This one is pretty obvious. And it sucks. It absolutely sucks, even worse than the last one. Let's see how this goes — especially since I had a headache the first half of the oneshot, and didn't proof-read any of it. PLEASE, KEEP READING (if you're from the future) AND YOU WILL FIND BETTER ONES! Anyway, here goes . . .

Also, for this oneshot, it's absolutely obvious what the ship is, because Dex is underrated, and because I know a lot of you ship Tiana, and I like to spite with you ;)

Dex's gaze flickered to Biana. Her soft dark hair shone as the chandelier above glimmered like a thousand orange stars. A wide, perfectly perfect smile graced her pink lips as she laughed, smacking Tam's arm.

Perfectly perfect. That was an understatement. He could understand how even Tam of all people could fall so in love with her. Her teal eyes were the same shade as her brother, but, unlike Wonderboy, they radiated brilliant joy, both on the inside, and the outside. When her fingers, soft and slender, clasped Dex's hand . . . he felt like he could fly. He could soar higher than Silveny, even, because Biana was by his side. She always would be.

At least, his heart could fly.

But he was stuck on the ground, planted firmly on his feet, watching as Tam smiled at the dark-haired girl. Smiled.

Biana could do the impossible.

So even the notion of his being with her was impossible.

"Hey, you alright, buddy?" said a voice behind him. Dex turned to find Keefe leaning against the pillar, flipping a pillow in his arms. His hair was effortly tousled, and his gaze was intent upon Dex's, waiting patiently for a reply.

No wonder Biana fell so in love with him, Dex thought. Good looks, good personality, good guy . . .

"Yeah," he replied, though his gaze flitted back to the Tiana happening in front of his very eyes as the two quickly started a heated pillow fight.

Keefe stared at Dex. "You sure?"

"I'm good," he insisted. Keefe shrugged, and started to turn away, but Dex said, "Wait, Keefe?"

"Hmm?" said the blond-haired boy, glancing back.

Dex sighed, knowing he'd probably be teased for the rest of his life, but he had to know. "How . . . how do you handle the — the Fitzphie? You know? I mean —"

"It's hard," he murmured softly. His ice-blue gaze followed Dex's, finally focusing on Sophie. "And it hurts. But if she's happy, then so am I. She's clearly happier with Fitz."

There wasn't a single ounce in his words that made fun of Dex.

That's how much he cares, Dex realized, but he only frowned and said, "Oh."

"Yeah. I know, it doesn't really help, but if it's any consolation," Keefe said, lowering his voice to a teasing whisper, "I'm Team Diana."

"Because I'm your friend or because you don't like Bangs Boy?"

Keefe smirked. "Why can't it be both?"

"Wait — who said I like Biana?"

"Seriously, who here isn't oblivious?" Ro intervened. Dex could feel his face heat up. He turned to look at Keefe's bodyguard.

"How much of that did you hear?"

"All of it," Ro grinned. "Duh, I'm this boy's bodyguard, and I'm right here. Don't be as afraid as Hunkyhair. Go ask her out. Now," she commanded.

Dex yelped, scrambling away from the ogre princess, who was smiling smugly, big enough to show her sharp white teeth glinting in the chandelier light.

"Let's play Truth or Dare!" Biana exclaimed. She stood on the mess of pillows, sleeping bags, and blankets, tossing aside a pillow, which unfortunately smacked Tam right in the face.

"Hey!" he complained. He grabbed her arm and yanked her into the pile.

She laughed, nearly crashing on top of him.

Dex glanced around, wondering who would be insane enough to agree to Truth or Dare with Biana Vacker. Sophie stood next to Fitz, talking quietly, and judging by the way she was blushing, she was either ignoring Biana's words, or she was being herself. Linh's eyebrows had raised as she studied the scene in front of her, a devious grin growing on her expression.

"Anyone?" Biana called. "Truth or Dare?"

Apprehension clambered up Dex's throat — or was that his heart? — as he raised his hand slightly. "Truth?"

"He did not just —" Ro started, smacking Keefe's arm. "Why don't you learn from the little guy? He knows what he's doing."

No, I'm not, no, I'm not, no, I'm not, Dex thought frantically as he sat beside Biana. He wasn't sure if his heart was in the right place. It had lodged itself somewhere in his throat.

"Truth?"

"With our usual rules," Keefe interjected, shooting Dex a glare to tell him, I don't know why, but I'm doing this for you. He plopped down next to the Technopath, leaning on his arms as he kicked his legs out.

"What are the usual rules?" Sophie wondered.

Keefe smirked. "Well —"

Fitz grinned, flashing her his stupid Wonderboy smile. "You don't want to know."

Sophie's warm brown eyes widened, as she took her place next to Keefe. Wonderboy immediately claimed her other side, though Dex wasn't sure who else would take it. Linh's quiet grin grew into a smirk (Dex momentarily wondered if she'd been taking lessons from Keefe, the way she looked so knowing) as she sat between Fitz and Tam, completing the circle.

"Truth it is," Biana squealed. "Who has a good one?"

"I do!" Ro exclaimed.

"Are you playing?"

"You can't give out suggestions unless you're playing," Keefe told her.

"Break the rules a little, boy, isn't that your speciality?" Ro retorted.

Keefe sighed and glanced at Dex, mouthing, "Sorry. I tried."

"Oh, please, no," Dex groaned, burying his head in his arms.

"Ungrateful much?" the ogre snorted.

"Keefe's right," Biana said to Ro. "Unless you want to play, of course."

"Nope, continue," Ro told her. She glanced down at Dex. "I'm trying to help you, you know?"

"Thanks, I'm good." Dex said.

"You'll regret this, trust me."

"I don't think so —"

"Who do you like?" Linh asked at once.

Dex shut up.

Blood rushed up his neck, spreading onto his cheeks quickly. He attempted a smile, though, judging by the smirk on Keefe's expression, he failed. Badly.

A crazy voice in his head compelled him to say exactly who, but that voice was crazy, and the last time he told someone he liked them, it hadn't turned out very well. And then his first ki —

Dex forced the memory out of his head.

"Go on," Keefe told him.

He couldn't help but glance at Biana. Her teal eyes were wide, waiting for an answer. She wouldn't do what Sophie did, would she? If she liked Tam . . . Something twisted into a knot in his stomach, forcing the breath out of him.

"I don't —" Dex cleared his throat. "I don't like anyone."

Keefe and Ro both face-palmed as the blond-haired boy shook his head. "That — that didn't work. Like, at all."

"What?"

"Your entire face is red. No one believes you, Dex."

Of course it was. Life just hated him, didn't it?

"We're waiting." Linh's soft voice rang out around the room as she crossed her arms.

That had escalated far too quickly for Dex's liking. He racked his thoughts for something, anything, to come up, but his brain felt muddled. It felt like trying to swim through a lake of thick mud while there were dozens of ropes around him to help him out, but they were just out of reach.

"You guys don't know her," he blurted. "Um, her name is . . . B — Brooklyn?"

Keefe coughed, trying to hide his snicker. "Brooklyn? I'm sorry, I —" he burst into laughter, falling backwards onto a pillow.

Dex glared at the handsome boy.

"I can't stop laughing!" he protested.

"Why?" Biana wondered. "Who's Brooklyn?"

"No one," Keefe and Dex said instantly.

Both for clearly different reasons.

"I mean, she doesn't matter right now," Dex told her.

"Sure, Dexy." Keefe smirked, pulling himself together. "Sophie? Do you want to go?"

Sophie shook her head vigorously, blushing. "I can go the third turn. Or the last turn. Preferably the last turn."

"Feeling fluttery?"

Sophie ducked her head, hiding behind her hair.

"That's a strange question," mused Fitz.

"Biana, it's your turn," Keefe said.

"It is?" she asked. "Okay. Dare. Who's picking it?"

Keefe didn't hesitate with a reply. "Dex is."

"I am?"

"Yes, you are."

"Okay. Biana, I dare you to . . ." Dex mumbled, glancing at each of the six faces around the circle before finally settling on his love's. He knew what Keefe wanted him to tell her. But the words from before echoed in his head, cutting off his voice.

If she's happy, so am I.

He glanced at Tam, who was fidgeting idly with the pink, fuzzy pillow Biana had thwacked him with. His silver bangs fell into his eyes, hiding his emotions.

Dex stared at his hands. He couldn't let himself get in the way, could he? She was happier with Tam, and Tam was clearly happier with him. Besides, who would like him? Dex Dizznee, whose father was talentless, and whose family owned a store that made stuffy nobles uncomfortable.

Not all nobles are stuffy. Not Biana. Not with her beautiful grin, or her affectionate eyes. Not when she took his hand and smiled shyly at him. Not when she joked with him or teased him or made him laugh. Under all those layers of glamorous nobility and elegance, she was . . . amazing. And she deserved someone amazing, too.

"I dare you to . . ." Dex said again. He cleared his throat. "Tell Tam how you . . . feel about him."

Linh shrieked louder than anyone had ever heard her. Sophie glanced at Dex in surprise, and he could feel Keefe's gaze penetrating his. But he didn't look at anyone except Biana.

"What?" Biana squeaked in shock. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"We all know what that means," Linh said, unable to keep the grin off her face.

Biana frowned thoughtfully at the blanket in front of her. "Wait, Dex, I d —"

Dex dragged his gaze away, biting his lip. Hard. Hot tears threatened to blur his sight. No, no, no, he didn't need to cry. He didn't need to cry. The lump in his throat choked him, urging him to cry and let the tears overwhelm him.

No.

They didn't need to know. And Biana was happy. She was with Tam.

In the clamor, Tam backed away as shadows crept towards him, ready to shroud him to complete his escape.

"Oh, no you don't!" Linh cried. She grabbed her twin's arm and yanked him back. "Where are you going?"

Tam shook his arm out of his sister's grip and brushed his hair aside. "Nothing. I'm just going to grab some . . . Youth," he muttered. "And never come back —"

"Nuh uh," Linh told him.

"But I'm thirsty!"

"Fine, but I'll come with."

"Why?" asked the boy sulkily.

"So you don't leave."

"Why?" Tam repeated. Linh frowned, following her brother out.

"Yeah, why?" Keefe asked Dex.

Dex offered no reply.

Biana's gaze seemed to never have left his as she asked the remaining occupants of the room, "Could I talk to Dex?"

"Me?" he wondered. Keefe patted his shoulder comfortingly.

"Of course," Sophie said kindly to Biana.

"Come on, Foster, let's finish this game of Truth or Dare outside," said Keefe, hooking his arm through hers. He didn't seem to notice the way Wonderboy was glaring at his best friend. Or maybe he had, and was pretending he hadn't. "You coming, Fitzy?"

Fitz sighed, following them to the door. He stopped near the doorway, glancing back at Biana and Dex, before leaving them.
"Come on, Ro!" Keefe shouted from the hall.

The ogre princess groaned loudly, but she listened and sauntered out.

Before he knew it, they were alone.

"Wah!" he yelped, eyes round as Biana had suddenly appeared next to him. "What did I do to you?"

"Dex, let me tell you something. About your dare."

"I'm in trouble because of a dare?" he asked, puzzled.

Something soft and slender brushed against Dex's hand. He glanced down to find her warm fingers tangling with his cold ones, and he pleaded his heart to calm.

Don't blush, don't blush, don't — ugh.

He cleared his throat. "Does it feel really hot in here all of a sudden? I think so. Maybe we should go outside, with everyone else and —"

"Dex!" Biana laughed, teal eyes sparkling. "And you aren't in trouble."

"I'm not?"

"Well, no," she said, her soft voice sounding almost musical. Dex could listen to her voice on repeat for a week, and he'd never get tired of it. "I'm just telling you how I . . . feel about you," she whispered, mimicking the way he'd worded her dare.

"Seriously, what did I do to you?" he protested.

"You have no idea." The Vanisher smiled shyly.

Wait, what? Dex tilted his head.

Biana leaned closer to him, gazing straight into his periwinkle eyes. He could've counted nearly every freckle spattered generously across her nose. Her lashes were long and dark, and . . . fluttering closed? Only then did Dex realize how near her lips were to his. He stiffened, waiting for her to move back and tell him it was all a prank and laugh at the way he was so flustered. But she focused on his lips, as she leaned closer, breath mixing with his own. Her eyes closed.

And she was so close . . . barely millimeters away.

Dex couldn't think over the sound of his beating heart, pounding hard against his rib cage as if it were begging to be let free and fly. He didn't think he'd be able to hear anything beside it.

But he did.

"Hey — oh. Am I . . . interrupting something?"

Dex glimpsed at the doorway to find Linh there, holding a bottle of Youth, and scratching her head in confusion. She brushed aside her silver bangs as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing. He practically leaped up, starting to skid backwards, but Biana grabbed his arm.

"Yeah, you kind of are," she said to Linh. Her teal gaze didn't move from his. "But I don't care," she whispered. She tugged his hand, pulling him closer and closer . . .

Her lips brushed against his. And it was . . . beautiful. It didn't feel wrong, the way his kiss with Sophie had been. Don't get him wrong, it was mind-blowing. Her lips were soft against his, like an invitation to stand on the stars, to sleep on the clouds. His heart ran faster than he'd thought it ever could, but it felt good this time, like he dreaded the moment she would pull away. His hand reached up instinctively to tangle with her hair.

This time, it didn't miss.

Not more than three seconds later, Biana pulled away.

He didn't mess up, did he? It wasn't a prank, right? What did he do wrong? Had she really just kissed him? Did she like it? He certainly did. His heart had a good workout, and it wasn't stopping the blush coming to his face.

His eyes grew wider and wider, but he was too shocked to hide his astonishment. His eyebrows, he was sure, were in severe danger of disappearing into his hair, but he didn't care. Biana didn't look at him immediately. Her closed eyes sparkled with the light pink eyeshadow she wore, though it had faded over the course of the day, and a charming, blissful smile played upon her lips, savoring the kiss like it was the best thing that had ever happened to her.

"Hi, Dex," she whispered, her smile slowly growing.

"Hi, Biana," he replied. He bit his lip, but it wouldn't keep the grin from showing on his expression.

She pulled back, clearing her throat. "Ahem, sorry about — I mean, I know you like Brooklyn, and —"

"Then you would know she isn't a real person?"

"What?"

"I — well, I sort of," Dex started, "I might have made her up?" With those words, the rest came cascading out like the rush of a waterfall as he crept out from his timidity. "I like you, and I may have made her up so you wouldn't figure it out — which was also why I dared you to tell Tam how you feel about him, because I thought you were happy with him, but apparently you — well, I'm sure you are, but, really? I mean, me? This was probably the best day of my life! Or is that going too fast? This wasn't a prank, right? You're not . . . ahem, you're not that bad a kisser."

"Dex Dizznee!" she cried, laughing.

Why is she laughing? Did I say something wrong?

"You're so sweet," she told him.

Three words. That was all it took to get his heart racing, stumbling over itself in embarrassment.

"At least I'm not sour," he said, dazed.

Biana laughed again, throwing her arms around him, and burying her head into his neck. The ends of her soft brown hair brushed against his jaw, sending tingles down his spine.

A soft crunching noise sounded from the doorway, followed by the glug! of Youth.

"Linh?" Biana wondered with a frown. It didn't slip Dex's gaze how she didn't pull her arms away.

"Hmm?" asked Linh. She sat in front of the door, which had been closed part of the way. Her silver-blue eyes shone with delight, and in her lap rested a plate, empty, save for a few crumbs. In one hand, she held a custard burst, and her head rested in the other. She was watching them intently, grinning widely.

"Uh . . . you're sitting here," Dex told her.

"Yup." Linh nodded, taking a bite of the custard burst. When they simply stared at her, she told them, "Please, continue."

Because it sucks, idk what to say besides: please vote? And comment! 

I'll be back! Until then, stay safe, luv y'all!