"Ugh," came the brief murmur before loud hacking. Gray was ushering Nightmare to sit down, handing him a napkin. "Well, this is a lovely sight to walk into," Kiana commented. "Shut up," Nightmare hissed through his coughing spurt. She looked at him with widened eyes, soon pouting. "We haven't seen each other for how long and that's all you've got to say?! Are you okay?" He rolled his eye, dabbing his mouth and sitting up properly. These fits always took a toll on his body, so he would probably be stuck there for a while.

"Liar, you don't care if I'm okay." Her pout turned into a simple frown, hands on her hips. "That isn't true! I do care. It's just," she finished in a hum. "The only time you're truly quiet is when you're having one of these fits~" He stared at her, not amused. "When do you ever stay quiet?" She held her forefinger in the air, waving it around as she spoke. "Unlike you, I cannot go into people's dreams, therefore I cannot bother them almost 24/7." He rolled his eye once more. "Touché," he responded, tired of her quick responses. Alice looked at the group and thought for a moment. "I'll make us some lunch!"

It only just occurred to her on how hungry she was... "I will help you, Miss Alice," Gray added. The two disappeared into the kitchen to leave Nightmare and Kiana alone. He was currently lying down across the couch while she took a seat in the nearby chair. "So, what do you plan on doing?" Her eyes gazed in his direction. "What do you mean?" He gave a soft laugh, amused that she hadn't thought of this before now. "Well, you're not exactly stuck here like Alice is. What do you plan on doing? You could leave, if you want. However, in order to do that, you must partake in the game." Her brow arched, looking at the dream demon as though he were insane.

"Game? You don't mean like what Alice had to go through, do you?" He nodded to her question. "That's exactly what I mean. That is, if you want to even go back," he responded, already reading her thoughts of confusion on the topic. She sighed, not even bothering to remind herself that he was listening in as she thought of her decision. Did she want to go back? Why would she want to stay? She tapped her fingers on the arm of the chair, annoyed that he had brought up such a topic for her to think on. She enjoyed being there, but didn't she need to return home? ... Didn't she? A smirk crossed Nightmare's lips, hearing her thoughts.

"Oh, so you're going to stay for A-" "I'm going to see if they need help in the kitchen!" She jumped up from her seat and skipped into the kitchen. He sighed and looked in her direction, talking whether or not she heard him. "You may be able to hide it from everyone, but denying it from yourself isn't a very smart move, Kiki."

In the Heart Castle, Ace was walking around and once in a while doing what he was told to. He took a wrong turn and blinked once he entered his own room. "Whoops, ah well. It's boring out there anyway," he muttered and went into his room. Kicking his shoes off, his coat soon joined the floor with a soft thud. He slid his hand into his pocket, pulling out a small vial and setting it on the bedside table. It was the exact same vial as the one Alice held on her at all times. "You have to play the game, but that doesn't mean you have to finish it."

He smirked, thinking of how he was going to get her to drink it. He was nice, he'd at least ask first. But should he just hold the vial to her or should he take a different approach? He was willing to admit that Peter's choice of approach was rather appealing. He did enjoy their last kiss. A sigh escaped his lips, crossing his arms behind his head. "I've got a week to think it over. Vivaldi won't let me out of the castle if it's the last thing she does," he laughed, rolling over.

"Just stand still, no need to be so tense," Julius sighed. "Right!" He clapped his hands in a similar manner as he had done with Alice when she was in need of a dress. A sky blue dress formed around Kiana, forcing her to stare at it in awe. From her waist up was more of a form fitting type. The edges of the fabric clung as low down as her collarbone and around her shoulders. The sleeves ended in the middle of her forearms. Lower, from the waist down, the dress started to 'poof' out so to say. The entire dress had a soft glistening glittery shine to it.

Her shoes were now one inch high heels in a matching blue color. White gloves covered her hands, a blue ribbon tied around each with a small blue gem in the middle of the top of her wrist. Her cyan hues stared unbelievingly into the reflection before her. "It's beautiful," she gushed out, turning to see how she looked from all angles. "Right, just don't get it dirty. The ball's in two days." She nodded, assuring him that nothing would happen to it. Alice smiled and grabbed her hand, pulling her into her own room to take it off.

"See? What did I tell you? Though I think Julius just created a miracle." She started carefully removing the dress, hanging it up neatly in the closet and hiding the gloves in the drawer with the shoes. "What do you mean?" she murmured, digging around for something else to wear. "Because you actually thought you looked good in the dress, didn't you?" A soft pink crossed the ravenette's cheeks, pouting as she pulled on her tank top. "So? It's a once in a while thing. Just 'cuz it doesn't happen often doesn't mean it won't ever happen." She just shook her head and smiled.

"So, what do you want to do to pass the time?"

"We could harass Nightmare?"

"He's still mad from the last time."

"... We could go bother Gowland?"

"He's trying to convince Vivaldi to let him play the music for the ball."

Kiana cringed at the thought, pulling her pants on before returning her thoughts on thinking. They had two days to kill, well about a day and a half now. What could they do to waste away the hours? After about ten minutes of trying to think, she whimpered and curled up in her bed. "I'm just going to nap for now. I'll try to think of something while I nap!" She finished with a toothy grin.

Elliot sighed heavily. "Come on you two!" He growled at Dee and Dum. If it wasn't for them they would be on time, but no, they just had to get their knives and hammers. "We won't have anytime for silly nonsense relating to that." He leered. "He's right. There won't be any playing around," Blood added in. Although his tone was harsh, the twins knew how to get around this little rule. They pouted lightly but followed along after the two, wondering how long it was going to take.

"Well yah sure do look spiffy!" Gowland grinned to Boris who barely even noticed him. Peirce's ears twitched lightly, looking at the feline who still hadn't moved. "He's been like that for a while now." Boris' ear twitched each time they spoke, hearing them but not responding. His mind was far from the Amusement Park. He doubted that he would ever trust the knight of the heart castle. That was why he was worried. Ace was never one to prolong something, so if he did it for a reason, he had been planning it for today. Whatever it was, he had to stop it.

"Finally," came from the figure as a smirk played along their lips. The brunette stuffed the small vial into his pocket and headed out of his room. It was finally the day and he was certainly going to do it; one way or another. His smirk widened as he grew closer and closer to his destination. She was not here yet, he knew this, but it didn't mean he couldn't patiently wait for her.

The ravenette's eyes widened, staring out at the large crowd with a combined mild look of shock and horror. How did she honestly get herself talked into this? Here she stood, the ball readying to start, in a dress, and absolutely no way to get out. She gulped, licking her lips. The door! She had taken so long in her mild panic that when she finally turned to look at the possible exits, they were closed. Just her luck. Her eyes followed Vivaldi as she stood in front of everyone to announce the opening of the ball. While doing so, she scooted along until she was virtually becoming one with the wall.

There was the slightest tap on her shoulder, forcing her to nearly fall over with a loud squeak. "Y-yes?" she questioned, turning to look at the new figure. Behind her stood Boris in his suit, smiling with a swish of his tail. "Sorry about that, didn't mean to freak you out." She started relaxing, smiling. "No, sorry. I'm just kind of nervous with big crowds... I also don't like being in a dress." He blinked, ear twitching. "Why is that? I think you look fine." Crossing her arms behind her back, her smile grew. "Thanks, Boris. Anyway, did you need anything?"

"Well, if you're not busy a dance would do," he responded with a cheeky grin. She couldn't help but reply with a smile. "I'd love to. I've never danced before, but if you don't mind that then I guess we're fine!" He nodded and took her hand, pulling her out towards the dance floor so they could begin their dance. Not long later the twins interrupted, both older forms holding onto one of her arms. "We're cutting in," the duo said, sticking their tongue out. "Now, now, I'll dance with both of you in a minute, alright?" The two pouted but nodded, saying they'd be around when she was ready.

"So you're not stuck in the tea room?" Alice asked teasingly with a small giggle. "Blood said I could be out here if I wanted... I also think he kind of wanted to be alone, but who knows," Elliot replied with a shrug. Dee and Dum were already off causing trouble and bothering the faceless people who were dancing. It grew momentarily silent between the two, a soft pink rising in Elliot's cheeks. "W-well... since this is a ball and all, um... would you like to dance?" She smiled sweetly at him. "I would love to."

Across the room a figure was making his way through the crowd. An unknown, to the crowd he was moving through, determination driving him. She needed to be apart of the game and it would be his job to make sure she got stuck within it's confines. Now the little game of cat and mouse would begin. Where was she in the sea of faceless? It wouldn't be hard to make out who she was when he got nearer to her. Those eyes he would be able to recognize in the darkest of rooms.

Kiana glided along with Boris, giggling as they talked. "So, what do you call-" "Oh! I'm sorry, sir," she apologized, blinking as she noticed who it was. Boris frowned as Ace ran his forefinger softly along her cheek. "You look beautiful," he said causing her cheeks to turn red. "What do you want?" A small smirk crossed the brunette's lips, laughing. "Is the little pussy angry?" The feline's eye twitched with a soft growl. "A-Ace! Whatever it is, you can do it in front of Boris, right?" she asked with a soft smile, trying to calm the storm before it came.

The knight gave a small pout but soon smiled again. "Yeah. I got you this drink-" "I'm not really thirsty." He blinked at her quick response. "Well, I tried, bottoms up," he spoke mostly to himself, taking most of the liquid from the vial into his mouth. He grabbed her face and pressed his lips against hers rather forcefully. He then wrapped his arm around her waist, holding one of her arms with his now free hand. "!" Her cheeks flushed red, struggling to get out of his grip. Boris' tail frizzed out. "Ace! What the hell are you doing?! Get off!" When Boris finally got Ace off, it was too late, he had forced her to drink the entire thing.

"Why would you... Ace," her voice was shaky as she spoke. Something stung her eyes, forcing her to close them briefly. A loud noise echoed in the ballroom, a large red hand print now staining his cheek. He tilted his head, eyes widened. Before either Boris or Ace could say anything, Kiana was running out of the ballroom to who knows where. "Why would you do that?!" Boris hissed. He shrugged his shoulders. "If anything, this is the only way she'll be able to return home. I'd like to think I did her a favor," he responded, even if he never planned on letting her leave.

"You didn't need to force it on her!" he growled.

There was the soft crunching of grass underneath shoes. Kiana didn't care where she was going, she just needed to get away. Eventually she found a gazebo somewhere within the maze. It was covered in roses and there was a stone bench underneath it. The cool touch of the bench made her flinch, but it was relaxing. She curled up on it and whimpered softly, pulling her knees to her chest.

"Did we hear yelling?" Alice asked, reaching where Ace and Boris were standing. Boris leered towards Ace, then looked at Alice. Ace just turned and started to walk out of the ballroom. "Since he," he hissed the word, "won't tell you... He forced Kiki to drink that weird liquid Peter made you." Her eyes widened. "Why would he?" Elliot's purple hues looked between the two. "Something about 'returning home', I dunno..." She sighed and ran out, heading going to look for Kiana wherever she could find her.

Elliot and Boris joined in on the search, knowing that it'd be easier if the three of them were looking. Ace, on the other hand, was getting himself lost in the maze. It was only when he got lost did he truly find where he was going. He was hoping that this would end up taking him to wherever Kiana had scurried off to. If not he would probably just search around like the others were. He noticed a blue through the rose bushes lining the maze. Well, now he wouldn't need to. Just over the bush and... He smiled to see the female curled up before him underneath the gazebo.

"Kiki," he spoke softly, trying not to startle her. Kiana lifted her head curiously, soon leering at the figure who stood before her. "Go away," she hissed. He frowned, holding his hand out towards her. "Kiki..."

"I said go away!" she barked. Tears glistened along her pale skin in the evening sun. Ace took a step back, surprised by her sudden outburst. "Why did you make me drink it? Nightmare already explained! If I want to go home I have to play the game! What if I don't want to go home? What if I'm willing to stay here...? To stay... with... you," her sobs over came her little huff. Covering her face with her hands, she sobbed silently. It hurt. She felt like he was trying to throw her away. She didn't need to go in the game... A small gasp sounded out in the silence, a warmth flowing over her as Ace pulled her against his chest.

"You don't have to leave, if that's what you want. Alice even has that choice." His voice was soft. It was a tone she had never heard before, nor did she think he could muster it up. It was nice... "So, I don't have to leave...? I can stay?" He nodded. She inhaled sharply, tightly wrapping her arms around his shoulders. He stroked her back, trying to calm her down. Shifting his weight, he made it so he was sitting on the stone bench and she was now in his lap.

"You don't ever have to leave, if that's what you want," he whispered, leaning in to kiss her. For the first time since he first kissed her, she did not push him away. Instead there was a soft sensation as she deepened the kiss, holding onto him tightly. He snaked his arm around her waist, his free hand running up her back. She shivered under his touch, deepening their kiss, nipping softly at his lips. He took a moment during her nipping session to slide his tongue across her lips and into her mouth, waiting to see if she was comfortable with it. A bit hesitantly she leaned into the kiss, moving her hands to run her fingers through his hair.

In the midst of their passionate kissing a figure came from around the bushes. "Kiki?" The tone was loud enough for someone to hear her but soft enough for the two lip locking to not notice it. Alice's eyes widened, soon clearing her throat and leaving the two to their business. She walked past Elliot, staring down at the ground. Tilting his head, his ear gave a twitch, noticing the glum look shadowing her. "Is something wrong, Alice?" She quickly pulled her head up, smiling at Elliot with closed eyes. "No, just a little tired. I think I'm going to stare here for the night." He blinked, frowning as she disappeared into the Heart Castle.

About ten minutes later Ace pulled back, cupping her cheek gently and staring into her eyes. Panting softly, she stared back at him, eyes glazed over. He gave a slight smirk at this look, running his thumb up and down her cheek. "What did I tell you about being cute? Anyway, I think we should get back in. Don't wanna sleep out here." Her eyes widened, looking around and remembering where they were. She shook her head in response, clinging to him as he stood up. He held onto her tightly, carrying her into the heart castle and somehow managing to find room without too much problem.

He went inside and held her closer, kicking his shoes off and pulling hers off. "Ace... I don't want to sleep in this," she whimpered, finding it to probably be a rather uncomfortable experience and not wanting to ruin the dress. He blinked, setting her down on his bed. He turned and started to dress down for the evening. "Here you go," he grinned, handing her one of his shirts. Her eyes went from the shirt now in her hands to him, blushing. "A-Ace... I kind of need some privacy to change..." He tilted his head. "Does it really matter?" He asked in a not so innocent tone, causing her to squeak and quickly explain to him why it did in fact matter.

The brunette pouted but agreed. He turned around and allowed her some privacy to change out of her dress. While she did look stunning in it, he was waiting for something even better. She was bound to look a whole lot hotter wearing his clothes than that silly old dress. "O-Okay, I'm done," she finally piped up. Turning around, his red hues met her cyan ones once more, smirking to himself. He was right. Before she had time to question his expression, she felt him snuggling into her frame, already comfortably underneath the blankets. "Goodnight, Kiki~ " he hummed, closing his eyes. "G-Goodnight... Ace..." She still felt a little odd with this, but it felt nice. It was relaxing to know that she didn't have to keep her feelings bottled up inside anymore. She curled up against his frame, falling asleep rather quickly with this new found comfort that rushed over her. Things were looking nice...

Author's Note;

I'm allowed to not update because that counts as two chapters.

Not that I don't want to but that took a lot out of me to write, anyway. That's that. She didn't really confess, but they do definitely know about the others feelings~
I DON'T CARE WHAT ANYONE SAYS BUT;
When I was writing(and every time I read) Ace saying 'Finally' all I think of is My Little Pony. "Finally the moment has arrived, for me to be one lucky bride." xD

Next chapter;

Leaving the comfort of the bed she lay in, she went to the window and opened the thick curtains. Wait… This wasn't where she was when she fell asleep.

"W-What the?! Peter! Get off!"

"I'm not quite sure, she just kind of… disappeared." Both stared at him, not believing what he was saying. "What do you mean, just 'disappeared'?" Ace questioned the dream demon, a rather displeased look on his face.

"Where's Alice?"

"Who?"

"You know, the other foreigner…?"

"You are the only foreigner here, Kiana."

From the angle she could tell it wasn't Ace's bed… Her face paled at the sight before her.