doubledollar | IC INBOX

[ he won't overdo it--mikleo is just a guy, not a martini. He'll even smooth over part of his sleeve before taking his hands back to himself to look over the garden space with a beaming grin on his face, the sparkling mist really adding to the beauty of the thing, even if just for a minute. ]

Nothing? Maybe not for you, but you just did the work that'd take me at least an hour about. What was that, Jun, ten seconds??

Talented doesn't even cover it!

[ he's absolutely listening, though, as Mikleo drops the deets on why he was so talented with water, and for a moment, he... actually looks amazed. His eyebrows lifting up past his messy hairline, and a warm smile moving up onto his face. ]

I didn't know such beings existed. A spiritual being born from water, huh. Anything really is possible in this world, isn't it.

[ his boss being half-zebra, people with cat-ears and dragon wings--it's... doing wonders for his mental health, that. While he isn't about to offer up that he's not human either, mikleo
please know
youve just done the lion's share in making him feel like he isn't out of place here. and that's a lot.

He casts a long glance over at Jun now, who is doing a good job at finishing the weeding issue, waving his prosthetic arm with a grin.]

Well, I assume if Jun can make plants, he can pull them up pretty good, too.

They're related, right.

Just about, yep!

[Jun was staying out of the conversation besides confirming the time, continuing to focus on weeding. It's only when Mikleo brings him up to try to draw the attention off Mikleo does he look back over at them once more. ]

...Orrrrr its because I've only been weeding for two minutes. If I was already getting sweaty, it'd be a sign I was really out of shape.

[Come on guys I know neither of you are humans but still this isn't crazy even by normal people standards.]

[He's glad when his wild ride is over. He's still blushing a bit, though. It seems that Mikleo has a hard time accepting praise.]

If you look around and listen, you'll find that a lot of us aren't completely human. Some people are cursed, some were changed because of the Spirit Vein, and some were just born looking different. Everyone gets treated the same since we're all in this together.

[Which is far better than normal society. Mikleo might have an inconvenient life, but he knows it's charmed in a way that he couldn't have imagined as a boy.]

That's true, but—he's just strong.

[He places his hands on his hips and wrinkles his nose at Jun.]

Are you calling me out of shape? This is the shape I've always been!

[long

and

stringy]

Has it only been two minutes?

[ that whole water thing felt like it took much longer, but maybe he prolonged it in his head because it was... well. it was damn pretty, and he still hasn't fully recovered from it.

He's thinking about what Mikleo said, though, and the smile on his face is becoming warm--even though the water spirit is saying some concerning things about being cursed. ...Being treated the same feels... fine. It's, for once, a weight off his shoulders that he didn't realise he'd been holding. Maybe one day he'll feel he can tell his own secrets. For now he'll just nod his head. ]

I work at a bar at night, in the city. And my boss actually told me that people can change suddenly, overnight after being human. It feels startling to me, but. So long as people can be comfortable with themselves and others...

[ . . .. . . . . . .

. . .. . . . ..

. .. . . .

he's gonna poke Mikleo's side. string bean. ]

[Jun could take a guess at the thoughts going through Vash's head as Mikleo speaks. Jun own senses could tell right away that this guy wasn't human, but he sure seemed to do his best to pass off as one. Maybe it was for a matter of survival, or just...not wanting to be treated like more of an outsider.

Jun could understand that feeling. ]

Mm. That's been happening a lot lately, along with other strange incidents. There's concerns to be had, but I think it's good to try to make the best of it and support each other.

[And yaaaah he can get what Mikleo is hinting at with Jun's strength. Jun audibly clears this throat. Not now. ]

I wasn't referring to you, specifically. Though now that you bring it up, I did notice you favoring the lighter boxes when we were moving.

Edited 2023-03-22 14:40 (UTC)

[Mikleo looks at Vash, intending to say something after hearing that tone, and seeing that look-- but then he's poked and he squawks.]

Hey! [Turnabout is fair play though, so he's going to completely drop any pretense of maturity here and try to poke at Vash back. You're skinny too, Blondie.

Oh, right. Jun. Mikleo drops the subject and doesn't say anything more about his strength, understanding the point of the throat-clearing. Mikleo can be the openly not-human one here, then. It's true as far as he knows.]

That's... obviously it's because I didn't want to trip and break something delicate—

[Yes he's still trying to tickle Vash over here.]

[ its been a survival instinct since he was small, that's all. Most people on Noman's Land treated him like a monster or a freak when they realised he was a sentient plant--Those things aren't supposed to be sentient, and it's terrifying to think one can just be walking around. But it's different here. It gives him that inch of room to relax if it ever does come out into the light.

More importantly, one thing he doesn't expect is for the shorter man to turn around and poke him back. It'll reward his two new friends with about the most unmanly sound Vash could possibly make, a squeak or a yelp, depending on how one could interpret it, and he's moving to defend his poor sensitive middle. ]

I'm all for supporting friends and comrades, see! I might not have been here long, but I want to protect this place while I call it home?

[ his voice has gone up in octave a bit as Mikleo??? continues his assault aaugahagahah

what if he runs toward the flower garden, girl bye ]

[He watches Vash and Mikleo poking at each other like children, and he can't help but giggle a little at the sight - especially the sound that came out of Vash. Mikleo could be a rather serious person, so having someone as disarmingly friendly as Vash was probably good for him.]

Hehe- something delicate meaning yourself right?

[He says it lightly teasing Mikleo, but not having too much bite to it.]

We appreciate the help, Vash. Really, even though you're exhausted from the weeding, you've done a great job taking care of this place!

[Vash makes a very undignified noise and Mikleo can't help a laugh. He's not one to do a whole lot of that, so it surprises him a little. He can't very well take it back, though. The ~cool facade~ has been shattered forever. As penance for that, he is subjecting Vash to more poke attempts, because suffer.

Though Jun calling him out makes Mikleo turn his head, leaving him momentarily open.]

Rude!

[Wait, where--]

H—hey! [GET BACK HERE] How in the world is he so fast?!

[You know what, fine. He'll just place his hands on his hips. You win this time, but only because he's too dignified to clamber after you, Vash...]

Jun's right, though. You've done admirably. I think it takes a special kind of person to live this out of the way and take care of everything so well...

Edited 2023-03-25 17:43 (UTC)

[ he moves like a cockroach, quick and kind of unnerving. it's nothing. he's peeking out from behind a tree that's near the flower garden, an impish grin on his face as he wiggles his fingers at the pair. Not being chased, now, he settles next to the tree, pulling an olive from one of its branches, and giving it a wiggle at jun. ]

I don't mind. It was a bit of a mess when I got here, I guess 'cause it didn't have a regular keeper.
Now that the bulk of it is done, it'll be easy to upkeep I think.

[ ...especially once his strength starts to come back. Hopefully? ]

I've always kind'a. Had a dream of living in a place like this, since I was small, so.

Maybe it's not the easiest for everyone, but it's perfect for me.

[Vash really did seem fast. Jun eyes him as he runs off and settles next to a tree. Hmmm...]

That makes me happy to hear. And for what it's worth, this place seems much happier than it did when it stood empty.

[Maybe the plants appreciated his company more than being alone. It's not the most outlandish of things.

But not wanting Vash to have total victory, he'll will then teleport and reappear right next to Vash- reaching up to try to take that olive that he wiggled at him]

Yoink.

[When Vash talks about having a dream involving domestic goals like this, Mikleo smiles fondly. It reminds him of Sorey's house with the flowers coming out of every nook and cranny, and even a bird's nest. But that was... a different time, another life.]

They're as alive as anything else. The little bit of spring to the grass when you step on it, the strength of a tiny bean when it sprouts and bursts up out of the soil, the way a flower shivers when you touch it—why wouldn't they be glad to have company?

[Is that some teleporting going on? He'll just keep going, feel free to tune him out.]

I may not be an earth seraph, but I can say for certain that it's true. [a pause] Also that singing works. Even if you're a little out of tune, I've been told it's less about the performance and more about the attitude.

[ the teleporting trick gets a very animated reaction, to say the least. Vash's head pops up and he stands stock straight, startled as the green-haired man is just. In a blink of an eye, next to him. He shakes his head as if to make sure he'd... seen that??? Right??? his eyes usually quick enough to track the movement of anything--like how Jun is reaching for that olive. Quick as lightning, without seeming to twitch more than a muscle, the olive is gone. Or, rather, it's moved from between his thumb and forefinger, where Jun's hand now grabs at empty air, fingers crashing into Vash's own. The olive having moved between his pinky and ring finger, as if it'd been there all along. ]

--wait, how did you. Move from there to there, I barely blinked.

[ more magic??? he looks so flustered. though his attention is flickering to mikleo for a second. ....singing, huh. ]

I guess that explains why my mother used to sing to her flowers when I was younger. Was she helping them grow, too, I wonder.
I used to think she was kidding when she said the flowers enjoyed her company. Shows how much I actually know.

[ ...hm. Maybe it'd be worth doing, too, Rem? ]

[Ah damn he's quick. Is this a superhuman reflex, or does it just awaken when it comes to food like some people? He'll make an unhappy little noise, but is clearly amused by the whole thing]

Haha, just a trick I picked up.

[That explains nothing Jun, thanks]

Mm, your mom and Mikleo are right. Plants like music and people talking to them. At my apartment there's flowers that'll open up when you sing to them. Maybe I can see if I can bring one for you to grow here.

[That sounds like such a nice memory. He listens for a little while, though he shows some recognition as Jun mentions those lilies at the apartment. They're perfect for Vash to take care of and maybe even open up to.]

If that works, you could probably grow whatever you wanted in addition to what's already here. It could be a little plant sanctuary.

[ it was definitely superhuman. but also, reflexive? like he did it without thinking about it. looking down at the olive, he'll flip it around to the back of his fingers, then offer it to his friend with a wink. oops, here you go, buddy. ]

Just a trick, huh? That's a real useful trick. You could go anywhere like that, zero effort.

[ magic, man. maybe he could learn it one day, too. ]

Flowers that open when you sing? I still have that flower Jun gave me when we first met, but.
Without roots, it didn't last long, sadly.
[ he gives a small smile, --making a gesture with his fingers. ]

I pressed it, though, and i've been using it as a bookmark.
I'm trying to grow some red geraniums, currently, but. ...I think i'd like to grow a lot of things here. Don't know how long I'll be stuck in this world, but. So long as I'm here, I'll protect it.

[His eyes will light up as he's offered the olive, taking it and giving a "thank you" with a smile as he pops it in his mouth]

Mm! Saves a lot on bus fare.

[That is the TRUE value of teleportation okay. No buses]

Ah- yeah, sorry about that. I'm still working on conjuring proper roots. [Creating life is difficult okay.] Red Geraniums though huh? Those sound like they'd be pretty! Got a particular reason for those?

[Mikleo makes a noise of agreement. Buses are pretty terrible.]

Red geraniums! I'm sure they're lovely. I bet they smell good, too.

[Oh, right-- he still needs to be shown the silphium, but that can wait a minute.]

[ He's going to look thoughtful for a moment as he's asked that question. A small smile on his face as a touch of pink rises in his cheeks. A hand moving to the back of his head, scratching his neck as he starts to move over towards the back of the cottage, where most of the flowers are currently growing.

The Silphium plants might be here, he's not sure, but he will gesture for the other two to follow, in any case. As he tries to figure out how to answer Jun's question without getting too embarrassed. ]

When we first met, I told you, Jun, that I lived in a place that's all desert, right.
Noman's land, a place where things like flora can't exist without a lot of work being put in. [ he didnt lie about that, but. ] That's only half the truth.
Truth is, I was born in space. On a spaceship looking for a planet to set down roots, a place to call home, after leaving Earth behind.

The woman who adopted me. My mom. Always told me her dream was to find a planet she could fill with things like flowers.
She used to grow red geraniums in little bio-pods, on the ship.

...So, I'm growing these for her.

[Jun listens to the story, his full attention. It certainly fills a few holes on the story- why humans would be on another planet, and why Vash seemed familiar with flowers even though he said most Noman's folks didn't know what flowers were. They said people born in this world were souls of world since gone, so maybe that was part of what happened to Vash's Earth. Who could say?]

So that's how it is...

[ Vash's mother...he doesn't overlook the use of the past tense. Still, parents matter a lot to people. ]

...I'm sure your mom would appreciate it. And I know Persephone, the one who made this garden, was a mother herself. So I've no doubt the power she left here would bless a son's loving act and help them bloom.

[Sensing a story (and Vash's own bashfulness), Mikleo follows him to the back of the house. He's not sure what he expected, really, but he's surprised to hear that Vash was born in space. Wow. He can't imagine what that's like, being as connected to nature as he's always been...

Now the red geraniums make so much sense. Mikleo feels something in his heart tighten, but he's also very determined to help Vash with this dream if he wants to make a reality.]

Jun's right. If they could thrive anywhere, it would be here. [He smiles gently.] They're so beautiful. Why not plant more of them in the front, too?

[ when youve lived as long as vash and have had as many people try to kill you as he has, you're a little more guarded with telling the full truth to people. But he's getting that same feeling from Jun and Mikleo that he did from others in his life--that these were people he could actually trust. People he didn't have to be so guarded against, so.

A little at a time, he feels he can open up. He moves to crouch near the blooms of flowers--both the geraniums that were only just starting to bud, as well as some strange looking daisy? sunflower? plant that he can't quite put the name on. Turning his head to smile a little up at his new friends. ]

A mother made this garden, too, huh. Well, no wonder things grow so well, here.

Once I have it figured out, I'll probably spread the flowers out a bit more. I didn't want to spread the seed all over only to make a mess. I'm still learning, yanno?

[ he gives a laugh, scratching the back of his head. ]

That aside, uhm. Ah, well.

...

What was that plant you were looking for? [ he sure does feel embarrassed talking about rem like that, now. oops. ]

Ha, that's understandable. One step at a time when you're learning.

[Jun will walk away from Vash, returning to the spot he was weeding before. He still had plenty of work to get through, but he didn't mind. He's going to let Mikleo and Vash work on figuring out what that plant was. Mikleo was the expert with the older things, after all.]

IC INBOX

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject