I don't own Vampire Knight or any of the character's in the series.

A/N: This is a short chapter of the boys preparing for the ball with some back-story.

*Thought I'd add a side note if you were curious: In this story I've called the Kuran's butler Tanaka. Why? - Because it was one of the first names I learnt to write in Japanese. ^^

I am astounded at the number of reviews, faves and follows already in such a short space of time! I didn't expect so much response so quickly and am extremely happy! :D The motivation gave me the kick to upload this before going to sleep (It's just gone 2:30am where I am).

Since the story has a fair amount of attention already I will do my best to update as fast as I can.

I hope that you enjoy the chapter, the ball will be coming probably tomorrow :D

Please feel free to read, review, fave and follow :)


Chapter 2: Appearances.

He managed to finish all of his chores early today and was preparing for the ball. Over the past few years, being kept inside the house, he had little incentive to care about his appearance and look in the mirror. But, today he was leaving the house, if only temporarily, and wanted to look a little better than his usual. As he gazed upon his reflection for the first time in an age he realised that he had, indeed, seen better days. Being a servant had taken its toll on him.

His eyes had dark patches beneath them, showing his sleep deprivation from the early mornings. His skin had become a little paler from staying inside the house aside from seeing White Lily, making sure that no one saw him lest he face Shizuka's wrath. The only good thing his years in servitude had given him was fantastic muscles from all the physical activity.

He quickly found his best clothes, which wouldn't hold a candle to any of the other nobles at the party, and dressed himself. Wearing his servant shoes would be out of the question so he cleaned off his riding boots from giving Lily her exercise, as they were the closest he had to any formal footwear. Black jeans adorned his legs, clearly not great for a ball but they were the best he had so they would have to do. He didn't own a dress shirt so he put on a plain white button-down instead. The only part of his attire that did, truly, come up to standards was his cufflinks. They were made of the purest amethyst and were a gift he had received from his mother and father on his 10th birthday. He had managed to save them before they could be thrown away, as Shizuka had done to so many of his other possessions. They had been kept, hidden away in a box out of Shizuka's view, for the past several years. Now 19 he would wear them again, even though not in the best of circumstances. He put in his usual earrings as he had no others and desperately combed his hair until it was at least reasonable. Deciding he was as good as he was going to get he dashed down the stairs in preparation to leave.

Prince Kaname of the Kuran royal family lay cocooned in his covers. Today his parents had arranged a ball in an attempt to find him a mate. He wasn't interested. He hated dancing. He hated parties. To be honest, he also disliked probably more than half of the people who were to be in attendance tonight. Yet he would have to attend, he would be forced to dance mingle with those who only gave him fake smiles. Kaname knew that when someone smiled at him they did so to make a good impression. He knew they wanted his favour. He knew they wanted his money. He knew they wanted his power.

*Knock**Knock*

"Master Kaname, are you ready yet. The party is due to start in only a few hours." It was the Kuran family's loyal butler, Tanaka.

Kaname didn't respond. He wanted to do nothing but sleep until the party was over.

"You're still in bed, aren't you master?"

Tanaka knew him well. Kaname could almost hear Tanaka sighing through the thick door.

"The party is being held for you so you must attend, if not for your own sake then for that of your parents. I will give you an hour to get ready before I come in there and drag you out of bed, by force if necessary if you still aren't up."

Kaname groaned in reluctance as he heard Tanaka's footsteps fade into the distance. He slowly managed to roll out of bed and onto the floor.

Why me? He thought as he looked at the ceiling.

He eventually crawled into the shower and refreshed himself ready for the ball. After drying off he put together a suitable outfit. He picked a dark red dress shirt to complement his deep wine-like eye colour. He then wore a finely tailored black suit over the top. Looking to his bed he found that Tanaka must have prepared his royal accessories while he was showering. The red royal sash slid on to rest comfortably across his body. A variety of badges and other medals were pinned to his lapel.

As he was leaving the room to join his parents he spotted the fresh roses that had been placed in his room this morning. He picked the most beautiful deep red rose to join the adornments on his blazer. Checking his appearance one last time, he left his room.

His parents, Haruka and Juri, as well as his younger sister, Yuki, were waiting for him in the white lounge room in the east wing of the mansion near the ballroom where the party would be held. Upon entering the room his mother and sister scowled at him.

"Darling, we are trying to find a mate for you tonight. Could you not wear something a bit more… cheerful?" His mother commented.

"I'm not cheerful. Why should I pretend to be?" Kaname pointed out.

"Look we know you don't want to attend, but still I agree with mother. Red and black seems a little too gloomy for the occasion. " Yuki added.

"Well, it's a gloomy occasion for me."

"But, you have come of age last year and still are not wed!" His mother insisted.

"Now, now Juri, don't be too hard on him." His father entered the conversation just before Tanaka came to fetch them.

"Guests have begun to arrive. May I suggest that you take your positions?" Tanaka politely hinted.

"Of course." Haruka replied giving a quick sideways glance to Kaname and mouthing 'behave yourself!'. Kaname rolled his eyes in reply.