[ Well, since Kaveh is gone Vash doesn't need to dance around this. Vash looks to Alhaitham without any fear. There's simply concern. ]
Just wanted to double check since he seemed upset and sad from whatever fight you guys recently had... I told him it sounds to me that you care about him, but he didn't see it that way.
... Well... How he described it wasn't about how you treat him, just how you are, but I think the implication is there that he is on the other end sometimes.
[ More that Kaveh has confided this before, though also brushed it as something not worthy of concern. Vash is still concerned, anyway, considering it seems to have caused contention... And an end to a friendship? They are currently fighting?
At least they aren't both explosive. Quietly, he whispers so Kaveh doesn't hear, even though he ISN'T here. ]
Whatever happened, I think you really hurt his feelings... And him thinking you hate him doesn't help.
[ to the untrained and unassuming eye, there's hardly any shift in alhaitham's expression. he only inclines his head and shifts his eyes to a corner of the room, contemplating for a moment.
then he stands up tall again, arms crossed. ]
Exactly which event are you referring to? It goes without saying that someone as emotionally fragile as him could feel slighted by the smallest offense. What happened prior to Kaveh's disappearance into the Reapers' Game seemed relatively benign. I don't believe those are what you're referring to.
I'm not him, so I can't convey to you how he really feels. They're just my observations, so...
[ Granted if he can get Alhaitham to be a little nicer to Kaveh, even if it's a bit, whether it was a serious argument or not, then it's a win. Ultimately, he would like them to talk.
But... Not his problem and he shouldn't meddle too much. He's here for a visit! Which comes with a shrug. ]
In my opinion, it doesn't seem like you hate him, but I also see things differently.
[ but which "fight" is vash referring to? alhaitham would ask him to clarify, but that line of questioning is passing on.
in all honesty, alhaitham couldn't care less about how vash sees their relationship. it's only when that opinion affects kaveh and consequently affects alhaitham that it starts to be worth addressing. ]
If you're only asking that I confirm or deny those observations, you must first tell me what you plan to do with my answer.
[ You think he knows, Alhaitham. For all the complaints, Kaveh never detailed what broke the camel's back, just that their personalities were far too different for them to call each other friends anymore. It's a little sad to think about since he can tell Kaveh cares to some extent, despite Vash himself not knowing shit.
Ultimately, he does think to himself "what's with this guy?" What else is there to do?! ]
At most, I'd try to reassure Kaveh with what's the truth, in the case that he misinterprets or misconstrues something. [ WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO. ] Misunderstandings are annoying, so... I don't want him to become anxious or worried about things that aren't true.
[ SHRUGS. ]
I could end up doing nothing, but as a friend I want to help him if I can.
[ alhaitham contemplates this silently for a moment, his eyes briefly trailing towards the ground. he sighs through his nose. ]
I understand that you have good intentions. However, I don't think Kaveh can be consoled or persuaded so easily, even if he's given clear evidence contrary to his beliefs.
[ His leveled gaze stays on Alhaitham, as if he's reading every movement and shift, and it stays pinned there as the other man finds some reprieve by looking to the ground. It might be the best, considering there's so much sincerity to be found in Vash's eyes. It can be overmuch.
The glass abandoned to the table, his hands freely come together with fingers interlaced, comfortable if not a start of a prayer. ]
That isn't going to stop me from trying, you know. I don't believe anyone's a lost cause.
[ There's finality to it when one gives up is how he thinks of it. What if one day they finally reach out, but you've retracted your hand? They'd grasp at nothing, finally wishing to be saved and helped, only to sink and fall. Maybe that is what stubborn and wayward souls deserve, but Vash thinks otherwise. ]
[ what vash may not know is that alhaitham has been holding kaveh by the wrist, keeping him suspended above a void that threatens to swallow him whole. one day, kaveh may grasp at his arm and climb to solid ground. for now, racked with years of guilt and self-loathing, kaveh only seems to see the blackness beneath him.
or maybe vash does know. that might be why they're having this conversation in the first place.
anyway. this is why he thinks you're granola, vash. if alhaitham is bothered by vash yelling loudly, he doesn't make any indication of it. ]
I'll start by saying that you shouldn't meddle in others' long-standing affairs regardless of your connection to them. You risk muddying the waters and causing further misunderstandings.
[ he's being a dick about it, but this really has nothing to do with vash! and alhaitham will do anything to keep from causing more trouble for himself if something goes haywire. what's friendship ]
Still, you did ask the question, which is more than Kaveh himself would have done. The answer is no. I don't hate him.
[ Vash does think that Alhaitham cares about Kaveh and he's helping in his own methodical way, incredulous and efficient. It's hard to explain letting Kaveh stay, still keeping him company, and all of the small little gestures.
Imagine, friendship. This is friendship. ]
Heeeeyyy, this is pretty light! Just some perspective and insight, so I can pat his back better.
[ With an added wink because Alhaitham conceded and told him. This is can be friendship, too. ]
[ friendship with kaveh. sure. if vash wants to dig into that, they'll have to do it another time, when they're not about to get something to eat.
vash winks and alhaitham looks away. he's not rejecting vash's goodwill—more like he doubts that much will change because of it. he's open to being surprised. ]
If that's all, we should get going.
[ alhaitham reaches into his belt pouch and pulls out his keys—one silver, one gold with a small lion keychain. ]
I found his key earlier this evening and held onto it for safe-keeping. He'll keep looking if we don't stop him.
[ HELLO? Vash's eyebrows shoot up, hidden behind his fringe. Kaveh must be losing his mind thinking he lost his keys?? Actually, he finds this funny and laughs. ]
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You don't let emotions get the best of you and instead process the situation with reason. Another realist.
[ THIS ISN'T AN INSULT? He worded this rather well for all of Kaveh's complaints. ]
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he looks at kaveh, who he's noticed has been boring holes into vash with his eyes this whole time. ]
Why did you insist that I disregard what he infers about me and my relationship to you?
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You care about him, right?
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Ah--I just remembered I couldn't find my keys earlier, I should look for those before we go.
[Have you ever seen a man disappear so quickly]
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What suddenly brought this on?
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Just wanted to double check since he seemed upset and sad from whatever fight you guys recently had... I told him it sounds to me that you care about him, but he didn't see it that way.
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Let me guess. He said that I only treat him only as a charity case and an occasional punching bag with no regard for his feelings.
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[ More that Kaveh has confided this before, though also brushed it as something not worthy of concern. Vash is still concerned, anyway, considering it seems to have caused contention... And an end to a friendship? They are currently fighting?
At least they aren't both explosive. Quietly, he whispers so Kaveh doesn't hear, even though he ISN'T here. ]
Whatever happened, I think you really hurt his feelings... And him thinking you hate him doesn't help.
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then he stands up tall again, arms crossed. ]
Exactly which event are you referring to? It goes without saying that someone as emotionally fragile as him could feel slighted by the smallest offense. What happened prior to Kaveh's disappearance into the Reapers' Game seemed relatively benign. I don't believe those are what you're referring to.
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[ Granted if he can get Alhaitham to be a little nicer to Kaveh, even if it's a bit, whether it was a serious argument or not, then it's a win. Ultimately, he would like them to talk.
But... Not his problem and he shouldn't meddle too much. He's here for a visit! Which comes with a shrug. ]
In my opinion, it doesn't seem like you hate him, but I also see things differently.
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in all honesty, alhaitham couldn't care less about how vash sees their relationship. it's only when that opinion affects kaveh and consequently affects alhaitham that it starts to be worth addressing. ]
If you're only asking that I confirm or deny those observations, you must first tell me what you plan to do with my answer.
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Ultimately, he does think to himself "what's with this guy?" What else is there to do?! ]
At most, I'd try to reassure Kaveh with what's the truth, in the case that he misinterprets or misconstrues something. [ WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO. ] Misunderstandings are annoying, so... I don't want him to become anxious or worried about things that aren't true.
[ SHRUGS. ]
I could end up doing nothing, but as a friend I want to help him if I can.
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I understand that you have good intentions. However, I don't think Kaveh can be consoled or persuaded so easily, even if he's given clear evidence contrary to his beliefs.
1/2
The glass abandoned to the table, his hands freely come together with fingers interlaced, comfortable if not a start of a prayer. ]
That isn't going to stop me from trying, you know. I don't believe anyone's a lost cause.
[ There's finality to it when one gives up is how he thinks of it. What if one day they finally reach out, but you've retracted your hand? They'd grasp at nothing, finally wishing to be saved and helped, only to sink and fall. Maybe that is what stubborn and wayward souls deserve, but Vash thinks otherwise. ]
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And I'd like to believe he has relied on me a little bit here and there back in the Underground! That's something!
[ Kaveh might be able to hear him, but it doesn't seem like he minds. ]
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or maybe vash does know. that might be why they're having this conversation in the first place.
anyway. this is why he thinks you're granola, vash. if alhaitham is bothered by vash yelling loudly, he doesn't make any indication of it. ]
I'll start by saying that you shouldn't meddle in others' long-standing affairs regardless of your connection to them. You risk muddying the waters and causing further misunderstandings.
[ he's being a dick about it, but this really has nothing to do with vash! and alhaitham will do anything to keep from causing more trouble for himself if something goes haywire. what's friendship ]
Still, you did ask the question, which is more than Kaveh himself would have done. The answer is no. I don't hate him.
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Imagine, friendship. This is friendship. ]
Heeeeyyy, this is pretty light! Just some perspective and insight, so I can pat his back better.
[ With an added wink because Alhaitham conceded and told him. This is can be friendship, too. ]
... Thanks for answering, Alhaitham.
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vash winks and alhaitham looks away. he's not rejecting vash's goodwill—more like he doubts that much will change because of it. he's open to being surprised. ]
If that's all, we should get going.
[ alhaitham reaches into his belt pouch and pulls out his keys—one silver, one gold with a small lion keychain. ]
I found his key earlier this evening and held onto it for safe-keeping. He'll keep looking if we don't stop him.
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Ohhhh, you're a deviiil.
[ and they can go!! ]
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[ he thinks it's funny too
off they go!! ]