Tale of Two Hearts

Chapter Twenty-Six

Hey guys, I know it's been a while and I'm sorry. I have fixed my laptop, I'm starting a new job that should give me weekends off so that means more time to spend with you guys! Hope you enjoy this chapter. Love you forever my dudes.

"Sophiiiiiaaaaaaa..." she heard the voice call from behind her. She whipped around, knowing the voice too well. She could see nothing but the blackness that surrounded her. "Sophiiiiiia?" she heard it again, behind her once again.

"Hello?" she called out shakily. A hand grabbed her shoulder.
"Found you!" she heard Carlos's voice rattle through her ears, and she shrieked.

"NO!" she hollered, sitting bolt up in bed. She grabbed at herself, hyperventilating.
"Sophia! Are you okay?" Seto sat straight up once again, and he put his arms around her dainty shoulders.
"I- he- oh God." she sobbed into his bare shoulder, finding the comfort in his embrace.
"Shhhh. It's just you and I here. Don't worry, I'll protect you." he soothes her. He kissed her forehead. She couldn't help it as tears came to her eyes once again. As she felt the tears roll down her cheek, Seto gently turned her chin towards him, whipping away the salty liquid from her face. "Don't cry, it's okay. It was just a dream."
"No. It's not the dream." She sniffles, dashing the tears again once again.
"Then, what is it?" He asked. I love you. I love you. I love you. She thought to herself. But she knew to open her mouth and say what she had been wanting to say for a while would just complicate their already delicate position. Looking into his piercing blue eyes, she slowly opened her mouth...
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP. The alarm went off, startling both her and Seto. Hopping out of bed, she stood, excusing herself.
"Sophia-"
"Seto, I'll be late. We can talk when I get back, okay?" She smiled weakly. She watched as the thick duvet slipped from his bare chest, and she was distracted as her eyes began raking the valleys of his chest. Shaking her head, she moved quickly out of the room and into her own bathroom across the hall.
Half an hour later, she was showered and in a towel, looking at the dance costumes that she had laid out. Picking up a black leotard and white tights, she put them on and tied her hair up in a wet knot. Walking downstairs, she called out quietly for Simpson. He appeared beside her out of seemingly nowhere, two Starbucks coffees in his hand. He handed one to her. He knew her favourite; large hazelnut latte with an extra shot of coffee.
"I'm right here, miss. Are you ready to go?" he asked quietly, a massive, imposing figure looming over her. She sipped her coffee. A hazelnut latte, with a triple shot of coffee. He knew her order off by heart by now.
"Ready!" She smiled at him. He took her out to the garage, and opened the back door to the black Range Rover. Sliding into the cold leather seats, she felt the car door shut beside her. She took a sip of her latte, and watched as Simpson manoeuvred the rover from the garage to the side street. As they got to the front gate, Sophia saw that the paparazzi had long since given up on getting pictures of her, leaving to pursue another poor victim of fame. As Simpson opened the gate, she looked back towards the mansion, an ominous black shadow marring the grey winters morning sky. No one else in the house was awake. She hoped Seto slept well. She smiled at the thought of his sleeping form, her heart swimming with an emptiness that could only be filled by laying beside him.
Arriving at the venue where the practice would be held, she began to feel nervous. What if her practicing in her spare time wasn't enough? What if it went terribly today? Her mind filled with 'what ifs', and she began playing with the zip of her bag.
"We're here, Miss." Simpson said, his calm voice detailing her train of thought.
"Oh," she said, opening the door quickly and hopping out.
"Mr Kaiba instructed me to watch over you. I'll be right at the back of the theatre. Please be careful and if you see anything suspicious just signal me."
"Will do, Simpson. Thank you." She smiled, rushing through the doors. She saw half of the troupe stretching, preparing for the gruelling hours of practice ahead. Dropping her bag w at the front of the stage, she waved to Nik, who in turn waved back. He came over, taking her by the hand and pulling her towards the rest of the group. All eyes fell to her, and suddenly she felt like the new girl at school, joining halfway through a semester after everyone had already joined their cliques and formed strong bonds with each other. "This is Sophia Pegasus, she is taking Marnie's place as Odile, our black swan." Sophia Kaiba... she thought, mentally prickling at the old last name. He had been at their wedding for God's sake. She looked out towards the red velvet sea of seats, her eyes falling on Simpson. She took comfort from his presence. It was almost as if Seto were here himself, watching over her carefully. She felt her toes curl at the thought of him, and she smiled slightly. There were fourteen dancers all together, seven dancers and seven understudies. The roles went as such;
Odette (swan princess) - Anastasia
Prince Siegfried - Nikolai
Von Rothbart - Aleksandr (Sasha)
Odile - Sophia
Wolfgang - Andrej
Benno - Denzel
The Queen Mother - Nastasia
"As the group dispersed, Sophia eyes the young girl that was her own understudy.
"Nik?"
"Yes?" He looked to Sophia, waiting for her response.
"Why didnt Marnie's understudy take over the part?" She asked quietly, not wanting to make their conversation obvious. Nik pauses for a moment, then sighed deeply.
"When Marnie found out the news, she was experiencing some... difficulties, at home. Her partner was abusive." he trailed off, dropping his gaze. Sophia's heart hurt for the poor girl, knowing what the pregnant silence meant. "Oh." She said quietly, glancing over to the girl. She watched as she laughed heartily along with another understudy. She felt awful for the poor girl, who's name was Jasmin. An abusive partner, a fake smile to mask the pain. She knew it all too well. Sophia made a mental note to be extra nice to her.

After the practice, in which she felt her muscles stretch and bones bend more than she had in years, all she wanted was a shower. Her hair had come slightly loose, fly away strands of blonde curling at her neck and forehead. The sweat made her leotard stuck to her frame, clinging to her like a second skin. Her feet burned, especially her toes. Taking her pointe shoes off, she rubbed her sore feet. Nikolai approached her.
"Sore, no?" He laughed lightly.
"Very much so." She responded, standing up. "Nothing I can't handle." She stretched her arms up, feeling her shoulders click. She nearly groaned in appreciation for it.
"As I expected. You are enjoying the ballet so far?" He asked lightly.
"Of course, how could I not? Everyone seems so nice." she smiled, feeling his gaze rake over her. Making her feel less comfortable. Just on time, Simpson approached.
"Are you ready to go, Miss? Mr Kaiba has asked when you'll be back." Sophia was relieved, looking back to Nikolai. Something about his gaze made her feel... off.
"Let him know I'll be home soon. I'll see you soon, Nikolai."
"Call me Nik." he insisted, drawing his hands behind his back and plastering a smile to his face.
"Okay. See ya later." She waved at him. She left with Simpson.