inter paradisum et infernum, E, Vash the Stampede/Nicholas D. Wolfwood, 40k in 6 chapters posted weekly
Second chapter is up! Sneak peek:
“I thought after hearing you preach, I’d understand better what way God made you,” Vash says. His arms are crossed, and he leans heavier into the wall as he looks up into the dim rafters, as if God lurks there in readiness to give a detailed accounting of Nicholas’ various ways. “But now, I think I understand less.” Vash shoulders himself off the wall, arms dropping down, and advances down the aisle towards Nicholas. Nicholas tries not to think of it as the opening charge of a battle. “So here I am thinking, what’s hidden in the depths underneath that pretty sermon?”
Nicholas bites down a snarl as he raises his eyes to the ceiling. The question feels mocking, given how Nicholas had cracked open his chest and allowed his secret shame to flow out. As flat as he can, he says, “Things that are meant to stay hidden.”
“All things come to the light eventually,” Vash says, too close. Nicholas jerks his head down to see Vash standing before him, glowing under the sunbeam that kisses Nicholas’ back. “I’m surprised you don’t know that, Father.”
Nicholas should disengage, should give a serene smile and tell him the ways of God are mysterious and walk away like a good pastor. But the horns of war have been blown, and Nicholas is shit at ignoring their call. “Tell me, what’s hidden in your depths that must come to light? Or are you asking me to speak on what you’re unwilling to say yourself?”
They stare at each other for a long moment, Nicholas’ face in shadow and Vash’s in the light. “Perhaps I am,” Vash finally concedes.
