[Vash hasn't had any reason to celebrate his birthday in over a century. Just another reminder that he was different from everyone else. So while he doesn't really want to do anything for himself the thought of doing something for his brother strikes him as fun.
Which is why on their birthday Knives will get a knock on his door. A creature that looks more dog than person stands there in a delivery uniform. He's got a box labeled this way up, fragile, do not drop or set anything on top. Plus a handful of balloons that say: Happy birthday! Which should be a clear indication who the package is from. Sign here please.
[When Knives opens the package he'll find a few things. Starting with a card with Vash's cursive handwriting inside.] Happy birthday brother. Sorry for missing all the other ones. Not like either of us had a clear mailing address. [A hand drawn winky face is drawn inside. Then just below that is an ominous bit of text.]
P.S. Sorry about the cake. Next time I'll remember 'normal' shape does not mean square.
[What could Vash mean by that? Well Knives doesn't have to question it for very long if he opens the box labeled cake. It's in a rather questionable shape that Vash has done his best to hide and redecorate. At least it's super moist and delicious if Knives chooses to eat it.
There are also a couple gifts inside! Wrapped in colourful birthday paper. Inside the first is a book that Knives may not appreciate. Vash has skimmed through and decided it has some good points on how to make friends!
The second gift is a little more useful. A little tree that grows grass. Vash is hopeful his brother will like this one better.
[Vash paced back and forth in his shared room with Laurent. The contract had expired by V had said Vash could stay for as long as the city allowed him to. His mind was swirling. He could lie and tell Knvies his contract hadn't ended yet. Buy himself a little more time. He could also change his mind and refuse to contract with Knives. He could keep living not under his brother's rule that this city would give him.
Only he knows that he can't. He could never bring himself to give up the chance to keep people safe by contracting with his brother. Finally he dials his brother's number and waits for him to pick up. He knows Knives is close enough that he could reach out to mentally speak with him, but Vash preferred it this way.]
Hey. It's me. My contracted has ended so I'm free to sign one with you now.
[Shortly after supper time one night, while Vash is imprisoned for breaking one of Duplicity's laws one too many times, Knives will feel a familiar push. His twin seeking to talk to him from behind bars over their shared connection. Vash wouldn't easily admit it but he was feeling lonely in his cell and was missing his brother.]
Hey Knives. [He speaks casually. As if he was simply out for a walk and not locked away.] Did you have a good dinner?
[Now that she's had a few days of her mind being clear and unaltered for the first time in over a month she is back to her regularly scheduled existential crisis and contemplating a trip to Insincerity to have her memory repaired... and there is a certain broom head that she has gotten too used to using as a sounding board for potentially bad ideas whose advice she probably won't take anyway... and said broom head has been MIA for much longer than she cares to think about. She doesn't think he's gone, not yet anyway, though that first twinge of fear is there. No, she is fairly certain his ass is just stuck in jail, but when she's tried to find out on her own she's been told that such information is only available to the submissive's Dominant. Because of course it is.]
[So eventually, after much debating, and then after double and triple checking to ensure she is anonymous she takes a chance and sends a message to Knives.]
Your brother has asked me to avoid you, however, I do not know where he is and I am concerned about him. I know you are contracted and will be notified if it is anything to do with the city. Do you know where he is and if he is alright?
[So long as Knives doesn't know which friend she is, that should make this ok... right?]
[When Knives and Legato get up on Christmas morning they'll find that Vash is already out. Out on the counter is his magical box that makes 12 fresh donuts each day. Three are already missing, but the rest sit warm and inviting with a sign written in the outlaw's handwriting: Help Yourselves.
Next to that are two boxes one marked For Knives and the other is marked For Legato. Wrapped in paper with little cartoon cats and dogs wearing Christmas sweaters on it.
Inside are a box of home-made sugar cookies. In the shape of trees, stars, and gingerbread men. Which likely isn't a surprise considering how much baking Vash has been doing lately. Knives will also soon see why his box was labeled with a: open from this end as nestled inside with the cookies is a small light blue orchid. Along with instructions on how to care for it.
Should he watch Legato open his gift he'll see Vash found him a black electric blanket.
Vash will be home later in the day after the rest of his gifts are given out.]
[Knives is waiting for Legato when he gets home. Vash should be away for at least a few hours, so when Legato comes through the door Knives is on him. He pins him against the wall and leans in to bite his neck, making a claim to his territory.]
I want you undressed and leaning over the couch, understand?
[Despite the things that haunt him, Legato has never had an overt tendency toward nightmares. Aside from a short period of time after he'd first been rescued when he was young, Legato's sleep has been quiet.
The past few months have been a drastic change, however. Legato nearly matches Vash in the poor quality of his sleep now, with even his absurd levels of willpower not enough to completely fend off the effects. He's been wearing thin around the edges and there are dark circles under his eyes now.
Usually, when he wakes up from his nightmares in the middle of the night, he does so relatively quietly, and quickly leaves the room so that Knives' rest isn't disturbed. Tonight, he's not so lucky. This time, when he jolts awake, it results in him banging his elbow into the wall over on his side of the room.]
[While speaking with Legato the alternative version of Vash reaches out with his mind towards his brother. The confusion his twin feels shouldn't be hard to miss. At least it doesn't feel like he's angry. More curious.]
Knives, I might have an idea on how to protect these eggs. I need to check on a few things first, but it means you might lose contact with me for a little bit. It's nothing dangerous it's just a bit far. Shouldn't be more than a day or so.
[On the twin's birthdays Knives will get a package. A small gift-wrapped box with a birthday card included.
The card will read: Happy Birthday, Brother.
Pick a day and we'll plant these together in a way that only we can do.
The card will likely make more sense when he opens the gifts. A few homemade cupcakes are inside along with some daffodil seeds. Vash picked these flowers for a reason but unless Knives knows much about what flowers are supposed to represent then he might not know that Vash picked these flowers because they mean hope. The hope he has in the future they are making together.]
[Knives seems almost bored when he walks to Rip's place. That blank expression doesn't reflect the emotions in his chest though. He feels an odd sense of anticipation unlike anything he's ever experienced before.
He gave this woman permission to draw his blood. He wonders how that will feel like. When she answers her door he nods at her by way of greeting. This close to him it's easier to tell that despite his blank expression there's a weird aura of bent up energy around him.]
Where what has Legato been up to the last couple nights? [Perhaps Knives will be suspicious as to why his brother is asking him this after the multiple murders have been popping up on the network.]
[By this point, the shadows had gotten bad. The mischief caused by the collective alter-egos of this city running amok in the streets was bad enough, but the personal horrors--at least for those who hadn't embraced their worst traits yet--were much worse. For Legato, despite all the ways that this city had bent and changed him over time, the idea of accepting the loathsome, human urges that he'd worked hard to lock away, acknowledging all of the pride and volition that he didn't deserve, was still too much to bear. So, his shadow had gotten more vicious about the things that it whispered to him, more violent in the scratches and bites that it would leave on him when its temper flared. He had been hoping that this torment--like everything else in this city--would end after a time. He'd been trying to wait it out.
His shadow shared all of the same malevolence and determination that he had, however. It refused to be ignored. All of that willpower and those disgusting, base urges had to go somewhere when its patience finally snapped.
With their connection, Knives will probably sense that something is wrong before he even reaches the front door. Somewhere inside their home, his pet is in high distress.]
[Sometime in mid-to-late December Knives will receive a curious package--a clear cylinder outlined in black with a blue ribbon tied around it. Inside there is a miniature tree secured, protected from the elements if it were to sit outside for an extended time and also to make sure a certain broom head didn't shake the box considering he got the same thing. There is also a note written in Tomoe's careful hand:]
It is customary to give gifts at this time. I do not recall what it was called here, but in my world this is a bonzai tree. I am not wholly familiar with the artform, but I thought they would be unique among your plants.
[One day out of the blue Knives will be getting a call from his brother. He sounds vaguely annoyed.]
Kniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiives, I'm trying to buy a couple movies, but the check out person won't accept my money until they talk to you first and get your permission. Apparently written permission isn't good enough for this place and I'm already running late to meet someone so I don't really want to try to find and go to another store! I don't even know off the top of my head where another store is and who knows? Maybe they'll do the same thing!
[Did Knives need all that information? Sure didn't but he's getting it as Vash is annoyed.]
Knives... [She speaks through the connection, trying her best to focus on him and only him. She doesn't want Vash to know about this for a myriad of reasons--and all things considered, she doesn't trust a message on the network either.] We have a problem... I need to see you as soon as possible...
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
August 2019
Which is why on their birthday Knives will get a knock on his door. A creature that looks more dog than person stands there in a delivery uniform. He's got a box labeled this way up, fragile, do not drop or set anything on top. Plus a handful of balloons that say: Happy birthday! Which should be a clear indication who the package is from. Sign here please.
[When Knives opens the package he'll find a few things. Starting with a card with Vash's cursive handwriting inside.] Happy birthday brother. Sorry for missing all the other ones. Not like either of us had a clear mailing address. [A hand drawn winky face is drawn inside. Then just below that is an ominous bit of text.]
P.S. Sorry about the cake. Next time I'll remember 'normal' shape does not mean square.
[What could Vash mean by that? Well Knives doesn't have to question it for very long if he opens the box labeled cake. It's in a rather questionable shape that Vash has done his best to hide and redecorate. At least it's super moist and delicious if Knives chooses to eat it.
There are also a couple gifts inside! Wrapped in colourful birthday paper. Inside the first is a book that Knives may not appreciate. Vash has skimmed through and decided it has some good points on how to make friends!
The second gift is a little more useful. A little tree that grows grass. Vash is hopeful his brother will like this one better.
Happy birthday Knives.]
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September 2019
Only he knows that he can't. He could never bring himself to give up the chance to keep people safe by contracting with his brother. Finally he dials his brother's number and waits for him to pick up. He knows Knives is close enough that he could reach out to mentally speak with him, but Vash preferred it this way.]
Hey. It's me. My contracted has ended so I'm free to sign one with you now.
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November 30th 2019 - Mental Link
Hey Knives. [He speaks casually. As if he was simply out for a walk and not locked away.] Did you have a good dinner?
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Anonymous text, first week of December
[So eventually, after much debating, and then after double and triple checking to ensure she is anonymous she takes a chance and sends a message to Knives.]
Your brother has asked me to avoid you, however, I do not know where he is and I am concerned about him. I know you are contracted and will be notified if it is anything to do with the city. Do you know where he is and if he is alright?
[So long as Knives doesn't know which friend she is, that should make this ok... right?]
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UN: Himura.Tomoe
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Christmas Day 2019
Next to that are two boxes one marked For Knives and the other is marked For Legato. Wrapped in paper with little cartoon cats and dogs wearing Christmas sweaters on it.
Inside are a box of home-made sugar cookies. In the shape of trees, stars, and gingerbread men. Which likely isn't a surprise considering how much baking Vash has been doing lately. Knives will also soon see why his box was labeled with a: open from this end as nestled inside with the cookies is a small light blue orchid. Along with instructions on how to care for it.
Should he watch Legato open his gift he'll see Vash found him a black electric blanket.
Vash will be home later in the day after the rest of his gifts are given out.]
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[Knives is waiting for Legato when he gets home. Vash should be away for at least a few hours, so when Legato comes through the door Knives is on him. He pins him against the wall and leans in to bite his neck, making a claim to his territory.]
I want you undressed and leaning over the couch, understand?
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The past few months have been a drastic change, however. Legato nearly matches Vash in the poor quality of his sleep now, with even his absurd levels of willpower not enough to completely fend off the effects. He's been wearing thin around the edges and there are dark circles under his eyes now.
Usually, when he wakes up from his nightmares in the middle of the night, he does so relatively quietly, and quickly leaves the room so that Knives' rest isn't disturbed. Tonight, he's not so lucky. This time, when he jolts awake, it results in him banging his elbow into the wall over on his side of the room.]
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Shared connection
Did you threaten Legato?
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Shared Connection
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UN: Himura.Tomoe
Is there a particular reason that your submissive will not let me enter the building to go to my own home?
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May 2020
Knives, I might have an idea on how to protect these eggs. I need to check on a few things first, but it means you might lose contact with me for a little bit. It's nothing dangerous it's just a bit far. Shouldn't be more than a day or so.
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June 2020
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Backdated to their birthday
The card will read: Happy Birthday, Brother.
Pick a day and we'll plant these together in a way that only we can do.
The card will likely make more sense when he opens the gifts. A few homemade cupcakes are inside along with some daffodil seeds. Vash picked these flowers for a reason but unless Knives knows much about what flowers are supposed to represent then he might not know that Vash picked these flowers because they mean hope. The hope he has in the future they are making together.]
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1/2
2/2
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for rip [cw; bdsm, blood drinking]
He gave this woman permission to draw his blood. He wonders how that will feel like. When she answers her door he nods at her by way of greeting. This close to him it's easier to tell that despite his blank expression there's a weird aura of bent up energy around him.]
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September 16th [CW: Talk of murder] | Private
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cw: non-con and violence
His shadow shared all of the same malevolence and determination that he had, however. It refused to be ignored. All of that willpower and those disgusting, base urges had to go somewhere when its patience finally snapped.
With their connection, Knives will probably sense that something is wrong before he even reaches the front door. Somewhere inside their home, his pet is in high distress.]
i am so sorry this is so late dude
life is weird right now, man
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Christmas Gift
Merry Christmas, brother! I have a few other stops I need to make today, but I thought we could have dinner together when I'm done!
[Vash will be a whirl of activity. Talking excitedly and eating a couple cookies before he's out again, but he will return for dinner as promised.]
[telepathy]
[telepathy]
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Delivery mid-to-late December
and also to make sure a certain broom head didn't shake the box considering he got the same thing. There is also a note written in Tomoe's careful hand:]It is customary to give gifts at this time. I do not recall what it was called here, but in my world this is a bonzai tree. I am not wholly familiar with the artform, but I thought they would be unique among your plants.
~Tomoe
text
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Re: text
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January 2021 - Voice; un: DonutDevourer
Kniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiives, I'm trying to buy a couple movies, but the check out person won't accept my money until they talk to you first and get your permission. Apparently written permission isn't good enough for this place and I'm already running late to meet someone so I don't really want to try to find and go to another store! I don't even know off the top of my head where another store is and who knows? Maybe they'll do the same thing!
[Did Knives need all that information? Sure didn't but he's getting it as Vash is annoyed.]
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Forward dated to after several Dom bodies are discovered (end of March 2021)
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