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Perpetua looked cool.
Well. That’s what he tried to tell himself, anyways. Honestly, he probably looked quite the opposite (as his twin would loudly call him out for with zero hesitation).
He had been at the photoshoot for a few hours now, testing different outfits and poses for the upcoming edition in which him and Ghost would feature. Perpetua approved of most of the pictures and outfits, but by Satan, he wasn’t sure about this one.
Someone off to the side of the set had called for him — it was time for another set of photos to be captured.
He went on set, dramatically stepping into the bright photo lighting with… a gas pump in his hand and a metal shield in the other. He centered himself in the direction of the camera and dramatically posed, raising each hand up like a knight preparing for some kind of impromptu apocalyptic gas station battle.
There’s no way the fans wouldn’t laugh at him for this...
The Clergy had let him take his own props to use, but encouraged him to let some Siblings of Sin pick out some items as well. He didn’t think he was disliked by any means, but as the newest Papa, he wasn’t quite favorable either. Perhaps it had been a request from Frater to have him use such interesting items.
He cycled through a few poses, each stranger than the last. Earlier at the Ministry, Perpetua had overheard some Siblings of Sin joking about how “he didn’t know how to pose” — which was, well, partially true. Often times, whenever a camera was pointed at him at point blank range, he would stare at it like a deer in headlights with his arms often lying limp at his sides. He certainly didn’t have the exaggerated charm of the previous Papas when it came to photoshoots, but surely he would learn at some point. He had a whole papacy ahead of him, after all.
Nonetheless, the photographer eventually gave him a thumbs-up and an okay to leave set and switch out for whatever was next. He set the props down on the table and took a seat in a stool by the wall before observing what else was in the room.
Perpetua looked across the way to see a prop sword resting against the other wall. It wasn’t that fancy by any means, but it certainly looked like an authentic medieval sword. And it certainly looked cooler than a gas station pump.
“Could I try using this instead?” He asked one of the attendants, pointing towards the prop.
“Ah, that’s already been reserved by one of our other client in room G-19 right now. S’possed to bring it over in a few minutes, actually,” the man answered, checking his watch.
“Oh, I see. Could you ask them if I could use it next?” Perpetua called. He had to have at least one cool photo after… that.
However, in the blink of an eye the attendant had vanished — likely gone down the hallways to check in on how other photoshoots for their clientele was going.
Perpetua sighed to himself. He could just pick it up and use it quickly, right? But the man said that their other client needed it in a few minutes. It would be unwise to delay someone else’s business for the sake of his own. No, he would instead just simply ask the person himself.
The Papa got up and picked up the sword — heavier than expected. He held it carefully, making sure to not damage it or any of whatever craftsmanship may have gone into creating it. Meanwhile, the photoshoot team was across the room chatting away looking at the shots they had taken, discussing creative directions and potential cover images. Perpetua informed them that he needed a quick bathroom break before the next photoshoot, which wouldn’t be for another thirty minutes anyways. They gave him some vague directions of make a left then a right then straight down and then another right, which he really didn’t quite follow whatsoever. It didn’t really matter though.
After all, he had to find room G-19.
─── ⋆⋅ ♰ ⋅⋆ ───
In the meantime, Vessel was posing with a set of exquisite rapiers, one in each hand. He smiled ever so slightly at the camera, conveying a sense of peaceful, controlled smugness. The bright white background highlighted his new dark green outfit, and the pink plastic flowers draped around the set enhanced the shot as well.
The camera clicked, and with every click he would ever so slightly adjust his pose. A wider smile, a tighter grip on the rapiers. He began to lose track of how many photos they had taken of just this shot at some point. But by all means, he was enjoying it.
He wasn’t quite allowed to have props onstage, nonetheless mock-up weapons. III and IV had protested when he briefly used the sacred staff bestowed by Sleep as a stage prop, and the two also weren’t fond of Vessel trying to ram a pronged mic stand at them in the previous era. Safe to say, a vessel with a weapon was a bit of a liability.
However, those rules didn’t apply to these photoshoots. He had convinced the others to let him do several with his new shiny look, a sort of trophy for being able to properly butt heads with Sleep after being their vessel for so long.
And, he also got to hold weapons while doing so. Quite a win-win.
Eventually, the photographer gave him a thumbs up. The current set of photos was done, so he could take ten.
Vessel moved offset, carefully placing the rapiers down on the table. But, hmm…
Shouldn’t that sword be here…? He thought to himself. I know I requested for it…
The man looked around the table to see if his prop had just been misplaced, but no. He couldn't find it — which wouldn’t be an issue if he wasn’t set to use that sword in the next set of photos.
Well… at least he could ask around.
“Um, excuse me…” He approached the staff members on the opposite side of the room who were reviewing their camera shots. “I know we have another photoshoot in a few minutes, yet I cannot find the prop I requested for it.”
“Eh? It’s not on the table over there?” One of them answered.
“Ah, no. I already checked, apologies…” Vessel shrugged.
“Well, shit.” The photographer paused for a second to think. “Uh, I’ll look around the room if you wanna help— actually, no, what am I saying? You can just sit tight, we’ll find it somehow,” they reassured. “Layla, would you mind checking some of the other rooms?”
The other attendant nodded. “Sure thing. Shoot’s in ten?”
“Yeah, if you can’t find it though, it’s fine. We can improvise, I guess,” the photographer responded.
“Really, it is fine…” Vessel added, not wanting to worry the employees that much. He’s done photoshoots before without needing a prop whatsoever. It would be a bit of a bummer, but ultimately it wouldn’t be a big deal.
The photographer set his tools down and began to search the small space as the other staff member exited to check the other rooms. Vessel stood idly, unsure if he should join the search or not. He continued to scan the room with his eyes, but really, there wasn’t that much space to hide a prop like that.
He slowly paced around the room, noting the clock above the door. Assumably, this was a professional company, and as such, they would likely be punctual when it came to their meetings and appointments. The hands of the clock spun around as hope for finding the sword was dwindling.
“Shit, I really don’t know where…” The photographer muttered to himself as he checked a small cabinet in the corner. By now, they should've just given up.
The photographer stoop up and turned to face Vessel, whose scan of the room also yielded no results. “I’m so sorry, it appears that—”
Bzzzt! Bzzzzt bzzzzt!
The man’s pocket vibrated as a small jingle to the theme of some 80s movie filled the air.
Vessel observed as he quickly took the phone out of his pocket, muttered something like son of a…under his breath before glancing at the called. “Oh! Uh… I need to take this real quick, sorry—” the man said, already walking towards the door.
“Ah, no need, take your time.” Vessel called, still standing idly. He was set for another photoshoot in less than five minutes, but alas — he was suddenly without a sword and without a photographer.
He sighed and made his way over to the white stool on the side of the room, taking a seat and contemplating finding somewhere else for photoshoots…
Vessel could picture it already — his friends jokingly threatening the staff for failing to supply a pre-requested item, even having the photographer technically walk out on him. Honestly, he found the whole thing a bit amusing. Frustrating, yes, but comical enough that he wouldn't get that upset over it.
Yet again, his eyes wandered to the clock above the door, watching the hands slowly spin. For someone with a bit of time to kill, it worked. It was almost hypnotizing…
That is, until someone finally knocked on the door.
Oh, great, he’s back with about a minute or two to spare, Vessel thought, getting up from his stool to open the door. I never got his name, did I…?
He grabbed the handle and turned it, opening the door and fully expected to see that man with glasses and slicked back brown hair who had abruptly gone to take a phone call.
“Hello, welcome back—”
Well, the person standing in front of him had brown hair — that checked out. But wait — it was curly instead? At one glance and this certainly was not the man Vessel was expecting.
Whoever this was looked, well, extravagant. They had an eye-catching glittering, silver jacket with black leather accents that was highlighted nicely by the hallway lights. Most notably was their face — a metal skull mask that covered the upper half, with the lower half exposed and instead being painted with a skull paint design. They stared at Vessel with their unique eyes, one being white and the other being a lovely dark green.
Silence between the two followed Vessel’s initial confused greeting and the creak of the door.
…Why aren't they saying anything? Vessel pondered, unsure how to greet the visitor at the door. (In this moment, he also had somehow forgotten what he looked like, which was something one typically wouldn’t encounter if they were simply going about their day. Put simply, he could be scary, and thus should have probably expected eliciting a similar reaction from an unsuspecting person.)
Vessel opened his mouth to speak, but was quickly interrupted by the visitor.
“Er, hello. This is room G-19, right? I mean, it says it… right there, next to the door, but I just wanted to confirm in the odd event that this was somehow not room G-19.”
“Oh, yes, don’t worry. This is room G-19.” Vessel assured, a bit hesitant on how to proceed. “Do… you work here, or anything?”
“Me? Oh, no! I’m also here for photoshoots in the room down the hall. Or down a few halls, really.”
“…I see. I am sorry to tell you, but this room is being occupied. What brings you here, exactly?”
“Oh. Well… this, actually.” The person moved their arms which had been lying near their sides to reveal that they had been carrying a metal sword that looked fairly authentic.
Vessel had been so fascinated by the stranger’s unusual yet captivating appearance that he hadn’t even noticed the item.
“Wait, is that…?” Vessel began.
“A sword? Yeah, it was in my room for some reason. Someone was going to carry it here, but I think they were busy, so I took it upon myself to do so.” The person smiled. “Very fancy, if I do say so myself.”
Vessel paused before smiling warmly, carefully taking the sword from the person’s gloved hands and admiring it. In truth, he was freaking out internally a bit. Give any knight a cool sword, and they will thoroughly appreciate it.
“Thank you. See, I was set to use this soon. At about…” Vessel took a step back and looked up at the clock. “About now. Yet… I am not quite sure as to where my photographer scurried off to.” He tried to squeeze past the visitor in order to survey the hallway to see if his photographer was anywhere in sight, but ended up slightly brushing the other’s shoulder.
Vessel quickly realized how awkward the contact was and uttered a quick apology out of nervous embarrassment under his breath. Nonetheless, they both froze before returning to their chatter.
“Ehm, allow me to place this… somewhere,” Vessel stated, carrying the sword and carefully placing it down on the table. He looked back at the door and found the visitor was still standing outside the door frame in the hallway, curiously trying to look in the room.
“Ornate set you have there,” they commented, eyeing the setup with flowers and pillars.
Vessel smiled. “Ah, it’s nothing really… in fact, would you like to come in? In truth, I am unsure of when that photographer is coming back. I doubt it will do harm to have company for a bit.” He walked by the stool, encouraging the visitor to take a seat.
“Oh! Thank you. Alright then, why not?” They walked into the room towards where Vessel had motioned.
“You may call me Vessel, by the way,” he casually added. Introductions are probably something he should’ve done initially, but it’s not like he planned on inviting a visitor in a few minutes ago or talking with them for this long.
“Vessel.” The visitor sounded his name on their tongue, an unorthodox name to say the least. But, it appeared they would share that aspect. “Name’s Perpetua.”
The former nodded, finally getting the mysterious stranger’s name. Perpetua.
Vessel cleared some room on the table, gently nudging the prop weapons so that he had some space to relax as well. He hauled himself up on the table, taking a seat.
“Hm… you mentioned you were also having your photos taken, correct?”
“Yes, I was. Honestly… the photos… they’re a bit eccentric, and not in a good way. I mean, they had me pose with a gas pump and shield out of all things,” Perpetua sighed.
“Mm. Quite peculiar indeed. Was the photoshoot for anything in particular?”
“Oh, yes. I was told to do as many as possible to promote my new album.”
“A new album? I take it then that you are a musician as well?" Vessel’s head perked up. “In truth, I took you for a model at first with your unique appearance, perhaps someone for a Halloween magazine...”
“I could say the same for you! You just look… well, regal!” Perpetua smiled, laughing at the remark and motioning at Vessel’s outfit. “The mask, the pauldron, the outfit… great! And yeah, I guess I am a musician… I actually just got this position a bit ago and I’m still not used to it. Satan, I haven’t even done a single live show yet.”
“I’m sure you’ll do great.” Vessel assured. “Wait, hm? Satan?”
“Just an expression!” They chuckled nervously.
“Ah. No matter, I suppose I would have said a different name in frustration as well.” Vessel replied. (He did not quite have the energy to explain his beliefs with Sleep right now, leaving it on a slightly awkward note.) “And the shows… do not worry. I ensure that people will cheer for you, from one musician to another.”
“Oh…! Thank you.” Perpetua smiled warmly at the encouragement. “I get that, really. Some of my… co-workers have been explaining how well received my entrance was. My song is doing quite well.”
“I understand. Sudden fame can be… a strenuous burden to bear.” Vessel sighed, drawing from his own experiences. “But you will manage it adequately.”
“Honestly, I’m fine with the fame right now. As a child, I’d often be doted on for whatever reason, so I’m alright with being the center of attention.”
“Hm, that is assuring to know. And you do not hold any worries about anything else?’
“Worries? Asides from what I’ve described, not really.” He paused for a second to think. “Well, there’s my brother, but… that’s a lot to get into. I suppose I am worried about the stage, though.”
“The stage…?” Vessel’s head perked up, contemplating what to say. “…I will give you a fair warning. The stage can become your own prison if you aren’t careful.”
The man looked alarmed upon hearing those words. “Well that's reassuring…” he nervously chuckled.
“Ah, allow me to rephrase. The stage is beautiful, but it can feel like a nightmare at times. You have to balance the pressure from the fans, pressure from your superiors, pressure from those around you, and most damning of all: yourself. Just… try not to lose yourself in the process. As hard as it may be. If you do, it may become your ultimate regret.”
“…Huh.” The other man sat, somewhat dumbfounded. “I’ll, um, definitely keep that in mind, I suppose.”
“Apologies. I understand that was a tad… deep for a casual conversation. Confusing as well. We can discuss otherwise—”
“No, no! I get it. That’s… somewhat what I meant when I mentioned the stage. That feeling of having thousands of eyes on you every night and having to be your best self for them because you don’t wanna let any of them down… you have to be there for them and uplift them. You have to perform and sing and dance and be a whole spectacle onstage, right? No matter what? Almost like… a marionette on a string!”
Vessel chuckled at the man’s concerns and comparisons. “Are you sure you have not been on stage before? You describe the feeling well.”
Perpetua became flustered. “…I thought as much. Just assumptions, though.”
“Hmm… well, you are missing one item, however.” Vessel added.
“And what’s that?”
“The beauty in it all, as I mentioned. You… onstage, as a performer, have the ability to unite a multitude of people from all walks of life through emotion. It is simply powerful to see… it can be a lifeline for them, and they can be one for you as well,” he smiled softly.
“…Hm.” Perpetua pondered. “I suppose I hadn’t thought of that aspect, yet.”
“Do not fret over it. You will come to understand the feeling when you perform in due time. Which, I am sure you will excel at.”
“Thank you. We’ve only just met, and you’ve been so incredibly insightful.”
“You’re welcome,” Vessel chuckled. He hadn’t expected the visitor to quite understand what he was describing, but was nonetheless encouraged in turn by the reassurance from his visitor.
He sat with the feeling, having never quite told anyone those specific details. Sure, his fellow band mates felt similarly — they had discussed that extensively over the past few tours in their own manor and backstage to themselves and crew. But to others? Well, per Sleep’s rules, they weren’t allowed to stick around on Earth for any longer than they needed to. Plus, outside of music events and festivals, they didn’t quite talk with other performers extensively. So, to have met this man who could relate by some chance at a photo studio — perhaps the stars did align for them, then.
The vessel pondered this as the silence post-conversation continued. Perpetua fiddled with his fingers, eyes looking around the room to find something to discuss to break the awkward silence after that weighted conversation.
“You said you were waiting for your photographer, right?” He began. “I’m surprised they’re not back by now.”
“I fear I feel the same way. It is quite unusual for them to be this untimely.” His eyes once again darted to the clock. “I suppose I may have to cancel the appointment then, somehow…”
“A refund, maybe. But you should be able to get those photos somehow.” Perpetua hinted, scanning the room again. Of course, it didn’t take long to see it: a camera.
Perpetua made his way over to it, picking it up and handling it with care. “It is a photo studio after all!”
“Wait, are you going to—”
“Yep. I can do it, don’t worry.” Perpetua assured.
“I’m not sure if we should be using their equipment…”
“Well, they should be the ones here to use it then! Come on, you can get that sword and start posing. I do still have another shoot after this, but we can make this count.”
Vessel shrugged with a smile, finding the man’s enthusiasm enduring. He got up and picked the sword up from the table, walking over to the set as Perpetua propped up the camera on a tripod he had quickly grabbed as well.
“Do you have experience with this?” Vessel asked his soon-to-be photographer.
“Uh…” Perpetua paused to think. “Nothing professional, I would say. I did frequently take photos of bats when I was a bit younger, though.”
“Exciting. That sounds a bit difficult, given that they fly around and whatnot.”
“Ah, it’s actually not too bad. Some times I would photograph them when they were sleeping and still — oh, but I do recall once when I stayed up just to catch photos of them flying, active and all. The sisters weren’t too happy, though. I think I had mass early the next day,” he shrugged.
“Well, your experiences still sound meaningful.” Vessel nodded. “There's quite the merit in that.”
“Oh… thank you! The sisters in my abbey were always proud of me, but hearing someone else say that carries more weight, I would say.”
There was quiet for a moment before Perpetua remembered what he was supposed to be doing.
“Okay, stand still.” Perpetua called, indicating that the impromptu photoshoot would now truly begin. Vessel stared back in confirmation, not wanting to disturb his pose and possibly ruin the shot.
He had decided to prop up the sword on his shoulder, holding it with one hand while his other arm rested at his side. He put this leg out ever so slightly to balance out himself as well, and his eyes locked with the camera lens.
Perpetua’s face became hidden by the camera as he went to peer in the lens, his finger clicking the button to take the shots as Vessel posed.
“OK,” he soon said, “I took a few that time. Would you like to try a different pose?”
“Alright. You have enough time left, correct?”
Perpetua quickly turned to look at the clock. “About ten minutes or so, yes. Should be plenty of time for this.”
Vessel nodded as Perpetua waited behind the camera. Yet, his mind drew to a blank. He maintained a relaxed version of the pose he had just done as he pondered what other pose to do.
He could lift the sword up — maybe point it towards the camera? Maybe that would come across as too hostile. He could kneel down like a true knight, sword by his side. Actually, that might look strange with the way the background props were currently arranged. He could hold out the sword, maybe? (At this rate, he could’ve just slashed the camera or something. That would’ve been interesting.)
Vessel soon began to realize he probably should’ve spent all that time waiting on trying and thinking of poses instead.
Meanwhile, Perpetua watched and waited as the man didn’t quite move for some time.
“Uh, Vessel, you okay?” He asked, confused.
Vessel’s head perked up upon realizing he had spaced out in thought. “Hm? Yes. Apologies, I’m trying to decide how I should pose.”
“Oh, I see.” Perpetua responded, deciding to also join the brainstorm. “Hmm… how about a sort of intimidating pose? I mean, your last one was a bit relaxed, no?”
“Fair. What did you have in mind?”
“Uhh…” Perpetua stepped forwards to get a better look at Vessel’s posture. “How about a pose where you’re showing off your sword?”
Vessel wasn’t sure by the man’s words. He was basically doing that already, no?
To demonstrate, Perpetua posed in a stalwart matter, taking a stance with broad shoulders and arms at his sides. He pretended to hold a sword in one hand, stretching it out at an angle so that the sword would supposedly point towards the floor. His other hand remained poised at his side.
“Something like this, maybe?”
Vessel noted the pose and nodded. “This will work, yes.”
Perpetua quickly relaxed, breaking into a cheerful smile. “Great! Let me…” he exclaimed, scurrying behind the camera again to get ready to take more photos.
Truthfully, it was a bit of a silly pose, but it wasn’t like Vessel had any other ideas. He stood in the center of the set, recreating the pose that Perpetua had just done. He stared into the camera lens.
“Looking good…” Perpetua called out from behind the camera, eliciting a small smile from the photo’s subject.
Click! Click! Click!
Vessel held his pose as Perpetua took multiple photos of the scene in front of him. “Just trying to get the perfect shot,” he reasoned.
Vessel wanted to respond with something along the lines of “take your time,” but obviously, he couldn’t motion much or he risked disrupting the photoshoot. Nonetheless, that wasn’t quite necessary as the camera clicks soon died down and Perpetua stepped away from the camera.
“Okay, that’s about… twenty photos altogether, I think?” Perpetua remarked, quickly scrolling through the gallery. “I mean, they’re all basically the same though. Maybe some slight differences here and there, if ever. It’s always good to take multiple shots, you know?”
“My my, perhaps you are secretly a professional at this,” Vessel remarked, walking closer towards the camera to inspect the photos they had just taken. “Thank you, nonetheless.”
“Of course. It’s nothing, really.” Perpetua responded. “Oh, I should give some indication of what we did. You know, tell them we still got some photos. Let me leave a note here…” he trailed off, turning around to check the shelves for a small notepad and pencil.
In the meantime, Vessel put down the sword which had been gifted to him near some prop roses off to the side.
“Would you like a photo as well?” Vessel asked, turning to the man besides him and asking innocently.
“Hm? Oh, it’s okay. I’m having my own photos done too, remember?” Perpetua responded.
“Ah, I mean we could take a photo together…? A sort of commemoration, perhaps. From the kind fellow who offered me a photoshoot when the strange staff could not.”
“Oh…! I see what you mean,” Perpetua became flustered. “Sure then!” He went about to adjusting the camera on the stand to see how they could go about taking a photo together, inspecting each function and button on it. “This one looks like a timer function.”
“That will work,” Vessel noted.
The Papa nodded, again fiddling with the camera to make sure it was working. “Okay… get ready. I’m not sure how many seconds this is…” He positioned the camera at the vessel, quickly moving towards him once the camera started beeping, indicating the timer had started.
Perpetua stumbled onto the set, almost tripping over air. Vessel noticed and quickly tried to check on him, with Perpetua giving a quiet “Oh, thank you, I’m fine,” under his breath. He balanced himself and stood next to Vessel as the beeping continued.
The two soon tried to figure out a sort of a cool duo pose to do — really, this is something they should’ve discussed beforehand, as the imminent timer beeping wasn’t helping.
Vessel thought to lean in and put his arm around Perpetua’s shoulder, a pose he commonly did after shows with his fellow band mates. It was simple but effective, and he was used to doing it.
As for Perpetua — despite his apparent knowledge of photography, he still could not pose for shit. Usually, he’d just do whatever felt natural, but he wasn’t sure what felt natural to do in this very instance, especially with someone right next to him. Well, he often held hands with the ghouls for bows, but, well, there wasn’t quite the need for that. And holding Vessel’s hand — the man he’d just met and photographed and basically met — that would be a bit awkward, no? It wasn’t even like they had played a show together or put on any sort of performance.
Consequently, he just stood there. He blankly stared at the camera and had decided that the two of them should probably just stand next to each other — quite literally just stand next to each other, hands somewhat near their sides and looking forward.
So, Perpetua only slightly jumped when he felt Vessel’s arm wrap around him, laying on his shoulder, pulling them closer together amidst the set of pink artificial flora. His eyes widened in mild surprise, glancing at the vessel next to him.
He had a tranquil smile, visible despite the mask. And, while they weren’t all that discernible, Perpetua could’ve sworn that in that moment, all six of the man’s eyes were looking at him directly.
Perpetua glanced back at the camera, remembering what he was doing. As soon as he did so, the shutter quickly snapped multiple times and the beeping ended.
“There we go.” Vessel stated casually, taking his arm off of Perpetua and walking forward towards the camera to check the shots. Perpetua froze for a bit in an attempt to process his own reaction, but followed soon after.
The two crowded around the small camera stand, with Vessel patiently waiting while Perpetua messed with the buttons to check the photo’s quality.
And it was great.
Vessel had a wide smile on while pulling Perpetua noticeably closer to him in the photo. Perpetua, meanwhile, had a confused but innocent smile on his face as he leaned into the pose. Despite just having met a few minutes prior, anyone glancing at the photo would assume them to be good friends who were comfortable with each other’s presence after knowing each other for so long.
Vessel chuckled upon seeing the results. “What can I say? You are a professional at this.”
“You flatter me, really! We probably should've coordinated something beforehand… you know, we could’ve done some cool fantasy poses with those props or something.”
Vessel shrugged. “There is splendor in candor, especially with photographs. Nonetheless, both of us have been posing meticulously today. Something different is fine with me.”
Perpetua nodded. “I see…! Still, I feel a bit silly that we used an industry-level camera for this. I’ve heard clergy members mention simple photobooths in public where you can just quickly go in and snap a few silly photos to keep. It almost feels as if we’ve done that, honestly.”
“Well, it certainly sounds like a fun idea. Perhaps we will have to do that activity eventually.”
“Of course! Speaking of which, um, I realized we don't exactly have a clean way to keep these photos in any way. I’m anything but tech savvy.”
“Hm. You would likely have to connect the camera to another digital object such as a computer to extract the photos. However, I don't think I can do that given that all the devices here are likely password-locked.”
“Oh, that's alright. The Clergy isn’t exactly fond of technology, anyways. Well, here, let me just take a photo with my mind…” Perpetua joked as he stared at the photo intently.
It was partially true though. He did indeed try to imprint it in his mind, best he could. He didn’t want to forget this encounter with a mysterious musician who appeared to share so many similarities with him.
Regardless, Vessel laughed at the man’s silly attempt. “Taking a photo of a photo… I admire your tenacity. As for me, I will simply resort to recalling the memories from our chance encounter.”
“Haha, I suppose I’ll have to resort to that as well. I’m not sure if they’d be willing to send us these photos, nonetheless publish them.”
“Oh, certainly not for the latter. This can be a secret between us, then.”
“A secret between us, huh? Sounds good.”
Vessel leaned towards the camera, yet again trying to get a better view of their photoshoot. However, he soon noticed something else.
“Hmm, Perpetua… I do not intend to alarm you, but these photos are marked with a time of 2:18 PM. What time was your appointment, again?”
“Shit. You’re right. I got too distracted with the photoshoot, I completely forgot about mine!” The man jolted up, beginning to make his way towards the exit door. “Thank you!”
“Oh, um-!” Vessel quickly called. “Wait, please!” He made his way over to the side table, crouching down to pick up an item as Perpetua turned towards the voice behind him.
“Huh-?” He asked.
Perpetua was met with a set of onyx eyes gazing directly into his just a few feet from the exit door. And yet, he was tangled in that apparent trance. He could feel himself sinking and falling deep into them the longer he looked (which, granted, wasn’t that long).
Nonetheless, he was even more shocked when the contact was broken and the vessel knelt down in front of the Papa with his head bowed, facing the ground.
Perpetua’s eyes widened.
What the hell is this?!
Vessel took the prop sword and presented it to Perpetua with outstretched arms in a knightly and elegant manner. “Thank you. I know you wanted to use it as well.”
“I- yeah, I did, but no need for the formalities!” Perpetua blushed, unsure on how to react to the other’s sudden fancy.
Vessel laughed again — that laugh full of that hearty and cheeky timbre. “Just messing with you.” He stood up, still holding the sword and instead informally extending it out to Perpetua, who was still hesitant to take it. “But really, you can use it. My photoshoot is done, after all… and, I have better ones at home. It is the studio’s, anyways.”
“Well, if you insist, then. Plus, who can say no to such a charming display?” The man carefully took the prop from Vessel’s hand, holding it as he had when he initially arrived. “I’ll see if I can use it in place of that gas pump,” he joked.
“I look forward to seeing the results then,” Vessel nodded.
Perpetua returned a nod of approval as the reminder that he had to be in his photoshoot room in less than five minutes struck him. He faced the door, turning the knob quickly and pushing to open it, sword in hand.
“Okay, thank you again! I hope we run into each other sometime!” Perpetua called, halfway out the door already.
Vessel smiled back. “Likewise. I wish you the best on stage, Perpetua.”
However, Vessel’s words were met with the sound of the door closing (an interaction he was a bit too familiar with). Yet, he knew the man had likely heard him nonetheless. And, he was sincere in his words. He really did wish him the best on his performance debut, but surely it would all work out fine. That man most certainly had the charm, appearance, and even the awkwardness to captivate and unite an audience.
Vessel hummed an upbeat tune as he walked back to the camera, yet again checking all the photos they had taken — his own impromptu photoshoot and the bonus one with Perpetua.
Perpetua. He was certainly intrigued by the man — his exquisite appearance, his origins, his interests — everything, really. He had mentioned bits of his childhood and his current career, but nonetheless, it was mostly shrouded in mystery. Sisters? Abbey? A brother? Even Satan? And that skull paint as well… Vessel could’ve recalled seeing a familiar looking individual in a magazine or at a festival at some other point, but he couldn’t quite recall who or where.
But that didn’t change his thoughts on the man whatsoever. No, rather, he felt strangely comforted by his presence and words. That naivety and hesitance reminded Vessel of his own past self, back when he initially swore devotion to Sleep. Yet again, he could only wish the best for that enigmatic individual.
He fiddled with the buttons on the camera, still looking at the photos.
Perhaps having that photographer suddenly quit on him had been a good thing after all.