Subterfuge | LT ✔️

Chapter Five: Unwary

The mansion stands as if the surrounding nature has embraced it, as if the flora that flows within it flows as much as it does around it. The architect has loved the trees so much that there's a strong oak standing tall in the center...centuries old yet still upholding a beautiful aesthetic. The edifice built around such glorious scenery has tall glass windows that give a view of the mountains, a chance to relax and take in the changing of the seasons from the comfort of an easy chair. Workers are already in the street with reflector vests directing all party goers on where to park. Laurent spots a few of the dancers smiling as they're on their way to the entrance. He parks in his designated spot and after shutting off the engine he looks over at Larry who smiles then tells him, "let's go baby". He then extends his hand for Laurent to take. Laurent is usually the one to kiss the back of Larry's hand, but given that the occasion is a celebration of his achievement he gives him one. Now they're out of the car and excitedly walking towards the entrance. They step inside and are greeted by a smiling server with a tray holding several champagne glasses half filled. They're offered one but politely decline and when they step further into the home they see other servers carrying around trays of appetizers ranging from stuffed mushrooms to fried calamari. Not a chance will they deny food so they scoop up as many of them as they can. It reminds them of the taste testing so they enjoy it all. When many of the dancers notice Larry has joined Laurent they rush up to him to greet him. Naturally they tell him that they would have loved to see him a part of the video as well, but took tremendous pleasure in telling him that Laurent killed it per usual. Of course Larry knows this as they've been the dynamic duo since before the world knew, but being told how well he did from all the others only increases the angst in seeing him. They converse among themselves when Laurent hears a familiar voice behind him. He obviously knew that she would be here because of being in the video too, but being that their last encounter was awkward, not to mention frustrating, he doesn't turn around to acknowledge her. She still makes her way over to the group to greet everyone and he takes notice that she brought her friend who he met only once. Since she has her friend with her and he has Larry they shouldn't cross paths further than this group. Lira arrives fashionably late and when she's noticed by everyone they all clap. She smiles and waves then notices her group of dancers and comes over. She greets them then introduces the gentleman with her who is her boyfriend, Steven, then she notices Larry...

Lira: *smile* "Omgosh, Larry".

Larry: *smile* "Hi".

Lira: *extends hand* "It is such an honor to meet you".

Larry: *smile* "It's nice to meet you too".

Lira: "I would still love to have you a part of one of my projects, and I have to say that Laurent did a phenomenal job. I know that doesn't surprise you, but I wanted to take a moment to brag about him. You're going to be so proud of him".

Larry slowly turns his head to give his love a dreamy look as he replies, "I already am" in the sweetest, softest voice. Laurent is giving him a dreamy look too and he's about to give him a kiss when they hear the voice of the director...

Director: "Now that Lira has arrived please follow me out to the backyard as the video premiere will be on the big screen".

Instant excitement takes over everyone as the director leads them in that direction and mouths drop at the large screen. It's definitely giving movie theater only this is more luxurious with spotlights and plush couches as well as chairs set up. The moonlit sky above is a perfect match to the ambiance. Some move at lightning speed to get a couch close to the screen while Larry and Laurent walk over to a couch that's a bit more sequestered to take their seat. Snuggled together Laurent places his hand on Larry's thigh and they look at each other to have a sweet little chat until they hear the director on the mic...