Well...here is the second chapter of Masquerade. I hope you like it...I'm not too happy with it myself but I don't really have much time to update. Between school, being sick, and the play, I've been pretty much booked...but I hope you enjoy it.

disclaimer: I don't own Suikoden...

Masquerade chapter 2:

Oh my Goddess

After endless dancing and what seemed to be an endless kiss, Chris and her Masked Knight retreated to a table in the corner of the room to catch their breath. Chris wore an irritated expression on her face.

"Tell me how you know who I am!" Chris demanded as soon as they sat down.

He chuckled, "I told you that it does not matter tonight."

"Someone who I don't even know just kissed me. Of course it matters! Is this just some game to you? See how you can annoy the captain-"

"Former captain," he corrected.

"Whatever! Just answer the question!" she spat.

The Masked Man let out a deep sigh, his hand brushing through his blond hair. "I came here to do something I've always wanted to do. I came to catch you with your defenses down. Would the Chris in the real world ever let me kiss her? Of course she wouldn't. It would be impractical and bad for her reputation."

Chris was surprised at first but instantly slipped back to irritation. "Great! So that probably means you're some outlaw or criminal, right Mask?"

Mask laughed, "Mask, eh? So we've already moved to nicknames? Chris, you do care. And no…I'm no criminal, although I do believe I was considered an outlaw for a short time by your knights actually. But that was a whole big misunderstanding."

Chris growled at his cockiness. He's just like Nash. "So then what exactly are you then?"

He put a finger to her mouth. "Chris, this night is not about me. It is about you. And you need to relax and have fun. Now come with me my lady. There is something I want to show you."

Chris folded her arms and raised an eyebrow. "Well, what if I don't want to go with you?"

Mask leaned in and kissed her. Then he grabbed her hand and whispered in her ear, "Oh but I think you do."

Chris yelped as she was pulled out of her chair and through the crowd of people. She looked around and saw people stare at her as she walked by. She desperately tried to straighten herself up as she was being pulled. She didn't want to make a scene much less be noticed. Mask led her out into the castle and then down the stairs.

"Where are we going?" Chris managed to get out. Then Mask suddenly stopped.

Mask didn't even look around when he said, "I told you! You'll see!"

She was soon being led into the graveyard of the castle. It was an unsightly thing but then she remembered what the passageway in the graveyard. It led to the ship that had crashed so many years ago. She felt herself run into something just to realize that he had stopped.

She gave him a surprised look as he turned around. He took a deep breath and smiled. From his pocket he removed a piece of cloth.

"What is that for?" she asked.

"It's a blindfold. This is a surprise after all and I don't want you to peek."

Chris scoffed, "I think I'm perfectly capable of closing my eyes."

Mask grinned coyly, "Why yes, I am fully aware that you are but everyone can become victim to their own curiosity. And that means you as well."

"Fine," she huffed, "Give me the blindfold."

Chris grabbed the cloth from him and slowly took wrapped it around her head making sure to keep her hair intact. Then she offered her arm to him so that she wouldn't have to run into any walls. He slipped his arm into the cradle of hers gently and led her on. They walked for just a little while more. Chris would sometimes have to lean on Mask because of the creaky ship floors. Then he stopped and let go of her for a slight moment. Chris could feel his movement around the floor. Either he was taking extreme measures to plan out her death or he was trying really hard to do something nice like he said. Chris was still leaning towards the first option. Then she felt the movement stop and heard the sound of his voice.

"You can look now," he said with excitement hindering in his voice.

Chris quickly removed the blindfold and gasped.

"Oh my goddess," Chris gasped.

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