3rd letter | audio

[powerandstatus]

[He's not making a video because he doesn't want people seeing him in his condition.]

From a week previous, I have been living at my brother's residence. Please forward any correspondence to his address.

[There's a respectful silence.]

I also wish to apologise on his behalf for a disturbance his tomfoolery caused not long ago; doubtlessly some amongst you have witnessed its outcome. I am highly apologetic for such regrettable destruction, and I do not believe I shall permit my brother to forget the consequences of his actions, which shame us both.

In a few minutes, consider his misdemeanour punished. But first I wish to be informed of any establishments that don't cheat you out of your money. Or, perhaps of a library in this city. I do not believe I have come across one during my short time here, and a library in a place such as this must be full of books.

I could use the distraction at the moment, and I admit I shall be glad to find one.

Comments

audio;

[keepsthefire]

I wouldn't really call it 'cheating' out of your money since it kinda helps anyone who might be workin' to get tokens, too...

[He'd rather not start an argument over it, though, so he quickly adds:]

There's a library in town, and all the shops in the plaza that aren't in the Nostalgia Nook are free.

[He also kind of wants to ask what happened to Angelo, since he hasn't been at work as much as usual but still managed to notice his boss' extended absence, but at the last second he decides it's probably not worth whatever dodgy answer he might get.]

audio;

[powerandstatus]

Yes. The plaza market is a topic I am familiar with; I read the papers provided on my arrival, and even ventured beyond my front door this past month. But there have been more important matters demanding my attention.

[He's not talking about Angelo for now, though. He seems relieved to skirt the issue, and there's no wry laughter for Rin - just a formal tone.]

In short: I have no knowledge of other establishments, beyond the few I was told. That is a mistake I intend to rectify. I suppose I would appreciate a few recommendations of a few places where one can relax.

audio;

[keepsthefire]

[He's used to dealing with Yukio, and his 'let's not talk about it' tone. As much as he wants to press the issue he doesn't. He knows how that ends, usually...]

I've heard the coffee shop is a place some people go to hang out. Other than that, though... I'unno, hopefully some one else can give you a better answer. I spend most of my time at work or at home.

audio;

[powerandstatus]

Well. I suppose I can appreciate your honesty.

... But I must confess, I honestly have no idea what you are talking about. Just what is coffee?

[Marcello hasn't heard about that abominable, heathenish liquor.]

[Audio]

[mysterical]

[Have a very not happy Melodist replying to you, Marcello.]

It is nice to know who is responsible for the fact that the trees near my home nearly burned down. Thank you for that.

[Audio]

[powerandstatus]

That fire was an unfortunate consequence. I wished for no harm to come to other people. I wholeheartedly apologise for my part in it.

[He sounds sorry; he doesn't sound particularly concerned. And he doesn't particularly care about someone he doesn't know. Sorry, Tear!]

[Audio]

[mysterical]

[Tear isn't surprised that while he sounds contrite he still manages to come off as an asshole. She's dealt with Asch enough.]

The next time you have a fight with someone else, family or not, you should consider the consequences of your actions. You sound old enough to know that already.

[Audio]

[powerandstatus]

[He knew what the consequences were, very deadly but not at all important.]

... Very well. My age demanded that I composed myself, and I failed at that. I suppose there's no point telling you why it had to come to that ending. But, if it will offer some explanation, I was aware of everything that would result from my actions.

[video]

[redcladidealist]

[Lloyd smiles, genuine and full of relief. He recognizes that voice, so he knows who it is, which means...]

So, you guys managed to work things out after all? That's great!

[Because obviously that's what must have happened if Marcello is living with his brother.]

What did he do that needed to be punished? I didn't notice anything.

[audio]

[powerandstatus]

[Marcello's eyes are closed as he sighs. He is pinching the bridge of his nose. He doesn't switch to video.]

Certainly it is amusing you ask. So ask my brother what sin he has committed. The issue is not something I wish to discuss with you.

[Lloyd, he honestly has no idea how you can be so dumb.]

[video]

[redcladidealist]

[Video is Lloyd's default. He's often too lazy to switch to anything else.]

Hey, you're the one apologizing for it to everyone. That sounds to me like you want to talk about it.

[Marcello, why do you have to be so stubborn and aggravating?]

If people know about it already, what's wrong with telling me?

[audio]

[powerandstatus]

[This caused a silence, before Marcello replied.]

Nothing. I simply do not wish to share the detail of my experience with you, I hardly know you. Why would I want to talk to you about a delicate matter?

Especially one such as this?

[ action ]

[beauchevalier]

[He heard his brother's words from across the room in the kitchen, he lets out a soft sigh before walking over to the sofa and sitting down near Marcello.]

Trying to paint me as the villain again? I expected nothing less from you. So how are you going to punish me? I'd love to know.

[ action ]

[powerandstatus]

[Marcello felt his brother sit down nearby. He was sure he could handle that question at least like his brother's equal - stronger maybe, like a king. Then that strength disappeared, and he rested his hands on his knee.

He looked like he had no answer to give.]

Honestly, I don't know. That is a question you must answer yourself. Responsibility has always been something you hated.

[And now he was Angelo's responsibility. Perhaps that was punishment enough for them both.]

[ action ]

[beauchevalier]

[Angelo admits he didn't use to like being responsible and at times, he still doesn't like it. Yet becoming vice president of the host club has made him realize that he's able to do it. Of course his brother will never understand.]

People can change, brother. Well except for you of course. But I've pounded that into your head enough, so I'm tired of discussing it.

[ action ]

[powerandstatus]

[So was Marcello. He had a tired face and seemed so affected by the accusation that he fell into silence. He thought - several times - that Francisco would just tell him to give his brother a chance. But he dug into his stubbornness. His pride, as far as he was concerned, was the most important thing.

As it went he didn't know what to do about it. He could apologise to his brother and ask forgiveness for what he had done, but with the way he refused to it was evident he just didn't care. He did not apologise. He did not feel sorry. He would rather be alone, surrounded by his pride. But if he could not say anything, what was the best reply?

He sighed and leaned back in the sofa, like he owned it. Letting the issue pass was probably a better way to express his agreement.]

[radiantwingedone]

As stated, there is a library.

If you wish to enforce the reminder, could have him start repairs of the area. Planting, perhaps.

[powerandstatus]

Yes. That sounds good, though I have no idea about his knowledge these days of horticulture. Or whether I should unleash him on the local environment. I even find myself including the women of this city in that statement.

[radiantwingedone]

Dig a hole, put the earth-covered end of the plant in, fresh water, rather than salt.

[ ... He's not a gardener either- ]

You can stand watch to ensure that sitting in the sun is not what he spends the time doing.

[ No comments on the likelihood of Angelo flirting. Its Angelo. ]

audio;

[jagermeister]

_{[So that's why a good chunk of the forest was gone when he returned to the island.]}

What kind of dipshit sets the fuckin' forest on fire and gets himself killed by it?

_{[His priorities.]}

audio;

[powerandstatus]

[His own priorities are wondering what sort of person needs to swear so much. Why he should be talking to this man at all?]

... Excuse me? I know an idle mind enjoys lies, but certainly fire was not the cause. I am not going to prove that to you.

[The other man's bluntness brings up his urge to fight, not flee. But he sounds tired of that.]

In truth, there is so much wrong with your comment. Unless you intend to seem guilty of some aggression.

audio;

[jagermeister]

_{[He'll make an awesome king at this rate, yep.]}

Hn.

_{[But him? Guilty? Now that's just ridiculous--Okay, maybe not considering the things he's done to keep himself occupied.]}

So correct it if you think it's 'wrong'.

voice

[bufudine]

[A small pause, before--]

What kind of books would you like? I will bring some.

[A good excuse to visit both Angelo and Marcello. After all, he has reason to, given Angelo's seclusion lately.]

voice

[powerandstatus]

[Marcello's voice sounds a little put off.]

They are not something I wish to trouble you with. But, if you must, then I would appreciate some history. Perhaps there's some geography and mythology as well?

voice

[bufudine]

[He notes Marcello's tone of voice, though he doesn't quite know the source of it.

Hm... some of it may be difficult to find from the library, given the nature of Vatheon, but...]

I'll be there shortly with what I can find.


[ACTION]
[Perhaps about half an hour later, Serph gives a sharp rap on the front door to Angelo's (and now Marcello's) apartment, a stack of three semi-thick books in his other arm.]