AN: Revised Chapter 10/8/2016
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It was opening night for Zorro.
Sora stood on the sidelines in costume, waiting for her scene. In the main plaza of a town in Old California, some rogues were harassing a small group of townspeople. Fanfare of trumpets had sounded out the arrival of the Fox, swinging onto the stage via his trusty whip.
The fans went wild over the action.
Zorro intervened, sword drawn and poised. Leon's costume consisted of the traditional black outfit, boots, bullwhip and fencing sword. A back cloth wrapped around the top half of the head and face with two holes for him to see. The black, flat topped hat was secured to his head thanks to the magic of the people in wardrobe.
His hot headed partner, Fuego, was played by May. While Zorro kept the goons focused on him by fencing and swinging around, Fuego led the innocent bystanders away from the ill-tempered persons, every once in a while pausing to deal with the stray rogues.
Idly, Sora twirled her hair as Leon back flipped over the remaining rogues and onto the fake roof of the plaza. His form looked striking in black, especially his long silver hair. She smiled to herself as she bit her lower lip. She was accustomed to the stirrings of desire by now, though she realized she had felt it before but had not known what it was.
Zorro straightened up from his crouch on the roof. Quickly, Sora shook herself out of admiring her husband and got into motion.
Esperanza- Sora's character- rushed outside to the balcony. Having heard some noise she curiously peered around until she happened upon seeing an enigmatic figure on the rooftop across the way.
For a single moment, both Esperanza and Zorro made eye contact.
The moment broke by the pistols of the rogues, smoke coming out of the guns without any bullets thanks to the genius of the prop team.
Zorro, shortly joined by his partner Fuego, dashed across the roof top. Pulling out his bullwhip, Zorro lashed it out on a pole and grabbed his partner's hand. Together, the two vigilantes swung off of the scene and out of the way of the rogues.
Esperanza was left on the balcony, her pulse faster than it should be. She had heard about the masked man in the streets fighting crime, but had never seen him before.
Until now.
She didn't think she could forget this encounter.
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Mia watched surreptitiously on the side lines, lightly fanning her face as she delighted in seeing her script come to life.
Fuego and Zorro noticed the growing number of thugs in their town. Something was clearly up and they needed to find out what was going on.
After hunting down the usual suspicious characters they found out that none of the past baddies were behind the recent activity. They were either caught in another crime or in jail still. But Fuego had found something interesting during their latest fight with the thugs.
There were flakes of gold on their clothes.
The mines were owned by the noble families. If someone had been ransacked, they would have to consult the higher ups. So for tonight, Zorro removed his black costume and Fuego her black and blue outfit.
Quickly Mia snapped to it, getting herself on stage as the scene changed. She could still remember the plot she had set up, the suggested gestures and moods. She was really interested on how Anna would portray Don Martinez.
Bathed and brushed, Zorro and Fuego calmly walked into Don Martinez's dinner. Long hair tied back and a formal dinner outfit of white and red, Don de la Vega—the surname of Zorro's—mingled with the crowd, finally coming to the table of the host.
Tall and lean, Don Martinez stood up and clasped hands with Don de la Vega. Fuego stood to the side, taking in the dons at the table already. With the wealth portrayed on their clothing, any one of them could be victims of the rogues.
Mia pretended to laugh at something as her partner leaned in as if gossiping with her. The problem was getting one of them to talk. Image was everything. It wasn't likely that the heroes would be able to get anyone to tell them of the robbery. But their mannerisms could. Or clothing.
Seeing as there really wasn't speech on this stage, it had been tricky for Mia to work out.
With a quick look to Zorro, Fuego got that he was thinking the same thing when Zorro narrowed his eyes slightly. He hoped she could get something useful.
The music changed to the plucking of violins and maracas. Sarah hovered above them, singing playfully with the music. Mia quickly stepped up onto the tightrope with the other girls. As a small group, the noble women came to the table, twirling their skirts and fanning themselves.
Leading the group, Esperanza stood before her brother, Don Martinez as they greeted each other.
Zorro's eyes drifted over her form, liking the red skirt of her dress and the embroidered lace along her sleeves. Since it was trapeze, the skirt was shorter in the front to allow leg movement and the back was long to allow for artistic fluttering and twirls.
Mia withheld the goofy grin that wanted to show. She knew Leon would like Sora's costume. During the practice run, she was not fully assembled, the lacework needing more time.
Zorro looked at Esperanza's face and recognized her from the balcony.
He did a low bow towards her, drawing her attention. She tilted her head inquisitively, wondering why the nobleman looked familiar though she knew this was the first time they have met. She gave him a small curtsey and then turned away from him to speak with her companions.
The crowd laughed at the affronted look on Zorro's face and then "oooed" when he straightened up with a mischievous grin on his face.
It was clear to him that she did not care for fancy noblemen and he found himself intrigued. He approached the group of women and extended a hand out to the companion next to Esperanza, a pretty brunette with a deep violet skirt on. The woman giggled behind her hand and then followed him to the dance floor.
The long platform stayed stationary as he waltzed with the brunette, twirling her in front of Esperanza. The red head politely yawned behind her hand.
Zorro felt the stirrings of something deep inside him, goading him to place the brunette back with her companions and boldly grasp Esperanza's arm. She gasped as she was whisked to the platform, her red skirt floating behind as she was brought to the dance floor.
Zorro let go of her arm and stood in front of her.
Esperanza stood her ground, not faltering in their staring contest.
Slowly, gradually, the lights around the stage dimmed until only the ones over the long platform were on. Faintly, Sarah's voice sounded out in a long note, quivering with a single violin as the stalemate continued. Mia grasped her fan tightly as the waiting became almost unbearable.
But oh, how Mia loved it!
Sarah's note and violin cut off with the first steps the couple took.
Although their bodies did not face each other, their eyes did as they turned their heads towards each other as they moved. Zorro stepped into her space; she boldly stepped into his, a mere centimeter or two left between them before touching. The violin built up in speed and Sarah's sensual singing voice added to the tension, some bass guitars and tambourines ringing as their dance became lively.
There wasn't a hint of disinterest on Esperanza's face.
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Ken watched from the tech box as Zorro and Esperanza danced.
He just came back from talking with security to make sure everything was still alright when he came upon Sora and Leon dancing. He was a little taken aback by how Sora moved, never really having seen such an expression on her face. Screen three was focused on both of their faces, allowing those in the box to see Sora's lidded eyes and Leon's focused gaze.
When Sora's hand trailed across Leon's chest, Ken tugged at his buttoned up collar.
Was it just him or was the room a little too hot?
A clearing of the throat made Ken focus on his job, seeing that the effects were due to come. "Alright, lights 2 and 3 get ready. Those controlling the platform, you'll disconnect on my signal."
"Roger."
"Yes, Mr. Ken."
Ken waited a few seconds more, watching where Zorro and Esperanza were on the platform. "Ok, starting from my right in three, two, one…"
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The stage was electric as they danced.
Sora could feel a few beads of sweat rolling down the side of her face. By the slight gleaming of his face, she took it that Leon was in a similar position. But he wasn't worried about sweating and neither was she.
Her hand reached up to touch his face, but she decided to trail her fingers across his chest instead. His eyes widened just a little for half a second at the unexpected action, but then went to half-mast. He reached a hand out to her waist, pulling her flush against him.
She softly gasped as her back was to his chest, the heat of his body making her even more breathless. He lifted her up into the air and she extended her arms above her head.
The clicks of the platform alerted her that they were being disconnected.
She closed her eyes in order to keep calm. This part was all about trust just as much as talent. She opened her eyes again just as he lowered her back to his chest and she arched her arms and legs backwards to somewhat hold onto his upper body.
As he began to spin, the first part of the platform was released.
The music swelled as they twirled, Leon's sure footing making it to the second platform in time. She turned her face towards the side of his and he looked down at her, seeing if she was ready.
She gave him a small nod.
He placed her back on her feet without stopping in moving, his hands going to her waist and right hand. He danced them towards the edge of the second and third platform and she kept on following, trusting him to lead her.
The third platform disconnected from the second as he made them leap high in the air.
They landed safely on the third platform and then moved back to the edge towards the second platform as the third swung back to it. The audience were in awe as they leapt again, this time the duo spinning fast in the air. They moved to the first platform, this time back flipping in unison.
The music reached its pinnacle point, being so high strung that it was nearly painful.
For the finishing pose, they went back to the second platform, her left leg around his narrow waist as her right hand was buried in his hair. He half knelt as his forehead rested on hers, watching the passion still coloring her eyes.
The music ended, the audience stood up and cheered.
They stayed in their pose for a few seconds more, neither one quite ready to let go, but eventually they separated, knowing that the show must continue on.
"Later," his eyes promised her.
She swallowed as her mouth felt dry, though the thrill in her gut told her that she was looking forward to later.
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The scene changed back to Fuego investigating the dons at the table.
Sora quickly grabbed a face towel from the table backstage and dabbed the sweat from her forehead. She didn't have enough time to go back to her dressing room to reapply make-up, so she was careful as she wiped her face.
"Here," she heard Leon's voice from behind her.
She turned around and saw him offering a water bottle.
She smiled. "Still trying to charm me, are you?"
"Charm, no." He stepped forward, making her step back into the supply table with nowhere to go. He gave her a roguish grin. "Seduce, on the other hand…"
She shivered as his nose ran along her cheek.
"That is more accurate word," he murmured, his arm wrapping around her waist and he took pride in the way her lips parted to let out a breathy sound, "don't you think?"
"Yes," she breathed, her eyes darting to his lips as they came closer to hers, "but it doesn't mean anything will come of it."
He chuckled. "I highly doubt that."
She nearly pouted when he moved his head away from her lips, but as his nose trailed up her neck, nearly making her mewl. "I didn't say I'm unaffected." When he looked up, she grinned at him. "But the 'later' you promised is not now."
"What promise?"
She slightly shook her head. By the grin tugging at his mouth, she knew he was pleased she got his wordless message. He was merely being sly.
"No promise," she breezily replied. "I made a mistake."
She made to step away from him, but he smoothly pulled her back against him. She took in a breath as his lips teased the sensitive area behind her ear.
"After the show," he rumbled. "In your dressing room."
Her jaw dropped and then squeaked when he nipped her ear. Before she could respond, a runner came over.
"Mr. Leon, you're needed for the next scene!"
"I'll be right there," he answered. His lips teased hers as he spoke, her cheeks tinting when she noticed that the runner was still close by – not that Leon had a problem with that. "Until then, mon chaton."
Then he released her.
Face still pink, she felt her pulse go faster as she watched him walk away, his silver hair swinging slightly as he stepped.
Water. Need lots and lots of water.
Would it be unprofessional to pour the bottle over her head?
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AN: I decided to tell the show more like a story through Mia's eyes kind of, like what she might have been thinking as she wrote the script.