I have entered the seventh level of hell. I'm not easily embarrassed, for the most part. I mean, some people get me blushing like virgin on her wedding night, but it's not as easy as it looks. So the fact that the industrial strength foundation I use isn't hiding the bright red tint to my cheeks is amazing. The worst part about it is, it seems to make this blasted outfit even more attractive. Every time I walk in a room, I see blonde heads raise and sniff the air like a pack of wolves, and within seconds, their gaze is on me and their howling with laughter. Oh yeah. We're onto the punishment portion of the night. This is what Deli gets for making such a foolish promise to Fangy. It's only bound to get worse.

At this point, I have been avoiding meeting anyone who might have something specific to say, like my boys, or Sully, or Will, or god forbid, Mr. Clone of the Month himself. But sure enough, I'm slinking about trying to avoid them and it's like trying to hide from Javert. I make a run for the front door, determined to get some air and calm down. The cool night hits me and I lean back against the door, breathing a sigh of relief. Or what would pass for one if I weren't laced into this corset like it was an experiment in Japanese rope bondage.

I hear giggling coming from around the corner of the house and my eyes dart around looking for somewhere to hide. Damn. I'm screwed. This might have been a bad choice for hiding spots. I can't help it, though. I don't know the layout very well here. At my house there are about ten spots I can think of quickly that would be good to hide if need be. For a moment, I wish I'd located the bar sooner at this party.

Fen and T round the corner and his eyes pin me. I don't even need to be able to see that far to know that his nose is twitching and he's trying like hell not to burst out laughing. I sigh heavily, preparing for the worst.

He saunters up and is about to comment when a lilting voice fills the air.

"What light through yonder mercury breaks....fingers and soap, blood drops cherry red but soft."

T's whips his head around, his face lighting up as he sees Turmoil gliding across the lawn. Striding toward her, he wraps his arms around her, spinning in circles and making her squeal and babble. He pecks a kiss on her lips and grins. "Lo, pet. I was wonderin' when you'd get 'ere."

She gives him a positively wicked smile and he answers it. Damn they're so evil and cute. I shake my head, giving Fen a look, which she returns. Havoc and Lauralee are coming towards us now, and I feel the blush creeping upward from my toes. I catch the looks on their faces as the approach and I bang my head back against the door. What I wouldn't give for the Earth to open up and swallow me.

As if on cue from above, the door opens from behind and I tumble inward, flailing and shrieking. From the floor, I glare at the shit eating grin of Charley, who's pleased as punch with his 'mistake'. He starts to offer an insincere apology as I struggle to my feet with as much grace as possible, but I raise my hand. "Laugh it up, fuzzball. You'll get yours."

Havoc is smirking down at me like his face is going to break if he doesn't laugh, and I can see Lauralee trying to hide her grin. Rolling my eyes, I dust myself off, tightening the ties on each of the pony tails, and grumbling. Fen starts snickering, and it kick starts the giggles all around. I suck in as deep a calming breath as I can while trying to adjust my now seriously lost thong as inconspicuously as possible.

"Avin' a bit 'o difficulty there, luv?" T asks.

I give him murderous look and turn to the new guests, plastering a smile on my face. "Welcome to the jungle. The Jello wrestling has been disposed with, and I'm obviously dressed for whatever occasion the Lord and Master has planned next. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go crawl under a bed somewhere, light a candle, and hope it helps me hide."

T pecks a kiss on my cheek, whispering something thoroughly unrepeatable as he tucks Turmoil's arm in his and ambles off. Lauralee, Fen, and their boys head into the party. Sighing with relief, I duck back out into the night, hoping to avoid attracting attention somehow.