On the morning of the prom, Kyle found Kay on the balcony of her room, a cup of coffee in hand, nursing a major hangover. Kelly was inside, getting ready for breakfast, so he took advantage and sat next to her.

"Hey." She smiled lazily at him. "How was practice?"

Kyle stared at her. He'd expected her to be embarrassed by what had happened last night, but she looked so serene, as if nothing... Wait a minute. Wait one freaking minute...

"We actually met last night, remember?"

She frowned, then winced and touched her temple. "Ugh, that's right, Kelly said you brought me to bed. I'm so sorry. I think I made a right fool of myself. I don't remember anything past Erin literally falling under the table."

Well, shit. What the hell was he supposed to do now? Act normal. You love her. Show it. There was absolutely no reason for this to get awkward. So he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him. She immediately cuddled under his arm. Yep, he could see himself doing this for the rest of his life.

"Still a sad drunk, sweetheart." There it was. It slipped again, but fuck it, he was done hiding and playing games.

She smiled, looking up at him. Okay, she should stop doing that because his chest was a second away from literally exploding with how much he loved her. How the hell had he managed to lie to himself that it was all platonic? There was nothing platonic about it. One sign, one small sign, and he was jumping her.

And there it was. Her eyes darkened the tiniest bit and her lips parted. There was no way he was misinterpreting this. She wanted it, too. He leaned over her.

"Hey, you guys ready for breakfast?" Joey called out. "

Kay turned toward his voice and Kyle's kiss landed on her cheek. Yup, Joey was dead.

"We need to get to our equipment too, cause some drunk assholes thought it was funny to play with our instruments." He stepped onto the balcony, a big silly grin on his face. It only widened when he saw them. "Am I interrupting anything?"

"What gave it away, Sherlock?" Kyle asked.

Kay looked from him to Joey then giggled. "I think I'll skip breakfast. My head is pounding and I'm not sure I can hold anything down."

"I'm not coming either," Kelly said from inside. "Not hungry."

"She's afraid she won't fit into her dress." Kay puffed her cheeks and crossed her eyes. It apparently did nothing for her headache because she winced and hissed like an angry cat.

She was beyond cute, but Kyle had work to do and she had a headache to lose until tonight. And it felt much more romantic to kiss her at the prom rather than while she was still having trouble not throwing up. Karma was a bitch.

Kiss her properly, that's what he meant. "Okay. See you girls tonight, then." He leaned over her and kissed her full on the mouth before victoriously striding out, like a boss, with Joey in his wake.

"Wait one single freaking minute." Joey actually caught up with him halfway down the hall and grabbed his shoulder to stop him.

"What?"

"Am I hallucinating or did you just kiss Kay? On the mouth?"

"You did not hallucinate, I kissed Kay on the mouth, and if you'd delayed your grand entrance by, say, five seconds, you would've found us kissing properly." Ah, it was so refreshing to finally be honest. And the gobsmacked look on Joey's face was priceless.

He pushes his jaw back with his hand. "So you and Kay are together?"

"Nope."

More stupid staring. This was so much fun.

"Then...?"

Kyle smiled. "We will be. As soon as we get some privacy. But you're totally right. Instruments are more important."

Joey opened and closed his mouth like a suffocating fish. "You're only saying that because you have a ton of guitars. I only have one good one."

"The king of small talk strikes again." Kyle tried not to laugh, but it was hopeless. He couldn't wait to see Kay again.

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After her brief date with coffee and aspirin, Kay took a much needed nap, leaving Kelly to fend for herself for a change. She woke up after lunch and practically inhaled the slice of pizza Kelly brought her.

Her headache gone and stomach filled accordingly, she was now ready and free to panic over Kyle kissing her that morning. She was eighty percent sure he'd meant to kiss her cheek and missed. That would explain why he'd left without a comment or backward glance.

But twenty percent was convinced he'd done it on purpose. Which would explain why he left like a boss. And the prospect haunted her. What was he doing? Why wasn't he doing more? Her lips still tingled and it was just a peck. What would a real kiss from him do to her body? Set it on fire?

Since she'd slept most of the day, she was cutting it close with the prepping schedule. Kelly, who'd taken a nap too, was already running around the room, searching for makeup and hairpins, mumbling that they were going to be late. Just to infuriate her, Kay took a long shower and came out of the bathroom all rosy cheeks and serene smiles. She didn't see the point in stressing out over this. It wasn't like Joey would even notice if Kelly's makeup was a shade darker than the dress.

"Oscars, Kay," Kelly said, waving a mascara stick at her. "And I'll be damned if I'll let any of Cecily's bimbos look better than me."

Cecily, right. For a brief moment, Kay even forgot she existed and that she was running for queen. Kay would vote for Kelly. She and Joey deserved to be king and queen because they were obviously the love story of the year.

The thought of Darla Hensesn had Kay gritting her teeth. Even if Donnie was no longer an issue, she couldn't drop her grudge. So she sat down and actually put considerable effort into her hair and makeup. She chose luminous makeup instead of the much more popular smoky eyes and put her hair up in a loose bun, caught in place with a small, decorative silver comb.

Ten minutes before the party, as she studied herself in the mirror, from golden hair to light-blue stilettos, she had to admit that she'd never looked so good in her life. She'd actually have the guts to go to an Oscars party dressed like that.

"Wow, Kay, you look gorgeous," Kelly said, clasping her hands together like a proud mamma.

"So do you."

And it wasn't an empty statement. Kelly was stunning in her strapless silk dress. She'd curled her hair and it now fell in elaborate waves over her shoulders and she'd gone for darker, mysterious makeup that fit her style. She looked like a Bond girl.

A knock on the door sent Kay's heart into hyper drive.

"The boys are here," Kelly said with a nervous laugh as she headed for the door and opened it.

Joey and Kyle awaited them with a smile, both of them wearing smart suits. Joey had gone for a black pants, blue coat combination with a matching tie. Kyle was all black suit and bow tie and had never looked more gorgeous. Or more surprised. His wide eyes scanned her from head to toe, then finally stopped on her face.

She stared back, not bothering to make out what Joey and Kelly were saying. She didn't care either way. Her heart felt too big for her chest. It was like looking at Kyle again for the first time, the same overwhelming feeling that he could exist, that he was real.

Only that this time, he wasn't an untouchable rock star or a dangerous ex-con in a relationship with the queen bee. This time, he was walking to her, taking her hands, and leaning over to whisper in her ear.

"You're the most gorgeous girl I've seen in my life."

And as crazy as it was, she believed him, and it made her incredibly happy.

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Kay was, by far, the most beautiful girl Kyle had ever seen, inside and out. Walking into the ballroom with her was amazing, seeing all eyes turning to her, how she lit up the room. This was the real Kay, this sure of herself head-turner. And once again, he failed to understand how he'd been able to deny his real feelings for her for so long.

It didn't matter anymore. He would make up for lost time by showering her with all the love and attention she deserved.

The prom itself was the regular dancing, drinking, laughing affair, but with her by his side, he really felt as if they were at a Hollywood party. Every dance was an opportunity to hold her, every joke a chance to see her smiling, hear her laugh. And damn it, he loved her dress. Yes, it fit her perfectly, yes the color suited her, but the bare back was what won him over because every dance meant he got to touch her warm, soft skin. And he'd noticed how she shivered every time he ran his hands down her back. Shivered but didn't tell him to stop, didn't look embarrassed or uncomfortable.

Actually, she didn't tell him to keep his hands off her once, not even as an innocent joke, and he was doing a lot of touching. Both because he couldn't help it and because he wanted to test how she might feel about him. When they'd danced a tango, he'd actually put his hand on her thigh. He loved that crack in her dress, too.

Test results so far were very promising. He'd squeeze her against him, she'd squeeze him back. He'd lean over much too close to her, she'd raise her chin to challenge him to get even closer. She didn't ask for a break, didn't want to dance with anyone else, actually grabbed him to make sure they touched even for the fast dances and was all smiles and laughter.

Their first twenty minute performance was torture because they were twenty minutes in which he was touching a guitar instead of her. It was maybe the first time performing didn't give him a high. The girl looking up at him adoringly from the crowd did.

And he just waited for the perfect moment, for the perfect song to tell her that he wanted out of the friend zone. He loved being her best friend, but he loved her more, so fuck their friendship. Or he could just kiss her and cut all the talking. But that had a minor setback. Just in case he was reading everything wrong, he didn't want to publicly embarrass her. She'd had enough of that from Donnie. And as sure of himself as he was, he wouldn't be that guy.

Just as he was enjoying a particularly funny dance routine Kay was doing to Thrift Shop which included dancing so close to him that they were basically glued together, Kelly and Joey decided to join the party. And by join the party, he meant ruin it.

"Let's go outside for a break," Joey said, as if it was a brilliant idea and Kyle should be ashamed he hadn't thought about it first.

Kyle hardly tore his gaze from Kay's butt to look at him. "Huh? We're sorta in the middle of something."

Joey rolled his eyes. "Come on, it's really hot in here."

"Yeah, Kay," Kelly piped in. "Let's go freshen up!"

"Why?" Kay asked, straightening and glancing up at Kyle as if she thought it was a horrible idea just like he did.

"Hoooot!" Joey insisted, fanning himself with his hand dramatically.

It was, but unlike Joey who kept the whole assemble, he'd gone all afterparty and got rid of the coat and untied the bow tie, so he was pretty comfortable.

He shook his head again, but Joey grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the exit. "Take a hint, will you?"

"What?" Okay, this was getting confusing.

"Give Kay a break. Let her and Kelly talk. Girls need to exchange opinions, you know. Dissect outfits, stuff like that."

Kyle pondered on this as he followed Joey outside. That sounded so stupid. But could he be crowding Kay? Nah, but maybe it was a good idea to take a break. The cool air cleared his head as they stepped out of the lodge. There were a lot of people outside, teachers included, most of them smoking. He hated cigarette smoke too, but at least it didn't make him sick.

"You and Kay are all over each other," Joey said conversationally, leaning against the wall and propping his foot up on it.

Ah, there it was. "Can't help it. Did you pull me out here because you were curious?"

"Um, that too. Kelly was dying to talk to Kay, though. My guess is about you and about what everyone else is wearing."

Damn, now he was actually curious what Kay might say to Kelly about him. And he also realized he'd barely paid anyone any attention. Maybe that's what everyone meant when they said love made you blind. He smiled. His chest seemed to warm up every time he thought the word. Probably because he'd been afraid he'd never feel it.

"What are you smirking about?" Joey asked.

"Nothing. Just happy."

"Agreed. I don't I've ever seen you this happy." He hesitated a second. "What's the deal with you and Kay?"

"Nothing." Yet.

"Right," Joey said skeptically. "Are you... Are you in love with her?"

He considered the question for a few moments. "I'm not going to tell you that before I tell her."

Joey grinned. "Fair enough. I got the picture. Just let me say that I'm--" Joey stopped as the sound of clicking heels reached them.

Cecily made her way toward them, looking glamorous in a black lace dress, her hair caught up in an elegant bun. "Hi, boys." Even if she'd greeted them both, her eyes rested on Kyle.

Joey said hi back, then pretended not to get the obvious hint and started whistling to himself. Kyle appreciated the support. He was in no mood to be alone with Cecily right then. Not when he was head over heels for another girl and he was planning how to spell it out to her.

"You look handsome. But that's hardly surprising," she said, as if Joey had been swallowed by the wall.

"You look like Morticia." Okay, maybe not the best thing to say, but the dress definitely had the same cut and Cecily actually looked pale in the light coming from inside.

"Oh, how I missed your brutal honesty," she replied, very obviously not missing it. "Have you voted for King and Queen yet?"

"Isn't that cute? She's here on a campaign run," Joey said. "Come to ask your ex for a vote?"

"Shut up, Ashley," Cecily snapped and Kyle choked on a laugh. "I guess you must have by now. No need to ask who your queen is, because it's not me. She's inside."

"Yup." Damn, he actually felt sorry for Cecily, wished there was no spite in her voice, no grimace on her face. He wished she'd fallen in love with Malcom or anyone else and was happy. But even so, he had to rub it in. "You were wrong about me, you know."

She raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"I apparently am very capable of loving someone beside myself."

Cecily smiled, but it was bitter. "Just not me."

"You'll find your own soulless creature to love."

"I hope so. But hey, that's what college is for." She walked up to him, raised on the tips of her toes and kissed him on the cheek. "Goodbye, Kyle. It was great while it lasted."

He kissed her cheek, too. "Goodbye, Cecily. We're cool."

This time, her smile was genuine before she turned and went back inside. Joey pushed himself off the wall and stopped by Kyle's side.

"You two have one weird relationship," he said, and Kyle nodded. "You voted for me, right?"

"Yes, obviously. I don't even know why you want this."

"It's cute. And Kelly wants it more."

Kyle nodded, trying not to feel guilty about not voting for Kelly, but he couldn't. Fortunately, the door opened once more and Kelly and Kay stepped outside.

"People are leaving," Kelly said outraged. "And changing clothes!"

"Come on, Kelly, we've been dressed up for five hours," Kay said. "I'd love to get back into jeans myself."

Damn, no more backless dress? But he'd like jeans too, thank you very much. "Maybe we should go change and meet back in."

Kay smiled at him, obviously grateful for the suggestion. Joey seemed to want it too, but Kelly put her hand on his forearm, a subtle yet obvious indication that he wasn't going anywhere.

"Suit yourselves," she said. "Let's go back in."

Kyle and Kay followed, but headed up the stair toward their rooms. It was so hard not to take her hand, not to wrap his arm around her, turn her towards him and kiss her.

"Should we meet at the entrance of the ballroom?"

He wasn't sure if he was imagining it, but she already seemed to miss him. He couldn't agree more.

"Yeah, sure." He took her hand and pulled her towards him, then kissed her shoulder. "Goodbye awesome dress."

She giggled and blew him a kiss before entering her room. He hurried to his, dying to see her again.

He quickly put on a pair of jeans, but left the dress shirt on. He just undid the cuffs and rolled his sleeves up to his elbows. It didn't bother him and he didn't exactly want to go back in wearing a t-shirt when most of the others were still dressed up. But the shoes had to go.

As he headed towards the stairs, he wondered what Kay would be wearing now. Maybe they'd meet on the hallway, just casually bump into each other, fall against a wall making out. That was actually not a bad idea. They'd be alone and if she decided to punch him or kick him in the crotch, at least it wouldn't be in front of the whole school.

Invigorated by the perspective of getting Kay on her own, he detoured towards her room. Just in time too, because the door opened.

But it wasn't Kay coming out.

Donnie closed the door behind him, a self-satisfied smirk on his face.

He looked at Kyle, and the satisfaction in his grin was sick. Donnie raised his hand in a mocking salute before turning his back on Kyle and strutting in the opposite direction.

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Dun dun dun. Cue evil music. Brick in the face? Brick in the face. You're welcome.

Now, what do you think happened? What do you think will happen?

I'm very curious what you think able Kyle's behavior toward Kay right now. Also, did you enjoy the prepping scene? I added that in for the little girl in all of us. Did you get a good feel for the prom? Who do you think will be king and queen?

Next chapter title: RIFOY

Thanks so much for reading. Vote if you like it, comment if you want to make me happy, share with your friends.