Mon, Nov 10, The London Zoo, Isabella & Forbes
Who: Isabella and Forbes
When: Monday, November 10, afternoon
Where: starts in the zoo, ends up at Forbes' flat
What: Forbes comes to rescue his kitten in distress (after this post)
*Isabella*
She growled as she paced in the cage. Damn tranquilizers. Damn zookeepers. Damn Alessandra. She growled at the people who pointed at her as she paced in her cage in the London Zoo before flopping down tiredly. They had run tests last night, but maybe tonight she could escape.
*Forbes*
He strolled down the path of the zoo, wearing his best suit and sunglasses. He had a bouquet of flowers tucked under his arm and was carrying a briefcase. He really didn't have time for this, he needed to be investigating leads and doing research but... Well, it was Isabella and no one deserved to be locked in a cage especially not her. At last he came to her cage and stood there with a smile.
"Hello!"
*Isabella*
She rolled her eyes as best she good when she heard someone say Hello to her. Stretching lazily, she got to her feet. Forbes. Lovely. Snarling at him, she advanced as far as the cage would allow. What the hell was he doing here?
*Forbes*
He smiled at her.
"Now, now, that's not polite... Where are your manners? I've come to rescue you my dear..."
*Isabella*
She stopped growling and swished her tail anxiously. Just how was he going to rescue her when it was broad daylight and there were people around.
*Forbes*
He looked around, no one was paying attention to him and the zoo wasn't that crowded during the day. He slipped his wand out of his pocket and charmed himself to seem inconspicuous. He then opened the briefcase and took a package out of it, he then charmed it and then tossed it in Isabella's general direction, the charm did the rest making sure the package got through the cage and to her.
*Isabella*
She picked up the package in her mouth and carried it behind the rock that provided safety from most of the public's eyes. Morphing, she opened the package, quickly changing into the clothes Forbes brought her and slipping her wand in her pocket.
Apparating outside the cage, she went up to Forbes and kissed him soundly.
"Thank you," she whispered before turning and walking away as quickly as possible without arousing suspicion.
*Forbes*
He spent another moment staring at the empty cage before hurrying off after her. He caught up to her and handed her the flowers.
"These are for you of course..."
*Isabella*
"I don't need flowers," she said, pushing the flowers back into his hands before taking off the coral necklace and handing it to him.
"Please," she begged. "Just forget it.."
*Forbes*
He awkwardly juggled the necklace, flowers, and briefcase.
"Isabella... Will you please tell me what the Hell is going on?"
*Isabella*
She wiped at her eyes. She wouldn't cry in front of him.
"Ask Rufus. He seems to know everything nowadays," she huffed out angrily.
"Bastard."
*Forbes*
He shook his head.
"I could have and he would have told me. I'd rather hear it from you."
*Isabella*
"And I'd rather not talk about it," she said, swallowing hard as she debated running away. She couldn't go to Alessandra. Not now. Maybe Fernando was still safe.
*Forbes*
He stopped.
"Well, that's your choice, I suppose... But we can't have much of a relationship if you insist on hiding things from me..."
*Isabella*
"You think this is still a relationship?" she asked. "Don't you understand that it can't be. Not now that you know. Even if I don't tell you, someone else will. Alessandra seems to be telling everybody else about me. What else did Rufus tell you?"
*Forbes*
He made a face.
"No, actually, I was just telling you that our relationship had ended, actually. And the truth is I don't know shit about you... I don't know what you're talking about. And I can't trust you if you don't tell me what's going on!"
*Isabella*
She sighed.
"Fine," she said softly in defeat, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand.
"I'll miss you," she said in a small voice before turning and walking away, pulling her hair down over her face. She'd have to go back to Madame Giselle's now. Unless she could leave England entirely. Well, at least she had her wand now.
*Forbes*
He sighed.
"Yes, well, I'll miss you too... Take care of yourself, Isabella..."
He sighed, what had been the point of all this. Poor headstrong girl, what on Earth was she thinking.
*Isabella*
She made it behind the next building before breaking down and slumping to the ground, crying. What was she thinking. Alessandra was clearly not someone she could trust... and Forbes, she liked him, but he asked so many questions and he wouldn't want her once he knew he could never really have her. She'd have to go back to Brazil eventually. She couldn't face Alessandra. She didn't want to go back to Madame Giselle's... maybe she should just stay a panther in a cage.
*Forbes*
He was about to walk away when he spotted Isabella out of the corner of his eye. She was slumped against the building having a sob. He went over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Come on, let's get you home... you look like you could use a soak and a bottle of wine."
*Isabella*
She looked up and smiled weakly at Forbes, wiping the tears from her face with the sleeve of her shirt. What options did she have? All her money technically belonged to Alessandra or the Brazilian Ministry. No cash, nowhere to go but Madame Giselle's...
Swallowing hard to fight back the tears, she got to her feet and wrapped her arms around Forbes tightly.
*Forbes*
He hugged her back.
"Come on, before someone notices.. and he slowly lead her out of the zoo."
*Isabella*
She led him lead her out of the zoo and wiped at her face, managing to stop crying mostly. Hell, she probably would have let him lead her back into a cage or to her mother at the moment. Just having someone care, or pretend to care was enough.
*Isabella*
She came out of the bathroom holding a glass of wine and wearing Forbes' dressing gown, since she had left hers at the zoo.
"Thank you again for rescuing me. I hope you don't mind I borrowed yours. Mine had a strange odour from the zoo and the cages," she said, sipping the wine slowly as she sat down on the couch.
"I'm not sure I managed to get the stink of zoo out of me.."
*Forbes*
He relaxed on the couch next to her.
"I don't mind at all... It rather suits you I think.."
He leaned over and inhaled.
"You smell quite good, I think... And don't worry yourself about the rescue... It was no matter..."
*Isabella*
"I appreciate it though.. You didn't have to do it... especially not after I ran out on you like that," she said quietly, feeling a bit guilty about the events that had transpired.
"I know you're quite busy.."
*Forbes*
He laughed.
"Yes, well, never too busy to help a damsel in distress... And I was worried about you..."
*Isabella*
"You were?" she asked with a bit of surprise in her voice.
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"Yes, of course... you seemed in quite a panic when you left here... and then a few hours later everyone's talking about the panther that got caught in the vicinity..."
*Isabella*
"I... I didn't realize I had left my wand until I reached Hyde Park... or that I had forgotten clothes and shoes..." she said sheepishly, tucking her hair behind her ear as she sucked on her lower lip.
"I propositioned someone... trying to get money to go up to see Fernando. Turned out to be an Inspector," she said, pausing to take a sip of her wine. "Tried to take me into custody. Got to a wooded area and transformed, but he followed... well, then they called for backup, evacuated the park, called in the zookeepers."
She took a few more sips of wine.
"They were going to shoot me... with guns.."
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"Well yes, they're not used to dealing with Brazilian Panthers with coral collars in Downtown London... Especially not the week after a major terrorist assault.. Well, I couldn't allow you to remain a prisoner at any rate... I'm glad you're back and safe."
*Isabella*
"As am I, Mister Forbes, as am I," she said with a small smile.
"I suppose I'm lucky they didn't shoot me on sight.."
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"Yes you are... That would have been disastrous."
*Isabella*
She took a deep breath and steeled her nerves.
"What else did Rufus tell you about me?" she asked nervously, focusing on her wine glass and taking more than a few hasty sips
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"Nothing you hadn't already told me. Just mentioned 'the throne' whatever that means..."
*Isabella*
She nodded, finishing the rest of her glass of wine before setting it on the table and leaning back, the wine starting to go to her head already.
"I.. I'm almost surprised you didn't figure it out already. There's two main species of changelings in Brazil - the panther and the dolphin. Panthers are skilled at divination, usually gifted with the sight and have been worshipped throughout time as demi-gods. My mother is the..." she paused, searching for an appropriate English word.
"She is the female in charge. Tribal queen, if you will. I will inherit the throne from her. We do not take husbands, merely consorts. There are contests and battles to determine who is worthy to lay with the queen. Since I am a halfling and have the sight, the advisors are already trying to find me someone. They want to use me for power.."
*Forbes*
He nodded taking this all in.
"I'd gotten as far as the two species of Changelings... and of course yesterday proved without a doubt which one you are... I hadn't gotten as far as researching the appropriate tribal superstitions and sociology... There's not a lot written about your species, at least not available at my fingertips... So... What you're telling me is that some point you have to go back and rule over this tribe..."
*Isabella*
"Because I'm a halfling, they would have put me on the throne at fifteen. However, Alessandra said that my schooling was important because I had magical talent as well. She vouched for me and speaks for me now. The council agreed to let me extend it up to five years. If I am not back and on the throne by then, they will kill every member of my family," she explained.
She rested her hand on her stomach.
"The put a hex or a charm on or something. I cannot conceive until I am on the throne."
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"Well, that's one less thing to worry about... The conception, I meant... Well... I guess we'll have to make sure back in Brazil by the time you're twenty..."
He nodded, pondering it all.
*Isabella*
"You don't get it. I don't want the throne. I left that world when I was 11. I've seen how the rest of the world works. I don't want to be queen there even if they do worship me.." she said, running her hands through her hair.
"I want my own life. My own children."
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"Well then, after we finish here, we'll go back to Brazil and make sure your family is safe... And then you can have your freedom..."
*Isabella*
She looked at him worriedly.
"And just how do you plan on doing that?" she asked curiously.
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"Not exactly sure... But after overthrowing a government that should be cake... I'll think of something, I always do."
*Isabella*
She smiled softly.
"Just let me enjoy the next year and a half and I'll be happy," she said, leaning against him.
"So, can I move back in? Now that I've been honest? I really don't have anywhere else to go..."
*Forbes*
He wrapped an arm around her.
"Wasn't aware you'd moved out... Since you left your clothes and everything... and yes you can stay here... I wouldn't have it any other way..."
*Isabella*
"Well, with the conversation we had at the zoo..." she trailed off and waved her hand.
"Wasn't sure if I was welcome here.." she said shyly. "Although I'll understand if you want me to sleep on the couch.."
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"Well, even I can have my fits of temper... and I have to admit not finding the answer to a particularly puzzling question can set me on edge..."
*Isabella*
She nodded.
"I like you better when you're not in a temper," she said sheepishly.
*Forbes*
He laughed.
"yes, I like me better when I'm not in a temper as well..."
*Isabella*
She stretched.
"So, couch for me?" she asked, wanting to confirm her assumptions.
*Forbes*
He laughed again.
"Of course not, unless you're that eager to sleep on the couch..."
*Isabella*
"No... but..." she blushed slightly.
"I suggested it.. and you didn't say no, so I thought you wanted me out here for a bit... until I learned my lesson or something."
*Forbes*
He looked at her askance.
"Is there a lesson to be learned? You were afraid, you panicked, it happens..."
*Isabella*
"Some would say there might be.." she said with a shrug, letting her hair fall in her face as she wrapped her arms around Forbes.
"You're too good to me, you know that?" she said with a smile.
*Forbes*
He shrugged.
"Am I? And I thought I was treating you about as well as you deserved..."
*Isabella*
She smiled contently.
"But you were that nice to me before you knew who and what I was.." she said with a content smile.
*Forbes*
He shrugged.
"I was, wasn't I... Guess i'm not as bigoted and blind as some of my peers..."
*Isabella*
"Well, for that, I'm glad.." she said with a smile as she relaxed.
"Do you have anymore wine?"
*Forbes*
He nodded and got up and fetched another bottle.
"You keep this up and I won't have much left..."
*Isabella*
"Sorry.. just... long day... I don't like being stuck in a cage... reminds me of home.. though it's better than being dead.." she said with a chuckle as she held out her glass for more wine.
*Forbes*
He opened the bottle and poured her a glass.
"Yes, I understand... We can always buy more wine, don't worry..."
*Isabella*
"Don't you drink?" she asked between sips, enjoying the light-headedness from the wine.
*Forbes*
"I do... On occasion... I tend not to enjoy drunkenness that much..."
*Isabella*
She stopped midsip.
"Does it bother you then? That I drink?" she asked.
: *Forbes*
He shook his head.
"No, of course not. You are free to make your own decisions... I tend not to enjoy being in control of my mental faculties... Others don't mind... I don't control you."
*Isabella*
"I know..." she said, smiling goofily.
"But I like making you happy.. and I like it when you don't hold back..."
*Forbes*
He laughed and smiled back at her.
"Well, I like being happy... and I've really stopped holding back..."
*Isabella*
She chuckled.
"S'good. Very good," she said before stifling a giggle.
"Never liked anyone before. I mean how I like you. You make me feel all funny inside.." she said, resting her chin on his chest.
"A good funny though. And happy. And confusing, but usually a good confusing."
*Forbes*
He laughed and smiles.
"My dear, the only thing making you feel funny inside at the moment is all that wine..."
He caressed her leg gently.
"But good, I'm glad to hear that... I'm glad we get on so well..."
*Isabella*
She thwapped him lightly.
"No.. wine makes me feel funny in the head. You make me feel funny here," she said holding a hand over her abdomen.
"As though I've always got butterflies in my stomach."
She giggled.
"And now you're making me feel a different kind of funny."
*Forbes*
He smiled broadly and kissed her.
"Is that so? Maybe we should move this to the bedroom...."
*Isabella*
She stood up shakily, balancing against the couch before falling towards Forbes.
"Oopsies!" she said, giggling.
*Forbes*
He caught her and swept her up off her feet and carried her off to the bedroom.
When: Monday, November 10, afternoon
Where: starts in the zoo, ends up at Forbes' flat
What: Forbes comes to rescue his kitten in distress (after this post)
*Isabella*
She growled as she paced in the cage. Damn tranquilizers. Damn zookeepers. Damn Alessandra. She growled at the people who pointed at her as she paced in her cage in the London Zoo before flopping down tiredly. They had run tests last night, but maybe tonight she could escape.
*Forbes*
He strolled down the path of the zoo, wearing his best suit and sunglasses. He had a bouquet of flowers tucked under his arm and was carrying a briefcase. He really didn't have time for this, he needed to be investigating leads and doing research but... Well, it was Isabella and no one deserved to be locked in a cage especially not her. At last he came to her cage and stood there with a smile.
"Hello!"
*Isabella*
She rolled her eyes as best she good when she heard someone say Hello to her. Stretching lazily, she got to her feet. Forbes. Lovely. Snarling at him, she advanced as far as the cage would allow. What the hell was he doing here?
*Forbes*
He smiled at her.
"Now, now, that's not polite... Where are your manners? I've come to rescue you my dear..."
*Isabella*
She stopped growling and swished her tail anxiously. Just how was he going to rescue her when it was broad daylight and there were people around.
*Forbes*
He looked around, no one was paying attention to him and the zoo wasn't that crowded during the day. He slipped his wand out of his pocket and charmed himself to seem inconspicuous. He then opened the briefcase and took a package out of it, he then charmed it and then tossed it in Isabella's general direction, the charm did the rest making sure the package got through the cage and to her.
*Isabella*
She picked up the package in her mouth and carried it behind the rock that provided safety from most of the public's eyes. Morphing, she opened the package, quickly changing into the clothes Forbes brought her and slipping her wand in her pocket.
Apparating outside the cage, she went up to Forbes and kissed him soundly.
"Thank you," she whispered before turning and walking away as quickly as possible without arousing suspicion.
*Forbes*
He spent another moment staring at the empty cage before hurrying off after her. He caught up to her and handed her the flowers.
"These are for you of course..."
*Isabella*
"I don't need flowers," she said, pushing the flowers back into his hands before taking off the coral necklace and handing it to him.
"Please," she begged. "Just forget it.."
*Forbes*
He awkwardly juggled the necklace, flowers, and briefcase.
"Isabella... Will you please tell me what the Hell is going on?"
*Isabella*
She wiped at her eyes. She wouldn't cry in front of him.
"Ask Rufus. He seems to know everything nowadays," she huffed out angrily.
"Bastard."
*Forbes*
He shook his head.
"I could have and he would have told me. I'd rather hear it from you."
*Isabella*
"And I'd rather not talk about it," she said, swallowing hard as she debated running away. She couldn't go to Alessandra. Not now. Maybe Fernando was still safe.
*Forbes*
He stopped.
"Well, that's your choice, I suppose... But we can't have much of a relationship if you insist on hiding things from me..."
*Isabella*
"You think this is still a relationship?" she asked. "Don't you understand that it can't be. Not now that you know. Even if I don't tell you, someone else will. Alessandra seems to be telling everybody else about me. What else did Rufus tell you?"
*Forbes*
He made a face.
"No, actually, I was just telling you that our relationship had ended, actually. And the truth is I don't know shit about you... I don't know what you're talking about. And I can't trust you if you don't tell me what's going on!"
*Isabella*
She sighed.
"Fine," she said softly in defeat, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand.
"I'll miss you," she said in a small voice before turning and walking away, pulling her hair down over her face. She'd have to go back to Madame Giselle's now. Unless she could leave England entirely. Well, at least she had her wand now.
*Forbes*
He sighed.
"Yes, well, I'll miss you too... Take care of yourself, Isabella..."
He sighed, what had been the point of all this. Poor headstrong girl, what on Earth was she thinking.
*Isabella*
She made it behind the next building before breaking down and slumping to the ground, crying. What was she thinking. Alessandra was clearly not someone she could trust... and Forbes, she liked him, but he asked so many questions and he wouldn't want her once he knew he could never really have her. She'd have to go back to Brazil eventually. She couldn't face Alessandra. She didn't want to go back to Madame Giselle's... maybe she should just stay a panther in a cage.
*Forbes*
He was about to walk away when he spotted Isabella out of the corner of his eye. She was slumped against the building having a sob. He went over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Come on, let's get you home... you look like you could use a soak and a bottle of wine."
*Isabella*
She looked up and smiled weakly at Forbes, wiping the tears from her face with the sleeve of her shirt. What options did she have? All her money technically belonged to Alessandra or the Brazilian Ministry. No cash, nowhere to go but Madame Giselle's...
Swallowing hard to fight back the tears, she got to her feet and wrapped her arms around Forbes tightly.
*Forbes*
He hugged her back.
"Come on, before someone notices.. and he slowly lead her out of the zoo."
*Isabella*
She led him lead her out of the zoo and wiped at her face, managing to stop crying mostly. Hell, she probably would have let him lead her back into a cage or to her mother at the moment. Just having someone care, or pretend to care was enough.
*Isabella*
She came out of the bathroom holding a glass of wine and wearing Forbes' dressing gown, since she had left hers at the zoo.
"Thank you again for rescuing me. I hope you don't mind I borrowed yours. Mine had a strange odour from the zoo and the cages," she said, sipping the wine slowly as she sat down on the couch.
"I'm not sure I managed to get the stink of zoo out of me.."
*Forbes*
He relaxed on the couch next to her.
"I don't mind at all... It rather suits you I think.."
He leaned over and inhaled.
"You smell quite good, I think... And don't worry yourself about the rescue... It was no matter..."
*Isabella*
"I appreciate it though.. You didn't have to do it... especially not after I ran out on you like that," she said quietly, feeling a bit guilty about the events that had transpired.
"I know you're quite busy.."
*Forbes*
He laughed.
"Yes, well, never too busy to help a damsel in distress... And I was worried about you..."
*Isabella*
"You were?" she asked with a bit of surprise in her voice.
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"Yes, of course... you seemed in quite a panic when you left here... and then a few hours later everyone's talking about the panther that got caught in the vicinity..."
*Isabella*
"I... I didn't realize I had left my wand until I reached Hyde Park... or that I had forgotten clothes and shoes..." she said sheepishly, tucking her hair behind her ear as she sucked on her lower lip.
"I propositioned someone... trying to get money to go up to see Fernando. Turned out to be an Inspector," she said, pausing to take a sip of her wine. "Tried to take me into custody. Got to a wooded area and transformed, but he followed... well, then they called for backup, evacuated the park, called in the zookeepers."
She took a few more sips of wine.
"They were going to shoot me... with guns.."
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"Well yes, they're not used to dealing with Brazilian Panthers with coral collars in Downtown London... Especially not the week after a major terrorist assault.. Well, I couldn't allow you to remain a prisoner at any rate... I'm glad you're back and safe."
*Isabella*
"As am I, Mister Forbes, as am I," she said with a small smile.
"I suppose I'm lucky they didn't shoot me on sight.."
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"Yes you are... That would have been disastrous."
*Isabella*
She took a deep breath and steeled her nerves.
"What else did Rufus tell you about me?" she asked nervously, focusing on her wine glass and taking more than a few hasty sips
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"Nothing you hadn't already told me. Just mentioned 'the throne' whatever that means..."
*Isabella*
She nodded, finishing the rest of her glass of wine before setting it on the table and leaning back, the wine starting to go to her head already.
"I.. I'm almost surprised you didn't figure it out already. There's two main species of changelings in Brazil - the panther and the dolphin. Panthers are skilled at divination, usually gifted with the sight and have been worshipped throughout time as demi-gods. My mother is the..." she paused, searching for an appropriate English word.
"She is the female in charge. Tribal queen, if you will. I will inherit the throne from her. We do not take husbands, merely consorts. There are contests and battles to determine who is worthy to lay with the queen. Since I am a halfling and have the sight, the advisors are already trying to find me someone. They want to use me for power.."
*Forbes*
He nodded taking this all in.
"I'd gotten as far as the two species of Changelings... and of course yesterday proved without a doubt which one you are... I hadn't gotten as far as researching the appropriate tribal superstitions and sociology... There's not a lot written about your species, at least not available at my fingertips... So... What you're telling me is that some point you have to go back and rule over this tribe..."
*Isabella*
"Because I'm a halfling, they would have put me on the throne at fifteen. However, Alessandra said that my schooling was important because I had magical talent as well. She vouched for me and speaks for me now. The council agreed to let me extend it up to five years. If I am not back and on the throne by then, they will kill every member of my family," she explained.
She rested her hand on her stomach.
"The put a hex or a charm on or something. I cannot conceive until I am on the throne."
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"Well, that's one less thing to worry about... The conception, I meant... Well... I guess we'll have to make sure back in Brazil by the time you're twenty..."
He nodded, pondering it all.
*Isabella*
"You don't get it. I don't want the throne. I left that world when I was 11. I've seen how the rest of the world works. I don't want to be queen there even if they do worship me.." she said, running her hands through her hair.
"I want my own life. My own children."
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"Well then, after we finish here, we'll go back to Brazil and make sure your family is safe... And then you can have your freedom..."
*Isabella*
She looked at him worriedly.
"And just how do you plan on doing that?" she asked curiously.
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"Not exactly sure... But after overthrowing a government that should be cake... I'll think of something, I always do."
*Isabella*
She smiled softly.
"Just let me enjoy the next year and a half and I'll be happy," she said, leaning against him.
"So, can I move back in? Now that I've been honest? I really don't have anywhere else to go..."
*Forbes*
He wrapped an arm around her.
"Wasn't aware you'd moved out... Since you left your clothes and everything... and yes you can stay here... I wouldn't have it any other way..."
*Isabella*
"Well, with the conversation we had at the zoo..." she trailed off and waved her hand.
"Wasn't sure if I was welcome here.." she said shyly. "Although I'll understand if you want me to sleep on the couch.."
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"Well, even I can have my fits of temper... and I have to admit not finding the answer to a particularly puzzling question can set me on edge..."
*Isabella*
She nodded.
"I like you better when you're not in a temper," she said sheepishly.
*Forbes*
He laughed.
"yes, I like me better when I'm not in a temper as well..."
*Isabella*
She stretched.
"So, couch for me?" she asked, wanting to confirm her assumptions.
*Forbes*
He laughed again.
"Of course not, unless you're that eager to sleep on the couch..."
*Isabella*
"No... but..." she blushed slightly.
"I suggested it.. and you didn't say no, so I thought you wanted me out here for a bit... until I learned my lesson or something."
*Forbes*
He looked at her askance.
"Is there a lesson to be learned? You were afraid, you panicked, it happens..."
*Isabella*
"Some would say there might be.." she said with a shrug, letting her hair fall in her face as she wrapped her arms around Forbes.
"You're too good to me, you know that?" she said with a smile.
*Forbes*
He shrugged.
"Am I? And I thought I was treating you about as well as you deserved..."
*Isabella*
She smiled contently.
"But you were that nice to me before you knew who and what I was.." she said with a content smile.
*Forbes*
He shrugged.
"I was, wasn't I... Guess i'm not as bigoted and blind as some of my peers..."
*Isabella*
"Well, for that, I'm glad.." she said with a smile as she relaxed.
"Do you have anymore wine?"
*Forbes*
He nodded and got up and fetched another bottle.
"You keep this up and I won't have much left..."
*Isabella*
"Sorry.. just... long day... I don't like being stuck in a cage... reminds me of home.. though it's better than being dead.." she said with a chuckle as she held out her glass for more wine.
*Forbes*
He opened the bottle and poured her a glass.
"Yes, I understand... We can always buy more wine, don't worry..."
*Isabella*
"Don't you drink?" she asked between sips, enjoying the light-headedness from the wine.
*Forbes*
"I do... On occasion... I tend not to enjoy drunkenness that much..."
*Isabella*
She stopped midsip.
"Does it bother you then? That I drink?" she asked.
: *Forbes*
He shook his head.
"No, of course not. You are free to make your own decisions... I tend not to enjoy being in control of my mental faculties... Others don't mind... I don't control you."
*Isabella*
"I know..." she said, smiling goofily.
"But I like making you happy.. and I like it when you don't hold back..."
*Forbes*
He laughed and smiled back at her.
"Well, I like being happy... and I've really stopped holding back..."
*Isabella*
She chuckled.
"S'good. Very good," she said before stifling a giggle.
"Never liked anyone before. I mean how I like you. You make me feel all funny inside.." she said, resting her chin on his chest.
"A good funny though. And happy. And confusing, but usually a good confusing."
*Forbes*
He laughed and smiles.
"My dear, the only thing making you feel funny inside at the moment is all that wine..."
He caressed her leg gently.
"But good, I'm glad to hear that... I'm glad we get on so well..."
*Isabella*
She thwapped him lightly.
"No.. wine makes me feel funny in the head. You make me feel funny here," she said holding a hand over her abdomen.
"As though I've always got butterflies in my stomach."
She giggled.
"And now you're making me feel a different kind of funny."
*Forbes*
He smiled broadly and kissed her.
"Is that so? Maybe we should move this to the bedroom...."
*Isabella*
She stood up shakily, balancing against the couch before falling towards Forbes.
"Oopsies!" she said, giggling.
*Forbes*
He caught her and swept her up off her feet and carried her off to the bedroom.