Hi again! This is the Halloween Dance chapter Part One! I felt like I had to put this out at a decent hour tonight, seeing as how it is Halloween, and so I haven't finished the rest of this conceptual chapter. I've delivered what I have, however, and hope it's okay! Also, I wanted to point out once again that this is a ZERO x oc story, even though it doesn't look like it right now, but let me get through this Halloween night and it'll all become clear. I apologize for shaky transitions or small typos. (I've read it a ton of times, but you never know) Also, I want to thank my wonderful reviewers, and let them know that I truly appreciate their input, and I listen to it with great joy in the fact that someone reads this! Enjoy, and Happy Halloween!

Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Knight or any other references in this chapter (and there are some, I'll admit--but hey, it's Halloween). I do own Asraella and this plot line.

The sun was sinking farther down towards the horizon, splashing light haphazardly against the ground as it was covered by the shape of the school. The extending shadow fell into Asraella's room, seeming to point at the young woman appraising herself in her mirror. Not bad, if I do say so myself.

She had spent the afternoon getting ready for the Halloween dance, and she thought her efforts had paid off. It was getting closer and closer to the start of the evening, and she was getting nervous, her internal spring coiling tighter and tighter until she had to focus on breathing normally. Walking to the window, she looked out over the grounds, until her eyes fell on the main school building, which was still dark. Asraella knew that in just a few minutes the entire shape of the school would be lit up, chasing away the late October gloom with its brightness. Perhaps the ghosts that walked this All Hallows Eve would be frightened away as well. Some ghosts cannot be chased away by mere light. She fervently wished that her ghosts would leave her be tonight. She was tired of being haunted by her guilt, by the shade of May. She wanted it to end, however that may be. She caught herself. I thought I was beyond that. Snap out of it, Asraella! She wasn't going to entertain anything like that tonight. She was going to have fun. To ease some of her nerves, Asraella glided over to the mirror once again, and inspected herself in the dim light. The dress is as good as it's going to get, I believe. Now to finish. She turned her back to the glass, and peered over her shoulder, admiring her silhouette. She loved to dress up, to get in costume. Her costume that night was a floor length red dress, with long sleeves that started off at her shoulders and widened slightly as they fell towards her wrists. The dress was actually strapless, and hugged Asraella's form tightly until her hips, where it flared just a little, into an A-line skirt. There was a slit to halfway up her thigh on her right side, and through it her shoes, four-inch heeled gladiator style sandals, could be seen peeking out on the bottom. In essence, she loved her outfit. She felt like she did it justice, unlike most of her other clothes, specifically her uniform.

She hadn't had to wear that for most of the week, at least. After she was nearly robbed on Saturday, she had been ordered to stay in bed for several days, because the nurse was convinced she had a concussion. Asraella didn't even set foot in the school until Thursday. She had spent the last two days of the week hanging out with Yori and Yuuki, and just drifting through the hours. The person she hadn't seen at all was Zero, who was never around. Asraella was alright with that, however. She wanted to thank him, but she could do that whenever she saw him next. She didn't pay attention at all, but neither did anyone else. Asraella had used the excuse of her concussion to skip class a few times, as well. When she did go to class, she was bombarded with news of the dance, and found herself getting very excited. This made the days drag on, and the 60 hours from Thursday morning to the dance Saturday night seemed like forever.

But now it was here, and she was ready to go. Asraella decided to be "fashionably late" by five minutes (even though five minutes wasn't truly late at all), and had her exact departure time planned out. She was going to leave in eight minutes, and wished her clock would go faster. Determining that it was close enough to the dance to finish her look off, she reached for her jewelry. She had selected a beautiful necklace from her collection well in advance, and she carefully slipped it over her head and underneath her hair; that was quite a feat, given that her hair was down and it reached to her lower back in gentle waves. The necklace she had chosen was just a large clear stone on a thin gold chain, cut into a teardrop. It wasn't a diamond or anything special, but it caught the light within its many facets and shone brilliantly, drawing the eye. A gold bracelet on each wrist completed the outfit. She turned her attention to her face. Asraella pulled out 3 medium sized boxes from underneath her bed, and opened each one separately. The first was eye shadow and mascara, the second foundations and concealers, and the third was entirely filled with lipstick, lip gloss and other odds and ends. She glanced at her clock again, and smiled. Let's play a game, shall we? She waited for the second hand to reach the twelve with her smile widening. Three, two, one…GO! Her hands flew through the boxes, pulling out carefully selected pieces of makeup and associated brushes. The next two minutes and thirty-eight seconds passed quickly in a flurry of brushes, powders, and creams until her face was transformed. Hah! I still have it! She had applied makeup for the first time in forever, it seemed, and she was proud of her work. Her skin was now flawless, and a smoky eye along with copious amounts of mascara made her naturally striking eyes stand out even more. Her lips were just barely coated with a pale lip gloss, to avoid clashing with her eye makeup. She thought she looked good.

A flicker caught her eye, coming from the direction of the window. She turned to look as the lights on the school came to life, and Asraella's breath caught. It was so beautiful. If she had thought that the school looked like a Disney castle before, now the case could be made that it really was a Disney creation. It was perfect. She sat carefully on the thin windowsill and admired the sight until she had to leave.

She descended the large central staircase for a change, and proceeded out the door. Yori and Yuuki had to help set up due to some issue with the class president, but Asraella didn't know what it was. With them already there, Asraella had the time to think while she walked. The air was cold; she hadn't brought a jacket because she didn't want to carry it while she was at the dance, but now she wished she had one with her. I was stupid. It's the last day of October, why didn't I foresee that it was going to be chilly? Whatever. I'll just power walk. So that's what she did, walking quickly down the paved road to the school, but still trying to appear collected. Within minutes she reached the front gate, and two Day class boys who were checking tickets and names stopped her.

"Um…Name and class?"

"Asraella Mistout. Senior."

They stared at her. "O—Okay. Welcome to the Cross Academy Halloween Masquerade".

She gave them a dazzling smile. "Thank you very much." She started walking again. Their eyes followed her down the short distance to the front doors, and Asraella knew it. She walked tall and gracefully, smiling to herself. She was already having fun. The doors were open into the ballroom, and she glided to the threshold. Once there, she stopped. She took a moment to admire the room. It had been decorated in all sorts of oranges and blacks, with electric lit candelabras instead of the usual fixtures in the mounts on the walls. The atmosphere was one of an old mansion, like the whole room had been picked up and placed in a different time. Asraella loved it.

"Asraella! Hey! You came!" Yori's voice reached her and Asraella turned to the brunette in a pink puffy dress that was walking her way.

"Of course I did! I bought the dress, didn't I?" Asraella smiled. She looked again around the room, and noticed that it was already full of people, some dancing to the soft music that was coming from hidden speakers. "People around here don't understand 'fashionably late' do they?"

"Give them a break. This event only comes once a year. The only other time that we can do something like this is the spring ball and no one's in costume then. Everyone wants to milk this for all its worth!"

Asraella conceded with a graceful nod. "You're right. What have you been up to?"

As the girls talked, they moved away from the door, towards the left side of the ballroom, next to one of the large pillars that were around the edge of the area. They paused as a new person invaded their space, wearing no shirt and a pair of ripped jean shorts.

"Hello, my name's Jacob. Would you dance with me?"

It took a moment for Asraella to realize that he was talking to her. She, for some reason, wasn't expecting to be asked to dance. She was taken by surprise, but never lost her composure as she looked him over. He wasn't obviously nervous, but the strained way he clasped his hands in front of him gave away his feelings. On top of that, Asraella wasn't ready to dance yet; she needed to get more comfortable in this new situation first. With these factors combined, the poor Day Class student didn't have a chance.

"I'm sorry, I don't dance."

The boy by the name of Jacob walked away, shoulders slumped in defeat. Asraella watched out of the corner of her eye as he went back to a group of boys, whom appeared to be his friends. They were laughing at him, and several were glancing in her direction. She observed as two of the group played a short game of rock-paper-scissors, and the loser started to stare at her. She guessed what was going on. Damn it. Am I going to be some sort of game? It is so immature to do something like that. Why would they do it, anyway? There are more than enough girls here who actually want to dance at this point! She sighed. Yori noticed.

"What's up, Asraella?"

"Nothing. Only some high school boys who have decided to test each other's courage."

"Um, what do you mean? 'Test courage'?"

"Yeah. That guy was from their group. The ones in the corner. They're going to send another loser over here soon."

Yori looked at her askance and rebuked her. "Asraella, they aren't losers! You don't even know them!"

At the look on Yori's face, she couldn't help but laugh. She spoke quickly as Yori's face darkened. "No, no, Yori. That's not it. I'm not commenting on their personalities, but how they're picking who comes over here next. The one who loses rock-paper-scissors has to try next!"

Yori blushed slightly at her previous reaction, now that she knew it was baseless. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by that. It just…"

"I get it. And if I were you, I'd say the same thing. It was my fault for not being clear."

Their conversation was interrupted again as the second boy from the group sauntered over. And did he did saunter. Oh God…who does he think he is? He was walking slowly, strutting like some peacock, with his head held high and a condescending smile on his face. He neared Asraella and got very close to her, almost too close, in her opinion. She stepped back a foot.

"Hello. You are absolutely stunning tonight and I was wondering if you'd like to dance with me."

Asraella cringed inwardly. His voice spoke volumes. She didn't know if it was an act or not, but he made it sound as if she would be the honored one, if she decided to dance. She tried to be civil, but she didn't like him already. "No. I don't dance."

He lost some of his greasy smile. "Are you sure?"

How dare he question me! This time, her smile faded as her voice dropped at least a third, to a more threatening tone. "Yes. I am quite sure."

At this his smile completely disappeared, and he walked hastily back to his friends. Yori looked at Asraella with an apologetic expression.

"I'm sorry. They're just guys. You're a new student, and in that dress…I thought they'd behave better."

Asraella's smile returned. "Don't worry, and don't apologize. It's not your fault in any way. As you said, they're just being guys. Stupid testosterone!"

Both girls started laughing, and they continued to degrade the male half of the species for a while longer. Every so often they were interrupted by another boy from the pack asking for a dance, but Asraella always turned them down. After the third boy to do this interrupted their conversation, Asraella decided to throw Yori for a loop. When the next one came up to the pair, she didn't hesitate.

"…dance with me?"

"Well, I can't. I don't dance. But my friend here would love to." She gently nudged Yori in his direction. "Have fun!"

Yori glared daggers at Asraella as she was whisked off by a very happy looking Day Class boy. Poor kid. He probably didn't expect to dance at all, seeing as he's here with a bunch of guys. Well, that would also explain why he looks so happy now. I've done a good deed! Her smile widened to a full grin as she thought of Yori. Yori's going to kill me. But it was so worth it to see her face! One dance can't hurt her, anyway. I was probably keeping her here with me against her will. She sobered at that thought. She had been hanging onto Yori for the last two weeks. Was Yori okay with that? She was so nice; she wouldn't say anything even if Asraella was causing her bodily harm. Her train of thought derailed as she heard a smooth, rich voice from her left.

"What were you thinking about?"

Asraella jumped from surprise and turned the ninety degrees to come face to face with the newcomer. She froze at what she found, mind working. It was the Night Class student. He was in a black tuxedo, with a cape, top hat, and a black mask over his eyes, one like a pair of thick sunglasses that had the center cut out. What really threw her was the rose he had in his breast pocket. It hit her, what his costume was. Oh wow! He's Tuxedo Mask! She couldn't believe the coincidence. She had loved "Sailor Moon" when she was younger, around ten to thirteen. He did the costume justice, even though his blond hair showed underneath the hat, and Tuxedo Mask was definitely not blond. Asraella couldn't care less. Lord. He's beautiful. What is he doing here? Is he really talking to me? Her sapphire eyes found their way to the green ones staring down at her with humor in their depths.

"Um…I…I…was thinking of…nothing, really."

The beautiful Night Class boy smiled. "Well, you were thinking of something, because your lovely smile disappeared."

She fumbled. "Oh—Uh—"

He cut her off smoothly, and she didn't mind being interrupted. "Would you like to dance? I would be honored."

She struggled to not hyperventilate. He was asking her to dance? Him? Green Eyes? She wanted to melt into a happy puddle on the floor. She focused on answering clearly, drawing on everything she had. "Yes, I would love to. And I would be the one who is honored." Whew. Maybe a little old fashioned, but at least my voice didn't shake! Pleasure bloomed in her companion's eyes at her answer and he took Asraella's hand to lead her to the dance floor. At their contact, her heart nearly skipped a beat. Before she knew it, one of his hands was around her waist, the other was clasping hers out to the side, and they were moving in a slow waltz, being careful to avoid slower, less skillful dancers as they glided across the polished surface. She fell into something that seemed like a dream, as she covered up her doubts, her fears, and her insecurities. She kept her focus, and concentrated on dancing. This feels wonderful. Thank god for 'The Sound of Music'! I would never have learned to dance otherwise. The thought of her history once again diminished her smile. The green eyes she was losing herself in took on a cloud of concern.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, thank you. Just thinking unpleasant things that have no place here."

"Well, then banish it from your mind. Can I help in any way?" His small smile became more pronounced.

She wanted to say, 'No, thank you," but didn't want to be rude or come off as ungrateful for his concern. She thought of using his name, and then realized she had a problem—Asraella didn't know his name. "You can do one thing for me. Tell me, what is your name?"

He laughed out loud this time, his laugh a light sound that was a delight to hear. "How rude of me! I'm so very sorry. My name is Takuma Ichijou. You can call me Takuma, if you wish."

"There is no need to apologize, Takuma." Her smile mirrored his. "My name is Asraella."

"I know." His answer, spoken softly, was lost by Asraella, because Takuma had spun her, their hands coming apart and rejoining precisely on the beat, her skirt flaring slightly, as he brushed his cloak back over his shoulders. They were silent as the last two or three measures of the dance played themselves out. In the few seconds between songs, they stood still and waited. Another girl came up to them, and Asraella started to leave, certain that the man who had miraculously deemed her worthy to dance with would move on to his next partner quickly. She was shocked when the words of his refusal reached her, and she looked to him in a flash. Takuma sent her a dazzling smile and walked the few steps to Asraella. Another waltz began to play, this one faster. He reached for her hand, and they resumed their dancing. In the first measure, Asraella looked around the room quickly, and noticed a solitary person in the corner. Takuma was leading her then, and she had to time her glances in order to see better who the person in the shadows was. After thirty seconds or so she figured out who it was. Zero. As she looked his way, the prefect raised his head and met her gaze. The hostility there was barely veiled. Asraella was confused, and a little hurt, for some reason. What's his problem? Her attention was returned to the amazing being dancing with her when Takuma spoke.

"Where did you learn how to dance so well, Asraella?"

She blushed and looked down. "I had to learn for something at school."

"You are amazing."

Asraella's blush deepened to what she was sure was a brilliant red. She didn't respond to his compliment, but changed the subject. "You are a member of the Night Class, right?"

"Yes, I am. Why, have you heard stories or rumors of us?" His voice had taken a probing edge and his until-now constant humor was gone.

Her head snapped up. "Oh, no. In fact, I haven't heard much about the Night Class at all, besides—". She stopped herself. What she meant to say was, 'besides the fact that they are all amazingly good looking'. Asraella decided that the phrase wasn't exactly the best thing to speak out loud.

Takuma picked up on her omission. "Besides what?" The humor was still gone, but he had become more curious.

Asraella looked over Takuma's shoulder, avoiding eye contact. What the hell. I should just go for it. "Besides that they are all beautiful."

Takuma was silent. Asraella looked to his face, only to find him smiling at her. She breathed a mental sigh of relief. He didn't take it the wrong way. She smiled with him when he responded. "Thank you. Although, I must say, you put all of us to shame tonight."

Asraella didn't know what to say, or what to do. No one had ever said these sorts of things to her, and mean them like he apparently did. She was at a loss, so she just stared into his eyes and danced.

At the end of the song, barely after the last note had faded to nothing, at least three girls from the day class approached Asraella and Takuma. They almost shoved Asraella out of the way to reach Takuma, but he caught her elbow and she willingly stayed by his side, trying to look anywhere but into the faces of the now-angry teenage fan girls that crowded them. She kept glancing over the room, and once again she saw Zero, now off to her right, still against the wall. His continuous glare unsettled her. I don't understand! What did I do? I haven't even seen him all week! She wanted to stomp over to Zero and give him a piece of her mind, but the mere presence of Takuma's hand on her arm held her like a chain, and she had no problem with that.

The fuming teenagers soon left, and Takuma turned to her. "It's getting rather crowded in here, wouldn't you say? Would you be willing to go on a stroll with me?"

Asraella couldn't say no to those eyes, drawing her in through wisps of his blond hair. "Sure. That sounds like a great idea."

His hand slipped from her elbow down to her hand, and he led her out the large back doors, into the extensive gardens of the school grounds.

A little cliffhanger, I'm sorry. I know as a reader I hate them, but Part Two should be up very soon -- I'm going out for a few hours, but I'll be right back at it tonight! If you have suggestions or want to leave comments, please review!! I hope you liked it! TTFN, Slomiti Andeo