7945/A Tour and a Gift

A Tour and a Gift
Date of Scene:	23 September 2021
Location:	The Gardens
Synopsis:	Clarice and Theo receive a gift from Robert.
Cast of Characters:	Clarice Ferguson, Robert Marksman, Dyani Zitkala

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Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    Clarice teleported down to greet Robert at his hotel - greeting the man with a friendly peck on the cheek, before unceremoniously opening a portal that leads out to- well. Here. She steps through, letting the purple-hued doorway bliiiink closed behind the pair as she gestures up to the Earth overhead, and the sky filled with stars, and the truly massive garden situated beneath the dome. Full grown trees dot the gardens with- were those honestly //squirrels// leaping between the branches?
    "Welcome to the Asteroid," she remarks, as she watches Robert for his reaction, a huge grin on her features.

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman looks over the area, and the view and softly whistles. He has a canvas on a frame with a cloth covering it to protect it. He does give Clarice a one armed hug since the other is holding said canvas. After a moment of taking in the view and overcoming the awe of it. He looks to Clarice, and says "Well it does have one amazing view."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "It can't be beat," Clarice agrees. "This is always the first thing I show people. I... I mean, everyone loves this room." I mean, even calling it a 'room' was ridiculous - wasn't it?
    "The pond there has Mystique's koi fish. And we grow some of the Asteroid's vegetables there. I planted some fennel plants... I mean, for sentimental reasons. Sometimes I just come up here to jog, or we've had picnics, or... Well. I love it here."

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman nods his head a bit to this and says "I can see why, to be honest would not have thought much about growing stuff like this hear, always thought more hydroponics and such when I thought space, but if you got the space, and I am sure it does help for the whole mental state being out in space a lot. So, how you doing?"

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "Busy. Between my work here, and studying, and... well, having a //family// now, and all that. Mystique's been away for several days, which just increases my work load by a lot. It's exhausting, honestly, but I make do." She grins at Robert before asking, "How about you? I mean - the clinic's coming together again. That's good." She strolls idly as she talks - leading them towards the pond with the koi, and beyond that, the vegetable garden.

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman looks over and says "Pretty good, pretty good, been talking to a few folks about coming in and giving some talks in the after school programs, to help people find things they want to do. Thinking about having Terry O'Neil come in and talk about working for the planet, but also maybe hitting the fact of being an open super in the world."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "Inspiring the youth," Clarice remarks with a wry smile. "You're probably a more inspirational figure than I am. 'Hey kids - want to become a trained assassin? Ask me how!'" She smirks at that idea. No, she wouldn't //really// try to give a talk like that at a school... Though it might be marginally better than talking to them about becoming a terrorist.

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman looks over to her, and says "If I was going to have you do one, it would be more over coming adversity and trying to help the neighborhood and the world in general. I mean you could have been stuck with your original life, and how it effected it, but you don't let it hold you back.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "If you want to overcome adversity - you find your people. Your friends, your family, your allies - you stick to them and you put one foot in front of the other every day. It's easy."
    It's really, really not - but Clarice keeps her tone light as they pass the pond, nine colorful koi swimming around in it, or in the stream that flows into and away from it. A little bridge goes across the stream. "I wouldn' have gotten anywhere if not for Mister Creed - that's for damned sure."

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman walks along beside her, and says "Well, if he is anything like Mystique, I would wager he taught you a lot in different ways." He looks over to the lake, and says "I may have to ask you about coming up here to do a painting sometime. I think it would be an interesting time and insperation

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "Sure - I can bring you back up another time, if you like. And you can spend as much time up here as you like. I mean, the places that're off limits are marked that way." And she trusts Robert not to be foolish enough to test those limitations - not with the Brotherhood.
    "Mister Creed is... well. He's not like most people, but I learned a lot from him, yes. We understood each other at a time in my life when I didn't really understand people. All I knew was pain, and killing."

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman nods and places a hand softly on her back, and says "Well, I am glad you are getting a time to know a lot more than that. How is your sister and Rahne doing?" He will ask her, and if there is any upset over loosing Clarice to Rahne he hides it well.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "Oh, uhh... that's a hell of a thing, actually," Clarice remarks, glancing aside at Robert with a wry smile. She pulls out her phone - and it shows a group shot - herself and Rahne in beautiful formal gowns, and beside them, two teenaged boys in suits. One of a boy of mixed heritage, in a grey suit, with a pink shirt and hot pink tie and pocket hankerchief. In a black suit, with a blue shirt and purple bowtie? It's unmistakeably Clarice's //sister// - but with hair shorn much shorter.
    "When I tried to get Cynthia to buy a dress fo this party - I found out //he// would rather buy a suit. I'd never heard of transgender before, but Pete and Theo have been teaching me a lot."

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman nods a bit to this and says "So, your sister, prefers to be known as your brother?" He nods a bit and says "It is more common than you would think, and some folks it sticks, some it is just part of their path finding themselves. As long as she/he is happy and not hurting folks, I am all good with people deciding what they feel like they are.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "He wants to change his body. He- Pete, Theo's friend there - he's a telepath. He gave me a glimpse into Theo's mind with he- his permission. He //hates// his body so much that it hurts. So... we're looking into our options," Clarice explains. "He was so thrilled with his suit. So //happy// - so... I mean, I really don't care so long as Theo's happy, you know? I just want him to be happy."

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman nods his head a bit to this and says "I have heard rumors of mutants, who can shape bodies like putty but I have never met one, the most I have seen is a kid who can seal wounds, but it is not exactly healing them more like glueing the place together.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "We're hoping to find something like that," Clarice confirms. "I've got some people looking into it for us - both for mutant powers, but we're also considering the possibility of magical gifts. And I mean, ultimately... it's Theo's body. How we do this, what we do... It's up to him. All I can really do is give advice." And worry.
    "Is family always this hard?" she asks Robert in a wry tone. "I mean - I adore Theo. I'd do anything for him, and he's a good kid. But some of this stuff... it scares me. I was watching a video on transgender people, and it said that- that 41% of them have tried to kill themselves. 41%. That's almost //half//. That terrified me... All that Theo's been through, having to hide his powers. Watching mom and dad die - and this..." Her gaze is on the path as they continue idly strolling while they talk.

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman looks to her and says "It can be, and think about this adding how many teenage mutants have tried as well. But you are there, and it seems Theo has a good support system..." He looks at her, and says "Can you portal to my apartment for me to grab something right quick?"

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "He's got me, and Pete, and Rahne, and Raven, and Lydia," Clarice confirms. "I'd do anything for him. I just- I hope it's enough, 'cuz this stuff scares me," she says simply.
    At his request, though, she gestures with one hand, and a tear in reality opens itself, tinged in purple and showing Robert's apartment on the otherside. "Go for it," she offers - a note of curiosity in her tone.

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman nods, and steps through and takes a moment, but comes back with an easel. He will place the painting on the easel, and unveils it "I think I need to change something on here." He offers, the painting is a well done painting of Clarice and her sister, with their parents looking over them from behind and above them.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    The portal blinks out once Robert returns, and Clarice's breath catches in her throat as she takes in the the painting, her eyes going wide, and one hand going to her throat. "Oh... Robert. That's beautiful," she murmurs. "I- if I'd known what you were up to..." she murmurs quietly.
    She looks at him, then to the painting again, her fingers reaching out to brush gently across the faces. "Will it take a lot of work to fix it? I- it's such a beautiful gift as it is, but..."
    Well. They both know what the 'but' is.

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman looks to her, and says "Give me, about an hour or so, it is not a lot, that needs to be changed. I will put Theo in the suit from the picture, luckily I went with pants, and nothing very flowing when I did it originally. He opens his case and inside is his pants, and brushes and such. He looks over to her and says "It is something I thought you would like"

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "I absolutely love it," Clarice answers in a quiet voice, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Theo will too," she murmurs. "He- he was never able to tell them. He was afraid to. Hell, he was afraid to tell me. And I think- maybe, as much as I regret not looking for my parents, not finding them before Genosha fell- maybe he regrets not telling them the truth just as much. I wish they could see us now. I wish-" that they could take this photo. For real.
    "This is beautiful, Robert."

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman will look over to her, and offer her a smile and says "I am sure they are looking down at you and are glad to see Theo and you together again." He turns back to the painting and starts working on it changing Theo at least in painting. "I do more drawings than painting but I do enjoy painting as well. I know this is not as good as the real thing but at least I can give you this."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    As Robert starts to paint - Clarice hastily pulls out her phone, capturing an image of the painting with 'Cynthia' - before it can be erased. This was a part of this history as well, after all. Might as well at least save a picture of it.
    "It's still pretty good, though," she breathes softly, reaching up to wipe her hand across her eyes. "I really- this means a lot to me."

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman looks over and says "As I said when we first talked, I wanted to be your friend, and if I can do something for my friends, I do it." He smiles and says "Plus art is a good way of calming my self after a day of frustration at working on the neighborhood.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    Clarice and Robert stand in the garden together - not far from the pond. In fact, it looks like Robert is painting the pond - he's got an easel, and a canvas, and his paints... It's only when you come around the canvas to get a glimpse at it that you see what it really is - a family portrait, with Clarice, and Cynthia, and their parents, all standing together.
    Only Robert was using his paints to erase Cynthia - and put Theo in her place. After changing something on her settings to prevent the phone screen from turning off, Clarice zooms in on a photo of Theo in his suit from Lydia's party - and sets it on the easel as well.
    "You did say that," Clarice confirms. "And you've been true to your word. I- feel like a bit of an inadequate friend by comparison."

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman does not look aside, instead is looking at painting and phone as he says "You helped me make a rather big change in my life, if was not for you, I am not sure if I would have moved into Bushwich and made the changes in my life I have. It may not have been exactly as I had hoped but it has been good." He says as he works on first changing the clothing to the Suit Thro so liked.

Dyani Zitkala has posed:
Theo promised he'd feed the fish, play with the fish, and make sure the fish were safe while Mystique was gone. What teenager doesn't need a chore? So with a new bag of fish food in hand, he heads into the garden. He's wearing an oversized t-shirt that reads 'I suck at apologies, so Un-fuck you or whatever' and a pair of BFUs in black.

Following the path around the trees and bushes he finally comes to the point that he can see his sister and a complete stranger there, the stranger painting something. He offers the faintest of waves, not intending to interrupt, and heads to the rock that conceals the fish food.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    Clarice's gaze is fixed on the painting - until Theo comes close enough to draw her attention. She smiles at him broadly, wiping at her eyes quickly, to make sure any lingering moisture is gone from her eyes - then she nods her head over towards Robert with a questioning expression on her features. Did Theo want to meet her friend?
    "I'm glad you think I've done some good in your life. Bushwick really is an amazing place, after all."

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman smirks a bit and says "I believe so, and with time, I think others will as well." The brush goes quickly the clothes the easy part of the painting to change. He has not noticed there is another there yet, his focus on the painting. "With time, I think we will be saw as much like any other borough. You look back and see what changes other buroughs have been through and realize we are just on the start of our journey.

Dyani Zitkala has posed:
Opening the rock reveals a large chest like location, that Theo puts the bag of food in before opening the top. A scoop goes into the bag then with precision he flings the food across the top of the lake. The fish scatter to go after it, and his work here is done. Rock gets closed and he looks over to Clarice.

He'd seen the tears, but he wouldn't say anything. The other expression gets a nod and shrug in one, clearly a 'if you want' sort of thing, but he offers a smile. "Hi," he offers, then gives a slight wave before running his hand through his short hair.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    Clarice's smile broadens for a moment before she addresses her brother. "Theo, this is my friend Robert. I told him about you- oh, a month or so ago?" Had it really been that long? "He made us a gift. He's, umm... Editting it right now. Robert, this is my brother, Theodore. Please ignore his questionable taste in clothing," she remarks with an amused expression on her features.
    Like she actually cares what his shirt says...

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman will turn looking over to see Theo. He will set his brush on the pallet, and whips his hand off on the side of his jeans. He offers the other a hand, and says "A pleasure Theo." He says in greeting and to Clarice, he will say "You did not see some of the things I wore in my mid teens." He offers with a grin

Dyani Zitkala has posed:
Theo straightens his back and walks over to Robert and takes the hand to shake. He's still working on the grip thing, getting that shake just right and less... girly, but he'll get there.

"Nice to meet yo...oh, sorry about that." He just noticed the painting and what was being changed. "You could have left it, Robert... it's really nice, wow... I mean really nice."

He glances to Clarice a moment, "What's wrong with my shirt? Raven got it for me."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "I got a picture of it before he started changing it," Clarice offers. "Well. As he started changing it." She pulls her brother in to give Theo a brief, one-armed hug before remarking in a thoughtful voice, "You know. He could make it sorta... halfway. The past, and the present. Merging the two," she muses. "I mean - or not. Whichever you rather, it's //you// after all."

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman looks over, and says "I can do it pretty much how you like, I have not changed the hair and face yet, just the clothes, if you prefer, I can leave it like that. With both sides showing both who you were and you your becoming." He offers His own shake is firm, and while could be crushing, it is not, just a firm solid shake.

Dyani Zitkala has posed:
Theo hugs back, both arms, before he looks back to Robert.

"The artist chooses what he will paint," he says plainly with a smile. "As long as I'm not in a dress, I'm fine with however it ends up. I hate dressed, always have. I had thought of leaving my hair longer, so I don't mind that at all. Only reason I cut it was a... moment of freeing myself."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "I'll admit, I liked your hair long," Clarice remarks wryly. "But the short hair //does// look nice with your suit." She gives a shrug of her shoulders as she adds, "I get why you cut it. If you ever grow it back out, though, you won't here any protests from me."
    She studies the painting for a moment, then looks back to Theo as she adds, "No matter how he changes it - we make a good-looking family. And we look happy." Happy, and together.

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman hmms and looks the painting over and says "I think I will leave the hair, changing the face would take a bit more work than the clothes. I did not have you in a dress even in the original, I figured if you were anything like Clarice dresses would only be when had to. Mind you I considered a top hat for Clarice." He jokes in reference to their earlier date.

Dyani Zitkala has posed:
Taking time to look at the painting, really look at it, Theo clears his throat and looks back to Clarice. That was a safer place to look. Seeing his parents there was too much. There was a reason he'd given all the pictures to Clarice in the first place.

"It really is a great painting," he comments. "I managed to never have to wear a dress, not even once in my life. I'm that skilled. Maybe later, when I looks less like a girl, I'll grow it out, but... I still looks too feminine, so no long hair."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    The look Clarice gives her brother is sympathetic, and full of love, and understanding. "You knew them better than I did," Clarice murmurs quietly. "But what I do remember... was always filled with love. Maybe I'm just imagining what I would //want// to be - but I think they would absolutely love you like this too. You know?" Maybe it's not fair to say something like that in the garden, in front of someone that's still essentially a complete stranger to poor Theo - but it just came out before she could think better of it.
    She clears her throat before she adds, "Whatever you do with your hair - you make it look good."
    And then more brightly she adds, "It's never too late for a top hat!"

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman smiles a bit more at the two of them, and finishes up a few fishing touches on the painting and then says "You'll want it to sit for a day or two to fully cure, to make sure if someone bumps into it there is no damage or anything." He does pull his own phone out taking a picture of the new version and a picture of the old one can be seen next to it as he checks on the composure of the picture.

Dyani Zitkala has posed:
In all honesty, Theo really could not give a damn who Clarice said it in front of. He didn't care who she told either, it just didn't matter. To him, what mattered is getting to be himself now.

"Dad wouldn't have liked it much," he admits. "Mom would probably have been okay with it, but they both would likely have still loved me, it just would have strained things worse than they were already strained."

He looks over at Robert again, "It's a really nice thing you did for Clare, thank you."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "Maybe for a bit," Clarice answers quietly. Worse than they were already strained? Things were strained? She'd never asked really - not exactly - but... Concern and puzzlement show on her features - but she doesn't ask. Not now, and not here.
    She lets it drop as she turns back to Robert instead, giving him a hug, and then another kiss on the cheek. "It really is the most wonderful gift. Thank you again, Robert. It's nice seeing us all together - like we should have been."

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman hugs her back, and kisses her cheek as well. "Now, I will just have to think of a new subject to paint if I come up here for a full session of painting." He offers with a smile, not bringing up the subject they let drop, he knows about strained familiar relations. "So, what are your plans for the rest of the day?"

Dyani Zitkala has posed:
Theo finds himself staring at the painting again, at his parents really, even as Clarice goes to hug Robert and thank him.

"You should paint Raven and Lydia," he says more to the air than anything else, he's trying to actually enjoy the painting and not let it remind him of what happened.

Finally looking over at Robert he half grins and says, "They'd probably like that, given they're attached at the hip like Clare is to Rahne."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "They probably would," Clarice agrees. "And then we can hire Robert to paint you and Pete?" she suggestion. "Or me, you, Pete, and Lydia. Get all the siblings in at once," she suggests with amusement." Glancing back to Robert she adds, "My family keeps growing, it's hard for me to keep up with, these days."
    As for the rest of her day - she lets out a sigh before remarking, "I have extra duties to do around here, today. All part of my training from Raven. She wants me ready to take over this place - if and when the need arises."

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman looks to the two, and says "I am yet to meet Rahne, but I am hoping to. As for Mystique and Lydia well that is not overly surprising since I did get to see it as it was developing." He adds "Have thought about trying to figure out a mural for Bushwich to get some of the kids to work on.

Dyani Zitkala has posed:
Theo shifts his position so he can still see Robert and Clarice, but not the painting. It really was a great painting, the detail perfect, perhaps too perfect really as it made his heart ache to look at.

"I have no artistic talent like that," he gestures toward the painting. "I can't even draw a believable stick person. Pete's better at that sort of thing, his stick people are amazing." He nods, but a goofy grin lands on his face again.

"What's wrong with the 'Free Mystique' mural on the back of the Golem?"

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "A mural?" Clarice muses in a thoughtful voice. "I think Robert's planning something larger - and more stationary. Maybe something- well. Something about equality, education, and freedom? That we find equality and freedom through education?" For someone who can still barely read and right, she puts a lot of weight on that idea. Or maybe it's //because// she can barely read and write.
    "I wonder if there could be a way to turn it into a fundraiser - for people to sponsor sections of the mural, or the like - and the funds can go towards starting Bushwick's first schools?"

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman nods a bit to Clarice's words. Also Mystique is free now, and that one will probably end up being damaged at some point when the golem is. I have made sure we have pictures of it though. I am thinking something bigger, and something multiple people can work on together.

Dyani Zitkala has posed:
Theo can't help but laugh a little as he says, "If you need something painted one color, I can help. Other wise I'll be sticking to piano while saving up for an electronic piano."

Stepping over he gives Clarice a hug, "You should invite Robert to dinner sometime Clare, so he can get the whole family at once. I have to get back to my home work, real home work, from a real school," he bounces on his heels with excitement. "Math and science won't learn themselves!"

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    Clarice returns the hug - but as Theo starts bouncing in excitement over his assignments she deadpans, "How is it that we're even related?"
    The exprression doesn't last, however, before it morphs into a smile. "I'll see you in a bit. But I really should get back to my own 'homework.'" With Mystique away - she wasn't doing any schoolwork. Nope, running the Brotherhood was giving her more than enough practice.
    Opening a portal for Robert she adds, "Thank you again for the gift, Robert. Really. Let me know when you want to come up here to do some moe painting - and let me know if I can help with your plans for a mural."

Robert Marksman has posed:
Robert Marksman nods and gives Clarice a hug, and a wave for Theo "I will let you know and if you get some free time you can give me a call too." He steps back towards home.