oleaeuropaea | [Ryslig] INBOX

[Vash winces out of sympathy as the little creature slams full force against him. It wrenches out a laugh at least, soft and only with the slightest of hitches. He kneels off the couch once the creature goes belly up, focusing on administering only the choicest of belly rubs and scritches.

By the time Pure vanilla returns, Vash will be fully on the ground, absolutely enamored by the little thing. Sugar and animals make everyone feel better, and it would seem that the Cakepup has managed both in spades.

He does sober as his companion scoops up the little pup, knowing that it's only a matter of time before things take a turn. It's nice to have been able to enjoy a moment of reprieve. He just wishes that Pure Vanilla could have enjoyed it too, rather than trying to put Vash at ease.]

Thanks. [He gives a nod, then takes the tea. He doesn't put anything in it right away — with how unfamiliar most of the flora in Ryslig are, he's perfectly content to drink things straight and savor them.

Perhaps he remains in savor mode a little too long. He leaves the cup near his mouth, breathing in the vapor that pours off of it. His eyes close. He knows he should open his mouth at some point, say something about what they're here for. He can't put it off forever.

Instead he leans forward and takes the small bottle. He pours a generous helping in, though still leaves plenty for Pure Vanilla to enjoy should he need. It's only then that he allows his gaze to settle on the other man.]

Honestly, I'm not sure where to start now that we're here.

[Oh, don't worry. Being held wont stop the pup for long. The moment there's a lapse in Pure Vanilla's hold on him, he promptly darts over to Vash again. Shoves himself onto his lap. Tries to stick his head into his tea cup. Syrupy tongue going a mile a minute. And he does it as quietly as he can so Pure Vanilla can't scold him.

Which doesn't work as Pure Vanilla makes a noise and Lavender flops dramatically against the Faerie. Fine. He will lay here and grow mold!!

The clink of the bottle makes him huff the softest laugh. Yeah. He figured. For himself, he doesn't yet, instead picking up a few salt cubes to dissolve into his tea.

And the statement makes his brow furrow.]

I... [Hm. He cradles his cup with his hands.] I know you will disagree you deserve it, because I feel the same way and I believe we are two similar hearts about certain topics, but I must apologize. I only vaguely recall what I did to you, but I recall enough to know I hurt you terribly. That... that is not me. I love, yes, but to harm someone...!

[His fingers tighten, the cup creaking a little dangerously under them.]

I cannot even hunt to feed myself...

[He sounds close to tears. Lavender whines and scoots over to lick at his elbow, getting a hand down to pet him.]

[The little pup is a pleasant distraction, but it can't keep Vash from the subject at hand forever. He's grateful when Pure vanilla opts to break the silence — at least Vash doesn't have to be the one to ruin the moment. He listens quietly as Pure Vanilla speaks and -

nearly chokes into his tea.]

You can't hunt?

[Through the haze of his memories, he recalls feeling a kinship between "himself" and "Vanilla." They'd shared a burden of duty, as they called it. But for all the differences in that world, Vash would have expected that there were no similarities to speak of in this one. He and Pure Vanilla were just as likely to be night and day to one another.

And yet...]

When I first changed, I did everything I could to resist. I fed piecemeal from humans, thinking it would sustain me. And for awhile it felt like it was working.

Until it wasn't.

[The concept of frenzying doesn't need to be explained. Vash lets the silence speak for itself as he takes another sip of his tea.]

Before here, I had promised I would never take another life. And for a long time — a real long time — I kept to it. Until here. Until that day.

[The question makes him shake his head, reiterating his words silently. He listens as Vash describes his own experience with hunting and the hunger. And they're alike there, as well. Feeding bit by bit. Luckily for Pure Vanilla his needs are meat, and though he only takes from the food banks what he needs to quiet the rising frenzy, he never takes more than that.]

This place...

[He sighs, lowering his cup to reach out, fingers gliding along the tray until he finds the small liquor bottle. The amount of gin he adds is only a small bit - he's horrible with holding his alcohol - before he puts it aside, sips his drink. Lets the steam from the tea bath his face.]

I am a healer... From love brings growth, renewal. I shield those around me. I vowed to make lives better for everyone, to ease their pains... Not cause them.

[Lavender looks between the two, sensing the solemn mood, and gets up to fetch his toy. It squeaks ridiculously as he jumps back up, to deposit it on top of Vash's foot, then lay his head on top of it. Comfort.]

I eat from the food bank. When the urge to hunt becomes overwhelming, I seek out a farm at the end of the city and... and headbutt the farmer into the ditch. Then free his sheep, and run off.

[He sounds ashamed a little, his cheeks red. He's never told anyone that.]

I have only killed once, before this event. The Fog Gods followers were free from their town, and like ghosts, were passing through us. They caused many of us to frenzy. But even then... the death was quick.

[Claws to the throat, opening the jugular. Not the faint memory of screaming and begging, while mushrooms grew around them.]

This world is built on misery, and forces us to be our worst selves... and I'm sorry. I'm sorry you're caught up in it, that you walked a similar path as I, and were forced to break your vow. I understand how it feels, and I wish I could take it back for you, my friend.

It's not that altruistic. Not for me.

[He glances up at Pure Vanilla from beneath his lashes. There's a radiance about the man, even in this monstrous form. Vash had thought to compare the two of them, but he can see that he's far beneath the man before him. His hands were clean in his previous life, and remained nearly so in this world.

Unlike Vash. He'd maimed and murdered several times over, even outside of the influence of the strange events in this world. By his hands, nearly an entire civilization had crumbled. There was a reason why he was called the Humanoid Typhoon — it only made sense that the title followed him.

He'd thought to compare the two of them, once. He'd felt as if he could confide in this soul. But now, in the face of how Good Pure Vanilla is, Vash can't help but wonder if he'll be condemned.

His hand shakes just slightly. The teacup rattles against the half-metal of his palm. A glance is cast down toward the cakepup, a half-hearted smile offered, before he glances back toward Pure Vanilla.]

When I was younger, I caused... something terrible to happen. Tens of thousands of people lost their lives. And countless more were condemned to lives of suffering. I just... wanted to be better than I was then.

[The moment he hears the jitter of the teacup against metal, he sets his own down to reach out. Gently, carefully, he takes the metal hand in his. Holds it with both to steady it, offer Vash reassurance.

And he's quiet as he listens to Vash explain something horrible happened because of him, his expression non-judgemental. Just sad.]

But you already are. The moment you looked upon what had happened, and said "I want to be better". And then you kept to it, did you not? You said you vowed to never take another life again. You may not see it, it is truly hardest to look at ourselves and see the good around what we believe to be flaws, but I feel you have lived up to it.

[He won't ask if Vash caused it deliberately, accidentally, or simply by existing. He refuses to judge someone. Instead he offers Vash a smile, an actual true smile, untainted with the twisted love of before.]

I do not know your entire story, I will not judge what this place made you do, but if your love was so complete that in this worlds way, taking them out of it to spare them misery was the only thing it made you do... Then I think you are a better person. More than you think.

[He didn't dig his fingers into someone, peel them open like grotesque candy wrappers, all while decrying that their pain was right and just if they wanted peace.]

[Vash almost draws back as he sees Pure Vanilla leaning forward. He can accept some amount of kindness and mercy. He was a fool to think that the man would condemn him, when it's clear he's so much better than that. He's unfairly good in ways Vash could never be. Pure as he is, he doesn't deserve to debase himself by touching the marred bone and metal of Vash's arm.

The only reason Vash remains still at all is simply not wanting to upset the man any further.]

Is it really that easy? [The question is more rhetorical than anything. He poses it into the empty air, then breathes out a sigh.] I still have to kill now. I can't... feed like other people. I can't even - [He does manage a small laugh here. He's not judging Pure Vanilla at all. He thinks it's admirable, if a bit silly, that he's found a way around his needs.] Headbutt someone and call it good.

[He sobers at the mention of that other self. Sure, he can see some line of logic there. But he was far more inclined to agree with those that had railed against his efforts. It was... cruel. An easy way out, rather than fighting to help anyone.

He shakes his head.]

I don't know what that - other me was thinking. [Which, speaking of...] You're not what I was expecting, y'know? Kinda thought there'd be someone a little more... imposing.

Not someone - [The words catch in his throat for a brief moment.] - just a little bit like me.

["But so much better," he barely resists adding.]

[Silence as Pure Vanilla listens, his heart aching for the other. Unfortunately, Vash is right. There's no availing himself of the food bank, not with energy. Does he have a secondary mouth? That may help... he will ask about it later, suggest it. For now, he simply holds the metal and bone hand tight, attempting to help anchor Vash in some way.

The 'not what I expected' makes Pure Vanillas eyebrows raise a little, and he sighs softly.]

I am not surprised, I believe my alternate self was...

[He shakes his head, not finishing the thought. Forward. Vicious. Commanding. Everything Dark Enchantress is. He doesn't want to think of who that was. It's not him. Instead he focuses on Vash, his eyes finally opening in reflex, gold and blue staring uncannily at Vash, but also seeming to look through him, beyond him. As if he could still see to the heart of someone, to see the truth of them.]

It is never easy, and continuing on the path will be a struggle. But you have people around you to help — hands to hold, shoulders to lean on — when the path gets rocky. Do not be afraid if you stumble. It's not a failure, nor a setback. And there's no need to run, for it's not a race. And my friend - Vash. Forgive yourself. Please.

[There are a number of things that Vash and his alternate self have in common. One of those things is the countless decades spent without positive contact. Even through the limited sensation provided by the sensors in the bulk of his arm, he’s almost overwhelmed — never mind how hypersensitive the bone itself is.

He squeezes, though the effort is careful for his own sake. And though he knows that Pure Vanilla can’t actually see him, he meets that gaze. ]

I wish it was that easy. [He shakes his head, setting his tea aside with the opposite hand. Once it’s free, he lets himself dare to cup Pure Vanilla’s with both of his own. He wants to feel someone with his real flesh, under the power of his own mind.

Call him selfish.]

You don’t need me to tell you that it’s hard, I’m sure. But I’m trying, I guess.

[Is he? He can at least tell himself as much, right?]

[The squeeze and then the other hand joining in makes Pure Vanillas expression soften. He won't deny the other the comfort of touch. He spent time in a void, deprived of his senses for so many years... he knows what it feels like to yearn for anothers touch. So he shifts to wind his fingers in with Vash's, takes a tighter hold.]

You are, and that's all I can ask of you for now. And I'm proud of you for trying. Because indeed, I know how hard it is to forgive yourself when you feel you've failed... everyone.

[His kingdom in ruins, his citizens dead or fled. He wasn't there when they needed him the most. He failed them. He failed her. He failed-

He swallows and shakes his head, squeezing hands together lightly.]

But I promise you, the people around you will help you lift the weight a bit. Seek them when you need reassurance, when you need a reminder you're doing well. Don't hesitate to lean on them. On us.

[He knows he's a hypocrite.]

Like I said... [He smiles, just slightly. That faint uptick is just barely present in the sound of his voice, but it is there.] We have a lot in common.

[He'd never want someone to walk the same path he had. He'd never want anyone to know the same suffering. But finding someone that wasn't unlike him has been a relief. Yes, he still thinks Pure Vanilla is miles better than him, but...

He knew what it was like to fail.]

And you know, the same is true for you. That you have people there for you. [He wouldn't live with Sparkling if they weren't close. Vash barely thought he knew the other cookie, but still he had been there when the faerie had needed him.] We haven't known each other long, and I'm... pretty bad at keeping people at an arm's length but. I'm here.

[It's the least he can do. And hell, maybe he just wants to have some inkling of companionship.]

And, uh... Thank you, for everything.

[A lot in common, and once again Pure Vanilla is pulled back in thought to the ideal that this world calls to like beings. Similar worlds, similar hearts.

Vash offering the same to Pure Vanilla makes the Minotaurs smile blossom more. Something that seems like it's more familiar on his face than all his softer half smiles and unsure ones. Like the man is more at home beaming and laughing.

Maybe that tiny bit of gin is finally soaking into the lightweight, and relaxing him, as well.]

There is no need to thank me, but if you insist, then please accept my thanks as well. I promise, should I have a need, I shall call on you. And I agree. When I say my friend, I truly mean it. I'm afraid there is no shaking me once I have decided.

[Maybe he's decided they should no longer dwell on the past. It will haunt them, forever. He knows this, and he can speak of forgiving themselves all he wants, but late at night, when it's just them in their beds and they're trying to sleep. He knows the nightmares will come.

So he's going to focus on the here, the now, on making this moment as friendly and pleasant as possible. He squeezes Vash's hands, and aims the smile like a sunbeam at him. Steer the conversation away from pain.]

And since I have deemed you my friend, please tell me more about yourself!

[Are the tips of his ears burning? Maybe. People have stuck to Vash despite his best efforts, but no one has ever so boldly announced that they're his friend. He can't even summon an argument against it. Unfortunately for him, Pure Vanilla has seen Vash at his worst — nothing else he could offer up would compare.

And yet he's still wanted? What is he meant to do with that.]

Friends, then.

[Has he ever used that word? It's been a long time, if he has. It doesn't feel so bad, though. The usual dread that comes from getting close to someone doesn't well up within his chest like it usually does. Maybe it's the alcohol? For all his years, he might have thought himself a little sturdier than all of that, but he won't complain.]

I - don't really know what there is to tell! I'm not all that interesting, honest! [He laughs, every bit as awkward as he feels. Which means it's a terrible time to realize he's still clutching at Pure Vanilla's hands.

He lets one drop, but doesn't let the other go just yet. He'll give his friend the choice to do so.]

I like donuts and pizza a lot. I'm pretty good with a gun, but I've never used to it kill anyone. Wait is that too morbid? Maybe, sorry -

[Vash not being interesting makes Pure Vanilla hm! in disbelief. But it's a good-natured sound, and is accompanied with a small little tail wiggle. Feeling his hand be dropped, he's about to pull them both back when he realizes Vash is still holding onto the other. And since he's quite comfortable with the contact, he doesn't see any need to remove it. So he just makes his hand more comfortable, fingers folding in with Vash's.]

That isn't morbid in the least! A good friend of mine was quite skilled with a gun himself, as though my world is mostly peaceful, we still have to fight off monsters, so it's quite handy to know how to use weapons!

[Reaching out with his free hand, he finds his tea cup to bring it back up to his lips, angling himself as he does to be a little more body facing Vash. He ends up kneeing Lavender, causing the cakepup to awaken with a start and give them both the most scrunked look a cakepup can give. He hops down and waddles off to find someplace else to rest. Rude.]

Oh, your food is similar to this worlds! Unless your pizza happens to be sweet pizza? Tell me of your world, if you are all right speaking of it?

[It's not lost on Vash, that his hand remains twined with Pure Vanilla's. He wonders if it's oversight, or maybe the other man simply doesn't realize that he's still holding it. Whatever the reason, though, he won't question it. The contact, as he'd already realized, is more than welcome. He'll enjoy it while it lasts.]

Exactly. And there's plenty you can do with a gun that doesn't involve really hurting someone. Like - pew-pew! [He pantomimes the motion up toward the ceiling with his free hand.] At some pipes, and then you have a distraction while you get away!

[He miiiight be speaking from experience. And speaking of things he might be doing, he might just barely stifle a chuckle as he watches that poor little Cakepup trot off. Maybe he'll see about scrounging up a treat for the creature before he heads out.]

No, no. Pizza's pretty normal. Though I'm sure someone likes it sweet? [He pauses for just a moment, sobering as he tries to figure out what to say about his home. It's hard to talk about it, without getting tied up in his own feelings about the place that he damned all of humanity to.]

It's, uh. Dry. Pretty warm. Settlements are few and far between. Some are tightly knit little villages, others are pretty big cities. I've seen most of them in my time. They're all interesting in their own rights, though!

[How long has it been since he's talked so openly with someone. He's shared a few brief, lighthearted moments with the younger monsters. But now that he feels known, it feels easier to talk about other things, too.

Or maybe it's just the gin.]

[He can't see the motion, but the pew-pew makes him smile and he can imagine a distraction, pausing in his sip of his tea so he doesn't laugh into it towards how exuberant Vash is.]

Ah! That's quick thinking, and a brilliant strategy! Minimizing the amount of physical damage done, while providing additional cover!

[And maybe he will keep the 'sweet' pizza of his homeworld to himself. Jellybeans with cream cheese, after all... He's quiet, respectful, as he listens to Vash describe his world. A large desert planet?]

It sounds quite like the Sugarfree Road. Dry and hot, a desert of reds and oranges, barren but beautiful with its twisting cliffs. There are a few villages out there, waypoints for Pilgrims, and each one is as hospitable as the next.

[His voice is wistful as he speaks, and he leans back into teh couch, his arm pressed against Vashs, their hands still clasped between them. He sips at his tea, before smiling against the porcelain cup.]

This world must be quite a surprise for you.

[Even if he knows that Pure Vanilla can't see, Vash is just a naturally animated person. Still, it's a reminder to make sure his movements are either audible, or described enough for his companion to understand. He doesn't want anyone to miss out on the show that is his antics, after all.]

I've learned the hard way, on how to get out of trouble. I'm... kind of a wanted criminal where I'm from. [Should he have said that? He squints toward the teacup, barely sipped from. Was he truly becoming that much of a lightweight, or was he just that comfortable.

better to not think about it. He leans forward as best as he can without jostling their intertwined hands, so he can have another sip.]

Not that I've actually done anything. Mistaken identity, honest! That... and being at the wrong place at the wrong time. And maybe being a bit of a disaster.

[Bit by bit, the morose air that had surrounded Vash on his arrival begins to peel away. This feels as close to normal as he's gotten in some time.]

That really does sound beautiful. I don't even think I mind the desert. The cliffs are nice, and the darker sand is - pretty. [Even if the place most known for its red hued sands are something of a bad memory.] From the way Sparkling has described your home, it really does sound beautiful. Magical, even.

[He trails off. Pure Vanilla isn't the only one gripped by a wave of melancholy, it would seem.]

Back home, the only way I ever saw trees were in contained biodomes. Life isn't sustainable on the planet we're on. Humanity wasn't even supposed to end up there. And now that they are, we have to do all we can to make sure they survive, without wearing too hard on what little resources they have.

[But that's getting too serious again, isn't it. He shakes his head, just forceful enough to rustle the hood of his jacket.]

You should have seen me, when the rains started last month. I'd never see anything like it.

['Wanted Criminal' makes Pure Vanilla arch an eyebrow, but his expression is amused and he hides his smile behind his cup a little. Though it's obviously there by the way his face crinkles, and there's a faint giggle underlying his words. Of course he does believe him, but he might tease a little, since they've established they're friends.]

Of course, mistaken identity. It happens often?

[The fact Vash knows Sparkling isn't a surprise, Sparkling is friends with everyone, and he feels proud of the fact. It's only fitting, the other Cookie is beyond charming. Pure Vanilla's head tilts a little to 'bio-domes', and he images a greenhouse. A place of life in amongst a barren land. It's lovely in his minds eye, even if he's slowly beginning to lose the details of what things look like.

And his expression is downright tender as he images Vash doing his best to help. Through all his perceived flaws, through mistake identity and being wanted... he keeps trying to help.]

I can imagine. To be taken from a world where water is scarce or even non-existent, to a place where it's found in abundance. I quite understand being shocked!

[He smiles in memory to his own arrival, and how strange it was for a few months after. Crossing his legs at the knee, he settles his cup on one, beaming as a thought comes to him.]

I assume this means you have never experienced ice?

[Winter is coming...]

[Vash finds that he doesn't mind the teasing. Not when it's obvious that he isn't being judged, and certainly not when this person knows the depths of his secrets. It helps that he's also relieved to hear that laugh after all of their other, more sobering topics. Vash feels a little guilty, for dragging down someone who appears to be much more jovial in his nature.

He finds it in himself to snort alongside Pure Vanilla.]

It does! I have a twin brother, so I guess it's easy to get the two of us mixed up. [He knows how the twin excuse sounds. He's been laughed off several times as a result. But every time he just pouts and insists its the truth. Pure Vanilla might even hear said pout in Vash's words.]

It's a good kind of shocked, I think. Or maybe even a little sad, too. This is what life should have been like for us.

[He pauses just a moment. He knows what snow is. Rem had spent plenty of time explaining the world she'd left behind and its many beauties. But beyond reading a few books and seeing pictures, he's clueless. The best he has for physical experiences is ice cubes, and even those were fleeting out in the far reaches of the desert.]

Never. Not when it comes to the climate, at least. Does it get pretty rough in the winter, then?

[Okay. He can hear the pout in the words and that does make Pure Vanilla laugh, a good-natured "I do believe you" sound. He's mostly laughing at the pouting he hears. Ah, the evil twin. Classic. Vash with an evil mustache. However that looks.

He sobers a little as he thinks of Vash's world, when he says that's how life should have been like. No hardships. No struggles. A world of life, of peace. Everything in abundance, and no one wants for anything.

The ideal. He squeezes Vash's hand tightly, and offers him a smile.]

I know someday your world will reach that life. Keep faith, and keep aiding as much as you are able.

[And once Vash confirms he's never seen ice? Oh, the Minotaur perks, his ears standing upright like little excited exclamation marks.]

Sometimes, though I have yet to experience a bitter cold here. However, you must let me take you ice skating when the lake freezes over. It is an experience one must try at least once!

[And that's nothing to say about snow ball fights, or snow angels, or snow huts.]

[There's something about that amused noise Pure Vanilla lets out that puts Vash further at ease. It feels good to be believed, even if it may or may not be entirely genuine. If nothing else, his companion isn't off-put by Vash's own terrible, if unearned, legacy.

And if that little laugh hadn't done so, the squeeze offered to his hand certainly would. He permits his own little chuckle, before interrupting it with a sip of his tea. The taste of the gin mixed with the natural, herbal flavors is starting to grow on him.]

I'm trying. It's just not an easy process. It'll take decades before some of our ideas will be ready to implement. And until then, people will suffer.

[He shivers at even the mention of the world "suffer." That other self had utterly perverted the word, using it as a calling card to cause harm. And yet despite Vash balking at the idea, he could just as easily see where the line of logic had come from.

He shouldn't dwell on it, though. Not when he's enjoying himself. Not when it's behind him. He should focus on the conversation at hand and - ]

Ice... skating? [He balks, albeit with no small amount of amusement.] That sounds like a recipe for disaster. I can barely stay on my feet when the ground is solid!

[People will suffer. It makes Pure Vanilla grimace a little, as he tightens his hold again, leaning lightly in against Vash's side. They definitely shouldn't think about it. Not right now. So he's glad when the idea of ice-skating distracts the man. It also makes Pure Vanilla bound and determined to keep the distractions up, every time Vash's mind begins to wander back to his home.

He sort of regrets asking him about it, but only because it seems a sore subject.]

Hm! I must admit, I am not that great myself, but that means we can learn together! Of course...

[He lifts the leg that was draped over the other, somehow managing to avoid whacking the table with it, to show off his hoof.]

It does not help when these are your feet. You will not be alone in slipping and sliding, my friend!

[His tea is gone, and so is the gin he added to it. So if he decides not to sit back upright after leaning in against Vash, well. Sue him. At least his wool is soft, clean, and smells of vanilla.]

[The weight against his side muffles the din of his thoughts. He blinks once, then twice — wondering if it's a mistake that Pure Vanilla has nestled so close. He opens his mouth to say as much, but catching the faint waft of vanilla silences him. It's so much different than the false scent of flowers those hands had carried. This feels properly soothing.

In the end, Vash finishes off his tea and sets it aside, in hopes that the remaining dregs of liquor will steel his resolve. And when they do, he opts to lean against his friend in kind. There isn't too much weight — it's a gesture that can easily be ducked out of should Pure Vanilla have moved in by accident.

He hopes that the minotaur won't, though.]

I can't even imagine putting ice skates on those. [His voice lowers, not yet a murmur, but something more fitting for their close proximity.] Or would you just slide around on your hooves?

[He chuckles at the idea, but he's careful not to jostle his companion too much.]

I guess I can't complain too much about the lack of coordination with my gangly limbs.

Edited 2023-09-29 02:26 (UTC)

[The lean back in appreciated, honestly. So is the fact Vash didn't pull away from Pure Vanillas lean. He's quite a tactile person now. Touch has become his main source of sight, comfort, and care. On top of that, being a sheep has made him quite social and desiring of closeness.

And truthfully, it's just simply nice to lean against someone, and share warmth and camaraderie with them. With their hands still tightly laced together.]

... I wonder if I can. There are quite a few cobblers around who have had experience with us hooved Afflicted.

[He ponders the idea, head tilted as if he can see the waffle coned patterned keratin. Visions of breaking his ankle come to mind, and he snorts softly.]

However... it may yet be safer to simply stick with my hooves.

[He lowers his leg and ha's! softly, not at all minding the little jiggle from the chuckle.]

Nonsense, you may complain all you desire. It sounds like you were not given many chances to develop something more spatially aware of yourself and your limbs. Have you ever danced?

[As long as Vash thinks of it that way, of their near embrace being nothing more than a way to satisfy Pure Vanilla's need for contact, he doesn't have to feel guilty. His mind could be such a treacherous thing, after all. A simple, quiet moment shared between a friend could be seen as a dangerous act. Both here and at home, it had been proven that Vash's very presence was dangerous.

But he cuts off those thoughts before they can continue. The scent of Vanilla keeps his muscles relaxed, and the casual conversation gives him something to focus on beyond his swirling, spiraling doubts.]

Mm. The last thing I want is for you to get hurt. [He puffs out a laugh.] Imagine trying to explain it to anyone. Breaking something while trying to each a friend to skate? I don't think we'd live it down.

[Vash tilts his head back, though not so far as to leave Pure Vanilla's space entirely. He just needs to stare at the ceiling and think a little.]

You might be onto something, you know? I grew really fast and - [He cuts off, then starts laughing outright.] And I never explained any of that to you, huh?

[He shakes his head, leaving it at that for now.]

I haven't. Not formally, at least!

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!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject