middaeg | [ open ] Life is what our thoughts make it...

Entry tags:

[ open ] Life is what our thoughts make it...

Who: Vanitas + You!!
When: All of April
Where: Various
What: Open + Closed Prompts
Warnings: Violence, PTSD, Fluff, and more to be added later

( Cometflies: 4/3 only )

[ Vanitas has already spent enough time watching the meteor shower. He's a little dazed and confused trying to walk back to the house and there's a reason for it, but that's neither here nor there.

He is soon distracted by all of the colorful little glowing things now fluttering around. The natives seem amused by it, but Vanitas does not. Red and yellow seem to want to linger close to him as well as blue, but he keeps batting them away before any single bug can actually hand on him. ]

Go away and bother someone else!

( Pile's Plantagorium: A )

[ Earning some funds by growing plants? Well count Vanitas in. It's not that he went out with the mindset that he is going to specialize in flora. In fact, it isn't as though Vanitas really finds any relaxation or enjoyment in this activity. However, he is good at it and he believes plants are easier to deal with than people are.

So, sure. Vanitas spends plenty of time helping out on that rooftop, tending to and growing what seedlings tare there. Vanitas can be seen putting his talent to use, standing above flower beds and soon seeds become greenery and leaves. Then they begin to bloom in an array of colors. ]

( Pile's Plantagorium: B )

[ Buuuut there's more to be had if he ventures outside, right? Vanitas is standing right at the edge of the Wall. His Keyblade, Void Gear, is strapped to his back. The problem is, Van sure doesn't know what is a deadly plant or what isn't. So maybe stop him before he goes out and offer a hand?

Or maybe Vanitas is encountered already exploring beyond the wall. He has a plant isolated, it's true. It doesn't look sick... But those are a lot of sharp looking thorns on it. That's probably not a very good thing to bring back, but it looks like Vanitas doesn't really care. Only... he's kind of circling it. Looking for how he can get a cutting of it. ]

( Out of the City )

[ Once again Vanitas takes the opportunity to not stick around the city. When the chance is offered to venture beyond the Wall to one of the settlements, Vanitas takes it. He makes sure to leave a note stating that he'll be out. Doesn't state why or for how long because who needs to know that? He played it pretty safe last month by staying within the city walls so naturally Vanitas needs to get out and actually do something.

To get rid of some of his restless, excess energy, Vanitas takes to patrolling around the settlement he is brought to. There are plenty of infected monsters in the area and the spar he had last month isn't enough. Thus he can be found engaging in battle, fierce grin on his face and laughing. It's almost like he's enjoying every single moment that he cuts down one of those monsters, hurling around Void Gear like it weighs nothing. There's no magic used, just brute strength.

And when Vanitas tires of this - not that he will ever fully tire - there is something else he can do. Don't get him wrong it's not that he cares about these people. He doesn't, at all. Vanitas isn't doing this for their sake, but for his own. He joins some of the other Witches that have set up healing stations. Vanitas, see, has been working on the healing artes for months. Now he's putting himself to the test to see just how much mastery he has over those skills. Feel free to bother him or tease. ]

( Book shopping )

[ Vanitas enjoys being self-sufficient. He doesn't like to rely on others, though there are at least a few people out there that... Well he'll let them help him out if he really needs it. Over all? Vanitas still is uneasy. Normally that would be his motivation for getting out and learning anything.

That's not the case this time, but he's going to keep that to himself. Instead he's at this bookstore, going through the shelves. However, Vanitas looks more and more irritated as he goes. ]

Augh. This one's useless too.

[ He's getting aggravated enough that he's not bothering to put all of the useless ones back. Nope. There's starting to be a book scattered here and there. ]

Why is this proving to be so difficult!?

[ All he wants is a ding dang recipe book. To meet certain Monster dietary requirements. ]

( Wildcard )

[ Anything that you wanna do with Van, of coruse. As always, feel free to contact me at

jardaan

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[ Honestly, Vanitas had been sleeping better since a particular bratty rabbit had decided to pay visits now and then. Vanitas' sporadic episodes where the temperature in the room drops and he just shakes and dry heaves also have dwindled. It's been a few weeks since his last one, really. and so he thought that maybe he could stop with the sleep aids.

But then there are nights like tonight. Van is twisting and turning in his bed. Sweat makes his hair stick to his face. His expression is pinched, painful. Something is amiss and he can't seem to wake from it. ]

[ Okay so pancake day hadn't actually ended up as "tomorrow." For whatever reason, the timing just hadn't worked out. So cue Vanitas' surprise when he gets a message early in the morning from Ventus about coming over to actually fulfill that little promise.

He's not at his best early in the morning, despite the fact he doesn't really sleep in. Vanitas is a bit grouchy, even when letting Ventus inside and showing him to the kitchen. Surely the others won't mind, especially if Van cleans up later.

Thus he sits off to the side, watching Ventus. At some point Breezy jumps up on his lap and, as always, Van defaults to giving her scritches. ]

[Most nights Sora sleeps like he's a dead rock to the world. Unmoving and very hard to wake up. He loves his sleep, sleeping is probably one of his most favorite things to do. And he's gotten into the habit of sometimes sneaking into Vanitas' room to sleep there instead. It's warm, the bond is comforting to be near and there aren't any dogs or dragons that can set his nerves off here.

But on this particular night Sora seems to stir from his sleep. He opens one newly golden eye and notices a fringe of distress over their connection.]

... Van?

[ Van barely even notices anymore when Sora sneaks in. He's used to it and the brat getting in close doesn't even really register anymore. This it isn't Sora that is the issue at the moment.

No, it's a nightmare that he can't seem to shake. They're always rooted in memory, terror and panic gripping at his heart. It's likely bleeding through the Bond since he has no control over it in this state. In this sense it might be a curse that their Bond is a stronger one...

Because Sora might even get flashes of Van's nightmares: trapped in Darkness with the eerie red glow of Unversed eyes in the background. Vanitas himself is choking on something, that familiar sense of his emotions trying to claw themselves out. Only, even as the Darkness pours out of his own mouth - barely affording Vanitas time to breathe - it never truly takes shape. It only further dims the space Vanitas finds himself in, almost as if he's drowning in it.

And boy does he physically begin to react. Van's struggling next to Sora, thinking that he can't breathe. Clawing at his own throat. ]

[It's quite the habit now, Sora slipping into the warm sheets at strange times to fall asleep. But it's become a bit of routine now too. Even with Vanitas in his fitful dozes... What he's not expecting is to feel something as distressful as this. It's outside the normal. It's not just Vanitas having a hard time sleeping.

Sora's eyes open wide when he feels that snap of terror and panic start to leak over to him. It's strong enough to fully jolt Sora awake, his limbs getting tense and his lungs inhaling.]

Vanitas?

[Is he dreaming? It has to be something so terrible. Sora gets hints and flashes of these dark images, red eyes, choking throats, so much darkness...

He has to do something. If only he could jump into a dream right now and fight everything back-- But he can't do that. So instead he reaches out with and arm coming to scoop around the other boy.]

It's okay, it's just a bad dream. It's just a bad dream...!

[ Sora's voice can't quite reach him where he is at the moment. Words generally don't when he's having one of his panic attacks and is this really all that different at the moment? He's still gasping for air, hands at his own throat.

Can't breathe.

There's a few hot tears that are slipping through his eyelids and he's just that scared. So many eyes staring at him. Waiting... Waiting for what? Vanitas can only assume that they are there to consume him the moment that his guard is fully down and when there's nothing left inside of him. ]

[Watching Vanitas react like this has a stone sinking in Sora's stomach. This isn't anything like the panic attacks he's seen before when he had touched Vanitas' back. It isn't like the time Sora's nerves were shot from a dog attack. This is something else plaguing Vanitas' mind harder than any of those sorts of things.

Sora's hands comes up to gently take those scratching ones at Vanitas' throat. He comes close and puts his forehead gently against Vanitas'. No matter what, he has to try.]

Vanitas, try to listen to my voice. Breathe, okay? I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere. Just try to breath... Nothing can hurt you now.

[His voice is soft. Unsure if Vanitas can hear him when he's so deep in a memory. Instead, he tries to focus on warmth across their bond, letting some softness and his presence flicker across it. His fingers gently squeeze at Vanitas' hands.]

[ There are a lot of things that tend to plague Van's mind. He's just usually so good at keeping it all under control.

His movements still as Sora takes away those hands. When there's a forehead pressed against his. So maybe there's a part of him that actually knows what Sora is trying to accomplish

Within the nightmare, things actually pause. All of the Darkness that had been pouring out of him stops. He can breathe... And then there's something else. Something warm? There's something cutting through the Darkness itself. ]

[If Vanitas is in a section specifically about Monsters in his hunt for a Monster's specific dietary needs, it's likely that Mettaton's wandered closer, holding carelessly in his hand an old-looking book entitled Aefenglom's History of Bonds. Whatever it is, not even he is finding what he's after... But Vanitas is definitely making a scene.

The idol hovers back and watches him toss books around and mumble at them, agitated, while he finds it nothing short of amusing. What could he be after...?]

Oh my. Such determination, over a topic that seems to elude you so... If your carelessly discarded literary trail suggests anything to me. Besides the obvious frustration. [He sighs.] But! I can only relate. For as many books as they have... there's a tragic lack of valuable information. A shame.

[Mettaton looms over Vanitas at nearly seven feet with a hand on his hip, but his long, silver rabbit ears make him seem even taller than that. They lean forward in interest for the small Witch's troubles as he performs a quick survey of the titles strewn across the floor.]

Just what are you looking for, darling? None of these are consistent picks. You have my curiosity...

[ Oh if only Vanitas could know the reason why Mettaton is looking into Bonds...

Ironically all of the books Van is discarding all have one thing in common: they are books that focus on Puccas. Perhaps the both of them are here for somewhat similar reasons at the core?

His gaze shifts from another book to the person who seems to like to talk. Fortunately or unfortunately, Vantias is used to this. He's a bit of a talker himself when he puts his mind to it. ]

Go figure. It's like they assume everyone already knows everything about the creatures here. It's as if they never anticipated that people could be converted...

[ Hence all that information wouldn't be necessary. But... those ears definitely do catch his eye. ]

Actually. You might be able to give me what I need.

[Riku is making his own way back home when he comes across the sight of Vanitas swatting uselessly at the cometflies. He should be used to seeing a familiar face on strangers by now, especially Sora's. But the mix of dark hair, gold eyes, and that face is enough to give him pause.

Kairi had mentioned he was here, but this is the first time he's seen Vanitas in the flesh. He approaches, slowly, waiting for the other witch to notice him, but when that doesn't happen immediately he speaks.]

You're not going to deter them that way. Besides, they're harmless.

[Which...is mostly true?]

[ He pauses in his little bug assault long enough to look over to who is. The best friend, right? Again, Vantias has little knowledge of who he is. He'd been around that Replica, sure, but that's not really the same as the real thing now is it? ]

You've been here long enough to know that nothing is entirely harmless.

[ Sorry, Riku. Vanitas doesn't much trust anything. ]

Harmless, as in they won't do you any harm. They'll make your skin glow for a little bit. Then it fades.

[He shrugs like it's no big deal. And want to cuddle people. Or flirt. Or give you a sunny disposition. But he's not going to mention any of that. If Van hasn't encountered it for himself why should he take the fun out of it?]

Keep doing what you're doing now and you're likely to get yourself hurt by walking into something. [One of the yellow cometflies breaks off from the pack and begins fluttering over to Riku. A part of him wants to dodge it, but then how is he going to explain that? So he goes very still instead as the cometfly brushes against his cheek, leaving behind a glowing spot of yellow.]

See? Totally fine.

[ He has not, in fact, encountered any of those things giving him some extra feelings and impulses to act upon. ]

How would I walk into something? I know where I'm going...

[ They aren't that much of a distraction. Yet Vanitas watches as a yellow one comes up and rubs against Riku's cheek. Van makes a bit of a face at that. He doesn't really want any of that stuff on his skin. ]

Except for the fact that it's still gross for it to rub itself all over you and then move on.

[Is he assuming Vanitas is just as clumsy and easily distracted as Sora? Might be. Knowing Ven now does nothing to dissuade him from this idea.]

You looked like you were swaying a bit. Especially in a crowded place like this it could be dangerous.

[The irony is not lost on him that he's saying this to someone who, as far as he knows, had been an enemy. By Demyx has a habit of hanging around their house to so apparently all grudges are on hold here.]

But you want them to move on don't you? Do you think they won't just follow you inside?

I was distracted by something else completely unrelated to this.

[ Which he isn't about to get into. But if Riku ever says that he had said it because of Ven and Sora? Well Van might have some colorful things to say about that. He is his own person now and he isn't clumsy at all, thank you! ]

And I would just like for one of these things to follow me inside. See what happens then...

[ As if on cue, a blue colored one is close. Maybe it doesn't like Van's attitude, but it kind of whacks itself into the back of his head. Vanitas whirls around, huffing. ]

Hey-

[ And if once wasn't good enough, it smacks against Vanitas again. This time right in the middle of the forehead. ]

[He can't say what his own presence might feel like over their connection to the other boy. But Vanitas always feels like cindery and smoky embers. He's come to enjoy the crisp feeling of that. But this-- This feeling dripping in Vanitas' fear and nightmares makes it sting.

He tries to coax more gentle and soothing warmth to Vanitas. Like a summery sunspot where he can feel safe. He's actually not too sure what he's doing but he continues to try and soothe Vanitas with that. His fingers gently exploring the spots between Vanita's fingers and knuckles.]

Remember what you said? We shouldn't run away when things get rough. But that doesn't mean we gotta do things alone, either. I'm staying right here.

[ If Vanitas is smoke and embers, than Sora is clean, crisp and maybe a little sweet/tart like a starfruit. He doesn't really know how to put it into works. All he does understand that Sora simply feels welcoming and as much as Vanitas is loathe to admit it... There's something about that feeling that he's always craved.

His touch, that warmth that's sent across their Bond, it's so cheesy to say that it slices through the dark recesses of his nightmare... Yet it does. His breathing slows, calms. Van's fingers begin to grip Sora's.

It's a small light that appears in his dream. But, like Sora, it's warm and inviting. Ironic, since Vanitas himself has always chased after the Light in his own way. Now this time he reaches for it, thinking that maybe this time he'll finally grasp it. ]

[Roxas has been helping out with the Plantigorium as well, putting his newfound gardening skills to good use. He might not have magic to help him out, but what he lacks in magical ability he makes up for in determination and persistence. So when he was told about the wild plants from beyond the Wall, he naturally opted to help.]

[He's gt Oathkeeper and Oblivion strapped to his own back, but when he goes to meet his partner for exploring the Wild, his ears perk up in surprise.]

Didn't know you were helping out too.

[ Well well well. Look who it is... Honestly Roxas and Ventus actually do have the same voice. It's not like Vanitas and Sora. Yet, somehow, Vanitas can tell the difference between the two. Perhaps it is familiarity with Ventus.

Who knows. ]

There's money involved. Even I have to do my part.

[Nothing stopping him from asking: Mettaton's not particularly secretive about such matters. Anything could be of help in his pursuits.

The TV star has his eye on the titles (or their subtitles) on the floor, tracking them and their seeming inconsistencies... until he realizes that there is a similarity, and one that would warrant Vanitas to assume that he could help. His ears stand straight in alertness for a mere moment before folding back into a relaxed neutrality as his golden eye drags back to Vanitas, offering him an easy smile. He's absolutely right, though: having all of these Mirrorbound show up and just letting them figure out their own circumstances for themselves has lead to a lot of confusion. Mettaton can't testify what it's like to be a Witch, but as a Monster, trying to understand his own circumstances has been a trip and a half. Puca... are strange. He's strange. Stranger than ever.]

Ah. Puca. That's what you're looking into! What a good choice of study...

[Since he's one, obviously. His slight smile grows into one of his showy, charismatic ones — a cute one, it might have been considered, but now he sure does have rabbit teeth. ... It it what it is.]

What about Puca has you smitten, beautiful? [interesting word choice. He raises a finger.] Given my first-hand experience as one, and one who has been here for half a year by now... I have experienced most every facet of being one. Where Aefenglom fails in enlightening us, at least I have that to offer.

[The book on Bonds is tucked at his side, against his furry hip.]

[ While it is clear that Vanitas is looking at someone that has become a Puca... He's not sure what Mettaton had been previously? Sora's ear color had been based upon hair color. That's definitely not the case here with all of the silver fur. This guy also has a funny way of talking... Perhaps Vanitas is somewhat reminded of Marluxia, not that he wanted to be around any member of the Organization for overlong.

Though the comment about the "good choice of study" has him rolling his own set of golden eyes. But then comes... "Smitten." Vanitas doesn't fumble with the book. Oh no, but the grip that he has on it tightens considerably and he doesn't dare look this stranger in the face. Nope. Nope! ]

I'm not smitten. My Bonded is a Puca and he's going through changes. I want to be prepared for what he's going to go through. [ That's not entirely a lie, considering their Bond is pretty strong and Vanitas is overly sensitive to emotions anyway. ] That's all that this is.

[ He'll bring the attention to the book at Metatton's hip as soon as he can get over his own flustered embarrassment. ]

...And maybe I want to find things that he can eat that aren't straight up plants and flowers.

[things happen, plans change a little.

there's a small level of awkwardness being here that ven tries very hard not to make obvious. curiosity has him looking around as vanitas leads him to the kitchen.]

Um, so is Sora here too? [he asks as he unpacks the bag he brought with him, general pancake ingredients along with a bottle of syrup and blueberries.]

Not this time. If you would have been here two nights ago, maybe.

[ He's not sure when he's got used to that frequent interruption. Whatever, it doesn't matter. Vanitas just thinks it's the Bond that makes the other seek it out.

Right now he's far more curious about what all Ventus has brought. ]

Blueberries?

[Oh, Vanitas. Reacting to Mettaton's colorful and amorous choice of wording at all is an open invitation for him to believe with a 99.9% certainty that there is something between him and his Bonded. The denial, the embarrassment, the way he averts his gaze... it's palpable. His smile grows, though it's one now of satisfaction and self-assuredness as his dark-painted eyelid droops.

Mettaton has a rule for Aefenglom and its Mirrorbound. All of them slot into either one or a mix of the following attributes: they are all either depressed, traumatized, or in love. It hasn't failed him yet. How cute... Vanitas definitely has a crush on his Bonded, who is a Puca. He laughs, but it sounds a bit like an amused hum from his throat.]

That's sweet of you. Learning more about your Bonded for the sake of preparation. And NOT because you're smitten! [He has to lay it on thick. It's in his blood, that he doesn't have.] There's plenty to learn! Get ready for him to chew on things. Pencils. Books. Your clothes. ...He might do that. Ha-ha.

[Not saying he did, but he totally did. Anyway, Mettaton waves a hand to dismiss that particular train of thought to focus on matters of diet.]

As a robot who previously didn't feel any desire to eat... I have since developed an appetite. And, with it, taste! My personal inclinations run toward bright, attractive food. As it happens, plants and flowers... are bright. But so are fruits. However, I have an iron stomach, both figuratively and literally. Since I'm made of metal. [He tips his head.] Just how sensitive to food has your Bonded become...?

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[ open ] Life is what our thoughts make it...

[ closed ] Sora | Nightmares

[ closed ] Ventus | Pancakes

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book shoppin

this was bound to happen, yeh?

cometflies;

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Plants, B

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absolutely!

let's hope son makes a good impression

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i can almost guarantee mtt will like him, but he is a menace