Author's note: This chapter is dedicated to my friend Aiden and her crazy Cockney friends.

Chapter Three: Costumes and Dances

"I look," Daria said, glowering at her reflection in the mirror, "ridiculous."

"You were, as I recall, the one who vetoed the Egyptian queen costume," Mina pointed out as she assisted the Tau'ka with the finer points of her outfit.

"And I'm starting to regret that," she replied. She shrugged her shoulders, trying to get the garment to loosen up a little. "I wish I'd remembered that you are a good deal narrower in the shoulders than I am. And you're the one who could be the professional beauty if she'd wished, not me."

The deep blue gown she'd borrowed from Mina was pretty in its own way, but it was not to Daria's taste. The close-fitted bodice and sleeves were high style at the moment, as were the long sweeping skirts that threatened to trip her at every step. It was too narrow in the shoulders for her, and as far as she was concerned, the blue was exactly the wrong shade for her auburn hair and gray-green eyes. It suited Mina perfectly, of course, but Mina wasn't the one who needed to wear it.

"Hold still," the vampiress ordered as she began to apply cosmetics to Daria's face. The Tau'ka tried not to wrinkle her nose as the fine powders tickled it. She'd always been prone to sneezing. "You look wonderful."

Daria raised an eyebrow, prompting an admonishing glare from Mina. "What's the phrase used here? 'Enough to make a cat laugh'? How am I supposed to walk in this getup, much less dance?"

"I believe Dr. Jekyll likes blue."

The Tau'ka reddened. "Low, Mina," she muttered. "Very low."

Mina merely smiled innocently. "At least you can breathe in it." She set the cosmetics aside and added a few touches to Daria's hair. "Unfortunately, there isn't much I can do with this," she said. "It's a bit short for anything elaborate."

"Good," Daria said firmly. "If it's long enough to do anything elaborate with, it's long enough for someone to yank on in a fight."

"Most women here don't have to worry about that sort of thing."

"Most women here aren't intelligence operatives. I have slightly different priorities."

The vampires actually laughed. "You fit in very well, Daria," she said. "There are times when I forget that you aren't from Earth."

"That's good," the Tau'ka pointed out. "It means I'm doing my job well. Are we done yet?"

"Yes." Mina let her stand up and examine her reflection in the mirror. Daria looked herself over.

"It'll do," she said finally. She followed Mina out of her room and into the upper floor of the library, where the male members of the League were waiting.

The four men looked up from their conversation as Mina and Daria entered. Startled expressions marked their faces, and Skinner went so far as to whistle in amazement. This prompted Sawyer to sharply elbow him in the ribs. The reaction didn't entirely surprise Daria- Mina was stunning, after all, in a dark green gown that accented her eyes and hair. It was a far cry from her usual severe black. The young American stood and offered his arm to Mina, who took it, smiling. "Are you ready to go, my lady?" he asked with a broad grin.

Jekyll approached Daria, offering his own arm. "You look, ah, really nice," he stammered shyly. "Shall we?"

She blushed a little at the compliment, unused to being told she was pretty. She had almost forgotten that he'd never seen her in a dress before- she'd always worn her preferred outfit of shirt, vest, trousers, and boots on the League's mission to Venice and Mongolia. "Thank you," she said with a pleased smile. "You do too." She accepted his offered arm, raising an eyebrow at Skinner as they passed him. The thief was actually dressed up for once in a black suit that seemed to be the standard formal wear for Victorian men. The suit did seem oddly familiar, though. "I think he raided your wardrobe, Henry."

Jekyll glanced at Skinner. "He did. He didn't have anything appropriate and Captain Nemo is shorter than he is."

"Ah. That's alright, then. Frankly, he'd look ridiculous in anything Nemo likes."

The captain raised an eyebrow upon hearing that. His outfit was a more ornate version of his everyday uniform, although it was white and gold today rather than his usual blue-and-silver.

"Not that you look ridiculous, Captain," Daria said smoothly. "But you have to admit, your style wouldn't suit Skinner."

"It would not," Nemo agreed. "Patel has the automobile ready for us outside."

"I thought Sawyer blew it up."

Skinner grinned. "The Cap'n 'ere 'ad another one stashed away," he said.

They never cease to amaze me, Daria thought with a smile as she let Jekyll escort her outside.

OSCOSCOSCOSCOSCOSC

Daria had never had the opportunity to go to a Tau'ri party before, and her first impression was 'Formal. Very formal." The celebration was held at Lord Alderscroft's home, and she estimated that there were nearly a hundred guests all told. She looked around the ball room, which was decorated with a distinct autumn theme, using liberal amounts of orange, brown, and black. A footman at the entrance to the large chamber had announced the League as they had entered, although he had announced Daria as an 'escort' instead of by her real name. When she'd frowned in confusion, Jekyll had quietly told her that they had not had enough time to get her officially added to the guest list. "But you are one of us," he'd added, "And you have every right to be here with me- us."

The League had split up once they'd gotten inside, each to their own conversations. Predictably, Sawyer had headed right for the food. Nemo had found what seemed to be an interesting conversation with a dark-haired man wearing a checked neck cloth- Daria had overheard something about traveling around the world in eighty days on a bet. Skinner, true to his own nature, had found a group of young ladies and was flirting. Mina had been asked to dance practically the minute Sawyer had wandered off, leaving Daria and Jekyll standing off to one side.

"Remind me what the point of these gatherings are?" Daria murmured.

Jekyll shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine. I never was much for this type of thing."

A man in his late thirties with a weather-worn face approached them cautiously and gave a slight bow. "Captain Peter Scott," he said pleasantly. "May I have the pleasure of a dance, miss? If the gentleman here doesn't object?" he added with a glance at Jekyll. Jekyll frowned slightly, then gave a small shrug.

Feeling a little nervous, Daria accepted Scott's proffered hand. The sailor (for that he was- his very being screamed 'the sea' to her) led her to the dance floor as the musicians struck up a waltz.

"I apologize for being forward, Miss," Scott said. "I had to get away from the matchmakers." He indicated a group of matronly women with a jerk of his head. "A confirmed bachelor such as myself has to stay on his toes."

Daria smiled. "Forwardness forgiven, Captain Scott. My name is Daria Noclaf, and I too know the horrors of matchmaking elders."

Scott's eyes flicked towards Jekyll, who was watching the pair carefully. She shook her head. "No, not him," she said.

"I see. You dance well, Miss Noclaf."

That prompted a laugh out of her. "Not really, especially considering the fact that I think I just stepped on your foot."

He grinned broadly. "So much for polite conversation, then? I hate parties."

"I can't say I'm hugely fond of them myself."

"I only come because my twin makes me."

Daria blinked. Twins were rare among the Tau'ka, so she always had an interest in them. "You have a twin?"

Scot's mouth twitched in a slight grin. "Well, Peter Amsley's not really my twin," he said. "We just call him that because his name is Peter and because we're both Water Masters."

She frowned. "Water Masters?"

He looked confused. "Yes, Water Masters… oh, oh dear. You're not an Elemental Mage then, are you?"

The Tau'ka shook her head. "I came with the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. What are Elemental Mages?"

Her dance partner glanced around. "Perhaps I shouldn't-"

He was rescued from having to answer by the ending of the dance. As soon as the last notes had died, Jekyll crossed over to them. Scott bowed slightly and walked off, leaving the two League members.

"Excellent timing," she said dryly.

"What?"

"Oh, not you," she added hastily. "Captain Scott was just about to explain something when the music ended. Something about Elemental Mages."

"Never heard of them," Jekyll said.

No clue what you're talking about, Hyde added.

"See?" Jekyll said. "We could ask the others later. Now," he added, sweeping a bow of his own. "May I claim the next dance, Miss Noclaf?"

Daria curtsied, ignoring Hyde's whoop of laughter and comment of He finally got a spine! Never thought I'd see the day! "Be warned- I've been known to step on feet."

"Then it is a good thing I'm wearing sturdy shoes," he replied, grinning.

She paused, eyeing him suspiciously. "Who are you and what have you done with Henry?" she demanded.

He smiled weakly. "Tom, Skinner, and the crew have a bet going on whether or not you'll dance with me," he explained. "Mr. Patel has put the odds as being against me, I'm afraid."

She raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?" From his place by Mina, Sawyer caught the Tau'ka's glare and grinned, giving her a thumbs-up. "And I suppose the kid's betting for you?"

Jekyll glanced at the young American and nodded.

"Then I accept. Of course, I would have accepted even if I didn't know about the matchmakers." A sly smile spread across her face. "What do you think the odds are of the kid trying to kiss Mina before we go home?"

"She would probably bite him. But I think that Mr. Patel would be the one to ask about that."

"Between you and me, I'd say half a pound he does."

That's all? Sissy.

"Edward!"

Hyde ignored him. Full pound says he chickens out, Daria.

"And how am I supposed to gamble with you?"

I'm sure you could find a way.

Jekyll went bright red. "Sh-shall we?" he stammered.

Daria had never been fond of dancing. She always felt like an idiot. It wasn't that she didn't know how, or was bad at it; she had just never liked it. It didn't help that the person who had taught her most of the Tau'ri dances she knew had later tried to kill her.

But dancing with Jekyll was entirely different from her previous experiences. She felt more relaxed then she'd ever been, calmer, freer.

"You were saying about stepping on feet?" Jekyll said quietly. "I don't know why you were protesting- you're wonderful."

It was Daria's turn to blush. "Thank you."

The Tau'ka had a saying. It went "There are two times when you dance your best. When you are alone, and when you and the one you dance with feel you are alone." Daria had never given that saying much credence before.

She did now. It was just her, and Jekyll, and the music.

When the music ended, she felt a vague sense of disappointment. She sighed.

Jekyll blinked, as if he couldn't quite believe the dance was over. "Wow," he said, sounding a little out-of-breath. "That was-"

"Incredible?"

"Yes."

"Glad I'm not the only one feeling it."

Out of the corner of her eye, Daria saw Sawyer march up to Skinner and stick out his hand. The invisible thief looked over to where Daria and Jekyll stood, grimaced, then dug in his pocket and put something in Sawyer's hand. She grinned.

Ask Mina to dance! she called to the American. Don't make me lose to Edward! He jumped slightly, looked from her to Mina, and then nodded to Daria, grinning.

"Why don't I get us something to drink?" Jekyll asked.

They split up, Jekyll to find drinks, Daria to find seats. She picked a spot where she could keep an eye on Skinner, Sawyer, and Mina and was pleased to note that the American had convinced Mina to take a turn around the dance floor. They were good together- Sawyer all gallant-looking and Mina a vision of grace and beauty. The vampiress caught her eye and winked. Daria waved back cheerfully. She would have to collect from Hyde later if this kept up.

"Excuse me, Miss?"

A young man with light brown hair and brilliant blue-green eyes behind a pair of round spectacles had approached her seat.

"Yes?" she replied.

He glanced around briefly, as if wanting to make certain they weren't being overheard. "I saw that you came with the members of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen," he said softly, drawing nearer. Daria raised an eyebrow at his proximity. He didn't seem to be the type she would label as 'dangerous'- rather, he seemed more nervous than anything else. "I need to talk with one of them."

The eyebrow climbed a little higher. "You've found one," she said dryly. "Last time I checked, I was a member in full standing."

His eyes widened in surprise. "You? A-"

"A woman? Yes."

He seemed to turn that over in his mind for a moment. Daria had evidently caught the young man off-guard.

"What do you need to talk to the League about?"

He thought it over a second longer, then straightened. "My name is Jason Fisher," he said in a quiet voice. "Elemental Master of Water."

Daria frowned. That was the third time she'd heard a reference to 'Elemental Masters' that evening. "Go on… actually, if you could wait a moment… Mr. Skinner!"

The thief in question had broken out into an off-key, drunken warble. The people nearest to him began to back away slowly, eyeing him distastefully. The Tau'ka pushed through them, reaching Skinner about the same time as Nemo did.

"I was under the impression that someone was supposed to be keeping an eye on him," Nemo growled.

"So was I," she replied. She clapped a hand over Skinner's mouth. "That's enough singing now, Skinner," she hissed in his ear. "What did you get into?"

"Dunno…" he said dreamily through her hand. "Tasted really good though… you're really pre'y Daria…"

"Let's get you outside," she said firmly. Nemo confiscated the glass Skinner still clutched with some difficulty, owing to the fact that the thief had a death grip on it.

"No! Mine… tastes really good… shiny…"

"You can have the shiny back at headquarters," Daria told him, uncomfortably aware of people staring at them. This called for a strategic 'advance to the rear'- Tau'ka never retreated. "Let's go."

"M'kay…"

Sawyer and Mina came over to run interference at Daria's call as she and Captain Nemo firmly guided Skinner out. The trio passed Jekyll, carrying a pair of glasses, near the door. He frowned worriedly at them.

"What happened?"

Skinner took the opportunity to sing another chorus.

"Oh."

"This calls for a strategic retreat," Nemo said. "Dr. Jekyll?"

"I'll take care of it." He turned to leave.

"Henry!" Daria hissed. "If you run into a young man by the name of Jason Fisher, tell him to come by the mansion. He had something he wanted to tell us."

Jekyll nodded. "I'll take care of it." He headed back into the ballroom.

Tau'ka and captain hauled Skinner out to the car where Patel was waiting for them.

"The others will be joining us shortly," Nemo told his second in command. The younger man nodded and helped them get Skinner settled inside.

The second generation of the 'Nemomobile', as they jokingly called it, was a fair bit larger than its predecessor. This one had two sets of seats in the back compartment, three facing forward and three back. With much cajoling, Mina and Daria managed to pin Skinner in between them in the forward-facing seats as Sawyer and Jekyll took the rear-facing ones. Nemo, as was his wont, sat in the front passenger seat.

Their resident thief was entirely out of it. Grinning stupidly, he looked at Mina. "You're really purty, Mina," he said dreamily. "Can I kiss you?"

Mina raised an eyebrow, but before she could speak, Sawyer leaped to her defense. "Of course not! She'd rather kiss me!"

The vampiress's piercing green gaze went to the brash American. "Neither of you is going to kiss me," she said in a tone that said the matter was closed. To prove her point, she leaned forward and gave Jekyll a quick peck on the cheek. The doctor went beet red and glanced guiltily at Daria.

The Tau'ka shrugged, although she gave Mina a pointed look. Her people were a lot less reserved than the Victorians, and she knew Mina was just 'pulling tails', as her people said, but she had her limits, after all.

Neatly rebuffed, Skinner turned to Daria. "Daria," he said conversationally, although he seemed to be swaying a bit. "You're really purty. Can I kiss you?"

"You most certainly may not!" Jekyll cut in hotly.

The thief blinked blearily at him. "I wasn't asking you…"

"My answer would have been the same," Daria informed him before proving her point in the same manner Mina had. But she wasn't quite so quick about it.

Jekyll went redder than ever.

"Nemo…" Skinner began.

"No."