nysalogs | Make Oneself (Open!)

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Make Oneself (Open!)

Who: Venom (

poolhall_killer), Phoenix Wright (

objectionattorney), and OPEN!
What: May catch-all! Venom's now working at the Sanctuary and adjusting to his new life in the light. Plus a big talk with the Ace Attorney.
When: Throughout May
Where: The Sanctuary and surrounding areas
Warning(s): None so far!

A. The Sanctuary

[Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Fraser and Dr. Watson, Venom's expanded his knowledge on anatomy, first aid, and some level of bedside manner. He furthered his training through field work, reading books, studying potions and salves to an extent, and finally learning his first healing spells. He'd come a long way from being an assassin and knowing only how to treat the most fleeting of wounds. It's almost like he's a proper healer now, hence his decision to change jobs.

Meaning it's time for him to step out of the shadows.

He went through hell and back trying to do the same for the Guild, but to do it for himself is weird. Though he had planned on telling 2cave that he was going to protect the town before the storm hit. Maybe he's taking the steps to do that in his new home. Or maybe he's just overthinking everything again as he's organizing books and herbs for the more experienced healers.

For those who know Venom, his hair's tied back, save for his bangs.]

Pardon me, but I'm rather new here. Would these dried petals go with the dried herbs or elsewhere?

B. Tea Break - somewhere outside

[Between organizing and restocking supplies, Venom catches a breather. He'll be outside by a large tree, having the tea he packed along with a light lunch of fruit and cheeses. And by light he means a healthy wedge of the Olympian equivalent to brie. Maybe if someone drops by he'll share it with them!]

C. Wildcard

[Dealer's choice here! Maybe spot him helping with cleaning, or possibly lending a hand in the kitchen. Anything to help him prove his worth at his new job.]

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[As much as he wants to focus more on their shared interest in baking, he sighs at the comments. Is it wrong to distance oneself after a few negative conversations? Venom's sensitive to changes in emotion, and he dislikes emotional pain the most.]

It's not that, I assure you. Quite the opposite.

[But he's starting to freeze up, wondering if he can really trust Phoenix. One of the invisible locks starts to dissolve.]

Perhaps it started when you asked about my previous line of work. Your reaction wasn't unexpected, but the way I was treated after... I felt like I couldn't come back into your good graces. Nothing I said was correct, and it doesn't help that I...

[He hesitates briefly.]

I barely know what I'm doing.

[Phoenix could cut the tension between them with a knife it was so thick at the moment. Not that he couldn't understand it. He understood his own reaction to Venoms admittance was a bit harsh, but he very much had his reasons. And, he was sure, he'd have his own moment in time to explain himself. But for now, even this was enough.

The locks were breaking, and that was progress...

Taking a cookie for himself he nibbled at it for a second, thinking his words over very carefully before he closed his eyes and lowered his head, speaking out gently.]

I assure you that makes us both. This entire situation is all quite new to me Venom. When it comes to matters of relationships I am fairly inexperienced, I've only dated one person before this and that was years ago. And I have never in my life had experienced casual acts of intimacy like this.

Up until now, my job was my life. It was all I ever focused on. And considering what it was I did, I am sure it's not completely unexpected that that confession of yours had managed to get to me in such an extreme way.

Back where I am from, what you once used to do was considered a serious felony Venom. It was my life's work to make sure people who did such things were put in a place that they could never hurt anyone again.

Not that I am a lawyer anymore. Not here at least.

I often times still have a hard time accepting that that part of my life is, at the moment, over.

[Hearing that does comfort Venom a little. He knows it's a lawyer's job to put men like him away. But he couldn't help taking it personal when Phoenix went on the offensive a month or so ago. He knows it was the water giving him strength, but still.]

Lawyers aren't much different where I'm from. However, my organization had enough clout to keep us behind the scenes for hundreds of years.

But I don't wish to get into my Guild's politics. I came to talk about us, and where we stand.

[He almost sounds like his leader self again, only this time talking about personal relationships as opposed to an alliance. He sighs, trying to relax himself. What he's going to tell Phoenix next might change everything, or perhaps nothing at all. He's trusting you with this information.]

Nick, the reason why I stayed away was because I've been through all this before.

Before I came here, there was a man whom I served without question. A man who saved my life and gave me a reason to keep living. To this day I still feel strongly about him, but...

[And with that, the remaining locks start to dissolve, one after another.]

He loved someone else. And from then on I wanted to see him happy with this other person, even if he didn't feel the same for me. Of course I was bitter when the woman he loved betrayed him, because I thought I would have made a better partner than she ever could. In the end it didn't matter.

My Lord passed on, and I was left alone. My heart was dead. Or so I thought.

[There is much more to the story, but Venom's breathing is heavy, like he's about to cry.]

[Phoenix wouldn't deny that, upon hearing Venom start off, he had felt a bit argumentative,. It was in his blood to immediately retort to anything he felt disagreement to. And yet he held himself back, and he listened, his body tensing as Venom told him about his past. His own emotions building with sympathy from the experience.

So he had lost the last person he loved... Did he feel like history was repeating itself?

He took a moment of silence after Venom finished. Once again doing his best to accumulate all his own thoughts before speaking.]

I couldn't imagine what such pain must be like. I don't think I've ever personally lost someone like that before. Most certainly not after something as emotional as that. The closest experience I think I have was when each of our worlds was destroyed.

[Part of him wanted to reach out, to console Venom for the things he was feeling. But he also didn't want to make this more complicated. He wanted to see where Venom was going with it all.]

It's quite amazing how resilient the heart can be, isn't it? You put in so much of yourself, to the point that it's almost nonsensical. And then when things crash and burn, and you think there is no longer any point or hope to love anything, there you go falling head first all over again. Making all the same decisions despite the previous pain.

Before you know it you're looking for a way to get that feeling again.

People really are quite strong. Far stronger than we all give ourselves credit for, I think.

Edited 2018-05-19 21:42 (UTC)

[Venom tucks some of his hair aside so he can look Phoenix in the face properly. He wasn't finished. Not yet.]

If one can call it strength or resilience. Those words could apply to the Guild but to me... I was the Guild as I had no sense of self.

I used that bitterness to become leader, so I could bring the Guild to the heights of power as my Lord intended. Blinded by my feelings, I continued to operate, though in time I tried taking it in a new direction. Perhaps I could bring us into the light.

Then my Lord revived through mysterious means, and while I still remained loyal, I realized how much I changed. How much he changed while in the darkness. After a few key battles, I felt I had to save my organization for my Lord's sake, and for my subordinates' sake.

My plan was to expose what we did to the world, and the Third King allowed us to enlist as soldiers. So we were effectively absorbed into the kingdom. But I feared it wouldn't be enough. The people would want someone to take the fall. So I...

I chose to sacrifice myself so my Guild could be reborn. I've never felt happiness before, and my entire life was fueling that unhappiness. But if I could become a wall to separate the light from darkness, I would gladly do it.

[He pauses for a moment.]

When we were brought here, it was the third time I was rescued. The second was at the cost of yet another individual I cared about. I was hoping to repair his body since he helped me defeat my adversary.

[And with that, all but one lock melts away. Venom's calm as ever, but still showing signs of holding back his emotion.]

And that brings us to here, and discovering my true desires.

Venom...

[With that he placed his cup down. A sadness seeming to echo in his eyes as he looked out to the other man. He was so young and passionate, and yet there was still so much that seemed to get between everything.

Phoenix knew what was happening. He had a pretty strong understanding of what he thought was going to come from this. And yet that thought only burdened him down all the more.]

And your discovery? I take it it's the reason you're here now, correct?

[There really was still quite a bit that needed to be discussed.]

Yes. I wish to come clean entirely. I like you, Phoenix.

[With that admission, the final lock breaks.]

I fear I've done too much damage to take this any further, however. My past experiences taught me that I didn't deserve happiness, that others' feelings mattered more than mine. And the moment someone had me feeling otherwise, I got scared. It worsened when you said you and Miles were childhood friends. Between that and your previous reaction to my past, I felt that familiar unhappiness return, so I pushed you away.

I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused.

[He lowers his gaze as tears start to roll down his hidden cheeks. He... he did it. He's brave enough to give Phoenix the truth.]

I'm so sorry, Nick.... *sniffle*

[Oh Venom...

He could not help but sigh out. Lowering his head and taking his gaze away from the crying man who sat across from him for just a moment.

He knew this sort of thing required time. That Venom needed to take a second to let these feelings out before they even tried to sort them, but simply sitting here and watching him was difficult. Leaving someone feeling so very lost and upset just wasn't in his nature.

And then the tea kettle rang out from the kitchen.

Ah, right. That noise was a perfect representation of the feeling he was sure both of them were experiencing at the moment. It probably wasn't helping matters either.

Groaning out slightly, he placed his hands on his knees and pushed himself up to a stand. Looking over to Venom briefly, an utmost sympathetic expression taking hold.]

I think a cup of tea will probably do us both some good. After that, we'll continue this. I want to do everything I can to sort this out as much as possible without making you feel pressured or uncomfortable. But I do wish to figure this out.

I want to understand what it is both of us are feeling, and what I can do to help ease this pain. But I need to step off for just a second first.

Is that okay?

[Venom's never been one to cry so much, but years of pain and heartache will do that. When Phoenix stands, he briefly snaps out of his moment of sadness.]

Hm? Oh, yes of course. I... could use some tea at the moment.

[While he does feel like a weight's been lifted from him, he can't help feeling some dread for the upcoming discussion. Phoenix hasn't rejected him yet, but that doesn't mean anything. Pess sits at his feet and barks for attention, so Venom absently reaches down to pet him.

He's never felt so confused in his life. Elated but still scared. Phoenix is the antithesis of everything his Guild stood for, yet he's captured Venom's attention. And despite being free of the Guild here, it's still part of who he is. Moving on isn't as easy as he hoped.

The tears are finally drying on his face as he waits on the tea.]

[It was a few minutes later that Pheonix came back in. A large mug in each hand as he walked over to Venom.]

It's a special blend, dark and rich and smooth. One of those fancy sort of teas although I don't really know the name of it.

Don't tell Miles I took it from his secret stash.

[With that he winked playfully, hoping that it would at least liven the mood a little before he turned to take his own seat again. Sighing out as he took a moment to settle, before looking up at Venom with a serious expression.]

Tell me Venom... How much do you know about me?

Thank you.

[The younger man accepts the mug and blows gently before taking a tentative sip. It is indeed very rich, almost having a chocolaty and fruity undertone. It's amazing on its own but it would easily make a delightful pastry filling or even a sorbet. Chances are he'll tell Miles anyway, but not for a while.

He sets the cup down, thinking a little on Phoenix's question. Just what is he trying to insinuate?]

You're in your mid thirties, a defense attorney who is passionate about your job, you enjoy grape juice and clean toilets. While you can be rather quick to judge negatively when one conflicts with your beliefs, you do it more because you have a big heart.

You seem to enjoy steak, and you like to shower your partners with positive attention. And you look very handsome in a suit.

I'm sure there's more to you, but that's what I've gathered thus far. Why do you ask?

Ahah you're perceptive.

[Despite how tense the situation had felt Phoenix was smiling. Lightly sipping at his tea as he took in all Venom had said.]

None the less, as much as that may be the case, is that really all you need to know in order to truly believe you like me like that?

[With that he sobered up, once more placing his cup down as he leaned forward. His elbows resting on his knees and his hands folded as he met Venoms gaze with a bit of seriousness.]

What I mean to say is, Emotions like that are very extreme. Theyr'e deep and intense but it is something that can easily be confused with other emotions. You know bits and pieces about me, just as I know bits a pieces about you. But in the end we've both lead very different lives. We've known different people, were raised in different cultures, and were taught different morals and beliefs. As much as we may get to know each other it would take quite some time before either of us really understands the other.

A relationship like that, it would take patience and understanding. And it would be difficult. Just by looking at our past few months together I can assure you that there will most certainly be more times in the future where we will come at odds with each other. But more than anything, for something like that to work, it would take communication from both of us.

Are you sure you're capable of doing that? I hate to be brutally honest like this, but I don't think it could really be much of a relationship at all if we're going to have a repetition of arguments followed by months of silence.

Edited 2018-06-22 07:20 (UTC)

[The younger man sits and listens, and while it's not what he wants to hear, he tells himself to stay put. Let Phoenix speak so they can possibly move this forward. And the last thing he wants is for the attorney to yell more because he walked out again.

Venom sips his tea.]

You make it sound like I'm not capable of controlling my emotions.

[Still, Phoenix might be on to something.]

I admit, I've only recently emphasized the importance of emotion, including my own. They're still so new, so I'm doing my best. I'll take this as me needing to do better.

[But...]

Phoenix, please understand. I am willing to do what it takes. We can start small, test it out with a few dates. And I will learn to communicate better. If we do end up arguing more than talking, then we know it's best to step back for good.

[There's no sign of his Guild leader voice. It appears to be all Venom, speaking from his heart. He wants to make this work even with the uphill battle.]

All I ask of you is to bear with me. I'm empathic so I might not take kindly to harsher words. But I know you wouldn't say such things out of malice.

So to answer, yes, I can do this. Can you?

[With that Phoenix's expression seemed to soften, nodding his head in response to Venoms words.]

I can, that, is, I want this. One thing you've probably already gathered from me Venom is that, at least in terms of my emotions, I try to be as transparent as possible. And more than anything in a relationship, I want something based around trust and open communication.

I know part of it may be due to the sheer difference in our age but I'm no spring chicken. I'm looking for something that I know will last. Something I can put my heart and mind into with confidence. Perhaps a bit more than that even, I want something in which I know my partner is mutually happy, genuinely so.

I know the situation is muddy at the moment. Between us still only just getting to know and understand one another, and Miles's involvement in all this, there's far more drama and chaos than I know any of us want.

[Truthfully he still wasn't sure what to do about all that.]

But I do know I care for you, on a level far more than anything that's simply physical. It's because of that that things are the way they currently are. And I do apologize for my inability to make up my mind regarding it all.

[He pauses, his eyes finally breaking away from Venom only to shift down to the side, his hand balling up slightly against the handle of his cup.]

Perhaps that's probably why I absolutely agree with you. A few dates, anyway to just be able to really open up to one another. I think that's all I wanted even back when I first asked you out so many months ago.

Edited (Shift is not the same word as shit) 2018-06-24 05:37 (UTC)

[He's glad Phoenix acknowledges being unable to make up his mind. Venom still felt he came between them, but he also felt like he had a chance again. He's young, but dealt with solitude his whole life, the void in his heart growing until he came here. Something about Phoenix made that void shrink, and Venom wanted to pursue him, age difference be damned. The ex-assassin's always wanted love and friendship in his life but was horrible at conveying since he didn't know what it felt like.

Now he has a foundation, he thinks.

They can take it slow, see if it really is meant to be. And Miles... they'll have to talk to him soon, as well.]

That's another thing I admire about you. You're honest and open. And I find myself caring for you, too.

[That first date was rocky at best, but Venom's still glad they did it. He reaches and tentatively covers Phoenix's hand with his own.]

We should try another "first" date, now that we know more about one another, and there's a lower risk of arguing.

[Phoenix nodded his head once more, his previously serious and somewhat professional demeanor seeming to loosen up slightly upon hearing Venoms agreement. This was a start. Things were still a bit rocky, but after all this things seemed to finally be moving in the right direction.

And yet... he should probably bring up--]

I want you to know though, Miles requested the very same thing a few months ago. I wasn't sure how to feel about the whole thing back then, mainly since I was still trying to sort out what exactly was happening between the both of you, so I turned him down at the time. But now that you two at least know about one another I think it would be rude to keep him out of such a chance especially since I agreed to it with you just now.

Are you willing to bear with this a bit more? So that I may take this time to sort how it is I feel with him as well?

[Because he knew agreeing to dating Venom while disagreeing to a date with Miles would probably only make things all the more dramatic. And despite everything else, more than anything he simply wanted the drama to stop.

Or at least he most certainly didn't want to bear witness to Miles running off and falling flat on his face with tears in his eyes again.

That was heart-wrenching.]

[For a moment, Venom's immature side wanted Phoenix all to himself. He'd grown tired of waiting for someone to come along, put up with other lovers. It feels like he's being shafted again for Millia, even if Phoenix is being completely honest.

But he's not that teenage leader anymore. All that is behind him. He's an adult, too.]

I... I understand.

[Phoenix's happiness comes first, just as Lord Zato's. History might be repeating itself but Venom wouldn't forgive himself if he made both of them hate him. Besides, they're only going to be dating. No commitments on either side.]

[There was a moment of pause, silent and awkward as Phonix couldn't help but seem to be trying to sort things out in his own mind. When did such things escalate? How has he gone nearly ten years without a single person looking him over twice only for all this to all happen at once?

But it has been a few months, and it would be silly to keep things hanging right?

The only way to move was forward.

Placing down his empty cup, he sighed.

Right! So this was how it was going to be! Time to finally figure out what it was that you yourself wanted Phoenix Wright!

And so with that, he looked up, tilting his head slightly as he smiled towards Venom.]

Than, I suppose I should say, I very much look forward to our first date together Venom.

[A date. Like, officially dating.

How surreal.]

[That smile. That sweet genuine smile that Venom fell for the moment they met, even if he didn't know it back then. It makes him want to keep Phoenix happy however he can.]

As do I, Phoenix.

Thank you for the tea and cookies. They were very delectable.

[And in a moment of awkward, he isn't sure what to do now. Should he leave or maybe have another cookie?]

[Thankfully Phoenix knew just what to do with that sort of awkward response. HIs smile not dropping as he reached over to his plate of snacks, picking up a small cookie and chewing on it slightly.]

I suppose then if we're now dating, the next question would be 'when would you like for us to go on our first date' right?

Whenever it may be you're next willing, I want to make sure to make it something nice.

[If he was going to try and figure out situations of the heart, he was going to at least make sure that he could romance his potential partners right!]

[Venom did not expect to wind down the conversation like this. When would be a good time for them to have their "first" date?]

How does a week sound? It should give us both enough time to prepare as needed.

[He's already thinking of a few places they could go to make it nice, too. Maybe that intimate seafood place by Flona cove...]

A week sounds good to me. And now that it's getting warmer out again I wouldn't mind a trip to the beach.

[To think it's been quite a few months since he had last been to the beach. Not since Athena had been here...]

Actually the more I think about it the more it sounds like fun! Maybe we should just get a hotel room and stay the weekend.

Nice food... Relaxing baths... Just me and you.

[Wow... He was genuinely looking forward to such a thought.]

[It definitely sounds more appealing when Phoenix puts it that way. An entire weekend dedicated to a single date, and it's not like they have to do anything. They can enjoy each other's company.

In a bathtub. Or cuddling on the beach.]

I'll do some research in the area, see which hotels offer the desired amenities. And I'll have to find some swim trunks, as well...

[That's right. The attorney gets to see Venom's full body in broad daylight.]

Ah, now that does sound nice. Last time I was out there I had spent most of my time at the beach. But sitting on the sand in the sun again really does sound nice.

[As long as he didn't have to get stuck wearing those stupid swim trunks again. Now that he thought back on it, he really had come a long way since when he arrived in El Nysa. Back when he trying to make ends meet with every odd-job he could find.]

Well then, I suppose I should start saving up huh? And I suppose I have to go request the days off... Man, the more I think about it the more I look forward to it.

[A vacation huh? A really genuine weekend vacation with just Venom. It was really something that he felt like the two of them needed.]

You and me both, honestly.

[Just a quiet weekend to themselves on the beach. Does it still qualify as a date? Venom doesn't seem to dwell much on it as he gets up.]

I should head out soon. This meeting lasted longer than expected. Not that it's a terrible thing.

[Venom leans down to give Phoenix a feather-light kiss on the cheek.]

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objectionattorney - 2018-07-29 16:26 (UTC) - Expand

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