#harbinger fluff

When your aunt asks you to make a quick delivery, the last thing you’re expecting is standing in front of a shirtless man. But, sure enough, here you are, standing in front of a tall man wearing nothing but a towel around his waist.

You quickly look down, your face turning red. “I—um—I—”

He looks at you curiously as he casually dries his black hair swept to one side. Then, he sees the small package in your hands. “Oh, you must be Tsaritsa’s niece.” His voice is so smooth it takes you by surprise. You don’t see it, but he smiles at you. “I’m sorry. Please wait a moment.” Then, as you calm your racing heart, the door opens again. This time, he’s wearing round glasses and dressed in a collared shirt and dark pants that hug his lean build nicely. He steps aside. “Please come in.” You do so and are amazed at the scenery outside his window. A perfect view of the sea. “Would you like something to drink?”

You turn around. “Oh, no, I’m okay. I’m just here to help drop something off.” You raise the package slightly and put it on the counter just as the man gets you a glass of water. Once he sets it on the coffee table, you’re about to speak when he says, “Will you be so kind to keep me company? I’ve heard a lot about you from Tsaritsa. She brags about you like you’re her own daughter.”

“Ah, yes, so I’ve heard,” you say, remembering your conversations with the young managers.

The man walks towards you. “You can call me Pantalone.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”

When he smiles, you can’t help but do the same. “Likewise.” Then, he extends his hand out to you. “Come. Let’s talk. I’d like to learn more about you.”

You take it, and he leads you to the couch. He sits adjacent to you, listening to you talk after asking his questions. There’s something about this man that makes you comfortable. Perhaps it’s his low, smooth voice. Or the way he’s so attentive with his body language. Or, maybe it’s just that God damn smile. Whatever it is, you’re already reeled in. He casually asks about your life, knowing when to not overstep his boundaries. But, you strangely don’t mind. In the end, he became one of the few people to know about your failed engagement a few years ago.

“I’m over it now,” you say.

“I’m sure it wasn’t easy,” he says kindly. You give him a small smile. “Would you mind if I say a few words?”

“Not at all.”

Then, he leans toward you, and your heart races unexpectedly. “A beautiful and intelligent woman like you deserves a man worthy of your calibre.” He smiles and puts a hand on your cheek. Is this going where you think it’s going? Pantalone slowly brings you closer to him. “Because you’re too good to pass up, love.” His lips lightly brush against yours, and your grip on your pants tightens. You never expected his lips to be this soft. Then, a sudden knock at the door makes you pull away. Pantalone chuckles lowly. “...I guess now is not the time.”

He stands and goes to open the door as you try to stop your face from turning red. You reach for your untouched glass of water when you hear, “Oh, I didn’t interrupt anything, did I?” You stand and see your aunt at the door. She looks past Pantalone and smiles at you. “Thanks for helping out, dear.”

“I wouldn’t mind if she comes again,” Pantalone says. You can’t believe how casual he sounds, especially when he almost kissed you. But, then, he turns back to you. “...What do you say?”

“Ah, um, yes, I—”

“You’ll see her plenty,” your aunt responds. She gestures for you to follow her. “Come, come. There’s a special event going on tonight.” Then, she looks at Pantalone. “You’ll also be there, won’t you?”

“Of course.” You step outside the room and hear Pantalone say, “I hope to see you again soon.”

You turn back and see him smiling at you. “Y-yes, you too!”

“Enjoying the night?” You spin around. One of the managers you met earlier approaches you, a curious look in his eyes. He stops in front of you. “Can I get you a glass of wine?” He tilts his head slightly with a slight smile. “Or, is the Madam not planning on drinking tonight?”

“No need to be so formal,” you say.

After introducing yourself, he says, "We've heard a lot about you from your aunt. You're all she talks about." You look away out of embarrassment. "Please call me Scaramouche. I run the house just out back. Don't hesitate to come by for a visit."

You smile. “...I think I’ll take your offer on that wine.”

Scaramouche puts an arm out to you. "Shall we, then?" You blush slightly as you loop your arm around his. As you walk with the young manager, you feel the stares at you. Then, you hear his voice near your ear. "Seems like you're the main attraction." You turn to him and find his face inches from yours. He smiles, and you quickly look away. Once you arrive at the bar at the back, he says, "Order whatever you'd like. It's on me."

You remove your arm from his, a little skeptical. He's a little too kind. Then, as if sensing your suspicions, he chuckles. "...Your aunt asked us to take care of you during your stay here."

“I’m sure there are other guests who need your attention. My aunt must’ve exaggerated.”