Rising Flames

Maddy had been looking for Rosalie after the curtain went up, but had failed to find her. What she did find though was Aileen and she looked to be in a lot of trouble. Maddy wasn’t sure what to do, but she ran over anyways. “Hey you. Leave. Her. Alone.’ she said, hoping to distract the demon long enough for Aileen to get away.

“I know it was, I told you it was cheesy, if you want something more original I’m going to need some time and motivation.” He joked as he wrapped his arms more securely on her waist as he danced around with her. With  every giggle that left her lips his smile grew bigger. He hadn’t every had this much fun dancing with anyone and even though the song would end eventually he knew he wouldn’t be ready to let go. “Thank you, you’re pretty great yourself.”

“Then how about I give you until the masks are off to find me something not too cheesy to say? And if you can’t, then I guess you’ll never know who’s under this mask.” Aileen teased, hoping this would be enough motivation for him. And she really wished it was, because she wanted to know who he was. “I’m not, I’m not that great. I’m just following your lead.”

Henrik smiled at her again, part of him hoping to soothe her worries if he showed that he didn’t mind her hesitation, and he mainly kept smiling at her because her was just so happy. She reminded him so much of the one he loved that he just couldn’t help it. “To be cliche and quote a really cheesy movie, ‘Don’t worry it’s all in the leading.” He told her as he started slowly dancing with her across the room, allowing her time to loosen up before he started twirling her around the room like they were on Dancing with The Stars.

“Is that skepticism in your tone?” He asked with a raised eyebrow and a small quirk of his lips as he looked at her, “I’m a pretty good dancer, not professional level, but I can hold my own pretty well.” There was a slow song playing so he placed one hand on her waist and another on her shoulder and pulled her close.“Is this too much?”

“No offense taken.” He assured her as he continued to glance at her occasionally with thoughtful yet subtle looks. He didn’t want freak her out and make her think he was a creep, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he knew her from somewhere. He chuckled when she held out her hand, “You make it sound like I don’t have a choice.” He teased jokingly as he walked to the dance floor with her, “You’re lucky I’m quite a fan of dancing.”

“I haven’t been here all night.” He chuckled with a small shake of his head before he glanced towards her again. “Okay maybe it has been a bit all night.” He agreed partially with a smile. She reminded him of someone, almost like it was her, but it couldn’t be, that was centuries ago.

“That sounds... almost boring. No offense.” She said with a small laugh. It only took her a quick glance towards the dancefloor before she downed the rest of her drink and pushed herself from the wall. “Come on, let’s dance. You’re certainly not staying here all night!” She added, holding out a hand for him.

“Ouch.” Henrik said in a slight teasing yet compassionate tone of voice and a small smile, “That sounds like a very awkward situation, but unfortunately you won’t know until you go back into work.” He looked her over, not in a perverted sexual way, more in a way that was simply admiring her outfit, she looked…beautiful for a lack of a better word. “ Hopefully that wasn’t the case and your job is safe for keeping,” He had been keeping his mask on all night and the only way some people knew who he was is because they knew him on a personal level.

“I guess I can also hope he hasn’t recognized me either so my job is safe. It’s not like I said any names at least.” Slightly tilting her head to the side, Aileen nearly asked him if they could’ve met before. But this would’ve probably ruined the mystery, so what would be the point of wearing masks after that? “So, have you been standing here alone all night, watching people get drunk while slowly sipping on your own glass?” She asked, an eyebrow raised although that was probably not too visible under the mask.

“I appreciate the support. Fair enough, he is a lucky guy.” 

“I take it this is a compliment.” She laughed. “I suppose he is, but I’m sure I’ve already lost him to someone else.”

Bringing Aileen to the ball as a last resort kind of made Reid feel bad. He liked Aileen and she was a good friend, he didn’t want to make her feel used in anyway. That’s why he was going to do everything he could to forget Hugo that night and make his time with Aileen fun. Though of course, things were usually easier said than done. Especially when he saw the man he loved waltzing in at that exact moment, hand and hand with Maddy. His gaze focused on the pair and his features hardened, his lips pursing together into one straight line. “Why wouldn’t it be?” Reid answered once the pair were out of view, quickly clearing his throat. “Not like anyone else would notice. Especially when they’re too busy admiring their own date.. like they should.” He muttered, hand finding hers. “Sorry. Come on, why don’t we go inside?” Reid offered her a small smile.

Noticing how his expression changed, Aileen looked over her shoulder, spotting the pair arriving to the ball. Her own smile dropped at the sight of Maddy. She hated to admit it, but in a way, she was jealous of her. Jealous because she had everything as a child, and Aileen had nothing, despite being family. Not that it meant anything to her, Nate was her only family. Shaking her head, Aileen looked back at Reid, trying to stick that smile back on her lips. “You now, I kind of guessed why you brought me, and it’s fine. If it can help with... you know what, I’m happy to help.” She smiled, nodding in agreement. “Come on, we need to get you that pretty boy.”

Henrik mingled with a few people and danced for a little while before he found himself back leaning against the wall again. He was only there for a small few minutes before a woman leaned against the wall beside him and began talking. He let out a small chuckled as he said, “Not that tiring.” He said politely yet casually, “I just get a bit awkward at these types of events.”

Aileen gave him a small nod of agreement, a smile stuck on her lips. “Those can definitely get awkward fast, especially with the masks and all.” At her comment, she tried to observe him closer. He seemed familiar, somehow, but she really couldn’t tell where she could’ve seen him before. “I mean, what if I was talking to my boss earlier when I said I hated him and was thinking about quitting to start my own bar?”

While I was looking the other way your fire went out Left me with cinders to kick into dust What a waste of the wonder you were