Bureau's Annual Formal Ball[ALL]

[Matthew Grimaldi]

Matt entered the grandly decorated ballroom with his little sister Tess at his side. She was his date for this evening along with Kara, whom they had run into earlier in the day when they were out at lunch. Tess, being the nosey, busy body that she was jabbed him repeatedly in the side until he offered the young woman his spare invitation inviting her along. Kara had decided she would attend, more so because of Tess' pestering, and would be meeting with them there. This was even more stress than Matt had been wanting to deal with.

"I hate these things." He murmured lowly, looking down he gave an uncomfortable tug on the tux that he was wearing. Another reason why he hated these formal events. Other reasons included: having to speak to people you didn't like, idle chit chat, wasted time, and shoes that pinched your toes. He had attempted to walk out of his apartment wearing sneakers but his little sister caught him and promptly made him change. "I look like a penguin." He added as an afterthought, fighting the urge to curse.

"Oh shush Matty! You look wonderful. Like a real gentleman and everything." Tess tisked, shaking her head though a smile was prominant on her pink lips (it never seemed to fade). She wore a black dress to match her brother's outfit. Tess was in the city visiting her brother, like she usually had, and was informed that he'd be purposely missing the ball. Well, she couldn't allow that to happen so she offered (aka insisted) that he bring her and attend.

"Think of it as free food, free alcohol, and time to spend with your favorite little sister in the entire world." Tess continued on, her eyes (idential to Matt's in color) grazing over the site of the elaborately dressed people below, most of whom she didn't know but planned on knowing by the end of the evening. "Besides, Krys will be here and I'm very excited to see her." She gave a cheery little smile which almost made her brother crack a little smile of his own (his little sister had that affect over him).

Tess and Krys had met about four times and instantly bonded. Tess was so bubbly it was difficult not to enjoy her company and she was such an empathetic person that she immediately tended to Krys' every need. It seemed that all of the Grimaldis had taken very well and easily to the data analyst. "Besides, it'll be nice to meet all of your friends." Tess went on, tucking a few loose strands of brown curls behind her ears as her slender hands grasped the stair railing as she dared to peer over, her dancer's toes rising as she did so.

Matt's hand instinctively went to his little sister's back, steadying her out of his own protective nature. "And what makes you think that I have any friends?" He grumbled, guiding the young woman back to the safety of being on her own two feet.

"You can play all tough and old man-y with me Matty, but I'm your sister. I know better." Tess countered calmly. No, her brother's downer disposition would not sour her mood this evening. Instead she chose to glance around like a little girl at Christmas time taking in all of the decorations, the dresses, and the men in tuxes. There was just so much to look at!

[Kara Barnhill]

It had been a strange day. One that, undoubtedly, would not have been humanly possible if it weren't for fate. She had been called into work three hours early, which had actually not been too terrible. She needed the money, rent was going to be due in the next week or so. But the patrons! For some reason, it had been one finicky person after another. Waitressing was not an ideal profession. She had been, of course, polite and smiling all day. But tips had been small, and her nerves had been tight.

And then, it happened.

Matt Grimaldi and a lovely lady had come in. And had been assigned to her section. She never would have had them if she hadn't been called in. Her shift would not have started for another hour or so. So, she had actually had a pleasant conversation with them, as well as been extended an invitation to the Bureau's Ball, though it did seem Matt wasn't terribly keen on asking her as much as Tess had been. Still, she had accepted because she adored a good dance, and to not seem rude to his younger sister.

She had dressed and readied herself as soon as she had gotten off shift and headed out for the dance. A pink dress, she wore. Slightly Grecian in style, that she had worn to a competition a few years ago. She didn't often go out a buy a new dress, though she always had plenty on hand. Oh, the perks of being a ballroom dancer!

She was in front of the building. Already, there were plenty of people around. Handsome men in tuxes, lovely women in gowns much like her own. Kara took a deep breath, and walked through the door. Her brown eyes flicked around. Someday, she would be here because she got a written invite; because she was an agent herself.

She stood in the doorway for a moment before gliding in. It was only right to find Matt. Though, she wasn't entirely sure he was there yet. She certainly saw him, though hardly recognized him. He was dressed in a strapping tux, though he didn't seem terribly comfortable in it. She smiled as she crossed over to him. "Agent Grimaldi." She greeted cheerily. "Tess," she greeted once more, though tacked on, "You both look great."

[Matthew Grimaldi]

"You both look great."

Both had heard the voice from behind them but Tess was the only one to face the source, Matt meanwhile seemed to busy pouting about the ball. In fact, judging by his words and demeanor he initially had no idea who was addressing them for his response had been a murmured: "I look like a squint." Not exactly an insult, because his own Krys Robin was technically a squint, but it certainly wasn't something that Matthew wished to look like.

In feeling tess give his arm a light fwap he straightened, blinking he turned back around and upon seeing Kara his eyes widened. There she was, standing in a pink gown and he felt his jaw drop slightly, whether it was from the sight of her or the fact that he had said something so completely stupid without thinking, could be left up to debate. Either way he seemed speechless now.

"Kara." He managed to choke out in recognition, something his sister couldn't help but notice. "You uh... You look uh.." Matt proceeded to fumble over his own words like he was in highschool all over again.

"Beautiful." Tess corrected her brother gently with a little smile as she looked upon Kara. "That dress is just gorgeous and you look wonderful in it." Matt's little sister offered with a genuine little smile that never seemed to leave her features. "Doesn't she look great Matty?" Tess offered in hopes of getting him to say something, to at least compliment the woman but of course he was a giant fish out of water, just like always, and he only managed a dumb sort of nod. Clearly it would be up to her to maintain conversation... As always.

"So, excited to be at one of these things?" Tess asked lightly, her voice somehow managed to dance about lyrically just like her graceful feet. "Matty informs me that they're incredibly dull but I happen to rather like them. I mean-- Look!" Tess gave a little giggle and tilted her head up to glance at the decorations hoping that Kara would do the same.

[Kate Saunders]

Kate was not a big fan of dressing up. She was a tom-boy at least. The only time she wore anything that showed off her body was when she was undercover and had to to stay in characters. And even then she wouldn't wear a dress unless she really needed to. That being said she wasn't planing on going to the Bureau's formal ball. There was nothing anyone could say to her to make her go. It just wasn't something she would do. Then why was she standing on the steps of the large building now? It had been the day before the ball when she was walking home that she passed an expensive department store. In the window had been a stunning dress that reminded Kate of something she had worn when she was twelve years old, actually it had been her favorite dress from her childhood. The only thing this one was missing was a few diamonds and shoulders. As soon as she saw it she had to buy it. And once she had it she decided that she might as well go to the Ball.

In many ways she regretted that decision. Kate had tried for the past year to keep a low profile, and going would only ruin that. Then there was the fact that she would be around a punch of people that she knew, people that would defiantly see her in the dress and use it against her the rest of her life. That included her partner Matt and Krys. Yet the thought of going to a formal much like her childhood was to much. She had been running from her past for to long, she just needed one night to be back there, back to when she was happy. Yet something told her it wasn't going to be that easy. As the time got closer to go she started to chicken out, but some how she worked her way, driving her old car for once, to the event hall.

Taking a big breath she entered the building hoping that maybe by some miracle no one would recognize her and she would go unseen. As she walked on she became her lose and figured that she would find someone she knew and maybe talk, in truth she was thinking of Matt, knowing that this would be a fine time to make fun of him. As she moved through the crowded she thought about what she looked like. The blue dress not covering her arms or most her legs. The main thing was the many scars that covered her body, most from the twin towers going down, some from her work, and the most resent from the plane crash. Luckily because of a thin layer of make-up they weren't as noticeable as they had been, not that they really stood out in the first place. To Kate they did however.

Finally Kate spotted the man she was looking for, wearing a tux and everything. Next to him was a lovely lady that looked a lot like him. Thinking back she understood this to be his sister Tess. That brought up the thought of Jill, for Kate still had no idea what had happened to his other sister. There was also another person with him, wearing a pink dress. Right away she recognized her as Kara. This almost made Kate stop and turn back around, but she continued on figuring that this night couldn't turn out to be a total waste. As she got closer she heard what they were talking about. Leaning against the railing a few feet from Matt she said, not looked at any of them in particular, "Why does she get to call you Matty, every time I try I get my head taken off." She smiled widely, knowing just how annoyed Matt was going to be. Looking at Kara she nodded and added, "Hey Princess." Again she knew just how much she hated being called that.

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[Kara Barnhill]

"You uh... You look uh.."
"Beautiful."

Kara smiled in response, though it was quite reserved. The girl was not one to take compliments well. Leastways, not when it came to such things as beauty. It made her a bit uncomfortable to think that people studied her like that, though Kara was never one to forget manners. "Thank you," she sang in response, cheery brown eyes watching as Matt struggled with his tux some more.

She almost brought herself to comment on his nervousness in an attempt to cause him some ease; perhaps with a quip about how great the tux looked, or something else. Still, before the curly-haired woman had been able to think of anything, Tess continued speaking.

"So, excited to be at one of these things?"

"Yes," Kara responded gracefully, though with a true hint at her excitement. "I am quite a fan of dressing up and going out." By the looks of it, Tess was too. It seemed, to Kara anyway, that Tess was quite kindred spirit in both livelihood and tastes. Her black gown as certainly something that Kara herself might have picked out. Oh, and her necklace was lovely as well. But it was, perhaps, the fact she knew that she was a dancer as well that made her feel such a connection.

"Matty informs me that they're incredibly dull but I happen to rather like them. I mean-- Look!"

Kara smiled and nodded as her brown gaze followed Tess'. The lighting had been masked and muted, a lovely chandelier hung over the center of the floor; offering the brightest light in the entire room. Glass and crystal twinkled from such light, giving the appearance of little stars above their heads. Dull? Hardly. Boring? She looked around, and much laughter was coming from a few of the groups that had begun to gather. Not at all. Though, she could very well understand if why someone could not like it. Matt didn't seem like an overly excitable person like she was. And, he was not a woman, and therefore didn't adore the dresses and prospect of dancing in the arms of good conversationalist, or at least someone smooth on their feet.

She was about to answer when another voice cut in, and Kara caught her breath. "Why does she get to call you Matty, every time I try I get my head taken off. Hey Princess." Her eyes flashed annoyance for a few quick seconds before she regained full composure and control. No need to start the evening off foully. "Kate, it is a pleasure to see you again." She finally turned to see her, and was actually quite impressed with her choice of dress. "You look well," she added with a smile.

Being a lady meant not being rude. Kara felt she could handle that. At least for a night. Though, if she was called "Princess" too much, it might not be possible. Kate should have seen her this afternoon, her hair up in a ponytail and running around waiting tables. Though, that probably wouldn't have helped her view of her any.

[Matthew Grimaldi]

"Why does she get to call you Matty, every time I try I get my head taken off. Hey Princess."

Matt turned around not looking very pleased at having a sore subject dragged up in a very sore venue that he didn't wish to be in. But in the presence of all of the ladies he didn't growl, he didn't even grumble. No, this time he gave Kate a rather serious look though his voice was low indicating a strain on his part. "She's my sister. That's why." Besides, Tess was so gosh darn stubborn and knew how to get whatever she wanted. He could never be angry with her. Well, he could, he just couldn't do anything about it. She was his only sister afterall.

"So you're Kate." Still Tess smiled, quite friendly as she put a face to the name that came up so oft in conversation. It made sense really. Her appearance and demeanor was exactly how her brother had described. "Pleasure to finally meet you. Matty has told me so much about you and your team. I'm Tess." There was no need for her to say she was Matt's sister because he had taken care of that with his little snip.

"Your dress is lovely. Just lovely." She told Kate with a friendly little smile, nodding her head politely. "Matty, when you tell everyone back home about the city you never tell us that you keep company with such beautiful people. It's very high society." Tess practically twinkled as Matt deliberately avoided her gaze, apparently embarassed. The two siblings appeared to be exact opposites. Tess was always smiling, a fleeting little thing while Matt was grumbly and very grounded (though those who knew him well knew he could be a big ole softie).

"Please promise me that one of you ladies will drag Matty out onto the dance floor before the night is through." Now the tables were turned and though Matt's eyes had widened considerably Tess seemed unwaivered and paid the reaction no mind. "Don't take no for an answer." She informed them both with a nod and knowing smile. She knew her brother better than anyone and though he always looked out for her, tonight she would look out for him.

[Dr. Spencer Reid]

Reid had no wanted to go to the Ball either. He did not like social interaction at all. But everyone else in the BAU said that they were going, actually being in town this year for it. And Morgan had threatened to hurt him if he didn't show. He had also tried to make Reid invite Krys along as his date, but some how the young agent was able to get out of it. He was pretty sure that she wasn't even going to be going because, well frankly, she hated this kind of events even more than he did. At least the dressing up part wasn't all that big of a deal for Reid, he wore nice cloths all the time, though tonight he actually through in a blue suit jacket to match his blue pants.

As he looked around the place, which was brilliantly decorated with several shinny objects, he tried to spot one of his teammate, which he saw none. He did happen to notice Matthew Grimaldi, Krys' "boss". Krys wasn't by him, though, so Reid figured she wasn't coming. He then walked to the side of the room to wait for someone to get there, not even thinking about joining Matt's little group, he had made it quite clear that he didn't like the young genius, which Reid still couldn't figure out why. As time went on he started to feel like his team mates had skipped out on him, which he would kill them if they had.

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Kate hid the smile she got from Matt's answer. It was priceless. Now she knew why the name bothered him so much. There was so much she could learn from this Tess, yet something stopped her from trying. Maybe it was the fact that she was his family and family was never suppose to be used against someone. Never the less she pushed the thought a way as soon as it had formed. When Kara kind of said it, but Tess really said that she looked beautiful in the dress Kate looked down shyly. Complements were one thing that she could not handle. She also couldn't think of anything sly to say back, nothing that wouldn't be to mean in this moment. She wasn't going to be able to tell any of them that they looked good, either.

So instead she just let it pass be with out saying anything. Tess was already on the next topic though. Dancing. Kate could dance, she was actually quite good at it, but she didn't let anyone know that. She wouldn't be caught dead dancing in front of all this feds, let alone Matt. "Um... sorry Tess, but his my partner, that's not going to happen." She said graping a Glass of champaign from a passing waitress. It wasn't her normal drink, but she would take anything she could get at this point. "And anyway, Matt dancing. Can't see that." She nodded taking the glass down half way in one drink.

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[Kara Barnhill]

"Matty, when you tell everyone back home about the city you never tell us that you keep company with such beautiful people. It's very high society."

Kara smiled sheepishly and dropped her gaze to the floor for a quick moment before laughing lightly. It was slightly nervous, though only because she didn't know what to say in response. Tess seemed quite loquacious; though very good natured. Even Matt was being genteel. Though, the decorations and evening had a refined air that seemed to dispel any urges to act childish or short.

"Please promise me that one of you ladies will drag Matty out onto the dance floor before the night is through."

"Um... sorry Tess, but his my partner, that's not going to happen. And anyway, Matt dancing. Can't see that."

Well, almost nothing childish. Kara smiled softly and replied, "I shall certainly do just that. At least once. For old times sake." She jested lightly, recalling the evening she had met him to begin with at the Salsa Night at the Pointe. She turned her gaze to Kate for a moment and added, "Actually, he is quite fine at it." Sure, he lacked a bit of grace. And some finesse. But it wasn't like he had trained daily for hours to pursue the art of ballroom or anything. And, she imagined that Kate hadn't done that either. That, of course, didn't mean that she wasn't a good dancer; Kara really knew nothing about the agent. Still, they might make a fine dance partnership, if either of them manned up enough to try.

Kara actually half expected that Matt would refuse her own offer to whisk him to the dance floor. He wasn't terribly fond of such things, after all. She had a mind to find the one guy amongst the crowd that would like to be on the dance floor and take a few dances from them as well. If they would allow her such a privilege, of course.

She thought she caught sight of Dr. Reid in the corner, and had a mind to speak to him. Though, she wasn't sure if that was a good idea. The few times she had run into him, she had gotten a feeling that he didn't wish to be bothered by her. Again, it was understandable. She was known for being bright, smiling and a bit outgoing. Sometimes people found it offensive. So, instead of crossing over to speak to him she tossed him a small smile and nod in greeting before turning her attention back to those around her. After all, it wouldn't be a good idea to upset such an asset to the FBI. Especially if she needed his recommendation later to help get her on the team.

[Matthew Grimaldi]

"Um... sorry Tess, but he's my partner, that's not going to happen."

"And why not?" For a moment Tess' smile faded from her features as she looked to Kate. It wasn't in a challenging manner or even a bitter one, more so of curiosity. Was there some unwritten code of Bureau partners that hadn't been explained to her? Matthew had explained as much as he could, surely this fell under such topics of discussion. "Is it frowned upon for partners to dance together, even solely as friends?" Really, she just did not understand.

At Kara's promise Tess' smile had returned as she faced the young woman, rather pleased and even excited. "Truly! That's wonderful. That'll do for now. Now we can enjoy the rest of the evening now that certain things have been planned." Now all topics of the propper ettiquette of partners had been dropped. Now the only promise that remained was possibly getting Matthew on that dance floor, maybe even several times! How delightful!

"My Matty? Fine at dancing?" Tess now cast a curious look upon her big brother as she crossed her arms over her chest, chiding him. "I would never have guessed. What other things have you been hiding from me Matthew?"

"She's just being kind because you're here Tess." Matt sighed before giving an apologetic look to Kara. Poor girl, agreed to attend without even knowing what horror she'd be in store for. "You definitely do not have to dance with me. My little sister can be a bit precotious without realizing." Tess noticably frowned and it took every ounce of her not to fwap her brother's arm.

"I'd rather just stand if it's alright with everyone." Matt grunted. He wasn't purposely trying to be difficult, these dress up sort of things just weren't his bag. He rarely ever had fun at them and found them to be a waste of time when he could just be working. Also, he hated dress pants. They made him feel... Prissy. He was a good country boy afterall.

"But you ladies can dance with whomever you like." He added as an afterthought before his gaze snapped on Tess. "Not you." There was that big brother part of him again.

The next to enter was the infamous Oliver Davies, of the Davies family fortune, whose family had recieved the invite via the mail. They were so filthy rich that his parents often donated their fortune to various causes, and this included the Bureau. So, at least one member of the family was expected to attend this little formal get together and the hand dealt the cards to Oliver.

His brown hair neatly combed, a tux neatly pressed which he looked quite at home in. Despite his young years he looked rather fitting in his rich boy's attie and physicque. His eyes surveyed the below surroundings dully, having been to such events at least a thousand times before. Everyone would know who he was, or at least his family, this he was sure of so at least he wouldn't have to go through with pleasantries.

His hands in his dress coat pockets he let out a sigh. Had he come alone? No, of course not. With a hint of a smile he glanced over his shoulder and held his hand out toward the open door. Soon a smaller pale hand took his and he managed to guide his date into view.[/

There stood no other than the data analyst Krys Robin. Her hair actually combed, makeup on her face (an assist from Penelope on that one), and an elegant dress, which, unlike most of the other gowns stopped at the knees in a frilly, young sort of fashion. A 'gift' from the man beside her. Nervously her brown eyes glanced about, feeling horribly out of place before she looked down at her silver flats and studied the ribbons that rested just above the toes. At least she could walk in these.

This was not a date, in her mind anyways. It was just something of convienence for the both of them. They were just friends and every time Oliver attempted to shower her with gifts she'd politely decline. This evening was merely a cordial invite on his part and she didn't want to show up alone. Truth be told she did have an inkling of a desire to go with her best friend but she didn't have the courage to ask nor did he seem to even have the desire to give her a call. She knew there was no reason to be hurt, and yet, a little part of her was.

"I don't fit in here." She warned in a nervous murmur to her friend who could only shake his head with a chuckle and gently take her arm. "Ten bucks says once I get down the first five steps I fall." Oliver gave another laugh as the two of them began to move down the grand stair.

[Toriann Daire]

Tori walked into the huge hall, stumbling over her horribly annoying heels. She wore a satin dress, blue at the torso with a grey skirt that frilled rather stylishly quite high above her knees. Her curls were nicely tamed and settled around her shoulders in a pretty cluster, and a light brush of make-up was visible on her face. She looked, she had to admit, like a real girl.

There was nothing Tori hated more.

Ignoring these rather detestable facts, Tori strode down the steps, her eyes darting around for Quin. He, of all people, had asked her to go with him to the ball. Tori's eyes squinted at the memory where that annoying blond idiot of a forensic bugged her to come.

"Oh please please please, Tori?" he had said, eyes as wide as quarters, kneeling down beside Tori's desk as she packed up to leave for the day.

"I told you, I have better things to do, Quin," the girl told him turning away. The boy pulled at her jacket that was wrapped round her waist.

"Please? Just this once?" he begged, giving a rather girly pout.

Tori smirked and turned back towards the glass doors. "But you owe me."

Now as she stood by the tables and whole lot of people, she had begun to regret her decision. Plus, Quin had insisted on her wearing a 'pretty dress'. At the thought, Tori tugged at the bottom of her skirt. This was the least formal thing she could find. Long skirts and fancy stuff just scared her.

Tori looked around again, hoping to find someone she knew. And she did, to her utmost delight. It was the CT technical analyst with someone Tori didn't notice at first. They were descending the stairs she had just did moments ago.

Forgetting she was in heels, Tori ran over to the two of them, tripping just st the bottom of the stair. She made not much of a commotion though, except a few stares from people she didn't know. Composing herself, Tori got up from the floor and looked at Krys, who was a little way in front.

"H-hi there. I had some trouble finding my..." Tori caught herself as she noticed she had almost said the word date. "... partner." The anthropologist smiled at Krys and the guy, feeling awkward.

[Claire Burton]

Claire had been surprised when the invitation had arrived in the mall. With it was a note from Charlie's old boss. It had said that he was inviting her as a tribute to her late husband, just because he had died didn't mean that she wasn't part of the Bureau any more. After all she did work with kid victim of crimes associated with the FBI. She hadn't wanted to go, though, she didn't want to leave Lily alone, not after what they had been through. Claire never wanted to leave her daughter's side again. But as it turned out it was late enough in the night that the four year old would be asleep, so in truth there was no reason not to go. Getting a trusted teen to watch the house she went out.

The dress she wore was long, with two shades of blue, one darker than the base color. Her belly showed quite well through the large ruffles of the gown and Claire couldn't help but think that everyone would ask about the baby to come. Her hair was pulled back into a pony tail with the fronts still hanging down. It was an elegant hair style that was easy and required little work, effort that Claire just didn't have.

As she walked down the grand stair case, which she hated and wondered why they would have it, it only just seamed to draw more unwanted attention to her. She was right behind Krys Robin and her date. When finally at the bottom she tried to worm off and not be seen, unfortunately Jacob King, Charlie's old boss, stopped her right away. "Claire, how are you holding up?" He said looking down at her pregnant belly then looked around for her date. "I'm good, thank you, Agent King." She said and tried to work passed him. "Please call me Jake." He responded with a wink and Claire as sure he was hitting on her. This made her feel sick. "Um, sorry, but I need to use the bathroom." She lied and walked off into the crowded, hoping not to see him again that night. She hadn't gone far when she say Kara. Her heart sank at the memories it brought up. Slightly confused why she was here, as far as she had knew she wasn't an agent, Claire figured she might as well go and say hello.

"Kara?" She asked as if she didn't recognize her at first. "Hi, how are you?" She then said having the greeting card played down to a key. She hadn't been to many public events like this, but it had been enough that she knew how at act and what to say.

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Kate looked at Tess confused for a minute. What did she mean was there some kind of rule? Then she got it. Maybe she was just being offensive because it was her big brother they were talking about. Kate wasn't to sure. Smiling she answered, "Yes." It was kind of sarcastic. "My rule, that is." The really rule was never touch, never show your real self, and that included dancing. Then there was the fact that Matt hated her and Kate acted like she hated him. It was just how it worked, nothing personal, at least on her side. And well she gave Matt no other choose than to hate her.

Looking at Matt Kate wanted to force him to dance, he said he was a good dance, than prove it. There was no way she would be his partner. Looking at him she said, "I wont be dancing either. We can start the no-dance-club, what do you say Boss?" She winked looking over at Tess. "Hey, why can't she dance though, everyone here's the boring FBI people, nothing to be afraid of." She smiled at the witty joke. In truth she understood why he was being protective, it was what big brothers did, and it was what Matt did to everyone that he say.

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Reid say Kara as she approached. She always seemed shy and reluctant to talk to him, and Reid had a feeling that it was his fault. He didn't meant to seem like he didn't want to talk, it was just he didn't have much practice. Deep down he knew it was because he actually didn't like to talk, but he thought Kara was a nice girl and wished she would be more open and not so much trying to please everyone. Waving he was about to approach her, what he would say once he got there was a mystery and it would most likely end up being so stupid fact or stat that she didn't care about, or else he would make a fool of himself.

But something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. It was Krys walking down the stairs, and next to her was a man that Reid knew at Oliver. His heart stopped as he saw the two hand in hand. His heart burned and he didn't know why, but he thought that it should be him by her side, not that rich little jerk. Reid was surprised by the anger that he felt for a man that he didn't even know. Reid thought that he should go and say hi, but he didn't trust himself to be nice. He also had the sudden feeling that anything that he thought was going on between Krys and himself wasn't true. So he stayed put, staring at them for a long time. Then he turned back to Kara he was still only a few feet away. A blonde standing by her now. he figured he would join their conversation. "Hey..." he muttered shyly, still thinking about what Krys had looked like.

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[Krys Robin]

"You look just fine." Oliver informed her, though he didn't even look at her. "Well enough to be draped over the arm of a Davies." Though Oliver was by all accounts the 'perfect man' he did have some faults that Krys was discovering, or perhaps she was personally looking for them. He had a rich boy aire about him, nearly condescending which she saw occasionally pop out around her but more so around everyone else. It was like he was constantly judging, even looking down upon other people that he barely knew, even just because they looked at him in a way that he deemed 'unfit'. Of course she couldn't blatantly point it out. That would be rude and not at all 'normal' and Krys tried so desperately to be normal at times.

It was upon another lazy gaze surveying the scene that he spotted a bumbling woman in a party dress (Tori) stumbling toward them. He barely flinched but instead gave a little smile, though his tone was low. "Friend of yours?" He questioned through gritted teeth, as if in pain about the situation that was to come.

"Good evening. I'm Oliver Davies, and you are?" He raised his brow slightly, he was purposely saucing his words to be fakely sweet but he had become so good at doing so that Tori probably wouldn't catch it. Upon further inspection this woman clearly wasn't a regular at these things just by the way she moved and already Oliver was turned off. Then again, she did have a half decent rack on her. She probably was popular with the lab boys who saw more amoebas than cleavage.

"Tori." Krys spoke up, nodding toward the woman though it was quite obvious she was struggling to even smile the little closed mouth expression that she got. It wasn't Tori's fault of course, but Krys just felt so darned out of place at this ball and had spent a good hour in the limo beforehand listening to Oliver babble on about money or something or other. Truth be told she had tuned him out and began to count street lights and stray cats about twenty minutes in.

"She's a squint." Krys went on to explain. In one of their past togethers the analyst had actually explained to the rich young man various phrases used in the lab and on the field, though she secretly doubted that he had paid her any mind. "Like me."

"Hardly." Oliver responded with a calm smile, wrapping his arm around Krys' hip, tucking her in neatly beside him. Krys gave Tori a hidden, apologetic look before releasing a sigh that she had apparently been holding during the entirety of the gesture. "You're one in a million." Some old cliche, of course. He practiced them enough times.

"Actually, that probability is highly unlikely given the number of people on this pla-"

"Whatever you say Kryssy." Oliver chuckled, shaking his head. Now he looked to Tori being the polite gentleman he was taught how to pretend to be. "I'll fetch us all drinks, what do you say?" And without even waiting for a response he politely excused himself to move to the beverage table and bar to place his order.

Krys' eyes slowly trailed back onto Tori with such firmness that it was nearly pleading, though her voice took on a firm tone. "If by the end of this night he's still acting like a huge douche, I want you to take your shoe and bludgeon me with it."

[Kara Barnhill]

"I'd rather just stand if it's alright with everyone."

Kara was amused. Greatly so. Matt had told her that she did not have to dance with him if she didn't want to. He did not say that he did not wish to. Such word choice was causing the young woman to be a bit more sure that she would eventually drag him out to the floor. Maybe she would give him a while so that he only thought he was going to make it out without dancing. If you were at a ball, you needed to dance. Simple logic.

Matt continued by turning the subject in to how Kara was being overly kind in her description of his skills. This made the girl shift with a light laugh before replying easily, "If that is what you want." The student was stubborn. There was no way she was going to fall back on a promise, either. She had just assured Tess that her brother would be given some time on the dance floor---to take it back a mere minute later?

"Kara?"

The woman turned, an elegant and swift motion, to find the source of the voice. It sounded familiar, though at first she had been unable to put a name to it. Or a face. However, the minute she saw who had spoken, her smile was alight once more. Her experience with Claire had been short, and while Kara had wished to forget the whole thing---the hospital, feeling so terribly dreadful and the fear that had come with almost losing a battle against an engineered disease---the people she had met had been truly wonderful.

"Claire, goodness, you look well." It was a bit of an exaggeration. She could see that the woman was uncomfortable; though the surrounding people added quite a bit of excitement to the room, and such could be only normal for anyone that was shy. And Claire had certainly seemed a quiet and reserved woman. Proud and strong, but soft. Though, seeing the woman out of the hospital and without an ailing daughter made her seem quite healthy and fine indeed.

"Hi, how are you?"

"Great," Kara replied seamlessly. Sure, she had been stressed with school and was currently taking more hours at work to transition her way into the summer when classes weren't as heavy, but she was not sick. She was not dying. Things could only be wonderful after that. The woman was alone, and as such, Kara decided to proceed with caution. She was not one-hundred percent sure as to Claire's personal life, and did not wish to dredge up any foul memories.

"How have things been going?" She asked instead, and then her eyes brightened and her smile grew a bit. "And how is little Lily?" She had developed quite an adoration for the little blonde child. She had been ever so brave and strong; and exactly what Kara had needed to spur her to keep trying to live. If only to not scare her. Kara had actually turned her attention away from Reid, thinking he had no intention of speaking to her anyway.

However surprised she was to hear him speak to her.

"Hey..."

"Dr. Reid," Kara's voice was more than a little surprised. He had actually crossed to her. Quickly she recovered her manners and introduced the two acquaintances to one another. "I would like you to meet Claire Burton. Claire, this is Dr. Spencer Reid." Social situations were one of Kara's stronger points. Well, when given the proper company. An FBI ball seemed to warrant the right setting for her to blossom, for her words were quiet, gentle and friendly. She hoped that the night would keep her in such a graceful mood.

Though, if there was to be any dancing at all, nothing horrible could bring her down.

[Toriann Daire]

Tori tilted her head to one side, eyebrows furrowed. Who the heck did this Oliver dude think he was? Some sort of really important person? Maybe.

But not in Tori's book. Character came first, and character as in sense of courtesy and all. But this guy, he was a little off. Tori pursed her lips to shut up about it. He was one of Krys's friends, right? So how bad could that be? Krys was a nice person, so maybe this Oliver had some sort of thing around new people. Or maybe that was just Tori again, trying to stay positive.

She gave a rather spiteful tsk as he walked pass her to go and get their drinks, or whatever he really intended on doing. Tori's mouth curled down a little at his attitude, but then again she wasn't his mom. Tugging the bottom of her skirt, Tori tried to hide the fact that she looked way to casual for this. She hated theses things, and what was worse her date, uh companion, wasn't here yet.

"If by the end of this night he's still acting like a huge douche, I want you to take your shoe and bludgeon me with it."

Tori smiled at this statement, and even managed a tiny little chimed giggle. "I'd rather kill him," was her reply, waving her hand and indicating that Krys need not worry about it. But what bothered her was that she had been called Kryssy. That was a little odd, Tori had to admit. Krys didn't seem like the kind to be tagged with a 'y' at the back of her name.

Pushing her lock of hair over her shoulders and to her back, Tori glanced around in search for Quin once more, but to no avail. "So, he a close friend of yours?" Tori asked, asking about Oliver.

[Dr. Spencer Reid]

Claire smiled at Kara. It hadn't been to long since they last seen each other. In truth the both probably wanted to forget that time altogether like it never happened. Claire really like Kara, there was no doubt about that, but what she went through in those days, or was it just a day she really had no idea, was to much. The memories hunted her, and the dear of her little Lily dieing were even more than before. And when she looked at Kara though she didn't look sick now, in fact she looked perfectly healthy and pink in the cheeks, she couldn't help but see the sick pale Kara that matched with the pale dying look of her daughter.

Trying to push that thought away and just think of the good times. The fact that they had all gotten out of their alive. Keeping her emotions in check she smiled brightly as her answer. There was no reason to let the other women know just how broken she was inside. "I'm doing good. My back is starting to feel sore now, but nothing to bad." She said lightly touching a hand to her lower back, it was one of the draw backs to being pregnant. "And Lily's doing great, she pounced back like a rubber ball." She laughed slightly at the joke. In truth Lily had gotten back to her normal self, she had been through so much that one of the great things about her was she could push the bad away. She was also, however, really good at hiding her emotions which made it hard on Claire to know what was really going on in her head.

That's when Dr. Spencer Reid walked up. He seemed to know Kara as well. Looking over at him she nodded, "Hello." As he waved awkwardly at her. As she looked at the young man she couldn't help but try and remember where she had heard his name before. After a long moment it came it her, SSA Dr. Spencer Reid with the Behavioral Analysis Unit. He was a profiler. Charlie had talked about him once after they helped his team bring in a bank robber that was quickly turning into a serial killer. He said the man was a genius, and that the team itself knew things that they should have been able to know. She touched her belly, cradling the baby in her hands, and wondered if he would see things about her, if he could guess what he life was like. She feared that he could.

------------

Reid waved at Kara, and then Claire Burton. "Hey." She said awkwardly. The large pregnant belly was clear to see from where he was. Like many others he wondered where her date was, if she had any. It wasn't like you needed to be married to have kids any more. The something clicked. Burton. He had knew that name. He had worked with a Charles Burton once a few years back, and since she was at a FBI ball it was possible that she was his wife. There was no way of know, though, so Reid let it drop.

Looking past Kara he say Matt and whom he was sure was his sister along with Kate. Out of the plane crash survivors it seemed that Kara and Matt were the only ones that really connected, But it was also knew that they had meet before the plane. Other than that it seemed Matt hated Reid and he still couldn't figure out why. He had done nothing to make it that way as far as he knew. Yet he still acted like the boy genius was insignificant all the time. He hoped that Matt would stay where he was and Kara might decided not to go back over to him. He wanted to talk to someone, at least until some of his team got there, but he didn't want to be near Matt. Though Reid had nothing to say, and so he just stood there waiting for someone else to bring something up.

-----------

Matt and Tess feel silent. Kate really didn't care one way or the other. She looked out on the dance floor and was taken by a flash back of a night much like this one. It was close to winter and snow was falling outside. Inside the large party hall in their mansion, the one that Kate still owned yet never went to (after all she lived in New York most the time), a place much like this one. The detractions were warm colors a nice contrast from the cold weather outside. Kate was fourteen. It was the the last large party she had been in before the attacks. She remembered dancing with other teenagers, and talking to senators and other high profile people in the government. It was a magical night. It was one of the last happy memories she had left.

Kate came back to reality and suddenly wanted to dance, yet she didn't know how to go about that. It wasn't like she could ask Matt, even if Tess wanted her to. She could break away and stand at the edge of the dance floor and wait for a guy who didn't know who she was to ask her to dance. She was a very beautiful girl, and she knew it, so it wouldn't be hard. The thing was she knew Matt would see her, and she couldn't let that happen. So instead she just watched the mass of people. Ignoring anything that was said to her.