Completed Lessons for the Lovestruck (Matthew)

[Savio]

Savio bit his lips as he looked over at Matthew. He wasn’t sure as to how he should answer those questions. That was Adean’s business, his own story. Savio knew only bits and pieces, and what he knew painted a depressing tale.

“Adean is an orphan. I think both of his parent’s died when he much younger, because he was already an orphan when I met him years ago. He has no other family that I know of. His past is a touchy subject, so I have never really asked him about it.” Savio answered.

When Matthew asked the next set of questions, seemingly pleased with the previous answers Savio had given, Savio quickly answered. He had no problem answering questions about himself. “No, I don’t wish to be a Clerk. My father wants me to take over the family farm one day. Clerical work is supposed to help me run the business better. But in all honesty, I don’t want to do that. I want to travel and see the world, to learn new things and meet new people. Syliras is all I have ever known, but I can’t help but want more. I know it’s selfish of me, but it’s the truth. I am not meant to stay here. My destiny is elsewhere.” Savio flushed in embarrassment and offered Matthew a sheepish smile. “I’m sure you understand, right?” Savio looked ahead, making sure to keep his arm elevated; Matthew’s warning stares were unnerving.

“But… there is one reason why I haven’t left yet. There is this girl…” Savio’s voice trailed off, hoping that Matthew would understand what he was implying.

[Matthew]

Matthew could understand that. It was something similar to his own wishes, though he couldn't say for sure that he wanted to see the world or meet new people. He just knew he wanted to do something with his own hands. He wanted to find a purpose to fulfill. Something important. He simply had no idea exactly what that was. He would search, though. He would search until he found it. What better place to start than as a prostitute? Finding some sort of morbid humor in the though, Matthew cracked his first genuine smile. It was there, just briefly, twitching at the corner of his lips. Then it was gone, his sharp stares focused back on the patient and his injured wrist. He merely nodded in response to Savio's question, then rose an eyebrow in response to his revelation. A girl, hm? The harlot could go on about the topic. About how love and attraction were just chemical firings in the brain, about how they were merely constructs of an emotional need deeply engrained into mortal lives. It wasn't something really needed for survival, and certainly not something that should get in the way of advancing ones life. That of course wasn't something Savio wanted to hear, and Matthew knew it. He was confused about one thing though, and was okay with phrasing that confusion. "Why is she holding you back? Why don't you just bring her with you?" He lifted his blue eyes from the wrist of the acrobat, staring him in the face instead. Matthew was unaware it was attraction that wasn't returned. He was simply seeing it at a very basic level. If something you like is keeping you from somewhere you want to go, then just take that something with you. It of course wasn't that simple. Savio probably knew that better than anyone.

[Savio]

Savio sighed and avoided the man’s eyes, feeling slightly ashamed of himself. “Well… She isn’t technically holding me beck, that’s all on me.” Savio said solemnly. “The thing is though is that she doesn’t know…that I…um… That I have feelings for her.” Savio then chuckled without mirth.

He felt pathetic every time he would think about his unrequited love for one of his best friends. Raven Nightfoot. Thinking of her was enough to cause his face to burn a bright shade of red. When he was around her, he couldn’t seem to do anything right. Yes, he could make her laugh and cheer her up when she was sad… Yes, he had her trust and had never betrayed her in the year that he had known her. But she only saw him as a brother, since she was an only child. And Savio was too much of a coward to confess his true feelings to her, for fear of rejection and the loss of their friendship.

“So… Yeah… I can’t take her with me.” Savio finally finished, his voice was a dismal whisper.

[Matthew]

His brow furrowed again, the expression of confusion a common one for the harlot. As he walked along beside of the young man, he studied him, the curiosity obvious in Matthew's blue gaze. He didn't understand, that much was obvious. Even though he was supposed to be a practiced harlot, he seemed oddly detached from the normal emotions and actions that came along with normal lust and love. He remained quiet for a few moments, then spoke carefully, not wanting to seem silly with his question. It seemed like an obvious question to him, but he often thought differently than other people. He was aware his mind worked on a different level. Not a higher level. Just... different. "...why haven't you told her?" He bit his lip, then continued on, figuring it best to talk it out. "Is she in another relationship? It would perhaps be respectful to not tell her, if she was. Though, you don't really have anything to lose by telling her if she is. Perhaps scared of rejection? You are silently living in rejection right now. Think you may lose her as a friend? It doesn't seem like you are in it for pure friendship at the moment, merely in hope of it eventually turning into something more. Which is fine. It isn't bad. It is natural. Or do you not know how to approach her?" The questions came out one after the other, each one fairly well explained. Matthew was all about logic, and even emotions followed logic. A lot of people thought they didn't, but there was usually a valid reason for each and every one. A valid cause, a logical effect, a predictable outcome. Even for such things as love. Just another emotion, in Matthew's mind. Just another logical function of the human body. He rose an eyebrow at Savio, waiting for an answer. As if to keep him reminded of his arm, he kept shooting a glance at it, a look of warning in his eyes.

[Savio]

Savio sighed. “I wish it was that simple, Matthew. She has already made it clear that she only sees me as a friend. Or better yet, a brother. I have known her for a year now, and as much as I care for her… The feelings are not mutual. Or at least, not in that way. I know she also cares for me. She said so herself. But she didn’t mean it as in ‘I like you as a lover, not my best friend.’” Savio’s voice was solemn.

He had let his arm drop slightly but he quickly corrected himself when Matthew shot a warning look at him. Damn, the man was serious. The wrist only ached slightly now, Savio assumed that it was because the swelling had also started to go down. But his arm was starting to get tired. At least they were almost to the Roshin District. Though he wondered how his Aunt would react to Matthew… She was a tad bit… Strange.

[Matthew]

Casting a sidelong glance at Savio, he had to take a moment to think about what to say. He didn't have this problem. It wasn't that he got every girl he attempted to get, it was simply that he never truly wanted to get any girl. There had been a few times when one had been skilled enough to seduce even him, but he had always known it was mere emotion. Simply workings of the human mind and body. He hadn't wanted them on any deeper level than that, and sometimes, he had even realized it when the seduction wore off in the middle of play. All of this was a business to him. It was a way to earn coin, and was another one of the emotions that he tried so very hard to turn off and on at a whim. Just another random emotion. Therefor, the idea of wanting was a bit foreign. He wasn't sure if this was in his realm of knowledge. And anyway, the man hadn't given him any coin yet. Was there really any sort of reason to help out? No, probably not. He still tried a little anyways. "Have you tried moving it further? Perhaps seduction, or confessing your true feelings? It doesn't sound like you have really made any steps toward changing the current situation, and have instead simply sat back and regretted what hasn't happened. How is your circumstance supposed to change if you just sit back and let the world flow around you? You have to reach out. Take control. Guide yourself in the ocean, don't let it toss you around." His voice was cool, but his own personal passion for this idea ran rather deep. He himself struggled with the idea of being shaped and carved by the things around him. He didn't like the idea of being molded by anything but his own hands. Perhaps that was why attraction and love were two of the oddest emotions. Two of the scariest. He didn't like the idea of giving another person enough power to define who he was, as a person. Perhaps it was the way he was raised. Perhaps it was just the way he was. The arm dropped, and his quick stare caused Savio to raise it again. It wasn't at all vital that he keep the arm up, but it was optimal. Best to keep him on his toes, and the wrist would heal that much quicker. They had been walking for a little bit now anyways. No doubt they were at least somewhere close to his home.

[Savio]

Savio listened to Matthew ask more questions as they finally approached the Roshin District. They stepped inside as Savio began to reply, “I have attempted to once or twice before. Both tries failed horribly. She laughed at me, thinking that I was joking. Rather than push it, I panicked and played along with her suggestion. Even though she is my friend, I have never been able to talk to women easily. I act normal around her as long as my thoughts don’t remind me that I want more. I have always been by her side, making sure she didn’t get into too much trouble. She looks at as a brother and nothing more. “

Savio’s voice was sullen and his eyes were slightly downcast. Voicing his failures made them all the more real and all the more embarrassing. Regardless, Savio found himself becoming quite fond of the older man. He was easy to talk to, and he was as curious as Savio.

Savio sighed and found himself lost in his own thoughts for a moment. One of the main reasons he pushed himself so hard with his acrobatics was because Raven loved watching him. He wanted to get better so that he could continue impressing her and prove to her that he was someone she could be proud of.

In a short amount of time, the pair reached the door of Savio’s Aunt’s apartment. Savio instantly became uneasy. His beloved Aunt was just a little eccentric. Savio remembered how she constantly attempted to flirt with Adean, and even copped a feel once the last time Adean had graced her home. Savio glanced over at his new found friend with a worried expression. He hoped his Aunt was still working.

[Matthew]

They walked in silence after Savio's shamed confession, Matthew only speaking up when they had reached the doorway of his home. "Would you like to learn to talk to women?" It was a sudden question, but it seemed appropriate. If the man had trouble talking to females, then wouldn't the best course of action be to help him get over that little flaw? If she was writing off his confessions as just a random joke, then he likely hadn't approached the confession with any sort of seriousness. The fact that he had chickened out instead of pushing it was a further testiment to his courage, at least when it came to asking out this particular girl. Pondering this over, Matthew stepped into the house, only to be instantly swept up in a hug by a flurry of movement with long curly hair. A woman, from the smell of her perfume. He was hardly able to make it out before he was spun, set to the side, and Savio was beset by an equally enthusiastic hug. "Savio, darling, and you brought a friend home with you! A handsome one at that!" The woman turned, a smile on her lips, studying Matthew with her hands on her hips. The harlot-to-be glanced at Savio with a slightly confused look to his blue eyes, then back to the aunt. "What is your name, doll?" Matthew paused, and then transformed, as if putting on some sort of second skin right then and there. Now his face twitched with playfulness, and his eyes were bright and expressive. His stance was suddenly casual instead of stiff, the man looking at ease. "Matthew, ma'am. It is a pleasure." The word pleasure was definitely drawn out a bit, so much so that even Savio would be able to notice. Had Matthew just forwardedly flirted with his aunt right then and there? The woman herself seemed caught off guard, eyes a bit wide, not used to having her younger objects of affection take the first move. Matthew stepped forward, graceful and slow in his motions, a playful smile suddenly spreading out across his once-apathetic features. Blue eyes sparkled, and he reached out a hand, gently taking it and lifting it up to his lips. One soft kiss later, and auntie had actually blushed. "Truly a pleasure. You won't mind if I visit Savio in his room? He had a bit of a spill, and he sprained his wrist." Her delight was paused, and she spun, moving over to Savio with soft disapproving noises. "I wrapped it up, so he should be fine. I just want to check my work." He stood there, smiling brightly, apparently completely at ease around the woman and her flirtatious ways. He had a few flirtatious ways of his own. He was planning on being a harlot, after all. There wasn't a single interested woman who he would turn away. At least, he hadn't met one yet. Hopefully none would have the fantasy of killing him. That was a fantasy he would probably have to turn away. He glanced at Savio, checking to make sure it was actually alright for him to visit awhile longer.

[Savio]

The awkward silence that had followed Savio’s admission was too much. He found himself getting a little depressed. Even Matthew had found Savio’s attempts at wooing his love to be pitiful. But as they reached the door of his Aunt’s abode, Matthew surprised Savio with the offer to teach him how to talk to women. Savio’s eyes jerked up and stared at Matthew in disbelief.

“What?” was all the younger man was able to stammer out before Matthew opened the door and was promptly attacked with a hug by Savio’s dear Aunt Rachele. Savio blinked in surprise as she wrapped her arms around his new found friend. Then, as an afterthought she turned to Savio and hugged him as well. Savio had to suppress a sigh; this was not going to end well.

Aunt Rachele then pulled away from her nephew and began to gush about Savio’s ne friend. While she was focused on Matthew, Savio mouthed “I am so sorry” to him silently. Savio knew how his Aunt was, and there was no telling how she would act around someone as attractive as Matthew.

And then… Wait… What?! In a matter of moments, Matthew changed from being confused into…something else. The way he held himself, and the tone was his voice. Was he flirting back with my Aunt?! Savio watched in disbelief as Matthew spoke in a way that promised more. To be honest, Savio’s jaw had pretty much hit the floor.

When Matthew mentioned that Savio had hurt himself, it was as though his Aunt finally that her only nephew was there. She went to fuss over him, having temporarily broken from whatever it was Matthew had done to her to fuss over Savio. But it was short lives as Mathew easily brushed her aside and had Savio lead him into the guest room that the boy was currently sleeping in.

Once alone, Savio turned to Matthew his mouth still agape. “H-how did you…?! My Aunt… You just… Gods, that was amazing!” he couldn’t even talk right. All he knew was that REALLY wanted to learn how to do that.

[Matthew]

As they left the aunt behind, Matthew turned his head just a tad. Savio might notice the little wink that the harlot tossed his aunt, or he may not. There it was though, just for a moment, smooth and shameless. He was practically bedding the woman with his blue eyes. The moment they turned the corner though, it all dropped away, as if Matthew had a zipper on this 'seductive' costume that he had just tugged down. He was quiet and distant all the way to the room, but when they entered and the door was closed, Savio was quick to interrupt that silence. Matthew blinked a couple of times, a sign of surprise from him, studying the man carefully. He hadn't expected the surprise, and honestly, it actually made him feel just a tad bit proud of himself. He still wasn't incredibly confident in his art, so he was relieved to see that it looked authentic and skillful to someone else. Shoving the emotion down, he glanced around to find a seat, and eventually sat down in a corner of the room. Folding his legs underneath him, he watched Savio, still keeping an eye on his wrist. He addressed that first, withholding his answer to the half-questions that Savio had spit out. "Remember, elevated. It might help to lay down and just prop the arm up on a pillow, or a nearby counter top. Then you can relax, and won't actually have to expend strength in order to keep the arm raised." He finally turned to the real topic that Savio seemed interested in. "Thank you for the compliment. It is just a skill, like any other. The acrobatics are amazing to me." Matthew thought for a bit, and then spoke slowly. "It was just... several things, really." He lifted his eyes to meet Savio's gaze, and lifted a finger, gesturing all over him. "The first and most important thing is confidence, which it seems you sorely lack in this department. You have to be confident in your approach. Confident in yourself. Comfortable in your own skin." He then gestured to himself, motioning all over his body. "Then there are the clothes. Some women don't care about appearance, but really, a large majority of people base their opinions on first looks. So, why not just go ahead and look nice? Smell nice. Hold yourself nice. Even if you aren't confident, the appearance can still scream of confidence." Shrugging broad shoulders, he bit his lower lip, glancing down over his body and remembering everything he had gone through. He had trained himself in the littlest of things, from how to hold his body, to looking at a girl the right way, to the tone of voice he used in his conversations. It was all a lot of nitpicky stuff that the boy didn't likely need. "Are you interested in learning how to talk to women, or just this one woman?" He tilted his head, genuinely curious. The answer would change what was taught, but it didn't actually matter besides that. Matthew wouldn't judge him for it, or wouldn't find one answer any different than the other. It just really helped him determine what he needed to focus on. "Really, there are a lot of things, but it would help to know what the target is. There are a lot of general things you can do to seduce, but in the end, it often can come down to determining what your target finds the most attractive and reacting appropriately. Alcohol can avoid this, but I am assuming you aren't wanting to use that." Matthew was opposed to the stuff himself, but only because it lessened the amount of skill required to seduce. He would use it if it was the only way, and wouldn't think twice about it. Savio seemed to want this for personal reasons, though. He wasn't just interested in the business.