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( 𝘨𝘪𝘧: 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘫𝘰 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 )

"𝐇𝐄𝐘, 𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐏 𝐌𝐄 𝐙𝐈𝐏 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐔𝐏?"

Rory glanced back at Jolene, and proceeded to cross the room to help the slightly older girl fit into her dress for the Chilton dance. Muttering a thank you, Jo made her hands skim through the top layer of the dress, its emerald tone accentuating her darker skin. She stood a few inches taller than Rory, who had an off-the-shoulder blue silk dress and her dark hair pulled up and pinned by small white flowers.

Jo sighed — she usually got ready for these kind of events with Kimberley, but ever since she asked Grayson to the dance, things had been awkward between the two. And Jo would rather avoid the situation than address her overcomplicated feelings about the situation that she had been put in. But she missed her best friend — her sarcastic commentary on the people attending, or hyping her up for her date. 

Rory, sensing the gloom behind her cousin's posture, pursued an answer. "So, have you and Kim not made up yet?"

"Well, it's not like we're fighting or anything." Jo sighed, flopping onto Rory's bed. "It's just . . . it's complicated. And awkward."

"Is it because you also like Grayson?"

Jo's head snapped up. "No! No way. Nothing like that." she turned away, combing her fingers through her natural curls as she bit her lip in thought. "Wait, also? Do you think Kim likes him?"

Shrugging, Rory ate some of the tacos Sookie brought earlier. "I don't know, isn't she your best friend? I used to think her and Johnny were dating, but I was wrong about that."

"I think everyone's confused when it comes to them two." Jo muttered, leaning on her arm as she reapplied her lipstick. "I just . . . Kim likes the attention. Nothing wrong with that, but Grayson is a good friend, and I'd hate to see him hurt."

Noticing her worried tone, Rory took a seat next to her, spreading the layers of her dress. "Well, you can't stop people from making mistakes. But if that happens, all you can do is be there for Grayson if he needs it."

Jo's lips spread into a small smile, glancing at her blue-eyed cousin. "When did you get so wise?"

"Oh, I only learnt from the unbreakable Jolene Gilmore." Rory teased.

Musing over her words, Jo stared down at her nails. "I'm not unbreakable — I just build myself too many walls that don't allow anyone to break me."

"Well, maybe it's time to take down those walls."

Jolene stared at Rory. Maybe she was right. Maybe if she didn't put herself out there, then all she'd have left is a tennis racket and a ball at the end of it. 

Before she could answer, a shout echoed through the hallways of the house.

"Girls, come out and let me take a picture!"

Chuckling, Jolene dusted off the skirt of her dress and pushed herself up, offering Rory a hand a smile. "Ready for a night we'll never forget?"

Rory stuck her tongue out. 

"Ready as I'll ever be."

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐓𝐎𝐍 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐇𝐀𝐃 𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑.

The stairwells were decorated with flowers and fairy lights, blue banners dangling from the ceiling and a cheerful atmosphere that settled on the students. Jolene Gilmore had Tristan Dugray hovering by her side, something that made the whole school glance and whisper.

And yet Jolene couldn't find it in herself to care, her dark eyes searching the room in curiosity.

"So . . . we're sat in table ten." 

Jo snapped her gaze back at the blond, remembering his presence and the fact that he was her date. "Oh, right. Shall we?"

With a nod, the couple parted students without a word as they made a beeline towards their table. But as they approached, Jolene faltered ─ for sat around the table were Nathalie, Johnny, Victor, Kim . . . and Grayson. Meeting his gaze, Jo immediately looked away, squeezing Tristan's arm lightly. "Hey, will you get us some drinks?"

As Tristan left, Jolene shared an awkward smile around the group, unresolved tension cutting like a knife. "Place is nicely decorated, isn't it?"

Humming in agreement, Johnny loosened his tie. "You look stunning, Jo. No surprise there."

"Thanks Johnny. You scrub up really nicely too." lingering her gaze, Jo moved it around the table, then lifted an eyebrow amused at the storm in Victor's face. "Damn, who twisted your panties? Girl you like turn you down?"

Victor glared at her, the sleeves of his white shirt pushed up to his elbows. "I'd rather be dateless than stuck with a jerk. Speaking of jerks, I didn't want to intrude on date night, but you can do better than Tristan. He's bad news."

"Victor, leave it─"

Jo raised an arm to silence Nathalie. "Yes Victor, leave it. You're not really one to give me relationship advice, and if I want your opinion, I'll ask for it."

"Well, I'm giving it anyways." Victor sulked, leaning back in his chair as he shrugged of Johnny's hand. "I thought you were classier than this. But I guess you are what everyone says you are."

Smirk faltering, Jolene clenched her hands into fists beneath the table. "And what's that?"

"That you're a little too ambitious for your own good ─ or anybody else's, for that matter."

Pursing her lips, Jo glanced around, a momentary pause that seem to drag for an eternity as she waited for someone ─ anyone ─ to disagree. But the silence was thickening, and Jo felt angry tears prick in her eyes. "Okay, message read loud and clear."

A look of regret flashed across Victor's face as Jolene pushed her chair back and stalked off, but he remained sat, clenching his jaw as he glared daggers at the plate in front of him. 

"Jo, wait up!"

Scoffing, she swivelled around to come face to face with Kim, her deep purple dress contrasting the dark shade of hair that cascaded over her shoulders. "You came to tell me how much of a bitch I am? Don't worry, I understood."

"I'm sorry." Kim chocked up slightly, shocking Jo. "Victor's a prick, but that doesn't matter. I'm sorry how it's been between us these last few weeks."

Staring at her, Jo cracked down slightly as she let her shoulders slump. "Am I too ambitious? Too much for everyone?"

Kim shook her head furiously, grabbing Jo's shoulders and forcing her best friend to look at her in the eye. "No. Way. And fuck anyone who says that ─ your ambition is what makes you be above everyone else. Who's name are people going to remember? Jolene fucking Gilmore, that's what."

Laughing through teared up eyes, Jo pouted. "I missed you."

"Me too." Kim pulled Jo into a tight hug, and after a few seconds the latter relented. "We can't ever let a boy get between us."

"Promise."

"Sorry to interrupt, but can I borrow Gilmore for a second?"

Letting Jo go from her hug, Kim narrowed her eyes in anger at Victor, who stood sheepishly avoiding eye contact. Placing one hand on her hip, the other she raised to point an angry finger. "Now you listen here, you slimy son of a─"

"It's okay, Kim." Jo squeezed the girl's hand, sending her a reassuring look. "I can handle it."

Sending him one last glare, Kim left the two alone, and headed back to their communal table. Watching her go, Jo crossed her arms over her chest and raised her eyebrow at Victor. "So?"

Scratching the back of his neck, he shifted his weight. "So . . . I came to apologise."

"Okay, go ahead."

Victor stared blankly at her. "That was it." A beat of silence lingered before Jo realised he was serious. Scoffing, she turned to walk away, before he stopped her again. "I . . . am sorry. It's none of my business who you decide to spend your time with, even if it is that jerk. You on the other hand . . . you're actually not that bad."

"Wow, thanks, I really needed your validation." she drawled in response, but the amused grin that now tugged her lips upwards made Victor relax slightly. "You're not too shabby yourself. Apart from the times you rain on my parade."

Victor winced, pressing a hand to his chest. "Ouch. But well deserved. And it looks like the storm is still brewing."

Frowning slightly, Jolene turned to see what Victor was staring at ─ and her smile dropped. "Oh, for fuck's sake."

Strutting towards them, she grabbed two glasses as she approached the fight, and a panicked wide-eyed Rory trying to fix it. "Hey, what the hell is going on here?"

"Leave, Jolene. This doesn't involve you." Tristan snapped, his gaze trained on Dean who was trying to leave. 

"Oh yeah?" Jo snapped back, rising to the challenge as she pulled Tristan back and poured one of the drinks over his head.

Gaping in shock, he gazed at her wide-eyed before the anger settled in. "What the hell, Gilmore? What was that for?"

"That was for ruining my night." Jo retorted, then proceeded to throw the second drink on top of him too. "And that one was for ruining Rory's night, you jerk!"

Without further adeau, Jolene pushed through the crowd of students, some of which cheered at her actions, she headed towards the coat room and pulled out her ticket.

"Hey, can I have my jacket back?"

As she waited for the guy working there to bring her jacket, Jolene dialled the taxi's number on her phone. But as she went to press the ringtone, a voice interrupted.

"Leaving already?"

Jolene swivelled around, meeting Grayon's raspy voice as he stood behind her, hands dug into the pockets of his suit and fuck did he look good. Jo pretended to flicker her eyes annoyed, glancing away to hide the peppered blush. "I've had enough excitement for one night."

Watching her mess around on her flip phone, Grayson dug his car keys from his pocket, letting them dangle from his finger. "Come on ─ let me give you a ride."

Snapping her gaze towards him with a wide-eyed stare, she stuttered slightly. "I couldn't ask you to do that."

"You don't have to, I offered."

She narrowed her dark eyes at him, trying to gouge out his intentions. "What about Kim?"

"I'll be back before she even realises I'm gone." Grayson shrugged, starting to back away towards the exit. "Besides, this isn't really my scene anyways."

Beginning to crack, Jo's shoulders relaxed as she glanced back at the party. "That makes two of us."

"Coming then?"

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

"𝐒𝐎 . . . 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐒 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐈 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄. 𝐓𝐀𝐇-𝐃𝐀𝐇."

Jolene pursed her lips awkwardly, glancing at Grayon's awed face. "Let me guess, you pictured a wrought-iron gate and a bunch of gargoyles. You weren't far off."

Chuckling, Grayson turned the engine of his car off. "Seems pretty on par. Not that you're that scary."

"Really?" Jolene asked sarcastically. "Did you not just see me throw two drinks on someone?"

"What was that about, by the way? If you don't mind me asking." he clarified, not wanting to make her uncomfortable.

"Nothing serious, really. I've already partly forgotten." Jo shrugged, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear as she added "I don't really do dates often, by the way. It's hard enough as it is to find anyone that can tolerate my ambitious persona."

"I happen to like your ambitious persona." Grayson teased, hands gripping the wheel as he gave her a sideways glance. "It happens to be very entertaining when it ends with you pouring two drinks over a guy's head." a surprised laugh escaped Jo's red lips as she nudged him amused, hand lingering on his before dropping away embarrassed. "What was all that about anyways?"

Shrugging, Jo gave him a deep look. "Nothing important ─ I've practically forgotten already. I'm just glad that's over and done with."

"Yeah, you seemed really uncomfortable the whole night, like you had a wedgie." 

Smirking, her eyebrows shot upwards. "Do you think of my underwear often?"

Grayson sputtered, scrambling to correct his words as his face turned a bright red. "T-that's not what I meant, I─"

But Jolene was no longer paying attention, as a fit of giggles had possessed her body, eyes squeezed shut as she leaned back with a wide grin stretching her cheeks. Grayson smiled softly alongside, staring at her as her laughter died down. She smiled at him, cheeks scattered with some kind of glitter from the party. It was a smile Grayson thought he might die to earn again.

He opened his mouth to say something, but a flash of light from the house caught their attention, as a figure at the window disappeared inside, being caught watching. Jo winced embarrassed, sending him an apologetic look as she gathered her purse and slipped her heels back on. "I should go before my mom sends a search party outside for me."

"Wouldn't want to get arrested for kidnapping," Grayson joked, gulping nervously.

Before heading out though, Jolene gave him a final look before leaning in, making Grayson hold his breath as she pressed her lips to his cheek momentarily, leaving a red mark of lipstick that lingered before she pulled away, their warm breaths interlocking.

"Thank you for the ride," Jolene whispered, voice carried by the night breeze. Then, just like that, she left the car without a second glance and disappeared into her house.

Grayson watched her walk, and he felt like he would never breathe the same again after Jolene fucking Gilmore. Bringing his fingers up to his cheek, he suddenly widened his eyes, remembering. 

"Fuck ─ Kimberley."

Kim was still at the Chilton dance, haunting the great hall as she made her way through the dancefloor, dodging students to and fro as her dark eyes scanned the room, searching for a certain Grayson had seemingly disappeared into thin air. 

"Looking for lover boy?" Kim swivelled around to meet Johnny's gaze, an embarrassed flush staining her cheeks. Out of everyone, why did it have to be Johnny to catch her alone? "His car isn't in the parking lot." 

Kim frowned, scrunching her nose. "Stalker much?"

Rolling his eyes, Johnny held up his alibi. "I was just taking a smoke outside and I happened to notice."

"Since when do you smoke?" she accused.

Ignoring her question, Johnny rolled his shoulders back. "Huh, haven't seen Jolene around either now that I think of it  . . . you don't think─"

"God, you're such an asshole." Kim cut him off irritated, about to push past him when a slower song started to play, and he grabbed her hand before pulling her towards him, getting into dancing position. "What are you doing?"

Johnny stared down at her as if she'd asked an obvious question. "Uhm, dancing? It is why we're here, you know."

"With me?" 

His harsh exterior of the night melted away ─ Johnny couldn't help it, Kim had always been his weakness. She would probably be his saviour or his downfall too. He wasn't sure which one yet. 

He let Time decide the course of that path, bathing in her presence for now as she leaned her head on his shoulder, two bodies swaying to a song that had been predetermined for them.

okay so it feels a bit weird referring rory and jo as aunt and niece, so i'm just gonna call them cousins

one step forward for some couples, three steps back for some others

idk why that closing line gave me stiles and lydia vibes in season 1 prom episode