oleaeuropaea | [Ryslig] INBOX

[Oh. Oh Wicked Witches. Even if the fire of Vash's cheeks weren't apparent under his hand, the way he almost blurts it out... the sudden way he stops. It's obvious. And like Vash, his mind is on the alcohol. Surely it's just two similar people, with their minds clouded by alcohol, who have both blamed themselves and been so touched-starved over the years that it's something akin to over-stimulation.

Yes, surely that.

Though he can't stop the soft huff to Vash putting himself down again. He opens his mouth to tell him he's not, that he's obviously blushing too- but before he can get words out, Lavender decides to take that moment to bark at them both, loudly. He is not happy when it is not about him. Plus, he may be hungry. Pure Vanilla lets out the softest bleat in surprise, pulling back as his ears flip around until he finds where his cakepup is, before exhaling hard.]

Oh... I completely lost track of the time. Forgive me, I will need to feed him and take him out on his walk.

[There's obvious reluctance as Pure Vanilla pulls back, his fingers trailing as he pulls his hands free. His head spins and he feels he should lay down, or take a cold shower. Or both. For a moment he scrubs his face, trying to wipe the embarrassment away, and get back on track to what they were doing. He will not think about Vash's hand on his. He will not.]

That was a good first attempt for dancing, as well! I must insist you come back again, and we can continue on.

Edited 2023-10-01 03:43 (UTC)

[Like Pure Vanilla, Vash also startles. His wings briefly go out wide, potentially whacking against the minotaur's arm but thankfully avoiding the rest of his companion's body. Once his gaze settles on Lavender, once he's approsied himself of the situation, they do settle once more, but it'll take some time before his heartbeat settles.]

Aw, I apologize for distracting him so much, Lavender! I hate missing meals too!

[His laugh is warm, if still a bit pitched up at the edges thanks to his giddiness. Nevertheless, he does take a reluctant step back from Pure Vanilla, allowing him some space. The hand on Pure Vanilla's lingers, though, gently coaxing his companion's limb back downward. He twines their fingers together one last time, before giving his hand a squeeze.]

I should probably get back, anyway. [He wants to say that he shouldn't overstay his welcome, but he's almost certain how that reply will be received.] I don't want to disrupt any routines the two of you have.

[Why does he feel so reluctant to go, though? There's almost a sense of disappointment welling up in his chest. He doesn't begrudge the little creature for his needs, but perhaps if he just had a few more seconds -

The thought is pushed down just as quickly as it came on. He'll examine it later, once he has a clear head. For now, he releases Pure Vanilla's hand and takes a step back.]

I really appreciate it. Everything, I mean. It was nice. And dancing was - [He clears his throat.] I had a good time. And I'd love to do it again.

[The tension is growing thick, Pure Vanilla can feel it like a weight on him. It's not a horrible feeling. The reluctance to be away, to not simply ask him to stay longer, maybe he'd like to walk Lavender with him. The lump in his throat makes him swallow a few times, and the nervous butterflies in his stomach make him want to turn and run into his bedroom.

It's the same feeling, all those years ago, when he first met White Lily Cookie.

With his hands free, he fiddles with his nails, picking at them lightly as he just sort of stands there, trying to sort through his thoughts and feelings. Lavender huffs, then throws his head back dramatically and howls, making Pure Vanilla shake himself lightly and laugh.]

You are not starving.

[Still, it's broken him out of his reverie and he throws a brilliant smile towards Vash.]

Of course, I will contact you later to set up something? And please do feel free to come back whenever you would like! My door is always open for you.

[Moving around, he pats around until he can find where Vash folded his coat and placed it aside, picking it up and bringing it over to him, and walk with him to the door, so Vash can get his shoes on as well.]

I... [And there, at the door, he falters a little.] I do hope I get to see you again?

[Once more, Lavender pushes Vash into another fit of near giggles. Truly, something is affecting his ability to think, and he has to wonder if it's entirely just the alcohol. But at least with Pure Vanilla thoroughly distracted by his pet, he doesn't have to think about that too closely. The proximity will probably do him wonders.

Even if it does allow Vash's more sinister thoughts to creep in. There's a whisper in the back of his mind about how he shouldn't have allowed any of this to happen. That despite Pure Vanilla's assurances, he was a poison upon those he cared about. That Pure Vanilla would only get hurt.

He tries to push them toward the back of his head, to focus simply on preparing to leave. And maybe that would have worked for him, if it weren't for the fact that he dares to glance at his companion. That he just so happens to chance a glance upon that brilliant smile, and Vash effectively trips on his own feet. He stumbles into the couch, and only barely manages to clamp down on the inside of his cheek to keep from hissing to himself.

Hopefully he hasn't drawn any attention to himself.

Once he rights himself, it's just a matter of making his way over to the door that Pure Vanilla has moved back toward. He kneels down to throw on his boots, a bit too hasty to be sure that they're properly tied.]

I appreciate it, really! [He pushes himself back to his feet, keen to swiftly make his exit and start trying to make sense of the thoughts swirling in his head.

Only once again, Pure Vanilla sees through every wall Vash has tried to put up. He's silent for a few seconds, considering that question. He knows that he should say no. They would both be better off for it. But before his brain can really process that thought, his mouth has already opened.]

Of course. I want to see you again. Really!

[He hates that it's the truth.]

[Oh. He heard that tumble, Vash. And Pure Vanilla had quickly bitten his bottom lip to keep from drawing more attention to it by fussing and asking if he was okay. Because he knows if he did, he'd never let Vash leave. Clearly the better solution would be to let him stay the night.

It takes a lot not to use Vash's coat to hide his own face.

Instead he waits as he listens to Vash get his boots on, then hands the jacket over when he straightens, and the silence after his question pulls a little on his heart. Until the answer comes and he can tell Vash isn't simply trying to placate him. Which he would be very well within his right to do, things had most certainly gotten out of hand a little.

But he can't stop the happy expression from blossoming.]

I'm glad. I truly wish to see you again as well.

[Opening the door, he will let Vash step out, before reaching out to take his hand to stop him. As the kids would say, fuck it. He'll scream about it later, but he steps in close, raising his free hand to touch Vash's chin, so he can know where to lean in and place a small kiss on his cheek, being absurdly careful not to get him with his horns any. It's just a gently brush, and a little closer to Vash's lips than he was aiming for but, he's blind. Sue him.

When he pulls back, he's back to blushing.]

I will see you later...

[And he tries not to slam the door in Vash's face but he does step back quickly to close it so he CAN run to the bedroom...]

[This is likely the best and worst outcome for Vash. He knows he's in danger when that hand comes to rest on his chin. The seconds seem to slow, which in theory should have provided him plenty of time to duck out of the way, or find some other way to discourage Pure Vanilla from dipping forward.

He doesn't. Instead his lips part as if trying to silently coax the minotaur toward them. It's the only way he can explain the faint disappointment that courses through him when those lips alight on his cheek. It lasts only a second, before a fresh, giddy thrill crackles from his face down to the tips of his toes.]

Oh- ah- [His cheeks had only just started to cool down, only to have the flame kindled anew. He isn't complaining, even if part of him thinks to ask for more. To catch the door before it can close and ask to spend the night. He's been alone for so long, deserves to spend the night with someone who understands him.

The more sensible part of his brain stops him in his tracks. That part of him forces his feet backward, dragging him out of Pure Vanilla's proximity before either of them can make a bad call.]

Haha. Yeah! Right! Later! Uh huh - [He winces as he stumbles right back into the wall, wings bending just a little uncomfortably against the surface behind him. He sidesteps and just barely avoids tripping over himself yet again. Only then does he seem to find his footing, promptly powerwalking down the hall before offering one last:]

Have a good night, Pure Vanilla.

[Then he dashes down the stairs before he can make any more of a fool of himself.]

Edited 2023-10-01 04:44 (UTC)

[Vash opened the floodgates when asking about The Steel Samurai. You see, Maya has had this manga photocopied for years, and just recently even had to give Ianthe a run down on samurai.

A definitely photocopied but very attentively spiral-bound copy of what is clearly a Compiled volume of the series shows up at Vash's door one day. On top of that, she's included several illustrations with simplified depictions of Samurai armor and clothing to the best of her memory, made into diagrams where she has notes on the different parts of clothing. It includes a list of famous samurai, some of whom may very well have existed In Reality, but undoubtedly others who are from Maya's favorite samurai from home. There's lists of Samurai Movies as well— Seven Samurai among the 'real' ones, and Samurai Summer & Bushido in Blue among those exclusive to Maya's world.

There is also a simple illustration of what she remembers Japan to look like from a map, with a star over Tokyo, so that poor Vash has any reference for what the Neo-Edo the Steel Samurai is so dedicated to protecting is. There's also such notes as "a lot of our friends here are from this place" and some pictures of yokai enemies the steel samurai faces, as well as the definition of a "kaiju". Most of these notes are recycled from what she's sent to Ianthe and others, but they're quite clearly lovingly curated.]

[It actually takes Vash a bit of time to check his mail at the 38-8. Despite giving the address as his own, he's been spending the bulk of his time at the grapevine lately. Better that he doesn't hide away after remembering all that he has. Still, he's absolutely thrilled when he sees the binder, and spends most of his night curled up around it.

He may or may not even sleep the night following.

Eventually, though, Maya will get herself a photo through the network! It's crunchy, given the compression, but it's very clearly a photo of Vash about halfway through the compiled collection. He has his fingers bent into a gesture that is simultaneously a heart and a peace sign.]

thanks for the reading material! i can't wait to talk to you about it!

[It's one of the best pictures Maya's ever seen. She should have made everyone take a selfie while they read.]

I can't wait either! So have fun and read fast (ﾉ0ヮ0)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

Are you free? I would like to show you something!

oh!
uh, yeah, i can be!
i was just on my way back to the grapevine anyway.
you up in the apartment?

i'm gonna zoom through it! just for you
just get ready for me to never shut up!
you brought this on yourself, maya!!

Oh wonderful! Though please don't hurry, this can wait! And I am! I will be here when you arrive!

[Please excuse the exclamations, the speech to text is picking up on his excitement.]

[Too bad, PV! It's only a few minutes later when Vash is knocking on the apartment door. He's gotten used mostly used to sharing the space with Pure Vanilla, but just barging in is a little uncomfortable. Besides, it's a nice, audible way to announce himself, without up and scaring his friend.]

Hey, Pure Vanilla. It's just me!

[Someday Pure Vanilla will get it into Vash's head he can just walk in. Though... in this case, he is grateful for it, as he no longer has his minotaur hearing. Lavender immediately begins to bark his tiny head off at the knocking and Pure Vanilla beams from the kitchen, hurriedly placing the finishing touches on the doughnut holes. The air smells of cinnamon, pumpkin and sugar.]

Welcome home! I'll be out in a second!

[There! A quick move onto a proper serving tray, complete with some sweet tea in a kettle and some cups, and he's moving from kitchen to living room. Vash is excused if he notices the doughnuts first, and not the change in Pure Vanilla. The Minotaur is a Minotaur no more, wool replaced with soft cottony fur, horns with antennae and hooves with chitinous toenails.]

[Does his heart do a flip at the mere concept of "home?" Vash will never reveal that secret, thank you. And Pure Vanilla will certainly never see the faint smile that graces his lips as he steps inside. That his companion is not immediately in sight doesn't bother Vash. He kneels down to undo the laces of his boots, pulling them off just in time for Pure Vanilla to round the corner.

Or at least... He would have assumed it was Pure Vanilla. Normally he's accompanied by the click of hooves against the ground. Now, though, there's no announcement. And when Vash looks up, it's immediately obvious why. If not for the fact that he'd only just heard Pure Vanilla's voice, he might have been immediately on edge.

Even still, his guard is up. There are plenty of things out there capable of causing illusions. Better to be wary, right? Even though he's pretty sure any sort of assailant wouldn't come delicately traipsing in with doughnut holes.]

Pure Vanilla. Is, uh. Is that really you?

[Lavender circles Vash like a shark sensing blood in the water, tiny tail wagging and tiny tongue licking away at fingers that are undoing laces. And being ignored makes him whine, and he grabs one of Vash's boots to begin dragging it away. That'll teach you. Pure Vanilla meanwhile beams at the question, one set of hands holding the tray as he holds the others out - a little awkwardly as he's trying to get used to the muscle movement of the extra limbs - and does a little spin in place.]

Yes! Do you like it? I asked Mana to give me a month as a Faerie!

[There's color on his cheeks when he says that. He doesn't need to say the reason for it to be obvious why. Moving over to the coffee table, he places the tray down, being a little extra cautious as he does. His hands move around awkwardly as he reassures himself of his position before sitting on the couch, patting the spot beside him with one hand.]

[Vash can only watch as his poor boot is dragged away. He makes a note to give Lavender a few extra pets once he settles down. For now, though, he is thoroughly distracted by the sight in front of him. Pure Vanilla has always been particularly handsome, of course! But all of these new differences draw Vash's attention in even newer ways.

He can't help himself, or the nervous laugh he sputters out.]

It's beautiful. [He clears his throat.] Aha, I mean. You're beautiful. And...

[He trails off as he obeys the command he's been given. He trots toward the couch and takes a seat, then reaches for Pure Vanilla's lower set of hands with his own. The upper pair reaches out to take the Minotaur-turned-Faerie's face into his hand.]

You didn't do all of this for me, did you?

Are you in the habit of threatening people with a good time?

it's the only kind of threat i care to give out, actually! ^^

Aren't you a gentleman?? Well, I'm really looking forward to it!

[The laugh makes him beam. It doesn't take Minotaur hearing to note the nerves there. Though it's his own turn to huff a soft little nervous laugh to being called beautiful, his cheeks turning redder, and his lower hands smoothing down his clothes a little. At least until Vash sits and takes them, Pure Vanilla folding his fingers in with Vash's gently.

The hand on his face makes him smile and he leans into it a little, tilting his head to rest it there. It makes him sigh softly, the touch soft and warm.

His smile is a little shy.]

I did... I hope you don't mind I didn't discuss it with you before hand. I wished it to be a surprise, but I understand it might be a little forward of me.

[The vibrations his antennae can pick up is amazing in the way it adds a sense of vision, and he can't stop himself from leaning in a little closer, his antennae wiggling a little as they test the proverbial air.]

[If he thinks about it too hard, maybe it does make him uncomfortable. It's not Pure Vanilla's fault, he's just had enough of people being remade in his image. It isn't as if the Minotaur knows that. And really, it had been his own decision, and presumably a less painful one at that.

So... Vash just needs to not think too hard about it. Simple.]

As long as you're happy.

[Hesitantly, Vash reaches up. He thumbs over the skin that forms the base of the antenna, trying to avoid the way his thoughts drift toward their first meeting and the damage that had been wrought. THe memories of then were hazy, but if he thinks too hard he can still feel the phantom pain.]

I should have known you'd be so soft.

[At least Pure Vanilla still looks like himself. Just. Downier.

And Vash's not the only one whose thinking of their first meeting, as he feels the thumb grace across his antenna. He remembers (in that soft, dreamlike way) how Vash's felt in his hands, how his nails felt biting into them. He hopes someday they will both be able to replace those memories with better, kinder touches. Like this.]

I am. It comes with it's own fair share of issues, but my mind feels clearer without the every present weight of a temper. And I can sort of visual directions with the vibrations. It's not quite sight, but it's much more than what I had.

[The antenna Vash is touching bends a little to softly tap along the others hand in an inquisitive touch, leaving behind a little dusting of moth dust. And the soft comment makes him huff a laugh in amusement, his smile twisting gently, his wings fluttering.]

It seems I will be forever given forms that are pillowy in nature.

Ho ho ho! Your Secret Santa recipient is Marco Evangelisti!

Get Marco a present by December 26, and if you can't figure out how to deliver it, you can drop it off (clearly labelled, please!) at Crowe Clinic up until the 24th.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MARCO:
- Imaginatively enough, he's "marco" on the network;
- He's a merman;
- He's a computer wiz kid;
- He lives out by the lake with his husband;
- He's very well-meaning.

Happy Christmas!

[This is going to age like milk when he finds out said husband - A.K.A. one of Hawkeye's best friends - is gone. Oh, well.]

Edited 2023-12-03 22:07 (UTC)

[Ryslig] INBOX

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Some time after October 1st time isn't real

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WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, NEEDLENOGGIN FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 018.07.154.55 * NEEDLENOGGIN has joined 018.07.154.55 <needlenoggin>hiiiii you've reached vash!. <needlenoggin>** i'm probably sleeping or eating right now so leave something for me and i'll get back to it!