[As they wander through the hallways, they'll find Melanie, lingering in the doorway of one of the rooms, watching the person within it. As he arrives to lean over her shoulder, Damon will see Scarlett sitting inside, idly brushing her hair in the mirror.]
They found you, you found your head, everybody is finding things. What exactly are they courting you with? I never saw this kind of display as your... choice of frivolity.
( He tries to be equally delicate and probing. He wants answers, but not at the detriment to her psyche. )
Enough that I can handle myself, but ... not quite comfortable enough to leave.
[Melanie frowns, because she's never been good at making Scarlett do what's actually best for her. There's only one person who's good at that, and she has a feeling he's not making transatlantic flights anytime soon.]
[Melanie reaches forward, hand on his arm to keep him from taking that next step. She has a feeling it won't help.]
I don't think it's a what, Damon. I think it's a who.
[Scarlett sniffs, turning up her nose and turning back to the mirror. "I have no idea what you mean, Melly. You of all people said I should be expanding my social circle."
Melanie rolls her eyes, because she did say that. But she also knows that she wouldn't be sitting here, wasting her time, when there are other friends to make. Scarlett catches it in the mirror, before huffing.
[Her eyes flicker back to Damon because for all that he has experienced life, there's one thing he never has, could never have. He would never know what it was like to bring a life into the world, fail that life spectacularly, and have your worst failing be continually thrown in your face for all of eternity.
No. She doesn't want to talk about it. And she wonders if this is the time when she will decide that she and Rhett are untenable for good. But she isn't quite ready to give up on that just yet. He's still the only man who has ever loved her for all of her sharp and jagged parts - but he's also hated her for them too.]
[Her head whips around from the mirror, looking at them for the first time since they arrived.]
Of course it is. I'm so very grateful that you came all this way. I just ... I need a little more time.
[Melanie sighs, and rubs her arms. From the look on her face, this is not the first time. "I'll write to Rhett. Make sure he knows where to find you."]
I'm the first person who would tell you to embrace your own path, especially in spite of someone else. But, do you trust these people? What do you know about them?
[She takes a deep breath, because admittedly, she doesn't know much. But she does know that there are rules, and they involve not attracting attention.]
I think I'll be safe here and not at risk of being exposed. And they've all been very nice to me. I trust the rules they have in place will be followed.
[Melanie looks at her best friend - because that's what Scarlett is at the end of the day, her best friend - and tries to see beneath the cracks on the surface. Ensure that she's of a sound mind to make this choice.
Because she also knows, better than anyone, that trying to talk Scarlett O'Hara out of a decision she's already made is a fool's errand.]
Are you certain you'll be safe here?
[Scarlett looks over at her, and her stern features soften. "Safe as houses, Melly. I promise. And if that changes, I'll send word."]
Alright.
[She scribbles down her current address, where she'll likely stay for a little while longer, just in case, and passes the card to Scarlett. When the other woman takes it, Melanie glances over at Damon.]
Damon, would you mind walking me back to my hotel?
( Damon is skeptical, but he's lived skeptically since his turning. But he can't make anyone do anything they don't want to do, and he's never tried. So he won't try now.
He'll accompany Melanie back, but lay one hand on Scarlett's shoulder in solidarity. Should she need something. He can be there. Until he isn't, if he leaves Paris. )
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everyonelives2023-10-16 07:09 pm
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( Or was she... coaxed? )
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[Which is harsh to say, but it's also true. War takes it's toll on everyone.]
But if you're asking if you're aware of where she was and what she was doing, she seemed with it enough to consent to being here.
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( In an adjacent room? He scans the crowd again: (16) )
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Follow me.
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( But, he does, keeping alert. He averts his eyes from the more unsavory acts around them. )
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[As they wander through the hallways, they'll find Melanie, lingering in the doorway of one of the rooms, watching the person within it. As he arrives to lean over her shoulder, Damon will see Scarlett sitting inside, idly brushing her hair in the mirror.]
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He slips past Melanie, and approaches. He stops a distance away, so as to not startle her. )
Scarlett?
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Damon. Well, hello, darling. What are you doing in Paris?
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Melanie worries. ( And Rhett if he could admit it to himself. ) You join organizations now?
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[She flashes him a coy smile as she turns her attention back to the mirror to continue fixing her face.]
But they've been so kind to me after I lost my head a bit on the front.
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( He tries to be equally delicate and probing. He wants answers, but not at the detriment to her psyche. )
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[She wrinkles her nose.]
I haven't been partaking much, but they've been so kind to me, I'm trying not to judge.
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Where's your head at, now?
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Enough that I can handle myself, but ... not quite comfortable enough to leave.
[Melanie frowns, because she's never been good at making Scarlett do what's actually best for her. There's only one person who's good at that, and she has a feeling he's not making transatlantic flights anytime soon.]
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( He's trying gentle on for size, but he's this close to bringing his nastier side out. Bring out her fire. Get her fired up. )
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I don't think it's a what, Damon. I think it's a who.
[Scarlett sniffs, turning up her nose and turning back to the mirror. "I have no idea what you mean, Melly. You of all people said I should be expanding my social circle."
Melanie rolls her eyes, because she did say that. But she also knows that she wouldn't be sitting here, wasting her time, when there are other friends to make. Scarlett catches it in the mirror, before huffing.
"It's his turn to apologize."]
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( Or, don't want to apologize to, but this is not about him. )
Do you want to talk about it?
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[Her eyes flicker back to Damon because for all that he has experienced life, there's one thing he never has, could never have. He would never know what it was like to bring a life into the world, fail that life spectacularly, and have your worst failing be continually thrown in your face for all of eternity.
No. She doesn't want to talk about it. And she wonders if this is the time when she will decide that she and Rhett are untenable for good. But she isn't quite ready to give up on that just yet. He's still the only man who has ever loved her for all of her sharp and jagged parts - but he's also hated her for them too.]
He'll find me when he's ready. He always does.
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( Does that help? )
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Of course it is. I'm so very grateful that you came all this way. I just ... I need a little more time.
[Melanie sighs, and rubs her arms. From the look on her face, this is not the first time. "I'll write to Rhett. Make sure he knows where to find you."]
Thank you, Mellie. You're so good to me.
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( It doesn't sound like they give for nothing. )
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I think I'll be safe here and not at risk of being exposed. And they've all been very nice to me. I trust the rules they have in place will be followed.
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( Help him out here, Melanie. )
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Because she also knows, better than anyone, that trying to talk Scarlett O'Hara out of a decision she's already made is a fool's errand.]
Are you certain you'll be safe here?
[Scarlett looks over at her, and her stern features soften. "Safe as houses, Melly. I promise. And if that changes, I'll send word."]
Alright.
[She scribbles down her current address, where she'll likely stay for a little while longer, just in case, and passes the card to Scarlett. When the other woman takes it, Melanie glances over at Damon.]
Damon, would you mind walking me back to my hotel?
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He'll accompany Melanie back, but lay one hand on Scarlett's shoulder in solidarity. Should she need something. He can be there. Until he isn't, if he leaves Paris. )