JUNE MINI-EVENT: THEIR BLOOD ON THE ROSES IN HAND

[sailmods]

About midway through June, posters begin going up around the ship. They’re crude, clearly Friday-made creations, with cute little drawings and bubble letters. They all say basically the same thing:

SENIOR PROM
fun under the sea

JUNE 20
7PM TO 1AM
MAIN DINING ROOM

CRUISE FORMAL
NO ALCOHOL
ANNOUNCEMENT AT MIDNIGHT

When you arrive at the dining room at the appointed time, there is an arch of blue and white balloons in front of the door. As you pass through, you’re immediately greeted by the familiar icepick headache that always follows sojourns into other dimensions. The reason is immediately obvious: instead of the expected dining room, you are very much in what appears to be a school gym. A sizable one, with a DJ booth and a small stage, but you can still see the basketball hoops, for all that they’re covered in balloons. A lot of balloons. An honestly inadvisable amount of balloons.

There is a large dance floor in the middle of the room, under a spinning disco ball. Round tables of about four or five folding chairs each surround it; behind them, one can find the punch bowl, and a small buffet table of mostly finger foods (also a chocolate fountain, natch). the DJ booth isn’t manned, but it could be; it’ll play anyway, mostly 80s songs.

There are two gaudy thrones on the stage: one has a crown, the other a tiara, as well as sashes proclaiming the wearers to be prom king and queen. Behind the stage, a string is attached to the bucket of pig’s blood directly above the thrones, if you decide to be the funniest person to ever live.

There is a microphone stand on the stage. It doesn’t seem to be on.

Comments

Before Prom

[makesomedeals]

"Well, you look quite dashing tonight," his voice softly musical as he inclines his head towards Johnny. Game does in fact recognize game. "I see you've embarked on a public service, many here could use such a thing."

[businessorlibation]

"They've either never had the opportunity or need to learn. These formal occasions are a burden for some of them and a chance for others, to see how the other half live. It's adorable, seeing them struggle with what's become second nature to us."

Johnny pauses, setting down his tin of shoe polish. "Were you planning to dance, tonight?"

[makesomedeals]

"A shame. I suppose everyone starts somewhere though." A rare concession from him and he tucks his arms behind his back, "Why would it be a burden?"

He doesn't get it, but formality is second nature, even if it's not in his programming.

"I certainly hope there's the opportunity. It's rare we get the chance. Are you so inclined?" Followed by a small dip of his head.

[businessorlibation]

“Cheap and ill-fitting suits are heavy, itchy, uncomfortable and can restrict movement. Not everyone has had the opportunity for luxury, and for many it’s instead something they’re forced into by circumstance. Quite the shame.”

And Max’s is several times more expensive and fancy than Johnny’s, but even so, he knows what having a good suit means.

“Will you save me a dance, perhaps?”

[makesomedeals]

"That explains a lot actually. I had not considered that there's people forced into attendance against their will, which makes any event less than desirable." He's been fighting for a seat at the table for so long he failed to realize that there's plenty who hate their seat.

"Absolutely. It would be an honor," There's definitely a faint smoulder to the tilt of his eyes right now. "Someone has to show the others how it's done."

[businessorlibation]

"We'll make them quite jealous together, I'm sure. I'll see you inside, once I'm sure I've seen to everyone."

And he does. Later that evening, when the music's right and he's given his husbands first dibs, he approaches Max with a smile and an outstretched hand.

"May I?"

[makesomedeals]

Classy as always, Max approves. "I knew you'd cut a fine figure out here."

Taking his hand, he allows Johnny to lead him out onto the dance floor. "The music is not what I'm used to, but as always, we make do."

[businessorlibation]

"As we always do, in this place." They really don't seem to have a choice.

But Johnny steps close to Max, fingertips brushing a metal cheek gently before he steps into a proper dance hold. He's taught Vance how to dance, which has given him practice for this event in particular. And he always has been the picture of grace, has he not?

[makesomedeals]

They look out of place considering the pathetic decorations and high school gymnasium decor surrounding them, but at least the two of them look good.

Max takes the lead, mostly because that's why he's used to recently, he doesn't particularly have a preference. "Any predictions on what's to be revealed later?"

[businessorlibation]

"Some new method of wringing misery from us, to keep the lights on. Excursion, if I had to guess. Watson will go. Crabb, too. Darcy, of course, and a few others of her friends."

He rolls his eyes. "Cesar will stay with me. Clarke and her crew, unlikely to go. You?"

[makesomedeals]

"It depends what it is. I'd rather never go camping again in my life, but if it's another Battle Royale, well then I'll be there." Killing people is fine, but he draws the line at short shorts.

"And I think Clarke would go if the Captain is also there. I think she's still waiting to crack his head open again but hasn't been afforded the opportunity since."