Why Your Feet Look Like That Tho [Plantcest | Vash/Knives]

[DirtyDeku]

Flesh and clothing pulled over a frame, an uncanny love letter to the human form.

He was alarmingly good at looking like any other person on the street, and really, that was his intention from the very beginning. Months spent tweaking his appearance, counting and recounting fingers, watching people from afar to understand their proportions. Even when Public Safety found him he had been a crude image of a man, limbs uneven, awkward gait, teeth and his tongue clumsily formed. Unsure of who he was, where to even begin building his new identity.

It took another couple of months for him to perfect his visage, much to the annoyance and discomfort of the Hunters around him. It wasn't natural for a Devil to cling so lovingly to something as imperfect as the human body, and even when they did so to appease Public Safety, they kept some aspect of their inhuman origins.

Vash could, and he did in dire situations, but three pairs of stark white-feathered wings sprouting from his body interrupted his admiration for the humans he was surrounded by and loved so dearly. Said wings also took up more space than was convenient for him, and especially for others. As for a halo? He thought they were gaudy and drew attention and unwanted prayers to him.

Well-- it was more that he disliked being unable to make people's prayers come true, not that he hated hearing them. He was prone to stopping and sparking a conversation with people whose gazes lingered too long, which in turn kept him from doing what he was told to do in a timely manner.

Which is exactly why he was called in to discuss his future working for Public Safety. It made sense! He understood why he was being hit with the professional version of a we need to talk... text message. Hell, he even knew what could happen if he didn't straighten his shit out. See, there wasn't really a way to change him as a Devil, but once demoted to a Fiend? Much easier to control, significantly less powerful, quick to follow orders from those above him.

The implication of a human being killed for him to take as a vessel rested in the back of his mind, weighing heavy. That wasn't something he was willing to let happen, even if he had to bear the consequences entirely by himself. He'd take work more seriously, he swears!

He spends more time than usual checking himself in the reflection of a window a couple of doors down from the office he was supposed to be meeting more-or-less boss (apparently this guy had a lot of people above him, too, but he was considered to mostly be in charge...?) in, straightening his tie and suit jacket. He couldn't help but smile a little at the realization he looks like a penguin, turning and walking the couple of doors down. He usually settled on just the dress shirt with the left sleeve rolled up over his prosthesis, but first impressions matter! He still wore his sunglasses to keep it slightly casual though.

He knocks three times before turning the doorknob and stepping inside with a warm expression.

...

It's like looking in a mirror. Vash's expression dissolves into bewilderment, leaning back into the hallway to glance back the way he came. He wasn't trapped in an illusion like that one time, was he? He'd taken the elevator up and none of the floors had repeated, and he hadn't looped around over and over again. There was still an immense feeling of... something, though. Probably just being intimidated by an authority figure? One that looks exactly like him? Just... noticeably sculpted by the Gods, or whatever. His own existence questioned the existence of Gods in itself.

Stepping back into the room and closing the door behind himself, he rubs the back of his neck and hangs his head apologetically. "Sorry! Um, I didn't expect, y'know, you..."

He laughs a little, to himself. Unnerved. "Well, moving past that. You wanted to see me?"

[CRYBABY]

Everything was falling into place perfectly. Exactly how Knives envisioned it, though this was not surprising considering his level of influence. Knives excelled at anything and everything, he climbed the ranks as a Devil Hunter quicker than anyone had seen. This may have led to the man becoming a bit cocky, but could he be blamed? Wouldn’t anyone else with this power use it exactly as he did? It’s easy to say you’d be the good guy, to use such power to help others, but when you fly too close to the sun you begin to see what it’s truly made of. Either way, simply put, Millions Knives got what he wanted, and if anyone stood in his way they were reduced to a mere stain on the pavement.

But like all good things, there was an exception to the rule, something–someone–that Knives wanted more than anything. That he dreamed of, that he orchestrated this entire useless plotline for. The one person that despite his want, his need for, he couldn’t have; the one thing Knives couldn’t keep tied up in a pretty little bow. Vash. It almost felt like he wasn’t allowed to have his sweet, kind hearted, human-loving, brother, as if this was his punishment for being what he was.

No.. impossible, for those limits only affect mortals.

Knives had been successfully camouflaging among humans for some time now, anytime someone found out what he truly was, they no longer had a tongue to speak with or hands to write. Over time as he perfected human mannerisms he was undetectable to them, the only threat to his identity being other devils. Though that wasn’t much of an issue considering the complex relationship devils had with Devil Hunters

He was perfectly safe.

Knives had manifested on Earth prior to the other blond, or so it seemed, as he couldn't quite place when Vash arrived, but that he knew immediately when he did, as if Knives was created with a GPS that took him directly to his brother. From that day on there wasn’t a step Vash took that Knives didn’t know about; a person he helped, a meal he ate, a dog he pet– all the while being completely naive to the fact that he was being watched.

It was endearing, he had to admit, the way Vash carried himself when he thought no one was looking. He was kind, he was generous, he was determined, qualities he not only showed the public, but that he kept true to himself even when he was alone. Knives admired him for that, needed him for that. But there was something else, a deep rooted sadness that the other devil couldn’t quite understand, couldn’t relate to. The thought of anyone else getting to see this side of his brother boiled his blood; he would do anything.. anything to keep this their little secret.

…

Present day, Knives sat in his office, behind his desk with one leg crossed over the other. Waiting patiently for the Hunter in question. His pale blond hair was slicked back, a few loose strands framing his handsome face. He was eager to finally meet Vash face to face, but he knew he needed to play it cool, he needed to keep up appearances. He was the guys boss after all, and he really had no idea whether Vash would even recognize him. It had been far too long since the two shared a room.

Three rhythmic knocks came but before he could instruct his awaited guest to enter, the door was opening and he was struck with such a wonderful sight. The pale blond allowed for a slight smile to grace his typically frowning lips as the other acted so surprised by their identical appearance.

“You weren’t expecting me?” he teased, motioning for Vash to take a seat in the empty chair across from his desk. “Then who were you expecting, dear Vash?”

He decided not to push too hard and quickly moved to answer the man’s question with a nod. “Your performance is lacking.” he began, staring down at the file report he held in his hand. “Care to explain yourself?”

[DirtyDeku]

Most of his fellow Devils had some form of memory, whether it be centuries long or a couple of hours. Vash, though, couldn't recall much of anything besides the time he had spent in the countryside. He'd begun as a tiny thing, a pathetic pile of wings that couldn't even lift itself into the air. Weakened by something, presumably what had killed him upon reincarnating in Hell. Weakly flopping through the brush to avoid being picked off by wildlife until he was able to lap up enough blood from prey left behind by predators. It was from there that he could clearly remember, creeping around and lovingly forming the faces and body parts of passerby.

As the Seraph Devil, he did hold more power than people assumed, and Public Safety definitely knew that. Why else would he be held to such high standards that he didn't meet in the slightest? Not to mention he could think of a couple ways to up productivity while gaining intel on Devils that may or may not be in the vicinity, or any concerns civilians had regarding Devils. It all has a way of circling back to this guy shouldn't have a damn job. Embarrassing. Embarrassing but also just... generally not protecting his beloved humans like he swore he would do every day.

Oof. Realizing that really makes him feel like a kicked puppy, but it was his own fault in the end. Not a good thing, looking so pathetic in front of his boss. He might as well be a sopping wet beast. He was forced to eat cement. He is NOT God's strongest soldier, nor was he Millions Knives little pogchamp. ...That he knew of.

Unsure of where he would even begin with explaining himself about his surprise, he decides to just leave it untouched and get right to what he was there for. He sinks into the chair with an expression between sheepishness and disappointment-- in himself-- and let out a long sigh to settle his nerves. "I haven't been doing what I'm supposed to be doing. I don't even have an excuse, it's not like you're asking me to exterminate, y'know, people..."

His unease starts to simmer again, teeth catching his bottom lip between them as he considers his next words. Apologize? Beg him not to reassign Wolfwood to a new partner and deal with Vash? He doesn't mind dying as much as he should, but he couldn't bear to live knowing a human would die just for the higher-ups to make him more manageable.

"Please give me another chance," He forces out, his posture stiffening in his seat. "I'll make good on my word. Any orders will be shown through to the end as soon as they're given. J-Just... please don't take your anger out on Wolfwood, he hasn't done anything. No! That's the problem, he's done everything. Everything I've said I would do."

[CRYBABY]

He clenched the file in his hand, crumbling it into a ball, at the mention of Wolfwood. Knives wasn’t happy whatsoever with having Vash on his team, but it was the best option considering Wolfwood was one of his more loyal men. He could trust that the sucker would do everything in his power to keep Vash safe if it came to that. Besides, the idiot knew his way around devils and fiends well enough not to make any mistakes.

He sighed, setting his face back to neutral as he allowed the paper to fall from his lap landing in the small trash bin below his desk. He leaned against the armrest of his chair, resting his chin in the palm of his hand. He took a moment to consider what his little brother was saying, allowing the room to fill with thick, uncomfortable silence. “You lack motivation,” he commented suddenly. “Why did you agree to join Public Safety?”

Knives knew the answer. Vash wanted to live, wanted to protect the humans, wanted to love them, save them. Tch. It made him sick. He had seen a lot in his time on Earth, but a devil that loved humans? Cared for them? Unspeakable. Humans are a disease, a plague on this planet and the next. They’re weak, pathetic, useless.. conjuring devils with their fears merely to cast them away, to condemn them to misery. One would be a fool to trust the humans; the devil’s waiting below in the Public Safety catacombs to sign contracts similar to granting wishes being a prime example of what the humans are capable of.

When he first manifested on Earth, Knives had neutral feelings towards the worm’s, he had no intentions of killing humans beyond what was necessary for his healing purposes. In fact, he wanted to coexist in a symbiotic relationship where they both could benefit. That was until he saw what they were truly capable of. War, famine, death… the humans would easily slaughter each other like livestock and no one would bat an eye; all of them caring for little outside their own puny, worthless lives. It was then that he decided to control them, to get what he wanted through force just like they did… to create a world for the devil's.. for Vash.

[DirtyDeku]

Uh oh, guess he must have said something particularly distasteful, even though he was literally begging to not be fired. As a Devil, he shouldn't even be worried about trying to please who he assumes is a human, but the instinct to behave when faced with an intimidating authority figure is strong. Not to mention that he was already unsettled, being sat across from somebody who he had never met but somehow looked almost identical to him.

Had he observed Knives before and accidentally based his entire appearance on him? No, he couldn't have. They were two different builds, Vash had artificial limbs-- ones he didn't necessarily need, sure, but still--, hundreds of scars from Devils and humans alike. It wasn't like he could fact check that last part, but there was simply no way. He wouldn't be surprised if Knives was entirely unblemished, the perfect specimen.

That was kind of a weird thing to think.

Knives is his boss, and this was their first time even meeting. He's never even spoken to him over the phone! Though, he was more likely to turn his affections towards humans. Not the point though, and definitely not why he was here.

"I want to protect humans! It's not your fault that you guys have to fight back. Devils attack when backed into a corner, too, and so much worse than you do." His bottom lip quivers a little, but he refuses to be let go this easily. Though, calling his brother a human might be one of the most vile insults he could have unintentionally made towards him. Oopsie daisy!

"Please don't fire me, Knives-sama!" He pleads, putting his palms together and lowering his head in submission. Getting down on his hands and knees seemed a bit extreme, but he wasn't entirely against that... He'd let a human do just about anything to him if it meant they would think he was funny or worth keeping around. He didn't get upset about being humiliated as long as it made the people around him laugh. "Wolfwood has gotten really far in piecing the Gun Devil back together! I'll clean my act up, I promise! I just... I can't leave him all by himself. He'll run himself into the ground if I do."

[CRYBABY]

Before Knives could hold himself back, his face was littered with disgust at being referred to as a human. Vash, Vash, Vash... so kind, so considerate, so fucking naive. He was truly an Angel, so pure, so corruptible, it was almost too much for Knives to bear. He softened his face, allowing the insult to wash off his back, he needed to remain undetectable after all. He smiled, straightening his gaze to make eye contact with Vash, before letting out a small chuckle. "Yes, dear Vash, how small and weak us humans must be compared to you Devil's, but how lucky we are to have someone like you to take pity and fight on our side. You truly are an Angel."

Knives lips quivered into a grin at the sight of submission. God this was all he ever wanted, Vash in his office, begging for him, pleading for mercy that only his big brother could give him. The older man stood, quite amused with the blond's display, he sauntered over to Vash. He gently lifted the young man's face by his chin, a bit erotic for a meeting between boss and employee but any opening Knives had to caress Vash, he would gladly take. He had been deprived for too long. Knives smiled at him once more. "I'm not going to fire you. Instead, I'm going to assign you a partner, someone that can keep you on track. How does that sound?" He asked, rubbing his thumb dangerously close to Vash's pretty, pink lips.

[DirtyDeku]

Vash looks up from his pleading just in time to catch the disgust on Knives' face and he just about bursts into tears, but just as fast as it appeared, it disappeared and was replaced with a softer expression. Jeez. This guy is so, so incredibly scary. Why was his presence so immense? Vash felt like he was in the same room as an equally, or more, powerful Devil than himself. He likes being called a pet name like that but it felt like Knives was offended by him saying that humans were weaker than Devils. It was true, he wouldn't lie to somebody like that! And then he's standing up and approaching and--

Errr... Was there an HR Department for Devils? Probably not, considering most Devils would tear a human limb from limb if they were being harassed. The problem fixes itself. But then there's Vash, who would let everyone and anybody walk all over him if it meant he got to stay on Earth with the humans. Vash flushes in the face, but he stays still and just... lets this happen to him, despite his insane amount of confusion. People say that Devil Hunters have to be off their rocker to do the job, so he guessed that also meant the person in charge of them all. "A partner...? I'll do whatever you want me to, Knives-sama."

Except for exterminate the humans.

[CRYBABY]

Allowing his thumb to trace over Vash's lips fully, pulling back his bottom lip as he took his hand away, letting the finger beneath Vash's chin linger. Anything for him? His mind raced with images of Vash on his knees under the desk while Knives held a meeting with that good for nothing Wolfwood, or pressed completely nude up against the floor length window while Knives pounded him... he shook his head ridding himself of those thoughts for now. "Good boy, Vash, that's what I like to hear."

"Meet me at my office by 8:30am tomorrow and I'll introduce you to your new partner," he placed one of his hands in his pocket, checking the watch on his other wrist. He considered for a moment.. thinking about the importance of keeping up appearances before he decided it wasn't unusual for superiors to take their subordinates out after work. "It's getting late, how about you join me for dinner tonight?"

[DirtyDeku]

Umm, 911, Vash is being harassed in the workplace! There's not really anybody who could help him right now though, and he doubts anybody would have pity on a Devil like him... A bit painful, but Vash has accepted his role as a punching bag for humanity. He loved them. The way their faces creased when deep in emotion, how some people snorted when they laughed, ten fingers and ten toes, how easily they were moved to tears even if they were known for being tough. Dimples, pouches of fat, beauty marks, body hair, asymmetrical facial features, birthmarks-- how his heart longed for such a simple life. Some long, some short, some elongated by a stranger's selfless donation, some shortened in a selfless act of sacrifice.

He'd be lying if he said he didn't lie awake some nights, restlessly rolling back and forth from each of his sides. Weeping into his pillow, cursing whatever being brought him into existence as a Devil instead of a human. He failed to recognize his existence coming to be because of humans and their fears.

When Knives' finger pulls his bottom lip down, his teeth are pristine and, from a glance at least, there seemed to be the perfect amount of them. In truth he'd spent a long time studying, peering into Wolfwood's mouth whenever he yawned or bared them at him in a mock-threat (...or real threat? Vash never really knew) and taking in every diagram he saw in books. Unfortunately he's also very weak to praise, so his nervous thoughts turn to static between his ears and his face flushes, ever so slightly. How'd he figure out how to do that?

"Well-- I don't have anywhere else to be, to be honest," He admits. He doesn't! If anything he'd just go back to his Public Safety dorm and just... hang out, really. Watch TV? Wish he could become any of the people he saw in TV shows? Maybe take a self-pity nap? He always wakes up feeling like shit though. Sucks. "I've never been out past curfew-- since I started living here, I mean."