How to take care of a pregnant plant

"Hey sister."

Vash rests his hands on the glass bulb and presses his forehead against it. The Plant in the bulb mimics him, leaning her forehead in front of his. Their hearts beat in sync as they greet each other.

Hello brother. How have you been?

He's seen better days, travelling the planet with the Earth Federation searching for him to answer for his brother's crimes has its downsides. Although he can't complain when he gets to witness life flourish across the planet so quickly in just half a year, small towns growing into cities, food and water becoming less scarce. He didn't think he'd live long enough to see it. Well, he wasn't expecting to make it out alive all those months ago, let alone become an undercover Plant engineer under the Fed's noses. As long as he's careful, he won't get into any danger.

"Better than ever."

Vash tells her about the towns and people he met during his travels, meeting his other sisters. His sister pokes around in his mind as he shares his memories with her. She nudges at a particular memory, a person actually, who is still at the forefront of his mind.

How's the gentleman in the black clothes?

Wolfwood.

Wolfwood stayed behind at the orphanage. He wasn't pleased about him travelling alone, still on the run because a new force was after him. Vash told him he'd be fine, promising to visit him when he was nearby. Wolfwood wanted to come with him, but Vash convinced him to stay where he's needed the most, where he belonged the most. It's been lonely without Wolfwood by his side. He'll manage, he did manage. Folks are a lot more friendly now. He's seen the reporter girls a couple of times and did a couple of radio talks with them, so he hasn't been too lonely. The girls mentioned Wolfwood was doing well the last time he saw them.

Before Vash left to wander, Melanie was discussing rebuilding the orphanage and adding some upgrades. He wonders what it looks like now. Now that he thinks about it, he isn't that far from the orphanage. Maybe it's time to pay a visit.

Vash bids his sister goodbye and sneaks out of the facility to start his trip towards December. It takes a week, a sandstreamer, and a half-hour walk from the nearby town to reach the orphanage. The town has grown a lot since he left, gazing at the market and people walking about as he passes through discreetly. When he makes the trek over a hill, he can see the building in the distance and the upgrades Melanie mentioned. The orphanage is bigger than it was before—before it got destroyed—with two floors and two plots of land beside it, empty except for wooden frames. One of them looks like it's going to be a barn based on its structure. Vash brightens when he sees Wolfwood and Livio standing next to the unfinished barn, looking down at a blueprint sheet.

Livio notices him first, perking his head up and waving with a big smile on his face. "Vash!"

Wolfwood jerks his head in his direction, eyes widening before his expression brightens too with a smile.

Vash waves at them. "Hey!" When he reaches them, Livio gives him a strong hug, causing him to let out an oof as he's squeezed. Wolfwood gives him a clap on the back and sneaks a hand into his hair to ruffle it, messing up the gel. Vash whines about his hair getting messy, but doesn't pull away.

"It's great to see you!" Livio exclaims.

Vash smiles. "It's great to see you too."

"What have you been up to?" Wolfwood questions.

"Oh, the usual. Running," Vash singsongs.

Wolfwood hums. "Running from the feds, I hear."

Vash rubs his neck. "Some things don't change. Nevertheless, I got to see a lot of towns and people. Things are really looking up with their help."

"I hope you're not sticking your head into danger," Wolfwood jests.

Vash chuckles. "I do my best." He glances at the barn before them and then the empty plot of land across from it, nodding in approval. "You guys have been busy. What're you making over there?"

"They called it a greenhouse," Livio answers. "Green for the plants that'll be growing inside it."

Vash gapes.

Wolfwood grins at his reaction. "So, you've heard about them?"

"Yeah, I know things are getting better, but I never thought I'd see a greenhouse this soon," Vash breathes with awe.

"The Earth Federation has been helping a lot," Livio explains. "The blueprints are easy to follow once you understand all the drawings and measurements."

Vash hums, sweeping his gaze at the buildings, taking in the progress this place has made. He puts his hands on his hips as he looks at both men. "I can help out."

"It's gonna take a while," Wolfwood warns. "You're staying, spikey?"

"If you have room. I have nowhere else to be right now."

Wolfwood looks at Livio, who looks back at him, before they both grin. "Alright."

So Vash stays.

Melanie gives him a big hug when he enters the front door. "How have you been? No trouble, I hope?"

"No, ma'am," Vash grins while saluting. Wolfwood snorts behind him.

Vash hears multiple footsteps racing across the floor and looks over Melanie to see all the kids rounding the corner.

In a rush to greet him, they yell out a chorus of, "Vash!"

Vash kneels on the ground to catch two of them in a hug before the rest of them tackle him, toppling him over. "Hey everyone!" He ruffles each one of their hairs in greeting and pinches a few cheeks. After Wolfwood takes pity on him from being overrun by the group and helps him to stand, he turns back to Melanie. "I hope you don't mind me staying for a bit. I'd be happy to help around."

Melanie beams. "Of course not!" She motions for him to follow. "We have a room for you, follow me."

Hauling his bag, Vash looks around the place while following her up the stairs with Wolfwood tailing behind. He never got to see what the orphanage looked like inside, leaving when only its frame was set up. They walk down a hallway until they stop in front of a door. Melanie opens the door to reveal a room, furnished with a bed, drawer, desk and closet, and a big window overlooking the land with the sunshine lighting up the place. The room is also adorned with a separate bathroom. It's as if they were waiting for him to visit. His own room.

"I wish we could have furnished it a bit better. We still have to get shutters for the window," Melanie shares.

Vash shakes his head before bowing. "This is more than enough. Thank you!"

"There's no need for that. We're happy to have you," Melanie waves him off. "You make yourself right at home while I'll make you some tea. Nicholas, show him around once he's settled in," she says before leaving the two men alone.

Vash drops his bag next to the bed as he looks around the room, inspecting the drawer and the closet while Wolfwood leans against the door frame, watching him. "Ah, this is a lot," he muses, eyeing the bathroom, seeing a tub, before stopping in front of the big window. He's used to cramped hotel rooms and communal bathrooms.

"You can try fighting for a different room, but I doubt Melanie will allow it," Wolfwood replies, moving away from the door to stand next to him. "A lot of rooms are the same if you're worried about getting more than everyone else."

"That's good." Vash gazes out the window where the suns light up the room in a yellow hue. He looks down to see the kids playing outside.

Wolfwood's voices pull his attention away. "Anyway, get changed. I'll give you a tour."

Vash changes into something casual, hanging up his coat and swapping the belts and buckles for a loose shirt and jeans. Wolfwood is waiting for him in the hallway when he exits his room. Wolfwood gestures at him with a hand. "Follow me."

Down the hall, Wolfwood points to closed doors where his, Livio's, and Melanie's rooms are. On the other side of the building are the kids' rooms. Down the stairs, he's introduced to the living room, informally called the playroom, and the kitchen. Next, they head outside towards the back of the building. When Wolfwood shows him the small garden of flowers and vegetables, he beams.

"This is lovely," Vash says while crouching to sniff one of the flowers that is just beginning to bloom.

"I knew you'd like it," Wolfwood tells him with a grin.

After the small tour, they meet up with Livio.

Vash puts his hands on his hips. "Alright, let's get to work!" He follows both Wolfwood's and Livio's lead on building the farmhouse. It takes two weeks of hard work, moving stone and wood around. They get some extra help from bystanders from the nearby town who admire their hard work. Vash is wary at first, gauging whether these people recognize him, but they don't; they're just friendly and happy to help out until the farm is completed, cutting the construction time by half. After the barn is done, the folks offer to help build the greenhouse. Vash loves to see hard work make something good, to see everyone working together rather than against each other.

The orphanage gets some tomas for the barn. Vash loves petting them, and so do the kids. He teaches them how to take care of the tomas, like grooming their feathers and how to tame them if they fuss. He also helps Melanie plant seeds for the greenhouse, hopeful that they will bear fruits and vegetables in the months to come. Vash wants to see that happen.

When Meryl and Milly visit the orphanage, they're surprised to find Vash.

"Spikey is here," Wolfwood announces to the girls when he walks into the kitchen.

Vash looks up to see Meryl and Milly behind him. Milly gasps and rushes towards him to give a big hug.

"Vash! It's so good to see you!" she chirps.

Meryl greets him with her own hug. "What're you doing here?"

"I came to see everyone since I was nearby."

"And freeload," Wolfwood interjects.

"Nicholas!" Melanie scolds before hugging the girls. "He's been lovely company and a great help."

Vash rubs his neck hearing the praise. "Happy to be here."

Melanie makes tea while the rest of them catch up. The girls tell them about the towns they visited and their latest articles in the newspaper. When the focus shifts to Vash, Meryl gets curious about his stay.

"How long are you staying for?" Meryl asks.

Vash briefly thinks about the question. He hasn't thought about what he'll do once he leaves. He'd likely return to being a nomad with no aim or goal besides helping anyone who needs help while dodging the Earth Federation. "I'm not sure. Maybe for a bit longer, as long as everyone else is okay with it."

"I'm not," Wolfwood jests.

Melanie gives Wolfwood a look before she smiles at Vash. "You'll always have a place here, no matter what you decide to do."

Days later, when the girls are long gone on their next adventure, Wolfwood hits him with a similar question while they both tend to the tomas with their routine grooming. "Where do you plan to go next?"

Vash hums, "Trying to get rid of me that easily?"

"It wouldn't be the first," Wolfwood chuckles.

Vash thinks about the question, really thinks about it in his room later that evening. He doesn't have any plans to go anywhere. After getting a taste of this life, he finds it nice and quiet, a stark difference from always travelling and running. He's done enough travelling for two lifetimes. Plus, the Earth Federation has done a lot of heavy lifting in helping those in need and has a few of its own independents to look after the plants. A little rest wouldn't hurt. When Vash sees Wolfwood the following morning, he tells him, "I'll stay for a bit if you don't mind."

Wolfwood blinks at him before sporting a grin. "Not at all, spikey."

A bit lasts a week, to a month, to two months. Vash stays longer than he bargained for. He has to admit he loves staying here, a place where he's loved, a place where he can enjoy a simple life, enjoy humanity rebuilding and flourishing. When there's news of a school being built in the town nearby, Vash is ecstatic to help out, dragging Wolfwood and Livio, who are also happy to help with their manpower. Other than avoiding some of the Earth Fed agents whenever they visit the construction site, Vash works with the townsfolk to build the school, and within a month, the kids are attending classes. Vash, of course, helps with their homework. After the school is built, the town becomes a real community as more buildings pop up, with the help of Wolfwood and Livio. They're dragged into any manual labour the town needs. It's easy money. Vash sometimes joins in on the fun.

At some point along the way, Vash tags along with Melanie when it's time to tuck the kids into bed. He sings nursery rhymes for them and narrates bedtime stories, and gets a kick out of it when the kids love his voice. Even Wolfwood hears about it.

"So I hear there's an angel who is helping the kids fall asleep with their singing?" Wolfwood comments while they're on dishwashing duty for the day.

Vash flushes furiously. Angel? "You heard me?"

"Didn't wanna miss out when an angel sings, you know," Wolfwood grins. "Also, that's what the kids call you."

Vash laughs, flustered about the nickname and the knowledge that Wolfwood heard him singing. While hiding away in his room later that day, Vash buries his red face into a pillow, thinking about Wolfwood calling him an angel until he falls asleep. The petname brings up old feelings.

When he was away from Wolfwood all those months, he thought the old feelings he had would go away. Now, being under the same roof, his heart grows fonder as he watches Wolfwood live comfortably at the orphanage, and with confidence that Vash has to stop himself from staring at him. Vash finds himself eyeing Wolfwood when the other man is busy with mundane chores, unaware of what it does to him. He doesn't act on any of the longing he feels.

What Vash doesn't expect is for Wolfwood to reciprocate. Or maybe it was his imagination every time Wolfwood's touch stays longer than it has any right to be, a touch here and there, a hand in his hair looking to mess it up even further, and a gaze that sticks longer to observe his expression. Vash tells himself no, he's just friendly, and it's definitely his imagination, but he can't help but soak up the attention.

The next time Meryl and Milly visit, he's hyperaware of Wolfwood's friendliness. Vash is chatting with Milly in the greenhouse when Wolfwood finds them, shouting, "Spikey! Big girl!" The back of Vash's neck tingles where Wolfwood slides next to him, and where Wolfwood's hand hovers over the small of his back before settling. Vash makes a conscious effort to breathe. Milly definitely catches what's going on between the two, even though nothing is going on.

"I heard the bakery just opened up. I'm going to stop by before picking up the kids from school. Do you guys want anything?" Wolfwood asks.

"Oh! Anything that has chocolate!" Milly replies.

Vash blurts whatever is at the top of his mind. "The usual, donuts with sprinkles."

"Sure," Wolfwood snorts before he pulls away. "Shortie! Do you want anything from the bakery?" he shouts, striding towards Meryl at the other end of the greenhouse.

With Wolfwood gone, Vash distracts himself from his thoughts and the warmth on his face by trimming one of the plants in front of him.

"He's awfully friendly now, isn't he?" Milly comments.

Vash blushes at Milly's observation, looking to see her sporting a wide smile. "Yeah! He is." He wills away the blush and exhales. "It's good to see him doing well."

Milly hums in agreement. "It's good to see you both doing well."

Vash stays long enough for the plants in the greenhouse to mature and sprout batches of strawberries. Their first harvest was a cause for celebration. Melanie bakes a strawberry pie with one of the batches that evening, and Wolfwood brings out the wine, a gift for helping one of the locals, for the adults to enjoy along with the pie. The pie is devoured after everyone has eaten a piece, motivating Melanie to declare that she will make another tomorrow. The wine is also dangerously close to finishing, thanks to both him and Wolfwood drinking most of it.

Livio is the first to retire for the night, prompting Melanie to usher the children to bed after they finish eating their fill. She hangs back by the doorway. "Don't stay up too late, boys," she says before disappearing.

Vash and Wolfwood stay longer to finish the wine and chat.

Wolfwood drains the wine into their glasses. He shakes the bottle before setting it down. "I gotta get another one of these. I never cared for wine, but this stuff is good."

Vash hums in agreement, lifting his glass in salute before taking a gulp.

So spikey," Wolfwood changes the topic. "Have you thought about how long you're staying?"

"What? You thought I'd be gone by now?"

"I admit I'm surprised. You never stay in one place for too long. You might beat your previous record."

Vash huffs but doesn't argue against Wolfwood's point. "Well, maybe I like it here." He does, of course he does. He wants to stay. It's becoming dangerous for him when he starts seeing himself staying for good.

Wolfwood snorts. "I would've thought the kids bossing you around would have you thinking twice."

Vash sticks out his tongue. "You're the only bossy one here."

"Someone's gotta keep you from being a troublemaker and influencing the kids."

Vash places a hand on his chest. "I'm always on my best behaviour." Wolfwood snickers at his words.

Vash sips the remains of his drink. "I have thought about it." Wolfwood stays quiet as he continues, "I'm not sure how long I'll stay, but I can see myself staying for a long while."

"Yeah?"

Vash turns the empty glass in his hand and nods. "The Federation is still looking for me, though. It might make things difficult for everyone here."

"Nah." Wolfwood waves off his worry. "You're in capable hands, and besides, it's not like they're gunning for your head."

"True." Vash smiles. He plants an elbow on the table, rests his chin on his hand, and stares at Wolfwood. "So no complaints, boss?"

Wolfwood smiles behind his glass before sipping. "It wouldn't be the worst thing." Then, he makes a face. "I'm not the boss, Melanie is, and you're her favourite."

Vash laughs before sighing. "It's nice here."

Wolfwood puts his glass down, glancing at him before staring into space with the corner of his lips lifting. "Yeah."

A lull in the conversation has Vash gazing at Wolfwood. He wonders how long it took Wolfwood to accept a normal life and stay at the place he calls home. Vash guesses he's still learning to accept it. During his gawking, Wolfwood takes a last sip of his alcohol. Vash watches the other's throat while he swallows and licks his lips.

Noticing the silence, Wolfwood takes a peek at him. He puts the glass down and turns, mimicking Vash's posture by resting his chin on his hand. "You got a funny look on your face," he rasps.

Vash examines the lazy smile on Wolfwood's lips. "So do you," he hums. He wants so badly.

A moment passes. Someone moves closer, and their lips meet. It's just a press of the lips until Vash makes a wanton noise in his throat that spurs Wolfwood to hold his face, tilt his head, and kiss deeper. Vash grips the front of Wolfwood's shirt and opens his mouth to let the other in. Wolfwood crowding into him forces them both to stand for a better position. Vash's back hits the counter while Wolfwood pushes further into his space, slotting his thigh between his legs. Vash breaks the kiss for a breather, though Wolfwood doesn't stop, moving his mouth down his jaw to his neck while his hands flank his sides. Teeth tease Vash's skin, making him keen. He scrapes his fingers in Wolfwood's hair while the other drops bruising kisses and an equally bruising grip on his hips. Vash feels like he's going to be eaten alive.

Vash squirms when the thigh between his legs grinds against his crotch. He can feel Wolfwood's length pressing against him. "Fuck, Wolfwood." It's embarrassing how wet he is already. It's also embarrassing how easy it is for someone to spot them getting handsy in the kitchen. Vash tugs Wolfwood's hair. It makes the other groan into his neck. "Not here," he rasps.

Wolfwood's hands slide down to palm his thighs before he lifts. He moves Vash's legs around his waist with ease, forcing Vash to wrap his limbs around him to hold on. Vash shivers, burying his face into Wolfwood's shoulder while he orients himself, feeling a rush of warmth in his body from being carried effortlessly.

"Light as a feather," Wolfwood comments into his ear. His teeth pull on his earring.

Vash shudders. "Animal," he quips.

Wolfwood laughs as he carries him away from the kitchen and up the stairs. A minute later, Vash is dropped onto a mattress and pillows with Wolfwood staring down at him. Judging by the touch of an unfamiliar mattress to his back, Vash is in Wolfwood's room. Vash wraps his arms around Wolfwood's neck and shoots him a smile. It causes Wolfwood to beam before diving back in to kiss him. Vash hums against the other's mouth, playing with the back of Wolfwood's hair as he deepens the kiss with the flick of his tongue.

Wolfwood parts their lips to move down to kiss along his jaw, palming his waist through his shirt, making him melt into the mattress. His hands dive under his shirt to reach bare skin, grazing one of his scars. Vash pushes Wolfwood away to pull his shirt off to give the other more skin to work with. The cool air hitting his exposed chest makes him self-conscious, reminding him of the nasty patchwork of scars he carries.

It doesn't faze Wolfwood when he leans down to press his lips on his chest, down his sternum. "Gorgeous," Wolfwood breathes into his skin.

Vash cards his fingers into Wolfwood's hair, the comment making him weepy. He wills it away when Wolfwood notices.

"Getting emotional on me?" Wolfwood asks with a smile.

With his hands still in Wolfwood's hair, Vash pulls a strand. "You're ruining the mood."

Wolfwood huffs under his breath. "Alright, alright." He tips forward to kiss down his stomach, making Vash squirm at the touch when he reaches a sensitive scar below his naval.

Vash skirts his hands down to Wolfwood's nape, feeling the hem of his shirt instead of skin. He yanks the fabric. "Off."

Wolfwood complies, removing his shirt in one swift motion and throwing it away. Vash ganders at his chest before reaching for a touch with his flesh hand. He catches Wolfwood staring at him with amusement.

Wolfwood bends down to bracket his head with his arms, hovering inches above his face. "You're getting distracted."

Vash slides his hand up Wolfwood's neck to cup his face. "You make it sound like that's a bad thing."

"Depends on whether I see mischief in your eyes."

Vash doesn't get a chance to retort before Wolfwood dives down to kiss him, pushing his tongue between his lips. He opens his mouth to let the other in with a hum. Wolfwood moves closer, bearing his weight down on him to press their bodies together. Vash's whine is muffled when Wolfwood's crotch rubs against his cunt through their clothes. He hikes a leg around Wolfwood's hip and pushes down, aiming for Wolfwood's cock to press between his legs. Vash lifts his hips to rub himself against Wolfwood, making the other moan into his mouth.

Vash breaks the kiss. "Can you—." He grips Wolfwood's nape while rolling his hips. "Please." He wants it so bad. He doesn't want anything less.

Wolfwood groans into his ear, gathering his bearings before pulling away. "Okay." He pecks the corner of Vash's lips. "I hear you." He shuffles down and pushes down the hem of Vash's pants.

Vash helps kick the rest of his clothes off, along with his underwear, leaving him bare. He shudders at the cool air hitting his wet cunt and the heated look Wolfwood sends him. Wolfwood holds his thighs and rubs them, letting out a pleased hum before lowering his head between his legs.

"Wolf—" Vash jumps when Wolfwood leaves a kiss in the space between his inner thigh and cunt. Wolfwood holds his legs apart to give himself room and move his lips over his folds, making Vash grip the sheets. The heat from Wolfwood's mouth makes him throb. "Now you're getting distracted," Vash pants.

Wolfwood's hot breath fans his entrance when he huffs with amusement. He flicks his tongue between his folds to get a taste, teasing him. Vash complains again with a whine, even though he flushes from how good it feels, how up-close and personal Wolfwood is with his face on his cunt. Fussing again makes Wolfwood pull away, not without one last lap and a bite on his inner thigh. Vash glowers at Wolfwood, who looks proud of himself.

Wolfwood lets go of his thighs. "Okay, I'll give you what you want." He unbuttons his pants to take them off, kicking them away when he pulls them down his legs. Vash watches when Wolfwood's cock springs free from his briefs, the tip red and glistening with pre-come. His mouth waters.

"Can I suck you off?" Vash asks before Wolfwood settles between his legs.

Wolfwood pauses for a second at the request before grinning. "Since you asked so nicely."

They trade places, with Wolfwood resting against the headboard while Vash kneels between his legs, hovering above his cock. Vash trembles when Wolfwood pets his hair as he leans in. He holds Wolfwood by the hips and drags his tongue up Wolfwood's length. His gaze flickers up and meets Wolfwood's intense gaze bearing down on him. Knowing the other is watching him, Vash closes his eyes and suckles the tip, tasting the bitter pre-come. Wolfwood makes a noise above and grips a handful of hair. Vash shivers at the light tug before kissing down Wolfwood's length, mouthing the base. He sneaks up a hand to stroke Wolfwood's balls and earns himself a curse that makes him smile against the hard length next to him. Knowing the effect he has on Wolfwood tickles his ego and makes his cunt throb for attention that he ignores.

Eager to get more reactions, Vash hovers over Wolfwood's cock and parts his lips to slide the length into his mouth. Nails scratch the back of his head, making him close his eyes and hum around Wolfwood. He relaxes his throat to take more, mindful to breathe through his nose, until Wolfwood's cock hits the back of his throat and he can't take anymore. His hand covers what he can't reach, holding the base of Wolfwood's length. Everything fades into the background when his mind turns hazy and the ache in his jaw turns numb.

Vash opens his eyes when Wolfwood moans above him, his cock twitching in his mouth. Wolfwood's fond expression is strained as he cards his fingers through Vash's hair. He drags his hand down to his jaw, pulling him off his cock. Vash blinks away the fog in his brain as Wolfwood gazes at him.

"That's enough outta you, unless you want me to come like this?" Wolfwood drawls.

Vash hurriedly shakes his head. Maybe that could happen another time, but right now he wants something else.

"What do you want?"

Vash clears his throat. "Can I ride you?"

Wolfwood grins at him as if he said something silly. "Of course."

Wolfwood tugs him over by the hip to position him over his length. Vash holds on to Wolfwood's shoulders and beams at the other.

Wolfwood leans in to close the distance and nuzzle his temple while digging his fingers into his skin. "You ready?"

Vash answers with his own nuzzle against Wolfwood's face. "Mm-hmm."

One of Wolfwood's hands peels away from his waist to line up his cock below his entrance. The tip pushes past his folds as Vash lowers his hips. He takes a deep breath to relax and accommodate the stretch. The pulsing length inside his cunt makes him whine, making it difficult to resist the urge to push Wolfwood all the way inside with one motion.

Wolfwood checks in with a strained voice next to his ear. "You okay?"

"Yes," Vash rasps. He continues moving lower, which pushes Wolfwood an inch further inside. "Don't move."

Wolfwood stays still until he bottoms out. Neither of them moves, taking a moment to fight against the desire to move. Vash pets Wolfwood's hair while adjusting to the feeling of fullness, while the other breathes hot air into his neck. Feeling impatient, Vash squeezes around Wolfwood's length, making the other man grumble into his ear and grip his waist. Wolfwood leans back to give him a look while Vash shoots a cheeky smile before rocking his hips, watching Wolfwood's eyes gloss over from his movements. His own expression likely mirrors the other's, a smile growing on his face from getting off the high of Wolfwood hot and heavy inside him.

Vash lifts his hips until the tip is inside before sinking back down. It punches out a moan from both of them. He closes his eyes and finds a rhythm to fucking himself on Wolfwood's cock, addicted to the heat building from filling the emptiness inside him, Wolfwood completing him. Wolfwood caresses his sides while he moves. It makes him feel like he's something precious when hands slide over the nasty scars on his body. Vash grows teary-eyed about that, making him dig his fingers into Wolfwood's skin.

His legs grow tired, so he sits down and rolls his hips back and forth. He sneaks a hand between their legs to touch his cunt where he and Wolfwood meet. Wolfwood makes a low sound from his feather-light touches, making Vash open his eyes to see the other heated stare at where his hand is brushing.

"Fuck me," Vash pleads.

Wolfwood's gaze flickers up to him and gives him a grin. "Yeah?"

Vash's skin burns as he bobs his head and sees Wolfwood's smile widen. Wolfwood quickly listens to his plea by flipping them over, being careful to stay connected as he lays Vash on the mattress.

Vash wraps his arms around Wolfwood's shoulders and tugs him closer, their faces inches apart. He hikes his legs around Wolfwood. "Move."

"Demanding," Wolfwood says before nipping his ear. He leans back and gazes down on him.

Vash opens his mouth for a witty remark, but is cut off when Wolfwood pulls out before pushing back inside his cunt, letting out a breathless groan. Wolfwood leans in to capture his lips while rocking his hips, muffling the noises Vash makes. Vash is left panting when Wolfwood breaks the kiss to run his mouth down his jaw. He whines when Wolfwood nibbles on a patch of skin below his ear.

"Not so high," Vash whines. He doesn't want any questioning stares if someone spots a bruise on his skin.

Wolfwood huffs but listens, moving lower to where his neck and shoulder meet. He bites down, causing Vash to gasp, the pain making him clench around Wolfwood's length. Wolfwood squeezes his hips in return. His grip around Wolfwood tightens while the other spends his time marking up his neck and shoulder in the space between the patchwork of scars. A sharp bite has Vash fisting Wolfwood's hair, making the other puff a laugh into his skin.

Wolfwood drags his nose up his neck, stopping to press his face to the side of his head. He breathes into his ear. "God, you're so…"

Vash can only pant and tremble when he gets close to coming. Wolfwood is not far either.

"I'm close." Wolfwood grunts, starting to pull out.

Vash snatches the back of Wolfwood's head to keep him close. "Inside." He wants this, he really wants this, and he doesn't know if this will be the first and last time. "I can't get—" He's a Plant. He can't get pregnant. Nothing will stick, shouldn't stick. "Please." There are tears in his eyes from his greedy request.

"Okay." Wolfwood kisses his eyelids. Vash almost sobs. "Okay." He slips back in, grinding his cock into Vash until he comes, moaning into his neck.

The heat spreading inside his cunt pushes Vash over the edge and spills slick between their bodies. Wolfwood strokes his hips during his shivers until he comes down from his high. They both hiss when Wolfwood pulls out, making fluids slip out of Vash. Vash attempts to move his sore body and groggy head, wanting to clean himself, but Wolfwood gently presses him back down.

"I got it," Wolfwood whispers. "You just relax."

Vash lies back down and closes his eyes while Wolfwood leaves for a brief moment to grab something to clean him. He sighs when fabric brushes his cooling skin and cleans up the mess they made. Once Wolfwood discards the cloth, he joins Vash on the bed, pulling the covers over their bodies and dragging him close. Humming, Vash soaks up the warmth radiating from Wolfwood's body until they both fall asleep.

Vash wakes up to a hand scratching the back of his head. Opening his eyes, he finds himself plastered to Wolfwood's side, face buried into his neck. The hand in his hair moves down to his nape when he unsticks himself from Wolfwood's skin, shifting to lie on his back.

"You're purring," Wolfwood comments. "That's new."

It's new to Wolfwood, but to Vash, it's something he has forgotten about, long forgotten to know it could happen again.

Vash dozes off again with the touch of Wolfwood tracing his skin until they have to separate and get dressed before breakfast, before anyone gets suspicious. They don't talk about it, but they also don't stop themselves from indulging in lingering touches. Vash is okay with this unspoken agreement when he doesn't have to resist reaching over for a bit of contact like he's starved for it and doesn't have to hide it.

That is, until Vash gets sick a week later.

Vash does his best to hide it while under the same roof as two ex-assassins and a seasoned caregiver who keeps track of a bunch of children like it's nothing. It's futile when he shows up miserable every morning after spending quality time kneeling over the toilet and lacks the energy to play with the kids. He receives glances from the other three adults in the room at his odd behaviour. Vash hopes his smiles will quell their worries.

One particular bad morning has him lying in bed past breakfast. He'll be rushing to the toilet if he attempts to move, so he stays in bed, sweating and panting, waiting for the nausea to go away. A knock on the door makes Vash pry his eyes open to see who it is. The door opens to reveal Wolfwood behind it.

"Not up for eating?" Wolfwood asks.

Vash turns away and grits his teeth at the thought of food.

Wolfwood sits at the edge of the bed. "That bad, huh?"

Vash manages to nod.

Wolfwood looks at him for a moment before reaching over to card his fingers through his hair. Vash leans into it.

"Must be a stomach bug," Wolfwood muses.

Vash doesn't think so, but he hopes it is, as he spends the next hour lying in bed until he succumbs to the sickness and rushes to the bathroom.

By the seventh day in a row with his face over the toilet, Vash decides he should get some help. Luida and the community of specialists on the floating ship might give him some answers. The kids are naturally upset when he tells them he has to leave for a little while. Vash doesn't know how long he'll be gone for. When he tells Wolfwood, he signs himself up to join him.

"You should stay here and take care of things while I'm gone," Vash argues, attempting to placate Wolfwood, who's raring to go outside as soon as he mentioned leaving.

"You're gonna puke your guts in some dinky bus and miss your stop," Wolfwood argues, crossing his arms. Then, he runs his fingers through his hair in frustration. "I should've fixed my bike sooner and drive you there myself.

The mention of his ailment makes nausea sneak its way up his throat. "I'll be fine, I've been worse off before." It's not the best thing to say when he gets a frown from Wolfwood. The other eventually relents.

So, Vash packs his belongings and puts on his trusty red coat. He says goodbye to everyone and receives come back soon. Wolfwood is the last to see him off, closing the front door behind him so it's just the two of them standing on the porch.

"Be good, alright?" Wolfwood utters.

"Yeah." It's obvious to Vash that Wolfwood doesn't want him to go off alone. "I'll be back soon."

Vash leaves the orphanage behind to figure out what's going on.

While travelling, he's anxious. Something unsettling sits at the edge of his mind as he distances himself from the orphanage. It's unrelated to the nausea that wafts in his throat. He ignores it until he reaches the floating ship. Luida is there to greet him when he steps past the entrance.

"Hi Vash, it's always nice to see you."

Vash smiles easily. "It's nice to see you, too."

They keep the conversation going as they walk through the halls. "I hear you are staying with Melanie these days."

Vash flushes, rubbing his neck. "Gossiping about me with Melanie?"

Luida chuckles, "We talk from time to time, to see how you're doing." She enters the passcode to a door that reveals a private room. Closing the door, Luida faces him. "I know there's something on your mind. What's wrong?"

Drooping his shoulders, Vash sighs. "Something is making me sick and I don't know what it is."

Luida hums. "Okay, let's see what we can do."

After settling in, Vash meets Luida and a physician in the medical bay to explain the daily nausea and vomiting he's experiencing. She listens while the physician writes down notes about his symptoms. The physician makes him answer a few questions about his daily life and whether he encountered anything that would've caused his current predicament. They run a few mild tests on him to assess what's causing him grief.

Once he's done, Luida sees him off. "We should have the analysis of your tests ready by tomorrow. Get some rest."

Vash smiles and thanks her.

That night, Vash tosses and turns in his bed, getting little sleep. It's not the nausea bothering him. He's on edge, and he doesn't know why. His mind whispers something to him, something about not being where he should be. Vash doesn't get much rest before morning comes when his head keeps droning. He's grateful that the nausea isn't too bad this morning.

Before Vash decides to grab a late breakfast, there's a knock on the door. Vash stands up and calls for Luida to come in. Her expression conveys no emotion when she enters and greets him.

"We have an answer," she says.

Vash perks up. He sits at the edge of the bed and faces her. "What is it?"

Luida takes a breath before a small smile appears on her face. "You're expecting."

Vash furrows his brows. "Expecting?"

"You're pregnant, Vash."

Vash stills. "What?"

Luida's expression turns sympathetic at his reaction.

Vash sucks in a breath before letting out air in a rush. "That's impossible. I'm not human." He hugs his middle. Wolfwood got him pregnant, he realizes. He conveniently didn't say anything about his sex life because he thought it wasn't important. He told Wolfwood he can't carry. "Why now?" he whispers.

Luida sits beside him on the bed. "Perhaps, you're ready now."

He never thought about having a child. Maybe a thought or two passed through his mind during his stay at the orphanage. And maybe another while watching Wolfwood look after the kids.

Luida rests a hand on his shoulder. "It's a lot, I know. I'm here if you need anything. There are specialists here to help you with whatever you decide to do."

Vash sits in a daze. "Thank you," he croaks. He doesn't know where to begin with this information. Happy? Scared?

Luida squeezes his shoulder. "Is there anything you need right now?"

Vash is reminded that he was going to get something to eat before the big news. "Do you want to get some breakfast?" A small distraction before he starts processing his situation.

Luida accompanies him to the communal kitchen. Luckily, it's late in the morning when most of the ship's occupants have had breakfast. He's likely doing a poor job of masking his shock when he's barely providing input during their conversation. Luida sits next to him, sipping tea, while he nibbles on a slice of toast with jam as thoughts run through his mind.

He's pregnant with Wolfwood's child.

He wants to feel happy. Usually, there are celebrations for this kind of thing, but he's heavy with the weight of the unknown. Is he prepared for this? He loves kids, but having one of his own? The thought of this opportunity fills him with wonder. Creating life instead of destroying it for a change excites him. He can handle aches and pains and dressing a little differently.

The harder question is: does Wolfwood want a baby? With him?

As Vash sits back in his room, he feels guilty that he lacked the foresight to consider the possibility of being pregnant. In a way, he feels like a liar. Eventually, he has to figure out a way to tell Wolfwood without making it look bad. He doesn't want to burden Wolfwood with this. He knows Wolfwood likes kids and would accept responsibility, but that's different from wanting kids himself, and so suddenly too.

He can stay on the ship for a while until he can think of a way to break the news, which, who knows when that'll be. Maybe in a few weeks, or maybe until the baby is close to being born. In the meantime, he has to be mindful of himself. A human pregnancy requires lots of vigilance and rest, which shouldn't be too hard. He might go stir-crazy, but it's the least he can handle.

Vash doesn't get a normal pregnancy because he's not normal.

The next couple of days are difficult. He still gets nausea, which is mitigated with the help of the tea Luida suggests for him to try, but there's also a deep longing inside that makes him uneasy, making him claw the bedsheets that he wishes were from a different bed. The same anxiety that appeared during his trip here manifests into an ache that leaves him shaking and hiding in the confines of his room instead of conversing with the people on the ship. His Plant side makes itself known—a rare thing. It gnaws at his subconscious, crying out, this isn't home, where is my mate—

Is this what homesickness feels like?

Vash is miserable on the ship. He does his best to act like nothing is wrong and talk with everyone, but he can't stop the thoughts and tremors. The ache festering inside him becomes too much, so Vash calls it quits and decides to head back to the orphanage with no idea how to tell Wolfwood.

Luida gives him some pregnancy advice before he leaves, telling him to take it easy and to watch out for foods that make him sick. "Please call if you need anything."

The noises in his head continue to drone until the orphanage comes into view. He's nervous as he walks up the front door and knocks. Behind the door, reveals Livio, who beams when he spots him.

"Vash!" Livio knocks the air out of him by lifting him into a hug.

Some of the children appear behind Livio to see the commotion. "Vash is back!" one of the squeals. After Vash is put down, he's surrounded by kids looking for hugs.

Vash looks up when footsteps approach the group to see Wolfwood and Melanie. Wolfwood looks surprised while Melanie sports a wide smile.

"It's good to see you back, dear," Melanie greets him.

Vash smiles. "It's good to be back."

"I'll prepare something to eat while you freshen up," Melanie says, already turning towards the kitchen before Vash can object.

Vash's eyes shift over to Wolfwood as the other stands before him. The Plant inside him rejoices when he looks at Wolfwood. The withdrawals from the past week dissipate as if they were never there. It urges Vash to wrap himself around the other man, but he refuses to make a fool of himself. Get a grip on yourself.

Wolfwood puts a hand on his hip. "Already back? I was expecting at least a month or two. Missed me that much?"

Both his human and Plant brains shout yes.

Vash rubs his neck and laughs. "I was getting restless and thought I should leave before it got worse. Plus, I like the scenery here better."

Wolfwood senses something is up, his expression turning serious. "Did you figure out what's making you sick?"

Vash nods frantically, almost forgetting he left to figure out why he was sick. "Yep! It was my stomach messing with me. Luida suggested some tea to try. I should be okay now." White lie. He does expect to feel better now that he's back.

Wolfwood gives him a hard stare but doesn't question it. For now, at least.

Vash doesn't know how to tell Wolfwood and ruminates on how to before he gets cornered.

The sickness doesn't go away. It increases by twofold. Almost every meal makes Vash want to gag, and it makes him feel guilty when most of the food is prepared by Melanie or Livio. Vash eats less than he normally does and hopes for the best that he doesn't vomit afterwards. He's thankful that the kids distract Wolfwood and Livio from noticing the change in his eating habits, but not Melanie. Vash can sense Melanie's perceptive gaze on him, even if she does her best to hide it. If anyone were to find out his secret, it would be her.

Melanie is the first to find out.

She finds him early in the morning, miserable by the kitchen counter while brewing tea, the kind Luida told him that'd help with nausea. He's lucky the kitchen had it in stock. Vash jumps when he hears her enter the room and turns to face her. The concern on Melanie's face has Vash hunching his shoulders. He looks down as she approaches him, too weary to mask his guilt.

Melanie holds his hands and searches for something in his gaze. "Vash." There's no dear or honey that he's used to hearing. It gives him a similar feeling when Wolfwood calls him by his name instead of spikey.

"I don't want to assume or make you uncomfortable, but I can't ignore the signs, especially when you aren't feeling well," Melanie explains. She's silent for a couple of seconds before asking, "Are you pregnant?"

Vash knew this would happen sooner or later. He smiles. "Yes. I'm sorry, I didn't expect this to happen. I know this will make things…difficult."

"Nonsense. That's wonderful news, dear." Melanie looks at him with tears in her eyes. Her words bring a small smile to Vash's face.

"Does anyone know?" she asks.

Vash looks down at their hands. "No."

"Okay." Melanie's thumbs rub his knuckles. "Let me make you some tea to help with the nausea."

Vash sits at the table as Melanie prepares the tea. After drinking it, Melanie offers to get a special kind of medicine meant for nausea caused by pregnancy at the town's pharmacy, but Vash refuses. The nausea is manageable right now, and he doesn't want to make Melanie do that for him. Melanie sighs at his refusal and tells him to rest. Without asking, she promises not to tell anyone about his secret.

Livio is the next to find out. The following morning, Livio presents Vash with a plate of eggs. Vash almost grimaces as his throat seizes at the smell and sight of them. Before he can politely refuse the dish, Livio snatches the plate back with a, "Sorry! I forgot you don't like eggs," and sets the plate down where he sits instead. Livio moves on to give the kids their meal like nothing happened, leaving Vash staring dumbfounded. He never told Livio he didn't like eggs.

It becomes obvious when Vash appears in the kitchen early in the morning again, with Livio already present. Livio is investigating their food cabinets before he spots him standing in the foyer and smiles. "Couldn't sleep," Livio explains. "I'll make tea for you."

Flustered, Vash mumbles out a thanks and waits at the table. He's tense from the thought that Livio knows what tea he drinks. All it takes is keeping an eye on the tea supply and deducing who is using it. The medicinal effects give away the why.

Livio serves the tea and picks up on his apprehension. He wrings his hands. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable, Vash. No one told me if you're worried about that."

Vash hurriedly shakes his head. "No, you're fine, Livio. Thank you." He sips the tea, brewed better than he's ever done. It loosens his throat and quells his queasiness.

Livio relaxes, but there's still concern on his face. "Let me know if there's anything I can do to help."

It's only a matter of time until Wolfwood finds out.

Vash hides the sickness and his secret from Wolfwood for another week before he finds out. One bad morning has him in the kitchen with Melanie. It's too early for anyone to be awake, but not too late for Melanie to be awake to find him making tea for himself, just like the other day. When the water is almost finished boiling, the nausea becomes too much for him, making him fold over the sink and pant as bile creeps up his throat. Melanie rubs his back to soothe him.

That's how Wolfwood finds them. "Vash?"

Vash glances over his shoulder to find Wolfwood by the doorway. There's a look of alarm on his face as his eyes flicker between him and Melanie.

"What's going on?" Wolfwood asks, eyes flickering between the two.

Wolfwood's presence has Vash's anxiety spiking, causing the nausea to get worse. Vash tries and fails to swallow back the bile inching up his throat, turning away to heave into the sink. When he finishes, footsteps echo behind him as Wolfwood approaches them.

Melanie attempts to intercept by stepping between the two of them. "Nicholas—"

"Tell me what's going on," Wolfwood demands, cutting her off.

The sound of Vash's ratty breathing fills the silence. He turns on the faucet to wash away the vomit down the drain, then turns it off.

"Vash," Wolfwood pleads.

Vash grips the counter and stares down at the sink. "I'm pregnant." He squeezes his eyes shut at the sound of Wolfwood's sharp inhale, bracing for questions. His stomach does the same. He wishes he didn't have to confess to Wolfwood like this, but it's his fault for stalling for too long.

Wolfwood breathes out, "Okay, okay. It's the nausea, right? You should be in bed."

Vash turns to gape at Wolfwood, whose fear has turned into deep concern. "But—"

Wolfwood closes the gap between them, resting his hand on the small of his back. "Let's go."

Vash stares at Wolfwood.

"I'll prepare the tea," Melanie says behind him, giving them a cue to leave.

Wolfwood gently nudges him to start walking. Vash moves on autopilot, wrapping his arms around himself as they take slow steps back to his room. Wolfwood follows close behind him in silence.

Vash climbs onto the bed and settles under the covers. He can feel Wolfwood's intense gaze on him, which makes him nervous. Vash breaks the silence. "Don't you have any questions?" he mumbles.

Wolfwood drops his stare to sit on the edge of the bed with his back facing him. He runs his fingers through his hair. "Of course I have questions, but they can wait." Wolfwood turns to look at him. "Don't keep that shit from me. I thought you were dying."

Vash looks away. "Sorry."

"Hey." Wolfwood grabs his attention. "You sound like you are dying over something that's supposed to be good news. It's nothing we can't handle, alright?"

Seeing Wolfwood accept responsibility as he predicted, Vash feels guilt.

Wolfwood sighs when he doesn't look convinced before standing. "I'll go get some medicine for the nausea."

Vash opens his mouth to object, but holds his tongue. He senses Wolfwood needs to clear his head. Before he leaves, Vash blurts out, "It's yours."

Wolfwood stops.

Vash curls on his side, back facing away from Wolfwood. He licks his dry lips. "The baby is yours. I'm sorry, I didn't know how to tell you."

It's silent as Wolfwood mulls over his words. "Just sit tight. I'll be back."

He leaves after quietly closing the door behind him. Vash hopes he didn't ruin anything between the two now that a baby is involved.

Wolfwood takes a much-needed jog as he heads to town to find some medicine.

It's yours.

Well, that explains why Vash was so sick and acting like he was walking on eggshells around him. At least he's not dying like he feared when there seems to be no cause for Vash's illness. He's both relieved and stunned at the real reason Vash is sick. He never entertained the thought of being a father. He's satisfied with the ending he got and couldn't ask for more. Except for that one night he spent with Vash.

Wolfwood drags his hands through his hair. He's not going to leave Vash to fend for himself, that's for sure. Though he wishes Vash had more faith in him and would tell him instead of leaving him to think about the worst-case scenario. If Vash wants this and wants him to be there, then he will.

The mixed signals Vash is sending him are messing with his head. Is Vash not happy? Is this supposed to be good or bad news? All this mulling makes him itch for a smoke, which he gave up months ago.

Wolfwood shakes his head. This isn't the time to be distracted.

He barges into what looks like a pharmacy right when it's open and spits out to the clerk that he needs something for nausea, specifically for pregnancy. The clerk raises a tired eyebrow at him and points to where he can find the medication. The clerk says good luck to him as he quickly buys it and heads back to Vash.

Melanie shoots him a worried glance when he passes her by to get to Vash's room. He knocks on the door before letting himself inside. Vash turns towards him, blinking at him with a tired look.

Wolfwood shows off the pill bottle he got. "This should help."

Vash sits up reluctantly while Wolfwood drops a pill into his palm and grabs the half-finished cup of tea from the nightstand. He passes the pill and cup to a silent Vash and watches him swallow the pill. Wolfwood can see waves of guilt coming out of the other.

"Vash."

Vash glances at him.

"Don't make yourself sick by stressing over this. This doesn't change anything, alright?"

Vash gives him a doubtful look.

"I don't know much about this, but you should be focusing on resting, yeah? Melanie will have my head if you aren't."

It puts a smile on Vash's face. "Alright."

Wolfwood pats Vash's leg before he stands. "I'll leave you to it then." He sees himself out until Vash's voice stops him.

"Wolfwood?"

Wolfwood hangs back by the door.

"Thanks, and…I'm sorry."

I'm sorry.

He doesn't know what Vash is sorry for.

Instead of pestering Vash for apologizing and thinking he's a burden—Vash deserves a break—Wolfwood accepts the apology to quell the other's worries. "Nothing to apologize for."

Vash continues to act like a flustered toma around him when he checks in on him in his room or when he catches Vash roaming around whenever his nausea allows him to. Wolfwood guesses he still feels guilty and can't help but sigh when Vash gives him a hurried I'm fine or I'm okay with a nervous smile on his face.

Wolfwood has a lot of work ahead of him, but he's capable. He just needs a guide on how to take care of a pregnant Plant.

The morning sickness becomes a pain and doesn't go away for a while.

Vash writhes in bed, hoping the queasiness will pass like he's done almost every day since returning to the orphanage. Sometimes, he has to rush to the bathroom and spit bile into the toilet. He feels pathetic when he ends up sitting on the floor, waiting for the waves of nausea to go away so that he can crawl back to bed. Being constantly sick has him feeling bad for slacking on chores, even if Wolfwood and Livio are more than capable of carrying his weight.

The smell of breakfast makes him queasy at best and leaving the table at worst with eggs and spices throwing him off. Miss Melanie—Vash is always grateful to have her—notices whenever something makes him grimace, and gives him a separate plate of food. Wolfwood shoots him a concerned look but doesn't say anything when Vash puts on a smile to show that he's okay.

Vash tries to convince himself that he's okay.

One morning, he wakes up dizzy with sickness. The room is spinning, and he can't risk sitting up, or he will ruin the sheets. He doesn't know how long he's laying in bed miserable for until there's a knock on the door. Glancing over, he sees Wolfwood poke his head inside his room. A frown is immediately etched on his face when he sees Vash's sorry state.

"You missed breakfast," Wolfwood tells him.

Vash closes his eyes. The mention of food makes his stomach turn. "Sorry, I don't feel like eating," he manages to let out. He feels the bed dip from Wolfwood's weight before a hand touches his sweaty forehead.

"I'll be right back," Wolfwood murmurs, pulling his hand away.

Vash lets out a confused noise at Wolfwood's words, too tired and nauseous to question him. Wolfwood comes back after a couple minutes, carrying a plate and a glass of water that he places on the sidetable next to the bed. He then heads to the bathroom and turns on the faucet before returning to Vash's side with two cold damp towels. Wolfwood puts one under Vash's neck and the other on his forehead. Vash lets out a sigh when the cool fabric on his feverish skin gives him small relief. Minutes pass by with Wolfwood carding his fingers into his hair while the nausea becomes bearable.

"Any better?" Wolfwood asks.

Vash nods.

Wolfwood grabs the plate he brought in. "Melanie said these will help your stomach and give you some energy."

Vash looks at the dried fruit and nuts sitting on the plate. His stomach doesn't turn just by looking at them. With that, he slowly sits up, causing the towel to slide off his skin, and takes the plate to nibble on an apricot. He looks over at Wolfwood. "Thanks, for all this."

Wolfwood beams at him. "Don't mention it."

Mornings become less daunting knowing that the cold towels and foods help stifle the nausea. Plus, Wolfwood's company is nice. Especially when he finds him on the floor in front of the toilet, coughing his guts out.

"Spikey?"

Vash looks up to see Wolfwood standing by the doorway. He likely looks miserable to the other from the way he's sweating and shaking.

"You okay?" Wolfwood asks.

Vash mumbles some response before Wolfwood joins him on the floor to rub his back until the sickness passes. Vash leans into Wolfwood's hand when he drags his fingers through his hair, too exhausted to feel shy about the contact. After feeling a little bit better, Wolfwood helps him up and drags him back to bed. He puts a damp cloth on his head before he leaves.

Whenever he's not bedridden, he still takes on chores despite Melanie's and Wolfwood's insistence that he doesn't need to, but he wants to. He wants to be useful. Besides, he likes spending time nurturing the plants in the greenhouse or spoiling the tomas. It gives him some fresh air instead of being confined in his room. He promises to be extra careful. Some of the kids miss his bedtime narrations while he was under the weather, so he lets himself be dragged into reading a book for them or singing a quiet melody. It takes his mind off the whole you're pregnant situation. The distractions are welcomed.

Vash remembers that he hasn't told Meryl and Milly about the news until they show up at the door. Thankfully, it's just him at the orphanage while everyone else is in town running errands, including the kids who tagged along.

"We brought tasty liquor and treats!" Milly announces, placing the bottle of alcohol, some kind of wine, on the table and a box of chocolate.

Vash ignores the alcohol in favour of eyeing the chocolate that makes his mouth water. "I'll make you both some tea," he says while the girls take their seats.

"We should try the wine first!" Milly interjects. "Auntie said it's one of the best."

Meryl shoots her an incredulous look. "Really, Milly? Day drinking?"

"Only a sip!"

Vash chuckles while grabbing the glasses, setting them on the table.

"You don't want some, Vash?" Meryl asks.

On instinct, Vash rests a hand on his stomach. "Sorry, I can't. I'll have the tea." He drops his arm after realizing what he's doing and rubs his neck. "I mean…"

Milly's eyes widened before covering her mouth.

Meryl looks between the both of them, seeing her reaction. "What is it—"

Milly shoots up from her chair and steps in front of him, clasping her hands over his. "Congratulations! Oh, this is so exciting!"

Vash flusters at Milly seeing right through him, face turning red as he mumbles, "How did you know?"

Milly winks. "Intuition." Then she points at him. "Good that you're staying away from alcohol!"

Meryl's eyebrows shoot up, catching up to speed before standing herself with a smile forming on her face. "No way! Congrats!" She stands next to Milly and puts her hands on her hips. "Wow, I didn't know you and Wolfwood were already together. I thought it'll take you guys at least another year." Vash stares at her while she rambles. "Did you forget to tell us?"

Vash doesn't know how to explain the situation with him and Wolfwood without it sounding bad. They aren't exactly together? There was something going on between the two before, but now there's a baby. "We're not," he answers. "Together, I mean." He holds his breath when the gears in both their heads turn.

Meryl's brows furrow in thought. "Oh, uh, is there someone else—"

Milly nudges Meryl's side with her elbow. She holds both of Vash's hands and looks into his eyes with a smile. "You let us know if there's anything we can do for you. I've helped my family with this kind of stuff."

Milly's words put a small smile on his face. "Thanks."

Before the girls indulge in the alcohol, Milly declares, "Next time we'll bring virgin drinks!"

When everyone comes back from town, Milly gives Wolfwood a beaming smile while Meryl shoots him the stink eye. Wolfwood stands there confused from their reactions while it leaves Vash smiling to himself. Before the girls leave, Milly gives him some advice to help with the nausea problem he's having and what foods to avoid. Off to the side, he hears Meryl huffing at Wolfwood about looking after him while they're gone. Vash appreciates but he can handle a little bit of nausea and whatever bit of changes being pregnant throws at him.

He should've known that it'd be more than just a bit of change.

Things go back to normal before he notices something begins to shift. When the nausea goes away a week later, making him relieved that he doesn't have to deal with it anymore, it's replaced with something else. He gets…antsy.

Something buzzes under his skin, making him restless as he tosses and turns in bed, moving the blankets and pillow this way and that, as if he can never get comfortable. There aren't enough blankets. Does he need more? He wants more. Why does he want more?

While looking into the closet full of spare comforters and pillows and resisting to grab one of them, Melanie spots him across the hallway, holding a bundle of freshly washed blankets. "Looking for something, dear?" she asks.

Vash waves his hands. "I was just looking for a pillow."

Melanie hums as she puts away the blankets on one of the shelves before turning to him. "You're more than welcome to take whatever you like."

The next day, Vash stands in front of the closet again. Taking a pair of blankets and pillows, he hauls them to his room and adds them to his pile of sheets. He spends the next hour moving everything around on the bed, driven by some compulsion to be comfortable in his surroundings. It hits him when he finishes fixing the bed.

He's nesting like a toma, like a bird.

Staring at his bed overflowing with fabrics, Vash cringes at the realization. He's not a bird. It's perfectly normal to want to be comfortable while pregnant. With his bed arranged in the way he likes, Vash shows up late for breakfast, not without Wolfwood asking if he slept okay.

The nesting is troublesome when he keeps having to adjust his bed, his nest, but it's manageable after once he finds the perfect setup after a few tries. Knowing what a typical pregnancy is like, he can get through this. He can handle being a little uncomfortable. It's wishful thinking, though. He should know that he's different, that nothing will be typical or normal when it comes to him.

After undressing to take a shower, Vash pauses, noticing something white when he stands in front of the mirror. He finds tiny feathers sprouting from his skin, picking on a feather on his forearm. Weird. He's not making any effort to use them and his emotions aren't forcing them out. It's only a light dust of white, hardly noticeable. Vash ignores them, and wears long sleeves to hide them. They'll go away.

They don't go away.

The next time he undresses for a wash, there's more white on his arm. Vash tries picking out the feathers, wincing when they hurt. It causes his skin to become irritated and red, leaving him in shock. The feathers proliferate when he stands in the mirror naked again days later, his gaze scanning his body where the white has travelled up his arm to his collarbone. Vash picks at them to get them off, but he can't get all of them out, there are too many to pluck. Panic rises inside him as they continue to spread until he sees feathers poking out of his hair. He combs his fingers through his hair to cover them up. It's futile when each day they grow.

One day the feathers are small enough to hide, and the next they've become wings. The rapid change has him reeling. Looking in the mirror, he sees sets of small wings poking out of his head. He takes off his shirt to see the feathers, now everywhere on his body, like a damn bird, a sign that they're here to stay. Vash yanks a feather out of his arm. It stings when he forcibly rips it off his skin, leaving behind a drop of blood. He throws the feather in the garbage.

He doesn't just look like a bird; he looks like a plant. They're unappealing, alien, and most of all, he looks awful. How can he move around like this?

Vash uses his prosthetic arm to pick the feathers off his flesh arm. They don't come off easily, making his panic fester even more. He whines at his situation as he scratches his arm to get the feathers off, hissing in pain when some do come off and draw blood. He can't go out like this, he can't have anyone see him like this. Everyone can see that he's not human.

Vash hunkers down in his room and locks his door, refusing to see anyone and making excuses to Wolfwood and even Melanie when they knock on his door. He claims he's not feeling well. They leave him food at the door, but he's too anxious to finish his food. It comes to a breaking point when Wolfwood declares he'll break down the door to see him after the fifth day of refusing to leave his room. Vash is surprised Wolfwood held off longer than three.

Wolfwood's ultimatum pushes Vash's panicked brain to find somewhere to hide. Where can he hide when he can't even leave the orphanage? There is one place.

When it's early in the morning and no one is awake, he gathers a bunch of blankets from his nest and climbs a set of stairs to reach the most secluded place in the orphanage: the bell tower. He knows he's being irrational, stupid. He knows he can't hide forever, can't hide from Wolfwood forever. He just can't ignore the part of his mind that's screaming to hide.

Stopping a floor below the bell room, he reaches the attic. Vash finds a corner by the window and dumps the sheets on the floor. The sunlight provides some warmth in the secluded area. Once he arranges the blankets the way he wants, he buries himself under them.

Vash hides for another day.

Wolfwood thinks Vash ran away.

After knocking on Vash's door and getting no response, Wolfwood twists the door knob. It's unlocked. He pushes the door open to find an empty bed, with no Vash and much less bedsheets than what he saw the other day. He clenches his jaw in frustration and curses, thinking Vash left without a word. First, he makes half-assed excuses for staying in his room and now he can't bother to say bye.

Wolfwood marches over to Vash's wardrobe and peeks inside to find the order's minimal amount of clothes are still there. Checking the closet, his red coat is there too. So, still hiding, huh? He heads to the kitchen while ruminating about Vash's whereabouts.

Melanie turns when she hears him enter. "Any luck?" she asks.

"He's not in his room," he sighs.

"Oh dear," Melanie says as her expression twists into one of concern.

"His stuff is still here. He's gotta be around somewhere," Wolfwood clarifies.

Melanie's face lightens up a little. "We'll have to find him."

They list places where Vash could be hiding. Livio is dragged into their search party when he appears moments later. The three of them look around the orphanage, pacifying the kids' questions when they're curious about what they're up to.

Wolfwood scans the perimeter of the building, checking the roof for any sign of Vash. Nothing. He lets out a groan and crosses his arms as he thinks. While staring at the roof, something shiny catches his eye. He glances at the bell hanging at the center of the orphanage and remembers there's an attic.

Vash must be there.

Wolfwood hurries back inside to find the winding staircase that leads to the attic. No one else besides Melanie comes up here when she needs to find something that's stored up here. Reaching the last step, Wolfwood finds storage bins against the walls. He also finds an out-of-place pile of sheets on the farthest end of the floor.

"Spikey?" Wolfwood calls.

The bundle of fabrics shifts as he draws closer. Blankets fall away as Vash perks up at the sound of his footsteps. Wolfwood stops when he sees more white than just the sheets. He stares at the wings adorning Vash's head, missing the man's stunned expression at being found. The sunlight coming in from the window hits Vash's head like a halo, making his hair glow along with the feathers, the white on black making a delicate contrast. Wolfwood thought he imagined seeing feathers in Vash's hair the other day. Now, there's more white decorating Vash's face, neck, and arm. On his arm, there are red lines amongst the white. The feathers remind him of the pretty ethereal beings inside their signature bulbs.

"You look like a Plant," Wolfwood blurts.

It's the wrong thing to say. Vash's face crumbles at the mention of Plant, wings drooping by his head. Wolfwood realizes his mistake after considering why Vash is hiding up in the bell tower for days, looking like a spooked toma. Vash reminds him of a cornered animal, or a scared child, hiding away from something trying to hurt him.

Vash lets out a wet laugh. "I guess I do look like one, don't I?" He attempts to chuckle some more, but it comes out as a sob. "I'm sorry, they won't go away. I don't want anyone to see me like this."

Wolfwood realizes Vash isn't okay.

He needs backup. "Wait here."

Vash shoots him a confused look before he rushes down the stairs, heading down to find someone. He finds Livio in the kitchen looking dejected. Livio blinks at his frazzled appearance.

"Radio Luida," Wolfwood heaves while catching his breath. "Vash needs a check-up." He leaves just as quickly as he came, but returns after forgetting an important detail. "Oh, and I found him."

Wolfwood hurries back to Vash. This time, he finds him wrapped in the blankets with a sad look. His gaze flickers up when Wolfwood kneels a few feet away, keeping some distance between them. "Let's go back to your room, yeah? No one is gonna care about what you look like or if you have some feathers."

Vash looks down again, wings pressed against his head. "No."

Wolfwood attempts to coax him, "C'mon spikey. It's cold and dark up here."

Vash's frustration becomes apparent as he furrows his brows. Some feathers perk up in agitation. "No," he hisses.

Wolfwood can deal with a stubborn Vash, but a stubborn and pregnant Vash is new territory. He's cautious that he could push Vash away or worse as he stares at the feathers. The thought of Vash losing control pops into his mind. It's immediately dashed away before he entertains it. This is Vash, he tells himself, he's harmless.

He shuffles closer. The wings on Vash's head flap before rising to attention as the man bares his teeth. Vash presses his back against the wall, glaring at Wolfwood, trying to scare him away.

"You can't stay up here," Wolfwood pleads. He stretches a hand towards Vash, wanting to comfort him in some way. Vash stares intently at his hand before pain flashes across his face. He shakes his head and leans to the side, away from him. The movement causes the blanket to shift lower, making Wolfwood shift his gaze and notice the harsh scratches on his right arm better. He sees blood staining the white feathers.

Wolfwood has seen enough. He decides to take matters into his own hands, for Vash's sake. He doesn't give Vash time to react when he scoops Vash into his arms along with the blankets, sliding his hands around his back and under his knees. Vash yelps, thrashing to get away. One of his wings slaps Wolfwood's cheek.

"Let me go!" Vash growls.

Wolfwood keeps a firm hold on him, being equally stubborn as the other. "No."

Vash complains and struggles to get away from his hold. Tightening his hold, Wolfwood hushes him and drags a hand into his hair, knowing Vash likes the contact. It seems to do the trick when Vash lets out one last complaint before slackening, burying his face into his shoulder.

Wolfwood expected more of a fight, maybe a scratch or two, not Vash to go quiet and give in so easily after the way he was looking at him, but this works. With Vash situated, Wolfwood carries him down the stairs and heads to Vash's room, laying him and the bundle of blankets on top of the barren bed. Vash sniffles and wraps one of the blankets around himself, drawing his knees close to his chest. The wings on his head stay close to him, which Wolfwood is starting to learn that they react to Vash's emotions.

Wolfwood on the edge of the bed, holding out a hand. "Let me see your arm."

Vash doesn't move except for his eyes shifting away from him. Wolfwood opens his mouth but closes it when Vash shifts under the blanket to reveal his right arm. Holding Vash's arm, he sees the scratches marked across his forearm to his bicep. Some are deeper than others where blood was drawn, discolouring the white feathers.

Wolfwood hums before standing to grab a towel in the bathroom and dampening it with cool water. When he sits back on the bed, Vash is hiding his arm again. Wolfwood holds out his hand again, and Vash obliges without so much as a glance.

Wolfwood is baffled by Vash's skittish demeanour. It's not new, it's not out-of-character for Vash, it's Vash, but he's witnessed the other grow easygoing over the last couple of months, before all this. It's like Vash reverted to being wary of everyone, even him.

Despite Vash looking indifferent, Wolfwood does get a reaction out of him when he slides his hand down to hold Vash's arm up, gaining a stare where their palms touch, like he's curious. One of Vash's wings shifts too. Vash watches with rapt attention while he presses the damp towel on the scratches and dabs the blood away.

Wolfwood breaks the silence. "I told Livio to call Luida to come here and see you."

Vash tenses. "What? Why?"

"You need a check-up."

"I'm fine," Vash objects.

Yeah right. Wolfwood holds back from gritting his teeth. "You need regular checkups to make sure you and the baby are healthy," he argues, glancing up to see Vash's shoulders droop. The defeated look on Vash's face has guilt prickling under his skin and washing away the annoyance he felt just seconds ago. He feels responsible for this, for the pregnancy and the obvious discomfort Vash is going through, wishing he can do something to help that won't drive Vash away.

After Wolfwood finishes cleaning Vash's arm, he bunches up the towel and stands. "I'll grab more blankets," he murmurs before leaving the room. After making a detour to drop off the towel in the laundry room and Livio spotting him to tell him that Luida is planning to visit tomorrow, he makes his way to the closet that houses all the blankets and pillows. There's a noticeable dent in the mountain of fabrics from when Vash had grabbed some for his hibernation in the bell tower.

How many does Vash need? Two? Wolfwood grabs three blankets and an extra pillow. Vash startles when he enters the room and sees the stuff in his arms, not expecting the amount he brings.

"I don't need that much," Vash complains.

"The pillow fort you left up there says otherwise," Wolfwood grunts, dropping the blankets and pillows on the bed. "Now, scoot."

Vash flushes, hugging the blanket around his shoulders as he stands to give Wolfwood room. "I can do it myself…" His words fall on deaf ears while Wolfwood arranges the blankets with care, leaving a dent in the middle for Vash to lie in. After fiddling with it some more, Vash's voice stops him. "That's fine, thanks."

Wolfwood backs away and lets Vash do his own thing. He watches Vash adjust the bedding before settling down on the bed, looking sulky. Vash glances up at him, expecting him to leave or say something.

"I'm going to bring you some food, and then I'll be out of your hair."

When he doesn't get an objection, Wolfwood leaves to find a snack for Vash since the other hasn't eaten at all. He finds Melanie and tells her about Vash's whereabouts. When he mentions getting food for Vash, she waves him away and takes over the cooking despite his protest. She quickly makes a plate full of seasoned potatoes and vegetables with slices of meat and hands them off to Wolfwood. In Vash's room, Wolfwood presents the plate of food to Vash, who stares at the plate with hunger, making him grin. It's silent as he stays with Vash until the other finishes eating. Before Wolfwood leaves with an empty plate in hand, Vash speaks up.

"I don't know how I'm going to hide all this," Vash laments under his breath.

Wolfwood stops at the door. "Hide what?"

Vash points at his head. The wings on his head give a small flutter.

Wolfwood glimpses at them. "You don't need to hide them."

Vash gives him a look. "The kids might find the feathers weird, and someone could see me…"

"I don't think you should be worried about the kids. They'll call you an angel more than they already do," Wolfwood snorts.

Vash frowns and looks away at his response.

Wolfwood winces at Vash's lukewarm reaction. He sits at the edge of the bed. "Look, no one is going to come here and see you. Plus, the feathers and wings aren't bad looking," he says, trying to cheer Vash up. "They're a part of you, and they look…pretty. No issues here, or for anyone else for that matter."

Vash's wings twitch again at his words.

Wolfwood hums in thought when an idea comes to his mind. "I can lend you a hoodie to help hide them."

Vash ponders for a moment with a flick of one of his wings before nodding and giving him a glance. "Okay."

Wolfwood retrieves a hoodie from his room and gives it to Vash, placing it on the bed for him to try on whenever he's ready. He leaves Vash alone after that, citing he'll be back later.

Vash stares at the sweater on the bed. He unwraps the blanket around his frame and reaches for the piece of clothing, pulling it over his head and dragging it down his body. It's slightly baggy on him. He then pulls the hood over his head, over the wings to conceal them. With the sweater on, he resists the urge to shove the cloth into his face and inhale the scent that's clinging to it. He resists for two minutes before pulling the collar of the hoodie up to his nose and inhales—of course, it smells like Wolfwood. The small part of his mind chirps happily at being satisfied.

Vash sighs and lets go of the collar. He flops on the bed and thinks about how he's going to manage that other side of him in the coming months.

You look like a Plant.

Vash doesn't want to look like a Plant. He doesn't want to scare or hurt anyone. He's prepared to look different, not look like a different species. Wolfwood's words tell him that he looks more like a Plant than a human. Anyone else would think so too.

Luida arrives two days later, along with a Plant doctor—Dr. Alder, a guy Wolfwood observes to be just a tad shorter than he is, with a slim build and wearing a short lab coat over his scrubs. Melanie gives them a warm welcome and guides them towards Vash's room.

Wolfwood would like to join them, given that he's the other parent of the baby, but he doesn't want to ruffle Vash's feathers by hovering around him while they examine him. Also, he doesn't know whether Vash wants him around. Admittedly, Vash's behaviour has thrown him off. Most of the time, he can get a good read on Vash, but lately, he's been distant, nervous as he moves around the orphanage in the hoodie he gave him. Vash wasn't even this nervous when he first stayed at the orphanage. Wolfwood knows the feathers are eating away inside Vash's mind after seeing the blood speckled across his skin the other day, knowing the other had tried to rip them off. It was obvious.

They both don't know what's to come later.

Guilt eats at Wolfwood for being partly responsible for indirectly causing Vash grief, and it's that same guilt that keeps him from joining Luida and the doctor when they enter Vash's room. He doesn't want to give Vash a hard time, so he loiters in the hallway and waits.

A knock on the door makes Vash perk up, letting out a, "come in." He's expecting Melanie or Wolfwood, until he sees Luida and Dr. Alder at the door and sits up in a rush.

"Hey Vash," Luida greets him.

Vash touches the wings on his head subconsciously, fixing his hair so they don't show too much, before standing. Too bad he can't fix up his bed to make it look less like a mess. "Hi Luida." He nods at Dr. Alder. "And Alder."

"I hear there have been new developments with your pregnancy?" Luida asks.

Vash bites his lip, watching Dr. Alder rummage through his bag to find something to start his check-up. He rolls up his right sleeve to show them the feathers littering his skin.

Luida hums while staring at his arm, curious rather than surprised. She holds his wrist to turn his arm to get a better look. Dr. Alder also gives a curious glance, writing something in the notebook he has on hand.

"I see. When did you first notice them?" Luida questions.

Vash recalls him standing in the bathroom, picking out a feather. "About a week and a half ago."

"I presume the feathers have spread?"

Vash sighs. "Yes." He doesn't elaborate, but judging by Luida's eyes shifting, she can see the white poking out of his head.

"So, roughly about over a month into the pregnancy." Luida muses. "Would it be alright if we take a closer look?"

Vash nods begrudgingly. He sits at the edge of the bed as Dr. Alder looks over him, writing down notes as he examines his arm and the small wings on his head. Then he kindly asks if he can check his belly for any signs of change. Vash obliges and takes off the hoodie Wolfwood gave him. There's no change to his stomach, except for feathers that made their home there.

Vash recalls Dr. Alder specializes in both human and Plant reproduction, more of a physician than a common Plant engineer. Dr. Alder treats him with care, giving him space when he tenses. In any other situation, he would feel indifferent about being looked at—he trusts Luida and everyone from the floating ship—but the loathsome thoughts festering inside his head make him feel like a specimen under their gazes.

After jotting final notes, Dr. Alder finishes the check-up. "Thank you for your patience. I know it's too early but everything looks good. Please contact us if you notice anything concerning."

Vash puts the hoodie back on, sporting a light smile. The feathers multiplying across his body that show no sign of stopping are concerning. "Will do.

Luida places a hand on his shoulder. "We'll see you in a month's time. Please take care."

With their goodbyes, they leave. Vash lets out a breath he was holding and crawls under his bedsheet. He stays under the sheets, breathing in the fading scent of the hoodie he's wearing.

Thoughts swirl in his mind. He can handle this. He can hide the feathers and the Plant ego living inside his head. So what if the feathers are all over his body? He can hide them with clothes. The ones on his head are harder to hide, but he can use a hoodie or hat to cover them. Nothing he can't handle.

Right?

Wolfwood looks up when Luida and Dr. Alder leave Vash's room.

Luida raises a brow when she sees him. "You should've told me you wanted to come in."

"It's fine, I didn't want to get in the way." Wolfwood waves off her suggestion. "How is he?"

The doctor guy next to her gives him a curious glance. "He's doing well." Then he asks, "I gather you're the father?"

Wolfwood feels scrutinized as Dr. Alder peers at him, making him stand a little straighter. "Yes."

"I see." Dr. Alder turns to Luida. "I'll meet you downstairs." He leaves without another word.

"I think he would appreciate your support," Luida starts once they're alone.

Wolfwood bristles. "Of course I support him."

Luida sighs. "I meant, being there for him, even if he makes a fuss. The next couple of months aren't going to be easy." She gives him a look like she knows something that he doesn't, making him nervous.

Wolfwood pauses at the foreboding outlook. "What do you mean?"

"The feathers aren't going away."

Wolfwood doesn't think so, either. "Yeah, I didn't think so."

"They'll likely grow, making things uncomfortable for him." Luida walks by him before stopping a few steps away. "He's stubborn and he'll hide how much it bothers him. Just remind him he's not alone," she finishes before leaving him alone in the hallway.

Wolfwood closes his eyes. Yeah, Vash is stubborn and hides at the first sign of being an inconvenience to anyone. He'll make sure Vash doesn't hurt himself, even if he's told to go away. The guilt from earlier comes back. It's becoming a regular occurrence whenever he thinks of the feathers on Vash. He swallows it away and heads downstairs.

Melanie brews tea for Luida and Dr. Alder, chitchating before they take their leave. They promise to come next month.

Wolfwood thinks about Luida's words. He knows Vash, he knows the other is worried about showing off that he's a Plant. Wolfwood is worried about it too. The feathers make Vash look like something otherworldly, uncanny. Wolfwood hates to see Vash as something dangerous. He'd hate to have Vash notice and see it in his eyes.

Luckily, Vash acts normal in front of everyone. The only difference is Vash covers every inch of his skin with long sleeves and a hood over his head. He smiles and laughs as if nothing is weighing on his mind, but Wolfwood can see right through him. Vash masks his emotions, and he's good at it. Wolfwood doesn't push for answers when he catches Vash slipping when no one is watching, his smile turning into something sad, or when Vash gets distracted by his thoughts to notice his name being called.

"Is something weighing on your mind, Nicholas?"

Melanie finished sweeping the floor before catching him lost in his thoughts while washing the dishes. It's just the two of them in the kitchen.

"Nothing I can't figure out," Wolfwood replies.

Wolfwood knows she's raising her eyebrows at his response without turning towards her.

Melanie presses on. "Is it about Vash?"

Wolfwood's silence is enough of an answer.

Melanie puts a hand on his shoulder. "He'll be okay. He's got us."

Melanie's words put his mind at ease, somewhat. He keeps reminding himself that while Vash is more guarded, he's not avoiding anyone. Wolfwood keeps an eye on him for any signs that the other is having a hard time. He wants Vash to be comfortable just as he was all these past months. Wolfwood hopes Vash returns to his easygoing self.

That is, until Wolfwood notices him growing distant towards everyone.

The Plant instincts are annoying. The instinct to nest makes him want every blanket or pillow he can get his hands on. He gets another blanket from the closet for good measure, which seems to put his mind at ease, only for a little while until he gets another. It looks like a mess to anyone else's standards except his own. He thinks that his bed puts the kids' pillow forts to shame.

The feathers are also annoying. He resists the urge to pick them, to rip them off and throw them away. It won't get him anywhere though. What's worrying is that he's hyperaware of them, rubbing against the fabric of his clothes and conscious of the fact that someone will see them if he's not careful. He tries his best to ignore both the instincts and the feathers.

"Wanna come to town while I grab some baking ingredients for Melanie?" Wolfwood asks one morning after breakfast.

Vash hasn't gone to town in a while, hasn't gone since his nausea spells got really bad. He thinks getting some air will help clear his head. "Sure. I want to see if the bakery has any new treats," he says with a smile. Before heading out, Vash examines his outfit—long sleeves, pair of jeans—and triple checks to make sure no feathers are poking out. He puts on a sunhat to cover the stray feathers in his hair.

Some of the children tag along with their little errand, prancing around them while they walk to their first stop: the bakery. Vash orders a donut with strawberry filling while the kids get a box full of bite-sized donuts with varied flavours. Both him and the kids enjoy their snacks, even Wolfwood who takes a bite of the small donuts.

While making their way to the grocery store, Vash spots a booth filled with potted plants in the middle of the plaza. Wolfwood catches his gaze.

"Do you want to check it out?" Wolfwood asks.

Vash waves his hands. "It's okay, we shouldn't hold Melanie up."

Wolfwood points his thumb behind him. "I can go on ahead while you take your time and check it out."

Vash is hesitant if that's a good idea but agrees anyway. He can handle being alone for a couple of minutes.

Wolfwood takes the kids with him and leaves Vash to explore the market. Being alone sets Vash on edge, but he distracts himself by approaching the plant shop he spotted. He scans the various plants and flowers while the shopkeeper is busy helping a customer. One of the plants catches his eye, one that's only beginning to bloom. Peonies?

Vash reaches out to touch the blooming tip of the flower but freezes before making contact. His gaze falls on the feathers sticking out of the back of his hand. Some feathers peek out of his sleeves, too. He yanks his arm back and holds his hand close to his chest.

"Something caught your eye?"

The voice of the shopkeeper startles Vash. He stares at her wide-eyed, hiding his right arm behind his back. "Sorry, I'm just browsing!" he rushes to say.

The shopkeeper smiles unaware of his turmoil. "I have a wide selection of flowers if you're interested in buying."

Vash mimics her smile. "Maybe next time, thank you." He bows his head before walking away with his heart pounding.

The noise of the crowd around him reaches his ears. His fear spikes when he notices how busy the town is as he rushes past people, trying to find a quiet place to hide. He bumps into a few passerbys, mumbling sorrys and hoping no one stops to notice he's hiding something. He holds onto his hat so it won't fall off in his rush—he can't have it falling off. He didn't realize how stupid easy it would be for someone to pluck his hat off or for the wind to blow it off to show the feathers on his head. One wrong move can have the town turning against him, throwing their disdain at him or chasing him out of town.

Going out was a bad idea. Being around people is a bad idea.

Vash finds a dark alleyway and leans against the wall, heaving loudly to catch his breath and stop his heart from racing. He slides down the wall and wraps his arms around knees. Burying his face into his knees, he waits until he calms down. It's only been a few minutes since he parted from Wolfwood and he's already a mess.

Once his heart stops racing, he stands on shaky legs and leaves the alleyway to find a bench where Wolfwood can find him. He finds one just outside the supermarket where Wolfwood is shopping. Luckily, the crowd is sparse over here.

Vash sits on a bench and waits, looking down at his lap as he keeps one hand on his hat. Ten minutes later, he hears footsteps approaching.

"We got everything we need, except for the chocolate Melanie asked for. They were sold out. I didn't know they were so popular," Wolfwood rants. "Did you find anything interesting?"

Vash looks up at him from underneath his hat. "Sorry, what did you say?"

Wolfwood blinks. He must see something in his gaze when he shakes his head and says in a soft tone, "Nevermind, let's go."

Vash is silent on the walk back, minding racing with anxious thoughts of being found out. He humours the kids when they chatter around him and ask a curious question, but nothing more than that. Their chitchat makes up for his silence anyways.

When they arrive at the orphanage, Vash excuses himself and darts to his room. He throws his hat off, making the wings on his head unfurl, and changes into less constricting clothes, even taking off his prosthetic, before burying himself under his bedsheets. The thoughts from earlier continue to plague him until evening. He doesn't show up for dinner, claiming he's not hungry when Wolfwood investigates his whereabouts.

Living under the same roof with multiple people suddenly becomes more of a challenge than he thought. He keeps his hood on to cover his head, but now he can't help himself from being cautious whenever he's in the same room as someone else, even the children. One of the kids spots his feathers anyway despite his efforts. He's helping kids with their homework in the living room when one of the older girls sees them. She spots them while he's pointing at a question in the school handbook, causing his sleeve to slide up and expose his wrist.

"Pretty feathers," she says with wonder.

Vash freezes and stares where she's gazing. Some of the kids stop their homework after hearing her comment and peer at the feathers on his skin. The gazes on him make him want to hide even if they're filled with curiosity and harmless intent. It's not the first time the children have seen his feathers—back when he went all out to save the orphanage—but Vash could make up an excuse, a white lie, for that first and only time by saying he magically got powers. That is, if he's underestimating how smart they are to catch up on what he really is.

"Vash is secretly a toma," one of the kids says with a giggle.

"I've never seen one with white feathers."

"Some birds have white feathers!"

The conversation diverts to talking about the different colours of tomas and bird species. Vash unfreezes and draws his arm back.

"Vash, can birds have pink feathers?"

Vash freezes again when one of the kids asks him that question but recovers quickly enough with a smile. "Some species do." His answer is enough to divert their attention away from his feathers to talk about the different species of birds, making him sigh in relief.

Vash spends more time alone in his room. It's easier that way. He still makes an effort to tuck the kids to bed and help with their homework, or help Melanie with errands as long as he doesn't need to go to the town where people can see him. Looking after the tomas in the stable and the plants in the greenhouse gives him the fresh air he needs anyway. He refuses to go any further than that. The thought of being out there makes his throat seize at the risk he'll be taking, what a risk he is for everyone. For everyone's safety, he should stay home. Wolfwood doesn't like it when he refuses to tag along on an outing. He knows that with each refusal, Wolfwood becomes more upset but doesn't say anything, until days pass with many declines.

Wolfwood stands next to his arms with his arms crossed after asking Vash if he wanted to come and keep him company while getting something for Melanie. Vash, obviously, refused.

"What happened the other day? Y'know, when you were looking at those plants." Wolfwood asks.

Vash is picking the feathers on his wrist. They're growing longer. "Nothing happened."

Wolfwood sighs. "Something spooked you. Did someone give you a hard time?"

"I was just worried someone would see my feathers. That's all." He can hear the tension leave Wolfwood's body after learning that no one bothered him.

"Okay, but you shouldn't stay cooped up in here all the time. We can figure something out to hide what's bothering you."

Vash bites his tongue, holding back from snapping. It's not like he wants to be in his room all the time. He wishes he could go anywhere he likes. Wolfwood leaves him alone after mumbling, "Okay." Alone with his thoughts, Vash curls up in his bed and thinks about the tiny wing pressing against his back.

Wolfwood continues to ask him to go out despite being rejected each time. The other changes tactics and asks to go for a walk rather than go to the town. Vash still refuses, always accompanied with a sorry. Wolfwood does eventually stop asking when he refuses after the nth time, with no signs of being persuaded. He feels guilty when Wolfwood gives him a look that tells him he's unhappy with him, but he can't go out like this. He can't.

Vash isn't surprised to see wings poking out of his body days later as he looks at himself in the mirror after taking off Wolfwood's sweater. He tried to ignore the itch behind his back, the restless feeling as if he's suffocating. It's the wings that are suffocating as he forces them to stay flat against his body. Every day they grow a bit longer. Vash knows it without checking. He knows what he looks like underneath.

At Luida's and Dr. Alder next visit for month three, they examine the wings beginning to bloom across his back. Their expressions remain passive when they see the new wings after Vash hesitates taking off his sweater for the examination. Dr. Alder asks him the typical questions and Vash answers truthfully, too honest about how much the wings have grown. He knows how big each one has gotten. Saying goodbye to Luida and Dr. Alder, Vash crawls under the covers without putting his sweater back on.

Feathery tendrils sprout from his sides and thighs in the days following. The wings on his head grow longer, too big to hide in his hair, and they crowd his hood when he tries covering them. It isn't long before the hoodie feels too stuffy and Vash replaces the sweater with a blanket to cover himself, turning it into a makeshift shawl, long enough to reach the floor.

He doesn't want anyone to see him like this. Not the kids, not Miss Melanie, not Livio. He definitely can't risk going outside when there's a chance a visitor or passersby will see him. Rumours will spread, and people will get curious or hunt him down. All because he can't have a normal pregnancy.

Vash moves around to avoid everyone as much as he can, which turns into staying in his room the entire day, leaving him wandering around late at night or early in the morning when no one is awake. He hides.

The hiding doesn't stop him from taking care of the garden or the tomas, though. He doesn't mind waking up in the wee hours of the morning before dawn, when the world is asleep. The tomas don't question his changing appearance when he needs his skin and feathers to breathe. There's something tranquil about being the only one awake while tending to both the barn and the greenhouse. Maybe it's because this is the only opportunity he gets to spend some time outside without worrying about someone seeing him.

Showing up at the table for meals becomes more and more nervewrecking. He still uses the sweater gave him whenever he's around everyone but it's uncomfortable with his wings, and he can't ignore the kids' curious looks, even when he tries to hide the dismay he's feeling. Livio does his best to not feed off his anxiety but Vash notices he's nervous whenever he's nervous, which is all the time. Melanie—bless her—pushes past his apprehension to ask if he needs anything (he doesn't) and always gives him a warm smile.

And Wolfwood…well, the other is obviously worried, and he's the cause of it. He's used to Wolfwood being straightforward, blunt, always pushing for an answer whenever he was acting strange. Now, Vash gets frustrated sighs and disappointed looks from him. Wolfwood doesn't call him out for apologizing too much when he refuses to go outside, or when he talks less and less with everyone, or misses out on eating meals together. Vash almost misses Wolfwood scolding. It's better than seeing him disappointed, or worse, understanding. Wolfwood knows him too well, knows he wants to be with everyone and go outside, just like before. He would've laughed at the thought of Wolfwood growing soft on him, but all Vash can think of is wishing he be with Wolfwood, with everyone, and not have to worry about what he is. He especially mourns the fleeting moment when he was carefree around Wolfwood, before getting sick, before getting pregnant.

It's best if he keeps to himself for a while. He can do this for a couple of more months until the baby is born.

Wolfwood is worried about Vash.

After seeing Vash that day on the bench, looking scared, he's been more withdrawn. No amount of asking would convince him to go out again.

"Do you wanna go for a walk?" Wolfwood asks one afternoon, catching Vash before he scurries back to his room.

Vash briefly sports a dejected look before it turns neutral as he responds with the shake of his head, "Sorry, maybe another day?"

The "maybe another day" never comes. He gets similar responses every time he asks, and the same look. Wolfwood knows something spooked Vash, knows the other is having a hard time, but it hurts to see him growing distant to everyone, including him. He wants to convince Vash that no one will say anything about the feathers on him, he doesn't care about Vash looking like a Plant or whatever, but he's not exactly sure how to reassure the other. While he can relate to the fear of being a monster, literally looking like something inhuman is out of his expertise. He can't lie that looking at the wings poking out of Vash's head instinctively unsettles him, which he curses his hindbrain for and hopes Vash doesn't notice.

Honestly, he doesn't know what to do. All of this is new to him, Vash being pregnant is new to him, and he doesn't want to nag the other too much about never keeping him company for outings when he knows Vash is stressed over his appearance. He'll give Vash some space while looking over him. Afterall, it's his responsibility to make sure Vash doesn't bury himself within his own mind.

Wolfwood stops hounding Vash to go outside. He still checks-in whenever Vash skips eating at the table, bringing food to his room. Vash doesn't fuss over food as long as he isn't given something that makes him queasy, which Wolfwood has learned that the other doesn't like eggs and anything too pungent. Whenever he visits Vash, the other always hides his feathers with a blanket. Sometimes, half his face is hidden.

"You don't need to hide yourself in your own room," Wolfwood tells him, keeping Vash company as he eats. "It's only me here."

Vash pauses for a couple of seconds, choosing his words carefully. "I'll try not to." He slides his hood off his head, revealing the wings underneath.

Wolfwood isn't going to give Vash shit for hiding from him in his own space, but he wishes Vash didn't do that around him. Maybe Vash noticed the feathers unsettle him a little, and that's why he continues to hide the next time he's in his room. The wings are pretty little things, but it's not everyday you see feathers on someone.

He finds out Vash wakes up before anyone to tend to the barn and the greenhouse. Since Vash always refused to go outside, Wolfwood thought Melanie or Livio took over his self-imposed "job" like they did when Vash was suffering from nausea, until Melanie tells him otherwise.

"I'm going to check on the barn," Wolfwood tells Melanie, heading to the foyer to put on his boots.

Melanie's head pops around the corner. "Oh, Vash took care of it already."

Wolfwood does a double-take. "Vash? When?" He hasn't seen Vash all morning.

"Just before sunrise."

"Huh." Wolfwood puts his hands on his hips. He didn't expect that from Vash, especially when he's not enthusiastic to take one step out the door—not that Vash should be doing any hard labour while pregnant. "And the greenhouse?"

Melanie nods. "He takes care of that too." Then, her expression turns troubled when she looks at him ruminating about her response. "He wakes up early before anyone is awake," she explains. "I told him he should rest and let one of us take care of it, but he insisted he wanted to."

Wolfwood goes outside anyway to investigate, and sure enough, he finds the garden is freshly watered, and the tomas groomed.

When Wolfwood wakes up early the next day, he pays attention and hears the pitter pattern of Vash's footsteps in the hall. There's relief knowing that Vash is getting some fresh air as he stays in his room more and more, even if it's early in the morning when no one will see him. Is he trying to hide this from him?

Vash slips up days later when Wolfwood lounges in his room and chats about one of the young tomas growing out its baby feathers. His face lights up at the mention of the animals and nods with enthusiasm, like he knows what's happening first-hand.

"She's been fussing over her pin feathers," Vash says with a smile. "Oh, and the berries are almost ready to be picked." He then flusters a second later when he realizes the implications of his words. "Melanie said they're almost ready…"

Wolfwood hums. "We can make a pie again." He stands from the edge of Vash's bed. "I know you're looking after the fruits and vegetables and the tomas. You don't need to hide it."

"Sorry…" Vash rubs the back of his neck. "I shouldn't be doing any heavy work, huh?"

Wolfwood waves off the needless apology. "I don't have a problem with it as long as you're careful."

Vash gives him a small smile. "Okay."

The smile Vash gives him puts him at ease for only a short while. It's not lost on Wolfwood that the feathers and wings on Vash are growing longer, and the longer they grow, the more Vash hides. The more Vash hides, the more frustrated Wolfwood gets. Melanie and Livio give him sympathetic looks whenever Vash doesn't show up to eat or becomes less involved with the kids.

Wolfwood is relieved when Vash does appear when Merly and Milly visit, watching him chat with them like everything is normal and listens to their latest stories. The girls don't question the feathers on him.

When it's time for them to leave, Wolfwood sees them off, opening the door for them. "Take care and don't get into too much trouble out there."

"We won't!" Milly chirps.

"Yeah, yeah," Meryl replies with a roll of her eyes. "Look after Vash while we're gone."

Wolfwood thinks about how hard that'd be with Vash growing aloof towards him. "Yeah, I'll try."

Both of them see the look on his face.

"Is something wrong?" Meryl asks first.

He considers brushing off the concern, but he has no chance of hiding anything from the reporter girl, they'd just push for answers. Motioning them to come outside with the tilt of his head, he closes the front door behind him as they stand on the porch, away from prying ears.

"He's not handling everything…" he says with a wave of his hand, "really well."

Meryl gives him a sympathetic look, similar to what Melanie and Livio give him. "The feathers, huh?"

Wolfwood nods. All three of them know Vash and his…complicated feelings about being a different species, much less looking like one. He's silent as he thinks about what else he could say about Vash and his skittish tendencies, until he turns to look at Milly when she puts a hand on his shoulder.

"He'll come around. Don't forget that there's a lot of changes and emotions during this time. I'm sure he appreciates you being there for him," Milly says in a soft tone.

"That's right. And it's not the first time Vash tried to run or hide." Meryl nods at her words. "You're the most capable person when it comes to knowing him."

Maybe he needs to rethink Vash's situation and their undefined relationship—if he can even call it that. "Right." He gives them a grateful smile, causing them to smile in return. "I'll do my best."

After waving the girls goodbye, and with newfound motivation, Wolfwood walks inside with a mission: get Vash to realize that he doesn't have to face everything alone. Simple, right?

Wolfwood has his work cut out for him.