"Oh. My. Gosh," Pike breathed out as soon as they had made it into the girl's bathroom, "He's GORGEOUS!"

Ahiru sighed, pressing a hand against her beating heart, "I know...Oh, how I know! Pike, when he 'leaned' over me, I thought for sure I would faint!"

Pike looked confused for a minute but her expression soon cleared, "Oh, you're talking about your Fakir! Yeah, he's plenty hot but I was talking about the boy with the glasses! Who is he?"

"Huh? Ah! That was Autor! He's Fakir's cousin, I think," she muttered, walking toward the sink with wobbly legs. She turned on the sink and splashed a bit of water on her face, struggling to calm her racing heart. No one, not even Mytho, had affected her so. She was definitely in trouble.

"Ahiru…You ok?"

Ahiru looked at her reflection, torn, "I don't know, Pike."

Her friend stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her, giving her a small squeeze, "Hey, it's all right. Don't worry, everything will work out."

Ahiru gently detangled herself, stepping away, "How can everything be all right? Pike, I think I'm falling in love with my fake boyfriend's brother!"

"And from the looks of things, he's pretty deep in it too," Pike smiled comfortingly, "You'd have to be blind to miss the love-struck expression on his face."

But instead of the expected squeal of happiness, Ahiru just wailed in distress, looking glummer than before, "That's what I was afraid of!"

Pike blinked, feeling lost, "Why? Shouldn't you be happy? He loves you, Ahiru, I'm almost certain of it!"

"That just makes it worse, Pike," Ahiru sniffled, looking ready to cry, "Fakir loves his brother so much that he won't dare try anything!"

"But Mytho isn't your boyfriend, Ahiru! He's nothing to you!"

"Fakir doesn't know that though! And when he finds out…Oh, Pike, he'll hate me for sure!"

She buried her face in her hands, sobbing softly. Pike was at a loss, not sure of what she should say. She just stood there, looking at her crying friend with sad eyes. She bit her lip then stepped forward and touched Ahiru's shoulder gently, "Ahiru, if Fakir truly loves you, he'll forgive you. Now, come on. There's no sense worrying about it now! Let's go have a bit of fun! And I just bet your knight in shining armor is jittery with worry already."

Ahiru gulped back a sob then cracked a small smile, wiping at her eyes, "Ok…Well, you're right about one thing. Fakir is probably getting worried. I didn't ruin my makeup too much, did I?"

Pike inspected her closely then shook her head, "You look perfect! Now, don't you forget to introduce me to that cute cousin, you hear me?"

Ahiru giggled again, looking more like her usual self, "Of course, Pike."

They made their way out of the bathroom and, as expected, Fakir was leaning against the wall with an irritated frown on his lips and a worried light in his eyes. Ahiru smiled apologetically and his expression softened.

"You took long," he commented when she'd gotten close enough, "I was starting to think you stood me up."

"He was ready to go in after you," Autor chuckled and Fakir gave him a warning glance that effectively shut him up. Ahiru looked down at the ground, cheeks pink. Pike cleared her throat rather loudly, looking over at Ahiru meaningfully.

"Ah, that's right! Fakir, Autor, this is Pike! One of my best friends! Pike, this is Fakir, Mytho's brother and Autor, their cousin!"

Pike grinned widely, "How's it going?"

Fakir just nodded his head in greeting but Autor adjusted his glasses on his nose, looking interested, "Tell me, do you have a dance partner?"

Pike uncharacteristically flushed, shaking her head, "Afraid not."

Autor bowed down, offering her his hand, "Then, would you do me the honor?"

With a shy giggle, Pike took his hand and the two were soon lost in the midst of the dancers on the dance floor. Fakir looked down at Ahiru and frowned. He reached down and gently grasped her face, his touch soft.

"Your eyes are red…Were you crying?"

Ahiru squawked, her whole body flushing, "N-N-No! Just allergies! That's all! I'm fine, really! You want to d-dance?"

He reluctantly dropped his hands but a sly smirk had surged up on his face, "I believe I'm the one that should be asking that. Dance with me?"

She nodded excitedly, the occurrence in the bathroom temporarily forgotten, "I'd love to!"

They danced every song, whether rap or waltz, it didn't really matter. Ahiru had never had so much fun and Fakir looked as if he was enjoying himself as well. For that, Ahiru was glad…He'd seemed so down that afternoon. All at once, a familiar ballet tune began softly trickling out of the speakers. Being a creative arts school and all, it was quite common for there to be a tune such as this at their parties.

Fakir grinned down at her mischievously, "Ready to show them what you're capable of?"

Ahiru shook her head, taking a step back, "Ah…No. I don't think I'm ready, Fakir."

He chuckled softly, threading their fingers together, "You're ready…Trust me."

She gulped nervously but stepped forward, "I trust YOU…It's my legs I don't trust."

"You'll be fine," he reassured her with an amused smile, guiding her into their starting position, "Just imagine that there's no one here…That it's just you and me, practicing in my little room back at home."

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath and when she opened them again, they were no longer in a crowded ballroom. They were in his bedroom, getting ready to start their lesson. There was just the two of them and no one else…No Pike, no Autor, and no Mytho. Fakir's steady arms wrapped around her, enveloping her in a comforting warmth. Without another word, he twirled her around and the dance began. Both of their steps were sure and fluid, slipping from one position to the other with liquid grace. It was quite peculiar to Ahiru…Being with Fakir seemed to make the weak her disappear and a strong Ahiru take her place, an Ahiru that was graceful, sure of herself, and courageous. In his arms, she felt as if she could fly. The music came to a close just as he lowered her to the ground, her legs spread out and her arms around his neck. His face neared hers until their noses were brushing.

"I told you you'd be fine," he whispered softly, his breath caressing her face. She came out of her trance, blinking rapidly. People had gathered around them, looking startled and shocked. Some were clapping, glancing at both dancers appreciatively. He chuckled when she squeaked in embarrassment, lifting her up with ease. She unconsciously pressed her face against his chest, trying to hide from the curious gazes of the other's surrounding them.

He chuckled again but didn't protest, "You want to step outside? It's a little warm in here."

She nodded and he slipped a protective arm around her shoulders, safely guiding her out of the stuffy ballroom. As soon as they made it, she exhaled in relief. However, she was soon shivering, having forgotten her coat inside.

"Idiot," she heard Fakir mutter and her mouth opened in protest but before she could retort, a leather jacket was being deposited on her shoulders. She flushed, looking down instantly. The jacket was still warm and it smelled like him.

"Thank you," she murmured quietly, bringing the jacket closer around her. He brushed off her thanks with a shrug, leading her out to a nearby wooden bench. They sat close together, Ahiru looking down at her feet and Fakir with his gaze to the stars.

"…Did I tell you yet that you look really nice tonight?"

Ahiru's eyes widened and she blushed, shaking her head. He smirked in amusement but his eyes seemed to darken, "You probably don't even have an idea of just how beautiful you really are."

Ahiru's heart skidded to a stop and she inhaled sharply, "…Ah! Well, I guess I do look nice tonight but I'm not beautiful!"

Fakir chuckled but the sound somehow sounded bittersweet, "You really are clueless…"

She felt a spark of anger and grasped it…Anything was better than these confusing feelings she was having, "Hey! I am not!"

He smirked and the old and rude Fakir surged up for a second, "Yeah, you are, moron. You understand nothing."

She growled in irritation, standing up and walking away from him. She had only walked a few paces away when she slipped on an ice patch, landing sprawled on the cold icy floor. His chuckle rang out in the night air and he was soon standing over her, a half smile on his face.

"Clumsy idiot," he offered her a hand and she took it, muttering angrily under her breath. Unfortunately, her foot slipped once more and she crashed back to the ground, this time taking Fakir with her.

"Ouch," she rubbed her head, opening her eyes. Fakir lay on top of her, a wince on his face. Her whole body seemed to combust into flames as she realized the position they were in, a heat raging within her. One look into her flushed face had Fakir doubling backwards, hurrying to stand up. But that turned out to be a mistake because as soon as he stood, he slipped again and fell.

"Damn ice," he swore, trying once again to stand up. Seeing him struggling like this, Ahiru couldn't help but laugh. She covered her mouth to stifle it but Fakir heard it.

"Think it's funny, do you? Let's see you try to stand up," he grumbled, wobbling around. She accepted his challenge and slowly pulled herself up only to fall down again. He smirked down at her smugly before he too slipped and fell for a third time. Both were soon laughing hysterically even though they weren't making much progress. Fakir soon called for a break and now they both lay by each other, Ahiru resting her head on his extended arm.

Ahiru sighed in contentment, looking up at the twinkling stars. It was funny to her that although she'd thought Mytho was her perfect prince charming, her prince charming turned out to be his perfectly flawed brother. She didn't notice him gazing at her, his smile fond and his eyes glowing with adoration.

"Mytho is a lucky guy," he whispered softly, a stab of guilt and envy piercing his heart. Never had he wanted anything from his brother…Never had he envied anything his brother had conquered. Except for this small girl. He wanted her, more than anything he'd ever wanted before. She had slowly become his dream…An unattainable dream. Because she was Mytho's and he couldn't bear to betray his brother like that. Even if it broke his heart, he couldn't ever hurt his brother, or Ahiru, that way.

Ahiru turned her large blue eyes toward him, glittering like the stars, "Did you say something?"

He smiled bitterly, shaking his head, "I just said that we should get you home. It's getting late."

She bit her lip, disappointed, "Oh, right."

She knew he was right…But she didn't want this night to end. Sighing wistfully, she sat up, followed by Fakir. A few tumbles and smothered laughter later, they'd finally made it to the front door of the dorm building. Ahiru was startled to see Pike and Autor there, speaking in hushed tones. When Pike caught sight of her, the magenta-haired girl flew forward and almost crushed her lungs in a tight hug.

"Ahiru, you were amazing! You danced perfectly! Mr. Cat would have cried from happiness!"

Ahiru smiled widely, feeling proud of herself, "Thanks, Pike!"

"Just don't let all those compliments get to your head," Fakir teased, stealing the crown off her head. She sputtered angrily, trying to reach it. He kept it just out of her reach, waving it enticingly in front of her. She was finally able to grab it back, firmly placing it on her head. She stuck her tongue out at him and he just raised an eyebrow, amused.

"We'd best be going," Autor bowed regally and Fakir snorted, earning him a grumpy frown from the spectacled boy. Autor quickly brushed a small kiss on Pike's hand and the girl giggled. Ahiru giggled as well at the dreamy look on her friend's face. Until Fakir stepped forward and brushed the softest of kisses on her forehead. She squeaked, her face erupting like an active volcano. The spot where he'd kissed seemed to burn, pulsing with heat.

"Good night," he whispered huskily as he stepped away from her, his eyes burning with a green fire, "And sweet dreams."

Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and strode down the walk, Autor having to run to keep up. All Ahiru could do was stand there and watch as he disappeared into the night, feeling like her world was permanently thrown upside-down.