After their talk of the bond, Vessel leaves II to shower and have some time to himself, and they don't see each other for the rest of the day. II assumes that they just haven't crossed paths, but it becomes clear when the next day is the same, and the day after that, that Vessel is avoiding him.

He can't stop the hurt at the realization, and goes to look for Vessel to ask why. To ask if he's done something to upset the other man. He isn't in his room, or the kitchen. Not the living room, or the practice room where II finally sees the drumset sitting in the corner. He doesn't stop to look at it, a little worried now as Vessel still hasn't shown up anywhere. There is nothing but calm over their bond, but that doesn't reassure II in the slightest, having seen Vessel's physical distress while the bond projected nothing but peace. The other man has clearly figured out how to hide his own emotions, and II starts looking a bit more frantically.

Its as II is looking around outside the manor that he feels it, the bond clicking off entirely. The emptiness swallows him whole.

Panicked, II calls out for Sleep's help as he goes back inside. "Sleep, where is he? Please, I- I can't leave him like this."

"The first is in no danger. He is in the bathroom, hiding, sick." The God replies in confusion, "Doing as he always does."

"What does that even mean?!" II replies, heading for the restroom that is in the back of the house.

He hears a single sob, and he would feel more embarrassed for the frantic knocking on the bathroom door if he hadn't heard the choked retching that followed.

"Vessel, are you alright in there? I- I felt you shut off the bond and got worried."

Worried does not begin to cover it. Such a simple word could never describe the agony of Vessel's presence just- disappearing. But II told him he could turn the bond off whenever he wished, and he isn't going to go back on that now, even when he still isn't sure that Vessel is even al-

"I'm okay."

It's small, and shaky, but Vessel's voice floods II with relief, just knowing he really was in that bathroom.

"I know you're not. Vessel, please, don't lie to me. Let me help you."

"No! You- You can't see me like this. You'll hate me, I'm already ugly, please- Please, II, just go away!" He begs, and II's heart shatters at his feet at the fear, the desperation in the other man's voice.

"I would never think you ugly, and I'm not leaving you Vessel. I'll stay here until you come out yourself." II turns to sit against the door of the bathroom, resolved to sit and wait as long as he needs to.

He refuses to leave Vessel to wither away in his sadness alone. Try as he might to omit it from the bond now, II felt it clear as day and he is never going to leave Vessel to deal with such misery alone if he can help it.

II sits there for hours, mask pulled up to expose his mouth, tapping out a beat on his thighs while he waits. Vessel had gone silent, but every once in a while, II is able to feel his presence move closer, then, once realizing II was still there, move away, the bond unable to hide that from him, at least. At some point, II begins talking about the music he enjoys, R&B and Pop, then explains in further detail how he got Elvira and all the ways she's gotten herself into trouble over the years. The cat herself comes and go's as she pleases, never staying for long.

Vessel never says anything, never makes a sound except for the disgusting noise of vomiting into the toilet. At one point, II is sure he heard the other man crying but its so faint, II isn't sure he heard right. Sleep leaves them alone, and II doesn't bother the God. They clearly thought nothing was wrong.

"Vessel, please let me in." II tries again, "Nothing I see will make me hate you. I could never hate you. I promise, please, I just want to help. I don't want you to shut me out."

There is no answer for awhile, and II is sure he will have to continue to sit and wait. Then, the vines on the walls quiver, and II hears a click. The lock has been turned. Standing quickly, he tries the doorknob and it turns in his hand easily. Breathing a sigh of relief, II opens the door and if his heart hadn't already shattered at his feet, it would've at the sight before him.

Vessel is kneeled over the toilet, black sludge dripping from his lips and splattered in the bowl. His mask is lain at his feet, face on full display, but it looks... different. It is white, line the other one, and yet the design is different. Where once there were two eye holes, now six sit, more slitted than the other mask and painted over by Sleep's sigil in a blood red. His hoodie is nowhere to be seen, only a simple black t-shirt and jeans.

There's blood everywhere, smeared over his mouth and along his cheek, small puddles and droplets on the floor, and a knife on the counter. Golden tears drip down his face from three pairs of eyes, all of them scrunched in pain. Two of them, the middle and bottom pair that sit below his usual set, smaller with each pair, bleed black like blood that mixes with the gold. The edges of those two pairs are red and irritated, any bloodshot veins invisible due to the black sclera. His arms are bleeding, just barely noticeable on the black of his arms that goes up past his elbow where tendrils of ink disappear into the sleeve of his t-shirt.

Eyebrows furrowed, Vessel's entire face is creased in pain, in terror. Vessel has heavy eyebags and dark circles, and the saddest eyes II has ever seen. There is no life in them, no spark, an empty void. There is no will to live.

When II sees him, the bond opens like a floodgate and the shorter man is struck with the sheer intensity of the emotions on Vessel's face, but also his self-loathing, his sadness. II moves quickly, too quickly by the harsh jerk back Vessel does to get away, the fear heightening along with the strangeness of expectation. Expectation for what, II is scared to know so he stops moving entirely. He focuses instead on keeping his end of the bond as calm as possible, trying not to overwhelm Vessel.

Vessel can't meet his eyes, though its clear he's trying to force himself to, and II is quick to reassure him its not necessary. II pulls up his mask to bare his lips and lower jaw, tries to keep a smile on his face, to reassure the other man, but it threatens to slip with every tear that falls from Vessel's eyes, every fearful glance at II's hands. Its breaking II's heart to see him like this. There is also anger, a small thing that II can't allow to grow right now for fear of Vessel thinking it was directed at him. If II ever meets whoever did this to Vessel he'd kill them. He swears it. Swears it on his soul itself, with the wrath of this life and every one after.

II hasn't known Vessel long, but II knows, without a shadow of a doubt that he deserved the world, that he didn't deserve whatever abuse made him this way.

He didn't deserve to feel so lowly about himself he actively cuts into his own arms.

"I'm sorry." Its strange to hear Vessel's voice without the barrier of the mask that muffled it a bit.

"There's nothing to be sorry for, Ves, its okay. Its okay." Reaching forward, slower now and giving Vessel ample time to pull away, II takes one hand in his as Vessel lurches forward to puke into the toilet again.

His dark hair falls over his face, and II shuffles as close as he dares, using his available hand to pull it away and hold the soft, messy strands at Vessel's nape gently.

When that wave of vomiting is over, II asks in as gentle of a tone as he can, "Can I clean up your arms? You're still bleeding."

Vessel doesn't want to admit that he wants it to hurt longer, that he feels he deserves the pain. He used a power that wasn't his to use, and now he has two more pairs of fucking eyes. If Vessel wasn't ugly before, he certainly is now. He deserves the hurt, the pain, every moment of it. He would rather pull his own teeth out than admit any of this to II, who's had unshed tears in his eyes ever since he first laid eyes on Vessel's pathetic form.

He nods, and hopes the cleanup hurts. Can't wait for II to leave him alone so he can add more.

II gets out the medkit and silently laments having to use it so soon. It was only for emergencies, but II has the worst feeling that its something they'll need to stock up regularly.

He knows the antiseptic stings, and II can't stop the tears that shed as Vessel doesn't wince, doesn't make a sound, can't stop them when he feels so many more cuts than he saw before, not to mention the multitude of scars that are a darker shade of grey that he can barely see. II knows that if he hadn't gotten this close of a look, it would have taken ages to see, to notice, and it hurts that without this bond, he might never have known about the self-harm at all.

'Thank you, Sleep. I- I know I've only just met him, barely spent much time with him, but- Vessel- this bond, I can help him now, if he'll continue to let me. Thank you.' II directs his thoughts to Sleep's presence, hoping the God can hear him.

The answering brush against his mind, returned gratitude sent down the bond he shares with the God by simply being a vessel, tells him more than any words. Sleep did this on purpose, this bond between he and Vessel, bringing them together.

II wraps gauze around Vessel's arms, thankful that it wasn't his entire forearm this time, unlike where his scars tell him he's cut before. "Let's get you into bed. It's my turn to take care of you."

"No, no- you've done enough, please, I'm fine. I can make it back to my room on my own. I can take care of myself, II." Vessel tries to be stern, but he's still crying, voice broken and hoarse.

He stands, the bond slamming shut, feeling like its crashed down on II's beating heart instead of simply locking away Vessel's emotions, and II follows, trying to reason with him and keep his frustration well away from the bond. "Vessel, you're sick, let me help you."

Arms held out to catch him if he starts to fall, II follows behind Vessel as the other man stumbles out of the bathroom. He bumps into the wall, then the first step of the staircase after feeling his way to the steps with the banister pillars.

"I don't need help, I'm fine, II. I know how to take care of myself, I swear." Vessel stumbles, one hand on the rail and the other trying to shield his eyes. He misses a step and II winces at the sound of his knee crashing into the hard wood. Vessel doesn't stop, feeling his way up the steps now, the vines along the walls, baseboards, and banister reaching out and brushing his hands as he goes. His tears are leaving splotches of gold on his shirt and the steps.

II has had just about enough of this, trying his hardest to keep his voice level, to not raise it in his frustration, "You shouldn't have to take care of yourself all of the time, even if you know how! I want you to rely on me, I want to be someone you can trust."

It starts as a buzz of pain over the bond. As Vessel gets more upset, it heightens, the door of his mind creaking open with every passing moment, leaving more and more of his emotions bared for II again. Vessel wants to lay down and never wake up. Anything to get away from this.

"It's not that easy." Vessel moans, nearly to the top of the stairs now.

When II moves to help him stand, he jerks back as though burned and II frowns, devastated at this entire situation, "Why isn't it? I want to help you Vessel, but I can't if you don't let me in."

Vessel sobs, stopping just in the upstairs sitting room, pillowing his head on his arms. He doesn't know how to let II in, is scared to try, to want to try. Vessel has never been cared for, he doesn't know how to let himself be cared for. Ever since II got here, everything Vessel knew about himself and how he expected to be treated has been upended.

'My vessel, you asked to be loved.'

'What does that have to do with anything!?' He cries, frustration like a hurricane inside him, trying so, so hard not to crush into sand at the force.

II crouches beside him, gentle hands lifting him up though Vessel doesn't make it easy, dead weight dragging him down, but II is strong, almost- almost too strong to be normal.

'Let him love you.'

'He doesn't even know me! Once he sees- sees how broken I am he will leave.'

'My vessel, has he left yet?'

'No.' Vessel's voice is small as II leads them down the hallway to Vessel's room, holding most of his weight as Vessel sobs silently, his head aching like a battering ram was slamming against it. 'He saw my cuts- my new eyes. He- II saw me, behind my mask.'

'He did not leave you, and he won't. You have to trust him.'

'I trusted my parents to take care of me, my God. They did not. I trusted who I thought were friends, and they only cared about what I could do for them. I trusted each and every one of my partners and they all broke me into fractions that can never be repaired.'

'Do you think I would have chosen a vessel that would treat you wrong? You are my First, my dearest Vessel. I do not understand your human emotions, and even less the pain the species on your planet feel, but I would never choose to bring another human who I thought would hurt you. Let the second in, my vessel, and if he breaks you like the other humans in your life, I will break him in return. There will be no coming back from the damage I will inflict.'

II helps Vessel lay down, going to grab a t-shirt and a pair of pajama pants. Vessel opens his eyes, squinting at the pain the action causes, at all the information overloading his brain. He can't see, can't process anything around him and his brain is melting- its going to melt right out of his ears-

Vessel's chest heaves and he chokes out a broken sob, suddenly so desperate not to be alone, but doesn't know how to ask. "II? I- I can't see you."

"What?" II is at his side in an instant, clothes tossed beside him on the bed.

With careful, slow movements, II takes his hands in his, "These eyes." Vessel sobs, "They're new. I- its like having triple vision- so much information, my brain, I can't think- it hurts. I can't see anything."

"It's alright Vessel, I'm sure its only temporary. Sleep wouldn't give you something you couldn't heal from. I'll be right back, I'm just going to get something to clean you up."

"Sleep didn't give me these. They said I gave them to myself." Vessel remarks quietly, wiping at his tears with the back of his hand.

It smears gold with the blood still on his face. All six eyes are closed now, Vessel giving up trying to see past the squinting, and golden tears clump his dark eyelashes together as they brush his cheeks. He truly is beautiful, II thinks. His voice, his visage, otherworldly almost, with the six eyes. He looks nothing less than a vessel for the divine, as tear stained, bandaged, and despaired as he is.

"They- You gave them to yourself?" II pauses at the door, not understanding, his confusion passing freely through the bond.

"Not on purpose. I- I used one of their powers that wasn't given to me at my creation, and apparently caused more of Sleep's essence to become entwined with mine, which led to more of their features." Vessel explains, a resigned expression on his face, but he doesn't regret it, not using his Gods power at least.

Not if it meant II was in far less pain.

II isn't sure what to say, so instead offers a reassuring smile and the sentiment that he'll be right back. He works quickly to grab cloths to wipe off Vessel's face, a plastic bag for him to puke in, and picks up his mask from the bathroom floor. It's heavy in his hands, but not from the weight. How much has Vessel hidden from him with this on? The man's face is an open book without it, though II can see he tries so hard to hide what he's feeling, but can't manage it like he can their bond.

II holds the mask to his chest carefully, like it will shatter if he even looks at it wrong. The surface is smooth and clean except for the designs, and II wonders if that is a testament to the sturdiness of the material or Vessel's care of it.

When he gets back to Vessel's room, the other man has sat up, shirt off and exposing his upper torso, and it seems he managed to get half into the pajama pants, though they sit barely above the knee and he looks as though he wants to collapse back onto the bed. There are tree-like markings, swirls and branches, like the ones on their arms, that reach over his shoulders and rest along his collarbones, with a few very small leaves, almost like the bough of a tree. Along his ribs, weaving between the bones, are branches that reach around from his back. A small sigil, like the one on the wall of the altar room and marks his mask, sits in the hollow of his neck, blood red like his eyes.

There are scars on both arms, but the ones on his thighs, and peeking over the waistband of his boxers are far more noticeable, thinner than the ones on his arms but stretching along the length of his hips. II tries not to stare, but he lets his sadness pass over the bond without restraint, painting a smile on his face.

"Do you need help getting dressed?"

Vessel's ears redden in embarrassment and the way his blush spreads over his cheeks and a little of his bottom pair of eyes is very cute. It's just- even as he blushes so prettily there's this air of hesitancy, of misery and shame. So much shame.

"Yes, please."

As II helps Vessel pull his pants over his hips, he tries his hardest not to let them brush against his scars. It does not reassure Vessel like he hopes. "I know they're disgusting..."

As close as he is to the other man, Vessel's whisper is heard clearly and II's heart has already been broken so many times today, but it can clearly be broken at least once more. He'll never be able to pick up the pieces at this rate.

"They're not ugly, Vessel. Your scars have never, and will never, disgust or even bother me in any way. They just- they make me sad, and I thought you might not want me to touch them is all."

Slipping the shirt over Vessel's head with a little difficulty, even as the other man tries to help, Vessel continues, sounding more and more upset again, "I don't understand why you are doing any of this, or why you never ask me to- to be quiet, to talk more, or demand I show my face. You're nothing like I expected. I don't understand you."

"I care about you, Vessel. It is that simple." II aims for soothing, but he knows that no matter how many times he says it, Vessel may never believe him.

"No one ever cared before you! I don't- II, I don't know how to handle you. You're so kind to me, I've never had anyone- please, tell me how to act. How do you want me? I can be silent, I- I can stay out of your way if you're in the room. You'll never even see me if that's what you want. I know how to be happy- or lifeless like a doll, if that's what you prefer. Just- please, I don't know what to do. You're always offering to help me with things or are so considerate of what I'm feeling, or might feel. I don't understand." Vessel cries and II wants to sob, to hold Vessel tightly in his arms and never let go.

Who destroyed this man so completely that he'd change his entire being just to please II?

"Can I hug you?" II asks, and is dejected when Vessel says no, so quickly II is almost shocked, but he accepts the answer and moves on, asking if he can hold his hands instead, to which Vessel nods.

"You don't need to change yourself for me. I want you exactly as you are, as yourself, no matter the circumstance."

"No one's ever wanted just me." Vessel whimpers, tightening his hold on II's hands. "I was never enough, I had to be exactly what they wanted for them to stay."

"Well, they were idiots who deserve to rot for the rest of eternity. You deserve to be yourself, to be loved and cared for as you are." II replies firmly, voice leaving no room for question, brows slightly furrowed under the mask.

It startles a laugh out of Vessel, a quiet huff of air and a small quirk of the lips that leaves II reeling at the majesty of such a small action. In a desperate bid to keep some control, II ignores how his admiration flows over the bond and causes Vessel's cheeks and ears to tinge red again, "You mind if I clean you up?"

The blushes on their faces deepen further, but Vessel seems to be thinking something over before finally coming to a decision and nods. II refuses to give thought to the way he misses Vessel's hand in his own as he pulls one away to work. The blood and tears come off with only a little, light scrubbing with a damp cloth. Vessel is unnaturally warm under his hands, which is unusual since II remembers he is usually quite cool to the touch. He is shivering as II hands him his mask. As it is handed over, it flickers, going translucent and back to solid repeatedly. Placing it on his face, the mask settles on a form that bares his mouth. Vessel cannot see it, but can feel the difference.

"Why did-" II starts, but stops as Vessel shakes his head slightly.

"Sleep told me it could do this, though this version of my mask is unfamiliar to me. I just- was too afraid to show you any part of me longer than a glance. I... I am still afraid." Vessel admits, keeping his eyes low.

Despite the words saddening II, it also gives him a little hope. Already, Vessel has opened up more to him. He supposes seeing someone at their worst means there is little reason to hide all the time.

II hums, helping Vessel lay down. He collapses into the only pillow on the bed, weak. Its time to repay Vessel the favor of caring for him while sick, though II wishes the other man didn't have to deal with any of this at all.

He wonders if it is related to the new eyes, or something else entirely. Wonders what Vessel did to gain them.

"It is okay to be afraid. Everyone is afraid sometimes, has something they're afraid of."

"I'm afraid of so many things that I fear you will give up on me once you see how truly weak I am." Vessel admits quietly, squinting up at II through blurry eyes that shoot pain through his skull every few moments.

"I will never give up on you." II states firmly, "Whenever you're afraid, you can come to me. I'll be there for you, Vessel, no matter what."

"I fear being a burden, so deeply that I ache with it constantly." Vessel sounds as though he's speaking through gritted teeth, like the words were being forced out of him, and II knows it must be hard for him to open up like this, but he appreciates it.

"Will you feel better if I burden you in return then?"

"You could never burde-"

"Let me finish, Ves." II admonishes gently, and is surprised that Vessel's answering flinch is small and not outright jerking away from II.

"I have nightmares of my death. It haunts me almost every night since I woke up from my transformation. When I wake, I can't stop shaking, can't stop crying until exhaustion kicks in. Can I come to you and keep you company whenever I have a nightmare?"

It's a lot to ask, II knows, when the other man is so adverse to touch that isn't holding hands, but II knows how to keep his hands to himself when it really matters. And he really does want comfort, desperately, when he wakes up and can still feel his lungs filling with blood, feel how it burns his throat and bubbles past his lips and can still remember the exact foggy blue of the sky above him as-

"II! II, its okay! Shit, I don't know how to comfort others..." There's a hand on his cheek, wiping away the tears under his eyes and seeping into his mask with gentle claws.

A soft, raspy humming fills the room as Vessel struggles to calm down the second vessel through a throat thick with tar.

II comes back to himself, leaning imperceptibly into the cool skin of Vessel's hands, though the other man still sweats and shakes with a fever.

"I'm sorry." II apologizes, feeling bad for getting lost in his own head when Vessel is suffering right now.

"If..." Vessel hesitates before steeling his resolve, even as his fingers tremble where it still rests on II's cheek, "If I cannot apologize for- for my reactions to things, then you cannot apologize for yours either."

II chuckles, leaning into Vessel's hand just a little bit more. "I suppose we'll work on our communication then."

"Your communication skills are- far, far above my own." Vessel says, and II lets his gaze linger on the other man's lips as he smiles.

The angel bites add to the pretty curve of Vessel's lips, and II forces himself to look away, lest his gaze lingers too long on his first real, non-delirious look at Vessel's smile, tired as it is. "I'll leave you to get some rest." II says, finally, after a few silent moments of just... existing with the other man.

II very carefully removes Vessel's hand from his cheek, bringing it up to his mouth in a not-quite kiss then places it gently down on the bed. As he goes to leave, that same hand blindly waves around trying to find any part of II he can grab.

"Can- can you stay here tonight?" Vessel's voice is small, hesitant, expecting outright rejection, "Y-you don't have to!"

His bond radiates hope, and who is II to kill it?

"I'd like that actually." II admits, "It hasn't been fun waking up alone with the taste of iron in my mouth and the phantom sensation of struggling to breathe through blood-filled lungs."

Vessel frowns, wishing there was some way he could help. He wonders if his new ability to put people to sleep means he could also influence the dreams they have.

II goes to get his pillow and figure out where Elvira has made off to, promising Vessel that he would come back. Even with that promise, II tries not to stay away long. As sad as it is, it is also endearing at how hopefully eager Vessel looked when II said he would be back soon.

If by some miracle from their God, II ever comes across the people who did this to Vessel, he's going to curb-stomp their fucking faces in.

The thought of violence on Vessel's behalf causes a stream of encouragement from Sleep. II lets out a small laugh as he changes into pajamas quickly. He picks up Elvira and squishes his pillow and blanket into his other arm as he makes his way back to Vessel's room. At least he and Sleep are in agreement on that regard.

Vessel lays in the same spot II left him, one arm slung over his eyes while the other rests at his side where II set it down. "Are you alright?" II asks, quiet, so as to not startle the ailing man.

"Head hurts." Vessel mutters, not moving an inch.

After II sets his things down on the other side of the bed, he lays a hand on Vessel's cheek, feeling the heat radiating from his skin, frowning at the temperature. "I'll go get some medicine from the store tomorrow. Try- try to rest your eyes and mind as much as you can."

Nodding minutely, Vessel says nothing, mouth pulled into a grimace as tears leak down his cheeks where his arm doesn't cover all of his eyes. II climbs into bed, pulling the blanket over both of them and holding Vessel's hand tightly, rubbing soothing circles on the top. Isn't there anything II could do for him?

II eventually falls asleep after hours of laying awake, speaking quietly to Vessel about anything he could think of, explaining the intricacies of drumming and all the little things he personally implements into his playstyle. He struggles valiantly to keep his eyes open, and when Vessel's eyes could handle it, he would watch, endeared as II's pretty blues (so much brighter now that his sclera have turned black like Vessel's) would flutter, trying to stay awake. The bond between them remains filled with II's contentment and worry, leaving no room for doubt in Vessel's mind that the man wants to be here beside him, is worried for him.

Vessel doesn't deserve II, he knows he doesn't, but he wants him to stick around, to stay here, as a vessel, with him. He hates how quickly he is becoming attached, hopes he isn't driving II away by letting himself loosen his leash on his own self. Vessel was always too much and never enough. Always.

II wakes once during the night, nearing daybreak, and Vessel somehow knows its going to happen. He thrashes underneath the blanket, as though fighting off an invisible attacker. Vessel is as alert as he can be instantly, holding II's hand and speaking in a low, calming voice. The bond is ravaged with distress and fear, so much fear its choking Vessel's lungs with its potency, his own worry and distress skyrocketing. He immediately locks his own emotions behind the door of his mind tightly. The last thing II needs is Vessel's own emotions to overwhelm him.

"You're safe II. We're at the manor, in my room. Elvira is at the foot of the bed, staring in contempt at being woken up. The sun is going to rise soon." Vessel repeats in between gentle humming of a random tune for what feels like the longest two minutes he's ever experienced, no matter how his voice strains under his sore throat and his head screams at him to shut his eyes, though no light enters the room.

II shoots up, gasping as a sob rips out of his throat, free hand pressed firmly to his chest as though he was still bleeding out. "Vessel?" He asks quietly, crystal tears with flecks of gold trailing down his cheeks, blue eyes glimmering. "You're here?"

"I'm here. You're safe, II. I will never let anyone hurt you ever again." Vessel reaches up one hand to gently card his fingers through the sweaty mess of II's hair.

II holds Vessel's hand tightly, like a lifeline, broken sobs leaving his lips in loud gasps and cries. His touch is cold, but II couldn't ask for anything more. The simple action helps ground II, listening intently to Vessel's stumbling, soothing reassurances, focusing on calming his breathing. With their masks lain to the side, Vessel is easily able to wipe II's tears with a cold touch that sends shivers down II's spine.

"Thank you." II says finally, after an undetermined amount of time just sitting in each others presence as II calmed down.

Vessel smiles a small thing, a mere quirk of his lips, but his sincerity is felt in II's bones as he says a simple, "Anytime."

II smiles back tiredly, exhausted but almost unwilling to go back to sleep. II lays back down, so Vessel follows. The blanket is pulled over both of them, and for a time there is only the soft snoring of Elvira at their feet and Vessel's wheezing, labored breathing. They lay side by side, arms pressed against each other, and II turns his head to find Vessel already looking at him. Vessel blushes, a pretty pink overtaking his face, and looks away quickly. "Can I hold your hand?" II asks, and Vessel agrees after a moment of hesitation.

If II knew to pay attention, he would feel the lack of heartbeat. Yet, he did not know better, none of them will until the reality of just how far Vessel would go to be loved crashes down on them in the worst way imaginable. For now, Vessel will limit contact, no matter how he craves it, a hunger he can't control but one he knows to ignore. He has had years of practice in ignoring his longing for affection. How was he to know that II would crumble those walls with a glance and a pretty little single-dimpled smile. That others would come and worm their ways into his chest where his heart used to rest and make a home.

II's hand in warm in Vessel's own, wrists not quite pressed together. Vessel wishes he could touch more of II, even if it was through clothes. Maybe he'll take to wearing more long sleeves or his hoodie more often, just to be able to hold II a little closer like that again, if the other man allows it. It would help to hide the cuts and scars that would surely be added onto as soon as Vessel gets the chance.

"Can I lean my head on your shoulder?" II whispers in a breath Vessel barely heard.

Vessel's breath catches in his throat, and if his heart were in his chest it would be pounding like a jackhammer. As it is, the vines in the house shudder once, twice, for the seconds it takes for Vessel to answer with a breathy 'yes' barely louder than II's question, a rattling cough following the action as his lungs strain from that brief moment of less oxygen.

The careful weight of II's head against Vessel's clothed shoulder sends Vessel reeling at the intimacy of such a simple action, almost overwhelmed by the joy that stemmed from II's side of the bond. He knows that it is not much different from them already holding hands, but it feels like Vessel has just leaped off a cliff into frigid ocean waters. He can't remember when any of his partners would do something like this except in the beginnings of the relationship, let alone ask in the first place. Vessel was easy to take from, desperate for love and offering his heart up on a silver platter to anyone who showed him the smallest amount of care, and everyone in his life took and took until there was so little of him left but a broken shell of a man full of love that was never for himself. As it stands, offering his heart up this final time, to a God who offered him anything he desired in return, was the right thing to do if only just because Vessel has been gifted this moment.

"Is this okay?" II asks, keeping to their low volume, and sensing Vessel's unease, but also his elation.

"Yes, yes, its fine." Vessels breathes out, afraid anything louder will ruin the moment.

II falls asleep eventually, breaths evening out and face slackening into peace. Elvira has come to lay on Vessel's legs, a purring rumble filling the air as she kneeds his legs through the blanket.

Vessel is... calm. His mind still runs a mile a minute but he is so focused on the feeling of II so close, the warmth of his touch, that at some point, without his notice, Vessel is lulled into as close to sleep as he can get, listening intently to II's breathing.

::

The next day is much the same as the first, Vessel struggling to see through the pain in his head and the bleariness in his eyes, choking on black sludge that tastes worse than anything else he has ever eaten.

II, having stayed with him for most of the day after waking up, comes back after eating lunch to tell Vessel he was heading to the store for pain medication and some other things he hopes would help Vessel feel better.

"'M going." Vessel insists despite II's protests that he needs to stay and rest.

He crawls out of bed, blinking blearily and crumbles to the floor. Tears prick his eyes, but he refuses to let them fall. His head aches so terribly, but he has to go with II. He has to.

"Vessel, I really think its better if you stay." II attempts to persuade him, taking Vessel's bicep and elbow to help him stand.

"Don't wanna be 'lone." Vessel manages to get out, and II's gaze softens, eyes squinting up a bit, and he relents.

Grabbing the keys, II wraps a blanket around Vessel's shoulders and stuffs his pillow in his arms. Vessel clutches it to his chest, blinking blearily as II puts his mask on his face after adjusting his own so its sits properly. Vessel feels useless, but II won't even let him get a word of protest in, simply shushing him gently, as II helps him navigate the stairs.

Maybe he should have stayed at the house, Vessel thinks, as II manages to stop Vessel from tumbling down the staircase halfway down. He'd feel like less of a burden that way, surely. Already his anxiety is through the roof but he thinks if he tells II to go ahead without him, his anxiety will just build and build until he absolutely has to cut into himself to ease it. Vessel desperately doesn't want II to find him doing that again, as inevitable as he knows it is.

When II finally gets them outside, he sighs as quietly as he can manage, worried that Vessel's legs will give out before they can make it to the car. There is a push from Sleep to look around himself, so he does, and what he sees surprises him. There is a road leading into the forest, each side marked by a white ribbon tied to a low hanging branch of the trees beside it. II and Vessel make their way slowly down it, autumn leaves crunching underfoot. II keeps an eye on Vessel the whole way, admiring how the fractals of light from between the canopies above shine down upon the others unruly hair, creating patterns of yellow, gold, and orange.

Vessel is breathtaking, even sick and stumbling like a drunk man.

II finds that the road cuts the time it would usually take to get to the car in half, to only thirty minutes. A prayer is sent to Sleep in thanks, the God having already done so much more than asked. Vessel leans lightly against him, but every move to try and hold him better leads to Vessel pulling away.

Within minutes of reaching the rundown vehicle, Vessel is sitting curled up in the passenger seat, as much as a man of his size can, with a blanket spread over his lap, and mask held uncomfortably on his face as it is buried under his bedroom pillow to block out light. An unused plastic grocery bag sits at his feet in case he needs to throw up. II keeps one hand holding Vessel's as he drives, the only sound the hum of the car and the low thrum of whatever CD he has picked out. Vessel is thankful that his migraines are made worse by light, and not sound, as thankful as one can be out and about in full daylight. It is both hilarious and sad how far II has to adjust the seat forward so he can reach the pedals, and Vessel holds back a laugh at the sight.

When the car stops, II leaves the car running, the music playing. Promising to be back as quickly as he can, II locks the doors and heads inside the store with a heavy heart and moving like fire were at his heels.

Passing the home decor section, II has a sudden thought, uncaring of the stares he is getting for the mask. II has always brought attention on himself with his alternative clothing and piercings, getting stared at is nothing out of the ordinary, he remembers.

'Sleep, are we going to have issues with light forever? It hurts Vessel and I to be in direct sunlight, and especially right now, Vessel's eyes are extremely sensitive.'

It takes a moment for the God to respond, voice a little distant. 'Your eyes will adjust to the light soon enough, give it time. My first may always be sensitive, but it should lessen to merely being intensely bright lights, or sunlight for long periods that cause pain.' Sleep assures.

'Ah, I see. Thank you, Sleep.'

'Of course, my second.' Sleep responds fondly, voice already fading.

II grabs a couple of plain lamps, a few nightlights and a set of black-out curtains. As II makes his way to the pharmacy section, he passes a large box full of halloween items on clearance. II doesn't really remember what time of year it is, but it must be fate because at the very bottom, one of only two left, is a fluffy plague doctor plushie of a medium size. From its beak, a poppy peeks out, and in it's hands is a Victorian style lantern.

One quick glance and II wants to get it for Vessel. Admittedly, II isn't one for plushies, and he has no way of knowing if Vessel is either, but he wants to get it for him anyway. He wants to see the other man's reaction so badly his heart races in his chest.

II wonders if Vessel would mind if he got a radio and some other things for entertainment before going ahead and getting some things anyway. Vessel can't lay there sick and awake, without something to do.

Other than his find, II makes quick work of the store trip, eager to get back to Vessel. A sigh of relief falls from his lips as he opens the door and Vessel stirs, mask moving up to look in his direction and II holds out his gift with trembling fingers and a heart full of hope.

The uncertainty he stewed in gathering the rest of the items he needed was worth the way all six of Vessel's eyes lit up, a spark of life finally filling them for a moment as the man takes the plush with fingers that tremble just the same as II's.

Fleetingly, with a rueful smile, II wishes he could see his full face, but he supposes the way Vessel's smile was the biggest he'd ever seen would have to do.

"I can't wait to see this properly." Vessel says, looking between II and the plaguedoctor plush with the brightest eyes II has ever seen.

II's heart races, and little butterflies flutter in his stomach, but he smiles back just as wide. "Suppose you'll just have to get better quicker, then?"

Vessel huffs a laugh, bringing the plushie up to cover his mouth that the mask leaves bare, but his smile never falters from behind the plush material. He wishes he could see II's dimple, but the other man's mask is pulled down all the way to where it usually sits around his neck, eyes crinkled at the edges as II squints like he's the one who can't see properly. Its so fucking endearing and Vessel knows, without a shadow of a doubt that if his heart still beat in his chest, he would have offered it up to the other man right then. A prayer of thanks is sent to Sleep, and a subtle 'I told you so' was sent back, causing Vessel to smile wider.

"Mind if I do your hair?" II asks, waving a cluster of newly bought hair ties in hand, and Vessel nods, further surprised by all II is continuing to do for him.

He turns around as best as he can, long limbs making it difficult to move around, and lets II run his fingers through his hair to get it a little less knotted. The mess of hair, differing lengths in something resembling a grown out wolf cut, is soft under II's touch. "Can you move your mask from your face a little?" II requests, and Vessel aquiesces easily.

II's gentle hands pulls the few framing strands of hair from under the mask, pulling all of his hair back into a ponytail that keeps the hair away from his face. It'll make puking into that grocery bag much easier, Vessel realizes, running his fingers over the felt material of the plaguedoctor's lantern.

Vessel's voice is barely normal volume when he asks, feeling down the ponytail with nimble fingers, "You know how to do hair?"

II shrugs as he responds, "My mother-"

He pauses, frowning, eyebrows furrowed in thought as Vessel rights himself in the seat, plushie held securely in his lap. "My mothers," he corrects, "meant to teach me how. I- I just never made the time. I should've."

"You had people who cared for you before you joined Sleep?" Vessel asks, sad for the other man.

Vessel had no one, so he can't imagine how it must feel to have willingly left family behind.

"I think I did. I- I don't regret my choice to be here, I know I don't. I was meant for this, I can feel it in my bones, y'know?"

Vessel thinks back to how he had nothing, no one, was so alone and hated himself so utterly that he killed himself and only then was he brought to his God. Vessel really isn't sure he was meant for this, to be the vessel of a God alongside this man who is already beginning to mean more to Vessel than his heart can bare when he eventually leaves. He merely waits for the day Sleep realizes that these new vessels will spread their message far better than he ever could, and tosses him aside once he is of no use anymore. It always turns out that way.

Vessel smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "Yeah, I know."

He doesn't.

Before II pulls out of the parking spot after putting it in reverse, he offers his hand to Vessel. Vessel clutches the plushie with one arm, taking II's hand with his and holding it reverently. He notices that he didn't even hesitate this time, and wonders when he got so soft, so pathetic and quick to break under his convictions. One of his previous partners would always slap his hand away when he wanted to hold theirs, so Vessel stopped trying. His third partner, who saved him from his previous, was- well, not so nice, but in a thankfully less physical way. II has yet to do anything like that, and its becoming apparent that if he did, Vessel would crumble away from the agony of the first person to act like they for care him finally realizing how undeserving of that care Vessel really is.

The drive back to the manor is uneventful, filled with whatever CD was playing in the radio while Vessel kept his head covered to block out the sun. II keeps a careful eye on the road, but also on Vessel. The other man is feeling a bit better today, it seems, though there is a twinge of pain from the bond that he keeps cracked open, but otherwise, II is happy to say Vessel seems as content as he can be, but II worries he is only projecting calm.

Pulling up to the road leading to the manor, II contemplates leaving the car where it usually sits, but decides against it. It fits through the small space easily, and II watches in the rear view mirror as the tree trunks on either side widen, branches reaching over and entwining, leaving no space for a vehicle to pass through. Eyes wide, he turns back to the road to be sure he doesn't crash the car, his surprise flitting over the bond.

"Y' 'kay?" Vessel mumbles, lightly squeezing II's hand to get his attention, drowsy but awake even now.

His mind begs for rest, but he knows he will not get it.

"The forest blocked off the road we're on at the invisible divide between the outside world and Sleep's mortal realm." II explains, and Vessel hums in response, satisfied with the answer.

"To keep people out." Vessel surmises, blinking blearily up at II whose eyes remain on the road, but Vessel appreciates the small squeeze of his hand that II does in acknowledgement that Vessel spoke.

After parking the car by the house, its a much easier affair getting Vessel into his room than it was before they left. Wrapped up in the blanket as he is, Vessel leans heavily onto II's side, the most contact they've had thus far despite the layers and layers of material between them. II's arm is wrapped around Vessel's shoulder, holding tightly to his bicep. His mask juts uncomfortably into II's shoulder where his head leans. II wouldn't ask him to lift his head for the world. To be allowed this much contact when it was clear Vessel shied away from anything more intimate than holding hands was a miracle II wasn't going to shun.

He worries that once Vessel is better, the other man will pull away. II knows its likely, and hates how quickly he realizes that he'll miss this.

Vessel clutches his plushie to his chest as he sits on his bed with both arms while II goes back and forth between the manor and the car. He sets up Vessel's blackout curtains and lamp. After plugging in the radio and setting it on the floor next to the lamp, he heads out to grab some of Vessel's cd's, making a note to buy some damn nightstands. When Vessel is better, they'll need to go back to the store.

So far, most of this being a Gods vessel thing has been grocery shopping and refurnishing the house. And lots of sickness.

As II comes back in for hopefully the final time, Vessel is watching him, mask off and all six eyes peeking over the hood of his plushie. The red of his irises stand out starkly against the black of his sclera, and as the other man blinks, they seem to glow in the low light. Already pieces of hair have slipped free from the ponytail II had pulled Vessel's hair into, little strands curling at the edges in wild waves that stick to his sweaty cheekbones and forehead, face flush from the fever. II wishes he had a phone, just so he could take a photo. Alas, his phone had been lost with his death. They should probably get some new ones. It's not like they're wanting for money.

Vessel raises an eyebrow at II's still form, locked in place in the doorframe, pretty blues simply staring him down. He wonders what it is II saw to make him freeze like that, pulling his plushie up further and hiding his face in its soft material.

"I noticed sound hurt less than light so I figured you'd enjoy some of your music since there isn't much else you can do right now?" II says, finally, moving further into the room as Elvira weaves between his feet, waving Vessel's CD case around in hand for emphasis.

Vessel says an agreement that ends up muffled by the plushie, but II understands anyway, bringing the CD case over so he can read through Vessel's collection aloud. Vessel listens intently to II, even after a CD is chosen and playing on the radio. II stays awake as long as he can, settling in beside Vessel at some point after having the sick man take some pain killers. II falls asleep turned on his side as Vessel is, facing each other, one hand in Vessel's and the other clutching the sleeve of his hoodie. Elvira curls up at the windowsill behind the curtains where a new pet bed sits.

During the night, II's eyebrows furrow and there is this growing feeling of hunger in Vessel's stomach, loud sounds emitting from his body that Vessel worries will wake II. Vessel senses something, though he isn't sure what, only that it is familiar. On instinct, Vessel reaches out with Sleep's power as it aches in his chest in time with Vessel's hunger.

In his sleep, II's hand has loosened its hold on Vessel's hoodie and Vessel is reaching out, laying a palm against II's temple as the other man sleeps. Before Vessel truly realizes what is going on, an inky swirling black mass filled with glimmering pieces of white, like stars, is encased in his palm, clawed fingers gripping it tightly as he pulls his hand from II's temple, more of the inky substance following the motion.

It gets lost in the darkness of his skin, but Vessel feels it in his palm, soft and wispy around the edges like a... dream.

II's eyebrows even out, face falling into a neutral expression. Vessel breathes a sigh of relief before his attention flits back to the thing in his hand. Without being fully aware of his actions, driven only by an instinct from within his soul, Vessel sits up enough to swallow the thing whole.

It slides down his throat smoothly, settling in his stomach with ease. His hunger abates, stomach satisfied for the first since he became a vessel, but his mind is in a frenzy of confusion and elation, buzzing throughout his body like a livewire.

He shuts his bond off, closing the door with a resounding mental click, II's emotions come through a little muffled afterwards but there isn't a lot of time to focus on that as-

There's yelling in his ears. Someone is demanding money, threats of violence and murder. He feels his own hand as it slams into a jaw, a resounding crack. A body slams into him, he falls, a fist against his cheek, his brow. The asphalt beneath him is cold and disgusting but the sky above is beautiful, an expanse of murky blue with stars peeking through. Feels the knife slide into his chest, once, twice, three times. Spit lands on his cheek after his clothing is rifled through.

"All that fight for twenty fucking dollars?" His attacker mutters, kicking his side as he makes to escape quickly.

It knocks the breath from his lungs. There is something in his throat, bubbling up past his lips. An uncontrollable cough splatters something wet on his face and clothes. He lays there for who knows how long, a grin pulling at his lips, a baring of teeth more than anything. He's dying, but he gave almost as much as he got. It gets cold, colder than the ground beneath him. He wants his cat, hopes his mom won't get rid of her cause she's allergic-

Vessel gasps, coming back to himself. A sob falls from parted lips, gasping breaths as he paws at his chest like the knife was still there, like the wounds still bleed.

This was how II died. Vessel feels it in his very soul.

Vessel's breaths come a little shorter, a little harder to intake, but he won't wake II, refuses to wake him when the other man doesn't stir once during the night, bond remaining a fuzzy sort of peaceful after Vessel ate whatever that was... He thinks it may have been II's nightmare.

It tasted... good. Vessel wants more. Longs for more even as his panic ravages his nervous system, body wracked with shaking as his mind runs wild, clawed fingers digging into his arms, careful not to ruin his favorite hoodie even now, even as tears slip down his cheeks and wet his hair, gold blurring his vision. He feels blood gather in the bandages where the wounds haven't healed all the way, but refuses to move, to do anything but stare up at the ceiling. He'll wait for this to pass, as he always does. When he's better, II will stop being so caring anyway. It's better this way.

::

When II wakes in the morning, he notices first Vessel's labored breathing and clammy skin. A smear of gold at the corner of one of his pairs of eyes, of it in his hair and by his pierced ears. His eyes are closed, but II knows he isn't asleep. That he cannot sleep, even if he wishes to. His eyes are creased in pain, scrunched so tightly they're thin lines on his face, mask lain off to the side, and his lips are pulled tight into a grimace.

II sits up and dabs at Vessel's sweaty forehead with a clean cloth he'd been setting aside for it, upset at the other being unable to sleep during any of this. Upset that Vessel didn't wake him up when it's clear he's been crying. II asks his God aloud if they could let Vessel sleep, even if only for a little while, but the reply causes bitter displeasure to well up within him.

"Vessel has tapped into a power not given to him, my second. He must suffer the consequences, awake, as is his Holy Duty."

Vessel sighs, resigned, already knowing this to be the case, and as used to pain as he is, it doesn't upset him much, easily accepting this answer. II, on the other hand, is not so accepting.

"Can this Holy Duty not wait until he is better?"

"My first did this for-"

'Do not tell him, my God. Please. He doesn't need to know. I am fine with staying awake for this. As you said, it is the consequence of my decision.'

"...Sleep, why did you stop speaking?"

"It is nothing you need concern yourself with, my second. The First will remain awake. He has already agreed to do so."

II turns sharply to stare Vessel down, not able to help the bite in his words, though he regrets it immediately, "Vessel! Why would you-? You don't have to punish yourself even further!"

Vessel cringes away, unable to meet II's eyes, clutching his plushie to his chest, trying to hide behind it. II apologizes for his tone and volume, but makes sure Vessel knows that he does not deserve to suffer. He knows it will take more than a few words in such a short amount of time, but II can only hope that he'll get through to Vessel eventually.

I do deserve it, Vessel thinks. I deserve every bit of this, and I'd do it a million times over if it meant I could still take away II's pain. To see him like that during his transformation... it was nothing short of torture. Vessel knows he shouldn't get attached so easily, but his mind and heart are not always in agreement.

Vessel continues with a fever that he cannot escape from, one that makes him relive memories with people whose faces he cannot see, cannot remember. He remembers the pain they caused, and while the faces and names are indecipherable, the memories, their actions remain in almost vivid detail. He shakes and shivers, but still won't let II any closer to try and keep him warm, never letting his stuffie go, so the shorter man resorts to piling blankets atop him and holding his available hand.

It takes two more days of a fever before it breaks in the afternoon, Vessel's wheezing coughs and aching lungs slowly going away as the days pass. Vessel goes to sit at the piano downstairs at random times of the day, and every time II looks for him, that is where he sits. A journal and pen sits in front of him as he taps out a slow tune on the worn keys, but there is a hint of a smile on his face. The plaguedoctor plush sits on top of the piano, watching over the man as he plays.

"We should probably get to figuring out songs for worship?" II asks, hating to disrupt the other man but knowing this was one of the reasons they were made vessels in the first place.

The smile falls from Vessel's face, but it returns quickly, a shadow of what it was.

Vessel assumed II was going to distance himself due to no longer needing to care for Vessel. He supposes performing one of the few duties their God required of them takes precedence over any annoyance II must feel at Vessel.

II frowns as Vessel presses a few more keys, a low, sad tune not unlike what he was playing before. The other man nods, agreeing, but won't turn to face him, deepening II's frown. II will admit readily that he's worried, but afraid Vessel will pull away entirely. He's given Vessel space, assuming he'd want it after being stuck around II si long while the shorter man took care of him. He wonders, now, if that was the right call.

Vessel gestures to the drumset and asks II quietly if he'd like to show him what he can do. So II does. Shows Vessel some of the songs he's written drums for, shows him covers he's learned and perfected or made him own.

Vessel looks... happy. Awed. To see II at work. Butterflies have made a permanent home in his stomach at the sight of Vessel looking- proud. Proud of II.

"You've clearly put a lot of effort into your instrument. I've never seen someone play the way you do. What are your influences again? Ah, pop, r&b, and gospel, right?" Vessel inquires, genuinely seeming interested.

II knows Vessel has listened to him talk about his drumming before, about his music taste and everything but II- II didn't realize that Vessel listened and remembered.

"Yeah. Metal too, which is mostly what I play. Any free time I had was spent learning the drums and analyzing my favorite drummers. I- I put a lot of time and effort into this." II replies, eyes wide, tapping out a quiet beat on the hi-hats.

"You're good, very good. I see you've worked for this level of skill. I'm not adept with the drums but even I can see that." Vessel affirms, smiling wide as he fixes his position at the piano from where he's turned to watch II play.

"You think you could come up with something for this song?" Vessel asks, beginning to play a soft tune.

II cannot do anything but stare, utterly captivated, as Vessel, masked, takes one last nervous glance at II, a deep, steadying breath, then begins to sing.

"Fold, secrets in the sweat, Like I, Swallow years beneath this bed. Until I wake I, dine on old encounters~" Vessel continues off into a lower register, vocals getting more powerful and already II can imagine what he'd do with him drumkit to follow along with the others man's voice.

It's over long before II wishes it was, and Vessel glances back at him shyly, explaining it was only a small section that he'd completed. It was the first time II had ever heard the other man sing fully before, only soft hums and quiet, almost whispers of lyrics when he was working in his notebook. His control and range was phenomenal, each word deliberately pronounced in a specific way that struck II as odd, but- but entrancing.

"Your voice is beautiful. It must have taken you ages to get that kind of control over it." Vessel blushes at II's compliment, the tips of his pointed ears turning rosy alongside the tint to his cheeks.

"It's not that great. I have a lot to improve on." II frowns slightly at Vessel clearly trying to deflect the compliments but leaves it be.

Something to be worked on, it seems, not that II minds. He'll gladly sing his praises over Vessel's vocal ability until the man finally understands that II truly thinks he's talented.

II thinks back to the song Vessel sung and begins to play what comes to mind. The first few beats don't sound quite right so he tries them a little differently the second go around, and finds it fits much better than before. When II has a good rhythm going, Vessel begins to sing again, those same lines from before.

Sleep's presence becomes more pronounced, their blood singing in tune with the God. Their skin begins to change, both of them, the darkness of their arms spreading up and covering their entire bodies. II's eyes glow bright blue when Vessel glances at him, and knows his must be glowing a bloody red.

II has worked with others in the past, he knows he has, remembers some not so great moments and people, but this sense of rightness, this euphoria when he plays music with Vessel is unlike anything he's ever experienced before. He knows it in his bone marrow, rushing through every vein.

They were meant for this.

It is not easy, despite their skill. They get stuck on certain parts of songs, respectively, give each other space when they need it and ideas or someone to bounce ideas off of when things get overwhelming. It is not easy, when Vessel's lyrics touch his soul so deeply he breaks down into sobs writing them, singing them. Such agony cracks his voice, baring his pain for the world to witness. It breaks II's heart to see him like this, but it is also relieving. Bringing all this pain back to the surface is not without its benefits. Inch by inch, so miniscule you'd barely notice at all if not for the bond connecting their souls, II can feel some of Vessel's pain slipping away the more of his soul he bares in their music. II likes to think that putting it out in the world and unlocking it from his heart is therapeutic, in some way. He has to believe it, because II wants Vessel to heal, he wants him happy, and playing music is one of the only times a true smile lights up Vessel's face, as anguished as he is, dripping tears onto his jeans.

There is peace to be found in the quieter moments, the days passing by but not without hardship. Vessel struggles with his mental health, with the effects of their God not letting his human mind rest, but he has II even as Vessel keeps him at as much of a distance as his heart will allow.