Characters:

✦ Vincent Clermont

✦ Hana Loveless

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How long has it been since Vincent last came here? The man wondered to himself, lost in thought as he strutted passed the two armed soldiers left guarding the entrance to the White Room. One of the soldiers- visibly much younger- sighed a breath of relief; his heart beating rapidly from adrenaline as both he and his senior knew of the insignificantly small stain that marked the collar on his uniform. A trifle that could easily land him on the executor's table, had Vincent noticed. Vincent was well-known for his cruel antics as he generally over-reacted over trivial matters. Even so, he was the most powerful man in the American continent, having been crowned The Saint of Paradise despite his young age. He was their leader, and no matter how outlandish or outrageous he could be at times, he was to be followed. Always.

Vincent entered the White Room, squinting his eyes from the brightness as he looked across the endless plane. A woman's figure sat on the floor, crouched over itself as it was singing off-key to Wizard of Oz's "Follow the Yellow Brick Road". He grinned a malicious yet sweet smile before silently creeping up to the woman, taking notice of the terrible drawing sketched out on notebook paper as he peered over her shoulder. She grumbled and paused for a moment, her hand hesitating to complete the sketch. It was an ugly drawing. The eyes were looking in different directions. He chuckled softly. Truth be told, he believed he hated this woman with his entire being. Yet, his desire and love for her created a soft spot in his heart and core. He stood quietly above her, curious on how to break into conversation. But he didn't need to. The humming stopped. Her eyes already laid onto him, and he could tell that she was immediately full of suspicion.

✦ Hana ✦

[aggressively] What do you want, Vincent?

She turns her head to look upwards at him, his cold heart thawing from her hostile gaze. He really did love her. From her assertive attitude to her physical assets. She was perfection. Much like himself. To him, they were two halves of a whole; she was the illuminating stars in the heavens and he... He was the sky itself. He shook his head at her, his lips cracking into a playful grin.

✦ Vincent ✦

Oh please. Don't be like that, my lovely little Hana. Can't a man visit the love of his life in peace?

He squatted to face her directly, reaching over to push her bangs behind her ear to see her face. At this she scurried from him like an animal- crumpling her drawings as she moved- before turning to face him once again, standing now. Her brows are furrowed and she squints at Vincent, looking down at the man in awe of her. He held back his laughter, finding her reaction to be over the top. She glared at him in disgust, obviously in abhorrence. Not a day since she's been forced into the White Room had she ever wanted to be near this man. It was always about politics and favors when it came down to him. Both of which she took issue with. She thought higher of herself than to be used like a loyal dog, which always resulted in her rejecting every single one of his advances or requests.

✦ Hana ✦

[huffing at Vincent] You and I both know you're not here for nothing, Vinnie.

✦ Vincent ✦

[playfully] Well then, don't you know me quite well? [noticing Hana becoming further annoyed; clearing his throat] ...I just arrived back from Eurasia. We were assisting the Romans in their campaign against the Grievers Union—

Hana yawned in clear disinterest. Politics. Again.

✦ Hana ✦

[waving her hand in dismissal] Yeah, yeah. And this involves me, why?

✦ Vincent ✦

Well, maybe if you let me explain, you might be able to know exactly what I'm about to ask of you. [smiling sheepishly]

Ah, yes. Here it is. A request for her to fulfill a favor, as expected. She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, already prepared to shut him down.

✦ Hana ✦

Not interested.

✦ Vincent ✦

[eyes widening in surprise] The hell do you mean, "not interested"?

✦ Hana ✦

What do you mean what do I mean? [looking at him as though he was stupid] Exactly that. I'm shocked you were expecting me to actually consider doing anything for you. [scoffing in annoyance] You have absolutely nothing to offer me. I like it here. I get to eat whenever I want, sleep whenever I please, and do whatever- however- whenever I feel. Thank you, but no thank you.

She faked a wide grin and turned away from him. This was about the seventeenth time he's come to her with a request in the span of five years. Yes, she'd been keeping count for her own amusement. No, this was nothing unexpected. For her, it became routine whenever he chose to drop by and pay her a visit; He would ask, she'd reject. He'd beg, and she would get the satisfaction of turning him away. There wasn't much he could do about it either. She was both stronger and smarter than him. The only factor he had an advantage over her was his belittlement for life. Even so, she and he alike both knew he'd never off her. She was his favorite pet. Like a caged bird greatly admired by him from afar. His cute little parakeet. That sang off-key. She continued:

✦ Hana ✦

...And truth be told, I would walk away right about now. But there's not exactly anywhere for me to go. So please, if you don't mind, I have more important matters to attend to.

She gestured for him to leave, unaware that he had already been standing closely behind her. He relaxed his hands over her shoulders, slowly massaging them. He was beginning to feel frustrated, but his spirit remained undefeated. He needed her now more than ever.

✦ Vincent ✦

[speaking softly] You should know by now that I refuse to take no for an answer, Hana.

✦ Hana ✦

Leave. [pushing his hands off her shoulders]

✦ Vincent ✦

This time is different. [gradually raising his voice] I want to make an offer you can't refuse. If you can just hear me out for once in your life—!

He pulled her back as she attempted to walk off, tightly squeezing her arm in the process. At this, Hana thrusted Vincent's hands from her as she shouted before shoving him back, letting him fall hard onto the colorless ground. A thud echoed throughout the White Room as Vincent laid wide-eyed on the floor, surprised by Hana's sudden frustration and outburst. Her cheeks grew red and her dark eyes began to overflow with anger. But just as quick as she was to become defensive, she turned to flee to another area of her prison. A spark of annoyance played through Vincent, but he needed to be careful. Hana was needed alive in America's Paradise. She was the first-born of the previous Saint in addition to being the one chosen to become his successor prior to the infamously controversial trials. Vincent was merely her replacement. The people feared him, but they loved her. Lest he lay so much as a finger of harm upon her, he'd risk losing support from his council. Their history reminded him why he disliked her so much. Their relationship had always been rocky to say the least, yet he would find himself watching her. Wanting her. He forced a smile as he stood and although a bit winded, he shouted out to her before he could lose sight of her figure.

✦ Vincent ✦

[slightly breathless] ...If you do this for me, I swear on the death of my mother, I will let you see your sister..!

Hana stopped in her tracks, reluctantly turning to look over at Vincent. From this distance, his figure was melting into the light of the White Room. But as she was debating whether to walk back towards his direction, Vincent appeared before her. For once in all his attempts to make her obey, he tamed her by using a secret that he knew and she yearned for. A lost child that became only a memory to Hana, but one that she held onto for the near-six years she had spent imprisoned. A little sister she lost to Vincent's mother when Hana was found guilty for the murder of her father, her mother, and a doctor that worked behind the scenes of paradise— and also the man that raised her. She crossed her arms and looked away, recalling the memories and injustice she faced. She covered her face in shame as Vincent gazed down at her, his smile becoming genuinely content with himself.

Now, he thought to himself, I have her attention.

01. The White Room // End.