The Black Swan | Reposted

Chapter 37 - Red Lipstick (Mature)

That week Harry was so snarky with me, more so than usual. I tried so hard to stand up to him but he'd always push me back down. How was I supposed to get a back bone when he wouldn't even let me win at least once? Positive reinforcement worked just as well, I wish he knew that. 

It was the night of the Company ball for all the principle dancers. It was taking place in this beautiful hotel in the city, a very posh affair. I had strappy gold heels on, a delicate band around my ankle, the shoe making my legs arch beautifully. I had my dress on, my makeup very simple, but I felt like being a little bit sexier so I added smoky black and gold eye makeup, a bit of winged eyeliner. I had pearly pink lips, knowing I was not the type of girl who could pull off red like I had wanted. I had my hair pulled back in a proper low bun, and a delicate gold headband that rested in my hair easily. I took a breath, and grabbed my clutch, ready to get this bleak affair on the road.

I arrived at the event, taking a cab. I was looking around, a glass of champagne in hand. I was thankful it wasn't a dry night.

The ceiling had been beautifully painted, clearly by hand. It had these massive chandeliers in the center, a stage with a live band, clearly people were dancing. It was always so fun to watch professional dancer's freestyle to me. There were no rules, there was no pressure, it was freeing. I looked about the tables, seeing beautiful silver place settings, a proper menu with this black ribbon rested next to the place settings. There were large white floral arrangements, touches of glitz.

"Odette," I smiled at Vincent as he approached me.  "You look stunning,"

"Thank you," I hugged him. "It looks amazing,"

"I know, it's always so fabulous. I have to make rounds, you have a fun night."

"See you," I cheered and he walked away. I took a sip, and looked, finding Liam. Hell. He looked beautiful. He had a proper tux on, fitted to his strong frame. He had his facial hair perfectly groomed, hair brushed smoothly. I took an extra long drink and came over.

"You look dapper,"

He smiled. "Thank you, you look beautiful Odette,"

"Thanks," I smiled anxiously. "Ready for this song and dance?"

He laughed. "Oh it'll be a blast tonight,"

Niall and Sarah joined us, Niall dressed just as sharp but a little less proper. He and Sarah were so affectionate, oh God, he was going to propose, soon. I could tell. The frat boy wanted to settle down; oh it made me gush inside.

"Want to dance?" Liam smiled.

I nodded, and he took me by the hand. We set our drinks down and he pulled me onto the dance floor. We started moving simply.

"God, I miss dancing with you." I gazed up at him. "It's all too easy,"

"I don't know if that's a compliment anymore Dot," he laughed.

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"It was the demise of a great relationship, well, a part in it. I think the real demise of it walked in the door."

I glanced, seeing Harry. Holy fuck, I nearly tripped. There he was. Harry walked in, his hair was messy but it was clearly deliberate. He had on a black button up coat, his dress shirt exposed beneath. The black was so incredibly sexy, especially contrasting against the white. His jaw line was sleek and sharp, his lips that beautiful blush color, his eyes an intense green in this lighting. My legs wanted to cling together, if Liam hadn't guided me into a rather large spin they would have. I think it was to distract my gaze. 

I quickly looked back into Liams eyes. 'H-He had nothing to do with us breaking up."

"I fucking hate him."