Description: Days have passed since Ash Team's disappointing defeat, and so the time has come early for a certain Frenchman to settle his debts... Except he decides to show up late, and with Shenwoo in tow, while Elisabeth and Elias are discussing him. Manipulating the brawler into contributing, a generous donation is made to Elias' shelter, and the priest departs while the other three remain behind. Ash suggests he and Elisabeth visit the Blanctorche estate, and she agrees... What could the man of mystery be plotting? Obviously the answer is stealing cinnamon buns.
In the two days following the King of Fighters tournament, Elisabeth finds herself still within the city of Paris, scene of her team's most recent, epic battle. A pity that the fight hadn't gone terribly well for them. Having not checked with Ash, the native Frenchwoman can only guess at what sort of mood he might be in after being knocked from the running so quickly. Her own mood is calm, her participation having been solely based on her need to keep the flameweilder in her sights. Elisabeth never did get her chance to participate, though she considers this far from a waste of her own valuable time. A return visit to France so soon after her Christmas holidays was welcome, giving her another chance to check in with various contacts around the city in person.
This day, having dawned cold and clear, finds the Blanctorche scion seated at a small table outside a cafe across from her hotel. A steaming latte in a white ceramic mug sends up a tendril of steam from between her hands, the plume of white mist bending and twisting as she blows gently across the top to cool the milky brown liquid before sipping carefully. A pair of fashionably dark sunglasses are perched on Elisabeth's pretty face to protect her eyes from the morning sun, weak though it might be for the time year. A half-eaten cinnamon gives an approximate time frame of how long she's been sitting here, though she'd been a bit on the early side in arriving. Two additional cups, these of the disposable type decorated in the cafe's muted tan colours, sit atop the table. Wisps of steam drift lazily from the tiny openings in the white plastic caps as they wait for their owners. Yes, she's gone ahead and ordered for her expected company. Certain people had better arrive on time so that her generousity isn't wasted. If they want anything to eat, however, they're on their own. She will break fingers before sharing her morning pastry.
It has been a stressful few weeks for Elias with the invasion of Vega that resulted in the kidnapping in Alice. Even if he managed to get her back quickly he only returned to Sunshine to find a child murdered in his time away. It has been an experience to show Elias has to grow much stronger if he wishes to be the protector that he wants to be. Even so despite all of that he seems to retain that unshakeable expression across his features. Even as the team he was on lost he didn't flinch just once.
Alas the intrigue that was there as to see what would happened was quickly lost. He had expected the team to go further, but he had no idea the capabilities of his team mates to know what would happen. To see someone like Alma fight after speaking with him was interesting as well. Even so things were done before he could fight and much like Elisabeth he is left wondering what would happened if he was involved instead.
It isn't long before he is arriving at the cafe that he was requested to show up at. The priest is in his best prepared vestments as per usual and he steps forward to take a seat at the table, but not before he takes a bow. "Miss Blanctorche." He says before taking a seat and taking a look at the cup that was already placed before his seat. "Thank you for already ordering." He isn't much of a coffee drinker, but he will make an exception at this point. "I am sorry to see we will not be going further in the tournament, but I still will offer my help if you need it." Even if he is kinda distracted with his issues now it seems like a bad idea to hurt his ties with a new ally.
From what she'd seen, Alma's team had been a formidable one. It was a good loss, if one could call being beaten so badly that. They'd been outmatched that round, for certain, though it was definitely surprising to her how quickly their team had been eliminated. The best laid plans and all that...
"Bonjour," she greets the priest with a nod for his Elias' timely arrival. "My pleasure," she replies. "I thought we could use something to warm ourselves." If he isn't partial to the latte, her pride would not be wounded if he were to discard it for something else. It was simply a polite gesture for a cold morning. Elisabeth settles her mug down next to her plate. Folding her hands together and resting her elbows on the edge of the table, the dark haired woman lifts her shoulders into a light shrug. "It's a disapointing loss," she agrees. "But they fought admirably." Eyebrows lift behind the dark glasses and she nods a second time. "Thank you. There is something more to--" A hand lifts briefly to gesture vaguely at the air before returning to its previously clasped position. "--this. Whatever you're able to do is most appreciated."
The drink is appreciated even if it isn't the usual drink the priest would have at this time of day. He reaches to take his own glass and take a sip before setting it down. "I must say it was interesting. I had not seen any of them fight before." he admits and honestly had quite a few questions about the man known as Duo Lon, but he decides to hold back on it right now. "I suppose there is always next time. I just wish there was something I could have done to help." he admits as he reaches up to adjusts the shades he wears.
His gaze looks about then settles on the third mug before looking towards Elisabeth. "Is Mister Crimson to join us?" he asks. "Or will one of our other team mates be joining us?" It might be interesting to have a seat and talk with one of the others, but he has a feeling Shenwoo would rather punch coffee mugs than drink and Duo Lon doesn't seem much like th chatty one.
The heiress has her own questions regarding Duo Lon. She was there when the strange young man's invitation was issued by their esteemed leader, and it was a very 'wham, bam, welcome to the team man' sort of interaction; very abrupt and very out of nowhere, to Elisabeth's organized, well planned way of doing things. As it is, Elisabeth still wishes she understood why Ash had even invited Elias to the team. As far as scquaintances go, Elias appears to her as one of the more normal of the eccentrics. In fact, the orphanage he runs is really the only 'eccentric' thing she's come up with. Perhaps he turns into a berserker like Shenwoo when fighting? Or he bulks up like some sort of Hulk when angered? Hmm...
Having been in other fights both with and against Ash and Shenwoo, Elisabeth wasn't overly interested in their fights as much as she'd been interested in seeing them battle it out against Alma and Adelheid. "It was certainly an illuminating match." The faintest hint of a smile tugs at her lips for a moment. Said smile quickly turns to a frown. "Yes, Ash was supposed to be joining us." Unless it was dire, Shenwoo wouldn't exactly be Elisabeth's choice for company. The two do nothing but argue and snipe insults at each other. "I expect he'll be along soon." Her tone becomes deadpan. "He likely wants to make an entrance."
There is a curt nod in response when told that Ash would probably be joining relatively soon. If anything this does allow the priest to have a bit more time to talk to Elisabeth about things. Honestly he would like to find out more about Ash. He seems like quite the enigmatic person, but at the same time his current troubles have sort of put his curiousity on the backburner. "So have you come to find out anything about Mr. Crimson during our stay here in France? I have not been around to observe much other than the fight. Personal business is making it hard to stay in one place long." He just hopes Alice is being taken care of properly. Amy certainly wouldn't be off getting arrested while attacking a church. Nor would she be crazy enough to send Alma to check on Alice. These things won't ever happen......
At least he has one other ally he could rely on it would seem with Elisabeth. She just comes off as the sort he should not approach unless in dire need. He still doesn't know her well enough, but she seems to mean well since she looks to care for Ash and just wants to make sure he is going to be fine. "I must also admit after seeing him fight he seems to wield an interesting power. Is that something he has always had or one of the things that make you feel like you need to keep an eye on him?"
Elisabeth fully expected Ash to arrive out of nowhere with his usual sauntering walk and smirking expression once the words popped out of her mouth. In fact, her head does turn towards the street while Elias questions her on Ash, though it's carefully disguised behind a nonchalant adjusting of her sunglasses. Dark eyes behind those oversize shades flit back to Elias, and her lips tighten into a straight line as she considers just how honest she wishes to be with Elias. He certainly seems as though he's someone she can trust, but when it comes down to it, she echoes his own thoughts of her. There just isn't enough between them for total confidence. It should start somewhere, however, and considering that Elias is an 'outsider', maybe it should start with her.
"Near enough," she finally comments. "They concern me. They came to him young and you can imagine how odd and frightening it must have been." The tone to her words suggest that she means others, rather than Ash himself, being disturbed by the strange green flames. A wave of one, neatly manicured hand follows. "But, yes, it's one of the reasons I'm keeping an eye on him. Ash is... family."
So it sounds like the young man was a natural. For someone to get such abilities at a young age without some form of training is interesting indeed. Elias himself did not develope his own ability to control his energy until late in life while he was in prison and being mentored by a priest there. He considers he gained such control though his redemption and regaining his faith. He can only imagine how having such power at a young age could mold someone. Yet, Ash doesn't seem like a bad person. Just a bit strange. Elias almost feels bad for feeling uneasy around the young Frenchman.
"Not by blood I assume." Elias finally says when Elisabeth finishes with her explanation. "I understand your concern, then." Seems like this woman has known and perhaps grown up with Ash from the way she explained things. "I hope things turn out well and there is no real reason to be paranoid of Mr. Crimson." He takes a glance around himself for a moment before his gaze falls upon Elisabeth once again. "Once I am done with my own personal matters I will perhaps try to meet with Mr. Crimson again to perhaps gauge him better. I believe I would like to find out more about Duo Lon too." It just seems like such an odd friendship there.
Any advise that Elisabeth would give to Elias in regards to his unease towards Ash would be to the effect of 'trust your instincts.' There's something wrong, something going on with Ash, and this noblewoman would bet the best pedigreed stud in her stables on it.
"No, not by blood." Given one notable, incredibly bizarre evening with Ash, having been family by blood would crank the crazy meter above the max mark. Bloody Crimson and his antics. "He was treated as blood, though. My father trained us both. He had hopes for Ash." A shrug follows as she tries to shake off the feelings of nostalgia that threaten to steamroller over her. "That's my hope as well," she then replies while taking a more firm grip on her coffee mug than before. The latte is still too hot for such a deep swallow as she then takes, her tongue and the back of her throat feeling scalded as the liquid passes, but she reacts with little more than a batted eyelid to clear away a little watering of her eye. "That would be a good idea," she nods. Yes, pump the blonde for info! Maybe Elias will get farther than Elisabeth has. "Ah, Duo Lon... Yes. I would interested to find out more about him, as well." Or, at least, his relationship with Ash.
It has been days. DAYS!
Ash's temporary lodgings played host to the mightiest sulk-a-thon this world has ever seen, and when he finally had enough of that - there are things that need doing! - he contacted Elisabeth. Or rather, he got someone else to deliver a letter to her, mentioning a time and place, and to invite Elias, while the priest was still in the grand city of Paris. The Frenchman is notably late, even though he is the actual orchestor of events, and sadly, he likely doesn't care. Will the heiress' generosity go to waste?
With the Shanghai-born brawler in tow, his arm is looped with Shenwoo's WHETHER HE LIKES IT OR NOT; he's toting the berserker along as if he were a very large, very violent and very unhappy purse. Ash chooses not to acknowledge his companion's displeasure, chatting with him in an animated way, despite the fact that the flamewielder looks as though he could use a proper night's rest, "--You did really well in the tournament, je t'aime. I was impressed." The Frenchman coos at his friend, in a way that friends should not coo at one another. It almost makes his compliment seem insulting.
Before anyone objects, stating that this meeting was a private affair, Ash tends to make decisions or changes on his own, without informing anyone (especially Shen). After meeting his pal by chance, and finding the timing fortunate, who knows what devious things he may be up to! He's probably manipulating the other somehow. He certainly hasn't told Shenwoo where they're going until they've reached the place!
"Saa, here it is!" And he pulls the brawler over, pausing to look around, sweeping the platinum blonde hair from his eyes. "Bonjour!" Ash just goes right on ahead and vaults the little fence with an innocent smile and distinct lack of apology, unaware of the ordered latte and granting Shenwoo the freedom to flee, but also glancing up to the God of Battle as he seats himself. An introduction is in order. "This is Elias. He was one of our teammates. You may know him--" Blue eyes flicker to the man, and then Elisabeth's be-sun-spectacled face. "Betty, you look like a bug."
The young man who chose to call himself the 'God of Battle' does not generally suffer this sort of thing, you know. It's rare that the half-Chinese brawler lets anyone inside his personal space without the expectation of violence upon their person, but there are exceptions to every rule, and for some bizarre reason, Ash Crimson is the exception to this one.
Although Shen doesn't seem too happy about it.
Scowling in irritation, the taller of the two men does his level best to not acknowledge Ash's /cooing/, which completely ruins any complimentary effect his words might have, and indeed seems to be trying to pretend he was anywhere other than where he actually was. He might be imagining he's engaged in bloodsport in some remote locale, or maybe he's imagining he's running with the penguins in Antarctica. It's difficult to say, unless someone spontaneously developed the ability to read Shenwoo's mind, which is likely a talent most are happier without.
Shen only actually starts paying attention whe they get... Wherever it is they were going all along, and Ash /finally/ lets go of his arm and hops over the railing to where some people are sitting. Dark eyes fall first on Elisabeth, at which point they half-lid, his broad slash of a mouth turning downwards in an expression of mild distaste for certain snooty frou-four noblewomen who shall remain nameless. When Ash introduces /Elias/, Shenwoo turns to look at the priest. "Never heard of him," Shenwoo says, which shows how much attention he was paying to things beyond 'go here and punch these other guys'.
It would look like the conversation will have to wait for another time. Mostly because it seems like Ash finally decides to make his presence known. The priest looks towards him and gives a nod. "So nice of you to join us Mr. Crimson." he says to the man before that gaze moves to Shenwoo. While Shenwoo may not remember him, Elias was watching the match enough to have seen the prowess of the younger man. The title he likes to go by certainly seems fitting. He can also tell that man does not want to be here so he decides only to nod and not rile the man up any further.
His attention returns to Ash as he decides to compare Elisabeth to a bug and the priest clears his throat. "It is good to see you in such a mood. I was wondering how the defeat had left you feeling." Of course him bringing up such a thing might send Ash's mood crashing back down to the ground and the sulking may begin again. "Once again I apologize for not being around so much. I had unfortunant matters to tend to before I came out this way." There is always next time afterall. That is of course saying quite a bit given what may happen.
And here comes trouble.
The lanky figure of Ash hopping the decorative iron fence framing the little coffee shop across from her hotel pulls Elisabeth's attention from Elias. The urge to check her wrist for a time piece to find the time rises, and the heiress knows that to point out the lateness of Ash's arrival would be an excersize in futility. He wouldn't be sorry and only accuse her of being wound too tightly. Nevermind that oh, say, Elias has his own pressing matters to deal with and probably wishes they'd just get on with things.
An eyebrow arches above the oversized - and very chic, okay!! - sunglasses, Eisabeth simply replies with a rather deadpan sounding, "Better a bug than UV damaged eyes." She'd like to be able to see the people she kicks in the face in future fights, thanks. She loosens a hand from her own ceramic mug, picks up the still steaming paper cup that Elias had not chosen and places it in front of Ash. After a moment's thought, she slides the plate with her nibbled-on cinnamon bun a little farther from the tall blonde Frenchman. No touchie! Elisabeth's pastry. "You're late." That eyebrow arches again as she pays a moment's attention to the poor sap-- er, companion that Ash has dragged to this supposedly private meeting. ...lovely. "Shenwoo," she greets blandly. "Finally pulled Ash outside, did you? How did you get him to stop sulking?" Yeah, she has less tact that Elias, but... look! She's talking to Shen. And she's not being snarky to him. Well, not really.
If Shenwoo can tolerate living with the likes of Ash Crimson, then this is nothing. Besides, even if he was seeking a brief reprieve from the flamewielder and his antics, the brawler's life would be quite dull without his eccentric companion around to get them both into all sorts of trouble. Shen likes trouble, because I said so.
The grin that splits his pale, freckled face, lips curling further upwards at their ends, is knowing. Elias chooses not to rile up his companion further, but that doesn't stop the trilling, annoying laughter from escaping Ash, "Ahhh~hhh, je t'aime, you're so blunt." This is why he enjoys the brawler's company - he's so honest, and he doesn't ask questions. He just simply accepts what is and thinks little of what might be. Shenwoo is a polar opposite of these two. No doubt they were both discussing the Frenchman before he arrived. "Are you going to sit?" He wonders outloud, lazily motioning to a nearby chair.
After the priest continues, his next statement draws little reaction from the flamewielder. Ash just accepts the paper cup Elisabeth pushes at him and rolls thin shoulders in a whimsical shrug, "It happens-- Quoi? I was /not/ sulking." He is almost defensive at that accusation and interrupting the bug-woman, before his attention swiftly returns, "I do so hope there wasn't any problems at your shelter." For the most part, Ash seems sincere, and then he suddenly reaches across the table, nails digging into the pastry which a certain heiress covets, pulling off a piece. "And you, Betty, suit yourself, ahaha." THIS IS REVENGE.
AND IT IS SWEET ENOUGH TO EAT.
Ash pops the bit of cinnamon bun into his mouth and chews. It earns an approving noise, and then the Frenchman dusts his hands off, inspects his fingers, and straightens the black winter jacket. "I brought Shenwoo along because I figured this would interest him." Let the brawler answer that he did NOT drag Crimson out, "Monsieur Elias runs an orphanage of sorts, and wouldn't you like to make a donation to help the children?" He has... intentionally put his friend in a bad place, because he is a GIGANTIC JERK.
On the other hand, Shenwoo has no tact at all.
Questionable manners, too.
"This was his stupid idea," the brawler replies to Elisabeth, and if she's going to be civil then he can be whatever passes for civil where he comes from - which is to say, no overt insults or immediate violence - folding his arms across his chest stubbornly at the very suggestion he sit down and join the rest of them. He is not interested in having a tea party! Of course, Elisabeth loses some of her pastry to the cunning and devious Ash Crimson, which Shen totally saw coming. You can't leave food around that guy, especially not sweets. He's like a hungry dog, he'll just up and take it!!
As Ash explains why he wanted to bring Shenwoo along in the first place, the taller blond turns that frown he's wearing towards the Frenchman, who is clearly building towards doing something amazingly douchey. The mention of an orphanage causes Shen's frown to deepen, but this he doesn't know where Crimson is actually /going/ until he puts the brawler on the spot, basically offering up /his/ money for a donation.
Shenwoo is now /scowling/.
"How the hell did you meet anybody who runs an /orphanage/?" Shenwoo wonders of Ash, disbelievingly. And angrily.
"Homeless shelter." Elias corrects those calling his place an orphanage. "It is for anyone who is in trouble and speaks guidance. Not just children." He isn't even sparing a glance towards Shenwoo when he corrects him either. He seems more intent on watching the interaction with Ash and Elisabeth. He seems just fine, but yet Elisabeth does know him well. He is usually good at judging a person's character, but Ash truely has perplexed the priest as long as he has known the man.
He does finally speak up after the stealing of the sweets and he just faintly nods to Ash. "Some, but nothing I cannot handle." Of course he doesn't divulge what truely happened. The kidnapping of Alice and the initial attack was covered up decently, but he was away rescuing Alice at the time when Marz attacked and a child was murdered. It was covered in various news outlets, but it in no way would have reached France at least for Ash to have found out. "Some damage was done. This money will go well towards repairs. It is much appreciated you both agreed to do this for me."
"Ah, as you say," Elisabeth replies to Shenwoo. It would probably be polite to offer him some coffee, but... He's being rather rude towards Elias. So! No coffee for you, young man.
Well..! Isn't someone a little full of himself. Or paranoid. What makes Ash think that Elisabeth and Elias were speaking about him? Perhaps they were discussing the merits of their funky eyewear? Or how best to kick bottom in the next King of Fighter's tournament? It's not always about Ash, even if this one time it did happen to be.
Ash receives a smirk and a faint snort of amusement for his rather adamant position against being the sulky Frenchman that he most obviously had been. It's not often she gets a rise out of him; it's usually the other way around, what with the young man's incessant need to be obnoxious. "D'accord. Of course you weren't." she murmurs into her own coffee as he continues on with his conversation with Elias. And then... he just goes in and pilfers her cinnamon bun. Elisabeth sighs. Why did she even bother trying? Putting down her mug, she tears off a piece for herself and shoves the rest in front of Ash. Just take the whole thing, you mooch.
Clasping her elbow with her free hand, she nibbles at her last bit of pastry and allows her gaze to move between Shenwoo and Elias. The heiress is doing a bang-up job of being civil towards the brawler, if she says so herself. "We're happy to make the donation, Monsieur Patrick, especially if something has happened to compromise the safety of all those children and helpless folk," she pipes up with. That's totally a smirk of sympathy she's wearing for you, Shenwoo. It's so not a 'haha looks like you're going to have to chip in, too, so suck it up' smirk.
He chips in, tacking onto Elisabeth's statement and further clarifying, "Three, if je t'aime is feeling generous today." Ash wears a sneaky smile. He is unable to focus much on the correction or the shelter's troubles then, because the person whom he had been referring to just moments before is getting a bit shouty. Elisabeth's lack of tact, calling the Frenchman out on his tardiness and the implying that he was sulking, may earn nary the twitch of his eyebrow, but the brawler on the other hand... Perhaps he's pushed Shen too far. He nods to the priest before the fair head swivels, blue eyes staring up at the Chinaman.
Sadly, Ash isn't good at pacifying the God of Battle. In fact, he just seems amused.
As if it explained everything, start to finish, his unabashed reply is, "How? I sent Monsieur Elias a letter." The Frenchman chuckles, but the way he speaks afterwards is grave, "We needed a fourth for our team, and with Duo missing... I could have invited Nikaido." Didn't you say that'd be the last thing you wanted, Shen? Ash isn't so bad. He somewhat considered other people's feelings! ... Nevermind that the flamewielder's history with the half-Japanese model has been notoriously bad as well; he doesn't like Benimaru, either!
And there's other reasons...
"It's not like you can't make more money anyway, je t'aime. There's plenty of people to punch in this world," LIKE ASH. "And plenty of folks who enjoy watching you punch people. But if you'd rather not..." He's not going to pester the barbarian further - just allow the man's conscience to eat away at him, because that's what asshol-- uh that's what friends do. He at least isn't wearing a shit-eating grin or anything (SEE: ELISABETH).
Easy smile returning in full-force, the heiress' upset over her snitched bit of cinnamon bun draws a carefree, "I couldn't help myself." If Shen could see that coming, she should've too. When she pushes the plate over, he happily accepts the offering without a second thought-- Wait! Since Elias said there was all these problems, finally Ash thinks that he should not delay him with his flippant attitude. Reaching into the inner pocket of his jacket, Ash retrieves a neatly printed cheque. There's a bit of a smudge - evidence that he's left-handed. He takes a bite out of his pastry and leaves it at that.
"What is this, Betty, a latte?" He hasn't touched his drink because he's not sure what to make of it yet. IT MAY BE POISON. And Ash, don't talk with your mouth full.
This turn of events does not please Shenwoo at all. There's a distinct difference between /the homeless/ and /orphans/ in the brawler's opinion: Children might not have had a chance, but adults who end up in that sort of a situation are only there by their own fault, as far as he's concerned. Mercy is not a quality commonly associated with raging, possibly insane berserkers like Shenwoo. But no, contrary to what he would prefer, the self-styled God of Battle has been put on the spot, and even he is capable of feeling a certain level of social pressure in situations like this.
Even with Elisabeth /smirking/ at him like that.
"Fine!!" Shenwoo exclaims, throwing up his hands in a gesture of abject frustration, his loud voice carrying clearly and completely ruining the experience for everyone who isn't at this one particular table. "Whatever! Goddamn!!" Truth be told, the brawler has a lot of what might be considered 'disposable income', because most of his revenue from fights just sort of... Gets saved up. The guy lives in kind of a crappy apartment for reasons nobody except him can fathom, and aside from having a mooching Frenchman hanging around, he doesn't exactly have a lot of regular expenses.
"Argh!" Shen continues. It /is/ probably better than how he'd be treating Benimaru, though.
Despite the attitude that he displays and how his 'friends' are treating him, Elias has actually not even snickered or gotten a grin himself. Instead it is that same emotionless face that he seems to keep on at all times. At the same time Shenwoo seems like he was never clued into this plan and that does make Elias feel slightly guilty even if the man comes off as quite a barbaric sort. "I appreciate you to agreeing to such a thing, sir." Shenwoo just seems so informal and he isn't about to call anyone a God of anything even if it is just a nickname.
He reaches to accept the check from Ash and he bows his head to the Frenchman. "If you ever need my assistance again I will be glad to help. I am sorry to see that your other friend could not make it. Another time perhaps." he comments as he folds the check and slips it into the vestments he wears at the moments. Afterwards he rises to his feet and rests a hand on his chest as he gives a proper bow once again to the other three. He would enjoy the company a bit more if he wasn't so pressed on finding out more about those that attacked his shelter.
"I hate to take this and run, but I have important business in Metro City and my plane leaves soon." he explains as he straightens up and clasps his hands behind his back. He regards each one and his gaze rests on Elisabeth one last time. "You of course know how to reach me if you wish to speak further." He would say the same to Ash, but he has quickly realized that the only way he is going to be contacted by the Frenchman is via letter again so there is no reason to give him a number to call. With everything seemingly taken care of he turns about and takes his leave. At least his coffee is untouched for the most part so Shenwoo can snag it. Perhaps a peace offering of some sort?
Oh, please. Elisabeth's reaction to Shenwoo's frustrations is only natural, and, frankly, you boys are blowing it way out of proportion. Waaaay out of proportion.
With Shenwoo finally giving in, Elisabeth's smirk becomes more of a grin. She nods her head in approval as she purposefully avoids looking at the Chinese brawler. Instead, she finishes off the last, miniscule bite of cinnamon bun and licks the last bit of icing from her thumb and forefinger. It would be have been more dignified to have cleaned her hands on a napkin, but... baked goods weakness. "Yes, Ash," nods to her breakfast thief. "If it's not sweet enough for you, you can take it back."
It would be impolite to crane her neck to try and catch sight of Ash's cheque as its handed over to Elias, though to say that the heiress was not curious would be a lie. Nodding as she's addressed, Elisabeth tempers her amusement long enough to give the departing priest a more polite smile. "I thank you. I'll be in touch." Seeing as he's pressed for time, the noblewoman will hand over her own donation just as soon as she can. Perhaps she'll post it before she leaves France so that he has it as soon as he's back in Japan.
The way the brawler views the world is cold and unforgiving, and it's shocking, but the Frenchman is hardly better; he at least understands that it is not as simple as black and white, all while refusing to extend his hand and assist those suffering and in need. It doesn't matter whether or not the fault lies with them, because Ash sees no benefit, no reason. They must be useful, or interest Crimson enough - this is why he helped Shen. If the berserker had been any less than what he is, he would still be fighting like a dog for the scraps from his master's table, hunting down rival thugs for money and the like.
Even Elias, had he chosen not to become a member of their team... The priest wouldn't have received a cent.
That is the order of things.
But his contribution is generous since he committed, regardless of how much the flamewielder may actually care, and because others have been roped into donating... One entirely against his will. Ash plays a dirty game.
"Ah, of course." He casually replies to the serious and older gentleman at his words, watching the cheque go and disappear. Ash can't help but wonder why Duo Lon is mentioned, wherever the assassin may be, but c'est la vie. This wasn't a team meeting - Shenwoo was only dragged along by chance. Elias is probably being nice, and as Crimson suspected, the priest must also take his leave now. Once again talking with his mouth full, chomping into the cinnamon bun, the Frenchman waves, "Au revoir!" Before instantly rounding on the God of Battle, icing-coated fingers and arm dropping to the table, nearly knocking over the styrofoam cup.
Exhaling a soft sigh that disturbs his hair and swallowing, Ash simpers at his friend, "Would you /please/ sit down?" Perhaps this will help... "Merci, by the way... Even if you didn't want to." HOLD THE PHONE, SOMETHING IS GOING ON! SOMETHING TERRIBLE! WHAT IS HE PLANNING--"Don't be silly, Betty, it's fine." He crosses one leg over the other and leans back in his seat, somewhat disgruntled, as if the berserker just standing around is making him a little agitated.
This has quickly become the worst day ever, athough Shenwoo is noted for his ability to live in the moment, eschewing consideration of the future or dwelling on the past... So really, he can make /any/ day into the worst day ever, fresh and new, just because of something someone does that makes him upset. Now that he's been roped into helping out Elias' shelter, though, the in fact quite barbaric berserker will actually go through with it... Although not right /now/, since he doesn't own a chequebook. Or probably even have a chequing account. In fact he'll probably have to go to a bank, get out some cash, and bring it to Elias in either a briefcase or perhaps a large cloth sack with a dollar sign printed on it.
Look he doesn't bother with this sort of thing a lot, okay.
"Ugh!!" Shenwoo complains sort of generally, once Elias has gone, before finally climbing over to where the others are sitting and dropping down into the recently vacated seat kind of... Well... /Sulkily/ would be the right way to put it. "What the hell is this place, anyway?" he wonders, suddenly actually paying attention to where the are. "Do they serve any /actual/ food?"
Elisabeth is certain that Shenwoo will get over it. After all, there's a whole world of things out there to be grumpy at! In fact, since his attention seems to be transfering to the eatery behind them, he'll no doubt find something about their menu to become grumpy over. Not enough meat and too many delicate finger foods or something.
As Elias takes his leave and the trio appears to be settling into the little cafe's patio, Elisabeth leans back in her seat, mild disapointment on her face she realizes that Ash is still munching away on the cinnamon bun and she's finished her own small piece. She picks up her mug and takes a sip, that dark eyed gaze following Shenwoo as he dumps himself into his chair with that sullen look. "I believe I saw some sort of breakfast sandwich..?" she offers. Certainly a sausage patty and egg on a croissant would be acceptable. The urge to make a snarky remark to the tune of a manlier, meatier something for the brawler, is swallowed. It would not be helpful, and, well, the barbaric young man -did- just promise to give charitably. It must be taxing enough.
What?
Oh man, that is /hilarious/.
If Shenwoo ever goes tromping down to Elias' shelter, lugging some huge sack of money with a dollar sign, promise Ash can tag along? He will laugh himself silly, just like the time when Elisabeth implied these two were lovers. Perhaps it may even amuse him months later!-- She thought they were sleeping together, ahahahaha!
Whatever had bothered him - if he had been bothered by the brawler's insistence on standing around like a buffoon or not - all visible signs flee from the lithe fighter's thin frame once the God of Battle climbs the fence. When he sits, Ash beams cheerfully at Shen, and soon all around, deciding to brave the cooled contents of his latte. Thin lips curl around the soft edge as he smiles around it, marking the styrofoam with his white teeth. "Saa~" Is there food? He's never been here before.
Of course, Elisabeth knows something of the menu, but what the heiress has to share... Surely these results will probably be just another thing that makes this a VERY BAD DAY.
He takes an apprehensive sip of the dark contents of his cup; Ash doesn't much like coffee, prefering all sorts of flavoured teas, but it's free and a hospitable gesture... The Frenchman will finish his drink, because that's just the way he is. "Betty, I had a thought. What do you think about going home for a visit sometime later this week?" Don't worry, because even if he does not say so, it is implied that Crimson will be along for the trip. Why? That's a secret.
He takes an apprehensive sip of the dark contents of his cup, discovering that his initial guess was indeed correct. Ash doesn't much like coffee, prefering all sorts of flavoured teas, but it's free and a hospitable gesture... The Frenchman will finish his drink, because that's just the way he is. "Betty, I had a thought. What do you think about going home for a visit sometime later this week?" Don't worry, because even if he does not say so, it is implied that Crimson will be along for the trip. Why? That's a secret.
A... Breakfast... Sandwich?
Shenwoo looks at Elisabeth with an expression like he's never heard those words before, much less heard them uttered in that sort of combination. Like she might as well have just told him they served a fresh hot tar sandwich with a side of concrete. That is absolutely the most ridiculous thing anyone has ever said to him in his entire life, at least by his own probably extremely skewed metric. Does he look like he owns a suit and tie, that he's the sort of person to dash off in the morning to a regular nine to five job? He barely knows what the morning /is/.
"Fine, whatever the hell that is, I'll have five of them," the self-styled 'God of Battle' decides at last, because it's got to be better than trying to stuff his face with whatever over-sweetened pastry Ash would order instead. "They'd better not be as crappy as they sound. 'Breakfast sandwich,' Shen repeats, as if it were a frankly ridiculous concept that anyone might find as absurd as he does.
What possible mischief could a breakfast sandwich have? How could fluffy eggs, seasoned sausage, a slice of tomato and warm, melty cheese be a harbinger towards any sort of BAD DAY? Obviously, these two have never indulged. They are delicious and made of awesome. Not quite so much awesome as, say, a delicate lemon chiffon tarte or cream-filled filo pastry, but a close second! Elisabeth simply stares back at Shenwoo as she tries to comprehend his non-comprehension. What a sad, sad world he must live in. What's even more disturbing is the sympathy she feels for him in that sad, sad world. Luckily for the heiress, it doesn't last long as Shen decides that he wants five and it the tone sounds to her as though she'll be be paying. "Five. ...as you wish." Sighing quietly, Elisabeth turns her head towards the cafe long enough to catch the attention of a barista. She beckons for her to come over so that Shen can get his food.
While she waits, the noblewoman turns back to Ash, both eyebrows lifting in mild surprise. Ash wants to go home? There must be something to it. "I think that would be fine," she finally replies. "Father would be... pleased to see you again." Pleased being a relative term. There'll be lecturing. Lots and lots of lecturing. Elisabeth can't believe Ash would submit himself to that. Still... another visit home would be nice. Spring in the French countryside is beautiful, after all.
Oh, Ash has had a breakfast sandwich before, but would rather indulge in a danish, or cake... Something sweet to start the day off right, everyday. As such, his preferences rule the household, and Shen has never been subjected to this new (potentially horrible) thing. The brawler is also not allowed to cook for himself, lest he burn the whole apartment complex to the ground... Not that it would be what he was attempting to make anyway, the Frenchman is certain.
Laughing musically at the God of Battle's rather hefty order at last, he shakes his head as it subsides, blue eyes flitting from Shenwoo on over towards Elisabeth, who seems somewhat surprised. Ash's smile is impish in nature, and he savours the very last of her surrendered pastry, annoyingly smug, "I'm certain he would be." He knows what meeting with the Blanctorche senior entails without being told, but is he /actually/ going to submit himself to that? Knowing the flamewielder, the noblewoman is right; there is always something more to it.
But what, is the question...
Log created on 20:35:35 03/06/2011 by Ash, and last modified on 16:18:38 04/26/2011.