Of course I don't mind! I wasn't sure where they'd gone, but he made one of his vague allusions that he thinks are clever. I figured out pretty quickly that he'd given them to you.
They did make it back, but they're...
Well. I suppose I didn't realize how scrawny I am until just now.
Well, let's not be hasty. You never know what strange situations we'll find ourselves in. You might have no choice but to dress like an unfashionable counselor again.
[ Maruki's in Stellari daily, sometimes multiple times a day. Scouting out a house to wish for, slowly gaining the trust of the group of worshippers around the crystal, poring over the quest board for things he and Akechi can challenge themselves with, or just wandering about – he's been doing his level best to get acquainted with it, and quickly. For his own benefit as well as others'. To be able to help the newcomers and those who choose Lumindeas as their new home base, he must know it as well as he knows Visium.
So it doesn't take long for him to make his way there – in one of his sweaters that was spared the Vash-stretching, thanks!! – and find the little shop where Vash waits.
In between poking through a rack of capes – oh man, he has to show Vash his cape – he glances over, brows drawn down. ]
I'm sorry, I can't believe I haven't asked – did you find a place in the city? Or are you back in Somnius?
[ Vash is doing his own small amount of shopping, on a rack or little stand just a few steps away from Maruki, his attention currently on a cropped hooded sort of top that's the same crimson red his coat used to be. He runs his thumb over the fabric before putting it back. When Maruki addresses him he blinks and peeks at him from over his shoulder. ]
Mm...? Oh. Hahaha. I have a place above the inn and cafe near here.
Maruki's brows draw down, confusion painting over his expression. He's been poking around the housing options in Stellari, trying to find an inconspicuous place to set up as a second home base. What could Vash possibly be talking about? ]
Is it... more like a studio? Ah, a one room home, essentially.
[ It certainly is modest, especially compared to a castle, but Maruki and Dolph have spoken enough about that. He knows now that by the time he arrived, the castle was already haunted for Vash. ]
I wish we had room at the machiya so I could repay the kindness you showed us early on. But maybe you prefer living alone...? Ah, I guess I never asked!
[ Oh! A pair of pants that actually looks long enough. He's holding it up against Vash's torso to inspect. ]
[ Alone is easier to keep people at arms length. It's not exactly a habit he's used to doing here, but he harbors some hesitation since returning. There are exceptions of course; Maruki, Akechi, Dolph. Others he's certain will find their way in.
He blinks as the pants are held up to him. Maruki are you trying to size him? ]
[ The first statement just gets him to laugh as he folds the pants over his prosthetic arm. ok, he'll get these if Maruki insists. He's half of the mind to ask when they were parent and child clothes shopping, but he honestly just enjoys the company. ]
Mmm... Is it? I don't know. You don't have to worry about me.
[ He's fine. Sort of. Not really. He's managing.
The question that comes next almost has him choking on his own spit, the purple lensed sunglasses hiding the way his eyes widen. He manages a strained, sheepish sort of expression. ]
I think he might enjoy his freedom a little more than he would sharing an inn room with me.
[ Vash looks pointedly down at the pants in his arms. ]
...Well, It's enough space for me.
[ That's all he's going to say about that as he wanders off to pick up a few shirts similar to the one he's wearing currently, high neck, long sleeved. ]
[ Maruki lets Vash wander off on his own for a bit, gives him the space he's due. It was rather harsh to put a fine point on it like that. He doesn't regret it – he could certainly stand to handle Vash less delicately than he did before – but it still doesn't feel good to put someone on the spot when they're not ready to talk...
So when he eventually sidles back up, picking up a shirt of his own to check if the sleeves are long enough for his gangly arms, it's with a quiet reassurance. ]
Wherever you choose to settle, for however long you're here, there are people who will be glad to spend time with you again. And I hope we get to spend a long time together, Vash.
[ Vash isn't waiting too long, but he is seated at one of the little stalls that have set up around the portal, a canvas bag sitting at his feet. He spots Dolph almost as soon as he appears, and he's standing up to wave.
There's a subtle tilt of his head when he spots the sapling, but he doesn't waste time closing the distance between them to give Dolph a shoulder bump. ]
Hey, Dolph. [ He looks from Dolph to the plant and back, his expression settled in a subtle smile. ]
[ Dolph isn't that much taller than him but he does lean in and rest his chin on the other man's shoulder maybe hunching a little to do so, an arm coming to rest around his waist as he peeks down at the plant that's held in Dolph's hands.
He's very quiet for a moment, his gaze tracing over the sapling before his prosthetic arm reaches out to touch one of the leaves gently. It's some shade of awe, in a way.
A birthday present. For him. He flicks his gaze to look at what he Can of Dolph from his really weird positioning, before he speaks. ]
Yeah, I — [ dolph clears his throat. he's not sure why he's still embarrassed. nervous. not after how far they've come. how comfortable they are with each other. in this space.
but this moment — he had planned for it so many months ago. rehearsed it over and over until it became a lost hope. ] — I wanted us to do it together. Take care of it together.
I know it's not the same as with — [ he falters again. he doesn't feel he can bring up knives. ] — I know it's not the same.
[ Oh... The expression Vash settles on after a few flicker over his face is one of concern, brows lifted and eyes a little wider. He shifts the way he's standing, moving so that he's more behind Dolph, his hands settling over Dolph's own where they're cradling the plant. When he talks, it's quiet. ]
I don't want it to be the same. [ He breathes in, tucking his face against Dolph's shoulder for a moment as his flesh and bone fingers brush over Dolph's prosthetic. It's funny how they're opposites in this way, though Vash's gaze is settled on the plant they're holding together. ]
I'd like it to be something we do. [ Just shared between the two of them. There's plenty of memories he can hold for the memory of his brother. But there's room for others. There's room for Dolph. ]
[ dolph can't help the sigh of relief that escapes. it's not that he expected rejection but this moment was built up in his head for so long, it was hard to imagine the outcome. for it to be real right now . . . he's glad.
dolph leans against him with a smile, tilting his head so he can press a light kiss to vash's cheek. ]
It's a darjeeling sapling. From my father's homeland. The leaves are used for tea.
[ dolph would shrug if he wasn't careful with his space at the moment. he manages a quiet hum. ]
There isn't much to mention. I don't remember anything else about him. Not his name or what he looks like. I was very young when Eden took me from the streets. They branded him as an immigrant thief.
[ a pause. the matter of his parents doesn't feel as heavy as alex or anything else because he was just too young. not their faces, not their voices. sometimes a smell or a taste will hit him with an impression, but it passes through his fingers like smoke.
he doesn't voice that his parents may have sold him. given him up. eden spread many lies but that was the problem. where was the lie and where was the truth? ]
[ Dolph only has to be careful with his space bc Vash is being a cliny little leech. He's quiet though, thoughtful. There's precious little that Dolph HAD back home, he knows this. He doesn't have memories of parents, either really.
Rem is the closest he had. ]
I wouldn't listen to what they had to say about him.
[ He should probably let Dolph go, but he feels content to stay like this, just holding on. ]
He can be anything you want him to be. Or he can just be the tea.
[ that sounds nice. maybe deep down, he wants to believe his parents had loved him. that they had no other option or he was just taken. it would be nice to know someone had. though it's painful too. loving dolph in eden never did anyone any favors.
he smiles faintly. ]
I like that idea. For now, just knowing the connection between him and this tea is enough.
[ At least he's honest. He certainly doesn't feel like he deserves anything more, but also more is too much maybe. ]
Between you and the time my presence is wanted at the Machiya... it's a lot of space. I have a lot of places I know I can be.
[ He'd made a lot of progress when he was here last. A lot of that progress remains, but while what he went home to was only a few hours, it's still a few hours that worked really hard to rip at the ribbons of progress everyone in Visium had worked to lace together. He shoves a smile on his face, apologetic. ]
[ it's a lot, he knows. what happened in vash's world. what he's still coming to terms with. he doesn't know what answers anyone can give or how anyone can help. it's hard because you don't want your trauma to seep into the spaces you share with others.
of course dolph knows. how could he not?
he moves closer, curling his hand around the back of vash's head to press their foreheads. ]
If that's what you need, that's fine. But if it gets too much . . . don't forget to reach out.
[ Every time Dolph has done this, it's felt grounding in a way that Vash doesn't really expect. He closes his eyes the moment their foreheads touch and exhales a breath through his nose.
Don't forget.
He'd nod, but instead, he exhales out a quiet hum. A long breath in, then out follows. ]
I'm not sure what I want. I'm doing my best to visualize it but . . . [ he sighs, shaking his head. visualizing it. believing in it. that's so much more than dolph has ever tackled on. before he just left it all to alex. strung himself along to that dream. ]
[ About what he wants. Vash isn't sure if that's the answer either, anyway. Wanting things is something he's still getting used to. Being wanted is no different and for a moment Vash is struck dumb. Oh. The tops of his ears turn pink almost immediately. ]
[ By the time Dolph arrives, Vash is stepping out of the cafe with two paper cups in hand. He grins all lopsided when he spots Dolph, and holds a cup out for him. ]
[ Oh. Vash has a moment where he looks a little like a deer in headlights for a moment. He's not good with special dates. He should know what this one is, right? He blinks after a moment to look at the box, and eventually settles on putting his drink down. ]
You really didn't have to do anything special for me, you know that. I don't have anything to give you.
[ He places his hand on the box though, the touch thoughtful. ]
[ He glances back at Dolph and immediately tangles their fingers together. He squeezes Dolph's hand a moment later. ]
Sorry. I should be more thankful. I am. Thank you.
[ He means it. Since he has one hand holding Dolph's own, its his prosthetic hand that he uses to flip the lid open, and immediately his expression shifts, his eyes crinkling at the corners with the grin on his face. ]
You really do know me pretty well. These look amazing, Dolph!
[ Vash so often wears happy on his face like someone would a mask. It's so much easier to slip into "happy" than the genuine feeling. But he likes the sound of trying more often for something genuine, and not doing it on his own. ]
Well, it'd make me happy if you shared one with me.
[ He points to the chocolate one clearly covered in chocolate frosting and what looks like whipped cream. Or at least something that is mimicking it. ]
[ thankfully, there seems to be some usable cutlery on this table by this shop. dolph plucks one and neatly cuts it in half. he pushes it towards vash. ]
[ At some point during the week, Vash receives an invitation:
I'll be hosting a dinner party on March 22 and would love to see you there!
Feel free to come to the Horizons farmhouse any time after 5 PM.
Please do not bring anything! No food, no drinks, nothing but your presence. I appreciate the thought, but for me, the joy of this is being able to cook for a group of people, and I would like to handle it myself.
Hope to see you there!
Dr. Maruki
One gets the impression that if you go against his wishes to bring something anyway, it might stress him out...
When the mingle log goes up on the 22nd, please feel free to come tag around! ]
text, un: microweenie (after he posts his stair shitpost)
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
text; un: doc0203 - CHRISTENS FIRST
There was something I didn't get to ask you when you appeared here last time.
Wow
I'm listening.
VIRGIN NO MORE
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I did wind up with a few thanks to Akechi, he said you wouldn't mind.
Did they not get back to you?
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They did make it back, but they're...
Well. I suppose I didn't realize how scrawny I am until just now.
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I dunno, you seem normal sized to me?
Is something weird about them? I can replace them probably.
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huh??????????
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They were a little too small for me anyway, so it's good that they're stretched out now. Thank you!
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I see!
[ Oh.
HE is replacing those. ]
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But I'm alright.
Are you... okay?
I'll get you a few shirts, Maruki.
There's a shop I wanted to go to anyway.
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So hard.
So much staring. ]
Uh, that's really not necessary!
I could keep the ones that are ruined probably.
But it sounds like you like them... that way?
[ WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? ]
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I pinkie promise not to ruin more of your shirts.
[ Now he's being a shit, apparently. ]
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But what shop were you going to look at?
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It had some interesting warm clothes. It's still colder here than I like.
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Do you want someone to go shopping with?
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It would be nice to spend some time with you that's not just reuniting.
> action !!
I'll meet you there.
[ Maruki's in Stellari daily, sometimes multiple times a day. Scouting out a house to wish for, slowly gaining the trust of the group of worshippers around the crystal, poring over the quest board for things he and Akechi can challenge themselves with, or just wandering about – he's been doing his level best to get acquainted with it, and quickly. For his own benefit as well as others'. To be able to help the newcomers and those who choose Lumindeas as their new home base, he must know it as well as he knows Visium.
So it doesn't take long for him to make his way there – in one of his sweaters that was spared the Vash-stretching, thanks!! – and find the little shop where Vash waits.
In between poking through a rack of capes – oh man, he has to show Vash his cape – he glances over, brows drawn down. ]
I'm sorry, I can't believe I haven't asked – did you find a place in the city? Or are you back in Somnius?
loses this notif for a week.
Mm...? Oh. Hahaha. I have a place above the inn and cafe near here.
[ It's literally an inn room, but whatever. ]
LISTEN IT'S BEEN A TRYING TIME
They have apartments above the inn? That seems counterintuitive.
[ s q u i n t ]
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Oh, haha not an apartment exactly.
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Maruki's brows draw down, confusion painting over his expression. He's been poking around the housing options in Stellari, trying to find an inconspicuous place to set up as a second home base. What could Vash possibly be talking about? ]
Is it... more like a studio? Ah, a one room home, essentially.
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The bathroom's down the hall, and I don't really need a kitchen...
[ He's just. going to walk down the little aisle to look at another display of clothes. Some pants he definitely wouldn't wear, way too short. ]
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Maruki follows after him, picking up a similar pair of pants and grimacing. Two beanpoles who are doomed to have their ankles exposed... ]
You do need a kitchen. I remember what your eating habits are like! How am I supposed to come cook for you if you don't have a kitchen?
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You cook for me enough when I visit. I manage, and the cafe is just downstairs from the inn.
[ There's a pause and he's kind of ducking his head, rubbing at the way his poofier hair fluffs with the motion. ]
It's kinda modest I know, but I'm used to it, and it's better than living somewhere empty...
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I wish we had room at the machiya so I could repay the kindness you showed us early on. But maybe you prefer living alone...? Ah, I guess I never asked!
[ Oh! A pair of pants that actually looks long enough. He's holding it up against Vash's torso to inspect. ]
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[ Alone is easier to keep people at arms length. It's not exactly a habit he's used to doing here, but he harbors some hesitation since returning. There are exceptions of course; Maruki, Akechi, Dolph. Others he's certain will find their way in.
He blinks as the pants are held up to him. Maruki are you trying to size him? ]
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What's enough for you by your standards is usually too little by anyone else's, so you'll forgive me for worrying over you.
[ Back to picking through piles of clothes as he very casually tacks on: ]
But you don't want a roommate, is that what I'm hearing? Not even Dolph?
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Mmm... Is it? I don't know. You don't have to worry about me.
[ He's fine. Sort of. Not really. He's managing.
The question that comes next almost has him choking on his own spit, the purple lensed sunglasses hiding the way his eyes widen. He manages a strained, sheepish sort of expression. ]
I think he might enjoy his freedom a little more than he would sharing an inn room with me.
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However, more pressingly:
Gottem.
Maruki looks at him with nothing less than pure innocence. ]
Well, we're not talking about his preference right now. We're talking about yours.
[ He cocks his head to the side, genuinely curious. ]
Would you enjoy sharing a room at the–
[ WAIT. ]
I thought you said you had a place of your own above the inn.
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Vash is immediately shimmying off to the side a bit, half like he expects to get clocked for it. He offers Maruki an apologetic little grimace. ]
Well, it is above, it's on the second floor....
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The second floor of the inn is still the inn! Housing is free here, what are you doing?
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I'm not being charged or anything...! I help out. It's kind of like bartering.
[ He hesitates a little. ]
...I wasn't sure if I wanted anything permanent.
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Gets Maruki to drop the lecture, and quickly. His expression goes soft, subdued, and he looks at Vash with nothing less than pure sympathy. ]
You're afraid you'll be forced to leave again.
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...Well, It's enough space for me.
[ That's all he's going to say about that as he wanders off to pick up a few shirts similar to the one he's wearing currently, high neck, long sleeved. ]
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So when he eventually sidles back up, picking up a shirt of his own to check if the sleeves are long enough for his gangly arms, it's with a quiet reassurance. ]
Wherever you choose to settle, for however long you're here, there are people who will be glad to spend time with you again. And I hope we get to spend a long time together, Vash.
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[ He pulls a couple of turtlenecks into his arms, not really checking the sizes. They'll fit. Probably. He'll make them. ]
I just need some time.
hehe we can wrap if you want n do smth during the event :3c
[ He picks up a turtleneck that will assuredly fit Vash, hands it to him. That'll be the last thing he pushes on.
For now. ]
Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere.
( text | un: laserhawk )
I have something for you.
Where can we meet?
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Something for me?
You shouldn't have.
I'm in Stellari, I can meet you at the gate, if you're not in Lumindeas.
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[ it takes him longer. he's nervous. more nervous than he expected to be. but he does it. one step at a time.
but he arrives at the portal. holding a little sapling.]
Hey.
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[ Vash isn't waiting too long, but he is seated at one of the little stalls that have set up around the portal, a canvas bag sitting at his feet. He spots Dolph almost as soon as he appears, and he's standing up to wave.
There's a subtle tilt of his head when he spots the sapling, but he doesn't waste time closing the distance between them to give Dolph a shoulder bump. ]
Hey, Dolph. [ He looks from Dolph to the plant and back, his expression settled in a subtle smile. ]
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This is for you, actually. A very late birthday present.
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He's very quiet for a moment, his gaze tracing over the sapling before his prosthetic arm reaches out to touch one of the leaves gently. It's some shade of awe, in a way.
A birthday present. For him. He flicks his gaze to look at what he Can of Dolph from his really weird positioning, before he speaks. ]
Can we plant it?
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but this moment — he had planned for it so many months ago. rehearsed it over and over until it became a lost hope. ] — I wanted us to do it together. Take care of it together.
I know it's not the same as with — [ he falters again. he doesn't feel he can bring up knives. ] — I know it's not the same.
But it'd be something new. We do together.
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I don't want it to be the same. [ He breathes in, tucking his face against Dolph's shoulder for a moment as his flesh and bone fingers brush over Dolph's prosthetic. It's funny how they're opposites in this way, though Vash's gaze is settled on the plant they're holding together. ]
I'd like it to be something we do. [ Just shared between the two of them. There's plenty of memories he can hold for the memory of his brother. But there's room for others. There's room for Dolph. ]
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dolph leans against him with a smile, tilting his head so he can press a light kiss to vash's cheek. ]
It's a darjeeling sapling. From my father's homeland. The leaves are used for tea.
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Darjeeling. [ He's going to be doing some reading, isn't he? That's fine. But more importantly, there's something else that Dolph's shared. ]
...You've never mentioned your father before.
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There isn't much to mention. I don't remember anything else about him. Not his name or what he looks like. I was very young when Eden took me from the streets. They branded him as an immigrant thief.
[ a pause. the matter of his parents doesn't feel as heavy as alex or anything else because he was just too young. not their faces, not their voices. sometimes a smell or a taste will hit him with an impression, but it passes through his fingers like smoke.
he doesn't voice that his parents may have sold him. given him up. eden spread many lies but that was the problem. where was the lie and where was the truth? ]
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Rem is the closest he had. ]
I wouldn't listen to what they had to say about him.
[ He should probably let Dolph go, but he feels content to stay like this, just holding on. ]
He can be anything you want him to be. Or he can just be the tea.
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[ that sounds nice. maybe deep down, he wants to believe his parents had loved him. that they had no other option or he was just taken. it would be nice to know someone had. though it's painful too. loving dolph in eden never did anyone any favors.
he smiles faintly. ]
I like that idea. For now, just knowing the connection between him and this tea is enough.
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It's a place to start.
[ He releases Dolph from his clingy koala hug, and steps back around. ]
I don't have anywhere to plant it yet, but maybe you can trust me to take care of it at the inn?
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Of course I trust you.
[ hold on. ]
You're staying at the inn?
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But uh oh. ]
Oh uh, yeah... It just felt more comfortable. It's what I'm more used to, you know?
[ Better than living with ghosts. ]
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But is it what you want?
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[ At least he's honest. He certainly doesn't feel like he deserves anything more, but also more is too much maybe. ]
Between you and the time my presence is wanted at the Machiya... it's a lot of space. I have a lot of places I know I can be.
[ He'd made a lot of progress when he was here last. A lot of that progress remains, but while what he went home to was only a few hours, it's still a few hours that worked really hard to rip at the ribbons of progress everyone in Visium had worked to lace together. He shoves a smile on his face, apologetic. ]
I don't want anyone to worry.
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of course dolph knows. how could he not?
he moves closer, curling his hand around the back of vash's head to press their foreheads. ]
If that's what you need, that's fine. But if it gets too much . . . don't forget to reach out.
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Don't forget.
He'd nod, but instead, he exhales out a quiet hum. A long breath in, then out follows. ]
I won't forget. I know.
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But you're welcome wherever I go.
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[ He reaches out to hold onto the little sapling with Dolph again, letting their fingers brush together. ]
I know I'm welcome. I- [ Crashing into Dolph's life just feels like too much. Needing too much, doing too much. ]
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I do know I want you.
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[ About what he wants. Vash isn't sure if that's the answer either, anyway. Wanting things is something he's still getting used to. Being wanted is no different and for a moment Vash is struck dumb. Oh. The tops of his ears turn pink almost immediately. ]
I don't have any plans to go anywhere else.
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Good.
Something will come to me. Eventually.
vday stufff
Where are you? Are you at the inn?
no subject
What is it?
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Maybe you can meet me outside? Someplace nice?
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The cafe across the street has good coffee. There's tables outside.
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I'll see you there.
[ and dolph arrives soon enough carrying a box. ]
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So what's this about?
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Well, it's a special day. Maybe not so special here, but I think it's worth celebrating.
[ he taps the box's lid. ]
Open it.
[ inside, vash will find a whole bunch of fancy, artisanal . . . donuts. ]
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You really didn't have to do anything special for me, you know that. I don't have anything to give you.
[ He places his hand on the box though, the touch thoughtful. ]
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[ he hesitates, unsure now. he knows vash is skittish when it comes to gifts. but it was just donuts?
maybe it's him. he's not doing it right.
still. he rests his hand on top of vash's. ]
I like doing special things for you. Because it's you.
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Well, when you put it that way...
[ He glances back at Dolph and immediately tangles their fingers together. He squeezes Dolph's hand a moment later. ]
Sorry. I should be more thankful. I am. Thank you.
[ He means it. Since he has one hand holding Dolph's own, its his prosthetic hand that he uses to flip the lid open, and immediately his expression shifts, his eyes crinkling at the corners with the grin on his face. ]
You really do know me pretty well. These look amazing, Dolph!
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You don't have to be thankful, you can just . . . be happy. It's tricky, but I believe you can do it. We'll do it together.
[ his expression softens. ]
I'm glad you like them.
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[ Vash so often wears happy on his face like someone would a mask. It's so much easier to slip into "happy" than the genuine feeling. But he likes the sound of trying more often for something genuine, and not doing it on his own. ]
Well, it'd make me happy if you shared one with me.
[ VASH. ]
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Sure. We can share the first one. But you have to pick.
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Definitely that one. We're going to need a knife.
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You first.
invitation - no need to respond!
One gets the impression that if you go against his wishes to bring something anyway, it might stress him out...
When the mingle log goes up on the 22nd, please feel free to come tag around! ]
text, un: microweenie (after he posts his stair shitpost)
pe
no subject
But I guess I owe you a couple of those. You need something? Hate to say it but I'm no good with ghosts or curses.
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i havent eaten in a month!!!!!!
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How about two sandwiches?
no subject