synflux | ( closed. ) catch-all

( The threat does little but make him laugh, eyes crinkling behind the orange tint of his glasses. ) Ah, Cedrick. You're real funny, you know that? I'm absolutely not the kind of person people would waste their money on! But we'll figure it out between us, right? We're a couple of smart guys.

( And if he's privately hoping it takes a great deal of thought to keep his own from wandering well, Callisto doesn't seem like a guy with telepathic powers. But they round a corner, Vash immediately relaxing in the chaos of the open market. At first glance no one looks too suspicious, so he just nudges the other man very gently in the side and starts steering him to the first booth. It doesn't look like anything made of body parts, but he does get momentarily distracted by shot glasses with pictures of worms on it.

Mostly he keeps Callisto in the corner of his eye though, sticking close. )

See anything you like? ( He lifts something up, quickly realises they're a pair of fluffy car-ornaments in the shape of felt breasts, drops them immediately again. ) Not those. ( A few of the stalls are quite clearly tourist traps, his gaze swings towards the heart of the stalls, pointing. ) Maybe over here?

Callisto. If I didn't know better, rather than you concealing my identity, it sounds as if you forgot whom you are speaking with entirely. [ his corrects, an almost admonishing undertone to his voice, even if brief and transitory. enough in fact that it seems to dissipate completely at this statement that they were "a couple of smart guys." it's not that he finds fault in the statement, but that even now, he was still coming to terms with words and statements that imply he was attached with someone else. even if it was entirely for business.

when he feels the nudge, he moves on. while he could have very well found offense in the idea of him being led around without his permission, he supposed vash was fitting the role of a bodyguard quite well. ... hence, he doesn't voice any qualms. just seems to watch him with a sense of interest. only for vash to pick up ... a pair of bosoms?? hello?? ]

You do know what we came here for, don't you? [ he walks to the next stall, picking up something that looks curiously like a gem. apparently, they're made from crushing scales and bones of smaller kaiju. whether it's true or not, he says: ] I'll take this. [ whether it's fortunate or not, the person manning this stall prattles on about how it's an excellent choice. guaranteed to increase the stamina and libido of any young man.

... are they being misunderstood? whatever the case, it's too late to go back on it now. ]

tw: vaguely nsfw

( He pulls a face, mock-outraged and not even remotely serious. ) Hey, if you don't wanna be called something don't go offering it out to unsuspecting people as a trap. Anyway, has nobody ever given you a nickname before? It's a thing buddies do. Friendly.

( He's been given countless nicknames throughout his long life. Not all of them have been complimentary. But he means it more as an inside joke than anything harmful, though he makes a mental note to re-tailor his humour for Callisto. He has the feeling he's not experienced a lot of gentle ribbing. Though wisely, when their stall-keeper starts talking about libidos, Vash keeps very silent. He does go a little red, a little fidgety, but that's by the by. )

Is that the nature of everything here? ( To the person currently fleecing Callisto for his cash, Vash all friendly charm and bright smiles. ) Not that we're not interested, we are. But my friend here needs something a little stronger.

( There are pills, the stall owner starts, to help make him rigid. Vash makes a noise like a dying helium balloon. ) No, no. He's fine. Not like that. Look at him. That's a specimen, right? ( He pats Callisto firmly on the shoulder, like he's maybe a horse about to be sold. ) No, it's something else. Medicinal. And not to do with his di - his stamina. Isn't that right? We heard sometimes when doctors aren't doing what you need a place like this is the one to come to. For a little help.

cw: nsfw talk continues... ]

[ friendly.

he isn't sure if its the sheer audacity of the idea of someone, anyone attempting to be "friendly" with him that gets him thinking in overdrive. or, if it's the the fact that he isn't as bothered as he thinks he should have been. it's why, he doesn't actually deign it with a response, if just so that he feels like he makes no actual concessions here.

which is why when he sees vash display his unbridled abashment that his lips do quirk upwards in the smallest touch of ironic humor. except, it dissolves once he realizes that this is about him? hello? the owner of the stall seems to peer between vash and callisto, his eyes particularly focused on vash's hand on his shoulder. if he wasn't desiring their relationship to be misconstrued, it looks like he may not get what he wants out of this exchange. ] ... And how would you know what I need and don't? If I did not know any better, it's like you've experienced everything yourself.

[ on the bright side, it seems this awkward "disagreement" at least made the topic of searching for non-stamina pills far less suspicious. the shopkeeper seems to mull over this for a few second before concluding: for something like that, you might want to try going down to that one structure over there. i can tell you more, but are you buying? ] Normally casting royalty as a impotent would be a crime punishable by death, but you're lucky. As I said, we'll take it. [ not him...

not disguising himself well at all. but, why does it seem like they're a couple going back and forth about this stamina pill. ]

( A low whine, kind of like a shamefaced dog. ) C'mon, don't be like that. Everyone gets whiskey dick once in a while. ( Actually, he hasn't. Mostly because he doesn't actually go out of his way to seduce people - stories about the Humanoid Typhoon be damned! So maybe it does work, maybe it doesn't, Vash is just leaning into the whole exchange in the hopes that he'll fool the stall keeper and stop himself from being stabbed. Although he does choke a little at royalty. ) He's kidding. A real jokester.

( He still takes Callisto's unfortunate purchase for him, discreet paperbag and the little bottle tucked inside. But then it's back to his winning smile, sunny personality rising. ) Down that way, right?

( Yeah, yeah. Guy named Snake Eyes. He deals with the stronger stuff. ) Snake Eyes! Sounds friendly. Okay, thanks for this. We really appreciate the uhh, help? ( Skedaddling, exit stage right, snagging Callisto as he goes. ) Man, I thought you said you'd done this before!

( Had he? Either way Vash is going to be appalled. ) Although I guess maybe they'll think you're easily led astray now? That could work in our favour.

[ the idea that anyone would think to use the phrase "whiskey dick" in his presence... is astounding in its own right. still, he doesn't seem to let it penetrate his expression at the very least. not that he's especially trying to keep this cover in tact, the way he's so readily revealed he's "royalty." thankfully, the man doesn't seem to think much into it beyond finding the pair bizarre in their own right.

he watches as vash pockets away the "goods" before they receive the next piece of intel. understanding where it is they can meet this individual was a step in the right direction at the very least. perhaps, investigating the immediate structure would also yield a kernel of information.

but, he does have to address one thing. ] Funny. I didn't realize it was the job of a bodyguard to criticize the one they were meant to serve? [ opposite to his words, he does follow along with vash, and he does keep his voice relatively hushed until they're out of earshot. ]

Yes, and it looks like you got something to help you with your condition. See, there are perks for your loyalty. [ a joke...

except, it's not exactly funny as they carry onwards to the next place. he keeps at a distance, however, hoping they could scope it out first. ]

Edited (i forgot to thank u for your patience 🥺) 2024-12-11 08:24 (UTC)

( He peeks at Callisto from the corner of his eye, smile twitching. ) Yeah? Sorry, I'm not very good at keeping my mouth shut. You can't judge me against any other bodyguards you've ever had. I've never had to escort royalty before. And anyone who's asked me to before kind of already knows who I am. My reputation usually proceeds me.

( If he's escorting anybody it's famed Humanoid Typhoon. Someone who is loud, a glaring spot in the wide open desert. Not exactly the greatest at hiding but enough of a deterrent.

But he does burst into riotous laughter at the last bit, patting his pocket. ) Sure. I mean not that I need it. For either reason.

( Sex isn't high on his list of his priorities. Here or back home. )

Okay, so your highness, what way do you wanna call this one then? If my bodyguarding is so bad.

[ his reputation...

it certainly does get callisto thinking back on their initial conversation. it does sound like vash had their own set of troubles. then again, considering his open and overly helpful character, it'd be stranger if he hadn't. though, he doesn't exactly verbalize this beyond— ] If you are desiring raving reviews for your performance, I will have to let you know that our work here isn't done.

[ at the second statement, he just tilts his head.

a conversation he might have to revisit later. imaging a text waking him at midnight with not a "u up?" but—

"have you utilized the wares from our recent mission?"
"were you able to perform?"
"was there truly no one you desired?"

an issue reserved for another time. as for his own definitions. ]

Escorting. [ not unlike how a nobleman or knight might escort a noblewoman.

... or. ] It's a bit too early to consider you a knight, after all.

Escorting.

( Whether it means something different to Vash will remain an eternal mystery, his face could just be deeply set into amusement around Callisto. For all the royal's gruffness he is kind of fun to hang around, the gunslinger certainty doesn't mind the unpredictableness of what might set him off next, it's even kind of a little enjoyable trying to navigate the rough sands of propriety. So he merely grins, eyebrow cocking. )

Wait, is a knight an attainable goal? Because I've read about those! Rem gave us books full of fairy tales when we were learning to read. And I know one! Or I think he's a knight. He didn't tell me how he got to become one though.

( But they're still walking, and at the mouth of an off-shoot of the market he pauses, peering down to what looks like a crowded stall. The man sitting lazily to one side looks fairly normal, but it's the tattoo on his face that draws Vash's attention. Two dice. Dotted once each. ) Oh, Snake Eyes. Got it. ( He sweeps his gaze more thoroughly over him, noting the very obvious gun attached to the man's hip. Someone clearly not afraid of confrontation, and not worried about being caught. ) Maybe you should stay here.

There are many ways in which one can obtain the title of being a knight. Considering your connections, it wouldn't be impossible for you. [ said entirely in a way that's to imply it was dependent not just on callisto himself, but on his ever-oscillating, ever-shifting moods and attitudes.

but, just like vash, his own mirth is palpable enough. as if his words were a joke between friends rather than a warning to do better. either way, it's difficult to ascertain his intentions, even if the way in which he brushes it off seems good natured enough. when they stop walking, his eyes stray to where vash's does.

... you'd think they take a course on how to be a stereotypical villain. why do they feel the need to brand themselves so obviously?

not unlike a dagger with a family's symbol on it used as a murder weapon. ]

Stay? And leave you entirely alone to the fun? [ boldly, he steps up.

his own hand also is within fair reach of his sword. the moment the man reaches for the gun, he has full intention of lopping his head off, and it's probably clear in callisto's gaze. ] Besides, I have my ways about me. It would be a shame to find him dead before we gain the information we desire, however.

[ is vash dealing with both callisto and snake eyes... maybe. ]

( New goal: become a knight.

But for now he's too busy focusing on Callisto, eyes narrowed in the way of all babysitters before him. It's not that he's not used to being around gun-happy people, Wolfwood is his best friend and even before that he'd met certain characters. He knows how humanity is. But there's a very specific glint in his new buddy's eye that kind of reminds him of when his brother would decide on something wholly unhinged for the fun of it - back before there was no fun to be had - and so the assessing look morphs into an abrupt squawk of sound, a low hiss. )

No murder! ( Like a harried sibling suggesting that no, we can't give the people in cryosleep funny little haircuts, Rem would be sad. ) We're doing this the sensible way so we can come back if we need to, okay? Besides, I only have six bullets on me.

( He'd bail Callisto out, is the problem. )

Just - ( A flap of his hand. ) - Look pretty. I'll do the talking.

[ 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... ]

Edited 2025-01-07 11:12 (UTC)

( 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. ]

( Survival.

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. ]

I wouldn't insult you.

( 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. ]

( closed. ) catch-all

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sorry for my lateness!!!

u r absolutely all right i will wait FOREVER

bless u.... picks u up and raises u up!!

asdhsj 🥰

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