A/N: Thanx for everyone who reviewed. I'd say all your names but my fingers really hurt from writing this chap. God my fingers hurt. So, enjoy!
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Just a day,
Just an ordinary day.
Just tryin to get by.
Just a boy,
Just an ordinary boy.
But he was looking to the sky.
And as he asked if i would come along
I started to realize-
That everyday you find
Just what he's looking for,
Like a shooting star he shines.
He said take my hand,
Live while you can
Don't you see your dreams right in the palm of your hand?
And as he spoke, he spoke ordinary words
Although they did not feel
For I felt what I had not felt before
You'd swear those words could heal.
And as I looked up into those eyes
His vision borrows mine.
And to know he's no stranger,
For I feel I've held him for all of time.
And he said take my hand,
Live while you can
Don't you see your dreams right in the palm of your hand
in the pal of your hand.
Please come with me,
See what I see.
Touch the stars for time will not flee.
Time will not flee.
And you must be
Just a dream, just an ordinary dream.
As I wake in bed
And the boy, that boy, that ordinary boy.
Or was it all in my head?
Did he asked if I would come along
It all seemed so real.
But as i looked to the door,
I saw that boy standing there with a deal.
And he said he my take my hand,
Live while you can,
Don't you see your dreams right in the palm of your hand
right in the palm of your hand,
right in the palm of your hand.
Just a day, just an ordinary day
Jus tryin to get by.
Just a boy,
Just an ordinary boy.
But he was looking to the sky.
Ordinary Day by Vanessa Carlton
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Chapter 12: Ordinary Day
The drive back home was long and quiet. Neither Hitomi nor Dilandau spoke to each other. Hitomi at this point had no desire to speak with him. How can it be true? It just doesn't seem logical. Gah…It can't be logical, stupid Hitomi! She mentally slapped herself. How could he have moved on so quickly? Was he waiting for me to leave? Hitomi sighed heavily and continued to watch the sun set on the horizon, changing the clouds' colour from white to shades of pink and orange.
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"Hey Hitomi!" Yukari called as she approached her friend on her way to school.
"Hey Kari-chan," Hitomi replied. She wasn't too enthusiastic about talking at the moment. Her mind was too fixed on what she had seen the pervious night. I still can't believe that Folken and the Dragonslayers are still alive.
"So…" Yukari said trying to break the silence. "What did you and Dilly-chan do yesterday?" Hitomi looked to her friend with a raised eyebrow.
"Dilly-chan?"
"It's a nickname me and Yoko gave Dilandau. He hates it but we love it." Yukari replied while grinning. "So, what'd you two do?" Yukari asked again but this time she added in a suggestive wink and a nudge with her elbow.
"Yukari!" Hitomi exclaimed in outrage. "I'm not like you! Any ways, we did nothing. He visited a friend and that was it."
"That's it? Nothing more? No kissy-kissy?" Hitomi frowned and shoved her friend in a playful manner.
"Yukari when are you gonna grow up?"
"hmmm……probably never." Hitomi smiled. At least I can depend on you to stay the same. There was a long silence between the two friends as they walked together. However, the silence came to an end when a flyer was swept up in the wind and planted itself on Yukari's face.
Yukari ripped the pink paper from her face held it out to read it. "Come one come all to the greatest dance of all." She murmured. "Hey! It's a masquerade style dance!" Yukari squealed with delight. "It's this Friday night! We have to go Hitomi! Please don't back out!" Yukari shouted, turning to her friend waiting for and answer.
"A-a dance?" Yukari nodded. "But I don't know the first thing about dancing-"
"Then I'll teach you." Yukari said instantly. "It's not hard. All you do is put your arms around the guy's neck, he puts his around your waist and you two just move to the music."
"Easy for you to say…" Hitomi muttered under her breath.
"So come on! We have to go. Any ways, I know this really great costume store down town. We can go there after school today." Hitomi sighed. She knew she had no way of getting herself out of this.
"Fine, I'll go. So, where's it being held at?" Yukari looked back at the pink paper for he location.
"It's at the community center. It starts at seven and ends at midnight."
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For Hitomi, the day seemed to go by fast; a little too fast. She dreaded the fact of being dragged around by Yukari and Yoko. But Hitomi knew that she'd never be able to fight her way out of it. Yukari would bring up some point to change her mind or something else.
"Hitomi!" Yukari called while waving to her friend as she and Yoko waited at the subway station. Hitomi smiled, waved back and joined her friends.
"So, Hitomi, got any ideas on what you want to go as?" Yoko asked while curling a lock of her black hair around her long, slender finger.
"Not yet. What about you guys?"
"I was thinking of going as Cleopatra." Yoko replied. "I already have the hair for it so the rental price will be cheaper."
"Cheaper? How so?" Hitomi asked.
"I won't need to rent a damn wig. God those things make my head itch." Yukari giggled as Yoko began to vent on about her past "wig" experiences.
"So Yukari, what are you going as?" Hitomi asked her other friend.
"I'm not sure. I was thinking maybe an Arabian harem dancer."
"I thought you were going as a cat?" Yoko asked confused by her friends change in mind.
"Nah, my parents wouldn't let me. They saw the costume and said it was too "provoking" if you know what I mean." Both Hitomi and Yoko laughed together in union.
After getting off the subway train, the three friends walked for about five minutes or so until they came to Madam Motif's Costumes. It stood out from the surrounding stores with its colourful exterior design. Yoko stood close to the glass of the display case looking in awe at the wonderfully designed costumes.
Yukari was the first to enter the store. From wall to wall there was nothing but costumes and costume accessories. All three of the girls looked on in utter astonishment. "Wow…" they all said union.
"Ah, welcome to my store." A young looking woman spoke in a French accent. "I am Madam Motif."
"You're Madam Motif?" Hitomi asked feeling confused for some reason.
"Oui! I am she! I know I look a little young but I've always loved designing costumes." Yoko just stared in awe at the woman before them. She wore a long black, silk skirt with a slit up both sides and a translucent, long sleeved black shirt under a black velvet corset. If her clothes weren't enough to grab your attention then her hair was. It was long and black with streaks of red, blue, purple and green. "So, do you have any ideas on what you want?"
"Yep, I'm looking for a Cleopatra type costume." Yoko spoke up before Yukari or Hitomi had a chance to even utter a word.
"You're in luck, I just finished my newest design for Cleopatra just a few days ago. It's in the back so I'll get for you. I'll meet you at the change rooms okay?" Yoko nodded excitedly.
As soon the three girls made if to the change rooms, which were nothing but stalls separated by dark red velvet curtains. "Here you go." She said while handing over the white silk gown and a clear bag of the accessories. Yoko took the costume and went into the change room. "Now, what about you two. Have any ideas yet?"
"I do." Yukari said. "I was thinking Arabian harem dancer."
"What a lovely choice. I think you have the perfect body too." Yukari blushed and laughed nervously at herself. "And you?" Madam Motif asked as she looked to Hitomi.
"I have no idea whatsoever." Hitomi answered shyly.
"It's a masquerade dance we're going to so her face needs to be covered in some way." Yukari implied.
"Oh, a masquerade. I haven't been to one in such a long time." Madam Motif said sighing. "But you know what, I think I have the perfect costume for you. Just give me a sec okay?"
"Hey Yoko, how's it looking?" Yukari asked.
"Why don't you look for yourself." Yoko replied and walked out of the change room.
"Wow, that looks amazing!" Yukari said and Yoko did a little turn about. The silk gown fit her perfectly. The fake gold belt, neckpiece, armbands and headdress looked so real.
"I know!" Yoko squealed in delight. "I feel like a queen in this! All I need is the gold make-up and I'll be set!"
"Excuse me Miss." Madam Motif said as she tapped Yukari on the shoulder. "Here's the harem dancer costume if you wish to try it on." Yukari took the dress and gazed at it in awe.
"Wow, it looks amazing!" Yukari replied and went into the change room to the left of Yoko's.
"And for you." Madam Motif held out a beautiful green and gold gown.
"What is it?" Hitomi asked as she took it.
"I call it "The Queen of the Fae." "
"The Fae?" Hitomi asked
"Queen of faeries and mythological creatures. I think it would suit you perfectly." Hitomi nodded and went into the change room to the right of Yoko's.
Yukari walked out of her change room and went to look at herself in the mirror. Her outfit was a two-piece costume. She wore a gold coloured bikini type top and a matching bikini type bottom. From her bottom piece of the costume were long strips of multicoloured, translucent fabric that felt like silk against her legs. A colourful, jewelled headdress rested on her deep maroon hair and a red chiffon veil covered her nose and mouth.
"So, what do ya think Yoko?" Yukari asked winking at her friend.
"Damn, all the guys will be running after you." Yukari laughed to herself knowing it would be true. What guy would be able to resist her in that costume?
"Hey Hitomi, are you done yet?" Yukari asked.
"Ya but I can't get this damn bodice done up!" Hitomi shouted back.
"Here, I'll come in and I will help you." Madam Motif suggested.
"Okay." Hitomi replied and Madam Motif went in and tied up the gold laces in the deep forest green bodice.
Madam Motif was the first to step out of the change room. Hitomi followed shortly afterwards. "I must say, I'm definitely getting better. This is probably my most prized costume." Hitomi walked over to the mirror and barely recognized herself.
"That costume looks amazing on you Hitomi." Yukari commented. "It really brings out your eyes."
Hitomi looked at herself and examined the dress. The layers of petticoats made the dark green fabric of the gown puff out elegantly. The sleeves went to her elbows and the cuffs were shaped in large, draping bells. She wore a green, gold and black-feathered mask that covered her eyes only.
"Hitomi you have to rent this one." Yoko insisted.
"Ya Hitomi, it looks absolutely amazing on you."
"But it looks too fancy for just a masquerade dance." Hitomi replied.
"Who cares?! At least you'll make a big impression and probably make all the other girls jealous."
"Is that all you think about Yukari?" Hitomi asked jokingly.
"Maybe." Yukari replied with a grin.
"Alright, I'll get it." Hitomi sighed.
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"So, who else is going to the dance?" Hitomi asked Yoko and Yukari as the three sat in the subway train.
"Mayumi, Hikaru, Kaneko, Tsuya, Tae, Junnosuke, Koji, Ryoko, and Zenko so far." Yoko replied, counting the number of people she listed on her fingers. "Zenko said he wasn't sure. He's only going if Hikaru goes."
"Hey is he gonna ask her out?!" Yukari asked excitedly.
"What do you think?" Yoko replied grinning.
"I always knew he had a thing for her."
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Hitomi didn't arrive home until late that evening. She was so exhausted from her long afternoon walking around and shopping with Yoko and Yukari. She felt relieved though when she was able to take off her shoes. Her feet ached with pain and begged to be given a rest.
"Where were you?" Dilandau asked as Hitomi walked past the living room.
"Out." Hitomi replied simply.
"I know that but where did you go?" Hitomi looked at him and raised an eyebrow.
"Why would you even care?"
"I'm just curious."
"Fine, I went out to Madam Motif's Costumes. There's a masquerade dance on Friday that we're going to."
"A dance?"
"Yes, a dance. Are you going?" Dilandau laughed.
"I'd rather die then make a fool of myself dancing." Hitomi rolled her eyes and left. Thank god he's not going. I'll finally have a night alone with out that dick head there bugging me.
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The days passed quickly and soon it was Friday. Hitomi, Yoko and Yukari were all together at Yoko's house since she lived the closest to the community center. They all helped each other get dressed, apply make-up and do their hair.
"So when should we leave?" Hitomi asked as Yukari applied a more gel to her hair.
"I was thinking maybe leave at quarter after seven. You never want to be too early or too late." Yoko replied as she put on her gold, dangly earrings.
"Okay Tomi-chan, your hair is done." Hitomi stood up from the chair and walked over to the mirror. The front half of her hair was left natural but the back was spiked out. "Wait, I have to put your mask on." Yukari said and grabbed the feathered mask from the bed. "Okay, just stand still while I put this on." Carefully Yukari pulled the thin black elastic around Hitomi's head and into place. "Now you're done."
"Wow Kari-chan, you did an amazing job on my hair."
"What can I say, I'm amazing!" Yoko and Hitomi looked at each other both raising their eyebrows.
"Believe what you want to Kari-chan." Yoko replied as she adjusted her headdress.
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The three girls arrived at the center at approximately seven thirty. They paid their admission and went straight to the gymnasium. Half the gym was already filled with other teens dancing and socializing. The music pounded and multicoloured lights flicker and changed colour to the beat of the music.
"Yoko!?" a familiar voice shouted. The three girls turned to the voice.
"Oh hey Tae!?" Yukari shouted back uncertain.
"Close! It's Hikaru!"
"Sorry! I couldn't recognize you!"
"But isn't that the point Yukari!?" Hitomi pointed out.
"So, are you with anyone!?" Yoko asked. Hikaru blushed slightly. "Oh! Who is it!?" Yoko already had a hunch, as did Yukari and Hitomi.
"Zenko asked me out!" Hikaru shouted in reply. "Hey! Why don't you guys join me and the others over by the DJ?!"
"Okay!" Yukari replied and they moved across the gym. There they danced and talked for a while. After about half an hour of being so close to one of the speakers, Hitomi excused herself from her friends so she could get some fresh air.
When Hitomi made it out of the gym, she took in a deep breath. She sighed heavily and walked towards the back door. She opened the metal door slightly. She took in another deep breath and embraced the night air.
Hitomi stayed put for a few minutes then shut the door. God my feet are killing me! She thought to herself. She limped over to the wooden bench along the wall. It felt wonderful to finally sit down and let her feet rest. She lifted one foot up and pulled off her high-heeled shoe. She did the same for the other foot but unlike her other shoe, this one wasn't going to come off without a fight.
Hitomi tugged at the black shoe until finally it came off and went flying down the hallway. Shit! I hope no one got hit. She debated whether to get up and get it or to stay put. She was feeling pretty comfortable sitting down.
"Excuse me my lady but would this be yours?" a masculine voice asked.
Hitomi turned towards the owner of the voice. He was tall and dressed in a black tuxedo. He wore a cape over his shoulders that was red underneath but black on top. And, like most people there, he wore a mask; a white mask that must have been from the play Phantom of the Opera. And to top it all off, he wore a black top hat.
"Yes, it is." Hitomi replied. He bent down on one knee.
"May I?" Hitomi blushed and nodded. He's such a gentleman! "Let me guess, you're the Queen of the Fae?" Hitomi looked at him wide eyed. How could this mystery man have known? Madam Motif had told her that it was a one of a kind costume that was never seen by anyone before.
"Y-yes." Hitomi stuttered. "How'd you know?"
"A lucky guess." He answered with a grin. "Now would you care to join me for a dance?" he asked holding out a white-gloved hand. Hitomi looked at it then at his face. I guess it couldn't hurt to give him one dance.
"Sure." She replied with a genuine smile and grabbed his hand.
For a guy he was a great dancer in Hitomi's opinion. I wish I could see his face. "So, what's your name?" Hitomi asked, breaking the silence between them.
"But that would ruin the fun of this masquerade dance."
"So, it's just a dance." Hitomi replied jokingly.
"I like to keep secret. Maybe later I'll tell you."
"If I tell you my name, will you tell me yours?" Hitomi asked, hoping he'd say yes.
"Sorry but perhaps later."
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After hours of dancing with the phantom, Hitomi needed a break. "I'll be back, I have to go to the washroom."
"Alright. I'll be waiting here." He replied. As Hitomi went to walk away, he grabbed her arm. "But before you go…"he stopped and lower his head and pressed his lips against hers. When their lips parted, Hitomi was left breathless.
"I'll be back." She said again breathlessly and smiled. She felt so girly at the moment. This guy, whoever he was, just kissed her! It wasn't her first kiss but was definitely better. My first kiss…it brought back memories of Gaea. Allen had been the first man to kiss her. But thinking of Gaea made her think of Van and how he had hurt her so.
"Hey Hitomi, where have you been all night?" Yukari asked as Hitomi entered the washroom. Hitomi looked to see most of her friends all standing in the washroom by the open window socializing.
"I was dancing." Yoko stood up straight.
"Dancing? With whom may I ask?" Hitomi grinned at the irony of it.
"I wish I knew. He won't tell me."
"Awwww……poor Tomi-chan!" Yukari said in a mocking tone. "So, what's he like?"
"He's nice and very respectable. And he's a-" Hitomi stopped herself.
"He's a what?" Yoko asked raising an eyebrow in amusement.
"Ummm……"
"C'mon Tomi-chan, you can tell us." Tae said.
"He's a good kisser okay!" her friends then began to make cat calls and say how cute it was.
"Well you shouldn't keep prince charming waiting!" Yukari shouted and winked.
"Shut up Kari-chan." Hitomi muttered and made her leave.
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The rest of the night Hitomi and the mystery man flirted and did, as Yukari had titled, the "courtship dance of lovers." There was something about this man that made Hitomi feel warm and fuzzy inside. It felt like a swarm of butterflies were fluttering around in her stomach. She couldn't help but feel nervous but calm at the same time.
As the dance neared its end, Hitomi and the phantom sat outside on the front steps of the center. They sat side by side and slowly, the phantom put his arm around Hitomi's shoulders. A shiver ran up her spine. Okay, this has gone on long enough. I have to know who this guy is!
"The dance is almost done, so will you tell me your name now?"
"No." he answered simply.
"Why not?"
"The isn't done yet." He pointed out. Hitomi looked to the clock tower behind the building and grinned.
"Well it'll be done in a matter of seconds. Five to be exact."
"Oh really?" he turned his torso towards the clock.
"Times up. So who are you?" Hitomi asked anxiously.
"Close your eyes." He said in a seductive voice. Hitomi did as he said and waited. I've never been this excited in my life. Wait, why am I feeling this way? Her thoughts however were put to an end as a set of lips pressed firmly against her own. A hand then moved to the back of her head and an arm wrapped around her waist.
Hitomi was in utter bliss. She invited his warm tongue into mouth. She soon found herself lost in the moment and completely forgot about asking whom the phantom was. Her arms wrapped themselves around his neck, securing his head in place.
"Ow! Ow! Hitomi!" Yoko called. Hitomi and the phantom parted lips quickly.
"Yoko! Yukari!" Hitomi growled.
"So that was the mystery man?" Yukari asked raising an eyebrow.
"Hey!" Hitomi turned towards her right to ask or rather demand the phantom reveal his identity. "You still have to-" she stopped as she realized he was gone. Her mouth hung open. That bastard! Oh well, I least I had the best night of my life for the first time in years! Hitomi smiled and gazed back up at the sky. I'll find you, one way or another…
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A/N: OMG! It's so long! I can hardly believe it myself! Originally this was gonna be 2 chaps but I couldn't think of a song to go with the first half of the chap. So I hope you guys enjoyed and don't get any ideas like I'll continue writing long chaps like this. It took me forever to write this! It's 11 freaking pages long! I've never written a chap that was 11 pages. I'm exhausted!