[ Observing all too coolly, Vincent only allows his smile to pluck wider once the other’s eyes aren’t on him. Such an explanation only earns a hum on acknowledgment, though it’s clearly come across in a mildly condescending, humoring tone that is laced with incredulous flair.
Upon Vanitas admitting that he’s stuck, the blond presses a hand over his mouth and takes a long moment to absorb how hilarious that actually is…
Once he’s gathered himself, Vincent straightens up to address him. ]
I see.
[ Dropping his open umbrella onto the forest floor without much care, he steps back to take a look at what they’re working with. The branches are too condensed for him to get his wings through for simply flying up, but he might be able to use its trunk as an anchor for levitation. Only one way to find out, he’d suppose.
Hand against its trunk, he heaves a relenting sigh and raises himself up - and to their luck, he’s capable of doing just that. Once he’s reached the lowest rung, he seamlessly glides to step from branch to branch, until he’s reached his partner. ]
Come on, then.
[ Hopefully, Vanitas will allow the blond to scoop him up - with a surprising gentleness, if so. Otherwise, he may just have to grab him by the scruff! ]
[While grateful Vincent doesn't question his answer right now, he's fairly certain his in for a grilling, if not an outright scolding for his behavior. Something he might be willing to admit is necessary and justified.
The mockery of his current position, however... That he finds less so. Still, given there's precious little derision in those two words, he'll accept it for what it is, however grudgingly.
Watching the proceedings carefully, Vanitas remains seated where he's at while Vincent makes the attempt to float up to his level, which he does successfully, thank goodness. If that hadn't worked, he's not sure what they would've done.
Only once given the go ahead verbally though does he deign to permit himself to be scooped up into those waiting arms. It's actually something of a relief, both to be in the familiar embrace and to be nestled securely against somewhere safe. Though instead of thanks, he opts for an explanation, as per usual.]
[ As it would seem, conversion isn’t quite so appealing at the moment, beyond what is deemed necessary or immediately of interest. ]
Just a day, hm?
[ While his hold adjusts on Vanitas, in preparation of letting him stand on his own, he can’t help but think about how cold his shivering little body actually is. If he’s been out here as long as he suspects, he’s probably starving and exhausted.
With a quiet sigh, Vincent tucks the small body beneath his lapels, buttoning him into his coat.
Checking the sky, then, he determined that he can close his umbrella to tuck beneath his arm, as they begin the long trek home. ]
[Feeling the weight of his previous lies, he's compelled to fess up and be a touch more honest, at least about a matter as simple as this.]
Might have been longer, I suppose.
[Which is his way of saying it was most certainly more than a single day and night. He's fully prepared to be set down, figuring Vincent has done all he needs to do. There's nothing else the man owes him, that much is for certain. So it comes as something of a surprise when he feels himself being covered by Vincent's coat, a small noise of surprise coming from his tiny feline mouth.
But he doesn't protest in the slightest, instead lightly digging his claws into the fabric of his shirt as though to cling to his rescuer. He also gets something of a headbutt as Vanitas moves to hide his cold nose.]
[ A sharp hum, at that; something with an ‘I thought so’ quality to it. Vincent pats at the lithe little form over his chest, almost as though to commend him for the honesty. ]
Mm, around… five hours, I assume?
[ Making their way back to the well worn path leading to the city still, he still has some brush to wade through on the way. Perhaps his patience is a bit thin, though - one of his wings lash out to razor some cumbersome branches, rather than fiddle around with them. ]
Could have been more, if not for… [ Reaching up, he taps the earring at the peak of his ear. ]
[Even if it was a noise intended more towards condescending, Vanitas would've accepted it as well. He deserves it at this point. But the petting helps him relax, both because it's comforting and warming.]
That long, huh...
[Again, he sucks at spitting out apologies. They just don't come naturally to him anymore. But there's a note of gratitude in those few words as he steals a peek to see how Vincent is handling the wilderness. He's not disappointed, either; the way he cuts through the branches is impressive and intimidating.
His own ears flick, jangling his hourglass earring, and he glances down to watch the ground pass by.]
...truthfully, I had been hoping you might use it to find me.
[ There are times when he finds Vanitas’ unapologetic air enchanting, but right now, it just doesn't sway him. Vincent sighs.
Kicking some of those branches aside, he maneuvers through the trees while sliding his hands into his pockets. ]
Given your predicament, I imagine so. [ Meaning, it was merely advantageous, in that sense, but… ] If you truly didn’t wish to be found, you wouldn’t have kept it on, I figured.
[The sigh rising against his body makes him feel a touch guilty, but he stubbornly refuses to give in. Or rather, he can't quite find the words, simple as they are. They just won't come.
Without meaning to, his paws start flexing upon Vincent's chest, gradually kneading as he warms up.]
That's true. I had no intention of simply vanishing. [It's his turn to sigh, though it comes out as something of a grumbling meow almost.] I merely wanted to take a walk to clear my head. I...
[Hesitating, he latches onto Vincent's chest again, body tensing.]
[ Vincent’s eyes narrow just so with disbelief, even if his lips sit in an idle (and empty) smile. It’s possible that what Vanitas says is true, but the man’s penchant for discourse would lead him to believe otherwise. That, perhaps, he didn’t know how to get his attention otherwise. ]
Is that right. Well. [ A passive gesture forward. ] We’ve plenty of time.
[ Does he sound as though he has the patience for it? Hardly. Still, it isn’t an outright refusal. ]
[It's like he can feel the disdain emanating in waves off Vincent, making him bristle a bit warily. Of course he has no reason to trust his words after everything that's happened. Hell, maybe even he doesn't believe it himself. Maybe he is a pathological liar at heart.]
I-- [Knowing he has to start at the most basic level, he tries to steel himself for what needs to be done. To mean it with all his heart, black and hardened as it is.] I want to apologize. For how I treated you.
[His words are quiet and subdued, his gaze fixed firmly upon Vincent's chest.]
[ Though it might seem that way, it isn’t disdain which Vincent feels. Quite the opposite. For everything that’s happened, however, the only way he know how to move forward is to lock away the ache. Returning to a life he doesn’t want, now, everything just seems cold.
Yet, he does listen, unchanged though he seems. ]
Mm. I’d appreciate that. [ Not that he’ll believe it, but, hey. ]
[Vincent is a tough man to read at the best of times, and now, unable to see his face and dealing with him masking his hurt, it's only become even harder. Still, Vanitas gets the impression that his former lover isn't the least bit impressed. It leads to him wilting a bit, curling up into a tighter ball.]
It wasn't something I did out of malice... [He could try to justify it, but he doubts that would sway Vincent any. Not that it should.] I'm a fool.
[ Tone gentle - pleasant, even - it is still devoid of anything substantial or genuine. ]
This is a terrible apology, so far. [ Lowering his chin to peer at Vanitas, he subtly quirks a brow. ] Still, I’d be interested to know your reasoning.
[Somehow that pleasant voice makes him feel even colder than the night air has been. Like he's been doused with ice water.]
Tch... So the effort doesn't count, does it? [Don't mind his ears flattening a bit as he glances aside.] ...I'm used to simply doing what I want without worrying about others. I wanted to sleep with the man, so I did. There's no hidden reason, no secret agenda for my actions. It was callous of me.
So, as I thought, then. [ Drawing a breath, he rolls his shoulder back. ] Do forgive me, but I’m afraid your words hold little weight, at the moment. You like to say charming things when it suits you, but your actions are… repelling, at best.
I simply want to know if I'm wasting my breath is all.
[Bristling at that assessment, he finds he can't argue it despite wanting to. Doesn't mean he has to like it, though. Abruptly, he starts squirming, trying to wriggle out from within Vincent's coat.]
Then in that case, put me down. I can walk on my own. There's no reason for us to keep acting like there's anything between us, if that's how you feel.
[He at least stops squirming while Vincent supports him and then places him upon the ground, where he stretches, still bristling.]
Not with someone like you who seems intent of turning down every olive branch.
[Though admittedly, he's hardly in the best shape right now, being cold, hungry, and tired. It's a minor miracle he manages to change back into his human self, staggering a little as he does so.]
I'm trying to be honest here, not sugarcoat things or tell you what you want to hear, despite what you seem to think.
[ For as much as he doesn’t seem to care, Vincent watches the younger man intently and he transforms. When he staggers, the blond’s arm is there to catch him. ]
Hm. You can it an olive branch, but all I hear is self pity and selfishness. You’ve given me positively no reason to be receptive.
[ Once Vanitas is on his feet, he gestures ahead, before slipping his hands back into his pockets and moving forward, himself. ]
[The gesture, both welcome and not - if only because he hates showing any form of weakness - is accepted with a noise of thanks. A wordless sound as he regains his footing, unable or unwilling to meet Vincent's eyes.]
Well, excuse me if I'm rather terrible at this whole relationship thing. There's a reason I spent the past however many years avoiding them.
[In spite of himself he can't help sounding put out and a touch hurt as they set out towards the city.]
...you may be right, though. [He'll admit that much, at least.]
[ ‘Relationship’, a word which earns Vincent’s attention, even if it’s a sweeping glance. Hearing Vanitas admit to that much might be a start. ]
That would make two of us.
[ To the latter, he merely hums, wings folding up tighter against himself. It’s only now that he realizes how he and Vanitas started off on exceptionally good footing, and even during their brief (though intense) disputes, had never truly experienced his more disagreeable nature. Interesting. ]
[Perhaps unfortunately, it's a look that Vanitas misses, being so out of it, so he gets no hints there. He'll just have to muddle on through it on his own efforts.]
I would've thought that would make you more understanding.
[It's said quietly, almost sadly as he keeps his gaze on the ground before him while they walk. They did start off on rather good terms, especially for one whose normal mood is sullen and petulant. What Vincent is getting to see now is Vanitas' more natural side.]
...was there anything you wished to say to me? Any hopes for us, however slight?
[ Brows tick upward, lashes falling against his cheeks with a quiet huff through the nostrils. He remains silent, until the other man speaks up for the second time. After a moment of consideration, teeth scraping over his lip, Vincent erupts into a short burst of laughter. ]
It is for the very reason that we are so similar that I have no pity for you. Despite how damaged and rotten I am, I’ve somehow been able to offer you so much accommodation and love. After all you’d done, I gave you every opportunity to stay. [ Walking on, he merely shakes his head with a smile. ] No, I’m not going to continue carrying us.
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Upon Vanitas admitting that he’s stuck, the blond presses a hand over his mouth and takes a long moment to absorb how hilarious that actually is…
Once he’s gathered himself, Vincent straightens up to address him. ]
I see.
[ Dropping his open umbrella onto the forest floor without much care, he steps back to take a look at what they’re working with. The branches are too condensed for him to get his wings through for simply flying up, but he might be able to use its trunk as an anchor for levitation. Only one way to find out, he’d suppose.
Hand against its trunk, he heaves a relenting sigh and raises himself up - and to their luck, he’s capable of doing just that. Once he’s reached the lowest rung, he seamlessly glides to step from branch to branch, until he’s reached his partner. ]
Come on, then.
[ Hopefully, Vanitas will allow the blond to scoop him up - with a surprising gentleness, if so. Otherwise, he may just have to grab him by the scruff! ]
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The mockery of his current position, however... That he finds less so. Still, given there's precious little derision in those two words, he'll accept it for what it is, however grudgingly.
Watching the proceedings carefully, Vanitas remains seated where he's at while Vincent makes the attempt to float up to his level, which he does successfully, thank goodness. If that hadn't worked, he's not sure what they would've done.
Only once given the go ahead verbally though does he deign to permit himself to be scooped up into those waiting arms. It's actually something of a relief, both to be in the familiar embrace and to be nestled securely against somewhere safe. Though instead of thanks, he opts for an explanation, as per usual.]
...it was a bear that chased me. Stupid thing.
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[ Back down they go. Vanitas will be cradled against his chest, as his eyes focus on their course. ]
I suppose this confirms that you’ve somehow obtained a spectral soul, at least.
[ Once he’s set foot back on ground, with his partner in tow, he bends over to pick up his umbrella while giving it a good shake. ]
How long had you been up there?
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[Meaning it was either adapt or perish in the process of trying. He's always been a survivor, though.
As they go down, he can't help his feline body trembling a bit from the encroaching night air despite his new fur.]
So it would seem... Not sure how, but it does explain a few things, huh?
[At the question, he hesitates, head turning to muffle his response against Vincent's chest.]
.....a day or so. [More like two or three, but the indignation is already so great. He doesn't want to add to it.]
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[ As it would seem, conversion isn’t quite so appealing at the moment, beyond what is deemed necessary or immediately of interest. ]
Just a day, hm?
[ While his hold adjusts on Vanitas, in preparation of letting him stand on his own, he can’t help but think about how cold his shivering little body actually is. If he’s been out here as long as he suspects, he’s probably starving and exhausted.
With a quiet sigh, Vincent tucks the small body beneath his lapels, buttoning him into his coat.
Checking the sky, then, he determined that he can close his umbrella to tuck beneath his arm, as they begin the long trek home. ]
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Might have been longer, I suppose.
[Which is his way of saying it was most certainly more than a single day and night. He's fully prepared to be set down, figuring Vincent has done all he needs to do. There's nothing else the man owes him, that much is for certain. So it comes as something of a surprise when he feels himself being covered by Vincent's coat, a small noise of surprise coming from his tiny feline mouth.
But he doesn't protest in the slightest, instead lightly digging his claws into the fabric of his shirt as though to cling to his rescuer. He also gets something of a headbutt as Vanitas moves to hide his cold nose.]
...how long have you been searching for me?
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Mm, around… five hours, I assume?
[ Making their way back to the well worn path leading to the city still, he still has some brush to wade through on the way. Perhaps his patience is a bit thin, though - one of his wings lash out to razor some cumbersome branches, rather than fiddle around with them. ]
Could have been more, if not for… [ Reaching up, he taps the earring at the peak of his ear. ]
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That long, huh...
[Again, he sucks at spitting out apologies. They just don't come naturally to him anymore. But there's a note of gratitude in those few words as he steals a peek to see how Vincent is handling the wilderness. He's not disappointed, either; the way he cuts through the branches is impressive and intimidating.
His own ears flick, jangling his hourglass earring, and he glances down to watch the ground pass by.]
...truthfully, I had been hoping you might use it to find me.
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Kicking some of those branches aside, he maneuvers through the trees while sliding his hands into his pockets. ]
Given your predicament, I imagine so. [ Meaning, it was merely advantageous, in that sense, but… ] If you truly didn’t wish to be found, you wouldn’t have kept it on, I figured.
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Without meaning to, his paws start flexing upon Vincent's chest, gradually kneading as he warms up.]
That's true. I had no intention of simply vanishing. [It's his turn to sigh, though it comes out as something of a grumbling meow almost.] I merely wanted to take a walk to clear my head. I...
[Hesitating, he latches onto Vincent's chest again, body tensing.]
I was hoping to speak with you afterwards.
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Is that right. Well. [ A passive gesture forward. ] We’ve plenty of time.
[ Does he sound as though he has the patience for it? Hardly. Still, it isn’t an outright refusal. ]
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I-- [Knowing he has to start at the most basic level, he tries to steel himself for what needs to be done. To mean it with all his heart, black and hardened as it is.] I want to apologize. For how I treated you.
[His words are quiet and subdued, his gaze fixed firmly upon Vincent's chest.]
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Yet, he does listen, unchanged though he seems. ]
Mm. I’d appreciate that. [ Not that he’ll believe it, but, hey. ]
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It wasn't something I did out of malice... [He could try to justify it, but he doubts that would sway Vincent any. Not that it should.] I'm a fool.
[A statement, not an excuse.]
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[ Tone gentle - pleasant, even - it is still devoid of anything substantial or genuine. ]
This is a terrible apology, so far. [ Lowering his chin to peer at Vanitas, he subtly quirks a brow. ] Still, I’d be interested to know your reasoning.
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[Somehow that pleasant voice makes him feel even colder than the night air has been. Like he's been doused with ice water.]
Tch... So the effort doesn't count, does it? [Don't mind his ears flattening a bit as he glances aside.] ...I'm used to simply doing what I want without worrying about others. I wanted to sleep with the man, so I did. There's no hidden reason, no secret agenda for my actions. It was callous of me.
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So, as I thought, then. [ Drawing a breath, he rolls his shoulder back. ] Do forgive me, but I’m afraid your words hold little weight, at the moment. You like to say charming things when it suits you, but your actions are… repelling, at best.
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[Bristling at that assessment, he finds he can't argue it despite wanting to. Doesn't mean he has to like it, though. Abruptly, he starts squirming, trying to wriggle out from within Vincent's coat.]
Then in that case, put me down. I can walk on my own. There's no reason for us to keep acting like there's anything between us, if that's how you feel.
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You wanted the chance to speak. I wouldn’t say that I’m an entirely unreasonable man, but negotiations apparently aren’t your strong suit.
[ This is more or less how he saw this conversation going. Ah well. He pauses to kneel, setting the other down. ]
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Not with someone like you who seems intent of turning down every olive branch.
[Though admittedly, he's hardly in the best shape right now, being cold, hungry, and tired. It's a minor miracle he manages to change back into his human self, staggering a little as he does so.]
I'm trying to be honest here, not sugarcoat things or tell you what you want to hear, despite what you seem to think.
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Hm. You can it an olive branch, but all I hear is self pity and selfishness. You’ve given me positively no reason to be receptive.
[ Once Vanitas is on his feet, he gestures ahead, before slipping his hands back into his pockets and moving forward, himself. ]
You’re simply used to me coddling you.
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Well, excuse me if I'm rather terrible at this whole relationship thing. There's a reason I spent the past however many years avoiding them.
[In spite of himself he can't help sounding put out and a touch hurt as they set out towards the city.]
...you may be right, though. [He'll admit that much, at least.]
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That would make two of us.
[ To the latter, he merely hums, wings folding up tighter against himself. It’s only now that he realizes how he and Vanitas started off on exceptionally good footing, and even during their brief (though intense) disputes, had never truly experienced his more disagreeable nature. Interesting. ]
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I would've thought that would make you more understanding.
[It's said quietly, almost sadly as he keeps his gaze on the ground before him while they walk. They did start off on rather good terms, especially for one whose normal mood is sullen and petulant. What Vincent is getting to see now is Vanitas' more natural side.]
...was there anything you wished to say to me? Any hopes for us, however slight?
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It is for the very reason that we are so similar that I have no pity for you. Despite how damaged and rotten I am, I’ve somehow been able to offer you so much accommodation and love. After all you’d done, I gave you every opportunity to stay. [ Walking on, he merely shakes his head with a smile. ] No, I’m not going to continue carrying us.
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