Crais and Rae sneak into the Ballroom

Crais and Rae sneak into the Ballroom

"You sure no one's going to walk in on us?" Crais asks, nervously. "Can't we do it in your room like we usually do?"

"Trust me." Rae winks at him. She's wearing a satin-y sleeveless gown in a dozen different shades of red and looking absolutely stunning.

Crais, dressed in a suit and tie, sighs. "How do I let you talk me into these things?"

"Don't be that way." Rae laughs, walking over to the juke-box. "In case you haven't noticed, the proportion of men to women in this place has reached critical, and I don't want to get out of practice."

"Wouldn't you rather... kickbox?" Crais suggests softly.

"What do you think?" Rae puts her hands on her hips and glares at him. "We are going to do this, just like old times, Bailar."

"I haven't danced in years!" he protests.

"Then you need practice, too."

"What if someone sees us?"

"Then we'll invite them to join us and have a big party, also much like old times." Rae raises her hands and activates the spell that transforms the ballroom into the terrace aboard Moya.

"I've got a reputation to unhold." Crais points out.

"Then I will say I'm blackmailing you." Rae winks. "No one needs to know that you ENJOY this sort of thing."

"It had better NOT become common knowledge, young lady."

Rae sticks her tounge out, then programs the juke-box with her request. "On my mark please."

"Whenever you're ready." the Juke-box tells her.

"Thankyou. Melody only, please. Bailar is going to sing."

"Riv, I'm begging you!" Crais says desperately. "Make Raegun do it!"

"He's busy reprogramming himself right now." Rae steps into the middle of the ballroom and the lights dim. "Ready."

Crais sighs and follows her onto the dance-floor.

"You will do this," Rae tells him, "and you will enjoy it. And you will dance with any other lady who wishes to dance with you. Are we clear on that?"

"Yes ma'am." Crais sighs, taking Rae into his arms.

"Then let's get started." Rae winks at him as they begin dancing.

The juke-box strikes up a slow, almost mournful, but also hopeful tune, and Crais begins singing, in a low, mellow voice (Rae's been teaching him) and with an almost Irish accent which compliments the lyrics nicely. To spare him TOO much embarasment, Rae sings the refrains and the last verse with him, also allowing a hint of Irish to creep into her high, clear voice:

I want to reach out over the loch,

And feel your hand across the water.

Walk with you along an unapproved road,

Not looking over my shoulder.

To understand your fears.

But we're north and south of the river...

I've been doing it wrong all of my life.

This holy town has turned me over.

A young man running from what he didn't understand

As the wind from the loch just blew colder and colder.

There was a badness that had its way.

But love was not lost

it just got mislaid.

North and south of the river...

Can we stop playing these old tattoos?

Darling I don't have the answer.

I want to meet you where you are;

I don't need you to surrender.

There is no feeling so alone

as when the one you're hurting

North and south of the river...

Some high ground is not worth taking,

And some connections are not worth making...

There's an old church bell no longer ringing,

And some old songs are not worth singing...

We're North and south of the river...

North and south of the river...

Soon the sound of singing and dancing has drawn other Scoobs towards the ballroom.

At the sound of the beautiful male singing voice floating out of the Ballroom, a distracted Jila walks into an open cupboard door in the Kitchen.

"Drenn!!" Jila growls, rubbing her forehead and slamming the door shut. She then walks over to the Ballroom door and sneaks a peek into the Ballroom. Rae looks beautiful as she always does when she dresses up (but we won't tell Her that, she might give up formal attire altogether). Jila sighs, either Rae has programmed Crais' voice for this tone/timber/pitch (sorry can't think of the right word so I thought I'd use them all), or it is just naturally occuring. Either way, it's enough to melt your heart. Without opening the door a great deal, Jila slips through into the Ballroom and sits next to the door, just watching and listening. <sigh> It would be a sin to interrupt, don't you think?

As Bialar and Rae slowly come around to the Kitchen end of the Ballroom, Crais notices Jila sitting by the door.

"I told you somebody would hear." He says as he stops their dancing in the middle of a step.

"Oh please, don't stop." Jila begs. "The song sounded so wonderful that I just wanted to sit and listen for a minute."

"So...Sing." Rae says as she gives Crais a tug on his sleeve.

kayde -- Kay walks into the open Ballroom

reading the back of the latest book she borrowed from Spy, not noticing anything, until she is well into the room, and hears the singing. Looking up, she sees Rae and Crais dancing around the room. Wow, Rae looks stunning. Kays mouth falls open, and she notices Jila sitting by the door.

Smiling, Kay sits on the couch and also watches and listens, with a dreamy look on her face.

Grackene -- OMG CHEATER!!!!

I thought we were friends

Well you can have him.

Whatever!! and you you you you mandroid.........

go blow something up you!!!

Crais Mandroid -- Leaving Rae,

Crais extends his hand to Grack. "Forgive me."

Rae shifts uncomfortably. "Sorry, Grack. I've just been... you know... tweaking his programming."

"Right!" Grack sticks her tounge out.

"I think you'll aprove of the changes." Rae suggests.

"May I have this dance?" Crais takes Grack into his arms and pulls her onto the dance-floor. He begins singing softly (yup, the voice is naturally occuring):

It's Friday night, and we're all alone

With just the music of the radio.

No one's comin'. No one's gonna telephone.

Just me and you and the lights down low.

And we're slow dancin', swayin' to the music.

Slow dancin', just me and my girl.

Slow dancin', swayin' to the music.

No one else in the whole wide world -

And we just flow together when the lights are low,

Shadows dancing all across the wall.

The music's playing so soft and slow,

And the rest of the world's so far away and small.

And we're slow dancin' swayin' to the music.

Slow dancin', swayin' to the music.

Slow dancin', just me and my, my, my, my, my girl.

Slow dancin', swayin' to the music,

No one else in the whole-wide world -

As we dance together in the dark,

There's so much love in this heart of mine.

Whisper to me and I'll hold you tight:

You're the one I thought I'd never find.

And we're slow dancin', swayin' to the music.

Slow dancin just me and my girl.

Slow dancin' swayin to the music.

No one else in the whole wide world -

Raven-Kat -- Rae grins,

and joins Jila and Kay on the couch as Grack and Crais dance. "Are we forgiven, Grack?" she asks with a small chuckle.

SeventhAngel -- Suddenly........

A small *>Whoosh!*< gives the three ladies a start, as they recline on the couch and they turn as one, to see their One-Winged guardian angel standing behind them.

"See?" the Whisp on the angels shoulder says to him. "I told ya I heard something in here. I mean GAH.... Like, am I Joan of Arc or something? Hearing voices?"

"Twig....." the angel says. "Joan HEARD those voices, remember?"

"I was just using her as an example, like OMIGOD!" Twig replied. "I know she wasn't nuts. I ALSO know when there's a party going on," she added, floating off towards the jukebox.

"Ladies," the angel said taking a half-seat on the top of the couch. "There appears to be a lack of dance-partners for you, and an unusually large amount of space on the dane floor. Shall we change that?" the angel smiles, his most charming smile.

32CodeAddict -- Codey sits down with Jila,

kay and Rae pouting sadly. As Codey watches the two dancing around in the ballroom she remembers how it was like to dance with money in here smiling sadly at the memory.

"I really miss my moneyhoney. Why am I always stranded alone? And I got all dressed up too. Hmmmm. Where the frell is Louis anyway if I can't dance with money then I'd LOVE to dance with Louis."

Codey looks around the room searching for Louis.

Vampy Louis -- Louis peeks into the Ballroom

then sees Codey and sneakily walks up behind her and taps her shoulder. Then Codey replys back with a quick punch to Louis' stomach. Louis' quick reflects allowed him to catch Codey's fist before he got hit. Louis in a beautifully suited black tux looks down at Code's fist then kisses it. Louis stares appreciatingly at Codey's long dark blue velvet dress then smiles up as he sees her face.

"Oh Louis you KNOW better then to SNEAK up on ME. Especially after the week I've had."

Codey looks at him sternly. Louis in turn looks at Codey with puppy dog eye's silently begging not to be hurt.

"Oh alright, I'm sorry for over reacting. But try to be more careful next time please."

"Ok my dear sweet Mistress Code. <Louis smiles his sweet lazy smile. Code unable to help herself smiles back at him. Louis looks up at Grackene and Crais then smiles back at Codey. He then extends a hand out at Code looking directly at her eyes.> I just wanted to know if would grace me with a dance?"

Code smiles up at him and blushes slightly as she takes his offered hand and curtseys. Louis upon taking Code's hand bows like the gentleman he once was a long time ago.

"Louis I'd LOVE to dance with you."

Louis then slips code's hand into his bent arm. Louis then walks to the dance floor and then takes code into her arms and dances with her slowly and closely. Code rests her head on his chest because Louis is a great deal taller then Code. Code sighs happily as they dance together, looking like the beautiful night hunters that they are. Louis and Code glide on the dance floor as if they are flying instead of dancing.

JilaCosa -- “Will you sings as we dance?”

Jila looks at Rae, then Kay, hoping that they can see that she'd really like to dance with Spyral.

"Of course." Spyral smiles. He has such a Great smile. "What would you like to hear?" Spy extends his hand to Jila.

"Surprise me." Jila says reaching out for Spy's hand.

As Spyral and Jila step out to the dance floor the air shimmers around them. Spyral dresses himself in the white tux that he wore on Valentines Day and Jila looks down to see herself dressed similar to Cinderella or Belle from Beauty and the Beast. The taffeta dress shimmers with the lights of the Ballroom. She even has matching colored shoes. As Spyral takes her in his arms he begins to sing........

Grackene -- lol I was only joking Rae

Grack says as she clasps on to Crais tight.

then drags him back out onto the dance floor.

"oh I never want this to end"

SeventhAngel -- As the angel swirls Jila onto the floor,

Spyral softly begins to sing a favorite by Eric Clapton.

Would you know my name if I saw you in heaven?

Would it be the same if I saw you in heaven?

I must be strong and carry on,

'Cause I know I don't belong here in heaven.

Would you hold my hand if I saw you in heaven?

Would you help me stand if I saw you in heaven?

I'll find my way through night and day,

'Cause I know I just can't stay here in heaven.

Time can bring you down, time can bend your knees.

Time can break your heart, have you begging please, begging please.

Beyond the door there's peace I'm sure,

And I know there'll be no more tears in heaven.

Would you know my name if I saw you in heaven?

Would it be the same if I saw you in heaven?

I must be strong and carry on,

'Cause I know I don't belong here in heaven.

Mouse2000 -- Mouse walks in

and takes one look at the mandroid and whispers to Rae, "Can you teach the Larraq one to do that too?"

Raven-Kat -- “Larraq?”

Rae scratches her head and thinks about this. "Well, you know, Mousie, he's just not responding as well to group therapy, and I'm really not sure he's ready to benefit from any kind of formal schooling..."

"Rae, I'm asking you to teach him how to dance, not perform brain-surgery."

"Oh, I thought you meant the singing. He can already dance."

"What? It helps them with thier martial arts." She clicks her comm. "Larraq, drop whatever you're doing and get your eema down to the ballroom. I've got a very lovely lady here requesting the honor of a dance."

"That's an order, mister!"

Vampy Louis -- Louis plays with Code’s hair

as they dance together. Code looks around the room as they dance glancing over the room. As the music comes to an end Louis bows to Code and Code does the same. Louis then walks Code back over to Mouse and Rae.

"Hello ladies. I believe we've never been properly intoduced. My name is Louis and I'm one of Code's Vampire Friends. I'm extremely happy to finally meet all of you. I am sorry for sometimes staring at you ladies but when the hunger takes over me I can't HELP myself. Code's only told me wonderful things about all of you. I do hope that my past mistakes can be forgiven. Would any of you care to take a spin on the dance floor?"

Louis slowly extends a hand out at the two ladies hoping his invitation to dance will be accepted.

Mouse2000 -- “All right, Louis.”

Mouse says thoughtfully," one dance while I wait for Larraq, but NO NECK STARING! Got it?" Louis nods and bows with a flourish, and offers his hand. Mouse tentatively accepts his hand and he escorts her to the dance floor. He is a suprisingly good dancer and, besides the cold hands, is a wonderful dance partner.

*Now, where is that Larraq?* Mouse thinks aftr Louis returned her to the bar.

Chryse74 -- Chryse sneaks in

and sits next to the door. she's had a long day, and this week in particular only promises to get worse. She just wants to sit back, watch her friends enjoy themselves and listen to the good music as she unwinds. slowly, she smiles as her friends dance and sing, enjoying seeing them have fun. *Maybe I'll dance a little later on too.* she thinks, but right now, she just wants to sit.

Raven-Kat -- Larraq enters the Ballroom,

dressed in a Tuxedo. He walks onto the dance floor and taps, Louis on the shoulder. "Mind if I cut in?" he asks, winking at Mouse.

"I'll dance with you, Louie!" Rae calls cheerfully, bounding over to them, "But be warned, I bite back..."

JilaCosa -- As Spyral slowly twirls Jila......

around the dance floor, Jila catches sight of Chryse sitting on the floor, leaning back against the wall. Chryse just sighs and gives a little wave but the look on her face is a kind of sad.

"Do me a favor?" Jila says quietly, stepping closer to Spyral as they glide across the floor.

"Sure, what?" Spyral smiles his most charming smile.

"Chryse looks a little out of sorts." Jila points out to the Angel as they turn in Chryse's direction. "As much as I love to dance with you while you sing, it looks like she could use a bit of the Spyral magic."

Chuckling, Spyral twirls Jila closer to where Chryse sits on the floor. When they stop Spyral bows deeply, kissing Jila's hand. Jila giggles a little (Yes, she knows she shouldn't laugh when a Scoob shows his manners And his romantic side but she's Still not use to it.) and curtsies.

"Milady." Spyral bows gallantly to Chryse. "May I have the honor of this dance?"

Chryse grins and rolls her eyes. Spyral sure can lay it on thick sometimes. But she willingly stands up and takes his arm to be escorted to the dance floor.

As the two move away from Jila Spyral's magic and the taffeta dress fade away, and an incredibly beautiful dress envelopes Chryse.

"Don't forget to sing" Jila mouths the words hoping that Spyral can read lips. She blows a kiss to the pair and heads back to the couch to wait her turn again.

nean007 -- nean enters the Ballroom....

still wiping chocolate brownie off her face. But she remains puzzled as to why the refrigerator smacked her on the ass as she left the room. "I said thank you," she mutters aloud. She looks up and notices the beautiful couples gliding around the room, the lights dimmed to low. She walks over to Jila and asks, "Would anyone mind if I played the piano? I'm not much of a dancer but I've been playing since I was five. I would be honored to add something to this beautiful evening."

Chryse74 -- Spyral overhears nean...

and asks, "Do you know True Colors by Cyndi Lauper?" nean nods and heads over to the piano as Spyral twirls Chryse around. The elf smiles and ruffles her taffeta as the angel begins to sing....

You with the sad eyes

Don't be discouraged

It's hard to take courage

In a world full of people

You can lose sight of it all

And the darkness inside you

Can make you feel so small

But I see your true colors

I see your true colors

And that's why I love you

So don't be afraid to let them show

Your true colors are beautiful,

Show me a smile then,

Don't be unhappy, can't remember

When I last saw you laughing

If this world makes you crazy

And you've taken all you can bear

Because you know I'll be there

And I'll see your true colors

I see your true colors