A/NL: The last chapter I posted has been really bothering me. I just don't think it flows with the story. The fact that it got no reviews suggested this as well. So… here is the conclusion to Skinny THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS READ, REVIEWED, AND FOLLOWED! The story would not be what it is without you! I'm thinking about a few one shots. What I write will of course depend on inspiration, but would you prefer a character study of Puck or Matt next?
Tina checks herself in the mirror one more time. Her hair is drawn back into an elegant chignon at the nape of her neck. Purple streaks stand out. She wears an elegant 50-styles black cocktail dress and a purple wrap. Her crazy uncle Mark sent her beautiful purple and black velvet heels from Greenwich village, and they arrived yesterday. They're perfect with her fishnet tights.
Of course, Tina debates wearing the fishnets. She is attaching her pump to her leg with a wide ace bandage, and it adheres better to her skin than to tights. For course, fishnets fall somewhere between the two, so she tries it. Tina is pleased to find that nothing moves as she bounds down the stairs to the ringing doorbell.
"Back up stairs! Back upstairs!" Her mom yells from the kitchen. "You have to make an entrance!" No one has ever said that Liz Cohen has no flair for the dramatic.
After Tina hears her father make his usual threatening speech, she glides down the stairs. Her mother, an ultra feminist, looses her female power tendencies when ever formal events come up. Then, chivalry and tradition rule the day. So, Tina glides.
The look on Artie's face is worth trying to glide in heels. Its worth the feeling of the fishnets cutting into her leg. It's worth enduring parental threats, prickly corsages, and the pop of flash bulbs.
Artie's blue eyes are wide and his lips part in a faint smile. Tina thinks the evil sexy grin is the most handsome thing about his suit. Artie has a black suit with a faint purple pinstripe, and he wears a black tie over a purple shirt. Tina is pretty sure the shirt belongs to Kurt, but maybe he just dragged Artie out shopping. Artie looks darn good in a black suit.
Tina's mother passes over a small purple clutch covered in black lace, and the car keys. Artie had wanted to rent a limo, but Tina wanted to drive. Artie swings into the passenger seat, and Tina puts the wheelchair into the back of the car. She tests, then waves the meter with the numbers displayed at her concerned parents, and pulls away. The meter thing has been a recent argument. The Cohen-Changs swore their daughter would not drive unless she tested before hand. Tina argued that her constant glucose monitor should count. But, today is her prom. So, she keeps the peace with her parents.
"Girl, you look beautiful!" Mercedes exclaims, squeezing Tina's arm. Mercedes looks wild in a green designer number. Kurt is equally fabulous in his suit and scarf. He and Mercedes have agreed to go together as friends because they love dancing with each other, and neither wanted to risk having a bad time at their senior prom. Plus, Figgin's hands were tied, but he couldn't sell a pair of tickets to Kurt to go with a boy, then protect him from the harassment the action might incur.
Only Finn and Rachel are missing from their party as the Steakhouse waitress leads them back to a table. Kurt warned Finn that Rachel would be as over the top about prom as she was about everything else, but Finn went in woefully unprepared, as always. Kurt hopes his step brother will someday figure out how to handle is high maintenance partner. Then again, Kurt is a diva and high maintenance in his own right.
Tina is amazed at how well the gym at William McKinley is transformed into a magic fairy land. She and Artie dance facing each other. Artie is a little uncomfortable dancing in his chair, until Tina points out the couples around them. Karofsky is grinding against a cheerleader. Azimo Is shopping for food. Over Artie's head, Tina can see a couple who are more making out than dancing… unless dance moves are performed entirely with the tongue. Tina reminds Artie that he is a way better dancer than any of the other people.
Tina's only disappointment in the night comes in the form a low just before a slow song. She slides back to her purse, while Artie gets both of them punch. During the song, he takes Tina onto his lap. Suddenly, there are two couples dancing with their mouths.
Artie watches his girlfriend. She is radiant, healthy, curvaceous. He loves her so much. But, just how much is a secret he'll keep for another few years. Then, he'll not only share it with Tina, the entire world will know.