Would You Believe It?{Masquerade~Alex}

[shadow]

Azrael stood to the side, trying not to be seen. This was a mistake. She knew it, so why did she come? The butterflies that had inhabited her stomach had long past turned into crocodiles, which did nothing to help her nerves. The dress did nothing to help either. It showed too much skin for her to feel comfortable. The sleaves where fashined to go over her upper arm instead of her shoulders, and it cut low in the front. It was still a pretty dress, black with dark blue designs adroning it, that flared at the waist, but she couldn't help feeling self-concious in it, especially when men looked her over. she wore only a silk chocker, with a black rose attached, black gloves that reached her elbows, and a black mask that covered the top half of her face, and cleverly looked like a cat while also not looking like a cat. That, coupled with her fey golden eyes, made her look very like something strange, out of some fairytale. If only they knew.

[Jisa]

Alex Custodio

I know that I remember you, I think that you remember me too.
How can one of us still feel blessed when the other one's lost?

Alex narrowed his eyes as he walked down the street. What had possessed him to even get dressed to go to this thing? A masquerade ball? Seriously? Surely he had more important things to do- like practice that new spell he'd found earlier today. Anything but be here. Sadly, something drew him toward City Hall. Maybe it was a lack of social life- probably. But Alex didn’t care about that; he never really had. So why had he come? For lack of an explanation: Alex just did. It would probably be boring and full of human snobs come to gloat about their wealth and show off their partners to the world of Silverthorn.

Alex was wearing what most guys would wear to this type of thing: a white dress shirt, black blazer, black straight trousers and a black tie. Oh, don’t forget the mask. It was plain and simple, half black and half white. Covering from above his eyebrows to just over his nose, it was a mask just to have a mask. No frills, laces or decoration.

Without trouble he entered, paying the five dollar fee. As Alex glanced around the room wearily, he lost track of what was in front of him and bumped into a girl. Muttering an apology he went to move on, until he recognized the gold eyes.

I know you got to feel the change, it just get's worse when it stays the same.
How can one of us still feel blessed when the other one is so lost?

[shadow]

Azrael moved quietly through the room, thinking about leaving. She didn't need to come here, surrounded by all these rich people. She wasn't rich, far from it. Lost in her thought of escape, Azrael wasn't paying attention to where she was going, and didn't notice her company until she accidently ran into him. She stepped aside, keeping her eyes cast down. "I'm sorry, sir," She said, before sneeking a peek up, to see just which of the high-society snoobs she had ran into.

The man, his hair and eyes at least, looked familiar. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, however. He could be a regular at her show, maybe that was it. One thing was for sure, this was going to drive her crazy until she figured it out. "You look familiar," She commented, expecting an answer. Though she wouldn't expect it to be who it was.

[Jisa]

Alex looked down at the peculiar witch, who didn’t seem to recognize him. That seemed a little ridiculous and unlikely. She did look great in her simple yet lovely dress, and most likely outshone the overdressed pompous snobs. Alexander himself didn’t have a ton of money, enough for him of course, but just average. His family had been wealthy enough to give him this sum of money when he moved out. It was high time to be getting a job, but spending hours with his nose buried in spell books and tomes of other types seemed much more enjoyable. Alex almost resolved to be a better person, and throw away the habit of holding grudges, but it was hardly the time for a change. He couldn’t very well forget all that had been done and said. That was for sure. Taking a step back, he expected to carry on when the witch from the library commented on him looking familiar. No chance of a quiet, high-society night now, was there?

“The library.”

He answered, his voice cold and slightly expectant. Expecting what? He had no idea, already feeling his mood souring, he kept on.

“I’m surprised you remember the face of the argumentative Warlock that refused to get out of your way.”

Alex commented, feeling no need to be polite and take the high road. This stubborn and persistent personality had come out of nowhere. What had happened to the quiet Alex, that moved out the way of any passerby and kept on with his own life?

[shadow]

Azrael tensed, crossing her arms as she glared. "Oh, it's you again. Don't you have anything better to do, other than getting in my way?" She commented, but it lacked the edge she usually possessed. Really, wasn't this night bad enough already? Why did this guy have to show up to make it worse? What had she done to deserve this kind of Karma? She came here to have a good time, it seems like that will no lonegr happen, however, with this snobbish killjoy around.

She sighed, wondering if she should be the bigger person, or not. Psh, who was she kidding? If there was one thing she was known for, it was her stubborn streak. Besides, the guy was supposed to be a gentleman and apologise, right? Besides... it could be fun to mess with him. "What are you doing here? Are you set on ruining my fun, too, now?" She asked. huh. I didn't know they let trash in here.

[Jisa]

Alex raised an eyebrow and barked out a low laugh quietly. She was so self-absorbed, as if he cared about getting in her way. Jesus. This kid was starting to make herself look like an idiot. Actually she was probably know better than the party-goers all around the room. Who had sent invites anyway? He hadn’t quite thought about that before. But back to the stuck up little witch in front of him. It was bad enough that the invite had said not to forget a date, and sure enough Alex was alone. Tonight would be a night to forget, that’s for sure. He wasn’t going to grace her sourness with an answer, that was for sure. He just shook his head, uninterested in her complaints.

“Wow, you really are self-centered.”

Alex mused looking directly into her odd eyes. What? He didn’t have enough of a life to do anything other than stalk and annoy some girl now? As if. In fact, he had better things to do than have high-class fun at a spring dance. It sounded like high school, and that was one memory never to be relived. Ever.

“If I remember correctly, earlier it was you ruining my ‘fun’ and if I was here on some ludicrous mission to make your life miserable then we’d be even.”

Alex explained, sarcasm dripping from his words. There’d be no way that he’d waste his time on something like that, there were better things to be done. More important ones at that.

“I actually want nothing to do with you, whether to argue or play nice. I was invited, you know like everyone else here. What else would I be doing here?"

[shadow]

Azrael took his words without complaint, chewing the inside of her cheek. She looked down at the floor for a moment, thinking. "Whatever," She mumbled, knowing exactle what she looked like a little girl that wanted to be big and bad, but couldn't take it when it was thrown back at her. She hated it, but she wasn't going to stay here and let this guy bully her. She's had enough of the from Loki.

She contenued walking out to the door, before turning her direction again, to sit one more at a deserted table. She still held on to that one last shred of dignity, one that wasn't about to let him think she was leaving because of him. Still, she hated that she appeared like a silly PMSing teenager to him. Why it should matter at all, she didn't know, but it did. "Stupid little girl," She sai, propping her chin up on her hand as she quoted her brother. Wasn't this supposed to be fun?

[Jisa]

Alex looked down at the little witch, watching as she pouted. Looked like someone couldn’t handle being stood up to. Pathetic. He watched as she left and, seemingly changing her mind, decided to sit at a lone table. Alex knew that he shouldn’t have felt bad for her, shouldn’t have felt at all, but he’d gone a little too far. For goodness sake. Before he could stop himself, Alex had approached the girl once more. He could have just stayed home tonight, learned some spells- accidentally set a book on fire, that kind of thing, but no he had to go play Mr. Social. Mentally, Alex hit his head against a brick wall… multiple times.

“Look, I’m not sorry that I stood up to you but I might have gone a little too far. Okay? But, seriously, you made it hard for me to be anywhere near civil.”

He told her, his voice not giving up it’s gruff, hard edge. No, Alex wasn’t going to go soft on her just because she’d pouted and taken off to a little corner. When had he taken to soothing the ego of little girls? It must have been a while since he’d talked to anyone, let alone another girl.

[shadow]

Azrael looked up in annoyance at the guy came over. Really, hadn't he made his point already? Really, couldn't he let her hold onto her last shred of dignity? Would it be too much to ask? Oh, course it would. Well, she must have had it coming. After all, she didn't really give him that much of an explanation of why she was taking the spell in the library. Then again, since when was her past anybody's business? Really, what ever happened to minding your own business?

"Civil. You know, instead of bringing up bad memories, you could have been the bigger person and not even have mentioned. You where asking for it, really," She commented, not giving into his apology. Men where such pigs! What did he expect, coming over here, without even an apology. "Didn't you bring some girl to bother?" She asked, clearly stating that she was done talking to him.

[Jisa]

Okay. Apparently one thing to add to the list of ’never do to a girl’ is try to salvage a situation and admit you’re wrong. Got it. Why? Come on. This was past ridiculous and the girl still hadn’t learned to mind her tongue. What kind of world was this? Blame it on the high-school low social status. It doesn’t really help with being a good conversationalist in later life apparently. Honestly, he was just tired now. And now she was talking about the fact that he should have been the bigger person? Just how was that supposed to work? Surely if she was aware of being a bigger person and all that, she should have done it herself. Where’s the logic in the world? Where? Instead of answering, he just nodded and stared at her. There was nothing he could do to win this. This is what the real Alex would have done in the very beginning. Comply. Agree. Be a complete wuss that just let people do as they wanted. Let them walk all over him. Though honestly, the date comment was a real slap to the face. Shocking. Of course. That’s what society was about. Having a girlfriend, money, just fitting the bill exactly all the time.

Izabel. That was the real problem here. Izabel. Alex was distantly angry at the ignorant witch for digging into his business. All he really felt was overwhelming grief. Izabel.

”One Chance.”
A sickening crack.
Blood.
Pain.
Darkness.
The pale, cold skinned hand of
Izabel.
Izabel Tyrn.

Alex brought himself back to reality, realizing he’d completely tensed up and stared at the witch girl. Low blow, was all he could think. Stiffly he inclined his head. Catching the finality in her tone. All the better. The room felt too close, too warm, too full. The spinning dancers made Alex dizzy.

“Excuse me,”

He farewelled politely to the witch girl, his voice strained and tight. As soon as he turned, he beelined for the bar. Yup, he definitely needed to forget tonight, fast. Tomorrow he’d be at home, buried in books. Tonight forgotten. The witch girl and her strange golden eyes forgotten. Izabel, once more, forgotten.

“Just give me something alcoholic.”

He demanded of the bartender and downed the horribly bitter drink in barely more than a gulp. Drowning memories seemed to be the only way.

[shadow]

Azrael sighed in frustration as she returned his glare, looking angrily at his back even as he left in a rage. So what if he didn't have a date? She didn't have one either, but she didn't run around crying about it! Then again, she knew that expression all too well. She looked at herself in the mirror with that same expression whenever she thought of Loki. Had she misjudged the rude warlock, and where they more alike than she origionally thought? Surely not, not him. Though hadn't she seen the truth in his eyes?

She was startled out of her thoughts by a thud hitting the table, and she jumped. However, it was merely a familiar brown shape, her familiar, Kappa. She glared at the cat, slightly annoyed. "You where supposed to stay and look after Alexander, you rogue," She said as she reached out to scratch the cat's ears. Kappa had other ideas, jumping back and hissing at her. "What? I'm not that mad at you," She said, but only gaind another hiss as the cat looked over at the bar, where the Warlock sat. Azrael followed her cat's gaze in disbelief.

"You have to be kidding me. Really? That's why you came?" She looked down at the cat as he growled at her in a warning tone, as if he where saying, 'Hadn't you been there once?'. She sighed, feeling a stab of pity. She had been there multiple times, and it wasn't a great place to be. "fine," She muttered, standing. "We'll do it your way, then," She walked across the room to stand behind the man, placing her hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry for what I said. Obviously, it was over the line."

[Jisa]

Alex downed another cup of whatever god awful liquid the bartender was serving him. He didn’t really care either way. Maybe he should worry about the questionable liquid… except that seemed silly. There was no obvious reason to poison the black haired warlock leaning against the bar. Yeah, looking back on it, being anti-social seemed worth it. Definitely need to stuck to what you know. Alex thought to himself almost philosophically. A hand on his shoulder knocked him out of his safe thoughts. Turning, the warlock was facing none other than miss golden eyed witch. He thought better of just ignoring her, though it was what he wanted to do most. Why were women so complicated? Trouble followed them everywhere. Stepping away from her touch, Alex looked at her, a withering look on his face. Wary, tired… and deep inside his eyes was a sadness.

“Look, you don’t have to apologize to me. You should go and enjoy your night or whatever you came to do.”

His words weren’t harsh, clipped or sarcastic. Not a witty remark, sharp-tongued comment or rhetorical question. Alex was already slightly undone by two very strong drinks- apparently a lightweight. That’s what a lack of social life gets you. He scolded himself mentally, having virtually never really drank before. Sure, a few times, but whatever. It could be the lingering exhaustion and grief loosening his tongue and shutting down the bad attitude on the outside.

[shadow]

Azrael was surprised by the responce. From him, she would have expected some witty, sarcatic remark, but appearantly he was the better person. at her feet she felt a furry presence rubbing against her legs, and knew her familiar was pressing her still to make amends. She sighed, not really sure to be annoyed or not. "Actually, I do have to apologise. Judging by your reaction, there's a reason why you're the rude man you are," She said, not daring to say the word Warlock in the present company. Her familiar meowed approval at her feet, which she chose to ignore. Talking to an invisible cat certianly wouldn't do anything to her supposed sanity.

She looked at the liquir he was consuming rather quickly, and looked back at his face. "You know, no matter how bad it is, you shouldn't drink. It's a nasty habit," She commented, but by now her sharp tone was gone, for now, at least. Kappa purred at her feet, as if to say, 'Now that wasn't too hard, now, was it?' And she repressed the urge to kick him. You hateful little rogue...

[Jisa]

It was too much to expect the witch to just go away. That would’ve been too easy. Who’s up for a challenge? Oh, well the world doesn’t exactly care- ready or not here it comes. Alex shook his head, amused at the fact that she managed to apologize and insult him, all in one fun little sentence. For a second, Alex’s mind wandered off. He wondered why some witches and warlocks had familiars, while others didn’t. It seemed quite odd- and where was this golden-eyed witch’s little demon fur ball? Alex caught the disapproving glance at his alcohol. Now who was prying into other people’s business? Such a hypocrite.

“I don’t know how people become alcoholics, this stuff is horrible. It’s not a habit, either, usually I can deal with it but,”

Alex seemed to gesture to their situation, in the ballroom, speaking… his gesture included their little argument before and the slightly bigger one in the library, before he raised the glass to his lips again.

“But desperate times call for desperate measures.”

Already, Alex didn’t have much control of his mouth. Never would he normally admit that there was something to handle without alcohol, let alone that he dealt with it by himself usually. He was too proud and reserved to let that happen- when he was in his right mind. Which presently, he wasn’t.

[shadow]

Azrael shook her head. If it tasted so bad, why did he still drink it? It didn't make much sense, but hey, if it worked for him. The fuzsy problem at the witch's feet began to chew at her ankle, causing her to hiss quietly herself, and speak again. "I should probably apologise to the Library thing, too. Though trust me when I say, I had extremely good reasons," As she finished, The havanna brown leapt to the counter, revealing himself as he reached out a paw to swipe at the the man's hand, rather playfully. He meowed in a friendly manner as his tail whisked back and forth.

Azrael laughed at her familiar's antics. "Kappa means that he's sorry for misjudging you. Usually he's an exellent judge of characte, though I'm yet to be convinced," She spoke in a tone that hinted laughter as she looked at her brown-furred friend, again hidden. In a place with so many people, he had only showed himself for the man. That was a high sign of admiration from Kappa, and it had Azrael bewildered. Why did her cat like this guy so much, when he wasn't all that high on her 'nice list'?