PSL for arkfall

[goldenglasses]

[Vash was getting use to his life in the city. Some of it has been pretty bad, but for the most part he really can't complain. He always had enough to eat. He had stopped pouring sand out of his clothing. Could have all the water and shower for however long he wanted. No one had tried to shoot him in months. The people here even didn't care about his scars. In fact some people really liked them!

He was currently without a dominate, but he didn't mind. A small grace period to find another one and he wasn't in a rush. Which is why he was taking a moment to enjoy a bit of people watching in the Down. Munching on a donut and enjoying the day.

The only problem was in times like these his mind tends to wander to thoughts of home. Worry starts to settle in. Hoping that his friends were alright without him. Things certainly looking good when he left. Of course, there wasn't much he could do for them here so he tries not to think too much about it.

Besides, this donut was really tasty. Right now he just wanted to sit and enjoy them. Nothing bad could happen on this day, right?]

Comments

[goldenglasses]

So this place needs a little work. [He might mean a lot.] It can get better. Just need to give people a different perspective is all. I think things have already gotten better since when I first got here.

[arkfall]

Why do they need you to prove they don't have to be animals? Why does it take a superior being to show them the way? If they are worth saving, shouldn't they be able to see that on their own?

[goldenglasses]

Well, we all need help sometimes. Us included and if you really think we're superior beings-- [He can keep his dislike for that idea completely out of his tone, but he tries.] --then aren't we the best ones to show them that better way? It's our responsibility.

[arkfall]

[Knives just sort of glares in response, but it's not really directed at Vash. Instead, he bends his head and focuses on the sandwich he stole from his brother. Because Vash piled on so much, it still manages to be three or four bites.

A part of him wants to respond with 'No, it's our responsibility to protect the rest of the universe from their infection' but he doesn't. Instead, he just sorts of deflates and then picks up the entire rest of the corner of the sandwich.]

How was it that you ate this again? You just shoved so much of it into your mouth.

[He takes the sandwich piece and shoves the whole thing into his own mouth, puffing up his cheeks as he does. Everything about how he moves is clearly meant to be comical, but it comes off in a stilted, painful way that shows he isn't used to trying to be humorous.

Then he looks at Vash and tries to chew but can't, and that turns out to be a much funnier thing to look at.]

1/3

[goldenglasses]

[Vash opens his mouth then shuts it again. Clearly ready for a fight with words if not a physical one. Only a fight doesn't come and it leaves him scrambling to follow the change in conversation.] What? [He doesn't understand the question. How did this relate to how awful humans are? How... how...]

2/3

[goldenglasses]

[What was his brother doing........?????]

3/3

[goldenglasses]

[Vash at first just looks completely and utterly confused. Maybe a bit concerned that his brother has gone completely mad.

Then those cheeks get filled and then he tries to chew that mouthful and Vash just starts to laugh. Laugh long and hard to the point that tears start to collect in his eyes. His stomach starts to hurt and although the laugh isn't nearly as manic and loud as his normal laugh can be the difference is this laughter is real. Real and sorely needed.]

[arkfall]

[Some of the tension leaves Knives at that sound. He lifts a hand to his mouth to hide how he has to chew with his mouth open and then chuckles gently when he's able to get the food down.

This moment feels so cherished and perfect for the sound of his brother's laughter, but he isn't sure he deserves to hear it.

He wants to memorize everything about it. For later, when things get bad again.

He thinks they probably will. Sooner or later. He still has so much anger buried in his stomach that he wasn't sure he'd ever really be able to let go of it.

But at least they had this moment.]

How do you manage that? [He asks, as Vash's laughter dies down, and there's still a bit of warmth in his voice.]

[goldenglasses]

[Vash gives his eyes a quick wipe. Wishing their whole lives had been like this moment.] Spent years developing my cheek muscles! It's all about compartmentalizing and shifting the food around as you chew until you can swallow it down! I'm sure with dedicated practice you too can one day master the full mouth technique!

[arkfall]

Maybe you can teach me?

I don't... usually eat if I can help it. [Too much like being human.] I'd be willing to try.

[goldenglasses]

You... don't? [It's honest confusion and curiosity from Vash. So much about his own body and abilities that he doesn't know about. He remembered trying to starve himself to death after finding out about Tessla. He knows he can go longer than humans without eating, but the hunger pains sure were there if he went long enough without eating.] But, we have to eat. [Don't they? Had Knives found another way?]

[arkfall]

We do, and so I will when required. [There's a lot of things he doesn't say here, but he isn't sure how much Vash can really stomach.] I don't do it for pleasure. I don't enjoy it like you do.

[A pause, and then he says something that's maybe a little too honest.]

I don't enjoy many things.

[goldenglasses]

Well, we'll just have to find some things you do enjoy. And what foods you like too. [Please let sex be one of them. As much as Vash doesn't want to think about his twin and sex together he knows this world will be a lot easier if Knives finds he likes it.]

Wait. Have you had a donut before? [This is very important.]

[arkfall]

['Things he enjoys.' He's pretty sure everything he 'enjoys' is the stuff Vash hates the most about him.

So he focuses on the question.]

No. I haven't.

[goldenglasses]

We should get some. Maybe after we take care of the contract? [Something to look forward to after what Vash feels like is signing his life away.]

[arkfall]

We can do that. [Again, he's trying to show that he's willing to try.]

How am I supposed to get those to fulfill my side of the contract?

[goldenglasses]

[A horrible thought creeps into Vash's mind.] You've, ah, you've never had to buy anything before, have you? [Either sent Legato or murdered would be Vash's guess.]

[arkfall]

[Knives's expression says 'are you fucking kidding me?' at that question.

Of course, it wasn't just Legato he would rely on for such things. After all, Legato isn't 150 years old. But he has had several followers throughout the years, even a cult who worshipped him and his siblings.]

Was there really a need to frame that like a question, brother?

[goldenglasses]

[Vash runs a hand down his face. Suddenly realizing how much more work this was going to be then what he first thought.] Don't worry. I'll show you. Luckily you get some cash just being a dominate. [He won't need to get a job like Vash had.]

[arkfall]

Which would mean... [Knives comments, almost thoughtful in his tone.] That you, as someone labelled as Submissive, do not.

Now nice for the humans of this world to mark their second class so blatantly. It makes discriminating against them much easier, I'd imagine.

[goldenglasses]

[Vash pauses. Considering lying and saying he had some money, but what would be the point? Besides, he liked his job and didn't want to leave it.] No. I don't have money that they just give me. I have to earn it. [He avoids saying how because he's pretty sure Knives won't like hearing what he does.]

Let's find some paper and write up that contract. [Yes, he's trying to change the topic.]

[arkfall]

Are you going to eat the rest of your sandwich? [Vash had made it after all, and all that Knives stole was a corner of it. If he isn't, Knives supposes they can wrap it up for later.

There is a hint of concern in his tone, like he's worried about his brother's lack of appetite. ]

[goldenglasses]

[Vash considers his sandwich. It was still pretty good looking so he takes another bite of it before his mind can go back to what killed his appetite to begin with.]

So, I have to help you find people you'll be willing to fill your quota with. I'll live here. You can't kill anyone. You can't harm anyone except in self defense. You'll buy me donuts each day. I'm allowed to fill my quota as I see fit and I can purchase my own items without you needing to be there with me.

Those are the basics. Did I miss anything?

[arkfall]

We don't bring anyone back here for sex. [Knives pointed out. They both seemed pretty grossed out at the thought that they might walk in on their brother in that kind of situation.]

[goldenglasses]

Okay. That too. [Vash takes another bite. Somehow with just those three bites and with Knives's help the sandwich was already half gone.] You want some more?