Time's gonna take me, I know that day's gonna come~

As soon as Artemis took her hand, Sivvy became completely compliant. The clone was nearly putty in his hands, though in action alone. Whatever the implications might be, it was clear she was used to being touched, even if it was by strangers. The rosette went easily into his personal space, eyes bright with intellectual curiosity. He said he might teach her. She really did like learning. It was her favorite past time, so to speak. It was the only thing she'd been allowed and encouraged to do, so it was a thrill any time she could be taught something new. Though her dance classes were more bare-bones than his and didn't last too long, she'd found some forbidden enjoyment in them the same way she secretly loved learning to play the violin. As the worldly man led her into the crowd, she glanced around as if she could glean any quick tips to make Artemis's instructions easier. The movements were so fluid and tactile, unlike the stiff iciness of a waltz. Actually, that was just it. Just as like the waltz was the cold to the heat of the lambada, all of her experiences and lessons were cold and sterile while the rest of the world was lively and full of warmth. Sivvy desperately longed for this messy warmth she didn't understand.

Once they came to a stop where he'd begin teaching her, all of her attention returned to him. Her hand squeezed his in excitement, but would also squeeze in apology every time an errant foot landed on one of dance partner's, which was much more often than she'd like. She was a quick learner, but these dances were complicated. Her frustration was clear, shutting off her stoic expression entirely. When she managed a move correctly, the joy was tangible but would fall just as quickly when her inexperience kicked in and sent her fumbling.

Despite her irritation, she was improving with each passing moment. Sivvy just needed the right mindset. Did one look at learning dance as combat moves, or like playing an instrument? The two methods were much different, and this far she'd been treating it like learning to fight. Empirical evidence told her that the combat method was not the best, so she abandoned it and tried to apply the other. Feeling the music and the beat, letting it move her while also giving into Artemis and letting her body follow his closely. Her crimson hues stared up into his with an amount of trust that probably shouldn't be placed in someone met just earlier in the day. If she wanted him to enjoy himself, she needed to step up.

Things started to go a little better, but then she stomped his foot pretty good and even tripped into his chest, closing all distance they previously had. "Rrrrgh," she growled under her breath, resetting her footing and becoming a bit sulky. She was thinking about it too hard, putting too much pressure on herself. She refrained from saying statements like 'i want' because everyone else came first, but she really did find herself wanting to dance like the people partying and laughing around them. Even if she didn't realize it, the slayer wanted to get lost in the music, to be free of her life for just a few moments while the energetic music carried her. Just a moment to release all the stress she had amassed. Sivvy needed release. It'd been a long time since she'd had time to endulge in playing her own music, and there was something even more attractive about reacting to the beat and flow rather than making it. "I'm sorry if I am ruining your dancing," she said softly to him, frowning. "If you wish to find a better partner, I'll understand."

---

Encouragement was something Sivvy was only just now starting to adjust to. Her upbringing hadn't utilized such tactics in teachings and training, but her time as Johann's mentee had introduced the tactic. At first, she hadn't known what to do with it. But as it became more common, she came to appreciate it, the same way she appreciated Amalie encouraging her to try and express herself and to stop doing things for others just because they wanted it. Both of those were heavy works in progress, as was her ability to let others know what she wanted. Honestly, she didn't know what she wanted. The clone had never been taught to think for herself in that way. That hadn't been her intended purpose, but with continued involvement by those close to her, she was slowly altering her purposes.

Artemis's next move caught her a little off guard, but she didn't resist or flinch. Her reading of expressions wasn't always the best, so she missed the change in his eyes. The way he cupped her chin and leaned down was unmistakable, though, and just as she'd been about to shut down the bits of herself that had been on display to protect them, he stopped. She blinked, wondering why he wasn't kissing her. It had all the signs that that was what was coming, and she'd been prepared for it, for him to do what most men wanted. But...he didn't. That little fact kept her present and blinking curiously up into his face. Even as he spoke, she could feel and smell the desire in him, yet he didn't act and take. Why not? How strange.

Perhaps it was a brand new teaching method, for just after the physical contact and his expressed intent to dance with no one but her, he issued new instructions and released her. A fact gone unnoticed was her own elevated heart rate through the whole thing.

Now that they were back to dancing, she spun flawlessly under his lead. The back of body pressed against his as he instructed it to, her movements completely malleable. Just enjoy. Let the music move her. Well, the music wasn't tangible, so he couldn't really move her, but his hands could. They rocked her hips from side to side with the exotic beat. After a few moments, she understood what he meant. Just like when she'd lost herself in dance and playing the violin, she could feel her mind switching from an analytical nature to something more instinctual. Artemis had meant to let it move her emotionally, let it sweep her away like a wave would a leaf. Don't think, just act how it seems right for the lively tones lilting through the air...

After a few more moments had passed, it seemed she was able to do what he's whispered in her ear. Sivvy pressed back against him, feet and hips perfectly in sync with both the music and him. Even her head leaned back, fitting into the right crook of his shoulder and pressing her forehead gently to his neck and jawbone. Perhaps if she'd read Artemis a little better she wouldn't be rubbing up against him this way and in the places the friction was happening, but she was innocent in her temptation. She was just doing as she was told, after all. Lithe fingers that had been resting on his left hand at her waist trailed over his knuckles and up his arm until they lifted over her head and back enough to tuck behind his head, tangling in his red wine locks. Her eyes were closed and a slight smile was playing on her lips. For once her mind was blissfully empty and her body was able to release the pent up tension from so much anxiety she suffered constantly. All that was here was the sharp clacking of drums, the steady shake of maracas, lively bass notes, and the soaring tones of brass horns commanding her body as if she was the instrument being played. The world had disappeared except for their dancing bodies, intangled in something less like the salsa and more like the lambada for now. The clone didn't know the difference. Perhaps the vigorous twirls and fancy steps could come soon, but for a few long moments, Sivvy seemed content to move as she liked, which for now was right up against him. So simple, yet so freeing and comfortable.

Now that the young woman had relaxed and seemed to find herself in the moment, she leaned a bit away and lowered her hand, releasing her hold on him. Her compact frame spun in his grasp, not freeing herself, but merely moving to face him. Sivvy was starting to grin, a strange gleam appearing in her eyes. Judging by the movement of her feet, she'd gotten the basics of these dances down and was ready to play. Her hip movements were more elaborate now, fitting in with the other club patrons. Giving her head a little shake, her pink locks toused and flipped behind her. It was as if there was electricity snapping around them. The tension was something she didn't understand in the least, but she didn't feel like creating the extra space some other dancers had between themselves and their partners. Staying in close, their feet haphazardly close but no longer in danger of stomping, she took initiative. Sivvy's hands found new places to be, one resting on his chest and the other taking his hand once more. "Show me more," her unintentionally sultry voice challenged him.

---

As she was whisked away, Sivvy didn't question it and merely enjoyed the excitement of it all. This was turning out to be a much more enjoyable day than she'd ever imagined, and the guilt of enjoying herself hadn't kicked in yet. Was it very softly gnawing at the back of her brain? Yes. Dr. Raelin's teachings would probably never leave her. It was as if a part of him existed in her mind, scolding her for every bit of humanity she indulged in. But for now, she'd rebel. It was her third act of true defiance, the first being her intense love of food and the second her fondness for shopping. "What's le tropicana?" Sivvy asked just after he threw some jewel to 'Rickey', blinking up at him in confusion and interest as she was placed back on her feet.

Artemis didn't need to answer. It became clear soon enough. "Ooh.." she gasped, glancing around in amazement. She wasn't too familiar with blacklight. She'd seen it once at a party she was hired to attend, but there hadn't been much opportunity to pay attention to it. Much to her surprise, her white uniform glowed brightly, making her skin look dark in comparison. This was fascinating! A little disorienting, but fascinating. Sivvy liked it.

The clone was a little sad to hear the exotic music she'd just learned to dance to fade out, but there was no denying the amped-up energy of the new kind. There was a little worry in her face that this presented a new dance she didn't know, but from what she could observe, there wasn't anything complicated. A lot of bobbing to the beat. The activity at the forefront was people painting each other and waving little glowing sticks around. An exothermic reaction? As she received her own stick, she took a close look before giving it a crack and shaking it. Ah, she thought so.

As the tray came by, she passed on the drink again but did pluck up the container of glowing blue paint. He nodded to the others she'd been watching and made a suggestion. Turning back to him, she flashed a genuine smile. Did she know anything about drawing or painting? No, but it didn't seem skill was being tested here. "Deal," she answered, swirling her index finger into the fluorescent paint. When she looked back up to his face, she was surprised to find that it was raining! Magic? Her hair started to dampen, causing her to take her paintless hand and slick her bangs back. Droplets dripped slowly down her face and the exposed skin of her chest before vanishing in a puff of steam. Sivvy was so far removed from her element that she scarcely felt like herself, which was generally cold and stressed. In this moment she felt alive, truly human. It was a little scary and she wasn't sure if she was doing alright, but Artemis didn't seem put off by anything she did. That had to be a good sign.

Reaching up to his face, she drew the first things that came to mind. Perhaps it was a bit awkward at first, but only because she felt strange electricity snapping through her nerves. There was something about touching his face, watching his hair and skin drip... Sivvy showed no outward reaction to this feeling, though, continuing her work. A smudge of blue-colored the end of his nose, then she gently trailed three streaks on each cheek to make whiskers. Whether they were the features of a cat or a mouse was uncertain, but did it really matter? She then made one last design, an upward-facing moon in the middle of his forehead. Okay, so she might have been thinking about a character from a manga she came across, but either way once she stopped caressing his skin with the paint, the slayer seemed pleased with herself enough to giggle. However, said giggle seemed to nearly horrify her, causing her to cover her mouth with her hand as if the sound would get her punished.

---

After he was finished painting and implied they both looked beautiful, Sivvy produced a small metal mirror to inspect her face for herself. Unlike Artemis who assumed his face looked nice, the rosette just had to get a glimpse. Eyes lighting up at the bright, glowing color and the butterfly design, she lightly giggled again despite herself and glanced up at him. "I like it," she said just barely over the dance music. It still felt wrong to giggle and she felt like any moment now she'd be punished, but the clone had a strange love for garish things, so this was right up her alley. The mirror dissolved back into her hand effortlessly, though she could have gazed at her face for much longer. Why had she never seen anyone paint faces like this before? Was it only acceptable in situations like this? That seemed like a shame...

As he led her back out on the floor, the new beat swept her up even easier than before. The pulse-like thumping of artificial instruments specifically meant to command the body was like a wave crashing on her. There was no choice but to roll with it. This whole experience since the enormous dinner and being brought to this secret club was somewhat euphoric for the young woman. Maybe a bit of sensory overload, as well. Even though it could be stressful when the rules weren't specified, she dearly loved new experiences and learning new things. Human contact wasn't familiar to her either, but with the addition of different kinds of music that encouraged a more tactile style of dance, it came much easier to her than knowing when to hug someone and things like that. Sivvy didn't mind Artemis's close proximity in the slightest. If anything, she enjoyed their skin touching. She didn't seem to notice as he leaned down, vaguely aware that he'd done so but not putting much thought into it, just like when she'd felt his lips brush lightly on her neck earlier when she'd been in range. There was no alarm, only the same level of comfort she'd had with his presence even when they first met earlier that day. Clinically she knew what was happening, but it didn't affect her...yet. Aside from this latest experience of being lost in the music and giggling at facepaint, 'clinical' was a term that best described how Sivvy operated in every way.

The genuine happiness she'd felt in these moments seemed to fade back to her unreadable neutrality after she heard his whispered words. As he pulled away, her eyes met his with unwavering steadiness and she slowly stopped dancing, as if the beat pounding around them had disappeared. There was no revulsion or rejection, though there was the strangely soft sadness that people noted they felt when she returned to her default, stoic nature, despite the polite smile she wore. It was something in those carmine eyes of hers. The burgeoning outward emotions retreated inward like a tortoise's head when frightened. Emotionally, she'd clammed up completely, though whether this was just deeply disciplined training or a subconscious way to protect herself was unclear. Either way, he wouldn't know why since he didn't know anything about her and why she was the way that she was, so perhaps it appeared cold.

"I noticed," she answered concisely, truthful as always. Of course, she noticed. Everything about him screamed it from the time they arrived at the restaurant. Her sensitive nose could smell it on him, notice the physical signs of it no matter how minute or obvious, from the subtle way he watched her to the more distinct reaction after he'd requested her to feed him those oysters.

Normally, in situations similar to this, she'd have never warmed up to him like she had. Honestly, the way she opened her shell slightly was confusing to her now that she reflected on it, but all she could chalk it up to was that he hadn't seemed predatory. Not like the other men. He hadn't expected her to act interested and comply to his every suggestion. There'd been no pressure to drink, which would turn her into what most of her patrons had wanted like magic. Despite knowing what he wanted, the fact that she didn't feel absolutely forced to fulfill his every whim and stroke his ego made her comfortable. Artemis seemed fine with just looking, just dancing, just observing her and showing her a wonderful evening. Even now, this confession of attraction didn't feel pushy, like he was looking for a reward for his behavior or like he had run out of patience and wanted what he'd been waiting for. Maybe it was the honesty in his voice and face that she liked and trusted. It wasn't that greasy way most men had said it, where they were warning her before they took what they paid for. It seemed genuine, but still, she lacked the facilities to return it to him.

It was sad that she didn't understand her feelings on such a deep level. Emotions had been wrung out of her from the moment she could think, somewhat trained like an animal to avoid the behavior at all costs, to resist it with everything she had, again, probably for personal protection. Don't recognize it, don't even entertain it. It was ironic that the part of humanity she struggled with the most was also the quality that had flawed her, kept her from progressing with her sisters. She wasn't good at feeling but felt just enough to be a failed experiment. One thing she had learned to feel, though, was enjoyment. Her literal guilty pleasures. Sivvy enjoyed this man's company, at the present mostly like she enjoyed food and shopping and bright colored things. Yes, there was a difference in there that was way over her head that she was unable to grasp, but still, she found Artemis to be something she liked in the most innocent way. Sort of like the way she liked Amalie and Johann, but not as strong yet. But Amalie and Johann had never mentioned being attracted to her, and it seemed that would be the switch that flipped to return her to the only reactions she understood and knew how to give.

"What would you like from me, Artemis?" she dutifully asked, fully returning to the highly compliant nature she'd had at the beginning of the evening. Sivvy would agree to whatever he wanted. Just because this wasn't a job and there was no payment or orders involved didn't mean her basic need to be useful to someone had gone away. Amalie had been doing her best to weed this quality out of her, telling her that she didn't need to do every little thing literally anyone requested. The clone had been doing better about it, but the shock of both liking his company and not knowing how to deal with it snapped her back into place like elastic. If he kissed her, she'd kiss him back. If he whisked her away for the night, she'd go. But if he was perceptive at all, perhaps he'd notice that there was an unshakable emptiness, as if the vibrant girl he'd been dancing with had swapped places with someone far more robotic, very pleasing and skillful, but also unavailable.

---

There was no mistaking her relief when he declined her offer. The stony expression that had manifested disappeared as quickly as it had come on, returning her back to the girl that was enjoying her time with him. Her initial assessment of him had been correct. Artemis wasn't the guys that she'd gone out with before. This wasn't a job, there was no goal to accomplish, no jewel exchanging hands. Honestly, her mind hadn't even lingered on his wealth for even the tiniest of moments. Other than buying clothes, cute bobbles, and food, accumulating wealth meant nothing to her. She didn't have the same predispositions that other people had, let alone women. All she had was her knowledge of past encounters to go on.

His heavy sighs worried her a bit, though. He seemed displeased, which Sivvy didn't like. It was tough for her to turn off her learned behaviors when it came to being useful. The lips of her painted face drew down slightly as she considered what she might have done to cause his disappointment. If he hadn't wanted company for the night, what was it he really wanted that she hadn't been able to give? Had she answered something incorrectly? Was it as simple as he had wanted her to be attracted to him as well? In all her other interactions with men, they had either just assumed without asking if she was to serve their own egos or commanded she agree when they asked regardless of her feelings to keep the ruse of the night intact. And who was to say if she did or didn't feel attraction? She wouldn't know if she did, as that was not something she was taught about because it was strictly forbidden.

Vibe, pleb, into him... all these terms were somewhat confusing to her. It had been brought to her attention before that she gave off a very cold 'vibe' before by many clients, whether it was an escort job or ridding a cave of monsters with someone. They said her vibes made them uncomfortable, that she was too unexpressive and unreadable. Robotic. Mentioning her past in the laboratory only enforced their belief that she was less than human. Maybe that was the purpose of the vibes? 'Vibe' could be short for vibration, something she could see a robot giving off.

Perhaps it was a bit forward, but she reacted to him just as she would those close to her in her life now. A hand reached out and touched his arm, trying to encourage him or somehow convey the complex and misunderstood feelings buzzing in her brain. "I'm not a robot, so I don't think I have these vibes," the clone said suddenly, very serious despite how off-the-wall and random it might seem to someone without context...to someone like Artemis. Despite the weirdness, she eased up into a smile and continued. "You're nice. I like you," she told him honestly, hoping it would clear things up and help him in some way. It was a big step for her to come out and say she liked something, so she didn't take it lightly. And while she didn't mean it explicitly in a romantic way, there had to be some levels of attraction, platonic or romantic, for someone to be drawn to someone.

"This has all been very fun. I've never had an evening like this. My upbringing was very strict. I've never been taught about attraction and how to know if I feel it or not, so I don't know if I can be what you want, but I don't want you to think that I'm taking this time you're spending with me for granted. If you would like, I'd gladly spend more time with you like this in the future. Is that acceptable?" the slayer wanted to know, hoping this wasn't the first and last time they would spend time together. Her head tilted enough to make the gathering water droplets streak down her face in diagonals, carmine eyes imploring. She didn't have many friends, but recently she'd learned they were good to have. Johann and Amalie were irreplaceable and had helped her understand and grow more than she could have ever possibly accomplished without them. It had been her mission to be indispensable to them, but perhaps it had happened the other way around. And while that was a failure for now, she was striving to one day return the favors and be able to help them in an impactful way. Now Artemis was on her list as well, though it was just the beginning and he could certainly decline now and she'd never seek him out. Despite herself, she could not help but think it would be a shame if that was the case. Sivvy felt like there was so much to learn from him.

---

It was a bittersweet response, on one hand, he was relieved that she seemed to relax as he explained that he didn't expect anything from her, but it also stung a little bit. Artemis had plenty of self-confidence in his own looks and personality to think that he was a least of some appeal, was the idea of being with his so repulsive to her? Then again, as he thought about it, he wondered if it had been more the perception of what was expected. It did have a dirty feel to it, paying for someone and expecting them to reward you for it. In that sense he couldn't blame her. Although it did add to the frustration over being born with a silver spoon in his mouth, the stigma it came with.

Her hand would touch his arm, followed by words that confused him, not sure what robots had to do with it. He parted his lips in uncertainty, about to ask what she meant as she spoke again. Surprising him, there was that word; 'like', he couldn't help the short grin that crept onto his lips. Artemis had been quite clearly friend zoned. Which actually did make him feel a little better, at least he wasn't so off-putting that she wanted nothing to do with him. It felt a lot like that these days, he was so busy with work that he had no time to socialise, the invites had stopped comings, the updates, the drop ins. His 'crowd' were forgetting him, rumours that the once part-animal Arty Dagger was too busy getting groomed for heirhood were circling and so they had backed off. It occurred to him that tonight hadn't just been about woo-ing Sivvy, but feeling normal again, like himself. Being the version of himself he actually liked, not Artemis the heir or Morte the Chairman, but just Artemis.

Which was why when she explained to him how much fun she had, he felt genuinely pleased, that she had enjoyed it as much as he had. As she went on to divulge how she didn't understand attraction. He would frown and make a quiet 'oh' sound that was likely drowned out by the music. It was a strange explanation, was she just trying to make him feel better? He wasn't entirely sure. Did she really not understand how attraction worked? Upon the last question, his frown would fade, replaced with his signature Dagger-quality smile, taking a step back to give her dancing room. "Sounds awesome." He told her genuinely, "Come on, enough chat, I believe this floors for dancing. He said with a wink as he rocked himself back into rhythm. The rest of the night was spent on the floor. Rejected he may have been, but that didn't stop himself from having a good time with her, letting loose and busting moves. This time no longer trying to 'put moves on her' as he had before, but rather just enjoying her company. The awkwardness quickly lifting and hours flying past until finally the floor was cleared out. The music coming to a cease as the DJ called for the end of the night. Artemis would lead Sivvy out of the Club, it was the early hours of the morning as they stepped out into Beerus's Bean Café which was open especially early to serve the patrons coffee and pastris before they left.

Artemis headed to the counter, picking himself up an latte, before heading out to the front of the café where the pink and orange hues of the sunrise gleamed down on the street. He moved to rejoin Sivvy, blowing on his coffee a few times, before grinning at her. "I swear this place has the best coffee drinks in Fiore, much better than Starbecks." He told her, blowing on his drink a little more before taking a small sip. After which he licked the foam off his lip, thinking for a moment. They would likely be parting ways shortly. He felt like he should say something substantial, "Hey, I know I said this, but thank you again. For …. dealing with Giri and coming out with me too. I really needed to get away and just have some fun." He admitted to her. He knew on one hand, he could walk away from the club, delete her number and forget about the night. The rejection hadn't hit him hard, he had other options, but it was more of what it reminded him of. She was a nice girl, being with him didn't lead to good things anyway. He was a rich boy, ladies man, he would play her anyway and he knew it. Because he couldn't get attached, he wouldn't. He didn't like it, and if they were nice it always made him feel more guilty but it always seemed to be the way. Sex was safe, but feelings were dangerous. Yes, say goodbye, and forget about her. That was the best choice, Just say goodbye.

Yet as he opened his mouth to speak, his own words took him by surprise. "I hear there are supposed to be a couple festivals coming up this year, maybe if I get some free time, we could go together." And there it was, out of his mouth. His brain was screaming at him, calling him stupid, this wasn't how it was supposed to go. Yet, he wasn't about to take it back. He would look at her in a casual manner, his face not betraying his thoughts as he waited to see what she would say.

---

With a wonderful night full of dancing coming to a close, Sivvy was actually surprised to see the sun peeking up when they emerged from the secret depths of Club Maria. The scent of roasting coffee beans in the air was irresistible to the food and drink enthusiast, so she snagged a mocha iced coffee and joined him out front. The pair probably looked rather odd, disheveled from the hours of dancing in the magical rainfall, faces still decorated with finger paint. If anyone noticed they chose not to say, but Sivvy wouldn't have cared either way. The clone was only concerned about her looks when she was required to be.

Once outside with their opposing temperatured drinks, she returned his grin with a small, pleased smile of her own. Once she slurped a few sips from the straw of her own drink, she nodded in agreement with his statement. The chocolate added to her drink was much richer and full-bodied than she'd had before, winning many points in her book. She'd be back here, if only just for a nice caffeinated beverage. "Starbecks could take some lessons," she agreed, returning the straw to her mouth to consume half of the sweet, slightly bitter liquid with the same amount of appreciation she'd had for the food back at the restaurant from what now felt like ages ago. She almost did a little 'this tastes good' dance.

Now he was thanking her for the events even further back. She finally gave her drink a break and smiled at him. "You're welcome. Truthfully I was already tasked with taking out Giri, so I can't take all the credit," Sivvy began, truthful as always. Artemis had just happened to be there and in trouble. She'd have saved him even if that wasn't the case, but mostly it was just coincidence. "And I very much enjoyed dinner. Considering how much I ate, I'm not sure you should be thanking me for that. Thank you for paying that bill," the girl almost giggled, though now that they were no longer in the intoxicating atmosphere, she was slowly returning to her more stoic self that refrained from such outward displays of emotion. "I'm glad I could help you have fun, Artemis. I had fun as well," admitted the pink-haired girl, puzzled by her admittance, though what else was she supposed to say? Honesty was her thing. Enjoying herself was against the rules, but she'd been doing it more and more lately with every friend she gained. Forming the forbidden bonds of friendship brought every forbidden consequence, and now she was too far down the rabbit hole to undo it. Was it really ok to flow with it and see what happened?

While they'd been in the polite prequel to a formal goodbye scenario, her eyes had settled out toward the town, watching as the sunrise hues bathed everything while steadily growing brighter by the minute. If she was a normal person, she should have been nearly dead on her feet, but Sivvy was far from normal. Her feet were a bit exhausted from use, but she was wide-awake between the coffee and her general habit of sleeping about a third as much as a normal human. She'd see at least one more sunrise before her body forced her to sleep. However, when she'd expected him to issue his final goodbye, he instead suggested another offer. The pinkette's head swiveled to peer back at him, though she held no expression of surprise. Interest, but no surprise. "Festivals?" she asked, tilting her head a little. She'd never been to one, but she had read about them. They seemed fun. There it was again, more opportunities for enjoyment. As much as she knew she should reject it, as much as she heard Dr. Raelin and all her instructors scolding her, Sivvy couldn't keep her face from lighting up. As she'd said earlier, she liked Artemis. She wanted him to be her friend. Amalie and Johann were precious to her, and like more precious things, it was hard to turn down more. "Maybe we could," she answered with a wider smile. Her free hand tapped her bag, which contained her iLac. "If you happen to have the time, you have my number," Sivvy reminded him, already looking forward to it more than he knew.

---