[A bit complicated, and he's trying to find words.]
Hard to describe. I suppose it's like...a pull. Something like a stream pulling you along. The ebbs and lows of life. You can turn your back to it. Or you can walk through it, and let it take you where it leads. Sometimes a flow can stagnate. But its unavoidable, in its own way.
[ but he's taking the time to explain it, and she watches him as she sips at her beer. a pull, something that tugs you... leads your feet, maybe, and acts as a guide. the gut instinct humans long since abandoned save for when it came to fear response. something like that.
fate, unwritten but known. angela might have felt it. it seems like something leads that book of hers, consuming knowledge until it bursts at the seams and the library with it. elijah must have felt it, face turning to something new, something inevitable. one way or another, the world would have been affected by carmen -- whether she was there or not. maybe it was something like that. ]
You're right, it is hard to describe. But thanks for trying anyway -- I think I get it a little more now, at least enough to say I'm definitely walking with mine... and that I think I get what you mean by stagnate. Sometimes everything just feels like it leads to a pool instead of the sea.
That's good! Then you can't be led astray by anything else that might pop up.
[ is what it sounds like, anyway... she'll finish off her bottle, holding it up to the light and wondering, briefly, if when she stands up, if she'll be okay. she doesn't feel bad. she could probably go for another, but she has things to do outside of this; that is something she remembers mentioning, and something she needs to keep to. but she feels fine right now.
(it has not hit her.) ]
Though I don't think anything could. You don't seem like the type of person that'd be easily distracted from what's important.
Hm. [He watches her look through the bottle - it reminds him of that moment near the cherry blossoms, when they both went too far. He doesn't even know why - no, actually, he does. Mentions of the Library. Of Roland.]
[He sighs.]
You'd be right about that. I'm not the type of person who would wander off the path. Not anymore.
[A beat - self-consciousness rises, like a little naggling thorn in the side.]
[ the question doesn't register immediately, but when it does her surprise is small but evident as she lowers the bottle to look at him. she probably shouldn't, with what... she needs to do tonight, which is walk around and take pictures of the city with all its pretty neons, but maybe that can just be a want tonight instead. she'd like to do that, but it isn't something that can't be done tomorrow.
yeah. that can be done tomorrow, and malkuth tilts her head with a teasing smile. ]
Trying to pay off your debt so soon? [ the drink he owes her, which she'd collect at some point anyway. ] I'd love one, Mr. Gaze.
[He shrugs his shoulders back casually - if it'll happen tomorrow, he'll respect the lady's wishes, at least, though a large part of him is bemoaning having to be dragged out of his place once again. Oh well.]
Thought I might as well ask. Since you...requested, and all. Never leave debts unpaid.
You don't ask people out enough. Usually they have someplace in mind before they do, just for future reference.
[ it's... cute, though, and waves to pay off their meal as she stands, hand resting on the table as she ascertains her facilities. good enough for another drink, the fried food had been a help. it's just a little buzz, cheeks pink and grin unfailing. ]
I don't know the scene... so let's walk around and see what catches our eyes. We'll go into the first bar that looks interesting. Sound good?
Does it look like I'm going to ask people out regularly, Miss Weiss.
[PLEASE!!!! PLEASE LET HIM LIVE]
[He moves to stand as soon as she does - a couple of beers only gets a faint vibe of a buzz at the edges of his senses. He's more worried - is that the word? maybe vaguely concerned - about her, but she seems upright. For now.]
...Sounds like a plan.
[A pause, and then a move forward - he's opening the door for her.]
You should! How else are you supposed to meet people, Mr. Gaze? It's fun to go out with others...
[ some of the most fun she's had, with him included. the door opens before she can even think to go for it herself and she pauses, hand dropping back to her side before she glances up at him curiously. ]
... You don't have to play the gentleman anymore, you know.
[ but it's sweet, so of course she'll step out before he can change his mind on holding it for her. ]
[Not for him, obviously. Not for him, currently here and still hanging out with her. He got some answers, he's satisfied. He doesn't need to keep this up.]
[But debts repaid...or something like that.]
[He rolls his eyes at her remark, following after her as she walks through the door.]
I can hold a door sometimes without being a gentleman, you know.
[ maybe he does have manners... or he doesn't think she's coordinated. either way, it's a nice courtesy that she won't question again as the city greets them with vibrant neons, the sound of the nightly crowd both quiet and loud as groups chat among themselves.
there's plenty of signs for different establishments, not to mention ads. bars, hotels, adult cafes... restaurants, clubs, lounges not unlike the one they, outsiders in general, had infiltrated not but a few weeks ago. the more everyday thing someone might enjoy have long since closed for now, and what they're left with are places that, even if elijah hadn't put her nose to a book, malkuth has little familiarity with.
but a bar with a robot parrot bartender sounds fun. ]
Well, I guess we've got our pick of the litter. I didn't think there'd be so many things still open.
[See, this is something he doesn't mind - there's a comfort to the hustle and bustle to the city that sits pleasantly with him. As much as he can't stand the City, there's something to the controlled chaos of a lived-in place that he naturally draws to. A place is only as much as the people who live there.]
[His own gaze casts over the options, rolling over signs, storefronts, gaggles of people. A nod is what he gives her, even as his own look is pensive.]
It has a night life. I suppose this place never sleeps. [A beat.] Anything in particular catch your eye?
[ maybe he should learn to be a little picky. it'll make choosing gifts for him easier. ]
Nothing I wouldn't look out of place in...
[ but that's fun in its own way, though she knows she'll be sticking close to vergilius rather than hitting up the local hopefuls spotting a cute girl at her first bar. malkuth scrolls through the advertisements, her eyes glowing as the implants work, and traces the map that comes up when she clicks one. ]
There's one around the corner that offers live entertainment! I've been listening to people sing all month at my job, so it'll be nice to hear a professional.
[ someone who can actually sing... bless their hearts. at least there's not enough people to warrent arm holding, though malkuth's hand raises for it before dropping again.
leading the way... a place more like one of those jazz bars, lowlights and a focus on the stage; it's quaint compared to the flashy nature of others, but it has a healthy crowd of downtrodden loners and sincere enjoyers of song among the tables. there's a space for dancing, some couples knit close together as they sway, and malkuth watches them for a moment before scanning for an open spot and taking to the bar. ]
You order us something. I don't really know drinks.
Singing as they work, huh. If a..."bodyguard" like me did that, they'd be deemed a lunatic. Guess different strokes for different folks...
[Even in lively places like this, one must stand their guard - there is a tension in his shoulders as they move to the jazz bar, his gaze brightening for a moment as he casts it over the edges of the room and the people around. When it doesn't seem like any apparent threats stick out, he relaxes by a margin, only barely noticing the hand move up and down at her side.]
...It doesn't look off.
[His best attempt at reassurance, perhaps.]
[The request makes him look over at the bartender, thinking, before he draws their attention with a tap on the counter, speaking over his shoulder to her.]
You like sake, don't you. [And to the bartender:] Two ginger nama genshu, if you know it.
[He's settling back to grab a bar stool, taking a seat.]
I had it once upon a time. It has bourbon, if I remember correctly.
[ ... that is reassuring, actually, and she joins beside him with a small hop up onto hers as the bartender sets to work; even if they hadn't known it, a quick g**gle search solves all. ]
Some might say I liked the sake a little too much. [ but it was so good...
... maybe she can still see if netzach can enjoy it, even a little... maybe not to its full extent, but maybe he'd still like it... that can be something she does with him. would that be too informal? too casual? would it be awkward? the worries in her mind pile one after the other, her question comes a beat after it really should. ]
[The pause after her remark makes him wonder - she didn't seem to remember much about the last time they met. He ponders if she had a sense of what happened after the sake settled in. The brief moment of warmth, underneath the cherry blossom petals.]
[He shrugs his shoulders back, trying to keep the swell of awkwardness at bay.]
No particular preference. I do like when its strong. Packs a punch, so to speak.
The Red Mist was the same way, when she drank at all. You'd never know if it affected her though... that woman really has a pokerface.
[ strong drinks, ones that pack a punch. she hopes she can remember to write that down on his page along with the other things she's learned about him tonight. malkuth turns in her seat to watch the performance, the drinks from before finally settling from the movement over, the new resting period with its own form of intoxication in the atmosphere.
it's a nice feeling. reminds her of the sundappled blanket during hanami, sake warm down her throat and more relaxed than she'd felt in a bit. it's life, maybe. seeing faces enjoying the simple pleasures in the world around them, rather than be worried over the looming threat. ]
Actually, you're the same way... I would've never realized you'd gotten drunk too if you didn't tell me earlier.
[He asks himself whether Malkuth is unconsciously comparing him with his predecessor in her mind - which gets answered very directly by her follow-up. Huh. He feels like he's getting some vague picture of the woman in his own mind the more he interacts with Malkuth. She sounds like someone practically cut from the same cloth as him. What sins did she bear? Did she suffer the weight of them like he did?]
[He sighs, rubbing over his neck as he brushes up against his earring, before letting his hand fall back to his own lap.]
It takes a lot to get me like that. Good metabolism or whatever. Besides, you know me, already. I wouldn't have it written on my forehead or anything like that.
[ it was the way she'd gotten him in the first place, and it's...
... comforting, in a way. there's plenty of difference, and she appreciates those since they make him him, but the parts that are the same ease the loneliness she's been feeling as of late. maybe that's why she's been drawn to him beyond a simple desire to know. ]
Not really. I've tried it a couple of times, but it...
[ ... a shrug. ]
It doesn't feel like it comes out right? I don't know how to explain it. Hearing people sing is nice, but I'm not used to my own voice in that way, I guess. You won't be seeing me in a karaoke room anytime soon.
[ it still sounds metallic in a way she can't forget, that she won't be able to with her secret coworkers around. though unintentional, they won't let her. ]
[Would anyone be used to their own voice after multiple lives? Are you the same after everything? Does death change you?]
[He would assume the last answer to the last question is a yes. But probably he'd experience it different from her. Would he even be happy if he was brought back after death?]
[He lets out a little slow breath between his teeth.]
...I suppose its alright. [He recalls a young lady humming "Silent Night" under her breath. She hums it because she's happy.] I don't have much time nowadays to stop and listen to it.
[ the ship of theseus is still a ship. it was designed and made to look a certain way, and it remained that way in appearance; elijah had long brown hair and a perpetual smile, a determined and hardworking attitude that caused her death. malkuth retained the latter, the former forgotten and then remembered as the world came down around her for the second time in her two lives. malkuth has long brown hair and a perpetual smile, a determined and hardworking attitude.
malkuth is accepting the drink that is placed behind her and vergilius, sipping at it with a happy, surprised hum. this is. a drink that is going to be going fast. she can already tell. ]
Well, now you do! It's easier than ever with these implants of ours, Mr. Gaze, but it can be a little much at times. I kind of like the vibe they have here.
[ the rare human performers, because machines can do a lot, they can replace a lot, but they can't quite capture the soul and sound that humans manage with their music and voices. it isn't their fault; humans are the ones who keep them just out of reach of that possibility, for good reason. ]
I haven't really listened to a lot myself though, but some popular things in the karaoke place I work... are poppy, bouncy songs, old "classics" as they call them, ballads, and things you can belt. And the occasional group of people who come in to sing songs from shows they like.
[He mutters. He already has implants, already has a vivid red gaze he's literally named after. And here they went, placing things inside his head, against his will. It makes him feel violated, like he's some specimen on a table readily available to use at anyone's whim.]
[In the City, even here, maybe that's all he is. A body. A walking corpse.]
[Always used.]
Ballads and poppy songs...hrm. [He draws his attention back to her for the moment, his eyes glowing in the lower light.] I suppose sad songs...aren't your vibe, so to speak.
No more than something energetic might be yours, I'd guess.
[ she kicks her feet to the mellow beat, leaning against the bar. ]
They're not popular to sing, so I don't get to hear them often... but I think they're pretty human. Some of the belters are pretty sad, you know, and they always seem to come out a little lighter when their hour or three is up! Misery's better with company, right?
[ or so it goes, and music does the same thing. malkuth sips at her drink, then rolls her head back at vergilius,
caught, for a moment, by the light's effect on his eyes, her cheeks shading red thanks to the alcohol settling warmly in her body. a remarkably beautiful crimson, just as she'd written. ]
What can I say. These days, happy songs aren't in my repertoire.
[The only happy songs were those by the children, or by his crew after a successful job and a fun drunken celebration, and those voices have died out. He feels the more he thinks on them, the less he feels he remembers. Details are starting to become all the vaguer. It scares him. That's all he has left of them, those memories.]
[He hasn't drunk his drink, yet, even as it sits, solitary, on the counter next to him.]
With company...I don't know. I'm the type who'd rather be alone.
[She stares back at him - he holds her gaze, unbreaking, as if daring her to look away.]
[Her cheeks are vibrant. She feels alive in ways he feels he could never be again.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[A bit complicated, and he's trying to find words.]
Hard to describe. I suppose it's like...a pull. Something like a stream pulling you along. The ebbs and lows of life. You can turn your back to it. Or you can walk through it, and let it take you where it leads. Sometimes a flow can stagnate. But its unavoidable, in its own way.
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fate, unwritten but known. angela might have felt it. it seems like something leads that book of hers, consuming knowledge until it bursts at the seams and the library with it. elijah must have felt it, face turning to something new, something inevitable. one way or another, the world would have been affected by carmen -- whether she was there or not. maybe it was something like that. ]
You're right, it is hard to describe. But thanks for trying anyway -- I think I get it a little more now, at least enough to say I'm definitely walking with mine... and that I think I get what you mean by stagnate. Sometimes everything just feels like it leads to a pool instead of the sea.
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[But now, things have changed. This flow cannot be stopped.]
[Except....well. They're here.]
[Not there.]
[Is this part of his flow...?]
I know where my flow goes now, at the very least.
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That's good! Then you can't be led astray by anything else that might pop up.
[ is what it sounds like, anyway... she'll finish off her bottle, holding it up to the light and wondering, briefly, if when she stands up, if she'll be okay. she doesn't feel bad. she could probably go for another, but she has things to do outside of this; that is something she remembers mentioning, and something she needs to keep to. but she feels fine right now.
(it has not hit her.) ]
Though I don't think anything could. You don't seem like the type of person that'd be easily distracted from what's important.
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Hm. [He watches her look through the bottle - it reminds him of that moment near the cherry blossoms, when they both went too far. He doesn't even know why - no, actually, he does. Mentions of the Library. Of Roland.]
[He sighs.]
You'd be right about that. I'm not the type of person who would wander off the path. Not anymore.
[A beat - self-consciousness rises, like a little naggling thorn in the side.]
Would you...want another drink?
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yeah. that can be done tomorrow, and malkuth tilts her head with a teasing smile. ]
Trying to pay off your debt so soon? [ the drink he owes her, which she'd collect at some point anyway. ] I'd love one, Mr. Gaze.
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[CALLED OUT...]
[He shrugs his shoulders back casually - if it'll happen tomorrow, he'll respect the lady's wishes, at least, though a large part of him is bemoaning having to be dragged out of his place once again. Oh well.]
Thought I might as well ask. Since you...requested, and all. Never leave debts unpaid.
[A huff.]
Where...would you like to go?
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You don't ask people out enough. Usually they have someplace in mind before they do, just for future reference.
[ it's... cute, though, and waves to pay off their meal as she stands, hand resting on the table as she ascertains her facilities. good enough for another drink, the fried food had been a help. it's just a little buzz, cheeks pink and grin unfailing. ]
I don't know the scene... so let's walk around and see what catches our eyes. We'll go into the first bar that looks interesting. Sound good?
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[PLEASE!!!! PLEASE LET HIM LIVE]
[He moves to stand as soon as she does - a couple of beers only gets a faint vibe of a buzz at the edges of his senses. He's more worried - is that the word? maybe vaguely concerned - about her, but she seems upright. For now.]
...Sounds like a plan.
[A pause, and then a move forward - he's opening the door for her.]
After you.
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[ some of the most fun she's had, with him included. the door opens before she can even think to go for it herself and she pauses, hand dropping back to her side before she glances up at him curiously. ]
... You don't have to play the gentleman anymore, you know.
[ but it's sweet, so of course she'll step out before he can change his mind on holding it for her. ]
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[Not for him, obviously. Not for him, currently here and still hanging out with her. He got some answers, he's satisfied. He doesn't need to keep this up.]
[But debts repaid...or something like that.]
[He rolls his eyes at her remark, following after her as she walks through the door.]
I can hold a door sometimes without being a gentleman, you know.
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[ maybe he does have manners... or he doesn't think she's coordinated. either way, it's a nice courtesy that she won't question again as the city greets them with vibrant neons, the sound of the nightly crowd both quiet and loud as groups chat among themselves.
there's plenty of signs for different establishments, not to mention ads. bars, hotels, adult cafes... restaurants, clubs, lounges not unlike the one they, outsiders in general, had infiltrated not but a few weeks ago. the more everyday thing someone might enjoy have long since closed for now, and what they're left with are places that, even if elijah hadn't put her nose to a book, malkuth has little familiarity with.
but a bar with a robot parrot bartender sounds fun. ]
Well, I guess we've got our pick of the litter. I didn't think there'd be so many things still open.
[ wao... walking around is gonna be fun. ]
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[His own gaze casts over the options, rolling over signs, storefronts, gaggles of people. A nod is what he gives her, even as his own look is pensive.]
It has a night life. I suppose this place never sleeps. [A beat.] Anything in particular catch your eye?
[He's not picky. He almost never is.]
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Nothing I wouldn't look out of place in...
[ but that's fun in its own way, though she knows she'll be sticking close to vergilius rather than hitting up the local hopefuls spotting a cute girl at her first bar. malkuth scrolls through the advertisements, her eyes glowing as the implants work, and traces the map that comes up when she clicks one. ]
There's one around the corner that offers live entertainment! I've been listening to people sing all month at my job, so it'll be nice to hear a professional.
[ someone who can actually sing... bless their hearts. at least there's not enough people to warrent arm holding, though malkuth's hand raises for it before dropping again.
leading the way... a place more like one of those jazz bars, lowlights and a focus on the stage; it's quaint compared to the flashy nature of others, but it has a healthy crowd of downtrodden loners and sincere enjoyers of song among the tables. there's a space for dancing, some couples knit close together as they sway, and malkuth watches them for a moment before scanning for an open spot and taking to the bar. ]
You order us something. I don't really know drinks.
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[Even in lively places like this, one must stand their guard - there is a tension in his shoulders as they move to the jazz bar, his gaze brightening for a moment as he casts it over the edges of the room and the people around. When it doesn't seem like any apparent threats stick out, he relaxes by a margin, only barely noticing the hand move up and down at her side.]
...It doesn't look off.
[His best attempt at reassurance, perhaps.]
[The request makes him look over at the bartender, thinking, before he draws their attention with a tap on the counter, speaking over his shoulder to her.]
You like sake, don't you. [And to the bartender:] Two ginger nama genshu, if you know it.
[He's settling back to grab a bar stool, taking a seat.]
I had it once upon a time. It has bourbon, if I remember correctly.
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Some might say I liked the sake a little too much. [ but it was so good...
... maybe she can still see if netzach can enjoy it, even a little... maybe not to its full extent, but maybe he'd still like it... that can be something she does with him. would that be too informal? too casual? would it be awkward? the worries in her mind pile one after the other, her question comes a beat after it really should. ]
Do you like bourbon? Or anything in particular?
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[He shrugs his shoulders back, trying to keep the swell of awkwardness at bay.]
No particular preference. I do like when its strong. Packs a punch, so to speak.
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[ strong drinks, ones that pack a punch. she hopes she can remember to write that down on his page along with the other things she's learned about him tonight. malkuth turns in her seat to watch the performance, the drinks from before finally settling from the movement over, the new resting period with its own form of intoxication in the atmosphere.
it's a nice feeling. reminds her of the sundappled blanket during hanami, sake warm down her throat and more relaxed than she'd felt in a bit. it's life, maybe. seeing faces enjoying the simple pleasures in the world around them, rather than be worried over the looming threat. ]
Actually, you're the same way... I would've never realized you'd gotten drunk too if you didn't tell me earlier.
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[He asks himself whether Malkuth is unconsciously comparing him with his predecessor in her mind - which gets answered very directly by her follow-up. Huh. He feels like he's getting some vague picture of the woman in his own mind the more he interacts with Malkuth. She sounds like someone practically cut from the same cloth as him. What sins did she bear? Did she suffer the weight of them like he did?]
[He sighs, rubbing over his neck as he brushes up against his earring, before letting his hand fall back to his own lap.]
It takes a lot to get me like that. Good metabolism or whatever. Besides, you know me, already. I wouldn't have it written on my forehead or anything like that.
[He pauses, glancing at the dancing couples.]
Do you sing yourself, Miss Weiss...?
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... comforting, in a way. there's plenty of difference, and she appreciates those since they make him him, but the parts that are the same ease the loneliness she's been feeling as of late. maybe that's why she's been drawn to him beyond a simple desire to know. ]
Not really. I've tried it a couple of times, but it...
[ ... a shrug. ]
It doesn't feel like it comes out right? I don't know how to explain it. Hearing people sing is nice, but I'm not used to my own voice in that way, I guess. You won't be seeing me in a karaoke room anytime soon.
[ it still sounds metallic in a way she can't forget, that she won't be able to with her secret coworkers around. though unintentional, they won't let her. ]
Do you like music?
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[Would anyone be used to their own voice after multiple lives? Are you the same after everything? Does death change you?]
[He would assume the last answer to the last question is a yes. But probably he'd experience it different from her. Would he even be happy if he was brought back after death?]
[He lets out a little slow breath between his teeth.]
...I suppose its alright. [He recalls a young lady humming "Silent Night" under her breath. She hums it because she's happy.] I don't have much time nowadays to stop and listen to it.
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malkuth is accepting the drink that is placed behind her and vergilius, sipping at it with a happy, surprised hum. this is. a drink that is going to be going fast. she can already tell. ]
Well, now you do! It's easier than ever with these implants of ours, Mr. Gaze, but it can be a little much at times. I kind of like the vibe they have here.
[ the rare human performers, because machines can do a lot, they can replace a lot, but they can't quite capture the soul and sound that humans manage with their music and voices. it isn't their fault; humans are the ones who keep them just out of reach of that possibility, for good reason. ]
I haven't really listened to a lot myself though, but some popular things in the karaoke place I work... are poppy, bouncy songs, old "classics" as they call them, ballads, and things you can belt. And the occasional group of people who come in to sing songs from shows they like.
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[He mutters. He already has implants, already has a vivid red gaze he's literally named after. And here they went, placing things inside his head, against his will. It makes him feel violated, like he's some specimen on a table readily available to use at anyone's whim.]
[In the City, even here, maybe that's all he is. A body. A walking corpse.]
[Always used.]
Ballads and poppy songs...hrm. [He draws his attention back to her for the moment, his eyes glowing in the lower light.] I suppose sad songs...aren't your vibe, so to speak.
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[ she kicks her feet to the mellow beat, leaning against the bar. ]
They're not popular to sing, so I don't get to hear them often... but I think they're pretty human. Some of the belters are pretty sad, you know, and they always seem to come out a little lighter when their hour or three is up! Misery's better with company, right?
[ or so it goes, and music does the same thing. malkuth sips at her drink, then rolls her head back at vergilius,
caught, for a moment, by the light's effect on his eyes, her cheeks shading red thanks to the alcohol settling warmly in her body. a remarkably beautiful crimson, just as she'd written. ]
... They're sort of comforting, in a way.
no subject
[The only happy songs were those by the children, or by his crew after a successful job and a fun drunken celebration, and those voices have died out. He feels the more he thinks on them, the less he feels he remembers. Details are starting to become all the vaguer. It scares him. That's all he has left of them, those memories.]
[He hasn't drunk his drink, yet, even as it sits, solitary, on the counter next to him.]
With company...I don't know. I'm the type who'd rather be alone.
[She stares back at him - he holds her gaze, unbreaking, as if daring her to look away.]
[Her cheeks are vibrant. She feels alive in ways he feels he could never be again.]
Is that wrong of me...?
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