Chapter Text
A song was hummed as the man busied himself at the sink, washing plates, bowls, cups and a giant pot used to cook today’s stew. Outside, tranquility befell Jeneora Rock as its inhabitants tidied their own dining tables and tucked their little ones in bed. Above them was a night sky dotted with stars, each as miniscule as a speck of dust yet to this day, scholars continue to debate the existence of each one. To some, they were a common scenery, to others a sign left by long-forgotten deities.
However, the man knew that the sky held another wonder besides stars. A wonder that only his tiny corner of the world will ever know of.
“Vash! Vash! Vash!”
The man stopped humming but his smile didn’t falter. In fact, it widened further at the stampede of small footsteps. Dumping soapy water out of the last cup, he placed it on the drying rack.
“Vash! Tell us the story!” “The one with the floating castle!” “And the pirates!” “And the robots!”
“Again?” Nicholas’s exasperated voice asked. “You little monsters have heard it a bazillion times already!” In his arms, little Emma tried to grab the cracked rosary dangling out of his collar.
“It’s fine, Nick!” Vash chuckled, allowing himself to be herded away. He flexed the metallic digits on his left hand, ensuring none of today’s chores had messed up the prosthetic’s dexterity.
“Vash, the story!” an impatient boy pleaded, tugging his red cardigan.
“Alright, alright, I’m getting there.” He huffed, making himself comfortable.
“You spoil em’ too much.” Nicholas harrumphed.
But he sat down with the rest of the children to listen to the story. After all, it was his favourite story too.
How could it not be when it was their story?