Taking responsibility [Semi-Open]

[bloodypast]

Characters: Vincent, Sephiroth, others [Mostly Open; Refer to the top-level Prompts]
Where: Hospital, Aquares Ixen
When: 9th-14th September
Summary: Some aftermath of the fallout from Sephiroth grieving over Terra being in Crystal Stasis. Vincent helped disable Seph, and is now keeping an eye on him. Some people might want to have words with him about how he did so. In between guarding a Weapon for a few shifts...
Warning: Language maybe? Potential angst?



Sept 11th-13th at various times.
Vincent is one of those who is guarding the Ultima WEAPON'S wreckage. These are the only times he won't be found at the Hospital, keeping a guard over Sephiroth. If you want to interact with him, see here.




Sept. 9th-12th

Vincent will stay out of the way of the healers, but otherwise stay in the hospital and keep an eye on Sephiroth as he sleeps off both the post-Job exhaustion and the sleep status. Making sure the silver-haired SOLDIER is healing well, and not being bothered unduly. Occasionally Vincent will head to the Crystal Stasis wing, visiting those among his friends who are there. Ophelia can also be found bringing him a bag with a change of clothes, and a book or two.

He's unlikely to talk in the same room Sephiroth is resting in, but feel free to come check on the SOLDIER, or yell at Vincent, or check on Vincent.




Sept 13th--Closed to Sephiroth
Vincent has spent the past few days keeping watch over and not quite playing guard for Sephiroth, mostly so that when the other does wake--he can apologize. Also to keep others from overwhelming the silver-haired soldier right away. Sadly, Vincent understands heartbreak; he also knows Seph well enough to have some idea of how, hopefully, to help the other start healing.




September 13th, OPEN

Since part of Vincent's assumed role has been gatekeeper for a very private and recovering SOLDIER, he'll be keeping an eye out to ensure the other doesn't get tired, when others DO come to visit him. This is the prompt to use for visiting Sephiroth--and if you want to do so privately, Vincent can wait outside the door.

Comments

September 13th

[umslay]

Ales was tired. To be precise, he was frustrated at the world. Flying airships, a usual source of happiness for him, wasn't doing much. Researching at the laboratory was tiresome. There were too much left to do, and not enough qualified Heroes to do it. Planning out a mission to invade Donwopolis was taking a toll on his brain, yet his usual method of tinkering with his machines only gave him opportunity to stew in his bitterness. He needed to go somewhere more distracting.

And quiet. It had only been two weeks since he last visited the ward of crystallized Heroes, but as the last visit ended in a frustrating argument in Twilight Sparkles, he decided it didn't count. This was going to be the actual visit to Ellie.

Unfortunately, he wasn't alone. Fortunately, it was the quiet Vincent standing in the hallway. A man that Ales could easily ignore and continue towards the ward. Wordlessly, he lowered the brim of his hat and quickened his pace to pass him.

Re: September 13th

[bloodypast]

Considering there was less traffic than usual in the hallways after the chaos of a few nights ago, visitors weren't hard to spot. Never mind that Vincent had visited the crystallized heroes wing a time or two himself. Not hard to spot the smaller hero, or to take the hint that the other wanted privacy.

A nod of his head, and a murmured "Ales" of acknowledgement, and that was it from Vincent.

Re: September 13th

[umslay]

Silence followed Vincent, though the hat bobbed in response. The small figure continued down the hallway, passing by the other wards, and stopped in front of the gated room where Heroes of the past were kept. The reverent stillness of the hospital combined with reflection on those that passed gave Ales the impression of a cemetery. While a crystal statue wasn't the same as a tombstone, it felt the same.

September 13th [Ales & Vincent]

[shinrasfinest]

There was no way they were going to let Sephiroth near any one of those rooms at least until all of this had blown over enough to be almost forgotten about. It was too early to tell what the lasting consequences on his reputation might be, but at least with Vincent supervising, the on-duty orderly had agreed for him to be allowed a look in; if only from the doorway itself.

A goodbye. Some closure, for now, though his heart shook at the prospect that it might be forever.

His right arm was slung tightly in a v-shape against his chest, the bandage there around half of his upper torso for support as much as it was to promote healing. Silver hair freely flowing around shoulders as he strode slowly, with every step being carefully measured, barefoot down the hallway before coming to the same doorway that Ales had. The nervous looks from the guards not met; it seemed from the way he kept his gaze averted almost as if he were trying not to acknowledge them.

It was OK to hurt, or so others kept telling him.

September 13th

[rialynn]

While Vincent was waiting outside of Sephiroth's room, a spoony bard just so happened to be walking down that very hallway. She had a book tucked under her arm, a satchel with gear looped over her shoulder, and a cup of lukewarm coffee in her hand that she was trying to finish off. She hadn't liked it much when she was a kid, but here in Crystalis where sugar is something that can be found readily and added with liberal amounts of cream, she no longer found the beverage too bitter or strong. It helped to keep her awake to compose songs and poems, so in a sense, the duty of guarding Palitutu was one of the best job assignments she'd ever had.

The familiar black and red that Vincent wore made him stand out in all of this white. She smiled as she spotted him, knowing that he was someone who didn't hold any sort of grudge against her for Narasimha's manipulations, so she decided to pause and say hello.

"I didn't expect to see you here. Everything okay?" People usually didn't come to the hospital unless they or someone they cared about were in trouble.

Re: September 13th

[bloodypast]

There is an eyebrow raise at the question. Mostly because it should be obvious that--well, no, or why would he be here? It doesn't mean he'll share details though. "Keeping an eye on someone." It's non-specific enough, and Vincent does respect Sephiroth's privacy--what they've managed to keep, anyways.

Besides, Vincent had been known to visit the Crystal Heroes wing occasionally.

[rialynn]

"...Oh." She waited a while to see if he had anything to add to that, but once the silence settled over them like the world's most uncomfortable blanket, she got the impression that he didn't really want to be bothered right now. Rialynn glanced at the door, then at Vincent, and took a large step to scoot herself right on by. "I'll leave you to it, then. Let me know if you want any coffee or anything."

[bloodypast]

He certainly hadn't meant to be unfriendly towards her, even if he was inclined to be private about his own reasons for being there. "My apologies." A nod of his head, and there was curiosity in crimson-eyes. Sorry for his rudeness, even if he still found himself surprised to be well-regarded by the bard. "You are...well enough, after the events of the past month?"

September 13th [Closed: Vincent]

[shinrasfinest]

Four days which Sephiroth wouldn't be able to get back. Like an inky black abyss somewhere growing in his soul, in which he wouldn't even recall dreaming. Mentally battered and too exhausted for his mind to even string two unconscious thoughts together in order to somehow make it pleasant, or at the very least less painful than what he'd felt when he'd been literally shot into that blackness.

The sleep status itself wasn't finite, and given the surgical attention that had been immediately required to remove the slug Vincent had delivered into the back of his shoulder, standard practice had seen him knocked out again when his vitals had started to indicate consciousness rising. Sephiroth hadn't been able to come around very far, before they'd had to put him under again.

Three and a half days later, and much of the fourth day had seen the remnants of that blackness slipping away. On multiple occasions it seemed that Sephiroth took a deeper breath, his right arm that had been strapped across his chest rising so much more than it had when he'd been sleeping, eyelids twitched a little but after a few moments he dropped back off. Finally, though, green peeked out and down himself through thick lashes...fingers eventually twitched-

-and lanced a sharp hiss as it brought to his immediate attention why his arm was strapped like it was. It wasn't painful as it was stiff-feeling, uncomfortable where he was lying back on the injured area which had of course been heavily padded. But the memory that rode instantly back-

He'd been shot in the back, by the man who dared now to play guard in the room with him.

"You-"

Re: September 13th [Closed: Vincent]

[bloodypast]

Vincent was settled in a chair, reading a book. The more frequently Sephiroth had started to seem to wake, then nod back off, he'd felt it prudent to remain where he was. Books were easily picked up or put down, as he marked his place and shifted crimson-eyes to meet green.

"I did. Sleep bullet. Better that than you hurt anyone in your grief."

Confirming what Sephiroth likely remembered. Book placed to the side, getting to his feet, and keeping his hands where the other could see them. Also out, and away from a weaponless holster at his hip. "You may accept it or not, but I AM sorry that it came to that."

Vincent was sincerely sorry he'd had to do it. Felt it necessary, and would do so if needed again, but still regretted it. He actually respected and liked the other man as he'd come to know him.

September 13th [Closed: Vincent]

[shinrasfinest]

He blinked, and again. Shifted himself against the position in which he'd been sleeping for days. That perpetual frown soon following, dropping down in the space at the top of his nose again as he fought not to show his distaste, and that aching feeling on his one side, so obviously. He used to be so much more controlled than this, able to deal with anything life -during and pre-Crystallis- had thrown at him. In his own way, under his own terms, privately.

It didn't take more than a few more seconds for not only green eyes to drop and fall away from Vincent's form to the floor, but Sephiroth also turned his head so that it would be easier not to look at the gunman in the room. Shame. That skin-creeping feeling that he'd felt before, except he didn't have the whiskey to blame anymore. Neither could he easily fight-or-flight, currently.

Nor did he have someone who would always be there, to hold to his side and assure him that it would all be alright.

"I know." He muttered, biting back the urge to spit poison back at the other man. He could have ended all of this misery, just by being off with his aim. If Mary hadn't moved just so, if Sheena had pulled a different way against him...

"For whatever good that's going to do, now."

Re: September 13th [Closed: Vincent]

[bloodypast]

The darker man wouldn't have blamed Sephiroth if he did want to curse him, or yell, or lash out. That he didn't, and immediately went so quiet and bitter, just confirmed red-flags and warning-signs Vincent had seen and heard about. The other was free to turn away, but Vincent was pulling the chair closer and retaking his seat.

Sephiroth could not be allowed to run from this.

"Would you rather I had simply shot to kill?" A curious question, as most people would likely prefer to not be shot at all. "You don't want to hear it, and you won't believe it, but I do actually understand some of what you're going through."

Sept 13

[not_most_days]

Mary was thankful for the few days before Vincent allowed her to visit Sephiroth. It allowed her to cool her head and think about what had happened, and she'd hoped the others involved were doing the same. She was about in the hospital as well for that span, as was Bonnie, keeping an eye on Palitutu, but occasionally the moogle drifted off to check on Sephiroth as well.

Come round to the 13th, Mary gave Vincent a nod as she approached the room. There was something about the dark brooding man that she couldn't quite quantify. He had the skills to be an Assassin, but the temperment wasn't there. And yet she wasn't quite sure what to compare him to instead. A gargoyle or a ship's figurehead perhaps? She was just glad he was on their side.

"Vincent. May I speak to him?"

Re: Sept 13

[bloodypast]

Vincent had made no secret of his role as 'screener' of sorts, to those who had asked and dealt with the grieving Soldier at the time. Clear they cared about him, as did Vincent--so no need to hide that he was now being protective of the other.

"If he's awake, then likely yes." A pause, and crimson-eyes watched her for a moment. "You do know, he is not as experienced as you would think. This was his first experience with love, and the loss thereof." His voice was quiet and confidential. He would not share the information lightly.

Re: Sept 13

[not_most_days]

Given how harsh Mary had been with Sephiroth at the time of the outburst, she wasn't sure if Vincent would allow her to see him, or if Sephiroth would want to see her at all. She frowned at Vincent's admonishment but it wasn't like she wasn't expecting it either.

"Aye. I'm afraid I made some assumptions about the man, but afterwards I'd come to suspect something like that. I don't know his experience, or yours. I just pegged him as the distant and stoic sort." She sighed and shook her head, "But I've known military men. And I thought I knew him better than I did, clearly."

Re: Sept 13

[bloodypast]

"I won't claim to have known him well--he is the distant and stoic sort." Says the kettle about the pot, considering Vincent's own demeanor and nature. Lowering his voice though, a dart of his eyes around--unobtrusive--and a nod, beckoning Mary slightly closer. "I hadn't known how bad it was though, and his secrets are not mine to share. But Sephiroth has known nothing BUT the military lifestyle. Back home on Gaia, or here on Crystallis." A pause, crimson eyes seeking hers to be certain she was following him.

Sept 9-12

[not_most_days]

In addition to the other goings on, Mary for the most part kept her distance from the room. Bonnie on the other hand served as her intermediary, fluttering over to check on Sephiroth's condition as well as helping Ophelia.

Today she had a kupo nut and a sandwich in tow for the pair as they stood vigil at the hospital room.

"Thank you for all your hard work, kupo."

Re: Sept 9-12

[bloodypast]

Ophelia had been in and out herself, but she was currently keeping Vincent company as they worked on some of the paperwork from the Observatory. Looking up at the flutter, and Vincent was stoic as ever while Ophelia blinked.

"We're...not really doing that much kupo." She demurred. At least she didn't think so. "How're you and Mary doing?"

Re: Sept 9-12

[not_most_days]

"You're helping keep watch. It's very important, kupo." And not hard work. Some of her stakeouts here at the hospital have ended with her being woken up by a janitor nudging her with his broom. She'd have to keep from dozing off in her hiding spots if she wanted to be a good Assassin.

"We're doing okay, kupo. Mary is a little upset about everything. Palitutu. The Calamity..." She got all shifty eyed for a moment, not wanting to mention Downopolis out loud, "Other things, kupo. She's trying to find new leads to follow."

September 12th

[lostwisdom]

[Things had been rather tight with security lately, Ellana had noted this before when she arrived for her assignment to watch over the comatose turncoat. Yet as she left for the day, she couldn't help but noticea a very familiar moogle fluttering past in the hallway ahead. Was that a package in their small hands? A bit curious, she quietly followed the flying ball of fluff and kupos.

At least, until she saw where they were going.

Of all the times Falon didn't follow her to guard duty, it was the time her curiosity led towards the Crystallized Heroes' wing. She knew well enough to turn around before being spotted by the guards, and thus waited a little longer until either Falon began searching for her or the other Hero reemerged with Ophelia. When she sees the taller man leaving the wing, she makes a faint waving gesture.]

Everything alright?

Re: September 12th

[bloodypast]

[It wasn't hard to spot Vincent, and the package had since been transferred to him from Ophelia as she fluttered along beside him. One of the few times they weren't keeping watch and company outside of Sephiroth's room, but visiting those among the fallen.

The wave only brought a blink, and nod of acknowledgement.]

As anything else. Yourself?

Re: September 12th

[lostwisdom]

Much the same, given the unease.

[She makes a quick glance toward where the guards were stationed, then moved to follow the other two if need be.]

I heard of the incident. Security's been ever tighter since, considering another patient above.

[To her credit, she kept her voice down and non accusatory. If anything, there was a bit of empathy behind her tone.]

September 10th

[jadethenecromancer]

A day after the incident, Jade returned to the hospital. Sometimes he wished he didn't care so much about what happened to Sephiroth. It would certainly make things simpler if he could just say none of this was his business. And yet he kept coming back.

People really were prone to acting based on foolish sentimentality. Apparently Jade was no different.

He wasn't surprised to find Vincent already present in Sephiroth's room. The SOLDIER himself seemed to be asleep, so Jade hung back by the doorway and inclined his head to wordlessly suggest they could talk outside.

Re: September 10th

[bloodypast]

Vincent had been setting down a book, overnight bag tucked under a nearby chair as Ophelia'd brought it. Not hard to spot Jade; a glance backwards to check on the sleeping Soldier, before moving out to the hall with the other.

"I knew Terra being in stasis would be bad, but I didn't realize he'd slipped this far already." Voice low, confidential--they had talked before. Jade had started to get the picture of how Vincent was involved, but perhaps not all of the details.

Re: September 10th

[jadethenecromancer]

"I can't say I was surprised." Jade crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. "He's never been very stable for as long as I've known him."

Sephiroth had seemed fine when they'd first started serving together in Esdham... right up until they'd witnessed the end of the previous cycle. And Jade knew there had been the Night of the Thirteen Moogles before that. Since then, it had been one incident after another. They weren't frequent, and not always so dramatic, but the cracks had been adding up for a long time.

Who knew what would have happened without Terra around?