Illyana usually entertained Alarie's ideas but as they pulled up in front of the Hoh Fruhm fraternity at Sim State University, she was having second thoughts. It had been a long day to say the least. Their fight with Leona that morning had seemed like it occurred days ago, and after driving six hours back across the desert all Illyana wanted to do was move around or just lay down since she had been sitting on her rear most of the day.

Alarie was touching up her makeup. Illyana still had some on from the night before since she hadn't showered that morning. However, she was sure her lipstick had rubbed all the way off after they ate some fast food around lunchtime.

"Why are we here again?" Illyana grimaced, looking out toward the modern multi-story house, there were whole rooms with nothing but clear windows. She could just imagine how untidy the place was after a party and how awful was it to put a party on display with all that glass.


“I promised Rafael I’d go get drinks with him when I came back from Pandora.”

“You had drinks last night,” Illyana stated, though not wanting to remember the night before. She didn’t get the big deal people made about alcohol. It didn’t even taste good straight. She needed a good mixer if she was going to enjoy it anyway, to cover up the strong sting of it as it went down. Tomato juice was her preferred flavor.

Alarie pulled out her cell phone and typed in a few lines of text and exited out of the Jeep. Illyana followed suit, thankful for the movement. She hoisted herself to sit on the small hub of the jeep that jutted out over the front wheel. She pushed her leg against the hubcap and flexed it, her muscles felt lazy—she’d need to hit the campus gym again tomorrow and throw some weights around or something to get them feeling useful again.

A young man exited the front doors of the fraternity at that moment. Illyana looked up to see Alarie give a delighted squeal, run at him full throttle, and leap into his arms.

“Hey there, stranger,” he smiled and they promptly kissed.


Rafael was a year older but in his fifth semester because he was a dual major in biology and chemistry, which took quite a bit longer to finish than soft majors. She didn’t understand why someone as smart as Rafael would even want to be in a fraternity.

Illyana always had unfavorable views on the Greek Society. She thought it attracted shallow, immature people only concerned with parties, status, and the number of friends one had. Someone she used to consider a friend had joined, but looking back it wasn’t all that unexpected that he would. She didn’t know why she even still thought about him every so often—she doubted he still ever thought about her.

Illyana shook those thoughts away and yawned, figuring she’d be driving Alarie and Rafael to whatever bar they wanted to go to, but was caught off guard at Alarie suddenly waving her into the building. Illyana shook her head, indicating she didn’t want to go inside but Alarie only beckoned her more fiercely and called, “It’ll just be a moment!”

Illyana made a grunt of dissent but shoved off from where she was leaning and trudged forward.

“Hello Illyana,” Rafael greeted her while holding the door to the entrance open for them.

“Hey Raf,” she replied cordially as she passed him.

Into the den of lions, she went but upon entering it wasn’t anything like she had imagined. The foyer wasn’t littered with empty red solo cups from a wild weekend party—instead, it was rather clean and even pleasant smelling—like cologne. To her immediate left was a common room where some of the residents were watching a movie.

Rafael and Alarie began to discuss where they should go and Illyana rolled her eyes. They were so bad at planning things together, always waiting until the last minute. It wasn’t like Alarie had six hours to call him and decide something on the way. She ignored their banter and glanced at what was on the TV. It was some type of fantasy show and she saw a typical royal-esque woman on the screen giving eyes to the generic royal-esque male.


“I hate it when the princess falls in love with the guy, like within two days of meeting him,” Illyana frowned, seeing the image of the woe-is-me princess fainting into her lover-to-be’s arms.

“You don’t believe in love at first sight?” a blonde guy watching the show asked. He had been stretching his arms behind his head, but relaxed them, before glancing up at her with an assured smile.

Illyana didn’t even realize she’d spoken aloud. Plumbobs, it had been such a long day. Her brain was tired.


She felt her cheeks go slightly red, becoming embarrassed that she had voiced her opinion and therefore had drawn attention to herself–and perhaps also because the guy who was looking up at her was undeniably handsome. But even with his good looks, she still didn’t think love-at-first-sight, was a viable phenomenon.

“It’s all just a fairy tale,” she insisted in reply since he was waiting for her answer.

“So you don’t believe in Prince Charming either?” He turned toward her, twisting his torso around to one side from where he sat on the sofa, now completely ignoring what was on the television with his full attention on her. His frat brother tried shushing him for talking during the program, but he didn’t choose to acknowledge the gesture.

“I’ve never met such a guy,” Illyana grumbled, thinking of Adam. She had once considered him to be the best man in the world and look how wrong she turned out to be. Maybe she was just an awful judge of character.

The blonde guy rose to on his knees, leaned forward against the back support of the sofa, and stuck out his hand with a grin, “Hi, I’m Marshall, president of this fine fraternity.”

Illyana hesitantly took it and gave it a light shake, “Illyana.”

She glanced over her shoulder to see if Rafael and Alarie had decided on where to go yet. They seemed to be disagreeing on each other’s choices. Typical.

“Want to watch the rest?” Marshall invited her to sit by patting the seat across from him on the perpendicular sofa.

“Can’t, I’m going out,” Illyana nodded toward the couple behind her, “But thanks for the offer.”

Marshall’s eyes narrowed at the sight of Rafael. Illyana didn’t know why but there was a distinct sense of disapproval in the way Marshall looked at him. It was only for a moment before his face relaxed and he smiled at her again, “If you want, I could tag along and save you from being a third wheel.”

Illyana couldn’t help but laugh which came out as a half-scoff and sounded more like an ineloquent snort. This guy tried too hard, and it was so obvious he was looking for some kind of chance with her. He took her laugh as something he meant to cause as if he had a great sense of humor and chuckled along with her. She found herself nodding, non-verbally permitting him to join her because she was interested in seeing how much energy he would expend trying to win her over. She wasn’t interested in Marshall, at least not in this moment, but he sure was handsome and he hadn’t proven himself to be just another degenerate jerk…yet. It was true she didn’t want to be a third wheel either.

“Find a place yet?” Illyana turned to Alarie and Rafael and asked sharply.

“Yeah, we’re going to the Endless Blue Lounge,” Alarie said, “It’s in walking distance so you won’t have to drive us.”

“Good, I don’t have enough gas anyway,” Illyana said sharply. Leona had been the one to pay for it when they went to Pandora, and now that she was gone, Illyana had to dig into her meager account to afford to get home.

“Who’s your friend?” Alarie raised a finely plucked brow and indicated toward behind Illyana where Marshall stood with his hands in his pockets, still smiling keenly.

“Marshall,” Rafael said, his voice wasn’t indicative of fondness but sounded rather steely at saying the name.

Marshall inclined his head in a slight nod, “I thought I’d tag along. You don’t have a problem with that, do you, Riff-Raf?”

Rafael looked like he was about to tell the fraternity president off but Alarie broke the tension with her laughter and gave a light smack to Rafael’s arm, “Riff-Raf? I wish I would have thought of that—it’s too cute!”

Her hand then wrapped around Rafael’s upper arm and she led him out the front door. Marshall and Illyana followed.

Alarie began to tell Rafael about their trip and her voice became cold and full of judgment when she began to explain what Leona had done. Illyana reminded Alarie that Leona said she didn’t do anything but Alarie argued that no woman would spend the night with Eric King and not do anything with him.

“Oh really, including you?” Rafael teased while sliding his hand behind her back.

“He’s a pop star,” Alarie replied, which was evasive and telling at the same time and made Rafael frown with a hint of jealousy.

“So, do you go here too?” Marshall asked. He was keeping pace next to Illyana on the sidewalk. He was trying to come in for a small talk angle and get her to open up. She’d already done that the previous night and wasn’t in the mood to talk about herself.

“No. How long have you been president of the frat?” She answered quickly and turned a question on him.

“Oh, about two years,” he shrugged.

“I bet you have a lot of parties,” she said.

He smiled, “Well yeah, of course.”

“How many?”

He seemed to stop and think before replying, “We’ve had seven this semester so far. They are only open to members of the Greek Society but I could get you in if you wanted.”

He sounded so smug. She held in a laugh and barely rolled her eyes. She didn’t find him particularly funny but his demeanor was just hilariously pompous to her. He just presumed she wanted to attend one of those parties but she had no desire to.

“What?” He asked, her restraint not going unnoticed.

She turned him and put on a low tone—a mock male voice that had the heavy inflection of a stereotypical bro, “My party is so exclusive but I could let you in if you let me in your pants.”

He seemed momentarily struck by her words before continuing forward, “That’s not what I said.”


“It’s implied.”

“I just want to hang out with you. You seem interesting.”

Everything from his saccharine smile to his smooth vocal inflection indicated a specific hidden intention and Illyana gave him a hard stare to show him she wasn’t fooled.

He finally threw his head back in a sort of ‘you-caught-me’ laugh and added, “But…if we happen to go from that to something else then I wouldn’t object.”

“Ha! I knew it. Fine, we can hang out but I promise you now it won’t go anywhere from there.”

She figured her honesty would have deterred him and he would have headed back instead of wasting his time, but Marshall kept his pace and gave an equally amused chuckle at her response, “You sound so sure.”

She was.


It was about four blocks before they entered the small lounge that was drenched in blue décor–swimming blue and green lights that flashed and swirled around the dance floor, even the bar was illuminated with an electric blue under-lighting. Illyana had never been to this place before but she liked it.

The music was a low-paced synth, cut with old tracks that faded into different ones by the DJ. To her surprise, Alarie and Rafael didn’t even go to the bar to get drinks but straight to the dance floor where they started to move in sync with each other.

Illyana often wondered why they tolerated each other for all their disagreements but seeing them dance together, she was reminded why they were like a pair of boomerangs always coming back to each other after an argument. They moved as one. She and Marshall had been staring at them dancing for a few minutes before they realized they were just standing there on the dance floor and looking kind of lame.


“Want to dance?’ she heard Marshall ask to which her head swiveled back to him with wide eyes.

"I don’t really dan–”

Too late. He had started moving back and forth in rhythm with the current song, then gestured to himself and then to her to indicate she should join. She felt a little put on the spot but started shuffling in the same manner, though concentrated on her feet more than the guy in front of her.

She glanced to Alarie to see how it was done. Alarie was the best dancer she’d ever seen. Alarie had been tearing up dances with her skills since junior high. It wasn’t fair that Alarie had all that natural rhythm. Rafael was just as smooth. Even Marshall seemed like a seasoned dancer. He reached out and lightly touched her hips to guide her movement while simultaneously pulling her a bit closer. She realized then, that it was his cologne that dominated the fraternity common room. She found herself moving even nearer, to get more of that pleasant scent—it reminded her of being outside after a spring rain and yet a note of mint underlined it.

He didn’t object when she nearly buried her face into his shoulder and took a deep inhale, “You smell nice.”

She was so tired too, she could probably just fall asleep there wrapped up in that calming and nearly intoxicating smell.

“I try,” he replied and though it seemed like something humble one would say his tone was more self-satisfying than anything. She chortled in amusement because she could clearly tell that he tried. Then she realized that she must have smelled awful. She’d been in a car all day and hadn’t even showered after being in that smoky casino last night!

She abruptly pulled away with embarrassment. Concern and dubiousness showed in Marshall’s face at her sudden action.

“Sorry I—um–,” she looked around trying to find an excuse but figured she should probably just be honest again, “I probably smell pretty bad in comparison, sorry.”

He cracked a grin and closed the space between them, and then she could feel his hair tickling her cheek as he leaned forward and returned the motion, then she heard him say in a husky tone, “It’s not so bad—cigarette smoke and sunlight.”

She pushed his head away playfully, and barked out a laugh while trying to maintain her dismal dancing rhythm, “Yeah right, like sunlight even has a scent.”

“I’m just being honest.”

He didn’t look like a forthcoming sort. He seemed a little too cocky and a little too calculating to match his claim of 'just being honest.’ Just as he wanted to ‘hang out.’

“You try too hard, you know that?”

“Then why did you let me come along with you tonight?”

Illyana shrugged, “Purely for my entertainment, after all, who wants to be a third wheel?”

“Most women wouldn’t be that honest with me,” he seemed impressed.

She had to restrain herself from rolling her eyes again, this guy was so damn conceited. She would usually find it annoying but she was trying to forget all the sadness and sorrow in her life. Entertaining herself would keep her thoughts from going down the dark roads of her mind, and this clown was a good enough distraction.

“Why? What makes you so special?” she asked and made an off-beat spin to the music. She caught sight of Alarie and Rafael still grooving out together. When were they going to get those drinks they wanted? The DJ manning the stand was mixing the songs into each other so it wasn’t like there was a defining end where they could stop and just go.

Marshall caught her hand and spun her again before resting the small of her back in his other hand as he lowered her into a dip. She wasn’t prepared for it and wobbled a bit as she looked up at him as he leaned over her with the blue glow lighting him from behind.

“I’m a Cosgrove.”

She wasn’t prepared for that either.

She opened her mouth but no words came out. He pulled her back up to a solid stand, and even then she still felt off-balance. It took her a moment before she moved her hips again, although not in time with the beats of the music. Her face was twisted up with minor shock and then faded deep into thought while ignoring that self-assured smile he was giving her.

Plumbobs, she was dancing with a member of the Cosgrove family?! She’d heard of them, well everyone knew of the Cosgroves—they were nearly as prominent as the Orbinsons if not more so—even wealthier and more prestigious. She’d never met a Cosgrove in person, on account of them sending their children to the preparatory school; not the sort to be caught mingling with children of Kashmire’s mere plebeians.


No wonder Marshall smelled so good, he was probably wearing cologne that was worth a hundred simoleons or more. It also perfectly explained his haughty demeanor.

She abruptly stopped dancing and turned her back on him. They had no business dancing or flirting or even talking together. They were from completely different worlds.

“Hey! Where are you going?” Marshall called out as Illyana made her way through the crowd of dancers and off the floor.

“Home,” Illyana said. Alarie could get a ride home tomorrow from Rafael. She was probably crashing at the frat anyway so there was no reason for Illyana to stick around. Marshall caught her hand and halted her. She looked at it with a mix of disdain and disappointment.

“What’s wrong?”

She stared into his dark eyes and didn’t understand why he was trying so hard with her. If he really was a Cosgrove then there were a million other girls he could be with at this moment. Why was he wasting his time on her when she already made it clear she wasn’t going to be just another notch in his belt he could brag about to his friends?

“This. What’s in it for you?” She asked, suddenly very suspicious. Before she thought he was just some average frat boy but now that she knew he was a Cosgrove, it was a different game.

He flashed a smile, “A good time.”

“I already told you, we’re not hooking up tonight,” she reminded him, though her voice wavered and wasn’t as convincing as it had been before.

He raised both his eyebrows with faux surprise, “Really? Even after I told you I’m a Cosgrove?”

She scowled and turned her back on him again. His grip tightened ever so slightly, “Relax, I’m just teasing. Dancing, hanging out, drinking—that’s a good time to me.” He nodded toward the bar, “Speaking of which, what do you want?”

“I don’t want anything,” she mumbled, ripping her hand out of his grasp and then noticed Rafael and Alarie were at the bar now. She didn’t even see them leave the dance floor. Illyana couldn’t even afford to drink tonight, not if she needed to get more gas and make it back to Isla Del Kashmire.

She approached Alarie, “I think I’m going to leave.”

Alarie set down the beer she was drinking with an incredulous look, “The night is just getting started!”

“I’m tired, Al. I’ve been driving all day…”

“So now it’s time to relax,” Marshall interrupted and advised from behind her, leading her down to the other side of the bar and proclaimed that he was buying. Alarie gave a nod of approval. Alarie always approved of free drinks, and seemed to approve of yet another strange guy taking an interest in Illyana. Apparently, Alarie hadn’t given up on the idea that a rebound would do her friend some good. If Illyana weren’t so tired she might have put up more of a fight because she hated being told what to do by people she didn’t know.

Rafael seemed to eye Marshall warily as they passed and Illyana yet again got the impression that they weren’t very fond of each other.

“So what do you want?”

“I told you, I’m not–” Illyana started but then caught sight of Alarie nodding with encouragement out of the corner of her eye. Opposingly, Rafael was pursing his lips and frowning with concern as though Marshall was a bad life decision.

Marshall noticed her considering the disparaging look and he called out, “Hey Riff-Raf!”

“What?”

“Don’t you have somewhere to be? With your girlfriend? Alone.”

Rafael wasn’t taking the hint but Alarie heard it loud and clear, “Come on, babe.” She took a last swig from her beer and grabbed at Rafael’s arm to guide him away.

“But–” he seemed to protest.

Her expression was withering and he nodded with acquiescence, but not before turning his gaze to Illyana with a look of apology. He didn’t have to worry though, Illyana could take care of herself. If Marshall made her angry enough, she wouldn’t hesitate to punch him in the face too.


“Do you want a martini?” Marshall guessed.

“No.” Illyana said.

“You must like something, though, right?”

“If you can guess my favorite drink. I’ll let you order it,” Illyana smirked.

“Any hints?”

“Vodka.”

“Come on, that’s too general,” he seemed to groan and hope for more clues.

She bit at her lower lip and thought before adding, “Breakfast.”

He seemed confused and then thought about it while looking her over to see if anything about her gave any further insights to her favorite drink. Illyana didn’t really drink at breakfast but since the main mixer in it was used as a breakfast juice she thought that was an adequate clue.

“Bloody. Mary.” Marshall finally said with an assured grin and pointed at her.

Her eyes widened and she felt something like a shiver run up her arms—though not ominous like it had been with Tony—it felt like something different, still unsettling though, “How did you–?”

“I read people very, very well,” he said in all his smugness before grabbing the bartender’s attention and having a glass ordered for her. The way he looked at her when he smiled made her stomach twist into knots—not necessarily uncomfortable but a mix of unsure thrill. That was what did unnerve her.

“I have to go to the bathroom,” she blurted unceremoniously and bolted in the opposite direction. Luckily, none of the stalls were occupied and she hurriedly opened the door to one and then closed it, locking it. She sat on the toilet without removing her pants—she didn’t really have to go but she needed a quiet place to think. She hated that she felt intimidated yet excited by him to some degree. Marshall had all the privilege one could ever hope to obtain in Kashmire–wealth, popularity, prestige—and she was just a girl who could barely afford gas money at the moment. Yet, she felt special to have caught his attention now that she reflected on it. It shouldn’t matter who he was but there was definitely something different in how she felt now versus how she had felt before she knew who he was.

She left the stall and turned toward the sink and pumped a small amount of soap in her palm and then added it to a dampened a paper towel, wiping it over her neck and shoulders—attempting to smell better than just cigarette smoke and sunlight—which she still doubted contained a real fragrance.

She crumpled and tossed the paper towel into the trash bin and looked at her reflection in the mirror above the sink. Her hair was sort of messy and she un-braided it and re-braided it so it wasn’t limp and unkempt from that hurried braid she’d done it in that morning.

Something…something in her mind had changed and suddenly Alarie’s suggestion and constant encouragement of a rebound didn’t seem too awful. Illyana felt a weight lift off her chest that she had been feeling ever since the night Adam had broken her heart. She wasn’t expecting love—she wasn’t a naive princess and he was far from a prince charming—yet she smiled slightly at herself, now sure she wouldn’t mind if hanging out with Marshall Cosgrove did lead to something else.