✙ VIII ✙ [Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[This is a sight very few have ever seen (and by very few, think one). Vash is sitting on a bench not far from the forest's edge, surrounded by flowers of varying shapes and sizes in containers as diverse as their occupants. The sight of the normally reserved country surrounded by flora isn't even all that odd; it's the pure and open smile on his

Comments

[ergaleomancer]

Flowers? ...Do you have red and green ones?

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash grins in reply.]

Good afternoon, Theta! I haven't spoken to you in a while; how have things been?

Red, most certainly, but I've never seen a flower with green petals before.

[ergaleomancer]

I've been well! I'm glad to see you~. Why don't you come by my shop some time? I'd love to show you what I've been working on~~.

That's a shame, I thought flowers came in all colours... But red ones would make Grell very happy, so please.

[neutralbyforce]

I would be delighted to take you up on that invitation some time, Theta. I'm sure whatever currently holds your fascination must be quite amazing indeed.

Perhaps they do in some worlds, but as far as I know flowers have petals to distinguish them from their surroundings so that bees and other pollinators can find them. Since most other plants are green already, flowers choose more flamboyant routes.

I'm afraid I haven't met a Grell yet, but it's kind of you to think of them.

[badatmyjob]

Hmm, I think our coffee shop could use some!

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash perks up noticeably at the mention of coffee.]

A coffee shop? I wasn't aware we had one. Of course, if it's flowers you need, I've gathered plenty. [Vash pauses.] I don't think we've met before. I am Switzerland, but most people here call me Vash.

[badatmyjob]

Yep, we do! You should definitely stop by. I make awesome coffee.

Oh, yet another country! Seems like the entire UN is here. I'm Lukas. Pleasure to meet you~

[neutralbyforce]

I'll have to take you up on that, then. Any types of flowers in particular you want?

The entire UN, huh? I suppose so. [Vash chuckles.] It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Lukas.

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[scalethetower]

[Naoki is a little struck dumb by that smile, left blinking rapidly in surprise down in the communicator as soon as he lays eyes on it. But hey--it's good to see someone he's growing quickly to think of a friend as happy as Vash looks.

So he grins, brightly.]

Funny, I've already started turning the soil for a flower bed. Mind if I take a couple off of your hands?

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[At the sight of Naoki's smile, Vash's own broadens.]

Take as many as you want! I can bring them to you or you can come pick some out for yourself.

Ah-- Also, I owe you a glass of goat milk still, don't I? If you'd like I can help you plant a few of these and then we can right the wrong of your never having had the only type of milk worth drinking as a reward.

[That, and Vash is in far too good of a mood not to share it. He doesn't realize that's what he's feeling, having had few days like this, much less the several in a row that have led up to this moment... But it feels good, whatever it is.]

[Video]

[scalethetower]

[He ducks his head, dissolving into laughter.]

Only type worth having, huh? Poor cows...this' no good for their self esteem. [Naoki smiles at him, then addresses the offer good and proper.] That'd be great, Vash.

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[neutralbyforce]

Cows don't need any more self esteem, believe you me. [Vash grins.] Should I come meet you somewhere, or would you prefer to not trust my admittedly dubious sense of color coordination and come pick them out yourself?

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[armoredpenance]

[Alphonse's helmeted visage appears on the communicator and he would be beaming if he had the capability.] That's a really good idea! This place would be better if it weren't so gloomy looking.

Ah... I'm not that good at plants or anything, though I guess I've never really tried growing anything. But maybe I could figure it out if I tried. [He's thinking his Brother and Hughes might enjoy some color about their little abode here.]

And if you need any help with carrying supplies or digging anything, I'd be very happy to help.

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[neutralbyforce]

[Vash is beaming enough for the both of them.] Exactly! I'm glad you agree, Alphonse.

Flowers are relatively easy, really, and Ruby City doesn't really follow any laws of nature, so these should be even more easy to care for than normal. Do you have any colors or types that you'd like in particular?

I appreciate the offer; if I have any left I thought I'd plant them around the train station so that it looks a little less intimidating to people who are arriving. I'll let you know if that happens, and I would greatly appreciate any help you can offer!

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[armoredpenance]

Mm! Maybe that's true. As for colors... mm. I think any color would be really nice. White flowers are pretty though.

[Alphonse nods enthusiastically.] Great then. Just let me know.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

White flowers are my favorites as well. [Vash grins as Alphonse's enthusiasm.] Would you like to come pick some out? You should bring your kitten friend along as well, if she wants to get out from the house.

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[derpleader]

[John is less focused on the flowers and more focused on the fact that oh my god he's smiling.

The boy cracks a grin, as well.]

Gosh, Vash, you must really like flowers, huh?

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Upon hearing that statement, Vash laughs openly, eyes sparkling.]

Yes, John, I really like flowers. You could even say I love them.

[Because he's totally talking about flowers. Really. Totally. Obviously. What else would he be talking about? Silly.]