[Nodding a bit, he holds out each article of clothing as is needed, trying hard to focus on the task at hand rather than the nakedness of his friend in front of him. It's not easy though, and while he continues to fret a bit, he finds himself more and more distracted, until his concern and fear is more background noise than the overwhelming rush of anxiety that it was initially.] You never know when you might need them, though.
[Faint hope that perhaps someday they might all return to normal. He has to hold on to that little bit of faith or he might break completely. As is, he finds himself meeting Verso halfway, reaching out to start at the bottom of his shirt buttons to help.]
You're okay, though...? No injuries? Nothing missing or changed?
Nothing. [That he's noticed. But he's only been back to himself for less than an hour, plenty he could have missed. He'd rather focus on—] And you? [There's the additional tail, but that's practically normal, these days.
Their fingers meet on the final button. The slightest tremor is present in Verso's hand.]
Good. I thought that-- [That maybe he'd been kidnapped. That Patho-Gen was using Anti-Gen's appearance to perform more experiments on them. Once their hands meet and he feels Verso trembling, he takes hold of him and draws his hand to his lips, brushing them over each finger in turn, relief and gratitude overflowing through their connection.]
I'm alright. [New tail aside. Though suddenly, Vanitas perks up, eyes shining like the nineteen-year-old he is.] I've got something to show you. C'mon!
[Orienting himself, he tugs Verso along with a sudden spring in his step, tails waving as he leads them towards the city's edge.]
[Verso loves that look, though he sees it all too rarely. For all Vanitas claims to be frivolous and immature, he's seen too much in his life and achieves happiness infrequently at best. So Verso's ears prick up, and he grins back at him, squeezing his hand.]
A good surprise? Could do with a few more of those.
[It's far and away too rare an expression on him, which makes this even more a special occasion than the surprise he has in mind. It's made all the better for the way Verso holds his hand, and Vanitas can't help threading their fingers together as he breaks out into a jog, mindful of Verso's condition in case he's still not feeling a hundred percent.
Eventually though, they reach a scattering of trees, where there's a large object covered with a dark green cloth to match the foliage. Finally, Vanitas lets go and hurries ahead, yanking off the covering to reveal an old-school carriage, which Vanitas immediately swings himself up onto, whirling around to grin at Verso with his hands on his hips.]
[While Verso has many of the memories of the real Verso Dessendre — enough to shape him into an accurate representation of that man — having never lived in Paris himself, this is the first time he's seen a powered vehicle other than a train.
Verso can see why Vanitas is excited. And his expression grows warm and excited as he studies the cart.]
What does it use as fuel? Not chroma [not enough of that here, and it wasn't well suited to travel, even inside the painting. Esquie was the premiere mode of transport there. He dredges up the word from the real Verso's memories:] Petroleum? [Though, no, surely not—] Not Katalyth?
[Parking himself atop the carriage, Vanitas swings his legs a bit while watching eagerly for Verso's approval. Much like the young man he is, he still can't help seeking praise and acknowledgement from those he likes.
Excitement is clear in every line of his body, from his head craning over to his two tails swishing happily. He laughs a bit as Verso guesses, pleased that it's not evident what powers it.]
Nope. [He shakes his head a bit, cheeky grin manifesting with a fang revealing itself. At the second guess, he gives his legs a little kick.] Not that either. [The Katalyth answer turns his expression wry, but still smiling.] Uh uh. Electricity! I filched an electric engine from Patho-Gen and studied how to hook it up.
[He finally jumps down, landing beside Verso. With a snap of his fingers, he shoots a spark at the vehicle, starting it up.]
Neat, huh? I finally figured out how to commune with my carnivora soul a bit better.
[Hearing and feeling that he's met Verso's approval and inspired his excitement, Vanitas hurriedly climbs in, turning to hold out a hand to Verso to bring him along inside.]
Sure thing! Hop in! [Whether he likes it or not, he's getting dragged into the vehicle, where Vanitas can nestle up against him before throwing it into gear.]
It can go pretty fast, too. A good eighty or or ninety kilometers per hour, I'd say.
[And they're off! Headed away from the city so as not to get in trouble with the authorities for driving where he shouldn't.]
[As an entirely predictable side-effect to their bumpy departure, Verso wraps his arm around Vanitas' shoulders, inspecting the controls and holding him steady.]
No, I don't believe that. Not without proof. [Give him a demonstration, kitty cat.]
[It may be difficult to hear or even feel over the rumble of the engine, but Vanitas starts purring at the contact, tails curling around Verso's waist as though to pull him closer.]
You want proof, huh? Well then get a load of this! [Without an ounce of hesitation, he floors it, sending them bumping up and down with ridiculous speed as the trees fly by. Thankfully it seems Vanitas has been through here enough that he knows a path to take them safely through the woods, until they're out in the open and on smoother ground in the fields south of Karteria.]
[Verso chuckles.] Have I mentioned my friend Esquie? [He undoubtedly has with the toy version of his friend that arrived with him one of the few personal possessions in his apartment.] Ask again when it can fly. [Despite his words, Verso is thrilled by the ride, sitting forward in his seat and willing the carriage faster.]
Mmm. I believe so. [At the flying comment, Vanitas has to laugh. Honest, genuine laughter that's so rare for him. It feels good to have Verso back, and to be sailing across the plains without much of a care in the world, at least in this exact moment.] Don't tempt me. We have airships back home. Maybe I could find a way to get one of them. [He's kidding, of course. A carriage is one thing, an airship is an entirely other.]
[Vanitas isn't the only one relieved to have this moment, and to hear that laugh, so different from his cynical chuckles and humour put on for the sake of others.]
In mine, we use rocks. [Non-arcane radiation spewing rocks.]
[That piques Vanitas' curiosity, causing him to glance sideways at Verso with a raised brow. The reason being:]
So kind of like astermite, maybe? It's a form of coal which had its formula altered during the Babel Incident and produces no emissions. [A blessing, really.]
"Special", huh... Is that your polite way of saying he's not entirely right in the head? [He might be smirking just a bit, having been called crazy more than a few times himself.]
He's... often full of wine? And rocks. Something of a legend actually. Said to turn up when people are in their lowest moments.
The real Verso Painted him when he was young. [So, Vanitas sure was right about how long Verso has been like this.] He's sort of my best friend. He'd like you. [Well...] He likes everyone.
The rock that lets him fly? Its name is "soarrie". Or so he claims. He has a few. Keeps losing them.
[Hearing that first part gets a snort from him.] Full of wine, rocks, and plenty of other things I imagine, especially if you think he would like me. [There's that self-loathing again.]
Sounds like he's quite the character, though. Wish I could meet him and see just how kooky he is compared to how you make him sound. Maybe one day he'll show up here.
[Not that he'd wish this place on more than a couple select individuals, but he would love to know more of Verso's friends and people from his world.]
You've seen his doll. The soft toy that's on the mantle? Bit bigger in person. Gives great hugs.
[He squeezes Vanitas' shoulders. Breathes in his scent.] Some point you're going to have to see what we do, mon amour. You keep finding people to love you.
Whoa, seriously? That's him, huh? Never would've guessed. But I suppose people come in all shapes and sizes, huh?
[That gets him blushing a bit, though his eyes turn back towards the vast fields ahead and he looks contemplative, frowning slightly.] I still don't know how that all shook out, honestly... [And yet, despite his fears and self-loathing, he can't say he hates it. Quite the opposite in fact.
Gradually, he slows the pace of the vehicle, so he can glance Verso's way again.] You really think so? That one day I might actually like myself?
'Specially in my world. All sorts there. Esquie, the gestrals, the grandis, nevrons. Didn't spend much time with humans, actually, last sixty years.
[Verso tilts Vanitas' chin so he's looking at the bumpy road again.] I do. Besides, even if it never happens, I'm attached now. No getting rid of me. [He promised. And it's not like he can die on him.]
In ours it's mostly just humans, vampires, and dhams. Kinda surprised you weren't hanging out with your own kind, actually. [Funny coming from him, who hangs out with vampires.
Even with his face directed forward, he can't help stealing little peeks at Verso now and then. Though his voice grows quiet and the speed decreases even more.] Verso... [He's woefully unprepared for just how far his friend is willing to indulge him, even though he's known for a while now that their feelings align more than they should.]
It became harder, after Clea — the real one — explained. Wasn't long after that I met Esquie. [The legend who finds people in their lowest moments, created to rescue the boy Verso never was.] Gestrals are easier — made of wood, thick as two short planks. Told a few about the Painting and they didn't care, just wanted me to face them in a fight. [He won.
Verso can feel that now familiar mix of longing and guilt though their bond. One car ride and things are already complicated again. But Verso is... tired. Always so tired. And loving Vanitas is easy.] Sleep in my bed tonight? [Just sleep. But he can't be apart from him right now. Not for long.]
I imagine so... I'm glad you found a friend in him though. [Even if Verso was never that boy, in his heart he still needed rescuing. Still does.] Heh... Bet you trashed their asses. [After their sparring session, he finds it hard to believe anyone could easily best Verso.
Pull the vehicle to a stop, Vanitas takes the opportunity to simply lean against Verso, clawed hand seeking out on his to hold.] Of course. For as long as you'd like. [Vincent and Aether could handle being without him for a few nights. This is important. To both of them.]
Held my own. [Trounced them.] The art of subtlety is a bit lost on them. Not much strategy going on.
[Verso takes his hand, pulls him close and breaths him in in a shaky breath.] I... [His words stick in his throat. Teasing is easy, even making requests he can manage, but expressing just how much he needs Vanitas, how there is simply no other option for him but to stand at his side, that... the words won't come. So he changes the subject.]
Bit before this, I told your nice angel boy — Aether — we should go for dinner. Seemed to think I'm leading you on, not letting you make your own choices? [Verso sounds more amused than anything. As complicated as Vanitas' romantic entanglements are, he truly can't imagine that impression lasting more than five minutes of seeing the two of them together.]
Heh, all brawn and no brains, then? [That makes him smile as he imagines Verso dancing circles around his opponents.
It's so easy though, to let himself get swept up in the moment, to give in to his soul's inclination to be close. But this is fine, he tells himself, there's nothing inherently wrong with them holding one another and supporting each other during a tough time. So long as that's all they do. All he can afford to. Even when it seems like Verso wishes to say more.
Yet he frowns at whatever must have been going through Aether's mind.] That's simply not true. I know you wouldn't do that. Besides-- [He can't help scowling a bit.] --I always do what I want. Not what anyone else would have me do.
[As if to prove it to both Verso and himself, he grabs the man by the shirt collar and pulls him down, stealing a kiss, long and languid.]
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[Faint hope that perhaps someday they might all return to normal. He has to hold on to that little bit of faith or he might break completely. As is, he finds himself meeting Verso halfway, reaching out to start at the bottom of his shirt buttons to help.]
You're okay, though...? No injuries? Nothing missing or changed?
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Their fingers meet on the final button. The slightest tremor is present in Verso's hand.]
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I'm alright. [New tail aside. Though suddenly, Vanitas perks up, eyes shining like the nineteen-year-old he is.] I've got something to show you. C'mon!
[Orienting himself, he tugs Verso along with a sudden spring in his step, tails waving as he leads them towards the city's edge.]
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A good surprise? Could do with a few more of those.
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[It's far and away too rare an expression on him, which makes this even more a special occasion than the surprise he has in mind. It's made all the better for the way Verso holds his hand, and Vanitas can't help threading their fingers together as he breaks out into a jog, mindful of Verso's condition in case he's still not feeling a hundred percent.
Eventually though, they reach a scattering of trees, where there's a large object covered with a dark green cloth to match the foliage. Finally, Vanitas lets go and hurries ahead, yanking off the covering to reveal an old-school carriage, which Vanitas immediately swings himself up onto, whirling around to grin at Verso with his hands on his hips.]
Whatcha think, huh? Got her running myself!
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Verso can see why Vanitas is excited. And his expression grows warm and excited as he studies the cart.]
What does it use as fuel? Not chroma [not enough of that here, and it wasn't well suited to travel, even inside the painting. Esquie was the premiere mode of transport there. He dredges up the word from the real Verso's memories:] Petroleum? [Though, no, surely not—] Not Katalyth?
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Excitement is clear in every line of his body, from his head craning over to his two tails swishing happily. He laughs a bit as Verso guesses, pleased that it's not evident what powers it.]
Nope. [He shakes his head a bit, cheeky grin manifesting with a fang revealing itself. At the second guess, he gives his legs a little kick.] Not that either. [The Katalyth answer turns his expression wry, but still smiling.] Uh uh. Electricity! I filched an electric engine from Patho-Gen and studied how to hook it up.
[He finally jumps down, landing beside Verso. With a snap of his fingers, he shoots a spark at the vehicle, starting it up.]
Neat, huh? I finally figured out how to commune with my carnivora soul a bit better.
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Did you now? [Vanitas has his approval, and more than that, he has his enthusiasm — his excitement.] How does it work then? Show me?
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Sure thing! Hop in! [Whether he likes it or not, he's getting dragged into the vehicle, where Vanitas can nestle up against him before throwing it into gear.]
It can go pretty fast, too. A good eighty or or ninety kilometers per hour, I'd say.
[And they're off! Headed away from the city so as not to get in trouble with the authorities for driving where he shouldn't.]
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No, I don't believe that. Not without proof. [Give him a demonstration, kitty cat.]
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You want proof, huh? Well then get a load of this! [Without an ounce of hesitation, he floors it, sending them bumping up and down with ridiculous speed as the trees fly by. Thankfully it seems Vanitas has been through here enough that he knows a path to take them safely through the woods, until they're out in the open and on smoother ground in the fields south of Karteria.]
How you holding up? Not motion sick, are you?
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In mine, we use rocks. [Non-arcane radiation spewing rocks.]
Well, Esquie does. He's a bit special.
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So kind of like astermite, maybe? It's a form of coal which had its formula altered during the Babel Incident and produces no emissions. [A blessing, really.]
"Special", huh... Is that your polite way of saying he's not entirely right in the head? [He might be smirking just a bit, having been called crazy more than a few times himself.]
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The real Verso Painted him when he was young. [So, Vanitas sure was right about how long Verso has been like this.] He's sort of my best friend. He'd like you. [Well...] He likes everyone.
The rock that lets him fly? Its name is "soarrie". Or so he claims. He has a few. Keeps losing them.
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Sounds like he's quite the character, though. Wish I could meet him and see just how kooky he is compared to how you make him sound. Maybe one day he'll show up here.
[Not that he'd wish this place on more than a couple select individuals, but he would love to know more of Verso's friends and people from his world.]
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[He squeezes Vanitas' shoulders. Breathes in his scent.] Some point you're going to have to see what we do, mon amour. You keep finding people to love you.
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[That gets him blushing a bit, though his eyes turn back towards the vast fields ahead and he looks contemplative, frowning slightly.] I still don't know how that all shook out, honestly... [And yet, despite his fears and self-loathing, he can't say he hates it. Quite the opposite in fact.
Gradually, he slows the pace of the vehicle, so he can glance Verso's way again.] You really think so? That one day I might actually like myself?
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[Verso tilts Vanitas' chin so he's looking at the bumpy road again.] I do. Besides, even if it never happens, I'm attached now. No getting rid of me. [He promised. And it's not like he can die on him.]
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Even with his face directed forward, he can't help stealing little peeks at Verso now and then. Though his voice grows quiet and the speed decreases even more.] Verso... [He's woefully unprepared for just how far his friend is willing to indulge him, even though he's known for a while now that their feelings align more than they should.]
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Verso can feel that now familiar mix of longing and guilt though their bond. One car ride and things are already complicated again. But Verso is... tired. Always so tired. And loving Vanitas is easy.] Sleep in my bed tonight? [Just sleep. But he can't be apart from him right now. Not for long.]
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Pull the vehicle to a stop, Vanitas takes the opportunity to simply lean against Verso, clawed hand seeking out on his to hold.] Of course. For as long as you'd like. [Vincent and Aether could handle being without him for a few nights. This is important. To both of them.]
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[Verso takes his hand, pulls him close and breaths him in in a shaky breath.] I... [His words stick in his throat. Teasing is easy, even making requests he can manage, but expressing just how much he needs Vanitas, how there is simply no other option for him but to stand at his side, that... the words won't come. So he changes the subject.]
Bit before this, I told your nice angel boy — Aether — we should go for dinner. Seemed to think I'm leading you on, not letting you make your own choices? [Verso sounds more amused than anything. As complicated as Vanitas' romantic entanglements are, he truly can't imagine that impression lasting more than five minutes of seeing the two of them together.]
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It's so easy though, to let himself get swept up in the moment, to give in to his soul's inclination to be close. But this is fine, he tells himself, there's nothing inherently wrong with them holding one another and supporting each other during a tough time. So long as that's all they do. All he can afford to. Even when it seems like Verso wishes to say more.
Yet he frowns at whatever must have been going through Aether's mind.] That's simply not true. I know you wouldn't do that. Besides-- [He can't help scowling a bit.] --I always do what I want. Not what anyone else would have me do.
[As if to prove it to both Verso and himself, he grabs the man by the shirt collar and pulls him down, stealing a kiss, long and languid.]
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