I seem to be struck by you.

The auditorium of St. Delacroix was typically abandoned. No one tended to go into the cavernous building, built by Lady Julienne. It was built in a gothic theatre style, like something straight out of the Phantom of The Opera, or Sweeney Todd. The seats were folding-style, covered with plush red curtains. Even heavier red curtains hung from the stage, one side drawn back to reveal a piano to stage right. It was a beautiful black baby grand, shined and polished. Because of the fact that no one ever came to the large and awe-inspiring building, this was Isobel's hiding place. She came here when she needed to think, and needed time to herself.

And that was why she was seated at the piano, playing a soft song that reverberated throughout the building. The song built, growing louder, it's jazz and blues roots evident in the chords and the tempo of the song. Just at the climax of the song, her voice joined in, improving a beautiful song, about a little girl who had to leave her childhood behind. The husky alto voice was of stunning quality- hence why Izzy was an aspiring singer. She certainly was captivating in her voice and mannerisms. At least, her current audience thought so.

It might be an unfair bias, however, the man mused. Isobel Hearst always captivated him no matter what she was doing. At this moment, even he had to admit that it might not just be his love for her that held him spellbound. She had a way of moving, of hitting the note just so that it struck you, and remained, holding you pinned to the spot where you stood. He'd never been so in love with her as he was listening to this song now. The song slowed once more, and it became one of the joys that the little girl found in the adult world, the love that sheltered her, and helped her. The last note was long, and low. Reuben Hughes didn't think that he would ever forget it.

Three breaths was the amount of time it took for him to be able to move again. He uncrossed his arms, and walked up to the stage. He knew that Isobel was aware of his presence- she could sense bodies of water, and knew his intimately enough to know who it was. He stepped up behind her, one hand running lightly down her bare arm.
"That was beautiful."

She smiled, and even though he was behind her, he could tell by the way she moved, and the way she felt as he pulled her into the circle of his arms.
"Thanks, Roo. How did you find me?"

A smile of his own flashed over his lips.
"I asked your brother and he wouldn't tell me so I....cajoled him into giving me the answer."
"In other words you flirted with him until he was too embarrassed to hold back anymore?"
"Mhmmm....."

By this point in the conversation, Reuben had found better uses for his lips and tongue than talking. He lifted his head from her neck, and spun her to face him. After a brief smile, Roo captured her lips with his, again finding his lips and tongue put to better used. As he lowered them to the ground, Isobel was greatly relieved that nobody ever came to this old building anymore.

And she resolved to steal away for time to sing in it more often.