Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jesus Rodriguez 
Not that he would ever actually answer this truthfully later one (he would deny until he believed the lie himself,) but he was nervous. Not because he felt like he would embarrass himself with his lack of experience a formal setting, but because Valerie had said yes to his invitation which meant that he had to follow through. Those nerves had followed him around from the moment he saw the notice for the event, to the moment he stepped foot on the boat. His abuela would definitely have so many questions about how it all played out, so he took it upon himself to experience as much as he could in order to weave together a great story later on.
He hadn't meant to just look at Valerie; it was supposed to be a quick ha!-look-at-how-the-bourgeoisie-live kind of look, but he'd gotten caught up in processing the fact that she was here with him. That awkwardness (the one that he thought was slowly leaving) sifted through him again, causing the sixth year to turn his face and look at something else. He supposed this was the part where he needed to compliment her on her look and she would in turn compliment him giving rise to a small ***-for-tat between them to see who could casually out-compliment the other for the night. It was perplexing, trying to figure out the right thing to do or say; perhaps he really should've taken his neighbor up on her offer over the summer (he really did need dating practice.)
Clearing his throat, he offered Valerie a curious smile. "I should be asking you the same thing," he replied casually, adjusting his hand so that it was more comfortable. "Don't tell me that the allure of the ballroom has awoken the soft and feminine side of you." A joke (although he did actually want to know the answer to that, for future references) that he hoped would go over well because he didn't know what the proper protocol was for nights like these. Was he allowed to make jokes like that? Would she be offended? And if she happened to get upset, was it his job to make her feel better?
Considering for a moment whether or not to warn him not to adjust his hand
too much, the sixteen year old instead set her attention on his question. Which she greeted with an eye roll. "
Your rhetorical musing is almost endearing," she smiled cautiously while her arms moved to drape over his shoulders and finger tips just lightly touching his back. "
Of course I do and as long as you follow my lead the illusion that you can as well will be upheld. Right foot first."
Taking the bull by the horns was a part of her standard repertoire (instinctual, if you will) but right now it was more of a game of cat and mouse for the Wampus. Anything to keep Jesus on his toes and a little squirmy was beneficial to herself. Meant at least one other person here was more uncomfortable than her and she was not at the bottom of the hypothetical food chain.
"
Wishful thinking on your part, perhaps," she muttered. Although admittedly he was right, joking or not. For the young woman who refused to wear a uniform skirt and always opted to wear pants, this was a considerable leap. Refusing to meet his gaze at the moment for reasons, Valerie's eyes wandered around the dance floor and of course noted the glance their direction from a certain insufferable cheerleader. Which meant she swiftly looked elsewhere, to Kyle primarily, who had earned himself quite the gathering since securing himself first place. Something she would tease him for later.
Feelings settling in her stomach, she turned her gaze back to her dance partner. "
I would say it has awoken your chivalry, asking the black sheep of Ilvermorny as your date, or should I know better?"