As she quickly strutted to her meeting spot with others, Janet hummed and exhaled joyfully as she kept her promise. She had one person in mind, and he was so in love with her, it was way more ample and generous than any feelings she'd dreamed people could share.
She sat at the table and smiled, trying to engage in amiable conversation with the pair from the opposite end.
"How are you both?"
"Good, pretty good. Seems you changed your hairdo", her fiancé granted, and the man beside him gave her a "mhm" in acknowledgment. And she was so content withthathairdo in particular, it was evident:
"Yeah! I did! I'm... loving it so much. Ha ha."
"Janet. You know what... would be interesting for me to have a longer conversation with Dr Frank. We've got unresolved business throughout the chaos. And he can't remain in that room forever", Scott tried to reason with her.
"T-that... I understand, but there's a chance that could be inconvenient and just hard for him. I don't know how comfortable he'd feel with the idea."
"Comfortable? Why, your concern is about what he can or cannot handle? I'm sure there's not a thing to be said that could overwhelm that wicked man. Not here nor on any planet."
"Then you're really not familiar with him. But I'll... see what I can do about it. We'll talk — me, him. See you in a few minutes."
The words she pronounced lucidly before going for the stairs and returning to him.
The door opened and she felt something jump over her.
"Janet! I missed you, my dear, but back so soon? Better for me!" Frank boasted as he hugged her.
"Ah, I missed you a lot all the while, darling. But I'm here earlier to inform you of someone's... request."
"Request? What would it be?"
"It's... Dr Scott. Frankie, I didn't approve of the idea, but he was really insistent on talking to you. Calling you over the table. Well, don't worry though, you can always say no..."
"Say no? This is not necessary, Janet. He must be challenging me and maybe he thinks that I'll respond with cowardice now that I'm not at my own place anymore. I'll go with you and prove that man wrong."
"You don't have to. It's fine if it doesn't feel right to have the conversation."
"I'm ready to face him. What could go wrong? I'm taking my cape to appear more presentable there. Please, give me your hand."
She reluctantly did so. The pair hurried down to the dining room, following her lead. The table where they were expected captured their sight, they arrived there to sit next to each other. Frank pressed his lips to one of her cheeks before Janet adjusted herself on the chair and he pulled his own to do the same. Noting they sat in public and he insisted on a more intimate treatment, she felt her body turn lighter, velvety at the openly dear demonstration. He nodded in acknowledgment at Brad and then turned to the other end, spoke to his rival, in formal tone.
"Well. Good afternoon! Dr Scott, Janet made me aware you wanted to hear from me. I wonder what's the nature of the conversation. Found myself truly curious."
"Oh, I don't think there is curiosity left for this matter. Surely, it has crossed your mind that you'll now have to establish yourself again someplace else in this society?"
"Why. It's been of my concern, yes. And why would it be yours? Surely, Dr, it has crossed your mind that I wouldn't want my business to be affected by yours and vice-versa. We're parting today", he finished with a generous sip of his drink.
"We've been rivals. And as long as somebody with a twisted mindset of your kind is around and off to live... I'm sure your... projects would exceed the common limits, and lead to the inevitable. I would have to denounce you. No one currently at your service anyway."
This seemed to offend the man with ebony hair.
"Listen here. I understand you assume all about my plans after we part ways. But what I don't plan to do at all is... exceeding limits as you say. Not occupying my mind with absurdities. I got... this one recurring thought in place." As he finished the sentence, he subtly squeezed Janet's hand under the table. She smiled.
"One recurring thought? That's... new. But never mind that. How would you earn basic support among countless ordinary people?"
"You're worried about how I'm finding a way to live now? Oh, a sweet question to entertain about me", he replied dryly and sarcastically, "but I already have support. I know I'll feel that I belong."
"You belong? And who do you-"
"Believe it or not, Dr, I've been feeling more confident about leading a peaceful life through the past hours. I understand it well, this thing of having someone who treats me fairly and kindly because Janet Weiss here, Janet is my g... my... my companion. That's it, she's made me feel better and calmer about connecting."
"You depend on her charities then. I'm just curious to what she's done so effectively for-"
"She's been there for me. Made me good company. I... felt comfortable to talk normally. How wouldn't that make me feel it? There's treatment that inevitably has you safe, loved..."
"Loved! That's an odd word choice. If it wasn't you talking to me, I'd be convinced you have feelings for that girl."
"Now you want to pry. I'm not to say it's your business, mind you. But if you insist and it makes any difference to you..."
The room seemed disturbingly silent, excruciatingly cold. The tension began to build up and weigh down on the atmosphere.
So, Frank drank all from his glass, poured more wine and spoke, and he could foresee his rival's bewildered face, suffer an outraged gasp before even granting the investigative man any revelation. He felt his mind's eye navigate liberally, sail through the beloved bonding with the woman sitting by his side.
Her company, glances, words, kisses, touches. Her scent. Her eyes. Her cries. Her laughter. Her concern. Her kind hands. Her body against him and her comfort. His name on her lips. Her terms of endearment, hands on his hair, her name as he cried out for her, his smile at her face, her warmth, her care.
Her saving soul.
"It's all true. Yes. I do have feelings for her... more. I'm in love with her. I don't see how there's anything to do as I didn'tplanto be. I just felt it. She's a wonderful person, she's kind and empathetic and open. She saw this value in my life! Saved me. She's comforting and... playful. Sweet, and I'm just so drawn to her. I'm sorry, honestly sorry, if that causes complicated results for everyone. But I can't... can't be sorry I feel happy. I wanted millions of things without a single notion to guide me at heart. And yet, this time, I felt it and I didn't need any justification other than who she is. And it's fair that I feel this for her. I thought I'd never learn the feeling and, guess what? I'm capable. She inspired that and I'm beyond thankful. I love her. I have it in me. Love."
"Love! How do you say all of this so deliberately? And the use of an important word. Do you realize the things you've been responsible for? It's disgusting to act like you forget. Your extreme and repulsive profile's not aligned with the goodness it takes to... to even say you're 'in love'. And with a woman soon to be married, no less! Isn't it absurd?" Scott asked, darting his gaze to Brad as if expecting approval. But he received from the young man in glasses a different response than expected:
"Dr, hold up there! I understand you, but it's fine. They're doing okay, and they're both happy with it. I'm glad. I don't find this absurd at all."
"But a lot can't be solved in that case. Look... you know how far you go. I recognize you're trying for change, but it's clear the differences between the two of you will arise! You're not the loving type, we can agree you're not. On the contrary. Lacking all the basics... for the lifestyle. What will happen when that gets in the way and you regret what you chose? She can't be there, on your pathetic shadow. You won't suit what she needs. She's too kindhearted to bear this. You're... sleazy, insincere and hateful in your core behavior! Do you see why you must leave it and not act delusional?"
"I amdelusional?! How lovely of you to say!" Frank hollered and shook from his seat in distress. Janet was quick to put her arm around his neck and lean her head on his shoulder to remain close:
"Dr Scott! You shouldn't speak this way and disturb his peace. He's not any problem! And don't speak on my name either. Frank! Oh, here, stay calm... you're amazing and dear. You know I care for you! I'm right here. Try not to be nervous."
The young man closed his eyes in relief at the feeling of her. He couldn't wait to leave there and kiss her. His breathing was even.
"Thank you. Sorry, I just... I need to believe in myself more when I hear this. I believe in you."
The Transylvanian took more sips of his wine as if to ease the tension. Another pour fully gone. The older scientist intruded:
"What's there to believe at? Isn't it asking for more than your share in your place?"
The bottle crackled in a maddening impact as Frank lowered and placed it on the table, the spark of his eyes visibly cloudy in the enlarged pupils that blurred with hurt, after filling the content of the glass again and tasting some more.
In your place. No subtlety in suggesting his rejection from where it felt good to belong. In implying a crushed chance for him as a decent inhabitant of Earth, and above all, an unthinkable chance withher. Words that bashed and then weighed on his chest, a lump forming on his throat at the overwhelming need to expel the tears, the anger, the sadness growing.
He got up from his chair with a steadfast purpose written over his crestfallen face.
"The one who should learn his place", he began, voice cracking, "is someone who is so insufferable he feels this need to be an omnipresent impediment. But you... do not get to dictate my life."
"Hey, hold on", the blonde tried, apprehensive from the tone of it all, standing too with one hand grasping his cape.
His head snapped back to her, this beautiful person, his eyes turned briefly gentle at her sight, at the woman he loves. "I'm sorry, darling, I really am. I'm in pain and I need this to be over."
And that was when Frank N. Furter snapped, his hand closing tight into a fist and meeting one side of Scott's face in a swift, determined punch. The victim's glasses moved out of place, disadjusted with the impact, the part of his face that was struck feeling seared in pain and turning bruised. Brad, while still refusing to side with his longtime friend and teacher, expressed clear annoyance to Frank at the proportion things were taking:
"What the hell?! That's it, you'll just feel you can hit him now?"
The comment drove attention from others to their table. Janet was quick to look in their direction to dismiss all the worries for better handling of the problem:
"The situation's being solved! Please, enjoy your meals, everyone."
Her glance moved to the one she loved.
He seemed in absolute shock and disgust with himself. A few tears dropped. He was trembling, openmouthed, frightened.
"I'm so sorry. I won't do this again! Oh, God...", he sobbed, burying his face on Janet's chest, his hands clutching her arms for support. By the slur in his speech and by his mildly florid face up close, it was perceptible, he was drunk. She ran her fingers through his hair and grimaced at the difficulty, but had an idea to talk it out privately.
"Hey, dear. Please, don't panic. We both can keep talking outside, there's a better place. Does that sound good to you?"
She felt her lover nod and mumble in agreement against her skin, then pulled him up and squeezed the sides of his face to ground him back into calmness. She sneaked back quickly to ask her fiancé for a favor:
"I'm sorry, this is sudden, but I feel we'll all... extend our stay. Two more days? Could you please talk to the front desk to change the plans while I help him?"
"Of course! It makes sense to do that, Janet, I'll go there", Brad responded, thumb pointing to the side of his newly settled stop.
"Thank you", she started, her left arm hugging him, "I swear my road won't be always in the dark, I'll... stop by to talk to you and clear things up when possible."
"Sure. I'll wait for your time", he smiled and nodded.
She drew back, muttered a brief, clumsy apology to Dr Scott and ran out in tiny leaps with her arms clutching Frank's chest behind the cape. Once they were at the other side of the door and facing the town, she looked deeply into his eyes and pressed her hands on his shoulders.
"Frankie. Look here, try to breathe slowly, do you feel overwhelmed?"
"I- I guess. It's getting better. Still, I'm not going... to do that anymore."
"Good. That's a good start. I just... want to know what you were thinking of when you acted like that."
"I didn't want it to be true. I don't want to be what he said to you! I don't want you to regret this, Janet... and I'm so scared I'm really not appropriate to have something true with you."
"You are appropriate. And loving. You are good. Listen... I don't want you to get into trouble if you think you'd react too intensely, and you know your rival isn't someone who'd take it lightly on you. But... I promise you something now. Whoever it is that belittles you,I'mgoing to fight them. They'll see me furious as never before and I'll defend you."
He blinked so quickly, mouth agape.
"You... will?"
A nod from the woman. A serious one.
"Yes! Honey. I won't tolerate to see you receive names and those bullets that aren't yours to take. I want you to know you deserve to be happy. Let's... let's walk over to a garden near here. I've walked through it years ago. We can sit on the benches to talk."
Interesting. To him, it sounded a lot like a date — was it really one? He did not want to ask, would rather just love the thought it could be. They walked hand in hand (him stumbling thanks to the wine) through the path she indicated, ending up somewhere secluded.
The small area seemed beautiful and breezy, soothingly viridescent with the presence of bushy trees and low green grass, and full of flowers that gave lightness to the aspect of the whole place.
"I love here", he murmured loud enough for her to hear.
"So do I. There, go pick your best spot in a bench to sit down."
Her date found a bench in the central part of the garden and made himself comfortable there. She smiled.
"Feeling better from that spot?"
"As happy and joyous as one can be when they are aware that, by design, bless them! They must stay unloved."
There he was, her true love, sitting in front of her so dramatically, his head lowered and lamentably caught in both his hands. Janet chuckled briefly. How could someone be so oblivious to the way she wouldn't leave him in a million lifetimes? She approached him, firmly held and lifted his chin between her fingers and got his focus.
"Frank. Please listen. I'm here for you, okay? You're so dear to me. You don't have to make a scene if it's because you feel hopeless. Be proud. You're loved."
"Do you mean so?"
"I know so. And, well, I hadn't said it before because I was saving the words for you to hear in due time. But looking back, I shouldn't have kept you in the dark about them... I love you. Earnestly, unequivocally, wholeheartedly. I love you. Do you understand that?"
"I... really? You do... I love you."
She released his face from the grip. Frank wrapped his arms around her waist, made her body collide against his in a sharp pull and held her close, her hips accommodating his face. He sobbed and spoke in a husky tone, tired yet relieved.
"Thank you, Janet. You're being grand to me. I'll fight my doubt, I'll act r-reasonably and decently", a faint hiccup, "I swear. I don't want... the way I love you to... ever push you away. I just need you to stay. Will you?"
"I'll stay. I'll stay for you, and show how I want you. Want your all. Want to talk nonstop and laugh until you laugh back, want to be there when you cry, hold you and kiss you hard until you're a flushed mess. My heart is yours... look here..."
Bending down, her hands on her knees, Janet touched the tip of his nose with her own and whispered playfully, "my pretty boy", inducing a mad series of giggles from the Transylvanian, brisk respirations which accentuated the lovely aroma of wine on his tongue. She planted a small kiss on the part of the face she'd poked and pulled back smacking her lips noisily, watching his nose scrunch in delight — she adored this quirk of his. His eyes enlarged with surprise.
"Can you please touch me..?", he said, all words delivered quickly and fitting into one. He seemed hopelessly eager, his touch-starved fingers clasping hers and bringing them towards his stomach, aiming for her to take the hint and make her contact go further down. Still, he had a bit too much alcohol coursing through his blood, and for that fair reason, she refused.
"Hey, hold on, love. You're drunk. And look at the place around us. It's no good moment or place to be indulging in this, all right? But I'll take good care of you."
The blonde sat by his side on the bench, curling her legs and resting them on top of it. A pat on her thighs signaled to his side glance that he was supposed to lie down right there. And that, he did happily. Reposing his head on her lap, his legs extended and comfortable, Frank found himself in the most dreamy state of mind, all he needed was to remain there and feel how she caressed the ebony hair, sank her nails carefully in the curls and tickled all over his scalp, fingers dancing in a slow, addictive pace. He mumbled meekly, surrendered to peace and nuzzled her velvety legs, brushed his parted lips against the thighs where he rested. Contented, the young lady kissed the top of his head, watched as it trembled in awe. Fuck, he was amazingly ruined by her affection.
"Now you feel safe and sound, yes?"
He found a tiny bit of composure to reply.
"I do..."
After a few moments, she eventually helped him get up to sit again, by her side. He stared at her and took her hand in his to squeeze and caress it before a pout showed on his face:
"You know what... I've never felt so happy and loved. But I guess that, to make it fair, it should take me a little more time to be able to fully forgive you for not saying the words before."
"Oh, really?" She smirked.
The blonde's hands tapped against both his cheeks and held his face in place. She moved to shove herself against him and capture his lips resolutely in her own. Hearing him groan enticed her deeply, she slipped her tongue inside and he seemed content enough. She nibbled on his bottom lip. He could honestly melt right then, and wondered if one would be susceptible to pass away with joy. He wouldn't mind, not as her arms were wrapped all around him and her lips were warm and delicate.
"Oh, God... I'll let you get away with whatever it is anytime! Power of forgiveness is mine to carry", he panted as she pulled away.
"I knew it would work. You're smiling at me like I'm the best thing in all worlds."
"Because you are."
She hugged him and let him reciprocate. He tried to make his request in a dulcet tone.
"May we spend a bit more time around here? Please?"
"Of course. We'll have more days together and it's not late anyway. How does a bit of conversation sound to you?"
"Ask me anything. But first..."
"Uhm, first, what?"
"Let me just do this again", he blurted out and kissed her lips, once, twice.
"Good way to start it for me! Without using words", she giggled and found the best space near him to cross one leg in the seat and tap against the wood in the unoccupied corner with enthusiasm. He returned the laughter.
"Just following your lead. It gives me the right guidance, darling. You always do."
"Well... it's your best luck smiling at you. I'll always give you my hand, love."