Disclaimer: See chapter one

Chap. 11

Shin sat stiffly in his dark blue suit and black shirt. He was never one for social engagements and the suit was part of the reason. He felt somewhat constricted in it. 'No way out of it now, I guess.' He looked toward the bathroom door where Rei was currently dressing herself. 'At least she'll be enjoying herself.' he thought gloomily before turning his attention back to the window. The moon was absent from the sky, adding to his state more, since he liked to look at the moon often. 'Maybe I should have worked today.' But he shook away that thought. Saori had practically demanded that he go to the dance, no if's, and's or but's about it. 'Saori...' He began to think more about his employer when he suddenly realized that each time he did, she didn't seem that way. More like a friend. Or perhaps...

"Is this okay?"

Shin was so wrapped in his thoughts that he didn't noticed Rei had stepped out of the bathroom. But the moment he turned, his face went still in astonishment. Rei was wearing a milky white gown with a hint of blue in the color. Thin straps silkily clung on her shoulders and were complemented by long gloves of the same coloring. Her bangs crossed over her eyes lightly as she looked at him, awaiting an answer. Needless to say, she was absolutely stunning.

"W...w...Okay." Shin stammered out.

Rei nodded at his approval, "I hope Reiji likes it."

This completely brought Shin out of his stupor and he frowned within. 'Why am I upset?' he pondered. It was a question he had asked himself ever since he met Reiji in the hallway at school. And now on the night of the dance, he was more agitated by it than ever. He would have to put that on hold for now.

Knock, knock

Shin turned his attention to the door and stood up. He looked over at Rei for a moment.

"It's probably Reiji."

Shin opened the door to see the spiky, silver-blue hair teen standing in the doorway. He was dressed in a black suit and shirt with a red tie. His numerous earrings were now absent and he held a bunch of flowers in his hands.

"Is the lady ready?"

Shin answered dryly, "Yes." Deciding to put his agitation to the side, he invited Reiji inside. Reiji entered and looked around briefly before his gaze fell upon Rei.

"Wow. You look marvelous, Rei."

Rei lowered her head to hide the light blush, "Thank you."

Reiji stepped forward and handed her the flowers, "These are for you, though I doubt they compare with your beauty."

Her light blush went heavy as she took the flowers, "You're very kind, Reiji."

Shin watched the scene with more irritation fuming in him by the second. Still, he managed to put it out by reasoning that he had no reason to be irritated.

"We should go now. The others will be waiting."

Reiji blinked, "Others?"

"Yes. Kenji and Uriko. We're supposed to join them."

Reiji shrugged, "Sure we can't just leave them?"

Shin frowned, but Reiji put his hands up, "Just kidding. Don't be such a stiff. Relax."

Shin let out a deep breath and moved toward the door. Reiji lent his arm out to Rei.

"Shall we?"

Rei smiled and took his arm and the two walked out, much to Shin's chagrin.

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The three of them drove in the limousine Reiji had rented. The driver wheeled toward the Nonomura residence where Uriko and Kenji were already leaving. Kenji was dressed in a black suit with matching tie and white shirt. Uriko was garbed in a deep blue gown with straps and gloves. She was also wearing long golden earrings on each ear. The two were surprised to see a limo wheel up to the house until Shin stepped out and told them it was alright.

"Alright. A limo." Uriko chirped excitedly. The two entered inside to see the others within. Uriko forced herself to suppress a glare at Reiji; whom was grinning at her, and turned her attention to Rei.

"Wow Rei. You look really great."

Rei smiled as Kenji entered inside as well, "Thank you. So do you, 'Riko."

"Thanks." The driver drove on as soon as they all entered the vehicle. During the trip, Uriko was finding it difficult to stay still. "I can't wait for this party."

"Don't mind her." Kenji cut in. "She's been jumpy about this all night."

"Hey, I was not!"

The dark-haired teen folded his arms, "I heard you long before I even approached your home."

Uriko frowned at him, "Meanie."

Kenji gave a brief smile and looked over at Rei, "Rei, I hope you enjoy the party tonight."

She nodded and smiled, "Me too. I've never been to a dance before."

"Never?" Reiji asked. He then moved a bit closer to her. "Well, I'll make sure this one is memorable for you."

Rei's smile grew, but Shin cast Reiji a dark glare. Maybe he was being paranoid, but he didn't like the implications of that statement. 'No. It's not right. Rei should enjoy herself tonight. I shouldn't ruin that.' But despite that, he knew that he would be watching Reiji more closely tonight. There was something about him that didn't sit well with him.

==============

The group of five finally arrived at the school dance. Colorful lights shone overhead and music played for those students who had already arrived. Also in the mix were adults, mostly teachers and parent who were chaperoning the dance. Seeing as how he was the odd one there, Shin decided to find some seats for them. Fortunately, they had gotten there before too many people arrived and found a table. Together, they all sat down and talked with each other. Shin decided to get them some drinks and left to get some. While he was getting the cups...

"Always working, eh Shin?"

Shin's eyes widened when he heard that voice and recognized it just as fast. Turning around, he saw Saori standing behind him. Like Uriko, she too was dressed in a long blue dress. Her black hair swayed forward as she grinned at the surprised boy.

"Saori-san? What are you doing here?"

The older woman smiled at him, "Chaperoning, of course." She looked around him briefly and her expression turned a little sour, "So you really came alone, huh?"

"Yes." he stated simply.

"Hm." Her grin returned again, "Well are you sure you wouldn't want to dance with me? Just once."

Shin's face practically blanched, "Uhhh...Well...the truth is...I...can't dance."

Saori's face turned into genuine surprise, "Are you sure? The way you move around at work is a dance enough it seems."

Shin merely shrugs at the statement and Saori continues, "I'll tell you what. You come with me to the floor and see what you can do."

Shin's face turned pale, "I'm not sure..."

"Don't be embarrassed." she cut him off. She then lent her hand out, "It's okay. Come on."

Shin gulped slight and then took a deep breath. 'I guess...I'll have to do this sooner or later. Better get done with it.'

Shin sigh and took her hand. Saori led him to the dance floor where she started dancing. Shin stood stiffly for a moment and started moving his own body. He did this for a minute before Saori stopped him.

"Don't try so hard. Just flow with the music. And loosen up. You can't dance if you're stiff like that."

Shin nodded slowly and tried again by closing his eyes and focusing on the music. His body began to waver more loosely as he danced along with Saori, who was smiling broadly.

"Yeah, that's it!"

The two danced right along with the group and much to their attention, they were catching many a glance. Mostly because no expected to see a quiet guy like Shin dancing, much less with an attractive older woman. Finally the music stopped and Saori laughed to herself while catching her breath.

"See. That wasn't so bad, was it?"

Shin panted lightly and smiled to himself. Despite his earlier reluctance, he really enjoyed it. "I guess not." He then looked up to see Uriko waving at him. It was then that he remembered. 'Oh, the drinks. I forgot.'

Saori looked over her shoulder and saw the others. "Go on. Go with your friends." she told him.

Shin stood up straight and bowed shortly to Saori, "Thank you, Saori-san."

"Your welcome. And please, just Saori." She smiled again, warmly this time, "We're friends, okay?"

"Okay."

Shin walked away with a beat as he returned to the others. He was about to apologize for the drinks, but as usual, Uriko beat him to the punch.

"Don't worry; Kenji is getting the drinks now." Changing the subject, "Wow Shin. I didn't know you danced. That was great."

"Neither did I, apparently."

While they talked, Rei glanced at Shin. She watched him enjoy himself as he danced on the floor and enjoyed it herself. Although...it disturbed her a bit that it was with Saori, but she didn't know why. It was at that moment that the music changed and became slow (gulp). Kenji had just arrived with the drinks and placed them down when Uriko shot up from her seat.

"Speaking of dancing. Let's go, Kenji."

"Uri..."

Uriko grabbed her date's hand and tugged him toward the dance floor where all the couples were gathering together. Reiji had come to the seat after talking to some of his friend and lent his hand to Rei.

"My lady, shall we dance?"

"Of course."

Rei nodded to Shin briefly and arose from her seat. Taking Reiji hand, they moved to the floor as well and held hands in dance. They swirled around slowly on the floor with all the dim colorful light glowing above. Shin simply sat there with his drink and sipped away. But his eyes couldn't come away from the dance scene, especially considering that Reiji and Rei were dancing in front of him. 'Why...do I feel this way?' he pondered. He was really getting agitated at what was happening, but the next scene would be worse. Reiji lowered his hand slightly on her back and moved his head away. Out of curiosity, Rei looked up and saw the dark, seductive eyes of Reiji. Slowly, the silver-haired youth began to lean his face closer to hers while she was still in surprise. Their lips were about to come into contact when...

'Huh?'

Shin blinked for a moment, sensing something wrong in the atmosphere. A second later, the table shook and soon the others followed. And it wasn't just the table; it was everything. The lights, the walls, the floor...the floor! As soon as the thought entered his mind, the shaking instantly turned violent.

"Earthquake!"