✙ XIX ✙ [Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[The feed clicks on, obviously jarred to life by being dropped from some height. It jarringly records a very flustered nation sprawled on his bed, surrounded by what had once been the contents of his shelves. He still holds a book in his hands, the title of which isn't entirely visible from the angle of the watch but seems to concern the forging of

Comments

[Video]

[loyalraven]

[...oh. Well that looks unfortunate.] ...are you all right, Vash?

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Untangling himself from his assorted possessions, Vash aims a grim smile at the watch.] I’m fine, physically at least. My pride and dignity are a different story.

How about you, Gilbert? Are you riding out these tremors, at least with more grace than me?

[Video]

[loyalraven]

[Gilbert nods a little at the answer, glad at least that the nation seems relatively unscathed.] I'm glad to hear it.

I... [So don't mind Gilbert for a moment as he blushes at that question before rushing to answer it so the flush isn't noticed.] Ah well. It was a bit surprising at first, but we've made the best of it.

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

...What's with the blush, Gilbert? Are you sure you're not injured? Sometimes your body can go into shock and you don't realize...

[Vash's expression is instantly one of gentle worry. He's bad at picking up on social cues, obviously.]

[weaponsofwords]

[Lavi finds this interesting. Partially because he has been putting the library back together all morning and is not pleased by these tremors at all, but also because he can almost catches that book title.]

Really getting into your reading, huh? [A grin.]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash spares a roll of his eyes and a small smile at the Bookman’s joke, which was almost as lame as one of his.] You could say that, yes. I can’t imagine the mess you must be dealing with in the library. At least there’s no sign of a volcano yet... last I checked.

[He carefully lays the book he had been reading on his pillow after tucking a bookmark in. The full title, Forging Gold And Other Precious Metals, reveals it to be a seemingly boring topic-- Vash knows how to, of course, but a refresher course is needed before he does anything drastic.]

[weaponsofwords]

[Lavi is a fan and practitioner of horrible humor. He can't help himself. He grimaces just a bit at the mention of the library.] Yeah, it's a pretty awful sort of mess. I've reshelved the mythology section at least 3 times now.

So... looking into doing a bit of 'smithing?

[neutralbyforce]

[The faintest of flushes ghosts across Vash's face as he glances down at the book, covering it with his hand.] Erm... Yeah. I mean, I know how to-- Just refreshing my memory before-- It's-- [Vash trails off, rubbing the back of his neck and clearing his throat.] It's not important. Do you need any help at the library?

[honourboy]

Are you alright?

[After seeing that other comment..]

Are you the man called Vash?

[neutralbyforce]

[...”The man called Vash”. Huh. Oh dear.]

...I am. We spoke briefly before... Kanetsugu Naoe, right?

...Erm. It’s a little odd to ask, but... have you heard of me from someone?

[honourboy]

That is correct.

Several people suggested me to talk with you.

[neutralbyforce]

...Er.

They did?

[Blink.]

...How can I help you?

[video]

[l1br4tor]

Hehe! You are never surprised Vash! Or at least, you are not surprised very often.

Just leave them! They look better that way anyway!

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash spares a wry grin for his troll friend as he unburies himself.] I’m not surprised very often because I’m not usually assaulted by my own possessions in my own bed.

[As for them looking better in a messy heap... Vash’s palms itch at the thought of what Terezi’s home must look like. His Germanic cleaning instincts are dying to be let loose.] Erm. Terezi. Are you not very... organized?

[Video]

[l1br4tor]

[Terezi laughs again. Oh Vash you're so funny.] I think those offending items should pay for their crimes!

You could say that! Karkles got so mad at me when John and I were painting inside the hive! I think it is a masterpiece though!

(video)

[scalethetower]

Vash?

[A tilt, concern showing in Naoki's face.]

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash is untangling himself from the mess when he replies, carefully marking his place in his book.]

Hello, Naoki. How are you doing with all these tremors?

[Video]

[scalethetower]

Er--all right, so far. Haven't gotten buried under books yet.

[A smile, trying to joke a bit.]

[Video]

[neutralbyforce]

If only we were all so lucky. [Vash returns the smile with a small shake of his head.] I’m just lucky I keep my sword and knives closer to the floor.