Blushing, Levy struggled into an upright position and lightly smacked his arm. "If anybody mentions any noises we made, I am so blaming you."

Puffing his chest out, Gajeel grinned. "I know, I made you lose control - and I'm man enough to take credit where credit is due." He gained his feet in one fluid move and took hold of Levy's hand. "A quick shower will settle you down."

Afterwards, Levy and Gajeel made their way downstairs. A large number of servants were still on duty, rushing here and there prepping for the costume ball. Gajeel offered his arm to his mate as they entered the dining room. Lily was already seated, conversing with an excited footman.

Lily broke off from his conversation to smirk and nod to his partners. "I'd say look who the exceed dragged in, but I've gotten here first."

"Oh, man! I bet you could've too!" The stout footman smiled. "I've never seen Josh been put on the ropes so fast before."

Comprehending the looks of confusion from the two mages, Lily explained how he'd spent his time in the gymnasium after the Tildenson family drama in the drawing room.

Another footman glided into the room, this one was a little younger and bore a striking resemblance to the first. "Don't hog all of his attention Perry! There's three days before the costume party, you're not the only one who wants to spar."

Hitomi entered the room dressed in a scandalously low cut gown and carrying an ornate plumed fan. She sashayed to the head of the table, hesitated and kept going. She picked the next chair over and allowed Perry to help seat her. Keeping a serene expression, Hitomi smiled to each of her guests. Widening her smile, Hitomi addressed Lily. "I hear you caused quite the stir in the exercise room. I would have loved to see that, such a surprise you've been hiding. How astounding, you must be as massive as Mr. Redfox."

Feeling a little uneasy, Lily shrugged. "It's not something I hide. It isn't a secret, it's my true size in Edolas."

Nodding, Levy spoke. "It's just one side to his magic. I guess we're around it so much we don't even really think about it. Don't most people have things they don't share because we think it isn't anything special?"

"Yes, dear step-mother." Ambrose took a seat opposite the now tight-lipped Hitomi. "You are an avid reader and talented in the garden, but do you ever share those tidbits with the people you entertain at parties?"

Hibiki entered the room, followed by yet another footman who was more enthralled with watching Lily than performing his job. The Tildenson heir came to an abrupt stop behind his brother, the preoccupied footman almost walking into him. Forcing a smile, Hibiki sat down in the place of honour and gestured to the wine steward to begin pouring. "Brother, speaking of sharing, do you ever share your skill with the piano outside of our family?"

Ambrose took a large gulp of his wine and pushed it out to be refilled. "No more often than you do. Playing the piano won't keep me in pocket change and I see no need to flaunt what amounts to nothing more than being wealthy enough to be tutored in unnecessary skills."

Looking a bit chagrined, Hibiki forced a smile. "Just three more days until the costume ball. I am sincere in extending accommodations to our guests so they can attend." He sipped from his wine glass, eschewing the water at his other elbow. "Hitomi, were you successful in finding costumes?"

Hitomi glanced at the trio of mages from beneath lowered lashes, "Yes, I rummaged in the attic personally to select the most wonderful and exciting of garments." She stroked her feathered fan, making eye contact with Lily, her smile making Lily want to get up and run from the table.

"Three days? Is there something I could help with?" Levy made a point to smile at both Hitomi and Hibiki. "We've done the job we were contracted for. As much as I want to stay for such lovely entertainment, I don't feel right abusing your hospitality."

"Nonsense!" Ambrose replied before either member of his family could. "We all love having such excellent company." He flashed a quick grin to the trio of mages and took another large draft of his beverage. "You should enjoy some leisure time with your friends. This town has a few notable hotspots and I'd be happy to play tour guide."

"Alas," Hitomi softly said, "I have many details to organize for the charity fete." She licked her lips and rolled her shoulders forward, her gown threatening to disgorge her bosom. "Otherwise, I would so enjoy spending time alone or in pairs with our guests."

"Yes, Hitomi knows much of our town's history and local colour." Hibiki spoke heartily, "We do rely on your supervisory skills rather a lot. You've always been talented." The Tildenson heir was beginning to feel overwhelmed. The way his brother and step-mother were challenging each other at the table was disturbing. Hibiki wasn't certain if they were competing for the mage's attention or each other.

The maids began to serve the meal as Ambrose and Hitomi began listing off places they insisted Levy and Gajeel should visit. Lily looked over at Gajeel and sighed softly. The slayer was starting to become irritated with the eldest and youngest Tildenson family member.

Wishing to calm down the competition, Lily decided to take a chance. "I don't suppose there's a kiwi orchard around here, is there?"

Smiling in triumph, Hitomi rushed to answer Lily before Ambrose could. "Yes, actually there is."

Interjecting with a condescending tone, Ambrose spoke. "It's not a full kiwi orchard, they have other varietals and -"

"Have a full range of vegetables on offer as well," Hitomi finished Ambrose's sentence and flashed icy green daggers at her step-son.

"Gi hehe! That's settled!" Gajeel smirked at Lily and then turned to Levy. "We'll go sight-seeing in the morning and assist with preparations for the party each evening."

Both Levy and Hibiki smiled in relief. Lily nodded, "That's a very good idea. We could act as our own tour guides."

"I insist that I assist," Ambrose leaned forward and gave a tight, insincere smile. "Step-mother must be swamped with last minute details and as the younger, ne'er do well son, it falls to me to provide a service for my family for my keep."

"Don't be foolish!" Hibiki paused and chewed his lip. He stuttered, "I, uh, d-didn't mean it like that sounded! You do plenty for the family."

"I exist, and that's about it." Ambrose replied sourly. "I want to show our esteemed guests around town. If there's one thing I've realized I'm good at, it's showing people a good time." He glared at his brother and then turned his attention to Hitomi who was studiously ignoring him in return.

The rest of the meal passed in similar fashion. Every time the conversation lagged, either Hitomi or Ambrose would mention a local hot spot or tourist trap. Hibiki drank steadily as he watched his family try to out-do each other to try to keep the mages entertained.

Levy put her dessert spoon down with a sigh. "That was delicious! If I keep eating this well, my costume might not fit!"

"Oh my dear!" Hitomi giggled, "You're so slight and delicate, I think it would take three months of such meals to ruin what I've picked out for you."

"I have to admit to being extremely curious what splendid items you've found to clothe us with." Levy moved to the side to allow the maid to remove her plate and smiled her thanks. "Mrs. Tildenson, you have such exquisite taste. I absolutely love the gown you're wearing tonight."

"More like hardly wearing." Ambrose muttered.

Gajeel snorted, which was cut off by Levy's discrete kick to his ankle. Gajeel grunted and rolled his eyes.

Hitomi responded favourably to the flattery. "Thank you so much! Most women with my hair colour wouldn't have the nerve to wear this shade of lavender, but I have the panache to carry it off. I do like your outfit as well, Levy." The older woman sipped from her wine goblet, "Little black dresses will never go out of style."

"Yes, so I've been told before." Levy leaned against Gajeel's thickly muscled arm and cooed, "Of course, Gajeel doesn't care what I wear," she grinned, "or what I don't wear."

"Damn right." Gajeel nodded, "Will there be music again tonight? I might just get used to this fancy entertaining."

The two brothers shared a panicked look before Hitomi smiled sadly. "I'm afraid the instruments have been moved to the ballroom and we have a shift of servants working there from now until the party."

Lily shook his head regretfully, "That's too bad. What else could we do for entertainment?"

Hibiki realized as head of the household it should be his decision and he rose out of his chair to declare, "Why don't we retire to the parlour?" Awkwardly he took hold of Hitomi's arm and acted as her escort. Levy slipped her hand into Gajeel's and watched Ambrose face sour slightly before he pasted on a social smile.

Once ensconced in the parlour, Hitomi took pity on Hibiki and suggested a game of cards. A lively game of euchre ensued, which took the better part of an hour.

"That was more fun than I expected!" Hibiki enthused, "I have work rather early in the morning, so I have plans to breakfast early as well. I'll take my leave now and bid you all good evening."

He stood up and nodded to the ladies of the group, turned and left.

Ambrose pointed at Hitomi. "I'll play a game of chance to be allowed to act as sole tour guide."

Levy protested, "That isn't necessary. Tilden isn't that hard a town to navigate."

Gajeel patted Levy on the hand, "Maybe we could use a tour guide for one day."

Levy slowly nodded. "Yah, I guess that would be nice. Locals always know where the best book stores are anyway. I can always use more books."

Intent on each other, Hitomi and Ambrose locked gazes and stared at each other. Ambrose broke the silence first, "Simple game of high card draw."

Not deigning to answer verbally, Hitomi took the deck and began to shuffle, only stopping as Ambrose held his hand out for the deck. He cut the deck and pulled a card, holding it in his hand as his step-mother picked hers. She smiled and dropped her jack of spades onto the table.

"Well, this is interesting." Ambrose flicked his card down, revealing the jack of hearts. "Best two out of three?"

Feeling vaguely bothered by the competition to play tour guide, Lily decided to level the playing field. "What's the big deal? Can't you each take a turn?"

"Excellent, we'll share our guests' attention. I can spare a few hours tomorrow or the next. When we breakfast tomorrow, we'll hash out the details." Hitomi rose gracefully from her seat, "Good evening, pleasant dreams." She swept out of the room, her silk skirts rustling.

"We've got even numbers again, one more card game?" Lily picked up the deck and began to shuffle aimlessly. Gajeel shrugged noncommittally and the exceed raised his eyes to Ambrose. "You interested?"

"Ah, sure." The youngest Tildenson shrugged, craning his neck to watch his step-mother exit the room. He collected his cards, organizing them. Ambrose could feel the weight of three pairs of eyes on him. "What?"

Both Gajeel and Lily concentrated on their cards and turned away, pretending not to hear their host's irate comment. Levy cleared her throat, "You seem to have an interesting dynamic with your step-mother." She blushed and continued, "Why were you competing with Hitomi to play tour guide?"

"No real reason," Ambrose pretended extreme interest with his cards. "Just something personal that's been a long time coming."

Gajeel snorted, "Heh. Are we gonna play euchre or become best friends?"

The tension was broken and all four of them relaxed to pick up their cards. As play went on, they all started to truly enjoy themselves. After several rounds of game play and a chorus of yawns, it was time to retire.

"Good night, and I'll see you guys in the morning." Ambrose waved and left the parlour.

Lily was the next to stand up from his seat. "You two should take a moonlit walk in one of the gardens before turning in. I'd really like a chance to be sleeping before, um..." Lily smirked, "before you guys turn in."

Levy tried to act like she wasn't embarrassed, but the two spots of colour high on her cheeks betrayed her feelings. "Um, a walk sounds very nice."

"A walk in the fresh air to finish tiring us out." Gajeel thrust his hand out to Levy, "C'mon." He paused long enough for Levy to wrap her fingers around his. Gajeel strode out of the parlour and down the hallway, searching for an exit leading to the gardens.

Outside in the cool night air, Levy stood with her back resting on Gajeel's chest, his hands resting on her shoulders. She spoke softly, "Was it just me or did you think there's something going on between Hitomi and Ambrose?"

Gajeel grunted. "I didn't bring you out here to yak about that woman or her idiot step-son."

"What would you like to talk about then?" Levy patted Gajeel's hand on her right shoulder. "We can talk about anything."

"Er, I wasn't really planning on doing much talkin', Shrimp." The slayer hunched over a bit more and hugged Levy. "I know this awesome star counting game."

Giggling, Levy lightly elbowed her boyfriend. "At any point does this game involve me losing any articles of clothing?"

"I can neither confirm nor deny such allegations." Gajeel answered, "We have to play the game to find out."

Levy turned in her lover's embrace. "We can play any game you want when we get inside our room." She pressed the side of her face against his chest and squeezed him as tight as she could. "Have I told you lately that I'm fond of you?"

"Mmmm, no you haven't."

"Well, I rather like you. You're so kind, letting Ambrose and Hitomi take turns showing us the town."

"Mmph. Lily gave the okay on that - but it's not worth arguing over...unless you wanna do some makin' up. Gi hehe!" Gajeel lifted his girl and swung her around until she pounded her fists on his chest, complaining that she was channelling his motion sickness and if he didn't cease and desist, he would be wearing her partially digested dinner.

The long slide down his body was torture of the sweetest kind for both mages. Levy could feel the hard angles and planes of his muscles. Even having only just been privy to sharing and exploring his body, she wanted to experience more.

Gajeel adored Levy's small, clever hands; so good at finding spots of skin unexpectedly sensitive. She left patches of gooseflesh here and there as she allowed her hands to roam. Concentrating on her exploration, she didn't realize how intent her mate was watching her face as she played.

Under the almost full moon, the two lovers shared slow kisses and teasing touches; fingertips grazing the inside of elbows, the back of the neck and jaw lines. Lights from the mansion flickered on and lit up just over from where the lovers stood.

"Let's take this to our room." Levy broke away and began to drag Gajeel by the hand, towards the house. "I think we can continue to hone our skills in private."

"Gi hehe, I'll always be happy to help you out." Gajeel yelped as Levy pinched his ass, "I've created a monster!"

"You'll see a monster if you don't satisfy me."