goldenglasses | [Voice]

Vash....

[ There's a voice he hasn't heard in a while. It's a voice full of fondness and humor. He sounds so happy right now. ]

Are you brainwashing children now?

LOVE! AND! PEACE! LOVE! AN- [And Vash nearly chokes on his own mantra. One of the very few voices that would manage to stop him in his tracks. Noah keeps going for a bit longer before stopping, a bit confused as to why Vash suddenly stopped.]

M-Meryl?! Is that you!? [He'd know the sound of her voice anywhere, but he just can't believe it. After two years of being alone, could the people he cares the most about really be coming back all at once?]

Edited 2014-12-05 23:13 (UTC)

Have you forgotten my voice already? I guess I don't really know how much time has past, but I expected better from the man who can remember people from over one hundred years ago, you know!

[ She's teasing him. Honestly, she feels so happy she could burst just hearing him say her name. ]

Ahhh- HAHAHAHA! No! No! Of course not! [He grins and grabs his book to bring it closer.] I couldn't forget that shrill voice that still haunts my nightmares even if I wanted to.

[His nightmares because Meryl is gone forever, but he's not good at admitting those things.] Where are you? I hope you're not stuck somewhere in that white dress!

Haunting your nightmares, huh? I'll remember that when I'm cooking dinner tonight.

[ At least she says she's cooking dinner for him, right? ]

No, not anymore. Luckily, I got out of it and into my old clothes... but where we lived. I can't really... is it still there? Did you move?

Ah, yeah. Afraid we downsized a bit. Wolfwood and I are living back in Community Building Four again. [The little boy shifts on Vash's leg. Vash smiles down at him wondering how to break this news.]

And Noah too. How much do you remember of your last trip? [Like, the fact that your best friend was pregnant right before you left?]

Wolfwood's here. I thought I heard him. I'm glad. Has he been with you the whole time? [ she hopes so. ]

Mmm... that's a pretty broad question, Vash. I remember a lot of things... some things feel a little fuzzy, but it's all coming back to me more and more.

He's been here for awhile! [Meryl should be use to this. His avoiding of the truth.

Yet he pauses to pout as Wolfwood as his partner in love and peace crime is stolen from his lap and taken away.]

Well, don't rush it. I think that would only lead to headaches.

[ She is and she frowns about it, knowing something is wrong by his tone. She leaves it alone. She wants to feel happy for a while, to really enjoy speaking to him again. ]

Good to hear.

If I'm here, I'll be having plenty of headaches, anyway. I might as well start suffering them as soon as I can.

Well, if that's really what you want to do. You need to learn to take a break from work and relax once in awhile, Meryl! You don't even have to do any work here!

There's no such thing as a world with no work, and if there was, I'd hate it for being so boring!

What?! But work isn't fun! It's boring and stressful! There's lots you could be doing if you don't work! [Says the drifting loser.]

Oh? Like what, might I ask?

Lots of things! Like napping! Playing games! Eating a nice long lunch! Sun bathing! Reading! Card games! Lots of things!

Sure, that's all good. But it means a lot more when it's your reward for a hard day's work!

Yeah, but you can do that a lot more if you DON'T work!

Besides. You never stop working. So you never get to reward part. [He's teasing.]

I take breaks! It just so happens a certain two legged natural disaster makes a lot of work for me no matter where I am!

Well, I don't here! So learn to relax a bit and take a load off already!

You're awfully calm, considering everything before... but I'm glad.

Vash... Can I see you?

Wha-? [He chuckles.] Of course you can see me, Meryl. Unless you'd rather not live with a bunch of men. Although, the apartment next door is still empty. I think. I'm actually surprised you're not here stalking me already.

Where are you right now? I'll come meet you.

I think I can handle it. It's much better than living alone again.

Heh, well, I guess I was a little afraid... that you might not be here anymore. I was a little hesitant to go looking. It's not like me, I know, but considering what I went back to... if you weren't here, it wouldn't be worth putting up with.

I was going to check out the bar, see if any familiar faces were there but I haven't made it out that way yet. We can meet in the center of the village like we have before, right?

Yeah? [Hearing about home sobers Vash up a bit. He hasn't forgotten in the past five years what he was about to face back home, but it's been awhile since he's seen it so fresh from one of his friends.]

Sure, we can meet there. I'll be there in just a few minutes. [He hesitates. This should be something asked in person, but he just can't wait.]

Meryl, back home, the last thing I remembered was leaving. For you, ah, what's the last thing you remember? H- Have I come back at all?

[Did he win?]

Mm.

Okay. I'll go there now.

I'm still waiting... but you'll be back soon. Milly tells me 'any day now, Meryl!' and Milly doesn't lie to me. You'll be back.

Yeah? Hehe, then I'd better hurry up! Milly will never let me live it down if I take too much longer.

[He says this confidently, but he's still nervous. Having spent some time with Knives here he's learned how much stronger his brother is than he is right now.]

I'm just headed out now. So I'll be to the center soon. [He hurries along.] Although, I suppose I should let you know right away, there may not be a lot of people here you still know.

I hope you do. Waiting's so boring.

I guess that's something I assumed. I have no idea how long it's been. It's a little... I don't know how I feel about it. Time has passed so strangely.

Yeah, tell me about it. I think I just got back from about 1000 years into Luceti's past.

Hm, well, maybe not that long.

You what?

Not that long? What do you mean?

Hm, maybe it was only a couple hundred years? I'm not really sure honestly. Some of the buildings were around, but most of the community housing was only just starting to be built! It was actually pretty interesting!

It sounds like I missed a lot. It might not be fair to ask you to tell me about it all.

Well, it would take a bit probably. How about we do that after we get you home with a cup of coffee or something. Although, personally, I'd suggest a beer. [He just knows your taste a bit better.]

Beer is for later. For now, I'll take that coffee. I'll be in the square when you get there, okay?

Sounds great. I'll be there in a couple more minutes, alright?

[And he will be showing up eventually. He's not very hard to spot. His hair is up in it's typical broom shape and his bright red coat standing out in the chilly weather. Although the chilly weather has had Vash add a red scarf to his outfit.]

Meryl! There you are short girl!

[ Meryl still feels like she's not quite dressed for the weather, but it's better than being in that white dress again.

She turns around, lighting up when she sees him. She hopes she gets a repeat of this at home - him coming back, looking happy and safe, calling out to her like it was any old day. ]

Vash!

[Vash is hoping for the same thing. He hurries up to catch up to her.] Heh, glad to see you in one piece! So what would you like to do first with catching up with this place? Hungry at all? Want to pick up some new winter gear? Or do you just want to go home and settle in?

[ When he approaches, she debates on how bold she wants to be... but seeing him makes her happy enough that she'll toss aside her usual restraints and shove herself at his middle and wrap her arms around him, if he lets her. ]

Definitely hungry.

[Vash is a bit surprised by the hug. More by how bluntly it came. It takes him a brief moment, but he moves his arms down to embrace her back. It felt nice and for a moment he's almost afraid that he'll wake up again.

But nope. He was still here and she was still hugging him. All that was missing was Milly laughing and making a comment that would make the two of them blush.] Alright, shall we head to Seventh Heaven then?

[ Feeling his arms on her back is relieving. Her smile grows and she soaks in the embrace for a long moment before letting go. She doesn't want to be too blunt with her affections. She still has her pride!

She stands upright and nods quickly. ]

That'd be fine with me.

Great! I kinda need to check in there anyway! You should be proud to note, that I actually have a job there now! [He beams with pride. Not realizing he honestly is hoping she will be proud until the sentence us out of his mouth.] And the place hasn't been destroyed once since I've started helping out!

Really? I'm impressed. That's the first job you've had that wasn't so you could get the attentions of a pretty woman since I've known you.

Unless that's why you took it.

Actually, for a little while there, a lot of people were being sent home. So I took the job to help keep the place going. They were pretty understaffed for a little while there.

[He doesn't mention it's because Sanji had also been returned home and he couldn't bring himself to watch his good friend's restaurant go under while he was gone without doing anything about it to help.]

I mean, we did have this awfully cute dishwasher for awhile that I had trouble keeping off of me. I had to remind her nearly everyday we were there to work! Poor thing, but it's hard not to fall for the Stampede charm I suppose. [Or you know, it was Maki who had to keep telling Vash to go back to work; but the details.]

Is there a reason so many left? What happened?

[ Really, two years... knowing this place, so much must have gone on. She's looking around at everything as they speak, trying to find signs of all the changes that must have happened.

She puffs up a little, knowing he's lying about this dishwasher's end of the deal, but she knows how flirtatious with women (that aren't her) he can be. ]

Knowing you, I'm sure you just harassed the poor woman while she was trying to get her work done!

Not really sure. And it wasn't exactly all at once. Just more people were sent home then were coming in.

[Things weren't TOO different from before, but yes, the passing of time would be clear in the few little things that change over time.]

Whaaaaaaaaaat? Who me? No way!

[Equally surprised !!!! when he leans in over his own journal.]

Meryl??

[HEY SHORTY HOW'RE YOU?

Don't mind the little toddler he's scoping into his arms (go away Vash it's dad and son time now).]

Mr. Wolfwood... It's good to hear your voice. How are you? [ Talking to him still hurts but... it's less jarring compared to the first time through. ]

[He laughs softly, a huff of exasperation in the tone.]

Babysitting, mostly. And I'm not even talking about the little kid.

... It's been a while.

He is a big enough job that you should be paid triple for your services.

Yeah. It has. How long? Do you know?

Well... What's the last thing you can remember?

I've been — Milly and I've been gone for about two years. Give or take.

I think it was the holiday season when I left. That's what I remember, at least.

[He huffs, though his exasperation seems fond.]

Looks like it's the holiday season again, too.

Which means there'll probably be plenty of that ice and snow crap.

Oh God, no. Why? Why EVERY time?

Every time.

It's gonna be a pain in the ass to slip and slide again. Literally.

Knowing my luck, I'm sure I'll be the first to bust my butt on the ice.

Would it make you feel better to know I'm probably slipping face-first right behind you?

At least we'll go down together. And look like fools together.

Wouldn't have it any other way.

[ARM WAVING OF DISAPPROVAL]

Hey, stop turning my son into a member of your spikey-headed cult!!

[And yet noah still does the love and peace, though it's more just mimicking for fun than anything. The kid is still a pretty serious fella, but Wolfwood was too, so he supposes maybe he inherited it from him. Lord knows Milly wasn't.]

Love and peace isn't a cult! It's for everyone!

LOVE! AND! PEACE! Come on, Wolfwood! LOVE! AND! PEACE! It's fun!

[I'm taking my son away from you now thanks.]

Don't listen to 'em, kid, he's a crazy hobo with a weird hair-do.

[Noah looks confused, fidgeting with his own dark hair in reply.

He mumbles, "... Hobo..."]

I'm not a hobo! [Vash pouts, but doesn't fight when his partner in crime is stolen away. Suddenly deciding following that up with an: I'm an outlaw really wouldn't be any better.]

And I'm sorry if I take the effort in the morning to style myself to look good and you're lazy about it!

[Oh god. Don't make Noah grow up calling him hobo!] A-Ahh! No, Noah! Vash. Not Hobo. Vash!

["Hobo?" Noah questions.

Meanwhile, Wolfwood just scoffs.]

Looks like you're out of luck, like usual. Better get used to the title.

[Vash shakes his head violently at Noah's question.] No! No-no-no-no-no! Vash! I'm Vash! Hobos don't have a home! I have a home!

[He has a home. It still felt so good to say.]

[Wolfwood just laughs and laughs at that, even if the pressure in his ribs makes him want flip a table; he just holds Noah closer, the weight and body heat of his son enough to ground him in reality. He couldn't afford to let this overwhelm him. It is what it is. He'll think too much tonight and maybe drink a little but not enough to get drunk, not when Noah would need him.]

Vash the hobo has a great ring to it, though?

No it doesn't! It has a terrible ring. Just like Wolfwood the Jerk. And that one actually fits the owner.

Yep! I sure am a jerk. Isn't that right, son? Just like how Vash is a broomhead!

[And thus, Noah repeats with great conviction: "Broomhead!!"]

Exactly, exactly, you're taking after your daddy well!

[Vash slaps a hand over his face with a pained groan as he sinks into the couch a little more.] You are a terrible influence on your son. You know that, don't you?

I think you mean a great one. He's gonna learn how to make nicknames for your spikey weird head in no time.

[Vash frowns, although it's more of a pout.] I doubt Milly would be too happy that you're teaching your kid to pick on people.

[The thought is said and out of his mouth before he can even think about how that might hurt.]

[It does smart a little. And he doesn't even try to mask the sigh and slouch of his shoulders.]

I guess she wouldn't, huh...

[Vash winces at his poor choice of words.] Ah, although you know -- if it's just me, I'm sure she'd just laugh! She didn't seem to have a problem with your or Meryl mocking me at all! Just make sure he knows it's only okay when he's calling me names! Or something...

[Snort.]

Nice attempt at a save.

[Noah has forgone dealing with the adults; he's playing with some blocks.]

Buuut I guess you have a point. No need to turn him into a little bully; he might turn on me someday and call his old man something mean.

[Vash lets out a huff. Upset with himself for ruining the mood.]

Well, would he be wrong? I doubt it.

[He's teasing. Trying to get the mood to lighten up a bit more again.]

Definitely not. Especially after all the rude names I plan to call you in the distant future and beyond, Spikey.

Heh, so long as he learns the ones I think up for you too then I suppose we can call it even.

[A pause as he tries to think of something. Give him a minute. Ah, there is something!] Big nose.

[OPENS HIS JOURNAL

MUTES THE EVER LIVING SHIT OUT OF HIS JOURNAL

SLAMS IT SHUT

AGAIN

HE'S DOING IT AGAIN

NOTICED THE KID OKAY THAT'S GREAT WHATEVER GLAD HE GOT HIS STUPID NEPHEW THING BACK

BUT JESSUS

ENOUGH OF THE LOVE AND PEACE WHY MUST HE DOES THIS EVER OTHER GOD DAMN FUCKAIGN AG DAY

AGKLAGKLASDJGLADJKGKLE;AEJGHERIL;GJQEJBAEFJL;GKL;JHQ35KJHQ3JKL;GJGBGBJVJQW3L;KJFAWFJKLWJKLWgbjklaewkl;jae;gbjklaegASIL;FJTGJQERIO;GUIOAE]

[HE LOVES YOU TOO VEGETA!]

[no no NO NO

NO

NO

HE DOESN'T WANT YOUR DUMB STUPID LOVE]

[YES HE DOES! DON'T DENY YOUR FEELINGS, VEGETA!]

[BURNS HIS FEELINGS

BURNS LUCETI DOWN

DESTROYS THE PLANET

NO MORE LOVE]

[Rudes. So rudes, Vegeta.

Not cool.]

[You know...

Why bother yelling. He has duct tape. TIME TO SPREAD A LITTLE LOVE AND PEACE TO LUCETI IN HIS OWN WAY.

(Oh and say hi to Noah. He's gotten so big~!)]

[It should be pretty easy to figure out that Vash is at home as he's sitting on a couch. It's also probably pretty likely that Law knows what apartment in community building four that Vash is in. The question is, does he teleport over before Wolfwood steals his kid back or does he walk over so Vash has long lost Noah?]

[Just after because he's getting things that a kid might like to play with.

Have you resumed screaming in your journal?

Because you know... there's no point in this if you've actually stopped.]

Edited 2014-12-06 05:03 (UTC)

[Luckily Law did have to go and grab a few things. As Vash did stop briefly to go find his ~~girlfriend~~ friend, but now he's back and he's happier than ever and has picked up his mantra again.

So muffled behind the apartment door Law should be able to hear: Love! And! Peace!]

[B|

He's just going to let himself in then. You won't hear him, he's using Kipinn's magic to silence any sound he makes. With a raised finger against his lips (ssssh Wolfwood. Ssssh Noah... just let him shut Vash up for a second and then he'll make up for slipping in.) he sneaks up behind Vash, a strip of colourful duct tape at the ready.

To tap the gunman's shoulder. HI FORMER HOUSEMATE, TAP, TAP, TAP.]

[Vash didn't survive twenty years as the most wanted man on a planet where the most popular job choice was bounty hunter for nothing. He picks up that someone is coming up behind him, but is assuming it's Wolfwood. He braces his head for a smacking, but is surprised to only get a tap on the shoulder.

Vash pauses in his shouting to lean his head back to look behind himself.] Oh! Hey, Law! I didn't hear- [Wait, what is that in Law's hand? If Law isn't fast enough Vash will be bolting from the couch before he even fully figures it out. Whatever it is, Vash will be assuming it's bad.] WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

[... this is why he knows how to pick his moments to strike!

Which why he's already moving before he bolts. NOT FAST ENOUGH, GUNMAN!]

It's Love and Peace, Mister Vash.

[SMACKING THAT TAPE NOW OVER YOUR MOUTH.]

I'm not terribly feeling the Love myself at the moment, but the Peace? I think we all could do with a little more Peace, thank you.

WHHHAAAAAA-- [Vash tries to bolt, feels the slap on his mouth, then trips over his own feet and ends up sprawled over the floor. Not even able to shout out in a confused exclamation. Instead it's all muffled.] Mmph?! [The outlaw reaches up to try to pull the tape off, but stops and winces when it pulls really painfully at his skin.] Mm! [Ow!]

[Quiet for a second! By the seas, it's a miracle!]

On second thought, maybe now since there is Peace, I'm feeling more the Love.

Congratulations on getting Noah back. I'm glad he's back where he should be, with his family.

[Plunking a teddy bear in front of Vash's face.]

If he's not here, would you give this to him.

[Vash just glares and points to Wolfwood's bedroom where the priest had retreated while Vash was being loud. Law can give Noah the teddy bear himself if he'd like. Right now Vash had some duct tape to try to get off of his mouth.

Slowly he pics at a corner. Wincing and generally acting like a big baby about it.] MoMF!

Thank you.

[Picking up the teddy and padding off to knock on Wolfwood's door and looking a little amused.

It's just tape, Vash. Geez.]

[It's not just tape. It's DUCT tape. That stuff is super sticky and painful to peel off. So while Law takes a minute to visit Woflwood and Noah, Vash will be visiting the bathroom to try to soak the thing off.

You can tell when he starts to get closer when the yelps of started pain grow less and less muffled.]

[So he can. Well... he's bought a little peace for your preacher-bro and his son in the meantime.

Seas, he got so big. And starting to talk too. Damnit, he remembered how small he was when he delivered him. It's amazing to see his growth.

He'll be waiting outside when you get through the production of getting the tape off. It's just like a bandaid, Vash, one pull and it's over and done with.]

Edited 2014-12-08 05:08 (UTC)

[A one rip is what a real man would do. While Vash know full well he could he has always preferred playing playing at the weak idiot. So he yelps, cries, and whimpers in the bathroom. Also secretly hoping to make Law regret his nasty prank, but deep down knowing it was all probably for nothing.

He'll eventually come out. Hand rubbing a tender part of his face.] You could have just asked, you know. Or shut the journal.

[Law shrugs.] You wouldn't have stopped. You've never before. So what's the point?

Besides... I could still hear you even with the book closed. The sound filters through.

What's so wrong with spreading a little love and peace. Even if a bit loudly now and then.

When it inspires people to feel less loving and peaceful? Plenty.

[... like the Avatar Household. REMEMBER THAT?]

Aw, people need to learn to relax a little and learn how to think a little less now and then. [Although the way he says that doesn't sound he's taking what he's saying seriously.]

[Mmmhmm...

Yeah, you're getting a bit of look with raised eyebrows anyway.]

[Vash ignores the look with a grin. Moving to flop down onto the couch. Long legs careful to step over a few of the toys he's picked up for Noah. The apartment has really gone through a major make over lately. Any scrap that use to be out for gun maintenance has been locked away. Beer cans and bottles are no where to be seen because there aren't any. His snow glob collection has been moved to higher shelf and there are toddler toys scattered here and there. Not to mention the covers on plugs, coffee tables with their corners padded, and child locks on cupboards. Someone was taking their new responsibility very seriously.]

So, have you been finding things very different since coming back?

[That gets somewhat of an uncertain look.]

Yes and no.

[Vash smiles, understanding that look and response very well.] Yeah, me too. Some big changes and other things have stayed the same.

[Yet he can't stop grinning like a fool. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't ecstatic with the changes.]

[Except...

Law's not smiling. Funny that.]

I suppose that's true for everyone.

[Vash doesn't expect anyone to smile about the differences as much as him. It's not everyday someone gets a child returned to them.]

Think we did the right thing? [He wants to ask someone who isn't as bias as he currently is.]

[More uncertainty.]

I don't know. Yes the War never happened, but...

Oh man, I hate buts... but?

There's going to be a price for all this eventually.

[His lips thin.]

... we might already be seeing a little of it already.

[Vash's eyes drift towards some of the toys on the floor. He can't help it. Already knowing what Law might be getting at, but when he speaks his voice sounds like he has no thought process to follow what Law's saying. He almost sounds bored and unconcerned.]

Yeah? You think so?

Yeah.

Well, maybe it won't be so bad.

[Brow raise. You had to jinx us, DIDN'T YOU?] Let's hope optimism wins out.

I hope so! It seems better so far at least! [He hasn't been able to stop smiling lately.]

Love! And! Peace! Love! And! Peace!

[Grune is never a hard sell on this one.]

[Vash could use more soft sells! He grins brightly at Grune and keeps going with even more energy now.]

LOVE! AND! PEACE! LOVE! AND! PEACE!

[Noah laughs softy and joins in with the hand motions.]

Love! And! ...Oh, my. [Finally, she notices his helper.] Vash, did you make a new friend?

[Vash laughs and moves the camera so Grune can see Noah a bit better and he can see her as well.] Yup! Do you remember my friend Wolfwood at all? He's a priest who carries a really big cross around! Or my friend Milly who was here awhile ago? She had really long brown hair and a very friendly smile. If you do; this is their son! And they made me his godfather!

Oh! Is this... [What was his name? It's been a very long time....

Think think think....]

Noah?

Yeah! That's right! He's been with a foster family for a awhile, but now he's back with me! I'm hoping to bring him by the flower shop a bit later so maybe you two can meet in person soon!

Oh, I'd love to see him! And you too, Vash. [She certainly doesn't want to make him feel left out.]

It's so wonderful you're back together again!

Yeah! It really is! [He lets out a uproarious laughter. His heard just feeling so full it could burst.] So I'll see you in a couple hours, okay?

[Shall we move onto action?]

[Sophie clamps both hands over her ears. That's loud. ...But wait a minute, there's a kid.]

Who's that?

[Shouted in an attempt to be heard over the racket.]

[At least the moment Sophie brings up Noah, Vash stops his shouting. Bouncing his knees so Noah bounces with a giggle.] This is my god-son Noah! Say hi to Sophie, Noah! [Noah will wave, he's not a big talker just yet.]

[She frowns.]

God son?

[What in the world is that?]

Yup! Means even though I'm not related by blood I'm like an, ahhh, an uncle! But special because his parents picked me because thought I would love him lots and lots!

Why's it god?

[She certainly gets the concept, but the terminology is throwing her off.]

Hmmmmmmmm. [He taps at his chin for a moment.] You know? I'm not really sure. His dad is a priest, so I think it's just a religion thing.

Oh.

[A pause.]

Does he talk?

A little bit! But not a whole lot just yet, but that's okay! He's still just a little guy. [With a smile he reaches up to ruffle Noah's hair.]

Edited 2014-12-21 11:04 (UTC)

You found him. Good.

I did! [Vash grins into the camera and gently grabs Noah's arm to have the boy wave.] Cloud! Meet Noah! Noah, this is my friend Cloud!

[Yes, Cloud. You're a friend. Quiver in fear.]

[what friend he barely knows u dude

But. Aaaaaa, kids. His weakness.] Hey, Noah. Happy to be back with family?

[You are doomed, Cloud. Friend for life.

Noah considers the question. Then answers it a bit oddly. A shrug with a nod mixed in. Vash smiles softly and pats the boy's head.] We're taking it day by day, right Noah?

[Cloud nods thoughtfully. Sounds legit.] So what happened? They just gave him back, or did you have to go get him?

In the end they just gave him back. When I went back to my apartment later on that day he was asleep in a large basket outside my door.

A bit odd, but I'm not really going to complain.

... Good to hear you're as loud as ever, Broom Head.

Now stop brainwashing my poor nephew already!

[Yeah okay Noah is Vash's nephew too BUT SANJI DOESN'T PLAY FAIR.

Also hello, Vash. It's been a while and that is certainly not a note of fondness in the chef's voice, not at all.]

Hey! It's not brainwashing! It's-

[Wait. Is that-]

Sanji! [Never before had Vash been so glad to be called Broomhead. It meant that Sanji remembered him.] Ah! Sorry, I guess I shouldn't be so glad to see you, but... it's so great to see you!

You mean "hear you", right? [Tone vaguely teasing - and Sanji's rather glad this is only in voice. It means he can grin freely and without remorse]

You've been hiding out with Noah, eh? No wonder I haven't seen you around.

[Vash lets out a laughter at his mistake.] Yeah, that's what I meant.

[Vash bounces his knee a couple times to make Noah jiggle and giggle with laughter.] And we haven't exactly been hiding out! Just reconnecting a bit and showing him some of the best places around Luceti! Right Noah?

[Not that Noah gives an answer back. He's too busy being tickled under the arms by Vash.]

[In mock offense:]

Tch, and you didn't take him by the restaurant? How does that make any sense?

Hey! Of course I took him there! It was one of the first trips we took! After the bakery. I did say the best places in Luceti, didn't I? We just grabbed some lunch and were off again, I'm afraid! Must have missed you!

How long have you been back anyway? [As he feels a bit like a terrible friend for not realizing it.]

By now? Eh, a few days. Long enough to remember what a shitty pain in the ass this place can be.

[Though far less of a problem than before, and the tone reflects it. Sanji sounds near pleasant when referring to Luceti now.]

Yeah, it sure can be sometimes. [Yet he smiles brightly anyway. His hand brushing through Noah's hair. He just can't hate Luceti at the moment.]

If you've been here a few days, have you talked to Law yet? Because he's been looking after Pumpkin since you left.

--P-pumpkin-chan?

[Would you believe Sanji COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY forgot about his darling cat?]

She's still here?!

[Vash can't help but laugh in a good nature sort of way.] Well, if her mother and her brother and sister are still around I find it hard to believe that she isn't. She'd of course have to be as stubborn as her owner.

[Cheyenne hardly needed to use the journal to learn Vash was in the village. His soul was practically a beacon for how bright it was. And yet somehow, it seems to have gotten brighter. This mantra he's yelling -- is it some sort of hidden power?]

I don't suppose there is a purpose behind chanting such a thing, is there? I don't recall whether I ever asked you before.

[Nor did she seek him out before now, seeing as she was still getting used to navigating around the village again, but--]

[Sup Vash, have a monster girl.]

LOVE! AND! PEACE! LOVE! AND! PE-CHEYENNE!? [He voice goes from shouting and happy to ecstatic. Although, still shouting. Sorry about that. He tries to tone it down a little bit to talk at a normal level, but it still a bit higher than normal. He's just so happy he can hardly contain it.]

Is that really you? It's so great to hear your voice again! And yeah! The purpose is to spread the feelings of love and peace to other people!

Yes. It seems I was also one of the many who returned to the village quite recently. [She'd say it's good to hear his voice too, but he's kind of yelling right now so--]

Is it possible to transfer such feelings merely by yelling them? I was not aware such a power existed.

It's really great to hear you again! We should meet up again sometime soon! I hope everything has been going well for you back home!

[He chuckles and reaches forward to pick up a Mr. Potato Head to give to the boy on his lap. Feeling the need to give him something to play with since he's stopped their activity for the moment to speak to an old friend. Noah doesn't seem to mind in the slightest.]

And yeah! So long as you really, really believe in what you're shouting you of course can transfer those feelings to someone else! Well, it doesn't work for everyone. [As he remembers the fight his last post started by mistake at the Avatar house. Then again, Vash has a feeling that fight was going to happen sooner or later anyway.] But most people it can!

[Tiiilting her head.]

I don't quite understand how yelling loudly will bring peace. Perhaps it is simply something I am unable to comprehend, as I am quit certain no amount of yelling would transfer feelings of "love" to a creature such as myself. Illusionists are incapable of it, after all.

Well, don't worry! I'm back on the case! We'll get you feeling and knowing the feeling of love and peace in no time! That way one day you'll be joining in with m with laughter and fun!

Will your methods involve more yelling?

[Vash plz no]

They just might~~ [The singsong way he says that means that Cheyenne should probably fear for her sanity.] But of course it will be much more than just yelling!

I see... [No she doesn't.] Well, I suppose it would be interesting to see what sort of things you might try, then. At the very least, I commend your efforts in attempting the impossible.

[...totally not sarcasm.]

Nothing is impossible! You never know what the future may hold after all.

Oh! By the way, [He wasn't really sure if he really should bring something like this open over the journals so he slaps on a quick code to make the next part private as he speaks.]

Private // Locked 100%

If you still need volunteers for food and such, I'm still willing.

Really? This again? Don't you remember what happened the LAST time you pulled this stuff?

Ah, haha, yeah, sorry. [And he really is considering how quickly he stops his chant as soon as Sokka speaks up.] Perhaps encouraging it at your place isn't a good idea.

So, yeah, sorry about that. It's just- well,

I'M JUST FEELING SO HAPPY AND FULL OF LOVE TODAY! HAHAHAHAHA! [Anyone else he would break back into the chant, however, instead for Sokka he just laughs manically. Giving Noah a hug because it's that little boy that's making Vash so incredibly happy at the moment.]

You know, for being as "sorry" as you claim to be, [he says with particular emphasis on the word "sorry,"] you sure don't look very sorry, Vash.

[He reaches up, scratching at the back of his head.] Sorry! Sorry! [Then he can't help but laugh slightly realizing he still sounded really happy while saying that sorry.] It's just things have been really good lately. It's hard to keep the smile off my face right now.

[If having an aneurysm made a sound, that sound would be heard here.]

Okay... well, out with it. What in the world is going on with your life that's so lovey and peacey?

This is! [Vash hold Noah out towards the camera and adjusts the book so it gets a good angle of the boy's face. The toddler for his part continues to play with a toy in his hands already use to Vash's silly antics, but young enough to not be fully embarrassed yet.] How could anyone not be happy with a face like this around!!

[Sokka has a good idea of what Vash is certainly implying here, but he hasn't spelt it out quite yet. And so forgive Sokka when he purposefully yields the wrong answer in order to sarcastically get Vash to do what he wants him to.]

You kidnapped a child??? That's worth love and peace and stuff!?

I- wait, what!? No-no-no-no-NO! This is my friend's kid, Noah! I didn't kidnap him! He's my godson! He lives with me!

[Yes, now Sokka is laughing now. Just shy of hysterics, but he's thoroughly amused that he managed to freak out Vash. A tear rolls down his eye from laughing so hard.]

Ooooh, man, I really had you going there. You thought, ha ha, you thought that I believed... yeah, no I figured it wasn't that.

Though you could have just said so from the very get go!

Sorry, I thought that bit would have been obvious. [Okay, maybe not that who Noah was, but that he didn't KIDNAP him. Still, his voice is just DRIPPING with sarcasm.]

Edited 2015-01-04 06:27 (UTC)

Well hey, if you're going to drag out the whole "Love and Whatever" spiel again, I expect to have it spelled out for me. I mean, I'm still going to be incredibly annoyed, but at least then I might feel slightly guilty for being annoyed.

Hehe, okay then I shall spell it out!

This is my friend's kid Noah. He was taken by the Malnosso when they were around. Now that they're gone we've finally gotten him back. So I'm just filled with so much love and happiness that I had to shout it out and share with everyone!

[He laughs and ruffles Noah's hair.] And as the boy's godson it's my job to teach him how to also spread love and peace to others! So I'm getting a jump start on that!

There, that's better. [Sokka sounds somewhat victorious with that, as if he finally got what he wanted.]

Though so help me, if your so-called "jump start" on the spreading love and peace thing involves him shouting about it all throughout the village square, I am not going to be Mr. Nice Guy about it.

[Vash chuckles softly as he shifts Noah on his lap.] I'll be sure to keep that in mind.

[Spoiler alert. It is. Although Sokka may be lucky as Noah will probably not do that willingly when he gets older.]

Noah? Vash.. Is that who I think it is? [His heart is melting just at the thought.]

It's exactly who you think it is! [Vash is grinning brightly as he stops his chanting as he starts to wave at the camera in attempt to get Noah to copy him.] Hello to my friend Aang, Noah! Hi! Say hi!

[While Noah doesn't speak much. He does start copying Vash to wave at the picture of Aang in the book.]

I- I'm so happy for both of you! [He looks on the verge of tears even.]

Hi, Noah! You probably don't remember me... I saw you when you were a baby. And I'm so glad to meet you now.

[If Vash sees the tears welling in Aang's eyes he doesn't comment. When he first saw Noah again he couldn't hold them back himself.

The little toddler stares blankly for a moment at the screen. Nope. He didn't remember Aang. So finally he shyly says a hi before he starts giggling as Vash tickles him.]

That's okay! We'll just have to fix that by having Aang over to play sometime!

[Aang chuckles as the kid giggles.]

I'd be honored if that happens sometime! As long as it's okay with you.

Of course it's okay with me! I want Noah to get the chance to meet and play with all of my friends! Lots of times! He's really good at building blocks! Although, I'm not as good... I keep knocking them over.

That's just silly, Vash! How do you knock over blocks? I'll show you how it's done!

Well, I'm trying to set them up, but I'm so butter fingered I end up knocking something into them and everything falls over!

But it would really be great if you could stop by and show me how to be better at blocks!

That's a real shame. I can come over and help whenever you'd like!

LOVE AND PEACE!

[This time Emil is considerably more enthusiastic in his response than last time, even raising one hand to wave to Noah over the video.]

This time we can actually say the peace part for real, too.

[Vash is more than happy to have someone easily joining in.]

YEAH! It feels GREAT doesn't it!?

It does. I've been here for so long that a part of me was starting to think that things might never change. I guess I was wrong about that, huh?

Heh, I suppose that's the best thing about life. No matter how bad things may get at times you always have the chance to make things better!

That's right. When you hit the bottom, there's nowhere else to go but up.

... you know, it's funny. Before I came to Luceti, I don't think I would ever have thought something like that. I'm not sure I would've believed that things could get better.

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