The dance was tonight so the classroom was all a buzz about what they were wearing, or what the music will be like. They were all excited and the positive vibes were practically pouring out of the school, but my mind was elsewhere. My mother had not turned up again and I wasn't sure how I felt about it. She said she'd visit me again but once again it's a promise she hasn't kept. I'll admit I don't necessarily like her but I regret not hearing her out a bit more regarding who and what I am. The gang knew about my whole situation that I'm from another world, they believed me and didn't tell anyone without my permission which I was incredibly grateful for. The only issue was how on edge I felt, every little thing made me think I was going to be taken away or I'd blink and be back in the world I grew up in. I stared at the candle that was by the chalk board, the Professor was on the floor explaining something about something or other. The flame just seemed to dance, flicker… and I jumped as I could have sworn I saw the shape of a bird take form in the flames. I looked around to see if anyone else noticed but thankfully they were immersed in Sid's words.
The bell signalled the end of the lesson and so everyone got their books and giggled about going home to get ready for the dance. I was still shaken by the fire; I knew what it meant and fear coursed through my body. "Hannah?" I got back to reality to see Kid stood next to me; the others had gone ahead. "You coming?" I nodded and stood up from my desk and walked next to Kid. "You alright? You seem distracted."
I shook my head. "Yeah I guess I'm a little tired I think." I muttered; I trusted Kid and felt a great deal of affection for him. But even he wouldn't come near me if my hunch was correct.
"You're still coming to the dance right?" He asked, as I looked to him he looked concerned.
It tugged at my heart to think I felt this way and yet I'd eventually leave him. "Of course, wouldn't be fair not to seeing as Patty and Liz bought my dress with your money." I tried to sound light hearted.
He laughed slightly. "But you want to come right?"
I decided to push my luck. "Do you want me to come?"
I felt his hand take mine as we walked. "If I'm honest, I'll be very sad if you don't come. So yes." He added with a sweet smile. "But you didn't answer my question."
"I've never been to a dance like this. I don't even know how to dance." We had already made it to the door to my flat.
"I'll lead, you'll be fine." He said confidently.
I cocked an eyebrow. "What if I still don't get it?"
"Then you'll have to dance with me all night until you get the hang of it." He winked before walking back down the stairs.
I was smiling as I unlocked the door and shut it behind me. My smile dropped once I saw someone was waiting for me in the living room. "Didn't think I'd see you here." I mumbled as I put my bag to the side and stood in front of my mother with my arms folded. "What are you after this time?"
She looked a little hurt by that question. "I wanted to see how you were." She seemed sincere.
"I'm as fine as I can be in a world I don't belong." I said as I sat down, she sat in a chair opposite.
"We both know that's not true sweetheart." She said gently. "You've begun to feel it haven't you?" I looked away from her. "I thought so. The magic in this world is awakening yours, and then the part of you that is so much more."
I snapped back at her. "Do you have the slightest comprehension what this is doing to me?" She looked down guiltily. "I am surrounded by people who would kill me so their weapon would become a weapon for Lord Death. And now I know that I'm a freak."
"Being a witch isn't being a freak." I saw her raise her head. "It's about having a family who understands you. We'd never make you feel scared. We'd never make you feel you don't belong."
"I belong with my friends." I said without thinking. "I belong with my friends and father back home." I clarified.
She smiled sadly. "You care for him don't you?" I knew she was talking about Kid. "Do you think he'll overlook you being a witch? It's only a matter of time before your soul is seen by someone and then everyone will know who you are. I'll be damned if I sit by and let you get killed by them!" She sounded very emotional. "Come back with me."
There was a silence between us for a while. "I have to get ready for the dance. See yourself out, you seem to know the entrances pretty well."
The dress didn't fill me with as much joy as before. I kept telling myself to not go to the dance, but everyone wanted me to go and to be honest I really wanted to dance with Kid. The dance started half an hour ago, but I decided and left the house finally. My heels clacked against the stone street as I slowly made my way to the academy. As I got up the stairs I was surprised to see Maka outside waiting for me, she grinned and practically ran to me. "Hannah! I was beginning to think you weren't going to show." She did a small survey of me and I did the same. She looked utterly adorable, her hair was down in loose waves and she was wearing a ruby red dress with a black net trim around her knees. "You look awesome."
I smiled, I had actually put on makeup and did my hair in a messy bun with strands hanging to frame my face. "Thanks, you look super cute Maka." I complimented and she giggled and scratched the back of her head.
She grabbed my hand and all but pulled me into the great hall which was decked out with a buffet to the side and drink bowls with a big open space in the middle and a live band at the back with a stage in front. It looked beautiful. "Hannah!" Tsubaki called and beckoned us over where I saw Black Star and Soul were also waiting. "We're so glad you're here." She gave me a hug; I had noticed that after hearing about where I was really from Tsubaki in particular had become a lot more affectionate towards me. Tsubaki looked like a pitcher of water in a dry desert. She was wearing a figure hugging dark blue dress.
"Yeah I mean you don't look as good as the Almight Godliness of Black Star!" Black Star exclaimed despite being in a suit that was too big for him. "But you'll pass for an adequate close." He added with a wink.
"Hey Soul." I greeted him, and noticed how his suit had red accents that matched Maka's dress.
"Hey Hannah, you look great." He complimented which I thanked him.
"We were beginning to think you changed your mind." I turned at the voice of Kid and suddenly felt very self-conscious of my dress. Was I showing too much of my chest? Was the under dress too short? Was the lace over the top bunching and not looking right? "You look stunning."
I smiled a small and breathed a sigh of relief. He looked pretty sharp as well; a smart tailored black suit trousers and jacket. Underneath he was wearing a burgundy coloured shirt that had thin black vertical stripes. Liz and Patty were in matching emerald tight thing length dresses both with their hair in side ponytails. "You guys look amazing." I wish I had more height like Liz so I wouldn't have to be wearing these heels.
We talked for a little while and I had just finished the drink in my hand before a waltz style song began to play. Kid held his hand out. "I believe you owe me a dance." He smirked at me.
I took a moment but the sly looks the gang were giving me spurred me to take his hand and he led me to the floor. I glanced back and all the girls gave me a thumbs up causing the boys to look at them confused. My attention was brought back to Kid as he spun me round so I was in front of him. He place my left hand on his shoulder and he placed a hand on my waist and pulled me close. He led me with the other hand and I felt very conscious of how close we were. "You know for someone who said they didn't dance…" Kid began. "You're doing pretty well."
I smiled as I looked into his amber eyes. "I guess I have a good dancing partner." I smiled as he gently led me around the room. "This place looks amazing."
He looked briefly around. "When we throw parties, we don't hold back." He quickly returned his gaze to me. "Your dress is exquisite by the way."
I blushed slightly. "I have to say it took a while to find it."
"It suits you." He complimented again.
I smirked. "I have to say despite always seeing you in a suit you pull this one off very well."
He shrugged. "I am a man of fine taste. Hence why I'm dancing with you." I was beginning to get suspicious of all his compliments but before I could call him out on it he spoke again. "You look troubled today, is there something wrong?"
I shrugged. "It's hard to explain. I felt uneasy for most of the day for some reason." I couldn't tell him.
"How do you feel now?" His voice was soft and soothing.
I let him lead me, I didn't know how many songs had played since we started dancing but I knew one thing. "I feel like there's no safer place than here with you."
He let out a small and sigh. "Good. Because I want you to know you're safe with me."
I giggled as he picked me up slightly and spun me around and twirled me. Finally after God knows how long I begun to get tired. "I'm going to get some air." I told him and he nodded.
"I'll grab us a drink." He walked to the drinks bowls as I went out to the balcony. He returned with a drink in both hands.
He handed me the drink but he still looked at me. "What is it?" Did I have something on my face? Was my makeup smudged?
"Maka and the others told me you've spoken to them about where you're from. I thought that was very brave of you."
It was my turn to shrug. "I felt like they would possibly believe me." My mood dropped. "It would also give them an explanation when I suddenly disappear."
His smile dropped. "'When' you disappear?"
I couldn't meet his eyes. "Come on Kid you know your father is trying to find a way to get me home."
He looked hurt. "You want to leave?"
I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I'm not from here. I don't belong here I don't know how many times I've said it-"
"And how many times have you meant it?!" He half yelled. I looked at him in surprise he raised his voice with me. "You look me in the eyes and tell me you hate it here. Tell me you don't feel welcome here." He took my now empty glass off me and held my hands. "Look me in the eyes and tell me I mean nothing to you."
I shook my head. "You know I can't do that. After getting to know you, you're friends who mean something to me."
"Then stay." He sounded almost desperate.
"Why does this mean so much to you?!" I was beginning to get frustrated.
I didn't register what was happening until I felt a set of lips on mine. I gripped Kid's shoulder about to push him away until I realised this was what I've been wanting. I closed my eyes and melted into his kiss as I felt his arms wrap around my waist and pull me against him. I let him lead the kiss, as truthfully I hadn't much experience in the boy department. He pulled away gently and we were both breathing a little more heavily than normal. "That's why."
