plate_builder | Open Post

Well, I don't mind looking at you, so it's good for that reason as well.

[No, he actually wanted it. he really did. It's just so nervous to be invested for a change.]

Forgive me, most things don't tend to last even this long.

[He looks back to Reeve. There's a brief hint of surprise on his face that melts away quickly into the faintest smile.]

That's going to take some getting used to. [Casual compliments.]

It's not as if I'm not rusty as well. Not that I was ever very good at this. [Lucrecia had turned him down after all.]

[Reeve is full of compliments, thank you.]

I haven't been good at this for nearly a decade, if I am being honest. Which is still newer than you, I suppose.

[Vincent makes a soft sound, almost a laugh.]

This is a terrible competition to have. [The corner of his mouth curls up slightly.]

[Reeve laughs, it's not wrong. He sips his drink and shakes his head.]

Making me laugh, really? I like it.

I'm well known for my humor. [Words that have never been said with a dryer, more neutral tone.

It's wonderful to hear Reeve laugh, however. He seemed to be having a difficult time lately.]

But... good. This is... nice. I appreciate you inviting me. Even if I did have to twist your arm.

Oh, are you?

[Dammit, Vincent, don't drag him. He grins and shakes his head.]

How was I supposed to know you were potentially interested in men or even in me?

Mm. [He nods, expression still neutral as he raises his drink to take another sip.]

Hmm, there wasn't. And... I'm not sure I was ready until... recently.

[He'd been doing a lot of thinking lately. In the crystal caves. And he's sure Reeve can read between the lines. He'd know he was referring to Lucrecia.]

[Not ready until now? Yes, he can understand that.]

Yours has been a rather complicated situatoin. It makes sense.

Mm. [It's a quiet sound, acknowledgment and reluctant agreement.] I guess.

And... I'm equally surprised that you would have any interest in me. Romantically.

[It was surprising enough that anyone wanted to spend time with him as a friend after all.]

Why?

[Reeve doesn't know why he wouldn't.]

You are beautiful, thoughtful, serious in a way that is quite lovely.

[Why? What a difficult question to answer without sounding completely self-deprecating, which he honestly... wasn't. At least not when it came to most things about himself.

He does look up in surprise at the first descriptor Reeve uses. He didn't put much thought into his appearance but 'beautiful' certainly isn't something he'd ever think he'd be called.]

Thank you... Those... some of those are exactly what I thought might not be very desirable. Serious. Not very talkative. It's nice to know that's not the case with you.

I am a serious man myself, VIncent. Why would I have an issue with that?

[And not talkative isn't a bad thing, not all the time. Sometimes it's difficult to understand the needs and desires of others when they are often quiet, but he still thought it was not a bad thing to think before you spoke.]

Yes, I guess you are.

[He took a contemplative sip of his drink, finishing it off.]

Maybe I thought it would be an issue in the same way you thought I wouldn't have any interest. Maybe we've both been making some assumptions that don't make much sense.

Assumptions tend to be the basis for many interactions.

[But he smiles and nods at Vincent. It's a good point.]

Well, if we are attempting to be honest in hopes that this will go better, you've captivated me since we met. In person. Before that it was more a polite interest.

Captivated? [It's a strong word and he isn't sure how he'd been so oblivious up until now.] Captivated.

I'm sure you must have wondered how I survived. What had happened.

Knowing what you knew and nothing more, I'm not sure how you resisted asking me more. Even if your assignment was something else.

[He frowns thoughtfully.] Not that I could have offered you much of an explanation.

[Reeve chuckles, shaking his head.]

My assignment was horrible, but one I am glad I took. And yes, I don't know how I resisted, beyond knowing Veld and knowing he owed me QUITE a bit of information. But I didn't intend to ask. With Shinra, some secrets are better kept.

[A very quiet way of saying that the man didn't have to share what he doesn't want to.]

Veld... [Vincent's thoughts had drifted to his old partner a few times. Even back then, the man had been something of a father figure to him, to all the Turks. Despite that, he'd never really felt that close to him. And, after questioning Hojo and Shinra's experiments, Veld had become just one more person he'd failed. The thought of seeking him out now, after all this time, it hadn't ever really crossed his mind.]

I have nothing to hide. If you're still curious about anything, that is. [He shrugs a little. He realizes his choice of words likely isn't the best. He hadn't meant to imply that Reeve thought he was hiding anything.] Not that I think any of this is about getting information. But, if I don't mind talking about it. I can't promise I'll know in some cases. I still don't understand, or remember, a lot of what happened to me.

[Now he idly wondered if Veld had received some kind of report... no... no, he'd been surprised to see him. If he'd gotten a report, it must have been full of half-truths.]

[Well, if he ever sought information on Veld, Reeve would be more than happy to get the man touch with them. Reeve's contacts were a bit better than so many. And... Well, Reeve had a particular connection with Veld that left them talking to this day.]

Is it wrong that I do not know that want to know? I worked with Hojo, Vincent. I worked with Veld and the Shinra family. I know the darkness behind the curtain. It's not something I want.

[Vincent shakes his head.]

No, it's not wrong at all. You know enough about Hojo to last you a lifetime of nightmares, I'm sure...

But... I don't want you to feel as though you need to skirt around anything. If we're going to do... whatever this is, I don't want you to feel as though there are any secrets between us. Or anything you cannot talk about.

Alright then. I will ask if I feel it is something I need. But what I need, Vincent, is the chance to know you as you are now. What you wish from the world, how you want to see it, what you want to know. it all matters.

[Vincent makes a soft sound, a singular scoff of a laugh.]

Much more difficult questions to answer.

And... If I were to admit that I'm completely unsure what I want... or even where I fit in this world now...?

I do think it's only fitting to do some good with the- with what I've become. Perhaps help to right some of the wrongs that Shinra did. I enjoy helping people, whether they're aware of my intervention or not.

But it's difficult sometimes to even believe I belong here anymore.

You know that this is where I'd offer work with the WRO to you, given our entire purpose is trying to write the wrongs of Shinra an balance out the world again.

[Of course he doesn't want this date to turn into a job pitch, so he won't say more than that.]

Hmm... I'll consider it.

[A simple answer but not a dismissive one, having some direction would likely do him a world of good.]

Would I be answering to you? [A hint of teasing creeps into his tone and demeanor.]

And only me.

[Because at least Vincent would trust him.]

Amusing, how I've somehow let what should be me pitching myself to you into pitching a job. This is why I can't get dates I expect.

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