The long awaited date has come at last. The first-years usually don't have classes during Fridays so a free day is most welcomed. Some Paladins would use this time to rest and relax. While others might prefer to review their upcoming lessons.
Dreadnought heard rumors of a party happening this Friday. While asking around, he found out that on the first Friday of the semester, the third-years are obligated to throw a party for the entire school. Little is known about how this tradition started, but none of the Paladins complain.
Just outside the dorm, Dreadnought sports a formal suit too big for him. The suit clearly hasn't been worn for some time, and the owner hasn't even bothered cleaning it.
"Why are you wearing a suit?" Snooze asks. She is wearing a casual outfit.
"Isn't this standard procedure?"
"Who told you that?"
"A good friend," Dreadnought embarrassingly laughs "I can take it off if you want,"
"Maybe later, if everything goes well." Snooze smiles.
The two make their way to the third-year dorms. It's not a long walk, since all the dorms are just a couple of meters apart. When they arrive, Dreadnought immediately notices the students outside. Some struggle to walk, while others are sleeping on the pavement.
"Is he okay?" Dreadnought asks. He points to a student flying while clearly intoxicated. Snooze just laughs at him, as they make their way to the entrance.
When they enter the dorm, the first thing Dreadnought notices is the lights. Bright neon colors fill the entire room. Streaks of light dance upon the walls. Next, he notices the loud and obnoxious music. He knows that a certain teacher would not appreciate all the noise. Finally, he witnesses the students who all seem to be drinking to their heart's content.
"We can always still just watch a movie," Snooze says, seeing Dreadnought's nervousness.
"Streetwise says that trying something new for a date builds a strong foundation. This is certainly new for me."
"Well then, let's do this," Snooze grabs his hand, as the pair go right into the middle.
Snooze hands Dreadnought a plastic cup. He takes a whiff of it and instinctively pushes it away.
"What is that? Poison?"
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Snooze laughs, "No silly, it's beer. Never had it?"
"This would be a first," Dreadnought rubs his neck, "as long as it doesn't kill me." He grabs the cup and gulps. He lets out a loud burp.
"We're supposed to say 'cheers!' first," Snooze giggles.
"Cheers!" Dreadnought screams, as the crowd "Woos!" along with him.
"This drink is delicious. It makes me feel light, and less worried about everything. I should drink this more often."
"You shouldn't unless you want to die early," Snooze laughs, as the two dance to the beat.
The time passes by like a breeze. In the span of two hours, Dreadnought has consumed at least a gallon of alcohol. His natural tolerance to the drink is unparalleled. Snooze continues to drink as they dance the night away. After a few more songs, they both sit down on a couch as they catch their breath.
"I feel like throwing up, is that natural?" Dreadnought asks.
"I'd be more concerned if you didn't" Snooze rubs his back.
"I will be right back," Dreadnought smiles as he runs to the bathroom.
When he returns, he finds a few familiar faces have joined Snooze.
See, a few hours back, (error 404), also known as Julia, managed to convince some of her classmates to crash this year's party. They found Snooze all alone so they decided to keep her company.
"Were we even invited?" Glimpse asks, visibly shaking.
"It's an open invite. Besides, I know this one needs a drink," Julia laughs as she elbows Matter.
"Why is he here?" Matter questions.
"Oh, he's gay. Don't worry," Julia reassures.
"Yeah, I love men," White Mask doubles down.
"And him?" Matter looks over to another guy.
"I think he's gay too?" Julia shrugs.
"I am not. I just go wherever White Mask goes," Sure-Shot says in a reassuring tone.
"That sounds pretty gay to me," Julia giggles.
"Dreadnought! Over here!" Snooze waves, "Look who's here!"
Crapbaskets. Dreadnought thinks to himself. While the company is appreciated, now is not the best time. He sits down beside Snooze while grabbing a cup.
"If isn't the two love birds. How's the date going?" Matters asks in a condescending tone.
"I think it's been going great," Dreadnought smiles. He looks over to Snooze. She nods as she hugs Dreadnought's arm.
"I think it's best if we leave you guys alone," Julia laughs, "besides, I need a refill." She drags the rest of them away.
"You could at least try to hide your bitterness," Julia scolds Matter.
"Shut up and get seconds," Matter gestures to her empty cup.
At the back, White Mask is whispering something to Sure-Shot.
"Dude, I really think Matter is into you," White Mask says.
"Really?" Sure-Shot considers it.
"Yes, look at the way she's been looking at you. She has those 'fuck me' eyes."
"You noticed those too?"
"Yeah man, just go for it. You miss a hundred shots you don't take," White Mask laughs as he pushes Sure-Shot forward.
"That was cruel," Glimpse says.
"Maybe so, but it's gonna be hilarious."
Sure-Shot moves to Julia's chair as he sits down next to Matter.
"Hey."
"What the fuck do you want?"
"Dreadnought meant a lot to you yea? Perhaps I can fill his hole with mine?"
"Huh?!"
"Why did he word it like that?" Glimpse asks White Mask.
"Uhhh," White Mask shrugs, "maybe it sounded better in his head?"
Dreadnought notices out of the corner of his eye Matter leaving alone. He wants to talk to her, maybe even comfort her, but her words echo in his head.
Just leave me alone.