In the following two days, Ventus had stuck to Vanitas as though tethered by a cord. Wherever Vanitas was, Ventus followed within certain proximity. Every passing moment dredged up memories of the orphanage and how the persistent smaller children attempted to compete for his attention. Aqua and Terra followed in tow, often hovering like protective parents and shooting disapproving glances when Vanitas would not return Ventus' enthusiasm.
It was very annoying.
Ventus did not seem to mind his lack of energy, seeing it as some sort of acceptance to continue in his own mind. Xehanort stayed mostly out of sight, likely off with Eraqus. Vanitas was sure Eraqus did not even know of the laboratory below. In turn, Vanitas kept mostly quiet about the expedition, not telling much outside of what wasn't already in the papers.
Showers of intellectual praise spewed from Ventus as though he were idolized. Olette had become somewhat of a savior when Vanitas was near his snapping point. After coming to deliver them hors d'oeuvres, a casual mention of the weather immediately took attention from himself to Olette who seemed to revel as a social butterfly despite her status.
Within comfortable confines of the sitting room, Vanitas relished in the few minutes he had to not talk in his game of dominos with Aqua stop the wide coffee table. Terra and Ventus sat on a separate couch, seemingly having a grand time just talking with the young maid. Aqua was often quiet, watching others and remaining vigil. The few times she spoke were brief, but left an impact.
Vanitas looked to her focused eyes for a second. Marriage was very low on his list of priorities, but she likely would make a good associate. Money went a long way, but connections went further. He turned back to Olette, who curtsied and left to go back to whatever duties she had or check on Void. Ventus' sudden idolization could be useful as well. What was his could very well become Vanitas'. Terra on the other hand…
Terra laughed and nudged Ventus' side.
No good. An interesting sparring partner for sure, but that seemed to be the extent of it unless he became some war hero.
When he turned back to the game, Aqua was looking at him expectantly. Their eyes locked and she smiled politely. Vanitas nodded out of courtesy. For now, he'd just play along.
The night before their departure, Vanitas and Ventus stood in the training room. Ventus was sweating lightly as he moved his outstretched arms up and down by the elbow, then in and out.
"This is really-" a deep breath. "Harder than it looks."
"If you want to have a chance at holding anything heavier than a book then you'll need it."
"I…" Ventus stopped.
Vanitas opened his mouth to speak but also heard what caught his attention.
Some sort of commotion was causing heavy thuds of footsteps and the distant buzz of shouting. The two looked to each other and Ventus moved first. Vanitas firmly grasped him by the shoulder before he could reach the door.
"Wait. Put on some night clothes. And wash your face."
Ventus took a moment to consider his meaning and looked down to himself.
"Right. But- where is it coming from?"
"I don't know. Just change first."
Vanitas didn't bother changing; it was his home after all. He found everyone gathered in the parlor. Aqua in a nightgown covered by a silk robe, Eraqus and Xehanort in their own robes, Braig half dressed in his uniform, and Ventus joining everyone just after Vanitas. Terra lay on one sofa, nursing a wound on his chest with a thick towel. Isa was on the other, face covered with another towel as Braig rifled through a case of medical supplies.
Eraqus looked furious, pacing back and forth with arms behind his back. Aqua sat beside Terra, eyes flickering from his chest to his face.
"What…?" Ventus spoke up.
Xehanort's eyes slid past him to Vanitas, unreadable. Vanitas said nothing, moving to stand behind the sofa Isa occupied and looking over him. He dressed in loose clothing, as was Terra. It appeared they had been fighting, with actual weapons. Isa, being a former pirate likely wouldn't back down until he'd drawn blood, and Terra likely had been aching to get his own hits in since the start.
While it was fairly obvious to him, Eraqus answered Ventus' question with the wrath of an angry father and complete shame.
Who started it remained unanswered.
Isa hissed as the towel was removed, revealing a large X shaped scar. Braig took a cloth with some liquid poured onto it and dabbed the wound, causing him to groan and grit his teeth, swearing loudly. Vanitas held back a grin when Ventus visibly flinched at the language.
"May I?" Aqua asked, looking to Braig. He nudged the medical case to the middle of the table, allowing her to tend to Terra.
Terra didn't swear, but he groaned all the same.
Vanitas wanted to say "So who won?" but opted for "And the instigator was?"
Everyone was mostly quiet until Terra groaned out "Me."
Xehanort didn't look particularly angry, nor pleased. The clack of his cane caught Vanitas' attention and he turned towards the door.
"Vanitas. Isa is of your employment; therefore this matter is of yours to deal with."
"Old friend, wait." Eraqus strode up to Xehanort and bowed at his waist.
"I am your guest and have dishonored your hospitality. History or no, it falls on me."
Now, Xehanort looked exasperated.
"Raise your head, you are not Terra and cannot speak for all he does. If you have any apologizing to do, do it to the boy."
A loud swear from Isa resulted in an equal retort from Braig and Ventus covered his ears.
"Vanitas." Xehanort called. "We have much to discuss come morning."
The room was left tense as the man walked out.
"So." Vanitas began. He wanted to get this over with quickly so he could sleep and be rid of everyone as fast as possible. "You cut up my guard why?"
Terra was biting his lower lip, avoiding everyone's eyes by keeping them low.
"I…After our spar, I wanted to fight him one more time."
"And you thought it'd be best to use actual blades?" Eraqus cut in.
"I wanted to have a real fight." He argued back, though quietly.
"And you agreed to it?" Vanitas shot to Isa.
Isa chuckled, eyes closed but tilting his face in Vanitas' direction.
"I thought it'd be fun." Came his raspy reply.
"First aid isn't going to cut it." Braig admitted after placing a clean towel back over the man's face. "Kinda scary how you managed to slice his face like this."
"Hey, you shouldn't -"
Vanitas cut Ventus off with the raise of his hand.
"I can send for a doctor. I'll cover any expense." Eraqus offered.
"Are you sure they don't need to be taken to a hospital?" Aqua said, checking on Terra's gash from under his own new towel.
"Just a scratch." Isa's voice muffled.
"Braig, can you give them stitches?"
The man cringed and wiped his bloodied hands clean with a wet cloth.
"Can I or will I? Because the answer is yes and no." Eraqus and Ventus' disapproving glares were ignored as he stood straight, eying the mess in the parlor. "A shallow cut on the arm isn't someone's entire face. I'll go get that doctor, and I take it you'll be accepting the bill Master Eraqus?"
The older man seemed taken aback at his tone but sighed.
"Yes."
"Then may I recommend everyone retiring to their rooms? This all has to be cleaned and I will handle all of the medical business." He finished with a deep bow.
Vanitas rolled his eyes at the display, and turned to the door.
"I bid thee goodnight Master Eraqus, Terra, Ventus, Aqua." Vanitas flatly recited.
