Masks and Realisations (Rai x azure)

Justin​

Justin was excited, he was finally home from University for the summer holidays, and he was going to spend his first day of freedom with Willam his best mate and neighbour he'd known since childhood. They had both gone to different school's once they had graduated, so they hardly got to see each other, making their time together all the more special. He had actually gotten home the previous night, but decided to sleep in rather then immediately see his friend. But after waking up at about 10:30 in the morning for the first time in ages he was finally ready, they had already organised to meet for coffee down the street as Willam had things to do earlier that day.

It had taken him the better part of 2 minutes to throw some clothes on and head out then door. Wearing a simple pair of fitted blue jeans with a tear in the knee, a black t-shirt and an unbuttoned red plait shirt with rolled up sleeves, on his head he wore a simple wool cap. Walking down the street memories came flooding back as he noted some key landmarks from his childhood. He smirked with his hands in his pocket as he began to feel extremely nostalgic, that's the swing where Willam broke his arm trying to jump off, and that's the bridge we got in trouble for throwing water bombs at cars he had no idea why his mind was bringing this sort of thing up now, it's not like he'd been gone for years or anything, only a couple of months. Something was about to change, he could feel it.

Rounding the corner he saw Willam and smiled, throwing him a casual wave, he was unsurprised to see his kid sister Vanessa standing next to him, they arguing about something. Knowing her brother, it probably had something to do with her coming. Without meaning to sound arrogant, Vanessa, or Ness as she liked to be called, had been mildly obsessed with him since she was was old enough to walk, wherever they went she was sure to follow. Of course it drove her brother mad. She was probably here because Willam accidentally mentioned that he was going to be meeting up with him, because he certainly didn't want her anywhere near them when they hung out. She was about 17 years old now, only a year away from finishing high school, if he remembered correctly.

Unlike her brother Justin was never bothered by her following him everywhere, he kind of found it to be cute, he had never had any siblings, he was an only child so Ness was the closest thing to a sister he had. "Hey there Ness" he greeted, smiling at her from a few feet away, holding out his arms preparing for the young female to take off and launch herself into him "did ya miss me?" This time Justin was ready, he'd been caught off guard by her in the past which resulted in him landing flat on his back, he was not interested in a repeat of that incident.

Vanessa was furious when she found out that Justin was back in town and her brother didn't even bother to tell her. What made it even more maddening was the fact he was going to meet up with Justin and hadn't bother to let her know. She had caught him trying to sneak out of the house. Fortunately, she had already planned on getting up early to just head over to Justin's before her brother had.

Slipping into a pair of faded skinny jeans, her favorite batman shirt that he hand given her last Christmas. Vanessa had just finished putting on her yellow sweat ban and beanie, when her brother trying sneaking by. Shoving her feet into her vans she chases after him. They don't even make it out the door before they start arguing about her coming. Hearing her brother tell her she acting like a love sick puppy, she hits him and says he acting like an ass.

Just when she about to throw out a few more insults Willam's way, the sound of that one person who she always looked up saying her name.Turning from arguing with her brother, she gives Justin a bright smile. Making her even happier that he said hello to her first over her brother. Smirking at her brother over her shoulder, she takes off and runs into his arm.

Warping her arms tightly around his neck, she rest face into his neck. Always finding comfort in his arms and the way he smelled. She didn't realize how much she missed him until now. Even though he was her brother best friend, Justin had been nothing but kind to her through her childhood. Whenever she was being bully by the neighborhood kids. Justin was the one who would defend her and later show her how to fight. Lifting her head up and still holding onto him she greets him back "Hey Justin, tell Willam you don't mind me coming too."

Justin grunted slightly as he felt the weight of Ness make contact with chest and stomach, luckily he had been expecting it and braced himself accordingly, an impact like that would have easily knocked him of his feet. Noting her appearance he was not surprised to see how she was dressed, in her typical inde girl style that seemed to have grown and developed in the year that he had known her "nice shirt" he commented hugging her back, knowing exactly where she'd gotten it, he enjoyed lightly teasing her about always wearing the things he'd bought for her, like they were sacred treasures or something. But he didn't find it weird or anything, in fact quite the opposite, it never once bothered him, often to the point where he could ignore the weight of her swinging from his neck while he did whatever it was he was doing.

But those days were over now, she had grown up, she weighed more then when she was twelve and was a lot taller then that time as well, her feet touching the floor and her face resting on his neck while he stood up straight was a testament to that. He smiled at Willam looking at him apologetically, mouthing the word 'sorry' to him before turning back down to Ness "I don't see why that would be a problem" he replied with a warm smile looking back up shrugging again at Willam, who looked a little annoyed by this. He reached down and held her by the waist, picking her up so that her arms were no longer around his neck and put her back down again. It was his polite way wordlessly of telling her to let go of him as he didn't enjoy saying no to her, and the fact that she always had been so light it was almost effortless for him to do so meant that it had become the thing he did when she knew he wanted her to let him go.

"Shall we go inside?" he asked looking between the brother and sister, smiling again at Ness before moving forward past her, placing his hand gently on her head as he did. That was another thing that he had always done, it was always intended on being affectionate, he used to do it whenever he felt the need to cheer her up after she had been bullied, was tussle her hair, at the time she hated it, but it distracted her long enough to forget about whatever the bullies had said. But now it had just become another one of those things he did. He stopped at Willam, giving him a sort of handshake bro hug as he greeted him properly, before both men headed inside standing in line at the counter, and ordering their coffee.

When Justin says it was okay if she tag along, she pulls back looking over her should grinning at her brother. With the pressure to her waist she moves and lets go of him standing right next to him. Rolling her eyes and smacking his hand off her head when she tussles her hair. Letting him finally say hello to her brother, she didn't realize until now how much she had really missed him. Where she knew if she was ever in trouble her brother would be there to help her. but it was Justin who she confided in. Justin who she cried to when she got stood up on her eight grade dance.

Following after them into the cafe, she wait in line letting them order and caught up some before she makes her own order. Telling them to go find seats she waits at the counter for their order. Leaning against the counter she watches them laugh and caught up. Grabbing their drinks she walks over to the table setting them down and sitting down herself. taking her cup and takes a few sips before looking at Justin. " So how long are you going to be in town before you have to go back?"

Justin smiled and nodded at Ness accepting the generous offer, noting that she was acting much more grown up now as they sat down at one of the far corner tables. Before she would try and demand every waking second of his attention and act like a jealous brat if she didn't, now she seemed to be eager to let the two friends catch up, which was actually a welcome surprise. The thing Justin liked most about Willam was that they could spend weeks or even months apart and they were still best friends when they reunited, always laughing and joking when they did.

Justin had finished telling his friend about his plans for the summer when Ness sat down with their coffee. He smiled at the teen muttering thank you, gently blowing on the hot liquid before taking a quick sip, sighing as it seemed to hit the spot, feeling every muscle in his body begin to wake up. He turned to Ness, thinking about her question "it's only end of semester break so I'll only be here for 2 weeks" he replied with a casual shrug before taking another sip of coffee. He breifly thought about bringing up the masquerade ball that was being held soon, but decided against it, at least in front of Ness. It wasn't like he wanted her to not know, but he knew that if he brought it up then she's want to go in a tuxedo, and the whole evening she would probably be laughed at behind her back, he wanted to spare her the ordeal, knowing what people had been saying her whole life.

Relaxing agaisnt her chair she brings her cup up to her lips and take a big glup of the rich hot chocolate she order. Licking her chocolate mustache away. She frowns at the news that he was staying too long. "Man that sucks. I would've thought you were saying longer." Making a face she knew majority of the time he was going to spend with her brother. "Well I hope you'll time to at least spend some times with me before you leave."

"Why would he ever spend time with the brat like you is beyond me", her brother says clearly still annoyed that she was able to join them today. Without even looking his way, Justin feels the table jump up as she searches her leg out kicks her brother in the shin. Just then her cell starts to buzzing letting her know she had received a message. Taking a a quick glance status from her friend Amy. The message says " Come over right now very important." With the sign she rolls her eyes god knows what Amy felt was important.Taking she cup with her she pushes back her chair to stand. Walking around the table she goes to him giving him a hug," Hey I have to go but let me know when you want to hang". Giving him a peck on the cheek she flips off her brother as she calls her a name and she walks out the door.

Justin was about to bring up the large amount of chocolate that covered Ness' top lip, but decided against it when she licked it off, steering clear of that line of conversation. He smirked at the teen's response to his answer, he was about to reply to her wish when he was cut off by her brother before he could speak, chuckling to himself when she retaliated by kicking him under the table, remaining silent for now. He always found it entertaining when Ness and Willam fought, especially because she wasn't afraid to hit him, but that wasn't true of the reverse, often using it as an excuse to get him in trouble by looking like a victim.

He looked up from his cup when he heard Ness' phone start ringing, noting her change in body language as she read the message. The male had a confused expression on his face as she hugged him and announced she had to go, giving her a hug back Justin noted how relieved her brother looked at this news, he also felt slightly relieved that she was going, as much as he enjoyed having her around, he didn't enjoy hanging out with the siblings at the same time.

"Oh okay sure I'll see you later then" he replied, unfazed by the kiss on the cheek, at this point in his life Justin was used to it from her. He watched her leave before turning back to Willam, instantly apologising for siding with her about joining them for coffee, deciding now would be a good time to bring up the Ball, whilst she wasn't there, explaining the event to him in great detail, including why he waited for Ness to leave, this sort of thing wasn't usually what Willam would be into, but he hoped that the allure of picking up hot college girls would be enough to convince him.

Stopping back at her house. Vanessa goes to room grabing her skateboard before leaving to head over to her friend's. Dropping her skateboard on the ground. She steps on it gives herself push strolling down the street. Gliding down the street she thinks about all the time she spent learning how to skateboard from Justin. Going down the few blocks to get to her friend's her mind wonders to Justin. She knew she had feelings for him that went farther then just seeing him as an older brother. She always had an crush on him even falling for him. She would always following him around like a love sick puppy.

But due to an event that happen last year really showed her how one-sided her feelings where. Broken hearted she slowly took the time to get over it. Now almost a year later, while she was happy to see him, the feeling she had for him were now deeply hidden. Pulling up to Amy's house she jumps off her skateboard, picking it up to knock on the door. The door swings opens revealing Amy. Where Vanessa was a tomboy her friend Amy was a total polar opposite. While Vanessa was into watching sports for the game, Amy was into watching it for the boys. Where it only took Vanessa 30 mintues to get ready, it took Amy 2 hours.But no matter what they where the best of friend. Walking into the house she asked Amy why it was so important that she came over so fast. Excitedly Amy tells her about the college ball she heard about three days from today. Rolling her eyes Vanessa ask what does this have to do with her. Since she never went with her friend to any of this local college parties. Amy goes on to tell her since she no longer crushing on Justin that she could go there to find another guy. Shaking her head only Amy would think about boys 24/7.

After hours of begging and plending Vanessa reluctantly agrees to go with her to the party. To at least keep an eye on her and out of trouble. The next two days where hell for her as Amy forces her to go shopping for a dress, making appointments to get her hair done and make up. As the night of the ball comes up she tells her parents that she was going to sleepover at Amy's. Not telling her parents that Amy's parents where out of down for the weekend.

After finishing their coffee and exhausting almost all possible subjects of conversation that two male friends could have in a cafe before getting bored, Justin and Willam returned to his place to play video games, both guys being confident enough that Ness would not be back during this time. Justin felt kind of guilty, all this sneaking around, avoiding the teen just because she had a mild obsessive crush on him, in theory there was nothing wrong with her. If he'd meet her at school or a party it might have been different, but unfortunately for Vanessa she was too much like a sister to the older male, he'd known her most of his life, he'd looked after her, it was difficult to see her as anything else. He didn't enjoy toying with her feelings, but he knew no matter how blunt he was with her she couldn't seem to move on.

Over the next couple of days the pair continued to hang out, with Justin sleeping over at Willam's house, enjoying their uninterrupted time together with Ness at her own friends place. After much discussion and a little planning, the boys decide to go the masquerade ball that was happening on the Saturday night, Justin managing to convince his friend into going by appealing to how much he enjoyed picking up girls. They already had a tux each, having both attended their formal dinners before, but they still didn't have masks, they headed down to the nearest shopping mall and managed to find a rather cheap, nice looking pair, that was quite unique but masculine at the same time. That night they both suited up at Justin's place, deciding they would take a taxi from his place rather then drive, just in case they decided to drink.

When they arrived they party was already in full swing, the room was full of unfamiliar people, all wearing masks of varying colours, shapes and sizes, they were all unique, most of the men wore the typical black tuxedo, so it was hard to tell each one apart, let alone recognise anyone, thankfully the women had more of a varying style to their dresses, ranging from all sorts of colours and types. It quickly became apparent that it was pointless for the two friends to try and work out who was who, quickly giving up and deciding who to chat up based on the size of their chest and hair colour, Willam quickly ran of to chat up some busty red head, leaving Justin alone with a lesser sized brunette. Thankfully they both had their phone's on them so if they wanted to meet up later they could arrange and not lose one another in the crowd.

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Justin's mask & Willam's mask

When the day of the ball comes, Amy takes her all over time to get ready. After the two hours it took to get her hair down, another two hours to get her nails down, and a hour for her make up. She was ready to just strangle her friend. Just when she after she couldn't take anymore, she turns and sees herself in the mirror and gasp. She couldn't even recognize herself. Amy laughs at her and tell her if she would just take the time she could look like this all the time. Still stun just nods, but then her mind starts to think what would Justin think if he saw her like this. Would he still see her as a little sister, or the young woman she had grown to be. Shake her head she gets rid of thinking of him. She didn't want to let thoughts of him getting in the way of tonight. Since neither one of them had a car they called for taxi to take the to the ball.

Once there she steps out the cab with her best friend. Moving her hands over her white breaded dress to make sure everything was okay. At this moment she felt like a fish out of water wearing a dress for the first time in seven years, her black hair washed, brushed and in curls falling down her back, and her makeup done. With her friend they walks up the stairs into the hallways that would lead to the ballroom. she moves over to the rail looking over at everyone laughing, talking and dancing to the music. she stands there watching everyone for a minute before turning to her friend to tell her she was already. Only to see her friend had already walked down the staircase to join everyone in the ballroom. Swearing under her breathe she trying to hurry after her only to almost fall on her face due to her not being used to wearing heels. Swearing again, she has one hand on the rail to help her walking down and the other holding up the hem of her dress to make sure she doesn't make a fool of herself and falls down the stairs.

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Vanessa Amy

Justin had spent a good twenty minutes talking with the brunette and things were going quite well, he recognised several of the signs that she was attracted to him, extended eye contact, nervous chuckles, mirroring his movements as they talked, pushing her cleavage together to make it more obvious. He was getting some seriously eager vibes from her that she wanted to spend the night with him, or at least ten minutes in a bathroom stall, an idea that he wouldn't exactly say no to, but for now he wasn't interested in skipping to the end so early in the night, he was having fun. Noticing that both of their glasses were empty he offered to buy her a drink, getting to his feet when she agreed and walking over to the bar, ordering a glass of scotch for him and a glass of white sparkling wine. He paid for the drinks, exchanging a knowing nod with the bar tender who knew exactly what he was up to.

On his way back he noticed a dark haired girl in a white dress stumble dangerously as she tried to make her way down the stair case, worried that she would fall, Justin temperarily forgot about the brunette and rushed up the stairs to meet the clumsy girl, stopping just a couple of steps beneath her. It wasn't until he reached her that he realised how stunning she was, her alabaster white skin a shade darker then her beautiful dress, her dark hair falling in soft curls over her shoulders, framing her face in such a way that it highlighted all of her best features but all these were dwarfed by her piercing blue eyes, staring down through her white mask, causing his pulse to quicken, realising he was staring at her stupidly. "I err..." he started, internally cursing as he noted he must have sounded like a blithering idiot, deliberately coughing in order to regain his composure, "here take this, then take my hand, I'll help you down the stairs" he ordered softly with a confident smirk, handing her the wine glass before offering his hand for her to take, deciding that he wasn't going to take no for an answer, so there was no point in asking.

She was so busy looking down at her feet to watch where she was going. She almost runs into the stranger offering her help. Feeling her face heat because, he most have seen her almost fall on her face. But what had her taken back a bit was when a glass is shoved into her hand and the other one was taken into a large hand. Leading her the rest of the way down the stairs. She tilt her head back some to look at the stranger who helped her. Staring back at her was one of the most warmest brown eyes she had every seen. Pulling her eyes away from his she studied the man before her. He had very broad shoulders that made his suit foam to his body. Looking back to his face his mask really fitted his face. Even though she couldn't see his whole face she knew he would be handsome.

Then realizing That she still hand her hand in his, she jerks it out of his before lifting the glass back to him. " Ummm thank you for your help". She waits until she takes the glass from her before stepping back and turns to observe the ballroom. Going on her toes she tries to ignore the man next to her. Hoping to get a glimpse of her friend in the large ballroom.

Justin smiled warmly at the female "No problem" he chuckled, taking back the glass, suddenly forgetting about the girl from earlier as he watched her stand on her tip toes, as though looking for someone. He suddenly felt a little worried for her, considering how much trouble she had trying to walk down the stairs, standing up like she was may very well snap her ankle. He approached her again, but this time much more casually rather then urgently "you looking for someone?" he asked, feeling stupid about how obvious the question was "I mean obviously you are but-" he cut himself off mid sentence, realising that he was rambling on like an idiot.

He sighed looking down at his feet, regaining his composure before looking back up at the stranger, he wanted to ask her name, frankly he wanted to know everything about her, but that wasn't how these balls worked, the idea was that the masks added a sense of mystery, so it would've ruined the spirit of it all if he found out now. He took a quick sip of his drink, resisting the urge to cough as the harsh liquid traveled down his throat, "sorry to say but you probably wont find her by looking through the crowd like that" he shrugged handing her the glass of champagne before realising how suss it may have looked to her "don't worry I didn't do anything to it see?" he stated taking a quick sip of its contents to show her it wasn't drugged or anything "you should enjoy yourself a bit first" he smiled warmly, his face seeming genuine, giving no indication that all he wanted was to get into her pants.

Letting out a frustrated sigh lowering herself back to her feel, so she no longer standing on her toes. Catching her bottom lip between her teeth. She tries to figure out what her next step should be. The only reason she came here was because Amy wanted her and to keep an eye out for her. But now alone she wasn't sure what to do. At the sound of his voice she turns to face him. At first she was a little nervous talking to a guy that wasn't her brother, Justin, or any guys that see her as one of the guys. But seeing that he was just as nervous as her, she smiles at him.

Watching him move to hand the her the glass back. She tilt her head to the side as he brings the glass to his lips to drink it. Her always heard about girls going to parties and giving rape drugs. That was one of the whole reasons she wanted to be here with Amy. She never thought any guy would in interested her to do that to her. After he takes a sip she takes the glass from him and taking a sip herself. But not being much of a drinker, she brings her hand up couching as her throat burns. Blinking her watery eyes she gives him an another smile. " Thanks ummm...", she tries to think of how to talk to him like a girl and not a guy. Looking at the dance for she turns back to him" So do you like to dance?"

Justin couldn't help but laugh at the female as took a sip of the champagne, immediately coughing, presumably at the sensation of the alcohol burning her throat, from that it was obvious to him that she didn't drink that often, if at all, especially considering it was only champagne. "No problem" he muttered as she thanked him for the drink, feeling his face flush slightly as she gave him a watery eyed smile. He felt himself tense when she asked him if he danced, he wasn't much of a dancer, in fact the last time he did dance was during his year 10 formal, during which time he managed to knock several people out with his wild hand movements.

Needless to say he hadn't danced since then, afraid that he'd cause someone grievous bodily harm, but something about this girl made him willing to try again at least, he was glad that most of the songs he'd heard so far appeared to be slow-dance songs. "Not really" he replied honestly, instantly feeling like he'd appear uninteresting to her because of this, girls always liked to dance, it was like it was programmed into their system or something. "It's not something that I do that often but I'll dance with you if you want to" he continued, feeling his usual charm and confidence returning slightly, he wasn't sure why she made him feel so nervous, he was usually so much more confident then this.

At the sound of his confession him she couldn't help but to smile at that. Seeing that he was no different from her she relaxes a little. She tries again to take a sip of the champagne. This time it's going down a little smoother, never really one for drinking. She tries to enjoy herself ." Well I've never been one for dancing either. Kind of have to left feet you know. But if you are willing to brave the crowd, so am I." Finish the rest of her drink, she sets it down on a near by table. Hearing that the next song was another slow song. Becoming bold she reaches out and takes his hand into her's. Intertwining her fingers with him she looks into his eyes before pulling him out on to dance floor.

A little stun at her own boldness she figures why stop now. Stopping in a spacious area, she takes both of his hands and place them on her hips. After place his hands on her hips and moves her arms around his neck. Slowly she stands to have them sway to the melody of the music. " Seeing we aren't doing so bad now are we?"

Justin felt himself blush nervously as the stranger took his hand, leading him to the dance floor, feeling himself flush even hotter when she put his hands on her hips, gently swaying back and forth with the music. He didn't know why but she was making him feel like he had a primary school crush, he was usually much more confident around women, but for some reason this mystery lady made him feel so anxious, there was something about her that was so familiar, because of this he felt drawn to her. He chuckled at her comment though he was feeling as though she was making a joke at his expense "hey I'm not that bad" he replied with a soft chuckle "I know how to slow dance at least".

"No, you are not too bad." She grins looking up at him as they continue to sway. " So what brings you out here tonight? Are you from around here?" She asks him. As one song goes into another, the floor becomes a little more crowded. A body bumps into her making her press more against him. With her cheek resting on his chest she looks back up at him" Sorry about that". She tries to blow a lock of hair out of her face. Signing when it doesn't move.

Justin chuckles at her grin, enjoying the moment they were in, relaxing more and more as the dance continued, feeling his nerves leave him to be replaced with a little more confidence. He nodded slightly at her question "Yeah I go to the university, don't you? Or you just here with a friend who does?" he asked curiously, anxious to know more about her even though it wasn't technically in the spirit of the event. He jumped slightly as she was pushed into his chest by the accumulating crowd, unable to help but blush slightly feeling her chest resting against him was very intimate, still swaying with the music. "It's fine, I didn't realise that you wanted to be so close to me, you're making me blush" he replied, chuckling confidently, reaching up and brushing the stray hairs from her face as he noticed what was happening.

Vanessa flashes him a grin at his joke about being press up against him. At the caress of his hand as he brushes her hair out of her face, she presses her face against his large hand. Closing her eyes a bit before reopening them and staring at him. " Thank you ", she says softly, " I came here with a friend. I didn't want her to be coming to a party alone where anything could happen here. She also felt it would be a great place for me to meet some good looking guys. I must say she was right, there are good looking guys here. I have to say I normally don't do things like this go to parties and dancing. Between me and you I can't really remember the last time I was in a dress before tonight. But I have to say I am happy I came here." As the song ends and slowly turns to a more up beat song she pulls away from him. Looking into his eyes she wasn't sure if her confession was a bit to much. Loosing that boldness she once felt she takes a step back." I should go look for my friend" she says looking down turning to leave.

Justin nods at her answer, he knew he hadn't seen her before around the campus, so who was she? The question was beginning to burn in his mind, although he wouldn't ask that until the ball was over, assuming of course that she still wanted to be around him. He chuckled slightly when she mentioned that there was good looking guys, feeling like it was directed at himself. When the music changed he looked up towards the stage, temporarily distracted by the new faster paced song, when he turned back he frowned as he discovered that she had decided to leave him, he didn't want to follow her, just in case he came off as being too possessive. But he couldn't help himself, he was far too drawn to let her go now. "Hey wait up" he called out to her, moving up to her side "you don't have to run away just because you don't like the song, we can look for her together if you like?" he asked her, hoping he wasn't coming on too strongly.