[ he knows this much. because even in another reality, livio left to protect vash. from knives. and he's sure there were plenty of other instances. knives would hurt vash in order to ensure his goal. the ends would justify the means.
dolph runs his fingers down vash's hair. soothing circles pressed into his back. ]
All I'm saying is . . . don't let your fear take this away from you.
He picks up his head again, his expression stuck in a pout that's so pronounced his chin and lower lip poke out. It's frustration and exasperation all tucked into one, and if he felt more petulant his lower lip might wobble. It might be laying it on a little thick, but it's easier to do than to keep letting his stomach turn sour. ]
I don't want to lose this.
[ He doesn't want to lose Dolph. Dolph, who has become a sturdy, ever present figure in the life Vash has dared make for himself here. ]
[ It's been so long since he's let himself want something, let alone want someONE. Something he's never really, truly considered beyond joking fancy, a protective front or playful joke. But Dolph is real, Dolph continues to hold a hand out despite all the times Vash reaches out only to take four steps away as he does so.
Dolph CONTINUES to make an effort to sneak in past the walls Vash has so carefully erected around himself to protect others, to protect himself. It's all too much like sitting in the middle of a blank room Staring at one of the first person he's really seen in over a hundred years.
Dolph, who has so many people who care about him, who he cares about. Always making an effort for him. One of those kisses that lands gets one in return, and another, before he's certain for every one he gets he's giving one in return.
[ oh. he feels the trembling, the tears. dolph holds him close through it all. it's a breakthrough. dolph can weather it. he can weather it all if it means vash will do. that vash is here, in his arms. it's still the most miraculous thing, his small tiny wish that grew into such momentous proportions. that vash brought hope back into his life.
[ He's not sure he's going to get used to someone saying that to him, especially not the way Dolph does. It feels just as intimate as the first time. A little moment for the both of them.
He says it back of course, the words coming out with a laugh as he lifts one of his own hands up to follow after Dolph's. He really shouldn't be crying so much. ]
I love you too. I'm not going to go anywhere. I don't want to run away from this.
[ Vash is a coward, but he's also stubborn. His brother being here will change things, but he doesn't have to disappear from people's lives. If he tries hard enough, if he can just talk to Knives, then maybe things could change for the better.
He moves to cradle Dolph's face in the same way Dolph had done him a few moments before. ]
I'm sorry for making you worry. I'll make it up to you somehow.
[ It's a little petulant, but in good humor. It's especially clear considering he hasn't yet let go of Dolph's face. Overall, it's a positive change from the tears he was definitely not shedding a moment or two before. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[ he knows this much. because even in another reality, livio left to protect vash. from knives. and he's sure there were plenty of other instances. knives would hurt vash in order to ensure his goal. the ends would justify the means.
dolph runs his fingers down vash's hair. soothing circles pressed into his back. ]
All I'm saying is . . . don't let your fear take this away from you.
no subject
[ And he might try.
He picks up his head again, his expression stuck in a pout that's so pronounced his chin and lower lip poke out. It's frustration and exasperation all tucked into one, and if he felt more petulant his lower lip might wobble. It might be laying it on a little thick, but it's easier to do than to keep letting his stomach turn sour. ]
I don't want to lose this.
[ He doesn't want to lose Dolph. Dolph, who has become a sturdy, ever present figure in the life Vash has dared make for himself here. ]
no subject
[ dolph kisses the curved lines of that mouth, corner to corner. ]
We'll make it.
no subject
Dolph CONTINUES to make an effort to sneak in past the walls Vash has so carefully erected around himself to protect others, to protect himself. It's all too much like sitting in the middle of a blank room Staring at one of the first person he's really seen in over a hundred years.
Dolph, who has so many people who care about him, who he cares about. Always making an effort for him. One of those kisses that lands gets one in return, and another, before he's certain for every one he gets he's giving one in return.
He's not going to cry but he might be. ]
no subject
dolph brushes away whatever wayward tears appear. ]
I love you. Stay with me.
no subject
He says it back of course, the words coming out with a laugh as he lifts one of his own hands up to follow after Dolph's. He really shouldn't be crying so much. ]
I love you too. I'm not going to go anywhere. I don't want to run away from this.
no subject
We'll face it together.
[ like vash said, when they dealt with alex. ]
no subject
He moves to cradle Dolph's face in the same way Dolph had done him a few moments before. ]
I'm sorry for making you worry. I'll make it up to you somehow.
no subject
Yeah? I'd like to see that.
no subject
[ It's a little petulant, but in good humor. It's especially clear considering he hasn't yet let go of Dolph's face. Overall, it's a positive change from the tears he was definitely not shedding a moment or two before. ]
Name it. Whatever you want!
no subject
I'm . . . not sure? You could surprise me.
no subject
I'll get you when you least expect it.
[ It's basically a threat. ]
no subject
I'd like that.