And it's time for the long awaited party. What will happen? Let's see, shall we. Oh and congrats guys! We made it past 300 reviews! 303 to be exact. I'm so happy! XD Oh, and I'm writing this in this intro AN instead of the ending because well...oh you'll see soon enough. ^.^ Remember to review please!
Amu's POV
"...Maybe fishnets?" I asked, examining my reflection in the mirror. The dress fit me like a glove, of course. Mario always made my outfits specifically for me, that's why he knew exactly all my measurements from my neck to my ankles by heart. Often times, I was referred to as his real life barbie since, according to him, my figure was that of the perfect doll. I've argued different, but he never listens.
Unfortunately, Mario was at a prior engagement so I promised to take pics and send them to him. Right now I was with my usual makeup and hair girl. Out of all of the choices for makeup artist Easter had given me I chose her, Lucia, to work with me.
She'd just finished cosmetology school and come back from a year long trip for private studies. She was like the character I played in my show back in Japan with Kaname. She'd rushed into the room, where they'd lined up the best people, and tripped. Her hair was spilling from it's messy bun and she was completely blind when her glasses fell.
"Please wait!" She cried, throwing open the door, a manila folder in hand. "I'm here for the job interview. I'm so sorry I'm late!" She was a light brunette with black framed glasses, wearing a flowy red skirt that reached her knees, flats, and a black cardigan over what looked like a white top. She ended up tripping and her glasses fell of, skidding away from her as she looked for them, patting the ground, seeming practically blind.
The other men and woman who were applying for the job were chuckling and giggling, whispering to each other. Eyes narrowing at them, I walked to the woman who couldn't be older than twenty and picked up her glasses, handing them to her.
"T-thank you." She she put them on, I snatched the manila folder that had fallen, skimmed it's contents, and looked at my Aunt.
"Her. I want her."
Everyone in the room looked at me in surprise, even the woman as she let out a squeaky "What?". Holding out a hand, I helped her up.
"I'm..." I hadn't ever used my new name before when referring to myself yet. "I'm Amara Hart. And I choose you as my makeup artist and hair stylist."
During a trial makeover my Aunt insisted she do, she instantly went from clumsy to serious and flawless. She'd done a wonderful, dramatic look and styled my hair perfectly.
Hell, she even know the perfect color mix to match hair dye to the perfect shade of my hair when I needed hair pieces for my hair. I knew, the second I saw that first picture of a makeup look she'd done in that manila folder, she was the one I wanted to work with.
"No. Just the fingerless fishnet gloves will be fine. Now hold still so I can put on your lipstick." I stood still, unmoving as Lucia carefully applied a deep, dark red color to my lips. She applied a tiny swipe of a clear lip glass with a lip brush and stepped back, examining her work. Nodding, she gave me a thumbs up and I pulled on my hoop earrings, Castiel's necklace, and a dainty watch over my fishnet glove clad wrist.
"Now, it's time to party." I grinned, heading downstairs to wear Ikuto was waiting.
Getting out of the limo, Ikuto offered me his arm and I was instantly surrounded by camera flashes. My Charas took Yoru ahead so he wouldn't be blinded by flashes.
I smiled, waving, as we walked down the carpet. Like red carpet events, we paused for pictures and I signed some things for some fans that I reached. Then we went into the building and into the large ballroom that would be holding the party this year.
Let me explain to you a thing.
This wasn't some snooty adult party. All actors, singers, and other stars who were young enough to party came, hell, even some of the stars in their 50s who still partied came. We had the live band, some of us singers dared each other to sing. As public icons, we had to look good and calm, so this party was arranged so we could have fun, let loose, and prepare for another year. It was like an awesome wedding reception, with the dancing and bands, yet with the section of tables for those who were taking a rest from dancing and such.
It was a mix of clubbing and sophisticated party. Sounds odd, but comes out perfect. Like the lighting. It wasn't dark with flashes of color like in clubs, but not bright white lights. It was a nice level mix.
"A~ma~ra~!" I was instantly attacked in a hug by a familier girl.
"Daisy. Nice to see you." Daisy was an actress.
"Ooo, who's the lovely fellow?" Daisy asked.
"My boyfriend." I laughed. "So sorry, but he's off the market." Daisy pouted.
"You always take the good ones for yourself!" Then a someone behind us caught Daisy's eye and she smiled. "Sorry, but I need to say hi to another friend. I'll find you later."
I waved goodbye and pulled Ikuto to a table where I could see my name. Four seats and I'd RSVPed for 2...I wonder who our table buddies were. When we sat down, a server immediately came over.
"Miss Hart. Would you like dinner now or a would you both like a menu for what snacks you want?"
"Menu for the snacks please." I smiled. He nodded, handing one to Ikuto and myself. Turning to Ikuto, I said, "Choose anything and as much as you want. No one cares." Skimming the menu, I told the server, "Ten chocolates of assortment, cream puffs of powdered sugar and chocolate dipped, three of each, and...that will be all for me."
"And you sir?"
"Six chocolate covered strawberries and...three chocolate taiyaki." The server nodded, taking back the menus, and walked off.
"Well if it isn't Amara." I looked up, grinning when I was met with the familiar black orbs of an old friend.
"Jev!" I squealed, standing and launching myself in his arms. "But you're not an actor or-"
"Your aunt pulled some strings. Everyone's here." My eyes widened.
"Everyone?" Jev nodded.
"Yup. Well, they're all coming, but they may not all be here at the moment yet." Jev grinned. "Even Derek."
"This will be great!" I turned around, gesturing to Ikuto. "This is-"
"From what your Aunt said, I'm guessing Ikuto?" I was surprised that he knew, but nodded.
Brushing past me, Jev held out a hand to Ikuto, which he shook. "I'm Jev. And I hear you're Amu's boyfriend." Jev's voice dropped so I couldn't hear what he said, but judging from Ikuto's expression, it must be some protective shit and a warning. Then Jev pulled back, "So make sure to take care of my sister, okay?"
"I'm not your sister." I said, but Jev just swung an arm around me.
"Yes you are. You're my adorable little sister Amu."
Jev hung out with us before going off on his own for a while. Then the official announcements started.
"Hello everyone!" Everyone fell silent at the sound of the announcer and hostest of the party, started to speak. "I see you're all enjoying yourselves and I'm glad to see some of you have been able to fly back for this party.
"As you all know, there's no need to worry here because it is impossible for paparazzi photos to be leaked. This is the night where we have fun, chat, and just let loose because we all know we don't get to do this later on in the year. So remember to have fun and I'm happy to announce, Miss Amara Hart has agreed to sing for us all later tonight! Have a lovely night!" Everyone clapped as she put the mic back on its stand and walked off stage. As soon as she was off, the band went into full swing and this party was officially gonna be good.
"Come on!" I stood, pulling Ikuto by the elbow. "Let's go dance."
Pulling Ikuto to the dance floor, the music sped up to a good rhythm and I was instantly dancing. I'll admit, when Ikuto pulled me closer to him, we weren't exactly dancing cleanly, but it wasn't the dirtiest dancing around so it was fine.
"Well if it isn't Miss Amara Hart." I stopped dancing and whirled around.
"Derek!" He pulled me into a hug before pulling back and looking me over.
"You look beautiful."
"Thanks, but how have you been? Have you been reassigned?"
"I'm great, but I haven't been reassigned yet. I could be assigned back to you or just join the field instead."
"Oooh, if you join the field, I get to challenge you in the competitions. I say you join the field, then we can see each other more."
"I might. But look," Derek pointed towards the hostess who was making her way over. "I think she'd coming for you."
And he was right. She said it was time for me to get on stage and perform, so I nodded and took Ikuto's hand. I went to the stage with him, but he had to stay down in front of the stage and couldn't come up with me.
"Ready?" I asked the band and they nodded, standing ready.
I started to sing one of my older songs, 'Sk8er Boi', but around a minute into the song, my head started to hurt. After another minute, I felt nauseous.
It's nothing. I told myself. Just keep going.
I finished the song and smoothly moved onto the next one.
('Addicted' by Kelly Clarkson. I don't own it)
It's like you're a drug
It's like you're a demon I can't face down
It's like I'm stuck
It's like I'm running from you all the time
And I know I let you have all the power
It's like the only company I seek is misery all around
It's like you're a leech
Sucking the life from me
It's like I can't breathe
Without you inside of me
And I know I let you have all the power
And I realize I'm never gonna quit you over time
During the song I felt myself get sicker, and used one of the pauses between singing to gasp for breath before continuing until I reached the end.
It's like I can't breathe
It's like I can't see anything
Nothing but you
I'm addicted to you
It's like I can't think
Without you interrupting me
In my thoughts
In my dreams
You've taken over me
It's like I'm not me
It's like I'm not me
Next I moved on to my song 'Cant Be Tamed' and the head ache only got worse, soon followed my my nausea. My hand went to my stomach as I clutched it, but I made it look like a simple singing gesture, not one of pain.
('Can't Be Tamed' by Miley Cyrus. I don't own)
For those who don't know me,
I can get a bit crazy
Have to get my way,yep
24 hours a day
'cause I'm hot like that
Oh my god...It hurts so much...Why did I pick this song to finish?
I was forcing myself to do the movements and expressions that went with the song's performance.
I wanna fly,
I wanna drive,
I wanna go
I wanna be a part of something I don't know
And if you try to hold me back I might explode
Baby, by now you should know
I almost cried out in relief now that the song was almost over, but if I stopped singing, I knew I'd end up crying out from the pain. The pain had spread so my arms were burning, as if they were sore. My stomach hurt as if I'd done a million crunched, pain shooting up at the slightest movement.
I can't be tamed
I can't be tamed
I can't be blamed
I can't, can't, I can't, can't be tamed
I can't be changed
I can't be tamed
I can't be, can't, I can't be tamed
I yanked the mic away from me, turning my head in the opposite direction. I was panting and I could feel the sweat on my forehead, like the room had suddenly become the temperature of the Sahara dessert. Everyone clapped, some cheered, and I forced a smile and a curtsy.
I set the mic back on the stand and did my best to walk down the steps to the floor. It wasn't easy when your vision was shifting in and out of color and focus.
I'd caught Akemi's eye during my performance and Ikuto had rushed over to the bottom of the steps to wait for me along with Jev, Mar, and Derek, and everyone's Charas.
I stumbled on the last step and Ikuto caught me, hissing a bit when he touched my skin.
"She's burning up." Ikuto said and Derek's hand immediately was on my forehead, but he yanked it away just as fast.
"Get her to the table."
Ikuto helped me walk-but it was more like him dragging me-as he took me to the table and helped me sit.
"Drink this, hun." Mar, who'd I'd only spotted during my performance, said gently as she brought a cup of water to my lips. I drank as much as I could, but most ended up spilling out from the sides of my lips.
I looked at her and one second she was in a pink dress, the next a light grey one. Everyone was flashing in and out of color.
"See that? Everything is really just forms of grey. Now, don't you feel terrible?" The voice asked and I could only nod. "Look at everyone around you. They're just like the Guardians. They act like your friend, but they're going to betray you soon enough, Amara."
But they were there when I needed them...They-
"WRONG! They only see you as a stupid, famous girl that can be used for self gain. You shouldn't believe them anymore."
I knew the voice was lying. I knew it was wrong. Jev was like a brother to me, Derek too. Mar had been with me for those much needed girl talks and Ikuto...he said he loved me. He'd never leave me...
Another voice joined in on this. But...but it was a girl's voice...and she sounded just like...
Me.
"Does it even matter? You thought the same thing about the Guardians and look at what happened. People can't be trusted. We can only trust ourselves in this world. Others can't be trusted."
I blinked hard, refusing to believe the voice that mirrored my own.
"-mu? Amu, can you here me?" I lifted my head, though weakness made it seem impossible. I couldn't tell who'd asked, the voices all just blending together.
"Go to sleep." He said, the voice that has haunted me sounding so nice, guaranteeing peace.
"Amu, stay awak hun." I closed my eyes for a second and when I opened them we were going out the back entrance. Ikuto carried me to the waiting car. My breathing was uneven, sometimes deep shallow slow breaths other times short quick intakes.
I felt something cool pressed to my forehead and glanced up to see a fuzzy, blurry Mar was pressing a rang to my forehead.
Why's this...happening? I wondered, finally deciding to ask why this misfortune was happening to me. I didn't get a response, of course.
Then I felt it. A...a pulsing feeling going through my whole body. It was like with each slow heart beat, my body pulsed to. I was surprised no one noticed it.
The last thing I saw before the pulsing lulled me to sleep was the doors of the emergency room opening, the bright white lights within sight.