In which Neo is a renaissance duchess and Yang is a street delinquent that messes up her dress after sneaking into a masquerade party.

Wrote this on the spur of the moment because ugh I love these two— anyway I hope you enjoy this! May or may not continue it depending on feedback and such—

And the winner is…

Yang kept her gaze steady on the flood of people and royals that marched into the rented hall while she crouched at the side of the building itself. Her right shoulder brushed the hard, cold brick of it's exterior as she searched the crowd. There had to be a place she could slip in. If at least one person moved and made an opening, she could easily slide her way through without having to show invitation.

The patrol that normally scoured the streets were more than likely attending the masquerade as well. It was just the kind of opportunity that a young hooligan like Yang would jump at the chance to take, and if she didn't take it, well then, who would? She wasn't about to let good fortune be taken away from her by someone else who surely wouldn't appreciate as much as she would. Besides, back at home she had a little sister to take care of. What would she think if the blonde dame came back with nothing to feed them for the next few weeks? Yang was the head of the household now, ever since their mother and father had ran off. To lead a new life Yang thought, without two rowdy children as a distraction that could only hold them back.

She had to admit, she did in fact hold a bit of resentment toward their parents, but at this point there was no time to feel sorry for the circumstances they were settled with. Right now was all that mattered — making a life for Ruby and herself was all that mattered. A shift in the ocean of persons caused her nerves to bunch, bracing herself as the jolt of energy shot to her readied legs and sent her into a fast paced movement into the empty space before her. The black and golden laced suit she sported (the one she'd stolen a while back from a fairly high-up shop) glistened as she gradually stepped into the light of the ballroom. She turned her head away from the butler at the front of the doorway who handed out the masks of silk, immediately feeling at ease as she pulled the disguise over her features.

It wasn't like anything she'd ever seen in her life. All of the fancy and elegant dresses fluttered and swayed like colored petals in every direction, the sleek and bold ensembles of the men almost made her own outfit choice look ridiculous in comparison. It may have looked a bit old-fashioned to her, but she never would have thought it was so outdated compared to all of the others she'd seen surrounding her now. If she didn't know any better it would have made her feel foolish.

Her lilac orbs lifted to the intricate ceiling where a silvered chandelier hung suspended by beautiful gilded chains. The light from the candles in the room glinted off of their shimmering decor.

Everything seemed so…expensive. Jackpot.

Now if only she could get her hands on something she could slip in her pocket without notice. Thousands of different images flashed through her mind; possible futures and outcomes revealed themselves to her. A new life with riches and fancy clothes — certainly things that'd make ruby happy.

She was so entranced by the thought that she hadn't even noticed the way she backed into a young maiden, causing the drink in her hand to slosh up and splash down on her pink and tan skirts. Yang whirled around and was instantly drained of color. Before her stood the duchess Neo Politan, her multicolored hair pulled up in a loose bun, strands of hair delicately curling down from the butterfly shaped pin that held the follicles in place. And, from the looks of it, she was less than pleased at the blondes falter.

Yang attempted an apology, hoping it was enough to get the woman to stop from having her kicked out of the party. she raised her hands in front of her in defense. "Lady Neo, I am terribly sorry; I apologize for my lack of attention. I should have watched where i was going—"

Neo wasn't paying any attention either, not to the girl in front of her. She was much too busy brooding over her drenched shirtwaist and dress, the ones that had no doubt costed her a fortune. this young woman would pay dearly. While Yang continued to apologize, Neo lifted her free hand in dismissal, indicating to the other that she had better hush if she knew what was good for her. Meanwhile, Yang swallowed hard.

Her skirts shifted as the pink and brown haired duchess turned and began to walk up the spiraling steps tucked at the far corner of the vast chamber, all the while giving short, curiously demanding glances back at Yang. The only thing she could do now was follow behind her.

This cannot be a good sign. Why am I complying with this madness? Yang was too stubborn to admit it to herself, but Neo was more than just alluring. There was something in her eyes and her careful steps that drew the flaxen damsel to her, and though the feeling of uncertainty ebbed closer, so did the feeling of excitement and danger.

Neo led her through the halls and into a vacant room, shutting the door behind the both of them as they entered. Yang didn't know what to think, so it was more than a surprise when the baroness placed a silken gloved hand at the top of her chest, effectively shoving her toward the nearest wall and pressed her lips firmly against her own.

The sensation was enticing. it tingled through her body like lava, flooding through her veins in rivulets and sending bolts of electricity into her skin. And then, just like that, it was over. neo had drew herself back and gracefully twisted herself around as she headed to the doorway, but not before shooting yang a smug grin as she left her to her devices in the empty room. it left her body simultaneously breathless and stunned, her heart rapidly hammering against her chest as a flush painted her face while coming to terms with what had transpired within the last few moments of the hour.

A piece of paper stuck up and out of her vest pocket, and as she pulled it out and read the words her heart jumped.

You can't fool me, darling. Rest assured I will find you again, and when I do, I can't promise that I will be so kind.

I look forward to our next encounter.

~Neo