Chapter 2

"Ooh, Club Escapade!" Elizabeth grinned conspiratorially at Theodore. "Remember, we don't want to overindulge."

"Yes," Theodore agreed when Elizabeth opened the heavy door to the entrance. His eyelids suddenly drooped and he stumbled slightly when they stepped inside.

A powerful wave of ecstasy and unfettered emotions rushed over Elizabeth and she felt a swoon herself. Such an aphrodisiac. It would be best to pace themselves.

A girl watching the entrance nodded at them as they neared. "May I see ID, please?"

"ID?" Elizabeth was puzzled. This was unexpected.

"Yes, no minors allowed in here."

She leaned over to Theodore. "What is this ID she speaks of? Do we have any?"

Theodore nodded in comprehension. "Ah yes, I recall this from the rumor. Not everyone can enter. They need a form of personal identification to see we are honest, wholesome folk."

Elizabeth understood. Humans were considerate to prepare guests for adequate pleasure. "We have plenty of ID. In fact, Theodore here can vouch for me and I for him. He is the most meticulous when human affairs are concerned."

The woman gasped when Theodore took her hand in his and kissed the top of it.

"My lady, it is my assurance to you that she and I are of fine caliber. We pride ourselves in our maturity to not overindulge in this club. To hearken to the whimsies of the body is uncouth if the actions are not under control of one's self."

Glazed eyes and a faint sway began on the girl's end at hearing Theodore's mellow tone. "P-Please come in."

Elizabeth winked at Theodore as they walked into the music-pounding dance area. "Onwards to joy!" Strobe lights and booming bass coupled with laughter and chatter from patrons. The noise was near deafening.

"This is so great!" the two chorused in unison.

Theodore stared wide-eyed at the bustle of dancing people and socialites. "Do we dance or converse first? Is there a ritual?"

"I believe you have the choice to do any of those things in any order." At a table between an older man and woman, Elizabeth spotted a pretty pink drink with a cute paper umbrella decorating it. She pointed to it and shuffled over.

"Hey!" The female owner of the drink protested when Elizabeth picked up her glass to examine.

"The color in this liquid is fascinating. Isn't it, Theo? It simply vibrates with life." Elizabeth tapped the cup.

Theodore stared at the little umbrella sitting on the rim. "I didn't know the liquid within required a shield from rain."

The man sitting with his date frowned at them. "Hey, what the hell are you doing? Get lost."

Elizabeth, unruffled by his male's obviously bad day, set down the glass. "Do tell me the name of this lovely beverage. I wish to get the recipe for it."

The annoyed woman rolled her eyes. "It's a Husky Sakura."

"Thank you. Come, Theo. We will barter with the gentleman preparing the drinks." Elizabeth took Theodore's elbow and guided her slightly overwhelmed sibling to the alcoholic cove where many liquids exchanged hands.

"What can I get you two?" the devilishly handsome bartender with luscious dark eyes greeted them.

"I want to trade for your sublime recipe for the Husky Sakura." Elizabeth winked at him. Winks, she discovered, were effective in negotiations between the sexes.

"I'm sorry, I only serve it. I don't give out the recipe."

Elizabeth looked crestfallen. "But surely you must know how to create such riveting fantasy. I promise not to tell another soul."

Theodore nudged Elizabeth. "It's true. She will not tell."

The master of fantasy creators shrugged apologetically. "I can't do anything else besides make you the drink. Do you want one?"

Elizabeth sighed. Back to component breakdowns the long way; investigating back at the Velvet Room. But wait, this trip was supposed to be a secret. Elizabeth nixed that plan.

"All right. I would like you to show me your imagination." She slid onto a bar stool, her voice low and her gaze penetrating.

"One Husky Sakura, coming right up." The bartender stared at her with a cunning smile. "With two umbrellas."

"Two, you're so generous. Isn't he so gracious, Theo?"

When Theodore didn't reply, Elizabeth glanced around. Off he had went into the direction of the lounge. Oh, he'd be fine.

Author's note: The next chapter cometh!