depressionnap | expiation inbox

...It made sense.

[Vincent breathes in slowly, holding his breath for a moment.]

You can imagine how that might leave a certain impression. Your contentment with death, and that gesture alone.

If it does not bother you, then I'll leave it be.

[ For what it's worth, he's learned to reassure others that the Evoker is channeling device and Not what it looks like. But back in the tower, there hadn't been any time to tell Vincent mid-battle. ]

Yes. I try to warn people now before doing it.

[ Oh. Perhaps there's been a perfectly understandable misunderstanding... There's a sheepish smile on his face. ]

It... wasn't like that.

[ What's the best way to put it? ]

It kept my friends safe. So it wasn't scary.

...I suppose you and I did not have such a luxury of explanation.

[The Galian Beast certainly ensured that, or whatever forced it to come out.]

Hm.

[The explanation does make a kind of sense, then. There's a pause as he peers at Minato, then with his right hand lacking the gauntlet he reaches up and puts it on top of Minato's head. sure he's a teenager but like vincent is nearly 60 so shut up]

Then it is courage. Still, nonetheless, I have no doubt there are others who value your life.

I will not pester you regarding it. [nagging is too much energy and it's not like anyone wants it] But I understand.

[ It's true. There hadn't been any time to squeeze in an explanation, not when Minato's attention immediately focused on surviving the ordeal presented to him by the tower.

There's a gentle hand laying itself atop his head. Minato looks up at Vincent, a little wide-eyed from the unexpected gesture. It's warm, reassuring. It's... nice.

The man's words are part of the recurring reminder that Minato's received lately, that there are surely those who valued him beyond the ultimate sacrifice he'd willingly paid. Vincent's declaration is yet another reminder of this.

But those final words leave him with a question: ]

...you do?

[ What, then, had Vincent willingly taken on for the sake of people he loved? ]

[A hint of a smile forms on Vincent's face. It's slightly bittersweet, but still with a hint of warmth like a candlelight.]

There are many who are incapable of seeing beyond their own needs. To sacrifice for those precious to you... yes, I do understand.

[Even if he could have done more. He could have done so much more.]

[ Minato goes quiet again. He knows very little about this man. But now that he knows Vincent understands sentiments behind sacrifice, maybe that's all he really needs to know. ]

I've been trying to figure out what to do now.

[ After all, he certainly hadn't expected to wake up alive again. ]

...back then, I thought I was done.

[ Instead of a smile like Vincent's, there's a pensive frown on Minato's face. ]

You felt your story had ended, and where it was perhaps was enough for you.

[He speaks in sympathy, a bit of understanding in that too.

Is this where you want your story to end? How funny that whoever puppets Cait Sith had deigned to ask him. Now it seems suitable for Minato in a way, too.

Vincent removes his hand from Minato's head, but still clearly gives his full attention.]

I can't give you an answer. Nor should I. But... perhaps with time, I can nonetheless walk that path with you to make sure the answer is found, Minato.

[ There's a small nod once Vincent removes his hand from Minato's head. That's exactly it. He'd felt that was the end, and it was a satisfactory ending to him.

To receive support in searching for that answer -- gratitude wells within him, though he doesn't think he can find the words to fully express it. Perhaps the smile that's returned to his face speaks for itself. ]

...yes, I've learned it's something only I can decide for myself.

[ After all, that's what it means to "live," isn't it?

He looks to Vincent with a curious gaze. ]

...have you found yours?

[ The man said he'd died once. Here he is now, alive and well. Perhaps he's done his share of soul-searching already. ]

[The expression is gratifying enough. No words are needed in this instance; Vincent does understand, and he just nods in return.]

...No.

[It's hypocritical, isn't it? To be so encouraging for Minato. To be concerned about an early death in his life, to find meaning when Vincent himself barely holds onto his own. He has no reason to continue forward, not really. Yet...]

But I hope to bring peace to a beloved person one day. So that her soul may rest. ...That will have to be enough for me.

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