Calm in the Storm | Vinzent + Abel | The Desert Island Car

Abel Lazarus

A moment of reprieve was nice and much needed by these two. Abel sits by a tree and attempts to finger comb what he can reach of his hair- which is certainly not the easiest ordeal. His range of motion is limited when it comes to reaching up- and using just one hand doesn’t feel like enough- especially since he wants to redo his ponytail. Wet hair loves to tangle around hair ties and he doesn’t have the strength to deal with the pain of pulling any out right now.

But still. The weather was nice on the beach even if the wet clothes were uncomfortable. Sitting in the sun- in the quiet- (It’s actually not quiet. His phone still works and he’s playing Celine Dion quietly- but you know.) It’s a good chance to relax. He just looks thoughtful- less harsh than usual.

A good moment for two people who haven’t spoken in a bit to catch up! If Vinzent wants to come sit with Abel of course.

If anything- he at least knows Abel won’t push him on anything he doesn’t want to talk about.

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus

Being water dumped earlier sure didn’t help Vinzent’s hair. If it was relatively wet earlier, now it’s even more wet. Absolutely soaked. That said, he wasn’t too bothered. The conversation with a strange combination of people could have gone worse, he supposed. But it didn’t. Thankfully. So in a relative better spirit than earlier, in part because of what was shown to Jack and Viper was already too late to take back. And in part because some of the weight was lifted, a bit. Still, Vinzent wasn’t going to tell just about anyone else of what he relived that freely. But maybe he could give more context… If he was ever asked.

That said, as he saw Abel, who he hasn’t talked to for a while, Vinzent joined him to sit down. And their first conversation was quite awkward at first but it ended on a good note…! Maybe this time it will go smoothly too. Hopefully totally, this time!

Vinzent hasn’t said anything yet, preferring to not startle Abel much. He heard the music, but didn’t quite recognize it, yet. It’d take him a bit for him to know who it is singing… That’s what happens when you’re specifically a punk fan and not much else, really. At least he wasn’t uncultured- Just unfamiliar.

Abel Lazarus

This conversation has every reason to go well!

Abel notices Vinzent come sit- but he finishes combing through a low knot before he acknowledges him. He nods his head at him- before looking back in worry at his hair.

“I don’t think that much sea water can possibly be good for someone.” Definitely not when you’ve inhaled some of it- “I wonder if we can shake Comedy down for some shampoo and conditioner.”

Which isn’t even the half of what Abel Actually uses in his hair- being quite into his appearance he does take very good care of it- but still. It’s a start. Salt might help the volume of his hair but it’s definitely bad for the moisture levels-

“… and a hair brush.” He says this one quieter and more grumpy as his fingers catch on another knot.

“Maybe the next train car can be the hygiene car and we can all take proper baths and change our clothes.” What a dream that would be. Much better than these dumb tapes anyway.

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus

“Ah, that… Maybe. I think it wasn’t supposed to be sea water. But, I guess, it might be.” Where did Jack got the water anyway? There weren’t many options at hand.

Seeing that Comedy is here, it’s not a bad idea, really. They should know a thing or two for the location of the hair care products, right?

Lo and behold, he did not bring a hairbrush either. This wasn’t a planned trip, there was no need.

“I’d appreciate that… Later, maybe. And I don’t even have one but… I tend to brush my hair with my fingers even if I don’t have a brush, it’s not helpful. But better than nothing.”

He chuckles. Yeah, that would have been better, they’ve spent too long in their current clothes, it was uncomfortable, but well… Shit Happens™.

“That would be perfect, I agree.”

Abel Lazarus

“I assume it is since it’s ocean water.” Abel doesn’t know Vinzent has been double dunked. He’s just assuming they both have their hair soaked from the earlier situation. Sure he’s damper than Abel would expect at this point but Abel won’t judge. Maybe he took another dip. Maybe he dries slower. How would Abel know?

“I doubt Comedy has a hair brush unfortunately. It doesn’t look like he’s ever brushed his hair-“ he cuts himself off with a wince as he accidentally attempts to move his bad arm too high. Seems he can’t reach anymore of his hair. He cradles his bad shoulder and looks a bit irritated and in pain.

He won’t ask. That’s embarrassing- what do you mean he can’t take care of himself? All the same- if Vinzent were to offer-

“I’m not sure he’s even seen a brush.” He finishes his joke once he’s recovered, his cheeks tinged red with embarrassment.

“… do the denizens even need to shower?” He asks suddenly. They’re here all the time right? Ugh. Magic stuff. Weird.

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus

“Well… Perhaps.” Should he tell Abel about earlier? It wasn’t bad. Just odd.

“Viper dunked water on me to, uh. Snap me out of my thoughts. Which… I appreciate because… I saw my tape and well.”

Not something more people should see. But how was he going to phrase this?

“It revived old wounds in me. I was sure I’d forget it but… Anyway. We’re not here to talk about what I’ve been gone through, but uh…”

It’d give more context to that chart you got from that machine, is what he almost said. But that would tell too much.

And frankly he doesn’t want the rest of the world to know either.

The man frowned in worry at Abel’s wincing but it looked like he got it handled. Mostly.

At Abel’s joke, Vinzent smiled.

“I wonder too… Say, would that bother you if I helped you with your hair? Since your shoulder is still healing… If it’s just redoing your hair in a ponytail after it dries more, I can help you do that.”

Straight to the point. Well then. At least Vinzent asked, just to be sure. Besides it’s a simple hairstyle. It’s just a matter of drying it before.

Abel Lazarus

“Viper helped me after my tape too.” Abel doesn’t really think about the chart at the moment- and while he’s definitely curious he, again, won’t ask or push. “Though- she didn’t dump any water on me.” Granted, he wasn’t catatonic like Vinzent had been-

“She’s good at comforting, I think.” Friends : )

At the offer to help Abel with his hair he pauses- turns red again as he feels embarrassed he can’t help himself- and nods. “I, uh.”

Wow- see normally he’d super just be like ‘absolutely do things for me’ a lot easier but there’s a moment of it being a bit harder. Maybe his tape was affecting him more than he thought- Perhaps the reminder that his anger is something he sees as tied to his mother is what makes it easier to can the annoyance at himself for needing help.

“I’d appreciate it.”

Abel’s been to therapy. He never listened to the therapists very well but he does think he remembers one of them telling him that accepting help is okay. Besides. He is injured. It makes sense to need help. Right?

“I can help you with yours too, if you like.” Because he can’t help himself. Maybe it was watching himself as a child trying so hard that brought this part of him back out- maybe it’s having no work to distract himself with- but either way.

He likes to be helpful. People like you more when you are, and he wants Vinzent to like him.

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus

Friends!!! Vinzent wasn’t sure about that comforting bit but… Honestly it wasn’t the worst, really. Just unusual.

Vinzent waited for Abel to give a definitive answer to his suggestion to help him. And when he does, the shorter man smiled, and he looks like he’s about to move behind Abel to untie his hair when- Oh! Well.

“Yeah, I’d like that. Though don’t push yourself too much, okay? First, lemme help you-”

He really didn’t mind if in the end, they took care of each other’s hair. Vinzent was just a tad worried about Abel’s limited movements but he thinks that Abel will be fine too. He will find a way, right? Either way, Vinzent then moved behind Abel to untie his hair. Free the hair now!!!

Abel Lazarus

“I’ll be okay.” Yeah we can’t win them all. He’s not going to admit with his words that it might be difficult- but still. Doing someone else’s hair is easier because at least there’s more maneuverability.

With his hair let loose it’s obvious he’s got a Lot of it. There’s a dent from the hair tie being in for days and a few bad knots- but it’s healthy and soft.

It. Does occur to Abel that he hasn’t had someone brush his hair since he was a toddler- but he’s ignoring that pretty hard.

“… So, you’re friends with Viper too?” Omg did he just admit he sees Viper as a friend? Awe. Also definitely an awkward question but he’s. Trying. He’s picking at the sand and trying to be Normal.

Very cool Abel.

“Thank you for helping me save her earlier, by the way.” Quieter.

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus

“Alright!”

Vinzent could notice the dent, and he’s doing his best to be gentle as possible when brushing Abel’s hair with his fingers. He appreciated how soft it is… It’s been a while since he technically played in someone else’s hair, as he always played with his own once it got long enough. This is… Fun!

Then when Abel asked a question, this one surprised Vinzent, getting him to slow down on the brushing as he was thinking. They weren’t necessarily besties, but Vinzent found that he got along with Viper rather well! No clashes at all, and he’d rather keep it this way.

“Uh.. Well… Not exactly as a friend? But we get along quite fine. I’d like to get to know her much more though. We’ve finally had a nice chat though back in that dumb car. And we managed to build something together…” Ah, that IKEA hell.

Friend… He still wasn’t sure, but when she’s standing next to Jack, she’s definitely more bearable than him. Kind of. And Jack still is a oddball so, uh. Maybe Viper did indeed win more friendship points with Vinzent. He did hear what Abel said, as he was close.

“I’d like to talk to her more though, yeah. And of course… I felt it was important to be sure people were safe first and most.”

Abel Lazarus

Vinzent is a lot better of a person than Abel is- but Abel’s known that. Had he been capable of swimming like usual- he still wouldn’t have dunked himself for most people.

Perhaps he should take some sort of a note here? Maybe. Helping people is nice Abel. Within reason of course.

“She’s nice.” He’s picking at the sand and enjoying the feeling of his hair being played with. He’s done Cain’s hair before certainly, but that’s because Cain was willing to admit when he needed help with things. He closes his eyes and just enjoys the sunshine and the feeling of touch. He’s so touch starved. “I recommend it.”

He’s got to talk Viper up. That’s how you have friends right? You talk about them? That makes sense.

But Abel isn’t really sure where to take the conversation from there. Hm. He grabs his phone and changes the music- my heart will go on is perfect to play after the time he had earlier.

“… have you seen Titanic?” THERE WE GO BUDDY. Talk about interests!!! That’s (probably) how you make friends!

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus

Vinzent’s fingers continued to run alongside Abel’s hair, while he took care to not go too fast just in case it grabbed a knot. He was thinking once again about the typewriter he still has in his possession. Is it busted? Quite probably yes. Would he still try to fix it later and see if Abel still wants to keep it despite the bad state? Also yes. But only if Abel wants to. Vinzent won’t pull away pieces of the typewriter just like that.

… Anyway! They were talking about Viper. He hummed in agreement.

“Don’t worry, I will!”

At this point, Vinzent still was brushing Abel’s hair, pondering whenever to braid it or just.. Tie a ponytail, like Abel wears it usually, but only after it is dried. Abel’s attempt at more conversation was appreciated. And at least it is something that even Vinzent vaguely recognize.

Admittedly, the most of the Titanic lore Vinzent has seen was mostly from memes and cultural references, songs included. He’s not certain if he has seen the actual movie itself… Perhaps he should just admit it.

“Not the movie itself no, but I know of it.” That said… It’ll be nice to let Abel talk about something he likes, right?

“However! If you want, you can talk about it, I’d be happy to learn more about what you liked and liked less with the movie! I’m all ears. I think I’d also rather learn from someone who has seen the movie than relying on references, you get what I mean?”

Abel Lazarus

Abel won’t mind if Vinzent changes his hair style up on him. It’s not the end of the world to rock a braid for a few days as far as he’s concerned.

“It’s a good movie.” He flushes a little at admitting it. Okay so maybe his internal dialogue in the Atsuko thread was a teensy bit of a lie. He hasn’t ENTIRELY locked his romanticism away. Sometimes his father’s antics, like family movie night, did affect him. The amount of those movie nights where they just had to rewatch titanic because it was all that could be agreed upon-

“It’s about a high society girl and a lower class guy. Jack and Rose. Rose is supposed to be marrying some rich guy but she doesn’t really want to- so when she meets Jack on the ship she ends up spending a lot of time with him. They fall in love and when the boat crashes he dies and she lives.” He frowns. “They definitely both could have lived, though. There was room on that door. I proved it by having Viper on the door with me earlier.”

It would make sense he’d stick to a love story like this when you think about it. The Lazarus family isn’t above arranging marriages to other rich families- Especially if it could gain some serious political power. It’s definitely more of a thing of the past within the family- seeing as the generation most willing to arrange these marriages is mostly in their 70s/80s- but it was recent enough that Abel’s cousin Ezra had very nearly been forced into a marriage like that. Before he ran away with his driver. Then when Lucian tried to remedy the situation by having his daughter Winnie marry that families son instead, Winnie ran off. Abel remembered the ripples through the family- seeing as he was six when it happened.

It’s close enough to him. Perhaps if his grandfather were still alive he himself would already be married off to some poor woman for some reason. He doesn’t much enjoy the thought- seeing as it more than likely would have been one of the Vigliancos. He’s Really not fond of them, but Solanus wanted to combine their power or something like that before he died.

“It’s not so bad for a romance movie, you know?” He’s gotta throw that in there. So Vinzent doesn’t think he’s a romantic or something. Sniff. Nope.

“It’s not my favorite movie or anything, though.” Is that a lie? I’m not sure. “… But I guess I don’t watch that many movies really. I saw it a lot because my dad liked to watch romance movies and I didn’t want to watch Twilight with him and Cain.”

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus

Once Vinzent ensured that Abel’s hair had no knot or anything of the sort anymore, he then separated the hair in three sections, then started braiding it. It wasn’t difficult at all, in fact, it is a tad easier to braid someone else’s hair than his own.

When Abel described the plot summary, Vinzent honestly was sure that this wasn’t the movie for him. Because. Uh. It tends to be redundant. And the plot ending with one dying and the other living… It’ll depend on the execution. If it’s stereotypical, then it’s bad, but if it’s well acted, it’ll get a pass. So. Maybe he might take a look at the movie and decide later if it’s worth it or just not for him. But, very probably not. That said, he won’t turn away any movie until he sees the plot and watch a part of it before deciding if it’s worth it, even if Vinzent has clear preferences.

… Not so bad for a romance movie? Has Vinzent seen many romance movies? No. So he can hardly say anything with certitude. Does he just go along with it? Don’t get him wrong, Vinzent is a romantic guy when he wants to be, and he was committed with Lena until time played an hand in their plans to the point they were better off as friends. And, he experienced a romantic relationship only once. So that frame of reference was anything but helpful. So, what was his honest answer? He doesn’t know.

Then when Abel said it wasn’t his favorite movie or anything… Well, Vinzent was believing it, not because Titanic was not for Vinzent, but more because, it can’t be the only movie Abel ever watched. Ah there we go. Not a a lot but more than just Titanic-

Twilight?

…

“You guys also watched Twilight? I don’t like that movie at all. It’s so… Bland.” And it had many other issues but. He’ll stop at this. The temptation to criticize the movie in a long rant was here. But Vinzent wasn’t here to complain about it especially since they’re having a good time. Let’s not ruin it with more negativety. He still has thoughts.

“But anyway, I see! My taste is uh… Varied I’d say? But I usually like animated movies and some films, there’s really good ones out there.”

Mainly because Hollywood sucks at being original, in his opinion. But he did acknowledge quietly that not all American animations are bad, some are quite funny and well executed! It just feels, you know. American most of the time. And the European style wasn’t bad either but it feels quite… Mundane, even if he grew up watching these kind of movies. It shouldn’t come to a surprise that Vinzent has in fact watched quite a lot of anime, but as if he’d blatantly tell it to Abel- Maybe Viper can learn about it at some point.

By the time he spoke, Vinzent tied up Abel’s hair. It is a braid now!

Abel Lazarus

Luckily Abel wouldn’t take it too hard if Vinzent criticized Twilight since he doesn’t like it- but I personally do so spare my feelings Vinzent.

“Yeah- My dad and Cain think it’s good. I just didn’t really care for it.” He attempts to shrug but only one shoulder moves properly for it. The other just hurts. He ends up pressing his hand to his upper arm in hope’s the pressure will alleviate it faster. Something tells him that even when he gets out of here… His shoulder probably won’t ever fully recover.

“They watch a lot more movies and such than I do- It used to be something they did weekly I think. Or maybe they still do it.” It’s not like he’d know. He’s too busy working to have anything to do with that. “I prefer board games, really. My uncles like to do board game nights sometimes.”

But really? He’d prefer no family bonding activity. He’d prefer to spend all his time working.

When his braid is finished he pulls it over his good shoulder and plays with the end of it for a moment. He hasn’t really ever braided his hair. It’s nice.

“Thank you.” He says quietly.

Once that’s done, though, he pats the spot in front of him to let Vinzent know he can come sit to have his hair done. Whenever he’s ready for it.

“What kind of animated movies do you watch? Cain watches some so I might know them.” He might force your hand Vinzent. His brother is an anime fan. Abel has unwilling knowledge.

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus

“I see.” Vinzent could go on a rant but again, he wasn’t going to. It’s not the moment! He still thinks there’s stupid concepts in the series, but whatever.

Vinzent frowned in concern at Abel.

“Are you alright?”

He nods.

“I see! It’s not a bad activity to spend time as a family. I do that sometimes with my family too.” “Board games… My family do that less, but more during extended family visits I’d think.”

Abel…

Vinzent smiled when Abel pulled the braid over to play with it. He smiled even wider at the thanks, before heading to sit down in front of Abel. He’ll still be mindful if Abel struggles, but hopefully it won’t be too complicated.

Oh No. He might have to tell it now then- “Uhh… Mostly anime, but I know I used to watch almost all the Studio Ghibli films at one point. But I don’t have a favorite anime that I follow regularily. I just watch whatever is out.” So basically anything interesting that isn’t necessarily a specific serie- “I tend to watch the ones with a lot of action? Or interesting adventure plots, I like that. Sometimes I’d even watch anime with poorly written plots but beautiful visuals just so I’d take note how it visually looks.” Ah- So it depends.

Abel Lazarus

“Yeah- I’m fine. I just haven’t had anyone else do my hair since I was like. Three.” Maybe four? Who knows. Either way he’s not dwelling.

“… Oh yeah I guess most people don’t have extended families that are as large.” He was really trying to figure out how you make board games work with so many people for a minute there. Is it just several tables set up? “The whole Lazarus family gathers for holidays and it’s kind of a nightmare. Half of them are so drunk or high they’re barely conscious and the other half is fighting. Trying to do a board game… It’s like asking for someone to get punched, probably.”

People have gotten punched for less at Lazarus gatherings, that’s for sure.

His hands go to Vinzent’s hair when he settles. He’s a lot slower at working though it, very careful not to pull anything. Cain has a bit of a tender head so he’s pretty used to being delicate about it.

“Cain likes Studio Ghibli. I think he also tends to like… What’s it called- slice of life? Though he watches some varied stuff too. He really liked Yuri on Ice I know. I thought that one was interesting because there’s a character with the same name as my Uncle Ransom.” He brushes through Vinzent’s hair for a moment before realizing that might need some clarification.

“… Ransom is a nickname. His actual name is Yuri. He’s just called Ransom because he’s been held for Ransom before.”

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus

“Alright. It’s been a long while…”

Vinzent lets out a light chuckle. His own family has been relatively small, yes he has cousins, aunts and uncles, but, not that many.

“Uh, yeah, we’re not that many people. Ohh… That sound absolutely wild.” And. Really entertaining? Vinzent would’ve stayed out of the fights, but that sounds amusing to watch the chaos unfold in theory. That said, half of them drunk or high? Yikes, doesn’t look like this family is faring well in general!

Vinzent is really enjoying feeling the hands in his hair, especially at this pace. However relaxed he was, Vinzent was still attentive.

“I’m glad that he does like it too! Ohhh, I don’t watch slice of life much, but yes! I’ve heard of the anime..!” For a moment, Vinzent was lost. What did Abel mean by that?

Thankfully it was quickly cleared up. And with a nickname that obvious. How did Vinzent not catch that one before? Perhaps because the last time Ransom was mentionned, it sounded like such an ordinary name and not a nickname.

“Ohhh… I see, so the nickname has stuck around in the family? Did he mind a lot or not much about it?”

Vinzent imagined that maybe with time, Ransom got used to this nickname. He didn’t know much, what more secrets did the Lazarus family bear? It looked so extra, as compared to his own humble family. That didn’t mean that the Mayer family was a picture perfect bunch, but as far as Vinzent remembered, none of the family members did anything as crazy as taking drugs or getting absolutely drunk. Okay, maybe getting drunk was more common. Wine or beer moments™. But still, none of them did explicitly drink so much to the point of being a nuisance to the rest of the family…

Hopefully. He hasn’t seen his extended family in a very long time, huh, save for the holiday reunions. Wonder how they’re doing.

Abel Lazarus

(Tw: Lots of… Dead family members being referred to in a way that implies Domestic violence? Implied Sexism and addiction as well.)

“Yeah well. I have four great aunts and uncles and the four of them have spouses, three aunts and uncles with two of them having spouses, Then…” He kind of. Screws up his face in thought for a moment. “Three… First cousins…” Thinking. “Over… 40 other cousins?” He kind of shakes his head. “That’s only my mother’s side too. I guess. If I want to count all of the dead people I have two grandparents, a dead great uncle, and… Many. Dead aunts and step grandmothers. My uncle Marius and Aunt Eve’s mom is still alive, though.” He doesn’t really… Elaborate on what that means on his own. He’s… Strangely… Blunt about it for what it is? I suppose that entrenched in it, though- you would sort of… Be blunt.

“So it’s kind of… A lot. The property is very large so it’s not really much of a problem because I can stay in my room outside of important moments.”

Vinzent Mayer “Ohhh… I see, so the nickname has stuck around in the family? Did he mind a lot or not much about it?”

“Ah- well he picked the name himself. He… Kind of didn’t come to America the most… willingly either so. He just chose to change his name.” This one he’s actually being a bit more sensitive about- because he Does know this one is messed up. “He’s… Involved in… Mafia work.” His voice gets pretty quiet there. To… attempt to not freak Vinzent out with that information. “He, uh.” Well. You can just guess that if he was willing to marry into this family he had to be… Pretty uh. Wacky… too.

“My Uncle Marius calls him Yusha, though. That’s his diminutive. He says he likes it because it’s not as common of one. I mostly just use Ransom still because he still likes it and it’s what most people use.”

Even beyond his own mother typically being drunk- up until she died- Most of the family seems to sort of… be in denial there’s addiction issues. Abel is pretty unique in his absolute refusal to risk it. Perhaps it’s a bit much to avoid even cold medicine but… The idea of it scares him.

“My dad’s side of the family is a lot smaller. He was an only child so it was just him and his two parents. His mom’s dead too but his dad is alive. My step dad’s estranged from his parents so. It’s them, Tsubasa, Cain and I.”

Vinzent Mayer

Abel Lazarus

Well. That went to south very quickly.

Vinzent could just stay still as he listened to Abel. At first it started normal, but… It soon wasn’t. Forty what. JUST ON HIS MOTHER’S SIDE? And then the dead people! Fun!

IT’S NOT! It really sounded like Abel got used to it a bit too casually, and for the amount of death… What the HELL?

“Wh… Wh…”

Vinzent was equally stunned and horrified that a lot of death has fallen on the Lazarus family. Holy f-cking sh-t, have they been this unlucky or what?! The proprety being large does not help! This makes it even more horrifying to think about! Vinzent doesn’t want to know what has occured in the house. Oh my god does it sound like Abel needs so much therapy and he isn’t even aware how messed up this IS?!

Then, no, the next thing about the mafia was not more reassuring but. Thankfully, it wasn’t as horrifying as many deaths.

“… I see. That makes sense.”

That did not ease Vinzent’s anxiety. But the name change, or nickname taking made sense! That. Was the most normal thing he should be thinking about! Abel, what the f-ck is going on!!!

“Yusha is a nice diminutive, yes! But I can see why it’s easier to use the other name.”

Abel… I hold him.

“Ah, I see. Are they as particular as your mom’s family or rather more…” Put together is what he wanted to say but… “Reserved, or something like that?”

A smaller family is a lot more easier to figure out sometimes.