Alice Gehabich sighed as she watched her friends at Runo's party that Friday night from the window of the indoor patio. Things had worked out for everyone since Cheryl(an old brawler) returned to town.

By the fireplace, on the couch, Dan sat with his arm draped around Cheryl. He had on a goofy smile as Cheryl nudged up against him. She flashed one of her world winning smiles up at him.

On the loveseat, in all of her glory, sat Runo. She had given up on winning Dan back and let Cheryl have him. So the only other option for her to take was…Shun. He had money and good looks and was a good ninja all something Runo looked for.

But Alice was left all alone. She had nobody. Her and Runo were no longer fighting over who got first position in class. Shun had already chosen had Cheryl. Alice had no more options.

The sound of footsteps caused Alice to turn around while wiping her eyes quickly. There, in the doorframe, stood a tall, lean figure.

"Masquerade, what are you doing here?" asked Alice, trying to keep her voice under control.

Masquerade stepped forward. "Why are you all alone in the dark?"

Looking away, Alice sighed. "I'm just not in the most festive mood right now."

"Why were you crying?" Masquerade took another step forward. It hurt him to see one of his best friends so upset especially when it was Alice. Out of all his friends, even Dan, Alice was always the better person.

Alice glanced up at her other friends before answering his question. "It's nothing really."

"Alice, you were never much of a liar. What is the problem?" questioned Masquerade, firmly.

"There isn't a problem, Masqy!" retorted Alice, whirling around. Fire burned in her tear filled blue eyes.

"Is it because Dan has Cheryl and Runo has Shun?" asked Masquerade.

"Leave me alone!" Alice turned her back to Masquerade and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Fine." Masquerade turned to leave but stopped at the door and turned around again. "You're never alone, Alice. I'm always around."

Alice held back the urge to cry again. Masquerade's footsteps faded away. A few minutes later his voice filtered in as he was saying his good-byes to everyone. Then his voice disappeared.

A few seconds later, Alice took off with a few rushed good-byes of her own despite the callings of her friends. She yanked open the front door. A gush of windy rain greeted her as she walked 's retreating figure was casually walking down the path to his car.

"Masquerade!" called Alice, running half way to Masquerade and stopping.

The rain quickened its pace as the rain came down in sheets. Alice's makeup ran down her face mixing with her tears. Her clothes clung to her body. Masquerade turned around and stared.

His own clothes were soaked and his hair stuck to his head. The water dripped off his needle nose as a smile graced his face.

Alice ran over and stopped in front of him. She didn't even try to stop her tears. "Please don't leave, Masqy. I-I don't want to be alone."

Masquerade chuckled, stepping forward. He reached up and wiped away her tears. His hand then moved to her cheek. "I told you. You're not alone, Alice."

"Thanks, Masqy," smiled Alice, leaning on Masq's skinny frame.

"Y-You're welcome," replied Masquerade, putting his arms around Alice's petite waist.

The rain slowed down finally. Alice let off a shiver as the realization of her drenched skin and clothes suddenly came into her mind.

Another smile crossed Masquerade's face. "Cold?"

"Yeah, kinda," replied Alice, looking up at Maquerade.

"I can fix that." (Yeah, that is Sam from Holes. I love that line) Masquerade tilted Alice's chin up and kissed her.

A warm shock ran through Alice. Her spine tingled and shuddered. As Masqy started to pull away, Alice pulled him back for another kiss.

The End

Fin

Peace

Aiaras *BYE*