[Oh, the ears back are even worse. It's made slightly better by the tongue but uh... Unfortunately, Vash has nothing to hide behind except his own hands so don't mind as he does just that.

Thankfully, everything seems to work out. The big dog man doesn't actually seem keen on being threatening. Small miracles.]

A... were-huh? What does that mean? [He isn't going to argue that most dogs don't talk. That just seems like pointing out the obvious.]

[His head cants. He's seen and read about a lot of weird shit, but nothing about werewolves, unfortunately. They would have been too scary for him back on the ship, and no one was writing about them on No Man's Land.]

I... know a Wolfwood?

[No. That doesn't count.]

You're really stuck like that? How are you supposed to... uh. Eat. Or take a shower. Or use the bathroom!

[Does is werewolf shid in woods?]

[Don't mind Vash, absolutely whipping his hands over his eyes the second Beat speaks. Yes, the thwack of his metallic fingers hitting his head does hurt, why do you ask.]

Sorry! Sorry. I shouldn't have said that!

[At least Beat seems to be in good spirits. And he doesn't seem keen on actually eating Vash, so that's another point in his book too. Maybe he can loosen his shoulders just that little bit?]

Beat? That's a cool name. Mine's Vash. [He holds his hand out to shake before... grimacing.] Uh. Guess that's not cool of me to do, huh.

[He doesn't want to imply that he's a dog doing tricks.]

[Oh. Oh dear god. His arm is going to be sore for days after that rigorous shaking. But at least it has Vash in decent enough spirits, as a result. There's no holding back the boisterous chuckles that follow at least.]

I'll keep that in mind. And not just because I'm worried enough about ticking off the forest.

[He can't imagine it would be appreciated if someone chewed on part of the all-powerful, vengeful entity that's tormenting them.]

Well, there's a bar you can drink at. Uh, if you can drink. A school that a pal is putting back together. A rec center if, umm... you can fit on the machines. And a kitchen to cook in at the inn?

Oh! And a church to pray at, too!

Wait, alcohol is poisonous to dogs?!

[Vash hasn't done any drinking around Angelina, or... really any at all since that night with Wolfwood, but now he's absolutely terrified for the little dog. Would she keel over if she just smelled it on his breath? Look, he's never had a dog, he doesn't know these things.]

Thought that might be up your alley! [With his second question, though, Vash makes a face.] It's not supposed to be. Wolfwood, my uh - [A gentle throat clear.] Boyfriend set it up for his own faith. Unfortunately, the Forest likes to corrupt most requests, so...

[He motions vaguely. Very helpful.]

That makes sense!

[He has no idea what medallionizing is, but he'll go along with it. And hey, it sounds like poor Angelina is fine since she hasn't consumed it. It's fine.]

Guess we have a bit in common though, huh! What with the evil fogs 'n stuff!

[There's something to be said about companionship under stress. Did he ever think he'd be bonding over things like evil fog and possessed churches? Not really. But hey, he's not gonna say no to a pal.

... The other things Beat says, though? That's a different story.]

Uh - huh? [He points at himself, then quickly looks this way and that.] Don't tell me my bounty posters started showing up!

Huh? I mean, no, I don't think so! Just worried that something followed me from home. [He claps a hand over his mouth, then releases it just as quick.] I mean, never mind! Ignore me! Haha!

[Idiot behavior.

Which, speaking of, he's staring at Beat like the man has a second head. Or, you know, like he's a werewolf pantomiming being a faerie. And yet for some reason, Vash lifts his hands and pats at his forehead, as if expecting to find... whatever Beat is gesturing to sticking out of his head.]

Uh... Can't say I've ever had... head thingies like that before.

What are you...

[Actually, he's not going to argue it. He can tell that the subject is bumming Beat out, and despite having no ties to him, Vash still feels bad. Appearances not withstanding, Beat seems like a plenty nice guy. Whoever this person Beat seemed to have come across was, Vash is at least confident that he had good taste.]

Look, I can't say I know what you're talking about. But I'm sure anybody would be happy to be friends with you!

[Vash even says it with a smile. Not one of his wide, fake ones, but something much more withdrawn and far more genuine.]

And hey, there's always a chance someone will come along. Like me and Wolfwood! And I guess Livio too but that's a little different.

O-oh, I mean it's - [Oh this is humiliating. He resists the urge to cover his face, but only barely. Instead, he fixes Beat with the most sheepish of grins, scratching at the back of his head as he toes at the dirt.

The worst conversation he's ever had with a dog, ever.]

Just don't want to be that type of guy, fawning over a partner to a stranger! You don't need all of that business.

Hah, I mean... I guess.

[He waves Beat off. Just a little. Despite the assurances, he's still a little bashful. Who can blame him.]

I probably shouldn't keep ya, though. I've got some rounds to get back to, and I'm sure you've got plenty of friends to make. [... He can't help himself.] That's what good boys do, right?

[Oh, oh this is absolutely going to be used for evil, thank you. Vash's grin practically glints at the edges. He leans forward, brows going up as his eyes dance with mischief.]

Hm? Something wrong, buddy? [His voice wavers with barely held back laughter.] You didn't answer my question about being a... good boy.