(Fondly)
Albus and Gellert watched from above as the crowd savoring every last moment of the stunning opera. They clung to the emotional belting preformed by their new star. They laughed over the thought of going home after such a preformance. They cried over the tragic ending of the ballerinas.
The new owners reveled in the praise.
“To think you were going to turn this down.” Gellert whispered.
Albus smirked. “We’ll i'm glad you talked me into it.”
Gellert laughed, leaning to his side, his hand reaching over toward Albus. But Albus moved it away.
“Not here.” He whispered.
Gellert didn't move. As if he was waiting for Albus to change his mind. But it didn't happen. So Gellert made a hard swallow before throwing himself back into his chair.
Albus let out a sigh. “You know we cant.”
Gellert laughed sarcastically. “Of course. Not that it really matters. That seems to be your answer every time anyway.”
“You also know that its dangerous.” Albus snapped back.
“Dangerous. What danger are we in? People talk some rumors and we run away. Just has we have every time.”
“We cant run away this time Gell.” Albus throw out. “Not this time. We have to show him that we are more than that. All We’ve done sense she died is run. And I… We cant do that anymore. We have an opportunity. I'm not going to risk it for a moment of excitement.”
Gellert looked disappointed. “A moment?” He was clearly hurt, and he turned his attention back to the cheering crowd.
Albus noticed, and run his hands through his hair in realization. “Not a moment.” He leaned toward Gellert, just close enough to whisper in his ear. “I'm sorry. I just don't want to jeopardize this. The future. OUR future.”
Albus slide his last finger over the edge of Gellert's hand, as if to surrender. It worked, as Gellert smiled and let his attention drift from the stage back to his partner.
“The people love affection until it leaves the twinkling lights above the stage.” He whispered.
The two laughed, their eyes locking. Gellerts displayed passion and earning. While Albus’ displayed a hidden admirance and comfort.
For a moment they forgot they were not alone, not in the box of a cheerful opera.
That was until the curtain of box ripped open.
The two separated, jumping back in an instance.
Mary McDonald walked in, dress flowing behind her.
“Gentleman!” She shouted.
“Miss McDonald!” Albus responded, jumping up to shake her hand. “We were just talking about business.”
She curtsy'ed and smiled, her teeth shining. “Yes and it seemed to be quite the conversation. I'm sorry to have interrupted.”
Gellert snickered in the back round, but Albus quickly distracted McDonald from the fact.
“What can we do for you Madam?”
McDonald clicked her tongue. “Well I couldn't help but gather that the announcement of our deal has yet to be announced to your performs, let alone the public.”
“Oh of course. Well you see-” Albus tried to recover. “We wanted to make sure the opera went well before we attached your name to it. That way if any scandals broke out than your name would be safe.”
“And how many scandals were you anticipating tonight?” McDonald prompted.
“Well as i'm sure you've noticed,” Gellert called from the back. “We have had to replace our star. Weather or not that was the right decision can be set aside because if the public got word of why, a scandal would have been made.”
McDonald snickered, accepting the defeat. “I supposed. But i will remind you of the rick i'm taking here. The money being poured into your endeavor.”
“Of course Madam.” Albus spoke.
“Than you understand why it is to be made public. For both our images?”
“Yes Madam.”
“Good.” McDonald declared. “Now if you don't mind i have business to attend to gentleman.”
She turned, her dress shimmering, her perfume longing behind. A lingering reminder of the conversation they just had.
The crowd below had started to vacate, leaving the opera slowly ascending in silence.
The tension of the interrupted conversation hung in the air. Neither of them wanted to bring it up them selves and things needed to be tended to.
So that's what they did. Ignored the longing for each other and a repaired conversation and descended down stairs to handle what they did best.
Business.