to a midnight show tonight;; {MASQUERADE}

[Indigo Casablancas]

S y l a r Street ;;

B l a k e Kalmojenovic;;

Say it once, say it twice
Take a chance and roll the dice
Ride with the moon in the dead of night

Everybody scream, everybody scream!
__________________
Kalmojenovic Estate
December 31, 2006. 4:53 p.m.

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“Can’t you, at least, dress up a little?

“No.”

“This is the fucking even of the YEAR, magic boy. And you wore that to work today”

“Your point being, Ireland?”

“My point is you’ve been miserable for the past three days ever since you heard Keira was staying in London for the rest of the school year, and you look like shit.”

“Thanks a lot; at least I don’t look thrown up half the time. Besides, this is just a fucking “ball” or whatever these people like to call these things. Been to a million of them, and they’re boring as hell. Anyways, I’m only going to return whats-her-face’s cell phone.”

Even though they had only been friends for a few weeks, Blake Kalmojenovic considered Xavier Street to be one of the only actual friends he had remaining at Valkyrie Academy. Everyone there was all the same: tall, skinny and obsessed with everything physical. Sylar? Yeah, he was about the same, but there was something about the guy that seemed…different. Sure, there were a lot of “different” people at Valkyrie, but this was something slightly more out of the box. And, trust me, Blake was known to befriend some weird people. Charlie Wood? School slut, but still one of his closest friends. Andrew Davis, let’s not even go there. Those are just to name a few examples. Xavier was one of the usual random hook-ups, sociopathic bastards that roamed around VA, but the two had become fast friends. It was rare for him to allow someone to give him a nickname, let alone one was irritating as “magic boy”. But the being miserable part, the Irish male was correct about. As much as the London native hated to admit it, he knew that ever since he had received that half-assed e-mail from one of his oldest friends that she was remaining in England until June, at least, he had taken a dive for the dumps.

Skived off school more than ever, was digging into his secret stash of anti-depressants and anti-convulsant medication he had become dependant one, and was beginning to stop caring all together. But today? It was the last day of 2006, and he didn’t even give a flying hoot. While the rest of his classmates were bustling around all afternoon for the Masquerade Ball later that evening, he had been lying on his bed and tuning his aging electric guitar the entire afternoon. Even as Sylar kicked the door to his bedroom open – they had long stopped calling or knocking on doors at one another’s houses – Blake carelessly nodded at him, and continued to tune the musical instrument. His bi-colored eyes looking over to the night-side table where Julia Summitt’s cell phone lay, he shrugged carelessly. This was basically his one chance to give the girl back her phone that she had dropped that day in the park. Great.

Xavier “Sylar” Street, on the other hand, was lazily spinning in the desk chair in the corner of the large bedroom, and toying with the mask he had picked up early that afternoon as a result of forgetfulness. Allowing his dark eyes to roll to the back of his head as he watched the thin magician aimlessly toying with the guitar he rarely saw him without, Sylar simply shook his head and stopped spinning for a moment to glare at him. “I don’t give a fuck as to why you’re going. But you promised you were going to stop being yourself, and this is the best way to do it. So, that means not looking homeless.” Arching an eyebrow, and snatching up a half-empty bottle of pomade on the cluttered desk, the Irish male tossed it towards his English counterpart. “At least don’t look like a bed-head.”

Feeling the cold bottle hitting his bare arm, Blake carelessly stopped strumming a tune on looked over to it. Why did he have to say things again? He vaguely remembered arguing with Xavier during one lunch hour a few weeks prior, and finally shouting that he’d become more social. Fuck. Remind him to never speak again. Thanks. “Hobo chic is very in right now.” Grumbling in his thick accent, Blake squeezed some of the thick substance into in left hand and pushed it through his dark, tousled hair – spiking it upwards in it’s usual messy fashion. “It’s not like you dressed up anyways.” Looking towards Sylar and his semi-formal suit with raised eyebrows, he finally sat upwards. A promise is a promise.

Making a face, the Ireland native looked down at his old suit and offered a shrug. Point taken.” Turning his eyes to glance at Blake’s silvery laptop’s bright screen, he sighed softly. It was nearing the beginning of the ball, and he didn’t want to miss meeting up with Brianna. How he managed to talk the miserable girl into accompanying him to the ball as friends, he would never know. Did he really care about the reason? Not so much. Sighing once more, and pushing the dark mask over his dark hair so it rested carefully on his forehead, Sylar pulled another simple mask from the messenger bag and easily tossed it onto his English friend’s stomach. “If you’re going to look homeless, at least be a masked homeless.” Smirking at his words, a laughing highlight to his accented voice, the Irish male finally looked up once more.

Flipping the bird to Xavier, Blake looked down at his casual clothing and simply shrugged. Remember, he was only going to give Julia her cell phone, amuse himself with a few card tricks, maybe shoot a few vodka shots and head right back home and to his severely out of tuned guitar. Nothing more than that. “Fuck you,” his tone both irritable and frustrated, Blake exhaled sharply before pushing his thin frame into a standing position and held the mask lightly in his damaged hands. “Something tells me you just want a ride there in a car that isn’t mimicking a garbage truck.” For the first time all evening, his tone was a laughing one.

Leading the way to his 2006 black Dodge Durango, Blake gave Sylar the glare of death as he cranked up his angry German music and drove the short way towards the Giovanni mansion. Well, it was now or never.

“Okay, magic boy, let’s roll.”


Slamming the door to his expensive truck shut, and locking the doors with the wireless remote on his keychain, Blake looked over to his fellow Brit with raised eyebrows. “Roll for what? You’re here with a new friend, and I’m returning a cell phone. Neither of us are really killing the social scene tonight, pal. So don’t even try and mess things up with Brianna tonight, since I know you will.” Receiving a harsh punch on his upper arm, the English magician smirked once more before pulling his own lame mask over his bi-colored eyes. Sylar was right, though. He wasn’t dressed up at all, probably reeked of vodka and needed a shower. Might as well be a blending in hobo, anyway. Maybe, that way, the entire student body won’t know it was him under that plain mask. Fat chance. Musing over these negative thoughts, Blake miserably pulled his constantly present deck of black playing cards from his jacket pocket and began to flourish the worn cards. Fanning them and shuffling them this way and that, the magician offered his Irish counterpart one last look of misery and pushed his way through the crowds. Now or never.

Xavier Street, on the other hand, only saw Blake long enough to watch him begin to play with those infuriating poker cards of his. Didn’t the guy ever stop thinking about music or magic long enough to actually enjoy himself? His guess was – obviously – a big, bold NO. But he was right, he knew he couldn’t fuck everything over with Brianna in a single night. He had mild feelings for the cheerleader, yes, but that didn’t really matter. He was here with her for more of a support team than anything, and to have a good time with someone he was easily comfortable around. No harm in that.

Right?

Besides, it’s now or fucking never people.

New Years Eve 2006 starts now.

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[Dean Stillings]

Stillings Apartment #5B

Dean Stillings
Throw it away, Forget yesterday
We'll make the great escape
We won't hear a word they say
They don't know us anyway
+-------+

So maybe the ratted apartment wasn't the most attractive place to live and perhaps Dean could do a better job at taking care of it but then again, as much as he was claiming to be in Valkyrie for the long hall, Dean Stillings could never be fully sure how long he was staying. He had a basic, decent two bedroom, one bathroom apartment and then the living room and kitchen were really one in the same. And in that one bathroom was wear Mr. Dean was standing at that moment brushing his teeth. He stood tall, freshly showered, hair drying quickly, watching himself in the mirror. At the moment he wore nothing but clean boxers and a black t-shirt. He leaned down to spit and rinse before he made his way into the hall and into the bedroom that wasn't completely empty. Inside was a matress and box spring in the corner, proped up by a cheap metal frame that along with being practically invisible, held the bed a measly foot of space between it and the floor. It had dark blue sheets pulled over the corners of the mattress and a light grey comforter crumpled on the side closest to the wall. But right now it also had some clothes layed on top of the unmade beddings. Dean shook his head slightly as he pulled on his pants.

Why was he even going to this thing?

He had been back in Valkyrie since the 21st of december, Maybe so about ten days he had been back and truth was that this was longer than he had ever stayed there since he was still a resident in the Stillings mansion in which his older, pervert brother carried out his 'delightful' activities. He hadn't stayed this long since he had initially ran away and as bad as that sounded, Dean was already itching to leave but he couldn't. Before when he had left, he had left Laura with Chase. Chase and Laura were his nephew and niece. Strange that they were so close in age but his older brother was vastly older than him, seeing as Dean was only nineteen years old. He reached his left arm through the sleeve of the white shirt and proceded to repeat the action with his right arm before fixing the collar so it wasnt all crooked. His blue eyes watched his feet clad in the dark navy sock and the black sock on his two feet as he walked on the grey carpet into the hall and back into the tiled floor of the bathroom. He glanced in the mirror as he slipped on his black shoes. He hadn't bothered buying new shoes for the event and even so he looked pretty good. He smirked slighty, cocky or not, knowing he looked good made him a bit more optimistic about the evening.

Tonight was a night for fun, girls, maybe drink... girls. Too bad Amanda had disapeared for his visit in Valkyrie. He had caught her in the first few days of his arrival and they had hung out, had a good time. That girl was definately something else. He leaned down and pulled on the strings of his shoes and tied them within seconds, making his way back into his bedroom. He ruffled his hair slighty with a sigh before sitting at the end of his bed. He knew Laura might be there, and he knew he might be able to find her and talk to her, but... it probably wouldnt do anything except ruin both her and his night. Besides, they would all be whereing masks until midnight. He could probably get away with not even being noticed by her all night. Avoidence must run in the Stillings blood because really between these two... They weren't as diffierent as maybe Laura liked to think. Yeah maybe he abandoned her to avoid the issues but Laura ran from issues just as much just not by literally taking off. Or maybe that made them vastly different, but hey both got along with the Summitts. That can be the hardest thing to do for some people. Well, they could thank chase and Luke for the familys' connections Dean guessed seeing as that is how both Dean and Laura met Luke and Amanda.

He looked over at the clock, he should get going. He grabbed his suit jacket and pulled it over his shoulders as the last part of his actual apparell for the evening. The next piece of the puzzle to put on was the silver, foiled mask lying absent mindedly on the counter back in the main room of the apartment. Yes, Dean Stillings was going to the New Year's Masquerade. He had only ever been to one masquerade party before and it was nothing like the way this one was going to be. He had gone to one in Spain when he was seventeen, he had come and gone with a beautiful woman at his side in a moment and had a very pleasent evening in his hotel room for the night. The next day he split again, catching a train to god knows where in order to avoid her husband who very angrily had a friend follow them from the party and found out which hotel they were at. Needless to say, Dean had left in a hurry.

Dean shut the door to his apartment before making his way outside and over to the Giovanni Estate, prepared for a night of fun with a possible sex partner for the night. He had no idea how different the night would really turn out to be as he entered the estate, putting his mask on over his face, now having to rely on his charm and smile to draw them in, but that's fine, he was always up for a challenge.

[faden]

The Hamin's House-Foster Home

Eric Faden
Hit the ground, look around, but you're nowhere to be found
Accept my loss and head back to the mound
I never knew you threw so hard
+----------+

So usually Faden would prepare for a night like this with Laura or Andrew but he couldn't handle it right now. Maybe he had spent too much time with Laura or something but for the first time in a long time Faden was shutting people out. He hadn't even told Laura what had happened with Emilia. He stood in the small bathroom the first floor of the duplex had buttoning up the striped under shirt of his suit. The suit jacket still layed on his bed, waiting for Faden. But Faden wasn't ready for his suit jacket, because as soon as his shoes were on his feet and his suit jacket was on and the mask on his face, Faden would have no more excuses than to go to the Masquerade. He was going to attend a Valks event. Strange? yes. But since it was an open invitation to Valkyrie and since Faden had already gone to the cotillion he doubted it mattered. God the cotillion, that had been such a great night and this... he didn't know what was going to happen but he knew he had to talk to emilia, which was why his stomach was tied into all sorts of knots.

So what had happened with Emilia Demtra that had him so worked up?

She had kissed Luke Summitt, or he had kissed her, but she had let him. Faden had witnessed it, his drunk girlfriend with her drunk ex...thing, whatever luke was too her. No, no you know what, he knew exactly what Luke was to her... a jack ass. Faden sighed slightly before his hands reached up to cup his forehead, he leaned down and rested his elbows on the bathroom's small amount of counter space and rested his head in his hands, his fingers interlaced with his hair. He didn't know how he was supposed to feel. She was being manipulated by Luke, was ever so slightly under the influence of alcohal and to top it off, Amanda had apparently told Emilia that Faden and Amanda had slept together and as her "proof" showed Emilia the pictures from the ads he had been in and had been a bit too embarassed to tell Emilia. But, I guess, he just thought Emilia knew him better than to even consider him and Amanda behind her back a possibilty. Since when does a demtra trust a summitt anyway, aren't they rather hateful to eachother? Faden would never even dream of cheating on Emilia, even if he hated her, he wouldn't, cheating wasn't his way. And he didn't hate her, in fact, just the opposite.

Faden sighed but again before standing straight and brushing his hair to the side slightly with his left hand. He nodded to himself in the mirror, almost a small reassuring gesture to himself. He turned to leave the bathroom as he saw Lucy standing in the doorway in her old fashioned pajama's the hamins had given her for her birthday. They had come cheap but were still of great quality found in an old antique shop. They suited the girl. He could tell by the look on her face she was both annoyed and worried. Really for a nine year old she was more mature than most of Valkyrie Academy students, but then again that's the foster care system for you, or maybe its that's Valkyrie students, who knew but he didn't want to look into those knowing eyes of her's for too long. After a good long moment, maybe ten seconds he looked down slightly and made sure his shirt was tucked right. He looked back up at her again and put his arms out as if to say "what do you think." The small brunette just shook her head, "I think somethings wrong" she said stepping into the bathroom.

Faden sighed and shook his head slightly as his eyes dropped to the floor, "Nothing's wrong Luce, really I just... I'm a little tired, not even sure if I'll make it to midnight at this thing, would probably pass out." He added with a slight hint of amusement that he had forced out with considerable strength and struggle. Who was he fooling? this nine year old was more in tune with faden than anyone else had ever been. He gave her a sad but reassuring smile and reached out his arms. The brunette with the bob haircut almost ran over to him and hugged him tight. He put his arms around her as her arms were around his waist.

"Since when do you shut people out?" lucy asked quietly.

faden bit his lip, god he was that transparent to this girl. He shrugged, "I don't know, since she shut me out I guess." He said, not sure if Lucy would understand that statement, seeing as he hadn't really ever explained the whole situation to her but she seemed to accept that answer. After another moment she pulled away from the hug and Faden grinned, "Now that that's over, I still have to finish, I'm running pretty late so scoot squirt." Lucy scrunched her nose at being called sqirt but allowed herself to be rushed from that bathroom and as she watched faden rush into the boy's room, she yelled out to him to have a good time. Faden heard her call from the hall and smiled, always trust Lucy to brighten your spirits. He was going to talk to her, they were going to figure this out and they were going to fix this. He pulled on his suit jacket, making sure not to scrunch the sleeves and grabbed his mask from the table in the living room saying goodbye to Rachel, Ed and Mr. Hamin who took the night off seeing as Doug was doing an out of town job temporarily and he was too nice of a guy to deprave Faden of tonight, besides after the modeling job Faden was able to contribute a lovely $700 dollars to help out with bills, he owed him. Faden gave a small wave and a smile as he shut the door behind him, placing his mask onto his face as he crouched into the rather beat up small reddish car that the Hamins had allowed him to use for the night. Backing out of the parking space he let himself breath deeply, keeping his eyes on the road until he had arrived at the Giovanni Estate.

Eric Faden stepped out of the car and looked up at the mansion before glancing back at the beat up car he had arrived him down the street. He looked at the other cars parked around them, even a few limos and then again back at the car he couldn't even afford, Shak friendly his ass. Nothing was Shak friendly here, but whatever, he wasn't going to be bothered by anything tonight except finding the girl he adored and fixing things. He made his way into the party and said a quick hello to laura, recognizing her because it wasn't as hard as everyone liked to pretend it was. He peered through the holes in his black mask he had let Ed glue glitter onto keeping his eyes peeled for Emilia.

[kris]

Easy von Morgan
Everybody parties on a New Year's Eve.
Waitin' for the countdown,
Make a lot of promises they never keep,
Party with the lights on.
___________________________________

New Year’s Eve; his favorite time of year. It was a chance to completely start over, and that’s exactly what each von Morgan had in mind this year. Ethan in particular, just wanted a fresh start, he had nothing to own up to, and he certainly didn’t have any regrets. His sister, Callie, on the other hand, had big plans to come out about Nathan being her son, not Easy’s. At the moment, he was more worried about what he was supposed to wear to this thing, even though he’d already planned out an outfit, he wasn’t sure he was planning on sticking with it. Leaning against the doorframe to his bedroom was a thin blonde girl with striking blue eyes, her fingers toying with a heart shaped pendant hanging loosely around her neck. Nicole Winters was his sixteen-year-old stepsister, the only other sibling he actually liked besides his own sister, Callie. Nicole was a relatively quiet girl, but when Easy was around, she certainly couldn’t resist coming out a bit to tease him. He had yet to notice her standing there, watching him fumble with his tie, the last addition besides a mask to the outfit.

“Want help?” She asked, pushing off the doorframe, finally proceeding toward him. “No, I got it,” He said, his cheeks flushed with frustration. She smirked, shoving him lightly with her shoulder before flopping down onto his bed, running her fingers over the silk sheets. “Fine,” She replied, mocking an irritated tone, but smiling sweetly when he glanced in her direction. Easy shifted in front of the mirror, finally tying it, though it looked a little lopsided. Sighing, he turned toward his stepsister, his shoulders slumped, and his hands tucked into the pockets of his pants. Almost gleefully, she jumped to her feet, standing on tiptoe to even be able to tie the thing. She was tiny, and definitely not more than 5’3” in height. He watched her finish it off, smiling gratefully once she took a step back to survey her work. Turning back toward the mirror, he lightly ran his fingers through his hair, making it look a little neater than the usually ragged appearance he held.

Normally, Ethan wasn’t one of those guys that liked going to these stupid things, but he always did, no matter what. Callie never went anymore, because Nate was too much of a handful to even consider leaving him with their father. However, Nicole usually attended beside Easy as someone to keep him company, and she’d gone out shopping with Callie the other day for dresses for the two of them, not that they were completely sure they’d be going anyway. It never hurt to stock up the closet, though, right? Easy glanced over to Nicole, who was tossing a signed baseball in the air. Reaching out to snatch it before it touched her hands again, he placed it back on its stand, resting his figure against the wall. “You’re…” The vocals of his sister rang through the air, and the sound of her feet against the hardwood floor could be heard from his room. The sound grew louder as the running girl approached, sliding to an elegant stop outside the door, her hair curled perfectly, and wearing only a long t-shirt that belonged to Easy. “Get dressed, Nikky,” She said breathlessly, tossing her brunette locks over her shoulder. “Wait for us, Ease?” She smiled sweetly, pulling the younger girl along with her as she disappeared from the doorway. “Callie, put some pants on!” Ethan yelled after her, beginning out of the room as well. “Why, are the neighbors staring?” She peeked her head out of her room, her half naked body hidden from behind the door, her voice holding a faint sense of interest. Callie was the type of girl who enjoyed flaunting what she had, even if it meant attracting guys of all ages. Easy had turned his back on the room, and was now descending the stairs.

Ignoring the voice of his father talking excitedly in the phone, probably selling or buying a horse, or maybe hooking another client, he began pacing in the foyer. Living with two female siblings was about the worst thing anyone could do to him, especially when both would rather ride along in his monstrosity of a car than their own fancy sports cars. His Escalade was big enough to cram about twenty people in there, if you didn’t mind having a few people sitting by your feet or on your lap, of course. Honestly, he thought they just liked the free limo service, but taking one car meant you had a designated driver, which would normally be Nicole, who never had more than a beer or two.

“Guys, we gotta go!” He yelled up the stairs, grabbing his half mask off the table, as well as the keys to the car. As if on cue, the two girls filed down the stairs, giggling in that shrill way only girls knew how to do. He sighed, politely opening the door for the two, pulling it shut behind him and proceeding after them toward the car. Once they’d all piled in, he started the engine, backing out of the driveway and beginning toward the Giovanni mansion. All the while he was wondering about his sister, and how the world would treat her once she revealed the secret about Nate. Callie loved the boy, there was no doubt about that, and she certainly wasn’t afraid of what people would think, she’d just been scared that it was true. Two years ago she was the craziest girl you’d ever meet, heading out to parties every night, and almost worst than Easy, if that was possible. She’d been responsible with everything, and was the last person he’d ever guess would have a kid. Here he was, an uncle… Already. Love was a dangerous business, and he’d told her that when she’d met that boy, but she hadn’t listened. He’d pressured her into so many things, in that fake sweet way guy tended to put on. Easy was sweet, one boy you could trust that he was telling the truth, and most definitely meaning everything he said. He was sweet without trying, it just took a little to uncover everything, but beyond the mask he put on, he was the guy you’d want him to be.

When had Callie started to finally worry about herself? Maybe this would be a bright New Year, but in some respect he doubted it. The high of a new year lasted about a month, then you realized it was just any other day of your life, and moved on. That’s just what he was going to do, right? Well, he could only hope not. Exiting the car, he accompanied the girls to the door, following them through the crowd of people. The three had their masks pulled over their faces, and all equally eager to get the night started. “Have fun girls,” He whispered, poking his head between them to whisper in their ears. Watching them pull away at the feeling of his breath he smiled deviously, and disappeared into the mass of people.

Well, happy fucking New Year, Valkyrie.

[andrewmathis]

you have a jump in your step
but a rip in your, a rip in your rep

[/size]

The male glanced over at the girl who was leaning against the door frame which led into his room. A small smile began to play on his pale, thin lips as he continued to hold a cigarette between them and tighten up a black tie. His eyes quickly darted back over to where the mirror was and he frowned some, which quickly pulling down the tie. Andrew Mathis wasn’t one to go for the proper and nice look; instead, Andrew was the guy who would much rather wear jeans and some crappy looking shirt with a blazer over it everywhere he goes.

As she pulled the cigarette from his mouth and flicked off the ashes into the ash tray which sat on the top of his black dresser. Again, he smiled at the girl, and he now placed the cigarette into the ash tray so he wouldn’t have to hold it any longer. Right as he turned to fix his hair in the mirror, the girl who stood at his door adjusted the way she was leaning, and pulled down at the long button up, male shirt which she wore on her body. “I can’t beliiiieve you’re going to that stuuuupid high schoooool party…” she finally said to him, her eyes glazing over as she did so. “Well, you know, I’ve got a few things to take care of there, like Kelsey Lewington. That girl sure has grown up.” Drew bit down on his lip while running a hand across his goatee that was going to need to be shaved pretty soon.

Upon hearing a loud thud, he looked over at the girl who had now fallen to the ground and was sitting against the wall. He shook his head while smiling and taking one last drag of the cigarette before putting it out. He walked out of the room, stepping over Emilee, his sister, as he did so. “I don't know how the hell you got my shirt off of Abby when she was leaving earlier, but make sure that you put it back, and don't throw up all over it.” “Oh, I... foooouunnnd it inn thee rooom...” He smiled as he walked down the hall proudly in his nice outfit. “Don't get too wasted, Em...”

Andrew practically skipped out of the house happily, excited to go and see Kelsey. It was weird because unless he was about to have sex with the girl, he never got that excited about seeing her, so Kelsey sure must have been special or something. Before grabbing his keys off of the coffee table, he noticed a bra on the floor by the couch. That sure as hell was't Emilee's because even though he was a little tipsy at the time, he had remembered taking that bra off of Abby. Again, he smiled and shook his head. Drew grabbed the keys and trotted out of his house, where he got into his black sports car, turned it on, and drove off with his rap music blarring.

Every few minutes, during the drive to Kelsey's house, he would look over at the passenger seat, where his mask was, and he would imagine Kels' hot little body sitting over there, and things would be the same as they had been when he was back in high school. Yeah, Andrew was excited and he couldn't hide it. “Kelsey, baby, I am on my way,” he said to himself, barely audible over the music, as he sped dow the road, getting more and more excited by the second.

By the time that Andrew had arrived at Kelsey's house, he had another cancer stick hanging out of his mouth. He turned down the music, so that when she got into the car and he turned it on again it wouldn't hurt her ears. He shoved his hands deep into his pockets as he walked up to her door, where he rang the door bell and waited, still smoking, just like always. It wasn't helping to calm his nerves much, but he liked to believe that it would.

[/size][/color]

[charliemcpherson]

we've been making promises in the dark
our resolutions
as a brand new year is about to start
and we're together.
celebrating, no more waiting
our time has arrived

[/size][/right][/blockquote]

Straightening up his tie, Charlie McPherson looked over his outfit in the mirror. It was a nice suit nothing too special, but still appropriate for the occasion. He contemplated changing his tie for a second, but quickly threw that notion out of his mind. It looked fine, good even, the way it was and he knew the she-Charlie wouldn’t care about the colour of his tie or anything silly like that. Really he didn’t care about what he was wearing either, and when it came to something as easy as matching his tie to his shirt, he had no trouble. But still, part of him wanted to look his best and be his best because now he had someone to actually be his best for. Before he always went out to hang with friends, and while potentially meeting girls was always part of it, he didn’t see it as that big of a deal.

Now, now he had a girlfriend. A girlfriend who was beautiful, smart, funny and all his. It may have a long and frustrating process getting them to the spot they were now, but Charlie was glad that it turned out the way it had. It didn’t matter how mad it had made him at the time, all that mattered was that they worked past it all and were now, or so he believed on the same page. Charlie could honestly say that that afternoon after cotillion, he had gone to the she-Charlie’s house with the intention of apologizing and hoping that they could maybe eventually be friends. He didn’t expect the friendship to just pop up over night, but he was willing to work towards it because no matter what some others had maybe told him, he liked the she-Charlie for who she was. He had yet to really look at the fact that she had hooked up with the majority of his friends, but that was an issue that had yet to take effect. He was still in the new relationship bliss where he simply couldn’t wait to spend time with her, hold her hand and just do couple things.

It was refreshing.

Even though he was the ‘relationship type’, Charlie was selective with those who were actually his girlfriends. It wasn’t something to make sure he only dated the hottest girls or anything like that, it was just the school he attended and the people he hung around with tended not to stress emphasize on the long term relationship. Everyone was hooking up and breaking up, cheating on their significant others and just causing all types of drama. Bella had been his last long-term relationship and truthfully it had taken him a little bit to get over it. Haley hadn’t lasted that long and was his last real relationship. Sure he hooked up just like the rest of the towns population, but now that he was with someone again, well he definitely liked it better then being single.

Finally deciding that he did look okay, Charlie picked up his mask from off of his bed. It was simple, which is how Charlie had intended it to look, but very Zorro-y. He loved the idea of a masquerade, but he wasn’t a loud person, and therefore hadn’t been looking for a loud mask. Strangely enough, it was hard to find a masquerade mask that wasn’t loud. Charlie had jumped and gotten the first one he found that wasn’t a million different colours, or super elaborate. He liked his.

Jogging down his stairs, grabbing his car keys, Charlie left his house and got into his dad’s BMW. His truck was currently in the shop getting the heating fixed so he was stuck with his dad’s ride. He was on his way to pick up Charlie, his girlfriend. After a short drive, he pulled into her driveway. For a brief second he thought about just honking the horn and waiting in the vehicle where it was nice and warm, but honestly even he knew that was a dick move, especially since they were such a new couple.

Braving the cold, he hopped out of the car and walked up to the she-Charlie’s front door, ringing the doorbell.

[/color][/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[kelseylewington]

we all begin with good intent
love was raw and young
we believed that we could change ourselves
the past could be undone

[/font]

Twirling her very straight, very shiny blonde hair around her finger, Kelsey Lewington examined herself in the mirror, attempting to make sure everything was perfect. Everything had to be perfect. It was New Years and for once she didn’t have some lame guy coming to pick her up or she wasn’t primping with a whole bunch of her girlfriends with the intent to simply get drunk and find some random guy to take home. Don’t get me wrong she wasn’t completely past all that, but these days, well Kelsey was definitely aiming for something higher and tonight that’s exactly what she was doing. There was some guy coming to pick her up, but from what the seventeen year old could remember, he was far from lame.

She had ran into Andrew Mathis while jogging in the park the week before Christmas and it had stirred up some feelings. They had dated a while back, and he had been Kelsey’s first real love. Sure she had been young, but what they had was more intense then any other relationship she had ever been in and seeing him that day had added an aching to all the emotions she had been going through recently. After the whole break up with Luke and the realization that he had only dated her because he wanted to do the right thing seeing as he believed she was pregnant with his child, Kelsey was simply aching for someone to actually want her. And not just for the physical. She didn’t mind being desired in a sexual way, but was it so much to ask to have someone like her for her mind? What about her personality? Was she so plain and fake that no one could love her for her?

She was really hoping Andrew was looking for more then a booty call when he had asked her to go to the masquerade ball with him. She’s probably get over it if it turned out to be nothing more then that, but after talking to him the last couple weeks and feeling sorry for herself, she really hoped it would turn into more. Maybe a relationship was asking a little too much, but she wouldn’t mind calling Andrew Mathis her boyfriend. But hey, it was New Year’s, she was guaranteed at least one kiss, right?

Smoothing out her dress, Kelsey really hoped it looked as good as she thought. She had spent days, weeks even trying to find the perfect dress. Originally she had been looking for something a little longer, little more Cinderella-ish, but the colour of this one was too gorgeous and it fit her too well to be worn anywhere else but the party tonight. It was then that she heard the doorbell ring and a smile spread over her face. Picking up the mask from on top of her desk, she left the bedroom with one last peek in the mirror for reassurance.

She had grown up a lot since Andrew had known her before, and she was hoping to show him just how much. Grabbing her shawl that was lying over the stairways banister, Kels headed towards the front door. No one was really home. The staff had all been sent home earlier, her father and step-mother were at some party, her older brother god knows where, and her stupid annoying step-brother was somewhere on the upper level of the house, but yah right if he’d get off his butt to get the door. Especially when he knew it wouldn’t be for him. Peeking through the view hole, just to make sure, she tried to minimize the smile that was still on her face. Nothing like looking like you’re desperate and extremely into your ex-boyfriend, right?

Opening the door, she held up her mask so that it was covering her eyes. The large grin that had previously been across her lips had turned into a smirk that Kelsey was trying her hardest to appear sexy. "Hello handsome.” Her voice was slow and breathy, as she tried to sound as bored and completely willing to simply jump his bones right there and then. He was looking very handsome this evening, but who was she kidding, Andrew always looked good. There was something about the blonde scruff and his simple ability to look like he didn’t care about anything. Forget the party, forget all the worries about simply being a booty call, she was ready to call it a night right now, as long as he would join her.

[/color][/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]

[andrewmathis]

you have a jump in your step
but a rip in your, a rip in your rep

[/size]

Andrew Mathis, the king of playing girls and fucking around as much as he wanted, didn’t ever get nervous, but tonight was a completely new story for him because his heart was racing and his blood was pumping through his veins so fast that he could feel it when he flexed his arm muscles. What the hell was going on with him? He wasn’t exactly sure. Maybe his body was just used to getting that excited before seeing a girl because sex would soon come, but he didn’t want that with Kelsey, so his body must have seriously been confused. With Kelsey it was different. He wanted her in a different way than he wanted every other girl, including Abby, the one that he had fucked the previous night and again that morning. Drew and Kelsey were going to end up dating, not just being fuck buddies, end of the story.

As he stood there, waiting for someone, anyone to answer the door, he took a long drag of his cigarette, still thinking that it might help his never settling nerves. Not being able to stay focused on anything, his eyes glanced from the door, to a bush, to the sidewalk, and to everything else that was around him. He was beginning to wonder if Emilee had laced his cigarette with anything because it was unlike any other that he had smoked before.

No matter how hard she tried to hide it, Andrew knew in his mind that Kelsey wanted him just as much as he wanted her, so when she opened the door, it was the most obvious thing in the world, but he didn’t care, it just helped his arrogance swell.

"Hello handsome.”

As soon as he heard those words he threw down his cigarette and stomped on it.

“Hello, yourself, beautiful,” the male replied as he wrapped his arms around Kelsey’s waste and gave her a sweet hug, not too tight though because he didn’t want to mess up his awesome outfit before he got to the ball. His head went directly by her neck, and he was able to smell the perfume coming off of her. Oh god, she smelled wonderful that night. Even more wonderful than any other time. Quickly and gently, while his head was still by her neck, he gave the soft skin a gentle peck, not wanting to do any more and leave marks before the night even got started.

Letting go of her, he placed his hands on her shoulders, and looked her up and down before letting his arms fall to his sides. He shook his head some. “Damn girls grow up and make me wonder why I broke up with them.” He grinned at her, trying to make her feel good about herself because she had all the reason in the world to. Hell, Kels was a great looking girl, and she needed to know and hear that, just like every other girl in the world.

“Well, I hope that you’re in for a night of fun,” he said while letting her loop her arm into his. He bagan walking towards the nice, black car. “Because with Andrew Mathis, all you can have is fun.” He was so corny sometimes, but it seemed to work because he had hooked up with just about every girl that he wanted in Valkyire. Maybe girls were just really desperate or something. He wasn’t sure, but he did know that his lines were corny.

After reaching the car, Drew opened the door for his lovely date, and closed it once she had gotten in. He walked around to his side, rubbing his goatee as he went. He was still a bit nervous. As soon as he got in, he started the car, and the rap music started playing, except it wasn’t blaring this time. Aw. What a nice guy.

After backing out of the girl’s drive way, he immediately put his foot on the gas and began speeding down the road towards the party.

Upon reaching the mansion that the party was being held at, Andrew got out, rushed over, and opened Kelsey’s door with a grin. “Can’t ever do enough for a beautiful lady.” He loosely threw an arm over her shoulders and began walking up to the house, where a lot of people already were. “I hope you’re ready for a good night…”

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[Coco Lehoux]

coco lehoux
so this is the new year
and i have no resolutions
for self assigned penance
for problems with easy solutions
_______________
december 31st 2007
evening time

"Are you kidding me, Jason?!" Coco growled angrily into the cell phone, walking around the circular room trying to find her shoe. The shoe itself would help her tiny body actually prevent the blonde from tripping. Truth be told, her blue dress

[/u][/url] for the evening was exceptionally long, but the thing that would help that was heels. And Jason coming with her. But no - apparently, he was at some disgusting, putrid motel with Coco's best friend Amanda Summitt. Weird, but predictable. Despite that Ms. Lehoux didn't make an appearance at the 'Trio' gala, she had heard every single word of it from around the gossip and whispers. It sounded delicious, and Coco cackled at the idea that Jason almost made Anne cry. However, slightly disappointed that he actually got slapped by Ms. Anne.

"Fine, well wish Manda my regards, and I hope you guys don't wake up in the sheets." Coco then smirked as she finally found her shoe tossed in the walk in closet. "Because you know Jason darling I'd get jealous. Ciao." She then hung up the phone, placing it on the ground as she slipped on the stiletto. She wasn't that morally sad about Jason not accompanying her to the Ball, mainly because she had found someone yesterday to go with her. Whom? To be honest, she had no idea, and that could possibly not help, considering that there were masks involved. However, that was going to make it much more fun in her opinion. The whole night, Coco seemed to be formulating a plan. Not that that plan hadn't started to form the minute she laid eyes on the boy in the stables. Who was Coco to say that he wasn't absolutely divine.

Stepping out of the closet, checking her hair and make up in the full length mirror, she picked up her phone and walked to bed, where she had carelessly tossed her mask[/u][/url]. Sure, the design of it could get annoying, what with holding a golden stick instead of letting it be tied. However, Coco found that it would much easier if she needed to flash it to Mystery Stable Boy that night if it was needed. She held it up to her face for a moment, checking, and only felt an urge for something strong. Very. However, she waited, despite that her mini-fridge held, locked from parentals of course, rum and vodka. Oh so delicious. How else would she get her victims drunk pleasure? Exactly. "Have a lovely New Year, Pauletta. Don't drink too much now." Coco said coldly to the maid, whom they made work on New Years. Ouch.

The cold weather was furious, yet Coco didn't mind on not bringing a jacket. She was find the way she was, and besides, it was warm inside her new car, a lamborghini murciélago - versace edition, and at the Giovanni Estate. Sure, she lived close to them and could easily walk, but who the hell would walk when they could show off a car like that[/u][/url]? Hell, definitely not Coco. So, to be honest, the ride was fairly easy, it was just finding a spot that was difficult. Eventually, she did find one, but had to walk with no open hands. One making sure the dress didn't cause her to fall, the other holding the gold pole on her mask. Super. Now finding the man, for it was reaching the evening, and she had to be damn sure he was already there.

Searching through the mass of people, she was sure she could not find him, especially with all the masks and her own. However, it was when the thought reached her that he noticed him, it had to be, in a very formal attire and half mask. Coco grinned, as she slowly came behind him, holding her mask up and going on her very tip toes to reach his ear. "Hello stranger." She whispered. Oh, this was definitely going to be an interesting night. But wait - where was the alcohol?
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[talan]

LUKE&TALAN

"This whole mask deal is fuckin' gay" Luke smirked as he toyed with his masquerade mask in his hands, "like, why the fuck would I wanna hide my face? My body's a deal sealer, I know, but the ladies just love the face" he looked over to Talan and gave a smile, "love it." Talan laughed as he played with his own mask while walking next to Luke as they headed towards the Giovanni Estate, "I think it has something to do with hiding your identity, you know, so you can almost take on a different personality without people knowing who you are" he offered a shrug with his explanation, knowing that no matter what he said he couldn't really convince Luke. "That, or it's a chance for butter-faces to get action" Luke smirked once again at his own response as he put his mask on, "Butter faces?" Talan rose an eyebrow before putting on his own mask, "you know, everythings hot...but-her-face. Seriously though man, it's a chance for all the uglies out there to sneak around, pretend they're not ugly, and try to hook up with defenseless people like me who can't tell whether theyre ugly or not" he nodded, fully convinced of his own definition, "like I said, this shit's gay.

Talan had been living with Luke for about a year or so now, and he knew enough to just accept Luke's crazy reasoning with a laugh and a head shake and get on with the evening. He, unlike his cousin, was actually quite fond of the idea of wearing masks. Maybe he just liked the concept of it, or maybe it was because for the first time ever he was meeting up with his penpal in person. As dorky as having a pen pal sounded, before moving to Valkyrie Talan had been an olny child searching for somebody to talk to. He told her, he was sure that it was a girl, just about everything about himself, and she truly knew more about him than most people he conversed with. It was almost mind-blowing that she had actually moved to Valkyrie not too long after he had, and he was beyond nervous to be seeing her in the flesh.

Luke, on the other hand, had little to no plans for the evening. No wait, he did- get smashed and hookup with the hottest chick possible. But then again, when was that ever not his plan? Being a player was practically second nature to him, and all he wanted to do that night was just have a good time. Unfortunately, he would have to witness Kesley Lewington, his ex-girlfriend whom he somehow still hasn't gotten over, and his asshole of a best friend attending together. Fucking bullshit. If anything, Andrew should be off fucking some girl his own age, and not stealing those who Luke still had his eye on. But, it was a bit unfair to be so hostile considering Kelsey and Andrew had actually been together first...whatever. Luke had, however, arranged to pass the time getting drunk with his good friend Lucy Truelove. They had hung out a week or so, he had confessed his girl problems with Kelsey, and they pretty much just furthered their friendship. Although alcohol would be involved, Luke had absolutely no intent on hooking up with the girl because...well he just didn't. He just didn't see Lucy like that. She was like, that good friend that he kind of wanted to bang, but just didn't...whatever those were called. Hm.

"So when are you and Laura gonna bang?" Luke asked casually as they neared the Giovanni Residence, "I mean, shit Talan, she's cute, you obviously want her, and you guys live in the same fuckin' house! Do you have any game at all? I'll even provide the fuckin condom..." There was an awkward silence as Talan could feel himself starting to blush a bit, and thanked the mask that he was now wearing. He and Laura had definitely been getting closer since she moved in, but any feelings he may have thought he was having, he suppressed because he had a girlfriend, who he deeply cared for, and he was a faithful boyfriend. He was no Luke Summitt. "Luke..you know I have a girlfriend. So I guess that's gonna have to be um..never?"

[/color] Luke shook his head unhappy with the response, "Nah, your girlfriend's crazy lame...seriously though..Laura" he nodded and winked as they approached the door, "I'm gonna wait here for Lucy, but yo, I know Laura's gonna be here tonight, so...you know what to do".

Shaking his head and walking into the party, Talan tried to ignore the majority of what Luke had said on the way there. Laura was an amazing girl, he knew that, but was it actually apparent to others that there might be something between them? Or was that just Luke just trying to find something to annoy Talan about? Shrugging lightly, Talan walked over to one of the refreshment tables and looked around for a girl fitting the description of his penpal. No matter what happened that night, it sure would be interesting.



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[hsmrox14]

It's Britney bitch
I see you
And I just wanna dance with you

Everytime they turn the lights down
Just wanna go that extra mile for you
You got my display of affection
Feels like no one else in the room but you

Elaine was in her home, having woken up at 12 PM on New Years' Eve, and started getting ready with a shower. Finishing after stepping out of the shower, she wrapped a towel around herself, and went to do her hair. She curled it to perfection, moussed it, layered more product in it so that way it wouldn't frizz out. She slipped into her black strappy heels after she had painted her toenails black.

She had carefully painted each finger nail black, and placed a small, pink rosette on the pointer finger on each hand and placed a clear coat over it. She then pulled her dress over her head, smoothing out the wrinkles. Applying her make-up, she looked worthy of winning Prom Queen if she was a senior. But her outfit wasn't finished yet. Placing on a black mask with a gold edging and feather decals, she finished her ensemble. She smirked at herself.

She looked gorgeous, and there was no way her date would be able to resist her. Close to five o'clock, she went downstairs in her heels, and grabbed her matching black and gold clutch and placed her cell phone in it. Who knew who might call before the party. She finished the outfit with a simple gold choker and matching gold drop earrings.

Her outfit was completed, and it was now 6 o' clock. She waited for Ashton to arrive to pick her up, and she fasted a gold watch so she could keep track of time. After all, she needed to know the time so that way she could be home by 5 in the morning. She had told him at 6:15, and now she was checking all the details.

She just couldn't show up looking like a mess to the biggest date of her life! She was so excited, not only was it the biggest date of her life, it was on New Year's Eve! Elaine thought about the old saying, how you kiss someone at midnight on New Year's Eve and you'll be with them for the rest of the year. She finally knew what she wanted. She wanted to kiss Ashton at midnight.

Elaine told herself to calm down, but she jumped as the clock read 6:14. Only two more minutes left. She was so excited for this, and now, Elaine could finally be herself. Elaine smiled at the thought, and sat down waiting for him once again. Elaine reminded herself that patience is a virtue, but then again, when has she ever been virtuous?

[julia]

ALESSIA&JULIA

"Are you...are you sure she won't mind?"

[/color] Julia asked softly as she stood infront of Amanda's full length mirror, her eyes brows slightly raised in doubt. "Nahh, and who cares if she does? She's the one who decided to run off with that Levesque boy for only god knows how long..." They, of course, were talking about Amanda who had just recently escaped the drama that is Valkyrie. Needless to say that Luke had been worried sick, and although he tried to hide it, it was actually quite obvious. He saw him self as Amanda's guardian, and the fact that she had disappeared, had no clue exactly where they were, and was with that asshole Jason absolutely pissed him off. But, no matter how hard he tried, Amanda was going to do whatever she wanted. Others in the house, however, we much less sympathetic. Jessica had her own problems to deal with and couldn't have cared less, and Alessia just rolled her eyes at the whole situation. And now? Now, Julia was borrowing Amanda's tiny little dress to attend the oh-so talked about Masquerade Ball.

Alessia was a twenty-something-year-old Valkyrie Alumnus who was currently a student teacher; Julia was new blood to the corrupt school and only knew a handful of people besides her cousin. Neither of them were likely candidates to attend the ball, but somehow the two had agreed upon at least making a small appearance. "Sweetie, you look amazing," she gave a kind smile as she stood behind her looking in the mirror, "Now, let's go before all the good champagne's gone". Alessia and Julia had quite the interesting relationship. Rather than being 'besties' like Amanda and Julia supposedly were, Alessia seemed to play an older sister/motherly role with her younger cousin. The girl just seemed so innocent and naive that Alessia couldn't help but be protective of her. Alessia was willing to stand up for her when she couldn't stand up for herself, and at the same time peer pressure her into drinking her first class of alcohol. There was just something about Julia's pure and genuine nature that intrigued her.

As they entered the house, the two stuck together for the first few minutes. The surplus of people milling about, masking their identities, and consuming alcoholic beverages were so overwhelming, that the butterflies in Julia's stomach withheld her from actually being able to venture out on her own. Plus, she only knew about four or five people besides her cousins, and she doubted that they would have any interest at all in seeing her. "Um..I think I'm going to go.."[/color] she was embarrassed that she had even attempted to attend this fabulous of a party, and she was seriously considering returning home and spending the new years alone, or possibly with Jessica. "Oh, please. You've already come this far, you look great, and it's New Years!" Alessia really had no intention in staying with her cousin the whole night, but she would have hated to see Julia miss out on a good time because she was entirely too timid. But, as her own eyes scanned around, they laid upon a man, seemingly around her age, with much potential. Little did she know that it her own co-worker Zack Holtz, so she allowed her imagination to wander and invent whatever mystery man she desired behind that mask. Plus, she too had a mask to conceal her own identity. "I'll be back Julia, try not to stress too hard, and have a drink. Okay?" Ah yes, she was ditching her cousin to pursue this mystery-man, but common, she wasn't her mother.

And instead, she approached the male with a small smirk, "Dare I say that there is another above the age of 19? How promising.".





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[kelseylewington]

kelsey lewington
we need to feel breathless with love
and not collapse under its weight
I'm gasping for the air to fill
my lungs with everything I've lost

Kelsey smiled as he responded to her greeting. It was always something to be called beautiful. No matter how anyone said it, or how well you could take a compliment it was one thing that always left you feeling really good about yourself. People called others pretty, or cute, or hot all the time, but when a boy stood there and allowed those words to leave there lips, and especially when you believe the meant it, well it meant the world. Andrew had her, it was getting obvious already and the night had barely even begun. She hated feeling this vulnerable, but maybe it was just the occasion. New Years could make anyone feel giddy, especially when they had a boy picking them up in a nice car and saying nice things. Yah, it was just the day.

But it wasn’t. It was like years before, when they had dated. Even though it was awhile ago, Kelsey couldn’t help but compare now to then. She hadn’t expected this. Hadn’t expected him to just walk right back into her life, and definitely hadn’t expected her to just let him sweep her up in his pretty words and cute quirks. He was a player, probably one of the most notorious ones, she knew that. Kelsey was fully aware he had probably hooked up with every one of her friends plus the tons more. She knew she would just end up just another notch on his bedpost. However, optimistic thinking was getting the best of her as she lowered the mask so her face was no longer covered and she allowed herself to become completely wrapped up in the hug her ex-boyfriend was treating her too.

His lips grazed her neck and it was just like old times. Going for it before the date had even began. Only Andrew. “Damn girls grow up and make me wonder why I broke up with them.” She winked playfully at him. ”It’s our life goal.” Kelsey nodded, looking him in the eye, her tone serious although she was half-joking. ”We love to see our ex-boyfriends seriously question what they were thinking when they broke with us, and apparently it’s working.” Linking her arm with his, she began walking with him towards his car. Chuckling at his next comment about how she should expect the night to be fun because she was with him, Kelsey couldn’t help but roll her eyes. She was only teasing of course, but his ability to be soo cocky and corny at the same time was amazing. Part of her adored the fact that he felt like he needed to use lame lines with her while the other found it irritating. Either way, it was cute.

”So I’ve heard.” She responded, stepping into the car as he held open the door. ”Thanks babe.” Kelsey muttered somewhat softly before he closed her door and hopped in the front seat. Gallant things like that were her downfall – just like sweet comments and players. Mix all three together and it usually ended with someone – mainly her, getting hurt. The ride to the party was smooth, not too much conversation, but that didn’t really matter as they would be spending the rest of the evening together. Kelsey simply sat back, gazed out the window and tapped her foot to the beat of the music.

“Can’t ever do enough for a beautiful lady.”

They had arrived at the Giovanni mansion, where the party was being held. Stepping out of Andrew’s car, she pulled her shawl closely around her shoulders, although she didn’t need it much as it was a short distance to the inside, plus she had Andrew’s arm wrapped around them shortly after getting out of the car. His warmth was almost enough for the chilly night. ”Andrew, I don’t remember you being such a charmer. It’s sweet.” Walking into the mansion, oh yes, she was ready for a good night.

[/color][/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]

[samantha]

♥ s a m a n t h a
_______________

Lots of people were here, and Samantha was unsure of how she was going to find Paolo. People were constantly arriving. If she had only looked quicker, she might have found him faster. But the longer Samantha took, the more people came. This is Paolo's house so he has to be here somewhere. Samantha thought to herself. It wasn't like he was late or anything, because this was his house. He was the one throwing this ball. Let's just hope he's not wearing a mask, yet. Samantha thought to herself. She knew this was a masquerade ball but there was a possibility that he wasn't wearing the mask, right? Yeah, it was possible. Just not probable. She was saved from having to look for him as Samantha heard a familiar voice.

"I would have to say, you look absolutely stunning tonight. I am so glad, that you could come tonight."

Samantha looked at Paolo and thought it shouldn't have been so hard to find him. It was just that there were people everywhere she turned. The estate wasn't s crowded that she couldn't move, but Samantha could easily tell that was Paolo. She didn't know him too well, but the girl could still tell. She smiled when he spoke, and said, "Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself." And that was the truth. She wasn't saying it to be nice, but Paolo really did look handsome, and Samantha was sure he still did with that mask off. "I want to show you something, Sam." She didn't say anything since she figured he would lead her to what he wanted to show her. But what could it actually be? Samantha didn't try to guess what Paolo wanted to show her because she assumed that she would see it in a few minutes. Not that long of a wait, and she couldn't deal with it.

As she walked through the kitchen with Paolo, Samantha felt a little weird. She was wearing a dress..walking through a kitchen. She assumed this wasn't what he wanted to show her, but it seemed weird. Samantha could see some of the chefs looking at her weirdly while others just looked confused. But before she knew it, she was outside with Paolo. "Sorry about that, but through the kitchen is the fasted way to get here," Samantha gave him a slight nod that said, "Oh." Samantha admired how nice it looked out here. She was always a fan of fountains, so that could be one thing that made her like the scenery. "This, is my favorite place." And Samantha could see why it was. The view was just beautiful. "It's-Wow." Samantha said. She couldn't pick out the right word that explained how much she liked his 'favorite place'.

"And I also wanted to give you this,"

Her eyes turned away from the ocean and to Paolo. Give me something? Samantha thought herself instead of saying it. She watched as he picked up a rose from on top of the bushes. A rose? Samantha questioned Paolo, but instead, asked the question once more in her mind. She was kind of surprised, but her expression seem to remain calm. Samantha listened as Paolo explained the colors and meanings of roses. When he said the burgundy was beauty, Samantha didn't expect anything. She was shocked when she saw the color of the rose he handed to her - Burgundy. "Beauty?" Samantha said out of shock. She never thought of herself as beautiful. Maybe pretty or just plain cute, but beautiful? Wow. Paolo Giovanni sure knew how to charm a girl. Samantha didn't say anything more. She was speechless. Samantha held the rose in her hand, looking at it. This better not be a dream. Samantha thought to herself.

[ ooc: i forced myself to make a post even though i'm running out of muse. so here it is =P ]

[Nathan Street]

B l a k e Kalmojenovic ;;

It's something unpredictable
but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.
So take the photographs
and still frames in your mind.
__________________

[/font][/color][/center]

He was NOT a natural social being.

Blake Kalmojenovic was not among the majority of Valkyrie Academy’s student body who could easily settle into a new, social situation and make it seem effortless. He couldn’t simply walk up to a group of people he hardly knew, a glass of whatever the evening’s alcohol choice was in his possession, and strike up a lively, easy conversation. For the few parties he had been dragged to in California, the majority of it had been spent lurking in a corner, and thinking about…everything. Thinking about how these people seemed to have social manuals inscripted in their genes, and how he seemed to have never gotten a copy. Or how, when living in London, he had always been the heart – and life – of the party. Even during those boring black-tie events his father had dragged him to, the magician had always amused himself with talking with the paparazzi and provoking the English fame into irritation for a good tabloid photograph. But here? No such luck.

He wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for that silly Irish mate of his. Blake had never done well in these social situations, especially the ones involving black-tie attire and Valkyrie’s Elite.

Still holding the simple mask that had been shoved into his hand, the English export shyly weaved his way through the crowds 0f tuxedos and formal dresses. Standing there in his casual clothing and careless appearance, he knew very well that he stuck out like a sore thumb. Already, the eyes of the VA A-listers had offered him disgusted glares and arched eyebrows. “Well, same as everyday.” Muttering softly to himself, his thick accent highlighted with mild awkwardness and a hell of a lot of timidness, Blake continued to push his thin body through the tight knit groups of friends and dates. What the hell was he supposed to do now? All of his “friends” wouldn’t have anything to do with this ridiculous event, so he knew they weren’t going to be coming around here. Sylar was probably off looking for Brianna. Renee was sitting at home doing what he wanted to do – being miserable and watching old movies. And here he was.

Why couldn’t life ever go his fucking way?

Blowing out an exasperated sigh, he dug into the pocket of his leather jacket and withdrew Julia Summitt’s cellphone. Oh right. That’s why he was here. The Masquerade Ball had been his only chance to get the girl on her own long enough to return the phone she had left at the park that afternoon. During school, she was rarely without Amanda by her side, and her mysterious disappearance with Jason made this even easier. Looking at the blank screen of the powerless piece of technology, he simply gripped it, closed his eyes for a moment and nodded to himself. Okay. Give the phone to Julia, find Sylar and tell him he was bailing, and then going back home to be miserable and tone that old guitar of his. Sounds like a deal.

His green, bi-colored eyes beginning to search the large ballroom for the stunning brunette, Blake landed his gaze on Alessia. Okay, so if the student teacher was here, her cousin couldn’t be far behind. Sticking out part of his tongue out of the side of his mouth, he began to gnaw on it. Why did this place have to be so damn huge, anyways? Raising his right hand and placing it behind his neck, wiping the sweat from it, he craned his neck around and spotted the familiar dress he had heard Amanda boasting about at school. That had to be Julia. Since Valkyrie’s queen-bitch was absent, he could only assume her protégé would step up into her place here. Shrugging at the sour though, he might as well give it a whirl.

Dropping his right hand into the pocket of his jacket once more, and gripping the cell phone, he weaved his way towards the shy girl. Either be right or make a total ass of himself; a win-win for his reputation. Hah. Standing behind her, he blew another sigh, leaned forward and made another English coin appear from behind her ear. Holding it over her shoulder and in front of her face, Blake offered her a weak smile. “Too bad they don’t make American dollar coins.”

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