Re: David, Allie, eventually Brandon
In David's mind, the most "involved" he would get was the dance that he promised Allie. And he hadn't even been entirely sure about that. If she didn't bring it up, he was just going to let it slide to the wayside, since he wasn't a big dancer. David was the depiction of the "two left feet" adage, and he really didn't want Allie to have to learn that, especially not if it meant making an idiot of himself and hurting her in the process by stepping on her feet. That didn't mean that he couldn't have a good time, though. This? Just talking to her and enjoying her company, her conversation and her smile? This was more fun than David remembered having in recent history.
A tiny bit of David wondered if it was his reassuring smile that brought the megawatt smile back to her face, but he could tell by looking at it that it wasn't as genuine as it could be. He made an internal promise that, before the evening was out, he'd make her smile a real smile. He didn't know what it would take, but he was already going through ideas in his head. A split second of uncharacteristic bravery suggested a kiss at midnight, but realism knocked that way back into the recesses of his mind, especially since this was the first time he'd ever actually talked to her in person. He wasn't that stupid.
With a real, true smile (which unbeknownst to David lacked its usual awkwardness and was the truest smile that he'd given to someone who wasn't Eli in ages), he listened to whatever she was willing to tell him about the talent show. "I wasn't going to ask," he shook his head no. "I'm excited to hear you sing again, though. You sounded so good over the computer, so I can only imagine that it's infinitely better live," he mused. David didn't have any talent show-worthy talents, so he liked to just enjoy the show when he could.
Laughing once, he shrugged one shoulder when she asked if he believed her. "I..." he didn't respond, because he didn't think it was necessary, "okay," he muttered, trying to smile. But he was sure it came out as more of a grimace. He wasn't used to compliments. Not from people who weren't his brother or Rae. "Thanks, Allie," he spoke as clearly as he could. She asked if he was embarrassed to be seen with her and his eyes were wide. "What? No!" He paused again, and it occurred to him that she was joking. He laughed and shook his head. "Definitely not embarrassed. Lucky, more like." Some may have meant it as empty flattery, but David most certainly did not.
"It doesn't take much to be better at dressing me than me," he pointed out. "Beyond jeans and a t-shirt, I'm pretty clueless."
David was so bad with flirtatious conversation that the double-entendre went right over his head and he shrugged one shoulder. "I'm sure you'll show me exactly where," he mused, completely unaware that he'd actually continued with the trend. "You'll find out soon why I don't dance, though. Two left feet isn't even appropriate. Two backwards left feet, more like..."
He blinked at her when she stood up and suggested that they dance now. "Now?" he asked, an eyebrow arched. "Um... okay," he swallowed thickly, taking her hand and following her lead into the fray of the dance floor.