ARTS - Scarlett's Apartment
There are lessons to be had; that was the deal. Self-defense teaching for magic lessons. Scarlett is quite nervous about these — not only for having Robert in her apartment, but for attempting to teach her craft to someone else. Most of what she knows is self-taught, and she's not at all sure how she can get another person to understand it. Still, in light of the lessons, she's set up a few implements in the living room. It seems quite campy, and stereotypical, but she's got a bowl of water, a large candle, a jar of dirt, and a fan. The basics.
Each item is placed in its corresponding directional. The fan is to her right. The candle directly in front of her. The water bowl to her left. Finally, the jar of dirt is at the far side of the table. Scarlett's seated on the floor in a cross-legged position, wearing a rose-red tank top and a pair of black jeans. All to match her carefully painted cast which is now black with an intricate pattern of roses upon it.
-
The lady Fontane is not the only one who is nervous. Every time he's around the Fontane family, something seems to break. It most often times is one of his bones. So there is some hesitation involved in the visit despite the fact that he trusts Scarlett. He is also aware that this could be a test of temptation but is convinced that it is one that he is going to pass. So Robert, wearing jeans and a blue polo, knocks on the door to announce himself. He's every bit the usual, charismatic man that is offered out to the world. This is something that will soon be learned is his public face, and that he's masking his true feelings for the time being. Hopefully he won't have to pay yet another visit to the hospital.
-
Scarlett, the bully, has not lured Robert here to break his bones. She feels guilty enough about punching him in the face as is. When the knock comes, she leaps up. Expecting it or not, she's nervous. Teaching jitters. Carefully, she makes her way to the door. A deep breath is taken, a sunnily cheerful smile on her face, and she opens it up. "Hey, Slugger. Come on in and get comfortable." The door is held open until he steps through, then she closes it.
-
As far as injuries are concerned, he's looked better but he's also looked a whole hell of a lot worse. At least the bandages on his face are gone and he's no longer using the sling. There's a surprise clarity to his eyes for someone who is supposed to be on pain killers for everything. Bobby licks at his lips when Scarlett opens the door. There's a fleeting moment where he debates just turning around. Still he is strong and flashes her that charming smile. "Grace." After peering around he steps inside of the cozy apartment. "How are you feeling?" In other words, how is the hand that he caused her to break?
-
"Itchy," she replies. The pain has subsided now that the bones have started to knit back together, but the cast is making her itchy as hell. "You sure you're up for this? I don't want to force you to be here." Scarlett motions toward the futon and clears her throat. "How's the nose? Can I get you anything to drink?" Her attention is given to the fridge, and she scoots toward the kitchen to pull out juice and water. "I've got a few beers left as well, but if you're still on pain medication, those probably aren't a good idea."
-
The frank response actually causes him to smile, one a bit more real than before. "You get used to it after a while. But you'll be cast free long before I will." As soon as this is said he makes way to the futon, careful to avoid being too close to Scarlett. "I don't mind being here, Grace. I'm not afraid of you or anything." He's not even afraid of Ivan. Bobby is his own biggest fear. His good hand moves up to his nose with the question asked to feel around. "On the way to being as good as can be. If I don't cause another beautiful woman to hit it I should be fine." There's not even a second that passes before he shakes his head. "Water is fine, thank you. I'm not currently on any medication but it's best that I stay sober, I think."
-
Two bottles of water, the fridge door bumped closed with her hip, and Scarlett turns to smile at him. "Could've fooled me, Slugger." Winking at him, she heads toward the futon. One of the two bottles is offered to him, and she seats herself on the floor in front of him, looking at the table. "I promise not to punch you again." She peers over her shoulder at him, then laughs. "Bad reaction to a great kiss." There's a slight twinkling in her eye, but then she turns back just enough to look at the table. "So you sure you're up for the lesson?"
-
As soon as he has the bottle of water in hand it is opened. He takes a hefty drink from it almost as if he's not well hydrated. It's more that he's nervous and doing his best not to show it. The flirtation isn't helping much, either. Bobby just blinks at her, even if she's not facing him. "I'll have to remember that for next time." He really is trying his best not to spin a rather suggestive joke out of the subject. Despite it all he just nods. "Yes, I am. Up for it, I mean. Err…" He's actually balking on his own words as he realizes how they may be taken the wrong way. "I'm okay, really."
-
"Next time?" Scarlett doesn't turn to face him at the question, just sort of grins to herself. Her left hand brushes through her hair, and she nods. "You're okay. I'm nervous. I've never tried to teach this to anyone before. Why don't you tell me what you know about witchcraft, and I'll see what we need to touch on?" She's trying to avoid a long, drawn out lecture about everything, but there may be things that need correcting, or knowledge that needs sharing. Her own bottle of water has gone untouched just yet.
-
He can't help but cough. It's an effort to clear his throat as if he's said something wrong. Robert shifts uncomfortably, thankful that she's not paying attention to him. "Nervous because it's new, or nervous because it's me?" A legitimate question with everything that has happened. Robert goes silent as he tries to recall what exactly he knows. "I know that you and your brother know about it. That everyone can do it but most people would have to work hard where others sort of have this way to just understand it. It's different, like there are different forms of it. You have those protection spells and your brother can do weird things with illusions, for example." If anyone questions how much Bobby pays attention now is a good way to prove that he does listen. "Other than that, I'm not all that exposed to it. I just know that people have to be open to it."
-
While he shifts uncomfortably, Scarlett reaches a hand back to place on his knee. "Calm down, Slugger. If there's a next time, I promise I won't break your face. I like your face." Then it's his turn to ask a question she's not at all certain how to answer. Her hand drops back to her lap, and she forces out a loud sigh. "Maybe a bit of both. My way of doing things might not be something you can get a handle on. I work with my emotions and small gestures. Other people use long drawn out rituals or meditations." Pointing to the implements with her left hand, she grins. "Well there's two different types, which are really the same type but different ways of looking at it. There's people like myself and Ivan, who were born to it. An innate natural ability. We don't practice Wicca, we don't have spellbooks to go off of. It's innate." A book is removed from under the table, and she passes it back to him. "Then there are the Wiccans. They're more of a religious group who also believe in the magic of the earth. Not every Wiccan is a witch though."
-
It's likely a good thing that Ivan is not around for this. His eyes look down at the hand that has found its way to his leg. His own hand slides, as if to touch it, but he takes the high road and attempts to ignore that it's even there. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable." Robert clears his throat again before he listens to what is said. The book is taken and looked over. "So I have to be Wiccan to be able to learn witchcraft?" He doesn't sound upset but rather is trying to get a good idea of what she's talking about. Robert does, however, see how this is going to change things in his life, especially with the church. "Since, you know, I'm not like you or Ivan."
-
"Slugger, we're always going to be uncomfortable around one another until we address the nine-thousand-pound elephant in the room." She says it with a much more confident tone than what she's actually feeling. Scarlett shakes her head, twisting just enough to face him fully. "No. Everyone has the potential. You don't have to be Wiccan — Wicca is a religion, not a form of magic anyhow, you just have to work at it." There's a silent pause as she turns back toward the implements. "I think. I've never done this before, so I'm not at all certain how it works."
-
Yeah. On that note he shifts again, careful to keep his eyes on the book. "I don't know if I want to," he finally says. "Not yet." The way his tone is almost suggests that he's not bothered or concerned with it but anyone will know that's just not the case. "I guess just being here kind of goes against where I'm supposed to be, but I'm not really ready to give up my religion for another one." Still he flips through the book, reading what he can. Finally Robert looks to Scarlett and gives a reassuring smile. "Hey, if I don't pick it up, I don't pick it up. It'll have nothing to do with you. Just some big oafs aren't made to do magic."
-
With the elephant remaining, Scarlett nods. "Then let me just say this. I kissed you. I shouldn't have, but I did. I probably shouldn't like you, but I do. You're a great guy, fun to talk to, easy going. I enjoy spending time with you. I'm not pushing for anything. 'nough said." That's pretty much all she's going to say on the matter too, but she needed to clear that air so she could focus on what's coming up. "… you don't have to switch religions. I'm not Wiccan, and most Wiccan's aren't magic practitioners. But let's get to the basics. There are four elements; Earth, Air, Fire and Water." Each implement is pointed to as she calls its name.
-
"That's not fair." It really isn't. She's going to talk about it but then let the subject go. It's as if he's going to be forced to just sit through something he either doesn't want to hear or doesn't believe in. "For the record, I kissed you back. That counts for more than what you're giving it credit for." It's likely a good thing that her hand is gone or else he'd be looking to place his on top of it. "We may not be talking about this, but I want you to know that I don't regret what happened. And I'm kind of thankful because you're making sure that I'm getting the help I need." Robert said that he would never intentionally hurt Scarlett and he means just that. Yet he's still distracted by her lesson and thankfully so. Bobby nods when she speaks of elements. "It's almost like that movie." The Craft is what he's thinking of.
-
Having said all she wants to say on it, Scarlett just sighs. Then she pushes herself up so that she's seated beside him on the futon. "Then I'm glad I could help. I'm just sorry about your face." Her hand comes up, as though she wants to touch his cheek. Her fingers nearly brush against his skin, though after a second the hand falls back to her lap. "Something like that. Ivan's illusions can be used to create those types of glamours. The elements, are the easiest to manipulate though, since they're the basic components of everything that exists. My own morality doesn't allow me to use magic like they did in that movie, though. I won't use it to make myself more beautiful. I won't use it to try and make my life better at the expense of others. I don't practice anything quite that dark."
-
His eyes follow her form as she moves and remain fixated on hers the moment she sits down. He doesn't shift or pull away but doesn't go out of his way to touch her either. "Don't be sorry. It was kind of nice to see you throw a punch." Awkward pause. "But it also got me the help I think I need." The hand doesn't go unnoticed, obviously, but he doesn't say anything about it. The last thing that he wants to do is to get her riled up again. "The elements are the basic components. That makes sense and it's understandable why they would be the easiest to learn." So when Robert doesn't learn them he'll know just how much he fails. "I'm glad you're not like that, though. That movie was freaky, or the girls in it were. Besides, you don't need to worry about changing your appearance." There's another clearing of the throat at that particular statement. "But is it the same philosophy? That what goes around comes around?"
-
"Not really. I've never had magic turn on me three-fold, or whatever the plot of that story was." Scarlett, who saw the movie under duress, remembers very little of it. "Now, certain elements you can create. Some people can create them. I can with wind and water, but I have difficulties with fire and earth. Those two, I need something nearby that utilizes them to be able to work magic from it. So I generally try to carry a lighter or matches, and of course, the earth is always underfoot, so that's always around me." The female Fontane twin smiles at him, then shifts on the futon so that she's resting her back against the arm rest. "Watch," she whispers. Her eyes close, she concentrates on a sad moment in her life. When the emotion is strong enough in her that she makes a choked sob, she opens her eyes and points above his head. Forming above him is a small little rain cloud that starts to drizzle lightly.
-
Thankfully the conversation has gone more to business than pleasure. This causes him to relax somewhat and actually smile. "That's how Hollywood is. They take a concept and make it fit better for what the movie goers want to see." All Bobby can do is listen to her further explanations. When she attempts to summon that sad memory he nearly reaches over to comfort her. It's only with great strength that he allows himself to appear unconcerned. What Robert finds later is not what he expects. The moment he looks up his face is hit with water. His eyes close and he lowers his head so that he's looking evenly at her, or would be if his eyes were open. Despite the fact that he's getting wet he actually laughs. "I think that I needed that."
-
His laughter changes the mood, and as she starts to feel happier, the cloud begins to dissipate. "The trick to that one is that there's always moisture in the air, no matter how minute it is." Therefore, there's always water around to be manipulated too. With his eyes still closed, Scarlett leans over to place a gentle, friendly kiss upon his cheek. "Let me get you a towel, then you can choose one of the four elements to start with." She tries to get away before he can react to the kiss, hopping up off the couch and running swiftly toward a nearby wardrobe.
-
That's not what he's expecting at all. Eyes open immediately as she kisses him, the laughter fading. Robert watches her closely, wanting to say something but not knowing exactly what to say. He doesn't even try to keep her close and so she is able to run off easily. "And here I thought you just wanted to get me wet." Slowly Bobby breaks from his shock and focuses on the fact that he's in Scarlett's apartment. "I, um, okay. I think I can pick one easily enough." There is one that sticks out in his mind, after all. Despite being wet he stands, his eyes still on Scarlett.
-
A faded old towel is taken from the wardrobe, and rather than moving too close to him, she tosses it across the little living room at him. Scarlett grins, almost mischievously cheerful. "Shouldn't that be my line, Slugger?" Winking, she folds her arms over her chest and nods to the elements. "Which is it that calls to you then?"
-
He catches the towel easily enough with his good hand and holds it for a moment as he just watches her. "You are not making this easy," he finally says, that playful grin returning. It'll be a day at the gym all over again at this rate. "And if you're not careful, yes, I can return the favor." Only then does he dry his face before placing the towel over his neck. The grin continues as Bobby doesn't even look away to inform her of his decision. "Fire." Like passion.
-
"Couldn't resist. The bruise looked like it needed perking up." Scarlett starts to wink at him again, but his comment causes her eyes to widen a little bit. "My my, Slugger. I can't decide if that's a threat or a promise." Careful steps bring her to the other side of the table, opposite him. A lighter on the table is lifted up, and she carefully lights the candle. Once the flame has had a little life, she says, "A strong choice. Fire represents energy. Passion. Vitality." A slow grin is given to him, and she emphasizes, "Sexuality." Her lower lip is drawn between her teeth as she watches him. "The way I've always worked my magic is by focusing my emotions, and my energy toward the implement. Keep your eyes on the flame, and find the emotion that best suits the direction of it. Anger generally works."
-
He glances over to his opened bottle of water before grinning back to him. "We can find out." Thankfully for both of them she keeps the table between them and continues the lesson. His attention shifts from her to the candle even if the smile continues. "I have my reasons." She calls on him to watch the flame and focus, and that's precisely what he does. It isn't anger that he focuses on, but something else that he feels rather strongly about. He's new to this and not exactly certain what should be happening. After a period of time with his mind so focused, the flame on the candle begins to dance. It may not be much, and it may not be obvious, but his feelings are extremely strong. To him it is the normal flicker of a candle so he doesn't stop.
-
Not entirely what Scarlett was meaning, but she sticks her tongue out at him as he threatens with the water bottle. "Good," she says, seeing the flicker. "You may be teachable yet." Sliding around the table, she stands beside him. "Keep focusing on the flame, on the energy from right here," she relays, pressing her hand against his solar plexus. "It will take some time," she whispers, "and a lot of work, but I think with some persistence…"
-
If only she knew exactly what was going on in the poor man's mind. His eyes threaten to stray as she moves closer to him but he forces them to remain on that flame. It continues to move, to flicker, yet nothing that seems all that impressive. It isn't until she gets so close to him and whispers that anything happens. Eventually the flame almost seems to grow, as if fed kindle to strengthen the fire. It is only then that he pulls his eyes away, moving them to focus on her. "A lot of practice?" For a moment Bobby almost looks sheepish, her cheeks turning the slightest shade of pink. Finally he reaches out for her, to attempt to place a gentle hand to her cheek. "You'll punch me again."
-
"Slugger, I've already promised not to punch you." Scarlett caught the flame jumping though, and she's smiling at him quite proudly. "Focus on it again. I didn't mean to distract you. You had it there for a moment." That he's picking up on it so swiftly doesn't go unnoticed by her at all. "You likely have a witch somewhere in your family line. That could explain your sister's telepathy." Although, she may be completely wrong about it. Even some born into witch families don't pick up on things this easily. His hand touches her cheek, and she snaps her eyes to his face.
-
He's not really noticed what is going on with the candle. It likely is due to the wick and good timing, for all he's concerned. "That might change," he practically whispers to Scarlett. His hand remains on her cheek for as long as she allows, his eyes seeking out her as if to find some sort of answer. "If I really am doing so well, it isn't based on any anger. I've been running on other feelings." Robert doesn't specify as it should be obvious by his actions exactly what he's feeling. "If you want to stop these lessons, too, I'll understand." At least he isn't trying to kiss her which is something.
-
"I'm not good with a left hook," Scarlett jokes, her voice extremely quiet as she does so. She doesn't move or draw away, just stays there staring at him. "You're doing very well, no matter what you're using for feelings. It's working. If that emotion is your center, focusing on it will provide you with the power." Her smile is soft, but she's trying not to focus on the emotions that he's feeling. "A deal is a deal, Slugger. I expect that we'll work on self-defense again once we think we can muster it without so much tension," she whispers.
-
He's not looking at the candle any longer which is likely a good thing. Were he to do so it would show exactly what he's thinking, or at least what his motivation is. "That's why I thought you'd want to cancel these, too." His thumb moves even as his hand remains where it is, the digit stroking her cheek softly. "This just isn't working. It's these feelings for you that are motivating me." Eventually Robert pulls his hand away and looks away. In fact, he looks towards the door as if he's going to leave. "I don't want to upset you. I should likely go." No matter how easy it would be to slip back into that zone where he allowed the last kiss to happen.
-
In some deep part of her mind, she knows that this is not going to end well for anyone. Scarlett's eyes slowly close at the touch, his words going almost unheard until he pulls away. "There's been worse motivation," she offers gently. "I'm not upset. I already chased away that elephant. Clean slate now." They're both technically single, and she's still not pushing for anything to happen. "You did great today, Slugger. No matter what was motivating you. If you want to leave, I won't stop you." To stop him would be to kiss him, and fall into that trap again. "If you want to cancel these lessons, I'll understand."
-
Turning it back on him is not exactly what he's expecting. He's trying his hardest to be respectful to her, to not hurt her just as he promised. At this point he's barely able to control himself and now she's saying that it's up to him. "That's just it, Scarlett. I don't want the lessons to stop. I don't want to leave, either." Battered and broken, Robert decides that acting on his feelings can't cause anything to get any worse. He already is a lifetime member of the emergency room and he's getting used to taking pain. So the man reacts, attempting to pull her close to him for a kiss that he has initiated. This is something that he has done well to try and avoid but he just can't. At least he'll be able to tell if he should leave or not.
-
The kiss happens regardless of her behaving herself. Regardless of her telling him that he can go if he wants. Scarlett doesn't flinch, she doesn't pull away, and she doesn't punch him. It's dangerous, and it's foolish, but she allows it to happen. She returns it even, allowing the kiss to burgeon into something a little more passionate. With all the tension they've had between them in the last little while, it's hard not to. With both of them unfocused on the flame, it's a wonder that it happens at all. Ignited just like the kiss, the flame flickers brightly, elongating and separating into two distinct flames before entwining together once more.
-
Her response is completely unexpected. He can justify any other response than what he actually receives. When it finally registers what is happening, that is when Bobby strengthens the kiss, deepening it to allow the passion that he's feeling to show. Were he to actually notice the candle he may freak out, but for the time being he simply backs away from Scarlett at the end of the kiss. His eyes are alight with happiness yet concern. "I'm sorry," he finally says, the gravity of the situation striking him. "I really came here only to learn. I never intended this. I'm not complaining but I feel as if I've disrespected you." So he does look back to the door and begins walking in that direction. "Your brother is going to kill me."
-
Robert may not have noticed the flame, but since it's not dwindling very swiftly after the kiss is ended, Scarlett takes a silent second to focus on it. "Shit," she says with a grin. "You definitely have power." With her heart racing a little, she moves her left hand in a slow downward motion to try and regain control over the flame. "Robert, if I didn't want the kiss I would have pushed you away." So if anyone was disrespecting anyone, it was herself to herself. "My brother doesn't run my life either, even though he likes to think he does. I'm a grown woman, and as such I can make my own decisions." When the flame is under control, she glances at him. The book on the futon is retrieved, as is a bag with a smaller version of the candle. "Take these home with you and practice if you want to. I'll understand if you don't come back though. I'm a lousy teacher."
-
When she mentions having power he turns to look at her, then the candle. Poor Robert doesn't exactly understand what she's talking about. Still, he's going to leave but has only stayed as long as he has so she doesn't feel as if he's running out on her. "He might not but that doesn't mean that he won't be out for me. I would be if I were him. It's okay, though; I'm expecting him." It does cut out the element of surprise, at least. The items are taken with a nod. "I'll be back. You can count on that." The expression he gives her is one that may lead her to believe that he's going to kiss her again. Finding himself determined to walk away, though, he just smiles. "Thanks for the lessons, Scarlett. You're a good teacher, if not a good motivator." With this said Bobby slips out the door knowing that if he doesn't now he likely never will.
