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That was the suit fitting from hell. He could still feel the little pricks of the sewing needle; with every slight adjustment, another could be felt through the fabric. Gustave sighed as his flesh arm banged into the side of the carriage when it went over a bump. He listened to the laughter of his friends, who sat across from him, teasing him about the ordeal. Despite their ridicule, there was an undercurrent of affection in their voices. Gustave smiled and turned to watch the rolling countryside—fields of grass stretching endlessly, dotted with grazing animals.
He looked down at the blue suit he wore. The luxurious material draped over his body, fitting perfectly after the tailor’s final, insistent adjustments. Gustave glanced at Sciel, seeing her lean over to whisper into Lune's ear, both exchanging quiet gossip about the event and plotting to find a secluded spot later. Gustave shifted and reclined in his seat, letting the last rays of sun seep through the messy curtains and warm his face.
He hadn’t been expecting an invitation to the ball, not the high-class Dessendre Ball. He was only a mechanic and never considered himself part of high society; the closest he had ever come to any of the family was a request to make some improvements in the home's electrical wiring as part of the introduction to the modern era. There had only been the head of the household, Renoir, who came to request the upgrades and the maintenance of the new wires. However, there was one occasion when he did see another of the Dessendre household. The invite was personally delivered by the butler of the family, who had appeared outside his workshop only the other day. There had been another man in the carriage, a young man with black hair, but he never looked out the window. It was only as the butler handed him the invitation and returned to take his seat in the carriage that there was any indication his presence had been made known to the man inside, as a wave of the hand started the carriage moving down the road. In that moment, their eyes met, it was only a flash of starlight as the carriage moved forward.
He still has the letter in hand, Proof of the invitation, as the entry was written in lovely cursive handwriting. His mind was very distracted about the whole situation, but he was more curious about why he had been invited. Maybe he could ask, but Gustave was also worried about being rude to the host.
Gustave was almost thrown out of his seat when the carriage stopped suddenly. He had narrowly escaped the floor, but he did end up falling on top of Sciel.
“Ack… sorry… I hope I didn’t hurt you, Sciel?” Gustave rubbed his temple out of anticipation of hitting his head, somewhat after being thrown from his seat.
“Don’t worry about it, you idiot, it's not like you were trying to throw yourself at me… were you?” There it was, the appearance of the classic Sciel smirk, so cocky and yet so lovable.
“You wouldn’t appreciate it if I were, I have a feeling I’m not exactly your type, his eyes slowly panned over towards Lune.
“I have no idea what you are talking about.” Sciel half-arsed a shrug before dusting herself off as Gustave moved back to his seat. This was during a time when Lune was not really paying attention, as she was looking out the window. Staring at the place that they would be for the rest of the evening, as per the invites they had all received.
Gustave was the first to get out of the carriage. Cautious of his new and improved suit, he was able to avoid a giant patch of mud and moved out of the carriage doorway. He left the door open to help the girls out. Extending an arm and helping them keep their fancy outfits clean and dry.
They made their way to the front door, which had been made more accessible for a larger group of people to enter all at once. Gustave recognised the man at the front door as the butler who gave him the invite.
“Invite, please?” The butler's voice was monotone; not an inch of emotion passed through those lips, as if he had already been doing this for several hours.
“Ah, yes, of course.” Gustave outstretched his hand that had been holding the invite, and yet his closed palm was empty; no invite, not even a scrap of paper could be seen. He had a death grip the entire journey, and yet it was nowhere to be found. He rummaged through every pocket; he could scream at the sheer horror or embarrassment he was in, wishing the ground would swallow him whole.
“Sir, I require your invite, or you won't be allowed in. Please stand to the side so I can let other guests in,” the butler pointed to the side of the stairs and waited for Gustave to move before letting Sciel and Lune go by, whose invites could be seen plain as day.
Meet us inside when you are let in, Sciel mouthed as the girls were let inside with their invites in hand. Gustave was about to sit on the step and hope someone would pity him with a free glass of champagne from the event. Where could the invite have disappeared to? He was a fool for believing he was allowed to have a fun night. He sat with his head in his hand, talking to himself.
“My my, what a sad sight, someone lost an invite, “ a voice above him said aloud, cocky and annoying in tone. Gustave thought Sciel had returned to mock him for the state he was now in – an idiot who loses the only way to get in, great!
“Oh, very funny, Sciel, this is where you taunt me with the free cake and that you had my invite in your…” Gustave reclined from his position and looked up; he didn't even notice the distinct change of voice or tone that the lines had been delivered in. Seeing a face that he swore he had seen before. It took him a second, but now he could see without the tainted car window in the way, and now lost in the blue-grey eyes of the man before him, he had jet black hair like ink, like the night sky without stars and a very fine yet simple black suit with cracks of gold coming through.
” Not Ideal, sir, I believe you dropped this by the carriageway. I was almost taken by a horse's hoof, bending down to grab this! But I think I saved myself and the invite before it got destroyed.” The man leaned down and handed Gustave the slightly muddied piece of paper that had his name still recognisable on it, thank the lord. He straightened his posture to check over the invite and started to get off the step.
“Thanks for that, Monsieur…” Gustave turned with his hand outstretched to shake the hand of his saviour, and yet there was no one. Maybe the lack of food was starting to hit him, and he had imagined it.
He dusted himself off and walked up the stairs to the butler and was able to give, confidently, his invite. While embarrassed at the state of the invite, he was able to get to the ball.
“Thank you, sir. Please enjoy the party and take a mask off the table just before the main hall. This is a masquerade ball after all,” the butler continued to say in such a monotone voice.
Gustave was able to finally go through the giant doorway with pride as he entered the threshold of the manor. He could feel the heat under the collar as he entered the belly of the beast. He had forgotten this was a masquerade ball, so maybe finding his friends might be a little more challenging if everyone was wearing a mask.
The foyer was like a painting, there was a cascade of colours as blues shifted into purples that moved into shades of red, the walls ever changing as the lights shifted across the room. There were people from all walks of life chatting, holding glasses of clear liquid, and some had vicious red liquid. He noticed that there were eyes on him as soon as she walked across the foyer towards the stairs. He was following the mass of people walking towards the main hall, where the main party was. Gustave hadn’t seen Lune or Sciel yet, and he was hoping to see them when he entered the main hall. He found the table of masks, all were white with some sort of glitter detailing and a feather – that of a swan or a peacock. Gustave took a second to decide on a mask; the swan was simple and elegant, and the ombre blue feather matched the colour of his suit. He had to be colour coordinated at least.
He walked past a few waiters with trays of glasses and Hors d'oeuvres. He took a couple of the small foodstuffs and a glass to ease himself into the biggest party of the year. He was able to walk in with a mask of his own choosing.
He stood just outside the door with the food he had picked up, consumed, and the empty glass in his hand. He was able to place it on a nearby table and walk around the edge of the dance section, where couples were dancing to a slow tune. Gustave had his eyes focused, looking for his friends, hoping to hide in a corner and enjoy the fancy pleasures of the event, but as the music started to slow to a stop. He was stopped by the crowd that gathered at the bottom of the stairs, which were set in place by the man, who had a hand on his cane, and a booming voice escaped him, echoed across the hall.
“Welcome, madams and Monsieurs, welcome to the Dessendre’s yearly ball. We welcome those with wealth, but also those with innovation and talent. I have a special guest here tonight who aided in the modernisation of the manor. I hope to find him in the crowd, but for now, be young and enjoy yourselves… LET THE WINE FLOW!” The speech caused a few cheers and a round of applause just as the music once again rose in tempo. He was about to take a step forward when he felt a hand on his arm. Gustave's curiosity was piqued as he turned on his heel to see who it was – maybe Sciel and Lune had finally found him and were about to mess with him about the delay of getting inside the party.
“Good to see you, Monsieur, happy you were able to make it in.” The man from outside was standing in front of him, the black and gold jacket was gone, and now only the white shirt with a tight waistcoat was unveiled. His face was now covered by a mask with some painted gold flecks; it was in the shape of a lion, where the mane was replaced by the man's own black hair.
“It's you. You left before I could say anything.” Gustave said, annoyed that he didn’t have the chance to properly thank the man who was able to let him into the ball.
“Well, I was thinking of a way you could reward me,” the man said, cocky yet sincere.
“I was thinking a simple thank you would be enough.” Gustave laughed, thinking this was a funny joke.
“Well, that would work, but I had something else in mind.” The man lowered himself with his arm outstretched and palm up, “How about a dance, monsieur?” The man's eyes were gemstones, shining grey-blue into Gustave's soul. How could he refuse?
“A dance sounds lovely, but I've got to warn you I have two left feet” Gustave laughed, letting the man enter his personal bubble. He felt a hand on his waist and the other interlocking his fingers.
“Well, follow my lead, and I’m sure you won't make any mistakes.” The man said as he moved them into the dance circle, just so as not to get blocked in by the other dances that were in the circle.
“Very confident, maybe I should ask your name before we continue?” Gustave proposed that he wanted some answers as to the gentleman who saved him from a cold night on the steps of the manor.
The man leaned into Gustave, his head almost lying on Gustave's shoulder, as he could feel hot breath on his ear. “Well, if you can keep up with me, I'll give you my name after this dance.”
Gustave started to feel a little hot under the collar as the pair of them moved closer into the dance circle. Becoming a part of the sea of other couples they had interacted with.
The last song ended as some of the couples moved off the dance floor to grab more drinks and food, whereas Gustave and this man were getting ready for the next song. The orchestra started to play as the slow tempo of a waltz played, couples moved in closer with their dance partner, and Gustave did the same. Taking his stance as the person being led, he let himself be controlled by the taller man.
Gustave could feel his body being moved by the taller fellow as he watched his footing do the same 4-step box motion to the slow beat of the music. He slowly became accustomed to the beat as he became more confident with each step. He slowly realised this became a power play when he tried to start taking the lead, maybe being a little cocky with the idea of being on top of this dance. However, his dance partner would fight back, not with any level of venom but with some pride and strength to coax them back to the man taking charge. When the music slowly quickened, Gustave could feel the hand on his waist disappear, and he swung without letting go of the hand. He slowly turned his body, twirling in sections, feeling his jacket flap by the motion as he reached the end of the outstretched arm. He continued to twirl till his own arm was outstretched. He could feel himself panting from all the dancing, which was slowly becoming quicker as the intensity of the band grew. Gustave looked to see the red across his dance partner's face. Either from the dancing or how close they had been.
He was slightly spun again into his stance when a hand met his waist as they continued to be back to chest, as Gustave was given the chance to take the lead moving forward. He did feel the stares of people watching the two men dance, and his partner had far greater knowledge of the choreography. Some clapped and cheered as Gustave was fully spun around to be chest to chest with his partner.
He could feel the blush on his cheeks and the heat of his dance partner as he was pulled in. Gustave could feel the hands wrapped around his lower back.
“Nicely done, maybe I should be worried about my own skills after the display.”
“I mask my insecurities in confidence, so I’m happy to please… could go for another round or two.” Gustave could feel the adrenaline pumping through him; the energy was making him feel more cocky
“Oh, eager to show off, are we?” His partner smirked
“Well, I think I’m deserving of your name, but a dance partner doesn’t feel the same if people ask us afterwards.”
“Ah, I guess you deserve it at least.”
The man leaned into Gustave's ear once more. He felt a hand move off his back and used it to remove some of his loose curls from his face.
“The name is Verso Dessendre, my sweet Gustave.”
“Wait, you… You’re the son who was in the car… you’ve been watching this entire time, that’s why you look familiar.”
“I wanted to talk after your first-ever visit. I wanted to talk about your inventions and your workshop. I fell the moment you walked through that door the first time.” Verso, clearing his throat a little. They swayed a little in this moment of calm, Verso taking the lead and making them do the tiniest of movements.
“You would have, I had a lot of free time and my lunch breaks. You looked so sad sitting in the main hall. I must confess I wanted to talk, but I was contracted for work, and sometimes the human in me disappears for the machine or rather the man who pays my wages.” Gustave's eyes panned down to his metal arm, to the machine he had become. It was only his arm, but he felt less human due to it.
“You are not a machine; you are human like the rest of us. But it would have been unbecoming of me to think that I have a choice of partner, I’m supposed to be married by now.” Verso looked in the direction of the man on the stairs. Gustave couldn’t see who, but he could presume the host of the party.
Gustave, having a smirk appear on his face, said, “Well, we could change that?”
“You aren’t serious?” Verso looked nervous.
Gustave could hear Verso's heart race even faster after that statement. “You like deals, don’t you, Mr Dessendre?”
“You could say that, yes.”
“Well, if I can take charge of the next dance, we leave this party and chat some more about this issue, hm?” That smile continued to be present as they moved; they slowly spun on the dance floor, moving with the crowd.
“I like that deal, sure, why not?” Verso chuckled, and his stance changed. There was a change in the air as he tried to instantly control the dance, but he didn’t expect that Gustave would rise to the challenge just as quickly.
Gustave knew what he must do; he waited for the current slow piece to finish and prayed for something fast. Then it happened, a quick song, and a lot of the dance floor was scattered as more space became available for the pair of men.
Gustave was never a dancer by trade, but the only joys of dancing with Maelle after her classes were teaching, going through her little routines and learning her favourite dance for competitions. One he had become quite fond of is the foxtrot.
He released himself from Verso's grip, turned to face himself and stood straight to make himself look taller. His straightened neck and back allowed for better eye-to-eye contact, but this was only for a second as they moved into position. Gustave put Verso in a position of needing to follow. Verso's face changed the moment the roles were reversed; not unhappy or angry, but pleasantly surprised by the switch-up. Gustave’s hand was now in Verso’s hand, and his metal one on his shoulder as he started to move his feet to the beat, moving the pair of them around the dance section. Other couples moved out of the way as the pair of men needed the whole dance floor. Gustave was not dragging his dance partner but led with pride and strength. There was the quick snap of the legs as they moved in different directions; they had serious expressions. Gustave could hear the controlled breath of Verso on his neck as they moved with precision. Verso tried to take charge by aiding Gustave in a small spin, but with the power in his hands, Gustave was the one to be in total control of his spin and was able to twirl his partner with control, even with the outstretched arm as Verso twirled on his heel before being brought back in. During the split second that Verso looked at him, he placed on a warm and comforting smile. A smile to say I’m in control and I’m not leaving. He felt Verso lock back into his body as the music dipped down again, slowing into a smooth transition to the next song.
Verso had to accept his defeat of the power play and allow Gustave to be the one in charge as they unlocked from each other's bodies, but Gustave's hand was still in his as they ran out of the dance circle towards a set of glass doors.
The pair's faces were still flushed from the heat of the dance floor as they made their way through the gardens, taking in the cool air as their hands stayed interlocked. Neither said a word as they walked to an old, broken statue. There was a bench that was hidden by some of the bushes that had grown around it. The pair took a seat as their breath became visible in the air. Gustave notices Verso lightly shiver as they walk and takes off his jacket, offering him the coat.
Verso refused at first, but after a bit more pressure and shivering heavily, he allowed the coat to surround his shoulder, taking in any of Gustave's warmth that lingered on the coat. Gustave watched as Verso practically melted into the coat.
They sat on this hidden bench away from prying eyes, behind the huge rose bush that gave them total privacy. Fingers were still interlocked; almost fearful they would be torn apart in the moment.
The music was muffled to the point of barely recognisable from the distance that they had made, but the silence was deafening in this moment.
“I…” the pair said in perfect sync as they turned to look at each other.
Gustave ran his free hand through his hair, “You first…”
“No, you can go first… I’m worried I'll say something…” Verso freed his hand, slowly from Gustave's hand. He could feel the warmth leave him as the cool air now took over.
Gustave coughs, clearing his throat. “Well, this is an exciting evening then! First, I get stuck outside the manor, then you come to my rescue, and the next thing I know, we are dancing like our lives depended on it just so I can get a name.”
“I wanted to see if the grandiose Monsieur Gustave was more than talk and a pretty face.” Verso, now regaining his breath, was able to let a light laugh out.
“I hoped I lived up to your expectations, but it was to see that I could out-dance you with my two left feet. Or did you let me win when I was doing poorly?” Gustave had to tease, only a little.
“No, not all, you were excellent out there, and I must bow to you when you took charge. I was not expecting that.” Verso slightly bowed in his seated position, but low enough to show proper conduct and acknowledge his own defeat.
Gustave knew he could be a little cocky, “I can take charge more often if you want.” Gustave watched as a hue of blush darkened across Verso’s face, but he still looked as confident as ever – maybe it was the cold that caused it.
“Now, now, good sir, we are in the holy rose garden; mention of that should be for the bedroom.” Verso hand pointed towards the service; rose bushes that decorated the greenery, with only the last few roses surviving the cold autumn weather.
“To the bedroom now? How improper, Mr Dessendre, maybe some dinner before, suggesting something like?” Gustave smirked, cocking his head at an angle.
“You are one to talk!” Verso continued this banter with a light tap on Gustave's shoulder, just a light touch and for a second, there was only silence before they started laughing, pure and rich laughter filled the air as they kept messing with each other. There had been some serious tension in the main hall, so out here, they could be two men happy with each other's company.
Verso moved in slightly. There was a little gap; he decided it was time to fill and moved closer to Gustave. Verso cocked his head a little, “Well, if you don’t want to be in control, I can change that, Monsieur.” As Verso brushed some of Gustave's loose locks away from his face, Gustave could feel the heat of Verso's hand on his face, gently brushing past his skin.
“What were you thinking, Verso?” Gustave thought it was either now or never.
“Well, excuse me for asking you like a damsel, but may I kiss you? It's proper to ask, then just do, and I already coaxed a dance or two out of you?”
Gustave blushed; he wasn’t expecting that. In all honesty, his brain went past the kissing stage. He nodded, but it was not enough as he watched Verso sigh and make eye contact with him again.
“I believe that question is a yes or a no? Verbal is key after all.” Verso, wanting more than a nod, he wanted to hear this man's voice.
Gustave, now feeling the butterflies in his stomach rise, said, “Yes, yes, you can kiss me.”
Gustave felt a hand move behind his head and placed on the back, a slight grip on the curls, and he was softly pulled in for the kiss.
It may have lasted for a couple of seconds, but there was an essence of pure bliss and happiness from it. Verso pulled away ever so gently, and the two men just stayed in an embrace.
They didn’t take note of how long they were out there, but as they started to chat more about heading back in, a single snowflake dropped onto Gustave's nose. It was so light and soft, it wouldn't toll more came down when he noticed that snow was falling, and the pair walked back into the manor, hand in hand with no fear of the world around them or the judgment of others.