(A/N)Sorry for the long delay. Life's been hectic what with school and what not but I'm going to try to update faster for you my fan(s).
Anyway back to the story.
The Gallows Mansion, An extravagantly large structure made for Death himself and also one hell of a place to throw a party. Or so Felix thought just from looking at the mansion's imposing exterior.
The door itself was an indicator at the impressiveness that lied within. It might have been intimidating under different circumstances but tonight Felix was too stoked too bother caring. He had been looking forward to this party most of the week and the vibrations resonating from inside the house he felt as soon as he got close made him that much more excited.
Pushing open the door, all his expectations came to fruition. The large room was filled with other students. Some dancing others talking but all around the energy was festive. The music blared loudly and everyone was dressed in their finest attire, as was accustomed to Kid's parties he had heard.
Dressed to impress and already pumped he and Trish entered. She had picked out both of their outfits. For Felix she had chosen a fashionable dark blue suit while she wore an elegant red cocktail dress. The host himself was in the center of a small crowd towards the corner, garbed in a slick black vest with a bright red bow tie.
But Kid wasn't why he was there. The first person to tell him, even before Trish, was Kyla. He had been seeing her daily at DeathBucks and she was soon becoming a close friend. Felix had even met her twin brother Tom who, despite looking almost identical to his sister, could not be more different. Where she was calm and friendly Tom seemed always hyper and in constant need of entertainment.
As if brought by thought the two appeared.
"What's up man?"Tom greeted, slapping Felix on the back. Clad in an all black suit."Rockin party right?"
"Totally," Felix smiled at the boy's tenacious behavior.
"There you are."Kyla exclaimed, pulling them both into a big hug."We've been waiting all night."
Her chose of attire was much more….unique, to say the least. Felix could only describe it as very snow white-ish.
"And look who I found."She stated jovially, dragging a very annoyed looking Lance behind her.
"Tell me why am I following you again?"Lance grumbled, pulling his hand away from hers.
"Because," She explained."I told you so, remember?"
"Oh yes how could I forget?"Lance mused, shaking his head irritably.
"Oh come on guy, lighten up."Tom chipped."We're all pals here."
"Says the guy who I've just met" Lance quipped."Oh hello Felix, Trish." noticing them for the first time.
"Nice suit."Felix smirked.
The Victorian era suit was certainly another stand out among the crowd, and Lance was obviously annoyed with the ruffly collar which he constantly pulled at.
"Yes, it wasn't my chose."Lance admitted."Word of advice; don't have an argument with your weapon and then ask them to go pick up your suit."
"Noted," Felix assured.
"Well I think you look good in it."Trish commented.
"You're too kind."Lance responded, only half paying attention.
"Why are you glaring over there like that?"Kyla questioned quizzically.
"Oh what, I wasn't glaring."Lance said dismissively."I just thought I saw something."
"No you were staring intently at that girl in the suit over there."Tom pointed out.
"Only because she was glaring at me first," Lance admitted."Can I go now?"
"Fine, but only on one condition," Kyla stated.
"And what would that be?"Lance asked bitterly, crossing his arm.
"Give me a hug."She answered, holding out her arms.
"Not a chance."Lance refused."I'm not a….hugger."
And with that he turned to leave but was quickly caught by surprise as Kyla pulled him into a sneak attack from behind, almost making him jump in surprise and try to escape, but Kyla's grip was too tight and he couldn't get away.
"I guess I made a hugger out of you after all."She grinned.
"Is there a reason why you feel the need to put your hands on me?"Lance asked.
"I can think of a few."Trish giggled.
"Well on that note I make my leave."Lance said, sliding out of Kyla's embrace and disappearing into the crowd.
"And there he goes."Felix noted."What do you see in that guy anyway?"
"I think he's dreamy."Trish swooned."Almost as much as Kid,"
"A new crush already? I feel as if I should be shocked but alas I am not."Felix stated.
"I find him fascinating."Kyla explained."I can never get a good read on him."
"Oh you and your fixation with the unknown and the unexplainable," Tom snorted."When will you learn?"
"After I know," She answered, smiling wickedly.
Today had been a long day from the beginning. Lance had been debating whether or not if he even wanted to go to Kid's party. The idea of a large space almost filled to capacity with strangers was indeed daunting but he felt as if he owed an obligation to Kid to attend.
He knew Kid would insist that he didn't have to go if he didn't want to, but that just made him feel all the more obligated. Also since he had started to hang out with Maka and Crona they seemed to assume he was going as well. So against his better judgment he had informed his weapons to make preparations the day before.
Kid still was avoiding him. But if Kid was simply trying to prolong facing some confrontation between the two for as long as possible Lance was only too happy to oblige. Confrontations rarely worked out well for Lance so he avoided them at all cost. That was a primary reason why neither of his weapons knew of his heritage. Why trouble them with his problems?
The day before the party Lance asked Veronica to buy him a suit. Her reaction was not unexpected.
"Why should I?"She huffed."Get it yourself."
Lance sighed, thinking of a good excuse. "Because I lack your great fashion sense, that's why."
"Nice try. But your so called "charm" doesn't work on me."Veronica retorted.
"Oh come on."Lance pleaded."I know for a fact that you and Mark don't have anything nice to wear to the party. Neither do I so why not just pick me something up while you're shopping? We practically wear the same size so you'll know what to look for."
"We do not wear the same size!"Veronica snapped.
"Right, so I didn't catch you in my boxers last night."Lance laughed."Which is kind of weird now that I think of it.."
"I told you I was out of underwear!"Veronica barked.
"What out of your own boxers?"Lance quipped, playfully raising an eyebrow.
"Why you!"She screamed. And for a moment Lance thought she was going to try to go all stabby on him. But then she seemed to calm down. That should have been his first warning.
"Okay you're right. I'll just go and get Mark and we'll be on our way."Veronica nodded.
"Really?"Lance asked skeptically, still expecting an attack at any moment.
"Uh huh" She confirmed."And believe me you'll look bloody irresistible with it on."
"Okay…."Lance said, a little perplexed by her sudden change of demeanor."Well I'll see you when you get home."
And with that she had left grinning in maniacal delight. This time she would be the one out smarting him.
Lance was a bit concerned about her behavior but decided against worrying about it. He decided to just try to enjoy the rare alone time he had before him.
Lying down on the couch that doubled as his bed, Lance kicked his feet up and sighed. He so seldom had the time to sit back and contemplate his life nowadays. Not like before…
Now he was busy most of the day, trying to stay awake in class and trying to keep up his act of normality and most daunting of all communicating regularly with his fellow students. Not only that but apparently he was befriending them as well.
Friendship had been an unfamiliar concept for a long time now. After he had left for the independent soul collecting experiment he never stayed in place for long and even when he met Mark and Veronica it took him a while for him to feel comfortable around them.
Now they were his only reason to even go to the DWMA. But he doubted they felt the same way about him. Why would they? It was him that he was talking about after all. They probably just tolerated him so they could become death scythes. After that they would most likely trade in for some one better.
Hardly a difficult task. Lance thought. Maybe then they'll have the meister they deserve. Not one who sits down all day pitying himself.
And on that happy note Lance decided to get up and go for a walk to clear his head. Sitting still is so overrated anyway.
When Veronica got home Lance wasn't there, which was perfect for her evil scheme. Now she could hide Lance's suit until tomorrow and he would be none the wiser.
The suit she had gotten him was absolutely wonderful. He'd look so ridiculous he'd regret he ever made fun of her. It had been a tough decision between this or beating him to a pulp but looking now Veronica knew this was much better. This kind of punishment would leave a lasting message.
Hiding the suit under her bed so she could hide it until there was no time for Lance to buy a new one, she waited, telling Mark to make sure not to give Lance any hints about his "surprise" suit.
As if on cue the sword meister appeared. Most likely from another one of his "walks". Honestly just one time she would like to be invited to one of these walks just to see the appeal to something so mundane.
"Hey guys."Lance greeted as he stepped in the door."You get the cloths?"
"We certainly did."Veronica smiled knowingly."We most certainly did."
"Cool, can I see my suit?"Lance asked as he removed his coat.
"Um no not yet we want to surprise you with it."Veronica fibbed poorly.I guess I should've picked up acting notes on Lance.
"Eh whatever" Lance dismissed, jumping on to the couch. "What's for dinner?"
"Depends on what you're making."Veronica Replied bluntly.
"I think you mean what we're making for dinner."Lance corrected.
The reason Lance corrected her was simple, ever since their initial cooking disaster. Whenever they didn't order delivery Lance and Veronica prepared the household meals together to save time and so they could learn to survive without room service. Veronica couldn't say that their concoctions were becoming any better but at least they had food in their bellies, which was something at least. Small victories she supposed.
Lance seemed to enjoy it at least. He was always chatting about something or other. Veronica tended to just smile and nod. She would never admit it but she was happy to see him acting like his usual self again. He was always so quiet in school. He didn't make smart mouthed comments or anything, and lately he kept all his attention focused on that book he was reading while she and Mark listened to whatever Professor Stein droned on about.
Despite his inattention, he always knew the homework material and could answer almost any question the Professor asked him. It intrigued her terribly and she had to remind herself that there was still much to learn about her meister that he didn't let on. Perhaps tomorrow night would be a learning experience.
Maybe, just maybe, she could tap into the enigma that was her very own meister.
Lance could feel his grip tighten as he clutched the jacket of the outfit he was expected to wear.
"What is this?"He demanded, uncharacteristically angrily for him.
"What does it look like?"Veronica snickered, showing obvious satisfaction at her deed.
Lance struggled for a second, trying hard to contain his anger before pushing it all down. Taking a deep breath he calmed down. It was okay he just had to get a new suit the party wasn't until….ten minutes. Crap.
Now he was worrying. There was no way he could go out in that thing. He'd be ridiculed, made a laughing stock, never to be allowed back into public and all because he had been snippy with Veronica.
Veronica.
This was her fault. Well if she thought he was going to let her win she had another thing coming. Mustering up all his talent he prepared himself for the lies he was about to tell.
"It looks."He began, pausing for added effect."Wonderful! I thought you were going to bring back some drab generic suit but this. This is simply outstandingly unique. I bet there'll be no one in anything like this."
"What?"She breathed, looking both shocked and disappointed before changing her tune."Oh yes of course you like it. I picked it out after all."
Lance had to give her some credit. It looked like she was picking up some tricks from him on the acting department.
"So where's your dress?"Lance asked feeling pleased with denying Veronica the satisfaction of his expected reaction. "A meister must always be in control of his emotions" his mom had once told him. It seemed her words were true.
"Right here," She said pulling out a slim black suit and tie.
"That's what you're wearing?"Lance asked. I guess I won't be the only one looking ridiculous.
"Uh huh, I bought it on sell."She answered, ignoring his skepticism."Give me a minute and I'll go get dressed."
As soon as her door was closed Lance unleashed his held back sigh. Bitterly he entered the bathroom, locking the door behind him. The elegant apparel was a burden to put on but he soon made his way into it, examining his reflection in the mirror Lance couldn't make up his mind on the outfit. On one hand it was definitely ludicrous and Veronica would soon feel his wrath for even buying it but on the other there was a sense of regality he felt now that he was wearing it.
Either way there was no time now so he might as well get used to it.
Stepping out of the bathroom he saw that the others were now dressed as well. Mark was sitting down in his suit with his dress shorts and knee high socks dangling off the counter he had perched himself onto, but Lance's attention was elsewhere. Veronica was sitting back in the couch, her feet on the arm. Fully covered in her black suit and Lance was mistaken, she didn't look ridiculous at all. She looked….. Lance couldn't decide which word was best to describe her.
"Finally there you are."She snorted impatiently."If you're done applying your makeup we should probably get a move on already."
Elegant? No that's not right hmmm maybe astounding? No that's not right either...His mind thought as he examined her. The slim black suit was much less baggy than her usual attire, punctuating her slender curves and showing off her long skinny legs that Lance had never before noticed.
She was, she was…. breathtaking.
"No witty smart arse Remark?"She asked when he remained silent."What a delightful change of pace."
Yes. He supposed. Breathtaking seems more than suitable. Not only had her choice of apparel changed but there was something else too. Lifting his gaze he noticed the ruby red lipstick matching her hair and the black mascara encircling her blue eyes.
"Come on let's go."She ordered rather than suggested.
"Oh…..yeah lead the way."Lance managed to say, having difficulty formulating the simple sentence.
Trekking down the path that led to the Gallows Mansion, Lance regained his thoughts and a sense of suppressed dread crept its way back into his head. He had been temporarily distracted but now the accursed memory of what he was clad in came back. Hopefully the place would be dark and he could stay away from the horde of people and avoid notice.
Not much different than my everyday plan. Lance noted with a bitter smirk.
It was at the large wooden doors of the mansion that Lance fully braced himself for impact. Pushing slowly, he awaited for the worst.
And, as usual, his fears were proven correct.
From wall to wall people stood, either dancing or conversing with one another. Bodies rubbing up along each other as the music blared. Yep this is what he had expected. But he didn't dare join the fray unless he had to. The grinding around him rubbed him the wrong way and he instantly regretted coming.
But he was here and he couldn't leave now. Not with Mark and Veronica to bear witness. In every man's life there are moments when he has to confront things he'd rather not face. For Lance this was one of those things, which was kind of sad once he thought about it, His great struggle being a crowded room.
In smooth strides in a pace that hopefully appeared natural he made his way into the fray, receiving the occasional look of perplexed interest at his selection of wardrobe. But mostly, to his delight, he was ignored, merely another sheep in the herd. And he was glad to say that his outfit was in fact not the most ridiculous thing there. The students of the DWMA were a bit more eccentric than he had thought.
In the moving jumble of limbs and bodies Lance was quickly lost in the horde and separated from his weapons.
It was here Lance came to a conundrum. What should he do? He didn't dare approach any of the strangers conversing with one another. Nor did he wish to partake in the "dancing" that was going on either, If you considered rubbing your private parts up against another's private parts dancing, which he didn't.
So instead of those options Lance chose another, walking in elongated circles trying to look like he was going somewhere, and for the first half an hour or so this worked fine. But then the inevitable occurred. He was recognized, by none other than his "friend" Kyla Tenebrae.
"Hey Lance."She greeted with a smile."Interesting outfit,"
"I could say the same to you."He retorted."And what's it to you?"
"Ooh someone's feeling hostile."Kyla noted, smirking."What's the matter? Can't handle the crowd?"
"I'm handling it fine thank you very much."He grumbled, crossing his arms."And, again, what's it to you?"
"Handling it fine huh? Because from what I saw you were wandering around aimlessly,"
This took him aback" You noticed that?"He asked sheepishly.
"No but it's what I imagined you'd be doing."She explained.
"Of course it is."He sighed. Are my actions really that easily predicted?
"So what brings a guy like you to a place like this?"She inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"A guy like me?"He repeated. "And what could that possibly mean?"
"Oh you know the whole quiet introspective type."She explained animatedly. "I'm sure there's something else you'd rather be doing than this. It's not your thing."
Dammit. She was right of course. But he couldn't let her know that. Then that'd be one more thing on her list of rights tonight which was already to lengthy for Lance's taste.
"Maybe you don't know as much about me as you think you do."Lance said in rebuttal, trying to change his demeanor to something more confident.
"That's certainly possible I suppose."She mused."But I think I'm right on the mark with you."
"Now come on I see Felix."She said, grabbing his arm by the wrist and dragging him through the crowd before setting him a few feet from where she was going.
"Wait here."She ordered, pointing a finger down to where he stood."I'll introduce you first."
Lance could only stand obediently for reasons beyond him as she bounded away to meet with Felix and someone he could only assume was her brother. Why am I waiting? I should seize this opportunity as a perfect escape.
But he didn't, for some unknown reason he ignored the voice in his head that told him to flee. His feet seemed cemented into the ground as he awaited her return. When she finally did with her ensemble following he instantly regretted it.
She yanked him forward and presented him like a trophy."And look who I found."
With the fresh new pairs of eyes on him Lance had to ask himself out loud."Why am I following you again?"
With that encounter out of the way he slipped into the crowd hoping not to receive yet another hug from those he left. Now where was she?
He had sensed her glaring from across the crowded room. So naturally he glared right back. She seemed agitated about something so he decided to go talk to her.
Right as he made his way he noticed the crowd start to grow smaller as the DJ announced something he wasn't listening to, something about a slow dance or something.
Brushing past shoulders he followed her red hair, slowly making progress in the sea of departing party goers.
He caught her hand just as she made to leave the dance floor.
Just then he noticed a bright light and looked up to see a spot light was pointed directly at him. Whatever he was about to say to Veronica was lost as the color drained from his face. For her part she looked just as alarmed as he was.
"And the lights land on the lucky couple!"The DJ announced."Ready to make the first slow dance of night!"
"You idiot!"Veronica hissed quietly."He said the spotlight was going to land randomly on a couple and that all the singles should clear off."
"Oh and It just landed on us?"
"Yes, it would appear so."
"And they expect us to dance?"
"Correct again."
"Well."Lance said as the dancing space cleared entirely."That's not good at all is it?"