spent twenty years trying to get out of this place

[anthophilia]

[ Taking Vash to the orphanage has gotta be one of his best ideas of all time.

He’d warned Vash on the way over that the kids can be wary of strangers. That it’s not like in old movies where every adult who comes in is a potential parent and everyone’s on their best behaviour, hoping to make themselves seem like a good choice. That they test people, they can be withdrawn or outright rude, that some of them probably won’t even look at him. Because more than they remember the kids who were there and got adopted, they remember the tiny handful who got adopted and came back, quieter now, feeling like there must be something wrong with them, something that makes them bad, and they learned too soon that sometimes it’s better never to have something than to have it and lose it. But they’d arrived and there’d been the usual cries of Nico! Nico’s here! and they’d clustered around, and the kids had known exactly what Nick had known: it didn’t take more than a minute to know Vash was good.

As predicted, they’d asked if Vash was his boyfriend. Well, they’d told him. Oooh, Nico’s got a boooyfrieeend, and he’d just looped his arm around Vash’s waist and said yep. A good one, and they’d gone nuts for approximately 30 seconds before dragging Vash off for a guided tour of the bedrooms, the rec room, the animals - a couple dogs who loved Vash just as much as the kids do, the chickens who are so used to little hands that they’ll wander right up for pets.

Best of all had been Theresa. Seven years old, still full of childlike innocence but old enough now to be wary of her differences, to know how cruel the world can be, used to new adults giving her a tight smile and saying hello, sweetheart before their eyes slid right off her, unwilling to look at the prominent scar on her face. She’d been quiet as usual for a good chunk of the morning, but when they’d all sat down for lunch and a small round of bickering broke out about who got to sit next to Vash, she’d skipped the queue with the determined and slightly stilted gait her prosthetic leg gave her and claimed her place at his side.

Nick’d had to excuse himself to go get an extra pitcher of water for the table just to avoid pissing her off with the gooey look on his face.

Later, there’d been games, the kids laughing delightedly as Vash and Nick followed along with little dancing animated characters and then absolutely destroying their scores. Reading, which Nick used as an excuse to show off a little. The Big Bad Wolf got a Clint Eastwood drawl, the three little pigs developed a tendency to call each other pardner, and in a new twist ending Little Red Riding Hood showed up armed with a six-shooter, scared the wolf away for good, and was made sheriff of New Pork. When it was time to leave and the kids tried to make Nick promise to bring Vash next time Nick said he would if he hadn’t scared him off by then, and Theresa deployed the savagery of a child with a good vocabulary and slightly lesser social skills by turning to Vash and saying you know where it is now. You can come without him.

Then as promised, Nick takes Vash to the chapel. It’s small; it doesn’t need to be big, because thankfully the orphanage is never quite full. It’s pretty, though, and built with children in mind. Low pews for little legs at the front, and the stained-glass window is a lamb slumbering peacefully in an emerald field, a lion’s face making the sun in the sky, framed in red roses that are the only visible reference to thorns - no crucifixes here, because Catholic as they may be someone apparently put their foot down about scaring the kids. There’s a little confessional but it’s seldom used; the kids aren’t required to go in there at all, and at least in Nick’s days it was primarily a place to hide and make out. Or other things – Nick’s at least 75% sure he’s the reason there’s a smoke detector in there now. And of course, the little shelves with their little candles, flickering in their jars. It’s probably not the done thing to have open flames anymore, but when your whole organization is dedicated to making a place of peace and healing for children who’ve lost everyone, sometimes tradition is important.

Nick slips his hand into Vash’s as they enter, and he can’t quite hide his affection for the place. He may be very, very lapsed, but good memories last. ]

Huh. I haven’t been in here for years, but it hasn’t changed. Feels like I’m a kid again.

Comments

[spiculatus]

[ vash zooms right in on the pictures, and proceeds to linger there like a patron browsing the gallery of their favorite art museum. he recognizes livio from the couple of pictures wolfwood showed him the night before, so those are the first to grab his attention -- but the wall of drawings from the kids at st. michaels gets an equal sort of careful perusal, and it's obvious from the little glances he's throwing over his shoulder at wolfwood (and the giggling) that he's comparing the art to the likeness.

but once he's done, he turns on his heel to beam at him. ]

I like it! So far. If you open the door to your room and there's a bare mattress on the floor, I'm climbing out the window.

[anthophilia]

Surrounded by cigarette butts and empty beer cans, I'm sorry to say.

[ It isn't. He doesn't even smoke in the apartment - mostly because it'd be a violation of his lease, but also because he doesn't want Livio coming home to somewhere that stinks - so there isn't an ashtray to be seen. He opens the door, and his room is pretty much like the rest of the apartment: photos everywhere, lots of sturdy wood furniture that he picked up in thrift shops or garage sales and refinished, because new stuff that's within the meagre amount he's willing to spend is practically disposable. And one glaring nod to the need for a little softness, a little cuteness - an insanely fluffy pale blanket folded at the foot of the bed, perfect for crashing on when you need a comforting nap, that he probably would have stashed in the closet if he'd known he'd be bringing Vash home before he set out. There aren't a lot of windows in the apartment, but both the bedrooms share a wall that actually gets sun, orangey early-evening light filtering through to make it look warm. ]

What's the verdict? Did I cockblock myself?

[spiculatus]

[ blanket spotted!

sure, the apartment isn't much, but it feels like someone's home. like a family lives here and cares enough about it to make it theirs, and that's all it takes to make it warm and cozy. vash knows enough to know that it'd come out condescending to say he almost likes this place better than the apartment he shares with nai -- and that's not it, exactly! home is home, it's just...

this place reminds him of the house they used to share with rem. nothing new and shiny and modern about it, but every faded color and time-worn edge just spoke of things loved. it makes him homesick, in a weird way.

but he knuckles down on it and goes for a smile instead, shaking his head. ] Nn-nn, I like it.

[ reaching out to grab wolfwood by both wrists and reel him closer, pressing a little kiss to his mouth. ] I like you.

[anthophilia]

That's a relief.

[ He slips the hold Vash has on his wrists just to loop his arms around his waist, kissing him back, grinning. ]

'cause I like you so much I'm almost annoyed by it.

[ It's disgustingly true. Yeah, Vash is hot, and the sex has been great and he wants a lot more of it, but... he also wants all the other stuff, the things he always thought he could take or leave. He wants evenings tucked up on the sofa watching movies with hot chocolate, quiet hours spent just being with each other, talking. Trips to markets so Vash can peruse the plants on offer and Nick can hunt out that one stall that appears at every market everywhere where a white guy with a beard sells a variety of hot sauces and offers free samples of the hottest one like it's a dare.

He wants to be a cliche with Vash, and the realization is at once gross and a little dizzying with how happy the thought makes him. ]

[spiculatus]

Oh no! [ but he's grinning from ear to ear. ] Not the cute aggression!

[ he walks backwards until his knees hit the back of the bed, then tugs wolfwood down into his lap. not even because he's in a hurry to get to all the great ideas they've come up with about what to do on said bed, just because it's nice to be close. to settle into a space that's wolfwood's and feel like he belongs -- to hold him and kiss him and joke around. ]

Warn me if it starts to hit critical mass, okay? I don't want to end up on a true crime episode.

[anthophilia]

Gotcha. Those murder podcast girls'd have a field day with our tragic backgrounds. Can't have that.

[ Utterly ruined by the gooey expression on his face as he looks at Vash. How's he supposed to tease his lesbian friends about U-hauls when Vash has him wanting to book a U-haul? Even this - he's got his hot new lover in his home, on his bed, a bag full of sex toys they just shopped for at the ready, and he wants to take a little while to just be together, close and comfortable, just soaking up Vash's presence. He kisses Vash but it's a soft thing, full of warmth rather than heat. ]

[spiculatus]

[ it's the kind of kiss vash can't help but melt into. he loops both arms around wolfwood's waist as he kisses him back, happy enough to keep it sweet and slow. maybe three days is too early to tell someone you love them with words, but maybe it's okay to say it like this? safer, less likely to send wolfwood running for the hills, but it still gives vash a chance to offer up all of the warm affection that's made a home in his chest. ]

[anthophilia]

[ God, it's good. It feels like Vash belongs here - in his home, in his room, in his arms. He'd always thought it was bullshit when people talked about finding The One and said things like "when you know, you know" - partly because he never really believed in the idea of The One, but also because things are always great up until the point they're not. Vash might be changing his mind. It's easy to be with Vash like this and feel like there are endless happy days ahead of them, tangled up in each other. He nips softly at Vash's lip as he pulls back (maybe that's the cute aggression Vash warned him about) and crooks a smile. ]

Hey.

You're pretty great, you know that?

[spiculatus]

[ he blinks at him, but his expression is quick enough to melt into a smile. ]

You think so? [ he presses forward enough to rub their noses together, silly and affectionate. ] I guess if someone as great as you thinks so, it’s gotta be true.

[anthophilia]

[ He snorts a little - he's not so great, but he's okay enough not to second-guess whether he deserves someone like Vash, and if Vash thinking he's great keeps him here? That's a solid win. That little rub does spark an irrational desire to nip the end of Vash's nose, though (maybe he had a point), so he settles for distracting himself with another little kiss and a suggestion. ]

Lay down with me.

[ Not even for sex! Although he's hoping they get to that too, especially after all the buildup. He just... wants to hold Vash, to look at him and make out a little. Just enjoy having him here. ]

[spiculatus]

Your wish is my command!

[ and he's doing as directed by... flopping backward, then grinning up at him, holding his arms up. ] C'mere.

[anthophilia]

[ There we go. He follows down, moves in close enough to wrap his arms around Vash's waist and twine their legs together. It's nice, warm, and it equalizes the difference in their heights enough that he can just look at Vash's gorgeous face without having to look up - something that could be an issue when looking at Vash's face is something he wants to do constantly. He's gonna get a crick in his neck. ]

I know I already said it, but thanks for coming with me today. That place means a lot to me, and the kids loved you. I don't normally take anyone out there so early 'cause it can get messy, but I had a feeling about you. And I was right.

[spiculatus]

Thanks for trusting me enough to take me there.

[ vash gets it! he does. he'd felt the same way when he'd invited wolfwood over to his place, knowing it'd mean putting him on nai's radar -- it's an important step for him, and not one he'd be taking with just anyone.

it means a lot that wolfwood feels the same way. ]

I always thought it'd be cool to have a really big family. Lots of nieces and nephews running around causing chaos! Kinda felt like an afternoon of wish fulfillment.

And I'd like to take a better look at Theresa's leg, if she's cool with the idea. Pretty sure there are a few easy tweaks to help her walk a little easier.

[anthophilia]

[ It's too mean to say out loud, but maybe it's a good thing they can spend time at the orphanage. Nai... doesn't seem like the type to settle down and have a passel of kids. Nick tries to imagine it and his mind throws up the image of a thin and angular wife just as icy-blonde as he is, two children-of-the-corn lookin kids in the kind of outfits that just make them look like miniature adults, the whole family wearing neutral tones in natural fibres and the kind of disdainful expressions that make you wonder if they can all smell cat shit. He threads a hand up into Vash's hair. ]

If things don't work out with us - and I'm hopin' they do for a good long time, if that's not too intense to say so soon - I want you to know you can still go there. Those kids need people who just treat 'em like kids, and you're amazing with them.

Reesie especially. She can be a real cold one when she wants to. Not her fault, she's been too hurt to be trusting, but it's clear as day she trusts you. If anyone in the world could sit her down and get her to be honest about how much hassle that leg gives her instead of trying to be God's bravest soldier about it, it's you.

[spiculatus]

[ reesie… cute…!

but he butts his head up into that hand like a cat demanding pets. ]

Don’t say that. The thing about me being allowed to go there without you. [ because he will, if it comes down to it, but… ] Say I’ve gotta keep you around forever if I want access.

[anthophilia]

[ There's only one thing to do when anyone - cat, dog or human - presses into your hand like that, and it's deliver the pets. So he scritches through Vash's hair, grinning at those words. Because it sounds to him like permission to be as goofy and all-in on this as he likes, to drop the i-don't-wanna-scare-him-off routine and just go for it. ]

You're right, my mistake. You're not allowed back there without me, and the kids'll kill me if they never see you again. Guess we're just gonna have to go ahead and grow old together.

[spiculatus]

[ perfect! that makes him beam, instantly lighting up with a grin that’s practically ear-to-ear. ]

Damn, I guess if there’s really no other choice… [ but he ducks forward to steal a kiss off wolfwood’s mouth, and there’s not even a trace of reluctance there. ] Lucky you seem like one of those guys who just gets hotter when they’re older. Totally rocks the grey hair and wrinkles.

[anthophilia]

Heh. Guess we can't do the parent check to see if we're gonna age like wine or milk, huh? I can already tell what you're gonna be like, though.

[ Still cute. One of those old men who just beams out kind grandpa energy, all the wrinkles just embellishments to display a life well lived around a kind smile and twinkling eyes. It's a nice thought, and he twines a little closer with it. ]

I like the idea that I'm gonna get to find out.

[spiculatus]

[ wooooow! was that… an orphan joke? it’s kind of cool to be around someone who makes those (for once), instead of cringing back in silent horror whenever vash makes light of his own situation. ]

In the neighborhood where we lived with Rem, there was an old lady who lived by herself and was a little… uh, let’s say, unique! She had this big garden full of plastic flowers that she used to water, and she used to make these funny sculptures out of stuff other people threw away.

Every kid in the neighborhood was convinced she was an alien. [ ehehe. ] That’s the kind of old person I want to grow up to be.

[anthophilia]

[ He grins, because he can just see it. Vash'll have real plants instead of plastic, obviously (although Nick gets the feeling it's not out of the realm of possibility for Vash to keep the real plants inside and have plastic ones in the garden, just for the joke), but being the beloved neighbourhood spot of colour? That's an easy bet. ]

I have a feeling I'm gonna end up like Mrs Molina. You're gonna meet her at some point, it's inevitable. She's adopted me as one of her zillion grandkids. Likes to look after me, but she does it like I'm in trouble. Brings me a home-cooked dinner, but it's all [ and here he launches into an abuela accent that only his ~mystery ethnicity~ prevents from being at least a little racially charged ] Neecolas, you're too skeenny! Neecolas, hwen was the last time you were out in the sun?

[spiculatus]

[ oh my god. he isn't expecting the accent, and it's enough to get a bark of laughter out of him before he can help himself. ]

I can totally see it. If we ever have kids, they're gonna be texting me and begging me to hide your phone for awhile so you'll stop texting them to ask if they're eating vegetables and washing their sheets.

[anthophilia]

I'll be reminding them that potatoes don't count as part of their five plus a day when they're forty. You're their only hope.

[ Vash is gonna be the parent who gets asked whether they can have leftover birthday cake for breakfast. Hell, they'll probably be asking if they can have leftover birthday cake for breakfast too after they bust Vash going at it -

and it's only as he has that image in his head - Vash licking frosting off a fork with a guilty expression as the kids catch him- that he just took Vash's if and turned it into a when, and he flushes a little. ]

[spiculatus]

[ it's pretty obvious that vash doesn't mind. in fact, what's the opposite of minding? because -- ]

Yessss! I was born to be the fun parent. [ leaning forward enough to press a kiss to the tip of wolfwood's nose, grinning at him. ] See? We're the perfect match-up.

[anthophilia]

We really are, huh?

[ Still grinning. It's nice to... have it out of the way sounds wrong, like it's a hassle. And usually figuring out what someone wants and whether you're on the same page does feel like a hassle, but with Vash? It comes so naturally. Everything does.

He's gonna have to pretend, for Livio's sake. Can't burst his bubble by being immune to the teasing about being smitten, that wouldn't be fair. But that little kiss gets his attention, and he chases after Vash to kiss him on the mouth, warm and lingering. ]

[spiculatus]

[ there's a little laugh as wolfwood chases after him for a kiss, but he's prey that's happy to be caught. wriggling himself a little closer with a pleased sound, scraping his teeth teasingly over the other man's lower lip. ]