Chapter Text
Misty held the crown of branches and leaves, slowly turning it in her hands and admiring its details. The sharp thorns of the twigs pricked her fingers, and she gently set her creation back on the table.
“Did you make that?”
She perked up and turned towards the voice, her body slightly twisting.
“Natalie.” She greeted her, a hint of excitement in her voice. Natalie gazed at her insistently, and it was then that she realized she never actually answered her question.
“Oh— yeah. Yes, I did.” She awkwardly lifted the crown from the table and raised it, allowing Natalie a better view.
Natalie took a few careful steps closer, then smiled as she studied Misty’s work. “That's pretty cool, actually. I like it. You did a good job.”
Flustered, all that Misty could mutter was a quiet “thanks.” Still holding the floral crown in her hands, she watched as Natalie stepped towards her once more, closing the distance between them. As she drew closer, she earned a better view of Misty’s face, and her own expression turned into one of dazed curiosity.
Misty noticed this and became equally as confused. “What?”
“Are you wearing makeup?”
Misty's pale face grew flushed. Her eyes were fixed frozen on Natalie, who was now smiling affectionately back at her. Interpreting this act as a mockery, Misty snapped her head away in shame and silently swore at herself.
“No, no— Misty, I didn’t mean it like that. I just never knew you were into that stuff.” She bit down on her lip. “You look pretty.”
Misty turned back around and gazed at Natalie with glossy eyes, offering a bittersweet grin. “You think I’m pretty?”
Natalie returned the smile, her expression softening. “Yeah. It’s a good look on you.” She was relieved to see Misty smile at this — she knows how sensitive she can be to others’ judgements, especially in regards to her looks. Her stomach gently twisted, and in that moment, Natalie remembered what she was actually here to do. “Alright, look. I need…” Natalie shifted her weight uncomfortably, then turned her attention back to Misty. “I’m here because I wanted to ask you for a favor.”
Misty straightened her posture, fighting back an amused smirk. “What do you need?”
After a few short moments of silent consideration, Natalie spoke. “So, Travis and I broke up. I’m sure you already knew that, though.”
Misty sat quietly, simply listening and waiting for her to continue.
Natalie tutted. “I don’t think Travis ever gave a shit about me, anyway. He’s already moving onto other things.” She leaned in closer, lowering her voice to a murmur. “He’s been hanging out with Jackie. If you can fucking believe that.”
“I mean, I don’t really think it’s that surprising…”
Misty and Natalie both laughed at this — clearly, they were in agreement. “Why are you telling me all of this, anyway?” Misty asked, still giggling slightly.
“Doomcoming is tonight. And Jackie and Travis are probably gonna be there together.” She shot Misty a coy look, hoping she would catch on, but all she did was stare vacantly back at her. Natalie sighed. “I don’t wanna look miserable just standing by myself the whole night. That’s what he wants to see, but I’m not gonna let him fucking have it.”
Misty, still oblivious to Nat’s intentions, shifted in her seat. “So, what exactly are you trying to say?”
Frustrated, Natalie threw her arms down and scoffed. “Misty, I’m asking you to be my date.”
Misty’s eyes immediately widened, and she shot up from her seat. “What? ”
“It only has to be for tonight — I just want him to see that I can be better off without him. We don’t need to actually do anything, but if they think that we’re together, maybe he’ll back off.”
Misty remained frozen where she stood, struggling to find the proper words to say. Nobody has ever asked me out before. Sure, maybe this wasn’t actually real — but it was something, and that was all she needed.
“So… Do you wanna do this or not?” Nat asked again, more persistent this time.
“Yes, of course!” Misty hesitated, embarrassed at her failure to contain her genuine excitement. She took a slow breath in, then regained her composure. “Yes, Natalie, I will go with you. I wanna help.”
Natalie smiled, content. “Awesome. I guess I’ll see you then,” she said, a hint of a smirk in her voice. She reluctantly turned away and headed towards the already-open door of the cabin, then stepped outside, leaving Misty alone once more.
Once Nat was no longer in view, Misty giddily smiled to herself, fidgeting with the leaves on her crown. She didn't realize she was blushing until she felt the contrast of the cold autumn air against her burning cheeks.