♠ 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

[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.

[bufudine]

[Does he look like a chatty kind of guy??? But when Angelo leans in close, Serph gives him a Look. Back off out of his personal space, buddy!]

I won't.

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo doesn't move, still keeping his gaze on Serph's face.]

I trust you then, hopefully this won't be my downfall.

[bufudine]

[Serph nods. But stays silent, still levelling a Stare at Angelo 8| ]

[beauchevalier]

[Despite being tempted to troll his friend, he pulls away and instead raises a hand to poke Serph's nose. He's even winking at him with a smile.]

No need to be so stiff and silent, Serph. It makes our conversation boring.

[bufudine]

[Well it's good that it was just a nose poke, but Serph still ends up leaning away after it, frowning.]

I prefer to keep personal space. It can be... instinctive, to react in violence.

[Being in Serph's personal space for an extended period of time feels like a challenge. Junkyard reflexes don't go away so easily.]

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo stands up and lets out a heavy sigh.]

You're not at home anymore, learn to relax a little.

[bufudine]

[Serph's gaze remains on Angelo as he stands, but Serph remains seated. He feels a bit more comfortable, now that he has a little more space.

He's a little amused, nevertheless.]

I am relaxed, compared to the Junkyard.

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo's eyes peer right back at Serph's gaze on him, but then he decides to sit back down. His voice is quiet before he speaks in a low soft tone.]

Tell me Serph, if I went up to the casino roof and tried to jump off... Would you consider saving me or letting it happen?

[bufudine]

[Serph stares at Angelo for a long moment. At first, he doesn't understand why Angelo would want to do such a thing. Perhaps he's speaking of a situation in which he needs to get away from someone? That time Sera jumped off the top of Coordinate 136 comes most readily to mind.

But it's Angelo's next words that strike him as odd. "Would you consider saving me."

Like he would jump to die.

The way he says it. It's like there is no larger purpose to it, no people to save, except to die.

His brow draws together in a frown, before he rests a hand on Angelo's shoulder.]

I do not wish to see you die.

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo leans his face away from Serph, perhaps he shouldn't have brought such a subject up. Yet something inside made him think about those times before, the ones where he did think about doing this action. Something always stopped him however, he never understood what it was though. Instinctively however, his hand reaches up for Serph's to grip it gently.]

You're being too kind to someone who doesn't deserve it.

[bufudine]

[Serph's response comes easily.]

I believe you do.

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo reaches forward and caresses Serph's cheek gently, but has a small smirk across his expression too.]

You do realize what you're saying to me, don't you? After learning so much about me and who I am as a person, can you truly believe that I still do?

[bufudine]

[Serph is giving Angelo a Look, not quite a glare, but still an "Angelo you are intruding on Personal Space so stop that" look.]

Yes, I can.

[beauchevalier]

[Nope he's not stopping, at least not for now. He continues stroking Serph's face and enjoys how it feels. He's never touched another man's skin before the way he is now. Perhaps it's the fascination that doesn't make him stop... Yes, that has to be it. It's that same feeling of fascination as the time when they kissed.]

You're the first man I've ever touched this way, I find it rather fascinating. Then again... You've been my first for quite a few things, haven't you?

[Yeah, he's not letting you forget that kiss either by the way.]

[bufudine]

[Serph reaches to grab Angelo's wrist and pull it away from his face. Dude, he'd rather not remember that kiss, thanks B|]

I do not want a repeat. Otherwise, I will respond in violence.

[This is your warning, Angelo.]

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo only smirks and doesn't move when Serph grips his wrist. He maintains some cockiness to his voice too while keeping said smirk on his face.]

Go on and threaten me, I'm not afraid of what you'll do.

[bufudine]

[Serph lets go of Angelo's wrist.]

That was not a threat.

[beauchevalier]

...If you say so.

[He's quiet for a few minutes, then looks at Serph again before opening his mouth to speak.]

You told me once that weren't born, but created by humans. Tell me, do you feel the same things as humans? Or is there a machine under that human-like skin of yours?

[bufudine]

[Serph's gaze goes to his own hand. Does he feel the same things as humans? What do humans feel? ...Well, he did experience a week as a human.

He raises his gaze to Angelo.]

I'm not a machine. I bleed. I feel pain.

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo leans in again towards Serph, but does not touch him. Instead, his face is close to Serph's.]

What about pleasure?