Chapter Text
Footsteps. Coming up the hallway. In the direction of his laboratory too. Gatto paused, the dropper in his hand hovering above the test-tube.
This was unusual. His colleagues knew not to disturb him during working hours, or at any time for that matter. No one visited him. And he preferred that. Now, however….
Gatto hoped the footsteps would pass by, that they wouldn’t stop outside the doors of his laboratory. Unfortunately for him, his prayers were not answered, as very obviously the person walking stopped right outside his doors.
The kitten who had been napping on his chair up until now suddenly stood up on all fours. With her fur standing upright in alert, she bared her teeth and hissed at the door.
There was a knock.
Gatto felt a shiver run down his spine.
“Wh-” He didn’t get a chance to finish his question, as the door swung open and with a particularly hostile hiss, Snow White scrambled to squeeze herself under his work desk. Gatto was surprised. His kittens were always quite sensitive to new people….but not to this extent.
And then that person walked in and when Gatto looked up, catching a sharp blue gaze directed at him, the scientist froze in his spot.
“Greetings,” The man said with a smile and Gatto, though masked and wary to not show a hint of his true emotion on his face, still resisted the urge to step back.
“G-good evening…” he said, his thoughts in a disarray of confusion, “How may I help you?”
“Help me?” The man chuckled, stepping further in, casting uninterested glances at everything in Gatto’s workplace. Gatto didn’t like it. Had it been anyone else, he would have asked them to leave right away. But as it happened…..this man was someone important. The head of the Mélodis family…..allies of Ulliel.
Désire Mélodis hummed as he walked around, not speaking. Gatto’s discomfort grew by the moment. His dark and gloomy workplace, the silence he preferred and welcomed, suddenly felt a little too dark and silent, the only sound being that of Désire’s shoes tapping against the floor and his humming.
Step, step, step.
Désire stopped behind Gatto, and finally spoke, “Ulliel certainly has an eye for talented young minds, no?”
Gatto did not reply. He had no answer to that.
“Hm?” Désire seemed to have noticed something, he glanced down, and chuckled, “What an adorable little kitten, is it yours?”
As if on cue, Snow White hissed again, baring her teeth.
Gatto hesitated, “She doesn’t like strangers.” He said.
“Really? What a shame.” Désire said with no particular emotion. He must have turned around, his voice was closer than earlier, “Gatto, was it?”
Gatto took a daring glance to his side, “That’s my name.”
Désire chuckled again, and Gatto felt it again. That uneasy instinct…..one that you might feel when faced with a particularly calm day before a raging storm…..or when you are at the precipice of a particularly steep cliff, an endless abyss beneath, the unease of when you stand on the shore of a peaceful sea and before you know it, the waves approaching you grow bigger and bigger….until you realise too late-
A tap against his table brought Gatto out of his thoughts. He walked forward, just to put distance between himself and the other man. The scientist turned around, “I’m sorry Sir…..but I was not informed of your arrival here today.” His voice didn’t waver, despite the sweaty tremble in his hands. Gatto had trained himself to not show fear a long time ago.
“Oh that is no surprise,” Désire said, resting his cane against the table, “I came here for personal reasons.” He smiled, and Gatto found the duplicity of it nauseating.
“Personal….reasons?” The scientist repeated warily.
A split second. That was how fast he moved. One moment there was considerable distance between them, the next, Désire was right up in his face, not touching him but looking down into his eyes with an intensity so terrifying it rooted Gatto to his spot. Mere inches remained between them, and the little space seemed so suddenly abuzz with an inexplicable electricity.
“Personal reasons,” Désire said again. And he said it in a lower voice than before, barely a whisper yet their proximity made it so that Gatto could hear it perfectly. With a racing heart and flushed cheeks, Gatto sputtered, “I- excuse me-” He stepped back, a little too hastily, and hit the chair behind him.
“Careful~” Désire murmured while bringing a hand up to place atop the handle of the chair, effectively trapping Gatto between his hand and the scientist’s table. Alarmed, Gatto looked at him, but was unable to say anything. Up this close, Gatto seemed to suddenly realise that there was something wrapped around Désire’s neck….something that was moving….it was a white snake, likely disturbed from its slumber by Désire’s sudden movement. As Gatto watched, the serpent lifted itself up, reaching towards his face, scrutinising him with unblinking red eyes, forked tongue slithering out with a hiss.
Gatto could not bring himself to move even if he wanted to.
“Don’t be so nervous,” Désire said with an easy smile, which did not relieve Gatto’s worries, but rather further amplified it, “She’s not hostile. At least at the moment.”
For some reason, Gatto felt that any threat the snake might pose might not even be one-tenth of how dangerous Désire Mélodis could be.
“What do you want?” Gatto finally asked, the facade of indifference and calm broken down. Disapproval and annoyance clear in his eyes.
Désire tilted his head, as if the reaction amused him, “At the moment? Nothing really,” He said, “I was curious about the closed off and silent scientist present at every one of Ulliel’s gatherings and yet never making an effort to talk to anyone. And thought, why not introduce myself?”
“Move away,” Gatto said, making it a point to say it with as much of an irritated tone as he could muster. Surprisingly, Désire did move away, withdrawing his hand from the chair and taking a step back. His smile was still on, as he lifted a hand to adjust his glove, “You seem displeased. Mr. Gatto. Don’t be, I only wish for us to be friends.”
I don’t want us to be friends. There was an extent to how blunt Gatto could be with a nobleman of high stature like Désire, so for the moment, he resorted to simply not giving a response, maintaining his wordless glare of disapproval, ignoring how loudly and fastly his heart was beating.
And then, the man who had so rudely barged into his workspace and invaded his personal space, had to gall to laugh…laugh like he found the whole situation simply amusing and nothing more. He looked at Gatto with a grin, a grin that only further frustrated the scientist…..the very same grin Gatto knew to be wary of, and yet…yet…..
Désire was too charming for his own good.
Gatto turned away, refusing to let his thoughts develop any further on the matter. He was well aware of the count’s notorious reputation as a charmer and a playboy….he just never expected himself to be subject to such hypnosis himself. Whatever it is that Désire wanted from him….a playful tease, a way to pass his time, or perhaps simply a merry experiment for a bored nobleman, Gatto was in no mood to comply. Unlike lazy rich people, he was a man with a job, a job that kept him busy.
Gatto’s palms were sweaty. He didn’t like the feeling. He wanted to remove his gloves and wear new, clean and dry ones. But he couldn’t possibly do that now. He resisted the urge to fiddle with his gloves, not quite sure what to say.
“I am not a very interesting person,” The scientist finally spoke, trying to distract himself by reaching forward to pick up the test tube on his table again. He couldn’t really let a matter as simple as this interrupt his work, “....I am sure there are others in Ulliel who can entertain you better.” He wanted this man to leave as soon as possible. And then perhaps never show up in front of him again.
Désire didn’t reply and Gatto tried not to look over at him. Then, with an amused exhale, the count said, “You really are so fascinating.”
Gatto clenched his jaw, trying to push down the rush of embarrassment rising in him due to the words. Whatever it was that the count was trying….he didn’t like it.
“If there is nothing else,” Gatto said, not looking at Désire, “Please leave. I am a busy man.”
“And a bold one too,” Désire noted, “Kicking a count out of your laboratory.”
“I am not kicking you out,” Gatto said, already done with the whole situation, “I am asking you to leave.”
Désire hummed again, but this time at least he straightened up, picking up his cane from its resting spot, “Shame that our conversation had to be cut short this early,” He said in an all-too merry tone, “But I do hope to see you again, Mr. Gatto.”
I don't. Gatto didn’t say it, opting to remain silent all the way till he heard the doors close behind him and the footsteps fade away. As soon as he was sure Désire Mélodis was gone, Gatto let out a breath of relief. It felt very much like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He pulled down his mask, breathing in and out, crouching down while clutching the table. Snow White had very warily come out of her hiding spot and was looking at Gatto with wide, curious eyes, all hints of her previous hostility gone.
Gatto closed his eyes, mentally counting till ten.
Why would a man like Désire Mélodis so suddenly show up at his work, specifically to talk to him? It felt all too much like a terrible dream. He did hear several times of the count’s few eccentric tendencies and yet….he never paid too much attention to those rumours, because he believed himself to be in a different world from the likes of people like Mélodis…..
Gatto sighed. Just what could someone like Désire Mélodis want with him?
*****
“Is there a reason for Sir Mélodis to be in such a good mood today?” Succubus asked as she lifted her cup of tea to her lips.
“Are you saying I am not this merry on every other day?” Désire asked with a smile as he patted the snake circling around his shoulders.
“Well, you certainly are inexplicably happy due to your crazy schemes everyday,” She said, “But today you seem a bit too delighted, ah-” She looked at him, as if realising something, “You must have found a new plaything.”
“My,” Désire’s smile did not falter, “Must you put it so…crassly? Plaything seems insulting. I just happened to find a new….muse, perhaps?”
“Ah yes,” Succubus rolled her eyes, “Forgive me for not keeping up with your hundred and one affairs through the years.”
“Now you are just exaggerating,” Désire said with a sigh, “You and I both know that’s not true.”
“Yes, but the public certainly seems to think it is.”
“The common people will believe anything,” The count said, adding a spoonful of sugar to his tea, “That’s just how the poor entertain themselves. But I digress, about my new muse, you will surely be interested once I tell you who it is.”
Succubus seemed doubtful of that, “It has barely been a few weeks since rumours of you and Lady Bella, and yet you already want to trap some other poor soul into your nefarious imitation of romance?”
“Those rumours are hardly my fault,” Désire said, unbothered, “Bella and I both knew we weren’t serious. How could you possibly blame me for the wild imaginations of the public?”
“The Duchess certainly did not seem to know that,” Succubus murmured as she lifted her cup of tea to her mouth, “Don’t you have enough enemies, Désire? Why did you have to incite the Amethyst family as well?”
Désire smiled shamelessly, “Bella and I ended our relationship on mutual terms. I hear she already has a new paramour. I’d hardly count that as incitement.”
Succubus sighed, “The only relationship you were able to end without making the other person scream and curse out your entire bloodline. One day….this careless attitude of yours with regards to romance will certainly be back to haunt you when you least expect it, Désire.”
“Is that perhaps a challenge?” Désire laughed, “You underestimate me, Succubus.”
“Just watch.” Succubus replied calmly.
*****
Gatto, with much chagrin, found that Désire Mélodis seemed to have not been joking when he said he’d see Gatto again, sending him a personal invite to his mansion. The sensible thing to do would obviously be to refuse, which Gatto did.
The last thing he wanted, given his already delicate position in Ulliel, was to get caught up in a cross-family feud.
He got another invite, this time to a gala hosted by the Mélodis family, which he would have once again refused…..if Ulliel hadn’t asked (more like told) him to make a formal appearance. Gatto had no choice in the matter.
Gatto hated public gatherings. He hated being made to attend them all the more. Why must he be here among people he did not know and people he did not care about. His former work partner may have fared much better in situations like this…..distracting people with his loud and bold personality enough that people would forget Gatto’s existence.
Gatto sighed, waiting, impatiently, for the time to pass by quickly so that he could leave when the hour was appropriate. There were many influential figures at the gala. The renowned actress from the Amethyst family, her older sister the duchess….other young ladies from respected families, representatives of the Ulliel family, the detectives from Orpheus detective agency…..
The scientist realised, downtrodden, that he would likely not be able to leave as early as he had wanted.
There was also the noble lady from the family whose name he couldn’t recall, engaged in a conversation with-
Gatto turned around, instantly regretting his decision to come here at all. He ducked his head down, hoping he didn’t catch the attention of the man he had accidentally made eye-contact with just now while looking around. Why must he suffer like this.
Gatto, warily, walked away, heading towards an isolated corner of the grand hall, weaving past hushed conversations and drunken laughter, trying not to spill the glass of wine handed to him before he could refuse….he had no intention to get drunk tonight.
Finally, when he had found a corner for himself, he let out a sigh of relief. A relief which was very short-lived, as a familiar and playful voice spoke,
“Ah, the prodigy of Ulliel! Why are you out here all alone, Mr. Gatto?”
Gatto stiffened, cursing in his head, before slowly turning around and finding himself face-to-face with Désire Mélodis, who was looking at him with his usual pleased grin.
“Lord Mélodis….” He greeted, avoiding eye-contact.
It seemed that the timid greeting was satisfactory enough for Désire. He laughed and leaned down, to have a better look at Gatto, who was very much trying not to give into his instincts to run away, “Are you enjoying yourself?”
I was until you showed up. He technically still wasn’t but clearly there was only one correct response he could give to Désire at the moment.
“I am.” Gatto said, still refusing to look at Désire.
“Really?” Désire moved closer and Gatto’s heart rate sped up. Why was this man so keen on invading his personal space at every given moment?
Gatto tried to move back, but accidentally bumped into someone. He immediately turned to the person to apologise, “Sorry I-”
“You what?” The person he had bumped into was quite obviously an entitled lord of some noble family, he was looking at Gatto scornfully, speaking in a sharp tone, “Do you not have eyes?” He paused, taking a proper look at Gatto and turning his nose up, “A commoner. No wonder. Why would Lord Mélodis let the likes of you in here-”
Gatto pursed his lips, intending to apologise once again and walk away when Désire’s voice cut in, “My my, Sir Moray, do I hear that you are dissatisfied with my guestlist?”
The old man froze, only now noticing Désire’s presence behind Gatto. All the color drained out of his face, while Désire continued to swirl the wine in his glass with an unbothered smile.
“L-Lord Mélodis!” The man sputtered, “I-forgive me, I wasn’t-”
“You weren’t what?” Désire asked, smile intact but voice carrying a hint of displeasure, using the same tone with the man that he had used with Gatto.
“I-I-” The man seemed to be even more anxious now, “I must have had a little too much to drink. Forgive me, I-I would never doubt your decisions, ahem-” He cleared his throat, “I was only berating this young man on proper manners and maintaining etiquette-”
His words trailed off as Désire took another step forward and placed his hand around Gatto’s shoulder, leaning close to the latter as he spoke while looking straight at the old man, “Hm, I see, so you were just educating my guest, yes?”
The man was sweating buckets now. He was aware that a wrong reply could undo more than just him and his family. Arrogant as he was, he also knew when to take a step back in the face of a warning. Bowing his head, he spoke, “N-no of course not. Forgive me, but I must, er, step out for a bit. Good day, my lord.” The man didn’t wait for more than a pleased nod from Désire before scurrying away quickly.
All this while, Gatto, who had been trying his best to pretend like he didn’t exist, was, very much, bewildered. Beginning with the fact that Désire had defended him against another nobleman, while very obviously threatening the said man….and ending with the fact that Désire’s hand had remained wrapped around his shoulder this whole time.
What should Gatto even make of a situation such as this? Perhaps thank Désire? Even though he was sure he could have managed the situation on his own. But he was a polite and sensible man. Begrudgingly, he decided he must thank the count.
“Thank you,” Gatto murmured, still avoiding looking at Désire, who no doubt was very pleased by the words, “Your welcome,” Désire said, “I hope you don’t let that unpleasant encounter ruin your entire evening. The night is still young. Ah, I know- how about a dance?”
An alarm went off in Gatto’s head.
“I don’t dance.” He said almost immediately, brain already scrambling to find a way to get out of the situation he was in.
“No?” Désire asked, obviously not believing him, “That's okay,” The count put down his glass of wine, offering a hand to Gatto, “I'll lead, you follow.”
“No I-”
“Surely,” Désire interrupted him, “You wouldn’t deny your host such a simple request, would you?”
Gatto swallowed, debating making up another excuse, but realising that given the earlier situation, it would seem to be extremely ungrateful and rude of Gatto if he refused a dance from the man who had helped him.
Gatto finally looked at Désire and felt his heart skip a beat when he realised the count was still gazing at him expectantly. Ignoring the rush of heat to his cheeks, Gatto muttered, “......alright.”
Pleased, Désire took Gatto’s hand into his own, pulling the latter towards the middle of the dance floor, holding him in his arms as a slow melody accompanied the swaying couples in the ballroom.
“Relax,” Désire murmured, “Just follow my lead.”
But that was the thing. Gatto could not relax. Not when he was in the presence of Désire, not when the man was so close to him, not when he could feel the warmth of his hands through the fabric of the gloves between their hands. Désire's voice was right above his head, the count's considerable height giving him a leverage over the scientist as he guided Gatto through the dance halls, not once faltering in his movements.
Gatto breathed out, trying his best not to dwell too long on the scent of Désire’s cologne, or the sound of his beautiful voice humming along to the music, or the weight of his arm wrapped around Gatto’s waist. It was all so utterly distracting, and also inexplicably nerve-wracking.
“Easy, isn't it?” Désire's voice was closer than before. He was speaking right next to Gatto's ear. The latter ducked his head, speaking in a wary tone, “I suppose…..”
Satisfied, Désire pulled away for a mere moment to twirl him in his arms and this time when he pulled him towards him, they were even closer than before, Gatto’s pristine white shirt brushing against Désire’s black coat. Gatto would have backed away but Désire's hold on him was firm.
“Tell me,” Désire began, “I hear you used to work as an embalmer, so what led you to become a researcher at Ulliel Institute?”
Gatto averted his eyes, unsettled that Désire knew all that information about him, but somehow not surprised, “No particular reason,” He answered in a low murmur, “It's just my job.”
Désire hummed, “So the recruitment by Ulliel was just a lucky opportunity, hm?”
Gatto did not want to answer, deciding to continue staring at the floor instead. Désire sighed, “It really is a shame that they got to you before I could,” He smiled, “I am sure I could bring out more potential in you than Ulliel ever will.”
Gatto felt a shiver run down his spine as he heard Désire's smooth, easy voice utter those words. He had half a mind to break away from the dance and walk away right at the moment .
“I-I need to leave-”
“So soon? The fun's barely started, sweetheart.” Désire said with a chuckle and Gatto felt the urge to flee even more.
“No I-I really should leave,” Gatto attempted to pull himself away from Désire, “Thank you for the dance, Lord Mélodis,” He said, “And…..for earlier as well. I-I will take my leave now.”
Désire watched, with a curious face as the scientist took a step back and walked away hurriedly without sparing a single glance back.
“He will be a bit trickier than the others,” He said with a low chuckle, reaching up to pet the snake peeking out from under his collar, where it has been napping all this while, “But I'm sure we will get him eventually.”
A while later, Désire made his way back to resume his earlier conversation with Succubus, however the young lady was more inclined to start a new one,
“The researcher from Ulliel Institute?” She asked with raised eyebrows, “Your insanity knows no bounds. Of all people, you wanna go for someone who belongs to your biggest rival?”
Désire clicked his tongue, “He doesn't belong to Ulliel, simply works for them. And nothing wrong in switching it up once in a while.”
Succubus shrugged, “At least he's someone expendable. A commoner. Just don't get too attached- oh wait, I forgot who I was talking to. Just don't leave him too heart-broken.”
Désire rolled his eyes at that, “You make me sound like a heartless charmer. I am much better than that.”
“Lies,” Succubus said with no particular emotion, “There's a very nice word for the likes of you, but I shall not utter such a crass term in such a respectable setting.”
Désire, the shameless man that he was, did not seem too bothered by it, grinning as he spoke, “Don’t be like that. I know you are just as bored, otherwise you would have asked me to shut up about this a long time ago.”
Succubus did not comment on that, simply taking a long sip of her wine.
*****
Gatto got another invite to the Mélodis mansion. That he declined. Again.
And then there was silence for a while. Gatto was almost convinced Désire had finally forgotten about him.
Fate was never on his side. He knew something was wrong the moment he heard a knock on his lab doors again. Gatto had been too attentive with his experiment to notice the footsteps this time but when the sound of familiar, slow knocks pulled him out of focus, he was too distracted to stop and wonder who could it be,
“I'm busy.” The scientist said and then when the door creaked open regardless, Gatto, annoyed, turned towards the perpetrator, only to freeze upon realising who it was.
“It's good to take a break from your work every once in a while,” Désire said, walking in like he had a god-given right to Gatto's workplace.
What did he want now?
“Lord Mélodis…..” Gatto said warily.
“Gatto.” Désire greeted him back, “You don't mind me calling you by your name right? I am sure we are close enough to drop the titles and honorifics.”
That was the most ridiculous thing Gatto had heard in his life. This was quite literally their third meeting.
“I'm sorry but did you have some business with me?” Gatto, in no mood to entertain someone like Désire, asked while trying not to glare at the count.
“I did actually,” Désire said, “When I heard you declined both of my invitations I was quite heart-broken, you know?” He made a point to sigh sadly as he said those words, “And so I thought, that, perhaps I should come invite you in person.” And just like that the sad sigh was gone and replaced by his signature smile.
Gatto bit down on his lower lip, wondering how to politely decline his offer. Politely because despite his annoyance with the count, he could still not really afford to offend a man of his status.
“I am afraid I am quite busy these days-”
“Perhaps this weekend?” Désire went on, as if he hadn't heard Gatto, “I hear Golden Rose Theatre has put up a new show. It's very popular among the upper class and commoners alike apparently. I did hope to experience the marvel of it firsthand. Do you enjoy theatre, Gatto?”
Désire wasn't really looking for an answer. He went on before Gatto could reply, “I must admit I admire it very much. The art of drama and acting. The various faces and roles actors play onstage. You never really know where an actor's facade ends and begins.” An enigmatic smile spread across Désire's face, “But that isn't just limited to actors, is it?”
The room felt a little too cold suddenly. And yet Gatto felt warm and uncomfortable. What did Désire mean by those words? Gatto's hands were trembling. He clenched them into fists to ensure Désire didn’t catch it. Although his heart very much felt like it would beat out of his ribcage, Gatto tried his best to maintain an indifferent expression. Désire was likely only playing around. He couldn’t possibly know what Gatto had done.
“I'm not too familiar with theatre,” The scientist admitted, “I have always been more inclined towards science.”
“That I can see,” Désire chuckled, “But a good man of science must also take the time to appreciate the beauty of creativity. And so, it is only my humble request for you to join me to Golden Rose Theatre's newest play this Saturday.”
Gatto should refuse. It is only reasonable to do so. But…..the scientist was an intuitive man. Even if he did refuse, he doubted the count would accept his rejection. And besides……call it sixth sense but Gatto felt like there was more to Désire's intentions with him rather than just playing around.
“This Saturday….” Gatto glanced at his worktable. Saturday was when he had planned to discreetly deliver a few letters to a certain detective agency. Seemingly that will have to wait.
“Okay.” The scientist finally said. Désire was delighted.
“Splendid~” He said, “I hope to have a wonderful time with you.”
Gatto didn’t quite know what to think of that.
*****
Regrettably, the scientist wasn't quite aware of how far this eccentric count could stretch out a game of passion and pretense.
*****