The Prom King dances with his Prom Queen

Slow Dance — Vanessa (Prom King path only)

He finds her at the edge of the floor, still wearing the crown, talking to someone he does not recognize. She sees him coming and wraps up the conversation without being rude about it, turning to face him as he reaches her.

Miles: I believe we have one more dance.

Vanessa: She tilts her head slightly. I was wondering if you would find me.

Miles: I always find what I am looking for.

Something moves behind her eyes. Not quite a smile but close.

He offers his hand and she takes it and they step onto the floor together. She moves with the same natural ease as before, close but not rushed about it, her hand light on his shoulder.

Vanessa: so. Prom King.

Miles: so. Prom Queen.

Vanessa: She glances at the crown on his head. It suits you.

Miles: yours too. Though I had a feeling it would end up there.

Vanessa: She looks up at him. You were watching me?

Miles: It is a small school.

She laughs quietly, genuine and unguarded, the reserved composure slipping just slightly.

Vanessa: you said that before.

Miles: still true.

They move through a full measure in comfortable silence, her dark eyes occasionally drifting across the room before coming back to him.

Vanessa: your friends are staring.

Miles: which ones.

Vanessa: She glances subtly to the left. The one in navy. And the one in red.

He does not look. He already knows.

Across the floor Janice stands with her date, her eyes tracking the dance with an expression she is not quite managing to keep neutral. She looks away when she catches herself looking.

Nearby Aria has her arms loosely crossed, watching with the flat controlled expression she uses when something is bothering her that she has decided not to acknowledge. Her date says something beside her. She nods without really hearing it.

Miles: He looks back at Vanessa. Does that bother you?

Vanessa: She meets his gaze evenly. Should it?

Miles: I'm asking you.

She considers him for a moment, her head tilting slightly.

Vanessa: I think that when a girl dances with the prom king she should not be thinking about anyone else in the room.

Miles: and are you?

She steps slightly closer, her hand moving from his shoulder to the back of his neck, her voice dropping just enough.

Vanessa: not anymore.

The song begins to wind down. She pulls back just slightly and looks at him properly.

Vanessa: so does this end here?

Miles: does it?

Vanessa: She tilts her head. I am asking you.

Miles: He holds her gaze. I'll see you at the after party.

She holds his gaze for one last moment then steps back as the music fades, her fingers trailing from his neck slowly.

She turns and walks away without looking back.

He stands there for a moment with the particular feeling that the best part of the night has not happened yet.