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aionlogs2022-06-20 03:01 am
baltimores) wrote in aionlogs2022-06-20 03:01 am
[open] some Kenoma come up to Godsblood the other day...
WHO: Amos, Gen, Eustace, Childe, any Pleroma
WHAT: Amos wants a gun, Eustace wants to make a portal, and in order to make it happen they go to...
WHERE: Godsblood.
WHEN: Towards the end of Visoseri/start of Soviseri
WARNINGS: None, unless you count bullying of various Pleroma; will add as necessary
The content of this entry is intended to be an OOC explanation of what's going on to keep everyone up to speed; any characters who may be in Godsblood during this time period are free to top level or tag out. This is not an event and simply a unique instance that some characters are kinda sorta technically in enemy territory, which opens itself up to thread opportunities that would not otherwise be possible.
Basically: four Kenoma are journeying up to Godsblood, albeit not all together and through different means.
Amos and Gen will be arriving via a boat directly from Achamoth, and accordingly, will be outed as Kenoma Aions right from the get-go — the populace should know who they are, and word of their arrival would likely get around. Amos is there because he wants to build a higher quality gun than what they have in Achamoth and Godsblood is the place to do it; Gen is there to serve as backup/moral support/because they're friends, okay. Story plotting link here for more details.
Eustace and Childe will be sneaking in via carriage from the Artisan shrine/a portal and will therefore not be known as Kenoma Aions upon entry to Godsblood — unless there are characters there who already know who they are, that is. Eustace is setting up a portal to facilitate travel between Achamoth and Godsblood. This is not public knowledge and non-Kenoma Aions/NPCs are unlikely to know about this. Story plotting link here for more details.
The mods have also provided some guidelines for how interactions could go between characters so that any Pleroma wouldn't necessarily have to out themselves as Aions when it comes to interacting with Amos or Gen, who are publicly declared as such. Highlighting what was said further down in Amos' plotting comment:
WHAT: Amos wants a gun, Eustace wants to make a portal, and in order to make it happen they go to...
WHERE: Godsblood.
WHEN: Towards the end of Visoseri/start of Soviseri
WARNINGS: None, unless you count bullying of various Pleroma; will add as necessary
The content of this entry is intended to be an OOC explanation of what's going on to keep everyone up to speed; any characters who may be in Godsblood during this time period are free to top level or tag out. This is not an event and simply a unique instance that some characters are kinda sorta technically in enemy territory, which opens itself up to thread opportunities that would not otherwise be possible.
Basically: four Kenoma are journeying up to Godsblood, albeit not all together and through different means.
Amos and Gen will be arriving via a boat directly from Achamoth, and accordingly, will be outed as Kenoma Aions right from the get-go — the populace should know who they are, and word of their arrival would likely get around. Amos is there because he wants to build a higher quality gun than what they have in Achamoth and Godsblood is the place to do it; Gen is there to serve as backup/moral support/because they're friends, okay. Story plotting link here for more details.
Eustace and Childe will be sneaking in via carriage from the Artisan shrine/a portal and will therefore not be known as Kenoma Aions upon entry to Godsblood — unless there are characters there who already know who they are, that is. Eustace is setting up a portal to facilitate travel between Achamoth and Godsblood. This is not public knowledge and non-Kenoma Aions/NPCs are unlikely to know about this. Story plotting link here for more details.
The mods have also provided some guidelines for how interactions could go between characters so that any Pleroma wouldn't necessarily have to out themselves as Aions when it comes to interacting with Amos or Gen, who are publicly declared as such. Highlighting what was said further down in Amos' plotting comment:
It wouldn't be unreasonable for a visiting Aion to be chatting up people within Godsblood so sharing a meal ... wouldn't be a dead give away, but it might tie them to the Aions on the rumor network if they do it in public. Whether they are just strangers Gen and Amos are dining with or whether they are connected to Achamoth won't be clear, but it would definitely have implications ... It's definitely a risk, at any rate.
As for meeting in a busy street or a public park the connection is still possible but a lot less likely, since the odds of them chatting up some rando in the park is a lot more likely than sitting down for dinner with them. It'd also be a lot more obvious if someone was spying on them, unlike a closed environment like a pub or eatery, so that'd probably be the safest option without going somewhere deserted or private.
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...and all traces of the usual idiocy dissolve away, leaving Abel looking at the boy quite like he's seen a ghost. ]
--What are you doing here?
[ it may be taken as some sort of upset, worry; it's understandable, right? finding the Kenoma in Godsblood gives any of the Pleroma Aion good reason for concern. but that anxiety is not for this peaceful little hideaway having been breached by the "enemy." it is, instead... for Gen's horrible proximity to those who might not take his presence in the city as kindly as Abel does.
he has no idea how close he is to those that might genuinely want to see him dead. ]
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All day, he's been enduring worried glances and distant, contemptuous stares from the people of Godsblood, all of whom had been quick to back away a step and make way for him the moment he drew near. As inured as he is to the whispers and conspiratorial murmurs of people speaking about him when they think he's out of earshot, a familiar reminder of his hometown, it's still a shitty feeling. And to see Abel, as well, looking so alarmed to see him here ...
His shoulders rise and fall as he gives an exasperated sigh; his voice is a little hoarse when he answers flatly: ]
I'm not here looking for a fight. It's business, if you want to call it that. [ He looks away from Abel to train his gaze back out at the streets, nodding towards the steady stream of passersby. ] Someone else has business here, I'm just here as support. They're not looking for a fight, either, unless one comes looking for us. So relax.
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[ perhaps he should be more cautious, more discerning with his choice of wording - betraying that this is a substantial haunt of the Pleroma outs it as a place of considerable import, never mind its closeness to Greentruth. but right now, his thoughts are on one thing and one thing only--
how terribly things could unravel for this boy if he were to run into the wrong parties, here.
so Abel takes a little step closer, shaking his head and looking insistent. ]
Does anyone else know you're here--?
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It's that worried edge to Abel's words that makes his nerves flare, and Gen's brow furrows as he inches away a half-step sideways to retain the distance between them. Not that he's afraid of Abel in any capacity, but the look on the man's face, devoid of context, is difficult to accept with total calm. ]
What's with you.
[ Gen only risks a quick glance, first deeper into the alleyway where it opens out onto a quiet-looking street, then back the way they'd come, where the marketplace continues operating as merrily as before. His shoulders are squared with subtle tension when he looks to Abel once more. ]
What's going on -- is this something to do with why you were trying to tail me?
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Abel casts an equally wary glance down the alleyway as Gen does, unable to help himself but to mimic the boy's compulsive gesture. but there is nothing out of the ordinary there - nothing out of the ordinary here except for two Aion standing in the shadows... and two Aion of opposing sects, at that. ]
...It will be trouble if Estinien learns that you've come.
[ he says it plainly. there is no need to beat around the bush, and perhaps this is an effort to kill several birds with one stone: it tells Gen that Abel knows Gen's part of what transpired in Venera and it explains the reason for the priest's noted tension. while Abel knows better than to think that even if Estinien were to peruse Godsbloods markets and spot his 'enemy,' he wouldn't fly into some blind, murderous rage, but--
Abel truly wishes to spare the both of them what is undoubtedly an ugly reunion - if for no other reason than it can end with nothing good. for either of them. ]
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Oh, him.
[ He doesn't sound dismissive about Estinien, not exactly. But there's a notably apathy to Gen's reaction, like he's resigned to the possibility of it, and also too tired to bring himself to care much. Truth be told, he hadn't given much thought to the possibility of running into that guy here, but if it does happen ... well, he'll deal with it if and when the time comes. ]
I haven't run into him.
[ Obviously. But more importantly: ]
And even if I did ... what, you think he's going to come at me? Out in the open here? [ That rhetorical question is accompanied by a jerk of the head towards the streets outside, bustling with people. Gen clicks his tongue as he fixes a hard stare on Abel, gauging his reaction. ] I can barely walk five meters without someone looking at me funny 'cause they know I'm an Aion. I figured you guys would be trying to lay low here -- if he'd start anything with me even in a place like this, he's stupider than I would've thought, so.
[ So that isn't the case, probably. So it's fine, probably. Honestly, his mind is more occupied trying to figure out how Abel is handling this -- how Abel feels about what happened in Venera, now that it sounds like he knows the full details. ]
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...
the priest quietly lifts a hand to his face, adjusting the sit of the glasses at his nose as his brow further knits. but this time, instead of the usual genial smile or some quip to disarm his company, to offer some sort of solace from the tension building between them-- Abel seems quite serious. ]
...Please come with me.
[ Abel is already lifting the hood of his cloak once more, sending a briefly pensive look toward the mouth of the alley feeding back into the marketplace. ]
We should talk somewhere more private.
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I don't need ...
[ But Abel looks serious about this, that determined expression he wears a far cry from the gormless smile Gen is more used to seeing on his face. Which means he might kick up a fuss if Gen refuses. Ugh. ]
... fine.
[ There's a pause before Gen does acquiesce, uneasily rubbing a hand at the back of his neck. It's not often that he lets others make demands of him like this, and it's taking him some effort to keep from bristling. He settles for instead petulantly pointing out: ] But you're not going to have an easy time sneaking anywhere if I'm following you. And it won't be good for you to be seen anywhere near me.
[ It's not like he cares about Abel's reputation in this city. It's really not. It's just that he's pointing out a logistical oversight in Abel's plan. That's all. ]
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It's alright. I have a reputation for being something of, ah-- an eccentric? In the area, so you needn't worry.
[ sometimes having a rep that the town weirdo pays off?? who knew there is a method to Abel's madness? (...sometimes.)
either way, he's heading out of the alleyway and back into the natural flow of foot traffic, seeming confident that Gen is going to be following behind him. whether the boy chooses to keep close or prefers some distance between them, the priest is moving in the manner of a man with a destination in mind - leading them further away from the markets and toward the bustling entertainment district.
the trip is one taken in silence and while Abel doesn't seem to mind Gen in his company, he isn't going out of his way to acknowledge they're actively together, either. their path is winding, short-cuts taken through alleys and back streets leading them deeper away from the port and its din and to areas that one might consider less... polished, perhaps. still, they trek onward - passing those who have the wary look in their eye of men whose suspicion comes not from Gen's reputation as an Aion, but the simple fact he is wandering into territory where he is unrecognized.
Abel doesn't give pause until he's finally descending a set of stairs leading to a door sub-level from the street in a decidedly seedy location - the kind of place any man might surely have the idea in his head he was going to have his organs harvested or find himself in the midst of some underground drug den. the lighting inside is dim, gloomy--
but Abel is merely stepping aside and gesturing Gen in with an unremarkable smile that belies none of this as worrisome in the least. it's fine? this is totally fine!!
ladies first...? ]
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So as Abel leads the way, Gen ends up following him. He maintains a certain distance between them, just enough that most passersby wouldn't immediately connect the two of them unless they noticed the way Gen's gaze remains focused firmly on the back of Abel's head. Thankfully it's not difficult at all tailing him; with Abel's ridiculous height, he stands out from most of the crowd, and the gleam of his silver hair might as well be a beacon he can thoughtlessly follow. It also doesn't hurt that most of the Godsblood population gives him a wide berth, letting him maintain an easy pace as he follows behind Abel, only looking away periodically to maintain some flimsy pretense at simply making his way down the street as he looks around.
Although he has to admit the area that Abel leads him to is not ... exactly comforting.
It's probably a good thing Gen's spent just enough time hanging around the seedy areas of Achamoth that he's not terribly ruffled by the change of scenery, continuing to staunchly ignore anyone who looks at him funny. Still, by the time they stop before that stairwell Gen's shoulders a little stiff with tension, and he gives Abel a flat stare when Abel gestures for him to enter. ]
... well, go ahead.
[ 'You first,' in other words.
It's hardly that he cares about etiquette. (Or considers Abel a lady.)
He just can't dismiss the 5% chance that Abel is setting him up for some sort of ambush to Estinien, and the last thing he's going to do is let himself get boxed into an enclosed space with someone behind him. He's pulled his hands from his pockets, too, keeping them hanging loose and at the ready at his side. Just in case. ]
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...a-anyway, Abel's arching a brow as Gen roots himself in place and makes no move to accept the generous offering of chivalry the priest has put forward; after it becomes clear Gen won't be budging, he rolls his eyes and huffily makes to enter first. ]
Good Lord, as if I were inviting you to your doom or something... please, have we not moved past such things by now...?
[ yes, through all the many and numerous bonding?? experiences...?? they shared? like Gen beating the shit out of him, and nearly beating the shit out of Dokja, and then nearly losing his mind while hopped up on Innocence and--
...
g... great times, definitely. great times. (the stew after the nearly losing his mind part had been nice, though. Miss Nina is a mean cook.)
should Gen muster the bravery to follow after, he'll find that they've entered something of a below-level, smoky bar of some sort that appears to be closed to general patronage at this hour; a pair of two women are playing cards at a table against the wall, momentarily lifting their heads to check who's entered. upon spotting Abel - who gives a boisterous wave in return - they spare Gen a mere glance, and then return to their game, uninterested. ]
Here, come and take a seat wherever you like-- um, are you old enough to drink, Gen? ...A-actually, I don't think I have the jools on me anyway and Miss Reva will make us serve ourselves, so...
[ ...
does it seem like he's fishing for Gen to pay for them to drink...?
(that is absolutely what's happening.)
regardless, the bar is empty and quiet save for the two in the back - good a spot as any for a chat, right? ]
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Second, do a lot of priests drink in dive bars like this.
Once he's ventured a few steps into the establishment and gotten a look around, his initial trepidation fading, Gen gives Abel a look with eyebrows raised as if to ask, 'You drink in a place like this?' And he's got to be a regular, right? Given the way those women in the back treat him so casually. ... or apathetically might be the better word, actually.
Well, whatever. It works for him. Much better than some fancy exclusive joint, actually. So other than peering cautiously into the corners in search of anything he might be missing, Gen otherwise slowly relaxes just a bit. ]
... fine.
[ He says, as he strides past Abel to make his way around the bartop; he fishes a loose handful of jools out of his pocket on the way, enough to cover the cost of a few drinks, depositing them at the end of the counter where the women can retrieve them later. There's a brief pause only so he can peek past a curtain towards the staff area, keeping an eye out for any ambush just in case, but when he only finds an empty hallway leading bottles and glasses lined up behind the bar. ]
Drinking age back home is twenty.
[ So, no, he's not of drinking age. Also, he doesn't care. There's the sounds of bottles clinking as he considers his options, then picks out a bottle of whiskey. He's really more used to beer, but he's not about to start messing with the kegs himself, and he vaguely remembers his father favoring a whiskey on the rocks, so this'll do. ]
So, what is it. [ More clinks as he fetches himself a glass. Pointedly, he does not offer to get anything for Abel. ] What was so important you figured it was worth bringing me here to talk about? And making me pay for your drinks?
[ He ends up pouring himself a quarter-glass of whiskey, then watering it down a bit. A small sip earns a furrow of the brow, eyes narrowed, then he waters it down a little more. ]
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[ Abel is sidling up to the bar, perching himself atop a stool as if in the expectation that he is about to be served by their make-shift tender; the women in the corner don't seem to be concerned by this development, simply continuing their card game without so much as casting a look in the direction of their 'patrons.'
but when only one glass is slid atop the counter,
...Abel's eyes shift tentatively to Gen's face, but. haha-- ha. oh! oh, he's just readying them one at a time, right? right!! right, of course. that's fine, then. ]
Ah! Whiskey, I didn't take you a whiskey sort of guy, Gen...! Interesting, interesting!
[ he's settling his elbows on the countertop and leaning in a little, watching the liquid poured in. adjusted. poured again, a-and.
and still no sign of a second glass, even after a sip? Gen?
but the question momentarily steals the priest's attention, and Abel is nudging at his glasses in the habitual way before giving a little wobble of his head in a non-committal gesture. ]
Well, I mean... first thing's first. This is a long way from Achamoth, and I'm sure you've noticed the folks here aren't-- um. The most thrilled to see any of the Regent's lot, right?
[ ...what is he doing here, exactly? ]
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[ But of course he's not going to offer to pour anything for Abel himself, like the rude little punk he is.
Gen instead takes a slow sip of his drink -- it's still not really to his tastes even watered down, to be honest, but at least it's palatable now -- as he considers Abel's question. ]
I already told you, I'm just here to help with someone else's business. We're here for ... [ His brow furrows as he considers how much information to give away. Even if Amos isn't doing anything wrong by trying to procure a gun for himself, Gen doesn't like the thought of saying as much. Something about telling an 'enemy' (because no matter how much Abel protests that label, they'll ultimately be pitted against each other) about what they're arming themselves with doesn't feel right, not unless Amos is the one who wants to talk about it. ] ... we're just here for some supplies. No fighting, just in and out. As long as nothing happens, we'll be gone in another day or two without any fuss.
[ As for that bit about their unwelcome treatment in this city, Gen huffs as he crosses his arm, swirling his glass. ]
And yeah, I noticed the people here don't like us. But so what. I'm used to that kind of shit, and everyone seems too scared to actually start fights with us. So it's fine as long as I just ignore it. [ Does he sound a little defensive about that latter bit? Maybe just a little. After all, even if he's used to the feeling of being ostracized and looked at fearfully, it's still not enjoyable. ] Trying to blend in like you guys would've made our business more annoying, so it wouldn't have been worth it.
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...
his brow furrows ever so slightly at the answer to his unspoken question; again with this mysterious... 'partner' in equally mysterious 'business.' it's very obvious that Gen is being intentionally vague; that he does not trust Abel with the details isn't terribly shocking, but it is disappointing. ]
Supplies. Supplies you couldn't have gotten in Achamoth...? From the way I heard the tale told, you all are hardly hurting for anything over there. Has the wool been pulled over my eyes?
[ this is... strange. this is very strange indeed.
strange, and decidedly worrisome... ]
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Especially given what Abel asks him next. Faintly, there's a prickle of worry at the back of his mind -- wondering if even what little he'd said was too much, and he might have hindered Amos' quest in some way -- but Gen tries to mask it by taking a long sip of his drink. Not breaking eye contact with Abel the entire time, keeping his gaze sharp and scrutinizing. He finally pulls the glass away from his lips to say, ]
... who knows.
[ In other words: 'I'm not answering that one.'
Maybe that, in itself, is also a telling answer -- the fact that Gen's hesitant to elaborate at all -- but Gen has no delusions about being some master craftsman when it comes to lies. He simply refuses to talk about matters he doesn't want to, and that's exactly what he does now, shifting the conversation without Abel's permission. ]
So is Estinien out for my blood?
[ It's absolutely deliberate, the way he phrases it so that Abel will have a hard time not going along with that change of subject. ]
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not favorable ones, anyway.
...there is a marked lack of a DRINK at his side of the counter, and Abel is bobbing his head in the direction of the whiskey bottle. it is both to indicate he is letting the matter of 'business in Godsblood' go (for now), and that he is humoring Gen's change in the subject matter. (for now.) ]
Please. As if I'm answering such a sobering question when I'm not even remotely inebriated...? You're a horrible bartender, by the way.
[ perhaps he came here for a serious discussion, and maybe he will have to - you know - actually be serious for the aforementioned serious bits,
but no one said he has to stop being a toddler in the interim. ]
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Also, Abel probably shouldn't underestimate just how spitefully petty grumpy teenagers can get. Gen follows Abel's gaze to look at the whiskey bottle and seems to contemplate it for a hefty moment. Then he looks back to Abel with an eyebrow raised as he answers loftily: ]
And you're a horrible priest, making someone underaged pour drinks for you.
[ Someone underaged who slams back the remainder of his drink in one go, to be fair to Abel. Clearly, Gen's no stranger to some casual drinking now and again, though he does squint and shake his head as he lowers his glass; the whiskey hits stronger than the beers he's used to. At least Gen does step forward afterward, plunking his empty glass on the bartop and taking the whiskey bottle in hand.
But instead of fetching a second glass to pour Abel a drink, Gen languidly leans forward to rest his elbows against the bartop; one arm holds the mostly-full bottle slightly off to the side, swirling it and letting the amber liquid inside slosh tantalizingly against the glass. ]
No payment, no drinks. Answer me and maybe I'll pour you one.
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lil shitboy who is testing Abel's patience. ]Oh, ha, ha. Very funny. Are you really so childish, Gen...? Perhaps you shouldn't be drinking, after all.
[ and instead of doing the mature thing himself - or anything even remotely mature at all, actually... Abel is taking this chance to lean an elbow atop the counter and lean over it, reaching with a long, lanky arm to try and grab the glass out of Gen's hand!!! give it over!!!!!! ]
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You were the one who said I'm 'close enough' to drinking age, not me.
[ At least this (read: lightly tormenting Abel) is fun enough that Abel earns himself the start of a shit-eating grin as Gen leans back against the counter behind the bar, still lazily swirling the whiskey around in its bottle. ]
Are you so stingy you'd really try to mooch off someone so 'childish?'
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when Abel's grabby-hand comes away empty and bereft the object of his grabby-ing, this only furthers the already obnoxious level of pouting going on - and he's giving a soft noise of petulance, huffing back into his stool.
(but beneath the surface... there may just be an uncurling of something warm and pleased to see the beginnings of that grin at Gen's lips; heaven forbid, you know... this boy relax a bit and have a little fun, now and then?) ]
--Oh, absolutely~! [ yes. it appears Abel is rather shamelessly stingy enough to mooch off of Anyone, including Gen. so he's holding his hand out expectantly, wiggling his fingers in demand. ] This sort of conversation is had over drinkssss. Ssss. Plural. You hear the S, right? Surely you do. Ssssss.
[ one of the women in the corner sighs.
loudly. ]
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Yeah, guess I can see why you'd want a few drinks before talking about some of these subjects, but ...
[ His gaze lingers for a moment before he looks away from Abel to contemplate the liquid sloshing around the whiskey bottle. ]
Is that any way to ask for a favor, Abel? Didn't anyone ever teach you any manners? [ Says the most ill-mannered little shit this side of Horos. ] I think you're missing a magic word or two, so.
[ Abel really shouldn't be feeling anything warm at all, because Gen's smile is the wolfish, unpleasant sort. Thoroughly insufferable, especially as he drawls, ]
If you ask very, very nicely, I'll oblige you.
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he is absolutely and incorrigably----
...Abel's face is going an interesting, fascinating mixture of deep red - and then purple, his mouth working several times in quick succession as the words remain lodged in his throat. they are, in all likelihood, NOT polite not well-mannered words of plea for a drink from present company~! thus, the only thing that manages to escape him in this demonstration of extreme and impressive self-restraint is a choked, strangled noise of indignation-- ]
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a deep breath in through his mouth; an exhale through his nostrils.
and Abel puts on the most sickly sweet, disgustingly saccharine smile, batting his eyelashes coquettishly as he curls his fingers together perhaps just a bit too hard for barely restrained vitriol, ]
Please... my dear, generous, sweet, KIND friend-- my gentle-souled Gen... would you be so kind as to whet a parched man's lips with a glass of your finest?! You surely know how much it would mean to me if you were to humor a haggard man of faith in this, his hour of dire and utmost need, right...?! Please, my boy? Please, I beg of you...!!
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Then he laughs.
It's not at all a charming noise -- a harsh exhale huffed out past the sharp curve of lips, accompanied by the derisive narrowing of eyes. But it is still a laugh, and Gen ducks his head as he snickers to himself.
God, seriously? What kind of priest is Abel to actually do this shit? And now that a new bar's been set, Gen wonders vaguely what he can demand of Abel next. But for now, he looks away to fetch a clean glass from the shelf behind him as he declares: ]
Four. Out of ten.
[ At least he does accompany that stingy assessment with the thump of the glass being set before Abel, and a generous pour of whiskey sloshing into it. Gen wears a truly hateable smirk as he slides the glass forward -- though he doesn't take his hand off the top before adding at a drawl, ]
The ass-kissing's not bad, but you should really lower yourself more. Maybe bow your head to the ground, yeah? Turn around three times and bark? I'm sure you'll do better next time.
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