August Catch-All

[immortalrose]

Genessia City - Midday [ Open ]

[ Besides the faint tapping of his heels against the pavement, no one would know he was there. Augustine mastered the art of invisibility years ago but even so, his brand of sorcery has its limits. While he could remain invisible from the naked eye easily enough, cloaking his approach is rather difficult. Even so, his invisibility spell helps him sneak past the paparazzi lingering at the park across the street.

Augustine gives them a glance before quickly dashing off but he barely rounds the corner before accidentally slamming into someone. Just like that, his invisibility spell is shattered and the nearly 6'2 dhampir is exposed for all to see. Thankfully, Augustine always been a snazzy dresser but no one ever caught him in just black leather before. ]

Oh, I'm sorry! [He apologies with a sheepish chuckle.] Didn't quite see you there--

Genessia City - Evening [ Open ]

[ Every good apology begins with flowers, right?

That's what Augustine thought when he brought this lovely purple bouquet of hyacinths. In the language of flowers, purple hyacinths signify both sorrow and forgiveness. A fitting bouquet for those that Augustine has wronged in his long self-imposed hiatus. While he didn't mean to go this long without visiting family and friends, Augustine honestly needed some time away.

He made sure to have the florist add a couple of bright blue "Forget-Me-Not" within this lovely bouquet but he almost wishes he had a bouquet of roses instead. ]

...I doubt she's going to like these. [ He mutters to himself as he comes to a slow halt by some random street lamp. ] Pretty flowers aren't enough.

[ A tense sigh escapes Augustine. As much as he dreads the conversation, he's almost looking forward to it. After all, it's been awhile since he last seen Rip.]

Maybe I should get roses.

[ He's a little too preoccupied to notice anyone near. His thoughts are running a mile a minute.]

Everglade - Late Evening [ Open ]

[ Ever seen a drunk vampire? No? Neither has Augustine but he's determined to find out if he can get wasted.

That's why he's nursing his fifth glass of red while listening to the awfully loud bass. Even though he's not terribly fond of Everglade or this tavern in general, Augustine knows the drinks are decent here at Speak Easily. He would've ventured into Holy Diver if he was in the mood for flirting and loud ass music. The Speak Easily suits his gloomy mood better, especially since he doesn't have to worry too much about anyone causing him trouble.

Most of the folks here don't want to tangle with a vampire, even a half-breed like him.]

Mind filling my glass again?

[ He asks politely with a fanged grin. Despite his mood, he's been chumming it up with the bartender. ]

Wildcard

Have something else in mind? Go right ahead. Feel free to hit me up on devillady!

Comments

[Action, Wildcard]

[singinghuntress]

[When Augustine finally gets around to finding Rip, she's not.. exactly easy to find. It might take him half the night to finally track down his blue jay in Fayren near the beach.

Tonight, Rip's stargazing over the ocean waters with her Swoobat in her arms as she relaxes. There's a lot for her to think about lately. As her thoughts wander, she does wonder what happened to Augustine. If he left, she would mourn him.. if he's been staying away from her, well.. Her wrath won't be pretty.]

[immortalrose]

[ It actually does take him awhile to find her, long enough for him to discard the bouquet he brought. He almost given up on his search, quietly wondering if she was still even around. The thought certainly passes his mind a few times but Augustine refuses to believe it. He could just call her or send a text but that would be rather pusillanimous of him.

He's a Țepeș after all, a member of House Dracul. Augustine fears nothing, not even Rip's wrath.

That's why when catches a whiff of her scent in Fayren, Augustine dares to approach. He doesn't doubt that she'll be cross with him but he's actually eager to see her again. ]

Rip?

[He quietly calls out to her once he arrives at the beach. ]

[singinghuntress]

[Her thoughts wander to a halt when she catches a familiar scent on the wind just before hearing her name coming from someone she hasn't seen in months. Rip doesn't know what to think.. both relief and rage slice through her as she remains still and silent for several moments before finally turning her head to glance at him.]

Hallo Augustine.

[Polite..and slightly cold. She turns her gaze back to the stars. Her robin has a LOT of explaining to do.]

[immortalrose]

[ 'So this is where I'll die?' Augustine thinks to himself when Rip finally meets his gaze. He can almost feel the iciness of her stare as he approaches. It's a look he never seen before, one that almost terrifies him.

The silence between them is almost soothing, a nice prelude to the chaos to come. Augustine waits for Rip to acknowledge him before daring to say anything. ]

Why here of all places? [He asks suddenly as he glances towards the sea. ] Fayren is lovely enough but I always assumed you preferred Everglade.

[ Augustine glances at Rip again, his gaze unwavering. ]

[singinghuntress]

[What Rip's wrath might lead to was a mystery to both of them in this moment. It entirely depended on how this conversation started..]

Usually, yes. But, zhings are changing und Fayren iz peaceful zhis time of night. I'm able to think clearer out here.

[She doesn't gaze back at him and just keeps her eyes on the stars. Silence reigns for a few more moments before she poses her own question.]

Vhere haf you been. You've been absent so long I thought you might haf gone home.

[immortalrose]

[ The faint hint of a smile graces his lips. ]

Well there's no disputing that truth. [He comments in an oddly wistful tone. ] Fayren is like an oasis in the middle of a desert. It's rather soothing here.

[ Despite the obvious tension in the air, Augustine allows himself a moment to catch his breath. He needs it. The conversation is bound to turn dark at any second, especially now that Rip mentions his absence. For a moment, Augustine doesn't reply. He clings to his silence as he stares at the crashing tide before them. ]

Away.

[ He answers abruptly once the silence becomes too much. ]

Far away, both physically and mentally.

[singinghuntress]

Away.

[Her repetition of his answer held an icy chill to it as she finally turns her gaze back towards him. Very slowly, she starts to get up and takes her time brushing the sand off her pants before turning fully towards him.

It's not hard to see that the huntress is tense and there's a real possibility she might strike out at him like she did the last time he worried her. If he's lucky, a few broken bone will be all he suffers tonight.]

Far away, both physically and mentally. How nice of you do leave me wondering whether you even still cared. Or worse, left for home without even the barest hint of a 'good bye'.

[immortalrose]

[ This is the second time he seen her this livid, isn't it? The last being with that nasty incident with Astaroth and his pet demons. Augustine remembers that whole ordeal vividly but it almost feels like it was another life all together. ]

Of course I still care. [ He states evenly as she approaches him now. ] That...will never change.

[ His smile dims. ]

Even if everything else does.

[singinghuntress]

Really? You have a strange way of showing it.

[She has to hold back the snarl that threatens to show the true depths of her displeasure at his disappearance and it takes every once of strength she has to stop herself from trying to damage him just to alleviate her anger.

Rip moves towards him, only coming to a stop a few feet before him and tilts her head a little.]

So again, where were you. You miss my birthdays, I was shipwrecked for a little bit and I could keep listing all the things you missed.

[...He probably should have kept the flowers to bring her....]

So short of you going back to your world, There better be a very good explanation, Augustine.

[immortalrose]

[ Honestly, Augustine is a little surprised she hasn't gutted him yet. The last time they spoke like this, Rip almost tore his arms off. If he didn't possess his regenerative abilities, he probably would've died from the blood loss alone. Thankfully, he's still capable of all that despite the minor...changes. Without Astaroth's strength and the combine powers of the demons he once possessed, Augustine finds himself in a rather worrisome situation. ]

There's no apology that could suffice. [ He admits with a despondent frown. ] There's no words I can offer that can make my absence right.

All I can do is solemnly vow not stray from you again.

[ He gives her a tense smile but there's no joy in his gaze. Only sorrow. ]

Genessia City - Evening

[burnt_offering]

[Ace doesn't love flowers like some people do. they're beautiful but he grew up a rough child and the loveliness of them was lost on him for a decent amount of time. But they're bright and sunny looking, and his household has dwindled recently, it's just him and Smoker now. And no matter how much he might have felt like he would have been fine with their roommates moving out in the past, the suddenly disappearances have been jarring. And the once bustling household feels a bit emptier. So he was there to pick up an arrangement, hibiscus and sunflowers in a large bouquet, to cheer up the house a little.

He wasn't expecting to see Augustine go in soon after he walked out. Or to see him so distracted as he left. Ace waited, mainly out of curiosity, and he peers at the flowers chosen after he approaches Augustine, wondering what the occasion is. And his curiosity only becomes stronger, instead of being sated.

He knows that Augstine has connections to his family here, specifically to Rip. So while he knows that Namur and Rip enjoy an open relationship, he doesn't want to assume that those are for her, since he doesn't know much about the dynamics that Rip and Augustine share.] Roses are okay I guess. But everyone gets them. So unless the person you're gettin' them for really likes them, you're probably better off with something more unique.

[immortalrose]

[ The fact that Ace, out of all people, managed to startle him speaks volumes. Augustine turns around sharply with alarm. No one, almost no one has ever seen him this startled. The dhampir is usually very calm and collected but now, it's almost as if he's a mere shadow of his former self. ]

Ah? [ He blinks his eyes slowly once he recognizes the pirate.] Oh, well...

[ Augustine spares the bouquet another glance. ]

Maybe but honestly, I'm not even certain if I should dare give her roses after all this time.

[ So the recipient of this lovely bouquet is a woman? That narrows down the list by more than half. There's only one woman he would ever offer roses to and that's Rip van Winkle. ]

[burnt_offering]

[It really does speak volumes. Ace is many things, especially when it comes to his capabilities. But stealthy as a rule he is not. Ace raises an eyebrow, and then his expression softens quite a bit. This isn't something that seems suited to the firm, elegant man with him. So this has to be a big deal.]

It's better to dare than to just sit on the sidelines and wonder. That's how I feel, anyway. [Ace shifts the bouquet in his own arms, and tilts his head. He's pretty sure he gets at least part of what's going on.] Is this for Rip?

[immortalrose]

Of course. [ He admits with a tense smile. ] There's no one else.

[ Even though he's in an open relationship with Rip, Augustine hasn't sought other lovers since his brief time with Smoker. It's not Ace's fault of anything but Augustine is just hesitant about jumping into another relationship so soon. It never seems to workout in his favor. ]

Well, perhaps I'm telling a fib. [ He corrects with a slight frown. ] There was another but she's not of this world.

[ And she's probably long gone by now too. ]

That's neither here nor there.

[burnt_offering]

It's not a fib is she's not there. Our homes make things complicated.

[Ace tilts his head, wondering how to even talk to Augustine without alcohol involved. Augustine is fancy and prim and well spoken. He's a whole world different than a bandit raised pirate brat, but he's almost as good as family if he still hold's Rip's affection.

It's kind of hard for him to handle noble types still.] I dunno about Rip, 'cause I'm not her, but I'd want the flowers that you've got already. They look like they're personal.

Action - Estate

[anamnestik]

[Eliot is waiting for Augustine to return home, however long that may take. He had seen him buying flowers earlier and quietly put two and two together. If the man wasn't home by dawn, Eliot was going to worry that Rip had been more than displeased.

He's settled on a couch, feet up and a book in his hands. Reading, of course. Eliot does little else when he's nervous or worried. On top of that, he's swapped personalities in order to temporarily dodge his anxiety. An unhealthy, but briefly effective, strategy.

When he hears someone enter the estate, he lifts his head. His Crobat, too, begins swooping anxiously around the room. She a horrible guard Pokemon, as she's more interested in guiding people further into the estate than stopping them.]

Is that you, Augustine? She tear you up?

[immortalrose]

Not exactly. [ Judging from his nonchalant reply, Augustine is doing just fine. ] Although, I honestly thought I would be dead by now.

[ He steps into the living room looking a tad nonplussed. To be frank, his conversation with Rip left him feeling quite conflicted but overall, he's in a decent mood. Still, Augustine doesn't quite seem like himself tonight. After all, he's been gone for such a long time that everything feels oddly foreign to him.]

Now what in the world--[ He ducks once Amelie swoops down at him. ] Watch it!

[ Augustine growls in frustration before turning his gaze over towards Eliot. There's a hint of unfamiliarity in his gaze but it's quickly masked. ]

[anamnestik]

[Amelie chitters a happy greeting before gliding back to Eliot. Soon she's hanging off the back of the couch, content in his company. Her vampire trainer lowers his book and peers briefly at Augustine.]

What's kept you so busy? [His gaze returns to his reading,] He has been acting like an abandoned dog. It's embarrassing.

[immortalrose]

[ He squints once he catches that sour glance. It seems that Eliot is in a mood. It's uderstandable but still--- ]

Besides reliving my entire life over a second time---[Augustine grumbles as he takes off his coat. ] I suppose nothing of great importance.

[ He turns towards the closet nearby. ]

[anamnestik]

[Eliot only flips a page in his book, which he isn't actually reading anymore.]

It gets easier every time you relive it, doesn't it? [His voice is dripping with sarcasm. Given his condition, he knows how miserable it is.]

Is she in a better mood now?

[immortalrose]

[ Augustine spares the boy a glance before reaching for a hanger.]

I can't say. [ He replies tersely with a hint of annoyance in his tone. ] I never had my life ripped to asunder like this, only to be renewed by some unseen omnipresent being.

[ Sarcasm. Two can play this game, Eliot. ]

Much better mood. [ He slams the closet door loud enough to rattle it. Now he's in a mood. ] She's in a far more pleasant mood than either of us.

[anamnestik]

Good. Then I'm switching back.

[There's no point in staying this way when all they'll do is bicker. At least the other him is too stupid to be bothered by sarcasm. Eliot reaches for the coffee table and prepares his pocket watch.]

Please forgive him if he's forgotten your absence. Switching frequently like this gets quite messy.

[immortalrose]

[ That comment causes Augustine to pause. Eliot has a habit of switching personalities as some sort of coping mechanism. It's something that he honestly forgotten about until now. ]

You're still pulling this act? [ He questions with a raised brow. ] I could've sworn you hanged it up by now.

[ He creeps over towards the boy slowly, his red gaze filled with worry. ]

How long have you been at the reins? Since I left?

[anamnestik]

[He pauses the turning of the watch knob, peeking over his task to give Augustine a tired scowl. How many times will he have to explain why this is necessary before that man gets it? It's in moments like this that he envies his other self, who will never know how many people apparently want him to go insane.]

Not long. He has his girlfriend to spend time with, and I'm not the one she's interested in.

[His fingers stay on the knob, holding position. He won't let the melody play and force his other self to finish this conversation. Not yet, anyway.]

He felt that if something happened with Rip, at least I know how to use our power effectively. But, seeing as you don't require any help, I'll be leaving now. Winry will worry if she notices it's me walking about.

Genessia City - Midday

[cool_skeleton]

[With a large brown grocery bag in each arm, Papyrus is whistling one of those jaunty, fate-tempting tunes that cries out for head-on collision. His HP bumps down, his eyes bulge, and he's on his bony butt as the contents of today's shopping spill out. And what contents. Fayren had him covered for most groceries, but they were lacking in hardware. Most of it was plain enough: rope, screws, tools, but then there were others that betrayed more sinister intent: gunpowder, lighters, spikes...]

OWW! ER, FRET NOT, INNOCENT PEDESTRIAN, FOR I, DESPITE MY KEEN EYESIGHT, DID NOT SEE YOU TOO!!
PLEASE, FORGIVE MY CLUMSINESS!!

[The thought of invisibility never crossed his mind. Now he just needs to gather up all these sharp objects before they roll into the road and really hurt someone.]