01/06/2020 Boundaries and Beginnings

Boundaries and Beginnings
IC Date	June 1st, 2020
IC Time	Evening
Players	Bobbi, Jazz
Location	Prospect Roasters

Bobbi's on the big couch, with her legs pulled up and under her. She's wearing an oversized pink sweater with a knit cartoon bear on it and the phrase "I'M SORRY THAT LOVELY", blue jeans, and ballet flats. There's a mug of coffee on the table in front of her, a notebook on her lap, and a pen in her hand -- which she is lightly chewing on. Like most of the time, she seems to be in a good mood.

Jazz wastes no time in reaching the counter and getting what is now well-established as her breakfast usual: Chai latte, maple and pecan lattice pastry, and a cheery smile. Once it is obtained, she moves to the couch. "Good morning, Miss Bobbi! May I say you are looking excessively lovely today. I would not 'ave thought of you as wearing a pink sweater, but in some sort of unusual way, it makes sense. And it suits you very much. You are well, oui?"

"Hey Jazz!" Bobbi exclaims with a big smile and a cheery voice. Putting her notebook and pen on the table, she trades it for her mug of coffee. "Well thank you, you're looking beautiful as always. I dunno, been trying to be a little more feminine in 2020. Spent so long in the same rugged clothes or in my mechanic's jumpsuit that sometimes I need a change, y'know?" Looking around, she asks, "Would you care to join me?"

Jazz flops onto the couch, her legs waggling briefly in the air. It's low, it's soft, and sitting gracefully has never been Jazz's best feature. Yet another flaw for her father to criticise, undoubtedly. "I 'ave been buried in work, I managed to get a good 'ead of steam going. SO I apologise for not speaking for a few days. But I 'ave been thinking of you. I maybe feel ready to learn more. Much as 'e is wise, my cat is not the most patient of tutors, and a person teaching me more of the world might be a little easier to understand."

"It's ok," Bobbi tells her with an understanding smile. "The past few days have been busy and emotional for me anyway, so I wouldn't have been that available. I'm happy to help you with your education as well as meeting the right people. Part of me is a bookworm and the other part is a social butterfly, so you found the right person. OH! I forgot to show you ... " Bobbi turns away from Jazz slightly to show that the back of her sweater says 'CHARMING!' surrounded by a couple hearts on either side. Turning back to Jazz she grins and takes a sip of her coffee.

Jazz bursts out in a guffaw. Like most of her countryfolk, she is very expressive emotionally. She does not giggle. "That is an absolutely wonderful garment! I love it! Still, you can wear it. I am not sure it would suit me. Though I do like to take people by surprise. I can see it now, double spread in Paris Match - 'as DJ Jazz fallen in love, or just lost her mind?" She picks up her drink and inhales the aroma. "I shall make myself available whenever you are. But I am sorry it has been emotional - not in a bad way, I 'ope. Is there anyway I can 'elp?" Always there to offer. She vanishes for days at a time, but when she is around, she lives for her friends.

"My friend got it for me in Japan," Bobbi explains with a little laugh. "It's like an ugly Christmas sweater for all seasons ... well, I guess no summer, but you know what I mean. Was a little chilly today, so figured I'd get in a wear before it gets too warm." Bobbi takes a moment to look Jazz over and notes, "Yeah, you're probably a bit too chic for it, but maybe when you need to go incognito?" Tilting her head from side-to-side a little bit, she notes, "Dealing with rumors and making tough decisions. Sometimes even though you love someone, they become too toxic and you need to cut them out of your life. I'll get through it, I'm thinking I'm going to get out of town for a few days, do a little vacation to clear my head."

Jazz looks somewhat concerned. "I am very sorry to 'ear this! Who was it who 'as broken your 'eart? That is a very painful thing. Do you need me to go and drop a brick on them?" She smiles impishly. "Or would you like some company? I could take you on a road trip! Las Vegas is a good place to blow of steam. Or further afield. 'ave you ever been to Monaco? At this time of year, it is beautiful, and I would gladly take you. I know a very exclusive 'otel, own private beach, excellent food - a good place to clear away the cobwebs."

"Not a lover," Bobbi says very softly, "more like a little sister. It's like suddenly she became an angry and hormonal teen. It became very hard to deal with her, and I let her get away with things I normally would not. I held on for awhile, but when she found someone new to take care of her, I felt it was time for a clean break." Bobbi gives a little laugh and notes, "Well, I was planning to go back to Tengen to get some more tattoos," Bobbi says, though where she would get more tattoos is the real question. "I have not been to Monaco, but I was thinking I would stop by Greece to meet up with someone while there. I do want to take some more road trips in the future. I met someone who's new to town, and I'm supposed to take them camping." Bobbi looks down at her pants, and then up to Jazz and says with a laugh, "no, no cobwebs!"

Jazz purses her lips in sympathy. "I am truly sorry, that is a very sad thing. I know some friendships run their natural course, but... Je suis desoli, my friend." She lays a hand on one fuffy jumpered arm for a moment. "I wonder, should I get another tattoo? My father would cut me off without a single solitary sou if I got one everyone could see, but I LIKE them. Yours are stunning works of art. And my own.. I like it, but few people 'ave seen it. But... if you do Greece, 'ave you toured the islands? Oh, I adore it! I did a cruise there a few years ago. Ofcourse, you also 'ave to deal with Athens. It is a smelly, dirty, ugly sort of a place. A tragic end for the glories of Greece. But if you want road trips, I am always up for it. Get the girls, get us a big vehicle, decorate it crazily... oh!" She sits up right with wide eyes. "I can probably score us Burning Man tickets! I know a little man who knows a slightly larger man, who knows people..."

Bobbi gives a little shrug, a wistful smile on her face. "I wish her the best," she says softly. "It became one of those things when I would say something like 'be careful, the stove is hot' and she would say 'you always think I'm doing something wrong.'" Bobbi shakes her head a little as she takes another sip of her coffee. "I tend not to get tattoos the way most people do. In fact, I'm not a big fan of a series of individual pieces. Mine is more a single piece, a collaboration between my soul and the soul of the artist. For the most part it was all free-hand." Bobbi listens as Jazz describes Greece, and notes, "I know I have to go to Knossos, but I'm sure I will take day trips. I've only done Western and Northern Europe before, I'm really looking forward to it. Especially seeing all the ruins." Bobbi smiles and notes, "It's been awhile since I've been to Burning Man. It didn't make sense for awhile. Though now? It might make sense. I imagine it's changed a bit since I last went. I definitely do plan to go to some festivals this year and -- oh! I'm running a psytrance party in the woods outside of Prospect this weekend. You should try to make it if you can. It's always a good time."

Jazz beams. "I will be there, absolutely! I would not miss it for the world. I 'ave seen a lot of Europe, of course. But that was easy for me. I mean, I lived there, I 'ad a lot of money, my father is an important man whose name opens doors... I know, I am basically a spoiled rich playgirl who just does whatever she wants and is totally irresponsible. But I cannot 'elp it! I mean..." She lowers her voice. "I was born to it. Literally. I am what the world made me, this world, and the other. I am just a lot of urges inside a body with a really superb ass. And one should always be true to oneself. Like you and the tattoos, oui? That is the same."

"I was born in Europe," Bobbi notes to Jazz. "I even have triple citizenship. However, I never really had any money growing up. I'm starting to have some now, but that's from running my own business, so there's lots of responsibilities for me. Hard to find a lot of time to spend." Bobbi listens a bit more than exclaims, "Hey! That's not fair, I'm more than just tattoos - I also have a superb ass." Bobbi laughs and says, "Makes up for the lack of these," she says as she presses and pushes on her barely there chest. A little giggle, and then a sip of coffee.

Jazz lifts her mug and sips, her eyelashes lowered, then she peeks upwards impishly. "I did notice that you are endowed with a great posterior, oui. I 'ave a superpower. I can detect a great butt at a distance of two 'undred metres. Of course, it was difficult at first, as my own kept giving me false positives. As for boobs..." She shrugs excessively. "They can be good, but really, they are also a pain at times. I mean literally. Six days a month... ugh! Do not even go there!" She leans back on the couch and crosses her legs into the lotus position. "I know 'ow running a business can be. I run my own, of course. it is very different to yours, naturally, but I 'ave to do taxes, buy equipment, justify everything. It is awful, as I am an artist, and therefore utterly incapable of being organised."

"I think we both got bitten by the same radioactive butt!" Bobbi exclaims as she laughs and even gives a little snort. "I don't mind not really having breasts. I think in fact it goes well with the tatooing, as it's easier to have sort of a plane to tattoo across. The only time I can think of when I really thought having an ample chest was when my friend got this super cute little pet mouse. And it was like, ermagherd! Why can't I have cleavage to hide him in?" Bobbi gives another laugh, but then notes, "Well, I have to do all of those things too. And half my job is being an artist. Or, a sizeable percentage at least. Someday I hope to do well enough that I can have just a studio instead of a garage-slash-studio."

Jazz nods wisely. "I am sure you will. I 'ave taken a look at what you do. it is very impressive. I 'ave seen work not nearly as good in the Tate Modern, for example. It just takes the right break to be truly discovered, and who knows where it might lead? Please tell me you are not like others - like Rick? 'e wants nothing to do with success. I cannot comprehend that, myself. But I suppose, if it keeps 'im content..." She shrugs again. "Actually, on the subject of such things, I feel I ought to come clean. I asked first, to be sure I was not stepping on toes. I do not like to poach or anything. Did you know - Punky and I, we spent the night together?"

"Thank you," Bobbi says with a smile. "I just finished a new collection. I'll have to show you that sometime. I've had some leads come and go. I'm sure it will happen eventually. Some people do not get discovered until their 70s or until they're dead. That's not a big deal to me. Creating art is a compulsion, a calling, not a day job." Bobbi looks down at her coffee and thinks for a mmoment, "Rick was one of my former students. His girlfriend was also a student. She was the one I spoke of earlier." Bobbi pauses for another moment in contemplation before moving on, "Of course I want to be successful. Maybe not what some people would define as success, but why pursue something if you do not plan to succeed? It makes little sense." Bobbi smirks slightly, "I did not know that, but I do not mind. In fact, I was thinking that I'd probably call things off with Punky for other reasons. We had never gone further than just some kisses, so it seems better to do it now than to wait until we got more involved. I like her, though, and I am happy for the two of you. To quote the immortal Leonard Cohen, 'We weren't lovers like that, and besides it would still be alright.'"

Jazz smiles gently. "I know Rick's girlfriend. I am sorry. Sometimes, the world turns in ways we do not expect. But Punky and I - well, it was sex. it was good sex, too, but I do not think it is likely to be more than that. Not at the moment, anyway. We would need to know one another better. I am what I am, and I 'ave a very healthy appetite for frolicing in the bedroom. And the 'ot tub, in this case. But I wanted to be sure you knew, I did not do anything until i got 'er to confirm that you and she would not 'ave a problem with it. You are my friend. I would not do that to you." She nibbles pastry. "I can think of a lot of things I WOULD do, though..."

"No, it would not be a problem," Bobbi says to Jazz. "It never developed beyond a simple dalliance. She was very charming, but I also needed to think things through. My conclusion ended up being that I should not take it further. Please don't mention this, I haven't spoken with her about it yet. Though she was aware that I still had things to think through. I've been seeing someone for about six months now, and though it was never exclusive, she is the only one I have slept with in all of 2020. It's a porcupine situation. Wanting to move closer, and then pushing things away. Certain emotions and self-worth is difficult for her, and that becomes a bit difficult for me. Makes me question things. Though she does not use the words I'd like to ideally here, she did say somethings recently that indicates to me her feelings and the interest in more emotional intimacy. I realized I am happy with where things are. I like flirting and friendly physical intimacy, but I came to realize that if I have the emotional intimacy, I only need one lover. I suppose I am being monogamous while in a polyamorous relationship, and I'm fine with that." Bobbi takes a sip of her coffee, not responding directly to the proposition, but her words probably making it clear enough.

Jazz smiles gently. "I think that is lovely. It is quite romantic. I shall not mention anything to 'er, you shall 'ave my word. I envy you, in a way. For me, it is so difficult to find anyone. I am always traveling, I can't really support a relationship for more than a few weeks. A different person in Ibiza, then a Christmas fling in Adelaide, then some student on Spring Break in Miami... I enjoy what we do, do not get me wrong, or I would not do it. But it might be nice to 'ave someone I can curl up with after a long day, and be close with a soul, not just a body. My people..." She looks around carefully. "You know what I am, yes? I must be sure of that first?"

"It's not always easy," Bobbi says softly. "To love someone that cannot say 'I love you' back, someone who does not even think to love themselves. Sometimes you feel uncertain about things, but then you see something in their eyes that reminds you that they do in fact love you. I understand what you're saying though, and I've been there myself. Perhaps now getting older and more settled down, my wants and desires are different. As I said, I am not looking for a new lover, but I am always looking for friends where we can have physical intimacy. I was having a long discussion the other day, about how it's sad that people often see physical intimacy as a prelude to intimacy, rather than it's own goal. So, if you ever need someone to cuddle with? Feel free to call me up." Bobbi gives a smile and then Jazz speaks of her people. She gives a little nods and says softly, "Yes, of course. But let us be careful here. I caused some offense recently -- by accident, of course -- and I am still working on making that better. I want to be careful not to offend anyone further. In fact, we should probably both have discussions with our people before I introduce you further to mine. I think it should be fine, but to prevent misunderstandings."

At your table, Jazz lowers her voice, but reaches to stroke that arm again softly. "I would like that. I am a very tactile person, and most of the time, all I 'ave to hug is my cat. And he's an offensive prick, most of the time. So, not ideal. People need to understand that a hug is just a hug, sometimes. I agree utterly." She drinks more as she thinks. "I am sure my people would not be surprised, or too bothered if you knew who I really was. My father, 'e is of the Sidhe. I am not, I am just ... well, I suppose the D&D crowd would call me an 'alf-elf. Some of the good bits of elf, some of the bad bits - but absolutely NONE of the useful bits. I 'ave strange eyes, and true, it did make me telepathic, and I do not even know 'ow... but the actual powers, the stunning beauty, the ability to silence a room with a twitch of an eyebrow? No. That is not me. My father, 'e never will forgive me for being an 'alf-blood. 'e wanted a true son of the Blood of Eiluned to carry our name forwards. What 'e got was a girl with goofy eyes and ears, who, compared to the rest of the family, looks like a bulldog licking piss off a nettle." Given that she is indeed a striking woman, the gods alone know what her family must look like...

At your table, Bobbi takes a sip of her coffee, and then places the mug on the table. Crawling forward slightly, she flips over onto her back, placing her head in Jazz's lap. Looking up at Jazz, she begins to say, "Go to your people. Ones who can make decisions. Tell them that you have desire to understand your powers better, to train more and to make the proper introductions. Tell them you have heard of a capable instructor named Bobbi, and that you had approached me to ask about this possibility. Tell them that while I seemed ammenable, that I would not act without their explicit approval on the matter. If they are ok with it? Then I am more than happy to help you, and I think we can work to form another bridge between our peoples. If they say no, I will work to find someone else to approach you." With a smile she lifts a hand to gently rub Jazz's knee, "Sound good to you?"

Jazz brushes some hairs of Bobbi's face, and nods, with a small smile

At your table, Jazz says "I do. I think that would work. I need to find the right person to ask. Things change fast, so I am not sure who is actually the big noise 'ere any more. But I think, if I do so, they will see the benefit. After all, my powers could be inherited by my offspring. And sooner or later, I suppose I need to think about that. And a stronger alliance with your people and mine would absolutely be of benefit to both. The prodigals, the bloodsuckers... no. We need to be strong to keep them at bay"

At your table, Bobbi smiles happily as Jazz brushes aside her dreads. She listens dreamily at Jazz's explanation, giving slight nods here and there. That is until Jazz mentions the bloodsuckers and her face turns deadly serious. "Bloodsuckers is being kind," she says with bitterness in her voice. "A societ of immortal nocturnal rapists is more like it," she adds. "They are only immortal, though, in that they do not age. I have learned many tricks for dealing with their kind. I think, though, that I have caused them so much trouble already that they will not be bothering me ever again. And if they do? I'll be ready. It's hard for someone's blood to nourish you when it transforms into sunlight."

At your table, Jazz smiles a rather viscious smile. "I will remember that. Mostly, I just avoid anywhere they might be. I 'ave met a few shapeshifters, and they were actually very nice to me. I am not sure if that was the individuals, or if they are generally well inclined to my sort. They seemed very curious about my powers, though. But I shall talk to the right people as soon as I can, so we can get to the interesting part. I am very curious to know exactly what you can show me." Curious... yes. Well. That was her family curse. She always had to know more, and it ALWAYS got her into trouble.

At your table, Bobbi nods slightly to this. "They are already banned from several locations because of me," she explains. "While I'd just like them to fuck off and die already, I suspect that if they act against me again, their society will have an alert to leave alone all dreadlocked women. My girlfriend also has dreadlocks, and while I will protect her, I will not explain who she is. It will be there choice if they want to risk it or not, but I believe them to generally be smarter than that. The shapeshifters? I do not believe I have met any, though I know a bit. I've done quite a bit of research on things that go-bump-in-the-night, solely to protect myself and my interests. The thing to know, though, is that the more involved you get with my kind, the more secrecy becomes paramount, and I believe this is something your kind feels strongly about as well. I had problems recently with someone that did not understand this. If a Sleeper is being bothered by others, you may protect them, but it is foolish to explain to them the existence of these things. They will likely not believe you, but if they do? What good does it do a Mortal to know Vampires and the like exist?"

At your table, Jazz nods sharply. "Of course. Believe me, I am a daughter of a noble 'ouse famed for their abilities in both magic and espionage. The keeping of secrets is quite literally built into my DNA. I am not going to let slip anything I should not reveal. And I do 'ave a few tricks up my sleeve to keep myself safe if needs be. And I am getting stronger all the time. For most, ignorance remains truly bliss. I shall not let you down... and your girlfriend? I apologise if I am prying, but what is 'er name? If you care for her this much, then she is a worthy person, and I would be very 'onoured to make her acquaintance. In return, you can meet my cat. Believe me, I would get the better of that bargain, but I think you should talk to 'im. So far, 'e is the one who teaches me, and I think it only polite you discuss that, oui?"

At your table, Bobbi listens, her eyes closed as her head rests in Jazz's lap. "Well, my DNA is kinda rural white trash, so I hope you won't hold tht against me," she says with a slight laugh, indicating she's not particularly worried about this. "Astrid, like the Goddess," she says with a smile. "A fitting name, though I myself call her 'Sassa', and she lets me." Bobbi opens her eyes and says, "Ok, I'll meet your cat sometime."

At your table, Jazz tastes the name thoughtfully. "Astrid. Astrid... oui, it is a good name. A noble name. A strong, powerful name. I like it! And I am sure I will like 'er as well, you clearly 'ave excellent taste. And given the degree my father 'as poured scorn on me due to my DNA being beneath the acceptable, you will not find me doing the same to you just because ours is different! The deeds make the person, not the blood in their veins. Well, for most people. 'umans... for those of the Dream, well, we are different. Our natures are pre-ordained and created and there is not a lot that can be done about that." She gently massages the temples of the head in her lap. She has a light touch. Probably comes from playing all those instruments. "It is my fate. My fate, woven on the loom by Norns or the like, long before I was born. My fate is... to 'ave a magnificent ass. And there is no way I can prevent it!"

At your table, Bobbi smiles and notes, "Part of the increased intimacy she suggested was wanting to meet more of my friends. I am sure it will be arranged." Bobbi laughs about the comment about a magnificent ass. "We must have good karma, yes? I do not know that I see it as fate as completely preordained, more guided. Our Souls have a path which they wish us to walk. This path has lessons that are important for our Soul, but often difficult for the flesh. Part of what we do as Will-Workers is speak to our Soul and remind them of the fragility of the flesh, to seek sometimes a different way to go through the path. I used to think that this was just asking for pity. Now? Now I think the purpose of this journey is to learn to do just that. To flex the will."

At your table, Jazz ponders this for a while, and nibbles pastry, carefulyl avoiding dropping any in her lap, on the face contained therin. "I see. I know 'ow it feels. I do not need to do rituals or spells to do what I do. It comes all from inside my mind. I envision it, and sort of imaging my power as a fluid, being poured into a construct, that comes to life. Such as with electronics. I pour my will into it, let it seep through, and this solidifies, providing me with a link into the machine. Once that is there, and it takes only a second to do, I can just THINK what I wish to 'appen, and it does. In my work, it is VERY useful. My live rig is much bigger than most. This is because I can control most of it without needing my 'ands. Not that anyone watching knows that. I just THINK my performance, and POUF! It 'appens. That is easy. I could not teach anyone to do it, but I just knew 'ow to do it. I think I knew long before I did it."

At your table, Bobbi looks up at the pastry being eaten, her expression amused mock-fear. "You can never truly teach someone to do. You teach them how to learn, how to open their mind and soul. You provide the proper inputs and the proper lessons and motivations. Still, that is never a guarantee and there is never a single syllabus that works for all. If it is not the right person? Or even if it is the right person, but not the right time? The lessons are meaningless. Sure, the Master may ask you 'What is the sound of one hand clapping?' but what is gained from that depends completely on the work the person puts into it."

At your table, Jazz holds the pastry out to be bitten if so desired. "True. I am actually very fond of philosophy. It comes from living with a cat who can teleport, speaks every language ever known - or so 'e says - and who forces me to practice and get better. I still 'ave no idea what 'e gets out of this relationship, but this is a cat. I expect we will never really understand. 'e showed up when I was ten. I statted to 'ave these terrible migraines. Awful! And I was 'earing voices. It was very scary for a child. Well, this cat appears, and tells me things. So I freak out, I run to mama, and she just says "Not a problem." And they tell me my father is an elf, My family are all faeries, and they expect me to be a Noble Lady of the Sidhe and one day, I am to rule Paris." She snorted "No chance of that now! Anyway, the cat showed me how to use the power. I controlled it. No more voices... all i was doing was reading thoughts without even knowing it. That cat... 'e saved my sanity, I know it. So, I owe 'im at least a place to stay and company. But I warn you, 'e is a VERY rude creature. When I 'ave guests who are aware of our world, 'is favour trick is to tell everyone that I am a slut, or a whore, and so on. I do not really care, but sometimes 'e starts to produce illusions of things I 'ave done." She sighed. "That did not go down very well at my cousin's wedding."

At your table, Bobbi makes a very exagerrated gesture to take a very tiny bite of the pastry, which she seems to enjoy immensely. Bobbi listens intently as Jazz tells her story, and then notes, "Well, I already have plenty of people calling me a slut, so I know how that goes. Slut shamed without the benefits. I'm sure I'll get along with him just fine. I'm told I can be very catty." Bobbi let's that bad joke hang on it's own for a two-beat before she sits up. "I gotta get going," she says as she leans in to give Jazz a hug. "Talk to your people and we'll figure something out." Standing up she gathers her notebook and pen. Looks like she's going to say something more, but instead just waves goodbye with the fingers on her left hand.