The hallways of the theater were still brightly lit by their crystalline chandeliers, your heels meeting the bordeaux carpet that spread over the entire floor with soft but rushed thuds after you finished up your last performance for the weekend. The walls were lined with trophies and portraits of important artistic figures that once strolled through this building just like you, making you feel a bit less alone when you had someone you needed to shake off for the evening.
You liked your job, really. You knew you could catch the attention and interest of an entire room with nothing less than a graceful smile, yet sometimes this little trick of yours bears its darker side. Today was one of those performances when this… gentleman made no efforts to leave you be after multiple attempts at breaking off the conversations he started with you over and over again. A hand „accidentally“ landing on your waist, his lips brushing your ear when whispers of his wealth and influence reached them. And you couldn’t directly tell him to fuck off. Only removing yourself bit by bit and slipping away completely when a waiter offered him a glass of champagne. It was bad business to outright refuse guests. After all, how can you dare to embarrass a man like him in front of his colleagues like that? Unacceptable.
„Come on, sweetheart. We can have an amazing time back in my hotel tonight. I know you‘re not as busy as you try to look.“, his voice was dripping with self-confidence to a point where it caused your stomach to turn and your heart to set out a beat with unease settling in your bones. Your changing room was an entire floor above you and you were still a good distance away from the stairs, the last thing you wanted to do was lead him directly to your private space.
The footsteps behind you picked up in their frequency and volume when the pain of your heels already numbed your feet by now with a stinging sensation pinching your calves each time you took another step, „I-I think I‘m fine for tonight, Sir-!“, your throat felt like it was about to close up with fear as your fingers tightened around the fabric of your dress you have been clutching for minutes now.
„Not an option, darling. I paid tons for that front seat at your performance, I’d like something back for my efforts.“, he almost sounded angry with you for not wanting to be his company, like he had some kind of right on your time.
His voice was so incredibly close, just two steps- two steps- two steps and he‘s there. Two steps and he’ll grab you- two steps and-
„Hmpf-! Huh…?! Watch out where you‘re walking damn it-”, an almost terrified gasp ripped through the air when you turned out to see what kind of savior Celestia has sent you, „Lord… L-Lord Arlecchino…”
Too broad. The person before you was too broad to catch a glimpse of that naked fear carved into that man’s face. A white-black ponytail held together by one silver wing-like hairclip that faded into a deep red belonged to the person that was clothed in an elegant tailcoat, the fabric a cotton-white with silver decorations stitched into it and bloody-red rhombus-shaped elements that trailed down their spine.
Power. Whoever was standing before you was a walking symbol of power and influence.
„I don’t recall anyone giving you permission to leave the gathering early, Mr. Lirm.“, a deep, female voice reached your ears as you could see her crossing her arms and shifting her weight onto her right foot. Speaking of foot… what on earth are those murderous stilettos…
You could swear someone just wet his pants.
„I… I just- uh… wanted to accompany this lovely lady to-”
„All I am hearing is that you didn’t have permission to remove yourself from the banquet. My agent will escort you back to the hotel.“, at her command, an almost equally tall, muscled guy stepped out of the opened door next to her, harshly grabbing the idiot by his arm and simply dragging him away without a word.
„Have a good night, Mr. Lirm.“, you swore a subtle smile played around the woman’s lips when she spoke those words, a smile that didn’t reach the eyes which must have already vanished by the time she finally turned her attention to you.
„I hope my subordinate didn’t bother you too much, my lady.“, as if you switched out a CD in her head, not a single hint of the dangerous tone was now found in her voice, just pure adoration with a spoon of concern was now rounding up the edges of her words as she stepped up to you.
But that wasn’t what caused your breath to get stuck on your throat. What caused your heart to start beating in a rhythm that was almost embarrassing. Those unique eyes. That handsome face.
It was her.
All the time you felt like someone was burning you with their eyes at each performance, the intensity of her attention on you causing you to mess up whole choreographies- that was all her.
From up close, her facial features were almost deadly. A sharp jaw worn by probably the most gorgeous set of eyes you ever laid eyes upon. It was like staring into nothing but darkness, a darkness that engulfed you like a gentle breeze as you found yourself getting lost in those dangerous crosses until-
„Usually, people tend to start stuttering in my presence and don’t put a dent into the floor with their jaw, Mademoiselle.“, amused, Arlecchino crooked up an eyebrow as you blinked away the awe clouding your vision.
Deeply embarrassed at how easily she read you, a blush spread across your cheeks, your clothes feeling suddenly way too thick for how hot your skin is getting as some random words started stumbling out of your mouth, „I- uh… I… am deeply sorry- I didn’t mean to come off as inappropriate…“, just then, a gloved hand scooped up your own when you were about to bow your head but… do gloves usually feel this warm and smooth…?
„No offense taken. I must admit that I feel rather honored to have captured the eyes of a beautiful gem such as yourself.“, softly, she brought her lips to the back of your hand, eyes watching your reaction carefully when she idly brushes over your knuckles with her thumb, „Allow me to introduce myself. Arlecchino.“
„How… nice to make your acquaintance, Lord Arlecchino“, please don’t let her hear how your heart is practically about to beat out of your chest… when was the last time someone gave you such a genuine compliment? Something that wasn’t directly related to your body nor your profession?
A subtle smile formed on her lips the more she looked at your flushed face and how you have been trying your best at avoiding eye contact with your free hand fumbling with the fabric of your dress , so adorable…
Pull yourself together, Peruere.
In a swift motion, she stood back up straight again, releasing your hand from her own to both of your dislike, „I would like to make sure you get home safely after the discomfort my subordinate caused you. May I accompany you, Lady [Name]?“, she waited patiently for your answer as her hand fixed the ruffles of her jacket at the right wrist.
A part of you wanted to say yes- another one was ringing all the available alarm bells in your body. Something telling you to watch your back with her, a danger unidentified.
Arlecchino seemed to catch wind of the concerns boiling up in your head as the expression on your face grew unsure when you sucked your lower lip between your teeth, your eyes mustering her one more time before you spoke your decision „Fine… but only until I left the theatre…“.
The answer certainly caught her slightly off-guard but at this point- she’ll take anything. Too much time has been spent with observing you from afar- having to share the view of your beautiful figure on stage… She wanted more from you. What you smell like. How soft your hair was. What you will have for breakfast. Your favorite drink at the private bar you always frequent. The feeling of her own hands on your skin- your reaction to them and vice versa up the taste of your lips on hers- Arlecchino needed it all.
So all she did was lend you her arm for you to hold onto.
