Golden Days

Chapter 06: Awful Truth

We go back to the studio where a new scenario is set, ready for the next scene. The setting is Dracula's dining room with a large table, lit only by a chandelier, where Jonathan Harker is seated at. He eats a piece of meat without much of an appetite until he gets interrupted by Dracula putting a hand over his shoulder. The focus of the camera on Jonathan's face, and the darkness of the environment makes it look like Dracula's hand came from nowhere. A bit of a scary moment for the viewers, though not for Jonathan, who simply keeps eating with a sad look on his face.

"You're certainly taking a long time to eat your dinner. Is the meal not to your liking?" inquires Dracula.

"Oh, that's not it." Jonathan Harker shakes his head. He absentmindedly takes Dracula's hand off his shoulder and briefly frowns, but soon returns to a softer, subtler expression of discontent. "I'm sorry for worrying you. I was just ... I was just thinking about my wife, Mina."

"Your wife?" Dracula asks, emitting an educated amount of curiosity. He's still close enough to be able to touch Jonathan effortlessly. "Is there something wrong with her?"

"Well, she didn't like the fact that we're spending our honeymoon in Transylvania." Jonathan sighs regretfully. "I explained to her that I had to come here for work, but she's still upset. She said I don't know how to treat an omega."

"I see. Do you think this is a fair accusation?" Dracula asks a little amused, folding his arms over his chest.

"A little, maybe," Jonathan admits thoughtfully. "I had no experience with omegas before my wedding. I admit that I don't know how to be romantic. Perhaps my constant dedication to my work hasn't been beneficial to my relationship... Oh, my dear Dracula." Jonathan looks at the sinister figure at his side with sadness, seeking help. "What can I do?"

A zoom in Dracula's green eyes makes them appear more dangerous and provocative at the same time.

"If you want to seduce someone, show them what you have to offer," Dracula says while slowly, carefully, leaning over Jonathan. "Stand by their side, make them trust you ..." He places his hand on one of Jonathan's shoulders and slides it to his neck, which he carefully caresses. "Be extremely gentle with them and then ..."

"... Then?"

"Attack." Dracula smiles, moving away from Jonathan suddenly. From this new position, a shadow covers part of his face.

" CUT!"

As soon as this word reverberates in the air, Arthur and Alfred immediately drop their act and express their true current emotions. Arthur reacting with some shyness, which he disguises with feigned annoyance. Alfred, on the other hand, just looks unabashedly pleased with himself.

"Wow, now that was a scene!" Francis says excitedly, waggling in his chair. "Sensuality and suspense at the same time! I knew these changes in the script would make the story more exciting!"

"I still find it stupid how a powerful vampire as Dracula might feel attracted to this dumb alpha, who can't even perceive the most obvious flirting." Arthur huffs, holding the collar of his waistcoat to fan himself with it. He's a bit sweaty and red.

"Maybe his attraction has something to do with my perfect physique. You'd be surprised at the people it succeeds in attracting." Alfred grins and Arthur, who understands the implication of those words, gives him a glare in return.

"Arthur, be quiet. You know nothing of romance." Francis scoffs at him immediately, before adding with renewed enthusiasm. "Oh, I'm a genius!"

Francis isn't the only one who seems happy. The other people around the set are all exchanging impressed looks. They sigh and they giggle with a 'did you see it?' kind of semblance.