Mio Misaki's Story

Standing in the back of the room next to his loyal servant, the two were observing the preparations for the monthly ball which this time was chosen by the council for the Upper-Class citizens, for the Forsberg residence to host it. The ballroom was full of Lower-Class people from a catering service hired by the Forsberg parents, leaving Elsa and Elliot under control to supervise. Trying to get it ready for the upcoming event in the evening, some of workers' tasks were to polish the marble floor, wipe the windows, dust the curtains, set up the dinner tables, and place exquisite decor such as crystal chandeliers, floral arrangements, fine silverware, and sweet scented candle lights on every table.

"I think everything is going very well, based on the looks of it so far. What do you think Elsa?" Elliot raised an eyebrow, as he asked Elsa dying to know what opinion she had. For Elliot everyone's opinion mattered, he had no tolerance for negative feedback especially from his parents who he has been trying for almost his entire life to impress, this was his chance and he knows that it will not become a disaster unless the party somehow slipped out under his control.

Slowly his hand slipped through his fire red hair "Tonight, will be grand!" Yelled out Elliot in excitement. He was prepared to entertain and host the upcoming event.

Moments went by as the whole decorating crew seemed to be working so fast it was like life was pushed onto a fast forward button. The boy's rich, ruby colored eyes widened. "E-E-Everything looks..perfect." The room seemed to be somehow wider, Elliot had no doubt he could fit the whole town in his ballroom. The marble floor was so shiny you could see your white grin outshine your reflection, as the windows were so bring the sunlight was blinding, the decor was more than perfect as everything matched. Gold colored chairs, white table cloth, fine silverware, fierce red roses, crystal bright chandeliers. Elliot has never been more impressed with something that he has been under control of in his life. The atmosphere in his eyes were grand. He secretly hoped that everyone else would like it.

--


Mio walked through her Master's dormitory holding a tray of hot tea, that was freshly made from special herbs which are extremely rare to find aside with a plate of fresh baked chocolate covered truffles.

"Good Morning Master, how are you doing on this fine morning?" Asked the Maid as she placed the tray onto the Master's table. Starting to pour down the tea into his cup she mentioned "I hope you enjoy the truffles sir, I made them myself." A slight paused interfered the moment while she stopped pouring into his teacup "But if you do not like them, I will gladly take them aside from you Master Apollo. The Maid girl hoping she wouldn't disappoint her Master, she began clicking her two red ruby colored heels together awaiting for his reaction. *Cluck* *Cluck* *Cluck*

Since it was still early in the morning, her Master barely was awake. Trying to help him get his day started, Mio slowly walked towards the window, slightly almost tripping as she got back onto her two feet a nervous laugh came out. The servant girl separated the curtains letting the sunlight creep into the room. The girl turned around with a smile towards new acquainted owner. "That's much better. Don't you think?"

"Good Morning Master, how are you doing on this fine morning?" Situated in the middle of the big, king sized bed sat Apollo, his hair a mess as he finally got himself to sit up at the smell of tea. He wasn't much of a morning person. "I hope you enjoy the truffles sir, I made them myself. But if you do not like them, I will gladly take them aside from you Master Apollo." "Nonsense. I enjoy everything that you make me.." He murmured before opening his eyes, his baby blues looking over at her, soft from sleep. He gave her a smile as he rose, listening to the clicking of her ruby heels before she set off for his curtain. He winced a bit as the light hit him in the face, but needless to say, it helped he wake up. "That's much better. Don't you think?" Warm sunlight flooded his spacious room, though Apollos outward appearance is usually busy like, his room expressed his childish side in color. With his bed pushed into the corner next to the window, his room was accented with orange from his pale orange walls to the vibrant orange of his chairs, his blankets and his tables.

Though it being his favorite color, he noticed it wasn't too pleasing on the eyes first thing in the morning.

"If you say so.." He murmured, still a bit sleepy as he pouted, reaching for his tea. He took a sip and sighed happily, feeling more awake with each sip of Mios tea, Apollo loved it. "Thank you Mio." He nodded his head towards her before turning to stretch, his body only donned in orange, silk pajama pants as he made his way to the bathroom to brush his teeth. "What's on the agenda for today Mio? I feel like I'm forgetting something very important.." Apollo mused before beginning his morning routine. In a couple of minutes, he emerged fresh faced with his hair back in place, it sweeping beautifully over his eyes.

Making his way over to the tray for more tea, as he picked up a truffle, it suddenly hit him. "Oh. The ball is tonight. It's that time again." He squinted, searching for the calender around his lush room. He sighed, he didn't really prefer the balls but he loved being out of the house and at least surrounded by people. Giving on searching for his calender, her began to look for his phone, not yet awake to be fully functional of remember where his phone was at the moment. "I haven't prepared for anything. Mio. Any Ideas..?" He asked, sipping at his new cup of tea while, lazily, searching for his phone. He was absolutely useless until he fully woke up.

Elliot listened carefully to what Elsa had to say, he was extremely happy to see that she was on the same page with him when it came to how the venue was presented to the two. Elsa picked up the conversation again "That said... Just because this is your home and you're the host, please try not to get too carried away." Elliot nodded his head to what Elsa had said in total agreement. "I know I have to be..well less carried away than usual since my parents are attending, and you know I've been trying for years for them to..well somewhat notice me." He said looking down at the clear marble.

"Now, is there anything you need me to do in particular during the ball? I'd prefer to be busy than to be milling about among all the guests... These events aren't really my favorite thing in the world." Elliot slowly looked up at Elsa and gave her a mischievous smirk, as he lifted up one eye brow. A small laugh came out. "Well you'll be hosting with me the whole night of course, you'll stand by my side and entertain the guests with me. I wouldn't expect you to do anything else."

The boy checked out Elsa's outfit, examining her from head to toe. "Hm...and as for your attire, I already have ordered a dress for you to wear which is already mostly likely in your headquarters. I hope you like it, I know it's your favorite color too." He said to her with a big grin.
--


Mio saw her Master was struggling by searching for his cell phone, being a servant for the couple of months Mio had a good instinct to where things are hidden. "I think I might know where it is." Said Mio thinking of where she found it last time. The maid got onto her two knees as she extended her arm under the table grabbing her Master's phone. "Here it is Sir Apollo!" Cried out Mio with excitement, flailing his phone in her hand. The servant girl got back onto her heels placing his phone on the table nicely right next to his side.

Standing by her Master's side as he was sitting down enjoying his breakfast Mio was enjoying the look on his face, it makes her glad to see people who gorge down her food knowing that they enjoy it as much as she does making it.

"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." Said Mio while nodding her head. "And as for your calendar, you left it on the coffee table sir but I placed it back onto your desk." Mio paused for a second and thought about the ball tonight, it would of been her third time going she actually enjoyed these parties..her first one was two months ago when she newly met her master Apollo and his family. "Sir, are you excited for tonight? I know I am!" Yelled out the girl with a large smile on her face.

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."

Elliot's smirk was still stamped to his face, quickly raising his eyebrow towards Elsa not understanding why she wouldn't want to wear the dress, especially a nice dress. Elliot was determined to not loose this conversation.

"Well dearest Elsa.."

He paused for a moment trying to keep her in suspense, his eyes turned to evaluated the room quickly trying to waste a couple of more seconds of anticipation.

"Quest denied." Elliot said as he turned his head to Elsa.

"Please don't be so silly Elsa, you are a host tonight.. And it is one of my parties after all. So could you please as a request as your friend wear the dress tonight..? I promise you'll like it."

He said throwing the puppy eye card while having his hands in begging position, he was just about to get on his knees.

"I need you to go try it on now, just in case it needs alternations."

He nodded his head up and down, having a feeling she would probably end up in the dress. It was a nice dress after all..
--

Mio paused Apollo before exiting the room still holding onto his grip. "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." She stared into his ocean blue eyes, trying to transmit the message.

It was a bit odd for servants to be dressed up for such events, unless they were hosting venue. If servants were dressed up, the people of the Upper-Class would start questioning the Master and Servant relationship, which could lead into big trouble.

"If you wish to wonder around the city, than I must come along with you Sir." The girl insisted. " If you want I could go run and ask the driver to take us somewhere." Mio paused for a moment to think of where would they go to waste time, as an idea came to her mind which was actually a good place to go to.

"Maybe we could go run to the store and get Master Forsberg and his family a gift of some sort for hosting the party. What do you say?" Suggested the little servant as she raised her eyebrow. "I'm sure they'd like a bottle of fine sparkling champagne?"

”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..?"

Elliot clapped his hands in excitement, he was just happy that Elsa even suggested a compromise. Now he hopefully hoped that she would end up wearing the dress being presentable for the party, Elliot was even certain that she would like it being her favorite color. Earlier this morning he had it brought in by the tailor, the dress was a lovely gown. It was a emerald green with sparkles and studs flowing down from the center of the heart shape lining towards the side of the hip. It was stunning in Elliot's opinion.

"It's in your room, I had it brought in by the tailor while you were making breakfast. Let's go and see it! I can't wait to see your reaction!" Cried out the girl's master with an over dose of excitement.

Elliot grabbed the girl's hand dragging her towards her room, leaving the complete ballroom. He started yelling commands as he was guiding Elsa to her own room. "Now I want you to go try it on, and immediately come out and show me, even if you don't like it.. which I highly doubt of course."

Once the two arrived in front of the stubborn stallion's room, Elliot gave her a light push towards the door. "Hurry now, the ball will start in a couple of hours.. we need to get you ready." He said with a smirk on his face.

--



"Any places that catch your attention..?" Mio paused for a moment, suddenly grabbing her master's hand. "Infact yes, there is a place that caught YOUR attention!" She yelled out with an evil smirk on her face. The girl turned around and hauled her master's hand, guiding the way back to the pastry store. The girl looked through the glass window, as she started to point towards the mini panda and flower cupcakes, "Go ahead and get some, I know you want some!" Exclaimed the girl demanding her master to not be shy, and to buy the cupcakes seeing that he wanted to taste one.

"If you're not going to buy one, then I'll make you some at home." She said looking into his deep, whirlpool eyes which would suck anyone's attention into them. Snapping out of the magic spell Apollo's eyes had, Mio noticed she still had his hand in her grip, slowly removing her hand away noticing she was in public.

"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.

The girl followed Elliot's request, the first step she took out Elliot couldn't help but notice how stunning that dress was. Slowly turning his head up towards Elsa he couldn't help himself but blush. "It's absolutely stunning on you." blurted out Elliot the truth before he was quickly disrupted unpurposely "I appreciate the effort and thought you put into this but... I would feel much more comfortable in my suit... Of course, if it really is your wish for me to wear this I will happily do so."

The boy placed his arm on his hip, exchanging Elsa a confused glance "I don't understand why wouldn't you want to wear such a lovely dress, you would be the center piece to the entire ballroom. I mean look at how exquisite those stones are, they're practically shining brighter than the sun as we speak." said Elliot pointing towards the dress with his hand. A sigh came out as his other arm rose in the air sleeking his hand through his curly, fire red hair.

Elliot tried not to be selfish at this point, it wouldn't be fair to make someone do something they wouldn't want to do. His ruby gems which are known to be eyes narrowed, looking down the hallway. "Well if you really want, you can wear your suit. I just thought it would be a nice gesture since you do so much for me." said Elliot if a sort of cold tone to it, "I'm not going to force you to wear it, but I just thought it would of looked nice." carried on the boy, trying to make Elsa feel guilty.

The ball was going to start very soon, Elliot was sure that all of his guests were at home getting ready to celebrate. "Well Elsa are you going to wear the dress or not? Cause if you are than I must wear a suit that I have recently bought which matches to your dress." asked Elliot curiously wondering what her final answer was, he asked with a bit of a hesitated voice knowing the ball was very soon.

--



"I'm sorry master." Mumbeled Mio outloud as her master started to walk ahead of her. Mio sort of started to feel guilty Apollo was right she didn't know him at all, maybe she needed to stop being so comfortable around him and to start being more professional, showing no emotion towards him and just get the job done.

Mio started walking through the crowds of people at the plaza, following her master back home. She stared at his long, gold silked hair that was falling down around his shoulders, his head was staring down. Mio said no word to him as she walked down every street in silence. "I didn't mean to upset him.. I just wanted to make him happy" wondered Mio to herself as she got lost into her thoughts.

Once the girl with pink hair tied with two boys caught her own attention she remembered something they needed to do "Master Apollo." She said in a clear, loud tone for him to hear her as there was no response. "Master Apollo!" She yelled out, once again no response. The girl than started to pace quickly as she passed her master and stopped right in front of him, she looked up at the figure that was twice her size. "You forgot to get the Forsberg's a gift." She said calmly staring into his deep blue eyes.

"That'd be great!" Remm said. Shilo smiled at her, even though they've only known each other for almost a year, he figured that he knew his friend pretty well; and he definitely knew that music was her favorite, especially singing.

"Great! Well then let's get going before we lose time," Shilo said. He finished his breakfast quickly and went into his wardrobe where he grabbed a random shirt and pants and headed to the bathroom to change. Fortunately for him all the clothes in his wardrobe were presentable and match most everything else, so even if he wasn't looking to what he grabbed his father would feel he looked decent enough to go out into society. Today he was wearing a white button-up shirt and jean, add a vest to jazz it up and he was ready. He brushed his hair quickly, while poking his head out the door.

"Tell the driver we won't be needing him, we can just walk it won't be that far. Also if you could be so kind as to grab my wallet, I'll be downstairs in a few," He told Remm before he popped back inside the bathroom to finish getting ready. It wasn't long before he was heading down the hall. The Diamonfair's hallway was richly made, not because of the decor but more from the colors. They only used the deepest and richest of colors such as mahogany, velvet red, and gold. Shilo was grateful they didn't have too much decor to add to it because he felt otherwise it would be too much. There were some paintings on the walls, but not of him or his family, those pictures were downstairs in the lounge room. These were old paintings passed down in his family. They were a painting of his ancestors. The head of the houses mainly, though a few scattering paintings were the head and the family as well; even a servant might slip in for the painting, but that was a rare sight.

Shilo passed his little sister's room; Dalia. He loved her very much and longed to take her outside, but his parents treated her like a glass doll, she was never allowed to leave the house. He knew why, though he didn't agree. When Dalia was born she caught an illness that sent her to the hospital only about a month or two after she was born. They thought she was going to die, but in the end she survived by the help of some amazing doctors. To Shilo this proved that she was strong and could handle herself, but to his parents this meant that she could break easily. He knocked on her door and peaked in.

"Dalia, I'm heading into town do you need anything?" he asked. Dalia looked up, she was a very small girl with big sad looking eyes that seemed to glisten purple in the right light.

"Maybe some peaches," Dalia said. Shilo smiled and bowed to her, making her giggle.

"You're wish is my command." He knew that she could easily just ask one of the maids to bring her peaches, but for some reason she preferred it if Shilo bought them from the markets in town for her. Either way, it made her happy so who was Shilo to ignore that. He ran downstairs meeting Remm. It was warm out today so he wasn't going to bother with a coat. Then they were heading into town.

The streets were busy with people as some prepared for balls, galas, parties, while others were rushing to work for those who were going to have entertainment tonight. It didn't take them long to get Elliot and his family a gift; a simple bottle of the finest Bordeaux in town, simple yet extravagant is what the Diamonfair's were known best for, besides his father's work in the hotel business. He decided to wait on the peaches for Dalia till later so they wouldn't go bad and so the two were heading off to the music store. They were about a block away when Shilo saw Apollo and his servant in their path. The change between Shilo's calm and quiet face to the mysterious and respectable facade was nearly instantaneous when he saw Apollo among the crowd. But the change was there none the less.

"Apollo," Shilo greeted as they came into hearing distance of each other, "Are you ready for the ball tonight?"

"Tell the driver we won't be needing him, we can just walk it won't be that far. Also if you could be so kind as to grab my wallet, I'll be downstairs in a few,"
Shilo told Remm.
"Alright."
She picked up the wallet, and realized she wasn't properly dressed... She quickly brushed her hair, and slipped on a plain white t-shirt, and black yoga pants, that went down to her knees. She went down the stairs, just in time to see Shilo run down not to long after her.
While they were out, they had happen to run into Apollo, and Mio.
"Apollo."
Remm heard Shilo greet him.
"Are you ready for the Ball tonight?"

" 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."
______________________________

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.