Music of the Night: Bastion Misawa and Violet Haverbrook
Hello again, GX enthusiasts! Welcome back to "Love Through Lifetimes," and the story of the final couple in this series. We know you're probably expecting that there's going to be angst and near-tragedy for the couple that's endured a lot in the 21st century. Well, you're not going to get that. For once, our couple won't have a serious conflict to overcome; in fact, they will just have a free and easy time. We hope that doesn't disappoint you too much. But this will be funny, especially after the sadness of our previous epic tale of love and loss. And as for the requests that were made, we are seriously considering an AU story set in Victorian England after the US Civil War.
So onto the newest story! First, as we've said, we only own our OCs and our story collections. Also, so Mr. Andrew Lloyd Webber doesn't become angry and sue us, "Music of the Night" is from Mr. Webber's most excellent musical, "Phantom of the Opera," which was based on a book by Gaston Leroux. Finally, this story does have a nude scene, but it's in historical context because a lot of great artists painted young women in their birthday suits. Thank you for your attention.
It was a time of great enlightenment in Europe. In what is now known as Italy, artists and inventors flourished in the Renaissance. Young men and women worked with artists like Michelangelo, Donatello and Rafael (no relation to a group of mutant ninja turtles). But one of the most famous was Leonardo Da Vinci. He was a mathematician, inventor and artist, and he had apprentices. This is the story of one of his apprentices and how that boy fell in love with a model.
Bastion was a brilliant young student and was excited to work under the gifted Leonardo. He replaced a former apprentice, Michael by name, who had not been terribly bright. In his eagerness to impress Leonardo, Michael took the inventor's flying machine without permission for a test run in Pisa. The result had not been pretty. In fact, Michael crashed into the tower, resulting in it starting to lean.
Bastion had learned from his predecessor's mistakes and knew not to take his master's things without permission. He carried paints, blueprints and canvas for the artist, and was even allowed to paint for the master on occasion. But today... "Master, are you sure I'm ready to do this?" he asked.
Leonardo, at the time only one of many inventors and artists, gave a curt nod. "Of course. Bastion, you are one of my best apprentices. You have shown brilliance in mathematics and with inventing. I believe it is time you honed your artistic skills to the same level," he explained encouragingly.
"I am not like you, Master Leonardo, but I strive to be like you..." Bastion was just a bit nervous at the prospect of drawing and painting a lovely model. "I certainly haven't the gift you do with the female form, but I will try my best."
"That is all that I ask of you, my student. Now, prepare yourself while I go and fetch the model I have chosen for you." Leonardo replied as he exited the room, leaving Bastion alone to get himself and his supplies situated.
Bastion spread a warm blanket over the soft chaise lounge the model would stretch herself out over, giving him an ample view of her likely graceful form. Next he placed a bowl of fruit on the stand behind the lounge, and then he confirmed how the light was at this time of day. The sun was coming in through the windows, giving excellent warmth to the room. The boy then placed his canvas on his easel and prepared his paints as well as his pencils and charcoal. 'I hope I'm ready for this,' he thought.
"This way, right through here," came the voice of Leonardo from the other room. He entered, attention fully on the woman he led into the room after him.
Her skin was a creamy white, enhancing her already lovely appearance. Eyes the color of grassy meadows looked about the room curiously as she walked over to the lounge and let the robe she was wearing drop to the floor. And her plum-colored hair fell across her shoulders in waves as she stretched out upon the lounge. "Is this pose all right?" she asked Bastion, since he was the artist.
Bastion swallowed, momentarily speechless. He was a boy with dark hair and gray eyes the color of a stormy Tuscan sky. He was tall and muscular, and right now, struck momentarily dumb. Finally he managed, "That is just fine..."
"Bastion, this is Violetta. Do your best to capture her beauty upon the canvas," Leonardo explained, smiling. Violetta was actually a little upset; the canvas was blocking her view of Bastion. Though, she decided that was likely a good thing. Since seeing the handsome man might make her fidget or shift nervously.
"Hello, Violetta," the teen boy said. "Just relax. I am certain you will be an excellent model." Her hair color was unlike anything he'd seen before in this village and her eyes were wonderful. And her figure was flawless, he noted as he looked at her body. Perfectly creamy skin, a flat stomach with just a slight curve to it, toned legs... 'Think neutrally, as she is your subject at the moment. You must do this well, Bastion.' "Just relax and do not move," he said out loud.
Violetta nodded, then blushed. "Er, you haven't started yet, have you?" she asked. Nodding had made her head move, and she sweat-dropped.
"No...just relax and be still." And so, Bastion began to sketch the scene. He was quite detailed, showing the fruit, the view behind it and then the girl and the chaise lounge. He drew every curve of her young, supple body, and completed the scene. "Hmmm...your hair is lovely and rather unusual, Signorina Violetta...It may take a moment to mix the proper colors for it."
Violetta blushed, but quickly forced it down so that the colors would not be changed. "Oh, I am sorry, Signor Bastion. I was born with it this color, I am not certain as to why, though," she explained.
"I think it's wonderful to do the extra work, Signorina. And you are very lovely, indeed," he stated. "The blush on your cheeks gives you life..."
The compliment made said blush return, and she would have turned away in embarrassment had she not been modeling. "Th-Thank you, Signor...you are too kind..."
He stood up and walked over with his paint palette in hand. "It's the truth," he said, examining the skin tone of her back against his colors. "Hmmm...Ah, just right. I want to be certain that the ages see your loveliness..."
Her blush intensified; partially from the complement and partially from how close he was. His height and muscles only added to how handsome he was, especially for an artist. "Signor," she murmured in embarrassment at the flattery.
He then moved to examine her face and eyes. "Hmm...I have just the shade of green...and you may call me Bastion, Signorina Violetta..."
She was blushing like mad now at the close proximity of their faces. "O-Oh, all right. Then you can call me Violetta."
"All right, Violetta..." And so the boy set to work painting the scene and the lovely girl. All through the session, they talked and a blush grew on Bastion's slightly tawny cheeks. He couldn't deny what seeing her was doing to him.
Violetta's blush had died down, but remained on her face. Even if the canvas blocked him from view, she could remember his appearance from when he'd been close to her. 'Though...it is likely we shall never meet again after this,' she thought.
Finally, after several hours, Bastion completed the painting. "Violetta, you should put on your robes and see this. It's done..."
Violetta stood, stretching her sore limbs for a moment before slipping on a robe Leonardo handed her. Both the teacher and the model walked over to view the finished piece.
"Bastion, this is the work of a master artist!" Leonardo exclaimed happily.
"Indeed, it looks as if you took the scene and placed it on this canvas," Violetta added in awe.
Bastion flushed. "Thank you, Violetta...to paint you was a joy..."
Violetta blushed herself. "It was an honor to model for you, Bastion..."
"Thank you," he answered, and then his hand landed on a board that held some extra paints. One jar flew up from the board, hitting the young artist right in the face.
Violetta started laughing in spite of herself. "Here… let me help you! Please, Bastion!" She grabbed a rag and tried to wipe the paint off his face, only to make him look like a clown. "Oh dear! I made you look like… OH NO!!!" she moaned, feeling terribly stupid.
Bastion soothed her easily. "It's all right, Violetta. Master Leonardo says I need to be more humorous. This is a good way of doing it," he chuckled, looking at his white face with a mirror. With some doing, they removed the fine oil paint from Bastion's face.
"I'm so sorry," Violetta apologized again before she left Master Leonardo's workshop, now fully clothed in a simple violet dress. "I'm bad luck."
"Don't apologize; it was an accident and I wasn't paying attention," Bastion countered. "Thank you very much, Violetta, for being my first subject. You were magnificent."
Violetta nodded. "Thank you again, Bastion." And so they said good-bye. Violetta was finished with her modeling job and Bastion doubted he would ever see the young woman again. But the Fates had other plans.
Tonight was a gala event in Milan and the master artists and their apprentices were invited. Since it was during the summer months, it was held outside in the town square. There was a large pond, and candles lit the scene along with the full moon. There would be food and music, dancing and drink, as well as entertainment. Everyone was welcome to join in with the festivities that celebrated the artistic accomplishments of the town.
Bastion, dressed in golden tights and tunic, stepped into the square. "Master, this is a bit unusual...I suppose I need this, but I feel I should be working."
Leonardo was dressed in similar garb, for this was a special occasion and ordinary work clothes wouldn't do. "Nonsense, Bastion. You have worked hard and deserve a break. Especially after that wonderful painting you made today."
"Thank you, Master...The women are lovely here..." But he found his thoughts turning to Violetta, the girl with the lovely plum hair.
Leonardo wasn't considered a genius for nothing; he knew that Bastion and Violetta had connected that day. "Go and enjoy yourself, Bastion, while I speak with some old friends of mine. Who knows? Perhaps you shall run into some lovely lady here. It seems that the entire town has attended the gala," he stated, then walked over to a group of other master artists.
And so Bastion found himself alone in the crowd. He had, of course, seen his parents and greeted them, but he didn't have friends to hang out with. So he went through the crowd and to the lake next to the village. He sang softly away from the crowd about the beauty of music. And then, like the gentle whistle of the night breeze, a nearby voice joined his in song. However, it was softer and more feminine, blending the two different tones into a striking melody.
He turned, surprised to see her, dressed in a lovely flowing violet gown, a string of purple flowers at her belt and in her hair. "Violetta?" he called out, softly. And then he stumbled into a bush, face first. There was a great deal of muffled cursing as he struggled out of it, brushing himself off. "I'm sorry…I'm rather clumsy today."
She smiled, walking over, intending to stand beside him, only to trip on a rock. With a soft cry of surprise, Violetta crashed into Bastion instead. The two fell into the bush he'd just climbed out of, a few leaves drifting to the ground in response. "Oooh... Violetta... are...are you all right?" Bastion asked, helping her out of the bush before struggling out himself.
Violetta brushed the leaves and twigs from her dress, blushing all the while. "Uh, yes, I am all right. I am so sorry, Bastion...I have come to discover that stones dislike me a great deal..."
Bastion grinned sheepishly. "Well, bushes dislike me a great deal. The master had to laugh on a recent trip to the countryside. I fell in no less than 15 bushes and crashed into two olive branches and a stand of grape vines... So... what brings you here?" he asked, rubbing the back of his head with the presently sheepish grin.
Violetta placed a hand to her mouth, unable to hold back a few giggles at the explanation. "I heard you singing, so I came to take a look. I know the melody. I am sorry if I disturbed you, Bastion..."
"You didn't. I was surprised that someone else knew this song. You're making my song take flight," he said, daring to take her hand.
She blushed a little, but then closed hers around his and smiled. "It is a beautiful song..." Her smile broadened and she started to sing the song from the beginning. He took her other hand with his other hand, smiling and began to dance with her. By this point, a few of the partygoers had heard the singing and watched the scene by the lake. But Bastion and Violetta were too caught up in their dancing and singing to notice.
And he sang softly at the end, meeting her eyes. "Perhaps we should sing more..." She nodded and they sang a village love song together. All too soon, the song ended and Bastion couldn't resist kissing the charmingly captivating Violetta. She was taken by surprise but she gladly returned the kiss. And then, the pair found themselves surrounded by applause. Apparently, the entire crowd had watched their dance and listened to their song.
"I think we had an audience, Violetta, my dear...Is this the proper time to ask to court you formally?" Bastion asked.
Violetta blushed, but her smile returned as she nodded. "Yes, of course...any time at all would be the proper time, Bastion..."
Suddenly, there was the soft sound of flapping wings and a gentle cooing. Both teens felt an added weight land on their heads. "Er... Violetta...I believe you have a dove on your head," Bastion said, stunned. It was a beautiful brown dove that suddenly gave out what sounded like laughter. And then, Bastion heard the same thing... from on top of his own head.
Violetta first looked up at the dove, then looked over and saw a similar bird on Bastion's head. A smile formed on her lips. "Well, Bastion, I believe that is a dove on YOUR head as well."
"Oh my..." And then he had a look at the bird on her head. "Yours is female..." And he reached up and gently took the other bird from his head. "This one's male..."
Violetta lifted her hand, and her dove walked onto it. Bringing the female dove down to the same level as Bastion's, the two cooed again. They rubbed beaks, revealing that they were mates. "I think they are more than friends..."
He smiled at that. "Hmmm...Perhaps they are." At the same time, the young people released the doves and they flew off joyfully together. "All right then," the young man said, feeling he should do something before anything else happened, "I'll speak with your father..."
Just then, two men and two women stepped out of the now dispersing crowd and walked over to the teens. One man had pitch black hair and was with a woman who had hair the same shade as Violetta's. The other man had hair just like Bastion's and was with a woman who had hair as black as a raven's feathers. Violetta blinked in surprise. "Mother, Father...you saw that?" she asked, embarrassed.
Violetta's father, Alexandro, smiled. "My daughter, do not be embarrassed. I am glad you found a young man who seems to love you..."
"I do, Signor," Bastion stated.
Violetta's mother, Bernadette, smiled cheerfully. "Yes, we could tell the instant we saw the two of you dancing and singing together."
"My son, you truly wish to court this young lady?" Bastion's father, Horatio asked, wanting to be certain.
"Yes, Father...I wish to," Bastion said clearly. "Mother, I love her..."
His mother, Kamelia, smiled. "Of course...Horatio, I think he is being truthful."
"Yes, I can see that he is truly speaking from his heart, Kamelia darling," Horatio replied with a soft smile of his own.
Alexandro looked at his wife. "Darling, I wish your opinion. Shall we allow this young artist to court and perhaps marry our daughter?" he asked.
"Alexandro, from what Violetta has told me and from what I have seen here, I believe that she loves him. And if he returns that love so greatly, then I do not see why we should try to stop it," Bernadette replied. After her modeling, Violetta had told her mother about the handsome, charming artist.
"Then let us celebrate our children!" Kamelia cheered happily. And then the artists of the town heard the commotion.
"Master, I am courting Violetta!" Bastion shouted as his master came up to the couples.
Leonardo grinned. "Now are you not glad that you spent your time here instead of working?" he called back.
"Yes, Master!" Bastion grinned.
"I will try not to hinder your work too much, Bastion," Violetta said.
"You will be my greatest work," he murmured, hugging her to him. She smiled happily, wrapping her arms around him. She then moved upward and placed her lips against his in a loving kiss.
The villagers cheered at this as Bastion returned Violetta's sweet kiss. And then the musicians struck up yet another happy tune. "Shall we dance?" he asked his beloved.
"That sounds wonderful," she answered. And so they danced throughout the evening.
The next day, Bastion and Violetta again met at the art studio, and after yet another modeling session which the master praised, Violetta was able to convince Bastion to go to a small restaurant to eat. "This is delicious," he said, biting into some sweet bread.
"Yes, and it is always so peaceful here compared to the bigger cafes. Not to mention there is a beautiful view of the lake," she replied, smiling. "I thought that an artist like yourself would enjoy it."
Bastion smiled, looking at the view. A couple was rowing on the lake and ducks were swimming there too. "I love it...I just hope you do as well."
"Yes, I enjoy the view very much," Violetta answered, though she was looking at him and not the lake.
Bastion knew that. "I like this view better," he said, looking straight at her. Violetta smiled and leaned across the small table, obviously vying for a kiss. Since yesterday, she had only fallen deeper and deeper in love with Bastion. He gladly obliged her. Others in the restaurant smiled, knowing the signs of young love. Some thought this would be temporary, but others seemed to know that this just might last. "Violetta, I know this is sudden, but...I feel we have been brought together."
"It may be sudden, Bastion, but...I feel exactly the same way. When you were painting me, I was simply attracted to you. But after last night when we danced by the lakeside, that feeling changed from simple attraction," Violetta explained.
"I had never felt attracted to any of the models, truthfully, until I saw you," he said, meeting her eyes with his own.
"I have been attracted to other men, but...you are different. I feel...as if this is true love, a lasting love," she replied, smiling softly.
"I believe it is true, as well...my love," he said gently, kissing her again.
"Well, if we both believe it to be true, then we are certain to be hearing wedding bells before this year is through," she whispered, smiling.
"Perhaps that will happen...And I hope to become a good artist and inventor to provide for our family..."
"Well, after showing me your work, I agree with your master. There is not a doubt in my mind that you shall become one of the many famous persons of history."
And so, Bastion's abilities grew. Within two months, Master Leonardo told Bastion he was ready to move to his own shop. And indeed, the young man was a success. And a month after Bastion opened his shop, he and Violetta were married. And in nine months time, Violetta had given birth to a miracle. She bore him three children; two daughters and a son. Because of Bastion's success, they were able to live casually. Violetta gave Bastion another daughter and three more sons over the next few years, and each of the sons was able to enter an apprenticeship of what they wished to be. The family prospered and Bastion and Violetta lived to ripe old ages.
So one of our couples who won't have it easy in the present day at least had it easy in Renaissance Italy. Yes, they had a couple of comedic accidents, but nothing tragic and no real antagonist, except for the bushes and the rocks. We hope you at least somewhat enjoyed this tale and found it at least somewhat funny. Next time, we rejoin all of our couples sometime later as they are reunited in the afterlife. So please stay tuned for "Reunion," to be followed by "Rebirth!" Until next time, please read, review and stay tuned! Thank you!