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Parties are still not Calliope’s thing. She can count on her hand the amount of parties she willingly attended in the past few years, and most of them were just to keep face.
The only party she actually wanted to attend, was Noah’s party, and that was only because Juliette had invited her.
Okay, things didn’t turn out fantastic then. But it was the first time that they had interacted on a deeper level, the first time they had actually kissed too.
So she finds herself dragged along by association to a random classmate’s party. Calliope doesn’t even know the name of the guy whose house she is currently on her way to.
All she knows is what Juliette had explained to her, when she asked about attending. Ben had a thing going with the friend of whoever was hosting the party, therefore he was recruiting Juliette as his “wingwoman” she had explained.
In turn, Juliette had pleaded for Calliope to accompany them to the party too. She wasn’t a big partier either, and Cal didn’t want her stuck bored and alone all evening so had agreed to come.
So hours later, Calliope sat in the front seat of Ben’s car. She had been delegated as the driver, because it was unanimous that Juliette was to be kept as far away from the driving seat as possible, and Ben, quote “wanted to get wasted”
But Calliope didn’t mind, she hadn’t planned on drinking much either. Just wanted to keep an eye on her girlfriend, and get through the night with minimal drama.
”You look great” Juliette repeated, a giddy smile on her face. Calliope flashed her back a smile, “and your dress sense is improving, good job Ben” she calls to the back seat.
Ben snorts and Juliette huffs. “I could’ve put this outfit together” she protests, gesturing to the baby blue skirt and matching collared shirt. “Sure, Letty” Ben pats her shoulder with a sarcastic smile.
Calliope hadn’t put much thought into her outfit. She didn’t see the appeal in dressing up for a bunch of drunk high school students.
Instead, she went for a navy bodysuit and her signature white boots, knowing that Juliette particularly liked her when she wore bodysuits.
She eventually drove down the street, pulling into a small garage. Juliette nearly hopped from the car, and Calliope couldn’t tell if it was because of her excitement or she genuinely tripped from the high jeep.
Knowing her girlfriend, it was probably both.
Juliette didn’t really enjoy parties, but she had been hyped up for this one. Calliope discovered that she didn’t mind parties when they all attended together, which would explain her bouncing mood.
“I wonder if it’ll be busy” she mused, taking Cal’s hand when she clambered out of the jeep. “I hope not” Calliope replies, lacing their fingers together.
“Well I for one, hope it’s busy” Ben shoots them a wolffish grin. “More options to choose from!” Juliette pushes him, “Gross dude”
They walk into the house, and instantly Calliope is reminded why she doesn’t like parties.
Ben gets his wish, because the house is crawling with loud teens, creating so much noise that Cal wonders why they couldn’t hear it a mile down the road.
The stench hits her too, a mix between beer and whatever aftershave every teen boy decides to overdo it with. It doesn’t seem like an inviting environment, and Cal questions why people would want to host this in their home.
”Wow, that’s uh. A lot of people” Juliette remarks, seemingly a lot less excited about the party. Calliope frowns, “hey it’ll be okay. We’ll have a blast”
Ben coughs under his breath, “simp”. Juliette shoved him again. “This is slander, and also unfairness. Forcing me to third wheel, whilst you.....” he trails away
Juliette rolls her eyes. “Have you found Kyle?” She asks, and Ben doesn’t reply, too preoccupied making eyes with a tall blonde. “I’ll take that as a yes” Jules adds
”Go spread your wings, make your move” she insists, giving her best friend a shove. Calliope nods in agreement, “We’ll be all good, go talk to him”
Ben squares his shoulders, shoots the pair his best smile then disappears into the crowd. Juliette smiles fondly, clutching her chest “they grow so fast” she proclaims dramatically.
Calliope drops an arm low across her waist, “c’mon Cupid let’s get you a drink” she leads them to a table, taking two red plastic cups of whatever the suspicious brown liquid could be.
”This looks... interesting” Juliette remarks, but takes a big gulp. Calliope follows suit, and winces as the drink hits her throat. The concoction is a clear mix of different drinks, and tastes dreadful.
Music is playing loudly, the beat almost thumping through the wooden floorboards. Juliette drowns the cup in a shaky mouthful, and stands towards the designated dance floor.
“A dance, m’lady?” She bows and winks, looking utterly ridiculous.
Calliope couldn’t say no to Juliette, not if she tried. She takes the extended hand, putting down her cup and letting Juliette lead her into the dance floor.
The song is slow. Or at least slower than the fast rap that had been playing so far. Calliope can’t recognise it though, it’s some nameless heavy beat, all rhythm over lyrics.
A few couples dance on the floor, and they seem happy. Cal watches them for a moment before allowing Juliette to start the dance.
They step into position together, and Calliope notices the way that they fit together effortlessly, like a puzzle with matching pieces.
Calliope’s arms slot around Juliette’s hips, whose arms come to wrap around her shoulders. They press tightly together, and sway lightly to the music.
Juliette looks happy, and free. She doesn’t seem to notice the other couples, bumping nearby. Or the growing stench of beer.
It’s like they exist in their own little bubble, closed of to the rest of the world
And Calliope doesn’t like parties, not by a long shot.
But she would go to a party every day of the week to see Juliette look so happy.