Veronian Enchantment

Chapter 2

Chapter two

Benvolio tugged himself away from Mercutio's iron grip. “What the hell Mercutio!” He exclaimed, frustrated and angry he didn't get the kiss that he yearned for. “I should be asking you that! You cannot date him.” Hissed the shorter of the two. Benvolio recoiled, insulted “Enlighten me as to why? Is it because he is a Capulet!? Well I will have you know that the feud is childish and extremely outdated-!” “NO!” Cried Mercutio, “You can't date him because he's an ASSHOLE with a capital A!” Mercutio stomped his foot down, frustrated that Benvolio refused to listen. “He is not! He just..gets angry sometimes, and I don't need your approval Mercutio.” Benvolio huffed, crossing his arms. “Oh my god Benvi...are you two dating already?” Mercutio gasped, hands covering his mouth in slight horror. “W-well I um..No but..” Stuttered Benvolio, technically no they weren't dating but Benvolio wouldn't mind it at all, oh no for it was completely welcome. “Ah thank god, Benvolio you are not permitted to leave!” Demanded the hot-headed boy. “Wow Merc, it's almost as if I actually asked.” Benvolio bit back before leaving to his room. Romeo quickly made his way to Ben’s room, eyes wide and curious. “Benvolio, tell me are you dating Tybalt?”

Benvolio looked away “Ah so now are you spying for the little brat? Leave me alone Romeo.” Romeo let out a small laugh “Was I this angsty when I had fallen for Juliet?” “Yes.” came the sour reply. “T-There’s nothing wrong with it….come on, dinner is served Benvolio. Do try and be nice to poor Mercutio.” “I will respect him if he watches his vile language.” Benvolio stated, brushing off his clothes and making his way downstairs. Lady Montague cheerfully greeted them “Well hello boys, come hither the food with get cold.” Returning to her seat as she eagerly held a sealed letter, more specifically Prince Paris’ seal. “We have been invited to a party, do behave yourselfs. It is tomorrow night! Leave the Montague name with a refreshing and positive connotation!” She ordered, eyes narrowing with authority at the last part. “No fights.” She glared at Romeo and Mercutio. “Yes ma’am” came the somber reply. The rest of the evening was silent, Benvolio still full with the sandwich that he shared with Tybalt. Romeo distracted Mercutio so the two ‘besties’ wouldn't argue over Tybalt's bachelor status. The king of cats in love with a Montague rat? Benvolio questioned to himself, softly touching his lips in remembrance to how close their lips were and how those gorgeous yellow eyes glittered in the lustrous moonlight. Benvolio woke with someone shaking his shoulders, swiftly he knocked the hands away. “What the ever loving fuck!?” Cried Benvolio, when had he fallen asleep? “Benvolio come on, you've missed breakfast. Has hanging around Tybalt made you lazy?” Sneered Romeo. “Maybe he shouldn't hangout with him buuuuutt nobody listens to Mercutio!” interjected Mercutio, still pouty over the fact that his warnings had been ignored. Benvolio bit his tongue, oh so very tempted to hit the back of Mercutio's head. “Whatever you two.” Benvolio snapped, gathering his shower supplies and swiftly made his way to the baths. “Stupid Mercutio and his ignorant, foolish comments.” angrily he turned on the water. Romeo didn't even  have the right to make fun of him, the little hypocrite. He washed his hair and scrubbed his skin furiously. Quickly placing his clothes and heading towards the fountain, slowly calming down so that he wouldn't accidentally piss Tybalt off. Benvolio took a deep breath of fresh air, instantly cooling off. “Well I'd thought you’d never show up kitten.” Benvolio quickly turned around, nearly smacking Tybalt in the chest. “Ah! Tybalt, my apologies I-” Those warm, rough fingertips gripped a strand of his wet hair. “Overslept?” Ben blushed furiously, avoiding the strong gaze that Tybalt held. “Possibly…” Benvolio started, very embarrassed that he was caught in such a distasteful manner. Oh god, he hoped Romeo and Mercutio didn't come looking for him. “Someone seems distracted.” Teased Tybalt, oh god when had they gotten so close. “A-ah sorry Tybalt, You look nice.” Benvolio hummed softly, running his fingers over the dark fabric that draped over Tybalt's shoulders. Benvolio didn't miss the light pink that set over the king of cat’s cheeks, a pang of satisfaction sprung in Benvolio’s chest. “Have you been invited to Paris’ party?” Benvolio asked. “Yes…” Trailed off Tybalt “I can only hope that it is slightly entertaining.” Sighed Tybalt, distaste in his tone. “Oh? Do you not enjoy the prince's parties?” Benvolio smiled, the mornings frustrations quickly being buried under the flutter of his heart and Tybalt’s dusted cheeks. They sat down, enjoying the gentle breeze of the late morning. Tybalt lazily had his arm draped over Benvolio’s shoulders as they both relaxed to the sound of the crisp running fountain water. Gently their vision came to a close and their breaths had slowed, Benvolio rested his head on Tybalt’s shoulder and Tybalt rested his upon Benvolio’s. Warm and comfortable they slept. Benvolio slowly opened his eyes, holding back a yawn. He recognized the fountain and the warmth from his side, for what he didn't recognize was the intricate, vibrant hues of a sunset painted on the sky. “The party….” Panicked Benvolio, quickly pulling away from the sleeping Tybalt. Carefully, he tapped Tybalt’s shoulder. “Tybalt please wake up. We are going to be late for the party.” Benvolio whispered hurriedly. Tybalt groaned, placing a hand on his face. “Fuck the party.” “Tybalt please? You'll have plenty of time to sleep after.” Begged Benvolio, eager to go home and get ready. “Fine, as you wish Benvolio. I expect you at the party.” Tybalt yawned as he stretched and began to walk towards his home. “Yes I'll be there Tybalt!” Benvolio replied, quickly making his way to the Montague mansion. Ignoring Romeo and Mercutio's protests and demanding questions as to where Benvolio was, he changed his clothes and entered his formal wear. Elegantly placing his tie on, then  desperately trying to brush down any cowlicks or stray hairs. Benvolio held back his laughter as Mercutio tried to compliment Romeo’s formal wear but failing miserably. After withstanding another long rant about how everyone should behave and that the stake of the family name depends on it, Benvolio quickly made his way inside the party searching for Tybalt. At the sight of those sparkling amber eyes, Benvolio knew that he was infatuated with the strong warrior. “Well Tybalt, it’s nice to see you awake.” teased Benvolio, his mood elevating even more at the sight of the other’s face baring rosey cheeks. “My my, you clean up nicely as well.” Tybalt replied, softly running his fingertips down the tie that wrapped around Ben’s neck. It became Benvolio’s turn to blush like a maiden at her first kiss. “W-why thank you Tybalt.” Benvolio replied sheepishly, he could already feel the stupid, lopsided grin forming on his face. Tybalt seemed amused at his expression, even returning a sincere smile. They had begun to chat, joking and teasing each other as they sat close. The sparkles in their eyes glittering as if cupid himself had struck them both with a dastardly arrow of love. Romeo and Mercutio shot glances at Benvolio, assuring themselves that Tybalt was not trying anything suspicious on their dear Benvolio. The party began to reach it’s height of excitement with the music and flaunting lights,  Benvolio felt a shiver of excitement go through him as the music took a wild, exciting and passionate turn to a more latin vibe. Benvolio tugged on Tybalt’s cuff, interrupting his sentence. “Oh Tybalt, wouldn’t you enjoy a dance with me?” Tybalt shifted, suddenly becoming uneasy and a bit nervous. “A….dance?” Tybalt echoed “Perhaps not now..” He trailed off. Benvolio felt a pout coming on “But why Tybalt? Don’t tell me your shy…” Benvolio softened his tone, why would Tybalt be shy about dancing? Tybalt clearly had the grace and the body to do it. “I’d rather not.” Replied Tybalt, a little curt. Benvolio took this as a signal to stop pressing. “Well alright then…” Benvolio sighed, a little disappointed that he wouldn’t be able to engage in a dance with Tybalt. A unfamiliar determination sprouted in Benvolio’s chest, carefully he sat his glass down. “Do you mind saving my seat Tybalt? I shall be back.” Tybalt seemed flabbergasted “Where are you going?” He asked, clearly not expecting Benvolio to leave. “To find a dancing partner of course.” Replied Benvolio, an odd mixture of pride and anxious excitement bubbling in him, leaving Tybalt with a shocked expression on. He found himself standing near a melancholy Prince Paris, saddened by the fact that the gorgeous Juliet denied his invitation to dance. “My dear prince.” Benvolio gave a soft bow, his manners still intact. “Why hello Benvolio.” Replied the prince dejectedly. “Are you enjoying the party?” “Well I was, until my dancing invitation was declined….I couldn’t help but notice that you were in a similar position, would you take my humble invitation?” Benvolio extended his hand, his feet itching to dance to the energetic vibe of the music. The prince looked at his hand, then back at his face before hesitantly taking it. Benvolio wasted no time in pulling him towards the dancefloor, before spinning the prince closer to him and dipping him. A grin bright on his face, finally letting all of his emotions shining through. Quickly pulling the prince back to his feet, and began to move to the beat. The prince was a bit awestruck at first, but soon became enveloped in the beat and rhythm just as Benvolio had, moving their feet in sync and the slight bounce of their hips quickly gathered a crowd. Benvolio could hear Romeo and Mercutio cheering him on as the song continued. Benvolio wasn’t a fighter, but was he one hell of a dancer. The song came to an end, cheers cried out as Benvolio gave a breathy thank you as he made his way back to Tybalt. Tybalt stared at the prince with envy, and even hints of anger. Benvolio ignored this, it was his choice not to dance with him. His cheeks were probably stained dark red with little beads of sweat, still greatly out of breath he eagerly drank his drink then turned to Tybalt. “And what's up with you? Did you not enjoy my dance?” Tybalt huffed and turned, his cheeks also becoming stained with red. “You never told me you danced.” “Did I not tell you I excelled in the arts? Dancing is an art.” Smirked Benvolio, dancing always inflated his ego. Not even Tybalt had a witty remark to that. The prince held himself higher, a grin on his face. “Benvolio you are quite the dancer, perhaps I should invite you to all of my parties.” Benvolio turned to face the prince, he was completely unaware the prince was headed his way. “Why it would be an honor.” Replied Benvolio. Tybalt narrowed his eyes at the prince, snaking his arm around Benvolio’s shoulders. The prince nodded and left to continue treating his guests. “I bet dancing isn't even that hard.” Huffed Tybalt “I bet I’m better than the prince.” “Oh? Prove it then.” Benvolio grinned, tugging Tybalt to his feet. “Wait, hold on.” Protested Tybalt. “I want you to prove it to me, dance better than Paris.” Benvolio said, guiding Tybalt’s hand to spin him and guiding the other to rest on his hip. “I'll let you lead.” Tybalt flushed an even deeper red. “I can't do this.” He said, about to pull away before Benvolio stopped him. “But why Tybalt? You have nothing to be shy of.” Benvolio gazed earnestly into Tybalt's eyes, almost pleading. Tybalt sighed “I can't dance.” Benvolio placed his hand on Tybalt's shoulder, the other on the lower back. “I'll teach you.” Replied Benvolio softly. Benvolio had never seen Tybalt so insecure before, he normally held himself with pride and arrogance. Benvolio gave him a supportive smile “You'll be fine Tybalt.”

Benvolio started slowly with the basic step, one foot forward and one footback. The raven haired swordsman cautiously copied. “Yes, your doing great Tybalt.” Encouraged Benvolio, that damned fluttery feeling returning when he caught a glimpse of the nervous, shy smile Tybalt held. “Now spin me..” whispered Benvolio, eager to keep the dance going smoothly. Tybalt spinned him carefully, smiling when Benvolio faced him again. After soft encouragements and basic steps, they moved faster, a bit bolder and more passionate. While his dance with the prince was exciting, this one was far more enjoyable. It was passionate, sincere and...dare he say it, graced with love? With a final dip the dance ended, Both faces held a blush and a smile. “OKAY WELL, TIME TO GO BENVOLIO!!!! ROMEO'S WAITING OUTSIDE.” “What!?” Cried Benvolio as he was dragged away from Tybalt, the prince of cats flustered as well as his dance partner was so rudely torn away from him. Romeo elbowed Benvolio “Well someone got a lot of attention tonight.” Romeo winked at him. Mercutio grinned, following Romeo's teasing instantly “That dance with the prince was pretty nice, rrrrrright?” Benvolio huffed “Tybalt was more sensual in his dancing. Dancing is about passion after all. “Shut up Benvi, clearly you and the prince danced better.” “Whatever Mercutio.” They made their way back home, Benvolio was about to go to bed when Lady and Lord Montague summoned him. “We noticed that the Prince took interest in you tonight Benvolio.” “Yes, we shared a dance.” Replied Benvolio, unsure as to why the Lady of the house would bring this up. “Well, as you know….the Montague house has not been...as rich as it used to be.” Benvolio froze, fear seizing his heart. “W-what are you saying?” Lady Montague rose her gaze, eyes cold as steel. “Engage in a relationship with Prince Paris.”

End of chapter two