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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2014 11:09:10 GMT -5
As disconnected as her mind seems to be, it's as if the small towel magically appears in front Charlotte. But she doesn't question that, and instead gratefully takes it - first wiping around her mouth and then folding it over so that she can pat away the moisture from the rest of her face. That was not fun! It takes a moment for the blanket to register, but when it does she first pulls it even closer and then notices that it was Selina who provided it, guessing it was probably also her that made the towel appear. But though Charlotte would normally want to be alone, there's something about feeling very unwell that makes even the most aloof person just want someone to take care of them until it's over. And she does feel very unwell at the moment, though it seems to be passing quickly.
Also quick to take the glass, she sips it experimentally. She doesn't remember ever feeling sick like this before, but she's been sick enough times in her life to know to be careful about water right after you throw up - sometimes it does nothing but give your stomach more ammunition. The sip seems to go down well, though, so she permits herself a proper mouthful to see how that does. "I don't know what's going on..." she says with a frown, sounding confused. Of course, a lot of that is simply because she knows next to nothing about psychosomatic anything. Well, she's heard of the concept before, but she's certainly never experienced anything like this before.
But though it takes her another moment, she does manage to find words for what's going on in her head - or at least the part of it that makes sense. "I feel like I'm being turned into another person... or something," she muses out loud, frowning to herself as if unsure that she's said that right. She does still feel kind of light-headed, after all.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2014 22:48:10 GMT -5
"Only if you let those things change you. They are just that. Something that gives you warmth-clothing. Sheets to sleep in, toothpaste to brush your teeth. Think of them as tools. And you're the one that utilizes them, not the other way around." She offers quietly. "You always have a choice in what you do, keep that in mind. Right now, you just have a few more tools at your fingertips, and it's overwhelming."
It's a lot going on, and Selina realizes the delicate nature of it all. Going from having nothing, to this, is a shock. And with all the activity, and probably an empty stomach isn't helping, either.
"It's shock," Selina starts, gently gathering Charlotte's hair and swiftly plaiting it away from her face. "Going from one place, to another, in a quick amount of time brings about this sort of reaction at times. Wait here, I'll be right back." And in moments, Selina is back with two tall glasses of milk. Chocolate milk, to be exact.
"All the running around with a snack toward the end will do anyone in, as well." Sitting with her back against the cabinet beneath the sink, Selina glances over to the teen, before starting to sip at her own milk. It should help calm her stomach for now.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2014 0:40:58 GMT -5
Pursing her lips slightly, Charlotte comments, "Well, I need to change..." Because what is she now? A shoplifter. A really good shoplifter, but she knows where that will take her: In and out of jail for the rest of her life - which is quite likely to be much shorter than it could be. And no - she doesn't want that. But in order to not be that, she needs to become something else, and... "I don't know if this is a good change or not," she says, thinking out loud again. Still, at least this might be progress - she got a similar feeling when she moved into those foster homes, but then she'd known that she didn't like the change. Compared to that, being unsure is much better.
Of course, she hadn't thrown up either of those times either. Still, Selina's explanation makes sense and that calms her - which is most of what she really needs right now. Any reassurance that what just happened isn't a sign that she's dying is most welcome. In fact, she can already feel her head starting to clear up. Though that's kind of a mixed thing, since a part of her is actually a little embarrassed to be puking just because she's had a major life change - people do that all the time without getting sick.
Then again, even if she's embarrassed, she's not quite to the point to where she cares that she's embarrassed - that'll catch up to her in something like an hour. Right now she's far too busy telling herself that it's okay that she's actually kind of enjoying having Selina taking care of her. It's only fair - it's Selina's fault that so much happened so fast, right? "Thanks," she says when Selina hands her the chocolate milk. Again she starts with a careful swallow, but it does seem to be helping with the queasiness instead of making it worse.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2014 8:22:21 GMT -5
"Change is something that is not always comfortable..." Selina claims wistfully over her chocolate milk. If she had known shifting from a nearly spoiled, gifted dancer to what she is now, would have been her life, would she have changed? That is a loaded question she sets to the the side for a later time, a notion she is realizing that Charlotte is making her question her actions every time they come into contact. Is she herself changing, as well?
The shift from having it all, to the merciless teasing, to her finding she was quite good at something other than dance hadn't been an in your face shift. It had been borne of need, much as Charlotte's had. To escape the judging eyes of her peers, and to seek something else. Home. Each time the last tumbler clicked into place, it seemed that all she had lost, was only fingertips away, instead of immeasurable amounts.
Realizing she had lapsed into contemplative silence, she sips again at her milk. "When I moved back to Gotham, I felt a nervous energy for at least two weeks. It was a shock to my system. The same thing happened to me after I'd opened the door to box after box of my things that had been in my old apartment. Again when my business didn't go under. Again when I saw old faces, now adults." Selina bit her lip, for once admitting to the crushing wave of emotion shifting over her.
"This is a good change. You have an opportunity to have the tools you should have in life, at your fingertips. Not everyone gets them, and you haven't had them for a while. But now that you do, it is overwhelming. A lot of it is mental, but it does get better. I'm not saying you are going to be handed your every whim, want and 'have to have,' but there are base things...someone should have. And from that point, we go forward, and heal. So, if I can put my two cents in, this will be a very good thing. Just...new guidelines, new tools, and a lot of learning. Just as using a blanket to stay warm, isn't going to change your moral fiber, but will keep you warm. You'll get there, kid."
Quietly offering encouragement, Selina may have said kid, or Kit, a name that had formed in her head when she often went through plans concerning the teen.
"So feel free to blame me. I am at fault for helping, but I do say you take a good share in turning my head, as well," she offers with a smile. "Just be thankful you weren't in scrubs and zip-tied to a wooden chair." She states in a comically cryptic way, brushing aside an errant piece of hair from the teen's face.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2014 1:33:46 GMT -5
Though Charlotte listens as Selina talks about coming back to Gotham, she doesn't really react much to the story except to sip more of her chocolate milk. Mostly because she just doesn't see how that's supposed to be relevant to this conversation - that was a completely different situation, after all.
In fact, she doesn't respond at all until Selina's talking about how good this change is, and that's to make a slight face and say, "Well, of course you'd think so - you're the one who thinks she knows what I need." Which she says mostly just to point out that while it's nice and all that Selina thinks so, she's not going to simply take her word for it. It'll probably take her awhile to decide if she agrees or not, and until then Charlotte reserves the right to to be skeptical.
Even if she's willing to admit to herself that Selina is pretty likable... in an annoying sort of way.
The cryptic comment gets a raised eyebrow, but Charlotte simply exhales and very deliberately doesn't ask about it. Instead she sets down her chocolate milk and asks, "Will you help me up?" Because she thinks that she's fine to stand now, and a bathroom floor isn't exactly the most comfortable place to sit.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2014 3:49:20 GMT -5
"Quite true,"Selina conceeds, "But thinking isn't always right. Are there things that you can think that would be good for you? Considering I'm not a mind reader, you letting me know your opinions would be easier at this point, rather than me looking into aquiring mind reading skills." Offering a wry smile, Selina notices the color has returned to the girl's cheeks, and her milk is almost gone. "Finish that last bit of chocolate milk, then we'll get you settled somewhere more comfortable." And in this household, that is many places. Charlotte's bed, the chaise lounges in Selina's room, Selina's bed, or one of the purposefully soft, overly large couches and chairs in the living area.
After the last bit of milk is gone, Selina offers her forearms to aide the girl to a standing position, waiting a few moments for her to not be dizzy, before they move. "Any thoughts on what you'd like to do next?"
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2014 11:18:48 GMT -5
When Selina turns the question on her, Charlotte immediately frowns. "I don't know..." she says, because honestly Selina's guess is as good as hers at this point. Actually, Selina's guess is probably better - all Charlotte knows is whether or not things feel right, and that's a fairly flimsy guide, actually. And it's also just plain hard to think of anything that Selina isn't already giving her, though after a moment more of thought, she says, "Friends my own age who don't live on the street or on the other side of the city." Because she doesn't have any of those now. Of course, Selina can't just give her that particular thing.
When Selina decides to make finishing her chocolate milk a condition for being helped up, Charlotte rolls her eyes and says, "Yes, mom..." Picking it up again, she finishes it off by simply chugging it down. "Done!" she announces, putting the cup back down.
Just as she suspected, she's able to stand just fine after just a moment or two of initial dizziness. Though when Selina asks what she wants to do next, she frowns and says, "I feel like a nap... but it's probably kind of late for that, huh?" Because if she sleeps now, that probably means she'll be up for most of the night, unable to fall asleep because she isn't tired enough.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2014 11:05:29 GMT -5
Ah. There it is; the unsure tone and slight return of confidence that, man, the adult may just have my best interests in mind. Selina doesn't say that, of course, because she knows that she, herself, would recoil with some smart-ass comment if the same phrase was spouted her way. So, allowing the teen a bit of time to think on what would be good for her, she waits. And when the response is finally uttered, she smiles.
"Well, that is next on the list. School. And hopefully you'll find some down to earth friends. But if you do know of any friends on the street that would rather not, let me know." She leaves it at that, because while she does have a large heart, she can't take in every child that tugs at her heartstrings.
Clicking her tongue as Charlotte rolls her eyes, she puts on a good 'Mom' voice and retorts in kind,"And no back-sass, ya hear!" And waggles her finger at the girl. "I'd rather you finish the milk, than possibly take a header, and dump it on yourself." She adds, helping Charlotte to stand, moving away after it's clear the teen isn't going to topple.
Blinking once, then twice as the sweetest question hits her ears, Selina shakes her head. "Set your alarm for 45 minutes, and it shouldn't upset your rhythms too much. But if we end up staying up, it just means more things get done," she states nonchalantly. A nap for the teen means she can get a bit of work done, a few things she'd rather not have a slew of questions asked about. "I should have your phone and laptop configured in an hour or two, so a nap sounds fantastic." Even as she's starting to feel her body really waking up, that inner feline stretching, as if to say 'finally,' despite the fact she's really been on the go since before the sun was truly up. Old habits are hard to break.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2014 18:57:26 GMT -5
A deep frown appears as Selina speaks of Charlotte's friends on the street, and she shrugs as she comments, "Everyone on the street is on the street for a reason." And, at least to some degree, all of them want to be there or they wouldn't be there - Charlotte herself isn't completely certain she wouldn't rather be back out there right now. Because even if she's aware that shoplifting is a dead end, at least it's a life she fully understands - brutal but simpler. And it's hard to say which if any of those friends would thank her for pointing them out to someone trying to help - most would probably promptly decide that she's no friend of theirs, actually.
As Selina explains the logic behind her demand for the chocolate milk to be finished and helps her up, Charlotte remains unconvinced. "Like I'd do that..." she says, clearly doubting that such a thing would ever happen. But the chocolate milk is gone so there's no need to worry about it anymore anyway.
Selina's suggestion for her nap causes Charlotte to give a thoughtful nod - yeah, that should work. Forty-five minutes is definitely not enough time to make her not tired, but hopefully it's enough to take the edge off. "Okay, I'll do that then," she says, wandering out of the bathroom and back to her room. Where she's once again confronted by the sight of all those boxes and bags, but though she still cringes inwardly at them at least she's not feeling sick again. Instead she does her best to ignore them, shifting the stuff on her bed out of the way then grabbing the tablet she'd used the night before and setting an alarm for 45 minutes. Then she simply stretches out on top of the bed, not bothering with the covers, and lets herself rest.
45 minutes later, the alarm on the tablet goes off and Charlotte sleepily swipes at the screen to turn it off. Still quite tired, she finds it difficult to convince herself to get up. So difficult, in fact, that she falls back asleep before she manages to do so.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2014 13:01:03 GMT -5
A certain sound of a very distinct whispered rustle faintly coming from master bedroom’s penthouse balcony suddenly made itself known to Selina’s ears. An all-too familiar sound Selina had heard so many times before that she was now acutely attuned to immediately recognize such a specific noise of near silence the moment it occurred; where most everyone else only heard silence instead. He was there. That’s what that gentle wisp sound meant.
Silently, unseen in the shadows of the night, the Batman had come – like the creature of habit he was. And being the creature of habit that she was, leaving her balcony French doors open ajar so she could indulge in the night air, the sudden addition of the Dark Knight’s sharply pointed shadow now loomed within her bedroom. Grimly calling out from the darkest area of the balcony’s outer doorframe came a gravelly deep voiced question.
“Taking in a new stray?”
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2014 15:40:28 GMT -5
"Mmm." Is all Selina concedes to that topic. She herself can remember all too vividly why she ran the streets. And what happened when she chose to. If it hadn't been for the little kindnesses that she had been shown, her life may have taken a very drastically different route. Her eyes show for the briefest of moments that memories are flooding her, but snaps to rather quickly.
Charlotte is right, and she chuckles slightly at her words. "You've got me on that one. With your coordination, I doubt you'd topple anytime. But just to be safe, humor me." Taking the empty glass and dirty towel, Selina watches the teen go to her room, and shut the door. A quick trip to the kitchen and laundry deposits dirty things, and she goes back to her room allowing her door to be cracked while she settles in with her cup of tea.
She's got work to do. So as she grabs the laptop, and cellphone, she also keys in some soft music for background noise. It doesn't take long for her to sync both phone, and laptop with a few additional programs, upload several music apps and other errata, and start on some work correspondence. Nearly an hour passes, and she smirks to herself as she notes there is little movement from the other bedroom. If she's tired, she's tired. Personally, Selina sleeps when her body tells her so, and intuitively, while she may not sleep like most people, she gets some of the best rest that she can with her schedule.
As phone and laptop are unplugged, fully charged, she removes them and walks them over to the chaise, and sets them down. It's the slightest change in the room that catches her attention, a smile on her lips as she turns. It's not that she heard him, but could sense the shift, the tiniest tell of someone else in her home. And it's too large to just be Jasper, that is for sure. Narrowing her eyes, she spots the denser shadow on her balcony, and the gravel her ear has come to recognize.
"Mmm. And aren't you one to talk. Coming in?" She calls to him, waving her hand in invitation. "I'm not discussing that topic on my balcony." Going to sit semi-cross legged on her bed, Selina is in quite a differnt 'uniform' than he may be used to seeing her in. Comfortable leggings, a soft pullover, hair pulled into a low ponytail, she's in her element, at home. And the man that embodies Batman is shown in stark contrast to her utterly feminine, welcoming bedroom quarters. Green eyes flick up and down the masked vigilante, a hint of longing as she knows tonight she's not headed out to play their games, for she has more important matters to tend to for the next few days.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2014 18:38:53 GMT -5
As tired as she is, Charlotte is actually quite a light sleeper. Perhaps that will change now that she's off the streets again and can get accustomed to sleeping in a much safer environment than an alleyway, but for now even as she sleeps her ears remain vigilant for any unusual sounds. And that comes in the form of a voice much too deep to be either Selina's or Liv's, though by the time she's awake she's not exactly sure what woke her. But she looks at the tablet and notes the time, realizing that she's slept longer than she intended to, and that's enough to bring her fully awake.
That's when she realizes that she hears Selina talking, though she can't make out the words and assumes that it's either to Liv or to someone on the phone. Still, it's rather late now so Charlotte is curious about what she'd be talking about at this hour - though if she's honest, she's wondering if it's about her. So she quietly slips out of her bedroom and down the hall toward Selina's room, just wanting to get close enough to be able to make out the words and decide if she cares to listen - because if not, she's totally going to go raid the fridge next instead.
Of course, though Charlotte has had perhaps more than the average amount of practice at being sneaky, she's by no means had any training by a professional or had enough practice to know how to do so silently rather than simply very quietly. So though she's quite unaware of it, her odds of actually being able to get away with eavesdropping on these particular two people are practically nothing.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2014 7:38:37 GMT -5
“Can’t stay long.” Came his gruff, clipped reply.
But, never-the-less the 6’2” intricately armored Gotham Guardian seemed to suddenly pool into the dark of her room, now stopping to stand just at the defining line of where shadow ended and light began. He knew he really shouldn’t have even stepped that far into her room, let alone stepping into her room at all. But... Selina was… Different. His standard black and white rules just didn’t exactly apply to her. Never did and probably never will.
Despite being exposed to such an open part of her life by standing inside her bedroom, his body language was still guarded in its display. His long jet black cape was wrapped tightly about his muscular, armored form. His jaw kept tightly clenched, giving him a brooding look of stoicism.
“Not here to talk, I’m here to investigate. Charlotte Geier. Why, Selina? What reason could you possibly have to take in and care for some young child, given the unique lifestyle you choose to lead?”
He was holding off in judging her with any of his accusations, giving her a chance to provide an answer on her own behalf – hoping her answer would fit into his logic. In the moment it would take for Selina to respond, Batman suddenly noticed the creeping appearance of a new shadow slowly filling up the crack of dim light beneath Selina’s closed bedroom door. And following the new shadowy presence behind the door came the sound of clumsy tip-toeing distinctly made by a person who was small and light in stature. Charlotte. Well, he had to admit one thing – the girl had damn good hearing…
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2014 9:43:24 GMT -5
While Charlotte may have good hearing, her sneaking needs a bit of work. But as soon as that voice is grimly announcing himself, she has to smile. A certain gesture meant only for him. So while he stands at the shadowline of her own room, she laughs lightly at the change in stance, standing as he comes in closer.
She's not lacking in height, but the words she does want to tell him shouldn't be overheard by everyone. "Wrong opening line for an argument you can't win, Batman," she murmurs, looking up at the keeper of the night. Fondly her fingertips-clawless, trace at an all-too familiar emblem. His nighttime visits are going to be a bit different, now, with a teen in the house. "Another time," she adds, the barely perceptible shift in his attention alerting her to Charlotte. Her gaze flits to the reflection in her nearly wall-to-wall windows, noting the light shift. "Come meet her."
While the teen may not have seen the two, and their familiarity-no, intimate gestures, this is one thing she has to be transparent on. Clearing her throat, Selina calls to the hallway; "Charlotte, come meet our guest." Of all the words she thought to describe him, guest is not the most concise, but it is one of the more welcoming. Removing her hand from his chest, she starts to walk to the door, just in case the girl thinks to bolt once she realizes who is in Selina's bedroom. Time for a delicate test, one of many to come for the teen.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2014 17:05:07 GMT -5
As she approaches the door as quietly as she can, Charlotte is surprised when the first words she's able to hear clearly are Selina telling her to come in. How in the hell?! She was being quiet! Oh well, she's clearly been caught so she sees no reason not to go meet whoever this guest is.
Though when she opens the door and sees Batman standing there, she's quite clearly shocked to see him. In fact, the second that she lays eyes on him she can do nothing but freeze for a moment and stare at him - what's he doing here? She'd heard of him, of course, but she's never seen him. Well, except that one time when she saw what she was pretty sure was his car speeding past. But she's always been one to try to stay away from anything really dangerous, never mind the time that she's spent on the streets, so the odds that their paths would cross were quite low. Which she was quite happy with - she's never wanted anything to do with him. And she's pretty sure that whatever reason he's here now is something she doesn't want to mess with either.
On the other hand, once the immediate shock wears off, she's far uncertain about what she's just walked into than anything. Selina hadn't sounded upset at all when she'd called her in, so the more alarming reasons that her mind is making up for Batman to be here are probably unlikely. But then again, the less alarming reasons all don't make any sense. So she doesn't panic or try to run, but after noting that Selina doesn't look upset either, she finishes entering the room. Though aside from that glance, her eyes don't leave Batman and she watches him carefully - clearly waiting to see what he does next before she'll be making any decisions about whether she can calm down or should flee the room after all. "...okay..." she says, hoping that someone will tell her what in the world is going on.
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