coffinturk | TLV

[OUT OF NOWHERE]

Don't suppose you're interested in a game of drunk and go seek? Your friend Cloud's left his communicator somewhere and wandered off, and I don't think he's in much of a state to be stumbling about.

He got drunk?

[ Yeah that was a bit of a surprise, enough that a text got sent before Vincent realized what might have happened. Then... ]

Oh. Never mind.

[ Then. ]

I'll look for him. Do you know where he was at originally?

Though I was left with some of my enhancements intact it seems he did not.

I have no idea at all, but there's only so many places to acquire alcohol onboard. I'm heading there first, I'll let you know if I find anything.

[He knows, he stole some.]

[ Ah yes. Illicit alcohol. Well, Vincent still won't ask questions. Those aren't as important as finding a very drunken and depowered friend on a ship full of free range murderers. ]

Alright. I'll search other places. I'll be in touch.

[ ~~Hilarious hours long searching will ensue.~~ Too bad Cloud doesn't have an assigned Warden yet. ]

[ At about two or three in the morning, another message arrives. ]

Found him. He's alive but unconscious. Taking him back to my cabin for the night.

[ Well the rest of the night. ]

Oh that's a relief! Shall I alert medical or do you intend to let him enjoy the side effects?

[ There's a minute or so before an answer comes back. So no emergency. Probably. ]

No reason to save him from the consequences of his actions.

[ There's another short pause. Then, an image comes through. Remember that coffin? Well the lid's off, Cloud's passed out on the purple satin lining. There's a pail off to the side. It's not instagram worthy, but it's a decent photo.

It's clear that someone thinks this is perfectly fine. Or might be frustrated and have a wicked sense of humor underneath their taciturn demeanor. ]

Edited 2024-07-12 16:47 (UTC)

I'm saving that. Fair enough; he had questions but I wasn't going to answer them when he was drunk. If he still wants them in the morning, I'll be around.

I also have some cleaning product if he wrecks your floor.

You should.

[ Keep it. If Vincent hadn't wanted to risk it being saved, he wouldn't have sent it. ]

I'm more worried he'll wreck my coffin. Cushioned satin is a pain to clean. But thanks. Oh. If you're still out, can you pick up some clothes for a 5'5" drunk with a SOLDIER's build? Drop them by on the way to bed.

[ Sizing approximate is important. He's not sure if Angeal and Cloud have met face to face. There's a pause. ]

Mind if I ask what he wanted you to give answers to? In general.

[ Specifics aren't what Vincent is after. Though piecing together some parts of the night and what he knows about Angeal so far, there might be a suspicion. ]

[Unseen, Angeal grins.]

He's on the thin side for a SOLDIER, must not be eating right.

Near as I can tell he wants embarrassing childhood stories about Sephiroth. Which I do have of course but that's not something to be repeated where he might actually hear me. :)

[ Also unseen, Vincent stares at the screen. Taps it. Refreshes just in case some sort of typo revision came through. Reads it again. ]

What? Cloud asked for stories of Sephiroth's childhood?

Why?

[ He wasn't going to ask after details... but... just... what?! ]

My friend, if I had any idea about much of anything with that boy I'd be doing good. He's a mystery to me.

If he was that drunk when he reached out to you, that would explain where I found him.

[ Voluntary elaboration is not Vincent's strong suit. ]

If you still want to talk to him when he's sober, I can message you when he wakes up.

Edited 2024-07-12 18:14 (UTC)

We'll see what he remembers when he wakes.

All right.

[ When the clothes are delivered he promises to mention when Cloud wakes up but otherwise that will be in the frame of 'go on to bed I'll stay up'. Fortunately, there will be plenty of hours for sleep since it's not until after noon that Vincent's message pings again. ]

He just woke up. [ Sadly, no pictures of Cloud rising from the dead. ] Sending him to shower before I ask questions. He looks like a chocobo braided him into its nest.

Edited 2024-07-12 19:18 (UTC)

And probably smells ferocious as well. None the worse for wear I take it? Good. I know this place is for rehabilitation but I don't really trust most of the populace to not.

Oh I don't know. Randomly murder people to see what happens.

A drunkard would be an easy target.

Wouldn't have bothered spending hours looking for him if I didn't think the same.

[ Yeah. Vincent is a Certain Type of friend. ]

He'll live. Probably.

Don't suppose you know if lunch is going on in the dining hall still? I don't have much food here.

[ Honestly? None at all. ]

Luckily I'm on kitchen duty, so it doesn't really matter if lunch is being served right now or not. Is he fit for walking or should I bring something?

[ There's a pause. ]

He made it to the shower. I'd say it's progress. He might be trying to drown himself in there, depending on how much he remembers.

[ Another small pause. ]

Might as well bring it here. If he doesn't come out soon, I'll turn off the hot water.

[ Never mind that if the food is brought here, Vincent can make sure Cloud has something to eat, opposed to going to curl up in a corner and die from embarrassment. ]

[Which means he's going to have to bring food for three; Cloud might be more cooeprative if everyone else has lunch too. And then they can stare at him expectantly until he actually does.

In some ways it's like being back home.]

Will do. Give me about a half hour.

[ There's a minute or so before an answer comes back. So no emergency. Probably. ]

No reason to save him from the consequences of his actions.

[ There's another short pause. Then, an image comes through. Remember that coffin? Well the lid's off, Cloud's passed out on the purple satin lining. There's a pail off to the side. It's not instagram worthy, but it's a decent photo.

It's clear that someone thinks this is perfectly fine. Or might be frustrated and have a wicked sense of humor underneath their taciturn demeanor. ]

Is this Vincent Valentine?

Edited 2024-07-17 02:29 (UTC)

Yes. Who's asking?

I am Mitth'raw'nuruodo. I understand you are the warden in charge of medical inventory. Is that correct?

Yes.

[ He is a man of few words. Even in text. ]

Good. I wish to alert you of a potential resource the Admiral has overlooked. He advised me to seek you out. Do you know what bacta is?

Only by the name of the fluid in the equipment here at the infirmary and a description in the files. It's similar to something from home. Go on.

Typically bacta is applied in one of two ways; submersion in a tank like the one in the infirmary, or applied as topical patches in far smaller doses. We have the first but not the second. Which may be an issue, as an inmate reported to me that a warden recently used stitching, something that a bacta patch could have healed far more quickly and painlessly, with less scarring overall.

I see. I will put in a request for samples of bacta patches and let the physicians trial them.

Is your knowledge based in a medical background or through layman applications?

I am no doctor. My expertise comes from overseeing its usage in a practical setting.

All right. Are you willing to write down what you know about the use and storage of bacta pads? I'll request literature as well, but it sounds like you know enough to provide instructions on practical use.

Yes, I am willing and able.

Thanks. You can send it through these messages and I'll transcribe it. Or you can drop it by the Infirmary, whichever you prefer.

[in answer, a file labeled Bacta.txt is dropped into Vincent's inbox, detailing rigorous studies of when to apply this as first-aid]

Good day, Vincent Valentine.

I am pleased to see bacta patches are now available in the infirmary. May I trouble you for one at this time?

At this time I only have enough on hand for trial.

So if you need one, you can stop by the infirmary. Give the doctors the on hand example of its use.

[ Is he wary of new medical tech he hasn't finished reading the literature for being abruptly requested by an inmate even if it was their suggestion and might just be the equivalent of a Star Wars Band-aid? MAYBE.

But also yeah, the supply is very limited and on trial right now too. ]

Acceptable. May I bring an inmate with me? She is interested in its uses, as last we spoke she had been stitched up with needle and thread by a warden here.

I'm only in charge of the supplies. I'm not a doctor so unless you're requesting my presence, do as you wish.

[ It's not like he's the boss of who can come and go out of the infirmary. Just who can access the supplies. And all the medical personnel know where the new bacta patches are. Or should! ]

I am requesting your presence. As the supply officer for the doctors, you should understand what you are working with.

Fair enough. [ Well he would have found time to witness it one way or another. Now's as good a time as any. ]

If you're heading there immediately, I will make my way over.

I will need time to gather my companion.

Understood. Let me know when you're both ready.

We are prepared now.

On my way.

Vincent sees no reason to keep the two waiting and no one's said that the way point to the infirmary is for emergencies only. So consider it used. He'll either arrive first and be waiting with the requisite patch (still in its packaging and thus probably instantly spotted by Thrawn) or arrive very soon after Thrawn and Justine.

It's probably safe to assume someone else is or was around; Vincent did imply he wasn't in the infirmary at that time until now. But it's probably also safe to say they are busy elsewhere or took a break when Vincent showed up. Or something else.

Either way, this will basically be the equivalent of putting a bandaid on right?

Justine doesn't want to keep either of them waiting, so she arrives with her hair still in curls and uncovered, but she quickly slides a bonnet on and ties it underneath as she adjusts her pink skirts.

"Oh! Are you the one we're supposed to meet?" she wonders with a bright laugh.

Thrawn walks up from behind Justine, hands set behind him. He gives a courteous nod to both.

"Hello, Vincent Valentine. This is my companion, Mademoiselle Justine Florbelle."

A mouthful of a name, but most Chiss names are exceedingly long too.

"Shall we?"

Before he can answer, Thrawn enters and greets him.

"Seems so." Since he'd been propping up a wall metaphorically spekaing, Vincent pushes off and steps over to the two.

"Vincent is fine," is all he's going to add regarding the matter of names. If the other two want to take that as a hint to give their own preferred and far shorter variation that's fine. The expression on what's visible of his features suggests it's also fine if they don't.

After a second of studying the Chiss, then Justine, the gunman indicates a space set aside for examinations since... well, it's probably a little less awkward than standing in the middle of the receiving area. The package containing the bacta patch is offered to Thrawn.

"Thank you, Monsieur."

Justine is just fine with her very long and elaborate name and will not be giving any sort of shortening to it. But her eyes stay on the package, though she glances at Vincent just once, taking him in.

"Is it as you know it?" she asks Thrawn, standing up a little on her toes to see better.

Thrawn nods back, cataloging this information. His red eyes gaze back at Vincent, cataloging him as well. He too doesn't give his shortened Core name but it's likely due to political ineptitude, something he may correct later on.

He takes the package in hand, looking it over before addressing Justine.

"So it seems. Vincent, may I have a scalpel?"

Vincent is a man who doesn't seem to worry that there might be a dress code for making patients feel more at ease in the infirmary.

One might expect his dress code to apply in a haunted mansion in fact. But he seems more interested in the circumstances that bring the two here and the promised display of a bacta patch's use than what people think of his appearance.

Well it seems folk aren't too worried. It's a weird Barge. Or maybe he just looks normal to them.

"No." No Thrawn, you may not. But it's not like the gunman is clueless about why the request was made. There's a couple of reasons. Some part of the use of the bacta patch. Or more adroitly, reopening the suture so the patch may be applied to Justine's injury. It's not exactly difficult to guess.

"Explain first. I will consider the options."

Justine rolls her eyes and produces a small knife from underneath her corset, handing that over to Thrawn, handle first.

"I hardly think it's worth explaining," she tells Vincent with a scoff.

Thrawn nods his thanks to Justine and promptly slices his own palm open with the knife. He wipes it down with his handkerchief and hands it back to her, then works swiftly to get the patch open.

"Observe." He remarks, dry, and shows Vincent (and Justine) how he overlays the patch onto the wound. Healing bacteria is already hard at work; the patch sticks to the wound, working hard to close it in rapid time.

Or that.

It's not unfair to say that Vincent has a reasonable reaction to, first, an 'inmate' asking casually for a scalpel and secondly, another 'inmate' producing a knife so casually. Which needless to say is to refuse one and go on high alert for the other.

That he doesn't do more suggests he's aware of some unspoken rules despite being new. And he's not completely unfamiliar with 'prisons' that have a certain casual approach for the prisoners to be equipped with weapons. And of course a certain confidence that he can put a stop to any actual bad act.

Though he seems mildly annoyed for a moment when Thrawn cuts his own palm and uses the patch, it's not as if he's going to waste the moment to observe it in action.

But he does seek to swiftly intercede in the knife being returned to Justine; skilled and swift. Should he succeed, he will comment.

"Guess I shouldn't have hoped for the sense not to bring weapons into the infirmary." The tone will be dry. He'll be quite unapologetic about it too.

She looks up to him with a pout.

"A warden gave me that," she tells him firmly.

Thank God the Belmont brute gave her a second.

She waves the man off, focusing her attention on the bacteria as it works.

Thrawn allows the knife to be taken from them, but his eyes stare hard into Vincent. It's always difficult to read what he's feeling, but there's a tension in the air that wasn't there before.

He blinks, and it releases, as he turns his gaze back to Justine, holding his hand out for the other to to watch the bacta patch at work.

"Under normal circumstances, you would keep this on for one hour, replacing it as until the wound is gone. This cut is superficial; it should only be a few more moments."

He removes the patch; the cut is mostly gone, a slightly darker blue mark indicating his natural healing urged along.

Edited 2024-07-26 04:49 (UTC)

Thrawn's gaze is met and returned, unyielding. It appears Vincent is a man used to such regard and the atmosphere which comes with it. When the moment passes, he addresses Justine's response. The words are calm and mild, but firm.

"Which warden? Once I confirm that, I'll return the weapon. When you leave the infirmary." Of course it's likely Justine is telling the truth, else why so brazenly produce the knife in the first place? Does he believe it's the only weapon she has on her?

Not at all. But confiscating the weapon was about their location, not any act of dominance. And as long as another isn't produced, Vincent isn't going to pursue the issue further.

Vincent returns his attention to the Chiss and the demonstration of the bacta patch's efficacy.

"Demonstrations aside, is it common to use these patches for superficial injuries like this where you're from? What's the usual threshold?"

"Trevor Belmont," she answers without looking at him.

"Is there pain in the healing?" she asks Thrawn. "How fresh does it have to be? Does it work on broken bones? What - " She pauses, literally biting her tongue to keep from asking too many questions. She rests her arm on Thrawn's, trying to lower his hand so she can see better.

"It is." He tells Vincent first and foremost. "When the wound becomes too large or too life-threatening, then the full tank ought to be used."

Back to Justine. Thrawn has endless stores of patience for those willing to learn; he answers as smooth and quick as he's able to find the words. He lowers his arm down for her to see, allowing her to turn his palm how she likes.

"No more pain than the wound itself, and the age of it does not matter; bacta will urge along a body's natural healing, which is why it's considered my galaxy's effective 'cure all'. It does work on broken bones, but I would suggest coating a regular cast with bacta inside first so that when the bone is knitted together again, it does not heal the wrong way. And of course, physical therapy will still be needed."

As the discussion had been ongoing, Vincent had drawn out his communicator and taken a few moments to send a message. But he hasn't lost the thread of the conversation and soon to be caught considering what Thrawn said.

"Interesting. Is that something you've verified, using bacta on a cast? If the healing process takes more than an hour, it would need a special cast that can be removed."

For a reapplication of bacta.

"Is any special material needed?" Briefly Vincent's gaze goes from the patch to the direction of the actual tank. "Or a certain weight that's different from the tank supply?"

Why order patches if one could just make use of the fluid by ordering it in bulk?

Physical therapy. She moves her lips to repeat the words, though she doesn't actually know what it entails. She'll need to look it up later.

She turns his hand towards her, watching it carefully, reaching out to gently touch the palm of his hand where the wound had been. It doesn't open, nor does it give any indication that it might be an illusion.

"What are the components of it?" she wonders, ignoring Vincent. He has his questions for his reasons, she has her's for her own.

"It is." He confirms with Vincent. "Really, what's done isn't a hard plaster mold - more of a sturdy layering of cloth bandages would do. The major reason it isn't fully conducted is usually cost and a sense of claustrophobia: if you are uncomfortable with the feeling of drowning or your injuries are minor, the tank becomes overkill."

To Justine, he begins to remove the patch, showing her how it sticks briefly to the skin before releasing, bearing unbroken skin underneath.

"If you're asking for a complete biometric read-out, I can deliver that to you both. The short answer is it's a sort of bacteria. A living component that reads your body make-up and acts as your blood cells would, only far more quickly."

For his part Vincent seems content with the arrangement; that is posing questions, letting Justine pose hers and listening to Thrawn's responses. There's only the occasional moment where he might be drawn back to the communicator in his hand to exchange messages.

"Ah, got it. And sorry. What I meant is whether the bacta used in the tank can be applied to the cast or does a special formula need to be ordered?"

Will they need a supply request to keep up the bacta tank, patches and something like manual application to a cast as separate stock? At the offer Thrawn makes regarding the readout, Vincent shakes his head.

"I won't need it. When I ordered the samples I requested that information so it'll be on file for the doctors here to go over. As well as the standard information for care and use. Including your file, I think we're set here."

Of course he isn't speaking for Justine on this.

She looks over her shoulder. "If you have the information, Monsieur, might I have it?" She doesn't bother fluttering her eyelashes or any of the other nonsense she usually uses to get what she wants. If she can't get it from Vincent, then she can get it from Thrawn with very little effort.

She returns her attention to underneath the patch, sucking in air through her teeth at the look of it. Fascinating.

"No - it is the same mixture."

Thrawn inclines his head in acknowledgement, and removes the patch entirely to throw it away.

"Will that be all, Warden Valentine?"

To Justine, he turns to leave, but waits for her at the doorway, figuring she may linger and he'll offer to walk her out. He needs to apologize for the loss of her knife.

There's one last glance at the communicator where the lines around Vincent's eyes suggests he frowns. It's put away momentarily to focus on the final parting.

"Provided it doesn't have any sensitive information, I'll send you a copy," Vincent answers Justine without hesitation. "Sorry, I haven't had the time to go through all of it myself but it should be fine."

Then to Thrawn. Regarding the blue-skinned gentleman, Vincent only offers a nod. But an apology for the loss of the knife may not be necessary.

"I was able to confirm Trevor Belmont gave you the knife. So if you're ready to leave, I'll return it to you... Mademoiselle Florbelle."

Though he'll be walking it over to the door before handing it to her.

Justine just smiles. "Lovely!" she chirps, all pleasantries now, and will take the knife from him as she reaches the door. It gets tucked back inside of her corset and she looks up to Thrawn. She's quite pleased with herself, with this outing, now that it's concluded.

She has so much to write.

"Why is everyone so difficult on this ship?" she sighs, keeping her tone just loud enough to hopefully make it back to Vincent.

He gestures for her to go ahead of him and walks Justine out, voice low but distinct;

"A low level of trust, I presume."

Ah yes, the classics. Vincent watches the two leave. He probably didn't miss the words at all but once they're on the way he turns to enter the infirmary again, likely to clean up.

Though... there is a subtle movement of his shoulders as if amusement caused a brief, silent chuckle.

are you one of those people who needs to meet all your coworkers

[Solid way to start a conversation, Shaw; gold star.]

[ What do you mean it's a great conversation starter. Vincent couldn't do better. ]

I find it's good for security rely on more than a few lines of text.

now you're speaking my language

what are your hours, i'll swing by

I usually do paperwork and answer questions in the mornings. Otherwise I can arrange to be present by appointment or you can contact me and see if I'm free.

[ Translation, whatever works. ]

see you tomorrow morning

[She won't show up first thing - she exercises the dogs first, then goes for a brief run - but at a little before eleven, she ducks into the infirmary, eyes peeled for a stranger doing paperwork.]

[ Hey that's good that it's not first thing in the morning! Who likes their paperwork routine delayed because of a first thing in the morning visitor? Well, not this guy anyway.

Granted, he might have problems dealing with people in general but that's another story and this is work related.

Vincent probably isn't the oddest looking individual to grace the ship, but he definitely hasn't gone out of his way to look more normal. See that guy over there? Dark clothes, red cloak, red headscarf? Over the top handgun with three, count them, THREE revolver barrels holstered at his right side? Yup, that's definitely a new guy. He doesn't look like someone who should be legally allowed to sit at an office desk with a mug of coffee, writing with a standard blue ink pen on a yellow legal pad. In a medical office.

Also, depending on whether this meeting takes place after his introduction, she might have a good idea of what to look for anyway.

Vincent looks up. Yeah, those are some red eyes. Sure he's expecting someone, but that doesn't mean it's this individual in particular. ]

Morning.

[The red eyes are interesting and unexpected, sure, but where Shaw's attention immediately goes is that gun - and she sure doesn't look like she's about to tell him to put it away in public.]

Nice piece.

[She says admiringly, reaching down to flick up her pant leg and reveal her ankle holster, where her own handgun (albeit a much more modest handgun) is strapped.]

I can already tell I'm gonna like having you around.

[ It's an absolutely customized fantasy of a piece and Vincent loves it.

And while he can't say he's often had a lady walk into the room, glance at his thigh and then lift her pantleg up to show off her piece, it doesn't seem to be something that makes him feel awkward with surprise either.

The tilt of his head as he looks down with interest at the handgun does hide his features more under the collar of his cloak, but not before a glimpse of the corners to his mouth being turned up in an amused smile might be caught. ]

Thanks.

[ For which part? Maybe an entire 'yes' will suffice to answer that. Alas, though there's guns to look at and admire and maybe talk about, work comes first. And this is an introduction. Pen is put down and he gestures at a chair at the other side of the desk that was probably moved there on the expectation of company. ]

Vincent Valentine.

Yeah, I saw your post. I was, uh-- I've been busy.

[Someone, eventually, will explain comas to this guy, if they haven't already. But Shaw does not want to be the one to do it, or the one to field all the inevitable questions that she won't have any answers to. The Barge is confounding, even for someone who's been onboard for a year and a half, and an eager member of the welcome wagon she is not. Instead, she takes the offered seat, leaning forward with her elbows on her knees.]

So are you a vampire or what?

Haven't caught your name.

[ Yup, apparently it didn't come up in their brief exchange- and the communicators go by ID numbers rather than specific names. While he's met a few people on the list in person...

Also it's only polite to let the person introduce themselves even if he had found it out beforehand. Offering his own redundantly had been a prompt.

Also he'll blink once when Shaw's so forthright about her question regarding his appearance. Not shocked, not offended. Just that people don't generally approach it so bluntly.

It earns a brief chuckle. For a second Vincent's features settle to match the dry tone of his answer. ]

What? Worried I might skim a bit off the blood bags?

[ There'll be just enough of a pause to let the merit of the humor sink in. But afterward he sobers and shakes his head. ]

I'm not very fond of the sun but... no. Why? Is that a problem that comes up here?

[ After all she went right for the vampire connection. He does have to wonder. ]

It was you, wasn't it.

[ Oh hi, can't imagine what has you texting this fine day. ]

Care to be more specific?

Like you don't know.

I can think of a couple of things that I may or may not have done, Cloud.

[ Yes, he's probably enjoying this. But also yes, he can think of at least one other thing he's getting messaged about. Like a certain picture got circulated. ]

The mural.

What are the other things?

Oh. That.

[ Like nbd. ]

Other things? Nothing particular.

Did the Admiral get the time frame right?

[ Of the mural. Vincent is sure the entity would have fulfilled the request as best possible but it kind of was an abstract one. ]

Yeah, that. Timing was fine. Just wanted to say thanks.

[It seems insufficient, but what else can he say?]

[ It is enough. Any more and Vincent would be uncomfortable. Why else have it anonymous?

Well, he can probably come up with q few good excuses. ]

Don't mention it.

Maybe I'll come by sometime. See what changed.

[ Well. That is interesting. Vincent talked of many things about his past. But never something implied so casually as indulging in nostalgic memory. ]

You're welcome to anytime.

[Being that casual about something weighty is Cloud's norm, so it doesn't strike him as all that odd - not over text, at least. Seeing Vincent actually looking at the picture and hearing him make comparisons might be a different story.]

I'll keep that in mind.

[ Of course it won't be immediately or anything. He's probably doing work right at this moment. But later there's going to be a point where he returns to his room.

You know, to recharge from all the interactions he has to have with other people. You'd think a vessel the size of the Barge would not feel crowded. But you would also be wrong. At least from Vincent's point of view. ]

[When Cloud heads over to Vincent's cabin and knocks on the door, he's carrying a plate with a slice of cake on it.]

It's me.

[A quiet announcement, since he's really not sure how often Vincent answers the door. Or if he's going to now, if he's even there at all. Such are the risks when one's befriended an elusive cryptid.]

[ Generally speaking? There's few of the people he'd call friends that he wouldn't answer the door for. How long he'd indulge the visit is probably a better question to ask.

But he's in and awake. After a moment the door opens. ]

...So it is. Want to come in?

[ He will move out of the way if it's suggested Cloud is here for a prolonged visit. Which is more than he'd allow for non-friends.

Unless they had booze. The former Turk's frame doesn't fill the entire door and if Cloud is really curious he can see Vincent was up to a little gun maintenance. Cerberus is still at his side but another weapon is in pieces on a cloth upon the main room's coffee table.

Look. Would anyone be really surprised if it turned out he had more than one gun? ]

[Cloud doesn't bother responding aloud, just heads on in when Vincent moves aside. He does spot the gun maintenance, and isn't surprised in the least to find that he has more than one.

Once Vincent's shut the door, Cloud holds the plate out to him.]

Aerith asked the Admiral for a cake for my birthday. The one my mom used to make. Didn't feel right eating the whole thing by myself.

[ Vincent's gaze shifts from Cloud's face to the plate in hand. Then back to the blond's expression. ]

...Huh. Now that is a neat trick.

[ The Admiral being able to conjure up a Nibelheim mural was one thing, but nabbing Cloud's mom's cake? That's damned impressive. But rather than take the offering in hand, Vincent sets himself in motion, cloak swirling as he moves to the kitchen. ]

Mind putting it on the table?

[ But this time it isn't the weird lack of qualities one might expect in a host. Gun maintenance means gun oil, powder residue and the like. Both of his hands were already bare and he needs to to more than wipe them clean with a towel as he did before answering the door. In any case that'll be pretty obvious when water is turned on and soap procured. ]

Hm. I suppose an anonymous gift was pointless.

[ Hands are dried, a fork is fetched. And that comment was probably a conversation to continue the one that happened the day before. ]

Far as I know, there's not a whole lot the Admiral can't do.

[From Cloud's tone, he's not sure how much of a good thing that is.

He moves to put the plate on the table as Vincent asks and then leans against a wall, arms folded casually.]

Only so many people it could've been, and I asked Aerith. And Zack wouldn't have done it anonymously.

[And it sure as hell wasn't Sephiroth, so Cloud was left with only one possibility.]

[ Sephiroth providing that would be... probably tonedeaf. Honestly, Vincent had debated whether or not it wuold be a bad idea as a present from himself before deciding to go with it.

Which of course suggests that at one point the anonymity might have been an effort to create a buffer. Even if said buffer lasted ten minutes. At the very least, plausible deniability. In short, Vincent is secretly relieved it went over well enough. ]

Right.

[ He's back, picking up the plate of cake. Looking down at it, then toward Cloud. ]

Hm.

[ ...Is it a little odd to be eating a slice of cake alone? With an audience? Maybe. ]

...'Suppose there's no time like the present. How about going to see it now?

[ You know, where at least they can be doing something else. And maybe there's a slice of cake left to eat companionably or something. Really Cloud it's weird to eat cake alone. ]

[Well, Cloud didn't tell him he had to eat the cake right now...but he shrugs and pushes himself away from the wall.]

Sure, might as well.

[He heads for the door without further fanfare.]

[ Nope. Cake. Now.

In fact if Cloud looks back, he's going to see Vincent carrying it with him as he follows the blond to the next level cabin.

This is perfectly normal, truly. But it has a deeper meaning than whether to eat it in companionship or enjoying it at its freshest.

More on that in a bit. ]

[Cloud doesn't look back, but once they get into the corridor he does walk beside Vincent and glance over briefly. Well, it makes some sense to him. Do all the birthday-related things at once, sure.

When Cloud unlocks his cabin door and lets Vincent in, the sight that greets them is a room that looks like a fusion between Cloud's childhood home and the interior of Edge's Seventh Heaven - homey with understated rural charm, combined with a bit of that post-apocalyptic industrial grunge feel. The traditional Nibel architecture should be familiar enough to Vincent. The furniture is functional first and aesthetically pleasing second, but there is a certain down-to-earth quality to much of it. The rest could have been lifted straight out of Seventh Heaven, including his rotary phone and desk, and even a 'bar' of sorts - there's nothing behind it, though. It's just the bar itself pushed flush against the wall with a few stools in front of it.

As for the mural, it stretches across the wall above the bar, taking up the entire length of it. Cloud gestures to the bar with his chin as a way of telling Vincent he's welcome to sit, but before he does so himself, he does indeed cut himself a slice of cake, too, with the...butter knife that's sitting out on the bar alongside it. Yeah, butter knife is the best he can do - he's lucky the bar came with that much, frankly. A few dishes and blunt silverware, that's about it.]

[ There's definitely familiarity. He's been to Edge in good and bad times. And... he remembers Nibelheim. Just like the former Turk's own room that so much would lend itself to what furnishings must have once looked like in the Shinra Mansion, the cabin is clearly a fusion of what one may consider 'home'.

Vincent follows Cloud in and looks around to take stock while Cloud retrieves another slice of cake. Good, the plan is coming together. There is no judging the butter knife; it slices cake just fine. But Cloud may hear a rattle as it turns out the 'one' fork Vincent brought was actually two stacked together. It's just quietly set down before he takes a seat at the bar and turns his focus on the mural. ]

Hmph. It really doesn't change much at all does it?

[ Vincent can probably point out a few new things. Even sleepy mountain towns have changes. Subtle repairs, new decorations outside. But even if he can, it's something to note that Nibelheim is the sort of place that time does seem to stand still. ]

Good afternoon. Zack mentioned you'd like someone cleaning medical and medical supply regularly, I can handle that for you. How often do you take inventory?

[ He knows this guy. ]

Oh, Angeal. Yeah. Inventory is periodic but I want people who can be trusted to do scheduled cleaning of the supply room. Daily floor and dusting. Monthly deep clean.

He recommended you, himself and Richter.

[ Given the circumstances, guess who he was planning to go with anyway. ]

I see. Given recent events it might be best to give him and Richter a break for a while, it sounds like they deserve it. Do you have any allergies or objections to specific cleaners or scents?

I don't. I'll ask the others and get a list of any special cleaners.

[ There's probably a list somewhere for medical facility cleaning agents. Probably why medical facilities always seem to smell the same. ]

Well, I didn't plan on bothering either of them, much less while they're dealing with logic that would be found on a playground.

[ You know, blah blah five year olds, tears and tantrums. ]

Got any preferred times you want scheduled?

Good. Used to know a guy back home that had problems with pine cleaners.

[It's basic courtesy, don't use things people might break out into hives over.]

I'm staying well clear of it. Not my circus. Mornings are best, earlier the better.

Works for me.

[ That's when he's personally in the office doing the day's paperwork. So he can be right there.

...Actually that's just a kneejerk reaction. He doesn't have any particular suspicions about Angeal and Zack did recommend the guy in addition to Vincent's own assessment. ]

Provided there's nothing to get in the way, come by tomorrow morning. I'll have the list and show you around.

Sounds good. I'll see you then. If it's not too rough on a schedule a supervisor the first couple times I'm getting into things would probably be a good idea, in case things get shuffled around. I'm used to medical wings being very --- uh, focused.. [Obsessed. He means OBSESSED.] with having things in a certain order but my memory isn't photographic. It'll take a bit.

[ There is a sound like a dry chuckle. ]

We both worked for the same company. You can be candid, Angeal. Don't worry about supervision. I'll be here every morning.

[ Personally. Well, that and he's probably the only person he'd trust in there right now to oversee 'custodial', barring maybe one or two others. ]

[And that's a short laugh in return.]

You never know, someone might have gotten fired in the years between us, and some slob running things instead. I'll need to be out by midmorning, so when I say early I mean early. ... Do you sleep?

[ This time Angeal earns a short laugh. Sounds a bit rough like the guy doesn't do it much. ]

I've been known to put in a few years here and there. Talk to you tomorrow morning.

[ Click. Good question, SOLDIER. Well then, goodbye! ]

[He's suffering the Death Toll, so he's used his time recovering to put together that list of alchemical ingredients.]

This is Durge. Given the events that transpired recently, I hope this message finds you well. I've prepared that list we spoke about.

Potion of Greater Healing. A draught for curing moderate injuries, such as cuts and bruises. Main ingredient: Balsam.

Potion of Superior Healing. A draught for curing serious injuries, such as broken bones or deep wounds. Main ingredient: Yellow Musk Creeper Petals.

Remedial Potion. A restorative potion, which can cure poisoning and eliminate magic involving effects of blindness, silence, and paralysis. Main ingredient: Xorn Scales.

I'll also require Mergrass as a Suspension and Mugwort for Salt.

[ The response comes soon enough. Thankfully Vincent is not experiencing Death Toll! Maybe some exhaustion though between fightin' monsters and making sure Aerith doesn't overwork herself. ]

I'm fine. As soon as things settle down, I'll submit this request. I don't know if recent events will cause any delays but I'll notify you as soon I receive word.

You said your world is named Toril?

Did you get a chance to speak with the wardens in the Greenhouse?

[ Well there was the whole Fog and Otherworld thing. And the possibility of waiting for confirmation that expanding plants to include alchemy ingredients would be a feasible project. ]

Take as much time as you need. We're all still in the early stages of recovery.

That's right. The continent of Faerûn, specifically.

And the fog ensnared me before I had the opportunity. Some plants from Toril might be a pleasant addition regardless of alchemical utility, but I think I'll wait until I hear back from you so I can give them a detailed proposal.

Alright. I'll be sure to note that for the request.

Has anyone checked you over? Heard the symptoms for coming back from the death were bad.

Well, might be better than actually dying at least.

There was no toll following actually dying, which makes one wonder why that couldn't be sustained. Is it the Admiral's attempt to give death here some weight? If so, the entries I've read on the network suggest it isn't working.

Is there something that could be done about the nausea?

[He hates to ask, but he also hates not being able to hold down food, so there's no winning choices here.]

I meant between being alive and sick or just dead, the former might be better.

There's some medicine that will ease it and probably let you keep something light down. I can bring it by. Need anything for pain?

[ Sadly there's nothing that will completely eradicate the symptoms. But that's probably for the better. If there was no penalty for dying, everyone would care even less. And that's already a problem. ]

The pain is manageable.

If you could bring something sufficiently light, that would be appreciated. I have a poor gauge for these things. [Since he's not really accustomed to being sick.] Cabin is on level 7, room 1. The door'll be unlocked.

I'll be there as soon as I collect everything.

[ And that's it for the immediate conversation. Vincent never pretended to give the impression that he likes to make small talk though and within a reasonable amount of time; to collect a dose of the nausea medication and an appropriate 'light meal', there is a knock on the door of the cabin.

Which is just for courtesy and to not panic the occupant. The gunman walks in shortly after. 'Light' seems to be defined as a brothy soup, half a sandwich without strong smells or condiments and applesauce. Oh and some water. He scans the immediate room and if the Dark Urge isn't in evidence, he'll call out. ]

Durge.

[Durge emerges from the bathroom upon being called, having spent the last few minutes scrubbing away the scent of sweat and bile for Vincent's benefit. His cabin is... less so, since there's still streaks of blood on his door, a great puddle drying on the ground, and more still leading right up to his cabin, marking his journey before he expired.

His cabin is otherwise clean. Despite being rather large, all it contains is a desk, small wardrobe, chest, and bed, and all signs of Bhaal have been scrubbed away, save for the gold and ruby monument on the headboard.]

I apologise for the mess. I haven't gotten around to cleaning it.

[Read: he's been too tired. And he doesn't mind it, in any case; it's nothing compared to the squalor of the temple. When he does get around to cleaning it, it'll be as a courtesy to any guests he might have.

He sits down at his desk, chair facing Vincent. Though he's cleaned himself up, he still looks worse for wear, pale and dishevelled, with prominent bags under his eyes.]

That looks appetising. [Granted, he's barely eaten since the fog rolled in, so everything looks appetizing right now.]

[ Vincent truly appreciates the efforts to get rid of the scent of bile. He's no stranger to terrible smells and has encountered far worse. But still.

Though a glance at the door and the floor indicate he notices the blood- the latter is stepped around- the man shows no sign of being troubled by it... or otherwise. He might have some similar features to vampiric entities, but he isn't one.

Or he's very good at hiding any attraction to blood.

The tray of food is brought near but it is not placed directly before the half-elf. No need to risk a direct whiff of the food triggering another bout of nausea no matter how mild it smells at a distance. The dose of medicine- and it is one dose- and the water are set much closer.

The room is given a once over, possibly looking for more signs of the difficulties the Dark Urge is going through. ]

We'll see how well you manage to keep it down.

[ Bedside manner he does not have. ]

Do you care if I send someone else to clean up? Or do you prefer I come back.

[ How many people does the man want to allow to see him so vulernable? At least he's being given a choice though this may have as much to do with the difficulties in cleanup custodial are already probably going through as well as that other thing that happened shortly before (a) hell descended on the ship. ]

[Durge gives Vincent's face a lingering glance before taking the medicine. Those eyes remain a curiosity. It might have been interesting to see him in the environment of that unearthly scourge, but the opportunity for that has passed.

He swallows the medicine and takes small, tentative sips of water so to not make himself gag.]

My stomach was damaged, so I expect that isn't helping matters.

[Phantom pains and nausea. Not a great combo. But with the medicine, he should have some chance of being able to eat something instead of having to wait until this subsides.]

You, if it's not too much trouble. [He is trying to keep the number of people who see him like this to a minimum. It's a little unbecoming for a child of Bhaal to be in such a state.

He leans back in his chair to wait for the medicine to take effect, one ankle crossed over a knee, and he scans Vincent's face again, longer this time, searching for any signs of fatigue - or lack thereof.]

Sounds like I should have brought the painkillers after all.

[ He did not which is a reasonable precaution in a 'prison' environment. On the other hand? He listened to the request of the patient. So the Dark Urge only has himself to blame?

A study of what can be seen of Vincent's features could reveal a lot. While it's unclear if some of the typical signs of fatigue- paler features for example as he is already very pale- would be clear, there probably are small signs around his eyes that he is weary.

Still it is definitely not on the level of someone that suffered a death or even a person who hasn't even tried to get rest. Despite the events and the cleanup necessities of the aftermath, it does appear the man either has a fair bit of stamina or has the sense to take small breaks from time to time. ]

Wouldn't have offered if it was.

[ The apathy, the indifference. A person at work who might have had an unusually long shift and not the best people skills, but definitely a far cry from someone who just suffered what, for most people, should have been the ripping, bleeding scars of every intense, sleepless personal trauma one could imagine brought to life.

Vincent had started to turn away, likely to just... go fetch the cleaning tools needed to come back and get that over with, but then he pauses and looks at the child of Bhaal. ]

What?

[Dark Urge waves a dismissive hand.]

I'm managing.

[It'll serve as a good reminder not to let this happen again. In any case, he's tracking its intensity and when it starts to diminish, and he won't be able to take accurate notes with painkillers.

By the standards set by the state of everyone else, Vincent is immaculate. But Durge still notes the smudges of fatigue around his eyes, faint but present. Maybe a little pallid too, though it's hard to tell with his usual complexion being so pale.

There are a lot of answers he could give to Vincent's question, and few of them pleasant. But he opts for delicacy:]

Medical personnel have the tendency to overwork themselves, particularly during disaster. And while you seem to have remarkable endurance, if your time spent assisting me here would be better spent grabbing some rest, I'm sure I could manage the cleaning myself eventually.

[He smiles, warm and pleasant. And there's absolutely nothing deceptive about it, promise.]

[ In response, Vincent almost seems amused. ]

I've been pacing myself. But no need to worry on my account. You're my last stop for a while.

[ Primarily because Vincent knows he needs to get himself a nap in before he goes to track down Aerith and make sure she is getting a rest break.

There's some nuance to his response. Most people might be expressing an undercurrent of gratitude for the concern about then. Vincent appears to have the presence of a man is a lot more practical in times of crisis. And that comment about pacing himself? Probably had more nuance than just the flow of work in the aftermath of the events that consumed the last week or so of the Barge's daily routine. ]

Hope you weren't under the impression that I was sticking around after cleaning up the blood.

[ That sort of thing is just being practical. The half elf can clean his own cabin in his own time. This man is definitely not the type to play nurse. Definitely not for a stranger. ]

[Durge raises his hands to emphasize his refusal.]

Oh, no, not at all. I would rather you used that time to rest and tend to those with greater need.

[He's never had a nurse before and he doesn't intend to have one now. It's a little beneath a Bhaalspawn. He's endured much, much worse than this without any sort of assistance, up to and including evisceration, so the medicine is more a matter of want than need. Repeatedly vomiting up food after not eating for several days is just unpleasant enough to allow for some concessions.

His hands drop.]

If I find myself well enough, I hope to join you soon. But I'm not sure how long these tolls tend to last.

[ There'll be no argument on Vincent's part. In fact, it makes it easier on him that the Dark Urge is so self-sufficient as to not insist. ]

Not really sure myself.

[ Vincent hadn't looked into it. A decision he will probably rectify for the future now it is clear a catastrophe of this size can occur. ...At least there's a lot of first hand examples he can observe?

You know. Silver linings and all. ]

Do as you please.

[ It really isn't Vincent's job to dictate what the half-elf does and does not do to maximize his recovery. Such is the impression his words give. And maybe just a little acknowledgement that the Dark Urge seems more than capable of understanding his limits.

Not one for lingering, this time Vincent does leave the room; though he'll return with what's needed to take care of the bloodstains and anything else he might have noticed should not wait for the room's occupant to be able to pick up after himself. It's within that time there might be room for further conversation.

It may be an interesting process to watch though; by all accounts a person working in the medical profession, even inventory, should understand how to clean up blood. But there is a thoroughness that suggests he's very accustomed to it. Methodical, thorough; and without some form of divine or arcane way to scry into the past, very unlikely for someone to discover there was ever any suspicious stains there at all.

But it's fine. Surely in a place like the Barge, he's had plenty of opportunities to practice... the thorough elimination of evidence. ]

[A good neighbor comes over to check on other neighbors. Or friend check on friend at least.

Gently, Aerith knocks on Vincent's door. It's quiet, in the early evening post dinner. But not sleep time for most people. ]

Vincent? You home?

[She doesn't even bother with the door. Of course it's locked.]

[ Vincent is not asleep, nor is he in the bath. But there are signs that the latter has occurred when the sound of the locks being undone is followed by the door opening.

Mind you, this is solely because his hair still looks a bit damp. The man is fully dressed and kitted but at least his clothes aren't damp as well. Cloud, somewhere, may indeed rest easy with someone else's knowledge that Vincent does indeed know how to bathe without his clothes on.

Probably.

The young woman gets a bit of a study. Ruby eyes flick to glance around the hall for any signs of issues. Then the door opens further and Vincent's right hand is sliding Cerberus- drawn and hidden behind the half open door but at the ready in case it was someone pretending to be someone they are not- back into the holster.

No big deal. ]

Aerith. Did you need something?

[ He doesn't stand aside immediately. She might just be passing by on the way to her cabin. Or she's calling him out. ]

[Damp hair, but already armed and ready to shoot if she was a lure. Somehow she's not surprised, and she'd not spooked in the least.]

Oh yes. Desperately.

[No doubt he knows how her voice lits that it's not actually serious at all. But her eyes light on his hair, before going back to his red eyes.]

I need to lend you my conditioner. I noticed that lately...your hair is not doing its best.

[ Even if she had been surprised, Vincent probably would have been open about what he had hidden behind the door. Not as a warning, but more because he didn't see the need to hide how he is.

Particularly not in the wake of events that recently occurred.

Still, the answer she gives earns Aerith an unblinking stare. He had to know something ludicrous was going to come out, despite the sense of urgency the first words of it had suggested. Desperately.

He really had not expected it to be followed with remarks about the state of his hair. ]

What?

[ One second, his mind is catching up. After a bit more processing, in which he absolutely refuses to give into the impulse to reach up and touch said dark locks, he blinks and heaves a large sigh. Right, humor.

Also hey! There's nothing wrong with his hair! He uses the same care as always. You know. Shampoo, brush and comb, towel dry, wrap it out of the way again with a scarf. Probably not in that particular order. He shakes his head and might be a bit amused. ]

Come in. I was having a glass of wine.

[ The offer is extended. He's clearly going to avoid talk about his hair care routine but at least he's not so far gone as to completely reject Aerith's visit.

....Or is it that? There's a lot of concessions he'll give for her, particularly as he's been in the habit lately of bothering her and he suspects there's something to this visit that's more than just a passing thought. And maybe certain visitors would be welcome, opposed to being left alone with his thoughts.

Having a glass of wine. This is of course Vincent speak for 'want to join me?' ]

[For some reason, that didn't surprise her that she'd caught him off guard. She doesn't usually quip at him like this, but it was overdue. He was her friend after all; that meant he was now in the circle that was the Gently Bullied by her and teased. Everyone had a way of showing their affection, and that- along with physical contact- was how Aerith showed hers.

And she had a feeling that he would like the former more then the latter. No special reason. Just because.]

Wine? That sounds perfect. That might curb some of my sangria cravings.

[Him? Bothering her and trying to make sure she was taking care of herself? Clearly not doing anything like returning the favor? Since no one was clearly making sure that he was okay.

Someone had to look out for the watcher.

Given the space, she'd breeze in, glancing around. If she spots the coffin...it won't take much to make her grin.

Ah, memories.]

[ Space is made, Aerith is permitted to pass and Vincent will close the door and lock it behind her.

In Vincent's space, the only door that really remains closed is the one to his 'study' which is also the armory. Closed and locked for practical reasons when he's not making use of it. So the doors to the 'bedrooms' are open, one with a coffin the other with a normal bed.

The main area is full of furniture with a slightly faded antique feel. Not worn or broken or rotted, mind you. Just well aged but still fantastically serviceable, from an age where they 'still did things right'. A couch, a couple of chairs, some nice tables and lamps. Decor is sparse but there are some pieces.

It makes a particular one more noticeable for its ostentatious nature amidst small landscape paintings and the single black succulent that someone gifted him recently. A small statue of semi-transparent crystal which seems to embody a female figure within. The clarity is not so great that any features can be determined.

By one of the chairs is the open bottle of wine and a glass that's got a measure poured into it. There's also a book from the library; bookmarked with, of all things, an origami bat.

Hanna would be pleased to know that it's getting honest use.

There's a clitter-clatter of cabinet doors and the fetch of another wine glass from the shelf. Maybe it's surprising in itself that he actually has something for visitors in the first place. Maybe not. ]

Sangria, huh. Haven't had one of those in a long time.

[ He crosses the room, where he'll take the bottle with the intention of pouring Aerith a glass of the red wine and offering it. ]

[She would have been surprised if he hadn't locked the door behind her.

But the decorations were notalgic in a way. It reminded her of the slums, a little of how her own room was, but for the small crystal. Her decor depended on the flowers which she changed every so often. It was still...funny how close their rooms seemed to reflect what was home to them.

Though the bat was clearly a Hanna touch. Which was rather charming, and made her a little sad, thinking of the young man and his current mental state. That was...something to be touched on another time.

Instead of going to the table though, she moved towards the couch, moving to sit there instead. It looked far more comfortable. And besides, she didn't have one in her living space. She took what comfort she could.]

I haven't either. But I was speaking to Hakkai- he works in the kitchens- and we talked about using some of the crab apples for it. Some of the citrus too but...the apples would be the unknown if it'll really work work part.

[She'll take the wine when it's offered. It'll be nice to share a drink with a friend.]

[ With Aerith settled on the couch- it's comfortable to sit on and maybe sprawl on but jury's out on whether it would be comfy to sleep on- and given a glass of wine, Vincent's hosting duties are largely over. That is to say he returns to the seat he'd been clearly occupying when she arrived and settles in. Couch and chair face each other so it'll be no problem holding conversation. ]

Hm. Could try soaking them if they end up being too tart. [ He adds clarification. ] Like a sloe gin.

[ Sugar, liquor and apples. What could go wrong? Especially if you need to test different varieties to find the perfect mixer? ]

[If he didn't want to sit with her, that was okay. And it was facing her so good enough. She took a few moments to smell the wine, taking in a slow breath.]

There might be some in the Lounge, if we're lucky.

[She leans against the couch cushions closing her eyes.]

I'll have to try them. Maybe bring some over so we can compare notes? See if they need the gin. Because I want to make a huge batch.

Maybe we can stick some in the freezer. Cheer up emergencies.

[ Vincent reaches for his glass of wine and lifts it to take a sip. It's enjoyed, clearly. And while it's no sangria, one might argue it could be an excellent base.

Though it is probably meant to be enjoyed by itself without embellishment. ]

Mm.

[ A sound of agreement, a nod. And then... a curious stillness. Almost like Vincent flinches slightly when Aerith proffers the suggestion that she come over and they talk shop on the different solutions.

While he'd not been looking at her directly, Vincent's gaze clearly slides to the side one moment. He almost seems... uncomfortable. It's gone in an instant and he nods. ]

Maybe not gin. The brandy. Or something close.

[ Something that's already meant to be part of the sangria itself, though certainly not the wine part. They'll likely need to be careful on the balance of sugar too.

They, yes. Vincent bites back the urge to suggest that Aerith is welcome to take these ideas and speak to those that she's already talked about this with. Hakkai and whoever else.

For the sake of a good friend he'll take on a little more. ]

[She sees it. Of course she does, because to do otherwise would be to...well, be a bad friend. The hesitation, and the careful way of what he was speaking.

She doesn't take the sip then and instead lowers her glass. Gently so, having the base of the glass rests against her thigh.]

Vincent...

[She starts, and stops. Sighs.]

Forget about the sangria okay? If I make it, or anything else, I'll bring it to you.

And the hair conditioner. You really do need to take the time for your hair. Spilt ends aren't a good look you know.

[And she. Finally takes a sip.]

[ For a second he looks set to protest. But then Vincent closes his eyes and sighs again. There's some mild amusement in his tone as he speaks. ]

...That obvious, huh?

[ At least he isn't denying it. He's clearly not talking about his hair because he will address that in a moment. ]

I don't mind making time for you, Aerith. Just... don't bring anyone else by. Or bring the ingredients and I'll work on my own. I'll send you the results.

[ Compromise. And in his own awkward way, trying to express that it isn't her. The heart is willing but the soul is... weary right now. Another sip of wine is taken. He muses adding a more direct apology, but decides against it for now. Instead it's time to speak about his hair.

This time he does lift his hand, tweaking a lock between his fingers and giving it a puzzled look. ]

...It's not that bad.

[ It's not exactly good, either. ]

Only to someone who knows you.

[So not the most obvious unless they were a friend.]

And I wouldn't dream of it. Being in here, with you, is a trust. I might allow people into my room, but you get to keep your space to yourself.

[She glances at him sidelong as she gently swirls her wine.]

You don't see it? I have a lot to teach you then.

After all...proper hair treatment can take hours. Even days, if it's damaged.

Can't go out with a towel on your head and all.

[He offered a compromise. And she's offering a solution to a possible social problem, with her being to blame.]

I'd have expected you to ask first.

[ Related to bringing others over. Regardless he seems to relax a little just on that assurance alone. He's thankful for her understanding, he really is.

Vincent looks up from his hair as he lets his hand drop. The sharp manner of this gesture suggests a denial on his lips. He's not that ignorant. ]

I'm not out to impress anyone you know.

[ Which suggests a few things. One, he might be intentionally lax or not really caring about his hair routine. People care when they want to be presentable and not keep folk at a distance. Two, there was probably a point in his life he did, in fact, take better care of his looks. For one, he was a Turk and there was a certain standard of appearance that goes with wearing the suit... more or less. Two, he did have a woman he fancied.

Aerith will receive a good, hard look when she follows up with her innocent (but not) suggestion of the time and... well, time it will take to correct the tragedy that is Vincent Valentine's hair. And he has to laugh at it. Yes, he understands what she's aiming for. ]

Seems a lot of work. Are you trying to say I'm being too social? Me?

[ Vincent does let his gaze trail to his book and the wine bottle but there's also his old habits of simply splitting off from the party and finding a place to hang out in solitude until he absolutely had to engage in social activities.

Ah but that's the problem isn't it? The normal things Vincent does to keep himself sane in these types of settings, he's either not allowing himself or thinking he can't. And that's saying nothing of whatever traumas the last few days probably dredged up for him which are even more taxing. ]

I would, if I wanted to invite someone over to your room. Which I don't. This is your place.

[Just so Vincent will know. She does have people come over- Cain came over to check on her during the fog, Zack could consider her place an extention of his place, with or without Zeke.

But Vincent needed to recharge. People could and would be a lot at any time.

Hence the hair. And hence while she waited for the implications and the idea to sink in.]

You don't need to do it to impress anyone.

But we've all been through a lot. You made sure I napped when I was pushing myself.

Has anyone looked out for you?

[Has anyone checked in on Vincent at all? Did anyone think to?]

[ One day Vincent might shock Aerith by suggesting a connecting door. But that's still a bit away if it happens at all. It'd just... be convenient? Or something.

But... The gunman doesn't really make it easy for people to check up on him and so when the question about whether people have stopped by or 'looked out for him' is delivered, he answers with a shrug. ]

Yeah, probably. And I do get some sleep on my own.

[ And to be clear the probably means 'yes' but whether or not they're as direct as Aerith is could be in question. Maybe some were even more direct! Maybe she's the first.

It's probably also true that Vincent still is pushing himself in subtle ways. Vincent shifts his regard back to the young woman. ]

...Fine, do what you want. Just don't suggest I cut it.

[ While he makes it sound like it's too much effort or too much of a change to go for a shorter hairstyle (or really any hairstyle at all), there's something in his tone that might infer something deeper.

It really would be too much to go back to having it look like it did when he was still human. ]

[She'd be shocked. Vincent, wanting a connecting door? Then realizing it was to keep a better eye on her and possibly the people dropping by...yeah, that would make sense.

Though the answer of being checked on is vague. And him being able to sleep...well, he may be the Barge's best sleeper.

She waits though to hear the real answer, and gets it. And she nods slowly.]

It'd be kind of silly to suggest you cut it at all. No...I'd just want to make it a little...healthier. Maybe get some tangles.

Where's your hairbrush?

[ It would also be a way to give her a means to come into his room without NEEDING to knock and wait for permission. But ssh. He's not ready for that. ]

Bathroom.

[ Because of course everything he needs to make himself look nominally presentable is going to be in there. She'll find one that's a fairly decent type, along with a comb. Hair products? Haha! Surely you jest. Well there is shampoo, maybe a little more fancier than can be expected by his attitude. Old habits maybe? After all, why change a product that works? Either way signs are strong that hair care starts and stops at a few post shower ministrations.

Why, you may wonder, does Vincent not fetch these items for himself. Well after pointing Aerith in the direction- maybe as much to give her time to collect an idea of what she has to work with so as to avoid having to answer the questions that could be answered by seeing for herself- she will return to find his wine glass empty. He's removed the red cloak and it's now draped across the back of the chair that had not been in use and finally unwound the scarf that's usually holding his hair away from his eyes. His hair really is long. The few inches drawn up because of wrap and other elements of his clothes now place the longest parts near the tail bone rather than mid-back as it had always seemed. At the same time it's probably clear that there's plenty of different lengths.

Overall, he needed a bit of time to brace himself. Even if it's Aerith, this is still far outside his comfort zone and it's pretty clear that anyone else would have been shoved out of the room for even suggesting this project if they'd dared. ]

Where do you want me to sit?

Thank you.

[She drifts to the bathroom and it's all there. The brush, the comb, all of it. The shampoo...she takes a moment to smell it. It's expensive. It reminds her of Midgar in its scent somehow. Not bad, but a sense of home no longer there, for any of them anymore.

What she hadn't expected to see- much like a future where their rooms were connected- was the state of...well, undress. Wrap gone, cloak draped. This Vincent is so..vulnerable in a way he wasn't. Not usually.

She nearly turned around from the shock of seeing his hair so long and uneven.

Instead, Aerith strode forward, brush in hand.]

Wherever you want to sit Vincent. And you can out the cloak back on, if you'd like.

It won't get in the way.

[Maybe she should suggest more wine but thay felt insulting.]

[ He just... let it grow. Of course sleeping most of three decades probably contributed to this factor.

Some of it is falling forward to cover his features but that's probably to be expected without the wrap to hold it back. ...Right?

Still it's strange indeed how different it seems right now, compared to when he offered his cloak as a blanket. He didn't seem as stripped bare then. And that's likely because the place was public and he wasn't about to let someone further into his personal space than he generally ever allowed. ]

Hmph. It's already off.

[ He does appreciate it but even in his discomfort or maybe because of some stubborn pride, he isn't going to reach for it. Vincent instead strides to the kitchen table, where a simple backed chair is grabbed and dragged over to an open space. It will be low enough to let Aerith comfortably work. The former Turk sits. ]

My looks can't be that bad, can they?

[ Dry in tone, almost amused. Well... one might suspect he knows his appearance is not bad. The uncanny pallor and his eyes aside, there's nothing at all to suggest that he's less than human nor what he suffered in becoming what he is now. ]

Besides, there's always the wine.

[ Which he isn't going for, but at least now Aerith won't need to be wondering if it would be bad form to suggest it. ]

[It was a long time to let his hair grow. Bangs are to be expected, though having been grown out...it would get into his face.

It was different though. In his space, with his headwrap off, the cloak off...Vincent seemed smaller somehow. Not diminished, but less mysterious, closer to the human he was once. But she waits for him to make his choice, both with whether the cloak would come back on, and where he would sit.]

Vincent? Maybe it's the mysterious aura that you have at all times but?

You're very pretty.

[And she gently pats Vincent on the shoulder as she carefully moves behind him. Sure he's got the whole vampire chic going for him, but no doubt he's gotten his share of looks since his arrival. People here are, Aerith noticed, very hungry for very physical things on the ship.

That all said, she starts to move the comb vertically through his hair. Gentle, careful, as she looks for possible tangles that could be in his locks.]

Since I'm up...want me to refill your glass? It might give you some fortitude in case I find a snarl or something.

Aerith... flowers are pretty.

[ He isn't exactly flustered and the complaint is probably offered more as an outlet for his general anxiety over being exposed. But yeah, he's going to be the type to complain about being called 'pretty'. The way the indifference settles quickly again suggests that thoughts of his personal appearance in the eyes of others simply do not linger if they'd crossed his mind at all.

The heat of attraction to another has not warmed his body for a very long time.

As was mentioned before, his hair is still lightly damp and cool. And just as you would expect from towel-dried hair that was wrapped back up, there's going to be a few snags and wavy bits to smooth out. Though for what it's worth, there's nothing egregious; he'd done some due diligence with comb and brush. ]

I won't say no.

[ To the wine. Even if he's fully aware that he won't need it to fight against the pain of some persnickety knot. ]

So? People can be pretty too.

[She chuckles under her breath. She might tell him one day of how Cloud had been pretty when he was dressed up after the Honey Bee Inn. But it really wasn't about finding him a romance. She never even thought. This was more...to bring him all centered. Relax him even, if that was possible with someone being around.

Even if that someone was her.

Though his hair was still mildly damp, it does seem to be easy to brush. But she pauses in her detangling in order to come around and refill his glass of wine. ]

Here you go.

[She offers it to him. Once it's taken, she'll go back to the snags and waves.]

[ Yes, Aerith. Tell Vincent the comparison she's trying to make for pretty people was the same as that time Cloud got dolled up in drag. He might then have some concerns about what plans she has for him. The former Turk sighs. Of course his protest wasn't the point. The banter however is going to help.

So is that wine, which he takes when she brings it over and has a sip before she's settled in to begin again. Never fear, the process will not interfere with his ability to take the occasional drink and he has quite the high pain tolerance besides. There's still tension in his shoulders; something far more easily read without the added layer of red over his clothes.

There is always the common risk that time with Vincent Valentine would be subject to long moments of absolute silence. Where people can tell him stories he can react to works out just fine. If it's business, he can talk quite a bit. But times like this are when he's out of his element. For a few long moments he struggles to find something to say just for the sake of saying something. ]

...Did you manage to get some sleep?

[ It's... not really small talk. There he goes, caring again. ]

[Thankfully, she did not have to sneak Vincent anywhere in a dress. Nor was there a reason to dress him up. To even dress him down even...though she was sure he'd be comfortable in sweatpants and a hoodie, given the chance.

Aerith's hands are gentle, and gentler still around the few snags he has. The waves of his hair she thinks might be due to the headband.

But the tension in hid shoulders...maybe this was too much? She wasn't sure.

The topic choice does make her huff though and she offers his shoulder the gentlest of pushes.]

Yes, I did. It's getting easier. Hakkai and Ulla were very helpful.

I was wondering how you've been sleeping. I doubt you stayed here the whole time.

[Meaning he also saw thinks that hid in the dark.]

[ Would he wear comfy lounging clothes? Yes. Would he allow himself to be caught in them? DUBIOUS.

The waves are almost certainly because of the wrap as the comb does bring back a natural tendency to straight locks as the work progresses. Whatever else can be said about the man's grooming habits, they have not done any real harm to the thick mane.

Aerith might even note how he occasionally lifts a hand, intending to comb the long bangs back out of his face before remembering someone's actually working on it. ]

Good.

[ He's going to absolutely ignore the slight shove to his shoulder but stills, this time arresting the motion of bringing the glass of wine to his lips again. Silence. ]

No, I didn't.

[ In fact the times he found his room, particularly after the Otherworld fully descended on the Barge, were only very short visits to wash off the worst of the grime, restock on bullets and get back out to work. But it's not really about how much work he put in. It's what he had to confront.

She's behind him. But still without the cloak's high collar there's more of his face to see or glimpse if she's a mind to. The way his jaw might clench as he thinks of how to answer; there's no real good one here if he wants to be honest. And it's probably not worth it to lie. ]

Same as ever. [ Quietly spoken. A forced dry tone. ] Hmph. It's been a long time since I slept without nightmares to haunt me. Nothing that place could do about that.

[ And it's true in its horrible way. The Otherworld had created elements of his trauma, sure. But what nightmares could it have created that would have matched ones he'd endured for three decades? Well, that's certainly terrible enough to think about.

He finishes the glass of wine and absently twists it in his fingers, looking thoughtful. ]

The worst it could do is expose what I am to others.

[ He almost sounds amused. After all, how out of place was he on the Barge, really? ]

[Some people might be shocked if they saw him in bunny slippers.

But it is smart of him. No attempt to lie would go well. She knew he was filled with regrets and nightmares.

She sighed, and having finished with the comb, she picked up the hairbrush.]

You make it sound as if you're a nightmare on a regular basis.

Or that you're a burden.

Neither which are true.

[Her fingers were gentle on his hair.]

Though...I know I took that risk too.

[Not a monster. But the other things she is.]

[ Please, why limit him to being caught dead in bunny slippers when there is a perfectly good chocobo themed set somewhere out there in the multiverse? ]

That's not what I meant. I know who I am. What I've been and how I choose to be.

[ It's almost a bit dry at that. One has to accept what sort of person they are- or are capable of being- if they were ever once a member of the Turks. The skills that go with it are certain to never cause him to be a burden in the traditional sense. ]

There were people who saw my other form. Couldn't be helped. And it was going to happen eventually, I suppose.

[ The meaning had come after silence where Vincent had offered a moment's... empathy. Things about Aerith she didn't want to have revealed. Of course he wants to ask and despite her fingers in his hair, he turns his head enough to try and look up toward her. But first, he offers what of his was exposed. Not a nightmare or a burden.

Monster. Something many may just brush off as being a facet of the Otherworld. Others might guess or know what they saw. ]

[She thinks he'd look quite dashing in a chocobo onesie! With soft lil chocobo claws on his feet. That'll have to be a gift for him, someday.

But there he went. Yes, one thing to show that he had a monstrous form- wasn't that true of the vampires here and others? If he wanted to play that card, it could be mistaken as a monster of guilt.

She didn't have any fear of that form. Just a reasonable caution, since Vincent was...Vincent. He knew his limits better than anyone. He was a Turk, and...other things.

When he looked at her, she tilted her face down. A hand did go to his shoulder- not to comfort, but just...to have it there.]

Hilbert knows a little now. I showed him. I was angry.

[Not told. Showed. There's a difference.]

And most people still don't know I'm dead. Just that... lab-coated monsters liked pinning me to the wall.

Guess I'm lucky. I don't have a clear picture of the people I killed with Holy.

[ It was not the act of showing that would have troubled Vincent. Whatever downsides came with that part of him, there were a lot of benefits. His body was a 'mixed blessing' as he once told Nanaki. And as he said, it was probably only a matter of time even in a place like the Barge.

Which goes to show he wasn't completely free from the traumas the Otherworld was capable of inflicting. Of course he wasn't. 'There wasn't much' doesn't mean there was nothing at all. A deeply private person, of course Vincent would be bothered that it was not a time or place of his choosing to reveal it.

But the nightmares are still bad, his body has the genes of monsters. He's still human enough to be left aching from old memories, even those which have gained some form of closure.

He's just... practiced at it. One might say normalized. And it's enough in some ways to be in the company of someone who has long accepted that as part of the whole him. ]

You were angry at Hilbert?

[ That did seem to come as a surprise. But he had not looked deeply into the man's past actions, only focused on what was related to an incident shortly before he came. What would have made Aerith so angry? And was the doctor simply in the wrong place at the right time or was it more? Showed. Vincent's lips are drawn downward with a frown of concern.

And this only deepens as she speaks a hint of what she endured. He lifts a hand up and covers hers. There had been a shadowy figure in the heart of his trauma, ready and waiting to turn more victims into the gibbering horde of 'chimera' that would swarm Vincent and force him to expose the monstrous side. But whether one or many labcoats, Vincent can empathize with this particular anguish. Just as so many of them could. Cloud and Nanaki and... likely even Sephiroth. ]

I won't say something stupid. Like you had nothing to do with the death of those people. Cry for them. Remember them.

[ It is true that a host of other factors were the true cause, like Sephiroth's efforts to block Holy until the very last moment or even the cursed memories that came with the Lifestream, again through that madman's actions having far more to do with so many people losing their lives. That won't change the simple fact that a lot of people lost their lives in general through the course of action every one of them took. Aerith's summoning of Holy included.

That is the real wages of saving the world. The burden of all that. ]

But never forget the lives you saved as well. There's a lot of people living because of what you did. A lot of people... found the will to live and survive. Because you summoned Holy.

[They were both surprisingly private people. They had thay in common. The difference was, amusing enough, that Vincent was practical and pragmatic in having his monster parts out on display.

Aerith was completely wild shy about declaring what she was. Some days, she wasn't even sure what it meant, being a cetra in this ship.]

He's a former Inmate Vincent. He experimented on people before. Hilbert isn't even his only name. He's a doctor but also a scientist.

But...I'm willing to give him a chance. Showing him- that was also a test.

[A fairly high risk one but one nonetheless. She gave his hand a gentle squeeze, even as she offered a gentle shuddery sigh.]

I'll try. I'll try to remember.

[Cloud was alive because of Holy. So was Vincent. Tifa, Yuffie and Nanaki...all life would be gone if Holy had not been unleashed.]

[ The brief stillness to Vincent suggests the troubled emotion that this revelation gleans from the man. His eyes narrow. It probably wasn't entirely a surprise that Hilbert was a former inmate. But the suggestion of what likely landed him that status when he first arrived...

Vincent may be able to deal with being in the infirmary. But that doesn't mean he is completely immune from... memories. But there is more to it than that. A rise of guilt over information he had missed. ]

Hm. Looks like I'll have to look more carefully at the infirmary staff. How did he react?

[ Yeah, soon after this Hilbert will announce his departure from the Barge. But now Vincent has reason to look a little harder and deeper at the others who have accepted a role in the medical sector.

He didn't mean to sound indifferent, yet his words seemed to come out almost so. And as if in belated realization, his eyes shift away again, letting him face forward. ]

...Sorry.

[ There'll be time to answer the question though if Aerith chooses to; the apology seems to suggest if she doesn't want to she doesn't have to. But when they move on and speak of Holy, the gunman only nods. ]

That's all we can do. Try to remember.

[ We. Not just Aerith. The bad and the good. ]

Upset at what I showed him. Curious, but willing to keep it to himself.

[She offered a gentle shrug.]

There weren't any of the liars tells. If I thought he was a serious threat to the infirmary, I would have told you as soon as we parted ways.

If I learn more, I'll tell you. Same with any of the other workers.

[They're friends after all, and she doesn't want Vincent in undue danger. Sure he can take care of himself, but he needs some time to do paperwork.

Thankfully with Hilbert leaving some issues are put aside. But there is still a lack of trust now thay she's instilled in Vincent. Or at least brought to the surface.

Pity, but at least it was in a harmless discovery, all things considered.

And she shook her head, giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze.]

It's okay. I get it.

And...we will. We could...if we wanted, make a memorial.

But...I'd rather make it a living thing if we do.

[Something in the chapel. Or the Greenhouse. Something to remember the living and those that were gone.]

Well, I'd expect curiosity from any scientist.

[ The good or bad. The new, the unknown, the search for answers. Those are what drew them in. Vincent knew it well and not just because of three decades past; he'd grown up coming to terms with those traits for better or worse.

Aerith's assurance of passing the word is given a brief nod. He trusts her evaluation of the encounter with Hilbert and that she could recognize the more dangerous signs just as well as he. And thus he is left with little excuse to avoid more paperwork.

Sigh. ]

Mm.

[ Forgiveness acknowledged. But the shoulder is still covered by his own hand and he seems surprised to realize it was still there when she offered the reassuring squeeze. Once she releases again, he'll slowly withdraw his hand... well, kind of slowly. It is a bit abrupt and almost awkward, along with a brief stint of staring at it before letting it drop to his lap. ]

...Sure.

[ It's not at all a bad idea. And Vincent's agreement is not about the memorial as it is about the we Aerith put forward. ]

Something living. [ There is a second where his head tilts a little to regard the succulent she had helped pick out for him. Just sitting there, living its best life near the curtained window. During the day he must open it a crack to make sure it gets adequate sun. Or what passes for sun coming through those panes. Anyway, a living memorial. It really was far superior to have, wasn't it? ]

...I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask the others.

[ What sort of living thing would work best for the memorial of their world? Though that does leave a troubling complication. Vincent does not yet speak it, but surely by 'the others' there would possibly be one exception.

In the form of the individual who sought the world's end. ]

Especially from something that's so alien from what he knows.

[She agrees with him but there was a bit of driness. Ah yes- she knows how far a scientist would go. And she was one of the lucky ones, all things considered. And she knows it. The proof of how nasty a scientist could be without morals is sitting right in front of her, hair tumbling over his shoulders. Which says nothing about the SOLIDERs that also come from their world. It may have helped too that she grew up around Turks. She would know some of the things that he would look for.

So no paperwork avoidance for him.

Or avoiding contact. Some of which he is still getting used to, after thirty years without. But at least Aerith was very gentle about it, not letting him get overwhelmed by the contact- gentle as it was. ]

We can include him, if he wants to join in.

[He did seem to be at least neutral about...doing some things. Well. Sort of. The memorial would be something...and she thought that it might be good for Sephiroth if he did have something in his room other than a big ol' graffiti on the wall. The cat was good.]

I won't force it. But...we've gotten off topic.

[She sees what you did Vincent. And she's now more worried about you then before. No need to divert and change the subject if things were okay.]

[ Ah the overwhelming world... people. He wanted, no needed constant respite from cities, crowds, people and how the world had moved on without him. Not that he blamed it for doing so, as it had been his decision to live- no, exist that way. First in sleep and then those moments when he kept his distance, never got too close.

Cloud and Aerith, everyone else, they'd wormed their way in by giving him space and the occasional pushes here and there. And presenting him with opportunities to learn the lesson he imparted to Reeve when the WRO fell to Deepground forces.

But they were his friends and still an exception because they had accepted what he could give. Even Yuffie, who realized that moment when he was the first to leave after Sephiroth's defeat, had understood she'd no right to stop him from doing so. Well, he was thankful for that too even if she probably wouldn't get him to admit it easily. ]

Mm.

[ Yeah, Vincent will not really express a strong opinion about including Sephiroth. He feels he's the least deserving to make a choice like that. And if Aerith of all people are suggesting to make a tentative offer... ]

Don't force yourself either.

[ Forcing Sephiroth was the farthest issue from his mind. Which Aerith is attempting to drag slowly back to what this all started out being. That which was not meant to be a venue to let Aerith speak of what occurred in those rusted halls and in the Fog. ]

Hrmph. Don't know about that.

[ Not off-topic per se Aerith. Just off-focus of the one the topic was targeted upon. And where was that? There's a pause before Vincent sighs. ]

I can deal with strangers knowing about my other form. I suppose you could say I'm annoyed at the circumstances.

[ Dry. Yes, being forced to reveal the beastial metamorphosis while people were already in trauma from living theirs and others' horrors. ]

But that's what the place was designed to do. Make someone uncomfortable whatever decision they made. If I didn't stay in that area, people could have been dragged away. Turned into monsters like... [ me. but also more specifically... ] Well, Cloud told you what Sephiroth found in Mt. Nibel's reactors.

[ Getting Vincent to talk does keep him still; at least it distracts him from the contact needed for Aerith to tend his hair. And that will let her read the tension that doesn't quite... fade. ]

The nightmares will be stronger for a while. But, they never really stopped. Not in three decades.

[ It's just that now, he actually stays awake for the hours of a normal person so he gets... breaks from them. ]

[People were exhausting. There was a lot of quiet and patience needed to help keep Vincent steady and he needed to recharge. Paperwork for all it was boring, was better then dealing with talking with strangers day in and day out. All of them demanding and wanting something.

And too, thirty years away from people wasn't something that could or would be forgotten.

As for the memorial...well.]

I won't. I won't push him either.

[She doubted he'd want to join in, but maybe she'd be surprised. She'd like that kind of surprise. Much better then the monsters coming out.

Like the chimera. Like Vincent's other form.]

Let's just hope people don't hassle you too much. They might not realize it was you. I saw a lot of...strange monsters.

[A creature rejected by God. A bleeding man. Lab coats. A saint of flames.

At least here she can gently tend to Vincent's hair, and see how smooth she can make it.

But the nightmares...]

You know...you're not the only one who can take on nightmare duty.

[He looked out for her. Strained himself for her with healing duty. It's the least she could offer.]

[ Honestly, split ends aside, the not-exactly-cheap shampoo has probably made this a lot less horrible than it could have been. That and not dealing with the 'Vincent wandering Gaia for a few days in the wilds before hitting a town' hair.

There might also be something spooky going on, who knows. But really, regular access to a shower has done some wonders. ]

Mm. If people ask. [ Recognize the connection between the two and try to circumvent coming to Vincent directly. ] You can tell them it's true.

[ He trusts that Aerith won't go into much detail and direct such people to ask him directly if they want to know more. Vincent does understand there could be a few people that would be hesitant to approach him without knowing what his reaction would be. This is understandable. ]

I...

[ Vincent grows very still until he's almost a statue. Only the tips of his fingers twitch and it seems he held a breath for there follows a slow exhale to draw in another. Remember to breathe.

He's uncomfortable. So much so there are visible signs of distress that soon follow, where his head shifts to the left, having all but forgotten the tending of his hair. It's far from the notion that he doesn't trust Aerith; to break a hold on his emotions so readily indeed suggests how relaxed he is in her company.

The discomfort comes from the thought of someone seeing him in such a vulnerable state. He could easily forget that there were many who might have in the three decades of near hibernation. He all but lived in a world of repeating nightmares then and it was a reality all its own. But here on the Barge he just sleeps. ]

That's...

[ He wants to use some practical reason. Long nightmares means to wake him every time he has them would be the same as getting no sleep at all. But it would be an excuse to keep her from seeing that and he knows it. ]

[Regular hair maintance wasn't so bad. It helped. And it was surprisingly soft, since he hadn't conditioned it or anything for 30 years. Maybe he's born with it, maybe it's chimera-ness. But most likely, it was self care.]

I will if they ask. I don't know if there's many people who connect us knowing each other. Not yet.

[Not that she had hidden it. But they are very different people. And it wouldn't surprise her if people thought Gaia and tragedy did not connect all of their group. But it is good to know Vincent trusts her not to spill everything.

But then, Aerith has always kept secrets well. And Vincent was...Vincent.

And this was Vincent too. An uncomfortable Vincent, but one nonetheless.]

I can't give you a cloak to sleep under. But I can ask Cloud for us to trade off for duty, if you allow us.

[She considers. Thinks on it.]

And I'll be there. If you want, I can hold your hand.

Or...you can hold Holy. If you think it'll help.

[ True that most people aren't aware but a lot of people did have a chance to see him proficiently using the same magic as Aerith does and standing in for her during naps. So there's a more evident connection than there used to be.

And maybe he'll get lucky and not have too many questions to answer even if they did bother Aerith first. Wouldn't that be something? ]

No, it's... [ an inhale, a sigh. ] You don't have to do this.

[ That's avoidance, Vincent. He turns his head to one side again, hope she wasn't trying to do anything with the comb at that time. Because watch as the sharp gesture pushes the long bangs forward to flow down the sides of his face. ]

I'm not... hrrrm.

[ And words are hard. But he's remembering it's also true that there were times he'd doze off in the company of the others he'd come to know as friends. As trust formed and some of his tension eased. Would he find his own room in town? Yeah but that also wasn't always possible. Not was it always a good idea to stray too far. If he said he wasn't comfortable with people being around while he was sleeping, it'd be obviously a lie. ]

Cloud, huh? [ It's muttered as a grumble. ] Trying to make this a slumber party?

[ Who else are you going to invite? Zack? Angeal? ]

[The security cloak and the staff usage would be the tip off. She doesn't give her staff to anyone after all. Leave it behind sure, but not offer it to anyone.]

I know. But I want to.

[It's a gentle nudge, and she moves with ease on brushing out his hair, letting it flow over her fingers.]

And only Cloud. You don't know or trust Angeal or Zack yet right?

Then you wouldn't be able to settle down.

Mm.

[ Vincent has a favorable impression of Angeal, but it's true he's not to the level of trust that would make him comfortable with the trained SOLDIER in proximity. And Zack... well, he has only had a brief meeting with the young man and stories to go by. Which would be enough for him to allow Zack to come over and keep Aerith company if for some reason she needed his presence, but...

Yeah. Trust. He won't deny it. ]

All right.

[ It's clear he's still reluctant. He braced against the nudge, he's still stiff with tension, but... what's the harm in trying? Worse comes to worse, he can always state it isn't working. And his friends will listen to him. ]

...Done with my hair yet?

[ He probably doesn't mean to sound impatient. It's more that he's forgetting his words as he reaches his limits. ]

[And what she has seen of Angeal is good but- she suspects he made Zack cry at one point.

So she'll forgive him. Eventually.

And Zack was her partner, but that didn't give him a pass for the former Turk.]

Almost done.

[She sounded amused. His impatience made him sound younger then he truly was.]

And this doesn't have to be right away. I still have to talk to Cloud about it. See how he feels.

[He's free of them comforting him.

For now.]

[ Look he's been through a lot in the last.... half hour or so? Hair care. Talk about feelings. Planning a slumber party. It's been a rough time. Thank goodness this sleepover isn't plotted out for right now. ]

...Oh.

[ That.... probably wasn't missed even if he said it quietly and is otherwise silent. Yeah. He had been bracing himself for everything all at once. ]

Vincent? I may plan things quickly.

[And do whatever she wants...most days.]

But I know you need time. Nothing tonight. I won't bring it up for a few days, actually.

Once your hair is done, I'll go.

...Thanks.

[ It's just a bit louder than the 'oh'. But sincerity colors his tone underneath the overall sense of relief that he can't help but feel.

Vincent settles in patiently to let Aerith finish. It may be borderline endures but both of them are probably aware of that. Near the end, it becomes clear that the former Turk had been using the time to reflect. Should this really help lessen the nightmares... ]

I don't need long. Not tonight or tomorrow. But after that.

[ So perhaps it'll be best to reach out to Cloud sooner than later. ]

[Aerith can be a lot of things, but she tries to offer some consideration for her friends and their wants and needs. She knows she's imposing already.

But maybe the exhaustion will deaden his dreams if she's so lucky.]

Okay. Couple of days then.

[Gently, she sets the brush down onto the table in front of him. No styling. She pushed enough for tonight.]

Thanks for indulging me.

[ Maybe it will. But then, maybe it'll also be the presence of trusted friends, alive and safe and quietly talking that assures his subconscious and lets him sleep well. ]

Mm.

[ There he goes again, back to mumbled sounds. Once Aerith sets the brush down in his sight, Vincent begins to stand up. While it is not rushed, it's the sort of particular speed of someone trying to make a point to not move quickly.

To his credit though? He doesn't immediately make a beeline for his cloak or the scarf. Instead, after taking a step or two away from the chair he turns to face Aerith. Maybe to speak to her face to face but also possibly to let her see her handiwork from the front.

It's not as if she'll get many opportunities to see him without his usual adornments.

Carefully combed and brushed, the dark locks flow around his face and down over his shoulders. Soft, as she noticed, and straightened there is a soft sheen that is almost uniform. The absent gesture that draws fingers through the bangs and pushes them back is actually a familiar gesture; when the wind would get strong he'd often do such a thing.

Though perhaps with a little less self-conscious manner. Vincent also seems more mindful of the work that was just put in. ]

Satisfied?

[ The tone is dry and maybe the humor is more self-conscious, though the question is real. ]

[Oh there he goes. He's in the dregs of it now. He needs down time now.

But he at least was nice enough to let her see the results of his labor.]

Oh yes.

[She offered a slow nod, and smiled. He was looking a little less ragged.]

Very nice. Brushing your hair is a small, but good, upgrade.

[ Another nod. As if that's all he lingered for, Vincent turns away to cross the room and check the bottle of wine. Well, there wasn't much left but maybe half a glass? He had certainly drained the one Aerith refilled for him.

On the way he pauses, fingers descending as if to start picking up the crimson scarf he keeps his hair in semi-control with. But they pause, hovering just over the fabric before lifting away.

Well, it won't hurt to delay a bit before putting that back on. Surely it's not because he'd be worried of something like messing up Aerith's work barely thirty seconds after she finished right? Moving on~. Picking up the bottle, he considers what's left through the tinted glass before profferring it to her. ]

Want to take the rest with you?

[ Yup, no offer to finish it here, Aerith. Definitely about time to head out. ]

[Oh he's moving fast. And oh...there's only a little wine left. And he was kind enough not to take up his head scarf and cloak not yet. It was kind of fun to watch him without any coverage, with his leather suit.

He was nice enough to not hide behind his covers either. But...she knew that there was a limit and that she was pressing on it by staying here.

Gently, she moves over-but to gently touch a gloved hand.]

No thank you. Please enjoy the rest.

[She smiled at him, before moving to head towards the door. Time to go!]

Enjoy the rest of your night.

[ Another nod and silence again. Aerith's last sight will probably be of the man pouring the remaining wine into his glass and returning to the seat he'd occupied when she first arrived.

Though whether he'll be able to focus on reading or just sit there long enough to finish the glass of wine would probably be left only to speculation. By tomorrow, he'll be covered again and back to his usual self. Tonight, well.

Tonight's the night to just think. ]

Hi, Vincent? My name is Misty Quigley. I hear you'll be working with me and Durge on some exciting new additions to the greenhouse?

I sent him in your direction, yes. Though some of the plants may fall under Aerith's supervision.

Can you brief me on what you're spoke about with Durge so far?

Just the medicinal plants: balsam, mergrass, yellow musk creeper, and mugwort. Which is why I'm reaching out to you! How much do you anticipate the infirmary needing?

[ There's a short pause. ]

....Did he explain to you about what a yellow musk creeper is?

He gave me a book to look over. Did you have any particular concerns?

I have concerns about something that dangerous on the Barge outweighing the need to have a convenient supply on hand. I still need to speak with the Admiral about how easily it'd be to obtain the petals over growing them.

[ His voice becomes a little dry. ]

A cunning, parasitic and undead plant that can lure victims from a distance doesn't strike me as a good idea. Even if it can be, in theory, 'fed' with non-human or human-like meat. Sounds like a recipe for disaster for some of the less scrupulous inmates to make use of.

[ All that info should be in the book of course. ]

But I planned to speak with you and Aerith about that anyway. What are your thoughts?

[Chirpily:]

I think it sounds fascinating!

[She pauses, and then adds, in a more modulated tone:]

But, something that would require heavy gardening and restricted access if we allowed them to grow to their full size, obviously. Durge says that keeping them small and in enclosed containers would negate the worst of the damage. I'd be happy to keep one in my cabin.

It's certainly interesting.

[ Well he's not going to deny that. But what is it with gardeners! He might need to go speak to Angeal one time to see if he gets a concurring enthusiasm. ]

Don't misunderstand this as a slight to your skill and caution. But it takes only one slip and you could become this plant's minion. Hm.

[ There is a pause. ]

I suppose it might be worth asking the Admiral if the creeper can have its power nullified similar to how inmates are. Same precautions, but it's unable to manipulate its victims.

[That would be a smart decision, but all the same, something about it gives Misty pause. Even if it's just a plant, it seems a shame to defang it so completely.]

Or... we could ask for it to be dampened? I don't mind it having an affect on me, as long as the pull isn't so strong that I'm incapable of resisting it.

[ Or maybe face in hands. An inhaled breath and slow exhale while muted. Something like that. ]

[ Okay. He's ready to face this again. ]

Your time on the Barge aside, have you had any experience dealing with fiends and monsters of the plant variety? If your experience is limited, I suggest you speak with Aerith. She's from my world and might give you insight I can't explain as well.

If you have a reason why you think it should just be dampened, I'm all ears though.

[ Yeah he'll also probably speak to Aerith about also discussing this with Misty. And as far as the question goes? Maybe Misty does know something and he's overreacting. But he is worried. ]

The creeper breeds by implanting its bulbs in people. Those people will be under its control and also generate a new creeper within ten days time. Ultimately I have no authority on whether you choose to bring this plant into the greenhouse. That's for the Admiral to decide. But I recommend avoiding half measures to contain it.

[Vincent, please consider: Misty is enamored with the idea of tending to a conniving carnivorous plant. Let her have a vicious baby.]

Well, no, obviously we shouldn't let them get that far. What about, hm-- breeding restrictions? Can we neuter one?

It just seems a shame to go to all the trouble of growing one only to completely destroy its nature. If necessary, I am fully prepared to keep it in my cabin and not give access to anyone but qualified greenhouse staff.

[ Vincent is considering it. He's considering how he's going to navigate trying to convince Misty this is a bad idea before she realizes she can make the request wholly independent of Vincent's suggestions. He has.... regrets.

Misty, you want to raise a zombie plant that turns people into zombies to breed in your room where you sleep! ]

I think isolating it in a cabin near other residents would be a bad idea. [ Dryly. ] Making it unable to get an easy meal doesn't sound like it'll rob it of its nature.

[ Probably make it use something more cunning. The thing is capable of moving. But as for the neutering? ]

I'm not sure that's possible. Plants aren't my speciality. Much less what this thing is.

[And while Misty could potentially make the argument that medicinal plants in general are a specialty of hers (or, at least, something that she has some hands-on experience with), she can't say the same about this specific one. So she sighs wistfully, and says:]

All right - a compromise. We'll stick to the less... fraught options, at least until Durge brings us a solid proposal for containment.

[ To say Vincent is a bit relieved would be an understatement. He hears the delay and the exception- don't think he doesn't understand that until means that Misty's still aiming to find a way there- and that's enough for the time being.

Hopefully Aerith can help him make sure the risks don't get forgotten in the excitement. ]

That sounds like a good idea. Durge loaned you the herbal primer? Feel free to copy it. There might be other plants to interest you that aren't as much of a threat.

[ The primer covered a lot of medicinal herbs from Faerun (probably focused mostly on the continent of Toril and the Underdark).]

The requests are just focused on what are needed for the potions I intend to keep in stock.

[His tone is curt, bordering on tense. No funny business here.]

Still up to doing your job, Turk?

What do you need.

[ Sometimes, it goes without saying. ]

Pretty good chance if we're stuck here for a few weeks I'm going to become a lot less nice to be around. Shoot me, make sure it's cleaned up well. When we're back onboard the Barge I'll make you something nice as a thanks.

[ Silence happens for a moment. It's probably clear he's considering the possibilities. ]

...Alright. But I want an explanation when this is over.

[There's a grunt of acknowledgement.]

Keep it to yourself and you can have one now if you want.

Go ahead. [ He'll keep it to himself. ] If it's safe to talk about.

[ They are in enemy territory in a manner of speaking. ]

The Admiral's restrictions are lifted. For me, that means sooner or later degradation's probably going to set back in. I kept my mind before more or less but that's not standard. Aggression, violence and mutation is.

[It's like finding out your terminal disease has come back, he doesn't sound very happy about it at all.]

I should have time. Weeks, months. I'll handle it myself if I realize it's happening, but if I don't, a sniper's got the best chance of getting it done without being torn apart in the process.

[ The pause happens again though it's understandable. Vincent's weighing the options, not hesitating. ]

...Got it. I'll be keeping an eye on you.

[ He's agreeing very quickly isn't he? ]

Any signs?

[There's a sigh from the other side, it might be .. relief? Maybe- plenty of people would argue against it. Some could be forced into it anyway, but there was a certain level of professionalism he expected of a Turk.]

Mental decline, impaired judgment. .. Feathers. It'd be a good idea to treat anything of mine as if it's highly contagious. Hair, blood, feather. So long as I'm clearheaded I can clean up after myself.

Edited 2024-10-07 15:27 (UTC)

Understood.

[ A pause. ]

Black feathers?

[ An oddly specific question. ]

... No. Black would be Genesis.

[And now it's getting uncomfortable, thinking about the marks that branded him obviously, unalterably inhuman. He could pretend.]

Mine.. were white.

Interesting.

[ It is not 'interesting' as if fascinating. Vincent's tone suggests a comparison to other facts he has. ]

....Sephiroth's were black too.

[ The color of wings seems to have nothing to do with strain. But does that mean it has anything to do with anything at all? ]

I'll make sure you don't suffer long if it comes to that.

He also--

[What starts off as incredulity breaks off into a weak laugh.]

No. Of course he would. We're all monsters, in the end.

[There's no escaping it, is there? And they'd never even put a thought to the one being left behind.]

...Thank you. With luck it won't become an issue. Our ten day wait for repairs can't be much longer.

Mm. Let's hope so.

[ Vincent passes the earlier phrases, the bitterness. Not because he's indifferent to them however. Far from it.

It's not so long ago he was in Angeal's place. In another way, other circumstances. But it's like a shadow with a familiar shape.

Ten days. If everything is on the up and up.

One last thing comes, after a lengthy pause. ]

...If you ever want to talk about monsters, come find me. I promise to be a good listener.

Vincent, hey.

We have a bit of a situation. It's Cloud.

[ He's been listening. And has seen earlier announcements. ]

Justine?

[ He says it short and clipped. To the point. ]

Justine.

She gave Cloud and Sephiroth something to make them forget everything.

I'm surprised Sephiroth accepted something from her.

[ There's a soft tch noise. The only thing that suggests how upset Vincent is without a look at his face. ]

But you said it's only Cloud. [ He knows she would have mentioned Sephiroth if it was just this basic fact. ] What else aren't you telling me?

[Oh. He's mad. He's really mad. She paused before answering.]

Yunlan was told about Sephiroth. He's supposed to take care of him. Cloud...

He was supposed to be in the apple orchard. Rawe told me he was there but- I couldn't find him.

Have Rawne relocate him.

[ Wardens can track their pair, even temporary ones. Signs of Aerith's stress may be found in the fact that she didn't recall that. Vincent doesn't put any attention to it. ]

I'll get moving. Let me know as soon as you have a location.

[ That tiny bit of anger expressed? Ruthelessly clamped down on. ]

Oh, right. Yeah.

[She's freaking out, abd she knows it. What if Cloud has a breakdown? What if he hurts himself? What if thr remnants hurt him? There's so many scenarios where Cloud is hurt even more.]

I'll let you know. Call me if you find him?

You'll be the first.

[ Vincent hangs up then; he'll expect Aerith to reach out to him in some form once she's got a location. But for the time being, he's going to focus on searching for the missing blond. ]

Bettin' you keep a close enough eye on the big man's announcements to know already, but I'm Kadaj's temp this rotation. Heard you might have some important information to share.

[ Ah, seems he was beaten to the mark. ]

Kadaj told you about me?

[ Yeah he definitely keeps track. Good enough to know who the likely message bearer was. Though in fairness it could have been the last warden. ]

Kadaj is from my world. We were enemies there. Well, [ dry amusement ] may still be. That's up for debate.

[ Vincent is still watching out for the Remnants. ]

He and two others were created, for lack of a better word, with the intention of reviving a singular person. For now, Kadaj seems interested in finding out if he can be more. One of the others is here as well. Yazoo. He seems to be willing to follow Kadaj's lead.

[ There's more but the former Turk pauses here to let Remy absorb what's been said so far. There was no derision in Vincent's tone to suggest that 'created' makes either of the two Remnants lesser. It was just a statement of how they came into being. ]

That he did. Asked if you found me yet.

[Given everything he'd seen even before the Narrenschiff, given everything that had happened with Maddie and Jean, it doesn't take him long to absorb the information.]

Those boys gonna have one hell of a learning curve. They clones? Or somethin' a bit more complicated?

Definitely more complicated.

[ There is a pause as Vincent assembles his words. ]

Don't misunderstand my meaning. But when they were first created, it wouldn't have been inaccurate to call them figments. Memories of the one they were made to revive. So in that sense, they have succeeded in becoming something more. Something the Admiral recognizes as a possibility for change.

[ Where Vincent is, he shakes his head. But that can't be seen, so he continues. ]

Since it's not really a secret, [ There was an entire network debacle when Yazoo appeared. ] the individual was Sephiroth, someone who is also on the Barge.

The other thing I want to bring up is that because of the circumstances during our stay on the Narrenschiff, I was able to request his weapon from the Admiral. He's in possession of it and restore materia. ... What we use for magic. This one heals. It'll be up to his warden whether he keeps them, but he requested that they be put in my keeping or D'Vana Tendi's if you chose to be more cautious.

No surprise there. Livin' is change.

[The network blowup had been something he'd glanced over in his backreading, but at the time, it hadn't been relevant to what he was looking for. He'll have to double back and take a more in-depth look.]

If there been no trouble since he got back, I don't think there a need to take them away. If he go and get himself in a fight, we can revisit that.

Alright. I tend to keep an eye on their activities out of habit, but largely leave it in the hands of their wardens after speaking with them. You're welcome to ask questions. I'll try to answer what I can.

[ He's already been fairly open but... well, there's a lot of context surely missing. Some of it may not be necessary in a short term scenario. Hopefully. ]

And if you need backup, you'll know who to call.

Good day, Warden Valentine.

Good day. Do you have a question?

[ Business as usual. ]

Several.

I am in the process of gathering a warden consensus on placing a fabrication lab in the Maintenance bay - primarily for the recycling of waste products and refurbishing them into other uses. Wood, plastics, and metals chiefly. We could construct a modeling and build screen that could be made easily accessible to the rest of the ship.

Would this be of any use to you as the head warden in Medical Inventory?

Hm. [ There is a pause, but it's obviously to weight the merits of the idea. ] I can see it being useful for a lot of departments, not just mine. What's the planned size of output possible with it?

Precisely. I have also contacted Cybernetics. What other departments did you have in mind?

About the approximation of a large garbage bin but with the dexterity of a 1/16th drill bit. Anything larger would take far too long to manufacture and be easily solved with a request to the Admiral: anything smaller would run the risk of constant recalibration.

Any. [ No he's not being facetious. He goes on to explain. ] Though for places such as medical and kitchen you need to keep in mind the quality and safety of the product materials on a higher standard. I'm sure you know that.

For a few examples, models can be made for Dr. Sheehan's art therapy sessions for participants to paint. Speak with him. Counseling might also find use for fabricated items. Supplies and tools for custodial and maintenance, the gym and individual events.

While the Admiral doesn't seem to have issue with providing basic requests, if your fabrication device can fill in some of the sundry or small replacement ones, there's no reason not to use it.

Thank you; I shall.

Precisely. I am also led to believe through a history of the Barge that the Admiral does not take request at certain times: when he is busy with far more important matters or when the ship is in dire straits. So this would not only be a solution to a handling of recycling and waste reduction, but it would allow for inmate requests for small items with warden supervision, as well as a place for..

I hesitate to classify any request as petty, but I personally do not wish to bother our admiral over a matter of a set of screw replacements or a new coil of wiring before port.

Call them minor then.

[ They aren't petty in the sense of having no other solution. But it'll be a good option to have regardless. ]

Recycled materials will be wood, metal and plastics based, I'm assuming? A supply sourced from the Barge alone probably won't result in a stockpile. If your fabrication device is finalized, look into suggesting organized collection of scrap and salvage from our stops.

[ There is a pause. He snorts in what sounds like wry amusement. ]

Hrmph. As long as it doesn't distrupt the locals.

[ Leave it to some people on the ship to push the borders between 'salvage' and 'theft or vandalism'. ]

Thank you. Minor requests.

[that was the word he was looking for! Thrawn quirks a small smile]

Indeed. Were we to stop at any repeated port, no doubt our reputation would precede us.

Mm. Were there other questions?

[ Thrawn had mentioned 'several', though it'd not been clear if they were all related to the fabrication project. ]

One last one; a personal one, if you would indulge me.

My warden believes that my graduation lies in making me sociable, likable, and politically astute. He has tasked me to ask others here about whether they find me strange and the reasoning behind it, so that I can course-correct.

We have been at odds before over matters of safety and authority, but I do not know if that conflates to personal animosity.

Sure.

[ He'll indulge.

Sociable and likeable are two things Vincent is rarely ever accused of being. Well the latter, after people get to know him. But... yeah. Strange is a good way of describing it. After a moment's pause, he answers. ]

I suppose I have nothing against you personally. I'm under the impression you're more aware than you let on about your shortcomings and use that to your advantage.

[ That is to say, Thrawn may have some real struggles in understanding how his actions impact others. But Vincent believes that the Chiss is likely self-aware enough that he can use it to forward his goals as well. ]

Don't misunderstand. I don't mean to say you have no right to protest or be upset. I see you as someone who has been the only authority and now you aren't. You seek to reclaim that, if I'm not mistaken. Social skills, being likeable. These may help. But I doubt it's the lesson you need first.

[ There's another soft hrmph of noise, close to a chuckle. ]

Well, that's just my opinion. Your warden probably knows you better. And he has your file.

[a slight quirk of a smile. His eyes have a hidden mirth to them]

You are not wrong, in most respects.

What would you say is the lesson I need first?

Hm, hard to say. Humility, maybe. How to trust more. You have a strong sense of pride, Thrawn. Few people like being wrong. Many can't handle it. I've seen that lead to problems for you. The outrage you feel when you think someone questions your authority or doesn't treat you with respect. You don't just seek to teach lessons. You aim to punish or circumvent to get what you want anyway.

[ It's just audio so Vincent's shrug can't be seen. Maybe there's the sound of shifting fabric when he moves but... ]

At best, that 'pride' regularly leaves you incapable of trusting anyone else knowing what's best for the Barge, including its Admiral. At worst, it leads to actions that fuel resentment and mistrust in others. Hrmph. Both might promote change in a way. But not necessarily the one you are looking for.

[ Vincent lets out a sigh. ]

...Try thinking of it as an opportunity to focus on yourself.

[ Rather than what's best for others. ]

I believe you have misjudged me, and my intentions.

You are correct. I have immeasurable amounts of pride, and I understand that is both a trait of my species and a character flaw.

But I prefer when those around me asks questions, provided those questions are asked with the same respect I would give in return. How else are we to learn from each other?

I believe you think of me as an ultra-authoritarian. And perhaps I do work to circumnavigate rules that make little sense and are a detriment.

But I believe we are all competent, capable people who want what's best for the ship as a whole: all that we disagree on are the methods by which to go about it.

It's always possible. But I'm not sure I have misjudged as much as you think.

[ Vincent won't deny he may get things wrong at least. His voice continues, offering a mild tone while further explaining. ]

Even people with every good intention can struggle like you're doing now.

Before you came here, you could have been a despot and tyrant. Or wanted to save everyone through rational and efficient methods. I'm only interested in knowing the answer to that up to a point. If I'm honest, I suspect something like the latter, though flexible isn't your strong point.

[ Someone else must have handled diplomacy. ]

You struggle to let go of that sense of control when you see something that doesn't fit the rules you think are best. You speak of ignoring rules that make little sense or are a 'detriment'. But that was a decision you made on your own more often than not.

Well, we all want respect and deserve it. But the level of expectations can be wildly different between people. You're also only mentioning questions asked of you. What about how you react to answers you receive? What do you do when you perceive something as disrespectful, detrimental, or foolish?

I know you asked the Admiral about the defenses and rally stations and were rejected before you put forth the suggestion. How much did you ask him to elaborate on how his reality works to compare with your research? Or was it the same as you gave me when I started questioning your suggestion and you immediately tried to close the conversation down? It only continued because I pursued you.

Those are not signs of equal respect or learning from one another, Thrawn. It's not present every time. But it's still more often than not. You're invested in teaching if it's your plan or your conclusions. But you balk a lot when a dissenting voice rises that you can't always reason away.

Edited 2024-12-31 10:14 (UTC)

[He smiles, a little sadly. Someone did indeed handle diplomacy, as far back as Thrawn even neared the topic of politics]

It is not my place to question the Admiral's decision-making. I believe when he says no, he means it; attempting to circumvent his final decision will only result in a worse relationship going forward.

What do I do when I am disrespected? I suppose it would amount to the situation and consequences at hand. I am much more likely to ignore something when it does not result in loss of life of those I consider under my charge.

As I have no one, now, I suppose I will..move on, as it were, to other things. You and several other wardens have spoken that you would prefer I not aid in defense or weaponry. I will abandon any further pursuits unless asked directly.

[ Vincent responds after a moment's silence. ]

There's nothing wrong with questions, even of the Admiral's motives or decisions. I can't speak for the other wardens. For me, it's that you're hard to trust. Hrmph. Well, that's the downside of seeking forgiveness over permission.

[ It really doesn't engender faith when subjects of weapons are what was actively pursued despite being denied. Not that Vincent doesn't recognize there are times when 'forgiveness' is the better option. ]

There's nothing wrong with your suggestions either. The knowledge you have is useful. Don't hold it back, even if it's not a good idea to try and reproduce it.

[ The last bit is spoken with dry humor. ]

Anyway, you seemed to learn something from this incident. I'll look forward to seeing what that means for your future.

[ ...Whether or not that earns back the trust lost or comes out to be more... interesting developments. ]

Naturally. I have always been hard to trust until I prove myself.

[a small gesture; hence, acting without permission. He has been biased against for so long that it's second nature to prove himself first]

Some will never trust me. I do not need it to graduate.

Indeed, Warden Valentine: I have learned much. Thank you for your insight.

You're welcome.

[ With that, he ends the call. ]

Talk to me about sex.

[ Someone is going to have answers to give to a man with a special skill set. ]

Explain why in more detail, Yazoo.

[ Thank goodness this is text and not audio. ]

{It was innocent and then it wasn't. Oops.}

Tendi talked about a sex dungeon and I don't know much about sex. Angeal told me to ask you.

I see.

[ Two little words emphasize so much. How that happens in text form, who can say. There is a pause. ]

Does Kadaj need to know too? I won't do this twice.

{He feels it. Ominous!}

I don't know! I can tell him what you tell me, though.

[ You are absolutely not going to play a game of Telephone with the sex talk, Yazoo. Absolutely. Not. ]

No. Find out. Bring him here. I'll speak to you both.

Okay, fine.

{Boo, hiss. This energy is one hundred percent Yazoo.}

Be patient. I need the time to gather a few things anyway. You know where my cabin is?

[ Yeah he's going to do this thoroughly. He's certainly not about to foist this off on anyone else on the Barge. Who knows what would happen then.

Hang in there Vincent, it's like ripping a bandaid off. ]

Mmhm, I remember. I'll bring Kadaj along soon.

{Or so he suspects. They can't help being curious about...everything. It's not like they were born naturally!}

Alright. I'll be there soon. Bring lunch if you're hungry. I don'thave many snacks on hand.

[ Sometimes he does. But never a lot of meal food. ]

We'll cover snacks and drinks, don't worry.

{They are bringing a feast because Vincent needs to eat too.}

Good.

[ He will try. With any luck Aerith really is going to sit in and help with the food consumption. ]

[Over the sound of shuffling papers:]

As a heads up. Sent one of Sephiroth's kids to you about sex ed, might be both. Banora didn't cover things in super great detail, so I'm defaulting to medical. Bounce him back if it's out of your scope, I can find diagrams and .. things.

Too late.

[ That's certainly... a measured tone. You're... laughing inside, right Vincent? Right? ]

Guess I shouldn't have headed for the library first. You, uh. You going to need a banana from the kitchens? I don't know how they do this these days.

[ Pause ]

What? Oh. No.

Alright. If you need anything I can help with, let me know. I found a decent book but i don't know how into books they are.

What's the title of the book? I'll keep it in mind.

[ Surely Vincent isn't suspicious of EVERYTHING right now, is he? Not after the banana. ]

The Every Body Book, by Rachel Simon. It looks introductory.

[ He's never heard of it. Not surprising though, it's a wide multiverse. ]

Hm. Alright, I'll stop by to pick it up.

[ He did stall for time, so he has an opportunity to wander down to the library to do just that. ]

Solved yer little multiplication problem.

Hm? [ A short pause. ] Oh. Asked the Admiral?

Aye. Tha damn thing won't be spawnin' another one of itself.

Fair enough.

[ Though he also sounds a bit amused. ]

It's materia. Not a plague of vermin.

Been walked on by enough rats ta not want ta find out what happens when magic multiples like vermin.

[He tsked quietly.]

Tha point is that issue is fixed. Don't need ta do math if tha math doesn't change out of tha blue.

[ Vincent might be amused by Collins's suspicions but he agrees with the solution. ]

It's a good idea. I'll let Aerith know since she's someone Yazoo might broach the subject with if it comes up. Though I don't expect you to hold back from telling him.

[ Nor is Vincent going to demand he be candid. It's up to the warden on how to warden, ultimately. ]

Do you have any questions about materia in general? I know I didn't cover much when I brought it up.

Tell the Admiral you'll be my warden.

[ This is probably not the tone Thrawn imagined when he said she should have a meeting about this. But such is Katie. ]

[ Joke's on Katie he may already have ]

Why?

So that he does it.

[ Duh? ]

Why do you want me as your warden?

[ The man is patient if nothing else. Or knows Katie's ways
]

I don't like any of the others. And I don't want a different one annoying me every few weeks.

Hm. I see.

I won't be kind.

[ Is he going to tell her that he already did? Nope. Sometimes it's best to let Katie think she has the upper hand. ]

And I won't request he remove the pairing once it's done.

Didn't tell you to be nice, did I.

[ which sounds like she is agreeing to these terms. ]

I'll see what I can do. You'll know the results at the next announcement.

Good. You take care of it.

Hey congratulations on getting paired! How are you feeling about it?

I get the feeling that's going to be a popular question. I'm fine with it. I requested the pairing after all.

Seems the Admiral agreed I'd fit for now.

[ He sounds amused. ]

Edited 2025-02-01 23:48 (UTC)

If it helps, I think she likes you.

[ Well that warrants a chuckle. He can laugh! ]

I noticed. It's fortunate I'm hard to kill.

[ Joking... right? Who knows on the Barge. ]

That's probably her favorite thing about you. She, uh... Definitely wants to bash your head in again.

Hm. [ Well, he doesn't seem worried but Vincent does at least not take the warning (such as it is) lightly. ] I don't doubt it. Not intending to give her the chance again.

[ There's another pause. Then, largely because what Jesus just implied is that he had heard what happened. ] If you're wondering, no lasting side effects. Except my pride.

[ He had known about the freezing effect. It was a little embarrassing to have been caught. ]

I'm glad you weren't hurt. Despite her best efforts.

I worry about her. And I won't get in your way, but if you ever need anything I can help with...

I'll want to talk about your time with Katie. Anything you found out about her other victims during the freeze Flood. Any previous experiences and knowledge you have would also be useful.

[ He clearly will take that offer, huh? ]

I've been paired with her temporarily before so I'm familiar with her antics. Still, I'll take whatever perspective you have. Even of encounters outside your duties as a warden you're comfortable with sharing.

She really seems to like you a lot.

You okay with this Vincent?

Yup.

[ So it seems. ]

I asked before she came to me about it. Not that I've admitted that.

[ Annnd dry humor. Yeah he's letting Katie think it was her request that tipped the balance. No harm, no foul. Vincent continues more seriously. ]

I can survive her antics. And to a degree, I think it's the best deal for everyone. She also seems aware that I'm not going to go easy on her and... she still wanted it. So there's something.

Somehow, I'm not surprised.

[She sighed, but she felt some good humor. Katie is being...indulged a bit. Ah well, that's to be expected.]

Well, so long as she listens to you- that's all we can hope for. I don't know why she's so attached but...maybe it can be used for good.

If I had to guess, I'm something of a challenge for her. She's tried to kill me twice and failed.

[ Just... you know, casual. ]

Hm. And I think she's fascinated by my other form. At least a little. I'll have to ask why sometime.

[ He suspects she's a bit wary of the whole Chaos thing though. Especially after being in physical contact with that particular manifestation and having psychic powers. But that's a different story. ]

Well...you are hard to bring down, much less kill.

[Twice? She's tried to kill Vincent twice? Vincent.]

Your other form is also an experience. And to a teenager...both scary and cool.

Also- I'm going to visit you more often.

[With healing spells.]

So it seems.

[ This is followed by a resigned sigh. Probably because of Katie's fascination with his other form. But also because of Aerith's promise. ]

Between you, Cloud, Bashir and Tendi I'm beginning to think I'm the only person on the Barge with a fully staffed personal medical team.

[ And the last person to actually need one. ]

You say thay as if it's a bad thing.

Someone has to look after you. Because someone didn't mention that they'd been nearly killed twice.

[Her voice was a little tart. After all, her friend got hurt and he didn't tell her? He knew when she got hurt!]

That I know of.

Oh? How many times have I had to find out you got hurt, Aerith.

[ Can we talk about the Enposib perhaps? Running a little chat room while extremely badly injured? There IS going to be a sigh. ]

When the ship was full of nightmares brought to life, she trapped me in a room with a horde of monsters. It wasn't really that I would have been killed. I have my other form. But it was clearly an attempt.

[ It would have overwhelmed even a gunman of his caliber but see? He had an ace up his sleeve. ]

The one time she actually came close was during the freezing. It caught up to me when I was looking for frozen people. Unfortunately, she found me before Cloud got there. That's the only time I've been injured enough here to call it fatal.

[ Look it's not his proudest moment. He almost feels sheepish. It's followed by an almost gentle addition. ]

I know it's not absolute here on the Barge. [ There are places. Situations. ] But... I can't die. I learned the hard way, back home.

[ His voice is quiet, now. ]

And how many times have you learned I was able to get out of danger, without injury?

[Her voice is even. But there was an iron will behind it too. Some things, she hadn't told her friends, or him due to it already being taken care of.

She was not that delicate of a flower.]

You're strong Vincent. And capable. Not everyone here could have done so well against a room full of monsters...or a hammer to the head.

...but whether you're immortal or not...I'm still going to look out for you.

You're my friend. You can still be hurt.

I could say the same thing.

[ About getting out of more circumstances than were actually 'lethal'. Without injury. And... for Vincent it's been the same. Concern for a friend. And not... oh right. There's another sigh. ]

I'm not trying to say I'm better than you Aerith. Or really... complaining about the worry.

[ Of an entire medical staff. ]

And you're my friend too. You also can be hurt.

~~[ She and Cloud can die. ]~~

You could.

[She sighs too, rubbing her face.]

I don't need to be fussed over all the time. And I know you don't like it either. We just are...worrying about each other, because that's what friends do.

I'll try to be better about it if you are. Promise?

[ He'd protest. But while he's trying to be more outgoing, expressing his concern better, he knows that isn't the same as taking care of himself. Look how he dodged Cloud after Katie and it was only because he was caught by a doctor that he submitted to some form of general examination.

Which, if it wasn't for Bashir's level of technology he could have still brushed off a bit. ]

Okay.

[ Though the answer is brief as ever, it does not hold any hint of vagueness. He is as sincere as a more verbose vow would have imparted. ]

If you're better about it, then so will I. [ No trying. ]

Thank you.

[It's not a dismissal. She'll take it. Even if poor Bashir likely thought that this was completely...well. Something, considering what Vincent...was.]

I will. I really will. I'll...try to talk to Ulla at least. I just don't want to go to the infirmary, but you know that.

[She still just reaaaaaally dislikes the place and it gives her the crawls. No thanks.]

I know.

[ And he understands. ]

I think most of the infirmary staff would be willing to come to you. Cloud... he mentioned he trusts Tendi.

[ That is significant. Very much so and enough for Vincent to mention it. ]

So if Ulla isn't available, she's probably a good option.

Tendi is bad at taking care of herself. But the boys trust her. And Wen Qionglin would and has helped me with his healing, and I know Hakkai would too.

Ulla can sing me better. Zerxus has powerful magic. Florian saved me before too.

I'm glad...Cloud trusts Tendi.

[She needs to ask Zack what healers he trusts. It could be very important.]

Hrmph. No more than either of us.

[ But yes, he has noticed Tendi often burns the candle at both ends. It's good to hear there are so many healers that can and are willing to support Aerith. She's certainly got her own personal team by the sound of it. Still mention of a certain name sparks a memory. ]

Yeah. I left you in Florian's care... during the retreat from the Narrenschiff. [ And the infirmary. ] ...Meant to apologize about that.

[ Even if it wasn't something that could be helped at the time. He needed to set up defenses. She needed to be treated. He shakes his head and strives to move on. ]

Sorry. [ For dragging up something else that he feels he is to blame for. ]

...Feel free to come over when you feel up to it. I'll find something good in the lounge. Or request something from home.

[ It doesn't have to be right now, but it's likely an invitation working on her spoken desire of visiting more often from earlier. ]

Well...

[Not wrong! But she was worried after all the things that Tendi has gone through lately.

But she and Vincent were kind of bad at self care sometimes.]

It's fine Vincent. You were making sure I was safe, and it was the quickest way to make sure I didn't die. Cloud, you...it would have been pretty terrible if I died.

But...it would be nice to do something. Wine or...we can see if that bartender can make drinks that take after us.

That'd be fun.

Mm.

[ There's probably a habitual nod. But you know. Audio. ]

...Which bartender? The new supervisor there?

[ Themed drinks. ...There's a note of interest sparked. ]

[She hears the nod at least!]

Yeah! The cat one? With the wings. I think he was offering that the other day.

Huh. Well, if he's still up for it.

[ When they get together. ]

Think he'll let us bring them back to the cabins?

[ Trust Vincent to try to make a to-go order out of fancy, themed drinks so he can minimize his public attendance. ]

Can't hurt to ask.

[Still...she has to chuckle.]

Vincent...there are plenty of corners we could sit in. I've never talked to him, so I don't know.

Fine.

[ IF HE MUST. ...No, there's a light trace of humor there. ]

I guess we can stay if it's part of the price for these themed drinks.

Mmhmm.

A very heavy price to pay. But I'm sure we can manage it.

[She might be laughing a little. It's nice to joke around with Vincent.]

[ Laugh away. It was after all, meant to be amusing. ]

Alright. Let's meet up later and see if we can track down the bartender.

[ Perhaps not here and now, but later when they're both free. And Aerith can get a good once-over of the gunman to be sure he's as fit as he says he is before they saunter on down to the Lounge. ]

Yeah! That's a great idea.

We'll head over in the evening maybe, get the best shadowy alcove?

[Poor Vincent, dealing with all this teasing. But they'll get to check on each other before grabbing a drink, and even pretend that this is a bar back on Gaia. And that everything...is okay.]

Sure. Just know I'm picky about my shadowy corners.

[ Only the best, Aerith. Only the best. And it suggests he might be looking to judge her ability to pick one in the near future. ]

See you then.

Hey, Vincent. You got a minute? Got something I need - no, something I want to tell you.

[Cloud sounds perfectly calm and relaxed, so it's probably nothing bad. In his mind, anyway.]

[ Calm before the storm? Well either way, Vincent responds. ]

Sure. Over the phone or in person?

In person. You in your cabin? We're gonna want privacy.

[He hopes it won't be a storm, anyway. And if it is, they'll just have to weather it. They've done it before, they can do it again.]

Hm. Alright. I'm currently here. Come over when you're ready.

[ One would hope it's not a storm. Privacy though... probably means it's serious. ]

Vincent's cabin is the same as ever with its soft lighting and antique furnishings reminiscent of the Shinra Mansion. There's a few personal pieces. The mostly black succulent by the window. The painting hanging on a wall by a bookcase.

When Cloud arrives, the door will be open and he's going to be invited in. There will probably be an offer for beverages but Vincent is never one for small talk. Particularly when they're meeting for a reason. He will though, let Cloud lead the conversation.

By this point, Cloud's more than ready. Once he makes a decision to do something, he's all in, and there's no reason to wait anymore.

When he arrives at Vincent's place, he turns down the drink offer, but he gets distracted for a moment by that painting. He tilts his head. The remnants? And that's gotta be the Northern Crater, which is where Rufus said the Turks found them. Making the red thing Vincent, he supposes.

But he can ask about that later. They have more important things to discuss first.

"So, what I want to tell you is really two things. One is a recent development, and the other...is something I should have told you a while ago."

He takes a breath, lets it out.

"The recent one is that...Sephiroth and I have decided to...make things official. Between us, I mean."

They're settled, they're possibly seated in the living room where there are chairs by this point. Vincent had noticed Cloud's attention on the painting but he hadn't offered anything about it or why he chose to hang it. That can be handled later.

Two things. While Vincent's attention is already focused on the blond, there may be a moment when the intensity increases as the most recent development is revealed.

There is no explosion. The former Turk's expression doesn't change other than to close his eyes and fall into a silent contemplation. It ticks onward. Then...

"...Romantically." It's a statement that is also requesting confirmation, token though it might be. The single word holds not even a trace of surprise.

"Yeah."

Cloud watches Vincent, gauging his reaction, but there's neither defensiveness nor apology in Cloud's demeanor.

"I remembered those three questions you told me to keep asking myself. And I did. What really decided it for me was finally getting a clear answer to the second one - whether it was really me, or the Cloud who was here before. Found out that Cloud was actually in a relationship with Sephiroth when he was here, but Sephiroth doesn't feel like it was real, because it started in a breach and just...carried over."

He has no idea whether Vincent knows about the whole...Justine thing. But it might be notable anyway that this conversation is happening not long after another breach.

"That other me was from some other version of events, too, so that didn't help. He considers me the 'real' Cloud because we're from the same timeline, and this all happened without any weird breach shit."

What Sephiroth actually said was a lot more heartfelt than that, but Vincent doesn't need - or want, probably - those details.

Vincent is not aware of the Breach's aftermath and its affect on Cloud, though it likely would have remained unspoken even if he had.

If only because the blond's regard of Sephiroth, not Justine would have made it clear this was no issue of muddled memory. Even if the Breach was mentioned and the distinction that was made. This part was after all an effect of Sephiroth's perception. One that had felt... false.

Though Vincent's eyes do narrow, it seems more a reflection of thought and focus than concern. And after a time following Cloud's conclusion, the former Turk does have an answer. Though it may get a mixed reception.

"I won't pretend I don't have concerns. But ultimately it's your choice who you decide to love. What I think is irrelevant at best. And hypocritical if I thought otherwise."

Though he closes his eyes a moment, they're soon open again and still focused on Cloud.

"I suspected this was coming when we talked on the boat." Rhododactylos. When Vincent was shaken as Cloud said Sephiroth 'pulls him back, saves him'. "But... thanks for telling me."

It's no surprise to Cloud that Vincent still has concerns. He figures that's just always going to be the case, at least until Sephiroth somehow proves to Vincent once and for all that he can be trusted - and frankly, Sephiroth's not good at that, because he doesn't bother to try. It's fine. Cloud can live with that.

The word 'love' gets just a brief moment of glancing elsewhere self-consciously.

He nods at the thanks. "I told Aerith, too, and Zack." He might tell Angeal, maybe, but he hasn't decided yet. "Figured...after everything, you'd all want to know." A pause, and then with a wry little smile, "Might tell Yunlan, too, because I doubt Sephiroth will bother."

He glances aside again. "Back then, on the boat, I really didn't know what I wanted. Not like I hadn't considered it, obviously, but...mm. Wasn't until I talked to Zack that I thought, maybe what I felt...could be a good thing."

Vincent tilts his head to the side. "Your choice. But I think you should tell Angeal. For the same reason you'll be telling Zhao Yunlan."

Because Sephiroth might not bother.

"And Nanaki." Maybe for the same reason Cloud was telling Vincent. The former Turk falls silent again, thinking upon what the blond has said regarding his choice. At the boat he didn't really know... Vincent wouldn't deny that. He understands.

And yet, the signs had been there even then; that this was going to be one of the most likely outcomes if matters continued as they were. When Vincent speaks again, it is with the heavy, slow pace of one speaking from the soul. Of memories that weren't all good. Ones hard to speak aloud.

"...Lucrecia once said to me, 'Sometimes, I get so involved in my research, I lose myself.'." As it always does when he speaks of the woman he loves, the man's voice softens with emotion. Even when that emotion is laced regret. Vincent avoids Cloud's gaze.

"She also said, 'When that happens though, you always come to my rescue.'" He did. But... he didn't. It hurts to know that there was more he could have done to ease her hidden pain. The man closes his eyes and lowers his features until near all are hidden by the collar of his cloak. And yet he continues in a way, to fulfill that promise he made on the boat in Rhododactylos.

"Lucrecia... found that in me. Though... I failed to recognize there was something more I could have done in the end."

"Hm." Cloud nods. Angeal and Nanaki - both make sense. He doesn't love the idea of having to "report" to everyone he knows about his relationships, but he supposes in this case it's the fair thing to do, even if just to set expectations.

He tilts his head slightly as Vincent goes on. At first, it seems like a bit of a non sequitur, but the connection clicks in Cloud's mind quickly. He is a little surprised that Vincent is following through on that promise, but pleasantly so. For just this moment, it feels like it used to - like they're not just friends but confidants, equals, and that he's someone Vincent can trust with his own feelings. It helps confirm that he's doing the right thing, bringing these developments to Vincent, even if this doesn't last.

"So that's why." Why Vincent had been so stunned. Cloud watches him hide in his cowl the way he always used to and grows thoughtful. "And...you want to make sure Sephiroth doesn't make the same mistakes you did. Right?"

Though most of his expression is now hidden, Vincent's eyes are not. Ruby, lightly glowing in the shadows cast by his hair and clothes and perhaps the environment they're in. They focus on Cloud in a long moment of silence. A sigh follows; it is resigned in a way that suggests he feels the blond won't like what he hears. But Vincent will be honest.

"...I'm worried about you. I won't deny Sephiroth has changed since coming to the Barge. In some ways, it seems more that he's learned the limits of his confinement. Remains to be seen what would happen if he was truly released."

And that doesn't include the Narrenschiff incident. That was just another type of prison.

"I was just blind to Lucrecia's pain. Sephiroth... call it humanity. Or just empathy. I'm not convinced he comprehends it. At least, beyond his own desires. Time will tell if he ever is."

That's what the Barge is for, isn't it? Change.

Cloud knows what that sigh means, but he's ready to hear it, whatever it is. He feels more sure of himself right now than he has in a long time.

I'm worried about you. Well, what else is new? But this time, at least, Cloud doesn't feel like he's done anything to warrant it. He listens to what Vincent has to say. His head tilts.

"But isn't that true of all inmates? We can't know how things will go when we leave. All anybody here can do is trust the Admiral's judgment. I know Sephiroth will graduate - I'm not going anywhere until he does. So when that happens, you gotta decide whether you trust the Barge to work like it's supposed to, or not." An unconscious echo of what Vincent himself is thinking, in a way.

Then, thoughtfully, Cloud says, "You should talk to him. I've seen empathy in him. Humanity. And...he's far from blind to my pain. But you don't have to just take my word for it. Maybe your opinion'll change and maybe it won't, but either way, go talk to him and gauge for yourself."

"Yes." It's true of all inmates. Whatever warrants the change that causes graduation will one day free them to be returned and to life on top of that.

To face everything in the place they return to, unfettered. Vincent doesn't look guilty or apologetic; he hadn't forgotten that in his earlier statement.

"Change is not always about becoming a good person."

If it were, Cloud would have graduated the moment he stepped foot on the Barge. There is... another sigh. But it's not as heavy as the first.

"That's why I said it wasn't the same as being blind like I was. I'll talk to him again."

Though it's brusque it's not dismissive, nor walled off; at least to people that understand Vincent as well as Cloud does. If he says he'll do it, he will do so properly.

"After everything...don't think I believe there's really any such thing as a 'good person' or a 'bad person' anymore. In the moment, people can choose to hurt each other or not. They can choose kindness or not. Only one person I know who I'm pretty sure never once chose kindness in his life, and it ain't Sephiroth. It's Hojo." The name is dripping with contempt.

Cloud nods his appreciation when Vincent agrees to talk to Sephiroth again. "Thanks." There's a familiar sort of pause, the kind that usually precedes Cloud ending a conversation because he has nothing else he wants to say. But then he decides to try something different this time, even if it is with his usual averted gaze.

"...it...means a lot, Vincent. That you're willing to do this. Even if you're no less worried afterward, at least...you trust me enough to give it a shot."

"I'll let you know how it goes."

Maybe Sephiroth will talk about it, but that isn't the same as reporting back with his personal thoughts. Though Cloud's gaze is averted, Vincent's is upon the blond, studying him before finally responding to the gratitude.

"Mm." Acknowledgement. "If you love him, I'm not saying that's wrong. Complicates things, but... hm."

He leaves that particular statement there, simply because... well, it and the rest of what he could say is obvious to everyone.

"I want you to find happiness. Just... understand I'm not looking for a way to say 'I told you so'. If... I step in."

It's all that tricky friendship thing. And... not wanting to regret letting things be because of 'if they're happy...' again.

Cloud nods. "I'll keep that in mind."

There's a pause, as he considers how to bring up the second thing. Braces himself for this feeling of easy friendship to vanish as soon as it came. But he's not backing out now.

"So, the other thing I wanted to tell you...a while back, way before I ever got here, some weird flood happened and Sephiroth...had the Admiral give him the black materia. He never used it. He didn't even hold onto it - he had John put it in some kind of uh, dimensional pocket or something. But then, on my birthday...he gave it to me."

The shift is not as subtle as it could be; the way Vincent's manner changes. He's calm but as Cloud speaks again there's probably an undercurrent that causes him to focus. Something which becomes more intense and brow furrows. There's a way the visible muscles shift that suggest the tall gunman's lips have pressed into a line.

"Who else knows?" He'll handle the idea that it was kept around, that Sephiroth had given it as a birthday gift and the months that implied later. Right now one thing at a time.

Nanaki was practically hiding ~~beneath~~ behind the desk Vincent manned in the medical suite. His paws were more often on top of his face than on the floor as he covered it in embarrassment.

"It's so embarrassing. That flood was the worst. Just shoot me, Vincent. I can't face anyone after that humiliation."

Vincent, he said such ridiculous and horrible things. In public. To friends. It's awful. Life can't go on. Woe, woe.

Vincent carried on with his work as usual. Lots of paperwork to be done as always. He's got his shoes back and things seem to be settling down again for the time being.

What's left is the aftermath. The aftermath of woe. And life ending embarrassment. Idly he looks down at Nanaki.

"If I did, you'd just come back. And feeling the death toll on top of everything else."

The gunman doesn't imply that shooting isn't an option. Just that it wouldn't do much good to spare the sentient beast this predicament he finds himself in.

"Besides, I like having you around." Didn't Vincent once say that too much of Nanaki is annoying that he'd only agree to meet up once a year? "...Occasionally."

Oh. There it is.

"I know, but-"

He was still feeling childish. He wanted to hide forever. At least at the moment that was his attitude. It couldn't possibly last beyond a few days. Nanaki had too much else to do, to see, to learn before his end of days. His spirits would return to their normal levels of curiosity and excitement soon enough.

Until then, Vincent had a moping feline to deal with hiding in his space.

Nanaki snorted in wry amusement at the gunman's dry humor. "Too bad you're stuck with me here more than you'd like," he replied sarcastically.

He shifted and his head was now held aloft as he peered up at Vincent. "I'm sorry for the stupid things I said as that... that hellhound. I didn't mean them. I mean, I would never say anything like that."

"But what?"

Before Nanaki shifts, he'll receive a gentle nudge with the side of Vincent's boot. Buck up, kiddo. It's followed with a sigh.

"Enjoy it while it lasts." Vincent puts on an aggrieved tone that is faked. Mostly. They're both well aware of his reclusive nature.

But now Nanaki is looking up.

"That was a you. But not the you I know. So it's not something you need to apologize for. But... I'll accept it anyway." Because doing so means that Nanaki can move on and have closure.

Logically, Nanaki knew that to be true. But he still felt a little relief whenever Vincent accepted his apology. "Thanks."

He shifted until eventually he flopped onto his side. "Aren't you glad that you're stuck with me and not that hellhound?" Said with as cheeky a look as his beastly face could get.

Vincent takes faaaar too long (on purpose) adopting a thoughtful look after Nanaki asks which version he prefers.

"Hmm. Well, dude." He raises his right hand up, pinching the fingers close together. "Maybe about that much?"

Vincent doesn't have a smug expression or anything. He's very good at a serious face; to the point where one day it might just get stuck like that.

Nanaki took offense to that. His ears fell flat.

"That's not funny, you know."

He absolutely was not whining. He maybe was pouting just a little.

Vincent knows when he pushes too far. And seeing a contrite Vincent means just that. He's taking the reaction seriously.

And that Nanaki is a dear friend whose opinion matters to him enough that he'd show such vulnerability. Rising from his seat, he crouches down to be more evenly face to face with the sitting feline and regards Nanaki with grave ruby eyes.

"I'd never replace a friend. I might become friends with someone like the hellhound Nanaki. But he wouldn't be you. The Floods, the Breach. They might bring other versions of us or cause us to interact in different ways, but that won't ever change my friendship with you. Do you understand?"

Nanaki sat back up as Vincent came down to him. His expression cleared as Vincent explained. Nanaki hadn't meant to express that much offense at the joke. But it was still nice to be reassured.

He nodded solemnly. "I do." He butted his head against Vincent's knee for added emphasis.

He lets out a soft chuckle. At this time Vincent will allow himself to lift a hand and ruffle it a few times across the tuft between Nanaki's ears. Not too dissimilar to an adult mussing the hairstyle of a young individual.

"Good. Don't forget it."

It got about the same reaction, too, though only after Vincent ceased the motion. He didn't mean to discourage it. It was exciting to get a physical reaction out of Vincent and he was secretly pleased to get the closest thing to petting from the dark haired human.

"I won't."

Maybe one day Vincent will find what Nanaki's boundary about pets is. Then all the feline needs to do is conquer the barrier that is Vincent's reluctance for physical expressions.

But this is certainly progress. Vincent rises to his feet.

"You'd better not. Hate to have to repeat myself."

...But there's a bit of a smile. Maybe the collar of the cloak's folded down just enough at that moment to glimpse it. Or maybe it was already happening when he'd started to rise.

...Perhaps it's just in his voice.

Quite frankly from what I've observed it's rarely the unpaired fresh arrivals causing regular problems onboard.

You're right. Normally it's the ones that have gotten a good idea of what they can get away with. Or who let the resentment build up.

Max was an unusual exception in a lot of ways. Normally he would have been unpaired. But he was immediately paired permanently with Sheehan. Either way, since he came in on a Breach and went on a spree because of the ending confusion, I wonder about the timing of this proposal.

There are ways to improve the unpaired wardens, both in letting people know they're present and in how they choose to handle their obligations. But that's not what this seems to be about.

It seems to be about the prisoners choosing their guards through a population contest. That really doesn't strike me as a very good idea, and I can't help but think it's a smokescreen for what certain unseen groups may really be after. This sets a precedent.

There is that. And I'm inclined to agree it's a smokescreen for something. Maybe an attempt to erode the relation between inmates and wardens further at one of its worst.

Though hrmph. I'd like to see them try to force me to give up my position because of a popularity vote.

[ What? Him? Worried that Ashton might be siding with this faction and that he might lose his one employee if he stood his ground? Not that the Medical Supply should ever be in danger over this, mind you. ]

I'm all for a proper meritocracy myself.

[ There's a snort of amusement. ]

When you find a proper anything, let me know.

[ Always flaws that build up in any system no matter how good it started as. ]

On this ship? I'll do my best.

I'm sure you've heard enough criticism for one day so just know not everyone disagrees with you.

Unfortunately, people here like to pile on, especially if they think Inmate rights are at stake.

Thanks for the message. I'm alright.

I'll take most of what's being said for what it is, don't worry.

[ He isn't clearly defining that, but whatever his stance is, he sounds sincere. ]

Besides, never had a job where being hated by a lot of people for doing it wasn't part of the description.

A bunch of people more interested in complaining than focusing on the work they are actually here to do.

[ Archer has very uncharitable opinions. ]

I've seen it before. And the resentment we face as Wardens has always been there. In the five years I've been here, there's always been a dedicated group of very loud Inmates who like to make their objections widely known.

Can't exactly blame the inmates. Even criminals don't want to go to prison or follow the rules.

[ And not everyone here as an inmate is a criminal in the truest sense, but on a standard that the Admiral has judged deserving of the label of 'inmate' with the potential of 'change'.

But Vincent says nothing of the wardens having allowances. ]

Hrmph. That's not surprising either. Got names?

[ He'll be interested to look in on that. ]

[ Archer can blame them, but it's not a point he cares to argue. ]

Tess. William. Rhys Strongfork. Carol Denning. Takeshi Kovacs. Those are the Inmate names that immediately come to mind.

There was also a fairly vocal Warden who believed we should be run like a much more strict prison system, but that idea gained very little traction at the time. Kristin Ortega.

[ Vincent has a reasonably good head for names and does keep abreast of the inmate ledger. Which brings him to pause as the names are rattled off. ]

Unless you're talking about Will Graham before he was a warden, I don't think I ran into any of those people. Don't suppose you know who might be continuing that trend?

[ He has a few names on a list he's probably going to be checking out. There's also a thoughtful pause. ]

Despite what people might think from my attitude. I don't think a much more strict prison system is the answer. But there are several things that need to be addressed. So I can understand why that idea wasn't popular.

No. They were here and left long before your time.

One could make the argument Trevor was also such an individual the first time he was an Inmate - but he was less concerned about changing the current system as he was carrying out his own brand of justice. Though I'm sure he still objects to this place on principle.

[ As for the ones continuing the trend- ]

I would count some of the Inmates responding to Walter's post in that number. The ones giving you a hard time in particular.

And while I would object to a stricter system myself, it has been my experience that the ones who complain the loudest are also the least inclined to listen to other perspectives. Which makes it nearly impossible to engage in a good faith discussion.

Trevor has a bad tendency to hand out weapons to individuals he trusts without telling others.

[ It's not that giving weapons to inmates that can be trusted with them is bad. It's the lack of communication with people that should know those weapons are there that's the problem. ]

Well, his own brand of justice seems to have come around to bite him. [ There's no sign in his tone that suggests the gunman takes pleasure in that. ] And it's caused a stir.

I'm... working on a small project of my own. Hoping to gain insight on ways to present ideas of better cooperation and transparency. Hm. Time will tell if there's anything that changes.

What he did to Max to get himself demoted is relatively tame compared to what he was like as an Inmate. I'd like to think he won't be quite as disruptive this time.

[ As for the rest of it...well. ]

Others have tried before. I don't know that I would have much to add to such an effort myself, but if you're interested in speaking to people who've been here for quite some time, there are some who have been here longer than I have.

Who knows? I didn't bring it up because I'd been hoping to see it.

[ The demotion. Vincent doesn't take particular joy in seeing Trevor punished. It's just another part of the problems with how the wardens function as a unit.

Which is to say they don't really. ]

I might not be good at conversation. But I know how to listen.

[His inmate is back together, he's had a couple conversations with his 'dad' and 'step-father', and he's talked through boundaries(kind of?) with his boyfriend. Now the apology tour, or really just the one night show here in Valentine town.]

Hey, I was a dick before. Happens when your inmate already hates you and then you gotta go on a gifted scavenger hunt to find the pieces just so he can yell at you when you're done. You want to ask questions, I'm here for it.

I wasn't expecting you to be happy. So it's fine.

[ Vincent rarely expects people to be happy about being on the receiving end of a baited invitation to an interrogation party. ]

Main question's still the same. Who was involved in making it and capturing the Cat King?

[ Same reasons as he stated before as to why. ]

I've got too many horses in this race as it is, so the defensiveness wasn't anything to do with you, but I'm sure you know that.

[Hanna rubs at his temples a moment, he knew the question would be the same, and yet he still doesn't know how to present the information.]

There were two people, and now a while mess of wardens involved in the attempt to contain the stupid fucking tidal wave it's going to set off. [Just in case Vincent thought he wasn't taking this seriously.]

Vincent Smith and Sokie Undertown. They were seeking further reprocussions for my death last month. A week in Zero didn't put the right message forward in their minds, and this did.

[ Taking it seriously wasn't an issue. The proximity to the situation on the other hand... ]

I see.

[ There is not much surprise in Vincent's tone. Jokes about his manner of speaking aside, he'd had a hunch Sokie might be suspect. Smith's involvement isn't exactly a surprise; Hanna might not be open about the relationship between them but it was at least evident that they interacted frequently.

The Otherworld and its ritual come to mind for example. ]

I want to be clear that I don't have any intention of interfering. But if you find out what type of repercussions their wardens impose on them, I'd be interested to know.

Oh, I don't think there will be any. [Hanna isn't trying to hide it, and he figures that will come out eventually.]

I know Sokie was going to get an earful from Arthur, but Lark is just about ready to pick a fight in Vinny's defense. It's...kind of a weird line to walk with that in mind with his majesty, but seeing as he technically wasn't harmed aside from the inconvenience and strange feeling of being dismantled for a couple hours, I'm working a different angle than asking for repercussions.

Not that I think He or his buddy are going to let this be the end of it, but there are a bunch of eyes on this already. Hopefully we can nip anything else in this stupid vicious circle in the bud before it escalates again.

[ There is a sigh. Definitely a sigh. But Vincent seems to move on, holding to his promise ~~to intend~~ not to protest how other wardens handle their inmates. Besides, something more important was said there. ]

Where's the device, Hanna?

[ It may be clear that this Vincent is not, for one second, buying the line of 'oh he wasn't technically harmed' or that there is some weird line here when solely considering what happened; a punishment was doled out by Ulla but further revenge was taken and is thus being treated as an extension of that by many involved. ]

Edited 2025-03-15 23:12 (UTC)

It was given to me by Vincent, at least the first piece. After I reassembled it, it was disposed of, and I made it perfectly clear to both of them that was the first and last one we needed to see on board.

[Hanna lies smoothly enough, he doesn't have a tell currently, and has no need to embellish it like he might if he was trying to hide something about himself. And technically he isn't lying at all. Disposed of into the back reaches of his closet, is still disposed of, right?]

It was a complicated process to create it, so that will at least deter them if they wanted to try and go behind my back to make another one.

[ No, Hanna. That's not disposed of unless the back of your closet happens to also be a crushing black hole capable of deleting the Flauros out of existence. That's putting it out of sight, out of mind. ]

What, as a gift?

[ The gunman might not question it now. But he'll probably remember this conversation and rethink that if he comes to better understand how deep the relationship is between the two. Another sigh escapes. ]

Complicated, huh? But it could be done with the resources they have and whatever limiters are currently in place. I'll keep that in mind. I doubt this is going to end here. You understand what I said before, don't you? Just because physical hurt wasn't involved doesn't mean this was harmful. Not even technically. Keep that in mind.

Also it's probably more important to consider this was not a punishment assigned by the warden in charge at the time but a direct attack to appease someone else's sense of justice. Having wardens brush off the implication and the impact of that just tells inmates they can't trust the punishments given by them to be the final word.

Though in the end, it's your choice if you want to become the type of warden who does.

[ It's not as if this is the only time wardens just shrugged off the cycle of retaliation. ]

[Out of sight and not out of mind. He is definitely thinking about it, and going to be reading those books Vincent offered him to learn a little more about his new box.]

Mmhmm. A gift, which would have been very sweet if it was just the box the Flauros was in. That one was all cute no magic, so definitely less troubling. But honestly, I don't know what kind of restrictions would keep Vin from doing what he did. He used his brain, that's about it. Am I supposed to ask Lark to lower his intelligence score?

[Hanna frowns as Vincent keeps going, raising an eyebrow at him.]

I never said no one was hurt. And honestly, I'd like to see you handle this kind of mess when two of your closest decide to do something out of pocket against your own inmate. Talk about awkward fucking nightmare right out of the gate.

I'm not 'becoming a warden who excuses shit', thanks. And if we're going to continue talking about 'this'- [He makes a hand gesture encompassing 'everything' with a wave of his hand.] I'd appreciate if you stopped putting words in my mouth and accusing me of not taking this seriously.

Nothing that dramatic.

[ The words are almost terse, suggesting a bit of impatience for suggesting something like an Admiral-bestowed diminished mental capacity. A bit extreme given the many other options that could be pursued first. ]

You can remove the tools in his care. Or consider how he managed to get the help needed to construct it.f

[ Vincent doesn't seem to be the sort to accept an apology and move on. At least... not on something this important. Hanna made choices just as Vincent Smith and Sokie and the Cat King did.

...There will however be a long pause of silence before this Vincent answers the demand to know how the gunman would have handled things if he were in Hanna's shoes. ]

I would bring in a third party to arbitrate. Had to do something like it once already. But... it's useless to compare us. Not to say that makes me better.

[ He... won't speak of the past. Or why he understands so well that the person being the most emotionally invested in a victim and a perpetrator isn't going to be the best choice to handle judgement about the tragic results of their actions. ]

There's nowhere I'm putting words, Hanna. You said it. There was no physical harm 'technically'. There was only 'inconvenience'. And you're not the only one who does this, here. That's why it's a problem. And why these things keep happening.

[ The answer is cool and calm. ]

If it bothers you to hear that, then do as you want. [ End the conversation. ] I can't stop you. You've apologized and come back with the answer to the question I had.

TLV - Inbox

sometime around.. 10:15 or so pm

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