Your black dress fell around your hips in fluffy waves. An ocean of ebony silk and rhinestones around your torso that sparkled like stars. The jeweled mask over the top of your face was starting to itch. Your palms were sweaty (and not in the good way) and the lights seemed to blur together.

You didn't want to go the Rave'N this year. You never went, but your new friend Pugsley had begged. He didn't want to be alone, so you came along. But now he was off with his sister and her friends busting Principal Dort. Leaving you stranded on the dance floor.

Just as the music was starting to feel too loud and your outfit too restricting, a smooth voice cut in.

"What's a nice little lady like you doing alone?"

You looked up, eyes just about to start watering from how badly you wanted to crawl out of your skin. He was handsome, though you'd never seen him in your classes. He seemed to be seventeen like you, tall with messy black curls. His eyes were hidden by an ornate masquerade mask similar to yours, and his suit was a gorgeous red and black.

"My.. my friends..." you began, feeling silly for freaking out now.

He leaned down, tilting his head like a curious owl. His voice was smooth as buttercream, "Left you alone, did they? Well, that simply isn't fair."

The boy extended a gloved hand. He wanted to dance.