So? How do I look?” Troy asked as he stepped out of the bathroom and into the bar. 

The look on Papo’s face was a cross between confusion and amusement. He raised a dark brow and stroked his bearded chin before answering. ‘Uhh…are you the playboy bunny? Or some kinda animal stripper?’ He asked curiously, his left brow never relaxing.

Troy looked himself over and cupped his elbow in one hand while the other he curled around his chin. He was wearing a pair of casual white shoes and black fitted slacks with embroidered slits up to the ankles. A realistic yet adorable white rabbits tail was glued to his rear end and bobbed up and down occasionally when he walked. His upper body was covered, barely, with a green vest and no shirt underneath. Even though the vest laced up in the front like a pair of sneakers, there was enough space in-between, exposing part of his toned physique. Around his neck was a red bowtie and hanging from his hip was a fake gold pocket watch. His hands were housed in supple white gloves, while atop his head there was a headband with white bunny ears attached, one mostly erect, the other one considered floppy. On his face he wore a simple, black eye mask. 

“I thought it would be obvious but I guess not. I’m the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.” He explained.

Papo spoke through a light chuckle. ‘I’m just glad you’re not going as Alice.’

Troy grinned. “I was going to but I couldn’t find the right dress.” He teased.

‘So you’re really going to this thing huh? Just cause some kid sent us a text saying he got a lead on the Architect?’ Papo asked.

“Well it’s the only thing we have to go on at this point. You haven’t been able to get back in touch with him since I lost that damn briefcase. That whole day was a complete disaster…now’s our chance to get some answers.” 

‘That kid’s text said it might also be a trap.’ Papo warned.

“I’m gonna have to risk it. If this has anything to do with the SXM, I need to know but if someone else has a problem with us, we need to solve it. Besides, it’s bad for business when too many people want you dead.” He shrugged coolly, flashing that alluring grin of his.

‘You realize you’re not gonna be able to bring your weapons with you right? There’s no way they’re letting you in with those guns.’ Papo explained.

“I know…I can still bring one or two goodies that should make it past security but if things really get hairy… then…I’ll just have to improvise.” Troy replied, moving towards the door once he heard the sound of a horn from outside. It was no doubt the taxi he had requested to bring him to the ball. “That sounds like my carriage. I guess I better go, don’t wait up.” He said with a wink before exiting the bar.

As he pulled up to the gates in his taxi, he looked around in awe, admiring the overall splendor of the grounds. The city’s upper crust had come out to fraternize with the commoners and for the most part everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Stepping out onto the red carpet, he felt like a prince. Secretly he wished he had someone to accompany him but he was certain the night would still be enjoyable. 

He smiled as his photo was taken, along with the other patrons who arrived before and after him and once he reached the entrance, one of the security guards checked him for weapons. 

‘Please hold still sir, I just need to make sure you’re not carrying anything dangerous.’ 

Troy smiled at him, eventually speaking up as he finished his search. “If you keep feeling me up like this handsome, you’re gonna have to buy me dinner first.” He said playfully. 

The security guard cleared his throat nervously. ‘Ahem…uhh…you’re ok, please enjoy the party.’ He blurted out before moving on to the next person. 

Once inside, Troy stood near the entrance, just soaking up the magnificence of it. A lovely melody floated all around him, while the smell of delicious pastries excited his senses. He glanced about like a child, noting all the decorations and lovely costumes. He always wanted to attend a party, ever since he was little. But there weren’t many opportunities to party while growing up as someone’s experiment, nor were there many after his escape and being on a constant run from his would be captors. 

While wandering about, he had already forgotten that he was there for a reason. The Architect, Pulse, SXM, they were all but a fleeting memory. All he wanted to do was dance the waltz, eat expensive food and enjoy himself, so that’s exactly what he set out to do.