A Fall for You - Chapter XVIII
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My neurons burn for you
{Excerpt from Killjoy’s movie night recordings, Valorant database}
[00:19:20] >-|-----------------------------<
Raze: Okay! This one’s a Brazilian rom-com about a famous singer’s love story. The title means “My blood boils for you”.
Fade: Looks like a medical case.
Chamber: And I guess that’s why they call it the blues.
*Awkward silence*
Chamber: Oh don’t tell me you guys don’t know Elton John.
Phoenix: We know. The joke was just awful. Don’t do that again.
Once Upon A Dream - Lana del Rey
Just like the previous morning, the corridors of that area of the Palace were calm and empty, unlike the rest of the property, which remained bustling even after hours of nonstop partying. The only light came from the moon, streaming through the large windows. Vincent could hear his footsteps echoing off the walls, drowning out the distant sounds of conversation and music.
The Frenchman tried to maintain a confident posture. His firm, quick steps, accompanied by a firm gaze and a high chin, demonstrated his determination. However, the champagne trembling in the glasses he held in his hands revealed his nervousness.
That was a restricted area. Only those accompanied by Vincent or Valence could be there, making it a conveniently reserved place for taking someone special to bed. Vincent wasn't entirely wrong in trying to kill his twin for taking the woman of his heart there. However, Valence might be a dick, but he wasn't one to lie to his brother. So he could believe he had done nothing more than direct her to a quiet place. Knowing Sabine, she would prefer to stay away from any commotion.
Vincent stopped in front of the bedroom door, his gaze growing unfocused. She was there. Right behind that door, in the place he'd stood hours before and joked they could share. When he'd thought the odds of her being with him were 100%. Before discouragement overtook him and disappointment suffocated him. Vincent's breathing quickened, and he had to close his eyes to control himself.
All he saw was an empty chair in a cafe. Nothingness in a place where someone should have filled the void, being his complete everything. He felt a weight on his back, his shoulders tensing at the memory of waiting for hours until the cafe closed and his last shred of hope faded.
His chest tightened. Reliving it again, in a slightly different way, was terrifying.
Even Vincent, with all his wealth and cunning, wasn't immune to fear. Fade had warned him about that. It sucked to be the richest, most handsome, and intelligent man within a 20-mile radius and still be terrified of disappointment as a teenager.
He tilted his head back, taking a deep breath, his abdomen expanding. If Vincent were to be disappointed again, if his heart were to be shattered into a million pieces again, if he saw no meaning in anything, if he plunged into a complete abyss, at least he had his usual mask. A resource he used so regularly that it was already a part of him.
Chamber was accustomed to the darkness. He knew how to survive at rock bottom. He would control his breathing, put on a practiced smile, and return to the party he owned. He would deal with the broken pieces of his heart when it was convenient. If he dealt with them at all.
He held the glasses in one hand and gripped the doorknob tightly, using it almost as a brace in case he fell. He opened the door, revealing the interior of the room. Soon he saw a familiar silhouette, one he would recognize from miles away, bathed in moonlight like an ethereal figure.
She was there.
And Vincent's heart beat faster than a locomotive.
Sabine was sitting on the edge of Vincent's bed and turned to him when the door opened, blessing him with a breathtaking view of her face. She stood up in a swift movement, balancing on the thin high heels that made her a few inches taller than him. Her dress fell to her feet, molding perfectly to the elegant shape of her body. Its sleeves reached her wrists, and she pulled one of them up with her sharp nails. The neckline was off-the-shoulder, exposing her cleavage. Her pale skin contrasted with the dark dress and matched the elegant diamond necklace around her neck. Crystals were encrusted in the black fabric, creating the appearance of her body being a starry night.
None of the jewelry she wore could compare to her emerald gaze, adorned with makeup that, somehow inexplicably, made her even more mesmerizing than she already was. Her face was framed by short hair, slightly wavy thanks to something unusual she'd applied to it.
And her mouth, painted a soft shade of purple, formed a simple smile.
- I finally managed to shut him up. - She commented, her husky voice dripping with amusement. He must have stood there longer than he'd imagined. However, it was impossible not to be stunned by such a sight.
She was perfect. No, no. More than perfect. Perfection wasn't enough to describe her. She was something to behold, a phenomenon. No. That wasn't enough. He couldn't simply stand in awe of her. She was divine. Worthy of worship.
Vincent took a step forward, as if in a trance. His mouth hung open, both from the shock of this incredible woman and from the fact that he couldn't breathe.
Fact: Sabine didn't need poison to take his breath away.
He would embrace her. Squeeze her so close that their atoms fused, letting her know in the most intimate way possible how relieved he was by her presence. He would kiss her. With all the passion that ignited his heart, electrified his body and burned his neurons. He would throw her on the bed and rip off that beautiful dress, unleashing months, perhaps years, of pent-up desire. He would kneel at her feet and beg for her hand in marriage, in courtship. He would accept being a hookup, a servant, or a slave. As long as it meant belonging to her and only her. He would prostrate himself in deep adoration, devoted as if she were all he could believe in.
A million possibilities raced through Vincent's mind about what to do. But with his heart racing so fast he could have a heart attack right there, his legs shaking and refusing to move, and his stomach full of butterflies, he couldn't do much more than mumble.
- Ahw... Eeh... Aaaahw...
Grunting like a dumb zombie in front of that goddess.
It was the deepest point ever.
Vincent felt his nose heat up, unable to look away from her and try to regain some of his dignity, which was already in tatters.
Sabine smiled a little more, taking a few steps toward him. His breathing quickened, and he hoped he didn't look like he was having an anxiety attack. But, by God, he was freaking out!!!
She stopped when she heard a plaintive meow in the corner of the room, looking away from him. Without her gaze on him, Vincent closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He had to regain control. He could. He'd been waiting for this moment all day. He would act like a normal human being. Or he would try.
"Relax Vincent!"
- I don't think she likes me. - Sabine commented, and Vincent opened his eyes, determined to regain his usual confident pose. It wasn't easy with that gorgeous gaze on him.
He quickly looked away before he could resume drooling over her. He found Ampère watching them from under the piano bench. His posture was aggressive and curious. The cat was wary of visitors. He only agreed to meet new people on Vincent or Valence's lap.
And thank goodness for that.
- It's “he”. - Vincent corrected, giving a smirk, grateful for the accidental error. The theory that it was easier to regain focus when correcting someone proved true.
He forced his legs to walk to the piano. He left the glasses on the instrument and sank down on his heels, reaching for the cat, which allowed Vincent to hug him. Apparently, Sabine's presence made Ampère forget his anger at his human. Vincent stroked the soft fur, finding comfort in the familiar animal, regaining some of his wits. He stood up, hugging the cat to his chest.
- Bon... - He smiled at the corner of his mouth, turning to Sabine. - His name is Ampère.
The American tilted her head to the side, eyeing Ampère warily as Vincent approached with him. The cat stirred slightly and meowed as he stood near Sabine, resting his paws on Vincent's arms.
- Hello… - She spoke softly, extending her hand slowly, hesitating when Ampère flinched. Vincent gave her an understanding smile.
- Not a cat person?
- I have more experience with snakes.
- Oh.
Yeah. Nothing was perfect after all.
On the bright side, the slight break in the spell made the Frenchman feel a little more confident about her. He petted the cat, soothing him. Or himself. Probably both.
Sabine looked at Vincent and then at the cat, sighing and patting his head. Ampère still stirred a little, but eventually accepted the caress.
- But I can get used to them. - She gave a smirk, watching the hairless feline blink slowly. - Especially with this weirdo.
Vincent's pupils dilated, and he broke into an involuntary smile. Sabine was trying to enter Vincent's world, on her own initiative, pure and spontaneous. Now that was a great victory.
- He was just lucky he was born bald. It's not his fault he's a weirdo. - He commented, looking at the open bedroom door and then at the cat. - Want to try holding him?
Vincent passed the feline to Sabine before she had a chance to protest. Ampère meowed as Sabine held him awkwardly, unsure where to place her arms.
- Ouh… - In her defense, she was trying her best. However, that didn't seem like the best thing for Ampère. - Vincent, I...
- One moment. - The Frenchman quickly closed the bedroom door before Ampère managed to jump off Sabine's lap and run under the bed. - Pardon, it was the only way for him not to run away into the hallway. - He adjusted the rolled up sleeves of his shirt, looking in the direction the cat went.
- But... What about the balcony? - Sabine pointed to the open balcony, looking for another sign of the cat.
- He hates walking outside. But inside… - Vincent shook his head, thinking Ampère would hate knowing there was a party going on at the Palace. He couldn't roam freely without having to deal with more people trying to grab him. The Frenchman understood his cat to some extent. However, he wouldn't mind receiving a cuddle from Sabine like Ampère had. Vincent turned to Sabine, readjusting his tie. Once again, she was breathtaking. - You… - He tried to formulate a sentence, his thoughts becoming hazy due to the spectacular sight of her. He forced himself to regain control, smiling gently. - You came… - He spoke softly, with a sigh of relief, his eyes shining with joy.
Sabine squeezed one of her arms, giving a restrained smile.
- Yes… - She sighed. - I... Umm... I'm sorry. - She finished speaking quickly, as if spitting the words out would be easier. Vincent raised his eyebrows, surprised by the apology. He'd only had two piná coladas with energy drinks. He shouldn't be hearing things because of alcohol abuse. However, Sabine Callas issuing an apology could be a sign of hallucination. Valence might not have been wrong. - For not responding to your messages. Or coming early. I had... A lot of problems. - She exhaled, nodding slowly, staring at a spot on the floor.
Vincent frowned, approaching her.
- What happened?
Sabine looked at him and blinked a few times, as if coming out of a reverie. He stepped closer, extending his hand.
- Sabine, if you can't...
- You brought champagne. - She commented, turning and reaching for the glasses. Vincent tilted his head, analyzing her hurried movements. He felt guilty for wanting her to be with him so badly when she might be struggling. What had she been through to take so long to get here? He'd find out sooner or later. He'd let her breathe for now. - Shall we toast? - She turned to him, walking toward him and handing him the glass.
He accepted the drink, eyeing her warily. He finally gave a smirk, acquiescing.
- What do you want to toast to, mademoiselle Callas?
Sabine gave an amused smile, her shoulders relaxing, her green eyes bright and intense. Vincent's nose flushed as she looked at him that way. He was grateful the lights in the room were off. Perhaps the moonlight wouldn't betray his shyness.
- Because I arrived.
He returned her smile, taking her hand. The familiar touch reassured him, reminding him that the stunning woman before him was Sabine. The one who shared coffee with him and spent hours listening to him chatter. He pressed a kiss to her cold skin, knowing the gesture made her shiver. Their eyes met, intense, never straying anywhere but one or the other.
- That's a great reason to toast. - His voice came out huskier than he expected, watching her face carefully as he lowered his hand.
Sabine exhaled through her nose, rolling her eyes with a smile at the exaggerated gesture. He smiled to himself, feeling he wasn't the only one enjoying every second of that moment. She raised her glass to him.
- To my arrival.
Their glasses clinked and they raised them to their lips. While Vincent sipped his champagne, Sabine downed it in two large gulps. He raised an eyebrow, lowering his glass.
- What really happened, Sabine? - He watched her patiently, tilting his head to the side in a gesture of curiosity and concern.
She turned to him, pressing her lips together slightly and then gesturing around.
- Is this where you grew up?
Sabine set her glass down on the piano, approaching the bookshelves and running her fingers along the spines of the books. Vincent shook his head, smirking at her desperate attempt to change the subject. He would dance to her rhythm for now.
- Yes and no. - He put one hand in his pants pocket, walking parallel to her across the room, behind the sofas. - The main residence was in Paris, but my father regularly sent us here to stay with Grandma. So, kind of yes.
- How cute. - Sabine commented, picking up a book from Vincent's desk, flipping through its pages as she walked. - Grandma's little baby.
Vincent laughed lightly, lowering his face.
- Yeah... Sure. - He shrugged, sipping some champagne. - My dad wanted to inherit the estate with as little effort as possible. So he'd send my brother and me to stay with Grandma, as if to say, “Look, Mom, you were terrible to me, but I'll still let you see your grandchildren!”
Sabine shook her head, leaning her hip against the balcony door, using the moonlight to read better.
- It worked out?
- For me and Valence, yes. - He smiled, resting one hand on the back of the sofa. - She left us the deed. The stables are his, and about 200 acres of land are mine. Plus several shares in the companies. The rest was divided up in small pieces among the other heirs. - Vincent let out a sadistic laugh, raising his glass to his lips. - The drama when they read the will was historic. We held a posthumous ceremony for her worthy of the Pope afterward.
Sabine smirked, closing the book and shaking it.
- With so much to manage, you won't miss it if I borrow this one, will you?
He didn't recognize the copy. Squinting, he could tell it was an Italian title. Either way, it probably wasn't one of his regular readers.
- It's yours. - He shrugged, walking towards her.
- Really? - Sabine smiled slightly. - You don't mind?
Vincent shook his head and pointed with his glass to the shelves on the right.
- I've read it. - He gestured to the books on his desk. - I'll read it. - And the bookshelf to the left. - I thought it was pretty, and I might read it. - He turned to Sabine, finishing his champagne. - I can take you to the library too.
Sabine laughed softly, clutching the book close to her. Vincent lowered his gaze to her lips, appreciating her smile and the velvety sound of her laughter. Again, the Frenchman's heart skipped a beat, and he smiled faintly, matching her expression.
- It's a great way to make me disappear.
Chamber shook his head, giving an amused smile.
- It's haunted. My grandmother's aunt killed her five husbands there.
Sabine rolled her eyes, pressing her lips together to contain her smile.
- Oh, of course.
- Seriously. She was a sort of black widow. - Vincent adjusted his glasses. - We found the remains of one of them under some shelves during one of the last restorations. - He smiled, observing Sabine's incredulous expression. - There's a lot to see in the Palace. We can take a tour if you'd like.
Sabine smiled slightly, nodding as she rested her hands behind her back.
- After the party.
- Sure… - He moved a little closer, studying her carefully. - Did you like the party? I didn't know if you enjoyed anything. - He smiled brightly, gesturing with his free hand. - I got you sushi.
Sabine watched him for a few seconds, staring at him with those emerald eyes. Her expression was sweet and calm, making her look beautiful as an angel.
- I like sushi. - "I know," Vincent finished mentally, as she nodded toward the balcony, walking to the railing. - But this isn't... my kind of birthday party.
- Oh...
Vincent followed her, until he was leaning on the balcony railing beside her, feeling stupid and, worse, ignorant. Sabine was an introvert. She wouldn't have the same fun he did in that sea of people. She should have thought of that.
- What do you do for your birthday? - He asked, leaving the empty glass on the windowsill and turning to her. Maybe he could make it up to her on her birthday.
Sabine took a deep breath, seemingly relieved by the night air. She shrugged, setting the book on the windowsill and resting her hands there. She gazed thoughtfully at the woods for a few seconds.
- There's nothing special about my birthday. It's just another day that another person among millions of others was born.
Vincent frowned, looking at Sabine as if she had said something very stupid, which contradicted her genius nature.
- You're not just another statistic. - He stated with conviction, placing a hand on the base of her spine, staying close to her. - You are… - She looked at him, and again, no adjective in the world could adequately describe her. He would have to use some euphemism that came close to reality. - Sublime. Too magnificent to go unnoticed.
Her lips parted, and she was silent for a few seconds. Maybe she was blushing. It was hard to tell in the dark. Vincent smirked and was about to open his mouth to tease her. "Looks like I have left her speechless."
- You're exaggerating. - She said first, looking away and hugging her arms.
Vincent gave an amused smile, wrapping his hand around her waist, pulling her close without resistance. He could stay glued to her for the rest of his life and wouldn't complain.
- I take that as a compliment. - He took one of her hands, freeing her from her own embrace, and intertwined their fingers. - Nothing special, then?
Sabine looked out into the woods, leaning her body against Vincent's. He rested his cheek on her exposed shoulder, loving the scent of her distinctive citrus and refreshing scent. He would find out what perfume she wore and gift her with more of it.
- My… - Sabine hesitated for a moment until she sighed, looking at Vincent. - My sister likes us to be together. Sometimes I stay with her, her husband, and my niece.
Vincent's lips parted, unable to contain his surprise. She'd never told him she had a sister. The Frenchman squeezed her hand a little, grateful that she'd opened up to him, even a little.
That was the day of progress.
- What do you do together? - He asked sweetly, observing her features and imagining what the rest of her family would look like. For a second, he wondered what a combination of him and her would result. He quickly dismissed the thought, focusing on her face.
- Just... We went out together. My niece made us go to a park last time. - Sabine shook her head, smiling lovingly as she remembered her niece. Vincent took a deep breath to keep from melting. How could that woman, who was a sadistic bioterrorist, be so sweet? - She's bossy.
- Should I assume it's a family trait? - Vincent raised his eyebrows teasingly.
- I'm not bossy.
- Imagine if you were. - Sabine nudged him with her hip, shaking her head. He smiled, squeezing her waist. - When's your birthday?
Sabine bit her lower lip for a moment, staring out into the woods. She grabbed Vincent's hand that was on her waist, squeezing it.
- It was yesterday.
Vincent widened his eyes slightly, tilting his head back to get a better look at her face.
- No. - Sabine nodded with a slight movement of her head. - Non... - He repeated, moving so that he was facing her. - Je n’en reviens pas. - He held her hands, analyzing her face. - Sabine? Was yesterday your birthday? - She watched him for a moment and nodded again. - Mon Dieu!
- It's nothing...
- It was your birthday. - He cupped her face with one hand. His eyes were wide, and a trembling smile played across his lips. Conflicted. That was the word. How should he feel when sharing a birthday with the woman he loved?
Sabine shrugged, tilting her head toward his hand.
- It was your birthday.
He exhaled, shaking his head at the simple, logical counterargument.
- Were you with your sister? You didn't… - Vincent stopped talking, thinking before saying the kindest, but most hurtful, sentence. - Needed to...
- I was with my sister. - Sabine cut him off, putting a hand on his shoulder. - She insisted I come here.
He blinked a few times, trying to absorb the information. It was hard to think with his neurons firing and his heart pounding.
- Really? - Too obvious. Too simple. However, the idiotic comment was all he could muster as the flood of emotions clouded his logical thinking.
Sabine nodded, giving a shy smile.
- She would like to meet you.
Was Sabine Callas inviting Vincent Fabrón to meet her sister? Her family? To enter that much into her life?
Oh. Damn.
Oh my oh my oh my.
Vincent licked his lips, watching her intently, entranced by the proposition. He must have stood there like an idiot for too long, because Sabine looked away, her muscles tensing.
- It's her stupidity. She's very…
- I want to. - Vincent spoke quickly, recovering when he realized he'd almost ruined everything by taking so long to respond. The instability Sabine caused in him was greater than he could have imagined. - I'd love to meet your sister. - He smiled excitedly, knowing his expression betrayed all the excitement he felt.
Sabine's shoulders relaxed and she smiled slightly, taking one of his hands and placing it on her waist. Vincent's breath hitched, and he stared at Sabine's lips, thinking that perhaps this would be a good time to kiss her.
- It's fair. - She shrugged, giving an amused smile. - I've met your brother after all.
Oh, yes. There was that detail. Vincent took a deep breath, looking away from her lips and slowly shaking his head.
- Valence. Yes. - Vincent exhaled, the memory of his natural clone cutting some of the mood. He recalled what his twin had said about Sabine, giving a slight smile. - He said you knew he wasn't me. - Sabine frowned, as if she didn't understand the reason for his comment. Vincent brushed a strand of her hair away from her face. - People confuse us.
- You have completely opposite tattoos.
Vincent sighed, nodding as if he agreed with her that that was reason enough to differentiate the two.
- Yet.
- Umm… - Sabine nodded slowly, her face still twisted in confusion. She clasped her hands behind his neck, looking up at him. - People are stupid. You two are very different.
Vincent's eyebrows rose and he gave an amused smile, resting both hands on her waist.
- Really?
- He is taller.
Vincent's mild expression fell, his lips pursing in disgust.
- Yes.
- And… - Sabine frowned, looking at his face carefully. Then she gave a satisfied smile, as if she had reached a conclusion. - Your nose. It's different.
- Yes. - The Frenchman repeated sourly, bringing his hand to his nose, feeling it heat up. - He broke my nose.
Sabine blinked a few times in surprise. She ran her hand over the back of his neck, caressing him.
- Why?
- We were lost in Machu Picchu. He blamed me. I blamed him. We fought. - He shrugged, sighing. - It wasn't his intention. - Vincent smiled slightly, shaking his head. - But it was my intention to break his with more force than necessary.
- Vincent! - Sabine gave a soft laugh, lightly pulling his hair.
- He allowed it. - The Frenchman defended himself and made a funny face. - His nose looked terrible. He couldn't take it anymore and had plastic surgery.
The American nodded, looking at him with amusement.
- And you didn't do it because you're afraid of surgery.
- Non! - Vincent rolled his eyes, while Sabine let out a short laugh. - I just didn't see the need.
- Uh-huh. - She shook her head slowly, dismissively.
- Seriously. I'm not afraid of surgery.
- Of course not. - The Frenchman frowned at the irony in her voice, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her closer. - Big boys aren't afraid of anything.
- Oh come on. - He rolled his eyes, resting his forehead on her shoulder, hugging her.
- I'm just saying. Now that you've had a birthday, you're all grown up. Oh! - Sabine shivered as Vincent lightly bit her neck, pulling her hair away. - Hey!
Vincent gave him a flirtatious smile, as beautiful as it was irritating.
- What? - He asked innocently, arching his eyebrows.
- You said you would only bite me if I asked.
- Oh... - Vincent made a confused face, pouting. - Did I?
Sabine rolled her eyes, exhaling through her nose.
- Idiot. - She grumbled, raking her nails through his scalp.
- Your idiot. - He added with a smug smile. - You didn't even need a hint to recognize me.
The American shook her head, tilting it to the side. Her gaze became more tender and contemplative, wandering over Vincent's features.
- Your accents and speech patterns are different. You gesture more. I know how you walk… And he breathes really fast. - Sabine thought for a moment, nodding. - I think I'd recognize you with my eyes closed. - She murmured, running her fingers over his nanopart tattoos, as if talking to herself.
Vincent's lips parted, and his pupils dilated. It was a simple phrase. A romantic cliché that could easily have come from him in his quest to persuade Sabine to fall for his flirtatious rigmarole. But coming from her, so sincere and direct, it was something capable of unsettling him.
8th Hypothesis: Sabine knew Vincent better than he imagined.
She must have jumped through some window he'd forgotten open. Or she'd created a crack in the many walls the Frenchman had built around his heart, deciding to squeeze herself through. Vincent hadn't realized that by entering Sabine's life, she'd also entered his. It sounded terrifying in theory. How could anyone stay inside of his heart?
However, with that sweet gaze looking at him with surprising affection, Vincent felt confident enough to invite her through the front door, hoping she would want to stay.
- Come with me. - He held one of her hands, pulling her into the room. - I want to show you a place.
The American frowned at his unexpected departure. However, she picked up the book and let him lead her back to the room. Vincent released her hand, leaving her near the sofas, and went to the left shelf, pulling some books from their place. Sabine hugged the book, watching it.
- What are you going to do? Open a secret passage? - She said sarcastically, then raised her eyebrows. Vincent had just reached into the crack he'd created and moved something there, opening a passage. - Okay...
The Frenchman turned to her, adjusting his sleeve.
- My great-grandfather was afraid of poor people, Nazis, and aliens. In that order. - He explained, shrugging.
Sabine blinked a few times, leaving the book on the sofa.
- I'm certainly not poor, nor a Nazi. - She commented, walking toward him. - But I'll have to report this fact to the mothership.
Vincent gave a soft laugh, reaching out to her.
- I'll love being brainwashed by your race.
- Our goal is to have a reserve of biological species to incubate our children. - She gave a slight smile, accepting his hand and glancing cautiously at the passage. - Brainwashing is an unnecessary waste of energy.
- Are you that kind of alien? - He took his cell phone from his pants pocket, turning on the flashlight and illuminating the passage as the door closed behind them. - Stairs. - He warned, walking in front of her.
- We have more shapes than you can imagine.
The passageway was narrow, with damp, rough stone walls. Sabine crouched as low as she could to avoid getting tangled in one of the many spiderwebs, balancing on her high heels. The floor was uneven and slightly steep, so she had to be extra careful as she descended the stairs. The air was thick and smelled of a closed-in space, making it difficult to breathe. She wasn't claustrophobic, but she couldn't help but move closer to Vincent, leaning on his presence for comfort.
- Should you be telling me this? - He asked, reaching the bottom of the stairs and walking with her through a tunnel a little wider than the passage. Enough for them to walk side by side.
- I like my victims to know what's waiting for them. - She kept her eyes on the light from his phone, observing her surroundings.
The tunnel stretched on both sides beyond where they had just descended. Outside light filtered in through a few cracks in the ceiling. Straining slightly, she could hear the faint echo of music in the distance. It was cold and dusty, so Sabine's nose was irritated by being there. She clutched her exposed shoulder with her free hand, trying to warm herself.
- Good. I'll report this to my mothership.
- You're not an alien too.
- And she fell just right… - Sabine sneezed, putting her forearm over her nose. Vincent looked at her over his shoulder, squeezing her hand. - Pardon. We're almost there.
- It's fine. - She grumbled, pinching her slightly red nose. Her eyes watered. - But you could have warned me you were taking me to a catacomb.
- That's part of the surprise. - He stopped in front of a vertical staircase, shining his phone's flashlight on it, then looking at Sabine. - That dress looks magnificent on you, by the way. - Vincent smiled at her, nodding toward the staircase. - But, do you mind ruining it a little? I'll buy as many more as you want to make up for it.
Sabine smirked and shook her head, watching him climb the stairs first. He opened a metal trapdoor and exited the tunnel, sitting on the ground and watching her climb up. It took considerable skill to climb an old and possibly unstable metal ladder in a long dress and heels. Even Sabine was impressed by her feat when she reached the outside, sitting on the edge of the trapdoor, beneath the grass.
The cool night air was a relief to her lungs. They were now among the trees of the forest near the Palace. Sabine placed her hands on her shoulders, feeling the coolness of the proximity to nature.
- We didn't go that far. - She commented, roughly measuring how far they had walked. They must have been a little over 300 meters away from the Palace.
- Non. - Vincent stood up, brushing the grass off his pants. - But you wanted to face the crowd?
- Never. - She reached out to him, using him as support to stand up. - Are you going to take me to your mothership?
Vincent gave an amused smile, biting his lower lip slightly. He closed the trapdoor, hiding it with a piece of artificial grass. He turned to Sabine, removing his tie.
- Almost. Is it okay if I blindfold you?
She looked from him to his tie, disdainful.
- Can't I know where we're going?
- It's part of the surprise.
- I don't know if I like going into the middle of the forest blindfolded.
- Would you rather be blindfolded in the safety of my room?
- Perhaps...
Vincent pressed his lips together, taking a deep breath. He fantasized about taking her back to the bedroom and leaving her with only his tie over her eyes. Or, better yet, pushing her against one of the trees and kissing her right there. Sabine smiled mischievously as he swallowed. Vincent doubted he had enough self-control to resist the temptation of not carrying out one of the possibilities he'd created in his head. She was absurdly attractive.
- Please? I'm trying to be romantic.
- It wasn't romantic dragging me into your catacomb. - She sniffed, wiggling her nose cutely. Again, he was very inclined to kiss her. - I think I have rhinitis.
- Sabine...
- Hurry up. - She turned her back to him, allowing him to blindfold her.
Vincent gave her a sweet smile, placing the tie over her eyes. With the extra inches her heels gave her, it was a bit difficult to secure the improvised blindfold. Sabine bent down to make it easier for him to tie the tie around her head, resting her hands on her knees. This was a blow to Vincent, as the position was a dangerous invitation, with his imagination running wild with the possibilities of what he could do to her that way. The Frenchman had to rethink whether he wanted to be romantic or whether he would take advantage of the moment to do something more fun.
- Are you done? - She asked, pulling him out of his brief reverie. He took a deep breath, tightening the knot he'd made with his tie so it was firmly in place against her face.
- Can't you see anything? - Vincent placed his hands on her shoulders as she stood up again.
- Actually, I can still see everything. Didn't you know about X-ray vision? - She commented, lowering her head slightly. She touched the tie over her eyes, adjusting it so it sat more comfortably on her face.
- Merde, I forgot about that detail. - Vincent gently pushed her, making her walk in the direction he wanted. He thought for a moment, sighing. - Have you ever wanted to be radiant?
Sabine rested one hand on Vincent's, leaving the other at her side for better balance. She fell silent, thoughtful, as she felt her heels sink into what she assumed was still grass.
- When I didn't know about the side effects, yes.
- Are there any side effects?
- Every mutation has its drawbacks. There are always setbacks. In most cases, radianite shortens the lifespan of cells. When powers manifest, other problems can arise... Didn't you read my article?
Vincent pressed his lips together, shaking his head.
- Maybe I just asked an AI to make an amplified summary for me.
- You fake! - She elbowed him, irritated. - Take that off. I don't want to be with you anymore.
- No! - He laughed, holding her arm to stop her from hitting him again. - I read your theses. All of them. I just got lazy with the articles. But I actually read the abstract and introduction to each one.
- You read over a thousand pages of analysis of the lifetime decay of radianite and didn't read 30 pages of my paper?
- It was a great thousand pages. You created very educational graphics. And I love the descriptions of the mutagenic reactions in rats.
- Oh, sure.
- What's the problem with your theses?
- I hate my theses. That article is decent.
- Je suis desolé. I promise I'll actually read it tomorrow.
- Promises, promises. - She grumbled sullenly. Vincent smirked, squeezing her shoulders a little.
- Your theses are great.
- They're trash.
- Don't talk like that about my brilliant scientist's work.
- As the brilliant scientist in question, I have every right to say it.
Vincent smiled excitedly, realizing she hadn't corrected him when he said "my." Sabine considering herself his was reason enough to give another, more extravagant party than the one already going on.
- So radianite doesn't create life? - He walked in front of her, holding her hand as they reached a slightly elevated stone path. - Careful, it's a climb.
Sabine tested her step, feeling the ground become more stable under her heels. She held on to Vincent, letting him carry her.
- Yes and no. In the case of biological radiants, it is more destructive than regenerative. You would know this if you read my article.
- I'll read it.
- Uh-huh… - She nodded, turning her head to the side, noticing the sounds of the environment. It seemed close to nature. - Did you want to be radiant?
Vincent thought for a moment, taking her hand and placing it on a railing as he approached a staircase.
- Stairs. - He warned, taking her other hand and helping her up. - Sometimes. I think it would be nice.
- It's a curse disguised as a blessing.
- Maybe... But teleporting without needing my anchors would be very useful. - Vincent exhaled, remembering that the constant use of his portals was overloading him. He was in danger of having to use only one, which would severely limit him in combat. He gently pulled Sabine to where he wanted her to stay, and stepped away. - You can take off the blindfold.
The American pulled the tie from her face, removing it from her eyes. She blinked a few times, slowly regaining her vision, and analyzed her surroundings, observing where she was. Her lips formed a tiny "o."
They stood in a small, ancient marble gazebo with a vaulted ceiling and Greco-Roman columns. Vines twined around the structure, with little red and lilac flowers sprouting from some spots, coloring the white building. The gazebo sat on the edge of a lake of serene black waters, where statues of Greek muses stood. Moss darkened the statues' feet, and one of them had a bird's nest on its head. Two were missing arms, and only one, the farthest, had its nose intact. The moon, large and bright, dimly illuminated their features, leaving a silvery reflection on the water. It was a starless night. However, scattered around them and over the surface of the lake, thousands of fireflies floated, slowly flickering their bioluminescence.
The woods surrounding the lake created a secluded area, like a hidden treasure. The leaves on the trees swayed in the occasional gentle night breeze. Crickets and cicadas sang, and a few frogs must have been croaking nearby. The calm and fascinating atmosphere, combined with the sounds of nature, gave the place a peculiar charm.
Sabine was a scientist. She lived by facts and never believed in fiction.
But there, in that extraordinarily beautiful place, her eyes shone like those of a child who believes in magic.
- It's beautiful... - She whispered, leaning on a column of the gazebo, looking around in fascination.
Vincent leaned against the column beside hers, an instinctive smile playing on his lips as he reveled in Sabine's expression of admiration. His heart warmed, in that singular way that comes with contemplating something you love more than you think it's possible. What wouldn't he give, what wouldn't he do, who wouldn't he be, to keep Sabine like that? With her eyes so calm, curious, excited, and joyful?
Everything. She was everything.
- Oui... - He murmured, resting his head on the column, unable to look away from her.
- What is this place? - She turned to him, her voice and eyes showing the excitement of having made a new discovery.
Vincent sighed, thinking for a moment.
- I think my great-grandfather's great-grandfather... Or was it his father? Oh. - He shrugged, accepting that he wouldn't remember the extent of his connection to his ancestor. - A relative of mine who lived a long time ago thought he could increase the property's value by building things that supposedly date back to the Roman occupation. - Vincent smirked. - He didn't fool anyone at the time. But these days, that false history is worth a lot.
Sabine gave a small smile, looking at the statues.
- Your family is very strange.
- You have no idea. - Vincent pressed his lips together slightly, nodding slowly. He followed her gaze, taking a deep breath before speaking. - This was the furthest Valence and I were allowed to go outside the Palace. - He felt Sabine's gaze turn to him, questioning him wordlessly. Vincent didn't turn to her, continuing to study the statues. - When we stayed here, we weren't allowed to leave the property.
Sabine nodded slowly, watching him carefully.
- A golden cage is still a cage.
The corner of his mouth twitched in a sad smile, thinking that the metaphor fit so well with much of his life.
- Oui... - He looked around and walked away from the column, walking to a tree. - The catacomb was my favorite place after here. I felt like James Bond walking around there. - Sabine gave a short laugh, lowering her head a little. Vincent turned to her, giving her an amused smile. - What?
- Nothing. - She shook her head, earning a look from him that demanded an explanation. She rested her head against the column, watching Vincent place his hand in a hollow part of the tree. - It's just so you wanting to be a secret agent.
- It's my calling. What could I do? - He shrugged, grimacing in disgust as he plucked something from the tree. - Ewn.
Sabine eyed him curiously as he approached her again. He held a slingshot made of damp, probably rotten wood.
- And you wanted to be a shooter too?
- How did you guess? - He looked astonished, testing the slingshot's elastic. It should still work. He bent down, picking up a rock from the ground.
- Intuition. - She looked at the statues again, giving a small smile. - And the absence of noses on the statues seems intentional.
- I took out a lot of anger on poor Calliope. - Vincent walked back to Sabine, placing the stone in the slingshot's mesh, aiming at the furthest statue. - And today I'm going to hit Erato.
- Good luck.
- I feel better than lucky today, merci.
He gave a smug smile, to which Sabine rolled her eyes. Vincent took a deep breath, once, twice, his focus completely on the target. He pulled back the slingshot, a natural movement like riding a bicycle. He remembered that in his childhood mind he had invented that the day he hit the statue of Erato, he could grant a wish. When he was certain he would hit the very thing he had missed so often as a child, he envisioned his wish. He released the tension on the slingshot's elastic, firing.
Even in the dark, he saw the stone hit Erato's mouth, creating a crack in the ancient statue.
- Yeah! That's how it's done! - He celebrated, smiling excitedly.
- Pure luck. - Vincent turned to Sabine, looking offended. His expression softened quickly, thinking that today was the day to make a wish come true.
- It was a calculated shot.
- Of course. - She nodded slowly, a glint of amusement in her eyes.
- Oh, stop being annoying. - He rolled his eyes, placing the slingshot against a pillar, unable to hide a smile. Sabine frowned, a frown masking her amusement.
- I'm not annoying.
- Yes, you are. A lot in fact. - He wiped his hands on his pants, turning to her. - Let me enjoy my childhood dream.
- Okay then. - Sabine shrugged, clasping her hands behind her back. - Congratulations.
- Merci. - He approached her, resting one hand on the column next to Sabine's head. - What did you want to be when you grew up?
Sabine licked her lips, lowering her head. She rocked back and forth, not flinching as he gripped her waist with his other hand.
- Archaeologist.
Vincent raised his eyebrows, giving a mischievous smile.
- Did you like dinosaurs, Dr. Callas?
Sabine nodded briefly, looking up at him with a shy smile.
- They were really cool. My favorite was the velociraptor.
- Fair enough. - He tilted his head to the side, noticing the small smile on her lips. - Mine was the Tyrannosaurus rex."
- Big and dumb.
- But very cool. - Vincent added, bringing his body closer to hers. - Why did you change?
- I found out that snakes are cooler... And they're not extinct yet.
- Yet? - He raised his eyebrows, looking at her carefully.
- Habitat destruction. Climate change… - Sabine shrugged, a shadow of indignation crossing her face. - Unlawful hunting. People think they should be killed because they're venomous. But they're essential. Besides, they're incredible animals. They're intelligent. Fast. Lethal even when not poisonous. They blend perfectly into their surroundings. - She shook her head, giving a small smile. - Sometimes I lose sight of Chrysolite... I keep checking her terrarium to make sure she's still there. - Vincent nodded, remembering the green-scaled python in the lab. - And Mustard's species usually lives in bunches of bananas, disguised there. They're often exported illegally along with the fruit. She ended up at my university. They wanted to euthanize her, but I wouldn't let them. - Vincent smiled amusedly, watching her speak. Sabine noticed his gaze and looked away, as if she sensed something was wrong.
- What's up? - He murmured, moving so that he was back in her field of vision.
- That... I don't do that. - She commented, frowning, as if confused by her own attitude. - Do you want to hear me talk about snakes?
- I could listen to you talk about snakes for hours.
Sabine blinked a few times, considering the possibility. She watched the fireflies flutter around them, focusing on their glow in the darkness.
- I can do it. - She concluded.
- I know. - Sabine turned to Vincent, blushing as she met his passionate gaze. Vincent lowered his hand to her face, caressing her cheek. - Zyanya said you're complicated… - He murmured, analyzing every feature of her face as if it were a work of art worthy of being admired in detail, with meticulous attention. - But being with you… - He sighed, his gaze falling on those emerald eyes of hers. - It's like breathing.
Something else flashed in Sabine's eyes, her lips parting. Before Vincent could say anything else, she leaned forward, kissing him.
It wasn't an euphoric explosion, a blazing fire, or a cosmic alignment of planets. The kiss was simple and slow, and Vincent returned it in the same way. With a natural connection, they were in sync with the slow movement of their lips and tongues, finding their own rhythm with surprising ease. It was as familiar as if they kissed every day.
Calm. That's how Vincent felt with her.
Slowly, as if sudden movements might ruin the moment, Sabine wrapped one arm around him. Vincent's thumb brushed her cheek, feeling the cool skin beneath his fingerprints. Her mouth, in contrast, was already warm against his, the exchange of temperature between them finding a natural balance. They enjoyed the kiss, taking their time ending it and rejoicing in every feeling that it brings to both. After all, they had a good chemistry.
They parted their lips after a moment, without breaking their proximity. With their faces still close, they could feel each other's warm, even breathing, without panting. However, with Sabine's body pressed against his, Vincent could feel her heart beating rapidly in sync with his own.
They smiled, turning their heads slightly to opposite sides, their faces flushed. The satisfaction mixed with sudden shyness was strange, but somehow nostalgic. Like a first kiss well executed.
He glanced at the statue of Erato in the distance, giving a conspiratorial smile for that statue actually granted wishes. Who would have thought little Vincent was right?
The Frenchman turned to his beloved, his eyes as bright as the moon above them. She had a simple smile, her gaze as sweet as ever. He played with her hair, tilting his head to the side, ready to kiss her again.
- I still want to hear you talk about snakes... - He whispered, gently kissing her mouth, feeling her smile against his lips.
- Uh-huh… - She murmured, touching the back of his neck with one hand, pulling him in for another kiss. But she stopped, pulling away a little, looking at him. - I think I forgot. - She tilted her head to the other side, changing position and brushing their noses. - Happy birthday, Vincent.
He smiled, gently squeezing her waist.
- Happy birthday, Sabine.
>>> Next Chapter
