doubledollar | IC INBOX

You don't need to apologise, not for that. It's obvious someone would be worried about this, I'm just... not really used to it, you know? [ no, he wouldn't know.

...Breathe out a bit. He's not used to being honest, Takame, so this is a struggle. But. The lizardlike man was right--he's seen horrors that made him understand why takame felt the way he did. ]

It's a lot.
I've ...lived a really long time, Takame. And while my life hasn't been easy, the things I saw in that place that was 'you' made me feel that you've seen things in your life that noone--noone should have to suffer in such a short time.

Yet, when I first met you, despite how quiet and subdued you seemed, you were still well-adjusted. Kind. Anyone else might be cold, callous. Cruel, untrusting.
[ his eyes flash, a moment. A glance at a photo that hangs on his wall, then back. ]

So betrayed by those who aimed to see you ruined that you became that... shadow who attacked us.

But you didn't.

You're you. Who you are today, someone who I... so desperately want to know more about. You're a pure example of everything that I... really love about humans. The ability to keep going, despite how much shrapnel is in your heart.

... That is the most unfortunate circumstance of all. [The fact that Vash, as good of a man as he was, wasn't used to people being concerned about him. It made Takame's heart ache. He was well aware of the cruel indifference of people, subscribed to it on most days, but if anyone deserved to be an exception to that rule it was Vash.

Takame's expression, while always relatively neutral, descended into deeper sadness the more Vash spoke about him. How could someone like him be what Vash adored in people? He didn't deserve such high praise at all. And yet it's still being said despite him seeing the horrible things Takame went through and even did to him, albeit indirectly.

It's been decades since he was able to cry. But this experience and the undeserved loving treatment he's received made that familiar stinging return to his eyes once more. Not a single tear fell, only the echo of a feeling. He briefly wondered if Hina would be proud of how far he's come? It was only thanks to her she was like this after all. Kind to others like she was to this day for her fallen country.

Takame was silent for a long while, trying to let Vash's words sink in. He had so much to think about between what everyone's said to him. Certainly, there were alarming key notes among the things Vash said, "lived a long time", "everything he loves about humans". But Takame, ever a man respectful of privacy only had one thing to say in lieu of getting into Vash's business.]

Someone like you is who I strive to be. You are a good man, Vash.

I wanna respond and tell you it's fine, but. You'll just scold me again. [ he's back to whining. ] Will it make you feel better if I say it's just because I don't really stay anywhere long back home? 'Vash the Stampede' is a bit of a joke--I'm always running around back home. Not really staying long enough to make friends. People tend to get uncomfortable around you when decades pass and you don't get any older.

[ he's learnt so much about takame, he'll let him have this one thing. he isn't ready to explain what he is, but. this, this is enough, for now, he figures. takame is his friend. friends he's not used to having--friends he so desperately wants. danger always followed at his heels, friends he made would always come to meet their deaths in ways that were his fault--he couldn't do it. here, though--here it was different. he could stop, meet people like Takame, like Jun--like Zulius and Caesar... they were all so strong, and he didn't have to be worried that if he got close, they'd be in danger. It's... a good feeling.
His eyes are focused on his friend for a moment as the man's eyes glaze a little--and he finds himself smiling again. Even if the man looks sad. He has to think about it, before he nods his head, once. ]

Heh, it makes my heart light to hear that. That you wanna be like me.

...So, can I make one selfish request of you, before I get too embarrassed to continue this call?

It would explain things, certainly. It is no less regretful that you aren't used to others worrying about you. More so that your circumstances, whatever they may be, make it so hard to make friends.

[Again, he isn't going to pry. Vash was older than he looked, probably considerably so. That was all Takame needed to know. If he was comfortable sharing at some point, he would be honored to be trusted. If not, he was glad to just know someone like Vash.

A true inspiration in his eyes, much like G'raha was to him. He tilted his head lightly at the request.]

Of course. What is it?

It's why I ... love it here. I know I'll one day have to go home. But if I could stay in this world for a while. I'd be content. Just to have been able to stay somewhere, call somewhere home.

[ but then he's shifting.
Moving to sit so he's facing the camera more fully, giving the fingers of his still-attached hand a wiggle. ]

If you wanna make it so we can call it even on the arm thing...

...One smile.

One smile, and we'll call it at that.

[One day they will have to go home... that harsh reality threatened to consume Takame in an already dark moment.

He forced himself to remain in the delusion for now. Until that day...

It's the nature of Vash's request that brings him back to the present. A somewhat surprised expression comes to him.]

A... surely that cannot be all you--?

[... Perhaps it was, though. Vash seemed like the type to make such a small request in return for something major. Something about Vash's request brought back to mind Haurchefant and his last words.

The memory was painful, not something Takame would ever smile about. It was one of his worst spirals. But there were good times shared.

A warm hearth, warm hearts. Between him, the Scions, his friends in Kaisou, his newfound love. It was thinking of them that he managed... a small smile.

A weak smile, tired much like his body. A smile beaten hard into the ground that still managed to shine through with the tiniest light.]

[ ...it's small, but it's there. he can see it. he expected for takame to maybe say he couldn't, after asking if that's really all he wanted. but.

vash puts his chin against the table as he takes the moment to grin at the other. Raising his hand up to make a peace sign--crossing it over in the middle after a moment to make a heart shape at the top. ]

There we are. Goal achieved.

Get some rest, okay? Promise I will, too.
Let's talk again soon, Takame.

[The gesture was somewhat unfamiliar to him, but he'd seen it in passing searches as positive and earnest. How fitting for the man Vash was. He gave a nod, a softness in his tone coming through his exhaustion.]

Mm. I would like that. Rest well.

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1/2

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1/2 can play at that game!!!

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my heart hurts

this is your doing!!