Author's Note: I promise this chapter will make up for the last chapter. I think this will be one of my favorite chapters when I finish. I hope you guys love it! Review Review Review!!

Disclaimer: I don't own Saint Tail or its characters. That's all I have to say.

Chapter 6

The days past by quickly. The actors and actresses had their lines down cold by Friday. Costumes were whipped out of trunks and closets eager to be worn. But the best part of the play, was by far, the duel between Tybalt and Romeo. Asuka Jr. had practiced this scene countless times with the other actor. The actor playing Tybalt was from an earlier grade but still towered over Asuka. Even when Asuka was the underdog, he always was able to overcome the other actor. Meimi enjoyed watching the heroic fight over and over. It never bored her to watch the enthusiasm that swept over Asuka Jr.'s face when their swords clashed. She liked to watch the struggle of strength between the two boys. Her favorite part, though, was when Tybalt lay slain and Asuka pretended to be wounded, panting with fatigue. Each time this scene ended Meimi clapped silently for him.

The last rehearsal ended. She complimented everyone before leaving. She rushed quickly home to find her mother waiting eagerly for her.

" C'mon Meimi let's go!" Her mother said grabbing the keys to the car. Meimi dashed into the passenger's seat. Both of them hastily fastened their seatbelts before her mother started the engine. They made their way to the local mall. Meimi slammed the car door behind her as she practically ran through the glass door entrance.

" Mom the dresses are over here!" Meimi said waving her mother over. They arrived at a rental store. The room was cluttered with different outfits of all sizes and shapes. They walked in casually glancing at all the stunning clothes.

" Excuse me. My daughter is attending the masquerade ball at her school Monday evening. They told us that you rent for free if we mention it." Meimi's mother inquired to the reception lady.

" Aah! Yes, please follow me to the backroom where we store are gowns and masks and other fancy things." The lady said walking to the backroom intending them to follow her. They did and found a treasure room full of silk and velvet. Meimi ran to the closest wall and felt the material of a deep red velvet gown. She quickly ran to the next and felt its material also. Her mother talked to the woman eagerly about the engagement.

" I'm going to be one of the chaperones. Should I get all dressed up also?" Her mother asked.

" I'm guessing that's up to you." The woman answered. They fell back into a deep conversation. Meimi walked slowly now around the walls judging each one. Her eyes spotted a gorgeous baby blue gown that glistened in the dim light. The outer layer of the dress had a tightly knitted net that captured the glitter trapped in its web. Underneath was shimmering sky blue silk that was flawlessly smooth to Meimi's touch. The top had a medium cut that would expose Meimi's lower neck. It cut low in the back, about midway.

" Mommy! I found the dress!" Meimi shouted excitedly. Her mother rushed over to caress the beautiful material.

" I like it." Her mother said agreeing with her decision. They hoisted it off the wall delicately. Next they found a matching feathery blue mask. They registered it for rental at the desk before leaving happily content.

This dress was next seen on Monday night when it revealed itself on Meimi's slender body. She twirled happily letting it fold with momentum. Her mother and father applauded at her display. Her mother, teary eyed, snapped shots of her 'baby'. Meimi's hair was pulled up in a braid that wrapped into a bun. She wore a rhinestone necklace that complemented her neck nicely. The doorbell rang as her mother rushed to get it.

" Hello Mrs. Haneoka. May I come in?" Sawatari asked politely. His hands were full of white roses.

" What a nice gentleman. Yes, please come in. Meimi is in the living room." She said shutting the door behind him. In better light, Sawatari's tuxedo grew a darker black. He wore a matching tie against a clean white shirt. He froze when he saw Meimi. She turned around when her father was not staring at her anymore. She smiled at Sawatari and blushed slightly.

" Haneoka, you grow more beautiful each and every day. I'm sure by tomorrow that you will surpass the beauty of the angels in the heavenly clouds. These roses are for you." He said handing her the roses still slightly stunned. She gratefully accepted them and breathed a deep breathe of their sweet fragrance. She placed them in a vase on the table.

" Thank you Sawatari. Shall we go?" She asked jutting her elbow out to him. He nodded and hooked his arm around hers.

" Have fun Sweetie. I'll be there in about fifteen minutes." Her mother called out to her. They stepped into the cool night air. The lampposts transcended their celestial light onto the hard pavement.

" Are we walking?" Meimi asked noticing no car.

" If that doesn't bother you. I find the evening sky extremely serene and beautiful." Sawatari replied. Meimi began to walk next to Sawatari towards the school. He smiled broadly. " Do you think the thief's out tonight?" He said dawning the conversation.

" Thief?"

" Saint Tail. I bet she's off stealing some priceless jewel."

" I don't think she would do that Sawatari."

" Why not? I would if I was a thief."

" I think Saint Tail steals back things that were already stolen. I think she is a thief of good causes." Meimi said her voice growing harsher.

" I didn't know you cared so much about Saint Tail. Most of the girls just swoon over her elegance and grace. I didn't think they would care about what she did." Sawatari said.

" I guess them I'm different then 'those' girls then." Meimi said aggravated. Sawatari did not reply. Thankfully for him, they had arrived at the school. Cars pulled up off the streets releasing anxious students. The lights poured out of the gym where this was all happening. Light music drifted out of them to Sawatari and Meimi. " Sawatari, I'm sorry for snapping at you. That's just a delicate subject for me. Let's just try to have a good time, okay?" Meimi asked looking up at him. Sawatari nodded happily, relieved. They walked hand in hand into the welcoming gym. Meimi slipped on her mask, as did Sawatari. Looking completely different, they both shared a laugh before stepping fully into the gym. Meimi felt her breath leave her as she awed at the spectacularly decorated gym. Couples danced in unison at the far end of the gym. A buffet of food lay across the side where tables were set up also. Meimi clapped her hands excitedly.

" Attention all students. The first event prepared by class B-2 will begin. Will all the ladies please step forward to the bleachers." The principal's voice boomed over the microphone. Meimi looked up at Sawatari who smiled and nodded signaling her to go. She pushed her way past unrecognizable people to the front of the crowd. Everyone wore masks that concealed their faces. Meimi looked around desperately for someone she knew.

" All bow the prince is rising." The voice boomed. Playing along, everyone kneeled to the ground before the prince. He was wearing a midnight black tuxedo. His mask was equally dark. His eyes were concealed behind the dark material. Meimi wondered who hid behind the mask as she rose with the crowd. " Now the prince will pick one lucky girl to dance with him alone for one song." The principal said explaining. The crowd eased with the movement of the boy as he looked at each and every girl. Meimi noticed that his eyes crossed over her multiple times. He stopped searching and outstretched his hand to her. Meimi looked around uncertain.

" Me?" she whispered. The prince nodded. She walked nervously out to him taking his hand. The music started. He drew her close to her as their feet began to move in unison. He held her hands, one outstretched and one at their sides. She could feel his gentle grip through her satin arm length gloves. She moved unsteadily throwing them off from time to time.

" Just relax." He said comfortingly into her ear. Meimi let loose her held breath as her shoulders drooped. She shut her eyes and placed her face next to his. His body heat radiated to her cheeks as they brushed softly against each other. The prince left her hands and slowly moved to her waist. The song was in the middle as Meimi wrapped her arms around his neck. They danced silently like this as the whole school watched. She felt herself blushing nervously. They swayed with the peaceful slow beat of the song. Faces blurred as they turned while swaying. The song finally stopped and they were left embracing each other moments after. The lights, which had dimmed for the occasion, had lightened again. Meimi slowly let go of the prince who bowed. Meimi hastily curtsied before staring at his face. He had familiar green eyes.

" A-Asuka?!" Meimi whispered to him surprised. He looked at her momentarily before opening his mouth slightly, gawking.

" Is that you Haneoka?" He replied with equal astonishment. Meimi ducked back into the crowd as her face burned brightly. Asuka Jr., seeing her leave, dashed after her. They made it through the crowd. Meimi whipped around to see Asuka. " I-I was a substitute. The real prince couldn't make it." He said trying to explain to her. Meimi, still flushed, remained silent. She looked down at the ground. " I-I'm sorry if I embarrassed you. I didn't do it purposely." He said. Meimi looked up at him. She removed her mask in order to stare directly at him. Her eyes were filled with fright and bewilderment.

" Why did you pick me?" she asked softly. Asuka Jr. remained immobile before pulling his mask off. His eyes were full of sincerity and sympathy.

" You are the most beautiful one here." He said breathlessly. Meimi's eyes filled with tears. She was caught up in the moment. She smiled after blinking repeatedly trying to rid herself from them. Meimi dropped her mask and ran into Asuka's arms. Asuka, stepped a few steps backwards, before embracing her.

" Thank you Asuka." She said into his chest. Her tears stained his tuxedo as she cried happily into his chest.

" Haneoka…I think…I think I love you." He said to her quietly. Meimi looked up at him and smiled.

" I think I love you too." She said. He smiled also.

" Haneoka!" Sawatari yelled from in the crowd. Meimi, reluctantly leaving his arms, wiped her eyes before stepping away from Asuka. She picked up her fallen mask and placed it over tear-stained cheeks. She looked back at Asuka and smiled happily before going to meet Sawatari. Asuka, stood absorbing the moment. After an eternity swept by him, he picked up his mask and concealed his green eyes once again.

Author's Note: (In tears) Okay it may not bring tears to your eyes, but I'm a very sensitive person. Review!!!!!