Hi, everyone! A big big thank you to each and every person that has supported or left me a review for the past several chapters; I may not be able to write when I get really busy or when I'm writing my other story (it's something else for another fandom on another site XD), but this story is always on my mind. Can't even believe it's been over 2 years since I published the first chapter!

I've also silently been keeping track and taking in all the reviews you guys left. I know it's dramatic, emotional and frustrating, but that's how I want it to be. Please continue to leave me your opinions and most importantly, who you're rooting for now XD Now, without further ado...


"So, how far is this place? This grand castle of your father's?"

It was a cooling night, and the sky was dotted with multi-coloured swirls and stars. Such sights never exist in the human world. It was as though the universe's stars and planets congregated and their colours pooled up above, creating scenery that's unlike anything Yui's ever known. It feels magical.

"It's gonna take a while, but I don't know if the old man's around. I haven't seen him properly in…years, actually."

"Why not?" Yui asks curiously.

"Because we just don't really have anything to talk about. He talks to Reiji the most, you know. Plus, I just prefer to be alone anyway, even during these occasions."

Yui scoots herself slightly nearer to Subaru, putting a gentle hand over his. "Well, I'm glad you're taking me to this."

Their eyes meet and Subaru leans down to kiss her, even though it's just a quick one. The corners of his lips curl up, and it's something that just happens to him so often these days, a reaction that creeps up with no warning. For once, maybe this annual celebratory thing won't be so bad after all. And for the first time, he's actually looking forward to it.

When Subaru talked about a castle just right beyond the woods, Yui had pictured it to be a simpler castle. Maybe a tower or two, and throw in a couple of guards. But nothing could prepare her heart for the enormity that is Karlheinz' castle.

It was a huge stone castle, sitting on top of a high hill and practically dominating the skyline of the demon world. It was so wide that Yui couldn't see where it begun or ended. The courtyard was humungous, with statues and its perfectly pruned bushes, currently littered with vampires and other guests that are arriving at the event. Even when their carriage landed on the front steps of the castle, Yui had to hold her breath.

"This is absolutely amazing," Yui complimented, her eyes still huge and taking in the sight.

"Yeah, when you've got that much power and wealth, what's there to hold back right?" The door to the carriage popped open, and Subaru got out first. He then held a hand out to Yui, "C'mon."

Yui felt incredibly out of place already, even before they walked through the gates. She had felt fine earlier, but after looking at how some of these vampire ladies were dressed, she's now not so sure. There wasn't a single bad-looking guest at all; the ladies all looked incredibly polished, right down to each perfectly manicured fingernail, and even the gents looked suave, with not a crease in their suits. She also noted that there wasn't a single person she'd call 'old-looking' in the mix. Everyone had perfect porcelain skin and defined features, like they'd just stepped out of a movie scene.

"You alright?" Subaru asked while they passed their coats to the men at the door. He noticed that Yui seemed to look more uncomfortable than he was and that's never a good sign.

"Everyone here looks so…incredible," Yui mulled, "I don't know if I'll, y'know, fit in-."

Subaru sighed as he took her hand. "Who cares about fitting in? Just remember that I'm here with you. There's nothing for you to worry about."

Yui nodded as she entered the ballroom, trying to keep her head held high. It was even more breathtaking on the interior; the floor was of the finest quality wood, plenty of scrumptious-looking delights for food at the side, and everywhere you looked, it was glitter and glam. The moment they walked in together, already, eyes started darting towards them, at the dashing youngest Sakamaki and the mysterious blonde lady. It was definitely more eyes on them than either of them are comfortable with, but it also didn't seem to matter as much if they had each other.

From the storey above, a familiar Ayato Sakamaki was narrowed his eyes at the couple that just walked in. He hadn't assumed that they'd show up; at least not with the mere human that is Yui. It would seem that he's wrong about that.

"Hmm," the eldest Sakamaki who was right beside him observed, "He actually brought the girl."

Ayato didn't speak. All this time, he kept his hands buried deep in his pockets and his expression unreadable.

"Must've been the Evanesco elixir. He's using his head for once," Shu commented with a raised eyebrow. Then his eyes shifted to Ayato, "And you're fine with this?"

Ayato still didn't reply. Instead, he turned to walk pass him towards the stairs, completely ignoring his brother.

Meanwhile, Yui was finding herself incredibly awkward amongst the sea of people. Or should she say, vampires. Everyone seemed to know everyone, while she was just trying hard not to be noticed. But when you're with a Sakamaki, not getting noticed is not an option.

"Is that…Sakamaki Subaru?"

"The youngest heir? He never comes to these things…"

"I've never seen him this up close before, but he's as handsome as they say he is."

Yui looked up meekly at Subaru, whom if he were nervous, she could hardly tell. He felt so composed and…calm, that he made her feel slightly more relaxed as well. They came closer to the dance floor, where Subaru asked quietly, "Do you want to dance? Or we could go grab some food. Whichever you like."

Yui squeezed his hand, "A dance sounds lovely." She gave him a smile, which he returned genuinely.

He placed a hand on her waist, noticing how small and petite she really was. When Yui didn't seem to know where her other free hand was supposed to go, he helped her put it on his chest, before returning his hand to her waist.

"S-sorry," Yui said meekly, "I've never been to any one of these things before."

"Just follow me," Subaru replied calmly, although he was probably just as nervous as she was.

Yui wonders where Subaru picked up his skills for dancing. He was obviously leading her, moving her about timely to the music, without exposing her as the awkward person that she is. And it was working. All eyes were quietly looking at them, the men curious as to which family this mysterious lady belonged to, and the women envious, of how the youngest Sakamaki is obviously smitten with her.

At a dim corner, Ayato observed them, his lips touching the edge of the glass he was holding, but he wasn't drinking any of the blood wine. Yui was just radiating, even from afar. Her cheeks were a lovely shade of pink, her eyes sparkling and her hair soft and pooling all around her shoulders. She really couldn't dance for nuts, but thanks to Subaru, he actually did a half-decent job making it look like she could. Yui looked so joyful that he couldn't help his own thoughts from wandering.

Had she ever looked that way when she was with him, even just once?


Yui and Subaru did 3 full-length dances, and it was rather exhausting but it was also the most fun Yui had in a while. They were now down to the last one, as they had promised each other before Yui got too tired, and it was slow, sweet number, so at least Subaru didn't have to lead them anymore. They were just swaying to the music, as like all the couples that surrounded them. The entire hall had dimmed down and a romantic mood had set in quite perfectly.

"Did you have fun?" Yui asked, beaming up at the silver-haired vampire.

"Did you?" Subaru asked back instead.

Yui smiles widely, finding it hard to even contain her excitement. She had felt out of place at the start but now, she was just having the best time of her life.

"I loved it," she answered. "Every minute, every second of it."

"Good."

Subaru pauses to lean in to kiss her, and Yui, although shy, decidedly kiss back. It didn't matter that they were in the middle of a crowd, didn't even matter if people knew who he was and if they talked aloud. For the first time in his entire life, Subaru was actually enjoying something like this. Dancing may be a new experience for Yui, but this, feeling this way, was a new experience for him.

The music ended at the just right time and Subaru pulled away, albeit reluctantly.

"Are you hungry?" he asked.

"Starving, actually," she giggled.

"Go wait for me at the balcony, I'll find something that you can eat."

"Don't be long," Yui says with a smile as she started towards the direction of the nearest balcony. She simply couldn't stop the corners of her lips from going upwards. Who knew dancing could be so fun? But then again, if not for Subaru patiently leading her, she'd have been a goner. Yui makes a mental note to question Subaru about his dancing roots, but for now, just being outside and taking in some fresh air feels really nice.

Yui barely had a few minutes alone to herself. She was simply enjoying the soft breeze and thinking about the fun she just had, when she sensed a presence behind her. She swallowed, and swerved around quickly, almost jumping at the figure that stood right behind her.

The man was tall, clad in black and gold robes that seemingly sparkled beneath the moonlight. With long platinum white hair, sharp golden eyes and defining features, Yui is entranced, but at the same time, he felt so…familiar. Where on earth had she seen him before?

She blinked her large eyes up at him. "Can I help you with something?" she questioned.

The man smiles silently at her. Sirens of all sorts went off in Yui's head, yet she couldn't find it in herself to move an inch. She could only just stare right into his eyes.

The man took quiet but sure steps toward her, but she simply couldn't look away. He raised a hand and placed it at the side of her head, then stroked downwards, running his hand down her jaw and neck. Had he noticed the bite marks on her neck? They were faint, but all of which marked her as Subaru's.

He finally parts his lips to say, "You seem to be missing something, dear girl. Something very important."

"A-and what is that…that I'm missing?" Yui's heart beat rapidly, and she hoped for God's sake that the man doesn't notice.

"Something irreplaceable…your memories."

She felt her entire person go cold instantly, her hairs standing.

"Who are you? H-how do you-"

"Yui?"

Yui turned to her side to see Subaru standing there, glass in a hand and a plate of food in the other, but when she swerved back almost instantaneously – the man had vanished. He had been right in front of her 2 seconds ago.

"Hey, you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost," Subaru thought it half-jokingly, as he set the food and beverage down on a flat surface of the balcony. But when Yui didn't reply and goose pimples could be seen on every exposed area of skin, it was when it dawned on him that maybe, she really just had.

"What happened?" he grew serious as well, entering her line of vision.

"S-someone," Yui stammered, "He knows."

"Know about what?"

"That I've lost my memories."

Subaru's own eyes widened at those words. It was impossible. Only his brothers and he himself knew. Unless they told someone, which he actually doubted since why would they bother… otherwise, how? And if Yui didn't give this man a name, it must mean she's never met him.

Subaru takes off his blazer and puts it over her shoulders. Yui was still shaking a little from the encounter. She just couldn't stop thinking about it.

His sharp gaze was still embedded in her mind. As if he's still staring into her very soul.


He was sick of it already. He used to enjoy parties and being the center of attention, but today, he couldn't give a damn. Even when some important figures tried to catch him (probably for more useless conversations again), all he does is brush them off. After all, everyone just wants to talk about furthering ties, or forcefully push their daughters or sisters or nieces to him, stuff like that.

It's not him they care about. It's his father's power and wealth.

Funny how he liked bathing in that nonsense last time.

Ayato unbuttoned his blazer and loosened the top two buttons of his shirt. The weather was cooling, but he felt warm all the same. He walked down an empty corridor, determined to leave the buzzing and clinking of glasses behind, still feeling the frustration all over. He hated all of this, everything.

Ayato had wanted to get a breather, maybe find an empty balcony somewhere where he could just be alone, when the door right at the end of the hallway burst open, causing him to stop short. Part of a lady's figure could be seen, but it seems like someone was stopping her from heading out.

"What's wrong with you? You're spoiling all the fun, you know that?"

"Please… I don't want this," the lady pleaded. She was desperately trying to hold her top up, which had been untied.

"How dare you, you ungrateful-," the other slightly older woman raised a hand to presumably hit the younger girl, when someone gripped her wrist and stopped her.

"A-Ayato-sama!" she looked up with a gasp.

Ayato peered into the room and was immediately disgusted. He should've known. Laito was in the middle of the bed, making out with some brunette while groping her. Another girl was next to him, touching him sensually, begging for attention. There were also pieces of clothing and accessories on the ground. One glance, Ayato could tell this family of girls was related.

"I apologise, for my sister's ill behaviour," the woman whom he stopped continued. "I will discipline her…unless of course, you wish to have some fun and relax with her, I'm sure she won't bring any more trouble-."

"Nfu, now look who's here," Laito seemed to realise his little party had an intruder. "Well, well, care to join me?"

"Piss off."

"Language," Laito beamed at him. He'd lost his hat, his shirt was completely unbuttoned and his belt had been taken off. Until Ayato showed up, he'd been having a great time and was just about to fuck 4 of Walter's girls (or 3, it didn't matter if the younger one took off anyway). Now that his brother had showed up…

"Anyway, you know I'm always happy to share," he insisted, "Last I recall, you had a thing for blondes."

The youngest girl who'd been trying to escape just moments ago froze on the spot. She was the only blonde one amongst her sisters. But Ayato didn't say a word. He just stared at his brother, thoroughly disgusted.

"Save it."

"Hey," Laito stopped him before he could leave. His face had turned dark and serious, his tone dropping a few notches "What, are you going to stay this way forever? Over a little bitch that left you? Subaru's probably already screwed her a hundred times and you're here, like some pathetic fool-."

Ayato had zipped over in a moment's time, grabbing his brother by the collar and startling the other ladies. But he didn't care. If he had to, he'll punch the lights out of his brother and leave his rotting body here.

Laito gave a half laugh, and says softly, "I'm disappointed in you, Ayato. What, you think it's true love? You think she's going to be in love with just you forever? Let me help you out. That shit's just fantasy. There's no such thing as true love or dedicating yourself to one person. So you might as well fuck a few more girls and enjoy yourself, and let her go. It's not worth it."

What he feels next is a hard punch across his face, before he's being flung halfway across the room. Even with blood dripping from his mouth, Laito laughs as he watches Ayato march out, grabbing the blonde girl by her wrist as he does.

What a fool, Sakamaki Laito thinks to himself.

Ayato finds a random empty guestroom upstairs, turns on the lights and pushes the girl in. She stumbled in, still trying to keep her dress up, all while also trying to keep up with Ayato-sama.

The moment he got her in, all he did was glance at her and then he looked ready to leave.

"Wait!" The young girl had realised this and quickly tried to stop him by gripping onto his arm.

"What is it?" he asked irritably.

"Thank you," she said softly, "For saving me back there. I'm Count Walter's second-youngest daughter, and my name is-."

"Why do I care what your name is?" the red head spat.

"B-because I think…I'll like to give myself to you. That is, if you'll have me."

Ayato pauses and fixes his eyes upon her. What he knew was that if a vampire of the opposite sex said this to you, it means she wants you to take her, body, blood and soul. It also meant she would have your children, and that she was willing to become anything you desired. So long the male accepts, she would be at his disposal. Unlike the human world, things like dates or slowly getting to know each other didn't exist. It especially didn't exist among the rich and powerful.

The girl swallowed, then takes a step back. Her pale fingers reach for more tied ribbons, ribbons that were keeping her dress up, where she tugged at them without hesitation.

Ayato watches quietly as she reveals her body to him. She is quite easy on the eyes, with a perfect slender figure and large breasts, just the way he likes it. She seemed slightly nervous, but mostly certain of what she was doing. She was ready for him to take her.

When Ayato took one step forward and slid the blazer off of his shoulders, the girl parted her lips and was ready to embrace him. But instead, she felt his blazer pool across her own shoulders, covering her up.

"Did I do something wrong?" she asked. She didn't seem particularly hurt, but she probably wanted to know how anyone could reject a pretty girl from yet another influential family.

Ayato replies without doubt, "I'm in love with someone else."

She watches as Ayato turns around and exits the room. The words had tumbled so freely out of his mouth, words that he'd tried long and hard to ignore and suppress. But even after ages and after so much agony, he couldn't do it.

As he walked towards the balcony, the place he intended to go to for a breather in the first place, he catches her in a distance. Like how if you've always had someone in your mind your eyes would automatically pick out the most familiar silhouette, even from amongst a crowded street or if they're far away. He instantly knew it was her. That's how brightly she shone for him.

All she was doing was simply admiring the scenery, her body still swaying a bit to the music inside.

Even when she's doing nothing, she captures his heart so.