hai mươi tám ❀| but the darkness has a hunger; it offers you blood for wild blood

[lotuslife]

[The day wears on, and long streaks of golden light are starting to settle across Mayfield as the sun begins to set. Downtown, there's someone casting a long shadow as they walk slowly down the street. It's a young woman; she's dragging something large and unwieldy. Whatever it is, it's leaving a long, dark smear on the road as it's pulled along- a

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Permission for anything!

[bambooalliance]

[He was wandering through town when he spotted her, and the blood made his mind jump to conclusions.

So he hurries over, putting on a worried face.]

Khun Vietnam! What has happened...will you be alight?

w;A;w THAILAND

[lotuslife]

[She's about to turn and leave the body, but at the sound of a familiar voice, she looks over her shoulder.]

...Anh Thailand.

;~;

[bambooalliance]

[He looks from her to the body and back again, and there's a sudden, subtle shift in the way he holds himself.

Cautious. On edge. He's preparing himself for quick action, just in case. Because he was used to seeing bodies lying lifeless. Usually during some minor conflict or large-scale war, but...seeing one, with a nation standing above it...well, it was a cause for caution.]

What has happened here?

[lotuslife]

[She watches him tense up, hears his voice change a little. Her eyes are predatory, watching him carefully for any subtle movement. If he's going to run, she's ready.] I'm tired of this one. He doesn't have any blood left for me.

[bambooalliance]

[He gives one of his usual oblivious smiles, though there is some tension in it.]

Ah...I am afraid I do not understand.

[lotuslife]

[She just gives him a look, as if she thinks he's lying.]

[bambooalliance]

Ah...I am sorry! If you do not wish to explain, you do not need to!

[lotuslife]

Ơi... aren't you much better at recognizing a threat than that?

[bambooalliance]

[Of course was the silent answer. The thing he would never actually reveal. Because he preferred playing the oblivious card. Carefully treading over topics, and watching. Actually pushing for information when he absolutely had to. And once he pushed he would play tricky little games to avoid confrontation and gather information discreetly.

Careful and cautious was how he worked. The current situation was no different, and despite his carelessly naive demeanor, he was perfectly aware there was danger. He just didn't know the specifics.

He shrugs, hands moving up behind his head as he leans back slightly, his head tilting to the sky. Though he still watches her carefully, out of the corner of his eyes.]

Ah...Perhaps I am losing my touch?

[lotuslife]

[She knows him better than that, of course- though she would never openly so boldly say so. And that alone should tip Thailand off; she would never speak so straightforwardly to him.]

I certainly hope not, anh.

[bambooalliance]

As do I. [He knows something's off. He's just trying to figure out the specifics. What is it that's making her act differently?] Imagine! Being unable to sense danger!

[There is a foolish laugh, as Thailand contemplates his options. There were only two, really: Leave or stay...but he didn't know what one was the better option. He wanted more information, but that would require actually pressing for information (Given the circumstances, that didn't seem like a good choice). Speaking of choices, he wanted to make the right choice, the one that would have the best outcome. But...he was running on so little information...

He glances quickly at the body.

And then shrugs, his desicion made.]

Ana...I should probably be going.

[lotuslife]

[She stands there, staring, and after a moment, nods- as if she'll really let him walk away.

He can't think it's that easy.

...Right?]

[bambooalliance]

[He gives a cheery wave and turns to go.

He doesn't think it will be easy, though. So his guard is still up as he walks away. He listens for movement, ready and waiting.]

[lotuslife]

[And he'd be right to be ready, because as soon as his back is turned, she aims to tackle him into the ground.]

[bambooalliance]

[Thailand dodges to the side quickly, whipping around to face her.]

Ah...so I was correct.