AUTOPLAY

"Do not be afraid." -A Young Xehanort Roleplay Blog- -Read About and Rules before interaction-

[thebetterhalfofwind]

It took a moment for Vanitas to wake, but when he did he did so with a gasp, eyes wide. The moment he realized Xehanort was there, though, he pushed himself up quickly, wrapping his arms around him. He was here, they were both safe, Xemnas was… gone… .

“S-sorry… .” He still held on, though, just for a while. “I just… dreamed I was back there again, and…. .” He swallowed, shaking his head. Slowly, he let go of Xehanort, looking down at the blanket. It hadn’t gotten any better… .

He shook his head, biting his lip. “I’m fine, now.” It wasn’t totally true, and he probably wouldn’t be able to get any more sleep tonight… but he didn’t need Xehanort worrying about him.

[arcanum-tempus]

He gasped, just softly, eyes just barely widening as Vanitas embraced him. It shouldn’t have been too unexpected, with how scared and traumatized the other still clearly was, but just the feeling of his amrs wrapped around him, clinging to him, holding him close...it made him feel--

“The doctor said this could happen.” He murmured, arms awkwardly at his sides as if he was debating hugging Vanitas back. But before he could do such a silly, self indulgant, thing, Vanitas pulled away, shaking his head. “He said it was likely, even. You shouldn’t apologize.”

He stood up, going into the bathroom adajcent to his bedroom, fumbling through the cabinent there. The doctor had given him some sort of medicine, to help with dreamless sleep...

“Here.” He read the label carefully, getting a cup of cold water and handing two pills to Vanitas. “This will help you sleep. The doctor gave you this, remember?”

[thebetterhalfofwind]

“He won’t come, you know.” Vanitas shuddered, feeling those deceptively soft hands run across his shoulders, his neck, his cheeks. “Why would he give himself up for you? You’re worth nothing to him, after all… .”

Vanitas wanted to scream, to tell him he was wrong, but he couldn’t, couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. How long had he been here? Maybe… maybe Xehanort wasn’t coming, Maybe he was right… what reason did Xehanort have to give up his life for his, after all?

With a cruel laugh, he felt Xemnas’ fingers close around his throat. He couldn’t move, couldn’t even call for help, and even if he could there was no one to hear him. Xehanort wasn’t coming, no one knew where he was, Xemnas was going to kill him, he couldn’t breathe–

Vanitas whined and shivered, clutching at the blankets like his life depended on them. “X-xeha–” he gasped in his sleep, pain in his voice. He was clearly in a deep nightmare, unable to wake. His head tossed from side to side, more pained moans escaping his lips.

[arcanum-tempus]

It seemed his suspicions had been right; the other was clearly having a nightmare, with the way he was thrashing around, whining. The vocalization of his name struck him as odd, but upon reflection, it wasn’t that strange. He leaned on the side of the bed, reaching over to shake Vanitas, gently.

“Vanitas. You’re having a nightmare.” A nightmare involving me, he realized. It made him feel guilty all over again--this had been almost entirely his fault. Of course, Xemnas was primarily to blame, but if Xehanort had never talked to Vanitas, never brought him here, never blackmailed him, it would never have happened. So he was at least somewhat to blame.

“Vanitas,” He shook his shoulders less gently, this time. “Vanitas, wake up. It's Xehanort.” 

[thebetterhalfofwind]

Vanitas nodded slowly. That wasn’t exactly good, but… there was no avoiding it. Maybe he’d feel better afterward… .

“Alright. I guess I could use some rest myself… .” He sighed, closing his eyes, still holding Xehanort gently. Even with him upset like this… the fact that he wasn’t leaving was comforting, and having him this close, feeling his fingers in his hair, was even more so.

He did his best to relax, even though really he had every reason not to. Even though Xehanort wasn’t acting angry or anything, he was clearly still upset in some way. Vanitas just didn’t know why… or what he could do to help. He couldn’t take back his confession, after all… .

This wasn’t right… those words were supposed to make a person happy, right? Just so long as the feeling was mutual… .

… Could that be it? Did Xehanort just not… ?

He shuddered, instinctively holding Xehanort a little more tightly. He didn’t… didn’t know what he’d do if that was the case… .

No. He couldn’t think like that. He couldn’t… Xehanort was just tired… yeah… .

[arcanum-tempus]

He felt Vanitas hold onto him more tightly, though he couldn’t begin to know what was wrong, he could easily assume. I have to say I love you too, he thought to himself. But it seemed like the words just wouldn’t form on his lips. He’d never said those words in his life, and even though he knows that Vanitas is special, with circumstances the way they are, confessing love seems so dangerous.

It’s horribly selfish of him, but really he had always been selfish. It made sense that he would be here, too. Despite the fact that he can’t make himself say the words out loud, he has to consider; does he love Vanitas?

Genuinely speaking to himself, he’s not sure. Maybe that’s part of the reason he hesitates to speak up and confess himself. He certainly cares about Vanitas a great deal, wants to make him happy and feel safe, wants to hold him close and make his future a better one, but...it just doesn’t seem fair to love Vanitas. To give him that, only to eventually disappear, go back to his own time and abandon him forever? That wasn’t something he could control...

He didn’t know. But he did know he was tired. He shifted under the blankets, pulling Vanitas close to his chest like always. letting him hear his racing heartbeat, proof that--despite his apparent apathy and numbness--the confession still had affected him.

[thebetterhalfofwind]

Vanitas blinked in surprise as Xehanort grabbed him and pulled him through the portal, but before he could protest they were there. He glanced around quickly, less concerned about where exactly they were then whether anyone was around. Fortunately, there wasn’t, but he was still on edge.

“So… do you know where we need to go?” He recognized the world - Twilight Town - but he wasn’t too familiar with the layout. His missions very rarely brought him to populated areas.

He looked around again, now that he was sure no one was around, trying to get a sense of where they were. He wasn’t overly familiar with the town, but he didn’t think they were too far from the town center, which was where he assumed the shops would be. Not that he really knew about these things… .

[arcanum-tempus]

He supposed it was natural to be nervous--it didn’t seem likely that his elder had brought Vanitas shopping ever. He also seems afraid of being found out. But they wouldn’t be. Today was their day off, and every other member of the Organization was working. They could just avoid the parts of town where Heartless were likely to spawn, and no one would ever know.

“Yes. I’ve been here a few times on missions.” He explains, pulling Vanitas through the slightly desolate streets. It isn’t until they get to the town center that they see other people. But most of them are too preoccupied to really take much notice of them. He finds the clothing store, which thankfully isn’t too busy, and pulls Vanitas inside.

“There. Pick anything you like. I think two or three outfits would be good.” He murmurs, idly and affectionately brushing a lock of hair out of Vanitas’s eyes without even thinking.

[thebetterhalfofwind]

Instinctively, Vanitas clutched at Xehanort as he was lifted up. He remained asleep, and he probably would have been appalled at his behaviour had he been awake, but he wanted to stay close to Xehanort… .

It played into his dreams, too. He was warm and safe… nothing could touch him. Xehanort would make sure of that. He knew… .

But as Xehanort moved away, his dream took a turn for the worse. The warmth was gone, leaving cold and dark loneliness. He whimpered softly, curling up tightly. No, no… he couldn’t, he’d end up back there, in that room, that voice mocking him, always, he just couldn’t –

He clutched at the blankets, clearly distressed, whimpering loudly. He couldn’t… couldn’t get out… Xehanort was supposed to be here, where was he? Why had he left… ?

[arcanum-tempus]

Unfortunately for Vanitas, Xehanort was too busy both trying to distract himself from his feelings for the other, and trying to finish at least some work. He may have a stash of money hidden away, of course, but it doesn’t hurt to make a steady amount of income.

Writing about his own brother’s death is strange, surreal, but he tries to distance himself from it, tries to forget what’s happened, Tries to pretend it didn’t happen at all.

Vanitas killing someone...he didn’t deserve that. Oh, Xemnas certainly deserved it, there couldn’t be any doubt about that. But killing at such a young age, even if it was in defense...

It’s his fault, he mockingly reminds himself. If he’d never met Vanitas, never gotten him wrapped up in this...

He supposes those  thoughts are getting old. After all, what can he do about them? He could release Vanitas from debt, so to speak. It’s not out of the question at this point, he has ample reason too. And yet the thought of never seeing Vanitas again,make his chest ache in a way it hadn’t for years and years. Not since...he died.

Looking at the clock, he’s shocked to see he’s been writing for hours, lost in a sea of memories, guilt and words. He rubs at his eyes, realizing just how exhausted he is at this point. The article isn’t due for a week...he can afford to leave it just halfway done, tonight. He gets up, stretches, and walks into his bedroom. He doesn’t indeed to sleep in there with Vanitas in there, of course--that would make indecent feelings rise up within him. But he should check on him, just in case. The doctors said nightmares were extremely likely...

[thebetterhalfofwind]

Vanitas blinked in surprise. “What? We don’t…. .” Did he have to? Someone would notice, surely, and while he didn’t really know much about clothes he was pretty sure most shops were pretty public… what if someone saw them?

“Are you sure? That that’s a good idea, I mean?” It seemed risky… and Xehanort was always getting him things. Small things, usually, but still. He didn’t really know how much clothes cost, but it just felt weird to having him getting him things all the time.

Anyway, what was wrong with his suit? He’d never felt the need to go and get anything else to wear. Xehanort clearly thought that he should, though… .

[arcanum-tempus]

Waving his free hand as if he was trying to wave the concerns Vanitas had away airily, he pulled him towards his room, closing the door behind him. He could understand Vanitas’s worries, but Xehanort for once wasn’t worried. It was true there was a slim chance of them getting caught or seen, but he was confident in his ability to fool almost all members of the Organization.

Besides, nobody stopped his lover from having nicer clothes. Though, really, perhaps that sentiment was more a result of Xehanort believing that nobody stopped him from doing what he wanted. 

“It will be fine. You don’t have to worry. I wouldn’t do this if I wasn’t confident it would be safe.” He assured, snapping his fingers and opening a portal to Twilight Town, tugging Vanitas in before he could protest. He glanced around; they had teleported in a fairly remote area. There was a clothing store around here somewhere, he was sure...

[thebetterhalfofwind]

Vanitas cocked his head slightly at Xehanort’s response. He sounded… disappointed? That wasn’t… that wasn’t what he wanted… .

He relaxed only slightly as Xehanort sat down and leaned against him. He knew Xehanort liked to listen to the sound of his heart, but Vanitas was still somewhat self-conscious about it. The irregular pulse that just served to remind him of what he was… .

And yet… Xehanort liked to listen to it, so he let him.

Gently, he wrapped his arms around Xehanort, holding him close. He didn’t know what was going through his head, right now… but he wanted to keep him close. Wanted him to know that he did care about him. The confession hadn’t been a lie… he loved him. Cared about him. He didn’t think that, in that moment, he could have lied to him if he tried… .

“Sorry… about all this,” was what he managed to say. It wasn’t right… why had that thing had to do this to him? Xehanort was upset, that much was clear, but he didn’t know why exactly - the curse? Or maybe he hadn’t wanted him to say those words… ?

[arcanum-tempus]

He didn’t know what to say, still. It was foolish, but he hadn’t really considered getting this far. Maybe he hadn’t wanted to consider it, with the tragic implications that love would bring. It was confusing, tumultuous, waves of emotions still crashing over him, until he was left feeling numb and cold and only logic remained.

They only had a few more months, half a year at most, together. Then, Xehanort would have to leave, go back home, forget all of this. He had thought it wouldn’t hurt that bad--after all, this was part of fate, and he had always gone along with fate in blind trust. But now...

Now the idea of leaving Vanitas forever seemed irreparably painful.

He slid his fingers up his back, just barely playing with the longer strands of hair at the back of Vanitas’s head. He didn’t know what to do, what to say. He should say that he loved him too, shouldn’t he? But that seemed...it seemed terrifying, with the way harsh and cruel reality was crashing down on him again and again, even though he was almost numb to it.

“I want to sleep.” He murmured, bringing the blanket up and closing his eyes. He couldn’t...couldn’t think like this. Didn’t have anyone he could ask about it, either, though what could anyone know about this situation? “I’m tired...”

[arcanum-tempus]

Starter Call

You know the drill, like for a starter, though I might send you an ask to plot if I have trouble thinking of ideas!

[ncbcdy-blog]

     He was still grinning, scratching his jaw absently. “I felt like it,” he said, relishing the words. He felt like it. He felt like doing things, just for the sake of having done them.

     “You know, you look a lot like my old boss,” he said, finally giving voice to the thoughts that had followed the teacher’s movements since he first laid eyes on him. “Xemnas. You related?”

[arcanum-tempus]

He almost froze at the other’s tossed out remark. He almost physically reacted. Maybe there was a slight movement in his eyes, but it was subtle and slight. Xemnas? How did he know Xemnas?

“I can’t say I have a relative named Xemnas I’m aware of.” He lied smoothly. He’d told that lie quite a few times; his appearance was rather obvious, after all. Fancy acting, naturally spoken words, though, they usually threw people off. Still, why would one of his students mention Xemnas? Could it be a coincidence?

“I’m glad for this change in persona, Roxas. However, if something is bothering you and you feel the need to throw yourself into work as a distraction, you may tell me. I am your teacher.” He had done the same thing, many times.

“However, if it is just a change in motivation, I am glad for it. You are lucky to get next weeks’ assignment in early; I’ll have more time to go over it and make more precise corrections.”

[ncbcdy-blog]

     Xemnas was still a shadow hanging over Roxas, even months after the man’s demise. He’d been played, bent to someone else’s will. He might’ve come out of the experience stronger, with two Keyblades and ten thousand lesser Nobodies to follow his every command, but it still made him worry to see a teacher who looked just like him ten years ago.

     “You’re my teacher,” he said. “You spent a good ten minutes talking about your qualifications. You’re not a stranger.” Granted, he might be a stranger to the teacher. “And that’s not what I meant. I mean, how long have you been in New York? Why are you teaching here now?” Why was he teaching Roxas’s class?

     The idea made him freeze for a minute. Fear wasn’t a thing for Nobodies, but self-preservation was, and it amounted to the same things sometimes. Could Xemnas have had someone who he’d sent to watch Roxas? To destroy Roxas if Roxas turned on him? The thought seemed to make the world tilt before it settled back into place.

[arcanum-tempus]

He bit the inside of his cheek to hold back laughter at himself. The other was right, he supposed. He was his teacher. Xehanort just had not imagined getting more than courteous with one of his students, had rarely even imagined himself as a teacher at all. He supposed that he wasn’t used to the appointment, yet. He’d have to lose some of his cold glares and harsh words.

Still, though, the laughter died in the pit of his stomach as the other continued, looking at him with suspicious eyes.

Why was he so suspicious? He couldn’t know who he was--no, he was assured to be safe and anonymous here. So what...?

“I’ve been here a couple of years. And I owed a few favours, as it happens.” He shrugged his bag full of reports onto his shoulder, trying not to look too suspiciously at the other. “That’s something that frequently happens in journalism, I’m afraid. You start to owe quite a few people quite a few things.”

He’d noticed that Roxas was usually a troubled boy, or so it seemed. He wasn’t sure if it was apathy or boredom, but the other seemed...dazed wasn’t the right word, but it was the best he could think of. So much for being a state-wide journalist...

“Are you feeling alright, Roxas?” He frowned as he saw...something in the other’s eyes. “You look quite stressed.” Teachers worried about their students, didn’t they?

[ncbcdy-blog]

@arcanum-tempus

     “Done.” He slaps the packet of papers down on Xehanort’s desk, grinning from ear to ear. “This week’s assignment and next week’s. I did them both.”

[arcanum-tempus]

Glancing up at his temporary student in surprise, he took the papers slammed on his desk, frowning slightly. Not out of disapproval, but a feeling of unease...it was strange...

“I see.” He flitted his cold amber gaze up,  “I’m impressed you managed to do this much in advance, Roxas. You’re not usually so motivational.” He mumbled, flipping through the pages. Everything looked fine...but where had the burst of motivation come from?

[thebetterhalfofwind]

Vanitas snorted. “I’m not going to pretend I could arrest you here by myself. Anyway, it would be pretty idiotic of me to alienate the one ally I have, no?” Maybe when they returned to the castle… or maybe not. Probably not, at this point. He’d saved him, even though not doing so would have been advantageous for him… that other man seemed to have offered him quite a good deal.

He took the offered flask and meat, turning the food over carefully, wrinkling his nose. It was unbelievably dry… but, if it was all they had… .

He bit into it, chewing it carefully. Xehanort was right, it was nowhere near as good as what he was used to. What he’d give to be back at the ball now… .

He looked up at Xeha as he ate, frowning. He just didn’t understand him at all… why would a thief save him?

“Does that mean you know where we are going?” he asked after swallowing. How it wasn’t far to the next town over, he knew… would they be heading there?

[arcanum-tempus]

He sat back, stretching briefly before looking at the other. Idly, he chewed on a piece of his meat, humming to himself. He hadn’t thought too far ahead, to be perfectly honest. But he knew well enough that this would probably take a while. Helping this pretty prince would definitely take some time, given the magnitude of the attack.

“Well, I’m going to try and get you to a loyal lord of yours so you can retake your castle, of course. It’s all very thrilling, like  a story from a children’s book, wouldn’t you say?” After drinking a quick gulp of water, he continued, “of course, after that’s all said I done I suppose I’ll have to find another city to reside in. What a shame...I rather like Paris.”

After thinking a few moments on the matter, he spoke up again. “If you remember any friends of your families, now would be the time to say, my prince. I know your brother has a better, ah, reputation, permit me to say. So perhaps one of his friends would help as well. The more, the merrier, as they say.”

[thebetterhalfofwind]

Vanitas rolled his eyes. “As if there’s anyone who hasn’t heard of you. You’ve practically gone out of your way to make sure people know it’s you.” He didn’t really understand it… did he just want credit for his work? That… kind of made sense, it a weird way… .

Vanitas sighed softly. “Well, under any other circumstances I’d have you arrested immediately, but now… well, you did save my life. I suppose I owe you something for that.” That, and currently they were in the middle of nowhere, and this Xeha was the only one he could even possibly consider to be on his side… .

He sighed, drawing his knees up to his chest. This was all just… so much to take in. He never thought that something like this could happen… .

And yet here he was, in the middle of the woods with the most wanted thief in the city. At least he didn’t seem actively hostile… though he’d never really expected “not actively hostile” to be any kind of compliment.

[arcanum-tempus]

He laughed again, “what can I say? I like attention. I just can’t stop myself from taking credit for my hard work.” There was another reason, of course; if he took credit for his work, no one else could be blamed for his thievery. But he doubted the prince wanted to hear about that.

“Permit me to say, my prince, that if you tried to arrest me I would be gone within minutes. People have tried and failed before. I’m very elusive, you see.” He spoke slyly, standing up and walking over to his horse. Vanitas was still clutching that cloak so tightly...

He got some food rations out of the satchel, some dried meat, likely not good enough for a prince. But it would have to do. He had a flask of water too, and he handed both to the other.

“It’s not the best food you will ever have, but you should eat. We have a long journey ahead of us.” He gave a slight grin, noticing for the first time since they’d left the palace that the boy was still wearing his hat. It was too big, nearly covering his eyes, but it was still rather cute. He opted to let him keep it, for a time.

[thebetterhalfofwind]

Vanitas bit his lip, but reluctantly nodded. Xeha seemed to know these people - he probably knew their methods. As long as he wouldn’t be killed… he supposed it would be okay for the time being.

He let Xeha pull him from the horse, sitting down as he started to build a fire. This was just… it felt like a nightmare, and he’d wake up at any second… .

It took him several moments to respond to Xeha’s question. “… Normally I’d say my uncle, but that… I guess that’s not an option right now… .” If he really had organized this… take over, going to him would be the worst idea possible. He sighed. “If he really is behind this… I don’t know. He had a lot of supporters… .” He couldn’t know who to trust now… or even who was alive. There had been a lot of nobles at the ball… would they have tried to take them all out?

He stared into the flames for a while longer before glancing up at Xeha. “I must say… you’re not who I would have pictured as the famous Phantom Thief.” There were a lot of questions there - it was obvious why he’d been at the castle, but why had he bothered to save him? And he was so polite… why?

[arcanum-tempus]

He hummed thoughtfully. This would be difficult, then. He stayed quiet as he let the other contemplate, as he was deep in thought himself, really. What should he do? It would be very rude to leave this prince alone after going through the trouble of saving him. But if the other didn’t have a clear destination...

He’d figure out a loyalist house or lord, he decided. He could always pay someone for the information, or listen in at a bar to hear who was being targeted most after the takeover...There were a number of ways he could deal with the situation.

Glancing up, he couldn’t help but laugh slightly, perhaps to add a little levity. It was such an innocent question. He wondered how much the other had heard about him--he was very infamous, stealing trinkets from the uptight nobles and leaving roses.

“You’ve heard of me? My prince flatters me.” He smiled, still all flattery and flirtations. “I must confess, I never meant for you to be told that. I go to extreme lengths to conceal my identity, after all. It’s hard not to, when much of the country is after your head.”

[thebetterhalfofwind]

Vanitas ran as fast as he could to the back entrance - only to freeze in horror at the sight that awaited him there. He’d never seen dead bodies before - never seen anything like this… .

Vanitas barely registered as Xeha lifted him over the corpses, still staring in horror. He wasn’t able to look away until Xehanort wrapped the cloak around him, the hood partially obscuring his view. Instinctively, Vanitas clutched it more tightly around himself, slowly shaking his head. He let Xeha lift him up, stiffly clambering onto the horse, and then clutching the pommel in one hand as Xeha climbed up behind him and urged the horse into a gallop.

It was… too much. Now that the horse was doing the running, his brain actually had a chance to try and make sense of what had just happened. What had the other man… what had he said? He’d called Xeha… called him the Phantom Thief. But he couldn’t actually be… even Vanitas had heard that name before, the infamous thief who had made off with so many noble’s riches, leaving a single rose behind. He supposed it made sense for someone like that to target the castle, but then why would he save him?

And then, the man had said they were taking over… something about his uncle? It didn’t make much sense, but if they’d targeted him, they’d also go after… .

Vanitas jolted upright suddenly as that fact hit him. “Ven!” he cried out, eyes wide, twisting around to look at the castle. They couldn’t leave, not with Ventus and their father still there - they’d wanted to kill him, they wouldn’t hesitate… . “We have to go back!”

[arcanum-tempus]

Vanitas’ loud cry startled his horse, and he had to pull back the reins to calm him as he stood just on his hind legs. After he went back on fours, Xeha shook his head. The other didn’t understand...

“We can’t go back, my prince.” He said smoothly, pushing Hope forward as he galloped off into the night. They had to get as far as they could. “If we go back, it is likely you are a dead man. If it is your brother you are worried about, I don’t think he will be killed. He will probably be held hostage, since he is the heir, to have a facet of legitimacy.” His father on the other hand...Xehanort wasn’t sure about that. You couldn’t have a coup d'etat without killing the king.

He opted not to mention this.

Despite the boy’s protests, Xeha.kept riding until Hope was exhausted. Clicking his tongue derisively, He stepped off the horse, lifting Vanitas off.

“Does your family have any allies we can go to? Perhaps I can drop you off at a loyalist’s castle, if you wish. ‘Twould not be chivalrous to simply leave such a pretty prince alone in the forest.” He spoke as he gathered wood for a fire, lighting it to make a bright fire.

[thebetterhalfofwind]

Vanitas didn’t have time to react before the stranger was pushing him against the wall, holding him there. He could hear someone behind him - what was going on? He kept quiet, mostly due to the fact that he was too surprised to say anything. What was happening? What they were saying, it didn’t… make any sense… .

Even before he could make sense of it all, he was being pulled into the air. He gave a startled yelp, dropping the mask that had been in his hand as they sailed out the window, instinctively clutching at the stranger - Xeha? Was that his name? The other man had called him that, and it was better than nothing.

He turned to face him, the moment they were on the ground again, a dozen questions on his tongue, but he had enough sense to save them for later. That other man had clearly been an assassin, and though he’d called Xeha a thief… well, he had just saved his life. He deserved a tiny bit of trust for that.

“This way.” He turned sharply, running toward the back of the grounds, not looking behind him to see if the thief was following. There was the servant’s entrance there, a way in - or out, as it were - that few people knew about. If they could get there, they could get off the grounds… .

Admittedly, Vanitas didn’t really know what they could do from there, but not being dead was a pretty good place to start, and Vanitas doubted they’d be that lucky if they stayed here.

[arcanum-tempus]

He nodded, following after the prince quickly. He did still have his hat, after all...besides, he wouldn’t abandon such a cute prince. There was a servent’s entrance, and near the back they could see what had happened to most of security. Pools of blood were being drunken up by the ground, corpses already beginning to rot. They’d been taken by surprise, but killed very viciously. 

“How inelegant.” He scoffed, disgust in his voice. He lifted up the prince so his feet didn’t touch any of the blood, setting him down on the clean grass. He hesitated, then pulled a rapier and sheath from one of the dead men, hoisting it around his hips. Raising his fingers for a moment, he gave a short, but loud, three note whistle.

In just a few minutes, his stallion galloped around from the back, sniffing at him generously. Xeha took one look at Vanitas, then stripped off his own cloak, wrapping it around Vanitas and pulling the hood over his head.

“It would be best if you’re not seen, my prince.” He murmured in explanation, lifting the other back into the air, setting him on his horse. In seconds, he was behind him, and his stallion was off like a shot, running into the wilderness. They should get as far as they could...though, Hope had great stamina. They could be riding like this for a while.

[thebetterhalfofwind]

Vanitas looked up in confusion at the sudden weight on his head, reaching up to find the stranger’s hat there. He huffed, but left the hat where it was for now. Maybe he’d give it back… but, then again, it was a nice hat.

He looked back at the stranger, his annoyed expression being replaced with a slight grin. “Is it that obvious? I find such events to be stifling. I suppose I should be thanking you for giving me a reason to leave.

“But, no. I don’t have much inclination to sleep with you, since you ask.” The only reason he hadn’t told him to leave already was that someone would notice if the stranger left right away. Vanitas planned to simply let him stay for a while and then send him on his way. Maybe he deserved a small something for his trouble, but they would have to see how things went.

Vanitas kept walking through the halls, not really noticing how quiet it was. With so many nobles in attendance, most of the guards had special posts for the event, leaving fewer to patrol the hallways. Vanitas wasn’t worried - there were still patrols around the perimeter of the grounds. There was no way anyone could get in uninvited.

[arcanum-tempus]

“Ah, I figured as much. Such a shame. I was looking forward to it.” He hummed, smiling slyly. He knew it was unlikely just based on how quickly the other had offered to bring him back here. Ah well. He could sneak away eventually. In the meantime, he could stand to spend a little more time with this prince.

He glanced around, again noting the quiet. But, his sharpened ears managed to pick up something else, and a brief frown flickered over his face. Was that...sword fighting?

And a moment later--there was a whoosh as a dagger went through the air. Aiming for Vanitas. Moving faster than the dagger, then pushed the prince against the wall, shielding him with his cape, glancing up with hardened amber eyes.

“Well, well, well. Should have known I’d find you here, Xeha.” His old acquaintance gave a lopsided grin. Xeha tilted his head back, curious to see what the old freeshooter would say. Braig would never be one to do something for others...great.

“You never could resist the allure of treasure, could you? Guess that is how you became the Phantom Thief of The Night.” He laughed then, “quite a lofty title they gave you, eh? So you got your eye on anything tonight?”

“I was planning on stealing the prince’s heart, as it happens.” He spoke with airy confidence. “The same heart you were just trying to pierce with a dagger. I’m afraid I don’t quite approve.”

Another laugh. “One thing? C’mon, you’d never settle for just one thing, even if it is a prince in your bed.”

He could hear more fighting now, and shouting, distinctly. He frowned, still keeping Vanitas close. 

“Perhaps I wanted a few other things. Yet even if I am the thief this city despises me for, I stop at murder, however. What’s going on? You owe your old friend that.”

“We’re takin’ over the city. Of France, even. One of this kid’s uncles hired us to wipe out the royal family. You know, I’m sure he’d let you in with us if I put in a good word. You do have quite the reputation.”

He hummed, acting as though he was considering it, then pulled back. “I think not. That wouldn’t be very gallant, would it?” Before the other could react, he tossed a ball of smoke to the ground, watching as it burst into smoke that covered half the hallway. Quick as a fox, he tossed another through the window, hearing it shatter. Good enough.

“Up we go, little prince.” Braig was shooting daggers through the air, and Vanitas seemed dazed. He lifted him up into his arms, vaulting out the broken window. They were only on the second floor, and Xeha was able to stop the brunt of the fall with his cape. Sighing as he set the other down, he glanced around.

“Is there a secret back entrance around? We don’t have time to walk around, my prince.”