[ Less of a mess. The bigger mess between the two of them, Yamato thinks, is him. But he won't voice that, and instead, he'll idly think about how nice it is to hold someone's hand so earnestly and how his heart rate just happens to pick up when Malice returns the gesture. (There's no way Malice won't be able to hear his heartbeat, with their current proximity.) ]
Thank you.
[ The words escape him and his voice is shaky and hoarse. Before he can stop it, he feels hot, fresh tears sting the corners of his eyes. It's embarrassing, but he won't bother to wipe them away, either. He's so stressed and tired and achy, but the only thing he feels like doing right now is staying here with his best friend.
Gently, he squeezes Malice's hand. ]
You were there the whole time. I won't forget that.
[He hears it alright, though he's not quite sure what it means. He knows that human heartbeats fluctuate - Cody's did all the time, anyway - but he decides now isn't the time to question it.
He's so focused on that that he doesn't realize Yamato's crying until the next words and the gentle squeeze to his hand. Without thinking, Malice moves from the chair onto the bed, mindful of Yamato's legs and moves to pull his friend into a hug. There is no escape. He is a strong vampire who wants to hug you.
(But no, he will back off if Yamato doesn't want a hug - and of course he's mindful of Yamato's bad shoulder, careful not to touch or move Yamato much.)]
'Course I was. Where else was I gonna go? There wasn't much I could really do anyway. My sorta problem-solvin' wasn't really useful today.
[Unless we wanted Akira to die? So.]
An' I'm not goin' anywhere. I'll be right here, for as long as you need me.
[ Actually, a hug is very much appreciated. Yamato is so used to dealing with hard things on his own that this is absolutely something he needs. He returns the hug with his good arm, and does his best not to start sobbing, because he's feeling a ton of emotions bubbling up and bursting within him right now.
Instead, he just silently lets himself cry. His fingers curl into Malice's back.
Today sucked. Today was probably a huge turning point for him, too. He'll work harder to be more careful, but he'll also keep pursuing magic to keep people safe...and work at remembering to include himself in that as well.
The care that he received from the others, too, won't be forgotten.
He has a place here -- in this group, in this moment. And maybe...
[Malice's grip is tight on the back of Yamato's shirt as well - like last time, he doesn't seem inclined to let Yamato pull back. Though unlike last time, this isn't the desperate need for comfort, warmth, and acceptance that Yamato had offered with a hug - instead it's something different, something foreign. Something that wants him to latch on and never let go, because if he does, he's afraid Yamato will simply vanish. Die to his impulsive, reckless behavior, maybe, or simply walk off and never return. He isn't sure what the fear is, but it's present and raw all the same.]
You don't gotta apologize. I did offer.
[Though it's a joke, it's not nearly as light as it should be. He drops his head to rest on Yamato's shoulder, closing his eye and letting himself relax. Despite the fear, there's something truly calming about this moment - about being so close to someone he cares so much for. And Yamato's still alive, still here and Malice counts his heartbeats to remind himself of that every time his treacherous thoughts dare to stray too close to that fear again.]
[ Yamato's response to Malice resting his head is surprisingly easy; Yamato leans on him in turn, the top of his head lightly pressed against the side of Malice's. He stays there for a while, longer than last time. He could've died today. He almost did, probably. That scares him, too.
He's sure the press would be having a field day about this. He's sure his group members, especially Iori, wouldn't let him hear the end of it if they knew about any of this. The chances of that, though, as far as Yamato knows, are low to none, so he tries to let go of that anxiety so he can be present.
His heart aches, but it feels very warm at the same time.
After a long moment, he says something again, just loud enough so only Malice can hear -- even if there's no one else in the room. ]
...Can you stay? Just...for a little while longer.
[It's nice, resting together like this. It's enough to slow the rapid-fire pace of his thoughts, to relax him and Malice is content simply to stay like this without a word. They've said what needs to be said, they've agreed to work towards being more careful, and now all that's left is to wait for Yamato to calm down.
Though given the soft words, it seems it's going to take a bit. Malice chuckles softly - the sound is still a little too evil-sounding for their proximity and situation, but that's Malice for you.]
[ He's already starting to calm down, that's for sure, but it's not enough. He's selfish, like he's already said, and at this point, the evil-sounding laugh doesn't phase him. Just Malice Things. He's come to accept this about him.
In contrast to the slightly sinister tone that Malice naturally has, Yamato lets out a chuckle of his own that's soft, affectionate and gentle to listen to.
He releases his hold on Malice's back, only to wrap his arm around him and pull him a little closer. Yamato is greedy. He wants more than what he thinks he deserves.
Is he happy? Yes, but not entirely, given everything. However, he thinks he knows what he's feeling: ]
Thank you. ... It feels safe.
[ You feel safe.
It's a good thing that Malice can't see how his cheeks color after saying that. ]
[Yamato knows what's best for him (probably) so if he wants Malice closer, then he's certainly going to comply! He's still careful with Yamato's other shoulder, of course, but he certainly doesn't mind the proximity at all.]
Yeah? Sure you should be sayin' that to a vampire?
[A vampire who is buried in your neck??? But anyway, another evil-sounding laugh later...]
I'm glad. I'd keep you safe from any harm I could, y'know.
[It's still light, but it is absolutely not a joke at all.]
Why did he say that. Oh my god. It just sort of happened, and if Yamato weren't so exhausted and also very comfortable right now, he'd probably freak out over it? He meant to say Malice was his friend, but. You know. Sometimes you say what you mean and you want to crawl into a hole and die for real.
For now, though, he'll once again ignore how hot his cheeks are and stay put. Akira's ghost would've had a time with these two, huh.... ]
As long as you're not reckless like I was, I'll accept it. I'll do the same...the right way, though.
[Yet again, that gets another evil laugh from him, but given how he nuzzles against Yamato, it's obvious that he's pleased with it.]
Yeah, 'course, 'cause you're my human.
[He says it like it's the easiest thing in the world to admit - and for Malice, it really is. It's only natural that his kind are possessive and territorial, and thinking of people as theirs is second nature. Some of the humans back home found it weird, but it seems like Yamato gets it, and what more could he ask for?]
I appreciate it. We'll both be better 'bout it goin' forward.
[ That nuzzle does something to his heart and it yet again picks up speed. ]
Your human, huh.
[ That'd be easy to interpret a certain way, but their bond runs so deep that Yamato thinks he understands what Malice means. They're so deeply intertwined and invested in one another's wellbeing that there's no good word to describe this, what they are, exactly -- but he doesn't mind. Whatever this is, makes him happy.
Against his better judgment, he lifts his head -- only slightly -- and he softly bumps his nose against Malice's cheek in response. ]
[Malice lifts his head a bit to grin at Yamato, looking both pleased with himself and sort of smug at getting the admittance from Yamato.]
You sure are. What would I do without'cha, huh?
[It's still meant to be a joke, but considering the earlier topic of conversation... Well, that's something he still doesn't have an answer for, in all honesty. Whatever their friendship is, it's the most intense thing he's ever felt for another person, and that means the world to him. He's not going to lose that - and Yamato's already said he's going to be more careful, so there's nothing to worry about.]
Heh, at least it's not something you'll need to think about anymore.
[ Which is his way of affirming that he'll do better. For Malice, if no one else, but he'd like to do better by his other friends here, too. They've all done more for him than he can ever express.
Malice will catch a glimpse of how red Yamato is, especially with their proximity, sorry, but he'll at least be met with a genuine smile when Yamato looks back at him. ]
[Oh, cute... Is it hot in here? Is that why humans turn red?? Or is it embarrassment, he can never remember that one...]
Yeah. I appreciate it.
[For a moment, it seems like he's not going to say anything about it at all, just smiling at the words. And then that smile shifts into a smirk, and he can't help but point out:]
You're also bright red. You havin' that much trouble with the heat in here?
[...this could almost be a sarcastic question, but it lacks the tone and Malice took a stab in the dark here and guessed the wrong one. Whoops. Such is life when you are a dumb vampire.]
[ That effectively gets him to look back up at Malice, right where they started from with, you know. Their faces being inches apart! It's not a big deal, it's not a big deal, it's not a big deal. ]
No, of course not.
[ Hm! Maybe he should've said yes. Maybe he should've said he was running a fever or something. But nope. Here he is, digging his own grave.
He turns his head slightly and looks away. Bad idea, with how much that exposes his blush. ]
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Thank you.
[ The words escape him and his voice is shaky and hoarse. Before he can stop it, he feels hot, fresh tears sting the corners of his eyes. It's embarrassing, but he won't bother to wipe them away, either. He's so stressed and tired and achy, but the only thing he feels like doing right now is staying here with his best friend.
Gently, he squeezes Malice's hand. ]
You were there the whole time. I won't forget that.
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He's so focused on that that he doesn't realize Yamato's crying until the next words and the gentle squeeze to his hand. Without thinking, Malice moves from the chair onto the bed, mindful of Yamato's legs and moves to pull his friend into a hug. There is no escape. He is a strong vampire who wants to hug you.
(But no, he will back off if Yamato doesn't want a hug - and of course he's mindful of Yamato's bad shoulder, careful not to touch or move Yamato much.)]
'Course I was. Where else was I gonna go? There wasn't much I could really do anyway. My sorta problem-solvin' wasn't really useful today.
[Unless we wanted Akira to die? So.]
An' I'm not goin' anywhere. I'll be right here, for as long as you need me.
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Instead, he just silently lets himself cry. His fingers curl into Malice's back.
Today sucked. Today was probably a huge turning point for him, too. He'll work harder to be more careful, but he'll also keep pursuing magic to keep people safe...and work at remembering to include himself in that as well.
The care that he received from the others, too, won't be forgotten.
He has a place here -- in this group, in this moment. And maybe...
... ]
You'll be here for a while, then. Sorry.
[ He's not sorry at all. ]
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You don't gotta apologize. I did offer.
[Though it's a joke, it's not nearly as light as it should be. He drops his head to rest on Yamato's shoulder, closing his eye and letting himself relax. Despite the fear, there's something truly calming about this moment - about being so close to someone he cares so much for. And Yamato's still alive, still here and Malice counts his heartbeats to remind himself of that every time his treacherous thoughts dare to stray too close to that fear again.]
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He's sure the press would be having a field day about this. He's sure his group members, especially Iori, wouldn't let him hear the end of it if they knew about any of this. The chances of that, though, as far as Yamato knows, are low to none, so he tries to let go of that anxiety so he can be present.
His heart aches, but it feels very warm at the same time.
After a long moment, he says something again, just loud enough so only Malice can hear -- even if there's no one else in the room. ]
...Can you stay? Just...for a little while longer.
[ He'll let him leave!! He promises. ]
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Though given the soft words, it seems it's going to take a bit. Malice chuckles softly - the sound is still a little too evil-sounding for their proximity and situation, but that's Malice for you.]
'Course. I don't wanna go anywhere anyway.
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In contrast to the slightly sinister tone that Malice naturally has, Yamato lets out a chuckle of his own that's soft, affectionate and gentle to listen to.
He releases his hold on Malice's back, only to wrap his arm around him and pull him a little closer. Yamato is greedy. He wants more than what he thinks he deserves.
Is he happy? Yes, but not entirely, given everything. However, he thinks he knows what he's feeling: ]
Thank you. ... It feels safe.
[ You feel safe.
It's a good thing that Malice can't see how his cheeks color after saying that. ]
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Yeah? Sure you should be sayin' that to a vampire?
[A vampire who is buried in your neck??? But anyway, another evil-sounding laugh later...]
I'm glad. I'd keep you safe from any harm I could, y'know.
[It's still light, but it is absolutely not a joke at all.]
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[ ...
Why did he say that. Oh my god. It just sort of happened, and if Yamato weren't so exhausted and also very comfortable right now, he'd probably freak out over it? He meant to say Malice was his friend, but. You know. Sometimes you say what you mean and you want to crawl into a hole and die for real.
For now, though, he'll once again ignore how hot his cheeks are and stay put. Akira's ghost would've had a time with these two, huh.... ]
As long as you're not reckless like I was, I'll accept it. I'll do the same...the right way, though.
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Yeah, 'course, 'cause you're my human.
[He says it like it's the easiest thing in the world to admit - and for Malice, it really is. It's only natural that his kind are possessive and territorial, and thinking of people as theirs is second nature. Some of the humans back home found it weird, but it seems like Yamato gets it, and what more could he ask for?]
I appreciate it. We'll both be better 'bout it goin' forward.
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Your human, huh.
[ That'd be easy to interpret a certain way, but their bond runs so deep that Yamato thinks he understands what Malice means. They're so deeply intertwined and invested in one another's wellbeing that there's no good word to describe this, what they are, exactly -- but he doesn't mind. Whatever this is, makes him happy.
Against his better judgment, he lifts his head -- only slightly -- and he softly bumps his nose against Malice's cheek in response. ]
Yeah. Guess I am.
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You sure are. What would I do without'cha, huh?
[It's still meant to be a joke, but considering the earlier topic of conversation... Well, that's something he still doesn't have an answer for, in all honesty. Whatever their friendship is, it's the most intense thing he's ever felt for another person, and that means the world to him. He's not going to lose that - and Yamato's already said he's going to be more careful, so there's nothing to worry about.]
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[ Which is his way of affirming that he'll do better. For Malice, if no one else, but he'd like to do better by his other friends here, too. They've all done more for him than he can ever express.
Malice will catch a glimpse of how red Yamato is, especially with their proximity, sorry, but he'll at least be met with a genuine smile when Yamato looks back at him. ]
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Yeah. I appreciate it.
[For a moment, it seems like he's not going to say anything about it at all, just smiling at the words. And then that smile shifts into a smirk, and he can't help but point out:]
You're also bright red. You havin' that much trouble with the heat in here?
[...this could almost be a sarcastic question, but it lacks the tone and Malice took a stab in the dark here and guessed the wrong one. Whoops. Such is life when you are a dumb vampire.]
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I am? Are you sure you're not seeing things?
[ Deflect. DEFLECT. Panic mode activated, time to bullshit his way out of this....... ]
Probably the heat, yeah.
[ It's.
Cold. ]
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C'mon I ain't totally blind! [malice,] I'm definitely not seein' things. But I guess I can stop huggin' on ya if you're too hot.
[Not that he's moving to do that, though...]
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[ ???? Is it? No, of course it is, it's just- ]
That's. That's not why that's happening.
[ Aw, look at him, he's acknowledging how red he is! Good job, Malice. Good for you. ]
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[Don't make him guess, we'll be here all day!!!]
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[ He is suffering. He is turning even hotter now.
He's even going to do the dumb thing and hide his face in Malice's shoulder. ]
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[Yes he can, and apparently he has?? Rude??? Malice moves his hand up from Yamato's back to gently tug on the back of his hair.]
C'mon, I'm curious! It ain't anythin' bad, at least?
[He's pretty sure it isn't? But. What if.]
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[ That effectively gets him to look back up at Malice, right where they started from with, you know. Their faces being inches apart! It's not a big deal, it's not a big deal, it's not a big deal. ]
No, of course not.
[ Hm! Maybe he should've said yes. Maybe he should've said he was running a fever or something. But nope. Here he is, digging his own grave.
He turns his head slightly and looks away. Bad idea, with how much that exposes his blush. ]
You have no concept of being embarrassed, do you?
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'Course not. No need for that!
[Does this seem like a man who knows embarrassment.]
But that was my other guess! So good to know I was right!
[...please don't sound so proud of failing to get a 50/50 right.]
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Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Not like I need to tell you why.
[ Haha...jk...unless? ]
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[ Maybe he shouldn't have said that so loudly because ouch, injury. After a moment though, he closes his eyes and furrows his brow. ]
...Just not used to being so close to someone. That's all.
[ Among other things, but that's all Malice needs to know.
He'll go ahead and hide his face in Malice's shoulder again. ]
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haha you thought i was SLEEPING?
smh coco i trusted you???
:)
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1/.
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done
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1/2
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closes my eyes
yams.......
1/2
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