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.
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. ]
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.
[ 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.
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. ]
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.]
[ 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. ]
[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.
[ 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. ]
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.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
After the pairing annoucement; audio
You okay with this Vincent?
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[ 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.
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[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.
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[ 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. ]
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[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.]
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[ 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. ]
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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.
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[ 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. ]
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[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.
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[ 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. ]no subject
[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?
no subject
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. ]
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[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.]
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[ 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.
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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.]
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[ 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. ]
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[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.
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[ 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. ]
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Yeah! The cat one? With the wings. I think he was offering that the other day.
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[ 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. ]
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[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.
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[ 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.
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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.]
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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. ]
no subject
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.]
Fin?