Dis Aliter Visum - Chapter 76 - 3,363 words
Note: Totally wrote the last bit while listening to Beautiful Blue Danube on repeat. I clearly lack imagination.
Beta-reader: None.
Chapter summary: A night at the ball.
Chapter 76
“We'll be there shortly,” Kuroro warned the blond, recognizing a shop he'd made mental note of on his reconnaissance outing the previous night.
Kurapica looked up from his book and took a moment to look around, although he hadn't been with the Spider Head the previous evening. Seemingly remembering this fact, he gave up on it and twisted around to deposit his book on the back seat and pick up his gloves, lacy fan and purse instead.
“I can't breathe,” he grouched as he faced the front again.
“Is it really that bad?” Kuroro asked him, although he had a fairly good idea of just how tight the corset was.
He had tightened it himself, after all, making sure to pull the back lace tight enough to make it look like Kurapica had a small waist, similar to what a girl of his size would have, and also a bit more where he didn't; where the corset left off, the blouse puffed up.
“It is,” Kurapica insisted. “If I faint for lack of oxygen, how is it supposed to help me?”
“You won't,” Kuroro assured him. “But if you do, worry not! I'll carry you home.”
“You're not helping,” Kurapica sighed. “I'll punch you when I regain consciousness.”
“See?” Kuroro pointed out at the sigh, “you can breathe.”
The look that Kurapica turned on him was eloquent.
“You'll owe me another dinner after this,” the blond informed him. “There is no way I can eat anything, at the very least.”
“I'll take you out properly once you've changed out of the dress,” Kuroro promised.
“Not go out,” Kurapica immediately turned it down, “room service.”
“Oh?” Kuroro grinned at him. “Do I look that good in this suit?”
He wanted to catch Kurapica's horrified expression when the boy finally realized what Kuroro was implying, but he had to settle for a confused stare, as he had to look forwards and focus on his driving. A moment later, he was thwacked on the head with the fan. If he'd been a lesser man, the strength of the hit would have been quite painful.
“Idiot,” Kurapica exclaimed.
When the Spider Head glanced at him, the blond quickly turned his head away, but not before Kuroro saw the blush, high on the younger man's cheeks. Ah, he loved this; it was do goddamn addictive.
The rest of the drive went by in silence. Kurapica was likely too flustered to make conversation and the older man was far too pleased with himself to go and ruin it be potentially incurring the blond's ire if he pushed things. They were going to a party and should both appear in good spirit and if Kuroro was sure of his skill in deception, he wasn't as certain of the blond's. They didn't have far to go.
Eventually, they reached the outskirts of the expansive property. They followed the tall garden wall that surrounded the it, all the way to the massive gates. They were open already, with a man close-by to look at the invitations and wave them in. One look at him and Kuroro knew why he'd been left there alone; the man was a powerful nen user. He would know the Spider Head to be the same, but Kurapica would read as a regular person and their invitations were genuine - he'd made sure of that - so the lone guard let them in.
He always did all of his homework - the fact that he'd taken his Spiders as far as he had was largely due to the fact that he dotted his Is and crossed his Ts - but knowing just how well guarded this place was made him glad that he made a point of being as thorough and well-prepared as he could be. He wouldn't risk the man overhearing, in case there was any listening device or ability involved, so he surreptitiously touched Kurapica's knee to get his attention, moved his head a fraction towards the guardsman and mouthed nen user. He got the fraction of a nod in response, then he focused on the large manor looming ahead. Miss Florenzia's affection for all things victorian obviously carried to the majestic home that her parents had bought for her. As they drove closer and closer, Kuroro could tell whoever had designed the castle (mansion was too shabby a word for the grandeur of the place) obviously well knew the architectural style of the era. Although it was a fairly recent construction, every detail of it was faithful to Victorian buildings.
They would have to follow the plan to the letter, if they were to come out of this place victorious. Far from thinking it was a hassle, he found these to be the most fascinating missions.
Kuroro put the car in park by the grand entrance and patted Kurapica's knee.
“Wait for someone to get the door,” he reminded him while he opened his own himself.
He saw, and ignored, the unhappy turn of the blond's lips, but there was nothing for it. No Victorian lady would suffer opening their own car door. Technically, no Victorian lady would ever step out of a new model convertible BMW either, but Kuroro didn't want to bother with a car from over a century ago or a horse carriage. Some of the guests had obviously gone against common sense and chosen the latter. He avoided the malodorous proof without stepping in and waved the valet away from Kurapica's door.
“I'll get that,” he assured him. “Are you allowed to park the car?”
At the young man's nod, he gave him his assumed name and opened the door for his companion. He gallantly offered Kurapica his hand and after an embarrassed look, the younger man accepted it. Kuroro helped him out of the vehicle. He took a step back, still holding Kurapica's fingers, then slipped his other arm around the back of the boy's waist. When he looked back at the car, the valet smiled and pressed the button in the central console that would close the door automatically. Satisfied that the vehicle was taken care of, he led the blond up the stairs and inside the lavish home.
They had to show their invitation again just inside the doors, but after that, they had the place at their disposal, sort of. There were people everywhere, ans cameras filming the entire place, from what he was told in his research. He even had Shalnark hacking into the feed now, just to cover all of his bases. He had not told Kurapica this, however, fearing that a mortified Kuruta would refuse to go on with the plan if he knew someone else would see him in this disguise. Someone who knew who he was, anyway.
He led Kurapica to the ballroom, where most people had congregated, to make formal introductions with the hostess. Creeping around without this step would only seem suspicious, once the Eyes were stolen and security looked through the tapes.
Miss Florenzia was a lovely young lady, dressed to the nines and bejeweled like an empress. Kuroro bowed and kissed her hand, as it seemed like the best way to charm her. Following his lead, Kurapica made a formal curtsey.
“Ah, aren't you just delicious!” Florenzia gushed at Kurapica. “Wholfir? You're engaged, right? Ah, it's my first time meeting people from your region. I have an absolute fascination with distant tribes and their cultures. If you're engaged, this would mean that you,” she turned to Kuroro, “must be a relative. Brother?”
“That's right,” Kuroro answered with his most charming smile. “I'm glad to see you know our customs. What a pleasant surprise!”
It wasn't one. He'd planned this get up counting on it.
“I like to read,” their hostess explained. “Ah, would you excuse me?”
“But of course,” the Spider Head assured her.
They watched her walk away and grab a gentleman by the arm. They started chatting enthusiastically.
“Somehow,” Kurapica commented, low enough that only Kuroro heard him, “she's different from what I'd imagined.”
“Having second thoughts?” the older man teased.
“No,” Kurapica's answer was flat.
Kuroro's grin widened. “Well then,” he offered him his arm. Kurapica had no choice but to slip his hand around the inside of his elbow.
They walked around slowly, stopped here and then for Kuroro to exchange pleasantries with other guests so as to make sure that no one would realize that they were looking for cameras and trying to orient themselves, having both memorized the blueprints of the house.
Soon enough, the soft, silvery ring of a bell sounded to announce that dinner was about to be served. The guests started converging towards the grand dining room. Each person had their seat preassigned, and Kuroro found himself placed between Kurapica and an elegant young woman with an impressive decollete, one that could rival Paku's. He felt a jab in his side and turned his curious eyes on Kurapica, but the younger man wasn't looking at him.
Well, if Kurapica meant to be grumpy, Kuroro wouldn't let him damper his spirit. He conversed cheerfully with the lady sat to his left, but when he tried to include Kurapica, the younger man was polite, but seemed oddly pensive. Perhaps he was just uncomfortable because of the corset. Well, Kuroro knew that when it got down to it, Kurapica would do his part.
There was wine with dinner, and though he'd assured Kurapica that not drinking it would seem strange at such a gathering, he didn't have to drink much. Actually, it was best not to. They had agreed that tiny sips so as to make it seem like they were drinking more than they actually were was the best solution. Staff went around the room, refilling wineglasses left and right, so their having a near-full cup wouldn't be strange. Hopefully, a little alcohol would relax Kurapica a bit.
After dinner, the guests were invited to the ballroom, where they gathered in small groups of acquaintances. Kuroro's friendliness paid off, as he was invited to join one such group, along with his shy little sister, as the young woman put it. They chatted amicably for a while, but when the hostess of the party waved him over, he had to leave Kurapica behind. He made his way to lady Florenzia and kissed her hand again, then half-turned so that he could keep the younger man in his field of vision. He knew that Florenzia would not take offence, since she knew about the customs of the Wholfir tribe.
“Your sister is very beautiful,” the young lady commented.
“She is, isn't she,” Kuroro agreed, his eyes still on the blond.
Florenzia turned her head in the same direction. They watched him in silence for a moment as some young ladies gathered around. They started chatting with enthusiasm. Compliments flew, about Kurapica, about Kuroro (dark and mysterious, really?), about the (fake) tattoos covering the Kuruta's skin and what they meant. At the shy (embarrassed) response of an engagement, delighted cheers erupted, at which Kurapica became even more flustered.
It shouldn't have been so adorable.
Chit-chat went on and soon, young men started gravitating around the small group and Kuroro eyed them distrustfully. If his plan worked, they should know to keep their distance as soon as they were shooed away from Kurapica by the circle of girls surrounding him. He watched the group in silence, hoping that things would go smoothly and secretly enjoying the younger man's discomfiture. A few of the lads kept trying to get closer and really, they should get a clue. At least Kurapica seemed to be ignoring them. According to Wholfir traditions, any young man wanting to talk with the young 'lady' had to go through the relative currently with her, namely Kuroro himself, and get a formal introduction. The Kuruta was staying in character, yet another proof that he was an excellent candidate to take over Pakunoda or Ubogin's place.
“Tell me,” Florenzia said at length, “can you waltz?”
“I can,” Kuroro assured her, “but I can't leave her side.”
“Dance with her, then,” was the young lady's answer.
“I wouldn't have a problem with it,” he assured her, “but I'm not she will want to dance with me. Her waltz is rusty.”
He wasn't sure if Kurapica knew how to dance at all, but it would probably be strange if one sibling knew how to and not the other.
“She doesn't like to lose face, especially with so many people present.”
“Who does?” Florenzia laughed behind her fan. “But you know, the waltz is as good as the lead.” She smiled. “And that would be you, typically.”
Kuroro liked her, he decided. He still had no qualms about robbing her, but he was pleasantly surprised with her.
“True,” he acknowledged. “Very true.”
“Well, then.” She snapped her fan shut. “I want to see you dance, and since I cannot have you to myself, I'll have to satisfy myself with watching you with your sister. I'll get the musicians to start, you go get her. Where is my - Oh! Papa!”
Kuroro turned his head and saw a middle-aged gentleman walk into the room. Florenzia hurried to him, so the Spider Head made his way to Kurapica. He got his attention and tried to take him away from the gaggle of young women who had surrounded him but now found they were much more interested in the taller man than his young companion. He smiled, excused himself, tried to get Kurapica alone, but the young ladies wouldn't let them go. There was nothing for it. He leaned in and Kurapica, with the practised ease of a true born noblewoman, opened his fan and leaned closer to hear what Kuroro had to say.
“How's your waltz?”
Kurapica frowned slightly.
“I know the basic steps,” he murmured quietly, “but I've never tried dancing them.”
“Do you trust me?”
Hidden behind the lacy fan, Kurapica levelled a flat look at him.
“That is a ridiculous question,” he informed the Spider Head.
“Do you trust me to lead the dance and not make us look like fools?” Kuroro amended.
The blond eyed him quietly for a moment, silently studying his face.
“I suppose I can trust you that far,” he finally answered.
Just then, musicians started filing into the room and quietly making their way to the corner stage and setting up their instruments and partitions. Kuroro glanced at them, then his eyes slid back to his companion. Well, it had been a ridiculous question, considering who Kuroro was, but the older man was sort of annoyed with the underlying distaste in the young Kuruta's voice.
He had to hide his misgivings about Kurapica's reaction, however, because lady Florenzia was returning, her arm linked through her father's.
“There you are,” she said with a smile. “I've found the most wonderful gentleman to dance with me, but you still owe me a dance by interim.”
“I was just asking my sister,” Kuroro informed her.
“And her answer?” Florenzia asked, her gaze turning to the younger man.
“Ah,” Kurapica stalled for a moment, his eyes sliding automatically to Kuroro's face before returning to their hostess. “I don't know that I won't embarrass myself horribly,” he finally answered, “but I believe it would be a bit of a waste to come to a ball and not dance once.”
“Wonderful!” Florenzia clapped lightly in delight. “Well, then! Let's get some music.”
She motioned to the musicians and offered Kuroro her left hand and her father the right one. Kuroro took what was offered, but also took his companion's hand in his on the other side. They walked like this to the centre of the room. Kuroro let go of the young woman's hand and took position. One hand at Kurapica's waist, the other clasping his fingers. Half a step closer. Kurapica lowered his face, but Kuroro had caught a glimpse of displeasure on his face, although he wasn't sure why. Probably at having to dance at all.
The music started, light and slow. Kuroro recognized the tune right away. A Viennese waltz, then. He was glad it was one of the pieces that started quietly, so as to give Kurapica time to get used to the steps.
Step, step, long step; step, step, long step.
The third time, Kuroro asked, “Good?”
“Good,” Kurapica answered.
So Kuroro gave Florenzia a subtle nod to indicate they were ready to waltz proper. And then he started turning on the long step. His hand at Kurapica's waist slid to his back. He led easily, effortlessly, and Kurapica followed where he pulled, his cheeks visibly darker. His eyes were a bit wider than usual and pupils dilated. Other couples started dancing around them, mostly composed of men and women, but there were a few same-sex couples as well. If it had not been for the fact that the two burglars reported to have stolen so many pairs of Scarlet Eyes were known to be two young men travelling together, Kuroro wouldn't have bothered with the trouble of putting Kurapica in that dress. It made everything a little more complicated, where the actual theft was concerned.
This, however, dancing like this, the way that Kurapica looked up at him as they moved, 'round and 'round, all around the large ballroom; it was worth all of the trouble of coming up with this ruse. He pulled him a little closer, moving in circles, the dance fluid and easy, and for all of his worries, Kurapica moved with surprising grace. He quickly found his feet, and soon, he didn't need Kuroro's help at all, but went where Kuroro was about to direct him without the slightest pull.
The music got louder, stronger, all of the instruments in on the melody now and the younger man's lips pulled into a slight smile. He looked like he was actually starting to enjoy this. The corners of Kuroro's mouth pulled up as well, and he felt his companion's rigid stance mellow some. That made the dance even more natural. When the music quieted again, Kurapica lowered his eyes, looking a little embarrassed. A glance up, and his eyes slid away again.
“You're staring,” he murmured.
“I was simply concentrating on the dance,” Kuroro lied. “I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”
When Kurapica raised his eyes again, he made a point to look away. He caught a glance of Florenzia and her father. On the next turn, she smiled at him, but her father frowned. Hopefully, he wasn't of the overprotective sort. Kurapica's fingers tightened on his for a brief second and the older man returned his gaze to him. The Kuruta seemed about to say something, but then the music swelled up again, drowning his voice.
A slight falter - Kurapica's shoes looked pretty painful; Kuroro couldn't blame him - and then they were moving again. The black wig really made the pale young man's eyes stand out, bright blue - sapphires to the rubies they turned into when he lost his composure.
Kuroro was having fun, too.
Maybe he would replace that earring, someday. Give him something prettier, better suited to the young man's beauty. With a real gem on a white gold chain. Ah, but he kind of liked this one, too.
Realizing that he now had his eyes fixed on where the earring was hidden with dark, thick curls, he met the younger man's eyes again. The music quieted again. He leaned in, cheek against cheek.
“Ready for the finale?” he asked, mouth by Kurapica's ear.
He felt him nod and he pulled back. Giving him his most charming grin, he clasped his hand tighter. The music picked up again, and he led him around the room once more. Faster, then faster still, and with a crescendo, the last few barres played, before the volume decreased just a bit. And then, like this, it was over.
As people started moving, some leaving the dance floor, some changing partners, others getting ready for the next waltz, Kuroro and Kurapica were left staring at each other in the middle of the large, opulent room.
Beta-reader: None.
Chapter summary: A night at the ball.
Chapter 76
“We'll be there shortly,” Kuroro warned the blond, recognizing a shop he'd made mental note of on his reconnaissance outing the previous night.
Kurapica looked up from his book and took a moment to look around, although he hadn't been with the Spider Head the previous evening. Seemingly remembering this fact, he gave up on it and twisted around to deposit his book on the back seat and pick up his gloves, lacy fan and purse instead.
“I can't breathe,” he grouched as he faced the front again.
“Is it really that bad?” Kuroro asked him, although he had a fairly good idea of just how tight the corset was.
He had tightened it himself, after all, making sure to pull the back lace tight enough to make it look like Kurapica had a small waist, similar to what a girl of his size would have, and also a bit more where he didn't; where the corset left off, the blouse puffed up.
“It is,” Kurapica insisted. “If I faint for lack of oxygen, how is it supposed to help me?”
“You won't,” Kuroro assured him. “But if you do, worry not! I'll carry you home.”
“You're not helping,” Kurapica sighed. “I'll punch you when I regain consciousness.”
“See?” Kuroro pointed out at the sigh, “you can breathe.”
The look that Kurapica turned on him was eloquent.
“You'll owe me another dinner after this,” the blond informed him. “There is no way I can eat anything, at the very least.”
“I'll take you out properly once you've changed out of the dress,” Kuroro promised.
“Not go out,” Kurapica immediately turned it down, “room service.”
“Oh?” Kuroro grinned at him. “Do I look that good in this suit?”
He wanted to catch Kurapica's horrified expression when the boy finally realized what Kuroro was implying, but he had to settle for a confused stare, as he had to look forwards and focus on his driving. A moment later, he was thwacked on the head with the fan. If he'd been a lesser man, the strength of the hit would have been quite painful.
“Idiot,” Kurapica exclaimed.
When the Spider Head glanced at him, the blond quickly turned his head away, but not before Kuroro saw the blush, high on the younger man's cheeks. Ah, he loved this; it was do goddamn addictive.
The rest of the drive went by in silence. Kurapica was likely too flustered to make conversation and the older man was far too pleased with himself to go and ruin it be potentially incurring the blond's ire if he pushed things. They were going to a party and should both appear in good spirit and if Kuroro was sure of his skill in deception, he wasn't as certain of the blond's. They didn't have far to go.
Eventually, they reached the outskirts of the expansive property. They followed the tall garden wall that surrounded the it, all the way to the massive gates. They were open already, with a man close-by to look at the invitations and wave them in. One look at him and Kuroro knew why he'd been left there alone; the man was a powerful nen user. He would know the Spider Head to be the same, but Kurapica would read as a regular person and their invitations were genuine - he'd made sure of that - so the lone guard let them in.
He always did all of his homework - the fact that he'd taken his Spiders as far as he had was largely due to the fact that he dotted his Is and crossed his Ts - but knowing just how well guarded this place was made him glad that he made a point of being as thorough and well-prepared as he could be. He wouldn't risk the man overhearing, in case there was any listening device or ability involved, so he surreptitiously touched Kurapica's knee to get his attention, moved his head a fraction towards the guardsman and mouthed nen user. He got the fraction of a nod in response, then he focused on the large manor looming ahead. Miss Florenzia's affection for all things victorian obviously carried to the majestic home that her parents had bought for her. As they drove closer and closer, Kuroro could tell whoever had designed the castle (mansion was too shabby a word for the grandeur of the place) obviously well knew the architectural style of the era. Although it was a fairly recent construction, every detail of it was faithful to Victorian buildings.
They would have to follow the plan to the letter, if they were to come out of this place victorious. Far from thinking it was a hassle, he found these to be the most fascinating missions.
Kuroro put the car in park by the grand entrance and patted Kurapica's knee.
“Wait for someone to get the door,” he reminded him while he opened his own himself.
He saw, and ignored, the unhappy turn of the blond's lips, but there was nothing for it. No Victorian lady would suffer opening their own car door. Technically, no Victorian lady would ever step out of a new model convertible BMW either, but Kuroro didn't want to bother with a car from over a century ago or a horse carriage. Some of the guests had obviously gone against common sense and chosen the latter. He avoided the malodorous proof without stepping in and waved the valet away from Kurapica's door.
“I'll get that,” he assured him. “Are you allowed to park the car?”
At the young man's nod, he gave him his assumed name and opened the door for his companion. He gallantly offered Kurapica his hand and after an embarrassed look, the younger man accepted it. Kuroro helped him out of the vehicle. He took a step back, still holding Kurapica's fingers, then slipped his other arm around the back of the boy's waist. When he looked back at the car, the valet smiled and pressed the button in the central console that would close the door automatically. Satisfied that the vehicle was taken care of, he led the blond up the stairs and inside the lavish home.
They had to show their invitation again just inside the doors, but after that, they had the place at their disposal, sort of. There were people everywhere, ans cameras filming the entire place, from what he was told in his research. He even had Shalnark hacking into the feed now, just to cover all of his bases. He had not told Kurapica this, however, fearing that a mortified Kuruta would refuse to go on with the plan if he knew someone else would see him in this disguise. Someone who knew who he was, anyway.
He led Kurapica to the ballroom, where most people had congregated, to make formal introductions with the hostess. Creeping around without this step would only seem suspicious, once the Eyes were stolen and security looked through the tapes.
Miss Florenzia was a lovely young lady, dressed to the nines and bejeweled like an empress. Kuroro bowed and kissed her hand, as it seemed like the best way to charm her. Following his lead, Kurapica made a formal curtsey.
“Ah, aren't you just delicious!” Florenzia gushed at Kurapica. “Wholfir? You're engaged, right? Ah, it's my first time meeting people from your region. I have an absolute fascination with distant tribes and their cultures. If you're engaged, this would mean that you,” she turned to Kuroro, “must be a relative. Brother?”
“That's right,” Kuroro answered with his most charming smile. “I'm glad to see you know our customs. What a pleasant surprise!”
It wasn't one. He'd planned this get up counting on it.
“I like to read,” their hostess explained. “Ah, would you excuse me?”
“But of course,” the Spider Head assured her.
They watched her walk away and grab a gentleman by the arm. They started chatting enthusiastically.
“Somehow,” Kurapica commented, low enough that only Kuroro heard him, “she's different from what I'd imagined.”
“Having second thoughts?” the older man teased.
“No,” Kurapica's answer was flat.
Kuroro's grin widened. “Well then,” he offered him his arm. Kurapica had no choice but to slip his hand around the inside of his elbow.
They walked around slowly, stopped here and then for Kuroro to exchange pleasantries with other guests so as to make sure that no one would realize that they were looking for cameras and trying to orient themselves, having both memorized the blueprints of the house.
Soon enough, the soft, silvery ring of a bell sounded to announce that dinner was about to be served. The guests started converging towards the grand dining room. Each person had their seat preassigned, and Kuroro found himself placed between Kurapica and an elegant young woman with an impressive decollete, one that could rival Paku's. He felt a jab in his side and turned his curious eyes on Kurapica, but the younger man wasn't looking at him.
Well, if Kurapica meant to be grumpy, Kuroro wouldn't let him damper his spirit. He conversed cheerfully with the lady sat to his left, but when he tried to include Kurapica, the younger man was polite, but seemed oddly pensive. Perhaps he was just uncomfortable because of the corset. Well, Kuroro knew that when it got down to it, Kurapica would do his part.
There was wine with dinner, and though he'd assured Kurapica that not drinking it would seem strange at such a gathering, he didn't have to drink much. Actually, it was best not to. They had agreed that tiny sips so as to make it seem like they were drinking more than they actually were was the best solution. Staff went around the room, refilling wineglasses left and right, so their having a near-full cup wouldn't be strange. Hopefully, a little alcohol would relax Kurapica a bit.
After dinner, the guests were invited to the ballroom, where they gathered in small groups of acquaintances. Kuroro's friendliness paid off, as he was invited to join one such group, along with his shy little sister, as the young woman put it. They chatted amicably for a while, but when the hostess of the party waved him over, he had to leave Kurapica behind. He made his way to lady Florenzia and kissed her hand again, then half-turned so that he could keep the younger man in his field of vision. He knew that Florenzia would not take offence, since she knew about the customs of the Wholfir tribe.
“Your sister is very beautiful,” the young lady commented.
“She is, isn't she,” Kuroro agreed, his eyes still on the blond.
Florenzia turned her head in the same direction. They watched him in silence for a moment as some young ladies gathered around. They started chatting with enthusiasm. Compliments flew, about Kurapica, about Kuroro (dark and mysterious, really?), about the (fake) tattoos covering the Kuruta's skin and what they meant. At the shy (embarrassed) response of an engagement, delighted cheers erupted, at which Kurapica became even more flustered.
It shouldn't have been so adorable.
Chit-chat went on and soon, young men started gravitating around the small group and Kuroro eyed them distrustfully. If his plan worked, they should know to keep their distance as soon as they were shooed away from Kurapica by the circle of girls surrounding him. He watched the group in silence, hoping that things would go smoothly and secretly enjoying the younger man's discomfiture. A few of the lads kept trying to get closer and really, they should get a clue. At least Kurapica seemed to be ignoring them. According to Wholfir traditions, any young man wanting to talk with the young 'lady' had to go through the relative currently with her, namely Kuroro himself, and get a formal introduction. The Kuruta was staying in character, yet another proof that he was an excellent candidate to take over Pakunoda or Ubogin's place.
“Tell me,” Florenzia said at length, “can you waltz?”
“I can,” Kuroro assured her, “but I can't leave her side.”
“Dance with her, then,” was the young lady's answer.
“I wouldn't have a problem with it,” he assured her, “but I'm not she will want to dance with me. Her waltz is rusty.”
He wasn't sure if Kurapica knew how to dance at all, but it would probably be strange if one sibling knew how to and not the other.
“She doesn't like to lose face, especially with so many people present.”
“Who does?” Florenzia laughed behind her fan. “But you know, the waltz is as good as the lead.” She smiled. “And that would be you, typically.”
Kuroro liked her, he decided. He still had no qualms about robbing her, but he was pleasantly surprised with her.
“True,” he acknowledged. “Very true.”
“Well, then.” She snapped her fan shut. “I want to see you dance, and since I cannot have you to myself, I'll have to satisfy myself with watching you with your sister. I'll get the musicians to start, you go get her. Where is my - Oh! Papa!”
Kuroro turned his head and saw a middle-aged gentleman walk into the room. Florenzia hurried to him, so the Spider Head made his way to Kurapica. He got his attention and tried to take him away from the gaggle of young women who had surrounded him but now found they were much more interested in the taller man than his young companion. He smiled, excused himself, tried to get Kurapica alone, but the young ladies wouldn't let them go. There was nothing for it. He leaned in and Kurapica, with the practised ease of a true born noblewoman, opened his fan and leaned closer to hear what Kuroro had to say.
“How's your waltz?”
Kurapica frowned slightly.
“I know the basic steps,” he murmured quietly, “but I've never tried dancing them.”
“Do you trust me?”
Hidden behind the lacy fan, Kurapica levelled a flat look at him.
“That is a ridiculous question,” he informed the Spider Head.
“Do you trust me to lead the dance and not make us look like fools?” Kuroro amended.
The blond eyed him quietly for a moment, silently studying his face.
“I suppose I can trust you that far,” he finally answered.
Just then, musicians started filing into the room and quietly making their way to the corner stage and setting up their instruments and partitions. Kuroro glanced at them, then his eyes slid back to his companion. Well, it had been a ridiculous question, considering who Kuroro was, but the older man was sort of annoyed with the underlying distaste in the young Kuruta's voice.
He had to hide his misgivings about Kurapica's reaction, however, because lady Florenzia was returning, her arm linked through her father's.
“There you are,” she said with a smile. “I've found the most wonderful gentleman to dance with me, but you still owe me a dance by interim.”
“I was just asking my sister,” Kuroro informed her.
“And her answer?” Florenzia asked, her gaze turning to the younger man.
“Ah,” Kurapica stalled for a moment, his eyes sliding automatically to Kuroro's face before returning to their hostess. “I don't know that I won't embarrass myself horribly,” he finally answered, “but I believe it would be a bit of a waste to come to a ball and not dance once.”
“Wonderful!” Florenzia clapped lightly in delight. “Well, then! Let's get some music.”
She motioned to the musicians and offered Kuroro her left hand and her father the right one. Kuroro took what was offered, but also took his companion's hand in his on the other side. They walked like this to the centre of the room. Kuroro let go of the young woman's hand and took position. One hand at Kurapica's waist, the other clasping his fingers. Half a step closer. Kurapica lowered his face, but Kuroro had caught a glimpse of displeasure on his face, although he wasn't sure why. Probably at having to dance at all.
The music started, light and slow. Kuroro recognized the tune right away. A Viennese waltz, then. He was glad it was one of the pieces that started quietly, so as to give Kurapica time to get used to the steps.
Step, step, long step; step, step, long step.
The third time, Kuroro asked, “Good?”
“Good,” Kurapica answered.
So Kuroro gave Florenzia a subtle nod to indicate they were ready to waltz proper. And then he started turning on the long step. His hand at Kurapica's waist slid to his back. He led easily, effortlessly, and Kurapica followed where he pulled, his cheeks visibly darker. His eyes were a bit wider than usual and pupils dilated. Other couples started dancing around them, mostly composed of men and women, but there were a few same-sex couples as well. If it had not been for the fact that the two burglars reported to have stolen so many pairs of Scarlet Eyes were known to be two young men travelling together, Kuroro wouldn't have bothered with the trouble of putting Kurapica in that dress. It made everything a little more complicated, where the actual theft was concerned.
This, however, dancing like this, the way that Kurapica looked up at him as they moved, 'round and 'round, all around the large ballroom; it was worth all of the trouble of coming up with this ruse. He pulled him a little closer, moving in circles, the dance fluid and easy, and for all of his worries, Kurapica moved with surprising grace. He quickly found his feet, and soon, he didn't need Kuroro's help at all, but went where Kuroro was about to direct him without the slightest pull.
The music got louder, stronger, all of the instruments in on the melody now and the younger man's lips pulled into a slight smile. He looked like he was actually starting to enjoy this. The corners of Kuroro's mouth pulled up as well, and he felt his companion's rigid stance mellow some. That made the dance even more natural. When the music quieted again, Kurapica lowered his eyes, looking a little embarrassed. A glance up, and his eyes slid away again.
“You're staring,” he murmured.
“I was simply concentrating on the dance,” Kuroro lied. “I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”
When Kurapica raised his eyes again, he made a point to look away. He caught a glance of Florenzia and her father. On the next turn, she smiled at him, but her father frowned. Hopefully, he wasn't of the overprotective sort. Kurapica's fingers tightened on his for a brief second and the older man returned his gaze to him. The Kuruta seemed about to say something, but then the music swelled up again, drowning his voice.
A slight falter - Kurapica's shoes looked pretty painful; Kuroro couldn't blame him - and then they were moving again. The black wig really made the pale young man's eyes stand out, bright blue - sapphires to the rubies they turned into when he lost his composure.
Kuroro was having fun, too.
Maybe he would replace that earring, someday. Give him something prettier, better suited to the young man's beauty. With a real gem on a white gold chain. Ah, but he kind of liked this one, too.
Realizing that he now had his eyes fixed on where the earring was hidden with dark, thick curls, he met the younger man's eyes again. The music quieted again. He leaned in, cheek against cheek.
“Ready for the finale?” he asked, mouth by Kurapica's ear.
He felt him nod and he pulled back. Giving him his most charming grin, he clasped his hand tighter. The music picked up again, and he led him around the room once more. Faster, then faster still, and with a crescendo, the last few barres played, before the volume decreased just a bit. And then, like this, it was over.
As people started moving, some leaving the dance floor, some changing partners, others getting ready for the next waltz, Kuroro and Kurapica were left staring at each other in the middle of the large, opulent room.