She stood there, stunned. “He what?” She asked, her voice possessive. Although she heard her tone, she didn’t correct herself; if someone was capable of hurting one of the most beautiful women she’s ever laid eyes on she didn’t understand how the fourth world war hadn’t broken out yet. She then realized the fact that she said she liked her, a hot pink blush returning to her cheeks, “so I have a chance” she muttered out loud what she thought was just in her head
"He did what he thought was right. He's a big, heavy, strong Russian man. After that, I learnt better." She sighed, remembering the time that it happened. She then blushed deeply at Nora's soft remark, not knowing if she meant to say it out loud or not. She was about to say something more when a voice resounded throughout the ballroom, amplified by a microphone. Upon inspection, it was clear to see that it was Jonathan Eraklyon, one of the most well known orangutans of the Top Tiers. He was above on the balcony, a place where everyone could see him.
She took another sip of her champagne before jumping slightly at the squeaking noise the mic made when spoken into. She hesitated to cover her ears but it did hurt quite a bit. She waited for him to begin speaking as she tried to calm down the bright red blush on her cheeks
Val and Leo covered their ears, as did many of the other members of the feline family. Even Jonathan himself seemed to flinch, but he tried not to show it. "Hello, everyone. Thank you for attending."
Nora nodded slightly, her gaze fixed on the man before them. She soon let her gaze slip to Val, her eyes caressing her body as she thought of a sonnet, ‘doth without touch do touch’ she remembered, although not exactly where the line came from.
Her ears twitched, almost as if she could feel Nora's gaze on her. "As you all know, this is the 21st Eraklyon Family Ball," Jonathan continued. "All of you here are either Top Tiers or High Tiers. If you are not either of the Tiers, leave immediately. Now, I would like to invite my good friend Aleksei Petrov to speak a few words."
When Nora saw Val’s ears twitch she blushed roughly, patting down her own ears before smoothing out her dress as Aleksei Petrov came onto the grand balcony, her stomach turning in on itself. She remembered meeting that man before, along with Val. She scooted over to the paling Val, “is that…”
(wait she might not like val then
aleksei's her dad…)
Okie. I shall change it. I had a different idea originally but I just wanted to see what that’d do first. Sorry😣
When Nora saw Val’s ears twitch she blushed roughly, patting down her own ears before smoothing out her dress as Aleksei Petrov came onto the grand balcony, her stomach turning in on itself. She remembered meeting that man before, along with Val. She scooted over to the paling Val, “is that…”
Okie. I shall change it. I had a different idea originally but I just wanted to see what that’d do first. Sorry😣
(oh i don't have anything against the idea but…you know…i just dont think it'd end up working how you think)
(Alright. Well, I changed it…let’s just go with my new response)
"It's my father," Val replied, her eyes never leaving the Russian.
"Thank you, Jonathan," Aleksei said, accent thick. "And hello everyone. This has been another wonderful night, no? Another year, another ball, another time of showing the other Tiers how much better we are!" A cheer went up. He had always been very blunt with his English speaking.
Nora rolled her eyes, wrapping her arm around the other’s body and giving her arm a reassuring rub, just to let her know she was there for moral support. “I really don’t like your dad” she muttered in a low voice into the other’s ear.
"I don't really like him either," She replied, trying not to show how much she really enjoyed this hug. Her father had always been strict and abusive when disobeyed, whereas her mother had always been kind and caring.
She stayed there as Aleksei began to speak, just rubbing slow circles into the other’s shoulder subconsciously
"I would like to announce something that will hopefully put us Amur Leopards back on the map!" Aleksei yelled, and a cheer went up in the Amur Leopards. Val and Leo remained silent. "My daughter, Valeriya, and Alexander's son, Leopald, have been arranged in marriage! It will be the wedding of the century!"
(Ooooooooooooh! Snap!)
Nora froze and let her hand drop back to her side. She put her best fake smile on, watching as Leopald walked over and put his hand at she same spot she’d had hers at earlier, right at her waist. She clapped mindlessly, her heart dropping to the floor. “Congratulations you two!” She spoke quickly, her voice hollow. So, she didn’t have any chance after all
Val and Leo both plastered fake smiles as everyone turned to look at them. Neither of them were excited for the marriage. They were best friends, not romantic partners. Besides, Leo already had a secret boyfriend. But, they had to comply with their parents. There was a reason that Amur Leopards were in the Top Tier, and it was because the species was critically endangered. They were expected to multiply, no matter their feelings.
She almost couldn’t do it. She continued smiling before leaving to go over to the liquor table, getting vodka in her cup along with the punch that was there. She didn’t have a chance no matter what Val thought. She was getting married, and Leopald would be the one to kiss her, even if it was just pretend
Val watched as Nora went, but she couldn't really leave Leo's side. Everyone was watching them, and they would know something was up if she did. "And you won't have to wait long for it!" Aleksei yelled from the balcony. "The wedding is next week!" Leo squeezed Val's hand, and she squeezed it back. Leo was in a serious relationship, and Val had found the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. The person who was walking away.
Nora slipped through the crowds of applauding people, looking down as she did. She didn’t know why she was so hurt, she never had a chance did she? The one person who she even saw a life with was being dragged into one of her own. She was headed to go and find her mother and father, wondering if they even cared a sliver if she wasn’t there anyways
A growing expression of worry crossed Val's face. "Go after her," Leo whispered, having known what the expression was. She looked at him.
"Are you sure? No, I couldn't do that. Should I?" She was conflicted.
"If you don't go, you'll lose her." She pecked his cheek, giving a soft word of thanks. Then she went through the crowd, trying to avoid everyone applauding her, trying to find Nora.
"Nora! Nora!" She yelled, making her voice heard above the crowd.
She heard her voice being called but she thought it just might be her mother, whom she had already passed. She was close to the doors now and she had calmed to a walking pace, trying to keep tears from spilling