"Fishnets?" Rey grumbled, quirking her lip at the undergarment packet that Rose handed over. "You're kidding me right?"

"Why not?" Rose countered, shrugging her shoulders. "You never said what kind to bring other than they had to be black, and I bought an extra pair when I got mine to keep for a backup. It's Halloween. Not prom."

"Well, yeah," Rey replied slowly, scrunching her nose. "But – fishnets?"

Rose rolled her eyes and sighed.

"Oh, come on Rey! Don't be such a prude. They're exactly what you need to add that little seductiveness to your costume," she affirmed, motioning a hand toward the dress that Rey was wearing. "You're already playing it safe with a skirt that stops above your knees. I think you can afford to work with me this one time. Besides," she winked and grinned, "where's your sense of living dangerously?"

If you only knew, Rey remarked to herself. If dating her teacher wouldn't classify as her high-tailing it through that so-called 'danger zone' in life, then she would be at a loss for words. 

Of course, there may have been some truth to Rose's accusation, considering Rey did make Sabine cart her around from one store to another for an entire afternoon in search for that perfect outfit and came out empty-handed. So when Sabine finally offered to lend her an outfit, she was more than grateful. It was simple yet sexy in its own way, and she didn't have to worry about embarrassing herself if she were to bend over and give the school an accidental eyeful of her ass.

The dress was sleeveless with thin, black straps as part of the corset. The bodice hugged the outer swell of her breasts, providing just the right amount of cleavage to peek out from the top to give it that evocative allure without being extreme. The front was latticed with an onyx-colored ribbon, providing a snug-fit to her torso. The white fabric covering her bust was cinched, puffing out from above the bodice.

The rest of the attire conformed to her taut figure, save for the dramatic flair at the midriff where the skirt was seamed. And black, velvety material created a damask embellishment along the bottom trim of the dress. All that was left for Rey to put on, other than the dreadful pair of stockings, was the red cape and black boots to pull the overall look, as Red Riding Hood, together.

Up until now, the only struggle was constantly needing to fix her strapless bra in what was beginning to feel like a hopeless effort from abstaining further south. What was one more annoyance to add for the night?  But then this was Rose that she was trying to argue with: Mishawaka High's most famous goddess in fashion. And she had to of been the only person out of the entire student body who gained more pleasure out of pushing every button of tolerance that belonged to Principal Hux.

"You just don't want to end up in Hux's office alone," Rey teased, accepting the unopened packet from Rose. "The only thing that's innocent about your outfit is the antennae headband."

"Pfft, Hux doesn't bother me," Rose replied with a chuckle. She gave her hips a playful shake, causing the stinger that was attached to the back of her bumble bee outfit to wiggle about. "And this – I just wanted this for the stinger, makes it easier to ward off horny flyboys that think they can grind and grope me from behind."

Rey gave her a knowing look and snickered when Rose turned her back, kneeling to retrieve the curling iron and hairspray from her duffle bag on the floor that sat in a heap next to Rey's bed. It was a cute costume: wings, antennae, and all. However, the skirt length was leaning uncomfortably toward the spectrum of being a bit too risqué for an event where the school's dress code was said to be more lenient.

The lemon-yellow, satin skirt extended out from the black and yellow-striped bodysuit, ending beneath the curvature of her buttocks and thighs, wearing her own pair of fishnet leggings. She also wore a set of matching leg warmers above a pair of black platform heels with rounded toes.

Judging by what she saw of Rose at the moment, she'd be surprised if her friend made it that far into the evening before Hux wound up dragging her into his office – or sending her home.

"Why do you do that anyway?" Rey asked, pulling back the sealed adhesive of the package to acquire its contents.

"Do what?" Rose inquired quizzically, her legs straightening as she stood. She grasped the curling iron that she'd been searching for with one hand, hairspray can in the other.

"Antagonize Hux the way you do," Rey mused, knitting her brows. "Being sent to his office all the time seems more like a hassle just because you love to rebel against the school's dress code."

"Oh," Rose scoffed, her thumb caressing the container's smooth surface. "I don't know?" She shrugged, her bottom lip puckering out with indifference. "I guess because he's kinda hot when he gets all riled up."

Rey blinked, allowing her brain to consume what sounded like nonsense to her ears. "So you get in trouble – on purpose – just to see him get pissed off? Because you think he's hot?"

Rose shrugged. "I guess so."

"Wouldn't it be easier to just say hi? Or smile and wave or whatever?"

Rose giggled, clearly more amused at her strange source of entertainment than Rey. "And where's the fun in that?"

"I don't know," Rey groaned, supporting her hip against the mattress while she eased her toes into the sheer fabric. "Maybe, because it sounds more logical than possibly getting yourself expelled your senior year?"

A haughty laugh broke from Rose's lips at that. She waved the canister of hairspray in the air, implying that there was no need to worry before she spoke. "He's had three years to get rid of me, and he hasn't yet. It's like he enjoys being tormented."

"Well, it's good to know that you're utterly certain of that," Rey mumbled quickly, her lips pinched. "So, would you ever – you know – do anything with him if you ever got the chance?"

Rose was caught off-guard by the question. Her mouth opened and closed at first. "I don't know," she stammered, "maybe. But I'm pretty sure that fucking the principal would get me thrown out of school faster than my usual antics would."

"Exactly, he's the principal. Why would you get expelled if he felt the same way?" Rey suggested, but Rose only shrugged in return. With a final pull of the stockings, she drew them over her hips, grimacing at their odd texture.  "God, these things feel really weird! Sorry, anyway, I suppose it would make Finn a little bit jealous to know that he has some sort of competition."

Rose nodded. "They do feel a little itchy and weird at first, but you'll get used to them," she assured and beckoned Rey to follow her toward the bathroom. "Just don't tell Finn. He doesn't need to know. It's just a stupid crush that gets me out of History most days.  And since we seem to be playing 'never have I ever' here: what about you?"

Rey dawdled in her steps, a frown spreading across her face. "What do you mean?"

Rose flipped the light on, giving the tiny bathroom a reprieve from its dim lighting. "Would you fool around with Mr. Solo if you ever got the chance?"

Oh no...

Rey stopped at the bathroom's threshold, a doe-eyed expression on her face, her mind begging to conjure another fib. She could have told her no. She could have said that Mr. Solo was nothing more than her teacher, or say he was nothing more than a crush that she had fantasized about during and outside of class.

Lies. That's all her words would be: more and more lies. Lies that she was tired of telling when she longed to just scream at the top of her lungs that Ben was hers and how much he truly meant to her. Lies she had promised Ben to tell no more of. She couldn't tell Maz – not yet, at least. However, Rose was her best friend and someone whom Rey was certain that she could trust with her secret.

She watched in silence as Rose plugged the iron into the outlet, pondering how she could make the truth easier for her friend to understand. And before she had a chance to realize what she was doing, the words came barreling over her lips.

"I kind of already am," she whispered nervously.

Rose blinked and then laughed. "Yeah, sure! I mean, it's obvious that you've had it bad for the guy but, come on! I just had to talk you into wearing fishnets! The Rey that I know would never be that daring."

Rey heaved a sigh and shook her head.

"Rose, I'm serious," she murmured, swallowing down the knot that had lodged itself in her throat. "Mr. So- I mean, Ben. His name is Ben," she continued. "We've been seeing each other for nearly a month now."

Rey held her breath and watched as Rose's apparent disbelief faded to shock. The apartment grew laden with silence, save for the muffled sound of a door closing somewhere down the hall, causing them both to flinch at the disruption.

"Oh my god," Rose gasped, a hand covering her mouth. "You're really being serious?"

Rey nodded, towing her bottom lip beneath an incisor.

"I – holy shit, Rey!"

"Please," Rey implored, hands held and raised like a prayer to her face. "You cannot tell anyone about this, especially Poe."

"That's just it!" Rose screeched, arms folding over her chest. "Do you realize what could happen if Poe found out? There's a ton of hot guys that you could've chosen, Rey. Not everyone who goes there is a complete douche bag like Poe! And how do you know Ben isn't just using you?"

"He's not like that," Rey spat in a voice that was louder than before, her eyes firmly set on Rose. "I don't expect you to understand right now because of who he is, but I had to tell someone." Her voice softened again. "He's amazing and sweet, and far from the horrible person that you guys believe him to be."

Rose heaved a sigh and nodded, eyes radiating empathy. "I believe you. I'm sorry for freaking out on you. I just – you're my best friend, Rey. And since he's older it was the first thing that popped into my head. I know it's lame to assume that because guys our age can be just as bad. Plus I'm aware that I sound like a complete and total hypocrite for scolding you when I confessed to similar thoughts about - well, you know who."

A smile tugged at the corners of Rey's lips. "Ben was actually the one who picked me up from Poe's party that night. He's never pressured me to do anything that I didn't feel comfortable with. If anything," she snorted, "I think I'm the one who tries to jump him more."

Rose chuckled and shook her head. "So, I'm assuming that he'll be there tonight to chaperone?"

"Yes!" Rey chirped. "He's dressing as the wolf."

Rose beamed a smile that easily reached her eyes. "Oh my god, you even coordinated your costumes! Well, if you guys want to sneak away tonight, I'll try my best to keep Poe busy."

Rey smiled appreciatively, and threw her arms around Rose's shoulders, drawing her into a hug. "Thank you. You really are the best."

"Of course," Rose assured sweetly. Parting from the short embrace, she pointed to the toilet's porcelain seat. "Now, sit. We have some work to do."

**

Aren't you something, an original, 'cause it doesn't seem merely assembled 

And I can't help but stare 'cause I see truth somewhere in your eyes

Ooh I can't ever change without you, you reflect me, I love that about you

And if I could, I would look at us all the time

'Cause with your hand in my hand and a pocket full of soul

I can tell you there's no place we couldn't go

Just put your hand on the glass, I'm here trying to pull you through 

You just gotta be strong 

'Cause I don't wanna lose you now

I'm looking right at the other half of me

The vacancy that sat in my heart

Is a space that now you hold 

Rhythmic sounds of bass guitars and drums rattled the walls, amplified by subwoofers flanking the DJ's set-up. Lyrics from popular music artists surged in waves through pythonic-sized speakers, greeting the ears of each and every student and chaperone who entered through the doors of Mishawaka High's gymnasium.

A dense cloud of fog rolled across the floor, rising from fog machines that were placed at every corner of the great room, enhancing the gym's dark and eerie atmosphere. A disco ball hung at the center of the ceiling above a swell of dancing students, dressed in costumes that ranged from zombies to witches to the iconic trio from Ghostbusters. They kept their hands held high and waved in sync with the music, girls mouthed their favorite lines to the Justin Timberlake song.

There was a table with refreshments near the bleachers to the right as she and Rose passed under the archway inside, lined with alternating orange and black balloons, and a photo booth stationed at the wall to their far left. The backdrop was of a creepy, old house: a haunted one no doubt. Jack-o-lanterns perched on small poles alongside taller ones with torches, lights imitating real life flames, and cornstalks.

It was the first school dance that Rey had ever been to, so she was in awe of its festive decor the moment she and Rose arrived. While Rose searched for Finn and Poe, Rey scanned her eyes over the room for Ben; although poor lighting made it a difficult task for both. She told Rose just as much, having to raise her voice in order to be heard above the loud music. 

"I know!" Rose hollered back, frustration blatant on her face. "The guys were getting their costumes today after school. I have no idea what they're dressed as!"

"Maybe you should just text them?" Rey suggested, settling her hands on her hips with a huff.

Rose nodded, retrieving her phone from where she had it nestled in her bra. "Have you found Ben yet?"

With a pout on her face, Rey shook her head. Even if she was able to find him it wasn't as if she could show her excitement to see him. It was but one of many downsides to the evening, though what she dreaded the most were those looming slow dances, where every couple was able to hold their date near and close. Rey would begrudgingly pass on those dances and sit on the bleachers rather than dance with someone like Poe who, despite knowing she was in a relationship with someone, insisted that she still be his date.

"Nope," Rey sighed when she finally spoke. Her eyes veered from the masses to Rose, whose gaze was fixed on the phone in hand, illuminating her face with its brightly-lit screen. "Have you heard anything from Finn?"

"Yes!" Rose responded cheerfully. "Poe just texted me. They're just now pulling into the par-."

"Tico!"

Together, their heads turned at the sharpness of Hux's voice to see the principle approaching ahead, dressed in his usual ebony suit with a white Oxford. Surprisingly, he was also wearing a cherry-red tie around his collar and devilish horns on his head.

"The red-headed demon found you later than I thought he would," Rey snarked, giving Rose's arm a playful nudge with her elbow.

Rose snickered. "Love the costume, Hugs!" She cried, tucking her phone away from view into its former place. "I really dig the horns by the way. They bring out the color of your hair."

"Funny," Hux sneered when he came to a sudden stop in front of them. He stood stiffly with his shoulders squared, hands clasped behind his back. "Why is it that I constantly have to remind you of the school's policy on attire?" He asked, eyes specifically fixed on Rose.

Rose gave him a wounded look. "What? You don't like it?" She twirled casually, skirt flourishing at the motion.

Hux shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Was it really your intention to reveal so much skin at a school function?"

Rose regarded her outfit, satisfied despite what he had to say about it. She returned to Hux, eyes blown yet feigning innocence. "It looks fine to me. But can you measure it just to double check?"

Hux leveled his gaze, patience depleted. "That won't be necessary Miss Tico. Might I suggest that you take notes on what your friends are wearing," he ordered, jutting his chin to Rey. "Clearly the rules aren't all that difficult to follow."

The girls exchanged looks and snorted, knowing what the other was thinking without having to express it aloud, ignoring a very confused Hux. The moment was interrupted by Finn's voice, their names piercing the room during a brief change in the music, a couple of cat-calls followed by Poe.

Hux rolled his eyes, turning on a heel to leave. "Just cover up, Tico. Perhaps your friend will lend you her cape."

"Look at you fine, sexy ladies!" Finn declared, overshadowing Hux's remark. "Wait, did I interrupt something?"

Rey scoffed, ignoring the question. "What are you supposed to be?"

Finn looked offended. "Black Panther!" He pulled the cat-like mask down from its place on his forehead to demonstrate the effect, voice muffled by the apparatus when he spoke again. "Haven't you ever seen The Avengers ?"

"Not everyone is a Marvel fanatic. And why didn't you at least choose someone like Spiderman?" Rose chided, arms folded over her chest. "You knew that I was going to be a bumblebee. You could've at least gotten a superhero that coordinated with mine!"

Poe grimaced, eyebrow cocked. "People are actually doing that?"

Rey snorted at that. Rose huffed in frustration.

"Apparently," Finn quipped shortly. "If that's the case, I saw that Jessika was dressed as Annamaria when we were coming in, Captain Sparrow."

"Oh hell no," Poe groaned, conveying a scowl at the mental image.

"I guess he is the worst pirate that we've ever heard of," Rey mentioned to Rose, referring to Poe's pirate costume that was the legendary captain from Pirates of the Caribbean .

They both laughed at the comment, eliciting quizzical expressions from Finn and Poe.

"Hey!" Rose gasped. "Has anyone seen Mitaka yet? I forgot he mentioned that he was gonna come!"

"Yeah," Rey assured. "He was the guy dressed as the Phantom of the Opera when we first walked in."

Rose looked surprised. "That was Mitaka talking to what's her face? Shit, I can't even remember her name! She always sits in the back row in Trig. She was dressed as Belle from Beauty and the Beast I think."

Rey quirked a brow. "Jaina?"

"Yes! That's her name," she squealed. "Wow, our shy boy is finally getting brave."

The memorable music of Michael Jackson's song Thriller suddenly came across the speakers, sustaining loud cheers of approval from the crowd.

"Come on!" Rose commanded, grabbing Rey's hand. "Let's dance!"

"I can't dance!" Rey warned.

"There's no rule that says you have to know how to dance to have fun," Rose promised. "Come on!"

Relenting, Rey was led to the dance floor, hips swaying on instinct to the beat. Finn and Poe fell in suit. She tried her hardest to mimic Rose's moves but failed, for the most part, and then went with the flow. They laughed and danced and spun when the moment was right in the music as each song transitioned into another, not caring that the makeup on their faces was quickly turning to putty from sweat.

Several songs had come and gone when the song, From This Moment On by Shania Twain, started to play, marking it as the first slow dance of the night. And Rey longed for nothing more than to have the person that was extending his hand to her, asking her to dance, to be Ben and not Poe.

"Come on, Rey," Poe genuinely asked, "just one dance?"

Rey frowned and shook her head, chest heaving from the exertion. "I think I'll sit this one out," she confessed, using a hand to fan herself. "A break sounds perfect right now. I'm sorry."

Poe nodded, however, the disappointment on his face was clear. Much to her satisfaction, he didn't push further on the question. Rey could barely restrain the sigh when she advanced toward the refreshment table, relieved that Poe didn't bother to follow.

Good, maybe he's finally getting the hint , she muttered to herself, pouring a cup of fruit punch with the ladle from the juice bowl.

She passed on the trail mix, distributed in snack-sized serving cups across the table, wishing she hadn't left her phone in Rose's car so she could message Ben. It had been nearly an hour since they'd arrived at the dance and she had yet to see him.

She found a bare spot along the wall that was opposite the bleachers, feeling more like the small group of nerds that were huddled there, watching those who remained dancing with envy. Raising the small cup to her lips for a drink, she skimmed over the faces in the crowd for Ben, arms hugging her torso.

It wasn't until the song's final moments when a certain person came through the gymnasium's rear entrance unseen and was approaching her from behind. The voice of the newcomer rang soft and sweet to her ears, sweeter than the melody that was playing for the assembly on the dance floor, and immediately put a smile on her face when he spoke.

"I was always under the impression that this section was reserved for outcasts."

Warmth welled within the pit of her abdomen at the sound of his voice, knowing right away that it was Ben. Craning her chin to the side, she saw him standing beside her, surprised that he wasn't wearing his glasses for once. Contacts , she supposed. 

"My date was running late apparently," she accused blithely. "I was beginning to wonder if he ditched me."

Ben raised his brows, feigning ignorance. "Seriously? Damn, what an asshole."

Rey laughed and shook her head, eyes soft and tender. "It's okay. I think I can forgive him this one time."

"I suppose that's good then," he smirked. "I'm sorry for running late. Hux has been blowing up my phone since this started."

"Is everything okay?" Rey asked, her brows furrowed.

Ben nodded and shoved the hand nearest to her in his front jean pocket. "I just had to make a quick trip to the ranch. Kylo was - being Kylo."

Rey smiled. "I do love that naughty little pony though."

Ben chuckled and then heaved a sigh, making his cheeks puff in the act. His eyes flickered over her appearance, devouring everything the shadows failed to touch. Her eyelids were painted with mixtures of grey, a dark shade of charcoal that faded to light smoke. Her hair hung in loose curls over her shoulders, disheveled from dancing. "You look beautiful Rey. I don't think I could ever tell you that enough without exhausting the words."

Pink faintly colored her cheeks at the compliment. "Thanks, but I think most of the makeup has melted off."

Ben shook his head. "You don't need it anyway. And I will make it up to you before the night is over since I missed this slow dance."

"How?" She asked, wincing. "People will see."

"Not if we go somewhere else."

She eyed him skeptically. "Like where?"

Ben rolled his lips, eyes shortly straying from hers toward the dark space over her shoulder. "The library, it's fairly close so we can still hear the music. We could have our own dance in private there."

Her eyes brightened at the suggestion, resisting the powerful urge to kiss him. "It sounds perfect. I can meet you there at the beginning of the next slow song."

The music gradually came to an end then, replaced by the catchy beats that belonged to another. As they parted to go their separate ways Rey caught a glimpse of his wolf tail, fastened to the backside of his dark denim between the pockets.

"Hey!" She called in a voice that was loud enough for only Ben to hear, prompting him to steal a glance from over his shoulder. "Where's the rest of your costume?"

He rolled his eyes and signaled the hand that was wielding the headband into her view, revealing the largest and fluffiest pair of wolf ears she'd ever seen. Her hands motioned for him to put them on, and he obliged without objection - well, at least not too much of one.

If Rey hadn't needed a reason to love his large ears already, she certainly had one now.

**

Time was slow moving before the opening keys of the next slow song played throughout the gym, the soulful voices of Meghan Trainor with the accompaniment of John Legend following after. The DJ announced through his microphone that everyone was to turn to their special someone and that was the last Rey remembered hearing.

Leaving what was left of his statement muffled behind closed doors, she made a quick jog down the intersecting hallway. She headed directly toward the library, where she found Ben waiting for her, as promised. The evening's full moon glistened through a large window behind the librarian's desk, and they could use nature's spotlight amongst the archives as their own inside the blackened interior.

So I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you
And I'm gonna hold you like I'm saying goodbye
Wherever we're standing
I won't take you for granted
'Cause we'll never know when, when we'll run out of time

Not allowing herself a moment to catch her breath, she immediately flung her arms around his neck, smashing his lips to hers. They poured every part of themselves into the moment, doing precisely what the message of the lyrics conveyed as the sweet melody guided its way through the hall to their ears.  

So I'll kiss you longer baby
Any chance that I get
I'll make the most of the minutes
And love with no regrets

"I thought I should tell you before you find out the hard way," she breathed against his lips, disrupting the kiss. "I'm a terrible dancer."

Ben chuckled. "Well, lucky for you, you only have to worry about following my lead," he murmured, his voice low and raspy.

She smiled at that, feeling slightly more reassured and confident. He showed her where to place her hand on his shoulder, the other he firmly grasped in his hand, the remaining palm splayed over the small of her back. He guided them into a slow series of steady movements, swaying in place on occasion. To anyone else, it might have been considered cheesy, but to Rey, it was one was of the best moments of her life.

She gave him a smile that spread across the width of her face. And he awarded her  the same lop-sided grin that never ceased to make her heart race in her chest; however, the look on his face was unlike the usual way he looked at her. This felt heavier, more intense, almost suffocating. As if there were something more that had suddenly developed, something that hadn't been there before.

But that was something that could be considered at a later time, as the lyrics were approaching the end of the song. Bringing their bodies closer together, her head settled against his shoulder and she closed her eyes, relishing what few moments were left of their dance.