Thread: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (LingeringDesire x CognacLilacFumes)

The doors opened and the whole room seemed to take in a breath - eyes darted from their previous interest, conversations ceased entirely the lines of fantasy ready to cross over into reality. A slim man with jet black hair and a creased brow opened the door, dressed in a Hollywood casual tan suit with pale pastel accents. His dark eyes cast a careful glance around the room, a look that Erik recognized immediately - the man was judging his surroundings, taking in with just a moment every person, every window, every door - every detail that rang important. Behind him, a shorter sharp faced woman with thick round glasses followed - her pointed chin lifted into the air as she too gave the room a once over. Everyone was staring, suddenly all the more aware of themselves. The tension in the air reached its crescendo and then, like a cold breeze on a stagnant summer's day, the room was refreshed. She emerged beautiful and graceful, as to be expected. Yet Erik noted that, curiously, Monroe seemed timid behind the protective wall of her entourage. She stepped forward, a radiant smile glowing as she was brought to the reading table. One of the stage hands nearly jumped out of his shoes to fetch her a glass of water, and Erik's keen eyes fixed on the woman's elegant fingers as she accepted the glass - trying to discern whether she was trembling from nerves or the chilled English air. Laughter and ease returned to the briefly silent room, she had eased any worries with breathy modesty and an infectious laugh. Though as everyone carried on around her, Marilyn seemed strangely isolated. Perhaps he had been staring too long, watching her leaf through the script in front of her as her entourage positioned themselves like watchful birds behind her chair. Marilyn lifted her head, her eyes almost instantly setting on him. He felt a twinge of embarrassment, feeling schoolboyish even having been caught watching her, though his expression didn't convey such. Her lips parted in a soft, warm smile - and he, falling back to his German roots, kept his lips pressed straight as he nodded to her in return. The Director Clayton Hughes, stood from the table the moment the room settled. Kerchief still in hand, he made another pass across his perspiring forehead before making his way across the room. Ms. Monroe it is an absolute honor to have you her, He beamed, giving a small bow at his very large waist. The man accompanying Monroe stuck out his hand when Clayton reached out for Marilyn's, intercepting the exchange with a firm grip. Milton Greene, Vice President of Marilyn Monroe Productions. We're looking forward to this project, He stated with reserved enthusiasm, coming across like a little mafioso wanting to ensure his dealings ran smoothly. If any intimidation was meant on Greene's part it was ignored or went entirely unnoticed by Hughes, whose rosy cheeks puffed up with another beaming grin. Oh yes, aren't we all! A wave of realization however passed over his eyes, his thick fingers gripping tightly around the damp kerchief in his hand. Though I'm afraid that Mr. Freeman isn't able to attend today's reading, Before any inquiries could be made, Hughes crooked his wrist in Erik's direction. However we have our very own Intelligence consultant here to read in his stead, Erik kept his focus away from Marilyn as he approached the group, arms still crossed behind his back. Director Hughes clapped a heavy hand on his shoulder when he was in reach, though the impact did not register or influence his posture. May I introduce Erik Weiss. Milton again extended his hand, which Erik reciprocated with an equally firm grip - a low, thunderous energy pulsing between them during the exchange - like two titans sizing each other up, though Erik was far more subtle in his observations than compared to the New York man's almost Cheshire grin. Intelligence consultant, huh? Foreign Intelligence, to be precise, Here to make sure all of our I's are dotted and T's are crossed according to protocol? In a sense, Well try to relax a little, huh pal? It's a movie not a history book, Milton chortled, pleased with himself. Erik exhaled a soft sound through his nose, a laugh of sorts more reminiscent of a dragon's exhale. Yet his stony expression eased as he finally looked down to the starlet who was still seated. He found her eyes more confidently this time and extended his hand down to unlace her fingers from the page she held. He could feel feathers ruffling behind him, but brought Monroe's hand to his lips gently nevertheless his grip firm still, but more gentle and comforting as he gave a more formal bow. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Monroe, He wanted to extend her a compliment - to tell her beauty was a glimmer of sunlight in the midst of this dreary English weather - and while it would have been sincere, the words felt empty to him - and he felt, they would feel empty to her. How many people told her she was beautiful each day? Surely it was a genuine observation - she was stunning. Some other time, he would tell her that she was beautiful - but for now he caressed his thumb across the side of her hand. He had never felt skin so soft..After a moment he withdrew - tucking his hand once again behind himself his fingers splayed against his back like Mr. Darcy upon bidding Lizzie Bennett farewell. A simple touch had roused so much more than simple thoughts..