(A collaboration by BeastofDestiny, [@Narcotic Dollie], and [@lovely complex]) [center][h2]To the Ball, To the Ball![/h2][/center] Kyle sat in the backseat of a BMW, quietly checking his phone and tapping his finger tentatively on the arm rest, it was just after 4 pm. Putting his phone away he looked out the window, his mind contemplative as he reflected the last couple of weeks. He was at work, on his lunch break when he got the text from Nori and rushed out the building to find her apartment a smoldering wreck. He wanted to find her, talk to her, but she had already left by then and when Kyle tried to contact her she replied with wanting some space and needing some time with her family. As much as he wanted to find her, he didn't exactly have a right to refuse her request and she's already gone through with it anyway, what was he to do. [color=LimeGreen]'Alright, but if you ever need someone to talk to...'[/color] He had texted her, the word was out, but he had a feeling she didn't want to, so he'd wait. Over the course of her absence he went about his daily life, but Nori was never far from his mind, he couldn't imagine what she was going through to have lost everything like that and to have her disappear so suddenly... He texted her a couple of times here and there, especially to wish her a Happy Christmas, to which she reciprocated a response, but most of their conversations were brief, mostly pleasantries. Suffice it to say, Kyle was more than a little worried and he didn't stay sober often, ripping hit after hit to ease his mind and twisting stomach. Even now his anxiety urged him to just smoke just a little, but he'd held strong, he didn't want weed to interfere with his first night of seeing Nori since her return, not like their first 'date'. As they pulled up, Kyle signalled Luke that this was the place and the car pulled to a stop, Nori was already waiting for them on the front steps of her new building. He opened the car door and greeted her with a warm smile, [color=LimeGreen]"Hey you, welcome back!"[/color] He retreated to the other side to allow Nori to enter the car, when she was in she pulled the door close and Luke began to drive off. [color=LimeGreen]"Nori, this is Luke, Luke, Nori."[/color] The driver and practical big brother raised his hand and said, "Yo," before falling silent again and focusing on the driving. [color=LimeGreen]"I'm glad you decided to come out tonight, I hear things like these parties are usually a lot of fun, I know Amity's pretty excited about wanting to get us all fancied up,"[/color] he shakes his head, [color=LimeGreen]"I swear with her sometimes, I feel like one of those Ben and Carly dolls."[/color] His face was focused ahead, more pleasantries...truthfully he wanted to talk to her about the fire, her leaving so suddenly, how she was doing, if she needed help. But he stayed the questions, tonight was a night meant for fun, he wanted to remain optimistically hopeful that she was fine as sunshine, but there was a gut feeling that never left him since the day she left. Their ride was mostly quiet to the mansion and when they arrived, they were greeted with magnificent estate, another staple in the Bellerose legacy. Were there not already a party happening at Town Hall, he was sure Amity would have thrown one at her manse, it was certainly big enough to hold such an event. The two stepped out of the vehicle and Luke ushered them along and up the stairs to the Bellerose estate. "Hey you, welcome back!" Nori looks up from checking her phone for new messages to see Kyle getting out of a black B&W, a smile stretched across his handsome face that caused the blonde's stomach to do a nervous flip. [i]'I'm not ready for this,'[/i] she thinks immediately, but the blonde pushes the thought down and gives the American a small wave as she walked over, sliding in and closing the door behind her. "Nori, this is Luke, Luke, Nori." Kyle introduced once she got the door closed. "Yo," the long haired man calls, checking to make sure he was clear before pulling away from the curb. "Thanks for picking me up," Nori says to the redhead and his sea green eyes meet hers in the rear view before he gives her a small nod and flicks them back to focus on the road. "I'm glad you decided to come out tonight, I hear things like these parties are usually a lot of fun, I know Amity's pretty excited about wanting to get us all fancied up. I swear with her sometimes, I feel like one of those Ben and Carly dolls." "I'm really excited to meet her," Nori admitted, smoothing out the skirt on her plain white dress. "It's really sweet of her to loan me an outfit," she continues, flicking her eyes up to look at Kyle... [i]...what!?[/i] "What did you do to your hair, cowboy!?" Nori exclaims, forgetting for a moment to be nervous and unbuckling her seatbelt, crawling across the back seat so she's right up next to the other man. "Is this real?" she asks, but instead of waiting for an answer she reaches up and buries her fingers into his now much darker locks, giving them a sharp tug. "Oh my God, it is!" She laughs, pulling her hand free and grinning. "It looks good on you, Kyle. I like the brown better, but you're still sexy like this." There is still a heavy, awkward atmosphere in the car and Nori doesn't really know what to do about it, so she scoots back over to her seat and puts her hands in her lap, bundling the fabric of her skirt as she clenches her fingers anxiously. The rest of the ride is quiet and after a few more minutes they pull up to the enormous and well manicured Bellerose Estate. [i]'I'm gonna make a complete idiot of myself,'[/i] the blonde thinks as she gets out of the car and takes in the grander of this place. "C'mon," Luke tells them, nodding his chin towards the stairs. "Let's not keep her waiting, yeah?" It's strange, Nori thinks, because while this ginger man isn't that much taller than her, he has a really big, looming sort of presence that makes him seem larger than he really is. They make it into the mansion and Nori stares down at her black flats, noting how beat up they look against the gleaming marble floors. [i]'I stick out like a sore thumb,'[/i] she thinks, before shaking the negative thought away and chancing a glance towards Kyle. "Fancy," she says lamely, giving him another small smile. --- [Hider=Nori's Outfit][img]http://s1.favim.com/orig/150224/amazing-beautiful-blonde-braid-Favim.com-2507550.jpg[/img][/hider] --- [center][hider= Song playing from Amity's desktop][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOjdXSrtUxA[/youtube][/hider][/center] The young pink-hared idol swayed around her [url=http://outdoordeck.co/12918/modern-mansion-bedroom-for-girls-blue/modern-mansion-bedroom-for-girls-blue-amazing-ideas-the-master-bedroom-has-a-princess-canopy-bed-a-sitting-area-and-a/] bedroom[/url] slowly, making a twirl here and there, enjoying some good calm music before Kyle and his lady friend arrived. [color=ed145b][i][center]And that I'll fight my corner, Maybe tonight I'll call ya, After my blood turns into alcohol, No, I just wanna hold ya.[/center][/i][/color] Making her way to her unreasonably large [url=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/73/24/04/732404168df805f41e0c6884f8daee32.jpg] walk-in closet[/url], she looked at all the dresses she set aside for Nori based on how Kyle described her. At the center were stairs that led to a locked door filled with [i]secrets[/i]. Based on what Kyle told Amity, Nori was an inch taller than her so the little idol had high hopes that her clothes would fit his girly friend. Worse case, they'd just go shopping. Renee glided into the closet and smiled, [color=662d91]"Your outfit is ready in my bedroom. When Ms. Haywood is done bathing, she can come into the makeup room."[/color] [color=ed145b]"YEPP! I already prepared the bath for her and she can use my blue bathrobe! She's gonna smell like lilies!" [/color]The idol had prepared a bath for both Kyle and Nori. Kyle would be in Liam's bathroom, she put essential oils so his body could relax. They called this "aromatherapy". Nori, on the other hand, would be in her's, with the whole spa shebang treatment! She was going to pamper her friend and make his lady feel welcomed! [color=662d91]"Very excellent choice in fragrance, Amity. Liam has left mimosas for them upstairs. Rupert will bring macaroons and other hand-snacks when they are both settled. If you need me, I'll be in the makeup room."[/color] The assistant dismissed herself and as if right on cue, she heard the front door open from downstairs. Running out of the closet, out of her bedroom, and down the hall, she yelled, [color=ed145b]"KYLEEEEE!"[/color] and unfortunately commenced in falling on her face. She muttered, [color=ed145b]"I'm okay..."[/color] Quickly picking herself up, she brushed off her skirt and fixed her hair, and then she scurried down the stairs. Pouncing on Kyle, Amity's face was extremely giddy. Luke dismissed himself, allowing the childhood friends to have their moment. She then turned to Nori and glomped her too, [color=ed145b]"You're prettier in person! Kyle's told me things about you."[/color] Letting go of her, she stuck out her tongue and made the peace sign, [color=ed145b]"I'M AMITY! Welcome to... I think this is my third...or fourth... maybe fifth home? I know I have a place to stay in France, Thailand, and Germany... EITHER WAY! Welcome, welcome, welcome! Please, please, throw your coats on that bench right there."[/color] She pointed to a white cushioned bench by the door and added, [color=ed145b]"The maid lady will hang it up. We have things to do!"[/color] Immediately after her hyper-active spew, she clapped her hands twice and two maids came to retrieve Nori and bring her to Amity's bathroom, [color=ed145b]"Don't worry! They want to spoil you! The one to the left is Emilia and to your right, that's Iris." [/color] The head butler, Rupert, with a stern but calm look on his face and a straight posture, approached Kyle, [color=f7941d]"Mr. Parker, pleasure to see you again. You will be bathing in Liam's bathroom. It may take some time getting Ms. Haywood ready. Once you are done, mind you, everything is laid out on Liam's bed, you can meet the girls either in the makeup room or Amity's bedroom. There will be cologne on the nightstand and if you'd like me to do your hair, simply ring this bell. If not, everything you need will be in that room."[/color] The butler handed Kyle a tiny bell and then waited to lead him upstairs to Liam's room. [center][hider= Amity's outfit (imagine picture with blue eyes)][img]http://i.imgur.com/ipASdja.jpg[/img][/hider][/center] The interior of the mansion was exactly what Kyle expected it to be, just as damn impressive as the front lawn. By comparison to such a pristine looking environment, he was still very much out of place, having worn a shirt, flannel and jeans as casual wear to his friend's estate. It wasn't his first time in one of Amity's houses, but this was the first time he had been to this one, despite its proximity to Shine City, his friend was never able to use it, at least until now. [color=Gold]"Fancy,"[/color] his head turned towards the singular word Nori spoke, a small smile planted on her face. Kyle recognized that look and he couldn't help but return the smile, [color=LimeGreen]"Don't worry, I had the same reaction when I first came to Amie's house, and trust me I looked a lot scruffier then."[/color] Luke snorted, "You should've seen me when I first started working for the Bellerose's, damn near shat bricks I was so blown away." [i]'For fuck's sake, Luke'[/i] he thought, shaking his head at the man's brutal honesty and vulgarity. It wasn't long before he heard his name being called out from the top of the stairs, it seemed that Amity had finally acknowledged their presence and was about to--- Before he could even blink she was already at the top of the stairs and fell flat on her face. [i]'Oh, Amie...'[/i] He took a deep breath and positioned one of his legs so that it was slightly behind him, his body lowered just a little too, [color=LimeGreen]"You uh...might want to brace yourself Nori."[/color] On cue, his friend came flying down the stairs after straightening herself out before slamming straight into Kyle to embrace him. He had learned long ago that Amity was a human wrecking ball that destroyed everything between point A and point B, and Kyle had been subjected to, more than once he could admit, being thrown flat on his ass by the diminutive idol. Afterwards Amity threw herself at Nori, his lady friend had gotten the idea and maintained her upright stance. After introductions the DJ was ushered off, truthfully, Kyle wanted to just say, 'be gentle with her', but instead when she turned his way he simply smiled, gave a little wave and told her to have a good time. Rupert, the butler, then came to escort Kyle to his room so he could get ready for the evening. "...There will be cologne on the nightstand and if you'd like me to do your hair, simply ring this bell. If not, everything you need will be in that room." Kyle accepted the bell and his brow furrowed slightly, [color=LimeGreen]"I don't think that'll be necessary, plus I think I've had my hair messed with...a little too much lately."[/color] He pulls at a few locks of his now black hair for emphasis. "As you wish Master Parker, but do keep it if your mind changes," the man bows slightly before extending his arm in a follow me gesture, "This way, if you would." Kyle nodded and followed the butler to Liam's room, depositing his coat on the fore-mentioned bench. Despite the mansion's impressive size, Liam's room wasn't too far off room from the main hall, Rupert having opened the door and closed it shut behind Kyle as soon as he entered. It was a neat, tidy space, and spotless, cleaned to perfection; were Liam to have a scent, it was most definitely masked in the amount of cleanliness he imposed upon his lifestyle...unless his natural body musk was pine sol or something... Everything was exactly where the butler had said, cologne on the desk, clothing on the bed, a bathroom was located behind a door adjoining the bedroom, already prepped and ready for him to take. There was a drink on the table and he took a sip, recognizing the fruity taste of a classic Mimosa before setting it down and getting ready for a night to remember. He discarded his clothing next to the nice looking suit and slacks, down to his undergarments before he made his way into the restroom. It was much larger than his apartment's, or even the one at his family's house back in the States, again to be expected. The water had already been drawn and had a nice scent emitting from it, one foot in, then the other, and slowly Kyle lowered himself in, allowing his body to get accustomed before fully sinking into the tub. The water steadied itself about chest level, his arms pulled back in a relaxing position as he allowed his body to just melt away in the water. He had already positioned his phone before hand to be nearby and within reach, his arm stretched from the tub down to where it was positioned and he began flipping through his social media outlets. He had finally gotten the mobile device back, dead of course, the morning Nori had left, charged it up at work, saw her text and of course didn't see everything Amie had been doing on it until well into the night. While he wasn't too keen on having photos with...embarrassing comments uploaded to his social media pages, he was fairly impressed with some of the shots she had taken, his face turning a heated shade when he remembered the 'bunny bubble butt' picture. [@Delta44] Suddenly, Nori had an armful of a very pink haired songstress and if Kyle had not warned her she may have actually fallen over. "You're prettier in person! Kyle's told me things about you." The smaller girl chirped and Nori flushed a little, wrapping an arm around Amity and giving her a quick squeeze in return. "Thanks, sweetheart, you're not bad yourself," the blonde replies as Amity disentangles herself from the hug and begins a rapid fire introduction, speaking so swiftly that Nori had trouble keeping up. The starlet clapped her hands and two maids seemed to materialize out of midair and shepherded the DJ up the stairs. "Not to worry miss, we'll get you all scrubbed up in no time!" Says the taller of the two, Iris, as she leads them through a lavish bedroom and into an even more opulent bathroom. "Go ahead and strip down," instructed Emilia, the shorter one. The two maids both had the same short bob haircut and great big Bambi eyes. They almost looked liked they were sisters, which Nori thought odd. "U-um, in front of both of you?" "Are you shy? Oh she's shy, Emilia, isn't that precious?" "Hush Iris, you'll scare her. Go on miss, you get in the tub and we'll come back in when you're under the bubbles." "Right," Nori says, swallowing as the two girls leave her in peace. Quickly, Nori rolls down her tights and pulls off her clothes, stepping into the tub just as the door swings open. "JESUS!" the blonde cries, diving down into the bath as quickly as possible, submerging herself until only her head was poking up over the water. "It's alright miss, you haven't got anything to be ashamed of. I'd kill to have abs like that! Now, give me your hand," instructs Iris, perching on the ledge of the marble incased tub and holding her hand out expectantly. Nori complies and the maid inspects her fingernails, clicking her tongue disapprovingly. "Just as I thought, you haven't been pampering yourself enough, dear," Iris scolds softly, flashing a meaningful look towards Emilia. "We'll have to take her down to beauty base one." "Did you just make a Hungry Games reference?" Nori asks, obviously taken aback. "Oh, well read. I like you!" Iris gushes as she pulls out an emery board and starts filing away at her fingernails. "Miss Haywood," Emilia calls, drawing Nori's attention to where she was seated at the other end of the tub. "Lift your leg please, I need to start the sheering process." "Sheerin--OH! You mean shaving. No, you don't have to worry about that, I shaved this morning," Nori reassures, shooting the other maid a nervous grin. "I'm sure you did, miss," replies Emilia as she flipped open a straight razor with practiced ease, "But I'm a professional. Now, hand it here, miss." [i]'Sweet mother of God!!'[/i] --- An hour later, scrubbed clean and hairless in places that she had never been before, Nori was lead into the makeup room. "Miss Bellerose will be with you shortly, dear," Iris informs, pressing a mimosa and a red velvet macaroon into the florist's hands. "She's been picking out dresses for you all morning. She's so excited to be meeting one of Kyle's lady friends," the maid confides, patting Nori on the shoulder. "Now you just call if you need anything, alright dear?"