Swimmin With The Albatross

…

“…But people aren’t food? You shouldn’t do that???”

[Their fan had a simple thing written on it.]

[“3”]

[A sideways three.]

-🪭 ( @maneki-quiet-corner )

”WHOA, YOURE RICH!!”

Obviously he was kidding, but Sailor offered Maneki a smile a mile wide and grabbed one of the coins carefully. He blinked a couple times, tilting his head all curiously.

“You’re so cool Catfish! You have the cool title, and you’re nice, and you always know what to do!! Plus you’re so observant, like you spot everything before it happens.”

[Maneki’s face did go a tad red from the sudden compliments as well, although faintly noticeable with their collar and mask thing hiding some of their face.]

[They soon open their fan again.]

“Can’t be luck! You’re nice because you choose to be, and you keep a careful watch over things. I bet you’re really smart.”

[After picking at his fingernails a bit, he tries to stop by taking out his fan and opening it again.]

[“👀❓”]

“Anywhere you wanna go specifically? Or just walk?”

“Do you drink, Catfish? What’s that like?”

Sailor hummed and kept walking, not really sure how to get all his thoughts across.

[“depends how well you can handle taste, very strong usually”]

“Okay, that makes sense! Everything I’ve ever had to drink was kinda gross.”

[“not a fan of whiskey”]

[They had to admit. It was somewhat a weird drink to them.]

“Is that like rum? Or brandy? Those are also bad.”

[“never had brandy”]

“I think there’s three!! At least that I can see. Want two?”

”No way! Ye be my crew Catfish, tis’ I who best be taking responsibility! I who go down with the ship! Plus you found them so it’s only fair.”

“Well… you oughta take it because I won’t.”

But the antics didn’t stop there, no no, Sailor then proceeded to stumble and dart a few paces back in case Maneki tried to return it.

“How crazy! It seems to like you, guess it’s yours!”

[Maneki gently bats his hand towards Sailor, in the same fashion a cat usually tries to get at a laser pointer.]

[“..boop..”]

“…Whoa.”

[they grabbed their fan and opened it, the movements quick.]

[“surprised?”]

[They seemed to actually be enjoying themself, even if they did accidentally speak a tad bit.]

Sailor was in no way a scrawny child, so even when he folded over laughing, his shoves and scrambling for freedom almost turned it into sibling-like tussling.

[Even in the middle of tickling Sailor, he made sure Sailor didn’t hit anything or knock something over.]

[“..stronger than you look..”]

He was still trying to dart, although now he was a heap of limbs against a barstool giggling and trying to block his core.

Then he leapt ahead, trying to tickle Maneki right back.

[They started laughing, despite the irritated throat, trying to poke him away. It was almost like they weren’t trapped in a death game at the very moment. Just two close friends goofing off. At least Rook wasn’t around to scold them about any of what they were doing.]

But still Sailor kept an eye on that scratchy throat, waiting for it to sound irritated or hoarse so that he could stop his attack and flee.

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Uh- no... I lost him. again. ` `

{ Geez, Sandbag is bad at keeping track of people. }

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` ...Is that for him? ` `

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Right. Well, I suppose we could look for him together- Y'know since I need to keep an eye on 'em and you wanna apologize- ` `

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` You think something might've happened to him-? ` `

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Right- ` `

{ Well that was a late response. }

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` I mean- you didn’t really do anything to me personally- So I don't think so..? ` `

{ It's trying its best to keep up with the pacing of the conversation. }

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Uh- yeah... Didn't know anything about 'em, but I still feel sorry the kid had to go out like that. ` `

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Thats- Really? Thats... how-? ` `

{ In normal circumstances, it'd be a bit more mad, confront Elise, etc. But considering it's dead and he doesn't know about it to make fair commentary, Sandbag keeps to himself. It's respectful of those dead, no matter their actions in life. }

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Well I'm not about to shit talk a dead guy-! I might be a criminal, but I still have common courtesy-! ` `

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` I wouldn't stoop as low as to taint the memory of someone who already had a bad rep... ` `

{ Seems like he has a sense of dignity and honor, despite the fact they're all criminals. }

She stopped dead in her tracks before turning to him again. Onpu looked at him, dead in the eye, once more. Yet her usual smile was not present now. In fact her expression was blank, which was somehow worse.

"Would you do the same for me?"

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Um- Yeah..? Why wouldn't I-? ` `

{ There's slight confusion on his face. Why would it treat her any differently than anyone else if she died? Of course, Sandbag isn't aware of the prejudice that you receive with the title 'lady cannibal' or how much it means to Onpu for someone to have an unbiased opinion of her. }

{ God that one eye is intimidating. Even though Onpu is smaller and weaker than it, Sandbag is still usually anxious around her. Then again, he's anxious and on edge around just about everyone. }

How refreshing.

"No reason"

She said simply, before smiling once more, her eye crinkling upwards.

"Haha~, how odd of me to say such a thing no~?"

She chimed, her shark-like teeth showing for a flash of a moment as she laughed.

"But now that that's out of the way, that means we can relax a bit. If a threat to Sailor's life has already been eliminated, then we don't need to run anymore~"

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Can you smile again-? ` `

{ Well that was blunt. }

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Wait- No- That sounds weird- Sorry- ` `

{ Well now it's just awkward. }

Onpu's expression faltered a bot out of confusion before returning to its usual smile. By that, I mean her closed mouth smile.

"Pardon~? I'm smiling now, am I not~?"

She replied, her head tilted in confusion. No one other than her friends really asked to see her to smile, mostly because they'd have to witness her sharp teeth. Normally, she scared people with them.

Yet he seemed..oddly interested.

"...Did you mean with my teeth~?"

She asked gently, her expression a bit more gentle now.

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Yeah- I thought I saw- Well-... It doesn't matter- ` `

{ Is he shy about the shark thing? }

Onpu suddenly laughed, her teeth on full show. Her gloved hand came up to her mouth out of habit yet her teeth were still visible

"No need to be shy, dear~! It's a bit of an odd question, yes, but its quite endearing how interested you are~!"

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Interesting- They look like the lower jaw teeth of a great white shark, but a little less serrated. And also a little less elongated, more equallateral triangle shaped. How'd you get your teeth like this? ` `

{ Its expression is very analytical and curious. }

"Fufu, how observant of you~"

Onpu giggled.

Clionette would like him for sure.

"Ah, I was born with them~! From my father, I believe."

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Damn, that's sick as fuck- ` `

{ Sandbag finally notices how close its face is to Onpu's and quickly backs up to a more friendly distance in one swift motion. }

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Sorry- Didn't mean to get all up in your bubble like that- I should be more aware of my actions- That was a stupid mistake I won't make again, I swear-! ` `

"No need to worry, you weren't attacking me or anything and you're decent~."

She replied calmly. Yes, she just decided right then and there that Sandbag is decent now.

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Still not too fond of that title. Makes me seem like a punching bag. Makes me act like one too- y'know, with the required role stuff. ` `

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` You do have a fair point with the shark thing though- You can ask Cobyn, I talked his ear off with random irrelevant shark facts- ` `

{ That's an exaggeration. He didn't talk that much, it's just hard on itself. }

She sure didn't when she first met him.

"Now now, I'm sure he enjoyed listening to you! Sharks are rather interesting~"

{ It sighs and thinks back to its life just a little bit before this show. How he longs for the sea once more. }

Mourning over what once was.

She smile softened into something more gentle.

"How about we check Sailor's room~?"

{ It'd almost forgotten about Sailor. How inconsiderate of him. The change of topic is effective, though. }

How could anyone not mourn over the loss over someone thing that made them feel safe, made them feel real, made them treasured?

...

Dear Mr. Otohiko.

I apologise for the way I turned out, despite you're best efforts to guide me ever so gently. I hope you can forget about me easily, so you no longer have to bear the burden of knowing me

...

Did they find Sailor?

No they did not.

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` ... I think he's scavenging around or something. I hope so at least- ` `

Onpu replied, her gentle tone now laced with irritation. Yet there was a small hint of concern, as far as she was aware, Sailor wasn't as evil as Elise was and that was somewhat worth protecting.

The two walked down the hall, both exasperated (well, mostly Onpu).

That is, until, they actually saw him.

Sailor I mean. Talking to..Elise's door?

He blinked and looked over as he saw the others, not stopping as though he was wrapping up a story… or bickering with Elise like it was still alive.

“I’m not doing something that isn’t nice! I’m not falling for it, I feel like you’re tricking me again.”

Now that was a bit odd wasn't it? To Sandbag and Onpu it looked like he was just talking to the door.

For the first time in a while, Onpu let go of Sandbag's wrist to walk up to Sailor.

"Sailor, dear boy, good evening~.."

She said, her earlier annoyance gone and still holding the seal plush. Mostly because the anger was not directly at Sailor at but the struggle of finding him.

ིྀᨶ႒ᩚ∘˚ ` ` I wouldn't trick you five times, now would I? Four is dedicated, but five is just overkill! ` `

“Good evening, lovely to properly talk- HEY! You’re not at four yet… I don’t think?”

Sailor grumbled, taking a pause to try and count on his hands. Yeah. He looked like he’d lost it.

[Their fan had a simple thing written on it.]

[“3”]

[A sideways three.]

-🪭 ( @maneki-quiet-corner )

”WHOA, YOURE RICH!!”

Obviously he was kidding, but Sailor offered Maneki a smile a mile wide and grabbed one of the coins carefully. He blinked a couple times, tilting his head all curiously.

“You’re so cool Catfish! You have the cool title, and you’re nice, and you always know what to do!! Plus you’re so observant, like you spot everything before it happens.”

[Maneki’s face did go a tad red from the sudden compliments as well, although faintly noticeable with their collar and mask thing hiding some of their face.]

[They soon open their fan again.]

“Can’t be luck! You’re nice because you choose to be, and you keep a careful watch over things. I bet you’re really smart.”

[After picking at his fingernails a bit, he tries to stop by taking out his fan and opening it again.]

[“👀❓”]

“Anywhere you wanna go specifically? Or just walk?”

“Do you drink, Catfish? What’s that like?”

Sailor hummed and kept walking, not really sure how to get all his thoughts across.

[“depends how well you can handle taste, very strong usually”]

“Okay, that makes sense! Everything I’ve ever had to drink was kinda gross.”

[“not a fan of whiskey”]

[They had to admit. It was somewhat a weird drink to them.]

“Is that like rum? Or brandy? Those are also bad.”

[“never had brandy”]

“I think there’s three!! At least that I can see. Want two?”

”No way! Ye be my crew Catfish, tis’ I who best be taking responsibility! I who go down with the ship! Plus you found them so it’s only fair.”

“Well… you oughta take it because I won’t.”

But the antics didn’t stop there, no no, Sailor then proceeded to stumble and dart a few paces back in case Maneki tried to return it.

“How crazy! It seems to like you, guess it’s yours!”

[Maneki gently bats his hand towards Sailor, in the same fashion a cat usually tries to get at a laser pointer.]

[“..boop..”]

“…Whoa.”

[they grabbed their fan and opened it, the movements quick.]

[“surprised?”]

[They seemed to actually be enjoying themself, even if they did accidentally speak a tad bit.]

Sailor was in no way a scrawny child, so even when he folded over laughing, his shoves and scrambling for freedom almost turned it into sibling-like tussling.

[Even in the middle of tickling Sailor, he made sure Sailor didn’t hit anything or knock something over.]

[“..stronger than you look..”]

He was still trying to dart, although now he was a heap of limbs against a barstool giggling and trying to block his core.

Then he leapt ahead, trying to tickle Maneki right back.

[Their fan had a simple thing written on it.]

[“3”]

[A sideways three.]

-🪭 ( @maneki-quiet-corner )

”WHOA, YOURE RICH!!”

Obviously he was kidding, but Sailor offered Maneki a smile a mile wide and grabbed one of the coins carefully. He blinked a couple times, tilting his head all curiously.

“You’re so cool Catfish! You have the cool title, and you’re nice, and you always know what to do!! Plus you’re so observant, like you spot everything before it happens.”

[Maneki’s face did go a tad red from the sudden compliments as well, although faintly noticeable with their collar and mask thing hiding some of their face.]

[They soon open their fan again.]

“Can’t be luck! You’re nice because you choose to be, and you keep a careful watch over things. I bet you’re really smart.”

[After picking at his fingernails a bit, he tries to stop by taking out his fan and opening it again.]

[“👀❓”]

“Anywhere you wanna go specifically? Or just walk?”

“Do you drink, Catfish? What’s that like?”

Sailor hummed and kept walking, not really sure how to get all his thoughts across.

[“depends how well you can handle taste, very strong usually”]

“Okay, that makes sense! Everything I’ve ever had to drink was kinda gross.”

[“not a fan of whiskey”]

[They had to admit. It was somewhat a weird drink to them.]

“Is that like rum? Or brandy? Those are also bad.”

[“never had brandy”]

“I think there’s three!! At least that I can see. Want two?”

”No way! Ye be my crew Catfish, tis’ I who best be taking responsibility! I who go down with the ship! Plus you found them so it’s only fair.”

“Well… you oughta take it because I won’t.”

But the antics didn’t stop there, no no, Sailor then proceeded to stumble and dart a few paces back in case Maneki tried to return it.

“How crazy! It seems to like you, guess it’s yours!”

[Maneki gently bats his hand towards Sailor, in the same fashion a cat usually tries to get at a laser pointer.]

[“..boop..”]

“…Whoa.”

[they grabbed their fan and opened it, the movements quick.]

[“surprised?”]

[They seemed to actually be enjoying themself, even if they did accidentally speak a tad bit.]

Sailor was in no way a scrawny child, so even when he folded over laughing, his shoves and scrambling for freedom almost turned it into sibling-like tussling.

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Uh- no... I lost him. again. ` `

{ Geez, Sandbag is bad at keeping track of people. }

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` ...Is that for him? ` `

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Right. Well, I suppose we could look for him together- Y'know since I need to keep an eye on 'em and you wanna apologize- ` `

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` You think something might've happened to him-? ` `

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Right- ` `

{ Well that was a late response. }

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` I mean- you didn’t really do anything to me personally- So I don't think so..? ` `

{ It's trying its best to keep up with the pacing of the conversation. }

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Uh- yeah... Didn't know anything about 'em, but I still feel sorry the kid had to go out like that. ` `

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Thats- Really? Thats... how-? ` `

{ In normal circumstances, it'd be a bit more mad, confront Elise, etc. But considering it's dead and he doesn't know about it to make fair commentary, Sandbag keeps to himself. It's respectful of those dead, no matter their actions in life. }

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Well I'm not about to shit talk a dead guy-! I might be a criminal, but I still have common courtesy-! ` `

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` I wouldn't stoop as low as to taint the memory of someone who already had a bad rep... ` `

{ Seems like he has a sense of dignity and honor, despite the fact they're all criminals. }

She stopped dead in her tracks before turning to him again. Onpu looked at him, dead in the eye, once more. Yet her usual smile was not present now. In fact her expression was blank, which was somehow worse.

"Would you do the same for me?"

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Um- Yeah..? Why wouldn't I-? ` `

{ There's slight confusion on his face. Why would it treat her any differently than anyone else if she died? Of course, Sandbag isn't aware of the prejudice that you receive with the title 'lady cannibal' or how much it means to Onpu for someone to have an unbiased opinion of her. }

{ God that one eye is intimidating. Even though Onpu is smaller and weaker than it, Sandbag is still usually anxious around her. Then again, he's anxious and on edge around just about everyone. }

How refreshing.

"No reason"

She said simply, before smiling once more, her eye crinkling upwards.

"Haha~, how odd of me to say such a thing no~?"

She chimed, her shark-like teeth showing for a flash of a moment as she laughed.

"But now that that's out of the way, that means we can relax a bit. If a threat to Sailor's life has already been eliminated, then we don't need to run anymore~"

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Can you smile again-? ` `

{ Well that was blunt. }

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Wait- No- That sounds weird- Sorry- ` `

{ Well now it's just awkward. }

Onpu's expression faltered a bot out of confusion before returning to its usual smile. By that, I mean her closed mouth smile.

"Pardon~? I'm smiling now, am I not~?"

She replied, her head tilted in confusion. No one other than her friends really asked to see her to smile, mostly because they'd have to witness her sharp teeth. Normally, she scared people with them.

Yet he seemed..oddly interested.

"...Did you mean with my teeth~?"

She asked gently, her expression a bit more gentle now.

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Yeah- I thought I saw- Well-... It doesn't matter- ` `

{ Is he shy about the shark thing? }

Onpu suddenly laughed, her teeth on full show. Her gloved hand came up to her mouth out of habit yet her teeth were still visible

"No need to be shy, dear~! It's a bit of an odd question, yes, but its quite endearing how interested you are~!"

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Interesting- They look like the lower jaw teeth of a great white shark, but a little less serrated. And also a little less elongated, more equallateral triangle shaped. How'd you get your teeth like this? ` `

{ Its expression is very analytical and curious. }

"Fufu, how observant of you~"

Onpu giggled.

Clionette would like him for sure.

"Ah, I was born with them~! From my father, I believe."

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Damn, that's sick as fuck- ` `

{ Sandbag finally notices how close its face is to Onpu's and quickly backs up to a more friendly distance in one swift motion. }

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Sorry- Didn't mean to get all up in your bubble like that- I should be more aware of my actions- That was a stupid mistake I won't make again, I swear-! ` `

"No need to worry, you weren't attacking me or anything and you're decent~."

She replied calmly. Yes, she just decided right then and there that Sandbag is decent now.

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` Still not too fond of that title. Makes me seem like a punching bag. Makes me act like one too- y'know, with the required role stuff. ` `

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` You do have a fair point with the shark thing though- You can ask Cobyn, I talked his ear off with random irrelevant shark facts- ` `

{ That's an exaggeration. He didn't talk that much, it's just hard on itself. }

She sure didn't when she first met him.

"Now now, I'm sure he enjoyed listening to you! Sharks are rather interesting~"

{ It sighs and thinks back to its life just a little bit before this show. How he longs for the sea once more. }

Mourning over what once was.

She smile softened into something more gentle.

"How about we check Sailor's room~?"

{ It'd almost forgotten about Sailor. How inconsiderate of him. The change of topic is effective, though. }

How could anyone not mourn over the loss over someone thing that made them feel safe, made them feel real, made them treasured?

...

Dear Mr. Otohiko.

I apologise for the way I turned out, despite you're best efforts to guide me ever so gently. I hope you can forget about me easily, so you no longer have to bear the burden of knowing me

...

Did they find Sailor?

No they did not.

✛ᬊ ོ∘ ` ` ... I think he's scavenging around or something. I hope so at least- ` `

Onpu replied, her gentle tone now laced with irritation. Yet there was a small hint of concern, as far as she was aware, Sailor wasn't as evil as Elise was and that was somewhat worth protecting.

The two walked down the hall, both exasperated (well, mostly Onpu).

That is, until, they actually saw him.

Sailor I mean. Talking to..Elise's door?

He blinked and looked over as he saw the others, not stopping as though he was wrapping up a story… or bickering with Elise like it was still alive.

“I’m not doing something that isn’t nice! I’m not falling for it, I feel like you’re tricking me again.”

i mean, you can’t blame the poor kid — he’s been at sea the majority of his life, of course he misses it. surely it can’t hurt…

but right as sailor was about to step foot in the fountain, his foot catches on the base (which he significantly misjudged the height of), and he nearly falls straight in. sailor shuts his eyes tight, bracing himself for the inevitable pain that’s about to come. but then… nothing follows.

instead, theres a weight on his back, and a gruff voice sounding from behind him. “careful now,” vick speaks, pulling sailor back up by the scruff of his shirt like a mother cat hoisting up her kitten. he manoeuvres him back back up into a standing position, letting sailor go as soon as he’s stable. his eyes remained glued onto sailor even as he steps back, inspecting the child for any signs of damage. as expected, he’s fine.

“are you alright.” it’s a statement more than anything — he already knows the answer, after all. there’s no hint of real concern in vick’s voice, but it would be rude to simply walk off. while vick wouldn’t exactly say he’s a gentleman (far from it, actually), he likes to at least uphold some manners.

— @trivial--tycoon

Sailor’s reaction is immediate, stilling like a caught goat, unsteady on his feet as he watched Vick like he was expecting some malice or price. I mean, the man quickly established that all help comes at a pricexr didn’t he? He didn’t help Sandbag for free, why would Sailor be any different. But then he asked like a normal person, and Sailor couldn’t help rubbing at his eyes.

“Are you…? Huh? Wouldn’t ye have just let me fall? And maybe die? What do ye gain from this, scallywag???”

But then his eyes narrowed into mischief as he patted himself down, grinning right at Vick.

“no— ugh,” vick lets out an exasperated sigh, immediately regretting his own niceties. are all of the teenagers on this show this irritating??

“I’m not analyzing you! I just think you’re more than mean! Are you saying you AREN’T more than mean?”

but before the more logical side of his brain can tell him to leave sailor be, his body acts before his brain does. he picks sailor up like a ragdoll, holding him under his armpits and plopping him back down on the ground. and then — it hits him. he just fell for his trick. a look of genuine surprise washes over vick’s face, a hint of mild embarrassment visible in his expression. it’s almost immediately replaced by his usual mildly irritated expression, however, the older man seeming incapable of showing actual real emotion for more than a second at a time.

he must be getting sloppy, to fall for something as foolish as that. how pathetic.

And Sailor laughed. He earnestly and truly laughed, cackled almost, and childish with sheer joy to it. For a second his smile wasn’t unlike Elise’s, even matching a bit in mischief, but smarter than maybe first perceived. The difference was that it lacked cruelty, and now held a newfound inkling of trust. Another thing he lacked was the need to withhold his knowledge of victory.

“You did it!!! Ye totally did it, you ARE nice!!”

Sailor dusted himself off, looking a bit smug but without a scratch as he did a fake little bow and almost dropped his hat.

but he shoves the feeling down just as fast as it appears, as always. before it can affect him, before he becomes anything but entirely neutral on the topic. elise is dead. he knew what he signed up for when he came here, and they were just another necessary sacrifice for vick’s survival. he doesn’t care. he’s never cared. why would he? he knew their fate was to die an early death the second he teamed up with them. only one winner can emerge from bet and forgive. he knows this. he used to run this show. he has seen hundreds of people die far more gruesome deaths. he was only using them for the benefits of being related to a staff member, that’s all he was to him. so no, it doesn’t hurt at all to see elise in the eyes of another child, not too far off the age he was — the age it is now stuck as eternally. because he doesn’t care. he doesn’t care. he has never cared.

“…”

he regains his composure almost instantaneously, barley giving sailor a second to process whatever that glimpse of emotion washed over his expression, however small it may have been. “the people around me won’t have minds of their own if I had it my way.” he remarks, painting over the cracks in his facade with a sardonic smile.

By the time Vick could recognize any of this he had tossed himself back into an unfeeling persona. Maybe not too unlike Elise. By the time he could see Sailor’s own face relax again, he realized that the kid had stopped laughing.

“I don’t think you mean that. You seem to like tricky stuff! Tricks are hard if the people around you just listen.”

“Hey, are you doing okay?”

it’s as sailor says that, that all of the resemblance to elise is instantly gone. not that they were ever alike — it was just something about that smile that momentarily… stunned vick.

“of course. why?”

“Ye keep making faces and then correcting them like you’re on camera and they’re looking for ye own folly. Like a robot who’s slow to follow its instructions. Does that make sense?”

Sailor couldn’t read minds obviously, but he was no stranger to being seen as silly and senseless. It was hard for him to break down what he saw in words, but the emotion didn’t confuse him, only Vick’s attempt to shun it.

Sailor stepped back, watching the entirely ignored physical mannerisms, taking a wide berth as he basically walked a little circle around Vick. A circling bird, but not the carrion kind.

Then he ever so simply poked Vick in the Very-Tense shoulder. It felt sharper than it would if the man were able to relax.

“you don’t look nearly old enough to drink, anyhow.” not that he’s surprised. rebellious behaviour such as underage drinking on a gameshow consisting of entirely criminals is to be expected, really. and even then, it’s the least of his worries. vick couldn’t care less what they’re putting into their bodies; in fact, it makes it easier for him. if sailor wants to screw himself over, then so be it, but vick will not be joining him.

“Oh! Drink because you’re tense! I hear it helps ye relax. And I’m sorry, you’re right, that was rude. You can poke me back so we’re even!”

He didn’t seem to understand or take this as judgmental behavior. He just took Vick at his word, as an earnest man. He seemed a bit confused upon the drinking comment, teetering his head to an angle before finally seeming to process.

he simply ignores the statement about the poking, immediately reminding him of elise’s incessant poking habit — how irritating. that child is like a constant, all-consuming parasite on his mind, as much as vick would rather die than admit this. he simply shrugs. as much as he has no plan of drinking, this could be an opportunity to scam sailor out of even more chips, if he’d be willing to buy him a drink. who is he to pass up free tokens? vick is nothing if not a greedy, selfish man.

and that’s all he’ll ever be.

“alright then,” he finally gives, crossing his arms over his chest once again. his gaze is looking through sailor rather than at him, like he’s staring at something — or perhaps, someone — that isn’t actually there at all.

So he takes a deep breath. He composes himself. He holds himself back from calling Vick a barnacle or a scallywag even if he REALLY wants to. Because that’s what you do when someone’s having a bad day and tries to spread their misery! It loves company, doesn’t it?

Being given the affirmative does wonders, and Sailor positively joyously jolts ahead, before remembering that Vick is a big proper man who probably walks at a proper pace like he’s headed to a meeting. So he spins on a heel to wait for him from his solid seven paces ahead.

the two enter the bar in about a minute or so, which feels like a blink of the eye in vick’s mildly dissociative state. he momentarily scans the room for any danger, before sitting down on one of the couches, patting the spot beside him for sailor to sit down on. he only realised how friendly that seemed after he had already done it, but honestly, he can’t really bring himself to care anymore. what’s he gonna do, run around announcing to the other contestants that vick is secretly ‘nice’?

…now that he thinks about it, that actually seems like something he’d do. hm. well, as embarrassing as that would be, it’s not like anyone would ever believe it. and this kid could hardly hurt a fly, clearly. so he lets himself wind down a bit — his concept of ‘winding down’ being: 1) mildly less of an intentionally manipulative asshole all the time, and 2) letting himself become distracted and becoming just slightly less high alert — the second almost entirely caused by his disassociation, and the first simply because he doesn’t have the energy to be mean right now.

he’s still insanely tense, though, so its barely actually calming down at all. it’s like he’s cautious about the idea of relaxing even a little bit, like he expects someone to jump out and attempt to kill him at any moment, so this is the best he can manage. which… really saddens sailor to watch.

he’s clearly not having a good time, but doesn’t want to express it. but why?? you should be sad after somebody dies! i mean, vick and elise were close right? of course he’s upset. and yet he won’t let himself be. it’s so confusing to sailor. he just wishes he could peek into his mind and see what’s going on in there!!

Sailor’s attitude entering the bar was much less on-alert, peering around in intrigue instead of investigation. He was about to prod around when Vick patted the seat, and he seemed to flock over within the second, offering Vick a massive and sickeningly sincere smile as he kicked his feet and peered around with the massive tense muscle of a man.

See, there’s really no good way to just make that go away. Obviously. Fearing for your life isn’t a feeling you can shake from your chilled bones and stood-up hair, so instead of letting Vick feel his scanning alone, Sailor set a hand to his brow like he was Vick’s lookout.

“Looking like clear seas and skies, Davy Jones! Ye and ye fellow scallywags are safe within these bounds, nothing gets past me when in the crow’s nest! Want me to get something for you from the bar while you get cozy? I’m sure they’ll let me just grab it for you, I’m real good and honest so I bet they won’t mind!”

“hm? oh, right, yes.” he almost forgot that he’s supposed to be scamming this kid. “whiskey is fine. run along, now.” of course, he has no plans of actually drinking it, but sailor doesn’t have to know that. he’s become pretty good at faking eating and drinking in the last few years.

So Sailor spun himself on a heel to face Vick anew. It took a moment of rocking before the words made sense in his brain, although he still offered Vick a patient sort of hum and smile.

“…People would listen to you more if you stopped treating them like you’re their boss. I hear you were! A big boss, important face and all that. But ye be no captain anymore. And you make everyone feel small when you talk to them like that. It makes me want to say ye have barnacles for brains.”

i mean, you can’t blame the poor kid — he’s been at sea the majority of his life, of course he misses it. surely it can’t hurt…

but right as sailor was about to step foot in the fountain, his foot catches on the base (which he significantly misjudged the height of), and he nearly falls straight in. sailor shuts his eyes tight, bracing himself for the inevitable pain that’s about to come. but then… nothing follows.

instead, theres a weight on his back, and a gruff voice sounding from behind him. “careful now,” vick speaks, pulling sailor back up by the scruff of his shirt like a mother cat hoisting up her kitten. he manoeuvres him back back up into a standing position, letting sailor go as soon as he’s stable. his eyes remained glued onto sailor even as he steps back, inspecting the child for any signs of damage. as expected, he’s fine.

“are you alright.” it’s a statement more than anything — he already knows the answer, after all. there’s no hint of real concern in vick’s voice, but it would be rude to simply walk off. while vick wouldn’t exactly say he’s a gentleman (far from it, actually), he likes to at least uphold some manners.

— @trivial--tycoon

Sailor’s reaction is immediate, stilling like a caught goat, unsteady on his feet as he watched Vick like he was expecting some malice or price. I mean, the man quickly established that all help comes at a pricexr didn’t he? He didn’t help Sandbag for free, why would Sailor be any different. But then he asked like a normal person, and Sailor couldn’t help rubbing at his eyes.

“Are you…? Huh? Wouldn’t ye have just let me fall? And maybe die? What do ye gain from this, scallywag???”

But then his eyes narrowed into mischief as he patted himself down, grinning right at Vick.

“no— ugh,” vick lets out an exasperated sigh, immediately regretting his own niceties. are all of the teenagers on this show this irritating??

“I’m not analyzing you! I just think you’re more than mean! Are you saying you AREN’T more than mean?”

but before the more logical side of his brain can tell him to leave sailor be, his body acts before his brain does. he picks sailor up like a ragdoll, holding him under his armpits and plopping him back down on the ground. and then — it hits him. he just fell for his trick. a look of genuine surprise washes over vick’s face, a hint of mild embarrassment visible in his expression. it’s almost immediately replaced by his usual mildly irritated expression, however, the older man seeming incapable of showing actual real emotion for more than a second at a time.

he must be getting sloppy, to fall for something as foolish as that. how pathetic.

And Sailor laughed. He earnestly and truly laughed, cackled almost, and childish with sheer joy to it. For a second his smile wasn’t unlike Elise’s, even matching a bit in mischief, but smarter than maybe first perceived. The difference was that it lacked cruelty, and now held a newfound inkling of trust. Another thing he lacked was the need to withhold his knowledge of victory.

“You did it!!! Ye totally did it, you ARE nice!!”

Sailor dusted himself off, looking a bit smug but without a scratch as he did a fake little bow and almost dropped his hat.

but he shoves the feeling down just as fast as it appears, as always. before it can affect him, before he becomes anything but entirely neutral on the topic. elise is dead. he knew what he signed up for when he came here, and they were just another necessary sacrifice for vick’s survival. he doesn’t care. he’s never cared. why would he? he knew their fate was to die an early death the second he teamed up with them. only one winner can emerge from bet and forgive. he knows this. he used to run this show. he has seen hundreds of people die far more gruesome deaths. he was only using them for the benefits of being related to a staff member, that’s all he was to him. so no, it doesn’t hurt at all to see elise in the eyes of another child, not too far off the age he was — the age it is now stuck as eternally. because he doesn’t care. he doesn’t care. he has never cared.

“…”

he regains his composure almost instantaneously, barley giving sailor a second to process whatever that glimpse of emotion washed over his expression, however small it may have been. “the people around me won’t have minds of their own if I had it my way.” he remarks, painting over the cracks in his facade with a sardonic smile.

By the time Vick could recognize any of this he had tossed himself back into an unfeeling persona. Maybe not too unlike Elise. By the time he could see Sailor’s own face relax again, he realized that the kid had stopped laughing.

“I don’t think you mean that. You seem to like tricky stuff! Tricks are hard if the people around you just listen.”

“Hey, are you doing okay?”

it’s as sailor says that, that all of the resemblance to elise is instantly gone. not that they were ever alike — it was just something about that smile that momentarily… stunned vick.

“of course. why?”

“Ye keep making faces and then correcting them like you’re on camera and they’re looking for ye own folly. Like a robot who’s slow to follow its instructions. Does that make sense?”

Sailor couldn’t read minds obviously, but he was no stranger to being seen as silly and senseless. It was hard for him to break down what he saw in words, but the emotion didn’t confuse him, only Vick’s attempt to shun it.

Sailor stepped back, watching the entirely ignored physical mannerisms, taking a wide berth as he basically walked a little circle around Vick. A circling bird, but not the carrion kind.

Then he ever so simply poked Vick in the Very-Tense shoulder. It felt sharper than it would if the man were able to relax.

“you don’t look nearly old enough to drink, anyhow.” not that he’s surprised. rebellious behaviour such as underage drinking on a gameshow consisting of entirely criminals is to be expected, really. and even then, it’s the least of his worries. vick couldn’t care less what they’re putting into their bodies; in fact, it makes it easier for him. if sailor wants to screw himself over, then so be it, but vick will not be joining him.

“Oh! Drink because you’re tense! I hear it helps ye relax. And I’m sorry, you’re right, that was rude. You can poke me back so we’re even!”

He didn’t seem to understand or take this as judgmental behavior. He just took Vick at his word, as an earnest man. He seemed a bit confused upon the drinking comment, teetering his head to an angle before finally seeming to process.

he simply ignores the statement about the poking, immediately reminding him of elise’s incessant poking habit — how irritating. that child is like a constant, all-consuming parasite on his mind, as much as vick would rather die than admit this. he simply shrugs. as much as he has no plan of drinking, this could be an opportunity to scam sailor out of even more chips, if he’d be willing to buy him a drink. who is he to pass up free tokens? vick is nothing if not a greedy, selfish man.

and that’s all he’ll ever be.

“alright then,” he finally gives, crossing his arms over his chest once again. his gaze is looking through sailor rather than at him, like he’s staring at something — or perhaps, someone — that isn’t actually there at all.

So he takes a deep breath. He composes himself. He holds himself back from calling Vick a barnacle or a scallywag even if he REALLY wants to. Because that’s what you do when someone’s having a bad day and tries to spread their misery! It loves company, doesn’t it?

Being given the affirmative does wonders, and Sailor positively joyously jolts ahead, before remembering that Vick is a big proper man who probably walks at a proper pace like he’s headed to a meeting. So he spins on a heel to wait for him from his solid seven paces ahead.

the two enter the bar in about a minute or so, which feels like a blink of the eye in vick’s mildly dissociative state. he momentarily scans the room for any danger, before sitting down on one of the couches, patting the spot beside him for sailor to sit down on. he only realised how friendly that seemed after he had already done it, but honestly, he can’t really bring himself to care anymore. what’s he gonna do, run around announcing to the other contestants that vick is secretly ‘nice’?

…now that he thinks about it, that actually seems like something he’d do. hm. well, as embarrassing as that would be, it’s not like anyone would ever believe it. and this kid could hardly hurt a fly, clearly. so he lets himself wind down a bit — his concept of ‘winding down’ being: 1) mildly less of an intentionally manipulative asshole all the time, and 2) letting himself become distracted and becoming just slightly less high alert — the second almost entirely caused by his disassociation, and the first simply because he doesn’t have the energy to be mean right now.

he’s still insanely tense, though, so its barely actually calming down at all. it’s like he’s cautious about the idea of relaxing even a little bit, like he expects someone to jump out and attempt to kill him at any moment, so this is the best he can manage. which… really saddens sailor to watch.

he’s clearly not having a good time, but doesn’t want to express it. but why?? you should be sad after somebody dies! i mean, vick and elise were close right? of course he’s upset. and yet he won’t let himself be. it’s so confusing to sailor. he just wishes he could peek into his mind and see what’s going on in there!!

Sailor’s attitude entering the bar was much less on-alert, peering around in intrigue instead of investigation. He was about to prod around when Vick patted the seat, and he seemed to flock over within the second, offering Vick a massive and sickeningly sincere smile as he kicked his feet and peered around with the massive tense muscle of a man.

See, there’s really no good way to just make that go away. Obviously. Fearing for your life isn’t a feeling you can shake from your chilled bones and stood-up hair, so instead of letting Vick feel his scanning alone, Sailor set a hand to his brow like he was Vick’s lookout.

“Looking like clear seas and skies, Davy Jones! Ye and ye fellow scallywags are safe within these bounds, nothing gets past me when in the crow’s nest! Want me to get something for you from the bar while you get cozy? I’m sure they’ll let me just grab it for you, I’m real good and honest so I bet they won’t mind!”

i mean, you can’t blame the poor kid — he’s been at sea the majority of his life, of course he misses it. surely it can’t hurt…

but right as sailor was about to step foot in the fountain, his foot catches on the base (which he significantly misjudged the height of), and he nearly falls straight in. sailor shuts his eyes tight, bracing himself for the inevitable pain that’s about to come. but then… nothing follows.

instead, theres a weight on his back, and a gruff voice sounding from behind him. “careful now,” vick speaks, pulling sailor back up by the scruff of his shirt like a mother cat hoisting up her kitten. he manoeuvres him back back up into a standing position, letting sailor go as soon as he’s stable. his eyes remained glued onto sailor even as he steps back, inspecting the child for any signs of damage. as expected, he’s fine.

“are you alright.” it’s a statement more than anything — he already knows the answer, after all. there’s no hint of real concern in vick’s voice, but it would be rude to simply walk off. while vick wouldn’t exactly say he’s a gentleman (far from it, actually), he likes to at least uphold some manners.

— @trivial--tycoon

Sailor’s reaction is immediate, stilling like a caught goat, unsteady on his feet as he watched Vick like he was expecting some malice or price. I mean, the man quickly established that all help comes at a pricexr didn’t he? He didn’t help Sandbag for free, why would Sailor be any different. But then he asked like a normal person, and Sailor couldn’t help rubbing at his eyes.

“Are you…? Huh? Wouldn’t ye have just let me fall? And maybe die? What do ye gain from this, scallywag???”

But then his eyes narrowed into mischief as he patted himself down, grinning right at Vick.

“no— ugh,” vick lets out an exasperated sigh, immediately regretting his own niceties. are all of the teenagers on this show this irritating??

“I’m not analyzing you! I just think you’re more than mean! Are you saying you AREN’T more than mean?”

but before the more logical side of his brain can tell him to leave sailor be, his body acts before his brain does. he picks sailor up like a ragdoll, holding him under his armpits and plopping him back down on the ground. and then — it hits him. he just fell for his trick. a look of genuine surprise washes over vick’s face, a hint of mild embarrassment visible in his expression. it’s almost immediately replaced by his usual mildly irritated expression, however, the older man seeming incapable of showing actual real emotion for more than a second at a time.

he must be getting sloppy, to fall for something as foolish as that. how pathetic.

And Sailor laughed. He earnestly and truly laughed, cackled almost, and childish with sheer joy to it. For a second his smile wasn’t unlike Elise’s, even matching a bit in mischief, but smarter than maybe first perceived. The difference was that it lacked cruelty, and now held a newfound inkling of trust. Another thing he lacked was the need to withhold his knowledge of victory.

“You did it!!! Ye totally did it, you ARE nice!!”

Sailor dusted himself off, looking a bit smug but without a scratch as he did a fake little bow and almost dropped his hat.

but he shoves the feeling down just as fast as it appears, as always. before it can affect him, before he becomes anything but entirely neutral on the topic. elise is dead. he knew what he signed up for when he came here, and they were just another necessary sacrifice for vick’s survival. he doesn’t care. he’s never cared. why would he? he knew their fate was to die an early death the second he teamed up with them. only one winner can emerge from bet and forgive. he knows this. he used to run this show. he has seen hundreds of people die far more gruesome deaths. he was only using them for the benefits of being related to a staff member, that’s all he was to him. so no, it doesn’t hurt at all to see elise in the eyes of another child, not too far off the age he was — the age it is now stuck as eternally. because he doesn’t care. he doesn’t care. he has never cared.

“…”

he regains his composure almost instantaneously, barley giving sailor a second to process whatever that glimpse of emotion washed over his expression, however small it may have been. “the people around me won’t have minds of their own if I had it my way.” he remarks, painting over the cracks in his facade with a sardonic smile.

By the time Vick could recognize any of this he had tossed himself back into an unfeeling persona. Maybe not too unlike Elise. By the time he could see Sailor’s own face relax again, he realized that the kid had stopped laughing.

“I don’t think you mean that. You seem to like tricky stuff! Tricks are hard if the people around you just listen.”

“Hey, are you doing okay?”

it’s as sailor says that, that all of the resemblance to elise is instantly gone. not that they were ever alike — it was just something about that smile that momentarily… stunned vick.

“of course. why?”

“Ye keep making faces and then correcting them like you’re on camera and they’re looking for ye own folly. Like a robot who’s slow to follow its instructions. Does that make sense?”

Sailor couldn’t read minds obviously, but he was no stranger to being seen as silly and senseless. It was hard for him to break down what he saw in words, but the emotion didn’t confuse him, only Vick’s attempt to shun it.

Sailor stepped back, watching the entirely ignored physical mannerisms, taking a wide berth as he basically walked a little circle around Vick. A circling bird, but not the carrion kind.

Then he ever so simply poked Vick in the Very-Tense shoulder. It felt sharper than it would if the man were able to relax.

“you don’t look nearly old enough to drink, anyhow.” not that he’s surprised. rebellious behaviour such as underage drinking on a gameshow consisting of entirely criminals is to be expected, really. and even then, it’s the least of his worries. vick couldn’t care less what they’re putting into their bodies; in fact, it makes it easier for him. if sailor wants to screw himself over, then so be it, but vick will not be joining him.

“Oh! Drink because you’re tense! I hear it helps ye relax. And I’m sorry, you’re right, that was rude. You can poke me back so we’re even!”

He didn’t seem to understand or take this as judgmental behavior. He just took Vick at his word, as an earnest man. He seemed a bit confused upon the drinking comment, teetering his head to an angle before finally seeming to process.

he simply ignores the statement about the poking, immediately reminding him of elise’s incessant poking habit — how irritating. that child is like a constant, all-consuming parasite on his mind, as much as vick would rather die than admit this. he simply shrugs. as much as he has no plan of drinking, this could be an opportunity to scam sailor out of even more chips, if he’d be willing to buy him a drink. who is he to pass up free tokens? vick is nothing if not a greedy, selfish man.

and that’s all he’ll ever be.

“alright then,” he finally gives, crossing his arms over his chest once again. his gaze is looking through sailor rather than at him, like he’s staring at something — or perhaps, someone — that isn’t actually there at all.

So he takes a deep breath. He composes himself. He holds himself back from calling Vick a barnacle or a scallywag even if he REALLY wants to. Because that’s what you do when someone’s having a bad day and tries to spread their misery! It loves company, doesn’t it?

Being given the affirmative does wonders, and Sailor positively joyously jolts ahead, before remembering that Vick is a big proper man who probably walks at a proper pace like he’s headed to a meeting. So he spins on a heel to wait for him from his solid seven paces ahead.

i mean, you can’t blame the poor kid — he’s been at sea the majority of his life, of course he misses it. surely it can’t hurt…

but right as sailor was about to step foot in the fountain, his foot catches on the base (which he significantly misjudged the height of), and he nearly falls straight in. sailor shuts his eyes tight, bracing himself for the inevitable pain that’s about to come. but then… nothing follows.

instead, theres a weight on his back, and a gruff voice sounding from behind him. “careful now,” vick speaks, pulling sailor back up by the scruff of his shirt like a mother cat hoisting up her kitten. he manoeuvres him back back up into a standing position, letting sailor go as soon as he’s stable. his eyes remained glued onto sailor even as he steps back, inspecting the child for any signs of damage. as expected, he’s fine.

“are you alright.” it’s a statement more than anything — he already knows the answer, after all. there’s no hint of real concern in vick’s voice, but it would be rude to simply walk off. while vick wouldn’t exactly say he’s a gentleman (far from it, actually), he likes to at least uphold some manners.

— @trivial--tycoon

Sailor’s reaction is immediate, stilling like a caught goat, unsteady on his feet as he watched Vick like he was expecting some malice or price. I mean, the man quickly established that all help comes at a pricexr didn’t he? He didn’t help Sandbag for free, why would Sailor be any different. But then he asked like a normal person, and Sailor couldn’t help rubbing at his eyes.

“Are you…? Huh? Wouldn’t ye have just let me fall? And maybe die? What do ye gain from this, scallywag???”

But then his eyes narrowed into mischief as he patted himself down, grinning right at Vick.

“no— ugh,” vick lets out an exasperated sigh, immediately regretting his own niceties. are all of the teenagers on this show this irritating??

“I’m not analyzing you! I just think you’re more than mean! Are you saying you AREN’T more than mean?”

but before the more logical side of his brain can tell him to leave sailor be, his body acts before his brain does. he picks sailor up like a ragdoll, holding him under his armpits and plopping him back down on the ground. and then — it hits him. he just fell for his trick. a look of genuine surprise washes over vick’s face, a hint of mild embarrassment visible in his expression. it’s almost immediately replaced by his usual mildly irritated expression, however, the older man seeming incapable of showing actual real emotion for more than a second at a time.

he must be getting sloppy, to fall for something as foolish as that. how pathetic.

And Sailor laughed. He earnestly and truly laughed, cackled almost, and childish with sheer joy to it. For a second his smile wasn’t unlike Elise’s, even matching a bit in mischief, but smarter than maybe first perceived. The difference was that it lacked cruelty, and now held a newfound inkling of trust. Another thing he lacked was the need to withhold his knowledge of victory.

“You did it!!! Ye totally did it, you ARE nice!!”

Sailor dusted himself off, looking a bit smug but without a scratch as he did a fake little bow and almost dropped his hat.

but he shoves the feeling down just as fast as it appears, as always. before it can affect him, before he becomes anything but entirely neutral on the topic. elise is dead. he knew what he signed up for when he came here, and they were just another necessary sacrifice for vick’s survival. he doesn’t care. he’s never cared. why would he? he knew their fate was to die an early death the second he teamed up with them. only one winner can emerge from bet and forgive. he knows this. he used to run this show. he has seen hundreds of people die far more gruesome deaths. he was only using them for the benefits of being related to a staff member, that’s all he was to him. so no, it doesn’t hurt at all to see elise in the eyes of another child, not too far off the age he was — the age it is now stuck as eternally. because he doesn’t care. he doesn’t care. he has never cared.

“…”

he regains his composure almost instantaneously, barley giving sailor a second to process whatever that glimpse of emotion washed over his expression, however small it may have been. “the people around me won’t have minds of their own if I had it my way.” he remarks, painting over the cracks in his facade with a sardonic smile.

By the time Vick could recognize any of this he had tossed himself back into an unfeeling persona. Maybe not too unlike Elise. By the time he could see Sailor’s own face relax again, he realized that the kid had stopped laughing.

“I don’t think you mean that. You seem to like tricky stuff! Tricks are hard if the people around you just listen.”

“Hey, are you doing okay?”

it’s as sailor says that, that all of the resemblance to elise is instantly gone. not that they were ever alike — it was just something about that smile that momentarily… stunned vick.

“of course. why?”

“Ye keep making faces and then correcting them like you’re on camera and they’re looking for ye own folly. Like a robot who’s slow to follow its instructions. Does that make sense?”

Sailor couldn’t read minds obviously, but he was no stranger to being seen as silly and senseless. It was hard for him to break down what he saw in words, but the emotion didn’t confuse him, only Vick’s attempt to shun it.

Sailor stepped back, watching the entirely ignored physical mannerisms, taking a wide berth as he basically walked a little circle around Vick. A circling bird, but not the carrion kind.

Then he ever so simply poked Vick in the Very-Tense shoulder. It felt sharper than it would if the man were able to relax.

“you don’t look nearly old enough to drink, anyhow.” not that he’s surprised. rebellious behaviour such as underage drinking on a gameshow consisting of entirely criminals is to be expected, really. and even then, it’s the least of his worries. vick couldn’t care less what they’re putting into their bodies; in fact, it makes it easier for him. if sailor wants to screw himself over, then so be it, but vick will not be joining him.

“Oh! Drink because you’re tense! I hear it helps ye relax. And I’m sorry, you’re right, that was rude. You can poke me back so we’re even!”

He didn’t seem to understand or take this as judgmental behavior. He just took Vick at his word, as an earnest man. He seemed a bit confused upon the drinking comment, teetering his head to an angle before finally seeming to process.

i mean, you can’t blame the poor kid — he’s been at sea the majority of his life, of course he misses it. surely it can’t hurt…

but right as sailor was about to step foot in the fountain, his foot catches on the base (which he significantly misjudged the height of), and he nearly falls straight in. sailor shuts his eyes tight, bracing himself for the inevitable pain that’s about to come. but then… nothing follows.

instead, theres a weight on his back, and a gruff voice sounding from behind him. “careful now,” vick speaks, pulling sailor back up by the scruff of his shirt like a mother cat hoisting up her kitten. he manoeuvres him back back up into a standing position, letting sailor go as soon as he’s stable. his eyes remained glued onto sailor even as he steps back, inspecting the child for any signs of damage. as expected, he’s fine.

“are you alright.” it’s a statement more than anything — he already knows the answer, after all. there’s no hint of real concern in vick’s voice, but it would be rude to simply walk off. while vick wouldn’t exactly say he’s a gentleman (far from it, actually), he likes to at least uphold some manners.

— @trivial--tycoon

Sailor’s reaction is immediate, stilling like a caught goat, unsteady on his feet as he watched Vick like he was expecting some malice or price. I mean, the man quickly established that all help comes at a pricexr didn’t he? He didn’t help Sandbag for free, why would Sailor be any different. But then he asked like a normal person, and Sailor couldn’t help rubbing at his eyes.

“Are you…? Huh? Wouldn’t ye have just let me fall? And maybe die? What do ye gain from this, scallywag???”

But then his eyes narrowed into mischief as he patted himself down, grinning right at Vick.

“no— ugh,” vick lets out an exasperated sigh, immediately regretting his own niceties. are all of the teenagers on this show this irritating??

“I’m not analyzing you! I just think you’re more than mean! Are you saying you AREN’T more than mean?”

but before the more logical side of his brain can tell him to leave sailor be, his body acts before his brain does. he picks sailor up like a ragdoll, holding him under his armpits and plopping him back down on the ground. and then — it hits him. he just fell for his trick. a look of genuine surprise washes over vick’s face, a hint of mild embarrassment visible in his expression. it’s almost immediately replaced by his usual mildly irritated expression, however, the older man seeming incapable of showing actual real emotion for more than a second at a time.

he must be getting sloppy, to fall for something as foolish as that. how pathetic.

And Sailor laughed. He earnestly and truly laughed, cackled almost, and childish with sheer joy to it. For a second his smile wasn’t unlike Elise’s, even matching a bit in mischief, but smarter than maybe first perceived. The difference was that it lacked cruelty, and now held a newfound inkling of trust. Another thing he lacked was the need to withhold his knowledge of victory.

“You did it!!! Ye totally did it, you ARE nice!!”

Sailor dusted himself off, looking a bit smug but without a scratch as he did a fake little bow and almost dropped his hat.

but he shoves the feeling down just as fast as it appears, as always. before it can affect him, before he becomes anything but entirely neutral on the topic. elise is dead. he knew what he signed up for when he came here, and they were just another necessary sacrifice for vick’s survival. he doesn’t care. he’s never cared. why would he? he knew their fate was to die an early death the second he teamed up with them. only one winner can emerge from bet and forgive. he knows this. he used to run this show. he has seen hundreds of people die far more gruesome deaths. he was only using them for the benefits of being related to a staff member, that’s all he was to him. so no, it doesn’t hurt at all to see elise in the eyes of another child, not too far off the age he was — the age it is now stuck as eternally. because he doesn’t care. he doesn’t care. he has never cared.

“…”

he regains his composure almost instantaneously, barley giving sailor a second to process whatever that glimpse of emotion washed over his expression, however small it may have been. “the people around me won’t have minds of their own if I had it my way.” he remarks, painting over the cracks in his facade with a sardonic smile.

By the time Vick could recognize any of this he had tossed himself back into an unfeeling persona. Maybe not too unlike Elise. By the time he could see Sailor’s own face relax again, he realized that the kid had stopped laughing.

“I don’t think you mean that. You seem to like tricky stuff! Tricks are hard if the people around you just listen.”

“Hey, are you doing okay?”

it’s as sailor says that, that all of the resemblance to elise is instantly gone. not that they were ever alike — it was just something about that smile that momentarily… stunned vick.

“of course. why?”

“Ye keep making faces and then correcting them like you’re on camera and they’re looking for ye own folly. Like a robot who’s slow to follow its instructions. Does that make sense?”

Sailor couldn’t read minds obviously, but he was no stranger to being seen as silly and senseless. It was hard for him to break down what he saw in words, but the emotion didn’t confuse him, only Vick’s attempt to shun it.

Sailor stepped back, watching the entirely ignored physical mannerisms, taking a wide berth as he basically walked a little circle around Vick. A circling bird, but not the carrion kind.

Then he ever so simply poked Vick in the Very-Tense shoulder. It felt sharper than it would if the man were able to relax.