♠ 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]

[Serph will notice Angelo's expression becomes more melancholy, almost sad.]

I'm...afraid of what he'll do to others in this city too, Serph. I already said he's not someone to be taken lightly... It's very possible he'll try to murder someone for power if he can.

[bufudine]

[Serph shakes his head.]

Who would he murder for power?

[The only ones who really have power are the ones who have brought them here, after all. The leaders of the Defense Force? This isn't the Junkyard, where the killer of the leader becomes the leader themselves.]

You know what happens to those who kill foreigners.

[Riffael, and his subsequent blindness.]

[beauchevalier]

[He lays back down on the bed and sprawls himself out.]

If he can manipulate his way into the Defense Force... It'll be every single one of the leaders, that's who. Or even the people who brought us here, should the possibility arise. [He's also quite aware of what happens to foreigners who kill, but he knows his brother too well.] I do know, but for him... The consequences don't matter when his goals are achieved.

[bufudine]

[Serph tilts his head.]

What goals would those be?

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo rolls onto his side and gets closer to Serph again, but not too close.]

To obtain power and possibly convince the people to let him rule this city.

[bufudine]

[Serph watches Angelo's movement, but doesn't react.]

He'll be disappointed.

[It doesn't matter how charismatic Angelo's brother is, there are too many people of too many varied backgrounds for him to have everyone toe the line. The Defense Force is less of a governing force, but one to provide safety and guidance. But there are just as many in the city who do not need it. At the very least, Serph's own people are loyal to him, though Heat's is not guaranteed.

But supposing he does rule the city, then what? What is the point of it all?]

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo lays against the pillow near the bed's headboard, still relaxing on his side. He seems tired, melancholy, and as if nothing matters.]

This talk of my brother depresses me, let's do something more fun together.

[bufudine]

[Serph tilts his head.]

Like what?

[beauchevalier]

How about we have a drinking contest?

[Because he might want to get drunk.]

[bufudine]

[Serph shakes his head. Vehemently. The last time he went drinking, Serph passed out rather gracelessly on Johnny's bar. Serph has absolutely no intention of repeating the experience.]

[beauchevalier]

[Wow Serph, way to ruin his fun. Sighing, he shakes his head before trying to come up with another idea.]

How about a game of cards?

[bufudine]

[...Well, this sounds safe enough.]

How do we play?

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo takes a few minutes and explains the mechanics of Poker to Serph, then continues on.]

Now that you understand the mechanics of Poker, there's a certain type of Poker game I'd like to play.

[bufudine]

[A rather fascinating 'game' it seems. Although Serph prefers straightforwardness, he can see that deceit is the underlying force in this game. It's... a little uncomfortable, how a part of him is interested in this.

He tilts his head, a silent request for elaboration.]

[beauchevalier]

[Seeing Serph still interested, he goes on further. Hoping to keep him hooked on the idea of wanting to play.]

It's called Strip Poker. Every time someone loses at a hand during the game, they have to remove a piece of their clothing.

1/2

[bufudine]

[............................]

[bufudine]

[Serph stands up and shakes his head. This can only end in terrible places, Serph knows.]

It would be best if I take my leave.

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo isn't about to let Serph get away, so he attempts to block his way by getting up after him then cutting right in front of his body. His eyes might be lowering too.]

You wouldn't leave me alone after what you did, now would you? Because you owe me.

[bufudine]

[Serph's voice is calm, even. Angelo's attempt to guilt him into staying doesn't work, mostly because of his self-assuredness in his actions.]

Sorry for upsetting you. But there is no happiness in demanding recompense when bad things happen.

[A nod.]

I didn't stay because I owed you.

[And with that said, he steps forward to move around and past Angelo.]

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo crosses his arms and sits on the bed being irritated.]

Fine, go ahead and leave. Maybe I'll jump off the balcony in the living room area of this hotel suite when you're gone, since you're so uncaring towards people you supposedly call friends.

[bufudine]

[That gives Serph pause, but he doesn't turn around.]

You fear people being manipulated by your brother.

[A small pause, before he continues, tone flat.]

But who is doing the manipulation now?

[beauchevalier]

[Those very words send painful shocks to Angelo's very core. No, he was nothing like Marcello. He didn't manipulate for power or attempt to control the world. No, he wasn't like that at all. ...Or was he? It's true, he has manipulated people out of money or sex, but those were taught to him or how he learned to raise himself. Marcello always tried to be the good little boy in the abbey, yet he knew his true colors. He's seen his brother enraged and seen horrors that no one else has seen, or so he thought. He didn't torture people or use them to obtain power, he could care less about that. To be adored, noticed, and paid attention to... That's all he wants, especially from the ladies. And he'd do anything for that, because in a way, it gives him purpose. However, he could see Serph would rather leave than stay with him. He knows when he's not wanted. He wants to punch him badly right in the face, yet he'll remain calm before he completely losing it. So in a low almost angered tone, he turns his back to Serph then speaks.]

Get out of my sight. I never want to see you again.

[bufudine]

[Serph can tell when he's pushed someone's buttons. It's obvious, even without having turned around. There's a long pause, before he nods. The best course of action when someone is angry, Serph believes, is to give them space.

Even though Angelo said he never wants to see Serph again, Serph knows that won't last.]

See you later.

[And so Serph leaves Angelo to his own devices.]

[beauchevalier]

[Serph was right. The very moment Serph begins to leave, Angelo turns back around and goes after him. And before he can get to the front door, he steps right in front of him.]

Wait, please. I don't want to be left alone.

[There's a sign of loneliness and sorrow in his eyes, one even Serph could be able to see. Right now, he's being transparent with his feelings that he doesn't care. Maybe he was wrong to believe that he couldn't feel things, as he was feeling something right at this moment.]

[bufudine]

[Serph stops when Angelo stands in front of him. His brow creases, but not out of anger, but out of confusion. He's having a hard time understanding Angelo, and why he's behaving in this way.

He tilts his head, expression neutral.]

Why do you desire my company so strongly?