13217/Xavier School Prom

Xavier School Prom
Date of Scene:	25 May 2021
Location:	Club Evolution, Mutant Town
Synopsis:	The prom for Xavier's School. Big wins, little wins, new friends, and old ones; a night to celebrate those that matter and the memories made. And dancing. Lots of that. Hank still remembers the Macarena.
Cast of Characters:	Phoenix, Prismatic, Cannonball, Faraday, Nightingale, Lucas Farmer, SpyderByte, Antigravity, Gray, Icarus, Rogue, Beast, Ted Gammage, Pixie, Aegis

---

Phoenix has posed:
Tonight, there is no Club Evolution. There is a forest.

Through extensive decoration, the club has been transformed into an evening forest. Pillars line the dance floor like a stand of ancient oaks, with duct work made to look like intertwining branches. Sheets of moss hang down adorned with thousands of twinkling fairy lights like fireflies. Through the branches, a backdrop made to resemble a starry night sky with a large center light giving the appearance of the moon.

The trunks are decorated with plants that seem eerily convincing, taking the form of an array of night blossoms that glow with soft twilight light from whites to pinks, purples and blues.  The stage is similarly decorated, with an elaborate archway of faux tree limbs and vines with more twinkling lights.

The walls carry the theme to look like the impenetrable walls of a forest thicket, and the tables have been decorated to resemble an assortment of logs and oversized mushrooms carefully underlit in soft gold to provide illumination for walking without detracting. Centerpieces on all of the tables contain the same glowing flowers.

Off to one side of the entrance is a photo arch to look like two saplings grown intertwined, covered in vines with glowing flowers and tiny lights that spell out "Prom 2029". There's even some props like flowered crowns, antlers, animal ears, and wings for those who want to jazz up their pictures. A box is nearby with paper for those to vote for the royal pair of the dance.

The bar has been opened with an array of non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails, with anything alcoholic disallowed for anyone. There are also snacks to be had such as sandwiches, finger appetizers, fruits of all sorts from mundane to exotic, and of course no shortage of cookies, petit fours, and mousse - everything made to be small, portable, and mostly safe around expensive clothing.

The opening speech has already been given and students and chaperones left to mingle and enjoy the evening as they wish. Several school staff members mill around, providing security, escort duties, and supporting the club's staff. Music already fills the air.

Prismatic has posed:
    As one of the higher ups in the school, Alexis is in attendance in the form of a chaperone. Her dark hair was done up with fairy braids and a few glass crystals to catch the light. A pair of diamond solitaires at her ears and a delicate twilight-blue sheath dress with matching shoes completes her demure ensemble -- after all, tonight it's the students' night to shine.

    She's just here making sure no one's toes get stepped on and to act as security, drinking a strawberry fizzy water off to the side.

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie is wearing a rather nice Tux, hey he bought it recently might as well get more use out of it. He is besides Alexis, smiling over at her, a moment, and says softly yo her "Place looks pretty good, almost think they snuck some of the danger room panels in here." He jokes quietly to her. He does watch people as well, as he is a chaperone, and also gotta make sure the club does not have trouble from this too.

Faraday has posed:
Indira may be walking into the club alone, but it is not without style.

She is adorned in an elaborately draped saree done in heavy silk the colored of crushed blue velvet as deep as the night sky. A thick edge of metallic gold runs along the edge of the cloth from start to finish and coursing like a wave through the folds and drapes to accentuate neckline and shoulder, diagonal down and around her body to pool at her feet, and down the length of fabric that enrobes her left arm and runs down to drape like a train on the floor. A short, matching gold top provides modesty and a right shoulder covering. Beadwork and embroidery form clumped designs of stylized leaves at various points along the gold border to accentuate her neck, hip, feet, and sleeve. Gold sandals are barely visible on her feet. Her hair is loose and free with curls decorated with subtle golden streaks to match the stack of gold bangles on her exposed bicep and forearm. A headband of thin gold forms a V on her forehead and disappears up into her hairline, with the bottom of the V having a single ornately stamped gold disc hanging between her brows. Wrist-high gloves of a matching blue have a more matte finish, the only part that looks like it was really custom made to fit the ensemble.

She's also got on slim, golden shades and carries a golden clutch with a white and navy-striped tiger done up in embroidery on it. Because leave it to Indira to walk into a club with sunglasses on. She's walking with the same regal arrogance as the tiger striding across her purse though her smile is several shades friendlier. "Swanky." She murmurs as she plucks off her sunglasses and secures them in her purse. "Almost can't recognize the place."

Nightingale has posed:
     Having made her way back to the school earlier to get cleaned up and changed for the evening's festivities, Shannon has returned to the utterly transformed, evolved Evolution, agog at just how much has been accomplished in just a short time. Her dress is almost simplistic in its style, at once modest, sweet, and perhaps just a touch daring at the same time. It's a floor-length a-line dress of glacier blue silk, with a transluscent taffeta overlay of slightly paler hue. The double-layered neckline is fairly low without being immodest beneath, with the taffeta continuing upwards above the lower silk layer beneath, to wrap gently around her neck and offer a bit of modesty. The entire neckline has been hand-stitched with Swarovski crystals that shimmer and give off little rainbows even in the low lighting of the room, as has the lower hem of the skirt. She wears soft, glacier blue flats beneath to complete the ensemble, and simple crystal stud earrings to match. Her hair has been left long and loose, with only the pale blue braid on the left side of her face changed; instead of three silver beads, it bears three Swarovski crystals on the end instead.

     Smiling at Alexis and Sam, she pauses to give them each a hug. Too, she waves at Indira as she makes her entrance. This was going to be a good night. Somehow, she just knew it. "I know, right? Can't wait to see how Jay's band does. I've never actually seen them perform live, so this is going to be a treat."

Lucas Farmer has posed:
Over the last few days, which is not much longer than the time he has been at the School, Lucas has noticed the effervescence surrounding the incoming big event, something called a Promotion, usually called the Prom. The notion of a promotion, he quickly understood, although its inherent importance remains vague in his mind.

Nonetheless, Lucas did like the other boys, and put on his finest clothes: a brand new plaid flannel shirt offered by Rosie, and a pair of black pants he was told were nice. If anyone told him that this wasn't proper enough, he either didn't hear their comment or its meaning, or just plain disregarded any comment about clothes. Clothes are clothes, and as long as they aren't stained or stinky, they shouldn't be a matter. They sure aren't for Lucas.

Of course, Lucas recognizes many faces, if not all, tho he could not remember all their names. The speech was long and meaningless to him, really, although everyone listened almost religiously. Strange event indeed. If it is a tad unsettling for him, Lucas is visibly reassured by the presence of the School staff. And... there is food, of all sorts, things Lucas never saw or tasted. For now, he's browsing the offer, from sandwiches to dessert, and seems to contemplate what to eat first. This is where his attention is turned, until the young man is distracted by Indira's entrance. Then Shannon, and all the girls. To stare at people is wrong, so Lucas quickly turns his eyes back on the food assortment.

SpyderByte has posed:
An electric Tesla Limo pulls up out front of the Club, black, with tinted windows. The chaffeaur makes his way around the long vehicle and opens the back door to reveal a trio of students. Out comes Jeremy first, then reaches in with his hand to take Rosie's to help her out, followed by Gray. The Goth today has traded in trench coats, dog collars and chains for something far more dapper.

Today, he is wearing a black tuxedo with red piping along the chest that has a neon glow to it, a dark red vest with a matching red tie over his white button down shirt. He even has a red hankerchief in his pocket. Earlier in the day he made sure to give Rosie a corsage and Gray a small boutonniere to wear per tradition. his long black hair is pulled back behind him into a pony tail and bound by a black band.

When the doors open to reveal them, he takes a moment to look through the forest, now that it's lit up and full of magical high school wonder. He takes in a deep breath, then reaches out to slide his right hand into Rosie's left, giving a glance past her to Gray with as mile before they start their way forward. There is no point in hiding it anymore. The trio has arrived together as each other's prom date.

Antigravity has posed:
    Accompanying Jeremy and Gray, Rosie comes up between them. Her sandy blonde hair has been cut manic-pixie short, and is spiked up in a very punk rock look. She has red-to-black ombre sunglasses, and (clip-on) drop earings in sparkling red. Her dress is short, black on top and turning to red about her upper thighs, ending between her knees and ankles in scarlet. The boddice is decorated in loose, almost flower-like designs rendered in crystal and silver threads, with crystals highlighting the boddice and her waist.

    OVer this, she is wearing a black shrug, light-weight and bolero-length, to hide the scars on her shoulders and arms.

    ARound her neck, she's wearing a black ribbon choker, and on her hands black, satin, wrist-length gloves.

    Her black cherry colored lips curl into a smile as she sees the forst!

    "Lord Almighty, now that's a trick!" she pronounces in her approval.

Gray has posed:
Gray, it seems, has actually gone all out as far as his Prom outfit, making sure to at leas somewhat match his... dates.

He's dressed win a western flair. His black tux jacket is on the longer side, falling well below his hips, and left open enough to show off the deep red vest and oversized gold and silver belt buckle underneith. Instead of a traditional tie of silk, he's weaing a bolo tie with a golden cow skull snugged up close to his throat. The entire ensamble is topped off with black cowboy boots and a black felt cowboy hat.

Sure, he probably looks a little out of place for fancy dress in New York, but he's going back to his Texas roots.

He offers an arm to Rosie as they enter, blinking a few times at the sight before them, "Sure is..." Wow. He leans around to look over at Jeremy, addressing both of them, "Let's find a table." This jacket s going to get too hot before long.

Icarus has posed:
As people are arriving, there is music. It is pumped through the loudspeakers from a DJ setup at the side. He would be handling the music when the band wasn't performing. After all, it was going to be a long night and the band would need breaks.

The stage for live performances is more front center, with the tree motif having carried over there. There is a drum set visible and mics with stands. Nothing else at the moment. Then the stage lights go dark, leaving only the twinkle lights around it though the main floor still has the normal low-lighting levels since people need to be able to see. The song playing overhead ends.

A moment later a live guitar came in with pure vocals.

"Oh don't you dare look back
Just keep your eyes on me
I said you're holding back
She said shut up and dance with me
This woman is my destiny
She said ooh-ooh-hoo
Shut up and dance with me!"

The lights came up to reveal the the Blue Pirates on stage. They were a group starting to gain some fame, having performed with Dazzler in the past and more recently with Andrea Jackson for her new release as well as the New Year's Eve celebration in NYC.

The band is made up of four men. Drums, bass guitar, keyboards and lead guitar was held by the lead singer. That lead singer was an Xavier's alum himself, none other than Jay Guthrie. He was dressed in black pants that looked to be leather possibly. His shirt was a simple white tank top that fit like a second skin, leaving his arms on full display. Not for a fashion look but it was easier with his wings. Large enough they supported him in flight, bright red and matching his hair color.

He gave the crowd a smile as he continued to belt out the song. "We were victims of the night..."

Rogue has posed:
Two more prom chaperones that arrive are Bobby and Rogue. The best friends are likely an unsurprising pair to arrive together, but what may stand out is Rogue's looks. Her hair is up in a pony tail, and she wears a red barely over the shoulder sleeved dress with a swoop neck collar in back. She is NOT wearing gloves, nor a body suit, and she's traded out her usual combat boots or sneakers for a pair of red stilettos. She's even arm-in-arm with Bobby, but she likely looks nervous as can be - only hoping that whatever is allowing her to actually dress up and enjoy a night doesn't muck up somehow.

Though she keeps Hank's warning in her head. A few hours at most. So she's like Cinderella. Only instead of turning into a pumpkin, she'll be covered in a heat rash.

SpyderByte has posed:
Once the trio find a table, Jeremy pulls a chair out for Rosie, then smiles as he settles in on one side of her. He bobs his head a bit at the sound of the music that erupts from the stage as he turns his attention to the Blue Pirates. His fingers drum along the table happily. As he spies the other students trickling in, he lifts a hand upwards, looking to wave them over to join them. This is the 'cool kids table', at least, he's deemed it.

Once his hand lowers, he taps the phone on his shoulder to modulate the volume a bit so that he can speak with the two at the table with him. << I can't believe we're at prom. I am excited. I don't know how to dance by the way, but I want to try. >>

Beast has posed:
Henry McCoy is on chaperone duty, of course. His mane of hair is gelled today, enough that he can get it tied in a tiny 'tail at the back of his head, just above the collar of his nice, crisp white shirt. His tux is nothing spectacular, other than it -fits- which is always a bit of a miracle on its own. He rejected a tie though, in favour of a low V'neck Mod-style shirt with an open front that screams cheesy poetry and romance novels, but it means he doesn't look thick necked and a little chest fur shows off.

He can be found propped against a tree, drinking a mocktail like he was trying out for an extra in a james bond movie and holding several cocktail sausages and pineapple chunks on sticks.

Antigravity has posed:
    Rosie gives a grin at Jeremy as she sits down, and folds her hands over her lap. She gives bright grins all around to everyone else, and then her shoulders draw up as the Blues Pirates start in.

    "I can't dance either -- mah church wasn't exactly the music-y type..." she states in slight embarrassment as she looks to Gray and Jeremy.

    "How about you, Gray? Do you dance much?" she asks.

Prismatic has posed:
    Alexis is singing along, a little bit, under her breath as Jay takes the stage. Her feet are tapping lightly, and she looks over to Sam with a grin, drawing up to her tip-toes to say in his ear: "Your brother certainly knows how to put on a show, love!"

Gray has posed:
Taking his hat off to reveal slicked back hair (that's only slightly mussed from being under a lid), Gray sets it on the table in front of him, chuckling at Jeremy's excitement, "Never thought I'd go t' prom, myself." For one, he didn't think he'd ever go back to school. He shrugs a shoulder at Rosie's question, "Mostly line dancin'." He offers a crooked smile to the two he came with, "Wouldn' mind dancin' with the two of y'all, though." At least they'll look like idiots together?

Faraday has posed:
"Well you all look freaking fabulous." Indira says to her fellow students as she plucks off her sunglasses and secures them in her clutch. "I don't know about you all, but I don't plan to stop dancing unless it's to grab a snack. So I'm not it on table guard." And that said, that she's off to head to the indicated table. Her purse is set down in her selected seat and she looks towards the bank as the band takes over for premade playlists.

"And there's the cue! Come on, there's no wrong way to dance. Just don't fall, unless you plan to breakdance. Then just make it look intentional. Onward to battle. If I catch any of you wallflowering at the table, I'll drag you out there in the chair like this was a Jewish wedding." The crack of her knuckles betrays her fighter's nature despite her formal attire, and she's strolling out into the faux moonlight of the dance floor to kick things into action.

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie nods to Alexis, his arm around her. He leans to her for the whisper, and nods "He always was the one who was the first to sing or draw attention to himse,f he has always been a showman, and good at it." He tells his lady. He does wave over to the other Chaperones as they arrive.

Ted Gammage has posed:
Ted, apparently, was parking the car or something. He comes in a bit after Shannon. He's managed to get himself a nice looking tux that almost fits his slightly too-large frame, only seeming tightish around the shoulders, and he moves like he's wary about ripping the sleeves off, so... stiffly. "Uh hey," he says to a couple folks on his way in before he moves over to where Shannon has stationed out for the moment and grins at her.

Lucas Farmer has posed:
He was just about to reach for a sandwich when the musical group started singing, which slightly startled Lucas. The beat is inviting, so much that some students already started to dance. And there, Indira just called for them to dance.

Glancing around, a puzzled look on his face, Lucas remembers a conversation he has not long ago with one staff, about participating. So leaving the sandwich there, he walks closer to Indira, standing right in front of her - like someone unware of good or bad social behaviour.

"Hi. I'm Lucas," he says, uncertain if he met her before - he met so many new people lately, "I don't know how to dance. Can you teach me?"

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie does give Shannon a hug back when she hugs him and says "YEa, tonight is going to be great, but you should be out there with the rest of your class, not over here with the oldsters." He jokes, and leans in to whisper to Alexis "No I don't think your old."

Nightingale has posed:
     "Hey, no wallflowers growing in this garden!" Shannon calls out to Indira, laughing, in the moments before Jay and the Blue Pirates take to the stage. She grins wide, wings a-flutter, gravitating towards the source of the music and soon stamping and swaying to the beat.

     At least, that is, till Ted finds her there. Smiling warmly as she turns around, she catches him up in a hug, laughing. "Wow. You look incredible!" Her eyes are twinkling in the sparkle of fairy lights, the crystals stitched to her dress reflecting the bits of light as if a horde of fireflies had made her dress their home.

     Threading her fingers through Ted's, she squeezes his hands gently and smiles. "Feel like dancing?" she asks, her smile turning into something of a grin. "I promise to try and not step on your feet -too- much."

     Glancing back at Sam, she shakes her head and chuckles, miming an 'oldster' bent over with a cane. "Sure thing, sonny," she says, in her best 'granny' voice. "But I couldn't let the night go without at least saying hi to my big bro and his intended."

Rogue has posed:
Rogue smiles at Bobby, but excuses herself after a moment, looking at the kids as they dance or mingle, socialize and all that. She offers a smile as she passes through the 'forest' and reaches the tree that Hank has decided to help keep propped up. Her smile beams even more wide as she does a little side to side show off of her outfit and then turns to face the crowd once again. "Well hey you. I think the tree is just find to stand on it's own." Giving a chuckle as she sort of hip bumps the Blue Meanie.

SpyderByte has posed:
When it appears that Indira is going to be the 'captain' of the table, Jeremy straightens up a bit at her orders. He almost said 'yes ma'am' to her. This is Prom after all. He may as well embarrass himself for night with his friends. He gives a glance to Rosie and Gray, then back out to the dance floor as other students begin to revel in the beat of the Blue Pirates. Pushing himself upwards, he smooths down the front of his vest, then gives a grin to the pair.

<< Come on! Let's go. We can't let Indi down. If we stand next to her, she'll make us all look good. I've seen her dance before. She's amazing. >>

With that, he slips his hand out to Rosie, wiggling his fingers, knowing that Gray will take her other. As he spies Lucas shooting his shot with Indira, he can't help but giggle, bumping his shoulder against Rosie's. << You should ask Lucas to dance too after. >>

And with that, he is looking to lead the trio to the dance floor, grinning widely.

Icarus has posed:
As the notes of the first song die down, Jay gives a wave and a smile to the crowd. He doesn't waste time talking. They've already had enough of that. They are here for the party and he's going to keep it going. There might be a moment later but for now, second song kicks in. It's another up tempo song, very pop sounding.

"Oh no
See you walking 'round like it's a funeral
Not so serious girl, why those feet cold?
We just getting started, don't you tiptoe
tiptoe, ah..."

For those familiar with the song, there might be that moment. After all, there were two versions. The clean one that got all the radio play. And the original which had a certain word in the chorus which was not considered proper in polite company. It was also a song that allowed Jay's vocals to shine since it went into falsetto at times.

When the song got to that point, it became apparent that Jay was not going to be censoring himself as the Bomb was dropped. It was just a word in the song and could be easily overlooked. One didn't censor music in their house! On that he and his lady agreed.

He did flash an almost apologetic grin to the chaperones, but kept right on singing.

Beast has posed:
Henry McCoy looks sidelong at the sussuration of fabric and clip of stilettos and "Oh, my stars," sometimes an unexpected vision of a friend takes one by surprise and so much skin! Look at it, it's all there, with red fabric and high heels. "You look -amazing-! I think there were songs written about visions like you, in fact I am rather certain there were." And then, cheesy big grin face and vocalized "GLeeeeeee! It works! It works right? Lookit!!" hip bump bedamned, he juggles mocktail and cocktail sticks to offer an honest to god bearhug a'la beast.

Ted Gammage has posed:
"Ehhhh," Ted says in reply, giving Shannon's hands a light squeeze as she slips her's into his. "Ah mean, out of th' two of us, yer probably the lighter on the feet." He looks to the dance floor, shifts his shoulders a little bit, glances back to Shannon. "Y'sure? Ah mean, ah'm not known fer mah dance skills. Prolly just stand still and shift m'arms back and forth," he says, about half joking.

Faraday has posed:
"Good to meet you, Lucas." Indira says as she finds herself with company near the edge of the dance floor. She flashes the newest student a wide grin as she gestures a gloved hand towards the floor. "The first rule of dancing: Don't overthink it. Dancing is human nature, it's in our bones right back to the earliest men and woman who heard a beat. If you've ever bobbed your head to a song then you're halfway there. Just feel the music and follow through with your feet."

She takes a few steps so she's clear of the trees and hikes up the front of her saree just enough so her feet can just be seen. She does a few side to side steps, punctuating the beat with the impact of her feet. "If you use the front of your feet more than your heels, you'll be able to move faster. Keep the rest of yourself loose. You're a leaf in the wind!"

Antigravity has posed:
    "--wait what?!" she questions, as Rosie is dragged onto the dance floor, her eyes going wide as she gulps nervously.

    "Jeremy Ah ain't allowed ta dance!" she squeaks out before she disappears into the throngs of the students dancing to the beat that the Blues Pirates are bumping -- and the short blonde with the pixie cut gives a squeak on the floor, awkwardly trying to escape!

Gray has posed:
Gray chuckles quietly and takes Jeremy's hand, "Whatever ya say, man." He lets himself be pulled from the table, grabbing his hat at the last possible second and settling it back atop his head. His free hand tapping out the rhythm on his thigh, "Lead the way." Rosie gets a little bit of a confused frown, "Why ain't ya allowed to dance?" He leans over to try giving the blonde with the pixie cut a kiss on the cheek, "This is a dance. You're allowed to have fun, darlin'."

Nightingale has posed:
     "I'm sure," Shannon replies, giggling and doing her best to draw Ted out onto the dance floor. "Come on, let's go join the others. At least if we're going to make fools of ourselves, it'll be all together, right?" With that, she's laughing and moving to join the rest of the team out on the dance floor, swaying and taking each encouraging step out there in sync with the beat of the music.

     After all, how bad could it -really- be to let her hair down and just goof off for once?

Prismatic has posed:
    "I should hope you don't think I'm old." Alexis sticks her tongue out a moment at Sam as she smiles up at him.
    "Never did like the word 'intended'. Calls too much to fate, which would make us star-crossed and then, we all know where *that* goes." Alexis sips her strawberry water again.

    ".... someone should make sure the likely suspects did not sneak alcohol into the event."

Rogue has posed:
"It's surely worked so far. Bobby and I came together, arrived arm in arm. Held hands once to make sure it worked. So far so good." Oh but you cannot wipe that smile off of Rogue's face, or the sheer joy that she gains at Henry's reaction to what she's wearing and how she looks. The bearhug a'la Beast is surely returned. There's nothing. Not even a tingle. She lets the hug last for longer than a beat before she pulls back and resumes the position next to Hank. The latex-shield she wears has been damn near perfected down to the microscopic adhesion, and in some glorious way a Hank can do, while she can't wear it for forever, he's even got it down to where it doesn't 'rub off' onto others. Not easily anyway.

"Anyway. Thanks. For the compliments and all of this...Bobby was impressed too. I doubt anyone else will notice. Hell, I almost wonder if anyone'll recognize me." She laughs at that and gives a shake of her head. "Nights goin' well at least, yeah?"

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie will nod and kiss Alexis' cheek, and head to talk to the bartenders and wait staff. He trusts them, but taking a look himself is a good thing.

SpyderByte has posed:
Squeezing on Rosie's hand, it appears that Jeremy isn't about to let her go! He lets out a soft laugh, leaning over to kiss her other cheek after Gray sneaks in a smooch. He gives her a small 'tug tug' before they finally get on to the dance floor. When the song shifts to a more blusey rock vibe that belongs to the beaches, he begins to sway a bit side to side as he draws the other two towards him in a bit of an awkward circle. He gives a glance over towards Indi and her dance lesson to Lucas, trying to pick out some tips as well.

Just move your body and be a leaf on the wind? He's more of a stiff piece of cardboard, but he'll try. As he sways his hands joined with Gray and Rosie's, he tries his best to put a bit more rhythm into him, even if he comes off as an awkward duck.

<< I like this song. >>

Lucas Farmer has posed:
Indira is right, that no matter when and how, human usually can keep the beat and dance, some with talents, some without. For Lucas, it is obviously with hesitation but - thanks to a lack of self-conciousness - without fear of ridicule. It's a good thing too, for as he follows Indira's directions, he soon starts to /dance/ - well, maybe not the best dancer, but at least he is trying. Maybe if he could relax a bit, it would help in the fluidity of his movements. For now, he looks more like a tall guy annoyed with pebbles in his shoes than a leaf in the wind.

"I guess it's like swimming, and gets easier with practice." Like most people learning to dance, Lucas keeps looking at his feet, his arms kept along his chest, unsure what to do with them. But is is /fun/, as indicated by the smile on his face.

Icarus has posed:
The music smoothly shifts, something with an older synth vibe to the musicality yet still just as pop as the last couple of songs. It was a cover a song others might not be familiar with. There were looped in vocals that had been recorded earlier, a voice that some might recognize as Andrea herself though it was blended to be part of the music. Later in the song that vocal will join Jay and the band.

"Three friends,
taking on the world together
Big plans in a bigger world
Still kids afraid of being young forever
Young eyes watch life unfurl..."

Beast has posed:
"It'll take them a moment or ten, because you don't look remotely like you usually do. Belle of the ball, Anna-Marie," Indeed, there was no rub-off, this took time to get right, for sure and certain. Hank beams, then lets it simmer down to pure pleasure at seeing her be 'free' for a night. He proffers a pineapple chunk on a stick. "It looks like it. A night of normality and trees, sugary overload and some golden oldies," he ticks his chin up lifting an ear to the sounds the bands are playing. Oh, yes, the set certainly harkens back, but if it's not broke, why fix?

He nods toward Jeremy, Rosie and Gray, points out Indira, Shannon and Ted. "My memories were of doing the safety dance, practically."

Faraday has posed:
"I'm Indira by the way!" Said teen announces to Lucas over the volume of the music. "You're getting it! Moving your arms will help with balance." She coaches next as she shifts her arms with the beat, complete with a lot of fluid hand gestures that seem to come reflexively to her. Trained at some point in her life in classical Indian dance, perhaps. "Think of yourself like another instrument playing a part in the song."

Her motions slowly pick up pace to mesh with the flow of the synth-pop song, though here and there she'll slow down to emphasize a step or gesture to Lucas. "It is like swimming. The more you do it, the looser your body'll get. Once you get comfortable with one way of doing it, you build on it. You dance faster, more complex; just follow your comfort level."

Antigravity has posed:
    Rosie escapes through the crowd of other students, her face red, sunglasses askew as she slips her way towards the back of the club where the bathrooms are, looking a little panicked.

She takes a deep breath once she's out of the crowd, fixes her glasses, and goes to wall flower behind a pillar, giving a side-eye to Rogue and McCoy.

Nightingale has posed:
     As Shannon moves with Ted out onto the dance floor, to join Indira, Lucas, Jeremy, Rosie, and Gray, she pauses, waving over to Dr. McCoy. But something else was different. Who was that next to....

     "Oh, my."

     First one finely arched brow lofts, then the other, her eyes going wide. That couldn't be! But it was! It was actually miss Rogue, able to let her hair down for a night! Grinning wider now, she waves to them both, before joining her teammates on the dance floor.

     She was going to have one heck of a talk with Dr. McCoy later!

Rogue has posed:
Rogue flushes a little, looking over the dancers and the wallflowers, the chaperones, and other guests. Her head nods to the beat of the music as one song flows into another. "A night of mostly normal is nice, for sure." Then she chuckles, and takes a slow breath. "I ain't got memories of anything like this. Ya don't make memories by runnin' away from home. If I was a little younger I'd likely go and interrupt a dance or two just to say I danced at a prom. But I figure it's a little taboo for a chaperone to dance with students or even other faculty." She laughs again. "I might go snag me a drink though." Then she pauses. "And I might pass through the dance floor. Say hi. Nothin' wrong with at least that, right?"

Then she spies Rosie practically running off the dance floor and all of her thoughts are derailed. "Hold those thoughts Henry. I'll be right back." And there's a soft *click clack* of heels on floor as she moves over and towards Rosie. "Rosie? Darlin' you alright there?"

Ted Gammage has posed:
Ted is more-or-less drawn out to the dance floor. He's... uncertain, as he's built more for strenght than grace. Still he does his best and sort of stiffly moves in time to the music with Shannon, grinning a bit. "M'ah doing this ok?" he says. "Ah think ah should've taken this jacket off, m'gonna rip it of I raise my arm more'n about here," he says, arm about 45 degrees out, but he tries to dance with her a bit more.

Lucas Farmer has posed:
Observing Indira's movements for a moment, Lucas slowly nods. Simple enough, right? Keeping the beat with his feet, the young man starts moving his arms with the rythm, at first more like trying to cut the air. Something feels wrong and uncomfortable. Stepping back, Lucas quickly kicks off his shoes. There!

Forcing himself to relax, Lucas resumes his previous position, inhaling deeply. Now a bit more comfortable - damn new shoes - Lucas gets back right on the beat, seeming enjoying dancing, which translates into his arms now moving with less purpose, and more feeling in them.

But it still feels forced and awkward, so Lucas instinctively adds some hip sway, always to the beat. After a time, the routine being internalized, the whole movements gets almost perfectly coordinated and, relaxed, with even some form of groove in them. He might be a natural - or a great learner.

"You are a very good dancer, Indira, thank you for teaching me."

Prismatic has posed:
    Alexis gives a smile to Sam as he goes to investigate and make sure none of his tenders are serving alcohol to the mutant highschool, and she remains off to the side, monitoring the situation, her sharp eyes looking over dresses and she pauses, giving a soft 'mm' sound.

    ... I should encourage everyone to take a dance class. Can't be that bad." she murmurs in amusement.

SpyderByte has posed:
When Rosie peels herself away and runs off, Jeremy gives a few slow blinks in confusion. He stops moving, then squints his eyes from behind his glasses. He gets a nudge from Gray who ambles off through the crowd in search of her, leaving him on the dance floor as everyone ebbs and flows around him.

Reaching up, he rubs the back of his neck for a moment before he gives a glance around, then starts back for their table, sliding down into his seat with a thump.

Icarus has posed:
After three fast songs and getting people on the floor, it was time to shift. Give the people a moment to catch their breath or snuggle up with their sweetheart(s). The pace of the music shifted to a slow love song.

"The strands in your eyes
That color them wonderful
Stop me and steal my breath
And emeralds from mountains
thrust towards the sky
never revealing their depth..."

Antigravity has posed:
    "Heightened blood pressure, increased and rapid heartrate, impending sense of doom, sweating -- oh, that's the slow song -- Ah'm having a panic attack." Rosie states, looking up to Rogue as she attempts to calm down by taking a very clinical look at what's happening to her.

    She takes a deep breath, and she looks up to Rogue.

    "You look stunnin', Miss Rogue." she smiles, and then reaches up, running a hand over her spiked up hair. "Ah cut my hair."

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie will make the circuit through the club. He smiles a bit remembering dances when he was younger, and gives his brother a thumbs up when he is near the stage. Sam stands watching from beside one of the big trees, thinking not to long ago, that was him and his friends.

Beast has posed:
Henry McCoy raises his mocktail in salute to Shannon, looking aside at Rogue as she's recognized, winks and sips the outrageously sugary slush mix, with his eyebrows inching up as he stares at the far wall. Murmured "I think they do recognize you," he offers "And honestly, to dance at a dance, whether you're a chaperone or not, is not unheard of. You should, if you want to steal a memory the ordinary way." He lightly elbows Rogue, then apparently they have become a hiding spot for Rosie.

He looks the other way, toward Rosie, and the floor, her friends and back. "They did the terrifying thing, didn't they?"

Rogue has posed:
"It looks good, Rosie. I like it. Wish I could be brave enough ta do somethin' like that." Rogue offers this and then she smiles. "And thanks. Dr. McCoy worked hard to fix up somethin' for me so I could have nights out like this. Figured prom was the best night to give it a good trial run." Explaining this and then she tilts her head.

"Alright. Deep breaths are good. In thru tha nose and out thru the mouth. Do ya need any help? Should I take you back to yer table? I'm sure your dates'll be awful worried about you."

Hank would have gotten a smirk and a nod. "Maybe. Would be nice to make memories and not take them."

Antigravity has posed:
    "Would be nice to make memories and not embarrassments." Rosie counters quietly, and she takes a deep breath.

    "Wasn't allowed to dance when I grew up. Indy dances beautifully. She told us all to dance. I got scared an' didn't wanna cause anyone ta loose their guts." she states embarrassedly, and she looks over her shoulder back to her table.

    "An' hurt Jeremy' sfeelin's in the process, I think."

Beast has posed:
Henry McCoy looks left and right at the women that are beside him, young and younger. He stuffs his cocktail sausages and pineapple chunks in his mouth, takes the full mocktail slush by storm and INSTANTANEOULSY gets that look of brain freeze. But whilst struggling through it, he sets the empty and the sticks in the glass, down and claps hands together. "Alright. Get ready for it," rubbing palms, he begins.

The great bootie-wiggle elbows glued to his sides safety dance where he stands on the spot and just moves to a beat that is all too exagerrated. Because it's very hard to be embarassed by doing the shuffly two-step when someone else is making an utter fool of themselves doing the macarena as a follow-up.

Faraday has posed:
"Glad to teach you! And thanks." Indira says to Lucas with a confident wink and a quick flourishing spin as the last of the upbeat songs comes to an end. And as the slower songs start, the teen gives a click of her tongue and a puff of breath. "Slow songs, augh. I'm not one for the slow swaying in a circle, it totally kills my pace."

She takes note of Rosie bolting, Grey following, the chaperones doing the adult thing, and ultimately Jeremy slumping off at the table. There's a quick jerk of her head back towards the table as she says towards Lucas, "Intermission. This looks like time for a virgin colada. Actually, swap that." She says with a wave of her hand in the air like erasing invisible letters. "Miami Vice. Hit the bar," She indicates with a point. "And check on him for me real quick? I gotta de-wall a flower."

And then she's striding right across the dance floor towards where Rogue is trying to perk up a drooping Rosie. "Girl, I think it's high time we talked." While the words would sound ominous, her normal outgoing and confident voice is mellowed and subdued, even when she adds aside to Rogue in deference of her being the grown-up, "If it's okay."

Ted Gammage has posed:
Whilst dancing, Ted manages to bring his shoulder up about 46 degrees and manages to tear a bit of his jacket. "Aw, dang," he murmurs, and tells Shannon he'll be right back. He moves toward an empty chair, removing his jacket in the process to drape it over the back of it, lest he cause it more harm. He spies Jeremy and smiles and gives him a wave as well, "Jer," he says in way of greeting.

SpyderByte has posed:
Giving a glance to Ted, Jeremy offers up a quick smile as he fiddles with his phone in his hands. He looks over at the tear on his clothes and frowns. << What happened? >>

Lucas Farmer has posed:
With a nod, Lucas steps back and puts his shoes on again. This was nice, and fun. Tilting his head at the mention of /virgin colada/, he shrugs and heads for the table with the nice variety of goodies, sandwiches, desserts and fruits he doesn't seem to know what they are. Opting for safe picks first, he grabs a sandwich and a couple cupcakes, then spots the bowl with pickles, adding some to his place. There, nice mix. To start with, anyway. This dancing thing really made him hungry.

Icarus has posed:
This time the tone shifted. The music picked up more a rockabilly sort of vibe, that country undercurrent while still having a more up beat tempo. It started slower, more acoustic almost, then later kicked in hard.

This one was an original song, one that had been written by Jay when he was with the band back home in Kentucky. Before...everything. Sam likely would recognize it from back then.

"Take me on up to Detroit city
Jails are full, the factories empty
Mommas crying, young boys dying
Under that red white and blue still flying
Drop me off in Baltimore
Where every other window got a plywood board
Where dreams become drugs and guns
The only way out is to shoot or run

"Stick that in your country song..."
"

The song got more aggressive as it continued, in vocal tone and music.

Antigravity has posed:
    Rosie... tilts her head as Beast starts dancing. Her brows knit. Her mouth opens, and then closes, and she honestly does try to take the shuffling seriously, with a modicrum of decorum... but she raises her gloved hands to her mouth, and gives a bit of a giggle, and then rubs the back of her head. "Ah... Ah guess if such a /distinguished/ fella can get away with it--" she begins -- and then Indy makes her way over.

    Her eyes go wide, and she rubs the back of her head -- "Ah... Ah am tryin', Ind--" she states, and she's momentarily distracted by the Blues Pirates going Country. That... that she likes.

Rogue has posed:
"It's just a slip up, Rosie, darlin'. You'll get used to it. An' remember...you ain't with them folks what told ya you couldn't dance or nothin'. You're with us...and we're lettin' ya." Rogue smiles and then she stands up straight, and gives a glance to Indira as the woman comes over. "If Rosie don't mind you takin' over to talk to her for a moment. She just needed to catch her breath and all."

She smiles then. "I'm gonna go find Jeremy and make sure he's okay too. It'll be alright Rosie, don't you fret none." That sweet southern tone is there as she takes a step or few back and then glances to Hank. Then she laughs. "Oh lord...someone needs to get the video of this!" And she's still laughing, as everyone sort of switches up, while she turns and moves off to make quick work of *click clacks* to Jeremy's table. She smiles. "Hey Jer."

Ted Gammage has posed:
"Ah, turns out ah'm pretty bad at pickin' out jackets," Ted explains to Jeremy. "Shirt's a little tight too but it'll prolly hold. Ah hope ah don't have to owe them too much for it," he says, cheerful despite it all. He does look around though, "Ah, what's up with you? Thought y'd be out cuttin' a rug, as it were." He gives his friend another smile, though Rogue wanders over too so he takes a moment to check the coat, then drape it over his chair.

Pixie has posed:
Megan Gwynn hasn't been to the club since..In a while anyway, and heck, life has been pretty hectic with other things going on..But she wanted to check into the party, even if her date couldn't make it and she ended up being super late.

Was it even still going on, she wondered? But as she stepped in, hearing the lyrics to Jay's awesome pirates band she grinned, stepping towards the dance floor, decked out in a bright green skater dress, paired with short white boots and gloves, dressed more for dancing than anything super formal, and started to dance and twirl and sing along to the beat.

She waves to a few recognizable faces, grinning and nodding to a dancing Beast. "Hey, nice moves!"

Faraday has posed:
There's a quick not to Rogue and Indira steps aside to let her pass before she turns to Rosie, though not without needing to stifle a snicker at Hank's display. "Look, life doesn't give out good hands. Some of us don't get the easy ones. You could probably drop a building on someone. If I touch someone, it's like licking a battery on a good day and a taser on a bad one. So, yeah, no making out with a hot date when the adults aren't looking for me."

She leans herself against the side of the pole and looks down to Rosie. "You were told you're a monster. So was my family. Guess what? You can't control what life throws at you. You can't control what other people think. Know what you can control? You. You control your fear, and determine if it's really how You feel or what someone else tells you that you should be feeling. Why should someone get to tell you what matters to you? How to enjoy your life? Someone gave you life. Your mom, a divine being; whatever you want to believe. Life is a gift given to you. Do we expect someone to tell us what to do with a present? Or do they give it to us trusting us to find a way it'll make us happy?"

She gestures her head towards the dance floor and the whirling, furry, blue dervish. "Free will. The big human right, right? What's the purpose of living if it isn't to find the joy in it and what makes it actually worth living? The only people out there right now are the ones people want to say aren't worth living. Well guess what? We /are/ living, and I for one am not wasting a second of it letting someone who is too miserable with their own lives tell me how to live mine."

She jerks a thumb back towards the tables as she then says, "Come on. Let's grab some water and a breather. The big hoopla is probably going to start soon, so there'll be an excuse to watch someone else take the spotlight for awhile."

SpyderByte has posed:
<< I'm having fun. Rosie is just .. having a moment and Gray is having a moment. So, I'm just going to focus on some work. >>

Jeremy says to Ted as he gives him a quick smile, tapping his thumbs along the glass of the phone. He sways a bit back and forth to the music, really enjoying the beat of the Blue Pirates. This is a great song and it's even making him bounce a bit in his seat.

<< I am sure Shannon can fix it for you later. Just take your jacket off for now. >>

Reaching down to unbutton his, he shrugs out of his own and lets it settle behind him on the back of the chair. At least he can breathe a bit more. At the sight of Rogue, he tilts his head upwards and offers a smile.

<< Hi. >>

Beast has posed:
Henry McCoy flings his arms up for a moment, then does the moonwalk back a few paces, which does not go with country music at all. This was solely to get to a spot where he could hook his thumbs to his belt, stared down at his feet and do a spot of line-dance moves to the country song being played. All the activity is below the belt, with him just lacking the cowboy hat. "It is an experiment in choreography, miss Megan. But thank you! Is it having any desired effect?" -- Not really, but it has made a few people laugh, so now he can take it a bit more seriously, scuff-shuffle, dosie-do on the spot, ball change, slide, toe-heel, shift-change...

Antigravity has posed:
    Rosie goes a little pale as Rogue goes to talk to Jeremy.

    She then rubs the back of her neck a little more as Indira speaks. She opens her mouth a couple of times, maybe to argue, maybe to explain, but ultimately her hazel eyes just look... defeated. Her shoulders sag and she rubs her left arm.

    "Ah... Ah'll do my best, Indira." she states quietly -- and then a little more hushed:

    "Your sari is /goregous/, by the way." she attempts a compliment -- but it was earnest, the compliment making her own eyes light up a little.

    "... an' yeah, Ah got a bit scared, but mostly 'cause I don't wanna make people throw up on their Prom night."

    She pauses.

    "Ah heard that comes later."

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie grins at Jay playing one of his original songs. this might be one of the first times Sam has got to hear it live. He taps his foot to it, but does make his way back to Alexis.

Ted Gammage has posed:
"Ah'm sure she will," Ted says, "It ain't bad yet, s'why ah took it off." He nods to Jeremy. "Well, ah don't want ya t' be workin' on a fun night. Ah guess lemme know if ah can help," he says, rubbing the back of his head.

Pixie has posed:
Megan Gwynn continues to giggles at Henry. "Awwe you're Soo funny! But I think you're a couple decades behind..Here, try this step!"

She easily slides into a practiced line dance herself, keeping pace with Henry's steps and grins, nodding her head. "Awee, you were just kiddin, you're pretty good at this, even keeping up with the young-ins like me!" she twirls and waves to Jay and his band as she continues dancing.

Nightingale has posed:
     Shannon turns towards Ted at -just- the right moment, covering her mouth briefly. "Oh, dear." The man had his pride, after all, so she wasn't going to make a big fuss about it. But she did move to join him at the table, sliding into a seat and offering a light smile. She takes a quick look at the offending tear on the jacket, and smiles a bit more. "This one'll be an easy fix," she says. "No damage to the fabric itself, just the seam decided to give way. I can take care of that when we get back."

     She stays put at the table for the time being, giving a little flick of her wings and preening for a few moments. Not for the first time that night, her brows shoot about halfway up her forehead. "Daaaaaaaaang, look who's got the moves! Go, Dr. McCoy, go! Holy sh... Megan, wow! You go, girl! Woot, woot!" Laughing, she applauds and cheers him on, enjoying the company, the music, and the evening overall.

Prismatic has posed:
    Alexis has been watching, but keeping her distance from the students, toying with the ring posed so well on her gray gloves. She gives a little smile as Sam returns to her, and she leans against him for a moment.

    "I don't suppose we can convince Jay to produce a Vienna Waltz or something?" she teases Sam, and then she gives a smile to McCoy as he makes a perfectly wonderful example for the other students with his dancing.

Rogue has posed:
Rogue gives a smile to Jeremy and then motions to sort of behind her. "Just wanted to let you know that Rosie's fine. Just needed a minute. Ain't used to things like this. Then again, s'pose there may be a handful of us what isn't." Then she reaches a very ungloved hand out to boop Jeremy's nose. But there's nothing. No tingle, no merged memories or stolen powers.

A glance to Ted and Shannon and she smiles gently. "Don't you two look elegant. All three of you really."

Phoenix has posed:
Hiding in the shadows is generally not the native habitat of one Jean Grey, but tonight she's been doing just that. Or, she's just been scaring the living bejeezus out of some of the more hellish students trying to sneak up on the roof to drink and have their own party. Probably the later, given several latecomers have yet to leave the dance floor after arriving a short time ago and keep looking around nervously.

As an unseen signal, the music eases up and the headmistress comes on stage. She's wearing a long, fitted black dress with a muted gold belt and a gold necklace with a simple X pendant; understated but still elegant and always repping. In her hand is a simple ivory envelope.

"I'd like to thank everyone for coming this evening. I hope that you're all having a great time - I know you are, Hank - and that you're making wonderful memories. It is that time of the evening where we read off the votes cast for this year's Prom royalty." And with a gesture of her free hand, over floats two low profile crowns on crushed red velvet cushions glowing pink. One crown is gold and adorned with inset rubies. The other is silver and sapphire. With a flick of her thumb, the envelope seal is popped and unfolds itself. Several of the students begin crowding the edges of the dance floor, probably expectant that they'll be the winners, such as one LeeRoy "Kamikaze" Jenkins.

"By popular vote, I'd like to announce this year's Prom Royals as Shannon Lance and Jeremy Statton!" She gestures for said winners to join her on stage, with her voice whispering to them both with a ghostly psychic chuckle, << You're welcome to give speeches and dance if you like, or grab them and run. No judgement from me either way, I can create a diversion. >> Jean - she's got your back, be it supporting you in the classroom or the battlefield or causing a blackout to aid a hasty escape from awkward teenage milestones.

Faraday has posed:
"Ooooh, oh. Later, later you're hitting up my room and I'll find you one that'll fit you perfect. I have a million and I bet you could rock it." Indira says to Rosie with a brilliant smile. "And that only happens if you can't hold the drinks that definitely did not come from this bar. Come on! Up you get. You don't belong on the floor. You're beautiful. You're powerful. Stand up and show them." She gestures an up-up towards Rosie and with a jerk of her head she's turning to head back towards the group table.

She barely gets there when Jean takes the stage and the winners are announced. Decorum be damned, because the cheer she gives for her two fellow New Mutants is practically a roar complete with raucous clapping.

Beast has posed:
"Oh heeeeeeeey!" In synch with Megan, Hank grins at her, going through to the end of the song with a chuckle for Shannon's cat calling, he stills his feet to pay attention once Jean takes the stage, because this is where the fun REALLY begins. He edges to the sidelines, then at the call for the prom royalty, sticks two fingers in his mouth and whistles shrill, applauding thereafter. "Here, here!" he also tips the invisible hat to the enjoyment spotlight, now that he's not in it any more.

SpyderByte has posed:
There is a wiggle of Jeremy's nose as he feels the boop from Rogue. He squints his eyes as he doesn't feel her powers kick in, then gives a small giggle as he tilts his head up at her.

<< Oh, cool. You found a cheat code. >>

Before he can say anything else, he hears his name over the speakers from Miss Grey, causing his body to stiffen, eyes widening from behind his thin glasses. He looks over towards the stage, then back towards the crowd as he gives a loud, visible swallow. He takes in a deep breath, then pushes himself upwards to his feet, followed by sliding his jacket back on as he starts for the stage.

Antigravity has posed:
    Rosie returns to the table just as Jeremy is called up, she claps for him, excitedly, forgetting momentarily about the absolute horror fo having to try on Indira's clothing, and in that moment she gets to be so proud of her boyfriend, clapping and cheering for the black-and-red-clad boy!

Ted Gammage has posed:
"Oh," Ted says as the names are called. "Ah guess congrats then," he tells Jer and Shannon, bowing his head lightly. "My Lieges." His tone has a good bit of mirth in it, "Go get yer award," he says to Shannon, playfully shooing her up there.

Pixie has posed:
Megan Gwynn grins and winks to Hank. "Not bad yourself, blue!" and then she'll wave to him and hurry to join Shannon at the table once she spots her, grinning. "Woooow, shannon! Congrats! That's sooo awesome! Go on, get your crown, girl!" she'll lean over and playfully boop her on the nose!

Ted is given a nod and smile too. "Hey, Ted, how goes?" and a nod to whoever else is at their As she hears Jeremy's name being called, she grins and waves to him too. "Hey Jer, congrats!"

Nightingale has posed:
     Shannon's cheeks turn lightly rosy, and she smiles warmly to Rogue. "Aww, thank you kindly, miss Rogue. But you forgot to include yourself among the elegant. Shame on you for the oversight." Keeping her voice a bit low, she adds, "I might have a question or two for you and I'm guessing Dr. McCoy about how you managed this one later on, if that's okay?"

     She's just reaching for Ted's, Jeremy's, and yes, even Rogue's hand in turn, offering each a light squeeze, when there is a metaphorical -thunk- on the table at the announcement. The normally unflappable winged healer in training has been struck utterly, completely silent, caught glancing from Ted, to Miss Grey, to Jeremy, and back to Ted.

     "Holy shiitake mushrooms."

     Leaning over, she hugs Ted fiercely, whispering something to him, before getting up to stride towards the stage, chin lifted just a notch in surprisingly regal defiance, despite Megan booping her snoot, making her wiggle her nose like a rabbit's.

     Still, she smiles, for who could be mad at that, really?.

Phoenix has posed:
Once both of the students have arrived on the stage, Jean adorns their heads with the crowns with a smile that's full of pride. "You've both come a long way. I know some may see this silly, but your peers and your friends - your family - see you as standout members of this school. Let this remind you that you matter."

And with a dip of her head, the headmistress steps back to let them have their moment in the spotlight.

Rogue has posed:
Rogue claps her hands before doing a finger-whistle while Jeremy and Shannon go to retrieve their crowns. She's not expecting speeches, really, but she'll listen if any are given. A glance to Rosie after a moment, she leans over, "You feelin' better, sugah?" Asking that while letting her clapping die down with everyone else's as Jean speaks again.

Then, after hearing any answer from Rosie, she turns and makes her way to the snacks and drinks. She was getting parched and hungry. And really she likely only has an hour and some change before she has to make it back to school and shower her coating off.

SpyderByte has posed:
Once he makes his way on to the top of the stage, Jeremy offers up a quick smile to Jean, then gives a glance out towards the crown as he listens to them cheer and clap for him and Shannon. He takes in a deep breath, then lets it out slowly as he clears his throat. He glances upwards at the crown upon his head, then back towards his friends and faculty. He gives a glance over towards the DJ Booth as he reaches out with his powers to connect to them so that his voice can make it's way through the speakers.

<< Hello everyone. >>

He begins as his voice modulates all around them through the surround sound. It's a soft tone, his own voice and not SIRI.

<< This is my first school dance. This is my first normal school year, actually. >>

Reaching up, he takes the crown off his head and stares at it for a few moments as he stubs his foot against the ground a few times, nervously.

<< I just want to thank everyone for being a good friend to me and a good teacher. It meant a lot to overcome the last few years and to feel normal again. I used to wonder what that word meant when I was younger. I had normal friends who had normal families. They had parents that loved them. I had parents that ignored me. I had friends that made me do their homework instead. I spent most of my life being really angry and jealous. For years I wished to die, especially after one really bad day. Some of you know about it. >>

He stubs his foot a few more times, stub stub.

<< But, this year, Xavier's taught me that I am normal, that the world around me is abnormal. I am graduating this year, starting a new job, starting college, a new life. Thank you to everyone who has been apart of my growth and healing. Thank you for giving me a purpose and a reason to live. >>

He puts the crown back on to his head, shifting it in place before he lifts a hand up to rub at his nose.

<< That's all. >>

Pixie has posed:
Megan Gwynn brings her fingers to her lips and whistles as she jumps and waves to her two friends on stage. "Woo, you're awesome Jer, Shan! Way to go!!" Yeah, she's hyper too much and probably had too much sugar. So what else is new?

Ted Gammage has posed:
Ted gives Shannon an amused look at her fake swearing and another hug before again shooing her toward the stage. He sits back down in his chair and listens to Jer's speech and applauds as well, and gives him a bit of a thumbs up in his own goofy way.

Faraday has posed:
Indira is still cheering. She abandoned the table to crowd up through her fellow students - like it or no - to stand at the front so she could be right there to support her teammates. She's beaming up at them as she claps, and it's a good thing she's got those gloves on or she'd probably be setting off a few accidental sparks. The ends of her hair are already frizzed with static thanks to her excitement. She does turn down her volume at least so as not to disrupt the speeches, but given the vibration of energy from her it'll probably be all bets off once they're done.

Nightingale has posed:
     Shannon dips a low curtsey worthy of one given to a queen, holding her head steady as the silver and sapphire crown floats down to come gently to rest amidst her pale gold hair. Rising to her feet, she takes two steps back, her wings folded flat against her back as Jeremy takes the stage. Listening to him, she tries to think for a moment. What could she offer, to equal that which she had been given?

     All she had was herself.

     Cracked, flawed, even broken at times, but it was better than nothing.

     Finally, when her turn came to speak, she steps right up to the mic, something of a pensive look on her face despite the smile. "It's been almost two years since my folks brought me here. We were just looking for Dr. McCoy, and lucked out finding the school as well. In the time since I've been here, I've heard the stories of a lot of you, and each one's torn me up inside just a little bit more. It reminds me how lucky I am, not just to have the family I do by blood...."

     Looking out at each and every single person in turn, from Miss Grey on down to the wallflowers on the other side of the room, she smiles. "...but to also have the family we've all built here. God only knows there's times I'll admit to being broken, and wondering if I've been wanted or needed, but making everything look normal. Instead, I should be reaching out to my family here more."

     There's actually a bit of mist in her eyes as she gazes out upon everyone, taking a deep breath and letting out a cleansing sigh. A couple crystalline droplets trickle down her face, right there on stage in front of peers and teachers alike. "Thank you all for having more faith in me than I do in myself sometimes. I hope I can keep giving back to all of you, the way you have all given so much to me."

Beast has posed:
Henry McCoy applauds the speeches both, his eyes just a little misty as he looks at both Jeremy and Shannon in turn. Pride can take a lot of shapes, this one is big, blue and his chest is threatening to rip his poet's shirt with the swell. They do grow up so fast.

Icarus has posed:
After the Royal Couple were announced and got their moments on the stage, the Blue Pirates returned to their spots at the mics. The tone stayed with the country feel but this time it was a slow song, befitting of the Royal Dance.

"Everytime our eyes meet
this feeling inside me
is more than I can take
Baby when you touch me
I can feelhow much you love me
And it just blows me away

"I've never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts
I can see your Dreams...

SpyderByte has posed:
When the band comes back on to play an iconic slow song, Jeremy glances over to Shannon. He steps in towards her and reaches out with one hand to slide into hers, while the other settles against her waist. He gives a few slow blinks of his eyes as he shuffles in a bit closer by another half step. As his fingers curl around hers, he takes in a deep breath, then offers her up a quick, half smile.

<< Doot. >>

Nightingale has posed:
     Shannon holds her wings out of the way as the Royal Dance begins, content to let Jeremy take the lead on this one. She smiles a bit, easing into the steps, the delicate silk and taffeta of her skirt swishing and sparkling with every movement.

     "Doot. I'm glad friends can dance, too. Crown looks good on you, Jer."

     Her eyes cross in comical fashion as she tries to peer up at the crown on her head, chuckling lightly. "Never expected that in a million years. Your speech was pretty awesome. Wonder if mine will make a difference for anyone here. I bet yours will."

Icarus has posed:
The dance started with the Royal Couple but others could join as well. Then once that faded, it was time to get the party started up again. The slow songs and country were set aside the Pirates brought out another rock song with a great dance beat and heavy percussion.

"Going down like a dead man walking
One step from a body in a coffin
Just one, one of the fallen
Waking up to a blood moon howling
Can't drown it out, even with the medicine
Tearing through me like a bullet of adrenaline..."

Aegis has posed:
Better late than never!

Xiomara had been gone from the school for a couple of months. Due to some family things, the deal had been modified to allow for her to leave the school and be under the supervision of her parents. But she had known prom was coming up and there was no way she was missing this one.

When she entered, the dress she wore met dress code requirements. Somehow. THe dress was red and form fitting, the top in a halter style with a bit of material joining the skirtt below. The skirt was longer with a short train, that was held off the floor if she wanted by a little loop that went around her wrist, making it floor length instead. The back was...non existent. A few straps that held everything in place and accentuating the booty! Her hair was down and styled to show off the natural curl in it.

"LOS MUERTOS IN THE HOUSE!" she called out at the top of her lungs as he sashayed her way in. Once she is well in the crowd, and away from the chaperones mostly, she had to add with her brightest smile and Spanish accent.

"What's up, bitches?! Didja miss me?"

Rogue has posed:
Rogue's time is surely running out, and it's likely best she get back to school to shed her skin - almost literally. Still... It would have been nice to of gotten a dance in, but she's about to bibbidi bobbidi move her ass out of the club and back to the mansion. She glances around, but the ones she'd want to say goodnight to are all currently occupied. Besides, silent stealthy exits are best. Reaching down to take off her shoes just before she crosses the club to head for the exit.

Faraday has posed:
And people thought Indira was fit to burst before.

As she spots her roommate-slash-pal arrive to the party, there is a very literal shriek of joy from the teen. Back through the crowd she goes - with one yelp as someone gets a passing zap and a quick 'sorry!' - and erupts from the other side in a fluffy of blue and gold silk like an onrushing, fancy thunderstorm. "XIO! You made it!"

She doesn't tackle the other girl for all it looks like she wants to and has to spend a moment rearranging her saree once she's come to a stop. "I knew you'd make it. Hah! Talk about being fashionably late, and you /are/ fashionable. You're /killing/ that! Girl, I missed you."

Beast has posed:
Henry McCoy catches sight of Cindarella bidding adieu for the sake of peeling like a lizard and getting horrible rashes. He lifts a hand to her though, fingerwaggling with a small smile as she makes her exit.

Pixie has posed:
Megan Gwynn cheers and applauds the two people on stage, smiling and waving to them. "Awesome speech! You two rock!" she calls, but now Megs is getting hungry and thirsty so she heads for the bar for a virgin pina colada and some finger food to go. And then with a final wave in passing to those she didn't get a chance to talk to at lenght, Megan slips out shortly after Hank does.

SpyderByte has posed:
As they dance, Jeremy gives Shannon a smile and listens to her. Before he can say something, a familiar voice that he has longed to hear rings out through the club. He pauses, then lets out a surprised noise. He gives a quick, apologetic smile to Shannon before he slides his hands away from her.

<< Dance with Ted. >>

He chirps to her before he hops off the stage and makes his way quickly over to his 'gang mate'. He lobs his arms around her for a quick, firm hug, almost stumbling into the latina.

<< Hola Mi Amiga! We have much to catch up on. >>

Nightingale has posed:
     Shannon bursts out laughing as Jeremy takes off to catch up with Xiomara, making her own way off of the stage and returning to sit with Ted. Smiling, she eases one wing and her arm around his shoulders, drawing him in for a fierce hug, unabashed at the open affection. Her head comes to rest on his shoulder, the crown somehow managing to stay in place amidst her hair, and she smiles, letting out a contented sigh.

     For once, all was right with the world. Friends and family were all here, and minor miracles had been scienced into being.

     But one thing was still missing.

     Tilting her head up to look at Ted, she smiles warmly, a hint of rose coloring her cheeks. "Shall we dance?"