I just noticed I've only got two more chapters left of this, but I am kinda working on a sequel, with a bit of MPreg thrown in should readers want it.


Chapter 12; Party.

The day of the party finally arrived, the first thing everyone did, was make sure they said 'Happy Birthday' to Spencer without looking too suspicious during breakfast.

Nicky had to take a call from her parents after he went off to work and the others were still eating.

"Mum, I'm fine, I'm having a great time here with everyone, and I've made friends with a werewolf." And had to explain that one to her fretting mother.

Everyone killing themselves laughing as her voice got higher. Johnny had to step in and explain about the dark bladers before she threw the phone.

"You walked into that one. What did she say when she calmed down?" asked Robert, having calmed considerably overnight.

"She's waiting for me to say I know someone with a dragon next. I didn't have the heart to tell her about Dragoon." Nicky sighed, leaning against Johnny.

"Are you going to do all the sparkly bits today Nicky?" asked Oliver.

"Give her a chance Oliver." said Enrique.

Once Nicky had finished her cup of tea and changed into her overalls again she showed Robert a cardboard and paper package with a fuse.

"You're not blowing up the place!"

"Don't be daft, it's a glitter bomb." she explained, bundling her hair under a black baseball cap turned backwards.

"You really look like Tyson now." giggled Mariam. Nicky slipped on a slender pair of safety goggles, grabbed her duffel bag of glitter bombs and headed for the ballroom.

Everyone jumped when they heard the first bang.

"She's blowing things up? No fair!" pouted Bryan as the second bang went off

"Do you really want to get covered in glitter?" asked Ray to his lover.

Off went the third.

"Who cares! She's blowing things up!"

Bang number four.

"How many she doing?" Bryan had waterfall tears falling down his face.

Bang went five.

"Oi Bryan, I can hear you sulking, come and light this last one." Nicky's voice called.

"Yay!" he hopped up and ran out of the room.

"How many sugars did he put in his coffee?" asked Sanguinex, sipping his water.

"I lost count after six." Ray sweatdropped.

BOOM!

"WHOO! HA-HA!" Bryan's excited cry called through the hall.

"I'm taking him home next Chinese new year, just so he can light the fireworks." said Ray.

"He'll propose to you if you do."

"Who will?" Bryan and Nicky walked back in covered in glitter. Bryan grinning like he had just blown up the Abbey.

"Never mind, have fun?"

"I saved the biggest one for him, of course he did." Nicky pulled off her goggles and tried to dust the glitter out of Bryan's hair. He just carried on grinning.

"Did those bombs contain streamers?" asked Kai.

"Yep, glitter, sequins, streamers and even those little metallic twenty-ones."

"You sound like you made them." said Kenny.

"I did." she beamed.

"I don't care what anyone else says, I'm making you an official Blitzkrieg Boy- err- Girl." he laughed. "McGregor, please marry this woman."

Johnny's face went white then red, his eyes wide.

"Bryan!" scolded Ray.

"What?"

Nicky was bright red under her cap. "I'm going to go for a walk in the garden." and she stepped out.

"Bryan, you are about as subtle as a ten ton wrecking ball, you know that?" said Tyson. "You've embarrassed the poor girl."

Johnny groaned and rested his head not-so-gently on the table.

"Shall we clear everything away and get things ready?" asked Ian to Robert.

"That's a very good idea Ian. Have you lot got a cake?"

"Yes, I'm picking it up an hour before the party, just in case we have any mishaps." said Kai.

"Very wise."

"Uh...I just thought of something. Has anyone phoned the guests to say it's here and not the mansion?" asked Kenny.

Silence.

"SHIT!" Kai, Tyson, Max and Ray grabbed their cell phones and ran out of the room.

"The rest of us better start clearing the breakfast things away." said Enrique. "Johnny are you going to be ok?"

"Yeah, I'll be with you in a minute."


At the record shop Spencer was quite busy serving customers and reorganising shelves.

"Oi Spencey, get over here." Alden called.

"What is it Alden?"

Alden pulled up a big colourful box onto the counter. "Happy Birthday."

"Alden, you shouldn't have." Spencer stuttered.

"I know but I did. Open it. It's from me and the girls." by girls he meant his wife and Meena.

Spencer opened the box as if it was made of glass and peered inside.

"Wha- I don't believe it."

He was greeted with DVD's of the original series of Doctor Who.

"You like?" Alden asked, seeing Spencer's face. "That should tide you over until Christmas. That's only some of them."

"Thanks Alden, thank you very much." he came round the counter and hugged the old man.

"Easy boy, I break easily. How's the Robert situation going?"

"Turns out he's not straight, so things might be looking up." Spencer smiled, running his fingers through his hair.

Alden heard a rustle and looked down at Spencer's bag, it moved again. "Spen, there's something living in your bag."

Frowning Spencer opened his bag and was greeted by a pair of glaring green eyes and a pink nose.

"Fudge?" he stared at the cat.

"Reow?"

"She yours?" asked Alden, scratching her ears.

"No, she's Kai's. She must've snuck into my bag last night. Sorry Fudge." The cat just looked at him, accusingly. "Your fault for sneaking into my bag."

"Look after the shop and I'll run her back to the castle."

"Nah, I'll phone Kai and he can come and get her."

0o0o0o0

Everyone froze when Kai's cell rang.

"It's Spencer, quiet." he flipped it open. "Hey Spen, what's up?"

"Have you noticed that your cat has gone missing?" Spencer's curt reply.

"I thought she was exploring the castle but Izzy's been quite mopey, why?"

"She's here with me, she was asleep in my rucksack."

"Oh... fudge." Kai cursed, Ian was standing right next to him.

"You cursing or you want to talk to the cat?"

"Cursing. Ok Spen, I'll be down shortly to pick the fur ball up. See you in a bit." he hung up. "Tyson! Your cat's with Spencer. I'm gonna
drive down and get her."

"Bloody animal, ok Kai." Tyson walked up and kissed Kai, letting the bluenette taste the sugar on his lips. "Thank you."

"Can someone find Nicky while I'm gone, she said she'd help with arranging the table."

"Rob, Johnny and Lupinex have already started. Hilary get that garlic away from me!" Sanguinex jumped up out of Hilary's reach as Kai left.

"I'm sorry we've invaded your kitchen Maisy." said Ray as everyone was running around making food for the buffet and with Tyson there
and Daichi invited, there would need to be a lot.

"Quite alright dear, as long as they help clean up." the old cook told the Neko-jin. "That Mummy friend of yours seems quite useful." she pointed to Centopath as he was getting ingredients off the high shelves with his bandages and wraps moving as if by magic.

"I didn't even know Centopath could do that." said Ray.

"Somebody say my name?"

"No Cento."

"Ok."

Robert POV

"Nicky!" I called. I had searched most of the area with Johnny and Lupinex, but no such luck.

"I'm going to murder that ruddy Russian!" yelled Johnny.

"No you're not, you're going to calm down and you are going to find Nicky." Lupinex, when did he become so calm? Nicky scratching his head like a dog at every opportunity I bet.

"I am calm." Yeah right, calm people don't grit their teeth.

"Not calm enough." we looked up to see Nicky perched on top of a stone arch, playing with a rose she had picked. About time we found her.

"Come down Nicky." Johnny's relieved to have found her. "Bryan didn't mean what he said." He did.

"It's not what he said, it was you, you looked like someone had taken Salamulyon away from you." or said that you had died, Heavens forbid.

"I just wasn't prepared for the comment, that's all." When is anyone. "And what about you? You went redder than that rose. Why, don't you want to get married?"

Is it me or did Johnny sound a little hurt? Sure I'm having problems with getting into a relationship but Johnny could be at risk of losing his.

"Depends who's asking." I think that's a hint Johnny-boy.

That stumped the stupid redhead.

"Has some other guy proposed to you?" Not good, he's as good as accused her of cheating.

"You should really think very carefully about what you say McGregor, one wrong move and she could walk out of your life forever." wise
words from a werewolf.

"No! 'Some other guy' hasn't proposed to me you moron." she jumped down with cat-like grace, I'm putting it down to being multitalented, "Maybe they should've just to dent your ego!" she walked up towards the castle again.

Shit, not good. I nodded to Lupi, the names catching! And I went after Nicky.

I found her sobbing into Tala's shoulder, he must've been passing when he saw her.

"Come on Nicky, let Tala get back to the others."

"I-I've got to help do the t-table and do the boy's m-masks." god this girl's just had her heart trodden on and she's still wanting to help out.

I wish she was my sister, then I'd have an excuse for punching Johnny.

"It's ok, I'll ask one of the others. How hard can sprinkling a bit of sparkle be?" I think this girl has touched the hearts of all the bladers in this castle, just by being so selfless. She's only been here a week.

"When you've done t-the cloth, there's three small glitter b-bombs..." she's really trying so hard to speak without sobbing.

"One each end and in the middle. I'll get Bryan to do that." she must've mentioned it before.

I nodded my thanks to Tala and gently lead Nicky to a small room stuffed with pillows. I usually threw Oliver in there when he was feeling really 'huggy'. I think we were in a safe zone when Nicky kicked a couple of pillows.

"And to think I love that stupid, arrogant... fat head!" Fat head? "To think I'd look at another guy when he's not around." At least she's hitting the pillows and not me. That's it Nick, breathe... now maybe I can approach her. There we go, brotherly hug from me.

"Robert, is Johnny always such an idiot?"

"Usually. He doesn't know a good thing until it's gone."

"I would've married him Robert, he only had to ask." I know, "Why is it people are scared of such a commitment, nowadays?"

"Because they're stupid. It'll be ok." I held her tight, poor girl's been through enough in her life with the bullying, and Johnny's made it worse.

"I hope you never get to go through this pain Robert." stop thinking about my problem and worry about your own.

"I just hope your pain will end one way or another." I got more comfortable and started rocking her slightly.

Normal POV - meanwhile, outside in the garden.

The moment Robert's back was turned, Lupinex cuffed Johnny around the head.

"What was that for?"

"You being an idiot, she loves you to the ends of the earth and this is how you treat her, you really are an inconsiderate bastard McGregor."

"I am not!"

"Then why is she in the castle, probably crying her dear little heart out on Robert's shoulder?"

"I..." Johnny stumbled for an answer, had he really upset Nicky that badly?

"Why, don't you want to get married?"

"Depends who's asking." those two lines danced in his head, Nicky's tone had been playful, but why?

"She would've said yes you know." Lupinex told him in a softer tone, hoping to nudge his thoughts along.

"Why, don't you want to get married?"

"Depends who's asking." it finally clicked.

'I am.'

Johnny got cuffed around the head again.

"What was that one for?"

"Taking your bloody time. Get bloody going before I have to chase you."

"Thanks Lupinex." and he ran up the grounds.

Lupinex sighed and shook his head, smile on his face.

If he had a tail, it'd definitely be wagging.

Johnny ran into the castle's kitchen, most of the other bladers, Kai -having returned with Fudge- and Sanguinex were covered in flour, making them both look even paler.

"Where did Robert take Nicky?"

"Into a room just behind the main staircase." Kai told him.

"Thanks Kai." and he ran out through the other door.

"Well he's definitely intent on patching things up, he was polite." said Sanguinex.


Robert looked up to see Johnny step quietly through the door.

"I hope you're ashamed of yourself."

"I am." sighed Johnny. "She doesn't deserve an idiotic short-tempered moron like me."

"No she doesn't, I'll be brutally honest with you there Johnny. But it's you she wants to be with so I suggest you make your mind up before she wakes."

"I've made it up already, now I just need to make two phone calls."

"Get making them then." Robert ordered him.


"Cento, could you pass me that vanilla essence?" called Oliver, peering into the bowl he was mixing. A bandage handed him the small bottle while the Mummy swept the floor. "Thank you."

"Cento, if you keep this up you might end up with a job." laughed Enrique, helping the girls and Zomb arrange food on platters, he never thought the zombie could be creative.

"That's of dear lord Jurgen doesn't think you're going to poison him."

"The spookiest thing I can do is wrap things in my bandages and throw my voice. Other than that I'm just a misunderstood prune in linen." Centopath shrugged.

"You guys really get a lot of stick. Ach hot!" said Bryan, putting his fingers in his mouth to soothe them.

"I know, just because I look, sound and act like a vampire doesn't mean I drink blood or turn into a bat." said Sanguinex.

"What do you drink then?" asked Kenny, remembering when he was held hostage. He still hadn't forgiven Kai for the whole 'Home-cooked Kenny Burger' thing.

"Tomato juice."

"I may be big and clumsy but I'm not stupid." said Zomb.

"I just tend to howl a lot and like my steaks rare. That and the fur."

"When you're not acting like a puppy when Nicky scratches your head." Robert walked in and grabbed another broom to help Centopath.

"How is she?" asked Tala, he was clearly worried. The other day when they were dying the robes, Ray had asked Nicky a series of questions to determine what animal spirit hers was connected to, like how everyone's bit beasts corresponded to theirs, Nicky's turned out to be the sister wolf of Wolborg. Hence Tala's worry for her.

"She's asleep." Robert sighed. "Izzy, shift it." the husky did move, only to sit by the door.

"Where's Sirius?" asked Max.

"Asleep in the lounge." said Ray. "He knows when to keep out of the way."

"Well he's an older dog."

"Age doesn't have anything to do it. My dog's always in the thick of it and she's old."

Robert POV

This girl is definitely something else, her parents must be so proud of her.

"You really remind me of that Chumbawamba song Nick." I have a varied taste in music.

Everyone grinned, I feel a song coming on. Everyone's broken out into song and dance, even the Dark Bladers! Oh to hell with it we're all singing!

'I get knocked down but I get up again
You're never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down but I get up again
You're never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down but I get up again
You're never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down but I get up again
You're never gonna keep me down

Pissing the night away, pissing the night away...

He drinks a Whiskey drink, he drinks a Vodka drink
He drinks a Lager drink, he drinks a Cider drink
He sings the songs that remind him of the good times
He sings the songs that remind him of the better times
(Bryan knows the words?)

Oh Danny Boy, Danny Boy, Danny Boy

I get knocked down but I get up again
You're never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down but I get up again
You're never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down but I get up again
You're never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down but I get up again
You're never gonna keep me down

Pissing the night away, pissing the night away...

He drinks a Whiskey drink, he drinks a Vodka drink
He drinks a Lager drink, he drinks a Cider drink
He sings the songs that remind him of the good times
He sings the songs that remind him of the better times

Don't cry for me, next-door neighbour

I get knocked down but I get up again
You're never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down but I get up again
You're never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down but I get up again
You're never gonna keep me down
I get knocked down but I get up again
You're never gonna keep me down!

"Ha ha, I haven't heard that one for a while. Whoo!" Nicky laughed, good to see her smiling again. Watch where you're - spinning.

She crashed into Johnny.

"You've perked up."

"No thanks to you." No arguments please, today isn't the time.

"I know, and for that I'm sorry, can you forgive me for being an egotistical hothead?" man she's knocked him down a peg or two, I wonder what Lupi said to him. He took her hand and kissed it, he's grovelling now.

"I can't forgive you for who you are my Highlander." An underlying insult, this rose has hidden thorns. At least he's sorry. "But I can love you no less." I turned around and carried on sweeping and encouraged to others to continue, this party isn't going to cater itself, and I think Bryan needs to check whatever Ray put in before it burns.

"Nicky, there's something I want to ask you."

Everything went quiet and we all looked at the pair of them again.

"Uh... ok, what is it?" I had to grin, I know what it is and I think she does too.

"Will... you marry me?" Johnny's face is matching his hair, I've seen everything now.

"Well, say something Nicky. The suspense is killing him." Bryan, you really are blunt.

"Wha- what about my parents, your parents--" I can understand that question. Johnny's father isn't the easiest of men to please.

"Sshh, your parents are over the moon and my dad will come around, he'll have to if he wants mum to carry on talking to him." that explains the phone calls he made and Johnny's mother is the nicest woman I've met to date. "Now that's settled, will you marry me?"

"I thought you'd never ask." oh here we go, mushy kiss moment. Hey I'm entitled to be jealous.

"Congratulations guys." I led the chorus of that one, but I don't think they're listening, too busy kissing.

Over goes a cape, "Thanks Sang."

"Didn't want a chain reaction." Neither did I.

"Right, we should get this lot done and start getting ready, we're well into the afternoon already." Top idea Tyson.

"Can the two lovebirds under the cloth spare a hand?" Don't waste your breath Max. Oh I detect movement.

"Can someone get this - ooh, velvet!" She knows her fabric.

"What she means is, get this bloody thing off us!" That's more like it Johnny.

"Oh there we go." Now she's wearing it properly, high collar and all.

Where's a camera?

"Ah! I forgot to wrap Spencer's present!" Just don't trip over that cloak!

Spencer POV.

I've just closed the shop for a - very- late lunch, Alden insisted he treated me though he's done plenty for me lately, why are Brits so stubborn?

In the end I decided to have a pasta salad, I'm not really hungry and I'm not feeling so great. It's been quite warm lately and I haven't been drinking as much as I usually do.

Happy Birthday me huh?

"Of all of the places we could go and you choose a take-away delicatessen?"

"If I know Robert and Oliver they'll have something really fancy made." I don't eat too much anyway and this salad will keep me going 'til seven, when I get home tonight. Well it's not my home but you get the idea.

"Evening the balance huh?" I nod. "You're one of the most intriguing people I've ever met." Is that an insult or a compliment?

Geez I feel really woozy all of a sudden, better put my pasta down before I drop it. "Spencer are you alright?"

Alden's worried face was the last thing I saw before I blacked out.

Normal POV.

"Food's done, decorations are done, sound system's sorted-" Robert ticked off his fingers.

"Presents wrapped." Added Nicky, pulling the cellotape off her arms, never being an expert at wrapping.

"All of Spencer's clothes hidden save his costume?" said Hilary.

"Bryan's doing that now. Is it alright if he puts them in your room Rob, it's the least likely place he'll look." asked Kai.

"Yeah go ahead." Robert looked like he could go to sleep, they all did.

Until Kai's phone rang.

"Kai Hiwatari." he said automatically. "Hello Alden, what's the problem? Shit, I thought he looked peaky this morning." everyone looked at each other and then Kai. "Ok Alden I'll be there in a minute. Thanks, bye." he pinched the bridge of his nose as he hung up.

"What the matter with Spencer?" Robert's knuckles were white as he gripped the arm of the sofa.

"He collapsed, dehydration the paramedics put it down to. I've got to go pick him up and bring him back, he'll have to rest until the party."

"I'll go." Robert stated rather than offered.

"Ok Robert." Kai sighed, he had seen them the other night.

"But your jeep's not been fixed yet." said Oliver.

"I wasn't planning on taking the jeep." Robert stood up and left the room, grabbing his keys from Gustav on his way out.

"Two hours? I still have to do your masks." Nicky said to the dark bladers. She was still wearing Sanguinex's cape.

"Come on then, we'll help you." said Johnny. Picking her up and carrying her over his shoulder.

"Johnny, I can walk!" she cried as the six of them left the room.

"The dark bladers are a bunch of softies from what I've seen." mused Mariam.

"So are this lot outside the stadium." said Hilary, pointing to Tala and Ian who were play-wrestling on the floor and Bryan who now was
resting his head on Ray's lap while the Nekojin stroked his hair.


Robert pulled up to the Hospital's main entrance and ran inside.

"Lord Jurgen, how may I help you?" asked the receptionist, she obviously knew of his donations to the place.

"I'm looking for someone who was brought in here, an S. Turanov?" he asked.

"Down the hall to the left."

"Thank you." and he strode down where indicated. To be greeted by Alden.

"I was expecting Kai."

"Kai couldn't make it so I came instead. How is he?"

"He'll be ok, they've just about got his fluids back up. He should be waking up soon."

"Ok thanks."

"I have to get back to the shop. Look after him Robert."

"Ok Alden, thanks and I'll see you tonight." the old man nodded and left.

Robert took a few more steps into the cubicle, Spencer was hooked to a small IV drip.

"What a way to spend your birthday."

"I've had worse." Robert nearly fell over when a pair of sea green eyes were looking up at him.

"Don't do that, you scared me, how you feeling?" he asked.

"Still a bit woozy but I'll be ok."

"We'll wait for a nurse or something and I'll take you back to the castle."

"I'm supposed to be working." protested Spencer.

"You've now got to rest and drink plenty of water. And I'm going to stay with you until you do." Robert stated firmly, before flagging down the nearest nurse.

Spencer POV.

I'm now stuck in bed with Robert sitting on the edge. I'm not complaining but he's not letting me lift a finger. Stupid noble.

The minute I stepped out of the car he helped me to my room and into bed. Then made me drink enough water to bathe the dogs.

So now I'm stuck in bed and waterlogged, great.

"So, when did the Dark bladers last stay here?" I said I was going to ask him, might as well do it now.

"Mr Dickinson asked me after BEGA. I couldn't say no, it's not my way. But if Sang actually drank blood I would've turned them down flat. Luckily he drinks tomato juice." So thats what was in his glass the other night.

"They're misunderstood, like me sometimes." I feel I can talk to Robert, and not just because I love him, yes love him, which makes this whole mess harder.

"You, Spencer Turanov, are not misunderstood." I could fall forever in those eyes of his. If only he bloody knew.

"Nice of you to say so." Where's that hand going? Ah, forehead, panic over. Oh, now it's the cheek, he's caressing my face, it feels nice. I felt myself lean into it, his hands are so warm and soft. "So, what have I missed?"

"Johnny proposing to Nicky after they had an argument, nowt else really." he looks thoughtful, I wonder what he's thinking, and I'll congratulate the future Mr and Mrs McGregor once I get out of this bed.

Robert's got a lash stuck to his cheek. I wonder...

Robert POV.

I don't know why I decided to caress his face, it just happened, I was originally checking if he had a fever. His skin's so smooth, not a single scar marring it, peach soft.

Peach, the whole comparing his behind to that fruit has haunted me in my dreams.

He's leaning into my hand, which means he likes it, I might be in with a chance after all. An hour 'til the party, he's gotta change into his costume.

"Robert." he sounds really relaxed.

"Yeah?" ah, my voice had gone all croaky, he does that to me.

"You've got an eyelash." Have I, thats nice. Those eyes of his are hypnotising, I wonder if he knows that?

He's copying my movement now, his hand's so strong but so gentle.

Next I knew I went flying forward, crashing on top of Spencer.

"Izzy!" so that's who's on my back, damn dog. "Are you alright?"

Yeah fine, just been crashed into the chest of the hottest thing since the earth's core! Fire just didn't seem suitable. I nod dumbly, scared anything I say might backfire on me. I can hear and feel his heartbeat thudding erratically, matching mine.

I could very easily get used to this, without Tyson's dog on my back.

"Robert... you're cutting the circulation off to my leg." Well I am sitting in an awkward position. I managed to scramble off him, dislodging Izzy, serves the dog right.

"Sorry." I can't look him in the face, I'm glowing and fiddling with my sleeves, I always fidget when I wind up in an awkward moment.

"Robert, look at me." I felt him sit up.

I then felt his hand lift my chin up and found myself looking into those eyes again.

Lord please burn my eyes and make me live a paupers life, for wanting to cherish such a beautiful angel.

I have to tell him or burst, I can't take it anymore as tears fall down my face.

Great now I'm crying. I pulled away and wiped my eyes.

Spencer POV.

"Robert... you're cutting the circulation off to my leg." As much as I liked him resting on me, my leg's starting to go uncomfortably numb.

He managed to get off me, stupid dog fell onto my feet.

"Sorry." he's bowed his head, but I can see he's blushing, I don't think he realises how sweet he looks playing with his sleeves.

"Robert, look at me." I sat up, lying down for too long makes me feel restless.

I lifted his chin to face me and his eyes seemed to glaze over at me.

My heart clenched when I saw those gorgeous chestnut eyes of his tear up and those tears fell. It then twisted when he pulled away and wiped at his eyes.

"Robert, what's wrong? Please don't cry." I shifted so I was beside him.

"I want to show you something." oh? What's that then?

"Robert!" oh for goodness sake Tala you're timing's the worst!

"You better go and see what he wants, I need to take a shower anyway." I stink of the hospital, and I had enough of those types of places in the abbey.

He nodded and left, he looked like he didn't want to, I didn't want him to either. Climbing out of bed with a sigh, I went to my wardrobe, only to find nearly all my clothes gone, what the fuck?

White linen trousers, a white vest and a... tie-dyed poncho?

I'm suspecting something here. Though the poncho is nice, yellow with white and pale orange bursts... oh sod it, I grabbed the clothes and some underwear and headed for the en-suite.

Normal POV.

"You called Tala?" Robert composed himself on the way down the hall. Tala was standing there in a grey suit.

"People are starting to arrive. Gramps and Hiro are here."

"Gustav's quite capable of showing them the way to the ballroom."

"Everyone else is getting ready, I wanted to know if you had both yours and Spencer's masks?"

"Yeah I have, with any luck he should've found his outfit by now." Robert was inwardly fuming, he was so close to confessing to Spencer.

"We'll go and greet them, you two get ready." they looked up to see Sang, Lupi, Cento and Zomb, dressed in their best attire.

Zomb's mask looked like it had bolts and stitches in it. Centopath's looked like an Egyptian pharaoh's death mask, Lupinex's was a plain plum colour with ice blue and red scratches covering the surface. Sanguinex's looked like a bat encrusted with red sequins.

"Nicky 'threw' those together?" Tala asked.

"That's what I said." said Lupinex, taking his off and examining the scratches, "I never thought you could do that with some paint, wax and a fork.

"Well put it back on, and don't scare anyone." Robert ran back to his room, he had showered that morning but he decided to wash his hair, the smell of his mint shampoo helped him concentrate.

After drying his hair he pulled out a navy vest and some black trousers from his wardrobe and pulled them on, grumbling that the trousers were like leather clinging to his legs.

With a sigh he picked up the poncho type robe Nicky had made, midnight blue with light blue and white bursts, he set it down again and walked over to his punch bag, giving it such a punch it swung violently. He steadied it and rested his head against it.

"You'll get your moment, hopefully when he's picking his jaw off the floor after seeing your painting." the jingle of chains told Robert it was Nicky.

"I hope so Nicky, this whole thing's driving me nuts." he looked up to see Nicky in her famous jacket, khaki floor length skirt and matching mask. "Hm, should've put up a drape for you to blend into."

"Johnny said that, he got a pair of shorts at his head." Nicky lifted up her mask.

"Shorts? Oh yeah he's wearing his tartan." he groaned, pulling the cloth garment over his head.

"Yep I told him not to bother talking to me tonight if he doesn't wear shorts."

"Good woman. Will you help me carry the painting down?" he asked, combing his hair.

"Sure thing. It's approaching seven anyway."

"And everyone's downstairs apart from you two, Johnny and the birthday boy." they looked to see a Tala with a wolf mask perched on his head.

"Ok Tala, Ian isn't playing up is he?" asked Nicky.

"Na, he's on Bryan's shoulders out of trouble."

"We'll be down in a second." said Robert.

"Shall we take the painting down and you see if Spencer's ready?"

"Could do I spose, make sure you're careful with it." he said as they lifted up the cloth covered canvas.

"Will do."

"Glad it's you Tala and not Tyson." said Nicky as they left the room. Robert watched his piece descend the stairs before heading to
Spencer's room, not without grabbing a box.

Spencer was towelling his hair, dressed in his outfit.

"Hey Spence."

"Hiya, Oliver planned an African night or something?" the blonde asked, Robert blinked.

"Yeah, hence the outfit. We should head to the ballroom now before he comes looking for us."

"Ballroom?"

"Uh, yeah, don't ask me Oliver's idea." He heard footsteps enter his room and leave for downstairs again.

Spencer pulled the towel off his head and just ran a hand through his hair. Deeming he was ready Robert led him downstairs.

0o0o0o0

Ray, aptly dressed as a white tiger, lifted his ear from the door.

"They're coming." he hissed, sliding over next to the falcon with the snake on his shoulders, or Bryan and Ian.

Tala and Nicky made sure that the easel and painting were secure before joining them. Everyone in their costumes quietened down, they could hear them outside.

"Spence, before we go in, close your eyes."

"Um... ok."

"Thats it..."

"What are you putting on me?"

"You'll see, just keep them closed." the door cracked open. Robert stepped in, an elaborate moon mask on his face. "Just keep walking."

"Robert, you don't know how disorientating this is, can I smell gunpowder?" Spencer asked as he came in, a bright mask looking like the sun on his face.

Nicky bit her lip, she knew she had used a little too much.

"No idea. Right, stand there and...open."

Spencer POV.

"No idea." But I'm sure I can smell it. "Right, stand there and..." stand where? I got my eyes shut and what feels like a mask on my face.

"open." finally. I did.

"SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SPENCER!" everyone was in masquerade, I spotted a phoenix with blue hair and man covered in musical notes.

"I can't believe you guys! Thank you, everyone." I hugged the pair of them then I turned to Robert. I can't believe these guys are so sneaky!

"Open ya presents!" a jester with Michael's voice called, fits the all-star actually.

Flippin hell did I get a few presents.

A laptop from Kai and Tyson, who's dressed as a dragon. Now I can talk to everyone when I'm not in the same country.

A new launcher from Kenny dressed as an owl, and a new blade from the All-Starz, thanking them I let put Seaborg in place and let it rip, faster, more accurate and stronger. Sweet.

Ray and Bryan presented me with a very flash looking penknife. I think that's Bryan's obsession with sharp objects there.

Remember that CD Alden gave me for Tala? Ended up being a CD for me didn't it? I had hinted about a British music artist called Lolly and he's got her album, sneaky wolf.

I have such a weird and varied taste in music.

I generally got money from everyone else, I can be hard to buy for. I can't forget my box set from Alden.

Then Nicky gave me a box, she looks good in Khaki.

"Since you're a budding Doctor Who nut, I thought you might like this." I pulled off the wrapping paper, it was a remote control Darlek. I laughed and hugged her thanks.

"It's brilliant. And congratulations on your engagement." I added as I put her down.

"I think that's everything." yeah it is Kai thanks.

Ah, music, I need to move and it's Holly Valance's 'Kiss Kiss' too.

It's definitely got everyone dancing. On impulse I grabbed Robert and spun him round, well it'd look daft with a partner a lot shorter than me.

"Could've given me a bit more warning." he laughed as I pulled him close.

"Sorry." I'm not really. "You feeling better now?" well he was crying earlier.

"Yeah. Spencer... I still haven't given you my present yet." Oh?

"Why didn't you say so?" I asked as we swayed to the music. He didn't say anything but went red again. "Robert?" ok the music's died and now I feel really awkward.

"Do you know what your mask is Spencer? It's the sun." and you're the moon, ok I can see where this is heading.

"Robert, are you alright?" Johnny, that tartan really is something else.

"No I'm not alright Johnny." he stormed over to a large cloth by the wall and yanked it off. What's going on?

I even lifted my mask onto my head to get a better look at the painting as it revealed itself. Everyone else had gone quiet, even Daichi.

It was the most beautiful painting I'd ever seen, a muscular blonde angel reaching for the outstretched hand of a hooded figure in a cloak.

Wait a minute, that angel...

"It's... me!" Near naked with wings but it's me! And the hooded figure, his hair colour and his nose is showing, I know that nose... I looked to Robert.

"Yes Spencer, I-it's you." he's fiddling with his outfit. "And the reason I painted it... I-it's because..." he looked at me and his eyes determined not to cry. "I-I love you."

I think my heart and my brain have just stopped.

I called after him as he ran out the door. But he didn't answer. I'm such an idiot.

I looked again at the painting. He agonised in making every detail of my likeness godlike.

What am I standing here for, I should be going after him!

"Excuse me everyone." I called over my shoulder and ran out of the door after him.

Robert POV.

"Yes Spencer, I-it's you." I'm fiddling again. "And the reason I painted it... I-it's because..." I'm so trying not to tear up again, my wrought iron nerve gone. "I-I love you."

Well that went well. He's just gawking at me. Do something dammit.

Everyone's looking at me. I can't take the silence anymore, it's like someone's pushed the pause button. I balked and ran out of the ballroom. The only people that didn't stare were Nicky, Kai, and Sanguinex from what I saw.

"Robert!" someone called from behind. I don't care, I just ran up the staircase, throwing the mask to the side and ran as fast as my legs would carry me.

I told him, I presented my painting, and I ran like the yellow bellied coward that I've become.

I slowed as my legs gave up and landed in a sobbing heap. As soon as morning comes, I'm getting on the first plane to see my parents.

Normal POV - in the ballroom.

Spencer had just run out of the ballroom when Rick opened his mouth.

"Whoa, the big dude's a queer."

"Hold your tongue or lose it." Bryan glared at him along with most of the others in the room.

"Just because you didn't use your manners where you come from, doesn't mean you'll get away with it here." A lion with Lee's voice growled as a pink butterfly tried to pull him away, obviously Mariah.

"Shall we carry on? If things work out they could be down on a minute." asked Mr Dickinson, his glasses perched on the nose of his mask.

"Wise words Mr D." said Hiro, looking like the Highway Man. Kenny started up the music again.


Spencer walked up the last staircase, his legs cramping big time. He had come across maids readying the rooms for the guests and none of them had seen Robert.

"Please be the last floor." he panted. In his hand he held the moon mask Robert had been wearing, he turned it over in his hands.

He looked up and saw a figure sat at the end of the hall. Gingerly stepping closer he saw it was "Robert?"

"Go away, you've made your feelings perfectly clear."

"What gives you that idea?" Spencer raised a brow. The indigo haired teen growled and stood up angrily.

"Don't fuck with me Turanov. I can't take anymore."

He went to walk past when a hand on his chest pushed him back against the wall, then he was pinned in place by Spencer standing but an inch from him.

"Tonight's about confessions right? I got three. One, I'm gay. Two, I took that nude model job, not for a Harley, but to get enough money for a certain noble idiot to notice me. And three..." he brushed his lips against Robert's. "I love you so much that it kills to see you cry."

"S-Spencer?" Robert breathed shakily.

"Sshh." he raised the hand from Robert's chest to his cheek, tilting his head so he could capture the noble's mouth with his own.

Robert moaned softly and wound his arms around the blonde's neck and fist his hands in the sunshine locks, the masks falling side by side on the floor.

Spencer brushed his tongue against Robert's lips, asking the age old question which Robert gladly complied to.

Robert whimpered and melted against him.

They parted panting, Robert resting his head against Spencer's chest.

"Spencer."

"Hm?"

"Happy Birthday." Spencer chuckled at his -now- boyfriend and kissed him on the forehead.

"Thank you for the painting, doesn't do you much justice though."

"It's not meant to." Robert closed his eyes and breathed in Spencer's beach scent. "We should return to party."

"Yeah, you guys went to all that trouble." he stooped down to pick up the masks. "The sun and the moon, Kai's a sneaky bugger." he smirked, he then picked Robert and threw him over his shoulder. "Whatever you do, don't kick." he patted Robert's behind and began to move.

Robert watched everything move away from him, a bright blush on his cheeks.

Robert and Spencer's POV.

FINALLY!


Um... yeah.

Robert; My, aren't you the eloquent one today?

I got up earlier than I wanted to so shut up. /turns to readers/ please review!