Chapter Eight:
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If he'd been the paranoid sort, Leon would think that Sora was avoiding him. Perhaps he came on too strong. While May was recovering from Influenza, he and Sora performed Dracula not just technically perfect but there was an emotional intensity unlike he'd ever been part. Now, it had been been three weeks since May returned. Yuri had performed the role of Van Helsing while Sora had focused on her Sensational Splash production. It wasn't that she wasn't being supportive. He could see her in the audience next to Sophie each performance, the two with their heads bent close together, taking notes, always at the end of the row close to an exit.
Leon thought he'd feel a hollowness performing without Sora, but he discovered that she'd made a point to be present for each of the performances that she wasn't working. She'd been keeping her cool, while he felt like an obsessive boyfriend. The problem, she wasn't technically his girlfriend. They'd had a few meals together, visited the beach together, hung out at his place (with Sophie present too) playing boardgames or watching a movie. But nothing like the night he'd gone back to her dorm. He didn't understand it.
Though, at least twice per week, Sora practiced the role of Van Helsing in her position of understudy. It had been Leon's favorite two practice sessions of the week. Those were the only times he had actually touched her — even if it were in the middle of a sword fight.
He'd made a habit of bringing lunch to the clinic on her volunteering days. She seemed to appreciate it, her coworkers certainly did. Sophie started using that day for one of her PT sessions too, though she worked with another therapist. It had given Leon a valid excuse to be there. Sophie had agreed to be his alibi — he didn't want to be creepy about visiting Sora.
"If you take a picture, it will last longer," May whispered. They were both hidden behind the curtains while the background dancers did a small routine. She was about to enter the stage with the Jonathan Harper shadow to do their lover's dance, pre-Dracula encounter.
"What?" Leon stared down at her. He thought he'd been more casual in his observation.
"If it was anyone else, I'd be incredibly jealous," May admitted. "But, Sora, she's a sapphire in a sea of diamonds. And, you obviously being into her, has helped me focus on giving my best performance, instead of making googoo eyes at you."
Leon arched an eyebrow. "I never noticed googoo eyes," he scoffed.
"You were too busy fuming at Sora. Now, you're the one making googoo eyes." May flipped her long, black hair over her shoulder and then pranced upon the stage.
Leon stared after her for a moment and then took a deep, calming breath. He needed to focus. He tucked the thoughts about his sweet Sora into the back of his mind. He could compartmentalize with the best of them. He waited for his cue and then made his entrance. He was the devil personified - dark, terrifying, and oh so delicious to gaze upon.
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"He definitely looked over," Sophie confirmed. She giggled nervously. Everyone knew that Leon had fallen for Sora. It was cute to see her big brother so enchanted. Yuri was a little worried about it affecting his professionalism.
"I wonder how he's going to react," Sora worried. Yuri had asked her to perform in the role of Van Helsing that evening. He'd tweaked his shoulder the night before. She'd been working hard to distance herself from Leon, while trying to stay friendly. She cared about him — a lot. But Ken Robbins had approached her the day after May had recovered and pointed out a very important clause in their company contracts regarding relationships with coworkers.
"I'm pretty excited, personally," Sophie said. She waved towards the theater's box seating, Yuri waved back. He was there with the patrons Doris and Delilah.
"Who are they?" Sora asked, following her friend's gaze.
"Some rich widows that like to flaunt their money and keep Yuri at arm's length," Sophie answered, her voice laced with annoyance. "You better get into costume. Your scene will be up before you know it."
"Right. I'll see you after the show!" Sora gave her a thumbs up and then hurried out of the audience. She was dressed into the Van Helsing costume in record time. Anna helped her adjust the ensemble. It would be her first time to perform the role of Van Helsing since they added the scene before a live audience.
"Nervous?" Anna asked, as she finished braiding Sora's hair into two tight braids down the sides of her head.
"Excited," Sora answered. She hugged her friend and then rushed to the backstage and waited for the Van Helsing cue.
May's dark eyes showed amusement. Leon was in the middle of a somersault on the trapeze, he noticed Sora after he caught himself. He remained perfectly posed, but his lips twitched. Sora dashed onto the scene, protectively, keeping May behind her while she confronted Leon's Dracula.
The audience roared, apparently appreciating Sora's energetic Van Helsing. Yuri had made him the fan favorite of the show and it would seem that Sora kept the audience just as engaged.
Sora and Leon began their sword fight, dancing around each other in a thrilling clash of blades. Sora pranced off the stage and May re-entered, leading towards the conclusion of the performance.
The curtains fell and then moments later, the cast was called to take their bows. When Sora joined the stage, Leon held his hand out to her, twirled her to his side, dipped her back and kissed her fully on the lips in front of the sold-out audience. The crowd went wild.
Sora's heart raced and she was grateful for Leon's arm around her when he pulled her back up. She might have fallen over from dizziness otherwise. It was the first time they had kissed since that first night. She'd been so careful to avoid getting into a romantic situation with him. She really hoped that she wasn't going to lose her job. A quick glance at Yuri and he was nothing but amused smiles. Maybe it would be okay?
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The performance had been fantastic! Leon had wanted to talk to Sora afterwards, he had an idea he wanted to run by her. It came to him during their sword fight. Perhaps they could try it out in a nighttime practice session. Unfortunately, she wasn't in the female dressing room. Instead, there was a vague note from Kalos in his own dressing room to meet in his office.
When Leon arrived, the door was wide open and Kalos was sitting at his desk. The circus manager hurried to stand at Leon's entrance and ushered him to one of the chairs across from him. Leon closed the door and sat in the chair on the left.
"Good evening, Mr Oswald! Are you doing well?" Kalos asked, pleasant smile upon his face.
"You interrupted an idea I wanted to work out with Sora," Leon said. "Otherwise, I'm well. The shows seem to be doing well. The critics and tabloids both seem to be drumming up a lot of positive interest."
"I apologize for the interruption, but you bring up a point with the tabloids that I'd like to address. I called you here to make sure you were aware of a clause in your contract," Kalos said. He leaned his elbows on the table. "Now, I want to be frank. I care about Sora. She's like the annoying little sister I always wanted. I couldn't help but notice the chemistry between the two of you. If I had any doubts, your little kiss at the end of this evening's show confirmed it."
"It's good to have chemistry with your partner," Leon said. "It makes the performance so much more enjoyable for the audience."
"That's true. But it can be difficult to separate chemistry on stage and off and there's a clause in your contract, as well as Sora's, and frankly, anyone that performs on stage." Kalos' expression grew grave. "You cannot have a sexual relationship with your costar while you're employed at this circus."
Leon began to laugh, a low chuckle, deep in his chest. "Hard to have a sexual relationship with someone I hardly see without an audience. I couldn't have a sexual relationship with her if I wanted!"
"You were seen coming out of the women's dorm late at night a few weeks ago," Kalos said. "Someone reported the incident and Sora's been reminded of her contract. I'm only allowed to issue one warning."
"I don't suppose that someone was Robbins," Leon muttered.
By the brief flash in Kalos eyes, Leon confirmed that it was indeed the boy with the unrequited love.
"But if she was in the mermaid show and I continued the Dracula show, there would be no conflict, oui?" Leon asked. If Sora was afraid of nullifying her contract, that would explain her evasive behavior and why they were never alone. It would also explain why she didn't want to be in the International competition with him.
"This is true," Kalos said. "But, we are a small circus and you are the two stars. You will end up working together on more than one show."
"When is the contract up? We can update the clause should Sora and I feel compelled to date. I do have strong feelings for her and I believe those feelings are reciprocated."
Kalos adjusted his glasses awkwardly. "That's the thing, Leon. The clause was put in place specifically because of your behavior back in Europe. A couple of the big name donors, including Layla Hamilton's father, insisted on that clause before they would let Yuri sign you. It was added to Sora and May's contracts when they were signed on to the Dracula show."
"What are you saying?" Leon asked in a quiet, angry tone. "Donors are deciding who I can love or not?"
"I'm not sure if you're talking in the hypotheticals or your feelings for Sora are that strong. I would advise if it's the latter, you need to be patient." Kalos pushed his glasses back as they started to slide down the bridge of his nose. "Build a strong friendship and as you prove yourself, perhaps Yuri and I can convince the donors to back off. You've only been with us a few months. Prove your reliability and we should be able to put their minds at ease."
"This is ridiculous!" Leon threw his hands into the air. He practically leapt form his chair and began to pace in agitation. "I finally find a partner that is worthy of the Angel Maneuver and of making adjustments on the spot. And I happen to have strong feelings for her and now I have to keep my distance?"
"Our insurance rate tripled, Leon. Just because you were signing on to the company. You injured a lot of people. The donors have a right to be concerned. You can still work with Sora and be friends, but you have to be a professional. Just think of her like your sister, that way you won't be tempted."
"Sora is most certainly not my sister," Leon growled. He started for the door, but paused with his hand on the knob and looked back at Kalos. "So, to be clear. I can make out with Sora, but we just can't have a sexual relationship?"
A wry smile spread across Kalos lips. "That would technically not be breaching your contract."
Leon nodded. "Good to know." He left, closing the door gently behind him. Sora struck him as the saving herself for marriage kind of girl anyway. He had more experience and frankly, a little celibacy might do him some good. Besides, she was worth the wait.
He'd still find her to work out that exercise, but now it seemed it would be most wise if he recruited someone to chaperone. He felt like he was stuck in some Victorian romance novel.
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"That Leon is one delicious treat," Doris said, patting her chest absently. "He has my heart racing." She exchanging a knowing look with Delilah. "That pretty little redhead will have a hard time saying no to that tall drink of water."
"As you know, we have a contractual clause that should protect our female leads from an entanglement with Mr Oswald," Yuri said. It was frustrating that he'd had to add that clause, but honestly, he hadn't thought it would be necessary. The insurance company believed otherwise, as did the majority of the male donors. And he hadn't expected to witness that kiss at the ovation.
But he wasn't blind and worried now that he'd lose one of his stars. Maybe he could chat with Sophie about it. She knew both Leon and Sora well and she was a very good observer when it came to people. Not for the first time, a fresh wave of guilt swept over him, knowing his juvenile behavior resulted in her career ending injury. He liked her, but wasn't sure he'd ever be able to give her the relationship she wanted or deserved.
"Young man, where is that mind of yours drifting?" Doris asked, her features tightened in concern.
"I was just thinking about this woman I've gone on a few dates with," Yuri admitted.
"Lucky girl," Delilah said.
"Not so sure about that." Yuri frowned as he saw Sophie waiting alone in the audience before Sora joined her again. "She's sweet and kind." He met Delilah's gaze. "I'm not."
"Oh boy! You certainly are not!" Delilah agreed.
"What about Hamilton's daughter?" Doris asked. "Aren't you two off and on? Honestly, her father is the only reason I never propositioned you."
Yuri sighed. "We've been off for a while. But you know how it is with some people? They call and you come running, no matter how toxic."
Doris and Delilah exchanged knowing looks. "Both our dearly departed husbands were of that same controlling, egotistical cloth. I cannot count the number of mistresses. He actually died after having taken one of those performance enhancing medications with this swim suit model he met while we were on vacation in Rio," Doris shared.
Delilah shook her head. "I had the opposite problem. He expected me to be ready for him two to three times per day. I would be sore and chafed."
"Ladies, while I appreciate your honestly, that may have been a little too much information," Yuri said, cheeks burning.
Doris reached over and patted Yuri's knee. "Honey, you're as sweet as pie. We like looking at you and don't mind the arm candy, but you have nothing to fear from the two of us."
Delilah nodded towards the box seat on the opposite side that had been empty. It was reserved for Mr. Hamilton and guests. "Now when that one comes to town, I'm afraid we can't help you."
Yuri nodded. Mr. Hamilton was the reason he and Layla started dating way back when in the first place. He'd suggested the pairing for publicity and the tabloids just ate it up. Which is why it was so ironic that he'd been so adamant about Oswald.
If Sophie and he grew serious and then demanded Yuri's attentions elsewhere it would devastate her. And frankly, financially, Yuri was beholden to Mr. Hamilton. He never stood up to the billionaire and neither did his daughter.
As long as the Hamiltons were off in New York, Yuri felt relatively safe in California, doing his own thing and living his life.
"You should try honesty," Delilah said. "With this sweet girl of yours. Let her know that Hamilton not only runs this show, but if he asks something of you, you'll have no choice."
Yuri stood up and offered his hands to the ladies to help them stand as well. He wasn't sure about that advice. Letting Sophie know he was too cowardly to stand up to the prime financial backer of the show? She would lose all respect for him. "Ladies, it's been a pleasure. If you don't mind, I have a sweet, adorable young lady waiting for me to drive her home."
"Enjoy her while you can!" Delilah advised.
Yuri hurried down the stairs eagerly. Mr. Hamilton was on the East Coast. Yuri was on the West Coast. He wasn't about to let the billionaire ruin whatever it was he had going with Sophie if he could help it.
She smiled as he approached, the look of it made his heart skip. "Hey there, what did you think?" Yuri asked.
"As you are my favorite Van Helsing to watch, Sora is very close. She doesn't have your shoulders and tight butt. But, her chemistry with Leon is palpable," Sophie explained. "Are you ready to take me home?"
"Sure. You're not going home with Leon?" It would be nice to spend a little more time with her, but Yuri was surprised. Normally, her brother would take her home.
She held up her phone. "He's doing a practice session with Sora. He had some ideas."
Yuri's lips tightened in worry. "I'm sure he did."
Sophie laughed, light and carefree. "He assured me, they have a chaperone. Anna is half-asleep in the training gym."
"Okay, that works," Yuri said, feeling somewhat mollified. "Are you ready to go?"
"Can we do a detour and visit the costume room for a few moments?" Sophie asked.
"Sure. Why?" Yuri stepped behind her wheelchair and started pushing her towards wardrobe.
"I probably won't be coming for the next week or two," Sophie explained. "I have a lot of projects to finish for my fashion project. However, I love he costume room. Something about the colorful collection and the smell of freshly laundered fabric makes my heart sing."
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"Why am I here again?" Anna groaned. She laid on her back, staring at the ceiling.
"Chaperone," Sora explained. "Leon had a few ideas and we needed someone to make sure we don't do anything inappropriate." Leon's ideas involved a possible script alteration in Dracula that would include two Van Helsing siblings. He had some creative thoughts where Dracula would seduce the sister and the brother would be there not only to stop Dracula out of duty but also it was personal.
Anna laughed and glanced over where the two were precariously balanced on the practice trapeze. "As if you Sora Naegino would do anything risqué!"
Sora looked down at where Leon's hands were firmly clasped around her hips and could feel his well defined chest pressed against her back. Just because she was inexperienced, didn't mean she didn't want to try with the fine specimen standing behind her.
Leon brushed his lips against the side of Sora's neck. "Ready?"
A shiver raced down her spine. "Ready," she squeaked.
And they were flying, perfectly in sync, sailing through the air.
When they landed a few moments later, Anna stood and applauded. "I seriously don't know how you do it. Does gravity not apply to you two?"
"Gravity will not defeat us," Sora promised, feeling breathless. Not from the acrobatics, but from the proximity to Leon. She looked at the clock on the distant wall. "We should really retire for the night."
"Leon, will you walk us to the dorms?" Anna asked.
Leon's pale eyes never left Sora. "It would be my pleasure." He reached for her hand, threaded their fingers. "Do you want to cool down first?"
Sora looked over at Anna. Her friend tried to hide a yawn. "I'll cool down in my room later."
"If I'd been more compassionate to my previous partners we wouldn't be in this situation," Leon admitted.
"Yeah, you're an arse," Anna agreed. "But then, so is Ken. And so is Mr. Hamilton. And the insurance company."
"It could be worse," Leon said. "We can still date, I confirmed with Kalos."
"Just have to keep it chaise," Sora pointed out. "Which is fine with me."
"You're worth it," Leon said. "And after my probationary period is over, we can negotiate a change in our contract."
Sora said nothing. She really liked Leon and was very attracted to him, but she didn't mind taking things slow. Leon was her first adult relationship and she really wanted to focus on her career. Leon was a distraction, a very appreciated distraction, but she didn't want to lose per chance with Kaleido Stage.
"So I read over the script for Swan Lake," Anna said, breaking the silence. "It's going to be a great Spring show!"
"We still have six weeks worth of shows in this Fall's showcase and then competitions this winter," Leon said. "Sora, have you thought about partnering with me for the international competition?"
"I don't like competitions," Sora reminded him. "May would be a better partner for that."
"But I want you to be my partner," Leon prodded.
Sora looked up towards Leon's face. He was frustrated by her answer. "And i'd rather be your partner off the trapeze if I have to choose."
"Aw, that is so sweet!" Anna clasped her hands together and smiled at the two of them. "Team Sora and Leon! Soon! Lera!"
"You know, maybe we can skip the chaperone next time. I'll just stay out of your room," Leon said, his eyebrow twitching at Anna's enthusiasm.
"Hey! I gave up two hours of sleep for you two!" Anna protested.
"And we appreciate you, Anna," Sora assured her. She elbowed Leon in the ribs when he was silent.
"Thanks," Leon grunted.
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