hunter x voltron

Eyes Across the Room

Angelina stood against the beige wall, just as dainty and radiant as a rose, her fingers cradling a thin glass of champagne. The June air was gentle, the sunlight pouring through the windows like honey. But her eyes were elsewhere—waiting. Where was Anthony? In a room full of stares, she stood out not only for her beauty, but because she didn’t belong here—not in their eyes. No uniform, no servitude. Just elegance. And discomfort.

She had only just shifted her weight from the wall when a man—no more than six-foot-two—came waltzing over. It wasn’t Anthony, but a man who seemed to be Anthony’s age but looked more mature. The man’s face was nearly a perfect rectangle, tight jaw, thick eyebrows, and wide eyes. His hands were unusually veiny but his smile nearly made her heart stop. Though her heart belonged to Anthony, she’d be lying if she didn’t find this man oddly attractive. 

Just as she caught the slightest movement in the corner of her eye, Anthony strolled in, deep in conversation with his good friend, Robert Darin. Their eyes met across the room, and in an instant, the air between them changed. That’s when the games began—the slowburn of glances and gestures, each one a match waiting to strike. 

The young man gently turned her face back towards him, smiling devilishly.  Anthony and Angelina hadn’t been dating for that long, but she knew all too well how jealous he got whenever someone was talking to his girl.  Just as she tried to excuse herself, she stayed, smiling evilly. 

“Let him squirm a little,” she thought. The game was heating up—one smile at a time. “He needs to earn this.”

She glanced at him once more, flashing a flirty smile. Noticing Anthony’s sharp expression, The stranger turned with a smug grin—Richard, as she’d later learn. He gasped and laughed. Without knowing Angelina for long, he knew what she was doing. She was tempting him, she wanted to see him in action. Anthony’s smile slowly faded into an annoyed frown. Trying to hide his discomfort, he sipped on his champagne. Robert, now standing next to his pal, sipped his whiskey and snickered to himself. 

Robert took another sip, eyes narrowing as he followed Anthony’s death stare across the room.  He chuckled, eyes on Richard. “Look at that tiger growl.” 

Angelina stood next to two life sized potted palms, the hem of her navy blue Shirtwaist Dress brushing the leaves. The golden buttons on her navy blue cropped jacket glint under the warm overhead lights. Her skirt, though long, still managed to make her legs look magical. Her leather black shoes nearly blinded Robert being across the room. Though the room wasn’t bustling with noise, Anthony couldn’t make out a single word they were saying only her exaggerated laughter. 

Anthony was becoming increasingly angry. 

Angelina snickered, causing Richard to turn around seeing whom caught her attention. Once he locked eyes with Anthony, he smiled wider than ever, and fluttered his fingers. “Hey, Nino Boy! Glad to see ‘ya again! This little lady is something, isn’t she?”

Anthony growled under his breath. Jealousy gnawed louder than reason. He didn’t move.  Slugging Richard would cause a scene—but linger too long, and he might lose her. The 3 month mark is always a test to a budding relationship and if one fails, It can be utterly heartbreaking. But Anthony must not know who Angelina truly is…it takes more than just a flirty smile to win her heart. 

Her eyes were locked on Richard’s, who drew closer to her, now slightly bending down to match her height. His flirty smirk made Anthony’s heart beat faster. He felt second-best. A position he’d never allowed himself before—and hated now.  Knowingly playing into this little game, Richard lifted Angelina’s hand to his lips, pressing a gentle, lukewarm kiss to it. 

“I never thought Mr. Barber could pull such a beautiful woman like yourself. Why, he practically looks as if he’s going to kill me! Wanna tease him some more,” he asked, voice as smooth as honey. 

“What’cha got in mind,” she asked giggling.

Richard bent down completely by her ear and whispered something that made her jump nearly out of her skin. His wet lips brushed against her earlobe, making her heart beat faster.

“Ok….that’s enough,” she thought. She could feel her body get those all to familiar feelings. She was only trying to make him jealous— not cheat on him in plain sight. 

Anthony leaned against a roman styled pillar, still drinking his champagne. 

“If I pulled that with any woman but her, I’d be six feet under,” He said, scowling. 

“Buddy, relax,” Robert said, patting him on the back. “She isn’t going to cheat on you. That’s the game she’s playing. You don’t see what’s going on here?”

Anthony narrowed his eyes. “What, exactly, justifies this?”

Robert tilted his head, clearly amused. “You really are a virgin, aren’t you?” 

“Are you crazy?! I’m the one that taught you half of what you know!”

“Shh! Calm down,” Robert said laughing, earning a glance from both Angelina and Richard. 

“She trying to make you jealous. Women like a possessive man, it’s their god-awful fantasy. You walk over there, snatch her up, yank her a few times, establish your dominance, and walk out. I guarantee you’ll have the best, most memorable night of your life.” 

Anthony scoffed. “When did you grow up?” 

“Make jokes all you want, Nino.” Anthony blinked, unsure if this was advice or a dare. 

“My girl? She would’ve been pressed against a wall by now…”

“Jeez! Where have I been,” Anthony asked, frowning, but impressed. “I never would’ve expected you to be so forward.”

“What’s that saying? The quiet ones are the freaky ones? Why do You think Angelina pesters you so much?” 

Anthony stood back against the pillar, pondering. 

Robert took two cigarettes out of its container and held one towards Anthony. “Want one?” He raised a brow, smiling at him. 

Anthony shook his head no, eyes still on Richard and Angelina. “He’s laying it in thick, isn’t he?”

Robert followed his gaze, and laughed to himself. “That’s Richard.  You know how he is; he has to charm anyone wearing a dress, especially if she looks like that.” 

Anthony eyes narrowed. “Well some things are off limits.”

Robert raised his left brow once again, amused at Anthony’s growing jealousy. “Is that a possessive tone I hear, Mr. Barber?”

Finally breaking his gaze from the pair across the way, forcing a cool smirk, still heated. “You ever see a lion let a fox circle the den too long?”

Robert let out a low whistle, leaning back against the pillar. “Yikes. Better pounce soon, lover boy.”

Across the room, when Angelina turned her head, she locked eye with Anthony. A beat passed. The tension snapped like a taut string. Her devilish smile faded to something softer.  There it was—the look. A silent invitation. It was all the Permission he needed. Finally, he was coming to claim what is rightfully his. Richard was still talking in her ear, but now she wasn’t quite listening. This glance was enough for him. He downed his left over drink, handed Robert his empty glass, and crossed the room quickly, his step casual, but his eyes sharp and on a targeted mission. Before Richard could get another word in, Anthony grabbed Angelina and slightly pulled her closer to him.

“Mind if I cut in” Anthony asked in a rhetorical not questioning tone. 

Richard stepped back, without hesitation, “Be my guest Nino. You know I could never be as smooth and suave as you,” he said in a mocking tone, followed by an evil smirk. 

Angelina smiled. “Smooth with a hint of cuteness.” She grazed her nails down his chest softly.

Mr. Barber leaned in, lips brushing her ear, just loud enough for Richard to hear.