(i had a night, i had a day, i did one million stupid things)

[skelters]

Who: Vash + YOU????
Where: Around Aldrip
What: Feb catch-all, dealing with month's shenanigans! Please find Vash's plotty comment for some of the related ideas. If we have plans together, please hit me up with a starter or I can write one up. If we don't have plans together, what are you waiting for ...
Warnings: Will update as they come up!

i ➤ REBUILDING

[ the attacks, and the earthquakes, and the explosion that happened not too long ago ... it seems like disaster follows vash wherever he goes. well, the only thing he could do is try his best to help where he's needed!

vash will be around everywhere - so much so that you wouldn't be able to help running into him at any point around aldrip; balanced precariously on a ladder helping to hammer new awnings and windowsills into place, hauling rubble and dragging away rubbish and broken things, and many more physical work besides. it is a workout enough that he has shed his red coat - and would you look at that, he's actually bricked up underneath all that.

anyway ... with all that bulk, plus the shiny augmentation of his left arm, means that the people leading the repair relief has mostly left him alone, trusting him to pull his own weight ... but as you know, sometimes it's just plain impossible to do everything just by yourself. ]

Uh ... [ a voice, awkward and reedy, will stop them as they happen to pass by. vash is leaning his weight on a wheelbarrow on which a heaping pile of broken rocks and stones rest, and it seems like one of the wheels have come off - leaving the cart precariously unbalanced, if he doesn't keep holding onto it. when they make eye contact, vash will start to smile - though the strained frown on his face still remains. ] I'm so sorry to bother you, but would you be able to help me?

ii ➤ PARTY PREP

[ if it isn't rebuilding, it's preparing the town to welcome the guests who are arriving any day now. there seems to be a talk about some kind of misunderstanding, and needing everything to be absolutely perfect for the ketsoran delegation ... now, vash has no idea who or what they are, but if it is all about keeping peace between people, then sign him up!

which is why he is busy running around, ducking in and out under awnings of shops and stalls with a basket full of things that people have asked him to deliver - or maybe his tall height attracts some people to help hang some colourful lanterns and other hangings around the streets for decoration - or even repainting the stalls and signages. some other days he can be found with a fluffy apron tied around him, chopping up mountains of vegetables (watch out for those onions) or covered in flour ... and many other cooking-related mishaps.

you think he is doing enough? not by half, because it seems that he's been roped into learning some kind of trick, to amuse the children who needs supervising (read: babysitting) while the adults are busy. currently, he is balancing handfuls of colourful balls on both hands, apparently learning how to juggle - currently he's graduated to having four that weaves themselves in wobbly circles over his head, and vash wobbles dangerously as his eyes squint, concentrating on not messing up.

now, if they weren't mean, they would try to stay a wide circle clear of his efforts ... or they could try to mess it up. the kids certainly seem to want them to! it's boring when he doesn't drop the balls, okay? ]

iii ➤ TOAD TERRORS

[ look, vash is notorious for never learning from his past mistakes, and the pesky amphibians are no exception. it isn't as though he is exactly looking out for them either, seeing as they are probably seasonal (or so he's been told), and after all the disaster in Aldrip ... well, they wouldn't be as smart as he'd have thought if they still chose to stick around.

in any case, there are plenty of food to go around for the volunteers helping to clear away the rubble and repair what can be fixed up - not to mention the abundance of leftovers from whoever is learning how to cook up a feast for the days ahead as the delegation's visit draws near.

maybe they are the ones who's cooked the food, maybe they're just simply passing by, running their own errands or doing their part to assist in the preparations (or just trying to stay well clear of it) when vash happens to come across them. he's got an armful of food tucked in the crook of one arm, and the other is holding out a drink - hot chocolate, it seems like, smelling sweet and foamy with steam gently rising from the top of the mug from the cold weather. as if that wasn't enough, he's got a big bite of a sweet pastry bulging the side of his cheek like a hamster.

seeing them, vash quickly struggles to chew enough of the mouthful to speak around it: ]

Come on! There's plenty to eat here - why don't you take a break for a bit?

[ note: the effect can be for both of them or just vash, depending! the choice of eating something spiked is up to you :) i'm interested in having vash have all or any of the following: seeing things that aren't there / compulsion to tell the truth / crave the closeness of another person. the chattiness and helping people are a moot point with vash, but feel free to notice that he is over-exaggerated on both! ]

iv ➤ PARTY ROCK

[ it is finally party time!!! all of the hard work and efforts made by everyone to prepare for the event seems like it was all worth it, because everyone seems to be enjoying themselves (hopefully) ... as well as being dressed up nice for it. vash is decked out in red, and his mask is clutsters of flowers that sway and fluff with every movement of his head.

and yes, it is mandatory to have one, but nobody said it was mandatory to keep wearing it! sometimes the characters might find that vash has pushed it up so it rests in an untidy mess at the crown of his head, the wildflowers scattered and mixing blond strands of hair. ]

OPTION A:
[ while he is eyeing everyone dancing and eating and drinking with wide, fascinated stare as though he has never seen something like this before, vash doesn't immediately move to join in on the fun, straying to the edges of the crowd and just observing for now. he's worked hard for this, so let him relax! though perhaps that would be easier achieved by asking him to join in... maybe get him to try some of the fancy food platters that others might be gorging on? do you want to share some of that? or what about some drinks? bully him into sneaking into the kitchens to snag you some top quality hors d'oeuvres? ]

OPTION B:
[ as much fun as it all is, you can't just keep partying forever ... or maybe vash is just enough of a pushover that he is moonlighting as a replacement bartender, complete with a lopsided bowtie and all that he keeps tugging at occasionally. it's not like he really knows how to mix drinks, but hey, he's always up for some experimenting! how about you sit yourself at the bar and order some specials? ]

OPTION C:
[ it won't be a proper party until there are people playing for some pretty high stakes - it's not so serious as life or death as some of the card games that vash has taken part in, and this glittery setting is a far cry from the smoke-stained saloons of noman's land, but the tensions are running pretty high at this table with everyone clutching their cards and glaring at each other ... except for vash, who sits in the middle of all of them with a wide, stupid grin on his face. so much for a poker face, huh. will you help him from getting cheated, or will you watch on? though if you do choose to not interfere, you might realise that there's actually a sizeable collection of chips growing at vash's elbow ... hey, this guy might not actually be so dumb after all? ]

OPTION D:
Hey! Wait! Hold on! Over here! [ this is D for DANGEROUS ... not. it's a scavenger hunt, and the characters might find themselves waved down frantically by this scatty-looking blond man, who hops and weaves through the crowd to make his way to where they are. when vash finally makes it to their side (if they don't walk away, of course), he is going to sheepishly flash a smile and hold out a card, on which it would say something that fits the character's description. wearing a funky hat? is really tall? looks like they'd win at chicken nugget eating contest? go wild. happy to come up with something fun (and awful) myself if you need ;) ] Whew, thank you ... Do you mind helping me with this? It'll just take a minute!

OPTION E:
[ please teach him how to dance before you are stuck with this disaster stepping on your foot or worse ... he is a quick learner, promise! vash will lose his voice for the duration of the dance until they fill out their name on his card, OR he will lose his prosthetic left arm, and that sleeve will hang empty. i'm happy to do either of these for people because what is time but a wobbly space! ]

[ note: the TOAD TERRORS effects are still okay for this party setting! ]

v ➤ WILDCARD

[ happy to do closed prompts for any of the options above, otherwise hit me with disasters - ping me in game discord or find me at plurk for chats! happy to match prompts :) ]

Comments

iii

[solitarysoul]

[Levi has been doing manual labor all day, between being bullied into help with party prep AND into helping with rebuilding. So by the time Vash comes by those snacks look really good. He'd normally protest and insist that everybody else get some first or something like that, but he's tired and thirsty and hungry. So he takes the offered hot chocolate and takes a drink. Probably a more than he should have with a hot drink, but he doesn't complain. Its mostly fine.]

Thanks man. Do they have you on food truck duty?

((levi's gonna get chatty/happy, vash can get or not get whatever you want ^^))

[skelters]

[ levi doesn't need to worry - it's probably that while he was busy working, vash was going around to everybody asking if they needed a bite or something to drink. that's just the sort of person he is ... too busy making sure everyone is okay and checking in to think about himself. which is why he gives levi a big grin as the other takes the mug of hot chocolate out of his hand. ]

No ... Well, not exactly ... ? I just thought, everyone is working really hard. You deserve to take a break and rest up!

[solitarysoul]

[He looks down to the hot chocolate in his hands.]

I guess...but doesn't it get done quicker if we don't take many breaks?

[No union breaks in his world, sadly.]

Do, um, is it okay if I take a pastry or something?

i

[rebellions]

[ And then there's the complete opposite of Vash ─ Ragna hasn't made the slightest attempt to help out with the rebuilding of the town or the party preparations. He still hunts for monsters outside Aldrip to put food on the table, but as far as he's concerned, everything else? That's none of his business.

So now that he's been stopped by a man who's clearly in need of assistance, Ragna simply frowns, giving him a disinterested look without moving to help the poor chap out. ]

... And why the hell would I do that?

[skelters]

[ ragna please ... well, if it makes things better (it really doesn't), now that vash has got his sights set on this man there is no letting ragna off easy out of this predicament of having to help out people. get ready ...

anyway, as soon as vash notices that he has the other man's attention, his expression will go from panicked to noticeably bright - look, he's even going to try and struggle to give him a wave, even though he has to lean the handle of the cart against his hip for balance to do that. ] Ah! Over here! Please help!

[ he doesn't seem very put out by ragna's cold response ... it's almost as though he's used to asking for help and getting rejected, or at least, encountering people who weren't as keen to do that as he was. his expression doesn't shift or dim one little bit. ]

Um, because you're the only one around here ...?

Come on, don't be so cold! It won't take a minute! Please?

III

[mapsio]

[ What with the rebuilding and the preparation for the party, it’s been pretty busy around Aldrip. It’s a perfect opportunity to be helpful, and to meet others in the same situation.

As she’s painting one of the stalls, she catches a glimpse of Vash. He’s tall…so, maybe she could ask him for a little bit of assistance.]

Excuse me, do you think you could help me paint the top of this stall?

[ Please, because, she’s literally 5’2”.]

[skelters]

[ vash doesn't immediately catch onto the fact that he's the one being addressed ... there being so many others around. he, however, slows down in his tracks at hearing help, shifting the basket of fruits in his arms as he looks around. honestly, it's almost like he has a problem with just walking past anybody who's having even the slightest bit of trouble. ]

...Uh, [ finally, his gaze lands on haru, and vash smiles a little tentatively, a bit unsure. ] You mean... me?

[ who else is tall enough for that stall? even with the ladder, it's going to be an awkward reach for anyone shorter, and most certainly with her. ]

[mapsio]

[ She gives him a gentle smile once he finally, well, looks down. She knows her height is not very helpful in this situation. But she can tell he looks a little caught off guard by the request. ]

If you don't mind sparing a moment, yes, you. You just seem like the perfect height to paint the top of the stall.

[ Because even with the ladder, this is a struggle for her. ] Forgive me for the request, I realize now that it must be extremely sudden.

ii.

[conflictresolution]

[Silco disliked the exposure that came with parties, but he liked delegations of important people that he could talk to. He disliked actually setting up decorations, but he liked organizing people where it involved giving orders. He disliked the hustle and bustle of hurried people, but he liked children.

Which was where he happened to find himself after making a delivery of fresh flowers for the event. It seemed the group of children were being entertained by someone he had met before, and it was fitting that someone who seemed determined to please would be so involved in babysitting. He moved closer to the group, standing aside for a moment before one of the children who he knew well noticed and waved.

Then he moved over and eased into a crouch near the little boy who whispered 'is he going to fumble soon?' He shrugged and picked up a fist sized rock, inclining his head to the boy who giggled as he lobed the stone up at Vash.]

Adding a fifth... and taking bets, children.

[They hooted and hollered their price - candy mostly - clamoring over each other as he pulled out his small notebook and began to write their bets.]

[skelters]

[ from the frantic way people were preparing for their arrival and making sure everything is perfect, it doesn't seem as though they often got visitors like this in Aldrip ... well, in any case, the busy atmosphere is enough to get vash's mood to lift, enough that he has volunteered for the exhausting task of babysitting a group of children. it was going well, probably!

at least, until silco joins the little festivities here.

vash notices him at the outskirts of the group that's circled around him, and it's clear that he recognises silco as well, because the smile on his face brightens like a flash of sun on midday. he would wave, if he could, but both his hands are currently occupied ... so he just settles on cheerily calling out a 'hello!!' - which turns into a startled yelp that makes the children laugh, when silco lobes the stone in the midst of the interlocking circles that vash is weaving.

frantically, he shifts his weight, stepping forward - and then back - to catch the stone nimbly before sending it up again to join the colourful balls. ]

Wa-a-it, what, hold on!

[conflictresolution]

[Children were still shouting their demands and their bets continually changed when Vash failed to meet their assumed expectations. He patiently wrote down each one as the blond fumbled and recovered with the rock thrown into the mix, and the corner of his mouth pulled in an amused smile.

He also reflected that this buffoon was the only other person in this entire place aside from Jinx who was excited to see him. It was so rare that he found it a little off-putting, but he was also getting a sense that Vash was someone so desperate to see a friend in everyone that the red flags would probably be ignored. It was fascinating.]

Do you think he can handle a sixth children?

[They hollered their answers over one another, creating a cacophony of laughter, shouting and movement as they jumped up and down and moved around. Still, he crouched patiently as if he understood their babble of conversation. They were thoroughly distracted at least.]

He has good reflexes. I think he can handle six; it will balance out the other rock.

[He turned his head to search for another rock of approximate equal size. The next one was not particularly round though. Oh well, it would be entertaining. He waited, wanting to enjoy any protests from Vash about the whole affair.]

ii

[entreats]

[ Honestly, spotting Vash out here like this feels like the furthest thing from a surprise to Ange. Of course the guy would be here entertaining little kids. Her first impression of him was already that he was perhaps the most extreme goody-two-shoes type she has ever seen in her life, and none of this is exactly helping anything about that. Of course world's nicest weirdo is going to volunteer to play babysitter.

.. babysitter to an extremely rowdy bunch of kids, apparently. She may just have passed this entire display by if it had just been Vash juggling for some kids, but when she watches two kids actively trying to sabotage his act - running circles around him and threatening to nearly bump into him each time they go around - Ange actually steps closer to watch.

No, she doesn't have a thing for schadenfreude, o-okay! ]

I'm not sure they're really appreciative of your act, you know.

[ Ange sounds just like she did last time. Her voice flat, almost devoid of emotion. ]

[skelters]

[ is he really that predictable ... but really, what else was he to do? seeing them run around without any proper supervision in this mess was really worrying him, okay? there's some pretty dangerous tools (and paints) being messed about around these parts! someone has to keep an eye on them at least until lunchtime.

vash is a weirdo, but at least he is a surprisingly coordinated weirdo - even though he yelps in fright every time they bump against him or get real close to knocking him off balance, so far he hasn't dropped a single ball yet ... which is probably what spurred the two of them on this mission in the first place. look, he is even apparently feeling pretty relaxed enough to smile at them too, letting out a laugh as he narrowly snatches a ball from slipping out of his hands, the metal fingers just as dextrous as his other.

maybe it's some kind of hubris for him to show off like that, because as soon as ange speaks up vash will let out a surprised little eek - the falter in his hands resulting in the juggling balls falling and rolling all over the ground. the kids clap their hands and shout, not at all annoyed about her interruption. ]

Uh ... hahaha, sorry... [ vash scrambles to his knees on the ground, attempting to pick up the couple of balls that have still remained close to him. ]

Are you here to play too?

fun on the farm w/ vash and knives

[drugsnotclubs]

[Somehow, Kotone's invitation of 'You should come and meet the animals!' so many weeks ago has turned into... Well. This. Shinji wouldn't really call it working at the farm, because he really has no idea what he's doing, and mostly just shows up to keep an eye on some of the larger animals, or help move things if asked-- but it sure has become something he does every so often and takes money at the end of the day for. (And hey: sometimes it's more money for less time than some of the more annoying hunting jobs.)

Today he'd wandered down to the farm after seeing the errand board fairly barren, and one of the lead farmhands had been quick to suggest a task that clearly no one else wanted to do. ('We have new hires-- they're chosen, like you-- you can probably help them more -- We sent them down to the barn--')

Honestly he's tempted to just turn around and go home. But he's already here, and if the new guys are bad enough for the locals to be this desperate to pawn them off on someone-- well. Maybe he should keep an eye on them and make sure no one accidentally sets the place on fire or something.

While the winter had gotten a bit more mild after the blizzards the prior month, it's still cold as hell, and so most of the livestock are warm and cozy in the bar. A few dairy cows, a small heard of sheep, some goats, the stray cats always skulking and mousing in the corners. Now just to find whoever the hell they hired. Rather than looking, he just shouts out as he enters the barn and starts hanging up his coat.]

Hey. You guys in here?

[One of the cows near the door gives a 'moo!' and shakes its head, the bell around its neck clanking, possibly in some sort of greeting.]

--No, not you. You ain't a guy, anyway [Don't mind him, just gendering the cow.]

ready for pain and tears

[skelters]

[ call it vash's (doubtful) plan of acclimatising nai into society - but he's somehow managed to talk himself into helping out at the farm, and also bring his brother along with him. don't ask vash how he's done it ... in any case, he faintly realises that getting along with other animals will help pave the step into the next direction (see: humans). that, and he just wants to see all the things that he's only been able to watch via old recordings from earth. it's somewhat exciting, really, even though a part of him is all out of sorts nervous from keeping an eye out on his wayward brother.

their first job is to bring in some new hay after they've raked out the old, stinky layer - there is plenty in the storage next to the barn, so it's not like they have a far distance to go for that. vash has done some odd (and frankly gross) jobs around people in his time, so that's not what particularly bothers him ... he's too busy looking around to pay attention to the gross smelly part. ]

Nai, look! [ instead of an answer to shinji's loud shouting, he will instead hear vash excitedly gesticulate at a different (not gendered) cow, who stands placidly munching on something as they always seem to be doing. ]

That must be a ... cow? It's so big! Hey, can I pet you?

[ you know cows can't actually answer back, right? ]

i;

[laserguy]

[Oh hey, it's noodle man. Vash, right? Scott definitely remembers him, because that incident was a time and a half that sometimes gives him headaches still. However, with the recent destruction that he's caused and everything, he really has no power to throw stones at him-- not that he really would, honestly. He can be an asshole, but it was abundantly clear that all of that was an accident. Besides, he doesn't need him to start apologizing again.

He pulls his hands out of his pockets as he steps closer to him, nodding to the older man's question.]

Yeah, sure. What do you need me to do?

[skelters]

[ noodle man.....

really, vash can't make any promises about not apologising anymore (at least, not about the chair and the wall; he did promise about that. kind of.) though at least for the moment he doesn't seem like he will? hopefully nothing more destructive happens with the two of them in the scene.

in any case, scott will have the front seat view of vash's harried expression (seems to be the default with him) instantly switching with recognition of who he was lucky enough to run into. his whole face brightens into a wide smile, as though he wasn't just a second ago struggling with propping up the heavy cart by himself. ] Scott!!

You're alright? I'm so glad to see you!

iii

[theskyaccepts]

[The thing is, Tsuna is kind of on an enforced break right now. He's been trying to help, really he has, but at the same time, trouble is attracted to him like a magnet. And if he isn't hitting himself with a hammer, he's knocked over one too many piles of rubble or supplies.

So, he's been placed off to the side, looking a little ashamed but hesitant to move forward. And when food is offered, he looks rueful.]

I haven't been working that hard...mostly causing trouble.

[skelters]

[ that's half the reason why vash has wandered his way over to where tsuna is ... the slight dejected expression on the other's face was hard to miss, after all, and vash is a busybody enough to try and figure out why he's looking like that, and help if he can. ]

Hey, it's alright.

[ vash smiles, hopefully in a friendly manner as though he is afraid of spooking the other, and offers him the basket of pastries he's got tucked over his other arm to look through. there's both sweet and savoury if tsuna would care to lift up the teatowel tucked over the top, and still warm. ] You're still here, aren't you? Even if you think you're not doing much, it's better than sitting at home doing nothing!

w-w-w-wildcard! (lmk if this is ok!!!)

[feintofhart]

[ For most people, shopping for a formal party such as this one is a singularly intimidating prospect. Claude knows better than most that how you dress for this sort of thing can make the difference between being the subject of mockery and the subject of respect, that what they intend to accomplish will be stymied by people showing up in shabby wear.

Perhaps unkindly, he hangs back for a while, watching Vash drift between the stalls, looking at the swaths of fabric and getting preyed upon by vendors overly eager to peddle their wares (and overcharge for what they're selling), a little amused. It's only when Vash picks up a garment that Claude truly disapproves of and when the seller begins to enthusiastically sell it to him that he sidles forward, leaning over his shoulder to say, ] I wouldn't, if I were you. I think that's made for a man that's easily thirty pounds heavier than you, my friend.

i love u and claude this is perfect

[skelters]

[ and for vash who's never attended a party, formal or not (having copious amount of beer with tomas farmers and worm hunters in a sand-filled old saloon in the middle of a desert planet doesn't count, okay?), getting ready for one seems like an ordeal that he's truly ill equipped to handle. he has no idea what to look for, for one thing, not to mention understanding how much everything should actually cost. all these rich patterned fabrics and bright colours seem really expensive to him ... so thank god claude intervenes before the vendor can get all the coins out of vash's pockets for a jacket in some eye-watering pattern. ]

Uh... [ vash's hands falter where they're holding out the garment as he gives a full body jump at the surprise interruption, and he gives claude a hesitant sort of smile while trying to sneak a glance between him and the vendor. ]

D'you think so? I'm pretty tall, so maybe it'll still be alright...?

iv, wildcard.

[yoke]

[ parties are... well, he's not been to very many, but they're fine? they're okay? but the fact that this is a fancy party just makes it more of a pain in the ass to be in. it's too bright and decadent, almost stuffy in its opulence, and after walking around for the better part of five minutes, wolfwood decides he's had enough.

at least the food is decent, though. for being on the road for as long as they have, wolfwood would never turn down free food and drink. he piles a plate with as much finger food and hors d'oeuvres he can manage, swiping a drink while he's at it before slipping off outside for an extended smoke break. he's not too worried about vash, knowing that he'll have many opportunities to get himself in trouble that he'll end up having to bail him out of. right now, he's going to enjoy whatever peace and quiet he can get. ]

[skelters]

[ well, at least that's one more "very many" than vash, who hasn't been to a single one at all - drinks with grimy patrons of a saloon in the middle of nowhere doesn't count, okay? he's been busy helping out with all sorts of things for the preparation, so it's only fair that he gets to enjoy the results ... though that means more gawking and staring than actually participating in all the events of the setup. for now, anyway.

but people watching isn't very fun without one familiar face to keep him company; which is why wolfwood would be interrupted in his little peace and quiet in the next few moments or so, as vash slides in near soundlessly onto the balcony, peeking his head around the drapery closing it off from the rest of the party before he excitedly hops his way over. and don't worry, he hasn't got into any trouble, for now, and he is still looking relatively put together in all the fancy clothes. ]

There you are! [ the night-time breeze is refreshing, especially after he'd been ducking in and out of the crowd, and vash pushes the mask up over his forehead and grins brightly. ]

Have enough to eat? [ that's quite a pile that wolfwood has hoarded, there ... ]

iii

[finalrun]

[his brother made an interesting spectacle of himself, hurrying to and fro at the whims of others' directions. there was purpose to it, knives could see that much, but the sight of vash following orders, offering assistance and encouragement with all the zest of someone just too happy to be of help, it still sat wrong with knives. he'd been spending more time by vash's side, especially since the results of his sentencing. a quiet spectator, a shadow vash couldn't quite shake, but it also came with the caveat of knives behaving himself. there would be no strangers' blood spilled for now, not when he was too preoccupied in simply observing his brother.

he doesn't stray far from vash's side, only to pet the occasional stray cat or watch as birds gathered along rooftops scatter into the air with an odd kind of fascination. his interests always did skew slightly off.

the tables of food are inviting, and the smells are not unpleasant, but knives' attention is instead focused on vash as he attempts to juggle a handful of pastries and a dangerously steaming mug of some sweet-smelling drink. it's almost comical, maybe even a little endearing... if he wasn't thinking about how vash might burn himself if he drops that mug.

so he holds out a hand, an offer to take the drink for him.]

Give it to me, before you make an even bigger mess of yourself.

[skelters]

[ vash has no idea of nai's sentencing - there are so, so many things that his brother keeps secret, and vice versa without doubt; too many mystery that goes unspoken, hidden beneath the constant smiling facade that vash displays outward to all others, until he can fool himself that it is his true face. that is who he is. that is what he is. that is all he can do.

everything seem to be usual with vash, in any case, despite his silent, disapproving shadow - or maybe it is perhaps because of nai's presence that vash seems busier than normal, practically tearing himself in different directions at once running around. if he is at all curious about why nai is choosing to spend this time with him, vash doesn't make any comment; afraid that he would say the wrong things again and drive his brother off into unbroachable distance again. and if nai notices that he makes himself slow down a fraction whenever a stray cat goes ambling past their path ... well, that's just another secret added to the pile. ]

Oh! [ oops, he nearly drops the drink in surprise - but thankfully rights himself without spilling a drop, covering up for the fumbling with a little, surprised sound that isn't quite a laugh. ]

I'm not making a mess!