31 Days

3 - November 30 - Day -1

I blinked at the screen. Chat Noir? That was the name of my partner? Well, mine was Ladybug... I moved from my computer, instead grabbing the dress I'd crafted. Pulling a loose pin out of it, I stitched the final seam for the garment. Stepping back, I admired my handiwork. I pulled the dress off the mannequin and put it on, marveling at the material. Grabbing my mask, I beamed at the finished product. Because I had no dye and was unable to get any, I simply left my hair loose. Hopefully my partner, Chat Noir, didn't mind.

I stepped carefully down my stairs, praying my mother didn't catch me. When the coast seemed to be clear, I shot out of the doors of our home and onto the Parisian streets. I felt self-conscious wearing my mask, but I knew taking it off would open the chance that someone might see me and figure out who I was. As I moved down the road, I was surprised to find more than one other person wearing a mask. "Hey!" A girl said, bumping into me.

I stumbled backwards, catching her hand before she fell. "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention." I said.

"Hey, don't worry 'bout it. I wasn't really looking either." She concurred.

I marveled at her dress. Fairly simple, it was a black dress reaching to her knees. The front had curved white lines on it. "I'm A- Lady Wifi." She said, holding out a hand for a shake.

"I'm Ladybug." I smiled, shaking her hand.

What an interesting name. I thought. "I like your hair." I said, gesturing to the lovely ombré in it.

"Aw, thanks." She said, linking an arm through mine.

I smiled in response as we made our way down the street. "So. Who's your partner?" I asked.

"Um... D.j. something... I can't remember." Lady Wifi laughed.

I smiled wider. "What about you?" Wifi asked.

"Chat Noir." I said.

"Ooh, seems mysterious." She joked.

I raised an eyebrow humorously. As we reached the venue doors, I looked around at all the people that were there. Some I recognized right of the bat - Mylene's hair was impossible to mistake - but others remained a mystery. Lady Wifi disappeared into the crowd then, and I was left alone. "Excuse me, sorry. Pardon me, sorry." I said, making my way towards the front of the crowd.

I continued when I saw the sign-in table, telling the person there my name. Once I was confirmed, I was handed a pass and permitted in, and a swarm of excited butterflies fluttered below my lungs. Showing the bouncer-type man my pass, I entered the hall and was immediately overwhelmed by the beauty of the room. The marble floors had been freshly polished, and tables lined the side of the walls. In the center of each table, a vase contained water held floating candles and lily pads which helped in creating a magical feel. At the very front of the room stood a stage, D.J. equipment to one side and a table for sponsors on the other. The music being played was slow, and some couples were already dancing in the center of the room. Looking around, I saw Lady Wifi conversing with some other people. 

"Hello." Someone approached me, swirling a drink in its glass.

I looked up at his face, a mess of red hair the color of tomatoes catching my eye. He wore a mask that was a dark purple, and his tuxedo was striped. What an unfortunate choice in clothing. "Hello." I nodded, beginning to make my way away from him.

"I'm Illustrator." He winked, stepping in front of me.

"Exciting." I turned in the opposite direction, away from him.

He tried to follow me, but I stopped him with words. "Quit following me, creep." He looked dejected before turning and walking towards another girl.

"Wow, some people." We said in unison, bumping into each other.

"Oh, I'm sorry, M'lady." The man said, reaching down to help me up after our crash.

"That's quite alright." I said, taking his hand and standing.

I brushed myself off and finally took the stranger in. His blonde hair floated messily about his head, black ears resting in it. He wore a dashing fully black suit, and his mask was like mine, only black and extending over his nose. I was caught for a breathless moment in his eyes. They were the purest of greens, glittering in the light. I was sure my mouth was agape, and his hung slightly open, too, as our eyes made contact. After a minute, he cleared his throat. "Ahem." I looked away sheepishly, a blush spreading across my cheeks.

"Would you like to... dance?" The stranger asked tentatively, holding out a hand. 

His mannerisms seemed good, his intentions non-threatening. Besides, I'd bumped into Lady Wifi and she'd turned out great. "Al-...Alright." I stumbled over my words, for reasons unknown to me.

Perhaps I found this man attractive. Perhaps it was because we'd been dissecting each other's eyes. Taking my hand, the masked stranger led me to the dance floor. I placed my free hand on his shoulder and his settled on my waist. I pulled his hand from my waist and onto my back. It was an honest mistake, and I didn't blame him. His eyes lit up and he laughed. I couldn't help it. His good humor was contagious, and I found myself grinning. Once we had settled down, he spun me around, the music slow and calm.

I would usually be frightened of tripping, but behind my mask, I felt like I could do anything. The man I was dancing with shared the same confidence, it appeared. Our dance was wild compared to the others' simple waltzing. I was spun in circles, and he dipped me once or twice. When the song ended, we were breathing  heavily, and our foreheads touched against each other as we smiled, unable to laugh, due to our lack of air. I stepped away from him then, and I could see his face change questioningly. I turned around and made my way through the crowd, leaving the stranger behind. Never let them get too close. I reminded myself. I'd already made that mistake once.