Hope you guys like this one! :D


Tracy was startled awake by bodies moving against her. The van was dark in exception to the flickering light of a cigarette lighter, which was quickly snuffed out. Her muscles ached, especially her neck from lying back at an awkward angle. The Engineer shifted beside her, staring out the window.

"Ugh, what time is it?" She asked as she yawned, stretching as best she could in the confined space.

"Seven thirty." Someone groaned from the front. Really, she had slept that long?

"How close are we? I thought it would only take a few hours." Tracy couldn't help but whine, tired of being squashed between two larger men. She could feel sweat bead down her neck from the warm bodies stuffed into the vehicle.

"Our driver took a wrong turn. Besides, it would have taken us much longer." Spy said a seat ahead, looking just as irritated as she was. The rest of her team seemed none too happy either, staring bitterly at their driver or out the windows. "But we are close. Thankfully we are not late yet, but I will be reporting this."

Tracy shifted and squirmed, unable to get comfortable. The Soldier took note of this, raising an eyebrow.

"Uncomfortable, soldier?" He asked, a small grin on his face.

"You could say that." A yawn erupted from her mouth. Instead of a response, he grabbed her legs and lifted them onto his lap. Tracy was confused and a little embarrassed, but welcomed the change and shifted to lean back in her seat. She had much more leg room now.

"Err... thanks." She gave the All-American a small, confused smile.

"No problem." Her rested a hand on her calf, reclining back.

Tracy wasn't sure what to think of the Soldier. He had started out as such a hard ass, but turned out to be, well... She couldn't quite place it. He was nice, even thoughtful, although that clashed with his bravado-filled exterior. But she couldn't deny that she liked the alternative.

There they sat for fifteen more minutes , uncomfortable and irritated. Tracy's stomach growled, but thankfully her hangover was gone. As the minutes ticked down, the group got more and more angered but were quickly quelled by the approaching lights in the distance.

A huge mansion banked on the horizon, surrounded by cars of many shapes and sizes, but obviously all very expensive and lavish. She couldn't help but stare as they approached as hoardes of people began to enter the estate. The REDS had arrived earlier than them, from the looks of the red van with the RED emblem parked near the front.

"Perfect, looks like the enemy got here first." Medic remarked with a low growl in his voice. He snapped towards the driver, who shrunk in his seat and turned to park.

They rushed to get out of the stifling vehicle, all thankful to be able to stretch their legs and cool off. She nearly stumbled when she stepped out, the Heavy catching her just before she fell flat on her face.

She thanked him, turning towards the entrance. The groups of people had slowed down a tad, but a few more were approaching. Just as she began to join her team entering the mansion, she turned and saw just as the Spy grabbed a box from under his seat.

Tracy had no time to go back and see what it was as she was herded inside by a large group of party-goers. Before she could curse her luck, she noticed the interior.

It was lavishly decorated, with fountains and ribbons and tables full of food. Ice sculptures were spitting out different types of alcohol, wine and vodka and others that Tracy couldn't identify. The people were gorgeous, obviously well bred and wealthy from their dress alone. She couldn't help but stare as they passed by, until she caught sight of something else.

The RED team were present, all huddled together in a corner and barely mingling. The RED Thief was talking to the RED Engineer, and Tracy surprised to feel... jealous? She wasn't sure, but she knew she didn't want him talking to her. But it wasn't like she could just... walk up and talk to him, could she? She resigned herself to this, turning towards where she thought her own team had gone.

Most were near the food area, picking up hors d'oeuvre or sweets at the table. Sniper stood in a corner, crossing his arms and staring at the floor in front of him. Tracy never heard him argue or complain about going, but she had a feeling he wasn't enjoying this. She caught sight of the Engineer trailing after the Medic and Heavy, who paid no mind to the people around them as they talked and laughed. Demoman and Soldier were hoarding the alcohol, tossing different drinks to one another.

Spy, Scout, and Pyro were not in sight, but she was sure the Scout was looking for Miss Pauling, or some other girl he could dance with. Spy did have some sort of package with him, so perhaps he was delivering something. Pyro? Well... maybe they had a fireplace somewhere around here.

Tracy did the only thing she could think of and stepped beside the Sniper, stuffing her hands into her pockets and leaning against the wall. The Australian turned and nodded, giving her a small smile.

"Nice party, ain't it?" He commented, amused but not necessarily happy. Sniper looked odd without his signature hat and glasses, but she couldn't deny that he looked rather nice in a suit. Tracy nodded, not sure how to hold herself. She had never been in front of so many people before.

"I guess. It's missing some debauchery though." Tracy joked, clearing her throat with a small cough. Sniper laughed, turning to face her.

"Oh, I'm sure it'll happen sooner or later. Parties with Saxton Hale rarely ever end quietly."

"Who's Saxton Hale?"

Sniper stared at her a moment before slapping his own face. "Ah, right. Suppose no one ever told you. He owns Mann Co., the place we buy all our guns from. He's a right brute, and that's downplaying it. Strong as an ox, fights bears and kills endangered animals for fun. Can't tell you much other than that though."

Tracy raised an eyebrow, but wasn't sure how to reply. She had seen so much in her time with these mercs, so it wasn't exactly shocking to hear of such a man. But she wondered what he looked like.

She didn't have to wonder long, as a balcony from above burst open. Everyone's attention was drawn as a booming sound was heard, splintered pieces of wood flying down, most likely from a broken door. At first he was only a shadow, until a spotlight was drawn upon him.

He was a hulking figure, possible a foot taller than most of the people present. He was huge, not just in height, but also in mass. Every single spec of flesh upon him bulged with muscle, almost ridiculously so. He wore ripped shorts, possibly the remnants of slacks that was meant to be his dress wear. Around his neck, tightly bound and almost ready to spring loose, was a bow-tie. He wore a hat not totally dissimilar to the Sniper's, although he had a mustache and chest hair that suspiciously looked like the shape of Australia.

"WELCOME ALL TO THE MANN CO. ANNUAL BALL! I AM YOUR HOST SAXTON HALE!" He boomed, recieving a loud applause. "Be ready for the best party of your lives, or I will end them here and now!"

The applause went on, out of fear or entertainment Tracy had no idea. She decided to clap as well, in hopes she wouldn't be spotted as the odd one out in the crowd. Sniper joined her lazily, slowly clapping with and unimpressed expression on his face. From the corner of her eye, she could see the Soldier clapping happily with a drumstick in his mouth.

Beside Saxton on the balcony, a woman stepped forward. She was tall and boney, thin to an almost exruciating point. Her purple dress suit sagged on her just slightly, as if she had kept the outfit even after she had lost so much weight. She held a cigarette in her hand, staring down at the party with disdain.

Snapping, the woman caught Tracy's eye and looked her up and down. The glare was burning, as if the woman were studying every detail of her. Tracy looked away, unable to meet her eyes for more than a second. Turning back, the woman's gaze had turned away, and Tracy felt as if she had imagined the whole occurance.

"The dance will begin now! Enter the ball room and make sure to have a partner! The dance will continue althroughout the night." Saxton commanded with authority. All but very few began their march towards the ball room, linking arms with their partners. Many looked excited, but others looked worried or aprehensive.

"I am a horrible dancer." Tracy grumbled, crossing her arms to turn to the Sniper.

"I'm no better. I'll see you inside, alright? I'm gonna have to find a sheila to dance with." He patted her on the shoulder before making his way into the crowd. At once she felt exposed and alone, searching the room for her team. The Soldier was still munching away at the food table, the Demoman slumped on the floor with a wine bottle clenched in one hand. Spy had finally made his appearance, glancing at her before following the crowd. A few RED team members were still present, but kept a wide berth between themselves and the BLUs.

Tracy sighed, but decided the best thing was to follow the rest into the ball room. She didn't have much of a choice otherwise. The room was packed, with many lining the sides in wait for the dancers to thin out. The Heavy and Medic were dancing with each other, although clearly only playfully and switching partners. Scout was chatting up a few girls in the corner, many looking less than impressed. Engineer was hiding in a corner, too shy to actually approach anyone.

Tracy stepped beside him, smiling as she approached. The Texan seemed relieved, sighing and smiling in response.

"How ya doin', wallflower?" Tracy asked, looking out upon the crowd of dancers. Despite their orders, the group seemed to be enjoying themselves anyways.

"Alright, I suppose." He shrugged.

"No partner?"

"Yup."

"Hey, I'm sure any gal here would be happy to dance with you." She bumped him with her elbow jokingly, but sincere in her tone.

Engineer blushed, unable to respond for a moment while he coughed into his fist. Just as Tracy turned back to the crowd, she spotted a swatch of purple at the other end of the room. Miss Pauling, looking just as cute as ever, was being chatted up by the RED Scout. She could tell Pauling was uncomfortable and looking for an excuse to leave. She was dressed in a violet floral dress with light yellow flowers and black mary jane heels.

"I'm gonna go save Miss Pauling, go and talk to a few people." She nudged the Engineer, throwing him a wink before making her way through the crowd.

As Tracy approached, she could hear the RED Scout trying to talk Miss Pauling up while also flattering himself. It was kind of painful to listen to, so Tracy did the only thing she could think of.

"Nice to see you Miss Pauling." She immediately bumped into the Scout, smiling as charmingly as she could manage. "Want to dance?"

Miss Pauling immediately took the chance, "Of course! I was just waiting for someone to ask."

As they pulled away from the wall, Tracy could hear the muffled complaints of the Scout saying he had also asked.

They tread as smoothly as possible into the dancers, Tracy taking the lead as best she could with no experience with dancing. She did as she had saw in the movies on television, taking her hip and hand and moving slowly. She tried to keep her feet as far away as possible from Miss Pauling's as she could in order not to step on her.

"Thanks for that, you have no idea how much he tries." The woman in violet sighed in relief, smiling up at Tracy.

"No problem. I mean, is he that bad of a guy?" Tracy asked, maneuvering them to turn with the crowd.

"Well, I don't dislike him, but he comes on a little strong." Pauling shrugged, pursing her lips.

"Best of luck to you with that. My Scout isn't quite as annoying, although he's just as bad with the ladies."

Miss Pauling gave a small laugh. "Maybe. How are you doing by the way? I hope you're settling in well. I would have called you or something, but I don't have much down time. Whenever I do it's just to sleep and eat... housework... all that sort of stuff."

"Pretty well, actually. My team is one of the best." Tracy could feel a warm, happy feeling in her chest. She did geniunely enjoy her team's company, unlike her dread when she first joined.

"Glad to hear it. Oops." Tracy could feel Miss Pauling's heeled foot accidentally step on her own. "Sorry."

"Nah, it's fine." Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the rest of the dancer's begin to dip their partners, and did the best she could to mimic them. Miss Pauling was startled, but smiled in response, a slightly pink shade rising on her face.

They began to turn with the crowd, and they began to switch partners. Tracy was only able to give Pauling a "See you later!" before dancing with her new partner. She was a beautiful blonde woman in a red dress, who fluttered her lashes and purred with delight. Tracy was uncomfortable and very much out of her league, and was happy to escape the dance as soon as possible, trading off once more.

Turning back to the wall, she felt her stomach growl threateningly and knew she had to eat. Forcing her way through the crowd, she made her way back to the main hall to grab something to eat. She managed to eat a few appetizers before she felt a tap on her shoulder.

"Thief? I need your presence for a moment." The french accent was unmistakable. Tracy set her food down, grabbing a glass of wine before turning to the Spy.

"What's up?"

"Please, come with me."

Tracy followed the Spy up a flight of stairs, taking sips of her wine all the way. She set the glass down on an end table as they neared a door. They entered, and it turned out to be a bathroom. Tan marble counters and porcelain, with tiny sea-shell shaped soaps on the sink.

"Okay, what do you need me in here for?" Tracy couldn't help but be highly confused.

"Please, humor me for just a moment." Spy gestured towards the sink counter, where the package from before was sitting neatly. Tracy stepped forward, sliding the top from the box off to reveal...

A dress.


I don't know if this really qualifies as a cliff hanger, but I hope it doesn't make anyone angry! xD

TBC! Please leave a review with your thoughts or suggestions. :D