[He's valid, though he does lean over to curiously look at Vash's drink. Looks like a dessert...]
For now, I think all we can do is keep playing by the rules. But Livio seemed to think things would work out, and I want to believe in that.
[So he will just buzz with anxiety and refuse to consider the possibility of failure, or else he will break before the finish line and that would render everything so pointless that he simply would not survive it.
His expression softens, though.]
I know. Shenhe seems so different now. [Meanwhile Wolfwood has been awake for a single day]
[ Kaveh would be devastated and that's right of him, but Vash would be sad and resigned to death... Then again, his god isn't here in hip hop hell.
When he sees Kaveh peer over, he offers his drink? He may sample and sip through his straw. He doesn't care about cooties like Livio does. ]
I'm pretty optimistic... And, if anything, we can saw that we tried in our own way. [ Hm. ] I know she has been trying to be honest about how she feels, which is good.
Then there's getting pressured into the maid outfit.
[Yeah, success for him is mostly just making sure certain people get home, which is basically everyone before himself. But Vash gets it, so he doesn't need to say that.
He'll lean over and try some of Vash's drink though, because who cares about cooties.] I should've gotten this one...
[ Kaveh has to go home because he won't let him stay here. i don't know if we wanted to play with the other effects. Assigns touch week so they can bump shoulders. ]
We can share! [ Vash also takes a sip before looking apologetic. ] I was just exaggerating. I'm sure she was convinced and is having fun being a maid with everyone.
[They can bump shoulders!! I've just been tossing random effects in at all times tbh. Also listen... it's fine... I have yet to see a non-golden end game even though I think badend would really be the icing on the cake for everything the depressed blonds have been through
Also he's been spoiled so yeah he will share Vash's drink, but he's not too spoiled so he won't hog it.]
Oh, okay. [HE RELAXES even though he doesn't think Shenhe can really be bullied anyway] It really does seem like they've been getting along well over there.
[Which is good... they've missed the erased so much, but he's not going to begrudge them finding joy on the other side.]
[ Vash wouldn't mind considering it's free. AND STOP. Honestly, I think bad end would be super funny... it is what we deserve. ]
Yeah, I'm glad if there were any conflicts that it has been smoothed out for however much... Everything here has felt high-strung in comparison. No maid uniforms.
That's fair enough. [Him too tbh. Sometimes you're a brokeass bitch.] But you're right, I don't think Shenhe would've worn one if she didn't want to. Though, I did hear something about her eating slugs...
[HELP x2 Kaveh wouldn't eat slugs for him but he does understand the vibe, at least. He sighs softly.]
...I'm glad he's had you two with him.
[It's complicated, he knows. Livio's told him about how this place, despite everything that's happened, has given him back things he'd lost--how he can't hate that he's had more time with people he cares so much about. And Kaveh knows, from all his conversations with the three of them, that life isn't really any easier in their homeland. Still, it's very hard for him to look away from all the pain and suffering that's come along with this second chance. He can't say he'd never wish this place on them, exactly--but he does wish that they'd been able to have their time together without all the burdens that have come with their roles here.]
... Our world is some level of a hellhole, but we do have each other. This place, too. Livio made a lot of good friends here—and I'm grateful for that.
[ This place may be less murderous than NML, but it's definitely more emotionally taxing. Being with the same people for eight weeks is learning heavier loss all over again.
But there are good memories here alongside the bad. He can try to keep holding onto that... Because what else can they do? Death didn't come for them. They're still here. ]
[Aww, Vash. Kaveh smiles slightly, but it's tinged with melancholy. It's true--Kaveh never managed to see the others as opponents to be defeated. He'd said, weeks ago, that he almost wished more of them were cold-blooded and ruthless, that it would make it easier to resist the urge to get attached--but even that, really, was just a useless lament. It wouldn't have worked. Kaveh just isn't that sort of person.]
Of course! [Quickly, easily.] But I know it's not quite the same thing.
[ Maybe it would make it easier for Kaveh, but Vash would still be a pacifist and he'd be sad over these twitter meow meows. ]
We don't have a lot of friends back at home, so...! That friend confession meant a lot, I'm sure. [ Hehe. He offers Kaveh his drink. ] Did you get to do the same for Wolfwood?
[Now I'm just picturing Vash amongst the superhell graveyard full of absolute stinkers.
I also abandoned the party log because I'm weak, but Kaveh's reaction to this idea of Vash not having friends is the same now as it would've been yesterday--a sympathetic glance, but no commentary as he leans over to take another sip of Vash's drink. He suspects he understands what Vash means, or at least a part of it; Kaveh isn't so dissimilar, and he knows that beyond that, Vash is bound, at least in part, by the burden of what he is.]
That what? [IT WAS SO LONG AGO... he blinks, but after a little thought, he realizes what Vash is talking about.] Oh, right. Well--you know. He's looked out for me a great deal, after all. [The least Kaveh could do was support him, however pitifully he could. Aside from the fact that he simply enjoys Livio's company.
As for the rest--there's a blip of complicated emotion, but it's gone quickly. Kaveh ignores it, though the question makes him snort.]
Livio's a good guy... Sometimes, I think he forgets that.
[ IT'S OKAY. Friends came up here again anyway. It's difficult to feel close to others, isn't it? When you put on a smile that is empty, shouldering the pain, it's also a barrier. ]
Wolfwood is extremely allergic. I remember being sincere one time and he called me gross.
[ Curiosity, though, for that blip of complicated emotion when Wolfwood is in topic. Can anyone blame him? Wolfwood... Is gone. Kind of. And he's still allergic. Looong sip of the frap. ]
[Just based on some of the conversations they'd had--some of the ways Livio's reacted to things Kaveh has seen from him. Kaveh's done what he could to stand by him from the start, but despite what Vash says, he's not sure how much it resonates, since Kaveh's fully aware of just how much he still doesn't know about the three of them.
As for Wolfwood:]
Tch, that man. He called me stupid and sappy--actually, technically, he called you two stupid first, but then me. [SINCE IT STARTED WITH KAVEH CALLING VASH AND LIVIO SMART. Kaveh doesn't even know why he tries so hard to be tsun when one of the first things he'd said was that he had kids to get home to. He was doomed to never seem as stinky as intended, even if he's a pigtail puller.
But--ah. Kaveh's reminded of why he hated this week so much the first time--there's so much of his heart that he doesn't want spilling out. This isn't nearly as bad as the cesspool of negativity he carries around, but it still feels a bit like getting caught.]
No. [Quickly. Too quickly? He amends--] Nothing important. [...] I'm glad you two worked things out, though.
[He means it, too, with absolute sincerity. Regardless of anything else, he wants Vash to be happy. To know love. He deserves it more than Kaveh thinks he realizes.]
[ They're just all traumatized shelter dogs... Except Vash is more of a friendly wild coyote. Because they had so little, small things mean a lot. ]
Pretty sure that's an insult even if he placed Livio and I before you.
[ No matter his kids, Vash still thinks Wolfwood smells. They all smell to certain degrees, but he's seen their worst. This is an interesting turn because he can't say that this thought process was predictable. Nevertheless, his expression beams.
Gently, he nudges Kaveh's side. That quick rejection is too obvious. ]
I thouuught we were talking about friends? This kind of makes it sound like you have a crush on him!
[I say again WHY ARE YOU TORTURING HIM AAAAAAAA HE MADE IT SO LONG WITH ONLY ONE PERSON FINDING OUT AND IT WASN'T A TRIGUN
Kaveh is too used to being left behind by people he cares about for various reasons, so even though Vash's teasing is lighthearted, it makes his stomach curl in fear. He concentrates very hard on his coffee and edges away slightly, too focused on trying to stop his thoughts and feelings from leaking out to be super subtle. Is his face red... he can't tell... HE DOESN'T THINK SO BUT HOW IS HE SUPPOSED TO CHECK... FCK]
We were talking about friends! And we are. Friends. [10/10 delivery Kaveh not awkward at all]
[ me here because i am not doing anything important ]
Your face is red.
[ That is enough of an answer for Vash, honestly. As someone who had loved Wolfwood before this place, feelings longstanding despite those same feelings were unknown to him at the beginning because he's a complete idiot... All he can feel is relief and gratitude that one of his favorite persons is appreciated and loved, too? Wolfwood has always saw himself distant from such affairs. Always casting a blind eye to how much others care for him. How important he is. How he would haunt them past his time.
Of course it's difficult for Vash not to feel insecure in his own way. He doesn't compare himself to Kaveh, but he simply thinks everyone is a better choice than himself... For who could be worse than a monster? He wants Wolfwood to be happy. Wants to be there and see it before his own time comes. That would have been enough for him.
But they've already made choices, promises, and while Vash isn't sure how well he will kill them (being old makes you semi-incorrigible), he doesn't let those insecurities take him. ]
Anyway, I hope he knows. [ There's a knowing smile with the next set of words. ] Time is nebulous, but it can be short.
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[ HE IS GETS CARAMEL FRAP... THERE IS NO COFFEE IN IT, SO IT'S BETTER. ]
It's disappointing not to be able to hug some of them. It's been so long.
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For now, I think all we can do is keep playing by the rules. But Livio seemed to think things would work out, and I want to believe in that.
[So he will just buzz with anxiety and refuse to consider the possibility of failure, or else he will break before the finish line and that would render everything so pointless that he simply would not survive it.
His expression softens, though.]
I know. Shenhe seems so different now. [Meanwhile Wolfwood has been awake for a single day]
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When he sees Kaveh peer over, he offers his drink? He may sample and sip through his straw. He doesn't care about cooties like Livio does. ]
I'm pretty optimistic... And, if anything, we can saw that we tried in our own way. [ Hm. ] I know she has been trying to be honest about how she feels, which is good.
Then there's getting pressured into the maid outfit.
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He'll lean over and try some of Vash's drink though, because who cares about cooties.] I should've gotten this one...
[TCH. But also wait hold on]
What? Pressured?
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We can share! [ Vash also takes a sip before looking apologetic. ] I was just exaggerating. I'm sure she was convinced and is having fun being a maid with everyone.
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Also he's been spoiled so yeah he will share Vash's drink, but he's not too spoiled so he won't hog it.]
Oh, okay. [HE RELAXES even though he doesn't think Shenhe can really be bullied anyway] It really does seem like they've been getting along well over there.
[Which is good... they've missed the erased so much, but he's not going to begrudge them finding joy on the other side.]
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Yeah, I'm glad if there were any conflicts that it has been smoothed out for however much... Everything here has felt high-strung in comparison. No maid uniforms.
Well, no free maid uniforms.
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WeLL]
I know what you mean. [They've been so insanely stressed and depressed and the dead are eating slugs
Though, slightly amused--] Did you want one?
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I wouldn't mind, if they're free.
[ Vash accepts free wares. ]
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That's fair enough. [Him too tbh. Sometimes you're a brokeass bitch.] But you're right, I don't think Shenhe would've worn one if she didn't want to. Though, I did hear something about her eating slugs...
[WHY.]
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[ help ]
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Why did you eat them?!
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[ They're just survivalist raccoons. ]
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...You don't need to do that here. The regular food is free.
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[ he ate slug for him I guess ]
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...I'm glad he's had you two with him.
[It's complicated, he knows. Livio's told him about how this place, despite everything that's happened, has given him back things he'd lost--how he can't hate that he's had more time with people he cares so much about. And Kaveh knows, from all his conversations with the three of them, that life isn't really any easier in their homeland. Still, it's very hard for him to look away from all the pain and suffering that's come along with this second chance. He can't say he'd never wish this place on them, exactly--but he does wish that they'd been able to have their time together without all the burdens that have come with their roles here.]
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[ This place may be less murderous than NML, but it's definitely more emotionally taxing. Being with the same people for eight weeks is learning heavier loss all over again.
But there are good memories here alongside the bad. He can try to keep holding onto that... Because what else can they do? Death didn't come for them. They're still here. ]
You're his friend too, right?
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Of course! [Quickly, easily.] But I know it's not quite the same thing.
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We don't have a lot of friends back at home, so...! That friend confession meant a lot, I'm sure. [ Hehe. He offers Kaveh his drink. ] Did you get to do the same for Wolfwood?
[ Vash just assumes they're friends. ]
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I also abandoned the party log because I'm weak, but Kaveh's reaction to this idea of Vash not having friends is the same now as it would've been yesterday--a sympathetic glance, but no commentary as he leans over to take another sip of Vash's drink. He suspects he understands what Vash means, or at least a part of it; Kaveh isn't so dissimilar, and he knows that beyond that, Vash is bound, at least in part, by the burden of what he is.]
That what? [IT WAS SO LONG AGO... he blinks, but after a little thought, he realizes what Vash is talking about.] Oh, right. Well--you know. He's looked out for me a great deal, after all. [The least Kaveh could do was support him, however pitifully he could. Aside from the fact that he simply enjoys Livio's company.
As for the rest--there's a blip of complicated emotion, but it's gone quickly. Kaveh ignores it, though the question makes him snort.]
Apparently, sincerity gives him hives.
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[ IT'S OKAY. Friends came up here again anyway. It's difficult to feel close to others, isn't it? When you put on a smile that is empty, shouldering the pain, it's also a barrier. ]
Wolfwood is extremely allergic. I remember being sincere one time and he called me gross.
[ Curiosity, though, for that blip of complicated emotion when Wolfwood is in topic. Can anyone blame him? Wolfwood... Is gone. Kind of. And he's still allergic. Looong sip of the frap. ]
Something up?
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[Just based on some of the conversations they'd had--some of the ways Livio's reacted to things Kaveh has seen from him. Kaveh's done what he could to stand by him from the start, but despite what Vash says, he's not sure how much it resonates, since Kaveh's fully aware of just how much he still doesn't know about the three of them.
As for Wolfwood:]
Tch, that man. He called me stupid and sappy--actually, technically, he called you two stupid first, but then me. [SINCE IT STARTED WITH KAVEH CALLING VASH AND LIVIO SMART. Kaveh doesn't even know why he tries so hard to be tsun when one of the first things he'd said was that he had kids to get home to. He was doomed to never seem as stinky as intended, even if he's a pigtail puller.
But--ah. Kaveh's reminded of why he hated this week so much the first time--there's so much of his heart that he doesn't want spilling out. This isn't nearly as bad as the cesspool of negativity he carries around, but it still feels a bit like getting caught.]
No. [Quickly. Too quickly? He amends--] Nothing important. [...] I'm glad you two worked things out, though.
[He means it, too, with absolute sincerity. Regardless of anything else, he wants Vash to be happy. To know love. He deserves it more than Kaveh thinks he realizes.]
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Pretty sure that's an insult even if he placed Livio and I before you.
[ No matter his kids, Vash still thinks Wolfwood smells. They all smell to certain degrees, but he's seen their worst. This is an interesting turn because he can't say that this thought process was predictable. Nevertheless, his expression beams.
Gently, he nudges Kaveh's side. That quick rejection is too obvious. ]
I thouuught we were talking about friends? This kind of makes it sound like you have a crush on him!
[ And what's with this jump? ]
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Kaveh is too used to being left behind by people he cares about for various reasons, so even though Vash's teasing is lighthearted, it makes his stomach curl in fear. He concentrates very hard on his coffee and edges away slightly, too focused on trying to stop his thoughts and feelings from leaking out to be super subtle. Is his face red... he can't tell... HE DOESN'T THINK SO BUT HOW IS HE SUPPOSED TO CHECK... FCK]
We were talking about friends! And we are. Friends. [10/10 delivery Kaveh not awkward at all]
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Your face is red.
[ That is enough of an answer for Vash, honestly. As someone who had loved Wolfwood before this place, feelings longstanding despite those same feelings were unknown to him at the beginning because he's a complete idiot... All he can feel is relief and gratitude that one of his favorite persons is appreciated and loved, too? Wolfwood has always saw himself distant from such affairs. Always casting a blind eye to how much others care for him. How important he is. How he would haunt them past his time.
Of course it's difficult for Vash not to feel insecure in his own way. He doesn't compare himself to Kaveh, but he simply thinks everyone is a better choice than himself... For who could be worse than a monster? He wants Wolfwood to be happy. Wants to be there and see it before his own time comes. That would have been enough for him.
But they've already made choices, promises, and while Vash isn't sure how well he will kill them (being old makes you semi-incorrigible), he doesn't let those insecurities take him. ]
Anyway, I hope he knows. [ There's a knowing smile with the next set of words. ] Time is nebulous, but it can be short.
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