Chapter Text
Returning to the Halberd after a night to leave his crew unsupervised was in retrospect definitely a poor decision.
Meta learned this the hard way, returning home early in the morning to Sword and Axe wrestling over a gameboy, resulting in the perish of one of their poor potted plants that Sailor took such gentle care of. With a heavy sigh and trying to keep Sailor from bursting into tears he shoved a broom into Sword’s hands and left with their youngest member with the promise of a new plant.
Going to the flower shop wasn’t how he intended to spend his day after slacking off last night, but he guesses this is the most peaceful option he’ll have during the day.
“So, sir,” Sailor pipes up on their stroll and Meta is silently thankful the tears in his eyes have left. “How did your sleepover go last night?”
Ah, the inevitable question. He knew it was coming sooner or later, although this talk will be far easier since Sailor doesn’t try to rile him up like his other crew mates do.
“It was nice, I suppose. The kids had fun.” Meta pauses, kicking a pebble out of his way. He wouldn’t say he didn’t have fun, although all his thoughts were cluttered with the fresh memories of Galacta.
Galacta having a small heart to heart with him. Galacta hugging him. Galacta wiping frosting from his face and tasting it. Galacta holding his hand. Galacta falling asleep against him.
“And.. Galacta had a nice time as well.”
Sailor furrows his eyebrows but says no more. Wanting to be one step ahead Meta takes it in himself to avoid any further questions about the sleepover. Always good to be one step ahead of everyone, experience has told him.
“Kirby had awakened us rather rudely,” Despite the grumpiness he felt in the morning he couldn't help but chuckle. “Kirby wanted to engage in an early morning pillow fight, and even his
friend
had no desire to engage.
”
Friend, just friend, not a special friend because Fluff was nothing more to Kirby. Meta won’t hear anymore of this. “Galacta hit Kirby in the face with his wings and that was that.”
It was a rather bland story to be told than being there. Kirby let out a warrior cry as he slammed two pillows down against Galacta and Meta on the floor, Fluff roused from his sleep with his hair sticking up in several different places and Galacta arose like a dead man before springing his wings out when Kirby came near.
“Sounds like Kirby,” Sailor giggled. “Bandana has told me many stories about him, is it true that he started an apple juice fight in the Lor Starcutter and you guys had to stop on your adventure for repairs?”
“Bandana
and
Kirby started it and tried to get Magolor to join them,” Meta sighs, shaking his head affectionately. “It wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle though.”
More excited than usual, Sailor’s eyes light up when the flower shop comes into view. “Comosum Shop” sign comes into view and despite his excitement Sailor stops only to hold the door open for Meta. He’s so mannered, it makes Meta wonder how he fits into his misfit of a crew.
“Welcome!” Taranza spins around, all grins with an apron tied around his waist. It is relieving to see the spider in a more upbeat mood, he knows how troubled he can often become and Meta feels himself sigh knowing most who come to Dreamland all have a story of their own.
Why does he feel so compelled to protect them from any further harm?
Or perhaps Galacta is right and he is just a blood knight, wanting to fight rather than let the younger ones engage in an unnecessary war.
“Anything in particular you’re looking for?” Taranza asks, a toothy grin still there while wiping his hands on his apron. “Tulips have been very popular this season, can I offer you guys some?”
“They have pink and purple ones in!” Sailor bounces on his feet, already holding a small pot of tulips against his chest. He doesn’t ask, always hesitant, but the wide eyes filled with hope already have Meta crossing his arms..
And giving a small nod.
..He’s growing rather weak as he grows in age it seems.
“We also need another peperomia.”
“Again?”
Taranza frowns, concern in his tone. “Did Mace damage another one? Plants aren’t supposed to be for target practice!”
Sailor nods, holding the tulips protectively against him. “That’s what I said!”
Meta sighs. It’s almost embarrassing how many plants they’ve had to replace. In fact, it should start coming out of his crew’s pay and not his by now. “It was an accident this time by Sword and Axe.”
Taranza nods in silent understanding and Meta has to suppress the urge to shake his head. Sword and Mace are typically the ones to damage the plants (nearly all the time by accident), Taranza probably fears for his plants anytime Sword or Mace (or stars forbid both of them) walks into his store.
“I’m almost tempted to just buy rubber plants for the halls, just so there won’t be anymore broken glass and plants.” Meta says, light with humor although the idea has passed through his head one too many times. Glass should not be the biggest occurring hazard in a
battleship.
“Why would you do that?” Taranza tilts his head. “Not that I’m trying to sound like a businessman-” Gods, he’s far from that. “-isn’t the point of taking care of plants is to enjoy them while they’re here?”
“I.. Guess?” Although Meta doesn’t have a green thumb, he can appreciate the beauty of them and the joy they give to others. “You want more plants to fall into the hands of my crew?”
“Despite any uh,
casualties
that occur you guys should cherish them.” Taranza picks up a spray bottle, gentle with watering a lily. “I love taking care of them, each and every one of them are so beautiful,” He hums, running a thumb over a petal. “It’s good to cherish any time you can with them, you never know when they might begin to wilt.. Or suddenly be gone.”
Meta feels his heart drop, an indescribable pain coursing through him. It makes him think of his former crew mates, how they’d always spend each and every day together before it came to an abrupt end.
It makes him think of Galacta as well, and how he’d still be trapped in a crystal again if it weren’t for Kirby wishing for his existence in Dreamland. How Galacta could have
died
merely weeks ago.
He’s thankful Sailor is in the back, enjoying the visit as tears begin to fall from Taranza’s eyes. Meta gently pats the top of his head, causing Taranza to blink the tears out and quickly rub his eyes while Meta moves his hand back and forth on his head.
He feels rather awkward standing there with Taranza nearly leaning on him, but he lets him get it out as he quietly tells Taranza everything will be okay.
Eventually, anyway.
These kids.. They shouldn’t have to go through the agony he’s experienced and would never wish it upon them.