Hi3 I'm so sorry I haven't been updating recently. So busy. It had almost slipped my mind when I got an email saying someone had reviewed… Thanks to The Blueish Rose for reviewing, and everyone else who viewed this story!
"ARYA! You won't believe who asked me yesterday!" Yukino exclaimed as she burst into my room. "Mmm?" I was curled up with a good book I had bought with Yukino the day before.
"Who?"
"Rufus!" she said, climbing onto the bed.
"Cool," I answered. "Hasn't Sting asked you yet?"
"I've been avoiding him." She laughed. "C'mon, why not?"
I made a face. She got up. "We should start getting ready. The ball's in 2 hours." "Ok," I got up and reached into the bag next to my dresser.
Grabbing my dress, I ran into the bathroom. Pulling it on, I stared into the mirror, wondering how I looked. The dress was jet black, it was backless (not completely, luckily) and had a halter neckline, studded with diamonds. [For all them people who are still confused, here's a link – (Alexander McQueen's Halter Neck Dress (You can look it up on google images, or on the web!) ]
I spun around one time and admired how it fit to my body. The body-contouring fabric stretched with ease; the halter neck complimenting my broad shoulders, the lack of sleeves exposing my toned, muscular arms. The smooth skin of my back was visible against the jeweled neckline. I touched the jewels, running my finger around my neck. This dress was perfect.
My silver charm bracelet shone in the light.
I was interrupted by Yukino banging on the door. I walked out, sweeping my wavy hair over one shoulder. She gaped as I walked out. "You look beautiful!" I left my hair over one shoulder as we walked out of the room.
By the way guys, the ball is a formal one, with soft music and ballroom dancing, the works.
I could already already hear the people. Walking into the lobby, I was amazed at what I saw. Delicate ornaments hung from the ceiling, most of them bearing the mark of Sabertooth. I picked one off the table, smoothening the surface with my fingers. Powdered sparkles rubbed off on my fingers as I placed it back down.
"Admiring the ornaments?" I spun around, knocking down the ornament in the process. I clutched the table, trying my best not to fall. I felt a gentle hand on my forearm, steadying me as someone reached passed me to place the ornament back on the table. Rogue.
I smelled his light cologne as he straightened up once again. I liked the smell, though I couldn't quite place it. It was a dusky scent, something that smelled like midnight, or the depths of an abyss brightened by hints of peppermint.
"I didn't mean to startle you," he said, his red eyes never leaving me for a moment. "Y-Yeah, it's ok," I stammered, scratching the back of my neck thoroughly. At that moment, we heard an enormous fanfare as Minerva, and Orga waltzed in, his hand around her waist. Minerva, and… Orga?
I fought the urge to laugh and focused on taking deep breaths.
Following them was Master Jiemma himself. "I expect each and everyone of you champions to have a good time tonight!" he boomed.
"This is your last opportunity to have a good time before the Games! I expect each and everyone of you to train hard while you have the time!"
Rogue's POV:
I could practically see the room rumbling through out Master Jiemma's grand speech of focus, perseverance, and, of course, domination. The same speech he gave every year. Through the corner of my eye I could see Arya.
I shifted my gaze and watched as she fidgeted with her bracelet, her eyes roving towards the Master.
The sleek gown looked good on her. Embellished diamonds against tanned skin. I was brought out of my trance by Master Jiemma calling for the beginning of the feast.
Blinking, I heard someone call my name, "Rogue!" I turned around to find Sting. Grabbing my hand, he dragged me across the dance floor. "You've got to help me escape from my date!" "What happened to Arya?"
He shot me a look. "I didn't get a chance to ask her." Suddenly we were approached a girl wearing a green dress and an obnoxiously large hairpin.
"Rogue, have you seen Sting?" "No," I answered, feeling him cower behind my back.
She frowned and began making her way through the crowd again. "Thanks man," he said, patting me on the back and turning away.
I twisted around to see Arya standing alone near one of the stone arches, a half-filled glass of red wine resting in her palm.
Arya's POV:
I cradled the glass on wine in my hands. I hadn't yet taken a sip. I stared at it… until a ripple exploded across the still surface. I looked up to see Sting in front of my, smirking as usual. He stood in front of me, much too close for my liking. Taking a few steps back I glared at him.
'Yes?"
"I missed your beautiful face yesterday."
He ran his finger down my knuckles chuckling. They were white from gripping the wine glass so tightly.
"Someone's nervous." I turned away.
He stepped in front of me. "All the champions are required to dance," he crooned.
I looked towards Mr. Jiemma, only to see him staring at me expectantly across the room. I blushed furiously and obliged.
Sting took my hand and placed the glass on the table. As he guided me to the floor, I saw Rogue standing near the edge of the floor. I mouthed, "Help me."
And immediately regretted it. I looked down and blushed, and looked up again. He was coming this way. He stopped in front of Sting and me.
"Would you like to dance?"