wrote this in the dark
((OOC: Explanation - Taking place in my Scarlet story, disguised hero Mickey has just saved duchess Minnie from a gang of thieves, the beagle boys, late at night...))
Now there was no sound, but for the ever quieting of the frightened men's footsteps as they fled, and her own deep breathing combined with the beating of her heart, loud and hard in her ears. She slowly moved her eyes from where the men once were, to the only man that stood now, his back to her, silence from him. What was she supposed to do now? He was a vigilante... would he demand payment? Would he leave her there to make her walk home alone? Who was the Scarlet... and why wasn't he saying anything?
The thieves were gone, but a fight was still raging - it was just inside Mickey's head. Battling evil doers was easy, confronting your desired crush was an entirely different matter. He struggled to steady his breath and settle his nerves. Come on, you can do it. He cheered himself on. You're not some paperboy now... you're the Scarlet, you're the dashing hero now! This is your big chance! Satisfied, he smoothed down his wrinkled clothes, returned his blade to his scabbard, and turned around to face her.
Eyes met. Hers were of deep confusion, perhaps a dash of fright. His were of warmth, tenderness, and his own sense of fright. He cleared his throat, and began to stride up to her, gloved hand outstretched. "I trust you are all right?" Even with the microchip in his mouth, designed to alter his voice deeper, he found himself heavily stressing on his tone, not wanting her to recognize the squeak that was typically in his throat.
After a flicker of hesitation, she delicately took his hand, using it to steady herself up as she rose to her feet. "Yes, I..." She swallowed, unsure of how to speak, of what to say. Brushing away the previous tears on her face, she stood up straight, knowing she still had her family's image to maintain. "I'm fine, thanks to you. You saved my..." 'life' was omitted, now that she was getting a better look at him. Taking a cautious step forward, with eyes squinted just a smidgen, she dared to ask, based solely upon what she could see behind the mask, his eyes. "... Have we met before?"
Oh no... nonononononono. The one time, the ONE time, he hadn't put in those color contacts per Gyro's instructions... Hoping the blood wasn't draining from his face, he managed to emit a laugh of nervousness. "Why... of course we have."
A slight frown, unsure. "Where?"
Time to put Ludwig's cheesy narrative quotes to the test. He placed his hand over his heart, taking a deep breath. "For every time you have witnessed justice done, for every time the rich and poor have worked together, for every time that evil has been vanquished, I am there... I am the spirit of France, I am her people's will. I am the terror that flaps in the night!" He cast a quick glance at her... her expression wasn't quite favorable. "...A bit much?"
"I'd lose the last bit."
"Yeah, it is pretty ridiculous."
At least that managed to get a smile out of her, most likely fighting a giggle. After composing herself, she grabbed her dress, and formerly curtsied. "As I was saying... you saved my life, and I am deeply grateful. I would... reward, you, but..." The frown returned with memories. "... My carriage has been ransacked, my horses gone." And that coward of a coachmen had fled for his life when she was in danger. He was definitely getting a paycut.
"So, you have no way of getting home." A thoughtful tap of his finger to his chin.
A small shrug."I could... walk." Even saying it, she didn't quite believe it. All by herself? At this hour? With those men still on the loose?
"If I may." He offered his hand once more. "It would be my honor to escort you home, Duchess Minerva."
Sight surprise. "You know my name?"
"I know all of France. But who hasn't heard the name of the lovely little maiden who bestows her gifts upon the less fortunate?" His hand lingered in waiting.
Ignoring the faint tint to her cheeks, she merely nodded. "... I accept your offer, with more of my gratitude."
His clasped around hers gently. "Before we go, I have but one question... are you afraid of heights?"
What an odd thing to ask, so clearly said the puzzlement on Minnie's face. "I... no?"
"Very good." Without any warning, she was suddenly scooped up into his arms, despite her yelp of surprise. He clicked the back of his feet together, then ran to the back of the alley - and then, to Minnie's shock, they were going UP the alley wall, defying gravity, him zig-zagging in an unseen marathon, then leaping off, and landing on the roof of the left building. Not sparing time, he ran the second his feet touched the roof, now even faster than before - he jumped from the roof, to the next one head, and continued on this pattern, as if had entirely memorized this route already. The duchess threw her arms around the Scarlet's neck, shutting her eyes tightly. But his arms were safely around around, cradling her close, not allowing for any risk of her being gone.
"Did I scare you, Minerva?" He asked, ever so calm, sliding with ease on tiles below. "My deepest apologies... this just happens to be the fastest way to get there."
"I-I-I-I'm fine!"Her face said into his shoulder. "Just... don't let me go!"
It was out before he planned it. "Not for anything in the world!"
As soon as the journey had begun, it was over. He had landed on her iron black gates, then hopped off close to her marble statue garden. With reluctance, he began to loosen his hold on her, setting her down. "Home at last." It took her a few moments longer to get her to release his neck, but he wasn't complaining. Allowing herself to relax, she opened her eyes, and slid her hands down his chest, pulling back to look at him square in the face.
"How did you do that?" She exhaled all at once, still in disbelief it had even happened, despite being along for the ride.
A tip of his hat with a coy smile. "Trade secret, Minerva."
Biting on her lower lip, she realized where her hands were, and began to withdraw them. "That, you... Minnie, please. I'd much prefer Minnie."
"Minnie." he repeated, and then reached to push aside a stray bang from her brilliant eyes. "Or, perhaps, 'most precious'? I'm fond of that one." He had rehearsed that line and movement more times than he could count in his head, without ever actually thinking he'd have a chance to do it. Yet here the time was, and as his reward, her face became a red that could have rivaled his cape. He could have died happy right then and there, but, alas, there was plenty of more living to do, and he needed to report back to Ludwig and Gyro. He tipped his hat once more. "Adieu, most precious."
He had planned a good exit, too, on the way over. He would airily let go of his cape, letting if flap in the wind, while walking through the flowers, adding the falling petals to display, and never look back. Oh yes, it would be a great image to leave in her mind, full of mystery and intrigue, and he set forth to do it with one twist of his foot.
Minnie, however, had other ideas, yanking on his hand. "Wait a minute!"
He almost spun in response, losing his balance for a few ungraceful seconds, before managing to plant both feet firmly on the ground, and stared at her."What?"
Her grip became less tight, but did not let go. "I still haven't thanked you... not properly. There has to be some way to reward you."
There was a light attempt to free his arm. "There... there is no need, most precious. Your safety is what is most-"
"I can't just let this be, it isn't right!"
Ah, how he loved her for her honesty and kindness, and now it was to be a hindrance. "I really don't mind-"
"I have money-"
"Unnecessary-"
"I have jewelry-"
"Really, no-"
"Then as a woman!"
"As a..." He stopped resisting, not understanding the offer. "Pardonne et moi?" Excuse me?
Her hands were not longer on him, and were now clasped together, over her heart. "If you won't accept a reward of money, then let me thank you as a woman." With that, her eyes closed, her head tilted up slightly, and she waited.
He still didn't understand, until he noticed her lips were pressed together. Oh...OH! Oh yes! Oh, thank you, you ugly brutish thieves! Best night ever, BEST NIGHT EVER! Inside, he was doing cartwheels, holding a party, celebrating all the years he had pined and dreamed of this moment, now to be served to him on a silver platter. "You... You mean a...a kiss?"
Surprised at his surprise, one of her eyes opened. "Yes? Is that a problem?"
"NO!"He said far too loudly - his real personality and the Scarlet persona were flip flopped, his mind far too excited to control which was really dominant. "I, uh, that is,of course a kiss!"
The eye closed. "You just seem a little nerv-"
"Nervous, noooo, no no, I'm not nervous! It's just a kiss! ... No, not... not JUST a kiss, a kiss is great! Kissing is awesome! I've kissed tons of times! ... No, no, not TONS of times... Not that I've never had one... No, not - " Will you just shut up before you ruin this further? He slapped himself hard on the cheeks, then cleared his throat once again. He was cool. He was calm. He wasn't Mickey Mouse, the shy paperboy. He was The Scarlet, seductive rouge of the night.
"A kiss, from my most precious?" All but purring, he let a finger draw down her cheek,then cupped her chin, leaning in forward, turning his voice to a whisper. "That is worth more than all the jewels of France..."
His own eyes were closed, and he readied his mind to save every single aspect of this event... His nose brushed hers...
Isn't she going to be awfully mad when she finds out you're the Scarlet?
He froze in place. Oh, no. Don't you say another word, conscious!
But isn't this like lying to her? Deceiving her?
I've waited years for this, and now you decide to speak up?! Where were you when I tried stealing cookies?!
"Monsieur Scarlet?"
"Just, uh, savoring the moment, most precious!"
But... the damage had been done. In a sense, he was lying to her, and what would happen when she found out? Even if he didn't win her love, he could lose her friendship, which would be worst of all. If she couldn't love him for him... as the real him, the paperboy who could give her nothing but his own love in return... then what was the point? He didn't want a love based on lies, based on something he really wasn't. Hoping to conceal the hurt in his heart, he moved his hand away from her face...
Back at the gates, the coachmen had finally stopped running, glad to be home, nearly tripping over a child's ball. He gripped the iron bars in relief... and then gasped in horror, seeing up ahead, his mistress! How had she managed to get back before him?! He was going to be in such big trouble... moaning in despair, he let his rage fuel by kicking the ball. Off it bounced - far, into the gardens, smacking back and forth between statues and walls, picking up speed...
Strangely disappointed, Minnie opened her eyes. "Still savoring?" But she was taken aback at the sorrow she could see, almost heart-breaking in its depth.
He touched her hair for the briefest of moments. "Forgive me... I...."
BONK!
Somehow, for all the reflexes that Gyro and Ludwig had enhanced on Mickey's being, the boy had not noticed the rapid ball soaring his way until it smacked right into the back of his head, pushing him forward until his mouth was squarely on top of Minnie's. The ball rolled off, now innocent of any crime, while the mice were locked in the forced embrace. The duchess decided that the Scarlet was just playing more of his games, and, accepting this as an actual kiss, returned it with timidness. It wasn't a bad kiss, no, it was warm, tasteful, and soft. Yet, for a so-called wooer of women, there was an innocence about it. As if he were afraid to move, or just couldn't.
She was the one to break it off, going backwards, breath light, eyelashes waving. She wet her lips before speaking again, a murmur. "Thank you." High heels clicked as she continued walking backwards... then, all at once, she spun around, and made a desperate run for the front door of her mansion.
It was probably a good thing she never turned around. No doubt the image of the Scarlet collapsing to the ground with a goofy smile on his masked face would have dented his stellar image.
Now there was no sound, but for the ever quieting of the frightened men's footsteps as they fled, and her own deep breathing combined with the beating of her heart, loud and hard in her ears. She slowly moved her eyes from where the men once were, to the only man that stood now, his back to her, silence from him. What was she supposed to do now? He was a vigilante... would he demand payment? Would he leave her there to make her walk home alone? Who was the Scarlet... and why wasn't he saying anything?
The thieves were gone, but a fight was still raging - it was just inside Mickey's head. Battling evil doers was easy, confronting your desired crush was an entirely different matter. He struggled to steady his breath and settle his nerves. Come on, you can do it. He cheered himself on. You're not some paperboy now... you're the Scarlet, you're the dashing hero now! This is your big chance! Satisfied, he smoothed down his wrinkled clothes, returned his blade to his scabbard, and turned around to face her.
Eyes met. Hers were of deep confusion, perhaps a dash of fright. His were of warmth, tenderness, and his own sense of fright. He cleared his throat, and began to stride up to her, gloved hand outstretched. "I trust you are all right?" Even with the microchip in his mouth, designed to alter his voice deeper, he found himself heavily stressing on his tone, not wanting her to recognize the squeak that was typically in his throat.
After a flicker of hesitation, she delicately took his hand, using it to steady herself up as she rose to her feet. "Yes, I..." She swallowed, unsure of how to speak, of what to say. Brushing away the previous tears on her face, she stood up straight, knowing she still had her family's image to maintain. "I'm fine, thanks to you. You saved my..." 'life' was omitted, now that she was getting a better look at him. Taking a cautious step forward, with eyes squinted just a smidgen, she dared to ask, based solely upon what she could see behind the mask, his eyes. "... Have we met before?"
Oh no... nonononononono. The one time, the ONE time, he hadn't put in those color contacts per Gyro's instructions... Hoping the blood wasn't draining from his face, he managed to emit a laugh of nervousness. "Why... of course we have."
A slight frown, unsure. "Where?"
Time to put Ludwig's cheesy narrative quotes to the test. He placed his hand over his heart, taking a deep breath. "For every time you have witnessed justice done, for every time the rich and poor have worked together, for every time that evil has been vanquished, I am there... I am the spirit of France, I am her people's will. I am the terror that flaps in the night!" He cast a quick glance at her... her expression wasn't quite favorable. "...A bit much?"
"I'd lose the last bit."
"Yeah, it is pretty ridiculous."
At least that managed to get a smile out of her, most likely fighting a giggle. After composing herself, she grabbed her dress, and formerly curtsied. "As I was saying... you saved my life, and I am deeply grateful. I would... reward, you, but..." The frown returned with memories. "... My carriage has been ransacked, my horses gone." And that coward of a coachmen had fled for his life when she was in danger. He was definitely getting a paycut.
"So, you have no way of getting home." A thoughtful tap of his finger to his chin.
A small shrug."I could... walk." Even saying it, she didn't quite believe it. All by herself? At this hour? With those men still on the loose?
"If I may." He offered his hand once more. "It would be my honor to escort you home, Duchess Minerva."
Sight surprise. "You know my name?"
"I know all of France. But who hasn't heard the name of the lovely little maiden who bestows her gifts upon the less fortunate?" His hand lingered in waiting.
Ignoring the faint tint to her cheeks, she merely nodded. "... I accept your offer, with more of my gratitude."
His clasped around hers gently. "Before we go, I have but one question... are you afraid of heights?"
What an odd thing to ask, so clearly said the puzzlement on Minnie's face. "I... no?"
"Very good." Without any warning, she was suddenly scooped up into his arms, despite her yelp of surprise. He clicked the back of his feet together, then ran to the back of the alley - and then, to Minnie's shock, they were going UP the alley wall, defying gravity, him zig-zagging in an unseen marathon, then leaping off, and landing on the roof of the left building. Not sparing time, he ran the second his feet touched the roof, now even faster than before - he jumped from the roof, to the next one head, and continued on this pattern, as if had entirely memorized this route already. The duchess threw her arms around the Scarlet's neck, shutting her eyes tightly. But his arms were safely around around, cradling her close, not allowing for any risk of her being gone.
"Did I scare you, Minerva?" He asked, ever so calm, sliding with ease on tiles below. "My deepest apologies... this just happens to be the fastest way to get there."
"I-I-I-I'm fine!"Her face said into his shoulder. "Just... don't let me go!"
It was out before he planned it. "Not for anything in the world!"
As soon as the journey had begun, it was over. He had landed on her iron black gates, then hopped off close to her marble statue garden. With reluctance, he began to loosen his hold on her, setting her down. "Home at last." It took her a few moments longer to get her to release his neck, but he wasn't complaining. Allowing herself to relax, she opened her eyes, and slid her hands down his chest, pulling back to look at him square in the face.
"How did you do that?" She exhaled all at once, still in disbelief it had even happened, despite being along for the ride.
A tip of his hat with a coy smile. "Trade secret, Minerva."
Biting on her lower lip, she realized where her hands were, and began to withdraw them. "That, you... Minnie, please. I'd much prefer Minnie."
"Minnie." he repeated, and then reached to push aside a stray bang from her brilliant eyes. "Or, perhaps, 'most precious'? I'm fond of that one." He had rehearsed that line and movement more times than he could count in his head, without ever actually thinking he'd have a chance to do it. Yet here the time was, and as his reward, her face became a red that could have rivaled his cape. He could have died happy right then and there, but, alas, there was plenty of more living to do, and he needed to report back to Ludwig and Gyro. He tipped his hat once more. "Adieu, most precious."
He had planned a good exit, too, on the way over. He would airily let go of his cape, letting if flap in the wind, while walking through the flowers, adding the falling petals to display, and never look back. Oh yes, it would be a great image to leave in her mind, full of mystery and intrigue, and he set forth to do it with one twist of his foot.
Minnie, however, had other ideas, yanking on his hand. "Wait a minute!"
He almost spun in response, losing his balance for a few ungraceful seconds, before managing to plant both feet firmly on the ground, and stared at her."What?"
Her grip became less tight, but did not let go. "I still haven't thanked you... not properly. There has to be some way to reward you."
There was a light attempt to free his arm. "There... there is no need, most precious. Your safety is what is most-"
"I can't just let this be, it isn't right!"
Ah, how he loved her for her honesty and kindness, and now it was to be a hindrance. "I really don't mind-"
"I have money-"
"Unnecessary-"
"I have jewelry-"
"Really, no-"
"Then as a woman!"
"As a..." He stopped resisting, not understanding the offer. "Pardonne et moi?" Excuse me?
Her hands were not longer on him, and were now clasped together, over her heart. "If you won't accept a reward of money, then let me thank you as a woman." With that, her eyes closed, her head tilted up slightly, and she waited.
He still didn't understand, until he noticed her lips were pressed together. Oh...OH! Oh yes! Oh, thank you, you ugly brutish thieves! Best night ever, BEST NIGHT EVER! Inside, he was doing cartwheels, holding a party, celebrating all the years he had pined and dreamed of this moment, now to be served to him on a silver platter. "You... You mean a...a kiss?"
Surprised at his surprise, one of her eyes opened. "Yes? Is that a problem?"
"NO!"He said far too loudly - his real personality and the Scarlet persona were flip flopped, his mind far too excited to control which was really dominant. "I, uh, that is,of course a kiss!"
The eye closed. "You just seem a little nerv-"
"Nervous, noooo, no no, I'm not nervous! It's just a kiss! ... No, not... not JUST a kiss, a kiss is great! Kissing is awesome! I've kissed tons of times! ... No, no, not TONS of times... Not that I've never had one... No, not - " Will you just shut up before you ruin this further? He slapped himself hard on the cheeks, then cleared his throat once again. He was cool. He was calm. He wasn't Mickey Mouse, the shy paperboy. He was The Scarlet, seductive rouge of the night.
"A kiss, from my most precious?" All but purring, he let a finger draw down her cheek,then cupped her chin, leaning in forward, turning his voice to a whisper. "That is worth more than all the jewels of France..."
His own eyes were closed, and he readied his mind to save every single aspect of this event... His nose brushed hers...
Isn't she going to be awfully mad when she finds out you're the Scarlet?
He froze in place. Oh, no. Don't you say another word, conscious!
But isn't this like lying to her? Deceiving her?
I've waited years for this, and now you decide to speak up?! Where were you when I tried stealing cookies?!
"Monsieur Scarlet?"
"Just, uh, savoring the moment, most precious!"
But... the damage had been done. In a sense, he was lying to her, and what would happen when she found out? Even if he didn't win her love, he could lose her friendship, which would be worst of all. If she couldn't love him for him... as the real him, the paperboy who could give her nothing but his own love in return... then what was the point? He didn't want a love based on lies, based on something he really wasn't. Hoping to conceal the hurt in his heart, he moved his hand away from her face...
Back at the gates, the coachmen had finally stopped running, glad to be home, nearly tripping over a child's ball. He gripped the iron bars in relief... and then gasped in horror, seeing up ahead, his mistress! How had she managed to get back before him?! He was going to be in such big trouble... moaning in despair, he let his rage fuel by kicking the ball. Off it bounced - far, into the gardens, smacking back and forth between statues and walls, picking up speed...
Strangely disappointed, Minnie opened her eyes. "Still savoring?" But she was taken aback at the sorrow she could see, almost heart-breaking in its depth.
He touched her hair for the briefest of moments. "Forgive me... I...."
BONK!
Somehow, for all the reflexes that Gyro and Ludwig had enhanced on Mickey's being, the boy had not noticed the rapid ball soaring his way until it smacked right into the back of his head, pushing him forward until his mouth was squarely on top of Minnie's. The ball rolled off, now innocent of any crime, while the mice were locked in the forced embrace. The duchess decided that the Scarlet was just playing more of his games, and, accepting this as an actual kiss, returned it with timidness. It wasn't a bad kiss, no, it was warm, tasteful, and soft. Yet, for a so-called wooer of women, there was an innocence about it. As if he were afraid to move, or just couldn't.
She was the one to break it off, going backwards, breath light, eyelashes waving. She wet her lips before speaking again, a murmur. "Thank you." High heels clicked as she continued walking backwards... then, all at once, she spun around, and made a desperate run for the front door of her mansion.
It was probably a good thing she never turned around. No doubt the image of the Scarlet collapsing to the ground with a goofy smile on his masked face would have dented his stellar image.