Page 56 of Mated By Twilight

The play ended with many tears and a lot of applause. Tillos and Sollit waited eagerly understage for Leah – the final character presented for applause – to come down.

When she appeared, gown floating around her, beautifully waved hair glittering, her face was flush with excitement, her smile wide and excited, it was like being struck by a plasma bolt in the chest. Stunning, burning, overwhelming. She threw herself at both of them, one arm around each of their necks, laughing with joy and delight.

“That was so muchfun!” She yelled as they squeezed her back.

“Wait until you actually have lines!” Corvidair yelled from clear across the room.

“How did you even hear her?” Tillos yelled back as Sollit laughed.

The large male just snorted, turning to get back to his duties. It was indeed a silly question. Like the director and owner wouldmiss a chance like that to encourage his newest talent to be more comfortable on stage.

Sollit continued to heap praise upon their female as Tillos turned, guiding their mate and his brother towards their dressing room. It was time to get ready for the fan meeting out in the front entrance hall. The queen was always admired during these moments, so they had to make sure that their female was perfect – though, of course, she already was. More perfect, then.

And this time was no different. The doors opened and the cast walked, in full costume, into the packed entry hall. There was an immediate roar of approval and excitement. Leah walked at the front, Sollit and Tillos flanking her, only a step behind. Ready to help her run or hide or whatever else she might need.

They’d warned her of this part. That the queen, though she did almost nothing during the play itself, was going to be very popular afterwards. The fact that she was always there, that she was the most beautiful person in the play, and that, for this time at least, she was being played by a completely new, human, actress, would automatically make her popular. She said that she might panic and run away once she was met with the crowd. They were prepared to cover for her, to play it off as a mysterious, brief appearance meant to whet the appetite.

But the opposite happened.

Leah brightened. Beaming, she walked towards the railing of the highest, third floor balcony – the one that only staff could access, and she began waving at the crowd. Tillos and Sollit both put their arms around her, down low, claiming one ass cheek each, their arms crossing in the process. No one below would be able to see it, thanks to her dress, but the claim was instinctive. Leahjumped, her face getting brighter, but she didn’t try to move them.

It was nice to hold onto her like that – Tillos squeezed the plump flesh as Sollit patted his half – before they turned, taking her towards the steps. They only removed their hands right before they started their way down the last set of stairs and were almost amongst the fans. Of course, they weren’t going to leave her alone to deal with the crowd, but they didn’t need them tittering over the fact that they couldn’t keep their hands off her.

That would come later. They’d rather she alone be the focus of attention this time. It was her debut as an actress. She deserved all the accolades and excitement without anything to distract from her.

And she received it immediately. Fans were met in order of who bought the best seats. So, those who paid more got greeted immediately. They could only see everyone for a few moments before moving on as this wasn’t a true meet and greet though.

Leah did really well. She smiled at everyone. She spoke to them like they were friends and wasn’t even overwhelmed by their exuberance.

She looked like she loved it. She looked like she was having a great time. Tillos and Sollit shared a smile behind her back as she moved through the crowd. Flanking her like bodyguards. Not letting anyone crowd her or get in too close while still doing their job as actors to greet their own fans and accept their appreciation.

The extra diligence meant Tillos spotted Biella before she reached them.

The feelings he had seeing that female were so specific to her, Sollit knew exactly what was happening the same moment he did and turned his head. Frowning as he followed Tillos’ gaze. It didn’t take long to find the glistening pink scales of their biggest fan. She was bouncing eagerly in place, looking around those in front of her, already locked on the two of them.

Tillos looked away quickly, careful not to catch her eye. The moment he did, she would take that as permission to push her way through and approach.

Sollit did the same. They leaned in towards each other behind Leah’s back, using her as a cover.

Tillos leaned his head towards Leah. “She doesn’t like it.”

“Stay back?”

“Can we?”

“Er…” Sollit frowned. “Excuse?”

“Like she’d listen.”

“You got better?”

Tillos hummed thoughtfully. “Claim her?”

“No way. We’re not stealing.”

“Ugh, you’re right... Oh. I got it.”

“Tell.”

---