Romeo and Cinderella

Summary: Rin Kagamine, daughter of the Vermillion Familigia, has met one of the most dangerous men in the mafia world. You could say it's like Romeo and Juliet, but Rin doesn't plan on dying. And neither does he.

It was December 27, 1876. My birthday. And also his. Tonight, I planned to do something not even my father would attempt. I wanted to prove myself. Show that I wasn't a baby! That I'm not some little kid that needs to be protected! To show that I'm not afraid of the crimson red that has stained even my best friends.

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Chapter 1: Twists of Fate

My boots clicked as I ran past dark houses and stores, the cobblestones daring to trip me if I went any faster. Midnight. It was obviously midnight. A time where the above world slept happily with dreams filled with marshmallows, puppies, and rainbows.

But at midnight, the underground world didn't get that. We got guns. Missions. Blood. Death. And when sunrise came, no one would ever know.

My brother would never allow me to participate in such events, but he'd raised me in this world. I was prepared, even if he thought I wasn't. Which is why I'm going to the Rouge Familigia now.

To kill their boss, Len Kagamine.

I honestly hated that guy. Just hearing his name made my skin crawl. Ironically enough, it was his birthday tonight too. Is it mere coincidence that we have the same last name and birthday? Maybe. But that's beside the point. The guy can kill relentlessly. He's killed tons of my friends: men and women who've given me gifts, told me stories, wished me happy birthdays.

I'm not some child seeking revenge though. No; getting him back for the deaths of my comrades is a plus. I'm seeking acknowledgement. Because in my life, I'm treated as a delicate, porcelain doll. Something that should be protected. Something fragile that should be protected from the world I've already been born in.

And there it was, looming before me in all it's stained, guilty glory. There were people still streaming in and out of the doors, drunken into a stupor or hoping to sneak off into the gardens to do obscene things. It disgusted me to know people would have the mind to do that on someone else's property; it sickened me even more to know that Len Kagamine himself allowed it, and maybe even participated.

I was closer to the gate now, and I could see one of his men. He wasn't to hard to miss, his hair was a shocking teal, and couldn't be missed. Kind of like my friend Miku's. There was no way he'd let me in. He knew me. They all did. I would have to sneak in.

Granted, perhaps I didn't think this through far enough. It didn't occur to me before that I'd never been to the Rouge Famiglia's headquarters, nor had I even been near the property. It was in fact, it was most incredible that I'd been able to locate it at all. I realized all of this when I slipped through a gate a couple had left open in their haste and managed to make my way to the kitchens.

My heart stopped at the amount of people flitting around. I also, hadn't thought that Len Kagamine, despite this huge party he was throwing, would he have so much staff.

" Miss?" said one to me. " The party is through those doors, if you are lost." He pointed at a pair of double doors across the way and I nodded my thanks. I thought it a little odd that even he, as a servant, would be wearing a mask as well. I moved and shifted among the scurrying workers, fixing my mask onto my face before I pushed through the doors into one massive body of vibrant colors. Blinding golds, stainless whites, succulent reds, and deep blues danced about the ballroom, as if my presence were insignificant. It was almost an odd feeling, considering I was always center of attention of home. But I was grateful for it; being noticed would mean exposure.

I smoothed down my dress and removed my shawl, striding to the coat room to place it among the other guests' things.

" Have you seen Lord Kagamine yet?" one women whispered.

" Absolutely not! Everyone knows he waits until majority of his guests arrive to make a brief appearance. But I heard he'll be staying the entire night.."

I quickly left, ignoring their giggles as they contemplated his eligibility. In a way I kind of felt bad that I could be murdering a girl's potential soul mate tonight. But it didn't matter; I needed to prove myself some way.

The orchestra began another waltz and I felt a tap on my shoulder. He wasn't very tall, perhaps two inches or more than I. Although a mask hid over half his face, I could see his eyes glittering with mischief, as if he had planned a most elaborate and hilarious prank and was waiting for it to happen.

He was dressed rather darkly, especially compared to his other guests. Not a bit of white was on him, not even his shirt. His cravat, neatly tucked into his vest was the color of dried blood, much like the small jewels that decorated the pitch black mask on his face. His impish blue eyes gazed into mind, scanning my face intimately before he held a black gloved hand to me.

" Would you mind dancing with me miss? It seems you haven't anyone on your card yet," he said. " Unless, you are betrothed?"

His voice held me, sending my mind into an almost pleasurable numbness. I shook it off as quickly as I could and met his eyes as indignantly as I could.

" I am not," I replied taking his hand.

" Wonderful," said he, and smoothly we fell into the rhythm of the waltz as if we had been a part of it all along.

" I'm afraid I've never seen you before," he said. " Perhaps you would tell me your name?"

I opened my mouth to say Rin, but I hastily remembered what it was I was here to do. I closed it again and looked away.

" Juliet," I said softly. " My name is Juliet."

He chuckled lightly, though the look in his eyes spoke otherwise that he wanted to laugh much more than he was socially allowed to.

" What a coincidence then, that we happen to be a masquerade," he said. " However, I won't be able to contribute to this interesting turn of fate."

" What's your name?" I asked.

He slowed our waltz, his eyes burying themselves into my very core and holding me, captivated under an intimate spell.

" You must promise not to breathe a word when I tell you darling," he spoke softly. His lips were sensually close to my ear; had I moved slightly, I'd have felt them against my skin. I couldn't help but wonder if they were as smooth and warm as his voice." Do you promise?"

" I do."

He smiled and continued. " I'm the most powerful man here. Whether you find me arrogant or not for saying that is irrelevant, because it is none but the truth. The moment my identity is revealed to you, the man behind you will be paralyzed with fear, the women from the coatroom will shamelessly flock me like the minxes they are, and even you, dear Juliet, will feel compelled to kneel before me in awe."

Had it been any other man, this level of pride would've disgusted me. It was horribly unattractive. Yet, the words he spoke were enchanting. They sounded of a cool, assured confidence. A man who held an unspeakable authority and power over others, even those of his own rank and above. It wasn't the arrogance of a tyrannical lord; it was the natural aristocracy of a common man.

And it was ridiculously intoxicating.

" Is that so sir?" I murmured back. He then spun me around and I caught a glimpse of the people who he'd spoken of just a moment before. The man he spoke of was abominably loud, and seemingly as proud as the man I danced with now. But even from the distance I was, I could tell it was arrogance, not confidence.

" See what I mean?" he said as he drew me back to him. " It's as if he is oblivious to the fact that he's within my presence."

" Forgive me for my bluntness sir," I said. " But I would like to know your name before this waltz is over."

He laughed this time, drawing attention from other pairs around us. " What an interesting woman. "

On that note, the music faded and he released me, bowed, and left. Stunned, I could only watch him, his peculiar enchantment on me breaking the minute he let go of me. Ignoring the heat rising in my cheeks (let it be known that I was highly embarrassed for not only forgetting my purpose for being here, but that I'd been so easily swooned), I resumed my search for Len Kagamine.

" Excuse me miss."

Again, I turned around, readying myself to immediately decline his invitation to dance. He had odd green hair. It was one of Len Kagamine's men; immediately my heart began to fight it's way out my body.

" Yes?"

" I believe that the lord of this manor would like to hold conference with you this evening, after the festivities and everyone has left," he said. " Would that be inconvenient for you?"

This could be my chance! I nodded eagerly, and then regaining my composure, I said in a most reserved manner that I wouldn't mind at all. He smiled and took his leave, and ever so coincidentally, the guests began to move as if they were one body. There was a ripple of chatter among the room, as if some incredible feat had happened during the few seconds I'd been speaking with the green haired man.

" Did you see him?! He was like a prince!"

" He's still eligible I hear. Hard to believe a man like that.."

I moved with the crowd towards the dining area, realizing with cold horror I'd missed Len Kagamine's appearance. I cursed myself, but quickly regained my wits when I remembered the green-haired man. I didn't need to search for Len anymore. He's requested my presence.

For the rest of the evening, I dined with the other guests, appearing casual and social to those around me so as to not raise suspicion or alarm. Every now and then I recognized a few of the men that worked for Len, and surge of excitement would ripple through me.

I lifted my glass in toast to the man we all were celebrating, but had failed to make a consistent appearance at his own party. As soon as I put the glass to my lips, I made eye contact with the man before. As if only I could see him, no one moved or took notice, even though he was the only man dressed fully in black. With a darkly gloved hand he beckoned to me.

I glanced around, speaking with my eyes that it would be scandalous for me to leave with a man with so many around. I then felt a slight pressure on my chair and someone whisper to me, " Go on, our lord is waiting for you."

Perhaps then I should've realized. I had thought that it'd been a mistake on my part for not recognizing one of Len's own men. I stood and made my way around the room to him, taking his arm and allowing him to lead me down a dimly lit corridor.

" Dear Juliet," he said. " Tell me, how did you come by this party?"

" A friend told me of it," I lied. " We intended to come together, but unfortunately, she was feeling quite poorly this evening."

" I see."

We continued down the hall, passing multiple portraits of mafia bosses I was all too familiar with. I glanced at him, and saw that he wasn't looking at me at all, but seemed deep in thought.

" My darling Juliet," he said. " Tell me, do you believe yourself clever?"

" I should entertain the thought," I replied.

" Then you believe I haven't seen through you?"

And before I could reply, I was thrown against the wall, the man pressed against me to prevent me from moving any. I tried to find words, but my heart had frozen in fear at that moment and seemed to paralyze anything I tried to do.

" Let's start with the first lie you told me love," he said darkly. " One, your name isn't Juliet. Aren't I right Rin?"

I gasped, more at the feeling of his knee pushing their way in between my legs, than in shock at the revelation. My blood began to flow again, rushing madly to my face when I felt his hand moving up my leg.

" Two, you had Leon's family collect information on this party so you could attend. And there is no friend is there, my sweet?"

I bit back a squeak at the feeling of his fingers brushing against the inside of my thigh; I couldn't give him the satisfaction of that. If only I could reach my knife...

" Oh? What's this?"

A blur of metal flicked between our faces and the icy metal of my own blade was placed against my throat. My eyes impossibly wide with fear. His eyes were so different, that they could've been another man's. Now, instead of the humor they held earlier, they were coldly furious, almost triumphant.

" I see..were trying to kill me Rin dear?" he said softly. " Now why would you want to do that?"

My tongue was lead in my mouth, so even if had wanted to reply, I couldn't have. This appeared only to make him more irritable and press the knife against my throat even more.

" I'm sure your sweet brother Leon wouldn't tell his little angel to do something so silly," he said darkly. " I assume you did this on your own."

Warmth trickled down my throat and I vaguely realized it was blood. The mere thought made my head spin, but I couldn't faint. I'd rather die than do something so embarrassing in front of this man; nevertheless, I just might.

He cracked a smile at me, his teeth in an abnormally perfect row that sent shivers down my spine.

" I see now," he murmured against my neck. " You wanted me to do something like this hm?"

" N-no, I'd never!" my voice managed to croak. It was far too late, he'd already begun to fancy the idea in his head that I wanted to submit myself to him.

" Never? My dear Rin, the expression you held while we danced said otherwise. Besides, no women could be so foolish as to enter my home uninvited without this in mind."

I clenched my teeth together and desperately tried to move, ignoring the hand was traveling along my side to undo the buttons on my dress.

" If you should do anything to me, you will be starting a war-!"

" Oh? And what did you think would happen when you killed me?" he lifted his head and met my eyes, his expression no longer passionate with anger, but blank and calm as if he were speaking to a child. " You couldn't have possibly thought you would get away with it did you?"

My cheeks burned as I realized my naive belief. I refused to acknowledge it, and remained silent. He smirked and removed my weapon from my neck, turning my face up towards him, although he wasn't much taller than me. Gently, he pulled the mask off my face and studied me for a moment.

" Lovely, the picture of pure innocence," he said. I'd have moved if I could've. Slapped him, kicked him, taken my knife back, anything. But his eyes held me, daring me to move at all. As if he was quite certain that any motion I made, he'd be able to counter. He held my face fast in his hands and began to lean forward, my heart speeding up with every second from anxiety, anger, and most of all hopelessness. Until-

" Boss, haven't we told you the family isn't interested in your rendez-vous with whores?"

He jerked away from my, roughly releasing my face and glared at the two men who'd just entered our presence. " Mikuo! Ted! What the hell do you want!"

I gasped slightly and covered my mouth and the three looked at me curiously, as if they were surprised by my reaction.

" What?" Len asked. " Haven't you ever heard a man curse before?"

" My brother doesn't curse," I said proudly. They stared at me for a moment before bursting into fits of laughter.

" Leon! Not cursing!" said one of his men. " Now that's great."

I flushed angrily at the mockery they were making of me, feeling a lot more childish and silly than I wanted to believe. If anything, I should've had the right to do so simply for the outrageous colors their hair were. Honestly, pink and teal. It was incredible, especially for two men of the mafia.

" Get used to it sweetheart, you'll be here for a while," Len smirked. He resumed glaring at his men, as if they had committed a most offensive crime. I suppose in a man's world, they did. " What is it you two wanted. I was busy you see."

" We came to tell you the guests have been sent home sir," the teal-haired one said. " And quite conveniently, Leon himself has come to retrieve his beloved sister."

Len glanced at me before complaining loudly, " Couldn't you have at least waited until I was finished with her? It would've been much more satisfying to see his face when he saw her in my bed, wouldn't you agree Mikuo?"

I couldn't help but gasp again, cursing myself for acting so feminine, when just a few moments ago, I'd been planning the death of the man next to me. I was even more infuriated at the chuckle Len emitted from my reaction.

I had even expected the teal-haired one named Mikuo to retaliate to his boss, and maybe even scold him; they're interaction thus far gave no reason to believe that Len was the maturer of the two. I was most appalled when all the man did was shake his head and tell Len to bring me along.

Suddenly, the blonde swore to himself.

" I just realized this is the most unjust of circumstances," he snapped. " Mikuo, how many men did that man bring with him?"

" Only two were permitted to enter with him, a girl with hair like mine, and a man with purple hair," Mikuo replied. " I have every reason to believe that he brought a fair number of his family with him."

Len commenced swearing again, and had I even been more familiar with curses like that I wouldn't have understood much of what he said. He glared daggers at me, grabbing my arm and jerking me down the corridor.

" First you plan to kill me. Then your precious family raids my home in an ambush!" he hisses. " It isn't as if I brought you here myself!"

Len pushed past his men and throws open the door, storming through the oddly deserted dining room and ballroom into the parlor. There sat Gakupo, Leon, and Miku, calm as could be in this situation. Miku looked slightly relieved I was alright, but apologetic that I'd been found out, and maybe even a little empathetic. Gakupo seemed as if he had only come along out of concern for me and to see what Len Kagamine would do, his eyes trained on him as if he would explode at any moment.

And Leon. My dear brother. His face remained unmoved, as if my presence and safe return were meaningless. His eyes twitched when Len roughly pulled me forward in front of him.

" Trespassing," he hissed. " Attempted murder. Perhaps, Leon, I should give her the same treatment all gangsters get."

" I'd prefer not to deal with your jokes Len," Leon said icily. His eyes flicked to me for a moment before refocusing on Len. " I'm rather impatient and irritable at the moment, and I sure a man such as yourself wouldn't want a war on your hands."

" Tch. Should there even be talk of a war, you can thank this brat," he snapped. " Honestly, when I got word that someone of the Vermillion Familigia had someone gotten in, I had to change my plans for the entire evening."

I saw Gakupo roll his eyes and mouth "immature brat", and could hardly contain myself. Leon wasn't nearly as amused.

" I agree, I apologize on Rin's behalf for the inconvenience," he said standing. " Rin? Something you'd like to say?"

I raised my eyebrows in shock, hoping he wasn't suggesting what I thought he was.

" Leon, I-"

" Apologize Rin."

I bit my lip to try and calm the heat flooding my cheeks. Hesitantly I met Len's eyes and sorely wished I hadn't. There, he was obviously mocking me, taking pleasure in the fact that while I had tried to prove myself a woman, I was naught but a mere girl.

A child not only to him, but to everyone in the room.

" My sincerest apologies Lord Kagamine, I do not know what came over me. Please recieve my apology," I said softly, and dropped into a curtsy.

" For?"

" ...For trespassing."

" And?"

" ...T-trying to kill you."

Len clapped his hands, a vicious, triumphant smile on his face. " Well, that was wonderfully satisfying wouldn't you agree boys?"

Gakupo scoffed and Ted and Mikuo mumbled their agreement, seemingly unsure of their answer and which boss they feared more.

" Then, Leon, I believe you will be taking your leave? Be careful on the streets at this hour, those of the Capelli Famiglia are savages. Good night you all."

I stared at him in shock, unbelieving that this was the same man who earlier had me pinned against the wall. The recollection of the event was enough to cause my cheeks to color once more as I followed Leon out the room.

Suddenly, I was jerked backward and whipped around. I was once again met with the blue eyes I'd been staring into only moments ago. I hadn't noticed before, but he'd only recently taken his mask off. I couldn't help but acknowledge how strikingly attractive he was.

He cupped my chin once more, a suggestive smile playing on his lips as he whispered, " Surely, your ambition won't make this the last time we meet hm?"

Realizing that I was only able to stare open-mouthed in awe, I jerked away from him and scurried out the door, my cheeks burning now more than ever as if hot coals were being held to my flesh. Gakupo stood waiting at the carriage and helped me in. I was grateful for the silence that ensued as we rode home, for even if I tried to speak, I'm sure no words would've come.

Author's Note: Dear God, I REALLY REALLY shouldn't be publishing another story. I'm nowhere near finished with the others! Ah, I'm hopeless as a writer T-T Well, what's done is done.

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