melodiesoflife | #1 Settling in

Entry tags:

#1 Settling in

Characters: Vincent Valentine, Open or Closed depending on prompt.
When:June 9th onward
Summary:Vincent is getting used to life in Aquares Ixen, to being 'human' again, and to a little thing called the Blitzball World cup (and vuvuzelas).
Warnings: None yet?

House A02--Yuffie

Vincent was a surprisingly boring person as a housemate. At least that was his opinion, and Ophelia had been surprised by it too. Given his demeanor and appearance, his moogle had expected something else. She'd expected something far more dramatic anyways, but she'd adapted to him well. Vincent was practical, really. He had his own tastes, but he wasn't there to put on a show for anyone.

Once he'd worked through the memories, in his own way, and dealt with a hysterically worried Ophelia, the gunslinger had started to settle in to life here. He'd chosen the Gunner and Red Mage jobs, and Ophelia had helped him retain his gauntlet. It was as much psychological, as well as physical support, for his weakened left arm. From there, it had been shopping.

Food was first, and clothing that was basic and casual. Sheets, and a note book and pencils. The kitchen was now stocked with basics to do a variety of simple meals, quick and normal. His room and clothing favored the darker-hues, as he did like his red and black and dark blue. Ophelia had aided him, as there was a very nice basket in the bathroom. Shampoo, conditioner, soap, washcloth, brush and comb. And smaller fur-comb and soap, as Ophelia insisted. She'd also made part of her bargain, that Vincent read to her.

So they had books now. More often, if Vincent wasn't out and getting used to his new jobs or wandering around the city getting used to things, he was at home. Often in his room, occasionally in the living room in a chair. Reading to Ophelia from a book she picked out. He didn't do funny voices, or act things out; his tone was dry and businesslike. But Ophelia enjoyed hearing him read, and the little moogle had used it to bargain loaning him some gil.

Aquares Ixen, pre-world cup. Open

Supplies. Learning a new city. Vincent is out and about, dressed casually as he stands out enough otherwise. Dark pants and shirt, medium length dark brown jacket over those. His gauntlet covers his left arm, although the sleeves from the jacket help disguise most of it. His hair is loose but the red bandanna keeps it out of his eyes mostly.

Feel free to approach him. Occasionally a little moogle in a bright red long scarf will zip to him. This is Ophelia, as the two are out buying supplies. He'll be in and out of shops, and the library.

Aquares Ixen during the world cup--daytime. Open

Vincent's out and about again although people are giving him a wider berth. Mostly because in the midst of his shopping, he's had to put up with greater crowds. The crowds are not the issue--it's the horrible sound from the long trumpet-like instruments. He is keeping to himself more, as he tries to pick up normal supplies (weekly groceries, a new book, ammo which is guarded jealously).

He doesn't begrudge people their excitement, and has even tried to figure out what this Blitzball is. So you might be able to find him around food and drink stalls, or watching the artistic matches. He looks more annoyed than usual, given the constant buzzing of vuvuzelas and chatter of excited people.

Aquares Ixen during the world cup--nighttime. Open

The noise has not stopped, even if parts of hit have gone from deafening clamor to dull roar. It's definitely given Vincent headaches, and insomnia. Not that he wasn't prone to insomnia before...but the noise isn't helping.

He really is doing his best to not squash other's excitement though. Even if they're being idiots, so long as they're not causing harm? Not his problem.

It does mean he's prowling around the city, lurking on the edges of roofs though, trying to find quieter spots to just observe things. Keep himself busy. If he spots some of the annoyed losers going to ruin things or make trouble, he's likely to intervene. He might also have dabbled in a least one fight-club (sans gauntlet) as a practical means of getting used to his 'human' body again. He's keeping himself very carefully controlled and disciplined through it all.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Ophelia waved, curled up on the couch with a pillow that was easily as big as she was. "I found this great book of superstitions and ghost-tales about the calm plains kupo!"

Vincent just nodded his head in greeting, deciding not to comment on the nickname. He had learned a while ago that Yuffie would not listen, and it was better than 'vinny'. He wasn't terribly surprised to find that she just appeared; he'd heard from Mooshoo that like himself, Yuffie kept odd hours.

"Oh?" She looked between the two before settling in. next to Ophelia. "Go on read more." She smiled brightly and even though it was late she didn't look tired. It would be nice to be distracted.

Yuffie looked down at Ophelia and whispers as if she couldn't be heard. "Does he do this often?" Because if he did she'd be home for it.

Ophelia grinned, her face looking decidedly pleased. "I loaned him money, kupo. He'd only just arrived before whatever happened that took you all away, so I don't blame him. But part of my price is he has to read to me kupo. That's also my fur-comb and fur-soap in the basket." Decidedly a smug little moogle.

Motioning for Yuffie to bend down closer, she abandoned her pillow briefly to whisper in her ear. "I love his voice! I'm so glad he's my Hero kupo!" Before she went back to snuggling against it and waited for him to continue.

Vincent just waited patiently for the two to finish whispering. He wasn't entirely fond of this, but he had agreed to it. So if he was going to read, he'd rather he had their attention.

"There was at the outskirts of a village bordering the plains, a large and roomy house, which had a bad name, so that no one could live there. In the dead of the night, a noise — resembling the clashing of iron — was frequently heard, which, if you listened more attentively, sounded like the rattling of chains," disturbances that led to the appearance of a specter "form of an old man, of extremely emaciated and squalid appearance, with a long beard and dishevelled, hair, rattling the chains on his feet and hands."

"Whoa."

Yuffie felt her chin drop as Vincent continued. After Ophelia pointed it out she couldn't stop noticing how sexy Vincent's voice was. It was deep and smooth as he recited the words. It was sort of distracting and it made it harder for her to follow along. It took focus, more focus than Yuffie was used to using in one sitting.

Her legs were tuck up to her chest and her chin rested on her knee. Mooshoo finally joined them looking at the trio before turning and going back to Yuffie's room. He had things to do and if she was entertained then he would leave her be.

Ophelia gradually scooted closer to Yuffie, still clutching her pillow, as Vincent read the story. He didn't do voices, or act out, and his voice was dry--but his moogle still enjoyed it. This tale was clearly of revenge and haunting, and of an ancestor wronged and forgotten. It was one of the longer stories in the book, and Vincent kept reading until he came to the end.

Only then did he look up to his 'audience' to see if they wanted him to continue or not.

Just as Vincent looked up Yuffie stomach decided to rudely interrupt with a loud grumble. She blushed brightly and then smiled at the pair. "I guess I should eat something." She remembered eating lunch but that had been several hours ago.

She slipped from the couch landing on her feet with an agile grace that came with her training.

"I'll just grab some peanut butter. I want to hear what happens next." This story was awesome and it at least gave her a reason to be home.

Edited 2015-06-21 18:38 (UTC)

Ophelia fluffed up her fur for a moment, like a cat as she shook it out, and stretched. "No, you have a good idea Yuffie kupo." Vincent marked his place, "That's the end of that story." and placed it to the side.

He'd been at this for an hour already when Yuffie had shown up, and could use something to drink himself. Dinner had been a few hours ago. Ophelia abandoned her pillow to come flutter by them as Vincent stood. Stretching slightly himself, before moving on quite feet to the kitchen.

Once there, he just raised an eyebrow at Yuffie. "What do you want to eat?" Because he was definitely making tea for himself, but he wouldn't object to a light late-late dinner. He kept weird hours himself.

Yuffie opened the frig and pulled out a jar of peanut butter, wiggling it in front of Vincent. "This?" She answered him with a question because Mooshoo would yell at her for eating unhealthy food.

Vincent didn't even have to say anything for Yuffie to get defensive. "I know, I know. This isn't a meal. I've heard it enough from Mooshoo. I'm not a good cook. Okay." Cooking was never something she had to learn though she was decent at grilling.

She glanced over at his hands as he began his tea. "Can I have tea too?"

"I was going to cook, Yuffie." Vincent just replied, pulling down another mug for her to have tea with him. Then a third, as Ophelia came over and fluttered by him. "Go see if Mooshoo wants some." He asked her, and Ophelia nodded and zipped off.

Ophelia would find Mooshoo sitting at Yuffie's desk which Yuffie didn't use. He was writing notes and letters to family members. He placed his pen down and looked at Opheila with a smile. He would very much like tea.

Yuffie smiled at Vincent putting the peanut butter back. "So what chu making?" She closed the frig and then hopped up on the counter watching him move about the kitchen.

Ophelia would take some time to catch up with Mooshoo, gushing over the reading.

Clear that he'd organized things to his preferences, and had done some shopping as he gathered supplies. Some things in this world were very familiar, others not so much. Flavors would take some getting used to.

A pot was pulled down and filled with water, rice measured to go in it. A smaller frying pan was pulled down, and set on the stove to wait. Some type of nut-oil was placed in it, the heat on low, to simmer and wait for ingredients. From there, Vincent headed to the fridge and gathered vegetables. "A fried-rice variant." Was all he commented, as he took one of the sharp knives from the drawers.

Clear he at least knew the basics of how to keep himself fed. No frills, but practiced and careful. Dextrous given his claw, as he'd had lots of practice in learning to use the altered digits.

"Do they not have fish?" Yuffie leaned over the counter watching Vincent work with interest. There was something hypnotic about the way he moved around the kitchen and for once Yuffie wasn't in the way. She also realized that she didn't know where anything was in this kitchen anymore. She looked at the draw beneath her curiously.

"Where are the spoons?"

She'd look in more drawers but nothing was in reach. She was also glad that Vincent knew how to make things that were like things you found in Wutai.

Mooshoo was happy to talk and if Ophelia waited a few extra minutes he would finish his letter and follow her to the kitchen.

"I didn't buy any yet." He'd bought staples that would keep, and some that would be prepared within a few days. Moving with ease around the kitchen, before pulling out a spoon from the drawer and passing it to her with his claw.

Once the veggies were chopped, they were set aside. An egg was retrieved, and whisked, before being dumped in the oil. Shortly after the veggies were added.

"You should buy fish." Yuffie stuck the spoon into her boot next to her chopsticks. Chopsticks were great but they couldn't be used with soup and so she wanted to star carrying a spoon with her too.

Once that was in place she fidgeted on the counter until she was in a comfortable position to watch Vincent. "What else you been up too since arriving? I can tell you what I've been up to but I know yours is a shorter story."

She winked at him with a smile.

It was on his list, but not a high priority. "Getting used to things here." It wasn't the answer she wanted, but it was his answer all the same.

Fortunately Ophelia came in with Mooshoo at that point, and moved to get the other moogle a mug as well. "We went shopping for supplies, once he stopped brooding over whatever happened to all of you kupo." Turning with a fierce glare for her hero, then one for Yuffie. "I was worried kupo!"

Yuffie had pouted at Vincent's assessment but hearing Ophelia brought it all back. Yuffie hadn't even wanted to face what had happened. It was easier around Vincent because he hadn't seen her dream. He knew enough of her past anyway.

"Vincent... You okay?" He probably was and her worry was most likely displaced but she wanted to make sure. Mooshoo stared at Yuffie as if this wasn't the sort of question the young hero often asked. Then he shook off his surprise and fluttered over towards the tea. He hadn't learned about what happened because Yuffie is tight lipped about herself and he wouldn't admit that he had been worried for those few days they were gone. Yuffie was always worrying him.

Vincent was focused for the moment on adding rice to water, and setting it to cook. "As I ever am, Yuffie." He sounded ok, and his posture and expression were the same as they ever were. It was only when he turned to face her, an eyebrow raising and crimson eyes speared her with a look. "Are you?"

Ophelia's eyes widened, then she trilled in a sad sound. "I'm sorry kupo, I didn't mean...I just...we were worried kupo!" Babbling, her hands wringing in her red-scarf.

Mooshoo fluttered up next to Ophelia putting a paw on her shoulder and shaking his head. This was a conversation that he knows Yuffie wanted to have with Vincent anyway because he got to hear her go on about how she was worried about him and how stupid he was being.

"No. I'm not. It sucks and I saw something awful and I'm not even talking about your thing and what's worse is people I don't like saw it too." She paused feeling herself pout slightly. "You should at least be honest with me..."

She assumed that he wasn't ever okay.

The food was forgotten for a moment, as the kettle started to whistle. Vincent just turned his attention to that, and the tea. Taking two mugs over to their companions. They could stay or not, as they chose--Vincent wouldn't chase them away.

Ophelia sniffled, and was careful of her scarf, but appreciated Mooshoo's comfort.

"Yuffie, sit at the table." It wasn't a question, but was at least phrased politely as he brought over tea and set it down for her. Waiting to see if she complied, before he'd continue.

Yuffie rolled her eyes and hopped down from the counter. She walked over to the table and sat putting her palms in her lap. The whole time her gaze was on him moving like a deer in front of a wolf.

Mooshoo stayed silent drinking his tea. He was going to do as Ophelia did knowing that she would know what her hero preferred. Yuffie never really liked having Mooshoo around but her focus was on Vincent.

Ophelia didn't know her Hero as well as she would like; he was annoyingly private and closed-lipped. But he was exactly as she had hoped in other ways, when she'd hoped to be offered a chance to be a Hero's companion. Now, while the gun was neat, if he had a sword he'd look perfect, in her mind. She focused on her tea, and tried to ignore the two.

She'd guessed that Yuffie didn't like people prying.

Vincent had no clue to her thoughts, and was vaguely puzzled by her wariness around him. He wasn't mad, nor upset. If he was, it was usually quite obvious even as he was controlled with his other emotions. "What makes you think I'm not being honest with you?" Turning, he pulled the rice from the pan, drained it, and added it to the other ingredients to fry it a bit.

"Because you are avoid the question. Its just like lying." Saying that he was the same as ever just sounds like he's never been happy. At least to Yuffie. She's persistent but not overly bratty like she was usually. She had had a long time to grow up in Crystallis.

Her eyes flicked between Vincent and the rice feeling her hunger grow as the smells filled the kitchen.

Mooshoo was also very focused on his tea.

Vincent rolled his eyes, glad that Yuffie could not see it. This was a sign that she'd grown, as if this had happened during the time-period he knew her from, she would've been more bratty. "I answered you're question. You asked if I was alright." Finishing up the food, and bringing over two carefully balanced bowls of fried-rice and his own mug of tea.

"I am as alright as I ever am." His voice was even, reasonable and logical. "It was not the most pleasant of experiences. I thought about it, and have dealt with it in my own way, so I am alright."

She paused looking at the food and tea for a long moment before picking up the tea. "But are you happy?" Her question was quiet because she knew that Vincent would hide behind his logic. To her he didn't answer the question. He answered other questions and so she decided to be more direct with what she wanted to know.

It's not like Yuffie's shy.

She took a sip of the steaming liquid feeling it fill her torso with heat before lifting her chopsticks from their hiding place.

That made Vincent breathe out in a quiet snort, amused at the question. "That's a different question than what you asked, Yuffie." Definite hints of amusement in his voice, as he picked up his own chopsticks.

It was a more complicated question for one.

Ophelia hesitantly came over, careful of her scarf and tea cup. Oddly, she settled more by Yuffie, and draped part of her scarf over the other's arm. It was soft, and she offered a grin. "Part of why I like wrapping up in it, is it's comfy kupo." A pause, and she dug a foot awkwardly at the table. "I thought you might like the comfort for a moment too."

She at least recognized that while Vincent might or might not be unhappy, Yuffie definitely was. The little moogle was trying in her own way, and her scarf was easily long enough to let part of it drape against Yuffie's arm, and for her to drink her tea.

"I'm not unhappy. Happiness is a difficult state to achieve, and takes effort. Were I unhappy though, it would be rather obvious." Even for him.

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