[ He's QUIPPING Vash!! Anyway just lets him deal with his weight for a while as he looks outside at the scenery slowly rattling on by. ]
Don't gotta push it if they don't got the space. I'll make do with sleepin' on the couch if it calls for it.
[ The massacre by the Puppetmaster was one thing, but now they're hosting his kids and all that. He doesn't want to be any more trouble -- not that he thinks he's trouble. More of just you know, a gesture thing. The ship has done a lot more for Wolfwood than anyone probably realises. ]
[ It's true that they normally would have more space after the massacre, but now they also house an orphanage on the ship. Won't know the occupancy count to bed ratio until they're there.
When Wolfwood brings up sleeping wherever they can, Vash's eyes light up. ]
Hey. There's no reason for you to be suspicious. [ He gently shoves him with his shoulder. ] We can go camping on one of the grassy platforms! Maybe roast some s'mores under the stars.
[ It's MUNDANE, Wolfwood. Nothing worth worrying about. Sure, they camp in the desert sometimes, but it's different when they have a patch of grass and a couple of trees.
[ Sometimes... The fake outdoors is nice? And you don't feel like having a room when your favorite isn't going to be nearby, but you don't want to voice that and get assigned clingy (Vash does think he's being a little clingy). The ship capsules are also not very big, so it'd be difficult to share one.
He feigns offense by jostling their joined hands a bit. ]
I'd be sleeping outside because it'd be fun. [ Corrects him with half-truth, a little lie. Oh. ] We can tell stories to the kids around the fake campfire, too.
[ Not specifically the orphanage kids. There are plenty of kids on the ship, so it's kids (general). ]
Aw... I'm sure if you dress it up a little, they'll think it's cool—like getting swallowed by a giant worm and finding our way out! Or how you broke me out of jail!
[ Crimes, but it's not like the colony here doesn't know Vash gets into trouble. ]
[ Vash trusts the colony kids because they think of him as a pitiful weird uncle whom they love dearly. Everything he does is some level of cringe to them.
Look at Brad. He doesn't respect Vash, but has to. ]
I'll make sure to mention it's dark, damp, and smells like pee or something!
[ The unfortunate part is that unlike Vash's kids who think of him as a loser (fond), Wolfwood is unfortunately the Cool Big Brother Who Left Home that they want to be like and he cannot let anyone be like him. He sucks!! He's very much the guy who writes the 'don't try this at home' placards. ]
Exactly. Keep it at that and no cool breakout stories. Tell 'em the worst trouble you get into on the regular is fallin' off toma.
[ Vash gently shakes their joined hands, swaying it side to side on the car as it approaches the peak. They can see the towering ship past the clouds now. ]
... I think it would be fine for you to embellish a bit. Make yourself a hero for one story. [ While Vash knows about his bloodied hands, he also knows of the good he has done. ] You can snatch me by the collar before I fall flat on my face into the dunes and get swallowed up by quicksand.
No thanks. Besides, you're the one who's whole planet's saviour.
[ And he's the one who came to their rescue in the most dire moment behind white wings. He's their angel as much as he's Wolfwood's, and he has very little objection to that. He lets their hands get swung around -- it's the pleasant and little things. ]
How 'bout nobody drowns in sand, huh?
[ Sand sucks, it's coarse and gets everywhere . txt etc etc. He pulls his weight off as the car rumbles again over some line wheels. He's been counting them subconsciously even as they've been talking and he's fairly sure they're right up at the end if his memory serves right. He gives Vash one last thoughtful look... and then pulls his collar a little because they've spent enough time being a bit soft and he needs to be mean again. He's straightening it out. ]
Since when? What I've been hearing is that I'm this planet's menace.
[ And he doesn't say that with a heavy heart. Maybe, in the silence of a lone room, he'd crumble just a bit, but overall—he feels at home. It's the wisp of nostalgia of simpler times before the dark age. The people may be gone and he must move forward, but... It's familiar and comfortable. It reminds him there will be more peaceful moments full of warmth and love. He would be fine despite the horrors he suffered.
It's a little different now. His days are brighter and tomorrow is on his mind all thanks to the man beside him who's wrestling his collar into looking presentable. He doesn't struggle and fixes Wolfwood's in return. Not as roughly, though. ]
Right back at'cha.
[ Though Vash is popping Wolfwood's collar, making sure the creases are clean and sharp, then... I guess he will button his shirt up by one notch. The car finally rolls up to the resting spot at the top with a creak and crank. ]
[ You can be a little shit and also a hero, these things are probably not mutually exclusive and the world isn't a fairytale. He ughs when Vash fiddles with his collar, the shirt that's literally never buttoned up to the top. He always dishes it out and then complains when others do unto him.
He looks down at his shirt getting buttoned up by one row and raising his brows at Vash like again?? You are so obsessed with my buttons. Doesn't stop him. He only bothers moving once the car stops, the entire thing -- rope included -- shifting with the weight of losing two tall men, one prosthetic, and a very large cross. Wowie. He squints into the sands. ]
I know it's a bit late to ask, but they know we're comin', right?
[ I don't know how that cart can carry them while looking that flimsy, but all right. They roll out of the zip liner to the entrance of the ship.
Vash takes some strides before turning to look over his shoulder at Wolfwood. The question has him sweating a little. The small chuckle from him is nervous, in that obnoxious knowing way. ]
[ Hey most real zipline cars can carry a lot more people.Together they're like... 5 men. Because the Punisher is like 1.5-2 people on its own. ]
Seriously?
[ Seriously. He isn't surprised but he still has to judge a little. But also it means he's sweating a little bit too because what's worse than showing up from the dead to your estranged family of children? Showing up from the dead, unannounced, to your estranged family of children. ]
[ True, but it looks so worn out. I wouldn't be surprised if one day it just snaps. Vash offers his apologetic goofy smile first before he hops back to Wolfwood's side.
They may be both nervous, but Vash is the less nervous between them two. It slides off his back because, well, this is how he's lived for a while. He knows it isn't the same for Wolfwood... His relationship with his family of children is complicated. ]
It'll be fine.
[ Reaching out, he gives Wolfwood's wrist a reassuring squeeze. ]
[ It's not like he's expecting something bad to happen but like. You know.
Anyway up to the entrance they go, probably? Wolfwood makes a slight face as they do, but it's not necessarily a bad one. It's just that the vibe and atmosphere feels markedly different, even if the ship looks just the exact same as before from the outside.
The uneasy air and the tension is gone, and the worst thing he's feeling is that slight twinge of anxiety. Much more favourable in the overall grand scheme even if he complains in the moment. ]
[ Well! Here they are... And upon walking in, they'll see plenty of people either working or resting on the platforms surrounding the ship along with a couple of plants that were moved to the open to photosynthesize and socialize or something.
Actually, it feels that there are more people on the ship, which would make sense. Wolfwood can spot some familiar tykes here and there. The first to see them welcome them with an expression of surprise before they settle on something warm. They greet Vash, teasing him for visiting months after the last stand against Knives. Their only news is the satellite reports and TV broadcasts where he's mentioned or makes an appearance. ]
Hey, Chris, Michelle, Brian! Sorry, just lost track of time... And, you know, on the run.
[ He gives them a friendly wave, though they all sigh. They've accepted he's like this and don't try to argue, instead reminding him to come home more often. This is when they lay eyes on Wolfwood and... There's a look of recognition and they greet him, too.
Seems like the news of his death isn't exactly common knowledge. Vash doesn't say anything, either. ]
[ He rests his cross on the ground, and leans on it casually, watching with a vague kind of intensity as Vash greets familiar faces, every name etched in his memory. It never ceases to fascinate him almost to the point that it feels like he's watching a marvel, just this odd and little one thing. He could watch Vash run among the people of the ship for hours, content just to see it.
He only budges when he's looked at and greeted, or when it feels like it's his turn to speak. He greets them all casually and spins a polite enough lie that oh, yes, what happened is that he fell down so many feet into such an inhospitable crag that any sane person would have absolutely thought he had died. Hell, even he's surprised he's not dead. Against all odds though, he made it, but had to spend a good amount of time trying to piece his memory back together and then and only then, set forth to find Vash. I know, right?! What an absolute shocking turn of events. Dare they even call it a miracle.
All the while, he keeps an eye on Vash, and whenever he moves, so does Wolfwood. Conversations and greetings kept a little short for now, because God knows there'll be plenty of time to chat around later. ]
[ What a funny story? Vash plays along with it seamlessly, as if it actually happened. There's no skip or pause in his acting and the colony members accept it as fact.
Unfortunately, for Wolfwood, a lot of people approach Vash as he makes his way through. From the elderly to children they want to say hello to the man who stands basically as their weird estranged but lovable grand-uncle? Something of that sense. The children try to climb him and he lets them, which make some conversations longer than other, but...
They make it to the main body of the ship where Luida shows herself. She greets Vash, griefing him with a "I didn't expect you to visit so soon" which has him apologetically laugh and rub his neck. Sorry, sorry, and she sighs. To Wolfwood, there's glint surprise in her eyes, but she keeps her thoughts to herself and welcomes him back. While Vash didn't tell her the whole scope of what happened in Hopeland, she could piece it together with Vash's plight to let him follow Wolfwood to the orphanage when he left, to send a ship to evacuate the children... Then his demeanor and countenance upon return with Wolfwood nowhere to be seen.
It took her years to read Vash and she cannot say with confidence she knows all that goes on in his head and heart, but she made it this far. ]
Got any room for us? We don't mind camping on a platform outside, either.
[ She mentions that they have a room available, but it would be small for the two of them. They can provide them with camping gear to make their outdoors glamping comfortable, however.
For Wolfwood, she turns to him again with a short pause before she tells him that if he's curious about how the children and caretakers are doing, he may ask her whenever it strikes him. ]
[ That's fine, the fact that Wolfwood weirdly enjoys seeing this side of Vash means he really has no complaints about the frequent stops. It's not like he's in a rush to get settled in a room or leave right away. Vash can have his elderly community grandparents that look after him like he's one of their kids, or the little siblings that all treat him like an elder brother that just came back from deployment. Again, he's ever-content to watch it happen, though he'll entertain conversation with the folks here and there who remember him from his first visit. For those who don't know, he just says he's a friend for now.
Luida is someone he respects, and while he's not so open with her to tell her everything, he knows that old girl is a smart one. He shrugs and gives a little wave of hello over his sunglasses when she looks over at him, feigning nonchalance while staying close to Vash for support. ]
We know our way around the cheapest motels on the planet, pretty sure it ain't gonna be a problem unless you're puttin' your prodigal son into a storage closet.
[ He has to squint a little bit when she says room singular, which Wolfwood doesn't have a complaint about, but still. What do you know, lady. He does nod though, grateful for real on her follow-up offer. He'll come talk to her later. ]
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[ He's QUIPPING Vash!! Anyway just lets him deal with his weight for a while as he looks outside at the scenery slowly rattling on by. ]
Don't gotta push it if they don't got the space. I'll make do with sleepin' on the couch if it calls for it.
[ The massacre by the Puppetmaster was one thing, but now they're hosting his kids and all that. He doesn't want to be any more trouble -- not that he thinks he's trouble. More of just you know, a gesture thing. The ship has done a lot more for Wolfwood than anyone probably realises. ]
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When Wolfwood brings up sleeping wherever they can, Vash's eyes light up. ]
I have an idea. I think it'll be fun!
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[ He doesn't move off of him but he's glancing at him from over his shades. The heck kind of plan you got. ]
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[ It's MUNDANE, Wolfwood. Nothing worth worrying about. Sure, they camp in the desert sometimes, but it's different when they have a patch of grass and a couple of trees.
Kind of like back in the UG. ]
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[ Snorting. Even if it's the little indoor curated artificial gardens, it's the concept of just forsaking being in a room altogether.
S'mores sounds nice. ]
You don't gotta sleep out just 'cause I might be.
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He feigns offense by jostling their joined hands a bit. ]
I'd be sleeping outside because it'd be fun. [ Corrects him with half-truth, a little lie. Oh. ] We can tell stories to the kids around the fake campfire, too.
[ Not specifically the orphanage kids. There are plenty of kids on the ship, so it's kids (general). ]
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I ain't got any cute stories to tell. I'll fry your s'mores and you can tell tall tales.
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Aw... I'm sure if you dress it up a little, they'll think it's cool—like getting swallowed by a giant worm and finding our way out! Or how you broke me out of jail!
[ Crimes, but it's not like the colony here doesn't know Vash gets into trouble. ]
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[ No cool stories about jailbreaks!! What if the kids also go out and get roped up in crimes!! ]
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[ The kids know not to do what Vash does at this point... They apparently do not know how to stop having crushes on him. Children, honestly. ]
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[ They cannot think jail is a cool thing!! You have to tell them it sucks and it's full of men who smell, Vash!! ]
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[ Vash trusts the colony kids because they think of him as a pitiful weird uncle whom they love dearly. Everything he does is some level of cringe to them.
Look at Brad. He doesn't respect Vash, but has to. ]
I'll make sure to mention it's dark, damp, and smells like pee or something!
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Exactly. Keep it at that and no cool breakout stories. Tell 'em the worst trouble you get into on the regular is fallin' off toma.
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... I think it would be fine for you to embellish a bit. Make yourself a hero for one story. [ While Vash knows about his bloodied hands, he also knows of the good he has done. ] You can snatch me by the collar before I fall flat on my face into the dunes and get swallowed up by quicksand.
[ That escalated. ]
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[ And he's the one who came to their rescue in the most dire moment behind white wings. He's their angel as much as he's Wolfwood's, and he has very little objection to that. He lets their hands get swung around -- it's the pleasant and little things. ]
How 'bout nobody drowns in sand, huh?
[ Sand sucks, it's coarse and gets everywhere . txt etc etc. He pulls his weight off as the car rumbles again over some line wheels. He's been counting them subconsciously even as they've been talking and he's fairly sure they're right up at the end if his memory serves right. He gives Vash one last thoughtful look... and then pulls his collar a little because they've spent enough time being a bit soft and he needs to be mean again. He's straightening it out. ]
Gotta look presentable.
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[ And he doesn't say that with a heavy heart. Maybe, in the silence of a lone room, he'd crumble just a bit, but overall—he feels at home. It's the wisp of nostalgia of simpler times before the dark age. The people may be gone and he must move forward, but... It's familiar and comfortable. It reminds him there will be more peaceful moments full of warmth and love. He would be fine despite the horrors he suffered.
It's a little different now. His days are brighter and tomorrow is on his mind all thanks to the man beside him who's wrestling his collar into looking presentable. He doesn't struggle and fixes Wolfwood's in return. Not as roughly, though. ]
Right back at'cha.
[ Though Vash is popping Wolfwood's collar, making sure the creases are clean and sharp, then... I guess he will button his shirt up by one notch. The car finally rolls up to the resting spot at the top with a creak and crank. ]
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[ You can be a little shit and also a hero, these things are probably not mutually exclusive and the world isn't a fairytale. He ughs when Vash fiddles with his collar, the shirt that's literally never buttoned up to the top. He always dishes it out and then complains when others do unto him.
He looks down at his shirt getting buttoned up by one row and raising his brows at Vash like again?? You are so obsessed with my buttons. Doesn't stop him. He only bothers moving once the car stops, the entire thing -- rope included -- shifting with the weight of losing two tall men, one prosthetic, and a very large cross. Wowie. He squints into the sands. ]
I know it's a bit late to ask, but they know we're comin', right?
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Vash takes some strides before turning to look over his shoulder at Wolfwood. The question has him sweating a little. The small chuckle from him is nervous, in that obnoxious knowing way. ]
Telling them would have been a good idea.
[ He did not tell them. ]
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Seriously?
[ Seriously. He isn't surprised but he still has to judge a little. But also it means he's sweating a little bit too because what's worse than showing up from the dead to your estranged family of children? Showing up from the dead, unannounced, to your estranged family of children. ]
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They may be both nervous, but Vash is the less nervous between them two. It slides off his back because, well, this is how he's lived for a while. He knows it isn't the same for Wolfwood... His relationship with his family of children is complicated. ]
It'll be fine.
[ Reaching out, he gives Wolfwood's wrist a reassuring squeeze. ]
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[ It's not like he's expecting something bad to happen but like. You know.
Anyway up to the entrance they go, probably? Wolfwood makes a slight face as they do, but it's not necessarily a bad one. It's just that the vibe and atmosphere feels markedly different, even if the ship looks just the exact same as before from the outside.
The uneasy air and the tension is gone, and the worst thing he's feeling is that slight twinge of anxiety. Much more favourable in the overall grand scheme even if he complains in the moment. ]
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Actually, it feels that there are more people on the ship, which would make sense. Wolfwood can spot some familiar tykes here and there. The first to see them welcome them with an expression of surprise before they settle on something warm. They greet Vash, teasing him for visiting months after the last stand against Knives. Their only news is the satellite reports and TV broadcasts where he's mentioned or makes an appearance. ]
Hey, Chris, Michelle, Brian! Sorry, just lost track of time... And, you know, on the run.
[ He gives them a friendly wave, though they all sigh. They've accepted he's like this and don't try to argue, instead reminding him to come home more often. This is when they lay eyes on Wolfwood and... There's a look of recognition and they greet him, too.
Seems like the news of his death isn't exactly common knowledge. Vash doesn't say anything, either. ]
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He only budges when he's looked at and greeted, or when it feels like it's his turn to speak. He greets them all casually and spins a polite enough lie that oh, yes, what happened is that he fell down so many feet into such an inhospitable crag that any sane person would have absolutely thought he had died. Hell, even he's surprised he's not dead. Against all odds though, he made it, but had to spend a good amount of time trying to piece his memory back together and then and only then, set forth to find Vash. I know, right?! What an absolute shocking turn of events. Dare they even call it a miracle.
All the while, he keeps an eye on Vash, and whenever he moves, so does Wolfwood. Conversations and greetings kept a little short for now, because God knows there'll be plenty of time to chat around later. ]
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Unfortunately, for Wolfwood, a lot of people approach Vash as he makes his way through. From the elderly to children they want to say hello to the man who stands basically as their weird estranged but lovable grand-uncle? Something of that sense. The children try to climb him and he lets them, which make some conversations longer than other, but...
They make it to the main body of the ship where Luida shows herself. She greets Vash, griefing him with a "I didn't expect you to visit so soon" which has him apologetically laugh and rub his neck. Sorry, sorry, and she sighs. To Wolfwood, there's glint surprise in her eyes, but she keeps her thoughts to herself and welcomes him back. While Vash didn't tell her the whole scope of what happened in Hopeland, she could piece it together with Vash's plight to let him follow Wolfwood to the orphanage when he left, to send a ship to evacuate the children... Then his demeanor and countenance upon return with Wolfwood nowhere to be seen.
It took her years to read Vash and she cannot say with confidence she knows all that goes on in his head and heart, but she made it this far. ]
Got any room for us? We don't mind camping on a platform outside, either.
[ She mentions that they have a room available, but it would be small for the two of them. They can provide them with camping gear to make their outdoors glamping comfortable, however.
For Wolfwood, she turns to him again with a short pause before she tells him that if he's curious about how the children and caretakers are doing, he may ask her whenever it strikes him. ]
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Luida is someone he respects, and while he's not so open with her to tell her everything, he knows that old girl is a smart one. He shrugs and gives a little wave of hello over his sunglasses when she looks over at him, feigning nonchalance while staying close to Vash for support. ]
We know our way around the cheapest motels on the planet, pretty sure it ain't gonna be a problem unless you're puttin' your prodigal son into a storage closet.
[ He has to squint a little bit when she says room singular, which Wolfwood doesn't have a complaint about, but still. What do you know, lady. He does nod though, grateful for real on her follow-up offer. He'll come talk to her later. ]
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