killing loneliness. [open!]

[prismaticpulse]

[bg=6b0000] And Banez would never understand the inner workings of the people that had little self-restraint, so they were both on the same grounds. Maybe it would be better to saunter in while one had a group, a strength in numbers sort of thing. And what was that that Vale had muttered? Well, Banez didn't hear it, so he felt content enough to just ignore it. "I'm not going to have a good time if you keep lying. You stole a wallet. I'm not a thief. And I've had drink before," he added the last defensively. He totally had the capability of being bad! ...He just didn't exercise it often. Banez wanted to argue about being pessimistic, and pin in on Vale, but after a moment's reflection, he realized that he was being a bit negative. Just a bit. Maybe he could turn a blind eye to Vale's previous actions, but it would be easier if the black-clothed man just admitted that he did something wrong. Well... no hiding the fact now. "I'm... ah... I'm a sacristan at the Archangel Cathedral." And he wasn't willing to bring up his previous affiliation with the guardians or his current affiliation with The Faith at this point, so goodbye, any scrap of coolness he might have bumped into. "But that's not all very exciting. What about yourself?" Vale needed some sort of job to keep up this particular hobby....

[/left][/color]

character sheet - record

It comforts me
to think that the stars in the sky are other worlds
Even if we can't speak to each other

[/size][/font]
[/center][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[FLY[leaf]]

Somehow, being told that he was ruining the evening with his lying made him smile with pride. "Are you finished yet?" he responded offhandedly. "Oh, really? I'm surprised." Vale leaned back again and watched this Banez. Interesting fellow, really, slightly amusing. At least he was now. Five minutes earlier, Vale could have nearly killed him when the money was forced to be returned. But now, he almost enjoyed the company, although he nearly assumed the feeling wasn't exactly mutual.

Now classifying Banez as some sort of saint was a little harder to take than most responses. A surprised look flew on his face and for a minute, Vale didn't know what to say. "Then why are you here?" he questioned immediately. Vale knew he asked the question earlier, but it was an instant reaction. "And why do you work there? A little . . . uppity, don't you think, holy man?" The amused, nonchalant look Vale wore slowly came back. Now thinking about it, he could judge a book by its cover.

"Oh you know, I live in the forest wandering around to find gems. How do you think I can afford these overpriced drinks?" He laughed. He laughed partially because it sounded ridiculous and partially because this was the most truthful statement he uttered in years other than his name. "It's quite a life. A lot of unsuspecting terms and a lot of trespassing people to deal with, you know? A hard life. If people would keep their noses and businesses from encroaching the place I live in..." He stopped himself, realizing that now the alcohol was wearing off (sadly) he thought clearer and could vocalize it better. Vale stopped the rant and grinned, wanting to drop the subject. "But being a holy man, I'm sure you know how that feels."

[/blockquote]

[prismaticpulse]

[bg=6b0000] Banez could assume now that by Vale's smile, the other man wasn't going to feel remorseful for anything anytime soon. He sighed in defeat. Well, he'd let Vale have a ball, within reason, but it didn't mean that Banez had to perpetuate the lies any further. The surprised look on Vale's face was a little satisfying, and the following question was completely justified. "Like I said, I don't like drinking alone at home. And I'm not about to bring alcohol into a church..." Holy man? He supposed it wasn't a completely inappropriate thing to call him. "It's satisfying, honest work. Organizing everything is a little tedious, I'll admit, but taking care of something greater than myself is rewarding in itself," he answered. Banez arched a brow when Vale disclosed his profession and home. Okay, that one had to be a lie. But good on his own word, he didn't try to hassle Vale for the truth. "How is the forest this time of year?" he asked, if just to humor the other. As Vale continued, he drank down a good portion of his brandy. Urf... trespassers. "Sometimes. Although you'd have to forgive people for thinking that the forest was public property at first, when locked buildings are a little more obvious." Although it certainly would be amusing if Vale pulled out a deed to prove his ownership. "Well, if you ever find yourself at the cathedral, you'll always find a friend in me there."

[/left][/color]

character sheet - record

It comforts me
to think that the stars in the sky are other worlds
Even if we can't speak to each other

[/size][/font]
[/center][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[FLY[leaf]]

Vale hated to admit it, but the argument Banez presented made sense. Even so, seeing a man who worked in a church, near a church, like some sort of saint, in a . . . not-so-reputable place like this was odd and uncomfortable. Vale started feeling like he sat in front of a judge. He didn't like that. The thought of Banez being a holy man intimidated Vale. For what reason, he couldn't quite figure out himself. Perhaps because he immediately recounted all of his unholy acts. The sad part was he couldn't even remember all of them. He fell silent just to put that extra brainpower to work and ended up smiling at the memories where regret or shame hadn't tainted by this man.

"Uh-huh, I'm sure it is," Vale responded dryly. "That's what they all say. But I say live for yourself because you're gonna end up dead eventually, even the immortals die. Enjoy it while you can. Besides, work is a bore. Wouldn't you rather be having fun?" Some sort of strict work made Vale shudder. He was a free spirit, at least he liked to look at himself in that light. Being cramped up somewhere because he had to seemed detestable. It already showed Vale didn't like using his brain. Why deny it?

"The forest? Good. A little dry. I think a good rain will come in awhile. At least once the weather changes," he replied with a grin. "Looks like it's dying though. The summer months aren't always great." Forgiveness. Vale rolled his eyes. "I prefer to play tricks on them instead. That wasn't the first wallet I've taken tonight." He winked at Banez, just wanting to see how this holy person would react. "You should ask yourself if you ever think I'd actually walk in there. I like my life and I don't want to be tied down. But you, on the other hand, seem much more domestic. I guess everyone's made different, right?" It was a nice offer, Vale supposed, but one he didn't feel comfortable taking up. The thought of going near the cathedral already convicted him of guilt. "And if you're ever in the forest, well . . . watch your back and your wallet."

[/blockquote]

[prismaticpulse]

[bg=6b0000] It felt stranger all of a sudden, although Banez couldn't quite pinpoint what was different. Was it because Vale seemed less amused? He wondered what was putting the black-haired man off. Soon enough, Vale was smiling again, and even though the sacristan wasn't sure if the status quo was fully restored, he felt a little more at ease. Oh, Vale seemed to be all huffy about the line of work at the church still. Banez smiled, uncharacteristically coy. Another reason for his pious job was that serving the church put him in close vicinity to The Faith's hideout. Who would suspect the devout sacristan of regularly checking underneath the cathedral? "I don't know. I used to be a part of the Guardians. I guess it figures that I hardly think about my own fun." Always looking out for other people's safety.... Although, he had to admit that he missed that part of his life. On the other hand, he would never be able to rest until he found the place of his dreams. "You can still have fun without being bad, you know. You like gems, right? Why not apprentice as a gem cutter?" Wait, Vale might try to steal the gems, huh? Banez should have probably thought that one through.... Dying? Banez frowned with worry. "I'm sure some rain will come soon. And even if it doesn't, things move in cycles. Leaves drop in the Fall anyway. Maybe the trees are just early." Stranger things have been happening lately. "Of course not..." he muttered when Vale admitted to previous thieveries. "Although, since you've said that to me, that means that you don't mind making the rounds to give them back." Domestic... he might have deserved that one too, but he wasn't sure. He liked to think of himself as settled. When his offer was returned with a threat of sorts, Banez frowned again, this time with more shock from being denied. "O...okay..." he said, unsure what else to say in that situation.

[/left][/color]

character sheet - record

It comforts me
to think that the stars in the sky are other worlds
Even if we can't speak to each other

[/size][/font]
[/center][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[FLY[leaf]]

All of that political stuff, he had heard of. Frankly, Vale didn't give a damn. Mostly it went over his head now because he didn't pay attention to it. The names sounded familiar but any true recognition never showed in his eyes. "So I see. . . " Vale easily diagnosed the problem. This man was boring. His head was in the clouds. He was one of those people who actually tried to be optimistic. How disgusting.

Vale laughed at Banezs' comment. "Have fun without being bad? I guess the church works for some." He grinned and his appearance just widened as Banez mentioned the gem cutter. His laughter rose almost above the buzzing music. "Good idea. I piss the finest gems, they don't need to be cut." A business like that would be horrible for Vale. "Besides. Why would I want to cut gems? Sounds boring and. . . boring." Sitting still, please. Not unless he was drunk or high on something would he actually sit still. Only depressants worked that well on him.

"Well sure you do. Maybe." Vale shrugged, refusing to show how much he actually cared for the land. Right now he wanted to appear as if he were invincible to any emotion. He took a look at Banez drink. Was there any drop left? He contemplated snatching it, but thought against it. He couldn't show desperation. He huffed at his decision. "Now why on earth would I take the pains to give them back?" he questioned. "If you make me--which you can only do when I'm drunk--then I'll just blame it all on you. Seems like a church worker that steals wouldn't be welcomed there any more." It was a funny idea to Vale.

A mischievous idea came to Vale. "So you want to see this forest of mine?" he inquired, moving himself closer to Banez. Cats liked to do that. His voice could be compared to a cat's purr at this point. "Unless you're afraid. . ."

[/blockquote]

[prismaticpulse]

[bg=6b0000] Banez frowned when his idea of honest work was shot down, only for his brows to shoot up when Vale said he pissed gems. "Oww!" he brunette winced at the thought, as an immediate reaction. That had to be a lie! Vale had to just be yanking his chain! A whole gem passing though.... oh, he couldn't even think of it without shifting uncomfortably. "Perfectly cut?" he asked, although it sounded not as though he was interested in their worth but how much that would hurt. Vale didn't seem concerned about his forest, which was doubly confusing to Banez. Who wouldn't be just a little upset that their home was getting flimsy, or rotting, or losing its splendor? Well, quite a few of Vale's opinions didn't make sense to Banez, what with the persistent lies, stealing, and total disregard for the rules, so maybe it was just one of those things. His gaze followed Vale's to his brandy when the other was suddenly looking at it, before he pulled his arm closer to him. It was a third full, and Vale wasn't getting any! Of course Vale would lie about the wallet again, Banez thought with annoyance. A little honesty couldn't possibly kill the dark-haired man. "I think my word would be taken over yours," he huffed. But he didn't want to risk such a convenient position, so he didn't go to grab Vale by the ear, even though it dug a little at his soul to let it go. Instead, for some reason, Vale drifted closer to him. Banez quirked a brow, leaning away slightly. See the forest... after Vale had threatened him? The answer seemed obvious: no. However, Banez' curiosity kept his tongue from forming that word. "...Whyyy?" he asked, tone clearly suspicious.

[/left][/color]

character sheet - record

It comforts me
to think that the stars in the sky are other worlds
Even if we can't speak to each other

[/size][/font]
[/center][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[FLY[leaf]]

Vale noticed the wince and heard the exclamation. He couldn't hold back his laughter. At first he wanted to calm Banezs' reaction down, but then Vale decided to play off of it. "Real men aren't afraid of the pain," he responded. "Perfect. It can't be imperfect if it's coming from me."

He tried to ignore the drink. Gosh darn it. He already spilled too much information anyway. Vale nearly pouted about that, but didn't. He was too dignified to pout. "You do? Well when that woman testifies against you... I mean, it could end badly. You did take her wallet, as far as she knows. Thank goodness I returned it," he jibed. Poor Banez. Oh, no, wait. Vale didn't feel sorry at all. "You get so testy over things. Drink the rest of that before it goes to waste."

Vale remained where he was. He refused to back down now. "Scared, Banez? It's just my home. Besides, you wanted me to get out of here." Vale entirely realized that he hadn't answered the question to a full extent yet. "Why?" he shrugged. "Why not?" Vale caught the suspicious tone in his voice. "Look, I'm not some crazy mass-murderer about to take your life." He didn't like fighting because he always lost, in other words. "And you really don't look like someone I would want to steal from. Let's put it that way." Vale smiled sweetly.

"Banez, you never struck me as a wimp. Maybe I was wrong." With that, Vale turned his back and decided to take a couple steps away. He hoped he would bite the bait. Not that he was going to attack or kill, but playing a few pranks was harmless.

[/blockquote]

[prismaticpulse]

[bg=6b0000] Why was Vale laughing? Pain wasn't funny! Even if Vale deserved it, which Banez didn't necessarily think. Even when the black-haired man answered the question, Banez had to shift again in his chair, wearing a squiggle of a frown. Auuughh! What?? How?? He was so caught up in trying to process it that he hardly thought to be skeptical as Vale stroked his own ego. He sighed the confusion and awkwardness out, or at least tried to, as Vale kept up his lie. Yeah, yeah, Banez was a dirty thief, stolen wallet, grumble grumble.... The brunette told himself right then and there that he'd only let Vale rub so much salt on his pride before he began to dish it back. ....Somehow. Both his hands went to his drink, and he turned his head from Vale to the brandy. "I'll drink it at my own pace. It's not going to run off." Neh.... he wanted Vale to leave when he had been drunk. Now that didn't seem to be the case. "Not some crazy mass-murderer... just like how I was the one that stole that woman's wallet?" Banez retorted. But when Vale got up and made to leave, he only hesitated for a moment before he tipped his glass of brandy back and sucked down the rest of his drink. He... probably should have thought that one out, too. After recovering, hitting the glass on the counter, and leaving money for it, he hopped out of his seat and stopped behind Vale, where he gestured for the other to lead the way. Curiosity worked to the cat's advantage. But if Vale thought that he was a mouse, he'd be in for a surprise. Banez was a dog. Woof.

[/left][/color]

character sheet - record

It comforts me
to think that the stars in the sky are other worlds
Even if we can't speak to each other

[/size][/font]
[/center][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[FLY[leaf]]

Vale loved how Banez reacted to his comment. Seeing him so uncomfortable with the thought made him want to burst out laughing. Silly human. Vale stopped in thought. Was he human? Did he care? Yes, a little bit actually. People here were all tricky; they could look unsuspecting and innocent and turn into a monster. Luckily, Vale had the ability to turn invisible. He kept that option open for the future.

Back to the conversation. "It might disappear," Vale mumbled. He considered taking it once more, but he would get someone who was an easier target. Needless to say, Vale wasn't afraid of drinking after anyone.

"Now you're starting to understand. Good job, Banez." Would you like a treat?. Something made him hold back that last statement. He got up and left before his smart mouth led into any more trouble. Oh, poor, silly Banez. He decided to follow after all. Vale made his way out the door, not bothering to look back when he could easily hear the footsteps following him. As he approached the door, he turned abruptly around, making some sort of ballet move, that landed him a half-drunk drink and walked out the door. Mr. Smooth.

Before Banez could scold him in any way, Vale easily finished the glass and tossed it over his shoulder. Hopefully no one would get hit in the head.

"Ever been in the forest, Banez?' he inquired, simply interested. He turned around and gave a grin. "It's not too scary. I think there might be some . . . large creatures. Think you can protect yourself?"

[/blockquote]

[prismaticpulse]

[bg=6b0000] Yeah, around Vale, his drink might disappear. Banez didn't quite care to drink every drop, but Vale had had quite enough in his system for tonight. He sighed when Vale praised him, supposing that he'd just have to follow the dark-haired man to find out what he was wanted for. He kept close behind Vale. If the other man tried something funny, Banez could easily grab his arm or his ear. The spin, however, caught him by surprise, and before he could react, Vale had taken someone else's drink. Dang it, Vale! The brunette clenched his teeth, knowing that it wasn't quite enough to make a scene out of, but it was still irritating! "Who know, the person who was drinking that could have had a cold sore..." Banez settled on saying. And that's great, yeah, sure, just leave the glass on the floor for someone to step on. The sacristan took the time to pick the glass up, setting it on the nearest shelf that they passed by. "I've been in a couple..." he answered Vale. "Large creatures aren't so scary. And I wouldn't be worth a lick if I couldn't protect myself." Banez wasn't one for deception, but he had quite a few tricks up his sleeve. He paused. "Have you been seeing strange things in the forest lately?"

[/left][/color]

character sheet - record

It comforts me
to think that the stars in the sky are other worlds
Even if we can't speak to each other

[/size][/font]
[/center][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[FLY[leaf]]

"Oh please. See Banez, you think everything out. That's why you have no fun," he responded. "Banez, the Annoying. Banez the Destroyer of Fun. Banez the . . . Party-Pooper. Need I go on?" Someone playing his conscious wasn't fun. Vale would help Banez work out the kinks.

"Hm. We'll see if you've been in mine. If so, you've been lucky enough that you didn't wake me up." He laughed. "Oh that's good. I usually just avoid them." He shrugged. "Don't bother them, they won't bother you." Strange things in the forest. "There's always strange things in the forest," he replied, turning to face Banez as he attempted walking backwards. That wasn't an entirely smart idea. He nearly tripped over his own foot and then commenced laughing about it for the next few minutes.

Eventually, he led Banez to the edge of the forest. "Welcome to my home, Banez!" he exclaimed very loudly, slapping poor Banez on the shoulder. Vale wanted to play a trick on this guy. He ruined his night and now Vale wanted his fun. Banez could take away the wallet he stole, Banez could be the knight in shining armor, but Banez was going to have to pay.

"Want me to show you around?" Vale started going into the forest. "Might wanna stick close. It's getting dark."

[/blockquote]

[prismaticpulse]

[bg=6b0000] Vale couldn't make him feel bad about being reasonable or lawful! Banez sighed. Vale could call him anything that he wanted, as long as it wasn't too great a lie, but Banez had never quite been one for peer pressure. He was his own person, dammit! "I'll keep that in mind," Banez said as the other man told him about the other forest creatures. He still didn't believe Vale one hundred percent that he lived in the forest. He just didn't seem the type. "Stranger than usual?" the brunette clarified, but when Vale tripped, Banez quickly lashed out his arm to catch the other by the shoulder and keep him from falling, "Careful!" At any rate, Vale didn't seem to be hurt, because he was just laughing. The ex-guardian sighed again, sure that a scribble could be seen over his head. Finally, they got to the forest. As Vale slapped him on the shoulder, Banez visibly faltered, just briefly, and he recovered just as quickly. "Well, it's very nice," he said, although it sounded off coming off his tongue. He hadn't even seen the rest of the forest yet. Alarm bells were ringing vehemently in his head, but he shook his head slightly to will them away. "Sure, let's head inside," he answered. Vale didn't need to tell him to stay close, though. He was definitely wary on his own accord.

[/left][/color]

character sheet - record

It comforts me
to think that the stars in the sky are other worlds
Even if we can't speak to each other

[/size][/font]
[/center][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[FLY[leaf]]

"Stranger than usual," Vale repeated. The fact that Banez saved him yet again from falling made Vale laugh even harder. Of course, there was no thank you given to poor Banez. Usually, Vale never tripped, but some of the alcohol remained in his system.

He sobered up once he got to the edge of the forest. A different sort of feeling washed over Vale, one of love and respect for his home. But he refused to show it. "Well thank you, Banez. I thought you would take a fancy to it," he replied. Vale gave Banez a devious look. Never trust a lynx or changeling for that matter. For a second, he wondered if Banez trusted him. No. How silly. How could he even ask himself that question? Banez looked like someone smart. Yet he had come this far, so that made Vale question Banez's brains.

Vale went on inside. "I have a certain place I live in here though. It's a bit a ways though. You look like you can make the hike though." Vale didn't want to leave Banez quite yet, he wanted to stay with him long enough to get in the middle of the forest, or at least further inside where Banez would have a tougher time getting out.

"It's right up here. We're getting close."

Vale thought now would be the apt time to disappear. And so, with that, he vanished from eyesight, unless Banez had the power to see the invisible. Which would ruin his plans entirely. Vale snickered though. At least he could turn his clothes invisible with him. Things weren't so simple if he wanted to turn into a lynx, which he avoided.

[/blockquote]

[prismaticpulse]

[atrb=width,470,true][bg=6b0000] Banez became silent when it slowly became obvious that Vale wasn't going to tell him what was going on in the forest. Maybe when they reached the place that Vale was leading him to, he could pump the dark-haired man for information. If there was some strange magic that he could harness to get to Earth, then dammit, he would find it! A fancy to the forest... Banez liked the coziness of the city and definite spaces compared to the forest, but he wouldn't share that, since that was rude. Perhaps he was rather domesticated. Another look from Vale raised the alarm bell in his head again, but it would be even more rude to decline now. Did he trust Vale? ...A little. He didn't have much reason to think that the man was more evil than a common thief, and as things were, thieves were a much lesser evil. The lying, however, put him off greatly, but it wasn't as if lies hurt much in a forest of all places. He followed Vale into the woods, "I'd hope that I'd be able to hike far." On off days, he would head to Jackson Tower and spar with old comrades and the new Guardian recruits. It helped him to keep his strength even after he had quit the force. Banez kept a close eye on Vale as they moved, until a certain point, at which he raised his brows. ...Where did Vale go? Banez halted immediately. "Vale?" the name came out careful and anxious. Well, he had to be around somewhere.... Banez shoveled back the front of his hair, getting it all out of his eyes as he scanned the forest, even though his human eyes were rather poor in the shadows of the dense forest. When there was no movement of note, he lowered his hand. Oh god.... Could he get back out? How many turns had they taken? "Vale?" he called out again, this time a touch more annoyed.

[/left][/color]

character sheet - record

It comforts me
to think that the stars in the sky are other worlds
Even if we can't speak to each other

[/size][/font]
[/center][/td][/tr][/table][/center]