Masquerade Ball

[Chase]

Chase smiled when Street laughed. He liked making her laugh. He looked at the two people that had just showed up. He smiled at Poet. "Hiya." He looked at the guy named Hunter. He glared. Chase didn't like the way he looked at Street.

Abby looked over at Brooke in confusion and frustration. She wasn't sure what Brooke was talking about but she liked Asher. And she wanted to talk to him. Abby thought he was cute. "That's great. I'd love to sing with you." Abby told him

Mush shook his head in confusion. He stood up and reached behind him for a drink. He drank it slowly. He needed time to think. He tried to catch Levi's eye as he drank. Mush needed a second opinion, though he thought he knew what Levi's would be.

Brooke grinned back at Sean and laughed. "No, I think he's getting hmiself drunk on his own." SHe teased him. She had a feeling that everyone was going to know who Asher Cromwell really was tonight.

[Street]

Street smiled. "I do miss ya Hunta. I'm gonna tell ya somethin' and I want ya ta hear me through..." She took a deep breath and began. "I was interested in ya, I honestlly was, ya helped me get over Spot. But then, ya disappeared and I hardly ever saw without Poet, ya know? Levi was just there, and he was so... well, selfish, that I had no time ta think of myself, which is what I needed." She looked at him sadly. "I'm sorry, Hunta, I just thought ya should know. I think I have someone ya should meet though, she's real pretty." Street pointed to where Abby was talking to Asher. "Don't worry 'bout Asher none, he don't mean nothin'." She told him, touching his arm.

Asher winked at her, then climbed onto the stage. "Okay! Hey, shut up! Thanks... Well, I'm Asher Cromwell and this is the Irish boys from the Bronx. I know most of you aren't Irish, but hey, it's music right?" He asked, laughing. Levi wolf-whistle at him while Sean sniggered. "Anyway, hope you enjoy. Ready boys?" Then the music began. "My friends say I’m a fool to think that you’re the one for me. I guess I’m just a sucker for love. ‘Cuz honestly the truth is that you know I’m never leavin’ ‘cuz you’re my angel sent from above."

Ophelia still sobbed lightly. "I can understand if you never want to look at me again, but please, Mush. I do not know what to do..." She hiccuped and wiped her eyes. "I want you to know that I never meant to hurt you. Ever." She reached out to him, but pulled her hand back, unsure of how he would react.

Sean glanced at her. "Ye don't think he'll say anythin' about, ye know?" Sean asked nervously. He looked at where Chase was talking with Street. "Ye see that boy over there? Asher's in love with him, so he pushed the poor lad onto Street to keep every lass around from him. But instead, he got Levi's rage and seemed to forget how charmin' Street can really be. Oi don't think he's gonna get that lad away from her know... Unless Levi kills him first..." Sean added quietly. He was whispering to Brooke, afraid for anyone to hear; Eli, who was sitting on the floor by the stage; or the man leaning against a far wall.

Irish felt someone sit on top of him. "C'mon Sean, get off." He pushed a little, but didn't feel cotton pants. Instead, he felt a material that hinted at a dress. He opened one eye then the other. "Oi think Oi died, seein' as Oi'm lookin' at an angel." He said softly, then kissed Poet gently.

Mercury laughed. "Nonsense, nonsense. I got two boys to work for me. Did a good job. I was quite sad to see them go, actually." Mercury checked his watch slyly. Ten thirty already? He wondered how Scarlett was and whether or not the new girl they hired would run and get him in the dark. "The dress looks lovely, whoever made it. Scarlett was quite upset with all the costumes pouring in. Had to get Asher Cromwell and Rosalind-er, Street-to help. He did a lot, her... well not so much." He smiled at her and laughed.

[Poet]

Hunter looked at Street as she spoke, he kept quiet until she pointed out another girl. He tilted his head and looked at where she was pointing before looking back at Street. He shook his head,"Street I ain't gonna go up ta some random goil fer no reason....it's not that simple...besides ya shouldn't be worryin' bout meh, worry 'bout yerself dear, cause with me I'm sure I'm gonna need some time before I even look at anotha goil other than Poet and you...so if ya don't mind, I think I'm gonna go see if I can find Ace...I need ta talk ta her bout Poet and Irish's plans.."he murmured as he turned and walked away.

He found Ace and walked over to her elbowing her playfully in the side,"Heya...got a minute?"he asked her softly. Ace grinned and looked at him,"Fer a handsome lad like you any time Hunt..."she teased. He smiled halfheartedly and took her by the arm leading her to a table not far from the sofas. She sat down across from him and she smiled, her eyes dancing. "How can I help ya Hunt? It 'bout Poet and Irish?"she asked him. He nodded,"Yeah...I was wonderin' what you know that I don't? Poet's been talkin' ta ya right? what are dey plannin' on fer da wedding?"he asked. Ace grinned and her eyes went over to the happy engaged couple,"Well I know Poet hasn't talked wedding plans wit 'im she told meh he wanted it simple, if dey even do one at all....but ya know how I am Hunteh...I won't let 'em get off without a weddin'" she said.

Poet looked at Irish as he kissed her and she smiled kissing him back. When she pulled away she tilted her head and shifted so she sat comfortably in his lap. "Can I talk to ya hun?" she asked him, her voice soft and almost innoccent. She ran a hand through his hair and looked into his eyes. "I have a few....requests...or suggestions..."she muttered looking down letting her hair fall into her face.

Lucky smiled,"Well that's great Mercury...I realleh do wish I had come around though...I neveh get ta see you as much as I'd like... ya ever miss meh?"she said with a slight teasing tone in the last part of her words. She looked down slightly, part of her wanting him to ask her to dance even.

[Chase]

Chase stood silently in the corner as Street let Hunter go on his way. When he'd gone, Chase bounced happily back where he was before. "So-a where were we?" He asked smiling playfully at her. Then, he heard singing. He turned toward the stage along with everyone else. "Wow, he can sing." He murmered softly.

Abby smiled happily when Asher winked at her. She watched him get on the stage and quiet the crowd. When he started singing, she smiled. She'd heard that song before, somewhere. SHe just couldn't remember. And the lyrics were a little faded also. Baby you can do no wrong. My money is yours, i'll give ya a little more because i love ya, love ya. The words played in her head from where Asher left off. It wasn't long before she was singing along.

Mush looked back Ophelia with disbeilief and hurt in his eyes. "Ya want meh ta marry ya then yer just gonna throw meh away? And give the poor kid up fer adoption. Ophelia i don't know how that feels but i neva knew meh parents. Ya gotta give the kid somethin'." He just stared at her as she cried silent tears. He pulled away slighly as she reached out to him. He came forward though when she pulled away.

Brooke grimaced. She didn't want Levi to hurt anyone. "Ya don't think he'd really kill him do ya?" She whispered back, understanding his wanting to whisper.

[Hope Dawson]

Hope walked in to the ball shyly, she was just a tad late, and didn't know what was expected. This was her first ball, after all, and being around strangers made her nervous. She took a deep breath, adjusted her sapphire blue gown that she borrowed and stepped into the room.

Around her there were people dancing, drinking, and talking. She looked around for someone she knew, but was disappointed. She didn't recognize anyone because they were all wearing masks. Wait, do I have mine on? She asked herself nervously, as she reached up to touch her face. Yes, she did. She exhaled, I'm just causing myself to panic. Nothing is going to happen to me, I'll be fine. She told herself.

She pulled up her sapphire blue gloves, and tucked a strand of her curly brown hair behind her ear. Hope glanced around again anxiously. Why didn't she just stay in Harlem? She would feel much more comfortable in one of her shirts with holes in it, her ratty boots, and a skirt that looked like it was about to fall apart. She wasn't used to herself being all dressed up, looking all fancy. Did she look okay? She took a deep breath, and sat down on one of the chairs. Now what happened?

Maybe she should've stayed in Harlem.

[Chase]

In the silence of the room, since everyone was still listening or singing with Asher, Chase heard the door open. He only looked because he thought everyone was already there. Instead, a girl with nice brown hair walked in. That's all Chase had to go by. He kept looking at her as she walked around shyly. He stayed by Street, but he was intrigued by the girl. He'd never seen her before. He wondered if she was another one of Asher's pretty friends. There was, after all, Street, Brooke, and Abby. And Chase knew right off that Brooke was with Sean and Abby seemed to have a thing for Asher. Chase grabbed a drink, hopefully unnoticed by Street, and stared at the new girl as she walked around. She seemed to be looking for someone.

[Street]

Street smiled. "Yeah, Asher can sing. He can sing good." She glanced at him. "No ya don't." She said, grinning. She deftly took the drink from him. She looked to where he looked. "She seems pretty, huh?" Street said, tilting her head slightly. "Go talk ta her." Street patted Chase's arm. "Tell me somethin'... What do ya think about me? I mean yer feelings."

Ophelia shook her head. "Mush, can you honestlly say that I can raise a child? Look how spoiled and selfish I am. What do you think would happen to this child? It would only be worse." She shook her head and bit her lip.

Sean laughed. "Nah, he wouldn't kill anyone intentionally." Sean assured her gently, he kissed her cheek. "Oi like ye Brooke. Alot." Sean smirked. Levi looked at them then back to Street. He whistled, she looked at him, he removed his mask, she did the same. "What are ye doin'?" Sean hissed to Levi.

"I'm getting Asher to come out." Levi said. He walked deftly over to Chase and pulled him roughly by the front of the shirt. "Hey, leave my goil alone." Levi snarled. Street shook her head as Levi ripped Chase's mask off and drew his fist back. Sean watched them wearily as Asher's voice rang out.

"Levi! No, don't!" Asher screamed. "Don't hurt him! Levi, don't." Levi smirked and turned around, pulling Street with him. He told Abby to go up and give Asher a good luck kiss.

Irish smiled. "Anything ye want to tell me, ye can. Go ahead." Irish said, kissing her again.

Mercury held out a hand. "I always miss you Lucky. You're one of my best friends. Wanna dance while Asher's not distracted?" He said, smirking slightly.

[Poet]

Hunter looked over at the scene, Levi Street's new "lover" had that one kid by the shirt. He stood up and Ace stood with him in a defensive way, she was confused and she had seen Levi around alot before. She tilted her head as Hunter grabbed her by the arm and led her toward the scene. "Hunter what are ya doin? ya don't wanna get involved in somethin' that ain't yer business,"she said worriedly. Hunter let her go so she stood next to Street and he stood next to Chase. "What the hell are you doin' Levi? If ya wanna hurt anyone fer hittin' on yer goil don't pick a fight wit him, pick a fight wit me if anyone,"he growled.

Poet's head snapped up at the sound of Asher's cry and she looked over to the scene where Hunter stood defensively practically asking for it. She hopped off Irish's lap and took off her mask tossing it to the floor before rushing over getting between Hunter and Levi to keep Hunter from doing something stupid. "Levi I don't care what yer motives are, let Chase go..."she said, she knew if Levi was bound to snap at her, he was asking for it and so did the rest of them. Hunter fell silent but was glaring over Poet's shoulder at Levi. Poet spoke but did not look at him,"Hunter...I suggest you go elsewhere...because so help me God if I have to pry yer ass off some poor kid tanight I'll be the one ta kick yer hind end and that's a promise..."she demanded in a strict tone. Hunter looked at the back of her head then over to Ace where she stood in a panicked manner, he stepped away and pushed passed Ace,"yer fearless leader to the rescue...b**ch"he muttered as he passed her. Ace eyed him,"Yer asking fer it Hunter, and if she jumps no one's gonna save ya,"she warned.

Hunter rolled his eyes and turned around still walking toward the door,"Let her Ace, go ahead let the queen sl** have a go at meh cause ya know what I got nothin' ta lose any more,"he said loud and clear for everyone to hear. Poet turned around and looked at him eyes full of hurt and pain but she quickly shook it off and pushed her own way passed Ace,"You GET OUT! Get the HELL OUT before I MURDER Ya!"she screamed. Ace had the adocity to grab Poet by the arm,"No...let him go,"she muttered. Poet pulled her arm away,"GET OUT!" she yelled at him again. He walked toward the door,"My pleasure Queeny"he said as he walked out the door samming it behind him.Poet went for the door but Ace was quick to grab her by the waist,"IRISH GET YER HIND END OVER HEREH BEFORE YER GOIL KILLS SOMEONE!"Ace Yelled.

Lucky watched the whole thing as she slowly took Mercury by the hand,"Umm....yeah...dance...sure,"she said in a slightly distracted tone as she allowed him to lead her toward the dancfloor, she'd rather stay out of it, especially with Poet screaming and about to knock some heads in.

[Hope Dawson]

She glanced around awkwardly, she didn't know what to do. Well, she didn't know what she was supposed to be doing. She noticed someone looking at her, a small smile crossed onto her face as she looked down at her hands that were resting on her lap.

Hope heard yelling, her head snapped up as she looked around for where the scene was taking place. She found it. Her eyes blinked as she glanced around, the few people around her had stopped what they were doing and were watching what was going on.

She figured it would be wise to stay out of it, so she just pulled up her gloves. Who thought it would be wise for women to wear gloves? They were just annoying her, they kept falling down.

[Chase]

It all happened in a matter of seconds. First, Chase was smiling at the new girl that just came in. And the next thing he knew, he was being held up by Levi, who had pulled his mask on and looked like he was going to punch him. "What the-!" Was all Chase managed to get out. He heard someone say No! and he was let go of. Chase looked around confused.

Mush took Ophelia's hand. "No, it won't. It's okay. I'm-" He began to tell Ophelia that he was there for her when he heard a crash. He spun around and stood up. Levi had some kid, Chase he saw when Levi ripped his mask off, by the front of his shirt as he went to hit him. "Le-" He couldn't finish before Asher started yelling and Levi let Chase go. Mush started to walk into the group to see what the problem was...

Brooke smiled at Sean and blushed when he kissed her cheek. She raised a hand to touch where her skin burned from his kiss. "I like you to. A lot." She told him smiling. Then, she screamed.

Abby was startled at the whole thing. Then, she jumped at Levi's suggestion. She thought Asher was just trying to get things settled down. She got up on stage and whispered good luck in his ear. She hugged him and shyly kissed him.

[Street]

Levi looked at Hunter. "Look, none of your business right? This has nothing to do with Street. Plus, you're no threat to me, Hunter." Levi told him. "I could care less who Street talks to, their her friends. I have no right to say who she can talk to or not." He told them all calmly. "Plus, you don't know Chase and you don't know me. Leave it be." Levi then did something foolish, he pulled out his knife. "Wanna have a go?" He asked, smirking.

"No Levi." Street said. He blinked at her. "Ya don't wanna stab nobody. I understand why ya grabbed Chase. Let it go. He'll tell Chase eventually. Or maybe Chase will figure it out. Ya can't force these things." She gestured to Hunter and Poet and Ace and Chase. "See what ya caused. And I want ya ta know that I ain't gonna give ya nothin'. I ain't gonna be one of yer regulars, got it?" Street told him. Levi nodded meekly and placed his knife in his back pocket. A tall man brushed past him and pocketed the knife, said 'Exuse me' and left them.

Asher shook himself. He was gonna kill Levi. Moreover, he had almost said something stupid. Really stupid. Then someone kissed his cheek. He looked at her. "Abby." He said slowly. "Oh Abby, what are you doing?"He practically yelled. "Oh, I'm sorry... I'm-I'm gay. I thought you knew that!" The room went silent.

Sean shook his head. "Chaos." He murmured, then he moved over to them. "Hey, let's all come down now, ey? Levi was just playin' a joke on Chase and nothin' else. Levi wouldn't punch him and he wouldn't hurt any of ye." Sean spoke in a soothing voice.

Irish sighed and followed quietly. He yawned, tired. "C'mon Poet, let him go, yeah? Come dance with me." Irish held his arms out to her, beckoning her to come to him so they could dance.

Mercury passed him, waltzing elegently with Lucky. "So noisy." He shook his head. "I miss dancing. I use to take Scarlett out every Saturday to go dancing. But since she got pregnant again, well, she can't overexert herself." Mercury smiled at her. "My mother taught me to dance, you know that? My mother was always dancing, even when Street was a baby, she'd dance around the house with her. Tybalt was so small he had to stand on her shoes. Ophelia never danced with her, she always danced with her waltzing partner..." Mercury smiled slightly, lost in memories. "I wish Street remembered her, Mother was beautiful and smelled like lilacs all the time. Father use to bring her roses and then a rose for Street and Ophelia."

****

Ophelia choked slightly on another sob and ran from the room to the next, shutting the door behind her. She sat down on a lounge and sobbed into the rich material. Eli, who'd been playing hide and seek with Niamh O'Reilly, poked his head out. "Why you cryin'?" He asked gently. Ophelia looked up at him and smiled slightly. She rubbed her stomach. "You got a tummy ache? Mama always says that we should breath slowly when we got a tummy ache, and then hum. Can you hum?" Eli asked her, Ophelia shook her head, wiping her eyes. Eli began to hum. "You like that?"

"Yes. Very much." A voice said from the door. A man with a mask on stood in the door way, holding something in his hand. He moved swiftly, coming into the room and locking the door behind him. "Please, continue." He said dangerously. "I never like kids, nor girls who sleep around."

"Everybody's gotta sleep sometime, that's what Mama says. Goldie says it too." Eli told the man cheerfully. The man picked him up by the collar and threw him into Ophelia, she held him as he cried.

"You cry out and you die, got it?" The man asked. Ophelia and Eli nodded.

[Chase]

Complete silence.. Or at least that's what Chase heard. Gay? Did Asher just say he was gay? He looked around. No one else seemed suprised, except the girl on the stage with him. Chase, still on the ground from when Levi had thrown him, couldn't move. Or talk. He was speechless.

Abby opened her mouth, about to say something. The words couldn't come out of her mouth, so she looked like a fish. Standing there with her mouth opened. She blinked rapidly and smiled. "What? Bu-." She laughed. She usually did this to hide her real feelings. When Asher said he was sorry again, though, she couldn't take it. Abby turned and jumped off the stage. She didn't care if she was in a dress anymore. She ran fast before anyone could see her tears. She ran into the first room she saw. She rushed in and stopped dead... "I'm sorry.. I'll just go now." She said to the guy in the room. He was holding a knife. A pretty blonde girl was sitting on a bench holding a small boy.

Mush looked at Levi and sighed. There was no changing the boy. Always willing to fight. He shook his head and turned back towards Ophelia. But, she wasn't there. He looked around, searching for her in the crowd. He hadn't heard her get up or anything. Dam, he thought. He walked to Street and Levi. "Hey did ya guys see Ophelia? Where she went?" There was a rush of something as a girl rushed past them. Mush watched her as she ran into the nearest room and stop dead. He walked cautiously behind her with his back to the wall and listened. He heard a man's voice and the sound of a small child, Eli? he thought, and a girl crying. He tried getting closer to the door but couldn't without exposing himself. He motioned to Levi and mouthed the word knife to him.

[Street]

Killer shoved the rude girl from the room and locked the door tightly. "Shut up." he said, pointing the knife at the girl. She gulped and nodded, holding the boy closer. Eli buried his head in the crook of her neck and ripped his mask off, he was scared now. It wasn't a game. He wanted Mama. He wanted Goldie. He wanted Street. He wanted somebody. At least this girl was being nice and protective of him.

"Let me go, you may have the boy!" Ophelia told the man, begging. Eli bit his lip. Well, there goes that plan. The man just snickered and shook his head. Ophelia recognized the knife, it was Levi's.

*****

Asher realized something was wrong. "Aw... Dammit." He said quietly, but it was magnified. Had everyone heard that? He was afraid to look at Chase... So he looked at Street. She was watching him sadly. She moved forward, and hugged him as he leapt off the stage. "Street, did everyone hear it?" He whispered. She nodded gently. "Oh God... Does he hate me?"

"Ya have ta talk ta him, Asher. It's not up ta me." Street told him, touching his cheek gently. She kissed his cheek and rubbed his hand comfortingly. "I'm so sorry, Asher. Honestly. I'll help ya with whatever afterwards, but ta gotta tell him." She lead him over to Chase. "Now ya know everythin'-well almost-about Asher Cromwell. Talk ta him Chase."

Levi looked to where Mush was. He read his lips and reached for his knife. But it wasn't there. He shrugged. "I don't know where it is..." Levi said hurriedly. "What's wrong Mush? Is that Abby girl alright? I knew Asher would spill the beans, but I didn't know he'd hurt her too. I just expected him to say somethin' like 'Don't hurt him! I love him!' You know?" Levi murmured. He glanced around. "Didn't know it'd break up the dream team, either." He gestured to Poet and where Hunter left.

[Chase]

Abby stumbled backward. She fell on the ground with an oof. Mush reached down and helped her up. "What's wrong who's in there?" His questions were crushed together. Abby just shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "It's a blonde girl and- and she's holding a small child. The guy- he's terrifying." She shivered slightly as she described the man holding the two hostage. She looked up at Mush. "I'm scared for them. But, i can't go back in there, i can't." She said crying again. Mush held her up when she lost her balance and led her to a chair. He looked to Levi for help but he said he'd lost his knife. THe one time Mush needed him and his knife besides the whole fight thing when they'd saved Goldie and Eli in the first place. He stood up and began small stepped pacing in a very small line. He didn't know what to do. He walked up to the door that Abby had flown out of. He turned the knob- nothing. "Locked." He whispered. "Hey! Who's in there? What's goin' on?" He used his tough guy voice as he tried to sound like some blue or someone more intimidating.

Chase lept up from the floor and brushed himself off. He left his mask on the ground. He wasn't worried about it right now. He looked at Asher and then at Street. "You knew? And ya didn't tell meh? And you. Ya coulda told meh. I don't care what ya are. Ya didn't hafta keep it a secret." He looked at Asher. He didn't want to yell or get angry, but the german in him was getting to him. He felt his blood pressure increasing and backed away from the two.

[Poet]

Watching Hunter leave as Irish approached and spoke calmly to her, Poet hesitated. Part of her wanted to rush after Hunter and kick his hind end from here to kingdom come,but as Irish extended his arms to her, she couldn't. She sighed and slowly stepped toward him before wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning into his arms, she would do anything he said because the one thing she knew was he was most important to her right now. She rested her forehead against his shoulder so that her face was burried in his chest, she wasn't one to break down in a crowd, yell and scream and get angry of course that was expected, but breaking down was one thing she had kept herself from doing in public except for the few leaders who had seen it. She tried so hard to stay calm, she took in deep breaths and focused on them for a few moments, but it was all too much for her to take. She let go of him and pushed herself away from him, she had to go after him, whether it was to just yell at him or punch his face in. Before he could have time to stop her, Poet turned and rushed out the door.

Ace had stood there watching Poet and Irish and when Poet took off she knew this wasn't good, especially with the kidnappers and lunatics about these days. She looked at Irish expectantly,"get her...before she gets hurt, I'll distract the crowd as much as I can, I mean I can at least sing a few bars...go,"she told him as she began pushing him toward the exit. She dropped her hands and looked over to see a panicking Mush and she sighed, that didn't look good either. Once she was sure Irish would go after Poet, Ace turned and rushed over to Mush,"Mush...what's goin' on?"she asked him.

Poet went left down the darkened street, she was furious and muttering to herself in anger. "I sware he's gonna have a thing or two comin' his way...."she was cut off of her rant when she was grabbed and shoved into an alley. She screamed but her mouth was quickly covered by a hand. "I suggest ya shut yer trap doll or things'll be alot harder fer ya..." a man's voice hissed in her ear. She knew it wasn't Killer but she could tell it had to be someone assocciated with him. She fell silent, she knew better than to open her mouth after how badly Killer damaged her the last time. She felt the man's hand around her waist and she cringed out of reaction to her own thoughts, fear filling her entire being, what if he decided to rape her? She'd rather die than let another man other than Irish touch her like that.Tears fell down her cheeks silently and the guy chuckled,"it's alright sweetheart...just be a good little girl and do as yer told,"he mocked.