WHO: callisto... and people. 🧍♂️ WHAT: catch-all. WHERE: seoul, busan, & everywhere in between! WHEN: throughout the month (that's almost over) WARNINGS: blood, gore, & anything else will be updated as i go!
[ if he had more insight into what kind of individual vash's brother truly was, perhaps there'd be room for offense. that is, if it was a topic that could openly discuss. as it presently stands, it isn't, and all he garners from this is his pacifistic nature. ]
For someone claiming no murder, you seem to carry along your gun quite well. [ it's clear it isn't a compliment, and more of a statement in which he readily points out the hypocrisy of their situation. yet, he also does seem to shrug along as he has been doing thus far. ]
But, you're in luck. I did want to see just what my bodyguard is capable of. Especially, if you're confident enough to only carry around six bullets. That must mean you know each one will hit its mark.
[ it's an undeniably attractive prospect to see if vash would indeed shoot a man down if he had to. if callisto were perfectly honest, it's something he'd like to see. whether it's the desperation or the bloodlust. but, now was not the time for such considerations.
as a final act of his agreement, he leans in close, letting his hand just barely touch and give the back of vash's neck a squeeze if it's allowed. if not, it's not skin off his back. is it supposed to be reassuring? maybe. ] Then I'll leave it up to you.
( He hums, noncommittal. Vash very much means his pacifistic nature, the gun is as much of a deterrent as it is anything else. Oh, he'd shoot the bullets. Just not where his new friend would want them. That doesn't mean he wouldn't do everything to get them both out alive though, it's just he'll forever take the more complicated route. It's not something he thinks Callisto needs to know.
Though, a huff of laughter at the squeeze, the still rabbit-ness of Vash's unearthliness breaking free to his usual spasm of movement. Weird, Callisto is so weird. Maybe it says something that his oddity is more comforting than not. )
Okay. I got this. Prepare to be royally amazed.
( He squares up, goofiness washing from his frame, pushing his glasses back up his nose higher to hide the blue. Snake Eyes watches him coming, but Vash is all business when he approaches the table, short, sharp little codewords that he's picked up from listening in the small time they've been here, the lingo he knows from back home. It's quick, rapid-fire, Snake Eyes' hand rests on something just under the table at one point, but Vash doesn't give up. The tension is familiar to him too. Eventually, something passes. Vash flicks a glance over his shoulder, ushering Callisto closer. The market vendor leans forward, holds a business card out between two fingers. This one says you're the buyer. The warehouse two blocks over. Give this to Chip. He'll let you in, show you the wares. I'd do it myself, but market day's market day, that's why we got guys to do the work for us, huh?
Vash, vibrating a little at Callisto's side, wisely stays silent throughout all of this, playing the part well enough besides the thready tension. He even nods at the other guys around the booth, bodyguard to bodyguard, waiting for Callisto to give the nod to leave. Only when they start to walk does he shake out his limbs, pulling a face obscured from the men behind them, wiggling his fingers, his wrists. ) Ugh. So macho! ( Stillness doesn't suit him. ) So, we going to the warehouse boss? Or is that enough for LILITH? I'm good either way.
( Actually, he's deathly curious. Is Chip a nickname? Does it mean something? )
[ don't say that, vash... he's going to be so disappointed if not a speck of blood is to be shed here. it's evident he has his own expectations, and it likely lingers in the way his gaze seems to traverse from head to toe on vash, as if analyzing precisely how long it would take for him to draw his weapon.
well, he supposed if he had that much time to wonder, he'd best expend his time considering all the ways in which this mission could go awry. instead of showing any hint of hesitation, or unease... callisto appears confident. as if he weren't actually concerned with their lives potentially being at stake. but, seeing how the other man seems to stiffen up and display a more severe demeanor, callisto does the same, almost instinctively.
chip, is it? he seems to mull over this, before he releases a heavy exhale. but, he does hold his tongue as promised. even if the desire to interject and ruin it all is definitely there. bubbling beneath the surface. it's very furtive, if the twitch of his lips is any indication of it. he nearly opens his mouth, but vash really is keeping a decent eye on him. it's a shame.
once they end up walking away, he eventually speaks: ] It sounds more like a pet than a genuine title. [ callisto seems to mull over vash's words, before: ] I have no interest in this Chip fellow. However, I'd like to see how far you can take this. ... and since you've done such an excellent job, how could I not return the favor. As you know, I am quite accustomed to speaking in front of the people.
I know all the words to go to war with. [ obviously, he feels like he hasn't given vash a hard enough time.
but, this is where vash can definitely suggest otherwise for his own sanity... ]
( Another hiccup of noise, Vash wheeling his head around to peer at Callisto closely. )
You're real bloodthirsty. ( Delivered in a way that suggests maybe his new friend just hasn't been told that about himself and this might be something he should discover. ) Actually, I've been wondering about that. Is it a royalty thing? A being in charge thing? You kind of remind me of someone. He is absolutely a knives-first kind of guy.
( Millions of them. Vash absolutely making his brother sound like just someone to run into, and not, you know, his twin. ) I'm sure there's a way to get what we want without hurting anyone. They're not really doing anyone any harm, I don't think. Sure, the smuggling, but maybe it's all they can do. I actually feel a little bad we're clueing LILITH in.
( Sympathy for the devil, even as he's slipping down a quieter alleyway. )
[ the statement doesn't get any real reaction from him, beyond the way his eyes crinkle slightly, as if finding the concept of being called out was meant to be humorous somehow. no matter the distance of the empire, some things never changed. he isn't sure if it's a comfort at this point, or if it's...
well, he releases a small hint of a sigh. ] I can only envision what kind of outstanding character would bring you to make such a connection. But, if I had to say... it was a matter of survival. Isn't that normally the case?
You're probably the few who would rather rely on sly words than the assurance that comes from taking action into your own hands. You will find most people aren't worth trusting. Their promises and empty, and in their hands that once embraced you, you'll sooner discover a blade than any hint of sympathy. [ at vash's words, he does ponder on it briefly, before— ]
Then should they be allowed to carry on in their efforts just because you feel bad?
[ he asks almost as soon as they're tucked out of sight. once their privacy is all but secured, and the foot traffic limited, his arm comes up to press against the wall behind vash. almost as if he had every intention to attempt to corner him. is this meant to be intimidating? who knows. but callisto feels like it probably wouldn't change his convictions at all, and yet it does little to stop him. ]
Yeah, Nai would call it that too. It makes Vash appraise him again. He wonders just who Callisto has had to fight against to keep living. He's royalty, that must involve some level of hypervigilance. He's not cruel enough to imagine it an entirely easy life. He can imagine the complications.
But, the arm comes up, Vash stills, blinking at him. )
I don't think my words are that sly. ( What he settles on, either way. ) I'd just rather not hurt someone first without giving them a chance to change. Sure, nine times out of ten I might get a little bruised. But I'm hardy. And the one time it doesn't happen makes it worth it. And I know what being hungry feels like, I know sometimes it makes people choose the wrong path. That doesn't mean they can't get back off of it.
( And then, stubbornly. )
It also doesn't mean you need to and intimidate me. I'm helping you, aren't I? I already know the kind of person you're aiming for. I've just decided to do it anyway. ( A crack of a smile, a half laugh, a shrug of his shoulders. ) I'm sure you're very scary to most people, your highness. I've just met worse. I don't think you're that bad.
[ aren't all words a bit sly? at the very least, vash seemed to hold his own when it came to conversing with all manner of characters. maybe it'd be a compliment if callisto himself weren't so horrifically jaded. though, it's less about vash himself than the culmination of his own experiences, really. just like now, he knows the man basically exudes an unrealistic amount of goodwill. enough that even he doesn't test his limits as much as he would have anyone else.
not that he would actually put that into words. but, perhaps asking him to act as his bodyguard and agreeing to do this mission together was enough of a sign. ... and it helps assuage any lingering doubts he may have had when every word and syllable that came out of the man's mouth seemed to align perfectly with that. at the same time... ] That may just be a sign that you are stronger than those risks. [ or maybe, they're not risks at all.
kind of like how even when he has vash in this proximity, there's not even a hint of actual fear. when he cracks a smile, all callisto can do is stare for a moment, before he eventually draws his arm back. ] ... Is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult? But, I commend you for using that head of yours. As you've likely gathered, there is no merit in drawing your blood. It was simply a warning.
[ even if it seems like a ridiculous one in hindsight. ]
Let's just provide what we have. If you feel so guilty, leave it to those at base to handle the rest. [ ... ] If that'll suffice, then let's get going. [ okay, but how did this actually work... when vash is actually a bloodthirsty prince whisperer. ]
( Sniffing, childishly. ) Maybe you're just used to people not helping, but I'm going to. There's no reason for me not to. Besides, you're not so bad to hang out with. We've had fun, right?
( A little nudge against his side, as uncaring about getting into Callisto's space as the other man with his threats. Fighting fire with unwavering friendship, apparently. Even so his own smile turns goofy, pleased. He jiggles a little on the spot, rocking on his heels. ) Okay, sure. ( Legitimately surprised, but he's not gonna look a gift Toma in the mouth. ) I guess Chip gets to commit crimes for another day. But you'll bring me next time, right?
I would correct your definition of fun. [ callisto says easily, as if that were the only focus of the man's words. really, even now he can't bring himself to readily rely on others. couldn't put his faith in them, nor could he bring himself to shift his unique world view in spite of his experiences here.
just knowing one doesn't intend any harm on him... wasn't enough insurance. but, in direct opposition to that is the way in which he may have hesitated, at least for a second, before: ] Perhaps. That will depend entirely on your behavior. If you manage to please me, then maybe accompanying, or even becoming my next knight is not entirely off the table. I was serious with what I said.
[ ... and maybe callisto looks delighted in his own way. while his humor remains unchanged, there may be a glimmer or something else in there. ]
( Listen, it's not that he even has a vast wealth of context for knighthood, it's not something he aspired to even as a child. He'd read fairytales because Rem liked them, and he liked the heroics of it, but it never truly sank in. He just thinks hanging out with Callisto is fun and framing it this way does no one any harm. Sylvain is a knight and he's a good guy, so it makes sense. It's entirely just for burgeoning comradery that Vash's smile is so wide, delight palpable. )
Good. Me too. You're not gonna be disappointed with me.
( Crossing boundaries again with another light pat on the shoulder, squeezing once. He's almost tempted to loop an arm around the other man but reconsiders. Baby steps. )
Come on, let's go back. We did a good job and we absolutely deserve a reward. I could do with some donuts.
[ these are words he's probably heard time and time again. "i won't disappoint your highness" in any number of contexts. in his youth, he probably had once believed them all to be genuine, sincere, and with his best interests in mind. what else could he believe with no other allies to speak of the in the palace. he's long come past the point in believing such trite phrases that people speak more on whimsical fancy than anything rooted in real, unadulterated kindness. but, just this once.
this one single time, maybe he could at least not entirely dismiss it.
when he feels that pat on his shoulder, he stares for a second, before his hand lifts, as if to swat it off of himself. yet, he doesn't he simply moved forward. instead, he focuses on what he can. ] Donuts? You'll ruin your physical condition... If you are to become my knight, [ insert lecture here as they go get donuts anyway. ]
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synflux2024-08-20 01:08 am
no subject
For someone claiming no murder, you seem to carry along your gun quite well. [ it's clear it isn't a compliment, and more of a statement in which he readily points out the hypocrisy of their situation. yet, he also does seem to shrug along as he has been doing thus far. ]
But, you're in luck. I did want to see just what my bodyguard is capable of. Especially, if you're confident enough to only carry around six bullets. That must mean you know each one will hit its mark.
[ it's an undeniably attractive prospect to see if vash would indeed shoot a man down if he had to. if callisto were perfectly honest, it's something he'd like to see. whether it's the desperation or the bloodlust. but, now was not the time for such considerations.
as a final act of his agreement, he leans in close, letting his hand just barely touch and give the back of vash's neck a squeeze if it's allowed. if not, it's not skin off his back. is it supposed to be reassuring? maybe. ] Then I'll leave it up to you.
no subject
Though, a huff of laughter at the squeeze, the still rabbit-ness of Vash's unearthliness breaking free to his usual spasm of movement. Weird, Callisto is so weird. Maybe it says something that his oddity is more comforting than not. )
Okay. I got this. Prepare to be royally amazed.
( He squares up, goofiness washing from his frame, pushing his glasses back up his nose higher to hide the blue. Snake Eyes watches him coming, but Vash is all business when he approaches the table, short, sharp little codewords that he's picked up from listening in the small time they've been here, the lingo he knows from back home. It's quick, rapid-fire, Snake Eyes' hand rests on something just under the table at one point, but Vash doesn't give up. The tension is familiar to him too. Eventually, something passes. Vash flicks a glance over his shoulder, ushering Callisto closer. The market vendor leans forward, holds a business card out between two fingers. This one says you're the buyer. The warehouse two blocks over. Give this to Chip. He'll let you in, show you the wares. I'd do it myself, but market day's market day, that's why we got guys to do the work for us, huh?
Vash, vibrating a little at Callisto's side, wisely stays silent throughout all of this, playing the part well enough besides the thready tension. He even nods at the other guys around the booth, bodyguard to bodyguard, waiting for Callisto to give the nod to leave. Only when they start to walk does he shake out his limbs, pulling a face obscured from the men behind them, wiggling his fingers, his wrists. ) Ugh. So macho! ( Stillness doesn't suit him. ) So, we going to the warehouse boss? Or is that enough for LILITH? I'm good either way.
( Actually, he's deathly curious. Is Chip a nickname? Does it mean something? )
no subject
well, he supposed if he had that much time to wonder, he'd best expend his time considering all the ways in which this mission could go awry. instead of showing any hint of hesitation, or unease... callisto appears confident. as if he weren't actually concerned with their lives potentially being at stake. but, seeing how the other man seems to stiffen up and display a more severe demeanor, callisto does the same, almost instinctively.
chip, is it? he seems to mull over this, before he releases a heavy exhale. but, he does hold his tongue as promised. even if the desire to interject and ruin it all is definitely there. bubbling beneath the surface. it's very furtive, if the twitch of his lips is any indication of it. he nearly opens his mouth, but vash really is keeping a decent eye on him. it's a shame.
once they end up walking away, he eventually speaks: ] It sounds more like a pet than a genuine title. [ callisto seems to mull over vash's words, before: ] I have no interest in this Chip fellow. However, I'd like to see how far you can take this. ... and since you've done such an excellent job, how could I not return the favor. As you know, I am quite accustomed to speaking in front of the people.
I know all the words to go to war with. [ obviously, he feels like he hasn't given vash a hard enough time.
but, this is where vash can definitely suggest otherwise for his own sanity... ]
no subject
You're real bloodthirsty. ( Delivered in a way that suggests maybe his new friend just hasn't been told that about himself and this might be something he should discover. ) Actually, I've been wondering about that. Is it a royalty thing? A being in charge thing? You kind of remind me of someone. He is absolutely a knives-first kind of guy.
( Millions of them. Vash absolutely making his brother sound like just someone to run into, and not, you know, his twin. ) I'm sure there's a way to get what we want without hurting anyone. They're not really doing anyone any harm, I don't think. Sure, the smuggling, but maybe it's all they can do. I actually feel a little bad we're clueing LILITH in.
( Sympathy for the devil, even as he's slipping down a quieter alleyway. )
no subject
well, he releases a small hint of a sigh. ] I can only envision what kind of outstanding character would bring you to make such a connection. But, if I had to say... it was a matter of survival. Isn't that normally the case?
You're probably the few who would rather rely on sly words than the assurance that comes from taking action into your own hands. You will find most people aren't worth trusting. Their promises and empty, and in their hands that once embraced you, you'll sooner discover a blade than any hint of sympathy. [ at vash's words, he does ponder on it briefly, before— ]
Then should they be allowed to carry on in their efforts just because you feel bad?
[ he asks almost as soon as they're tucked out of sight. once their privacy is all but secured, and the foot traffic limited, his arm comes up to press against the wall behind vash. almost as if he had every intention to attempt to corner him. is this meant to be intimidating? who knows. but callisto feels like it probably wouldn't change his convictions at all, and yet it does little to stop him. ]
no subject
Yeah, Nai would call it that too. It makes Vash appraise him again. He wonders just who Callisto has had to fight against to keep living. He's royalty, that must involve some level of hypervigilance. He's not cruel enough to imagine it an entirely easy life. He can imagine the complications.
But, the arm comes up, Vash stills, blinking at him. )
I don't think my words are that sly. ( What he settles on, either way. ) I'd just rather not hurt someone first without giving them a chance to change. Sure, nine times out of ten I might get a little bruised. But I'm hardy. And the one time it doesn't happen makes it worth it. And I know what being hungry feels like, I know sometimes it makes people choose the wrong path. That doesn't mean they can't get back off of it.
( And then, stubbornly. )
It also doesn't mean you need to and intimidate me. I'm helping you, aren't I? I already know the kind of person you're aiming for. I've just decided to do it anyway. ( A crack of a smile, a half laugh, a shrug of his shoulders. ) I'm sure you're very scary to most people, your highness. I've just met worse. I don't think you're that bad.
no subject
not that he would actually put that into words. but, perhaps asking him to act as his bodyguard and agreeing to do this mission together was enough of a sign. ... and it helps assuage any lingering doubts he may have had when every word and syllable that came out of the man's mouth seemed to align perfectly with that. at the same time... ] That may just be a sign that you are stronger than those risks. [ or maybe, they're not risks at all.
kind of like how even when he has vash in this proximity, there's not even a hint of actual fear. when he cracks a smile, all callisto can do is stare for a moment, before he eventually draws his arm back. ] ... Is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult? But, I commend you for using that head of yours. As you've likely gathered, there is no merit in drawing your blood. It was simply a warning.
[ even if it seems like a ridiculous one in hindsight. ]
Let's just provide what we have. If you feel so guilty, leave it to those at base to handle the rest. [ ... ] If that'll suffice, then let's get going. [ okay, but how did this actually work... when vash is actually a bloodthirsty prince whisperer. ]
no subject
( Sniffing, childishly. ) Maybe you're just used to people not helping, but I'm going to. There's no reason for me not to. Besides, you're not so bad to hang out with. We've had fun, right?
( A little nudge against his side, as uncaring about getting into Callisto's space as the other man with his threats. Fighting fire with unwavering friendship, apparently. Even so his own smile turns goofy, pleased. He jiggles a little on the spot, rocking on his heels. ) Okay, sure. ( Legitimately surprised, but he's not gonna look a gift Toma in the mouth. ) I guess Chip gets to commit crimes for another day. But you'll bring me next time, right?
no subject
just knowing one doesn't intend any harm on him... wasn't enough insurance. but, in direct opposition to that is the way in which he may have hesitated, at least for a second, before: ] Perhaps. That will depend entirely on your behavior. If you manage to please me, then maybe accompanying, or even becoming my next knight is not entirely off the table. I was serious with what I said.
[ ... and maybe callisto looks delighted in his own way. while his humor remains unchanged, there may be a glimmer or something else in there. ]
no subject
Good. Me too. You're not gonna be disappointed with me.
( Crossing boundaries again with another light pat on the shoulder, squeezing once. He's almost tempted to loop an arm around the other man but reconsiders. Baby steps. )
Come on, let's go back. We did a good job and we absolutely deserve a reward. I could do with some donuts.
no subject
this one single time, maybe he could at least not entirely dismiss it.
when he feels that pat on his shoulder, he stares for a second, before his hand lifts, as if to swat it off of himself. yet, he doesn't he simply moved forward. instead, he focuses on what he can. ] Donuts? You'll ruin your physical condition... If you are to become my knight, [ insert lecture here as they go get donuts anyway. ]