Diligo Est Amicitia

Chapter 9: Tyler's Birthday Party

A/N: ba dum dum…

Naturelle: My alerts are screwed to. Didn't even know anyone reviewed Chapter 8 til two days ago.

Xlexisx: It is party time! But don't expect too much partying!

RedRogue: I'm glad that you find my story never boring, hopefully so do the other readers! Anyway, I'm also pleased you like the love 'square'… it gets a little confusing in this chapter but I've already planned a sort of showdown between Reid and Jamie. Yes, you read that right. I said Jamie cuz she's the only one not involved in this.

CeltiCrimson: Hey, Singapore Sista! You and naturelle. Lols… what a coincidence! And you hit the jackpot! You guessed who was who correctly! Yay! I'm happy that you really like my story and well… yeah! Hahahax! Btw, I love your nickname!

And now, to continue with the story...

Fin stepped out of the limousine, her auburn hair, which had been hopelessly straight a few hours ago, was now wavy and it flowed over her shoulders rather luxuriously. She looked down at her outfit nervously, smoothing imaginary creases. She wondered if it was too outrageous for the occasion, then tried to calm herself down by taking deep breaths. Adrien, looking drop-dead gorgeous in his slightly ruffled shirt and black blazer and pants, offered his arm and smiling nervously, she accepted it.

"Relax, Fin." Lilith laughed. She had seen Fin doing her little ritual and thought it perfectly unnecessary. "You look hot."

Exactly what I'm afraid of. Fin thought anxiously. She glanced over at Lilith who looked absolutely stunning in her chiffon evening gown. Her hair had been gathered up and her natural beauty was accentuated by the light makeup. Her earrings completed the look of perfect sophistication. She looked back down at her dress. What was the Sims going to think of her? What had she been doing when she requested for the lace? Oh, well, it was too late to turn back now.

She followed Fabien and Lilith, guided by gentlemanly Adrien. Jamie led at the front, individual and very much alone. Peter had been "unavoidably detained by the court ministers" was the way the messenger had so skillfully put it and Jamie had sent him away without another word though she couldn't hide that relieved smile she had on her face; obviously she hadn't wanted company for the night. In fact, Jamie seemed the only one who wasn't too enthusiastic about the party as if she knew she wasn't going to enjoy herself.

Fin wondered why though; she had dressed up beautifully for the party and she even had on one of those head jewels that was supposed to be worn during formal gatherings. One thing Fin envied about her two best friends was the grace and ease they seemed to carry themselves with. Jamie looked like she owned the mansion and Lilith seemed to be walking to class if there was not a different sway to her hip tonight.

They seemed to pass by a million doors, their heels making a 'clickety-clack' sound as it hit the marble floor. Chandeliers hung over them and for a moment, Fin walked with the elegance she could never muster when she was nervous and with such an effortless way. However, when they stopped outside the doors of the ballroom, the butterflies in her stomach started fluttering again. Jamie regarded the doormen coldly, living up to her reputation when she was around the council and court ministers to the max, her frosty stare making them shiver despite the temperature they were in. They pushed the doors open, rather eager to let the lady and her company pass. Well, Fin thought. Here we go.

Tyler was feeling rather jittery which was really quite feasible, as he had Ascended only three hours before the party began. The Power had tried to seduce him as it had with the others; use it, it had cried. You know you want to. It will be more enjoyable than any thrill you've ever felt. Use me and see. But like his brothers, he had passed the test and was well on the good side.

He stood with his friends, all five of them, and surveyed the ballroom. Not finding what he was looking for, he turned to Reid, feeling downcast. Reid seemed to be looking around the ballroom too but for an entirely different reason. He was out lady-hunting and like an eagle, he was looking for his prey. He already had a girl for the night; a partner to the party should his quest for finding new kicks were in vain. Carrie Summers stood looking as lovely as lilies in her red Versace gown, her blond locks curled to perfection but Reid still hadn't given her a second look since arriving at the party. Arms crossed over her stomach, Carrie was looking for something to happen with her billboard-worthy looking date but so far, and she had been unlucky.

Pogue looked at ease, an arm wrapped around his equally comfortable girlfriend who redefined dazzling. Caleb, however, was an entirely different matter. He looked how Tyler felt, what with Sarah so close to him and looking as fine as she did. Tyler sympathized with his Covenant brother, hoping beyond hope that Sarah would come to her senses and accept Caleb for who he was. Caleb hadn't changed ay after his Ascension; he was still the good-hearted teen he had been before Chase. Still slightly bossy maybe but a good kid.

Reid had suggested not inviting Sarah at all to the party. He was still rather pissed at her for throwing off his friend like that and just a simple gesture like that made Caleb realize how much he meant to Reid no matter how many times both had ended pissing each other off to the extent that they were willing to use their powers to shove each other deeper and deeper. After that, things had been pretty cool between them though he had told Tyler not to pay attention to any of Reid's requests for banning people from the party. Tyler's party was Tyler's party and whom he wanted to invite was his own business. As long as it wasn't Aaron Abbott, that they had all agreed on.

It was no problem to Tyler; he would be six feet under before he even thought of inviting jerks such as Aaron or even Kira Snider. Caleb needed a break from the desperate - not to mention pathetic - attempts from Kira to try and bag a Danvers for her boyfriend. When would she get the hint, they all wondered. It was sometimes embarrassing for even Pogue to watch because he felt sorry for her but even sorry turned to frustration when it became obvious that she was not giving up. Girls, Tyler mused. Never try to understand but if you really have to, make sure you make preparations for a major migraine.

He glanced down at his clothes, then looked away as if it would burn his eyes to even look at it for more than five seconds. It wasn't that bad really… the top part actually looked a little like the costume Chad Michael Murray wore during the Halloween party in A Cinderella Story except that his jacket was black and thankfully with no gold trimmings. Thank god the bottom looked nothing like the movie or else he would have had to wear a paper bag over his face for the rest of his life after tonight. He had convinced his parents to forgo the tights and in place were black pants. Like the ones worn with a tux. Which was exactly what Caleb and Pogue were wearing. Caleb with a black bow and Pogue with a white. Reid was wearing something similar to what he had worn during the Fall Dance since he; quote "was no way to wear a monkey suit and end up looking like a blonde penguin" unquote.

Unaware of what he was actually doing, Tyler began to sway and vibrate a little to the music. "Um… hey." A soft voice caught his attention. He turned slightly to his right. A petite brunette stood, looking pretty and vulnerable and blushing under his gaze. "You wanna dance?" She asked. Tyler looked past her at the door, surveyed the room quickly before his attention was caught on his parents who was urging him with nippy hand movements to accept. No doubt, they had sent the girl. He rolled his eyes, making sure that the girl wouldn't see him and assume that he was annoyed with her, then offered her a weak smile before leading her to the dance floor.

The orchestra, realizing that the birthday boy had finally set foot on the dance floor, started the first song they had intentionally wanted to play for the first dance but since the younger Sims had shown no interest in dancing yet, they had pushed it for later. The song was slow and romantic, Tyler thought in dismay. No doubt the orchestra thought that he would have wanted to save his first dance for a girl he liked. They were right though but the girl in his arms was a far cry from what he wanted.

He twirled the girl, whom he found out her name was Rachel, outward then pulled her close again. Rachel gasped in delight and Tyler had to repress a shudder. He could almost hear Reid snickering at him. When he had been thirteen, his parents had signed him up for private home dancing lessons and these he had taken in secret. It meant the waltz, foxtrot and the tango instead of just swaying to classical music. He could see his parents sighing in delight as they, no doubt, thought to themselves how the dancing lessons from five years ago had shown its worth now. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes again as the song ended and he and Rachel took a bow. He quickly returned to his friends, all of who thumped him on the back and with mischievous grins, congratulated with for his "breathtaking display of grace".

"Guess we have a new nickname for Baby Boy now." Reid smirked. "Twinkletoes." Tyler just stuck his tongue out childishly at his best friend. A glance around the room told him that Fin was not there… and that he had female admirers who had seen him getting into a 1800-era mode where guys were virtually agreeable to dance. Just before the first girl could reach him, he turned on his heel and sped in the direction of his parents who were having polite conversation, as was expected at these soirees, and tried to think of any lame excuse to stay with them.

"My, my, who are those charming ladies?" Dorothy Sims voiced out as her eyes followed a small party of five, led by a raven-haired girl about the same age as her son.

"Hmm?" Tyler asked. He had been playing absent-mindedly with a loose thread of a banister and now looked to the direction of where his mother pointed. When he recognized them however, his jaw dropped.

"Tyler, do you know them?" Dorothy asked, her gaze still set on the small group as they moved slowly around the room. When her son didn't respond, she looked at him impatiently, then smirked and carefully shut his mouth for him. Tyler looked quickly at his mother then blushed. He bowed slightly; just a little bend of the spine and a full nod of the head – wait a minute; what am I doing? This little ball is starting to remind me too much of Pride & Prejudice… I'm even acting like one of their extras! – and headed quickly for in their direction, all the while, dodging batting eyelashes and requests for a dance. When he finally reached them, he found Jamie and two other guys he didn't know, in polite conversation.

"And here is the birthday boy." Jamie said to the two. Tyler saw a small sparkle of amusement in her eyes as she said this but he couldn't help but feel something different in her demeanor. And the way she carried herself. This couldn't possibly be the same Jamie from nearly two weeks ago. Her orbs, which had always been the first thing a person who took a first look at her would be attracted to, seemed to be more distant than ever. "Hey," he greeted, nodding politely as he shook their hands. "Adrien and Fabien." She said, gesturing to each of them as she introduced. Then she looked behind them and for a moment, Tyler thought she was checking out their behinds before… "Lils! Fin! What the hell are you doing hiding like that? Not gonna greet the birthday boy?"

"Happy birthday!" Lilith and Fin chirped from behind the boys. Adrien and Fabien just chuckled nervously.

"Oh, for God's sake!" Jamie rolled her eyes and from what Tyler saw, practically dragged the blonde and redhead out and thrust them in his direction.

Lilith caught her balance but Fin just fell forward… straight into his arms. "Are y---" He started to say but mid-sentence, she had regained her balance and straightened out her clothing and it was only then that Tyler had a full view of what she looked like.

"Damn." He muttered under his breath. It was the only word he could say. "Damn." He repeated. Fin was dressed in this incredibly black sexy lace halter gown, which accentuated her green orbs, and she had done something to her hair; he didn't know what but it flattered her.

"Tyler?" Fin peered curiously at him.

He snapped out of his trance immediately. "Yeah?" He asked, his voice barely hiding his daze.

"Have you met our dates?" She laughed edgily, waving over at Adrien and Fabien.

"Oh, they're your… uh… yeah. Evian and Favien." Tyler said distractedly.

"No." Adrien gave an artificial laugh. "Adrien and Fabien." He said this as if he was explaining basic things to a six-year old.

Tyler grinned so widely; he knew he looked like a fool. Whatever. It seemed to say. I don't give a damn. What I do give a damn about is that you weren't on the guest list. I should be throwing your ass out right now.

"Dude… where've you… whoa!" Reid cut-off mid-sentence as he realized that the girl he had been checking out from across the room was Fin. His eyes surveyed her up and down, up and down and then--- "Adrien." Some nosy git got in the way of the nice little view he had of Fin in a dress that made her sooo…

"Reid!" Jamie called, snapping him out of his trance.

"Well, well… if it ain't the old James-ster… you're looking fine tonight!" He called.

"Very funny, Reid." Jamie rolled her eyes, and then gestured to guy now literally standing in front of Fin, shielding her from view. "This is Adrien. He'd like to shake your hand." She said pointedly at the guy's outstretched hand, which had probably been there for ten seconds. I bet that's not the only thing he wants to shake tonight. Reid thought as he plastered on a fake smile and introduced himself to Adrien and his best bud who seemed to have unofficially taken the role of guarding Lilith with those deep, grey eyes of his.

"So, what… are you their bodyguards or something?" Reid asked, a hint of derision in his tone.

"No. Their dates." Fabien replied curtly.

"Oh." Reid exchanged glances with Tyler, who just shrugged.

"Met the rest of the group yet?" Reid asked, nodding over to Caleb and Pogue.

"No. But we'd be delighted to." Adrien said in a voice that implied exactly the opposite. Then, as if realizing that he was behaving rather childish, he straightened up then gave such a smile that even Reid almost believed it was real. "In fact," He continued. "We'd love to meet any friend of the three Mademoiselles." He cast Jamie a look and though the other five tried to study it, they could not decipher the meaning of it though Lilith could swear her sister narrowed her eyes and glared at the French lycan.

"So where is Sarah and the rest anyway?" Jamie turned her attention to the two Sons of Ipswich.

"Caleb's hanging around the punch table." Reid jerked a thumb over his shoulder. The five of them peered over Reid and Tyler to see Caleb, Pogue and Kate watching them curiously. "And Sarah's standing at the opposite side of the room." Jamie turned around to see indeed that the blonde was hanging around and having conversations with boring people that Jamie could tell didn't interest her at all. "Right." She said. "I'm gonna talk to her. You guys introduce Adrien and Fabien to Caleb and the rest." Before anyone else could say a word, she stalked off in Sarah's direction and Tyler and Reid led the party of four over to meet their brothers.

After the introductions, Caleb realized that the usual trio had been reduced to a duo. "What happened to Jamie?"

"Oh… she's… talking… with Sarah." Tyler replied uncomfortably after a few seconds. Caleb's eyes swiveled to the general direction of where he'd last seen his…girlfriend and indeed, found that she was deep in conversation with the brunette. Sometimes, Caleb wondered what they were talking about. It didn't help that he knew, deep down inside of him that Jamie had stirred his interest.

He snapped out of his reverie, concentrated on them again… and gulp… found that Jamie was staring right back. In fact she was coming towards them. And yowza! She looked different, though in a good way, she moved differently – it almost seemed like she was floating across the room and Caleb had to make sure that her feet were still on the ground – and well… she was just different. Behind her, Sarah followed quietly and it was painfully obvious that she really didn't want to stand anywhere near him.

"Sarah, Adrien and Fabien. Monsieur, this is my friend, Sarah." She introduced.

"Hey, hello." Sarah greeted. Caleb thought that the glimmer in her eye shone a little more brightly than when she had laid eyes on Tyler.

"Mademoiselle." The two boys bowed and Caleb, Reid and Tyler had to resist rolling their eyes. Oh, puh-leez! Kate giggled at their behavior and Pogue frowned. He so did not need a repetition of Chase. His arm tightened around her waist and Kate must have realized it for she shot him a half annoyed, half sheepish look.

"Um… could you two help us get drinks?" Jamie asked sweetly, shooting Adrien and Fabien her best saccharine smile. "Pretty please with sugar on top?" Adrien nodded and left, but not before casting Jamie a suspicious stare, with Fabien at his heels.

"Ooh… love your outfits! Anyway, where'd you pick up those two French delicacies?" Kate asked excitedly, hopping out of her boyfriend's grasp and over to the three girls.

"We didn't pick them up." Lilith protested indignantly. "They were forced upon us."

"In that case," Reid interrupted. "That little French fry wouldn't mind if I had a dance with his date, would he?" And without another word, he led Fin to the dance floor much to Tyler's disappointment. What the hell had happened? He wondered. He thought Reid was interested in Lilith; that much was clear during the time at Nicky's. And suddenly Reid had switched object of affection. He carefully studied Lilith's face. Was she as upset as he was? Confused like him? But her face had been turned away from the group as if she didn't want anyone to see her. Quietly, he snuck away from the group and snuck up behind her, tapping her on the shoulder.

"Hmm?" She asked as she turned around. He peered into her eyes. Serenity and… sadness. He offered her a small smile. "Care to dance?"

She shook her head. "Oh… saving the first one for your date?" He guessed. She shook her head again, a wistful smile on her face.

"I had saved a dance for someone. I thought he was a Prince. But he rode off with another Princess and now I stay stuck in the tower with no one to take me away." She whispered.

Tyler smiled sadly.

"What about you?" She looked at him, a small sincere smile gracing her features. "Where's your Princess?"

"I came to find her but it was too late. Someone else took her away. So… I wandered over to another tower wondering if this lovely princess would like to be friends. And… dance." He shook his head, laughing silently. "Sorry, I'm not so good at this. Most people talk in prose but even I sometimes…" He trailed off.

"The Princess would love to be friends with you and she's changed her mind." Tyler looked at her, a little confused.

Lilith rolled her eyes. "In 2006 language, it means 'Yes, I'd love to dance'."

Tyler grinned and offered her his arm, like a true Prince and laughing, Lilith took it and both of them sauntered to the dance floor.

"Do you really understand them?" Caleb asked Jamie quietly. They stood together by a window with Pogue, Kate and Sarah close by. Adrien and Fabien had not returned yet; not that Jamie was bothered by it. All that time, they had watched Reid taking off with Fin and then Tyler with Lilith.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Jamie replied, just as softly.

"Oh, you know… Tyler and Fin and Reid and Lilith. They're all so mixed up. It's like their feelings are jumbled up amongst the hay and they trying to find it but… it takes a long time and there's a lot of hurt along the way."

Jamie looked at Caleb strangely. "You know… you're talking a lot like Fin. Cryptic and ridiculous."

"What, you'd never had any romance in your life before? Love makes you do the wacky." He suddenly quoted.

"Yeah, well, I can't do the wacky; not right now… there's just too much important stuff." Jamie huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. Already, she could see Sarah staring at the two of them apprehensively.

"Which is why they had ballroom dancing created. Relieves stress." Caleb said. "Wanna dance?"

"No." Jamie shot back in a deadpanned voice. What was up with him tonight? Quoting Willow and promoting ballroom dancing. Jeez… what had happened to the guy she thought the only one of level-headedness among the other three? She caught his slightly offended and hurt look, then sighed. "Look, Caleb, no offense but you have a girlfriend and I guess dancing wouldn't hurt much… but do you see Pogue asking Fin to dance?" She surveyed the dance floor, as did Caleb. "Oh, look… he is asking her to dance. And yep, there goes Kate with Adrien." She threw up her hands in exasperation to Caleb's amusement. "Oh, God! What is wrong with everyone tonight?" She dumped her face into her hands and kept it there until a sudden announcement was made.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the orchestra will be playing their last two songs before it is time to serve dinner so those with rumbling stomachs, you have only a few minutes to wait and those who haven't given the dance floor a try yet, please do. Me and my wife, ourselves, are having the last two songs so enjoy!" Glenn Sims turned off the microphone and true to his word, led his wife to the middle of the ballroom, amidst the applause and whistles.

"You know what?" Jamie suddenly said. "To hell with 'important stuff'. Let's dance!"

Caleb said nothing, took her hand and started dancing as soon as they reached the dance floor. Jamie reduced eye contact with her partner, choosing to watch as her friends changed dance partners at least thrice before the song was over. And when it was, she took her chances at jazzing with Reid as Tyler danced with his – awww – mom, Pogue danced with Lilith, Fin danced with Caleb, Kate stuck to Adrien and Fabien… whom had finally come out of his shell… and asked Sarah to dance.

"So…" Reid smirked at Jamie. "Enjoying this dance?"

"Actually, yes." Jamie decided to indulge him.

"See… I'm a natural ladies' man." Reid said smugly.

"You are." Jamie agreed.

"I am?" Reid asked in surprise.

"He is?" Pogue voiced out at the same time. He and Lilith had been dancing near the two and couldn't help overhearing their conversation.

"Of course." Jamie said, fighting hard to hold back a smile. "I always thought you were a charming lil' devil. That is, when you kept your mouth shut, of course." Pogue and Lilith snickered and moved away.

Meanwhile…

"So where are you from?" Kate asked as Adrien pulled her in after a spin.

"France." He replied. Kate giggled.

"For real? I mean… Lilith and Fin. They shipped you here from France just to attend Tyler's party? I mean, I haven't seen you in Ipswich and I've been staying here for a long time."

"Well… we were just visiting them… and it so happened that they were attending the party… with no one to go with." Adrien replied, choosing his words carefully.

"Mmm… they weren't supposed to have anyone to go with." Kate said.

"What do you mean, mademoiselle?" He asked, spinning her again. Kate giggled at the title, then said, "Well… I mean they were supposed to party with the Sons of Ipswich. No offence, of course. You two being here adds to the fun."

Adrien didn't respond. Hmm… Sons of Ipswich. Where have I heard that before? "Adrien?" Kate asked, concernedly. She noticed that her partner had turned stone-faced and he seemed to be pre-occupied.

It hit him like a ton of bricks and Adrien realized that Jamie had known all along. Those looks she had sent him and her wariness of him.

"Sons of Ipswich?" He suddenly asked though he thought he knew the answer already. "Who are they?"

"Tyler and Pogue, Caleb and Reid. The four of them." Kate answered. Adrien was silent for a few moments.

He turned to Kate. "I'm sorry, signorina. But I'm afraid I have some business to attend to." He started to walk away.

"I thought you said you were French." Kate called out.

He turned and gave her a chilly smile. "It's all the same." He answered.

He searched for Jamie and finding her dancing with the blonde, tapped Reid on the shoulder and interrupted their dance. They swayed for a while in silence, Jamie watching him warily. "So… have you had enough fun yet, Extraxi?" He asked after a few silent moments.

Jamie seemed to think about it before nodding slightly. "This night was better than I expected."

Adrien glared at her. "Unfortunately, it will end now."

"What? There's still dinner…"

"You withheld information from Lord Lycan and you expect to stay for dinner?" Adrien seethed.

"I… I don't…"

"Don't you now, Extraxi. Did you not think he will find out? Huh? That you were associating with witches? The Sons of Ipswich?" He hissed at her, barely managing to keep his voice low.

"Adrien, shush! There's people." Jamie looked around them worriedly.

"Which is exactly why we are leaving. Now. Get Sun and Lamia or I'll get them myself and I don't care if the whole room is going to hear us." He ripped himself away from her, leaving Jamie frozen on the spot.

"Hey…" A hand rested upon her bare shoulder and Jamie turned to see Caleb looking down at her, hesitantly. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah… yeah. It's just that I need to get Lils and Fin. We need to go." She said.

"Go? But why? Dinner hasn't even started… don't tell me you have a curfew?" Caleb looked at her exasperatedly,

"What? No… no. I just… we need to go, Caleb. Sorry." She dashed off to find Lilith, leaving Caleb speechless amongst the dancing couples.

Meanwhile…

Tyler closed the balcony door behind them.

"Wow… you pretty much get all the view up here, don't you?" Fin asked, resting her hands on the railing.

"Yep. Pretty much." Tyler said. A soft breeze blew in from the North and they savored it for a moment.

"Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?" Fin asked, staring at the night sky, glittering with thousands of diamonds, which sparkled so brightly.

"No." Tyler replied though he wasn't staring at the same thing. He was looking at Fin.

She glanced at him as if sensing his gaze, then blushed. "I had a great time, Tyler." She told him. They turned to face each other.

"This party hasn't even started." He whispered. His shaking fingers stroked the side of her face softly. He was surprised how cold it felt; even if it was windy out here.

Slowly, they started leaning towards each other… close… closer… and then… TAP! TAP! Someone hit the glass pane two times and the moment shattered into tiny pieces, impossible to recover. They both turned towards the source of the noise and saw Lilith's harried face on the opposite side of the door. She opened it and her next words came tumbling out in a rush.

"Fin! We need to go! Now! Don't ask me why but Jamie's being a bitch about leaving now that I don't even dare to protest! Hurry!" And with that, she slammed the door and rushed off.

"I… I need to… go." Fin said, gesturing to Tyler.

"Yeah… uh, yeah." Was the only thing Tyler could say.

"Thanks, Tyler… for inviting me." She smiled at him before starting to leave. Then, she stopped. Turned on her heels, pressed a kiss to Tyler's lips before hurrying off.

The effect came slow. First, a light blush. Then, it deepened. A goofy smile started its way up his mouth before he pressed a finger to his bottom lip. Unconsciously, he licked his lips. Boy, that felt good.

A/N: Yes! Finally! I got this done! Let's pop the champagne corks! This must have been the most exhausting chapter I've ever written. And I'm not sure if you guys even like it! Damn. Anyway, ladies and gentlemen; the end of this chapter just signified the beginning of the adventure. I think this is a perfect time to start it; it's already been nine chapters without any hint of a malicious plot and you must be wondering when I'll start it so folks, newsflash: it's starting next chapter!

Let me put up a few teaser lines first:

What is coming up:

Jamie: And you're so confused and it's pathetic, Reid! I applaud you; you've just about destroyed the lives of three people! I hope you're happy.
Reid: SHUT UP!!

Reid: Guys, we've gotta save them! I need you to help me!
Caleb: Reid, they're gonna ask ques—
Tyler: To fuck with that, Caleb! I am not gonna watch Fin die!

Did I arouse your interest?

Crickes