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Part 2
By Ladyglen

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One week later...

"*Would* you hold still?"

Hate these things. Feels like I'm strangling. Don't *want* to wear the tie.

"Don't pout, Rowen. You *have* to wear the tie, you'll look sharp. Now, stop squirming and let me tie the thing."

Fine, you win Sai, but I still hate the things. Collar up. Hold still. Hair brushed out of the way. Why are his eyes narrowing?

"Sooo, when did you pierce your ear Rowen?"

Ah, hell, that's why. Didn't want him to see the damned thing.

"Don't turn your head, Rowen. Face forward again or I'll get the tie crooked. So, when?"

No one noticed the stupid, plain stud I've been wearing for the past month. Wanted to keep it that way. Never should've been so impulsive no matter how much the damned earring reminded me of Sage. Should've at least left the stud alone instead of putting the emerald in. Maybe if I ignore the question...? No, he'll wait until I answer him, he's nothing if not persistent. "A few weeks ago."

"Why an emerald?"

Don't pry, Sai. Please, don't pry. I chose this one because green is his color and I'm pathetic, all right? Can't tell even Sai that. "I just liked it. Why?" Just let it drop. Please?

"No reason, just green's not your color."

"It just caught my eye." Such speculation in his voice. Damn, Sai isn't dumb. Just know he suspects something. And *my* tone of voice is probably making him even more suspicious. So hard not to get defensive. Get a grip already and change the subject. "Are we done?" Must be since he's flipping my collar down now.

"Yeah, we're through. You look good, Rowen."

Suppose the charcoal and blue look all right. "Thanks, Sai." Glad that Sai thinks I look good, but he's not the one I'd like to impress tonight. What am I trying to prove anyway? He probably won't even notice since he'll have Mika there to monopolize his attention.

"Let's get downstairs and make sure everything's ready. Ryo'll be here in less than a half an hour."

Oh hell, did that come out sounding as subdued as I think it did? Must have since he's trying to distract me. You're a good friend, Sai. Hope this smile doesn't look as forced as it feels. "Ready whenever you are, Sai."

"You gonna finish that, Ro?"

Here, Kento. Don't care how good the food is at this hotel. Lost my appetite the moment Sage walked in with that Mika creature on his arm.

"Thanks. This stuff is good. Hey, look at those two."

Oh, thanks *so* much for drawing my attention to them, Kento. Wonderful, now I'm gonna have to fight to keep down what little I've eaten. Can't believe he's allowing her to feed him. She could've picked a more romantic finger food than broccoli. Geez, save it for chocolates or something.

"He's been seeing her a lot this past week."

God, *don't* remind me.

"Think he's serious about her?"

Kento, don't *do* that to me while I'm drinking. Sai nearly wore that wine!

"Geez, Ro, breathe! Are you all right?"

Oh, just *dandy*. Are you crazy or something? How can you even suggest that he's serious about her? God, think of Sage spending the rest of his life with..., with *that*!

"Don't look at me like that, Ro. It was just a thought. Hope not though. I don't much like her either."

Well, that's a little reassuring. At least it's not just me who can't stand her. But to be fair, don't much like any of the girls Sage 'dates'. God, I am *really* pathetic. Would someone just shoot me now?

"Oh, good. They're clearing dinner. Hope they bring out the cake next."

Just wish the meal was over with already. I'm gonna have to hurt someone if Mika starts feeding him the cake too.

"Hey, this is way cool!"

Knew the train store would've been a good idea, but noooooo, you had to shoot down every idea I had, didn't you Sage? Should've suggested it anyway. Stupid shirt. Can't believe I got him just a lousy shirt. He's gonna hate it after all the great stuff he's gotten tonight. He's nearly done. So much wrapping around, maybe he'll lose my present.

"Last one, Ryo."

"Thanks, Mia. Who's it from. Rowen?"

Hell, no such luck. At least he doesn't cut the tape with a knife to avoid ripping the paper like Sai does. No sense in prolonging the agony.

"Oh, wow. Hey Rowen, this is really nice. Wait a minute."

He likes it? Wha-, what the hell's he doing?

"Cut it out, guys. You people are the last ones I need wolf whistles from. Thanks, Rowen. I really like this. How's it look?"

What a pose! He really *does* like it. And, damn, he looks good in it. Where's...? That smile is something you can't take from me, Mika. Thanks Sage.

"Musical chairs!"

"Kento, are you nuts?"

"Oh, come on Sai, it'll be fun. More fun than just *dancing*."

"That's just because *you* don't have a date to dance with."

"Just watch it, Ryo, or I'll take Mia from you."

"Ha! Just try it."

"Come *ooooon*. It'll be fun."

"Geez, Kento, all right already. Anything so long as you *stop* with the whining."

"All right! Who wants to play? Sai, help me set up the chairs."

God, can't believe this. Didn't think we were all drunk enough to go along with kid's games. The DJ is gonna think we're all crazy.

"Oi, Mito. Put on something that rocks. We need to dance around these chairs."

Ooookay, the DJ's laughing and nodding. Well, guess he's probably seen weirder things. Weddings. Yeah, bunch of people doing the chicken dance or the hokey pokey in formal wear has *got* to be stranger than a bunch of drunks wanting to play little kid's party games.

"Ready? Let 'er rip!"

Actually not that bad. Oh, all right, it's kinda fun. The music's good, and I get to watch *Sage* dance around the chairs. Uh oh, music's stopped.

"Saaaaage. You beast. You pushed me right off that chair. How *cooould* you?"

Oh, it's so hard to keep a straight face. Serves you right, ya... Lucky you just fell off those ridiculously high heels. By all rights should've broken an ankle. Heh, even Sage is trying not to laugh, but he can't keep that small smirk away. He's helping her up, so solicitous. Just let her flounce off, Sage.

"One down. Sai, move that chair away will ya?"

"Gotcha, Kento."

"Let's go again."

Never thought this could be so much fun. Don't even remember it being this fun when I *was* a kid. One by one they fall. Only the five of us left. Can't be surprised, out of everyone here we've all got the best reflexes. Only Kento could dream this up. But, who would've thought...?

"Just one chair, guys. You ready?"

Just Sage and I, swaying to the music. So smooth. He moves so fluidly, so beautifully. It's so much like sparring. It's so easy to pretend we're dancing for real, not just circling a chair in some silly game. The music's stopping again.

"All right, Sage!"

"You're the man!"

Hmmm, losing's not so bad, 'specially when I end up here. Wish here on his lap is where I could stay. Warm. Comfortable. Secure with his arms around me. One can dream... or not. Hell, here comes Mika. Time to shut off the brain again. Damn.

"Oh, Saaaage..."

"Good moves, Rowen. You almost had me."

Is it just my imagination, or did his arms tighten just the slightest? Wishful thinking, but damn, wish it was so. Don't sigh, just vacate and give him up to that creature with a smile. "Ya want a beer or something?" If I'm drunk enough, maybe I won't mind so much.

"Whoo, that was fun. Come on Rowen, let's get something to drink. I'm parched."

That *was* fun. Not as much fun as the musical chairs, but hell, the DJ spins a good tune, and I love to dance with Mia. So pretty, smart, cool, and collected. And the way she moves. She's such a good match for Ryo, balances him perfectly, and is such a good friend to us all. If she weren't Ryo's, she'd be so tempting. But she is, and even she can't compete with... Hell, change *that* train of thought. A beer *would* be a good thing right about now.

Bar's on the other side of the dance floor. There's Sage talking with Sai and Ryo. Wonder where the bitch is...? Be fair, just because she's his date, don't need start calling her names.

Skirt the dance floor, past the hall's entrance.

"...did you see what she's wearing? And that hair, so straight and plain!..."

Well, I had to ask. God, that voice could shatter glass. Sounds like she's right outside the door. Wonder who she's talking about?

"...*really* don't know what Ryo sees in her... ...way she waltzes around like she's so much better than us..."

Mia? She's talking about Mia! Why that little...

"... thinks she's sooo smart... ...lives with them all... ...sleeping with... ...the little whore..."

Bitch was too weak a word for her, the venomous little... Huh?

"Rowen, let it go. She's not worth it. She's a shallow, self-centered, bubble head, and it really doesn't matter what she thinks of me. It's not worth making a scene and ruining Ryo's party. Rowen? Come on, let's get that drink."

Swear only Mia's hand on my arm saved her life. Thought she was intolerable before. Mia's so much more than she could ever hope to be. Only thing good about this is that *Sage* will want to take her apart when he hears what she said, and I'll make sure he hears. She'll be history, and he'll be mine to monopolize until the next one comes along. A beer would be a *really* good thing right about now.

"Hey, who's got a pen?"

"What'cha doing, Kento?"

What *is* he doing? Drawing on a napkin? Hotel will never get that marker out. What's he cooking up now?

"What is *that* supposed to be?"

"All right, who's up for a game of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey?"

"That's a donkey?"

"*That's a donkey*? Yes, it's a donkey. Geez, Ryo, you don't have any imagination."

"It'll do. It's not *that* bad."

"Thanks, Sai. Now, what do we use for the tail?"

Pin the tail... First musical chairs, now this. What'll he think up next? Well, if nothing else, it's a perfect use for this damned tie. "Use this, Kento. Anyone have a safety pin or something? And don't look at me like that Sai. Better this than around my neck."

"Your tie? Perfect. We can use a napkin for a blindfold."

"Saaaage, I can't believe you're encouraging him. I've had enough of his childishness. Why don't you act your age, Kento?"

"You're just sore 'cause you lost in the first round of the last game, Mika. Sit out if ya want, but don't spoil everyone else's fun."

Yes, way to go Kento!

"Saaage, come on and get me a drink."

God, that whine. Like fingernails on a blackboard.

"You go ahead, Mika. I think I'd like to see this."

Yes, and way to go Sage! Wish I had a camera to capture that look of shock. Don't have your fangs as deep into him as you thought, you viper. Go on, go off and sulk.

"Come on, Akika, let's get something to drink."

"Ignore her. I'll just hang the donkey near the bar. You should go first, Ryo. You're the birthday boy."

"If you insist, Kento."

Ouch! That had to hurt. Think it's time to cut Wildfire off. When you go face first into the wall... At least now he gets comfort from Mia.

"Ha! Ryo, ya did better at that chair game!"

"Well, see if *you* can do better Sai!"

A bit better. At least Sai pinned the edge of the napkin, though I thought he was gonna fall on his ass before he got his bearings. God, look at that viper and viper-in-training at the bar. Whispering. If looks could kill, then all of us would be toast. Too bad she's so close to the donkey. If she'd just move, then we wouldn't have to look at her.

"Amateurs, the lot of you. Let the master show you how it's done."

"You? The master? Since when are you an expert at this, Sage?"

"I won't dignify that with a reply, Kento."

"Aw, put your money where your mouth is, Sage."

Sorry Ken, but I'd put my money on Sage.

"All right. I'll bet you I can pin the tail closer than you."

"You're on."

Geez, if I hadn't tied the blindfold myself. Nearly right on. Good luck, Kento, you'll need it.

"Step aside, gents and ladies. I still have a chance."

"Yeah right, Kento. There's no way you're gonna get closer than that."

"Oh, ye of little faith. Sai, I'm hurt."

"Just get on with it, Ken."

"Patience, patience. You're just jealous 'cause you didn't even hit the target, Ryo."

"You make a target I could never miss, Kento."

"Oooh, I'm shaking."

"You're impossible. Just get on with it already."

Such a production. He deserves to win after a show like that. Only he'd stick his tongue out. But... Kento, you're going the wrong way. Oh shit. He's heading straight for...

"Eeeeeyaaaaaoowww!!!!!!"

Yes!! Dead center on that mini-skirt clad ass! God, that shriek could wake the dead! Can't hold back the laughter *this* time. Good thing no one else can either.

"Aw, I'm sorry Mika!"

Funny, he looks about as sorry as I would if I'd pinned her instead of the donkey.

"You little shit! I'm gonna kill you!"

She looks as if she really will. Well, a wise warrior always knows when it's time to retreat. And Kento must be pretty wise, 'cause there he goes.

"Gentlemen, I think I concede."

"Yeah, well he's not gonna be able to enjoy his victory unless one of us rescues him, Sage."

"I suppose you're right, Ryo."

He *is* right. The creature is actually gaining on him. Oh well, speed never was Kento's strong suit. What the... Oh, now that's just wonderful. A racket like that is sure to bring the hotel staff.

"Geez, Sage. Call her off before they kick us out of here!"

on to Part 3
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