Classical music hummed away in the background. Pastel and deep colored dresses alike had both been touched by gold, they whirled like tops under the chandelier. Those in black stuck out like silhouettes in a daylight sky. Scarlett took a deep breath. Baked goods and candlewax were thick to the nose.

“It’s improper for me to hold you up for too long.” Johann said hurriedly as the two spun.

He put on a friendly smile. Scarlett smiled back. “.. But I was concerned.” He sighed almost.. hesitantly. “I just wanted to talk to you about whatever the problem was.”

“I do not wish to speak of it at the moment,” Scarlett said solemnly. “But I do appreciate your efforts, my good friend.”

Johann nodded. His eyes glittered a bit. He perked up quicker than a snap. “I know it’s impolite of me to say but your complexion has looked.. off, for the past few days, anyway.” He stated properly. “Eleanore told me you haven’t talked much.”

“I shall tell you the same thing I did her. ‘I am only processing’.” They reassured, smiling a bit.

“How do I know I can trust your word?”

“I will be fine in no time.”

Johann nodded. “It sure is hot in here.” Johann opined in somewhat of a mumble.

“I agree.”

“We should go and grab something to eat.” He shrugged. “Would you like for me to be your escort?”

“Of course, Johann.”

Johann and Scarlett departed from the crowd. They headed under an archway. A table filled with biscuits, cookies and other sweets waited for them. “Why! Hello there, Hughes!” A merry man wit a thick French accent chirped.

“Good evening, sir Durand.” Scarlett said. taking a little plate with a biscuit on.

Durand smiled. He took a biscuit as well. The man was prim as always. His bright blond hair was finely combed. He wore a well-fitted suit and made sure that the ends of his bowtie were uneven. “Wonderful weather we’re having tonight, hm?” He asked lightheartedly.

“I do believe so.”

“—Greetings, your grace.” Durand said. “It surely is a pleasure seeing you around again.”

“It’s a pleasure seeing you again, sir Durand.” Johann replied softly.

He smiled and returned to stacking cookies on his plate. Scarlett grinned with delight. Durand pat them on the shoulder. “It’s been too long since I’ve been back to England.” He remarked.

“I do understand.” Scarlett replied with sprinkles of happiness. “How has France been?”

“Wonderful.” He sighed. “.. Just wonderful.”

Scarlett eased a cookie off the platter. “Has anything new happened?” Durand enthusiastically asked. Scarlett looked up. Kafele flashed a grin at them from across the table. The plate slipped out of Scarlett’s hands as they stumbled backward. Their hand flew over their mouth as they gasped. Durand almost hit the floor to catch the plate—and the biscuit.

Johann locked gazes with Kafele, who came around the other side. Durand turned. “Greetings to you, Moscow!” He said cheerily, shoving the plate back into Scarlett’s hands. “More familiar faces, eh?”

“Oh, indeed.” Kafele said with a wide grin. “I’m glad to see your, sir.” Kafele stood tall. He wore a pitch black suite that elongated his slender frame. Not a strand of his hair was loose.

Scarlett took a deep breath. They narrowed their eyes, rolled their shoulders back and turned to face Kafele.

“Moscow..?” They whispered sharply, clenching the plate.

“Hughes, shall I have the pleasure of dancing with you?” He politely asked, smiling like this was all perfectly normal.

“Of course.” They replied as calmly as they could.

“I’m pleased to see you both know each other.” Durand opined. “I’m sorry to intrude.”

“Don’t worry. You’re not intruding on anything.” Kafele reassured. “I just have some unfinished business with you, Antoine.”

Durand tilted his head. Kafele smiled and nodded encouragingly at him. “How about we talk behind the building?” He suggested. Durand slowly nodded.

“L-let me catch up with Hughes.” He said almost nervously. He squared his shoulders and fixed his bowtie.

“Of course! Take all the time you need. I’ll be waiting.”

Durand nodded quickly. Kafele turned to Scarlett, who froze. “Excuse me.. could I ask who you are?” Johann squeaked from behind. He pushed past Durand, who side-stepped away.

“I’m Moscow.” Kafele said, still polite as ever.

“That is not a name, sir.”

“Oh—It’s a pen name.” Kafele said lightheartedly. “And you are?”

Johann’s eyes widened. He pursed his lips. “Oh.. my apologies, your grace.” Kafele said swiftly. Johann nodded.

“I’ll leave you two to it.” Johann said with a wide smile stretched across his face. “I’ll return in no time.”

He walked off. Durand was nowhere in sight. Scarlett pinched their nose bridge. “How about that dance?” Kafele suggested. The two went back out to the floor. The waltz began.

“Kafele, do explain yourself.” They muttered.

“To be honest, I had no idea you’d be here.” He replied in a low voice. “I’m sorry if I startled you back there.”

“I.. I apologize for my reaction. I-I just did not expect for you to be here either.”

Scarlett’s expression softened. They looked at the ground. “I suggest you get back to your friends after this.” Kafele stated casually. “I just have to talk to Durand and then I’ll be on my way.” For some reason, Scarlett’s guts twisted into a million tiny knots.

“He’s an old friend, I would-”

“I won’t hurt him, don’t worry.” Kafele said gravely.

Scarlett’s eyes widened. “Pardon..?” They huffed. Kafele burst into chuckles. Scarlett cleared their throat.

“I’m just kidding around.” He dismissed. “He and I just have some business, Scarlett. No need to worry.”

“I trust that.”

Kafele smiled encouragingly. “Alright. It’s rude of me to hold you up like this.” He said with a shrug. “Is there anything else you’d like to ask?”

“Ehm..” Scarlett began. “Out of all the pen names you chose, why Moscow? Are you not trying to hide?”

“I’m not hiding from anyone.” He dismissed. “Kafele’s just.. an odd name for someone nowadays, in my opinion.”

“It sounds very classy.”

“Yes, but also you can’t deny the allure ‘Moscow’ has to it.”

Kafele burst out laughing and slapped his knee. Scarlett chuckled. “Quiet down.” They whispered. Kafele nodded. “But.. uhm, do you have a surname to go with that?”

“I don’t.” He said casually. “But if I chose one it would have to have a ring to it.”

“That is very tough but I wish you the best of luck.”

“Aw, thanks.. but I think it’s time I let you go now.”

“Alright.”

Kafele flashed a friendly grin. Scarlett smiled and returned a nod. He let go, passing them to the next person. When Scarlett spun back around, he’d already vanished.