Robosoul - Masquerade.
Taylor Swift - Safe and Sound.
Katy Perry - Unconditionally
Chapter 20
Masquerade ( Unconditionally)
My eyes stung from unshedable tears as both Hikaru and Kaoru yanked and pulled as they tried to finish securing me in /the/ dress. With my eyes being covered with a silk scarf after my makeup; Soft pink lips with jewels glued around my eyes that made my face shine, and my hair; a cascade of fiery curls that were held up using jeweled pins, was done. The twins; who said they had worked on my dress tirelessly since the Masquerade was announce, said they wanted me to see the finish product once the dress was one. Meaning, I had to stand in the middle of my room while the twins work on finishing their /masterpiece/.
"Haruhi!" I heard Hikaru whined as my body was yanked backwards. "Hold still!" he hissed which was followed by a sigh I thought came from Kaoru.
With a groan, I willed my body to become stoic as something smooth was sliding across my fingers and up my arms.
Gloves..
I thought. Which was followed by something else being pinned in my hair. When I felt no one fingers poking and tugging my body. I sighed with relief.
"I have to say Kaoru, this has to be our best work." Hikaru said with an amused laced voice. "Mhm" was all I heard before I started to speak.
"Now can I see?" I asked, hopeful.
" Not yet!" came joining singsong voices I'd a long time ago recognized as the twins speaking at once. " Just your shoes, jewelry and your mask is left." Kaoru said with a huff.
Shaking my head, I could feel the dress being lifted, followed by my feet as something smooth and strappy and slipped on them. " We are going to remove the scarf now." Came Hikaru and I couldn't help but smile. "But keep your eyes close until the mask is in place and we led you downstairs."
"I hate you both."
...
After feeling the brush of cool jewels being placed around my neck and on my ears. Followed by the scaf being removed only to be replaced by a mask and carefully led downstairs, I was able to see the finished look in a mirror the twins had Mori-Senpai bring downstairs.
And what I saw took my breath away..
The dress I was wearing was unlike anything I've seen the twins create before. It was a ball gown with a sweetheart neckline. Fabric of violet and lavender with crystals on the bodice and silver etching along the skirt that reminded me of falling stars. At the back of the skirt, it was ruffled so you could see the layers of purples and a train and as I lifted my head to stare at my reflection in the mirror, I could now see the large lavender flower pinned in my hair. One that winked back at me and reminded me of a pair of eyes that have haunted my dreams...
No...
I thought with a blink of my eyes. Trying my best to banish all thoughts of Zero Kiryu. He made his choice when he walked away from... I still wasn't sure what was between us. But the knot forming in the pit of my stomach told me it had been more than friendship.. Especially after the first time he'd drank my blood and kissed me. Looking at the mirror and seeing my eyes through the feathery mask, I closed them for a moment and willed my ability to see auras to turn off; if only just for tonight.
Reopening my eyes, I stole a glance away from my reflection to the five young men standing around me. Staring with smiles laced with concern expressions. Who; by the way, were wearing black and dark grey suits with shirts, vest and ties in a a verity of purples that matches my gown and for once since my powers began to awaken. I couldn't see their auras.
Turning away from the mirror and listening as my heels clicked on the floors, I walked towards the door and smiles for the first time in weeks.
After standing and allowing the hired photographer to take personal and group pictures of us. I squared my shoulders and made a promise to enjoy myself and not think about a certain silver-haired, lavender eyed vampire.
"Gentleman, I think we have a masquerade to attend."
...
The walk from the dorm to the great hall that was located in the central building as insane. Ever few feet, we would be stopped by people from the day class, asking if we take pictures with them or to comment of what we were wearing. To say the least, it took us what should have been a 10 minute walk, 45 minutes.
The cool air blowing through the night sky, kissed my skin as I held onto Kyouya who had taken it upon himself to escort me to the ball; seeing as he was vice president and I was head president of the Host Club. It only made since he escort me there. After walking through the double doors and down a hall, I picked up the music that was coming from the ballroom and smiled, even if nervous bees buzzed around my stomach
Walking up to the doors with Kyouya, Hikaru, Mori, Kaoru and Huni on either side of me. I glanced at them and nodded my head once, watching them return the gesture before the doors were pushed opened and we stepped inside.
- Robosoul- Masquerade is playing.-
All eyes seemed to turn and stare in our direction when we came to a stop on the other side of the threshold. But while every eye was fixated on our arrival, my eyes were gazing at the fog that creeped along the floor. The large number of Candelabras that cast the room in a beautiful but haunting glow. The bloodred roses that rested in large silver vases at every table. But no, I wasn't glancing around the room to the decor, I was searching for a mop of silver hair or irises that reminded me of twilight. But all that met with my gaze were girls in colorful evening gowns, guys in tux or dress wear with everyone wearing mask.
" Haruhi..." I heard a voice call my name softly which was followed by them clearing their throat. I didn't have to lift my head and see who it was. But I raised my eyes to level with his anyhow.
"Yes, Takuma-Senpai?"
I asked in a soft voice. Smiling warmly as I took in the black tux he was wearing with a bluish bow tie, white pressed shirt and a vest that seem to be the same color or the tie.
"May I have this dance?" He asked, extending a hand and bowing without his eyes leaving mines. All around us, I heard gasp and giggles and from the four males standing beside me, I could feel their dislike or content. I knew if I'd turned Takuma down, Kyouya would reprimand me on it. Saying
"Please remember you are a Host and although we are not at Ouran momentarily. You are still required to act like it. Oh... there is a Photographer following us around to take pictures for the next book."
Sighing inwardly, I held a kind smile on my lips as I curtsy and took Takuma's outstretched arm.
" Yes, thank you."
Stepping towards him and he lifts his head and smiles widely. As we begin to walk away, I turned and glance over my shoulders to see Huni smiling a little sadly and the twins smirking as they turned and disappeared in the crowd to their left.
"Those two are up to something." I mumble as Takuma leads me to the dance floor. "Who?" He ask and when I turned my head to look up at him, he's staring down at me, smiling. " Just the twins. They have been acting very weird all day." I huff and shake my head, feeling the curls in my hair brush along my shoulders. Slowly we come to a stop in the middle of the ballroom, couples all around us dancing to the music that had begun to play.
- Taylor Swift - Safe and Sound is playing.-
Feeling as Takuma's hand come to rest on my waist and the other grasp hold of my hand, I lift my own to rest it on his shoulder and yelp when he quickly draws me close. Pressing his body against mines as we begin to waltz.
I could feel his eyes on me as I glanced around the room, trying my best to avoid his gaze. But it was hard too when his thumb was making patterns against my hand.
"What have I done to you Haruhi." He whispered.
Feeling my brows knit together as my eyes move to meet his gaze. "I don't understand.." I started and was quickly cut off when he glared down at me.
"Yes you do. For weeks, you have ignored me. We were friends, at least I hope we were. Right?"
Gently nipping at my bottom lip, I slowly nodded.
" Yes, we were.. I mean are, Takuma-Sen..." I started but he cut me off once again. "Just Takuma, cut out the Senpai crap. Our /friendship/ has grown enough where I am not your Senpai Haruhi." I nodded as he continued to speak. " I care for you. I can keep you safe and sound for what is coming for you.." He twirled me around the dance floor. " Is it because I'm a.." He leaned down and brushed his lips against my ear, whispering.
" Vampire."
My eyes widen and his smile seem to grow as he snorted. "Oh please, I know you know what I am. Just like you know that everyone in the night class with the exception of your Ouran School mates are Vampires Haruhi. Youre known since that incident in town with the level E vampire and Zero. That filthy level.. Oh dammit!" I /accidentally/ stepped on his foot. accidentally of course. " Oh, I'm so sorry, Takuma." I said sweetly, frowning. Reaching forward and patting his leg. " It's my fault. He said with a huff. "I should have paid attention to how I was leading the dance." He chuckled.
" You know Haruhi.. We only want to protect you. We would never.." I shook my head. "Never harm me or the others. I know... I know... " I sighed. "If you know this then why are you acting fearful around us.. Around me. I care for you Haruhi.. I want.. " I stared up at him and watched as his eyes lowered and his head dipped closer to mines. " I want to..."
"Can I cut in?" Came a voice that was oddly familiar. But when I raised my hair to see who it was, I saw that it was a male with dark hair and eyes that looked out of place on him. His tux was all white with the vest underneath and tie being a silver that matched the silver on my dress.
His mask was Silver and Lavender and I couldn't help but smile.
"Yes" "no" I and Takuma said at the same time. But his came out with a growl. Frowning, I tore my gaze away from the guy to stare up at Takuma. "It's fine." Wiggling from his hold, I stepped back and ran a hand over my dress. " I'm suppose to dance with anyone who ask. Kyouya has a Photographer taking pictures for a new book tonight."
Taking a step closer, I lean up on my toes; even with the heels on, Takuma was taller than me, and kissed his cheek. " Thank you for the dance." Resting back on my feet, I turn to the guy who had asked me to dance and smile widely at him. "Ready?" Holding out my hand, When he extended his arm, I took it and begin to walk with him. Feeling eyes burn against my skin as we walked away.
He seemed to have been leading me away from the dance floor, which was odd since he'd asked me to dance. "Um... aren't we going to dance?" I inquired curiously. A chuckle left his lips. One that filled my chest with warmth and caused me to cease to breath for a moment. "I don't like dancing in crowds. So I thought maybe.." He inclined his head towards a set of glass double doors. " We could dance on the balcony. In the moonlight." Watching him open the door, I stepped through and let go of his arm. Hearing the door click close behind us.
- Katy Perry - Unconditionally is playing.-
Oh no, did I get too close oh?
Oh, did I almost see what's really on the inside?
The night was cool and the wind blew gently as we came to a stop in the center of the veranda. I could still hear the sound of music drifting from the inside out where we were. Feeling as he slowly slips a hand into mines, I raise my head to stare into his eyes and felt once again that the color was all wrong. But I shook the feeling away as he guiding my hand to rest against his shoulder, wrapping his around my waist while the other took hold of my palm.
All your insecurities.
All the dirty laundry.
Never made me blink one time.
He was being gentle with me. Not gentle as if I were weak. But gently as if I was a delicate flower. Afraid I may turn into water and slip between his fingers or simply just disappear.
Slowly, our bodies begin to move in a small circle. We weren't dancing to any particular style. But going with the flow of our limbs. The world around us seemed to disappear and was replaced with a more enchanted one.
Unconditional, unconditionally
I will love you unconditionally
There is no fear now
Let go and just be free
I will love you unconditionally
"Are you doing this?" He asked with a hint of surprise.
Gazing around the veranda, I could see the everything was brighter. Shimmering as if we were in a spellbinding fairytale.
Am I doing this?
I thought and shook my head. "Maybe it's your mind playing tricks with you?" I said with a chuckle and squealed as he spun me around. But soon my smile faded and was replaced with a frown. "What's wrong? " He asked and I just shook my head.
Feeling his hand let go of mines, I then felt it on my chin, lifting it so my eyes bore into his. "Hey, you can tell me." He said and within his softened voice. I could hear just how much I could trust him. So with a sigh, I begun to speak.
" Someone I care about.. Someone I have feelings for. He has... I don't know. He thinks I have feelings for someone I consider to be just a friend." Slipping my hand back into his as we dance.
"Do you? I mean do you have feeling for this person you consider as a friend?" he asked and for a moment, It was as if he was holding his breath awaiting the answer.
Come just as you are to me
Don't need apologies
" For Taku.. I mean for this friend, it is strictly platonic. But for the other guy... He sees me better than anyone has. I can speak to him about almost anything and it's like out of everyone in my life, He understands how I feel about certain things. He sees right through to the girl I really am. Not to the person I wish for everyone to see. And I.. " I shook my head and sighed as we moved in a slow circle.
"And you what?"
His voice came out hoarse.
I wasn't sure why I was telling a complete stranger this, but a part of me tugged to continue on.
" I've never felt this way before. I'm.. I know I don't.. you know.." I tilted my head from left to right. "Love him. But... I've fallen for him deeply."
Swallowing thickly, it felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Never had I admitted to feeling the way I do about Zero out loudly to having felt this way about anyone before. But Zero Kiryu..
Know that you are unworthy
I'll take your bad days with your good
Walk through this storm I would
"What if... What if Zero feels the same way?"
My eyes widen when the name slipped from his lips. " I... I never told you the person's name." I said. Lifting my head to stare with widen eyes. " How.. How do you know that's who I'm talking about?" My voice shook as I jerked my hand from his, stepping away at the same moment he swears under his breath.
" I.. I never told you anyones name."
He held his hands up palm first and took a step towards me. "They said this would be the best way for me to see you. That you were still upset with me." His lips curled up into a sad smile. Coming to a stop, I stared at him and lifted a brow. "They? Who's they?" I asked.
Sucking in a deep breath as the wind blew around us and I opened myself up to his aura and gasped.
Clear reds and pinks. The color reminding me of freshly bloomed roses on a spring day. Powerful, sensual, passionate. Affection, love, compassion.
A mixture of Muddy green and yellow. Reminding me of muddy grass after a rain storm. fatigue and stress. Jealousy and insecurity.
Muddy blue just like a blue sky on a stormy dark cloudy day. A fear of expressing oneself. A fear of the future and of speaking the truth.
Whites and golds. Silvers and a beautiful rich pink began to swirl around his aura. Causing me to gaps and blink as his hand lifted towards his face and towards his eyes to remove..
Were those contacts he was removing?
I'd do it all because I love you, I love you
"I lied to just not you but myself when I said I didn't care about you. I've done nothing but push you away Haruhi. Even when you were the only person to accept me for who I was. Never judge me even after I'd bitten you not once but twice. "
Pushing the mask upwards, my eyes grew wider as the dark hair; I felt was out of place, was pushed back to show shockingly silver locks and when his eyes opened, My bluish-green ones were staring into lavender eyes that reminded me of amethyst.
"The twins came to me." He dropped the mask, wig and contacts onto the ground and closed the distance between us. I was too shocked to move or protest when his hand lifted to remove my mask. "They said they could have hacked into government files and had me registered as a serial killer. That way I could go to jail and die. Or that that Kyouya kid knows people who knows people that can make me disappear. That or have Mitsukuni kick my ass."
Unconditional, unconditionally
I will love you unconditionally
There is no fear now
Let go and just be free
I will love you unconditionally
I shook my head as he spoke because it was just like the twins and kyouya to threaten someone.
At the feel of rough hands cupping my cheeks. I swallowed hard and sucked in a breath through slightly parted lips.
" I love you Haruhi Fujioka, Daloui. Whatever they want to call you. You don't have to say you love me back. But.. I can't deny how I feel about you. But when I could at any time become a monster and or be killed. I just don't want to die knowing I never told you."
So open up your heart and just let it begin
Open up your heart, and just let it begin
Open up your heart, and just let it begin
Open up your heart
My throat felt as if mounds of cotton had lodged themselves in them and I couldn't breath. Running my tongue over my lips, I stare up at Zero as he looked into my eyes. I could see disappoint from the lack of words leaving my lips etched over his features.
I cared for him. I truly, madly and deeply did. But did I love him? Yes? Maybe? I wasn't sure. But what I was sure of was that I wanted to protect him from the world. The thought of losing him caused my eyes to blurry with sheddable tears. For my chest to tighten. So I said the first thing that came to my mind.
Acceptance is the key to be
To be truly free
Will you do the same for me?
"There is no fear now. Just let go and just be free.."
Cause I will love you unconditionally.
The moment the last word leaves my lips, Zero's came crushing down to capture mines and his arms wrapping around me in a neverending embrace. Sliding my hands up his chest and over his shoulders until they were entwined in his silver locks. I breathed in his life as if it was my own and pressed closer as my lips parted and his tongue dipped into my mouth. Deepening the kiss.
Even with my eyes closed, I could see hundreds of blinding colors dancing around us as we held each other. All time seemed to stop and instead of it being us and the world. There was only us.
I will love you
I will love you
I will love you unconditionally
I've posted pictures of Haruhi's dress and the things with it on my profile page along with the dress from the Snow White Chapter!
Haruhi and Zero:: *Both red faced.*
Twins: About time!
Tamaki:: Mommy! Haruhi's kissing a strange boy!
Kyouya: *Ignores Tamaki.*
Tamaki: *Sits in the corner and grows mushrooms.*