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Vil looked at his phone and frowned, as some anger bubbled up in him. He was supposed to be the largest buzz leading up to the premiere of “The Beautiful Queen” live action. And while there had been plenty of gossip since he had arrival at the event, he was being treated like an opening act. There were rumors running around the city about someone dressed in a one of a kind, beautiful light blue ensemble that glittered a silvery hue in the sun. People were reporting that they wore glass high heels. But no one had gotten a good look at the person, and fights had broken out online not just about who this mysterious person was, but what gender they may or may not be. The only thing that could be confirmed was that they had smooth, perfect porcelain skin and beautiful fire opal red hair.
He tried to put it out of his mind. Not willing to let himself be upstaged, especially not at a time like this, he intended to head back into Luxe in the morning and make sure his outfit was truly the most elegant, beautiful, and stunning on the red carpet.
Right now, though, he had to focus on getting through dinner with his father. He was glad to be able to spend some time with him, even if it was in a business setting. “I do have one favor to ask of you, Vil.” his thoughts were interrupted as his father addressed him. “If you have a minute to spare. The investor for the movie is here tonight as well. I’d like for you to meet him.”
Vil didn’t think much of the request. Speaking to people like that was just part of the game. They were technically their employers. Even if he wasn’t officially attached to the movie he had been hired to do publicity. “Of course,” he nodded, considering it part of his contract.
Eric stood addressing the others at the table. “Excuse us for a moment if you will. I’ll have Vil back to you shortly.”
Ace, Azul, and Jamil all nodded in agreement.
As Vil walked with his father, the man whispered some details to him. “The man we’re meeting is Vahn Diamond. He’s the owner of Crown Holdings.” Eric explained, and the blonde’s eyes went a bit wide. The Diamond family was a huge name in the entertainment industry. In fact they’d been the original investors on the animated classic. And it was in part why Pyroxene’s most prestigious award had been named after them. He’d never met the man directly, but he’d heard plenty of rumors. Powerful and eccentric, but a love for the arts, and theatre especially.
“And he wants to meet me?” Vil brought a hand to his chest.
Eric patted his son’s shoulder. “When I told him I’d hired you for publicity, he requested it. I don’t know for what reason. I don’t think he even realizes you’re my son.”
The 18 year old’s mind swirled. Did this man not think he was good enough for the job? A thought only exemplified by what he found waiting for him. An older gentleman close to his father’s age, dressed in a very expensive suit, and the very person he’d heard so many rumors about. There was no mistaking it, with the outfit the other wore, and the strands of hair falling down their back. A sense of familiarity overtook Vil, but with the blue face mask the person wore that matched their attire, and the silver dark tinted sunglasses with diamonds set into the frame, it was easy to tell why the public hadn’t been able to identify them.
“Eric.” The older man stood and shook his father’s hand. “Thank you for taking the time to join us, please sit.”
“Thank you for everything you’ve done. Tonight wouldn’t even be possible.” Eric smiled, turning on the charm.
They all took their places around the table, and the mystery beauty was to his left, though whoever it was hadn’t even acknowledged his presence. It was enough to make Vil’s blood boil, he felt like he was being dismissed. But if he said the wrong thing right now, he could crash his career, and he knew it.
“I’m honored to play my part.” Vahn laughed a bit. “My grandfather always said that his proudest achievement in life was helping to fuel the early movie industry. The original animated film was his absolute favorite, and I don’t think he’d have forgiven me if I passed on this project.”
Eric nodded in agreement. “Your family has always been extremely generous,” he then turned to his son. “Let me introduce you to the person I hired to help promote the movie, since everything was kept so strictly under wraps. Vil Schoenheit, along with possessing a great beauty himself, he also serves as Dorm Leader for Pomefiore at Night Raven College. And has always held a fondness for the Fairest Queen.”
“A fine choice,” the other man nodded in agreement. And Vil’s eyes flickered up; he’d gotten the sense his dad was trying to defend him, but Vahn’s tone carried no disagreement, and the other person also hadn’t reacted at all to the statement. “I knew the production would be in good hands with you at its helm. Vil is perfect for this role, he seems to exemplify what she stood for.”
“Thank you, sir.” Vil brought a hand to his chest, still not sure what was going on. Were they just not going to mention the other person at the table? He knew the incredibly wealthy could be eccentric, but this was just odd. “You’re faith in me means a lot.”
Vahn shook his head. “It’s not faith,” he pointed out. “I’m very familiar with your work, your films were a staple in our household. I asked you over here this evening so my son could meet you. I know he’s been a big fan since he was small. I thought it would be a nice surprise for him.”
Vil turned to look at the masked person next to him. Vahn Diamond’s son. He wasn’t exactly the type to keep up on people like the Vahn, and Azul would likely have known everything about him. But learning that the mysterious person everyone had been talking about was the heir to such a company made a few things click into place for him. The fact that he could afford such an extravagant outfit. And if his family had been funding the movie, it made sense for him to be here. “I’m always happy to meet a fan,” he smiled
“Why don’t you introduce yourself, son? I’ve never known you to be quite this shy.” Vahn pressed, and Vil noticed the other seemed to be shaking and tense. He knew he could make some people nervous, but surely not someone like Vahn Diamond’s son. But the other turned away, still not saying anything.
The situation was awkward for a moment; the person looked like they wanted to leave, and Vil wasn’t going to push them. He was about to suggest something more private tomorrow before the movie premiere when Vahn spoke up once more. “Cater? What’s the matter? You’ve been acting odd since I invited you out here. You should at least say something to our guests. I thought you’d be happier to meet them.”
“Cater,” Vil spoke as he went pale. There was no way, was there? Diamond was a fairly common name in Pyroxene; a lot of people had gemstones tied to their surname, so he’d never thought for a moment that the boy he knew from school would be connected to such a prestigious family. But Cater was not a common first name. He’d never heard it anywhere before, and the hair color was right, even if the style the other currently wore was much longer. Vil, however, was no stranger to hair extensions.
All doubt was taken from him as the ginger stood. “Excuse me,” he spoke hastily but in a very familiar voice, before turning and swiftly leaving the restaurant.
Vil’s brain was going in a thousand different directions. “Sir,” He turned to Vahn, who seemed just as baffled by the situation. “Does your son attend Night Raven College?”
“I’m not sure of the name of his school.” The banker brought a hand to his chin. “Why?”
“Because I think he’s one of my classmates. He may have just gotten flustered with the situation, do you mind if I go try and talk to him?” Vil asked as he stood.
Vahn let out a laugh. “If you wish. If you think you know what’s going on.”
The young actor glanced at his father, who looked a bit reserved, but he didn’t stop him from taking off after the other.
Vil didn’t think Cater could have gotten far, not with the fragile glass shoes he wore, but he was surprised when he didn’t find him until he’d nearly reached the exit. “Cater,” he called out, only to watch the other freeze. “I’m right, aren’t I?”
The other just turned around, taking his sunglasses and mask off. “I’m sorry. I had no idea what he was doing, I…” Cater covered his face. “Please don’t tell the others.”
The actor wanted to question why he’d hide something like this, but his own life and choices not to publicly associate with his father came to mind. “I certainly understand discretion.” Vil brought a hand to his forehead. “But I must admit I’m still in shock. And you were one of the students vying to come with me.”
Cater’s shoulders fell before he leaned against the wall. “I didn’t know he was going to make me attend. I didn’t even know he was the one who funded the movie until just now. He never tells me anything, “ he looked very resigned. “The last time I saw him was 2 years ago when he dragged me to his office to pick out candy.”
That wasn’t quite what Vil had meant, but it sounded heartbreaking. He didn’t have much time with his father, but they did talk often over the phone. But two years was extreme even for them. And with the comment about not knowing what school his son went to, and the fact Vil knew Cater well enough to know he hated sweets, but apparently his father didn’t? He wasn’t quite sure what he’d walked into. But this was the first time he hadn’t seen Cater with a fake smile plastered on his face.
Vil simply walked over to the ginger and took a deep breath. “I won't tell anyone, I promise.”
“Jamil knows I’m pretty sure.” Cater sighed as he crossed his arms. “He’s hinted at it before. Kalim doesn’t, I don’t think. But he’s the last one to think my spending habits are odd…” he trailed off. “No one in Heartslabyul knows. And Azul certainly doesn’t, or he’d hound me for more than just reviews for his products and help with his social media presence.”
“I can understand that, there are days I wish no one knew who I was,” Vil spoke evenly. “But it doesn’t explain why you were so afraid I’d find out. Like I said, I know how to keep a secret.”
Cater looked away, and the blonde could tell he was truly upset by his body language. “Why, so you’d know I was ‘special’ and someone who could actually afford you? I see how you treat Leona, Malleus, Kalim, and even Azul. One of my biggest fears is that someone would only be interested in me in any fashion, romantic or otherwise, because my family is insanely wealthy even by Kalim’s standards. You’re the last person I wanted to find out.”
Vil was stunned for a moment, he could recall the conversation Cater referred to. “I wasn’t serious,” he crossed his arms. “About the money bit. I don’t expect someone I date to buy me everything. I’m not that shallow. But you seemed to be chasing me just for clout. If you’re so determined to make something of yourself without being attached to your family, why try to use me? How is that any better?”
Emerald eyes finally met his, and it was only then that the actor realized the other had been crying. “I wasn’t trying to use you!” he spoke a bit louder than he meant before covering his mouth. “Look, it doesn’t matter, you know who I am now, and that's all there is to it,” he sighed. “I should probably go back to the table and apologize.”
“What do you mean you weren’t trying to use me? You were constantly flirting and trying to ask me out or get me to do some kind of collaboration. It was quite frankly exhausting.” Vil brought a hand to his head. He still hadn’t reconciled that Cater was someone who could make or break his entire career.
“Do I really have to say it?” Cater moved away from the wall as he crossed his arms.
“Given I have no idea what your motive could have been otherwise, yes, it would be very helpful,” the actor replied a bit sternly. The ginger went to walk past him back to the table, and Vil caught his arm. “Really? This is what you’re doing? You can’t answer cuz you know I’m right?”
Emerald eyes flared, flashing in anger as he turned around. But the next thing Vil knew, he was the one against the wall, as warm lips pressed against his. They were gone as soon as they came, and the actor found himself frozen from shock. “Did the possibility that I actually had a crush on you cross your mind?” Cater snapped before, once again, he was gone.
“What…” Vil brought a hand to his lips, staring in the direction the ginger had gone.
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The rest of the event had not gone smoothly. Dealing with a missing crown had been frustrating, but in the end, he’d done what he’d been hired to do. The mysterious beauty in blue had not been seen on the red carpet, but Vil did notice Cater sitting next to his father, in clothing that looked more like his normal attire in premium seats in the back of the theatre.
Vil hadn’t said a word to his companions, just as promised. He’d only confirmed that Cater was one of his schoolmates to his father. And that he was just embarrassed by the whole situation, which was mostly true.
Otherwise, the pair hadn’t talked since the incident; he’d seen Cater in passing in the halls, but unlike before, the other never made any attempts to pester him. That wasn’t that Vil hadn’t thought about Cater, the truth was the exact opposite. The ginger had been on his mind nearly constantly, analyzing what was said. The kiss, Cater’s declaration.
It had left him a mess. But he’d always known Cater was hiding something, and a lot about his lifestyle didn’t make sense. The ginger, though, had made it clear why he’d wanted to hide it specifically from him. The fear of being taken advantage of was one he knew well, and knowing he’d put that fear in Cater twisted something inside him. ‘You’re the last person I wanted to find out’
A sigh left him as he lay his head down on the desk. His eyes lingering on Cater. He’d taken a spot at the back of the classroom to make sure the other couldn’t just sit and stare at him, but here he was doing it. Objectively, he knew he hadn’t done anything wrong; Cater had never given him any reason to trust him or his motivations, but it didn’t do anything to alleviate the guilt he felt. “This is crazy, I just need to talk to him.”
Easier said than done, given it meant he had to acknowledge that Cater’s feelings hadn’t been as fake as he once insisted. Vil brought a hand to his lips, he could still feel the other if he closed his eyes. He should have been mad, he’d never given the ginger permission to touch him, let alone kiss him, but that wasn’t the emotion that surged through him at the memory.
Tackling how he felt was a monumental task. Vil had been so convinced love wasn’t something he wanted or needed. And no matter how much he fought, the altercation with Cater had lit a fire in him. A traitorous part of his brain wanted it now that he knew it was real. Never mind that any chance he had was ruined. Cater seemed so angry and had avoided him since their return to school.
He’d just have to get Cater alone so they could talk. He’d have to tell him everything, put all his cards out on the table, and go from there.
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Another week passed before Vil’s nerves allowed him to act on his plan, calling out to Cater after class one day. It wasn’t until after he’d done so that he realized it was the same classroom where the ginger had accosted him at the beginning of the school year. “Vil? What’s up?” he asked, trying to sound his normal, casual self, but now that he knew to look for it, he could tell the other was nervous.
“We need to talk.” Vil managed, doing his best to suppress his own nerves.
Cater just brought his fingers up next to his face in a V and winked. “That’s alright Vil, wouldn’t want to bug you, I know you’re super busy.”
“Cater…” Vil took a deep breath. “Please? I feel like I’ve been going crazy.”
The classroom had emptied out, and they were all alone when the ginger’s face fell. “I don’t know what there is to talk about, unless you want a thank you for not telling the others.”
The actor looked at him a bit baffled. “Cater, you said…all those things to me, then kissed me and ran off. I think we need to talk. Or did it really not mean anything to you, and you just were trying to get rid of me?”
“I’m sorry if that’s what you want to hear. I know I shouldn’t have done that.” Cater looked away.
“You’re not listening.” Vil’s voice was full of frustration. “I’m not angry you kissed me. I’m mad you ran off before we could resolve anything. And then avoided me since we got back. I understand why you were cautious, but…”
“But what, it’s not like you’ve ever felt the same way,” the other man sighed as his shoulders fell. “Yes I had a crush on you, but I was stupid enough to think I’d be good enough for you without my father’s company attached to it. And that’s not what I want. Not that it matters, he told me over dinner, he expects me to intern with Crown Holdings, so I can learn to take my place. Can’t hide anymore after that.”
Vil’s heart fell, “Now you can listen to me, okay? Just give me that. You’ve got everything figured out in your head already? But you’ve got it wrong.” he brought a hand to his chest. “The last thing I want is for someone to buy my success for me. That man with me at dinner is my own father.”
Cater’s eyes went wide at the declaration, but Vil continued on anyway. “I’ve worked hard for my career, to make sure I made a name for myself and didn’t just ride on his coattails. I hardly want someone who could buy me what I want. Then it wouldn't be me, my achievement, and I wouldn’t sacrifice that for anything,” he spoke passionately.
“You can hardly stand there and blame me for rejecting you when the only thing I saw was someone who was looking to take advantage of my hard work for his fame. You gave me no reason to believe you wanted something other than that. So don’t act like you have some moral high ground here. “ Vil took a deep breath, trying to get himself to calm down. His companion looked almost frightened, and that was certainly not what he wanted.
“Look, you’re right, this is a mess. But it’s our mess, we made it together.” Vil tried to soften his tone. “The only thing I can tell you is that if you really do have feelings for me, and I was wrong and you never had malicious intentions, then…” he closed his eyes. “That’s the reason I’d like to try. Not because you’re rich but because…” gently he leaned in, stealing his own kiss. He’d intended for it to be short, just to prove a point, say what he couldn’t. But he felt Cater’s hands on his chest, as he responded to the kiss, and Vil couldn’t help but wrap an arm around his waist, pulling him in closer.
When it was over, he found emerald eyes staring up at him. He looked confused but hopeful. He thought the other might say something but a moment later the ginger’s head was against his chest, as he laughed slightly. There was still a lot they had to talk about, but right now Vil got the feeling they’d said enough as he enjoyed the feeling of Cater in his arms, and a smile he couldn’t control formed on his own face.