The Little Angel ( 049 x 035 )

Short Story #1

                                                       ~ Doc's POV ~     

I stared at myself in the mirror, brushing back a lock of dark hair from my face. I tried pulling a brush through the mess, but the curls made it a struggle to even make it an inch. I sighed, giving up and simply tucking it into a large knot at the base of my neck. I traced the scar that dragged from my right eye down across my upper lip. I frowned, giving myself a disgusted look. I decided to stop moping and lifted the fabric up from over my shoulders. The hood fit snugly over my head, and I slipped the bird mask across my face. I lifted a bottle of perfume up to the edge of the beak and sniffed a bit of the sweet lavender that my dear had gifted me. I'm still unsure of how he caught onto my favorite scent.

I hummed and tapped my foot on my porch, twisting the golden cross that draped across my torso. My ride didn't take long to pull into the driveway. I felt a smile spread under my mask as a familiar figure stepped out of the driver's side. "Ah, did I leave you waiting for long, love?" he spoke in a mocking french accent, almost identical to my own. 

I let out a low chuckle as he strutted towards me. His host's tuxedo was absolutely flawless, no wrinkles or stains, and everything was set up as if he were ready to be in a clothing commercial. I caught a whiff of some sweet scent drifting off him, although I couldn't lay a finger on the fragrance. "Not at all, beau." I said, using a slight slur in the sentence.

He finally reached me, his mask in a large comedy smile. I swear there were hints of pink along the smooth porcelain. He took one of my black glove in his host's hand and bent over, giving a light peck to it. He kept hold of my wrist, pulling me gently to the passenger door. I took a seat, and once Mask had gotten situated, we drove off. 

The restaurant looked magnificent. There were lights strung up and couples with fancy outfits of all kinds chattering amongst one another. Mask took my arm in his, the pleasant smile across his face charming everyone as we walked through the crowd and into the entrance. The hostess gave us a tired grin, with hints of questioning confusion clouding her gaze. Of course, humans always thought it was odd seeing two masked men walking about in public. But, I've become used to the common occurrence.

"Hello, we had a reservation under 'Mask'." My lover stated through his crisp tone. She looked between us, thinking that we were at the wrong place and supposed to be at some cosplay event, perhaps. 

"U-um, are you sure?" She asked for clarification.

I felt Mask tense through the muscles in his bicep. His eyes glowed a dark, omniscient shade of lavender from the eye-holes of the comedy mask. Actually, correction, it was tragedy now. "Of course I am sure, how about you check instead of wasting our date night." His tone was sharp, clearly reflecting his emotions at the moment. The hostess nodded timidly and flipped through her book before looking back at us and gesturing to the tables.

"Heh, it seems you were right. This way, Sirs." She responded with a quavering tone, leading us through the crowded dining area. We walked past all indoor tables, just to make it outside to the patio seating. The lights here gave a pleasing and romantic atmosphere, perfect for our evening. She sat as at the table and made a quick exit.

"Ah, my apologies, αγάπη. I was hoping not to ruin our evening by snapping like that." He fiddled with his thumbs on the white tablecloth. I let out a low chuckle and reached over, taking his hand in mine.

"Trust me, I'm sure it was fine."

It didn't take long before our ordered drinks arrive. Both were wines, mine a sharp sparkling wine and Mask's a pinot noir red. We then ordered our food and ate. The evening felt like it was blurring past, and my heart pleaded for it not to end. But, just as every night comes, it has to go. 

We stepped out of the restaurant, my heart aching to continue our date. And, as if a god had heard my pleading, Mask turned to me. "Before we head home, I have a place to show you."

I turned my gaze to his and nodded. Where was this place? Was it going to be as nice as dinner? I'm sure it had to be. Mask had the best taste when it came to romantic locale. 

To my surprise, we didn't head to the parking lot and take the car, but instead began strolling down the street. We walked in silence, and I couldn't help but lean into the warmth radiating off Mask's host. It was rather chilly tonight, which I could easily tolerate. But, I felt safer when I was close to him.

It took about 5 minutes before we reached the city's river. There was an elegant arching bridge for pedestrians to cross, and Mask led me along the path. It didn't take long before we reached the top of the arc. "I found this place on a walk one night, and I wanted to take you here the minute I found it." His warm voice said as he leaned to the railing, pulling me to it. "Look out at the city." He pointed my head out across the water.

My eyes sparkled, and I didn't notice Mask move away from my side. I was absolutely entranced by the sight. We were far enough from downtown that I didn't hear much from the cars, and it created a serene atmosphere. The lights of the city reflected off the water, just like a sky of multicolored stars. Everything felt so perfect here, and I cupped my hands over the railing, leaning out to try and take in as much of the view as I could.

My trance was suddenly broken when I heard the shuffle of a form from behind me. I turned, and nearly choked at the sight I saw. There, behind me, was Mask. But, he was kneeling. Right before me. I reached my hand up and cupped it over my mouth as I tried not to let the tears flow.

"Doctor, I'm not sure how we managed to meet so many centuries ago. Destiny, perhaps. But, I will never question the universe's decisions when it comes to being with you. Now, I know you are a very busy man. So much of your pestilence running through the world, taking up a large spot of your life and giving you purpose. But, you give me purpose. To keep pushing through the days, no matter the challenge. And, the only thing I ask of you is, will you leave a spot in your life for me too?"

The tears had begun to pour long before he finished his monologue. I couldn't help it. He brought out a ring. It had diamonds, twined together in the shape of a rose. It was absolutely perfect in every way. I couldn't control myself when I grabbed him, pulling him into an embrace. Our lips quickly found each other, and I never wanted to let go. I'm sure Mask knew what my answer was through those quick love-filled seconds. 

Yes. I'd say it a thousand times. Yet, it would never express how much love I had for this dramatic vizard. But, all I truly knew was...

He was mine.

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Beau : Beautiful (French)

αγάπη : Love (Greek)

Holy shit- I was literally fangirling over this as I was writing it. I decided that I really wanted to try and get back into writing more for this story, yet I wasn't sure how to start again with the main plot. So, I went ahead and made this short story of how Mask proposed to Doc. I got so into the moment as I was writing this, and honestly, I'm just so happy now. Hope you all have an amazing day/night!

Toodles~