goldenglasses | [Voice]

[The video feed starts up mid afternoon with Vash grinning into the camera. For those good at picking up differences in smiles there's a huge difference in Vash's today. You thought he was happy before by the way he smiled and acted? Well, now he's beaming because he's finally, truly happy. He's no longer just pretending and the reason will be pretty clear as he finishes setting up the camera so he can sit on his couch with a small boy on his lap.]

Hello, Luceti! [He nearly shouts the greeting. Hardly able to contain how happy he is.] Your local Vash the Stampede wanting to apologize for missing out on work and not being around. I'll be back at Azalea and Seventh Heaven soon! I've just been a bit busy! [He grins and bounces his leg to make the boy on his leg bounce slightly.] Right Noah?

[The boy nods, but stays quiet.] But we also have an important message as well! Ready, Noah? Just as I showed you, okay?

[Noah prepares by holding up his arm and looking up at Vash for confirmation as Vash clears his throat 'dramatically'.]

This world is made of- LOVE! AND! PEACE!

[As Vash shouts his message he and Noah both pump their arms back and forth. Vash more confidant and Noah a bit hesitant, but with a smile on his face. Back and forth they go as Vash continues to say the mantra. Fingers spread in a V shape when their arms are pulled back then the fingers cross together as the arms are pumped forward. Noah doesn't join with the shouting, but he seems to be having some fun with the arm movements.]

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

[And somewhere in the background, for those who can hear past the screaming, may be a priest shouting about not using his son to spread propaganda.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.