arkfall | IC Contact for duplicity

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[Knives can't see it, but Vash pouts as Knives laughs.] Well, you haven't since you arrived in this city.

[Which has Vash thinking about the other thing that he's had lots of time to think about while in prison.] You really have changed. And... well... how do think you'd feel about meeting some of my friends one day.

How do you feel about it?

Honestly? I'm nervous. [As bad as he feels for saying he was nervous about his brother meeting his friends it felt incredibly good to be talking honestly to his brother in this way.]

Even if you have changed and wouldn't normally hurt those I call friends anymore what if this city changed you in some way? I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if my friend got hurt because of me.

I think this city has changed us both...

A part of me wishes I could promise you I wouldn't hurt them. But I'm not sure I could keep that promise.

Is... is that something you'd be even interested in? It's alright if you're not. [It's only been a few months after all. Nothing more than a blink of an eye for beings like them.]

I am interested in the trust you would show by introducing me to them.

I'll give it a bit more thought and maybe talk to them when I get out. [Which one? Vash can't think of any that could defend themselves against Knives if the worst would happen. Not that Vash liked living his life preparing for the worse. Maybe one Knives had already met and knew about.

Either way it was too much to think about while in lock up. Vash decides to change the topic again.] It's getting colder out! Are you looking forward to seeing some snow for the first time?

I... I hadn't considered it.

[But, yes. Now that Vash has brought it up, he is.]

Fair and only warning. I'm going to make sure to hit you with a snowball as soon as I'm out of here.

That means I can return the favor.

Ooooh yeah? You have to be able to hit me first!

That feels like a challenge.

A challenge means there's an equal chance of winning. With a year of practice and my natural amazing-ness there is no way you'll win.

'Natural amazing-ness.' More like 'natural lameness.'

[This teasing is at least more good-natured than anything.]

Don't be jealous and don't go crying when you lose! [There's a merry tone to Vash's voice. He's missed be able to tease his brother in this way.]

I've gotten really good at losing to you. I won't this time, but if it happens I won't cry.

You don't lose against me all the time. Although one day I will be crowned the champion of chess. Just you wait and see. [But don't hold your breath.]

That will likely never, ever happen, dear brother.

You're on! Next time you can visit bring the pieces with you! I'll show you! [He'll show you how he loses without dignity.]

I will.

What do I get if I win?

Get? Hmmm... How about I have to address you as Lord Knives; King of Chess for a full day and wash all the dishes for a week once I'm out? [Although that's likely more a reward for Legato.]

Acceptable.

What do you get if you win?

Same thing! And I mean that you do the dishes for a week. No asking Legato to do it for you that's cheating.

Unless you think he might die of a heart attack or something if we did that. [Better make it a month if that's the case. He sarcastically thinks but doesn't share.]