father abel nightroad. (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
bloodsugar) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
mayfield_logs2012-05-22 09:51 pm
bloodsugar) wrote in mayfield_logs2012-05-22 09:51 pm
Entry tags:
un-date. it's like an un-birthday, but with more derp.
Who: Abel & Ciel
What: THIS IS NOT A DATE.
Where: Diner; around town
When: Monday the 21st, late afternoon-ish onward
Warnings: DERP DERP? God, there will be so much derp in here. And probably lots of tl;dr.No regrets.
Mayfield... was strange.
Now, now -- this is hardly news, correct? While one is prone to agree with such a sentiment, when it comes to the case of one (1) Abel Nightroad... the manner in which we can apply 'strange' is most likely different than the average. Perhaps it can be blamed on his previous lifestyle -- or maybe it's the nature of his upbringing, but 'socialite' had never been a skill mentioned on this man's resume. Why, once upon a time, his 'employers' would've likely done anything in their power to prevent his face from taking the spotlight. Matters of diplomacy or socialization were best left to the gentle brother with the cherubic smile who could do no wrong. And, if Cain had been at his side in this day in age--
...Well, let's just say that the reasons for hiding him under the table at Church functions might've changed, but the fact remains the same. Abel was never good at putting on a face of competence. Never good at finding the right thing to say. "Social graces," and all that...
It was part of the facade, of course. The "bumbling priest" no one took seriously; the man who slipped under the radar because no one would think twice about a fool too stupid to tie his own shoes. But the habit of appearing less than he was... it wasn't something he turned off when work was through. (Not that it ever was.) Even around those he cared for and loved most, even around those who knew better... he would pretend to be the fool. He would trip over his words and embarrass himself -- he would fall on his face time after time when faced with any sort of sincerity.
(So maybe it isn't entirely a facade.)
It was one of the reasons why his 'social' life at home was basically non-existent. It was true he spent time with Esther, followed her around not unlike an eager-to-please dog hoping to keep her company while he could when they both found themselves in possession of free time before she had been graced the title of Lady-Saint. He indulged himself with Caterina, as well -- with his co-workers who he considered friends first. Something like family. But there was a silent understanding behind everything they did, everything they said... it was all a part of what bound them together.
Duty.
...A duty that was absent in Mayfield. Forming 'friends' without that common bond tying and forcing them together... it was strange. Meeting Ciel at the church for tea -- this felt more like home. It felt normal... It, too, was almost like a replication of that 'duty' back home. They were tied together because of the Church, right? They had met there, and served there (if "served" may be stretching it in Abel's case). They associated frequently because of their bond to the church, and not necessarily each other.
So this... this...
Was different, and new.
It was strange...
She was not his first 'friend.' She wasn't the first person who had been kind to him, or the first person who looked into his face with genuine sincerity when the time came for it. These were things he's had elsewhere in his life -- had at home at present, too. But... he had realized, that day weeks ago now, when he'd first asked if she would like to spend some time together away from the church--
...She is the first friend he has had in his life that was not bound... obligated to him through duty.
Perhaps that was why he seemed nervous as he waited outside of the Diner at the time they had arranged to meet up for an innocuous meal over ice tea (honestly, such a silly prospect, and yet it was absolutely true) -- prodding at his glasses for what had to be the millionth time that afternoon as he leaned against his car door. What if she had been teasing him when she'd agreed to all this? What if she had been serious about that-- ah. That uh... the joke, or she had gotten busy and forgotten about their plans altogether? ...Yes, that was likely, right? Ciel was very good at keeping on top of things, that was true, but she was also very busy! The chances that she would remember something so trivial and stupid were slim after weeks had passed. Yes.
That's definitely it, right? So, he'll wait... maybe ten, fifteen minutes past when they arranged for before calling it quits. That's acceptable, right? He wouldn't hold it against her if she changed her mind or let it slip through the cracks. Definitely! Definitely.
...Ahem.
What: THIS IS NOT A DATE.
Where: Diner; around town
When: Monday the 21st, late afternoon-ish onward
Warnings: DERP DERP? God, there will be so much derp in here. And probably lots of tl;dr.
Mayfield... was strange.
Now, now -- this is hardly news, correct? While one is prone to agree with such a sentiment, when it comes to the case of one (1) Abel Nightroad... the manner in which we can apply 'strange' is most likely different than the average. Perhaps it can be blamed on his previous lifestyle -- or maybe it's the nature of his upbringing, but 'socialite' had never been a skill mentioned on this man's resume. Why, once upon a time, his 'employers' would've likely done anything in their power to prevent his face from taking the spotlight. Matters of diplomacy or socialization were best left to the gentle brother with the cherubic smile who could do no wrong. And, if Cain had been at his side in this day in age--
...Well, let's just say that the reasons for hiding him under the table at Church functions might've changed, but the fact remains the same. Abel was never good at putting on a face of competence. Never good at finding the right thing to say. "Social graces," and all that...
It was part of the facade, of course. The "bumbling priest" no one took seriously; the man who slipped under the radar because no one would think twice about a fool too stupid to tie his own shoes. But the habit of appearing less than he was... it wasn't something he turned off when work was through. (Not that it ever was.) Even around those he cared for and loved most, even around those who knew better... he would pretend to be the fool. He would trip over his words and embarrass himself -- he would fall on his face time after time when faced with any sort of sincerity.
(So maybe it isn't entirely a facade.)
It was one of the reasons why his 'social' life at home was basically non-existent. It was true he spent time with Esther, followed her around not unlike an eager-to-please dog hoping to keep her company while he could when they both found themselves in possession of free time before she had been graced the title of Lady-Saint. He indulged himself with Caterina, as well -- with his co-workers who he considered friends first. Something like family. But there was a silent understanding behind everything they did, everything they said... it was all a part of what bound them together.
Duty.
...A duty that was absent in Mayfield. Forming 'friends' without that common bond tying and forcing them together... it was strange. Meeting Ciel at the church for tea -- this felt more like home. It felt normal... It, too, was almost like a replication of that 'duty' back home. They were tied together because of the Church, right? They had met there, and served there (if "served" may be stretching it in Abel's case). They associated frequently because of their bond to the church, and not necessarily each other.
So this... this...
Was different, and new.
It was strange...
She was not his first 'friend.' She wasn't the first person who had been kind to him, or the first person who looked into his face with genuine sincerity when the time came for it. These were things he's had elsewhere in his life -- had at home at present, too. But... he had realized, that day weeks ago now, when he'd first asked if she would like to spend some time together away from the church--
...She is the first friend he has had in his life that was not bound... obligated to him through duty.
Perhaps that was why he seemed nervous as he waited outside of the Diner at the time they had arranged to meet up for an innocuous meal over ice tea (honestly, such a silly prospect, and yet it was absolutely true) -- prodding at his glasses for what had to be the millionth time that afternoon as he leaned against his car door. What if she had been teasing him when she'd agreed to all this? What if she had been serious about that-- ah. That uh... the joke, or she had gotten busy and forgotten about their plans altogether? ...Yes, that was likely, right? Ciel was very good at keeping on top of things, that was true, but she was also very busy! The chances that she would remember something so trivial and stupid were slim after weeks had passed. Yes.
That's definitely it, right? So, he'll wait... maybe ten, fifteen minutes past when they arranged for before calling it quits. That's acceptable, right? He wouldn't hold it against her if she changed her mind or let it slip through the cracks. Definitely! Definitely.
...Ahem.
no subject
"Ah, I see. Would you like for me to walk you back to Albright, then? I could check up on Merem, while I'm at it." Even if he may not be there, but then there's always saying hi to Esther. ...Hm, this can work.
And let's forgo any other shots towards a certain someone's lack of masculinity, they have just gone way too cheap to make at this point...no subject
He waves it off; he'd only been joking, after all. But instead of the usual manner of farewell, he goes for something a little less conventional today, giving a flourishing bow (not unlike the one she had the
misfortunepleasure of witnessing earlier), and taking one of her hands tocheesilychivalrously kiss her knuckles."I suppose this is adieu, 'til next time, my fair lady."
no subject
It was easy to see it coming despite the poor lighting, and while he also lacked the element of surprise this time, she'll still stay put and let him do it properly while she watches without moving.
Haha...
She's already known as a generally mild person, but her expression softens more nevertheless at the
cheesyvaliant - and indisputably well-intentioned gesture of farewell. (Gotta make up for theembarrassment failuretry earlier somehow, right...)She'll gingerly pull away after, then politely respond with a small and graceful curtsy of her own.
"Indeed. Au revoir et à la prochaine, monsieur." The reply is in perfect French, the words rolling off her tongue with the same feeling as if putting on an old glove.
...
Silly sophistication set aside. Taking one step towards the opposite direction without breaking eye contact, she's got one last thing to say before they completely split ways.
"I had fun today." Her smile is quiet, serene, and accompanied with a small wave. "Thank you, Abel." Broken record or not by now, this heartfelt gratitude is something that she sincerely means every last speck of. Hence why, after everything... It must be repeated once more.
no subject
...
In truth... there probably is no better way than this to part ways, is there? After a day spent the way this one had gone, down to the very last moments here and now... he can truthfully say...
He really does feel content. And not in the way that there is that knee-jerk reminder that he doesn't deserve to experience such contentment, anymore; content in a way that he doesn't have to second-guess himself whatsoever. He's forgotten to be guilty, to berate himself, to hate himself, if just... for a little while... It's something like remembering how to be a 'man' again, in the presence of a 'woman,' so...
...
The cheesy, corny and playful look on his face diminishes, but doesn't dissolve into anything unpleasant. Instead, it softens; it becomes something fond and, perhaps... maybe-- touched. Grateful in his own way, in response to the sight of hers in her eyes. It seems, for once...
What he'd set out to do, had been successful... For once... he hadn't completely failed.
He lifts his hand to offer a small wave in return, and the smile at his lips -- the look in his eyes should express the words he's already said more than once tonight.
Thank you too, Ciel.