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68. The Captain and the Engineer: The Same Coin
Cormack Owle posted a photo:
Vincent told Aiden he’d be in touch but mysteriously he was not. While Aiden attended practices with Charlotte three times already, it didn’t distract him from thinking nonstop about Vincent. Though, it was kind of Charlotte to invite him out for ice cream on Friday afternoon after practice. She had noticed he seemed distracted and wanted to give him something to smile about. Admittedly, having ice cream did help boost his spirits, and he was happy to enjoy a walk with his friend while her maid chaperoned behind them.
Charlotte and Lady Dubois reported that Vincent seemed well whenever they’d seen him as of late, so he wasn’t as worried as he would have been otherwise. But after a week of not hearing from him, Aiden went to Vincent’s flat but there was no answer. Finally, after missing him twice more, he scribbled out a note and wedged it into his door late Sunday evening. Hopefully, Vincent would get back to him soon. He was starting to feel anxious! He was still unconvinced that Vincent was really fine after their last meeting. And not only was Vincent nowhere to be found, but the masquerade was coming up! Aiden had no idea what he was supposed to do or where to go! At this point, all he could do was wait for Vincent to reach out. Worst case, he’d just have to go to the Dubois manor alone.
But, thankfully, a letter was delivered the next evening that finally eased the worst of his anxiety. It was from Vincent! Aiden read the note and felt relieved to find out that Vincent would be coming over Wednesday to help him get ready. He’d apologized for his silence by explaining that he’d been unexpectedly busy since his uncle’s return to the city.
Wednesday morning finally came and with it brought an onslaught of nervous butterflies in Aiden’s stomach. Tonight was the night of the masquerade! He’d not slept as well as he’d have liked, but now that he was up, there was no way he was going back to sleep. Time passed so damn slowly until finally the time of Vincent’s expected arrival made its approach.
Vincent had spent the last two days processing his newfound feelings about Aiden. What was he supposed to do?! Unfortunately, he was no closer to any answers than he was two days ago. As much as he wanted to continue to hide away and pretend this wasn’t happening, he had obligations to fulfill.
Vincent arrived at Leon’s Claw on time and felt his heart flutter as he saw that winning smile of Aiden’s and how his eyes lit up upon seeing him. Vincent, as if nothing were amiss, smiled in return. He’d already made arrangements with Damien to meet him at the masquerade, so he didn’t have to worry about him until tonight. For now, he could focus on helping Aiden get ready and meeting with his family as planned.
During Vincent’s time catching up with Aiden, he was a little worried that Aiden would start elaborating about his visits to the Dubois house; particularly about his time spent with Charlotte. But, thankfully, Aiden didn’t really speak about his practice time at all. He merely mentioned that during one of his visits he’d been told about the celebration that had been planned this past Sunday and asked Vincent how it went. Apparently, Aiden had not been introduced to Vincent’s uncle yet after all. Honestly, Vincent was a little surprised that Charlotte hadn’t orchestrated that already. Though, Aiden would certainly be meeting him tonight. There was no way around that fact now. Once upon a time, he’d been somewhat looking forward to introducing them. Now he was starting to dread it thanks to Charlotte.
After Aiden and Vincent made sure they had their invitations, suits, and everything else they’d need for the evening they locked up Leon’s Claw and departed for the Dubois manor. Aiden felt a little better seeing Vincent acting more like his usual self. Maybe whatever was bothering him was no longer an issue? At least Vincent was smiling more genuinely again…or so it seemed. Indeed, he was none-the-wiser to Vincent’s internal struggles. He had no idea that Vincent was very much not okay and was, in fact, fighting a small anxiety attack as they drew closer to the manor. He was just very well-practiced in masking his emotions.
They were received by Bernadette, who was to be staying home that evening with Abigail to help care for the children. Once they made it inside, Aiden was shown a guest room where he could store his items until it was time to change and get ready. They only had another hour until then, so they were invited to the family sitting room for tea.
Abigail was waiting there with the three youngest children who were playing a board game on the coffee table to pass the time. Though, at the sight of Vincent and Aiden the children all jumped to their feet to greet them happily! It didn’t take very long for Aiden to get roped into playing a quick game with them while Vincent sat with his elder cousins and watched in amusement.
The next hour passed quickly and soon it was time to start getting ready! Vincent took it upon himself to escort Aiden along the hallway to his guest room while his cousins went to start washing up for dinner. Aiden was such a big hit with his family! Everyone, including the children, seemed to really enjoy having him around.
“We’ll be meeting in the entrance hall in an hour,” Vincent explained as they turned down the guest hallway and Aiden moved to walk alongside him. “It’s easy to get to, but if you need help with anything you can ask any of the staff.”
“I appreciate it. Thank you.”
“Mhm.”
“Who is coming tonight?”
“Mm, it is no small affair. There will be a lot of people in attendance.”
“I meant your family. Is it really just us, Charlotte, and your aunt and uncle?”
“Oh, right. Yes, that’s correct.”
“I’m surprised Bernadette and Abigail aren’t going.”
“Heh, Abigail doesn’t do large crowds. I daresay she hates them more than I do.”
“What about Bernadette?”
“It’s not exactly her cup of tea, either.” Vincent actually chuckled and smirked a little before adding, “Let’s just say your toes should be grateful that I asked Abby to join us instead for practice the last few weeks.”
Aiden laughed softly as they made it to the second floor and turned down the hall that led to Aiden’s guest room. He remembered Vincent and Abigail joking about that once or twice during their practices. Aiden knew that Bernadette proudly did not consider herself a “proper lady” and would rather be mixing medicines or be out in the woods. Honestly, that wildness was something that Aiden loved about her.
They had made it to Aiden’s room. With one hand on the handle Aiden glanced back at Vincent with a small smile and felt his heart thump heavily in his chest as he gazed at the man he’d come to love. Perhaps after tonight, once he figured out how to tell Vincent how he felt…well, maybe Vincent would finally feel the same way about him. He couldn’t falter now. He’d come this far! Finally, after a long moment Aiden said softly, “So…I’ll see you soon?”
“Yeah, see you soon.”
Vincent felt as if he could get lost staring into those ocean eyes of his. Instead, after responding, he smiled slightly and forced himself to turn and set off in the other direction so he could head back towards his room. Aiden was dangerous! Damn it all! He just needed to get through tonight! Tomorrow, he could go back to trying to figure this all out.
Vincent felt like he was moving slowly as he undressed, his mind occupied with thoughts about tonight. Not only was he still undecided about how to handle this situation with Aiden, he also was dreading the ball, itself. There would be many people there; many who loved small talk and others who would try to ignore him so blatantly without caring to pretend otherwise. Between his scarring and more effeminate appearance, people often tried to avoid him. He was a quiet fellow anyways and most people knew that by now. He’d spent most of the last ball hiding and avoiding everyone if he could help it. It…hadn’t gone as well as he’d have liked. Thankfully, this time it was a masquerade and people were less likely to recognize him.
And now he stared at himself in the mirror at the unsightly vertical scar that ran through his right eye. Honestly, he’d grown more used to it in the past couple of years but it was always such a painful reminder of what had happened. It wasn’t so long ago that he couldn’t even stand to look at himself in the mirror. But in the more recent months, he’d begun to appreciate his own appearance more. It was more noticeable, not just to his family, but to Vincent. It showed in how he held himself, how he dressed, how he did his hair…
Even now, as he sat and began brushing out his long hair, he began to envision how he wanted to do it. Most of the time he wore his hair the usual way: in a braid with his bangs in his face as if he didn’t exist. He felt it always made him seem unapproachable and less noticeable at that. That was how he liked it. Yet with his renewed sense of self, he didn’t really need to think about it too much. Something that was still him…something different…better…
Upon his arrival to the entrance hall, Vincent discovered he was the first to arrive. He glanced towards the clock. Surely the others would be joining him any moment. He tucked his hands behind him and bounced slowly on the balls of his feet. In an effort to keep his anxiety at bay, he kept himself distracted by staring at a painted family portrait up on the wall from about ten years ago. He was so preoccupied and lost in thought that he didn’t realize a moment later that he was no longer alone.
“Wow.”
A breathless voice spoke up so quietly behind him that Vincent almost thought he’d imagined it. He slowly turned and was amazed to find that the breathless voice belonged to Aiden. His tone had suggested that whatever he saw was perhaps the most stunning creature he’d ever laid eyes on. And if that were true…then why was Aiden staring at HIM?
The way Aiden’s gorgeous eyes shimmered in wonder and how his lips parted into such a handsome smile…how Aiden seemed to look like a fairy tale prince come to life in his ballroom attire… He’d even partially pulled his hair back and it only added to his maturity. Vincent had never seen Aiden look so grown up in all the time he’d known him.
Vincent’s breath hitched in his throat as he felt himself feel frozen and yet also suddenly very warm. There was an odd tightening in his chest that was painful and yet felt so pleasant at the same time. Vincent swallowed hard and turned more to face Aiden; unable to help being pulled into his admiring gaze as Aiden stood there staring at him like that still. Vincent’s heart beat hard in his chest and his lips parted, unsure what was going to come out. But before Vincent could speak…
“Aiden, you’re here!”
Very suddenly, the moment was gone as Charlotte’s voice cut through the silence. Vincent silently cursed as above Aiden, at the top of the staircase, stood his younger cousin. She smiled so brilliantly as she descended the stairs. She clearly had eyes only for Aiden. The sight made Vincent want to grind his teeth bitterly.
Aiden, of course, had turned at the sudden call of his name and a warm smile broke out upon his face as he saw the young lady he was to escort for the evening. She was an absolute vision! Aiden couldn’t understand how someone who was as kind and sweet as she was beautiful was still available. And as Charlotte joined him at his side, he extended his arm out to her graciously to which she happily took with a smile.
“It’s so good to see you. You look dashing!” Charlotte exclaimed softly as she squeezed his arm and gently tugged him to step off the stairs with her. And as they did, Aiden replied with a chuckle, “Thank you. It’s good to see you, too. You look lovely!”
“You’re too kind. Have you been waiting long?”
“Oh no, I just got down here…”
Vincent stood off to the side and slightly in the shadows as the two walked past him, locked in their own conversation. He tried to ignore the feeling as if the floor had been yanked out from under him. Now that Charlotte was here, the moment he had been sharing with Aiden was long gone. Or maybe it was really nothing and he had simply misunderstood what he thought was Aiden’s infatuated look? From above he could hear the sound of his uncle and aunt’s voices growing closer which meant it was time to put a brave face on.
With a deep breath, Vincent pushed down his conflicting feelings of anger and sadness and forced an amiable smile upon his face. He could do this. He just had to. He’d deal with the consequences of whatever came of all this tomorrow. It was all he could do.
—
NEXT PART: (Soon to come!)
To select another chapter (or even start from the beginning), here’s the album link:
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***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (LGBTQ+) series. It is a slow burn and is rated YOUNG ADULT!***
Special thank you to my husband Vin for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!
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