Adella looks up at the Yorknew Concert Hall, sighing as she reads the signs affixing the windows and doors. She loved the opera, loved theatre. It seemed she always had, ever since her parents, may they rest in peace, took her to her first ballet.
And now, so many years later, she still frequented the theatre to honor them and the people who worked so hard to make it here. She'd once had dreams of being an actress, until she'd been lured away by the siren song of science. She wouldn't change a thing.
She only wishes Illumi could be here. He was one of two men she'd met to actually enjoy coming to see the shows with her. The other…
Well, Kite was long gone, and she doubted he would ever go to a show on his own. Sighing, she picks up her dress, heading up the steps and inside the lobby. It's loud, busy, everyone rushing to their seats or to get tickets.
"I'm sorry sir, but…"
"I had this ticket reserved for months! Do not tell me it is gone!"
She turns at the commotion, concerned for the obviously young clerk dealing with a disgruntled man. He is old, the man not the clerk, with shockingly white hair sticking up from his head. He's bent forward, scowling, hands behind his back. He also appears to be alone. The poor boy behind the counter looks terrified. "I apologize. I can try to…"
"Bah!' The man waves the offer away. "I am only in town for a short while, and business will keep me away the rest of my time. But I have always reserved my tickets and never had an issue before! How…" The man sighs, regaining his composure. "Very well, I shall take my leave. Goodnight." He turns, heading the opposite way the rest of the crowd is going.
Adella bites her lip. She almost feels bad for the man. Clearly, he was a regular patron, and even despite being upset, he hadn't been worse than some customers she'd seen. Making a split second decision, she steps forward. "Wait!" She calls out, racing after him.
On the off chance Illumi had come home early, she'd brought his ticket, even the knowledge it was there was comforting, as if part of him was with her. "Sir! Wait!"
The man stops, turning to her with a raised brow. "Can I help you, young lady?"
She smiles, reaching into her clutch. "I couldn't help but overhear your problem at the ticket window. My partner was supposed to join me tonight, but he had work and could no longer make it. I happen to have his ticket if you wouldn't mind the company? It's box seats."
His face lights up, clearly touched by her generosity. "Well, why any man would allow work to take him from such a lovely young woman I'll never know. It's a crime to leave a lady alone at the theatre. Too many rogues."
She giggles, taking his offered arm and leading him back inside. The man happens to be a wonderful conversationalist, offering deeper insight into the plot and characters than anyone she's ever met. They talk the entire way to their seats, before the curtain rises, intermission, and, when it is time to leave, he walks her out.
"Thank you, young lady, for offering an old man the chance to discuss. My family isn't as inclined to the arts as I am. It was a pleasure to find such a witty conversationalist and companion." He presses a kiss to her hand. "May I trouble you for your name? Perhaps we may meet again at another show?"
She smiles, happy to have met him. "It's Adella, and I certainly hope so."
He hums, frowning. "Adella, an interesting name." He seems to think for a moment before shaking his head. "If you are ever here again, ask if Zeno has a ticket for the show as well. I would be happy to hear from you."
He bows, turning to head the other direction.
Adella stands frozen.
Zeno.
"You wouldn't happen to be Zeno Zoldyck, would you?" She calls after him before she can stop herself.
The man stops, tensing. Oh, Adella knows that stance. She's seen Illumi bow up like that when he prepares to strike. The man, Zeno, looks over his shoulder, glaring daggers at her. "How do you…"
He turns, and Adella throws her hands up before he can strike, showing she has no weapons. "Adella! Illumi's Adella!" She knows he finally told them, it's likely Zeno may recognize her association with his grandson.
Zeno pauses, clenched fist unclenching. "Illumi… I knew that name sounded familiar!" He laughs, walking back to her and taking her hands in his. "My dear, my apologies! Please tell me my grandson isn't the knave who left you alone tonight!"
She blushes, cheeks warm from the fear of nearly dying rather than the mention of Illumi. "He had a job to do. I'd forgotten about it when I purchased the tickets; it truly is my fault."
"Still," He hums. "Unforgivable. Should have raised him better." Zeno shakes his head. "I am shocked Illumi found such a remarkable woman. He really did sell you short."
"Well, no offense, but my selling points aren't exactly Zoldyck approved."
"Nonsense!" He bellows. "You have a fine eye and ear for the theatre, and that tells me a lot about you. You have my approval, and as such my son's." He scowls. "My daughter-in-law, however…"
He shakes his head. "Well, never mind her." He beams. "Tell me, dear, do you live in the city?"
She nods. "I work for the Hunter Association, actually."
"Ah, yes, making poisons. You convinced my son to lend you some of our plants! Remarkable feat may I say."
Adella smiles, gripping his hands. She knew Illumi had kept her from his family for a reason, but it seemed she had a special way of winning over Zoldyck men. "If you aren't too tired, would you care for a nightcap?"
"Oh, you know exactly the way to this old man's heart."
I knew Adella was going to need someone on her side besides Illumi if she wanted to survive as a Zoldyck, and I just adore Zeno, so he gets to be her in. I recently watched the HxH musical, and Zeno, while being a badass patriarch, was also super sweet to Killua's friends, and seemed to like that his grandson had people outside of the family so willing to fight for him. At least, that's how I interpreted his interactions, so he gets to be Adella's new best friend. I also see him as very refined and posh, so he's a little upset no one else in his family likes theatre. At least Del does.