Axel Sparks's Story

pronounced: Vic-tori-eek

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Victorique’s red orbs slowly fluttered open as the blissful remaining moments of sleep begun to evade and flee from her body. The doll-sized girl was motionless, wrapped up in a cloud of satin and down, as she enjoyed the brief seconds of separation she had from the outside world before finally stirring. Sitting up slowly, she glanced around briefly, her red eyes scanning to pinpoint her location. You’re in your room.. as usual.. whispered the inner voice, the tone slightly amused as it rang within her mind. Fluidly peeling the covers to one side, Victorique’s tapered fingers wrapped around the blood colored curtains, their job to encase her bed, before drawing them to the side. A small sigh escaped the young girl as the sight of her dimly-lit room greeted her, the pale cream walls darkening at the lack of light.

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Reluctantly, Victorique put one delicately small foot down on the dark maple flooring before it’s soul mate followed in suit. After wiggling her toes for a bit, the young heiress gracefully stood up from the mattress before yawning. As she crossed the room to her walk-in closet, trying to fight off the seductive pull of sleep, Victorique’s mind wandered to what date it was. Not pulling a number instantly from the top of her head, the doll-esque girl merely brushed a stray strand of ebony-hued hair away from her shoulders as she glanced over her clothes. With another small sigh, the heiress pulled out her signature outfit: a black sailor uniform. It was as if the maids knew instantly their Mistress was awake and in a breathless second, they were upon on. Quickly and deftly, the female servants dressed their employer before one ran a softly-thistled brush through the black cascading waterfall. As one became mesmerized by brushing the silky hair, another gently lifted the heiress’s foot to strap on a black mary jane. Finally, after a few minutes of preparation, Victorique finally spoke, her tone softly robotic and just slightly haunting. ”Please tell the new butler I will be having my tea and breakfast in the sunroom. For my tea, I would like: Earl gray, one sugar, two tablespoons of cream. For breakfast: A marionberry scone with seasonal jam on the side, staying away from strawberry mind you, with a serving of freshly cut peaches with light cinnamon. That is all.”. With that order in mind, the maids gave a quick nod before scuttling away from their Mistress’s presence.

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Giving a quick glance at the covered up portrait hanging on her wall, Victorique walked out of the room with a feline grace. As she floated down the darkened halls, a candle here or there to provide minimal light, the young woman barely glanced at the portraits that lined the walls. Expect, something was off about these paintings. They were all covered by black cloth, ominously seeming to be calling out. Within a few moments, Victorique passed through the brightly lit foyer, her red eyes narrowing ever so slightly at the amount of sunlight passing through the bay windows.

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Taking out a a golden key, Victorique stared down at metal object before inserting it into the locked door. Immediately, a ‘click’ was sounded from the slot and, without a moment of hesitation, she pushed the door in. The familiar sight always stole her breath away, always made tears prick at the corners of her crimson-hued orbs. However, she hastily pushed such feelings into the back of her mind as she crossed the small room. The ‘tmp’ from her sounds resonated within the quiet, enhancing the reminder of how lonely this room was but Victorique didn’t mind. Instead, she welcomed the isolation. Sitting down in a pink armchair, the heiress glanced over at the crystal cut vase, sadness immediately shining within her eyes. Within the vase, there was a bouquet of, surely once beautiful, roses. But now, they were blackened and withered, drooping pathetically. At the sight of them, a lump arose within her throat but she quickly swallowed it, not wanting to show weakness. In an attempt to draw her attention away, Victorique picked up a book from the table, the cover weathered with old age. Alice in Wonderland was scrawled in gold lettering across the front.

Apollo only smiled at her as she enjoyed his breakfast, sighing happily as she spoke. "Master Apollo, you shouldn't even bother about preparing things. I have already prepared your suit for tonight's ball, it's hanging in your closet. It's also freshly steamed. Wrinkle free, sir. And as for your calendar, you left it on the coffee table sir but I placed it back onto your desk." Apollo nodded at her words, taking another sip of his tea. "Sometimes I wonder how I managed without you." Her gave her a devilish grin before standing and clasping his hands together, feeling a bit excited by Mios reaction. He noticed that he seemed to feed off of her when it came to her excitement, even her smiles were contagious!

"You know, I am feeling a bit excited. Hmm how do you feel about going out?" Apollo murmured as he turned to his drawers in an effort to finally throw on some real clothes as he began to step out of his pajama pants without another thought. He wasn't ashamed at all to be in only in boxers, he took very good care of his body. That and his metabolism was through the roof, not an ounce of fat on his toned body. "Would could get you a dress as well? I've noticed you have a good time at these balls." He smiled as he tugged on a simple black shirt and stepped into a pair of jeans. Still bare foot, he walked over to grab Mios hand, guiding her towards the door with a charming smile.

"We have plenty of time before the ball, why not wander?"

_____________________



Axel, after receiving orders from the other maids, began his new job as a butler. And it sucked. Donned in a simple black apron over a pink sweater he wore, he stood in the kitchen gathering the things he needed to make his mistress her breakfast, but had no clue on how to make anything. Though he's watched his mother many times making dinner, nothing was absorbed during those moments at all. "It couldn't be too hard..." He murmured, his bright blue eyes scanned all the lavish ingredients set on the table before him, some he's never in heard of! "Oh boy.."

Needless to say, there was a lot of commotion in the kitchen.

With the help of some of the nicer maids, Axel journeyed on his way to find his mistress using a map a fellow butler drew for him, luckily it was easy enough to read and Axel stood in the door way, his eyes wide at the site of the room. "Wow! It's really big in here!" He called out as he entered, making his way over to Victorique as he placed her breakfast on a table near by. Like the maids showed him, he gently poured her tea first. As he did, her stole a couple of glances towards his new mistress, taking in her long dark hair and pale skin. Without even noticing, he had been over filling the cup before the sound of the tea hitting the floor broke him out of his stare.

"Of-freaking-course!!"He stamped his foot, causing the tea to splatter some before before grunting in frustration, looking for something to wipe it up before noticing the vase. "Those poor flowers.. Do you want me to get some new ones for you?" He asked her, distracted as he examined the wilted flowers. Though black, if they refreshed the water and maybe gave it a little sunlight, it would stand again? "How about some water?" He smiled before lifting the vase to go refresh it, but when turning, he noticing the slowly expanding puddle of tea on the floor.

"Oh.. Right."

Pronounced: Vic-tori-eek

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It was the White Rabbit, trotting slowly back again, and looking anxiously about as it went, as if it had lost something; and she heard it muttering to itself `The Duchess! The Duchess! Oh my dear paws! Oh my fur and whiskers! She' ll get me executed, as sure as ferrets are ferrets! Where CAN I have dropped them, I wonder?' Alice guessed in a moment that it was looking for the fan and the pair of white kid gloves, and she very good-naturedly began hunting about for them, but they were nowhere to be seen--everything seemed to have changed since her swim in the pool, and the great hall, with the glass table and the little door, had vanished completely. Victorique’s red eyes scanned over the words, her mind, for the time being, distracted by the whimsical writing of Lewis Carroll. A slight smile tugged ever so slightly at the heiress’s petal pink-hued lips as fonder memories replayed in her mind, memories of her childhood.. mainly about reading this very story with her mother. Pay attention.. whispered that reprimanding voice and, as soon as it begun, Victorique was yanked from her metacognitive state to gaze, once more, upon the worn pages.

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A slender finger, so pale and delicate compared to the book, gently slide under the loose page. It rested there briefly, held up by that one digit, before Victorique turned the dog-eared page. However, just as she read the first 2 words, a new voice rang out. "Wow! It's really big in here!" shattered the silence, the voice a tad bit too happy. Instinctively, the young heiress jolted slightly at the disturbance of her bliss and, unsure how to react, kept her eyes trained downwards on the front cover.

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Sliding her gaze over to look at the breakfast that had just been set down, a slight look of wariness crept into her eyes. What is...... THAT!? exclaimed her appalled thoughts taking in what didn’t look like a scone.. at all.. it looked more like a mess of pastry! Just as she was about to open her mouth to demand what this THING they placed in front of her was, the sound of falling water rang out in the small space. Looking down at the floor in surprise, Victorique’s mouth dropped slightly seeing a puddle of her expensive, high-grade Earl Gray decorating the oak-wood flooring. "Of-freaking-course!!" suddenly erupted from the young man, followed by a childish display of stomping his foot. Suddenly, something wet splashing her leg caused the young Mistress to look down in annoyance.. the culprit of the feeling: her tea.

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Opening her mouth with all intent of firing the blundering idiot right then and there, Victorique put down her book on the table to stand. However, his next actions caused her heart to stop. The young man had picked up the crystal vase that held the wilted flowers, suggesting to throw them out and get new ones. Whatever else he said was, currently, being drowned out in Victorique’s mind as her red orbs latched onto the flowers. For some odd reason, the mention of throwing them out had caused her heart to speed up in panic and her breathing to slow. M..mother! echoed the panic thoughts seeing him hold the vase as close as he did. Finally, the young heiress managed to bite out, her words spine-chillingly icy, ”Put down that vase.”. Staring up at him from the chair, Victorique kept the cool, emotionless facade in her eyes as she begun to question him, her tone still icy. ”Who are you? And clean up that mess. It’ll cause the wood to warp..Don’t tell me that you’re my new butler..?”

”Put down that vase.” Axel suddenly froze at the icy tone, wincing a bit as he closed his eyes for a moment to take a breath. He was royally screwing everything up. As quickly and as gently as he could, he put the vase back in it's original spot, even pausing a moment to make sure it didn't wobble before turning to clean up his mess. ”Who are you? And clean up that mess. It’ll cause the wood to warp..Don’t tell me that you’re my new butler..?” One more problem, he failed to bring any napkins or towels. "U-Uh yeah, that's me. I'm sorry! I'll fix everything! Erm.." In one swift motion, standing in just his jeans and shoes, Axel held his fluffy sweater in his hands before getting down to wipe up the tear the best he could without splashing. He frowned a bit, feeling bad about using the sweater his mother made him as a towel, but it had to be done.

He continued his deep breathing as he mopped the tea up the best he could, the wood a bit warped, but nothing too severe. He stood, a soggy sweater in his hands and a confused look on his face as he tried to figure out his next step. With a sheepish smile, her hid his sweater behind his back, revealing his abs. "So.. should we continue on with breakfast..?" He trailed off, eyeing the monstrosity of the breakfast he made before sighing. Next time, he'd refer to the cookbook for any future incidents that might happen. "I'll send another maid to remake your breakfast. Im not the best cook around." He gave a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of his head before shooting his hand back behind his back to hold his sweater. "Is there anything I can do that doesn't require any cooking, Lady Victorique?" He questioned nervously, his heart thumping as he continued his breathing in wait of her response.

Pronounced: Vic-tori-eek

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Victorique eyed the wincing servant, her cold gaze fixated on him as he put the vase down. With a small sigh, her breathing returning to normal, the Mistress continued to gaze at the servant, awaiting his answer. "U-Uh yeah, that's me. I'm sorry! I'll fix everything! Erm.." came his nervous voice, obviously worried about his Master’s anger. A part of Victorique felt like it shriveled up and died at the truth that confirmed her suspicions, another part feeling like a volcano that had just erupted from disbelief. Him....a butler... MY butler?! What is this!? Wait.. what is he doing? flooded the ranting thoughts, all existence of them halting seeing her butler take off his shirt.

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Her red orbs widen in embarrassing surprise seeing her servant take off his shirt before bending down and mopping up the tea with it, the pink material staining a deeper shade. Averting her stare from the upper half of his naked form, the heiress fixated her attention on the gleaming vase. After a few moments, shuffling caused the young woman to glance back over at her servant, believing he had put on some type of covering. However, this was not the case, and he stood there, sheepishly hiding his soaked shirt behind his back and his muscled upper portion in full view.

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This idiot.. he doesn’t know anything! Exposing his body to his employer, how shameful! Closing her eyes and letting a deep exhaling breath go, all in an attempt to settle the reprimanding and appalled thoughts, Victorique slowly opened her eyelids before fixating her scrutinizing glare onto him. "So.. should we continue on with breakfast..?" "I'll send another maid to remake your breakfast. I’m not the best cook around.". Without a response, Victorique merely stared with that blank gaze she was infamous for. Sending another sideways glance at the chaos on her plate, a scoff was given within the confines of her mind before the sneering thoughts followed. Isn’t that obvious? I can’t even call that cooking....

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”Is there anything I can do that doesn't require any cooking, Lady Victorique?" made the doll-esque girl retrained her attention back onto the embarrassed young man, her mind desperately searching for a place to settle her eyes on. Not there.. no.no..no.. definitely not there!. Finally giving up, Victorique merely locked their gaze, intrigued by his color. What a beautiful shade of blue........... a little bit darker and they would be like my mothers.. whispered the inquisitive thoughts before speaking, the tone still cold and wary. ”Firstly; put on a shirt. I’d prefer it if you wouldn’t expose your body like that again. Secondly; nevermind breakfast, I’ve lost my appetite. Thirdly; What does my schedule look like today? And fourthly; what is your name, Butler?” and with those words, the young heiress leaned back into the chair, never breaking eye contact.

”Firstly; put on a shirt. I’d prefer it if you wouldn’t expose your body like that again. Secondly; never mind breakfast, I’ve lost my appetite. Thirdly; What does my schedule look like today? And fourthly; what is your name, Butler?” Glancing around a bit for anything to serve as a top, he only sighed and pulled on his wet sweater, it now sticking to his body from the wet tea as he shivered from the coolness of it. He almost let out a sigh of relief at his mistress not wanting breakfast anymore, but now had to remember what was set for the day. He furrowed his brows as he recovered any information about the current day, luckily for the both of them, his memory was better than his cooking.

"Tonight is the ball as Master Elliot's. I've arranged for a hair and make up appointment around noon. Afterword, your father requested to see you for tea. Your dress is being tailored and dry cleaned as we speak and I'll grab it and bring it too you in time for the ball." He gave a tiny smile, happy to get something right during his morning there. He stuck his hands deep in his pockets, his heart finally calm before turning to retrieve the tray to possibly see if he could managed to escape before he destroyed anything else.

"Oh! And also, Im Axel. Axel Sparks." He introduced with a deep bow, managing to keep the tray upright as he stayed bowed, before standing once more. His eyes met her crimson, not at all intimidated from her stony gaze as held her eyes with his own, offering a tiny smile. "And unfortunately, Im your new Butler.." He chuckled nervously, wondering why he would be assigned to such a prestigious family. There was no way he was fit for this job, at least for this family.

"I apologize in advance for being me stuck with me."
___________________________


"Master Apollo, do not be reckless. I can't go to a ball wearing a fancy dress, I'm not an upper-class citizen nor I am hosting the party so therefore I'll go with what I usually wear and attend your services." "If you wish, though you're free to dress up if you want" He smiled, guiding her through his home, through the long hallways, the walls donned of pictures of Apollo growing up through his childhood, a couple of family portrait scattered along as he continued on his journey. He wasn't sure but it was happening again, the 'real' Apollo was out, and not the playboy everyone knows. "I actually feel like walking today.. and a gift sounds great." He mused as they finally made it outside, acting as if was oblivious to the fact that he was still holding Mio's had as they strolled through his lush yard towards the sidewalks.

Nonchalantly, they began their walk near by, a pout settling on his face as he yawned, waking up early was starting to hit him again. "Tell me, why do you find such excitement in these balls?" He asked, truly seeking an answer as they walked, his face intrigued. "Many of these balls are just for show, it's a big contest really of who has more money. A popularity contest to put it simply." He frowned, it's why he hates when he finds himself hosting the ball on his turn. His father usually takes all the preparations himself, booking the big names to play and the best decorations around.

As they approached town, a couple of shops came into view as they walked past a cute little bakery that just opened up. The mini cupcakes of pandas and flowers caught Apollos eyes as he suddenly paused in his steps, his eyes lighting up as he took in the colorful pastries. "So cute.." He heard himself start to murmur before snapping abruptly out of his stare, his face suddenly blank as if he broke down. Seeming to be on reset, he turned, stiff like a robot as he continued on his journey forward, his eyes set forward until they passed the shop and any others like it.

"Any places that catch your attention..?"

Pronounced: Vic-tori-eek

---

Victorique eyed her butler with the usual guarded gaze, however on the inside she was incredulously surprised. He’s putting back on that soaked shirt?! Why.. questioned her inner voice as those red orbs watched his every move. The young heiress jumped slightly by his sudden words, caught off guard due to the puzzling distraction she was experiencing a few moments ago. "Tonight is the ball as Master Elliot's. I've arranged for a hair and makeup appointment around noon. Afterword, your father requested to see you for tea. Your dress is being tailored and dry cleaned as we speak and I'll grab it and bring it to you in time for the ball." A slight frown tugged it’s way on her fine features at his news. However, it wasn’t because of the ball bit, no no, Victorique was far too well-aware of their monthly parties. It was the news about her father requesting her presence for tea that set the young Miss on edge. Why... why does he want to see me?! flooded the worried thoughts, occupying her attention. Briefly, a bitter hate flashed within her bloodied eyes at mention of the head of the Lamerpouge family but it was quickly banished by that blank mask. There was not a single person in this world that Victorique hated more than HIM

---

"Oh! And also, Im Axel. Axel Sparks." "And unfortunately, I’m your new Butler.." rang out the chipper voice and nervous chuckle that quickly shattered any traces of rage within the young Miss. Raising her eyes to meet his, Victorique felt a tug of wonderment seeing the absence of intimidation or fear reflecting within those pools of blue and, almost, felt the need to say something. Almost.

---

Gracefully standing up from the chair and brushing past him, Victorique paused a few feet away from the door. Not turning to face her butler, the heiress muttered softly ”I will be in the music room.” before striding out the room. Making her way through the halls of clothed portraits and paintings, Victorique thoughts jumped from place to place, confusion filling her mind. ”Father.. why now of all times? Why did you send me such a useless person?” she muttered to herself, the tone more or less filled with confusing bitterness.

"W-Wha! No! No.." His eyes were wide as he found himself being dragged all the way back to the cute little shop that caught his eyes, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink as Mio grinned while pointing at the window. "Go ahead and get some, I know you want some!" Without thinking, Apollo lifted his hands to cover Mios mouth, shushing her as his hair hung, hiding his face. "Please, not so loud.." Her murmured softly, lifting his head slightly as his worried eyes met Mio's teasing ones, his body responding on its own.

Slowly, he let his hands drop from her mouth, stepping back a bit after shoving his hands deep into his pockets. Standing before Mio, stood the once confident Apollo, now shy and embarrassed like a little boy, suddenly resembling the various childish pictures that hung on his walls.

He bit his lip, lost in thought as Mios reaction brought him back to when he was younger, his mother used to baby him a lot, even dress him up as a girl because of his long hair. Apollo did grow to like the things his mother did for him: baking, making clothes, starting little projects.. But of course, his father had an issue with it, what father would want their son acting like a girl? His father's screaming..

He was suddenly back on the side walk, snapping out of the memory. His eyes began to clear as the embarrassed boy no longer stood in front of her anymore; he stood taller, his hair pushed back, his look harden. "I did not request anything of that sort." He spoke harshly, his voice icy though still laced with hurt from his memory, he couldn't stop his anger though it was misplaced. "It is not a crime to look. Don't forget, you were assigned to me only two months ago. You know nothing about me.." Apollo trailed off, turning and pausing a moment before walking forward, his strides long and brisk.

He huffed irritably, not turning to face her. "Come, we're wasting time."

Apollos mind screamed at him, but of course, his pride prevented him from opening his mouth as he kept forward, not even thinking about looking back,Come on, say you're sorry! She didn't deserve that.. His mind kept flashing to his father in his reaction, throwing all of his toys away and replacing them with things that reside in his room today, taking him to get his hair cut, buying him new clothes. Keeping him separate from his mother...

His frown deepened as he continued to walk, not really paying attention to the direction as he began to cross the street, still troubled. Even in his teen years, his father still held a grudge about his choice in modeling, but stayed silent, content that at least his son was modeling male clothes. He shook his head as if to banish that thought, another memory he rather not remember as he took a step off the sidewalk, the loud blaring of a horn snapped him out of his thoughts long enough to make him jump back just before he walked into busy traffic.
_________________________________


”I will be in the music room.”

Simple, short and not so sweet.. Axel only nodded, bowing from the waist once more, his grip tightening on the tray he held as his sweater began to get sticky and uncomfortable. Leaving the room, her stepped out into the hallway shortly after his mistress, catching a bit of her murmuring. "-Why did you send me such a useless person?” His brows furrowed as he felt himself paused before shutting the door firmly, turning and wandering through the halls, not necessarily trying to find a destination at the moment. I try, doesn't that count for something? His temper flared, his grip dangerously tight as he lifted the tray to chuck into the wall nearest him when he noticed something that had been bugging him earlier. He made a note that the house lacked photos earlier, his own had been filled with him and his mother, along with his father, but they were covered instead. The cloth weren't curtains, they were hiding her family pictures, every single one of them.

Forgetting his anger, he lowered the tray on a near by table, his eyes trained on the cloth in front of him. "Hmm.." Rolling up his sleeves, he reached up as far as he could despite his short height, grabbing tightly onto the dark cloth before pulling. It took a bit of rough tugging, but soon he felt the cloth give free along with a huge cloud of dust, filling the hall way as he stumbled backward, coughing as the dust filled his lungs and flooded his eyes. Blinking furiously, when his vision cleared, Axel looked up to find a beautiful woman smiling down at him, her dark blue eyes seeming to hold life even in the painting. Donned in a simple black gown, Axel thought she was the most gorgeous woman he's ever seen, then he noticed a child.

Nestled into the woman's lap, she was content with curling herself against the woman's chest, a wide, open smile on her face and her hands gripping the front of the gown. A dark haired beauty with crimson eyes trained on the woman above her, her pale skin glowing. A mother and a daughter.. "Misstress Victorique.. and the Lady of the House" Axel murmured, amazing at the portrait that stood before him, taking in how the woman wrapped her arms securely around her daughter, her eyes holding pride with a teasing smile on her lips.

"Who would hide this..?" His eyes continued to roam the painting before finding themselves trail off to the others along the hallway, all covered and ominous. His eyes trailed back to his Mistress, taking in her smile. "What changed?" He murmured softly, holding in every detail his mind could absorb before he started to cover it once more, but paused. His eyes catching the woman's once more, he had yet to meet the Lady of the house, but Axel decided to leave this one uncovered, just this one. Taking his time, he folded the cloth neatly, setting it on the table nearby before retrieving his tray and continue on down the hallway, the image burned in his mind as he set off to ready everything for the Mistress for her ball. Distracted, he found himself steps away from bumping into an elder woman, another maid of the house.

"O-Oh! Sorry!" he cried out, feeling guilty for some odd reason, as if being caught doing something terrible."I didn't see you there. Are you lost as well? It'd make me feel better if you were." he smiled, chuckling softly despite his racing heart.

Pronounced: Vic-tori-eek

---

Victorique's Piano Piece
[hr][hr]
Victorique stood outside the mocha-hued door, the dim lighting causing the wood to darken even further. Yet, despite the lack of light, the young heiress was peering at something rather intently. A small scratch that marred the glossy deep finish glinted clear-as-day, it’s existence practically leaping and calling for attention, proclaiming “I’m an eyesore!”. A twinge of discontentment began creep into Victorique’s heart at the appearance of this flaw that had intruded her perfect space, this flaw that provided as a representation of the other disruption in her life; Axel Sparks.”No matter how hard I try to brush away these disturbances, they keep coming back... How bothersome..” came her monotonic mutter as one china doll-esque hand brushed against the scratch, her skin paling even further when compared to the dark wood.

---

Quickly, the young heiress withdrew her contact with the flaw before slipping inside the room, her crimson gaze easily adjusting to low-lighting. The room, looking at the lack of wall decorations, was quite plain.. in fact, if it wasn’t for the multiple instruments and lounging Victorian styled couch that was nestled against a wall, it could have easily been mistaken for a storage room. Crossing the room with a dignified grace, the young Mistress sat down on the piano bench, eyes trained on the ivory keys in a blank manner. However, that quickly passed as Victorique’s fingers adopted a mind of their own, note after note filling the manor.

---

Renee wandered down the halls, an empty silver tray tucked under her arm, wisps of white hair escaping the tight bun. ”Oh deary... I really wish the Young Miss would eat something for heavens sake! Snubbing two breakfasts already.. she’ll wither away!” came the muttering, worry seeping through her heavy British accent. However, all words were halted by the appearance of a young man standing in the hallway, wonderment and curiosity shining in his bright blue orbs as he took in a portrait. A frown tugged at the plump woman’s lips seeing the black cloth folded on a table, her eyes nervously darting around. Giving a small hmph, she began to march up to him, only to be stopped by his sudden turning and the near collision. A great sigh of relief escaped the elderly maid seeing the disaster avoided and, with that, turned her attention back to the young man. "O-Oh! Sorry!" "I didn't see you there. Are you lost as well? It'd make me feel better if you were.", the guilty tone quite evident. Renee raised one eyebrow at him before replying in a chipper voice, shifting the silver tray to rest on her hip. ” I’m not lost.. nor have I ever been in this house. I’m Renee, the head charge of the servants under the young Miss’s employment. Now, I suggest that you cover up that painting there, young man.. the Miss doesn’t take too kindly to people snooping in things they shouldn’t be.”. As she spoke, an understanding twinkle shone in her hazel eyes and an impish smile stamping it’s way onto the British woman’s face. Just as she was about to open her mouth, the sound of music floated down the hallways, her mouth quickly clamping shut. A blissful look flashed briefly within her eyes before she manages out, ”Ah.. the young Miss is playing again... It’s been while, ever since her..... well never mind. Put that cloth back on the painting then come with me, Mr. Sparks.” came her curt words, quickly redirecting the attention back to Axel.

" I’m not lost.. nor have I ever been in this house. I’m Renee, the head charge of the servants under the young Miss’s employment. Now, I suggest that you cover up that painting there, young man.. the Miss doesn’t take too kindly to people snooping in things they shouldn’t be.” Axel had his head bowed guiltily, before looking up and seeing the look in her eyes that made him relax, just a bit, though not completely out of the woods just yet. "Im sorry! I didn't mean to snoop but I just-"Just as Axel was beginning to ramble, music began to slip down the hallways, echoing off the walls and covered paintings. The music room, could it be..? ”Ah.. the young Miss is playing again... It’s been while, ever since her..... well never mind."

He took a moment, listening to the music that filled the hallway. The piano had been his favorite, Axel wasn't great at it but it's pleasing to his ears, especially when someone else is playing it. He closed his eyes, letting the music fill his body and slow his heart, it had a soothing effect on him. A gift his father had given his mother had been a keyboard, a high tech one that even had keys light up to help teach you how to play. His mother had played it for him every night since he was young, and he hadn't realized now how much he missed that sound, and his mother. His stomach turned. "Put that cloth back on the painting then come with me, Mr. Sparks." He opened his eyes, the moment broken as his brows furrowed at the command.

Recluntantly, he sat his tray down once before to grab the cloth, but then paused and turned to Renee. "Why are all the paintings covered? Every single of one of them.. If their anything like this one,"He paused, taking a glance back up to the mother-daughter portrait. "What gives?? If I could ever paint something like this for me and my mother, I'd have it front and center." He droned on, squinting his eyes as he tried to figure out how to rehang the cloth without knocking the painting off the wall.

As carefully as he could, he climbed onto the tables positioned in the hallway, letting the cloth spread out once more as he hooked a bit of cloth around a corner. He frowned and paused again, he didn't really want to cover it. It was too great of a painting, such a personal one as well, but he found that he'd never understand the upperclass and the things they do. His frown deepened as he continued to recover the painting the best he could, "I just don't understand. Why have all these paintings done only to cover them? Is that what the upperclass do? Do things just because..?" He questioned, going to hop back down after hanging the cloth only to throw himself off balance as the table wobbled when he shift. "Ahh!" Flaing, his hands grabbed at air before hitting the ground hard, sending the contents on the table flying along with the already ruined breakfast and tea, once again on the floor and scattered about. Axel groaned, a foot still in the air before it fell limp to the ground, his body physically giving up. He closed his eyes and just laid there, miserable and irritated.

"Why would my father ever recommend this.." He muttered irritatbly to himself, his fist balled as he buried his palms into his eyes, taking a moment before roughly sitting up. Without another word he began to clean up another thing he managed to mess up, violently positioning the table back to it's upright position before grabbing up the ruined breakfast, another stain of tea on the floor. "Sorry.. Im just a screw up. Luckily, you won't have me for long. Im sure Mistress Victorique is signing me off as we speak."
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Even after snapping himself out of his stupor to avoid walking into traffic, Apollo still found himself in a daze, his memories still holding him as his brows furrowed. Once more, he was off, this time rooted to his spot before a voice pulled him out again, "Master Apollo. Master Apollo!" It took him a moment, but Apollo turned to look down at his maid, he eyes held with concern as he stared back at her with dull eyes, still not all the way there. "You forgot to get the Forsberg's a gift." She stated calmly while his brows furrowed in confusion, his mind still foggy before suddenly snapping back into the present. The present! The Ball! "Oh yes, of course.." He murmured, his blue eyes clearing and once again vibrant as he seemed to come back to life. He stood taller, his hands freed from being buried deep into his pockets and now hung at his sides, his posture relaxed like usual. He looked like himself, but he was having a war inside of him. He turned around ready to go back the way he came as he began to open his mouth, "Look, Mio, I-"

"Apollo," A familiar voice called out to him, cutting him off, "Are you ready for the ball tonight?" Apollo halted in mid step, his brows furrowed a bit before turning around. Once facing Shilo, any sign of trouble or confusion had been wiped before fully turning around. A full smile graced his face, his charming aura back as he greeted his fellow peer. "Shilo! Of course I am, Im always ready for a good party. I was just on my way to pick up a party gift for our host, what brings you here? Gift shopping as well?" Apollo spoke, his voice flowed from his, confident and strong as he stood, subtly positioning himself in front of Mio. His body acted on his own, though he didn't dwell on it as he took a moment to even nod his head towards Shilos maid, Remm, a smile still present on his face.

"Im sure you're as excited as I am?" Apollo questioned, keeping polite conversation. Though Apollo was looked up after by many, so was the male before him, and even Apollo admired him and the way he held himself. They never really hung out, but during the balls or even moments like this, Shilo was great company to keep. "Would you and Remm like to accompany us while we shop? Im also trying to kill time before my mother gets her chance to sink her claws into me."He added with an eye roll, recalling back to the very conversation. His mother, being as cunning as ever, always tried to get him to agree to let her dress him up herself like she used to. Since she wouldn't be present for this upcoming ball, the begging had come on thick, and with a couple bats of her eyes, Apollo had given in to his mothers pleas. He shuttered at the smile she had given him when he said yes, he knew he had probably made a mistake. A big one.

---

Victorique gave a small sigh as the last note floated from her fingertips, the void feeling disappearing from her being. After a few moments of pause, the young heiress gracefully stood up from the Baby Grand before decisively crossing the room. Taking this chance of quiet to rest before having to endure several hours of the pain in getting ready, the doll-esque girl found a home on the white leather couch. Sinking into it’s softness, her mind began to drift and her attention became lost.
[hr[/hr]
Renee gave a small sigh at the boy’s hasty apology before turning on her heels and frumpily messing with her now devastated bun. By now, the young miss’s piano piece was far over with all feelings of bliss vanishing from the elderly woman. Just as she cleared her throat to say something, the newest young butler butted in, his tone slightly rash. "Why are all the paintings covered? Every single of one of them.. If they're anything like this one,"What gives?? If I could ever paint something like this for me and my mother, I'd have it front and center." I just don't understand. Why have all these paintings done only to cover them? Is that what the upperclass do? Do things just because..?" Turning around to face the young man, Renee was just about to reprimand him for his harsh words when it happened .

---

Axel Sparks, in all of his brashness to cover up the painting, had climbed up onto the rather unstable table and had fallen.. with the mess of that was called breakfast. Giving a small sigh of exhaustion, Renee peered down at the young man that was sprawled on his back, those green eyes suddenly swimming in a tangible sorrow. ”If you knew the truth about the Young Miss.. then you wouldn’t be saying that she does things for her own liking.” Bending down, the elderly British woman went about picking up the contents of the spilled breakfast. In amidst her cleaning, another young maid had quickly scuttled down the hall before placing a tray with a fresh scone and piping hot tea on the ground before hurrying away. After a few minutes of silence, and Renee finally lifting the fresh stain out of the carpet, Axel spoke once more. "Why would my father ever recommend this..""Sorry.. I’m just a screw up. Luckily, you won't have me for long. Im sure Mistress Victorique is signing me off as we speak.". Straightening herself back up, Renee flashed the new butler her award-winning smile before patting him on the back. ”Oh come on.. the Young Miss wouldn’t do something so rash... now then, why don’t you go and take this to her?”. After pointing at the new breakfast, the older maid was on her way.