“As would I. I have never seen him in anything but jeans and a t-shirt. And maybe armor. But, all dressed up? I'm pretty sure he's even going to brush his hair."

Enzo made a dramatic expression, as if that were the most absurd thing he’s ever heard. “A man brushing his hair?” Enzo scoffed, “Incredible. Don’t expect such a feat from me though.” He warned playfully, but really, all he does is run a hand through it every morning. If he’s really trying to impress, he might ruffle it to fit a certain style. That’s it. Ikaris puts much more pride into his hair though; whether it be slicked back or styled in a way that matches his mood.

“Definitely. Although, from experience, the puppy eyes only work about once every five times on Thaola. She doesn't fall for them very easy." Enzo chuckled at Ruina’s response. “The odds do look stacked against you then.” He commented with a small smirk. The puppy dog eyed look probably isn’t just reserved for the werecanines, but Enzo has never given such a look. Mostly because he does not feel he should lower himself to begging if he wants something. That would damage his pride and dignity very deeply.

“I think that will be the only highlight of the night. Watching those two make mischief together. Oh, if I'm lucky maybe I can slip out while Thaola is distracted." A slight nod of agreement was demonstrated from Enzo. “I’m certainly looking forward to it. As for you sneaking out… good luck.” Enzo smiled, but he didn’t think Ruina would be escaping Thaola that easy. Not if Thaola was going through with dragging her to the dance. Just like Ikaris isn’t letting Enzo wander off or sleep the night away. The wereleopard tends to roam when he decides he’s done, but he wouldn’t really have the choice to leave until Ikaris was done, or the dance concluded.

“Perhaps it would work. But, our only issue is Lilith Ames, our headmistress." Enzo gave an actual slight pout at the thought of the headmistress. “Stick in the mud.” He remarked under his breath. They had their own dynamic, but Enzo hasn’t necessarily done… or said anything to the point of getting more than a verbal slap on the wrist. Ikaris has been seen on a few occasions, but he’s skilled enough to not get caught skipping or antagonizing. He hasn’t been caught yet, that is.

“Of course. Goodnight.” Enzo returned a smile with a small head bow. “Goodnight, and dare I say, sweet dreams.” Enzo smirked, but he left it at that before he turned back down the hall and to his room. He was definitely tired, so as soon as he lazily plopped himself into bed, he curled up a little before being out.

~Skip~

The day of the dance. A blessed day, since Enzo actually got to sleep in, and he stayed in bed until noon. That’s when Ikaris was growing restless without his friend, and Ikaris knew the wereleopard would skip both lunch and the dance to sleep. Not on Ikaris’ watch! Thankfully Amber had spent most of the day with her friend group as they did each other’s hair and helped each other with outfits. Some girls had corset tops that the girls got to help finish stitching into various styles of skirts to make unique homemade dresses. Amber is a bit of a seamstress herself, so she was the one primarily looking over the stitching.

“Enzo, my necklace?”

Amber spoke while she finished putting her earrings in. The elegant gold and red stoned jewelry is courtesy of her mother, while Amber’s dress is mostly handmade herself. She may be a lot of things, and crafty is one of those. It took her quite a while to gather the materials she needed to make the basic outline of the dress, but she took it to a professional seamstress a few days ago to get the details and other touches finalized. The end result is absolutely worth it to her though. The primarily gold dress hugged her every curve perfectly to give her hourglass figure a noticeable definition, while the back of the dress still flowed down to the floor so she had an elegant sweep to it. The front of the dress was tailored to be raised, so that the front of the dress could reveal her gold sequin heels and a small portion of her legs, but it stopped a short distance from her knees. The top bust of the dress is cut a little lower, but there’s still plenty of dress to conceal most of her chest. The sleeves of the dress were initially just a few inch wide straps, but Amber added the transparent colored butterfly sleeve caps to the dress. The embroidery designs on the dress are owed to the seamstress, but Amber sketched out the design. Finally, her hair was put back and styled down into a fishtail braid with a few added small swirled buns pinned at the back. To compliment her auburn red hair in this fashion, she strategically placed small white roses around her hair, but she added golden glitter to the ends of the roses petals just so it was complimenting to her dress as well.

“Arms down.” Enzo instructed Amber before he placed the necklace around her neck and clasped the back. She’s taller in her heels, so Enzo didn’t have to work too hard to get the necklace on. “You look great.” Enzo complimented, but there was little to no emotion to it. Amber did a graceful turn to be able to place her hands on his open, white over jacket. “As do you, babe.” Amber smiled while lowering his collar before she leaned up a little further to press her lips to his. It was only a quick peck since Enzo didn’t reciprocate, so she lowered herself down. “Are we ready then?” She asked, fixing the placing of his pocket chain, and Enzo answered by interlacing his fingers with hers before stepping out of his room the two were in.

The couple arrived at the dance just as they were allowing students to enter, and Ikaris wasn’t far behind. “Dumb and dumber!” Ikaris’ voice had rang out, and Enzo turned to smile at his friend who just walked pridefully into the cafeteria. Amber raised a brow to Ikaris before she studied his attire. “Since when do you wear stylish belts? With black rhinestones?” She asked skeptically, and Ikaris beamed. “Since now, cherry top. It’s very me, I’ve decided. Plus, I’m basically sporting my spirit animal tonight.” Ikaris bragged while referring to his necklace and belt buckle. Amber narrowed her eyes at the nickname, but it’s not the worst she’s been called by the blonde. “Very fetching.” Enzo complimented with a light chuckle. Ikaris took a dramatized bow before his eyes began to travel around the room. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a party to get started.” Ikaris winked before walking to the drink table, and then descending into the crowd of dancers.

As planned, Enzo managed to get Amber to gloat about herself to her friends, while he hung out near the food. What? Don’t judge. At least he was tapping his fingers rhythmically to the beat of the music. At the moment, Enzo was watching with a small smirk as Ikaris managed to find himself heavily flirting with twin wereowls. Which Enzo supposed is living truth that birds of the same feather don’t always flock together. Even funnier? Both girls were already taken. Yet, Ikaris was getting them to giggle, gush, and blush at his behavior. Tick tock until those boyfriends return though. From that entertaining scene, Enzo looked towards the entrance to watch the seemingly last of the students trickle in. Only a few minutes later did he finally see the Truhans, but Enzo definitely had to take a double look to make sure they were actually people he knew. His eyes had looked over Tarron first, and it was understandably odd to see him so… sharp? That’s the word Enzo was sticking with. Then there was Thaola, who seemed comfortable in her chosen dress and full attire. And finally, Enzo studied Ruina. From head to toe, Enzo took in her hair in a simple yet stunning fashion, to the black dress that hung on her perfectly.

Realizing he was studying their appearances a little too carefully, and for perhaps a little too long, Enzo approached them. “Truhan's clean up nicely,” Enzo smiled while glancing at them, “you all look great. And I feel mediocre now, thanks.” Enzo rocked on his heels as if to show off his fairly casual white jacket, black under T-shirt, black jeans with a few rips at the thigh and knee for style, and his white shoes. Oh, and the pocket chain, but he wears those on occasion anyway. Finally, his gaze settled solely on Ruina. “So, you got your way with black I take it?” Enzo asked with a small smirk. “You look amazing, Ruina.” After adding the complement, the wereeagle practically appeared out of thin air with how quick he was to reach Enzo’s side. “Wow… where did my friends go and what did you do with them? Actually, I think Tarron’s still in there, right bud? You’ve got the perma-brood going on, very nice.” Ikaris spoke, but his wilder grin is the one he’s fronting with tonight. “Say Tarron, if you need a wingman… get it? Anyway, I already know who’s available to get lucky with. And who to avoid. Trust me, my guy, you do not want to accidentally get with a clingy one.” Ikaris said with a slight shudder.

"I think you look great. Ritha's clean up nicely as well.”

Enzo gave a quick smile to Thaola. “Thanks.” Honestly he didn’t think he looked too different from most days, but he also only spent two minutes on his outfit. That’s about as much love he put into it. It’s not like he has to try too hard though, because he knows what he can and can’t pull off. This? He pulls off. At least Amber didn’t try too hard to get him to dress up anymore, but they both knew her pleas would have been met with unwavering resistance.

"Oh, yes. It took some bargaining, but yes, in the end, Thaola was okay with black." Enzo’s small smirk moved from being directed towards Ruina to Thaola as he waited to see what she would cut in with. “There wasn't much bargaining going on. I don't know what you are talking about. You, more or less, came into my room and told me that you were wearing black or you wouldn't be going in general. And I figured by the tone of your voice, you weren't kidding. And I figured, if I were forcing you to this dance, the least I could do was let you wear what color you wanted." Too bad he didn’t bring a snack with him over here; food and a show! “But not what outfit." Ruina’s addition to what Thaola said got Enzo to suppress a chuckle, but honestly, spectating this was highly entertaining. “Are you kidding me? If I had let you and Tarron wear what you wanted to, you two would have shown up in Truhan armor just because you two hate things like balls and dances." Now that’s the kind of dance wear Enzo was expecting to see both Ruina and Tarron in. “You guys could have worn armor over these clothes. Thaola would technically get what she wants, and you two could still be rebellious. Win, win.” Enzo smiled.

Enzo was actually a little surprised to see Ruina blush at his compliment, but he meant it. If he didn’t, he would have made it a back handed compliment with a snarky smile. "Thank you. You look great as well." Enzo flipped his collar up with a smirk. “I always look great.” His pride really twinkled in his eyes then, but it’s not like he’s wrong. He has a mirror, he knows how good he looks.

"Took you long enough, I thought you had managed to get yourself kicked out already. You and Enzo don't usually stray far from each other." Ikaris put one hand in his pocket while putting on his famous smirk. “I make my rounds, kitty. It’s my goal to do as much damage as possible without getting thrown out. Two bridges burned so far tonight.” Ikaris said with a tone of gloating. He wasn’t wrong. Those two boyfriends were like living giants compared to him. Ikaris knows when it’s time to bounce, so that’s kind of how he ended up here. “And me and Enzo? I know, he’s so clingy, I just can’t catch a break.” Ikaris tipped his head back as if he were frustrated, before lightly elbowing Enzo. "Hmm, thanks." Ikaris put up finger guns in Tarron’s direction before he lowered his hands again.

“Are you kidding, Tarron? One night, one night with your hair neat. You couldn't manage that."

Both boys shared an internal laugh through glances. “Nope. Just like I highly doubt you will be able to keep Ruina here all night. It's part of our nature, Tha." Ikaris looked between Tarron and Thaola… did they not see the perfect opportunity for a challenge? Well Ikaris did! Now he knew who to tattle to if his eagle eyes catch Ruina trying to leave, so internally, a game already begun for Ikaris. “What am I going to do with you two? You act more animal then human half the time." Enzo looked over to Ikaris with a raised brow, and Ikaris scoffed. “Do not.” He mumbled quickly. "You look great. Didn't think you'd dress up so nice." Ikaris’ lips upturned again into a smirk as he straightened his posture. “Thanks puppy, didn’t think you would either. I think we both know who won the dress up game though, I can get you the participation trophy at the end of the night for your effort.” Ikaris winked. “That goes for all of you by the way.” Ikaris smiled innocently. Enzo rolled his eyes, but he wouldn’t put it past Ikaris to actually make and give out literal participation trophies.

“Thanks, Ikaris, but I think I'll be okay. If one tries to cling to me, I have ways to get her to stop." Ikaris chuckled. “Like being yourself?” He threw in with a playful tone at Tarron. “Acting like a manic works pretty well, especially whenever you start rambling about insane shit, and if you make up your own language." Ikaris nodded with an expression that would be similar to someone taking notes during a lecture in class. As the cousins spoke, Ikaris leaned closer to Enzo to whisper. “I’m totally stealing a page out of Tarron’s book. But if anyone accuses me of copying, obviously I came up with it first.” Ikaris pulled away with an almost sinister smile before it disappeared, and Enzo simply shook his head. “Well! Are we going to stand here at the entrance and talk all night or are we going to dance?" Ikaris pumped his fists up. “Dance!” Enzo gave a look of disagreement, which so happens to be his judgy face. “Stand on the side lines and make fun of people.” Enzo said, which might as well have been what he was doing prior to. It’s not like he cared if people heard him or not.

"Stand here?" Ikaris gave a look of disbelief to the werewolf. "Oh, please! It's a dance, Rui! You're going to dance! So go- Dance!" Enzo didn’t see the shove coming, so as Ruina went off balance, his instinct was to step forward to make sure she didn’t hit the floor. That ended with her landing with her hands on his chest, and he looked down as she started trying to steady herself. "Did you have to shove me?" Enzo looked from Ruina to Thaola, but Enzo was hardly upset. "Oops." Enzo also shook his head, but he had a small smile. Ikaris turned to Thaola after that. “A great friend knows when their bestie needs a push; well done.” Ikaris smiled while giving a short round of applause. Enzo looked back down to Ruina after her hands came off. "Oh, sorry." Enzo chuckled lightly. “It’s alright. Women fall head over heels for me all the time. I’m just that awesome, so if anything, I should be the sorry one. You know, for being so awesome.” Enzo smirked. Yeah, he knew Thaola’s intervention led to Ruina’s fall into him, but he saw the opportunity to be humorous, so he took it. His head did turn to see if Amber was anywhere in view though, and as far as he could tell she wasn’t. He suspected though that if she were, her reaction wouldn’t have been pretty.

“Yes, we get it, you’re a teenage heartthrob… can we have fun now?” Ikaris bounced lightly with anticipation while looking towards Enzo, before Ikaris huffed. “Nevermind, you’re boring. Thaola? Are you down for some fun? I’d ask Tarron, but he might be busy scaring off girls.” Ikaris smirked from Thaola to Tarron. “Boring?” Enzo scoffed. “You wish. Scared I’ll show you up if I get out there?” Enzo asked with a tilt down of his head in challenge, and Ikaris tilted his head up with a smirk. “Not at all, I can’t fear what isn’t threatening to me.” Ikaris smiled before he started to saunter away, but not without turning around to add, “Loser town; population you.” Ikaris then put an ‘L’ up to his forehead before sticking his tongue out. Enzo narrowed his eyes. “If he does that again I’m cutting his tongue out.” The prince grumbled.

“Yes. That could have worked."

Enzo smiled proudly, but with a coveted flare of mischief. “It's not to late." Enzo met Thaola’s glance after Ruina spoke, although he was tempted now to inspire real rebellious action. Then again, Enzo knows when he’s going on a manipulative spree, and he does mindfully pull away from those attempts when it comes to friends. Most of the time. "No, the only time you are leaving this building tonight is when the dance is over. You leave now, and I know you, you won't come back." Enzo was fairly confident as well, judging by his and Ruina’s prior conversation, that she would leave without looking back. “Well, I tried." Anyone else and Enzo would have tried lighting a fuse right then in order to witness further pushing from both sides. Ugh, having friends just made him realize he has a conscience. “Oh, come on, Rui. What's so bad about a dance?" Oh, now this should be interesting. Enzo looked from Thaola to Ruina to see her response. "Let's see. The social interactions. The dancing, I'm not much of a dance. The bodies grinding against each other, and oh yeah. The social interactions." “She makes a good point.” Enzo said, but that just about summed up a lot of what’s wrong with the dance.

Again, Enzo was wishing he had brought a snack for the back and forth. It did get him to glance towards the snack table, which of course, was crowded now. Boo. After Ruina laughed at his prideful comment, he didn’t take it negatively. Even if it was meant that way, he would have let it roll off. If another guy tried to peacock around Enzo though, he would have no problem politely leveling people. Mental whiplash is always fun, but that’s his meaner side. It hurts knowing he has a nicer side sometimes. That very emaciated and neglected nicer side though was appealed to from time to time enough for Enzo to let it see the light of day. The most recent time was the conversation in the hall with Ruina. Maybe he was too tired to keep walls up then, but that hidden aspect to him was the sole reason he even bothered with trying to connect. It was nice, actually, but Enzo wouldn’t acknowledge the positive feelings he had gained.

“Thanks, bird."

Ikaris bowed forward with his arms out before rising again. “I’m here to flatter,” he smirked, “myself mostly.” Someone of his divine beauty obviously spent a straight hour in the mirror hyping himself up. Oh how he loved to admire himself. If he were just a shred more crazy and drunk on ego, he would seriously consider marrying his reflection. At least for now, his philosophy revolves around him loving briefly and leaving, with a trail of broken hearts behind him.

"Of course. Nothing drives the ladies away like me being myself.” Ikaris was visibly delighted and amused by that response. “Yeah, tall, dark, and brooding. What every lady hates." The only person that took offence to that was Ikaris. How could he not?! He was the exact opposite; shorter, lighter, and glowing. People love him, so obviously Ruina has no clue what women like. “Are you informing us of your type, cousin? Tall, dark, and brooding." Ikaris moved through his short lived offense. It makes sense! Ruina of course has unrealistic jaded views if she favors that kind of guy. "I'm not telling you my type at all. That is none of your business." Now both Ikaris and Enzo were curious to see where this conversation would go. “Oh, come on, Rui. What's your type? Short, happy, and cheerful? Tall, angry, and psychotic?” Both boys had smiles on their faces, though not surprisingly Ikaris was far from concealing his. “Oh, she has a type. Everyone does. In case anyone’s wondering, I’m my own type.” Ikaris grinned cockily. “No one was wondering.” Enzo remarked. Ikaris wasn’t lying though when he said he preferred his own type, and not just when it comes to loving solely himself. He has a preference for blondes and people that match his higher frequency energy. Put those two together? Perfect combination. Did Ikaris make the obvious connection between his ‘type’ and the person who fit that among his group of friends? Nope. That’s a boy for you though.

“See, why can't you be enthusiastic like Ikaris?"

Enzo gave Thaola a look that said “please don’t”... but too late, Ikaris’ ego was already stroked. “Not many people can keep up with me.” Ikaris shrugged with a smirk. “I agree with Enzo. I'd love to stand on the side and make fun of people." Enzo gave a genuine smile. “You're dancing tonight. All three of you. Don't be boring." Enzo could have been childish and said something along the lines of “make me”, but he didn’t. “I’m not boring, my definition of fun just varies from yours.” Enzo retorted to Thaola. “Buzzkill.” Ikaris coughed while glancing around the cafeteria. “Fine. I might get out there for one dance." Ikaris looked up to Enzo before speaking. “See? Even she’s giving into fun.” Enzo just rolled his eyes.

“Of course. I'm always down for fun." Ikaris’ eyes lit up with excitement. “Yes! I’ve got a taker.” He celebrated, but that meant he had a partner in crime, or fun, those two things tend to go hand in hand sometimes though. "Oh, I won't scare off that many.” Ikaris smirked lightly. “No, of course not, how could a tall, dark, and brooding guy scare away women. Right, Ruina?” Ikaris moved his smirk from Tarron to Ruina. What? He had to poke a little fun at it.

"I better see you out dancing soon, Rui!” Ikaris only slowed his pace slightly so he didn’t lose Thaola to the crowd. “Alright pretty kitty, here’s the game plan. I am planning on dancing, probably ridiculously. Eventually, I will get a drink that I know stains clothes, and I will accidentally bump into people with very expensive and beautiful clothing. Not you, of course, unless you bump into me first.” Ikaris winked. “Towards the end of the night, I want to mess with the music. Oh, and I’m trying to avoid…” Ikaris went onto his tiptoes to scan the area before he pointed to the other side of the cafeteria at two taller males. “Those guys. Think you can keep up with me?” Ikaris asked with a smirk. There would be other little things in between, but those were the biggest things on his mind right now.

“Well, I'm off to flirt, dance, and scare some ladies.” Enzo snorted with a half smile at Tarron’s words of absence, and then he looked back to Ruina to see her observing the crowd. His own eyes searched it, and he could only judge the scene. The drinks weren’t even spiked and it was like everyone was on go-go juice. Is that happiness? Gross. Enzo’s brows furrowed as the music changed, but as soon as couples started dancing along rhythmically to the waltz, Enzo internally shuddered. “Great.” He mumbled. But, maybe it would be great. Enzo’s eyes quickly scanned the crowd, and in so, he spotted Amber… a fairly good distance away. No doubt, she was about to start looking for him. Turning back to Ruina, this time Enzo had a smirk. “Think you can help me with something?” He asked, and then he led into his point. “I like making Amber mad. Call me petty, but… dance with me?” Enzo asked while stepping closer to Ruina and holding his hand out. He’s sure Amber has gotten on Ruina’s nerves a time or two, what better time for faultless revenge? That’s more of Enzo’s mindset, but there’s no wrong doing here. It’s a dance. Besides, Amber wouldn’t start any drama in front of such a large crowd, but hopefully dancing with Ruina would give Amber a little heartburn. Amber doesn’t like physical scars, so why not gain a few emotional ones? Enzo would just be settling the playing field after all.

"Thank you."

Enzo shot a beam Ruina’s way. “Not really. This is probably a one time thing. A dance, with people our own age. You really think the school is going to host another dance between now and the time we graduate?" Enzo chuckled, before looking over to Ruina. “They might. You never know. Why wouldn't they?" “Because we are only allowed to have forced fun on occasion. We get to be happy on their terms, yippee.” Enzo’s sarcastic nature very evidently leaked into that response. Why did the school get to decide when they could have fun? That thought comes from the place of his dislike of being told what to do though. "Too much work? This building is huge. Having to string up all these decorations. You do realize the cafeteria has been closed basically all week for them to prepare all this, right?" Enzo hummed, that could very well be the reason. He still preferred his own however. “So? The teachers seem to be enjoying it." Enzo took a glance towards the teachers himself for just a moment before the sight bored him.

“If you flattered anyone else, I would think you died and someone else managed to replace you." Ikaris gave a thoughtful look before his grin broke back out. “No one can manage to replace me, but at least you have a tell tale sign.” Ikaris was refraining from going on a tangent about the possibility of chickens trying to pull such a calculated move. What if they do try to replace him? Ikaris internally glowered at the thought. What eased him rapidly is knowing he can’t be replaced. He’s too grand to be mimicked, let alone replaced! From pride, to passion, anger, and ending at contentment… that’s 4 emotions in a few seconds. Hardly a set record, but it’s proof of the swings.

“Therefore, you are boring." Enzo’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, but he ended up just smiling and shaking his head. “I wouldn't call it giving in, I would call it, I don't want to see Thaola crying and whining about it for the next several-- the rest of my life, actually." Ikaris gave a nod of his head. “Ah, so it’s a compromise? You dance and Thaola is spared.” Ikaris concluded, but he didn’t actually take Thaola to be anyone that really cried or whined. Lecturing the werewolves maybe, but especially crying? It could be wrong for him to assume, but he was drawing that conclusion just from the way Thaola holds herself. It’s nearly admirable in Ikaris’ eyes, seems as how most women overuse the crying and whining cards. “Hey, I wouldn't cry and whine, especially that long." Ikaris’ suspicion was confirmed. There would be no crying or whining out of Thaola.

"Don't worry, I'll stay out the way.”

Ikaris gave a smile and a nod of appeasement. “Really? Scared of a fight, birdie?" The grin Ikaris gave was one nothing short of mischief, with maybe a hint of villainy. “Me? Scared of a fight? No, no. Like I said, I’m trying to do damage while ensuring my stay here. If those freaks of nature want to take a swing I’ll catch them outside.” Ikaris stated charismatically, but he’s completely serious. There is no fear in Ikaris, though that could be attributed to his arrogance. It’s also that nature that makes it impossible for him to stand down from a direct challenge. Sure, violence isn’t supported or condoned on school property… or in general really. However, he will not allow himself to look or feel cowardly, and he will not let anyone walk over him. “Are you kidding? You act like it's going to be difficult. I think I'll keep up just fine, birdie." Ikaris studied Thaola for a moment with zero expression on his face, and then his smirk returned with a vengeance. “Hm, you might be the first then.” Ikaris winked, but that’s one of the biggest compliments he could give.

Ikaris glanced up and around the cafeteria as the music changed. “Right on time for ridiculous dancing.” Ikaris declared as he looked back to Thaola. “Let’s get our ridiculous on, shall we?” Ikaris smirked, but he usually doesn’t give his victims willing friends much of a choice before he forces fun. Ikaris took one of her hands in his while his other was gently placed at her waist as he stepped closer to her. “So, I’m thinking of dramatic dips and twirls. Blame it on my frisky nature.” He winked while guiding what would be a short lived slower paced four step dance. “Can you move well in your shoes? If not, I’ll improvise.” Adding his smirk, Ikaris was basically warning her that they were about to become the odds one out on the dance floor.

“Of course."

Enzo’s smile expressed his appreciation of Ruina’s acceptance as his hand closed around hers. As he started to take the slower but calculated dance steps, his other hand hesitantly went to barely touch her waist. The dance seemed tailored to couples, so Enzo felt a bit out of element with Ruina. "I will warn you, I'm not much of a dancer. I'll try not to step on your toes.... Too much.” Enzo took a glance down towards their feet before his eyes met hers again. “Duly noted; I’ll try not to show off with my dancing skill then.” Enzo teased back. “It’s easier to dance with someone taller.” Enzo observed. “I feel like I’m dancing with a child sometimes when it comes to mine and Amber’s height difference.” He’s not wrong though, his inch above six feet compared to Amber’s height that’s barely above 5 feet does prove to be challenging. At least for Enzo. Ruina is already much taller, plus the heels? It just felt easier to dance with a taller body. Keeping up with the dance movements, the hand that was holding Ruina’s raised up so he could slowly turn her before his arm lowered. The new position being Ruina’s back to his front with his arm crossed over her front, while still holding her hand but with the clasp of their hands rested lightly against her stomach. “Have you danced with many guys, Ruina?” Enzo asked curiously. More often than not he’s paired with Amber, but Enzo’s flirtatious side leads him to occasionally channel his attention to other girls. That means the occasional dance with another. Just as he asked the question is when the period of that position change in the dance went back to the way it was originally. So Enzo reversed his actions so Ruina was back to facing him front to front.

Amber spent some time looking for Enzo around the cafeteria, but to no avail. Did he leave? She grew irritated at the thought of him leaving without giving her at least a warning. Then, just as she turned to walk towards the drink table, she caught the sight of her boyfriend. Except when she focused on him… he’s… dancing with someone else? Not just anyone else, but Ruina? A look of hurt morphed into a look of disgusted rage. Internally, she had already grown livid. Amber knew better than to cause a scene here though, so she stormed her way to the drink table so she could continue to feed her rage while watching her boyfriend dance with Ruina, of all people.

“See? Finally, someone else who sees the teachers for what they are.”

Enzo was genuinely a little surprised that he got that reaction from Ruina. Most of his views aren’t typically reciprocated, especially by fellow royals. "You know, not all the teachers are bad. You just hate authority." That issue with authority is something he’s observed from most of the group from time to time, so maybe his surprise at Ruina’s prior agreement shouldn’t have been actually surprising. “Yes, yes I do. But, so do you." Enzo’s lips upturned into a small smile at Tarron’s response, “Touche, cousin, touche."

"Sure, we can call it a compromise."

Ikaris banged an imaginary gavel. “A compromise it is hereby declared then.” His small dramatic gesture earned an easy eye roll from Enzo. “What else would you call it?" Ikaris’ eyes moved onto Thaola. “Like I said, we can call it a compromise." Nodding in agreement, Ikaris offered his voice. “My almighty verdict still stands as deeming it a compromise.” Enzo gave a slight scoff, “My almighty verdict deems your almighty verdict nonsense. And my verdict trumps yours any day.” Enzo said haughtily, and in return Ikaris gave the universal ‘suck it’ gesture. “Until you die.” If it weren’t for being in front of other friends and a cafeteria full of people, Enzo would have returned an offensive gesture… but he’s practicing maturity. It’s terrible. “You just wanted to see if I'd finally break down and start whining and crying like most females did." Both boys are equally thankful neither Ruina or Thaola are like that. It’s probably one of the biggest reasons the two of them took to the female Truhan’s better. They weren’t worried about being dainty, they didn’t act fragile or privileged, and they didn’t spring water works on anyone when they weren’t getting their way. It’s something they definitely appreciated about the two.

"Hmm, and I don't doubt that.”

Ikaris smirked. “It’s safe to not doubt me, especially when I always deliver.” Thaola’s simple statement was something Ikaris took as a compliment. Then again, he took most things as compliments. Thaola’s inclination for indulging in the same fun he did is one of the reasons he does appreciate her tagalongs. If Enzo isn’t up for it, usually he seeks out the werelioness. Plus, other than Ruina, Thaola is the only other female he doesn’t tend to manipulate or talk down to. That’s how much respect he has for the two. To the point his usual issues with women are set aside. Ikaris isn’t sexist, he’s just seen most -if not all- females are capable of being backstabbing conniving little snakes.

“I'm up for a challenge." Ikaris gave a slight chuckle as he cast a sideways glance to Thaola. “You usually are. You tolerate my existence after all, not many can handle that challenge. Well, usually not longer than a day or two.” Ikaris definitely had a love-hate relationship with his wonderful ability to drive people off. On one hand, there aren’t many people he deems worthy of giving his attention to for long, and he doesn’t bother exhausting himself with pretending. On the other hand, he’s gotten too accustomed to self-sabotaging most relationships; both friend and romantic. It’s definitely one more of the many reasons this group is so important to him, except Amber of course. Does anybody really accept her here? Maybe he should take a survey and share his results with the werefox. That would bring a smile to Ikaris’ face.

"Go for it.” Ikaris’ eyes sparkled with excitement at that. Her scoff, “Of course I can,” is something Ikaris took into a few second consideration before he started to pick up his dance’s pace. Spinning them both in contrast to the slow dance around them, Ikaris spun Thaola out before twirling her back in, and then came the first dip he lowered her into. “Well aren’t you little miss flexible. It’s a good trait.” He winked before raising her back up. His rhythm was very much a dance that went to the beat of something both joyous and whimsical, and if one was in tune to the art of dance, his own made up steps and moves with Thaola demonstrated a story to the inaudible melody they were dancing to. It’s a wistful story, cheery at best. But something that expressed humor through the smile of his face, as if this dance were also in itself a good joke.

"Well, I suppose I have. All forced, however. My parents love balls, and they use to host them like crazy. And of course I would be forced to not only attend but to dance with every male in the room. I was glad when they stopped hosting balls. Perhaps that is why I hate dances so much."

Enzo silently took that all in, mostly because he was reflecting as well as listening. “The dislike is understandable,” he nodded as a gesture of agreement. “My parents still love throwing balls and extravagant parties for the higher class. Technically my father does the planning and putting together of the social gatherings. He loves to hear himself talk when it comes to preaching or bragging to others. My mother, though, usually makes sworded comments to the attendants. Hurtful, but she says it so politely that it’s hard to take offense. I think I get that mean streak from her.” Enzo smiled while shaking his head. The queen of Ritha is just as calculated in her position as she is cold in temperament. Her apathetic and head strong front is of no secret to any kingdom, but she works wonders as a politician. Enzo gets that from her as well.

"Have you danced with many girls?" Enzo didn’t even have to think about the answer before he responded. “More than I count.” He said in a tone of mild complaint, before he smiled a little. “Unlike you, however, I hand picked most of my partners. Until the arrangement was finalized with Amber, but even then I get around to flirting enough to dance with someone else just out of spite. All it takes is a few giggle worthy compliments and a flash of my famous smile to get a girls hand. They think they’re so special, it’s kind of funny, because I know they aren’t any more significant than the next girl I dance with. It sounds mean, but it’s my truth.” Enzo said honestly. When charm is on your side, one typically uses it to their advantage. Enzo is no exception. The only thing Enzo omitted was that he usually enjoys crushing that sense of entitlement. In a nice way, of course, and that would be his mother in him.

“The difference with you, tonight, is that I don't have to pretend to enjoy your company. I got your hand by asking a friendly favor, I guess that means in the future I owe you a favor as well.” The wereleopard offered a smile, but the offer stood. He may not be considered the kindest individual to walk, but he will go out of his way for a friend. Ruina included. Besides, he had already fallen into a comfortable rhythm with how they were dancing. She wasn’t clinging to him like Amber would, and that he was thankful for. Even though he’s known Ruina for sometime, he hasn’t actually really known her. Until their conversation in the hall that is. It’s not often he makes common ground so easily with someone, and while he trusts all of his friends to an extent, he felt that the barrier of understanding that was created with Ruina forged a slightly stronger sense of trust. Trust is a very important thing to Enzo when it comes to anyone, and Ruina was starting to feel like an entity he could trust. Maybe not like he did Ikaris, but trust takes time to build as well.