Underneath (Tag M. Saint-Just)

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

While she took a drink of the wine, Danny explained that the music during dinner was mostly his own compositions. This caused a brow to be raised. Was he pulling her leg? This sounded better than most composers she's heard of. Most modern ones that is. He was talented no doubt. Perhaps if he had a CD of his music, she could obtain it from him and play it during her parties. It was the sort of thing that she would do, too.

It was a pleasure to meet Danny's housekeeper and she praised the older woman for a splendid meal. It rivaled anything she had in France.
Then she followed Danny to where ever he was taking her. A recording studio? Theater? And he wasn't a professional? She was a bit baffled and wondered was this some ploy to advance himself by using her? Well, if that was the case, she wouldn't guarantee anything at all.

In the theater, she took a seat. Did he hold parties often, too? From the looks of this place, it was set up to do just that! What in the world was going on?!? She was beginning to feel like she did not know this man at all.
Then... he sang.
Glued to Danny with a look of euphoria, she'd never heard a voice like that before! Immediately she felt every possible sensation and emotion one could possess. She was enthralled by his performances.

When he finished and asked her to dance, she was speechless for a moment, stood up and offered him her hand she stared at him with utter fascination, "Mon Dieu!" rather breathless," Danny... that was exquisite!" still sounding almost breathless but she was completely impressed with is talent. No, it wasn't a talent, that was a true Gift! His music, both vocal and instrumental, was ... well, there was no compare! No words to describe it! It was beyond ethereal!

And so, with his music, she danced with Danny. Smiling at him as she followed his lead. Slowly she was becoming lost in his music and in him. Lost in his brown eyes. He surprised her. He always continued to surprise her. None of her beaus in the past sang to her, no one charmed her. Not like Danny. She felt like soaring!

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

It seemed that Marguerite hit it off with Bunny. That was good. He and Bunny would be seeing a lot of her in the future, he hoped. When he said his music was playing, Marguerite seemed skeptical, but Danny didn't mind. She would find out soon enough that it was indeed he that was the composer of his many works.

After dinner was finished, he had led her to the theatre, next to the recording studio where he did his work. It was also the brain centre of the audio visual setup of his apartment. Danny truly enjoyed performing for his dates. And this one was the best of all, he thought. He normally couldn't perform for more than one or two close friends. Any more of an audience and he became quite anxious. He had even been a bit anxious in front of Marguerite. What if she hadn't like his singing? Or the rest of his music?

But it was fine. She seemed impressed and even enthralled. His heart soared....she did like his performance! Once Danny could be assured that he would not be disparaged in any way, he would always become more courageous about it and when he began to enjoy it, he even began to show off a bit as the anxiety left him.

And the next part, the dance....Danny enjoyed this even more. Marguerite was a joy to dance with, so light on her feet and so beautiful to hold!

He sat next to her when they were finished with several dances. He hoped she would let him kiss her. But he didn't want to move too quickly. He didn't wish to scare her away and make her think he was only bringing her to get a kiss. Of course that would be lovely, but it had to be the right time. Was now the right time? He took her hand in his and moved closer. In the excitement of singing and dancing, Danny had been perspiring a bit and a tiny edge of his facial prosthesis started to come loose. He didn't even notice.

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

Dancing with Danny was an enjoyment that no words could describe! This was not your typical swaying that most boys and girls did at dances, he actually knew his steps and led Marguerite around such an elaborate shuffle and steps which kept a smile upon her face the whole time.
It was good to actually dance, really dance, with a man!

After they had danced, she sat down with Danny. A smile in return as he took her hands and moved closer. "You dance wonderfully, Danny." She meant that, too.
She was really catching on that he fancied her... a lot! It didn't take a rocket scientist to get the hints over the past few weeks. Frankly, she was content with a one night fling. But, that did not happen. He was too much of a Gentleman, and perhaps something else, to even consider that it would seem. By now, Danny had gained her respect. And she was starting to take a serious fancy towards him.
The poor man was sweating and granted that was one of the worst things to do on a date. She smiled nevertheless, held his hands, but removed a hand to search for a handkerchief. Which she had one, stuffed down her bra. Perhaps that was a bit raunchy but it would work nevertheless. So she used her silk handkerchief to gently wipe Danny's face. It was odd how one side seemed... devoid of moisture. Perhaps it was some skin condition. Best not to bring it up at this point in time. No doubt it was an embarrassing condition.
"I have had many a man tell me I am ... 'hot'. But... surely I am not ...that... 'hot'?" she joked and smiled back at Danny.

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

It was lovely to dance with Marguerite. And lovelier to sit next to her and just be near her. He was excited and happy at this point. When she reached up with her kerchief to wipe his face, he knew he had been perspiring. He started to worry about the prosthesis coming off of his face. She started touching his right cheek and he pushed her hand away. "Please. It's all right. No need. He sighed. He did not want anyone touching his cheek. The left cheek was all right. The right cheek, no. There was too much danger of the prosthesis coming off. That could certainly ruin a lovely evening.

"Just a moment. Let me wipe my face. It's a bit hot in here." Danny took her hand and then let it go gently as he left the room. He went to the loo and looked in the mirror. He sighed. A tiny bit of the prosthesis was coming loose. He closed the door. He tacked the edge back on with a bit of spirit gum. He hoped she would not be able to smell it. It had a somewhat pleasant, but distinctive odour. He would have to wait a few moments until it dried.

Danny loosened his collar and wiped his neck and most of his face with a wet cloth. Then he waited a few minutes. The glue seemed to have dried. He thought about his ancestor who also had to keep his hairpiece on with glue. That and a mask, no wonder the fellow had very little romance.

Danny returned to the theatre room, hoping the spell hadn't been broken. "So, a bit more music and dancing?" He really wished to kiss her. He sat down next to her and gently put his arm about her, waiting just a bit to see her reaction. Then he put his face closer to hers and kissed her gently.

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

Just a little taken aback when he gently pushed her hand away... from his right face. How curious! What he sensitive there? The poor man, sensitive skin was not easy to live with.
She relented nevertheless and put her kerchief away, stopping midway through putting it away as he held her hand. She glanced down at their hands then at him with a Mona Lisa smile.
Either way, he was being humble. His words were not rude nor his actions. The last few times she'd done this, guys did not take to well to her motherly pampering. Danny... he behaved differently, just as a Gentleman should! More kudos in her book.

He departed and left her alone in the home theater. She got up and walked around a little while before she came back and sat down. She waited patiently for Danny. Popping a breath mint since she was a little self-conscious about that at all times since she was in the public eye. That had generally become habit.

Those mismatched eyes shifted to see Danny return to the room and she smiled at him. "We could," with a gentle grin. She indeed liked the music and Danny was a glorious dance partner. Her eyes followed him as he sat next to her. Then smiled a little more as he put his arm around her. Gazing back at him, almost not noticing that he leaned closer but she did not shift or reject him. Nor did she resist the kiss.
Those mismatched eyes closed as she kissed him back. He was gentle and a very good kisser, too! Slowly she began to mold his lips with her own very lovingly then her hand came up to the side of his face, to cup his face while they kissed. Now THIS was a glorious evening! Despite the car, everything else was perfect! He had gone to great lengths to impress her, to ensure that she would enjoy the night. The car... was practically forgotten. He won her by his music, dance, and the dinner. But most importantly, being an absolute Gentleman!
Her heart fluttered and her cheeks flushed, had she found the one man she could live with for the rest of their lives?

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

Marguerite was so wonderful. As Danny kissed her, they seemed to meld together perfectly. It seemed as if she really cared about him. She had apparently forgiven him for his strange behaviours at her party. That pointed to her liking him very much. He was ecstatic. And he hoped she would be tolerant of his odd behaviours. They seemed to happen rather often... He would try to explain it to her, but it was difficult because the feelings that led to the strange behaviours came on Danny so suddenly. There was generally no warning.

But right now, Danny was concentrating on kissing Marguerite. She certainly seemed to like it unless she were an amazing actress. He knew she was that, but hoped she kept her acting only for the stage.

After a few more minutes, Danny pulled her closer and touched her face, hugging her gently. His thoughts tended to flit off in different directions sometimes. He smiled and said, "How would you like to visit an art gallery?"

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

Gentle was his kiss, tender were his lips. She melted into his affections. No, she was not one to fall for someone so easily, but Danny was starting to accomplish that! Well, it had been a little over a month since they first met but they hadn't interacted much. What little there was has been... interesting... to say the least.
How could she not enjoy Danny's tender kiss? He definitely was not like her past boyfriends where they were either over doing it, sucking out her face, jamming their tongue down her throat. Danny was slow and tender. The perfect kiss.
She felt drawn closer to him and she did not resist. There was no fear in her, but she was more than pleasured with Danny's affections. And he obviously was not the sort for a fling, so she deduced. She could have drawn the line usually but Danny had begun to appeal to her in many ways. What person did not have their quarks? He was still sweet, a Gentleman, and... well, it was obvious he was in love. And now... now knew she was falling in love, too!
A soft sigh emanated from her as he touched her. Even his touch was like his kisses - tender and exciting. With this as a sign, she began to touch him as well - his face, neck, arms, chest. Wrapped her arms around him as she was enveloped in the kisses with him. Oh what bliss!

Then a change of subject, she smiled and barely snickered as her lips began to brush over his lips teasingly. Her hand caressing his right face then fingered through his hair while her mismatched eyes gazed back into his soft brown eyes. "Which one?" she replied softly, obviously the tone of her voice hinted how much she desired him, just as it was now reflecting upon her visage. Granted she was not daft that he wanted her to see his artwork, but at the moment, that was farthest from her mind. She however wouldn't mind more of his music and some more dancing that could perhaps lead to a different sort of 'dancing'. That is... IF he would fancy intimacy.
Her fine fingers continued to caress his face, and neck. Something felt a little odd but she dismissed it quickly. Most likely just a scab, she best not touch it again, best to avoid it.

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

Marguerite seemed quite entranced with Danny, or so he thought. He hoped upon hope that she was the woman for him, that she would remain interested. And he hoped he wouldn't inadvertently do something stupid. A former girlfriend had blurted out on one of their early dates, "Oh Danny, you are so inappropriate! You are acting soooo stupid!" And then there were no more dates with her. He didn't even know what he had said or done to elicit that remark, but he remembered every word of it...

But so far, with Marguerite, the relationship seemed to have progressed quite well for only two dates. He hoped he could see her more frequently. It was too difficult to be without her...or without the thought of seeing her soon.

And then Marguerite began caressing him on his arms, neck, chest. He loved her touch but shied away from it on his right cheek, always aware that the prosthetic could come off. It felt natural to the touch, although it seemed some people could discern the difference. He would gently move her hand away from it.

Danny had fallen in love with Marguerite head over heels the first time he had seen her on the stage, which was not so long ago. he had been aware of her name earlier than that, but had not seen a play in which she starred. With others people, they might just be very drawn to the theatre star, but Danny's emotions were strong and when he focused on something or someone, it was difficult for him to move on. So it was fortunate that Marguerite liked him. He hoped it was more than "like..."

But sometimes his attention was drawn away and it was now. The thought of showing her his artwork was quite a pleasurable thought. He had asked if she wished to see an art gallery. She asked which one. He laughed. "I call it the Erik D. Lenoir Art Gallery. It''s here in my apartment. Only the very privileged may see my artwork." Danny really wasn't being conceited, he knew he was a very good artist, but Marguerite might not like his work. However, he was confident enough with her to be humourous and a bit facetious.

She seemed fascinated with his right face, at least her fingers did, and that made Danny feel uncomfortable. The look at his artwork would distract her.

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

To her, Danny seemed a little sensitive. It seemed he relished in the sensations of their caresses and kisses. Except... for the face. Namely the right side of his face. It began to strike her curiosity and wondered if he had something done recently to that side of his face that made it sensitive. Was it painful? Botox? Lord, she hoped it wasn't Botox! That was a stupid item to utilize.
Each time she tried to touch his right face, he seemed to divert so tactfully away from that area or even if she wanted to nuzzle his neck. He always took a delicate effort to strategically divert her attention from that side of his face. She wasn't daft, she took notice and was now curious. Would she ask him? Perhaps in a bit since he sounded so eager to show her his artwork.

"Erik D. Lenoir," she repeated his name slowly, softly as she tried to caress his face and neck again, her mismatched eyes danced all over his face to soak up every detail of his features. So near to him. She was indeed attracted to him for sure and felt such a longing and desire. How could a woman ignore such wants?
The sound of his name upon her lips with her accent made her excited. To the point she silently thought what would her name sound like if she had his last name.
Was this a dream come true? Had the man of her dreams finally come into her life?

An attempt to brush her sultry lips and warm fingers over his jawline and neck, even to the right side of his face was only met with a great distraction and attempt to change the moment.

She sat up a bit, gazing back at Danny with sparkling eyes that hungered for him and a beautiful smile as she nodded, "By all means, Monsieur Lenoir," and offered her hand to him. "Lead the way."

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

"Yes, Marguerite," Danny said with a bit of excitement. He always enjoyed showing off his artistry to people. And generally only one at a time....and generally only if he felt they might like his art. He knew there was always a chance that she might not like it, and rejections were hard for Danny, but he would try to keep himself calm. It would be fine. He must have confidence.

"I keep my paintings in this room...my art room." Danny led the way through his spacious penthouse to another room, a large one, with a lot of wall space. There, on the wall, were displayed many paintings. There were easels too with paintings in all stages of formation. His art tools were neatly kept in large built in cabinets. A small sink was available for water. Most of his paintings were portraits of people or animals, a few still lifes or landscapes and they were mostly done in acrylic, although a few were oils. There were drawings too, in pastels, ink, water colour or even pencil. There were stacks of half done drawings in several boxes on shelving.

He pointed out a few of his favourites, displayed on the walls. "I hope you enjoy them, Marguerite. Perhaps you would do me the extreme pleasure of sitting for a portrait sometime, that is, if you care for my style." His style was realism, detailed and colourful. His portraits' eyes looked out on the world, giving the impression that the painting was alive.

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

Side by side as Danny escorted her to his art gallery. She wasn't really sure what to expect. It could be good or it could be bad.
But once she set foot in that gallery, her jaw dropped! He showed her many works and she was just in awe! She had to walk slowly around to gawk at each one, even look over the unfinished pieces. Was there no end to this man's talent?
"Daniel," as she panned around at the artwork her visage showing how amazing she thought the artwork was. "These are exquisite! Truly extraordinary!" she turned to face him. "You have a brilliant talent!These are beautiful!" and turned to look once more at them. "I am... adoring these!"

Then he made the offer or perhaps a desire to paint her. How could she not take him up on that offer? Her breathing increased just a bit at the thought of Danny doing a glorious painting of her. At least one? Perhaps more. Would they all be modern? What would he paint her? She was curious.
With a smile that grew upon her lips and turned to face Danny, walked towards him as her hands slid to his waist. "I would like very much, Danny." Grinned up at him with her sparkling eyes.

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

As they entered the art gallery, Marguerite seemed stunned and delighted. Danny was ecstatic! She liked his work! "You like it? I'm glad. I do it mostly for my own pleasure, but I have sold some of them. I had arranged a gallery showing a while back and the curator sold quite a few of them." Danny was thrilled with any compliment about his artwork or music. That was his essence, his creativity. And it was lovely that Marguerite liked his work so well.

He brought her over to an area of the gallery where there were several pieces in unfinished conditions. His voice became whispery. "I don't tell everyone this...in fact, I've told no one else. But I like to copy the old masters' paintings. I apparently do it well enough that even the experts are fooled." He was quick to add though, "Of course, it's only to see if I can do it. Just for fun you know." Danny knew he could be a good forger. He had never done it, but it was an intriguing idea. A challenge. Danny liked a challenge, as long as he didn't have to do it in front of anyone.

She took him up on his offer to sit for a painting. He beamed with pleasure. "We must do it soon. And how would you like me to paint you? A famous model? A historic figure of the past? But wait...I think I would like to paint you as... Mademoiselle Marguerite Saint-Just! It would be the loveliest portrait in my gallery. And perhaps we shall do it more than once....perhaps I shall take all these down and have a whole gallery of paintings of my lovely lady!" Danny was indeed a bit manic at the moment...

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

Once again impressed with Danny as he spoke on and on about his artistic creations. The man appeared to be well versed in the Arts. Did his talent know no bounds? There was no way that amazed smile could be wiped from her face.
"Art enjoyed, is Art indeed," she stated with a glance around before returning her mismatched eyes to him.

She followed him to where he showed her more piece - unfinished works it seemed - then listened. But glanced at him with a naughty smirk but could not be truly upset. "What person hasn't done their best to copy one or some of the many finest artworks?" and looked at them again, "These are incredibly good, Danny." Indeed the unfinished works looked like originals of ones she knew that is. Though some would see it as a copycat, she saw it as one who was doing their best to understand the original Artist and their methods. Danny no doubt was diving further into the Artist's mind in this fashion. Of which she was highly impressed with Danny. This no doubt was a show of intelligence, to study in detail. What better way for an Artist to learn? She had done the same as an Actress. Who hasn't.

A snickered emanated from her when seeing his delight immediately upon her acceptance for him to paint her. Then snickered again as he went on so charmingly and witty of how to paint her.
His lovely lady? Her brows rose with a broad grin. And he would replace all his wonderful works with just works of her? Oh, that would be unfair... but it was highly flattering.
But she couldn't kick those words repeating in her head-
my lovely lady...
my lovely lady...
Honestly, she didn't know what to think of this but it made her feel breathless, almost felt like trembling, disturbed yet soaring so high among the clouds, numb and...
She gazed back at Danny with interest, those mismatched eyes sparkled. "Your lovely lady, hmm?" her smile grew into an amused and sweet grin as she moved closer to him, her hands began to caress up from his abdomen to his chest then let her hands rest there. "And tell me, Monsieur Daniel Lenoir... " she paused gazing back at him, her eyes searching his, "How am I your lovely lady?" Was he hinting at something? If she understood that meaning, then she was breathless and felt like swooning indeed. Granted it had been a while since she had been around a man as a Lover. But she's never had the affections of a good man and Danny seemed to be fitting the bill. How could she deny what she was feeling as well? Was his words a clear indication of how he felt? She was not one to hesitate and she hoped he wouldn't either.

[ERIK DANIEL LENOIR]

Marguerite seemed quite the art enthusiast. She seemed to accept his explanation of why he wished to copy the old masters' works. "It is fascinating, for each one had a different style and finding the correct paint is impossible these days. One must make their own paint in order to get the right "look." And it must be painted on paper or vellum or other materials from the period. I'm sure you know that already though. And yes, of course I have learned much from them..."

Danny had rather assumed that Marguerite was his girlfriend now. But he hadn't really asked her about that. So it was no wonder she was surprised. Thankfully she seemed delighted too. Danny was also delighted, but the thought now took his breath away. He had dreamed so long of a lovely girl like her. With Marguerite, he had put a face on that dream girl. The other dates he had had before her had not measured up to her in the least.

Music came to Danny's aid again. "Would you like to dance again? I have a song I'd like to sing, for it's sentiments are how I think of you. I didn't write it, it's a pop song originally sung by Rex Smith..." Danny launched into a pop song with these lyrics:

You, I don't know what to say
You take my breath away
You're every song I sing
You're the music that I play
And you take my breath away

You, you smile and it's okay
You take my breath away
Like water from a spring on a sizzling summer day
Oh you take my breath away

There are words for the magic of a sunrise
Only none of them will do
For you, you take my breath away
And I don't know what to say
'Cause you take my breath away

You, you take my breath away
And I don't know what to say
'Cause you take my breath away
You take my breath away
You take my breath away

You take my breath away
You take my breath away
Oh yeah, you take my breath away
Oh, you take my breath away
Oh, I say you take my breath away, yeah yeah
I say, I say, I say you take my breath away

"It's a popular song that was around when I was ten years old. I used to sing it all the time, but it seems appropriate to sing it to you. I think it was written for you... in fact, for me to sing to you..."

"I hope you don't mind me calling you my lady... I suppose it's a bit too soon and we don't really know..."

[MARGUERITE SAINT-JUST]

She couldn't help but to be fascinated with Danny as he explained his admiration of the old Artist's techniques and means. Usually she was the one to mesmerize people with her wit and intelligence, but this time... Danny was doing that to her! "And it shows," she smiled back at him, quite impressed with his knowledge. He was indeed a true Artist; one who not only studied the best, but understood it and tried to make it better. Even relished in the styles. Quite impressive indeed!

The invitation to dance once again with Danny could not be refused! She enjoyed dancing with him a while ago, as both of them floated around and moved in perfect unison to his music. With a nod, "I would love to," she replied warmly with her French lilt and charming smile.
A song? Her brows rose as he spoke on about a song for her. He was starting to sound so cliché, but she held her tongue and simply listened as he sang to her a song she had not heard before nor had she heard of the Artist.
It was one of those corny, sappy Love Songs. Her brows were raised, a slight smile while she gazed back at Danny, she just listened to him sing it. His voice was heavenly, and that was putting it mildly! How could she not fancy a man who had a voice so perfect like his? He made the song sound so... sweet and wonderful! She listened to the words and looked more and more impressed and charming, her eyes began to twinkle.

He finished the song and she was so charmed by such a moment, even as he went on to explain more about the song and why he sang it. Now that made it all the more endearing and wonderful!
She barely whimpered an "Oooh," rather breathlessly as her hand came to rest upon her chest and her eyes sparkled more with tears threatening to well in her eyes. "That is so sweet Daniel!" her voice definitely told how impressed and how she adored this little romantic moment.
A sparkling smirk, "Do you charm all the mademoiselles like this?" then lifted her head still gazing at Danny with her sparkling mismatched eyes, "Or just moi?"

But his humble hope to calling her 'his lady', was it too soon? Her heart and stomach leaped as her spirit soared and her mind numbed. Forget moving too fast! Life was short! And she did not want to waste another moment of it!
Danny had stolen her heart!
Swiftly she closed the distance between them, took hold of his face and kissed him so passionately that a sigh-moan emanated from her throat as she held onto him! If he wasn't playing games with her, then she wouldn't either and she'd cherish him always!
She finally found the man who could change her mind about Love and Marriage.
Marguerite Saint-Just.... is in Love!