AN: This idea came about thanks to a few scenes from Zorro the Gay Blade; mainly the masquerade ball. If you have seen the movie, you'll know where the title and a couple other lines are from.
Xxx
Darker Than Black
Here I am
xxx
Gathered at their headquarters, the Section Four team sat at their computer desks typing away. Contractor activity was light, giving them time to catch up on work. Misaki even had some personal time for the past week, which Kanami made her spend a majority of it shopping.
"If I don't get you out, then you get bored and go to work!" Kanami had said.
"I'm bored now!" Misaki had replied.
BK-201 had been inactive all month, except briefly during the weekends for some reason. It was strange because there weren't any signs of dead Contractors, which was unusual since they customarily had dead Contractors every week courtesy of him. Did Contractors even take vacation leave?
Where would a Contractor like BK-201 go? Would he plan a trip to Disney World? She chuckled, as she imagined him standing in a long line and turning the power off on the ride so that other people would leave, work his way up front, and then turn back on the power. The thought of him on Space Mountain with his mask glowing in the dark almost brought tears to her eyes.
At least that is what she would do if she had the power. Not to mention, it was convenient and could explain why he slightly used his power on the weekends. She was sure that if Section Four didn't have the lab tracking his star, he would use his power to avoid paying any electrical bills.
Saitou peeked his head over his work, and asked, "Everything all right Chief?"
"Yes, Saitou," said Misaki, clearing her throat. "Just laughing about a joke Kanami had told me."
"Oh, really! What was the joke?"
Misaki glared over her glasses at him, stating for him to get back to work.
Her commander had suggested to her to take this week off, but she had a lot of paperwork and felt BK-201 would strike if she were relaxing and enjoying herself on the Pirate's of the Caribbean ride. That one lost opportunity could cost her the chance at capturing and unmasking him.
Visualizing BK-201 passed out drunk on top a pile of treasure singing Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate's Life for Me in his sleep, she pictured herself walking up to him, taking a hold of his mask and smiling as she was about to rip it off.
"I'm having a party!" yelled Ootsuka, bringing Misaki back to reality, and making her swear under her breath. Not even in her wildest dreams was she able to catch him. Saitou and Misaki, popping a Pocky in her mouth to munch on, glanced up from their computers to look at her. "You two are welcome to come too. I had asked Kouno, and he said he would be there."
"What kind of party?" Saitou asked.
"Some of my friends and I decided to have a cosplay party."
"Cosplay?" Misaki sighed, and grabbed another Pocky from the box.
"Sounds fun," commented Saitou.
"It will be a lot of fun," replied Ootsuka. "Me and a lot of friends contributed and got a really nice hall, caterers and a DJ. Will you two come?"
"Sure," said Saitou.
"I've been busy," said Misaki, chewing.
"With what? There hasn't been any activity lately."
"It's not my kind of party."
"You don't have to cosplay, Chief," said Ootsuka.
"I'll feel out of place."
"I have other friends that will not be dressing up either. I'll introduce you to them."
"Fine, what time?"
"I'll send you both an e-mail giving the details of where the party is at, and what you should wear."
"You said I could wear regular clothes," stated Misaki.
"I only said you didn't have to cosplay. It's still going to be a masquerade and I would at least like you to wear a mask."
"A mask?" Misaki asked baffled, as she visualized herself wearing BK-201's with his clothes.
"It's a theme from my story."
"Sounds more like my life. I'll pass."
"Oh, come on, Chief!"
Misaki's phone rang. She picked it up to see Kanami had texted her.
It read: You better go to Ootsuka's party, or you'll have to go shopping with me instead.
Misaki sighed.
It was more like she would make her go shopping for the party. Grabbing four coconut Pockys, she munched them down at the same time from frustration.
Xx
Hei lay on the round bench under the tree with his hands behind his head, as Mao sat on the ground next to him eyeing a bee flying around his head. Yin was lying on top of the elephant slide glancing blankly at the sky. Huang, smoking a cigarette and holding a newspaper under his other arm, entered to walk over to and stand next to Mao while glaring down at Hei.
"New job for you, Hei," he said, as he inhaled and puffed out smoke in Hei's face, causing Hei to close his eyes and cover his mouth. Mao, knowing it was an irrational and stupid thought, began pawing at the bee. It was probably animal instinct. "You are to pick up an item in a few days at Tokyo Tower." Hei opened his right eye to glare up at Huang. "From there, they want you to place it in Officer Kirihara's possession."
Hei's eyes twitched for a second. "They expect me to just walk up and hand it to her?"
"Sounds like a simple job to me," said Mao, as the bee landed on his nose. He flung his head towards Hei, causing the annoying insect to fly away. "If you want to get arrested."
"My thoughts exactly," Hei replied, casually while closing his eye.
Huang huffed and puffed, wanting to blow Hei away, and said, "They don't care how you do it! They just don't want her to catch you doing it. The Syndicate is relying on your Li cover for that."
"It will put more suspicion on Li. Not to mention, it could trigger her memory from the allergy potion incident. She's already suspicious of me, I can't take the chance."
"Then find out a way to give it to her as the Black Reaper!"
The bee returned, this time with a friend. Mao narrowed his eyes at them.
"I can't just go up to her and say, 'Here I am!'"
"AAAAAHHHHHH! SANTA MARIA!" yelled someone. The Syndicate team turned to see Kiko charging in, oblivious to Hei, and running up to Yin. "Glad I caught you! I just got the newest issue of Morris!"
Yin nodded, slid down the slide, and guided Kiko out so Huang could continue his debriefing.
"I knew it was a bad idea to let those two be friends," mumbled Huang.
Mao smiled at him, but then frowned, and then sat up while yelling, "Get lost!"
He raised both paws in the air and swatted at the black and yellow stripe insects.
"Just do what you're told, Hei."
"What is it that we are to give her?" said Mao, jumping up towards the bees. "It doesn't make sense… that the Syndicate would want to give the police… anything they have in their possession."
"Hell if I know. I do what I'm told," he finished, as he threw the butt at Mao. Mao dodged it, but doing so gave the bees an opportune moment, and stung him.
"Ouch!" Mao yelled and started running in circles frantically, as Huang left the park. "Damn bees. Hei, get me some cold water. I need some alcohol and some allergy medication. I'm allergic!"
Hei stood, stepped on Mao's tail to stop and make him meow hysterically. Picking him up by the neck, Hei threw him over to a small puddle under the elephant slide from last night's storm.
"Don't say I never helped you," commented Hei.
"Yes, you're a big help," mumbled Mao sarcastically to himself, as he sat up with mud dripping down his annoyed face.
Xxx
Ootsuka had hired a catering party that was finishing setting up a buffet table along the left wall. The hall was the size of a large movie theater with tables scattered about and a dance floor in the center. It surprised Misaki that Ootsuka went all out. She really enjoyed her anime.
Matsumoto entered with a stack of ten chairs, making Misaki wonder where he had gotten the strength to carry them up a flight of stairs.
He began setting it before the buffet.
"Wait, Matsumoto-san. Over there in the corner," said Ootsuka, pointing to the back right corner.
Huffing out his exhaustion, Matsumoto turned around and headed over to it.
"Thanks for helping out, Chief," said Ootsuka to Misaki who was setting some table anime figurine decorations from Bara no Morris on the tables.
"It's not a problem."
"I've been planning this for months after I wrote my fan-fiction! To think the day has come makes me all squeamish!"
Misaki smiled, trying to be polite, but deep down, she didn't get anime because of the big eyes and lack of movement.
"Matsumoto-san. Not there. The other side," Ootsuka said, pointing to the front of the hall.
Matsumoto sighed in annoyance.
"Is there anything else I can help with?" asked Misaki.
"No. We should be all set now."
After she had finished setting the last few decorations, Misaki went towards the restroom carrying a handbag to change her clothes.
"Please, Matsumoto-san, the far right corner." Matsumoto glared at Ootsuka agitated, since that was where he was originally going to set the chairs.
Misaki shook her head at her friend's obliviousness to how she was treating Matsumoto. She went to go help him set them down and when they were done, she headed into the bathroom and entered a stall. After she changed, she exited and sighed as she looked into the mirror to see she was wearing another red Chinese dress picked out by Kanami. This one, compared to the one from Alice's party, fell just short above her knees. She had said Ootsuka's friends would think she was dressed in cosplay without actually having to wear one.
Misaki thought this was worse. What if they asked her which one? She didn't know any anime. More to the point, she believed her friend was trying to have a guy hook up with her tonight. It would be best not to get involved with men that were into anime. In fact, it was best to stay single since she didn't have time because of work.
She exited the restroom with her handbag, as the caterers finished setting up the buffet table and headed over to grab a drink.
Misaki's mind wandered on her friend Alice's party, wearing the same uncomfortable dress. Not to mention, BK-201 had shown up. What were the possibilities that he'd show up in his black attire? No doubt he would fit in.
After chuckling to herself, she took a sip of her wine. Work was on her mind too much. There was no way he would come to her friend's party. Alice's was on a totally different level. Criminals were not here plotting to take over the Yakuza.
Plus, even if he was, it wasn't like he was going to stroll in here and say, "Here I am."
"HERE I AM!" yelled a man's voice from the front of the building.
Misaki's eyes widened in surprise as she spit out the wine she was drinking onto the person standing next to her by the table. She turned her attention to the noise to stare at a man dressed in all black with a black trench coat and white Mask.
"AHH! SANTA MARIA! You just ruined my twenty-thousand yen Morris costume!" yelled the man she spit on. When she didn't acknowledge him he became angry. "Hey, aren't you going to apologize?" Reaching under her dress, Misaki pulled out her handgun from between her legs, causing the man's eyes to widen. "Woo… forget I said anything. You don't have to apologize."
She ignored him and ran over to the man dressed in black to stand five feet in front of him.
"Freeze, BK-201! Put your hands up!" Misaki yelled.
Quickly jumping in surprise, he dropped what appeared to be a weapon to the ground and put his hands up in the air.
I can't believe he would just walk right in and give himself up, said Misaki to herself. I'm almost disappointed. I was hoping for a better game of Cat and Mouse.
She cautiously stepped closer to him while keeping her gun on him. Surprised he didn't try to escape; she reached up with her free hand to remove the mask.
"KOUNO!" she yelled, dumbfounded. "You're BK… why are you dressed like that? Trying to get shot!"
"Of course not. Don't be silly. I'm wearing this costume on request."
"A request?" She stared at his black hair peculiarly. "Is that a wig?"
"I got an e-mail from Ootsuka stating she wanted me to dress up like her masked hero."
Misaki's eyes slanted, as she said, "Masked hero?"
"Yes, from her story."
"Her story?"
She noticed Commander Hourai behind him dressed up in some kind of black furry outfit.
"Sir? Why are you dressed like that?"
"I lost a bet with your father."
"My father? Is he here too?"
"No. Unfortunately, that is why I am."
"What are you suppose to be, a bear?"
"I'm the hero's cat."
"A CAT?"
"HERE I AM!" yelled another voice from behind Misaki. She turned to see another man dressed up in BK-201's outfit standing on top of a balcony. "You cannot escape me, I will capture you."
The man held on to the end of a rope hanging from the ceiling, stepped up on the balcony rail, and swung down, landing awkwardly and twisting his ankle. He whimpered in agony while hopping around.
"Santa Maria! Now, that's what I call a hero!" yelled Ootsuka, coming out from the back.
The man looked over at her and stood in a perfect posture with his hands on his hips, but holding up his twisted ankle. Ootsuka ran over into his arms and hugged him.
Misaki took her gun and aimed it towards the man.
"Hmmm… You can't stop me with that petty weapon!" he exclaimed, as he pulled a kitchen knife out from inside his jacket. "Now this is a weapon."
"Drop your weapon, BK-201!" yelled Misaki. "Let Ootsuka go!"
"BO-204?" the man questioned. "I… I am the masked avenger."
"BK-201?" asked Ootsuka. "Chief, this is my masked hero."
"He's your hero?" questioned Misaki.
"He saved me. Why do you keep calling him BK-201?"
"You mean you don't know?"
"No."
"Because that's his…" It was then that Misaki realized the attire was a little different. Instead of one purple lightning bolt, there were two red lines running down both eyes and a cape replaced a coat with purple lining rather than green. "...outfit?"
"Really?" questioned Ootsuka. "I had no idea."
"I don't believe that," Misaki stated, her lips perked with irritation.
"Love is blind."
"Love?"
"Yes, I love him."
"You're out of your mind, Ootsuka."
"If you would have seen him, you would think different. He was charming," she began, as she fluttered her eyes in happiness, "strong, and handsome. Everything a girl dreams about."
"Handsome?" Misaki pondered with her eyes slanted. "How would you know if he is handsome since he wears a mask?"
"His collarbones!"
"His collarbones?" Misaki didn't recall ever seeing his collarbones. "Are you sure we're talking about the same guy?"
At the front entrance, another man dressed in the Black Reaper's outfit entered the party. Misaki recognized that bulky body and haircut immediately.
"Here I am!" he said.
"He's definitely not BK-201," she said, as she walked up to him. "Saitou, why are you wearing that outfit?"
"How did you know it was me, Chief?" he asked, as he took off the mask.
Misaki sighed. "A BIG hunch. Now why are you dressed like that?"
"Ootsuka sent out an e-mail requesting me to wear it. I have to admit, I thought it was in bad taste."
"Very bad, considering you know whom it belongs to."
"I thought it would be fun."
Misaki shook her head. "More like you, Kouno, and everyone else is trying to get killed."
"I asked a friend who was built similar to cosplay him for me," said Ootsuka, and then placed her right hand to her chin while thinking. "Perhaps I hit reply all. I only meant for other's to wear a mask."
Guests continued to arrive. All together there appeared to be a hundred guests with half the men dressed as BK-201, screaming out, "Here I am!" as they entered. Misaki didn't have a clue as to why.
The females dressed from various anime that Misaki was not familiar with and had masks on too. She did hear Ootsuka say something about Borris Morris, or along those lines.
Misaki had no idea how many on-line friends Ootsuka had that were into cosplay.
There was a girl in pink pigtails dressed as a black cat that had arrived and had to get her picture with everyone who dressed up as BK-201. Misaki had made a point to ask all of them to remove their masks to see if maybe the real one was in there somewhere. Not like she would know if it was he, but it was a start.
Moreover, what an awkward feeling this was as she watched half of those men escort their dates to the dance floor and start dancing. It was like Kami was punishing her for trying to capture him.
A part of her wanted to arrest and lock everyone up, but there wasn't a law that prevented people from cosplaying as criminals. It would give her a sense of tranquility at the moment since all she currently thought about was strangling Kanami for making her come. She walked over to a waiter, grabbed two glasses of wine in each hand and went to stand up against a wall where she laid her belongings down.
Xxx
Hei stood against a wall on the opposite end of the party from where Misaki was standing. He was wearing black pants, a black shirt, and a black vest with small white stripes and an embroidered skull with crossbones on his right chest. He wore a large white and black masquerade mask that covered his nose and up. To hide his features more, he decided to sleek his hair back.
Already trying to accomplish his mission earlier by breaking into her apartment, he was able to access her computer to see she had an invitation to a cosplay party. He didn't think she was the type and was correct, as she stood alone, drinking two alcoholic beverages instead of mingling with everybody.
It was the last day he was told to accomplish his mission. It should work, since he could wear a mask and mix in with the crowd.
His instructions where specifically to swap out her glasses, apply a little clear microchip on her neck just below her ear, and then read the letter in the envelope for further instructions. He had tried once already to switch them out, but when he went to her apartment twice that day, she was either not there or awake in the middle of the night working.
Did she even sleep?
Shockingly, there were a lot of people dressed up like the Black Reaper. However, their masks had some red marks at the eyes, and they wore a cape instead of a coat. Exactly where did they hear about him if those who were to see him would have their memories wiped? Perhaps he wasn't as invisible as he thought. Although, it would make it easier for him if he had to change and escape. He would have to inform the Syndicate to wipe everyone's memory that attended the party.
He didn't plan on Misaki leaving behind her glasses. It was possible she had them in her handbag.
Even more surprising was that she was wearing a slim fitting Chinese dress exactly like the one she had on at Alice's party: except shorter. She was just as beautiful today as she was then. He had never seen anyone else more elegant in the dress.
Hei shook his head. Where the hell did those thoughts come from?
He thought he should try another day and pretend to bump into her to knock off her glasses, but she was too smart for that and could pick out Li from even the back. Avoiding her was out of the question. This cosplay party was perfect so he could be BK-201 without her knowing it was he.
First thing was first; he would have to make contact with Misaki.
Needing a drink, he walked over to the buffet table to grab one before he casually walked over to lean next to where she was standing. He stayed quiet for a few minutes to see if she would take notice of him and start a conversation. He prayed she didn't recognize him as Li.
After five minutes of silence, she exhaled a breath of frustration, and said, "Damn, empty."
"Would you like another?"
Misaki looked up at him, and said, "Ah… no. I'm good for now. Thank you."
Misaki went back to gaze at her empty glass.
"Are you sure? You look like you want another, or you're not enjoying the party," Hei stated.
"No, not particularly. I hate parties."
"Then why did you come?"
"My friend dragged me."
"Me too," he said.
"Really?"
"Yeah, he really likes to cosplay and is a huge fan of Naruto."
"Never heard of it."
"Me neither. What character are you cosplaying?"
"Ummm…" She paused to think about what she should say. "To tell you the truth, none."
"I figured as much."
"And you?"
"A J-rock star," he replied, as he remembered her playlist on her iPod, thinking it would be a great way to hook her into his charms.
"J-rock? They usually have colored hair and fancy clothes?"
"Not all."
"Who are you dressed as?"
"Gackt."
"Really! I love his music. So why are you alone? You should have a flood of females on you?"
"Perhaps they do not recognize my outfit."
"No, his fans are generally up on all the styles he has worn." Misaki looked around, remembering he said he was here with someone.
"Where's your friend? "Did he ditch you as soon as he got here?"
"He's on the toilet at the moment."
"Oh."
"And you? Why are you alone?"
"The host of the party is a co-worker. I came with my best friend, but she is flirting with guys. And there were two other co-workers of mine here, but I made them go home and change their outfits since they were inappropriate."
"Ah. I'm surprised you're still here, but I'm glad. Name's Hizumi. Yours?"
"Kirihara Misaki."
"A beautiful lady such as you shouldn't be standing here doing nothing," he said, as he went to stand in front of her, smiling. "Would you like to enjoy the party?"
"Hmmm?"
"Can I have this dance?" he asked, as he held out his hand.
"No, I can't," said Misaki, shying away. "I'm not very good."
"I'm a good leader."
Misaki lifted her head again to see him still smiling. Looking slightly down at his hand, she contemplated if she should take it. She didn't want to, but after glancing back up and noticing his eyes, she found herself captivated by them, causing her to blush and hold her hand out.
He gently took her hand and led her onto the dance floor. Putting one hand around her waist and holding the other hand with his, he gently moved her to the music.
While they danced, Misaki couldn't help continue to stare into his beautiful midnight blue eyes. If it wasn't for Hizumi's slick black hair and sauvé personality, she would have thought he were Li. Not to mention, his voice was deeper and sexier.
"What is it?" Hizumi asked.
"Hmmm?"
"Something's on your mind."
"You remind me of someone."
Sh#t, thought Hei, here it comes. "Really? Who?"
"A friend. You have the same eyes."
So she thought of Li as a friend. Damn, I should have worn contacts. He swore in his mind. I didn't think she paid that much attention to me.
"I am wearing contacts for the cosplay," he commented quickly.
"Oh, right. Gackt does wear blue contacts a lot. Good job."
"So who is this friend? Is he someone special? Cause if he's here, I don't want to start any trouble."
"Oh… ah, no…" Misaki blushed. "He's… he's just a friend."
"So that means if I asked you if you wanted to get the hell out of here and go somewhere else, you wouldn't have any objections."
"I… ah… I…"
"It's all right. You just didn't look like you were enjoying the party. I understand if you're uncomfortable leaving with a stranger."
"Well, normally not. I'm tough. However, I can't even see your face."
"What's in a face, except noting more than a way to identify someone?"
"Exactly! To hunt you down if you tried anything on me," she said, reaching up to grab his mask. He grabbed a hold of her hand and tilted his head slightly.
"What's your hurry?"
"Let me take off your mask?"
"What would be the fun in that?" he smirked.
"You plan to play on my curiosity?"
"Only if it's working."
"No, it isn't."
Misaki looked away from him, and then quickly tried to reach up and grab his mask with her other hand, but he held them with his at his waist.
"It's not, huh?" he challenged.
"Just a peek?"
"Hmm… I think I want to make you work for it."
"Huh?"
"A little excitement for this boring party. If you can remove it, I'll treat you to a home cooked dinner."
"And if I can't, what's in it for you?"
"A kiss."
Misaki's eyes lit up. "A kiss? From an unknown man?"
He leaned in and whispered softly into her ear, "Isn't that more exhilarating?"
Misaki blushed as bright as a rose while a shiver ran down her spine. However, she found herself pushing slightly away from him.
"I'm sorry, I made you uncomfortable," he said, concerned.
"No, no, it's just a little hot in here," Misaki lied, not making eye contact. "If you'll excuse me, I need to go use the restroom."
"Sure," he replied. Smiling at him, she turned around to head off.
Looking down at the clear microchip in his hand, Hei couldn't believe that he got too distracted he forgot to put it on Misaki's neck and may have lost his perfect opportunity.
What was wrong with him? Did he somehow get infected from something that was in the envelope or did someone put extra alcohol in the two drinks he already had? He shouldn't have cared about what type of perfume she was wearing, or what she had on under the dress, but while they danced, that was all he could think about.
Even so, here was his opportunity to switch out her glasses. As she entered the restroom, he headed over to where he had asked Misaki to dance, picked up her handbag, and scrounged through it to see if her glasses were inside.
All he found were a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and food she had stuffed in there from the buffet table.
He had been at her apartment earlier looking for them; he was out of luck there and now here. Perhaps they were in her car. He could go check it, but he still needed to apply the clear microchip on her. However, the way things were going between them, she probably didn't want anything else to do with him.
As he made his way passed the buffet table, he noticed Misaki exiting the restroom.
That was quick.
Xx
Misaki stood in front of the sink as she splashed her face with cold water.
Damn, who is this guy? she thought to herself.
He was making her feel like she wanted to take him away somewhere and not only rip that mask off, but strip him naked. She had to calm her nerves down or her friends would take notice of her obsession of masked men.
"Who was the guy you were dancing with?" Kanami asked behind her.
She looked into the mirror to see Kanami walking into the bathroom dressed in a tight black leather kitty outfit with black hair.
"Huh?"
"You didn't think I would notice."
"What are you wearing?"
"Don't try to change the subject. I'm cosplaying. Now, who's the hottie?"
"You don't watch anime."
"Believe it or not, this costume attracts lots of wealthy men."
"You mean boys."
"Men. Like the one dancing with you. Now stop trying to get me off the subject and talk, cute masked man!"
"No one special," she said, grabbing a paper towel from the dispenser.
"Considering you are in here trying to cool down, I think he hit a sensitive spot with you."
"It's just hot in this dress," said Misaki, while she grabbed another paper towel to wet it and pat her armpits. She turned around to look at Kanami. "Besides, I don't even know the guy."
"So, are you ditching Ootsuka's party to hang out with the hottie?"
Misaki looked at her puzzled. "How did…? You sent him to hit on me, didn't you?"
"What? No!"
"You do it all the time: especially when we hang out at the bars."
"Misaki, you may not believe me, but I didn't this time."
"You're lying."
"Misaki, I have no idea who he is."
"Why don't I believe you?"
"I wouldn't lie to my best friend. Now, give me details. His name, is he single, does he smell good, how sexy is his voice and what color are his eyes."
"He says his name is Hizumi and that's all I'm telling you."
"I just want to know if he is as charming as his looks."
"I don't know what he looks like. He hasn't taken off his mask for me. Actually, he's daring me to try."
"Really? No wonder he has your attention."
"Kanami!"
"I'll go find out from Ootsuka about him. Maybe we can give you an edge on him."
"That would be helpful."
"I'll flag you into the restroom. In the meantime, do your best. I'm very curious."
"I'm not going back to him."
"You have to."
"No I don't."
"Why not?"
"Well, because… I… I… I have to use the restroom."
"That's not a very good excuse. Go see him again."
"He'll be gone."
"You don't know that."
"He said he was leaving."
"You're terrible at lying."
"Fine, I'll play along," she sighed.
"Don't act like you're not enjoying it. I know the adrenaline of trying to unmask him will equal that of unmasking BK-201. Just whatever you do, don't leave with him until we find something out."
"I don't plan on leaving with him."
"What? You never had a one night stand?"
"No, and I don't plan to with him."
"How much have you had to drink today?"
"Five glasses of wine."
"Hmmm, just a couple more and I'm sure you'll be leaving with him," Kanami finished and pushed her friend out of the bathroom.
Misaki whined at her friend's comment, but when she was passed the door, she immediately began looking for Hizumi. He was standing by the buffet table, smiling at her as he spotted her. A smirk crept on her face and headed towards him. Passing by a waiter carrying a dozen glasses of wine, she grabbed one and chugged it down. The waiter stopped and looked at her baffled, which gave her the opportunity to snatch and drink two more. She picked up a third and went over to Hizumi.
I hate it when Kanami's right, she thought. I need to find out who this man is.
"Kirihara-san," said Hizumi. "I didn't think I'd have the pleasure of your company again."
"I plan to get that free diner."
"You think you can?"
"I know I can. And I'll make you work for it too. I have a huge appetite."
Misaki shifted to her left as someone approached, slightly bumping into her and making her spill her wine all over the floor. The man, too drunk to notice, kept walking, as Misaki looked down in frustration.
"Here, let me clean that up for you," Hizumi said, as he grabbed a few napkins off the table and bent down to clean it up.
Figuring she could get the drop on him, Misaki reached down to pull his mask off from the corner. However, as she did, he grabbed her wrist.
He stood up smiling, and said, "Good try, but you should have tried harder."
"You sound like I only had one try at it."
"You did," he smirked.
"What? That's not fair."
He leaned in to whisper into her ear, "The only way you'll be able to unmask me… is if you kiss me. So… you might as well get it out of the way."
"You're overconfident. At least make it fair and give me another try. You never said I had only one shot. If that were the case, I would have planned it out more carefully."
"One more."
"Seriously."
"I can take it back."
"No, no."
Misaki started contemplating ideas in her head again.
"Would you like to dance again?" he asked.
"I would love to," she said, as she thought, perfect chance.
Grinning, as he could see her plotting ideas in her head, he held out his arm. She slid hers through his and was escorted to the dance floor again.
Misaki placed her right hand on his shoulder while he took her left hand, and placed his free hand on her waist.
For the entire length of the song, Misaki and Hizumi said nothing to each other. Misaki spent a majority of the time contemplating on when she should remove his mask. However, every time she tried, he would smile, like he knew it was coming.
If she couldn't unmask him, she feared drastically the thought of being kissed by an unknown man. Who was he? Was he married, had scars under the mask like the Phantom of the Opera, a criminal, or worse, a Contractor. It made her feel as if she were about to kiss BK-201, which it infuriated her.
She didn't think she would be able to grab it if she wasn't able to do it when she spilt her drink.
Perhaps she could get Kanami and Ootsuka to help distract him. Pulling her top off was another option, but that was the last thing she wanted to do.
An idea popped into her mind.
It would be cheating, which would cost her a free meal, but all she cared about was finding out his identity. She needed to know if Ootsuka had found out about him before attempting her plan.
As the song stopped, Misaki excused herself a second time and headed to the restroom while looking for Kanami. She found her and gestured with her head to follow.
Kanami snatched up Ootsuka, who was standing by the D.J., requesting songs to play and headed to the restroom too.
"What did you find out?" Misaki asked.
"That you two look really cute together," said Kanami.
"I'm serious, Kanami."
"You're no fun," pouted Kanami. "Ootsuka doesn't know who he is either."
Misaki looked at Ootsuka, and said, "Really?"
"I don't have any on-line friends named Hizumi. Did he give you a pen name? Cause if not, he may have made up a name."
"Well, he did say he was here with a friend."
"Did he say who it was?"
"No. He said he was on the toilet when I asked him."
"That's probably why I don't know him. He seems cute. I'd say, if he's with any of my friends, go for it."
"Ootsuka, you too?"
"What? You're not attracted to men? If not, I know this girl that goes by the pen name Wiggy!"
"Of course I am into guys!"
"Then, give him a try," butted in Kanami. "He seems to like you if he's playing games with you."
"What if he's bad news?"
"You can handle him, Chief," said Ootsuka.
"Now, go and find out more about him," said Kanami.
"I have another idea," said Misaki. "I'll need your help."
Misaki began to tell them her idea.
Kanami looked at her wide-eyed, and said, "Are you sure you're my friend? How many glasses of wine have you had to drink now?"
"Ten. That has nothing to do with it," Misaki hiccupped. "I'm just very competitive. I will not lose to him. All men are the same, and will fall the same way."
"The wine has everything to do with it," said Kanami.
Misaki shrugged it off while exiting the restroom. She was going to win.
Hizumi stood by the buffet table eating a bean bun, but then turned his attention to gaze at her. She began to head over to him, but stopped in the middle of the room on the dance floor and bent over to pull up her dress just below her hips.
His gaze focused down on her thighs, as he dropped the bean bun on the floor. She smiled seductively, capturing his eyes. Ootsuka came up to Misaki to stand cross-legged with hers. Pressing herself against Misaki, Ootsuka started kissing her while running her hands along her outer thighs. Other men in the vicinity stopped what they were doing to watch the show in amazement.
Misaki had kept her eyes on him the entire time Ootsuka and she kissed. Even Hizumi appeared to be in a state of trance. However, to Misaki's luck, as Kanami stood behind him trying to pull off his mask, he bent down to pick up the bean bun to have her swipe at air instead.
Misaki could see him give her a smirk.
"Damn!" said Misaki, as she stopped kissing Ootsuka. Who is this guy?
All the men in the room screamed out, "DAMN IT!"
The guys that had dates were slapped.
"Failed attempt again," he said, smiling deviously. "I do have to say, this attempt was better than the first. Now I'm really going to enjoy that kiss."
"You should allow me a third attempt."
"Do I look like a genie?"
"Yes."
"That was your final attempt."
"All right, let's get this over with. A deal is a deal."
"Not here."
"What?"
"Somewhere outside."
"What's wrong with here?"
"Not romantic enough."
"Does it really need to be?" Misaki asked, as she could see Kanami behind him nodding her head to go with him.
"Yes."
"No funny business. I'll have you know, I know Kun Fu."
"I promise. Just one kiss and I'll be out of your hair."
"How do I know you won't attack me? You'll be hard to trace, not knowing who you are."
"I promise. No funny business." He turned to slightly glance at Kanami. "You can bring your friends if you want."
"Huh?"
"Not to the spot." He turned his focus back to Misaki. "In the vicinity if you want."
"What a way to try and be romantic."
"Then just the two of us."
"I refuse."
"You made a deal."
"All right, fine. But I'm warning you, more than a kiss and you won't be able to kiss or love anyone ever again."
"Just a kiss."
He held out his hand for Misaki to take, guided her to the exit that led into a hall and escorted her to the elevator. They entered it with Hizumi hitting the top floor.
"The roof?" she asked.
"The night sky is beautiful. Plus, there is a nice seating area up there."
"It's not close to a ledge, is it?" she said, thinking he may try to push her off the roof.
"Just a kiss, Kirihara-san." The way he said her name sounded sweet and genuine. He reminded her of Li-kun for a second, causing her worries to diminish.
What if he really was Li? No way, he was never this bold.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Hmmm?"
"You're making that face again."
"What face?"
"Like you think I'm your boyfriend."
"Umm. No? Why would you think that?"
"I'm a little jealous. You must really like him."
"Heh? Well… yes... but we're just friends."
"If you say so."
"Were just friends."
"Do you want to kiss him?" he asked, as the elevators opened up.
"HUH?"
"You want to kiss him, don't you?"
He escorted her onto the rooftop that had a beautiful flower garden. They walked along a stone walkway that was lined with hydrangeas, hostas, rose bushes, lilies, and lilacs that led to a stone bench seating area.
"Wow, this is beautiful!" said Misaki. "How did you know it was up here?"
"I researched it on my phone when you were meeting with your friends."
"How did you know I was meeting with them?"
He smirked in response.
"Who are you?"
"Depends."
"On what?"
"Who you think about when you kiss me."
"What?"
Hizumi reached up a hand, brushed his fingers through her hair to the back of her head, and leaned in to have his lips slightly brush hers. After a few seconds of teasing her, he slightly pulled back to gaze at her. They stared into each other's eyes before he pressed his lips against hers, as she closed her eyes while envisioning Li.
His hand moved down the side of her neck as he moved the other up it and pulled her in closer to him. As he moved his hands down her sides, Misaki reached her hands up to cup his neck to draw him even closer to her.
Misaki couldn't take her lips off him, as she continued to kiss him under the dark blue night sky.
It lasted for minutes before she slightly pulled away to catch her breath, and whispered, "Li-kun."
They stared at each other as she held onto him, waiting for him to say something, but it appeared he was waiting for her to speak.
"Li-kun?" she finally asked. "Is that you?"
"You really like this Li guy, huh?"
Misaki stared at him upset. "You aren't Li-kun?"
"Right now, I wish I were. I'm sorry, Kirihara-san, I am not."
"You do have the same eyes."
"And that would be why you are attracted to me," he smiled. "I enjoyed this tremendously, Chief Kirihara."
Misaki looked at him dumfounded. "How did…?" she began to ask, but heard the door open to the roof, causing her attention to shift to it and see another couple was present.
Looking back at Hizumi, she began to ask, "How did you know I was…?"
However, he was gone. The Section-Chief ran around the rooftop, and glanced over to the ledge at a fire escape, looking for him.
"Where did he…? Damn he took off just like BK-201." Suddenly, it hit her. "It couldn't have been? Was it? Did I just kiss… BK-201? "
"What was he here for? Why would he even want to…? He must have planted something on me."
Misaki checked her body to see if he had done so. The couple gave her a weird look, as she felt around her neck, waist, and especially her breasts, but there was nothing.
"What the hell was that all about?"
At least she knew a little more about him. He was clean-shaven, had no scars on the bottom part of his face, had the most charming smile, and the most depth defying midnight blue eyes. That is, if he was lying about wearing contact lenses.
Right now, I wish I were. I'm sorry, Kirihara-san, I am not.
Misaki's eyes widened in surprise as his words hit her like a ton of bricks. She already had mistaken Li for BK-201 in the clothing store, and he did have the same color eyes. Was it possible? Was he really BK-201?
Misaki sighed as she remembered Ootsuka's statement.
"He was charming, strong, and handsome. Everything a girl dreams about."
Damn, she really was talking about the same guy, but Misaki believed she had stronger feelings towards him than Ootsuka. More to the point, she wasn't going to rest until she got him right where she wanted him: back in her arms.
XXX
In the early afternoon, Hei laid on the round bench, as he half listened to Huang yell at him for failing another mission. Not knowing why, he was still dressed in the same clothes from last night, enjoying the smell of Misaki's perfume that lingered on them.
Drawn into her kiss, he didn't realize the microchip had stuck to his finger instead of her neck. He didn't know what came over him. For many missions, he had kissed tons of women and never felt anything. However, when he kissed Misaki, it was as if an angel had swept him up into the heavens: if there was a place called heaven.
Thoughts of her and the kiss they had shared lingered in his mind continuously through the night and all morning. Even now, as Huang had said something about how he couldn't believe the Syndicate kept his ass, he was thinking about when he could touch those lips again.
Huang started babbling that if he didn't complete this mission, he was sure The Syndicate would kill him. He said a few things afterwards, but all it sounded like was, "Blah, blah this, and blah, blah that," and was glad to finally see him leave the park.
Hei recalled how she had called out for Li-kun. He wasn't aware that she had held any feelings for his alter ego at all, and after last night, he was sure she held similar, but very different feelings towards BK-201.
He was enjoying this game of cat and mouse even more and wanted to find out how she would react to seeing Li's face behind the mask? Would she arrest him or would his heart capture hers?
He would not make it easy. Liking how he was able to flirt with her last night, he felt he may have to visit her a couple more times to keep fulfilling that desire.
He continued to lie on the bench as he stared up at the sky.
What did they want from Misaki?
Remembering he still had the envelope with his remaining orders, he pulled the paper out to read it.
The glasses will act as a camera and listening devise and the microchip will inject a serum into her bloodstream. You are to find out what she knows about BK-201. If she has found out who you are, you are to inject the serum into her bloodstream.
Hei chuckled to himself.
It was possible with the way he was acting he had been injected with it instead. They could have asked him if she knew. Not like he hadn't told Huang already that he knew she was already suspicious of him, but now their little scheme had made it worse. At least, he was sure she did with his actions from last night and what he desired to do tonight.
The Syndicated wanted him to complete his mission, and he would. However, he would do it his way, and not theirs.
Xxx
Xxx
AN: This was originally going to be a one shot and I was going to end it there, but I'm thinking you all would get upset.
So I'm leaving it open in case I come up with something descent for one more chapter. That is, if I do.
I do have some ideas, but I don't like where my brain keeps taking it. I want something different.
Hope you enjoyed it. Please let me know what you thought.