Like It Or Not- Thomarie

It was a beautiful night in Danville. The moon was bright in the sky, and few clouds were visible in the starry canvas. There was a gentle breeze, picking up a few leaves as it passed through the trees, carrying them away into the night. In Danville Middle School, however, all was not peaceful.

Music rang through the windows and doors, the breeze carrying it across the empty streets. Inside the building students danced and sang together, or just sat at a table and hung out with their friends. The music was steady, easily and seamlessly slipping from one song to the other.

Everyone was happy, but one girl. Her name was Marie Flynn. The girl pushed her way through the crowd to the back of the gymnasium, dropping heavily into a seat and sighing. She stared blankly down at the tablecloth, tracing any flaws in it with her finger gently.

Her friends were all dancing, mingling with others, unaware of her disappearance and obvious distress. She sighed once again, and rested her head in her hand. She blankly watched the student body before her move together in rhythm with the music and frowned.

"Why can't I be like that?" she muttered to herself "Why do I all of a sudden feel..." she paused as she searched for a word "Crummy" she finally settled on with a slight huff

One student in the crowd, had his eyes on the distressed girl. His name was Thomas Fletcher. He pushed his way through the crowd, ignoring Jazz when she questioned him, and he made a beeline for Marie. He took a seat at her table, going unnoctied by the redhead, and cleared his throat softly.

"Marie" he murmured

She raised her head and forced a weak smile when she realized the boy before her was her best friend.

"Hi Tommy" she smiled

He teasingly narrowed his eyes at her, poking her in the side gently as he said

"Marie! you know I don't like being called that!"

Marie giggled, shifting away from his finger. The boy smiled at her, raising an eyebrow curiously.

"Now. What's wrong?"

The redhead sighed softly, her hand falling onto the table as she lifted her head to meet her best friend's gaze.

"I... Don't know" she sighed "I just feel..." she paused to search for a word

"Crummy?" he supplied

"Yea. Crummy" she agreed

Thomas looked up when he heard the DJ say they were going to play a slow song. He looked back to Marie, whom had resumed staring at the tablecloth, and he stood. He held a hand out for Marie, and her gaze flicked to it curiously.

"Tommy?"

"Dance?" he replied

Marie smiled and nodded, reaching up and taking his hand. He pulled her to her feet, and the duo slowly made their way through the crowd and to a clear spot on the floor, which just so happened to be by Jazz and Fred.

The lights dimmed slightly, and Marie smiled as Thomas grabbed her other hand and lead her in the beginning of a dance. She moved herself in time with him, unable to resist a soft giggle.

"Feeling better?" he asked softly

She shrugged her shoulders slightly

"I still feel" she paused "Lonely. Lonely-ish." she huffed in frustration "Lonely isn't the right word. I just..." she trailed off

"Hey" she looked back up at Thomas "You don't have to feel lonely"

"Why is that?"

"Because"

"Because why?" she asked, the beginnings of a smile on her face

"Well, you have Jazz" he stated

"And what about you?" she countered "You're my best friend"

Thomas chuckled softly

"Yea, I guess I am" he paused "And you know what?"

"What, Tommy?"

He ignored the nickname and smiled at her

"Wether you like it or not, I'll always be by your side" he promised "Always"

Tears were shining in Marie's eyes, and they moved slightly, light hitting her just right so her dress and tears sparkled. A wide smile graced Marie's lips and she freed her hand from Thomas', instead wrapping them around her friend.

Thomas' eyes widened in shock for a brief moment, before he returned the gesture, arms wrapping gently around her. She smiled into his shoulder

"Thanks Tommy" she whispered