Reunion to Renaissance

Reunion to Renaissance

 

When Bell had first spoken to Darla after almost a year apart, Darla had been surprised and, if she was honest, a little bitter. The two of them hadn't ended on the best of terms, Darla remembered the sting of rejection well as the greed bun sought out their own dreams and left her behind as they followed them. She was happy for them, glad they could find a way to feel whole in this crazy world, but the fact that she was cut away from it all stung worse than any hellfire.

 

But in Bell's eyes, they weren't whole. Bell wasn't proud or happy or even content with how things had gone. In all honesty they had just felt empty. There was the pride that lingered around in the background of course. A sense of accomplishment at all the hard work they had put into making their carnival and raising it through the ranks of Burrowgatories entertainment life as it was impossible to ignore. After all, it was hard not to feel it when you were able to bring your first dream into reality, but the moment they looked around and saw Darla wasn't there to share it with them....it all became hollow.

 

So they had reached out, visiting the lounge where the lust bun sang nightly when it's hours were at their end. The low lights and soft but deep reds and pinks were welcoming. They were surprised she let them in, especially to a place she revered so much, and they were even more so that she had allowed them to speak. Of course they were met with a barbed tongue that wasn't meant to lash out but meant to protect its owner. Darla had been tense, defensive, and ready to build walls even higher if necessary. Bell had understood. They didn't expect those walls to come down. They hadn't done anything to earn it. But there was something Darla was owed in all of this, an apology was long overdue. No expectations, no buts, just honesty. They had fucked up and Darla deserved more then just words, but at least they could give her this.

 

She had been surprised to say the least, eyes widening to reveal amethyst gems that shone brightly even in the dim light. They were cautious, but not as distrustful as Bell had expected. Instead she grazed her fingers along the olive branch and just nodded. She didn't trust them yet, but she had heard them and that's all Bell could ask for.

 

And so it began. A dance of awkward small talk and months of tentative words and touches. They were familiarizing themselves as friends again and each moment spent together was soothing to their soul. After all the hustle and bustle of carnival life Darla's piles had never felt softer. They let Darla take the lead this time, following her steps in their awkward dance as they familiarize themselves with each other once again. They could be friends again, Bell realized. If only that, they could be friends, and the weight of that realization brought tears to their eyes on more than one occasion.

 

When they had received the invite to the masquerade they knew just what this meant for their status. They were considered worthy, a bun who had made it in this world. It was funny that the first thing they wanted to do was run to Darla and show her. They wanted to see the look of fondness in her eyes, the pride she held for them, and the excitement that the Plus One would obviously be meant for her. There was no one else they would take.

 

There was still nervousness though. Just because Darla had accepted them back as their companion didn't mean that she would want a position that was considered so intimate at their side. A shared bed and snuggle pile were one thing, the lust bun often took her friends into her piles for a quick cuddle or other activities, but Bell knew she was protective of her own heart. The thought of rejection felt cold as hands sweat and throats tightened, but if they didn't do this, they may never have another chance.

 

They were selfish. Bell wanted to give the world to Darla, starting with this night. Maybe it was greedy, but this time they would be careful. Their greed was for her this time, not for themselves. 

 

And suddenly they were there, all the worries and reservations washed away. The invitation had been accepted with a sinful smile and a kiss of the hand. For a moment there was just a rush of euphoria as the two made their way past the ropes and bouncers, dressed to the nines just as if they were the stars lighting up the night. But right now the only stars they noticed were the ones in their partner's eves as the lights glistened off of the candles and chandeliers that hung from above. 

 

-

 

Darla's hand felt warm in the one that guided her, and for a moment she worried that she would feel her palms begin to sweat. In a dress like this there was no way she was going to wipe her sweaty hands on the fabric. Still, Bell's presence put her at ease. When The greed bun had asked for her to attend the masquerade Darla had been surprised, though in all honesty there was no other person she knew Bell would want to ask. She took some pride in this, especially now.

 

The steps they had been taking in their own song and dance were clumsy at first, the occasional stepping on toes or stumbling as they moved, but Bell let her take the lead. They focused on her guidance and slowly the two of them were able to find a rhythm.

 

The mask they wore framed their face perfectly and the glitter flickered from hue to hue with the changing light. They looked lovely.

 

It was all so much as they walked past the opening fray, a line of people waiting with anticipation to be led beyond the the gates and into paradise. What a paradise it was. People were mingling amongst each even now and Darla looked in wonder at the buns that surrounded them. They were all so beautiful, shining with their own radiance. It wasn't a night just for them, but a night for all buns involved to live in a fairytale. Step by step they edged closer, hand in hand, arm in arm. Darla bit her lip as she squeezed Bell closer, gently bouncing as their time to enter approached.

 

"Tickets please." The attendant spoke, smiling at the two as Bell brandished their tickets. Gloved hands whisked them away and with a sweep of the arm, the two were ushered in into the masquerade. 

 

It was like a renaissance painting, beautiful and vibrant, loud but not painful, and oh so real. No this was overwhelming in only the best of ways and Darla could only stare in wonder. It truly was a thing to behold. As she turned to her partner Darla looked at Bell with joy. After all, maybe this place could lead to their relationship having a renaissance of their own.