Chapter Text
Eric Schoenheit, known by his artist name Eric Venue, is a world famous actor, seen for his variety of different roles but especially in action and thriller movies. Although his biggest achievement was being a good father to his talented son, Vil.
Now what brings this brilliant man into a town located in Queendom of Roses?
If your answer was, another film/series shooting, you'd be correct.
They are doing a short drama/romcom series, in a Clock town, mostly known for the Great race of a white rabbit.
They wanted the atmosphere to be sunny, clear and domestic. A town where it seems all quiet but you never know what kind of love affairs are behind the closed doors of each small house, and neighbors knowing each other like palms of their hands.
Eric used to play the main roles in this genre long ago, when he first started his career, all young and fresh, what women would want. And directors have kept that concept to this day. So now that he's a very mature man he plays the side role of a female lead's father.
It is currently the second week of shooting. He is staying at the best hotel they could've found in the town.
It is 8pm now, and in his room Eric's revising the script one more time before going to bed.
Just After making sure he got it well enough he got a phone call. It is the director himself, on which he picked up immediately.
"Good evening sir Herrans, how are you in this fine hour?" Eric said being polite as always. He could hear some kind of nice music in the background and a lot of people talking.
"Eric, my good man! I am doing great, in fact I am sitting at the Restaurant with my lovely wife. I hope I'm not disturbing you in anything at this hour..." he answered but there was something in his voice that showed uncertainty.
"That sounds wonderful, and no, there's no interruption. But why call me during that occasion?" Eric replied, confused.
"Ah yes, that. Uhm… Well." he started, the first time Eric had heard him talk this way but probably no need to raise suspicions.
"Would you listen to me if I ask you for a little favor? I will understand completely if you are unwilling to do so."
Eric paused for a moment, a kind of unusual question to ask right now, it is mostly actors asking if they need anything at this hour, but it's still better to hear the end after all.
" Well i definitely prefer to first know what kind of favor you require" he started again
"Oh of course, of course. What I would like is…"
…
It turns out that the set Designer has forgotten something which is important for the background of the scene they will be filming tomorrow. And since he isn't there at the moment because of other work he needs, the director had asked if Eric can get the thing before tomorrow's shoot.
He had no complaints and the director even offered to pay him in return.
Eric was sent the number of the delivery company, and the package should be there in half an hour.
While he's there he could change to go to bed. He knows he's a father but he will hear Vil on any Kind of tips for skin care and general.
It is a bit hot these days so he just went with boxers and an elegant silk bathrobe Vil bought him for his latest birthday.
Did some mild skin since he had time and the rest just turned on a big tv in the room.
He suddenly heard a ringing from the room's phone. Must be that the order arrived.
He picked it up: "Hello?"
"Good evening Mr. Venue, the reception is calling. There is someone from Shirousa home delivery, saying they have a package for you. Would you like to receive it directly to your room or pick it up from reception later?"
"Directly to my room, thank you." he said then hung up the call.
It didn't take long for his room's doorbell to be heard.
Yet when he opened the door he was pleasantly surprised.
"Good evening. Delivery for sir Eric Venue?"
A woman greeted him nicely.
Oh…
Her hair was the first thing he noticed. It's blue with blonde Highlights, an interesting combination and it suits her perfectly. She seems a little younger than him and her clothing must be her work uniform. What he also noticed is a spade shaped piercing on her ear.
And her face.. She's quite beautiful.
"Uhm are you alright sir?" she cut his train of thoughts.
"Oh! Uhm yes.. I apologize.." he replied, really embarrassed that she caught him looking too long at her. "That is mine, yes."
"Great, I would just need you to sign this here as a confirmation and everything's good."
She handed him a pen and paperboard and he did as she said so. He still couldn't keep his eyes off her as he signed it examining her every feature.
"Thank you for using our Services. I wish you a pleasant rest of the evening." she said and went down the hall to the elevator.
Eric's eyes continued to follow her until she disappeared. When she entered the elevator, so did he back to his hotel room with the package in his hands.
He was in awe. His stomach is full of butterflies and his face slightly red.
He felt almost like a Teenager having their first crush.
Eric met countless of beautiful actresses throughout his career and even had to perform intimate scenes with them, yet Noone got him quite as this woman.
Wait.. No..
He shook off the thoughts. That is ridiculous to think. He sees her for the first time in his life. You can't just do love at first sight romance, this is reality not a movie.
And hell what if she's married. She's wearing gloves, maybe she has a wedding ring under it.
He sighed, dropping the package on the sofa, turned the tv off and headed to bed.
…
On Dylla's side she was a bit taken aback. She had to do a delivery for THE Eric Venue.
Although she didn't have much free time for entertainment outside of spending Time with Deuce, she did happen to have watched a sweet Family film in which he had starred in. And she must admit he was quite handsome in it. The romance between him and the wife of his character was also very sweet. And come on, his name can be heard almost everywhere, she knows that he's important.
But even though the thought of Meeting him was nice, some part of her kind of hoped it's just another man who happened to have the same name.
Aaaand she was wrong.
He stood right in front of her. Dear, the rumours are true about him being even more charming when met in person.
Wait! Not now! Focus Dylla, and act professional, he's just another Person who needs your service in this case.
The delivery was done quickly and Dylla was now heading to the elevator,blushing a bit.
Why was he eyeing her like that, did she have something weird on her? She looked in the elevator mirror and nothing seemed out of ordinary, her hair, face, uniform it's all good and clean.
So why was he doing that?
…
Next day went very well. Everyone was grateful that Eric brought what's needed and the filming went without any interruption. Actor however got into the hotel a lot later than usual.
After his daily call with Vil he didn't have anything to do just looked through his phone.
Then out of nowhere he remembered her.
The lady who delivered his package last night.
Eric tried to shake his thoughts of her for the whole day. As he told himself last night, he saw that woman for the first time ever. Yes, she's beautiful and everything but it can't be that serious. And he's an actor for seven's sake, he can't just let something as silly as that interrupt his skill. It didn't since he was that good but the fact that he thought this way told him something.
And again. What if she's married. He already had a rumor scandal long ago about a costar cheating on his husband with him which wasn't true in the slightest and he never wanted to be a homewrecker.
But despite all of this, she couldn't leave the back of his mind. He would just like to see that soft face of her, her blue/teal eyes again. Really childish and a little selfish for a man who will soon turn 50.
What if he… No, that would be stupid, they have other workers, they will for sure send someone else this time.
Yet… He really wanted to…
Well.. You will never know if you don't try.
And with that Eric has ordered yet another thing, this time he didn't need it at all, and called the same delivery agency.
Just like last night the receptionist called him and he told them to send it to his room.
He waited in front of his door, even fixed his hair and clothes a bit.
And it seems it is his lucky day.
It is her again.
"Good evening Mr Venue. It is a great pleasure to see you again" She smiled politely.
Dylla was being as professional as she could be.
Oh seven, they meet each other again so soon. When she saw who she needed to deliver this for she could only stare at the road in front of her in awe.
Eric gave her a soft smile. He was really happy to see her again,
"Please The pleasure is mine," he replied.
Dylla could only raise her eyebrows and slight tints of red were already visible on her cheeks. She pretended to fix her hat and then looked him back in the eyes.
"I believe this is mine" he said, placing his hand on the Box, slightly touching hers.
Oh he has to be playing with her.
"Ah, yes it is." She hands it to him, breaking the contact. "You just have to sign here, like yesterday." She took out the paperboard and he did so just like last night. She tried to look to the side but Eric couldn't keep his eyes off her. What is he trying to do?
"Thank you for using our Services again, have a pleasant rest of the night" she said with a smile and went her way. Untill-
"Wait!" Eric called out to her. She immediately stopped and turned towards him.
"Oh is there anything wrong, any damage to the package?" she asked.
Eric just chuckled slightly, oh how nice and gentle it sounds.
"No, not at all." i just. He paused, they could just stare at each other's eyes.
"I was wondering if i could know your name?"
Dylla was frozen on the spot. Eric Venue wanted to know her name? She was flattered but oh, this only second time they ever met.
"Oh, Heh. That is very flattering Mr Venue. But… What do I owe this pleasure?" she asked a bit nervously, at the end it's not everyday you see a world famous star talk to you this casually.
"You already made my delivery twice, at this late as well. And I am staying in the town for some more time." he said smiling " it would be nice to meet someone new here."
Dylla chuckled to herself as well, she just never thought something like this would ever happen to her.
" Well, that is very Kind of you.
My name is Dylla, Dylla Spade."
Dylla, sweet. And her last name explains her ear Piercing.
" It is nice to meet you Dylla, I hope we might cross paths again during my stay here" Eric winked at her and closed his room door.
Alright.,,,
What. Had. Just. happened.
Dylla stood at her spot for a few more moments in complete silence.
Still a bit in awe.
…
Few days have passed since that meeting. Today actors had some free time and thankfully for Eric his character won't be appearing in the next episode or so, he has plenty of it.
He decided to head to a nice restaurant he had an eye on. It is the same one his director was in few nights ago. It had a really nice exterior decorated in various flowers that seemed like a perfect spot to sit for a drink.
It is 2pm So it's probably better to have a Lunch there instead. The only struggle was that due to it being warm and sunny he could not cover up well so people would recognize him easily. He liked his fans but he seriously hoped he wouldn't have to take any Photos or Autographs while he tries to relax.
Eric soon sat at the table and made an order. As he waited he checked to see if he had any new messages from Vil or the director. He admired flowers right next to him, after all it's what Queendom of Roses is known for.
He noticed they had a corner with blue hydrangeas. If you looked closer at them you would notice they are pale in the middle.
Heh, that reminded him immediately of Dylla's hair.
Wait…
Is that.?
When Eric looked up he could see her passing by. She is wearing Jeans, a white t-shirt with something drawn on it and a light denim jacket which has a lot of patches.
And one on the sleeve had… Night Raven College logo?! Does that mean she has a son who goes there too?!
"Dylla!" He called out to her and she stopped. He walked out of Restaurant towards her.
"Oh! Eri-" she cut herself as she saw him holding a Finger to his mouth and shaking his head.
"I am really sorry for that" he put it down, and spoke in low tone " I just don't want much attention on me, since it's my 'free' day" Ha said, hoping that what he did wasn't weird or rude in any way.
"That is really nice to hear, so do I" she smiled.
It couldn't be more perfect than this.
"That is wonderful." he started "I am having Lunch at this restaurant and just saw you passing by. And… I was wondering if you'd care to join me?"
Dylla couldn't believe what she's hearing. Alright Him asking for her name was one thing but a whole Lunch?! Is this also like a date?? And so soon?!
"Oh! Eric i-" she started a bit in shock "I am very honored, but that would be too much. Seriously-"
"Please, it would mean a lot to me." he said now putting his hand on her shoulder "I would really like to meet you better.
They looked each other in the eyes again, or what Dylla could see with Eric wearing sunglasses.
" But - " she sighed" Is it not too soon for you to treat me like this? I mean we saw each other twice and that's it"
"Oh… I am sorry, did I make you uncomfortable?" he asked, taking his hand from her shoulder, she could see his expression soon changed to a worried one.
"No, you did not" she chuckled trying not to make this awkward, but then her face changed to a confused one" But what would you like to know about me exactly?"
" Well," Eric pointed at the NRC patch on her arm" I have a son who goes to the same school. Maybe we aren't that uncommon?"
…
Dylla and Eric are now sitting at the table together, she wanted to order something that's not pricey but the actor kept reassuring her how he's paying for everything.
"So" it seems Eric will start a conversation "I've been meaning to ask about your hair? It's really Unique way of dying it"
"Oh thank you, I do it myself. Takes me some time but i am always satisfied with the Results"
"That is fascinating, I assume you use some good product for that result! I once actually tried to add a pinch of purple to mine, so I could match with my son, and it didn't work well." he laughed a little and so did Dylla. It seems that she's a lot more relaxed now and that made Eric happy.
"That is so sweet of you, in fact mine is also to match my son." she now looked over her jacket.
"You mentioned your son also goes to NRC?" .
"Yes, he's a third year, a housewarden of the Pomefiore dorm" he said, sipping his cocktail.
"A housewarden? You must be really proud i heard the greatest ones in Generation get that position" Dylla continued
"Heh, I truly am. What makes me even prouder is that I am magicless so I couldn't teach him anything. But my boy always works hard to get to his goal.
And Pomefiore is a dorm of the Fairest Queen, we read stories about her throughout his entire childhood." Eric smiled warmly looking back on memories, It's like he's made to wear that expression only.
"What about your son, how is he?"
"He's in Heartslabyul dorm, 1st year. He says how the housewarden is a little strict with Queen of Hearts rules but still caring and he listens to him" Dylla started "Actually, have you seen Vocals and Dancing Championship?"
"Of course, in fact my son was the one performing. He had an invite but I was way too busy at the time and unfortunately couldn't be there. I still managed to watch it on live tv with other cast members."
"Oh how exciting, my boy was also performing! I was a bit sad that they had lost to the other school. Just by one vote! Kinda unfair."
"That is Neige LeBlanche to you. He's very loved in the film industry because of his sweet charm and pretty face" Eric sighed just remembering how much Vil would tell him about Niege getting casted as a lead over and over again, sometimes his Frustration couldn't be hidden.
"Don't get me wrong he seems quite sweet but.. Like any parent I wish our children have won" Dylla said and That put a smile on Eric's once again.
Their food finally came over as they continued to talk cheerfully. Sometimes about their sons, sometimes about shenanigans that had occurred on their Jobs. At one point Dylla even mentioned that one Eric movie she watched.
He noticed that she doesn't wear any Ring on either of her hands and she absolutely never mentioned any other man in her life besides her boss and son. Could it be Safe that she's single?
By the corner of his eyes he noticed how clouds have become a lot darker despite it being all sunny earlier. Thankfully they have already finished their meal.
"Hmm, I think we should get going, it seems that it's going to rain soon."
"How unfortunate, I wish we could've gone for a walk in that Park over there."
Dylla replied, putting on her jacket.
Unfortunately for them the rain had already started falling when Eric paid the bill.
"Well crap." he cursed
"Wait, I actually have my job van, it is not far. We can still get there without getting soaked." Dylla pointed somewhere to the left.
"Just that it doesn't get worse." Eric said As they started walking.
It's probably better that he didn't say anything because it in fact, did start raining harder.
At one point Dylla wanted to take off her jacket so they could be a bit covered but Eric stopped her in that. Good thing is that they found the van and got in as quickly as they could.
They were both a bit out of breath because of running and as if they just got out of the Swimming Pool. The awkward silence was then present as they looked each other in the eyes. If Eric wasn't already head over heels for this woman this Might be the final straw.
It didn't take long for them to get in front of Eric's hotel. The whole time Dylla was driving he could barely get his eyes off her.
"I guess this is goodbye for now" she smiled at him. "Thank you for the Lunch, that was really sweet of you."
"No need to, It's no big deal" he waved his hand.
As Eric was about to open the van's door something came to his mind.
"Can I ask for your phone number?" he asked Dylla who was taken aback once again.
"This time we spent together made me really happy. I would love to keep in touch with you."
She thought about it for a moment, then eyed Eric up and down for some time.
…
It's now 3 months since Eric and Dylla have exchanged their phone numbers.
Before series filming had finished they had met a few more times for a town walk and Dylla once took him to the crazy ride with her van.
There were times when they got chased by Eric's fans, but found a quick way to escape them. Dylla was sometimes worried about Paparazzi going after her because of their meetings, but Eric made sure that none of those bothered her.
He felt like he learned something new about her everyday, like the fact that she used to be a gang leader in her late teens, which Also the time when she had her son Deuce.
At one point Eric was shown sweet pictures of the two together on which he also showed some really nice ones of him and Vil.
Eric had once asked her about Deuce's father and it turns out that he was a bastard who had left her at a later stage of pregnancy.
As for Vil's mother it was a similar story, she just vanished one day without a word and Noone has ever heard about her since.
They have become quite touchy the more they meet. They would hug, Eric would hold her hand while walking or Dylla doing the same with his arm. He even kissed her hand one time when they were parting ways.
It seems that Dylla enjoyed Eric's company as much as he did hers.
But how do they make it official?
…
"You have invited me to where?!" Dylla yelled at her phone, She was talking to Eric.
"To the City of Beauty. I have made a Reservation at one of the best restaurants that is there."
Eric once or twice in each of these three months they knew each other, would call her to accompany him someplace, it was usually places in shaftlands. It was rare because of his busy schedule and other free time he'd try to spend with Vil foremost.
But now it has come to a perfect time for what he was planning to do.
Like many others, Dylla couldn't help but see the city of beauty as the biggest luxury. A place of highest quality for literally everything.
"I even ordered you a couture which I thought might fit you the best," Eric told her.
He was always willing to spoil her and she, although still very grateful, didn't know how to respond. Some of them were just way too big.
"I-i don't even know what to say"
"No need to thank me. Just get to the magic mirror early so we can spend quality time together."
The actor chuckled softly and then hung up.
Tomorrow morning Dylla stood in front of the town's mirror with a bag of some luggage not knowing how long they'll stay. As any magic mirror does, in a matter of seconds it took her right to her needed loction. This time it's in front of the film Studios of the City of Beauty .
Eric was already there waiting for her.
She looked around for a bit admiring the completely new view.
"Shall we?" He reached his hand and she happily took it.
They walked to the crystal galleria, all Time Dylla would stare in awe at the city's structure, she even stood to take pics, some of them were with Eric.
In Galleria the first spot was 'Luxe' , the Designer brand on the top of the fashion industry, very rare to afford.
They were greeted by staff with nothing but respect.
There Dylla got to wear an outfit Eric had ordered for her. They even got her makeup and hair styled.
She wore a sky blue suit and blazer which made a deep v line, inner part of her chest slightly exposed. Her hair was in an updo with a golden spade shaped hair clip and her face with very light eyeshadow.
If Eric could marry her right this instant, he would.
He put a hand on his face to hide a blush that's creeping on it as he admired Dylla's new look,who was truly happy about it. Not her prefered style but who would say no to something like this.
The rest of the day they had a little tour around the city, trying all Kinds of different things. It just made him happy how she didn't take the smile off her face.
And then the time has come for the main event.
Around 7pm they had a table in Haute Cuisine. A truly gorgeous place as if the royalty would dine here.
After ordering Dylla and Eric just looked at eachother again, smiling.
"I truly don't know how to pay you up for everything you have done for me." she smiled softly. "I never would have thought that i'd experience this Kind of luxury"
"Dylla please" Eric touched her hand on the table "there's nothing to pay up, I just really enjoy spending time with you." he reassured her.
Dinner went cheerfully like any other they had. They still had plenty of things to say to one another and food was quite good too.
"I have one last thing that I want us to do for today. Eric said getting up As he paid the bill, Dylla just looked at him confused.
He held her hand again and they went towards the stairs. It seems that the Restaurant also had a terrace with a nice view. But weird? The tables are empty, why wouldn't people sit somewhere beautiful like this. Dylla felt touch on her shoulder again as Eric now stood right in front of her. They looked deep into each other's eyes.
"Dylla," Eric began. His expression was serious yet gentle.
"i should not believe in love at first sight as i am a mature man." he started and she already got a little red "But. The moment I saw you that night when you had done that delivery for me. I have not been the same."
He took another Pause, Dylla's breath grew slightly heavier, the same for blush on her face.
"I immediately wanted to know more about you and when I did my love just grew more and more."
He sighed. Their eyes never leaving each other
"You brought something new to my life. You are unlike anyone I have ever met before. So charming, and strong, caring, so many stories you have told me" is he going a bit off the tracks with this?
" What I've been meaning to say is…
Dylla Spade i love you and you are the most amazing Person i could've ever hoped to meet"
He didn't have time to process what he had just said as she grabbed his tie and pulled him into a passionate kiss. Eric was of course shocked with the sudden action but immediately gave into it. He hugged her so she could be as close as she could be.
Thankfully the Restaurant Manager allowed him to have an empty second floor. Right now he doesn't care whether they'll be caught by the Paparazzi and what scandal headlines may occur tomorrow.
It is just him and Dylla, the woman he loves, davorin every second of this.
It didn't take long for their kiss to get deeper, it seems as Dylla is the one dominating it on which Eric just sighed. His hands now squeezing her waist.
Unfortunately they have to break it now or they'll suffocate. They looked lovingly at each other again, a bit out of breath, face completely red.
"I think this tells you that I feel the same way." Dylla spoke first with a smug smile. Eric was a lot more breathless than her but still managed to smile. He felt almost like the happiest man in twisted wonderland.
He still held her in his arms but when he leaned for another kiss he got finger over his mouth.
"But. Eric" Dylla started, her face now showing concern. "What about our boys, what will they say about all of this"
Oh… How careless he was.
He looked to the side and started thinking the same.
Vil is pretty grown now, he might understand. But he wasn't sure about Deuce, he didn't call him childish or to offend him in any way, he just couldn't know what he would think.
He sighed and looked at Dylla's beautiful face again, that some really good lipstick with how it didn't move during the kiss.
"I think it's best that we just talk to both of them. In a calm manner. They are not little children any more and might understand us." he said, trying to calm her. He put his hand on her face and she leaned onto his touch.
"How about we continue to enjoy the rest of our evening. And think of that a bit later" Eric finished and Dylla finally smiled again as they both went back inside.