vatheon | [GV] - 5

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[GV] - 5 - A Lapse

The theme switch for the Golden Victory this month is virtually non-existent. Gone are the Halloween decorations but nothing's been done to take their place unless the other hosts have taken it upon themselves to decorate. It seems their fearless leader isn't quite so fearless after all and needs some extra time to recover from the most recent curse. He's been absent for almost two weeks now, save to come in and take down the previous month's decor.

Per usual the rules and employee roster are posted near the door. It seems the staff has thinned a bit.

Hosts:
Angelo
Asbel Lhant
Duke Pantarei
Fai D. Flourite (assistant chef and appointments)
Guy Cecil (bartender)
Ioder
Jade Curtiss (bartender)
Malik Caesar (bartender)
Peony Malkuth IX
Rin Okumura (chef)
Serph
Sora and Roxas

Zelos Wilder (Only takes appointments with women.)
Please note that some hosts may be unavailable due to coma.

The staff may make use of the wardrobe upstairs to find whatever they feel like wearing this month, or even simply don their normal attire. Tired as he is, it doesn't seem Zelos cares much what the others wear when he finally makes his appearance.

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[It's been... long enough, she thinks, for this to not be horrendously awkward. But all the same, there's a part of her that's more than a little wary of entering the building. It's just going to be a quick thing! Just to talk to Zelos somewhere he can't be terrible at her if he wants to avoid black eyes (again).

Still awkward though, even as she sort of halts at his table's edge, weight shifting away from it. She's not going to run or anything, she's just. Kinda still.

And then, almost like she's forcing herself (because she is, in a way), Sheena takes a seat across from the man and shoves her hands in her lap. With the exception of That Time That Shall Never Be Spoken Of Again, she's never felt so fidgety around Zelos.]

S-so, uh...

[Sheena's presence at his table is definitely not one Zelos ever thought he'd entertain, but lo and behold there's the familiar ~~set of melons~~ eyes looking back at him over the table.

Why in the name of Martel is she there?!]

Hi might be a better start, Miss Manners.

[He grins annoyingly and slides a mug of hot cocoa across the table to her, perfectly nonchalant and not at all showing the abject panic he's feeling inside.]

[Well! She wouldn't have come here if not... for the events prior to it. So it's kind of his fault! And Vatheon's... B-but that's not the point really, because she's only doing it to make sure he's okay since he was so badly off before. Though initially a bit embarrassed at his correction on her behaviour, it's swiftly replaced by annoyance at his expression. She does, however, take the drink and settle back in her seat, holding the mug still on the table while locking her ankles nervously.]

You really warrant a greeting?

[It's a bite she doesn't intend to make, and it's oddly apparent--she takes her lip between her teeth and looks off to the side while her shoulders pinch up towards her ears.]

Sorry. Uh. This is just really weird to come in here to talk to you.

[Strangely, it's the biting comment that makes him chuckle and relax a bit. Same Sheena, nothing's changed. It's a relief to hear her scold him as normal after practically baring his soul for her viewing pleasure.

Only it's not the same, is it.

She backpeddles, apologizes, shows that kindness he knows he wants but never deserves. Is it pity, now? Does she think him some fragile thing she needs kid gloves to handle? He's stronger than that. He hasn't broken yet, no matter how many times he's come close.

How close he was in that hotel room. If she hadn't shown up, hit him with the door, yelled like she always does...

He crosses his legs, ankle resting on his knee lightly as if he has not a single care in the world, laughing in that same jovial way as always.]

Is it weird? No one's gonna bite you, Sheena-hunny.

[No, it's nothing like pity. She's apologizing for her own behaviour, for her awkwardness and uncertainty. It's not for him. She knows Zelos' strength--now better than before. But that strength is also his weakness, isn't it? But...

Dark eyes lower, glance to one side then back up to Zelos; she's not going to be meek, here. Not that she really feels meek, but this place is... Well. Connotations and she doesn't want him to get the wrong impression!]

Yeah? Of course it's weird--you get a free pass to flirt with any woman who comes in here, and that's not why I'm here! And I am not your "hunny", so don't call me that.

[She fixes him with a flat look, as if to cover up all that awkwardness.]

[Haaa, he slipped. He pretty much never calls Sheena hunny anymore, he'd just done it out of discomfort. Out of not knowing what to say or how to react because this situation is completely and utterly new. He'd offered of himself to Sheena of his own accord. Sort of still under duress, but mostly by choice if he looks hard at it. He'd done the same to Lloyd in Flanoir, but only when he'd had to say something to make sure Lloyd trusted him, despite what it looked like later. But Sheena...

Does he actually trust her that much? The thought that he might is more terrifying than the thought that she knows so much.]

Well then why are you here?

[It's defensive, he knows it, but it comes out anyway.]

[It's defensive and she knows it, too. At that, her shoulders pinch and she scowls at him. If he wants to be that way...!]

I don't have to be!

[It comes with a jerk as she moves forward to snap, cocoa splashing a bit over the edges and onto her hand. She yanks the appendage back to herself, cradling it against her chest as she settles back fully in her seat. Putting the worst afflicted finger in her mouth--primarily index finger, right around the second knuckle--she folds her other arm across her waist. Pouting a bit because that didn't go as planned.

Pulling her hand away, she shakes it a bit as if it'll help.

Whatever she's doing, it's definitely avoiding answering the question.]

[Most definitely avoiding and he knows it. If she just came here to yell at him he doesn't need that! He opens his mouth to snipe some snarky retort but pauses when she carelessly burns her finger and pops it into her mouth immediately. The words die in his throat and he goes to get her a bar rag with an ice cube wrapped in it, pressing it against her hand as he comes back to resume his seat on the couch.]

No you don't, but you're here anyway.

[He's still tired, too tired to rehash this whole game they play every time, where he purposely sticks his foot in his mouth and she screams at him and does her best to pound him flat into the floor. No, he's still feeling far too warn out for that. Instead he simply looks straight at her, uncommonly serious.]

I don't want you to pity me.

[It--! She stares a second at the rag before taking it, pressing it gingerly to her still smarting finger, occasionally moving it around to other spots that wound up getting caught by the splashing. Good going, Sheena, she chides herself, pinching her shoulders up to her ears while Zelos moves back to his seat. Once there, she doesn't move to really sit up straight, but her focus returns to him.

And she just looks at him for a moment while he speaks.

And chucks the rag at him. Maybe it'll land in his lap for good measure.]

What makes you think I'm going to pity you, idiot?

[But her voice is only partially raised, only leaning on her usual pitch.]

Geez...

[It comes out as a sigh while she's standing up and shaking her hand again (and damnit, the ice had been helping). Lashes lower to the point where it'd be easy to mistake her for having closed her eyes, but she moves to steal a spot on the couch next to Zelos too easily, dropping unceremoniously onto it and not caring in the least if it jostles the redhead or anything else. Screw being polite, he's being stupid.]

It doesn't matter how much of an idiot you act or how serious or cool you are, you keep saying stupid things.

How is that stupid!?

[The shout turns some heads in the club and forces Zelos to lower his voice to a hiss and lean over to speak to Sheena a bit more intimately than he'd like, but he doesn't want overheard.]

If I was in your shoes, I'd pity me. 'Oh poor thing, terrible family, boo hoo.' I can't think of why else you'd be here since before that you made it pretty clear what you thought of my company.

[He lifts his hand, pulling each finger down as he counts off.]

All I do is harass you so it can't be that you like being around me.

[Tick]

No one else knows about what happened during the curse so you can't be checking on me for them.

[Tick]

You wouldn't be caught dead in a place like this unless you felt like you had some cause to be here.

[Tick]

You're still head over heels for a certain hero in red, so it can't be that you secretly like me or something ridiculous.

[Tick. He's only got his pinky left standing.]

So it's pity. You feel sorry for me. Well I don't need that kinda charity, Doll. There's plenty of it around here.

[He swings his arms to indicate the club, the giggling girls and older women giving smoldering looks. He's hardly in the mood, but if it'll chase Sheena off...

This hurts far too much for him to handle and he has to get her the hell out of here, chase her away. He can't stand for the reason behind her reaching out to him to be because she thinks he needs her to lean on. He does't need anyone, he shouldn't, he can't. Whenever he needs someone they abandon him so it's better just to not.]

[She expects one of two reactions: for Zelos to pull something ridiculous or for him to get angry. Looks like he's opted for anger. She's quiet while he rattles on, knowing in part that he's right, but also disagreeing with bits of it. Whether it's for her own peace of mind that she does or because it's actually untrue depends on which bit.

Except that it isn't pity.]

I don't pity people, Zelos. But if you want to start pulling this stuff, then fine.

[She tries to keep the annoyance out of her tone, succeeding only partly. Damnit, Zelos! She holds up her hand to mimic his little show, only going in reverse as far as the gesture goes. She starts with her thumb.]

First off, I don't like it when you harass me because I don't like that, but I still wandered the world with you.

[Tick.]

Because I was pretty sure you didn't want me to let anyone know and I respect that. It's not for someone else.

[Tick.]

You're right, I wouldn't. Maybe I do have a cause, but it's not pity.

[Tick.]

Bringing up Lloyd every time is really childish; I don't even know what you have against the fact that maybe I am, or maybe I went with you in the end.

[Tick. All fingers up, palm facing Zelos.]

I don't pity you, and so what if maybe I feel a bit sorry for you? That's not the same thing. Pity doesn't understand, and I am sorry--

[She lowers her voice, gaze flicking elsewhere for half a second.]

--Sorry that you had to go through that, because no one deserves it, and that's not the same as "oh, poor you". There's nothing I can do about that though, and I know. The only thing I can do is be your friend, and probably start getting on your case when you start talking like this so you don't dig your hole any deeper.

[She can't stay serious, not when this is a public place and she knows she doesn't want to embarrass herself. Zelos doesn't need that kinda thing, either. She lowers her voice further, all but whispering.]

I'm a screw up, Zelos, but I'm a genuine person.

[Shoulders sagging, she sets her hand in her lap and picks herself up from the couch.]

Even if I'm not a very good one, if you think I'd sit around feeling sorry for you just to be sorry. I don't give charity cheer-ups or whatever you think this was. I guess concern doesn't compare to pretty girls, huh?

[She says this airily, her voice not quite solid as if it doesn't matter, and forces the smile. It's okay to lean on people sometimes, and they won't all disappear. But if he'd rather pity himself, then fine. She'll let him do that. Her usual methods involve a lot of shouting and violence--not suited to public places. Or not right now, anyway.]

What are you talking about 'went with me in the end'? Didn't you two suck face a few months ago?

[Out of everything, that is the thing he chooses to focus on? Zelos sputters for a moment, shaking his head vigorously to get himself back on track.]

Look, I don't need-

[I'm a screw up.

He knows she felt that way before, concerning Volt, concerning Corinne, but to hear her still say it now, after everything, after she'd saved his life more than once.

He's the screw up, not her.

He rises too, not towering over her. Yes, he's taller, but it doesn't seem like it as the wind leaves his sails and his voice comes out low, a little guarded, but much more genuine.]

You're not a screw up, don't make that face.

[He balls his hands into loose fists for a moment, then reaches out and takes her wrist gently. This is exactly what had happened with Colette; he'd been called out and didn't know where to turn, yet with Sheena it made him angry. Angry and ashamed, because she knew now, she saw the whole picture, and it's utterly terrifying.]

...I'm sorry.

[It's an awkward apology, flat and unsure and nothing like Zelos' usual collected or farcical demeanor.]

I d--Zelos!

[That's still a sore spot, and he just can't let it go, can he? She doesn't know why that happened, and it still makes her unsure whenever the memory surfaces. She could point out that Lloyd started it, that it didn't get very far, but that wouldn't mean anything to Zelos. She could point out that it was during that one week where everyone was doing weird things, after she'd had the snot beaten out of her and was still hurting and maybe it was nice to have that comfort. And something else was there, but that wasn't really the point, was it? Zelos was still hanging onto it for some reason she couldn't fathom!

She turns away when he speaks up, not wanting to look at him. It's not that she's upset, not that much, just that she doesn't want to risk eye contact. His face, her confidence? She has to be stronger than that. Can't let this break her down. Even if he sounds--

Hah! But this is Zelos! His tongue is made of silver and his lies are made of gold. But gold is a softer metal than most people think, so maybe...

Wrist caught, Sheena finds herself looking straight at him, the move as much as the words that follow it startling her. And, for a moment, she doesn't know what to do. It scares her, this idea that he could be totally genuine with her, honest instead of falsely confident. So she says the first thing that comes out of her mouth, gingerly pulling her wrist back.]

It's fine.

[Forced light again, but... there's that wavering edge of her own uncertainty.]

[It's not really fine and they both know it, but it's better than her knocking his teeth in - or worse, running off insulted and hurt - so he doesn't push it.]

He lets his hand linger just a moment longer then releases her hand, bringing it up to scratch the back of his head as he looks aside and his innards decide they need to move every which way in a sudden flutter of anxious activity.]

Lloyd's a great guy, anyway! There's no reason why you wouldn't wanna kiss him~

[Alright now he knows he's going to get a seal to the face, but he can't take feeling vulnerable anymore. Maybe he'll talk to Lloyd, sorta nudge him down the path to actually figure out what the heck is going on with these two, partially so he doesn't have to freak out about it anymore, but also...

Well, if that's what'll make Sheena happy, then she should have it.]

[No, it's really not. But she can pretend it is, and that'll make things easier. And with him pushing this and pushing it again, it just makes her crankier and she whips around just two seconds away from slapping a seal straight down his face and maybe exploding it to just send him back on his ass onto the couch, but...]

Why do you keep talking about it!?

[...it's enough to make her shout. And when she realizes she has, she can feel the heat rushing to her face--dizzying, almost--and Sheena shifts back a step. She hadn't meant to say that out loud. But he does! It seems like every time they run into each other, he brings it up. She's sick of it. It was a mistake. Why does he have to keep shoving it in her face? But she wants... to make one thing clear, before she buckles to her own cowardice and just stalks off.]

And he kissed me.

[Which makes her gut twist because it means she has to think about it. Has to remember that it was curiosity and not affection--or that's what it seemed like. How she remembers it. Vatheon has things that happen that change people, sometimes, right? So it... had to be something like that. Lloyd wouldn't...]

[Why does he keep bringing it up? He doesn't know, only that how Sheena reacts to it doesn't make sense. She should be happy, right? Pursue it? She's carried a torch for Lloyd since they met, Zelos could tell right away, so why isn't she happy? Her defensive statement that Lloyd was the aggressor just serves to further boggle him.]

Doesn't that make it better?

[No seriously, you're not making sense. If he kissed you, that means he's interested, doesn't it? Only... well, it was a curse. And it's been this long without Lloyd saying a word...

...

No wonder Sheena's pissed.]

Look, ah... do you maybe... want me to talk to him? I mean, I am the master of all things love and romance, after all~

[He tries to ignore how his own stomach turns into a rock in his abdomen.]

No.

[Not if it wasn't by Lloyd's own volition! And not with how badly it all went after Lloyd realized what he was doing. Or Sheena only remembers it going straight down the toilet after a bit. And her resolve... She'd been okay! She'd been completely okay with giving up on Lloyd--Colette suited him better, and they'd be great together. And... And she's pretty sure that for all Zelos knows, Lloyd probably didn't tell him that he'd crawled into bed with her and... Sheena's face heats up and she can't stand it.

And no again to Zelos setting anything up! Sheena presses her palms hard against her cheeks, as if doing so could make the blush recede. She shuffles away a step before throwing her hands down, balled into fists, and--]

You're such a jerk!

[And he's so stuck on this that she can't think about anything else now, and he's not going to let it go when she just wants him to stop talking about it. She doesn't want to shout at him, because it's not what she's come here for and she just doesn't want to, but he's making it impossible! So the best solution is just to leave. Leave before she embarrasses either of them any further, before Zelos can keep talking about that stupid kiss.]

Do whatever you want! It's not like anything I say changes what you think!

[She can feel eyes on her, and it makes this that much worse. Right, she was... She was leaving. Right. So then why can't she move...?]

[O-k..a..y? Now he's truly and completely lost. Sheena is just utterly infuriating. If she doesn't even know what she wants, how is he supposed to figure it out? She's wild, unpredictable, and gets in her own way about everything!

He flinches when she screams at him that he's a jerk, not from the words but just because he thought he saw a punch coming what with her hands balled into fists like that. But no punch comes and she turns her back instead, trying not to cry if he's reading her posture right. Or at least trying not to be embarrassed. But what can he say? She's full of twists and turns and she won't just give him a straight answer and then somehow he's a jerk for trying to help.

He can't deal with this ridiculous any more today. Best to get her to storm off so he can decide what to do in peace. To that end, he drapes himself suddenly over Sheena's shoulders, peering at her face with that careless smile he always wears and his arms crossed loosely over her obi.]

Aww~ Someone's just being shy~

[What is there to be lost about!? It's the same thing she's been saying since this started! She doesn't want to talk about it, and Zelos needs to not bring it up! What's so difficult about that!?

And he's really one to talk about straight answers. "Pot meet kettle", much? He's a jerk for ignoring what she's said she's wanted the whole time: he just. Keeps. Talking about it. He won't let it go and let her ~~ignore~~ deal with it on her own. Just has to put his nose where it doesn't belong, just has to needle at her about it again and again.

He can't deal with it!? Try being the one at the centre of it! It's the frustration and the embarrassment that makes her seize up when he drapes on her, and she fumbles for a sealing card to slap over his face, just enough mana pumped into it to keep it there for a little while. He can certainly peel it off, but it's more for the surprise that she does it, so she can escape.]

You really don't listen, do you!?

[She's not the only one who gets in her own way. She doesn't run, instead storming out with purpose because it doesn't look as weak. And because she isn't that weak, but getting away from Zelos never sounded like such a good idea as it does right now.

She runs only once she makes it outside.]

Edited 2013-02-06 01:40 (UTC)

[He lets himself fall back into the chair again and watches her storm out before peeling the seal from his face.

That ended pretty much how he expected, but he still never found out why she'd been there in the first place! Probably to try and provoke him into making her mad so she should self-rightiously storm off? She did things like that sometimes.

He thinks.

...

A heavy sigh escapes him as he pockets the paper strip and straightens his clothes. He can't dwell on it right now, and it wouldn't do any good anyway. Infuriating woman...

He has other appointments to attend to.

...

......

But seriously, what did she want?!]

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[GV] - 5 - A Lapse

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