a twist in my story {hollie}

[JACKSON HIRSCH]

Jackson had lost his bros pretty soon after entering the masquerade. Honestly, he hadn't expected any different, but it was still weird not to know anyone, or rather, who anyone was. He wasn't the best with knowing people by things other than their faces, so it was a bit of an issue for him, standing there, alone. He decided to wander about, seeing as there was nothing better to do, hoping someone would maybe recognize him. He went to the punch table and got two glasses just in case he found the one girl he was looking for in the crowd.

Everyone was dancing, and he wondered if he should find someone to dance with. Not that anyone else mattered, but it was just something to do, right? But he could find her, if he could do anything. He would be able to recognize her even in the dim light and with a mask.

He spotted Ozzie, blonde hair obvious, leading away a dark haired girl with a bat mask. Seeing as there was no way that wasn't Andie Read and she had gotten ready with the girl he was looking for, he looked around where they were, and there. There she was, radiant in a pink dress in silver mask. He could pick her out in a crowd of a million blondes, so this was easy. He himself might not have been so recognizable, as his hair was slicked back a little bit so it wouldn't cover his mask.

As he was fully aware that his hair was basically his trademark along with his smile, he replaced the mischeivous grin with a straight face and made his way towards the girl, setting the punch he didn't need at the moment down on a table on his way there. This would be fun.

A gentleman, he bowed once he reached her and tried not to grin. Holding his arm out, he motioned towards the dance floor with his head. "Would you like to dance?" His voice could have given it away and he really hoped it didn't. But the music was loud and there was the hum of the guests in disguise. But the only guest who mattered to him was Grace Holladay, and he was only focused on whether or not she would dance with him.

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notes; abfjkadvbdsjkva. NJKSVBKDJNSV. tagged; sully/grace outfit; that black tux with a black bowtie andthis mask credit; template by HEDGIE lyrics by SECONDHAND SERENADE

[GRACE HOLLADAY]

There was one word for the masquerade so far: confusing. 

Grace had been left by Andie right away (which she hadn't minded, because Ozzie and Andie were just too cute), so she had been on her own for a few dances. At first, Grace had clung to the edge of the room, more of a wallflower. It was gorgeous! Everyone was so stunning...the dresses were all unique and elegant, the masks both crazy and simple. She had no clue who anyone was, save for Andie and Ozzie. Honestly, Grace would have been content to hang in the back like a wallflower and just people watch. You could learn so much about society in general, let alone all the little stories you got to take place in. Miranda had just found out she was pregnant, Hector was going to propose to Lindy, that kind of thing. 

But this was a dance! Grace wasn't here to sit back and observe. She felt like a princess in her pink dress and she was going to dance like a princess. Glancing through the crowd, Grace's face fell just in the slightest. He was no where in sight. He being Jackson Hirsch, of course. Just thinking of his name made Grace's cheeks heat up and her eyes bright like fireworks on the fourth. It would be a little hard to find him, though, Grace realized with a little disapointment. Unlike the girls, all the men were pretty much designated to the standard tuxedo number, which made identifying them that much harder. 

Why couldn't this be like her dream? They would have already entered together, and would be dancing together under the twinkling lights. But that dream was pretty much crushed when Grace couldn't find the dress. She wasn't destroyed by that at all, though, because her pink dress was the dress. As soon as she had tried it on, she had known. When she modeled it for her parents via Skype (thank you, Andie. Grace couldn't work that site at all.), her mother had even cried. It was a little strange (it wasn't like she was getting married), but Grace had teared up with her mom while they gushed over how excited they were. 

Still, no Jackson. Grace had walked through the crowd a few times, gotten some fancy, bubbly water (what was it called again? Grace wasn't sure, but it tasted delicious for water) and had stood in line for the lady's room for way too long. Now she was back to people watching, but she wanted to dance. Maybe someone would ask her to dance. Then she could grab a drink and throw it in the guy's face before stomping away dramatically to her boyfriend like they did in the movies. Grace giggled at the thought. She knew she'd probably end up with most of the drink on herself, not the target. As if her thoughts were being read, Grace's vision was suddenly obscured by a tuxedo-clad chest. Looking up, Grace saw theface of someone very familair...of course, she couldn't tell who it was. He was wearing a mask. 

A dance? The stranger wanted to dance? Grace doubted herself for a moment. "I...I'm waiting for someone, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind if I had a dance with you." Emphasis on "a" dance. Grace didn't know who he was and she had a boyfriend, but there was no way she could just deny someone a dance. That would be rude! "I'd love to," Grace said, her smile genuine. Grace walked on to the dance floor, careful not to twist her ankle in those gosh darn heels. Elle had had to teach Grace how to walk in them and she was still a little shaky. She turned to face the handsome stranger just as a song ended. There was a pause while everyone adjusted for a brief moment and then a new song began. Grace placed one hand on his shoulder and grabbed his hand with her free one. 

"Ready?" Grace said with a soft smile. It was just one dance. Nothing to worry about.       

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Notes;; BSKWPWJSDNSKAKWNSSNSJSKAKANSNS 
and don't worry the bubbly water really is water. 

Outfit;; too lazy to link it wamp wah

[JACKSON HIRSCH]

At first, he panicked when she said she was waiting for someone, then he realized: she didn't recognize him. Oh, well maybe he should correct her-

"Thank you, ma'am." Jackson literally felt like he could fly once she accepted his arm. Well, not his arm, per se, because she didn't know it was him. He supported her way to the dancefloor, not letting her fall and intending on catching her if she did. He turned to face the dancefloor and away from her and smiled, making sure it was off his face before he turned back to face her and gently place his free hand on her waist, hesitant. She did think he was a stranger, after all, and it wouldn't be right to just assume he could do something like that. Of course, it would be right to reveal himself, but honestly he was forgetting that she didn't know as they prepared to dance. He nodded, always ready.

As they danced, he thought of that dream he had. They had been dancing, twirling around, their friends watching from all around them. It was funny how different it seemed now, since that was before they were together. Back then, he had shrugged it off, not understanding, but right now, it was real and he didn't mind one bit. In fact, he was having a perfect time, even if he couldn't look quite at her without bloshing and shaking because she was so beautiful, he could barely stand it. And even though the mask was covering her face, he could well imagine it underneath. He couldn't take his eyes off of her, even if she wasn't quite so focused on him. He wasn't thinking about the reason, though, that she didn't know who he was, and she was probably looking for him somewhere else, behind a different mask.

The music was slow, but his heart raced. That dream... how had it ended? With him waking up, obviously, but something had happened before then- oh. The dream that seemed so sweet had turned into a nightmare, hadn't it? Jackson thought about that and how he hadn't gotten the chance to do anything before Grace Holladay walked towards the giant dark figure in front of them. And he started to panic, overwhelemed by fear that this moment would turn out just the same. It did seem like a dream, after all... He had to protect her, right? From the monsters that lay ahead of them in the world. That was his job, especially now. He owed her that much, right? For bieng his friend and his other half and for something else...

Before Jackson could ponder that any further, he leaned down and kissed Grace Holladay on the lips.

At first he didn't realize where he was when he opened his eyes. Then he realized how close he was to Hollie's face, just like so many awkward moments they had before they were together and even during when he wasn't sure if she was ready for it, except this time it was only that much closer and he pulled back, searching for her eyes to see if she was okay with this. Maybe it was the mask, but he couldn't find her, but that was okay, because he wasn't so preoccupied with that. He looked like an idiot as he grinned, giddy and heart beating even faster.

Jackson's eyes were sparkling and he didn't even realize what could possibly be wrong with this moment or any before it. No, what could possibly be wrong? Nothing, that's what. Everything was perfection and nothing hurt.

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notes; excuse me while i ASDFGHJKL; also if i need to change anything tell metagged; sully/grace outfit; that black tux with a black bowtie andthis mask credit; template by HEDGIE lyrics by SECONDHAND SERENADE

[GRACE HOLLADAY]

Grace wasn't sure if she was enjoying herself, which was big. Grace Holladay was always in a chipper, happy mood, right? The thing was, she was having the time of her life. Dancing with this stranger who seemed so familair felt so...right. And Grace didn't like that it felt right because, well, he wasn't Jackson. Was he? 

Maybe it was the lights, the music, the atmosphere. Surely she could be so sucked into the dance by osmosis or something. But in that moment, in those few minutes of song, Grace wasn't exactly thinking about that. All she felt was his hand on her waist, the way it touched her delicately, softly. All she saw was this stranger who had mystified her in only a few moments and the other dancers, fuzzy as if everything but the stranger was out of focus. Grace felt herself whirling around the room like a ballerina, feet barely touching the floor. A grin was stuck on her face the whole time, not letting go for anything. 

But....Jackson. Grace felt like she was doing something wrong, then, dancing with this other guy. The dance was too intimate, too personal, like they knew each other. Grace didn't know him! Or...did she? No, surely they would have told her. Eyes sweeping the room again, Grace became less focused on her movements. A big mistake, really, for someone so inexperienced on heels. 

All it took was just a little turn and Grace felt herself stumble. Knees buckling in the slightest, Grace caught herself on her dance partner. She had wrapped her arm around his neck and now they were just inches apart...the perfect distance for... 

Oh. My. Gosh. Grace nearly melted into a puddle right there on the dance floor. He had kissed her! And she...she was kissing him back! For a moment, Grace's mind went blank. The only thing left was the feeling of this kiss; his lips, soft and gentle against hers. It was perfect, sweet, and just amazing......and not Jackson.  

Grace pulled away, heart pounding against her ribs. Her eyes widened as she covered her mouth, like maybe she could just wipe off the kiss. It would go away and everything would be fine. "You...I..." What were words again? "You kissed me! I don't know who you are!" Grace stepped back, nearly falling over her heels and dress as tears pricked her eyes. Oh god, she was a horrible person. Jackson was going to hate her and never talk to her again! "I have a boyfriend!" Grace choked out the words. Oh god, oh god, oh god. What had she done?! Why had she agreed to the dance? 

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[JACKSON HIRSCH]

Jackson had panicked when Grace stumbled, but he had caught her. He was remembering now, right as he was caught bewteen his thoughts while looking at her. She had shifted out of where he was looking and his eyes had followed her, making sure she hadn't hurt herself. And since she hadn't, he didn't stop thinking. Not until that moment when he was kissing her and everything clicked and made sense for him, at least.

No, nothing did hurt. Nothing hurt because she had kissed him back. Her lips were soft just as he had imagined and now they were apart and he longed for more and she... she was about to cry. She wasn't happy, oh God. "G-grace..." She was angry with him. Without thinking, he caught her arm when she stepped back and stumbled. But she didn't want him to. Jackson's heart wrenched, and he nearly shot himself before he realized he didn't have a gun and Grace was speaking. He needed an explanation, something. Something so he could never make that mistake again, so-

Oh. Oh.

His breathing slowed as he calmed down, realizing the only problem. It wasn't him, it just... wasn't him! Grace didn't know it was Jackson. She thought it was some stranger in a mask who had asked her to dance and kissed her for no reason. She had every right to be angry and to be honest he was a bit relieved that she was. Honestly, he should have been a bit angry that she would accept a stranger's request to dance, but he knew his Hollie and seriously, who wouldn't want to dance with her? She was beautiful, she was stunning...

He was stunned again, lost in his thoughts, still holding on to his arm, when he realized she still didn't know and still wanted an explanation. With his free hand, he lifted his mask, smiling in an attempt to make things right. "It's me, Hollie!" Well, at least he resolved this now instead of later. Actually, he should have told her right away. He was so stupid, sometimes.

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notes; excuse me while i ASDFGHJKL; also if i need to change anything tell metagged; sully/grace outfit; that black tux with a black bowtie andthis mask credit; template by HEDGIE lyrics by SECONDHAND SERENADE

[GRACE HOLLADAY]

Grace felt like the most horrible, awful girlfriend in the WORLD. She should be shunned from society for all of eternity for her wrong-doing. And what would her mom say?! Mrs. Holladay, being a missionary, was most definitely a more traditional woman. There would be little forgiveness for she had sinned...oh gosh, it was basically adultery! Grace was an awful terrible person. 

Taking the step back, she felt her stranger grab her arm, like it was instinctive for him to do. Why? Grace almost tugged away, but she had a feeling that she shouldn't. And besides, he owed her an explanation. You didn't...you didn't just kiss someone you didn't know and not explain! Especially take their first kiss. Grace's lips were still tingling, her heart still racing with the excitement of kissing someone, her cheeks a pleasant peach. 

What was taking so long? Grace was about to take off, tears in her eyes, back to her dorm to cry, when...Oh my gosh. Jackson. Jackson?! Grace gasped, looking into the stranger's eyes to see that they were really Jackson's, her Jackson's. Really, as soon as he grinned, she should have known. A huge smile lit up Grace's face and the tears vanished. She couldn't find the right words to say, and there really was only one thing she wanted to do...

So Grace Holladay kissed Jackson, her boyfriend, right on the lips in front of everyone. She reached up and grabbed his jacket, pulling him closer to her. So this was kissing, and Grace liked it. Not in some gross, perverted way. No, this was sweet and loving and still had her own little touch of innocence. It was the perfect kiss in Grace's opinion, even though she didn't have any to compare it to. Grace wrapped her arms around Jackson's neck, reaching up on her tiptoes to get even closer. It was so perfect she could cry.  

A few moments later, Grace had to pull away just to breathe. She felt dizzy, but the good kind, like she could just float away on the breeze. "Jackson..." Grace whispered, loving the way his name felt on her lips. It was such a nice name, and strong, like him. She knew that she should be mad at him for not telling her who he was, but she was not the kind of person to get like that...and after what just happened?Grace was on Cloud Nine, not a care in the world. 

"Wow. That was....nice." Grace blushed, wrapping her finger around one of Jackson's curls. She opened her mouth, as if to say something, but closed it when she realized she didn't know what to say. Words weren't happening. As Andie would say, Grace couldn't do words. 

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[JACKSON HIRSCH]

Grace very much was not the most horrible, awful girlfriend in the WORLD. From Jackson's perspective, she was on the very opposite end of that spectrum, while at the moment, he lingered somewhere on the middle of the boyfriend version. He should have told her right away, so she wouldn't have freaked out, so his heart wouldn't have sunk like it did, making him sad even though everything was going to be resolved. He didn't know what it was, but he figured maybe even misunderstood rejection was a bitch.

It was probably seeing her cry the way she did that really got to him. She wasn't crying yet, of course, but he ould tell it was coming. The look on her face, in her eyes, was enough to kill him just a bit inside. And no matter what, he didn't think that it would come back to life. He was honestly surprised once he collected his thoughts enough to realize Grace hadn't tugged away when he- still in the form of a complete stranger who had just kissed her- grabbed her arm. Wow, he probably seemed like such a creep. Maybe he was. What the hell was he doing here? He didn't belong here.

...Radiohead aside, he tried to slow his thoughts down. They were moving too fast for him to keep up, which didn't make sense, but nothing made sense at the moment. Then... the mask was off, and she smiled. She shouldn't have been smiling, she should have smacked Jackson across the face. Even rationally knowing that Hollie would never do that, he still expected a hand to come in contact with his face.

Instead, it was something an imeasurable amount of times better.

He didn't realize what was going on at first, because he had been so expecting the other thing, but this was happening and oh God, Grace Holladay was kissing him. Nothing could be better than this. Winning the lottery ten times over would not have been quite as wonderful as that moment right then. And he calmed down, his thoughts collecting, and kissed her back, wrapping his arms around her waist. If he had felt like he could fly before, now he felt like he could just travel to outer space in the blink of an eye. Was he already there? He couldn't tell, but wherever he was, he was with Grace Holladay, so he liked it.

Cloud Nine was nowhere near high enough. They were in a room full of people, and Grace didn't even seem embarrassed right then. Of course, he wasn't sure i the other people were paying attention, because he had forgotten them until right about then and right then, they didn't matter.

"Hollie." That was something they had that was just theirs, wasn't it? No one else called her that that he knew of, and if he knew of it, he would have stopped it right away. That was his name and his name only for the only perfect human being on the planet, in the universe.

"Yeah..." He actually had no idea what to say either. Instead, he kept his arms around her, just remembering that they were at a dance and there was music, so he took one hand to put his mask back on and replaced it, swaying to the slow music he didn't recognize.


notes; do i want some wine with that cheese

[GRACE HOLLADAY]

"It feels like I'm falling and I, 
I'm lost in your eyes. 
You make me crazier, crazier."

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The Taylor Swift lyrics could not be more perfect in that moment. With Jackson's arms around her waist and his lips on her's, Grace felt like she was falling from Heaven. But it was the good kind of falling; not like the way you feel when you're on a roller coaster and your stomach has a party in your throat. Grace felt like she was floating down on a cloud, cushioned by the tufts of evaporated water. Or maybe it was Jackson's arms doing the cushioning. Either way, it was a nice, pleasant feeling Grace didn't want to get rid of. It wasn't new to her, though; oh, Grace had felt it a while ago. Whenever Jackson was involved, Grace now realized she had always been looking up from the deep pit of emotions she'd stumbled into. The kiss brought the feeling back, though, and she was extremely greatful to report that it felt just as good. And golly did Jackson make her "crazier, crazier". Her thoughts were never clear and cohereant; they were a jumbled mess. Grace was in love like crazy. 

Er. Like. She meant "in like like crazy", right? 

...No. Grace suddenly, whole-heartedly, embraced the fact that she loved Jackson Hirsch more than anyone else on the planet. All her thoughts were clichés and nothing hurt. It was like the sun had finally risen, spreading its warmth and light all over Grace. Love filled her heart and because there was so much, it brimmed over the edge and filled the rest of her up. From Grace's toes to her brain, it was all sweet, gooey love. But there was no way she could actually, you know, words. Smiling contentedly, Grace placed her head on Jackson's shoulder and closed her eyes, just reveling in the feeling. Nothing could tear her away from her Jackson. Ever. 

"Hollie."

Little shivers ran down Grace's spine like spiders. Hollie would only ever sound right coming from those lips, in that voice. Any other person saying it would be wrong. To Grace, it wasn't just synonamous with her actual name. It also meant friend, confidant, partner...love. Everything that they were, really. Nothing could replicate the specialness of Hollie. Honestly, if Grace were to marry Jackson (which she definitely would not mind), Hollie was on her list of possible daughter names. Don't judge, you know you've named you and your crush's children. To be brief, Hollie was a perfect nickname thought up by a perfect guy. People say everyone has that one "but". You know, "So-and-so is great, BUT...". For Grace, she hadn't found Jackson's "but" and didn't think she ever would. He was the most amazing person she had ever met and a perfect boyfriend. Everything was nice and nothing hurt. 

Oh, wait. They were at a dance. Couldn't they just go back to Baum and be with each other in a more...private setting? Grace had no reserves for ditching the heels the moment an opportunity arose. Her feet were killing her! Even though the masquerade had cost her a lot, Grace has scheduling pedicures for her and Andie as soon as she could. A nice foot rub and gushing to her friend about Jackson...yep, that sounded like a good deal. Grace moved her head back from Jackson's shoulder, looking into his eyes. "Jackson...this is perfect. I-" love you. Her throat caught before she said it, though. Blushing slightly, Grace covered up her blunder. "I'm so glad we're together."     
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