Chapter 4 - To Steal a Kiss

As the vibrant melodies filled the air, the revelers spilled out into the garden, their laughter and joy echoing beneath the starry night sky. Blaise, however, remained on the sidelines, his once-bold demeanor now replaced with a sense of unease. He stuck to the shadows, a wallflower amidst the crowd, patiently waiting for the party to wind down.

Lucien, empathetic to Blaise's plight, couldn't bear to see him isolated and alone. With a soft smile, he approached Blaise, his presence a comforting shield against the indifference of their families. Together, they watched the swirl of colors and movement, finding quiet comfort in each other's company.

The night carried on, the music and laughter punctuating the air. Lucien's heart went out to Blaise, knowing that his own family was avoiding him, judging him for his behavior. They'd judge Lucien too, if they knew. With every passing minute, Lucien's resolve to help Blaise strengthened.

At long last, the revelry began to wane, and the guests bid their farewells. Lucien's father and Blaise's mother emerged from the grand hall, their arms interlocked. Marie was smiling again, and this time Blaise ducked back into the shadows of the garden to avoid angering her.

A horse-drawn carriage awaited them, ready to whisk them away on their long-awaited honeymoon. As they climbed aboard, their laughter filled the night, carrying the echoes of a new beginning for them. The carriage rolled forward, disappearing into the distance, leaving behind a quiet calm that settled over the garden.

Lucien watched as the carriage left, then turned to Blaise. "Let's go."

Lucien and Blaise found a carriage of their own to take them back to Marie's house.

As they bumped down the cobblestone roads in their carriage, Blaise's gaze remained fixed on the passing scenery outside, lost in his own thoughts, while Lucien couldn't help but steal glances at him, captivated by his ethereal beauty.

Blaise's pale complexion, accentuated by his dirty blond hair that fell in soft waves, made him appear almost otherworldly. His lips, a striking shade of red and shaped like a bow, were beautiful and seemed meant to be kissed, while his eyes, a rare hue that bordered on purple, sparkled with a mysterious depth. Lucien admired Blaise's delicate features, from his pointy nose to his slender fingers.

As the carriage rolled on, Lucien's gaze lingered on Blaise's profile, studying the subtle expressions that flitted across his features. There was a vulnerability there, a delicate strength that both fascinated and endeared him. Lucien found himself drawn to Blaise's enigmatic charm, unable to resist the pull he felt towards him.

Finally, the carriage came to a halt near their destination. Lucien, aware of the need for discretion, insisted they be dropped off at the back entrance of Blaise's mother's house.

Her estate was a decent size, large enough to keep some horses. As they rounded the back of the house, they were met with the sight of a charming, rustic barn.

"Here we are," Lucien announced, opening the carriage door and stepping out onto the soft ground. Blaise followed suit, his eyes scanning their surroundings.

The two of them walked towards the barn in the moonlight. Lucien pushed open the creaky door, revealing a hidden haven within. The space was filled with the comforting scent of hay and a soft, warm glow from a single lantern.

"Make yourself comfortable," Lucien said. "I will run back to the house and get some blankets and other things. I don't want Troy to get suspicious so I'll need to wait until he sleeps. It may be a while before I return." He bid Blaise farewell for the moment, assuring him that he would return shortly with supplies for their night in the barn.

Blaise nodded, then sat in a corner on a bale of hay.

With determined steps, Lucien made his way towards the back entrance of the house. He pushed open the door, entering the hall that led to the living room. The light was on in there.

He found Blaise's brother, Troy, sitting on the couch, a book in his hands. Troy looked up, a mix of relief and mild annoyance crossing his features.

"There you are, Lucien," Troy said, closing his book. "I was starting to wonder where you had disappeared to. Thought I might have to come searching for you."

Lucien offered a sheepish smile, walking further into the room. "Apologies, Troy. There was a bit of a line for the carriages, and our driver got a little lost for a moment."

Troy's annoyance softened into amusement as he gestured for Lucien to take a seat beside him. "Well, I'm glad you're back. It's been a long night, and I was beginning to think you might have gotten lost on purpose."

Troy leaned back in his chair, a contented smile gracing his lips. "You know, Lucien, it's funny how life works sometimes. We went from complete strangers to stepbrothers in such a short time."

Lucien smiled, nodding in agreement. "It is quite the whirlwind, isn't it? But I have to say, I couldn't have asked for a better stepbrother than you, Troy."

Troy raised an eyebrow playfully. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Lucien. But I have to admit, you've brought a breath of fresh air into our family." A shadow of trouble crossed his face, and he said, "I apologize for the big scene tonight. You handled it very well. Blaise drives my mother up a wall, she's not herself when he's around."

Lucien grinned. "No worries. It was... an interesting night."

Troy leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Interesting, huh? Just don't go causing too much trouble. Blaise is enough of a handful as it is."

Lucien smiled again. "Don't worry, Troy. I made sure to keep Blaise on his best behavior."

"Thank you for taking care of him, Lucien," Troy sighed. "I don't know why he showed up. He wasn't wanted." Troy sighed. "Blaise can be a bit of a troublemaker, always finding himself in some sort of predicament. Don't let his drama consume you. I'm warning you. He is a danger."

With that, Troy stretched, then closed his book. "I'm beat," he admitted. "I'm calling it a night. You'll close things up down here?"

"Yes, I have a few things to do, then I'll go to bed as well."

With their conversation coming to a close, Troy bid Lucien goodnight and retreated to his room. Lucien, now alone in the living room, set about his task of gathering supplies for their night in the barn.

He ventured into the kitchen, collecting food and a bottle of wine, ensuring they had sustenance for the evening. He raided the linen closet, gathering blankets and some pillows.

With his arms laden with provisions, Lucien made his way back towards the barn, the moonlight guiding his steps.

When he entered, Blaise stood from his spot on the bale of hay.

"That was shorter than I expected, he said.

Lucien began carefully arranging the food and wine, creating a makeshift picnic amidst the hay-filled barn. Blaise assisted him, their hands occasionally brushing against each other, igniting a subtle spark that sent a tingle through Lucien's veins.

He couldn't deny it - he was attracted to Blaise.

With the preparations complete, they settled down on the soft blankets, making themselves comfortable.

Blaise, leaning against a pile of hay, looked at Lucien curiously. "So, Lucien, besides being a student, what else ignites your passion? What do you enjoy doing in your free time?"

Lucien leaned back, propping himself up with an elbow and settling into his blankets. "Well, Blaise, aside from my studies, music has always held a special place in my heart. I play the violin, and I'm actually studying about music as well. It's a fascinating world."

Blaise's eyes widened with intrigue. "Music has a way of speaking to the soul, doesn't it? What composers do you enjoy listening to?"

Lucien smiled, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Ah, where do I begin? There are so many remarkable ones. I've always been captivated by the works of Beethoven. His symphonies, especially the Fifth and Ninth, evoke such raw emotions and leave a lasting impact."

Blaise nodded, his interest piqued. "Me too. And what about Debussy? His music is so elegant and full of charm."

Lucien's smile widened. "Absolutely! His genius is undeniable. His compositions are intricate and exquisitely crafted. Who doesn't like Claire de Lune? It transports you to a different world."

Blaise's eyes gleamed with enthusiasm. "And what about Tchaikovsky? His Swan Lake and Symphony No. 5 are simply breathtaking."

Lucien nodded in agreement. "The way he weaves melodies and harmonies together is truly mesmerizing. Really one of the bests."

Blaise leaned in, his curiosity growing. "And what about the romantic composers? I've always been drawn to the poetic nature of their music. Any favorites in that category?"

Lucien's expression softened, his voice taking on a gentle tone. "Ah, the romantics. One of my favorites is Frédéric Chopin. His Nocturnes, particularly the Nocturne in E-flat Major, have an ethereal quality that touches the depths of one's soul. And let's not forget about Johannes Brahms. His Symphony No. 3 is a masterpiece."

Blaise nodded, a sense of shared appreciation filling the space between them. "It's amazing how music from decades, or even centuries ago can still be so beautiful. It's like a timeless language."

A gentle warmth enveloped Lucien as he delved into their shared love for music, discussing composers, symphonies, and the emotions they evoked. Their conversation flowed effortlessly.

As the night grew darker, a hush settled over the barn, the world outside fading away. There was a little lull in the conversation, but it didn't make Lucien unconfortable at all. He now felt at ease with Blaise.

He smiled up at Blaise only to find Blaise watching him. Blaise's eyes shimmered with a look that intrigued Lucien.

Then, in a moment that caught Lucien off guard, Blaise slid closer, his body inching nearer. Lucien assumed it was just to continue the converstion, but then the atmosphere changed, charged with a new energy. Blaise's intentions were unmistakable, as he leaned in, his eyes locked on Lucien's lips.

Blaise was going to kiss him!