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[i][color=darkgray]Featuring [color=76FF7A]Chrissie McCoy[/color], [color=BF225D]Ariana Mossos[/color], and [color=bbeefb]Mr. Jace Russo[/color][/color][/i]
[sub][@TootsiePop][@Rosalia][@HaleyTheRandom][/sub]
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[indent]What was wrong with her? 

A lot, honestly.

Chrissie was suffocating with all these negative emotions, as if they were swallowing her whole. Her willpower betrayed her because no longer did she have it in her to fight what was boiling deep in her system. She didn’t want to fight anymore. She didn't want to play pretend and kill people with kindness like some selfless humanitarian. She didn’t want to smile for others and act like she was happy for them. She didn’t want to seek out the good memories, or why she ever gave a fuck.  

There was a part of her blossoming inside that wanted to take the devil’s path, with hate as her drive, throwing everything out the window, including her reputation. Funny, really. How love could turn so quickly into hate. Her once cute, genuine, and lighthearted smile now lit up her features as if she no longer ran on tender love but on cold malice. 

As simple as her interaction with Chanel was, it seemed to have made her come to terms with some things about herself. Chrissie was [b]NOT[/b] a sob story. And kindness? Kindness costs way too much. It was time to become her father’s daughter, and the only way to get where she needed to go was throw all good intentions out the door and walk the rest of her school days with unrelenting meanness. 

There was a reason she fell for an asshole, and that’s because he saw things the way she saw them. If you need to step on someone, then you step on them. If you need to burn everything around you to achieve your goal, then you burn every-fucking-thing. How could she possibly forget? [b]This[/b] was how she was raised to be. Not this bubbly, sickly friendly, and sugary sweet theater dweeb that tried to get everyone to love her, even if it was only when they watched her on stage. 

Yes, her name was Chrissie McCoy and [i]she[/i] wanted to watch the world burn. Caught up in her final decisions, smoldering underneath her forced expression, Chris was coerced back to present time, her current Valentine’s dance reality, losing all balance and falling right on her ass. Before she could register what had just happened, she was pounced on by her best friend. 

Oh, that’s right. Chrissie was originally trying to find Ariana. Sadly, she had totally forgotten after she came back into the ballroom, only to see romance in the air. [color=76FF7A]“So I take it... you’re having a [i]great[/i] time, just like me?”[/color] Pulling her friend close, knowing Ariana may be the only person she was willing to trust right now, Chrissie grumbled,  [color=76FF7A]“I bet he did something dumb.”[/color] 

As much as Ariana wanted to answer Chrissie's questions, the giggle fit she had succumbed to when tumbling down right after her best friend had rendered her temporarily unable to. The giggles had given way to full-blown laughter when the curly-haired girl pulled her closer, causing their bodies to roll around the floor together while leaving Ariana dangerously close to flashing every person in the vicinity.

Chaperone duty was an absolute drag. Jace Russo was here to fill his required hours - or at least that’s what he would tell anyone who asked. The punch had already been spiked, and he didn’t even care. Truth to be told, the dark haired man was already on his third glass himself. Speaking to the history teacher, Mr. Fulton, Jace was mostly not paying attention to the students. The loud and joyful laughter somewhat nearby would catch both his and Fulton's attention, causing both of the men to look towards Chrissie and Ariana. 

A quick glance would send Jace into action. As he and his coworker began to walk the girls way, Jace held his hand up as if to say ‘don’t worry about it. I’ve got this one.’ A few quick strides and he had reached his destination, cup still in hand. Placing a gentle hand on Ariana’s shoulder, Jace looked from her to Chrissie and back before speaking. 

[color=BBEEFB]“Girls. Sorry to kill the moment, but you need to get up off the floor. You’re about to show everyone your asses.”[/color] Normally, Jace wouldn’t curse in front of his students or use such lax language in general. However, this was his ex-girlfriend and her best friend. Lines had already been crossed, and there was no use in trying to go back at this point. 

Not really caring that their asses were being showcased to the world, or almost so, Chrissie scoffed at the man that was intervening with her time with her best friend, who she didn’t see this whole fucking night until NOW. First, he had the audacity to put Ariana in a mood, causing her Cherry to have a down spiral night. Second, he chose now was the perfect time to show his face to them and play it like he was actually a good, responsible, and mature chaperone. Tightening her hold on her friend, she glared up at her math teacher, who was also at fault for taking one of her friend’s hearts away from her, and said behind gritted teeth,  [color=76FF7A]“[i]Who[/i] the hell are [i]you[/i]?”[/color]

Confused and slightly tipsy (yes, Jace was a lightweight himself) the teacher looked at the star drama student as if she had grown a second head. [color=BBEEFB]“I’m Jace? Jace Russo? Your math teacher. I gave you a C- one time and you tried to kill me, remember?”[/color] 

Jace had a good feeling that some of the students here were wasted, but he had no idea that anyone would be so far gone they couldn’t remember their own teacher's name. 

[color=76FF7A]“Omigod, boomer. That was sarcasm.”[/color] Releasing her friend, Chrissie stood up and pulled her up with her, [color=76FF7A]“I know who you are and I know you’re fucking petty and when Ariana upsets you, you take it out on everyone she’s fucked. Myself included. Blahblahblah.”[/color] 

[color=BBEEFB]"Mmm yeah. No.”[/color] Taking a sip of his drink, Jace crossed his arms. [color=BBEEFB]"Anyway. Really didn’t come over here to start anything. Just figured you two didn’t want to show everyone your nether regions, but hey. Maybe you do. By all means, go grab the DJ’s mic and start stripping. Liven the party for us a bit.”[/color] 

The grinning Ariana having watched the exchange between Chrissie and Jace in silence, knowing she should be stepping in to defend one of the parties involved but being far too amused to do so. Truth be told, she was secretly glad her best friend was giving her ex a hard time. It was definitely a fantastic, innovative way to get back at him for all the other times he'd been petty towards her before without having to do the dirty work herself. Plus, it was the first time they had spoken after that heated argument on the first day of school. And, in all honesty, Ariana was simply happy to hear his voice addressing her. She would never admit to it, but she had missed him terribly.

When Jace brought up the suggestion of them stripping, a knowing little smirk lit up the brunette's features. [color=BF225D]"I bet you would [i]love[/i] to see that, wouldn't you?"[/color] she teased, scanning the area to make sure nobody was looking before shooting him a playful wink. [color=BF225D]"I know you fucking miss me. That's the only reason why you came running to us so quickly the second this perky little ass you love so much was showing. You can't even deny it."[/color]

To add to her friend’s point, Chrissie grabbed Ariana’s ass, giving it a nice, strong squeeze, [color=76FF7A]“Perky as fuck. It’s too bad…”[/color] She let go of Ariana’s cheek and rested her head on her shoulder, [color=76FF7A]“This ass is going home with me.”[/color] 

[color=BF225D]"I'll make sure to send you pictures, if you want. Maybe a hot little video to go along with it?"[/color] the brunette couldn't help herself to add mischievously.

[color=BBEEFB]“You two are absolutely [i]disgostang[/i]”[/color] Jace said, slurring the last word. Of course this wasn’t true - at all. Ariana and Chrissie had been known to send Jace steamy pictures and videos from time to time. This would be nothing different. Sadly, his days with Ariana were over, and so were the messages. For now, Jace looked at pictures of women his own age. 

Rolling her eyes, clearly unimpressed, Chrissie laughed, [color=76FF7A]“I’ve been called worse things by better people.”[/color] Times like these, the drama queen had a hard time seeing what Ariana saw. Somehow, this man was everything she wanted and needed and more. Now [i]that[/i] was disgusting. Falling stupidly in love where no one else could ever be an option. It was because of HIM Ariana couldn’t enjoy her time with Max and Jasper. 

You know what? 

God created the middle finger for a reason and it was for people like Mr. Russo who deserved it. Pulling Ariana to her, over the dumb teacher’s bullshit, Chrissie used her free hand to give him the bird,  [color=76FF7A]“You’re pathetic, Mr. Russo. Come to us when you’re ready to be a man.”[/color] In swift movements, she purposely hit her teacher’s cup to spill all over his shirt, before demanding, [color=76FF7A]“Let’s get out of here, baby. Fuck him. You’re worth more than this shit.”[/color]

Trying to wipe the liquid from his shirt, Jace sighed. [color=BBEEFB]“Yes. Please leave. You’re drunk out of your mind, Chrissie. Have a great night.”[/color] 

[color=76FF7A]“No. I just know a good thing when I see it. G’night, sir. Enjoy pornhub.”[/color] 

[color=BBEEFB]“The lesbian section is looking pretty good right now compared to this shit.”[/color] 

Whatever entertainment Ariana had been getting from this situation had long since faded into regret. She had known that both Chrissie and Jace were prone to petty remarks and suffered from the same illness she did: a need to always get the last word. So, while she had expected the back and forth between them, she hadn't anticipated how far it would go in such a short period of time. First they were taking subtle digs at each other, and then the next moment Chrissie was spilling Jace's drink all over his shirt and dragging her shocked figure away. But before her friend could take her too far, Ariana placed her hands over the one Chrissie was holding her by and gently pried it away.

[color=BF225D]"Peaches, would you mind being a sweetheart and go wait for me by the door?"[/color] the brunette softly asked the blond. [color=BF225D]"I promise I'll be there soon."[/color]

Of course. Back to the start, knowing very well where her position was in all her friends’ lives, second to all their lovers, Chrissie beamed the fakest smile to Ariana, [color=76FF7A]“Yeah! Absolutely. Don’t make me stand out there for too long.”[/color] Not waiting for a response, Chrissie left Ariana to talk to Jace. Her state of mind was even worse than earlier. Before she exited the ballroom, she glanced over to the drinking table to see Stella smiling and laughing with Carter. 

Tonight was fucking fantastic.

Ariana knew that smile. After three and a half years of friendship, the young woman had become proficient in identifying when Chrissie was being honest and when she was faking it to hide how she truly felt. And seeing her BFF walk away after shooting her [i]that[/i] smile stung just as badly as when Max had done it not even twenty minutes previously. 

What was up with her disappointing people today?

Letting out a long, deep sigh, the visibly distraught girl turned back to Jace. [color=BF225D]"Look: I'm sorry about what just happened with Chrissie,"[/color] she began, looking up at the man with big, apologetic eyes and a trembling lower lip. [color=BF225D]"She's clearly drunk and bothered by something, so even though you shouldn't have let yourself be baited into the whole back and forth with her, I know I should've stopped it before it went too far."[/color]

Jace shrugged his shoulders, sighing as he surveyed the damage to his shirt. [color=BBEEFB]”I really don’t care anymore, Ariana. I’m not your problem - you’re not mine. I was honestly trying to do my job when I first walked over.”[/color] 

Well, [i]that[/i] was certainly not the answer Ariana had been hoping to get. But then again, what else was she expecting from the king of pettiness himself? For him to see that she was being completely honest? That she was admitting fault to the situation? That she had literally put aside her pride to say she was fucking [i]sorry[/i] even when not being the one at fault? And [i]this[/i] is how he was paying her back?!

Fueled by anger and hurt at just how easily he had dismissed her earnest feelings, Ariana strode forward and slapped the man hard across the face. [color=BF225D]"How's [i]this[/i] for not being your problem anymore, then?"[/color] she spat with pure venom in her voice, her eyes flashing with fury. She didn't care about who had seen what she'd just done or what the consequences would be. All the girl wanted was for Jace to feel the same amount of pain he had just caused her. 

A maniacal laugh creeping from between his lips, Jace rubbed the side of his face for a brief moment. [color=BBEEFB]"Listen. I don’t have to accept anything from you, Ariana. No apology. Nothing. [i]You[/i] chose to end things. So go. Live your best life. Fuck Chrissie. Fuck Max. Fuck Jasper. Go fuck whoever you want - however you want. You got what you wanted - you’re free.”[/color] 

At this moment, Mr. Fulton was beginning to walk over, an alarmed look on his face. 

[color=BF225D]"[i]Fine[/i]. I will. Watch me."[/color] Ariana declared, shooting Jace one last death glare and storming off to the exit, holding back the wave of hot, heartbroken tears that so desperately wanted to roll down her cheeks.

Once outside, the young woman frantically searched around the area for Chrissie, and thankfully found her without much effort sitting quietly on the hood of Jasper's car. The brunette strolled towards her friend with determination, hoping she'd keep her composure long enough to reach the safety of her house even when her bottom lip was trembling so strongly. But the second she had reached the blonde, it was as if every negative interaction of the evening had come crashing down on her. And before she knew it, Ariana threw her arms around her best friend and started to sob.

Moments before Ariana joined her, Chrissie was sinking deeper and deeper into her own thoughts. Surprisingly, she didn’t go off walking randomly, getting lost in the night. Most likely because the only place she had available to her was Ariana’s. Since she was sobering up, sense did start coming back to her. Chrissie knew the best option was to wait for her impatiently. 

When Ariana did show up, embracing her with a river full of tears, Chrissie held her friend close and somehow found herself smiling. She wasn’t happy that Ariana was crying. No, that was tragic. She was happy that her friend needed her and that Jace most likely broke her heart. Trying to keep the smile contained, Chrissie pulled her Cherry away from her, looking at her through teary eyes,  [color=76FF7A]“You want chocolate? I want chocolate. Call mommy so we can get out of here.”[/color] Mommy as in Ariana’s mother, Audrey Mossos-Huntsberg. Chrissie was not in the mood for an Uber, and honestly, both of them could use a mother right now. 

The young woman shook her head. [color=BF225D]"M-mamma's n-not even in the c-country right n-now…"[/color] Ariana wailed in between sobs. [color=BF225D]"Dad t-took her to Italy f-for the w-weekend. I had t-the house to m-myself and I was g-gonna hook up with J-Jasper but now I d-don't even w-want to."[/color]

Goddammit. Uber it is. Grumbling to herself, wishing she could call Stella’s parents at this moment, Chrissie took out her phone and went to the Uber app. After a couple of minutes of requesting Uber XL, she looked at her bestie and tsked, [color=76FF7A]“Two stops. First, we’re going to buy junk food. Think chocolate, ice cream, cake, the whole nine yards. Secondly, we’re going to take a selfie together, showing every motherfucker we ended this night happy. Then and only then will we cuddle tonight and spill our hearts out, got it?”[/color] 

[color=BF225D]"Okay."[/color] Ariana sniffled, nodding while carefully wiping away her tears. Although this was not the way the girl had expected her night to end, she was happy that at least she would be going home with the one person who would always have her back.

The King's Academy staff had wanted to celebrate friendship above romance, after all. And that's exactly what Ariana and Chrissie were going to do.[/indent][/color]