[Curious, he peers at Aether. It's true the other doesn't frequently come to them with concerns, although perhaps that's because Vanitas has been oblivious to how much his lover might be struggling.]
You don't have to force yourself if you're not comfortable doing so. There's always time for you to speak your mind when you're ready.
[Meaning that he'll be waiting for the day when Aether confides in him about those deeper, darker troubles. For now, however, he simply pets the other's hair, toying lightly with his braid.]
Yeah. It's alright to go slowly. [Even if he know that to Aether, time marches on very differently from those like himself, who have maybe only a few years left in them.
But that's for another time. Right now, he's trying to convey that Aether shouldn't feel obligated to do what others want him to do.]
That would be a good idea, heh... You take on so much, try to save everyone... But who will save you if you don't let them in? [He doesn't want Aether to either burn out or fall from the sky.]
I know you and Vince, and all my friends would do whatever it takes to save me.
[He knows, he really does... So why there's still some doubt in his heart sometimes? That they don't care enough to truly understand what he needs and wants? Maybe he's just selfish, wishing for someone to read his mind when in reality it's not even needed, because he's the one who doesn't allow others to truly know him.
We would. You're precious to us. All of them, I'm sure.
[Since he can't speak for each of Aether's friends, only the few he knows. Like Xiao. He knows that man would go to the ends of the earth for Aether, and then some, just as he and Vince would. Though there still seems to be a bit of sadness in his lover, which worries Vanitas. He doesn't quite understand where it's stemming from, and thus has no idea how to help. He doesn't like feeling powerless like this. It reminds him too much of his time years ago when he had no control over his life, when Moreau dictated everything.
[The question makes him pause for much longer than it should. Aether looks away for a moment, like he doesn't want to see disappointment in Vanitas' eyes.]
I'm... trying to be more open about it. [He frowns to himself.] It's... not that easy.
[It's during that lull that Vanitas' expression falls slightly. Yet he can understand what it's like, to not be able to ask for something as simple as the consideration that one needs. So he merely laughs quietly, even if it's a touch bitter.]
...no, no it's not. But then, what in life that's worthwhile is?
[After all, he's hardly the pinnacle of forthrightness, himself.]
[Aether can't really argue with it. After a moment of contemplation, he wraps his arms around Vanitas securely and rolls them around, making his lover end up on top of him instead. Aether's white wings wrap around him to keep him warm and cozy.]
I would've thought somebody your age would know better by now.
[Teasing him? You betcha! Though Vanitas get a well deserved flip of positions, eliciting a faint oof as he settles with a smile, gazing down at Aether with bright blue eyes. That he has a wing cloak to keep him warm only serves to make him happier, tail swaying softly.]
[For all his teasing, being suddenly called anyone's my leaves him momentarily stunned, until heat rises to his cheeks and he has to huff in order to keep breathing.]
Yours, huh.....
[Somehow that seems to make things even more serious than before, setting him on edge despite being giddy with affection.]
Y-Yeah. I am who I am, after all... [Meaning he can't help being reserved in that regard.]
[Meaning the whole idea of being anybody's something is fluster-worthy. Still, he starts to unwind with the soothing pets, until finally, he ducks his head and hides his face against Aether's neck. Eventually, there comes a faint mumble.]
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No... No, it's not that.
[He rests his head against his lover's shoulder, letting him stroke his hair as much as he wishes.]
I... realized I'm not really good at opening up about my own worries.
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You don't have to force yourself if you're not comfortable doing so. There's always time for you to speak your mind when you're ready.
[Meaning that he'll be waiting for the day when Aether confides in him about those deeper, darker troubles. For now, however, he simply pets the other's hair, toying lightly with his braid.]
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When I'm ready... [It may take a long time before that happens and Aether doesn't exactly want to think about it.
He closes his eyes, enjoying the way Vanitas plays with his hair.]
Maybe I need to stop thinking I can handle everything by myself. [It's a soft murmur more than anything else.]
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But that's for another time. Right now, he's trying to convey that Aether shouldn't feel obligated to do what others want him to do.]
That would be a good idea, heh... You take on so much, try to save everyone... But who will save you if you don't let them in? [He doesn't want Aether to either burn out or fall from the sky.]
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I know you and Vince, and all my friends would do whatever it takes to save me.
[He knows, he really does... So why there's still some doubt in his heart sometimes? That they don't care enough to truly understand what he needs and wants? Maybe he's just selfish, wishing for someone to read his mind when in reality it's not even needed, because he's the one who doesn't allow others to truly know him.
He needs to open his heart.]
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We would. You're precious to us. All of them, I'm sure.
[Since he can't speak for each of Aether's friends, only the few he knows. Like Xiao. He knows that man would go to the ends of the earth for Aether, and then some, just as he and Vince would. Though there still seems to be a bit of sadness in his lover, which worries Vanitas. He doesn't quite understand where it's stemming from, and thus has no idea how to help. He doesn't like feeling powerless like this. It reminds him too much of his time years ago when he had no control over his life, when Moreau dictated everything.
So instead, he tries reaching out.]
...you'd say so if you needed something, right?
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I'm... trying to be more open about it. [He frowns to himself.] It's... not that easy.
[He's so used to keeping to himself.]
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...no, no it's not. But then, what in life that's worthwhile is?
[After all, he's hardly the pinnacle of forthrightness, himself.]
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[Aether can't really argue with it. After a moment of contemplation, he wraps his arms around Vanitas securely and rolls them around, making his lover end up on top of him instead. Aether's white wings wrap around him to keep him warm and cozy.]
But for you... I will try.
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[Teasing him? You betcha! Though Vanitas get a well deserved flip of positions, eliciting a faint oof as he settles with a smile, gazing down at Aether with bright blue eyes. That he has a wing cloak to keep him warm only serves to make him happier, tail swaying softly.]
Atta boy. [So cheeky today...!]
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[He huffs a little at it, but quickly laughs afterwards.]
Not even a "Thank you"? You really don't respect your elders, huh.
[So very cheeky indeed!]
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[That's enough to make him grin widely as he leans down to hug Aether.]
I don't do thanks, you should know that. Nothing personal.
[Generally speaking, anyways. It's one of those hangups he has.]
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[Those words are spoken with sincerity.]
To me you'll always be my Vanitas. [He chuckles softly, hugging back and closing his eyes.]
Right, I need to remember about it.
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Yours, huh.....
[Somehow that seems to make things even more serious than before, setting him on edge despite being giddy with affection.]
Y-Yeah. I am who I am, after all... [Meaning he can't help being reserved in that regard.]
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Well, mine and Vince's. [He chuckles.] We all belong to each other.
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[Meaning the whole idea of being anybody's something is fluster-worthy. Still, he starts to unwind with the soothing pets, until finally, he ducks his head and hides his face against Aether's neck. Eventually, there comes a faint mumble.]
Thanks...