[ 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.
[ 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?
[ 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. ]
[ 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. ]
[ 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. ]
[ 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. ]
[ 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!]
[ 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.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
momijizukamori
no subject
Date: 2024-09-08 07:33 pm (UTC)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. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-09-08 11:21 pm (UTC)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.]
no subject
Date: 2024-09-09 02:19 am (UTC)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. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-09-10 01:22 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2024-09-10 03:55 am (UTC)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? ]
no subject
Date: 2024-09-10 07:07 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2024-09-11 04:50 am (UTC)[ 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. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-09-11 07:37 pm (UTC)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.]
no subject
Date: 2024-09-11 08:33 pm (UTC)...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. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-09-11 11:47 pm (UTC)[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.
no subject
Date: 2024-09-12 12:23 am (UTC)[ 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. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-09-12 12:28 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2024-09-12 03:36 am (UTC)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. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-09-12 07:57 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2024-09-12 10:36 pm (UTC)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. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-09-13 02:05 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2024-09-13 02:43 am (UTC)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. ]