There's a fine line between love and hate.
And I don't mind.
Just let me say that
I like that
I like that

As the sun set over the water there was a glorious moment where the bay sparkled and I flinched shielding my eyes from the glare. The water illuminated the Nocturne highlighting her every feature and flaw, I missed the touch of the wood against my skin and the gentle rock as the ship was carried by the ocean. I was both surprised and relived at the lack of any apparent search party; it had been a week since Hotaru had found me….. a week that was starting to seem like a lifetime. There was a soft click as my bedroom door shut and I sighed, not turning to greet the visitor, 'leave it in a goblet on my desk please'.

I received a response off of a young boy, confusion evident in is tone, 'My Lady instructed me to feed you directly….'

'That will not be necessary', I abruptly cut him off. 'There is a goblet on the desk, please fill it and then kindly leave'

The sound of shuffling disrupted the serenity of my view and the sweet aroma of blood filled the air. I waited to hear the door close before I turned and made my way to my next meal. Inhaling slowly I took the goblet up and turned to toast the setting sun before downing the contents. Gingerly I took a breath, an overwhelming feeling of disgust consumed my senses and I held a towel to my mouth as I retched up the crimson contents of my stomach, angrily throwing the goblet against the door. I collapsed into a sobbing retching angry mess on the floor, all of my attempts to feed the vampirism within me had failed so far and I could feel my strength waning. Despite Hotarus attempts I refused to drink directly from a human, the thought repulsed me slightly but in complete transparency it wasn't that thought that stopped me, I was scared….. scared that it would release the monster within me, that I wouldn't be able to stop.

Natsume

'May I see your invitation?', a bulky figure clad in armour blocked my path. A delicate hand on my shoulder stopped my retaliation and Sumire sauntered in front of me clad in a deep sapphire gown. Fluttering her eyelashes profusely she beckoned the guard closer and went to whisper in his ear. Once she was in range she plunged her fangs into his neck and smirked with satisfaction as he slumped to the floor, slightly paler and unconscious.

'See…' she smiled at Ruka and myself tartly, 'Piece of cake'

'Well at least someone can have their cake and eat it', I replied bitterly. 'Wait until I get my hands on that little. . .'

'Ne Natsume, you've got to lighten up', Tsubasa interjected roughly throwing his arm over my shoulder. 'It's Ruka who should be worried, we are gate-crashing his fiancés ball after all.'

I laughed feeling the bitterness seep out of my mind and felt myself smirking at Rukas embarrassed expression. Donning our masks we entered the grand hall and were engulfed in a wave of music, laughter and dancing. Guests in their hundreds dressed in expensive silks and wearing intricate masks detailed with jewels and feathers sauntered around the room in a whirl of colours . . . and then I smelt her, that glorious intoxicating scent. Pivoting on the spot I grabbed Sumire by the arm and dragged her to follow the scent.

'What're you doing?', she muttered angrily.

'We', I corrected her 'are dancing'.

Mikan

I enjoyed the anonymity of the masquerade; I was just another face amongst the crowd in a midnight black dress adorned with small crystals that glimmered with movement and a matching intricate mask. My hair mimicked the short style of Hotarus, swept up with a few stray curls falling loosely down. Hotaru on the other hand was a splash of colour amidst the sea of bodies; her amethyst dress complemented her skin tone and supported her air of collective authority and cold demeanour.

Paired with complete strangers we laughed and smiled as we were swept around the dance floor, switching partner to partner as the beat changed rhythmically . . . and then I smelt him just as I was spun onto my last partner for the song rather quickly, I placed my hands on his chest to steady myself as the beat finished and took a deep breath as I drew my eyes level with his.

The band started with a slower, heavier beat and he smirked at me displaying his fangs, 'May I have this dance Princess?'

The burning sensation in my throat intensified and I attempted to create some distance between our flush bodies by stepping backwards, he caught my wrist in and iron grip 'Let's not play that game again, you won't get another chance to snap my neck'

A light chiming sound resonated around the hall and I turned to the grand staircase to see Hotaru lightly tapping a knife against a glass flute brimming with what looked like red wine; I however knew better. The hum around the room died and she momentarily narrowed her eyes about my new companion as glasses were passed around; a selection of champagne or red wine for the humans, blood for the vampires.

I gingerly clutched my glass as I eyed the contents nervously; I missed Hotaru welcoming her guests and scolded myself slightly at being trapped up in my own world. Out of the corner of my eye I caught Natsume watching me and I scowled at him noticing the empty glass in his hand.

'Since when do you drink blood so readily?'

'It's artificial, bottoms up', he motioned to the glass still in my hand. 'It would be rude to not drink to your host'

Grimacing at the inevitable outcome I swallowed the glass, thrusting it into his free hand.

'Now if you'll excuse me', yanking my hand out of his grasp I ran from the room attempting to hold down the disgusting liquid. Bursting onto the balcony I took a deep breath of fresh night air and shuddered. Hearing footsteps close behind me I took off down the steps into the luscious gardens I sank down beside the sculpture fountain and emptied the contents of my stomach into a nearby bush. Wiping my mouth shakily I turned to address my accomplice, 'Go on then, say something!'

He approached me and sank down to his knees, withdrawing a handkerchief from his pocket, using it to wipe away the remaining blood around my mouth, 'What've you done to yourself Ne?

I felt tears brimming in my eyes, 'I can't do this Natsume, I'm supposed to be strong and powerful and graceful . . . I can't even hold down blood – I'm a disgrace I. . .'

'What do you mean?'

'I can't do it, I just can't drink human blood', I pushed him away from me and dipped my hand in the cool fountain water wiping off the blood remnants.

He stood and approached me the gravel crunching under his feet, I felt his breath on the back of my neck as he unpinned my hair and held my shoulders, 'Let me help you'.

I smelt his blood and by that time it was too late, he secured one hand around my waist pulling me flush against his chest and placed his bleeding wrist forcefully to my mouth.

'Drink Mikan….. please'.

Let me know what you think

Vi x