2025-02-10 - Double Bid

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Hey

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Heya!

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: So I guess you heard about the handsome guy I'm going to take a on a date. :sunshine:

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: So you've got three options or we can mix and match. I'd love to teach you a little piano, a color themed dinner, and maybe play with some yarn?

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Thank you. Yes I was excited to hear I won. Hopefully you're ok with the outcome.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Piano sounds fun yeah. What does a color themed dinner entail?

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Do you want me to tell you or do you wanna be surprised? Oh and do you have any food allergies.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Totally okay! This is gonna be so fun. <3

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: I'm glad you're excited. Also I can be surprised.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Sure. I get to hang out with one of my favorite people. 😀 Who ended up winning your date? I bet on you.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: But wasn't the highest bidder. There were some high rollers!

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Wait you did?

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Yeah. c:

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Isn't it funny we bid on each other?

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Well thank you. I appreciate it.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: It is funny, but I'm more surprised I won my bid. Glad. But surprised.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Yeah? I mean, I could have probably come up with a more exciting date like you did. But some of those were wild!

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: I don't know. Your date seemed exciting to me. Then again you're exciting. So it makes sense.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: hehe. You're gonna make me blush.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Okay. I have some questions for you.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Fancy or casual?

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Oh. Um. Casual please.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Okay. Check!

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Playful or romantic?

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Or both. I can make both happen.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Whatever you're comfortable with.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: c: Check. I will surprise you. <3

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Spicy or not?

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Oh. That's food.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Oh gosh. hahaha. lol

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Sorry. Just realized I might have sounded like a romance novel there. What's your :pepper: level lol?

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Oh haha. Yeah. I like spicy. Food. As long as it has flavor and isn't just heat.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Oh yeah! I'll make some korean food for you. <3

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Ever had kimbap? It's sort of like korean sushi.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: I have not. I trust your judgment and have no food allergies.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Oh gosh. It's super yum. Okay. Adding that to the list. It's a little spicier but way better imho

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Sounds good to me.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: What nights work for you? We'll have to arrange.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: I'm usually free. Sura won my date so I just have to make sure not to double book my dates.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: This is odd. I went from having no dates to having to worry about double booking them.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: haha. Well, I'm flexible. 😉

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Yeah, can't say I've been 'seeing' anybody on the islands.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Is it bad that I'm confused a tourist bid on me?

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: I mean I know that was the point of the auction. Just...what do I say? What do I do? This might surprise you, but I'm rather anxious about the whole thing.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Just be yourself. Yourself is great. c:

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: You're kind. Full of lies. But kind.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: I would never!

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: You're too hard on yourself. Look.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Putting myself up for auction was supposed to be a step out of my comfort zone. I didn't actually think about if somebody bid on me.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Just treat her the way you'd like to be treated? Or like you'd want someone to treat me?

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Kindness first.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Absolutely.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: But you did it! Look at you!

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: They can't ask for their money back for the auction if they hate the date can they?

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Honestly, I was really nervous. I hyperventilated in the bathroom.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Nah. It's for charity.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Ok well that makes me feel better at least. I won't cost them money.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Also why did you hyperventilate?

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Oh. I always get nervous before a show.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: It had that same feeling.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Really? You seem so confident.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: I am! Mostly...

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: I have to work out my butterflies. I have like a whole - nerves routine.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: I don't have butterflies. I have pterodactyls.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: What's your routine?

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: How are those not just dinorsaur butterflies?

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: They are. But bigger. With teeth.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Uhm. I do like a breathing pattern 4 in, 4 out, and then try to talk myself up in the mirror.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Sometimes it works. Sometimes I just fix my hair.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Do you still have the dino-flies?

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: No they have been appeased for the moment with tea.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Oh. I was gonna bring you some tea if you were still anxious.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: I appreciate it. I don't want to bother you though.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: You like tea?

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: It's no bother. 😀

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: I do. But I have a sweet tooth so boba is my fav.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Ok. Don't hate me.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: I've never had boba.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Why would that make me hate you, silly?

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Also. We for real need to fix that.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: It always just seemed odd to me. I don't like tapioca. But I'm willing to try it.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Oh you can get lynchee jellies and other options if you don't like that classic boba.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: We'll do a a sampler. You can figure out what you like.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Really? That sounds good.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: A boba flight? Fancy.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: More delicious than boba fett.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: What are you doing right now? I mean other than texting me?

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: u wanna hang out?

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: I'm sitting in my apartment currently. Shocking I know.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: I'd like to hang out. Somewhere in the park?

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Uhm. Diner? Or you can come over her. Poe works security so she is like gone nights.

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Or mornings. Honestly, I don't understand her schedule.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Oh. Sure. Your place works if you're sure it isn't trouble. When?

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: Not at all. I'll put the kettle on. Come on over now?

[TXT to Hawthorne] Artemisia: We can just chill and watch something or chat. Or play cards. I'm a mean hand at Euker.

[TXT to Artemisia] Hawthorne: Ok sounds good. See you soon!

Artemisia has two goals. One: Water for tea is made and she fixes up a passion fruit and blue butterfly mix that turns the water a deep purple-pink and fills the air with a light, sweet smell. Two: Popcorn. Specifically - Kettlecorn. "Okay Fluff," she informs the rabbit on the counter. "Your job is to let me know when this is popping, kay? I need to-" Fluffing her curls, Artemisia looks around the apartment as her oversized crochet cardigan slides off one shoulder. It's a dark pink, draped over a satin tank, bra, and a pair of matching shorts with hearts on them. She wears a pair of fluffy indoor slippers. "Tidy." It's been a bit since Poe has been home and things are nooooot as orderly as they could be.

First off: clothes. Those are all swept up and tossed in her room, door shut. Then blankets are folded. Pillows are fluffed. She rearranges the furniture a bit for maximum comfiness in front of the tv.

It is a good thing Arte needs time to tidy because Hawthorne needed time to wardrobe. Nothing fancy. But also not sloppy. Why was he overthinking this? Oh wait. He overthinks everything.

He finally decides on a fun-to-him sweater paired with light blue jeans and loafers. He keeps his long hair as is, the top half in a french braid that keeps everything out of his face, the bottom pulled back, and all of it meeting at the back to form a messy bun.

It isn't too long though before a knock sounds on Arte's door. As he stands waiting he rocks on his feet a bit nervously.

The air outside Artemisia's door smells like kettlecorn and there's a sing-song chirp from the kitchen at the knock. "Hi!" Arte greets after a moment, opening the door still dressed in her shorts, tank, and oversized cardigan with heart shaped buttons. Her dark eyes are bright and flecked with pink, a blonde curl twisting against her cheek. "Come in! I've got tea going. Fluff is watching the kettle corn."

When the door opens, Hawthorne quickly returns his feet to the ground instead of rocking. A wide smile greets Arte, "Hey!" Taking in her attire he nods, "Very festive. It suits you."

Stepping in, he smells the kettle corn and relaxes more. Then, there's an obvious confusion, "Fluff?" He holds up a small tin in his hand now, "Oh. Before I forget. It's some of my favorite tea samples from my collection...as a thank you." Never visit a house the first time without a gift. Some life lessons stick with you.

He sees the apartment's decor and layout, "I like your place. It's very welcoming." A pause before he looks to his feet, "Oh. Do you want me to take off my shoes?"

"Thanks!" Artemisia says with a little foot kick, posing to the side. "I made the cardigan. I like your sweater. That knit is lovely," she says, waving him inside and gently shutting the door behind him. "Oh. My bunny. Oh thank you!" She takes the tin. "Uhm Yes. I have some slippers for you, if you'd like... they might not fit..." She moves to set the tea in the kitchen before disappearing into her room to pull out a mens-ish size of slippers and setting them down.

The decor is pops of bright color and softly feminine, but also very practical in layout.

"Thank you," Hawthorne also expresses gratitude. "I didn't make this though. Not quite that talented."

He then smiles, "Aw. I didn't know you had a bunny. And yes slippers will be fine." Staying where he is when she mentions alternative footwear, he steps out of his shoes carefully before moving to place them by the door. His feet boast a pair is mismatched also knit socks...also not knit by him.

When she returns with the slippers he steps into them, perhaps they are a bit snug but he doesn't seem to mind.

"I couldn't make that." Artemisia inspects it with a keen eye. "I mean, I could make something like it but that looks like that's knit," she says, sliding her hand along the sleeve to inspect the cuffs. Looking up at him, she smiles. "The color suits you."

"And yes! Fluff. Fluff was one of the pink bunnies found around the island although now they're turning gr-" Chirp-chirp-croon. "Oh! Kettle corn. Go grab a seat. I'll be right back," Artemisia says to Hawthorne with a smile.

"It's very comfy," Hawthorne says about the sweater. He watches as she inspects it. Lifting his arm enough so she can inspect the sleeve closer. "Thank you," he says with another smile.

"Oh I heard about those. Haven't seen one though. They sound fascinat-" he stops as he hears the chirp and looks around for the source. Following her instructions he just nods and goes to the living room. He stops halfway there though as he spots Fluff on the counter. "Whoa! How cool." Sitting on the couch he puts his hands on his knees as his leg bounces just slightly, "Are you sure you don't need help?" He felt like a bad guest.

"You can pet 'em if you like," Artemisia says, moving to season and sweeten the popcorn. Once she's got that done, she puts it in a big bow and onto a wooden tray with a tea pot with a dragonfly charm on it and two smaller cups. "Nope. I've- got it." She furrows her brow with intense concentration, setting Fluff on the floor before she carefully walks over towards Hawthorne.

She just manages it.

"Oh! Well that's definitely appealing. I think I'll give him a chance to get used to me first." He wouldn't like it if someone he just met tried to play with his hair without warning. Yes, that's happened.

She had said she didn't want help. So he does not help. Instead, he watches as his hands grip anxiously at his knees while he watches her carry the tray over. He still makes sure he's ready just in case. Keeping an eye out to make sure Fluff doesn't try and make his way over and end up tripping Arte.

"So how have you recovered from the socializing of the auction?" he asks with a chuckle.

"Oh gosh," Artemisia giggles slightly at the recollection of the auction. "That was like super nerve wracking, wasn't it?" She delicately sets out the cups, pouring the brilliantly coloured tea. "It's passionfruit with a little blue butterfly for sweetness," she explains of the vibrant color. "I find the sweet and sour is nice." Lifting a hand, she tucks a lock of blonde hair behind her studded ear, charms dangling from it as she moves to sit next to Hawthorne.

"I think I'm okay. I'm a social person. I like social events. Just wow. Performance anxiety." Artemisia flutters her hands as she speaks, nails painted a soft baby pink. "How about you?"

"Yeah. That's a good description for it," Hawthorne agrees with a laugh. His anxiety and attention is gone though as the tea is poured. There is a quick bounce as he points almost like an excited child, "The Butterfly Pea Flower!" Echoing her explanation for the bright color with his own realization, he seems to catch himself a moment.

"Sorry. Just. I love when plants are able to be utilized in ways you wouldn't expect." Like changing the color of tea. "It's art that the earth gives us. If you think about it. Look at it." He's calm for a moment and just stares at the mug.

Now, with her sitting next to him he looks to her and smirks. "I. Am not a social person. Trying to work on that, but...also not attempting to change who I am entirely. Just. Not keep to myself quite so much. Ya know?" Hawthorne gives a shrug, "I'm already. Got back to my apartment and recharged with some tea and a bit of reading."

At Hawthorne's genuine excitement, Artemisia lets out a delighted laugh rather than a small giggle. The sound is warm and sweet, filling the air along with the rich scent of the tea. "Yes," she agrees. "Most colors - the best colors - come from nature. There used to be quite the trade for pigments before things were regulated like they are now. Oh, I have some ochre from a trip to Paris though..." She outright sighs. "And this cobalt blue. Unbelievable." Lifting her tea, she takes a sip.

Smiling kindly, she points out, "You're social right now." Artemisia tips her head. "I think it's good to spread your wings a little. What are you reading?"

At Arte's laughter at his enthusiasm, Hawthorne relaxes and nods. "It's really true. You just have to look around and see it. Nature is the original canvas."

Reaching for his tea he lifts it to follow her, inhaling the fragrance before taking his own sip. "This isn't social. This s comfortable. Out there...is...I don't know it's just different." As far the book, "Don Quixote."

"Do you plant that way? Like I know Central Park was designed to optimize color through the seasons. Chicago too!" Artemisia smiles at the thought, taking a sip of her tea. "It's beautiful. You should see it sometime.'

Hawthorne's answer only broadens her smile. "I'm glad." That this is comfortable. Her cheeks flush a little. "I haven't read that one? It's about windmills, right?" Arte guesses.

"I'm limited by what I can have in my apartment, but yes I try. The park is a different matter. It's really let me enjoy showing people the beauty plants can create that I wouldn't have if I didn't work here." The gratitude is obvious in Hawthorne's tone. At her suggestion he grins and gives a nod, "I want to travel more. I grew up in Tennessee and then Michigan, so those are the only two places I've been."

The question about the book gets a quick glance down to his tea as he puts his thoughts into words. "It depends on who you ask I guess? Everyone takes their own message away from it...like with anything I guess." He looks to her then and chuckles a moment, "It's about more than windmills though. It's about a man named Alonso who loves chivalric romance novels. He decides the society he's in doesn't have enough of those values anymore so he sets off on a quest, taking the name Don Quixote and going on adventures with his neighbor Sancho who he makes his squire."

"During the book he treats servant girls as fair maidens, views inns as castles and even battles the windmills you mentioned convinced they are giants." Hawthorne is quiet a moment, looking back at his tea as he is imagining the pages as he summarizes. Looking to Arte again he shrugs, "There are people who focus on the fact he was delusional and suffering from some sort of mental break. But there's more to it...at least for me. Over the course of the story the way he approaches everything changes the way those around him approach it too. They start viewing the world the way they do and it encourages them."

Pausing then he shrugs and chuckles, "It isn't for everyone though. It's definitely bittersweet. But it is a good example that how you choose to approach your situation can affect your outlook and attitude about everything...for the worse or for the better."

"You'll have to take me around to show me some of your color work," Artemisia decides, winking at Hawthorne. "I see the nature but - I'd love a guided tour to really see it. I'll have to lend you a book about Chicago World's fair... uhm." She bites her lip. "It's also true crime so it's a little dark, but I could mark the bits that are just about the park?"

Artemisia blinks at the idea of a chivalric knight - in a time when that didn't exist. "So... he goes on a long game of pretend? Almost?" Then her expression softens as Hawthorne explains his view on the novel. A slow smile touches her lips, one hand touching his forearm. "I think - that's a really beautiful way to look at that. You've got a kind mind."

"I'd appreciate that. Though yes I might skip the true crime bits...not as much my cup of tea," he says and then holds the tea up for punny effect.

The mention of pretend has him smiling, "Kind of? He starts off on the quest realizing he doesn't live in those times, but then he does become truly convinced of what he sees and it's not pretend. I can sympathize with that."

There's a bittersweet smile there and he looks to her arm as she pays him the compliment. "Thank you. My mom always used to say kindness is free to give and the return is priceless."

"I'll tag it for you. It gets uh... pretty dark," Artemisia says, glancing down at her cup of tea before she sets it aside. Although, Hawthorne's pun earns a giggle that causes her to cover her mouth with a hand.

She tips her head to one side, looking up at Hawthorne in consideration before asking gently, "Do you wish you lived in different times?"

The giggle gets a grin from him and he takes a drink of tea. Though the question has him hesitating. Lowering the cup and looking thoughtful.

"I used to." His tone is hesitant and he sets down the tea. "My parents passed away when I was young. A few years apart from each other." As he speaks his tone isn't emotional as much as it is protective. Hesitant in a way. His gaze goes to the tea again. "After my mom died I went to live with my grandparents. For awhile I pretended. That I was just visiting. That my mom and even my dad were going to come get me and they'd just sent me to visit for a bit."

There's a look to her and he gives a half smile as he shakes his head, either dismissing his childhood pretending or trying to assure her he's ok. "Reality caught up though. Eventually it got harder to pretend. It started hurting instead of helping. So...I entered the real world. Over time I learned that even if they weren't still here beside me...they were in other ways. In memories and how I live my life and...that isn't pretend."

Artemisia is silent for a long moment.

"I'm sorry," she says softly, but earnestly, looking up at Hawthorne with dark eyes. "That must have been very hard." Fluff perhaps senses Hawthorne's uncertain emotions, because it comes and lays down on top of his feet like a lazy cat. Its bright pink fur is fading to a softer grey. The snugglebunny croons a sad little four-note song before nuzzling in. "Reality has a way of catching up to us."

"I was young," Hawthorne explains away her condolences with the reassuring statement. "It was and...it's not that the pain has lessened or gone away. I've gotten better at carrying it though." He gives a small smile. When Fluff comes over and lays their head on his feet, Hawthorne looks down and his smile is more relaxed now.

"Hey there." The song. It has him frowning then. "Aw c'mhere. You can't just make that sound and then not expect cuddles." Reaching down, if allowed, he scoops Fluff carefully into his arms. "You're ridiculously cute. Ohmygosh." Pets are given because how can he not!?

The comment has him nodding then, "It does," about reality. "Just because reality is different than it used to be doesn't mean it's bad though. It just takes some adjustment. And some Fluff snuggles apparently."

"Fluff snuggles are essential," Artemisia says solemnly, a slight twinkle in her dark eyes. They flicker with pink stars. "They're very good at that."

"I didn't mean to make you sad. I'm sorry," Hawthorne says to Fluff as he continues to snuggle the rabbit. "That was a beautiful song you sang though."

He looks to Arte, "I didn't know rabbits could sing."

"Fluff is... special. We think these rabbits have something to do with the magic in the park." Artemisia shrugs. "I don't know how or why but..." Her expression softens as she looks at the rabbit. "I'm glad Fluff is here."

"Yeah?" Hawthorne looks to Fluff at the mention of magic. A small smile. "That's so cool." A brief nod to Arte then too, "I'm glad too. They seem at home here."

He gives a few more scritches to Fluff before looking to Arte. "So. You'd talked about cards? A game called...Eeker?"

"Yeah!" Artemisia flashes Hawthorne a big smile, leaning close to pet one of Fluff's ears. "They seem to have like a mate that they share the same song with." Her eyes dance with warmth. "It's so cute and romantic." She directs the smile down at the rabbit. "Fluff and I lucked out and accidentally met their match. I don't know the owner well, but we'll have to get together for bunny play dates."

She giggles. "Close. Eucher. You need at least four people to play, you play in sets of two. It's a total old people's game but I grew up playing it after church," Artemisia explains. "My parents are converted Christians. The religion never really stuck for me but I always thought the art was beautiful."

"Aw, that is cute!" Hawthorne agrees about the song. He looks to Fluff and smiles, "I'm glad you found them, Fluff."

"Ah. Well maybe we can get some people to play that with us next time." He nods as she explains about her upbringing, "Yeah. Where I grew up in Tennessee was pretty religious too. My parents weren't, but they still encouraged kindness and we helped people when we could. The art is definitely beautiful though. Like stained glass windows in churches?"

He relaxes more as they talk, shoulders at ease and leg not bouncing as much.

Fluff looks up at Hawthorne, nuzzling his hand as it chimes a little four-note song. The sound is bright and happy.

"Did you know that the stained glass and the art was to teach people the stories back when mass was still in Latin?" Artemisia says, brightening with the subject, her smile easy and warm. "That's why they show the posts of the cross and trials of Jesus." She sighs. "I love the stained glass. I was always too much of a clutz to take that up, but I think it's so impressive."

As he listens to the song, Hawthorne smiles even wider, "Thank you for sharing your song with me. You sing very beautifully."

The history about stained glass gets a lofted brow and look back towards Arte. "I didn't. That's so cool. Like...a picture book...but on the walls." He laughs then at her admission of being a clutz, "I don't have artistic ability. Plants? Yes. Designing or forming any other visual display? No. I draw amazing invisible stick figures though." There's a smirk before he looks back to Fluff.

"I don't normally leave my apartment. Been trying to change that lately. I gotta' say...the two of you make me very glad I decided to venture out today," he smiles to Arte now.

Does the magical rabbit understand Hawthorne's compliment? It's hard to say, but it nuzzles sweetly into his palm.

"See, the thing is most people think art is innate," Artemisia says, pausing to eat some popcorn. "In actuality, I think the interest is the only thing that comes to people naturally. The rest you have to work for. Like - the way you have to learn about different plants, right? Part of it is just looking."

She flashes him a warm smile in return. "We're glad you came."