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

[arkfall]

Stand up, Vash. [Knives tells his brother once the man gives them permission to leave.

He definitely wants to be out of this room and away from these people, but he won't rush. He has to maintain control.] Let's go.

[goldenglasses]

Yes, sir. [Vash will get up and follow his brother outside. Flashing Mark and Sally a quick smile on the way out.]

I'm surprised you didn't enjoy that. Maybe you have changed a bit.

[arkfall]

[Knives doesn't reply, because he's too conflicted with everything he's feeling and he's working to clamp down on it. He even closes off the opening that gave Vash the ability to read his emotions.

It's similar to what he did after Tesla, sealing away the parts of his response that made him vulnerable.]

We can talk about it later.

We still need to get your things and those donuts. And I don't think I can stomach being in public for longer than needed.

[He doesn't even relax once they are outside again and away from the prying eyes of those people.]

[goldenglasses]

[Vash waits until they're a comfortable distance away before speaking out.] Knives, please don't lock me out. [Too many bad memories associated with this feeling. That and it had been a long seven months without any other contact from any other Plant. Vash had sorely missed that connection he had taken for granted until it was taken away.

He would have preferred one of their sister's touch than his brother's, but it was better than none.] What you were feeling before? There was nothing wrong with that regret.

[arkfall]

[Knives stopped then and then turned to look at his brother.

After a moment he pried open the connection again, but it felt like he was forcing open a door that had been rusted shut for a hundred years.

He still had that regret weighing in on him. He was angry and frustrated at his own weakness. Furious at the people in there for making him do that, and even angry at Vash for playing along.

That last one, at least, was familiar. Regret and remorse were things that were new and extremely painful, but being angry at Vash or putting protecting others above his own dignity was a feeling he had grown used to.

The problem was that that anger towards his brother was such a tiny fraction of the other emotions swirling inside of him and it was vastly overshadowed by a desire to protect Vash - to ensure no other person could put him through that again.]

Why did you lie to me about being detained?

[goldenglasses]

[As bad as those emotions felt it was so much better to feel them then be shut away from them.

Vash sighs and then a small smile starts to spread across his face.] Because I was thinking you wouldn't find out?

[arkfall]

[Knives hands the file over to Vash.] And you were worried that I would find the people who had a hand in your detainment and would slaughter them all for laying a hand on you?

[goldenglasses]

[Vash happily takes the file and tries to casually hold it under his arm. Although what he really wants to do is shred every last piece of information away. He'll burn it later.j Yeah. There was that too. [Suddenly Vash has an idea pop into his head and he apparently changes his mind about not looking at his file. Quickly going through it and checking the paperwork in there. Relief filling him that it didn't give the name of the person who bought him the one time he ended up at the zoo.]

[arkfall]

The contract is official now. That means I can't without losing you again.

[His eyes narrow a bit at how Vash checks the file, but he bites his tongue to stop himself from asking.]

[goldenglasses]

[The worst Vash thinks might be listed in here is the arresting officers's names.] Alright then. I might have been arrested a couple times. [A beat.] And I might again in the future.

[arkfall]

Yes, well... If you would get arrested for killing everyone in power maybe that would impress me.

[goldenglasses]

Maybe that would impress you? [This is an awful joke and Vash hates it, but it was a joke. Or at least Vash hopes that it was suppose to be a joke.] Only maybe? Then I guess I'm giving up on that plan.

[arkfall]

[It is awful, but the kind of awful that makes Knives chuckle. At least it's not the mocking, manic laughter he would have had before, nor the cold cheer that he would put on as a mask when they were younger. It's a genuine chuckle.]

You'd have to utterly topple this disgusting society and replace it with something better to definitely impress me.

[And he's actually teasing, even though there is a part of him that wants them to do such a thing, his tone manages to be light and somewhat playful.]

[goldenglasses]

Alright then I will. I'll just topple it my way is all. [You know. The slow, painful, love and peace sort of way.]

[arkfall]

Then I'll just take a nap for the next century while I'm waiting.

[Another joke.

This is kind of nice, being able to poke fun at Vash without it being mean. There's no bite to his words. It's nice not feeling irritated by his brother.]

[goldenglasses]

At least that should keep you out of trouble if you do that. [Vash will lead them to the nearest bakery. Making light jokes and trying to settle down after that tense situation.] Let's get something to eat then go get my stuff. [He'll hold the door open for his brother to enter.]

[arkfall]

[Knives feels very out of place in the bakery, but he walks in as Vash holds the door open for him. He doesn't go to the counter without Vash, though, expecting that he'll be the one to order.]

[goldenglasses]

What do you want? [Vash asks as he peers at the selection behind the glass. Looking and checking which one looked the freshest.]

[arkfall]

I have no idea.

What do you suggest?

[goldenglasses]

Classic honey is my favourite. But do you like chocolate? We could get a chocolate one for you if you like chocolate.

[arkfall]

Let's both get classic honey, if that's your favorite.

[goldenglasses]

Alright then. [Vash heads up to the counter.] Can I have half a dozen classic donuts please! [The worker will smile and nod before looking to Knives. Waiting for permission from the dominant that the order is correct.] That will be $10.50 please. [Still looking at Knives.]

[arkfall]

[Knives at least understands currency, even if he hasn't used it often. So he pays for the donuts and doesn't say anything to the worker. At least he isn't ignoring them outright.]

[goldenglasses]

[With their pleasant customer service smile they'll collect the donuts. Having it over with a happy: Have a pleasant day.

Vash will take the box of donuts before heading back out.] Shall we eat as we walk to my pl- my old place?

[arkfall]

Do you usually eat donuts while walking?