.5 | video;

[dualbladepaladin]

filter // away from pascal

[Hubert looks a bit downcast today, and as he speaks he does so with a much softer tone than most people would be used to from him.]

I have a... strange question, but I'm hoping for some answers none the less.

How does one... move on from being hopelessly in love? When it's clear that nothing you do will ever make the tides turn in your favor, what would be the next logical step?

[He stops for a moment, as if to say more, but simply bows his head gratefully.]

Thank you for your time...

filter // graces house

I've noticed our home is getting a bit crowded as of late. Rather than make a big deal over it, I have decided to move. I know there will be some protests, but there is a nice two bedroom just down the way, about three houses from ours. I will be fine living alone, so please don't make a fuss over my decision.

Comments

[chosen_gigolo]

[Well well, relationship questions? This is totally his forte.]

Sorry about your lady, bud but really the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else, if you know what I mean~

[dualbladepaladin]

... [awkward coughing]

I hardly see how that will help.

[chosen_gigolo]

No? Lemme break it down for you. One: it'll get her out of your system. Two: if she finds out about it, she's less likely to try and hang around you unless it's important or just as friends because she'll assume you're with someone else.

Pretty clear, if you ask me.

[dualbladepaladin]

I... see...

[Hubert clears his throat awkwardly, pushing his glasses up.]

Well I... thank you for your advice, but you'll have to excuse me if I don't fully agree.

[chosen_gigolo]

[That nervous glasses tick, the throat clearing. He thinks he can see some blushing too...]

Ah I see. You never went that far. Did you even tell her, kid?

[dualbladepaladin]

[NOPE NO BLUSHING YOU SEE NOTHING.]

Of course I did! I've told her twice, even! Though thanks to this city's disturbing sense of humor, the second time I told her was her first hearing it.

It makes no difference. And how... far I went with anyone is none of your business.

[chosen_gigolo]

Doesn't feel that way, huh? That's rough.

Here's a thought, why don't you come on down to the host club. There's plenty of women here all the time so who knows, maybe you'll hit it off with someone!

[The best plan.]

[dualbladepaladin]

... I thought you looked familiar.

[Don't mind that slightly distasteful scowl on his face, Zelos.]

[chosen_gigolo]

[Have an eye roll, Hubert.]

You're not one of those, are ya? C'mon now! It's just a club, for socializing and whatnot. There isn't anything distasteful or nefarious about it!

[Surprise, Zelos can use big words.]

[dualbladepaladin]

If by "those" you mean the ones that seem to think you're doing unscrupulous acts in your club, no.

I just don't particularly see the point. Paying some one for company in any capacity just seems hollow and insincere for both parties involved.

[chosen_gigolo]

Hey, no one has to pay unless it's for private time speaking with a host. Just sitting around and enjoying yourself is free. The club's gotta make tokens somehow since a lot of the food and beverages are from the Nostalgia Nook since we wanna cater to all worlds, y'know?

And besides, how is it any different than paying for dinner on a date? Or the theater? Men have been paying for the pleasure of a woman's company for centuries! There's nothing hollow about it, we just turn the paradigm on its head and make things a little more honest if you ask me.

[dualbladepaladin]

... I see. I didn't think of it that way.

[Guess who's never been on a proper date before? Much to his father's annoyance, too. He's never going to get married if he doesn't behave like a proper suitor blah blah blah things Hubert doesn't particularly care about.

Never mind that marriage proposal he's still going to have to deal with when he goes back home...

He actually looks a bit sheepish. Well as much as Hubert can look like that. Zelos brought up a good point that even he can't argue with.]

... I might consider it, if I feel the need to in the future.

[chosen_gigolo]

There's always the masquerade ball coming up too~ Pretty sure most of Vatheon's gonna turn up. Wouldn't wanna be left out, right?

[Zelos doesn't seem to be offended. Actually, he's surprised he managed to convince the kid.]

[dualbladepaladin]

[Hubert can be reasonable. Even if he is a prudish jerkass most of the time.]

Thank you, but I'll decline. I had enough of formal events back home.

[chosen_gigolo]

[If it were another reason Zelos would poke fun or even argue but too may formal events back home? That he can relate to.]

Suit yourself! Though y'know, despite the clothes, I'm pretty sure the party'll be much less formal than you think considering it's the people here who're attending. Personally I can't wait to see a Troll do the hokey-pokey.

[dualbladepaladin]

[He's just going to ignore that last part because what the hell is he even saying.]

Perhaps next time. Considering how excited people are for it, I highly doubt this will be the last one.

[chosen_gigolo]

Fair enough I guess. Like I said, suit yourself. Good luck with your lady troubles.

[Hubert seems pretty done with this so Zelos will relent and let him go without too much embarrassment. He might talk to Asbel about it though. Hubert is his brother after all, and brothers are supposed to look out for each other, right?]

[dualbladepaladin]

... yes, thank you.

[Except that Asbel is even worse off than Hubert in this situation. Good luck there, Zelos.]