Sampson, blessed be his friend, had arranged their meetings. He'd always been of the clever sort, despite his constant tipping of the glass. But Sampson was older, already involved in multiple realms. Knew the right kind of people. More importantly he knew the wrong kind of people. Which meant he always knew what to say. That man had a way with words, Karlheinz knew. And even if you disagreed with him, he'd always twist things in his favor, making it seem as though he'd been the one to make a large compromise when it was in fact the opposing party.

It was positively frightening.

In any case, when business took Sampson to the human world, he'd take Karlheinz with him, under the excuse that the Young Prince had to see more of the world. But sometimes he'd simply say they were going hunting. And with Sampson being as over-indulgent as he was, no one ever thought twice.

Richter was also strangely supportive, covering for his brother on more than one occasion. There was some good in him after all, Karlheinz decided. He always knew there had to be. They were brothers, after all, and when it came down to it, brothers looked after each other. Though when asked, Richter always said it was because he hoped Karlheinz would finally become a man.

"It's embarrassing, isn't it? For your younger brother to have more experience?" It was usually here that he'd cackle, and walk away. But Karlheinz never thought much of it. Richter had always been loose with his women. He was sure that one day, once he fell in love as well, Richter would settle down. He simply had to find the right kind of girl.

But despite it all Karlheinz was grateful. Deeply and humbly grateful. It was all because of their efforts, that he was allowed to see the light of his life.

Their meetings were fleeting, most of the time. Small talk consisting of little moments Karlheinz would be sure to treasure forever. Like the way she laughed at him, when he inevitably made a fool of himself. But oh, it was such a beautiful sound, so deep and rich and happy, he'd play the part of the fool for the rest of his life if she so wished. If only to hear her laugh that way for the rest of time.

Oh, but even that would never be long enough. How quickly time passed, when he was with his beloved. An entire afternoon felt like nothing but a few flimsy seconds, an entire day perhaps a handful of minutes. But there were also times when they were granted with what felt like an eternity, losing themselves in laughter and sweet nothings. Where he felt as though he would stay lost in time with her, forever in each other's company.

And it was on a day such a this, the sun in their eyes and the wind grazing it's fingers through her blonde hair, that Karlheinz declared his love.

"Kar-el-heinz!" She sang, for that was how she said his name, this dulcet dove, "For you to say such a thing so boldly!" She turned her gaze away, a heavy blush very much apparent on her dark skin.

Karlheinz smiled, finding her embarrassment endearing. He plucked one of the many surrounding dandelions from it's stem, and held it up to her. "Do you know what I'd wish for, Lisa?"

She looked at him, those green eyes full of curiosity.

"That you'd accept me for what I am."

"Haven't I already done so?" She asked.

Karlheinz blew on the weed, bits of fluff flying every which way, carried by the wind. A few landed atop Lisa's nose, and she sneezed. "Karelheinz!"

He chuckled, briefly, until he noticed the unamused scowl on her face. "Ah, forgive me." He said, clearing his throat.

She wiped her nose and cheeks, looking most inconvenienced. "Apologize properly, Karelheinz."

He was more than willing to do so. "I apologize most humbly, my princess."

She laughed at that, plucking her own dandelion and blowing it in his face. The sensation tickled, and he blinked rapidly to avoid getting any in his eyes. "There," she said, smiling, "Now I'm satisfied."

He smiled weakly, clearing his throat again, "Lisa," he began, "There's something I must tell you."

Her face fell, as she looked at him. "You're married."

"What?"

"I know that as a prince you must be engaged," her voice shook, "If that's the case then I won't ever speak to you again—"

He took her hands, holding them tenderly between his own. "I have no such engagements," he assured her, "My heart belongs to you alone. But I was not completely honest with my status. Oh Lisa, will you ever forgive me?"

She trembled, this fragile flower, her small hands shaking in his own. "Karelheinz, what is it?"

He told her. He tried to explain it carefully. Gently, in a way she might understand.

"I won't ever harm you, I swear it," he cupped her cheeks between his palms, feeling suddenly bold, "And I won't ever bite unless you allow. But Lisa, oh my darling Lisa," he rested his forehead against hers, "To taste you, to finally taste you—"

His speech was cut short, upon feeling her tears slide onto his thumbs.

"Lisa—"

"I'm well aware of how much a vampire can taste," she murmured through shaking lips, "I'm familiar with your kind," her voice shook. "K-Karelheinz…"

"Lisa." He pulled her to him, but she continued to sob. He'd never been faced with something like this before. His darling, his angel, was crying, and he had not the slightest idea what to do to help her.

"Lisa, I won't hurt you. I'd never—"

"It's not that!" She shouted, this tender fawn becoming a lioness before his eyes. She pulled away, meeting his gaze sharply, her expression hard.

"You musn't ever bite me." She demanded.

It was an ultimatum that pained him, but one he'd agree to if she insisted. "Lisa," he said slowly, making sure not to excite her further, "It's not so painful. I'd take every possible care, with you—"

She shook her head, pushing him away. "You don't understand! It's not you who's deceived me, but I who's deceived you!"

"L-Lisa?" His heart palpitated, anxiety shooting through his veins.

She began sobbing all over again, her shoulders shaking as she brought her hands up to cover her face, that small frame of hers looking hopelessly…small.

"I'm familiar with your kind," she said between sobs, "I know you'll be able to taste…I'm not who you think…selling flowers, it's not enough…one would starve…I…"

"Lisa," he pulled her hands away from her face, her eyes puffy and red as they looked at him, "Lisa whatever it is, let me fix it."

"You can't fix it," she shook, hugging herself, her cries finally calming down, "I…I've had others…men…"

The Young Prince swallowed thickly, "Lovers, you mean?"

She looked up at him, the tears drying on her cheeks. "Clients."

Karlheinz felt his already tepid blood run cold, the hairs of his nape standing on end.

"Oh Karelheinz!" She broke into sobs again, starting to stand up, "I won't ever see you again! If you can find it in your heart to one day forgive me—"

He stood up just as quickly, grabbing her by the wrist, feeling as though she might shatter, "I…I don't care about any of that." He said quickly, a bit boldly.

Her lips parted in a soft gasp, as she tried to free herself from his hold, "You don't know what you're saying. I'm not…I don't deserve a prince! Someone dirty and tainted like me! You hate me now— don't do that, I can see it in your eyes— and even if you didn't hate me how could I ever let you have my blood? Me, who must hold the taste of such unsightly—"

He pulled her to him once more, and once more she began to cry, choking on her sobs. "Karelheinz, Karelheinz…" She continued to sputter.

"I could never hate you." He said stiffly, patting her head gently, wanting to remember the way her hair felt between his fingers. "You're right, you don't deserve a prince. You deserve so much more than that, my darling Lisa. I have only this to offer you. Would you, if you were kind, accept the love of a man like me?"

"You're a fool," she cried, "A complete and utter fool! You have everything to offer when I have nothing. What could I possibly give to you?"

"Your love," he said, "Would be more than enough."

"You're stubborn," she said, shaking her head, "You deserve so much better." She turned to leave, but he pulled her back in.

"You're right," he swallowed, "Lisa, forgive me, I'm hopelessly stubborn. And spoiled, at that. I'm a prince after all. And all my life I've had whatever I wished. Right now, what I wish for, more than anything, is for you."

She shook, looking at him, those green eyes sparkly, hair swaying gently in the breeze. "I'm tainted," she smiled sadly, "I'll only do the same to you."

He laughed at that, somewhat relieved she was speaking normally, and not through tears. "I told you, didn't I? That sort of thing doesn't matter to me."

"But your kingdom—"

"Marry me."

Her eyes widened. "Karelheinz—"

He took her hands in his, bringing them up to his lips. He pressed against the soft skin, closing his eyes in silent hope. "Lisa Tache. Marry me."

"You foolish man!" She shouted, "What are you saying!"

"I don't care what you've done," he hugged her, scared she might disappear, "I only wish to be the last one you hold."

"Karelheinz, you don't know anything about me—"

"I know everything I need to," he said confidently, "Please," he squeezed her fragile frame, "Will you grant me this happiness?"

Her hands felt ever so small, when they reached around to rest on his back. So timid she became, this fierce lioness of his had returned to being a frightened fawn. One he would protect with his everything.

"If you are as happy as you say then how could I ever deny you? But Karelheinz," she said seriously, looking at him with sharp green eyes, "You must not ever attempt to bite me. I could never live with the shame of you knowing—"

He kissed her, so enraptured had he become by the blush of her cheeks and the fear in her eyes. Never before had he done so, the action somewhat fumbled as a result, his lips clumsily claiming hers in sudden passion.

He pulled away with his face about as red as hers, his heart racing and his lungs panting for breath. "If that is the only demand my future queen makes of me then I have no reason to object." He smiled dumbly at her, thinking that perhaps once she became more comfortable, perhaps once she was officially his wife then he'd be allowed to indulge in her blood. And if it meant something as simple as waiting, then Karlheinz was more than willing.

"I know nothing of how to be a queen." She murmured softly.

Karlheinz smiled, and then he laughed, hugging her tightly because that most certainly was not a refusal.

"I will teach you."

"Karelheinz," she said seriously, "Your promise. You must keep it."

He nodded, smiling. "As you wish."

A/N: Oh man...this is so painful...