scubatankfilledwithfarts. wherever I may go (Reply)

Maria’s been to a few mixers both official and for fun, and for the most part this one is her favorite. She would never allow her school associates to fraternize with Kaneda’s gang, so the boys only have eyes for her as all boys should. It isn't uncomfortable gawking, the kind she has to cut to the quick with a stern glare; they know only to look so much, and wouldn't dare touch, not just because they're afraid of her, but because they genuinely like her.

[and isn't that something-- how a group of punks could dig through the prestige and the walls she built around her and found her]

It’s her favorite (to Kaneda’s chagrin) members only, drinking and laughing and slapping each other on the back or balls (and boys are truly from Mars, which must be why it’s taking so long to get there, someone has to ask for directions)- the vibes as they say are immaculate. There’s a lazy, easy feeling in the air when it comes to them that isn’t the performative hawk-eyes of society Maria is used to. They don't quite treat her as one of the guys, but it's close enough to remind them she's still not to be trifled with.

Yamagata settles cross-legged on the ground after finishing a particular dare that involved marbles in an embarrassing place, proud of himself and not the least bit ashamed. Kaneda lifts his chin in that way he does when he's about to say something stupid (it's stupidly charming too) and turns to Maria.

Anticipation blooms in her chest, mouth already curved in an answering smile.

"Maria, truth or dare."

Now, she knows what he wants her to say: something scandalous to get the blood rushing, their hearts jumping and his friend bitterly jealous.

What she says instead is: "Truth." Her eyes twinkle, her belly swoops at the burning look in those gray eyes fixed on her and only on her. A spotlight on the stage, the heat of it curling right to her core.

"I dare you to come over here and kiss me," Kaneda declares with his entire chest, and the way her stomach swoops up, up, up, like a roller coaster just before the final plummet--

Maria laughs and laughs until her face feels hot, hair flying as she all but races into his arms, mouth downturned for his lips--

They dutifully ignore Kai's quiet, sullen, "She didn't even say dare??"