anger 10 with benjamin and actor gimme that angst
Saying that Benjamin was confused would be an euphemism.
The poor man was completely lost.
His master was transformed; laughing with his guests, his face glowing with joy for the first time in a long while, when he was still wandering aimlessly in the Manor a week ago.
But the butler knew the actor more than anyone in the room. He could see the strange glint in his eyes, hidden behind the pleasant expression, the shadows that crossed his face when no one was looking.
His master was different in a way that frightened him.
And his confusion only grew when Mark dragged him outside.
"Dance with me Ben." Mark ordered, offering his hand to the other man.
Benjamin blinked a couple of time before obeying.
They danced slowly for a bit, only accompanied by the faint music and the cheerings coming from the living room.
Then, Mark grabbed the taller man's chin, staring at his face. His happy mask had disappeared, and a certain turmoil lingered in his eyes.
He sighed, before talking in a strangely calm voice :
"I know you're confused Ben. And maybe a little scared too. And it's not going to stop soon... but I just want you to know that I'll always be with you, somehow..."
"Benjamin please, don't interrupt me-"
"I'm sorry but you have to tell me, I don't understand I-" The butler asked, pulling away.
He was terrified by his master's words, and his expressions made him want to run far away from him.
But he couldn't completely withdraw as Mark tightened his grasp and pulled him back against him, and the anger in his eyes made Ben freeze.
"Do that again" he snarled while leaning closer "And I promise you'll regret it."
Benjamin nodded rapidly trying his best to get back in the danse. The actor calmed a bit and, after a few moments, he stretched and kissed him, and the butler didn't hesitate to answer. It was soft, gentle, and stained with regret, and he didn't want to pull back ever.
But Mark eventually broke the kiss, a gentle, genuine smile on his face. He stroke Ben's face before talking :
"I'm so sorry... please don't forget me, dove."
"I won't, I promise... but why-"
Mark let him go before he was finished, and walked back towards the Manor.
"Don't slack off, Benjamin. You know how... wild our guests can get."
And with that he disappeared, leaving his poor butler standing there, with a bittersweet sensation on his lips.
