Dog Fight

Ball

"You look so handsome."Jane chuckles as she tightens his bowtie.

"I feel ridiculous."he says.

"Whhyy? You look so cute."Jane says, pinching his cheeks.

"He is bloody handsome isn't he."Ethan says.

"You know it."Jane chuckles.

"Why do I have to go to this ball?"Stephen asks.

"Because everyone loves you. And I promised some of the ladies I'd bring you by."Jane smiles, making Stephen chuckle.

...

We arrive at the police station where the ball was being held. I could tell Stephen had a rough time a therapy, so I wanted to treat him to a night out.

He definitely deserves it.

As we enter, he grabs hold of my hand as if he were frightened. I look up at him as he frantically takes in all of the commotion around us, tensing.

I softly hug his arm, and I instantly feel his shoulders lose their stiffness.

"You're okay, hon."I say softly.

He takes a deep breath and then releases a soft chuckle.

I smile softly as we walk towards the dancefloor.

A server walks up to us and offers us some champagne.

"Would you like one Stephen?"I ask as I take a glass.

"Um, yeah."he says.

I take another glass and then hand it to him.

"What is it?"he asks as I hand it to him.

"It's champagne, it's an alcoholic beverage."I say before taking a small sip.

He mimics me and then gags, coughing it back into his glass.

I cover my mouth and chuckle.

"Do you not like it?"I chuckle.

He clears his throat before chuckling.

"I-i- think I can get used to it."he says, making me laugh.

"Want me to take it away?"I ask.

"No, it's alright."he says with a small smile.

I chuckle as I lean against him.

"Don't you drink too much of that."I smile.

I look up and notice a coworker flagging me down.

"I'll be right back, Ethan and Micha are over there."I say, pointing towards them.

"O-okay."he says.

....

Stephen walks over to Ethan as he's chuckling.

"Hey kid, what's up you're drinking now?"Ethan asks.

"I think I kind of like it."Stephen says, looking at the champagne.

"I can see about 4 things that kind of like you."Ethan smirks, nodding to the group of girls looking at them.

Stephen turns around and looks at the girls who were blushing, and chattering whilst looking at him. He smiles back and raises his glass, making them chuckle and blush even more.

"You're quite the charmer aren't you."Ethan laughs.

"No, I'm gonna throw up."Stephen says before taking a drink of his champagne.

"Well you have the cure for nevers right in your hand bud, just chug it."Ethan shrugs.

"Chug?"Stephen says.

"Like this."Ethan takes his champagne glass and drinks it quickly.

"What about the taste?"Stephen asks.

"Just don't think about it."Ethan shrugs.

Stephen takes a deep breath and then quickly drinks the champagne.

He clears his throat and then groans.

"Atta boy! Hey, can we get some more champagne over here?"Ethan says.