Hello all and thank you for the lovely reviews I am glad you are enjoying this story and for some of you the second time around. I just finished my edit on chpt 14 and for those who are reading this story the second time around as a revised version you'll remember the orginal chpt was called Loss of innocence but I always hated that tittle and used it cause well I couldn't think of anything eles at the time. And yes this one is up and running sooner then all my other post mainly b/c I had worked on it all ready and now that I have my word processor back and grammer check dies of happiness over that I'm able to get my chpts up a lot quicker. So sit back and enjoy guys and once again that you for your teriffic reviews they do me so much to me.

Oh yeah forgot to give a warining. LEMON in this chpt and if you are reading this and do not fit the profile of someone who should be reading a M rated fanfic I ask that you stop reading now.Granted this is the stories only lemonbut I do ask this because it does get a bit more violent in the chapters to come as well.

Disclamer: Only in my dreams do I own WHR :-p

Witch Hunter Robin

Rebuilding from the rubble

Chapter 14

The Masquerade

A FanFic By Prospero53223

Amon and Robin made the trip to Grand Hotel Plaza, which is right in the middle of Rome's historical center. It was expensive even with the group discount rate SOLOMON was able to get for both students and staff that chose to spend the night at the hotel. Robin of course jumped at the chance. To her even just one night of peaceful sleep was worth the expense not to mention that there was also a bathtub she could soak in. This was the main reason why Amon and Robin left for the hotel four hours before the ball actually began. Robin wanted to soak in a nice long hot bath before having to get all dressed up and mingle with the bosses. Granted a lot of the students and instructors seemed to have had the same idea seeing how Cathy, Leigh, Joe, Ian, and Mike all pitched in to rent a car. Joe was driving and had the seat reclined at a forty-five degree angle as he drove trying to catch up to Amon and race him. The eighteen year old was no match for him even if he drove an indie car; Amon was one who never paid attention to the speed limit.

" You know I still don't see why you got so mad at me when we watched that George Carlin video that Ken has especially when he mentioned how he doesn't stop for red lights. Not to mention how sidewalks give him more miles per gallon and everything else he had to say about driving and drivers." Robin asked through giggles.

" I don't know maybe its because of the fact while you sat there doubled over in laughter you were still able to point in my direction and say 'you that is so you when driving.' " Amon seemed slightly aggravated that Robin would even dare put him into such a category of being a reckless driver.

" Well its true." Robin said as she giggled.

" No, I never killed anyone with my car any way." Amon said as he kept his eyes on the road.

" Don't you mean yet?" Robin couldn't resist the temptation to point that little tid bit of information out.

" Do you want to walk?" Amon asked his tone hinting at how serious he was to becoming angry with her.

" No, but I would like to drive." Robin added with Amon seeing her true motive, she always did want to drive his car.

" Nice try Robin." Robin gave a small chuckle as she shook her head. After a few minutes of silent giggles she looked out the window watching the tourist on the sidewalks they passed by with their shopping bags in hand that read Gucci, Versci, and so on.

With in minutes they pulled into the hotel parking lot Amon of course by passing the valet parking since no one drove his car but him. That and one really could trust those valet kids who just got their drivers license, God only knows what they actually did with the cars.

Robin continued to look out of the window in awe at the hotel it was beautiful, like a castle in her mind. The Grand Hotel Plaza was also one of the oldest hotels in all of Rome. When they both got out of the car Robin walked around as if she were in a trance while Amon doubled checked their reservation. He thanked the young man behind the counter who handed him both his and Robin's key for their separate rooms.

" Robin." Amon said trying to get her attention.

" Did you see the art work and, and the stained glass windows and the architecture
is just..." Amon clasping a gloved hand over her mouth muffled Robin's words.

" Robin calm down it's a hotel not a museum." Amon though did have to admit to himself that the hotel was very nice and for the amount they paid just to stay one night was pretty much worth it.

Robin crossed her eyes at Amon's expressionless face as they stood in the lobby his hand still cupped over her mouth while those who were passing by kind of half stared half chuckled at the two of them. One little girl pointed at Robin and told her mother how pretty she looked and that her dress made it look like Robin was from one of the paintings of the pretty ladies they saw in the hall way. Amon had to agree with the little girl, Robin did look like she walked out of a painting or traveled through time with her pilgrims dress on minus her hair being up in her classic hairstyle. He wanted to kiss Robin as they stood there but handed her the key to her room instead remembering what John had told them only a few nights ago.

" Just promises me as we go through the rest of this place you won't go on and on about the architecture and the art work." Robin nodded her head as Amon removed his hand from her mouth. The two of them walked over to the white marbled staircase that was covered in a red carpet while two marble lion statues seemed to be attached to the bottom of the banisters. When they reached one of the elevators Robin pressed the number to her floor, Amon's room was a floor below hers.

" So are you going to tell me what your dressing up as or not?" Amon asked as he noticed Robin's costume was hidden in a dark garment bag was causing his curiosity to get the better of him all week.

" No you'll see it in a little bit." Robin said with a smirk on her face.

" Can I at least escort you down, meet you at the elevator?" A small smile could be seen in the corner of his mouth.

" No bottom of the stairs in the lobby." Amon nodded his head as the elevator reached his floor, "So this thing starts at six thirty right well cocktails anyway."

Robin nodded her head as she smiled. " I'll see you then."

Amon kissed Robin quickly before exiting the elevator. While in the process of trying to find his room Amon had bumped into Steven and Akin. Both boys decided to share a room with Ian so they could evenly split the cost something most of the students ended up doing. Those three thankfully were on the opposite end of the hall and away from his room. Like Robin all Amon wanted was one night of peace and quiet with out someone knocking on his door and telling him who did what and how they needed his help with a problem.

Robin had just gotten out of her nice hot hour-long bath when she heard a knock on her door.

" Who is it?" Robin asked as she tied her bathrobe and toweled dried her hair.

" Its us." Cathy and Leigh said at the same time.

Robin smiled and opened up the door letting the two girls in her costume hanging from the door of the wardrobe, it was simple but very beautiful.

" I still think your costume is the best and where did you get the crown?" Cathy asked as she placed her costume on Robin's bed with Leigh following suit. The three girls had agreed to meet up in Robin's room to get ready when they were still at the barracks.

" I actually found it a few years back in an antique store in Tuscany and brought it to use in Christmas play I was in a few years back."

" Cool what play was it?" Leigh asked.

" A Christmas Carol and I was the ghost of Christmas past so it worked well with the white dress Sister Helen had made. To be honest it's very similar to this costume now that I think about it." The girls nodded as they all started to get ready it was no five thirty and Robin had to meet with Amon in an hour.

Robin kept her make up simple while Cathy did Robin's hair weaving it through the crown she wore. Cathy and Leigh both wore their hair up while they put on their Venetian style costumes and masks that covered their eyes. Leigh dressed as up as a court jester while Cathy wore a gown with a matching hat that went with it. They had to admit they were very impressed with Robin's work especially with her own costume it had so much detail and the sleeves had three of four different fabrics alone. They liked the color though it was a soft sea green that matched her eyes perfectly.

" Now all you need are some elf ears and you'll look like Awren but blond." Cathy said as she laughed.

" Sorry I don't do elf ears since I try to keep as much attention away from my ears as I possibly can." Robin said as she then helped Leigh apply her clown make up. " There you're all done, what do you think?"

" I look ridiculous, nice job." Leigh said sincerely since ridiculous was what she wanted.

" Ok lets get going then." Cathy said as she noticed the time.

Down stairs Amon waited patiently for Robin dressed in his ranger costume all of it black except the tunic Robin had convinced him to use a deep crimson for that. He had to admit it didn't look that bad and a lot of the kids in his class complemented him on it. Some of the students thought it was some old thing Amon had in the back of his closet and that he had pulled it out after lord knows how many years, since his costume cold almost be mistaken for an outfit he would probably wear daily. He thanked those who did complement him and even had to suppress some laughter from the costumes that other people where wearing. Especially when he saw Joe dressed as Peter Pan and not the Disney version either. Some how though he convinced Zena to dress up as Tinker Bell and Akin as Captain Hook while Ian and Steven dressed as John and Michael, while Evelyn dressed up as Wendy. Amon later found out it didn't really take much to get the others to go along with Joe for a costume scheme since all eight loved the children's classic tale of the boy who never grew up.

" Amon." There was only one person's voice who could make Amon wince as if nails were just ran across a chalkboard, and that was Stephie's. He unfortunately noticed her walk towards him with her parents and older brother in tow.

" I would like you to meet my parents and my brother. " Stephie cooed at Amon while trying to snake her arm around his, which once again he was able to side, stepped the girl.

" Amon-San, it is a pleasure to meet you." Mr. Miller spoke for the rest of his family extending a hand that Amon did not take. Instead Amon greeted the Millers in the traditional Japanese style and made a slight bow. " Like wise," He replied dryly.

He looked over each member of the Miller family and it was no surprise to Amon why Stephie had the attitude she did. The entire family had their noses up in the air like they had all smelt something fowl as they looked down at everyone who came into their view.

" Daddy if you could excuse me for a moment I need to talk with Amon." Stephie batted her long eyelashes at her father while snaking her arm around Amon's. This time he couldn't get away from her since she did drag him away and out of earshot of her family.

" What do you want Stephie?" Amon jerked his arm away from hers when Stephie's parents were no longer in view with his voice turning cold and stern; Amon was in no mood nor did he have time for her games.

" Oh just that I forgive you for lying to the police about me and that I'll be coming back to class on Monday." Stephie cooed to Amon as she tried to smile and bat her eyelashes at him at the same time. " I was also hoping we could study together so I could catch up on all the work I missed." Stephie was sure trying her best to sound like a sweet innocent girl.

" I highly doubt that's what you really want and if you do why not ask Robin for the notes she is your roommate." Amon walked away as he headed back to the staircase when he saw Robin who had just come down from her room. Cathy followed her and Leigh who he had to admit also looked rather nice in their costumes as well. Robin though now had to look for Amon who was not where they planed to meet since he was side tracked by Stephie. He was able to spot her rather easily though in the crowd that Robin was now weaving in and out of.

Amon's heart had nearly stopped when he saw Robin in her costume; she looked breath taking in the sea green dress and with her hair down. Amon made his way up to Robin offering her his arm so they could walk together which she shyly agreed to do. It didn't take Amon to long to figure out why Robin was acting so shy seeing how every one was now staring at the young woman in awe.

Stephie's older bother also noticed the girl his little sister talked so venomously about and walked up to Robin so that he could speak with her. " If I may have the pleasure of dancing with you sometime this evening Ms. Sena, that is if your boyfriend doesn't mind?"

Robin's blush deepened; she was not used to so much attention and agreed to one dance with Stephie's brother later in the evening out of politeness.

Stephie on the other hand was starting to get pissed; she was the one that was supposed to get all the attention at these stupid balls. She was the one who was supposed to be the one all the young men wanted to talk to while staring at her expensive costumes. Which Stephie thought were far more beautiful then Robin's ugly home made rags.

" Why does she always get the attention?" Stephie asked in a haughty tone to no one in particular

" Maybe for the simple fact she's not a mean bitch like you are." Mike had answered as he walked past Stephie in some toga style costume.

" Cretan!" Stephie hissed as she walked away in a huff.

Amon and Robin had finally made their way to the terrace to get some air and get away from the crowd as well. This of course was starting to look like a failed mission since the terrace was just as crowded as the lobby while cocktails were being served. They were however able to find a slightly quiet place where they could talk and enjoy the view of historic Rome, while all Amon could think of was seeing Robin in that same exact dress but in white.

" You look beautiful." Amon said as he held Robin's hand.

Robin's blush seemed to deepen even more now, " Thank you."

" I'm glad you didn't tell me what you we're going to wear. " Amon began to say, " I don't think I would have been as surprised to see you all dressed up if I knew what you were going to dress up in. " Robin smiled as she shivered a bit it was quite chilly out.

Amon took off the coat that went to his costume and placed it over Robin's shoulders as a waitress then came by with some drinks. She asked if they would like a drink as Amon took two glasses filled with white wine while thanking the woman handing one of the glasses to Robin.

" I must say I'm pretty impressed on how your costume came out and Leigh's I never had to sew pants before." Robin said as she sipped her wine

" Really?" Amon said as he raised an eyebrow, " By the looks of it one would never have guessed that."

" Well it's not that hard and all besides I have had to patched up quite a few pairs of pants in the monastery; it was one of my choirs so I had a pretty good clue what to do even with the pattern." Robin paused as she looked over Amon's costume, "Though your costume still seems to be missing something." Amon didn't know what Robin was talking about until she took off her pendent and tried to place it around his neck. " No I couldn't Robin it's your mothers."

" I'm not giving it to you I'm loaning it to you for the night." Robin chuckled; Amon gave in and let Robin place her mothers pendent around his neck. " There much better."

Amon could only manage a silent " thank you" since he felt quite honored that Robin would let him ware her most prized possession.

Soon it was time for everyone to go into the grand ballroom for dinner as they all sat at the tables they were assigned to. Stephie and her family sat with the more important big bosses and so on, while Amon and Robin sat with the rest of their class. When everyone was seated the Chaplin got up and said a prayer of thanks which was followed by long speech's from the more senior members of SOLOMON and a few of the instructors. Everyone was board to tears some even felt as if they were caught in a really bad musical since every speech seemed to be followed by some religious song of sorts. Finally dinner was served and the Chaplin got up again to say grace before everyone ate and talked amongst them selves. Some of Robin's classmates were pretty drunk seeing their only means of escape through the long and boring formalities was to drink their way through them. Dinner wasn't that bad though as they ate chestnut ravioli with sage browned butter with salami al'aceto con polenta and bruschetta di prosciutto which was of course washed down by red wine. Desert was just as heavenly as they served caramelized chestnuts and Tuscan cream puffs along with chestnut-truffle cappuccinos.

Amon found a lot of the foods to be too rich to his liking as he also found himself feeling very full after only a few bites. Robin though ate every last bit of her food since she was normally stuck with something from the vending machines at the barracks and galley food wasn't all that great. Granted the few times Amon had cooked for Robin they've always been Japanese dishes and Robin was really in the mood for some of her country's food cooked right.

After dinner everyone got up and mingled some people talked while others told stupid party jokes while chamber music and waltzes were played for the guest to dance to. Robin was of course dragged away by Joe for the first dance since she did promises him one. Thankfully Ian had cut in since Joe kept stepping on her toes. Next Robin kept her promises to Stephie's older brother as well and danced with him next. She soon found out all he really wanted was to talk with her about his sister more then anything.

" So you're the poor girl stuck with my sister?" Her brother asked as Chopin was played, Stephie's older brother leading Robin in a waltz.

" Yes I am Mr. Miller." Robin said politely.

" Please call me Bradley, Mr. Miller is my father." Robin's ears perked up when she heard Stephie's brother's name. " Your name is Bradley," She chuckled, " That's my sisters name as well."

" Yes I know." Bradley said shyly, " If you wish you may call me Brad instead."

" Ok then Brad but if I may point out and please forgive me if you find what I say to be rude but..."

" Just because I was raised to have my nose up in the air doesn't mean I'm always rude like my sister is. I will admit I am a snob you can ask a certain coworker of yours about that I'm sure she'll tell you everything. I was very horrid to her when she was a freshman." Robin laughed and understood why Doujima hated the Miller family a little bit more.

" Yes she did tell me about you and Stephie but why is it that Stephie is going through all of this and..."

" I didn't?" Brad had cut her off again.

" Yes exactly." Robin answered.

" Well she was expelled from the boarding school and father insists that me and my sister work for SOLOMON. We have to hunt for at least one year before we are even allowed to touch our inheritance. Father also insists we learn what the hunters go through before we take administrative positions just like he and his father did and his father before that and so on and so forth. We also have to keep our grades up; which on top of Stephie's attitude her grade point average was so horrible that the school kicked her out regardless of our families contributions can't say I blame them though."

" So is that why Stephie has not been kicked out of training." Robin mused.

" Robin I must say you are probably one of the best hunters around you don't miss a beat now do you?" Brad asked her as he flashed Robin a smile. " Any way our father has told her to get along with her classmates and the other classes. She was also instructed to stop torturing you along with being told to leave Amon alone which we obviously see she hasn't. So I guess the real reason I wanted to dance with you other then airing out my sisters dirty little secrets was to let you know I'm playing ambassador for my family. I wish to apologize for the way my sister has treated you. I'm also sorry for what she did to your mothers photo and what she said about her as well." Robin lowered her eyes as she felt tears staring to form into them, " Thank you that means a lot to me, but may I ask one more question?"

" I don't see the harm." Brad replied with a charming and warm smile.

" Why is it you're father then caves into her demands, calling up the school and trying..."

" To make Stephie happy by telling her he'll get things done that he really can't do?" Brad cut in once again which to Robin was kind of annoying but then again this was Stephie's brother he would know what was on Robin's mind about his little sister.

" Pretty much to shut her up and have the instructors give her a dose of reality since she won't listen to anyone including our own parents. She will also be going through her discipline review board in front of the base commander next Friday. If she keeps all of this up after that father is going to cut her off so she can live oh how does she put it." Brad now trying to remember the harsh words of his little sister.

" Like the rest of us common filth." Robin answered for Brad seeing how she has heard Stephie say that little phrase one to many times.

" Yes that's it, that's the term I was thinking of and I must say I am ashamed of her for using it as much as I am ashamed of teaching it to her when I was about your age." Robin nodded as the music stopped Brad bowing to Robin while she curtsied before they both walked off the dance floor. Brad then took Robin's hand and placed a gentleman's kiss on it, which made her blush. " Thank you fair maiden for the dance it was truly a pleasure."

Robin giggled as she continued to blush while some how she managed a polite 'your welcome', as Brad turned her back over to Amon. " She's all yours good man have a pleasant evening."

Amon just glared at him while Robin was a little more polite as she said good-bye, which he couldn't believe. That and he couldn't believe she actually enjoyed herself by dancing with Stephie's brother who he wanted to punch.

" Don't worry about him besides I found out a lot of stuff about Stephie from him." Robin said as she read the expression in Amon's eyes.

" Really now?" Amon said his anger going to the side as Robin told him everything she and Brad talked about.

" Well now that is interesting." Amon began to say. "Stephie's father is going to let her fall flat on her face just so she'll learn a lesson?" Amon had asked.

" That's what it sounds like." Another waltz started to play as Amon started to ask Robin if she wanted to dance until someone from the hotel staff needed to talk to her for a second.

" Signora Sena I am so sorry but your room it was distrussi."

" Oh no, che passare?" Robin asked the young man

" Water main has busted whole floor needs to be cleaned along with your belongings. The hotel will be able to set you up with another room for free if you are not able to room with a friend. We will also clean and replace belongings that you brought with."

Robin nodded her head as Amon over heard the conversation and gave the young man the list of her belonging, which weren't much just a change of clothes, some personal items and suitcase with garment bag.

" Is there a camera we can bring your things too?" The hotel employee asked.

" Yes, " Amon had spoken up " You can send them to my room."

" Amon no let me ask Cathy and Leigh if I can spend the night in their room." Robin said since she didn't want to impose on Amon.

" No its ok Robin there's a couch in my room I can sleep on." Amon had tried assuring her that it would be no problem.

" All right then, thank you Amon." Amon then gave the young man his room number with permission to enter and bring in Robin's things when they were done cleaning them for her. With that the young man excused himself returning to his boss so that he could give him the information they needed.

Robin sighed as she looked to Amon, " I think I need some air."

Amon nodded and walked with Robin back out to the terrace were they were earlier this time it wasn't so crowded and they found a big enough spot all to themselves. The terrace doors were also open and they could hear the music from the grand hall where the masquerade was taking place.

Amon smiled as he took Robin's hand and danced with her through the rest of the song as they both looked into each other's eyes; it was if they were the only two people on the planet.

When they stopped dancing Robin decided to take the opportunity as she gently pressed her lips to Amon's. He in turn held Robin close not wanting to let go of her; each kiss becoming more strong and deep as he gently caressed Robin's neck and ran a few fingers through her hair." Ore koigokoro temae Robin."

" Me amore anche Amon." Robin replied before Amon kissed her again.

Amon held Robin in his arms for a while before they both realized how chilly it was outside and headed back in. They both stayed with their friends at the party for another hour or so before everyone started to straggle off to their rooms for bed and after parties. When they got to Amon's room they noticed Robin's belongings placed neatly on the couch. Robin helped Amon clear her things off the couch as he started to prepare it for himself to sleep on so Robin could have the bed. Robin tried to get Amon to change his mind and let her take the couch since she was shorter and smaller then he was and would probably sleep more comfortably then Amon would. Amon though kept telling Robin it would be ok, that he was used to sleeping on the couch always finding himself to tired to move from the couch when he got home from hunts.

When that didn't convince her Amon tried to settle the debate by kissing Robin so she would give in but it didn't work out that way. One kiss led to another then another as Robin was gently placed on the bed while Amon figured out the clasp on her dress so that he could unzip it. He moved his lips from Robin's mouth; slowly trailing kisses down her neck as his hands gently caressed her bare breast. The room was now filled with Robin's soft moans as Amon kissed and caressed her flesh; she soon let out a surprised gasp when Amon started to gently tease the soft flesh of her breast with his mouth. While in the midst of pleasuring Robin, Amon had started to slip out of his costume with Robin's help. Her hands moving from his hair to his skin as he encouraged Robin to let her hands explore his body. Robin's soft touches had Amon melt in pure delight as her small hands ran over his muscular arms and chest before she moved them to his back. Amon then started to trail light kisses from Robin's breast up her throat and back to her mouth.

Robin unlike most girls her age never imagined what her fist time would be like with well anyone let alone Amon. He was indeed a gentle lover making sure not to cause her any discomfort while holding back from his own pleasure.

When Robin awoke the next morning it was to Amon kissing her forehead while gently telling her to wake up as he held her in his arms. Robin smiled warmly as she pressed her forehead to Amon's while he wished her a good morning. Amon continued to kiss Robin gently as he ran his hands through her honey gold locks of hair that seemed to shine in the morning sun.

Amon's features seemed much more relaxed as he smiled at the woman he loved, the woman he swore to protect, and to kill if need be though he seriously doubted that he would ever need to kill Robin. Amon also started to doubt if he himself could pull the trigger any more, Robin was his match he felt whole when she was around. He just didn't want to protect her any more he wanted to love her, have a life, a family with her. Amon thought it was kind of funny how such a young woman like Robin was able to make him change so much in so little time.

" What time is it?" Robin asked as Amon turned to look over at the clock.

" Little after eight we should get ready to go." Amon had said.

" Actually I was hoping we could do some sight seeing since the last time we were here in Rome..." Robin started to say as Amon cut her off.

" I know I remember and that's what I pretty much had in mind so please tell me you packed some pants for the day and not just your pilgrims dress?" Amon asked as he kissed her before getting out the bed and headed for the shower.

" I did." Robin replied as she sat up covering herself with the sheet mainly out of habit as she waited for Amon to go into the bathroom. When he did Robin quickly looked under the sheets as she saw her virgin blood now staining the hotels nice crisp clean sheets. She flopped back down on to the pillows wondering what made her lose control like that. Not that Robin really regretted making love to Amon; she was more or less wondering how she and Amon would act around each other when in the presence of their classmates. Then again that was a worry for later not today as she got out of bed, stealing Amon's tunic as she made her way over to the coffee pot that the hotel provided in each room making them both a cup of coffee.