Rhett felt the subtle change in their relationship after that night. Scarlett moved with a new purpose and there was a gleam in her eyes that he'd never seen before, at least, not directed at him. He realized that he felt different too. While he was still living in a dark place, feeling every bit like the monster that stared back at him in the mirror, he was beginning to feel a stirring of hope. Maybe she could love him, even in his present state. But with the hope came fear also. What if he opened himself to this new phase of their relationship? Surely, she would tire of being chained to a monster and would want someone whole. And he would be left with nothing but a scarred shell of a body protecting an empty heart. But part of him wanted to take the risk, to have what finally seemed possible between them. And that part of him wouldn't leave him alone.

As he watched Scarlett for the next few days, he thought she was more beautiful than ever. Maturity softened her ruthlessness as the influences of her mother and Melanie Wilkes became more apparent. But she still had the ability to be merciless; he witnessed it in her dealings with anyone who was anything but positive about his recovery, even him. She'd given him a brutal tongue lashing the previous day when he'd expressed the thought that he'd never be whole again.

He couldn't get past that feeling, however; the feeling that he was a monster, forever doomed to darkness. Even though he was getting stronger and even his mother encouraged him to venture into other parts of the house, he refused to leave his room. The drapes were kept almost completely closed with little light filtering in. He was particular about who could come and go in his quarters, fearing the reaction of those who hadn't already seen him and some of those who had. His world was a small one that only included Scarlett, Emma, his mother, and the doctor.

As they ate breakfast, Scarlett addressed the issue. "I think it is time for you to get out, Rhett. We could take a ride in the carriage."

Rhett scowled. "Charleston is not prepared for the sight of me, my pet. It would simply be too shocking for the poor ladies of society."

"Then they just needn't look. And if they have any thoughts about seeing you they can keep them to themselves or just go to Halifax for all I care." Her expression was all too familiar to Rhett. He'd seen it often when Scarlett was battling with the ladies of Atlanta. "The sunshine and fresh air will be good for you and heaven knows I need some too. Please Rhett, don't fight me on this."

Rhett considered her plea. She was looking wane. "Then you take a ride but I will remain here."

Scarlett glared at him, her brows furrowing in thought. "Well, I don't see what you are so worried about. Your shirt and coat will cover your arm, where the worst scars are. You could wear a glove on your hand," she said thoughtfully. "And if you wear your hat low over your brow, no one will even notice."

"Of course they will notice, my pet. My reputation is here is no different here than it was in Atlanta. Seeing me on the street is fodder for the society ladies to ruminate over for days. And they will be even more curious to see the results of the fire. They've spent weeks reassuring one another that I got what I deserved, no doubt. And perhaps I did." Scarlett watched as he slumped in his chair, resignation consuming him.

"Oh fiddle dee-dee, Rhett Butler, burns or no burns you are still one of the most attractive men in Charleston…Atlanta too. Why, your appeal never really had much to do with your appearance anyway."

"Pray tell me, Mrs. Butler, what was my appeal?" His question was dripping with sarcasm and that sardonic grin of his was threatening to appear. It saddened Scarlett to realize that she would never really see it again though because it required the right side of his mouth to fully bloom.

"Don't be silly, Rhett. You know what it is. You've worked to perfect your roguish style. You weren't born a blackguard and pirate; you spent years creating the image. And it is quite intriguing to women and you know it. Why I remember the day of the Wilkes Barbeque, all the girls were prattling on and on about you. You were the most fascinating man there."

"Pray tell…fascinating to all but you. You're mind was on another…"

"Perhaps," she said in her best Southern Belle manner. "But I didn't miss that look you gave me from the bottom of the staircase. Why, I felt as if you could see right through my dress to my chemise. It…it was … disturbing, to say the least. And so naughty… but it made me feel…" she paused to think of a suitable word.

Rhett chuckled. "Exactly what did it make you feel," he asked, his eyes dancing with glee.

Scarlett was glad to see his change in mood, to see the light in his eyes again, so she decided to keep the conversation alive. "Oh…my goodness… well, a lady shouldn't confess to such…feelings. But, I was a little annoyed at first. Your look was so…blatant. And then it made me feel a little naughty too, mostly because I liked the way you looked at me. None of the boys in the county ever looked at me with such open…appreciation. Oh, I mean, they fawned over me and but they looked at me as boys look at girls. The way you looked at me… I felt positively undressed! You looked at me as a man looking at a woman. And …and it made me all warm inside, brought feelings I'd never felt before…of a physical nature, I mean. Now, of course, I recognize those feelings but then…well, I'd never experienced them before…not like that."

"And those feelings…the ones you recognize now?"

Scarlett forced a slight blush into her face, knowing it would amuse him after all this time. "…were…are feelings I realize I've only ever had for you; feelings of desire, physical desire. Oh, I wanted others to kiss me and fuss over me, but I never wanted another man like I wanted you, Rhett."

She thought her confession would amuse him and he would savor the knowledge. But instead, he grew dark again. "You say wanted…now I suppose I am too disfigured to be desirable to anyone…"

Scarlett refused to give into his mood. "As I said, Rhett, your looks were never the appeal. You are a handsome man, but there are many handsome men out there."

"I might have been handsome at one time, but not now," he mused.

Scarlett looked at his discouraged face. And very quietly, so that he had to strain to hear, she said, "And you are still the most desirable man I'll ever know. I still want you, more than you are willing to admit. So much that it hurts."

Rhett sat, stunned. She wants…desires me? When did this begin? He was incredulous. It's pity, he told himself. She pities me. Well, I don't want her pity. He scowled at her, trying to understand her game.

"Now, it's high time you get dressed. We're going for a ride in the carriage. I have a new bonnet to wear and I won't let it sit in my closet one more day."

Then you take it for a ride, my pet. Leave me out of the foray."

"But Rhett, I bought it with you in mind." She said coquettishly. "I want to wear it for you."

He sighed deeply. "Very well. I can see you will not leave me alone about this. But we will go in the closed carriage."

"You finish dressing. I'll go order it now. I'll be right back." She headed for the door and stopped just as she opened it. "And Rhett," she said turning back towards him, "you really are the most attractive man I know." Then she was gone, leaving Rhett wearing a frown and feeling very confused.

GWTWGWTWGWTWGWTWGWTW

This one was difficult to write for some reason. I had it in my head what I wanted, but getting it out was another matter. In any case, I hope you enjoy and it moves things along.