Derry Girls Oneshots

Slow Dancing - James x David

After the fiasco that was last years school prom, nobody expected to have a Spring Formal dance this year. But nonetheless, as Sister Micheal read the same old Monday morning announcements, she told them that the Spring Formal would take place the following Friday. Almost everyone seemed excited, excluding Jenny Joyce, who had been taken off the planning committee due to the problems she caused last year. The Famous Five were all delighted, and began gossiping about who they bringing the moment they left the hall. But nobody was more excited for the dance than James. He wanted to slow dance with his boyfriend, David Donnelly.

To say that David wasn't as excited about this dance would be an understatement. The moment that James mentioned the words 'school dance' , David cut him off

"Look, James. I love you, but I don't think that your all girls catholic school would be the best place for us."

"What do you mean 'for us'?

"Christ, do I really need to spell it out for you? You and I? Gays. Catholic school. Not the best combination for a
closeted gay kid."

"I just thought- "

"Well, you thought wrong, babe. I know you mean well, but I'm just not ready to come out yet. As soon as I do, I'll dance with you all the time. Okay?"

James wasn't thrilled with the idea of going without his boyfriend, but he understood. He wanted David to come out when he was comfortable, and if he wasn't ready, that was his choice.

James decided to go to the formal alone. While all of his friends had dates, he chose to third wheel them all. He was still a little bit sad that he couldn't go with David, but just because he refused to go, that didn't mean he stopped showing up.

The girls all looked at new dresses, despite the backlash from their mammies. As James waited awkwardly outside the dressing rooms, his boyfriend strolled up. He gently put a hand on James's shoulder.

"You alright?"

"David? What are you doing here?"

James felt his cheeks heat up and turn red.

"My little sister wanted a new dress. Something about Spring Formals at Our Lady Immaculates. Know anything?"

"Beats me." James said, before the two burst out into laughter.

"So, what are you doing here? Picking a suit?"

"Not quite. I have my suit at home. My friends wanted new dresses."

"Ah, I see. What does your suit look like? You should make sure it matches your dates dress. That's what Becky said, anyway." He paused for a second. "My sister."

"Oh. My suit? It's, um, dark blue with a white shirt. I don't have to worry about it matching though," he looked up at David "Because I don't have a date."

David shifted nervously, mouthing 'sorry' to his boyfriend.

"It's fine. I'm fine. I don't need a date anyway. It's just a school dance, after all."

"That's the spirit, James!"

"James? Would you mind zipping up my dress for me?" Called one of the girls from the changing rooms. James quickly figured out that it was Clare.

"Sure! Which room are you in?"

One of the many doors was unlocked and opened. Clare shyly stuck her hand out, and James made his way down to her. He admired her long dark red dress that flattered her figure.

"Your dress is lovely, Clare. You look great."

A blush started spreading across her cheeks.

"I- I wanted to look nice for Aisling. Do you think she'll like it?"