((It was written at four in the morning, please be easy on me and kindly point out all the errors in it. The other one story was moved to my journal which is refusing to move to the right side of my profile. Anyone know how to move it?



Also I want it noted I don't think the hat is ugly, she's just a snob.))



It wasn't a completely foreign place, in fact she had been here before. The bustle of people, the beautiful gowns, and headdresses, the chandlers and the well dressed band that played beautifully although they were separated by what seemed like half a football field, it was all the same as the last time. However many things had changed since she was last here, not the least of these was the crowed. She didn't recognize anyone here. Moving in and out, sliding between people, keeping up step and time with the rest of the dancers she casually looked around wondering if it was possible that this had been a waste of time, if her dear old friend wasn't here after all.

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She watched from behind the pillar as Kagrou entered the dance floor. She was positive it was her under that wig and ugly green hat. The dress was impressive though and was sure it had cost a pretty favor as must have the invitation to the party. There was only one reason a woman such as Kagrou would pull in so many favors, and that was because she needed a bigger favor traded in. Under her breath she cursed, then swore that this favor wouldn't come easy. Kagrou turned away with the dance giving her just enough time to walk away.

~___________________________________________________~

Movement caught the corner of Kagrou's eye as she turned away with the dance. the girl had left the cover of one pillar and was headed for another. From there it was a straight shot to the door. Kagrou made a slight noise and noted that the girl looked different. Her taste had certainly changed to fit her surroundings, and the hair had grown out a lot, but it was almost certainly her. Turning back with the dance, Kagrou could see the girl clearly again. Halfway between pillars she had been intercepted by a handsome young man, dressed accordingly for the occasion in a fancy black tuxedo. Honestly, the penguin look made him almost indistinguishable from the other men at the dance, there was nothing remarkable to take note of, but she did so anyway. Her fan was up, undoubtedly with the hope that she would blend in with the other girls, flirtatiously waving their fans about as the boys spoke with them.

~_____________________________________________________~

While Kagrou's back was turned she made a dash for the next pillar, hoping to keep one step ahead of Kagrou and disappear into the night before her time came. Her eyes remained on Kagrou, and her heart skipped a beat as Kagrou's mouth twitched a little, almost into a smirk. She stopped dead suddenly, her head twisting back to where she was going. Robert stood in front of her, so close that she almost hit him. "I...um....sorry about that." She tried to articulate words but knew that time was running out before Kagrou spotted her. A move of desperation, she pulled out her fan and tried to hide her face. If anything was going to give her away it was going to be her face, other things had changed, but she feared, not her face. Robert kindly pretended she had not almost run into him nor that she seemed to be a little distressed. "It is good that I ran into you." He started, practiced but not quite sure of himself. "Father is deeply sorry he could not make it this evening, as you know he has been dreadfully ill." He looked down as she sneaked a peak to the dance floor, but it was not enough time to search for Kagrou. "Mother and him were wondering if you would be joining us for dinner next Friday though." His voice perked up at the end of this sentence allowing a little hope to flutter through him.



A hand touched her shoulder and a voice spoke up from behind her. "I'm sorry that I must cut in here, but I must talk to her for one second if you don't mind." A shiver ran up her spine but she kept her eyes on Robert. "I don't think I'll be able to make it." She said with a practiced calm. "I am very busy that week preparing a party for the Windsors." He lowered his eyes and backed away. "I understand," he said, turning around and leaving, trying to hide the burn of embarrassment that flushed his cheeks. She turned too, looking at Kagrou. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" She asked with the same practiced calm. Kagrou frowned, her eyes remained blank, showing neither pleasure or displeasure at the situation. "You know to what you owe this meeting. I have come for my favor."



Not being as practiced as Kagrou, the young woman's eyes widened, and fear spread through her. The cold click of the hammer of a gun sounded behind Kagrou's head. "You aren't welcome here," came the hiss in her ear. Kagrou snorted and shook her head a little. "What are you going to do, blow my brains out all over this nice room? What is this made of, marble, porcelain? You'll never get the stains out, and you'll upset all the guests. Face it, this wasn't a good plan." A handful of guests had noticed the commotion, and despite good manners were staring at the three of them. Those with a little less sense were trying to pretend it wasn't going on. The man behind her lowered the gun. "You won't get out of here alive." Kagrou grabbed the hand of the young woman. "Watch me."