[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.]
[Verso chuckles against his lips, following the slow kiss with a swift one.] I know that. Can only force you to do what you already wanted. And only if I don't make it obvious that's what I want. [Vanitas had the personality of a cat long before he received his natural soul, and Verso is so very, very fond.]
He'll come around. Just cares about you. Needs to see I love you first hand. [Truthfully, Verso thinks it's funny that Aether believes Verso is the one trying to control Vanitas, when he's in the front row for Vincent's actions. But Vanitas is right, he's stubborn, and with his bonds to the two of them, they're staying in his life. No other option.]
[Vanitas' ears flick lightly and his tongue darts out to savor the lingering taste with a wistful look.] So if you know that much, you could be trying to bluff me into doing something. [He's totally teasing, as is evident by the cat-like curve of his lips and the flicking of his tails. Even if Verso was trying to pull a fast one, it's likely that Vanitas would see through it and simply do the exact opposite.]
I hope so... I want you two at least to get along. Since I know you care about me. [He clutches at Verso's shirt, letting his head bow against him, unable to use that one word he always gets hung up on, even now. Speaking of which...] ...how do you say it so easily? [The question is murmured quietly as his claws twist in the fabric of Verso's attire.]
Suspect I've had more of it in my life than you, mon petit chaton. That helps. [He brushes Vanitas' fringe out of his eyes, then trails his fingers down his cheek.] And... [he pauses, organising his words before speaking them, not wanting to open up the possibility of misunderstandings.] It's something I want to make sure you know. Don't need you to believe me, or understand, really. But you need to know. [So he'll say it, over and over.]
...heh. Probably so... [That much he can't deny, as much as he might want to for the sake of appearances. To preserve his pride and resolve. Vanitas' unnaturally blue eyes turn upward to gaze into Verso's face, lips tugging down in a thoughtful frown.] And it doesn't matter to you that I can't return those feelings? Or if I do, I-- [He seems to shrink in on himself as feelings of guilt overwhelm him. Hurriedly, he pulls away, breathing harder than he'd like and with cheeks red.] --sorry. I shouldn't even have asked.
[Verso's expression turns soft.] You have me. You have my love. No matter what you do, what you don't. [His shoulder lifts in a shrug.] You are what I need, not your actions or your emotions: you are enough.
[But he knows what Vanitas' emotions are, sometimes better than he knows his own. The raw weight of Vanitas' fears and desire to be loved warring with his certainty that he is undeserving of even the smallest kindness, it all flows through their connection.]
That doesn't make any sense... [He sounds on the verge of tears, frustration leaking through as he struggles to understand why someone as wonderful and caring as Verso would ever find him to simply be enough. How he doesn't have to exchange behavior or feelings for that love. Maybe he really is just too deprived of affection to ever grasp this concept.] Even after everything, with me leading you on and using you... You still... You still...
[He swallows, raking his fingers through his bangs as he hunches over, trying to hide the few droplets slipping free from his eyes. How they got here from a jaunty ride, he doesn't know, but part of him wishes to flee, to hide where Verso can't see him.]
[Too bad. Vanitas promised to sleep with Verso already, and he's holding him to that. He places a hand on Vanitas' back, sends calm and reassurance through their bond as best he can.]
Still love you. Still want you to know I love you.
[He doesn't know that his love is worth anything at all, but Vanitas deserves as much as he can take, and Verso only has his own to give.]
[He may have to be bodily hauled into bed, but once there, Vanitas wouldn't have the heart to leave, especially after everything. Even now, he finds himself gradually sinking against Verso out of a desperate need for reassurance, to feel his touch. It leads to him dropping his hands from his reddening eyes to hug the man beside him.]
Me too... [Even if he can't say it so easily, that doesn't change how he feels.] I adore you so much, even though I shouldn't, even though I can't give you the same thing in return...
[Maybe Verso doesn't think his love is worth much, but to Vanitas there's very little more precious than it.]
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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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He'll come around. Just cares about you. Needs to see I love you first hand. [Truthfully, Verso thinks it's funny that Aether believes Verso is the one trying to control Vanitas, when he's in the front row for Vincent's actions. But Vanitas is right, he's stubborn, and with his bonds to the two of them, they're staying in his life. No other option.]
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I hope so... I want you two at least to get along. Since I know you care about me. [He clutches at Verso's shirt, letting his head bow against him, unable to use that one word he always gets hung up on, even now. Speaking of which...] ...how do you say it so easily? [The question is murmured quietly as his claws twist in the fabric of Verso's attire.]
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[But he knows what Vanitas' emotions are, sometimes better than he knows his own. The raw weight of Vanitas' fears and desire to be loved warring with his certainty that he is undeserving of even the smallest kindness, it all flows through their connection.]
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[He swallows, raking his fingers through his bangs as he hunches over, trying to hide the few droplets slipping free from his eyes. How they got here from a jaunty ride, he doesn't know, but part of him wishes to flee, to hide where Verso can't see him.]
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Still love you. Still want you to know I love you.
[He doesn't know that his love is worth anything at all, but Vanitas deserves as much as he can take, and Verso only has his own to give.]
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Me too... [Even if he can't say it so easily, that doesn't change how he feels.] I adore you so much, even though I shouldn't, even though I can't give you the same thing in return...
[Maybe Verso doesn't think his love is worth much, but to Vanitas there's very little more precious than it.]
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Don't need the same, same would be boring. Prefer you.
[These moments, Vanitas' age comes through. He is so, so young, and hasn't had any time to learn the things children are supposed to.]
Why do you think you shouldn't, mon amour? [He suspects Vanitas' reasons are different to his own.]
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