Chapter 31

The music doesn't seem to ever stop, simply smoothes into different beats and tempos in one continuous rhythm. There are couples on the dance floor swaying and turning in time to the music, alternating between slow and fast and slow again as the music changes. Matt can't help but think it all looks so rehearsed. Like something out of a movie, or a play. Awing.

"Still scared?"

Matt shook his head. How could he be? Everything was so beautiful, so inviting and bright. It was hard to imagine any danger occurring in such a place.

There were high ceilings with a giant gold and silver chandelier hanging right in the center. The walls were nothing more than large mirrors that seemed to make the rooms occupants multiply. Same for the floor; its tile so spotless and white that your reflection smiled up at you. The color gold seemed to be everywhere. The table cloths that draped over the long tables lined with various foods and wine. The napkins, forks, glasses, everything.

It made the cold room feel so much warmer.

"Matt," The silky voice brought the redhead back to the present. His green eyes looked up into ice blue; suddenly so much lighter, almost human. It took his breath away momentarily.

Then, Matt felt himself flush when he saw the blond vampires intentions. Mello moved into a low bow before holding his hand out to the teen. The cold leather never looked so inviting. "May I have this dance?"

And being oh so eloquent, Matt replied: "Uhm…I…well…yeah." Shyly, he placed his gold gloved hand into the vampires leather clad one and he fought the urge to stick his tongue out at the vampire when he heard the amused chuckle.

On any other occasion even considering setting foot on the dance floor with all the other couples would seem so intimidating. He had Mello though so things were well balanced.

"I can't dance though." The redhead mumbled self consciously. Now, either Mello didn't hear this, or he just didn't give a damn because he merely placed a hand at the small of Matt's back and brought their bodies closer together.

"Let me lead."

As if he had any other choice.

Okay, now he was nervous. Matt felt himself shiver a little as he watched the other couples all turn their female partners in time to the music. It looked so complicated. Geez, he was going to make Mello look bad.

"Don't look at them," Mello took a step back, bringing Matt with him. "look at me. Only me." the last was more of an order, but Matt couldn't help the wave of yearning that swept over his body at the vampires tone.

Matt kept his eyes locked with Mello's as the music melted into something a lot smoother, softer. With the change of the tone brought with it a slower pace and their bodies closer. He could feel his faux breasts pressed flush against Mello's chest. A small grin spread across his lips, almost at the same time that the blond smirked. Yeah, he could feel them too. The perv.

The smirk on Mello's face gradually shifted into a warm smile. "I love you."

Before Matt had the chance to properly blush and respond, he was shoved away and then spun back into Mello's tight embrace. "Christ." He squeaked. He hadn't noticed the music changing.

The room filled with the sound of attractive laughter in all different pitches. Damn vampires and their super human hearing. Matt flushed, embarrassed and Mello chuckled. "I thought you were going to be ready for it." He took the redheads hand and led him away from the dance floor, where the other couples were still going on about their rehearsed dance as if nothing had happened.

"Well you thought wrong."

"Come now, you can't be mad at me, Matt."

There was no response.

Mello came to stand beside one of the long tables that held food and wine and the works. "Matt," He sighed before forcing the stubborn teen to look at him. "I'm sorry."

And Matt was left with no other option than to accept the apology because Mello was unleashing the full force of his kicked puppy eyes and Matt was just putty in his hands. "Fine." He grumbled.

"Thank you." Mello closed the distance between them and placed a soft kiss to Matt's lips.

"So," A pause as he licked his lips, grimacing a little at tasting the lipstick. "there are other humans here too?"

"Of course. Humans and vampires should be able to love and co-exist without conflict." The blond reached over to pluck a gold goblet from the table, and then proceeded to fill it with the deep red wine that was sitting in a large punch bowl. "This," He took a sip and gestured with his left hand towards all of the rooms occupants. "is proof of that."

Matt let his eyes roam over all the masked people and vampires. Of course, he couldn't tell which was which, they all looked so content, almost human. "Why would Light not want this, too?"

Mello was silent for a second while as he drank the remains of his red wine. "He wants power. He loves it. When things are equal then there is equal power. He wants to dominate and command."

"Kind of like…monarchy?"

"Exactly like monarchy." It's what he is use to, especially with that little God complex of his." The blond made a soft sound of disgust in the back of his throat.

"I see," Matt took the empty goblet out of Mello's hand, filled it up and then handed it back to him once more. "he was alive during that time period?"

Mello nodded. "Yes." He took a swig of his wine. "But so were so many others. He was just the only one greedy enough to keep to that mentality."

The redhead nodded. Light was beginning to sound darker and darker by the second. (LOL I made a funny) Geez, hopefully these vampires would agree to help and put a stop to the jerks holier than thou attitude. Matt took the goblet from Mello and was fully prepared to drink from it when the blond took it back.

"No, no, no. You can't have that, Matt."

"Why not? I've had stronger stuff, I'm not a child." He protested with a pout. Ugh, NOW he chose to be all fatherly…or whatever? Really? Ugh!

"No," The vampire chuckled, amused. "you won't want this. Try the wine in the smaller punch bowl." He pointed to a punch bowl sitting not too far from them.

Matt arched an eyebrow. "What's wrong with the one you're drinking?"

"It has blood."

"Oh…" And suddenly, Matt wasn't so thirsty.

"I can get you some of the other if you like."

"No thanks. I'm good…"

Gross. Why couldn't they label them or something? I mean, really .

Mello sat his goblet down on the table. "Humans don't find their way down here on their own. They always have their vampire partner and so, its not necessary to label things because obviously their vampire would tell them what is edible and what is not." He said in a matter of fact tone that ticked the redhead off the slightest bit.

Matt raised an eyebrow behind his golden mask. "Did you just read my mind?…If so, that's really annoying and I would appreciate it if you stayed the hell outta my head."

He laughed. "No. I can't read your mind. You're just predictable."

"Hmph…" 'My ass.' He frowned at Mello but it only made the vampire smirk in response. A smirk that vanished just as quickly as it had appeared and Matt felt a small pang of fear in the pit of his stomach. What was up?

Mello's eyes were focused over Matt's shoulder. "Yes?" He asked in a less than polite tone. Obviously the vampires territorial instincts were kicking in. Near was the only vampire that Mello had allowed within touching rang toward Matt.

"Mello, right?" Matt jumped a little at the new voice. He couldn't help but turn around to see the owner.

The vampire was tall, and pale with a child like face. His strawberry blond hair was messy in a way that actually looked almost sophisticated. It made Matt a little jealous. "Celestria and Aaron have been waiting for you to arrive." There was a shy smile on the faintly glossed lips that Mello returned.

"Its about time. Lead the way."

"Sir," The vampire bowed low and gestured with a long sweep of his arm towards the very back of the room where a single white door was looking rather lonely and not so inviting.

- - -

"Oh, that was very sneaky. The kiss," A dark, sarcastic chuckle. "A farewell kiss, I see. Oh, my you really aren't as stupid as I first thought. You and Mihael disgust me. How can beings of such great power lower themselves to caring for and…loving a human?"

Near didn't respond. He kept his eyes on his stalker, watching for any sudden movements he would need to be ready for. Could he take him on? The vampire was so much taller, older, there was no doubt that, that meant he was much stronger than himself. Judging by the clothing the vampire was wearing, he was a good few centuries old. The chances of fighting and winning the battle were looking very slim to none.

"Well, enough chit-chat. Lets get started shall we? I'm on a tight schedule." There was an accent in the vampires voice that Near thought sounded way too familiar for comfort. He just couldn't quite put his finger on it though. The tall vampire took two full strides closer, the light reflected off his deep purple hair, and wild violet eyes. No doubt this vampire was gifted. Mind reading came to the silver haired vampires mind, only because the vampire had known why he had kissed Matt. A farewell kiss.

"Oh?" The purple haired vampire chuckled. "I see you're getting ideas. Let's stop right there young one. You will not win. You will die here, and I will be able to bring Mihael to Light by sunrise. Why get your hopes up?" Another step closer, though his hands, gloved in shiny dark leather were folded neatly and almost patiently in front of his body as if he were a concerned teacher speaking to a student.

"Mello well know not to come here if there is danger. He won't risk Matt."

"Mello?" A scoff. "The very idea," He grumbled. "He will come forth, when he senses me. Believe it or not, I'm the one person that he is dying to see again ,besides his dear mom and dad that is." Another step and he had the silver haired vampires neck in an iron grip; sharp nails digging into the pale flesh. "Mihael, will come. Of that you can be sure."

Near simply closed his eyes. He wished he had the power to get into Mello's mind to warn him, but he didn't. All he could do was transform into a stupid cat. A lot of help that will do in this kind of situation. Hell, he wasn't even that good at it to begin with. "You will regret this."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"If you touch, Matt…He will destroy you."

"It's a battle I'll be waiting for." And then, the vampire reached down to lift the younger vampires chin so that they were eye to eye. "What do the Americans say?…Go with God?" He chuckled. "If only you would be so lucky. Your God is no more than an over glorified human."

"Your God is no more than an over glorified Ass hole."

With one swift movement and the sound of cracking and snapping, Nears head fell to the floor and rolled away from the limp body that, too, fell to the floor with a sound that resembled that of breaking glass under heavy boots.

- - -

This hallway, too, was dark. Only gas lamps that hung from the walls illuminated the hall enough for Matt to see the bone white of the tiles below his feet. His heels made loud clicking noises as he walked and he idly wondered why his feet were the only noisy ones, when he mentally slapped himself for once again forgetting that he was the only human present and that vampires always made like…zero noise.

"Ninjas…"

"Ninja's, Matt?"

The echo of amused laughter filled the dim hall, making the redhead flush. "Did I say that out loud?"

"Its possible." Mello replied with a smile in his tone and Matt was silent, basking in his embarrassment.

"Right. Just in here." The strawberry blond vampire, Adam, he had said was his name, tapped one of the gas lamps gently as if inspecting its flame. There was a low creaking noise and then the wall opened inward allowing light to spill out into the hall. "Go on. They will be with you shortly. They're just checking on the guests."

"Thank you, Adam." Mello bowed at the same time that Adam did. When Adam was gone, Mello led Matt inside into the cool white and blue room. "Have a seat." He gestured to one of the two deep blue couches that occupied the room and Matt did as he was told.

"He was staring at you." Matt commented in an off handed tone.

"I know."

"…That doesn't bother you?"

"Does it bother you?"

"Uh…yeah?"

Mello chuckled. "And you don't want me to get upset when all the men ogle you and your fake breasts."

"Well," Matt protested. "That's something completely different."

"How is it any dif-"

"Mello! Oh, sweet heart it has been so long!" Matt looked up at the sound of the lovely high soprano voice that echoed off the sky blue walls. Mello was actually on his feet faster than he could blink and was across the room embracing a short female vampire with pale blond hair and the most beautiful color blue eyes he had ever seen. Like looking into the ocean. Matt stayed put like a good little human.

"Celestria, you look well." Then he moved on to the male vampire standing beside Celestria. He was the splitting image of her, they could be twins and maybe they were. "Aaron," Mello shook hands with Aaron who had just taken off his small mask and set it aside.

"The years have been kind to you, Mello." Aaron commented.

"Not too kind."

"Right, dear, right." Celestria replied. Then, her eyes fell on Matt and a wide smile spread across her pretty pink lips. Honestly, she didn't look a year over nineteen. "Oh! And who is this beautiful creature!" She exclaimed as she moved around Mello to come and sit beside the stunned Matt, on the couch. "What is your name, my dear?"

Matt swallowed once, twice. Wow, she was so pretty! If he were straight he would sooo…yeah, he wasn't going to finish that sentence. But she was pretty. "Um…my name?…" What was he suppose to say? He hadn't thought of a girl name yet!

"His name is, Matt." Mello replied for him. He and Aaron were coming over to sit opposite the couch Celestria and Matt were sitting on. "He's my mate."

"He?…" Aaron gawked.

"He?" Celestria stared deep into the redheads green eyes before squealing. "Oh! My, goodness, he is gorgeous! You make such a lovely girl, my dear! Oh, you and Mello? Mello, you have such exquisite taste! He's positively delicious! I'm so glad you've finally found someone new!"

Mello was chuckling in an amused manner, and Aaron looked rather amused himself, though he didn't laugh, only smiled. "Thank you, Celestria. He is lovely, isn't he?"

"Very!"

"Celestria, darling, you're embarrassing the poor boy." Aaron piped in, in his smooth French accent.

"Oh, right! I'm sorry, child!" Celestria threw an arm around Matt and brought him close against her rather large chest. "You make that dress look good, Matty." This, she whispered into Matt's ear, but it was obvious that both Mello and Aaron heard it too. Her accent wasn't as noticeable as it was for Aaron, but it was still there and very pleasant to listen to.

This is what he had been afraid of? Celestria was so warm, and energetic, almost motherly. Aaron, though a little reserved, had a kind smile and gentle eyes. There was nothing to fear about these vampires, except maybe being hugged too tightly by Celestria who had that look in her eyes that Near got whenever 'Dress-up' was involved.

"Well, lets not beat around the bush, here. I have a favor to ask of the two of you."

"We knew something of that nature would bring about your presence." Aaron commented. "You're never one to just accept party invitations for fun, Mello." He added when it was clear that Mello looked about as confused as a toddler in a bookstore.

"Right…I hope that isn't rude of me, but it's something that can't wait much longer."

"Light, right?" Celestria bit her perfect bottom lip. "As we feared. Mello, you hardly need to ask. I'm almost insulted. I think of you as my child, my son," She smiled fondly at him. "We will do whatever it takes to keep you safe."

Mello's answering smile was genuine. "I'm glad…ahn.." His hand flew to his chest for a second and the room stood still as statues. The vampires eyes were locked on the leather clad hand over Mello's chest. Matt however, had his eyes locked with Mello's, which were wide with fear and pain.

"Mello? Darling?" Celestria asked, voice shaking.

"Whats wrong with him?" Matt squeaked. He was on his feet so fast that a good portion of the bottom of his dress ripped, thanks to his heels. "Mello!"

The blond let loose a loud cry of pain as he curled in on himself. Matt was screaming too, afraid for him. He was a vampire! He…he had to be fine, its not like he could get a heart attack, and even so it was very unlikely. "Mello! Do something! What's wrong with him!" He shouted at the two very stunned vampires.

"Near? Where is Near? His child!" Celestria shouted back.

Near? Was something wrong with Near? Christ…

"Near is back at the hotel right now. What's wrong with Near!?" Matt felt the tears running down his cheeks as he held Mello, but the vampire was still whimpering and groaning and shaking in pain. "Mello, please be okay, be okay, Mello, please." He begged.

There was no response from the two vampires for a long while, or so it seemed. Then, Aaron spoke in a solemn tone that on any other occasion would have made Matt chuckle, just because it sounded so much like a cheesy soap line.

"The death of ones creations brings with it pain beyond which you can scarcely imagine."

"Oh, god, no." Celestria squeaked. Her pale hands were over her pink lips. She looked close to tears, if only vampires could cry.

And almost as if on cue, Mello shut his eyes and released one of the most bone chilling screams Matt had ever heard in his life. "Near!" He cried.

That's when Matt felt all the color rush from his face. He could feel something thumping against his hand where he was holding Mello. Was it his heart?…Surely, not. Mello had no heart beat, but…there it was.

Thump

Thump, thump…..and then nothing.

"Nate!" Another cry of misery, and Mello collapsed onto the pale wooden floor a shivering mess of dry sobs and screaming curses.

Near was dead, just as Matt had feared, but he had to be strong for Mello. He was sure of one thing though. This, meant war.

A/N: Wow, sorry I took forever. Good chunk of chapter though, yes? Yup. Mkay, so Mello created Near, think of it this way. Near's body died when he was turned, and he was the one suffering. Now, that Near has been 'Killed' for the second and final time, Mello is the one that feels the pain. Just for those who were lost. Thanks for reading, like I said we're seeing this fic closing soon, but fear NOT the Sequel is in the works. Thanks.

Reviews are much love.

Matt.