The Salsa Proposal

## Content Information

Today was the hopeful beginning of what could maybe become an annual tradition. The Hellfire salsa. Or at least Burgundy hoped it would. For the composting initiative through the Environmental Committee there’d need to be some funding. Burgundy had been spending almost all of their free moments between midterms and jobs writing up a proposal. This proposal now sits in a *long* outlined document on their laptop.

Burgundy turned to face themselves in their floor length mirror. Their dorm room in the sorority was finally properly decorated to their taste. Burgundy spent a moment smiling at their decor before their gaze settled on themselves. They took a pink scrunchie and tied up their dreads in a ponytail. After a long day of playing catch up with midterms, they were eager to dress comfortably: a well worn, oversized, gray hoodie that reached just above mid thigh and some simple white sneakers. Sometimes glimpses of a white bikini straps peaked out of the hoodie’s collar. No pants for now.

Burgundy double checked to make sure their ass wasn’t completely out before they gathered up their supplies to be early to the proposal meeting with Selene. With their arms filled with a laptop, a small backpack, and another bag, Burg hurried down the hall to Hellfire’s dining room. They’re fifteen minutes early but to Burg that’s too close to late.

Selene was already at the table, the girl was nothing if not efficient, Lezly was doing her make up there and Selene picking at a slice of cake when she could, The girl was dressed in a pink robe waiting for an outfit change after the proposal.

Selene was busy but The Hellfires were her priority even in the depths of self hate and rage. They were at worst her tool and most of the time her dear allies, her vision of the future, her hopes, maybe even her friends. Selene waved “Hello, it’s a pleasure to see you Burgundy.”

Lezly smiled looking excited to see Burgundy again “Wow, you look great.”

The undine almost moved to go hug Burg but there was a small snap from Selene’s finger reminding her that they were on a tight timeline and she wouldn’t put up with them being late for a show.

Lezly was already dressed up for the day, a custom made dress and jacket, pink and black  intended to match Selene while they moved together for the show tonight. Selene looked between the two and had to hold back a small smirk on the squish vibes she was getting.

Selene asked in a firm but soft voice “So, Burgundy, what do you have to present to us other than your lovely fashion sense?”

Burgundy’s eyes widened at both the compliments and their presence. They stopped in their tracks momentarily as they processed their next move. Quickly they bowed in Lezly’s direction - giving her the formality Burg always provided.

“Uh thank you for the compliments, you both look killer,” Burg said while they approached the two’s table while facing Selene. But there’s also a stolen glance at Lezly. Burgundy would’ve never thought that a pink scrunchie would’ve given them so many compliments - they’re pretty oblivious to what was actually attractive about the outfit.

Burgundy set down their laptop and opened it up which exposed a ready to go presentation titled *“Hellfire Charity Salsa”*. As he spoke up again, he set down the mystery bag and removed four small packaged and labeled paper boxes that read *“Special Brownies”* followed by a list of ingredients.

“First, those are pot brownies. Super potent but pretty great. My moms sent me here with a whole bunch and I thought they could make good welcome back and goodbye presents. It’s also cool if you all don’t want them but um …,” Burgundy paused to adjust the laptop so Selene could see it properly.

“I want to host a charity event to help fund the Environmental Committees composting center project through Hellfire Sorority. The example event I created is a salsa night, something fun but also campus admin friendly.”

Selene was analyzing Burgundy, he was probably better at this then he even thought, a very solid opening gambit, an awareness of the target audience’s desires, but there could be a bit of work on those nerves. The sorority leader grabbed the special brownie and took a bite “Wow, these are fantastic, your mom is good at baking and very cool.”

Of course Lezly followed suit taking a bite and nodding in firm agreement “This is the good stuff, a true thing of beauty.”

Then it was time to focus on the proposal itself, Salsa was one of Selene’s favorite kinds of formal dance, it was passionate and the first kind of dance Selene learned, she self taught herself all the girls parts and her best friend Quinn would help her. They were happy memories but Selene was sensitive right now, her tail coming out and gripping the chair to hold onto it like she was holding onto that happy memory, of all the things she lost to time, to her mothers, to her nature, to her status.

The words to escape Selene were less desperate, they were calm and reasoned “I like your cause even if it is a matter of debate, with my support it will likely be held by everyone running.”

She grabbed a little clipboard that was resting in front of her and wrote down a note before she said “I want to hear more about the Salsa Night, I like it but I want it sold to me. We obviously can’t have parties every day and I want to compel everyone to be thrilled for Salsa Night.”

Burgundy smiled in thanks for the complements to their mothers’ baking. They wore a glimmer of surprise seeing that they both immediately ate them but shook it off quickly. They shifted a bit in discomfort at realizing the upcoming challenges of this proposal.

Burgundy reached over to the laptop and flipped through a couple slides they correlated to what they were saying. As they leaned forward in the baggy hoodie, a peak into what’s underneath it became visible.

“I can guarantee that the administration won’t find out about the liquor *and* I can have a full staffed bar here for low cost. The event could also - if you’re willing - serve as a listening party to a Selene salsa remix EP … I understand if you’re not interested. I can go if this is a waste of time …,” Burg trailed off as they started to give up on their idea.

Lezly had gotten the peak and blushed a bit looking away from Burgundy to focus on Selene, the undine didn’t want to get distracted plus it wasn’t exactly classy to stare.

“Fully staffed bar, we don’t normally provide that but it is classy and I think it will make the charitable effort seem more legitimate than if it was a normal Hellfire event. If it’s a hit we may even have to consider staffing a bar more regularly.”

Selene wasn’t particularly worried about the budget, it wasn’t a normal issue for her given how much she got for free and how much she had. She didn’t have the money that Lavish had but she was still rich. Selene stood up once Lezly finished an eye and moved towards Burgundy. Selene’s voice was strict as she scolds “You are a hellfire, remember that, your ideas are awesome, you are amazing, you look hot, you are a nobel amongst the riff raft of the school, do not suddenly run away when your trying to get what you want, take it with cunning, grace and power.”

She sits on the Desk to be closer to Burg, Lezly scuddling over to Selene to work on the other eye. The woman asked in a much softer voice “Now, Salsa remix EP sounds fantastic, that’s a great idea, that’s thinking like a Hellfire. Expecting Pyrrah to make one, got one produced, got a song in mind, we can arrange the details, but I want to know what you think? ”

Burgundy flinched at the scolding and stood back from their bent position. Their brows furrowed at the words used. It’s painted pretty obviously by their expression that Burg would never want to acquire power in this way.

They dropped their gaze to the ground momentarily to recollect their thoughts. When they looked back up some of the light and wonder returned to their gaze. Burg’s eyes met Selene’s as they replied. “Not necessarily but I do want something added to the versions that will play at the party … because there are cultists and other threats beyond just monster hunters it could be wise to sneak a binding spell in the background. That way if a threat is identified it’d appear the spellcaster is just singing along.”

Selene’s look shifted from interest to slight distress to anger to reclaiming a stage of neutrality in quick succession. The girl stood up but this time not to schold Burg but to move back to her previous seat, she needed a proper seat and more of the weed brownie. She took another bite and jotted down some ideas really quickly before finally the words had escaped her in surprise “Wait there is cultists? LIke not eldergod worshipers or powerful old demon cultists? I am assuming not that given the worries you're expressing and those are not really threats. I had not heard about this, ”

Selene was waiting for more information to pull out the emotion inside of her, she was avoiding over reacting. She would get back to the Salsa remix, in fact ideas were still coming to her, there was a new song she had been working on that would be perfect for a Salsa beat and she could think of a few songs that might like a salsa beat. The ideas kept being written down as she awaited a reply.

Burgundy finally pulled out a seat for themselves and dropped into it. “They were described to me as an unknown faction who made an attack at the job fair last week …,” Burgundy began before continuing to share what they knew about the situation and who they may be targeting.

Burgundy played with one of their many necklace charms as they spoke out uncomfortably. They also stole glances at Lezly just to see how she had reacted to this news.

Lezly looked annoyed and angry, she almost messed up in applying Selene’s makeup but didn’t stop. The girl did voice out loud with clear disgust in her voice“Well clearly we have to do something about them, the beauty of the school is all the magic and monsters here, Selene..”

Selene looked at Lezly then Burg, she could tell he was uncomfortable but they were in fact safe here. The woman first assured Burgundy “The Hellfire Sorority will remain the safest place in the school. I am confident in our defenses but I will look at what spell to wrap into the song and in particular any live performance I may do.”

Then after another bite of weed brownie “You just rest and enjoy school life, leave cults and stuff to me and my girls, we’ll have the sickos destroyed soon enough.”

Selene was angry, so angry, some fucking creepy weirdos thought they could come and start fucking with her school, with her turf, she didn’t mind people attempting to compete for queen, that was cute because they stood no chance. These people on the other hand, needed to be destroyed in ways she would never consider hurting a run of the mill rival.

The queen stabbed her fork into her cake then releasing a breath she attempted to shift her mental gears, no one was going to stop her from partying or giving the people what they needed, which was fun and more Queen Selene.

There was a small pang of guilt that briefly took residence across Burg’s expression. It sucked that during planning something like this it could come with such terrible news. But they accepted the reassurance and gave a relieved half smile. Their gaze absentmindedly traveled to Lezly’s work.

“If you’d like any assistance or if I learn any new information about them, I will make myself available,” they said carefully while sitting up straight in the seat. Their legs are settled at this point but they’re still fidgeting with their jewelry.

Selene smiled at Burgundy “Thank you for offering your help with that too. I can always use more hands on something that serious.”

Something about seeing Burgundy less afraid was reassuring to Selene, like she had been doing her job right in making him feel more comfortable. The queen of the sorority looked at her notes and said “for now I think let’s focus on the party, It will be great for the community, fun, and raise money for your cause. Do you have a binding spell in mind for the song or should I do some digging? ”

Lezly looked at Burgundy excitedly and offered “Oh also if you are heading up this night I could make you a new outfit for Salsa dancing if you don’t have one.”

“I um uh, yeah! Yes! To the spell and the outfit um …,” they turned in their seat to grab their backpack off the table. When they rummaged through it, it was clear their face turned a little red from fluster thanks to Lezly’s offer.

Burg kept their head down while they pulled a journal and a small tome from their bag. They took a minute to fan through some notes from their journal and cross referenced them with the book. They then stood up to place both opened in front of Selene. The journal contained notes about how casting the spell worked and the book itself was a full description including warnings.

“This one here has been successful for me. It prevents someone from creating harm, I believe limited to physical harm. Because of how the spirits of the cove have granted me magic, I have to say it aloud and make eye contact for it to work but if you have something more effective and discrete it would probably be better suited. You’re welcome to hold onto these if you need it. I have other copies.” Despite an even tone, the mild fluster was still present in a sheepish smile whenever they looked at Lezly.

Looking at the spell Selene assured Burg “Every extra little bit helps, we’ll compile all the options and see what we can do. We don’t want anyone hurt.“

She moved the tome towards her and would go over it along with their other classic methods of containing violence at their parties. Lezly finished up Selene’s face and smiled admiring her own work. Doing jazz hands around Selene’s face she asked “What do you think? I mean I have a beautiful template but of the makeup itself.”

The undine probably wasn’t even sure why she cared so much what Burgundy thought but they did. Lezly felt like she didn’t have to be on guard around her maybe?

When Selene accepted the book, Burg sat back down and nodded. They then pick their backpack back up into their lap. Burgundy had occupied themselves with reorganizing the remainder of the books in their backpack and froze when they realized that Lezly was talking to them. They quickly put the books into the bag and gave her attention.

“I think it’s stunning, I had no idea that you did fashion design *and* makeup at this level. I’m super impressed and it was cool to watch the process,” Burgundy said with an honest smile.

Lezly looked so happy with the compliments being thrown her way. She flipped her bang and grinned “I’m the beauty expert, when it comes to making things beautiful or more beautiful that’s my field of expertise. Fashion, Make Up, I even help Selene with set design and stuff sometimes. ”

Selene stood up and rubbed her hair not wanting to mess with her foundation “Okay, well Lezly your done I’ll go up stairs and swap outfits before we head to the stage, your free to do whatever you want until we leave..”

The Sorority leader turned to Burgundy “and send me any updates on Salsa night, anything you want me to help with, I will be as involved as you like. Obviously I’ll be performing and hosting but I am happy to have you as co-host if you like.”

Burgundy leaned on the table as Lezly spoke but quickly turned their attention to Selene. “I will make sure to do so. By the end of spring break I can get you quotes from our vendor options for liquor and food.”

Burg sat up straight at realization that the meeting is basically over. They scooted their laptop in front of them to stop the presentation and shut down the device.

Heading towards the stairs Selene turned to offer “If you want to come with us to today’s show, you are welcome to. I think you more than earned a quick little day trip.”

Burg’s hazel eyes widened at the offer. “I’ll have to check on a few things but um … thanks!” Their tone is filled with surprise and gratitude. They quickly opened the laptop back up with hopes of checking their calendar but it would take a minute for it to start back up. They then looked to Lezly to see if she had any reaction or strong feelings about this.

Lezly sat on the table taking another bite of the weed brownie “You should totally come, Berry’s helping run things behind the scenes and Pyrrah is the DJ for the tracks so I could use the company, plus it’s just a little trip we’ll be back by the morning at worst.”

Selene moved up to get changed leaving Lezly and Burg alone to just talk while she finished getting ready.

Burg immediately smiled. They finally looked away from Lezly as their computer finally allowed them to check their calendar. They still had work to do tomorrow: two adult swimming lessons and a shift closing at the bookstore.

“Well … as long as it doesn’t get too wild I should be okay,” they said as they pushed the laptop aside. “I have a couple things later in the day tomorrow. What is going to these concerts like for you?”

Lezly explained “It’s It’s amazing, I get to get all the dancers set up, make sure the stage is perfect, and then watch the beautiful masterpiece we made together come to life.”

She opened up her phone to show the dancers outfits she designed. “I love my work, I tend to hang out backstage a lot just in case I am needed for outfit changes or damages but I do like to go out to get the full view of everything..”

Burgundy wore an expression of awe and admiration at the sight of the designs. “This is really amazing. Yeah, I’d love to see it all in person. Should I change into something else? It’s pretty cold out and I don’t want to look lame next to you.”

“I got a perfect outfit in your size that’s only been worn once” Lezly was hoping Burg would say yes just because she wanted to see them in it but ultimately she was cool with him being in whatever outfit she wanted.

“Oh! Sure but uh I should probably grab real underwear, not just this bikini right?” Burgundy glanced down at their chest. “I don’t even think this one is padded.” It wasn’t.

“Ya, changing is a good idea, I can go grab the outfit while you change” Lezly was really happy that Burg wanted to hang out with her and even more happy that he wanted to try on her outfit, it just always felt so good to see someone she liked, like platonically or romantically, in an outfit she made, like a piece of her creative soul was with them.

“Meet up in my room? I don’t think it’d be appreciated if I walked around half naked,” they said with a chuckle. “It’s on the side near the pool and has a framed picture of Eartha Kitt on the door.” Burg closed the laptop and slid it into their backpack. They gathered up the rest of their belongings and stood from their chair.

Lezly grinned “I mean, I am sure there would be a mix of reactions, not like we don’t have our fair share of loosely clothed people running around.”

Lezly’s eyeballs moved up in the direction of Selene’s room and giggled a bit before heading to the stairs “alright, i’ll get to your room with a cool new look for you and I’ll know where to find you by the good taste in classic musical artists. Got it.”

“Alright, see you in a bit,” Burgundy said with a smile from the compliment on taste. With their arms full, they scoot their chair in and then bow to Lezly. They then turn around to head to the direction of their room.

Moments later, Burgundy had managed to quickly clean up their bed to make sure their room is somewhat decent for its first guest. Burgundy’s dorm room finally looked like what they always wanted to explore. At the moment they’ve fully taken advantage of the lack of a roommate and went wild. Shelves with various potted plants with long foliage line the walls. Above them are hanging woven baskets patterned in earth tones. There’s a desk on one side where a computer is missing but beside it is a classic typewriter clearly in recent use. The room is warm and smells like summertime. The lights are a softened, comforting, yellow. Burgundy made this place feel like a home to the best of their ability.

Burg sat on the edge of their bed wrapped up in a thin blanket out of modesty as they waited for Lezly to arrive. Ever so often they stole a glance in the mirror to adjust something with either their hair or jewelry out of anticipation and fluster.

After a beat, Lezly returned to Burgundy with an outfit in hand and a smirk on her face “Let’s get ready for the show!”

Lezly took a second to take in Burgundy’s room “Wow, I honestly love what  you did with the place. The no roomie life suits you well.”

She walked inside holding up the outfit for easy viewing, it wasn’t his normal style but it wasn’t as pink as most the things Lezly made, only an accent of it in the design. The fashion designer asked “What do you think, if it’s not you I can just help you grab something from your stuff.”

“Oh thank you,” Burg said with a little surprise at the compliment to their room.

They stood up with the blanket loosely draped around themselves. They peered at the outfit with a growing smile and gently took it from Lezly. Carefully, unlike how they normally get dressed for the day, they put the Lezly original on.

“It’s great! I’m super excited,” Burg said with a grin as they stepped in front of the mirror to check themselves out.

Lezly took Burgundy in, waiting a moment before saying with confidence “You look amazing, you’ll fit right in.”

In the distance they could hear Selene talking to Berry and Pyrrha and demanding someone take their equipment into the car.