Chapter Text
Everything’s going to be okay, deep breath y/n. It’s just a meeting... with a stranger you met on the Internet. Oh boy. This is how those modern truecrime podcasts start.
With a hand to your chest, Y/N took a deep breath. This was going to be... a lot. The hustle and bustle of the Paris Metro oddly calms you. Why did you let Esmeralda talk you into this? One minute the two of you were lounging in the living room of your shared apartment blabbing away about her latest date with yet another idiot over wine, the next you were making each other profiles on some Sugar Baby website. Surely you didn’t expect to actually meet with anyone. But of course one thing led to another and next thing you knew Esmeralda had stolen your phone and was in the middle of messaging someone back.
This wasn’t even what you usually would do. You were by societies standard a good person, not saying that people who typically went down this path were inherently bad. They weren’t and to measure their self worth in that manner was... problematic to say the least. Gods y/n, you’re over thinking this again. No. But it was certainly peculiar considering your field. Something like Sugar Babying and studying Theology didn’t seem like the perfect cocktail. Though could possibly make good conversation at a cocktail party.
Absentmindedly you pulled out your phone to check his profile again. From what you could tell he was attractive, even if you couldn’t see his face. The profile photo was a shot of him from behind, looking onward as a large beam of light seemed to blind around him, creating almost a halo. He was tall and looked to be quite thin, definitely older, but still quite handsome. You had always liked older men. Blamed the media for it. Reading through the messages it seemed like they were able to hold a conversation digitally fairly well. He was very forward from what you could tell what he expected. Very no nonsense.
“Cité,” the metro announced and quickly you exited, heading out of the station and continuing on your way. Another deep breath you tuck some of your (h/c) hair behind your ear. One date. That’s the least you owed yourself. It had certainly been a while since you had gone on one. You had tried a few when first moving to Paris almost 3 years ago, using the dating apps primarily to get some language practice. Certainly a unique experience. Men wanting to buy your socks, someone sending you suggestive comments about your body. One potential suitor had turned you away from your favorite red lipstick, something you only just started wearing again. It was a short walk to your destination, a boat dock. You had been down here before when you first moved to the city. The program you had been a part of hosted a nighttime cruise to give a tour of the Seine. Since then, you haven't paid too much mind to it. Seemed like something more touristy than locally adored.
The bells from the nearby Cathedral went off and you knew that was your cue. He had told you to meet him at exactly 6 PM at the dock and to wear a red dress so that he would be able to tell you apart from the crowd. Fortunately Esmeralda had one you could borrow and with a few temporary alterations, fit you like a glove. He on the other hand had explained you’d be able to find him by a red rose. Scanning the area for the item if you spotted someone who matched the description. Red rose in his breast pocket and all.
And oh boy did he match what you expected and beyond. Your heart pounded harder as you made strides to approach him. Hard to not make a first impression to say the least. Everything about him just screamed the word dignified. Though he probably would not be considered by society standards the world’s most attractive person, he did carry many of the qualities. He was attractive by your standards however, and that’s what mattered. Dressed in a primarily black pantsuit, save for the purple tie and red vest he certainly seemed to fit the part of a man of wealth. With courage you decided to get closer, extending your hand to him. Reciting an introduction in your head.
One which was stolen from you.
“Miss (Y/L/N),,” taking the hand you had prepared to shake his with, Claude laid a chaste kiss to your knuckles. The cold from the multiple rings mixed with the warmth of his hand and lips meeting yours certainly sent a shiver down your spine. With a smile you nodded. Not to mention that low tone in his voice. It seemed like the type you’d hear reading some erotic audiobook. One that could elicit excitement in a listener from the first sentence. It had certainly entranced you. “It is quite a pleasure that you could join me for the night.” He gave you a charming smile, one you couldn’t help but reciprocate.
You gave a slight nervous laugh. This was going to be a good night. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Monsieur Frollo. I’m glad to meet up today.” Placing his hand on the small of your back, Claude began leading you towards one of the boats. While you had expected one of the bigger of the boats, one that carried multiple parties like tourist groups, he instead directed you to one much smaller. Decorated with sparkling lights and a table set for two,it looked like the only other person on the boat would perhaps be the captain.
“I hope you don’t mind but I made arrangements for our little meeting tonight to be a little more private. I’d rather not be surrounded by such,” he paused, taking a moment to consider the right word. “Licentious crowds.”
It’s okay y/n, you had to reassure yourself. While typically a first date in a private space without a form of escape would be some type of red flag, something was seeming safe with him. “It’s not a problem. I can imagine someone of your standing not wanting to be seen amongst such.” The answer seemed to please you. Boarding the boat first he extended his hand to you, hoping to aid you on. That touch of his skin seemed like a reward not earned as you took it, careful not to trip and fall. Guided next to the table where he pulled out your chair. Damn. Why hadn’t you tried to date a man older than you by this much before? Giving him a thankful nod you tucked your hands onto your lap, waiting for him to join you. “Being alone together will certainly give us time to get to know each other quite well.”
“I do suppose you’ve read into my intention my dear. May I interest you in some Dom Pérignon?” With a nod from you giving consent your unique date went to pop the bottle, trying not to jump at the sudden sound. After he poured the two glasses you were hesitant to put the glass to your lips just yet. “I’ve arranged for a multi course meal for the night. I do hope you enjoy it.”
“I’m sure I will,” just as the statement was said, somebody popped out from inside the boat’s cabin with a charcuterie plate, fresh bread, and jams. After your date had reached for a bit of Brie to spread onto his baguette slice, you took the initiative to go for some sliced chorizo. Clearing your throat you knew he was probably waiting on something. For you to crack? Were you doing well? “So, Frollo, what do you do for work?” Might as well get through the formalities and try some type of conversation.
“I work in government,” very nonchalant in his speech. How was it that he could make such a statement wile it’s listener. It was like a cat’s purr. You seemed to respond well to his answer, so he continued on. “Your profile said you were attending the Université Catholique. What do you want to do after you’re done? You do graduate this year, yes?”
“Oh well. There is a part of me that is still wondering. I’m focusing my education on Theology,” you spoke while putting some jam onto your baguette slice. Hearing your focus he seemed to make a low sound, however hard to tell with him. “I am getting a minor however in politics. I’ve been hoping to find an internship,” there was a pregnant pause. One you felt the need to fill. “Though I promise you this wasn’t me trying to trick you into a job interview.”
“Hmm. I do suppose this would be one of the odder ones I had if it was,” he gave you a sly smirk at that. Sweet Jesus, this better not be going bad for him. “Seeing how tonight goes, we’ll be seeing more of each other. I suppose I could provide some mock interviews. If you’d like of course.”
“That would be amazing,” your hands went under the table, nervously fidgeting. For a second you bit your lip before questioning your manners. "If you don't mind me asking, I've never been on a date with someone in the context of Sugar Babying. I apologize for being upfront Monsieur Frollo, but what is it that you should expect of me."
"I'm going to be very clear with you as well then, (Y/N). My life is very routine. I have worked hard to get to where I am today. While I do interact with people on a regular basis, it is not common I get to have interaction with another person. Even rarer I have interaction with another adult. As of lately the interaction I get the most is with my 5 year old son. As much as I can enjoy teaching him lessons on right and wrong and making sure he retains information it'd be a pleasure to have an intelligent conversation with someone who will retain it." You nod in understanding, Frollo taking a moment to sip his drink. The server from earlier returns, taking the empty charcuterie board away. "What I mean to say is from you I would merely ask for some type of companionship. As charming as I seem to be, I have struggled for years to find the right person. It wasn’t my desire to turn to such sites to find someone but it has let me meet quite unique humans. What I want is someone to treat as one would a romantic partner. You will be well taken care of. As an avid follower of religion, it impresses me greatly to meet a woman such as yourself pursuing such studies. It certainly proves that there is hope for human kind yet. If you desire after tonight to choose me, I will be more than willing to care for and help you. I can brag all day about wealth, hard work, personal desires and what not, but for once the power is out of my hands. You are the key to unlocking whether our interactions continue. Should you choose me however, I do promise to save you from any stress of this day, and the next.”
That in some ways seemed comforting. The pit of dread and anxiety suddenly feeling warmed with a fire under your skin. The server returned, putting down two plates of Ratatouille. While you had of course nodded and smiled throughout the night, the smile you gave Frollo now was one of pure interest and comfort. Thanking the server you turned your attention back to your date.
“If it’s human interaction that’s all you want. That is something I can give.” Reaching forward you put your hand on top of his, idly playing with some of his rings. Your face offers a sense of warmth and comfort in the look you gave him. “What you’re saying is something I can more than give. Even if financial stability isn’t a thing.” It was Frollo’s turn to give a warm smile. “Since it’s human interaction you want… it’s what I’ll give.” You pulled your hand back, noting the way he almost flinched. Perhaps he wanted it to stay there? Tasting the ratatouille finally you let out an audible moan, admiring it’s taste, unknown to you how he seemed to take note of every little sound you made. How just now, the fire under your skin was now within him.
The rest of the meal went well. You two seemed to chat as if good friends meeting over drinks. There was still some formality however. He talked about his life outside of work. You learnt about his brother who was backpacking around the United States, his interest in science. Eventually you had gotten him to start talking about taking care of his adopted son with special needs Quasimodo and his foster dogs Victor, Hugo, and Laverne. Quasimodo loved the arts, and whenever Frollo found the chance he’d love to bring him art supplies.
“He’s as good as you’d expect for a 5 year old. I’ll come home and his nanny will come screaming to me about how he decided to paint the walls again,” Frollo was just finishing off his plate of the last course, Lemon-Berry Savarin. “John Locke’s theory of Tabula Rasa is so evident in him. He doesn’t paint yet like he’s trying to get into the Académie royale. He paints for himself without inhibition. Instead of trying to be Gainsborough, he’s more like Pollock. Whoever decided to abandon him must have made the worst mistake of their life.”
“Even if they had their reasons, it led him to you. The divine work in mysterious ways.” You hadn’t even met this child and had mentally decided that you would protect them with your life. “If ever you decide I can meet him I’d love to paint with him. My mother’s an Art Historian so I’d love to learn about the next great artist. I’ll try to make sure he stays on the canvas!” He gave a small chuckle to that. You had been so focused on him you had forgotten about the sights of Paris you had been missing. You had been so oblivious to the fact the boat had gotten back to the dock. Frollo gave a smile and stood up, pulling the chair out for you. The two of you got out of the boat. Standing on the dock again you looked him over. You didn’t want this night to end just yet.
“I’m sure he’d adore that, I’m sure we’ll see each other again,” Claude took your hand once more, placing on it a chaste kiss. Oh how moods could change within hours. Where even the kiss on your hand was enough hours ago you wanted his lips on you more. You were almost curious about how long it would take him to kiss you… or if that was something he expected of you? “May I walk you to your car?”
“Actually… I took the metro. You could still walk with me to the station,” you shrugged. Claude raised one finger up to you.
“I’ll one up you. The metro is dangerous at this time of night. Thieves and cut throats, the dredge of humankind come out at night on the metro, especially one by an icon of Paris such as Notre Dame,” his palm stretched out, indicating the historical cathedral. It was gorgeous and powerful to say the least. The bells always added extra points to spark joy which was a bonus. Shaking your head slightly you looked back to him.
“Your offer is more than welcome. Though the Metro is NOT that bad. Yeah it smells like Urine and Gasoline but it’s full of characters,” at this point Frollo had taken his hand back to the small of your back and started to lead the way. You had been oblivious to the eye roll he had given you.
“If you enjoy the smell of Gasoline and Urine then I’ll have to get you some nicer perfume,” the growl in his voice was so exciting. Was that a promise? “What are your favorite flowers? Maybe something scented after that.”
“(Y/F/F), they always make me think of home. My parents had a garden for them growing up. I loved sitting out there with a good book. Usually something romantic like some collection of love letters. Cheesy ones. The way Napoleon wrote to his wife, calling her a slut and saying he hated her, only a few paragraphs later say how much he adores her. It just proves that historically times change but men don’t.”
“Even the late great icons of history have their flaws,” walking over to a black car which looked both vintage and contemporary at the same time. “This Ctroën Traction Avant is mine. Now, where am I taking you my dear?”
“The 14th arrondissement. My roommates and I live right by the Catacombs,” he opened the door for you as you got in. Thanking him you didn’t notice the small look he gave at the placement. “This guy we know owns the club right under us, the Court of Miracles. My roommate Esmeralda dances there and I sometimes pick up shifts just helping with crowd control.”
“The 14th isn’t too far from here. Maybe ten minutes? I’ll keep my eye out for this court of miracles and have you home in no time.” He was right, the drive home was short. Too short. Stopping the car at the curb he went to open both of your doors. The loud music from the club below seeming to irk Claude. Pointing at a side door you walked with him to it. “I do suppose this is where we say goodnight officially.” Pulling the rose out from his pocket he slid it behind your ear. “I hope to hear from you soon, darling (Y/N). I had a good time tonight.”
“Me too,” you blushed. Suddenly you felt so much younger. Like an awkward middle schooler who didn’t know how to end one of these. Licking your lips nervously you didn’t want him to leave. “I look forward to when we can do this again.” You were absolutely smitten. Watching him leave your heart was pounding faster. When you got up to the apartment Esmeralda was smiling wickedly back at you, her Bull Terrier Djali seeming to share the smirk. “I hate to say you did good but…”
“I did extremely good.”