kamennoshonen | Into the night [KH3 Spoilers]

[ The most advantage Vanitas had was the ability to traverse worlds, but...mayhaps that proved to be not exactly a good thing. A certain old bastard was keeping tabs on him, after all.

But hey, that didn't matter. Master Xehanort was only human and had to sleep - sure Vanitas had to as well but he wasn't sleeping whenever he was all the time. Either way, he took the time to make sure to cross paths with a friend of his.

With his Keyblade and Heart of darkness being his guiding key, he stepped into an unfamiliar world. One that was familiar to Kashuu, and sought him out.

The Japanese buildings weren't familiar to Vanitas, but that didn't matter. He should be close-by Kashuu right now, even as a night's moon hung over the sky. He crept closer, into it, and when he saw a familiar face, he called out: ]

Kashuu, that you? I'm here to talk.

[ Hopefully he doesn't mind that Vanitas had waltzed into the Citadel just like that, but hey. His Keyblade showed him the way and it didn't seem any other game would give them the privacy they deserved, so...here he was. ]

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[Hearing his name from that voice was a surprise, especially considering it's not like Vanitas has ever been here before, but it's not enough of one that he wakes up even more of the Citadel.

But still...] Vanitas? How did you- [Did he have to wander through this world for some time before he found the Citadel? It's not like there's a lot out there that isn't just, this place so...

He gets up from where he was sitting outside his room and walks toward him.]

...if you wanna talk, we should probably do it away from the house. There's...a lot of us, even if most of us are asleep right now. [He's pretty sure any of the others wouldn't take so kindly to seeing Vanitas, a stranger in their home in the night. Better to make sure they don't have a chance of waking up due to them. Especially since one of the people who knows him...probably wouldn't be okay with this.]

Oh you know...traversing through dark corridors and some crap about following my heart to guide the way. Seems like it worked out just fine.

[ His lips curl upwards and then spread open into a grin, his golden irises seeming to shimmer with a bit of amusement...but also satisfaction that it did go alright. For now, anyway. ]

I'll be fine talking just anywhere. Of course, you'll just need to lead the way - be the figurative light in the dark.

[ Yes, he's making a bit of a ironic joke on purpose, considering his own nature, but hey. He'll look at Kashuu expectantly. ]

[He just nods at that explanation. It has worked out okay, since he found him. And the right version of him, even.

He sighs a little, shaking his head and, after a moment, double-checking that he didn't get anything on his hakama.]

Follow me then. [There shouldn't be anyone in the fields right now...That should work. He starts walking that way, avoiding going by any of the more crowded rooms.

He'll just take another bath or something if anything gets on him.] It'd probably be fine if we were quiet but...risks.

[He really doesn't trust them to be able to remain quiet enough to not wake at least one other sword.]

[ Isn't that great?

Bonus points is that as Vanitas follows he really knows how to be quiet. Hiding in the shadows and such makes it easy for him to pull that off, so no worries about him making a lot of noise or anything. ]

Yeah. Wouldn't want to wake up one of your friends, right?

[ Vanitas had to ask, curiosity now getting the better of him as they walk towards their destination. ]

Yeah... I mean, I share a room with Yasusada, so it's not like we could talk there. And then there's like, fifteen Awataguchi swords, and Izuminokami and Horikawa, Nagasone-san, Hachisuka... the spears... Imanotsurugi, Iwatooshi, and the other Sanjous... [He just devolves into muttering the names and clans of several of the other swords, not speaking loudly enough for it to be a problem.

Eventually he shakes his head and stops himself from continuing.]

There's...a lot of us. [And only so many rooms.] ...Horikawa would probably be one of the more dangerous ones to wake up though. [He sounds fond when he says it. The oldest Shinsengumi sword, and the only one really meant for night battles.

He laughs lightly, tugging on his hair.] When you've been the assassin's blade... [Waking up can be Rough sometimes.

They're pretty close to the fields now.]

[ Is it any surprise that a smirk easily finds its way across the dark-haired male's lips? Probably not. ]

Oh really? Would he try to strike me down or something?

[ There's a hint of the wanting of a challenge hidden in Vanitas' tone, but that's just like him to be that way. Though, honestly, he expected less than the names Kashuu had listed, but it didn't make much difference to him in the end. As long as there were no issues anyway. ]

Edited Date: 2019-02-17 07:30 am (UTC)

Yeah, probably. You're not a sword and you're here, and it's not like he's met you before. [He nods slowly, tapping a finger against his cheek.]

...yeah, he'd probably try at least once before you could explain. [Kashuu shrugs. It should be around that corner...

Also Vani, you've seen how much of a butterfly he is with all the strangers in Murder Village and the Room. The amount of people he considers friends at this Citadel shouldn't be that surprising...]

Don't step into any of the actual fields, okay? We've got some paths for a reason.

That could be fun.

[ Vanitas says this but he's being ultimately cooperative and not looking for a fight right now. His main goal here is to chat with Kashuu about things away from prying eyes and any ears that wanted to overhear.

He's also aware of Kashuu's status as a Good Friend back in the game, so one hand he isn't exactly too surprised. But still.

But really, once they're almost there, he'll tilt his head at that...but he'll nod at that anyway. ]

You're all making some food in the fields, aren't you? I'll make sure to try not to step all over your winter tomatos or whatever else's in there. Wouldn't make a good guest after all this trouble you went to...

Don't blame me if he trounces you. [Assuming, of course, that it was just a case of Horikawa detecting a threat. He's Definitely snapped necks before... Sparring would be more even, maybe.

Kashuu nods, rubbing the back of his neck and sighing.]

Yeah, it's all food for us. There's so many of us, and... Well, you saw outside the Citadel, right? [Not exactly a whole lot of farmers who can share left...

But really, they get to the fields and Kashuu looks back at him.] Think here's good? [Wanna tell him what's up? Or get further into the crops first?]

He'd have trouble doing that, especially if I went all out...

[ Vanitas remembers how it looked when he'd arrived - a brief glance of the outside could speak volumes to that, so there was a nod of a head there. ]

I think this is fine.

[ A silence comes over him as he folds his arms and his golden eyes stare at Kashuu. ]

Master Xehanort is moving to finalize his plans back home. I can tell...he called for my return, and soon I will be serving by his side again, along with those who agreed to become his vessels. [ There's a pause in which the next he speaks, his voice kind of falters, maybe even sounding a little bit apprehensive. ] Before, I'd been alright with serving him, but I...it'll be difficult this time.

[Rather than like, starting an argument about Horikawa's skills, Kashuu nods back, tugging on parts of the bow behind his back.

That name though...He stops and stares back at Vanitas.]

Isn't that the guy who told you that you're not a person and you can't have feelings? [Still calling him 'Master', huh.

He'll maybe tackle the vessel thing later, but more important really is that not only is Vanitas still calling that guy his Master, and that he'd had the audacity, to expect that Vanitas would come easily when he called. That he'd come at all.]

[ Some habits die hard, some were beaten in, or some return by virtue of feeling it's hopeless to oppose them. ]

That's right. He's the one that told me of my nature - that I was nothing but an empty creature and that anything I "felt" could only be negative emotions. [ The feeling behind his voice is hollow, as if trying to bury the hurt. ] And I believed him, because there was no one else to until I met any of you.

[ “Yes, Vanitas… Hate them. The people, the world, everything.”

A distant memory comes by his head. Then, of course, other memories flood throughout his head, superseding the painful ones, leaving his tears a mere memory. ]

But, he's the one who created me, and though I spoke to you guys before I "failed", after that came a time I entered oblivion. And now, he's called me back from oblivion, so...here I am at all.

[And isn't that a mood...

Kashuu wraps a hand around one of his own wrists, fingers digging in slightly, making sure he doesn't really hurt himself, but not wanting to yell at Vanitas about things that aren't his fault, not until he's done. ...yelling wouldn't be a good idea anyway.]

Him being the reason that you're here doesn't mean he's got a right to- [There's a little bit of a parallel there, with Vanitas having gone through oblivion and coming back. That's like breaking, he thinks, and...Even though he couldn't stop it, won't be able to stop it, for any of the people he meets there, and maybe he won't be able to stop it if it happens to one of the swords while he's not part of their team...

No one is allowed to break. He refuses.] ...my smith wasn't the one who was with me when I broke - he'd died...a long time before that - but when I was with that person, and Yasusada, you know I broke, right? [He's definitely told him, but maybe Vanitas forgot. He sure seemed like it some of the times he needled others.] Until Aruji called me...

[He sighs, shaking his head.]

I don't know if that time was like oblivion, but if you mean there's some part of you that's grateful for him because of that...I can understand that, at least. [He still wants to cut this Xehanort if he ever shows his face in front of him, though.]

[ Vanitas finds his heartbeat speed up a little quickly as Kashuu says those words. He's right...he just thinks that he lost his right to not be used once he was now in 'Xehanort's debt' for him being brought back. It's not...a good thought, in this sense of 'gratefulness' and it's made him feel lost. Maybe even scared, but he doesn't want to admit to the last of those.

So he just grits his teeth for a bit as he forces the admittance out. ]

Something like that...

[ He swallows thickly. ]

But, even if I am, I don't - I never wanted to be in his debt, or grateful to him for anything. That's why it's been so hard, with the old man being the reason I'm back, it feels like I've lost any say.

If...I don't have to serve by his side, I wonder if I could ever escape him. No one will want somethi-someone like me running around back in the worlds I've come from, and everyone so full of light would just try to kill me on the spot, knowing what I am.

[ So he's considered escaping to Atsushi's world, but...if Xehanort found out, well. Vanitas isn't the only one with world traveling powers. ]

[Good, Vanitas got the lesson he'd had to stop referring to himself as a thing, rather than a person. That took a bit for Kashuu himself, but being a person rather than just a tool of battle is...it's a jump.

Kashuu nods slowly, willing his fingers to release.]

Is it okay if I touch you? [Gotta ask that before he does. But...]

Just because he brought you back doesn't mean you have to follow his will. We're here with Aruji, and follow Aruji's orders, because we want to. There's no like...leverage over our heads to do it, even though a lot of us wouldn't still exist if it wasn't for him. [This...is a kinda complicated thing to explain, huh.]

Total obedience wasn't required when we came back, but I don't know about what exactly happened when you got out of oblivion. So if it's not that you're worried about him hurting you, I think you should be able to resist him. [Having this conversation when he doesn't know much at all about Vanitas' world is a struggle.

He's trying not to say "you could stab him. That could work". Killing people is sometimes the solution, but they've been trying very hard to get Vanitas out of thinking that way.]

I mean. You can be grateful that you're back and still want to punch him in the face. And...we can figure out a way to get you out of there without him following. You don't have to be alone.

[ It took so long for Vanitas to get there, and still he needs to make sure to correct himself, but ultimately...even knowing he's made progress made him feel kind of proud of that. ]

...You can touch me.

[ Kashuu is one of the few people he trusts enough to do that (to not hurt him), but asking does make it significantly easier. ]

He just told me about his plan to create the X-Blade all over again, and that I would be getting out of it the same as last time when I'd been "created". And that 'this' time he had a more solid method to ensure it's success...some nonsense about people becoming his vessels. [ ... ] He wouldn't be afraid to hurt me. After all, he used to do it all the time to help me become stronger.

[ There's a brief pause, as an ugly feeling comes crawling up within him. More than a few memories of forced isolation, strikes that continued even when he couldn't move, and he was in tears. When he was weak.

He's kind of tensing up a bit at that, because this is going to portions he hasn't told anyone else yet. But he breathes, managing to release that, as he knows that he can trust Kashuu, and those words...

A long time ago, he'd thought needing help was weakness. That being alone was strength. But, no...and thinking over "You don't have to be alone", makes him actually feel a little less afraid. ]

Too bad I can't just kill him. So, if there's something we can figure out so he can't cause it all to go to hell, I'm all for it.

[Even the smallest step can feel like a lot, and they are important, when it comes to undoing that kind of thinking. But he's gotten permission to touch the other boy, so he holds out his arms to make it as clear as he can so that Vanitas can move if he wants, and hugs him.

Quite honestly, most of what Vanitas says about the X-Blade is lost on him, though he does remember him summoning it a couple of times...]

That's...that thing you said could cut everything, right? [It's been a while. But him talking about breaking sure stuck.] I think you said something about changing worlds with it too? [It's been over half a year even just counting Citadel time, give him a little slack if he's off.

...but hurting him to 'help him' become stronger... He sighs.]

I don't really get the people being his vessels thing, but you're not a sword. You can't get tempered like that... [His steel can't get made stronger literally by putting him back in the situation that made him for a moment. Vanitas' reaction pretty much proves that it wasn't like, sparring, that he'd meant when he said that that guy hurt him. Sparring isn't really supposed to hurt anyway. Not in a bad way.

Saying that Vanitas doesn't have to be alone is really the best he can do in this situation... It's not like they can go back to his world with him, but he can at least find them when they aren't in those places, and talk to them when they are in the same place, for whatever reason.

If Vanitas lets them.]

Yeah, killing him would be the easiest option here if it'd work, huh... [...] Well, I don't know enough about him or your world to really offer even the beginnings of a plan, but that's what talking about it's for, right? [He can listen.]

[ It's probably telling enough when the black-haired male moves forward, his hands rising up slowly to reach out to Kashuu, that even though he said 'yes', he is more than willing to really allow the embrace to happen. ]

Yeah. It can remake the worlds--the universe itself. I didn't have much chance to wield it for long, and I think that ended up being for the better.

[ Vanitas was, quite frankly, not in the best headspace to be wielding around an object of such power willy-nilly. And, he knew what he wanted to do with it too - his mind had been poisoned to the point where even Xehanort would've regretted leaving such a powerful artifact in Vanitas' hands.

It was worse than training from Hell, and really, he'll leave it at that for now, content on not diving too much into it at the moment. ]

If he weren't so powerful, I'd snap his neck with my own hands or whatever. But it's just me against him, his allies, and his ... other selves he retrieved from some time-travel crap.

And...if it'll help, I'll tell you everything I know about him and the "world" I come from.

[ Vanitas feels himself finally begin to relax a little. He's starting to feel actually kind of hopeful about all of this, and most importantly, remembering that he does have people who are there for him. No matter how hard Xehanort tried to ensure that he'd have no support network. ]

[Hugs are good sometimes, especially since they don't have enough of a height difference to mean one of their heads has to be pressed awkwardly into a chest (or go on their toes to avoid that but get collarbones into neck instead).

Remake worlds...or the universe. The fact that there's almost no chance that the Revisionists would ever get their hands on it or something like it is very comforting.]

...I don't like the idea of anyone having that kind of power, honestly. [But definitely, the Vanitas at that time wasn't... There was a reason they'd ended up with that promise.

That sounds like...Vanitas alone against an army, or at the very least a couple of squads. He'd never said it, but they're probably around similar strength to Vanitas and that... Maybe fighting four or maybe a few more people at your own strength at once would work, but it'd definitely sounded like there was a significant number against him, with Xehanort.]

What about...those people, the ones full of light? Are they completely out of it, or would they just fight all of you instead of realizing you don't like him either? [Are they like Kebiishi?

...That probably wasn't the best thing to ask, huh. But still, he'll help however he can. Even if it means pushing a few buttons.]

Even if I can't think of something, just talking about it might make it easier, or you'll think of something. It can't hurt? [He pets some of Vanitas' hair.]

[ Vanitas has come to like hugs - much more than he'd care to admit. It was just how he was, but he no longer thought such expressions of physical affection equated to weakness. Far from it. ]

That's fair.

[ He'll say that at least with a laugh that's void of any mirth. ]

Hah, they wouldn't listen to what I'd say. I'm...a being of darkness, Kashuu. The most they'd think I was capable of feeling or being would be negativity. To put it into perspective, one of their Masters even went so far as to try to kill my other half just to avoid me from getting into contact with him in battle. [ He pulls away, a dark smile on his lips. ] I've done some unsavory things too, under M- under Xehanort, before I knew there was another way. But, there's mever been someone filled with so much darkness on the side of light before...the best outcome I could hope from them is not prolonging my death when they'd decide to destroy me.

[ He really believes it too. It really comes down to dark vs light- that's even the battle being waged against Xehanort now. ]

Maybe. I do remember the old man tracks people by their clothing, so you could try to help me pick out a new outfit?

[ Another noise of amusement from him but this time more genuine, relaxing a bit at the hair petting. ]

Edited Date: 2019-03-05 07:20 pm (UTC)

[Well, liking hugs now is a good thing considering Kashuu isn't letting go, even tightening it a little as Vanitas speaks before loosening again, stroking his hair more.

He knows it's not like Vanitas is likely to be wrong about what those beings of light think, or at least Vanitas has more of an idea about what they think than he does, but still...]

Well, we know that they're wrong about that. [If they attempted to kill someone on their side just because Vanitas might have contact with him in a fight, then there isn't much more to explore on that side, not if Vanitas can't get someone to talk to those people and get it into their heads that it isn't just light and dark and that everything isn't decided just based upon that.

But if Vanitas is sure that the best outcome of him talking to them is that he'd die quicker than he would otherwise... He doesn't want to be a part of that.] Just because it hasn't happened before doesn't mean it can never happen, but... clothes.

Think you could bring us to a place that isn't here for that? Otherwise I'd just be helping you figure out whose clothing to steal from here. [He sure doesn't remember seeing any actual clothing stores-

And seeing Vanitas in someone's clothes would just be a bit weird, honestly. Even though they'd only be looking at everyone shorter than Kashuu himself. ...that's only like, the tantou and most of the wakizashi though. Too many.]

This'd be easier if that place had a ton of clothes like it does alcohol. [C'mon Murder Village...]

[ He...really likes those hair pets, so careful he might fall asleep standing up (alright, not really.)

Hearing Kashuu's words remind him that they are true, maybe as a form of reinforcement. Vanitas had been working out of believing all that crap that Xehanort taught him - that he'd internalized - but sometimes it was hard to remember that they were true. And even all that he hadn't - that all darkness was not even as close to being 'good' like the light was. ]

...Yeah. [ ... ] You don't mind going right now?

[ Asking cautiously because he doesn't want to whisk Kashuu away when it's probably maybe inconvenient. He's still trying out this 'being considerate' thing. Emphasis on trying. ]

That place has so much food too. But, somehow I'm not surprised - it's stupid it could give people like 'fishnets' or whatever but not much else.

[Making things comfortable enough that people are okay with falling asleep is far from a bad thing, except for the obvious problem of where they are-

The main good thing to come out of Murder Village and that entire place - people who will willing yell at Vanitas that just about everything that Xehanort taught him, they have proven false. Or tell him that without yelling it.

Kashuu backs off and looks at himself for a moment, but sighs.]

Yeah, let's go now. Going wherever wearing this is probably safer than me going back to change...

[Housework outfit it is. And then... the mention of the one article of clothing that that place loves to give people.

He groans.] Why the fishnets? Those and the boots...

[He has been hooker entirely too many times for comfort. One time is honestly too many for his comfort but still.] Anyway, as long as we get back before...well, Yasusada waking up, it should be fine. Ideally before anyone starts getting up, but definitely before he does.

[ Indeed it is; that's why despite the hurt that comes through playing in Murder Village, he can't help but associate with it positivity. A common love and hate relationship he's sure some of the others also shared...and at that a slight smirk appears on his lips.

It would be best if they did it quickly, though Vanitas is sure that they'd have hours. And perhaps days before Xehanort would attempt to track him down if he hadn't returned in time - when that didn't work, there was the danger of him calling Vanitas to him. But, one thing at a time...getting different clothing was half the battle, at least. ]

Well, you don't look too bad in what you're wearing right now, so at least no one would probably stare.

[ The black-haired boy snorted a little in amusement at Kashuu's bemoaning the Hooker attire - he always thought it was rather so silly for the game to go overboard with it, more than anything. Anyway, he soon summoned a dark portal. At least since Kashuu wasn't 100% human he wouldn't have to worry so much about the effects of such travel upon him. ]

I'm not going to be picky, so ideally it shouldn't take...let's say, forever, to make it happen. Any bright colors are instantly out, though.

[ Then he'll walk right through it, and wait on the other side. Once Kashuu crosses through, he'll find himself in a place like this. Welcome to San Fransokyo, Kashuu. At least it's nighttime too so there's hardly as much people as there'd be walking around in the day. ]

Edited Date: 2019-03-06 06:08 am (UTC)

[Complaining about his current outfit is less about how he looks in it and more about the fact that he knows he'll stand out, if there isn't anyone else wearing even sort of traditional clothing.

And given what San Fransokyo looks like as he steps through, he's got less and less faith that he won't really stand out.

At least he didn't bring himself along...]

No bright colors, huh? Should we start by trying to find colors that you've let me paint on your nails, or just like, shapes that you like? [Shapes makes sense, right? The way clothing falls or clings to frames...]

...shapes would probably be better... [He's mumbling that, and other things, as he looks around the city that isn't anything like most of the times they get sent back to.

...starting off in whatever counts as the red light district would be a mistake, even though it's possibly the most familiar part of this entire city to him. That's unfortunate.]

Lead the way to a place you've seen clothes in? [Cities that look like this don't tend to just have a few and tailors, he knows that much at least.]

[ Vanitas naturally thinks that Kashuu in his wear and himself in his darkness suit is just fine because of course he does. ]

The colors I've let you paint my nails before - shapes are good too.

[ He wonders if they sell anything similar to the half-skirt he wears in his usually getup, but he supposes they'll see once they look into the clothing shops. He knows where some of them are on account of possibly some ... possible hero stalking duties and happening by them, so he can at least lead the way. ]

Shouldn't be too far. At least we probably won't stand out too much, since I'm sure people in this city have seen weirder, what with whatever's been running around the streets not too long ago.

[ They don't even have to walk that far, since Vanitas stops in front of a clothing store with a neon bright sign that indicates it's open and reaches for the door, pulling it open so they can enter. ]

Mm...I guess you'd know more about that. [Regarding the people here having seen weirder things than the two of them.

He can definitely try to find you something with at least some kind of hip thing, instead of just like. Shirts. Worse comes to worst, Vanitas could always get some kind of skirt-like thing and wear it over his pants sneakily--]

Ah, thanks. [And into the shop he goes, looking back to make sure Vanitas does in fact intend on coming in with him, and then staring at the racks of clothing. There's a couple of things that stand out to him instantly, but not in the way that he thinks Vanitas might want to wear them himself. They just look kind of fun to wear...

But a bit farther in than that, once he's taken a look, he's at least found some things that he doesn't think will just get rejected outright. From what he remembers, Vanitas hasn't had to really deal with buttons before so he just doesn't look at any of the button-ups. Just a lot of kinda long coats, really. Clothing aimed at masculine people...still not a whole lot of variety that he thinks Vanitas would go for.

At the very least, maybe Vanitas would like these pants.]

I found some things you might like? I think, anyway.

[ Vanitas peers his head out of a stack of clothing, and honestly he looks kind of overwhelmed even though this shop isn't ridiculously huge like some clothing stores were. That's right, he's seen clothing stores on the outside, but Xehanort never bothered taking him inside one, and Vanitas never went inside himself even on his own time. It's an interesting experience to say the least. ]

That didn't take long.

[ But he's more picky than he imagined, he guessed...and holds up pants with a chain on them too and he's staring at some of the black shirts they have in here. ]

What'd you find, anyway? And do you think they'd have skirts in the section over here too?

[ He's not really seeing much of that, but he hardly knows what's considered "normal" given what his peers wear and what he's used to wearing. ]

Edited Date: 2019-03-08 03:33 am (UTC)

[Honestly, clothing stores are just a Little Much sometimes, no matter the size. It's not the first time he's been in one, but it's mostly just the excitement of seeing the different varieties that makes it so he isn't also slowly going through everything.]

It's fun! [A couple of things, but he points over at another part of the store.]

I think the skirts would probably be over there? This looks more like...stuff for people who don't like skirts? [He definitely just means that it looks like they're for guys, but that's like. Not thinking that needs to be continued.

He does like point out a couple of things to Vanitas, but nothing that belongs squarely in like Visual-Kei or really goth. Nothing really dark and edgy-]

Humans are weird sometimes. [Vanitas would also see some pants that look a Lot like Terra's though.]

Yeah...it is. I've never done anything like this--never knew there were so many choices. How people manage to do this on their own and get so much stuff is a mystery to me.

[ In terms of clothing, but maybe it can have a reference to other things as well. The black-haired male looks at the things around them again.

It's pretty difficult to miss the slight smile that's settled on his face, though. ]

Then, let's go over there after we grab some more things here. I probably don't need too much--but, these styles you pointed out are kind of plain. Anything more rough like these pants?

[ But maybe he'll need a coat now that he won't be wearinh his previous clothing, so he picks up a dwrk blue one too. ]

A lot of time and a lot of money, I guess. Or knowing exactly what kind of things they like before they get here so they just have to go find it.

[He grins, seeing that smile. Slight ones are still smiles, and he'll take what he can get. The fact that Vanitas is enjoying this is better than it just being something he's doing because he wants to lose whatever tracking is in his current clothing.]

More rough, huh? [He looks around for a bit, sees something he'd wear and maybe Vanitas would, something he would suggest as more of a joke than anything, and falls straight into basically the visual kei section of the store. More rough.]

Things like this? [And then they can go look at skirts when he's happy. That's up to Vanitas though.

Boring choices originally because he's not going to suggest chokers or collars at any point. If Vanitas wants them, he can get them, but Kashuu isn't going to place that idea in his head.]

Heh. That does sound like it'd make sense.

[ When Kashuu points to those set of clothing, there's a look of excitement on his face as what he's looking at clicks with a style that resonates with him, though that mellows out a bit, a familiar smirk setting itself on his lips. He doesn't seem all that embarrassed - after all, he knows Kashuu won't disparage him for it. ]

Yeah, stuff like that's perfect.

[ Surprisingly not a style he spots all that often, but all the more reason to go for the edgy clothing. He'll be scooping up a few shirts and pants. He also doesn't know that they sell chokers or collars yet, but once he spot them he'll nab them. ]

... I think this will do for now? I got a jacket too so it isn't like I won't have anything to wear on top of these. So, how about we go check out the section where the skirts were?

[ The black-haired boy's eyebrows furrowed a little...he forgot what direction Kashuu had pointed in originally, so he'll just wait for the other to point again or lead. Whichever comes first. ]

[Yeah, Kashuu's not gonna tease him about it, but he's not exactly looking forward to the next time they're both in that place, knowing that it's very likely that someone would ask about it. But, Vanitas is an edgy child and his maybe first time picking out clothing reflects that...

He nods, leading the way.] I'm not gonna really help with this. There's way more options and lengths of skirts than any of those shirts or pants we saw... [Maybe not here in front of them, but in general. Why can't shirts be fun looking too... But at the very least, short black or red skirts aren't uncommon, this store even having ones made out of different materials and with or without ruffles.

...and if he likes one color but not how long it is, if it's too long, it's not like they can't change that.

There might be some collars or chokers over by the nearby belts, but that's secondary to staring all the skirts down. There's even a couple of dresses in the same spot instead of like, three racks away.]

[ ...if someone asks, Vanitas might even brag about how awesome his new clothes are. Without even getting into the 'why'. ]

Really? Weird, but I'm not complaining. There's probably not going to be a shitton of the same skirt at least.

[ And he's right. Vanitas is (un)surprisingly picking almost immediately, three skirts. One is red, one is a red and black plaid, and one is just all black. The first is short length and the other two are medium length. He'll take a look at them carefully before deciding he's all set, and staring at the dresses for a bit. But, those aren't good for fighting, so he goes over to grab a few belts.

...He also nabs some chokers too, before turning to look at Kashuu. ]

I think I'm all set. [ ... ] I've never bought anything before. Do I just leave the money on the floor or counter or...what?

[ Xehanort for worst Master 2k19. ]

[He'll just try to not...give away that he had any part in the new clothing then. It'll be fine, there have been worse things in that place. Like any instance where they had to play a game involving stripping or kissing, and also most of the times he's been the hooker or the lover.]

Probably not, yeah. [The skirts, that is. There might be a ton, but not like, a Ton. He's just gonna let Vanitas grab whatever he wants and hope that everything works out fine.

Also, not being able to fight in dresses is quitter talk. It'd just take some practice, that's all. Just like any other kind of clothing.

...he knew he should have asked about paying earlier.]

There's a register somewhere in here, right? We pay there. [Vanitas knows what a register is, right...

How do you even describe a register.

...

Wait.] ...you did make sure to grab something to wear under the skirts and pants, right? [He's not sure due to all of this if Vanitas has underwear that isn't Xehanort's doing. Please don't make him help with that too, just grab a fitting size and go...]

[ This will go swell, clearly.

And really, he just kind of...stares a little at "register", which probably answers that question. He has never seen a cash register in his life (or if he has, he doesn't know he did), as he's never set foot into an actual store - only seen them from the outside, in. And of course why would Xehanort teach him about things that may incline Vanitas to be less than chained/reliant on him? Even such basic things...to an "abomination beyond salvation", all he needed to know was how to be an effective tool in battle. ]

...how does using a "register" work? Can I just leave the money next to the thing?

[ He blinks slowly. So, there was a game where he flat out told Atsushi the darkness suit was all he wore and nothing else. Literally. Nothing underneath. And now, he's just now realizing he'll need something to wear underneath - these aren't like the suits made from darkness. ]

I should probably do that, shouldn't I? But, where would they even sell something like that in here?

Edited Date: 2019-03-16 06:52 am (UTC)

For now...enough money for how much everything you're getting costs, yeah. [Since...there isn't actually anyone up at the register right now. That's a bit of a problem. Aren't they open?

It's not robbing because they're paying, right?] I think there'd usually be a person up there to pay so that it's not all on the counter though.

...please wear something underneath. [This child thought that he meant something kinky when he mentioned gagging him, please don't just actually choose to go commando...]

Back at the pants maybe? I know that they usually have like, sections but... [This is also his first time really going to a clothing store like this, and also this isn't one from his history - they're on a different world. He's doing his best. Even if it means that he's trying to recall what those magazines said.]

Or by where you see socks. That's where I'd think they'd be.

Sounds good to me. It's their own damn fault for not paying attention anyway.

[ Someone's clearly slacking and hiding in the bathroom, texting on their phone while the two shop. Tsk tsk tsk.

Vanitas has been going commando for four years and no one has told him that it was a strange thing until he entered Murder Village. Xehanort is just honestly a bad parent in general even when he isn't trying to be/to cultivate someone's darkness. Never recommend. ]

Alright, I think I can manage that.

[ He throws the clothing he has over one of his shoulders, and then grabs some underwear nearby the socks. He stares at those too...would he need those? He takes some socks with him as well, before looking back at Kashuu. ]

...Would I need anything else?

[It was real slow and they came in and no one noticed... Invest in a really annoying doorbell.]

...shoes? [He wasn't sure if those were part of the outfit or not, but if he's literally never worn anything that he's had to buy or get someone to get him, shoes would also be a thing, huh.]

And that'll take a little more time, since you really wanna make sure your shoes fit. [Ideally everything will fit, but having shoes that don't fit is just a cause for a whole bunch of problems. Can't get your feet in them, or they move around so much just inside them that sores happen, or they just barely fit and walking can make you bleed... A bunch of bad things if the shoes don't fit.

He holds out his hands.]

I can hold your clothes while you go. [There's not a whole variety of shoes, but if Vanitas is just going to pick based on outward appearance as well as making sure they fit, he should be able to find some suitably edgy shoes easily enough. They do kind of stand out.]

[ Right. He'll need to get shoes...honestly, learning how to do something like shopping for clothes in general is probably good for him in general. ]

You don't mind? I'll be back soon. It shouldn't take too long to find the perfect fit.

[ Vanitas passes him a smirk before making like he's about to toss the clothing and makes a fake out throw before gently handing them over into the other's hands, looking faintly amused. Then, the black-haired male goes to find the shoes.

As he's sorting through which ones he wants (which are red...shut up, red is a great color, ok ), and a vague thought passes through his mind. He does...seldom think about how this all lead up to a point like this, sometimes struggling internally with the idea he deserves their kindness. It's not something he likes to think about, so when he does find the right shoe, he let's it go, and soon returns, holding the shoes in his hand. ]

...Got it. Wasn't all that hard, so how about you say we just jet after I leave the money on the counter?

[ He asks, though there's something else he wishes to say, which has been creeping up on him the entire time they've been here, he'll leave it til the other responds. ]

[Seemingly simple things are good to find out how to do, especially when you're not sure who exactly would get on your case about not knowing how to do the thing.]

You'd think, right? [Shoes sometimes... But he smiles as Vanitas hands him the clothing instead of tossing them at him. He's learning...

Listen, his first thought was that Vanitas would probably go for like, belted black boots, so red is good. He's hardly one to complain about someone wearing red. Eye-catching as they may be, they're Probably less edgy than he was originally thinking that Vanitas would grab.

He laughs, holding the clothing back out for Vanitas to take.]

Sounds good. Make sure you leave enough. [Please don't end this first shopping experience by actually stealing by not leaving enough, they're doing so well.]

After you've paid, think you're ready to return me? [Or does he want to do something else with his captive Kashuu.

...he probably should have phrased that differently.]

[ Vanitas is getting a hang of the right amount to tease. It's literally only taken him a year in Murder Village...but honestly after so long, even he is bound to make progress. Of course, it's not completely across the board, but it's definitely better than six months ago, even.

He'll then reach over to take some of the clothing... ]

Hmm, I don't know. Maybe I should just take you somewhere else just for the hell of it.

[ He's almost smirking as he heads over to the counter and drops some munny there. He leaves just enough but it's. A mess of coins where he's left it, and then he'll turn to face Kashuu, clothes still in hand. His playful expression sort of melting away for a bit as his expression kind of looks like it's more or less something neutral. ]

You didn't need to do any of this—and you still did. But... I wanted to—

[ Another pause, as these are words that are still difficult for him to say. ]

—To...th...th-thank...you. For everything, just in case.

[ He doesn't quite elaborate on what he means by 'just in case', figuring it'd be enough to leave it at that. ]

[Slow progress is still progress! He's proud.]

Hehe, as long as we're back before the Citadel wakes up. [Honestly, it's not really like he'd be able to sleep a whole lot given this, but eh, it would probably be better to return. Vanitas teasing might be a good way to end this outing, but maybe something else would be better.]

You asked. [He's aware that it's a hard thing to do, and that thanks are hard to say, but that is what it boiled down to. Vanitas, Vanitas, asked. It may have been in the middle of the night when he really should have been asleep, but this child who hadn't thought he could have non-negative emotions when they had met had asked for his help.

Why wouldn't he go?

...but that tag onto the thanks... If only he wasn't aware of exactly what that "just in case" was. ...how many promises would he have to break in order to talk plainly about this to Vanitas...

He smiles slightly, sadly, looking into the distance and not at Vanitas.]

Don't make it so I'm the one who has to tell Atsushi, if that does happen. But....knowing it might is better than having no idea, I think. ["Just in case"] Maybe it makes it easier to fight past where you'd start stopping, or something.

[...

He reaches out to mess with Vanitas' hair.]

It might not be on one of your...worlds? [He'd said the plural earlier, right...] But don't go thinking that you don't have a home. Pretty sure that Tori and Atsushi aren't the only ones who'd welcome you. [There's quite a lot of reasons, really, why he can't, but... Hey, remember that you are fighting for something, and it's more than just your survival. If that ever feels like not enough.]

[ A year ago, Vanitas would never have thought of asking anyone for anything. Not only would that be a sign of weakness, it would place him in someone's debt should they feel like recalling it, and then he'd be at a disadvantage. Or that's how he used to feel, anyway.

But now he knows different.

Not everyone would take advantage of that. And that he has a right to be happy, especially as someone who is more than an abomination as well as a creature of darkness who could only feel negatively.

He closes his eyes for a moment, feeling his hair being ruffled, and smiling slightly. ]

I won't fall that easily. Even if it is the "Master" who's against me and it all goes to hell, but I guess I'm not very used to things working out for me...for the better.

[ When he met people here and actually made friends, Vanitas wondered how long it'll last. He'd tore through a few relationships at some points, and didn't think it was possible for somethin- someone like him to even sustain any. But, he kept being proven wrong time and time again.

He hoped that would remain the case.

Yet, when Kashuu reminds him that he would have a home - and that the others would welcome him into theirs - Vanitas finds his vision become kind of blurry. One of these appears nearby Vanitas' feet as he rubs at his eyes. The Keyblade Graveyard was never a home, not really, with no buildings or a proper place for rest; he'd never slept in a building until he came to the Murder Village. And him realizing that Kashuu had a point, that those important people would lend their hand to them to that extent is a bit overwhelming. ]

...We should get going. I don't want to bring too many of the Unversed here.

Edited Date: 2019-03-23 10:16 am (UTC)

[All the things people box up as "things that we owe" versus "things that we are owed", it's an interesting distinction, since he was, in a way, brought up outside of that. Duty is one thing, having a purpose, but being allowed to do things for himself apart from making sure he's more fit for battle - decorating this body now that he has the option...

Impossible dreams from the riverbank. Life was hardly owed there.

"I won't fall that easily"....It's not like he wanted to remember it, but at that time he'd said I'm not that weak. For all the two of them, Vanitas and Yasusada, don't get along that well (maybe an understatement), they can be similar too.

His smile softens.]

That means you'll work harder for it and that it'll feel better when it finally does. Or...something like that.

[Well, Vanitas had sure messed up more than a couple of times - there was a reason that Kashuu had made him make that promise a while ago, after one of the times that X-blade was shown off and he'd talked about it breaking, but he'd kept it, so here they are. He can't even really remember the exact details of that promise anymore.

Everyone else's determination to keep this child in their lives as the version he is now (or more like him than he was when he'd first arrived), that surely has changed so many of their wills, to even try and remain friends. Or not quite enemies.

Vanitas is clearly making an effort, so they're willing to work with him on things.

And then he's tearing up, maybe. Kashuu pats his head, once, and nods.]

Still not sure what the Unversed are, but okay. [Seeing one doesn't mean he's sure what it is.] Whenever you're ready.

[He holds out a hand, letting it drop from Vanitas' head.]

...That doesn't sound entirely like bullshit, actually.

[ It made him think of when Xehanort told him if he worked harder he'd get stronger, and though that had negative connotations...in this instance 'working hard' didn't. Instead of just aiming for something that'd never truly net him happiness, he was finally looking towards achieving exactly that. It only took him what...a year? To finally think it was possible in the first place.

Honestly, such a long time in retrospect, but he'd been under Xehanort for give or take four years. It takes awhile to undo the damage he's done. So maybe it shouldn't be such a surprise he fucked up badly ... okay admittedly it was definitely more than a few times for sure.

Even now, some part of him is still surprised people put up with it, not knowing that him trying at all actually helped. When the other pats his head, his lips curl slightly upwards. ]

...They're a manifestation of my negative emotions. [ He doesn't think he's ever explained, because he hasn't, and said creature peers at Kashuu before hopping onto Vanitas' shoulder. ] But, I think I'm ready to go now.

[ He'll reach out to take the hand and blinks, before remembering to summon a dark portal for outside so they can really bail. ]

Hehe, I'm glad. [Spouting bull isn't exactly what he'd wanted to do right then after all, maybe not what he ever really wants to do, even if it happens sometimes. That though...

Maybe it was something he'd heard in the past, at a time that it was bullshit, at least as far as he was concerned.

He's been with Xehanort for about the same amount of time than Kashuu's had a body he could move around, if they're just counting Citadel time...maybe he shouldn't bring that up.]

Mmmm....Then I hope they don't show up all that often anymore. [The Unversed, that is. Hopefully Vani's got positive emotions more frequently than negative now.

He tilts his head toward the portal.]

Then let's go? [Take the steps, Vani, he'll follow you. Even if he can't get out of here on his own-]

Not usually, unless I force them out. It kind of helps I've had better control over them too.

[ So hey, a plus. He's just glad he doesn't create creatures from positive ones because then he'd have to look out for those too... ]

Yeah, let's get going.

[ Vanitas steps right through the portal and the travel is at least instantaneous - they're back at the citadel's fields. At least he's sure they still didn't wake anyone. ]

...Looks like we're back.

Mmm. [He nods at the little explanation. But it doesn't really change much: he's glad that Vanitas is having less negative emotions, and that when he does, he's not just sprouting Unversed.

And then they're back in the Citadel's fields.] Looks like it.

[He smiles at him and the piles of clothing they managed to obtain.] Wanna talk about anything else before you let me go to sleep or...? ["Letting him go to sleep" being actually parting ways for the time, and why he hasn't said goodbye yet.]