Oh The Webs We Weave
Chapter 4- Waltz
Disclaimer:I do not own HeartNo Kuni No Alice or any of the characters. I do not own the song "Let there be morning" by The Perishers.
A/N: Hello everyone! Thank you so much to everyone who has read and reviewed my story so far. It means a lot. :-) This chapter has a lot of AlicexBlood development so I hope that you all enjoy it!
Alice,
Upon giving this further consideration I have decided that I will personally be your escort to the ball. I have provided appropriate attire for you, which you will find in your closet. I will come to collect you promptly at 6:30.
Sincerely yours,
Blood Dupre
This was her third time re reading the letter and still all she could do was stare in shock at the letter. This couldn't be happening. How do things keep getting worse and worse?
Abandoning the letter she flung herself across her bed and buried her head into the soft fabric of her blue pillow. Closing her eyes she began to find solace in the darkness. Take deep breaths she told her self. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale. After a few moments of this her pulse had slowed down and she was calmer.
Tentatively she reopened her eyes and gingerly hopped down from her bed. She made her way toward the closet hoping that the letter was a hallucination and that there was nothing behind her closet doors.
Firmly grasping the handles on the closet door she quickly flung open her closet doors and gasped at the beautiful dress before her. Gingerly she reached out a hand to touch the delicate fabric as if to assure herself that it was in fact real. The fabric was soft as silk and cool to the touch as she gently rubbed it between her fingertips.
The dress was a soft shade of pink that sparkled and shimmered whenever the fabric moved. The sleeveless dress was form fitting until it hit the waist and jutted out to form a full floor length skirt. There was also a matching pair of high heeled shoes on the floor of the closet. They looked beautiful but very uncomfortable. Next to the shoes was a small velvet box. Bending down Alice hesitantly opened the box. If this was from Blood who knows what could be in it.
Opening the box she found a pair of golden dandling earrings with a pink teardrop shaped gem at the end. Alice felt herself blush at such an expensive gift. These earrings were something you would give to a girlfriend or wife, not to someone who you were merely escorting to a dance.
KNOCK KNOCK!
"Alice?" Julius called through the door. "May I come in?"
"Uh yes." said Alice quickly putting the earrings away and closing her closet door.
Opening the door Alice was met with a very disgruntled man.
"Ace told me what happened." Julius said with a sigh. " Although he's my so called friend I would advise you not to find yourself alone with him."
"I think you're right." she quickly agreed. Feeling a bit uncomfortable with the discussion she decided to change the topic and asked,"Shouldn't you be getting ready for the dance? You do have to go right?"
Startled at the abrupt change of topic it took him a moment to reply. "Yes I do. Have you changed your mind about going?"
Alice wanted to kick herself for her foolish change of topic. She really didn't want to tell Julius she was going with Blood. However, Julius was her closest friend down here and she didn't want to start keeping things from him.
"Actually I have." she said reluctantly.
"Oh. Well then we can head out together." Julius responded and turned to go.
"I actually kind of have a date."Alice said embarrassed.
Julius whirled around to face her and she winched a bit at his expression.
"Please tell me it's not Peter White." Julius pleaded.
"I'd never go with that stalker." Alice responded indignantly.
Julius gave an audible sigh of relief.
"I'm going with Blood Dupre." she said quickly.
Julius stared at her in horror for a moment then he began laughing. Alice stared in shock at Julius. Truly everyone in this world was barking mad. She had never once seen Julius laugh, it was extremely out of character. The one time he chose to laugh and it wasn't even over something funny.
"Good one Alice." Julius said still chuckling.
"I'm serious." Alice said with down cast eyes.
"What?!" Julius exclaimed. He crossed the short distance between them and placed both hands on her shoulders and looked into her face imploringly. All traces of laughter gone from his face.
"Alice why would you go with him? Are you in some sort of trouble?"
Once again she found herself stuck in the dilemma of telling the truth or lying. She wasn't quite sure what to do this time. If she told Julius that Blood was basically forcing her to go with him than he would just worry and possibly get hurt. Although Julius was an amazing friend she had no doubt in her mind who would win in a fight, and it wouldn't be Julius. Determined to protect her friend and not cause a ruckus she replied, "Well he asked me and I thought it sounded like fun." she finished smiling. Even to her own ears her response sounded lame.
Julius stared disbelievingly down at Alice like he thought she was the one who was barking mad. And maybe she was.
"You thought going to a ball with Blood Dupre sounded like fun?" he asked.
"Yes. It turns out he's not so bad. I uh met him on the way to the market and we sorted everything out." Well that was at least partly true she told herself. She did met him on the way to the market.
By the look Julius was giving her she could tell that he wasn't buying it.
"Look Julius I'm going with him because I want to. After all, he does look like my ex and it reminds me of home."
Julius's gaze became less suspicions. Sighing he dropped his hands from her shoulders and ran a hand through his hair.
"Well, I guess if you really do want to go with him I can't stop you. Just promise that you'll be careful." he said.
"I I promise." Alice stuttered.
"I better go get ready then." said Julius. "I'll be heading out with Ace soon and knowing him we'll be lucky if we get to the ball before it ends."
Alice smiled at that. "Ok, I'll see you at the ball then. Oh and good luck with Ace." she added.
Julius smiled and turned to go out the door. He stopped at the doorway then once again turned to face Alice.
"You'd tell me if there was something wrong wouldn't you?" he asked seriously.
"Of course." she lied.
"Alright." he said and closed the door behind him.
Alice let out a sigh of relief. She wasn't used to lying. She really did feel bad about it, but she was doing it to protect him so that was ok right? She didn't want Julius trying to stop Blood. Blood was a crazy man and she had no idea what he might do to poor Julius. This was her problem and she would deal with it.
Glancing up at her clock she noticed it was nearly five thirty. Time to get ready.
The next forty-five minutes consisted of Alice applying the very few cosmetics that she used, pinning her hair up, and putting on the gown and shoes.
Alice sat in front of the mirror as she applied the final touch to her ensemble, the dangling earrings. She didn't know why, but putting on the earrings felt strangely intimate. Like she was acknowledging a relationship with Blood. But that was ridiculous, they are after all just earrings.
Starring into the mirror Alice couldn't believe how different she looked. She appeared more grown up. More refined. She felt beautiful.
Tick Tock
Looking up at the clock she saw that she only had fifteen minutes until Blood would arrive. Her heart began to rapidly beat in anxiousness. Abandoning her chair she started pacing the length of her room. She had no idea what to expect. Maybe she should have told Julius. Maybe he could have gotten her out of this mess. Her palms began to feel clammy and cold.
Tick Tock
Ten minutes to go. Why was it that whenever you wanted time to slow down it seemed to speed up faster? Alice was in a near frenzy at this point. Why was he doing this to her? Why does he single her out only to insult her and make her life miserable? And despite that why is she still drawn to him? All of these unanswered questions buzzed through her mind as time continued to speed by.
Tick Tock
Five minutes to go. Taking a deep breath Alice left the comfort of her room and went to the main room to finish the few painful remaining minutes. Her heart was thumping loudly as she watched the door intently. Waiting for the sound she was dreading to hear.
Knock Knock
Her heart stopped. He was here. Standing in front of the door she took one last breath and opened the door.
A smiling Blood Dupre stood on the doorstep. No one in their right mind could deny that he was extremely handsome. Seeing him standing there in his white tuxedo did funny things to her heart. He had abandoned the typical top hat that he wore and his jet black hair hung loose around his face.
While she had been momentarily appraising him she noticed that he was doing the same to her. She felt a shiver run down her body as his eyes flickered down her form.
"I see you found the dress." he purred. "I hope it's to your liking."
"Uh yes it's beautiful thank you." she said as her face reddened.The way he was looking at her sent a shot of panic through her heart. Even though she was fully clothed she felt somehow exposed to him.
His gaze went to her earrings and a secret smile spread across his lips. "And the earrings?" he asked. Bringing a hand up to touch the earring dangling from her left ear. "Do you like them as well?"
"Yes." Alice managed to say. "They're beautiful as well. Thank you for lending them to me."
Blood's smile widened as he said, "I'm not lending them to you. They're a gift." As he finished the sentence Blood trailed his fingers from her earing down her exposed neck.
His touch sent a light shiver through her body and judging by the look on Blood's face she knew that he had felt it. Trying to regain her composure Alice argued, " I couldn't possibly keep them they're too.."
But Alice was cut off when Blood brought a finger to her lips to silence her.
"No." he breathed."It's a gift from me to you. You look beautiful" Never looking away from her eyes he took her hand and brought it to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. Alice flushed at the sensation of his lips on her bare skin.
"Thank you."Alice said shyly not knowing what else to say.
Blood smiled in acknowledgment and repositioned her hand so that it was placed in the crock of his arm. "Shall we?" he questioned.
For one brief moment Alice considered bolting to her room and locking the door behind her. She was nervous about leaving the safety and comfort that the Clock Tower provided. Digging through her panic and fear she grasped onto the bit of courage she could find and nodded her head in approval.
There was an awkward silence between the two as they began the walk to the castle. She felt uncomfortable with his close proximity. With her hand placed on his arm he was leading her around like a gentlemen. That was a laugh. Blood could pretend to be a gentleman all he liked, but she knew his true colors. She didn't even know what to say to him. All the things she did want to say would just end up in an argument.
It was Blood's voice that suddenly broke the silence between the two. "I've recently obtained a large shipment of books since you last visited the mansion. You're welcome to come read them if you wish." Blood offered.
Remembering the last time she was at the mansion her face flushed in anger. Turning her head away from him she responded, "No thank you, my last visit wasn't very pleasant. Why would you even want me to come?"
"My my you do have quite the selective hearing don't you?" Blood chided. Turning once more to face him she scowled up at him.
"What do you mean selective hearing?" she demanded.
Smiling at her angry expression he continued. "I told you that I've taken a liking to you."
Narrowing her eyes she retorted, "Maybe it's you who have selective hearing. You also talked about how much you would like to kill me."
Frowning at her words Blood averted his eyes from her fiery gaze. "I don't want to kill you." he sighed turning to face her once again. "During a heated argument people often say things they don't mean."
Her face softened a bit with his words. " So you're saying your sorry." she stated. "Do you also want to apologize for saying I'm seducing all the men?"
Blood gave a snort of indignation at her question. Alice's fierce expression returned and she stopped walking. Yanking her hand out of his arm she stood hands on hips facing Blood.
"What is with you?!" she demanded. "I do not seduce men. It's not my fault that the only thing men here think about is..."
Suddenly Alice's anger left her and was replaced with embarrassment. She did not want to talk about this with Blood. And she defiantly didn't want to finish that sentence. She felt the familiar flush creep up her face and she turned her head away from Blood, whose eyes were dancing with
laughter.
"Think about what Alice?" he questioned, pretending to not understand.
"N never mind." she hastily replied and folded her arms across her chest. An indication that this topic of conversation was over.
Alice was once again startled by Blood's laughter. Turning to face him she was surprised to see how different he looked when he laughed. She hadn't seen him really laugh before and it was amazing what a difference it made in his countenance.
"I like you Alice." he stated simply.
She stared at him startled for a moment. When he said her name he spoke it like a caress. Remembering that she was still suppose to be mad at him she said, "Why do you like me when you don't want me to like you?" she angrily questioned. "Remember you said that would be
inconvenient?"
"What a short term memory you have young lady. I'll say it again, in the heat of an argument we say things we don't mean." Blood said with a searing gaze.
Alice's expression stayed angry for a moment until she decided that was the closet thing to an apology that she was going to get. And besides it would be an even longer night if she was upset the whole time.
Sensing the change in her mood Blood smiled and said," I promise to behave from now on if you do."
Deciding to accept his white flag of truce she returned his smile and said, "Ok. So I heard you're anxious to taste the black tea at the castle."
"Ah yes." he said wistfully. "I've been looking forward to it."
The two continued walking side by side down the cobblestone road while Blood informed Alice of the many wonders of black tea. Alice smiled to herself as he talked. She found his enthusiasm towards black tea strangely endearing. So caught up in listening to him talk Alice quit paying attention to where she was walking.
Alice suddenly pitched forward as her heel became caught in a crack in the cobblestone road; she let out a small scream of surprise as she fell. Her decent was abruptly halted as two arms encircled her waist.
Blood helped bring her upright and steady her on her feet. Looking at her concerned Blood asked,"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." she said embarrassed. In truth the clasp of her shoe had cut into her ankle and she could feel a little rivulet of blood running down her foot. "I'm just not used to wearing heels." Alice finished with a nervous laugh.
Blood looked down at her suspiciously. Arms still wrapped around her waist he prodded, "You're not hurt?"
"Nope." Alice lied smiling. She knew it was a stupid thing to lie about, but her pride was hurt over the rather clumsy moment she had just had.
"Well then let's be on our way." Blood said releasing Alice from his hold. Alice nodded her head in agreement.
Blood watched her like a hawk as she fell into step next to him. Knowing that if she so much as limped Blood would notice Alice tried to maintain her composure. However, as she put her full weight onto her injured foot she nearly collapsed again.
The next thing she knew her vertigo was completely thrown out of whack as Blood scooped her up in his arms. Alice let out a little squeak of surprise and quickly threw her arms around Blood's neck to help steady herself. Silently Alice cursed herself for her clumsiness as Blood made his way to the nearest bench. He held her close to his body but his arms around her maintained a gentleness that she hadn't really expected of him.
Placing her down delicately on the bench the prestigious mafia boss knelt down before Alice and took her injured foot in his hands.
Pushing the end of her dress slightly up so that he could get a good look at her ankle he shock his head in disapproval.
"What a silly thing to lie about." said Blood. "And just how were you planning on being on your feet all night?"
Becoming more embarrassed by the second Alice's face heated up and her gaze stayed transfixed on her clasped hands resting in her lap.
"It's not that bad." Alice replied shyly. "It's just a scratch. It's not worth worrying about."
"What a stubborn and prideful child."chided Blood as he reached inside his coat pocket. Alice looked up in time to see him pull out a piece of cloth and band-aid.
Embarrassment momentarily forgotten Alice looked curiously at Blood and asked, "Do you usually carry around band aid's with you?"
"Knowing all the trouble you get into young lady I thought they would come in handy." replied Blood while using the cloth to wipe away the blood on her ankle. Alice felt her face heat up in both anger and shame.
Looking up and noticing the expression on her face Blood's face softened and he said, "I remember that when my older sister first started wearing dress shoes they would hurt her feet. I assumed you were not accustomed to wearing them either. Thus the band aid."
Blood then gently placed the band aid over the scratch on her ankle so that the clasp of her shoe would no longer rub against it.
Alice was shocked. She couldn't believe the man in front of her was the same one she had conversed with only yesterday. The Blood Dupre in front of her now was all genteelness and kindness. From the way he touched and interacted with her, to bringing along band aids in case her feet got sore. She felt a warming in her heart and body that she hadn't felt in quite awhile. At the moment she couldn't remember why she had been so nervous about coming with him.
Gently placing her foot back on the ground Blood looked up to find Alice gazing at him with a soft expression on her face.
"You're starring at me young lady."Blood said gazing back at Alice through hooded eyes.
"Oh sorry." Alice apologized and felt her face redden.
"You were thinking about your ex again weren't you." Blood said sullenly while standing and looking away from Alice.
Startled Alice replied, "No not at all actually."
Blood whipped his gaze back to her a startled expression on his face as well. The startled expression quickly faded and was replaced with intensity. Alice didn't know why, but that look he was giving her sent a thrill and chill through her body at the same time.
"So it was me you were looking at." he said.
The way he said it made it clear that it was not a question but more a statement of fact.
It felt like her throat was closing up. Her breathing quickened as her heart speed up. She couldn't look away from his smoldering gaze. Why did she feel that the answer she was about to give would change everything?
Before she had time to think properly she breathed, "Yes" in answer to his question.
If possible Blood's face become more intent. Taking her hands in his he gently pulled her to her
feet. She couldn't look away from him. It was as if he had cast some spell over her. Not releasing her hands he said quietly yet intensely, "You're treading dangerous water young lady. Do you remember what I told you I would do if ever you were to look at me the way you just did?"
Her heart stopped as she recalled the conversation in question.
"You said you would chop off my legs." she said.
Blood smiled and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. He let his hand linger softly caressing the line of her delicate jaw while saying, " I think I like your legs too much to chop them off. However, I would never let whomever looked at me like that go. Be careful Alice, I'll let this time slide but if you ever look at me like that again I will never let you get away from me."
Alice looked at him in shock. She had no idea how to reply to what he just said. Was it a threat or a promise? Or both?
Blood's smile returned and his expression became less intense. He once again took her hand and placed it in the crock of his arm.
"Now then," Blood said, "let's see how you're able to walk now."
Alice took a tentative step and was surprised at how much better it felt. He must really have a magic touch.
"How does it feel?" he asked.
"Much better. Thank you." she responded. She was still feeling rather unnerved by the conversation they had just had. Deciding to try and forget what had just happened, at least until after the dance, Alice asked, "Would you tell me about your sister?"
Blood gave very vague and uninformative responses to her questioning about his sister. Somehow it ended up that Alice was the one who was telling him stories about herself and her sister when she was younger. She was surprised at how much Blood enjoyed hearing those stories, and before she knew it they were walking up the steps to the castle.
As they entered the ballroom Alice could feel herself being watched by a multitude of people. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the dias where Vivladi was standing with Peter by her side. Alice noted that as soon as Vivladi took notice of Blood and her together a strange look crossed her face. She soon recovered her composer and sent a smile Alice's way. Following her gaze Peter soon discovered who the Queen was looking at. As soon as Peter saw Alice he made to jump of the dais and head her way, however, he was stopped by Vivladi grabbing the neck of his jacket and pulling him backwards. Alice couldn't help but to smile at the sight.
She saw Boris and Gowland drinking champagne on the outskirts of the room in deep discussion. When Boris turned her way his mouth dropped open in shock as he saw who was accompanying her.
Blood leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Everyone's looking at you."
Turning to face him Alice retorted, "No I think they're just interested in who I'm with."
Blood laughed and led her out onto the dance floor as a new song was beginning.
Pulling her closely to him he placed one hand on her waist while the other hand held hers. The hand on her waist seemed to burn straight through the fabric of her dress. Her heart started fluttering madly in her chest. How was it that he could inspire such a reaction in her? Even when Ace had kissed her she didn't feel the kind of emotion that she was feeling right now.
She blushed at that thought as the music began.
*(A/N: If you guys want to listen to the song while reading this part here is the link to it on youtube. .com/watch?v=9p5getnP8u8)
.com/watch?v=9p5getnP8u8
They began to dance the opening steps to the waltz. Blood led her expertly through the steps, never missing a beat.
Now the end is drawing near
I can't believe it's finally here
Take some time to pray for me
For what will be
They swirled through the dancers in perfect harmony. Blood gazed into her eyes. Never looking away, yet always maintaining a perfect distance from the other couples.
Let the sun rise
Let the birds sing
Let there be light
Let there be morning
A peaceful feeling settled over Alice. She felt like she could stay like this forever. Safe in Blood's arms. Safe. That was a word she had never associated with him before. But by the way he was looking at her and the way he was holding her that's how she felt.
I don't know how
I made it till now
Let there be light
Let there be morning
Let there be morning
Another couple spun to close towards Alice, and in response Blood pulled her even closer. Looking into his eyes she felt that she was the only one in the room. Like she was the only woman whom he had ever truly seen. She felt wanted and needed. As they continued dancing she became lost to the world around her.
Hello future goodbye past
Now each breath can be my last
Will I see another dawn
Will I be reborn
As they danced she forgot all the harsh words they had ever spoken. It was as if they were the only ones in the room. Everyone else was compliantly forgotten. There was just her and Blood. What was this feeling she felt?
Let the sun rise
Let the birds sing
Let there be light
Let there be morning
She hadn't noticed at the time but Blood had been gradually leading them away from the dance floor and to the dark secluded balcony. Upon reaching the balcony Blood guided her to the corner where they couldn't be seen. She could still hear the music wafting in through the balcony doors.
I don't know how
I made it till now
Let there be light
Let there be morning
He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. Confused as to what was going on she looked up at him.
"Blood, what.."she began, but was cut off when he brought a finger to her lips to silence her.
"You were staring at me with that look again." he said seriously. "You know now that I can't ever let you go."
Alice stared wide eyed at Blood. Her heart was doing flips in her chest at his words and his proximity was doing strange things to her body. He was looking at her with such fierce determination and she knew would happen next. And strangely she was ok with that.
Blood lowered his head and Alice closed her eyes. Right before their lips met they were interrupted by a loud voice.
"Alice! There you are!" exclaimed Ace. "I've been looking everywhere for you."
Blood pulled Alice closer and sent a glare at the knight that would send most men running.
"Ace, what is it?" Alice questioned uncertainly. She had a bad feeling about this.
"Oh I just wanted a dance. I'm not interrupting anything am I?" he answered sending a devious smirk at Blood.
Before Alice could say anything it was Blood who replied.
"Actually you are. So I suggest you leave knight." growled Blood.
Ace turned his smile to Alice and said, "We should go camping again soon Alice. We could finish where we left off last night."
Alice heard the sound before she actually saw what caused it. Quicker than she could imagine possible Blood had pulled out his gun and was aiming at Ace.
A.N: Well that's the end of chapter 4. I hope you guys liked it. In this chapter I wanted to show another side of Blood's personality that we haven't seen in awhile. Blood can be charming and a gentleman when he wants to be. "When he wants to be" being the key operative. (I don't know how many of you have played the games, but in them Blood wasn't nearly as nasty as he is in the manga. He's more like the doting rich boyfriend, especially in Joker.) Also as you guys can probably tell this is the calm before the storm, so expect an exciting next chapter. :-)
Lena