When I promise something, I try my best to stay by that promise. (omg i'm so sorry)

After some internal debate, I will be changing N's name back to N.

Here is chapter 9.

Things Left Unsaid

Chapter Nine: Voltaire

The interior of the Voltaire Lounge was exquisite. The walls were black, edged with dim golden lights. The split level building consisted of a dance floor on the bottom floor, and a balcony on the second floor with tables for dining patrons. A stage on the first floor seated a band playing smooth jazz, and Audinos in spiffy little tuxedos served food above. The ceiling sported a lovely chandelier, complete with etchings of Reshiram and Zekrom in the middle.

N held my arm and escorted me into the building. It was then that I noticed he got a haircut. His long green hair was now only reaching about halfway down his neck. The layers made it look shorter than it was, but he'd left his bangs the same. N looked at me expectantly. "Do you like it?"

I giggled. "Yeah, it looks good on you."

He smiled. "I'm glad. I was so concerned whether you'd like it or not."

I rested my head on N's shoulder and said, "As long as it wasn't a bad haircut, I like it."

At the hostess table, he smiled politely at the woman there. "Reservations under Harmonia," he said smoothly.

The hostess checked the table registrar, inputting that we had arrived. She picked up two menus and led us upstairs.

The upstairs was more brightly illuminated, yet just as beautiful. We were seated at a small table for two in the area best for viewing the stage.

"Do...you like it?" N asked from across the table.

"It's magnificent," I replied. "I...how did you get reservations?"

"Despite my reputation as the leader of Plasma," N explained, "I am very wealthy. In other words, rich people get what they want." He punctuated the aphorism with a smile.

I laughed behind my hand. "Of course," I said. "So, what exactly have you done in the seven years since I last saw you?"

"Well, I already told you that I visited other regions. I started in Sinnoh, the closest region to Unova." N launched into a story about this place called the Underground and a Pokémon called Spiritomb. Apparently it was originally formed when a spirit was entrapped in a keystone.

I watched and listened to N intently, his motions and words excited. He hadn't really been that animate since he returned to Unova, and this N was one that I was definitely willing to share a home-or a life-with.

Dinner came and went, and soon we went downstairs towards the dance floor. N pulled me aside before we could reach the designated dancing area, though. He led me to a privately reserved room off of the main area of the building.

"You reserved a room?" I coyly asked as he closed the door.

"Of course I did," he answered. "I knew you were going to wear something lovely, so I could not pass up the opportunity." He turned. "And, may I say, you look absolutely ravishing in that dress."

I smirked, seating myself on the built-in padded bench against the wall. I leaned back, crossing my legs as N sauntered (yes, guys can saunter) towards me. He hovered over me, one eyebrow raised, an unreadable expression on his face.

Without warning, N's left hand was on the wall next to my neck, and the other was slowly trailing its way up my top leg. His teeth grazed my earlobe, and he chuckled darkly. "I suppose I caught you off guard," he murmured.

"Mhmm," I hummed as he pressed his lips to my jawline. "But I don't mind," I whispered into his ear. He hummed against my pulse point, causing goosebumps to form on my arms and legs. His lips made their way to mine, crashing against mine almost desperately. I reciprocated the kiss, leaning forward a little and uncrossing my legs. I pressed my knees together and pulled my dress hem down a bit as N's hand caressed the outside of my left thigh.

He pulled away reluctantly, returning to a standing position in front of me. "Now, we wouldn't want the other guests to get too suspicious, would we?" He offered his hand.

I accepted it, and N pulled me from my seat into his arms. "Of course we wouldn't," I murmured. I pressed a quick kiss to his lips before slipping out of his arms and smoothing down my dress.

N came up behind me and quickly combed his fingers through his short hair. "Look acceptable?" he asked.

I turned and smiled at him. "Of course you do." I pulled the door open, about to step out when a flashbulb went off in my face. I instinctively put my hand up to shield my eyes from the camera flashes that were about to follow.

Numerous voices-at least twenty-began rapid-firing questions at me, and I pressed my lips together in a show of I'm-not-saying-a-word. I noted that N had stepped off to the side to avoid being caught in any photos that made it to the press.

A loud yelling from the side caught their attention, and the paparazzi looked in the direction. "Now, I said get out!"

I looked to the source, and saw a man shooing the cameramen and reporters out the door. After the doors were shut, he came back to me. "I'm terribly sorry, Miss White. My policy mandates no paparazzi, but they must have slipped inside."

"No worries," I replied with a smile. "I'm quite used to it. The flashes were bright and they caught me off guard." I laughed a little, trying to get the man to calm down.

My plan worked, and he visibly relaxed. "Enjoy the rest of your evening," he said politely before leaving.

"I will. Thank you!" I called to his retreating back. I spun around to find N still in the small reserved room. "Are you alright?"

"Did they see me?" N's voice was low.

"I don't think so," I replied. "They didn't mention you at all, so I think you're fine."

N relaxed, and he slipped his hand into mine. "Alright then. Would you care to join me for a dance?"

I grinned. "I would love to." He led me out of the small room and onto the dance floor, where a new song was beginning to play: a waltz. I rested one hand on his shoulder and the other in his hand, and he led me into a spinning dance.

After the song was over, someone tapped his shoulder. N turned, looking into a half mask that shielded the man's eyes. "May I cut in?" the man asked politely. The smooth voice sounded familiar to me, but I couldn't place it.

N nodded slowly, passing me to the stranger. After he was self-assured that I would be fine, he retreated to the edge of the dance floor, his eyes locked on me.

The next song began, a faster song, and the man led me into it.

"So I see you've met with my failure of an offspring," he said with a growl.

The voice clicked. Ghetsis.

I started to pull away, but he chuckled darkly. "Now, now, dear, you wouldn't want to alert him that I am here. A scene between the two of us caused by you would give you very bad press, wouldn't it?"

As much as I hated to admit it, he was correct. I didn't want to deal with any more paparazzi tonight. "What do you want?" I asked.

"I want nothing," he replied cordially. "I am here to make you a deal offer."

"I'm listening," I growled. "Probably not going to like said deal, but I'll listen."

"I know that you are looking to get rid of all of Team Plasma. And I can make them disappear." Ghetsis' creepy smile turned into a grin.

"Continue..." I said hesitantly. What's the catch?

"In return," he murmured, "I need N-my son-back. Because Plasma grunts never listen to me. They listen to N."

I stiffened as he said the words and slowly started shaking my head. "No. N is a different person. He's pushed his past behind him and he wants to move forward. He would never willingly take up the mantle of Plasma again." My words came quickly.

Ghetsis sighed. "A pity. I was actually being serious about leaving you alone."

Movement on the elder Harmonia's sleeve caught my eye. A small yellow Joltik. I had noticed it earlier, passed it off as decoration. It inched towards me, slow enough that others wouldn't notice.

I looked over at N, fear tightening my throat. N started walking towards me slowly, as to not arouse suspicion. I looked back to Ghetsis, and I could feel his eyes taking in the fact that I was terrified.

"Sleep well, my dear," Ghetsis cooed softly. "I will see you soon."

The Joltik sparked, and I felt a hot flash of pain before all went black.