[Ugh. There’s something about Ain just freely being able to say “I love you” that strikes Vash directly in the heart. It makes him wish he’d said something so much sooner. You mean to tell him he could have had this months ago? Wack.

He tightens his grip on Ain’s hand, bumping gently into him as they head back out and leave the gardens behind. The flowers are very much still there though, on his head and adorning every square visible inch of his person. It’s more finery than he’s ever owned, yet it makes him feel special because Ain picked it all out. Wanted.]

I love you too.

[He murmurs back, leaning over to press his nose briefly to Ain’s hair. To…nuzzle him? Smell him? It’s hard to say beyond Vash just wanting more contact and being unsure how to express the affection, but he’s seen other breeds of pets do this before. Surely nobody is going to look at him like why is that human doing that to their pet—]

I’m glad we went to the mountains, but I almost wish we’d come here sooner. This place is even safer than that was.

[Haha]