Author's Note: Yesh. I'm very slow. So sue me. I know this chapter is a bit...wordy...and...uneditted...and...boring...but I like it so much better than the first one. XD And, just so no one gets confused, I wanted to list the pairing. It seems safer. If you don't want to know, don't decifer this code: l0yd/Pr37e. Yes, I'm feeling manic, because it's 1:30 AM as I post, which is why you're getting pairings in code. XD

Soundtrack: "You're a God," by Vertical Horizon. Hip-hoorah for Pandora! Also, "I'll Bet That You Look Good on the Dance Floor," Artic Monkeys, and "Drops of Jupiter," Train.

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It was a fine party, Zelos decided. The guests seemed pleased, and there hadn't been any great fusses as of yet. Of course, an eventual spat was to be expected. It was hard, after all, to have so many rick people in one room without some disagreements arising.

But, over all, he was happy with the way it turned out. Really, it had been a few years since he threw a good party like this. That fact made sense; after the events of the Regeneration, it had taken a while to reform himself. No one could say he was the same as he had been, but no one could say that he had changed that much either. Zelos rather liked it that way.

Speaking of...

Crystalline blue eyes darted quickly about the room, looking for the faces of the few who knew him. Regal he'd seen already; they'd worked rather closely of late, and often met at events such as these. It was no great surprise that Regal attended.

Sheena had refused outright. Again, no great surprise. He'd get her to come of her own will someday. The Sages had been practically impossible to reach, and Zelos had finally resorted to asking Lloyd--who he'd seen actually, gotta get back to him--to pass the message along. He didn't see either half-elf currently, and Colette had written back to express her deepest regrets for being unable to attend. Sweet kid.

Presea had said she was coming, and he'd seen her a few hours before the festivities began, as she crept up to the changing rooms, but not since then.

But, no use wondering about the absentees. Concentrate on the moment here, boy. Zelos combed back the strands of hair that had fallen free from the loose braid that held the bulk of his mane, and deftly snatched a finely-crafted wine glass from one of the passing trays. Swirling the liquid about the cup, he squinted at the contents. The drink was an absolutely perfect shade of pink. Just a touch of yellow stained it, gave it a sophisticated look and feel and smell and--he tilted the glassed up and enjoyed the wine--ah, yes, and taste, which was all that really mattered in the long run.

Well, what with the perfect wine in the perfect glass at this perfectly wonderful party, the only thing missing was a perfect girl with whom he could dance to the perfect music. It was an excellent group of musicians, too.

The once-Chosen threw his head back in resolution, raising his cup to an invisible companion. To finding the perfect girl. Tonight. He laughed aloud at the ridiculousness of the mission and quickly set about the silly business. Alicia. She was sweet enough, but couldn't keep her mouth shut if her life depended on it. Oh! There was Lexie! She was even wearing low shoes, perfect for dancing.

Of course, she had to come with him. Possessive bastard. Zelos scowled as another effeminately handsome man wrapped his arm around her corset-bound waist.

Dear Ebitha had an charming personality, but no dancing skill whatsoever. Fiona was one of the few who really did despise his very essence. Katrina was cursed with both the inability to dance and the inability to put a proper set of words together, not to mention a string of thoughts. Cynthia had already managed to twist her ankle.

Marina, however, seemed in excellent state of health, state of mind, state of sobriety. Zelos raised his eyebrows. The older beauty was certainly an appealing option. In fact, it seemed she was the only option. He quickly downed the remainder of his drink, setting the glass down on the nearest empty chair, and walked with only the slightest swagger towards Marina.

The girl was only mildly engaged in her conversation, and it was to his great satisfaction that he drew her immediate attention. Marina turned her cool brown eyes toward him, burgundy lips turning up at the corners. "Why, Mister Wilder," she cooed, extending her hand to him, "I was worried I wouldn't see you at all this evening. You've been so elusive." She always was the picture of elegance.

"Ah, Miss Catalonia, I've been remiss. I've always been a simply dreadful host." He bent down to plant a quick kiss on her hand, smiling at his own stuffy speech. "You'll have to excuse my atrocious behavior."

She shrugged delicately. "I'm sure you'll more than compensate. However, seeing as you've been rather horrible tonight, I'll assume that you have not yet greeted my little Mouse."

He frowned curiously at this comment, head leaning to the side. "And who might that be?"

"Dearie," Marina called over her shoulder, hand stretching to another, smaller girl's shoulder, "Come meet our host."

The petite young woman turned, and Zelos suddenly wished that he'd waited just a bit longer in picking out a partner. Marina's mouse tucked her head in shyly, wisps of soft red hair brushing over her white-shadowed eyes, pearl-gloved hands wrapped around one of the perfect wine glasses. "Hello, Zelos," glossed lips greeted softly, hinting at a smile.

Zelos grinned shamelessly. "Presea." He moved closer, gently cupping her face in his hands and pressing his own lips to her forehead. "Hello."

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Nix: Enjoy till I get the next bit out. This'll probably wind up in about four chapters.