Chapter 47 - Heat in the trapeze artist's dressing room

Leonardo wasn't usually someone who was anxious, at least not to the point of losing his head and complaining about the hours dragging by. However, from the moment he had returned to that place his usual self had faded.

Like magic.

Not even Barley's projects seemed interesting enough to hold his attention and make the day pass quickly. Maybe it was his anxiety to see the last performance of the show, or maybe it was the fact that he was going to watch it together with a policeman who was investigating everyone there...

There would be a thousand and one reasons Leonardo could use to justify his anxiety. His mind could create it easily.

But his body betrayed him with the truth.

From time to time he spied the stage where he saw the group of artists rehearsing their numbers in the order of presentation. That afternoon, the security team and some foremen were nearby checking the safety devices and cables that would keep the performers safe.

Some noises escaped from the speakers as the music team rehearsed and checked their instruments. The singer's chant sounded through the empty tent in a great echo, but in tune and melodious as an invitation to the magic that would happen much later.

Overall, the circus stage was a real mess. An endless buzz where everyone was focused on ensuring one last magic show. Among them was Benjin with his playful smile and animation, being surrounded by his colleagues and rehearsing.

Leonardo simply sought him out with his eyes, following him discreetly before turning his attention back to the tools in his hands. It was hard to concentrate when he knew the trapeze artist was so close, and admitting that was another challenge.

― Alright everyone, let's take a break and then we'll gather around to start preparing for the show! You did very well! ― shouted Vincent, applauding the artists.

The instant the people dispersed, Leonardo turned to the project pretending he wasn't watching the rehearsal. And realising this made him let out a low curse and a light slap on his forehead.

― Idiot... It's getting silly, huh?

― Leo~

The cheerful voice sounded in his ears, causing goosebumps. Petrified in place, Leonardo hadn't had enough time to react when a pair of arms wrapped around his neck and a weight fell on his back.

― Hey! You're going to make me fall.

― You're strong enough to hold me, I know that all too well.

Grimacing, Leonardo snorted and put away his tools, giving up completely on continuing his work. He'd probably get a scolding from Barley later, but he couldn't go on without concentrating.

Not while Benjin was within his field of vision.

― Shouldn't I go eat or whatever you guys do on your break?

― I'm doing what I want ― Benjin had released Leonardo from his embrace to grab his hand and pull him ― Come with me, real quick.

― Ahn... No.

― Why not?

― You're wearing that stupid smile, and it's not good.

Benjin let out a low laugh.

― What do you mean that's not good? I just want us to be alone for a while before the show starts.

― See? That's what I say when it's not good.

― Stop the drama and come to my dressing room.

Benjin was insistent and always won, or maybe Leonardo was fooling himself. In any case the trapeze artist had managed to get him up and guided him out of the big tent through the mess of foremen.

Two men walking hand in hand towards a dressing room, surely the people who looked at the two and smiled mischievously had quite the wrong ideas. But Leonardo wasn't even trying very hard to contradict them anymore.

Even though their kiss during the barbecue was at a time when no one was supposed to see it, for some reason the news had spread. Leonardo wouldn't doubt that if anyone asked Benjin, he would claim that the two would be together.

Barley was one who already knew.

Even Vivian knew.

By the heavens... They were looking at him and giggling. Were they playing with you or was it a complacent look?

Benjin's dressing room was small, it hadn't changed much from the last time he had been there. Though that particular night he had spied to ensure Benjin's safety. And now he was inside.

That time he hadn't noticed the decoration, as his attention was focused on a disgusting fellow. Walking past the opening of the tent, he had noticed that the typical mess of a circus performer was there. A coat rack full of costumes, a lighted dressing table full of cosmetics and make-up. A screen next to an upholstered couch.

Benjin had pushed Leonardo's shoulders to sit on the sofa.

― Stay here ― Turning away from the university student, Benjin had closed the tent leaving it partially dark before returning to the upholstered couch ― Now it can be just the two of us.

― W-What are you planning, eh you perverted puppet?

In slow steps the trapeze artist laughed audibly, sitting down next to Leonardo and holding his hand.

― You kept paying attention to that detective and stopped paying attention to me. Don't you think I deserve compensation for that?

Leonardo's face had immediately turned red.

― What are you talking about? It's not as if I paid any attention to you.

― You're a liar. I know very well that you kept watching me, my every move, looking for me when I was out of your sight.

Oh, you were being cornered. And Leonardo hated the fact that it was the absolute truth. He had been looking for Benjin the whole time, checking to see where he was and being amazed at the way his body moved with his somersaults through the air.

Only that didn't mean he'd like to have it thrown in his face.

― Pfft, you're tripping...

― Look at me, Leo~ ― whispered the trapeze artist holding Leonardo's chin, forcing him to look at him without running away ― Since that day you've been running away from me.

― Since that day...?

It took Leonardo's brain a few moments to understand what Benjin meant. Soon the memory of a pair of black eyes appeared in his mind, giving him even more chills. He still hadn't overcome the illusion his mind had played on him.

Not that he avoided him out of fear, he just wanted to know how Benjin was acting and discern what was real or not. Leonardo didn't need to touch the subject or comment on anything with the trapeze artist. He would probably laugh at him.

― You who got weird, getting all sentimental all of a sudden...

― There's always something that seems to steal my fiancé away from me. I just thought if we got married we could enjoy more time together.

― What a thought... ― murmured Leonardo with a grimace ― That doesn't mean I will renounce my responsibilities just to spend more time with you.

― I am not asking that, I am just saying that we could enjoy a married life.

― What would be...?

Benjin formed a slight pout on his lips, thinking for a moment.

― Ah, we sleep in the same room.

― We already do that. You love invading my room.

― Right... Oh, and we eat together too!

― We do that too since we live in the same house.

― That's fine... Oh, and we can come to work together!

Leonardo arched his eyebrow and raised his hands looking perplexed. Pointing to the tent around him, he made it clear to the trapeze artist that this was another step they had already accomplished.

― You're complaining about things you already have.

― And even so you pay more attention to others than to me!

A pang made Leonardo close his eyes and take a deep breath. Okay, Benjin was sly and that wouldn't be news. And it was true that whenever they were together, someone always showed up looking for him. He couldn't blame Benjin for feeling left out...

Even though he had no idea what their relationship was like.

― Things have been hectic because of that girl coming over and everything. So I want to get it over with soon. So...

― I know, I know what you're gonna say. Let's cooperate ― grumbled the trapeze artist ― If it wasn't for tonight's show, I'd steal you away from me all night long.

― By the way, today is the last performance of the puppet, which is my favourite show, so... ― Leonardo straightened himself on the upholstery, touching Benjin's head and smiling slightly to him ― Do well, I'll be watching from the front row.

Benjin petrified in his seat feeling that warm hand on his head. The green eyes didn't leave the light smile that Leonardo gave him at that moment, as if it was an image frozen by his own mind.

The blush had gradually taken his face along with the surprise. Leonardo had simply been embraced with such force that he hardly understood what was happening to him. All he knew was that he was being overwhelmed by euphoria.

― Hey, hey, watch out...

― I can't believe you're finally coming to watch me! And to see me play your favourite character! Oh, I'm so happy, Leo~ I want to scream, I want to kiss you, I want to scream at the world, I want to suck you-

― Okay, I get your happiness. You're starting to talk shit now! ― Shouted the brunette pushing the trapeze artist, and failing miserably.

― Oh my Leo... Now I can't wait for the show, I really want to impress you so you can give me your heart and finally make it all mine!

― You're letting your evil plans get away...

― They're not evil! But they are plans ― Benjin held Leonardo's face with both hands and smiled childishly ― And after the show you'll be all mine, that's a promise.

― Er...

― No running away from me! I'll do it again that night ― Whispered the trapeze artist, peeking his eyes at his beloved ― I'll make you sure that you belong to me.

For an instant, maybe milliseconds, Leonardo's mind had played a trick on him. The same trick as before. He swore he saw Benjin's irises turn yellow, but the instant he blinked to check the truth of his perception, Benjin kissed him.

A sweet, animated kiss.

A kiss that Leonardo had returned, feeling his arms wrap around the trapeze artist's waist as if to stop him from moving away from him. He was aware that his body was moving on its own, and that surprised him even more than noticing his unwillingness to get out of there.

His body had simply latched onto Benjin, accepting his kiss and deepening it until their tongues entwined euphorically. The trapeze artist's hot breath beat on his face demarcating his thirst to kiss him. His big hands were also squeezing him tightly against his body.

Leonardo could feel Benjin's warmth and desire.

And for some reason, he was loving feeling so desired.

That's why he surrendered. He returned the kiss with the same intensity, raising his hand to tangle his fingers in the bleached hair. The squeeze he gave near the back of Benjin's neck had increased their eagerness.

Without waiting, the trapeze artist held his waist and lifted Leonardo to sit on his lap. Without separating their lips, both were completely pressed against each other. They could feel their hearts beating fast. Their breaths were short. Their tongues are touching. Their touches are going crazy.

When air had become necessary, only a string of spittle connected them. Leonardo gasped, his face red and his eyes closed as if he were completely intoxicated by that kiss. He had even received a caress on his face without blinking.

Benjin's big hand went to his head, pulling him to lie on his shoulder. There Leonardo shrugged, managing to fit perfectly into the trapeze artist's embrace. He felt too comfortable.

On the other hand, Benjin opened a devilish smile as he caressed the boy's dark hair.

― Never forget who you belong to, Leonardo Evilian.