dance one: belle rose fleur - ending
Atlas rolled his eyes in jest. Could he have been any more obvious? Of course, Belle will be able to figure it out so easily; she was not a fool. She was a very intelligent woman, and he could never fool her. “I must admit, you have me defeated.” He chuckled and said, “Yes, it is Lady Lydia. I’m not sure how to explain it, but she makes me feel alive once more. Yet, you know better than anyone how I feel about settling down…” Atlas lived for adventure, and although his heart still wanted love, it was not his priority. He wanted to explore the world and learn more than there was to know; he wanted new experiences before he settled down and became a family man.
Atlas observed as Belle wandered off into her own mind and grinned, as he was accustomed to her doing so. He never interrupted her unless needed, knowing that her thoughts were often deep and introspective. “Do not apologize, but may I guess that you were thinking of all your loved ones in that moment? and I must say that anyone who has Lady Belle’s love and care for them is a very fortunate soul.” And he meant it. Belle had a way of showing her loved ones how much she cared for them, and while it may not have been the best, if Belle cared for you, there was no reason to doubt that you were in the company of a devoted, sincere person.
“I have not discovered any new hobbies yet, but last night I wondered what would be a faster way to speak to Belle without having to wait to see her the next day.” Atlas said, pretending to think, “I don’t know, would you not think if we could have a device or something to speak to each other right there and then it would be easier?” He said, and then shook his head as he laughed, “Ignore me; you know me and my thoughts of wanting to discover something new every day.”
Atlas enjoyed dancing with Belle for a few more minutes; they followed each other in sync, their movements fluid and graceful. He would not have minded if she was the only lady he had to dance with tonight, but he knew that if they continued to dance any longer, people would start to suspect them, and although people had already whispered about them, he did not feel like causing anymore talk for Belle’s sake. As he looked over Belle’s shoulder, he noticed Belle’s aunt watching the both of them and glaring at them with disapproval, like she knew Belle was using Atlas to avoid dancing with anyone else. “Although I always enjoy your company, my dear Belle, I believe I can no longer be your savior for tonight.” He said while ensuring Belle followed his gaze towards her aunt. “Have a wonderful night, Belle.” Atlas whispered in her ear before ending their dance and smiling at her aunt as he walked off.
orp: @Kristi belle -
Atlas is approachable!
slightly mentioned: @novella lydia
fun fact
for those of you wondering what Atlas was talking about, the telephone was not yet invented at that time.