Ein stood in front of the mirror adjusting his tie for what felt like the hundredth time. His nerves were a jumble of excitement and anxiety as he thought about dancing with Aaron. Despite everything they had been through, tonight was a chance to enjoy themselves and make happy memories.

Aphmau, dressed in a stunning outfit, entered his room with a teasing grin.

"You ready for your big date, Romeo?" she asked, winking. "Maybe you and Aaron will sneak off to the bathroom for some... private time."

Ein glared at her, his cheeks turning red. "Aphmau, seriously?"

Sylvanna, watching from the doorway, chuckled. "Oh, let him be, Aphmau. It's sweet that he's excited. Besides, you know how these dances can be—full of surprises."

Aphmau shrugged, still grinning. "I'm just saying, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. Right, Mom?"

Sylvanna smiled warmly at her children. "You both look wonderful. Just make sure to have fun and stay safe, alright?"

Ein nodded, his nervousness giving way to a small, genuine smile. "Thanks, mom....and Aphmau, try to keep your jokes to a minimum tonight, okay?"

Aphmau laughed, giving him a playful shove. "No promises, but I'll try. Now come on, let's get going. We've got a dance to enjoy!"

Garroth walked through the door looking dapper in his suit, holding a corsage in one hand. He smiled warmly as he approached Aphmau, giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek and then placing the corsage on her wrist.

Aphmau blushed, clearly flustered by the romantic gesture. "Thanks, Garroth. You look great."

Garroth chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Not as great as you do."

Ein, watching the exchange, couldn't resist teasing them. "Well, well, looks like someone might be making a baby tonight."

Aphmau's blush deepened, and she shot Ein a playful glare. "Ein, seriously? If anyone needs to watch their werewolf instincts tonight it's you. Don't let them take over and end up mating with Aaron."

Ein's cheeks turned crimson as he shot back, "Hey, that's not fair!"

Sylvanna laughed at their banter, shaking her head. "Alright, you two enough with the inappropriate jokes. Let's keep it PG tonight, okay? Now go have fun and make some wonderful memories."

As they headed out the door Ein felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Despite Aphmau's teasing he couldn't help but look forward to the night ahead and the chance to dance with Aaron.

...

Aaron stood in his room, fuming with anger. He had been looking forward to the homecoming dance, but his father had put a stop to it, citing the risks of Aaron exposing himself as the Ultima werewolf. The argument had escalated quickly.

"You can't go to that dance, Aaron!" his father shouted, his face red with anger. "Do you understand the risks? If anyone finds out you're an Ultima it could be catastrophic!"

Aaron's fists clenched at his sides. "The risks? You're just using that as an excuse to control my life! My friends and Ein... they mean something to me. They taught me more about living and caring than you ever could!"

His father's eyes narrowed, and his tone turned venomous. "Those friends of yours are a bad influence. And that boy, Ein? He's nothing but trouble."

Aaron felt a surge of anger. "You don't know anything about them! They're the only reason I'm still sane. They've been more of a family to me than you ever were."

Before Aaron could react, his father slapped him across the face. The sting was sharp and immediate. Aaron's head snapped to the side, his cheek burning from the impact. For a moment there was silence, the air was thick with tension.

Then, with a roar of defiance, Aaron swung his fist and connected with his father's nose. The older man staggered back, stunned and bleeding. Aaron didn't wait to see his reaction; he turned on his heel and bolted to his room.

Slamming the door behind him, Aaron locked it and took a deep breath. He needed to get out of here. He couldn't stand another minute under his father's oppressive control. Quickly he grabbed his phone and a jacket then climbed out of his bedroom window, dropping down to the ground below.

As he made his way through the dark streets, his heart pounded not just from the adrenaline of the escape but also from the anticipation of seeing Ein and his friends at the dance. He was determined to make the most of the night, no matter what.

...

Ein stood outside the school fidgeting his tie nervously as he waited for Aaron. He glanced around at the other students arriving in their best outfits, laughing and chatting excitedly as they made their way inside. Despite the festive atmosphere, a gnawing doubt began to creep into his mind. What if Aaron had changed his mind? What if he had lied to him and ditched the dance to do something else?

He tried to shake off the thoughts but they still lingered, making his stomach churn with anxiety. Just as he was about to give up and head inside alone, he spotted a familiar figure hurrying towards him.

Aaron approached, slightly out of breath and looking disheveled.

  "Ein, I'm so sorry," he began, his voice strained. "I had a huge fight with my dad. He tried to stop me from coming to the dance and things got really heated."

Ein's eyes widened with concern. "Are you okay? What happened?"

Aaron took a deep breath, his hands trembling slightly. "He slapped me, and I hit him back. I had to sneak out of the house through my window to get here."

Ein's worry turned to anger, but he quickly masked it with a reassuring smile. "I'm just glad you made it. You don't have to apologize. I'm here for you no matter what."

Aaron looked at him, a mixture of relief and gratitude in his eyes. "Thanks Ein, it means a lot."

Ein took Aaron's hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. "Come on, let's go inside and have a good time. Forget about everything else for tonight."

Aaron nodded, squeezing back as they walked towards the entrance. Despite the earlier chaos, the sight of Ein waiting for him and his understanding words made him feel a sense of peace. Together they entered the school ready to face whatever the night had in store.