Would You Believe It?{Masquerade~Alex}

[Jisa]

Alex shrugged, he’d gotten over the library thing a while back. It’s just a spell, He had told himself, convinced himself. It hadn’t been easy but he’d had to let it go. Obviously she had her reasons for so vehemently defending the destroyed spell. Pointless would be the word used if she hadn’t had a reason in the first place. All of a sudden, the witch’s demon creature appeared next to him, playfully batting at his hand. If his reflexes hadn’t been dulled by tormenting memories and the slight fog of alcohol, it could have been embarrassing. Hey, not everyone can handle a cat with a disappearing/reappearing act. Alex didn’t know what to do with the sudden change in attitude toward him. One second it was all ‘argue with Alex/slash his face off’ and now it was ‘have a civil conversation/play with him’. This was what he wasn’t missing in high school. Okay then. Uneasily, Alex glanced back at the demon-turned-angel cat that meowed at him. He’d never really been good with pets when they were normal. Best bet is to leave the cat alone.

“Alright, I’ll be sure to bring him with me when I go speed-dating.”

Alex remarked, slightly sarcastically. Then he flinched at his own joke and gave up on that. Sighing under his breath, Alex offered the witch his hand.

“My name’s Alex.”

Plain and simple. Yup.

[shadow]

Azrael smiled at his attempt at humor, and left it at that. She took his hand, accpeting hte strange, newfound peace between them. Huh, wso his name was Alex, who would have guessed? Hopefully she wouldn't accidently start calling him Alexander. Well... Scratch that. There was no way on earth she'd mistake this guy with her sweet little brother, no offense meant to him, of course. "Azrael," She said, wondering what he'd say if he knew what I'd meant. Dark Angel... What a name. A name given to her by Loki, no less. It made her wonder why she had kept it. Maybe for her to remember her vengance.

She looked over the ballroom, contenting herself to watch the dancers again. Normal people, with normal lives. Oh, how she wanted that. She did, she wanted her mama and dad back, heck, she even wanted her brother back, to how he was before he went insane, that sweet, mentorly guide that was always there. Heh, it's strange how life works out sometimes, isn't it? things where supposed to be one way, but end up the total opposite. Lost in her own thoughts, she didn't really notice the man that was beside her, only through that veil back to reality.

[Jisa]

Azrael. That was the name of the angel of death, if you believed all that. Alex just hoped it wasn’t supposed to be ironic or anything. That would be a total buzz kill. Unlike the name Alex, it was unique and fit the strange golden-eyed witch well. So as they sat in silence, Alex let his eyes wander the room, taking in the mostly human population in the room. That was probably for the best, having a room full of supernaturals usually was a recipe for disaster. He realized that he had a relatively normal life compared to many supernaturals, if normal was the life that a human had. However, some of their lives were strange and twisted too, to be fair.

Alex’s thoughts were already skewed, and so was his judgement. The next action he took was far out of character.

“Well, since we’re here, do you want to dance?”

It was an absurd, laughable gesture but it looked to be the only way to end the silence. Silence allowed the mind to wander, and if he was concentrating on dancing, he wouldn’t have to think of anything else. Problem solved. Unless Azrael thought the plan was as stupid as it really was.

[shadow]

Azrael turned to the unexpected offer. She opened her mouth to say no, when kappa butted his invisible head against her side, encouraging her to go. After all, hadn't this been what she had come for? It didn't matter that she ahrdly knew him, that's what you did at masquerades, dance with whoever came your way. No one knew who anyone else was, because of the masks. So what did it matter that it was this particular Warlock? If anyone else asked her, she would have agreed.

Kappa growled, growing impatient as he reached his paw out, living a small line of red on her hand. She glared at the invisible cat, which must have been vry strange. "Alright, Kappa, alright," She hissed quietly at him, not wanting to be rude. For some unfatomable reason. She held out her hand for Alex to take it, though she was still surprised he had even asked in the first plac. Maybe it was because he wwas drunk, but Azrael had paid money to come to this thing, she was entitled to one dance. "Sure," She said, though it wasn't as.. elaborate as acceptances to dance in the books she read. Tough, she could only be expected to go so far.

[Jisa]

To say the least, Alex wasn’t surprised when it took Azrael a long time to answer. She appeared to battle with herself and probably her invisible familiar- if the brown cat was still around. The longer it took, the less Alex hoped for her to say yes. If not, he’d just go home. Tonight had worn him out considerably though nothing had really happened. He listened as he heard feline growling and Azrael subduing him under her breath. Alex smiled slightly at that, it must be nice to at least have a companion to talk to, that understood. It seemed that Kappa had won the battle, forcing Azrael to hold out her hand for Alex to take. It was slightly disheartening to know that her familiar had had to convince her quite viciously- judging by the scratch mark- to dance with him. Though what else Alex expected, I don’t know. He had been rude and argumentative, even if Azrael herself had a part in it as well. Oh well, he’d take what he got.

So he took her hand hesitantly and led her to the floor with a reassuring smile. It was a good thing he knew how to dance, something he’d always just understood the mechanics of. The process wasn’t much different from casting spells, in a way.

“Ready?”

He asked quietly, holding her hand in his and placing her hand on his shoulder. Alex hated how cheesy and cliche this whole thing was, but it had to be done. Tentatively he rested his hand on her waist and started the steps of a simple dance.

[shadow]

Azrael allowed him to lead her to the dance floor, beginning to panic. what if she stepped on his feet? What if she tripped, and fell face-first on the floor? What if she made herself look extremely stupid? What if, what if, what if? Kappa purred a loud farewell, contenting himself to watch the trainwreck from the bar. You hateful little... Aren't Familiars supposed to prevent you making a total fool out of yourself? Azrael growled in her mind as she took dance position. What had ever possessed her to do this? Oh, right. The same hateful rogue that was camped out on the bar.

As they began to dance, Azrael slowly began to calm, the soothing dance easing away her tension. She wasn't really sure if she was surprised by Alex's talent at dancing or not. True, he was a snob, but are snobs usually good dancers? Or drunks, for that matter? "You're a good dancer," She contented herself to say, as they moved gracefully across the dance floor.

[Jisa]

Alex didn’t mind that Azrael seemed distracted, she was probably wondering what the hell she was doing on the dance floor with the guy she’d been arguing with ever since they met. He didn’t even want to think about what possible force caused them to kind of get along enough to dance, at a masquerade ball no less. Instead of concentrating on the golden eyed witch, Alex concentrated on leading her through the steps. It wasn’t much, but it looked alright and at least had a rhythm. An eyebrow rose at the compliment Azrael gave him. That was unexpected, especially because Alex didn’t count himself much good at dancing. He just had rhythm and the courage to dance. Or so he had previously thought.

“Is that a compliment?”

Alex asked, looking at her with a small smile on his face. Just joking but partially a real question.

“I could have never seen that coming. But as long as we’re apparently being possessed by some force of good, you’re not too bad yourself.”

Alex informed her, watching their steps and making sure they weren’t going to bump into somebody. Now that would be embarrassing, and a shame. Azrael probably wouldn’t much like it either. The silence that ensued was strange, so Alex decided to carry a conversation for once. There’s a first time for everything.

“Was that your little brother, at the library?"

[shadow]

Azrael looked up, somewhat surprised at Alex's words. "Well, yes, I suppose it was," Sje said, and began chewing on the inside of her cheek again. It was becoming a habit, a rather bad one. But what was this fluttery feeling at his compliment? It was a strange feeling, but not entirely unpleasant. She allowed herself a small smile before Alex's next comment, which ruined any fluttery feeling she had left.

"Hey! I'm not the rude one around here," She hissed, "But thank you," Her tone still wasn't very friendly, but at least she wasn't spitting at him like an angry cat. Still, she looked at their feet to hide the heat rising on her cheeks at the compliment from Alex. Se still stared at the ground when she answered his question. "Yes. His name is Alexander."

[Jisa]

Alex smiled slightly at her surprise. At least he could say that he’d caught her off guard at least once. He wasn’t a completely predictable person anymore. Azrael looked a little worried, but Alex didn’t pry, she was probably lost in her own thoughts. Her indignant exclamation was amusing, especially because she didn’t think she was rude. It takes two to make an argument, particularly the one they’d had.

“That’s cute,”

He taunted lightly, letting on that he didn’t quite think he was the only one to blame here, even if he did own up to partial fault. Her sour thank you was amusing, as highlighted by his humoring eyes and wider smile.

“Alexander? It’s a great name.”

Alex joked, even though it may make him seem like a bigoted idiot. Actually, that’s what he was being with all the jokes, mainly that one. Azrael looked younger than him, though he couldn’t pin point just how much younger. She couldn’t yet be eighteen, he was sure of that.

“Did you just recently move here with your family?”

He asked, assuming that she had a family. Which was probably a bad idea, but Alex didn’t know that, just as she hadn’t known that the mention of having a girl to bother would be a bad idea. Either way, he’d asked and there was no going back.

[shadow]

Azreal blushed more furiously at his cute comment, though she knew that he meant about her rude comment. Her eyes still glued to the floor, mentally willing the redness to go away. What would Alex say if he caught a glimpse of her blushing at what he said? She didn't dare guess at the possible humiliatations.

Once she was sure her cheeks had cooled from her uncaractristic blushing, she looked back to his face. "Ha-ha," She said blandly, though not exactly unkindly. She wasn't trying to be mean, just hide her feelings at the moment, which, quite frankly, baffled her.

She looked down again at the mention of her family, unsure of what to say. She had come to terms with her loss a long time ago, though it did nothing to dampen her need for revenge, but hearing Alex speak as he assumed she had a family opened up that gsaping hole again. "I- I guess you could say that," She answered before falling silent. there it was, that longing again.

[Jisa]

Alex looked at the top of Azrael’s head, wondering why she was intent on looking at the ground rather than anywhere else. Oh well, there was obviously a reason- though Alex hadn’t pegged her as the shy type. Hardly. Then she raised her head and looked back at him. That was better, much less awkward. When she laughed sarcastically he smiled brightly at her, showing her that he wasn’t fazed in the slightest. Of course, the momentary joking manner ended at the mention of her family. Alex detected a bad situation, maybe Alexander was the only one she had left. At least she had that.

“Sorry,”

He apologized quickly, leaving it at that, knowing Azrael probably didn’t want any pity. Alex knew that he wouldn’t, nor would he like someone prying into his business. So he moved on, letting the silence set in as he concentrated on their steps.

“He’s pretty energetic, huh? Alexander, I mean.”

Alex amended, moving to a safe topic. Yeah, that would do. He wondered what type of life Azrael had had so far, and was surprised that he was curious. Why would she be so defensive of that spell anyway? The questions kept springing into his head.

[shadow]

Azrael nodded slightly, accepting his apology. It wasn't his fault he brought it up, he didn't know what happened, would never know. It was a secret that she would forever hide, one she would take to her grave. She'd never let the story of what happened that night get out. For the sake of Alexander.

Pulling herself out of her thoughts, Azrael looked up at Alex, smiling as she remembered her younger brother's daily antics. "Yeah, he is, isn't he? I don't know where he gets it from," She giggled, thinking back to her younger days, passing over that painful time, mentally comparing him to her young family. "Maybe Loki," She smiled, before realising what she had just said, and a shocked look crossed her face. She had just compared her sweet little brother to that man, and.. and... She couldn't handle it.

Azrael stepped back, ending their dance. "I'm sorry, I must be excused," She mumbled quickly, making her way through twirling bodies back to where Kappa sat. The cat sensed his Witch's fragile state, and as she sat at the bar, hiding her face in her arms, the cat butted his head against hers. She didn't cry, but she felt like someone had ripped a hole out of her chest. Was Alexander really so alike to Loki? Would he turn out just like him?

[Jisa]

Alex felt slightly better that he was forgiven, even if it was only acknowledged by a simple nod. Actually, it was better that way. It was good that she had Alexander to make her smile, seeing as there seemed to be a problem with family. When Azrael smiled, Alex felt the overpowering feeling to do so as well. It broke over his face, even as he questioned why in his mind. After that, things went askew. In major ways. Azrael mentioned someone named Loki, smiled and then locked very startled by the words that had come out of her mouth. A second later she’d stepped out of his arms, leaving him on the dance floor with a wish to be excused. People were staring at Alex, making him deeply uncomfortable. Crowds were not his thing. It invoked images of high school all over again.

Nothing beat his puzzlement over what just happened.

For a while, Alex stood there debating whether to leave her be or go after her. Shaking himself out of his cowardly thoughts, Alex convinced himself that going after her was the right thing to do, whether he wanted to or not. He just had to cheer her up. Easy enough, right? Counting on his few social skills, Alex took a deep intake of air and weaved through the dancers to get to her. Standing a few feet away he decided on what to say.

“If this is a bad memory moment, then I don’t think Alexander will turn out like… uh, Loki. Unless I’ve read this all wrong.”

Alex was counting on having perceived the situation right, or else this would go horribly wrong. Why him? They were just almost civil with each other.

“For the few seconds I saw him, there’s no way that kid could have a bad bone in his body. He’s too innocent for that.”

Alex watched Azrael’s folded figure in silence, not being able to see Kappa at all. It was all extremely awkward, particularly the stares still on his back, mortifying him and almost taking him back to a time he’d left behind.

[shadow]

Kappa batted at Azrael's hair, trying to get her to lift her head and smile again. As she remained unresponsive his efforts grew in paniced frustration. "Nyanya!" He meowed, giving up as Alex walked over, giving him a hopeless look, as if asking with his eyes what had happened to his witch, going so far as to reveal himself, a sign that he already trusted Alex.

Azrael ignored even the sound of Alex coming up behind her. She was aware that she was behaving childishly. She needed to leave, but she was afraid to leave alone with the ghosts of her past so immenent. Still she couldn't stay silent for long. "He is innocent. I hope he always stays that way. But you don't know how fast that innocence can change," She said, lifting her head. It does change quickly into something much more sinister. Azrael knew that all too well.

[Jisa]

Alex glanced at Kappa, stifling a chuckle at the cat’s strange behavior and meowing. The cat looked like he’d done all he could do, and if her familiar couldn’t do anything, Alex doubted he’d be much help at all. More like be a terrible burden. It wasn’t as if he’d had practice with this stuff, for goodness sake. He hadn’t ever had to deal with girls having a breakdown over their little brother and some guy named ‘Loki’. Great. Alex breathed out a sigh of relief when Azrael spoke, though he was still at a loss for words. He flinched, knowing how quickly his innocence had changed. The night Izabel had died at his side. Her name still seared his mind and threatened to overwhelm him completely, even after two years.

“He won’t.”

Alex insisted, knowing that in his sister’s care, Alexander would stay as good and innocent inside as he had been when Alex had seen him- of course, a little more mature at an older age.

“Not with you looking out for him.”

He drove the point home, hopefully. Azrael had been the fiery, stubborn, arrogant girl he’d met at the library, this wasn’t- couldn’t be how she acted now. He gave her a reassuring nod as she lifted her head, hoping that he’d made the situation better.