[Vash, admittedly, isn't as up to date on the names and how they correlate to the monsters he's been told about. he finds, though, that it doesn't matter. Pure Vanilla is in morning, and Vash is here to help. And from the words he speaks, Vash knows that whatever he found, wasn't pleasant.
He extends a hand, palm up and waiting for Pure Vanilla's. He won't press, if he finds that the man isn't interested. But it's comfort nonetheless.]
I'm glad you could bring something back. [He inhales through his nose, near mournful in the noise it makes.] Being able to bury Nai... did more for me than I would have expected.
[ There's no hesitance. When Vash extends his hand, he will find Pure Vanilla taking it readily. It's the reason he asked Vash to meet him. Not just because of the promise of the pizza, but because Vash understands.
So Pure Vanilla squeezes the hand in his, fingers curled gently around it. ]
Thank you, my friend. It hurts to think about... but there is a piece of him still with me. His soul is safe from the corruption that might occur. There is closure.
[ He raises his other hand to wipe at his eyes, inhaling a little shudderingly to stop the tears, shaking his head. ]
Please, let us speak of merry topics? I fear if I begin to cry again, I will not stop.
[The hand is squeezed carefully. Not too forceful, but no less reassuring. His thumb sweeps over the skin there tender as he can. He's insinuated as much before, but he knows loss. He knows pain. Even if he can't put it into words, he can at least offer companionship.]
That's what's important. This place can be cruel. Inflict all kinds of torture. But you're keeping him from that. It's the most we can ask for.
[He can't argue the want to change the subject. He wants to, but he's already started to figure out just how similar they are. Smiling through it, or at least fining something else to focus on, is far easier than anything else.]
We can do whatever you want. Remind me what all is on it, again?
[ The gentle touch is appreciated in ways words will never convey, so instead he squeezes back as tightly as he dares. As well as the sweet words, Vash doing his best - and succeeded rather well - in reassuring Pure Vanilla. He exhales slowly, letting tension ease out of him, and whispering a soft "thank you" as Vash changes the subject.
He can't think of it any further, he can't fall back into the despair that creeps around the corner.
Clearing his throat gently, and not letting go of Vash's hand, he turns his attention towards the pizza. Stares at it like he's completely forgotten everything, before forcing a smile.
What is it they say? Fake it 'til you make it. ]
Ah. Malted milk balls, cheese both sweet and savory, different flavored jelly beans, on a pizza dough. It might be quite a strange taste at first.
[Vash knows, probably better than most, what it looks like to fake a smile. Right now, though, he's not going to say anything. Pure Vanilla has earned respite, and if that looks like a pasted on smile and a distraction, then it will be granted. Of course, that doesn't keep Vash from giving his hand a squeeze along the way. Sure, he's earned a break, but he's also earned the reminder that, when he's ready, this hand wills till be there.]
I don't think it'll be strange at all.
[That said, when he tries to take it with his single remaining hand, well... Yeah that isn't happening. He juts his lip out in a frown as some of the pieces threaten to slough off.]
'Course, I might just have to look at it for awhile! Admire the beauty and all that! You don't see much like this, you know?
[ The pout - ah "frown" - actually shifts his smile from fake towards genuine. He could let go of the hand he's clinging to, allow the man to use both of them to eat the pizza with.
Or, and the better idea in his humble opinion, he can keep hold of it and reach out with his free hand to help Vash stabilize the piece of pizza. Yes, much better, that's what he will do. ]
Allow me.
[ It looks absolutely absurd as he reaches out with his free hand to gently set his fingers underneath the other end of the pizza, holding it up carefully while Vash holds the other end.
Absurdity is exactly what he needs and he chuckles gently. ]
[Oh, this is absolutely ridiculous. And yet Vash delights in the absurd, as Pure Vanilla has surely figured out by now. Even if he's kept himself somewhat tempered in PVs company, he's undoubtedly witnessed some of Vash's shenanigans throughout the grove, or within the journals.
Thus, he doesn't hesitate to bend forward, taking a bite out of the pizza. It's hard to chew with the grin forming on his lips, at least not without making a horrible noise. In fact, he's currently trying not to giggle around the pizza.
Is it an intimate thing to feed one another? Maybe. But Vash doesn't even consider that. Right now, he's sharing a silly moment with a friend who could surely use a laugh. The finer details don't really matter.]
You could - [He speaks only once he's schooled is face enough to both chew and swallow.] But where's the fun in that.
[ Where's the fun, indeed? His expression is both genuinely amused now, and definitely fond, as Vash takes a bite out of the pizza. And Vash may be trying not to giggle, but Pure Vanilla has no such self restraint, and softly laughs. A fuller sound than before. Happier. ]
Ah, but it would be far easier, no?
[ Except he's folding his fingers in between Vash's comfortably, rearranging the other hand's fingers to scoot them back a bit on the pizza. And because there's no taking his own slice while both hands are otherwise occupied, he turns the pizza towards himself to take his own bite.
He chews thoughtfully. No longer being a Cookie has changed his tastes somewhat but... He swallows and smiles happily, tail wiggling a bit in the grass. ]
Isn't it? It is a bit different than what I remember, but I will attribute that to the world itself.
[ They're both disgusting. He wipes a bit of cheese off from the hand holding it up, and licks his finger clean after. Mm, cream cheese drizzle. ]
Ah! The root beer! I feel you will find that delightful as well. Here...
[ Hm. Setting the pizza down is easy enough, he can direct Vash to low his end so the slice is back on the pan, and picking the bottle up is fine but... twisting the cap off is not going to happen, so he sheepishly (ha) holds it out towards Vash. ]
[Vash probably shouldn't find himself thinking about how the rustling sound coming from Pure Vanilla's backside is adorable. He shouldn't quietly treasure how obvious his joy seemed to be. Yet here he is, finding himself wearing a gentle, pleased smile as he commits the moment to memory all the same.]
Well, for me... I think it's amazing.
[He does start to lean down for another bite but, ah! Pure Vanilla brings up something very important. He absolutely wants to try this root beer, thank you. He perks up once more, waiting for the drink. At his companion's urging, he does reach out, twisting off the lid with his metal hand with perhaps a bit more care.
The last thing they need is for him to crush the bottle.]
There we go! [And without any further encouragement, he leans down and takes a sip. Immediately his eyes widen, and his nose wrinkles. Thankfully, a grin spreads over his lips just a few seconds later.]
I'm glad! There are quite a few other things I would love to show you from my world! I imagine you would love our jelly burgers!
[ There's so many foods... and sights. The soda streams, the carbonated falls, the cold frosted peaks, the deep valleys full of sugar sheep and alpaca. Oogh, Pure Vanilla misses them. So he focuses on watching Vash open the root beer and take a sip instead, the nose wrinkling making him worry for a moment, but it's replaced by a grin quickly. ]
Ah! You like it! Though it is faintly alcoholic, the burn comes from the unique blend of root, bark, and herbs added to it, like vanilla and wintergreen! Some prefer anise and nutmeg to make it sharper, but this is a classic approach. It also makes it sweeter with these. By leaving off the root, you may also produce a sweet cream soda. I will try to bring one of those next time!
[ He'll take a little sip himself, but definitely won't partake in too much. He's extraordinarily weak to alcohol. He will end up sobbing on Vash if he drinks anymore than a few sips here or there. He ponders the bottle, the pizza, and their linked hands. Hm. ]
[His mind paints a very vivid, and probably not wholly inaccurate picture of what that would look like. He licks his lips contemplatively as he turns the thought over within his head. Sweet and chewy doesn't sound terrible, from his perspective. Really, he'd be right at home in a place like the Earthbread.
He pulls his focus back as Pure Vanilla keeps speaking. Something about his words catches his attention, and he finds himself grinning.]
Vanilla, huh? [His head tilts.] No wonder it's so good. Got a little bit of you in it, huh?
[Admittedly, he doesn't recognize the rest of the spices but. That doesn't matter. It's good.]
You take a bite first this time, yeah? Gotta keep up your strength. [Given the uncanny similarities between the two of them, Vash can't help but worry. His first resort when grappling with his own demons is to forgo food, after all.]
[ Whatever he's imagining, he's undoubtedly right on the dot. Meat jelly, soft fluffy buns, cheese and vegetables. With, of course, a sweet profile. The lip lick makes him chuckle. Next will be a hamburger and cream soda then.
But oh. That! That flusters him, actually. He's sure Vash doesn't mean it the way it sounds but it sounds very-
He aha's softly and clears his throat, trying not to blush but he's failing. Mister Stampede, please! ]
Ah, yes, I suppose...
[ Well, if he wanted a distraction, he certainly got it! To cover up, he hums and takes the first bite this time indeed, trying to tilt the pizza in a way he doesn't get a mouthful of hair too. Which means he has to tilt the pizza downwards.
If he gets a jelly piece to the face well. The hazards of holding hands while eating pizza. ]
[Vash... doesn't quite pick up on the innuendo, it would seem. Thus, he can't quite figure out why Pure Vanilla looks so flustered. What he does learn is that it's a very cute look on him. It makes Vash's heart twist, something warm pulsing through him in a way that maybe he should feel guilty over.
Maybe.
Thankfully, he's promptly distracted by the way Pure Vanilla leans forward. He can already see a potential disaster unfolding with the poor man's hair. And with his cybernetic hand currently free of any bottles that need opening, or anything of that nature, he reaches out. Carefully as can be, and without streaking his cold fingers against Pure Vanilla's poor cheek, he tucks that hair behind his ear.]
There. Better, right?
[He definitely doesn't have to hold back laughter because PV has Jelly Beans on his face or anything. Certainly not.]
[ His ear flicks gently from the hair behind it, and he can't help but smile. It is better. And it's very sweet. And sir, he can see you're trying to hold in laughter. He huffs playfully and tilts his head, trying to either knock the jelly loose or send it flying off. It just slides pathetically down a little further and sticks, glued there by cheese. ]
You may laugh.
[ He says it with the solemn air of a King granting someone permission to approach. The moment Vash opens his mouth next, however, he's getting the pizza slice gently stuffed into it. Carefully of course, so he doesn't accidentally harm him, but most definitely in a manner that prevents any laughter.
And his expression is oh so innocent as he does so. ]
[And laugh he does. No shame about it, his mouth opens and a delighted little titter escapes him. It pitches upward as the pizza is shoved in, of course, mirth shifting to a startle, before devolving into amusement once again. Fair is fair, he supposes. Naturally, it's muffled by the myriad sweets being shoved in, but it'll take more than that to shut him up, Pure Vanilla.
After he manages to take a bite and swallow, Vash does twist his head away. Naturally it smears some of the pizza onto his cheek, so now they match. And of course, that makes him laugh once more.]
Y'know. I don't think I've ran into a pizza this messy before.
[ Sorry about the smear, Pure Vanilla making a soft noise as he puts their slice down to free up his hand, so he can reach out and wipe it from Vash's cheek with his thumb.
Then lick it off his thumb cause he really didn't bring napkins or the like. ]
Tell me about the other pizzas you've had? Are they sweet like these?
[ With his hand free he can also now get the jelly glued to his face, popping it into his mouth.
Finally, he looks delighted again. Not thinking of Clotted Cream. ]
[Does his head angle minutely? Does it press into that touch greedily? Vash certainly won't admit to it, but there definitely is the faintest of pressure against Pure Vanilla's thumb just before he pulls away.]
Nah, not like this. More savory. [He clicks his tongue.] You guys have savory, right? I'm not tryin' to be insensitive, it's just that all of you that I've met have had very sweet names!
[He's getting distracted. Oops.]
Your standard pizza starts with dough, tomato sauce, and cheese. A step up is adding pepperoni, maybe even olives or mushrooms. Then you can get even fancier from there, too!
[ If he noticed, he won't comment. He knows what it's like to be touch starved, to press into every little casual touch for more. To crave it, and to be embarrassed about craving it. He snorts softly to the question of savory. ]
Of course! Our breads and most our cheeses are savory, plus if you cook it just right, quite a few stews are!
[ His laugh is soft and more a giggle as Vash gets back on track, amusement on his face, then confusion and some thoughtfulness. ]
Well... all of those sound very familiar, but I must admit some unfamiliarity with pepperoni. Is that like peperoncino? And I must assume not all of those items contain a touch of sweet.
[ He looks delighted by the idea, though. He's already encountered the lack of sweetness in everything here, but he has yet to really try something that seems so... maybe spicy? ]
[Briefly he wonders what the stews are usually like, but he resists the urge to ask outright. There are more important things on the table. Mostly him not knowing what the hell a peperoncino is.]
Alright, well. Imagine those savory breads and cheeses, yeah? And then imagine uhh... a kinda chewy circle of meat. Tinier, usually. And with a bit of spice too. But yeah, nothin' too sweet. Though I guess the sauce has a bit of sweetness depending on how you get it? [He taps his foot against the ground.]
Honestly, I could probably ask around. Make one for you, just like you got this together for me.
[It's only fair. They can do for one another, back and forth. Mutual kindness and distraction.]
[ That will get a little scrunch of his face. Oh, meat. He hums softly, his fingers moving around until he finds the bottle of root beer, lifting it up to take a little sip from it. ]
That would be delightful! But I must confess, I don't eat meat. Do all your pizzas come with meat?
[ He would understand if they did! Meat, he knows, contains beneficial protein and energy! It's quite like meat jelly. He offers the bottle to Vash, ears forward so he's sure he's pointing it at the man and not somewhere random. Listen, his staff is flopped into the grass, it's a little difficult to see. ]
If you give me some time, I should be able to gather enough ingredients as well to make you more food from my home as well. There is enough similarities! Ah, except the jellies, I think.
[Someone looks a little embarrassed at that! He bites his lip, looking all types of sheepish as he tries to scramble to find a response within his scattered brain.]
N-no! Not all of 'em have meat. Pepperoni is really common, is all. And honestly, meats are just easier to come by where I'm from. Veggies don't grow so well in the desert! But the option does exist. Like mushrooms! And onions! And peppers!
[Please, someone shut him up.]
Honestly, it might be kind of fun to make something like this together. You make your pizza, I make mine, and we compare. Or anything else that you have!
[ Sir, you're rambling, Pure Vanilla unable to hide his amusement with a soft giggle. He carefully places the root beer down, then reaches out gently with his hand to place it over Vash's mouth to stop the rambling. His tail wiggles gleefully and his ears twist as he gives him a second, before removing his hand. ]
I would be delighted to make a pizza or something with you. There are quite a few foods that may translate well! We have quite a few desserts as well, that I am absolutely sure you will love. Cakes, puddings, ice creams. But let us not jump ahead of ourselves, we have this entire thing to finish.
[ They have, after all, only eaten one piece out of it. He turns his attention to the pizza. Maybe he should have requested one half it's size, he doesn't eat a lot... ]
[For just a second, Vash's eyes go wide. He doesn't expect that hand on his mouth, just as he doesn't expect the flood of heat it evokes. His cheeks are faintly pink by the time Pure Vanilla pulls back. Though he'll never admit it out loud, it feels like a bit of a loss, having Pure Vanilla's hand pull away. Maybe he might have liked to explore every ridge and whorl with his -
Right. Moving on.]
Don't underestimate me, Pure Vanilla! I can really put it away. [He falls into quipping without missing a beat, leaning back to pat his stomach with both hands. Then without waiting a beat, he plucks up another slice of pizza. He's halfway into a bite when Pure Vanilla thanks him and, without pausing to consider it:]
[ Ah that makes him laugh, ears twisting to the sound of his belly being patted and he snorts softly.
But the words aimed at him next make his expression shift. Look surprised. Touched. Flustered, his cheeks turning pink as suddenly looks a little shy. He picks up the root beer to take a drink out of it instead, trying to hide his reaction to that little declaration.
You can't just say those things to him, Vash. Now without making his heart ache in his chest and move up into his throat.
Ignore the way his tail is absolutely wiggling like a worm on a hook. ]
Ah- I-
[ He's going to take a piece of pizza and shove it into his own mouth. ]
[Oh, Vash is in danger. He doesn't know it yet, but he's absolutely falling head over heels.
But hey, at least it means the mood stays light. He laughs to himself as he leans down, picking up a slice for himself. It's a bit easier to eat when they aren't both juggling, but he might have to admit to missing the closeness.
Only for a second.
To his credit, he makes sure to maintain the jovial nature of their meeting. He'll make sure Pure Vanilla never once frowns. Because that's a normal, not gay thing to do, right?
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He extends a hand, palm up and waiting for Pure Vanilla's. He won't press, if he finds that the man isn't interested. But it's comfort nonetheless.]
I'm glad you could bring something back. [He inhales through his nose, near mournful in the noise it makes.] Being able to bury Nai... did more for me than I would have expected.
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So Pure Vanilla squeezes the hand in his, fingers curled gently around it. ]
Thank you, my friend. It hurts to think about... but there is a piece of him still with me. His soul is safe from the corruption that might occur. There is closure.
[ He raises his other hand to wipe at his eyes, inhaling a little shudderingly to stop the tears, shaking his head. ]
Please, let us speak of merry topics? I fear if I begin to cry again, I will not stop.
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That's what's important. This place can be cruel. Inflict all kinds of torture. But you're keeping him from that. It's the most we can ask for.
[He can't argue the want to change the subject. He wants to, but he's already started to figure out just how similar they are. Smiling through it, or at least fining something else to focus on, is far easier than anything else.]
We can do whatever you want. Remind me what all is on it, again?
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He can't think of it any further, he can't fall back into the despair that creeps around the corner.
Clearing his throat gently, and not letting go of Vash's hand, he turns his attention towards the pizza. Stares at it like he's completely forgotten everything, before forcing a smile.
What is it they say? Fake it 'til you make it. ]
Ah. Malted milk balls, cheese both sweet and savory, different flavored jelly beans, on a pizza dough. It might be quite a strange taste at first.
[ Good luck eating it without a hand. ]
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I don't think it'll be strange at all.
[That said, when he tries to take it with his single remaining hand, well... Yeah that isn't happening. He juts his lip out in a frown as some of the pieces threaten to slough off.]
'Course, I might just have to look at it for awhile! Admire the beauty and all that! You don't see much like this, you know?
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Or, and the better idea in his humble opinion, he can keep hold of it and reach out with his free hand to help Vash stabilize the piece of pizza. Yes, much better, that's what he will do. ]
Allow me.
[ It looks absolutely absurd as he reaches out with his free hand to gently set his fingers underneath the other end of the pizza, holding it up carefully while Vash holds the other end.
Absurdity is exactly what he needs and he chuckles gently. ]
I suppose I could release your hand...
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Thus, he doesn't hesitate to bend forward, taking a bite out of the pizza. It's hard to chew with the grin forming on his lips, at least not without making a horrible noise. In fact, he's currently trying not to giggle around the pizza.
Is it an intimate thing to feed one another? Maybe. But Vash doesn't even consider that. Right now, he's sharing a silly moment with a friend who could surely use a laugh. The finer details don't really matter.]
You could - [He speaks only once he's schooled is face enough to both chew and swallow.] But where's the fun in that.
[oh, right!]
It's good, by the way! Like, delicious!
[Vash no...]
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Ah, but it would be far easier, no?
[ Except he's folding his fingers in between Vash's comfortably, rearranging the other hand's fingers to scoot them back a bit on the pizza. And because there's no taking his own slice while both hands are otherwise occupied, he turns the pizza towards himself to take his own bite.
He chews thoughtfully. No longer being a Cookie has changed his tastes somewhat but... He swallows and smiles happily, tail wiggling a bit in the grass. ]
Isn't it? It is a bit different than what I remember, but I will attribute that to the world itself.
[ They're both disgusting. He wipes a bit of cheese off from the hand holding it up, and licks his finger clean after. Mm, cream cheese drizzle. ]
Ah! The root beer! I feel you will find that delightful as well. Here...
[ Hm. Setting the pizza down is easy enough, he can direct Vash to low his end so the slice is back on the pan, and picking the bottle up is fine but... twisting the cap off is not going to happen, so he sheepishly (ha) holds it out towards Vash. ]
Twist?
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Well, for me... I think it's amazing.
[He does start to lean down for another bite but, ah! Pure Vanilla brings up something very important. He absolutely wants to try this root beer, thank you. He perks up once more, waiting for the drink. At his companion's urging, he does reach out, twisting off the lid with his metal hand with perhaps a bit more care.
The last thing they need is for him to crush the bottle.]
There we go! [And without any further encouragement, he leans down and takes a sip. Immediately his eyes widen, and his nose wrinkles. Thankfully, a grin spreads over his lips just a few seconds later.]
It burns? But good?
[He's confused, but loving it...]
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[ There's so many foods... and sights. The soda streams, the carbonated falls, the cold frosted peaks, the deep valleys full of sugar sheep and alpaca. Oogh, Pure Vanilla misses them. So he focuses on watching Vash open the root beer and take a sip instead, the nose wrinkling making him worry for a moment, but it's replaced by a grin quickly. ]
Ah! You like it! Though it is faintly alcoholic, the burn comes from the unique blend of root, bark, and herbs added to it, like vanilla and wintergreen! Some prefer anise and nutmeg to make it sharper, but this is a classic approach. It also makes it sweeter with these. By leaving off the root, you may also produce a sweet cream soda. I will try to bring one of those next time!
[ He'll take a little sip himself, but definitely won't partake in too much. He's extraordinarily weak to alcohol. He will end up sobbing on Vash if he drinks anymore than a few sips here or there. He ponders the bottle, the pizza, and their linked hands. Hm. ]
In order, then? Pizza?
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[His mind paints a very vivid, and probably not wholly inaccurate picture of what that would look like. He licks his lips contemplatively as he turns the thought over within his head. Sweet and chewy doesn't sound terrible, from his perspective. Really, he'd be right at home in a place like the Earthbread.
He pulls his focus back as Pure Vanilla keeps speaking. Something about his words catches his attention, and he finds himself grinning.]
Vanilla, huh? [His head tilts.] No wonder it's so good. Got a little bit of you in it, huh?
[Admittedly, he doesn't recognize the rest of the spices but. That doesn't matter. It's good.]
You take a bite first this time, yeah? Gotta keep up your strength. [Given the uncanny similarities between the two of them, Vash can't help but worry. His first resort when grappling with his own demons is to forgo food, after all.]
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But oh. That! That flusters him, actually. He's sure Vash doesn't mean it the way it sounds but it sounds very-
He aha's softly and clears his throat, trying not to blush but he's failing. Mister Stampede, please! ]
Ah, yes, I suppose...
[ Well, if he wanted a distraction, he certainly got it! To cover up, he hums and takes the first bite this time indeed, trying to tilt the pizza in a way he doesn't get a mouthful of hair too. Which means he has to tilt the pizza downwards.
If he gets a jelly piece to the face well. The hazards of holding hands while eating pizza. ]
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Maybe.
Thankfully, he's promptly distracted by the way Pure Vanilla leans forward. He can already see a potential disaster unfolding with the poor man's hair. And with his cybernetic hand currently free of any bottles that need opening, or anything of that nature, he reaches out. Carefully as can be, and without streaking his cold fingers against Pure Vanilla's poor cheek, he tucks that hair behind his ear.]
There. Better, right?
[He definitely doesn't have to hold back laughter because PV has Jelly Beans on his face or anything. Certainly not.]
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You may laugh.
[ He says it with the solemn air of a King granting someone permission to approach. The moment Vash opens his mouth next, however, he's getting the pizza slice gently stuffed into it. Carefully of course, so he doesn't accidentally harm him, but most definitely in a manner that prevents any laughter.
And his expression is oh so innocent as he does so. ]
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After he manages to take a bite and swallow, Vash does twist his head away. Naturally it smears some of the pizza onto his cheek, so now they match. And of course, that makes him laugh once more.]
Y'know. I don't think I've ran into a pizza this messy before.
[He does not sound like he's complaining.]
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[ Sorry about the smear, Pure Vanilla making a soft noise as he puts their slice down to free up his hand, so he can reach out and wipe it from Vash's cheek with his thumb.
Then lick it off his thumb cause he really didn't bring napkins or the like. ]
Tell me about the other pizzas you've had? Are they sweet like these?
[ With his hand free he can also now get the jelly glued to his face, popping it into his mouth.
Finally, he looks delighted again. Not thinking of Clotted Cream. ]
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Nah, not like this. More savory. [He clicks his tongue.] You guys have savory, right? I'm not tryin' to be insensitive, it's just that all of you that I've met have had very sweet names!
[He's getting distracted. Oops.]
Your standard pizza starts with dough, tomato sauce, and cheese. A step up is adding pepperoni, maybe even olives or mushrooms. Then you can get even fancier from there, too!
[Boy does he love talking about food.]
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Of course! Our breads and most our cheeses are savory, plus if you cook it just right, quite a few stews are!
[ His laugh is soft and more a giggle as Vash gets back on track, amusement on his face, then confusion and some thoughtfulness. ]
Well... all of those sound very familiar, but I must admit some unfamiliarity with pepperoni. Is that like peperoncino? And I must assume not all of those items contain a touch of sweet.
[ He looks delighted by the idea, though. He's already encountered the lack of sweetness in everything here, but he has yet to really try something that seems so... maybe spicy? ]
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Alright, well. Imagine those savory breads and cheeses, yeah? And then imagine uhh... a kinda chewy circle of meat. Tinier, usually. And with a bit of spice too. But yeah, nothin' too sweet. Though I guess the sauce has a bit of sweetness depending on how you get it? [He taps his foot against the ground.]
Honestly, I could probably ask around. Make one for you, just like you got this together for me.
[It's only fair. They can do for one another, back and forth. Mutual kindness and distraction.]
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That would be delightful! But I must confess, I don't eat meat. Do all your pizzas come with meat?
[ He would understand if they did! Meat, he knows, contains beneficial protein and energy! It's quite like meat jelly. He offers the bottle to Vash, ears forward so he's sure he's pointing it at the man and not somewhere random. Listen, his staff is flopped into the grass, it's a little difficult to see. ]
If you give me some time, I should be able to gather enough ingredients as well to make you more food from my home as well. There is enough similarities! Ah, except the jellies, I think.
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[Someone looks a little embarrassed at that! He bites his lip, looking all types of sheepish as he tries to scramble to find a response within his scattered brain.]
N-no! Not all of 'em have meat. Pepperoni is really common, is all. And honestly, meats are just easier to come by where I'm from. Veggies don't grow so well in the desert! But the option does exist. Like mushrooms! And onions! And peppers!
[Please, someone shut him up.]
Honestly, it might be kind of fun to make something like this together. You make your pizza, I make mine, and we compare. Or anything else that you have!
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I would be delighted to make a pizza or something with you. There are quite a few foods that may translate well! We have quite a few desserts as well, that I am absolutely sure you will love. Cakes, puddings, ice creams. But let us not jump ahead of ourselves, we have this entire thing to finish.
[ They have, after all, only eaten one piece out of it. He turns his attention to the pizza. Maybe he should have requested one half it's size, he doesn't eat a lot... ]
Thank you, Vash.
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Right. Moving on.]
Don't underestimate me, Pure Vanilla! I can really put it away. [He falls into quipping without missing a beat, leaning back to pat his stomach with both hands. Then without waiting a beat, he plucks up another slice of pizza. He's halfway into a bite when Pure Vanilla thanks him and, without pausing to consider it:]
Anything for you.
[Yes, through a mouthful of pizza.]
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But the words aimed at him next make his expression shift. Look surprised. Touched. Flustered, his cheeks turning pink as suddenly looks a little shy. He picks up the root beer to take a drink out of it instead, trying to hide his reaction to that little declaration.
You can't just say those things to him, Vash. Now without making his heart ache in his chest and move up into his throat.
Ignore the way his tail is absolutely wiggling like a worm on a hook. ]
Ah- I-
[ He's going to take a piece of pizza and shove it into his own mouth. ]
no subject
But hey, at least it means the mood stays light. He laughs to himself as he leans down, picking up a slice for himself. It's a bit easier to eat when they aren't both juggling, but he might have to admit to missing the closeness.
Only for a second.
To his credit, he makes sure to maintain the jovial nature of their meeting. He'll make sure Pure Vanilla never once frowns. Because that's a normal, not gay thing to do, right?
Right.]