to a midnight show tonight;; {MASQUERADE}

[Paolo Giovanni]

Paolo Giovanni
i took my baby's breath
beneath the chandelier


The Giovanni Mansion, 6:30 pm, New Year's Eve

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The guests were to come in about a half an hour and what was Mr. Paolo Giovanni but reading casually by the fountain in the garden of the very large and expensive estate. The lights lit up the garden giving it almost a fairy-tale like impression. The California sun was falling deep behind the horizon and Paolo tapped on the small, worn, version of Anthem by Ayn Rand he had. Thinking of the book's plot made him think of how Valkyrie was, and that the tigh-knit city was like this own little society and rules inside the bigger picture of the United States. Paolo looked up at the sky and off down towards the vast Pacific Ocean that laid in front of him. He looked down at his watch. Slowly, he closed his book and picked up the small, black mask off the fountain's edge. He held the mask between his fingers as he stood still on the fountain's edge, the book in his lap. It was New Year's eve, and tonight 2006 would be no longer and they would enter 2007.

He finally got up and almost skipped through all the garden's gorgeous landscape. He entered the side-door which lead into the kitchen, which was bustling with activity. Only the best cooks in California were working on foord to supply for the guests tonight, and all of them were far to busy to even notice that Paolo entered. It was a much different atomsphere than it was out in the garden. Quiet and relaxed out there. Loud and stressed in here. Waiters dressed in classic white and red vests. Paolo left the kitchen and entered the warming of one of the sitting rooms in the mansion. The very large Christmas tree was still in the room. According to his parents, Christmas wasn't over until they said it was over. Which meant the tree would probably stay there until the middle of January. But it did still look as magnificent as it did Christmas Eve, illuminated with lights and big red ornaments.

Knowing there were always those people that came eariler than expected, the young senior boy went up to his bedroom and put his book on his dresser. He looked at himself in the mirror and combed through his wavy brown hair with his fingers. He thought it was quite the idea to throw a masquerade party for everyone at Valkyrie. His house was obviously big enough. Not too many people had been the Giovanni Mansion. It was already being swarmed with his father's men. But tonight, they had all cleared out and the only ones home were the people helping out, Paolo, and his older brother who was staying to 'observe'. His mother took this as an opportunity to go visit his father in Los Angeles to spend the new year's with him. Surprisngly, his parents didn't really care that their middle child was throwing a very large ball for teenagers that could possibly destroy a few things in their wake. Paolo was definititely biting off more than he could chew.

Tonight, the Italian was going to be with someone. The lovely Samantha Malinda whom he had met only a week ago. But he ahd already taken her out to the small Mexican restaurant and dance club where they had a pretty good time dancing with the locals and having a good time with each other. This was where Paolo asked Sam if she would like to go to the masquearade pball at his house with him. Good thing she agreed. Since the party was at his house, they had just agreed that they wouls just meet here, easier that way.

He left his room with a sly grin on his face and ran into his younger sister, Angelica, who wasn't dressed in a dress with a mask. She was dressed in one of her loose vests, skinny jeans, and boots. "Why are you dressed like that?" Paolo asked her, stopping her in the the hall. Angelica shrugged, "You don't honestly think I'm going to stay here, are you?" Now it was Paolo who shrugged, "Uh, why not?" Angelica rolled her eyes, trying to walk past Paolo but it didn't let up. She sighed and crossed her arms across her chest. "Because, a masquerade ball is not the way I want to spend my new year's." Paolo felt like telling her just to say. Their parents were expecting him to keep an eye on his younger sister, assuming that she would be there. "Come on Angie, I thought you wanted this too. Where are you going?" His little sophomore sister just looked at him and simply said, "Out. Now move Paolo, I meeting some people to celebrate 2007. You have your ways and I have mine. I'll see you tomorrow. Love you." As short as she was, she was able to roll on the balls of her feet and gave Paolo a quick peck on his cheek. "Love you too. Bye," he said and seemed to follow her down the stairs, where she went out the front doors, and Paolo just stood at the landing.

Any minute now people would pooling into the mansion and leading themselves to the ballroom with their formal wear and masks to disguise who they really are. Hiding who you really were under a simple mask was sure going to create some drama. Tonight definitely isn't going to be a run-of-the-mill masquerade new year's party. Paolo thought as he fitted the black mask around his face. Happy New Year.
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[amberlyroberts]

i wish that there was so much more than that
about me and you

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It was so cold outside, but the girl couldn’t help to buy a short dress for the occasion that Regan was dragging her to. To be completely honest, Amberly wasn’t at all excited about going to the ball because she knew that most of the people would be trashed and something would happen between her and Regan; of course, it would have been nice if they were to break up that night, but she didn’t see that happening. The best part about going to this ball was the excitement of getting to go out and buy a new dress and a mask, after all, it was a masquerade ball.

Walking through the cold brisk air, from her dorm room to Regan’s car, made the girl’s pale legs shake as she tried to hurry herself, but at the same time not fall on the ground and get cut up. God, there would probably be no avoiding that once she got to the ball though because some one in a drunken stupor would probably end up knocking her over or something. Some teens at that school just didn’t know how to hold their alcohol very well, which made Amberly’s impressions of them so much worse.

For the majority of the car ride to the Giovannis’ Estate, the couple of young high school teens sat in silence. They had the weirdest relationship that had started in a rage of lust and Regan being high off of his ass. They both didn’t know what they were doing at the time, and they certainly didn’t now because neither of them had broken up with the other yet. What exactly were they waiting for? Who knew, but it seemed as if they both enjoyed cheating on the other with some other student from the academy. If their little relationship didn’t end soon, then Am was going to have to end it herself so that she could try and get back Beckett, the only guy that she had thought about ever night before sleeping.

In her lap sat the delicate but expensive black and white mask that she had brought to wear that night. With shaking hands, the girl lifted it a couple of inches off of her lap and looked at it with a small frown. She was having serious doubts about this night, which really sucked because she would have no one to run away with. Regan would want to stay and get trashed, and quite honestly, Am wouldn’t want to leave the ball with that boy. It was an amazing accomplishment that she was actually going with him.

At about six forty five, the car slowly pulled up the giant house, and Amberly stared out of the window, her eyes begging for her to be released from the car that she was in. Slowly, a frown took over her face as she noticed that there was hardly anyone there. Damn her for not being like every other girl and taking three hours plus a half hour of being late to get ready. At this time there would probably be no one there for her to hang out with other than Regan, and she wasn’t too excited.

“Well,” she said as the car was parked. “I guess it’s party time…” She opened the door and stepped out into the chilling breeze again and immediately began shivering.

[Reed Turner]

Riley Turner
Will she ever-?
Can she ever-?
See? you've made a mistake

Reed Turner
A teenage vow in a parking lot
Til tonight do us part

Reed Turner's Apartment, 6:49, New Year's Eve

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"Hey, it beats a jumpsuit, doesn't it?" Riley Turner said slapping his younger brother on the back, with a chuckle, surveying both the Irsh-bred boys in the mirror, both wearing tuxes. They both stood in the dingey apartment of Reed's so-called 'bachelor pad'. But, Reed hadn't been in for the longest time...it kind of just went to waste on it's own. The Irish teenager had been released from jail that very same day. Finally the manager had come and cleared his name. But it wasn't a good ending to Nonsense. As Reed was being released from jail, Nonsense was being closed down and roped off by the police tape. Who was there to greet Reed but his only two brothers, Riley and Regan. Regan had run off after only a few hours of brotherly hanging before saying he had to get ready for the masquerade ball being thrown at their cousin, Paolo Giovanni's house. That's when the conversation between Riley and Reed turned for the worse.

"It's good to be back," Reed said, clearing his throat and concentrate at his restless face that looked like it hadn't seen sleep in weeks. Even with showers and cleaning up, he still had the same expression on his face. He had a broken heart. Mr. 'I have no feelings' was broken hearted. It had been bad enough when he broke up with Ashley over the somewhat phone, yet in person. But what Riley had told him today, changed his life forever. When Regan was off getting ready for this ball Reed had no knowledge of. He asked about Ashley and if Riley had seen her around. He had. Riley wished he hadn't. She was with James Costello. The prick Reed sweared was in Florida. Well, he was back, and he was up all on Ashley. From what Reed had known last year Ashley and James had history. But now, so did Reed and Ashley. Reed had always been a man of impulses and suddenly, he was going to this masked ball. He knew that Ashley would be going. He knew her, and she wouldn't miss something like this.

Reed was going to get Ashley back. He understood now after finding out that their marriage in Vegas was never verified and he still broke up with her. He knew that was a mistake. He still loved her. It had always been them. And Reed was determined that it would always be them. He knew she still had the feeling for him like he did for her. Feelings like that just don't go away because 'James from the block' waltzed back into the city thinking everything would be just the way he left it. No. Reed would take everything back, just so he could have Ashley. He missed her, he missed who he use to be.

On the other side of the room Riley was dealing with his own lady problems. Boy, did he find a surprise when he was talking to is best friend and roommate Zack Holtz. He knew that rare rare night he was drinking that when he woke up with one insane hangover that even opening his eyes hurt him, something was up. Especially when he found Liz in his living room that morning with Zack. Something was not right, but sadly, the poor twenty-one year old couldn't remember anything besides beer, and lots of it. But yesterday when he was talking with Liz, he knew something was up when she wasn't talking to him like he use to. So this morning he caught Zack before one of them left and flat out asked if anything happened that night. Zack, being a good friend of both Riley and Liz, he ended up spilling. The night Riley was drinking was the night that Riley and Liz had sex. Surprised? Riley was two that he one; had sex with a student, two; she didn't even tell him, and three; he didn't remember any of it.

So, the two brothers were going to the ball for the same reasons. They needed to find the girls that had been bothering them both with how they felt. "Here, this is for you," Riley said, tossing Reed the plain, white, mask they got for him at the last minute. Reed nodded a thanks and Riley got his own mask and they left the apartment and into Riley's car, ready for the drive up to the mansion. It may not be the longest drive, but, it felt long enough for the boys who were both going over what they were going to say to the two ladies but they were both at a lost of words.

The street was already over-populated by the time Riley and Reed got there, and it was just before seven. "A lot of people are here..." Riley murmurred as he slowly edged along the street finding a small spot to sqeeze his car into. "How am I going to find Ashley in all this mess?" Reed asked as Riley turned the ignition off and the two started getting out of the car. "How am I going to find Liz?" Riley said under his breath as both he and Reed glanced at each other, sighed, and both put their masks on. The night was quiet and cool and the Giovanni mansion was lit up casting a glow on the entire street. people were already rushing into the house where what sounded like a live orchestra was playing soft classical pieces, as if it was a masquerade ball from the medieval times. The door opened as if someone was waiting as the two brother entered the house and seemed to mix with everyone else, everyone's formal wear seeming more formal than the person standing next to them.

But each of the Turner brothers were only looking for one girl. This was very needle in the haystack sort of deal.

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[bella]

i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd30/manequin_scene/Bella/Bella061.jpg

[/IMG] i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd30/manequin_scene/Bella/Bella031.png[/img]
bella ainsworth[/font]
i am the cancer running through your veins
i am the sweat dripping down the side of your face
i am the pain in the back of your legs
it makes you fall to you knees it makes you believe[/font][/color][/center]

Sure it always took her a long time to get ready. It always did, but tonight it seemed that it wasn’t the problem. Maybe because tonight she wasn’t with ‘the trio’, and she wasn’t helping somebody else do their hair or zip up this, or strap that? To tell you the truth, she kinda missed the disturbances. Putting another bobby pin in her loosely done hair, she carefully looked at herself, making sure there were no peep spots on her dress and her hair didn’t look like it would fall askew until maybe later on tonight if she was wasn't careful with drinking. It seemed more than likely to happen. As someone knocked onto her bedroom door, Bella came out of her trance and quietly answered, ”Come in. While the door opened and her mother walked in, Bella turned to the mirror once again and touched up her eyeliner, it would be probably mess up by the time the nights over, but it didn’t bother her too much. She was always told she looked better without eyeliner. Bella always thought it gave her more ‘edge’ though, so she preferred it.

Glancing at the digital alarm clock on the side of her bed, Bella was a tad bit shocked she was ready by 6:50. Remembering her mom walking into the room, Bella slowly looked toward her and sighed, "I'm going to the party, I'll be fine mom don't worry. I'll come home as soon as I can." And with that she grabbed her clutch, kissed her mom on the cheek and walked out the bedroom door. Sure she was still angry at her mother, for the most absurd reasons that weren't even her fault, but someone had to be blamed. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Bella suddenly clicked back to the whole point of the masquerade, the mask. Groaning as she ran back up the stairs, nearly tripping once, Bella fast-walked into her room, nearly bumping into her mom, "I forgot my mask." Briskly slipping beside her mother, Bella grabbed the black mask with lace around it and slipped beside her mother again. Taking careful steps now, she reached the bottom of the stairs and bolted out of the door.
Heading down the steps and quietly crossing the bridge, Bella made her way to her black VE Calais. Unlocking the car and opening the door, Bella slid in, making sure that her dress was not in the door and she slammed it shut. Putting her clutch and her mask on the passenger seat, Bella started the car and drove to the Giovanni Estate. It was too cold out to have even thought about walking, as she listened to Nickelback playing on the radio for the billionth time, Bella watched as she drove through the night of Prince Phillip Drive, she couldn’t help but think of what every single house meant to her. Even the houses on Olde Country Lane. The one house she visited most on that street was Charlie's, to her astonishment she actually wished that he would be at the masquerade. But hearing that he was with Charlie Wood made her want to stay far away, it blew her mind why he would consider a decision like that, but she shouldn’t be the one to judge. Stopping her car in front of the Estate, Bella sighed and shut off her car. Slowly picking up the mask, Bella put it over her eyes and grabbed her clutch. 6:56 pm the clock said before she turned the car off. It was a good time to come. Opening the door and stepping out of it, Bella let a smile warm up to her face as she shut the door nicely.

Many of the houses in the Valks were beautiful. She even knew her house was gorgeous. But there was just something about this Estate that made her stop and stare, it was beyond elegant. Following all of the people who were swarming in, Bella gradually made her way toward the front entrance. As the pitch black sky made a interesting backdrop to the golden, warm feel of the house. Walking in, Bella followed everybody to the main attraction, the ballroom. Making sure that her mask was on securely, she took a quick look around at everybody before, not positively, deciding that Daphne and Anne weren’t here yet. The thought running through her mind right now was where were the drinks? Lets get this ball started.

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[Zackary Holtz]

The Turner/Holtz Apartment

Liz Hughes
So denied so I lied are you the now or never kind
In a day and a day love I'm gonna be gone for good again
+---------+
Zack Holtz
Afraid of change, afraid of staying the same,
when temptation calls, we just look away.

So it would be an understatement to say Zack had never been to an event like this. To be one hundred percent honest he should say that he had never been anywhere even slightly close to this event. His brother's 16th birthday party because they had splurged for both cake and ice-cream. Mr. Holtz was looking sharp in his room of the Turner/Holtz apartment. Riley Turner, his best friend and apartment-mate had already left and gone to his brother's place so Zack was on his own but his good friend Liz should be knocking on his door any moment. He had known Liz since they were kids living in the darker neighborhoods of south side chicago. Actually Liz's family had helped him out with money a lot although that wasn't really something he bragged about seeing as what the Hughes family did for a living but living in that neighborhood have the Siren's protection was a godsend, especially since he had a deaf sister, schizophrenic mother and an autistic brother to help look after and as horrible a reality as it was, handicap people are ten times more likely to be robbed and taken advantage of. He held the half black, half silver mask in his left hand as he looked at himself in the mirror.

He placed the mask over the top half of his face and couldn't help but smile seeing how different he looked. His nose, as well as being his least favorite feature of himself is also probably the most distinctive and the mask covered the top half of his nose. He looked rather different seeing as the mask only covered half his face. He straightened his tie as best he could but it remained crooked, he was so bad at ties, he was bad at anything formal but this ball was formal. It was the Masquerade Ball and he was excited to go. He was happy to go, he needed to get his mind off of Emilee, a girl he most definatly shouldn't be attracted to. Thankfully he hadn't seen her in quite some time. Not that she wasn't a beautiful, smart, witty girl but he shouldn't be thinking about a student at the school as beautiful, smart, and witty apart from Liz and Jordin but those two are like family to him, distant cousins maybe. He pulled the mask up and rested it in his hair as he heard a knock on the door.

Zack glanced at himself once more before heading into the main room. He knew it was Liz and he knew he shouldn't be nervous because it's not like him and Liz were dating or that he even thought about her like that but he sort of, kind of told Riley, his apartmentmate, that in fact he and Liz had slept together. He as in Riley, not Zack. Yeah no, Zack never had sex with Liz and he never would. Yeah though aparently Riley hadn't remembered and Liz had lied to him and this morning while talking to Riley, Zack had told him not knowing Riley hadn't known, the whole thing was slightly confusing, even for Zack who was only a pawn. Zack had only found out because he had caught Liz sneaking out of Riley's room the morning after. She had come clean to him but aparently not to Riley and now his thoughts were loop-holing. Great, it wasn't even his drama. It never was. Just now he had to tell Liz that Riley knew. He opened the door, his mask resting ontop of his head and with in a moment he grinned as Liz Hughes stood leaning against the doorway with one hand and the other placed on her hip, which even in her classy tan dress, her slightly more roughneck attitude glowed throught the position. "Well, looky here, I never knew how nice you cleaned up." He said before she walked inside.

Liz smirked, "I know," She replied walking inside past her old friend. "But look at you, if you don't find some ready and willing hottie tonight I might just have to take you home myself." She added walking around him, laughing amused as he bowed. God she adored this man, no they weren't together ever. But he's a sweet guy and he had been her friend for a long time. They met when she was eleven so he had to have been around fifteen. Hard to find a more entertaining, funny responsible guy.

Zack smiled, "Thanks, from one roommate to the next huh Liz?"

The brunette turned and glared at him, "Way to aim below the belt Zack." but her mouth was shaped into a half smile, proud of his low cut. See she had slept with his roommate who also happened to be her student teacher, and one of her best friend's older brother. Awkward right? And yeah Liz always tended to love awkward moments but the thing was this was that awkward moments were a whole lot funnier when you weren't involved. Even when she was involved it was rare for Liz to care, she could always seperate herself but for some reason she was really irked by the whole situation. She had slept with Riley Turner and instead of it rolling off her like everything else, it bothered her. Which is why, when she realized he hadn't remembered, she had told him that they were both really drunk, she had helped him home and crashed on the couch. She was able to keep her cool for it, granted she was kind of quiet when she spoke to him yesterday, oh well, doesn't matter. The whole thing was over now and she was determined to not think about it again, at least not seriously. Zack poking his little jokes was fine.

Zack blushed slightly, "Yeah sorry about that, where's your mask?"

Liz smiled and reached into her small purse pulling out the golden/silver mask. "Tada" She added, placing it over her face and spinning quickly. She pulled it up and put the mask up ontop of her head before looking over and Zack, "And although I adore you mask and suit, you really need to learn how to tie a tie." She contorted before walking over to him helping him out by undoing his tie and starting all over.

Zack allowed her to straighten the tie and thanked her before the two friends headed out. As they pulled into the party and stepped out of the car Zack rented for the night Zack knew e really should tell her so as she stepped forward he grabbed her arm gently. "I sorta told riley you two slept together." He muttered, letting the words fall out of his mouth.

Liz laughed, "You know, it's a lot harder to understand you when you speak like a mouse."

Zack looked at her, "This morning, I sorta let it slip to Riley what happened."

"Okay so maybe you spoke more like a rat." Liz added but immediatly wished she hadn't as the look on Zack face was so... depressing, "Look, it's okay. I'll deal with it... or avoid it, which is like dealing with it the easy way, tonight's for fun right?"

Zack laughed and nodded before they both continued their way up to the estate. "One thing I don't get Liz is why didn't you tell him the truth from the start?"

Liz shrugged as she thought about it, as though the whole thing was no big deal, "Oh you know Riley, he would probably act all awkward and make it so obvious he's pretending nothing happened that it would be obvious something did and then he would lose his job and I would have to change classes and as much of a prick as he can be he's a friend...sorta"

Zack nodded, "makes sense, but maybe you didn't tell him because you didn't want him to say it was a mistake." he suggested. Although he knew he shouldn't have. He looked up at the mansion and continued his way up.

Liz forced a laugh as she caught up to him, "Right, beleive me, last thing on my mind is Riley Turner, come on, lets just have fun tonight and get you some action, lord knows you need it." she said placing her mask over her eyes.

Zack laughed and shoved her slightly before stumbling to put on his own mask as they entered the mansion and looked around at the already crowded party, "Way to aim bellow the belt Liz."

((done, but I know the end sucks ass and was rushed, I was tired))

[natalie]

³/₅ of the malindas
_______________

"You ready?" Brianna asked as she walked through the door of Samantha's room. "Not really." Samantha replied. Her dress was on, but she was still adding some things to her outfit. "Good. 'Cause I'm not either." Soon she was out of Sam's room, and on her way to her own. Now Samantha was left in peace. She walked over to the door and gently closed it. A little bit of quiet before this night came. It was almost the start of a new year, and she was hoping it would go well. Her mask laid on her bed while Samantha put on a necklace and some other accessories. Suddenly, she realized that she actually had a date for this event. "Paolo Giovanni." She whispered, a small smile appearing on her face. If it wasn't for him, Samantha probably wouldn't even go to this masquerade ball. She would either do something else, or not know about it until the last minute. And Samantha found it kind of nice to see that there were actually some nice, sweet, and cute guys around here. Maybe Valkyrie wasn't so bad.

Then again, she had just met Paolo, and he might have been much different than what she expected. But Samantha didn't really care. She was happy that she actually wasn't alone in this place. Brianna had told her some things that have happened around Valkyrie, and it only made her worry that something might happen to her. That worry seem to wear off the longer Samantha was in Valkyrie. So far, nothing really horrible had happened, and she was quite thankful for that. BUT Samantha didn't really hear about the recent things that happened in Valkyrie. She didn't pay attention to rumors and gossip, although some were actually true. She didn't know about Jason almost raping Daphne, nor did she know about Reed Turner was previously in jail. This girl has really got to start listening to things around her and learn to know who to trust. Taking one last look at herself in the mirror, Samantha spoke to herself, "This should be fun."

"This should be fun." Brianna said to herself as she got ready for the masquerade ball. Her blonde hair was tied up like a goddess. Not really, but she spent a little more time than she usually would with it. Brianna's white dress was something she had bought a while ago, but didn't know where she could actually wear it. This masquerade ball seemed to just take that place. The mask was lying on one of her shelfs. While putting on her emerald earrings, Brianna couldn't help but feel a little bit excited for tonight. Although she had spoken to Jason not too long ago, Brianna had forgotten about him. After the day at the park when Sylar had made her smile, she had felt a little happier. She wasn't too cheerful that it was creepy, but Brianna was happy. Sylar had made her smile and Sylar was the person she was going to the ball with. Just as friends, seeing as Brianna wasn't ready for anything more.

After taking her mask off her shelf, Brianna held it in her hands as she walked towards Aaron's room. "We're going to go now, 'kay?" Aaron didn't even look at her, and said, "Yeah. Whatever." His reply was good enough for her and Brianna walked back to Samantha's room. She knocked on the door, but before Samantha said anything, Brianna came in. "Well, now I'm ready. You?" Sam nodded, and then added, "Yeah." A few minutes passed and Brianna spoke, "Before we can go, we have to pick up Nat. So grab your things and let's go." Samantha took her mask off her bed with her left hand and held her little purse in her right hand [Almost like Brianna who also had a purse and mask, except they were in the opposite hands]. "Okay. I think I have everything I need."

"Okay. I think I have everything I need." Natalie said to herself. Yet, she knew that she was forgetting something...But what was that 'something'? Am I missing something or is it just me? Natalie thought to herself. Brianna had called her earlier saying they were on the way, and yet she wasn't ready. Natalie wanted to stay slightly simple, so she didn't have any jewelry on. Except her earrings, but they were covered by her hair. Natalie's dress was actually one that she never planned to wear, but look at her now. "Masquerade ball. I have my dress....Mask!" She said, finally knowing what she was missing. "But where did I put that thing?" She looked for it at the places where people would usually find it, but her mask wasn't there. "There it is!" She said. The mask was on the floor, slightly under the bed. Right when Natalie picked it up, her phone rang.

"Hey." Natalie spoke. "Hey. Excited for this ball?" The voice spoke. Natalie knew it anywhere, and replied, "Yeah. You should come...Why aren't you coming, anyways?" She asked. "Because I just don't want to. Plus, even if I changed my mind now, it's too late." Natalie rolled her eyes as she said, "Nikki, after the car crash you haven't been much fun." Nikki just slightly laughed and said, "Love you too. Bye!" Natalie didn't really get a break after that, because there was a knock on the door. She opened it to see Brianna and Samantha. "Let's go." Brianna said. Natalie nodded and followed Samantha [who followed Brianna] out of the building.

Soon enough, all three was outside the Giovanni Estate. "Woah." Brianna said. She was pretty much used to all the huge homes here in Valkyrie, yet most of them still amazed her. Samantha, on the other hand, wasn't used to so many huge houses. She used to live in an average sized one. So when she moved to Valkyrie, it was certainly a surprise. She said, "It's...It's..." "Gigantic!" Natalie said, finishing her sentence. All three put their masks on and entered the estate. Natalie went one way, exploring the place. Brianna went another, just looking for a place to relax for a bit. And Samantha, well, she was looking for Paolo Giovanni himself. Although Brianna, Natalie, and Samantha Malinda were nowhere near each other, they all thought the same thing: This was going to be an awesome new year.

[linny]

the twisted family of

the moore's & bianchi
Wait 'til tonight
You'll see exactly what I've seen and can't believe
I'll lie at birth, what it was
To find a way to kill the pain

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The traditional home of the Moore’s was nothing too large, just the basic necessities of any Valkyrie student who was brought up on a home life of a parental salary average of three hundred thousand for each parent. They were spoiled, but in Cornelius Moore’s home it was much cozier compared to the raging mansions. His home was smaller, more of a Caribbean style with an urban and modern touch. The walls of the exterior were built high with outdoor gates inhibiting privacy for the occupants.

Inside this so-called simplistic house, there was chaos burdening. A man in his early thirties raced in circles carrying various dresses in his hands, listening to commands that were being shouted constantly. Left, no the right one. It was insane! His rough hands worked along the silver satin as he heard a cough behind him and knew that meant a no. Throwing the dress in the closet he snarled and picked up a light chiffon crème colored one and instantly had a shocked and ecstatic awing. The man held it up, his tanned skin having no comparison to what the girl would look like in it. “Uncle Conny, I think you found a pick! Let me see it on you…you know since we have the same eyes.” The man froze and stared down at his niece, his honey eyes glowering on her own. “You must be kidding me…we do not have the same eyes and—that isn’t even the point, I am not trying on some little girly dress.” Hoping he made his point, Cornelius looked at her with a gaze of intensified anger, though he was not angry…yet. Aislinn sat up, her hands on her knees as she sighed and shook her head. Lifting her body from the bed, she yawned and pushed the hanger over his head so it looked like he was wearing the dress. In that moment, his niece burst into a trail of hysterical laughter as she sat back on the bed. “It is perfect…it even suits you Conny, you could be the best drag-queen ever to face Valkyrie.”

Cornelius shook his head, the tips of his ears burning a light shade of rose as he looked above the girl. The two looked a lot alike which was odd since they were only related by her mother’s blood. They both had similar eyes and bone structure, but perhaps it was because her mother and him looked a lot alike. Resting her feet on the ground, Aislinn slowly stood and took the hanger off his neck as Conny instantly fixed his tie. “So, you sure you don’t want to go Unk, it should be lots of fun!” She said as she placed the dress on the bed and began her search for her ivory and silver-toned heels. While venturing about, Cornelius looked to the window and sighed. “I have much better things to do then grind up on deprived employees. Plus I have plans.” On his last sentence, the girl froze.

That triggered a shock.

“Whoah, you, my Uncle of Doom and Endearment of Depression has plans! Oh my god, with who, where, what are you gonna’ wear?” Her questions continued on and on as the man sighed and shook his head bitterly. Why did all of his plans seem to be secretive now, one word, Chanel Rivera. And most recently they had a fight that ended horribly. Oh how he missed her, it ached him. Normally the man was open and honest with Aislinn in every subject but since he started dating a girl his niece’s age, he decided it may be best to keep their relationship quiet and hidden for now. The man made a soft grunt as he fumbled with the tie once more. “Nothing special, going for a walk at the Pier most likely.” His voice was dragged out, no happiness at all. He had been in a bad mood since his and Chanel’s minor…major argument. She was what made him not think of his past, of Delilah, and here was his niece, the spitting image of the woman he missed to each day.

As the man was in his own mindset, Aislinn moved to the closet where she placed on the dress and heels. Her hair was pulled back and had a shiny glow to it. It was the night of the Masquerade Bash at the Giovanni’s. It was also her first social event aside from her new encounter with Sylar Street, her current boyfriend that was also her own little secret from her Uncle.

After she finished changing, the feminine teenager walked out and saw her Uncle looking at her with the saddest eyes. “Unc- ..Conny you alright?” She asked, her fear ceasing at her insides. Oh god, what had she done to receive that reminiscing look again. But instead, she saw a flicker of a smile on his lips, “You look so beautiful ‘Linny…every guy will turn away from the wenches and see you.” Rolling her eyes she knew that way a lie and instead gave him a light hug. “Since you are Mr. Complimenting, help me find my mask and I will love you more then I do.”

The two began their search for her ivory mask. The Moore’s had a collection of masks from their past days when they lived in Europe and balls were rich and occurring daily. Aislinn had chosen between three masks, an ivory, ebony, and a golden mask. Now, she had the one she wanted, the iridescent white and silver mask. Pale fingers slid on the cool mask as she grinned, “Found it.” Her mother, Delilah Moore had worn this mask at her own Masquerade Ball back in high school, and in honor so would she. Placing the light plaster to her face, she tied it around her head and let her hair fall over it, covering the strand.

Tonight would be magical, she just knew it. Grabbing her purse she heard her Uncle return downstairs and call out to her, “Come on slowpoke, you are gonna’ be late.” Quickly, she raced down the steps, her ashened-auburn hair swaying with each step until she reached the outside. Getting in the passenger side, ‘Linny rose a brow as Cornelius pulled out of the garage. It was strange, he wasn’t going and yet it made her feel comforted, a growing independence.

A few minutes later the car pulled up in front of the mansion. Both Conny and Aislinn stepped out, the girl did not care that she was his niece, so what. Walking up the steps she laughed and nudged him pointing ahead. “Sure you don’t want to stay?” The man sighed and was about to answer but he froze. The silence irked at the girl as she looked to her Uncle, his face was full of horror. “Con—what is it?” The man could not breath. His voice came out hoarsly, “It’s him.”

Ahead of the two stood a boy, with chiseled looks and hair slicked back in a sleek and gentlemanistic way. His skin was olive, the tone of a pure bred Italian-Spaniard. Yes, it was Gabriel Bianchi, the boy actually was still alive. Many had thought he disappeared but truly he had been on an absence helping his mother with her illness. And here he was, ready to get down and boogey. How vulgar. His dark, ebony and chocolate hair glistened under the moon as he smoothed his pure-black tux and continued on into the ball. When he figured he was safe from sight, he froze, feeling watched and held his breath.

Cornelius Moore. The two met once, long ago when he said he had to tell him something and never did. Making a polite gesture, the boy removed his matching dark mask. Conny was able to stutter out a slow and simple phrase, “He's your...half-brother.” What was slow and simple came out more as a shocked, and scared yell…call. Aislinn also now completely taken by this looked to the boy, and he back at her with the same fearful gaze.

“What the hell?!” ‘Linny screamed and pushed Conny, her eyes glaring at him as the man soon regain his composure and decided it was the best time to leave. Racing to the car, Cornelius locked it and then came his niece, pounding on the windows yelling. “Why didn’t you…hey..CORNELIUS!” Gabriel stood at the front of the door, still completely in awe. He…had a sister, a half sister? But wait, this was no Lilianna, nor Salvatore, who was she? Looking at her he began to approach her slowly, his mind in a jumble. "Hey...wait.." He began as he raced towards her.

The girl was furious, he could tell so instead, Gabe backed off and proceeded into the mansions, soon after followed by a fuming and confused Aislinn. Gabriel passed the ballroom, walking to the stairs as he sat on the first step, his mind racing and his heart pounding. Here he was, little holy Gabe, his concerns of faith already wavering. "Dear God, what has happened?" On the contrary, the half-sister of the special boy stormed through the entrance and into the ballroom where she stood against the wall, her body shaking from what had happened. Everyone else seemed jolly and overjoyed, adn here she was...freaking out about another family matter. That was her life, a crazy and messed up family. What else could possibly happen tonight?

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Jordin Ames]

The Dorm Of Jordin Ames

Laura Stillings
And do what's rightwhen everything is wrong
it's easier to run it's easier to Never have
to look you in the eye it's easier to lie
Jordin Ames
just shot a boy through his heart
And I didn't need no bullets, Didn't use a gun
And I know there's a time in every Lovers Park
Where the birds shouldn't sing

"Jordin, you look great you have to stop fussing." commented Laura Stillings as she sat on the bed in Jordins dorm room. Laura watched from the bed, flipping over her mask in her hands repeatedly as Jordin rushed in and out of the bathroom getting everything set right. Yes, they were going to the Masquerade Ball and no, Laura didn't have a date. But that was fine, actually it probably worked best for her, Jordin was meeting up with Parker at the ball. Laura was going for a night of fun, she needed that. She had been having a hard time keeping her mind off of the drama in her life. Although she had to admitt staying at the Summitts was helping. Luke was always nice to her and just reminded her of chase an insane amount which made her smile more than anything else. Mostly Laura had grown closer to Talan. He was a great guy and they had a lot of fun hanging out, he was also dating her friend Chloe which was sweet. The past week or so had been a little worrisome simply because Amanda had taken off with Jason Levesque and not returned yet. Yeah people tended to give her shit and Amanda wasn't the nicest girl to Jordin, one of Laura's closest friends but Amanda and Laura had always been close and after moving in with the Summitts temporarily it had only made laura like amanda more so yeah, Laura missed the girl a bit... more like a lot.

Jordin needless to say didn't miss Amanda nearly as much, but that was understandable right. "Not everyone can look like you in five minutes." Jordin replied. She looked at herself in the mirror, doing her best to get the back of her earing in place. The truth was that Jordin was more nervous than she had been in a long time and it was hard for her to understand why. Life truely hadn't changed much for Jordin since the cotillion and she was humiliated. She was still that girl who did what the elite said without question, and she still had carried a crush on Parker but something had changed. Jordin wasn't as committed to thinking about Parker and her reputation. She had been doubting herself less around the popular crowd but more around some people who before had made her feel wonderful. Not as much some, but one. Adrian Mitchell. Ever since they spoke at the pier after the cotillion he seemed to be avoiding her and it confused her. What had she done? But what surprised her more was how much she missed him calling her beautiful when he saw her and just Adrian being Adrian. She had missed that more than she ever thought she could and, it was frustrating her. She just didn't understand it. She had been acting as if she liked him, and that couldn't happen.

He was her friend, and that was all. And yes he complimented her a lot but that was because he saw that his friend had lower than average self esteem right? He was just nice and now Jordin was falling for him and he was pissed at her for a reason she couldn't know. She couldn't like him, it wouldn't be fair. But that was why she was determined to look as good as she could tonight. She wasn't going to tell him or anything, she wasn't even sure if Adrian would be there but if he was she had to get him talking to her at least. She wasn't going to be frantically searching for him all night or anything, she was going to have fun and chat with people. Maybe dance a few times but her eyes would always stay open for him. She would stay aware and waiting for her chance to at least get him to tell her why he had been avoiding her.

"Look like me? What's that supposed to mean?" Laura asked as she stood up, placing her mask on the bedside table and walking into the bathroom, standing in front of the full length mirror directly to the left of Jordin. Her hair was up, she looked more formal than Laura had in a long time.

"It was a compliment Laura, don't worry." Jordin replied with a smile looking at Laura's reflected image in the mirror, laughing slightly as Laura futsed with her necklace. "Where'd you get that dress though, it's like taylor-made for you."

Laura's hand dropped from her collar bone down to her sides, brushing the fabric of her black dress. "Oh, um it was my mom's actually."

Jordin looked away from the mirror and fixing her other earing and looked at her friend, "Really?" She asked looking down at the black dress. It was definately one of the styles that could jump through the generations. She gave Laura a small smile as Laura nodded, "Well, you look beautiful... I on the other hand look like a dressed up rag doll." Jordin added as she looked back into the mirror and pulled slightly on the very thin straps of her white dress. God damn she hated her shoulders. She shook her head slightly off to the left to get the bangs out of her blue eyes. She signed and walked over to the sink grabbing her lip gloss. She was almost done now.

Laura groaned slightly, "I think you need to get your eyes checked, at least when it comes to you cause I know I look good." She added with a smirk making her way back into the main dorm room.

Jordin laughed, "Okay, now I know you have known Amanda too long."

Laura smiled, amused before sitting back down on the bed and crossing her ankles. She looked at her black mask that sat next to Jordins bed. Laura lifted it into her hands and touched the designs slightly taking a deep breath. The mask matched the dress she wore quite well. She touched the fabric of her mother's dress and imagined the picture in which her mother was wearing the dress. She shook her head, nope, fun night. She looked torwards the bathroom door, "So... meeting up with Parker aren't you? What about adrian"

"Yes, but we're only going as friends and Adrian hasn't really spoken to me, he's been busy." Jordin said coming up with an excuse. Laura knew that Jordin liked Parker and she knew Jordin liked Adrian even if Jordin wouldn't admit it to her. You know that phrase, 'you don't know what you have till its gone'? Yeah, it's true and as unfair as it was, Adrian avoiding her made her realize how much she liked him. She missed him. She still liked Parker, he was funny and cute and nice to her but she just missed the friend she had in Adrian. "And Are you going to finally talk to Ben?" Jordin asked back to Laura as she made her way into the main room, fixing up her shoes.

Laura didn't know how to respond to that. She wanted to, she did but it was hard. Whenever she went to talk to him she would back out really quickly, her throat getting a sore that was hard to swallow. She looked at Jordin and shook her head slightly, "There's nothing to talk about."

"oh please, the guy was about to proffess his undying love for you and was interupted by his sister needed surgery which you got her by giving your father permission to beat the crap out of you for the week or two she was in the hospital and now you avoid him like the pleague, yeah there's nothing to talk about."

Laura raised an eyebrow, "Wow, you sound like Faden. And he wasn't going to profess undying love."

"Yeah, that's because faden said the same thing when we hung out two days ago. And he might not have used those words but still" Jordin replied. Like hell she would have had the guts to say that if Laura hadn't already known and been told flat out. But Jordin had always had an easier time being herself around laura.

"Oh."

Jordin bit her lip slightly, "look, I'm sorry let's just go and have fun."

Laura nodded standing up and pickin up her mask, placing it on her head. "Yeah, we should, we're already late. thanks to someone's primping."

Jordin laughed as she opened the door to her dorm room, "Is that the right word?"

"Like I would know." Laura replied stepping out the door as the two girls made their way out of the dorms. Once outside laura opened the taxi door for Jordin and grinned as she slipped inside. She was excited to be going. Poalo was a good friend of hers. And Talan and Luke would be there, it was going to be a fun night, despite all the drama that surrounded the world of Valkyrie. She looked over at Jordin and smiled as they pulled up in front of the mansion and pulled her mask down over her face. Jordin did the same, pulling the butterfly mask over her eyes. Tonight would be a night to remember.

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[madisonconnelly]

miss madison & mr. parker
the connelly twins

dear you, tonight lets get ahead of ourselves
cause now, I barely can remember
yesterday stretched on for so long
tomorrow feels like forever
_____________

Madison Connelly was quite excited. And that’s an understatement. For the first time in well almost ever, she had a date, and it wasn’t just any old date and any old day. Tonight was New Year’s Eve and the masquerade ball that everyone had been talking about for weeks, the same one she was convinced she would skip out on, staying home to watch Legally Blonde and review French verbs. But now, she had a date. A boy had asked her if he could escort her to the hottest party of the new year. All over Valkyrie kids were getting shit faced and making out under the mistletoe, but it was common knowledge that the Giovanni mansion was the place to be and for once in her life, Madison would be there.

At sixteen she hardly had experience with events like this. Of course her parents had dragged her all over creation to balls and parties, meant only for the rich and glamorous, but Madison never really appreciated or enjoyed them. She saw them as something that she was being forced to attend while she’d much rather be doing something productive with her time. Tonight however, tonight was different. It was New Year’s Eve and the simple fact that she had plans was enough to send her over the moon.

And then there was the boy. Madison was one of those ambitious, no time for a social life kinda kid. She had a couple friends, but to this day had never had a boyfriend. Now she’s not totally in the dark and is aware that one date doesn’t make someone your significant other, but the optimist in her was yelling that it was never more possible then now. Andrew Davis had asked her she would like to accompany him to the ball, and Madison had happily agreed. It was hard to ignore how her feelings towards him were changing these days and the sheer happiness that he had asked her was enough to send her over the moon. Madison and Andrew were friends, quite good friends actually, and until recently she hadn’t seen him as anything more. But recently the realization that she was half way through her junior year of high school and had yet to experience any real lasting relationships, well it had become to depress her. She made a vow to herself to pay attention to people, stop being so oblivious to her feelings and emotions. It was then that she picked up on the butterflies that fluttered in her tummy when she spoke to Andrew, the happiness she felt when they hung out, and how wide she smile really got when he teased her. She had no idea he felt at all the same, and then he had asked to be his date. It had to mean he liked her, right? Why else would he ask? Madison didn’t know the answer and for once she was glad. The boy she liked, liked her back. The smile wouldn’t leave her face.

”MADISON!” The sudden loud sound of her name being called from outside her door brought Madison back to reality. She had been sitting at the vanity in her room for about ten minutes, fixing her make-up last minute and day dreaming. She had gotten dressed about an hour ago with the help of her mother who had since left for the night with her father and was sitting there dress and shoes on. The voice belonged to her twin brother, Parker who was waiting for her so they could leave.

Parker Connelly had taken half an hour total to get ready for the night. A quick shower, shave and brushing of his teeth allowed him to get dressed in time to sit around his house, flipping the channels hastely while his sister did god knows what up in her room. She had been ready for at least twenty minutes now, Parker knew it, and she was probably waiting for the only reason of pissing him off. He was now standing at the top of the stairs that lead to the top floor where the twin’s bedrooms were, shouting down the hall trying to get his sister’s attention. If he had his way he’d be on his way, about to smoke up and then dance the night away with VA’s extraordinary good looking female population. But, out of the goodness of his heart and because his mom had threatened to take away his car if he didn’t, he was going to drive his sister over to the ball, then get high and then socialize with the babes.

Unlike Madison, he didn’t have anyone waiting for him at the ball. Well, he probably did, because, come on, he’s Parker Connelly, but no one that he was aware of. He was going for fun and because he could. He was among those who were privileged enough to go to one of the best parties in town for New Year’s and yah right if he was about to throw that away. ”I will seriously leave without you if you don’t hurry the fuck up.” Parker threatened, leaning his head against the stairway’s banister as he was now sitting on the top shelve.

From inside her room, Madison rolled her eyes. He was so god damn melodramatic. Seriously! What did she ever ask him to do for her? Nothing. Never had a favour been asked or request been made. Not that he’d do it anyway. The Connelly twins didn’t really get along. Parker found Madison way too annoying and uptight while Madison found Parker to be immature and stupid. For kids who shared the womb for nine months, well they could barely share the same rather large house in peace. Getting up from where she was sitting, Madison grabbed her mask and with a sigh, opened her bedroom door, ready to leave for the evening. She hated doing what her brother said, especially when it was asked in that whiny, annoying voice. ”Don’t swear at me Parker, you know I don’t like it.”

She met his eyes, giving him a stern look as she whisked by him, heading down the stairs, the trail of her dress following behind her. From behind her back, Parker mocked her, silently repeating what she had just said. ”Well I don’t like sitting around here for hours waiting for you to apply another coat of lipgloss, but we all cope don’t we.” He got up, following his sister down the steps towards the front foyer of the house. Grabbing his car keys, he stood with his hand on his hips, waiting for Madison to be ready to actually leave. ”Obviously not very well. And you haven’t been waiting for hours. Half of one maybe.” Madison adjusted her left shoe, grabbing her shawl before brushing past her brother and opening the front door, and exiting the house.

Parker rolled his eyes, grabbing his mask of the end table by the door, placed there by him hours ago so he wouldn’t forget it, and headed out behind her. ”It was an exaggeration Madi.” He replied, knowing his sister full well had thought that Parker had believed he had been waiting for hours. In reality it had maybe been one, but nonetheless he was a complainer by birth and no opportunity was ever wasted to hear his own voice.

The car ride was spent in silence, Madison gazing lazily out the window as her brother sped down the streets of the Valks towards where the masquerade ball was being held. Most of the other kids were probably having their driver take them or had hired a car for the night. The Connelly parents didn’t have a driver on staff, their father’s company did, but it was only for business use and they wouldn’t pay to have one for the night. The offer was out that if Madison or Parker wanted to pay for a ride to and from then they were welcome to do so, but with neither having a job and therefore no money that wasn’t their parents, well it was rather difficult. So, Parker was driving his 2007 Audi over, knowing 100 hundred percent that he wouldn’t be taking it home, and calling a cab. Madison on the other hand, who was not planning on drinking would drive the car home whenever she was ready and that way both Parker and his car would hopefully arrive safe.

Arriving at the mansion, the twins entered together, the gentleman in Parker coming out as he held open the front door for his sister. No matter how much he teased her or really couldn’t stand her, he admired Madison and really wouldn’t trade her for anyone. He didn’t have to worry her dating some creep or getting smashed out of her mind and embarrassing herself. He liked how he didn’t have to protect her that way. It wasn’t because of her well being, but for the selfish reason that he was lazy and really didn’t want to be bothered looking after someone else besides himself. Call him an asshole, well… that’s exactly what he is.

Going their separate ways, Parker headed in the direction of the bar, as well as someone, anyone he knew. Madison however, hung around the front entrance, waiting for Andrew. They had agreed to meet there, and as people started to enter and the place started to fill up, she worried briefly that he wouldn’t be able to find her. The fact that he wouldn’t recognize her with her mask wasn’t too concerning because as far as Madison was concerned it wasn’t all that difficult. Of course she couldn’t tell you who the majority of the masked people were, but she also didn’t know too many people at the school. She rationalized all by explaining to herself that she would be able to recognize someone she actually knew. Yah, that’s how it worked.

Stepping off slightly to the side, a small smile graced the lips of Madison Connelly. The night would be good. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]

[Bailey Mitchell]

adrian & bailey
The Mitchell's
Starts with one
I can't feel
It's all in your mind anyway
I can't heal
Make me feel this way
_______________
December 31st
6.30pm
The Mitchell Estate.

Bailey stood in front of the mirror, running her hands along her torso smoothing out her dress she had spent the most part of the day getting ready for tonights new years masquerade at the Giovanni mansions. First she had visited her hair dresser who had dyed Bailey's hair a light shade of brown before straightening it for tonights event. Turning to the side Bailey surveyed her reflection in the mirror a small frown playing on her lips. Turning away from the mirror Bailey ran a hand through her hair before sitting on her bed picking up her mask which she had thrown there earlier. The past few day's where a blur to her starting with the night of The Strip Trivia where Anne, Daphne, Bella and Bailey spent the majority of the night in Anne's room getting wasted and so began Bailey's downward spiral. Returning home the next day Bailey was disgusted to find her Dad, all the way from Australia in the kitchen of the Mitchell's Valkyrie mansion where he dropped the worst news of Bailey's life. The bastard was moving to Valkyrie with his new family, so they could all be closer. Ew, as if.

She had spent the next few day's drinking and staying at friends houses, avoiding her Dad who was currently located in a Valk's condo until his McMansion was completed. What had disturbed Bailey more though was how calm her Mom was acting towards the situation, she hated the man and his stupid wife and here she is being so, hospitable towards them. Standing, Bailey made her way to her wardrobe closing the door of the walk in as she searched the top shelf pulling down a bottle of bourbon which had been stashed under a pile of sweaters. Opening the bottle Bailey downed some of it's contents walking back into her bedroom coughing as the liquid burnt her throat.

Adrian walked down the hallway towards Bailey's bedroom, he had just showered and put on his suit shaking his wet hair as he knocked on his sister's bedroom door. Hearing no answer Adrian walked into her bedroom stuffing his hands in his jacket pockets looking around at his surroundings taking in the many photographs that decorated his sister's walls. It was weird looking at these photographs of Bailey and her 'new' friends Anne, Daphne all the elite of Valkyrie Academy she even had some with Jordin which made Adrian smile, yet it was so weird to look at these pictures of his sister and all these people he had grown so accustomed to the shared group of friends back in Australia and is was so obvious to Adrian that the two of them had grown apart. Hearing a cough behind him Adrian turned quirking a brow at Bailey who looked up at him one hand covering her mouth the other holding a bottle of Jack Daniels. "Starting already?" Adrian asked sitting on the edge of Bailey's bed, she shot him a glare before breaking into a grin giving him a small shrug.

"The first to start, the last to finish" Bailey answered, taking another large drink before holding the bottle out to Adrian who shook his head at her. "Oh that's right" Bailey laughed sitting next to her brother "You prefer uh- pot, am I correct? Bailey snorted as Adrian turned to his sister grabbing the bottle out of her hand and drinking down the smooth liquid, spluttering and rubbing his now watering eyes as Bailey pulled the bottle away from whinging about how it was for her tonight. "Urrr whatever" Adrian stood up throwing his hands in the air as Bailey poured the remaining contents of the bourbon into a flask, promptly tucking it away in her clutch before turning back to Adrian "Shall we go then?" Bailey asked giving him an innocent smile, acting like she didn’t just place an excessive amount of alcohol in her purse for the night.

Bailey walked out of her room making a quick stop to check her hair and make up in the mirror. She looked good, and knew it and the alcohol in her system seemed to rocket her confidence to all new levels. Following his sister Adrian let out a small sigh walking down the marble staircase into the kitchen where Bailey now stood arms folded looking up at him. He felt a small shot of dread go through him as he picked up the key’s to Bailey’s Mercedes followed by his mask, was he really prepared for tonight, did he really want to risk seeing Jordin? Maybe she wouldn’t go. He had been avoiding her since that night on the pier when she had told him about her feelings for Parker, one of his closest friends and it had torn him to apart, so much that he couldn’t even face her anymore. Sometimes he envied the fact that his sister could be so cold to those kinds of emotions, maybe he should learn to be more like that.

______________________

Pulling up at the Giovanni mansion Adrian parked across the road from magnificently lit up home. Opening the door for his sister Adrian placed his mask on his face watching as Bailey did the same before double checking that the flask was in her clutch, should Adrian be worried about his sister’s drinking? Probably, but the last thing he wanted was for her to get all pissy at him for butting into her business, considering she always stayed out of his. Holding out his arm for her Bailey grinned at her brother obliging and linking arms with Adrian as they crossed the road following the crowd of people making their way up to the mansion.

”Just look after yourself tonight. Adrian said sternly to Bailey as they walked into the mansion and made their way to the ballroom. ”Don’t I always? Anyway the same goes for you Mr." She retorted giving him a quick hug leaving him leaning on his lonesome against a wall before searching the crowd for a familiar face, or familiar anything? It was actually hard to recognise people with masquerade masks on Bailey thought walking over to a girl, whom she thought was Bella. She had the same petite figure and dark curls and was wearing a very gorgeous dress Bailey noticed enviously as she stopped next to the girl expecting to see Anne or Daphne also with her, unfortunately they weren’t and Bailey just walked herself right into an awkward situation with Bella Ainsworth and not wanting to seem like a bitch (Ha, what?) decided to talk to her at least until Anne or Daphne got there. ”So Anne and Daph didn’t come with you then, how long have you been here?” Bailey said to Bella though she didn’t look directly at the girl, instead she busied herself with the contents of her clutch waiting for the right moment to slip to the bathrooms and take a drink without being noticed. What was she thinking? This is Valkyrie and everything gets noticed.

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[Anne Lévesque]

anne&james
i said maybe
you're going to be
the one that
s a v e s me
_______________
decemeber 31st, 2006
evening

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The smell of 'Mediterranean' by Elizabeth Arden filtered the cute, pink room that belonged to none other than Anne Lévesque. So, where was she? Gossiping with Ashley Adams, of course, while the two of them got ready for the Masquerade Ball. Sure, it seemed like such a 'middle school' thing to do, getting ready with friends and talking about the possible ventures of the night. However, Anne and Ashley had enough pride to not even care how childish it seemed. Not to mention, they hadn't been catching up recently, and there was bound to be a lot to talk about ever since Reed in jail, Jason leaving, James coming and so many other little things that silly teenage girls can exaggerate into some extraordinary.

The bathroom was quite lovely, sporting a different shade than her room, something of tans and marble grays. Spacious floors, bath, shower - it was a definite good place to get ready. What with their men picking them up. That's right - the foursome from Freshman and Sophomore year were reuniting tonight, something that Anne had not come to expect. Sure, she wanted to go to the Masquerade Ball with all three of them, but let's just say that in September? It wouldn't seem possible. Maybe the Ashley part. But Oscar Lyon - the Senior tool of Valkyrie being her date? Or the mysterious disappearing James Costello back from Florida for Ashley? It was all just surreal, yet, something new about it. Yet, Anne could only wonder where Bailey, Bella and Daphne happened to be. It wasn't that she missed them - because truthfully, she had her hands full with the girls. Getting back to her old ways, drinking wise, was a hard concept, but being around Daphne, Bailey and Bella whom were certified alcoholics, well, it was hard to avoid.

"Oof." Anne growled as she hit her arm against the wall, while trying to pin her hair into a nice little bun just right. Usually, Anne had hair stylists and make up artists to do such things, but she figured that she was well enough experienced and besides - they didn't have much time. Anne had been a procrastinator to finding the right dress, and ended up finally getting a blue, silk Chanel dress down at the Strip. Finding the mask? She had gotten it weeks ago upon her invitation. And let's just say it definitely fit the theme of New Years Eve. Oh yes, New Years Eve. A time to make some good resolutions. So what was Anne's resolutions? Well, something along the lines of focus for the SAT's, be the same and not let Lyon change her too much. But, that plan was already failing.

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The night was full of mixed emotions for James Costello, as he drove in the car with Oscar Lyon on that cold winter's night to pick up Ashley and Anne at Anne's house. For, that night was the Masquerade Ball, and it hadn't been too long since James asked her to the event. He remembered the night clearly - cold winds, Chinese food at the Pier and just staring at Ashley while she talked. Of course, she had made him talk a bit about Florida, but what was there to say? Boring, humid, dull. Nothing like Valkyrie. Not at all. Oscar and James normally weren't the type of guys that would just jump up to their feet at the idea of an event, especially something like this Ball. However, there was an exception tonight. They had the girls they wanted, and that was clearly enough.

It was the masks that kind of annoyed James a bit. He really didn't support Masquerade Balls and usually thought that hiding behind a mask was such a pansy move, and something that he didn't like to do. He wanted everyone to know that HE was with Ashley, and not that idiotic Reed Turner, whom apparently had thrown himself in jail. He had only heard that Reed and Ashley were a thing, but was quite unaware of the whole wedding bells and ringing of the chapel's bells. Well, Las Vegas chapel bells, to be precise. Ugh, he just hated the guy. Bad soccer player, bad school mate, bad guy. Simple as that. James' mind was usually black and white, and he normally only saw one side of things, not really caring about the details. Why should he? He only needed to focus on important things, and that was what was happening before him. Maybe even figure out where he stood with Ms. Adams.

Soon, the black Range Rover pulled into the circular driveway of the infamous Lévesque mansion, something so familiar and nothing had yet changed. It only made James smirk a bit. Pressing into the middle of the steering wheel, he made a screeching beeeeep to let the girls know that they were here. No way was he climbing up all those stairs, just to be greeted by her maids, her parents or even worse - Jason. Instead, he always retreated to stay in the driveway. A much safer bet. He glanced over at Oscar, as they both waited. "This is gonna be some party, huh?" James then glanced at his silver mask on the dashboard. When to put it on? Eh, not until they were there. He then glanced at his suit which, he wouldn't deny it, was new too.

Girls, boys, perfumes, clothes, friends - New Years, meant for new things.

[faith or lainey, you're uppp xD]
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[Daphne Hayes]

daphne & chanel
two girls sit in a room,
one wonders what she’s become,
while the other wonders what she’s done.
can you tell who is which?
....i’ll tell you once they figure it out themselves


the rivera estate, 6:45
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“Trust me Daph, you look hot, so stop asking.” Chanel Rivera said to her cousin who was getting ready for the masquerade ball. The two girls were in Chanel’s room, the lamps gave the room a cozy feeling as Chanel kept her doors to the small balcony outside open. The small balcony had a perfect view of the street outside which was getting quickly crowded with cars, all heading to the Giovanni home. Daphne looked at each angle of herself in the three-way mirror in Chanel’s room. “I know, I know, it’s just...” Daphne couldn’t put her finger on it, but something about her wasn’t looking right. Was it the gorgeous, floor-length brown and gold gown she was wearing? Or was it her long hair half pinned-back, half falling across her shoulders? Oh god, it was her hair. Never was she ever going to let Chanel do it ever again. Before Daphne could even bring her hands to her head, Chanel was already standing behind her with her hands on her shoulers. “Your hair looks fine, D. I love the dress. Your mask is pretty fly. Daphne, you will be turning heads tonight.”

Daphne breathed in and out. Somehow Chanel’s words were calming her down. Daphne honestly had no idea why she was getting all worked up over this ball. No one was technically know it was her. Well, that was besides Anne, Bella, and Bridget. The girls had already told each other what they were wearing just so they could locate her through-out the night. Somehow the group turned into BBAD, like you would stutter or something to say it. Way too complicated to explain and say it. But that was a whole new situation they should tackle...next year. But this...this was Daphne’s first public appearance since the strip trivia. Who cares if it was with people that wouldn’t even know who you were? Daphne turned around to face Chanel and threw her arms around her cousin’s neck. “It’s like we hardly hung out at all this time. Why can’t you come tonight. It could be our last horrah, before you go back to New York.”

Chanel hugged her cousin back. Daphne was right, they really didn’t hang out that much this break she had been back. “I can’t tonight,” Chanel said, backing away until she felt the bottom of her bed against her calves. Chanel leaned back until she flopped against it. “I’m working.” Chanel heard the swishing of Daphne’s gown and said, “Wait, what? You have a job? Where and since when?” Chanel sighed, she could hear the interest in her cousin’s voice. Well, before she could answer where, she had to give Daphne a little background info. “You know Daph, when I told you that I was sorta seeing someone?” Yes, Chanel did in fact tell her closest cousin that she had a thing with Cornelius Moore. “Uh-huh. Sleeping with the teacher. I know this already.” Daphne herself, had been a little surprised that Chanel had told her that she was having a fling with one of the teachers at Valkyrie Academy. Chanel and Daphne had this special relationship that they could be considered sisters. They knew a lot about each other, and Daphne knew that Chanel was a virgin, and even if Daphne was younger, she well, wasn’t. That was why Daphne had been so surprised when Chanel told her that she just about had sex with someone that almost doubled her in age. Daphne knew Mr. Moore of course. She even was good friends with his niece, Linny. She knew Conny was never a fan of hers, but really...Daphne had bigger things to worry about than care what a middle-aged, has been teacher thought of her.

“You see,” Chanel sat up tp face Daphne, “I didn’t sleep with him.” Daphne blinked and crossed her arms across her chest. “That son of a bitch better not be pressuring you. Because if he is-” Chanel held her hand up at her younger cousin’s face, who to her, right now felt like an older cousin. “No, Daphne, that’s not it. Really. It’s just...ok, a few nights ago, we got in this big argument. I mean, big. I got this feeling he really really liked me, and-”

[/b] “You froze and freaked out.” Daphne finished for her and held both of Chanel’s hands in hers. Chanel cocked her head to the side, surprised, “Yes, how did you-“ “Know? Heh, I know what you mean.” She knew a lot what Chanel meant. Seeing as Daphne was infamous for freaking out when it came from relationships. Even Amanda liked to rub it in her face time-to-time that she was like this. “We can thank our fathers’ side for it.” Daphne let out a laugh and patted Chanel’s knee. Chanel laughed as well, glad Daphne was able to relate. “And I just got so mad, you know how I get, and I just stormed off. Which when I am in a livid state of mind pissed at a certain person, I usually do what I think would piss them off the most. So, I walked down to Underneath and got a job as a stripper.”

Daphne’s jaw dropped and she cocked her head to the side. “You’re a stripper?” Chanel nodded sheepishly and half-grinned. “Well, really only for the next few days before I go back to New York.” Daphne furrowed her eyebrows really not sure how to react. “And the manager is just letting you...strip...for three days and go back.” Chanel shrugged “Naw, he thinks I’m there for good. No one will no the difference when I just don’t show up for work the next night.” Chanel giggled and it got Daphne giggling too. Never would she think her own cousin would become a stripper just to piss someone else off. It must me the holiday season. When both the girls died down on their laughter Daphne asked, “But wait, what makes you think Cornelius will find out you’re doing this. You are doing this just to make him mad right?” Chanel smirked. “Oh please, things have a way getting back to the person you want to get back to.” They were both silent for a moment before Chanel checked the time. “Oh jeez, Daph, it’s already 7:10. Shouldn’t you be at Paolo’s already?” Daphne got up off the bed, taking her time of course. “I guess. Only the cool people arrive later anyways. That would be me, of course.” Daphne said picking up her mask that laid on Chanel’s dresser. She heard Chanel scoff as she took some keys off her nightstand. “Does it really matter? It’s not like they will now that you are the great Daphne Hayes.”

They both started giggling as they left Chanel’s room and headed down to the Rivera garage. “I can drop you off, D.” Daphne nodded and climbed into one of the many Rivera cars. After a few minutes of silence, Chanel came to a stop in front of the bright home of Paolo Giovanni that really looked like a castle in this light. “So, this is it,” Chanel said casting a glance at Daphne. Daphne rolled her eyes and play-punched her in the shoulder. “Shut up. I’ll see you before you leave. You’re leaving the third right?” Chanel nodded. Silence again. Then, Daphne reached over and hugged Chanel, and Chanel squeezed Daphne back. “I’ll see you later then.” Daphne smiled and got out of the car. She waved before Chanel took off down the street. Daphne tied her mask around her face and she took the long walk up to the path and was greeted by people and laughter of a night she wanted to remember.


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[Regan Turner]

regan turner
he carries himself with the high arrogance
and the appearance of a player
but he is still seen as everyone's little brother


Giovanni Estate, 6:45 pm

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Regan Turner was in a very nice tux in the middle of the shit-street he called home. His very...loud mask was on top of his head as he was balancing on his skateboard. It was chilly outside and he was technically had to pick up his girlfriend Amberly up within the next few minutes. Regan was not a gentleman. He just couldn't think things through. As in, he needed to pick someone up and he was grounded from the car because he came home drunk one night, which he usually did anyway but he bumped into aabout everything on the way to his room and his parents caught him.

The porch light of the Turners' small home flicked on and he saw the burly shadow of his father casted into the street. "Don't you have to pick up your date to that er, ball?" Regan shrugged though he knew his father could see him. He shifted his weight on his skateboard and skated into his driveway. "Yeah. I guess." He heard the screen door flap shut and soon, his dad's face came into view. "You don't honestly think you're going to pick her up with your piece of wood on wheels do you?" Regan laughed, "Well, yeah." The sad thing was, Regan would actually arrive and pick Amberly up with his skateboard. "Jesus, son. You really do not know how to treat a woman." His father's Irish accent was thick and drawled out as he was semi-insulting his youngest son. "You know what, here, the keys to the car. But, you come home drunk. Your ass is grass and I'm mowing it."

Regan grinned as if to say 'yeah, ok whatever' and within minutes he left his skateboard at home and was lighting a cigarette in the car as he cruised up the hill to go get Amberly. Regan rarely thought when he was alone in a car. But did think of when he picked his brother up...from jail. What a loser. Getting busted for drugs. He didn't care whose they were, but if you couldn't hide them well enough, might as well just turn yourself in. He did feel bad for him though. He lost that hot little ticket Ashley who he was evidently married to for a short time, that really didn't happen according to Reed. It didn't go through or something. Whatever. Then he broke up with her or something like that. Now, he wanted her back? Make up your mind brother. But Reed's iffy break-up thought of his own relationship he guess he was in.

Regan was no guy that could be tied down to one girl at a time. But somehow he was dating a girl he was going to pick up right now. But really, was he techinally dating her when he had been with almost her entire cheerleading squad, since they were dating. Faithful? Regan needed a couple lessons on that. Why he didn't just break-up with her, he didn't know. To him, they weren't even dating. They really didn't do much together anyway, well outside the physical portion.

The car ride to his cousin's house was eerie silent and all Regan did was take drags from his cigarette with one hand and steered with the other. When he came to a pretty big break along the street. It was only 6:45. He turned off the ignition thinking that maybe he'd be able to make out of something with Amberly for the next fifteen minutes. But before he could even lean in, she was leaning right out of the car. Regan sighed and locked the doors, getting out of the car. He could just get more of that later. In private or in public, it was all the same. "Time to party indeed." He pulled his beaky mask across his face and held loosely his arm around her shoulder, holding her close as they climbed the walk together.

"You know. I'm thinking we could maybe get something to drink and then go somewhere private, Am." He opened the door for her, and it was good to see there were already people there. Through the beady little eye holes in his mask he really couldn't pick out Paolo. But the way people were moving down the hall, he knew they were going to the rather large reception room.

[amberlyroberts]

i wish that there was so much more than that
about me and you

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Why the two teens still acted odd around each other really didn’t make any sense at all. They knew each other and were dating, even if they didn’t act like it they were. The two had been able to hold an actual conversation before the crappy relationship had gotten started, so they should still be able to talk now, right? Nope, not at all. Amberly knew that Regan had cheated on her with probably the whole school, and while that bothered her, she had cheated on him as well with Beckett, when she met him in the park that day. Talking when they both knew what was going on with the other was weird because they knew that it would start a fight or something, and drama was the last thing that Am wanted. She got enough of that with Beckett and Max. Anymore from Regan would just make her want to kill herself or something.

Sure, Amberly would have gladly stayed in the car and made out some with him before the ball, because after all, he was a good kisser, but that car was just an awkward place for the two to be, and the ride in it was just so weird. Never in her life had she felt like talking could potentially ruin her night. The girl just had to get the hell out of that car before something ruined the night. Also, she figured that the faster she went into the house, meant the faster that she could come out.

Feeling the boy’s arm fall gently across her shoulders made her not shiver as much in the cold air. For once since the relationship had started, Am felt like Regan was actually protecting her in a way and doing something that was good for her. It was really awesome because then she began to have a completely different mind set about how the rest of the night would go. Maybe the two would actually have a good time together and they would each stop their cheating ways. They could break the ice and there would be no reason for the to break up if they could just fix everything that night. Yes, now it all seemed to be perfect in her mind. Sure, perfect just because Beckett currently wasn’t talking to her and didn’t want her anymore.

"You know. I'm thinking we could maybe get something to drink and then go somewhere private, Am."

Looking over at Regan, she giggled softly as she walked the through the door and placed her own mask on her face, now adjusting to the way that she was seeing everything around her. Her face lit up with happiness, even though people could only see it in her smile now. “Mayyyybeee,” the girl slurred before even having any alcohol in her system, “but only if you take off that ridiculous mask.” She gently bit her bottom lip before, in one quick motion, she pulled off his mask and kissed him on the lips.

As she placed that mask back into Regan’s hands, she wiggled out from under the comfort of his arm. “I need to go and fix my makeup under this mask, but while I go do that you can go get those drinks you were talking about…” As she started walking away, she remembered something that she felt she needed to say to the boy, so she turned around for a second. “Oh, and no alcohol in mine.” Turning back around, the girl happily pranced off towards the bathroom, where she would fix the now smudged makeup so that it would look nicer once she took off her mask for good.

Between five and ten minutes later, Am exited from the bathroom, still in a good mood, and returned to Regan. Smiling, she accepted the drink that he had gotten her while she was gone. “Thanks,” Am said to him before putting the cocktail glass to her lips and slowly sipping it, not tasting anything weird about it. “Now, what was it that you wanted to do?” she whispered softly. "Or, do you want to wait?"

[Paolo Giovanni]

paolo giovanni
& i'll keep saying
how lucky we are

Giovanni Estate, 7:15 pm

________________

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Within the past twenty minutes, the place sure did fill up quickly, and Paolo was just greeting people as they entered the foyer and motioned them to head on down to the reception room. But realy, he knew that people weren't going to just stay in those places. He knew within the next few hours people would be hanging all over the house. In one of the bedrooms, outside in the perfectly manicured gardens, or in any other of the furnished rooms of the large estate. Tomorrow there would be a ton of stuff he would have to clean up. He could just leave it to the housekeepers, but Paolo was better than that. He would but his time worth in to help. It was his party after all, he had to help out. He knew how roudy kids could get. Maybe he should just think of it as he'll clean it up...next year.

Wow, one year did go by very fast. Paolo wasn't a Valkyrie native like over half the kids here were, but he sure did have those days when it felt he lived here his whole life. Tonight, was one of those night he felt he lived here as long as the next kid. But, it actually hadn't been that long ago when he himself was the new kid starting a new school. It wasn't that hard for him to fit the mold of a 'future ivy league student' but around these parts, Paolo, as composed as he appeared, did sometimes feel a little on age. Especially at social events such as these when one little thing can be the result in something.

"And I would swear on my life that this man is my cousin."

Paolo looked towards the voice through his black mask's eye holes and saw two guys approaching him. "And I would shoot myself if that Irish accent of yours didn't give your identity away," Paolo laughed as he did the handshake/hug/slap on the back to each of them. He knew his eldest cousin, Riley, was the one talking to him since the eldest Turner boy had the more define accent while Reed had only a light one. Poor Regan though lost it when he moved to America, he was so young after all. Where was the thrid Turner brother anyway? He didn't think he seen him when he came in. The curly black hair wasn't very common, but maybe he wasn't paying enough attention to everyone coming in. "You doing good, Reed?" Paolo asked, knowing that Reed was recently in jail for a drug stint that wasn't even his drugs. The shorter of the two males in front of him shrugged, "Yeah, if getting out of jail eight hours ago is enought to change my mood." Reed laughed so that gave Riley and Paolo to join in aswell.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw a group of three girls bustle in, a blonde and two brunettes. Paolo was a little rusty with his family name terminology and couldn't pick out one of the large families off the bat, but if he guessed he was thinking they were the Malindas. When the blonde and the shorter brunette both went off on their own and the last one with tan skin stood in the foyer, as if looking for someone, that sealed the deal with who it was. He turned back to his cousins and said, "Fellas, my date is here..." Both the Turner brothers nodded and both mumbled something about they needed to find Ashley and Liz. Paolo nodded and Riley called back, "We'll catch up with you maybe later. Happy New Year, cuz." Paolo tipped his hand off to his cousins as they merged into the sea of people and Paolo made his way to Sam.

He approached her in that casual posture he had with his hands in his pockets. He looked both right and left when he was probably on a couple feet away from her until he settled his eyes on her. Paolo retrieved one of his hands and reached for hers. He brought it to his lips and kissed it. "I would have to say, you look absoluetly stunning tonight. I am so glad, that you could come tonight." He started to lead her toward the reception room where almost everyone else was at but Paolo had other things in mind. He took her hand once again in his and smiled, which he knew looked charming with his mask on. "I want to show you something, Sam." He took her back the way they came and Paolo led her through a door he had been through not that long ago, the kitchen. It was quite funny actually the waiters knew it was Paolo but it probably looked a little funny two formal-attired teen going through the loud and busy kitchen, but within seconds they were outside.

"Sorry about that, but through the kitchen is the fasted way to get here," he explained to her and walked past the lit and running fountain he was sitting at before and took her past a few more shrubs and statues until he stopped them where there was a small patio with the lookout of the ocean down below. "This, is my favorite place." It was quite the view, with the lights casting a glow on the trees and the sound of the ocean with. The smell of the flowers in the garden and the saltwater was actually quite a pleasing smell to him. Paolo was all about the quiet moment with someone, such as a date. Of course he did like being with people, but he wanted to take this advantage of a quiet garden while he could, because who knew when people would discover this place and star coming out here. "And I also wanted to give you this," he reached to the bush of roses to his left. One, already cut and placed ontop of the bush. Planned? Well, it was better than bringing some shears out to cut the flower, hm? That would take too much time. He picked the burgundy rose up and at first looked at it. "You know, a rose's color has different meanings. We all now red means love. Then there is pink which means admiration. White's purity. The list goes all the way down to a yellow rose with red tips means friendship. But burgundy," he paused handing the burgundy rose to her, "means beauty."
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