It came unexpectedly in the mail early that morning. A formal letter bearing the regal white rose crest of the Himeno family and another of a silver camellia flower of which Alice knew all too well. If it was a matter of grave importance, it wasn't unlike the Himeno aristocrats to send old-fashioned letters such as this. The fact that the young aristocrat hadn't been expecting such a letter, however, stirred the beginnings of a blizzard in her acidic mind. The vanilla-colored envelope rested in its ominous authority in the center of her desk in her lone dorm. Icy orbs had bathed it in their curious arctic blue light for close to a few lengthy minutes now; something had nagged her that this was not a letter that would be to her liking. She brushed off the feeling, however, and seated herself dainty, albeit with a moment of wavering hesitation, at the desk before it. The traditional, silvery wax seal was removed from the back and the closing flap folded neatly up. Pulling out the parchment folded within, frosted fingers unfolded it and smoothed it out on the desk.


Clink. 


The sound of something metallic striking the hardwood floor shuddered through the still air. Alice twitched but didn't move to retrieve the fallen item. Her gaze remained trained on the letter:


To the nobility of Alice Chantal Shigeki Himeno, 

This letter was not one meant to be sent nor forged in its respect as this matter would have been properly addressed when you graduated as a full-fledged lady. However, as of recent events and conversations between ourselves and the heads of the Kakuya household, we have decided that you shall be acquainted with each other earlier than the pre-scheduled date. Dearest Alice, since you were born, your hand in marriage was promised to the regal authority of Victoir Lumière Ciel Kakuya  of the Kakuya household. You will find that he is a cousin of Miss Kurosawa whom will be accompanying him at your scheduled meeting today at noon. While it is against traditional rules for future bride and groom - the engaged - to meet each other years before their predestined wedding, this letter comes also to inform you that the preparations are to be happening earlier than usual, and for that reason, there is a possibility you may not be qualified to complete your full remaining four years at St. Miator's Girl's Academy but instead be transferred to an early economics school for your last two years to better prepare the last stitchings as a future bride and noble housewife. We hope you comply and do not take this engagement lightly, as we assure you it is for a beneficial cost that will benefit both the Himeno and the Kakuya household for generations. The reason, as of right now, we are not qualified to inform you of, but you will come to know in time  Patience, purity, and poise, miss Himeno..

Wishing you all the best and for your utmost compliance,

The Households of Himeno and Kakuya       

The spider's iced gaze frosted over bitterly at the words. She crumpled the letter slightly, not realizing that her hand was shaking a little in the instability that was forming in her mind. So that was it. Engaged. She was engaged. All this time to a man she never knew nor would love. All this time a secret and she had been kept in the dark about it. Trying to take a collected breath, the widow shifted her gaze slowly down to  the object that had fallen from the envelope. It glinted by the leg of the chair. Shakily, she reached down and retrieved it with unsteady forefingers, instantly wishing she hadn't once she brought it up onto the desk to examine it. It was a silver ring sporting a diamond faceted into the shape of a lily. An engagement ring. That struck a sensitive thread in the snowy arachnid's trembling web. Embittered and feeling betrayed by the hidings of the truth of the matter this whole time, Alice cast the letter angrily aside along with the envelope and tossed the ring across the room where it hit a vase and knocked it onto its side, spilling out the dry bouquet of wisterias and lilies. The chair clattered to the floor in the heat of her sparked moment of rage. It was fortunate the now venomous spider didn't have a roommate because in a matter of moments the neat dorm room looked like the Tasmanian Devil whirled through it. The spider didn't calm from her physical fit of rage until she had unconsciously knocked over a collection of nearly finished dresses and sewing needles, some of which had pierced the back of her hand. Now weary from her brief unstable meltdown, Alice let herself sit on the floor, legs folded unelegantly beside her. One of her braids was almost fully unwound from all the commotion and the ribbon dangled loosely by a cobweb of hair. The rest of her hair boasted a similar disgraceful messiness and her Miator uniform now sported crinkles all over, fortunately not any tears.  


How unladylike and atrocious... That is no way a lady's temper should be handled, much less a Himeno's... She stroked a loose braid and glanced off to the glinting object to her left now obscured by the colorful fallen wreath of flowers Not even caring nor quite noticing the pins in her hand, she sifted through the dry flowers and held the ring in her palm. The letter had mentioned that the meeting would be held today. It hadn't specified where - in the city, most likely - but she felt like she knew. Still sour, the widow clambered to her feet, scooping up the flowers as she did so. She set the vase back upright on the nearby table and dropped the flowers back into it, arranging them neatly into their original stately positions. The room still looked like a wreck, and she not any different. She'd have to fix herself for the meeting; the room could wait later. Venom, not ice, glistened over the spider's guard now. How could they not tell her and now suddenly expect her to comply? The widow had almost slipped from her web.                  

It has been a few days since they had gotten back to Japan. While Alice went back to the dorms Jessie and her lawyer had gone apartment hunting near the school of course. Though after a long day of hunting and ending up putting all she brought back from America in storage. Sighing she flopped onto her bed ' this grown up thing isn't going to be easy..'

She sighed as she looked over at the pictures of her and Alice smiling she took her phone out 7 o'clock it wasn't to late to go visit her . Getting up she straightened up her tank top and ripped knee jeans . No it was far from a proper outfit to see someone special with but she was sure Alice would understand. Leaving the le rim dorms she headed to maitor. It was rather chilly out for once having long hair wasn't such a bad thing it did keep your head warm. As she found her self at the dorms of the other girl she entered making sure no nuns where around she found Alices room knocking on the door she waited then something that almost made her shake in fear happened. The noises from inside came sudden it was as if something was tearing apart the room or someone , this caused Jessie to be struck with worry as she started to bang on the door. " Alice ! Open up! "

Jessies voice seemed to be muffled by the noise of things crushing and clunking . Trying to wiggle the door handle she finally decided to use a little muscle and as the noise faided she didn't feel any better, only more worried that Alice was hurt. Throwing her full body into the door it managed to brake the lock tumbling into the room Jessie held her arm. That wasn't her best idea .

" Alice ! "

Spotting the girl In quite a mess she hugged the girl looking over her for any wounds" what on earth happened !? "

Finding the hand with needles luckily holding loosely to Alices skin. Picking up the pale hand she whispered is sadness " silly...what caused you to do such things...who hurt you..".

Pulling each needle out carefully her eyes didn't leave her lovers face.

Alice didn't really notice the tomboy come in - or rather, break in. So when she was hugged, she readied to angrily pull away, but upon realizing who it was, instantly veiled her bared fangs. This was not a state she wished to be seen in, especially by her pink haired girlfriend. Granted, it wasn't her worst, but it was close. The widow kept her ivory mask monotonous, only letting a fraction of the previous irritation and weariness from the brief meltdown fade through its frozen state. It appeared as if she had hurt herself as well in the outburst, but that didn't phase her, like always. It had been expected, just like during all the rare times the widow became unstable and experienced a momentary meltdown.

The venomous icy orbs averted from the other's face; instead relocating on a haphazard pile of books that had been violently knocked over. The messy state of the room was making her flesh crawl and she desperately wished to tidy it up. But that was a compulsive urge she would let die for right now. After all, she had much more pressing matters to address and fret about.

"I'm fine..." She let out wearily, sweeping a displaced fringe of snowy hair from her now slightly paler face. How to explain this to the girl... She couldn't tell her truthfully, could she...? "Just...releasing stress is all."

That was partially a lie. It had really been a meltdown of anger, her own occasional mental instability, and a slight panic attack all due to the darned contents of that letter. Her dislocated gaze swept bitterly to the strewn letter and envelope now laying near the wall. What was she to do about this? She couldn't tell Jessie. Well, she could, but she didn't even know what to think of it herself at the moment. Half of her knew something like this had been planned, but at the same time a spider could only foresee so much from their silken perch before reality sliced the threads. More so, a hidden secret. One that she had no upfront control over. She shifted the ring in her free hand, wishing to destroy it if she could, but knowing that that was not possible nor would be befitting of a lady of grace.

The snowy widow let out a weary breath and closed her stormy eyes for a moment. Her icy blood was still boiling from the incident. With Jessie here, just the girl's familiar presence and warmth helped calm her, even if it was only slight. Finally, she let herself lean into the other a little, turning her head off to the side as to prevent her cracked mask from being seen. From her tussled snowy hair, one of the dangling bows slipped out and fluttered to the floor.

"I apologize that you had to see me like this, my dear..." She let quietly, still not looking at her and keeping the ring hidden in a clenched hand.

A lie, it was clear and Jessie could be upset at this but only sighed as she finished caring after the other hands. She watched carefully as the other found ways to advert her gaze. Jessie found it hard to see, after all In this moment it seemed as if all they they had built all the connection between them was being shattered... But why ?

The tomboy wouldn't no couldn't let this slide she was about to speak when the others voice rang through the thickened air. Sorry ? Alice sorry for what ? For this ? Jessie could only shake her head almost with a chuckle but not quite as happy sounding. " I have done similar things... But for more of a reason then just some stress. Alice... Do not allow what ever is bothing you freeze you over... "

Weather an act out of concern bravery or a bit of her irritation that Alice had lied to her . Her fingers laced across the others chin forcing the porcelain face to look at her . Her voice came out almost forceful yet her cheeks burn red in shyness as well as pain in trying to stop tears from leaving her eyes. " I worry...for you..Alice..you maybe my love but you were first my friend and before that my dance partner..i did not take you as a liar, a flirt maybe "

The end words came out far more gentle in hope to cheer up the girl slightly as a small smile was left to reassure the snowy spirit . " as you already know... You can trust me. "

It appeared as if her lie had been caught. Not that she had not expected it to, but just the fact that it had disgruntled her slightly. But she was too drained to lash out again, nor did she wish to with the risk of possibly harming Jessie. So Alice just listened to the tomboy's words. It was just too easy for her to frost herself in her guard and just hide beneath its glistening surface in times like these. It still was, but when she was guided to turn her gaze to her girlfriend - the girl she trusted - the venomous ice of her guard wavered a little. She did trust this girl. Her lover. Perhaps even more than she would admit, or, rather, allow. But the widow wasn't used to trusting others or confiding in them. Not yet. That would take time like everything else for the closed-off spider, but...why not start now? After all...Jessie did deserve to know.

Letting out a pent-up sigh, Alice slipped gracefully away from Jessie's grasp in a flurry of snowy white and black and shifted on a heel to approach the discard letter. Kneeling down, she gathered it with an unsteady lily-white hand. The white frills of the Miator uniform's skirt pooled over the floor. Instead of getting up, the ballerina remained in the stooped position, endeavoring to channel all her will on not crumpling the upsetting document. "I am engaged, my dear... I have been since birth apparently." She paused for a moment, trying to keep the building venom from seeping into her already icy voice. "To a man whom I've never met but who's lineage mine knows well, and that is one of rivalry... We are to be wed after I graduate, or when I am of the legal age of eighteen."

Frosted orbs finally shifted back to Jessie, albeit after a second of hesitation. She held up the hand that enclosed the ring and slowly opened it, letting the bejeweled ornament glisten in the light. She was weary from the meltdown and equally from speaking as much as she had so far, but decided it best to relay the last part of information, "We are to meet at noon someplace in the city today."

That was all she offered. She'd left out the small remainder as to not trouble the pink haired girl or make her worry too much right now. She could address that at a later time, perhaps.

Shock. Anger. Worry. Love. She could finally understand well slightly why Alice felt so hurt so angry, why someone could destroy a room so easily. Pink sun set eyes wavered as she saw the sparking ring that was presented. The words caused Jessie heart to pound loudly as if a two thunder clouds where on either side of her head. It almost hurt she wasn't to crawl into hole...she hadn't felt this feeling since...since..that night. Jessies head dipped down casting a shadow over her eyes almost;reaching up with an almost uneasy hand she grasped Alices the one that the ring happened to be in just as she thought.

As she held her lovers hand tight , possibly to tight she felt the ring dig into her pam, reminding her of the pain much like the pain her father brought to her.. Her father...why is must men take everything !? Tears were on the edge of falling yet then..she stopped. An idea came to mind, possibly a crazy one as crazy as the feeling Alice had used to destroy her room . Yet it work, if Alice did truly trust her. Her hand slipped from the others. " Alice...listen...listen carefully ."

Her voice was laced with something...not anger more quite revenge it could be greed but it was defiantly a sound of wanting to protect Alice. " I have a plan. "

Her eye showed finally a little dull but determined. " We are going to go to the meeting and stop this. Though..."

Looking around she found scissors that had fallen near them grabbing them she took the ring discarding it easily and set the sharp object in the snowy spirits hand moving carefully she sat back to her lover . " Not As your girl friend. Cut my hair will you my love ? "

She peered back to the iced eyes smiling " my hands shake to much. "

Those words almost didn't leave her lips as she continued. " I am going to go with you to this meeting but as your boyfriend. Before you say no..just..just hear me out... I have been brought up almost all my life to be a man.. If my father had his way id probably be at a prep school somewhere playing sports disguised as a young man....sounds like a bad anime. "

She bitterly laughed." but its something I know...and sadly I think know pretty well. Let me put his teachings into something actually good...let me be your boyfriend so your family or at least that man that wants to take you from me !...from..me.. Can see you already have love ..and someone that loves you..and you dont need him.. Ever."

Loosing her gripped fists she looked forward again so that Alice could cut her hair. " I would go as me but I think if I put on a disguise and being a man maybe the thick rock needed to make the message clear your not going to be his. No ones but who you may choose.. "

She wanted to make it clear to Alice that it wasn't a selfish desire to do this ...well not fully she wanted to have Alice know this wasn't right at all. " you shouldn't be chained up..by anyone. "

Alice's forced emotionless mask cracked a little as she listened to the presented plan. So Jessie would accompany her to the meeting. Not as a girl, however, rather, in disguise...as a guy. It was quite the eccentric idea, but that wasn't what had the widow's mind whirling in a blizzard. It was the scissors that had been given to her.

This whole engagement thing was wrong. All of it. Most young woman of the old-fashioned Himeno lineage were bound by its chains. With her mother and father, that hadn't been the case. But as the ancient rivalry between the two aristocratic households of Himeno and Kakuya continued to grow and tempers flared, the decision to finally unite the houses had been based off the promise of their daughter's hand in marriage to the influential Kakuya's only son. Under all this, Alice was only seen as a peace treaty. Nothing more than a vessel to be molded into a "perfect woman" and married off for the "good" of the households. Of course the widow had resisted these marionette strings, but in the end, she still was bound to tradition for despite being of snow and a soul that disliked being fastened down by her own webs, she was a lady of tradition at the end of the day.

But still, cut Jessie's hair. Even if it was in aid of the spider's sake... Alice looked at the cherry colored hair and ever so gently swept two ivory fingers through it, running a silken strand in between them. When she let the strand fall back into place, she brought her arms around the girl and hugged her with a sort of weak strength, holding the scissors loosely in hand.

"I'd rather cut my own hand then your hair, my dear..." She murmured in a softer tone.

The venom from her voice had drained for the moment. She didn't want to be chained, no. But she wasn't sure she could take her girlfriend's finally long hair away from her. While the idea might work, no matter which gender Jessie showed up as - male or female - the fact that the spider already was with someone despite being secretly promised her hand in marriage since birth, would stir issues with both households concerning the unruly girl. Of course, thees were issues Alice could deal with; or, at least, she hoped when the time came. Such was the price of breaking tradition and a predetermined promise of marriage. But like her influential yet controversial ancestor Shigeki Himeno of whom she shared similarities too and was partially named after, Alice didn't quite follow the rules all the time. Shigeki ran from her own engagement at first, and though she later returned, it was only to return the ring. She'd never been married and managed to hold power above any member of the Himeno lineage and surrounding households themselves, even the men, despite also being a woman of traditions. Alice was following down her path, but being sent to Astrea had hoped to kill that side of her. but once a spider weaved its web around a set of fortifying pillars, it wasn't easy to remove them from their beliefs, ways, and residence.

Jessie relaxed as fingers twirled threw her hair. She sighed out as she heard the others words. Alice had a point Jessie shouldn't throw everything shed finally gotten away just for this meeting just as Alice should freeze all over again. As arms tangled around her neck and shoulders she nodded. " Then we won't. One thing I love about my school is that we have a display club . "

Taking the scissors away from her girlfriends loose grasp she tossed them to the side. " I have always wanted to try another hair color maybe they have a few wigs."

Leaning back into her lovers arm she kissed the tip of Alices chin ( all she could reach ) " Let us try this... Like I said id go as your girlfriend I am sure it would stir up issues of its own ....but I fear...this guy...this man who ever he is will pass my gender off as some experience you wanted to have ...rather then real love. If I came with you as a male he would probably get jealous...but see me as companion...just how men are... And if I beat him...then its all over, at least I hope. "

The spider felt herself relax more once the scissors were discarded along with the request to cut her hair. Alice hadn't wanted the tomboy to do that for her sake, especially considering the next thing that was mentioned. That's right. Ludlum had a club that contained items for cosplay and dress-up and other amenities like such. Surely they'd have to have some collection of wigs. That made her feel calmer about the idea.

Alice hugged Jessie a little tighter, completely forgetting her dislike of physical contact for the moment. This idea could work... But at the same time, it was a bit risky... No doubt her fiancée would be jealous at the sight of another with Alice, more so if he were to have known about the engagement and future planned wedding from the start. He would probably tell his household as well as the Himeno's, which would place pressure the spider's web and cause an additional string of problems, but Alice didn't care about that right now. She didn't wish to be married, even if it was tradition. Is tradition. Nor did she wish to be part of the traditional bridal path St. Miator was so often labeled.

"Boy or girl, the sight of another with me in this situation would still rouse problems. It might stop the engagement with some hope... But my family as well as his will take this as an act of defiance and will not let it go without punishment. Not that I quite care about that... Shigeki was prosperous down her path..."

The last part was said quietly, more to herself than for the other's ears. It was a sort of personal reassurance. Yes, perhaps that had been it. "Kutsumari might recognize you regardless..." She continued, letting her eyes close for a moment, finally having calmed down more. "She of all people knows well that I... I have no attraction to men."

Despite the pause, Alice had no shame in admitting that. Maybe once a brief dream of a prince had swept her snowy mind, but it hadn't lasted long for the dashing image to warp into one of gentler, softer edges and angelic womanly beauty. Her family had no knowledge of their daughter's sexuality, nor did her fiancee's family know. Kutsumari for once could be credited for keeping that poorly hidden secret of the widow under vigilant lock and key.

Jessie listened it was clear this plan was.... Unethical. Yet Jessie couldn't think of anything else until a name was mentioned so Alices childhood friend would be their.. Jessie only became more lost she was loosing her grip on the situation. Alice seemed calm though Jessie still worried. Sighing Jessie head was throbbing. " I had always wanted a prince charming... Ever since I was little actually..but when we began to play our game that all changed."

She stood pulling away from the grip of the other which she hated doing. " I can't imagine my life with out you, I know that sounds silly but its true. I am not about to lose to another man. This all I know all I can come up with... I .. Dont know what else to do Alice."

She sighed letting her own fingers weave through her pink hair. Pacing now for a moment to think she said something that maybe odd . " let me show you your prince charming...if you dont like him then we can toss the idea. But either way I am fighting for you."

Looking down at the young girl below her Jessie pink eyes were full of determination. " I won't lose to another man Alice. "

So it had been their game that had shifted Jessie's longing for a Prince Charming to the spider herself. Somehow Alice felt a little guilty as if she'd done something wrong. Really, she hadn't meant to instill that sort of change. Granted, she was a temptress, and making others fall for her and breaking their hearts was her forte, but falling love in return hadn't been planned. Alice didn't care if she was in love with a girl - the widow was an open lover of women except around her family's watchful eyes - but she was worried about what Jessie all thought about this. How she would handle everything should they stay together. Society wasn't easy on two girls in love with one another. Had Jessie thought about any of that? If so, what did she even think? If Jessie would fall in love with a man, everything would be easy without any real future issues to worry about. Yet the thought of the pink haired girl enamored with another...it dissatisfied Alice a little.

Alice let her icy gaze wander over the pin-pricked back of her hand. She'd calmed slightly on the outside, but the venomous storm still corroded her stormy interior and rushed through her frozen veins. Frosted lips remained shut and creased as she looked up at the girl. Finally, she let out a quiet breath. She hated being protected; being unintentionally made vulnerable. But she felt trapped in the new binding chains that had snaked into her web upon opening the letter.

"Alright..." She agreed finally, her voice still holding its previous venomous ice. It wasn't aimed at Jessie, no, it was just residue from the unstable meltdown. "We'll try this, I suppose."

She'd agreed. Maybe not all consciously, but she had. She would still need to keep tradition and etiquette during the meeting, as well as make herself presentable after her acidic panic attack. It was only right that she upheld her family's etiquette regardless.

Easing herself to her feet, she once more retrieved the ring. She's keep this with her for the meeting. Not to wear it, no, but to return it. "As the representative of the Himeno household, I am still required to uphold my family's etiquette." She added, gazing bitterly at the ring. Etiquette was as in mannerisms, poise, and teachings.

" Alice.. I understand.. And "

Bitting her lower lip she spoke just loud enough to be heard. " dont think of me as protecting...you..think of me ..as a needle and thread for you ..to help fix your web..."

That should help ? At least she hopped truthfully Jessie felt at a loss In this situation she really hated the situation.. She knew what it was like to be forced into a way of life . Even if Jessie didn't love Alice shed still want to help in anyway she could. Sadly she knew her idea wasn't perfect but it was all she could think of...the only way she knew she could help. Looking at Alice she cleared her throat before speaking. " I will be back...i um ill give you time to clean up while I go and get the costume stuff.. "

She couldn't seem to bring a better mood to Alice right now and though she was afraid to leave even for a moment she thought possibly that time alone might be enough for Alice to relax both more out side but inside as well. Though the pink haired girl wondered. Backing up to the door she spoke again " I will be back in half an hour...please...please dont go with out me...just ..please.. "

She spoke almost bogglingly as she turned the knob and left.

Running to le rim she finally allowed tears to stream down her face she hated men... She hated her father for taking her mother and now thats he found love yet another man wants to take it away ! Running into the empty school Hall she made her way to the club house. She did photos for the club so she knew where everything was going to the costume clothing she picked up a few things finding a wig she thought may work she looked at herself in the mirror. " I won't lose Alice "

She breathed out deciding everything she needed was in the club room she started to undress in the changing room. Her mind was a blurred mess much like a storm of her own she wasn't really thinking as she wrapped her chest making sure it was flat. As she placed a tank top on she buttoned each button of a dress shirt. This was an act to try and calm placing the rest of the school boy outfit on she tied the pink tie . She made sure to do everything perfect , for her mind to focus on something anything besides what was happening.

As she finished the outfit she tied her hair back tightly in a bun then placing a wig cap on she hooked the brown haired wig on making sure it was tight and wouldn't come off. Finally she looked at her self... Ah her eyes..would they be a give away ? Looking threw a drawer she found colored contacts placing brown ones in she took a couple of blinks adjusting to her knew look she put her old clothing in a bag making sure no one else was around she ran back to Alices dorm.

' is this ..a mistake? ... Weather it is or not I have to get inside I won't be helpful if a nun catches me. ' Jessie thought as she knocked on the door. ' even if its a bad idea I won't fail her... I won't let her down... I'll make her stronger..' she breathed out.

A needle and thread. That she could more or less comfortably think of. Her web had been slightly torn with the violent outburst and the mental strain of this sudden knowledge of the apparently long planned engagement. Not looking away from the glistening ring in hand, she acknowledged Jessie off with a slight wave of a free ivory hand. Even if she wanted to leave, right now, she still felt too worn out and acidic to bring herself to be in the public eye at the very moment. When the door had shut and the tomboy departed, Alice heaved a snarled breath out from creased frosted lips. She hugged herself; almost as if to reassure her whirling mind that there was still a conscious within the now toxic being; and paced about the messy room briefly. White heels clicked against the hard floor with each lethargic step.

She could do this. Almost every woman in any aristocratic line faced this similar situation sometime or another. Many fellow girls in Miator were even rumored to be engaged to men they had never met before, even if they are against the idea completely such as the widow. But unlike those girls, the widow found herself in a far tougher situation, having already found someone that she had come to share her lofty icy web with. Twirling the ring in between her thumb and forefinger, Alice gathered the fallen sewing needles and tailored dresses and set them on the mattress of her bed. The sheets had been torn off of the article of furniture in her fit of instability but she didn't bother adjusting them right now not matter how much it bugged her. She approached the dresser and the now slightly cracked full-body mirror on one side of the dorm room and began to fix her flared out hair. The two neat serpentine braids once more were curled to dominant the front of the snowy silk and two snow-white bows were fastened to them to match.

An ivory colored Victorian-styled dress sporting two faint layers of elegant frills at the petticoat's bottom was selected from the dresser. Alice undressed and slipped it on, smoothing out and folding up her Miator uniform before setting it neatly on a reserved shelf. She pulled on a pair of white thigh-high socks, white gloves, and the silver bell Jessie had given her. Lastly, a splash of a specialized makeup was added to highlight her pale lips and snowy lashes. She felt like a bleached porcelain doll, all dressed up like this, but it was all part of etiquette. For even if she loathed the whole situation, it was Himeno mannerisms to present one's best in front of someone of influential statues or importance, even if said values were not recognized by the Himeno themself.

She looked back over her torn up room after finishing her preparations. Property damage had been done, not just to the furniture, but also to a wall and the floor itself, but she would pay for those costs. This would earn her a couple hours in the head nun's office no doubt. A sigh left her lips just as she heard a knock at the door. Had Jessie returned? She gracefully strolled over to the door and opened it. Icy eyes remained at their usual narrow and her iced mask failed to so much as crack slightly, but upon seeing the disguise on the girl, a slight rose-colored heat blossomed across the ashen cheeks. The spider felt this unfamiliar rush of blood and turned her head to look at a random damaged point on the dorm wall, trying to hide the half-noticeable color of her face and pretend like nothing had happened. A click sounded as she let go of and stepped away from the door.

"Pretty convincing." Was all she let slide from her lipstick-painted lips.

Pretty convincing ? That was it ? Jessie would have usually blushed at even that comment but for once she blinked at a rare sight Alice was blushing ,not only that but trying to avoid the tomboy's gaze. Jessie would have liked to savor the moment but she needed to get inside before someone other then her girlfriend saw her.

Stepping in she closed the door behind her , facing the snowy spirit she looked at her she was almost like a doll...no ..an angle much like how Jessie saw her as usual but something was different , Alice seemed still hunted from the letter from the hole situation. Yet Jessie thought more of her beauty. " You look lovely my snowy kitten."

Jessie spoke the once familiar nickname as she glanced at the bell that dangled across Alices neck. Jessie tone was tad off not by emotion but by sound she was trying to put a voice to her disguise, by making her self sound more like a male then female, the adjustment didn't take long which slightly frustrated the pink haired girl..she had hoped in some ways it would be harder to go back to her father teachings. " So you really think I look good ? Ah I mean passable "

A slight chuckle , she was able to mentally take a photo of the others roses cheeks . Some how that little action from the snow spirit made Jessie feel a bit better a bit more confident, but it still was up to Alice.

Alice let a soft sound of acknowledgment pass her lips at the compliment, but didn't look at the girl yet. She felt a little embarrassed that she was blushing, especially over something like this. How embarrassing indeed. She was thankful Jessie didn't point it out. Though as she melted from her stiff position and glided across the room to seize the ring she had deposited on the mattress again, she parted her painted lips once more to project an all-too familiar phrase, "Jeez..."

She wasn't sure why, but saying that inelegant interjection calmed her slightly. Taking the ring gently in hand despite her bitterness towards it, the snow queen finally shifted her frosty gaze to the disguised Jessie. "Quite." She answered. "Kutsumari perhaps won't recognize you, after all."

Well, that was if the bratty girl had even looked at Jessie's face long enough the first time she had seen her to match it to the disguised version. The spider didn't feel like having to deal with her dear rival, but, seeing as what the situation was, could only hope that playfully irritating ancient tensions wouldn't flare between the two monochromatic widows. Ah... In truth, she had missed the black widow rival a little. Greeting slap to the face and all. It was possibly an unfamiliar feeling instilled by her feeling of frustrating helplessness in the hands of the situation and the desire to weave her silken threads around anything familiar as a holdfast to keep herself from slipping once more. That just exhausted and embittered the spider more.

They still had quite a substantial amount of time left before the meeting, but they couldn't stay here at Astrea for very long. Especially not with Jessie disguised as how she was. The old nuns might just mistake her for a rouge boy on campus if they saw her. With the way she had manipulated her voice, too, she made for a pretty convincing male.

"We still have some time before the scheduled meeting..." Alice announced, taking a moment to sit at the edge of the exposed mattress, crossing a slender leg over the other. She just now noticed that a section of it had been torn slightly. Maybe she had wrecked the room a little more than she had intended. "Shall we head to the city, anyways...? I know not of the exact place, but perhaps a general idea of the location it is to be held at."

She looked to Jessie, waiting for an answer. Venom still churned within her and burned her from the inside although she tried to keep it suppressed.