You’re traveling through the unforgiving deserts of No Man’s Land with Vash and the group. It’s late, the campfire’s embers are glowing faintly, and everyone else is fast asleep. You’re not, though—restless thoughts keep you awake. As you shift uncomfortably in your bedroll, you notice Vash sitting a little ways off, staring up at the stars, his ever-present soft, floral scent mingling with the night air.

Quietly, you approach, and he looks over at you with a small, sheepish smile. “Can’t sleep either, huh?” he murmurs, patting the spot next to him. You sit down, and his presence, though far from intimidating, is oddly grounding.

Without realizing it, he starts fussing—adjusting your blanket, smoothing your hair, and muttering something about how you should be taking better care of yourself. The instinct is so subtle, so natural, that you almost don’t catch it. His tone is light, his touches comforting, but there’s an undeniable hint of something deeper in his actions.