The Alchemists

"Gosh ... I'm just kidding!! I'm just kiddiiiiingg…!!! Why have you no sense of humor, huh? Hey .. Heyyyy!!!" Marion pounder her fists on Jean's back, trying to force him to let go of her.

However, the man was indeed not weak. He managed to keep Marion slung across his shoulder until they went down to the 99th floor and arrived in front of the elevator going to the 100th floor.

The waiters and guests at Sky Bar and Moonshine Restaurant could only stare at the sight. Jean did not seem concerned about people's views at all. He was posing as an ordinary person with his hat and glasses. No paparazzi would recognize him.

"Put me down, I can walk by myself," Marion pleaded after they got inside the elevator. She was very worried that her reputation as a tough girl would be tarnished if one of her friends from Wolf Pack found out she was being carried like this by Jean. "I won't call you weak anymore ... I promise … So, please..."

Only then did Jean lower the girl down the floor.

"I may not be a member of the Wolf Pack, but for the past 20 years as a movie star, I have practiced a lot for action roles and am diligent in exercising to maintain my fitness. To be able to find success as an actor  I didn't only rely on my handsome face and amazing acting. Just for your information..." Jean said while shrugging.

He deliberately did it to emphasize to Marion that even though he was not Lauriel, the famous leader of Wolf Pack who often brushed shoulders with dangers and violence, Jean was not a weak man.

He was also an alchemist who had physical strength above the average human beings. Also, for decades, throughout his career, as an actor he had gotten himself accustomed to taking challenging roles.

Marion understood this now.

"Be thankful that you are not a member of the Wolf Pack," Marion replied with a smile, "I wouldn't want to kiss you if you were. They were like my own brothers."

She grabbed Jean's hand and pulled him outside when the elevator door opened. In the penthouse, the two headed into the study where Marion took out two glasses of wine. "Do you want red wine or white wine?"

"Red wine," Jean answered while taking a seat on the sofa. Marion took out a bottle of red wine from the cupboard and poured some into the two glasses. She then handed one to Jean.

"You're right, it's better to drink at home," the girl said, clinking her glass against Jean's, "Cheers for a very pleasant evening."

"Cheers!"

Both of them sipped their wine with happy hearts.

"Like I said before, the members of the Wolf Pack are my family. I am an orphan, my parents died during World War I. I was raised by my aunt's family who later died on World War 2. The Wolf Pack had taken care of me since then, until Lauriel kicked me out 18 years ago." Marion felt very comfortable beside Jean as they remained seated on the sofa, drinking together while chatting. This was why she began telling him about her past. Jean listened attentively to her story.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Jean told her. "My story isn't as interesting. I'm from an ordinary human family. My ex-supermodel mother divorced my father when I was five years old. Since then I was scared of marriage. I can't forget my confusion and fear when I was little and had to move around homes, between father and mother.

I had become a reason for contention in their custody battle. That's why, for over 15 years, When I was still in a relationship with Billie, I could not give her what she wanted, namely marriage and children. Fortunately, Billie was very kind and had accepted me as is. She also supported me in seeking my own happiness even if it means not being with her."

"She's truly an amazing girl," Marion remarked. "I don't care about marriage or children. I'm an alchemist, so I am not rushing life. You know what we're like. The last wedding that took place within our kind was the one between Ned and Portia, which was 18 years ago."

Jean gazed at Marion deeply. He felt like he had found a kindred spirit. He could discuss all his worries and shortcomings with Marion without having to tiptoe for fear of offending her or giving her false hopes. Jean felt he could easily be himself around Marion.

Come to think of it, they did have a lot of similarities, too many actually, that it was a bit scary.

"I was very pleased to meet you in the village last month," Jean said. He took Marion's right hand which was not holding a wine glass and gently squeezed it. Marion looked at their hands with mixed feelings. There had never been a man who made her feel this way, not even Lauriel.

"I'm happy too," the girl said softly. She finished her wine then placed her glass on the small table in front of them. Afterward, she leaned her head against Jean's broad chest. "I feel sleepy."

Jean let the girl close her eyes and sleep on his chest. He watched Marion and was amazed at himself. 18 years ago, when he met Marion, there was no such feeling in his heart for the girl, maybe because at that time he was still harboring feelings for Finland, his best friend, who was already married to Caspar.

Now his heart was empty and clear of any woman, so he could see Marion from a different perspective. She was actually a very awesome and humorous girl.

He was glad to meet her again in a different situation. Maybe ... after this, something good would happen between them.

It didn't take long for Marion to fall asleep. Jean only looked at her peaceful face and thought about what had happened between them so far.

Somehow, Jean felt ready to fall in love again.