
        He holds a hand out. "Shall we dance, Mary?" Another fond smile for Gridman and Rei. "I'll be back for you two soon."

<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.

Gridman lets out a soft breath, safe in the triangle Kaworu creates. A knowing glance is exchanged with the silver-haired boy. Marusan's power is truly unmatched, especially here, in her element. "I have to remember to say hello to Akane and Rikka tonight. But my focus is on the both of you, no matter what." Squeezing Kaowru and Rei's hands, Gridman goes on. "It's going to be wonderful."

With a little smile, he meets Rei's eyes. "I think the band should start playing soon. Then we dance!" After a moment of thinking, he looks between Kaworu and Rei. "Why don't you two take the first dance together?"

Mari approaches, and pounces on Rei! "H--hey, be careful of her makeup, please! Kaworu worked hard!"

Out of the corner of his eye, Gridman notices Rikka and... Akane? Without her purple hair? But it doesn't look bad -- it looks really nice, actually! Momentarily taking his hand back from Rei, Gridman waves in return, smiling brightly. His dream is coming true right before his eyes.

At the tap of the microphone, Gridman looks to the stage, smiling at Yoko. When Kaworu is announced as Crown Princeps, Gridman lets out a loud cheer, pushing forward to hug his boyfriend immediately. He has no idea what a Crown Princeps is, really, but -- Kaworu did it!

"You did it!" Gridman says, stepping back. "You're amazing, Kaworu! Go ahead, have fun. We'll be cheering you on!" 


<Pose Tracker> Seolla Schweizer has posed.

        There's 'supposed' to be someone by Seolla's side. The anxiety draining her is exactly that. She's remembering that there were...several, who used to be next to her, as of late. The illusion of something shapeless forms in the chair to her left - when she tries to reach for it, her hand just blinks through the air.

        Ice runs through her veins.

        "...d...damn it, I'm going to drown like this, no way, not here, I've got to do something-" One cup of water down the hatch. A second. A third, slammed down in rapid succession - more of a sensory shock if anything to get Seolla off her butt and marching towards - whatever she can. Whatever has already pushed past her thorns.

        Marching past Akane and Rikka - freezing in place, then giving a deep bow. "Both of you look fantastic. I hope you have an amazing time of this! Thank you for being here-" then almost pushing through before she's even finished that sentence.

        Then to Leina and Banagher. It's harder here - with a face she hasn't yet known, so she's clearly a little more aimed at Leina specifically. Same bow, though. "Both of you look amazing. I hope you have a fantastic time of this! Thank you for being here, even if I don't know you-" And again, she's dizzily meandering past before she's even done.

        Then over to Kaworu and Gridman, where this verse rhymes with the previous. "I'm thankful I can see you both. It's fantastic that you're here! Even if I haven't met- nn, no, you almost seem familiar...?" Seolla peers at Gridman a bit - though the sudden announcement of Kaworu as Prown Princeps is a surprise. Or is it? He's kind of immaculate and perfect, after all, a smile that rings for everyone. He glows, like an angel.

        She goes kind of past Milly and Emilia - though she was doing a lot of busywork to help Milly set all this up, Seolla was a bit distant from actually talking to the organizers. Milly's slightly familiar from 'an hour ago', but she didn't even introduce herself properly except as 'someone who can help'.

        So where it comes to familiar faces...

        A hand falls on Gemini's shoulder, and a breathless, flushed Seolla is behind her. "...d-did you come with anyone? It's me. Uhm. This is really sudden. Can I sort of...just...I'm all on my own here too, and I'm kinda supposed to be on the lookout for danger, but I..."

        "...I really don't want to...gh, do this on my own. If you get me. It's not anything personal!! It's just. Making things convenient for the both of us. Alright?"

<Pose Tracker> Milly Ashford has posed.

Milly is going for meatball #4 when Emilia moves straight toward her; she steps forward into her embrace and immediately returns the kiss. (It does taste a little like meatballs.)

"That dress really suits your hair color," Milly says, resisting the urge to headpat and hair-ruffle, before getting to the meat of their conversation. "We did make it..." They're on the other side of exams now, too... it's not long at all now until graduation.

It's a happier thought than she expected, now that she's approaching it. "Your makeup's incredible," she adds, murmuring, "It's going to take a lot for me to keep my hands off you long enough for you to slip off for what you need to do."

Now comes meatball #4.

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

"I'm not arguing that. I'm at Prom with the most beautiful girl in the room!" Banagher beams at Leina, earnest and sweet. That wink threatens to unmake him, turning his soft dusting of a flush into a full on blush. "My night is already better than I could imagine. I just hope I don't step on your toes."

Maybe he should've gotten a little more practice in at the Yumi Foundation's Gala -- but Banagher is a fast learner. He's not too worried.

"Have you ever been to a school dance like this before, Leina?" Banagher asks, leading the way to an open portion of the floor. "I was asked once, but I turned her down. I was too worried about studying."

His smile turns a little rueful, but this isn't a night for regrets. "I'm so glad to be here with you. That's what matters."

The announcement gets Banagher's attention, and he turns to face Kaworu and Mari. Applauding, he smiles. "I'm not sure if I ever told you, but Kaworu appeared when the Unicorn performed her Miracle. He was one of the first voices I heard. I'd like to thank him -- but after we dance a little."

Seolla appears, bows, and vanishes again. Banagher blinks. "Uh -- thank you." Then, to Leina: "Is she going to be alright?"

<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.


Ranka's eyes light up, as if Alto had just called her beautiful with that comment, that toothy grin just alighting back on her face.

"It's not really a movie star I want to be in the end. But if it helps my music reach more people..."

Her smile reaches those red eyes of hers, "...I don't know, tonight it feels like it's not really about that though I guess. Not really. I'm just enjoying being here with you."

Once inside, she asides, "I didn't either! But I'm really proud of her-!" Alto however, asks if Tessa is into... and Ranka puts a finger to her chin, thinking about it.

"Maybe? Or wait no, I don't think so. That guy really doesn't seem like her type."

The two come on stage, and Ranka just spends some time watching the Crown Princess and the Crown Princeps dance announced.

As she spies Kaworu, and Mari... she thinks that they might make a really great couple but...

"A shame it didn't go differently." Ranka says quietly, as if hoping the vote had turned out another way, then again. She doesn't see him here.

<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.


Rei's grasp on her boyfriends' hands is rather firm. Not quite a CLUTCH but perhaps there is stress here. It is, after all, big and loud - and the music hasn't even begun.

Rei is promptly intercepted and given a vigorous cheek rubbing. Her enigmatic and gracious mien is briefly and comprehensively disturbed because her cheeks are soft and they squish together, her red lips forming an unpleasantly pooched red opening for a moment as Mari makes her strike.

Rei gets immediate and vicious revenge, however. Silver glitter clings, however faintly, to the hands of Mari. "... good evening," Rei says finally, flustered by the squishing, even if tolerating it perhaps shows deep rooted trust.

Rei sweeps a hand back through her hair - as Akane Shinjo waves at her.

She is here?

Rei stares for a second or two - and the good news, at least, is that even Akane is probably aware that this is a value-neutral thing. Her hand raises - and her face softens slightly. It's not a smile, but it might be her equivalent? Or at least, a practical analogue.

Looking back to the others, Rei's eyes take in Mari and her outfit. "Androgyny," Rei echoes, thoughtfully. It isn't interrogative. She folds her arms and then there is an announcement--

Oh!

Rei looks to Kaworu. "Yes, your highness," she tells him, with a single nod of the head, and then away he goes -

Rei glances towards Gridman, afterwards.

"How do you dance?" she asks him, quietly.

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


"Flatterer. You're not looking too shabby yourself. Rather dapper actually." Leina's laughter is almost musical for a moment, not seeming the slightest bit embarrassed, "And I'm sure you won't." She winks at him anew, "Just follow my lead out there and it'll be fine."

Leina blinks her eyes a few times, "Hm? Oh yeah sure. Though school dances in Spain are a little different." Really though most of her dance experience is... she tries not to think about it.

Listening to what Banagher says, she gives Kaworu a curious look, "I didn't realize the two of you were such good friends. I'll have to make it a point to get to know him better going forward."
Seolla though, as she steps up, Leina looks startled at first, but it becomes a smile - then worried within the space of about three seconds, "Thank you but... are you alright? You look-" She's already moved on.

Leina watches her go, then notes to Banagher, "I think she's a little out of her depth and overwhelmed." She murmurs quietly, "Let's stay by her? She might need someone to step in for her."

And with that, Leina leads Banagher a little closer so they can try to keep an eye on the breathless, flushed former student of the School walking up to Gemini. "Huh... actually that might just be the right play for her." She says quietly to him, "Let's keep an eye but maybe things will work out just fine after all?"

And with that, she stands on her tiptoes and plants a kiss on his cheek as she murmurs whimsically. "Your first of the night, better keep count. I might just be quizzing you on the tally later."

<Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.

"Hahaha, yeah -- maybe this week we should finish the show," Akane says, giving some thought to it. "I'm kinda losing it with anticipation, ahahaha..." Once they're situated, she notes, "It isn't just the nerves that are making me wanna ditch after our big moment. ... There's somewhere I wanna go."

She decides to leave that at that for now, because -- Seolla approaches Akane and Rikka! Akane gives her a slightly strained smile. "It's -- good to see you too," she says, though the halting delivery indicates she feels a bit like she's been put on the spot. Fortunately, Seolla doesn't linger.

Popping her phone out of her clutch (it goes 'clunk clunk clunk' against a few other items in there), she shoots a text over to a friend. Then she's back to it, scooting in and giving Rikka a quick peck on the cheek. The energy has to go somewhere and this is as fine a way as any to disperse it.

... Something nags at the edge of her perception, but she puts it aside. What could be more important than this?

<Pose Tracker> Mari Makinami Illustrious has posed.

"Worry not, young hero! Makeup is love-proof!"

There's -- there's absolutely no way that could possibly be true, is it??

Mari, at least, seems to think it is; her cheekrubbing is, after all, full of a wellspring of affection that cannot be stopped and thus must make her immune to ruining Kaworu's careful efforts. It only really stops as the Kaworu and Gridman waving at someone in the distance. Mari pauses; she spies Rikka and a less familiar face by looks, rather than reputation, in the distance. A sly smile crosses her lips.

"Nyao-ho~."

And, both arms still slung around Rei, Mari Makinami Illustrious lifts one of said arm to wiggle her fingers at Rikka and Akane in the most friendly of ways, lips mouthing a simple, 'Lookin' good!' of greeting.

If neither of them are accomplished lip readers, the thumbs up she offers in the wake of her wave will have to suffice.

It's only when the first newly-elected members of Prom Court are announced that Rei truly knows reist. The bespectacled girl's bright blue eyes widen -- and then with a flourish, she spins away from Rei with a graceful pivot, her hands reaching towards the sky with a YATTA! gesture of victory, proudly showing off her fresh, fabulous new layer of silver glitter-hands as she does.

"Oh, how great! You know, I've never been a prom royalty of anything before??" she wonders of those around her; really, how could she be-- "A new experience! I'll keep it close to my heart."

Sadly, Asuka isn't here, and the Crown Princess can't tease her dearest princess with this irony; but this is a bittersweet note that Mari, too, savors as she offers Kaworu a dazzling smile and takes his hand in her glitter-slathered own.

And so the Glitter Plague passes on to another as she leads Kaworu out toward the dance floor, offering the passing Seolla a wink as she goes. She mouths something to her, too.

        'You're going to do great,' her lips seem to say, earnestly and warmly, before she makes her eloquent entrance onto the dance floor with Kaworu in hand.

Two spotlights. Mari takes her place under the one she is certain is designated for the Princess, and guides Kaworu to his Princeps illumination. She offers him a warm little smile.

The ensemble pick up their instruments. Mari draws Kaworu close. The band starts to play...

        BGM: https://youtu.be/oIG2ZavqP4Q

And so Mari begins the dance; like everything, she throws everything she is into it, restrained and graceful but alive and joyous, as happy to follow as she is to boldly take the lead.

Despite her boisterous personality, Mari doesn't often take to the spotlight. She likes others to have a light cast on them instead.

But she does shine in it, all the same.

<Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed.

        Clearly Alto is mistaken then. Not surprising. It seems like keeping track of relationships in a group of students like this takes way more time and interest than he has to give. Plus, you know, it would be nice if people just minded their own business...

        A certain SMS pilot pops into Alto's head again. Alto is going to have to give some serious thought later to payback... Even if being here, with Ranka, perhaps isn't so bad after all.

        The Crown Prince and Princeps (what's this even for?) are announced. Alto knows of one of them. The other, not so much. Though as Ranka murmurs something about things going differently, Alto leans in to her, asking somewhat quietly, "Do you know what's going on with this? Because I have no clue..." He watches as the two crowned students start to dance.

<Pose Tracker> Gemini Sunrise has posed.

         Gemini turns her head to see Seolla. She had herself been milling about the wall, looking at the crowd mingle. There were still so many unfamiliar faces around here, and it was a bit intimidating...

         "Oh, howdy! Yeah, I came here by myself, too. Never really got the time t'ask anyone out with all the makeup rehearsals I had to do when I got home."

         She reaches up to grab her hand, twirling around to face her with a wide smile and an honest gleam to her eye. "I reckon I'd be honored to have this dance, missy."

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        Kaworu laughs a little at Gridman's effusive praise. "It wasn't something I'd aimed for, but I'm honored all the same," he says, accepting and returning his hug. "It seems as though I'll be dancing with Mary first, so you two can dance first together if you wish."
        
        And if they don't, that's fine too. He does pause as Seolla approaches. The last time they'd spoken had been her confiding in him that she was running away from the School. He'd encouraged her and wished her well and told her not to tell him where she was going, and she'd agreed. Their eyes meet, and he is concerned for her, but he is not the one who should help her--so he smiles for her, soft and encouraging and a touch bittersweet. "I'm glad to see you as well. I hope you find what you're searching for."
        
        Then she moves on again. He watches her eventually go to Gemini. He then looks over to Banagher and Leina, smiling at them as he accepts the former's applause and the latter's curious look. Then he turns to Rei and chuckles a bit at her use of his new epithet. His concern for Seolla aside, this is a fun experience so far.
        
        "Likewise," he tells Mari. "I don't believe I've ever attended a prom before. Usually it all ends before it gets this far."
        
        Their hands clasped. Kaworu is thoroughly unbothered by the glitter--there's something charming about it, and in the way that they dance with each other rather than the one(s) dearest to their hearts. Still, Kaworu isn't unhappy about this. The two of them take their spots in the light, and Mari draws Kaworu close. He is content to follow her lead and to match her energy, and together they move in harmony. Something like jazz, something like a waltz, to a very familiar song...
        
        With grace and joy, Mari and Kaworu create art on the dance floor. 

<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.

Gridman and Kaworu wave back in turn. The former's bright smile... Rikka can't help but be proud of him. ...And, she has reason to be proud of Kaworu, too, as apparently, he and Mari have been named Crown Princeps and Princess! Is it appropriate to applaud? Maybe after the dance.

"That sounds good to me. I've really been looking forward to your reactions..." Rikka agrees with a nod. She's kind of eager for that - both so that they can have a good session of discussing their Thoughts, and so that she can make good on a Promise.

There's a time and place for that, though! Akane says there's somewhere she wants to go. Rikka searches her face for a moment - and then nods, with a smile.

"Of course. I'll go anywhere with you." She says.

Soon enough, though, Rikka spots a familiar face as Seolla comes rushing by.

"Thank you-" Rikka starts, though she's interrupted as Seolla keeps on moving.

"...She seems worried about something. I guess I can't blame her, with a crowd like this..." She considers... she's distracted then by a quick peck on the cheek!! Her face goes just a little red, even through her makeup, and she smiles Akane's way.

She looks, briefly, toward the dance floor - and is momentarily awed by Mari and Kaworu's dance.

"Wow, they're incredible..." She remarks, impressed.

<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.


Ranka would be very very embarrassed and melt into a puddle into the floor if Nanase revealed to her she'd been duped. Because now she's just SAID THINGS to Alto! Things under the assumption that he'd asked her out on not just a date but to one of the most romantic events a high schooler can be asked to!

You can't just SAY THINGS like that unless he actually did ask her!

Either way oblivious as she is to that, she's not thinking about it at all. Alto asks a question, and Ranka stands on her tip toes, cupping a hand around her mouth, "They're the two who had the most varied unique votes associated with them."

She smiles, "Which is kinda funny, because Kaworu's not really like that?"

Ranka confides Alto, "The two of them make a good pairing to the crowd maybe."

However then there's a touch of sadness to her smile, she says as she eyes Mari and him, "But... I wonder, if there's not someone else he'd prefer dancing with in particular."

It takes her some time to continue, as she falls back to her heels, and watches the dance before, "I don't know, Crown Princess or Princeps just seems a little sad to me in that way. I'm kind of glad you weren't put in that position."

Selfish as that might be of her...

<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.

        Emmy smiles at the compliments. "Y-Yeah. It r-r-reminded me of mom's dress. In the photo. It really l-looks good." Emmy reaches past her for a tiny quiche, popping it in her mouth.

        There's a little giggle, and Emmy nuzzles in. "Hmm. I d-d-don't mind th-that." She puts one of her hands in Milly's, wrapping her hand around her.

        She finally takes the time to look around the dance floor- Banagher and Leina get a wave- and after that a quick vertex querying the third member of the polycule. It would be really nice if her cousin was here...

        Ranka gets a bigger wave- she doesn't want to push her date to too much movement, mostly recovered or not, but she beckons Ranka and Alto if there's time.

        The Crown Princeps and Princess take the stage, and Emmy looks entranced for a while. The two seem so in-sync, so elegant and artful. It's like watching a pair of professionals, Mari taking the lead. "O-oh w-wow... Kaworu's really g-good with all k-kinds of m-music stuff."

        When the dance finally ends, she sees one of those Jindai students taking the nervous girl onto the floor. A little smile comes to Emmy's lips. as she looks up to Milly. "S-s-so, do you w-want to have my f-first dance after all? Looks like th-there's time." 

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

Banagher ducks his head slightly at the praise, though his smile shows how pleased he is. "It's all thanks to the Captain and the Garencieres crew. They spent hours helping me get ready. It was actually really fun."

"Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere." He says, then looking to Kaworu, "We've only spoken a few times, really, but -- he was there when I needed him, somehow. I'm not sure he's even a Newtype, actually? But even so, he was there."

As Seolla is here-and-gone, Banagher nods at Leina's advice. "Of course. Do you know her, love?" As they move closer, Banagher watches Seolla and Gemini interact, smiling a little. "That sounds good. Is this a shipping moment?"

Kiss Tally: 1.

If there's one thing Banagher can do, it's keep track of numbers. "Why don't we make it a contest?" He replies, grinning, before leaning in to kiss Leina's cheek in return. "I bet I'll win."

Emilia gets a wave and a smile -- it's good to see her smiling, and out having fun! Kaworu and Mari put on a show, and Banagher can't help but stare. That's the most impressive dancing he's ever seen.

"Wow." He murmurs. "Maybe I should've taken lessons." 

<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.

"Oh, uh--" Gridman blinks at Seolla with his brilliant yellow eyes. "My name is Gridman. Are you okay--"

But there she goes. Gridman looks after her with concern, but once Seolla makes it to Gemini, he relaxes. That seems like it'll be fine, right?

Kaworu and Mari prepare to dance together, and Gridman watches, beaming with pride. Kaworu deserves to be recognized. He does so much for others and receives so little thanks. "He's so handsome..." Gridman says to Rei, dreamily. "He always looks perfect. Just like a real prince."

Mari's part of the dance is almost certainly just as wonderful as Kaworu's, but Gridman only has eyes for his boyfriend. Blushing in delight, the Hyper Agent is spellbound.

At Rei's quiet question, Gridman smiles. "It's not too hard, especially for girls. You put one hand on my shoulder--" He moves Rei's left hand for her, careful of the corsage. "And hold my hand with the other." Gridman takes her hand in his. "I'll put my other hand on your waist."

The touch that lands on Rei's waist is careful. If she shows any sign of dislike, Gridman will let go immediately. If not...

"Now you just follow my lead. I step forward with my right foot, and you step back with your left." Gridman moves slowly. Letting Rei observe his motions. He comes to a halt after this one step. "Then the same thing, but with my left foot and your right."

With this movement, they're back in a normal standing position. "See? Easy as can be. Just take one step with each beat of the song. If you want to get fancy, you can add spinning together, or moving across the floor. But the basics are enough for tonight."

<Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed.

        In typical Alto fashion, Alto is completely missing some of the point of Ranka's words to him. Some more than others. Though still some things he does get, such as Ranka's suggestion that Kaworu might prefer to be there with someone else. He nods along, "Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. Instead some arbitrary votes just throw him together with someone else." Though the two seem to be taking it well enough.

        Alto is not sure he would in their position. Which is why he emphatically replies to Ranka, "Agreed." Of course he once again doesn't catch the additional meaning behind her words.

        "Thankfully though, I doubt anyone voted for me." Alto is well aware of how much of a grouch he can be sometimes. It's not great at earning you friends. But it does let you avoid certain circumstances like the one Kaworu is in. Perhaps it might even be intentional on Alto's part!?

        Alto catches sight of beckoning from Emilia though and alerts Ranka to it with a light motioning in that direction, "Want to head over and say hi? Although... Maybe later." It looks like Emilia and Milly might be gearing up to dance.

<Pose Tracker> Sousuke Sagara has posed.

To anyone attempting to organize any GUTS activity, one of the scariest problems that can come up is "we can't find Sousuke Sagara." Especially considering the nature of the evening. Tsutsujidai, despite everything, is not a place it is appropriate to set off a shaped charge in the locker rooms.

In the distance, just barely above the music, is the sound of a speeding vehicle. Actually...no, that's not a car, or anything like that, is that a helicopter? Who would even bring one of those to a colony? Worse, it must have its running lights off, because there's no sign of it even as the roar of the blades gets louder.

Louder.

The air churned by the blades kicks up dust, a few stray wrappers, threatens to send the big welcome banner flying, dislodges someone's corsage completely.

Then, strangely, though nothing was ever visible, the sonic apparition of an aircraft gets quieter, apparently pulling away. Only one thing has changed, aside from the buffeting winds:

At the center of the former whirlwind stands Sousuke Sagara. He tugs the lapels of his black tuxedo jacket, checks the cuffs, straightens the black tie with black-gloved hands, and satisfied by it all, picks up a hard-sided briefcase next to him, steps up to the young lady from the prom committee at the gate, meets her eyes, wordlessly drops the briefcase, and then makes his way inside.

Perhaps the hubbub of it all doesn't penetrate too deep into the dance hall - the only thing more powerful than a helicopter making a racket 15 feet off the ground is a sound system programmed by sixteen year olds - but still Sousuke Sagara enters with a firm stride, his tuxedo offset by a blue shirt instead of the traditional white, as he makes his way, slipping along the sides of the hall, to his true target.

Though perhaps from Emilia's perspective he might as well have melted out of the shadows as he steps into the periphery near her and her partner.

"I have arrived," he states, eyes casting about the hall for a moment before settling on the duo. 

<Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.

'I'll go anywhere with you' gets Akane flustered immediately. "I -- it's somewhere we've already been before," she answers, cryptically, with just a bit of a stammer. "But this time..."

... she'll leave it there for now. She always did have a flair for the dramatic, when she wants to.

"Yeah they are," Akane says, eyes widening a little as she watches Kaworu and Mari. "Honestly, it's kinda crazy to see Kaworu going at anything with this kinda gusto..." But then -- there's a lot about Kaworu's breadth of skills and his background that seems strange to her, so what's one more strange thing about such a strange beast...?

The peck gets the desired reaction, and Akane seems to unclench a bit. "Hehe... I don't think that one's gonna get old," she teases. Her eyes sweep up and down Rikka again. ... she honestly can't take her eyes off her for a second...

Quieter, though, she admits, "I feel like we've got a kinda tough act to follow, now..." Such a bright dance -- that's so much pressure...

<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.


Is it, Mari? Is it really love proof?

Rei's face is returned to its wonted posture once pressure is removed.

Her eyes turn towards the dance floor as she sees Kaworu step out - but Gridman's atteniton turns her own eyes towards Seolla. Her eyes widen slightly. She doesn't call out, but perhaps she is surprised to see her here.

Why wouldn't she be here, Rei? Rei does not really know. She just, perhaps...

Hm.

"Yes," Rei answers Gridman, quietly. "Like helices dancing, by a silent and subtle law." And then --

Rei puts a hand on Gridman's shoulder, under guidance. The flowers gleam under the complex lights of the hall. The other hand interlaces with the Agent's. She nods once at the touch's warning, but does not respond to it otherwise. Forward with the right -

Back with the left -

"Yes," Rei says, afterwards, her eyes turned downwards. "But we have to take the same steps, or it isn't anything." The translucent overlayer of her skirt glitters as she attempts a single step forth of her own, which may lead to mild bumping.

Teletha Testarossa teleports in.
Lelouch Lamperouge teleports out.

<Pose Tracker> Milly Ashford has posed.

"Hmmm? Oh, definitely," Milly says, taking Emilia by the hand and leading her out to the dance floor. Even if she can't have every dance with Emilia, she'll settle for her first and last. No sooner has she started the steps, however, than does --

"Ah. Sagara," Milly says, without missing a step; she's utterly confident, here, utterly assured, despite the fact that something ridiculous has just happened and Sousuke has just appeared from the shadows. (He does that, after all.)

"Once the music changes, I think that'll be your cue," she offers him. Her dancing pace is quite slow, enabling her to juggle both tasks at once; she doesn't take her eyes off of Emmy, even as she affirms the progress of tonight's proceedings.

<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.


"Exactly! ... And I don't know, I'd bet a few people voted for you." Ranka smiles at Alto.

Spying Emilia's wave, Ranka looks at Alto, "I'd like to but..." She bobs her head at exactly that, that they're gearing up for a dance. "I really don't want to intrude too much on their moment. But it wouldn't be intruding if..."

Ranka gives Alto an expectant look. She knows that he was fine with this kind of dancing at the ball in Zaftra. After all...

... still she can't help but worry. In this moment, she believes he asked her to the

"Hey Alto, would you like to later, once the floor opens...?" The last words she doesn't quite finish, almost like she's hoping he'll finish that for her.

<Pose Tracker> Mari Makinami Illustrious has posed.

With a vibrant flourish, Mari spins Kaworu outward across the dance floor, connected by two hands. Her smile is dazzling, bearing pearly white teeth; her eyes alight.

With a graceful tug, she draws him back in, smoothly transitioning towards the most eloquent and seemingly effortless of dips as she does.

"I voted for you, you know, Tabby Cat," she confides in a secretive whisper, breaking the sacred vows of anonymity...! (is that even a thing) "Alas, the other person I voted for didn't seem to make it."

Isn't everyone only allowed a single vote? How did get more--?

                        BEFORE
                TOKYO-3 MUNICIPAL

Kensuke Aida is minding his own business, walking down the halls of Tokyo-3 Municipal after school, when the door to the Photography Club's Dark Room creaks open.

"Wh--?" Kensuke wonders, eyes widening. Shadows spill out, as if the Dark Room was a portal to some pitch black hell. Within, there is no light, save the faintest glinting in the depths like light reflecting off glasses, briefly illuminating a knife-sharp stare.

"keeeensukeeeeeee" wails a voice from the depths. Kensuke takes a single step back, paling.

"your president needs you, Keeeeeeensukeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!"

Two pale hands abruptly punch through the darkness, grip Kensuke by the face, and drag him into the dark room. His aborted horror movie screams echo through the halls.

                ~ <3 ~

The world may never know!

In the here and now, all that really matters is that Mari lets herself be lost in the dance, tailcoats fluttering as waltz and jazz become one in a moment filled with a certain wealth of nostalgia for a very small party of people. Her face flushed, her grin persisting as she strides gracefully in synchronized dance with Kaworu, like two, perfect mirrors.

It's only when the music begins to fade that Mari lets herself become more aware of the world around them, glancing about as her movements begin to slow before casting Kaworu a simple wink.

"I guess we can't hog the dance floor all night, can we? How tragic~."

<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.

        After a solid forty five minutes of uninterrupted dancing, Committe Head Kanomura comes back to the stage, and the ensemble finish their song. "Well, that sure was a wicked show from the Crown Princeps and Princess, but now it's time for our next couple to hit the stage. Clear the floor, folks and let's give a GUTSy welcome to our Rulers of All Known Prom..."

        The spotlights light up for the two students with the most individual votes.

        "Emilia Eschonbach from Ashford Academy and Sousuke Sagara from Jindai High!"

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


"They did a good job, you really clean up nice." Leina tells Banagher with a sort of earnest sincerity. "Hope you're learning from them how to manage on your own, going forward."

'I'm not sure he's even a Newtype, actually?'

Leina watches Kaworu for a moment longer as she whispers back, "Well, he's definitely, a little sensitive but... I don't really know him enough to make out what's going on." She smiles, "More importantly, I'm glad he was there for you."

As focus shifts to Seolla, "Yep. We're acquainted. Honestly, her being here... its kinda healing, just to see it?"

A shipping moment? "I haven't decided." She gives him a wry look, "Let's see how they do going forward."

She laughs after a moment, squeezing his arm, "It sounds like you'd be a winner no matter what in such a competition. Rigged in your favor." She grins at him, "Mine too."

'Maybe I should've taken lessons.'

She eyes him for a moment, then, "Can give you one when the dance floor opens." Leina tells him, "I know it's kinda driven into you that guys should take the lead in these things but..."

She was worried perhaps about this moment, how she'd stave off certain associations, but perhaps this is the way to go about it. To lead, to assert a little more control.

To be in the reverse of how it was before.

"... let me tonight." She tells him, as her hand shifts for her fingers to squeeze into his, "I think it might be better for both of us that way."

She then shifts her eyes forward at Emilia and Sousuke, grinning at them, as she brings out her phone discreetly, waiting for the dance to start and...

"Audrey deserves to see this one." She asides to Banagher.

<Pose Tracker> Seolla Schweizer has posed.

        Seolla thankfully does settle quite a bit when she can dance with Gemini for a while. There's still a...stiff feeling in her - is it how unfailingly bright and cheery this girl always seems to be...? It's always difficult for her to match that constant power, with her own wild ups and downs.

        "...your name was, Gemini, right? I'm getting better at remembering names, and your voice is pretty distinctive, thankfully. You're hard to miss in a crowd, and I'm thankful for that much right now. ...makeup rehearsals...ah, so you're a performer of some sort. No wonder! ...I'm definitely...a lot more...out of my element here, and I'm only just now realizing this dress I picked is...a lot showier than expected...! ...Ah, I'm Seolla, also. From. The gun thing. That you won. In Tsutsujidai!"

        She quiets down the longer the dance goes on. It's easier with someone, even if she's a little fidgety and anxious throughout...

        That all changes...dramatically when Sousuke Sagara makes his dramatic entrance.

        ---for the better?!

        Whereas others might wince or recoil from the chaos overhead, Seolla seems to get only more focused - her instinct is immediately to pull Gemini behind herself, squinting up at the source of the maelstrom. But she sees faster than most anyone else here - "Ah! My backup's here. Sergeant Sagaraaaaaaaa, the coast is totally clear down here, I've made sure of it!" She's signaling with one hand raised up high, two fingers outstretched and two curled. She's sort of - unwittingly dragging Gemini towards Emilia and Sousuke's position - and notes down, gesturing to Milly, "I even made sure during the preparations that there were no attempts on the President's life or weapons installed on the premises, by ensuring I had a hand in monitoring many key positions and installations during the setup phase. We're all in the clear for-"

        The announcement rings up that Sousuke and Emilia are the ~Rulers of All Known Prom~, and Seolla's shocked -

        "...Sergeant Sagara, I see now why this was so important an event...! Phew. All my work was for a good cause then!" 

<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.

Akane gets flustered and that gets Rikka to smile. Somewhere they've already been, though... Now she's going to be curious all night...! ...Still, she appreciates Akane's flair for the dramatic, so she'll let her have that moment.

"Yeah, it is..." Rikka agrees with a nod, her eyes straying back to Mari and Kaworu's dance. "He's so talented, too..."

At Akane's teasing Rikka laughs sheepishly. She's still smiling, though.

"...Me either." Rikka admits. She catches Akane staring at her and, for a moment, feels quietly pleased with herself. Her smile softens, though, as Akane admits that the two dancing now are a tough act to follow. Rikka reaches over, giving her hand a gentle squeeze of reassurance.

"It's alright. Try not to worry about what anyone else thinks. The only ones that matter tonight are you and me." Rikka murmurs. "And I know we'll be incredible."

She smiles, just a bit slyly.

"Aren't you excited to experience what my training regimen has done for me first hand...~?"

<Pose Tracker> Gemini Sunrise has posed.

         "That's right, Gemini Sunrise! I ain't surprised I stand out, that's a Texan fer ya."

         If Gemini had been on this dance floor even 7 months ago, she probably would have fallen over by now. One would be surprised at how quickly performing on the Great White Way knocks your dance skills into shape. She could feel how tense Seolla was. Shucks, weren't no surprise she was nervous. She tries to slow herself down to a pace she was comfortable with, gently leading her through the song.

         "You ever heard of the Little Lip Revue? It's a theater troupe up on Neo-America. I'm their newest member! Though...it's probably been long enough that I ain't new anymore. An' listen, y'all don't gotta justify yerself to me. I was never much one fer these fancy-type soirees myself. And if it's any consolation, I think your dress is real purty! Frankly, I've been thinkin' I went too plain, heh!"

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        "Did you? What a coincidence. I voted for you, too," Kaworu whispers back, his own smile gaining a dimension of amusement.
        
        What became of poor Kensuke Aida? Perhaps only the other member of his comedy duo, Tohji Suzuhara, knows now, for the purposes of conservation of characters.
        
        But perhaps no one knows. Perhaps some things are best left never known.
        
        All their whispering and mystery aside, the dance is one of passion and joy. The two of them have no romantic chemistry, but they've become close friends, with Kaworu reserving a level of trust for Mari that would be frankly baffling for anyone who knew a deeper layer of truth about them, and would make perfect sense to anyone who knew the layer of truth beneath that.
        
        Soon, though, the music fades, and it's time for the next couple. Kaworu nods amiably as he slows and stops with her. "Indeed," he says. "Shall we head back?"
        
        He'll offer his applause for Emilia and Sousuke first, though. They're quite a mismatched pair, but he knows well that's part of the fun of it.

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

"I wish Lieutenant Angelo agreed with you." Banagher replies, with a laugh. "He ordered me to fix my hair, and every new thing I tried just made him more upset. But -- yeah, after watching Flaste, I think I have some ideas. It's strange, having to care about the way I look now. I never expected it'd matter."

Banagher smiles at Kaworu dancing joyfully. "Me too. And I'm glad to see him happy. He seems so serious all the time."

"Healing?" Banagher echoes, but doesn't press. "I'm glad. I hope she has a great time." He'll figure out shipping eventually, being able to study with someone as proficient as Leina.

Another laugh. These are the highest spirits Banagher has been in since his and Leina's joint birthday party. "No reason not to compete, then. Some of the crew told me that's what prom is for, anyway." Banagher grins. "Not that I believed them."

Surely nobody would go to all this effort in getting dressed up and then just sneak off, right? What a waste.

"I'll be in your debt, love." Banagher smiles, at the promise of lessons. "You've never led me wrong, so who cares what's traditional." Bringing one of her hands to his lips, he kisses it. "I'll follow you. Anything you ask."

Squeezing Leina's hand in return, Banagher has an idea of what might be the source of her worries, but he doesn't bring them up. Better to simply try and rewrite those associations.

Emilia is chosen as Ruler of All Known Prom! What is that? Banagher doesn't know, but it sounds important. He claps for her politely, giving a thumbs up if Emmy looks his way. "Audrey's going to love this."

<Pose Tracker> Milly Ashford has posed.

Stepping aside from Emilia, Milly teases, "have fun out there, you two," before moving toward Seolla. (She doesn't fear any grand reprisals at prom, but she knows that Sousuke will be able to focus much more on dancing if she herself takes a backseat in a way that leaves her with someone who seems to orient on the world the same way Sousuke himself does.)

'Sergeant,' huh. That's a new one... not that Milly minds. "So you're my bodyguard until Sagara's dance ends, hm?" Milly asks of Seolla, with a smirk on her face.
Kaname Chidori has arrived.

<Pose Tracker> Sousuke Sagara has posed.

Mismatched they are - no power on earth can tame that brown shag Sousuke calls a haircut - but, indeed, that's part of the fun. He cleans up well, at least. Someone tailored that tux.

He waits patiently for his turn, and turns a nod on Seolla in gratitude, but before he can say anything - feels his phone buzz like one second before the spotlights turn on him. Oh that was Kaname, he thinks, wasn't it. Oh that's bad. He didn't tell her where he was. He thinks the Colonel will figure it out. He hopes. He prays.

He turns to Emilia, and, in the fashion of a person who has attended at least a couple of these, extends his hand. "I believe that is our cue," he says. In the light, perhaps that serious face of his is dashing.

<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.

        The Sudden Appaearance of Sousuke Sagara does catch Emmy off guard. In part because of the surprise but also in part because... "O-oh, S-Sousuke? You're n-not h-here with Kaname?" With Milly leading, the conversation happens as they're moving. Emmy follows expertly, focusing on their first dance. Indeed, she's rather lost in the dance, slow and gentle as it is. She feels a bit like Cinderella at the ball- but someone has taken the 12 off the clock.

        Seolla flows past, and Emilia takes in the measures used to protect the Prom- and the President. "...W-wow, Sousuke and his co-workers have a t-tough job..."

        The announcement comes and now... Now Emmy is nervous. She looks up at Milly. Sousuke's a professional... but she crumbles in front of people. She speaks quietly to Milly. "A guts spell? F-for luck?"

        A moment later, she walks up to her spot, looking to Sousuke. "R-Ready?"

        BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=963o_H3XUic

        Emilia takes Sousuke's hands in a waltz position, letting Sousuke lead. It starts out a simple, military waltz. Nothing fancy. But while Emilia was prevented from learning many things, Ballroom Dancing was expected. As the music speeds up, Emilia gets flashier. Some simple spins, casting out and winding back in. Movements that allow Sousuke to present as pillar, with minimal coordination on his part. Easy to follow.

        The music slows again, and she resets to the slow speed- but when the speed picks up, her movements rely more on Sousuke acting, signalling for lifts and twirls, until the dance eventually reaches it's end, and Emilia is sweating a touch from the exertion. She never though she'd have a moment like this- she was going to make the most of it.

<Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.

Oh no -- the results of continuous practice are making Rikka steadily more powerful in all environments...! Akane can't keep up. "You're way too much..." she whines, but it's the kind of whine that descends into giggling rather than panic.

"... Okay, now that it seems like there's actually stuff pulling people's eyes all over the place," she continues, after the dance transitions from the first slice of court to the second, "I feel like I can stay a little longer than just booking it out immediately after we dance... but definitely not all night." She really is kind of an old lady at heart.

She pulls her sunglasses back out of her clutch, completing the ensemble once more. "Wanna snag some punch quick first? I could kinda go for some of the cocktail dogs, too..." ... what? is Akane supposed to have less of a taste for salty food soaked in tomato just because it's prom night?

(Risky with a white dress, though...)

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


"Lieutenant Angelo isn't dating you." Leina teases him with that reminder, "Small blessings. Mine is the opinion that actually matters."

A more serious look is given to him, "I don't think anything you ever do is going to be good enough for him, even if you passed every test set before you. There's a reason I didn't like the idea of submitting yourself to them for training."

Still though, shockingly, she doesn't nag him for that. Maybe she's giving him some grace there after saying she won't try to control his life.

"It's... complicated." She tries her hardest not to laugh at Seolla's comments to Sousuke, she smiles though. Leina's eyes follow Seolla over to Milly, "Basically she's someone being given a chance at a more normal life. That's what I can say here. ... That might be a little relative right now, while she adjusts."

With a smile, she squeezes his hand and kisses him on the cheek yet again, "Alright. Thank you for trusting me there." Picture after picture is taken, Emilia gets a thumbs up and a mouthed 'You're doing amazing sweetie!' the first time she's turned in their direction.

Her eyes do start to wander though as if trying to find Akane and Rikka because... well she has a feeling they're going to be in the spotlight, imminently.

<Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed.

        Clearly Ranka and Alto remember the ball in Zaftra FAR DIFFERENTLY. Though to be fair, it's not his dance with Ranka that still haunts Alto in his nightmares...

        ... But he's not thinking about that day right now. Probably for the better too as he prefers not to think about it at all.

        Instead Alto looks back at Ranka, seeing her looking up at him expectantly as she starts to ask. Alto smiles a little, silently remarking to himself how cute Ranka can get when she's a little flustered like this. He probably should ask her.

        At that point, the rules of the prom are announced. Another strange pairing. Alto definitely doesn't get it. But as they begin to dance, Alto steps out in front of Ranka and faces her. Smiling, he bows a little and holds his hand out to her, "Miss Lee. Would you do me the honor of this dance?" He's pretty sure that's how it's supposed to go, fitting with the whole 'Britannian' theme of the prom.

<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.

Seamlessly, Gridman moves with Rei's step. If Rei wants to lead, that's just fine. It seems he's a little more prepared than one would expect!

"Marusan spent a full meeting teaching everyone in the dance club how to dance with a partner. There's no other guys in the club, so I got a lot of practice." Gridman explains.

"You look so beautiful tonight. I didn't think you'd be able to outdo yourself after our Valentine's Date, but seeing you in a formal dress is so different." Gridman smiles, so softly. Rei brings out something that feels terribly human in him, almost overwhelmingly so. "Calibur said I should go to Prom in my real body, but I thought that might be a little strange. I don't want to scare anyone."

Though he doesn't know either of the pair, Gridman smiles at Emilia and Sousuke. Emilia's dress is so beautiful, his gaze lingers on it.

<Pose Tracker> Kaname Chidori has posed.

From outside, Kaname hears the announcement--

Oh.

That explains it.

Kaname runs back inside, to the dance floor, where Sousuke is on stage with Emmy. She smiles softly... this is a big moment for Emmy.

She scans the room for Tessa. While Sousuke gets his first dance, she may as well get hers as well...

<Pose Tracker> Gemini Sunrise has posed.

         Gemini gasps as Seolla pushes her back. This was just one of Sousuke's big entrances, wasn't it? She squeaks a bit as her dance partner drags her over to the Rulers of the Prom, peeking out from behind her.

         "Er, howdy, Sousuke. Congrats!"

<Pose Tracker> Seolla Schweizer has posed.

        All at once, it hits Seolla that she spent so much time monitoring the state of the prom's setup but never actually introduced herself to the head honcho. "Oh! President Ashford-! I've heard so much about you. I'm - ah! I'm Seolla, sorry for not actually saying hi to anyone before this whole event started. I wasn't even sure I was...supposed to."

        ...it's an instinct Seolla herself has to question there, but she shakes her head free of that. "Yes, lately I've been working closely with Sousuke. He did help save my life and I owe him a lot, and given the high number of high profile figures in our alliance of schools, like yourself, and Tessa, and, ah, including Mr. Nagisa, really, too - I think Sousuke shouldn't be alone in that, and I'm more than happy to help him cover more ground. ...even if the two of us at Jindai is possibly too much..."

        And, still kind of, awkwardly holding Gemini's hand, Seolla fills time by dragging her dancing partner forward. "...And this is Gemini! I...I think we're friends!?" what do you mean 'think'!? "I've never heard of her 'revue', but it sounds like she's an amazing performer, and she's an amazing shot. ...Neo-America, huh..." Seolla...blanches again, ever so slightly. "...Wait, oh my god, it's coming back to me. I've been there once. That place is real!? I thought it was just a weird dream...It's so loud and in your face and bombastic a place that I thought I mixed up something I saw in a movie to one of my combat ops..."

<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.

Akane whines, and Rikka's sly smile grows into a full-on grin. This time, it's her turn to give Akane a peck on the cheek as that whine gives way to giggling.

"Yeah, people have started spreading out a little." She says with a smile, and then a nod. "Okay. Just let me know when you want to leave."

She doesn't blame her for that. She's gotten much better about it herself, but her stamina for big social events still isn't the highest. The idea of punch, though, gets her thinking.

"Yeah, good idea. We're definitely going to want to be hydrated if we're going to be under those lights." Rikka decides. She stands up, reaching out a hand to help Akane up, too. Once she's ready she'll lead her over to the refreshments table - pausing for just a brief moment as she spots Leina scanning the crowd. With her free hand, she offers a smile and a wave - and one for Banagher, too, right there with her.

<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.


"Should I not do this?" Rei tells Gridman. Step, step. Then there's a lull. He may have to - step up.

Rei's face colors at the praise, turning her head away. The lights sparkle on her cheek even as the helicopter roars overhead, somewhere. Even as others move and footsteps stomp and high speed maneuvers begin. Rei says, clumsily, "It seemed strange, to get several. It's a little strange, to wear."

The song is ending - Rei turns then, in a swirl of skirts, towards the fringes of the space. Perhaps others are joining them. She doesn't let go of Gridman's hand. "You should do as you wish," she answers him. "I would not mind if you had. But, perhaps it would be tiring."

She sees Kaworu and his captor, Mari "the Queen" Makinami. Looking back to Gridman, she asks, "Will you take him, now?"

Others are applauding about the Rulers of All Known Prom. Rei turns her head, evidently confused at this, although she does let go of Gridman's hand to applaud, a little, more because of inchoate peer pressure than understanding. She looks at her hands as she does it. pap, pap, pap

<Pose Tracker> Milly Ashford has posed.

"Of course," comes Milly's reply to Emilia's request -- and so, she gives her what will probably be the last magic spell of her high school career. Both gloved hands clenching into tight fists, she raises them to chin height and declares, firmly, "GUTS!"

It's so satisfying, this time -- after the first one she tried was a bust, all those months ago. How far they've both come, she thinks, as she returns to the refreshments briefly and snags a micro-pizza.

... and how far they're going to have to go, at this rate -- but that's a thought for another night.

<Pose Tracker> Teletha Testarossa has posed.

A school Bathroom.

Out of the way, one of the less-traveled places. Padlock off, stuff it in, pull the contents out. A gaze at the clothes before her. They're neatly folded, packaged up. Vaccum-pressed, a box to the side for the final touches, the whole nine yards.

Her heart is beating a rhythm so profound.

A deep breath in. A deep breath out. Showtime.


Tessa, (un)fortunately, does not have a civilian cellphone or anything. The announcement echoes in her mind. SHowtime. Showtime. Them first, but she had to be here, in the auditorium proper. Emmy and Sousuke, huh? The two of them with the most individual votes...Good for them. They're both making it.

Striding into that room, a small sigh as she quickly spots Kaname...And strides right up.

Tessa's hair is done up in a neat bun (with a bit off in a minor ponytail), a brooch topped off with an onyx chiseled into the shape of an anchor. Braids around that bun, all that length of hair stuffed in tight with every braid locked in tight. A necklace laced with sapphires and (lab-grown) pearls, cascading down just below the collarbone.

The dress itself is slightly low-cut: bare shoulders, the blue fabric leading into traditional elbowgloves of a similar hue, fingers exposed to the elements. It sticks a bit tight to her, following along the curves of her bodyto the floor, where it flares out into a lighter gradient, exposing those purple dress heels.

"Haa...It's not as much work as dressing up, but it feels different." A bit freer, a quip offered to Kaname as she beams her brightest smile yet. "Good?" And a hand out. "...And while those two are at it, may I have this dance?"

<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.


Ranka's remembering the ball pretty well, the tripping into Alto, the glare from Yuliana. She's still not sure what was going on between Brera and Alto but she's sure that's fine?

However, she's not flustered from thoughts of tripping into him right now, instead she's flustered at the thought of asking him. Despite him having asked her here to begin with!

Ranka only momentarily considers the idea of Emilia and Sousuke. Her evaluation is 'Nope can't really see it.' Emilia after all needs a lot of care and Sousuke...

... is Sousuke...

Alto however steps in front of her, and there's a moment of apprehension, before her whole form just lights up, her hair rising with this sense of giddy heart-pounding elation, before falling a moment later.

The same moment her hand takes his.

"Yes... Yes!" Ranka says twice as if afraid he'll change her mind if she hesitates even a moment, before her voice drops, emotional, soft - feeling as if she were in a dream in this moment, "I'd love to dance with you, Alto."

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

A snort. "Thank god. I think Lieutenant Angelo would explode if you even hinted that he and I could date." Then, Banagher smiles. "As long as you like the way I look, I'm content."

"You're right." Banagher admits, simply. "It's not something I'll ever do again. I hope it pays off..."

The last thing Banagher wants to talk about during Prom is his hellish training with Angelo, so he's happy to let the topic go.

Banagher watches Seolla along with Leina. "I see. I'll be wishing her the best." Seolla, Sosuke, Milly. It looks like an intense group.... Maybe this is what Banagher missed by ducking out of having a social life. Maybe that's for the best, he's not sure he could survive in such a complicated world.

A wave is returned to Rikka and Akane! Banagher smiles to see them together and happy. "Akane's had a rough time, hasn't she? We don't need to go into detail, but -- I'm glad she's here with her girlfriend. She deserves this."

<Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.

"Y-you're going to smudge the makeup," Akane stammers, this time, but her protests are getting weaker each time. Truly, this is the power of persistence and drive --!!

Rikka brings up the lights, and Akane realizes that those are some impressive spotlights; had Tsutsujidai always had those? Were they always that nice? ... she doesn't know, and it's a relief not to know. Not to even need to think about it, once she realizes she doesn't need to.

Giving Leina and Banagher a one-handed 'snip snip' with her left hand and then gesturing for them to come over, Akane snags a few toothpicks and gets some cocktail wieners with the other. After she's put two of them in her mouth, she tilts the third toward Rikka. ... in the end, Akane can't quite stop herself from offering food, huh.

<Pose Tracker> Kaname Chidori has posed.

Kaname's checking through the room for a second time when she spots her.

Teletha Testarossa, in a *hell* of a dress.

Her mouth is just slightly parted, eyes stuck on the teenage submarine captain-cum-high school student. "... If this isn't 'dressing up' to you, I'd love to see what is. You look..." Hot? Beautiful? She finally settles on, "I think Sousuke's gonna blow a gasket."

Her *own* attraction is hard to hide, though, as she takes Tessa's hand and nods. "Let's." She sways to the music with her, mostly following the crowd when it comes to the actual 'dance' part of things. She's, perhaps, just slightly too close to her partner, but... part of her wishes she could be closer still.

For now, she just dances, and enjoys the feeling of closeness, the look on her face.

<Pose Tracker> Sousuke Sagara has posed.

"Miss Chidori and Miss Testarossa are entertaining themselves in the lounge, I believe," Sousuke assures Emilia. "They'll join us shortly. I apologize for the delay, there was a," his eyes cut to Milly for exactly 8 frames, "complication."

He waits patiently for her to finish her business with Milly, eyes gliding to Gemini with a nod. "Thank you. I was rather surprised, but I shall fulfill my obligations." sousuke it's literally one dance.

You should REALLY hope someone clarified that it is literally only one dance, though.

Finally, he slips into position with Emilia, and with the lights on him and joined hands, they...begin.

He doesn't immediately beef it, amazingly. A man with his life has many novel skills and experiences, and more than one of those experiences has been celebratory dances. Often they were feasts in caves, with more raucous partying than this - but Kalinin made sure he knew the basics. And so, as Emilia guides him into a waltz and for the first half, shows her own talents, with his presence as a base. This is a kind of teamwork he understands, and he moves with simple but obliging precision, full flat foot to full flat foot. That dourly serious face of his lifts up to a more comfortable smile as it goes on, the look he gives his friends in school, not his targets on the field. For all that Sousuke Sagara is occasionally a cinderblock of a man, he recognizes the energy of a person who has found something she can pour herself into for a time, and it raises energy in himself, as well.

He slows as the music does. Right now, this is the mission, and he sticks to it. His alert eyes and ears catch Kaname's entrance, and soon after Tessa's, but for the moment they are blips on the scope. It is, he has been told, rude to look away from your partner.

His own tenure as lead is not, quite, as skillful, but having seen the maneuvers, he knows roughly when to signal and how to perform the moves to give something passable for a good showing to the end.

After a long few moments, he releases a long, slow breath and nearly visibly deflates, tension flowing slowly out of his shoulders and arms and back. With attention drifting away from them, he fully turns a look on Emilia, saying, "I believe that was," he begins, and then stops himself with another breath. He's not winded from exertion, though given his basically permanent anxiety, maybe a bit from that. "Well done," he says instead. "Thank you, Emilia."

This time he can't disguise the way his eyes lock on to Kaname and Tessa dancing across the field, or the way the breath catches in his throat when they do.

<Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed.

        Wow, that's a very emphatic 'Yes'. A double yes, even. Alto blinks a little in surprise, but none the less takes Ranka's hand in kind. Now that the floor has opened up following Sousuke and Emilia's dance, Alto leads Ranka out onto it.

        As they reach a spot where they're not likely to bump into anyone, Alto steps up close to Ranka. Not TOO close, not perhaps as close as she might like. But still pretty close. And starts to lead her in the dance.

        As it goes on, he remarks somewhat wistfully, "Hard to believe... Just two more weeks." And then, graduation... He wonders how much is going to change because of it. He'll no longer be a student after all...

<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.

"It'll be alright. You always look great." Rikka assures as Akane stammers in protest.

At the punchbowl, Rikka's sure to grab a cup for both herself and Akane. She's already downed one by the time Akane has worked her way through two of the cocktail dogs. And then a third - which is offered to her instead. She leans forward and allows herself to be fed, cutely removing the cocktail dog from the toothpick directly before sending Akane a smile.

"Those are pretty good." She comments.

Maybe she's just feeling extra bold because of what's waiting just ahead, but she's feeling really good about things...

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


Leina seems pleased by that at least, "Means you're learning at least. I'll accept that and not tell Judau, as he'll probably kick your ass for going to anyone Char related for training."

Her smile just grows as she sees Seolla, Sousuke, and Milly getting along, before Banagher... Leina sees Rikka's wave, and Akane's snip snip motion and...

"A rough time?" She sounds amused, "You don't even know the half of it. Though things are looking up now for her!"

Shifting her grip to his arm, she gives him a light tug, "Come on, let's go swing by our soon to be couple of couples."

Once she gets in range, Leina grins at Rikka, "Hey Rikka, looking hot tonight." Before she winks at Akane, "And given the smiles I saw on my way in... feels confirmed. I knew she'd receive your fabulous new style well." She says with a small point to her hair, before adding, "Also, the rest of you."

<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.

"No, this is great." Gridman tries to reassure Rei. "If you want to lead, you should lead. If you don't want to, I will."

All the same, when she pauses, Gridman steps up. It's sweet to see Rei look away. While he's careful not to overwhelm his girlfriend, Gridman really enjoys complimenting the people he loves.

"Do you enjoy it, Rei? Dressing up?" There's still so much he doesn't know about her. It's Gridman's turn to look away with pleased embarrassment, when Rei says he should do as he wishes. "Maybe... we could have a private dance at Aya, afterwards, and I could be myself. If we're not too tired."

"Would you like a break? I'm happy to dance with Kaworu now, but it's okay for you to take a turn, as well." Gridman smiles. "Who knows, maybe he needs a break after dancing with Mari. She's pretty skilled!"

As Rei lets go of his hand to applaud, Gridman does the same, unoffended.

<Pose Tracker> Gemini Sunrise has posed.

         Gemini weakly chuckles at the introduction, not having expected to be put on the spot like this. She really hadn't expected anything other than standing by the wall.

         "Yeah, Neo-America! The greatest place in the sphere! It can be a little overwhelmin' at first, but if you go again, I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do!" Gemini's eyes began to sparkle as she describes one of the two places in the entire world she loves more than anything else. "Heck, I'd even be a tour guide fer ya! I know all th' insider spots!"

         The cowgirl grabs both of Seolla's hands and pulls them close, getting too caught up in her passion to notice...what this looked like.

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

Banagher is pretty happy with escaping all potential Judau-ass-kickings so far. No reason to end the streak. "Y--yeah, please don't tell him!"

Banagher smiles at Akane's snippers (what do they mean?). "I think Akane would like to talk to us, Leina. Let's head over." Leina agrees, and as they begin walking, he blinks. "Wait, they're -- ah." Of course Leina would know these things.

Whatever these Prom titles are, they sure seem important.

"Hi, Akane, hi Rikka." Banagher says, above the noise. "I like your hair, Akane! We match." Well, kind of. "You both look fantastic. Have you had a good night so far?"

<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.

        When their dance ends, Emilia is smiling widely. "Y-you did g-great too, S-Sousuke. Th-th-thanks." Suddenly, she moves forward and wraps Sousuke in a quick hug, only a moment or two. But enough.

        And then she sees the way Sousuke looks back at Kaname and Tessa, and smiles a little more slyly. "G-Go on. I th-think th-they'll be ready when their d-dance is over." She pats him on the shoulder, and leaves the dance floor to return Millywards. She needs a little break- and another kiss or three.

        The second courtly dance gives way to another dance break. Not too long after that, Yoko Kanomura returns to the floor. "Hey everyone, what a good show was that? But now it's what youse all have been waiting for- it's time to announce our Couple of Couples!"

        The lighting is way more extravagant for this one. Some flashes, golden cricling spotlights. "The Inaugural GUTS Couple of Couples... Rikka Takarada and Akane Shinjo!"

<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.


Alto's visible surprise is written on his face, and Ranka looks somewhat confused in the moment, as if his confusion is now reflecting off of hers.

Was she too enthusiastic? Was it off-putting? Oh God if she messed it up by being too...

No! No! She's not going to let those thoughts mess with her. Alto leads her to a spot, and she catches Emilia hugging Sousuke as her brain briefly wonders with a...

???
???
???

                 ok

However, mostly her focus is on Alto as she takes his hand, and puts another behind his back, and lets him lead her slowly. There's just this sweet contentment in the moment as she leans into the dance.

"It's exciting... but also a little terrifying. Things are just, moving so fast right now, you know?"

Ranka lifts her chin, giving him a smile, as they dance at a sedate pace, "So it's nice to just, take it slow for one night, don't you think?"

The couple of couples is announced, but in this moment she stays focused on Alto.

<Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.

God she's hot, Akane thinks, as Rikka eats. "I'm glad! I might learn how to make them -- they seem pretty easy... I like that kinda salty-sweet thing."

Taking a very dramatic sip of punch, Akane murmurs, "All these events, cloistered from the world they want to rule. It's not even control -- just contempt." ... it's not her true feelings on the matter -- simply indulging a bit with a very small audience.

Leina and Rikka will get it, and that's what matters. "Hahaha... yeah, it's -- a lot, but it's not bad," she answers Leina, smiling bright. "I guess I was kinda worried over nothing on this one." Banagher's comment gets a "Huh! You know, yeah, we kinda do. I think yours is a bit lighter than mine, but... I did have to go a little darker than I wanted to get a pretty uniform color. And yeah -- it's been low-key, but... it's nice." She opens her mouth to speak again, and --

The announcement comes. This is really it -- their big moment! "Ahaha, if I knew we only had this much time I wouldn't have gestured you guys over," Akane says nervously, laughing to Banagher and Leina. "Still -- it's really good to see you two here. Congratulations. I'm sorry Audrey couldn't be here too..."

Taking Rikka's hand, she heads out toward the spotlight, getting those tinted glasses a bit more cleanly situated -- she doesn't want them to fall off. They, too, are part of the bit.

This dance -- the one with all eyes on her and Rikka -- she has to lead, for... obscure nerd reasons. That's -- that's fine, right? That's fine.

Even if it's a tango.

BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7x7vOjfqD4&ab_channel=VidMak

Putting an arm around Rikka's back and taking a hand in hers, she begins to tango. It's demanding -- especially under the lights -- and she isn't even the one who has to spin or high-kick all that much... Given Rikka's recent performance experience, maybe that's best all around.

... and honestly, it's not perfect. She's missing steps, definitely; her sense of rhythm is good, but she has to mask some things by letting Rikka stealth-lead at spots. At one point, she whispers, "We're off rhythm -- step on my foot a little so we can reset."

(This, too, is a bit that's only for them.)

... The obsession with perfection over the dance diminishes as it goes -- bit by bit, Akane stops focusing on her feet and starts focusing on the only part of this that matters: the part in front of her.

She finishes with a very dramatic low dip -- albeit at a fair bit of strain... and she definitely needs Rikka's steadily improving physicality to help them both get back out of it.

<Pose Tracker> Teletha Testarossa has posed.

Tessa's doing her best to puff herself out. THe sort of confidence innate in a person who's been ordering others around for for a while, the sort of smile that hides steel. Maybe.

That, or she's really, really, quite a bit nervous.

"I don't want to be stuck coordinating for hours again..." The vague memories of trying to adjust everything right for the officer coronation. No thanks. "If he has a nosebleed, I'll do my best to avoid it." Wait, she can't actually think it'll get-

"Besides." The hand accepted, those fingers intertwine, mingling in kind while pulling to the floor. "Yours looks just as dazzling, after all."

A dance. A waltz. One. Two. Three. The movements are slightly practiced; A natural at the beat, ear picking up the crescendos, the upbeats, downbeats, the steady pace. One, two, three. One, two three. Step here. Step there. She's close. Real close. There's a part that drags out the final movements, perfectly syncopated to the music. Leading, twisting, adding the right flourishes to push in close.

And it ends, as quick as it begins. A smile on her face, the Captain of one of the most powerful submarines in the world gazing at her dance partner with all the jolliness of a teenage girl.

She was just that, after all.

"Haa...Good dance...~" Chest heaving with breaths, before parting...after a few more seconds. Releasing that hand. "Shall we?"

A smooth move over to Sousuke (and Emilia beside), smiling ear to ear. Oh, she's living tonight. "I thought you'd be able to make it, Sousuke~ Congratulations, once again."

And she walks right up to Sousuke...And locks an arm with him, nestling right against him like any date would.

<Pose Tracker> Seolla Schweizer has posed.

        ...she can just do that?

        ...Ever since coming back from Tsutsujidai, Seolla's been so focused on - 'what she has to do, to heal' - 'what she should do, as a direction' - 'what she wants to do, which she can think of' -

        -even though her world got 'wider', hasn't she had no idea how to do anything except still stay relatively holed up in routine...?

        It is probably...an off-putting reaction, then, to Gemini, when Seolla starts tearing up a little irrationally hard at a silly idea like going on a little tour, but she wipes her face clear and assures her, "That sounds like a really, really fun time, I promise-! Don't mind...the way that I, can get worked up about these things. We'll do that some time...I'll...see as much of the world as I can, yes!"

        And of course, she can't help but call out, "Tessaaaaaaaa-! Kanameeeeeee-! You both are amazing too!!!" One arm waving and waggling and swaying at the three she's just met but who are already so strangely important to her...

<Pose Tracker> Kaname Chidori has posed.

Kaname's thankful that at least one of them is good at this--and that she's good enough to follow Tessa's lead competently. And right now, it's hard to contain herself--hard not to just lean in for a smooch.

But that wouldn't be fair to Sousuke.

She nods to the invitation, following close behind as they make their way to Sousuke...

And following Tessa's lead once more, she locks arms with him from the other side, a grin on her lips as she looks across him at her... and then a smile at him as she presses in against him. "Congratulations... both of you." She turns to Emmy with an even bigger beam. A smile that says just how proud she is. "You deserve this," she tells the girl.

And then a yell from Seolla, and she blinks once, before waving back to her! She's not really... in the shouting mood, but she does flash a grin in return!

<Pose Tracker> Gemini Sunrise has posed.

         "Alright! It's a date!"

         Date

         Date

         Date

         Gemini's cheeks suddenly flush as red as her hair as she realizes what she's just done. A date! I asked her out on a date?! No, it's...it's friends, right?!

         It's a date, Gemini.

         Bah, who are you to tell me!

         She regains her cool and pats Seolla's shoulders. "Sure! We'll spend the whole day! Just let me know!"

<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.


Gridman asks her a question. A question about clothing, one she has to weigh. Rei looks down at her dress for a moment. She answers him, perhaps strangely: "It's hard to think of 'clothes.'" She looks over towards him again, perhaps with subtle apology.

"But, I like them. It is the Second's fault."

That's even more unintelligeble! Fortunately, there's an announcement coming down the pike. Rei's eyes come up. Another award? A meaningless prize, for a meaningless game (as far as Rei can intuit), but it would seem to be Takarada and --

Akane?

Rei blinks once, but when she applauds, the little pa-pa-pap of her hands coming together with sincerity, and understanding.

To Gridman, Rei says - gesturing, a little, though of course all eyes may be on that couple if they aren't on your own dance partner - "I want to dance like that. But..."

It is a little crowded, now.

"I think I need to drink some water," Rei tells Gridman. At some point she took his hand again. Even she is not quite sure when.

<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.

"Oh, yeah, that'd be great..." Rikka considers as Akane thinks about learning how to make them. She is briefly enthralled as Akane performs a Bit. Rikka, at least, is definitely in on it from the way it makes her smile.

And then, Leina and Banagher arrive!

"Thanks. You both look great, too." Rikka replies to Leina and Banagher with an appreciative smile. She laughs a little at Leina's next comment, giving Akane a fond smile.

"Yeah... She's so lovely, isn't she? I liked her last look, too... but I think this one's my favorite." She agrees, of Akane's new style - and, of course, the rest of her. It's true - there really was nothing

She nods toward Banagher, too.

"Yeah, tonight's been wonderful, thanks. How have yours been?" She asks, looking between Banagher and Leina... and then, their names are called! "...And it looks like it's about to get even better for us. Yeah - it was great to see you both. See you after the dance!"

Accepting Akane's hand, Rikka walks out into the spotlight. She gives her a quick and subtle smile of reassurance... and then, the tango begins.

Her close friend group knows that she's been improving, but Rikka's physicality may come as a surprise to the students of Tsutsujidai High School and GUTS at large. Has she always been able to dance like this? To land those spins and high-kicks?

Akane leads, but Rikka is there to support her the whole way through. This is something neither of them could do without the other. And, true, it isn't perfect - even with her recently-acquired experience, Rikka finds herself missing the mark every so often. It isn't perfect, but it's theirs.

When Akane whispers at her to step on her foot, Rikka obliges. It might seem like she's stumbled a little, but those with a keen eye might note that the way she's stepped on Akane's foot is one that places only a minimal amount of actual pressure on it.

She can feel it, too - the way Akane's worry begins to flow out of her. Rikka smiles. She loves it when she focuses on her like that.

And then, the dip. Rikka, lowered dramatically, stares deep into Akane's eyes... and then, she performs a bit of an ad-lib.

Rikka's free arm moves to wrap around Akane and she tilts her head forward to bring their lips together.

This is a couple's dance, after all. She knows what the crowd wants - but she wants it even more than they do.

From this position, even with her eyes shut, she carefully redirects the two of them, slowly levering them both back up to a standing position - at which point, she finally breaks away.

<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.

"I had a hard time adjusting to clothes too, when I woke up." Gridman confides in Rei. "But I'm glad you like them now. It's okay if you don't. There's nothing wrong with just picking whatever's most comfortable for you."

Perhaps it is unintelligible, but Gridman seems willing to roll with it.

When Rikka and Akane's names are announced, Gridman's eyes light up with excitement. He knew this was coming, but somehow, that hasn't lessened his joy. It feels wrong to shout and cheer, but he claps enthusiastically, both before and after their dance.

"That was amazing!" Gridman says to Rei, then seems to notice her confusion. "Hey, how are you feeling about Akane these days? Are you okay with seeing her? I know she did something to hurt you."

First: some water. Squeezing Rei's hand, Gridman takes them both over to the refreshment table. "I could use some water, too."

Picking up two glasses, one is offered to Rei. Gridman drinks from the other. "I didn't know what to expect tonight, but it's been different than whatever I had in mind. Not in a bad way."

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


Leina does a smug look of triumph before she tells him shamelessly, "It's a good thing for you that I like your ass."

She gives Akane a similarly amused look at her indulgence, "You were, but its fine. Name a girl who's not worrying a little before the night of the prom and I'll show you a liar?" Yes that includes her of course.

"Agreed." She tells Rikka, "Nothing against her prior look but, I just think this one suits her better."

There's a faint smile at Rikka, "Kinda chill? In a nice way, but great. I'm having a great time." A comparison is made, "Mmm." She looks back and forth, "Yeah, you're a shade or two lighter lover. We can fix that if we borrow her dye though."

She then echoes to her, "It's nice." Before giving her a polite smile, "Yeah something happened which well, lot of eyes on her, sadly. But we're sending her lots of photos."

The two go out there in a tango, and Leina mouths 'You've got this!' before telling him, "God. So glad the universe gave them this." As if it owed them, both of them.

Then, Banagher might find her sliding in front of him, and smiling as she murmurs, face to face even if she's notably shorter, "Once the esteemed couple of couples has had their moment in the spotlight..." She says, her face lit up a touch, "... I'm taking the next dance with you, just try and stop me."

<Pose Tracker> Sousuke Sagara has posed.

Sousuke does not lock up as he might once have at even the brief hug, though he also doesn't quite get any reaction together in time, either. He balls his fist and coughs into it at Emilia seeing directly through him. "V, very well," he stammers. "Have a good evening, Emilia."

He separates from Emilia, and steps aside enough to be out of traffic while he waits for the Colonel and Kaname toooOOOO AMBUSH HIM

When Tessa all but curls up into him, a shot goes through him like it always does, intense, total awareness of her pale arm and slender body against him. His eyes slip down and catch an eyefull he was not intended and he makes a frail noise in his mouth, immediately before Kaname gets him on the other side, capturing his other arm. Another shot of hyper-awareness through him, this time an even less controlled, first down, a tanner and fuller and more wild body, then over to blue hair and chestnut eyes, and then--

He sucks in a deep, deep breath through his nose, as he is encircled on either side by the only two people he can't imagine needing to escape from, and the steel bar that his spine turned into there relaxes as he lets it out.

"I told you before," he says to them both. "I would never want to disappoint either of you. Of course I made it. It wasn't a problem."

<Pose Tracker> Milly Ashford has posed.

Milly, of course, is there to receive Emmy the instant she finishes. Giving her much shorter partner a quick kiss on the forehead, Milly affirms for her, "You did well out there. Talk about the difference a year makes..." It's incredible to her to see Emilia change like that -- and it makes her feel like the fortress that was hers is in incredible hands.

"Do you need a little while to sit down, or do you want to get right back out there and dance?" she asks, figuring it's better to set expectations than leave someone like Emmy twisting in the wind a little bit.

<Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.

The kiss catches Akane entirely off guard; she has to staggeringly adjust her stance a little wider to avoid falling. She does accept it, though -- no, more than that, she leans into it, gradually pulling Rikka back up toward her into a full stand (even if it's Rikka doing most of the work) as they kiss.

Her eyes flutter shut, and she lets the pressure of the crowd fall away. For a moment, the world can be only what she can touch. Her mouth opens a little, and -- despite the fact that she's more exposed to the world, not less -- she's bolder this time; her tongue slides just a little ways in, feeling out whether this, too, is something she likes --

oh right they're in front everyone in spotlights, Akane realizes as she feels a bead of sweat slide from head to nose

Though she pulls back for now, finishing the kiss at an intensity more like the one they started at once they're both standing and stable, Akane gasps for air. Once she has it, she whispers, "There's more of that when we sneak out of here~" ... but she does append, "... I can stay a little longer, though."

It's so much easier with the high-pressure moment in the rear view. Anticipation really is a devil in its own right...

As they head back toward Banagher and Leina, Marusan -- having broken from Ako to give her the decompression time she no doubt richly needs in an environment this people-dense and fashion-heavy -- jogs over. "Not bad for two hours of prep," she says, giving Akane a quick fistbump.

"Great partner," Akane shoots back. "Thanks for the crash course, though~"

"Sure. I'm gonna get back to Ako-chan, but hey -- great work out there. You deserve it. Both of you."

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

"Wh--" Banagher blushes brilliant red, completely caught off guard. "T--thank --"

Nope, he can't do it, he's just got to silently breathe for a moment. Every time Leina expresses how much she likes him, it's so overwhelming!

Banagher tries to look directly up at his own hair, unsuccessfully. Better just take the girls' word for it. "Either way, Akane, you look really nice. I liked the purple too, but this suits you just as much." A blink. "We're dying my hair?"

"Our night's been great so far! It'd only be better if Audrey was here too." Banagher says, just a little sadly. "But Leina's promised me a dance lesson. I'll get to hold her in my arms, looking this beautiful. So much more than worth it."

Akane and Rikka win what must be the big prize of the night! Banagher grins at them. "Congratulations you two! Have fun!"

"Wow, they're going all out." Banagher looks genuinely impressed as Akane and Rikka tango. "I'm glad too. They'll always have a wonderful memory."

As Leina slides in close, Banagher leans forward and kisses her quickly on the lips. Mischief dances in his eyes. "I'm all yours, beautiful."

<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.


Rei doesn't answer Gridman until she has the water. She drinks half of the glass, steadily, and holds the rest in both hands, glancing down towards the corsage as she weighs the question.

It takes long enough that Gridman might start to think she doesn't want to answer, but:

"I think," Rei says, "that she tried to protect me."

"I am glad that in the end, I was able to protect her," Rei concludes the thought, looking at Gridman with another of those not-quite-a-smiles.

"I did not know what to expect; it reminds me of karaoke, but that everyone learned the words first." With that, Rei lapses into quiet, and finishes off the glass of water, gazing out at the glittering splay of fashion and youth.

Somehow, Rei thinks of the tide.

<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.

Rikka is surprised, but pleasantly - and she almost reciprocates, up until the point she makes the same realisation that Akane does. She enjoys the remainder of the kiss no less than she did before, and once they're apart Rikka smiles and gives Akane the time she needs to catch her breath.

"I'm looking forward to it." Rikka whispers back with a smile, and then a nod as Akane decides she can stay a little longer. As much as she's eager for some time alone with her she's happy, too, that she's willing to stick around in this environment a little longer. It's a good step.

Finally, it's time for them to leave the spotlight. On the way back over to the refreshment table, though, Marusan catches up to them. Marusan helped Akane with the dancing, huh...? That's just another thing on the pile of reasons to appreciate her.

"Thanks... Your support was a big help." Rikka replies with a smile. "I hope you two have a great rest of your night, too."

Her eyes wander toward Banagher and Leina, and she can't help but smile. Looks like someone else is about to have a well-deserved dance, too.

<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.

Gridman gets nervous as Rei takes her time. Maybe it was a bad idea to ask about something traumatic during a fun event like this?

But Rei doesn't let him down. Her not-quite-smile is met with a genuine one from the Hyper Agent. "That's so kind of you, Rei. Thank you for believing in her. Akane is important to me -- she's the reason I'm here."

Standing with her to gaze out at the crowd, Gridman wraps an arm around Rei's shoulders, pulling her close in a sweet, affectionate way. "Yeah, that's a good way to put it. Nobody is really sure what they're doing. But I think that's kind of cute in a way. Everyone is trying something new to be close to the people they love."

"I'm really glad I could try it out with you." Gridman pauses for a moment, squeezing his eyes closed. "I love you, Rei."

<Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.

Akane looks toward Leina and Banagher as they pass each other. Even if she doesn't know Banagher that well yet, he seems nice -- and he's important to Leina, so she can appreciate him in that way, too.

Akane looks over the spread of offerings, and reflects, "... Yeah, let's get one of these mini-pizzas, too," aloud. It's important to eat -- especially after doing something that draining.

"Tell me when a song feels like it's your vibe, okay? We can snag one more dance, at least," Akane says to Rikka. Whatever worries she had earlier are starting to nag at her again, but... yeah. A little longer. She doesn't want to miss this, now that she's gotten to taste it.

<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.

        As Tessa and Kaname come over to grab Sousuke, Emmy slips herself into Milly's arms. She accepts the kiss on the forehead, and then standing on tiptoes to giving Milly another kiss on the lips as a light flashes in the background. She turns to face Kaname. "Th-thank you! It w-w-was so much f-fun!"

        She looks up to Milly again. "A y-year a-a-and f-friends and a w-w-wonderful girlfriend." Emmy intertwines her fingers with Milly's. "I... w-wanna watch the c-c-couple of couples. And th-then dance."

        She was right to watch. A tango is brave, and the two... That bold kiss... The skill and the passion and the outfits and... Emilia can't help but applaud. "Miss T-Takarada is... g-g-going to be a r-real threat at the n-next pageant. And sh-she was already strong..." She looks out. "And m-maybe Miss Shinjo, too." She smiles. "G-good. I n-need to do b-better too."

        Having taken the chance to watch and rest, Emmy decides to be the one to lead Milly on- and take the lead. "A-and maybe after a few... w-we'll find a place t-to curl up? M-maybe t-talk with s-some people? I th-think Ranka and I k-keep missing e-e-each other." Emmy leans close, to ask something. "So... i-is this what you w-w-wanted out of y-your last p-prom?"

        After a few more songs, the ensemble retires for the evening, and the prom committee switch to a playlist, and the pop hits of the last twenty years kick off-

        But the fact that they start with Pink Monsoon sure implies they picked it on purpose.

<Pose Tracker> Teletha Testarossa has posed.

Ambush: Successful! Target: Secured! Though! Though...Now what? She does squish in the slightest bit more against Sousuke, humming a happy tune with the music at hand. She knows. Oh. Oh, she knows exactly how Sousuke would react, and it is paying off just as devilishly as she expected. Hold that link in the arms, brazenly displaying her emotions. "That's good! There's still food left. You just had an MRE or two again, didn't you?" Happiness and in love.

Like any teenage girl would.

<Pose Tracker> Kaname Chidori has posed.

Kaname laughs a little, softly. "... he might've. But if he did, he's getting dinner tomorrow." A beat. "... Even if he didn't. Both of you are." She smiles a bit wider. "I..." Her cheeks flush pink, as they move to the music.

"I think we have a few things to talk about, anyway, and it's best to talk over good food." She grasps Sousuke's hand... and then reaches over to take Tessa's in her other hand.

"But... maybe it's enough to say... right here, with the two of you, is the happiest I've been in a long time."

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


Banagher gets an amused look as if to say 'really' about him almost thanking her for that but she thinks its adorable mostly.

As he kisses her quickly, Leina gives him a mischievous look, as if she were waiving her policy this once. "I'll take 'beautiful'."

BGM Change For Only the Two of Them - Remind You - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVETeA4yiBA

Taking one of his hands, she moves it up to her shoulder, before that same hand slides behind his waist. Her other takes his hand, holding it out palm to palm as she starts to lead, "Just relax. Don't look at your feet. You'll know what to do, because I'll show you." She keeps them purposefully easy to follow, in the waltz.

And unlike many other times she's tried, the room does not fade into blurs and hollow impressions of people. There is no sense that she'd look into the mirror and see that she's still his.

She's not a child, being led around by men much larger than her to learn the ways of the Aristocracy.

Despite the fact that the room remains the same, her focus remains only upon her partner as if the two were the only ones in the room anyway. She doesn't trip him up by doing anything too complex.

Despite the simplicity, when you're in love, it hardly matters. Every point of contact is a spark, completing a circuit as she leads him around in just a small area, saying nothing, no words need be said. She's graceful, flexible, and bold but in this moment she leverages none of it at all. Is it perfect? Hardly, but...

... she just dances... with him...

And in the moment, that's wonderful.

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

Banagher's hands move with Leina's touch. He trusts her. It's not a question. It's never been a question. One hand on her shoulder, one hand in Leina's.

"Alright," He says, quietly, golden eyes soft. "Lead the way."

While Leina conquers her trauma, at least in this moment, Banagher follows. He reaches out to her through their bond -- surprised at the intensity of her walls, but he accepts it. This is a big step for Leina. Whatever she needs to do to cope is okay.

After a few initial mistakes, Banagher catches on, and the two move in perfect harmony. Leina's face is all he can see -- not that he'd look anywhere else. Not that he'd need anything else. She seems to glow with a gentle pink light, to Banagher's eyes.

No words need to be said.

Banagher knows she's going easy on him, and in return, he pushes himself to move with as much skill as he can possibly muster. Reaching for her, body and soul.

Despite being in a room with a hundred other teens, it's a moment of pure intimacy and love. As the song draws to a close, Banagher pulls Leina into his chest, holding her tightly.

Stretching this moment out just a little longer. 

<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.


Rei's shoulders are bare and thin, and they make a good place to put an arm. She seems pleased by it in her way, the little touches of face and posture. She looks at Gridman, her eyes rather soft. "Yes," Rei says.

And then he says something; a phrase that Rei has heard spoken in passing, here and there, though less often than you think.

And something about it -

A piano in a vast room. It is not played; the player is gone. But it was played, wasn't it?
One and one make two. Two make 1.0092; or find it. Chains, trailing back into the darkness.
Links unfolding. Reaching outwards. Hands touch each other gently. A familiar clasping.
A glass of water sits on a sunny windowsill. A line rests, faint and clear, halfway above where the water now sits. The rim of the glass has a mark of red.

Love?
Love?
Love?
Is love real?
Is love false?
Love?

One must do what is necessary; so it is best to come to love necessity.
This whole time of year just makes a commodity out of love.
Love? Don't tell me LOVE, you--
Darling, I--

Externally, there's another of those silences, one which probably wrack Gridman's heart, in their way.

Rei answers by sliding slightly away -- to turn and to bring him in to an extremely clumsy and surprisingly tight embrace, clasping him close. She has her hair in front of her eyes, if anyone glances over.

She says something quiet. Too quiet to be overheard, over the music.

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