.Dreaded Cold. (For Ozu)

[Nevermore Raven]

(Because I can, and will! It's winter here! Much like where I'm at... Thus can't help it. I guess. Funny, you'd think I want something more happy then what I'm already getting here. Anyhow... Guess we can open this up to more people later, up to you, though~ Not sure what to call you anymore. Vince, Oz... Oz is shorter, though.)

Gilbert had to admit, he hated being locked up in one space for a long amount of time. Especially now, because they really had no choice but to stay in here. They as in him and his master, of course. Which he had a feeling the boy would get bored, sooner or later. Which made him feel bad, regretful, almost. That the weather hadn't been decent, as to where they could do something but be in the mansion. It was for the best, though. To be sheltered from the cold, rather then being in it.

Golden eyes switched to the flickering flames of the furnace, to his master. Whom of which, he didn't wish to bother. In fear he might say something stupid, as to make the boy annoyed with him. He felt uncomfortable in this mansion, as it was. Having betrayed the Bezarius Household, he was unwelcome. Or so he thought. Which led to him often fidgeting. He would have lit a cigarette - or anything to calm his nerves, but he recalled the last event that had taken place because of the damn things.

Crossing his arms, and leaning further back against the wall, he murmured quietly to himself. Hoping Oz wouldn't take notice. He often kept his feeling for the boy hidden, but at times like these, it seemed harder to do. What if Oz noticed them, though? Perhaps that was why they could have been drifting apart, and his master had more faith with that stupid rabbit? He bit his lip, forcing the thought into his brain that may not be true.

He shouldn't complain, at least his master was here with him. After all these years. "Oz...?" He finally decided to chance breaking the silence, but probably wouldn't succeed.

(Mai, what fail this is! Sorry... Couldn't think of anything else though. Blah. ._.)

[Oz Bezarius]

ooc || ` Lucky, lucky! I live by the ocean, so it doesn't snow here. Opening it up to others after a while is all good with me, whenever ~ <3 Psh. Sitting by a warm fire is plenty happy. c: You can call me Oz if you wish, whatever you feel comfortable with. :]

[/i] to say if he was speaking up.

Scooting over, he let his legs drop down over the edge of the couch, legs swinging back and forth, just barely scraping the wooden floor below him. "It's better for Gil to sit over here and talk than stay far away, right?" He grinned, closing his eyes to make the grin even more enjoyable for the man to look at, if he so desired. "Unless Gil is staying away for a reason, of course," he noted, poking fun at the black covered man. Not like he really thought that, but he couldn't miss opportunities to pick on Gil.

To him, that's what showed how close they really were.[/color][/ul]

ooc || ` Pssh. That was beautiful. <3 It gave me so much to work with, but I hope this is able to keep the two going ~[/size]

[Nevermore Raven]

(Alrighty~ May stick with Oz... or Ozu, for it's shorter then Vincent. Or Vince. I guess we can keep this to ourselves, for now, at least. The thread, I mean. For I doubt many others would actually be in the Bezarius Mansion. Besides Alice... Which she'd ruin the moment. && Sitting by the fire is supposed to be happy? Le gasp! Why wasn't I informed of this?)

Gilbert blinked, taking a while to acknowledge the words. There had to be more to it then just that, Gil knew. He looked to the side, contemplating whether he should go over there or not. Should he? He'd be closer to Oz, but... Something told him to keep his distance. Rather, he told himself to. He was still afraid what might happen if such feelings were betrayed, what would happen? Would they no longer be friends? Surely his master wouldn't be that angry, would he?

Truthfully, Gilbert couldn't tell what would happen. He was afraid to find out. It was more then just a simple infatuation, he supposed. All his loyalty, and even his soul, if need be, had been given to the boy before him. Oz was his life. Yet, he distanced himself. Why? He had his reasons, but why? With a sigh, he heard the blond speak up again. A grin plastered upon his features, and he had went back to teasing.

He bit his lip, trying not to get embarrassed from the usual teasing. It was a natural reaction, it seemed. Oz got to him every time. He knew his weak points. Gilbert never bothered to find his. Why should he? He cared for his master, and didn't wish to hurt him. Which brought slight guilt at the last comment. He'd comply to the boy's wishes, without a second thought.

Lifting himself from the wall, he walked over, and sat next to Oz. He often wondered how he could cope with all this. How he could remain without someone close to him. Unless Gil was qualified...? He instantly decided against it. There was no way in hell he could be, after all. A faithful servant, yes, but he doubted he could be close. Then why did he feel that Oz was so close to him?

He ran a hand through his hair, focusing on the fire, despite how tempting it was to look at Oz. "It makes me wonder, why your not out with the stupid rabbit..." He murmured. Not that he could complain, he didn't know what else to say. Just to express any jealously toward the damn girl. Would Oz really understand? Or was it all hopeless?

Then again, how many times had he thought this. "I'm glad your letting me stay, though..." He stated dumbly, looking at Oz from the corner of his eyes. Not like the boy would ever make him leave... Would he?

(I was able to work with it~ Oz is so in character, it's insane! Like, not many I've RPed with managed to get his charry right. Hopefully this one isn't bad, either. Gil is kinda hard to act... Yet I love him so~)

[Oz Bezarius]

ooc || ` Seems fine with me. c: Ozu/Oz it is! And that's fine. Oz and Gilbert can be greedy and keep the moment to themselves. <3 Oh my! you didn't know? Why wouldn't you be happy sitting next to someone who was close to you all warm and cozy? P:

[/i] to stay, and that just made whatever type of relationship between them that much stronger.

Feeling the cushions shift from the weight difference, Oz made himself comfortable again. Instead of just letting one leg hang off the couch, he brought both up to sit cross-legged, his shoes having stayed off while he kept his black socks on to keep warm. Nothing beat a little extra heat on a cold day inside. Besides, it wasn't like he was going to keep his shoes on all day when he wasn't walking in the halls or running around outside. It'd be too much of a hassle and it'd prove to be uncomfortable.

"Why I'm not with Alice?" He asked after hearing the mumble, looking up at the ceiling as if thinking long and hard about it. "Alice is fun to hang out with, but I don't want to disturb her. Besides, I have you to keep me company." His tone of voice was seeped with happiness, nothing extra laced into it. Pure joy was all he felt when he got to hang out with his close friend from ten years ago. It helped that Gilbert hadn't changed much besides age and knowing how to use a gun. "That, and I don't get to talk with you much when I'm with her," he added, bringing a hand back and grinning with a slight laugh, rubbing the back of his head. "Alice likes to talk a lot, so it's nice to have a break once in a while," he finished, smiling again.

The next thing he spoke made him blink, giving a confused look at the man next to him.

"Gil doesn't think I'd let him stay?" He questioned, tilting his head and giving a small frown. "I like Gil's company! I wouldn't change anything about it, so why not enjoy it when we're stuck inside?" he continued, leaning forward so he could look at Gilbert's face, it almost looking like he had leaned too far and was about to fall off the edge. Oz had his balance. It wasn't in his intentions to fall, but just see those familiar, golden eyes that he knew belonged to Gilbert and Gilbert alone.[/color][/ul]

ooc || ` Ah! I'm glad he's in character, then! <3 It makes me feel accomplished. It was fine ~ It's very easy for me to go off of it, so you're doing excellent![/size]

[Nevermore Raven]

(Awh, that's true~ Still... never thought of it in that perspective and such. Guess it beats freezing, too. Which I often do in winter. Now all we're missing is like, drinks! And marshmellows~)

Gilbert bit his lip, as to suppress a scowl from showing in his features, as Oz began to talk about Alice. He hated that rabbit, not only at the fact she endangered his master, like so, but something about her deterred him. The personality, and perhaps how needy the damn thing was. Then again, wasn't he the same? It seemed like a competition with the two, it truly did. Though, before he could step too far into the land of thoughts, the last part - about having him as company, caught him completely off guard.

It was comforting, if that what the word for it was. To know that his company was still preferred, or enjoyed. Oz was happy, too. So it was something to encourage Gil's own happiness, as well. So he thought, anyways. For his emotions, and moods, always seemed to dwell on that of his master's. He smiled lightly, but still listened as the boy spoke. Finding it harder to keep the smile, or not to point out that he spent so much time with Alice, and had neglected his servant in the long run.

He didn't have the nerve, nor did he have the right. The man kept his mouth shut, before getting a response from his previous words. Again, with the guilt? "I-I didn't say that!" He argued, lamely, as much as he could, before Oz spoke again. Feelings apparently changing from the words that left the boy's mouth, once again. He didn't know whether to be happy, to comment, or keep quiet, and feel guilty once more for mentioning it.

He blinked as he felt Oz shift, in attempt to get a better look at Gil's face - or eyes, whatever it may be he was looking for. The man turned his head to face the blond, as if obliging to an unspoken command. Gold eyes locked on green, and the raven-haired male almost shifted, as he had been once they had arrived here. Was being this close to the boy that bad? No, not at all, but...

He'd have to think of what to tell him, and not have it sound stupid at all. He wracked his brain for something, but didn't take his gaze off Oz. If anything, he'd probably freak him out. Wouldn't be shocking, at all. Finally, he cleared his throat. "I guess I'm not used to... this." He said, whatever he meant by 'this', he didn't even know.

Perhaps because he didn't get much time alone with Oz, since he was always out with the rabbit? As he had thought many times before? He shoved the thoughts to the deepest part of his mind at the moment, trying to focus on Oz, and nothing more but the boy. "Thank you..." For what, though? For letting him stay, or for all he felt the boy had done for him?

It was so hard to leave it as that, but, in hopes of not sounding stupid, he turned his head. Perhaps he already deterred his master, perhaps he hadn't. Though, he had finally thanked him for all he had done, and offered to his servant. Despite the torture he received when they were kids, Oz showed him that he cared. Gil never managed to respond correctly to it then, so he may as well now.

Hell, perhaps none of this made sense.

(That's good, though~ At least you put effort into his character and such, unlike many others. Alrighty, though~ I shall try to keep the posts decent, then. So you have stuff to work with, and such. Though, I have a feeling my posts get repetitive....)

[Oz Bezarius]

ooc || ` Exactly ~ And hot chocolate would be perfect, actually! Just as long as Oscar doesn't slip alcohol in it. ;; )

[/color][/ul]

ooc || ` They're just fine. ;] And I don't think they're repetitive at all. And pardon for the short post. I hope it's alright. ;; )[/size]

[Nevermore Raven]

Gilbert only gave off a slight annoyed murmur in response to that, and the teasing grin that was now focused on him. If anything, he was still terrified of that grin - and what it meant. Yet, he'd hide it. Always will. He doubted Oz was that bad, like they had been when they were kids. Thankfully, that damn cat was gone. Out of the situation, he couldn't be tortured by it. While the thought made him feel somewhat happy, there was no way in hell he could ever get back at his master. Again, he didn't have the nerve.

Though, when Oz took the hint to stop talking about Alice, he was relieved. Even if he was perhaps going against Oz's wishes for wanting it to be so. If it made Oz happy, then he didn't mind it... Yet, did the boy realize how much he wanted to wring the rabbit's neck? How she was practically using him, perhaps even killing him, since she'd drag him back down into the Abyss? The man's fists clenched at the notion. He definitely wouldn't lose his master again, such a thing was out of the question. He'd kill Alice, if he needed to. The thought always lingered. Even when he was trying not to focus on topics such as this, he couldn't help it.

The familiar voice took him from his thoughts, and questioned him, on his previous actions. Gilbert blinked, about to give the casual 'never-mind', before Oz spoke up again. Stating comforting words after he thought he may have deterred Oz for his random stupid comments, and the like.

To his shock, he even smiled - something he didn't do often, and watched as Oz moved about. Perhaps he was uncomfortable? He assume him sitting here didn't much help. Made things unbalanced and the like. Yet, he wanted him here, so he wouldn't move. "Still..." Gil partially argued, in response to the last part of that speech - if you'd even call it one.

Whether Oz did things he felt was right, or not, he appreciated it. His master was the only one dear to him, and perhaps his only friend - and while so, he couldn't go without thanking Oz. Even if it was just being here, with him. He had went without decent company, for Break didn't qualify for anything decent, for ten years. He lacked what he had dedicated his life to, and everything that meant the world to him. Oz Bezarius. The boy in front of him.

Now that he finally had him back, no matter what they had endured in the previous time Oz had come here, how could he not thank him for everything? For making his life seemingly complete again? Even if he may prefer Alice over him, at least it was evident that Oz cared. That was enough to make him happy, at least.

His gaze softened, betraying any stern nature he may have given off once before, as he pondered what to tell him. "just keep doing what you think is right, then..." Well, that was pathetic. He could have said something better then that, or so he thought. Perhaps he couldn't, as shown. Hopefully Oz would at least pick up a brief note of emotion, or something, in those words. He probably would, not much got past Oz, or so Gilbert thought.

(Oh yes~ Hot chocolate with alchohal... I'd be afraid to see myself drunk, I'd like, go nuts! It's fine~ That's not really short in my eyes, but, eh~)

[Oz Bezarius]

[/i] selfish for his own good. If that was the case, he'd have to stop it.

"I'll do what I think is right, as long as it's not hurting Gil's feelings while I do it," he lulled, easing his eyes as he tightened his grip around his knees. He didn't like showing Gilbert this side of him, the side that he thought he had gotten rid of, but realizing that had only brought it out of him. It was all he could do to just let a small smile rest on his lips, even if it showed some pain and hurt. "I'm sorry," he muttered, looking over at Gil as he sat next to him.

For now, that's all he felt he could say, especially after it being so long over due and so little to even cover what he was apologizing for.[/color][/ul]

ooc || ` Haha! No drunk Gilu at all ~ We don't need anything to happen again! ;P )[/size]

[Nevermore Raven]

Gilbert blinked, not knowing how to respond to that. He was actually fond of the teasing, and accepted that as a part of Oz. No matter how irritable it may be, and how much he was teased, and tormented, in the time his master had been gone. Yet, he didn't know that, so he never would snap at him for it. He didn't have a reason to. He figured it was always Oz's way of showing his emotions, but...

He seemed to pick up the raw emotion from Oz, and almost shivered because of it. He couldn't tell what is was. Depression? Dear lord, was he the cause of this? He didn't want to hurt the boy, maybe he shouldn't have said anything at all? He shifted his weight slightly, changing his position as he did so, as to face Oz better without putting any strain on his neck, and lifted a hand to at least provide his master with a comforting motion, of sorts. Which broke his code of keeping his distance, but the situation was tense, and he hated it.

His hand halted in mid-air, some ways away from the blond's shoulder, before Oz spoke again. At this, he almost shuddered. The emotion, he hadn't seen this... except for on that one day, with the boy's father. His golden gaze shifted, dramatically, as he had to force himself to keep his vision on Oz, and Oz alone. He had never viewed the boy as hurting him, not at all. He loved his master, and looked up to him. Even now, especially now...

It didn't take long to notice the irony of the situation, Gilbert thanked him, and now Oz was apologizing. While he knew what the boy was referring to, and it made him happy that he really, really did care, this wasn't the reaction he'd imagine Oz would get due to this... Or, why he was even apologizing. He didn't need to. Really, he didn't. In Gil's mind, his master did things with reason, which made him so pure. Even as some of it may have been with selfish intention, which he often realized when he got older, he couldn't stay mad at him.

He lowered his hand, where it was resting on the fabric in the middle of the two. Really, what was he supposed to say? Especially since his emotion, and mood, was heavily being affected by that of Oz's. He was tempted to let it lead to an embrace - similar to the one in Cheshire's world, for that was the only way he could think of to comfort the boy. Words seemed to mean nothing, but simple actions, no matter how passive, could give off such strong meanings.

Though, he mentally beat himself for that. His feelings would remain hidden, for he didn't just think about Oz in that manner, for the boy held his loyalty as well as other traits of the man's being. Plus, he didn't want to scare him off, not now. He forced himself to look into those eyes, whether they be pained or hurt, he wasn't focused on that at the moment.

"I-it's... fine... Oz, just..." He couldn't even finish that. Of course, he couldn't handle this as he had when he was a kid, talking it out, and rushing to confront the boy's father. He may be Gil, but he wasn't that same individual... Even if he would so choose to be, if it pleased Oz. It wouldn't be shocking if his emotions betrayed him to the point where he was crying. He didn't much care about that. Just focused on how useless he was. He couldn't even comfort Oz, what was wrong with him?

(Oh yes, indeed. Wouldn't want me like, beyond cracky. Also, I don't know if Gil's in character, anymore. Seeing we're encountering a situation and such that no one else whom played Oz had led to. Despite so, I'll try~ Though, this makes things like... Interesting, though~)

[Oz Bezarius]

[/i] done for the young Bezarius heir?

Alice would have never done this. She would've yelled at him, taken down his confidence, told him to get over it and keep going. Even though those were some of the things he should do, it wasn't right to hear it in that tone of voice. That just made him smile more, though. "I'm glad Gilbert is here. He knows how to cheer me up," he spoke again, a grin forming as he tilted his head.

It was true that Oz could change in a few seconds, but this was a truly different change. He actually felt the grin on his face, felt the hand on his shoulder, and even felt the emotions from his servant that were meant to cheer him up. Sometimes he could feel like there was something more, but Oz wouldn't be that much of an annoyance to ask him until he felt it was truly necessary. Gilbert had done too much for him to allow him that much, even if he was pushy with answers. There would be a day where he'd bother Gil for the answers and expect them.

Right here and right now, though, wasn't that kind of day, but a day to enjoy the relationship the two shared.

Letting the previous thoughts slip from his mind, he released his legs, letting them fall over the edge of the couch again before putting his hands onto the couch to brace himself. "How about we get something to drink, Gil!" he exclaimed, the grin still apparent on his face as he glanced over to the fireplace. "Whether it be tea or something else, I don't mind, as long as I can enjoy it with my friend," he continued, sincerity laced into each word with care, a warm smile replacing the grin as he fully looked at the fireplace, swinging his legs back and forth in wait for a response.[/color][/ul]

ooc || ` But that's when we come up with the best things! Actually, you're doing a very good job. o: He's in character ~ Though, once again, sorry for doing that. Hopefully Oz is in character with this. ;; )[/size]

[Nevermore Raven]

Gilbert had to force himself not to be lost in his own emotions, and focus on Oz. Praying that the boy wouldn't remain like this for long. Lest Gil be even more affected by the tension, which always ended up to be the worse situation possible. At least, that was how it was viewed. He didn't wish to remain depressed, but strove to make his master happy. If he was so influenced by emotions, how could he possibly do that? Without failing?

... Then, Oz smiled, which caught him off guard. Completely. Not like that was bad, but the words that came after it. His heart nearly swelled, if it hadn't been for the sudden shift of emotion from the boy, that had always bothered Gil. How he can be so... Adaptive. No less, the man was happy with what he heard. More then happy, even. How often did he, or would he, hear those words from his master? Those simple words, praising him. Showing that he held meaning for the boy. In reality, he couldn't be happier.

He returned the smile, which he noticed had turned into a grin on Oz's part. He could care less, actually. For this time, that grin didn't hold any secretive meaning to it. "Of course... anything for you, Oz." He finally replied, not bothering to remove his grip off the boy's shoulder, even though he knew he should. He had every right to still be fearful, that he wasn't completely well. Yet, he had a feeling Oz wasn't hiding anything this time, call it gut instinct, if you will. Had he really left that big of an impact on his master?

At the notion of getting a drink, he blinked. Perhaps wondering where that came from. Letting go of Oz's shoulder, finally, at the notion the boy was about to leave his seat, anyways. "If that's what you want," The word 'friend' popped up more frequently then it ever had. He didn't know whether to be confused, or still be happy. Perhaps both, would be an even situation?

((Oh, it's fine~ As I said, brought them closer together, hm? Sorry for the shortish post, too.))

[Oz Bezarius]

[/color][/ul]
ooc || ` I don't think it's small at all. c: Besides, I didn't give you much to work with. Hope you don't mind this being rather small, too. I don't think Oz is in character, either. ;; )[/size]

[Nevermore Raven]

Gilbert's gaze never left the boy, nor was he ending of ever letting it be diverted. As if the moment called for his attention, even as he'd shown plenty of that same attention before hand, just a few moments ago, even. He watched as his master stood up, questioning what he'd like to drink. Of course, he'd never thought about that. His smile diminished a bit, as he wracked his brain for even the most obvious answer, or choice. When he was far too distracted to do that much.

He fought the natural reaction to move back as Oz leaned forward, locking emerald eyes on gold. He had to mentally praise himself for not fidgeting, or trying to look away from that gaze, as he normally did. Then he was asked about the drinks again. "Coffee's fine," He decided not knowing what else to tell him, except for dreading how close the two were. Just what did his master hope to accomplish? Why was he so fearful of it all, too? More things he'd have to question, and answer, later. Everything in his mind seemed to tie together, surely.

It was amusing, for the most part. Instead of focusing on work like a normal Pandora operative did, his mind only worried or made him fret about one thing. Oz, his master. His reason for living, practically. So, he shouldn't be dreading it. Rather, welcome this moment, to enjoy the boy's company. Not the other way around. Upon realizing this, he couldn't help but regain the smile he previously had shown. "There's no point in just sitting here," He pointed out, afraid to get up from his current spot, in fear of perhaps causing any discomfort between the two.

Bad enough he thought the both of them were too close enough as it is...

((He's in character! Blah, fail post, too. Hopefully it's not too bad, though?))

[Oz Bezarius]

[/color][/ul]
ooc || ` That's good ~ And it's not fail, no worries. )[/size]

[Nevermore Raven]

Gilbert listened to the boy exclaim something about backing up his choice of beverage, watching his actions after so. It amused him, to an extent. Just to see how happy Oz was a good majority of the time, or how he reacted to certain things. There was innocence in those actions, he supposed, it was why these certain things he observed, or was attracted to. It made sense, especially after how long he'd missed his master. He wondered, in that time, even if it was shorter then ten years for Oz, did he ever miss him? Was the feeling mutual, or did the boy think of something else? It'd make sense, seeing he had chains to deal with... the place was hell itself.

Then, any space between him and Oz was distanced. Despite apposing it, he almost scowled because of it. What was wrong with him? Now he was being picky. It would probably get to the point he'd be forcing himself to make up his mind, for even if his master was happy, him being truly happy only seemed to be a mask. What would happen if that mask was seen through, though? Would it even matter. "It's fine, alright." Again with the simple responses? He'd have to be sure to do something about that, later.

Getting up, he stopped momentarily, before noticing the door open. Did Oz really want him there? He wasn't even that great of company... He even just proved it, with his lack of talking, simple-minded comments. He bit his lip to suppress a scowl, then walked over to where the door and Oz resided.

He pushed the door a fraction, stepped out, and held the object open for Oz's departure from the room. It was the least he can do, after all. "What do you want to do, after the drinks? There has to be something we can do..." He finally decided to commit himself to it. Even if he hadn't wanted to, there was a rush of instant relief that he had done so. No matter how odd he, or the situation, presented itself to be in front of his master. The only question for it would be, why?

((That's good~ Tried to make this one better.))