Chapter 15: Bell of the Ball

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The room was dark, the only light coming from the few candles lit about the room. You never would have figured it was noon outside with the way the room was so dark. There was a soft grunt, as if they were displeased.

"Why have you woken me up?" said the voice, the sound of sheets rustling filling the dead quiet room.

"I was just checking up on you, you know how I am," responded the other voice.

"Don't make a fool of me Masa," snapped the voice. "It was more than wanting to be my lapdog, what do you want to tell me. Make it quick..." said the voice, the sheets rustling again as if he was agitated. Masa smiled to himself.

"I was just wondering if you were coming to the company party on Saturday," said Masa. Haruko grumbled.

"Why would I waste my time there? To many people..." said Haruko, laying back down upon his bed. He hated being disturbed while he was having a wonderful dream of locking up the cat. He gave a small grin at the idea.

"Miki will be there." cooed Masa, knowing that would swing the young God's opinion. Haruko sat up. Miki? Miki was going to be there.

"Fine... I'll go..." said Haruko. Masa grinned. He knew that would do it.

"Your tuxedo is already ready so you don't have to worry about anything until tomorrow." explained Masa. Haruko laid back down, pulling the covers up to him.

"Go now," said Haruko, turning his back to Masa. Masa slowly got up and headed towards the door. Haruko waited until he heard the door open and shut before he began to think to himself. It had felt like forever since he had seen that fire-headed rat. Maybe... maybe he could talk her back into the family.

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"What about this one?" said Miki, holding out a sea green halter dress. Ran titled her head.

"I don't know... sea green?" asked Ran. Miki smiled.

"You could at least try it on... Or... I could!" giggled Miki. Ran laughed.

"You have a dress though!" said Ran, going through the dress racks. Miki smiled, putting the dress back.

"I know... but I like trying them on," explained Miki. Ran's eyes became wide and she tugged a dress from the racks. She checked the size and squealed.

"I think I found one!" exclaimed Ran, putting the dress in one hand and grabbing Miki's hand and pulling her after her with the other. They raced passed Natsu and Udo.

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The mall was buzzing with your usual Wednesday shoppers, the ones who liked to get ahead before the rush on Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Natsu kept his eye out for any girl. Natsu didn't like the idea of going to this dance... he didn't like the idea at all. To many people.. to many ways it could come out horribly... Natsu shuttered at what might happen if they were to erase everyone's memories... He cast his eyes towards the floor. It would be another Preschool all over again...

"What about this color?" asked a voice out of no where. Natsu looked up and saw Udo holding up a deep red vest and tie. Natsu blinked. It was the same color as Miki's dress, or close to it anyway.

"Why... that one?" he asked finally. Udo seemed taken back by the statement and lowered his arm.

"Well.. I don't know... I was thinking about..." began Udo, now rethinking what he was going to do. Natsu gave a soft growl. He hated when people just didn't come out and say what they were thinking.

"About what?" asked Natsu. Udo closed his eyes and opened them again as if he had gain new power.

"IwanttoaskMikitogowithmetothedance!" Udo said all in one big and fast breath. Natsu blinked.

"What the hell was that? Slow down, I couldn't understand a dang word coming out of your mouth!" said Natsu. This boy was getting on his nerve. Udo took a big breath to calm himself down and began again.

"I want to ask Miki to go with me to the dance." said Udo. Natsu blinked. Why would he want to do that? Natsu shook his head. Udo glared at him. "What's wrong with that?"

"I just don't think its that good of an idea..." said Natsu. If Udo got to close to her.. then...

"And why not?" asked Udo, getting quite defensive at the remark.

"You don't look good in red," said Natsu. Udo blinked but couldn't come up with a decent remark due a voice squealing. Natsu turned around at the squeal, thinking something had happened. Natsu stared as Miki jumped up and down with a pink creature. Miki let go of the pink thing, revealing the thing as Ran. Miki looked at the guys and smiled.

"Doesn't she look lovely!" she asked, going into an extreme girl fit... something that she never went into until she met Ran. Udo smiled.

"Sis! You look lovely," he said, walking over to her and hugging her. Ran hugged him back and smiled.

"Thank you! Its on sale, too, so dad won't be so mad!" Ran said, smiling. She twirled for her brother and Miki grinned. Ran looked at the vest and tie in Udo's hand and snatched it out of his hand.

"Udo? Red? You are wearing PINK. Dad told you to get a matching vest and tie to go with MY dress. So now you have to wear pink." grinned Ran. Udo gave a sigh. He hated pink. Miki smiled as she watched the two fight and went into her own thoughts. This will be a marvelous party. Natsu kept leaning against the wall. This wasn't going to be fun... at all...

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The week went by smoothly, the party in the four teenagers' minds. Saturday night rolled around, and Ran and Udo found their way over to the small little Sohma house in the woods to get ready for the dance together. Miki sat up in her room, her button up shirt only buttoned three times, the three in the middle, leaving her stomach exposed and leaving her neck tight free.

"I'm so sorry about your stomach ache... Maybe it was the shirt?" asked Ran, her fingers running through Miki's silver strands of hair. Miki shrugged.

"I probably just ate to much," explained Miki, looking in the mirror. Ran has already done her makeup for her. Miki felt a little scared now... she had never wore makeup before.. never went to a big party either. Ran had her hair done before she came over and was now trying to figure out just what style to do Miki's.

"Should I wear my hair down or up?" asked Miki nervously. Ran smiled at her in the mirror.

"Don't worry; I think up will be best. It will show off your beautiful shoulders," said Ran, reaching for her comb, brush, and bobby pins. Miki bit her lip. She would have to get over her fears of the party... and she would have to do them quickly.

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Masa sat at the table, a book in one hand, and the other gripped around a coffee cup. Natsu stood, leaning against the wall. His black suit jacket was off and laid neatly on the ground. He was in all black except for his tie and vest, they were white. Natsu looked at Udo and grinned. At least Natsu didn't have to wear... pink. Udo tapped his fingers on the table, looking at his watch every few seconds. He wanted to go and have a good time... he hated waiting around like this.. he really did. Finally footsteps were heard and everyone looked up to notice Ran at the bottom of the steps.

"You look beautiful sis!" said Udo, getting up. He dusted off his pants legs and stretched some. He was sitting for a while. Ran smiled and held out her arms.

"Now presenting... the Princess... Miki!" Slow footsteps were heard and Miki appeared. Udo, Masa, and Natsu stared at her as she did a little twirl. Masa smiled a heartful smile, Udo smiled a stupid smile, and Natsu just glared and turned his head away. Masa checked his watch.

"Well... Better be going then. We don't want to miss to much of the action." explained Masa. Udo advanced towards Miki, but Masa got there first and slipped his arm through hers. Masa looked at Udo. "Escort your sister out, it's only proper," Udo sighed and looked at his sister. Ran gave him a smile and took his arm. They began to walk out of the house, Natsu shutting the door behind him. Outside, a limousine sat, waiting for the group. Ran's eyes lit up.

"You got a limousine!" she exclaimed. Natsu and Miki were surprised too. Masa looked back at them and gave them a smile.

"Of course, how else were all of us going to get to the dance? Not in a car, of course not," explained Masa, trying to hold back a laugh. Masa opened the door.

"Ladies first of course," Miki climbed into the limousine followed by Ran, Udo, Natsu and Masa last. Masa closed the door. The limousine jerked a little and the group was off to the dance.

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The room was buzzing with loud music and flashing lights. Ran and Miki stood together, their eyes wide and happy. Ran began to giggle, thinking of everything that was going on around them. Udo grinned as he looked around. His eye brows went up when he saw refreshments. He picked up his feet and walked over to them. Natsu stayed close to the wall. He was nervous... very nervous. What if someone bumped into him... but then he remembered that their chest had to come in contact with a part of their body... or their chest had to touch a member of the opposite sex's body for them to transform... He still didn't like the odds of anything. He began to wonder why he even came to the stupid dance. He wiggled his tie loose and shoved it in his pocket... he hated having his neck restrained.

Miki tried not to be to much of a girl as she looked around the dark room. She felt arms wrap around her and a chest press against her back. Her body froze.

"I'm not going to hurt you," said the tender voice from behind her. She smiled as she turned herself around in the arms of the man holding her.

"Takai!" she said, her eyes meeting his. "How are you?" she asked. Takai let go of the rat and grinned his silly grin.

"Fine, just steering clear of you females," he said laughing. "How is the Princess tonight? You look awesome," he said. Miki felt a blush creep to her cheeks. She rarely received compliments.

"Oh, I'm fine. Thank you for the compliment," said Miki.

"Hey, who's this cute guy you got there?" asked Ran, touching Miki's shoulder. Miki smiled and held out her hand towards Takai.

"Ran, this is Takai. He's a Sohma. Takai, meet my best friend Ran," Takai held out his hand and Ran grabbed it, shaking it politely.

"Nice to meet you Miss," said Takai.

"Nice to meet you too," said Ran, trying not to look to bashful. She leaned into Miki and whispered, "He's so cute..." Miki smiled.

"Hey, wanna join the rest of us... Don't worry... We aren't as close to the rest of the group of people so you don't have to worry," explained Takai. Ran blinked. Miki leaned close to Takai and whispered,

"She doesn't know about the curse," Takai gave a nod. Ran just stood there.

"Um..." she began, but Miki grabbed her hand and grinned.

"Lets go!" Takai grabbed Miki's hand and the three of them walked towards the group of Zodiac members who were there.

Natsu stood against the wall, his arms crossed. He hated dances. Udo sat next to him, leaning back in the chair. He was so bored... His sister danced with guy after guy. He glanced over at Natsu and sighed.

"Why are two handsome guys just sitting here, being ignored by every cute girl that is single? Seriously," Udo said, slouching in his chair. Udo watched the ground and blinked. He blinked again. He noticed a pair of sparkly shoes. His eyes traveled up and there was a pretty blonde standing there. She gave him a gentle smile.

"Would you like to dance?" she asked. Udo shot up.

"Would I ever!" he exclaimed. He took the ladies arm with his and escorted her towards the dance floor. Natsu rolled his eyes. He was by himself... again. He didn't mind it much, he was always by himself... but that night... he felt different. He felt like he should be next to someone... actually having fun... but he wasn't. His stomach began to ache giving him a funny feeling something was there that wasn't wanted. His eyes scanned around the room and stopped upon a dark figure.. It was him... His stomach turned more. It was Haruko...

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"You go Akina!" said Takai, laughing. Akina spun around, her sky blue dress twirling with her. Tani smiled, pulling up her navy blue gloves. She gave a small toss to her short hair and smiled. Miki grinned as Akina began to dance, it had taken a little convincing but they were finally getting her to dance. The music slowly faded into a gentle slow dance, and the Zodiac members were turning, leaving the dance floor so hopefully no one would ask them for a dance. Miki felt a hand grab her wrist and she turned around. Her body became stiff as the dark eyes of their holder looked into her eyes.

"Hello Miki," said the voice. "Would you care for a dance?" he asked. Miki gulped. It was Haruko.

"Well... uh, I uh," she stammered. Haruko smiled and pulled her to him, his hands setting upon her waist. She involuntarily wrapped her arms around his neck and the two began to slowly dance. Why was he there... She was surprised. He, of the entire zodiac, didn't have to worry about being transformed at the embrace of a female, but he was very, very sick. Every generation would have two Gods for they always died young. She wondered why he was there... Surely he wouldn't want to speak with her, she ran from the house and everything. She heard mean things about him... always heard whispers that were always very short and brief... no one wanting to talk to long about him. She never saw the mean side of Haruko, always the good side. He did shove her once, when they were small but he apologized right away for it. She looked into his eyes, confused. He saw her stare at him and smiled.

"I've really missed you... Miki," he said softly and slowly, the words lingering in Miki's ears. "It just hasn't been the same without you," Miki gave a hesitated smile.

"It's... been interesting," she admitted... and it had. Though it was interesting, it was a good interesting. If she hadn't left the Main House, she would have never made as many friends as she did... and her friends balanced out with her enemies. Unlike at the all girl schools she went to up until High School, she always had few friends and many enemies. Haruko pushed back a strand of hair that was hanging in her face, his finger gently brushing her cheek. Her body seemed to stiffen under the touch. Why, why was she feeling hostile all of a sudden? She felt sick with Haruko's hands upon her waist, his finger touching her exposed flesh... She shouldn't though, he never done any harm to her... He was always there for her.. She just felt... uptight all of a sudden, like she didn't want anything to do with him.

"I want you to come back," Haruko said. Miki shook her head.

"I don't believe I can do that... I already have to much that I don't want to give up..." she replied. Haruko smiled and laid his head upon her shoulder. He gave a soft whisper.

"In due time..." The whisper sent a chill up her spine, and her whole body became stiff.

There was a gentle tap upon Haruko's shoulder and he looked up. Natsu stood there, looking at him.

"What do you want?" asked Haruko, his voice going from sweet to harsh. Miki looked at Haruko, surprised by such a change. Maybe... maybe the whispers were right...

"Can..." began Natsu, his hands in fists. He didn't truly want to do this... but deep down inside of him, he felt he needed too, before something bad happened. "Can I cut in?" he finally spat out. Haruko gave a little grin.

"You want to dance with the Rat? How very... unlike a cat," Haruko said, his eyes glaring at Natsu.

"P... please..." muttered Natsu, his face red. Why was he doing this.. why... His eyes glanced at Miki and he groaned inside. It was because seeing Haruko so close to Miki made is stomach turn. He had never liked Haruko… and being close to a female just made Natsu sick. He saw how uneasy she was from where he was standing, and thought he'd do something nice... But he knew it was a stupid idea from the first place.

"You shouldn't argue with me cat..." Haruko growled.

"Haruko," came a pleasing voice. Haruko looked up and saw Ryu standing there. "It's time to go home, it is almost time for your medications and for your rest," said the doctor, his eyes looking at Haruko. Haruko looked at Miki and smiled. He removed his hands from her waist and pulled away.

"Until next time," he said. Haruko began to walk away and turned back. "Dance with her you cat... or did you just do that to anger me?" asked Haruko. Natsu glared at him and stepped towards Miki and put his arms around her. He glared at Haruko as he left the dance floor. Natsu felt arms wrap around his neck and he looked down. Miki was looking away, trying to make Natsu dance.

"What are you doing?" asked Natsu, his body not moving.

"You said you wanted to cut in! So I'm trying to continue dancing," she spat. Natsu let go of her waist and took her arms off of his neck.

"Are you stupid? Why would I dance with you?" he asked. Miki's eyes went wide.

"You stupid cat, why ask to cut in if you aren't going to dance!" exclaimed Miki, trying to keep it down. Natsu was lost for words. He exactly couldn't tell her it was because he figured she wanted to be saved from Haruko... or that he did it because he felt disgusted. Miki crossed her arms.

"Never mind, the song's almost over anyway," she said, a soft sigh escaping after her thought. She turned away from him and walked off the dance floor. Natsu stood there, watching her. Or maybe he did it because... The music interrupted his thoughts as the music changed from slow to another slow dance. He shook his head, the last thing in his mind gone now. He walked off the dance floor and stood back in his spot against the wall. He crossed his arms and looked down at the ground. Dances were stupid anyway.

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Miki opened the door to her room and walked in, gently shutting it behind her. She gave a little grin to the mirror, it reflecting it and shooting it back to her. She took her hands and began to pull out the bobbie pins one by one. Her hair began to cascade down in curls as she freed them from her head. She sat the bobbie pins down and sat upon her chair. She hummed to herself as she brushed her hair out, trying to get it back to its waviness and not curly. She smiled as she thought of everything that happened. The dancing with her friends, slow dancing with Takai and Masa just made her happy. She felt like she was a princess, the shining star in the whole group of people. She gave a small sigh and sat the brush down. She slipped out from her dress and changed into her pajamas. She walked over to her light and switched it off. She walked over to her bed and climbed in, pulling the covers up to her chin. She definitely felt like a princess...

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A/N: I hope you liked this chapter! It was fun to write I love you all for reading as well! For Sanrio-Chan; The reason I tell you the name of the chapter before you get a glimpse of it is because I have the entire story planned out Its all mapped out and everything so I have a good idea on what is going to happen, so I can give it a name With that said, I've figured out that this story will be 20 chapters long, so you have 5 more chapters until its over! ;; Dear goodness. Hope to see you in the next chapter Inside the Mind! See-ya !