Masquerade Secrets
Disclaimer: I do not own Vocaloids
Summary: On a night full of facades… Covered by masks to hide the truth… Only one truth shines through…
A/N: Stories in order: Sweet, Masquerade, and Rendezvous. Just in case you guys might want to read in order.
On a night full of facades…
Covered by masks to hide the truth…
Only one truth shines through…
Kagamine Lenka the youngest child of the Kagamine's had come home with the news of a surprise visit from her brother and is upstairs in his old room, which was quite a surprise because her brother always calls when he thinks of visiting.
What came more of a surprise was finding his room clothes cluttered across the floor. She could hear shuffles within the wardrobe and she peeked inside.
"Aw, come on… Of all the times, why does it have to happen now?" Len said scratching his head with both hands in frustration. "Is this my punishment for being a sneaky devil?"
"Len?" Lenka said unsure of how to approach his brother in this state.
Len stiffened upon hearing the voice and turned to look at Lenka. "Ah, Lenka… How long have you been there?"
"Not long…" Lenka said awkwardly meaning she saw the embarrassing episode. "What seems to be the problem?" She asked instead changing the subject.
Len looked at the mess he made, he barely noticed it earlier looking for a specific outfit. All the hang-up clothes have been brought down. The trunk had been opened and most of its contents have been brought out as well. He then sighed and walked out of his wardrobe he then sat at his bed.
"I'm looking for something to wear at the masquerade." Len said hands in his head. "You know the one old man Hatsune holds every year."
"Of course, mama and I are invited too, you know… But…" Lenka said looking over the mess. "You don't usually pay much attention to what you wear." This was true, her brother just simply wear a mask on the occasion and wore formal tuxedo attire…
"Well… It's a bit different this year." Len said rubbing his chin avoiding eye contact with Lenka.
Lenka had never seen her brother like this. He was always the calm and collected when it comes to social parties. He was one never to panic. What was going on? "I'm sure mama would be happy to have something made for you."
"Mama… I still do wonder how she manages to know my sizes." Len said pouting.
"Probably from your secretary…" Lenka said teasingly.
"And how in the world would my secretary know something like that. I don't let him do my laundry, you know." Len said pouting.
That tidbit surprised Lenka. "You fired your old secretary?" She asked looking at Len.
"No… There actually two of them. You've been to the office before didn't you notice?" Len said bringing out his smart phone and started tapping on the screen.
Lenka does remember the two secretaries' station at each side of Len's door. But to what she remembers well, was that it was always the female… She recalls her name as Akita Neru. And she was the one that always went inside the office whenever Len calls for one.
"Strange though, I remember it was Ms. Akita that always comes inside the office." Lenka commented. She did thought at one time that Len was having an affair with that woman, what with the way Neru was putting herself forward on Len subtly, but she was always dismiss which caused Lenka to have fits of giggles while Len looks at her weirdly.
"Anyway brother… Do you have a date for the masquerade?" Lenka asked out of the blue.
There was an awkward pause of silence. Then Len coughed. "Maybe… I hope so…" He said scratching his head.
"How come you sound unsure?" Lenka asked looking at her brother closely.
"Well, she could change her mind, which I hope not." Len said. "Though she'd inform ahead of time if she can't go and I have not receive a cancellation… Just yet... Anything can happen in three days…"
"She's not likely to… And for the Kagamine Len, no women would ever think of cancelling on you." Lenka joked while nudging Len on the ribs.
"Haha, very funny… But I've learn that anything can happen to anyone at any time." Len said smiling.
Lenka wondered if Len was referring to his break-up with Hatsune Miku. She had always wanted to know the story behind that, but kept her mouth shut as she didn't want to pry in Len's business.
Len was a grown-up, he could handle himself, but she couldn't help but worry about him too. Like how he hasn't gone out with anyone for the past year. It was so strange and everyone was commenting on it too, but now that he was actually bringing a date, she could at least breathe a bit easy.
"So, is your date anyone I know?" Lenka asked trying to name a few women she knows that are acquainted with Len.
"I doubt it…" Len said cautiously, of course he knows this is true. If Lenka had ever crossed paths with Rin at the office, there was no way she would look twice, since she doesn't know the secret. "This will actually be the first time I take her out on a social party." He then got off the bed abruptly and walked over his window. "I just remembered Hatsune called me. Gads I hope she doesn't cause any trouble." He said slamming his head on the glass.
Lenka frowned she had never liked that longtime girlfriend of Len, was she ever glad when they broke up. Something about that teal haired woman didn't sit right with her.
"You think she's going to cause a scene?" Lenka asked.
"She might…" Len said worried. "Maybe inviting her was a wrong idea…" He then groaned. "But she finally agreed… Gads this is such a dilemma."
"Mama, will probably take Hatsune's side if there's a confrontation." Lenka voiced out. She didn't want to worry Len but she had to voice that possibility after all, their mother Lily had been quite favorable to Miku.
"Thanks for the added worry…" Len said hammering his head on the glass once again. "Hey, Lenka…" He said facing his sister.
"Yeah…" Lenka said looking at Len.
"Can you stick close to her whenever I have to leave her? I wouldn't leave her side the entire time if I could, but I know that would be impossible." Len said holding Lenka's hand begging. "This will be practically her first at the social scene."
This alarmed Lenka. "You don't think she can commit social suicide do you?"
Len sweated, looking away he said; "She's likely to do that… If she talks to the wrong person…" He admitted.
"Then why invite her!" Lenka was now panicking as well. "She could shame you in front of people, and they might put her down."
Len then took a different air of offense. "If someone dares do that, I'll make them sorry!"
Lenka was taken aback. She had never seen Len like this before. Why be so over-protective of a woman he has yet to introduce to the family. She then smiled.
"I want a formal introduction to her, brother." Lenka said going to his wardrobe. "Why don't you bring a couple of your suits and let her decide? Are you going to buy her a dress?"
"I already did… My only problem is getting her to wear it… The woman is as stubborn as a mule." Len said looking like he was about to cry.
"You'll introduce her to me right, right, right…" Lenka said with pleading eyes and excitement glittering.
Len gulped, it seems another problem has been added. Maybe they should cancel?
Rin was just cooking dinner when she heard the ding dong of the doorbell, which made her frown. Len had a key with him, there was no way he was going to ring the doorbell. The bell rang again persistently. She switch the stove off and went to the door.
Rin hoped it was just a hotel staff. When Rin peeked at the peephole who she saw wasn't a hotel staff. It was Len carrying a lot of hangers with covers that would protect clothes from dust and it seems they weren't empty too. She quickly opened the door and let him in.
"Len, what on earth?" Rin asked looking at the pile of suits and taking some of them. They carried them to the room and laid it on the bed. "Are you going on a business trip or something?"
"Huh? No, not at all…" Len said unzipping some looking for a particular one.
"Then what's with all this." Rin said grabbing one and unzipped it looking inside. She froze and turned to Len who was still busy looking among the pile of covered suits. Well, except for one.
"Len…" Rin called her gaze never leaving him as she contemplate what this would mean for their relationship.
"Yup…?" Len called groaning as he has yet to find the one he was looking for.
"Are you gay? Please be honest, promise I won't get mad." Rin said tilting her head to the side.
Len cocked his head in her direction looking like she had grown two heads. "What? What on earth are you talking about woman?"
Rin then removed the hanger clothing of the cover. Len had smiled when he she found the dress only to be horrified when it sank what she was thinking.
"No, I am not a woman!" Len protested.
"I ask whether you're gay. That's a different thing." Rin countered. "Should I include you in girls' night? I'm sure the girls would welcome you." She added quite seriously, it was almost laughable.
"I am not gay…" Len said with a straight face.
"Did you need me to be a 'beard'?(1) We could start going out in public let everyone know." Rin suggested not hearing what he had just said or ignoring his statement completely.
As much as a good news that was to Len, there was no way he was going to let Rin think that he was gay. He is a straight man dammit. He walked closer to Rin and suddenly pulled her close covering the gasp of surprise with his lips and devoured her. Pulling her closer still to his body his hands roaming to her backside and let the sensation of the sweet taste of her or was that a chocolate she had just eaten?
Len let Rin know that he was in no way a woman or gay. How can he be when he was constantly pulled to this woman by something? He couldn't quite let it go. Let her go… When they break up for air he still embraced her whispering in her ear.
"Still think I'm gay...?" Len asked teasingly and he felt her head shake. He pulled away and took the dress from her hands and laid it on the bed. "It's for you… I was passing by a boutique after a lunch meeting with a client and saw it. I just had an impulse to buy it thinking it suits you." He said reddening.
Rin looked at the dress, it was black, the left had a long tight sleeve while the right was off shoulder and sleeveless. The bottom was flowing with the right shorter and going long to the left.(2) Although it looked brand new, Rin had a feeling he didn't bought it recently.
"How long has this been sitting in the closet?" Rin asked.
"Well, a bit long… I keep it at the closet drawer at the office. Don't worry I don't let anyone open it, its lock with a key." Len answered reddening further.
Rin looked at the dress. 'That long… Well, I could indulge him a bit. It's not like I have anything to wear either… And well, it looks nice and it be such a waste not to use it. It's not like I'll be keeping it.'
"I guess I… can wear it…" Rin whispered blushing.
"W-what?" Len said thought he heard wrong. "So, you'll wear it?" He said eyes wide.
"I'll only be wearing it for the party, but I won't be keeping it." Rin said confirming.
Len hugged Rin tightly which made her yelp in surprise. "Dinner's ready right. I could smell it from the living room." He said and quickly went out of the door.
Rin just stared after him unsure how to take what had just happened. "Like a kid getting what he wanted." She said smiling as she followed him out thinking that she should indulge him more… She really love seeing him act like a giddy kid.
Everything was in full swing at the Hatsune Mansion. Although it was called a masquerade most of the people were wearing gowns and tuxedos adorning a mask just to say it was a masquerade.
A woman with long teal-haired tied to pigtails wearing a grand green gown that made her look like a princess was conversing from guest to guest considering she was acting host for her father.
She passed by a mirror and looked at herself particularly at the diamond ring she adorned on her left ring finger. Though she didn't want to wear a mask she thought that she could use it to her advantage. She could entice a certain ponytail blonde; it'll be easy to detect him since his mother had given her details on what he was to wear.
"Miku dear…" A familiar woman's voice called.
Miku smiled and turned to the direction of the voice. A woman with long blonde hair accompanied by a ponytailed blonde who was with a blonde male with… HAIRCLIPS on his bangs… She inwardly cringed… Couldn't the sister have better taste in men?
"Aunt Lily… It's good to see you." Miku said giving her practice smile to the older Kagamine. "Will Len-kun be coming later?" She asked straight to the point.
"He'll be attending, don't worry dear. I say he even took the time for his clothes this year. He probably wants to impress someone." Lily imparted happily. This made Miku glad, if Len was in play she could talk to him.
"Yes, mother… He is trying to impress someone…" Lenka whispered loudly. "His date perhaps…"
"Lenka…" Lily reprimanded to which Lenka turned her head away with hmph.
Miku almost frowned but kept her smile in place. Len bringing a date wasn't part of her plans. Could he have brought one because she had talked to him? Well, she has to speak to the doormen and have the woman be prohibited from coming in. They could make an excuse that she wasn't wearing a proper dress code.
"Oh, I just remembered I have something to do." Miku said and excused herself.
Miku looked for a waiter and was on her way to one when she bumped with a blonde-haired woman and nearly fell. 'What is with blondes pissing me off today…?' Miku thought.
"I'm sorry, are you alright?" The woman asked holding out her hand in apology.
Miku flashed an apologetic smile at the woman and said; "No, it's my fault. I'm sorry; I was rushing over and didn't notice you." She then took the woman's hand
"Yes, you seem to have been in a hurry…" The woman said. "Are you chasing someone?"
All Miku could think was, 'What?' but she retained her air of generosity.
Miku looked over the woman. She was wearing a black dress with a long sleeve on the left while her right was bare, her hair was short and was wearing a black headband with a yellow rose decoration at the right side, and she was holding a small black hand bag and was wearing a golden half mask with a black rose design at the right side and the mask covered half of her face up to her forehead. Her eyes were a soft sapphire blue clearly visible from the holes at the eyes. The woman was pretty even with the simplicity of her dress, but not as pretty as she does.
"Please don't let me keep you…" The woman said and turned around heading towards the food table.
"What is up with that woman? Weirdo…" Miku said then returned her focus to her task such a simplistic woman isn't worth her time.
Big Al, Len's driver for tonight, parked at an apartment he was unfamiliar with. Being the driver for the Kagamine's for years now, he was surprised that Len had asked to drive for him. Ever since Kagamine Len learned to drive (even when he hadn't had his license yet) he hasn't asked Big Al to drive for him since.
Big Al looked at the normal looking apartment while Len made a call. He wondered who the woman was, for Len to want to be droved. Gads, he just wished they wouldn't do those things at the back of the limo like, like how it happened on those TV shows. Sure he could just roll window up, but gads even rolled up he still would hear any noises. After all, he drove Lenka and Lily around and there was never a quiet time.
"Hey, I'm already outside your apartment." Len said then there was a moment of silence. "What? What do you mean, 'What am I doing at your apartment?' I'm here to pick you up." He added.
Well, at least he'll get to see the woman Len was going to take at the party. He hasn't heard or seen any woman in Len's life for a year now, and that got him worried. He just hoped she wasn't like that bitch.
"What do you mean you're already there? Didn't I tell you to wait for me?" Len said, he then turned screaming at Big Al; "Al to the Hatsune residence and step on it!"
Returning back to the good all days of being a reckless race car driver,(3) Big Al had managed to get to the Hatsune residence within fifteen minutes of what was supposed to be an hour ride from their last location.
A brown haired woman wearing a red dress and a red half mask with golden swirls adorn her face. She was supposed to be portraying Meta Salmhofer from the book Original Sin Story. Not that she was expecting anyone to notice especially these business minded people. A masquerade was supposed to be about costumes right? But why does it seem to be she's the only one odd out. So she discarded the red hooded cloak, she looked like a weirdo among the crowd.
Meiko was choosing her food. She didn't bother saying hi to her aunt Lily, seeing as she was busy conversing. She hoped her cousin and her boyfriend get here and tell her the latest tidbit.
According to her favorite cousin Lenka her other cousin Len is bringing a date to the party, which was good news. That could mean he's over his break-up, right? Everyone was simply surprise and his mother was horrified when Len had simply said; 'It was over…' with a bland expression as if it was nothing.
But Meiko knew that there was a deeper emotion Len wasn't letting anyone know. She had tried making him open up but to no avail. Afterwards he was photographed with different women at his side. The woman would only last for one party and in the next he would bring another.
This went on for a while until, was it almost a year? Len had piqued the curiosity of many when he came with no one but himself to a party. Questions were asked but he had been evasive saying he was tired of whiney women.
But there was a change that Meiko had notice in Len especially the recent months she had seen him. He had a happier demeanor? Anyways whatever was going on his life right now seemed to have a positive effect on him.
"Meiko…" Lenka said as she dragged her Rinto with her.
They said they were going portraying Hansel and Gretel but it seems aunt Lily didn't agree. And now they wore formal clothes. They were both wearing similar half masks though which covered side of their faces Lenka on her left and Rinto on his right. Probably to portray the twins costume.
"Gads, Lenka there's no need to drag me across the room like some poodle." Rinto complained but didn't seem to be angry about it.
"Good evening you two…" Meiko greeted and went straight to the point. "So, what do you know about cousin Len's current girl?"
"Ummm…" Lenka said tilting her head to the side with a frown on her face. "Nothing, I got nothing on the woman."
"What? How can that be? He always brings a known person." Meiko said looking for the said blonde ponytail but it seems he wasn't at the party yet. "And here I was all excited for nothing."
"Oh, but you should be Meiko. He was all 'They'll be sorry!' or something like that." Lenka said looking over the food.
"Huuh… Must be someone important then…" Rinto said grabbing a plate and started filling it up with food.
"Then how is it that we never heard of her?" Meiko asked looking at Rinto.
"Maybe he didn't want anyone to know? Who knows what goes on the mind of Lenka's brother." He said. "Anyways he'll be bringing her, right? Why not asked when she's here? I'm sure Len is easy to spot but he doesn't seem to be here yet."
"Now that you mention about him, I saw the strangest thing in his closet when he came home fetching most of his suits." Lenka said looking above as if recalling the event.
"What is it?" Meiko asked but really she was paying more attention to the food.
"Well, when I helped him bring the clothes down to his trunk I saw one hanger was already there. Curious I opened it and guess what I saw…" Lenka said and halted looking at someone, to which the two looked at the direction of her gaze.
There by the desserts portion of the table was a woman in a black dress. She was eating fondue dipping the fruits on the three layered chocolate fountain and eating them. She then took a short stem glass of ice cream.
"That's the dress I saw on that hanger." Lenka said dryly. "It could be a coincidence. Len isn't even around yet."
"What you think that's her?" Rinto asked squinting at the woman.
"Then why don't we ask…" Meiko said walking towards the woman.
"MEIKO!" Lenka hissed but was following behind.
"Oh boy…" Rinto simply said but followed either way.
Rin was savoring a vanilla ice cream swirled with caramel syrup when she noticed three people heading her way. They tried not to be too obvious but with glancing her way every now and then was a dead giveaway, she was their purpose.
Considering she was gazing in their direction but was eating, it was as if she was just eating gazing in the general direction. But was a matter of fact looking at them. She didn't know them, but why were they looking at her?
When they were closed enough her, the brunette was the one who spoke up first; "Nice party isn't it?"
"Yes, the sweets are quite lovely." Rin said taking another spoon swipe from the ice cream while wondering where Len was.
"Do you have a date?" Meiko said next off the bat.
"Meiko…" Lenka hissed to which Rinto face palmed, wishing he were anywhere but there.
"I have but he's not yet here." Rin said looking for any sign of Len, but there was none. Just then her phone rang its tune. "Excuse me…" She looked at the three apologetic and left to a secluded spot outside the balcony.
Rin took out her phone and looked at the caller ID. The label was displaying "Sneaky Devil". She pressed the call icon and placed the phone beside her ear.
"Hello…" She greeted and heard Len's familiar voice echoing at the other end of the line.
"Hey, I'm already outside your apartment."
Rin tilted her head slightly, confused. Why in the world was Len at her apartment? "What are you doing at my apartment?"
"What? What do you mean, 'What am I doing at your apartment?' I'm here to pick you up."
"Pick me up? I'm already here at the party…" Rin said even more confused. Wasn't that the reason why he gave her that ticket pass that has a map of where the party was?
"What do you mean you're already there? Didn't I tell you to wait for me?"
"No you didn't…" Rin said but she could hear Len screaming at someone.
"Al to the Hatsune residence and step on it!"
"Don't be so reckless on the roads Kagamine-kun…" Rin hissed worried about what he was doing again.
"Rin, just stay where you are and don't talk to anyone. I'll be there soon."
And before Rin could reply that she was already conversing with some people the line went dead. She looked at her phone blinking. What was the man up to?
Rin returned to the party. Her newly met acquaintances were still were she had left them. But she kept glancing at the entrance.
"Is something wrong?" Meiko asked noticing her glances.
"Ah… My date seems to be doing something reckless again." Rin said glancing at the door once again.
"What's date dressed as?" Meiko asked holding a glass of sherry. She prefers sake but sigh social parties just don't include them.
"I have no idea…" Rin said "He brought a bunch of suits the other day and asked me to help him pick."
"Oh… Look he's here…" Lenka said pointing at a familiar blonde pony-tailed man who had just entered.
After arriving at the venue Len quickly came out of the car but before he went climbing up the stairs he turned to Big Al and said.
"Big Al, forget about the apartment we went to, okay…" Len said looking at the man in the eye.
"What apartment?" Big Al said feigning a look of confusion.
Len smiled and waved the guy, then started climbing the stairs. Big Al shook his head and climbed back the limo and drove off.
Len checked his clothes before entering the grand ballroom, he didn't need to be led there since he's been to the Hatsune's plenty of times years back, it was a memory he had moved on to.
Len was wearing a white buttoned up shirt underneath a black coat with yellow linings at the edges of the coat and a yellow rose design woven at the right chest. It was something his mother bought for him but he had never worn it since there was no appropriate venue to wear it. He'd look ridiculous at a meeting, even now he thinks he looks ridiculous but Rin had handpicked it. So, now the coat looking ridiculous is going to the level of acceptable in his taste thanks to Rin.
He had a yellow neck tie since it was the only thing Lenka could find. He wore black pants and shoes. And finally to complete the outfit his half mask which he was holding at the moment, was black with a golden rose design at the left side. The mask was actually custom made and he had it paired with Rin's, only hers was made to cover her upper face and half of her lower face to the right.
Len quickly looked around. Trying to spot a certain short blonde-haired woman, in a few minutes he learned how difficult that was, but gads there were many blonde head and the masks weren't helping either.
Though Len knew what Rin would look like, she should've still waited for him. So, he started moving around looking for a blonde head in a black dress.
Len then noticed his sister Lenka waving at him along with his other familiar people even with the masks on. His gaze then landed at the blonde beside his cousin Meiko. He started marching up towards their direction greeting people along the way but not really paying attention, his gaze never leaving the black dressed blonde woman.
Miku had noticed Len heading her direction. She smiled and waited for him to come closer. "Hi Len-kun…" She greeted grabbing hold of his black sleeve.
Len looked at the woman and almost groaned aloud. He knew he would have to face Miku somewhere in this party, but he didn't expect it to be this soon. He glanced around and true enough guests began talking. Great just great, he has to leave Miku's side and quick.
"Good evening Miss Hatsune…" Len said trying not to be obviously glancing at Lenka's direction.
"Len-kun you shouldn't be so formal. After all we're well acquainted." Miku said smiling.
"Yes, I suppose we were…" Len said emphasizing on the last word to which Miku flinched. "I just arrived and looking for my date. Excuse me…"
"But you didn't come in with anyone." Miku said which made Len think of how she would know that. It was a while walk from the entrance to the ball room, unless…
Len let his face go neutral and faced Miku… She stepped back knowing she had slip and was in trouble. Len when in business mode was quite scary.
"And how would you know that Miku?" Len asked with a bland expression. "I hope you weren't thinking of doing anything."
"Of course not… This woman I'm sure is just another passing fancy…" Miku said with a coy laugh.
"What makes you so sure?" Len asked looking at the direction above Miku's head.
"Well, you haven't been seen with anyone as of late… Come on Len, come with me?" Miku said smiling. "For old time's sake…"
"Didn't you just hear me earlier… I have a date; you're being rude by having me keep her waiting…" Len said sighing and slowly got her hand off of his sleeve. It wasn't cute Miku acting all innocent, when she was nothing of the sort.
"Don't be so silly, I'm not terrible…" And she realized that was a wrong thing to say.
"Really, considering our history..." Len said nodding in her direction. "Excuse me…" He then walked away.
Miku just kept her smile up but deep down she was aggravated. She kept her glance at him as acting like what happened didn't happen. Len would kneel for her at the end, she's make sure of it.
"He survived…" Meiko couldn't help but comment once Len reached them. She frowned having to see Len uptight because of Miku.
"Good evening to you too my wonderful cousin… Easy on the alcohol uptake I am not going to be driving you." Len said with sarcasm.
"What did she want?" Lenka asked.
"Nothing that concerns you…" Len said not wanting his sister to be prying when it wasn't her problem. "You really should keep being nosy to a minimum.
"As if you're not nosy yourself…" Rin commented.
The four looked at her. Len particularly looked over her, looking at her outfit. All that tension after meeting with Miku disappeared and the giddy feeling came back. She was wearing the dress he had bought for her. Well, it doesn't matter if she doesn't want to keep it, at least she was wearing it now.
"Princess…" Len said smiling.
"You're late…" Rin simple said eating a spoon of ice cream.
Len's eye twitch, he stood beside her and whispered quite loudly in her ear. "I wouldn't have been late if a certain someone has waited for her ride."
Rin glanced at him; "Well, if a certain someone has said something about that, I would have…"
"It's standard for a guy to drive a woman to their date." Len said looking like a stern adult scolding a child. "It's a couple's thing…" He added.
"Well, the invitation you gave me had a map with it. So, I thought we were going to meet here." Rin said looking at him. "I really do like that coat, I am imagining this is how Allen would look like… Where's your mask though?"
'And who the hell was Allen?' Len thought his mind going to a lot of Allen he knows, but knowing Rin she was probably thinking of something else. "I have it right here. I was in a hurry when you said you were here already. Geez, woman you are going to give me a heart attack." He said showing the mask.
Rin took it and putted it on him, tucking the elastic bands on his ears. The intimate gesture was noted by many of the guests and was whispering of who the woman was.
Meiko, Lenka and Rinto were squirming at the public display of affection. They have never seen Len like this before. He was, he was… He was being indulgent… Len was not one to do PDA but here he was letting this woman, do such a thing.
Miku was glaring in their direction wondering who the woman was. She then recognizes her as the one she bumped to earlier. She didn't recognize the woman, though she recognized most of her guests even with masks on. This woman was probably someone who was not noteworthy.
"The ice cream is heavenly…" Rin said smiling.
"So early in the evening and your starting on desserts? That is not healthy Princess. How many have you already eaten?" Len asked.
"Five…" Meiko answered for Rin looking back and forth between the two. "So, I take it, she's your date Len."
There was an answer of affirmation from Len but a negative from Rin. Len looked at Rin exasperated. Is she still on about denying?
"I asked you out…" Len said in frustration. "And you just agreed to it." He said in a pain staking low voice.
"Asked me out…" Rin said looking at him with a raised brow. "More like bribed me into it, sneaky devil." That comment seemed to have pierced Len's heart…
"Yes, you're right, I have to use bribery in order to have a date with you. You are challenging me in every way Princess…" Len said.
"Oh, but we do know that you love a good challenge." Rin said smiling tapping his cheek.
Len then sent a look to his surrounding companions who were trying so hard not to laugh at his expense. "Why don't you guys make yourself scarce, huh? And leave me with my date alone…"
"Sure whatever you say brother…" Lenka said tangling her arm around Rinto's and walked.
"But just remember nothing is going to stop us from peeking." Meiko said and walked off too.
"Why does it sound like something perverted coming from your mouth, Meiko?" Len said glaring at the said person.
Rin giggled but covered her mouth as soon as Len turned her way. "So, they were family." She said.
"Only the two girls, I hope the guy doesn't become one though." Len said referring to Rinto.
"So, he's been approved?" Rin said tilting her head.
"That's not what I just said." Len replied in contrast.
"You're really looking good tonight." Rin said admiring the coat. "How come I never see you in it?"
"Because there's no way I am getting caught dead in this thing." Len said flapping the coat.
"It isn't that bad." Rin said then she went looking around with a wonder on her face. "But Kagamine I thought you said this was a masquerade."
"You're supposed to call me, Len…" Len emphasize grudgingly then continued. "It is…" Len said grabbing a stem glass poured with red wine.
"Aren't masquerades supposed to be about costumes?" Rin said. "I would have worn something too, if you hadn't brought this dress."
"And I'm glad you did. And even though we said it's a masquerade it's more like a formal event since its Mr. Hatsune." Len said.
"I see that you brought a lovely date this time Kagamine-kun." A male with teal hair approached them.
"But you don't even know me." Rin said looking blankly at the man.
Len had flinched, then sent an apologetic smile towards his old mentor. The one he calls Old Man Hatsune.
"Sorry, old man. She's a bit frank and doesn't do subtlety." Len said scratching his head.
"Sorry?" Rin said tilting her head.
"Say it like you mean it not like you're asking a question." Len said but all Old Hatsune did was laugh.
"She's quite funny, this girl Len. She's good for you, you're a bit hard on the edge. A little loosening up is good." Old Hatsune commented with light hearted laugh.
"Hey…" Len protested with Rin's "Thank you…"
"Don't just agree with him." Len said exasperated. All his worry seems to be for nothing.
"Anyway are you enjoying yourself young Lady?" Old Hatsune asked.
"Honestly?" Rin said to which Old Hatsune nodded. "Not much, the sweets are the only thing entertaining me here."
"It always ends up with the sweets, huh." Len said then feeling the need to go to the bathroom. 'Crap of all times.' He thought and looked around searching for Lenka and Meiko and found them together with Rinto not too far.
"Sorry, but I have an emergency." Grabbing hold of Rin's hand. "Lenka and Meiko can keep you company."
"You should go I'll be fine." Rin said shooing him away. However Len protested to which Rin cut him off. "Really Len I'll be fine. What could possible happen with a few minutes you're gone?"
Seeing Rin's point Len nodded and left her to head to the bathroom.
"Young lady, I know imposing a bit, but…" Old Hatsune said looking at the Rin. "Please do take care of Len."
"You care for him…" Rin said observing.
"Well, I treat him like of my own and was hoping him to be. Unfortunately I never thought my very own blood would end up hurting him. He didn't show it but I know…" Old Hatsune said with eyes of remorse.
Rin was quiet for a while then sighed; "You shouldn't be blaming yourself for something you didn't do. We aren't in control of other people's actions. Len knows that too…"
"You think so?" Old Hatsune said looking over Rin.
"Well, he is still talking to you isn't he. Len can hold quite a grudge, from the way he told me. It's unlikely that he'll forgive your blood relation though." Rin said.
"Hmm… I think you're right. I just hope that foolish daughter of mine won't do anything stupid anymore. I wish she'd be more truthful like you, miss." Old Hatsune said.
"Most people think I'm despicable because I don't filter my mouth." Rin said.
"And that's what's good about you. For men like me and Len having to face the corporate world we are mostly surrounded by people with motives and hidden agendas. It's good to unwind to someone…" Old Hatsune said. "Even though this is the first time I've seen you with him I can tell, you've known each other for long. I'm not going to pry though, your relationship is your business after all. I'm sorry for the lack of entertainment but please enjoy the sweets as much as you want." And with that Old Hatsune bowed and walked towards someone who waved him over.
Rin then began walking to direction of Len's family when a teal-haired woman from before had blocked her way. She was accompanied by five other women. One of them she recognized as Akita Neru, well with the side ponytail she was a dead giveaway, and considering she was working at the executive floor it didn't surprise Rin at all that she gets invited here.
Rin looked at the women and inwardly sighed. What could possible happen within a few minutes? Well, it seems she got the answer to that and it had been a very few minutes.
Upon seeing her father leave the woman's side, she nudged her friends and tap Len's mother Lily and indicated the girl. They then approached her.
"Do I know you?" Miku asked.
"No, I don't think you do. I'm not that in high profile with the public." Rin said.
"You seem to be well acquainted with Len-kun." She said.
"More so than you know." Rin said seeing that Meiko and Lenka was heading her way in a hurry.
"Were you a last minute date?" Miku said smiling.
"Not at all. As a matter of fact Len would've come alone if I didn't agree with him. I'm not much of a socialite." Rin said stating what she knows is the truth.
Miku was taken aback. This woman was implying that Len had been in a relationship far longer than anyone knew? But then again she could be lying… That's right the woman was has to be lying. And she'd humiliate her before she leaves.
"Mother…"
Miku groaned inwardly hearing the familiar voice of Len's sister and Lily's youngest child. The girl had never liked her, she knew that.
"Lenka, have you seen this girl with Len?" Lily said with an air of disgust which made Miku smile. At least Len's mother was on her side and that invoke much confidence than the sister does.
"No, I haven't…" Lenka said truthfully with a bit of frustration.
Miku had smirked thinking she was right. This woman was not noteworthy.
"But from what I've seen, Len seems to be well acquainted with her." Meiko said. "No, I think acquaintance isn't even the word I would describe from the way they were acting earlier." She added looking thoughtfully.
"But no magazine has ever seen her with Len." Neru had said. "Are you telling us, that Len had been keeping the relationship for a year?" She added sneering.
Rin simply blinked. "I don't think our relationship is anyone's business for that matter." The way Rin said it. It led to them thinking that, they have been in a relationship for far longer than that, and no one had known it.
"You're lying…" Miku had said and from the sound of her voice it seems that the woman was losing her composure.
"Len had introduced Miku to us his family you know." Lily said with a proud air of pride. "Whilst I had even never heard of your name."
Lily then took hold of Miku's left hand and showed the ring on her ring finger. "See this it's an engagement ring Len gave her."
Miku smirked she was going to shoved it but it would appear Len's mother had gone first. She frowned though because the woman didn't seem to be fazed but her smile returned ten times when Rin uttered.
"A ring…" Even though she didn't sound upset it gave Miku the satisfaction.
"That's impossible Len never said anything about that." Lenka said not believing it, because honestly Len never said anything.
"We wanted to keep it a secret until the time comes." Miku said, though it wasn't the truth but no one here knows that.
"A ring…" Rin repeated holding her chin in wonder and frowning.
"It didn't seem that way earlier." Meiko inserted.
"So, we got into a little tiff and is on break. But I assure you, our relationship is well." Miku said smiling.
Lenka's hands were wringing. Miku has to be lying, Len never mentioned anything about proposing to her.
"Hey, don't-" But before Lenka could finish Rin had opened her mouth.
"Ah! You must be the woman he found in bed with his friend." She said it so loudly as if she just had a eureka event.
Everyone's eyes widened and from the sound of the gasps. It would appear that the surrounding bystanders were listening on their conversations because sounds of gasps were heard.
Miku seems to be in shock, not because of the accusation but the fact that Rin knows. She can't be found out like this. It would ruin everything.
"Where in the world did you hear such a thing?" Miku said laughing at the matter.
"Did you laugh at him too then when he was standing there?" Rin said her voice turning icy cold. "Len didn't deserve to be treated like that not when he loved you dearly.
Rin was very angry. She had never been angry for herself, but seeing Len in that sort of state that night, she was angry but never let him know. She was glad that Len had kept the name of the woman to himself. Unfortunately the woman had made herself known and she didn't like her one bit.
Miku now knows that she made matters worse the woman certainly know the reason of their break-up and is not upset about their relationship but at her apparent cheating on Len.
Rin grabbed Miku's hand bearing the ring looking at it. "I have to admit it's a beautiful ring. Its meaning had been very beautiful too… On his side that is." She dropped her hand and looked Miku at the eye. "On your side however, it would seem there was no meaning before it was even bought. A piece of advice miss, you should stop playing games with men. Men are not very good losers especially when they find out that they are being played for a fool. Sooner or later you're going to find yourself at the other end of the stick"
"M-Miku… She's lying right?" Lily said in a shaking voice. She had no idea what had brought the end of her son and Miku's relationship. Len had never told them anything. She thought they had a simple tiff but this girl is now saying it wasn't so. This girl she had never heard of from her son.
"But of course she is…" Miku said panicking glancing around the people who began whispering.
"You'd better think twice of what you're going to say, girl. Indicating that I'm lying would also imply that Len is lying." Rin said.
"Well, you could just be lying about it." Miku said smirking.
"I don't care if people think I'm lying-" Rin said but was cut off by the very person who was included in the talk.
"But I care…" Len said standing beside Rin. He glared at Miku who flinched under his gaze but he didn't care. Miku dared to shove that piece of garbage to Rin when it doesn't mean anything anymore. "I think we should stop entertaining your guests Miss Hatsune." He added clearly dismissing the group.
"She humiliated me." Miku hissed.
"I don't think you have the right to sound so offended, when you're the one who started it off by trying to humiliate her." Len said and then he glanced to someone behind the girls back. "Forgive me Mr. Hatsune, I seem to have ruined your party."
Miku gasped and turned to see her father with a neutral expression. "Not at all, I know there was bound to be trouble the moment I see it." The man said clearly saying that he was observing her before she even started to approach the Miku. "If you'll excuse us… We are needed somewhere." He then led Miku away and out of the room.
"Papa! That girl…"
But Old Hatsune tightened his hold of Miku on her elbow gently but firmly. "Enough Miku… I asked you to welcome our guest, not try to humiliate them. If you're embarrass because the truth came out then you have no one to blame but yourself."
Miku looked at her father in shock. But Old Hatsune looked at her intently. "I should've known they was something strange about the way Len's friend always goes to the house to visit you. 'Keeping her company' has deeper meaning than that. Now Miku get yourself together and grit your teeth. You brought this on yourself."
"I'm your daughter…" Miku whispered.
"Len had also been a son of mine. And when he makes mistakes, he doesn't use any excuse… I am disappointed in you Miku…" Old Hatsune looked at his daughter evident of disappointment. "Disappointed that you're turning out like your mother."
Miku gasped at the implication. She didn't know that much about her mother because her mother was always out on parties when she was but a child and it was no secret when her parents' divorce came out because her mother had made a spectacle of it. She made the media known far and wide what was happening to their family. But at the end of it all, became her down fall. When the divorce was through her mother was left with nothing but the labels of the media she had brought on herself. Afterwards news of her accidental death, being under the influence of drugs came about but a mere section page of the newspaper.
"Take the young lady's advice Miku. We men aren't very good losers…" He said quoting Rin's words and left Miku to fix what damage she had done to herself.
Miku bit her lip until she could taste the metallic taste of blood. Her plans had gone awry. She was supposed to be there basking in the light and attention of everyone. But because of a stupid bitch, her night was ruined.
She has no idea who the woman was, and Len made no mention of who she is. But she will find her. There was no way she couldn't find her.
Kagamine Lenka pulled her boyfriend out the door hoping to catch her brother. What their mother did was awful but to see his brother actually angry on behalf of a woman who she had never seen before, or known was something else entirely.
"Lenka-chan, I think your brother would really be angry if you confront him too." Rinto said trying to pull her back. "Come on, you saw how angry he got to your mother. And I can't believe that Hatsune would actually do something like that, is she crazy?"
"Brother getting angry was actually the strange thing." Lenka said. "Mother had always insulted brother's dates in some way, and he never got angry. He would scold her but what he did, he downright embarrassed her."
"I think what your mother is embarrass about the fact that Hatsune, her favored future daughter-in-law turned out to be a skank." Rinto said with no remorse.
"Rinto!" Lenka said though she doesn't feel an ounce of pity on the bitch. For doing something like that to her brother.
"Don't tell me, you're still going to defend her after finding out what she did to your brother?" Rinto asked looking at Lenka straight in the eye.
"Of course not, you and I both know I never took a liking to her." Lenka explained. "And now I know why."
They were then passing by the garden but halted when they heard voices. Two of them…
"Why are we doing this? After that social disaster I thought we were leaving?" Rin asked. "And I told you I don't know how to dance. If I step on your feet it's not going to be my fault."
"Well, Big Al left when he dropped me off, because there's nowhere to park. Might as well entertain ourselves while waiting, no?" Len explained. "And shouldn't it be foot, instead of feet Princess…? Your sounding like you could step on both at the same time." He added trying to maneuver Rin to the right footing.
"With me, expect it." Rin said. "I don't think people do slow dances anymore." She added seeing the kind of dances people do at night clubs when she and the girls go out.
"Oh, they still do. Believe me they still do, oh not that way… Right here…" Len said and shifted Rin by putting his hand across her back and pulling her closer.
"Kagamine-kun, I don't think you can call this dancing. If anyone sees us they're going to laugh at us." Rin said pouting.
"It's not that bad Princess… And besides you have to practice…" Len said chuckling.
"Why do I need to? Where am I going to dance, this kind of dance anyway?" Rin asked trying to make sure she doesn't step on Len's feet.
"At your wedding, of course…" Len said with a twinkle on his eyes.
There was a moment of silence…
"You're kidding right?" Rin said looking sternly at Len.
"Nope…" Len said. "Don't you plan to marry?" He asked with a tone of mischievousness.
"Hmm, I never thought about it… I'm still too young…" Rin said thinking aloud. "And besides who would want to have me as a wife?"
"Oh, believe me Princess you… Are going to make a wonderful wife to a lucky bastard…" Len said smiling.
Rin tilted her head but since they were too close to each other it was like she was leaning on Len's shoulder. "Why do I get the feeling that you know who this lucky bastard is?" She said.
"Hmm…" Len said nuzzling her creamy neck. "Maybe because I do know him." He added softly.
"So confident about him, huh?" Rin said but her eyes were sparkling.
"Sure I do… It will be difficult, but I'm sure he can manage." Len said.
"If you know him then, he's probably a sneaky devil too." Rin commented.
"That's a compliment you know, since how you are." Len joked.
"Are you saying I'm difficult?" Rin said pouting as she leaned away from him to look at him straight in the eyes.
"No Princess, you simply know what you want and can be very difficult about it." Len said. "But that's a good thing for him, I guess."
"How so?" Rin asked trying to take a peek at her footing though it was quite impossible with how close she was to Len.
"Well, the men you've encountered only look at the surface. They never got the chance to see what's underneath." Len whispered in Rin's ear.
From the bushes watching this Lenka was all starry eyed, while Rinto was red from embarrassment. He then dragged a protesting Lenka trying very hard to keep it as quietly as possible so the two love birds wouldn't know they were there.
Well, they wouldn't know considering they were too busy in their own world.
~End~
Footnote:
1 – A girl posing as the girlfriend of the gay in order to hide the fact that he swings to the other team (don't know if the same term applies to a lesbian)
2 - I can't describe the last part well… It's were one side is longer than the other like a coat tail or something like that only it's to the side of the dress.
3 – I don't know why but Big Al reminds me of a race driver when I looked up his picture.
Finally finished Masquerade Secrets. It's been sitting for I don't know how long. I've been caught up with too many awesome anime showing up. I don't know what's going on in my mind. Now which should I update next *_*