AN: Here's the second chapter of TCCD, Thanks for your reviews. I hope you'll like this as much as the first one. xx
Chapter II
Applauses erupted from the inside of Theatro Aneleiti when Cc bowed. She gave an outstanding performance and did justice to Cinderella's character. Not only her mentors praised her but even some of world-known critics congratulated her. It was her night to shine. She was flooded with overwhelming praises from the audiences and her fellow dancers. They told her that she was not Cera Corbieré, dancing as Cinderella. She was Cinderella herself. Many were looking forward to her next performance. Her hardships paid off. And it's just the beginning of her wonderful career. After some interview with the reporters and ballet critics, she headed to the dresser and changed leaving her golden tiara on her head.
She went to her father who was waiting with her choreographer. Her father hugged her tightly. "You did great, Cc." It was Sylvette, her choreographer and like her second mother. Cc's father was teary-eyed. "You did really well dear. If your mother was still here, she would be overjoyed." She again hugged her father. "Thank you, papa." Even though, her father was always busy, he made sure that Cc would grow up, filled with love and happiness. He never failed to guide her down to the right path.
Euphemia ran to her direction and hugged her. "I really envy you Cc, it was really an outstanding performance. I wish I could dance like you." It was very overwhelming. She was really blessed to have cultivated her potential at her young age. But gaining the fame she's having now was not that easy. It would take a very special person to perform hundreds of spins and tendus within any given month. She looked for Lelouch, but didn't saw him. "Euphy, your brother didn't watch, did he?" She asked. She knows Lelouch is not a big fan of ballet. She begins to wonder how she fell in love with a person who doesn't have the slightest interest to the art she loves the most. "Lelouch is here and he watched," Euphy answered, pouting. "But he suddenly went out; here I thought that he was enjoying the show. He said he'll wait for us at the lobby."
Sheer excitement ran through her. "H-he's really here? I'll go to him right now." She felt like jumping up and down if it was not only for her father's presence. She was about to head straight to where Lelouch is, when her father grabbed her arm. "Princess, why such a rush? Won't you bid farewell to your father first?" She even forgot her father, just because of Lelouch. She hugged her father and apologized. "Sorry papa. I'll see you again later." Then she kissed her father's cheek. "You're obviously not excited about seeing my brother, aren't you Cc?" Euphy giggled. She just smiled at her. She felt that Lelouch was the missing part to complete her night.
As she hurriedly went to the lobby, she saw a ballerina from a different theater talking to Lelouch and openly flirted to him. She began to doubt. Did Lelouch go out so she could meet up with other woman? Is her pretty face not enough for him? She felt sad, almost all the men watching her admired her talent and beauty, but not Lelouch. She didn't know whether to drag the girl by her hair or just turn around and sulk. Then she noticed Lelouch giving the lady his ice cold stare. He was known for giving that attitude if he wants a person to leave him alone.
The girl just stood there stunned and hastily excused herself. She felt lightened up and approached Lelouch. "Hmm, it looks like you scared someone again, Mr. Lamperouge." Lelouch smirked, "Only those who are annoying. And I suppose that kind of glance won't even affect you, right?" "I am Princess Cinderella, a lady who faced her evil step-mother and step-sisters, bravely. I think your cold façade would not be a big deal." Lelouch nodded. "Yes. A princess, brave and beautiful." "Have you witnessed my performance earlier?" She wants to share her success with Lelouch that night. She wants Lelouch to also be proud of her.
"Yes. You did really well." Lelouch smiled. She harrumphed, "Liar! You didn't even finish the show." "Ooh! Lovers' quarrel?" Asked a smiling Sylvette. "Your father headed home already, Cc." "Really, I'll just call papa later then. And no, we're not having a lovers' quarrel." She denied, and took her red bag from Sylvette. Cc kissed Sylvette's cheek. "Thank you, let's have another great time tomorrow night." Sylvette hugged her. "Of course, Congratulations to you again dear!"
Her apartment was not that far from Theatro Aneleiti, so they choose to walk. It was not raining snow, so walking was really great. Euphy won't stop blabbering about what she saw that night. She just smiled but mostly can't understand what Euphemia was talking about. She began to feel Lelouch's presence, his gaze never leaving her. It was not that sharp, cold look. Instead, it was warm and unsettling. Something that could make her heart thump, uncontrollably. They first dropped Sylvette at her apartment that's nearer to the theater. "Good night, Cc, Lelouch. I wish, that there's a Prince Charming who would wake me up from my slumber." Euphy giggled as she closed the door.
She adjusted the strap of her shoulder bag. "I must be going as well. I was tired from the play. I still have a show tomorrow." Lelouch is leaving and didn't even felt happy with her performance earlier. All those praises meant nothing, because the man she liked was not rejoiced with her dance. "I'll drop you off then." He said looking at her, his violet orbs staring at her golden ones. Cc was quite as they walk at the streets of Venice. She didn't know what to say to him. "Well this is something new. You're not that noisy." She looked up and saw him smirking. "What's the point of talking, you're not going to appreciate it. You didn't even like the show, my performance."
"I enjoyed it you know. You were phenomenal. The audience were unbelievably loud, and every person inside was thrilled about you. You'll finally achieve your dream, to be a principal dancer. It won't be for long." She smiled sadly. "Neither of their opinions was important. Your opinion is." Lelouch took a deep breath. "You want my honest comment?" She automatically stopped and faced Lelouch. "Yes, please." It was late for her to take it back. Did she really want to hear his opinion? What if he said she's not that great and just stop dancing? Or she's not that pretty while performing? So many what ifs flooded her mind, it would definitely break her heart.
"It's better if the prince won't kiss you anymore." She gasped, she was shocked. That was the most ridiculous remark she ever heard. "It won't be too much of a romantic ending if Cinderella and her Prince wouldn't kiss you know." He kicked a pile of snow just beside him. "Then they'll have to think of a different way. Not that they'll force you to kiss someone you don't even like." "But I like…" She was cut off by Lelouch. "What? You like your partner?" He growled, he looked like he's going to eat Cc alive. She stepped back. "Not me! I mean, Cinderella and Prince Charming. It's just a play. That kiss meant nothing."
"That's the reason why I went outside you know. I don't want to see some random man kissing you." She really can't understand this man. Is that the only reason why he's fuming mad? "What's eating you? Are you jealous, hmm?" "Don't even think about that. " Lelouch shrugged his shoulders. She raised her hands up. "Okay, okay. I won't think about it then." But she felt happy thinking he really was jealous. He visibly looked like it. Her hopes were again set on fire. If Lelouch was jealous, it only means he harbours the same feeling for her. Lelouch had no idea that while the prince was kissing her, he was the one she was thinking of.
Lelouch pursed his lips. "I won't watch if there's another man kissing you." "Then who am I supposed to kiss?" Cc asked smiling. Lelouch looked away from her. "Kiss the man you're in love with. Okay. Kiss that Prince Charming then. What can I do if it's part of your job? Just don't expect me watching…" She stood on her tippy-toes and planted a quick kiss on his lips to cut off his words. "Thanks, Lelouch." He was taken aback. "W-why… I just told you to kiss the man you love, not kiss someone you're not in love with…" She just smiled sweetly. "A little reminder Lelouch, think twice before you get mad. Goodnight!"
Then she ran off heading inside her apartment building and left a shocked Lelouch outside. That night, she can't sleep and kept on tossing on her bed. Everything was like a dream. Her outstanding ballet performance and Lelouch. She just hoped that Lelouch will realize that she liked him and that he's jealous. And she kissed him because she likes him. He was her strength and inspiration.
AN: Question: How would Lelouch break Cc's heart in this story? I still don't know how to do it. So some of your opinions would surely be of help!
