One of these things is not like the rest. Story of her life.<br/><br/>Relinquishing a bobby pin from between her pursed lips, Joann twirled the length of her long blonde mane round itself, and secured it onto a uniform bun. In all outward appearances, she looked no different than the dozens of other girls moving about the studio around her; the leggy, linthe frame, perfect posture, and delicate neck made her the image of grace. She even got away with the gentle kiss of self confidence that kept her head held high, but, no, Joann was not quite like the rest of them. She deserved her place among them, having certainly earned it after years of dedication, and with the exception of a small hand full, Jo was received warmly by the other dancers. It would be safe to say however, that the vast majority of those considered to be her peers were, in reality, anything but. Joann hadn't come from a predominant family, she hadn't gone to private school or spring break in Cancun. She didn't have a passport, or know three different languages, hell, Jo had never even owned a car, but yet here she was. Part of the most prestigious dance companies in the city, she had weaseled her way out of the hotels and trailer parks that had been her upbring, and though it was hard work for her, from the ougside looking in, she looked no different than any of the other girls.<br/><br/>Checking her work, Joann gave her head a vigorous shake, and when her hair didn't unravel, she rose from the floor where she sat and repositioned herself at the barre to work through her own warm up before rehearsal started. The room was bright with its white walls and light hardwood floors. Mirrors lining one wall made visibility of the sizeable room easy, and as Elise entered with an unfamiliar man in tow, Joann wasn't the only one who would take notice. In all fairness though, it would have been near impossible not to. Besides being painfully good looking, he quite frankly stuck out like a sore thumb with the sweats and t-shirt he sported.<br/><br/>Elise had cut it close, hurrying over to a place at the barre beside Joann moments before their instructor seized their attention with a rapid clap of his hands signaling that the rest do the same. "Who's the new boy toy?" Joann whispered behind a snarky smirk, arching a single brow when their eyes met in the mirror's reflection that pushed her inquisition further.<br/><br/>"That, my dearest Jo, is Connor. And he's not my latest boy toy, he's my brother," she returned, matching her canter. "But he is single so maybe he could be yours." Disagreement came as a rueful, "Pfft," as Jo snickered. "What? Why do you laugh?" Elise nudged the back of her knee with the tip of her toes forcing an involuntary bend. "Seriously, why don't you join us for drinks after rehearsal. It could be fun."<br/><br/>"Did no one ever teach you the seven B's, Elise?"<br/><br/>"The seven B's?"<br/><br/>"Yeah. Books before boys because boys bring babies."<br/><br/>Elise couldn't stop the abrupt chuckle that spilled from her then, but the sharp look it drew was enough to make both women hush their shared giggle as the music went up and the rhythmic counting of their instructor's voice systematically put every girl in the place on point. "Think about it. It might do you some good to branch out of that boring routine of yours, Jo. I promise one drink won't bring any babies." Joann knew the dark haired woman wasn't going to let it go until she said yes, and she proved her right. The entire hour, every chance she got, Elise would either quip or reason with her on why she should venture from her tried and true routine, and by the end she had worn on Jo's resistance like water does a rock; with persistence.<br/><br/>"Alright fine, if it's for nothing else but to get you to stop talking about it, I'll go," Jo blurted, finally giving in. As they crossed the room side by side to retrieve their things, Jo's striking indigo gaze would lift, passing over the man she had spent most of the night avoiding eye contact with like the plague. The brief linger was only long enough for the glance to exist before it moved along to guide her steps, but it had been just long enough for her stomach to pit at seeing him up close. She tried reasoning with herself. Elsie was a nice girl, a friend even, and though she had little doubt her brother would be just as charming, Jo was already setting herself up for what was probably going to be an unsuccessful match. Not through any fault of Connor's, but her own. She knew where Elise came from, and she knew a good deal about her story, but more importantly, she knew how different it was from hers. It was baffling she even thought this was a good idea, but in the spirit of not disappointing one of the only friends she had, Joann agreed, all the while almost certain it wouldn't work.<br/><br/>"Just throw on your coat and let's go, you can change later," Elise demanded in the most honeysuckle tone that Jo couldn't argue. Switching her shoes and slipping on her mauve pea coat, Jo was only beginning to hike her bag up over her shoulder when Elsie tugged at the sleeve of her jacket to herself that the blonde wasn't going to bolt for the door, and all but dragged her towards the towering sibling she was so adamant on Joann meeting. Jo didn't resist, and this time she made an effort to meet his soft green gaze with the traces of a friendly smile that highlighted her rich eyes.<br/><br/>"Jo, Connor, Connor, Jo," Elise introduced them, trying to hold back the sense of satisfaction she felt already which she suspected she was failing at, though she didn't really care.