✙ XVI ✙ [Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[When the feed clicks on, at first all that's visible is tangled bed sheets. There's a soft murmur that may or may not have been a curse as the watch is flipped over to reveal a battered and beaten but no longer broken Switzerland. He winces before he speaks, being careful to not draw too deep a breath for his still mending ribs and freshly whole

Comments

(video)

[scalethetower]

[gnghfjl-- Those would be hands juggling the communicator between palms before Naoki appears in view. He's been worried about you, Vash, excuse the wide eyes.

Then he smiles, relieved. He searches for a lot of things to say like 'how are you?' (kind of a silly question when Vash is still recovering) and-- Hm! He settles on,]

Hey, welcome back.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Managing a soft chuckle without too much gasping, Vash nods to Naoki.]

Good to be back... Naoki. I understand... I think I have you to thank for how well I'm doing, at least in part.

[Video]

[scalethetower]

Not at all. [Naoki shakes his head vehemently.] No thanks needed.

I'm just glad you're doing better.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash smiles softly at Naoki's enthusiasm.] Yes. Much better. I take it... I really was as bad as I felt?

[Video]

[scalethetower]

Ah-- [Well. He can't very well disagree with that.] You were. I was worried for you.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

...I appreciate it.

[Vash pauses. Does that sound weird, to thank someone for worrying?]

If anything, this whole ordeal has taught me that I am... well, much more well cared for than I knew. So many people came to my aid... I can't quite believe it, to be honest.

[Vash trails off sheepishly.] Sorry. I'm having a hard time keeping my mind on one thing today.

[Video]

[scalethetower]

[Not weird at all. In fact, it makes Naoki smile, warmly amused.]

Ah...well, believe it. You've got a lotta people who you're important to. Me included.

[He shakes his head, a bit amused.] That's all right.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash's cheeks color a little and glances away from the screen, clearing his throat. Geez, Naoki, making him have an unmanly moment.]

...I'm honored to be so valued.

[Video]

[scalethetower]

[Heheh. Naoki grins at that, more than a little pleased.]

Man, but it's nice to talk to you. Any word on how well you're healing?

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

It's nice to talk to... anyone, really, but you especially. [Vash smiles softly.] As for healing... well, I can breathe without tasting blood, when I sit up my bones don't crack... So much better than I was. [The scary thing being he's not exaggerating, simply stating fact.] I've had several good doctors, a couple of attentive nurses who won't let me out of bed, and more sleep than I've had in centuries... In a few weeks I should be completely up to speed.

[Video]

[scalethetower]

[Naoki's eyes widen a fraction and he goes pink at that, looking to the side and rubbing the back of his head bashfully. He's quick to turn his attention back to Vash.]

A few weeks, huh? Well, if I can do anything, anything at all, lemme know.

[Video] BROMANCE

[neutralbyforce]

[Naoki looking away gives Vash a chance to clear his own throat a bit. He's just as unused to giving compliments as Naoki is to receiving them.]

...Well, I am a bit bored... I wouldn't be opposed to any company, should you have a spare moment any time in the near future.

[Video] BROMANCIN' ALL THE TIME...

[scalethetower]

[Naoki perks up.]

I've got quite a few spare moments, I think. [He grins.] I'll come by in a little while.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

Thanks, Naoki. I'll be here.

[Because there's no way his nurses will let him up anytime soon.]

[Video] - [action]

[scalethetower]

Then, soon.

[Naoki nods decisively and clicks off the feed. And he gathers a couple of food items together before jogging out of his home and toward Vash's. He knocks lightly at the front door but opens it right after--

It's more to announce his presence than anything. And he heads in, humming a bit, glancing around. Now, where is his room.]

[Action]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash calls down from upstairs, having been listening closely for that door to open.]

Upstairs, Naoki!