[sub]Collab with [@Narcotic Dollie] and [@BeastofDestiny][/sub]
[u][center][h3] To the Ball. [s]to the Ball![/s] Part 2 [/h3][/center][/u]
[i]For purposes of space, I will be putting each section in a hider like a chapter.[/i]
[hider=Predator and Prey][center][h3] Amity Bellerose [/h3][/center]
From in the closet of the makeup room, Amity watched Nori in the shadows. Her eyes gleamed intriguingly at her new prey. She watched Nori roam the room and wait patiently for her and Renee. When the blonde was not paying attention, Amity slipped out of the closet silently and crept behind the girl. Poking her head over her shoulder, Amity glanced at herself in the mirror while Nori looked at the things on the Vanity. Her breathing was light and the idol surveyed the young woman's every movement. Lowly, Amie whispered, [color=ed145b]"You smell nice, Nori-chan."
[/color] After allowing the girl to react, Amity twirled to the couch and sat. Crossing her legs, her eyes watched the blonde like a hawk. 

[color=ed145b]"I've been told many, many things about you. I wonder..."[/color] She tilted her head, her face blank of emotions.

[color=ed145b]"Kyle seems to like you very, very much. Without a doubt, [i]more than me[/i]."[/color] Her left arm rested on the arm rest and her head rested on the palm of her hand. Amity's aura was dark and foreboding, as if she was trying to debate whether or not Nori deemed fit for her best friend. She had the looks but did she have the heart and the ambition? Did she have the perseverance? Was this young woman ready to sacrifice for her best friend... with a twitch of her lip, Amity thought to herself: [color=ed145b][i]only time could tell[/i][/color]. 

Her mind went back to the most recent time she and Kyle hung out... he had told her that Nori was off limits for her to test. The young idol would huff as she brushed black dye in his hair. Kyle was serious about Nori and she had to respect his wishes... rats! No fun. No fun, [i]at all[/i]. 

Breaking from her stupor, Amity jumped up happily, excitably, exclaiming, [color=ed145b]"I trust you won't hurt [i]my [/i]Kyle-bear!"[/color]. Her smile was unsettling as if telling the young woman to treat her friend with respect, or else. When Renee entered the room ready to do Nori's hair and makeup, Amity jumped up and down, ready for the transformation of Nori's life to unfold.

[color=662d91]"Do you have anything in mind Miss Haywood? I'm capable of nearly every style you can think of. Here are some examples if you need references."[/color] While the two talked, Amity began shoveling macaroons in her mouth. She couldn't wait to see Nori in the dresses she took out... the little idol spent all day deciding the most ideal outfits for her. She was going to make Kyle swoooooooooon! 

Some references of hair: ║[url=http://www.longhairstyles.co/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Half-Up-Half-Down-Wedding-Long-Hair.jpg]1[/url]║[url=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/57/59/d1/5759d14c045e1b75f1428c9627172a15.jpg]2[/url]║[url=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/03/ef/a7/03efa747f34a163fd13a4feb8009acef.jpg]3[/url]║[url=http://www.fashionone2012.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Platinum-blonde-hair.jpg]4[/url]║ (and many more)

Some references of makeup: ║[url=http://yve-style.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/makeup-for-blue-eyes-blonde-hair.jpg]1[/url]║[url=http://watchoutladies.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Beautiful-hair-and-make-up-this-blonde-color-is-gorgeous.jpg]2[/url]║[url=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/cc/b6/75/ccb6750ba20897291c25557d9e58cd3c.jpg]3[/url]║[url=https://drscdn.500px.org/photo/72686063/m%3D2048/f9ffbf5c18a5991909fafbf96d71445e]4[/url]║ (and many more)[hr]
[center][h3] Nori Haywood[/h3][/center]
"You smell nice, Nori-chan," says a voice, warm breath ghosting across the florist's cheek. The hair on the back of her neck starts to stand on end and she cringes, obviously startled by the tiny songstress sneaking up on her. 

"Jesus, sweetheart, you scared me," Nori laughs nervously, taking a large step forward to put some much needed space between her and the starlet. The pink haired girl doesn't answer her immediately, instead opting take a seat on a plush couch and crossing her legs. All of the friendliness had drained out of Amity's eyes and in it's stead there was nothing but cold, calculating, indifference. [i]'Did I do something wrong?'[/i] Nori thinks, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion.

"I've been told many, many things about you. I wonder..." Amity trails off, her long locks tumbling over her shoulder as she cocked her head slightly to the side. "Kyle seems to like you very, very much. Without a doubt, [i]more than me,[/i]" the smaller girl finishes and now all sorts of warning bells are going off in Nori's head. It feels like the temperature of the room has dropped as the florist's eyes dart towards the exit before settling back on Amity just as quickly. [i]'I've only known Kyle for two days, if you don't count the time I went home. Why would she think he likes me more than her? Aren't they best friends?'[/i] the blonde wonders, wrapping the blue robe tighter around herself like it would somehow protect her from this increasingly odd situation.  "I trust you won't hurt [i]my[/i] Kyle-bear!" Amity chirps, her voice bubbly again like it was in the foyer and beaming at Nori, but the smile doesn't reach her eyes. 

At this point, Nori is thoroughly creeped out.

Do you have anything in mind Miss Haywood?" Amity's assistant asks, laying a had on her shoulder and guiding her over to the vanity, arranging the DJ so she is sitting in front of the mirror. "I'm capable of nearly every style you can think of. Here are some examples if you need references," the older blonde explains, setting a binder full of different hair and makeup styles on the counter in front of her.

"I, er, actually, I think I left the coffee pot on back at my place," Nori starts a little lamely, beginning to stand up, but the older woman beats her to it, laying a hand on the florist's shoulder and pressing her back down into the seat. 

"Not to fret, Miss Haywood, we'll have someone see to it," the other blonde says, the tone of her voice demanding obedience. "Now, select a style, please," she instructs and Nori nods, using the mirror to see where Amity is standing behind them before averting her gaze back to the notebook and flipping through the pages. The florist wanted nothing more than to run screaming from this mansion, but she was already trapped in the viper's coils and the best she could hope for at this point was a quick, painless death.

[url=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/03/ef/a7/03efa747f34a163fd13a4feb8009acef.jpg]"This looks pretty,"[/url] Nori says quietly, before pointing down at a style of makeup that she likes. "[url=http://watchoutladies.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Beautiful-hair-and-make-up-this-blonde-color-is-gorgeous.jpg]"And I guess this one for the makeup,"[/url] the florist decides and Amity's assisstant nods, opening a drawer and pulling out the appropriate products. The older woman picks up a foundation brush and Nori stopped her by saying, "Oh no, just the eyes and the lips, if you don't mind. Foundation makes my tattoo look weird," Nori laughs nervously and for a moment the assistant looks like she's going to ignore her, but then she relents, setting the brush down and picking up the lip liner instead.

"Of course, Miss Haywood. Now hold still," she commands and Nori nods before staying as motionless as possible.

After some time has passed the assistant ('[i]Renee[/i],' Nori reminds herself, having learned the other's name during the makeup session) has finished with her face and has moved on to the DJ's hair, her long fingers carding through it and gathering it up into a ponytail. "So," Nori starts, catching sight of Amity in the mirror again. "I actually thought Kyle was married the first time I went to his apartment," she tells the starlet, the corners of her now red lips turning up into a timid smile. "I saw the cake you got him and I jumped to the wrong conclusion," the blonde admits and Renee's hands still in her hair for a moment before they resume their work. 

"But, just to be sure, you aren't married to Kyle, right? Or his girlfriend?" Nori asks the other girl, meeting her gaze head on. "Because if he is [i][b]your[/b][/i] Kyle-bear, then I don't want to get in the way of anything," she finishes, trying to be as subtle as possible but still get her point across. [i]'Sorry, I didn't know he was taken/you'd been pining after him/you wanted to have his babies, I'm not a homewrecker, I swear, please don't eat my soul!'[/i][hr][/hider]
[hider=Unlikely friends, Hurdles, and Trust Issues][center][h3] Kyle Parker [/h3][/center]
The rest of Kyle's bath had been fairly relaxing, the bath water almost felt like it had melted into his skin and relaxed his muscles considerably, he felt refreshed.  When he did finally come out he quickly assembled his attire, putting on everything except the suit jacket, he looked at himself in the mirror and admired just how damn sharp he looked. He had spritzed himself with a little bit of the cologne before settling himself in front of the mirror to mess with his hair.  After about 10 frustrating minutes of dissatisfaction no matter where he brushed his hair, he relented and rang the bell.  Rupert entered shortly afterward and Kyle sat patiently as the butler styled his hair into something...attractive.  When Rupert was finished Kyle inspected the butler's work, he was a very good hair stylist, despite the fact that he was lacking in that department himself.  Kyle ran a couple of fingers over a black lock that draped off to the side of his face, framing it very well; it was then that...

Kyle tapped his foot impatiently as Rupert continued to fuss with the young man's tie, [color=LimeGreen]"Really Rupert, it was fine to begin with..."[/color]

[color=f7941d]"Nonsense Master Parker, your tie was only a half windsor, you're going to a ball, you need [i]at least[/i] a full windsor."[/color]

[color=LimeGreen]"You do know you did this for my high school prom too right?"[/color]

[color=f7941d]"Yes and you were just as tasteless and classless back then as you are now, no offense of course."[/color]

[color=LimeGreen]"You bed all the ladies like that Rupert...?"[/color] Kyle shook his head and submitted to the compulsive desire the butler had to right Kyle's wrong.

[color=f7941d]"There,"[/color] The butler said, a small satisfied smile creeping along his face as he brushed the young man of any dust or lint that might be on him. [color=f7941d]"The ladies should have finished their baths already, if you are ready, shall we proceed to Miss Amity's chambers?"[/color]

Kyle nodded and grabbed the suit jacket, draping it over his arm as they proceeded down the hall.  As they neared her room Kyle could swear he was hearing...laughter, it wasn't until the doors were opened into the vanity room that he discovered the source of the booming hilarity.  On the floor, rolling around, arms clenched to her stomach was Amity, a very confused looking Nori sat in a chair, her head directed at the pink haired idol, Renee, standing close by his date.

[color=LimeGreen]"Uh..."[/color] Kyle started as he approached the florist, hoping someone would fill him in.

Amie looks up at Kyle and is like [color=ed145b]"Dude. She's too cute. She thinks me and you, you and me..."[/color] laughs louder, [color=ed145b]"That's practically [b]incest![/b]"[/color]

Despite the loud noises she was making, Renee's voice came in clear as she leaned down to whisper to Nori, [color=662d91]"You'll learn soon enough, Miss Haywood."[/color]

[i]'Oh...so that what all that was about...'[/i] he thought. This wasn't the first time that he and Amity had been considered a couple. Most of the time Kyle just found it to be amusing and laugh it off, but considering it came from Nori, the brief thought that she still didn't think he was single made him feel a little put off.  A hurt look flashed across his face, but in the instant it came it just as instantly disappeared, as he turned to look at Nori as the rolling Amity continued to holler with laughter.

[color=LimeGreen]"She's not exactly wrong, we've known each other long enough now that considering each other as a relationship potential is..."[/color] his face scrunched up a little in thought as his eyes darted around the room as though the words he wanted to say would just magically appear, before settling on [color=LimeGreen]"Weird..."[/color] At this point Amity had gotten up from the floor and moved over to the macaroons and was shoving the deserts in her face.
[hider=Kyle's Hair][img]http://hairstyling4you.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/prom-hairstyles-for-men-long-semi-curly-formal-short-hair-men-hairstyles-hairstyles-long-prom-2015-2016-4.jpg[/img][/hider]
[hider=Kyle's clothes][img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/7c/e9/c5/7ce9c54202521b240ed5cb6aa1bef27c.jpg[/img][/hider][hr]
[center][h3] Nori Haywood [/h3][/center]
The next thing she knows Amity is on the floor, laughing hysterically in a way that was very reminiscent of a hyena and Nori doesn't even know what to think. The blonde's face flushes and she feels the sting of humiliation because there is a honest to goodness international superstar rolling around on the ground and laughing at her.

"Dude. She's too cute. She thinks me and you, you and me..." Amity stops here to take a shuddering breath and Nori turns to see that Kyle has entered the room, "That's practically incest!"

If she hadn't been looking Nori might have missed it completely. But as luck would have it she was, so the florist has a front row seat to watch Kyle's handsome features contort into this kicked puppy dog expression before it's wiped away a split second later. [i]'Breathe, Nori,'[/i] she reminds herself and she inhales deep, holding it for a moment before she blows it back out. [i]'Now let's look at the facts, shall we?'  

1. This girl does not like you. She might dress you up and pretend to be friends in front of Kyle, but it's a game. She does not want you here. Why am you here, in her ridiculous mansion, if she doesn't want you here?

2. This is Kyle's best friend. She is always going to play an important part in his life and if you plan on being a part of it you are going to have to deal with her. He will always take her side over yours, and that's understandable, because he's known her longer. It'd be crazy for him to believe you over her, you've only know each other two days.

3. No matter what you do you keep hurting him. Since the arcade you haven't been together longer than four hours without chastising him for something. You're just going to keep letting him down. You need to minimize the damage you're going to cause him.

You need to stop this before anyone gets anymore attached than they already are.'[/i]

It's an awful realization, but even though it stings and she doesn't want to admit it, Nori knows it's probably for the best.

"Right," Nori says, getting up from the chair and shrugging Renee's hand off with conviction when she tries to stop her again. "I'm out," she murmurs, jaw flexing a little as she brushes by the pair of friends and retraces her steps back to the foyer. By some small miracle, her shoes, shirt, and long flannel shirt are still on the bench by the front door.

"Miss Haywood?" Iris calls, rounding the corner from the kitchens. "Are you leaving? You'll have to wait until I can fetch your dress, dear, that's Miss Bellerose's favorite robe."

Nori sees red for a moment and she growls, yanking the robe off and throwing it on to the bench, leaving her standing in nothing but her underwear. "Take it," The blonde hisses, tugging on her long flannel shirt and buttoning it up to cover most of her nudity. Iris's eyes widen to near comical levels as Nori stuffs her feet in her flats, bundling up her purse before she rips the door open, storming out onto the lawn. There is a random handyman who is cleaning out the gutters and he looks at Nori like she's insane, nearly falling of the ladder with his blatant gawking. The small DJ just scowls at him before she starts down the stupidly long driveway. Fumbling through her purse Nori pulls out her smart phone and shoots Jen a quick message.

[i]Please come get me. Don't make me ask Dangermouse, he'll never let me live it down.
--Nori[/i]
[hr][/hider]
[hider= One is the Loneliest Number]
[center][h3] Amity Bellerose[/h3][/center]
Giving the idol a stern look to not say a word that would make things worse, not realizing Amity's face was completely withdrawn, Kyle sprinted after his love interest. Worryingly, Renee asked Amity if she wanted anything. The idol simply asked for time alone. Dismissing herself, Renee closed the door behind her and went to find Luke and Liam. Finding them both debating about politics at the kitchen counter, Liam being the more conservative of the two, Renee interrupted with an out most serious expression.

[color=662d91]"Liam, I think Amity deserves some freedom tonight." [/color]The manager looked at her annoyingly. Not allowing to have him say no, she explained, [color=662d91]"Her parents didn't come for Christmas. Sure, they sent gifts of things she really didn't need or want but--  We are the closest family she has and I can't help notice..."[/color]

[color=ed1c24]"I know."[/color] Rubbing his forehead, Liam sighed, [color=ed1c24]"I'm going to assume this whole 'Dress-Up' Nori went terribly wrong."[/color] Renee nodded, only love and care in her eyes. The assistant could be scary but she had a heart of gold that loved Amity dearly. They all loved their celebrity dearly. Standing up, Liam cracked his neck from strain, [color=ed1c24]"I suppose I do want her to learn independence..."[/color]

Chuckling, Luke added, [color=0054a6]"You also have a goddamn date for once."[/color] Intrigue entered Renee's eyes.

[color=662d91]"A date?"[/color]

Glaring at his brother, Liam corrected, [color=ed1c24]"I simply want to repay her for helping us find Amity" [/color] he referred to the Sunday Amity performed at the casino.

[color=662d91]"Why don't you enjoy yourself for once? I think we all need a day off. We can give Amity a night to herself and if she needs us, she can call us. Plus, it's not like anyone is going to recognize her. After all, I am a master artist." [/color]Reassuringly, Renee winked at Liam and waited for his response. Grabbing his dark coffee, Liam had an internal battle on whether or not he should let his wild idol be free for one night. 

---

Sitting now by her Vanity, Amity looked at her face, her eyes completely deadpan and her fingers absentmindedly running through her curls. No matter what she did, she pushed people away. Earnestly, she wouldn't have minded a girlfriend other than Renee, who was basically her mother. Bringing her knees up to her seat, Amity hugged them and buried her face in her legs. Honest to a fault, when she showed people her true self. Maybe that's why she preferred being an actress... people loved her characters, but could never find it in their heart to love her. Was she desperate? She tried not to be.

Nori was a girl her best friend was interested in. Of course, the little idol would be a jealous, but she didn't mean to push her away. Amity was tempted to tell Kyle that Nori was nothing like his ex, Julia. The only female who took the time to understand her... but she didn't want to build a rift between her and Kyle. The last time that happened, she had a hard time coping with life... lashing out on nearly everyone because she [i]hated[/i] herself. 

[i]One is the loneliest number[/i]. People only took her for face value. Amity Bellerose, the spoiled, rich idol. She can't possibly have a heart, right? Money fixes all her problems. Bringing her head up to stare at herself again, her eyes showed the humanity in her, as they welled up with water.

[center][color=ed145b][i]Everyone leaves me.[/i][/color][/center]
Trying to make a smile appear on her face, she looked at her appearance and hated what she saw. Her parents could careless about her, both fucking, walking Vanity projects that don't even reside in the same country together. They probably have bastards running around this whole world. Leaving their child in America was the best thing they had ever decided. All their [i]mistakes[/i] could be forgotten, right? If they weren't going to be in her life, why did she have to do what they wanted. Her artwork wasted in storage. Even being miles away, they needed control. It didn't matter how old Amity was, as long as she had the Bellerose name, she belonged to them-- was that part of why she wanted to get married so bad? She could act up and ruin her career but she didn't like the feeling of being disowned. At least in this case, she had some kind of recognition. Though, it wasn't exactly what she wanted.

The only other child they acknowledged was her half-brother "Axis", who was a complete asshole. He wanted nothing to do with any of his family, yet made songs to ruin their reputation, especially Amity's. 

Then there was her best friend.

Kyle... Kyle Parker. He went to Japan. Their paths pulled them apart, which is why she promised him she'd get there one day. They were unlikely friends, yet somehow they found their way to each other. Coming from two very different social classes, yet he accepted her... no matter how fucked up she could be. He really... cared. Wiping the tears running down her cheeks, her lips pouted as she tasted the salt on her lips. 

Here she was, in Shine City, Japan, [i]for him[/i]. But all she seemed to accomplish was making his life worse. Why should she continue being in his life? He'd have an easier time with Nori, if she wasn't part of the equation. Amity was a walking disaster, who tried to make a hurricane seem like a mild wind storm. Unfortunately, she couldn't let him go. She needed him. She needed someone, who wasn't Liam, Luke, or Renee. 

Celebrities. People who are surrounded by fabricated attention. Everyone loves you!! Can I take a picture with you?! Hey Amity, can I get your autograph? Hey Amity, when will you visit us again? Hey Amity, we love you! Woah, Amity was found in a spa kissing a random stranger (That was a lie)! What a slut! Has Amity found a lover for her young heart? I'm so excited for the new episode of Guardian Angels. Stay tune, where Harmony has to decide: sacrifice her love and erase his memory or choose a life of chaos?!  Oh my god, [i]Rain, Rain, Go Away[/i] was a tear jerker! Amity truly captured the Goretti Case. That was definitely a monument moment of her career!

They didn't care. They just wanted to sap her dry and then toss her in a dump or drown her in a lake. At least her death would be a headliner. 

Grabbing red lipstick, Amity ran it slowly over her face, she started on her cheek, making it to her lips and then scribbled it all over. To be loved, to have a more simpler life... that would be worth dying for.

[center][i]
[color=ed145b]One was truly the loneliest number. [/color]
[/i][/center]


[/hider]