School Dance? (Pillars)

[Violet Lockheart]

EVEN WITH THESE CHAINS

you can't stop me

"What would it take for you...to cater the school's Valentine's Day dance?" She came right out with it, it'd reached a point where she was about to explode with all this waiting around. With such she'd wait on pins and needles for a response however acting quickly she didn't seem to take the pause she'd lingered on all too well and continue talking in a bit of a flurry. "I was thinking we could take this time as an advantage to promote the Cafe, you know take initiative in being approved by the school through and event and in turn we both come out on top." She'd resign with a grin looking back and forth between Richard and Melanie still waiting intently on a response back as she bounced there not quite losing enough energy to sit.

Melanie Ross Richard Stock

[Richard Stock]

'Melanie Ross.'

She seemed to be keeping her eyes on things, including Richard. She was ease (and well, they were in the Pillar Office, after all), he caught her glancing at him. For what reason? The young Englishman couldn't tell. But when she wandered off to the kitchen...

"Anytning I can get ya? Sweet tea?"

"That would be lovely," he replied appreciatively, nodding.

Tea. Straight to the heart.

He approved of Violet's friend/coworker/co-Pillar.

But he didn't have much time to ponder on that, as Violet was about to drop a massive question on him.

"What would it take for you...to cater the school's Valentine's Day dance?"

"I was thinking we could take this time as an advantage to promote the Cafe, you know take initiative in being approved by the school through and event and in turn we both come out on top."

Vi looked at him smiling, excited. She would turn to see him writing down furiously.

"Yes... absolutely," he'd mutter, answering her second question.

He still did not have the absolute yes from Emily Suddenfield yet to protect the Student-Run Cafe & Spa, which would need to happen if the Cafe was to become a reality. And somehow, just getting the other Pillars to agree to it didn't seem sufficient to him. And if it wasn't to him, a Freshmen, it surely wouldn't be enough for Mr. Asiv, the Supervisor.

Effectively, Richard would need to take something of a loan of good will from Mr. Asiv.

-Need a vouch of good will from one or more Student Hierarchy members and/or S.H.C.P.

*We need to obtain the authority and proper documentation to do just about any of the below.

-Need ingredients and supplies to cater for the entire Valentine's Day Dance.

*This means keeping track of the tickets sold and holding them as a reservation for the amount of food stocked and to the ticket buyer.

-Need the assistance of the Baking & Cooking Class Students Minimum.

*Need a few days to go over what will be made.

-We'll need to screen and recruit Student Volunteers who can reliably serve, distribute the food and afterward providing auxillary cleaning.

*The importance in getting student volunteers is for the fact that the Cafe is student-run and obtaining trust.

*We'll need to offer a temporary incentive whether it be student credit or something else to entice them. This will require Academic approval.

Promptly, Richard slid the paper and pen over between Melanie's seat and Violet so that they could fill in any gaps or missing ideas that eluded him.

If she was serious, this was serious. His inability to function without the Supervisor's graces was greatly inhibiting him here. By himself, Richard did not have the funds, the materials, the storage space... any of that. And Richard Stock did not want to miss out on such an invaluable opportunity that Violet was literally just presenting him with. It couldn't be the full thing: oh no, they were under a time crunch, wouldn't have time for a full cafe display, but catering... catering food... it was doable.

"This can be done well,
"But we have to act quickly.
"Timing is crucial."

[Melanie Ross]

I came back with another glass of sweet tea. I wasn't sure if he would like it, but just the same. I placed it in front of him and went to my seat. Refilling Vi's glass then mine and setting the pitcher to the side. I looked at the paper and read over the points. I reread over the bullets. Hmmm....

"Perhaps... We will need tables and the like. We could use the tables from the cafeteria, but then... Where would we hold the dance? Depending on the theme, I'd suggest outside. Perhaps a theme of "Lovers among the Stars."

I blushed and sat back. I was never any good with this sort of thing. Romance... Not my style.

[Violet Lockheart]

EVEN WITH THESE CHAINS

you can't stop me

Violet was really starting to enjoy this whole management roll, still there were a few kinks to work through, a bit of which was the people management part. She'd extend her pals outwards whilst interlocking her fingers into a lazy back bend cracking all her fingers suggesting that in turn this was about the time to get down to business. "Well I can get a few of these, you have my vouch of good will so check." Violet's eyes would skim down the paper innocently enough finding nothing conspicuous about it and really just trying to get things a-going.

"Ticketing I leave in your good hands Richard, I don't suppose the Pillars need it so much as your starting funds for the cafe. Think of it as a start up donation. As for volunteers I can do what I can to round them up, Melanie if you could put out a post in the newspaper perhaps we'd get better feedback about it." Violet clapped her hands, in truth she wanted to do all of this but knew very well she'd burn herself out in doing so. She needed to properly mitigate things and distribute the right jobs the the right people. "As for an incentive to join well that's right here, the student body thrives on competition we have one. Dress to impress and break some hearts." Violet grinned removing the crown and twirling it on a finger.

Then Melanie spoke up cracking Vi's cool demeanor. "That's so adorable I love it!" She'd drop and lunge over at Melanie in a weird tackle hug, her hands raising up to pinch her cheeks. Violet could be a bit too lovey at times.... "Could set up a mini-stage from the tack equipment out of the courtyard, build a makeshift entrance out of the cafe as a sort of mixture of dance and dine." Vi could see it all now.

Melanie Ross Richard Stock

[Richard Stock]

Relaxing a little bit into his seat (incidentally making himself shorter), Richard waited, as Violet looked over the notes when Melanie came on in with a... glass of tea? Cold tea, then, he figured. He took a sip while Melanie then went over the bullets.

"This is quite good, Mel."

His eyes were lighting up.

'It's a bit sweet for me.'

He took another sip.

"Nothing like it."

He nodded approvingly of this beverage.

'IT'S REALLY SWEET.'

He took a big gulp, draining it half-way.

"This, we could serve, mm?"

He sat the glass down, staring admiringly at it.

'MY TEETH ARE WIGGLING.'

Richard was a trained young man. Melanie would never find out his true thoughts on the matter---the heights of impoliteness. He might even ask for a refill, just to make a point.

...That, and, it was invaluable information on the sugar intake of the students and what was considered acceptable here in the U.S. Having food and drink without enough salt or sugar for Americans, after all, would make the cafe more niche as opposed to popular and successful. Niche stores would have a smaller, but dedicated clientele. More mainstream stores could produce more revenue, but lived and died by being successful in catering to their clientele's needs and wants.

---Melanie was bringing up good points. As Richard was only just learning about this dance, he didn't have a clear view of the grounds which they had to work with. And if there was to be food and drink, it was crucial that they had an accommodating amount of tables for potentially even all the ticket people. It would be tight, using the tables from the cafeteria, since depending on the day they would have to move it the day of since the school still had to have a functioning cafeteria up that point. He mentally made sure to add that to the points.

"Bloody important," he would nod.

As for the theme, Richard left the opinion decision making to Violet.

Of whom... also had no problems with the proposed bullet point ideas.

...And that's when Violet assigned Melanie to look into volunteers via newspaper and Richard ticket-master duty. Proposing all proceeds go to help kickstart the cafe.

For a moment, Richard was stunned, staring at Violet. And then in a 'won't-take-no-for-an-answer' serious voice:

"Lunch on me. When, where," he finger jabbed in the air towards her. Whenever was convenient for her, wherever was. He owed her at least this much.

The rest of her points seemed more directed at Melanie... but since Richard was in charge of catering, that would potentially put him in charge of a considerable amount of the required labor force (and it would be wise to double-dip so that their schoolmates wouldn't go insane).

Wordlessly, he'd take back the paper with the bulleted points and would update it with the need for chairs and tables.

...He then took out another paper. How he'd also be in charge of ticketing (and this was the golden opportunity, as they would know in advance how many drinks and meals and surplus they would need and the prices could reflect that accordingly, so covering the costs of sales and making a profit [depending on the decorations involved] was almost a guarantee). The "Lovers Among the Stars" theme. A mini-stage from the tack equipment out of the courtyard. Build a makeshift entrance out of the cafe as a sort of mixture of dance and dine.

Another bullet list, this one more with personal notes to himself (he didn't know how involved he would be in the construction work, after all), as well as the proposed other things that they would be working on together as a group.

He couldn't help but note Violet's very natural leadership-thinking skills, Melanie's logical and pragmatic thinking. Along with Emily's stubborn directness and strength (making her very charismatic), it made the currently existing Student Hierarchy members very well balanced out---together.

[Emily Suddenfield]

Emily walked into the kitchen.

She held a note in her hand, having pulled it from her locker and walked straight here. It was unusual for another member of her crew to request a gathering, but as she had said earlier, only that title of "CAPTAIN" separated them. In every other capacity they were equals, and as such Emily felt it would be rude not to attend. She was late, however, and somewhat dirty, from a fight she'd had to break up out front. She approached in stealth behind Richard, her shadow likely looming over him just after he was asking Violet out.

"You sure get around fast."

She wasn't angry, despite her stealth and statement. Since Violet had told her that Richard asked her on a date, Emily had been forced to try on dress after dress after dress- and on several occasions, halfheartedly attempted to punch the girl. Never did she take the idea of a date seriously. She turned her eyes on Mel, not waiting for a response from the short Haiku-lover.

"What's this about?"

[Melanie Ross]

I smiled as Richard downed the drink. He seemed to like it alright.

"I have no problem with making it in large quantities. So long as I have large enough containers."

Then Vi jumped on me and... I shuddered. She actually squeezed my cheeks... just wow.

"Let go of my face and get off me. Love the enthusiasm, but don't pinch my cheeks."

After she let go of me I would rub my face. Ow. I hated that. I liked her just fine, but seriously with the cheeks? I looked back up at Richard as he spoke about getting more things together. Then He asked Vi out... It wasn't my place to get all protective, so I just sat there, my gaze shifting from her to him.

"Sounds good..."

Then I heard Emily. Oh, I didn't know she was gonna make it. I looked up at her from the floor.

"Howdy do, boss!" I quickly regained my composure and stood up. "Uhmm, it's about the school dance. The one we were thinking about for Valentines Day."

[Violet Lockheart]

EVEN WITH THESE CHAINS

you can't stop me

Violet would simply let out a giggle, having properly invaded Melanie's personal space to the extent that she'd be able to get away with for a week. Her giddy mood would be shattered as Richard made an emphasis to put her out with that invitation to food. Sure in the past it'd seem a mighty fine offer in fact who was she to turn down such a glorious meal after having been exposed to the culinary masterpiece that he'd exposed to her just a day prior.

Violet would in-turn begin to respond with her hands flayed outwards and nose held high of the pious sort, "No no I couldn't possibly," "You sure get around fast." Violet would flinch, her posture now erect to the utmost danger possible.

"Ohh nooo nothing's going on, Richard was just reenacting his asking you out." Violet's hands flailing back and forth eventually turning her right into a downward fist on to the top of Richard's head pounding down into a punch. "After all Melanie missed out on the last time so I just had to make sure she was in the loop HAh HAH HA." She'd blubber matter-of-factly applying as many pummeling fists into Richard's head it would take for him to apologize to her and clear up the situation.

Melanie Ross Richard Stock

[Richard Stock]

Richard hadn't realized it yet, but he was inside a den of lions.

He was still in the middle of bulleting down some of their added points when he noticed a human shadow draping over him---granted, it wasn't hard. He was only 4'9 feet. He leaned his head up to find out it was the Student Captain herself. Not realizing his social blunder,

"Emily, welcome---"

"You sure get around fast."

He raised a brow, still unaware, nay, -oblivious- to his social blunder. From his perspective, he had said and done absolutely nothing wrong. The only way that he could interpret Emily's words was in being comfortable enough in being called back to the Pillar Office and/or getting to meet up with Melanie.

Melanie who instantly chirped up to greet Emily after Violet released her from her grasp.

"Why, th-"

"Ohh nooo nothing's going on, Richard was just reenacting his asking you out." Vi began flailing wildly next to him, embarrassed(?). Richard raised up a brow, tilting his head, confused.

"No, I---" *WHAM*

---Richard found his face smooshed against the table, his vision having gone white as he was really uncertain what in the hell just happened. His pony-tail hair had gone flying up and over to cover his face. He tried to raise his head to correct the issue.

"No, Vi---" *WHAM*

"After all Melanie missed out on the last time so I just had to make sure she was in the loop HAh HAH HA."

"That's no---" *WHAM*

"But I---" *WHAM*

"WHO KEEPS ON---" *WHAM*

"A thank yo---" *WHAM*

*WHAM* *WHAM* *WHAM* *WHAM* *WHAM* *WHAM*
*WHAM* *WHAM* *WHAM* *WHAM* *WHAM* *WHAM*
*WHAM* *WHAM* *WHAM* *WHAM* *WHAM* *WHAM*

...At some point, it became apparent to Richard, who by now a bloody, bruised, crushed face on top of the table, that he was in the wrong here. His head had bounced from the table enough times to see that it was Emily, who was still flailing who was doing this. So far, he'd arrived, made a list of objectives, wrote down notes, and then offered lunch to Violet in gratitude for her decisions. She liked food. It seemed perfect. 'WHY AM I GETTING HIT' he wondered frantically. But that didn't stop him from being in the wrong. He didn't know what for, but he was just. wrong.

WITH HIS HEAD BURIED FACE DOWN ON TOP OF THE TABLE:

"MY APOLOGIES,
"I MISPOKE GRAVELY RIGHT NOW,
"IF YOU'LL FORGIVE ME."

[Emily Suddenfield]

Emily seemed confused.

Her brow furrowed as Richards head was repeatedly smashed into the table. Why was Violet reacting that way? The young male also seemed to have a huge question mark over his now-pulpy head. Emily would of course allow him to get continually beaten. He deserved it for all the shit he kept flicking her. But here, she didn't mind the idea of Violet and him dating. It wasn't like they were star crossed lovers or something. In fact, Richard had done little aside from embarrass her and make her want to do exactly what Vi was doing now so.

"You don't have to make up a lie. I don't mind if you go out to eat, you guys would be....." What's a word normal people would use? ".....cute?"

She'd lick her lips, a little confused at the word coming from her lips. To avoid having to think about it, she looked back to Mel.

"What are your plans for security?"

[Melanie Ross]

I watched in mute fascination as Vi plummeted Richard's face into the table repeatedly. If Emily chose to hurt him for what he was doing, Violet's little show wouldn't have stopped her. I knew that so I stayed out of it. There was no way I was going to stick my neck out for this boy who didn't know what he was doing when it came to women.

I shifted my gaze to Emily as she told them it was fine they were together. I found myself smiling a little. She was nicer than I thought. I'd have to keep that in mind. The fearless, angry and resentful leader had emotions aside from fighting and winning. I found myself still looking at her when she shifted her gaze to me and asked me what I was doing for security.

"Well, I figured we'd just stand the pillars and...." I shuddered. "The SHCP... to watch or stand guard. I figure seeing all of us standing around, it won't really be much of a problem then."

I'd look to Violet and give a small nod.

"Think you can talk that...Steven-Raven into it?"

[Violet Lockheart]

EVEN WITH THESE CHAINS

you can't stop me

After having pummeled Richard into a nice squishy pulp Violet would return her eyes up to the group, satisfied with the response he'd given finally she'd give him a bit of room to breath all the same resigning herself to post him up with an arm over his shoulder. She was the post to his scarecrow at the present also the nail to his coffin if he chose to speak up like that again a solid arm ready to jab into his gut if she perceived him getting 'fresh'.

Oooo Security! Violet had neglected that consideration, in her own mind she conceived this all to be a rather formal get together something that the entire school deserved to enjoy, not be wound to such irksome confinement. That was her personality, just assuming the best of people and never really considering the fact that shit might hit the fan at any second. I suppose that is what made her ad Emily a good yin-yang. "I hadn't really considered that...I guess I could always ask for volunteers, I wouldn't want anyone missing out..." Violet planned about herself pressing her free hand to her lips contemplating sorely before Melanie spoke up with the suggestion. Palm in fist narrowly missing Richard's head lest he'd moved since her dawdling Violet would have a bright look in her eyes. "Solid idea I'll bother her faster than Emily can get into a fight!" Violet would laugh brightly teasing their captain.

Melanie Ross Richard Stock Emily Suddenfield

[Emily Suddenfield]

Emily would shoot a fist out to punch Violet in the face!

"Wrong."

As in, she just started a fight for no reason, indicating Emily was clearly faster at that than Violet was at talking to Stevie-Ray! Em, after the punch and assuming Violet didn't retaliate, would look back to Mel and give a nod.

"But it's a good idea. I plan to make an alliance with her anyway so....this will go a long way to our groups cooperating for the next crisis. Vi, you any closer to joining the SHCP?"

[Richard Stock]

The soreness from his beating still fresh, Richard remained in a puddle of his own... sweat? Maybe a little blood. If Violet had continued, he would've lost his very first fight in PHS #259 without even realizing it (aside from the one alongside Stevie). He seemed to fade in and out of Emily trying to pair Violet and himself. Violet shoved up the poor Englishman on her arms, allowing for a straight passage of air.

Richard appeared to have... dozens of large bumps that were growing through his hair, his own face purple and bruised from how many times his face was smashed into the table.

...When Melanie unexpectedly suggested that the S.H.C.P. also help stand guard.

Richard suddenly remained very still although his body didn't really seem to want to do anything else.

Violet didn't seem to miss the significance (and potential danger) of Melanie's suggestion to the Student Captain AS A FIST AND A PALM CAME CRASHING TOGETHER VERY CLOSELY TO WHERE HIS FACE WAS. The two wandering eyes Richard seemed to have focused in on center, his vision blurring.

---When a fist came to strike Violet in the face. In that moment, Richard could only think if Violet would be knocked out of her chair... and if he'd come careening down with her.

Either way, Richard would be reeling, as he tried to pay attention to the conversation and---

"W-What did you just say?" he'd look up, startled at Emily---his visage not the best to look at right now.

...After all, if the Student Hierarchy and the S.H.C.P. got along, then the time where Emily had suggested that only the Student Hierarchy would guard the cafe... he looked up at her, seeing if she still remembered that. If that ultimatum was rendered moot at this point.[/i][/b]

[Violet Lockheart]

EVEN WITH THESE CHAINS

you can't stop me

"Wrong."

*POP*

And Violet would sail briefly across the room tumbling over the table set, over the adjacent seats and hitting the backboard of the couches with her face now buried in the floorboard sulking over the exchange (perhaps even with Richard with her had ne not escaped her grip). Violet would be slow to rise no anger represented in her face merely fretting over her choice of words turning towards Emily in sullen tears as if asking what did I do wrong? Her jowls quivering as she got another serious question from the Captain. "Huhh?" She'd return her gaze carefully a twinge bit frightened to get another unjustified punch to the face once more. "You can't be a pillar and SHCP member at the same time..." Violet phrased quietly enough still to be heard but thumbing with a free hand to her jawline where she'd been hit testing out the pain response and feeling that she was more rattled by the surprise then the damage.

Melanie Ross Richard Stock Emily Suddenfield

---

HEALTH

ACTIVE ABILITIES & COMBAT STATISTICS

ATK: 15
DEF: 27
SPD: 12
PER: 11
ENG: 20

Stamina: 200 -26 = 174
Resistance: 21%


10%-39% is red (#C81217), 40%-69% is yellow (#EBD434), and 70%-100% is green (#2D882D).

by nette of gs