[sub]Collab with [@MyCatGinger] & [@lovely complex][/sub][center][img]http://i.imgur.com/24mEN2X.png[/img][/center][center][img]http://i.imgur.com/51IVEzE.png?1[/img][/center][hr][hr][center][hider= Amity’s B&W Disguise] [img]http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b380/Deadupdog/Deadupdog056/a646ba799989857aa125583ead62dfa1_bp_zpslu4jmc02.jpg[/img][img]http://i.imgur.com/FqZxyXy.jpg?1[/img][/hider][/center] [center][hider=Shou’s B&W Outfit][img]http://www.venetianmasksociety.com/thumbnail.asp?file=assets/images/a121-6gredside2.jpg&maxx=300&maxy=0[/img][img]http://i.imgur.com/DMGl3Aa.jpg?1[/img] [/hider][/center][hr][color=ed1c24][center][i]Warning: The collaboration is a long, but oh-so-worth-it, read. Prepare yourself for a roller coaster of emotions.[/i][/center] [/color][hr] [hider= Welcome to the Ball, Amie] [u][center][h3]Amity Bellerose[/h3][/center][/u] As she entered the town hall, her clear, 4 inch heels resounded through the building. With her newly bought heels, she was just a pinch over 5’6 in height. Having already handed her ticket at the door, Amity was motioned to give her jacket to an attendant that patiently waited by the closet. Strange feelings filled Amity’s little heart as no one followed in after her. For once, she was allowed to have complete freedom. Liam had given her precautions though. Pepper spray, a taser, and a beeper that would directly inform the trio of an emergency. Putting her hand on her chest, her heart felt conflicted, heavy and excited. Happy to do what she pleased, but upset on what had happened earlier. Getting her mind off of the unfortunate event, Amie looked at a white banner with gold text that read: [b]”Happy New Years Eve Shine City!” [/b]and in smaller print: [b]”Can you find our special guest?”[/b] If someone were to discover Amity, they would win two spa tickets to Paradise. Opening up her small handbag, she saw the golden envelope, which held the prize. Nodding to herself, Amity was going to take on this night, unnoticed and just like everyone else. After the idol gave her double-breasted flared peacoat, red of color, to the serviceman, thanking him as she did so, she came across a framed mirror. Staring at herself, she thought, [i][color=ed145b]“... Renee really out did herself.”[/color][/i] Amity couldn’t even recognize the woman in the mirror. Her pink hair was hidden under a perfectly fitted brown wig. The wig looked soft and gentle, not wild and curly like her actual hair. Her blue eyes were hidden under brown contacts and a gold mask, adorned with diamonds, rested on her delicate, fair skin. She wore a breathtaking, white lace draping shoulder gown that revealed her small bust in the most elegant way. Taking a deep breath in, she approached the large doors that would lead to where everyone else was. The moment she drew near the doors, two men in their own masks and unwrinkled tuxedos opened the door to reveal an extravagant ballroom with one hell of a fanciful party going on (something she was more than familiar with). Giving them a gracious look, she glided into the room with her dress inches away from touching the ground. Kyle was no where to be in sight... sure, things this afternoon happened so abruptly but she wouldn't have minded seeing him. Her lips curved into a frown but she immediately shook her sadness away. NO! Her hair bounced with every step she took. Her eyes looked all around her, admiring the venue. Temporary joy was still some sort of happiness she’d accept wholeheartedly. The idol was determined to enjoy herself even if her heart ached. Tonight, she wasn’t going to be Amity, the bubbly celebrity everyone knew best. Tonight, she was going to be simply Amie and partially act like her quiet character, Satomi, from the big slasher/horror documentary called [i]Rain, Rain Go Away[/i] , based on the infamous Goretti case. The main thing Satomi and Amity had in common was they were cheerful, which made them strongly approachable, and passionate in what they believed in. They were also wonderfully personable and loved life. Yet, the difference of the two was how they presented themselves. Amity didn’t mind shining while Satomi wanted to shine subtly. Regardless, the both of them were radiant stars in the night sky. Maybe tonight, Amie would be able to find someone nice to talk to about the little things… but first! To the bar! She was in need of white wine to put her in a good mood - hell knows she needed a drink. Passing the dessert table, the idol looked at it with desire and whispered to herself, [i][color=ed145b]“I will come back for youuuuu.”[/color][/i] Slowly but surely, her mood was getting better. [/hider] [hider= Shou, that can't possibly be her...] [u][center][h3]Shou Matsuoka[/h3][/center][/u] [b]8:35 PM, New Year's Eve[/b] The silver haired professor swirled the drink in his hand, drops of deep red swishing and glittering in the elaborate lighting of the room. Whoever organised this event really had outdone themselves. Everything was perfect to a T, and not a single person roamed the floor without a mask obscuring their identity. Even the servers hid mischievous, mysterious smiles behind a set of masks (albeit, these were a lot more uniform, black with accents of silver). Consciously, he raised a hand to the mask he wore, finally some colour to break the monotony of his black and white ensemble, minus the scarlet corsage nestled neatly into the lapels of his suit jacket, the ribbon wrapped around his top-hat, and the matching gem that gleamed in the golden holder for his cravat. His own mask was a slightly darker colour, blood-red with its own golden accents. He had opted to keep his glasses at home (because one would look silly wearing a mask and glasses) and instead, curious brown eyes swept across the room from behind contact lenses. Finding not much of interest, he gave the masked bartender a polite smile before lifting his goblet to his lips, and taking a long sip from the drink. It wasn’t sweet - just how good wines were meant to be. He relished the taste, in a way. And that’s when he saw [i]her[/i]. Hand immediately growing shaky, he was forced to lower the glass back to the counter, his eyes blinking once, no, twice. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Was he in shock? Perhaps. If anything made it obvious, his knuckles had gone white, and he appeared to be...nervous, in her presence? It couldn’t have been her. There was no way in hell. [i]Alessandra…?[/i] A woman did, without a doubt, seemingly glide up to the bar, barely two stools away from him, and pleasantly ask the bartender for a drink. There was something about her voice, how serene it was...or was it her hair? A soft brown, brought up and yet cascading down her shoulders. She wore a dress of absolute white, almost… [i]Almost like a bridal gown.[/i] His breath hitched, and he was forced to take another sip of his drink to steady himself. It wasn’t his first wine of the evening, either. Maybe he was seeing things. He would have just ignored it, on any other day… But the way her eyes, through the dainty golden mask she wore, caught his. It made his chest tight. He would testify to his heart aching, there and then. And Shou Matsuoka realised in that moment that he [i]needed[/i] to speak to this woman. And so he did. Hurriedly running a gloved hand through his hair and straightening out his clothes, hoping she wouldn’t see, he took a deep breath. It was difficult with how his heart was racing. Yet, he brought himself to it, shifting a little closer and as nonchalantly as he could manage (drawing strength from the fact that he was masked, still), taking a seat beside her, but not too close. He whispered, voice soft in the otherwise loud gathering of people. If the woman had listened, she might have heard it. Longing, hope, desire, disbelief, doubt, surprise and melancholy, all mixed into the words he next spoke. [color=cee4e1]“Hello, miss.”[/color] [/hider] [hider= A drink, or two, or three...] [u][center][h3]Amity X Shou[/h3][/center][/u] Benevolently accepting her glass of nice, Italian Pinot Grigio, Amity smiled to herself and brought the glass close to her lightly glossed lips. Her ears perked up to the sound of an almost inaudible introduction. Turning her head to see who was attempting to talk to her, her expression never wavering from a serene look, she saw… a man of silver hair sitting beside her. His red mask covered most of his upper face but she could tell he was a man with prominent dark circles. He had welcoming chocolate eyes and his attire was naturally suited for his physique. If he stood up she had no doubt he would be handsomely tall. His top hat was decorated with red ribbon and candy which was so genuine and filled with personality. Absolutely adoring the scarlet flower, Amity had to take a moment to admire what she was looking at. She couldn’t lie to herself, this man was extremely attractive even with the mask on. Drowning out the noise of the party, she focused on this man, and only this man. Giving him an appreciative stare, she responded just as soft as his voice was, hoping maybe, he’d come closer to hear her, [color=ed145b]“How do you do, Sir?”[/color] Rather than jumping into a speech, Amity fed his intrigue slowly but surely by adding a bashful tone to her voice. Perhaps she could inspire him to want to know more about her. Never taking her eyes off of his, she gradually took a sip of the delicious wine, swallowed, and gave him a desirable smile. Was Amity trying to lead this stranger on? She couldn’t tell yet… [color=cee4e1]“Heh.”[/color] Shou felt his head lighten. Up close, her voice was even more delightful than he had heard. He wanted to lean in, closer, ever so slightly, just to hear her better… And, after another long drag from the goblet in his still-trembling hand, he did. Just a little closer, he could smell the light perfume that wafted off her skin. He could only just keep himself from inhaling deeper. His own breath carried a fruity note of the wine he was drinking as he responded, [color=cee4e1]“As well as everyone else here, I'm...soaking in the atmosphere, I suppose. It's a wonderful party.”[/color] he bit his bottom lip. Small talk never was his strong suit. [color=cee4e1]“And you, Milady?”[/color] he added, lightening up at the medieval analogy. [color=cee4e1]“I apologise; I...hah.”[/color] he shook his head, taking another calculated drag. He could drain glass after glass at this rate. [color=cee4e1]“I realise, miss, that you might have heard it many times tonight, but you look beautiful in that dress. I...would I be able to have your hand tonight, for a dance?”[/color] Internally he cringed. He wasn't very...good at most kinds of dancing. He prayed the waltz would do. [color=cee4e1]“Oh, forgive me. I...haven't even stated my name yet. Shou Matsuoka; it's a pleasure…”[/color] he let his voice trail away, having gone to say something but being frozen in place as he finally stopped bashfully averting his gaze from her, and chose to look her in the eyes, her transfixing hazel eyes, with a sheepish grin. It was meant to be sheepish, but...his heart skipped another beat. Was it a heart condition? He must have been seeing things… ...this woman looked almost exactly like Alessandra. Was...was it [i]her[/i]? She let him speak, taking in this moment and breathing in his scent...an addiction waiting to happen. The more he talked, the more she got lost in his words. This wasn’t like her past crushes either. All being near her age and immature. This man, who might be a few years older than her, saw her. He was only paying attention to her and it made her feel weak in the knees. For once, someone noticed her, not for her fame, not for her money, and not because she had strange colored hair (well, that was under a wig…). He had this unquenchable yearning seeping through his words. This was an experience, she, Amity Bellerose, did not understand. Ba-dump. She did notice he was drinking fast but she wasn’t going to comment on it. It was New Year’s Eve, after all. Everyone deserved to live a little. He began complimenting her dress. Her eyes glanced downward at her white gown as her fingers ran along the lace on her body: it really was an elegant dress. Finally, he told her [i]his name[/i]. His wonderful name. Shou. Shou Matsuoka. She felt giddy inside. That’s all she needed to know to do a background check. That’s all she needed to know to find out what he likes. That’s all she needed to know. Gesturing at him to wait a moment for a response, Amity brought her glass to her lips once more and downed the rest of her wine right in front of him. She wasn’t going to leave a good glass of wine behind. Standing up, Amity offered her hand and teased, [color=ed145b] “Call me Amie, Milord.” [/color] [color=cee4e1]“Amie…”[/color] the silver-haired man repeated to himself. Her giddiness seemed internal, but Shou couldn’t help but lighten up a little more. Hell, he was grinning now, too, as if it was seeping from this young lady and wrapped around him like a pair of wings as white as the dress she wore. He even laughed, a deep-voiced little chuckle, at her downing the wine, and her prompting. Having sufficiently lightened up and, flagging the bartender down and motioning for more of the same red wine for the now-empty glass, he stood up as well, stepping away from the young lady for just a second (in which she may have noticed how he stood about a whole head taller than her) and bowing deeply, top-hat pulled off and the rim resting delicately between his fingers, before he tipped it back on with another little laugh. Perhaps because of the second wine’s influence now, he lowered his body into an effortless kneel before her, taking her hand into his own gloved one and bringing it to his lips, grazing them against the back of it. He lingered there, her skin was so soft...and her hands, so very delicate. He was closer now, and it was undeniable. Especially when he lifted his head to look up into her warm, brown eyes, his cheeks the slightest hue of red and his smile just a little more confident than before. This woman was...breathtaking. [color=cee4e1]“It is nothing short of an absolute pleasure, Amie.”[/color] Her cheeks felt hot when he knelt down and kissed her hand. His lips against her skin sent electricity up her body and straight to her head. He made her feel lightheaded, like she was on Cloud 9. The moment lingered. Her heart was now fully convinced: she didn’t want this to end. She didn’t want him to look away from her. As he looked up at her with his umber eyes that penetrated her inner core, Amity focused on keeping her blushing to a minimum. Her mind was fuzzy... To live in this moment was all the idol wanted to do. Without a doubt, this night might become one of the best, absolutely life-changing nights she would ever experience - it was off to a great start. The truth was, Shou would have liked the moment to last forever, too, evidenced by how reluctant he was to get to his feet. Realising he was standing a little too close that way, he took a gentle, graceful step back, if only to give her some breathing room, but he, admittedly, had been pretty close. He was sure she would have felt his breath on her forehead were it not for him returning to his wine glass, until…[/hider] [hider=Shall We Dance?] [u][center][h3]Amity X Shou[/h3][/center][/u] [center][hider= Waltz music][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqb9HFoS-ZE[/youtube][/hider][/center] The piano music resounded in the hall, perfect for a nice slow, ballroom dance. Feeling his closeness made her want to touch him but she had to resist temptation. “Satomi” was a calm and collected character and that’s exactly what Amity was going to be. The young girl had taken note that this man was truly enjoying himself, he was already on his third glass. If Amity did not get enough alcohol in her, she’d just drink when she got home. The Bellerose Estate’s bar was completely stocked because of the holidays. Maybe… just maybe, Shou would come with her. Amity knew a few styles of ballroom dances but she decided to stick with the simple Waltz. The young idol then asked him, [color=ed145b]“Do you know the Waltz? I expect a music change when more guests come.”[/color] Since the party was open to the entire community, she knew that the pianist wouldn’t play all night. After people got food and drinks in them, this place was bound to turn into a club. Something she hoped to avoid since she was in no mood for loud music. She sang pop songs all week for people. A break from that scene would be lovely. [color=ed145b]”It’s okay if you don’t.”[/color] she added, understanding ballroom dancing wasn’t meant for everyone. [color=cee4e1]“Ah, the Waltz?”[/color] the professor’s eyes immediately lit up with an unplaceable excitement. Something about her suggestion, though unbeknownst to her, made him giddy. Alex did love the Waltz so… Having drained about a quarter of this third glass of wine already (so much for being an elegant man’s drink…), he pushed the glass back towards the bartender’s end of the countertop, before surveying the scene. He saw the orchestra, in their brass and bright gold, standing by as a lone pianist took the spotlight. He was playing an admittedly beautiful piece, and it almost seemed a shame that people still stood by, eating their dainty finger-foods and chatting away to friends new and old, leaving the marble floor before the orchestra mostly vacated. They probably were all waiting for the music change Amie was talking about. He ran a hand through his hair, before giving her a nonchalant side-glance. ...and a mischievous wink, too. It appeared the drinks were getting to his head… [color=cee4e1]“Signorina,”[/color] he began in an Italian drawl, an undeniable spark in his eyes, [color=cee4e1]“if there’s one dance I do know, it’s definitely the Waltz. Allow me to demonstrate…”[/color] [color=ed145b]“Balliamo, bell’uomo.”[/color] she responded teasingly in Italian, curious if he would be thrown off guard by her ability to speak another language other than Japanese. [Translation: Let us dance, Handsome man.] Hopefully he was fluent in Italian or that would have just flown right on over his head. [color=cee4e1]“Aah, you speak Italian.”[/color] his eyebrow quirked in pleasant surprise, though her compliment caught him a little off guard and he chuckled to himself, scratching the back of his head with a modest smirk. [color=cee4e1]“And I may not be fluent, but you speak it well, Signorina. You will have to tell me after this dance how you came to learn it…”[/color] And with that, he held out his palm for her, leading her onto the marble dancefloor slowly, so that she would not find it difficult in her dress, but if Shou was honest, her hand in his gloved one was a feeling that made his heart swell a little, too. He was bolder now, and though still just a little diffident when he looked upon her lovely face, he held her gaze now, a melancholy longing still about his eyes, clouded and nearly lost with swirls of desire and excitement, as well as the anticipation of a new challenge. He led her to the dance floor, her tiny hand rested in his large, gloved hand. Amity had no trouble walking in her dress or heels… she had enough practice in her short lifetime to keep her stability. Like a natural performer, Amity’s posture was filled with finesse and her face was welcoming to all those who were looking at them. Perhaps, they would inspire people to learn ballroom dancing or maybe their audience would simply just get lost in their performance. Keeping rhythm was one thing but matching one’s steps with a partner was a whole other ballgame. The Waltz not only required a person to keep up with one’s partner, it also required the dancer to reflect poise and have full control over his or her own movement, while allowing the partner to shine. The Waltz certainly could be difficult. Impressing Amie, that would be Shou’s challenge for the evening. No, there was no reason to stop at impressing. He would sweep her off her feet, should she want it. Finally arriving onto the dancefloor, he released her hand, only to step back and bow humbly, deeply, to her, tipping his hat yet again before repositioning it on his head. It would need to stay still, now. With an unhurried but refined curtsy, Amity rose her head from her bow and gave Shou challenging eyes that read: [color=ed145b]Show me what you’re made of, Mr. Matsuoka.[/color] And in the same span of time, he closed the distance to the young woman, taking her hand in his again, which appeared to send a warm tingle down his spine each time. He wished to trace her skin with his own fingers, yet the thin fabric of the gloves he wore separated them. Perhaps it was for the better...especially when his hand moved down, and as is customary of a waltz, he placed it on the small of her back, hesitantly at first. The very action immediately made him nearly bite his tongue, cheeks growing warmer again. It would have either been the action, the alcohol, or both, but...he only realised that suddenly he was standing[i]quite[/i] close to her, her chest almost pressed up against his, and... If the Waltz was anything, it could be pretty intimate. ..it was beginning to get a little hot under his collar… He had to mentally scold himself for letting it get to him so. In Shou’s defense, it wasn’t everyday one would have the opportunity to share a dance with such a fascinating, prepossessing young lady. Closeness. They were breaching the young idol’s first step of the Waltz: Trusting in your partner. Amity felt like somehow there was a deep connection between the two that would reveal itself in due time. If she wasn’t in this disguise, would he even bother to look at her? Her heart ached with the thought of him not liking her for her, but it was most likely true… she was in a disguise after all. Never letting her smile fade, she gave him a calm expression. She was going to enjoy this moment, real or not. She was happy. [color=cee4e1]“S-so, Milady...”[/color] he cleared his throat ever so slightly, evidently a little...flushed as he fondly called her. Before he continued, she pressed on his hand and mouthed silently, [color=ed145b]“Relax.”[/color] To which he responded with by shaking his head and looking his partner right in the eye. Two pools of radiant brown stared back at him, and his heart sunk. How could it be…? They were the same shade as… The golden mask she wore concealed relatively little, but with or without it, she must have been charming. She carried herself with an aura that pleaded ‘royalty’, even, and Shou Matsuoka did not know that his guess may very well have bordered on the truth. He leaned in closer to her, lowering his head until his lips were level with her ear, his voice brought down low into a husky whisper meant for her ears alone, [color=cee4e1]“I can't help but be nervous, Miss Amie. It isn't everyday I have the chance to dance with a woman who not only lights a fire in my humble heart, but could burn it to ash in the raging, bewitching inferno that she is.”[/color] And this was the truth. Characterised by the fruity note of wine still on his soft breath as he let his lips brush gently against her soft cheek as he pulled away, if only for a second, yes. But the truth was the truth. The atmosphere progressed gradually into something romantic. Amity closed her eyes as he whispered sweet nothings into her ear and then her flesh began to burn when he swept his lips on her cheek. Was this considered fast? This was only going to be a dance. It was natural for her to feel incomprehensible feelings… right? The chemistry between her and this man she knew nothing about besides his name was evident and once they take the dance floor, she knew she’d be lost forever without his embrace. Her breath was short, her lips slightly opened. This man was invading her mind, filling her soul’s empty vessel, capturing her heart and holding it hostage. Her heartbeat picked up with every motion he made. What was even going on with her right now? Steadily, she opened her eyes revealing her confusion, intrigue, and desperation. Under her breath, she quivered, [color=ed145b]“You’re a romantic, I see.”[/color] [color=cee4e1]“Occasionally…”[/color] he responded, eyebrow quirking almost with a mischievous curiosity at the reactions her young body made in response to his touch. Something about them was...endearing. There was no pride, and there was no falsity. She genuinely was...confused? No...ever so slightly [I]desperate[/I]. [color=cee4e1]“...but it does require the right conditions. A-and...being so close to you, being with you, Amie, I...I can feel my head grow light.”[/color] And he was not, in the slightest, exaggerating.[/hider] [hider= A Waltz with a Ghost] [u][center][h3]Amity X Shou[/h3][/center][/u] Moving the hand up from her waist to gently stroke over her bottom lip with his thumb, fabric soft against velvet, he took a single deep breath as he returned his hand to where it was and attempted to compose himself. Something about this woman...stirred up [I]feelings[/I] within him. Feelings the young professor hadn't felt in...quite a while. He gave her a minute nod to show her that he'd try to relax, though smiling the whole time, before he spoke again. [color=cee4e1]“Shall we begin?”[/color] Her response was simple. Putting her trust in him wholeheartedly, she just looked at him tenderly and waited. Allowing the pianist to enter the next measure, Shou’s hands held Amie slightly closer, tighter even, with a hint of protectiveness about his touch, even as his fingers absently stroked over the fabric of the dress at her small waist. Her right hand rested in his left while her left hand held her dress up. Her left arm would sway with their bodies as they roamed around the dancefloor. She kept a small distance between them, so that she may gain her composure back. And as soon as they were ready, he began, sweeping his partner into the dance as he presumed she was experienced, and perhaps better on her feet than he was. He was right, of course, Amie was two steps ahead of him in terms of grace, and once he matched her rhythm and that of the music, he couldn't help but feel elated. Having seen the couple on the floor, the surrounding guests moved off to clear some space for them courteously, creating a large empty space for the masked duo. It wasn't long before, out of the corner of the eye, Shou noticed that a few more couples took the dance floor. Masked and mysterious, but then again, who wasn't? Somewhere it made him grin - him and Amie must have been inspiring to have others join them, even if just for this song. He gazed down at his partner, and it seemed that as the dance progressed, slow and romantic, that the small distance between them was further diminished, until Shou almost had his arm encircled around the young lady's waist. Her chest was pressed up against his, and his eyes hardly left hers, a dance of their own ensuing on a more metaphysical level. Not paying attention to the people who joined the dance floor, the space between her and Shou dwindled. Before Amity knew it, she was no longer holding her dress, as she stared at him intently, feverishly… they were inches away from each other. Her left hand moved up his arm and onto his shoulder. They danced like that for a moment, he having full control over the direction they went, full control over her body. Her eyes never looked away from his. She was prepared for anything he threw at her, may it be a dip, a twirl, or even a lift. Shou’s breath hitched when they entered that short period of languid ecstasy. He could feel her body wrapped around his, entwining almost as if they were one, with the dancefloor forgotten and the space between them nonexistent. Something about her gaze, the look in those fervent brown eyes, drew him in, and he held the idol close as he lowered her in a dip gently, arms wrapped protectively, possessively around her small frame. He could feel his own heart beating twice, thrice, as fast when he looked down at her. Vulnerable, and innocent…his heart raced and his insides throbbed in...warm, pulsating desire for this woman, and to consume her. To run his hands down each inch of her body, and let his lips kiss each inch of her body, and let her rule his however she saw fit. This woman may very well have asked him to beg for her, and he gladly would, on his knees, his head raised to meet her gaze, eyes desperate for approval, and if she'd further wished it, he'd call her lovingly, devotedly, as ‘mistress’. ...and in that clouded haze, he might as well have been looking down at Alessandra. Reaching near his upper back, she pulled him closer to her, removing all space in between them completely. Her hand brushed on his naked neck and soon after, rested on it. He held her head gingerly, as if she was some sort of delicate creature that could break if he released. The idol wanted him more and more with every action they made.[i] He made. [/i] An encounter she never expected to have, that she [i]never had[/i]. Their bodies were rubbing against each other, it was almost as if they were going to kiss. Her gaze drew his head closer to hers, her eyes growing heavy, tempted to close. In this euphoric bliss, her mouth was ajar and her breathing steadied. Was this the Waltz anymore? The professor didn't know, either. He held her in the dip, eyes gazing down into hers as her hands moved up, fingers against the delicate skin of his neck making his body sizzle with a fire of want, a fire of need for her. Her eyes were half-shut, inviting, alluring...Shou felt himself unable to resist. He held her closer, always closer, having to plant his feet firmly on the marble floor beneath them as to not lose his footing with how weak she made him. The rest of the party was drowned out, and to him, only the two of them remained. He made her feel like she was the only one that existed. In this moment, she was his and he was hers. [color=ed145b][i]“Steal me away”[/i][/color] the young girl thought, cueing, nearly begging with her eyes for him to touch her, lip to lip. His breath lit her up like a candle. A rush of heat spread throughout her body, reaching every last limb. His eyes were watching Amity’s every move, from the slight twitch of her lip to the pace of her breathing. He tilted his head down, finally closing the distance between her parted, trembling lips and his own, anticipating. He could feel her soft breaths against his cheek as he teased, taking her bottom lip gently between his own and heightening the tension between them, for it wasn't only her that was desperate. The silver haired professor felt the same emotion, perhaps to even a greater degree. Unable to resist her much longer, he finally brought his lips to hers, cautiously, hotly and needing. They were so soft… Finally, it happened. He brushed his lips against hers and then pressed on it gradually. With their lips touching, the progression of their kiss grew to pure passion. Love and lust combined. His lips were rough and smooth, perfectly matching her soft, plump ones. He moved them around in circles and her heart swelled. His breathing was deep and loud in her ear. At once the couple’s mouths were moving in concord, as though neither could resist the other, neither could wait any longer. They devoured each other through the kiss of the night, the kiss that would set the rest of the night in motion. Due to the heat of the moment, Amity deepened the kiss and traced her tongue against the contour of his tender lips. Soon enough, she could taste his sweet, wine flavored tongue run across hers. His hands kept from straying, if only to hold Amie up, but his lips would make up for that. He kissed her gently at first, though lost himself as it progressed. Needless to say, Shou was surprised when he felt her delicate tongue by his lips. A larger crowd of dancers had gathered on the floor now, each with their respective partner, waltzing to their heart's content. How many songs had passed? One? Two? It seemed like an eternity, an eternity that Shou Matsuoka was happy to lose himself into. He felt her tongue soon against his own, and held himself back, teasingly breaking away to gaze down upon her. She was stunning, especially when she desired him. It made Shou’s loins ache for her. What a tease! Amity puffed her cheeks when he pulled away from her. Was she being too aggressive? Too needy? It just felt right in the moment. She wanted him, was that so wrong? Maybe she should pull away from his embrace and get another drink in her. More alcohol only meant wiser decisions, right? He obviously didn’t want to take the kiss... She couldn't have been more wrong. He didn't leave her in want for long at all, lips meeting hers again and his own tongue finding hers, gently wrapping around and then releasing it, playing with her initially. Until he chose to lose himself into the kiss further, allowing passion to take control. He kissed her deep, and hard, and he kissed her ravenously, tongue only heightening the precious moments between them. Woah. Amity’s body felt limp as he held her close and furthered the heated kiss. Her body was exposed even when she was completely clothed. Her face was hot and red as the caress of his lips grew voraciously. Bewildered, she could feel his vehement need for her. They swallowed each other, making the kiss even more intense than before. She needed to catch her breath. He was too good to be true. As soon as she broke away from him, he was hooked. Despite being at the centre of the dance floor still, he couldn't resist her. He let his lips linger, at the corner of her sweet mouth, before moving them languidly to her cheek. She'd be able to feel him softly panting and his eyes shut, experiencing the sensations with only his lips and sense of touch. He pressed his nose into her soft cheek as his lips then found her jaw. Smooth...and so soft. This woman truly was delicate, precious even, not a scar or blemish on her lovely face, and Shou, shamelessly (or just having succumbed to the alcohol’s grip), familiarised himself with each contour. Closing her eyes, Amity’s body trembled with every kiss this man did. He was claiming every part of her. Her heart was beating but, now, only for him. Her breathing was heavy. She focused hard on not releasing an embarrassing moan, especially in a public place, though her body was stuck in a stupor. Oh god. Her ponderous breathing was obvious with her chest moving along with every gasp of air she tried to take. Her eyes opened slightly. The young idol prayed no one was watching. That her and Shou were hidden in the center of the dance floor. This was too much for her little body to handle. He traced a trail of tiny kisses, down the side of her neck, which the silver haired man only just kept himself from biting. They moved to her collarbone, exposed by the way the dress clung to her body, the soft skin vulnerable, and he buried his face into the small hollow of her neck. He breathed in her heady scent gently. Perfume was a welcoming aroma, but it couldn't so much as compare to the natural, human scent that wafted off her skin, and drove Shou wild. He further dared to kiss down her exposed right shoulder, and even more to leave a tiny bite on its gentle swell, before pulling away, a small set of rose-coloured bite marks imprinted onto her fair skin staring back at him. He was evidently dishevelled - this lady had him at her every command - but glowing with a new warmth and a newly sparked desire. With his cheeks warm, dark eyes cloudy as they met hers again, and his lips in a small, sultry smirk, he whispered, [color=cee4e1]“Heh...wow. Signorina, dare I say...you [I]taste[/I] divine.”[/color] With a temporary break in character, the young idol jumped into his arms allowing him to hold onto her possessively. Weighing hardly anything, she looked down at him, her eyes penetrating his stare and feet dangling above the ground. Her bottom rested in the crook of his arms. Shou was evidently a little surprised, though only shifted his arms to hold her more stably, gazing up at her with eyes of admiration and slight surprise, alcohol-fuelled and glossy. His own lips were parted as he still was panting, and it only could have increased as he felt her legs gently wrap around him at his waist. All the things his mind could have raced to of her doing to him… Of [I]Alex[/i] doing... Gradually and seductively, she made her way to his ear and whispered, [color=ed145b]”You’re mine now, Mr. Shou Matsuoka.”[/color] This could mean one of two things: He was hers for the rest of the night or she wanted to pursue a relationship with him in the future. If one knew Amity and her whims better, Shou was hers now and forever. [color=cee4e1]“I always have been…”[/color] the intoxicated professor responded submissively, face buried into her neck as she whispered into his ear. Though it was unbeknownst to Amity, reality blurred its lines in Shou’s mind. As far as he was concerned, he was here, [I]with Alessandra.[/i] ...and he would never let her go again. Not that he finally had the chance now, to be with her. [I]Four long years later…[/i] The last notes of the soft waltz faded away in the background, the end of the song very near... [color=cee4e1]“...Alex.”[/color] he whimpered softly, inaudibly, into the young idol’s neck. Nobody could have heard it. Nobody but the man clinging desperately onto the lingering image of the woman he loved. After giving his ear a little nibble, she let him bring her down and smiled up at him, [color=ed145b]“I think I need to get on your level.”[/color]. She gestured back at the bar, [color=ed145b]“But also....”[/color] resting her hands on her stomach, a growl came out… she was ready for something sweet. [/hider] [hr] [centre][hider=Overarching Theme Song] [YouTube]https://youtu.be/hWkgjeIlbLQ[/YouTube] [/hider][/centre]