Author's Note: Sorry I'm two . . .maybe three by now days late. I got caught up with somethings here and there. Also finished watching the final episode of Avatar: The Last Air Bender. So cool! The best action packed episode ever! They went out with a bang! (Littarely) But it sad it's over but I could always watch 'em again, I have all the voulmes. XD Just sucked though . . .okay everyone knew Katara and Aang would end up together, but would have been cool to pair up Katara with Zuko (or Toph but it is Nickaloenon) but still great none the less.

Anyway's rambled on enough I'll let you guys get on with this next chapter hope you all enjoy!:?D
Oh and won't promise anything about when a new chapter will be up. Since I just been breaking them sorry about that. But for real next time I will get my next chap up when I say so! (Puts hand over heart)

"Okay so let me get this straight. You seriously want me to wear that . . . that thing?"

"Well, yes. I think it will look very good on you." (No way. She really wants me to look like a fool doesn't she? But maybe that's what she wants. I've been kind of hard on her since I met her. No! Forget it not in a million billion years. I wouldn't be caught dead or alive wearing something like that!)

"Listen. Fumi I know there has to be something better then this in that closet of yours." Fumi tossed the dress on the bed and crossed her arms. She gave me a stern look. Kind of scared me though.

"Well then. If you do not believe me have a look for yourself. I mean I offer to help you and this is the thanks I get." I sighed and shrugged my shoulders. I got up from the bed and walked around over to Fumi and placed my hand on her shoulder.

"Don't take it so hard. It's not that I don't appreciate your help. It's just your taste in fashion kind of sucks." I know I was being brutally honest with Fumi. But I was being just that . . . honest.

"Well I never! How dare you!"

"Look, look just calm down. I'm sorry." Fumi looked at me and smiled.

"Well that's better." (To easy! Should I do it?)

"Yeah, I'm really sorry . . . that your fashion sense sucks!" (Oh man so totally worth it!) I busted out laughing. But it didn't last long. When in just a few short seconds, I found myself knocked to the floor . . . head first. (I had that coming. I was being kind of a jag off to Fumi. She was trying to help me out after all. I still have lumps on my head from all that head bashing from her.)

I slowly opened my eyes. I had blacked out for a few minutes there. When I opened my eyes, everything was dark and my head was throbbing. One thought crossed me mind. (NO! I'M BLIND!! I CAN'T GO BLIND NOW! Maybe I didn't open my eyes yet . . . that's stupid of me they are already open! I'm blinking for goodness sake!!) After a few moments I calmed myself down and started to search around. To find out where I was. I held out my hands and started to move around, I figured I could tell where I was by feeling something. I couldn't see for some reason so I had no choice.

"Damn! What the hell happened? I know. I went too far with Fumi and her wardrobe malfunction. Huh? What's this? Feels like a switch. Well here goes something." I flipped the switch. A bright light filled the room that I was in.

"Yeah! Alright! I'm not blind after all! But . . . uh where am I?" As I looked around and soon found out, I was no longer in Fumi's room. But that I was in her closet. (Whoa! This place is huge! Bigger then my apartment . . . actually I think it could fit in here. Damn. I can't believe she threw me in here. Oh well.) I turned around from where I was standing looking for the door out of here. I found the closet door and quickly made my way over. I pushed the door to open it but . . . my push only went so far.

"What the . . . ? Okay maybe one more push." I backed up a little from where I stood. And banged my arm into the door. Which at the time seemed like a good idea.

"Ow! Son of . . . dammit." I rubbed my arm. It really stung. (Man my arm feels numb. I think I made it fall asleep with that maneuver of mine.)

"Damn that really hurt. I don't believe this. She really locked me in here. Now what would make her do that? Is she really ticked off at me that much? Well no time for my questions . . . I have to get out of here." (Since trying to body slam the door didn't work . . . maybe kicking it down just might!) At first I just tried to kick the door while just standing in place. But it was working because I wasn't holding steady on my one foot.

"Come on!" (Kicks harder) "Shit! No good. Once more!" I took a few more steps back and then went into a leaping air kick. (Kicks door . . . but slips and falls on backside.) "OUCH!!" (This is stupid! It's no good. All I'm doing is injuring myself, at this rate I'll end up in the hospital.) I sat up on the floor rubbing my lower back. I started to wonder if I was going to get out of here.

"Well this is the last time I ever trust Fumi again. And what the hell is the door made out of? Iron? Man, this really sucks. And by the look of things this door is the only way out of here." I sighed and flopped down on the floor. I put my hands over my face. (Come on think Natsuki! There has to be a way out of here. No I have to find my way out of here. I can't waste anymore time than I already have.)

Just then a sudden rush came over me. I opened up my eyes and jumped up. I focused right on the door. I walked up to one side of the door, and pulled out one of sliding drawers that was built into the wall. I did the same on the other side and evened them up. I grabbed hold tightly onto each draw. (Alright! Now I'm in business. If I'm right that is . . . this should work.) I kicked the door again and again. With more and more force each time. But still nothing.

"Damn! Not even a dent . . . well a mark. But a tiny one! Seriously I really think this door is unbreakable. (Un-smash-able is more like it.) Even though I'm holding steady in place it still doesn't help. I'm working up a sweat here really . . . guess this counts as my exercise for the day.) I let go of the drawers and pushed them back into place and plopped back down on the floor. It was hopeless. I wasn't getting out of here. In that moment I gave up.

There was nothing else I could possibly think of. Well besides breaking down that door . . . but that hasn't gone as planned. I was out of ideas. I laid back down on the floor.

"I give up. Can I just give up? No, Natsuki Kuga doesn't give up!" I pumped my fist into the air. But then slapped my forehead with the same hand.

"Well what now genius?" I put my hand down on the side of me. I closed my eye again. Just then I felt something drip onto my forehead . . . something cold and wet. I wiped my forehead.

"What's this? Is this . . . water? Oh no is she trying to drown me now?" I quickly looked up at the ceiling and saw an air duct.

"Wait that's . . . is it possible that, that air duct is connected to the central air-conditioning system. Yeah it must be. There's no other explanation on why it would be leaking then like that. If so then . . . it must be connected to the other ducts in the house. Which means I just found my way out of here!" I jumped up (literally) for joy. I jumped up again though and tried to grab onto the covering of the duct. (I just keep missing . . . damn my short stature!) I began to look around the closet to find something to stand on.

"There has to be a stool or something lying around here. Even a ladder maybe. This is Fumi's closet after all who knows what she keeps in her beside these dresses." I happen to actually find a small step stool. I picked it up and walked back over underneath the air duct. I placed it underneath the air duct and stood on it. (Perfect fit! Great now I just have to get this thing open.)

I slid my fingers through the slots of the covering, pretty easily too. I mustered up all the strength in my body. I ripped it open. I threw the cover to the floor and held onto the sides poking my head in the vent.

"Great! That was easy. Now . . . why couldn't open the door? Doesn't matter I'm outta here! Uh, lets hope I fit through this opening." I climbed up and crawled into the vent. Luckily I was able to fit in there just fine. I wasn't sure of which way I should crawl, but seeing how I was already situated on the right side that I would begin my air duct adventure from there. So I began my crawling expedition.

"Have no idea where I'm going. But I have no choice for the moment. Hopefully I'll get out of this maze soon, feels like I've been in here forever." (Sighs) I continued on my path in the vent until I spotted another opening. I quickly crawled my way over to the other opening. I was so excited, this is my chance to get out of here . . . or so I thought. As I made my way closer up I over heard some loud voices. I slowed up to the opening and peeked down in the room underneath me.

"I knew it! I knew you would pull something like this!" (Kanzaki? Again?)

"Stop it. You know as well as I do this is a mistake." (Shizuru? Am I underneath her bedroom? Never mind that I should listen in.) Reito began to pace back and fourth and continued to verbally assault Shizuru.

"I know for sure now. You are in love with her right?" Reito halted his pacing back and fourth. Shizuru didn't say a word.

"Your silence says it all. You can't do this. We have a deal!" (A deal? What kind of deal? Hm, I'm eavesdropping. That's no good really. But might as well since I'm here.)

"You're right Reito. We do have a deal. As I recall it was the deal that I made, and if so I can easily break it."

"Is that so?"

"Yes Reito. It is so. Because if I don't go along with my plan, then you will have nothing. That includes me as well . . . no matter how much you wish it." Reito slowly made his way over to Shizuru. He got closer and closer to her. I couldn't stand it. He stopped and put his hand on her cheek.

"Oh no. I will have you. And what I really need from you as well. I always, always get what I want." Shizuru started to laugh softly.

"You're right. Ever since you were little you always got what you wanted. But only because your parents would spoil you rotten. And it still shows how selfish you really are."

"Really? Now, now Shizuru am I really the only selfish one here? Have you noticed your behavior as of late? If anyone here is selfish . . . it's you." Reito stepped back and started to head for the door.

"Oh one more thing. About that girl. She could become very problematic. Don't you agree?" Shizuru shook her head.

"No. I don't think so."

"Are you so sure about that?"

"Yes. I am. She's not in the way."

"Really? I wouldn't be too sure about that." With that last thing said from Reito he finally left. (Ok, what was that about? And what deal? Shizuru made a deal with Reito . . . but why and for what? Reito said he wants something Shizuru has, but not just Shizuru herself. I could understand that in way knowing what a slime ball he is. But what else does he want? And what does he mean Nao could be problematic? I swear if he does anything to hurt her . . . look at this. Defending Nao after what happened. But I'm no better. Shit. I need to get out of here.)

I looked down into Shizuru's bedroom once more before I continued down the path of my air duct journey. I didn't see Shizuru though. I waited a few seconds to see if she would return. My eyes almost popped out of their sockets. Shizuru had walked back in my line of vision . . . naked.

(Oh great Natsuki. Now I could add Peeping Tom to the list of my other criminal acts. I've only been here for like two hours now, and already I've become an Eavesdropper, Peeping Tom, and a Narcissistic jack hole. I . . . should go. Oh man this sucks. If I wasn't in this whole situation right now . . . I would so jump down there and . . . No! No I have to stay focused. There's no time for stuff like that.) Sadden by my decision to leave a naked Shizuru behind. I headed forward.

"Damn. Why did I have to see her naked? Is that all I'm going to think about now? No, I can't. Need to concentrate." I crawled and crawled. As I placed my hand down on the steel cool plating, I found that there was none. I lost my grip since there wasn't anything to hold on too. I tumbled down the vent, falling faster and faster. I slid down the vent, I felt like I was going down a huge slide. I kept falling until I finally hit the bottom.

"Ow! Man this bites! How do I keep ending up in these kinds of messes? I should have watched where I was going. Dammit Shizuru! I wasn't paying attention because of you. All because I had to see you naked . . . damn. But I had no idea that I would run out of crawling space. I wonder where I am now." I took the time to gaze around the slightly darken area, to try and find out just where I had landed. I looked through the slots of the vent cover to see what room I had stumbled onto this time.

"Huh? Where is this? Looks like . . . a bathroom? Hm, if so it's a big step up from that closet." I sat back up against the wall panels in the vent. And with all my strength I kicked the vent cover out of the wall. It flew off across the room. (Whoa! Well at least I was able to kick this thing open. When I get a chance I think I'll go back, and have a look at just what Fumi's closet door is made out of.)

I crawled out of the small space and into the bathroom. Once out I stood up and dusted myself off. I walked to the bathroom door and slowly turned the handle, once that was done I poked my head out from around the door. As soon as I was sure that the coast was clear I made my escape. I ran out of the bathroom and down the corridor, really not knowing where I was going too. I took a sharp right turn around the corner . . . and suddenly fell on my butt. I was looking while I was turning the corner and I had run into something (or someone) while knocking myself on the floor in the process.

(Ugh! Not again! That's the third time tonight. I'm really doing a number on myself. But who did I bump into just now?) I looked up to see who it was. And I wasn't happy at all, in fact I hated this person with every bone, muscle tissues, and cells within my body. It amazed me though how I was knocked down to the floor and he wasn't.

"Now, now isn't this a desirable site. More so then earlier, at least this time . . . you've opened up a little. HAHAHAHA!" I didn't get what Kanzaki was talking about, that is until I looked down ay myself. With the way I fell my legs were very far apart. Wide enough for anyone to see there, luckily I still had my jeans on instead of a dress or skirt.

"You are such a perverted jerk! You're the most despicable human being I ever met!" He smirked. Obviously mocking me in his own maniacal way. The next thing he did was hold out his hand to me, offering to help me up. He leaned his hand in closer.

"Don't touch me! I don't need or want any help from you!" I smacked his hand away from me.

"What's with all the hostility Ms. Kuga? I was just offering to help you up. No harm done."

"Screw you!" Reito laughed again.

"Wouldn't you love too? Actually I've been wanting to give you a try." I braced myself and got up off the floor. I walked up to Reito and looked him straight in the eye.

"The only way you'll ever get me is in your dreams Kanzaki. Hell would have to freeze over for that to ever happen. And it won't." I walked away from Kanzaki, but before I could go any further down the hall I herd him mention something . . . about how easy I was.

"What the hell did you just say?"

"Oh nothing really. I was just saying how easy it is to get you in bed. By the looks of things here, Shizuru had no trouble getting you."

"What is that supposed to mean?" (This is guy is seriously getting on my last one good nerve!) Kanzaki turned to face me. He walked up to me and held up some photos he had in is hand.

"Well just this really. My, I had no idea that two women could do so much with each other. And I had no idea Shizuru was this flexible . . . should come in handy on our honeymoon night." He held up the pictures to show me. I got a closer look at them and realized what I was looking at, my heart began to beat rapidly and I felt the hatred I had for this guy build up even more.

"Quite good aren't they, considering I didn't have much light to work with. And what with all the moving around. I'm luck I even got this clear of a shot . . . or shots rather. If you thought the pictures I had before hand were incriminating . . . well these ones here are just outstanding. Wouldn't you agree?" I clenched my teeth as well as my fists.

(Damn him! How could he have evened . . . now I know. He set me up. I fell into his trap! He set me up for that! It's the only reason why he was willing to help me that day, in telling me where Shizuru was. And I fell for it! The only thing I need to know is if Shizuru had a hand in this. Did she set me up too?)

"I think it will really be interesting once these pictures get out. To think, the woman I'm going to be marrying turned out to be nothing but a whore. Not only is she a whore but she gave herself to some no-name no-account hooligan. That's being exactly what everyone will think and say once these pictures are plastered everywhere, it will ruin her and tarnish her so-called good name." I couldn't give off that these pictures of me and Shizuru were getting to me. (Even though they were.) I decided to swallow my pride and approach this situation in a manner to throw him off.

"Yeah Kanzaki. I guess you really have me here. Guess you were right . . . I can't beat you, you win again." Reito gave me a bewildered. He looked dumbfound (or just dumber not sure) and seem to have lowered his guard.

"So . . . then you admit defeat?" (Heh, never. But two can play this game.)

"Well yeah. After all those pictures of me and Shizuru are quite . . . intriguing. I can't imagine the things people will actually say about her . . . and you."

"Me!" Reito suddenly snapped. (Now I've got you. You think your so smart don't you Kanzaki?) I took the pictures out of his hand and flipped them around, pointing them in Reito's direction. With my finger I pointed to the pictures I now held in my hand.

"Take a good look Kanzaki. Tell me what you see." Reito's eyebrows narrowed and his nostrils flared. I could tell I was beginning to get on his nerves this time around.

"Like I said. I see nothing more then a whore who– –

"Really? Because that's not what I see. And I'm sure that's not what other people will see either."

"What are you talking about?" I flipped the pictures back around toward me. I could feel the smile I had on my face grow even bigger. (I should be careful though with what I say next. Who knows how he might react, and I can't afford a real conflict with him right now.)

"Think Kanzaki. You're the one who's gonna be going around showing off these pictures. Right? Right so then, do you really think people will be concerned about that? What people will be focused is you. And wondering how and why you have these pictures. The way I see it, people will think nothing more of you being a perverted young man. And by just showing these around you'll be proving just that." Kanzaki shook his head furiously. He then stared at me with his cold dark eyes.

"That is not true! People will only see what Shizuru really is!"

"And do you know what that is? What she is . . . is not satisfied. I mean you must not be doing something right Reito. For Shizuru to go out and give herself to someone else, instead of you it's just sad . . . on your part. And not only did she give herself to just anyone, but to another woman. Face it Kanzaki . . . you just aren't man enough for her. I mean if she's doing this now beforehand think of how it will be once you guys are married." Reito walked over to me and snatched the pictures out of my hand. He placed them back into his pants pocket. He then proceeded to walk passed me. Reito stopped just by my side.

"This isn't over Natsuki. Although I have to hand it to you. Outsmarting me like that for once is . . . unusual for you. I didn't think that brain of yours worked anymore. But I must take my leave, I still do hope you will be coming along to the party . . . don't be late. I'm going to make an announcement that I think you will find very, very interesting indeed." He chuckled softly as he walked away finally. (Like anything you ever had or have to say is interesting Kanzaki. But I should get going to that thing.)

I went down the hall, walking this time. I didn't want to have another accident like that occurring again. But I took on a little seep rushing to the ballroom area, I figured that would be the place where this Gala thing would be held. It was in fact the biggest room in the house. And where else would you hold a big get together like that. I slowed down as I was nearing the room, when I got there I had to blink twice. (What? This is . . . weird. Or maybe not, but I don't get it.)

I came to the realization that everyone was wearing masks. I walked in more into the room. No one seems to notice me which was a good thing. I was underdressed after all and not only that I didn't have one of those masks. I made my way through the heard of people (more liked shoving them aside) to the other side of the ballroom. Just then someone tapped me on my shoulder.

"Hey. Aren't you a little underdressed for this occasion?" I turned around to see who it was. But because the person was wearing a mask I couldn't identify who it was. (Oh man. Now it's gonna be harder to find Shizuru. How am I ever going to differentiate everybody here? Damn I swear I have the worst luck ever.)

"Hey Kuga. Didn't you hear me?" (That voice! Is it . . . no way. It can't be. No wait it is. She's the only one who calls me by my last name . . . and still says it in a sexy way.)

"Nao? That you?" Nao crossed her arms and sighed. Nao was dressed in a tight long silky dress that curved to every inch of her body nicely. She then took off her mask.

"Duh. Who else? Anyway what are you doing here . . . dressed like that?" I averted my eyes from her. Instead I scoped out the room seeing if I would be able to tell Shizuru apart from the rest of these people. But I still made small talk in the meantime with Nao.

"Yeah well, it wasn't like I could go home. Not with you and Reito . . . screwing around."

"Natsuki it wasn't . . . forget it. It doesn't matter." (You just don't have a good explanation for what you did with that jerk off.)

"What's that matter Nao? You two break up already?" I was still looking around the room. I heard Nao sighs heavily behind me. And then wacked me in the head. (Are you kidding me?! Enough with my head already! I know it's an easy target for everyone but I feel like my head's about to crack open.) I turned to face Nao. But when I looked into her dazzling lime green eyes, they gave off a hint of sadness.

"You're a real jerk you know! How can you be so cruel?"

"Me?! Me?! (Points at self.) I'm cruel! You're the one who jumped into bed with Reito. Why you did, is beyond me. Nao I just don't understand it. Why him of all people?" Nao looked away from me.

"You wouldn't understand." I moved closer to her and grabbed onto the sides of her uppers arms.

"Then help me understand! Just tell me why?"

"Forget it. It doesn't matter anymore. Go find her Kuga." (What does she mean by that? Did she know I was looking for Shizuru? Was I that obvious?) Nao shoved me away from her and started to walk off.

"Nao, wait a second!"

"Just leave me alone. Please."

"But . . . Nao." She just walked away. She disappeared into the crowd. (What's her problem? I don't get it. Was I being too hard on her? I'm still blaming her for something I know wasn't her idea. Damn that Reito. I need some air.) I thought I could really use some. It was so stuffy in that place. I walked to the nearest staircase and walked out onto a small balcony. I leaned up against the railing overlooking the rose garden below.

"Damn this really sucks. I'm here and I have no idea what to do. But on the other hand I have no idea what's to come either, I still feel like something big (or maybe bad ) is going to happen. I need to find Shizuru quickly." As soon as I said that I heard someone walk up right behind me. I turned slowly around. I thought it was Reito again.

"Natsuki. Is that you?"

"Shi-zuru!" (Wow she looks so amazing.) Shizuru had on the most beautiful dress I ever saw. It was a long flowing sleeveless golden dress. It had diamonds on the front which made a very unique pattern. But what I noticed most was that she didn't have a mask on like everyone else.

"Natsuki? What are you doing out here?" Shizuru walked up closer to me. She stood a few inches away from me. I leaned back against the railing. Using my elbows for support.

"Nothing just relaxing. Just getting some fresh air."

"Oh I see." Shizuru walked over to the railing, just standing in front of it. She had a blank look on her face just then. Either she was deep in thought or something else was bothering her. So I couldn't help but ask.

"Something wrong Shizuru?" She shook her head. She turned her head and look at me surprisingly.

"Natsuki? Why don't you have a mask like the others?" (What? What's with everyone? Are they really more concerned about some stupid maks or lack there of? There are more important things you know! Hm, maybe I can borrow a mask inside . . . wait! That's not the point!)

"Listen. I had no idea this was going to be some masquerade ball!"

"Well didn't you read the invitation?" She said to me bluntly.

"No, I didn't read the invitation! Everyone just referred to this as a Gala. A stupid party, I wasn't aware we were going to have to come in disguise." Right after what I just said Shizuru started to laugh. (Now I don't know if she laughing at me or . . . no she's laughing at me since I'm not laughing myself. Fine time for her to be making fun of me!)

"Sorry Natsuki! You're just so funny with the things you say!" She was laughing so hard at me she held her sides. I could feel my face heating up.

"Come on cut it out!" (My face must look like a tomato by now. All because of that stupid mask thing. So what if I didn't read the invite. I just thought . . . hold on a sec. How did Shizuru know I had an invite to this thing? )

"Shizuru? How did you know I had an invitation?" Shizuru halted her laughter and had a look of shock on her face. She turned around letting her back face me. (Now for sure I know she's hiding something . . .and I'm going to find once and for all what it is.)