Baby steps. That's what was going on for them. Little baby steps as Harper felt his fingers brush against her wrist. It was a comfort thing now, his gentle touch of reassurance. Always her wrist, nowhere else unless she said otherwise. Yet at that moment, she wanted to hold him, to never let go as the men planned to go to Romania and see what the nation was up to. She could see that Brie and Amber were cooking something up within their heads as they looked at each other and nodded. Lily wasn't far behind with them as her fingers would tap and move around to their own movements. She hated being left out of what they were talking about but she knew she'd get hit with it fast after they men left.

Since the news report and video played two weeks ago, she had been practically glued to Kiku's side as everything came forth. She was terrified of what could happen to her if he wasn't around, worried that she'd never see him again. A small squeeze came to her hand, pulling her from her thoughts.

"Don't worry Harper, I won't let anything happen to you." he whispered to her.

Curse him and knowing her so well. She hated that she was that readable yet also was glad about it as well. It was things like this that made her confident in him and herself.

"With that being said, we will be heading out in an hour or so to get to Vlad's. Setting up everything will be the interesting part." Ludwig finished.

"I still think it's suicidal jumping in like that." Marie crossed her arms on her chest.

"If there was another way I would do it Liebling." he spoke to her.

"If we are to get the information, what happens then?" Feli asked.

"Hopefully with it Feliciano we will be able to stop this all at once." Francis relied.

"And then there will be less to worry about." Arthur added.

They all nodded as they rose to their feet, husbands and wives following the other before having to depart once more. Harper worried furiously over Kiku and the thought of him dealing with Genesis. It just-

"Harper." she heard his tone change.

She knew that one, the tone of 'stop worrying'. She couldn't help it. Having him was like a child's security blanket, it felt wonderful to have yet scary when lost.

"We won't be far. Just over the border. Eliza and Gil have things set where you all will be safe, trust me."

"I do Kiku. I still worry though."

She looked into his dark browns as he smiled at her, "I'll be fine and back before you know it."

"Promise?"

His smile deepened as he pat her head, "Promise."

She couldn't help but shy away from him, it was something she was slowly getting used to that made her giddy as a school girl when he did so.

It was then she noticed the stain upon his dress shirt. "Oh, Kiku, your shirt."

"Oh dear." he muttered as he looked upon it, "Guess I was closer to Lincoln than I thought when he swung his spoon."

"Don't worry, I'll grab you another." Harper said darting out the room.

She was kinda glad she saw it, it was a needed distraction from her mind as her thoughts swam with him and Genesis like it did. Once finding another pristine white shirt, she quickly made her way back to the room, opening the door haphazardly only to reel back in shock as she saw him shirtless within the room.

"Taihen mōshiwakearimasenga, watashi wa sore o imi shimasendeshita!" she held out the clothing to him as she sputtered out her apology to him.

How could she have done that, just barging in like that without even thinking? Well, he wasn't one to show skin, not even a tiny bit so yea, she knew why she thought she did. The shirt left her hand as her eyes were squeezed shut in embarrassment. For what little she saw was enough for her to ask. She remembered the visions from the blossoms and hearing about Alfred's scars, curiosity was slowly getting the better of her.

"Harper?"

"Oh, sorry Kiku, I was lost in thought. I'll leave you-"

"What did you see?"

And there it was, her own hesitance was her guilty notion to seeing him. "Nothing."

"Harper."

"Ok, just the lining of a scar I think, that's all." she said, her eyes still pressed close. "But Kiku, is it true? Are you like Alfred?"

Silence filled the room as she regretted opening her mouth, "I'm sorry Kiku, I should've known better-"

"Look at me Harper."

That was unexpected. Her eyes finally opened as she looked over to him. He stood there stiff, as his own mind wandered with the same as hers. She noticed that the shirt was still unbuttoned as he held it against himself.

"Might as well." he said to himself, his gaze finally landing on her, "I'm not advancing or anything on you, ok?"

Harper gave a small nod. With a sigh, he opened the shirt to reveal the scar upon his chest. It's ridged skin bumpy and smooth from his skin, a small shade different from his skin tone, yet the more she looked at it, the more she realized the form of it.

"Nagasaki?"

"Hai, it is."

"Then where's-"

He cut her off as he turned around and let the shirt fall down his back, showing her the last scar. This one larger. Darker. More pronounced than the other as her mind flew back to the memories. He was in so much pain that day, how could he have stood up again?

"War is an ugly thing, it is why I don't want to see you get hurt in any way." he said finally putting the shirt on.

She couldn't help but sit there as her mind wrestled with the right words to use. She didn't realize how close he was until his breath tickled her cheeks.

"Anata wa daijōbudesu, Harper?"

"What? Oh, yea I'm fine just..." she really couldn't finish it, she wasn't sure really.

"Are you sure?"

She looked up at him, his dark orbs full of worry. Harper really couldn't help her mind at that moment as she felt the need to press her lips to him fill her, yet she held back. "Yes. Just fine."

His fingers graced her chin, ever so gentle and light, "Uso-tsuki."

"Am not."

"Then tell me."

"I... I... I can't. I don't know what you'll think or-" he pressed his finger to her rambling lips.

Before Harper knew it, she was pulled against him, her hands pressed lightly to his shoulders as his one hand snaked around her back and the other cupping the back of her head as he placed his soft, warm lips to hers. She swore she heard angels singing hymns as he kissed her. She felt alive as his sweet flavor hit her. She could've stayed like that forever, feeling him like that with her, it was amazing. Pulling apart for needed breath was the end of it as she stared at him all dazed and amazed.

"Wow. My first kiss." she mumbled out.

"Really?" he smiled at her, "Mine too."

She couldn't help but giggle at him as the familiar voice of Alfred filled the air. Harper's heart sank as she knew she would see him off with the others.

"Time is not on our side I see." he sighed as he kissed her forehead, "I promise I'll be back soon."

Giving a light nod, Harper let him go. Together they made their way to the others as they all gave a finally goodbye. He gave a small bow as he and Yao left as the others followed behind. It was then Harper felt something within her hair. Finding the source, she smiled as she looked at the blossom within her hands.

"Only you Kiku." she said smelling the sweet flower as the hall became quite with all of them in it.

"Well then, that was quick, now the bigger thing is what were you three planning?" Juliet asked.

"Nothing too bad." Amber smiled.

"We swear, just a quick trip for us girls in a little bit." Lily added.

"It's why all the children are with family." Brie noted.

"So, what's going on?" Marie asked them, speaking for the others within the room.

The three women smiled as they looked at them, "We're going to a ball."

"We are going to get in serious trouble over this!" Harper near shouted as she followed Marie, Amber and Nora.

"I know yet those three think it's a grand idea." Nora pointed to the others as they dressed themselves.

"It isn't like we planned this." Marie added as a small gasp filled the room.

"Suck it in Lily." Brie said as she pulled the cords to the corset tighter.

"I can't." Lily breathed out as the woman tightened the piece. "Dear god, our queens didn't know how to breath!"

Harper was worried with how everything was turning out. After the men left, all of them took off for the palace, seeing Vlad welcome them in graciously. The three of them had made this plan since the knowledge of the ball and, with high hopes, pinpointing the Genesis members and learning what else they might have. For her on the other hand, it was a recipe for disaster.

"Nein!" she heard Marie yell as Amber threw something at her.

"You are as flexible as me and able to wow, so while you are on the ground, I'll be in the air." Amber stated, "Or would you like to trade?"

"You are a bitch, you know that?" Marie scoffed as she went to put on the piece.

"Seriously, am I the only one worried about this?" Harper asked aloud.

"No, I am too but it's what we can do." Nora replied.

"But the men will be mad. I don't want-"

"We're here Harper. All you and I are doing is dressing as servants and walking the floors. Making sure women carry a drink and men have cigars. Simple. It's them that have all the work."

"Finally." she heard Brie say as Lily tried to move.

"Ivan ever asks for a corset I'm going to constrict his balls like my chest." Lily threatened.

"Yes, yet you're not done love." Juliet said as she held up a green fabric.

"This is bullshit." the woman stated as they all went to finish.

"Come on Harper. You and I need to speak to Vlad quick." Nora said, pulling on her arm.

This was madness. Total madness. Following the woman, she found herself in a large dark room, velvet chairs and rich mahogany tables stood out against the stunning design upon the walls. There in the middle was the man in question, his strange dark blonde hair stood out along with his red eyes against the candlelight yet what took Harper out of her skin was the two fangs within his mouth.

"Don't worry. They're just looks." Nora said.

"Hello girls, nice to finally see you both." he began as he pulled something from his desk, "These are yours for the ball. Now remember, stay close to one another always. Do not venture away. I have security up yet I do not know what Genesis has up their sleeve so I'd rather use caution."

Harper nodded at him along with Nora as he continued, "You have on the usual servant dress to fit in, as long as you both have nothing exposed to show who you are, we are fine."

"Henceforth why my hair is down today." Nora nodded.

How could she be so calm about this? Harper couldn't understand her cool temper with all of this. turning back to the desk, she was met with those red orbs smiling at her. She let out a shrill as his hand caught hers.

"So pretty." he whispered.

"Careful there, she's Kiku's." Nora warned.

Vlad let go of her hand, "Apologies, I didn't mean to frighten you."

Harper nodded as she grasped the mask to her, "You two better get going before the ball fully starts. I believe Amber and Marie are already down in the room."

"Right. Come on Harper." She felt Nora take her hand again as she pulled her to the ballroom.

Before she could collect herself, Harper saw the grand doors, the deep airy music lifted the air as chatter hit her ears. Nervous wasn't even the word for Harper at the moment, she was a wreck and it wasn't getting better.

"Now remember, we are servants of the ball. Nameless and nothing more. The masks stay on at all times until things are done." Nora stated as she placed the mask upon her face.

Harper looked down at the stunning piece covered in ribbons and lace as gentle red hues spotted the mask. Giving a defeated sigh, she placed the mask on and opened the door. To say she lost her breath was an understatement. It was massive. Gold and red decorated the walls and ceiling as the men and women meandered about in their amazing gowns and suits.

"Harper." she heard Nora chide her as she gawked at the scene. "Come on."

She quickly followed the woman as she made her way to the table, her eyes attempting to find the girls, yet afire that the men would see them.

"What exactly are we doing here Nora?"

"Scouting more of anything." she replied as they poured drinks. "I remember what they look like along with knowing their voices, so I'm looking closer to the people personally. Marie and Amber are looking around and above to see what they can and the other three are going to be parade around with Vlad until he goes off to speak privately."

"Why do I feel like it's isn't going to work?"

"You're thinking too much." Nora pointed to the woman balancing herself upon a perch, "Marie has had Gil and Ludwig train her. She may look like she's acting but she's watching, just like Amber."

Harper's eyes went to the ceiling as she saw Amber twirling and spinning on the decorated hoop.

"Never think we aren't steps ahead of the boys, we always are."

The lights dimmed as fluent Romanian was called out, a simple light shown upon the red stairs as Vlad came out with a smile, showing off his character to the world. Slowly he turned and gestured behind him as three figures came in behind.

She felt her jaw drop as Juliet, Brie, and Lily descended the stairs, following Vlad to the awed crowd. Now she understood why he wanted them to accompany him. They were queens in their past lives and it showed brightly as they stepped together, stride in step as their heads were high and regal. It was hard to believe it was them, the very women she had grown used to. From Juliet's vibrant red, to Brie's mellow blue, just to land on Lily's sparkling green, they were gorgeous.

"And those three are our ticket to catch Genesis." Nora said, "They have an eye for women, especially the pervert."

Vlad bowed Before the people as the girls followed up behind, "Welcome all! Thank you for joining. Now enjoy the evening!"

And then the ball was off. Harper stayed close to Nora as they went to people and gave them what they wanted as the others were occupied elsewhere. She saw Vlad at one point leave and speak with others as they ran around the place.

"Hanging in there Harper?" Nora asked.

"Just fine..."she trailed off as the familiar energetic blonde came into sight.

Alfred leaned against the banister, his face twisted with curiosity and question as he watched, following his gaze she found it upon Amber as she spun around once more within the hoop.

"Nora?"

"Yea?"

"Do you see what I see?"

She felt Nora by her side as they watched the American have her fun. Only as her legs wrapped around the hoop did the dream catcher stand out.

"Oh, my god, she forgot her tattoo." Nora stated.

Harper looked back to Alfred just to find realization upon his face as Ivan and Arthur joined him. She watched as he looked down and noticed the girls upon the dance floor and Marie upon the perch. Within seconds, the guys were off in a flash, heading in their directions.

"Oh crap!" Harper heard Nora say before she pulled her behind, heading for Marie.

"Marie!" Nora nearly shouted. "Marie get down."

"What for?"

"They guys saw us!" Harper yelled.

"Was?!"

"Marie!" Her name was shouted as people moved out of the towering man's way.

"Oh sheiße!"

Marie nearly fell off the piece as Ludwig came over towards them. A hand landed upon Harper's shoulder, emitting a small scream from her.

"It's Juliet love, we have to go." The woman spoke quickly as Brie and Lily came up to them, "Alfred already has Amber."

Looking up, she saw the hoop being hoisted back to its original spot from the ceiling as Alfred pulled it up.

"Girls!"

Harper turned to see Vlad leaning over the banister, his eyes full of fear and worry.

"Run girls! Run, get out of here now! Go!"

The ballroom filled with murmurs and chatter of question only to fill with panic as a dagger was placed into Vlad's chest from behind. Screams and shouts echoed the vast room as everyone attempted to escape the horror.

"We gotta go, come on!" She heard Brie yell over the crowd.

Yet for Harper, she was frozen in fear as she watched as the men push Vlad over the banister, landing in a heap on the ground.

"Harper!" she felt someone pull on her.

Finally, she snapped awake. She followed the pull to see it was Nora pulling her towards the vast door.

"We gotta get out of here, now!"

Harper didn't argue as she followed the woman through the mass of bodies. She herself was afraid of what was coming, what would happen now that Genesis knew they were there.

"Harper!" Someone called out her name.

Her eyes searched for the voice, just to land on the familiar suit. She knew he'd be upset with her yet as afraid as she was, she wanted his comfort.

"Kiku!" She yelled to him, pulling free of Nora.

"Harper!" He shouted, looking for her.

"Kiku, here!" She finally got to him as he took her hand.

She looked back to see Nora nod to her as she went out the door. Harper followed Kiku without a second thought as they maneuvered around corners and long hallways away from the panic in the grand ballroom. She grew tired of the fast stride he had as they entered another hall.

"Kiku wait. Slow down, I'm dragging here." She panted out as he finally stopped.

She caught her breath as he looked through the door before them. Faint shouts could be heard outside as she finally calmed down enough.

"Crikey that was bad." she breathed out.

A strange scent of cigarettes and whiskey filled her as she got closer to Kiku. She shook her head to try and rid the smell, only to have it become stronger.

"I think you were around some strong men." she stated.

"Not very observant are you." was the reply.

Harper paused as her head whirled in his question. Yet it wasn't the question that took her off guard but his voice. It didn't sit right, wasn't like him, or... it was then she looked at him. His hair wasn't the same nor his stance.

With the shake of his head, the familiar dark locks fell to show dirty blonde.

"You women are quite predictable." he said turning around.

It was then reality hit her. He wasn't Kiku and she was far from the others, too far to call for help. His eyes pierced into her as his stained teeth smiled darkly at her. She had fallen for a trap. Hook, line and sinker.

Turning on her heels, Harper attempted to escape the man but he was on top of her before she could even set a foot down. She screamed out as he pinned her to the cold marble floor, his cackle filling her ears. He pinned her torso down with his body as he smiled down at her, holding her hands above her head.

"God no, please. Please don't hurt me!" she pleaded.

"Hurt you? No, I wouldn't think of it...well maybe." he laughed.

His hands left her arms as his fingers wrapped around her throat. Harper tried to fight him, to push him off and claw at his arms and face as they squeezed tighter and tighter.

"Don't you see? I want to see the fear swell up in him as he tries to find his precious capital. Just like that other nation." he sneered at her as his hands never ceased their grip.

She tried. She tried so damn hard to get him off her, to fight for the very last breath. Fighting to see the girls and children and guys. She fought to see him again. To give him one more kiss and to tell him what she really felt for him. Yet it was slowly fading as her vision darkened and her lungs burned. Her body felt weak as her heart thumped against her chest, just to slow as well.

Before all went dark, she felt a lone tear slip pass as her last vision was Kiku in the garden with Pochi and Usagi as they waited for her by the cherry blossom tree.