Aten looked disgruntled. He wasn't entirely sure what Smolder was trying to do, but he had come all the way from Asterion just to set up this whole 'event' for Aten. Was he supposed to be grateful to Smolder? Because right now, Aten felt a little put off.
"Yes, speed dating!" Smolder said encouragingly, a wide grin in place as he spread his arms out wide. "Come on, it'll be fun!"
Casting his gaze downward, Aten rubbed a clawed finger gently against his facial hair. He was doubting how ... 'effective' this really could be. Was he even sure he'd click with or like any of the others he might meet here? Did he even want to date anyone yet? All his loves had been a bust, and his ego destroyed. "I dunno ... is this really such a good idea?"
"Don't sweat it, little bro!" Smolder clasped his shoulders tightly. "You're a great guy, Aten! And I handed out flyers all over the Academy campus with your picture on it! People will come, I promise!"
"W-what!?" Aten let out a small yelp, his eyes growing large with shock. "You ... you solicited me to random strangers ... ? Smolder ... !"
"Well ... yes! I mean. No. NO! I didn't! I just got the word out there that you were looking for love. Now!" Smolder gave Aten's shoulders a small squeeze, the younger boy now towering over him. "You're gonna march your little fluffy butt in to that classroom -- which I have conveniently altered in to a meet and greet -- and you're gonna talk to the boys and girls that show up and you're gonna like it! If nothing else, maybe you'll make some new friends! Now get in there and try to have fun!"
Smolder shooed him along, giving his bottom a playful smack to get his rear in gear. Aten cringed at this, unsuspecting of his love tap, the sagged his shoulders and mumbled under his breath, "My butt's not fluffy ... " before sulking in to the room, pushing the door open and slipping inside. Once inside he once again stood tall, now out from under Smolder's shadow and feeling much more like himself again.
His eyes scanned the room, looking around at the group of people who had gathered with morbid curiosity. By the Nine, he prayed. Please do not let the flyer and the picture he handed out be completely embarrassing ...
(( Please quote me so I can see you responded! biggrin Juniors, seniors, and graduated peeps from the Academy can all come and play! Triads welcome, as well as any gender! ))
