| Sharing Secrets | |||||
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| What: Emma comes to Leo's apartment to apologize, and they both share a new understanding. And a decision is made. | |||||
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The world came crashing down on Leo, and honestly? It was his own damn fault. That is what makes him so angry and hurt all the more perhaps. Things haven't been going right all week, but this took the cake. He couldn't even sleep last night, and superheroing did nothing except make him crush more bones into dust on bad guys to never recover from. He lost his temper...he had to come home.
When school began, Leo did not show up. He never missed a single day of school before. When school ended, there was still no appearance for him. Though who knows if Emma thought to get Lex involved. Leo just decided to lounge in black silk PJ bottoms at his apartment and listen to old 60s music...the same station he listened to when Fern first visited him. He is curled up on the couch, arms wrapped about his legs. He hasn't moved in hours, he hadn't thought to. His body's needs are a little different from a normal human's.
Leo has tried without success to make sense of it all in his head. He knows what he wants, but he can't have it. He tries, and it hurts him. To accept no means giving up on everything. But accepting no is the right thing, right? Patience is not in his nature, and he doesn't think he has any more to spare.
And this ladies and gentlemen is what we call moping in self-pity. Teenage angst at its finest. The apartment is beautiful however. Dominiately white, it has accents of black throughout it. There are colorful throw pillows and other bits of bright color dominately reds and blues. The walls are decorated with beautiful city photographer.
A loud knock was heard on his door. Emma had heard that Leo was missing his classes, and for obvious reasons this drew up red flags. And since he was an adult, she saw no need to inform his own father.
She stood outside of the door and waited for the answer, with a hand on her hip. She was dressed in a white vest with no blouse, tight slacks and very pointy boots with blue lipstick today.
It takes a bit for the knock to register, Leo is so centered. Emma can hear the music, and likely the obsessive mind that quiets at the distrubance. The mind is still unhappy though, very unhappy...bordering on teenaged depressed. Likely an emotion that Leo is not used to dealing with. But soon enough he unfolds himself from the couch and walks over to the door. He unlocks it and opens it, blinking at Emma. He doesn't have her memorized yet...her signatures. "Ummmm..." He isn't sure what to feel right now or how to react.
His hair is a blonde mess as he hadn't bothered to brush it, likely unusual for the young man. His black silk PJs rest lopsided on his narrow hips, and he is built like a tank without being too bulky. There likely isn't really an oz. of fat on the young man, which can be unhealthy for a normal human being as Bruce Lee discovered when he took asprin.
Leo actually blinks again, "Are you seriously wearing blue lipstick?" What a thing for him to notice! But Leo is the type to notice the details. He was trained to.
Emma let out a soft laugh. "Yes, how observant of you to notice."
She looked him over, normally he was a the pinnacle of grooming. If she didn't know better, she would have guessed that she had interrupted him sleeping, "Are you sick? I can come another time if I am interrupting something."
She normally doesn't show up unannounced, but he had ignored her texts and calls and she wished to get this over with. What she was about to say wouldn't be easy for her. "I'd like to come in."
Leo scowls at that. "Why wouldn't I notice? It isn't your usual color." But he then steps back to let Emma in, "May as well get this done with." There is angry yes, but more pain edges his mind. He doesn't seem to be wanting to talk about it right now however. Only once Emma enters does he close the door behind her. He motions, "Have a seat. Want something to drink?" Music is a little loud, thus why you could hear it outside the door. Instead of going to the kitchen area which is visible, he heads toward the hall to at least brush his hair and grab a tight black t-shirt. He is pulling the t-shirt on overhead as he comes back down the hall and into the main area of the apartment. Apparently...that much of a casual look is not something he is used to displaying in front of others. There was some discomfort with it...uncertainty.
"I suppose not, just wanted to try something a little different." Emma would have thought that Leo would relish in showing off his bare chest. But clearly she caught him on a very off day. She made her way to his couch, and sat crossing her legs in front of her. Emma took in the sights.
"A very nice apartment. Much better than the one I had at your age. I'll take a martini or wine if you have any." As Emma asks casually, even though he was under the limit. One assumes. And besides she was sure they /both/ could use a drink.
Strangely, Leo is actually very shy in some ways. That is confidence that cannot simply be given, that an education cannot just provide. He does head to the kitchen and pull out a hidden wine rack. It even has a tempeature control inside it. It just looked like a normal cabinet door. He looks through it, "Dry or sweet?" It's all good quality stuff, likely stuff taken with meals he has at home and nothing to get drunk on. It never crossed Leo's mind to drink it because he may 'need' one. Again something to speak volumes that he is no normal teenager. As for the apartment? "Father would only make sure I had the best. Though I assisted the interior designer in something more to my tastes." His place is styled very similar to his Father's, but there is less white and more color. Similiar tastes, but important differences.
There was a twinge of jealousy that she wasn't expecting to feel, but there it was. Emma didn't quite have a father who was as 'loving' as Lex, "Sweet please."
After he brings her drink she gestures towards one of the other seats, "Please sit. I...want to apologize."
As he said, better to get it over with. She let out an exhale, "I failed you as a teacher. It was wrong of me to impose that upon you. I know better. And I"
She paused, rubbing at the back of her neck. Emma looked uneasy and unsure of herself. Not her normal haughty look, "Let my pride get the better of me. I am sorry."
Lex picks a sweet red wine then. He pulls down two wine glasses so Emma does not need to drink alone and with the exact proper finesse though he is in a t-shirt and PJ bottoms, he pulls the bottle cap and pours the wine. He then recaps it for storage and puts it back on the wine rack before closing it. He picks up the wine glasses and heads back out to the sitting area. He holds the one wine glass out for Emma.
"Well, if no one made fucking mistakes, we wouldn't be human." Ya, Leo is moody. But ironically, this time it isn't really directed toward Emma. He still isn't happy with Emma and still doesn't really trust her, but she isn't the reason he is seriously messed up right now. But his motions of being a host are perfect as if second nature.
A small smirk spread across her lips as she sips from the red wine. Not a bad choice, it would do. "We aren't. But that is beside the point."
She leaned back onto the couch to make herself more comfortable. He was a good enough host, even if he was just wearing pajamas. She guessed that it was likely the first time she heard him curse. Emma relaxed, "But that is not the point. All I wanted to illustrate to you that you still had room to grow, and I did so poorly. I can understand if you wish to leave the school, and decline my direct tutelage."
That is absolutely correct. Leo doesn't curse at school, he is the picture perfect gentleman though playboy'ish in his flirting. Leo moves to have a seat on the couch as well, slouching which is something he does at school though more elegantly. He takes a sip of the wine and nods, "I'm more on the dry myself," he admits. But it was lady's choice.
Leo is silent for a bit, before he finally says, "I know I need to grow. I just know it isn't in a training room. I need real world experience. I need someone that can tutor me in more hand-to-hand combat as well to a higher level than my current." He takes another sip of the wine.
"I need the key to what I'm missing too. Cause without it, I'm just fucking everything up myself. So hey, know I understand the saying miresy loves company." He's missing something big to life...the right type of will to drive him forward...the ability to understand Fern who...feels lost to him now. His eyes narrow at his wine glass. Ah...it be bad to shatter it in a temper tauntrm he logically talks himself out of one. It would stain the couch and he have to replace it, and his Father would notice such antics. He has been really working to get the temper under control...for Fern. Leo raises his free hand and rubs at his eyes. He actually hasn't slept in over 24 hours, though he doesn't have large bags under his eyes like normal people would.
Emma shrugged and place the drink on the table with a coaster, she wasn't a savage. She turned on the couch to face towards Leo, adjusting to rest her leg on the cushion, "This is something I still can provide. To be honest Leo I had plans for you, large ones. I wanted you to lead a team, a real team to change the world. And there is more than just that."
She stopped before she gave the big pitch, "Not prying into your mind, but you are like a large billboard. Is there something you would like to talk to me about?"
She reached forward and gently touched his leg, closer to the knee, "I can also be there for you, as a friend if you wish."
"I already have plans to do so," Leo response to Emma. "But it has nothing to do with your school, and my secret identity interferes with its plans. But I will figure something out," he replies dryly. His blue eyes shift to sharply look at Emma. "I already am taking your advice Miss Frost, accepting 'no' for an answer from a lady. I doubt there is any further advice I need now about that," his tone a bit biting.
Emma shrugged, and took her drink back and sipped again. "Oh well clearly you have everything figured out."
She took her hand back, and brushed her hair away from her face, "Heartbreak is distressing like that, give it time. But clearly I am interrupting you, perhaps I should leave."
She had one more thing to speak with him about, but clearly she was not wanted around.
Leo doesn't say yes or no, he just turns inward and thoughtful. He looks down at his wine. If Emma lets it stretch out for a few minutes, Leo will let it as well before he says, "How you deal with these emotions? I don't even know how to identify, it's taking all my self-control and discipline not to tear my own apartment apart. I wasn't safe to attend school. That is why I skipped, for the safety of others." Part of him wants to hurt people for his own pain, but his heroic aspects won out, the ones Fern encouraged to grow by example.
Leo slowly steals a look over at Emma, unsure if he should have spoke the question or not.
Leo was always welcome to ask questions like that. Emma's face relaxes to a more kinder expression, he looked so lost. It broke her heart. She was never as cold as she lets herself appear to be.
She reached out again and touched his shoulder, "It's overwhelming, isn't it? Sometimes whenever I got really upset I would project my emotions, or worse."
She let out a soft chuckle, as she moved to refill her glass and top of his, "It still gets hard. Jealousy, and all of that. But I try to move on, and take comfort in those who interest me."
Leo stiffens a bit at the touch, not out of offense, but as if he isn't used to people touching him. He doesn't take long before he relaxes again. Leo doesn't appear a touchy-feely person at school even though he can run his mouth with the best of them. And only someone with experience at reading body language would have likely sensed his tensing or nervousness at all. "There isn't anyone else like Fern. There is Bart who makes me feel better, but that's it. Bruce's son is interesting, but he is something to be on your toes around constantly...," and Darkwing of course...reminds him much of Damian Leo realizes, but his thoughts move on. "I...really just want to snap Justin's neck actually." He smirks at that, "I could and get away with it." The thought is beyond tempting for Leo...but it would make Fern unhappy, so he wouldn't do it.
Leo takes another drink of his wine. "He is one wily bastard, never thought he had it in him. Making her his personal assistant like that. Imagine if I was publicly known before this, how that would look...the girl Luthor's heir follows around like a fool working as one of Lexcorp's major competitors CEO's personal assistant?" A dry chuckle at that.
Leo reaches forward to set his wineglass down on one of the beautiful designer coasters he has. "And her ex? Warren Worthington the III." CEO of Worthington Industries. "Ya, guess I'm still just an impatient kid," the bitterness there. "Father was right about women. Dangerous as hell." He doesn't think it an insult...he recognizes Emma as very dangerous.
Emma let out a laugh at that. Of course that would be Lex's advice on women. Emma was exceedingly dangerous. However she was honestly quite pleased to see Leo like this. It was better than the normal facade he gave. A telepath like herself preferred to see people as they are, even if he is in a depressed state. Of course she too had a facade, "Yes. I've encountered her twice. But ah, you men certainly are weak around Supermodels aren't you?"
She mused silently to herself, as a playful smirk spread across her lips. Her own past mentor was involved with a supermodel currently, "Perhaps I got into the wrong profession. But give it time. A man like Justin Hammer will slip, and who will be the charming friend to lend an ear? Give it time."
"Supermodels? Fern is a beginning actress. Some minor stage shows, that's it so far." Well, the more you know. Apparently Fern isn't a model -yet-. Leo stares at Emma, and then looks at her with disbelief. "You do -know- Fern right? She believes the best of everyone, and is the most forgiving individual I know. She's totally screwed." Leo figured this out pretty quickly. She is someone Justin can take advantage of for a while to come if he isn't too stupid with it.
"She really doesn't believe people would even think to be displeased because she got a high position in the company that usually takes years of college and years of experience to even dream for. Or that it would look bad in the news that she spends time with the apparent heir of Lexcorp while working for the CEO of Hammer Industries directly." Leo sighs deeply at that. "I suppose Father's delay in the announcement was a good thing." Yes, Fern is completely clueless when it comes to the manipulations and politics of the darker side of humanity. "She would blow your mind Emma." She's more innocent than Millie.
Emma waved her hand as if to dismiss what she said, "Oh yes that's right. I just received some paperwork with her to model in a calendar. My mistake."
She let out a chuckle and sipped at her drink, "Perhaps. I've seen her at two parties. She seems charming enough. But it takes quite a lot to impress me."
There is a silence for a moment as Emma quickly decides something, "You impress me, Leo. You are talented and beyond charming when you choose to be. I want you to join the inner circle of the Hellfire club."
Fern isn't his kind of impress, she's in her own field. So different. Perhaps why Leo obsesses over her perhaps to the point of unhealthiness. But he then blinks and turns to look at Emma. That surprised him, but it's perhaps very clear he knows exactly what the Inner Circle is. He reaches out to pick his wine glass up then and finishes it off. He leans back into the couch as he twirls the wineglass, thoughtful. But he finally nods. "I accept. It would be a productive place to sink my energies into."
Another pause before Leo then asks, "Though it would be appreciated if you could let me know where to find Namor."
If Shaw offered one more invite to the Hellfire Club like he was thinking, she may a have a problem on her hands. But that could be dealt with, "Excellent. I'll be in touch with you about the next step. I'm sure your father already has the vote."
A little smile spreads across her lips as he mentions Namor, she refills their glasses, "He is a hard man to get a hold of. But I can arrange a meeting, if he agrees to it. Interesting man, isn't he? You'll never guess how we met."
A quiet hrm..., "I think I see why you find me interesting. Namor and I are a lot alike in personality, we just have different ways of expressing it." Leo picked that up. "I was hoping for an opportunity to go to him if possible, on his territory." Though Leo's blue eyes shift back to you. "He gave you the necklace, did he not?" He picked up on that apparently. Not a typical necklace type Emma would wear.
Emma shook her head, "I like passion, Leo. I prefer people who are passionate about what they believe in and when their actions match their thoughts."
She tapped at the side of her forehead, "I meet 'fake' people every day. I know things about people that they will never share with anyone. I am very well used to this. But yes personality wise you two have one or two things in common. You reminded him of himself at his youth, quite a long time ago."
She faced forward on the couch, and re-crossed her legs and finished off her second glass, "I can arrange that, should he accept. Just the two of you."
A nod, "We shall see." Leo does not say what he wishes to see Namor about. But he does finally put the empty glass of wine about. He is silent for a bit. "I feel weird. I never hung out with anyone in my PJs before." Seriously! Apparently not even the nanny's. It isn't exactly something that makes him unhappy, it's just a new experience that he isn't sure about.
But Leo then hrms, still thoughtful on passion and directing the proper type of will.
Emma refills both of their drinks as an obvious flaw about her pops up. Well, she is a long standing member of the Hellfire club after all. Observations can be made.
She glanced over and lifted a brow, "It wasn't an unwelcome sight when you opened the door, I assure you. Nor do I think you are used to exposing your vulnerable side."
She brushed her hair aside, "Something we have in common, I assure you."
Wait, is Leo blushing slightly? But he coughs into his hand, and if it was there, it fades. Heeey, Emma is serving him this time! Nice thought. But still, "Well, if you opened your door for me shirtless, I think it would likely make a more dramatic effect." More like having one very shocked and beat red Leo that could end up running away. Hey...got to give him some credit, but he wouldn't have any clue what to really do. Hey, maybe he DOES need that drink after all.
Leo reaches forward for that refill, taking a sip from it. "I never really realized I had one till Fern. Not sure I'm happy with the discovery, though I suppose it makes me more 'human'." A strange statement perhaps, but one that doesn't linger in his mind. "You are still grounded from my mind by the way," just saying!
Emma lifts a brow as she refills his glass, "I choose not to read your mind, beyond what you project currently. For a close associate I /have/ given him a device that lets out fellow telepaths like me."
She thinks upon Sebastian Shaw, the man with said advice. Leo may need to meet him before he's officially let into the circle. Currently Leo had two votes, Lex and Emma and then the Lord Cardinal had to give final approval. "But with the club, I have another you may need to meet before things are official. He is another interesting man, and who was my mentor in fact. Impress him and then you are in like Flynn."
She took another long sip from her drink, "And of course the club also has other certain benefits, that you might come to understand. In particular, I think you'll like the inner circle female uniform."
While not allowed in his mind, she pushed forward an image of herself in her White Queen outfit. She figured he would forgive the intrusion.
A quiet hrm, "Two votes not enough?" Leo is thoughtful, "Well, we shall see." He doesn't seem the least bit worried about it. He has complete confidence that he is in. His brow wrinkles a bit though, "I would?" Leo is a teenage boy, but he isn't driven by sex like many of Emma's other male students. So the thought of the girls wearing sexy things doesn't even cross his mind. But when the image pops into his head, he almost coughs into his wine glass, and half glares at Emma for the projection. And he is going to pretend that shift for a more comfortable position was seriously just because he was surprised by the mental projection! "Umm...why are you..they...wearing -that-?"
One thing always was true, Emma was a naughty one. And a bit of a showoff. However she wanted to know what Leo was getting into before the day came, she wanted him to excel. "The official rule is two vote for a new candidate, and the Lord Cardinal has the final say. I'm sure you'll do fine just...be respectful. Obvious advice I know but he is not one to put on your bad side."
She lets out a playful laugh, and leans into the arm rest on the couch with a wicked look to her eye, "It's a tradition for the inner circle women to wear that, many opt for pants or a skirt. But I happen to like the more traditional look. The men's look is quite dashing, if I do say so."
Leo gives Emma a 'look'. "Oh, I thought you meant the women." A pause, "Men don't wear anything like that right?" Oh gawd, if he laughs at the Lord Cardinal, that would be a bad thing. Geez, teenagers. And there is no way in hell he would wear that! Emma may look amazing in it, but he would not thank you very much! No, no way..his Father would NEVER wear something like that. After Leo goes through his quick thought processes, he relaxes. "Rather, what do the men wear?" A more eductated question, it just took him a moment. And he hopes dashing means good, sometimes Emma frightens him.
Emma placed a hand to the side of her temple, "The men and women wear something more traditional, based off of Baroque attire. The women's attire is more based on the fetish aspect of the club."
She pushed an image of what say, Sebastian Shaw looked like in the regalia. There were variations on the attire with pants instead of breeches, like Sebastian wore. But he was the longest standing member she knew so that was the image. Plus he was able to see the next man he had to impress. "Personally, I find it quite fetching."
A nod at that. "I will speak to my stylish. He can just think it is for a costume party," Leo states. He is smooth, and is already planning research and discussion with his stylish. He isn't going to let his stylish do something this important by themselves. He weighs Emma's words, but gives no clue about what he plans to do about his own uniform.
Emma shook her head, "Nothing you need to worry about right now. You still need to get the official OK before we get to this step. I can even introduce you to my stylist, he's quite familiar with the look."
She brushed his hair aside, she was a little touchy whenever she became closer to someone, she was silent for a moment, "You'll do fine. If you impress /me/ you'll likely impress him."
"I know, I have no doubt it will go fine." This is an area he does feel confident in. Leo though does frown at his wineglass. His apartment never felt empty before. He isn't sure what he should talk about in privacy with a woman like Emma, but he does not seem to wish her to leave at this point. "What do you think about takeout? I haven't eaten today." He hasn't eaten since he was with Fern yesterday, and it was just some icecream and coffee.
Emma pulled out a phone, and looked over her contacts. "Sushi? I have a place nearby that can deliver for me?"
However she looked around the apartment, "Or we could go out. I am hungry, admittedly. If you wish to get out."
She did feel for him, in his longing for Fern. She has felt very lonely recently. Just when she was ready to express a longtime devotion to her mentor, he met another. Then after that she met a man who you do not "date". And after that another man held a devoted interest in her, who she found to be a bore. Only recently has she met another who was even remotely interesting, but it was in the beginning stages. It was a feeling she was far too familiar with.
Leo seems to think about that offer, and then nods. "It would likely be wise. Give me a few to shower and change." He sets the wine glass aside and moves to stand. He strides quietly toward the hallway, and soon enough, Emma will hear the shower running. Only a five minute shower at most, and even less time for Leo to dry and get dressed in stylish clothing. Though he comes out into the main room to get his socks and shoes on. His hair glistens a bit with dampness still.
While Emma waited she checked her phone, sending a quick text to Sebastian Shaw, "The White Prince has been selected. Choose the date and time you would wish to meet him"
She looked up at him after he is dressed and ready to go. "I suppose that works, I quite liked the shirtless look."
She leads him down to the parking lot, where her silver Porsche sat.
A roll of Leo's eyes. "If we aren't out swimming, I'll have to request a dinner and a good night kiss first." Well, least he is starting to return a bit to his old, snarky self. But it has a different flavor to it then before. He nods in approval at the car selection. He doesn't even bother asking to drive as it doesn't bother him. It would take a lot to make Leo feel less empowered.
Emma started up the car and sped towards the sushi place in question. Nor would she even let Leo drive, it was her car. And she was quite skilled in driving. Emma was traditional in a few select ways, but not in every way. Emma would prefer to drive her own car. She was a feminist after all, "A good night kiss? I do love how you rise above."
"I hope you don't mean to silently add station to that Miss Frost," a touch of humor in that tone. "I am not one that actually sticks to the 'expected' in privacy. That's merely my public face." Still, Leo look over at Emma. The woman is beautiful, in a cool sort of way. So very different from Fern, but it is something Leo can appreciate. Still, after a few moments he blinks, realizing he was staring and looks back out the window. And then an accepting humor, "I wouldn't know what to do with you anyway Miss Frost. That is an area that I am still mentor-searching."
Emma put her foot down on the gas pedal, as she sped towards their destination. Being a telepath had certain benefits, meaning sometimes cops would not care about their transgressions is she reached their minds, "Exactly. I'm a little too much for most people to handle."
There was a pause, it was obvious Leo was attracted to Emma. You didn't need to be a telepath to know that. So it was time to voice the obvious, "Like your father for instance, he'd have no idea. I'm not that complicated, to be honest. What is it that I like, that you've already heard?"
She switched gears and sped through a red light, "Passion. No need to overthink it."
Leo Luthor says, "Father is a very passionateis a very passionate man, it is a coldit is a cold passion. Whil you look like ice, he is ice. And I am fire. I rather resolve problems by punching them in the face and hearing the bones crunch, while father would pay someone to do it for him. Not...that we would," and there is a grin in Leo's tone. "I can personally figure a lot of things out on my own. Chocolate., roses, and thoughtful gifts"
"Father is a very passionate, it is a cold passion. While you look like ice, he is ice. And I am fire. I rather resolve problems by punching them in the face and hearing the bones crunch, while father would pay someone to do it for him. Not...that we would," and there is a grin in Leo's tone. "I can personally figure a lot of things out on my own. Chocolate., roses, and thoughtful gifts. They would only go so far with you, my Father hinted at that already to me. You would need someone strong and confident, that can woo you as well as equal you in bed. The first part? I've discovered I can be a romanatic at times, I could most likely achieve it. The second part however? Ya...awkward." Considering he's a virgin? Very awkward.
Emma lifted a brow. Him being a virgin certainly fit in well with his "playboy" demeanor. She was a bit of a late bloomer herself. There was nothing wrong with that. Emma took a casual glance over him, "Fret not darling. You are charming and handsome, 18 might not have stood a chance. Might"
Shortly after they arrived at this sushi place. It certainly looked like a hole in the wall. Inside it was dark, but looked authentically Japanese enough. Emma greeted the waitress in Japanese when they were taken to a private booth in the back, even with a Kotatsu. "I hope you don't mind sitting on the floor. The sushi here is divine."
18-year old Emma? Leo's eyes flickers to look over at his headmistress. He then smirks slightly, "Pity you aren't eighteen now." And he...actually halfway means it, meaning it isn't just empty flattery or instictive response flirtation that he often operates by. "I doubt it would bother me, though it will be a new experience." As if he has never sat on the floor before...well, perhaps not to eat. This is Luthor's son after all.
Once Emma parks, Leo goes ahead and gets out. If Emma gives him a chance, he will come around and actually open the car door for her and offer a hand to assist her out. If not however, he will still get the front door of the sushi place.
Emma's mind drifted to when she was 18 years old. She doubted the boy would have even recognized her. But he did had a keen eye for detail, perhaps. She accepts him opening the door and takes his hand, "Thank you. You have been taught your manners."
Once they are all seated in the back room Emma orders some green tea and continues, "I don't miss being eighteen. It was not an easy time for me. But after that I made a name for myself, as I clawed my way to where I am now."
"As for manners, I try." Still, Leo really listens to what Emma has to say. "Claw your way? Your name is one from a respected family." It surprises Leo, but not overly much. He knows the world is not a nice place. But he lets Emma sit first, before taking a seat himself in the manner he sees others seated. Leo doesn't have his usual sense of boredom about him, though others that look at him may mistake it for that sophisticated boredom that so many playboys and grown men attempt to mimic. Even if Emma isn't actively using her telepathy, there are still things she likely pick up from him that others would miss.
Emma looked completely comfortable with herself as she sat on the ground on a small pillow, with her legs tucked in below. In one of her previous tours of Japan she was able to absorb the cultural aspects. Being a telepath was so useful.
A small smile was seen on her hips as she remembers, and was delighted that he was genuinely interested "Yes I did. But not every father is quite as caring as Lex Luthor. I can tell you that while I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth, in the end I fought for everything I have built towards today."
The tea arrived and she waited a few moments for it to cool, "I started from nothing. At eighteen I was living in basically a closet, and had no idea how I would pay next month's rent."
Leo does listen intently, actually moving to pour the tea for both of them so Emma can concentrate on what she has to say. "I am lucky," he fully acknowledges. "I have an awesome Father." He loves his Father, strongly. His eyes flicker toward Emma's face after pouring the tea, "It sounds as if you were disowned or that you ran away." See, he does listen between the lines!
When the timing was right she would have to ask just how Lex was his father. She didn't believe his story about being involved with a maid at ten years old. The thought was just ludicrous, and mildly distressing if it was true. For the moment she moved on to the subject at hand, "Precisely, I ran away. It was a dreadful household, and he a dreadful strict man. I could tell stories that could make you lose your appetite."
She accepted her small glass of tea, and tentatively sipped, "I was offered to take over the company, Frost Industries, and declined. Making my own way for myself with the clothes I had on my back."
She didn't feel any shame in retelling her story so far. Emma wasn't ashamed of it, but it wasn't a topic she treaded often, and only shared with those she respected. These are things not commonly known.
Leo listens quietly. He lifts his own tea for a sip. He does not rush the beautiful and distant woman. His blue eyes narrow slightly at the thought that your Father would cause him to lose his appetite. Well, lucky for him, he's dead. Leo already considers himself part of the Inner Circle, and thus in a way, Emma is under his protection previous disagreements or not. But his eyes then blink and he forces himself to relax and just listen. Though he does glance idily over a menu at the different types of sushi out of mild curousity, though he is perfectly fine with trusting Emma's tastes for what he should try. Apparently, he has never had sushi before.
Emma waved her hand as if to bring herself back into reality, "Oh we are actually here for dinner, aren't we?"
She mentally summons the waitress and opened up the menu, "We want the Omakase feast."
This selection on the menu would give him a taste in everything, sushi, sashimi, rice, salad and so much more. It features the most exotic and fine items on the menu, and depending on Leo's appetite would be more than enough for the two.
She did however take note in his more protective and curiosu in nature. But if he can maintain that sort of loyalty in the Inner Circle he will go far, "I assure you, given the opportunity I can talk your ear off."
"I do not mind," Leo says. He just often multi-tasks. "Please, continue," he says politely, but the curosity is still honestly there. "If you are comfortable with doing so." He is wondering what Emma did next after she took to the streets. He has seen much while patrolling. It was all pretty dark and gritty, but there is no judgment in his mental state.
If Emma and Leo were certain degrees closer she would have taken him on a trip through the "mindscape" and literally shown him her history. But she was not ready for that just yet, and there were things that the young and somewhat innocent Leo didn't need to see.
She kept the warm tea in between her hands as she continued to explain, "Fell in love with a boy, after a failed romantic twist with a teacher I was quite lovesick to be honest. He found my unique ability useful for gambling. You can imagine how that could fall to pieces. And it did. However I had managed to put together enough money to put myself through college for education and business."
Her eyes caught his, "I always wanted to be a teacher, it was very much against my father's wishes, in fact. "
Hehehe, innocent. But Leo listens carefully, and his lips twitch a bit. Would explain even more hesistation for Emma to get involved with a student after that dreadful experience. But Leo doesn't really laugh, just finds it a little ironic. After all, a broken heart is nothing to laugh about. "You would be very distracting to your students, Miss Frost. You are a very successful headmistress. What your father wanted never really mattered from the very beginning, if he was not looking after your best interests. Your best interests are more than just growing in money or power, it's also as a human being." His Father understands that, even before Leo did himself. "Thinking for oneself, obtaining your own goals in your own manner. This freedom is important for development. I have been given mine, but you had to fight for yours." Leo knows the two of them are very different, but he can also very much respect Emma for what she has been through and done with it.
Emma nodded and took a small sip of her drink. Perhaps later she would acquire some sake. At this point the first appetizers arrived to start their meals. After swallowing a small bite she responded, "I'm sure you find that amusing. That failed first romance gave me a lot. One, never trust unless they are truly worthy. Two, it helped awaken my yearning to teach. So I don't regret it."
She adjusted herself to sit with her legs to the sides to feel a bit more comfortable, "And precisely. Being a 'good person' wasn't quite on the menu as a Frost child. That isn't to say I am one today. I've made hard choices, and done many unpleasant things. But I care for the future."
That much was obvious, especially to listen to her give the Academy of Tomorrow pitch to those who caught her interest. But she genuinely meant it, and it was the cause of the Hellfire inner circle.
Leo then takes a bite of sushi, while...mostly popping it into his mouth. He never thought it should be regretted. He hasn't learned regret yet, though the day he does, is likely a dark day. He chews thoughtfully, nodding at the soft mix of flavors in approval. After he swallows, Leo says, "Perhaps one day, you will tell me the full story. I suspect I can learn a lot, about success, about growth, and about you Miss Frost." The young man doesn't smile when he says it, it is said matter-of-factly. Though something about the way he said 'you Miss Frost' was tinged a little different. Someone of Emma's experience would pick it up, but he doesn't emit anything obvious.
Emma is silent for a moment as she makes a quick decision, "You can call me Emma. Around the school please stick to Miss. Frost. I'm already guilty of favoritism, I can't let them catch on more than the students and staff already do."
She ate a piece of sushi herself, a succulent dish of freshly made ocotopus. Well made sushi was a guilty pleasure of hers. One of many.
Emma touched at the side of her temple, "If you would forgive the intrusion, I want to show you something. I can't reveal to you everything about me today, I have to keep the men wanting more after all. But I want to show you something."
Leo is a little wary. He can't stop someone going into his head, and it is almost...like fear, but not quite. He has too much confidence for it to be fear. His eyes search Emma's, for something that he likely could not even verbalize. But he finally nods, "This once." There is a tenseness to him. The moment Emma proved she could freeze him, has not left his memory and made him feel things he has never felt in his life before...it is a memory that will sadly linger, but perhaps also make him wiser for it.
His fear of her abilities was well met. It was a harsh lesson, but one that was good to learn when he did especially if one day he was to trust her. To look upon her face, you would not guess she was concentrating at all, just enjoying her nice meal.
But mentally, as soon as Leo accepts the offer he is transformed into the past. Her past, as her memory recalls it. Leo is flying in the air, and would be dressed in whatever he would consider his avatar, the visual representation of his best. His surroundings however, were far from it.
He sees Emma, a very young Emma. That is her isn't it? A very scrawny Emma, if only plainly pretty brunette sitting next to two sisters on a couch. One older high-class beauty, the other a young rebel. She was siting amongst her entire immediate Frost family. Her mother and beloved brother narcotized and counter-narcotized into uselessness. The Frost girls were left to tear each other apart for the future.
Daddy's future, his legacy. They stood in wait for his decision on the heir to his cruel approval, limitless bank account, and business.
Which if Emma saw the reflection of Leo, would see him wearing heavy red gloves with a wide cuff, and an unzipped black leather jacket with a turned down collar. Beneath that is a uniform, one with a high neck with a base of black, and a red outline of a Shield which is blank black within. The leggings are red, and there is a yellow belt and yellow straps on his thighs and about black boots. It isn't a suit, it isn't the school uniform, or fancy clothes. It appears almost...like a superhero costume.
Leo actually winces mentally, but there is nothing revealed externally. Perfect stillness externally, breathing beyond shallow, but of no strain to the young man. The 'family' before him mentally, is not the meaning of family that Lex has taught him. The man is perhaps...shockingly, actually a very good father overall.
In reality this mental exercise would take place within a second, but within the confines of their minds would last for as long as they wished. And for this Emma wanted to show one brief thing. She did of course know what his avatar was looking like, if she had required it Emma would have revealed hers. Another day. For now it was about the young, unassuming Emma.
After years of impossibly high standards, heartbreak and loneliness did Emma show enough courage and determination to be awarded his favor. He chose Emma, she choose to leave home. She had gained everything she needed from him, namely the Frost will.
Leo...approves. He would not want Lexcorp if it held the same meaning that Emma's father put on his company. Lexcorp is more than that...it is like one of Lex's children, something Lex feels passionate and strongly about. Though Leo has no major interest in business, he would protect Lexcorp with a passion because of his Father's care of it. But what Emma's father represented, the fact he never just randomly asked if his daughters wanted to order pizza and watch a movie together...makes Leo fume for Emma. Leo is...a passionate individual. And one with strong protective instincts of what he considers 'his circle'. Emma got included in that the moment she accepted him as White Prince and showed him compassion when he was hurting. He has not forgotten what she has done to him, but he has forgiven in his own way.
The Frost will was a powerful thing. The will to power, the will to thrive. He see's Emma stop in front of a tawdry sex shop with ridiculous lingerie and fetish items on display. She stares at it as her face darkens.
He can hear her voice as if whispering in his ear, "All I ever wanted was to pass on this will, to surive and do whatever it takes. To save and protect those who can't protect themselves." He sees Emma take a trash can and break through the window. It jumps immediately forward to Emma dressed in a white bob wig, with a white corset, panties, long boots and cape. Sexy, sure. Even with that frame. But it is Emma's armor, "I chose to be what I am today, for all of my flaws. And I will do /anything/ to see my goals through. I am the White Queen."
And they are back at the sushi table, Emma enjoying another bit of an octopus. She didn't do any of that to impress Leo. That wasn't needed. She wanted him to understand her, and to understand how important that was. And honesty? Quite rare.
Leo's breathing quickly returns to normal and he swallows hard. It was only a few seconds at mostion. He rests his hands on the table however, deep in thought. The key is still lost to him, but he finally says, "That is the will Magneto meant. My will is nothing compared to that. It is greatly lacking." He moves to start to pick up his tea cup, but then pauses and forms a fist of his hand atop the table. It's shaking slightly. He would have shattered that tea cup if he dared touch it, it was lucky he stopped when he did. Leo stares at the tea cup, he doesn't look up, because...for some reasons, his eyes burn, so he closes them and takes another deep breath. It's not his powers though burning as he originally thought...but it is tears that threaten...he doesn't recognize them or their sensation.
Emma's brows lower in concern. She rose from her spot at the table and kneeled next to him, placing a hand upon his shoulder. Her voice is soft, like when her telepathic voice whispered into his ear, "I didn't show you that to upset you, I'm sorry if I did."
She rolled her eyes, "And Erik is a bit full of himself. You are still finding yourself, you won't be the epitome of what you want to be in one day. I can now officially say, you know I came a long way. And have more to go."
A stiffness when Emma touches him. Powerful muscles. But he takes deep breathes and fights whatever it is 'down', even though he doesn't recognize it. Discipline, self-control. He turns his face away from Emma, "Do not...," his voice thicker sounding than normal. There is pride there, but it is more than that. Shame...shame he never noticed how blind he was at what he was missing. He wanted someone to hand the key to him to unlocking his potential...but it's impossible, because he has to make the key himself. And he doesn't know how.
Leo shakes his head, unsure how to voice what he feels, or the emotions it brings. Yes...some ways, Leo is still so very innocent...sheltered. He has the practical knowledge of the world, but not the emotional. He does finally open his eyes however, and raises a hand to rub at them a bit....confused about the moistness. A boy that has never cried before.
Suspicious by Emma start to arise. But they are placed aside because past the icy and diamond exterior is a very soft heart. Softer than she would ever care to openly admit. There was a silence so he could voice whatever words he needed.
No one in the restaurant would notice them, so by all means they were alone. She gently pushed him towards her and held him close, embracing him in a hug. While she had mostly promised to staying out of his mind, when you are lit up like a bright billboard you can't be ignored. She brought her lips to his cheek, "I'll help you in any way I can, Leo. I will be there for you. But beyond that, you will discover and make a name for yourself. I know you will."
A hug like this is...strange to Leo. Only his Father and Fern has ever really hugged him. He isn't sure how to respond to it. But after a few moments of consideration, and even the thought that they shouldn't be doing this out in public, he indulges. Physical contact...Leo likes it. He never touches anyone at school other than Bart if he can help it, he has a large personal field bubble. But if someone he likes invades it, he...adapts, and enjoys. And when he hugs back it is with powerful, but carefully controlled arms. He breathes in Emma's scent, and listens to her heart beat. He takes in the person as a whole during contact like this. And it is Emma's heartbeat that echoes in his ears. Warmth...it is something that makes Leo nervous, but also something he craves.
Emma lets the hug linger. It is innocent, especially after their previous encounters. The two know each other just a bit more. They clearly had more questions, but more is known at the end of the day currently.
Once it is time, Emma gently breaks the hug, she is a little more hands, on. Emma touched at the side of his neck, a very affectionate touch. "And after what you saw, my life changed. I entered the Hellfire club as a dancer, barely qualified to clean the toilets."
She looked into his eyes, and admired how remarkably blue they were, much darker than hers, "One man saw my potential, and made me a Queen. Tomorrow I want you to meet the Lord Imperial, Sebastian Shaw."
A nod at that. Leo is not as confident as he was before, but he is far from shattered. Still, there is an awkwardness at that hug breaking. It is not a boy used to such affections...there was that urge to cling to them though. But Emma isn't Fern...who is highly indulgant of his needs. He does not push, does not try to blur that line right now. "We should enjoy the food, it should not go to waste." Something Fern taught him with the meaning of left overs. Sometimes, it's best not to ask. Shame on her for teaching him the meaning of a doggie bag! But he knows now. The rest of the meal will be quiet, and Leo will ask how school went today, finally showing interest in his missed day.
Wait is Emma jealous? Emma is never jealous, Emma is Emma Frost. Outside of his view she rolls her eyes and returns to her part of the table, and rests upon her knees as she continues her delicious and quite expensive meal.
Once Emma begins enjoying her part of the meal she redirects the subject for a moment, before she begins giving tips on how to talk to Sebastian Shaw, "Leo, darling I don't doubt your interest in this woman. But never, /never/ tie yourself to only one person. That boy who took a liking to gambling? I didn't quite tell you how that ended"
She then continued with how that romantic interest left her kidnapped, with a gun pressed against her head. With time the conversation shifted into what would happen after that, as she would prepare him for the man who really meant the most to her life; Sebastian Shaw. While she was a hard woman to impress, she only learned it from the best.