[ There had been many tells of the changes Vanitas has gone through that Ventus glimpsed before. From his clothing to his vulnerable demeanor, the way he behaved, down to the simple fact he didn't attack Ventus on sight. Those had been so very telling. However, none of those come close to displaying the stark difference as effectively from the Vanitas he knows than in how he handles Bruce's sleeping body. Ventus has only known Vanitas' hands to bring forth destruction and pain. Now he cradles the young man close with the kind of tender care one reserves for loved ones, a care he wasn't sure his other half would be capable of.

Ven can't help but stare, almost gawking.

Vanitas really did make friends and he's too busy turning that thought over in wonder to care about whether the insult is meant for him or not. Vanitas picks up Bruce to carry him up the stairs and Ventus doesn't even have the time to consider what he wants to do — follow just to make absolutely sure that Bruce will be okay or leave because the display just now told him enough and Bruce must have meant Vanitas to be included in "them" — before the Floods move in.

He thinks for one tiny dreadful moment he's about to be swarmed, arms belatedly lifting up on instinct to either cover himself or call upon his Keyblade. Only the Floods don't touch him at all. They grab the stuff and dart away, leaving Ventus frowning in their wake.

Vanitas' voice causes him to look back up and then his expression promptly turns flat and unimpressed at the command. ]

Thought you wanted me to get lost.

[ The urge to turn around and leave just to spite Vanitas is strong, he's too tired to keep dealing with him for long, but one look at the prone body hanging off of Vanitas' shoulder and Ventus is ascending the stairs with a sigh. ]

And I just did. There's not much more to tell. He never even told me his name, just asked me questions and then grabbed a bottle.