Limerence

Orphic

Orphic (adj.)

-mysterious and entrancing; beyond ordinary understanding.

The silence that resonated when the Vice Captain left was confusingly heavy. The poor girl didn't know why her friend was emitting such an intimidating aura. She wanted to know why he was behaving that way so she called his name softly,

"William?"

"Only for me."

"I'm sorry?" The girl's brows furrowed in confusion at the cryptic statement.

William fully turned to her, his smile was still of course, present. But (Name) now noticed that there was no warmth in it. His bewildering amethyst eyes stared at her as if she was a prey to be hunted. The girl knew that she should be scared, but she only felt the rush of excitement that coursed through her body with just looking at his predatory gaze. Her tongue glided through her quivering bottom lip when she suddenly felt a wave of thirst washed over her. The simple action didn't come amiss with Captain Vangeance whose aforementioned eyes darkened considerably.

If someone were to come to that room in that moment, they would surely feel the thick tension that hung through the atmosphere. So thick that you can cut it with a sword. But then, the Captain blinked and it was gone. His smile had once again held kindness and his eyes clear of whatever emotion it was that tainted them just a while back.

"I remembered that you told me that you're only flirtatious when it comes to your dear Captain. Was it not appropriate to assume that it was only for me? Does it also apply to your Vice Captain?"

His statement didn't immediately reach (Name). She was still trying to process what just happened. She was unhinged as to why she felt disappointment in the pit of her stomach. Was she expecting something? And now, he bombarded her with an equally bewildering question. She forced herself to reply.

"W-what? Don't be s-scandalous! I didn't even flirt with him!" She cursed when her tongue didn't cooperate with the supposed confidence she wanted to convey the statement with.

The Captain's smile turned coy as he walked closer toward the flustered girl and gently held her chin so her eyes were forced to look at him. Which is where they're supposed to be, he thought.

"Oh? But you were making all those adorable reactions for him? I won't be surprised if he took it the way I did." William inched closer to her face until they were hair's width as he spoke, taking note of the color steadily spreading through her cheeks.

(Name) can't speak, she won't even know what to say if she can. The only thing her mind can focus on is how delectable and nibble-worthy William Vangeance's bottom lip is. How his breath smells like peppermint that tickles her nose slightly in each pant. They were so close that she could count his blessed lashes individually.

William was very aware of her eyes that's wandering over his features. Normally, when some of his subordinates stare curiously at his face when he roams around the castle mask free, he would feel the insecurity quickly seeping in. But with (Name), he revels in her attention. He feels empowered on how easily he makes this beautiful woman so eager to be with him.

"Shall I ask Rill to paint me a portrait? I'm sure he'd be willing to give favor to one of his fellow captains. It's so you can stare at my face as long as you want."

The girl hurriedly pushed him away, also in time as Klaus Lunettes, Mimosa Vermillion, and Yuno entered the room. (Name) cowered away in the corner, hands flying to her face. She gave her legs some pep talk so that they wouldn't give out on her. Whatever tension surrounds the two of them dissipating quickly. When has William become so forward?

"You asked for us, Captain Vangeance?"

William straightened himself, slyly glancing at his new subordinate before answering, "Ah, yes. Thank you for coming in such short notice. I would like you all to meet, (First Name) (Last Name). She's the new addition to our brigade. (Name), these are Klaus, Yuno, and Mimosa."

At the sound of her name, the girl jumped and hurriedly made her introductions, "A pleasure to meet all of you!"

"Likewise."

"Same here, Miss (Name)!"

"..."

The dark-haired lad just bowed slightly and looked ahead. Are all the Golden Dawn men this intimidating? (Name) was at least grateful that the girl, who she now knows as Mimosa, looked welcoming.

"I would like to put (Name) in your group, Klaus. The progress that you all have achieved is very admirable. I'm hoping that you would be able to bring out the talent that I know (Name) possesses."

"Just leave it to us, Sir!" The man with glasses or Klaus, she supposed, spoke confidently.

"I trust that you take care of her as well, she happens to be a dear friend of mine. But with that said, there is no need for special treatment." William turned to the girl and smiled when she looked away bashfully, "She knows how to fight for herself."

"Understood, Captain."

"Now, please show (Name) around the headquarters. I would do it myself but unfortunately, I have work to do."

"Of course, Captain Vangeance."

The trio turned to leave and (Name) casted a lingering look on her new Captain, cheeks dusting pink. William just grinned and winked at her, causing her eyes to dart down and her heart to undoubtedly speed up.

"Come on Miss (Name)!" Mimosa tugged at her arm and dragged her away from his office, doors closing behind them.

(Name) thought back to what has conspired. William became a very charismatic man during their time apart and she couldn't fathom how smooth the words are that spilled from his delectable lips. Even so, were there even any meaning behind his actions? Or was he simply toying with her expressions?

She didn't know if she could handle being tormented like that each day. Her face might become a permanent hue of red. But she would be lying if she said she didn't like it.