13 ⊙ voice - backdated to the start of the curse

[fulmination]

...Would someone please tell me why there is a full-grown lion on my bed?

<sub>[THIS IS THE WORST JOKE IN THE UNIVERSE, VATHEON. He just about had a heart attack when he woke up to see it just




lion around.

...Oh dear lord it's moving why is it coming towards him--Yeah, that just got Kimblee to scream and judging by the sudden slamming noises, he's attempting to put as much distance as he can between himself and the oversized 'house cat'.


Anyone inside of his apartment will quickly find the alchemist pinning the door to his bedroom shut and paler than a ghost. This is an awful day why him]</sub>

Comments

[fulmination]

...Good.

_{[He reaches out for Vanitas as he heads over to the lion with a light frown, then he's stepping back so he could open the door and use it as a barrier from Orion. He's still pretty wary of the big guy, so it helps a little!]}

It's open.

[halfhearted]

[He didn't see the reach. He doesn't have eyes on the back of his head and he isn't psychic. Vanitas will look over to make sure Kimblee was relatively safe.

Okay. A door could work as a barrier. Maybe.

...no it really couldn't.

Good thing Kimblee might not be able to see, because Vanitas is trying not to laugh.]

Orion. Out through the door. We'll be behind you.

[he wasn't sure if he should give directions to the cat. Did it know left from right?]

Don't go this way. [Pointing with his hand.] Go the other way. [Pointing towards the front of the house.

This felt ridiculous. He will wait until the lion had done as told, if he would, before going to retrieve Kimbutt from behind the door.]

[fulmination]

<sub>[While Vanitas dealt with the lion, Kimblee sunk down to the floor. He just had to stay calm. Luckily for both himself and Vanitas, Orion was obeying to an extent; he was still reluctant to go anywhere without the word of his master, but the other boy smelled enough like him so it was just as good.

He'll be a good boy and sit by the front door.]</sub>

...Sometimes I hate this city, Vanitas.

[halfhearted]

[Mostly closing the door and then kneeling down in front of the other.]

Just a week. [Placing his hands on Kimblee's shoulders as he leans in to press his forehead against his partner's.

Giving his shoulders a squeeze. Snagging one of Kimblee's hands to place against his own chest so the alchemist could feel his heart beat.]

Just this time I'll let you use me as a shield from him. [Brushing his thumb across his knuckles.]

Better hurry or he'll get impatient.

[fulmination]

_{[He curls his fingers into the fabric of Vanitas' top, then reaches his other hand up in order to tuck his head into the crook of his shoulder.]}

You must think I'm ridiculous acting like this.

_{[Just give him a minute or two and he'll be fine. He just needs to get himself back together.]}

[halfhearted]

[Going to slide his arms around Kimblee after a moment and let him do whatever he pleased.]

It's certainly different seeing you act like this.

[Breathing in his scent.] I don't mind it.

[Just going to feel up the leather costume on his back.]

I'll tease you after the curse is finished.

[fulmination]

All things considered it could be worse.

_{[A beat.]}

...So what do you do as a bard, anyway?

_{[Shhhh, just let him use it as a distraction.]}

[halfhearted]

[Turning his head enough to press his mouth against Kimblee's ear.]

What do you think? I sing and play a guitar. Want me to put you to sleep?

[Fiddling with the shoulder pad now.]

[fulmination]

I never took you for the type to sing.

_{[He shifts a bit to get a better look at Vanitas.]}

...I don't suppose I could bribe you to show me later?

[halfhearted]

I'm not.

[Leans back to give him a good view. He even has a weird thing on his ear.]

Depends on the bribe.

[Curling a hand under his alchemist's chin.]

[fulmination]

That depends on what you'd want.

_{[He tilts his head a bit.]}

We can talk about it while we take... Orion outside.

[halfhearted]

[Brushing a thumb against Kimblee's chin before leaning in close to press a quick kiss to his mouth.]

Let's get cake.

[And then he'll scoot back and stand up again. Holding out his hand.]

Do you need me to hold your hand? [Mostly teasing.]

[fulmination]

Maybe I should teach you how to bake a big one someday.

_{[Hey hey hey--That gets him to follow him up just to return it, then he's reluctantly slipping his hand into Vanitas'.]}

Not for the reasons you may think. It'd just be nice.

[halfhearted]

Too much work.

[And it takes too long as well.

Seems like Kimblee was relaxing again.]

...just for a bit. [Don't expect it the whole time. This was too affectionate and in public. If anyone asks, he will be pointing to the lion.]

[fulmination]

You're missing out.

_{[He offers a small squeeze, then reluctantly starts to head towards the hallway.]}

I know. ...It helps.

[halfhearted]

I tried before on the fourteenth. Remember?

[Returning the squeeze. And just following along. He can't argue with that, so he'll just let Kimblee do as he pleases for as long as he wants. Not saying that. He'll communicate that with action. Some times he spoils Kimblee!]

[fulmination]

I remember.

_{[Whoops, and there's Orion still waiting patiently by the door. This is the part where Kimblee nudges Vanitas ahead of him a bit.]}

[halfhearted]

[Giving a final squeeze before letting go. Walking over to the front door and giving him a quick mane ruffle. Good boy

And then he'll open the door. Freedom.]

Go on, Orion.

[Looking over at Kimblee.] Park or plaza?

[fulmination]

Park.

_{[When the door opens, Orion practically prances out the door and down the hallway.]}

...He seems excited, doesn't he? <sub>[It's actually kind of


cute.]</sub>

[halfhearted]

[Offering his arm for the other to cling on]

Maybe just a little.

[Might be an understatement there.]

Come on, sweetheart. [Being a brat.] Let's see if he likes elevators or stairs.

[fulmination]

<sub>[Shhh, he's going to take that arm just to be polite.

Not like he was still... scared or anything.]</sub>

I'd rather not be in a small space with him, darling.

_{[and just to get back at him, he says the last word a little louder than necessary.]}

[halfhearted]

[Uh-huh. Totally believes that. Patting his arm.]

You have more to worry about from me in small spaces. [Chomping his teeth for show.]

Stairs it is. Hear that Orion? [Hopefully he was graceful down the steps.

Shutting the door behind and leading the alchemist down the hall and to the steps.]

[fulmination]

_{[Gosh, let him live in his little world of denial.]}

Vanitas...

_{[Totally graceful. Just look at that tail swishing! Orion pauses at the next level to look over his shoulder for the pair, then continues down the next set and continues the pattern. Slowpokes, the both of you!]}

I think he heard that. _{[A beat.]} How do your abilities work in combat? Or haven't you tried them out yet?

[halfhearted]

[If the Lion scares anyone ahead of them, then it'll make it worth the slowness.

He'll skip the biting threats for the moment.]

Because monsters would hang in the apartment.

[Being a smartass. If only he knew.]

I haven't been in combat yet to try it. Not sure if I want to either. Your might be easier. Just tell him what to do. You have a list of his skills on your badge.

[fulmination]

You say that as if you and I aren't considered monsters in the worlds we came from.

_{[He can be a smartass right back!]}

Obviously--Perhaps we ought to find something for you to beat up.