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Ai arrived rather early on to the party, wanting to check on the three costumes that he'd made, to make sure that Aliciana, Elliot, and most importantly Dinnye, were all pleased with what had been made for them. He wanted to make sure that everything fit perfectly and that he was worthy of them. They seemed like an important family, this seemed like an important party, and he didn't want for anything to go wrong for them during such a time.

His footsteps were quiet as he walked along though there was the soft jingle from his outfit, from all the crystals that decorated the beautiful black cloth, one that glittered like the night sky. It was trimmed in blue and something that was quite beautiful with longs sleeves though there were cut outs that left his shoulders bare. It added allure to the costume, something that he found that he liked the thought of that. The final piece to the costume was a long, simple, and flowing ivory veil that was held in place by a could of simple hair pins. All and all it was something that he hoped would make him fit in at this ball though he wasn't sure if he would be staying long. What mattered most was checking on his customers, more important then that was Dinnye and if things were going well between him and his love. He wondered if Dinnye had gotten up the courage to ask the one he was crushing on to attend the gather. He was quiet curious for certain and would ask when he saw him.

Upon reaching the door to Dinnye's house, he couldn't help but be amazed by it even though he'd visited earlier to drop off the costumes, and looking at it again he was still surprised that his friend lived here. It was such a big place! He shook his head before heading forward once more, a little smile on his face as he knocked. A moment after he did a rather nice dressed man, a butler from the way he looked and acted, opened the door for him, "Ah, hello. I am Ai. I was looking for Dinnye." He said, giving the man a smile as he lifted one hand to brush back his veil as think, wispy fabric it was made of had a tendency to wrap around him if he let it, "If I might be point in the direction he's in, please?" He hoped to find him before the party but if he were able to catch up to him before hand he would use all his life's lessons to blend into this crowd and go to where Dinnye was.

(( Ai's clothing ))

After some time, and aid from one of the maids, Ai was able to find his way to where he was told that Dinnye was waiting. It seemed that he was to arrive at the party itself at a specific time, wanting to make an entrance perhaps? He wondered if it were like a party to introduce him to society? He'd heard about such things though from what he'd been told it was normally something for society girls, not boys. Then again it could be since he seemed to be Elliot's only child why he was being introduced instead of a daughter? He would only know the exact details after talking to Dinnye though he figured.

Soon enough they were arriving before the door to the room that held Dinnye and Ai smiled, turning to give the maid his best smile, "I thank you for your help." He said, sure that he wouldn't have gotten here without the aid that she had given him, at least not as swiftly. Stepping closer to the door he used one hand to brush his veil aside once more before knocking on the door and opened the door just a touch, "Dinnye? It's Ai, may I come in?" He knew the boy couldn't talk but he also knew that if the boy wanted the company that he would come over to the door to let him inside. If not he could wait for him outside of the door. Ai had so much he wanted to ask him, the most important thing being if Dinnye's crush were coming. Was he already here? He couldn't really help but to be curious about it. He wanted to ask... but he also didn't want to embarrass his little friend on such a big night. He would let Dinnye bring it up and then he would ask he thought to himself with a smile, deciding that was the best plan.

Ai gave a happy sound as he was suddenly being hugged tightly by his little friend, giving him a snuggle in return, "I am glad to see you too." He said, finding it to be the truth. It had been some time since he'd last seen him, or really anyone else given how busy he had been at work, other then the kind people that brought him the food he ordered. Upon first glance though he knew all of his hard work had been more then worth it with how nice the outfit looked on Dinnye. After seeing him he couldn't help but to be terribly curious about how Elliot and Aliciana might look in theirs but he figured that he would see them at some point during the night, "You look wonderful, Dinnye. I am glad that the costume was able to do you justice." It proved that he had in fact been in need of a younger model when it came to the clothing he made he thought to himself.

A moment after the hug he'd been given Dinnye was moving away from him and off to pick up the whiteboard he used to communicate with and he walked over so that he could look at the board as he wrote before giving a smile, "I am sorry that I am a touch late, I didn't mean to worry you." He said, giving the boy a smile, finding it rather sweet that he had been so worried about him when he hadn't been late. Or maybe, as the one who made their costumes they had wanted him to show up earlier? He wasn't exactly sure but he didn't recall getting such a note... then again he'd been a bit busy of late. Such a thing could have easily gotten lost on his mess of a desk.

The first words were erased and more was quickly jotted down, a lot more and he did his best to follow along before giving him a smile, "I see, if you like you can stay with me until he shows up." Just that he would have someone to talk to until the one that Ai knew he really wanted to see showed up. It really was killing him, wanting to see the one that Dinnye was so infatuated with. As such he hoped that the guy showed up, "I bet he will show, how could anyone say no to you after all." He said, giving a smile.

Ai turned toward the door as heard the tapping sound, then looked back to Dinnye who was writing more for him. It would seem it was time for Dinnye to go downstairs, "Sure, I would love to be your escort until you true love shows up." He told him, giving him a smile and took the offered hand once Dinnye set aside his whiteboard. He couldn't help but wonder how the boy meant to communicate without it but he supposed that he would see soon enough as the pair of them were soon on their way downstairs to the party.

Ai's eyes got a touch wide as he found himself introduced in such a fancy manner in front of so many people. He had never thought that he would be introduced in such a manner, instead thinking that maybe it would be through word of mouth that his designs were spoken of. Someone asking who made Elliot's garb and that of his son and maid and then him telling him. This way was far better though, getting his name and trade out to an entire group all a once. Efficient was the word for it and he stepped forward as he was told to do, lifting a hand to give a little wave before he lowered it, enjoying the applause. Such a nice sound, not one he'd expected for himself and altogether enjoyable since they were applauding his work as well, something he was quite proud of.

As Elliot motioned for silence again he then spoke of it being a part for Dinnye as well as the birthday that he was celebrating, something that made him smile, especially when Elliot suddenly swept the boy up into his arms to show him off to the crowd in a proud, fatherly manner. He gave a bit of a chuckle along with the others in the crowd, then waited for Dinnye to rejoin him as he was set down down on his feet, "Your father is quite good at making speeches." He murmured to his friend, before he squatted down next to him when Dinnye started to gaze up at him in that pleading manner that just seemed to beg for protection. He gave him a soothing pat on the back, "It will be alright, let's keep an eye out for your true love, hm?" He said that part in a whisper that was meant only for Dinnye before he was pushing up to his feet again, lashing his fingers with those of Dinnye so he wouldn't get swept away with the approaching crowd.

As the two of them were surrounded he spoke with those who were asking him questions, giving them business cards, declining dances for the moment saying that he and Dinnye wanted to entertain first before they started dancing, a way to also help Dinnye avoid the offers while the two of them waited for the one that was the most important person that was going to be here tonight. He knew that Dinnye was his friend but the moment Kiyoshi arrived he was almost certain to be forgotten as Dinnye ran over to him in a manner that was just like in the romantic movies... though him imagining that only told Ai that he really needed to get himself a boyfriend instead of spending his free time watching such movies.

Glancing across the crowd his eyes seemed to met with a pair of silver ones and for a moment he felt his heart flip flop with that normal, instant crush sensation that he felt whenever he saw an attractive man. A moment after that he realized that the guy's eyes dropped from looking at him to trying to spot Dinnye, likely unable to see him since his small form would leave him blocked by the crowd, "Ah... I think Prince Charming is here." He commented, then chuckled, "Though given the situation perhaps you are the Prince and he is Cinderella?"

*****

On his own he would never have been able to get ready for the event, having spent the first day after receiving his invitation panicking over it and then the next day debating if he really wanted to go given how things never seemed to go quite right between him and Dinnye's family. He just didn't understand them and always felt as though he didn't quite belong, probably because he likely made less money then the servants in this place. Still here he was, though not due to his own ability to get himself ready. A costume ball... it was above his understanding and he had been debating just wearing his archer uniform since it was costume like for those that weren't as dedicated to the sport as he was.

That was when his older sister showed up and nearly had a heart attack over the idea. She told him that being invited to such a thing was a rare honor for a no name like Kiyoshi and as such he was going to have to look his best! She had taken over from there, something that terrified him at first given the Eevee woman was a Decorer, her style being one in which she wore fifty thousand accessories in a rainbow of colors. Much to his surprise though that wasn't how she did him up. Instead he was wearing more traditional Chinese Garb, all black silk with white embroidery on it, simple black boots, and his hair had been pulled back away from his face so that he couldn't 'hide behind it' as she put it. He was going to have to grow a spine, be brave, or else the high class types were going to eat him alive... not the best of motivational speeches to give to a person already a little leery of rich people but it was all he got.

She drove him here, telling him she would baby sit Tatsuo and his pet, leaving him to have a nice evening out so he could mingle. She was likely hoping he hooked himself a rich spouse to make his life easier, not that he was the sort to want to live off someone's hard earned money.

Kiyoshi showed his invitation at the door and was directed inside, glad that it had gone smoothly enough before he tucked the paper away safely in one of his pockets. It had a rather heartfelt note on it for Dinnye about how he wanted him to come so he made sure to do just that despite his worries. It was Dinnye's birthday, he couldn't just not show up. Once inside though he found himself wondering idly if he were really needed since it seemed that Dinnye found himself a rather popular, talented, and attractive man to spend the eventing with... giving a bit of a sigh he hung back, deciding to watch the pair instead to see if he had a chance to meet with Dinnye before the night was over. Given the crowd around him he wondered at his chances...

(( Kiyoshis Outift ))

Ai gave Dinnye a little smile as the boy was suddenly clinging to him for a moment, giving him a nice, tight squeeze before he he was hurrying off to duck behind curtain. He gave a bit of a smile, "Good luck, Dinnye." He murmured, hoping that he had some lucky in catching his Prince Charming and was able to keep him from disappearing in a manner that Ai had been unable to himself on a few occasions. He turned to look over at Elliot as the man came over to stand with him, giving him a smile and a nod. He was about to ask him how his night was going but instead realized that the man had something up his sleeve from the look on his face, a plan that came to life a moment later as the man tapped a spoon against his glass, calling the attention of those around them.

Again the crowd was looking toward Elliot, hanging on every word he spoke and for good reason it seemed, the man was talking about a contest that would be don't in which the winner received a wish, now there was something he'd love to win! Though he doubted he was eligible given how close he was to those running the party, were he to win it would look suspicious... besides, one couldn't just wish for love. He fiddled with the edge of his veil as, smiling, as Elliot started to tell the people around them about the shop that Ai ran. He felt like he should be telling them himself but Elliot really did make a good spokesman, didn't he? Able to get everyone's attention so easily. He figured it was alright to let him do the talking, answering questions here and there when they came his way, smiling the whole time. This was wonderful! To think that so many important people would be interested in his work, it was like a dream really.

*****

Kiyoshi watched as Elliot set about calling out to people to gather around, that he would be granting wishes... and he didn't move from where he was standing, merely watching him. He couldn't say that he was really interested in winning a wish from the man, he was happy enough as he was and not really in need of anything. It might almost be interesting to watch though, he had to admit that he was curious what people like these might wish for...

That thought was pushed aside though when suddenly Dinnye was appearing from behind a curtain as though part of some sort of magic trick. He turned to look down at him, he gave him a smile, "Hello there Dinnye, it's been a while." Well not to terribly long he supposed but it sure felt like forever he thought to himself, likely because the two of them and Tatsuo had been going on a lot of trips before he'd gotten busy with the planning of the party. Not that he could fault him for being excited about it, "I am glad that I got to see you for at least a little bit, you seemed to be rather busy." He told him, giving him an ever gentle and affectionate sort of smile. He didn't want to mention that it made him a tad sad to see him with that other guy since it was rather silly. Of course Dinnye would have other friends he was a sweet boy.

A dance contest? That sounded like fun he thought to himself as he watched the reactions of the people, a lot of them being that of excitement, a few were a little embarrassed, but overall the vibe toward the dance contest seemed to be a good one. He turned to look over at the man and gave him a smile, "It seems that they are excited for your idea." He said with a smile, then gave pause as the man suddenly bowed before him, making his eyes to go wide with surprise, "Ahh... Elliot?" He murmured, a little surprised. The man was suddenly inviting Ai to be his princess for the evening, as well as his partner in judging. He opened his mouth as he tried to answer... but not sound came out, instead his cheeks just went a rather bright color, as well as the tips of his ears, when the man pressed a kiss to his hand.

"O-Oh my..." He murmured, struggling to get his voice to work before nodding his head, "I-I would like that." He said, feeling as though he were a child all over again getting a crush on someone attractive or someone that he found worthy of admiration. He turned to look in the direction that Dinnye had gone in, struggled a moment with himself and the overwhelming desire to be able to play princess even if it were only for a night then asked, "Dinnye won't be upset, will he?" He didn't want for his friend to think he was only being friends with him to help his business and to get close to his father, it was nothing like that at the same time he knew that he he could end up looking rather terrible... like those gold digging rival women that seemed to make an appearance in every movie he'd watched.

No, he wanted to be the good girl role... or maybe a good guy version of the good girl role, not the rival that never gets the guy role he thought to himself, giving a little sigh at just the idea of it.

*****

Kiyoshi blinked a couple time as a note was held out to him, starring at it, then lifted his gaze as though he were about to ask him what it was... but much to his surprise Dinnye was running away from him, "Ah? Dinnye!" He called out after him, startled. Well now that was... strange. Maybe it was a note to tell him that he was going to be busy tonight and was unable to really hang out with him? He would have understood he thought to himself as he opened up the envelope and set to reading it over.

It started off as what he expected, Dinnye thanking him for coming to the party, saying that if everyone else had said no he'd of been happy anyway, such a sweet thing to say. He really was a good boy he thought to himself before he continued on with reading. As he continued he couldn't help but to flush a little bit as the letter started to tell him about Dinnye's feelings for him, something that seemed so pure and sweet... and all he could think of was Elliot and his words the last time they had met, words that had really cut deep with Kiyoshi, about how he wanted for him to marry Dinnye because Kiyoshi had compromised him. He wondered if he knew about this letter... he hoped no, fearing that if he found it he might start making more assumptions. The last time was said to be a joke but he couldn't help but worry a bit.

"Dinnye really is to sweet." He murmured, looking around for a moment, wondering where he'd gone. He really had no idea but he did feel as though he should find him talk to him. The last line said that he would be happy if he could stay by his side even as friends, something he hoped for. He did love Dinnye though he feared it wasn't in a way that would make the boy terribly happy but he still had to talk with him. Tucking the letter away safely into his pocket he moved in the direction Dinnye had gone, hoping to find him again before he ran back to his father.

Ai debated on it for a moment, the idea of having two princesses at a ball, had that ever been done? He couldn't recall, normally it was just the two leads getting together at the ball after a long, interesting story. He supposed... maybe... maybe it would be alright? Just for a night, right? Princess Ai for a night, though a better version the that half dressed girl from the manga, and then tomorrow it was back to being Ai-erella who would likely be sewing nonstop given all the people who were talking about going to his shop come the next day it was open.

"Alright, I think it would be alright to be your Princess though only for the night." Until midnight! Or... at least until whenever the part ended he thought to himself with a bit of a smile. It would be nice to play Princess even if only for a little while before he was back to work, "Come on then." He murmured to Elliot, blushing happily at getting to play act for a little while.

*****

Kiyoshi stood in front of the curtains that Dinnye had vanished through, wondering it they were a decoration he was hiding behind or something more. He paused a moment, looked around to make sure that nobody was looking his way, then reached out so he could draw one back a little. Much to his surprise there was actually something behind it, a balcony where Dinnye seemed to be hiding out and waiting, most likely for him. He drew in a breath, stepping through the curtain, and made sure to close it behind himself in hopes that nobody would follow them thus allowing him and Dinnye to talk. Or at least talk the best they could with Dinnye being without the normal white board he used for his answers. It wouldn't be the first time though, he hadn't had it when he'd been stuck in that tree after all.

Looking off the balcony for a moment, using the light from the stars and moon that was reflecting off all the fallen snow, he could almost make out that tree that he'd ended up falling from to catch Dinnye and make sure he was safe... it was no wonder the boy had feelings for him with a meeting like that he thought to himself before he approached him, giving him a smile, "Hello again, Dinnye." He greeted him, lowering himself down so he was squatted before him and they were on the same level. He gave him a long look before he reached out to him, pulling Dinnye to him, "You know that you mean a lot to me, right?" He asked, wanting to make sure that Dinnye understood why he wouldn't be able to accept his young, loving feelings. As sweet as they were Kiyoshi was to old to accept them... not to mention Elliot, he didn't want to prove the guy right after all about Kiyoshi.

"Please, don't be upset with me Dinnye, I would like for us to be able to remain friends." He said as he hugged him, hoping that his young friend would be able to forgive him for the rejection... though he would understand at the same time if he was told to go home. It was only right that he left if he hurt the boy after all.