[ There's some silence as they think about it with a smile on the proposer's face, but the first girl looks at Wolfwood with something of a pout.
She was here to confront someone for playing with her man, but now she's pondering upon a different future. To show she's interested, but also nervous, "are you going to pay?"
To Wolfwood. Just uses him as a prop. The second girl doesn't seem against it. Drinks taste better on someone else's coin, after all.
[ He almost says no immediately but he stops and squints for a minute. Just hard squint at this woman. Terminator vision like, really assessing her on whether she's trying to hit on this girl and needs an extra kick to get there.
He is absolutely not staying to become the next target of their boytoy struggles so this is very pertinent, the most important display of sincerity this woman can show in any situation second-only to accepting a marriage proposal. ]
[ Expectant look from the first girl, then the second looks over to him with a smile and raised brow.
Where's the no?! No matter the struggles of love, Vash doesn't think either of them are in a spot to throw away money (if he had a bounty's worth he would pay for their drinks).
Quickly, he raises a hand and waves it frantically. ]
Sorry, ladies. He has no money, but I'm sure you two can work it out!
[ With that, Vash tries to haul Wolfwood away, or at most he gently tugs his wrist so they can bounce because the girls try to milk them dry for the lesbian romance.
If they were to turn back, maybe from expressions and demeanor it seems like it's all sincere... The women leave together as a bundle of nerves and confidence, emotions coming from different sources.
[ HE WOULD'VE GIVEN HER A BILL TO BUY ONE (1) DRINK AND THEN LEFT, HE'S NOT THAT MEAN. YOU REALLY HAD TO MAKE HIM SOUND LIKE HE WAS FLAT-OUT BROKE TO TWO STRANGERS. If he could discern that she was sincere, anyway. He isn't kind enough or het enough to have actually gotten roped into paying for multiple drinks unlike Vash who he's sure would if his wallet allowed. ]
Really?
[ All for helping and then suddenly not?? He raises a brow with a hand on his hip... the other is still occupied by cross. Wolfwood isn't really sure if they solved a problem at all. ]
[ Listen... Does Wolfwood care how other people think of his pockets? Isn't it better to seem poor to people so they don't try to mug you? And that's really nice of you. The pause is what scared Vash since he had assumed Wolfwood would outright say no. ]
I think we helped them figure it out a little? And there are some effective threats of lighter pockets. [ Hospital bill. ] The point is! They figured it out.
[ Which makes Vash wonder if they should have just rubbernecked from their room, but... Guns were involved, so. A bullet was also shot. ]
A romantic walk [ Confidence, waning, voice tapering. ] under the moonlight...?
[ Not majorly but don't go around telling people he's flat-out broke, damn, that's his job. Most people don't mug him due to money, they don't mug him because he's got a 6-foot tall cross and that usually deters people between it being possibly religious and/or just plain weird.
He raises a brow maybe a little bit incredulously if only due to these rapid turn of events... but looks up... clear night since NML rarely ever has clouds, that's the neat thing about living in a desert. ]
I dunno how romantic it's gonna be right after that, but we'll work on it.
[ That and again he has his cross so that's funny. It's thirdwheeling. ]
[ Vash takes Wolfwood's hand into his, holding it a little loosely as the just walk the streets of this district. It's cold, near freezing, because desert only knows extremes...
And while Vash is usually cozy in his coat, he isn't wearing it right now, so he sidles close to Wolfwood to leech warmth. ]
Why even ask if you ain't offerin'? I don't answer rhetoricals.
[ Rude... maybe reward really is a great incentive and more people should offer them eh. Wolfwood doesn't care for the cold, he stifles a slight sneeze as the temperature drops rapidly. At least there isn't a breeze.
He'll move the hand from handhold to around Vash if he'll allow the emancipation of his fingers. ]
[ Vash doesn't put up a fight when he feels those fingers slip away, though a thought to reach out for them crosses his mind. There's a small sign, hand hovering and fingers curling slightly, but he lets it fall and relax, only for his whole body to stiffen from surprise.
This is fine, though he can feel butterflies fluttering throughout his torso and he's feeling self-conscious because this is public (the underground had a circus tent). It's warm, though, and he walks as close as he can without getting in the way. ]
Okay. [ Annoyed... Until he yields a third time, just a little. This is posed not rhetorical, but playful with a stupid grin. ] You want a reward?
[ Fortunately or unfortunately, Wolfwood isn't too concerned about PDA. How much might be mood-dependent, but he isn't so invested in keeping it completely separate. Not anymore. ]
Depends on what kind. I put in good work for good return.
[ He says, lobbying back effortlessly. It's not so nonchalant though, it's real. ]
[ Vash is deciding if this sincerity is meant to be a general statement—Wolfwood will work hard for equal quality reward—or for their topic right now...
Without anything to cling onto aside from Wolfwood's person, which would make it uncomfortable to walk, Vash's arms cross and fold, trying to keep warm. ]
What do you think you deserve, then? I can be gracious, so don't be too shy with your proposal.
[ He would say modest, but Wolfwood is modest at the worst times. ]
[ Not bully. Kind of. Genuinely an amused retort. Wolfwood has not relented on the light hold around Vash. It was loose and distant enough to make walking not awkward, but he draws the other in a little closer for a brief moment to tease. ]
A kiss? A little affection? Grab us dinner next time while I sleep in?
[ How would he know! Maybe it's something hard or embarrassing!! But teasing.
His fingertips dig into his forearms when he's pulled closer, shoulders drawn up with a smile gating a laugh like those words are ticklish themselves. Wolfwood is so cute and he isn't sure if he's ready for this to be a recurring event. How is he going to survive? ]
You know you don't need to ask for those.
[ He'd give him those as many times as he needs, wants, and more. ]
Seems a little tall order for me. I like to stay humble.
[ He says, lighthearted and nonchalant. He's heard the spiel before, from his fellow Gung-ho Guns, in Michael's prayers, in his own haunts. Sometimes he leans into it, sometimes he rejects it. Other times he knows it means nothing. ]
Then I guess you're just gonna have to come up with somethin' extra nice, nicer than any of those as a reward.
[ Don't spoil him too much Vash... he will be incorrigible. ]
[ Despite being men with shoulders weighed heavy by sin and guilt, they know how to stay silly and take things lightly. Anxiety week isn't going to get their asses today.
As they walk Vash reaches over to place a hand over the closest shoulder to him, steadying himself so he can give Wolfwood a peck under the cheek... Maybe even absorb some of his warmth in the pall of cold desert air. ]
What about... If we ever get access to a kitchen, I'll cook something just for you?
[ A little special meal, meant for Wolfwood. He doesn't know if that's any nicer, but he thinks that food is always a good reward. ]
[ Didn't they have a conversation in the UG about Vash's ability to cook... show him your cooking prowess. He uses the opportunity to lasso Vash, moving up his hand from around the waist to over his shoulder to lock him there for a moment and keep him close. It really is the giddiness of getting to have a moment for themselves, the adrenaline and euphoria of this life looking real and attainable, a small moment in time where he isn't gnawing in uncertainty about the future. Only now. Small moment of euphoria, young, not weighed with their age and worry. ]
Maybe we won't have to stay on a toma farm again. [ Assigns this the last time they had lodging that had a proper kitchen access. It was a very nice family of toma owners. ] More places are tryin' out those, the rooms that come with kitchens.
[ It'd be a LITTLE bit luxurious but hey. With nothing heavy and urgent pressing in after them, and with the orphanage having gained some extra support, maybe Wolfwood can squirrel away some extra cash on the road. ]
The family we stayed with was nice! I hope they're doing well.
[ Vash enjoyed their time at the toma farm. He got to play with the kids... And he got to see Wolfwood be nice to the little goblins. There was little cooking for them to do since the parents insisted on them being guests, but Vash did get to peel fruit for the tykes. Made little bunnies out of apples. You assigned this and I gave more details now. ]
Those cost a little bit more, but not so much more that it's out of our budget.
[ ... He thinks about what he can cook for Wolfwood. The guy really like noodles and there are plenty of noodle dishes he can make, but hasn't in a while. Quick meals are what he specializes in since he has been on the run for a long time... Though that can change now. Just a little. They can have wholesome dinners once in a while instead of takeout every night to head out the next morning with metaphorical dark clouds looming above.
Lingering close because he's locked in, it hits him that this is extremely domestic musing, very alien to him. His smile changes due to these... Different emotions. Not bad, definitely good. Still weird. ]
Got a favorite dish?
[ He idly drums his fingertips on Wolfwood's shoulder as they continue walking... They'll probably meet the outskirts of town soon where they can see the sky better. ]
[ Sometimes... you just get the kids to leave you alone by surreptitiously sneaking them Chupa-Chups you yoinked from your last stop... and also because their parents don't let the kids have sweets after 8pm, so you made them promise to keep it on the down low, and it'll be their little secret.
He loosens hold somewhat enough to make walking not too much of a hassle nor disruptive, but he hums as he continues, not separating and annoyingly shifting some weight onto Vash. ]
I ain't picky. Noodles are kind of a pain in the ass to make sometimes though. Fried rice?
[ Based on what I've seen Wolfwood eat, he likes his savoury and somewhat salty foods. ]
[ When Vash feels some of the weight shifted onto him... He straightens up in order to support that weight, even though he gives Wolfwood's shoulder one little jostle before doing so—a small "you're being a little shit but I'm not going to reprimand you" jostle. ]
They can be, but this is your special reward, remember? If you want noodles, then you'll get noodles.
[ Don't just settle for fried rice even though fried rice is delicious, too.
They make it to the closest outpost, not too far from the town... Where they can clearly see the moons and the stars, also worms. ]
[ FRIED RICE DELICIOUS, sometimes a bit of a handful to make. Always a good Sunday lunch to have. ]
Fine. Your offer.
[ He'll let off after that and the jostle, sliding his weight off of Vash and trailing his hand back over his shoulders, down his arm -- back near his hand to retake it.
Wolfwood looks at worms. Wowie. ]
Seein' bigger and bigger worms every week.
[ Who is feeding you fellas. He glances up at the skies afterwards. The UG was nice in its own special ways, but if he had to choose one thing to not miss, it was the constant smell of gasoline and asphalt. Arid and dusty though it may be, when the air is good, it's crisp here. The fifth moon still shines bright despite her little booboo. ]
[ Much handhold. Vash gently takes Wolfwood's hand, cherishing it like it's a precious treasure which is funny considering how large, rugged, and calloused this hand is. Slowly, he leads him to a bench that's conveniently here.
They can just take in nature that's untouched by mankind. It's desert. Worms. Stars. And the multiple moons. Vash is fixated on the fifth moon and the hole, finding his shoulders become heavy, but becomes distracted by topic and looks at the worm cloud.
Look at all of them glow in the night!! Their version of northern lights. ]
Even with some poaching, the worm population is pretty healthy.
[ You love this brute and his hands. Unfortunately for you.
It's fine, natural disasters happen frequently and nature always heals. Rocks don't really heal but moons are known for being cratered and all that. ]
We ain't makin' a dent in that, Zazie told me plenty.
[ Zazie was a freak and he didn't like them any better than the rest of the Gung-ho Guns, but Zazie at least didn't have an actual desire or will to actively cause harm to humanity. Typically. They're the native to humanity's encroaching alien. He watches a big one swim through the sand as easily as though it were water, the spikes peeking over the particles, wondering if that little shit is still alive somehow (he was not there to see Zazie last-minute possess some random guy and contact Vash and Livio). ]
You know, I think they appeared before me. Just out of nowhere showed up and gave me the coin, then left.
[ Vash... Only really got to see Zazie when his self-defense mechanism kicked in, so it's a little fuzzy for him. It was just. A lot of guns? Guns pointed at each other between people in that fortress, then he remembers a burst of pain and passing out. If it weren't for Elendira nailing him in the arm, he could have decimated that town, too.
That was some time ago and the memory has him squeeze Wolfwood's hand, just a little bit. Listless, his gaze is back on the fifth moon. ]
I never got to tell you that I was able to control my powers...
[ 'After you passed.' Quietly, something he's hesitant to talk about. It is the prime factor of what makes him a monster, after all. ]
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She was here to confront someone for playing with her man, but now she's pondering upon a different future. To show she's interested, but also nervous, "are you going to pay?"
To Wolfwood. Just uses him as a prop. The second girl doesn't seem against it. Drinks taste better on someone else's coin, after all.
This has Vash audibly laugh, help. ]
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He is absolutely not staying to become the next target of their boytoy struggles so this is very pertinent, the most important display of sincerity this woman can show in any situation second-only to accepting a marriage proposal. ]
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Where's the no?! No matter the struggles of love, Vash doesn't think either of them are in a spot to throw away money (if he had a bounty's worth he would pay for their drinks).
Quickly, he raises a hand and waves it frantically. ]
Sorry, ladies. He has no money, but I'm sure you two can work it out!
[ With that, Vash tries to haul Wolfwood away, or at most he gently tugs his wrist so they can bounce because the girls try to milk them dry for the lesbian romance.
If they were to turn back, maybe from expressions and demeanor it seems like it's all sincere... The women leave together as a bundle of nerves and confidence, emotions coming from different sources.
Not their problem now, but... ]
Since we're out here...
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Really?
[ All for helping and then suddenly not?? He raises a brow with a hand on his hip... the other is still occupied by cross. Wolfwood isn't really sure if they solved a problem at all. ]
Since we're out here what?
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I think we helped them figure it out a little? And there are some effective threats of lighter pockets. [ Hospital bill. ] The point is! They figured it out.
[ Which makes Vash wonder if they should have just rubbernecked from their room, but... Guns were involved, so. A bullet was also shot. ]
A romantic walk [ Confidence, waning, voice tapering. ] under the moonlight...?
[ Awkwardly rubs his neck. ]
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He raises a brow maybe a little bit incredulously if only due to these rapid turn of events... but looks up... clear night since NML rarely ever has clouds, that's the neat thing about living in a desert. ]
I dunno how romantic it's gonna be right after that, but we'll work on it.
[ That and again he has his cross so that's funny. It's thirdwheeling. ]
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Flashing a little smile, maybe this is what could have been in the Underground if we ever did a post-nightmare thread. ]
It's definitely not going to be romantic with that attitude.
[ Offers hand and his fingers flex. Grabby grabby. You have two hands? One for the Punisher and one for him! ]
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[ Hmm. Yeah he puts his hand in Vash's. ]
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[ Vash takes Wolfwood's hand into his, holding it a little loosely as the just walk the streets of this district. It's cold, near freezing, because desert only knows extremes...
And while Vash is usually cozy in his coat, he isn't wearing it right now, so he sidles close to Wolfwood to leech warmth. ]
Being nice should be the standard.
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[ Rude... maybe reward really is a great incentive and more people should offer them eh. Wolfwood doesn't care for the cold, he stifles a slight sneeze as the temperature drops rapidly. At least there isn't a breeze.
He'll move the hand from handhold to around Vash if he'll allow the emancipation of his fingers. ]
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This is fine, though he can feel butterflies fluttering throughout his torso and he's feeling self-conscious because this is public (the underground had a circus tent). It's warm, though, and he walks as close as he can without getting in the way. ]
Okay. [ Annoyed... Until he yields a third time, just a little. This is posed not rhetorical, but playful with a stupid grin. ] You want a reward?
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Depends on what kind. I put in good work for good return.
[ He says, lobbying back effortlessly. It's not so nonchalant though, it's real. ]
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Without anything to cling onto aside from Wolfwood's person, which would make it uncomfortable to walk, Vash's arms cross and fold, trying to keep warm. ]
What do you think you deserve, then? I can be gracious, so don't be too shy with your proposal.
[ He would say modest, but Wolfwood is modest at the worst times. ]
Remember I'm one man!
[ Just in case. ]
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[ Not bully. Kind of. Genuinely an amused retort. Wolfwood has not relented on the light hold around Vash. It was loose and distant enough to make walking not awkward, but he draws the other in a little closer for a brief moment to tease. ]
A kiss? A little affection? Grab us dinner next time while I sleep in?
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[ How would he know! Maybe it's something hard or embarrassing!! But teasing.
His fingertips dig into his forearms when he's pulled closer, shoulders drawn up with a smile gating a laugh like those words are ticklish themselves. Wolfwood is so cute and he isn't sure if he's ready for this to be a recurring event. How is he going to survive? ]
You know you don't need to ask for those.
[ He'd give him those as many times as he needs, wants, and more. ]
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[ He says, lighthearted and nonchalant. He's heard the spiel before, from his fellow Gung-ho Guns, in Michael's prayers, in his own haunts. Sometimes he leans into it, sometimes he rejects it. Other times he knows it means nothing. ]
Then I guess you're just gonna have to come up with somethin' extra nice, nicer than any of those as a reward.
[ Don't spoil him too much Vash... he will be incorrigible. ]
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[ Despite being men with shoulders weighed heavy by sin and guilt, they know how to stay silly and take things lightly. Anxiety week isn't going to get their asses today.
As they walk Vash reaches over to place a hand over the closest shoulder to him, steadying himself so he can give Wolfwood a peck under the cheek... Maybe even absorb some of his warmth in the pall of cold desert air. ]
What about... If we ever get access to a kitchen, I'll cook something just for you?
[ A little special meal, meant for Wolfwood. He doesn't know if that's any nicer, but he thinks that food is always a good reward. ]
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[ Didn't they have a conversation in the UG about Vash's ability to cook... show him your cooking prowess. He uses the opportunity to lasso Vash, moving up his hand from around the waist to over his shoulder to lock him there for a moment and keep him close. It really is the giddiness of getting to have a moment for themselves, the adrenaline and euphoria of this life looking real and attainable, a small moment in time where he isn't gnawing in uncertainty about the future. Only now. Small moment of euphoria, young, not weighed with their age and worry. ]
Maybe we won't have to stay on a toma farm again. [ Assigns this the last time they had lodging that had a proper kitchen access. It was a very nice family of toma owners. ] More places are tryin' out those, the rooms that come with kitchens.
[ It'd be a LITTLE bit luxurious but hey. With nothing heavy and urgent pressing in after them, and with the orphanage having gained some extra support, maybe Wolfwood can squirrel away some extra cash on the road. ]
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[ Vash enjoyed their time at the toma farm. He got to play with the kids... And he got to see Wolfwood be nice to the little goblins. There was little cooking for them to do since the parents insisted on them being guests, but Vash did get to peel fruit for the tykes. Made little bunnies out of apples. You assigned this and I gave more details now. ]
Those cost a little bit more, but not so much more that it's out of our budget.
[ ... He thinks about what he can cook for Wolfwood. The guy really like noodles and there are plenty of noodle dishes he can make, but hasn't in a while. Quick meals are what he specializes in since he has been on the run for a long time... Though that can change now. Just a little. They can have wholesome dinners once in a while instead of takeout every night to head out the next morning with metaphorical dark clouds looming above.
Lingering close because he's locked in, it hits him that this is extremely domestic musing, very alien to him. His smile changes due to these... Different emotions. Not bad, definitely good. Still weird. ]
Got a favorite dish?
[ He idly drums his fingertips on Wolfwood's shoulder as they continue walking... They'll probably meet the outskirts of town soon where they can see the sky better. ]
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He loosens hold somewhat enough to make walking not too much of a hassle nor disruptive, but he hums as he continues, not separating and annoyingly shifting some weight onto Vash. ]
I ain't picky. Noodles are kind of a pain in the ass to make sometimes though. Fried rice?
[ Based on what I've seen Wolfwood eat, he likes his savoury and somewhat salty foods. ]
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They can be, but this is your special reward, remember? If you want noodles, then you'll get noodles.
[ Don't just settle for fried rice even though fried rice is delicious, too.
They make it to the closest outpost, not too far from the town... Where they can clearly see the moons and the stars, also worms. ]
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Fine. Your offer.
[ He'll let off after that and the jostle, sliding his weight off of Vash and trailing his hand back over his shoulders, down his arm -- back near his hand to retake it.
Wolfwood looks at worms. Wowie. ]
Seein' bigger and bigger worms every week.
[ Who is feeding you fellas. He glances up at the skies afterwards. The UG was nice in its own special ways, but if he had to choose one thing to not miss, it was the constant smell of gasoline and asphalt. Arid and dusty though it may be, when the air is good, it's crisp here. The fifth moon still shines bright despite her little booboo. ]
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They can just take in nature that's untouched by mankind. It's desert. Worms. Stars. And the multiple moons. Vash is fixated on the fifth moon and the hole, finding his shoulders become heavy, but becomes distracted by topic and looks at the worm cloud.
Look at all of them glow in the night!! Their version of northern lights. ]
Even with some poaching, the worm population is pretty healthy.
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It's fine, natural disasters happen frequently and nature always heals. Rocks don't really heal but moons are known for being cratered and all that. ]
We ain't makin' a dent in that, Zazie told me plenty.
[ Zazie was a freak and he didn't like them any better than the rest of the Gung-ho Guns, but Zazie at least didn't have an actual desire or will to actively cause harm to humanity. Typically. They're the native to humanity's encroaching alien. He watches a big one swim through the sand as easily as though it were water, the spikes peeking over the particles, wondering if that little shit is still alive somehow (he was not there to see Zazie last-minute possess some random guy and contact Vash and Livio). ]
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[ Vash... Only really got to see Zazie when his self-defense mechanism kicked in, so it's a little fuzzy for him. It was just. A lot of guns? Guns pointed at each other between people in that fortress, then he remembers a burst of pain and passing out. If it weren't for Elendira nailing him in the arm, he could have decimated that town, too.
That was some time ago and the memory has him squeeze Wolfwood's hand, just a little bit. Listless, his gaze is back on the fifth moon. ]
I never got to tell you that I was able to control my powers...
[ 'After you passed.' Quietly, something he's hesitant to talk about. It is the prime factor of what makes him a monster, after all. ]
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