Date: Sat, 8 May 2010 19:28:50 -0700
From: Jordan Faulkner <jfaulkner1992@hotmail.com>
Subject: Romeo and Julian- 5

Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional and any resemblance to any
person, living or dead, is pure coincidence. This story is posted in the
Nifty Archives for the sole enjoyment of the readers and contains
homosexual subject matter. If you are forbidden by law to read such
materials please leave now. The author claims all copyrights to this story
and no duplication or publication of this story is allowed, except by The
Nifty Archive, without the express written consent of the author. This
story will, at times, contain graphic sex scenes, and if you are forbidden
to read these, or it is illegal, please leave now!

Authors note: Thank you once again to the many comments from everyone! I am
struggling to incorporate sex into this story but please no I am thinking
of it. I am, however, concerned about it taking away from the value of the
story, so I have yet to decide if I will do a sex scene. If I do then it
will be a little later on in the story. If this upsets you I am quite sorry
but this story has turned into a dear hobby of mine and I only want to
produce the best work for my readers. I apologize once again if this upsets
you, and if you are to stop reading there is no harm to me! Thank you for
being such avid readers! Reader comments are always enjoyed, and
encouraged! Please just put R&J in the subject line (or something of that
nature so I know it's not spam) and I will definitely respond. I also save
your email address to email you when I submit a chapter so you guys will
know when to look for the new ones, In final note, I will be going overseas
next week (Viva Italia!) for about ten days and I won't have my laptop with
me; therefore, I will either try and produce the chapter in a week which
could happen but has a strong possibility not too, or I will produce
another chapter within a month and a half because I will be moving once I
get back from Italy so my life will be crazy. Thank you so much for
reading! Now, enjoy this chapter for it's my favorite so far! Happy
Reading!

Xoxo- Jordan

Masquerade of Mystery

	"A mask!" shouted Scarlett with excitement!

	The shrill of Scarlett's scream had caused me to cringe. A
masquerade, joy. The Governor's bright idea of peace was a party. I guess
it makes sense, since everyone's identity will be concealed, but I doubt
the evening will be pleasant. I would be a guest of honor, per Xavier's
request, so I therefore had no choice but I had to avoid him. He was the
last person I wanted to party with. Victor lacked enthusiasm as well, but I
knew he wanted to go. I could see it in his lips. Whenever he is excited
about something he curves his lips in a small upright curve, concealed to
the untrained eye. He wore it all the way home and continues to fashion it
past his stubborn mien. I am glad he is secretly excited but I suppose it
be unmanly of him to show his true feelings. Why must secrecy be so evident
in my life? Secrecy of angels? Secrecy of lovers? Secrecy of feelings?
Secrecy is such a rude notion. How vain it is when one keeps secrets. They
keep private notions to themselves without allowing joy to others who
aren't worthy to be privy of such things as secrets. Secrets conceal truth
and destroy reality. Perhaps the thrill of power is what brings forth
Scarlett's disposition. I was blankly staring around the display of
excitement Scarlett had been emitting. Victor had joined in with her as
they discussed costume ideas until Victor spoke.

	"Scarlett?" he asked softly.

	"Yes?" she asked curiously while batting her eye's seductively. Her
black hair against her fair skin illuminated her rosy cheeks allowing her
to pose power among any poor fool to fall for a pretty face. That isn't who
Scarlett is, not at all. She is a highly intelligent woman but her
intelligence lies within appearance. Something every young woman should
know the secret of. And of course it would be a secret. Her smile curved
upwards with the intention of happiness. This masquerade really did mean a
lot to her. I suppose it would be the first real party where she could be
whoever she wanted. She had the ability to hide behind further secrecy and
with that sudden notion, the masquerade didn't sound half bad. Maybe I
could escape from what everyone wanted me to be and be who I felt
comfortable being.

	"I was wondering..." asked Victor but he soon began to trail off
with nerves. He ringed his fingers through each other. He seemed to be
breaking a small sweat too. He ran his fingers through his honey brown hair
which appeared to be getting lighter. His brown eyes sparkled with nerves
and I began to laugh. For the first time in my life I saw Victor nervous
with intimidation and over my cousin no less! My laughs were apparently
killing the mood as I was shot two pairs of devilish glares. Victor cleared
his throat and reestablished his masculinity.

	"Go on," said Scarlett with a quick glance in my direction.

	"I was wondering, if you would accompany me tonight?" asked Julian
quickly.

	Scarlett's face lit up with joy and smiled exposing her perfect
teeth with its innocent shine. I wondered how many secrets lay behind those
innocent teeth. How many secrets did she treasure? She tossed her hair
which only spoke her acceptance to the cordial invitation.

	"My, two invitations in one day!" spoke Scarlett, "I'd love to
Victor. I'd be absolutely delighted, if it is alright with my cousin?" She
looked at me with a question of approval that seemed pretty serious upon
intention. Victor shot me a look of pleading which only caused me to
laugh. Who am I to stop love? My cousin and best friends
nonetheless. Besides, this would pose for some entertainment upon wardrobe
choices.

	"By all means," I responded graciously. I gave a slight bow out of
childhood fun and caused a round of friendly laughter. Scarlett began to
mutter out different topics related to the masquerade that I paid no
attention too. I was busy planning my own outfit and how I would survive
the night. I imagined that I would encounter Xavier who would practically
throw himself at me. I can't imagine how I'm going to survive. I watched
Victor and Scarlett laugh and joke with each other for the majority of the
afternoon. I spent most of it thinking about various topics. When Scarlett
approached me about why I hadn't been preparing for tonight I responded
with, "What do you mean? I have been preparing."

	"You've been with us the whole afternoon!" she laughed. Her
vivacious giggle caused a warm glow to the room. The tone of the day was
joyous. I was glad that my cousin was someone I could stand or else I don't
know what I would do with myself.

	"Yeah, do you even know what you're going to wear?" followed Victor
with a giggle of his own. Scarlett kept a lingering gaze on Victor which I
noted. They both seemed to have a linger cast upon each other. Their
invisible gazes to the naked eye were darling, but I captured every glance
those two casted.

	"Yes," I responded nonchalantly, "I know exactly what I'm going to
wear. You never waste your time thinking."

	I felt like there was a hint of boredom in my voice but that wasn't
the case at all. I felt like something was missing. Something inside my
body had a void in it and I guess it was starting to take effect on
me. Scarlett huffed some ridiculous aphorism of hers that I paid no
intention too. She lectured me about something like poise or etiquette
which I tuned out. I was just too lost in thought. I wasn't myself and it
was bothering me. Impatience of change was taking its toll on
me. Unfortunately on my silent quest for self discovery Scarlett realized I
wasn't paying attention to a word she was saying.

	"Romeo!" slammed Scarlett, "If you're not going to listen to me the
least you can do is tie up my dress. Victor, leave us please. I have to
speak to my cousin alone, and you need to go get ready. If you don't match
my dress, I will kill you."

	Victor chuckled and patted my back playfully before saying, "I
don't know whose safety I should be concerned with at the moment, mine or
yours?"

	Scarlett picked up her brush off the vanity beside her and threw it
at Victor while shouting, "Go!" which was followed by a playful laugh. She
sat down at her vanity and began working on her already flawless
appearance. Her green eyes were reflected through the mirror as she
silently pursed her lips. That was never a good sign for it meant Scarlett
was thinking, and that normally meant disaster for anyone who fell victim
to her thoughts. Her gaze never left mine while she readied herself. The
silence was thick and I felt smothered by family pressure. She wanted
something out of me, and to my own hypocrisy, I had secrets of my own. I
sighed aloud and threw myself in the chair next to me. I ran my fingers
through my hair and sighed some more. I was letting the stress my cousin
was putting on me out. She laughed a bit and turned around, her bright
diamond rings shining sophisticatedly among the dim light that penetrated
the room.

	"Dear cousin, you are so over dramatic!" she laughed quietly, "So,
are you going to tell me what's the matter or will I have to force it out
of you?"

	I sat quietly at my cousin's usual routine interrogation of my
private life. I decided to try and stand my ground with her which was an
obviously big mistake. I was keeping my feelings a secret. I unofficially
declared war between my cousin who was fully prepared to win. She turned
around after five minutes had passed by and stared at me with a powerful
gaze.

	"Romeo, what's going on?" she said sweetly with eyes pure.

	I started to feel bad that I was keeping my thoughts from her. I
didn't know what to do. I didn't exactly to know how to answer her question
since I didn't know the truth to the situation at hand myself. So I
answered her with the truth I did know.

	"I don't know," I answered as truthfully as I could.

	She looked at me and pursed her lips some more. She flipped her
hair black hair behind her back which reminded me of a raven taking swift
flight. She clicked her tongue in thought until she finally spoke, "Ok, so
what's on your mind then? I believe you when you say you don't know, but
what are you thinking?"

	`Shit', I thought. She found a loophole. She was better than I
expected her to be. I don't know why I continue to underestimate her. I
threw my head back in exhaustion and sighed. I ran my hands across my sore
eyes and I felt that urge to run away again. I began to speak with what I
could answer but I was saved by the angel that is my mother.

	"Romeo! Darling, you're not ready child? Go!" she commanded, "Go
get ready or I'll have your head!"

	I scurried out of the room and managed to hear the muffling grunts
of defeat from Scarlett. If there was anything she hated most was victory
firm in her hands and then have it disintegrate because of sheer dumb luck
for the person stupid enough to challenge her. I wasn't free I knew that,
but I needed to get ready. I scurried as quickly as possible and was
standing in my room nearly finished dressing. The grace of evening had made
its presence known. A light breeze had made its way through the window and
I could hear the traffic of people on their way to the Governor's party. A
light blue bird with red tipped feathers had ventured his way on my window
sill and sang a nightly tune. I admired its poise and grace with shy
affection. I smiled gracefully and he continued to sing a bit for me. He
flew away in a swift take-off as Victor entered the room with concealed
identity. He was exquisitely dressed in a black and white garment fashioned
by a mask with black on one half and white on the other. Black glitter was
spread across the white side, while silver glitter lay on the opposing
black side. His blue eyes sparkled luminously like the moon and his smiled
warmed the room.

	"You look great!" I said with brotherly affection.

	"You really think so?" replied Victor with some concern in his
voice.

	"Well, why would I lie to you?" I laughed.

	"You're right, I'm just nervous Scarlett won't like it," he
explained nervously.

	With that last statement in walked the black-and-white vixen
herself. She stood at the foot of the door with a mysterious presence. Her
hair was fashioned in a tight bun with a black rose covered in silver
glitter on the right side of her bun. Her black-and-white mask was in a
checkered pattern that hid her tightly framed face, but the appearance of
strength could never be covered up. Her tight jaw line still showed she was
in command of presence. Her sly smile was accentuated with silver lipstick
that gave off the notion she was sitting on a very important secret. Her
black-and-white corset spiraled into a lovely evening gown which twisted in
an everlasting abyss. She was the epitome of enigma.

	"Victor! You look so handsome!" shouted Scarlett with glee, "You
look absolutely perfect. And you, dear cousin, will break hearts
tonight. But, one more touch up?"

	Scarlett went out of the room and returned with a bright red rose
which she ended up pinning on my jacket. Its bright hue contrasted very
nicely with the black coat I was wearing. I finally put on my mask which
was completely black with a crimson outline, highlighting my hazel eyes
according to Victor and Scarlett. We we're ready for the night. I joined my
parents who were both fashioned in their own respective outfits. They, too,
matched quite well and I felt somewhat lonely. I didn't have anyone to
accompany me, but this notion was quickly dissolved as my cousin put her
arm through mine. She smiled softly and led us out the door and into the
night. She was the leader of the night and I felt like the evening was
following her, waiting for her commands. It didn't take very long for us to
approach the Governor's manor, which was heavily decorated with romantic
mystery. Shadows were casted, some real, some fabricated.  Either way the
setting had certainly been transformed from my last visit. The shrill of
excitement squealing from Scarlett's mouth was difficult to drown out but
her and Victor soon took off on their own adventure, leaving me
behind. They hurried in before I did as I took more time noticing the
wonderful decorations. The candelabras added a nice romantic touch as I
began to notice the amount of couples passing me by. The rooms fashioned
magnificent hues of white's and gold's. I was nearly blinded by the
ostentatious display of colors. I was in a barrage of paper faces with
gallant designs that took away any form of identity. It was almost
comforting. I was able to be myself without any hesitation. I was able to
hide behind my mask for once. I almost didn't understand why I didn't want
to come in the first place. I realized the answer to my rhetorical question
within seconds when a stumbling, and apparently inebriated, Xavier made his
way towards me. I knew he would find me somehow. I tried my hardest to push
pass the waves of people and through the main entrance out towards the
backyard. I was greeted upon the balcony overlooking the gardens and a
hedge maze that many seemed to be enjoying getting lost in. There was
dancing all around me as there was no time to designate a dance floor. No
one cared being formal for they had no identity to be formal with. Everyone
was a stranger tonight. I turned to look behind me and I still noticed
Xavier tailing after me, or at least I thought he was. He was chasing after
something and after properly concealing myself between an open space where
the stairs and wall meet I watched him and his actions. He was tailing
after something but I couldn't put my finger on it.

	While being properly concealed I was able to observe the party and
its inhabitants. I saw elegant evening gowns matched with feathers,
glitter, rhinestones, and anything else decorative. I found Scarlett and
Victor dancing and both seemed to be having fun. I was jealous. I was too
busy being jealous of the fun being displayed before me that I didn't
realize Xavier getting closer to me.

	"Hi there," said Xavier with a drunk perk.

	"Hi," I said hesitantly.

      "You look awfully familiar," slurred Xavier, "Have we met?"

      I secretly thanked God at that moment for giving him some loss of
memory for it was perfect. I was however at a loss for words and I was
beginning to struggle. I never liked conversing with Xavier. It was like
talking to a wall. He stared at me blankly through his mask which was
decorated in many shades of green that spouted white feathers on both
sides. His eyes seemed lifeless as they shimmered from the light of the
candle next to us.

      "No, I don't think we have," I responded, "But, if you'll excuse me,
I have to find my, uhm, my..." I began to trail off. I was stuck but
thankfully Scarlett had whatever radar implanted in her brain to know I was
in trouble as she flew to my side to rescue me.

      "Darling!" she screamed, "There you are! I can't take my eyes off of
you for one second!" She laughed gaily and made many gesticulations of
sophistication and control. She turned towards Xavier who appeared out of
everything that was going on. I knew he was drunk but not that drunk. I
think that was his massive stupidity and lack of observation coming into
play.

      "You must be?" asked Scarlett sweetly as she turned to look at
Xavier.

      "Xavier," he responded quickly, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to steal
your...?"

      "Cousin," responded Scarlett.

      "Cousin, yes, he just appeared familiar to me somewhat. He reminded
me of an old friend I truly miss. His name is Romeo, he should be here
somewhere, and if either of you two sees him can you point him in my
direction? Or at least tell him I'm looking for him?" asked Xavier blankly.

      Scarlett turned towards me with a sly smile and answered in a
vindictive tone, "Sure, we'll be glad to do that." She smiled and grabbed
me by the arm and escorted me away from the trouble I had faced. I felt at
ease and let out a large sigh of relief. I turned back to look at Xavier
who stood frozen at the steps, forever keeping his gaze on me. I knew that
look anywhere from him. It was the look of desire and I knew that wasn't
the last time I would see him tonight. I was interrupted by Scarlett's
laughter. I turned to look at her and began to laugh with her.

      "That was certainly close!" I laughed.

      "I know I almost feel bad for the guy," laughed Scarlett in response.

      "Almost?" I asked humorously.

      "Ok, I don't," she responded quickly. This brought a rouse of
laughter between us and a family bond as well.

      "Thank you," I said in all seriousness.

      "Nonsense dear, I saw him corner you and I knew you needed my
help. Just because I'm not at your side all night doesn't mean I'm not
watching you," she smiled slyly with a quick wink, "Now go on and enjoy the
rest of the evening. You just leave him to me and Victor. Ok?"

      "I smiled sweetly and ran my fingers over the side of Scarlett's rosy
cheek, "Of course. Speaking of Victor, where is he?"

      "Oh he's off getting me something to drink. I'm not really thirsty, I
just need to distract him with something," said Scarlett with a slight
smile. It was the kind of smile that can go unnoticed to the untrained eye,
the kind of smile that your heart forces upon you. The kind of smile shared
between two young lovers. The kind of smile I always notice.

      "Well then, go off now! Go back to dancing!" I commanded shooing her
away. She laughed in response and kissed my cheek. She trailed off back
into the crowd and was met with a very happy Victor. He waved my direction
and smiled. I too responded with a smile and a wave. I decided to make my
way through the crowds and discover more of the landscape. I made my way
through the laughter of hot liquid girls and testosterone voices. The party
was in fact a success and for once the Governor's vain attempt at a plan
worked. No one seemed to be caring who they were conversing with. I suppose
secrets aren't a bad thing after all.

      I walked to the entrance of the garden and was met with two
paths. One led to the hedge maze while the other led to a simple garden
display of stone walls and a few fountains. I assumed the hedge maze was
more of a lover's escape so I decided to go to the more simplistic
garden. I was walking and I heard a few muffled voices. I swore one of them
sounded like Xavier's laugh and I felt nervous for a quick second. I needed
a quick escape in case it was him and the voices were getting closer by the
minute. I quickly made my way through the path and around the
corner. Unfortunately I didn't realize the probability of expecting someone
coming around the corner at the same moment I was. I was met with a thick
thud as an enigmatic man collided in my path. I fell backwards with the
dark phantom on top of me. The crush of my back hitting the cold concrete
and the impounding blow of another man on top of me knocked a good amount
of wind out of me but I was quick in muttering apologies and quickly helped
the both of us up.

      "Are you ok?" I asked sweetly.

      "Yeah," replied the stranger.

      He turned to look up at me for he was a tad bit shorter than me. His
ginger hair complimented the half of his face that was exposed by his
mask. The white mask outlined with gold had covered everything except one
part of his face. That is, only his right cheek had been exposed to the
night air. His eyes, however, made themselves present. I felt something
inside me shudder when our eyes me. I felt a light breeze of wind circle
around us and push us closer. He stumbled a bit and I had caught him in one
swift movement. That is when I had noticed the power that lay behind his
eyes. His eye's had shimmered in the moon's light, as if they were
surrounding stars. The glisten of a previous meeting burned through
them. We were quite close and I could feel the heat radiating from his body
and penetrating my skin. There was something between us. Something so
secretive, something so mysterious, and something so real that lay in our
gazes. I felt like tiny needles were tingling all around my body poking me
with anticipation at the answers to the questions that lay in our eyes. The
sound of the clock tower striking nine had broken us out of our trance. He
stepped away from me in light hesitation and he slipped out of my grasp. I
didn't want to let go. I didn't want to give up the secret that lay in my
hands. This secret was possible to solving the questions inside me. He
looked at me silently. Our eyes spoke our desires. I finally decided to
break the ironic silence between us.

      "Are you sure you're ok?" I asked with care.

      "Yeah, I am. What about you? I fell on top of you," he laughed.

      "A few broken ribs but I'll live," I joked although I did have some
soreness that was making its presence known. Either way I didn't care
because I had something comforting right in front of me. He was almost like
the bandage to my bruise and I had no idea who he was. This enticed me to
continue the night as best I could.

      He laughed sweetly as he exposed his shimmering smile to the night
air. His voice sounded like a song always in perfect harmony. I could feel
it winding around my body in a sweet serenade. It was hard to hide the
smile I was fashioning. I felt weird with this constant smile. I couldn't
help it. This stranger triggered something inside me.

      "So, you we're running awfully fast!" he observed, "Is everything
alright?"

      "I was not running!" I laughed, "I was merely walking fast."

      "Right," he laughed, "How clumsy of me to turn a corner slowly and be
bombarded by a brisk walker."

      We both laughed at the ease we felt. We had collided merely five
minutes ago and here we are- joking about what had pressured us to turn the
corner.

      "Ok," I responded, "Perhaps I was going a bit too fast."

      "Perhaps," he responded quickly. He still looked up at me with a
powerful gaze that spoke the truest friendship, something I had only seen
in Victor, but in this strangers eyes lay something more that I couldn't
understand.

      "But, I was trying to get away from someone, and in doing so, I
bumped into you," I explained carefully.

      "Well, remind me to thank that person you we're running from," said
the stranger.

      "And why do you say that?" I asked in response.

      "Because now I have someone to talk too," he responded shyly.

      I was so engrossed in his very obvious attempts at flirtation that I
didn't care if I didn't know his identity. He did strike me as awfully
familiar though. I just couldn't put my finger on it. It was burning inside
my brain. I was replaying moments but all I came up with was black fuzz. My
brain couldn't surface anything, but I knew we had met before. I kept on
smiling and so did my stranger. His perfect smile had added a spark to our
gaze. There was this connection, so unexplainable, and yet here I am trying
to explain it. It was the kind of connection where you get that light,
airy, fluffy feeling in your stomach. I could practically fly away if I
wanted too. I was absolutely terrified.

      "So," I said nonchalantly, "Come here often?"

      "Not really," said the stranger with a quirky smile, "What about
you?"

      I began to answer with a witty response until a stumbling Xavier made
his way towards us. He hadn't come around the corner yet, but he was
laughing awfully loud with another inebriated soul. Their laughs sounded
hoarse and lifeless. A look of fear spread across my stranger's face. Our
eye's met once more, and they spoke to each other. They permitted the gaze
of escape. We stood in a silent conversation that we forgot the problem at
hand. Xavier was quickly approaching and I had to act fast, but once again,
I froze. I felt a sudden jolt as the stranger wrapped his hand around my
wrist and pulled me forward with a jolt of desire.

      "We have to move," he commanded. I sighed a sense of relief and I let
him lead the way. We move fluidly. We past the fountain that was still
spurting water out gaily and the turn of our feet on the stone etched
throughout the air. We moved further into the garden, passing rose bush
after rose bush, violets after violets, lilacs after lilacs, as nature was
leading our way. The aroma of the flowers was so comforting. It was as if
love was in the air and that the flowers were embracing the night and
rewarding us with the presence of sweet delight. We quickly hurried but I
felt like we were moving in slow motion. We kept our pace not speaking a
word but I could feel his presence through his grasp. I felt safe, I knew I
was safe. The tingles from his silent stoicism had caused me to shudder
deeply. It was a good shudder but one I had not felt before. I had no time
to think of my emotions as I tried to focus on what was happening
externally rather than internally. Internal thoughts can be focused on
later, right now I had to focus on the external, for it may be the last
time I could ever experience something like this. I had not realized that
we had stopped and my stranger, with his identity still properly concealed,
was leaning against the stone wall panting and light sweat dripping down
the exposed side of his face. The drops of polished sweat glistened in the
moonlight. The temperature seemed to drop a bit but we were both still
comfortable with the situation. We had each other to focus on. I stood back
to realize our surroundings and noticed we were standing at the entrance to
the hedge maze. The gate was open with the invitation of young lovers to be
lost with each other's company.

      "So I take it you're running from someone too?" I asked
inquisitively.

      "We're always running from something aren't we?" he responded
silently.

      "Very true," I answered back, "I never thought of it that way."

      "I guess it's all about how we handle what we're running from," he
explained, "But we eventually have to face it sometime. But I guess we are
always running for the thrill of it."

      I was going to answer that statement but I was cut off with the clang
of the clock tower. The clock had struck ten. I noticed a tinge of enigma
flash between my stranger's eyes but I brushed it off. Although, every time
the clock chimed it seemed to bang the stranger before me into a reality he
didn't want to embrace. I smiled at him and he smiled back. I felt awkward
but with the connection we had it went away quickly. I had so many
questions about the feeling possessed between us but I couldn't form
them. It was just something I needed to embrace. After all, this was a
night of secrets, wasn't it?

      "I hate that clock," declared the stranger.

      "Kill joy, isn't it?"

      He flashed me a smile of understanding and edged us forward. We both
entered the hedge maze and wandered side-by-side not caring about the
party, or what lay ahead. We were simply strangers who had no past or
future agenda. At least, so I thought.

      "Yeah," he said with understanding, "It's always reminding me of what
lies ahead. I just wish there wasn't always something there to remind me of
what's to come. Sometimes I just wish..." He trailed off with an
exasperated sigh until he finished the thought with, "Forget it, it's just
a wish."

      "Yes," I agreed, "But every dream starts with a wish!"

      He looked at me with a look I didn't grasp at first. That damn mask
was hiding more than I wanted. I was reminded with why I hated secrets
again. But I soon understood the emotion displayed in his mysterious gaze
through the language of his body. He seemed looser with content the more we
talked.

      "I suppose the world has enough dreamers," he countered, "Always
dreaming something."

      "You want to know the problem with most dreamers?" I asked.

      "Sure."

      "They worry so much about what they long for instead of doing
something about it," I explained suddenly. I had never thought like this
before. It was absolutely liberating. He smiled with my explanation but
still seemed reserved. We had wandered so far into the hedge maze that we
reached the middle of it.

      "Wow," he exclaimed, "It's pretty here."

      I took my eyes off of him and surveyed my surroundings. He was
right. A gallant array of flowers was present with a few benches neatly
placed. The benches had inscriptions of flowers and other light-hearted
motifs. There was a larger center fountain of two young lovers holding a
pot. They stood at the top and they were both slowly tipping the pot over,
allowing the rush of water pour out- just like they let their love flow for
each other. The water then in turn filled the first ring, which flooded
down to the second, and finally to the third and final pool. The water was
constantly alive creating everlasting ripples. We had walked forward and
saw our distorted reflections from the waves fabricated by the stone
lovers. There we stood, side by side, two enigmatic men with one mysterious
connection. We we're closer than I thought as I seemed to be just behind
his shoulder. I felt a sudden jolt of confidence exert itself in my
body. We we're lost in the distorted images until I finally whispered, "I
have a dream."

      His eyes lit up through the reflection of the water with the low
masculine sound of my voice as he responded, "Then why don't you do
something about it?"

      With that response, I wrapped my arms around his chest and stood at
the reflection in the water. The water stayed calm for a few seconds giving
us a clear image of our reflection. Two mysterious men stood before,
dressed in black, in a loving embrace. Their identities remained hidden,
but their emotion for one another did not. I felt him melt in my arms and I
felt our souls become one. This whole situation sounded absurd due to me
not even knowing his name, nor him knowing mine, but this felt so good. I
felt amazing being myself, hiding behind my mask, and breaking away from
the invisible one I wear every day of my life. Silence had become prevalent
and the only sounds we heard were the water dripping from each level then
being recycled again.

      "This feels so right," he whispered, "I feel so right."

      "I do too. I feel so balanced," I responded quietly as to not disturb
the purity of our embrace.

      He broke free of my embrace and walked over to a small patch of grass
with some wild flowers growing next to it, just a safe distance from the
fountain. He looked back at me with the look of desperate energy. The look
that screamed follow me to the ends of the earth. He extended his arm out
with the palm facing my direction, silently waiting for me to take a hold
of it. I, of course, walked diligently over to him and placed my hand upon
his. The palms embraced each other with a spark of electricity. The kind of
spark that has the power to ignite the flames of a dimly lit heart.

      "I have a dream," he whispered.

      "So then do something about it," I whispered in return.

      "Dance with me?" he asked with a gaze I could never say no too. I
bowed silently to him which caused him to chuckle. I grabbed his hand and
placed it upon my back while I extended the other with his hand laced in a
lock of trust with mine. And so we danced silently for a few minutes. A
silent breeze guided us as if we were upon a cloud. We'd dissipate one area
of our dance floor and reappear on another. We flowed fluidly.

      "This would be nicer if we had some music," he laughed.

      I smiled, "What are you talking about? We have our very own symphony
at our fingertips. We always do."

      He fashioned what I believe was a puzzled look and didn't have to
bother for an explanation.

      "Listen closely to your surroundings," I whispered closely, "Let
nature create the music for us."

      He closed his eyes and so did I. We stood quietly for a few seconds
until we started to function to the melody nature bestowed us with. We
focused on nature's song. The light breeze had vocalized a soft whistle,
the grasshopper's strung a violin background, the flowers danced and gently
brushed one another creating various sounds, and the water from the
fountain had presented us with a final melody. Once we had focused on
nature's ever present song we danced more in tune than we had when we
started. Our connection was much stronger as we had nature's bond to share
it with. He looked up at me and smiled. I noticed a small tear drip past
his eye and down his rose cheek. The wet trail was glistening with a
different kind of love song.

      "What's wrong?" I asked quickly.

      He looked back at me with open eyes and silently muttered, "I've
never encountered someone so in tune with the world around them
before. Thank you."

      "There's nothing for you to thank me for," I said quietly, wiping the
lone tear away from his cheek.

      "You don't understand. The world I come from isn't anything compared
to the tranquility you posses."

      "I don't posses any tranquility," I explained, "It's all right before
your eyes."

      "For the problem with every dreamer is that they dream about
something instead of really doing it," he quoted with a newfound
realization.

      He looked at me with a new gaze I had not seen before. He took his
hand and brushed it across my face. I noticed a silver bracelet fastened
loosely upon his arm that reflected what light was around us.

      "I have a dream," I whispered.

      "So do I," he replied.

      "What do you say we do something about it?" I asked.

      "Absolutely," he cried out softly.

      I moved in forward slowly as I wrapped my arms around his waist while
he countered by wrapping his arms around my neck. Our lips met with a
burning desire that sparked upon our first gaze. Our grips tightened on
each other the deeper we kissed. We kissed not only each other, but we
kissed each other's souls. The aroma of flowers circled around our first
act of true affection. Our lips still embraced with an everlasting
desire. I never wanted to part, nor did he. I could feel it between us. The
kiss was our link to the window of each other's personal self. The true us
was exposed and we didn't care who saw. It just felt so right. While our
identities remained a secret from one another, our affection and care did
not. The kiss slowly ended on a mutual agreement for air.

      "What a dream," I said slowly as I took his hand in mine.

      "What a dream," he replied with a smile.

      He walked forward to me and placed his hands on my mask with his
fingers just under the crease. I shuddered at exposing who I was. He felt
it too for he pulled away as if he touched something he wasn't supposed
too. I waited slowly until he approached for a second time with his hand
gently brushing my cheek. His fingers once again found my mask and laid
them there. The tension created at revealing my identity was thick. An
adrenaline rush surged between both of us. Everything's so much easier when
you're a stranger, but was he really a stranger? He stared into my eyes and
I saw a friend, and a possible lover. No, I knew a lover lay inside those
eyes I so longingly stared into. They just weren't ready to surface yet.

      "May I?" he asked hesitantly.

      "By all means. I have nothing to hide from you," I responded.

      He let out a small gasp of love and began to lift up my mask until we
were met with the irrevocable clang of the clock tower. The clock struck
twelve. He aborted his plans of discovery and backed away slowly. Nerves
appeared quickly across his face. Urgency was in the air.

      "I have to go," he said quickly.

      Two.

      "What?" I asked, "But why? What's wrong? Did I do something?"

      Four.

      "No," he replied sweetly, "Not at all. I have to go, I'm sorry."

      Six.

      "But, I don't understand," I pleaded.

      I grabbed his wrist and he began to beg for release. I just didn't
understand. Everything was so perfect. Everything was like a dream. The
clock struck again announcing the arrival of a new day and a new
agenda. The clang was loud and apparent. Its presence was known.

      Eight.

      "Goodbye!" he shouted. I lost his wrist as he tugged forward with
sudden urgency.

      "But wait! I don't even know you're name!" I pleaded once more.

      Ten.

      "I'm sorry," he cried, "But I must go!"

      He ran forward suddenly. I ran after him for I just couldn't let my
sweet dream turn into a beautiful nightmare. He was still in my sight but
had a good distance ahead of him. A bird flew next to him as if he was
leading the way. They both flew in tune and I was slowly losing him. I
watched the enigmatic man I had felt something for that I had never felt or
even fathomed slip away from my view. Things weren't much better when we
returned to the crowds of people we had left behind. I spotted him running
up the stairs to the balcony overlooking me. I knew I would catch him at
the front gate and I bolted around the side fence I had wandered through so
many times before with Xavier. I rushed by what seemed like thousands of
grim facades plastered on the partygoers. The setting had appeared grim to
me. I didn't want to lose what I had so desperately relished in nearly
minutes ago.

      "Romeo! Darling!" cried Scarlett in concern, "What's wrong?"

      Twelve.

      I ran past her with no answer. I was not about to go down without a
fight. The problems with most dreamers is that they wonder about what could
be instead of making it happen. I have dreamed all of my life for a night
like this, for a man like that. There was no way in hell I was going to let
it go.

      "Romeo! Romeo!" cried Scarlett in the extending distance. I felt like
she was following me, but I didn't care. I had to reach the front gate in
time. I just needed something. I couldn't go home empty handed when I had
everything I ever wanted right before my eyes minutes ago. I finally
reached the front gate and had met the exact moment my stranger had passed
through it. I grabbed his hand with exasperation.

      "Please!" I begged, "You have given me everything I have ever dreamed
of; don't run away from it now."

      "You don't understand, I have to go," he pleaded, "I beg of
you. Release me."

      The look in his eyes was of pure terror but I could still sense the
care I had witnessed all night. The clock struck a final time declaring the
final moment of the night. I released him but felt something slide with me
as I let go. I watched not only my perfect stranger dash away into the
night but I also watched a silver chain fall to the ground. The enigma of
the night pressed on further in my brain. I heard a huffed Scarlett
approach from behind.

      "Darling!" she exclaimed, "What's wrong?"

      "Nothing," I said with obvious pain as I bent down to pick up the
silver chain. It was the bracelet I had noticed on his wrist earlier. It
had an inscription on the inside that read "Tabula Rasa". I brushed my
fingers across the letters and felt the surge of emotion that was produced
all night. It was filled with hope, excitement, fear, and above all,
love. I felt it run through my entire body.

      "What do you mean nothing?" she cried, "You never run like that for
anything!"

      I stared at her blankly while grasping the bracelet silently in my
hands hoping to feel everything I felt tonight one more time. Victor had
approached us just as quickly as Scarlett had approached me. He too huffed
a, "What's the matter?"

      "I don't know! He just started running like a lunatic..." cried
Scarlett once more but I soon drowned her out. Victor was silently gazing
at me and he knew something had happened for he only saw me fashion a look
like that once before. He knew the emotions that were surging through me
and stood in silent respect. He knew that by being quiet the information
would come forth to him- a lesson he should teach to Scarlett. She began to
notice the silent understanding between Victor and me and huffed silently.

      "Hello!" declared Scarlett, "Am I the only one who is left out here?"

      "Scarlett," said Victor quietly who slowly turned to her, "Shut up."

      Scarlett appeared flabbergasted at such a statement but she
understood the seriousness in Victors tone so she shut up. Something I
never thought was possible with her.

      I stayed silently gazing at the road where I hoped to catch a glimpse
of the everlasting mirage I was consumed in the whole night. With the
bracelet in my hand I let out a silent cry of emotion, of longing, and of
happiness. This wasn't the end, I knew that much.