Charcoal Ch. 03

"Mom, you know we haven't-" Scott blushed, his mother taking away all the confidence he had. He was back in the place he had grown up, the place he was told he would be alone forever, that he was talentless, good only for the one that had abandoned him.

"No time like the present!" Sylvia squealed. "Here we are!" She threw open French doors at the top of the first landing. The first room they entered was painted a soothing lavender, but the second set of French doors lead to a lavish bedroom painted the richest scarlet. The bed must have been larger than a king and the headboard was iron formed into the silhouette of a tree. It was a beautiful piece, but an intimidating one.

"Mom, this room-"

"Is perfect for what you will no doubt be doing! I expect you to do what is expected of you Scott. I know you spent a large amount of time thinking you didn't have to do your duty to the family, but that time has ended. You have been granted a chance to live up to your family name, don't waste it." Her voice was suddenly cold. Scott nodded and dropped his bag on the floor. Sylvia smiled, clapped her hands and left the room, closing the door behind her with a smile and another wink.

"Sorry." Scott whispered, refusing to meet Soul's gaze. "I forgot how she is. It was years before I realized how un-mother like she is." Soul was too stricken to respond. He placed his bag on a chair and ran a hand along the satin comforter.

There was a knock on the door, and it opened a moment later. Outside stood a woman that looked as much like Scott as possible without being a man. Her stomach protruded slightly in a way that suggested more than a large lunch. Soul had the uncomfortable image of Scott in the same condition before the new figure spoke.

"Hi, I'm Josie! Scott's sister. I am so exited to meet you; it has been so lonely here with only mom for company. And you must be Soul! It's been so long! Oh has mother got plans for you." She waddled into the room and gave Scott a hug. "You have to stay! I can feel myself become more like mom everyday. Nova says I talk like her now. Can you believe it!" Scott wrapped his arms around his sister's shoulders and buried his head in her hair.

"I missed you so much. And are you are having a baby?" Josie giggled and twirled.

"Yes, I mean, I didn't really intend on having one yet. But now that- well I think I am excited! I am supposed to be resting now, that's why I'm not with the others, but I couldn't wait to see you." Soul liked the woman; her enthusiasm seemed genuine opposed to Sylvia's forced smiles.

"And you-" She turned to Soul, "are just too pretty, I might have to steal you for myself!" She giggled, but Scott's face wasn't something to laugh at, he looked beyond livid. "Oh silly don't worry!" Josie patted him on the shoulder. "Nova might kill me. Now you guys should get dressed for dinner before mom flips completely. She wants you to wear your black suit that she got you over the summer with a green tie and the antique cufflinks." She smiled at Scott's irritated expression and turned to Soul. "She wouldn't share what she wants you to wear but she left a box in the dresser, I think it has your name on it." Soul wondered why she was telling them this if she was supposed to be resting, how were they supposed to know what to wear if she stayed asleep.

"Because I am supposed to get up at 6 to remind you, I'm just a bit early. I thought you might want to shower instead of just change. Plus I wanted to see my baby brother and resting all the time gets boring!" She turned and flounced out of the room. Soul was floored.

"Does she read minds?" He whispered as if that would keep her out of his head. Scott laughed.

"Not quite. She is really, really empathetic though. She probably felt your confusion toward her. She is really good at guessing too." Soul nodded, still not quite understanding but unwilling to pursue it now.

"So is your mom always this particular about what you wear?" Scott nodded and frowned at the closet.

"You bet, and you better get used to it, especially if she has already started with you. She usually waits until the second day to dress her guests. Better go find your clothes, we have an hour."

**

After enjoying the waterfall shower for longer that the time warranted Soul opened the box addressed to him in a bubbly script. Opening it he was struck with the impression of green the shirt was a vivid emerald with what seemed like a million mother of pearl buttons down the front. It was beautiful. Soul hated it. Pulling it on without undoing the buttons Soul found the shirt fit him perfectly, if a bit tighter than he preferred. It then flared slightly at his hips. He despised it. The pants were made of a soft material Soul couldn't identify, thankfully they were black and other than being a bit tight around the thighs and long, comfy. Dressed, Soul walked back into the lavender drawing room.

Scott's breath caught when he saw Soul's reflection in the mirror where he was fixing his collar. While he would have never picked the outfit for himself or for Soul it was beautiful. The green brought out the glow in his pale skin and the depth of his eyes. The cut of the shirt and pants emphasized the slender form and gentle curves Soul usually disguised. Scott turned around and the unfiltered imaged hit him like a punch to the stomach. He hardened painfully in his perfectly tailored pants. He wanted Soul like he had never wanted anything else. He forgot about dinner, about his mother and sister and the mess they were all in. All he could think of was Soul's slender hips in his hands and legs wrapped around him.

**

Soul stepped back when he saw the intensity in Scott's eyes.

"Hi?" He whispered. Scott couldn't bring himself to say a word. He simple stared. "Umm, do I need shoes, cause there weren't any that I could see." There was a long pause before Scott answered.

"Oh no, not in the house." The spell had been broken, but Scott's eyes retained their intensity and Soul's their wariness.

**

The dining room was just as intimidating as the bedroom. The chairs had backs high enough to hide their occupants and the place settings. There were several more forks and spoons than Soul knew what to do with, and covered platters promised many courses.

"You are a bit late." Sylvia stood in a chair at the head. "But I will excuse you this time." She smiled, and it looked scarier than if she had frowned. "You will sit here, and you here." She pointed at Soul and Scott and where she wished for them to sit, on either side of her. Soul stood next to his chair, waiting for some sign to sit. There were still several seats at the table that were set, but unoccupied.

"Sit." Scott mouthed from across the table. Soul did, just then Josie and a man Soul assumed was Nova entered the room. Josie was wearing a soft black gown that hid her belly. Nova a plain black suit. Josie sat next to Soul, Nova next to Scott. Soon after 2 more couples entered the room and sat the doors on the other side of the room entered. The man that came through them carried an aura of power. He looked a bit like Scott, but mostly he looked like someone you shouldn't cross.

"So the prodigal son has returned." Scott bowed his head. "Son, keep your head up. I may have raised a useless boy- but I will not let you be pathetic as well." Scott raised his head, but would not meet Soul's eyes, or anyone else's at the table.

"Well dear, he may just have some purpose now. Somehow he convinced this one to visit." Sylvia gestured to Soul like he was some sort of trophy. He considered, to them that was exactly what he was.

"Yes, I see that. But the bond isn't completed is it? The little one still doesn't know what is happening, and cannot channel or understand what he Sees. One step in the right direction cannot make up for a lifetime dallying with paints."

Soul looked at Scott, his face was blank.

"I didn't mean to cause such trouble. I never knew about any of this until a couple months-"

"So it speaks." Soul was taken aback. He hadn't meant to cause any offense. He opened his mouth to say as much, but was again interrupted.

"Sweetie, no one asked you to say anything." Sylvia placed her napkin on her lap. "No question was asked of you, so don't say anything." Soul was stricken. He couldn't think of anything he could have said. He looked down at his plate and played with his napkin. He was beginning to see why his mother had left.

After several moments of careful silence Sylvia picked up one of the platters and began serving tiny bowls of salad.

"So Josie, is that a new dress?" Sylvia's voice suggested that clothing wasn't the main point of her question. Josie visibly swallowed and seemed to gather herself before speaking.

"I wasn't feeling well last week, so I ordered it. I thought you would like it." Her whole demeanor had completely changed, gone was the sweet bubbly girl from earlier. In her place was a shy, scared young woman.

"I understand. But that doesn't make it right. You should come to me before you purchase nonessential items." Josie lowered her head and began to pick at her salad, Sylvia moved on to her next victim.

"Stacey, I heard you went to the doctor yesterday?" A woman to Josie's side nodded and paled.

"Yes ma'am."

"Call me Sylvia." Again the woman nodded, then looked up into Sylvia's piercing eyes and false smile.

"Yes Sylvia." The woman looked close to tears. Soul couldn't imagine going through this each day. Did none of these people stand up for themselves? Then he remembered how difficult it was to even think of something to say.

"And what did he say?" Sylvia asked still glaring into Stacey's eyes.

"She said these things take time. She said that I should try not to worry, that that could make things worse."

"She? You didn't go to the doctor I suggested? And you should be worried. Stacey, you aren't getting any younger, these things do take time and every month you fail your chances get smaller. Even Josie has conceived. Who knew she had it in her. You disappoint me. Go to Doctor Beauregard. He will have something better to say. Else..." A tear slid down Stacey's cheek, but she stayed at the table, and Sylvia moved on to her next victim. When she had moved through all the people sitting on Soul's side of the table a cloud seemed to lift from the group. Moments later two men dressed in simple white suits came and cleared the table. This time Scott's father served.

"You all know there have been developments?" Scott's father began. Everyone but Soul nodded. "We need to discuss what will happen next, but first let's eat." The rest of the dinner passed in silence. And though the food was impeccably prepared Soul couldn't make himself eat more than a few bites. The feeling in the house was beyond hostile. Not only toward him but toward everyone. He couldn't imagine living here, he wanted out as quickly as possible.

Back in the scarlet room Soul paced. Everyone had retired to the deeper recesses of the house and he had been sent back here. After throwing the green shirt into a corner Soul paced. How was he going to escape now he had come here on his own? What was expected of him? Did he have any say in anything that happened from here on out? He paced and wondered. By the time Scott reentered the room Soul's stomach was rolling in acid, and he felt more trapped than he ever had before.

"How can you stand it here?" Soul flopped on the bed when Scott entered the room. "How did you live here for so long? How are your parents-"

"Don't talk about them." Soul looked up suddenly. He was so caught up in his own feelings he hadn't really considered Scott's.

"Why not? They aren't in here." Scott shook his head.

"This is their house. You don't talk about them." Soul huffed and lay against the soft pillows and watched Scott take off the cufflinks and carefully put them in a box. Then begin to unbutton his jacket, than shirt.

"What am I expected to do, other than keep my mouth closed?" Soul ran his hands through his hair, wishing for a brush. It wouldn't fix his messy hair, but it would feel good. He scratched his scalp with his fingernails but it wasn't the same.

"You are expected to learn how to use your Talent, if you could figure out how to have a baby, I'm sure my mom would be thrilled."

"What?" Soul froze. "That's not possible. It can't be." Scott laughed.

"Of course it is, you just need a little magic. Don't worry no one has been able to figure it out for years. But you heard Stacey, even though she looks younger, she is 37. Mom is worried she won't have kids- ever. Stacey doesn't have the talent, but her family is known to skip a generation every now and again, then the next child has a very strong gift. Mom thinks Stacey is not getting pregnant on purpose."

"But, shouldn't it be her choice?" Scott laughed and gave Soul a look that clearly said the answer, no.

Finishing undressing Scott crawled onto the bed and flopped next to Soul.

"I don't suppose I can have a kiss?" It was Soul's turn to laugh.

"No, I can't think when you kiss me. My whole mind falls apart. I think I need to think for a while."

"You've thought for weeks!" Scott reached over to tickle Soul. After resisting for a moment Soul let out a peal of laughter.

"Stop, stop, stop!" He laughed as he tried to tickle Scott back, but he was laughing too hard to get a good grip. When Scott finally let him up to breathe he couldn't help but kiss him. The break in the tension of the day was too sweet. Now that he had gotten himself into this he couldn't let this silly moment go. Scott returned the kiss, nibbling on Soul's bottom lip.

"You are jus too sweet." Scott whispered as he brushed kisses from Soul's mouth to his cheek, then to his eyelids. Soul sighed before seeing his opportunity. He reached out and tickled Scott's unprotected sides. Laughing Scott wrapped his arms around Soul and rolled so Soul lay under him.

"Maybe I spoke too soon." Soul giggled until Scott bit his neck, right where his neck met his shoulder, his laugh turned to a moan. Scott sucked on the spot, ignoring Soul's whimpers. Scott could feel the skin heating under his touch, flesh thickening, hardening. He kissed down Soul's bare chest to the soft waistband of his pants; here he stopped, nibbling, kissing, and licking until Soul begged for him to continue. Scott slowly pulled down the pants and the black briefs underneath, kissing each bit of skin he revealed. Soul's breath caught in his throat as he watched, pushed up on his elbows. It stopped completely when Scott took him into his mouth. In his silence he heard footsteps and voices elsewhere in the house. In that moment everything came back to him. It was why he hadn't wanted to start this. He always forgot himself with Scott, but now he remembered.

"No stop." For a moment Scott didn't hear, or ignored Soul's plea. "Scott really, stop. Not here." Scott looked up and saw the fear in Soul's eyes. Sighing he flopped, aching onto the pillows.

"No one would interrupt." Soul pulled up his pants and scooted to the edge of the bed.

"That's not the point." Soul said, it was as clipped as it was breathless. Scott rubbed his temples and tried to breathe. Again Soul was pulling away. He didn't know how much longer he could go without doing something he would regret.

**

Soul fixed his pants and took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry." He said, Scott shrugged

"It's okay." Soul frowned, Scott hadn't sounded like it was okay.

"I just don't know you that well. Just a few weeks ago you were the annoying guy with an easel next to mine. Now I am supposed to be 'bonded' to you. I don't even know what that means. I know nothing about you, yet you seem to know everything about me, and you won't even tell me that, or what is going on." Soul had been planning to stay cool and collected, but he could feel the red of a frustrated blush seeping into his cheeks. He ran his hands through his hair and tried to calm down.

"Well, I'm not allowed to tell you-"

"Not allowed to? Really Scott that's all you can say to me right now? You aren't allowed to tell me anything. Well you also weren't allowed to know me before taking me here. Why do you care anyway, it's not like your family even likes you!" Soul was panting for breath, again he felt out of control of himself, but in a much worse way than when he was kissing Scott. He felt angry, hot. He wanted Scott to feel the confusion and turmoil he felt.

"Why would you even come back, you obviously left. You came back to the failure you left. You can't even teach me anything and it's not cause I can't learn. I'm waiting here to do my part, even if it will ruin my life, my mother's life and you can't even-"

"Shut up." Soul was ready to keep on yelling but Scott laid a gentle hand on his thigh. Soul stared at him, he couldn't read the expression on Scott's face, but it wasn't a good one.

"You are right when you say you don't know anything about me. You don't know hard it was for me to grow up without you, knowing you were out there somewhere. That you didn't need me like I needed you and never would. How difficult it was when I first meeting not to just- take you. You have no idea how hard it was to not tell you what you are the first time we met. You don't know what it is like to grow up surrounded by Talent without it. You have no idea what it is like to have parents who think of you as their biggest embarrassment and failure. You were always supposed to be my chance at redemption, but here we are and all you have done is run away. And now I know I am just as useless as I was always told. You don't have to tell me." Soul continued to stare. Scott had no emotion in his voice.

Soul reached out to touch Scott's cheek; Scott grabbed his hand before he could make contact.

"I don't want your pity."

"I'm not-" Soul stopped talking and settled back on the pillows, then sat up straight again. He felt horrible. He slid from the bed and went to the door and walked to the lavender room. He had planned on sitting and thinking, but he was too restless. He was exhausted, but couldn't settle. He went to look around the house.

The furniture was all old and heavy, the hallways filled with art and decorations. Soul ran his hands down tapestries that were probably hundreds of years old. All of them told stories Soul couldn't begin to guess at.

"My great grandfather did those. He had a Talent similar to yours." Soul jumped, but it was Josie behind him. Her eyes were red rimmed and her hair looked limp and sad. She looked nothing like she had when they first met, or even as she had at dinner.

"Please don't stare, I know I look horrible." She looked away as Soul studied her face.

"You don't-"

"You don't have to lie, I know how terrible I look. I was wearing a lot of makeup. It is hard for me to sleep. I try to be excited about having a baby, but honestly- I'm not ready. I wasn't sure I ever wanted to be a mother. But well, things happen." Josie smiled a bit and stepped closer to Soul. "But you know that don't you. Things have been happening for you too. Why are you here walking around?"

"I thought you could read minds." Soul ran his fingers along the tapestry again. The fabric was rough against his fingers. It helped cement the dreamlike world of the moonlit hall.

"Only emotions. You feel lost, I can relate. But I don't know why." Soul studied Josie's small form and sighed. He had to talk to someone.

"Everything is different than I thought. I can't make up my mind about what I am supposed to do. Everything I am told makes me think I am on the wrong side, but I don't even know why there are sides. I don't know what to do about Scott. He's too pushy, but he has reasons. Nothing is simple. Everything was simple until now. I used to draw when I felt lost, but now I can't even do that." Josie petted Scotts arm and sighed.