This chapter is probably one of the most awkward chapters I'll place Akihito in. Today I give you a light comedy chapter to enlighten the last month of 2015 before things get intense. I hope you guys enjoy it, well I know Akihito doesn't, but Asami might…(who knows what's going inside his head. So mysterious, this is probably the hardest character to make him not ooc. But I guess AU will affect some part of his behavior, so I get to bend his personality a little.)

FYI- 6 chapters left till the hunt…nah I'm just playing with you, its just right around the corner.

Enjoy.

{~0~}

First Dance

Day 4

The storm abated, taking with it its last dying breath of cold air. A quarter of the sun had been swallowed up by the oceanic horizon. Orange glows radiating from the orb reflected mesmerizingly on the calm waters. Down in Vldörf scattered twigs and debris littered the streets while muddy puddles tainted the ground. Despite the aftermath left behind, life within the city returned. Traders from all over the world emerged from their temporary hideouts to resume back to their hawking and advertisement of valuable wares. Because of this diversity of goods, rare artefacts and even magical creatures were sold here. Buyers ranging from peasants to the wealthiest lords came bustling in to avoid the congested traffic.

The three vampires had spent thirty minutes in the main market district, searching for the ingredients and purchasing the respective one according to the list. Val sauntered with a paper in his hand, eyes scanned horizontally at the stalls while Eri stored the items in her satchel. Akihito was made to hold a metal cage containing live rabbits, their soon to be lunch. The companions approached a fancy building constructed by clay bricks in the corner of the markets. Its windows were decorated in mosaic patterns, a wooden sign hung from a metal bar illustrating a mortar and pestle and the gothic writing: Nim's Apothecary. Val opened the door, dinging the yellow bell as they entered.

"Welcome!" An old man greeted with a welcoming smile and bow. "Call me Nim, I'm the apothecary master. I treat ailments and also sell ingredients for medicinal or alchemic purposes. How may I help you three today?" Nim's blue eyes were naturally round, lips were hidden under his brown moustache and he wore a red robe outlined by golden strips.

"We're just here to purchase a few ingredients," Val replied. The vampire lowered his scarf, an etiquette gesture to demonstrate his willingness to trade, his companions did the same. Who wouldn't be intimidated if their customer was dressed as a cloaked thief.

"Okay, this way. What ingredients interests you?" The human strolled behind the maroon counter before tapping his fingers on the surface in a relaxed manner.

The three moved towards the Nim, eyes caught the glimpse of a patient sitting in a corner. The young man's right eye was bandaged with several layers of gauze infused with pulped herbs.

Val laid the list flat on the counter for Nim to read. "I would like these ingredients please."

"Hmmm…" The old man gave a long hum as he scratched his stubby chin, now just how was he going to explain this to them? "I've got toads foot in stock, they came in from the butcher this morning. But I don't have ogres teeth and fairy wings in stock I'm sorry."

"Well do you know when they'll be back in stock?" Val asked.

"Don't other apothecaries sell them as well?" Akihito queried.

"No Aki, these ingredients are rare, especially fairy wings. This is the only shop that sells it." Akihito could hear the frustration lingering in Val's voice.

Nim leaned his arm on the counter, the other on his hip. "That's right my boy, these ingredients are obtained from my son. He's a hunter, that's how he helps keep my business open. Ogres live in swamps, it requires a skilled hunter to collect them, but it is not as rare as those fairy wings."

"Why are they rare?" Akihito asked with a clueless look.

"Well young man, ogres are common. But, have you seen any fairies around, or in your life?"

"No," he shook his head innocently.

"Exactly, it takes a great hunter or sorcerer to find at least one in their lifetime. But if you know where to find them, it's a jackpot. A top finder can catch a dozen at a time if lucky, and that's my son. That's why I'm proud of his team."

"So how do they harvest these wings?" The blond curiously asked.

"They rip them off," Nim answered bluntly.

"What?! That's cruel! Do they die?" Akihito was horrified by the cruel treatment of these mystical beings.

"Sometimes. But their wings are the key ingredient for magical potions because they have some magical properties to it."

Akihito frowned unhappily. "That still doesn't justify to why they should—." Val motioned his arm to lightly nudge Akihito aside, hushing him from inadvertently extending the conversation. "Hey—!"

"When is the next stock?"

"There will be none I'm afraid. My next stock was pre-ordered by a wealthy lord."

"Look here Nim, we really need those ingredients. If you could please sell us those ingredients, even if its reserved. We'll pay double."

"I—I wish I could but the next stock available is unknown. My customer who demanded for them purchased until I even have none for myself!"

"Damn!" Val slammed his fist, thudding the counter and rattling a nearby weight balancer.

"That's bullshit!" Akihito yelled. Oh how he wanted to assail that inconsiderate buyer.

"And damn right selfish!" Eri added to the heated complaints.

Nim gave a weak tremulous smile, his voice stammered as he apologized. "I—I'm sorry, I wish I could help but I can't. My son is still searching for them, I don't know how long it might take, probably months."

"Well can you at least tell us who bought these ingredients, so that we may bargain with this lord?!" Akihito demanded with a scrunched up fist.

"I can't I—I'm sorry. I must comply with customer privacy. I'm sorry."

"Please we just need to know who," Eri begged. She tried pulling a puppy's face, but that didn't work.

"I'm sorry lady. But please, you must understand I cannot reveal client information."

Despite the man's reluctance, Val wasn't going to depart from this store empty handed. Digging into his cloak pockets he pulled out a stolen necklace, the one Asami had failed to find. The vampire dangled the jewel by its silver chain with his index finger. "So you like money eh?" He hypnotized the man with the diamond pendant, swinging the precious crystal sideways to allure the old man's interest.

"I—I do…" Nim nodded robotically, his eyes remained glued to the gemstone sparkling with brilliance.

"How about you tell us your customer's name, and this diamond here…" Val tempted the bribe closer to the desirous human, "…will be all yours. Lots and lots of money."

Captivated by its scintillation, Nim was ensnared by Val's offer. "Okay. But I'll say this quietly. Come closer." He beckoned them forward with his hand to whisper. "The man that bought all these ingredients was… Lord Asami."

"Lord Asami!" The three shouted in unison with their jaws dropped, eyes widened to the fullest without blinking. Another major setback had weaved itself into their plans.

"Shhhh," Nim shushed them with a hard wave. "Quiet. Confidential."

"Is Asami in Vldörf?" Akihito whispered with a distraught look, unbearably trying to keep his stirring emotions intact.

"Yes he is. He came in with his men. Offered me big sums of gold, pure gold," Nim rubbed his two fingers together to emphasize the amount.

"Damn, he must be creating the potion, or he's preventing us from making it," Val gritted. He had never felt so pissed!

"You three heard nothing from me. Now my reward please." Amidst their troubles, Nim forked out his palm with the eagerness of a child drawn to candy.

Should Val even surrender this fine jewel to this greedy old human? Nope…unless he could steal it back. Right now Nim could temporarily keep it, Val would be back. "Fine," he dropped the necklace into the old man's hand. "Lets go, there's nothing here for us."

Disappointed and seething, the cave dwellers upraised their scarfs before turning to leave the shop, stalking eyes monitored their every move. They had travelled for more than eight hours only to find out that Lord Asami had hogged all the ingredients for himself and leaving none for others. When outside, they slowly traipsed back towards Marus's place. With no fairy wings in stock, they were starved of opportunity. A fire burned within them, but the flames were not deadly, they were weak, fueled by hatred, yet doused at the same time with defeat. Was hope even on their side? Because right now, they ran dry, unless this was their intended fate.

"What are we going to do? That's just it. It's over for us. That Asami bastard took it all. How am I suppose to steal it from him?" Akihito was left crestfallen by the outcome, his shoulders sagged as he walked with languishing energy, uncaring to the accidental bumping against the arm of Val's or a random passerby. The four white rabbits squeaked with high-pitch shrills whenever the cramped cage was rocked abruptly.

Val placed his limp hand gently on the blond's shoulder to lighten his demolished spirit. "You did it once Akihito, I have faith you can do it again. If he has it, we need to formulate another plan…"

"What happens if we get caught?" Akihito did not want to cling onto false hope.

"We can't that's just it. Lets just go back and clear our minds for a bit."

"I've got to quit being an Aurieas follower, never felt so much hate in my life," Eri mumbled under her stressed voice. It was pretty contradictory to worship peace when your mind was filled with homicidal tendencies.

"Hehe do you think Lord Asami will like this?" A sweet feminine voice similar to the sound of an angel lullabying halted the companions to a standstill. Their movements froze into living statues after hearing the vampire lord's name mentioned in public. The oncoming crowd obscured the source, once dispersed they had a partial view of a vampire entourage belonging to a Silverblood aristocrat.

"Shit, Silverblood aristocrats, hide." Val quickly fisted Eri's cloak and Akihito's collar to drag them off the busy street.

The pull was sudden for the blond and being shorter resulted in a suffocating choke. "Arrr!" Akihito's throat retched. His light-blue eyes hilariously bulged out as if he were an inland goldfish.

Hiding behind a stack of wooden crates, they peeked their eyes through the thin gaps to spy. From here they could see an exquisite brown carriage, its wheels were huge and brown florals were crafted all over its body. An exuberant young brunette and her richly dressed father were seen moving towards the carriage while their butler and vigilant bodyguards held an umbrella above their heads to shadow out the late afternoon sunlight. They appear to have recently departed from a rare antique shop.

"I'm sure he will darling," the father attempted to shepherd his daughter into the carriage.

"I can't wait for the party. Lord Asami will pick me as his first dance partner!" The spoiled female twirled her puffy blue skirt with a jovial smile. Cute, in front of her father's supervision, but, cringing for the cave dwellers to watch. "Ah, so dreamy!" This time she smothered the red present into her loving chest, daydreaming about her future husband.

"Come on sweety let's go. You've gotten up quite early just to buy this gift."

"Yep daddy, and I hope he will like it!" She excitedly hopped inside.

Securing the perimeter with their alerted vision, the guards gave the clear signal and the carriage clomped off once the two boarded safely.

"Party hm? This is great, we can sneak in," Val sprung to life.

"How are we suppose to sneak in? We don't have anything to mask our smell. Besides he'll recognize me in a blink of an eye."

"Not if you're a girl…"

"What?! Perfume isn't going to conceal Val!"

"Not if your covered in aromatic makeup and perfumed clothes. We just need to move pass, we're not interacting. That's enough to elude from them before our perfumes wear off. We just need to stay clear of Asami, that's it."

"I see where this is going. I like it," Eri agreed with Val's cross-dressing suggestion.

Akihito remained skeptical on the idea. "If its that easy, why didn't we do that in the first place, back in the Silverblood's territory?"

"Because Havi had it all figured out, plus that was our first infiltration inside a heavily guarded castle. I know your good at sneaking, but you can't compare this to your success in breaking into typical Silverblood households. Sildörf is the center building for the vampire district, it is used for venues such as this, and not to mention that's where Lord Asami stays, and his office. Because of the possibility for assassination to very important people and himself, there are no windows, no chimneys, just two doors, and very tight security. We can't use the distraction like before, he will know its us. You saw how serious he was when it came to magic. We'll get caught."

Now that sounded fairly hectic.

Akihito pointed to himself. "I'm going in alone?"

"No I'm going with you."

He now pointed to the elder vampire. "What about Eri-sensei?"

"She'll be there too."

"Okay so we're all dressing as girls?" The blond's voice appeared low and timid. Pessimism crept up to him, whispering negatively at the back of his head, 'Your going to caught by Asami, in a dress too! You're a fool! This is going to scar you for life!'

"Yes," Val nodded affirmatively. "This is our only option."

"Ahem," Akihito cleared his throat. "Do we have a proper plan once we're dressed?"

"Not yet but we will soon. Our priority now is to get our costumes and everything ready as quickly as possible. Then we wait for the festivities to start, usually after 1AM. But we'll head out there early to scout, so no time to waste."

"Lucky Masato-sama brought me along, now I get to pretty up my little Aki-kun and Val-kun. You know what, ever since the day you were born I always wanted to cross-dress you Aki-kun. But your father insisted that I shouldn't feminize you, but now I get to doll you up, my cute little cave dweller."

Akihito sighed heavily over her pampering fits. He had to prepare himself mentally for this. It was time to leap out of his comfort zone.

…||[]||…

Night had fallen.

While half of the city sunk into a quiescent period, one immortal race had awaken from their sunless sanctuary. Street lights were lit throughout the district to grant proper visibility when roaming. Compared to the poor human sector, the vampire district was clean. Having sensitive noses prompted the implementation of a sanitary environment. Only horses or any forms of steed were permitted on marked roads so that its excrement could be easily disposed off. The concrete pavements were also kept in good condition by constantly sweeping to remove dirt and leaves to unclog gutters allowing rainwater to drain via sewers into the sea.

The three cave dwellers took cover behind an inn, hidden in between the narrow alleyways. Right around the corner a monumental building stood four stories high. Its exterior was constructed from pure white concrete in a rectangular shape, designed with Corinthian columns equally spaced out around it. This was Sildörf, the hallmark of this district. Its double doors were left invitingly open for the guests. All they had to do was act, this time as the opposite gender, well mainly for the boys. They had no choice, this was their last chance to obtain the fairy wings. Forced to wear a dress, the three had decided on a Victorian dress, its style was simple and gorgeous for formal venues. The sleeves and skirt were long, slim gloves and a high collar suited the overall elegant look, thereby providing excellent skin coverage for them. Each cave dweller had chosen their own color, but the patterns and embroidered details were lacking to avoid attracting sexual attention. Though a few ribbons had been sewn on the seams around the waist, after that it was just plain modest.

Eri had recommended a cream colored dress for Akihito since it complemented his light-blue eyes, along with a sun-blond wig. His fake hair was braided towards the back with a few locks curling down to frame his cheeks and forehead. The poor boy was turned into a version of her, a blond beauty, or Eri's daughter in the eyes of strangers. Indeed he was sulky about it, even worse he had to plaster on aromatic foundation, all of them did, but Akihito had to look different from his original appearance, thus comes the power of makeup. Val was clear from any other forms of superficial coloring, though he was clothed in a brown wig and pink dress instead. Eri-sensei had decided to go for purple. No stilettos were worn all thanks to length of the dress to hide their slipper shoes. Their skin and clothes were saturated with a subtle lavender perfume, hopefully this was sufficient enough to temporarily conceal their smell.

"I look ridiculous…" Akihito frowned miserably. His rosy lips pouted as he tried to untighten the lace corseting underneath his outfit. In this era, one must constrict their innards in order to achieve a sizable circumference appealing to the norms of female society. Akihito called this the hourglass figure, because his darn waist was strangled beyond measure. "Its so tight I can't breathe," he huffed shallowly. His breathing rhythm had been physically altered and full lung expansion was compromised. The more he thought about it, the more he struggled to maintain his composure. To worsen his suffering, his gums were sore and throbbing with pain. The three vampires had their fangs filed down to reconstruct the overall shape to appear more common. Extremely uncomfortable but it was necessary, plus it would grow back in a couple of days.

Itching him, Akihito stuck his gloved fingers in to stroke over his shortened fangs. "Val, I shwear you didn't even out my 'eeth 'roperly. One 'eels shorter than the other."

"Aki-kun, get your fingers out of your mouth, you'll dirty your glove," Eri chided as she pulled his hand out.

"Aki, stop worrying. Your not engaging in a conversation."

"Easy for you to say. You said you've done this before. I've been dwelling in that cave my whole life. My experience of 23 years can't compare to you of 46, or Eri-sensei who has 127 years of life experience. If this plan backfires I'm going to kick your ass up North to your Hal friends. Hey are you even listening to me? Val?"

The brown haired kept his observant head out, ignorant to Akihito's jabbering. "The number of guests are dwindling, there's barely anyone going in. We don't want to be the last ones. We're moving in now."

"Now?" Eri and Akihito asked simultaneously.

Val swiveled back to face the two. "Yes, come on. Remember we're in character now. And remember the rules of improvising, leave the talking to me. Don't forget to soften your voice Aki, okay."

"Okay. Now lets do this! For the colony," the blond stuck his hand out to the middle. Eri and Val joined their hands in, stacking on top of one another.

"For the colony!" They cried in unison before raising their hands up high to strengthen their courage. Off and going, they appropriately lifted their skirts to prevent it from being trampled on. This was it, they were entering the building, two ways in, two ways out. A male Silverblood stood with an invitation booklet containing a list of all the guests. He held an ink pen in his hand, inattentive to the three while he occupied himself with his roll-marking.

"Greetings. Names please?" His head remained inclined as he scribbled on the paper.

Val adjusted his posture to flaunt his glamourous appeal in bids to beguile the man. "Um, well—."

The Silverblood's head rose to examine the owner of the voice. "Oh, the Gildergvisk Sisters! You've made it. My apologies, ladies. Call me Kirishima. I am Lord Asami's secretary and personal guard. You've sent a fly mail that your carriage was broken on the way and that you three would be unable to make it on time. Well I guess you've made it."

Number one rule of improvising is to always accept the information, no denial.

"Yes, we made it," Val nodded quickly with a beaming smile.

"I must say the people here have never met you three in person, but we've heard a lot about your generous investment for the economical improvement of this district. You are our humbled guests, welcome." Kirishima bowed formally with one arm extended to the side. "So which one of you ladies is Lady Sai? Is it you?" His gaze straightened to Akihito. The blond nodded shyly without speaking. "That means your Lady Mura, the half sister, am I not right?" Kirishima asked Val since his hair was a different shade of color.

"Yes, that's me. Mura Gilde—. I'm Mura," the brown haired asserted. He didn't know how to pronounce that wretched last name.

"And you must be Lady Tora," Kirishima said to Eri.

"That's me," she grinned widely.

Kirishima closed his booklet to secure it under his folded arm. "Well then Lady Sai, Lady Mura and Lady Tora, since you're here now, please follow me. The dinner is about to start, the other guests are waiting. You're the last three to arrive." He spun his heel to escort them to the main hall.

"Dinner? I thought this was supposed to be a party? And we're the last ones." Akihito vexed in a whispering level.

"Shh, we don't know for sure," Val pacified.

Bored into a dilemma, they must make a quick decision on whether to proceed in or withdraw out immediately. However what happens if they could use their fake identities to their advantage? It was worth a try. There was always a backup plan, they had devised this for hours, in fact they had four escape plans. Feeling rather optimistic about their success to rob Lord Asami's stash of rare ingredients, the cave dwellers ambled with a fair distance behind the man until they reached the main hall.

Inside, the interior was adorned with gilded gold details and the marble floors polished to a pristine shine. Two crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling and dinner tables were arranged in a rigid U. At the other side of the tables, a spacious floor was prepared for dancing while a platform was setout for the orchestra to play. Guests were seen grouped or disbanded throughout the hall, there were fewer people than expected. This was not looking good for them. Their confidence were beginning to dissolve, their faces met with a look of consternation from the lack of available distractions a ball would generally provide.

"Ladies and gentlemen the sisters have arrived, please take your seats. Lord Asami will be here in any minute," Kirishima announced.

The gentle humming of violins ceased and the affluent guests meandered to mingle quickly with their friends before moving to their assigned spot, some were already seated.

"Follow me ladies to your seats. Luckily we kept your spots reserved in case you were able to make it in time."

Ohhh crap! The three were invited to a Silverblood dinner party, and Lord Asami was going to be joining them too! It was too late to turn back now. They are in this too deep. Fear was seeping in and their guts twisted with foreseeing danger. Things were looking grim as the companions were lead closer to the end side of the tables, the row where Lord Asami and the high ranking investors would sit. The vampire lord's spot was obvious, his chair was an ebony throne, situated in the middle of the U, allowing him to clearly view all of his guests.

'Damn this is not looking too good. He's leading us closer to the end. Please stop. Ah shit!'

Dread fell onto Akihito and his companions, they were indeed next to Lord Asami, and when they mean next, they mean it. Three seats were equally placed from Asami's left and right. The disguised cave dwellers were allocated to the vampire lord's left.

"Special guests sit close to Lord Asami," Kirishima indicated.

Akihito hysterically died inside, his eyes crossed into X's.

"Your arrange seats have your names on it." The vampire pointed to the cards on the white sheeted table. "As you can see here, Lady Tora you sit here. Lady Mura you sit in the middle. And finally Lady Sai, you have the honor of sitting next to Lord Asami."

Akihito died inside again, this time his body putrefied into skeletal remains.

"I'm si—sitting here?" The blond stuttered weakly. He didn't want to adhere to this horrid seating plan, especially next to Asami whom might recognize him and his body scent if the perfume exuded away.

"Yes my lady. Lord Asami has never been acquainted to you three and its customary that he greets you with his respects."

Never acquainted? Should they go with the flow and wait until the dance starts before they scuttle off? Hoping that the vampire lord may never uncover their identities? They can't run off now, it would foil their mission. An escape plan would only be utilized if they were discovered. Right now the best thing to do was to play along. They cannot fail. While Akihito faltered behind his chair, Eri and Val had already sat down, worried looks traced towards the indecisive younger vampire.

"Are you okay Lady Sai?" The Silverblood asked.

"Sit," Val politely gestured to the blond.

Akihito fumbled nervously with his fingers, a burst of haste urged him to roughly pull his stone chair with both arms. A sharp screech was produced, striking deeply into the thin eardrums of the guests. Curious onlookers paused to stare at Lady Sai, rumored to be one of Asami's top investors. However her demeanor appeared bizarre to their liking. It almost seemed as if she disliked basking in the ambience of a dinner hosted by the great Lord Asami.

Kirishima was left speechless on how Lady Sai presented herself. Putting that aside, it was time to start. "Ladies and gentlemen, the dinner will start in any minute!"

As the Silverblood vampire left, Akihito whispered near Val's shoulder. "Va—Mura, we need to leave now."

"Bees and squirrels when salami toddles in," Val replied flatly in cave dweller slang. He seemed to have acquired a sangfroid trait from his lover.

"But I can't drink hu—eee…" The blond winced in pain.

Val had stomped on Akihito's foot to mollify his panic attacks. "Your fine Sai."

Glaring sharply at his older cousin, he gritted his teeth as he scolded quietly. "I'm sending your ass back up North."

Val raised his foot midway, ready to stamp but a boisterous voice had stopped him.

"Ladies and gentlemen…Lord Asami presents himself!"

Akihito died inside thrice, this time his bones disintegrated into a pile of ash.

All of the guests arose to formally bow to the superior vampire entering the hall from the side. "Lord Asami," the guests chanted. The cave dwellers mimicked their actions in order to blend in. Akihito's eyes widened in growing apprehensive fear at the sight of the well-groomed vampire lord. Asami had his signature black hair slicked back with a few short strands dangling freely to the front of his forehead. The man wore a ravishing suit perfect for this evening, his black cotton vest was embellished with fine golden embroidery while his coat had been dyed jet black. Words couldn't describe how handsome he looked, even a woman would faint from a nosebleed.

"As you were," Asami instructed his guests to resume back to their seats. He noticed the three woman. "Ah, the Gildergvisk sisters. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm glad to see you have arrived safely." The vampire lord begun his short introductions, starting with Lady Tora (Eri), then to Lady Mura (Val) and finally Lady Sai (Akihito).

The blond swore he could feel the air of uneasiness crawling up his vertebrae. Asami had a strong demeanor, one that appeared both intimidating yet demanding respect. This was one of his great qualities that distinct him from other rulers.

"Pleasure to meet you Lady Sai," Lord Asami greeted with courteous manners.

Akihito's heart thumped in a elevated pace. He rebuked himself mentally to suppress his jittery nerves. Breathing in deeply he bobbed forward slightly. "Pleasure to meet you too Lord Asami." His voice came out lower than usual, eyes averted away from direct contact. Asami saw this, his side lip curved up in amusement after witnessing Akihito's reclusiveness. Awkward silence filled the empty conversation between the four, waiting for someone to break it, or at least kill the tense atmosphere brewing in the air.

"You may sit down now."

"Oh okay…" The three obediently nodded.

Lord Asami severed the unsociable gather, his guests are waiting and their stomachs were craving for the delectable taste of human blood fermented with grapes; bloody wine. Once everyone was comfortably seated Asami ordered his servants to begin serving. "Bring in the feast!"

As the silver goblets were being handed out to all of the guests, Akihito could not palliate his anxiety, Asami's close proximity only exacerbated his problems. His clammy hands scrunched onto the fabrics of his knees, pinching and wrinkling the creases of the skirt. He kept most of his gaze to his companions, the table, his skirt or to the pianist playing a relaxing melody and finally to the goblets being placed in front of him and Lord Asami. Akihito swallowed in horror at the sight of the dark red liquid. To take one gulp would be a violation to his belief. But under circumstances like this, he was exempted from sinning.

The vampire lord rose with his goblet of blood in his hand to deliver his speech. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm happy that you were able to join me today. I like to thank you all for helping me build towards our dream in expanding this district. And I especially like to thank my investors Ridrick, Sato, Vizur and the Gildergvisk sisters for greatly improving the world we have envisioned…" As Lord Asami continued to babble on about economic improvements, Akihito's mind skipped blank till the end. "…because now we have out purchased the humans for a dock in Vldörf. And because of this, all of our profits will increase by twenty percent!"

"Bravo Lord Asami!" The guests cheered and clapped to adulate their leader.

"We're going to be richer," one of the aristocrats could be heard rejoicing.

"Now to the future." The vampire lord held his goblet out. All of the guests arose with their goblets in their grasping hand, lagging behind them were the cave dwellers.

"To the future." They upraised their goblets in the air before taking a celebratory drink. Akihito and his companions merely sipped just to fit in. The blond's face soured, the metallic licorice taste repulsed him. Blood and fermented grapes do not mix for him, but the Silverbloods seem to enjoy it.

After a quick swig of wine, they settled back down into their seats to chatter on merrily. They took their time in savoring their beverage, though some were imbibing until their contents were depleted. Waiters came around with a silver pitcher to refill when needed. Akihito did not dare touch his goblet, any more of this wine and he would puke and redecorate the linen with his stomach juices. Lord Asami lounged back with his drink, sipping intermittently as he watched Lady Sai with the corner of his eyes.

"You don't like this wine my Lady? It's light alcohol."

Akihito jolted with a faint yelp, the vampire lord had startled him.

"Uh, its alright I guess," Akihito spoke softly. He hated acting like this, it made him look meek.

"Curious to have a taste of mine? It's stronger if that's how you like it?" Asami offered his goblet out.

"No thanks," Akihito shook his hand to decline. There was no way he would share a drink with him, especially after his lips and saliva had contaminated the rim.

"You seem shy of my presence. Am I that intimidating?"

"No Asami—. Uh I mean Lord Asami. Sorry." Whoops! Akihito had disgraced himself by improperly addressing the man without any honorifics. He never did in the first place, he didn't deserve his respect, they had too many differences.

The vampire lord swirled the wine in front of his chin before taking another gulp. "Nervous are we?" He smirked behind the silver goblet.

There was only one vampire who dared to flout his title, and that sly bat was Takaba Akihito.

"Um, no," the blond lied.

"Lord Asami, may I borrow some of your time?" A neighboring investor requested. The man had a shave beard and medium brown hair that curved along his face.

"Go on."

Phew! Akihito could catch his breath. His heart had pounded with rapid intensity against his rib cage. Any longer and he would punch Asami in the cheek and skedaddle, but that was all in his head. As if he could assault him, that would lead to another 'punishment'.

"Mura, what now?" Akihito turned to Val for his advice when Lord Asami was distracted.

"I thinks its best to wait. They'll be dancing soon."

"Mura is right. Everyone will dance and that's when we dig the honey jar," Eri joined.

"You want some of mine?" The blond slid the full goblet to his cousin. Maybe Val could finish it off for him since he had a stronger tolerance for distasteful meals.

"No." Val rejected instantly. Even he couldn't stand this atrocious wine.

"You seem to be able to handle it well, please." Akihito pleaded once more.

"Just drink it Ak— Mu—I mean Sai."

"Aww."

"Lady Sai, where did you say your descent was from again?" Lord Asami continued on where he left off.

"Descent? Uh, well…" He had to make something up right now. "…you see I have three sisters. My descent was unique, uh its rich—."

"Lord Asami," the brown haired investor asked again.

"Yes?" The vampire lord shifted to listen.

Thank the heavens! Another wonderful interference to blockade him from Asami.

"Let the bees fly now?" Akihito prodded Val.

"No."

"Grrrrr."

Five minutes later…

"Are my choices too bland for your liking Lady Sai?"

'Ah shit, not again. Can you stop talking to me!'

"I'm on a diet," he replied bluntly.

"I see."

"Lord Asami, Ridrick has another important question."

"Go on." Third request now, Akihito was surprised on how calm the vampire lord remained. But thank the heavens and Aurieas once again!

Five minutes later again…

"Lady Sai, in return for your contribution and personal request by letter, I have accepted."

"Ah?" What personal request did this Sai send and what did he accept? Damn! If only he knew. Can that man beside Asami please ask another question?

"Shall we head to the floor now?" Lord Asami fixed his inner jacket as he prepared his dignified mien.

"Pardon?"

"Yes my Lady, you had requested a dance with me."

"Dance?! What? I can't da—." He swiftly turned to Val, to Eri, then to floor and back to the vampire lord who was now standing up. No one taught him the basics on how to waltz. Cave dwellers don't party like the Silverbloods, they revel around a campfire beating their drums, blowing a flute and shaking their maracas.

"I did? Can I cancel it? My foot feels sore after my carriage broke."

"I'll be extra gentle." He held his hand out as a kind gentlemen would.

"Can my sisters go inst—wait!"

Ignoring the excuses being hurled at him, Asami took hold of Akihito's wrist to pull him off his seat. The boy recoiled with a tug but the older vampire's grip only tightened harder before leaning forward. "To reject my offer in front of all these people would be an insult to my honor, I was looking forward to your proposal my lady." Akihito was given no choice, his words were peremptory and cold.

"Wait, Asami. My foot hurts." His foot did hurt, thanks to Val. He swayed his head to see how his companions were coping with this unpredicted occurrence. To his surprise, the two were giggling with blank faces as if they were under the influence of narcotics. This was not normal, something was not right, Akihito could sense it.

As they sauntered to the dancefloor hand to hand, they were stopped on the way by the girl he had seen in the markets. The narcisstic female had preened herself to perfection, leaving no strand untamed or skin blemished. Her red dress was frilly and she gave a smile of confidence, yet underneath her mask lies a fragile self-esteem and lack of empathy for others.

"Lord Asami I got you a gift!"

"Thank you. Give it to my secretary, he'll place it in my office."

"Okay. Is Lady Sai your first dance partner?" The brunette's glowing smile hide her bitter wrath of jealousy.

"No I'm not. You can—ow!" Asami had squeezed Akihito's hand to silence him. Guess he had no choice but to obey. Once this dance was over he would be free. Well that's what he thought.

"Yes she is. Now if you excuse me, we have a dance. You are welcome to join the dancefloor with your partner."

"Yes Lord Asami." She downcast her head in dejection.

Meanwhile back at the tables.

"Hehehe look at my arm Tora. I feel, funny you know," Eri chortled at the sight of her hand, her vision became distorted and voices in the distance deepened.

"Tira I thought I was Sai," Val queried with a confused look.

"What happens if I'm you?"

"Huuuhh?!" The brown haired gaped in shock with his body jerking back.

…||[]||…

"My Lady." Lord Asami gently pecked the back of Akihito's hand.

The couple stood under the aureate lights emitting from the docile flames of a hundred candles. Pellets of crystal glass, transparent and clearer than the limpid waters crowned underneath the circular hooks of the chandelier.

A lustrous night just for the two of them to rule the dancefloor, face to face as the adoring guests watched on. A slow classical music was played in background to set the mood.

This was it.

Their first dance.

"Let me guide you." The older vampire slid his right arm under Akihito's shoulder blade, the other ran down along his arm to clasp around his palm before bringing it up. The boy kept his gaze elsewhere as he supported his free arm on Asami's shoulder and elbow. He remembered the correct stance, but for the routine Akihito was incompetent. Completely inexperienced and unfit to even be classified as an amateur. Sad, however it was the truth. He can't dance! His sanity was hanging on a edge, trepidation inundated his conscience and being extremely near each other wasn't helping either, he was vulnerable to being discovered. Silence and compliance was his best weapon at this moment.

Asami could feel his partner's muscles tense, in fact Akihito was overly tense that he might just as well dance with a wooden mannequin. He could hear the younger vampire's breathing becoming erratic and the thumping of his vital organ. They took their first steps in moving back and forth. The vampire lord took the lead, he had the power to maneuver and dictate their direction. But if only Akihito could master his steps right. His footwork was mess, a crying shame to those who watched. Rather then stepping smoothly with his partner, the blond would shuffle or teeter, sometimes stomp, gaining puzzled looks from the crowd encircling them. No matter where Asami guided him, the two were out of synch, disorganized with the serene flow. This wasn't working, Akihito was too stiff and he also kept his head down to disconnect any facial communication. The vampire lord could read the stressed aura, his partner was disturbed by the third-party stares, Asami had to change the milieu. With a quick click of his fingers the music quickened and the guests partnered up to join in on the dance. The lonely floors were now teeming with life and color. They were free to express themselves amongst the waltzing couples.

"It seems like this is your first time dancing my Lady. Let me teach you how it is done." The arm behind Akihito's back slithered down to his hipbone before tucking him in closer to a hug without warning.

"Hey!" The blond protested. 'That's too damn low and close, perverted bastard!'

Asami gave a complacent smile, paying no heed to the boy's glare of disapproval. Akihito's anterior front was propped against the older vampire's body.

"Now lets begin again. I'll will help you relax."

'Fuck!'

Their arms outstretched midair and hands clasped together. Asami could smell the synthetic hair, the lavender perfume, the powdery foundation and…Akihito's sweet scent. How lovely, he grinned. Now to commence back to properly dancing. They begun to move collectedly and striding in diagonals, this was a beginners exercise for Akihito before they would join in the spinning madness of expert mobility and blooming skirts. The blond could feel Asami's broad chest inhaling and exhaling and the air expelling to tickle his neck whenever he was arched back. This brought back a memory of the night when he was dominated by vigorous vitality. The hands that touched him, held him. He relived that night. Akihito clawed the back of Asami's collar vehemently, his blood simmered in a turmoil of resentment and the dying need for gratification. The way the older vampire enveloped him, clutched him and embraced him to press the areas where he thought would never erotically arouse him, it sent him yearning for more. No longer did Akihito feel tense, he was soothed until his guard was lowered.

Every move they took emanated a desire to bond. As they spun, dipped and arched together beautifully as one, this ignited a spark of passion, their eyes magnetized naturally. Seductive golden eyes met light-blue eyes, linked by an invisible line. This wasn't a waltz, this was a dance of sensuality and pleasure. One that yielded an impulsion of ecstasy and undulating love. Their tilted faces were unbelievably close, soft lips could almost bridge, tempting their hearts to take an irresistible nip. In the swelling heat of the moment, Akihito was suddenly dipped back sideways as Asami lunged forward to plant a fierce kiss, leaving him breathless and in the state of surprised shock.

"NOOOO!" Val objected loudly as he pointed with a menacing scowl. "GET YOUR PERVERTED LIPS AWAY FROM HIM, YA BLOODY TRICKSTER!" His voice echoed through the halls, alerting all attention to him and Eri by the table. Behind them was a group of Silverbloods ready to conduct an arrest.

"Let the bees fly!" Eri ruthlessly threw her stone chair at the guards with a goofy grin.

Akihito was still wrapped in Asami's arms, their lips parted since the outburst. Damn! What the hell is happening?! Were they drunk?!

Whatever it was, their escape plan was now initiated.

Thank you all for your wonderful reviews and reoccurring ones too. Thank you! Happy New Year soon!

Hehe, I saw my chance in putting Akihito in a dress.