“How is the investigation coming along old boy?” Yunho asked, not bothering to look up from the papers he was examining. Jongdae was used to this sort of welcome from the man who had hired him into the Home office.

“We suspect that the jewels may be disposed of through gambling, but no definitive leads as of right now. Viscount D’Adderleigh is planning on attending an exclusive game at one of the gambling hells next week, but so far that is about all we have to go on.” Jongdae was feeling a lot of frustration that he couldn’t provide a more concrete update.

Yunho folded the papers he had been reading, turning his attention to Jongdae. They were in Yunho’s office in the dusty old building. A nondescript white building, the place played home to the offices of officials that were, for all intents and purposes, not representing their true work via the sign on the door. It was all hush-hush in the world of intelligence.

“When was the last theft?”

“Three days ago, at the Kim Family masquerade. We are about due for another one.” Jongdae sighed, “There is a large event at the Westhall Theater tonight. I am betting that the thief will make an appearance.”

Yunho nodded in agreement “Yes that would be the sort of thing to attract such a bold criminal.”

Jongdae couldn’t help but look a bit depressed, which Yunho picked up on right away. He knew his nephew’s moods, having been close to him since he was a tiny little boy with a penchant for making mischief for his parents. “Buck up old boy. I think I have some good news for you.”

“You do?” Jongdae sounded very hopeful, Yunho laughed at his sudden change in mood.

“Yes. I called in a favor from a friend of mine. I guessed the theater party may be the next target and he– well, his wife - is willing to play the perfect victim.”

“A trap!” Jongdae clapped his hands together “How ingenious!”

“That, my dear child, is what happens when you work in this field for a long time. Your mind becomes as devious as those who you are trying to catch.” Yunho pushed the papers towards Jongdae “Now go catch the bad guy, my dear boy.”

***

Minseok felt like he was short of breath. Kyungsoo had taken a very long time perfecting his cravat, and for some reason Minseok felt like it was slightly suffocating him. In all honesty he wanted to take the thing off, but one look from Kyungsoo told him that was not an acceptable thing to do.

“Sir, do you know how long it has taken me to learn to tie a cravat to perfection? I can assure you no other man at the Theater will have their cravat tied in such a meticulous and fashionable way- much less a way that is so seamlessly easy to undo, making the life of their valet that much more enjoyable.” Kyungsoo was proud of his work and Minseok was afraid the valet might slap him if he dared to ask it to be loosened. So he let it be, though he was regretting the fact even as he stood outside the Westhall Theater.

“We need to pay special attention to the theater boxes on the right side of the stage- that is where the thief is likely to strike.” Jongdae whispered.

“Understood. Will we be in your Uncle’s box?” Minseok asked, though he could guess they would be. The Ellsworth box at the Westhall Theater was one of the best.

“Yes. Though we need to be diligent in watching more than the performance.” Jongdae gestured for Minseok to enter the theater “After you.”

***

 The words were still fresh in Luhan’s mind. He had been at his parent’s house that evening, preparing to accompany them to the theater. And then he had asked the question he shouldn’t have asked.

“Father, have you further considered my engagement?” Luhan regretted asking. Perhaps his Father had been in a bad mood for some reason, perhaps he would have been gentler another day. He was not gentle in his response that evening however.

“I am having difficulty agreeing to something that seems to be…based on a very weak affection for each other. I believe that this is the wrong choice for you, you don’t seem to have given your heart to him nor he you.”

Luhan had fumed, wanted to argue that affection had very little (nor should it) to do with his impending marriage, but he bit his tongue. Arguing with his father would get him nowhere, so he strongly objected with “I wish you would reconsider- as this my wish.”

“We shall see.” His Father had remained mum on the matter since then. There was no chance that he didn’t realize his words had made Luhan nervous and a bit angry.

The family arrived at the theater together, the carriage ride was quiet aside from his Mother’s chatter regarding the cast, the performance, and more importantly who would be attending the play.  Luhan knew most of the people his mother rattled off.

The theater was filling up as Luhan arrived. Music, a soft sonitina playing as the theatergoers arrived at their seats. The less affluent attendees were seated in the main arena of the theater, the socially elevated had their own family boxes – seating on levels two and three of the theater, surrounded by a gilded balcony and secluded with scarlet curtains. The Duke of Hayden’s box was in a desirable location, one of the best in the prestigious performance venue. From where he sat, Luhan could see most of the other boxes while still having an excellent view of the stage.

It was custom that, prior to the start of the performance, the theater goers would mingle, say hello to each other as they stopped by each family’s respective seats. Luhan greeted a string of people, most of whom were there to say hello to his Father, the Duke of Hayden. Luhan was social, acting the part- greeting the young women and men that were introduced to him, their parents or match makers eagerly watching their interactions.

At one point the curtain parted and Chanyeol, Baekhyun’s best friend, made an appearance alongside his aunt. While his aunt and the Duke and Duchess were exchanging idle chatter Chanyeol whispered to Luhan, “Are you as dreadfully bored as I am?”

Luhan nodded. Chanyeol was a tall man, a bit awkward in his gait but possessing a handsome face to make up for it. Baekhyun had known him from his time at school, Chanyeol only recently returning to town from his Grand Tour. Luhan was slow to warm up the man, because he had a habit of saying things that made Luhan a tad bit uncomfortable – such as the time he told a very wealthy and well known countess she resembled a prune that should have stayed out in the sun. Baekhyun and Heechul had a habit of saying things off the cuff as well, however Chanyeol seemed to know how to say just the right thing to make everyone squirm and no one laugh.

“Baekhyun sends his regrets. Though I am sure he already told you he is engaged with his parents this evening.”

That was the other thing that bothered Luhan about the man. Chanyeol liked to rub his relationship with Baekhyun in Luhan’s face. It wasn’t that Luhan was jealous, no – Luhan didn’t really feel jealousy towards Baekhyun… and, well anyone. He had caught Baekhyun practically flirting with other men (and even women) before, but it didn’t make him angry. No, what annoyed him was that Chanyeol thought it would make him angry and therefore he was acting in a vengeful and malicious manner.

“No, he hadn’t told me. Please tell him I said hello next time you see him.” Luhan let Chanyeol have his small victory, giving him a weak and feigned goodbye when he left with his Aunt.

Shortly before the performance began, the curtain to the family box parted yet again, the son of Baron Ellsworth stepping inside. Luhan knew him, they were in the same social circles if not exactly close. He had always thought Jongdae was a rather harmless sort, quiet and reserved at large gatherings but a bit livelier at the clubs – especially around his dear friend Junmyeon. So Luhan was especially shocked that the man that was with Jongdae was none other than the notorious Viscount D’Adderleigh.

“Your Grace.” Jongdae bowed to Luhan’s father, the Viscount did the same. Luhan couldn’t believe that his father greeted the men in return, not showing a hint of discomfort that the notorious Viscount was currently standing in the families theater box – a fact visible to anyone who cared to look.

Luhan greeted them both as well, it was only proper. He caught the Viscounts eye as he lifted his head from his bow. The man certainly had very unique eyes. Hypnotizing almost.

“Is your Father well?” The Duke questioned Jongdae, receiving reassurance that he was. He then turned to Minseok, “How have you found your return to the city?”

“I am starting to remember why I left, Your Grace.”

Luhan’s jaw probably dropped open, later he couldn’t quite recall if it did. But he was sure that the man’s honest answer took him by surprise. Not many people would speak to his father like that and get away with it.

The Duke burst into a hearty laugh “Yes, I would suppose that not much has changed here, has it Luhan?”

“Well, I-“Luhan wasn’t sure what to say.

“Viscount D’Adderleigh, this is my only son Luhan, the Earl of Easton. I don’t believe you have had the pleasure of meeting, this is his first season in town. Luhan, the Viscount’s Father and I were close during our school days.”

Luhan couldn’t believe it. So…his Father knew the D’Adderleighs? And still associated with the son who had, by all accounts, brought upon the death of his friend?!

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Easton.” Minseok smiled, Luhan had a slow reaction, finally returning the smile. “A pleasure to meet you, Lord D’Adderleigh.”

Luhan was staring but he couldn’t help it. He knew it wasn’t proper, but there was something there, something…that he couldn’t identify. Was he trying to see the evil in this man that his father so warmly greeted? Or was he trying to see that perhaps he wasn’t the monster he was made out to be? Or was he distracted by those eyes -that face, that messy brown hair?

“Are you well, Lord Easton?” Minseok noticed that the man was pale, looked a bit sick. He was also thinking back to how the man had looked at him the day before- as he passed by with his intoxicated friend.

“U- Yes, very well. Thank you.” Luhan tore his gaze away from the notorious Viscount, taking a slight offense at the fact the man had called him out for staring a little too long.

“Please, enjoy the performance. It was very nice to see both of you.” Luhan’s Father warmly bid farewell to the two men, piling more onto the great amount of confusion that Luhan was currently dealing with.

***

“He saw me outside of Herringwoods yesterday, the man he was with was rather rude towards me.” Minseok filled Jongdae in as they approached Jongdae’s family’s box.

“He is the catch of the season, they say.” Jongdae informed him “You almost have to pity him – he is trying to get himself engaged to Baron Overton’s son to escape the pressure.”

Minseok thought Luhan did look a bit…lost. He was a handsome man, it was no wonder he was being touted as the catch of the season. The Duchy of Hayden was very wealthy, and the Duke had a very long and distinguished lineage that traced its way back to some of the more storied families in the country’s history.

“The performance should be starting soon. I will take my place in the box, we can switch after the first act.” Jongdae instructed. Minseok nodded. He would be the first person to stand watch in the shadows, noting the comings and goings of those walking among the theater halls that wrapped around the length of the theater, giving passage between the gilded theater boxes.

***

Minseok watched from the darkness. He had pressed himself into the far corner of the hall. It was perfect. He could see anyone who was walking up the semicircular hall towards the right-side boxes while being nearly invisible to anyone coming that way. He waited and watched, but nothing suspicious seemed to be happening. A drunken Baron stumbling up the hall, a few ladies he did not recognize paused to giggle outside of the Hayden family box (no doubt talking about Luhan) and a few other nobles that he recalled meeting years ago stepped out for a private discussion.

Minseok grew bored, yawning. He had to stay vigilant. Blinking his eyes rapidly he continued his careful observation.

***

Luhan was staring again. He knew it. Everyone who glanced his way would know it. But he wanted to know…what had happened to Viscount D’Adderleigh? He had been with Jongdae but now that Luhan stared at the Ellsworth seats the Viscount was nowhere to be found.

“Do the D’Adderleigh’s have their own box?” Luhan whispered to his Father.

The Duke raised an eyebrow, clearly confused why his son cared. “No, they do not.”

Luhan went back to looking over at Jongdae, wondering where the Viscount was and why he even cared. The entire situation was getting to him. He needed some fresh air. Explaining in a whisper that he would be stepping out, Luhan parted the curtains, intending to take a stroll down the hall to clear his mind.

***

Minseok watched as the Earl of Easton left the family box, peering down the hall in his direction. He swallowed hard, hoping the man hadn’t noticed him. His anxiety turned into downright panic as Luhan started walking in his direction.

His heart beating fast, he considered stepping out of the shadows and pretending to be taking a walk himself. But wouldn’t that look suspicious? As Luhan crept closer Minseok noticed another person, a figure he did not recognize, approaching the Hayden families box, his gait slow and purposeful.

***

Luhan was closing in on the end of the hallway. He decided walking to the end of the hall and back should suffice in clearing his head, he just needed some time to not be so distracted by his recent fascination with a certain viscount. As he neared the end of the hallway, a place cast in shadows from the flickering candle light, a hand reached out and grabbed him. He struggled as one hand was clasped firmly over his mouth, a strong arm around his waist.

“Shhhh.” The person who dared to manhandle him whispered in his ear. Luhan stopped struggling for a moment, his heart racing.

***

Minseok held Luhan close, straining to keep the taller man under control. He couldn’t make a misstep now, not when the thief could be right in front of his eyes. He ignored the man in his arms, trying to see the person who was currently loitering in the hall.

The man approached the Hayden box but seemed reluctant to go inside. Was it the thief? Minseok could never catch him like this. Straining, he caught a glimpse of the man and groaned inwardly. It was someone he recognized after all – a middle aged Viscount with a bad temper that he hadn’t seen in ages. Now that he was standing just so Minseok could make out his wrinkled face glaring at the Hayden box in the candlelight.

 Before he could calculate his next move Luhan spun around, breaking free of his grasp.

Minseok was pushed against the wall, his back hitting with a thud.

“Who are you?” Luhan demanded, breathing heavily.

A scent washed over Minseok. A cologne that was eerily familiar, a scent that made him feel dizzy now that he was so very close to it again. It couldn’t be, could it? The man from the Masquerade Ball. Was that…could it be…Luhan? The catch of the season? Minseok felt sick at the thought, but swallowed his anxiety. He had to think and think quickly.

Minseok acted fast, impulsively, he needed to get away, he needed to distract the man. It was a small space to kill, a few inches at the most as the man leaned in, his hands holding Minseok’s arms tightly against the wall.

Minseok smashed his lips into Luhan’s, feeling the heat rise from even this simple contact. Luhan eased into the kiss. Minseok repeated it over and over in his head – just a distraction – he was just distracting him. He is just distracting him. It didn’t mean anything. Then why was he parting his lips, eager for more?

Luhan moaned, hands loosening from where they held Minseok pinned against the wall. Minseok took advantage of his newfound freedom to yank at his cravat, finding that it did in fact come loose very easily.

Luhan was kissing him back, his tongue assaulting Minseok’s mouth hurriedly, as though he was afraid that the moment would end too soon. Minseok felt dizzy at the sensation, at the feeling of Luhan’s hands sliding down to hold his waist, at Luhan’s cologne surrounding him as he was properly and thoroughly kissed.

Minseok moved his left hand to rest on Luhan’s shoulder, intending to make a swift move and use his cravat to clear the way for his escape.

Luhan moved forward, his mind hazy with the feel of the stranger in his arms. Was it curiosity, was it instinct that made him move from the man’s mouth, kissing down his neck? He urged the man’s shirt ever so, looking, wanting to see that birthmark that was emblazoned in his mind from the unforgettable meeting in the gallery.

It was there, identifying, offering clarity that caused more confusion. Luhan jerked back, knowing that this was the same man that had driven him to such heights the night before. His breathing was ragged, heavy as he choked out “Go, just go.”

Minseok hesitated for a split second, confused at why Luhan would suddenly be so willing to let him escape without revealing himself.

“I will find you whether you like it or not – so escape now if that is what you need to do.” Luhan answered, his tone husky and wanting.

Luhan had no doubt the man at the Masquerade ball was one and the same with this stranger- his taste, his feel, not to mention the distinct birthmark, left little doubt. Yet it tugged at his mind that all of it was better left a mystery for now. Because Luhan would certainly find him, hunt him to the ends of the earth if need be- he wouldn't let this go, and so far Luhan had gotten almost everything he wanted in life. This would be no different, not with determination. He could sense fear, sense apprehension and a need…a need that Luhan was not about to stand in the way of. If fate would have it they would meet again.

Minseok felt a warmth spread through him at those words, those strong and determined words. A warmth that scared him, a warmth that he hadn’t felt towards someone in years. Since…

Minseok made his last move, a swift gesture that worked better than he thought it would. The cravat knotted in his hands he reached up and wrapped the necktie around Luhan’s eyes, tying the fabric in a sloppy but tight knot. Minseok darted towards the Ellsworth box. He made it, apparently, as Luhan didn’t follow. As he thought about it later, Luhan didn’t return to his family’s box for some minutes afterwards.

“What happened to you?” Jongdae looked at him in alarm.

“Um, nothing. I need your cravat.”

Jongdae shook his head at his friend before loosening his necktie and handing it over. It was a good thing it was so dark that no one would probably notice the odd exchange of neckwear. Minseok took the offered cravat, sloppily tying it in a poor imitation of what he had seen Kyungsoo do. He was already dreading what Kyungsoo would do to him when he got home.

The rest of the night was uneventful. The thief, it seemed, did not find the theater to his liking. Minseok watched the performance as Jongdae stalked the halls. He dared to glance at the Hayden box once, but he found Luhan paying attention to the performance, apparently none the wiser who he had been kissing in the dark.