In the blessedly quiet drama department, Fiona concentrated on the fabrics that lay out on the floor where she sat comfortable on a pile of cushions.

Powder Blue or crimson to go with this lovely cream?

She alternated holding the fabrics up to the folded burnt-cream colored prairie dress. She was distracted by the sound of heels tapping on the hardwood floor echoing throughout the large room. She turned her head to see Holly J heading toward the other side of the drama room; she knew Declan would be her destination.

A half-smirk formed on her face as she watched the woman pass by, impressed by her powerful, decisive strides. She was very attracted to Holly J. Usually it was older, fabulous, and powerful women that garnered Fiona's desire; her recent crush toward Barbara Walters was proof enough. She fell easily for wit and sarcasm, taking great pleasure in sharing her worldly experience and cynicism with her partner.

Being attracted to Holly J was no surprise. Except for her young age, she fit Fiona's criteria quite perfectly. Though Holly J acted far older than her age; she was responsible, independent, and not naïve. Ever since Fiona had known her, she had shown a maturity that rivaled Fiona's own; even the way she acted around her boyfriend. Fiona had noticed and was both intrigued and impressed. Holly J had power. She had grace and she was fearless.

Unfortunately for Fiona, Holly J was in a relationship with her brother.

Better him than some slack-off, or any of these pedestrian troglodytes. She supposed. Though she couldn't help wishing those countless, pesky rumors regarding her brother's sexuality were based in truth. Yet, her brother was not gay; he was only a refined gentleman amongst peasants. Easy mistake for a commoner to make.

I wonder how deep his infatuation with her runs; perhaps if I told him how I felt…he would feel guilty. Her brother always felt guilty when she was unhappy. He'd sacrificed his own happiness, popularity, and social life for her on various occasions. She would not have him end this relationship. Not when Holly J was so wonderful…so deserving of a Coyne. This was, after all, surprising being they were in a public school; one with a shady history so she was told. Who would have thought a tigress like Holly J would be sauntering about the humble halls?

Returning her mind to the task at hand, she decided that crimson would be too obvious and cliché for a play about Vampires, and opted for the subtler, yet gorgeous powder blue to make the corset of the costume.

Laughter could be heard from the other side of the room, the feminine boisterous cackle that she knew was a sign of Holly J's amusement at a niner, petty high-school drama, or anything else she felt superior to. Fiona really loved that laugh; as mocking as it was, it was also a genuine and hearty expression of mirth.

Soon after the melodic echoes of her voice faded Holly J was walking toward the exit, she did not stay long for she was disinterested in the goings-on of stage managers, playwrights, and costume designers. Probably off to seize control of organizing a pep rally, or such other function. As she walked wordlessly by, she had not seen Fiona sitting in the corner where the wardrobe was kept, Fiona felt an impulsive desire to be noticed.

"Hello to you too Holly J," Fiona couldn't but tease her crush, and try to get some attention from her.

Holly J turned and confusion showed on her face. She did her trademark disbelieving, exasperated head twitch before saying, "Sorry, I didn't notice you hiding under all those costumes Fiona. No need to be offended." She was being polite, smoothly responding to Fiona's sarcasm with genuine impassiveness.

"I was just teasing. How's Mister High School?" Fiona was pleased to see Holly J's lips quirk at the nickname. It looked as though she would laugh before she controlled herself and her face settled into a bemused smirk.

"Obsessive. You'd think this play was the most important thing he's ever been a part of."

"No, I wouldn't. I'd think you were the most important thing he has ever been a part of."

At this unexpected remark Holly J looked much more confused than she had when Fiona called her out before. She studied Fiona for a few seconds, possibly looking for any clue that she may be insulting or teasing. When she found nothing but sincerity, she shook her head slightly in her Holly J manner and turned to continue out of the drama room.

Holly J called over her shoulder, her smug tone back in place, "I'm relieved to have your approval Madame."

Fiona was left smiling. Wishing even more strongly that her brother would come out of the closet, or rather, would discover that he was in the closet. She saw an image of her brother getting comically flustered over his musical-an actual memory- and couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Maybe Declan has the right idea. Maybe liking people is the key to happiness. But surely she would never admit to her brother that he had gotten it right while she let only her snobbery keep her company.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, she remembered that Riley kid. She had gone out with him, to preserve his reputation. She had been a beard. She claimed she did it to avoid being asked out by boys. How, when their very relationship and situation revolved around homosexuality, did she not get called out?

Because they thought I was a snob. No mystery there.

It had occurred to her that she could have told Riley that she was in a similar situation. She wasn't ignorant. She knew it was harder for boys and men to be gay; at least in high school anyway; with their stupid, colossal egos and all. But it could have made him feel less alone, perhaps.

I'm just not that nice or that selfless. I bet Holly J would like that about me.

With that thought her mind drifted into a sensual, longing daydream as happens often to teenagers. The sight of Holly J searching her countenance for signs of trickery flashed in her head. The honest, penetrating gaze sent tingles down to her pelvic area where a see-saw sensation began to throb between her thighs. The memory became a fantasy, Holly J's face was much closer, and they were in what Fiona imagined was Holly J's room. Holly J had her pinned on the bed, and they were kissing slowly and deeply, she could simulate the feel of their tongues touching.

Once again footsteps could be heard approaching the drama room and Fiona pulled herself out of her mind, not wanting to be caught unaware in case anything interesting happened.

Best to save it for later, anyway.

She smiled and shook her head at her horny and immature behavior. Quite unfitting for a high-class lady to be getting aroused in the middle of a public area, but she could care less at the moment.

Some unknown younger student passed by her, a boy who upon noticing her whipped his head away so fast she could imagine his neck snapping. She could see his face reddening on his right cheek and ear as he walked away. She rolled her eyes, releasing a great sigh. That effectively put a halt to the incessant tingling at least. She rose from the floor, placing the blue and cream garments on the table. Her aching stomach was goading her to seek dinner, and she complied easily. Without a farewell to her brother she headed home ready to spend yet another evening dining alone.