For Reeve

[emovampboy]

When it came to use of his phone, Vincent was very much like Cloud. He left it on, received messages and listened to or read them, but quite rarely responded. The few times he did respond tended to be if he deemed an actual answer to be required, or when from time to time Marlene got hold of Cloud or Tifa's phone and contacted him. Since it was so rare for her to do so, he always took it as a good thing to answer.

Which meant he had answered when she called him a few days after a message from Tifa asking him to come to a party for the girl, which he had ignored; his first mistake. Once answered, the girl had spent several minutes speaking to him, until suddenly springing the question of if he were coming to her party and making it quite impossible for him to really say no without seeming like a total heel, and so he agreed to go; his second mistake. And then he had made his third mistake - actually going.

At first, it really wouldn't have seemed to have been a bad idea. He knew everyone who was invited, how they acted around one another, and that Tifa would keep the whole group from going completely crazy over the course of the night, but he had not expected having to assist in breaking up one of Cloud and Barrett's squabbles when the woman had to leave for a short time to fetch something, and honestly he was glad that Reeve was invited and could help diffuse the situation with; especially when Yuffie and a very unhelpful Cid decided it would be a great idea to bet on who would win if they actually took to fistacuffs over whatever stupid thing it was this time which set them off.

All of this had left him rather done with company, and as soon as Tifa was back to be the adult in the situation, he'd snuck outside for some relative peace and quiet.

Comments

[emovampboy]

"Okay." He knows Reeve can take care of himself, and there is very little to threaten him here in the forest, so he doesn't move to follow; let the man enjoy himself a bit.

He does eventually move out to call for Reeve, letting him know food is ready.

[plate_builder]

Perhaps not in this part of the forest, but Reeve remembers what it was like when they traveled here. Still, the peacefulness is rejuvenating and he is contented, body and mind, when he returns at the beckoning.

"I can see why you choose to be here," Reeve says, and sure he's said it before, but he has a new reason. "It's so... calm."

[emovampboy]

Vincent watches Reeve return, and can already see that the man is more relaxed, even before Reeve remarks on the calmness of the area. It may have taken a bit for them to arrange, but Vincent is glad they did, as it is likely the man will benefit greatly from the reprieve to his stress-filled days and nights.

Vincent will even acknowledge that he will potentially benefit from all this as well. It's been quite a long time since he's really spent time with someone alone in a way that matters, which is perhaps why he is so intent on spoiling Reeve; or maybe it's just because Vincent has had more than enough time to consider what sort of role he wants in the developing relationship.

So he nods a bit, tilting his head towards a small table he's laid the food on.

"Sorry it isn't much. Rice and some fried meat, mostly. Still, it should be more than filling. Want coffee with it, or more water?"

[plate_builder]

It's not just the relief from the stress. It was returning to his roots. He'd grown up on a farm, and while a forest was different, he'd almost forgotten about nature.

"It's lovely food," Reeve smiles, moving to the table. "It reminds me of being a kid. Though there were more fresh vegetables. And... water. Please. I haven't been caffeine free for years. I'd like to experience it for a while."

[emovampboy]

"I forgot to get vegetables when I went to town." It's half an apology, given more because it seems right, less because he believes Reeve will be upset. "We can hunt for some herbs tomorrow if you like."

Grabbing some water for Reeve and himself, he comes to sit and eat with the man.

[plate_builder]

"It's fine," Reeve assures him with a smile. Because this smells good. "And luckily I recognize some herbs, so I don't mind the excuse for a leisurely walk."

Soon he's working on the meal and making a contented sigh. Is it hte best food? No. Is it nice? Yes.

Reeve yoi bring out all the bad in my muses

[emovampboy]

Vincent nods his acceptance at hunting out herbs the next day, and eats quietly for a while, letting Reeve do the same.

Once they are closer to the end of their meal, he does speak again, asking a simple question - although there may the faintest of teasing glimmer in his eye as he speaks; yes, Vincent is being bad,

"Aside from what has already been discussed, anything particular you want to do on this mini-vacation?"

Re: Reeve yoi bring out all the bad in my muses

[plate_builder]

He hadn't expected more words until the meal was happily finished. They had taken a few companionable meals together after all. It was comforting to know it would be able to continue like that.

But this question has bait, and Reeve smiles.

"You."

[emovampboy]

He only shows it in his eyes, but that response earns an obvious smirk as he stands, grabbing his glass. "Want a little more water?"

[plate_builder]

"Yes. I do find myself quite... thirsty."

He smirks right back.

[emovampboy]

"I'm not giving you milk." It's said in Vincent's typical and deadpan way, and in the back of his head, he can already hear the possibility of shock at his knowing enough to retort in such a way.

[plate_builder]

Reeve just stares. Who taught Vincent to respond in ways like that?

"I'm going to assume I heard you wrong."

[emovampboy]

Talk to Cid, probably, for that. Or past Turks. Either way, Vincent does know, and he smirks where Reeve can't see, before returning with the water.

"If you wish."

[plate_builder]

"I cannot fathom having heard you right," Reeve counters softly as he takes the water. "For it almost sounded as if you'd made a lewd joke."

[emovampboy]

"You know, I was a teenager once." He sits down facing Reeve, that toying smirk that reaches his eyes more than his lips. "Or would you prefer the aloofness I generally give?"

[plate_builder]

A long time ago. But Reeve isn't going to say it, not in the slightest.

"I think I enjoyed some of the closeness I've had from you before. But the fact that I get to see past the aloofness is amazing."

[emovampboy]

"Don't expect it around others yet. To be honest," He sighs a little and there may be a small blush on his face. "It's still sort of odd feeling after all this time to make any remarks of that form."

[plate_builder]

"I do not expect it around others ever. I do not like publicly sharing my affections."

Public Displays weren't really his thing. But he is pleased to see the brief blush.

"If I had been expecting it, it would have earned a chuckle."

[emovampboy]

Vincent nods, giving himself a moment for the usual stoicism to return before looking at Reeve.

"Does this ever seem strange to you still?"

[plate_builder]

"Does what seem strange?"

The potential relationship? Yes. More than he can put into words. The fact that the man could care for him is... It makes his heart swell.

But if it's something else, he will have to think on it.

[emovampboy]

"Whatever we wish to call our relationship right now." Vincent makes sure he is watching Reeve, apparently ready for a conversation if it is necessary.

[plate_builder]

Relationship. Reeve smiles softly at the other man. He just calls it a potential happiness.

“That I have the luck to have a man like you? Yes, that is strange.

[emovampboy]

"Is it lucky?" He leans onto his human hand, still watching Reeve. "You have to deal with a mopey old man who isn't entirely human."

[plate_builder]

"You have to deal with a mopey young man who isn't entirely good at taking care of himself," Reeve counters. And he likes the idea of having someone more experienced and thus perhaps patient.

[emovampboy]

"So, I'm a babysitter." The tone is so level that it's hard to tell if the words are a joke or something else until he speaks again. "I suppose that makes you a nurse?"