Proximity Alone

Eris had ended up passing out halfway throughout her bath. Vanitas has only found this out due to the fact he had asked her to tap on the side of the tub every time he asked her to, in order to make sure she was still conscious. He had freaked out when he found out, pushing back the curtains without hesitation. He blushed slightly at the image, but pushed it aside to wrap one arm around her back and the other looped under her legs. Gathering her up and holding her close to his chest as he carried her bridal style back to room with water soaking most of his upper body.

He lightly kicked open her bedroom door, and entered. He laid her unconscious body down on her bed gently, then shedding of his zipped up leather jacket and the thin band tee shirt underneath. He lifted her up as he held her back and dressed her in his tee. While he knew her body probably needed to breathe, he couldn't quite leave her as she was. Resting her head on the pillows, he exited once more to grab a rag from the bathroom and run water over it. He twisted it twice then folded it as he walked back in the room.

He placed it on her forehead and sat on the side of the bed. He stared at her while she breathed quietly, her chest rising and falling at its own pace. He laid back, resting his head on Eris' lap. His black hair tickled against the girl's damp legs. He sighed out as he closed his eyes, lulling into a light sleep.

Vanitas felt like he had only slept for a couple minutes, but he was waken suddenly by the sound of a flash. His eyes cracked open slowly, focus adjusting on the boys in front of him. As he heard another snap, his eyes widened. He raised up quickly as he realized what exactly they were doing. He stood and blocked the phone's camera with his hand. "What do you think you're doing?" He growled, his voice low and rough.

Ventus laughed nervously as he tried to pull his phone away from Vanitas' firm grip. The taller ebony haired teen narrowed his eyes as he pulled the phone away from his younger brother. "Christ, what exactly do you think you're doing?" Vanitas asked, looking through the pictures just taken. "Do you not see how she's dressed? Look, she's sick—she passed out in the bath earlier today and I had to sit her in here, okay? I'm pretty sure she wouldn't pictures of her like that."

He subsequently deleted the photos taken, and handed the phone back to Ventus. "Anyway, how did it go?" He asked, running a hand through his messy bedhead.

Sora beamed from behind Ventus, "It went great! We both got the job."

Roxas nodded as he stood next to Sora, "It definitely went better than I thought it would. I guess since Ven already works there and put in a good word for us?"

Vanitas smirked. "Figures. It took you all long enough, though. I wondering how long you both would stay jobless bums," He laughed, crossing his arms. "Alright, get out. Let Eris rest up." The boys nodded and quickly scattered. Vanitas lingered behind for a moment, sparing Eris one last glance before quietly closing the door behind him as he left.

"Vanitas," Riku suddenly called from the bottom of the stairs. Vanitas peered down from the railing. "Come down here, I need to update you on our situation." Vanitas knew what that meant; he rushed down the stairs.

"What's wrong?" He asked, eyebrows creasing.

"My parents want everyone to come over tomorrow," Riku told him simply. "They want to meet everyone since they're paying for the house. They told me that they figured they'd determine whether or not they'll continue to pay for it, if you all don't seem like a bunch of freeloaders."

"God, I hate your parents but I can't say anything. I owe it to them for letting us live in one of their vacation homes. I don't know what I'd would have done if they hadn't. Definitely wouldn't have had it as good as we have," he rambled, letting out a sharp exhale. "That's fine. I'll go out with the others and buy some shit for them to wear."

"Buy flowers, too. My parents will probably like that," Riku intercepted, pulling out his wallet. Pulling out a couple hundreds, he pushed them into Vanitas' hand. "Also, I heard what you said about Eris. I'll figure something out tonight. I'll see if my parents will let her off the hook for now or not."

Riku's eyes narrowed. "Get this done, and quick. I don't care if you use up all my money, but don't half ass this, okay?"