006 ⚜ Video ⚜ A work of art
[After several weeks of not posting on the Network, Francis pops up on the screen, a big smile on his face - as well as a little splotch of red paint on his cheek. His hair is tied up in a little ponytail and he's wearing some old clothes that he's made into painter's clothes. In the background, one might be able to hear the sounds of a popular
( Read more... )
Ahh, it's weird seeing them all finished compared to last time. Nice work, though.
[It's a brief comment- he's not great at compliments- but he sounds sincere and enthusiastic enough to make up for it. Anyway, he's no art critic; hopefully Francis will understand. He tilts his head a little and then, after a thoughtful pause, adds:] ... you have a daughter? I had no idea- you don't look old enough, man.
Reply
[Looking a bit proud for a moment, he starts talking about his progeny.] Oui, a have a daughter, cher! [Then a chuckle escapes his lips.] I don't look old enough for a lot of things, though I promise I have a daughter. None of my children are here, mais, I suppose that is a good thing, non?
Reply
I wouldn't want any of my family here. It's too- [It seems to be catching because Kaiji gives a little laugh too, interrupting himself.] Wait, children? You have more than one? No way... how many exactly?
Reply
Non, neither would I... I wouldn't want to explain to Matthieu what became of his homeland. [His smile turns a bit teasing, and he responds:] Wouldn't you like to know~...
Reply
[He chuckles but it would be funnier if it wasn't such a painful memory. Like in the movies. Sure. He distracts himself by teasing the other man a little instead.]
If you won't tell me then I'll guess. You've named one already and judging by all those stretchmarks I'd say about... twenty.
Reply
Stretch marks?! [Francis pretends to be upset, but he knew in reality the other man was joking.] Why I never! There are only enough here for five!
Reply
You're in denial, Francis. [He laughs again and gives Francis a surprisingly warm smile. Maybe he's going soft.] Seriously, though. How many? You mentioned one- Matthieu, was it? Oldest, youngest or middle?
Reply
I don't think you'd believe me. But I've mentioned two - a daughter and a son, Matthieu. He's... somewhere in the middle. [sljdfgk this is going to be hard to explain.]
Reply
"Somewhere in the middle"... you've really been busy, huh? Either that or you really are a lot older than I thought you were. I won't ask which is right.
[Just as luckily, Kaiji doesn't seem to be pushing for an explanation beyond that. People are unpredictable and he's used to Francis surprising him by now- besides, it's not that weird that a guy like that would have a lot of kids, is it...? He's good-looking, talented, outgoing, kind of cool... come to think of it, if he didn't like him, Kaiji would probably be jealous of hate him.]
Must be tough to be away from them.
Reply
To be honest, I'm a lot older than anyone would readily believe. [He places his head on his hand to rest it there, but then realizes there is paint on his cheek, and starts to clean his hand and his cheek off.] I've aged quite gracefully, over the years.
Reply
... oui... I miss them terribly. I want to see my children again... but not a lot of them want to see their papa, anymore. They've moved on, grown up, told me they didn't need me anymore. Still, just being able to see them was enough... and here...
Reply
Ah... I didn't mean to hit a sore spot there. I'm sorry.
[He doesn't say anything else for a few moments. He's not sure what he can say; he can't even begin to imagine what it would feel like and he's more than aware of how patronising it can be when people pretend they do.]
... for what it's worth, you're one of the strongest people I've met here. Even if they say they don't need you, I bet they'd be proud to call you their father. Hell, I would.
[He looks away, suddenly embarrassed at himself.]
When you get back home you should paint this place for them. It's not exactly pretty but you'll have some interesting stories to tell, right?
Reply
[However, Kaiji's next comment startles him, somewhat. Strong? Him? But he's felt so weak and helpless. And Kaiji would... really do that? Kaiji would really be proud to be his son? Francis' shocked face turns into a muted, but relieved grin.] Well, I am not so sure about that, mais, if you have faith in me then that is all I need.
It's pretty in its own right. Though if I told my children about this place I'm not sure they'd believe me! [That causes him to laugh heartily.]
Reply
[He's babbling now, face colouring. That'll teach him to speak before he's in control of his emotions- mumbling about awkward, personal things like that. I mean, what kind of weirdo just comes out and says-]
Reply
Kaiji frowns, not entirely sure how to feel about the whole situation. Eventually, he settles for apologetic and embarrassed, silently cursing himself for getting so worked up about it.]
... sorry, I didn't mean for that to come out like... that. You get the sentiment though, right?
[He smiles at Francis' next comment in spite of himself.]
Hey, you never know. They might. [A pause and the smile widens into a grin.] Or they might say you're completely nuts.
Reply
[He seems amused at how flustered Kaiji is getting, but he doesn't say anything.] Oui, I understand perfectly. [And his smile only grows. Kaiji probably doesn't understand the depth of what he's done for Francis, but he's really and truly made him feel better.]
Oh, believe me, they already think I'm completely nuts. This would simply be the icing on the cake. Mais, Matthieu might think it's a nice story.
Reply
Leave a comment