[Gate of Heaven] - [Act 2]

[badbulletshield]

[ The luxury cruise liner, the San Ariel, is truly a breathtaking sight, as it parts the sea about its bow, the only source of waves on the still surface. From the railing lining its massive deck, the world is water in every direction, pure, glittering blue to each horizon. Warm Spring air and the scent of saltwater fill the atmosphere, the sky

Comments

[waterfell]

You're drunk.

[This comes with a mixture of very mild surprise but mostly disapproval. Ami is not precisely averse to drinking; but she is averse to losing control of her faculties and mental sharpness. She steps forward towards the railing to enjoy the view for herself.

How she's on the ship doesn't really matter right now, at least to her, but despite the fact that her clothes currently blend in (thanks to a quick second with her teletia-s device), Abel can likely recognize her as his fellow-traveler in Rome.]

[badbulletshield]

N-No, I'm okay!

[ Maybe it's something in her tone, or just a latent memory of all previous instances of her disapproval, but at that rather succinct assessment of his present state, Abel straightens up, spinning back on a heel. He snatches his hat up from the gentleman on his left--

And then promptly pitches forward onto the deck the second he attempts to take a step. His response is an embarrassed mumble into the well-polished floorboards. ]

...Uh, all right, maybe just a little.

[waterfell]

Have some water. [And oh, look, she happens to have some with her. Dehydration is bad, Ok?] And sober up. [The water is all but shoved at Abel's hands.]

[badbulletshield]

It-- It's mostly seasickness, though! Really!

[He accepts the water as he complains, hoisting himself up just far enough to drink and then continue complaining. ]

I'm weak... Or maybe it's just vertigo from staring down at the ocean for so long?

[waterfell]

Whatever it is, pull yourself together. [Why does she always end up watching out for him even without meaning to?]

[badbulletshield]

[ He has the innate ability to be the most pathetic being in existence in all universes at once. It's impossible to avoid her fate. ]

But I'm so tiiired! [ whine whine whine ] Don't I deserve a little break every once in a while, too?

[waterfell]

[She's made a living avoiding inevitable fates. :|]

Just what are you taking a break from? Did you accomplish something on this trip?

[badbulletshield]

[ Well, she shouldn't quit her day job. :3c ]

[ Pushing himself up onto his elbows, Abel looks back up to her from under a mess of loose silver hair. ]

I survived it! I should think that's more than enough.

[waterfell]

[Good thing she likes her day job.]

So, 'nothing'. Is that what you're telling me?

[And Ami is going to find something for Abel to be doing.]

[badbulletshield]

[ Now that is too mean. ]

No, no! Not 'nothing' at all! Do you have any idea the kind of trials I've been through!? I nearly died! Five or six times!

[waterfell]

[You know... considering it's Abel... she actually believes he was stupid enough to be in near-death situations five or six times over the span of a boat trip.]

That's not something to be proud of. Can you even walk? [She makes a derisive sound.]

[badbulletshield]

[ Over the span of the past week is probably a less conservative, more realistic estimate, considering his life, in general.

Rather than trying to stand, again, he merely flops over onto his side, an entirely too cheerful expression on his face. ]

Isn't rolling good enough?

[waterfell]

No. Walking. Upright. [And from the expression on her face? She's quite willing to wait here until he does it.]

[badbulletshield]

[ He mumbles something that sounds a lot like Do I haaave tooo?, but spends only another few seconds wallowing on the deck. With whatever is left of his strength, he pushes himself to his feet, wobbling only a little as he stands away from the railing. ]

You see? I'm perfectly-- [ hiccup ] Fine!

[waterfell]

[Abel, what are you even...?]

Yes. You have to. [And she does not look impressed by the wobbling.] Keep going. [If an enemy came right now, what would he do?]

[badbulletshield]

[ If he ever finds out, he'll be sure to let her know. ]

[ Why, he'd hide behind his loyal crew, of course! In true cowardly fashion. He walks a (surprisingly) straight line, turns around, and comes back. With a bow - or the first half of one, anyway, as he remains mostly doubled-over. TA-DAH! ]

...Can I lie back down, now?