The Tiberius J. Swann Education Facility

Who: Remington and Belle
When: Tuesday night around 8:00
Where: his apartment (that he shares with Candi)
What: attempting to woo an elemental, otherwise known as "stroking the flames"

Remington hurried Candi out of the apartment as quickly as he could. The sun set at 7:14, which didn't leave him much time to start cooking, but he didn't want her to be suspicious upon seeing him making more food than usual. Plus, Remington didn't often cook for himself now that he lived with Candi. He was still cooking when a knock came at the door.

Putting down the pan in his hand, Remington rushed to the door. He was slightly flushed from the heat in the kitchen, his hurried pace, and simple nerves from this secret dinner party for two. "Belle," he said softly, clearly in awe of her, "You look stunning. Please come in." He took her hand and escorted her into the apartment. It was always immaculately clean, because a serviceman didn't tolerate clutter or disarray. "I apologize that I'm still making our dinner. I got behind schedule. Join me in the kitchen?" He motioned that way and hoped she'd follow, because he wanted her to be as close as possible.

"I hope you have an adventurous stomach. I learned to cook while in the Marines, and my best dishes are Afghan." He was preparing lam kabob, qabli pulao (a rice dish), and manta as an appetizer served with some cut up fruit. All this was accomplished while wearing some jeans that Candi claimed 'were made for his body' and a black button up shirt. He was barefoot though, because he often was when cooking.

Who: Nox and Belle
When: Friday
Where: their apartment
What: Nox breaks the news.

( Nox felt bad for hurting Belle, he really did. He was still himself in terms of being a decent man. He cheated on his wife. He was aware of that. It was wrong, but what he felt for Ana was too strong to ignore. )

Who: Nox and Belle
When: Sunday night
Where: their apartment
What: they’re having a baby and FREAKING OUT!

Nox and Belle had hardly moved. Honestly, they could barely manage to get out of bed for a small bit of food and water and occasional trips to the bathroom, many of them made for the purpose of vomiting. But while being sick was strange, what was happening to Belle was even more curious. Even though she couldn’t keep food down, she really wanted to eat. Eating was something she only did socially, because her body didn’t require it. It seemed the food she was able to keep down was causing her to fill out as well. By the time Charlie came to see them Sunday morning with a much needed cure, Belle had a bit of a gut, and when Nox was feeling a little better, he noticed her breasts had grown some as well.

As the medicine brought them back from the brink of death, and they slowly rebounded throughout the day, much of their time was spent cleaning up around the apartment. The place was a HAZMAT site from all the vomiting and poor hygiene. Nox insisted on washing everything, and he even took two showers.

Eventually, Nox felt like he and the apartment were tolerable, and he settled down on the sofa, stretching his legs out along its length. “I really hope classes are canceled tomorrow. Even though we’ve spent days in bed, I’m exhausted.”

( more )

Who: Belle and Nox.
What: Getting very ill.
Where: Their apartment.
When: Friday evening, a little after eight.

Belle had not been feeling so great for the last few days, nauseous and actually tired sometimes, which was not normal for the elemental since she didn't even really need to sleep at night, but for the last couple of weeks she felt like she did. Her amazing husband however had been looking after her, even coping with her food choices when she couldn't stand the thought or smell of something tonight, but somehow together they cooked up a lovely meal anyway.

They were sitting on the sofa, watching a movie together when the elemental shivered. Odd, she was sure neither of them had turned the heating down, she shouldn't be cold, Belle mused in her head. Oh well, just a good excuse to snuggle up closer to Nox, except that didn't quite go to plan either. When she sat up to wriggle in closer an almightly wave of nausea hit her, and she could feel the 'lovely' dinner coming back up. Belle barely made it to the nearest bathroom before vomiting everything she had managed to eat that day and collapsing against the wall. She felt awful!

Who: Nox and Belle
When: Sunday afternoon
Where: their bungalow in Bora Bora
What: HONEYMOON!
Rating: definitely some XXX action at some point, duh!

Getting to Bora Bora was an adventure in itself. It took forever, and both Nox and Belle had napped several times along the way. Multiple flights, shuttles, and even a water taxi were all involved. He hoped the complexity was worth it, but then again, how could it not be? He was on his honeymoon!

It felt good to get away. The newlywed phase hit a road block just days after the wedding, when Nox suddenly didn't remember being married. He also had the body of a teenager. And while plenty of people had commented that Belle had such a body herself, she was a grown woman, and it would have been wrong had anything happened between the two of him while trapped in that mental and physical state. The moment he was returned to normal, he kissed her, grateful to remember everything and be with his wife again.

Nox hadn't really stopped kissing her ever since. He wanted to treasure every moment spent with Belle. That's why the moment they arrived at their bungalow, he decided there would be no napping, even though he was exhausted from traveling. Still, he couldn't resist collapsing on the bed after setting down all their luggage. It was soft and delightful. "Seeing as how there's all that water out there, you really have no choice but to join me," he teased. "Much safer on the bed."

Who: The newlyweds! AKA Belle and Nox
What: Surprise! Your husband is now a teenager!
Where: Their apartment
When: Wednesday evening.
Note: INCOMPLETE!!! Emily, your turn ;)

Belle wasn’t expecting Nox to be home at this point, since he’d normally be going along to the feeding class, but with that cancelled they had even more time together. So, you ask, what were the newlywed couple doing with this extra time? They were reading. Well, Nox was reading. Belle was sitting on the floor, with her students’ work spread out all around her, apparently marking it, but she kept getting distracted by anything and everything, until eventually she decided what they really needed was wine, and she volunteered to go out and get some. Anything to not do the marking she should

It wasn’t too long until Belle was letting herself back into the apartment, the bottle in one hand, purse clutched in her teeth, and key in her hand. Apparently it was long enough though, because the person in the apartment was not the man she knew and loved. Hell, he wasn’t even really a man. Her purse fell to the floor as she stared in shock. “Uh...Nox? What.... uh...wow...” That about summed it up.

( continued... )

Who: Nox and Belle (and all wedding guests, which is most of the charas in game)
When: Friday night
Where: The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
What: their wedding, FINALLY!
Note: EVERYONE is welcome to join in the fun. Normal group thread rules apply. Post the who/when in the subject line and have at it. If you have questions about the set up or location, just ask!

It was a cold night, but the sky was clear without a threat of snow. Nox wouldn't have minded. He liked snow, and it would have been a beautiful sight to behold from within the massive glass room. Still, the twinkle lights on the bare trees that adorned the courtyard were lovely. They added a touch of magic that would have otherwise been missing.

( ...continued )

Who: Nox and Belle
When: Sunday night
Where: their apartment
What: Nox is welcomed home by an unpleasant surprise

Nox was very much looking forward to a night in with his fiancee. The last week had been stressful. He and Ana still weren't on normal terms. They were both acting overly professional around one another, really only talking when it was required, the rest of the time they avoided conversation and close physical proximity. It was all so awkward, and he could tell she still wanted space, so he granted it.

Having needed to get some paperwork done, and finding it easier to do so in his office, Nox spent much of the afternoon and evening away from the apartment. Eventually, he grew tired of work and decided play was far better. Nox expected to be greeted by his enchanting fiancee when he finally made his way back to his staff building, but he didn't expect that greeting to take place in hallways. Her picture was everywhere, and what was worse, was the man with her in the pictures. Belle knew Saul, the man who had made Nox's trip to New York City absolutely dreadful. But she didn't just know him, it seemed she was intimate with him.

Trying to avoid feelings of jealousy or judgment, because he didn't know anything about the circumstances surrounding those photos, he made a somewhat slow trek to their apartment. The shadow demon was quiet as he opened the door and set down his keys and messenger bag beside it. He'd asked Belle to wait up for him, but now he was half hoping she hadn't. He wasn't sure he wanted to know the story behind the pictures just yet, but the more time he had to make up scenarios in his head, the more upset he became. Surely he'd feel better when she clarified things.

Who: Nox and Belle
When: Thursday evening
Where: starting at their apartment
What: her BIRTHDAY!

Nox was very nervous. Belle was insanely hard to shop for. She didn't really care for the traditional gifts that other women liked. He couldn't buy her something that sparkled, because while the engagement ring delighted her, he'd never noticed her wear any other piece of jewelry. Nox figured she liked the ring because of the feelings behind it, not the platinum and diamonds.

He'd been worrying over her birthday present for a good week now, because that was all the notice he'd gotten. Belle didn't exactly announce that it was her birthday. She hadn't even dropped hints. Nox wondered if perhaps when you reached a certain age, you simply didn't celebrate or even remember birthdays anymore. But no matter. Her creation, however twisted the motive behind it, was worth celebrating.

Nox sent her away on a little errand, complaining that they'd run out of milk. It seemed Belle was none the wiser, which worked to Nox's benefit. The second he was sure she was gone, with no threat of returning because she forgot her keys or something similar, Nox sprung into action. He had worked on this for a while, even practiced a few times to make sure he could accomplish everything quickly. Belle wouldn't be gone long, and he needed everything to be perfect when she returned.

In her time away, the dining and living area of their little apartment was transformed into a miniature version of Italy. Well, or as close as he could get without painting frescos on the walls and ceiling. He killed all artificial lighting, allowing the room to glow from candle flames only. Their dining table was affixed with a perfectly pressed, stark white table cloth, more candles, a small arrangement of jasmine flowers, and a bottle of their favorite wine. Music floated through the space with the help of their stereo, playing an album they'd bought from a street vendor in Palermo. And the final touch, something he'd worked very hard to hide (with the help of some kitchen staff), homemade tiramisu. One of the cooks delivered it right on schedule.

The apartment settled, Nox ran into their bedroom to quickly shave and change into a tuxedo. When everything was settled, he took hold of one of Belle's presents and placed himself near the door to greet her when she arrived. The gift was beautifully wrapped in deep red paper with a silk bow of the same color.

Who: Belle and Frankie
What: Belle is concerned about one of her students
Where: Fire control classroom
When: After the last lesson of the afternoon

Belle had been dying to ask Frankie about her visit to Harvard, but no sooner did the thought cross her mind than she got distracted so it took until she saw the sprite coming into her class for her to remember to do it. Somehow though, taking in the sight of the sprite, she didn't think Frankie was going to be in the mood to talk about it.... what happened to her? She definitely didn't look her normal bright self, Belle could see that just from the way she walked in.

Getting on with the lesson, she made a note to herself to speak to Frankie at the end of the class, a note she actually remembered for once! As the students filed out of the lesson she reached out and touched the young woman gently. "Hey... can you stay for a minute?" She asked softly.

((placeholder for nox/belle stuff))

Who: Belle and Julius
What: A "friendly" invitation
Where: Outside
When: Sunday Morning
Note: This was a quick and rapidfire thread done in aim. Forgive it's length, and the (no doubt) many mistakes it contains. It is also messy. Sorry.

Who: Belle, Shawn and Luc
What: Two elementals and a baby. Sharing stuff.
Where: Courtyard
When: Monday morning

It was proving a hard month. Nox and Belle had been trying to convince Luc's mother to start getting involved in looking after the baby boy again and they had started to get somewhere, but then there came the bombshell of Dizzy's death which threw both Nox and Belle a little and prompted Lara to disappear again to avoid complications, once more leaving Luc with just the two surrogate parents he had right now.

You'd think that Belle would be used to death after over ninety years on this earth and two world wars, and it wasn't as if she had been anywhere near as close to Dizzy as Nox had been, but it still shook her a touch. She'd liked the girl, she'd hoped that she'd become closer to her over time, but there was no more time. Not for Dizzy.

So with Nox out doing teacher-type things and Belle REALLY not wanting to be inside her apartment anymore, the elemental had ventured out with Luc in her arms and his changing bag over her shoulder. She probably should have taken the stroller but it was just so awkward and besides she liked the feel of the baby in her arms. It was all going fine, she was wandering across the courtyard babbling away to the sleeping baby in Italian, (She'd started in French like his mother but it seemed the little boy was starting to appreciate Italian too from having Nox and Belle around) when the bag fell off her shoulder and things rolled out of it. Belle paused, waiting to make sure Luc didn't wake, and then set off trying to pick things up, not noticing the other elemental at first.

Who: Nox, Dante, Belle (and probably Wes later)
When: Tuesday, probably close to midnight
Where: Nox's apartment
What: the boys got in a brawl and need healing

Both bleeding, both hobbling, both actually... smiling... Nox and Dante were an odd sight to behold. Thankfully, the campus was quiet this time of night, and if Nox had his way, no one would see them. He needed to get a healer to patch him up fast. It wasn't that he minded the pain, because that was strangely therapeutic. Nox just didn't want to deal with a bunch of questions in the morning, and become a distraction to his students.

Unlocking the door, Nox let Dante walk in first, but not before putting a finger to his lips to remind Dante to keep it down. A baby was sleeping inside, and if they were lucky, Belle was too. It was unlikely though. The elemental didn't require sleep. Still, Nox was light on his feet as he crossed through the living room and into the kitchen.

"I don't have any steak on hand. Ice will have to do," he whispered, nodding toward Dante's swollen eye. Immediately, Nox went to work preparing a plastic bag filled with frozen cubes and handed it over. He grabbed a towel a second later and gave that to Dante as well. "Now what do you want to drink.. beer or liquor?"

Who: Belle, Nox and Luc
What: They try to work out what needs to happen.
Where: Mostly the staff buildings.
When: Monday evening, starting about 6:45

Belle had just paid the lovely and helpful taxi driver and watched him leave when Nox turned up. It was probably good timing since she was having trouble trying to get the car seat to click into the stroller like it was meant to and the baby inside seemed to be stirring from his sleep with all the messing around with his bed.

Seeing him approach she looked up, balancing the car seat where it was but holding it tight. "Either you need to make this fit in the stroller or one of us is going to have to carry it while the other pushes." She said by way of greeting with a slight pout of frustration and a soft laugh. If he knew what was good for him though he'd kiss her before doing either.

Who: Belle and two guest stars
What: The elemental gets a surprise guest.
Where: All over the place!
When: Monday evening.
((OOC: Yes my french translation is awful. It's a mix of translation sites and what I remember of my own French, lol))

Who: Belle and Kelsey
Where: Belle's office
When: Late afternoon
What: Kelsey helps Belle organize.

Kelsey arrived a little after they had spoken, toting empty file folders, a label machine, and a corkboard she had found in the closet of the main offices. When Belle opened the door to her office Kelsey offered a free hand.

"Hi, I'm Kelsey Vederi."

Kelsey loved organizing, cleaning, and well.. being anal about just about anything. She had no friends at TJS, and was unfamiliar with the area around the school. A night of organizing seemed pretty entertaining, actually.

( ... )

Who: Nox, Belle and Dizzy interrupting
When: Wednesday evening
Where: Nox's apartment
What: someone has horrible timing for being a brat!

After a long day of grading papers and then basketball and football practices, Nox was all too happy to have dinner with Belle. A simple pasta dish and salad, some wine, nice music.. it was all just perfectly simple and wonderful. Dessert was even better, mostly because it didn't consist of food. Nox and Belle moved from the kitchen to the living room sofa, and judging by how things were going, they'd relocate to his bedroom in a few minutes.

Some clothes were askew, other garments were missing entirely (like Nox's shirt and tie and Belle's skirt). She had stunning legs. Actually, Belle had stunning everything. Nox couldn't get enough of her. Touching her was a surreal experience. It seemed too good to be real. And, apparently, tonight was too good to be real. In the middle of unbuttoning her blouse, a knock came at the door. Nox tried to ignore it by kissing Belle again, but he started thinking about who could be on the other side of the door. What if it was Katie, and she had an emergency. What if Adora needed to talk. What if Dante had gotten himself into trouble.

Sighing, Nox pulled away from Belle. "Sorry," he whispered, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek and a blanket to cover her. They really were better off going to her apartment. Disruptions were less common there. "One moment!" Nox called out as he checked that his pants were still fastened and belt in tact. He searched the room with his eyes as he moved toward the door, trying to remember where his shirt was, but he couldn't see it. Hopefully the person standing outside wouldn't be offended. He opened the door and spotted Danielle. "Hello, Dizzy," he said in a frustrated tone that was impossible to hide right now.

Who: Nox and Belle
When: Tuesday evening
Where: their hotel suite in Las Vegas
What: talking after Dizzy's prank phone call (and eventually smexin')

Nox tried several times to call Dizzy after she hung up on him. He had suspected midway through their conversation that she was pranking him, but out of fear that there was a slim chance he was wrong, he didn't dare mock her. If she really was calling him to confess having feelings, and he was dismissive, then he could have done real emotional damage. But now.. now that his suspicions had been confirmed by the laughing on the other end of the line, he was furious. When calling Dizzy failed, Nox sent off a quick email. He slammed his laptop shut a second later, still fuming.

He didn't know how much of his conversation had been overheard, if any, but Belle was at his side shortly after. He looked up at her with a sigh. "This doesn't feel much like a vacation." He could physically leave the school, but his mind was still tethered to it.

Who: Dominic and Belle
Where: School grounds
When: Sunday morning, March 16th
What: Dominic explores the (un)familiar grounds, and sees a new/familiar face.

Up the steps, two at a time. It seems he'll always climb them that way. Except when he finishes school. He slides down the rail on that one day, rips a hole in his jeans but seems not to care.

He's finally here. After months of searching, after hesitation. He took the last few steps and enrolled.

He's used to seeing many possibilities. The future is never quite set in stone, all contingent on choices and free will. Funny thing, free will. He enrolled an hour ago, made his decision. Ever since then, the possibilities shifted. He still sees a few unfavorable possibilities, of him on the streets, but they're few and far between now. It's not to say the times here will be happy... he's seen quite a bit of misfortune. But it'll be better.

A slow and easy pace through the grounds. He doesn't need to explore, he's been having visions of ths place for what seems like eternity.

"Good morning Belle." He says, nodding to the fire elemental as she passes.