A/N I know I haven't updated in a long time. Sorry. Other fics both mine and other people's as well as school and real life have distracted me for along time. Plus my friend who has the outlines of the scenes after this is having computer problems so sorry again. Thanks for the reviews. Hopefully everyone has been watching 4th stage. I know it has been giving me an interest to finally finish this.

Act 33

"So who's this Jason person?" Alex curiously as the group entered one of the many hotels surrounding the track. "I figure he's also another one of your old students but what did he do before?"

"Jason is not a professional driver, and he never will be," Aki stated.

"That bad huh?"

"Keisuke don't be mean," Aki scolded. "It wasn't that he wasn't able to learn, more along the lines of his parents would not let him." At everyone's confused looks Aki continued. "Jason Lee is the son of one of the richest families in China. Unfortunately for him, being an only child, he is being groomed to take over his father's company one day so his family is a little over protective at times."

"What like how?" asked Vic. "Oh," he stated seeing a mass of bodyguards cordoning off a section of the hotel. "I take it that elevator leads to the penthouse."

Half an hour later the Aki and company finally gained access to the top floor. "So that's what it feels like to be searched," Keisuke shuddered. "I do not want to do that again."

"Oh, I don't know," replied Alex with a smirk. "I bet you would like it if I did it."

"However, if you are going to try that little stunt I'd suggest one of the rooms downstairs," an unknown voice stated with dry amusement.

"Great job on first impressions Alex," Aki said disapprovingly. "

"I guess you've taught her well. I seem to remember a story my father told me about this girl who told her friend that only someone who is trying to compensate for something buys a boat that big, meanwhile the owner is standing right behind her. Oh what was her name?"

"Hmm can't help you there Jason," Aki said innocently. "I don't know anybody like that. Anyway Kyle wanted me to give this to you."

"Yeah you can open it. I'm just supposed to make sure you get them. After that it is out of my hands. Don't look at me like that," Jason smiled at Aki's suspicious look. "You lost track of time. For some reason around this time of year no one is able to get a hold of you."

"Aki what is he talking about?" Alex asked.

"The Gala. Wasn't that supposed to be next month?"

"Yep beginning of the year. So invitations are going out now. You now have yours," Jason said smiling at the envelope in Aki's hands, "and I can finally tell my father and his partners that Aki Keiichi will be there. Don't be mad at me. You managed to weasel out of one and they weren't to pleased with that. Besides you won't have to go alone. I got them to invite your team and any dates as well."

"YES!!! We get to go to a party!" crowed Vicky as they began to leave the office. "Keisuke you are so going to be Alex's date. This is going to be awesome. Its been ages since Aki last took us out to mingle with the sponsors. God I'm going to have to find something to wear! Alex what do you think about all of us dressing alike? You know same colours. It show that we are a team and it would be so cute."

"Oh wouldn't it?" Alex gushed.

"I don't know," replied Chris.

"Besides," said Vic, "We all have such different complexions that no single colour is going to suit us all."

"Oh I'm sure I can find one," replied Alex.

"Hate to say this Alex but red is not my colour," Chris replied.

Aki could see Keisuke begin to get nervous. Hell I would be too. He is going to get dragged into that argument sooner or later.Aki continued to keep a low profile as the argument slowly escalated. Deciding to leave before it got any worse she quickly plotted her escape route and was about to follow through when an arm snaked around her waist and pulled her back. Aki glared at the person holding her.

"Misery loves company and if I have to endure this so do you," Ryosuke whispered into her ear.

"Or you could come with me before-"

"Fine but you are helping me pick their clothes," Alex stated pointing to Ryosuke and Aki.

"Oh Keisuke, this Jason has class," gushed Alex as she sat beside her date. "A limo for each couple going to the ball, this is like a dream." Keisuke smiled as Alex began to examine the limo. "Wonder what these do," he heard her mutter looking at a console of buttons. Keisuke watched as all the limo's features were methodically tried.

"Stop playing with the buttons!" squawked a voice over the speakers.

"Hey cool Aki! You've got a radio in you're car too! We can talk all the way there! I wonder if Vicky has one too. Hey! Vicky! You there?"

"I'm here. Vic! Stop touching your tie! I'm not fixing it again!"

"But I can't breathe!"

"Please tell me we weren't that bad," Kyle sighed over the radio.

"No just JC," replied Aki.

"Hey! I was not!"

"So are we using the buddy system?" asked Kyle.

"Yeah were probably going to need it tonight," replied Aki.

"Buddy system?" Keisuke asked.

"It's when you have a partner that can bail you out of any situations or in this case conversations that you don't want to be in," replied Ryosuke in Aki's limo.

"Something makes me think you've done this before," Jason commented.

"So who's with who? I'm with Aki," stated JC.

"Really how do you figure," she replied.

"Aki, dear, I know that you wouldn't accepted my proposal the last time we met for your heart has been swayed by another. So all I can count on is that you'll spend your last days as my partner."

"Sorry JC, I was already asked by-"

"Who!? It better not be you Takahashi! You've already stolen her heart and ruined my chance for romance and now-"

Kyle snorted. "Come on JC. You know Jason's got her for the night. She can't justify leaving a conversation with the big wigs if some driver were to come drag her away. Same with Jason. They have to go together in this situation."

"Fine. You're forgiven Signor Ryosuke."

"Why how generous of you," Ryosuke sent back sarcastically.

"Knock it off children. You can decide your partners at dinner. We're here," Aki stated as the cars began to pull up to the entrance.

A/N Looking for suggestions on what the team should be wearing. Especially Aki and Alex.