Rachel: Would you hold still!

Tadayoshi: It's not my fault you're making it so damn tight

Rachel: There! Now you look ready!

After a few seconds of struggling, she finishes fixing his tie and leans back on her seat while Tadayoshi sneakily loosens his tie a bit

Tadayoshi: I still hate this fucking outfit...

Cassie: I mean... you look... dashing...

Vivian: Yeah, you look so cool!

Tadayoshi: It's a fucking suit and tie...

The night has arrived and the long-awaited Royalty Party is finally taking place. Tadayoshi, Rachel, Cassie, and Vivian are traveling in a limousine on their way to a manor where the party will be hosted. Cassie wore a red one-shoulder dress that was almost similar to Rachel's while Vivian wore a pink pouf with the skirt slightly longer

Cassie: Say I thought BeatBox was coming to this party

Rachel: Apparently he's taking a different ride here and is picking up Alex as we speak

Tadayoshi: Was hoping he'd forget about this event...

Rachel: I know I said you can be yourself for now until we arrive at the party but is your attitude right now necessary?

Tadayoshi: As much as I'm getting paid for this, I'm still not a fan of the shit I gonna have to deal with, especially when the box-head is gonna see us dance...

Old man: I see no problem with that, sir

Tadayoshi: You shut the fuck up and don't get us killed, you psychotic driver

Old man: I am not psychotic, sir. I just do things that normal people seem to can't handle

Tadayoshi: Driving 60 miles on a public street is normal to you?

Old man: I do what is necessary to get the job done. It's not my fault the law chose to make public roads slow

Tadayoshi: ...

Vivian: Wish Chum could've come with us... it's cruel that they don't allow pets at this party...

Cassie: Hey! At least they're in good care with Amber and Diana

Rachel: I just hope he's not causing trouble...

Meanwhile:

Amber: YOU FUCKING SEA DOG!

Amber continues to fire her duel pistols at Chum who is holding a whole pizza in his mouth while currently running away from her and avoiding the shot as Diana tries to stop and calm Amber

Diana: Ambie! This is too much!

Amber: I OUTTA RIP YOUR FINS OUT AND MAKE A SOUP OUT OF YOU IF YOU DON'T DROP MY DAMN PIZZA

Chum: *Panic noises*

Currently:

Cassie: I'm sure he's doing fine! But hey, you still have us! We can try to have much fun there are much as we can

Vivian: Yeah! You're right! We can go and see all the cool stuff they might have up

Cassie: That's the spirit!

Rachel: Oh that reminds me, you got some rules as well, Vivian

Vivian: What!

Rachel: It's part of the party's rules and if you don't wanna get kicked out, you have to listen

Vivian: Ok...

Rachel: Now listen...

As Rachel and Vivian continue their conversation, Cassie turns her attention to Tadayoshi, who is trying hard not to scratch his head from ruining his hair that is slicked back

Cassie: Still not used to the new look?

Tadayoshi: No and I hate it. Feel so strict with all of this shit. And people are willing to pay millions to wear shit like this?

Cassie: I get it, it's kinda the same with me with this dress I'm wearing but I kinda got used to it

Tadayoshi: Still a bit surprising you're wearing something like that...

Cassie: ... Do you hate it?...

Tadayoshi: No, you look nice. Just a bit out of character for you to wear that

Cassie couldn't help but blush a bit and turned away to hide her expression from Tadayoshi and took a deep breath

Cassie: "It's already bad enough you look fucking so fine but to compliment me like this is tearing my heart right now!"

Tadayoshi: You good?

Cassie: I'm fine! I'm fine!

Tadayoshi: ...

Cassie: Say, Yoshi?

Tadayoshi: Hm?

Cassie: I know you and Rachie are being partners for this party... but I was wondering...

Tadayoshi: ...

Cassie: Well... if it's ok with you... do you want to danc-

Vivian: Look! Look! We're here!

With the conversation cut off, the group looks out the window to see a crowd outside who are waiting to try to enter the party and a giant gateway that opens up for them which closes again once the limousine enters. Soon they pull up onto the driveway where they see other Royalties exiting their vehicles

Tadayoshi: What was it you were going to ask me?

Cassie: ... I'll tell you in a bit

Rachel: Hey Tada, You remember what I told you?

Tadayoshi: Don't be a dick at this party...

Rachel: Yes and?

Tadayoshi: ... Try to act "rich"

Rachel: Good, let's get going then

As Tadayoshi and Rachel step out of the limousine, their arms intertwine as they make their way towards the doorway. Meanwhile, Cassie and Vivian exit the vehicle, and Cassie can't help but glance over at Tadayoshi's arm, causing her to take a deep breath

Cassie: It's just an act of the day... not a big deal...

Vivian: ?

Soon Cassie and Vivian catch up with Tadayoshi and Rachel who are waiting at the door that was being blocked by a security guard

Guard: Name?

Rachel: Rachel... Fleur...

Guard: Rachel?... Oh! It's you! You are truly welcome to this party!... But is... "that" with you?

Tadayoshi: ...

Rachel: Yes, he's my partner. Is that a problem?

Guard: No, no... (it's not what the host expected...)

Rachel: ?...

Cassie: Oh! We're with them too!

Guard: If that's the case, Cassie right?

Cassie: Correct!

Guard: Ok... Are you all aware of the rules?

Rachel: Weapon must be confiscated until you leave the party and don't cause problems

Guard: Good... now then...

He tucks his clipboards under his arm and, after a simple knock, the grand doors to the manor swing open, revealing a magnificent, spacious ballroom. Inside, they are greeted by a retinue of butlers attending to the needs of various royals. The room is adorned with a vast food table presenting an array of exquisite delicacies, a majestic wine fountain pouring out fine vintages, and an assortment of statues spanning different eras, each adding to the grandeur of the space.

Guard: I welcome you all... to the Royalty party! Please enjoy your stay!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the group puts their weapons away with the rest of the confiscated weapons, Cassie and Vivian look in awe at the place, while Tadayoshi and Rachel continue to walk forward as planned, since most of the Royalties began to notice Rachel

Royalty 1: Say isn't that the daughter of the Fleur Family?

Royalty 2: And she got a man with him?

Royalty: *pff* She seems she has awful taste if that is her boyfriend...

Tadayoshi: Seems like we got them fooled

Rachel: Good, and looks like parents aren't here yet...

Tadayoshi: Yeah, even the box-head isn't here... maybe he did forget to come-

?: Yo! Over here!

Tadayoshi: ... Fuck

They turn to the voice and see BeatBox and Kiryu who are also wearing a suit and tie, waving to them. BeatBox quickly goes up to Tadayoshi with his arm up for a high-five

BeatBox: Up high man!

Tadayoshi: ... I would reject this with the f-word but due to an agreement, you're lucky it's a simple no

He walks past him out of annoyance while BeatBox watches in confusion about his response

BeatBox: That was the most complicated rejection I ever heard

Before he could lower his hand in defeat, Vivian approaches him with her arm in the air and high-fives him

Vivian: Secret high-five?

BeatBox: *gasp* Secret high-five!

Soon BeatBox and Vivian begin their random secret handshake while Tadayoshi walks to Rachel, Cassie, and Kiryu who are chatting

Kiryu: Sorry we're a bit late, long line out there

Rachel: It's fine, seems like the main event hasn't started yet

Kiryu: Good I guess, quite a lot of female Royalty's here

Cassie: You gonna get a girlfriend finally?

Kiryu: *blushes* I'm not here to flirt! It's just something I've noticed!

Cassie: *chuckles* Tracer was right, you do get flustered easily

Kiryu: God damnit...

Tadayoshi: Oi...

Kiryu: Hey Tadayoshi... quite a surprising look

Tadayoshi: I know, moving on. Where's Alex?

Alex: Over here!

They turn to see Alex in a beautiful dress, making her way towards them as the Royalties around look in awe

Cassie: Woah... coming out like a Disney princess

Vivian: You look so pretty!

Alex: *giggle* Thank you, and look at you, Mr fashion, man!

Tadayoshi: And you're acting like you're not wearing something better?

Alex: Well it's not something I would see you wear and you do look good! After all, you do gotta stand out if you are... *clears throat* a fiancée to this lady

Kiryu: Fiancée?

Rachel: It's a fake thing we're doing, don't question it...

Kiryu: Oh ok

Tadayoshi: Don't try to start things

Alex: I'm just having some fun! It's a party after all! Live it up a bit

She jokingly elbows him and he just rolls his eyes until BeatBox appears between them with his phone out

BeatBox: Hey! Since we're all here, let's get a selfie together

Tadayoshi: I refuse to-

Alex: Sure

Vivian: Selfie!

Cassie: Hell yeah!

The groups begin to huddle together to fit in the phone frame that BeatBox was using to take the picture which gets Tadayoshi caught in the middle but he accepts his defeat

BeatBox: Say party time!

Alex/BeatBox/Cassie/Vivian: Party time!

Tadayoshi/Rachel: ...

After a quick picture, the group finally separated from each other as BeatBox, Cassie, and Vivian looked at the photo that they took

BeatBox: Hell yeah! Perfect!

Meanwhile, Alex notices the dishes that are laid out on the table ahead of her, and with a sense of anticipation, she begins to navigate her way towards the food table. Tadayoshi glances over and notices her movement in that direction

Tadayoshi: Where are you going?

Alex: Well now we got something to remember about this party, I'm gonna go and start having a blast by seeing what food they got here first

Cassie: Food?

Vivian: Oh! Wait for me!

Tadayoshi: Don't get caught by weird people

Alex: Oh I won't and Tadayoshi! Can't wait to see you guys dance!

Tadayoshi: ...

Cassie and Vivian quickly follow Alex as they make their way to the food table while a small crowd follows them behind. While BeatBox wraps his arms around Rachel and Tadayoshi with joy on his face

BeatBox: So! What are you two love birds gonna do?

Tadayoshi: None of your business...

Rachel: I would say but my "fiancée" wants to keep that a secret...

BeatBox: Man why are you guys trying to be boring... Hey Kiryu, let's go pick up some chicks!

Kiryu: Wait what?

BeatBox wraps his arms around Kiryu, who feels surprised and awkward by BeatBox's response, as he points at the female Royalties from afar

BeatBox: I may have overheard them talking about you getting a girlfriend! Let your best friend help you with that!

Kriyu: Wait- hang on! My heart isn't ready!

BeatBox: Onward! To romance and ass cheeks!

Soon BeatBox drags Kiryu away to find some girls to talk to, leaving Tadayoshi and Rachel alone

Tadayoshi: *sigh*

Rachel: You got quite an interesting friend group

Tadayoshi: They're not my friends, one of them is a nuisance and the other is a sister...

Rachel: ... You trying so hard to be negative aren't you?...

Tadayoshi: Don't know what you're talking about...

Rachel: *sigh*

Tadayoshi: So what are we gonna do till the stupid event starts?

Rachel: Hm... Not sure, except maybe find a place to be away from everyone eyes sight...

He becomes aware of her words as he observes that most of the Royalty are glancing at them from the corner of their eyes. At the same time, he notices an open balcony that could serve as an escape route for them

Tadayoshi: ... There's a balcony over there if you wanna get away from these people for now

Rachel: Heh, you inviting me somewhere to be alone with you, Tada? Seems out of character for you?

Tadayoshi: I can still ditch you, you know

Rachel: Yet, you won't receive your payment

Tadayoshi: ...

Rachel: But I accept. You of all people are always an exception. Come along now

As she softly pats his chest and starts walking ahead, he looks at her, unsure of what to respond with. Soon he catches up with her and gently links his arm with hers as they walk together to the balcony

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This story is interrupted by a chibi Rachel fixing Tadayoshi's tie again

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kiryu: Come on BeatBox, I don't need to look for a girl...

BeatBox: You're right! You don't need to look for one! Which is why I can look for one for you!

Kiryu: That's not what I mean! Let me go!

BeatBox: Do you like ass or tits?

Kiryu: What kind of question is that?!

BeatBox: Ass it is! Now which girl has a fat ass?

He begins to look around the ballroom in search of some girls until noticing a group of them talking with each other and sees this as an opportunity

BeatBox: Bingo!

Kiryu: BeatBox, please! I can't do this!

BeatBox: Oh relax! You'll be fine!

He approaches the girls and interrupts their conversation while Kiryu, who is still being dragged, immediately stiffens up in fear

BeatBox: Yo ladies! My name's BeatBox! A pleasure to meet you all!

The girls turn their attention to him in confusion yet surprise since they all immediately recognize him

Girl: Oh, Hi?...

Girl 2: The Famous DJ?

Girl 3: Seems to be...

BeatBox: First off I apologize if I was interrupting you gals but gotta find a way to start a conversation you know!

Girl: No you're fine... just a bit unexpected to meet you...

BeatBox: Ah that's fair! Anyway, since I already introduced myself, I would like to introduce you to one of my best friends, Kiryu! Say his Kiryu!

Kiryu: ...

BeatBox stares at Kiryu for a bit until he stands him up and straightens him up like a cardboard cutout while the girls look at him in confusion

Kiryu: Ok, let's try that again! Say Hi, Kiryu!

Kiryu: ... Hi Kiryu...

Girls: ...

BeatBox: ... Oh don't worry, he's just shy! Come on, say something!

Kiryu: ... Something...

Kiryu's face was bright red and he was steaming, which made the girls begin to feel awkward due to the silent treatment from him. They start to slowly walk away from the boys which BeatBox quickly noticed

BeatBox: Hey wait hold on!

Girl: Sorry... Something's got our attention and... We gotta go!

The girls quickly escape from the situation, leaving Kiryu and BeatBox alone with the boombox head turning to Kiryu and giving him a little slap on the face

Kiryu: Huh- What?

BeatBox: What was that?

Kiryu: I told you... I can't handle girls...

BeatBox: But you can handle the other gals we hang out with?

Kiryu: It took me some time to get used to them when I first met them...

BeatBox: ... How long?

Kiryu: ... Almost a month...

BeatBox: Jesus Christ, dude...

Kiryu: And I said I wasn't interested in finding someone... yet

BeatBox: And how do you plan to do that if you can't even stand near one?

Kiryu: I'll... figure it out somehow

BeatBox: Dude...

Kiryu: What about you? Why are you trying to find a girl?

BeatBox: Oh I don't need a girl, I'm doing you a favor and getting you one! Cause I was told that you suck with girls... and they weren't lying, cause that was just sad

Kiryu: *sigh* I know

BeatBox: And it's even sadder when Tadayoshi talks to more girls than you. And he's an "edgy" introvert!

Kiryu: Ok, you don't have to rub it in!

BeatBox: My bad! My bad!

BeatBox quickly notices a butler holding a tray of empty cups and a bottle of wine, which he quickly takes as the butler walks by and pours Kiryu a glass and hands it to him

BeatBox: So... Why are you looking for a girl?

Kiryu: What kind of question is that?

BeatBox: Come on, I'm just trying to have an interesting conversation here!

Kiryu takes his glass from BeatBox, who was in the middle of pouring himself one until tossing the empty bottle aside.

Kiryu: Well, I just think it would be nice to settle down someday, start a family, and have kids...

BeatBox: Hmm, fair enough.

Kiryu: Have you ever thought about being a family man?

BeatBox: Not really. I don't think I need a girlfriend or kids because I'm already happy with the people in my life, especially my brothers!

Kiryu: Brothers?

BeatBox: Yeah, you and Tadayoshi, duh!

Kiryu: ... You... already think of me that close?

BeatBox: Yep! You and Tadayoshi are like peas in a pod! ^_^

Kiryu: But we don't really talk that much?...

BeatBox: Sure but look at us now, I think we've gotten to know each other already! And you're a solid guy, I can see it in your heart! Besides if you're tight with Tadayoshi, then you're my bro too!

Upon receiving that response, Kiryu couldn't help but break into a smile and let out a hearty chuckle, leaving BeatBox looking on in utter confusion

Kiryu: You know I'm starting to question why Tadayoshi tries to dislike you

BeatBox: Heh, that's something I'd ask myself every day, but hey he has his reasons

As they finished their drinks, both of them took their last satisfying sip from their cups and then casually tossed them behind their shoulders as BeatBox pondered to himself

BeatBox: You know I'll admit, I was hoping that girl would be here 'cause I thought she'd be perfect for you!

Kiryu: Who?

BeatBox: There's this girl named Ina and she's not rich or anything but she's super famous cause she's known as the most beautiful girl in the world!

Kiryu: That's... sounds like something out of my league

BeatBox: Oh please, there's no such thing as "out of league" when it comes to relationships! Unless is age, of course, cause that's important... don't wanna be exposed as a pedo...

Kiryu: ...

BeatBox: And from what I heard, she knows how to make a great meal!

Kiryu: ... Sounds tempting...

BeatBox: See! I knew she would have your interest!

Kiryu: *rolls eyes*

BeatBox: But then again if you saw her, you would probably die by her looks knowing you

Kiryu: ... Shut up...

BeatBox: *chuckles* Oh, and sorry for putting you on the spot.

Kiryu: It's fine.

BeatBox: So... do you prefer a nice bum or a great pair of boobs?

Kiryu: What?-

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tadayoshi and Rachel arrive on the balcony where he leans against the ledge and lets out a sigh of relief

Rachel: We just got here and you're already exhausted?

Tadayoshi: Do you have any idea how hard it is to "look" nice for so long? And the suit does not help...

Rachel: Yes, but it keeps the other from not noticing you're not one of them

Tadayoshi: It's such a pain...

He turns and leans onto the balcony as Rachel lets out a small smile and decides to join him

Rachel: Well, it's won't say I disagree. They always expect to have high standards, especially from a powerful one

Tadayoshi: ...

Rachel: But since we're waiting for the host, we got some time to be ourselves away from them. It's a nice night after all...

Soon they both look out onto the breathtaking expanse of the night sky, dotted with twinkling stars and the city glowing from afar. They stand in silence, their breath visible in the cold, fresh air, and the quiet beauty of the night envelops them as they take in the serene atmosphere

Tadayoshi: ... Yeah... this is nice

Rachel: *chuckles*

Tadayoshi: What?

Rachel: Oh, just didn't expect you to compliment something

Tadayoshi: What do you expect me to say, an insult?

Rachel: I mean you can't blame me for thinking that, you never compliment anything other than insults

Tadayoshi: I'm only explaining my beliefs and why it's stupid

Rachel: Through insults?

Tadayoshi: ... Whatever

Rachel: *giggles*

Tadayoshi: ... So... What do you plan on doing once you cut ties with your parents?

Rachel: Probably go back to what I normally have been doing. Though I know I'll still have my Royalty title since I'm still rich and still a model

Tadayoshi: Sounds like not much would change

Rachel: No but I won't have to worry about my parents and won't be called the "daughter of the Fleur family" anymore.

Tadayoshi: Sure? But I still don't understand why I have to pretend to be your fiancée, especially the way you explain it, doesn't make it sound like they would believe you and I are a "thing"

Rachel: And I've told you not to think too hard about it. I'd say it's a way to tell them fuck you when I'm "dating" a poor person

Tadayoshi: Poor person...

Rachel: I mean I'm not wrong am I?

Tadayoshi: ... I feel like you're just finding a way to insult me

Rachel: Perhaps, but you know you'd do the same thing

Tadayoshi: ... Fair enough

Rachel couldn't help but let out a chuckle again, which Tadayoshi, rolling his eyes, acknowledged. She felt fascinated and welcomed by him, finding joy and comfort in his presence, which was a rare experience for her. As she looked up at him, still gazing at the night sky, she began to notice a warm feeling in her chest, a feeling that she couldn't quite understand but felt deeply

Rachel: You know... when I first heard about you from Craig, I thought you'd be a weird buzzkill about everything

Tadayoshi: ...

Rachel: And you are! In a way, I can still put some trust in

Tadayoshi: What are you trying to get at?

Rachel: I'm saying since you appeared, you've... made things interesting and I'll admit, I've enjoyed hanging out with you a lot

Tadayoshi: ...

Rachel: I've never seen Cassie so happy in my life when you appeared... and you've helped make me feel relaxed with my life.

Tadayoshi: I thought your life was already relaxed other than your worries with your parent

Rachel: Not really, to be honest, I'm always busy so it's hard for me to have a break. Guardian leadership, my work life, and housework more specifically cooking dinner for the two gluttons

Tadayoshi: ...

Rachel: It's why you're such a fresh air. I feel like I can talk however I want and be relaxed without someone bothering me

Tadayoshi: So I'm a stress reliever

Rachel: If you put it that way sure... but I see you as someone close...

Tadayoshi: ?

Rachel: I don't need anyone to try to do something drastic to make me interested, I have money and Cassie for that

Tadayoshi: Of course...

Rachel: But I just want someone to not be boring... and you're not boring at all...

Tadayoshi: I feel I'm the last person to think I'm not boring...

Rachel: So you're saying someone who is somehow friends with multiple famous people isn't boring?

Tadayoshi: ... I still question that to this day

Rachel: At least you'll have some proof to say you're not completely edgy

Tadayoshi: I don't need to have friends to prove my "edginess"

Rachel: And what are your other proof would you have?

Tadayoshi: ... I swear I will find a way to turn the tables against you...

Rachel: *giggles* I'll gladly look forward for you to try, Tada

Tadayoshi: ...

Remaining silent, Tadayoshi turned away from her and fixed his gaze back on the view outside. Unbeknownst to him, Rachel decided to edge closer to Tadayoshi, leaning her shoulder against his and closing the distance between them. Leaving Tadayoshi perplexed and unaware of Rachel's intentions of her actions

Rachel: Say Tada, how would you feel if we-

?: Umm... Excuse me you two...

With the conversation cut off, Tadayoshi and Rachel turn at the doorway to see a butler with glasses looking in nervousness as he struggles to speak up

Butler: I'm sorry to interrupt you two... but the host is about to make his welcoming announcement... so you two, please...

Rachel: Yeah...

Tadayoshi: We'll be there...

Butler: V-Very well...

Rachel: About time we see who's hosting this party

Tadayoshi: Mmm...

As the butler scurries away, they peek inside where they hear a glass dinging from above the stairs which everyone in the ballroom turns their attention to. However, both Tadayoshi and Rachel immediately recognize the person which turns their expression into disgust

?: Greetings everyone! I would like to thank you all for coming to my party!

Rachel: You gotta be kidding me...

Tadayoshi: He's the host?...

?: This party is meant to appreciate our kind for doing the world a favor and a way for everyone to cooperate with our business! Keeping our title high and mighty and the lower ones understand our ranks! I am grateful to our titles Royalties and our kind here!

Soon two female bodyguards still wearing a cat and rabbit mask and latex body suits approached behind the host as the one with the cat mask whispered into his ear, which the host let out a smirk and turned towards the crowd

Drake: Now then... My name is Drake, and I hereby toast you all... to our names and our future! And hope you all enjoy this wonderful party! Cheers!

Everyone: CHEERS!

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Art:

Meme: