♠ 09 | video

[beauchevalier]

[In the early hours of the morning, what people will see over their SFCs is a very large room that takes on the appearance of an art studio. Despite the many artistic supplies spread in various locations, the room does house a single man in it. This man is sitting in front of a canvas that doesn't have much on it, yet he's staring very intently at the canvas before setting the brush down. What can be seen is a painting of three hearts; one white, one black, and one gray. After a few moments of staring at his creation, he picks up the SFC which was already switched on prior to him painting this odd picture, the expression on his face rather neutral. Not happy or sad, simply neutral.]

Do call me curious dear Vatheon, but this is something I have been pondering for some time now. Why should we celebrate holidays we don't celebrate back home? Certainly some have been for the amusement of it, but take for instance this one we currently celebrated. For those who don't believe in love, a holiday entirely dedicated to it is seen as ridiculous. But that can be said of all people who don't believe in certain holidays, doesn't it?

Though this holiday especially can also arouse questions within us, particularly to matters of the heart as that seems to be its theme. A few I can think of are: Is there such a thing as true happiness or love? Is the feeling truly there or not? Can the supposed happiness and love gained with another who said they felt the same remain always? Or will it fade away like sand being washed away by the ocean?

Comments

voice

[beauchevalier]

We don't have to have drinks, just a friendly chat in my personal suite.

voice

[bufudine]

[...]

...Alright.

voice

[beauchevalier]

Perhaps you could come to the casino and meet me now? Then we don't have to wait.

voice -> action

[bufudine]

I'll see you there.

[And sure enough, Serph will be making his way to the casino. But leisurely, the way he tends to walk, when there's no pressing need to be quick.]

action

[beauchevalier]

[When Serph does arrive at the casino, Angelo will be found at the slot machines near the entrance. He's just watching the slot wheel go and go, while earning money along the way.]

[bufudine]

[It isn't hard to spot Angelo, so Serph silently approaches Angelo, standing beside him and watching him work the slot machine.]

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo spots Serph out of the corner of his eye once he's won a bit more of the tokens. He then stops playing and turns to look at him.]

Care to try your luck? It's quite fun.

[bufudine]

[Serph shakes his head. It's not really his thing; he's tried before.]

You wished to talk?

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo gets up from the stool he's sitting on and begins walking, gesturing for Serph to follow.]

Of course, let's be on our way to my private suite.

[bufudine]

[Serph obligses and follows, though he walks beside Angelo, rather than behind.]

[beauchevalier]

[Upon arriving at the private suite, after getting the keys of course, Angelo escorts Serph inside.]

Welcome to my private paradise, make yourself at home.

[bufudine]

[Private... paradise.

... Sure. Okay.

Well, either way, Serph's going to make himself comfy by totally leaning against a table, crossing his arms.]

[beauchevalier]

[Making himself comfortable on the couch, Angelo pours himself a glass of wine before turning his attention back to Serph.]

Come join me on here, Serph. You don't need to lean against that table.

[bufudine]

[...But it's comfortable here...

But since Serph sees no harm in sitting on a couch, and since he doesn't really have much of a reason, Serph uncrosses his arms and walks over to sit on the couch.]

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo eyes Serph as he's moving towards where they're able to sit together, possibly admiring his figure too while he walks. There's something fascinating about him that Angelo can't quite put a finger on, despite them only being friends for a short while.]

There is something important I wish to talk about with only you.

[bufudine]

[Why do guys keep giving him an eye rake, seriously? But luckily(?), Serph doesn't notice, sitting down on the couch beside Angelo. He tilts his head, an indication for Angelo to continue.]

[beauchevalier]

[This was a little painful, but Angelo had to go on and say it. Especially since now the one person he confided in is gone from Vatheon, the one person he was slowly opening up to.]

I don't know if you remember me mentioning this in that dream I had over the network and some time ago, the network posted my words after awoke from my sleep coma. My point is that both times I mentioned someone named Marcello, though I only told one person who he really was. That person is no longer in the bubble, so I want to confide in you. That man, Marcello, he's my older half brother.

[bufudine]

[The word brother doesn't really have much significance to Serph. At least, not in the way it does for many. To Serph, he knows of brothers, in a way that's distanced, having never had one.

He tilts his head again.]

Family, correct?

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo is slightly surprised Serph knows the meaning of brother, seeing as he mentioned not having parents back in his world. Yet he nods and replies.]

Yes, I'm surprised you were able to recognize the word even if you don't have parents back home. I know I kept telling people that Trunks was my brother. But in all honesty, I only did it because I don't want anyone to know about Marcello except those I feel I can trust.

[bufudine]

[Angelo was telling people Trunks is his brother? Gosh, Serph didn't know that. Well, Serph's glad he at least has earned Angelo's trust, it seems.]

Why do you wish to hide your connection with Marcello?

[beauchevalier]

[A frown crosses Angelo's expression and he appears slightly troubled.]

If Marcello ever ends up coming here, I don't want him finding out who my companions are in this world. He'll try to turn them against me or make me look like a criminal.

[bufudine]

Vatheon is an opportunity for a new start.

[Serph nods.]

You've made friends who will stand by you.

[beauchevalier]

You wouldn't say that knowing my brother's personality.

[Talking about Marcello always leaves a bitter taste in his mouth.]

Everyone can crumble their loyalty under the right circumstances.

[bufudine]

[Mmm. He supposes that's true. Circumstances like gaining autonomous thought, for example. He doesn't really have much to say, so he stays silent, like the protag he is.]

[beauchevalier]

[Setting down his glass of wine on the coffee table, Angelo leans himself in close to Serph.]

I trust you not to tell anyone about this, Serph.