#017 carrying Mr. Wilkins enter the center ballroom and gaze from the top of the stairs down below. Mr. Wilkins marvels at the beauty of the arts, while #017 frowns at noticing the lack of exits and escape routes. #017 swiftly descends down the stars, while an instrumental orchestra plays sheet music until the Harvest Ball Begins. Afterwards, the Harvest Ball will switch to a DJ and at every hour for ten to fifteen minutes give the DJ a break by switching over to a live orchestra. Fulling the needs of the students of modern music and those that enjoyed listening or dancing to music of a more classical nature from Jazz to a Waltz.

#017 strides across to a corner of the main ballroom that is near an exit point and allows her a full visual over the main floor. Students have begun to stream in pairs or in groups. Out of the corner of her eye, #017 spots a striking figure in an elegant suit. To her displeasure, the figure spots her and makes his way towards her.

*

Albert and Jonathan make their way to the Harvest Ball as groups or pairs of students do the same. On the way there, Jonathan spots a golden-haired beauty in a gorgeous beige ballroom dress and a similar golden-haired young man in a black suit. Jonathan points at the golden-haired girl and says, “Hey, check out that babe.”

Albert turns his gaze towards the figure and pales at just who caught his best friend’s eyes. “That’s Diane and her brother, Hunter. They’re the heirs to the Leo Family, they’re Lion Changelings,” Albert softly replied.

“Oh, the girl who you called a stuck-up brat, who needs to be put in her place?” Jonathan loudly said as Albert's face pales drastically.

“Shut up, they’ll hear you!” Albert desperately hissed back.

Jonathan's eyes glitter evilly. “Introduce us or else I’ll speak even louder,” Jonathan threatened.

Albert tries to glare but fails. Albert runs a hand through his hair as he sighs. “Fine, come on,” Albert reluctantly stated as he led the way. Jonathan cheerful follows his friend towards the girl of his dreams.

Albert approaches Hunter first and says, “Hey Hunter and Diane, you both look fine this evening. Are the both of you waiting for Gareth?”

Hunter's eyes dart at his sister as he tilts his head. “I wanted to go, but Diane insists we wait. What about you, I see you lack a date-, or are you into, you know-,” Hunter’s voice faltered unable to continue.

Albert's eyes widen in understanding as he hastily replies, “Oh, HELL NO! No, this is Jonathan, my best friend, we were just making our way to the ball.” A pointed kick to the back of Albert’s knee reminds him of his wingman and best friend duties. “And by the way please allow me to formally introduce all of you. Hunter and Diane, please meet Jonathan Walker.”

Jonathan bows and says, “It is my pleasure to make both of your acquaintances.”

Hunter smiles in reply as Diane prettily thanks him, “Thank you, sir. Your words are very well received.”

Albert chokes at seeing Jonathan acting like a gentleman. Keeping his thoughts to himself, Albert glances down at his for the time and murmurs, “It’s getting late, isn’t it? We really should make our way to the ballroom.”

Diane pouts and pleads, “Just a few more minutes, I’m sure that Gareth will soon be here.”

Jonathan smiles stupidly for a moment until Diane turns back around anxiously glancing through the crowd. Not forgetting the name of the mentioned male rival by his princess, Jonathan narrows his eyes in cold vexation. “Who is he?’ Jonathan icily whispered.

Hunter glances at both of them with pity in his eyes, Albert, in turn, pleads silently for help from Hunter, but Hunter wisely glanced away and pointedly texts Gareth of his whereabouts. Albert promises to silently get even as Jonathan’s eyes threaten to pierce through him. Albert wryly answers, “That would be, Gareth Lockhart. I do believe Diane has held a burning torch for him for quite some time.”

Jonathan confidently smiles and says, “Not for long,” before walking forward. Albert merely sighs and reaches to pull him back. Jonathan wasn’t known for being a passive chaser, he could be quite aggressive. And from the looks of it, he wasn’t going to go down without a fight.

Jonathan's eyes glitter ready for a showdown but to the relief of Albert, Hunter exclaims, “It seems Gareth went ahead and is waiting for us at the Harvest Ball.”

Diane perks up like a puppy and picks up her gown train. Impatient she snaps, “Hurry up, you guys!” Before fleeing towards the ball, a reverse Cinderella of sorts. Jonathan jerks his arm out of Albert’s grasp and runs after his princess. Hunter and Albert remain behind and turn to stare at each other in silence. In a single glance, they bond in the only way the two men in a desperate situation can. Having become brothers in that moment, the two silently vow to aid each other in their endeavor, before swiftly rushing to stop or protect whoever was in their idiot charges path.

*

Placing Mr. Wilkins onto the table beside her, #017 pretends she doesn’t see the approaching figure. And whether she liked it or not, the handsome figure came to a halt before her. Raising her gaze, #017 firmly meets the cool, sizzling gaze.

Gareth Lockhart looks very suave and elegant in his tailored suit. “It is a fine evening, is it not, Miss Starr?” Gareth smoothly said.

#017 dimly replies, “Yes, I suppose so.”

Gareth debonair looks are handsome enough to put any self-proclaimed rogues to shame. “The evening is still quite young. Would you care to join me for a dance, Miss Starr?” Gareth asked.

#017 eyes Gareth Lockhart, before firmly retorting, “I believe I will have to refuse, Mr. Lockhart. It would be most unprofessional for a teacher to dance with a student.”

“Technically, you’re not my teacher and it wouldn’t be inappropriate given your status,” Gareth plainly stated.

#017 raises an eyebrow in dubious reply. Gareth lips twitch into a smooth charming smile that halts traffic, a pin can almost be heard as the females in the room freeze and stare like moths attracted to the flame. “I refuse to take no for answer, Miss Starr, we both know how persistent I can be and I refuse to leave until you dance with me. But more importantly, we both know that the longer I stand here chatting with you will only serve to attract unwanted garnered attention towards you. And for now, the ballroom is still mostly empty and should you elect to accept my offer, it wouldn’t be before the entire student body. It’s just a single dance, Miss Starr, I promise I won’t bite,” Gareth persuasively said.

#017 glances at the stunned females in the room and frowns at only imagining the chaotic scene should the events described transpire. Glancing around the room, #017 with relief notices that Albert Cross has yet to arrive. The target was thankfully not present, but should he arrive, she would be placed in severe straits unable to protect the target. Considering her options, #017 unhappily decided, “Fine, let’s get this over with, Mr. Lockhart. A single dance that is all.”

Gareth Lockhart winces at the sharp tone of voice. “I promise you won’t regret,” Gareth gracefully replied, before rapidly moving towards the floor. Turning around he shouts over his shoulder, “I’ll meet you on the dance floor, Miss Starr.” Gareth firmly heads towards the playing orchestra.

#017 frowned as she yelled after him, “The dance floor?”

Gareth turns his head to the side and yells back, “I just need to have a word with the musicians to play something a bit more invigorating than this. It would be a shame to dance to such dull music.”

#017 glances for help from Mr. Wilkins who is positively beaming. “Off, you go, my girl,” Mr. Wilkins happily said. Left with no other choice #017 stiffly marches towards the middle of the dancefloor.

From the top of the center ballroom staircase, a group of four students emerges. Diane pounces onto the staircase and clings to the railing eagerly scanning the ballroom area. Hunter at her side smiles wryly at her anxious antics. Albert has the same expression as he eyes Jonathan, who is lovingly staring at the back of Diane. Albert turns his gaze below and to his surprise he sees a familiar gray-haired woman striding onto the ballroom dance floor.

Albert eyes her with interest as Hunter lets out resigned sigh. Diane bites her lips at seeing the hateful woman before her. “It looks like Miss Starr is going to dance, but where’s her dance partner?” Diane loudly sniped. Plenty of students and figures hear the loud proclamation and reflexively turn their gazes to the dance floor as told.

Before anyone can respond with a smirking remark, a tall, handsome figure marches onto the dance floor. They all gape with disbelief as they recognize the figure. Hunter softly whispers in disbelief, “Gareth?!” They weren’t the only ones as gazes from all around the ballroom come to rest on the two unexpected dancers. A rush of excited whispers fills the air as gossip is swiftly churned.

The orchestra piano suddenly plays a loud, deep, abrupt cord as a soft violin chimes in. Gareth Lockhart’s hands glide and snake around the still figure of Miss Starr darting across her front upper waist. The piano cords thunder loudly again as Gareth’s hands without shame glide up and down the side of her trim waist. The watchers all let out soft gasps of awe and disbelief, they didn’t know they were holding in.

Diane’s eyes gleam with an unknown emotion as the music picks up and Jonathan mutters, “Tango, of course! Very smooth a variation of Asi se Baila el Tango!”

Miss Star firm shoves Gareth away and twirls in place, before stomping to a stop to face him. Their two gazes spark, causing each other to glide a step forward. The two circle each other almost shoulder to shoulder as their legs cross between each other as they glide with each step. Their two figures abruptly pull away from each as Miss Starr slides backward and Gareth steps forward in the chase.

Gareth catches her fleeting arm and tugs her forward pressing their bodies hungrily together as his hands eagerly slide up her soft back. Gareth sighs, pulling away and twirling her with one hand in his arms, before releasing her. The crowd lets out a cry of disappointment as the very physical moment is broken.

Miss Stars twirls to a halt and lunges forward as Gareth does the same, their arms interconnect around each other as Gareth wantonly slides his fingers around their intertwined arms capturing her hand firmly in place. With a smile, Gareth turns his head to the side and gently kisses her caught fingers. The female members of the crowd let out gasps of envy at the romantic scene.

Miss Starr twists away, but Gareth firmly holds her in place and twists her fully back around. Facing each other, Miss Starr slides back on her back leg and Gareth follows suit. So very close, yet scant inches apart, the two gazed into each other’s eyes as they slowly begin to rise up once more. Miss Star caught is pressed against Gareth muscular, broad chest as he wraps himself around her. Their intertwined figures cause the blood to flow to many of the girl’s faces, and for most of the boys present as well.

Miss Starr takes a step back as Gareth takes a forward to the side to catch her. With a hint of aggravation in her eyes, Miss Star provocatively wraps her leg around his leg. Gareth suavely in reply, twirls around to one side and steps forward causing Miss Starr to erotically arch perfectly back as her body points towards the floor. The girls let out squeals of delight that they had been holding in as the boys begin imagining doing the same thing to a girl of their choice.

Gareth enjoys the sensual view for a second, before swiftly pulling her back towards himself. Miss Starr’s soft chest is fully pressed against his firm chest as their faces are mere centimeters from each other. An icy glare directed towards him causes Gareth to loosen his grip on her and take a step to the side. Miss Starr’s leg deliberately slithers back down, before allowing to Miss Starr to firmly dance one foot in a casual dance between Gareth’s legs, threatening to maim him with each sharp stomp of her pointed boots. But Gareth only once more smiles to the astonishment and delight of the female crowd. It was rare for the handsome man to ever smile in public. Enjoying the site, the girls dream of being the next one to earn such a charming smile from Gareth Lockhart.

Gareth elegantly twirls Miss Starr in his arms, before bringing Miss Starr to halt facing outward towards the crowd. Holding her from behind at the waist with his left hand, their right hands are pressed tightly together as they seductively move across the dancefloor. The crowd stares and gulps with delight or embarrassment.

Gareth smoothly twirls her in his arms until they face each other once more. The two hotly gaze at each other as their legs dance and glide between each other again. Clinging to her for a passionate moment, Gareth is forced away as she twirls forward. Gareth hastily moves forward to only catch her by a fleeting hand. Miss Starr glances over her shoulder and pulls her arm away, slapping his outstretched arm away. The crowds in unison let out cries of dismay and disappointment.

Gareth disappointed turns away as Miss Starr darts forward and presses her body against his back, wrapping her arms sensually around his chest. Her thigh naughtily climbs up the side of his outer thigh as Gareth reaches down and his hand passionately runs across her thigh.

Gareth rapidly turns around to catch her, but with a tiny smirk on her face, Miss Starr swiftly steps back moving her hips in coaxing manner. Gareth strides forward to catch the sweet minx. Catching her by the arm, he pulls her cogently toward him, but Miss Starr turns away in his arms trying to flee. Vehemently pulling her back towards him, Gareth’s right-hand clings to her waist as she moves forward, firmly pressed against her as he follows in step. The crowd unconsciously grins at seeing Miss Starr finally caught.

Miss Starr still not willingly complying steps out of his hold, but Gareth firmly grabs onto her by the waist and wrenches her back towards him. The crowd let out a faint mutter of excitement and subtle glee. Twirling her in his arms once more, their dazzling figures take a furious step back. On their back legs, the two of them slide forward pressed fully against each other. The crowd is silent unable to breathe or much less swallow.

Gareth’s fingers slither across her waist pulling her closer. Miss Starr irresistibly leans back causing her chest to rise upward as she runs her fingers across his broad chest. Gareth swiftly pulls her forward enough for their brows to touch. The two gazed at each as the music trails off and crowd hears their loud breaths. The crowd lets out wild cheers as Miss Starr firmly pushes Gareth away and steps back.

Not even out of breath, #017 replies, “It was a sincere pleasure, Mr. Lockhart,” before striding back towards the very pleased figure of Mr. Wilkins. Gareth Lockhart had a surprised look on his face as a slow lazy smile creeps back onto his face. Without further ado, Gareth looks up and waves to his friends at the balcony.

Hunter wryly waves back as Diane is still and hesitant unsure of what to do. Albert to his own surprise finds his own lips formed in a cheerful smile. “Huh, who knew,” Albert muttered to himself.

“I don’t know about you, but I think Miss Starr is sexy, but just not as sexy as her,” Jonathan muttered as his eyes re-glued themselves to Diane’s backside. His comment, earned him a nauseated look from Albert, a hateful glare from Diane, all while all the while Hunter merely smiles to himself thinking happy thoughts. Aghast at voicing his comment, Jonathan tries to appease his princess, but it is too late. Diane shots a final glare at Jonathan that could melt ice, before dashing down the steps towards Gareth.

Albert smirks, “So, you still think Miss Starr is sexy?” Jonathan furiously glowers at his friend as Hunter smiles with pity at the situation. Albert feeling slightly repentant reaches over and pats Jonathan on the back. “Next time, buddy, let’s go find some girls,” Albert sympathetically added. Jonathan wretches his arm out of Albert’s grasp and flees after his princess. Albert and Hunter once more share a bonding moment, before darting down the stairs to save their idiots from folly. But standing behind them in the doorway of the ballroom, a white-haired man’s eyes glittered ominously. Turning on his heel, he strides back into the shadows of the hallway with each resounding step filled with the promise of swift retribution.