#ahit crossover

The sun started to set over Subcon, and Lukas and his family were on their way to pick his friends for the ball. Lukas had his hands pressed over a box, eagerly tapping his fingers with the bumps on the road. He’d written to Vanessa about this, told her at length what he sought to do for his friends. After all, no guest could properly attend without shoes. 

As the carriage came to a halt, Lukas knew exactly what he was doing next. Finding his friends, getting them back to the carriage with his family and getting to the party. He prayed it would be simple enough, it should be… right?

Lukas felt sweaty, even though it wasn’t hot in Subcon, not at this time of day. He was nervous over anything going wrong tonight. What if Vanessa’s mom humiliates Sebastian and their friends at the party, or what if Vanessa’s ice powers accidentally went off at the party? Would things be okay after that?

“No that won’t happen.” Lukas thought to himself, shaking the thoughts away.

“Nervous tonight?” Autumn asked, tearing Lukas away from his thoughts. 

“I am… kinda.” He answered truthfully. “I’m just nervous.” 

Autumn nods, patting the spot next to her. Lukas shifts his spot in the carriage, moving from next to his father to his mother. “It’ll be okay, my little specter.” She coos, wrapping her am around Lukas. “I promise you that.”

Lukas took a deep breath, now feeling calmer. “Alright. I trust you, mom.” Autumn smiled as the cartridge continued its way to Subcon. Lukas could feel the wheels turning, the horses hooves clunking as it pulled their carriage across the bridge. It wasn’t until Lukas heard people from outside that he knew they’d arrived in Subcon’s town square, the carriage coming to a complete stop. 

“Now, you make sure you come back with your friends safe and sound, alright?” Autumn reiterates, Lukas nodding as he opens the carriage doors, hopping onto the stiles pavement with the box tucked under his arm. “I’ll be back soon.” With a click of his heel, Lukas was off, rushing past the buzzing townsfolk and into the forest beyond. Tonight was surely going to be something, he just hoped he wasn’t in over his head.

꧁…꧂

Meanwhile in Subcon Village, Sebastian looked at himself in the mirror. A dark blue blazer with dark blue dress pants, and black dress shoes. He’d never worn clothes like this before, and while most of it once belonged to Kadence, it had the same effect. He felt… good? It was hard to say. Despite it being a hand me down, part of him hoped  he and Lukas would match.

Painter had made a fuss on the blazer and decided to only have a waistcoat that also once belonged to Kadence. Nico was also dressed up, sitting in the other room with his mother as she straightened his blazer. Sebastian knew Celeste was helping out Willow and part of him felt excited to see her in that dress again. She looked good, but there was still one minor problem… shoes.

Sebastain sighed as he stared at his bare feet. He knew his mamá did her best, but shoes were still hard to find in his size. Either they felt too small or too tight, the manor wouldn’t notice or complain about a kid without shoes, would they? Some part of him had a feeling that they would…

He stops looking in the mirror when he sees Willow in the doorway behind him. Knowing her, she probably came by to check on him. But seeing her in that dress again? He couldn’t help but smile. “You look handsome tonight.” She comments, bashfully glancing away.

Willow was wearing her dress, and had her hair styled into a side braid with some purple flowers.

“As do you.” He replied, cringing at his voice. Did compliments get harder in formal wear or was that just him? Probably the ladder.

Willow chuckled. “We’re going to have a great time tonight.” She said, as she put her hands on Sebastian’s shoulders. “Don’t worry about it.”

Sebastian blushed the moment Willow touched his shoulders. He gulped and nodded in reply with a sheepish smile. He could hear footsteps rush to his bedroom door, seeing as Painter hung on the doorframe with messy breaths. His opened waistcoat draped over his left shoulder with hair messier than ever. Confused, Sebastian turned to his friend. “Luka’s here Seb! Let’s go! He said he got something for us!” Painter cries, rapidly pointing down the hallway.

“Okay, okay! Coming!” Sebastian called out as he went to the door and opened it. 

Outside, Lukas stood in front of his porch, a box tucked upper his arm with a grateful smile. Sebastian felt surprised he and Lukas were wearing similar outfits, perhaps it was meant to be.

“I got you guys something.” Lukas spoke simply, sitting down on the steps of his porch and opening up the box. Inside was multiple pairs of shoes and socks, including a fine pair of dress shoes that Lukas instantly reached for. “You said you didn’t have shoes and that they were hard to get so… thought I’d give you and your family some.” 

Sebastian stared in disbelief, slowly taking the dress shoes from Lukas. He studied them for a moment, they were freshly shined, whatever wear and tear had been there was scrubbed away. He lifted the shoe to the fading sunlight, a smile forming on his face.  “Luka I… I don’t know what to say.”

Lukas smiled and hugged Sebastian. “Thank you Sebastian. For being my best friend.” He said.

Sebastian smiled, tears almost falling from his eyes as he hugged Lukas back. “No, thank you Lukas. For being my best friend.”

“Now come on, let’s put those shoes on and get you to that masquerade.” Lukas chirps, to which Sebastian snorts a wet laugh. “I got you one after Vanessa took Cece’s.” He explained, gently pulling away as they strolled to the porch. Lukas placed the box down, taking the pair of shoes from Sebastian and with some help, helped him put on the dress shoes. For once, there was no uncomfortability, no squish from his feet, it was a perfect fit.

“Like them?” Lukas asked, watching as his friend tilted his foot from side to side. 

“Love them.” Senastian answered, standing pulling Lukas into a bone-crushing hug. Lukas felt an indescribable wave of goodness. He was happy that he finally managed to find a little way to improve his best friend's life. 

The others had trickled out one by one. Willow and Celeste were gifted fancy shoes as Lukas had seen Willow in her worn down everyday shoes, and having her wear those to the ball certainly wouldn’t do. Celeste and Kadence were in a similar boat, both having hand-me-down shoes instead of proper dress shoes. Nico and Painter were the same as Sebastian, except they had a poor attempt at dress shoes on their feet.

Seeing them gather and put on the shoes was the most precious thing, seeing them all fit perfectly made it even sweeter. “Lukas, I love them! Thank you!” Willow beamed, tapping her new shoes on the wooden porch.

“Yes! Thank you!” Nico and Painter exclaimed simultaneously, childishly stomping onto the forest floor as much as they physically could. 

Celeste ruffled Lukas’s hair, taking Lukas into a similar hug to what Sebastian had done earlier. “Thanks for making my brother happy tonight, Luka.”

Lukas hummed a nod, feeling as Celeste lowered him back onto the ground. Kadence ruffled his hair further, chuckling mischievously. “I’ll get Mrs Solace. You stay put, okay?”

“Okay!” The kids replied.

Kadence smiled and went to get Sebastian’s mom. While they waited, Sebastian and the others went to Lukas asking questions about the ball. Lukas did his best to answer all that he could, some questions felt like things he hadn’t even thought about. Some of it was admittedly childish, but he didn’t really care that they were childish. 

By the time Lukas had finished answering questions, Sebastian’s mother, Isa, had come out in a simple gown. “Alright,” she beckoned, patting Sebastian’s shoulder. “Come along children, we have a ball to see.” 

Lukas grinned, standing with their hands interlocked as they ran through the forest. For the first time since starting his visits to Subcon, they were at an equal pace. Lukas kept it slow for their friends as they went over to the manor.

 ꧁…꧂

The winter masquerade ball was in full swing at the manor. Guests were arriving in flocks to the ball. The servers were greeting the guests, serving and attending to them with the proper respect for people of their class. King Samuel and Queen Elizabeth were standing at the top of the staircase, watching all gather into the ballroom. 

Vanessa meanwhile leaned over the handrail of the part that led to the exit of the ballroom, waiting for them, for her friends, her prince. She couldn’t wait a moment longer, she had to see them, she had to!

The servants' voices whispered, ringing through the halls as familiar voices were ushered to the ballroom. Finally, she sees them. There, dressed in a bright red was her prince, his crown warmly adorned on his head, a red fox mask snugly tied over his face. She knew it was him, her Lukas, her prince. 

Sebastian was with him, formal attire dressed in blue with a fresh pair of shoes to match. Painter was suited with oranges, while his older brother Kadence was suited with burgundies. Willow was suited in blue, Celeste matching with a darker shade with Nico in a simple light red blazer. Each was adorned with their own mask, ones she’d seen before. 

Vanessa gasped as she quickly walked down and headed towards her friends. “You made it!” She beamed, hugging Lukas tight. The prince chuckled and hugged the princess back. They quickly let go as she looked at the rest of her friends. “You guys look amazing!”

“Thank you Vanessa.” Willow softly replied, lightly toying with her skirt. “And thank you again for inviting us.”

Vanessa smiles, giving Willow a formal courtesy. “The pleasure is all mine, my friend. Now…” Vanessa turns to Lukas, gently offering her hand. “Prince Lukas?” 

Lukas stares at Vanessa’s hand, taking it into his before turning to his friends. “Right this way.” 

The kids followed Vanessa to where she was taking them. “I wonder where we’re going?” Painter whispered to Sebastian, to which the ladder shrugged, soon covering his eyes as Vanessa opened the doors to the ballroom. 

“Welcome to the masquerade ball.” Vanessa announced.

Sounds of shock turned into awe as they surveyed the ballroom, everything was beautiful, something right out of a fairytale. Lukas couldn’t help his joy, truly the best feeling in the world. 

“May I have this dance, my prince?” Vanessa questioned, offering her other hand to Lukas. 

Lukas felt taken aback, gently taking Vanessa’s other hand into his own. “Of course, princess.”

Vanessa giggled as Lukas took her straight into the dance floor. Sebastian chuckled seeing his best friend and his princess dancing with everyone else.

“So…” Willow spoke up. Sebastian froze and turned to see Willow looking nervous. “Do you want to dance?”

“Uh…”Sebastian stuttered, unsure of what to say. Slowly, he put his hand in hers, swaying before they sauntered to the other dancers. It was warm, it was exciting, it was love. The tranquility of the music serenaded alongside the dancers and those who stayed behind for the food and beverages. 

“Feeling nervous about this?” Willow nervously asked as they danced, sheepishly trying not to trip over her feet.

Sebastian shook his head. “Nope, not at all.” He bashfully replied. Willow let out a soft giggle. “Good. I’m not either.”

Sebastian smiled as he dreamed about dancing with crush, and here he was finally doing it. Lukas looked over to see his best friend dancing and smiled seeing he got together with his princess.

Painter and Nico were snacking on sweets, childishly chasing the other kids who had started their own game of tag on the outskirts of the dance floor. Celeste and Kadence doing their own dance that seemed to be native to Subcon, twirling with palms interlocked and repeating on the other side with another twirl. The night could go on forever, and no one would bat an eye. Just them dancing, childlike wonder, and the rest of the world bearing witness to it all. Nothing could ruin this night.

꧁…꧂

After hours of dancing and snacking, Vanessa saw there were a lot of her friends starting to feel overwhelmed. “Let’s go.” She whispered to Lukas, taking his hand into her own. 

“Go where?” Lukas questioned, confused by the sudden gesture.

“To the garden silly.” Vanessa laughed, looking at her friends with an eager grin. “Hey, follow me.” Sebastian and Willow stopped their dance, sauntering towards Willow. Painter instantly took notice of the shift in mood, ushering Nico to follow, who in turn caught the attention of Kadence and Celeste. 

One by one the children funneled out of the ballroom, Vanessa guiding the way as she pushed open a pair of double doors. Lukas shielded his eyes, unsure of what to expect, yet still found himself in awe as they walked into a lantern lit garden. A gazebo lingered in the distance, candlelight from the bioluminescent flora and fauna illuminating the path. Lukas couldn’t help but admire the beauty, unconsciously removing his mask with a smile. 

“Woah.” Painter said in amazement. “This has to be a dream.” Willow said, walking closer to the garden. She saw many flowers, some rare and only what the florist saw in paintings.

“My grandmother and her grandmother built this garden when she was my age. She finished it when she was much older than me.” Vanessa explained, tracing her hand on the old stone walls. “My father and I have been caring for it since. I usually tend to it when my lessons aren’t in session or when my father has an important meeting.”

“Gosh.” Willow chuckled. “I might have to take some pointers from you then. It’s well kept and no critters have eaten the flowers.”

Vanessa gave a subtle smile. “It helps that the roses have thorns.” 

“Speaking of… how did you manage to get us in to begin with?” Painter questioned, fidgeting with his mask. “You musta pulled a lot of strings.”

“I did. Rather, father did. He knows you’re here as guests. Mother she… father talked with her. It’s how I sent the invite to begin with. Not that she approved, but had to since it’s “my party.” Vanessa elaborated, escorting them to the gazebo. “Care for tea? Father usually keeps things to make it here.” 

“Yes please.” Willow obliged, grabbing a handful of her skirt as she strolled to the lone chairs at the tea table. Nico and Painter stalled by the gazebo steps, the young boys far more interested with the plant life than tea. Celeste and Kadence happily joined Vanessa, Celeste offering to grab the teapot stored on a tray in the gazebo.

Lukas and Sebastian looked at one another with a frown. Despite not saying a word, Lukas knew Sebastian had been thinking. It was unfortunately obvious…

Ever since the start of Lukas’s friendship with Vanessa, Vanessa’s mother had not been particularly kind. Lukas had brushed it off as her mother being strict at first, but it starkly contrasted his own mother. The more time spent with Vanessa, the more Lukas couldn’t ignore the obvious problems with the Queen of Subcon Forest.

“Hey, uh… Lukas?” Sebastian whispered, “could I tell you something?” 

Lukas gawked, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sure, uh, what is it?” 

“Do you see Vanessa’s mom as… a bad mom?” Sebastian asked, still whispering as he darted his eyes from Lukas to Vanessa.

Lukas thought for a second, frowning. “She does come off as strict. Why?” He asked.

“Well, I don’t wanna assume anything, but I don’t think Vanessa’s mom is good to her.” Sebastian admits, taking his mask off his face. “I just want her to be okay, y’know?”

Lukas looked over at Vanessa where she and Willow were making tea together as Painter watched in amazement, asking more questions that Vanessa seemed more than happy to answer. Then he looked down at his mask, putting it next to Sebastian’s mask. “She has us, and if anything happens or if her mother does anything, we’ll have her back no matter what.”

Sebastian hums, looking up toward the stars in relief. “I’ll always look out for you, brother.”

Lukas smiled. “Same here.” 

Sebastian smiled and two boys hugged. Vanessa looked over at the boys and cleared her throat. The two quickly let go and smiled sheepishly. “You boys want tea?” She asked, slipping off her mask with a bashful smile. 

Lukas waltzed over towards the gazebo, plucking a teacup from the tea table with a nod. “Of course my princess. I’m sure it’s the best.”

Up in their treehouse, Painter hummed as he drew on the page. The deep sea bunnies chirped, one leaning on his shoulder as he continued to add color on the page.

“Kadie, can you give me more of the nails mami gave me? I’m almost finished with this.” Celeste beckoned, Kadence handing over a couple nails to fix one of the boards on their treehouse. 

“I told you we shouldn’t have used that board.” Kadence grumbled, setting the nail on the board. “Even Neeks said it wasn’t a good one.”

“At least we have a new one.” Nico rebuttaled, resting his elbows on his knees, painter snickering at the scene. 

“Paint you better not be sketching this.” Celeste grimaced, nearly dropping the mallet as Kadence readjusted the board. “Peck—! Augh!”

Painter snickers, continuing the paint in his drawing. “Too late.”

“PAINTER!” Celeste hollers, Kadence doubling over cackling. “Damn it, Paint. You really truly are an ass sometimes.”

“Yours truly.” Painter snickered, the sea bunnies nudging the paint brush out of his hands with a happy chirp. “See, this little guy gets it.”

Celeste rolled her eyes and ruffled Painter’s hair, causing him to laugh and tried to push the older girl’s hand away. “Cece!” He squealed, but Celeste continued to ruffle his hair.

“Ha! Got em.” Kadence wheezes, slapping his knee. “Oh never change Painty, never change.”

Painter chuckled and continued working on his drawing. While drawing, he glanced down to see Willow and Sebastian darting over to the treehouse, Sebastian failing a note in his hands.

“I got a letter from Lukas! I got a letter from him! It’s a huge one! Throw down the ladder! Sebastian hollered, stopping in front of their treehouse as he waved the letter rapidly.

Celeste nodded and brought down the ladder. Quickly, Sebastian climbed as fast as he could with Willow following right behind him.

“What’s the letter from Lukas? Has anything happened to the Princess since we last saw her a month ago?” Nico pressed, attempting to leap and take the letter from Sebtian. “Hold your horses, kiddo. Nothing’s happened to Vanessa or Luke. We’d know if it did.”

“Then let me see!” Nico jumped again, and Sebastian pulled his hand away. “Nope, sorry. I’m the only one who can touch this letter. Mamá just gave it to me and told me to open it.”

Nico draws out an impatient whine, plopping himself next to Painter. “You’re no fair, Seb.”

“Sorry, Neeks. Them’s the rules.” Sebastian hummed, moving to open the letter and stopping halfway. “What the-? Huh?” Sebastian grunts, picking at the wax seal on the back. “Darn you well made wax seals.”

“Ah, let me get that Seb.” Kadence placed down the tools, offering his hand to Sebastian.

Sebastian glances at Kadence, blowing his hair out of his face as he hands it to Kadence who opens the letter with ease. “It’s nice to have a small dagger on hand. You usually do, Seb.” 

“Yeah but- letters can’t use that stuff.” Sebastian sulked, yanking the envelope away from Kadence and pulling the letter out of it. 

“Hey, that’s different from Lukas’s usual letters. He doesn’t write on thick paper usually. That’s expensive stuff.” Willow points out, watching as Sebastian unfolded the letter itself.

“Uh… I can’t read this.” Sebastian mumbled. 

“Let me see.” Willow said, holding her hand out. Sebastian handed his best friend the letter as she read through what it said.

“You’re invited to the winter masquerade ball in order to celebrate our princess’s coming of age!” Willow read, tracing her finger for the others to read along. “Each lord, lady, child in tow must come according to Subcon’s masked traditions. Only the best dressed will be accepted to dance with our adoring princess.”

Sebastian glanced at Painter and Kadence, then at Nico and Celeste, then finally looked at Willow with glee. 

“Oh my GOD. WE’RE GOING TO A BALL!” He cheered, waving the letter in the air. “We’re going to a ball, we’re going to a ball!” Sebastian then halts, failing his arms as he rebalances on his feet. “Wait… what’s a masquerade ball? I know what the invite said, but it sounds pretty important. 

“Maybe it’s like the tradition in fall where we go around town warding off spirits?” Painter mused, putting his recent artwork aside and grabbing another blank page. “Wills said we had to be “best dressed”— whatever the heck that means. And that first part implied it was for Vanessa so… ugh, why couldn’t they have just been more straightforward and said what kind of party it was?”

“Maybe we have to read between the lines, Paint. What if  it’s like the fairytales Venessa always talks about?” Celeste suggested, twirling her skirt. “Perhaps it’s a type of party where girls get pretty dresses and boys get fancy clothes and shoes with more sweets than any of us know what to do with. It’s probably the entire bakery!”

“Eh, I don’t know. I think it’s like… uh… something we’ve done already?” Kadence proposed, picking up the mallet. “Minus reinforcing our treehouse… I think it’s probably similar to the fall traditions that Paint mentioned. It seems pretty straightforward.”

“Or maybe it’s not that at all! Maybe it’s like a huge sleepover!” Nico suggested, putting his arms in the air. “Maybe it’s called a “masquerade” because no one knows who they are and have to find them with a big game of hide and seek!” 

The kids thought about it, and agreed amongst each other. 

“That’s so cool Vanessa is inviting us!” Painter exclaimed, holding his drawing in the air. “You think Lukas knows more about this masquerade thing? Maybe they know the rules of the game.” 

“Maybe, maybe not. I think there’s more of this letter.” Sebastian comments, taking the envelope and pulling out Lukas’s letter.

Dear Sebastian Solace,

I thought since I had gotten a notice for the masquerade ball from Vanessa, we both thought it would be best to notify you both. I’m not sure how attending will go, but I’m certain it’ll end up better than we think it will be. It’ll be much better with your company than just being there without much to do. 

I hope to see you there.

From your dear friend,  Lukas Nethanial Phynix.

Painter peered over Sebastian’s shoulder, grinning as he read the letter. “Now this is awesome.” Painter giggled, standing on his tippy toes as he leaned on his best friend for support.

“Indeed it is Paint, indeed it is.” Sebastian chuckled, ruffling Painter’s hair as he planted his feet back on solid ground. 

Willow hums in thought, “well since it is an event the first thing is we need to look formal.” She points to the letter, then to the exit of the treehouse. “I believe I have some back home.”

Sebastian smiled, “well what are we waiting for?” He asked. “Let’s head to your place, stat!”

꧁…꧂

They wasted no time running through the busy town square. The people of Subcon were fully prepared for winter and it meant more than just a lack of shoes. Hopefully this meant they could afford shoes for the ball.

Outside of the floral shop, Willow’s mom, Catherine was done selling flowers to a couple. “Thank you. Come again soon.” She waved with a smile, taking notice of the children instantly. “Goodness Willow, where’s your winter coat? I’ve told you not to run along without it.”

“Sorry mom, had to run with Sebastian to tell the others about the letter he got. There’s a masquerade ball!” Willow explained, pointing to the letter in Sebastian’s hand. “Lukas invited us, but it’s supposed to be formal, so I brought them over here.” 

“I see,” Cathrine sighed, swooping her braid to the left. “Why don’t you run home and show what we do have. I’m sure we have something.”

 Willow smiled, “great! Thanks mom!” She beamed, leading her friends down the path. “Come on, my house’s down the block.”

꧁…꧂

The group ran to Willow’s house, her house was filled with flowers, some looked freshly picked or ready to be used in a bouquet for the shop. The young girl toes off her shoes at the front door, ushering her friends inside soon after. “Make yourselves at home.”

“Wow.” Painter whispered, amazed. “You and your mom did a ton of redecorating since we last came.”

Willow chuckled. “We figured doing some redecorating since…” She paused, not wanting to say it, but they knew what she meant.

Prior to Lukas coming into their lives, Willow’s father had passed away. It was a hard day for them, Willow especially who was close to her dad. 

Sebastian frowned and put his arm around Willow. “Hey, your dad is in your heart.” He said. “I promise, wherever he is, he’s keeping an eye on you.”

“I guess…” Willow blows some red curls out of her face, offering a tender smile to Sebastian. “I appreciate it though.” 

Sebastian smiled, “no problem.” He grinned.

Willow gave a small smile, looking down the hall as she led the others to her room. The floral bouquets placed in glass vases, the color chipping with paints that seemed to be fading in pigment. “I think I still have the formal clothes mom made for Kadie and Painter. Should have some old ones that fit you and Neeks, Seb.”

“That’s great!” Sebastian exclaimed.

Willow opened the door to her room, walls painted green with meticulously painted flowers and butterflies. Sebastian sat down at the edge of his friend’s bed as Willow dug into her wardrobe.

“I think your mom stored some in the trunk over here, Wills. I’ll check. Maybe the old shoes I had are still here.” Kadence noted, pulling out the trunk by Willow’s bed. “You think Lukas and Vanessa would mind the color of some of these?”

“I don’t think so.” Painter mumbled, flipping next to Sebastian. “Maybe it’s not like- super fancy… it didn’t say.”

“Well we’re trying on some stuff anyways. I guess we won’t find out if it’s too fancy until Lukas gets here.” Willow intercuts, taking several dresses out of her wardrobe and laying them out on her bed. “Auntie made my dress, hope it still fits.”

Willow looked through her dresses, smiling at the aqua colored dress with white flowers on them. She then went to the retiring room to try it on in hopes it still fits. Meanwhile, Kadence and Celeste looked through the dresses Willow had laid out.

“Hold this one up Kadie, think this one would fit me.” Celeste insisted, the warmly colored yellow dress draping over her arms. Kadence agreed without a second thought, helping Celeste look at the dress while it was draped over her.

“It looks dumb.” Painter teased, Sebastian snorting at the comment. “I think it looks interesting. I thought you’d go with the more orange yellow one. Or maybe the purple one.”

“Well I like the look of this one!” Celeste insisted, taking the dress from Kadence. “No shame you two.”

“Oh don’t listen to them.” Kadence waves his hand, pointing to the dress. “I think it’s beautiful on you, Cece. If you want to try it on, I'm sure I can help lace and pin it up.”

Celeste smirks, handing the dress back to Kadence. “Thanks Kadie, I knew I could count on you.”

Kadence smiled, “anytime Celeste.” She replied.

Sebastian watched Kadence chuckle, nudging Celeste with a playful nudge. 

“I’m done!” Willow hollers, opening the door to her bedroom with the dress mostly fitted on her petite frame. 

Sebastian felt his face heat up, his mouth dropping as Willow stood in that gown. Painter slowly closed Sebastian’s mouth but he quickly dropped it again.

Willow blushed seeing her best friend’s expression, and played with a strand of her hair while turning away from him. “Do I look okay?” She asked.

“M—more than okay!” Sebastian stammered, waving his hands. “You look pretty— I mean- you look great.”

Willow blushed harder as she chuckled, “t-thanks Seb.” 

“N-No problem.” Sebastian replied with a nervous chuckle. “Oh crap! She’s so damn cute! But if I say that out loud no one will let me live it down until the day I die!” He thought.

“Does he like me? Like-Like me?” Willow thought to herself. “Now I’m scared what he’ll look like in a fancy suit!”

“Uh… what’s happening?” Painter innocently questioned, Nico sharing his blatant confusion. “I think they’re telepathically communicating.” Nico assumed.

“Eh… I’m not so sure. I think they left reality.” Celeste sighed, looking over to Kadence. “Can you- you know.”

“Oh I know, Cece.” Kadence sighed, walking over to Willow and planting his hand on her shoulder. “Hey Wills, do you want me to help lace you up or do you want to get out of this dress? I was going to do the same for Celeste, sounds cool?”

“S-Sure.” Willow replied.

Kadence went ahead and started to pin the front of Willow’s dress up. It didn’t take as long as putting it on, but the end result was enough. 

“I think we found our winner. Wanna take that off and put on your regular dress again?” Kadence suggested, Willow nodding wholeheartedly. “I do, yeah. Maybe… Celeste, could unlace the dress?”

“Sure thing.” Celeste obliged, ushering Willow out of her room. “Be back in a jiffy, fellas.”

Once the girls left, Sebastian felt like he could breathe. “You okay Sebastian?” Painter asked, poking Sebastian’s shoulder.

“Y-Yeah. I’m fine.” Sebastian replied, pushing back his hair as he blew his lips. “Dresses are weird.”

“How so? I just see pretty colors.” Painter tailed off, flopping backwards onto the bed. “I don’t know- I’m not sure what I’m saying right now.” He admits, lying next to Painter with a huff. “She just looked cool. I didn’t know how to say that.” 

“Maybe tell her at the event?” Kadence suggested, leaning on the bed frame. “I’m sure she’d like that.”

“Maybe… ugh, stupid head.” Sebastian grumbles, covering his face with his hands. “Does it ever get easier Kadie?”

Kadence paused, turning away with a deflated chuckle. “It does, sort of. As long as you can put in the work.”

“Right…”  Sebastian scoffed, letting his hands fall to his chest. 

Kadence, taking note of this, moved to the bed, taking Painter onto his lap with ease. “You got nothing to worry about, kid. I have a feeling this masquerade is going to be wonderful. Lukas and Vanessa wouldn’t have invited all of us if they didn’t care, wouldn’t they?”

“I know… just wish my head didn’t screw some stuff up.” Sebastian grumbled, nearing as Nico climbed onto the bed, the mattress creaking from the weight. “I don’t think you did bad, Sebby. I think you did what you could.”

Sebastian lulls his head to the side, his darkened locks falling in front of his face with a smirk. “Thanks, Neeks.” He jests, playfully ruffling Nico’s hair. “I don’t know why I got so worked up.”

“Probably because you’re dumb.” Painter teased, blowing a raspberry. 

“Is that a challenge?” Sebastian tested, Painter rolling his eyes in response. “No, you’re just my dumb best friend who gets flustered over Willow.” 

Sebastian covered Painter’s mouth and shushed him. “Don’t say it out loud!” He frantically whispered, Painter’s comment being muffled by Sebastian’s hand.

“So the bushcat’s out of the bag, you do have a crush on Willow.” Celeste snickered, opening the door with Willow not too far behind.

Sebastian blushed again as Nico “ooohed” in a childish singsong voice. “I do NOT have a crush on her! I admire her, okay?” Sebastian insisted, retracting his hand from Painter’s mouth with slobber dripping off. “Ew— did you just lick my hand?!”

“You were suffocating me!” Painter protested, bonking Sebastian’s shoulder. “You don’t have to be a jerk!”

“Alright boys, enough.” Willow demands, pushing past Celeste and shooing them off her bed. “Mom’s gonna make lunch for us, either we help or you’re thrown back outside with the bushcats.”

“Alright.” Sebastian and Painter said at the same time.

Celeste smiled, patting Willow’s shoulder. “Florence special” in the kitchen, let's say… now?”

“I’d like that. Mrs Florence always makes good food.” Nico giggled, taking Painter by the hand and dragging him to the bedroom door. “Come on! Last one to the kitchen’s a sea bunny!”

“Hey, that’s not how it goes!” Painter childishly teased. 

“It is now!” Nico exclaimed, leading Painter out of Willow’s bedroom to the kitchen so quickly they nearly ran into the wall. 

“Hey, no running in the house!” Willow insisted, banking off the door frame into the hall, then groaned knowing they wouldn’t hear her.

“Oh let ‘em, just for today.” Celeste assured, patting Willow’s shoulder. “I can deal with their rowdiness, don’t worry.”

“You sure? Won’t my mom get… you know, mad?” Willow mumbled, fidgeting with her skirt. 

“She won’t. I’ll talk with her. She’ll understand.” Celeste cooed, patting Willow’s shoulder. “… Okay.” Willow mumbled, averting her gaze to the ground. 

Sebastian walked over to Willow, wanting to say something to her, yet nothing came to mind as she leaves the bedroom with Celeste not too far behind. 

“Let's go, Seb.” Kadence ushers, guiding Sebastian out of the bedroom and into the hallway. He could see his older sister chatting with Willow, Painter and Nico bouncing at the kitchen table eagerly awaiting for the food.

Even if the masquerade ball wouldn’t be until Lukas came back, he couldn’t wait until the day of. It was going to be something they would never forget.

꧁…꧂

Somewhere in the manor, everyone was setting up for the masquerade ball. Vanessa stood watching everyone get set up, but she was nervous.

She couldn’t help but fidget with the lone invite in her gloved hands, the dried ink shining in the dim candlelight. She traced over the letters, imagining her friends and her prince standing at the top of the stairs, standing side by side as friends.

She knew Lukas and her were tied together in the future, but she felt something more than an arrangement. She wasn’t sure if Lukas had noticed, but she did. She knew its name, but didn’t dare say it. The emotion deserved more forethought before being called by name, delicate and tender and frightening as it could be: love.

“You alright Vanessa?” King Samuel asked, sauntering down the steps as he looked over Vanessa.

Vanessa brushes her anxiety aside, giving a smile towards her father. “I'm… fine father.” She replied. “Nervous about the ball.”

King Samuel’s eyes soften, glancing out to the redecorated ballroom. “It’ll be alright, Princess.” He tells her, patting her head as he walks away. “The ball will certainly go well. Happy birthday, my darling.”

Vanessa watched as her father tended to the other servants, reaching and retracting her hand. “You too… father.”

Once her father left she was able to breathe and go back to her thoughts. “Okay…I love Lukas, but how do I tell him? Do I just say it out loud or ask him if he loves me?” She thought. Perhaps she’d know on the day the ball happens.