SUCH a pain in my synapses

[bloodsong1]

The dance floor cleared out as Sarah and His Nibs approached. His Nibs led her directly to the middle, turned her gracefully and they started to dance to an old song. An old, familiar song.

"Really, Sensei?" She asked. He sneered. She shook her head. About halfway through the song, another couple danced by. It was Logan and Rebecca.

"How does one ensure the proper candidates are chosen?" His Nibs asked, watching them. Sarah shrugged one shoulder.

"One does not. Rarely do such contests come down to a single vote. Public opinion is fickle and cruel. Much like you."

"I am NOTHING like these infantile cretins," His Nibs growled. Right at the end of the song. So the entire room heard him. Sarah waited for the gasps of outrage and insulted curses to die down.

"Indeed you are not, Mr. King," She declared in her best carrying voice. "A newt cannot compare to a snake. How fortunate for us you are well fed." She curtsied politely and left the floor in a dismissive swish of silver skirts. His Nibs chuckled, looked around.

"Well? Laugh!" He commanded. Nervous laughter joined his dark chuckles. Sarah, Logan and Rebecca did not join in.

"Sarah, your balls are carbon fiber," Logan declared, shaking his head as he joined the girls. Mr. King was at the bar, intimidating the principal with remarkable flair. Sarah inclined her head.

"So do you, Logan. And you, Rebecca."

"Dancing near him wasn't so bad. I would NOT want to dance WITH him!"

"Oh, famous last words, Beccs," Logan said. Rebecca paled as His Nibs bore down on them.

"Your next test, Dashina. Dance with all the candidates."

"Do I get to take points off for cretin behavior?" She asked. Rebecca dug through her purse, twice the size of Sarah's.

"Your vote does not count, remember?"

"Charm and grace, then. Do try NOT to melt any of the girls' knees. Some are athletes."

"Would that their appreciation would rub off on you," Mr. King leered. Sarah tossed her head.

"I know you." She swept away, heading towards John, the token non-jock. Mr. King looked Rebecca over, smirked and left to get Courtney, the most likely. Rebecca and Logan exchanged looks.

"Saving the best for last?" Logan offered. Rebecca tugged on a pair of thin black elbow gloves.

"Jailbait fiend. I no longer envy Sarah her career plans."

"Would be nice to have a little magic, don't you think?"

"I'd rather have super powers. Much more reliable."

"Point." The two watched Mr. King devastate the Prom Queen wannabes. Sarah was all smiles, but the Prom King candidates were left blinking, expressions ranging from nonplussed to horribly confused. Rebecca braced herself when Mr. King dumped Megan at a table, looking starry eyed, and headed for her.

"May I?" He asked, every inch a refined gentleman from the past. Rebecca put her chin up.

"For Sarah's sake." That cost her his smile and she was satisfied. He led her to the dance floor, Sarah and Logan a few steps behind.

"Why for Sarah?" Mr. King asked as the music started. Rebecca carefully looked at his nose.

"She is my friend and I want her to succeed."

"Succeed? How?"

"In the best possible way for her and her loved ones." Rebecca glanced at his mouth, now turned down. Her smile widened slightly.

"Has she told you?"

"About what?"

"About me."

"You're her tutor."

"That's all?" He sounded suspicious. Rebecca flicked a look at his eyes before going back to his nose.

"That is all I need to know."

"What if I told you I was more then a tutor?"

"I would not be surprised."

"Why not?"

"Because you ask too many questions." Rebecca clicked her teeth shut. Mr. King asked more questions, she dropped her gaze to his collar and did not respond. When the song ended, she smoothly stepped back, curtsied, and walked away, head high. She made it to the bar and softly asked for water. The bartender handed her a sealed bottle. She took it to the closest empty table, sat down, opened it and drank half. Logan joined her with a glass of punch.

"Was it as bad as it looked?"

"Yes." She looked around. Sarah had Mr. King's arm, leading him to a table across the room. Rebecca smirked as Sarah subtly prodded him into manners. He held out her chair and fetched her something to eat and drink, a long suffering look on his face.

"She can handle him."

"Here yes. Where he comes from? I hope so."



Now to figure out the winners.