AN/: In case you skipped over chapter 36. Go Back and Read that! I updated with two chapters. to kind of make up for my long absnce. I'm really sorry about that by the way. yeah. If you wnat explainations I put them in the authours note to chapter 36. Anyway. Don't get your hop[es up for anything spectacular in this chapter. I just don't want anyone ot be dissapointed when there isn't any epic battle. Once again it is vital that you go back and re-read chapter 35 to understand why. I really couldn't bring myself to make this too dramatic. It jsut didn't happen. Anyway, yeah. here is the chapter. I guess. I don't have anything else to say.
Running to the Enemies Arms
Chapter 37:I Think I Can...
by: deadlydaisy8o8
Originally Uploaded: Monday, June 13, 2011, 11:10PM
IMPORTANT: (again) don't skip over chapter 36. That is a new chapter that hasn't been posted before now. Also I changed chapter 35 if you skipped over chapter 36 and didn't get the memo. You need to read or re-read both before you read this. if you have, then please enjoy!
Danny's POV
This has to be one of the most awkward and scary things I have ever been to in my entire life.
I don't think you really understand the significance of that statement. I had ghost hunters for parents the first sixteen years of my life. I've been in situations that would probably make normal people cry because they were so awkward. I have stared adults in the face as they've covered themselves in sewage proclaiming that it was a good defense against ghost diseases. I have fought against evil undead kings and faced alternate realities.
And this stupid ball is giving me the heebie-jeebies.
To make things even worse it looks like I am the only person here that is freaked out by any of this. Everyone else is happily mingling around, dancing to some music that the orchestra on stage is playing; while I sit here, in the darkest corner I could find, seriously pleading with Clockwork to fast forward me through all of this. Because I can handle the certifiably insane, I can handle the undead; rich people at Halloween parties however are not on my resume.
I had to focus on staying tangible and visible once again as another person, this time a woman dressed as Cruela Devil from 101 Dalmatians, came uncomfortably close to my hiding spot. I shivered and tightened the trench coat I was wearing around myself as the woman passed. That had been too close. I settled again into my corner as I regained myself. Though the woman had come close she still hadn't discovered me and I was planning on keeping it that way for as long as I could manage.
With a sigh, I went to scratch my head when I felt a nagging itch, only to stop myself and carefully with one finger itch the spot on my scalp that was giving me grief. I wasn't allowed the liberty of scratching my head however I wished because my hair had been slicked back as a part of my costume.
I had to admit the costume wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The main feature was obviously the mask that covered half of my face. I was pretty much blind out of my left eye because instead of their being a regular hole for me to see through it had been covered in something like the lense of a pair of sunglasses so that it would look black. With as dark as the ball room already was, it was pretty much impossible to see through, even with ghost-night-vision. The mask was somehow glued to my face like a Band-Aid because when a mask only covers half of your face it would be weird to hold it on with string. Plus the way the mask just sort of stuck there made it look a little creepier. It had itched at first, kind of like after you just get your face painted, but the itch had gone away after a while.
My hair had been slicked straight back, like I said. There was so much gel in it that is shined like I had just come out of the shower. I was not looking forward to the task of washing the goop out of my hair later. The rest of the costume was kind of simple. I was wearing a crisp white oxford with a tuxedo vest over top. The vest was blood red satin with velvet designs on it. I was wearing some regular black dress pants and instead of some normal dress shoes I was wearing these shiny black leather boots. Far from being cowboy boots they were tight against my leg so that I could wear them underneath my dress pants. If the boots reminded me of anything it was of something pirates might wear. I had also been given a silver pocket watch to put in the chest pocket of my tuxedo vest. The chain attached draped from my chest pocket and was connected to the waist of my pants. I was also wearing these white satin gloves that buttoned around the wrist. Then over the top of the whole thing I had been given a trench coat. It wasn't an overlarge trench coat or anything; it was a very snug fit around my torso, when I buttoned it up. The shoulders were crisp and the cuffs firmly pressed. It was very well-to-do as far as trench coats went. Though I was suspicious of the way that the bottom of it would billow menacingly like a cape when I walked. I was pretty sure that regular trench coats didn't do that. Either way I wasn't letting it stop me from enjoying it.
Not that I could enjoy it at the moment, as I was busy avoiding scores of rich, old people. God I really hate Halloween. At first I had been staying out of the way just to uphold my agreement with Vlad. You know, because of my 'scary problem' I had to stay out of sight so he could do his thing. He had after all, worn the vampire costume. I had to say he was pulling the whole thing off exactly like I knew he would. But that's not important right now. What is important is that I am continuing to stay hidden because I am definitely not going out into that party unless I absolutely have to.
So like I said, at first I had just been hidden to keep out of sight for Vlad, then people actually started to show up and I got to actually see how this Ball was going to work. And after seeing what the ball was actually like, there is no way I am going out there. If I thought dealing with everyone at school was bad, this was definitely worse. At school everyone were stuck up snobs bidding against each other for power, sure; but they at least tried to be subtle about it. That was definitely not the case here. Here everyone very obviously had some sort of ulterior motive of some kind. All the men talked circles around each other, trying to confuse important information out of people, while all the women went around flirting shamelessly to get whatever they wanted. Really it was pathetic. What made it even worse was the fact that everyone thought so highly of themselves that nobody suspected anything of what was being done to them right under their noses. Or at least they thought that they themselves were safe while everyone else was being screwed over.
Despite how stupid these people were though I had absolutely no doubt that if I went out there, that I would definitely come under some sort of suspicion. I mean, I could admit to myself that I could do a pretty good job of acting like a rich jackass at school, but I was in no way confidant that I could pull off the act here. There is a very large difference between acting like a rich jackass at school and acting like a rich jackass at a Ball. There were just so many little mannerisms that I didn't have or know to do yet. Like why does everyone swish their drinks around at least three times before they take a sip? How come nobody ever takes a snack from a tray with less than five left on it? And this is all completely disregarding the fact that if anyone asked me to dance I was completely and utterly screwed.
So yeah, I'll be staying in my corner thanks. I am not risking making a fool of myself, or exposing my real identity in any way. The safest bet for me, was to stay out of the whole thing all together. I don't really care anymore if everyone at school wonders where I am. I'll come up with an excuse later. I am not going out there. I am just going to stay here in the darkest corner I could find and wait this whole thing out.
How much longer did I have to stay here anyway? I had to have at least been here for an hour already…
"Care for some company?" I drew blood from inside my cheek when I bit down to keep from screaming out in surprise. Coming quickly out of my thoughts I found a girl about my age standing next to me. She had spoken in no more than a whisper. Glancing quickly from her to the crowd passing obliviously in front of us I tried to come up with some sort of excuse for being hauled up in a corner like some sort of hermit. Oh crap oh crap this is exactly what I did not want to happen. I'm the son of Vlad Masters. I can't be seen like this.
"I-I was just-"
"Oh please, you don't think you're the only one who hates these things? It's obvious you're hiding. I was just wondering if you would share your spot. You've got the best one staked out you know, and all of the other hiding places are full." The panic that had been coiling in my chest lessened as the girl continued to talk. Thank god; it was just a false alarm. I was safe, at least until I could tell her to go away. "I'll go find another hiding place if you're really intent on being alone, but I would really appreciate it if you would let me stay. I don't want to chance my mother seeing me again. I just got out from under her nose." A look of pure dread settled onto her face as she talked about going back out into the party. At that point the hero side in me decided that sharing my spot wouldn't be so bad, as long as it was only with one person. It was weird though the way she explained it, there were people hiding all over the Ball room. That would mean that there were other people who didn't want to be here, just like me. I could use this information in some way, I was sure of it. I managed to get out a reply without stuttering like an idiot this time.
"Sure I don't mind. Here stand behind me. Your costume is really bright and we won't be noticed as easily if you're behind me." She nodded in appreciation before quietly shuffling so that she could better hide herself behind the dark colors of my costume. She was dressed as a Bride, though I think based on the dark circles under her eyes she was supposed to be a dead one. Her face was hidden behind a soft white veil so I couldn't tell who she was. Though I could have sworn there was something familiar about her. I shook off the weird feeling and went back to staring at the crowd and making sure that no one saw us. Despite myself I calmed down, now having someone else to worry about. I easily settled into my more familiar role of protector, now that I had a damsel and distress to take care of. There was a small cough behind me, causing me to turn abruptly to face the girl once again.
"My name is Emma Conant by the way. My dad is the CEO of Campbell's." As soon as I heard the word Cambell's I figured out where I had seen this girl before. This was that shy girl that I had met when I invited Bill to lunch. I couldn't resist a little smirk as I re-introduced myself.
"Dan Masters, nice to see you again Emma. Sorry I didn't recognize you. Though to my own credit it seems like you could use a can of good old chicken noodle, you look like the walking dead!" I kept my voice low and heavy with sarcasm. I watched in satisfaction as Emma's hand shot up to cover her face as she held in a tiny snort of laughter.
"You don't look half bad yourself. Way to really emulate your character, hiding in the shadows and what not." I held down a chuckle in favor of a tight controlled smile.
"That's good, I'm going to have to use that when V-Dad asks me where I was this whole time." Emma now shot me her own smirk of pride before shaking her head in laughter. I barely caught myself in time before I said Vlad's first name. I internally winced at the small slip, but relaxed when it didn't look like Emma noticed. We both turned back to observing the crowd in our own thoughts. I worked on getting myself into the right mindset so I wouldn't be caught off guard again. I had to stay consistent after all. I couldn't go from calling Vlad 'Dad' the one day and 'Vlad' the next.
Despite the fact that Emma had caught me in a corner it wouldn't be to my advantage to let her see me nervous or anything. I was going to have to make sure that I was acting every bit the 'Masters Heir' that she would expect me to be. I repeated a mantra in my head, trying to trick myself into my role of son-of-a-trillionare-super-villian. I am a Masters, I must act like I use money for toilet paper, I am a Masters ,I must talk like I'm a walking dictionary, I am a Masters…
"What are you doing hiding away in the first place? I didn't take you for the type." I came out of my musing to turn back to Emma; reminding myself to pull back my shoulders this time.
"I don't particularly care to draw attention to myself. And seeing as I am the son of Vlad Masters I will at some point be getting a lot of it. I just want to hold off on that moment for a little while longer." I caught Emma frowning for a second at my response. Her frown caused my eyebrows to furrow together a little in confusion. Why was she frowning like that? She didn't suspect anything did she? I mean, I had practically told her the truth, and I even remembered to pull my shoulders back this time.
"Dan I have to say that if you don't want attention you let the wrong guy adopt you." I sighed a little in relief when it became clear what had caused Emma to frown. I nodded a little bit as I responded.
"Yeah, he gets a lot of attention, but I still think I picked the right guy for the job." I stopped explaining myself there, not wanting to give out any personal information. Emma just nodded and accepted what information I gave her, realizing she was treading on thin ice with the subject. I turned around again, meaning to scan the crowd and cut off the sensitive conversation. Instead when I turned I found Marilyn Monroe coming towards me and my hiding place with a scornful look on her face.
"Emma Marie Conant what have I told you about standing in dark dusty corners at this sort of thing. I knew I should have gone with you to 'go to the ladies room'. You get back out here this instant and stop defiling your father's name." As she got closer to us she kept her scolding to a fiery whisper, having only eyes for Emma. There was a fleeting moment there, where I thought that I might be able to slip into the shadows and escape. That never came to pass though because when she was not three feet from us Emma's mom seemed to realize that Emma wasn't alone in the corner. Instantly her demeanor changed. She dropped the fiery whisper she had been using and a pleasant and very fake smile appeared on her face. "Oh please excuse me I didn't realize you were here. I'm sorry about my daughter she inevitably dragged you in here for company. Unless I was interrupting something?" She raised her eyebrows and looked to Emma with an almost hopeful look in her eyes. Emma in contrast seemed horrified.
"Mom! We were just talking!" The woman let out a sigh of disappointment. I had to remind myself to stay in check as I listened to the woman talk to Emma. Weren't parents supposed to, you know, not encourage thatkind of thing?
"Yes, heaven forbid you do anything but talk with a boy. You are getting older Emma you really don't have much time left before all the good ones are gone. Now come out of the corner and introduce me to your friend; it's only polite." With a huff Emma came out of the shadow looking back to me with an apologetic look; reluctantly urging me to follow. The woman raked her eyes over me like I was vegetable at the super market that she wasn't sure was ripe enough. The look made me repress a shiver. It took every fiber of determination in my body not to just go invisible and intangible right there. Crap crap crap CRAP! I had really been found out now. I was doomed.
Slowly and deliberately I came out of my sanctuary. There was no way I was going to be able to fool this woman into believing that I was raised with money. The way she was looking at me; nothing was going to get past her. What's she going to say when she realizes something is 'off' about me? She'll probably let everyone know about how poor I really am and I won't ever be able to live up to Vlad's name like he wants me to. Oh god…
Okay, I couldn't afford to panic like this. Just, snap out of it Fent-NO! Masters! I have to be a Masters. Okay I could do this. It would be just like school, only everybody was dressed funny and is older. I could do this. As I walked forward I repeated my mantra frantically in my head.
I am a Masters. I must walk like I own the world. I am a Masters. I must be able to hold a conversation with Shakespeare. I am a Masters…
Subtly I rolled my shoulders back and tilted my chin up. I put a signature 'Vlad' grin on my face and shoved all of my worry to the back of my head. I AM a Masters. I looked to Emma indifferently, like I was infinitely more important than anyone within a hundred mile radius, as she started making introductions.
"Mom this is Daniel Masters," the woman's eyes lit up with glee as she realized just who I was. Immediately a smile radiated off of her face. She cut off the rest of her daughter's introduction. The calculating look in her eye was gone, and it was replaced by a look of greed and longing. She grabbed me by the shoulders and positioned me so that she could 'properly examine' me.
"Well if it isn't the infamous Masters heir! Come now let me get a good look at you. Emma why didn't you say that you had made friends with this young man?" I was desperate for a place to look that wouldn't be weird or offensive as the woman obviously raked her hungry gaze over me again.
I had to seriously restrain myself from gulping as I realized what was happening. Oh, this woman believed I was Vlad's son alright. I was sure there was no doubt in her mind. Instead of stopping to make sure that I was indeed who I said I was, like everyone at school had on my first day, she took my word for it. She had heard my name and everything else about me had ceased to matter; because I was a Masters and she wanted to make sure to get in my good graces. She didn't care that I might have been some suburban teen in disguise, she didn't care if I was dumb as a rock; all that mattered was that she could use me to get close to Vlad and his money. I probably could have picked my nose right there and she wouldn't have cared as long as I told her that I would be friends with her daughter. Somehow, the fact didn't make me feel any better. Actually it probably made me feel worse. I had been prepared to prove myself not keep my cool while people tried to manipulate me. Suddenly the woman that had passed by my hiding spot earlier in the Cruella Devil costume butted into the conversation.
"Masters' heir did you say Debbie? This isn't another one of your false little rumors is it?" Mrs. Conant put a frown of disapproval on her face, clearly unhappy with what Cruella Devil had just accused her of. It didn't seem to matter though, how many daggers Mrs. Conant threw with her eyes, because this new woman was now looking over me in the same way that Emma's mom had, like a vegetable in a supermarket. I froze up a little bit at being examined again. This woman clearly wasn't going to take Mrs. Conant's word on anything, so I was going to have to play my part. Okay this I could handle. Well this is what I had expected, anyway. I am a Masters. I am a Masters. I am a Masters… Remembering myself I carefully, very carefully, offered my hand and my name to this new woman.
"I'm afraid that Mrs. Conant would be telling the truth. Daniel Masters, a pleasure to be of your acquaintance." There I had done it! I sounded almost as stuck up as Vlad. This woman's eyes, just like Mrs. Conant's had changed from speculating to greedy. I squirmed on the inside as I realized that now this woman too, believed I was Vlad's son and would do almost anything to get me in her clutches. She abruptly gave me her hand which I shook lightly, like it might break under too much pressure.
"Quite the gentleman; you can call me Mrs. Buckley, young man. You know I have a very pretty daughter about your age. I'm sure you would get along famously." Was this woman trying to set me up with her daughter? But I hadn't even known her for more than five seconds. The only reason she would want me to meet her daughter would be because of my last name! Did she seriously think that I was going to fall for this? People were really stupid if they thought they could play me into their pockets that easily. I didn't know anything about this person and I wasn't about to go off and flirt with their daughter. I glanced quickly to Emma in uncertainty before I opened my mouth to respond to Mrs. Buckley in a way that would hopefully sound very posh and not offend her. Before I could make any sort of noise though, another woman dressed as Princess Leia decided that they wanted in on the conversation.
"A little birdie told me that the Masters' heir was keeping your company Debbie is it true? I'm Mrs. Parker by the way." This woman didn't offer her hand to me. She just slipped in her name like it wasn't important and assimilated herself into the circle. She too was giving me the vegetable look, only as she was she would sneak appraising glances at the other two women, like she was sizing up the competition. This woman obviously was hesitant to believe that I was Vlad's son also, but she wasn't taking any chances. Honestly at this point I didn't really feel like letting this person know that I was Vlad's son. It was clear, at least now, that the only reason these women were here was because they wanted to use me to get close to Vlad and his money. I was already squirming, not knowing what to do, under two womens' gazes; I didn't really feel the need to add to that number.
Even if I didn't want to, I didn't really get a chance to offer my own name because now a woman dressed as Betty Boop came into the circle.
"Of course he's the Masters' Heir do you think Felicia Buckley would be offering her daughters time to anyone less? I'm young man I'm afraid I didn't catch your first name?" Mrs. Wiseman offered her hand now and before anyone else could interrupt I took it and introduced myself. I had no clue what to do with myself when people just stood there and looked at me. I saw the opportunity to return to the familiarity of a handshake and I was going to take it.
"That would be Daniel, thank you for asking. A pleasure to meet you ." I hadn't finished my sentence before another woman butted into the circle; probably a little more violently than was necessary. She was dressed in a really big dress that looked like it would have belonged better in colonial times.
"Daniel what a fine name, very traditional. I'm Mrs. Robinson, It's a delight to finally meet you. My daughter Bethany has been going on about you for weeks now. Don't worry I've heard only the best." I didn't even have time to think about replying before another woman this one dressed as a Queen of some kind, butted into the circle.
"The Masters' Heir? Your name's Daniel correct? My daughter has told me all about you. Quite the gentleman this one is. He helped my Venessa carry her books in the hall when he saw she had a broken leg, isn't that just adorable?" There was a temporary lull in the onslaught of conversation as all of the women surrounding me cooed and awed. Durring that time two more women made their way to the circle. One was dressed in a red dress and devils horns and the other was dressed as Cinderella.
Where the heck were all of these people coming from? I had to figure out a way to get these people to stop saying my name out loud. There are obviously too many people nearby who were eavesdropping and came over to investigate when they heard my name mentioned. As soon as there was an opening the woman dressed as the devil introduced herself.
"Very pleased to meet you Daniel, you can call me Mrs. Johnson. I have a daughter that's heard rumors about you and I must say that she's very interested to meet you." She didn't offer her hand for a handshake, but really that wasn't a problem because as soon as Mrs. Johnson finished her sentence the woman dressed as Cinderella cut in.
"Surely you'd like to meet my daughters Daniel? I just had them with me before they went to freshen up. Lovely girls they are, twins in fact." I just stood there in sort of mortified fascination, desperately fighting the urge to gape openly, as a classic Disney character told me about her twin daughters in a very suggestive manner. Once again, though I didn't get time to respond or even dwell on the fact, another woman was shoving her way into the circle. Morticia from The Adams Family was pushing her way into the group. She however, had come prepared and had her actual daughter with her dressed as Cleopatra.
"Daniel Masters, I heard you were over here I would like you to meet my daughter, Delilah Lucas." The woman dressed as Dorothy practically shoved her daughter in my face. I had to stop this. I couldn't handle any more people coming over and trying to meet and or manipulate me. Everyone was looking at me like I was some sort of valuble object that they were planning to steal and sell on the black market. The staring was making me jumpy and anxious. I could tell something was not right. I gave the girl a sympathetic look as I shook her hand lightly. It was obvious she wanted to be there as much as I did. She blushed slightly as I introduced myself in the most dignified way I could manage in the current situation.
"Daniel Masters, it's good to meet you Delilah." That was as far as I got however before a small slender hand deliberately rested on my shoulder. I honestly think it was an act of a higher power that kept me from whipping around and punching who had laid their hand on me in the face. The way they were grabbing me was sending off alarms in my brain. Goosebumbs raised on my arms and neck. I tried to discreetly shrug off the hand on my shoulder but it wasn't working. Something was definitely not right. When who ever had grabbed me started to speak behind me I recognized the voice and realized it was Mrs. Conant from earlier, Emma's mom. Not surprisingly, the fact did not make me feel better.
"Julia really you ought not to be so brash introducing your daughter to boys like that, Daniel was already having a pleasant conversation with my Emma before you all interrupted them." There was a scoff off to my right as the woman, I couldn't remember her name, the Betty Boop person now reached out to grab my arm. Her fingers were long and cold and somehow felt like a trap around my right wrist. Internally I could feel my pulse speed up just a little bit. I had to reel in my instincts to blast away my captor. I was using every ounce of my self control in not freaking out.
"Debbie he hasn't said anything about having a girlfriend. Just because he was talking with your daughter doesn't mean anything. And besides just because you've already ordered doesn't mean you can't still look at the menu hm?" the Betty Boop woman wiggled her eyebrows at me suggestively. My eyes got wide. What the heck was I supposed to say to that? Before I got the chance to answer there was another hand sneaking around my other wrist. This time it was the woman who was dressed as Cruella Devil. Her hand wasn't cold but her nails dug into my skin like spikes. I was eerily reminded of a bear trap Skulker had caught me in once. The back of my neck started to get hot as I wondered why on earth everyone was suddenly seeing the need to grab onto me. Oh shit this was not good. How the hell am I supposed to make sure that I act like the heir of a trillionare if I'm on the verge of punching people on reflex?
"Angela why would you say such a thing to the boy! He's obviously uncomfortable. Come with me Daniel, my daughter is much more suited to cultured conversation. Not like some people." I felt the hand that was grabbing my right arm tighten in anger as the Betty Boop woman retaliated.
"Sara!" there was a tug on my left arm as Cruela Devil tried again to pull me away.
"I'm only stating the facts. Come now Daniel you don't deserve to be around this riff-raff." Both the hand on my right wrist and the hand on my shoulder dug into my skin.
"Excuse me!"
"Why I never…" Both the women who had a hold on me tightened their fingers as they expressed their outrage.
"Daniel you must come with me you shouldn't stand being treated like this." Vaugly I registered another hand grabbing onto my shoulder as another woman tried to pull me away.
"No Daniel you really ought to come meet my daughter, she's very pretty you know. Just the sort of girl I know you'll like."
"Come with me Daniel-"
"My Daughter-"
"Not like this sort-"
"Conversation with manners-"
Hands were finding places to grab onto all over me as I was pulled in all different directions. I felt incredibly violated as my personal space was completely disregarded and women who hadn't even been in the conversation before grabbed fistfuls of my clothes. I had no idea what to do and was tiring desperately to hold onto any sort of dignity I had left while suppressing the overwhelming urge to go ghost and hightail it out of this demission all together. I could feel sharp nails dig into my skin as fingers tightened around my arms and shoulders. What the crap was I supposed to do? I had been worried about talking all fancy and standing up straight, not being a human rope in a game of tug-o-war! I could feel myself start to sweat in panic. My mind was going a million miles an hour. How was I supposed to get out of this without using my ghost powers and retaining some sort of dignity? All the while the situation around me escalated as women started insulting each other and ruffly pushing each other out of the way to get a hand on me. My panic increased as I realized that my eyes were starting to glow with anxiety that was building inside me .Crap crap crap CRAP! Women started shouting and clawing outright at my arms, even my face.
"Good evening Ladies." Like a signal the familiar smooth baritone that spoke behind me halted all of the fighting. Almost like they had rehearsed it all of the women looked, at the same time, up at the person standing behind me. As soon as the identity of the voice was confirmed every hand that had a hold on me let go and everyone stepped away, leaving me in the middle of a now vacant three foot circle. I had a very hard time not breaking into grateful hysterics at that moment. Vlad took a step forward, now that there was space, to stand beside me.
Remember when I said he was pulling off the Vampire costume? Yeah he was definitely doing that now. Despite the fact that everyone else who has ever tried to talk with fangs in their mouth ends up talking with a really stupid lisp, Vlad's voice was still as clear and evil as ever. And of course because Vlad really did have fangs most of the time he had completely perfected scowling, smiling, smirking or whatever other facial expression so that it looked creepy as hell; then add to that the fact that Vlad can look really scary without any assistance. In the dark room the high collar of the inky black cape Vlad was wearing cast foreboding shadows on his face which added to the fact that he towered over almost everyone. Really if you didn't know any better you might think Vlad was actually a vampire and was about ready to go on a murderous rampage. Yes I was very happy that Vlad had showed up and that he was on my side. Casually he rested his hand on my opposite shoulder; his arm draping over me protectively.
"I see you have all had the pleasure of meeting my son, Daniel. Am I correct?" With the declaration from Vlad himself that I was indeed his son, the womens' eyes flared with hunger again. I pressed myself into Vlad's side silently pleading with him to stop them and get me the hell out of there! He didn't look at me but the way his arm tightened protectively around me let me know that he got the message. I could feel Vlad glare and send out a small pulse of energy when he spoke. The women who surrounded us shivered, aware on some level that the power they had just felt had come from Vlad and that he was not happy with them.
"Well we would love to stay and chat but I do believe that Daniel and I are needed elsewhere. Have a good night ladies." Vlad didn't wait for a response before he tightened his arm around me again to steer me away from the pack of rabid women. They quickly disappeared behind the crowd as Vlad led me forward and around groups of people who were laughing politely and making small talk. I finally calmed down enough that I wasn't subconsciously trying to use Vlad as a shield anymore. Relief flooded through my limbs as Vlad led me away. I leaned a little towards Vlad as we were walking and spoke just above a whisper, conscious of all the people that could overhear nearby.
"Thanks Dad." Vlad inhaled sharply and hesitated just a fraction in taking his next step. His arm, which he hadn't taken off of my shoulder, tightened around me possessively. Meanwhile my stomach was doing flip-flops and this constricting warm feeling made its home in my chest. Despite the reaction I knew the D-word would cause my stomach and chest to have, I had to use it. I mean with all these people around you never knew who was listening. I couldn't afford to make mistakes. So I had to call Vlad that, you know, for appearances.
"Anything for my son." The tight feeling in my chest gave a little squeeze and it was making it seriously hard to breathe properly. Luckily I didn't have to respond though as Vlad continued talking. "I apologize for not arriving sooner. As it was my hands were tied and I couldn't get away. I'm not usually the one sprinting off to do the rescuing you know." The tightness in my chest seemed to ease with the familiar jab at my 'hero complex'. I let out a breath and spoke in low tones as Vlad leisurely led me around groups of people. His arm never fell from my shoulder though it did loosen significantly.
"I-It's fine. I'm just glad you came when you did. I doubt I seriously could have kept myself together for much longer. And yes, pun intended." Vlad looked down to me with his eyebrow raised in amusement. The look caused me to smirk back at him. I waited for Vlad to respond with his own witty comment but he never did. He just went back to guiding me around groups of people. Okay well really people more moved out of the way subconsciously in fear as they noticed Vlad was coming.
I frowned as I realized that I was officially violating our deal by being this close to Vlad; even if my presence didn't seem to effect Vlad's reign of terror much. A deal was still a deal; and I didn't exactly want to stay out in plain sight much longer. I was fine when Vlad was here and he could keep everyone away, but as soon as he left I did not want to be anywhere that would leave me vulnerable. I looked up to Vlad again to let him know that I would be leaving.
"Thanks for getting me out of that whole thing… Dad… I really appreciate it. But I'm good now so I'll just find a new dark corner and see you at the end of the party I guess." I made to peel myself away from Vlad's side and take my place in the shadows, but was stopped when Vlad's arm tightened around me.
"Oh Daniel you didn't seriously believe that hiding was a viable option now that you've been discovered did you? Oh no I'm afraid that you won't be able to go back into hiding. Everyone now knows you're here so you will be expected to keep yourself visible at all times." I stiffened at the declaration Vlad had just made.
"You can't be serious. What the heck am I supposed to do? I'm not going to just stand around and wait to get mobbed again, and I can't stay by your side because we had a deal. I can't do this Vlad I don't know how to be all rich like you do. What if someone finds me out!" Vlad looked at me with a frown on his face.
"Daniel, I'm not going to throw you to the dogs to uphold some ridiculous 'deal' we might have previously arranged. You are more than welcome to stay by my side if you wish. Besides it seems as if you are not negating the effects of my efforts as much as you claimed." I was taken aback for a minute as Vlad offered me refuge at his side for the rest of the night. I honestly hadn't expected him to withdrawal his word on this. There was a very large part of me that wanted to take Vlad up on his offer. Though there was the smaller part of me that didn't. I held up my word as one of my most important qualities. Breaking the deal I had with Vlad because I was scared of facing everyone on my own just seemed like a really crappy reason to go back on my word. Silently I went about evaluating my options. Vlad was doing a good job of moving around so that we didn't get snagged up into any conversations unless we wanted to be in one. Unfortunately that meant that we weren't near any of the shadows that would allow me to go back into hiding. Though it's not like I could anyway; Vlad was right. Everybody was looking at Vlad and me as we would slowly walk past them. Their gazes would linger on me for just a smidgen too long. I couldn't really go back into hiding now because people would wonder where I went.
I caught a few of the gazes of my classmates as we walked around. They would raise their eyebrows a little, supposedly at the arm Vlad was keeping around my shoulder, before they gave me an anknowledging smile.
Based on the way that my peers were looking at me and the way Vlad was practically shielding me with his body from the party, it wouldn't be a good idea to stay in Vlad's company like this for too much longer. Now that Vlad had actually gotten me out of the mess I was in before, his gestures of 'protection' probably looked awkward and unnecessary. I was going to start losing face if I continued to walk around like I needed Vlad to protect me from everyone. No I really couldn't stay with Vlad too much longer, much to my dismay. My word and my reputation both made sure of that.
"Vlad I can't follow you like a lost puppy for the rest of the party. I'm not going to go back on my word for one thing; and people are starting to look at me funny." Vlad let out a heavy sigh and his grip on my shoulder loosened ever so slightly.
"Very well Daniel, As it I already told you it impossible for you to go and hide yourself in a corner once more, I do believe it is time for you to quite literally, face the music. You wouldn't happen to know how to waltz would you?" My eyes widened. Vlad was not seriously suggesting that I go dance with someone.
"No Vlad I don't know how to dance! You can't be serious." Vlad wasn't paying attention to me though. He only bowed his head slightly and spoke not to me, but to a woman and her daughter who had appeared in front of us.
"Good evening Martha, Tara." I blushed furiously as I realized that these women had heard me tell Vlad that I couldn't dance. Oh shit, how was I going to get out of this one? This was not good. Okay, I just have to calm down. I tried to subtly pull my shoulders back and bring my feet together like Vlad was beside me. My actions only made Vlad smirk amusedly down at me. I blushed a deeper red despite myself as Vlad disregarded the people in front of us and decided to acknowledge my discomfort instead. Seemingly ignoring Vlad the women in front of us introduced themselves. The older woman, who was dressed as someone from ancient Greece, spoke for the both of them.
"Good evening Vladimir, Daniel" Her and her daughter who was dressed in a very tight fitting Tinkerbelle costume both curtsied after they introduced themselves. Vlad nodded in acknowledgment.
"Would the both of you humor two humble men for a dance?" The women politely giggled before the older woman once again took the lead and held out her hand.
"It would be our pleasure." Vlad bowed slightly as he accepted the older woman's hand and led her away into the crowd. Very suddenly I was left all alone. Blood rushed to my face as I realized Vlad had set me up without an escape. I tried, so hard, not to stutter as I faced my doom.
"S-so, would you like to dance?" I had to stop my hand from pulling at the collar of my shirt as the girl in front of me giggled.
"Sure, what could it hurt?" your toes and probably your dignity, I silently thought as she held out her hand for me to take. I copied Vlad's actions when I took her outstretched hand, bowing slightly but not breaking eye contact. Grateful for the gloves that covered my now sweaty palms I led the girl I was supposed to somehow dance with towards the dance floor.
We finally broke through the wall of people that surrounded the dance floor and I immediately froze. The girl I was with looked at me curiously. I had kept my hand in hers as she was tugged back to my side when she tried to continue to move forward. I watched as people swirled around in time to the music, sometimes sporadically switching partners. What the hell was I thinking? What the hell was Vlad thinking! I couldn't dance! There was no way I was going out there and making a complete fool out of myself. It was better that I just fess up now and face the humiliation from one person instead of falling flat on my face in front of twenty. Color drained from my face as I turned to the girl in the Tinkerbelle costume beside me. I swallowed thickly as I started to excuse myself.
"Look, I'm sorry-"
"Daniel really, you didn't think I would let you fend for yourself now did you? It's me, now lead me out onto the floor like a gentleman before you start to attract attention." I stared at the girl trying to comprehend what she had just said. What did she mean 'It's me'? Why did she call me Daniel? Only Vlad calls me… Oh hell no.
"Daniel." The girl gave a sharp tug on my wrist and I snapped out of my shocked state
"Vlad?" She only gave me a stern look that was so 'Vlad' I didn't need any other conformation. I was very suddenly confused with the whole situation, when had Vlad overshadowed this girl? How much of my embarrassment did this girl actually witness and how much of it was Vlad?
"Vlad when did you overshadow her? How much did she actually see?" Vlad growled at me in irritation before he explained.
"I picked out the two women before you even saw them Daniel. Rest assured none of your blunders will be remembered by either of the women. Now start moving or I swear to you, you will sorely regret it." I could almost feel my blood pressure drop in relief. Thank god. Finally realizing I was just standing there and attracting attention I hurriedly lead her onto the dance floor. She stumbled slightly as I pulled her along. I smiled weakly, forgetting for a moment that the girl was actually Vlad. She rolled her eyes in a very Vlad like fashion before taking her hands in mine and placing one on her hip while taking the other in her own.
"Daniel, I'm going to lead for now but that won't be acceptable when I'm not here. So pay attention for when you're going to have to do this without me here to assist you. For now I wasn't you to pretend that our feet are attached with stings alright. Now follow me." I stared at Vlad as he; well I guess she, took a very deliberate step to back with her left foot. Slightly delayed and really not knowing what else to do at the moment I moved my right foot forward. Without any prompting she moved her right backward and out to the right. I followed somewhat lagging with my left foot on the same path. The pattern repeated itself and my eyes were glued to the floor as we moved backwards forwards to the left and to the right. I was completely absorbed in the task of following the feet in high heels so that I wouldn't look like an idiot. After a while of the same pattern I started to move with the small high heels instead of slightly after them. Up until now Vlad had been completely silent, letting me focus on getting the dance right. Though he obviously wasn't going to let that continue now that I seemed to be getting it.
"Daniel look up at me. The floor isn't going anywhere. You look like you don't know what you're doing with your head down like that. You've at least got a handle on it now." Hesitantly I looked up into the face of the girl I was dancing with. I blushed as it hit me that I was dancing with a girl. Really a rather pretty girl. Even if she was overshadowed by Vlad at the moment. I forgot what I was supposed to be doing with my feet again and my eyes shot back down to the floor to figure it out.
"Daniel." My head came up again.
"Sorry." The girl, well Vlad, glared for a moment.
"Daniel, I understand why you would wish to apologize to me, but while I am under this guise it is not acceptable. Don't ever apologize to lesser people than you, it isn't becoming to a person of power. Do you understand?" My head recoiled a little in surprise.
"But-" Vlad sighed.
"Daniel your moral code does not apply here; surely you've figured that out by now. Don't apologize to people who are lesser than you because it makes you look weak. And just so you know everyone is now lesser than you except for me." I gave Vlad an exasperated look, but before I could make some comment about how he was not the ruler of the world and that he was a real asshole for thinking he was the only person I would ever need to apologize to; he interrupted me.
"I am more powerful than you; I feed you, house you, clothe you, train you, and pay for your education. You are also my son so you will apologize to me and only to me, because that is what other people will expect from my heir. Being overly generous will get you nowhere. I know what I'm talking about." My mouth snapped shut and a glared lightly at Vlad. Okay fine, gezze. He didn't have to be so cross about it.
I was silent again as I tried to figure out how to dance, now without looking at my feet. I looked into the girls face as we spun around and around. I was really glad that I had a hardy stomach. All of this spinning and moving would not have sat well with Tucker.
I scowled slightly as I thought of my ex-friend and tried to think of something else. I focused back on what was right in front of me, which happened to be Vlad overshadowing a teenage girl. The complete oddness of that thought was great at doing what I wanted it to. I couldn't help but comment on it.
"Vlad this has got to be one of the weirdest things you have ever done." The girl's eyebrows shot up at my comment.
"Tara." It was my turn for my eyebrows to shoot up.
"What?" Vlad, well the girl, sighed.
"Tara, Daniel. This girl's name is Tara. While I doubt that anyone will be near for long enough to become suspicious of the use of my name in conversation; it would be odd for you to overly use my name when you are dancing with a young lady. As for the oddities of your current situation, they are not as uncommon as you would believe. This is a handy trick to have when I do not wish to listen to endless flirtations at social events. It really gets quite old." I scoffed at Vlad's explanations. Wow, he would do something like that. I couldn't fault him for overshadowing girls for his own convenience though. I had done it several times too, so I couldn't exactly call him out on it in fairness. Vlad, or Tara, was looking at me like they were expecting me to make a comment. I smirked and was more than happy to oblige.
"I guess that makes sense. I was wondering how you were able to walk, let alone dance in high heels so well. You've just had a lot of practice." Vlad/Tara snorted before quickly covering it up as a cough.
"Touché Daniel. I will never understand why women where these things. Forget the fact that they are difficult to walk in they are downright painful. It's like a dull knife is cutting into that skin above your toes in a good pair. Honestly if you know that you are going to be on your feet for more than a few hours why would you willingly wear something that you know is going to cause you grief?" I started to shrug but stopped when I felt Vlad/Tara's hand tighten where it was placed on my shoulder to keep me form completing the motion. I settled for verbally responding.
"I don't have any more clue than you do." Vlad/Tara smirked amusedly at me. We fell back into silence as we moved around the dance floor. I stared off into space, mindlessly moving my feet having repeated the same pattern enough times now to rely on muscle memory for the most part.
"Daniel the song is going to end in a moment. I do believe you will be fine without my guidance now so I won't be helping you with the next young lady. Do you think you will be fine or do you want me to stay?" I blinked a few times. My eyes had gotten dry because I hadn't blinked when I was staring off into space.
"No I think I'll be okay. I'll find a way to let you know if I need help again though I'm sure." Vlad/Tara shook her head slightly.
"Very well. In a moment the song is going to end and I am going to exit the girl. Obviously she is going to be very confused. Don't mind that and just politely bow and thank her for the dance. She'll deal with her confusion herself and draw her own conclusions later. You won't have to worry about finding a new partner either. Being who you are, there are already multiple young ladies lined up to take Tara's place when the song is over. Remember to hold yourself well and speak politely. Don't get too generous with your sarcastic commentary. It won't be appreciated here for what it is. For all the money these people have they are incredibly dim witted. Make me proud, son." With that the orchestra on stage drew out the last note of the ballad they were playing to a light smattering of applause. Tara the girl I was dancing with staggered slightly signaling that Vlad had officially left her. She blinked warily. I supported her weight for a moment and when she stood on her own I bowed slightly like Vlad had said to.
"Thank you kindly for the dance Tara. It was lovely." The girl looked at me confused for a moment before she just went with it and curtseyed.
"You're very welcome. Have a nice night." She absently wandered off of the dance floor in a daze. In less than three seconds there was another girl standing in Tara's spot. I couldn't tell for sure but it looked like she was dressed as a Barbie.
"Barbra Trump. Donald Trump is my grandfather. I saw you were in need of a new partner I would be delighted if you would oblige." She held out her hand with a questioning eyebrow. I heaved an internal sigh of anxiety and bowed slightly to accept the hand. I could do this. I was doing it when Vlad was here. It was exactly the same only now I dancing with a girl who would actually remember the experience.
"Daniel James Masters. The pleasure would be mine." I sent her a cold grin that would've made Vlad proud, or at least I hope it would have. It wasn't long before the Orchestra was starting a new song and I was taking the first steps as we would work our way around the dance floor. The first few steps were awkward. I couldn't help a blush as we shuffled around for a moment before getting into the swing of things. I didn't miss the way the girl, Barbra, giggled at my discomfort. I just tried to ignore her and keep from stepping on her toes. In a moment of panic or genius, I made my feet intangible. Nobody would notice, and this way I was sure I wouldn't step on any toes. Barbra's or otherwise. I tried to keep my face in an indifferent expression as I led Barbra around the couples that were dancing around us. I was focusing so hard on getting my feet in the right place that I was startled when Barbra started to make conversation.
"So, Daniel…" There was a slight pause in her sentence that I used to my advantage.
"Please, call me Dan; if it wouldn't be too much trouble." She smiled warmly and batted her eyelashes once or twice.
"Of course not. So…Dan…This is a lovely party you and your father have put together. I know my family does take a particular pleasure in attending every year. It's a shame that your father doesn't throw more. His Dances are quite legendary." I gave just the tiniest of nod's in acknowledgment; still trying to focus on not messing up.
"So I've gathered. It was quite the experience watching all of it come together. If I had to guess as to why father doesn't hold more of these occasions it would be that they do take up an amount of his time that he would rather not be sacrificed." The attention I had to pay to sounding like a rich idiot when I spoke caused me to mis-step. I was grateful for the idea I had of making my feet intangible when I felt my shoe pass through where I would have stepped on Barbra's right foot. I had to resist letting my eyes sink to the floor so I could make sure my feet were in the right spot again. Thankfully it didn't look like Barbra had noticed anything, though I did see some goosebumps rise on her exposed forearm; probably from the weird unidentifiable feeling of my foot phasing through hers. I couldn't help a smirk as she stuttered when she responded.
"Y-Yes I can understand that I guess."
And so it went on like that. I danced with at least twelve different girls, and 'stepped' on eight different feet. Every single time whoever I was dancing with would shiver involuntarily, one girl even looked down at her feet to try and see what was wrong, but by the time she looked down my foot was moved away and everything appeared normal to her. Just because my foot was intangible didn't mean that it was invisible in any way.
The whole time whoever I was dancing with would flirt shamelessly with me and make meaningless conversation. I think at one point I talked about the weather with someone. I mean really could you get anymore cliché. I had only danced with three girls before I was understanding more why Vlad would see the need to overshadow whoever he was dancing with. Every single person I danced with would bat their eyelashes or say something about how nice I looked or how good a dancer I was. Yeah right.
As the dancing wore on I noticed that everyone else was starting to get tired so I slowed down my own pace to accommodate everyone else. I was grateful that my endurance meant that while everyone else was getting tired I was still going strong. It really helped that I could still focus on not messing up, plus it just made me look better. Eventually the air around me started to get uncomfortably stuffy and hot from all of the body heat. Really more on a whim than anything I decided to see what I could do to fix it. I tried to let just a smidge of my ice energy go, and everyone in the vicinity shivered with the abrupt change in temperature, especially the girl I was dancing with. A guy and girl standing next to us even completely stopped dancing and looked for the source of the cold. I only smirked knowingly and kept dancing. From that point on I started experimenting with freaking people out. I think I had at least thirty people shivering and hopelessly confused by now.
I was really completely bored. I had been dancing for at least a half an hour and I had no desire to keep listening to girls blatantly try and make me their boyfriend in less than thirty seconds. I had tried, numerous times to get off the dance floor, but I was stopped each time by some other girl who wanted a dance.
Finally another song ended and I was going to try and make a break for it again. I bowed quickly to the girl I was dancing with. I couldn't really remember her name, and I didn't really care. I was about ten feet away from freedom when I was once again intercepted. I seriously had to repress the urge to just curse the girl away and tell her to move out of my way. Though once I realized who it was that had intercepted me this time; I had to stop myself from looking surprised. I thought she would have gone back to hiding someplace.
"Hello Dan, would you like to dance?" Emma's shy voice hesitantly inquired. I stopped and stood for a minute. I honestly would have rather said no and gotten off the dance floor for good, but I couldn't bring myself to do that, even if it had been a girl I didn't know.
I glanced over Emma's shoulder and saw her mom looking at her with scrutiny. Suddenly Emma's hesitant demeanor made more sense. Her mom had probably forced her to come over here. The hero side in me decided again that this was a damsel in distress that needed saving. Okay I could do one more dance before I was done.
"My dear lady it would be my honor." I bowed slightly and held out my hand to receive Emma's She giggled lightly and took it. It was a few more seconds before the Orchestra started playing again and we were off. I tried making eye contact with Emma to start some sort of conversation so that it wouldn't be awkwardly silent, but she wouldn't meet my gaze. Finally I just resigned myself to staring over her shoulder and waiting till this song was done so I could try to make another escape attempt. I could already spot the girls who were lining up at the edge of the crowd to come take Emma's place. Damn them. I probably wouldn't be getting away after this song either.
"I'm sorry I got us discovered, and especially about my mom. Usually she's not that bad. If I knew that all those people would have come over like that I wouldn't have tried to hide with you. It's all my fault." Well that was unexpected. I had mostly forgotten about that whole situation, having been distracted by girls' endless chatter since then. I guess it would make sense that she would feel guilty for that. She was kind of the reason I was discovered. I probably would still be hiding in my corner if it hadn't been for her bright white dress that had given us away. One look into her guilty face and though, and I found my hero side screaming at me to do something to make her feel better. Even if at the same time I was partially blaming her for my fate; she shouldn't feel bad about it.
"It's fine. I was going to be discovered sooner or later. You just made it so that it was sooner. It's really not significant." I watched as Emma blushed underneath her veil. I couldn't bring myself to feel guilty for making her embarrassed. She was the one who had brought the subject up. It's not like anyone could see her blush underneath that veil unless they were as close as I was anyway. Plus she had caused me way more embarrassment than that, so it only was right that she feel a little embarrassed. There was a lull in conversation that I was pretty sure was awkward for her, but not for me. Living with Vlad makes a person pretty accustom to silence. Finally she couldn't take it anymore and she started talking. She took a shot in the dark at conversation, not really trying very hard to make it something relevant or interesting.
"So it's Halloween, do you think that the vampire ghost that haunts this mansion will show?" I had to keep from snorting in laughter. I however could not stop the malicious grin that spread over my face. The irony of her statement didn't escape me.
"Oh yeah, I definitely think he'll make an appearance." Emma didn't share the humor I was enjoying though. Likewise, the sarcasm in my statement flew completely over her head without the context it was said in. Instead she looked surprised at my answer.
"So you believe in ghosts?" I heaved an internal sigh with the question. If I had a dime for every time someone had asked me that question. Being the son of two ghost hunters, that question got asked more often than not. As such I had a pre-arranged answer for such a question. I spouted off my answer without really giving it a second thought. It was phrased in such a way that it sounded smart and nobody could really call me an idiot for saying it; so I figured it was safe.
"Well, there is a great deal of evidence that advocates for their existence. It's not so much that I believe that they exist as much as that nobody has proved that they don't exist." Emma gave me thoughtful look before she nodded.
"I guess that's one way to look at things." Satisfied that I wasn't going to be declared a freak at the moment I nodded as well and we were plunged again into a lull in conversation. I used the time to just think about the girl I was dancing with. You really wouldn't think she would be hanging out with the likes of Bill, she seemed too shy for that. You really had to wonder how she got into that group of people. I had seen her with Bill and she didn't seem the type to assert herself at all. Without that character trait I was sort of at a loss as to how she came to associate with Bill. She really didn't deserve to be dealing with all that. She was just too nice. I decided to voice my thoughts
"How did you meet Bill Ford? I really wouldn't have taken you for the type to associate with people like him." She thought for a moment before she shrugged.
"I'm not sure. I had some information he needed and I gave it to him. Ever since he started talking to me other people have stopped picking on me so I keep in contact with him. He's not the nicest guy, but he's okay and he keeps me from being pushed around." I raised an eyebrow at her response which caused her to blush again. I was about to tell her to stick up for herself and be proud of who she was before I stopped myself. She obviously wasn't very comfortable admitting that had been bullied. As a victim of Dash's harassment I totally understood why. It wouldn't be good to push her away by telling her to grow some thicker skin, when that wasn't what she needed to hear. Instead I just tried to be consoling.
"I can understand where you are coming from Emma, believe it or not. Though I probably wouldn't go to someone like Bill for help I can see why you did. As a gentleman I would happily help you if there is anyone you need dealt with. You don't need to put up with Bill so that you avoid a worse fate." Emma angled her head down and mumbled something incoherently that I couldn't understand. I just decided to smile back at her and pull her a little closer to make her feel comfortable. I knew she couldn't be friends with Bill. She was too innocent for that, really. Hopefully she would tell me if she was getting crap from people and I could help her. Even if she had ousted me from my hiding place earlier, nobody deserved to be picked on.
The Orchestra drew out the last few notes and the dancing came to a stop again with light applause from the people on the dance floor. Emma and I bowed and Emma slipped away while I tried to do the same. This time I was almost to the crowd that surrounded the dance floor before the Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz caught my arm. Damn it! It was like this thing was never going to end. I really hate Halloween.
Line Break.
I bowed my head again as the last person exited the grand front doors to their limo, Vlad at my side doing the same. Without hesitation Vlad shut the front doors and we were finally rid of everyone. Vlad and I both fell into the couch in the entry way, completely exhausted. The lack of noise causing a ringing in my ears as we just sat in the entry way, not really having enough motivation to move to our beds just yet.
The Ball had been okay. I definitely was going to do a better job of getting myself out of it next year. That or I was going to master making invisible duplicates in my human form by that time. I totally understood why Vlad only held one Ball a year. They were exhausting.
Sick of having the stupid thing on my face I quickly peeled the mask off of my face. It hurt a little bit, coming off, but it was worth it to get rid of the stupid thing. I rubbed the skin on the left half of my face. Happy that it could finally breathe again. My attention was brought to Vlad as he did a very bad job of hiding a laugh. I looked up to him.
"What?" When I looked at him he only laughed outright.
"Half of your face is completely red!" I sent him a glare which only caused him to shake his head and laugh harder. He bit down on his lip trying to contain himself. However his fangs poked into his lip causing him to abruptly stop laughing and wipe the blood off of his chin. I only smirked at the cosmic justice. Vlad sent me a warning glare, knowing that he had been served right and warning me not to make a comment on it. I ignored his warning.
"Gezze Vlad I know you dressed up as a vampire and all but I didn't know you liked your costume that much. If you wanted to drink blood for real I met a few Twilight obsessed girls who would be more than happy to help." Vlad only growled at me causing me to let out a snort of laughter.
"Go to bed Daniel."