IC Contact for duplicity

[arkfall]

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[goldenglasses]

[Vash takes a deep breath before letting it out slowly. Feeling a little better after talking about this in front of his brother. At least he hadn't gotten overly angrily at this line of questioning.]

He should find something else to excite him. Talking about hurting people isn't going to help either of you.

[arkfall]

Isn't it better to allow for fantasy rather than let those desires boil over?

[goldenglasses]

Not when it comes to someone who can't let go of the fantasy right now.

[arkfall]

Why would you think that he can't?

[goldenglasses]

You're really telling me that he wouldn't simply love to be allowed to kill as he sees fit the moment our contract ended? You really expect me to believe that?

[arkfall]

[Knives is quiet for a moment.]

He's not the only one getting off.

Are you asking only about him? Or do you think I killed those people too?

[goldenglasses]

[Vash's mouth twitches a little. Feeling guilty for his accusation once more.] No, not these people. At least back home you didn't tend to... pose your victims like that.

[arkfall]

No. I usually left the bodies right where I impaled them. Or I kept them alive just to fight and kill each other over scraps. It didn't matter. They were garbage to me.

[His voice is dull but the way he's looking at Vash, with an intense stare, it's clear he wants the words to hurt. To punish Vash for doubting him.

No matter how valid those doubts actually were.]

[goldenglasses]

[Vash finally breaks eye contact again. Thinking back to where he was when taken from their home. Locked away in the dark on the Ark as his brother slaughtered a countless number of people. It hurt to remember all the death that was happening and had happened back home.]

I know, but Legato might have.

[arkfall]

He might have if it was a message. Usually meant to taunt you. Otherwise, the bodies are garbage to him too.

Did you know these people at all? Ever meet with them? Fuck any of them?

[goldenglasses]

[Vash's mouth hardens. He had done all three with one of them.]

Yes. She was a friend of mine. [He brings his eyes back to Knives once more as he answers.] So can you see why I was nervous? Someone I cared about has been viciously murdered and you two have been talking more often about violence and then you didn't answer right away when I asked if you knew anything about the killings.

[arkfall]

[Somehow, those words make Knives deflate. Instead of trying to poke and prod at his brother's pain, he frowns and all of the tension and frustration in his face melts.]

Vash... I... [But he's no good at comforting someone over loss.]

I swear, the only people I want to hurt are the ones who forced us into this experiment, and the ones who forced themselves onto you, and I won't do anything more to any of them so long as we have our agreement. I would not go after your friends.

[goldenglasses]

[Seeing that tension leave his brother's body language both helps Vash to relax a little and feel even more guilty. Maybe he really didn't have anything to do with his friend's murder. Just as Vash is starting to feel a bit better that his brother hadn't gone back to his old ways his mind picks up on a word and it won't leave him alone.]

What do you mean... anything more?

[arkfall]

[Fuck.

In that rush of sympathy and concern, he'd let himself slip up, and of course, Vash had caught onto it. He wasn't as stupid as he made people think, after all.

His jaw tightens and he considers which lie he can tell. Maybe he can claim that all of the glaring he did that day on the stage was what he meant. But that seems hollow even as he thinks it.

He's taking too long to answer.]

That's what Legato and I talk about. [He finally says, with the tone of someone who feels chastised.] Killing the ones who raped you.

I thought you knew? You said you heard us.

[goldenglasses]

[He was told about it, but not exactly what was said.] And did you, Knives? Did you kill them!? Is that why you didn't want to contract with me again?

[arkfall]

[He stares at Vash then, blinks a couple of times. Debates lying again.

Then, finally, he laughs. A single, mocking, barking sound. So much like the monster he used to be that it even startles himself.]

Wow. You're paranoid now, aren't you?

[goldenglasses]

[Yes. That laugh helps alleviate some of his guilt. Years of bad memories coming forward at the sound of it.]

You didn't answer my question, Knives!

[arkfall]

You're right.

I didn't.

[goldenglasses]

[He can feel his stomach knotting and his heart clenching.] Knives, you--- you didn't, please tell me you didn't go killing them!

[arkfall]

[Knives narrows his eyes. He's back to glaring.]

Look at you. So upset at the mere thought that rapists might be hurt. What is wrong with you?

[goldenglasses]

Me?! Have you learned nothing, Knives?! Hurting and killing isn't the right answer! What's wrong with me? What's wrong with you?

[arkfall]

What's wrong with me is that I had to sit there and watch while they violated you over and over. [Knives spits back, voice venomous.]

They had to be taught a lesson, Vash. No one should ever touch you like that.

[goldenglasses]

You can't take justice like that in your own hands! Why-- you can't just kill people who do things you don't like! Don't you understand that!?

[arkfall]

"Things I don't like?"

How dare you belittle what happened by acting as if it were merely a difference of opinion.

[goldenglasses]

How many, Knives? How many of them did you kill!?