[His grip lessens, but he doesn't let go, instead they fist into Vash's jacket, suddenly scared the man is going to get up and leave. He can't. Wolfwood can't explain why he can't, but he can't.]
Okay.
[He feels a bit better now, trusting that they aren't just placating words. Because Vash needs to know that something dangerous is lurking out there. Even if he can't explain it. Even if it was just a shape. Something was out there, he has no doubt about that. And at the moment, he's terrified of it despite it doing...nothing.]
No. No. no. Don't go out there. Don't-
[Don't leave him. Is what he wants to say, but the words get stuck on his tongue. Because he's never asked that of anybody. He's never cared enough to ask anybody.
So instead he bows his head forward, letting his forehead hit Vash's shoulder.]
( A noise, a soft squeaky little thing that he covers up quickly, hands moving again to curve around Wolfwood's waist. They've been getting better at casual intimacy the last few weeks, shoulders brushing, hands shoving, but this feels different. He hates it, and hates the way he craves it too, the heat of the other man's forehead burning through his clothing. It would be easier if this was something he could fight. He doesn't know how to do this.
But he'll try.
He shuffles closer without a word, arms going around that waist, gathering Wolfwood to him. It's the first time they've ever hugged, and Vash keeps his touch loose at first just in case the other man wants to break free. When he talks his voice is soft, earnest. )
You're not. Something is weird here, you're right about that. I don't like it either. But nothing's going to get you. I won't let it, okay? And we're gonna be fine, because we'll face it together.
( He flattens his real palm against Wolfwood's spine, runs it gently in a circle. )
[He doesn't know why he did it, but it's not until Vash's arms are around him and he finds himself surrounded by body heat in a way he never has before that he realizes what he's initiated.
He doesn't have the extra energy to be embarrassed by his actions though. There are things moving in the shadows and the only thing keeping him from reaching for the punisher and shooting at it is the arms around his waist and the hand on his back. So instead he squeezes his eyes shut so he can't see it.
He's never doubted his own senses before. He's never trusted anyone to protect him either. Nobody has ever come to save him.
But he's counting on Vash.]
Don't patronize me, Spikey.
[But his fingers just curl into his jacket tighter.]
( A muffled protest, considering he's still very much holding on to Wolfwood as tight as he can. ) This is more for me than it is you anyway, so just go along with it. It's been a long day.
( It is and it isn't true. Certainly the day has been long, but Vash is used to that. Other than a sense of unease he's been throwing himself helpfully into whatever he can with reckless abandon. He hasn't suffered through whatever Wolfwood has. But that doesn't mean the fear that takes hold now isn't real. The man in his arms is important to Vash - perhaps the most important - and while he's dutifully ignoring whatever that means, to see him so rattled does the same thing to Vash. He only just got him back. He thought he wouldn't be allowed even that. Whatever's happening here doesn't get to take it away again. )
What do you need me to do? ( His hand is still moving, still soothing. He can't quite help it. ) Tell me, and I'll do it.
[He doesn't have the energy to fight with Vash, otherwise he'd call that bullshit too. But he doesn't feel like being catty. It's hard to when the paranoia feels like it's trying to eat him alive.
He exhales a couple of breaths against Vash's shoulder. The sounds are still roaring in his ears, his skin is still prickled with the feeling of something lurking right beside him, but instead he forces himself to focus on the feeling of Vash's hand against his back.]
I still hear it. I feel it. If I open up my eyes I see it. So just...be my senses until this goes away. If it's real and it kills me, I'll haunt your ass.
( There's a misery pulling up his shoulders, knitting the notches in his spine more tighter together. For something to effect Wolfwood this much is alarming. He doesn't blame the man for it, and he'd certainly rather he was here by his side than he wasn't. But he feels useless. There is nothing he can fight here, nothing he can explain away. )
I just hear you. Your breathing. There's a little wind outside too, but that was the case when I was out there. And uh, I see - dust? A lot of dust. I can smell it too. It smells different here, doesn't it? Not as dry. It's kind of funny, you think? How the dust can smell strange? Or maybe you haven't noticed. No, you would have.
( He's rambling, he knows it. But it's all he can think to do. )
Damp has a smell. I didn't know that before. I guess not a lot gets to be saturated on No Man's Land.
( The hand at his spine flattens, presses firmer. )
Okay. Well, what's a god to a couple of guys like us, right? ( For the very first time he wishes he hadn't so forcibly ignored the things he could do. If he'd paid closer attention to it, if he'd not shut his own mind down so very quickly, maybe he could do something to help Wolfwood through the night. But all he has is gun.
Not that it isn't enough, it will have to be. ) You know I hate religion, Wolfwood, so really it's gonna have a hard time anyway. How about you tell me what you can hear, mm? Then we can corroborate.
[He exhales a tired breath. He doesn't talk to Vash about religion, because he doesn't need to. Because they both know how shitty it is in their own world. Knives built a religion around himself and Vash, so he gets he's got hard feelings about it. He knows how he probably feels about false gods. And maybe this was a false god, or maybe it was like the gods in their party. Maybe it was a monster. But it was real, whatever it was. ]
Put that aside for a second. I'm telling you, something is out there and it's fucking with my head. There's snarls and nails clicking, and things moving in the shadows, and it feels like it's watching, right now, even. It could be in the corner for how close it feels.
It hasn't touched you, right? All it's doing is being kind of creepy?
( He's really trying, pulling back just a little to check the corner. Vash truly doesn't see anything bar a spider's web that has probably been there the whole time, and that in itself makes his expression twist into something more troubled. It really is affecting Wolfwood, which means it really is a problem. )
You said we, right? So you weren't the only one doing the ritual? Have you checked in on any of those guys? Or -.
( Because he knows this man, private and suspicious as he is. )
I could. Maybe I could say I hear something. And then I could find out for you. We'd have a better understanding if we knew without a shadow of a doubt it was connecting to whoever you were with, right? It's worth a shot.
[Not Spikey, or Blondie, or Dumbass, just...Vash. Because he's tired and obviously on edge and Vash isn't rubbing anymore, and-he can feel his body tensing again from an unseen threat.
He has zero interest in telling Vash he wandered into the woods with a god to sacrifice animals into luring out another god. He won't tell him that he's pissed at this mind-fuck and instead of chasing him away he'll probably go after him again because it's obvious now that whatever it is, it's dangerous.
His hands unfurl from Vash's jacket, shift to wrap around his back instead.]
Quit trying to look for solutions. Just-be my eyes and ears until this goes away.
( There's no unawkward way to keep hovering like this, but Vash has committed to it now and so he rests on his heels and lets his hand start moving again, small, soothing little circles against Wolfwood's spine that he learnt a hundred years ago would bring him comfort. He can't exactly be eyes like this either, facing away from the door, and while every single survival instinct is raging at him, instead all he does is hook his chin over the other man's shoulder, his other hand coming up to run soothingly through his hair.
It's all instinct, all old memories. Even as an unburdened thing on the ships Vash had nightmares, and Rem was always close at hand. He draws those painful instances closer now, fingers gentle. He only tips his head a little to listen to the world outside but all he can hear is Wolfwood's breathing, pitched too high.
But he stays quiet though, stays attentive, stays holding on. )
[For a brief moment, Wolfwood stiffens under Vash's touches, the hand in his hair unexpected and intimate in a way he hadn't expected. It's unfamiliar and unexpected, but it sends a warm tingle through his scalp, distracts him momentarily from the threat around him.
If he were less overwhelmed perhaps he'd protest, or at least realize how entwined they've become. All around him is Vash, around his back, against his head, on his shoulder, against his chest. He can hear his breathe, feel his pulse against his neck, the heat in the small spaces between them. And it's so much more a pleasant thing to focus on.
So much so that he's lulled into a tentative kind of sleep, enough that the dark bruise on his neck fades away, releasing him of the punishment of the town's god.]
( He's very careful about it, stays as still as he can all throughout. All he does is carefully pet Wolfwood's hair, run his fingers through the short lengths, keep his weight even as he's crouched. He feels more than sees the tension leave his friend, an exhausted kind of drowsiness taking it's place. Vash lets out a soft breath of relief at that, and then very slowly tries to move so that he's not just hovering in the vee of Wolfwood's legs like a weird little creature.
Gently he moves to sit beside him, one hand pressed to a shoulder and Vash holding his breath as he does. Then once his back is against the mattress, he lifts an arm and drags it over Wolfwood's back, tugging him closer again so the other man's head falls against his own shoulder. He stills then, as though half afraid to wake him, and then lifts the same hand to pet through his hair again.
It gives Vash a better vantage point of the window and door too. But none of that stops the tenderness, not really. It's just an aside. )
[Wolfwood feels the movements, eyes darting open at the subtlest shift, but the paranoia seems to have faded, so he simply lets his eyes close again, overtaken by a weird exhaustion after being so wound up for so long.
It's probably not more than half an hour though when he rouses from his nap, head still resting against Vash's shoulder, arms still wrapped around him. He wakes but he doesn't move. He's not sure he's ever been so wrapped up in another person before, can't remember a time when he's been embraced and caressed and...safe.
He pushes up immediately at that thought, pulling away from arms and body that were so comfortable that his body seems to protest with the sudden aches that start to pulse from the weird position, a coldness that he doesn't often feel against suddenly untouched skin.
But he swallows down those feelings, that kind of want isn't something he's allowed and he knows that on some unconscious level.]
Shit. Sorry about that, Spikey.
[He runs a hand through his hair, finding it slightly disheveled from Vash's hand, and he smooths it back down the best he can without a mirror.]
( He's a little mournful at the loss of contact, a fleeting sadness crossing across his face, but that's all tucked away in favour of frowning at Wolfwood in concern. He pulls his legs so they're tucked back underneath him, leaning forward just a little bit. )
It's all right.
( A bit of Wolfwood's hair is sticking up. Vash has to resist the urge to smooth it down, fingers curling into a fist by his thigh. He looks away momentarily to glance at the window, the door, back to Wolfwood's face again. )
You're sure, right? No unease? You don't think there's anything out there?
[He's quiet for a moment, gazing around the room as if to confirm. But eventually he shakes his head.]
I don't feel anything. But I know something is out there. I didn't just go crazy all on my own.
[He hefts himself to his feet, grunting a bit at the way his muscles protest the sudden movement. He sighs at his unwrapped weapon and reaches down to grab it and it's coverings and he starts his process of rewrapping it, all with a scowl.
There's a good chance he would have shot first and checked second if anybody but Vash had walked in through that door. He's glad it didn't come to that, but it just makes him angrier at the damn god out there.
He's also, very purposely, refusing to glance back Vash's way. Whether it's out of an awkwardness for clinging to him the way he did, or frustration for needing him at all, it's hard to differentiate.]
( Vash watches all of this quietly, his expression lost in thought. The way Wolfwood rewraps the Punisher is at least something he can focus on when he thinks, watching those sure hands as his own mouth twists. )
Okay, so the villagers believe in a god and you guys were trying to summon it to ask it some questions, right? And then it ... followed you? Can you ask anyone else who was at the -. ( A pause, faltering a little. ) - The summoning if, if they're feeling the same way? Because that can help us narrow things down. Or give us a wider pool of information.
( A hum. )
And I don't think you're crazy, Wolfwood. I really don't.
[He snorts, making his way towards the window and pulling it open to a rather tranquil looking scene below. He pulls out a cigarette and lights it, letting the smoke billow out.]
It didn't follow. It appeared in the fog. It was just this shape? Couldn't make shit out other than something was there. And then it was gone and then suddenly everything seemed...terrifying. It's like it put a damn spell on me.
[He doesn't feel like chasing the god down to ask him if it fucked him up, too. It doesn't really matter now that it's gone. But if it was able to mess with his brain from a god damn distance, well it suddenly makes the villagers behavior a little more understanding.]
Makes me wonder if some of the villagers aren't under one, too. I know fanaticism can make people bat-shit crazy, but even the ones who wouldn't go along with that can be manipulated by this thing.
( That's interesting, and a little concerning. But there's something prickling at the back of Vash's mind and he's on his feet in a second, stepping into Wolfwood's space and yanking open his blazer, the collar of his shirt. He ignores all the protests to stare at unmarred skin. )
You had a mark. It looked like a bruise. I was worried you'd been kicked or something, but then I realised I didn't see it again when you got up. ( Because he notices things, despite his ditzy aura. ) It's gone now. But it looked pretty dark.
( Finally looking at Wolfwood, and oh yeah - he's too close again. His hands drop away, skin flushing, stepping back too quickly. )
[He frowns but doesn't stop Vash from whatever he suddenly felt was so damn important, though as he glances down at his own bared skin, he's not sure what the hell that was.]
A mark?
[He shakes his head. He doesn't get marks, not for long anyway. And a bruise would definitely heal quickly. But, that all aside, he hasn't gotten hit by anything.]
Huh.
[The god? Did he put some mark on him and that's why he went nuts?]
Could be. I don't really bruise for more than a few minutes.
Mm. Were you hurt in a way that could cause bruising?
( Was he hurt at all? Vash doesn't exactly know what a summoning entails. He wonders if he should be pressing for more details, if he should be asking Wolfwood exactly what they did. But he trusts him, he has to trust him. )
I wonder if anyone else has one.
( He'll have to keep an eye out, but it's not like most people wander around with half their chests exposed. A concern for later, because he's too busy peering at Wolfwood now. ) Did you get anything from it?
[He should probably fix his shirt, but it doesn't cross his mind to fix the gap Vash has made.]
Nope. It's not exactly easy for people to land a punch and unlike you I don't walk into doors.
[He nods, attention back to the window below them. Maybe. But if the mark is a sign they're being messed with by the Lord of the forest, he doesn't see any apparent ones. He's not sure if it's more concerning that they might all actually believe in the god this much.]
No. Just that something is definitely out there. And a mark, apparently. Though, think it's obvious this thing can fuck with heads. That something?
( He is resolutely not looking, though his hands twitch a little like he's half tempted to reach out and tidy Wolfwood up himself. It's certainly not what he should be focused on, and that too has him feeling a little guilty. )
For now, I guess? Will you tell me if you start feeling weird again? If only so I can come help.
( There's a nervous energy in him now that the moment has passed, and he twists to pace the little room they're sharing, brows knitted together in thought. ) Okay, so we have to keep our wits about us, that's all. I think we're used to that anyway. And maybe I can ask the villagers some more about their god. I wasn't really paying attention before. Do you want me to go check the area now that you're feeling steadier?
( Not better because he knows Wolfwood enough to believe something truly did happen. He's trying to help him save face either way. )
[He reaches out and pats Vash on the shoulder once before stepping back from the window. And he finally situates his collar.]
I called for you once, didn't I?
[Which is his way of saying, yes. He's not exactly the kind to ask for help, or to seek it, but Vash has proven to him when it mattered the most that he was dependable. So he's always going to be the one he reaches out to if he needs it.
Acknowledging he needs it might be a different task though.]
Suppose we can go check.
[That was the point in being here, after all, wasn't it? Hunting down some damn creature. But people seem to have gotten a little lax around the town.]
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no subject
Okay.
[He feels a bit better now, trusting that they aren't just placating words. Because Vash needs to know that something dangerous is lurking out there. Even if he can't explain it. Even if it was just a shape. Something was out there, he has no doubt about that. And at the moment, he's terrified of it despite it doing...nothing.]
No. No. no. Don't go out there. Don't-
[Don't leave him. Is what he wants to say, but the words get stuck on his tongue. Because he's never asked that of anybody. He's never cared enough to ask anybody.
So instead he bows his head forward, letting his forehead hit Vash's shoulder.]
I feel like I'm going crazy.
no subject
But he'll try.
He shuffles closer without a word, arms going around that waist, gathering Wolfwood to him. It's the first time they've ever hugged, and Vash keeps his touch loose at first just in case the other man wants to break free. When he talks his voice is soft, earnest. )
You're not. Something is weird here, you're right about that. I don't like it either. But nothing's going to get you. I won't let it, okay? And we're gonna be fine, because we'll face it together.
( He flattens his real palm against Wolfwood's spine, runs it gently in a circle. )
It's okay, it's really okay.
no subject
He doesn't have the extra energy to be embarrassed by his actions though. There are things moving in the shadows and the only thing keeping him from reaching for the punisher and shooting at it is the arms around his waist and the hand on his back. So instead he squeezes his eyes shut so he can't see it.
He's never doubted his own senses before. He's never trusted anyone to protect him either. Nobody has ever come to save him.
But he's counting on Vash.]
Don't patronize me, Spikey.
[But his fingers just curl into his jacket tighter.]
no subject
( A muffled protest, considering he's still very much holding on to Wolfwood as tight as he can. ) This is more for me than it is you anyway, so just go along with it. It's been a long day.
( It is and it isn't true. Certainly the day has been long, but Vash is used to that. Other than a sense of unease he's been throwing himself helpfully into whatever he can with reckless abandon. He hasn't suffered through whatever Wolfwood has. But that doesn't mean the fear that takes hold now isn't real. The man in his arms is important to Vash - perhaps the most important - and while he's dutifully ignoring whatever that means, to see him so rattled does the same thing to Vash. He only just got him back. He thought he wouldn't be allowed even that. Whatever's happening here doesn't get to take it away again. )
What do you need me to do? ( His hand is still moving, still soothing. He can't quite help it. ) Tell me, and I'll do it.
no subject
He exhales a couple of breaths against Vash's shoulder. The sounds are still roaring in his ears, his skin is still prickled with the feeling of something lurking right beside him, but instead he forces himself to focus on the feeling of Vash's hand against his back.]
I still hear it. I feel it. If I open up my eyes I see it. So just...be my senses until this goes away. If it's real and it kills me, I'll haunt your ass.
no subject
I just hear you. Your breathing. There's a little wind outside too, but that was the case when I was out there. And uh, I see - dust? A lot of dust. I can smell it too. It smells different here, doesn't it? Not as dry. It's kind of funny, you think? How the dust can smell strange? Or maybe you haven't noticed. No, you would have.
( He's rambling, he knows it. But it's all he can think to do. )
Damp has a smell. I didn't know that before. I guess not a lot gets to be saturated on No Man's Land.
no subject
I didn't mean it literally. You don't have to give me a running commentary.
[But he's flattered Vash would go through that much effort.]
We tried summoning the god these people keep rattling on about. Something showed up. Pretty sure it's...that's what I'm feeling.
no subject
Okay. Well, what's a god to a couple of guys like us, right? ( For the very first time he wishes he hadn't so forcibly ignored the things he could do. If he'd paid closer attention to it, if he'd not shut his own mind down so very quickly, maybe he could do something to help Wolfwood through the night. But all he has is gun.
Not that it isn't enough, it will have to be. ) You know I hate religion, Wolfwood, so really it's gonna have a hard time anyway. How about you tell me what you can hear, mm? Then we can corroborate.
no subject
Put that aside for a second. I'm telling you, something is out there and it's fucking with my head. There's snarls and nails clicking, and things moving in the shadows, and it feels like it's watching, right now, even. It could be in the corner for how close it feels.
no subject
( He's really trying, pulling back just a little to check the corner. Vash truly doesn't see anything bar a spider's web that has probably been there the whole time, and that in itself makes his expression twist into something more troubled. It really is affecting Wolfwood, which means it really is a problem. )
You said we, right? So you weren't the only one doing the ritual? Have you checked in on any of those guys? Or -.
( Because he knows this man, private and suspicious as he is. )
I could. Maybe I could say I hear something. And then I could find out for you. We'd have a better understanding if we knew without a shadow of a doubt it was connecting to whoever you were with, right? It's worth a shot.
no subject
[Not Spikey, or Blondie, or Dumbass, just...Vash. Because he's tired and obviously on edge and Vash isn't rubbing anymore, and-he can feel his body tensing again from an unseen threat.
He has zero interest in telling Vash he wandered into the woods with a god to sacrifice animals into luring out another god. He won't tell him that he's pissed at this mind-fuck and instead of chasing him away he'll probably go after him again because it's obvious now that whatever it is, it's dangerous.
His hands unfurl from Vash's jacket, shift to wrap around his back instead.]
Quit trying to look for solutions. Just-be my eyes and ears until this goes away.
no subject
It's all instinct, all old memories. Even as an unburdened thing on the ships Vash had nightmares, and Rem was always close at hand. He draws those painful instances closer now, fingers gentle. He only tips his head a little to listen to the world outside but all he can hear is Wolfwood's breathing, pitched too high.
But he stays quiet though, stays attentive, stays holding on. )
no subject
If he were less overwhelmed perhaps he'd protest, or at least realize how entwined they've become. All around him is Vash, around his back, against his head, on his shoulder, against his chest. He can hear his breathe, feel his pulse against his neck, the heat in the small spaces between them. And it's so much more a pleasant thing to focus on.
So much so that he's lulled into a tentative kind of sleep, enough that the dark bruise on his neck fades away, releasing him of the punishment of the town's god.]
no subject
Gently he moves to sit beside him, one hand pressed to a shoulder and Vash holding his breath as he does. Then once his back is against the mattress, he lifts an arm and drags it over Wolfwood's back, tugging him closer again so the other man's head falls against his own shoulder. He stills then, as though half afraid to wake him, and then lifts the same hand to pet through his hair again.
It gives Vash a better vantage point of the window and door too. But none of that stops the tenderness, not really. It's just an aside. )
no subject
It's probably not more than half an hour though when he rouses from his nap, head still resting against Vash's shoulder, arms still wrapped around him. He wakes but he doesn't move. He's not sure he's ever been so wrapped up in another person before, can't remember a time when he's been embraced and caressed and...safe.
He pushes up immediately at that thought, pulling away from arms and body that were so comfortable that his body seems to protest with the sudden aches that start to pulse from the weird position, a coldness that he doesn't often feel against suddenly untouched skin.
But he swallows down those feelings, that kind of want isn't something he's allowed and he knows that on some unconscious level.]
Shit. Sorry about that, Spikey.
[He runs a hand through his hair, finding it slightly disheveled from Vash's hand, and he smooths it back down the best he can without a mirror.]
I think the feeling's gone now.
no subject
It's all right.
( A bit of Wolfwood's hair is sticking up. Vash has to resist the urge to smooth it down, fingers curling into a fist by his thigh. He looks away momentarily to glance at the window, the door, back to Wolfwood's face again. )
You're sure, right? No unease? You don't think there's anything out there?
no subject
I don't feel anything. But I know something is out there. I didn't just go crazy all on my own.
[He hefts himself to his feet, grunting a bit at the way his muscles protest the sudden movement. He sighs at his unwrapped weapon and reaches down to grab it and it's coverings and he starts his process of rewrapping it, all with a scowl.
There's a good chance he would have shot first and checked second if anybody but Vash had walked in through that door. He's glad it didn't come to that, but it just makes him angrier at the damn god out there.
He's also, very purposely, refusing to glance back Vash's way. Whether it's out of an awkwardness for clinging to him the way he did, or frustration for needing him at all, it's hard to differentiate.]
no subject
Okay, so the villagers believe in a god and you guys were trying to summon it to ask it some questions, right? And then it ... followed you? Can you ask anyone else who was at the -. ( A pause, faltering a little. ) - The summoning if, if they're feeling the same way? Because that can help us narrow things down. Or give us a wider pool of information.
( A hum. )
And I don't think you're crazy, Wolfwood. I really don't.
no subject
It didn't follow. It appeared in the fog. It was just this shape? Couldn't make shit out other than something was there. And then it was gone and then suddenly everything seemed...terrifying. It's like it put a damn spell on me.
[He doesn't feel like chasing the god down to ask him if it fucked him up, too. It doesn't really matter now that it's gone. But if it was able to mess with his brain from a god damn distance, well it suddenly makes the villagers behavior a little more understanding.]
Makes me wonder if some of the villagers aren't under one, too. I know fanaticism can make people bat-shit crazy, but even the ones who wouldn't go along with that can be manipulated by this thing.
no subject
( That's interesting, and a little concerning. But there's something prickling at the back of Vash's mind and he's on his feet in a second, stepping into Wolfwood's space and yanking open his blazer, the collar of his shirt. He ignores all the protests to stare at unmarred skin. )
You had a mark. It looked like a bruise. I was worried you'd been kicked or something, but then I realised I didn't see it again when you got up. ( Because he notices things, despite his ditzy aura. ) It's gone now. But it looked pretty dark.
( Finally looking at Wolfwood, and oh yeah - he's too close again. His hands drop away, skin flushing, stepping back too quickly. )
Sorry. It could be something though.
no subject
[He frowns but doesn't stop Vash from whatever he suddenly felt was so damn important, though as he glances down at his own bared skin, he's not sure what the hell that was.]
A mark?
[He shakes his head. He doesn't get marks, not for long anyway. And a bruise would definitely heal quickly. But, that all aside, he hasn't gotten hit by anything.]
Huh.
[The god? Did he put some mark on him and that's why he went nuts?]
Could be. I don't really bruise for more than a few minutes.
no subject
( Was he hurt at all? Vash doesn't exactly know what a summoning entails. He wonders if he should be pressing for more details, if he should be asking Wolfwood exactly what they did. But he trusts him, he has to trust him. )
I wonder if anyone else has one.
( He'll have to keep an eye out, but it's not like most people wander around with half their chests exposed. A concern for later, because he's too busy peering at Wolfwood now. ) Did you get anything from it?
no subject
Nope. It's not exactly easy for people to land a punch and unlike you I don't walk into doors.
[He nods, attention back to the window below them. Maybe. But if the mark is a sign they're being messed with by the Lord of the forest, he doesn't see any apparent ones. He's not sure if it's more concerning that they might all actually believe in the god this much.]
No. Just that something is definitely out there. And a mark, apparently. Though, think it's obvious this thing can fuck with heads. That something?
no subject
For now, I guess? Will you tell me if you start feeling weird again? If only so I can come help.
( There's a nervous energy in him now that the moment has passed, and he twists to pace the little room they're sharing, brows knitted together in thought. ) Okay, so we have to keep our wits about us, that's all. I think we're used to that anyway. And maybe I can ask the villagers some more about their god. I wasn't really paying attention before. Do you want me to go check the area now that you're feeling steadier?
( Not better because he knows Wolfwood enough to believe something truly did happen. He's trying to help him save face either way. )
no subject
I called for you once, didn't I?
[Which is his way of saying, yes. He's not exactly the kind to ask for help, or to seek it, but Vash has proven to him when it mattered the most that he was dependable. So he's always going to be the one he reaches out to if he needs it.
Acknowledging he needs it might be a different task though.]
Suppose we can go check.
[That was the point in being here, after all, wasn't it? Hunting down some damn creature. But people seem to have gotten a little lax around the town.]
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