chlorophylliac | 22 || Text + Voice + Spam

[Private to Vesper; text]

I need to apologize for what I did to you in March.

I'm not asking for your forgiveness, and I don't expect it; I just want you to know that I'm sorry for what I did. I know it's long overdue. After what I was put through in Zero I was far too hasty in putting that week behind me.

[Friends Filter; voice]

[Ivy's definition of 'friend' for this purpose is '2+ civil conversations while not under mind control'.]

I doubt I'm the only person who needed a while to recover from the port; still, I'm sorry if I worried anyone. If it hasn't already been made obvious, I'd like to hear that you made it back safely.

[Open Spam - Greenhouse & Garden]

[Of course she ends up back out here eventually. The rain's tailed off; seasonality is muted here but nonetheless the light falling onto the deck is a little brighter, a little warmer, and it's brought a fresh flush of growth to the greenhouse and rows of planters just outside. Ivy's mostly busy with making sure that the (her) plants have the space and support they need: repotting seedlings, staking out climbers, and moving the more delicate plants outside now it's warm enough to sustain them.

She seems - calm, all things considered, moving fluidly and talking to the plants in indistinguishable murmurs.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[She balances this for a moment. Saying no would be easier, but she's trying to be good, isn't she? Helpful.]

If I help you I want to be kept updated. Anything you adopt, I need to keep tabs on.

[ He gives her a puzzled look - puzzled, because setting conditions means she's thinking of accepting. ]

Of course.

Good.

[She rubs a hand over her mouth, looking over the planters.]

You do have windows in your cabin, don't you?

Yes. Before I was here, I would climb out of them. To Jump.

I don't mind something that needs a lot of care. But it should probably be simple, unless you want to train me.

[ He learns quickly, but wouldn't want to impose or assume. ]

I admire your enthusiasm but I'd rather leave you with something that you just need to not kill. We can talk about more demanding companions later. Wait here.

[She picks up a small clay pot and leaves him for a few moments, returning with a number of small green, red-tipped rosettes sitting in the stony soil.]

This is sempervivium calcareum. It's a succulent, which means it stores water in its leaves. All you need to do is make sure it has sunlight and wait for the soil to dry out before you water it.

[ He nods. He'd thought she was going to say no; he can hardly complain about that judgment.

The leaves are thicker than most, he notes, and less fragile. This plant is a little more like the kind he's used to. ]

Water is all?

[ He sounds faintly doubtful, but extends his hands to take it. ]

Water and light. [A brief pause.] And they like to be talked to, but you can consider that optional.

So they talk to you.

[ He glances up at her, questioningly, to confirm that this is the truth. ]

[She nods once, neutrally.]

They do.

Would it tell you what I say?

It couldn't. They don't understand human language. They just appreciate that you're going to the effort.

[ A nod. He would have been less likely to speak if it put his secrets at risk.

He still isn't sure he trusts her words. ]

I can talk to them.

They're beautiful.

[She nods her agreement, and a small smile touches her lips.]

Sempervivum means 'always living'. It refers to how easily they weather harsh conditions - they grow wild on mountainsides and in deserts.

Like some people are made to grow in harsh places.

People adapt. Very few are made.

[She holds out the pot to him.]

I think we're all made to be something. One way or another.

[ He takes it, with steady hands. ]

Thank you. I didn't expect you to say yes. I've spent more time killing things than I have helping them.

[She looks across at him, her eyes dark and sincere.]

If you fall back into old habits...well. [She smiles joylessly.] I'd recommend that you don't.

[ He nods. Fair enough.

And unless she has something more to say, he'll turn and go. ]

22 || Text + Voice + Spam

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