✙ 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]

[wontknowtilitry]

Vash!

Oh good, you're okay!

...mostly. But you're awake, so I'll take that as a good sign!

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[With a slight nod, Vash manages a small smile for his friend.]

I am awake and on this side of the ground... It's a good start.

[Video]

[wontknowtilitry]

I'll say! You looked pretty bad when I last saw you. How're you feelin'?

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

I'm feeling better... Much better. Of course, considering the state I think I was in... [Vash frowns a little, but pushes back those memories.] So, thank you, Sieg. I understand you really helped me, as best I can remember... I owe you a great deal.

[Video]

[masked_stag]

Hey. Do you want something to make you feel better again?

[James smiles encouragingly but he worries a little. Mainly because if Vash is hurt, 202 will be.]

[Video] [mun derp-- have these two met before the healing?]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash frowns at his watch a little. His muddled memories register the voice as familiar, but he can't actually put a name with the face.]

...Erm. Were you... did you help me? Before? If you did, then I owe you a great deal.

[Video] [That's fine. And no, they hadn't.]

[masked_stag]

Yes. 202 asked for healers and I knew a few spells. Besides, she's my friend. You too now, I guess.

And you don't owe me anything, I'm just trying to help my friends.

[Video] [Oh, thank goodness, I'm not going crazy yet. More crazy.]

[neutralbyforce]

...Spells?

[Vash blinks a few times-- but really, he's heard weirder things and believed them.]

...At any rate, I do owe you. You helped me without even knowing me-- I wish we could have met under better circumstances. At least you deserve a proper introduction. I am Switzerland, or Vash Zwingli to most here.

[morethanpasta]

[Feliciano nearly drops the watch in his haste to respond to the video. He had meant to keep to himself a while longer, but with Vash looking so terrible and hurt, he just can't help himself.]

Vash, Vash, you look terrible! What happened? Are you alright? I was so worried! Where were you? What happened? Are you sure you're alright?

[No word of why he had cut all contact to the other searchers after helping to search and hadn't even commed Lili or 202 to inquire about him. He hopes Vash won't ask.]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash is unaware of any of this drama, of course, so no worries... Yet. He can't help but sit up a little straighter, trying to appear better off than he is for his sensitive neighbor.]

I'm fine, Feliciano. I just had a short trip to the Catacombs that got extended, that's all.

[He manages a small smile, almost wince-free.]

[morethanpasta]

Ve! (he pouts, clearly unimpressed with that explanation.) I was very worried - and Lili and your girlfriend were evem more worried! And... and you're hurt!

[neutralbyforce]

My...

[Give him a moment. He's never heard her called that before... Well, she was and he'd thought of her as such, but... He pulls himself back to the present moment, shaking his head a little.]

I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make anyone worry. But... well, it wasn't exactly something I planned... or even something I much wanted to do. And I'm healing, which is what is important. I'll be fine soon enough. We nations are tough to kill, right?

[The last being said with a small, warm smile. Being worried about... Vash rather likes the idea of that.]

[ninthforgiven]

Ah--

[Lazlo's eyes are a bit wide as he sees Vash--battered, certainly, but he could look worse.] ...it looks like you could use another half a week recovering yet.

[He smiles, though, to take any weight from his words.]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash gives a small nod and half-smile.] At the least, I'm afraid. I haven't been this bad since... Well, for a very long time.

[ninthforgiven]

I hope after this you won't be this bad for another very long time. [His tone is somewhat softer as he says so, then he tilts his head.] May I bring anything to you? Are you hungry?

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash smiles at the offer.]

I have a couple of very attentive nurses as far as food goes, but... I wouldn't begrudge the company should you wish to give it. I'm bored out of my mind.

[Action]

[unit_202]

[202 all but drops her coffee at the sound of Vash's voice coming unexpectedly from her watch; Hurrying back down the hall towards the room where he's been resting, she softly knocks once on the door before letting herself in. The door is promptly closed behind her as she leans against it, her shoulders sagging as a relief she hadn't wholly dared to hope for washes over her at the sight of him actually, honestly awake and lucid.

Her voice is small when it comes, tentative and almost fearful.]

...Vash...?

[Perma-Action]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash glances up at her and instantly his smile grows several degrees warmer, though it's tempered a little by a wince. Slowly he holds out a hand to her and, amazingly, it only trembles slightly.]

Hello, 202.

[unit_202]

[Even a slight tremble is too much-- In an instant 202's at his side, bending at the waist as she takes his hand to put it to her cheek. Eyes closing with weary relief, she nuzzles softly into the heel of his hand as she gratefully sighs his name once more.]

Vash. You frightened me.

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash stares at her- His 202? Frightened? He reaches up with his other hand to cup her face gently, tracing the arc of her cheekbones with his thumbs.]

...My love. Forgive me... I never meant to... 202, are you okay?