40 years ago, Paris; France

The sun shone brightly despite in the sky. All around people went about their own business, be it rushing for a meeting at work, wondering what they were missing from their shopping list or simply what would be their choice for lunch.

In a small bar, the door burst open as three males stepped outside, their hollering causing nearby patrons to freeze and people on the streets to clear out as fast as possible.

"Hey Francois!" Laughed the man with blonde hair as he placed his hands around the other, a man with bright green hair. "Where are my fifty euros?"

"I got you your fifty euros right here!" Francois replied as he gave his companion a slap. The blonde tumbled down on the cobblestone paths. The final man came up to him, staring at the motionless individual with mud-brown eyes.

"Stefan?" He asked. "Are you okay?"

"Oh hello David." Stefan said with the stupidest grin on his face. "Yeah! Totally fine! I just got to know a great place to hang out, beat Francois in a game of poker and won a total of a hundred euros!"

"Actually, you only won fifty." David said. "Francois hasn't pain you yet."

"Yes he did!" Stefan sat up, still grinning. "Just now!"

"No." David shook his head. "He punched you."

Stefan blinked before his hand went up to his nose, which was now slightly bleeding. Thankfully, he wouldn't have to worry about it since it would heal almost immediately. He lapped the blood up as he comprehended the information David had just told him. "He did?" Stefan frowned.

"Yes." David nodded.

"He didn't hand me my money?" Stefan asked, still apparently confused.

"Pretty sure he didn't." David replied again. "Since you are currently drunk, you probably haven't figured that out yet."

"Oh…" Stefan sighed. "Uh, now what?"

"Now I make sure you two get sober, and then you can quarrel about any debts you have to the other." David said as he helped Stefan up.

"Aww David, you are the best Pureblood friend money can't buy!" Stefan rambled again.

"I'm sure." David smiled as he helped Stefan along, stopping to pick up a passed out Francois along the way.

David whistled as he helped his friends along the Seine river, just by the form of the Eiffel tower. The alcohol had been leaving their system already, but they were still boisterous and loud, which earned them plenty of stares from everyone around. David didn't care much. Even among his family, he wasn't one who'd be concerned with how people saw him socially.

Born into the illustrious Le'Vaine clan, a powerful Pureblood family within central Europe, David had enjoyed centuries of luxury and wealth. For him, life was a mixture of vibrant and fancy parties, political involvement and the never ending adoration of the other members of his race. He didn't even have enough fingers to count all the times a Noble's daughter was introduced to him.

Yet, despite the affluent lifestyle, David had always felt empty. True, he believed that he was working for a grand cause like his older brothers in their work of improving co-relations between humans and vampires. But at the same time, something felt missing in his life, something that no form of adoration or praise could fill. Taking to the streets one day, he had managed to glimpse himself how the world of vampires and humans existed. It was at a lonely vampire-run bar that he met two people who would change his life.

Francois Bennet and Stefan Grüszky were two Nobles who had been cast out of their own families. When David himself had asked them why, the only answer they ever got to was that their lifestyles didn't agree with what their parents wanted. Within a single night, the two had shown David the wild side of life that was a far cry from what he had experience. And he enjoyed every bit of it.

Of course, that was a complication within the family, who saw such activities a risk of 'besmirching' (as they had put it) the family name. So in the end, David made a secret plan of sorts. He would remain the loyal son of his family at night, but when day came, he'd take to the streets with Francois and Stefan, when his family was asleep.

That had gone on for seven months now. He was genuinely surprised that no one had caught on. Still, despite the drunken brawls and wild singing they did, David never felt that the emptiness in his life was being filled. He wondered truly if what he was doing with his life was the right thing. He glanced at his watch, which was reading a quarter to 10. It would soon be time for him to return. Plus, he had to get his friends somewhere they would be able to sleep. Turning around, he could see Stefan now singing loudly and heavily off-key in Polish while Francois was clapping his hands while trying to sit upright on the bench. David chuckled to himself as he moved to help before a fragrant smell wafted by.

David blinked as he registered it. He turned towards where he felt the smell was coming from, the fragrance of roses in full bloom. He located the source immediately, a figure dressed completely in white. She was definitely a vampire, the umbrella covering her attested to that. Her black hair flowed in the wind as she stared out toward the river.

Completely entranced, David found himself walking over to her as his friends started drawing hundreds of eyes to themselves. As he neared, he turned toward the river, facing the way she faced.

"Lovely, isn't it?" He asked, attempting a conversation.

"Quite." She replied. "I don't get to see many rivers from where I live. It is quite a change in scenery."

"The Eiffel tower isn't half bad either." He continued. "You'd definitely get a good look from up there. You can see all of Paris that way."

"Thank you." She replied. "But I'd prefer to see beauty up close. Only then could you truly appreciate the details present in every facet of the grand design."

"To each their own I suppose…" David nodded as he turned to face her. "David Le'Vaine."

The woman now turned to him, and David looked as he stared back into reddish-brown eyes. "A pleasure Mr. Le'Vaine." She nodded.

David smiled. "Thank you miss. Though, now that I have introduced myself, perhaps you could do the same?"

"Sister?" Came another voice. David turned to see another woman run up to them, her silver hair flowing as she did. "We can check in now. It'd be best to get some sleep before tonight."

"Alright." The woman nodded as she turned to follow. However, just before leaving she looked back at David with a slight smile. "I look forward to the next visit Mr. Le'Vaine."

David merely bowed in response. Nonetheless, he could feel a strange longing for the woman as she walked away.

Dusk had come. The vampires had woken to claim their time in the world. In the grand manor of the Le'Vaine family, the entire family had prepared themselves for the grand party that had been planned for months. David fingered his bow tie, a frown crossing his features. He wondered exactly how many people would introduce their daughters to him or offer him tribute.

Well, time to go. David sighed. It wouldn't do to keep the guests waiting for his eminent presence. He strode to the main hall, the servants and maids bowing as he walked by. The party was already in full swing and his family had already begun mingling with the guests. He once more began the usual routine of being adored, glorified and introduced to potential suitors. It was all very boring really.

As he bade farewell to the eighth girl that was introduced to him, his nose finally caught a familiar scent; that of roses in full bloom. He turned to the door to see the woman from before enter, dressed in a stunning white dress with an accompanying shrug. Following her was her brother, the white-haired man from before along with a few others. At once, the announcer at the door cleared his throat, garnering the attention of all who were present.

"Presenting Her Majesty, Ai Kuran. Her sister, Ren Kiryu, Sir Hanabusa Aidou and Madam Ruka Souen." He announced, causing whispers and gasps to fill the room. David himself was astounded at the identity of the woman, his mind going blank as he remembered his earlier interaction with her.

"David!" Came the voice of his father. "Come here quickly!"

David snapped out of his confusion, rushing over to join his family members as Ai Kuran made her way to them. David followed suit with the rest of his family as they bowed slightly before the Japanese Pureblood. "Your majesty Kuran," His father greeted. "A fine pleasure that you have graced us with your presence."

"The pleasure is mine." Ai replied as she herself bowed, her entourage following suit. Ai raised her head and finally laid her eyes on David. "Why hello Mr. Le'Vaine. I have been hoping we'd meet."

David paled as his family turned to face him, questioning looks upon their faces. He gulped as he bowed toward Ai, nervousness coursing through him as he dared a look into her red-brown eyes. She returned with a smile, which eased David's mind. It seemed she was enjoying herself at the very least.

"Your company earlier today on the banks of the river Seine was most pleasurable. I would also like to take up your offer on seeing this fine city from the heights of the Eiffel tower, if you would oblige me with your presence." Ai finally said. At this, an icy pit formed in David's stomach as he realised she had slipped out his daytime gallivanting. At once, he realised the previous smile was not one of pleasure, but mischief.

"David, please explain yourself." His mother glared. David felt cold sweat run down his back as his mind frantically thought of how he would get out of this mess. All the while, Ai stared back with a look of confusion.

Wonderful… David grumbled as he lay on his bed. It was more than apparent that his parents would be having a talk with him soon enough.

Still, the biggest shock of the night was that the woman he had been so enraptured by was the vampire High Queen. Long had he heard about her and the name of Kuran, but never in his wildest dreams did he think he'd meet her purely by chance. And never did he think she'd be such a mischievous individual.

"It seems I have caused you trouble." Came a voice at the window. David looked up from his bed to see Ai Kuran standing at the window, butterflies dancing around her.

"What in the-?" David gasped as he got up, only to fall over due to the sheets.

David got up as he heard the woman chuckle. He glared in frustration at the fact that she was so nonchalant about everything she was guilty of. "What now? You've embarrassed me enough for one night."

"It appears I have." Ai nodded as she stepped forward. Once she was close enough, she bowed. "I am sorry. I did not know that your time in the day was a secret." Within the silhouette of the moon, Ai appeared even more beautiful than anyone could describe. All his emotions melted away as he beheld her form. All except admiration and awe.

"Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?" David asked, enthralled by the sight of her.

"Countless times." Ai smiled as she paced the room. "You've added to that now."

"So I see." David nodded. "You must have a lot of suitors as well."

"Many." Ai nodded in response. "All of them barely form coherent sentences the minute they look at me."

"Haha…" David chuckled. "Some of the woman I get introduced to can't even look me in the eye without the mad blushing."

David stared back at Ai as she looked back at him. The silence of the night permeated every inch of the room, but it was hardly awkward. Instead, David found a strange comfort with the presence of the Pureblood Queen, even if she was a mischievous individual.

"Come with me." Ai smiled as the window opened all on its own.

"What?" David blinked in surprise.

"I'll make sure no one notices." Ai said. "Besides, I owe you for busting your secret. And as you have said, I have yet to see the grand sights of this city…" Ai now stretched out her hand toward him. "Show me around, s'il vous plaît?"

David once more found that he couldn't say anything. He merely took her hand, and they went out into the night.

It wasn't long before they found Stefan and Francois, both of whom were pleasantly surprised to see Ai. A quick introduction was all David needed and the group finally got to doing what they did best, wander around aimlessly while getting punch drunk (Francois and Stefan at least) and taking in the sights.

Ai giggled as Stefan started singing another Polish song while Francois played his trumpet wildly, which attracted plenty of onlookers. David kept close to her, smiling as his friends entertained anyone within a hundred yards of them.

"You have interesting friends David." Ai smiled. "At least you're not bored."

"What else am I supposed to do?" David asked. "Get waited on by servants day and night, have the fawning adoration of others, sit pretty on all my family's wealth. A great lifestyle to be sure, but not what I really want."

"So what do you really want?" Ai asked.

"I don't really know actually." David smirked as Francois started banging on the lid of a trash can, something of a makeshift drum it seemed.

"Before, what I really wanted was for my mother to marry my other father…" Ai said as a sombre look crossed her face. "It was so stupid, looking at them loving each other so much, yet they never made a move. Do you know how frustrating it is?"

"Other father?" David frowned.

"I had two fathers." Ai explained. "My father, the Pureblood who helped bring me into this world, and my other father, the former human who did the same for my sister Ren. At first, I wanted my other father for myself. When I couldn't have that, I wanted them to marry and have a little sister for me to drink blood from every day."

David gulped at the revelation Ai gave him. It seemed the queen was a very fickle vampire, mischievous one moment and terrifying the next. He made a mental note to never earn her ire lest she torment him with something ranging from physical harm to social execution.

"But then…" Ai reminisced, leaning her head on him. "I realised that it wasn't much on what I could get, but what I could give. So I forgot about wanting things for a while and thought about how I could give to this world. And being able to keep this peace my parents helped build seemed like the best idea. I've been going around the world lately, seeing as many foreign families as I could. There is a school where I come from, one where humans and vampires mingle and I was hoping to open its doors internationally. Well, that is among my many things on the agenda list."

David stared back with wonderment, her words running through him. He wondered exactly what sort of life this woman had been through, what had she seen? David now believed that just as Ai's life was filled with reverence and comfort, it must have also had its fair share of tragedy and pain. And yet here she stood, unwavering and unfaltering.

"Well, surely you must have something you want still." David said. "Try as you might, we vampires live a life of desire. There will always be something we want in this life. Don't tell me you don't have such selfish thoughts every now and then. After all the tragedy one experiences, it's only natural to desire something to make us forget it."

Ai looked up to him, her eyes staring back. David froze the minute he saw the expression on her face. Her hair billowed in the wind, slightly hiding her face, but her eyes appeared cold and cruel. It was the first time he realised how fearsome this one could be. Possibly… He thought to himself. The tragedy part was a mistake…

Ai then looked away, pondering her answer and being oblivious to the ruckus caused by David's friends. "I do, I suppose. I wonder about things like that all the time. And at the end, I guess there is one thing I do want, more than anything in this life."

"If possible, I'd like to have someone I can cherish." Ai smiled as a stray butterfly landed on her finger. "Someone who I can love, and then maybe, help me make a child whom I can love myself."

"I think that sounds nice." David smiled. "And it's also a very normal desire, for anyone really."

"N'est-ce pas?" Ai replied perfectly in French.

They remained silent for a few more moments, feeling the light of dawn now break the sky. David now laid his head on hers, taking in her scent. It was as effective as a drug, further strengthening his addiction to every part of her. Her pain, her hopes, her dreams, her wishes. He let it in. He surrendered to that desire, he let it fill him, intoxicating him with a longing and benevolence that he would always cherish. This, he realised, was what he truly wanted.

"Maybe…" David began. "Maybe I could be that someone you love?"

Ai looked up to him with an inscrutable expression. "That was fast. I thought you'd be more worried about dating a queen like me."

"I doubt anyone would complain." David said as he looked down at her. "In fact, I think everyone we know would rejoice at such a union. And your entourage would be overjoyed knowing they could serve the Kuran family line in future, if my assumptions about them are correct."

Ai pouted for a bit, breaking their eye contact. She remained silent, her attention now shifting to the horrendous sight of Stefan and Francois now beating each other down in their drunken stupor. She chuckled slightly at the sight, a small reprieve from the seriousness of the moment. Seeming to decide another thing, she finally turned back to David.

"Before anything else, let's have a bit more time to know each other." Ai said. "Then, I'll tell you another day if I could be the same thing for you."

David's face fell at the response. But then again, something in him also thought that such was the appropriate response. "Then I hope that I can convince you to do that."

"Just don't go getting yourself killed before that happens." Ai teased as she eased in closer.

"They are giving off a good vibe aren't they?" Ruka asked Hanabusa as they watched from a distance.

"Why are we spying on them?" Hanabusa asked. "You realise that if Lord Le'Vaine's family finds out about this…"

"I think Ai will cover for us." Ruka smiled. "After all, the last thing she wants is to let a potential consort slip past her. She has been alone for too long now. Besides, the Le'Vaines may be proud that their son is a potential marriage candidate for the High Queen. For him to marry into the family would be a great honour for them in their view."

Hanabusa relented, knowing that there was no way of stepping in between such things. The woman named Kuri that he remarried back in Japan was proof of that.

"And who knows?" Ruka said. "Perhaps they can mean something for our future as well."

"Honestly, she does the strangest things." Hanabusa grumbled. "How many times do we need to babysit her? She is so like her mom when it comes to causing problems…"

"No doubt of that." Ruka smiled as she looked through the binoculars, leaning forward to see Ai and David cuddle closer together. "Though I think it'd be best to leave her for now." Ruka now turned and walked away, Hanabusa following suit.

Ren said nothing. She merely watched as her sister slowly fell asleep on David's shoulder while the man slowly developed a look of longing on his face.

Perhaps this will be both a blessing, and a curse… Ren thought to herself.

Author's Note:

Well, hopefully this little side story gets people going till I post the next chapter. It is still in the works, but hopefully it will come out by end of this month. I was hoping this would be a small reprieve from the main story while at the same time connecting the previous chapter to the future ones. I'm just hoping it works.

Jdbl00d

*Edit (28th April 2019): Accounting for the confirmation of Ren's gender, aspects of this chapter were updated accordingly. I hope you will still enjoy this*