When Toshiro next awoke, he found himself alone in his bed- like she'd never been there. Toshiro stirred awake, greeted by the lovely aroma of a home-cooked meal. Yawns escaping his lips, he stumbled out of bed- following the smell to the living room. Vendetta made him yuzu-infused tea; with it, breakfast- a chicken-and-egg oyakodon and fresh, home-made miso soup to combat autumn's chill. However, he noticed there was enough for just him... and the living room held autumn's chill. Beside the tray, a little note fluttered.
'Forgive my sudden disappearance... I was needed back home. Immediately.
Much transpired yesterday; I need time, not only to deal with my affairs... But to process everything. I certainly hope you understand. When I am ready, and finally have a moment... I will find you. The only thing I ask of you, please... I beg you, keep what you have learned of me to yourself. The risk is great to us both. Burn this letter after, to be safe.
Should you need anything, I am able to be contacted.
Please enjoy what I've made for you- and next time we meet, tell me what you thought. Take care.
~ Lady Vendetta Iceflame'
So, she had vanished into the night once more. He sat down, picking the paper up and reading the note over. After a night of such strong, raw emotions- some time apart would do the two some good. Opening a nearby drawer he pulled out a box of matches, lighting the note aflame just as was asked of him. Turning his attention back to the meal she had prepared for him, he bowed his head before partaking. That autumn night felt a lot colder, without her there...
~
Halloween passed- as did November, and part of December- before anything took place again. The night in question, it finally began to snow. Toshiro had expected it to be a few days, possibly even a week or two, until he heard from Vendetta again. But it had been months, and yet he still hadn't seen or heard anything. Part of him was beginning to wonder if she decided to just end things between them completely, not that he could blame her after everything. Slowly but surely Toshiro fell back into his old routine, focus solely on Crimson Creations once again.
This particular night was quiet because of a possible new exhibition. Toshiro watched the snow fall through the window as he swept the floors, trying to keep busy on such a slow night. Recalling faintest whispers, one of his customers had spoken of an exhibit that may be happening. A rather private affair, the event was marked as the 'Show Of Shadow' since nobody could confirm or deny anything- all that was known was those invited, if it existed, were sworn to secrecy. Everything about it left him to wonder what would be shown at such an event. Slowly but surely, time passed by- and closing was upon him. Doing a quick look around the shop, making sure everything was in order, Toshiro locked up. Grabbing his trench coat and scarf from the back, he bundled up tightly in preparation for the frosty weather that was to greet him.
Just as he locked up, Toshiro's ears twitched as he heard footsteps crunching through the snow. His gaze whipped around- to witness Vendetta walking toward him. Especially beautiful, a study of shadow-black amid pure white snow. Iconic by now, she wore her kimono-inspired coat, and had her iconic hairstyle fluttering in the breeze. What really caught his eye, though- her geisha-quality black silk kimono layered beneath, silken butterfly in her hair and smoky, dark makeup. Tempting the Venetian masses, her chest and legs peeked out from beneath the finery. For that edge- and making the crunch- sharp-heeled boots rounded out the look. No mistaking it, Toshiro bore witness to hints of the Gothic Geisha.
She stopped before him, brushing the snow off her parasol. Closing it, she set it aside and folded her in hands in her lap- and gave him a prominent bow. "Good Evening, Toshiro... Forgive me, for not reaching out sooner. I have been kept rather busy these last weeks."
His gaze roamed her features, returning the bow in kind. Once more, that familiar smile graced his face. "It's so good to see you again, Lady Vendetta. I'm sure whatever kept you away was of great importance."
"Very much so... I thank you kindly for understanding."
Brushing her locks back, Vendetta dusted the snow off herself and re-opened her parasol. "Last time we saw one another was rather... intense. You pledged yourself to me- I said next time I saw you, I would give an answer. That's why I have come tonight; I have my answer... before I tell you, however, there is something I would like to show you. Will you join me?"
Anticipation swelled up inside him as she spoke about her decision. Taking her hand in his he brought it to his lips, kissing the soft skin on the back with a bright smile. I suppose he remembered how much I enjoy that... Seeing Vendetta's reaction to the kiss on the back of her hand brought unending joy to Toshiro, the bright smile that graced lips proof of that. It had been six weeks since he has last seen her, yet the moment he laid eyes on her- his feelings for her immediately resurfaced.
"I could think of nothing else I would rather do than to join you."
"I cannot thank you enough... Trust me when I say- this will be worthwhile." Hand in hand, the two began to walk through the snow- she sharing her parasol.
Silence and serenity descended- the pair the only ones in this winter wonderland. Snow dusted the world, adding a beautiful glitter and indescribable quality to the world. Their walk, while quiet, brought him great enjoyment. Just being in her presence made him incredibly happy. Had their time apart only strengthened the feelings he had for her? Meanwhile, her mind was focused on the evening ahead- worried it would go badly, thinking of any last-minute things she could do. This was important- even though she felt it would go well, Vendetta could never be sure. Before wither of them knew it, they were walking amid the most opulent and beautiful homes, stopping before one in particular...
Italy's Obsidian Castle. Dark walls beckoned, surprising gloss amid the shadow. Snow covered the landscape, diamond-brightness adding beautiful contrast. Rather minimalist, Toshiro could see an elegant and stunning mixture of Japanese and Italian flora around the front, wrapping around the sides and disappearing. From what little he could see, the beauty and mystery of the place more than lived up to rumour. She smiled gently. "Welcome to Italy's Obsidian Castle- or as I call it, home."
Toshiro's gaze jumped around each home, but hers in particular caused his jaw to drop. "It- It's even more breathtaking than I had imagined..."
Vendetta took his hand, the pair walking along the driveway. Vehicles lined the end of the driveway, but she paid little mind. Taking everything in as they walked, a bright smile covered his face. He could hear voices as Vendetta led him around the side along a path- to the back, bringing Toshiro to wonder what was happening...
Visual wonderland greeted him as they came into the back- more Japanese and Italian flora scattered about, a beautiful layout of decoration and function. Along the left side and in the back, a beautiful garden grew- and he could see it wrap around, a single-room building peeking out. Closer to them, a heated an illuminated pool [complete with hot tub] held a clear cover- soft coloured light shimmering. Closer to them still, a gorgeous heated patio, alongside the pool, had all been turned into a venue to view art. A very intimate exhibit...
People in all manner of designer outfits milled about, admiring the art, drinking and conversing. When Vendetta and Toshiro arrived, all eyes were on the vampyric duo. Toshiro would recognize nearly all of them- former patrons of his, admirers of his artwork in the past. Vendetta was pulled aside, leaving Toshiro to see everything- and face the people revering him once again? The very souls who turned on him before... why were they staring in admiration and reverence? People parted as he walked past, whispers abundant. '...It's really him, after so long' '...So the rumours are true, she really is in courtship with him...' '...I'm so jealous! What I wouldn't give, for a mere glance like she gives him...' '...Does he realize how fortunate he is?...'
As everything came into view, Toshiro felt out of place- woefully under-dressed. As his gaze passed from person to person, he recalled them from various showings from countless years prior. It was an odd feeling, seemingly back in their favour after so long. He supposed it was all due to the company he kept- and the whispers confirmed it. Their soft-spoken words reverberating sentiments he himself felt. To be with someone like Vendetta had to have been the biggest stroke of luck he ever witnessed.
Clearly, this was showing Vendetta's art- brand-new works, in a very limited and intimate way. Made with the very materials acquired from Crimson Creations.. The exhibit he'd heard about. His gaze moved from one painting to the next, art breath-taking as always. His decision for her to have the Vampyre's Obsidian Collection was reaffirmed. The things she could do with it were beyond his wildest imaginations. All the images were unbelievably beautiful- centred around a vampyric make, and an ashen-skinned female... Dark, intense, strongly emotional. Dedication to a new level, the Immortal Artist lived up to her name- with what everyone called her finest works yet.
Being caught by one painting in particular, the male's crimson eyes feeling as though they were drilling into his very soul. The painting was simple enough- the male standing amid jasmine in a garden at once familiar yet unknown, but it drew him in... Everything was familiar... It was at that moment he realized- Toshiro was the focus. He was the entire reason she made this collection, and held this Show Of Shadow. All of this... was about and for him.