The Masquerade Ball (1)
“Come with me.” Jamie’s upbeat voice cut through the buzz of voices of the university courtyard, his sharp and clear voice floating to Snow’s ears.
Snow looked up from the chessboard they had set on the table outside the little cafe in their school yard, his pale fingers still hovering above a knight.
“Come with you where?” Snow asked lazily, his eyes held the usual soft distance, like he was looking at someone without really looking at them.
Jamie smiled like the fish he’s been trying to get finally caught the bait, mischief flickering behind his dust brown eyes. “The gala, this evening. It’s basically a masquerade party but my family is hosting it. I have to be present but obviously I can’t go alone, so you’re coming with me”
Snow’s eyebrow perked up in disbelief. What sort of logic was that? How did anything relate to him having to go to this so callled masquerade ball with Jamie? Knowing his friend, he wasn’t inviting Snow as some guest of honour but simply because he’d probably be too bored to go himself so he’s dragging Snow to go along with him.
Jamie Ainsworth, maybe because what he had was generational wealth so he didn’t really think too much or flaunt his wealth, he was still a part of one of the most influential families among the city’s aristocracy.
Snow blinked once. Then again, he looked at Jamie knowing fully well that he wouldn’t let this go until he had gotten the answer he wanted.
“I don’t do galas,” Snow said finally.
“You don’t do anything,” Jamie groaned and slumped into his chair.
“That… is not true” Snow murmured, placing another piece on the chessboard.
Jamie groaned again, he picked up a sugar cube and tossed it at him. It bounced off Snow’s shirt and fell harmlessly to the ground.
“It’s not like I want to go either, Zuzu. These things are really not cut out for me but I have to go, my brother threatened to freeze my accounts. My accounts, Zuzu!” Jamie said leaning forward with both hands clasped on the table. He continued, “And then I thought of a way to make it bearable, you just have to come along. I figured, if I have to suffer, you’re suffering with me.”
“Not a great pitch.” Snow said bluntly after listening, he didn’t know if he should laugh or cry when he heard that. Or maybe his friend really is just stupid.
“Oh my God, do I have to get on my knees for you? Can’t you just consider me? For old times sake?” Jamie pleaded earnestly, it really looked like he was about to cry.
Snow glanced down at the chess piece, he was one move away to checkmate. The was a long pause, from Jamie’s puppy face to Snow’s empty expression. Snow’s hand moved. He placed his queen on the board, securing his checkmate before he finally spoke.
“I’ll consider it.”
Jamie grinned like he just won a lottery. “That’s practically a yes from you. You agreed to come.”
Snow didn’t reply, just stared blankly at Jamie, at the way he smiled brightly. He couldn’t help but feel a bit warm inside too.
“Alright then, I gotta go now. Have to get ready for the gala, innit?” Jamie stood up and grabbed his duffle bag. “See ya later, Zuzu” He said, tapped Snow’s shoulder twice and ran off to his car.
Snow sighed and got up from the chair.
I should get going too, he thought. Snow picked up his backpack and walked away.
The time for the gala came sooner than Snow expected but he still managed to make it in time. Snow got down from the car, shutting the door behind him and exhaled while watching the huge building right in front of him. It was unnecessarily extragavant, like the hosts didn’t have anything better to do with their money.
There was a huge red carpet laid across the cobblestone floor leading to the entrance, huge marble structures stood tall at both sides of the towering glass doors. The inner room could be seen through the glass doors and it shone a pretty gold and red, the gentle hum of the instrumentals could be heard from the outside, it was aluring and welcoming. It really seemed like it was a ballroom that popped out of a magazine.
Snow stood before the entrance, people drifted in without pause. He wore a sleek, simple, black tux. The cuffs of his sleeves were adorned with gold cufflinks and the handkerchief tucked in his suit chest pocket was a pretty shade of purple. His mask was a minimalistic design of white and gold and it covered just the top half of his face leaving his smooth jawline and thin lips ot in the open.
“Zuzu,” Jamie called from inside the hall. The navy tuxedo he wore catching the warm light form the halls. His hair was straightened and was sleeked back neatly, the mask that covered just his eyes was a charming white with blue swirls.
Jamie turned around and greeted a person, throwing a nervous laugh their way before turning back to Snow.
“Come on, then” He said to Snow again, urging him to walk faster. “He’s with me,” Jamie muttered as they checked in with the steward then led Snow through the crowd, their footsteps muted by the thick carpets.
Snow kept close to Jamie, trailing behind him quietly as his eyes scanned the room. It was everything he hated, too bright and too many people. In front of him, Jamie cracked jokes about the tasteless center pieces, and slow music all the while trying to hide his nervousness. The only thing Snow could do in response was sigh, already regretting ever agreeing to attend the party.
“So, what do you think?” Jamie asked while moving carefully through the crowd. “Not exactly fun, is it?”
Snow’s voice dry when he spoke, as if he was already fed up with the environment. “It’s... crowded.” He said
Jamie laughed softly. “Yeah, didn’t expect this many people to actually show up.”
As Jamie and Snow settled near the ornate bar, someone approached them. He carried himself with an air that made it seem like everone else was beneath him, his black suede basically screaming how expensive it was. He didn’t wear a mask, his cropped brown hair was swooped to the side, dark green eyes flicking from Snow and then settling on Jamie.
“Jamie,” Michael said, voice low but commanding. “You actually look… presentable” He said eyeing Jamie up and down.
Jamie tensed. “Good to see you too, Mike.”
Michael’s gaze slid to Snow. He didn’t say anything for a moment, he just narrowed his eyes on Snow, who offered a subtle nod in greeting.
“And who might you be?” Michael asked with a chilly tone.
“Snow,” Snow answered evenly, not bothered in the sightest by the way Michael stared down at him.
“Uh-huh… Snow,” He raised a brow. One could tell that Michael’s tone was filled with mockery.
Jamie’s jaw tightened, but Snow remained composed, his eyes meeting Michael’s without flinching.
Before Michael could escalate the tension, two men entered, the atmosphere immediately turning cold. The first moved like a prince from a forgotten war, he was tall, his coat a cut of black satin so finely tailored it looked poured onto him. His mask was onyx and silver, but it couldn’t hide the intensity of his gaze. The second stood slightly behind him, trailing behind like a hound, with eyes like cold fire under a simpler mask.
Michael straightened instantly when he saw them approaching, the look of recognition flashing across his face.
“They’re here,” Michael whispered under his breath.
The author has something to say:
Sulien (Barging into the gala like he owns the place)
Everyone:…
Sulien (Striking a typical male lead pose): I’m here for my wife.
Everyone (all pointing to a man sipping wine)
Sulien (turns to the man, with teary eyes): I have come for you… Wife
XL: Who the fuck is your wife? Get lost!