The show was dazzling, the lights upon that well-decorated stage with the effortless dancers that claimed the space with effortless ease. It was certainly a stage for such a creature with that eternal glow to truly shine. He swore he saw her powers leaking through, wondering if it was intentional or not. Not that she needed it with her costume that sparkled beneath the spotlights. She was breathtaking. Her pale skin almost shimmering beneath the spotlight. She was divinely beautiful, that admittance he attempted to silence, chastising himself for these strange forbidden thoughts that swam within his mind. His mind a cavernous place filled with the shadows he wielded. Yet even still, he had shown up. In fact, he couldn't quite help himself as he counted down the days to see her again, those notes despite looking forward to them, hadn't quite cut it anymore. He couldn't help the way his shadowy purple gaze followed her as she danced. Any questions on whether she was good or now squashed like a bug beneath a heel of a shoe. What a foolish question he had asked her upon their first meeting.

Despite acting unreadable, he had put forth an effort to dress for this very occasion, braved the very stores he often only viewed from behind glass when they were closed at night. It suited his broad-shouldered frame, the muscular man struggled to find something that would fit his athletic build. Yet even still, he was every ounce the hunter, surrounded by strange faces that eyed him peculiarly. He wore that pressed suit, he looked the part, but even then they could see right through him. That predatory edge never quite leaving the man, his gaze ever astute, scanning those faces within the crowd as though he expected something amiss within the dazzled masses. Fuck. Perhaps he should have shaved that three-day stubble that dotted his jawline, maybe that was it.

It took some time for the hunter to simply relax in those velvet-lined chairs, the man could not remember the last time he had sat through a full performance before when he was no on duty. But she had invited him and the advice that belonged to Alistair, even now, rang clearly within his mind. Ask her out. Adrien could hardly tell which was more absurd, his desires or the fact that he was nervous. This went against everything he believed in and hunted and yet he could not help himself. Why had she invited him here, he would not know, but surely if he truly looked beyond his own tunnel vision he would have known.

After the standing ovation from the adoring crowd, himself included, he slipped away just before they all herded like sheep to the main exits. There was no set place to meet her and yet the most predictable one of all had seemed to be the alleyway. Oddly the place he told her to avoid. He hadn't known how long he waited there for, back propped against the brick wall, cloaked in shadows... his right leg bent at the knee, his expression was bored and yet far too aware of everything around him.

He had stored that pretty bouquet of flowers for safekeeping within the depths of his vehicle, admittedly feeling quite silly. Yet, he hardly budged from that wall. Far too curious to see her again. It had been far too long and he had to be sure if he was going mad.

Part of him believed he would be able to shake these lingering thoughts that remained like a tattoo within his mind. He was sure her presence would not hold the same sway it had. Surely it was just the protector within him that was drawn to the damsel, a tale as old as time. Surely it wasn't her soft dove-like eyes, nor the way she seemed like a beacon to slice through his shadows.

Surely it wasn't that he found her so damn beautiful.

While he was a beast, a reaper. An omen of darkness to those supernaturals that caused more harm than good. He convinced himself it was the right thing to do. Those countless supernatural beings he had killed that may or may not have deserved it. Yet when he looked into the mirror, he wondered at the person he saw. A hardened menace who enjoyed taking those leaches power away.

A frown that could not be seen etched within his forehead was swallowed by those shadows that swirled about him both moodily and soundlessly. Several ballerinas had already left that building, babbling happily to one another. Pride having not diminished since their successful performance. He hardly stirred nor alerted them of his appearance. In truth, no one noticed him at all. After some time... He couldn't help but wonder if Audi took another way out. If she had changed her mind. Or perhaps... that ticket for him had only been to simply see the show and she had no interest in his company after it.

That was when she appeared, her mere presence made his body go rigid. She was alone, her bag slung over her shoulder as she peered around her ever curiously. As if she looked for something. Like a lurking vampire? Or perhaps worse... the deadly reaper that waited for her in those lingering shadows. As if unable to help himself, he pushed off that wall, ruby red roses dotted randomly with pink ones held secretively behind his back. Perhaps he should have let her slip away, and assume he had left her.

But it was like he was drawn to her light.

"Hello, ballerina." His voice sliced through the darkness, his voice almost smokey like the tendrils of shadows that clung to him.

He stepped forward expecting her to whirl around with that dancer-like grace to face him. The moment she did, he was almost taken aback. He could hardly help the barest of smiles that traced his lips, his shadowy gaze brushed over her, those flowers still concealed from view. He swore that look alone was like... she was the hunter and he was her prey.

"You put on quite a show.." He complimented, his figure now stood before her, his body near towering over her own. Because during the whole performance of The Nutcracker, she outshone the whole thing. Yet the longer within her presence he found his usual composure begin to shift.

For a moment he forgot what he was, who he was. He was nervous. What was that about. He could feel it like a nervous flutter in his stomach. Pull it together Adrien. He cursed within his mind. "You were practically glowing..." He eyed her carefully considering her then, almost forgetting the concealed flowers he intended to give her. The french fae could have very well smited him down with one look. He only hoped she was not privy of the power she held over him.