Thursday, October 27, 2011

Friends Who Do Dangerous Stuff Together

I figured this would be early in their relationship. I just sort of thought about it and had to write it down. Hopefully it sparks ideas or can be thrown in somewhere.


“So, Adrian,” Felix started, finishing another bite of his meal, “why aren’t you pretty?”

She looked up at him immediately. The question had taken her by surprise. “Excuse me?”

“Well, I mean, you could be pretty. Dress up, right? Or you are pretty but you haven’t…” he trailed off and made a puzzled look before turning back to her, “You know.” Feeling satisfied he took in another mouthful of food. Adrian continued to stare at him, unsure whether to be insulted or not. Felix noticed her confusion and began again, “Take your tabard for instance, it’s so old and faded, why not try more civil clothes of the city?”

“You mean like you,” she stated blankly.

“Exactly,” he smiled and started cutting another piece of steak. “Personally I like to dress up for every occasion; such is the slacks, shirt, and vest. The overcoat is what keeps it casual and allows me to wear it anywhere,” he paused and thought, “Plus, it makes me look cool.”

“And helps you hide your weapons.”

It was the first time Aurelius had spoke during the entire meal. Adrian had long finished eating and had saved what she could in her bag. Aurelius had been quietly eating throughout the whole conversation.

Felix looked at him, “Well that too.” Adrian shook away the subject and looked out the front of the restaurant.

“Oh! I almost forgot!” Felix had thrown down his utensils and regrettably gotten Adrian and Aurelius’ attention, again. “Guess what I got,” they stared at him, Adrian sighed. “I got an actual piece of armor!” With this announcement he pulled from his pack a dark bullet proof vest. It was used.

Adrian was instantly confused seeing it as just a fabric chest plate. What good would that do?

Aurelius thought it looked bulky.

“And?”

“Well, it’s a bullet proof vest,” Aurelius started to eat again, “from Endlong. One of the merchants was selling it. The thing’s pretty high-tech for being this far out in the country. I figured I should give myself some more defense as not to be completely useless. At least until I can reload these things faster,” he gestured to his derringers, “Since I’m at a distance when fighting anyway, something like this is all I need.”

Aurelius chimed, “What happened to dressing up nice?

Felix looked at his purchase, “Well it’s a little beat up sure, but I think it still looks distinguished for a piece of armor. Just how Adrian won’t give up her family crest for some clean clothes, I’ll always have something for my image, even if it is just a fancy adjective.”

“So, while Adrian boasts her family name, you boast you’re ‘distinguished’?” Aurelius was getting impatient having to stop eating each time he spoke. He would have to try Felix’s mouthful method.

“Yep. And your adjective is ‘coy’.” Felix looked at Aurelius’ hood and tried to remember where each of Aurelius’ hidden blades was. He knew he was missing one.

“Um,” Adrian started, “What’s a bullet proof vest?”

Felix quickly remembered where Adrian had come from and apologized for not explaining. “Well, it’s a vest made out some special material and basically, it stops bullets.”