Chapter Text
The following day at school Misty holds her head a little higher. Smiling more as she makes her way around school to her classes. Once it’s lunch time though she tries her best to get out of the lunch line as fast as possible.Feeling the pack of cherry Jello slap against the tray as she makes a beeline over to the table where the Yellowjackets sit.
As she draws closer she can see the team's captain Jackie Taylor perched atop the table. Left foot hooked over the right as she uses her elbows to prop herself up. Laid back like she doesn’t have a care in the world.
Misty doesn’t speak. She cranes her head around trying to look for Natalie. Catching the yellow of Laura Lee’s hair instead.
“Uhh what do you want?” she can hear Lottie ask, shooting a glare her way.
“I was..just..gonna ask Natalie something.” Misty stammers.
At the mention of Natalie Jackie whips her head up. Cracking a grin. She knows very well Natalie is likely behind the school drinking or huffing something out of a brown paper bag. Buttt. Is that something Misty needed to know?
“I haven’t seen her today.” Jackie says. “But she should be at practice later.”
Misty’s head droops. “Ahh okay. I’ll just wait til then to ask her.” she turns on her heel to walk away.
Oh. Jackie’ll make sure Nat’s at practice.
Misty’s lunch mercifully goes peacefully.Keeping her eyes peeled for Natalie but not even seeing her for the rest of the school day.
Which makes Misty all the quicker get out of class to head over to the locker room. Going towards her locker to get her team windbreaker. The most official thing she has to prove she’s a part of something great. It’ll never be a varsity jacket. But how many others walk around with an official yellowjackets windbreaker?
She hustles to get the windbreaker on. As much hustle shown as she goes to fetch the equipment cart. Gripping it with both hands as she wheels it all the way out to the field.
First things first she goes to make sure the goalposts are in posistion. Sometimes kids like to move em so Misty makes sure they’re in place. Then she wanders back to the equipment cart to grab an armful of cones. Humming again to herself as she places them along the field.
-
As Jackie steps into the locker room she trots to her locker. Sometimes she’s really happy to shed her usual clothes and slip into her practice jersey. Smiling as she hears Lottie and Laura Lee walk in together as they seem to do most days. Tai and Van are close to follow. Shauna enters and waves to Jackie who gives a small wave in return. Shauna’s not who she’s waiting for.
By the time the other girls are ready Natalie finally comes stumbling in. Catching Jackie’s attention as she moves to stop Natalie in her tracks. “Glad you decided to join us.”
Natalie rolls her eyes “You know I wouldn’t miss this so close to nationals.”
“Cause I know a certain someone would be devastated if you didn’t make it.” Jackie says with her fingers rubbing the heart of her gold necklace.
“Uhh okay.” Natalie says, eyes squinting at Jackie.
Jackie grins but finally steps out of the way so Natalie can get to her locker. Natalie is a little confused but simply gets into her locker and changes her clothes.
-
Out on the field Misty gets anxious. This was stupid. There’s no way Natalie wants to go out with her. She’d probably rather be off all alone. Like some big..tough wolf. Growling at anyone. Oh! But when Misty shows up then Natalie would be all…
The thoughts are cut off entirely by the sounds of whoops. Misty’s head snapping toward the sound to see it’s the yellowjackets hitting the field. Misty laughs and claps along. Heart stirring as she sees Natalie amongst them.
“Natalie!!” she can’t help but yell out.
Natalie turns her attention to her name being called. Watching Misty cross from behind the sidelines over to her.
“There you are!” Misty says, pushing up her glasses. “Promise I won't keep you long from practice. I just. Wanted to ask you something.”
“It’s all good.” Natalie says. Crossing her arms and cocking her head. “What’s up?
“I just wanted to see..”Misty’s voice lowers. “If you’re free this coming Saturday night.” Her ears fill with the thump thump of her heartbeats.
Natalie squints. She debated on hitting Kevyn up to get some goods. But. it can’t hurt to hear Misty out right? “I might be.”
Misty looks more hopeful. “There’s a showing of Grease at the old Lamont theater I thought it’d be fun to get out and see a movie, ya know?”
Natalie’s lips crack into a sly grin. “You asking me out, Quigley?”
“I! I! I just meant.” Misty stutters “that.” her right hand shakily reaches up to grip her glasses. “Oh forget it!” Misty turns her back to Natalie to walk away before she can pass out from embarrassment.
Natalie lashes her right hand out to grab Misty’s left hand “Wait.”
Misty squeaks but ceases her movements.
“I. could think of worse ways to spend a Saturday night.” Natalie says gently “I’m in.”
“Really? Oh my gosh it’ll be so great! We can meet at my place before it starts and walk over!” Misty starts to prattle.
Natalie lets go of Misty’s hand. “What time?”
“Make it 6:20. The movie’s at 7 but it’ll take a little time to walk over and get snacks.” Misty plans while turning to face Natalie.
“Alright.” Natalie nods. “Catcha ya then.”
Misty’s walking on clouds as she strolls away back to the sidelines.
The next day at school can’t go fast enough. It’s Friday and Misty would spend almost every minute looking at the clock. Once school’s over she hurries home. Finishing her homework so it’s out of the way.
Now she can get down to the real work.
—
“Where do you think you’re going?” Natalie can hear her dad ask as she’s putting on her black leather jacket. Damnit. She almost made it out the door.
“Hanging out with a friend.” Natalie says simply.
“Hmm. you just better not be going out with that boy.” Her dad scoffs. “If you’re not home by curfew the door will be locked.”
Yeah yeah. Natalie nods her head before she opens the door and heads outside. Tch. Even walking into the early evening air is preferable than asking for a ride.
It’s a little easier this time finding Misty’s place and as Nat walks onto the yard she can see the living room curtain close.
And as Nat raises her hand to knock on the door it swings open.
A split second later Misty appears.Looking up at Nat with a cheesy grin. Casting her eyes down Natalie’s body. “Oh I was hoping you’d wear your jacket!”
Natalie blinks as the bottom of her eyes catch the getup Misty dons. On Misty’s torso is a bright pink pullover sweater. Her curly hair was pulled back by a pink ribbon.
“You wouldn’t believe how long it took me to find my poodle skirt.” Misty says, thrusting her legs forward to indicate the flowy red skirt wrapping her lower half.
In Natalie’s eyes Misty looks..adorable. A goofy grin plastered on her face. “Are you ready to go then?”
Misty nods as she shoves the clutch purse in her hands under an arm to lock the door.
They’re a few blocks from the theatre when Misty asks. “Sooo have you seen Grease before?”
Natalie shakes her head. “It’s like a musical or something though right?
“Mhhm!” Misty nods “but that’s all I'll say. If you haven’t seen it I'll let you be surprised.”
Coming into view is the Lamont theater. An older school theater with only one screen. Misty sees the line of people waiting to get tickets so she surges forward. Natalie follows behind.
Once they’re settled into line Misty digs into her clutch purse. “I was thinking. Since I'm getting the tickets, maybe you’d get us some popcorn?”
Natalie gulps. She wasn’t sure she’d have enough or really any money. She rakes her mind thinking of an excuse but next thing she knows Misty buys the tickets and leads them into the lobby.
Nat’s eyes flicker to the concession stand. Trying to read the menu prices but that’s when she recognizes someone behind the counter. Holy shit it’s Van! Wearing an employee vest and everything while she hands a guy a large soda.
Natalie dashes to the concession stand. Ignoring the guy in line as she slams her hands on the counter. “Van!” she cries.
Van stares blankly ahead. “Holy crap Nat never thought i’d see you here.”
“Listen. I’m here with…someone. But I don’t have a lotta cash. Think you could hook me up with some popcorn?”
Van purses her lips. “Hmm. I dunno.”
“C’mon I’ll like walk your dog or something.” Natalie says.
“Firstly I don’t have a dog.” Van says. “How bout this? You owe me a favor to be determined at a later day. AND! I’ll toss in a small soda.”
“Deal!” Natalie says quickly.No time to wonder what the hell the favor could be.
Van grins and gets to work scooping up some popcorn. Filling the small soda with some Coca-Cola.
“Thanks Van!” Natalie says promptly scooping up the popcorn and drink. Turning around to see Misty waiting a little distance away. Good. She shouldn’t have picked up on the fact Nat had to bargain for popcorn.
Misty smiles when she sees Natalie come over. “C’mon the screens this way.” Leading them over to the left as they go inside to snatch their seats.
Ah. of course the most free seats are closer to the back. They find a few seats in the way back next to the projector wall.
The movie begins when the two of them sit down. A few ads for concession food and other brands play but quick enough the two main characters are shown on screen. Talking about how sad they are that their summer break is almost over.
Natalie certainly didn’t think she heard anything about the movie being set in the 1950’s. She reaches for a handful of the buttery popcorn as she feels Misty’s hand brush hers.
“Oops,” Misty says, quickly pulling her hand away. Thankful the theater was dark enough to hide her hint of a blush.
Natalie brushes it off and shoves some popcorn into her mouth. The corner of her eye catching the way Misty mouths along to the songs.
The movie plays on until eventually the main female character Sandy finds herself at a sleepover. Misty sighs wistfully. “You know. I’ve never been to a sleepover.” she finds herself saying aloud.
Natalie could take or leave sleepovers in all honesty. But she’d be a total liar if she said she didn’t have a little fun at the one Lottie threw in sophomore year.
The rest of the movie plays and Nat finds herself chuckling at the corny nature of the movie.
As the car flies off into the sky at the end Misty whispers to Natalie. “What’d you think?!”
“I’m. not sure what the hell I just saw. But it wasn’t the most umbearable.” Natalie admits.
Misty will accept that. She’s fine with staying til the crowd clears but Natalie’s eager to get out.
“I’ll walk you home.” Natalie says matter of factly. How’s Misty to say no to that?
On the way back Misty aggressively hums the songs. Natalie shakes her head and buries her hands into her pockets. Happy to walk in relative silence.
Misty is sad as her house comes into view. Part of her not wanting to end the night. Natalie is sweet to walk her all the way up to the front door.
“Thanks.” Misty squeaks. “For uh coming out. With me.”
“Well thanks for inviting me.” Natalie shrugs.
“And thanks for getting me home.” Misty adds. Feeling awkward now. “So yeah good night Nat!” She finishes by fishing out her house key and unlocking the door.
Giving Natalie no room to say anything back before the door shuts on her face.