``You deserve a MEDAL!``

A few minutes go by, and the rustling stops.

A figure starts to emerge from behind the trees.

“Oh dear…now where am I now? This is not where I wanted to be…”

Polite blinks before he looks around, trying to get a grasp on his surroundings. That’s until he spots Karma, who was currently minding his business. His expression immediately lightens up, giving a smile before he shuffled his way out of the forest and over to Karma.

“Karma Soldier! My friend! It is wonderful to see you!”

He calls out from behind. Trying not to sneak up on the fella.

~ @polite-espionage 🌼

"Ah!"

Karma flinched as he turned around, spooked only momentarily. Relaxing as soon as he saw Polite, he grinned, his eyes wide as hell, as per usual.

"Polite! What is up!"

Karma waved enthusiastically.

Before being spooked by Polite, he had been tending to his own, personal garden. It was mostly filled with normal plants, though there was the occasional flower. Alot of trees and a lot of odd looking, probably exotic plants. There were plants hanging from trees in baskets, their leaves and other extremities tangling in a pretty downwards spiral. Most of them were damp from watering-- clearly Karma's doing. The man had a water can in his offhand.

The area wasn't only decorated with exotic plants and such, there were also rocks, statues, stacks of said rocks, and even small ponds of water around. (Though of course in places one wouldn't accidentally step in, they were decorated heavily with long grasses and such.) The garden was obviously very well taken care of, and even had a few benches and other such decorations specifically for hanging out. Looking closely, there were mosses all around, all healthy and plump. I would describe the rest of the plants around the garden area, but I've done enough.

Karma looked a tad confused, though, Polite noticed. Just a slight twinge of it on the man's face. Hm.

Polite took a look around Karma’s garden, letting out a small gasp at the sight of all his beautiful and exotic plants that were all around. He had always had an interest in plants, mainly flowers, so the sight of Karma also having a garden excited him.

“Oh my- Karma! I did not know that you too had such a lovely garden! It’s absolutely gorgeous!”

Polite clasped his hands together in awe as he continued to take a look around. He would not touch anything though, not until he was given the okay to. It would be rude to touch other people’s things without permission.

“I would love to show you my garden too some time if you’d like…perhaps we can even share some tips with one another! It would be pleasant.”

“Enough with my rambling, though. How are you, my angel-winged friend?”

Karma stated as he turned around idly getting back to watering his plants. His garden was huge, and it was clear just looking around.

"You can look around freely, maybe give me some tips while you do so."

Karma glanced backwards at Polite, halo moving lazily with his head. It lacked behind his movements usually. He still looked like he had something to ask, that tight look on his face.

The plants he was currently watering were Spider plants, Snake plants, Zanzibar Gems, Pileas, and Peperomias. They slightly jiggled under the water that was gently poured over them, making a slight pattering noise as it did so. The upright and stiff ones (like the snake plant) just let the water run down themselves, soaking the moisture up.

“Why, of course! I do have plenty of things in mind…”

Polite began to ramble on about soil and about how much water you should give your plants and all of that. While he did that, he took a look around the garden, gently taking some by their leaves before running his thumb against them.

“Your plants are in excellent shape, my friend! Absolutely wonderful work, Karma.”

He gave the man a smile, before noticing the expression on his face.

“My friend…are you alright?”

"Euhrr," Karma subconsciously flashed his teeth, looking aside, "How did you.. get up here? Not complaining, just curious."

"And thanks! I have to take good care of them for them to stay green. It's also just something I do in my freetime, though my team usually does most of the work.. I'm usually more out and about, I have no time for things like this. I'm lucky I have time right now."

Karma laughed, though the twinge in his face told he was a little jealous. Karma has a deep, deep appreciation and love for anything on this earth (besides those who actively hurt others purposely), so he would, naturally, be jealous of his team. His team has all the time in the world to pamper the garden and relax, as they don't have the power and responsibility Karma does.

(*They literally can't help much besides teleporting and going invisible, while Karma has the true power of the bunch.*)

Karma did absolutely love his job, though, do not get him wrong. He wouldn't give it for the world (well, he would, but still), he just wished he had more time for the simpler things. Most freetime he got was being able to go around and help people, which he enjoyed, but he wished he could do simpler things once in awhile. Like caring for plants. While he does get to help animals once in awhile, it's mostly people and freaks, and that gets a little repetitive over the years.

“Ah, well…I do not quite remember! I was trying to make my way over to the BLU base when I believe I took a wrong turn…”

Polite scratched his chin, thinking back on how he could have gotten to where he was at the moment.

“It is quite alright, though. It is nice to spend time with a dear friend.”

He slid a hand up Karma’s back. He was suddenly back at Karma’s side, it was if Karma had blinked and Polite had somehow managed to get next to him without so much as a noise or movement. He was peculiar like that. Nothing could really be explained with him.

“I can see why you do not have much free time…you do have to go around and judge people and all of that.”

There was an expression of sympathy on his face.

“You do deserve to enjoy the simpler things, my friend. You do so much for the world.”

Karma's eyebrows raised a little at the touch, bristling only momentarily from the slight spook. He then relaxed, looking back at his plants, arms crossed. Karma had an look of contentment and thinking now as he stared at the greenery.

"I will have to look around later for how you managed to somehow get here. I don't want any potential freak hunters discovering it and getting in, or something."

Karma paused oncemore before replying to the other part of what Polite said, seemingly having momentarily forgotten what Polite had said.

"Yeah, yeah.." He grumbled softly, not exactly sure how to reply to that. Karma wasn't quite sure how he thought he's get away with talking about his schedule without Polite being.. well, polite. He hadn't really been seeking out tha reassurance, so he was still offput by it.

"Anyways," Karma cleared his throat into his fist before resting his hands on his hips. "What about those gardening tips, crouton? I've been thinking of getting some more flowers for the garden, but I both don't really know how to care for them and also I have zero clue what flowers thrive in the shaded yet large amount of sunlight these guys like. Plus the watering.. Gosh, I need to ask Heavy about the watering these guys like.." Karma still hadn't pulled away from Polite, as he was very much enjoying the affection. Not in a weird way, LMAO.

“I’d recommend Asters, Lantanas, Blanket Flowers, Salvia, and Sedums! They are heat resistant plants, and all need well draining soil. I do have a few seeds of those kinds back at my own garden if you would like them.”

Noticing Karma not pulling away from his touch, he decided to lay his head down on on his shoulder, looking up at him as he did.

“I’ve also got lots of extra soil as well… alongside gardening tools! I’d be more than happy to hand them over to you, my friend.”

“I would love to garden with you some time…it would be very fun.”

"Are you sure? I can easily spawn some seed packets in." Karma asked before visibly flustering at the touch.

(*like how you use the word for like a chicken getting all fluffed up when you touch them unexpectedly sometimes*)

"Gosh, I don't know if I could accept that offer, Polite. I could spawn in some plants and rocks and other things in trade, maybe?" Karma paused momentarily before nodding lower lip going out slightly in thought, "And yeah, that sounds fun gardening. I could teach you about my succulents in my room, less you already keep them and know how they work well. Very cool plants." Karma seemed to relax the more he talked, thinking about his plants. Thank the lord succulents rarely need watering, or else the only plants he takes care of by himself would be dead and dust by now. Well, it's not like he can't just heal them, but whatever. It's the thought that counts.

...

Feels inhumane having to bring something he killed back to like repeatedly-- even if it's a plant.

“Of course, my friend. In fact, I do believe I actually have them right here!”

Polite reached into his back pocket, before pulling out multiple seed packets, some gardening tools, and also like 3 bags of soil. All in one hand, somehow.

“Here you go, gifts, for you!”

He handed all of the things over to Karma, they stacked up pretty tall all things considered.

“Also, I would love to see your succulents! I do believe I have some, but I’d still love to see them nevertheless.”

“I don’t believe I’ve ever seen your room before as well! What a fun new experience!”

Karma, slightly taken aback by the cartoony abundance of items in Polite's hand, leaned his head back slightly in shock, eyebrows high. He grunted when they were handed over, having to balance them, though he was kinda shitty with it. After he huffed a nervous laugh, he put the stuff down, leaning the bags and such on the wall of the main plant holder thing.

"Thanks!" Karma nodded, taking a second to adjust them so they didn't fall.

A second later, he straightened his posture and stood, starting to walk towards the (slightly hidden) door to the castle. He looked behind himself, making sure Polite was following. He would put the items that polite had gifted away properly later.

A subtle flash of light appeared in one of his hands, though he attempted to hide it.

“No, thank you!”

Polite noticed the little glimpse of light, but he didn’t question it. He figured it was just a thing Karma did. His front pocket did feel a little heavier though…

He looked over at the hidden door that Karma was leading him towards, before stopping one they both had reached it.

“You know…I did not know that you have a castle! It is quite beautiful. Almost everything here is quite beautiful.”

“You included, my karma giving friend!”

He gave another smile, this one a little more sincere than his previous ones. Not that the other ones weren’t sincere of course!

Karma chuckled, gentle but clear wrinkles showing harsher in the contrasting light of the fires, lanterns, and other such things.

"Thanks! I try my best to keep this castle (and myself) looking nice and tidy. It's pretty easy, though, as all I have to do is kinda just.. snap?" Karma paused, "Well, not snap, its moreso just standing still and teleporting mess elsewhere-- unless it's trash," He rambled as he walked, leading Polite to his room. They passed a few rooms with various labels and such, and went up a staircase as he spoke. Their steps reverberated off of the stone walls of the castle, echoing pleasingly.

"Oh, and you're quite pretty yourself, Polite." Karma ended his rant, stopping infront of his door, abrasive hand touching his door. There was visibly a spot where the wood was darker and shiner, clearly from touch over the years. His, like all the other doors, had no doorknob, instead you pushed it open. The wood was heavy and solid, and could clearly withstand alot. With little effort, Karma pushed the door open, holding it for Polite. The door was kinda heavy, and he also wanted to return the polite behavior.

Inside, there were succulents all around Karma's room-- hanging from the ceiling, sitting on shelves in long containers, or on his nightstand. There were a few terrariums aswell, and they visibly were thriving. Self sustaining terrarium, Polite could notice, basing it off of the small bugs he could see inside aswell as the condensation on the glass. The ceiling of Karma's room was relatively high, though he had a modestly sized room. There was a carpet in the middle of the room, and one smaller one in a corner, two places rubbed into it from kneeling and praying. There were rosary beads on his nightstand, near one of the succulents, glasses, an unlit lantern, and a few books. Karma's bed was very neat aswell, having a prettily patterned, silk-like sheet overtop the actual, heavy looking, thick blanket. There were two pillows, laid near the headboard, and there was another, much longer, laid vertically on the bed, the fluff inside cleary pushed around from what Polite could assume was holding it.

"Ignore the mess.."

Karma sheepishly sighed, picking up a little bit. His room was well lived in and not perfectly well kempt, but it had a charm to it.

Polite let out a small gasp at the sight of the man’s room, immediately looking around to all the kinds of wild life that were all around the room. It was so incredibly wonderful to him, and he just wanted to look at everything!

“There is absolutely no reason to apologize, my friend! Your room is incredible…I too have some plants lying around in my own room.”

Polite took a seat on Karma’s bed. Running a hand along the blanket, he was pleasantly surprised that it was soft and silk-like. Almost like his own sheets at home…

“I feel as if I could fall asleep easily in this bed of yours. It’s very nice.”

He gave a chuckle.

“It’s nice to be here. With you, Karma.”

“It’s always wonderful to spend time with a dear friend.”

"You're very sweet, Polite."

Karma huffed, a sheepish blush light on his face from the flattering. Nervously, he started sorting and fiddling with items on his bedside table. After a moment of sorting, he picked up his reading glasses. His rough, well textured fingers gently started to rub over the metal of the frames, occasionally folding them open and shut, the metal pressing into the plush flesh of his finger. The abrasive, patterned skin of his finger gently swaddled the slim metal as he pressed into it, rubbing the tip of his finger back and forth on the metal.

"And it's really, really nice to be here with you too. Having visitors isn't necessarily common, but with my schedule, it's expected." Karma exhaled a laugh, his voice straight and firm (as per usual), his well worn hands still fiddling with his glasses.

He turned around, large back facing Polite as he looked at his room. He didn't seem tense nor overly relaxed, simply neutral. The leather of his cross-body belt slightly pulled on his shoulder, making the thick fabric of his jacket crease, but not harshly. Just soft creasing from the slight weight.

"Let me know which succulent you like the best, I could teach you how to germinate one."

Karma didn't finish the sentence (he prefered simpler words), but it was clear that if Polite already knew, he wouldn't explain. Karma was still fiddling, though, so that subliminal message wasn't the most obvious, but Karma was nice enough to not mind if someone didn't wanna talk much. He himself didn't like overexplaining or talking, so he didn't give two shits if someone didn't want him to. He prefered things get to the point, rather than beat around the bush.

Polite hummed for a moment, taking a look around at all of the different succulents, before landing on a random one. He didn’t quite have a favorite, he loved them all! So he decided to go with whichever one catches his eye first.

“How about that one over there? The one on your nightstand?”

A pointed a finger towards said succulent.

“You do not have to go into much detail if you do not want to, but I would not mind if you did.”

“I do quite enjoy listening to people.”

He scooched over, patting the open spot next to him, offering a place for Karma to sit at if he wanted to. It would be rude not to, of course!

Karma looked back towards Polite at the pat noise, then his eyes flicked to lock onto the succulent. He picked it up, making sure to be gentle with it, then teleported to be sat next to Polite, the bed dipping from his weight. Karma seemed much more relaxed now that he wasn't getting complimented (he wasn't used to direct compliments), his body language slack and soft.

"This is a crocodile plant. Type of aloe."

He began, rough finger grazing the spined, fat stubs of plant.

"Okay, so, basically.." Karma trailed off, narrowing his eyes slightly in thought, "They make more of themselves really often, which is what these little stubs here are around the larger one. After I cut it off, you'll need to keep it dry for a few days, so the wound from cutting it can heal. You own succulents, if I remember right. This succulent is different than most succulents. It'll turn mushy and such if you try to propigate it from a single spine and not a division from the original plant."

Karma's eyes flicked towards Polite's for a second before continuing.

"After you get it to stay alive-- and if it dies or something I can give you another, she reproduces herself alot-- Youll need to water it basically on the same schedule as most dry soiled succulents. Don’t plant too deeply to avoid rot and wait a couple of days before watering to reduce the risk of shock. These little babies are prone to rot and grow best in sandy soils that dry out quickly, and pots that allow drainage. They prefer six to eight hours of bright light every day. However, they will grow in partial sun if direct light isn’t an option. Oh! And, changes in light will evoke color changes in your plant, don't panic. It's normal. They change color alot."

Karma paused momentarily again to take a breath.

"The tips of the leaves turn a stunning red, yellow, and orange in response to bright light, and it looks unreal. As you can see."

Karma gently ran the pad of his pointer finger over the tip of one of the more outreaching, resting ones that really showed the color.

"Also choose a location in your garden with full sun, or plant in pots to move to the optimal position. They can handle partial sun (around four hours per day), but will grow far better when planted in a sunny spot."

"Oh, you can touch them by the way. Very soft spines, even if they look scary." Karma smiled when he clarified, gaze flicking to Polite only momentarily. He gently touched the spines when he looked back, giving an example. They're cold and almost soft to the touch, much like other succulents."Very cute little plants."

Polite listened intently as Karma went on and on about the little succulent of his. Taking in all of the knowledge and information given to him by the man.

“They are quite adorable…”

Polite reached a hand out to gently touch alongside the plants spines, the fabric of his gloves being slightly dragged along as he did.

“You know so much about these plants, my friend. It truly is marveling. You may even know more than me!”

He giggled a little.

“You care very good care of your plants. I admire that about you. I have learned lots of new things today because of you.”

“I will most certainly take your advice when I get some more of these little guys.”

“You are very gentle with them. I find that charming.”

Polite gave a smile.

“I really do want you to come over sometime…I’d love to introduce you to all the pets I’ve gotten since I’ve last seen you.”

"You have more now?"

Karma asked, looking at Polite, eyes widening a little in shock. He could never even fathom having more than like... maybe a bug or something. It was jaw dropping that Polite was managing to care for more animals. He looked back at the plant.

"I would absolutely love to go and see your animals again. Sorry I haven't gotten around to it in awhile!" Karma smiled sheepishly before continuing, eyes trailing back to Polite's, "And thanks. I try my best to be gentle with and take care of them."

Karma's eyes went back to watch Polite's gloved hands, his smile turning into a subtle grin at how gentle Polite was being with his plant-- and without him having to ask him to be, too! Usually, with most others, he had to kinda tell them to be more gentle (even though the plant was sturdy) with it. Of course, he didn't mind when his plants were touched, it was just a little bit of a worry of his with a few specific succulents of his; ones that were gifts.

“It is quite alright, Karma. I do understand that you have duties to attend to. I just enjoy your company.”

He spoke softly, and with understanding. He looked up from the succulent to glance at Karma.

“I have around 5 Spy Crabs…all of them are so very cute.”

“Oh! I cannot forget about my two snails! One is named Pepper, and the other is called Sir Snailsalot. I thought it would be a funny name.”

He chuckled a little.

“The Spy Crabs love Pepper. They all crowd around her, and sometimes even sit on her shell. She doesn’t seem to mind.”

“I think that they would love you too.”

"Should I teleport us to your home? I would love to meet your animals-- and reconnect with the ones I've already met." Karma smiled, cheeks dimpling subtly, "Your little guys sound very cute."

After spawning in the correct materials, Karma quietly started pruning one of the offshoots from the mother-plant, deciding to go ahead and get that done. His focus went back to the plant, focusing on getting it all nice and ready for repotting. If anything, he would teleport into Polite's home and heal the thing if it wasn't doing too hot being rehomed-- not because of inadequate care, simply because plants can be quiet dramatic at times. Karma's brow furrowed a little in focus, his face showing his age well. The warm light from his windows assisted this look, though it complimented his looks well.

A few minutes go by, and the rustling stops.

A figure starts to emerge from behind the trees.

“Oh dear…now where am I now? This is not where I wanted to be…”

Polite blinks before he looks around, trying to get a grasp on his surroundings. That’s until he spots Karma, who was currently minding his business. His expression immediately lightens up, giving a smile before he shuffled his way out of the forest and over to Karma.

“Karma Soldier! My friend! It is wonderful to see you!”

He calls out from behind. Trying not to sneak up on the fella.

~ @polite-espionage 🌼

"Ah!"

Karma flinched as he turned around, spooked only momentarily. Relaxing as soon as he saw Polite, he grinned, his eyes wide as hell, as per usual.

"Polite! What is up!"

Karma waved enthusiastically.

Before being spooked by Polite, he had been tending to his own, personal garden. It was mostly filled with normal plants, though there was the occasional flower. Alot of trees and a lot of odd looking, probably exotic plants. There were plants hanging from trees in baskets, their leaves and other extremities tangling in a pretty downwards spiral. Most of them were damp from watering-- clearly Karma's doing. The man had a water can in his offhand.

The area wasn't only decorated with exotic plants and such, there were also rocks, statues, stacks of said rocks, and even small ponds of water around. (Though of course in places one wouldn't accidentally step in, they were decorated heavily with long grasses and such.) The garden was obviously very well taken care of, and even had a few benches and other such decorations specifically for hanging out. Looking closely, there were mosses all around, all healthy and plump. I would describe the rest of the plants around the garden area, but I've done enough.

Karma looked a tad confused, though, Polite noticed. Just a slight twinge of it on the man's face. Hm.

Polite took a look around Karma’s garden, letting out a small gasp at the sight of all his beautiful and exotic plants that were all around. He had always had an interest in plants, mainly flowers, so the sight of Karma also having a garden excited him.

“Oh my- Karma! I did not know that you too had such a lovely garden! It’s absolutely gorgeous!”

Polite clasped his hands together in awe as he continued to take a look around. He would not touch anything though, not until he was given the okay to. It would be rude to touch other people’s things without permission.

“I would love to show you my garden too some time if you’d like…perhaps we can even share some tips with one another! It would be pleasant.”

“Enough with my rambling, though. How are you, my angel-winged friend?”

Karma stated as he turned around idly getting back to watering his plants. His garden was huge, and it was clear just looking around.

"You can look around freely, maybe give me some tips while you do so."

Karma glanced backwards at Polite, halo moving lazily with his head. It lacked behind his movements usually. He still looked like he had something to ask, that tight look on his face.

The plants he was currently watering were Spider plants, Snake plants, Zanzibar Gems, Pileas, and Peperomias. They slightly jiggled under the water that was gently poured over them, making a slight pattering noise as it did so. The upright and stiff ones (like the snake plant) just let the water run down themselves, soaking the moisture up.

“Why, of course! I do have plenty of things in mind…”

Polite began to ramble on about soil and about how much water you should give your plants and all of that. While he did that, he took a look around the garden, gently taking some by their leaves before running his thumb against them.

“Your plants are in excellent shape, my friend! Absolutely wonderful work, Karma.”

He gave the man a smile, before noticing the expression on his face.

“My friend…are you alright?”

"Euhrr," Karma subconsciously flashed his teeth, looking aside, "How did you.. get up here? Not complaining, just curious."

"And thanks! I have to take good care of them for them to stay green. It's also just something I do in my freetime, though my team usually does most of the work.. I'm usually more out and about, I have no time for things like this. I'm lucky I have time right now."

Karma laughed, though the twinge in his face told he was a little jealous. Karma has a deep, deep appreciation and love for anything on this earth (besides those who actively hurt others purposely), so he would, naturally, be jealous of his team. His team has all the time in the world to pamper the garden and relax, as they don't have the power and responsibility Karma does.

(*They literally can't help much besides teleporting and going invisible, while Karma has the true power of the bunch.*)

Karma did absolutely love his job, though, do not get him wrong. He wouldn't give it for the world (well, he would, but still), he just wished he had more time for the simpler things. Most freetime he got was being able to go around and help people, which he enjoyed, but he wished he could do simpler things once in awhile. Like caring for plants. While he does get to help animals once in awhile, it's mostly people and freaks, and that gets a little repetitive over the years.

“Ah, well…I do not quite remember! I was trying to make my way over to the BLU base when I believe I took a wrong turn…”

Polite scratched his chin, thinking back on how he could have gotten to where he was at the moment.

“It is quite alright, though. It is nice to spend time with a dear friend.”

He slid a hand up Karma’s back. He was suddenly back at Karma’s side, it was if Karma had blinked and Polite had somehow managed to get next to him without so much as a noise or movement. He was peculiar like that. Nothing could really be explained with him.

“I can see why you do not have much free time…you do have to go around and judge people and all of that.”

There was an expression of sympathy on his face.

“You do deserve to enjoy the simpler things, my friend. You do so much for the world.”

Karma's eyebrows raised a little at the touch, bristling only momentarily from the slight spook. He then relaxed, looking back at his plants, arms crossed. Karma had an look of contentment and thinking now as he stared at the greenery.

"I will have to look around later for how you managed to somehow get here. I don't want any potential freak hunters discovering it and getting in, or something."

Karma paused oncemore before replying to the other part of what Polite said, seemingly having momentarily forgotten what Polite had said.

"Yeah, yeah.." He grumbled softly, not exactly sure how to reply to that. Karma wasn't quite sure how he thought he's get away with talking about his schedule without Polite being.. well, polite. He hadn't really been seeking out tha reassurance, so he was still offput by it.

"Anyways," Karma cleared his throat into his fist before resting his hands on his hips. "What about those gardening tips, crouton? I've been thinking of getting some more flowers for the garden, but I both don't really know how to care for them and also I have zero clue what flowers thrive in the shaded yet large amount of sunlight these guys like. Plus the watering.. Gosh, I need to ask Heavy about the watering these guys like.." Karma still hadn't pulled away from Polite, as he was very much enjoying the affection. Not in a weird way, LMAO.

“I’d recommend Asters, Lantanas, Blanket Flowers, Salvia, and Sedums! They are heat resistant plants, and all need well draining soil. I do have a few seeds of those kinds back at my own garden if you would like them.”

Noticing Karma not pulling away from his touch, he decided to lay his head down on on his shoulder, looking up at him as he did.

“I’ve also got lots of extra soil as well… alongside gardening tools! I’d be more than happy to hand them over to you, my friend.”

“I would love to garden with you some time…it would be very fun.”

"Are you sure? I can easily spawn some seed packets in." Karma asked before visibly flustering at the touch.

(*like how you use the word for like a chicken getting all fluffed up when you touch them unexpectedly sometimes*)

"Gosh, I don't know if I could accept that offer, Polite. I could spawn in some plants and rocks and other things in trade, maybe?" Karma paused momentarily before nodding lower lip going out slightly in thought, "And yeah, that sounds fun gardening. I could teach you about my succulents in my room, less you already keep them and know how they work well. Very cool plants." Karma seemed to relax the more he talked, thinking about his plants. Thank the lord succulents rarely need watering, or else the only plants he takes care of by himself would be dead and dust by now. Well, it's not like he can't just heal them, but whatever. It's the thought that counts.

...

Feels inhumane having to bring something he killed back to like repeatedly-- even if it's a plant.

“Of course, my friend. In fact, I do believe I actually have them right here!”

Polite reached into his back pocket, before pulling out multiple seed packets, some gardening tools, and also like 3 bags of soil. All in one hand, somehow.

“Here you go, gifts, for you!”

He handed all of the things over to Karma, they stacked up pretty tall all things considered.

“Also, I would love to see your succulents! I do believe I have some, but I’d still love to see them nevertheless.”

“I don’t believe I’ve ever seen your room before as well! What a fun new experience!”

Karma, slightly taken aback by the cartoony abundance of items in Polite's hand, leaned his head back slightly in shock, eyebrows high. He grunted when they were handed over, having to balance them, though he was kinda shitty with it. After he huffed a nervous laugh, he put the stuff down, leaning the bags and such on the wall of the main plant holder thing.

"Thanks!" Karma nodded, taking a second to adjust them so they didn't fall.

A second later, he straightened his posture and stood, starting to walk towards the (slightly hidden) door to the castle. He looked behind himself, making sure Polite was following. He would put the items that polite had gifted away properly later.

A subtle flash of light appeared in one of his hands, though he attempted to hide it.

“No, thank you!”

Polite noticed the little glimpse of light, but he didn’t question it. He figured it was just a thing Karma did. His front pocket did feel a little heavier though…

He looked over at the hidden door that Karma was leading him towards, before stopping one they both had reached it.

“You know…I did not know that you have a castle! It is quite beautiful. Almost everything here is quite beautiful.”

“You included, my karma giving friend!”

He gave another smile, this one a little more sincere than his previous ones. Not that the other ones weren’t sincere of course!

Karma chuckled, gentle but clear wrinkles showing harsher in the contrasting light of the fires, lanterns, and other such things.

"Thanks! I try my best to keep this castle (and myself) looking nice and tidy. It's pretty easy, though, as all I have to do is kinda just.. snap?" Karma paused, "Well, not snap, its moreso just standing still and teleporting mess elsewhere-- unless it's trash," He rambled as he walked, leading Polite to his room. They passed a few rooms with various labels and such, and went up a staircase as he spoke. Their steps reverberated off of the stone walls of the castle, echoing pleasingly.

"Oh, and you're quite pretty yourself, Polite." Karma ended his rant, stopping infront of his door, abrasive hand touching his door. There was visibly a spot where the wood was darker and shiner, clearly from touch over the years. His, like all the other doors, had no doorknob, instead you pushed it open. The wood was heavy and solid, and could clearly withstand alot. With little effort, Karma pushed the door open, holding it for Polite. The door was kinda heavy, and he also wanted to return the polite behavior.

Inside, there were succulents all around Karma's room-- hanging from the ceiling, sitting on shelves in long containers, or on his nightstand. There were a few terrariums aswell, and they visibly were thriving. Self sustaining terrarium, Polite could notice, basing it off of the small bugs he could see inside aswell as the condensation on the glass. The ceiling of Karma's room was relatively high, though he had a modestly sized room. There was a carpet in the middle of the room, and one smaller one in a corner, two places rubbed into it from kneeling and praying. There were rosary beads on his nightstand, near one of the succulents, glasses, an unlit lantern, and a few books. Karma's bed was very neat aswell, having a prettily patterned, silk-like sheet overtop the actual, heavy looking, thick blanket. There were two pillows, laid near the headboard, and there was another, much longer, laid vertically on the bed, the fluff inside cleary pushed around from what Polite could assume was holding it.

"Ignore the mess.."

Karma sheepishly sighed, picking up a little bit. His room was well lived in and not perfectly well kempt, but it had a charm to it.

Polite let out a small gasp at the sight of the man’s room, immediately looking around to all the kinds of wild life that were all around the room. It was so incredibly wonderful to him, and he just wanted to look at everything!

“There is absolutely no reason to apologize, my friend! Your room is incredible…I too have some plants lying around in my own room.”

Polite took a seat on Karma’s bed. Running a hand along the blanket, he was pleasantly surprised that it was soft and silk-like. Almost like his own sheets at home…

“I feel as if I could fall asleep easily in this bed of yours. It’s very nice.”

He gave a chuckle.

“It’s nice to be here. With you, Karma.”

“It’s always wonderful to spend time with a dear friend.”

"You're very sweet, Polite."

Karma huffed, a sheepish blush light on his face from the flattering. Nervously, he started sorting and fiddling with items on his bedside table. After a moment of sorting, he picked up his reading glasses. His rough, well textured fingers gently started to rub over the metal of the frames, occasionally folding them open and shut, the metal pressing into the plush flesh of his finger. The abrasive, patterned skin of his finger gently swaddled the slim metal as he pressed into it, rubbing the tip of his finger back and forth on the metal.

"And it's really, really nice to be here with you too. Having visitors isn't necessarily common, but with my schedule, it's expected." Karma exhaled a laugh, his voice straight and firm (as per usual), his well worn hands still fiddling with his glasses.

He turned around, large back facing Polite as he looked at his room. He didn't seem tense nor overly relaxed, simply neutral. The leather of his cross-body belt slightly pulled on his shoulder, making the thick fabric of his jacket crease, but not harshly. Just soft creasing from the slight weight.

"Let me know which succulent you like the best, I could teach you how to germinate one."

Karma didn't finish the sentence (he prefered simpler words), but it was clear that if Polite already knew, he wouldn't explain. Karma was still fiddling, though, so that subliminal message wasn't the most obvious, but Karma was nice enough to not mind if someone didn't wanna talk much. He himself didn't like overexplaining or talking, so he didn't give two shits if someone didn't want him to. He prefered things get to the point, rather than beat around the bush.

Polite hummed for a moment, taking a look around at all of the different succulents, before landing on a random one. He didn’t quite have a favorite, he loved them all! So he decided to go with whichever one catches his eye first.

“How about that one over there? The one on your nightstand?”

A pointed a finger towards said succulent.

“You do not have to go into much detail if you do not want to, but I would not mind if you did.”

“I do quite enjoy listening to people.”

He scooched over, patting the open spot next to him, offering a place for Karma to sit at if he wanted to. It would be rude not to, of course!

Karma looked back towards Polite at the pat noise, then his eyes flicked to lock onto the succulent. He picked it up, making sure to be gentle with it, then teleported to be sat next to Polite, the bed dipping from his weight. Karma seemed much more relaxed now that he wasn't getting complimented (he wasn't used to direct compliments), his body language slack and soft.

"This is a crocodile plant. Type of aloe."

He began, rough finger grazing the spined, fat stubs of plant.

"Okay, so, basically.." Karma trailed off, narrowing his eyes slightly in thought, "They make more of themselves really often, which is what these little stubs here are around the larger one. After I cut it off, you'll need to keep it dry for a few days, so the wound from cutting it can heal. You own succulents, if I remember right. This succulent is different than most succulents. It'll turn mushy and such if you try to propigate it from a single spine and not a division from the original plant."

Karma's eyes flicked towards Polite's for a second before continuing.

"After you get it to stay alive-- and if it dies or something I can give you another, she reproduces herself alot-- Youll need to water it basically on the same schedule as most dry soiled succulents. Don’t plant too deeply to avoid rot and wait a couple of days before watering to reduce the risk of shock. These little babies are prone to rot and grow best in sandy soils that dry out quickly, and pots that allow drainage. They prefer six to eight hours of bright light every day. However, they will grow in partial sun if direct light isn’t an option. Oh! And, changes in light will evoke color changes in your plant, don't panic. It's normal. They change color alot."

Karma paused momentarily again to take a breath.

"The tips of the leaves turn a stunning red, yellow, and orange in response to bright light, and it looks unreal. As you can see."

Karma gently ran the pad of his pointer finger over the tip of one of the more outreaching, resting ones that really showed the color.

"Also choose a location in your garden with full sun, or plant in pots to move to the optimal position. They can handle partial sun (around four hours per day), but will grow far better when planted in a sunny spot."

"Oh, you can touch them by the way. Very soft spines, even if they look scary." Karma smiled when he clarified, gaze flicking to Polite only momentarily. He gently touched the spines when he looked back, giving an example. They're cold and almost soft to the touch, much like other succulents."Very cute little plants."

Polite listened intently as Karma went on and on about the little succulent of his. Taking in all of the knowledge and information given to him by the man.

“They are quite adorable…”

Polite reached a hand out to gently touch alongside the plants spines, the fabric of his gloves being slightly dragged along as he did.

“You know so much about these plants, my friend. It truly is marveling. You may even know more than me!”

He giggled a little.

“You care very good care of your plants. I admire that about you. I have learned lots of new things today because of you.”

“I will most certainly take your advice when I get some more of these little guys.”

“You are very gentle with them. I find that charming.”

Polite gave a smile.

“I really do want you to come over sometime…I’d love to introduce you to all the pets I’ve gotten since I’ve last seen you.”

"You have more now?"

Karma asked, looking at Polite, eyes widening a little in shock. He could never even fathom having more than like... maybe a bug or something. It was jaw dropping that Polite was managing to care for more animals. He looked back at the plant.

"I would absolutely love to go and see your animals again. Sorry I haven't gotten around to it in awhile!" Karma smiled sheepishly before continuing, eyes trailing back to Polite's, "And thanks. I try my best to be gentle with and take care of them."

Karma's eyes went back to watch Polite's gloved hands, his smile turning into a subtle grin at how gentle Polite was being with his plant-- and without him having to ask him to be, too! Usually, with most others, he had to kinda tell them to be more gentle (even though the plant was sturdy) with it. Of course, he didn't mind when his plants were touched, it was just a little bit of a worry of his with a few specific succulents of his; ones that were gifts.

A few minutes go by, and the rustling stops.

A figure starts to emerge from behind the trees.

“Oh dear…now where am I now? This is not where I wanted to be…”

Polite blinks before he looks around, trying to get a grasp on his surroundings. That’s until he spots Karma, who was currently minding his business. His expression immediately lightens up, giving a smile before he shuffled his way out of the forest and over to Karma.

“Karma Soldier! My friend! It is wonderful to see you!”

He calls out from behind. Trying not to sneak up on the fella.

~ @polite-espionage 🌼

"Ah!"

Karma flinched as he turned around, spooked only momentarily. Relaxing as soon as he saw Polite, he grinned, his eyes wide as hell, as per usual.

"Polite! What is up!"

Karma waved enthusiastically.

Before being spooked by Polite, he had been tending to his own, personal garden. It was mostly filled with normal plants, though there was the occasional flower. Alot of trees and a lot of odd looking, probably exotic plants. There were plants hanging from trees in baskets, their leaves and other extremities tangling in a pretty downwards spiral. Most of them were damp from watering-- clearly Karma's doing. The man had a water can in his offhand.

The area wasn't only decorated with exotic plants and such, there were also rocks, statues, stacks of said rocks, and even small ponds of water around. (Though of course in places one wouldn't accidentally step in, they were decorated heavily with long grasses and such.) The garden was obviously very well taken care of, and even had a few benches and other such decorations specifically for hanging out. Looking closely, there were mosses all around, all healthy and plump. I would describe the rest of the plants around the garden area, but I've done enough.

Karma looked a tad confused, though, Polite noticed. Just a slight twinge of it on the man's face. Hm.

Polite took a look around Karma’s garden, letting out a small gasp at the sight of all his beautiful and exotic plants that were all around. He had always had an interest in plants, mainly flowers, so the sight of Karma also having a garden excited him.

“Oh my- Karma! I did not know that you too had such a lovely garden! It’s absolutely gorgeous!”

Polite clasped his hands together in awe as he continued to take a look around. He would not touch anything though, not until he was given the okay to. It would be rude to touch other people’s things without permission.

“I would love to show you my garden too some time if you’d like…perhaps we can even share some tips with one another! It would be pleasant.”

“Enough with my rambling, though. How are you, my angel-winged friend?”

Karma stated as he turned around idly getting back to watering his plants. His garden was huge, and it was clear just looking around.

"You can look around freely, maybe give me some tips while you do so."

Karma glanced backwards at Polite, halo moving lazily with his head. It lacked behind his movements usually. He still looked like he had something to ask, that tight look on his face.

The plants he was currently watering were Spider plants, Snake plants, Zanzibar Gems, Pileas, and Peperomias. They slightly jiggled under the water that was gently poured over them, making a slight pattering noise as it did so. The upright and stiff ones (like the snake plant) just let the water run down themselves, soaking the moisture up.

“Why, of course! I do have plenty of things in mind…”

Polite began to ramble on about soil and about how much water you should give your plants and all of that. While he did that, he took a look around the garden, gently taking some by their leaves before running his thumb against them.

“Your plants are in excellent shape, my friend! Absolutely wonderful work, Karma.”

He gave the man a smile, before noticing the expression on his face.

“My friend…are you alright?”

"Euhrr," Karma subconsciously flashed his teeth, looking aside, "How did you.. get up here? Not complaining, just curious."

"And thanks! I have to take good care of them for them to stay green. It's also just something I do in my freetime, though my team usually does most of the work.. I'm usually more out and about, I have no time for things like this. I'm lucky I have time right now."

Karma laughed, though the twinge in his face told he was a little jealous. Karma has a deep, deep appreciation and love for anything on this earth (besides those who actively hurt others purposely), so he would, naturally, be jealous of his team. His team has all the time in the world to pamper the garden and relax, as they don't have the power and responsibility Karma does.

(*They literally can't help much besides teleporting and going invisible, while Karma has the true power of the bunch.*)

Karma did absolutely love his job, though, do not get him wrong. He wouldn't give it for the world (well, he would, but still), he just wished he had more time for the simpler things. Most freetime he got was being able to go around and help people, which he enjoyed, but he wished he could do simpler things once in awhile. Like caring for plants. While he does get to help animals once in awhile, it's mostly people and freaks, and that gets a little repetitive over the years.

“Ah, well…I do not quite remember! I was trying to make my way over to the BLU base when I believe I took a wrong turn…”

Polite scratched his chin, thinking back on how he could have gotten to where he was at the moment.

“It is quite alright, though. It is nice to spend time with a dear friend.”

He slid a hand up Karma’s back. He was suddenly back at Karma’s side, it was if Karma had blinked and Polite had somehow managed to get next to him without so much as a noise or movement. He was peculiar like that. Nothing could really be explained with him.

“I can see why you do not have much free time…you do have to go around and judge people and all of that.”

There was an expression of sympathy on his face.

“You do deserve to enjoy the simpler things, my friend. You do so much for the world.”

Karma's eyebrows raised a little at the touch, bristling only momentarily from the slight spook. He then relaxed, looking back at his plants, arms crossed. Karma had an look of contentment and thinking now as he stared at the greenery.

"I will have to look around later for how you managed to somehow get here. I don't want any potential freak hunters discovering it and getting in, or something."

Karma paused oncemore before replying to the other part of what Polite said, seemingly having momentarily forgotten what Polite had said.

"Yeah, yeah.." He grumbled softly, not exactly sure how to reply to that. Karma wasn't quite sure how he thought he's get away with talking about his schedule without Polite being.. well, polite. He hadn't really been seeking out tha reassurance, so he was still offput by it.

"Anyways," Karma cleared his throat into his fist before resting his hands on his hips. "What about those gardening tips, crouton? I've been thinking of getting some more flowers for the garden, but I both don't really know how to care for them and also I have zero clue what flowers thrive in the shaded yet large amount of sunlight these guys like. Plus the watering.. Gosh, I need to ask Heavy about the watering these guys like.." Karma still hadn't pulled away from Polite, as he was very much enjoying the affection. Not in a weird way, LMAO.

“I’d recommend Asters, Lantanas, Blanket Flowers, Salvia, and Sedums! They are heat resistant plants, and all need well draining soil. I do have a few seeds of those kinds back at my own garden if you would like them.”

Noticing Karma not pulling away from his touch, he decided to lay his head down on on his shoulder, looking up at him as he did.

“I’ve also got lots of extra soil as well… alongside gardening tools! I’d be more than happy to hand them over to you, my friend.”

“I would love to garden with you some time…it would be very fun.”

"Are you sure? I can easily spawn some seed packets in." Karma asked before visibly flustering at the touch.

(*like how you use the word for like a chicken getting all fluffed up when you touch them unexpectedly sometimes*)

"Gosh, I don't know if I could accept that offer, Polite. I could spawn in some plants and rocks and other things in trade, maybe?" Karma paused momentarily before nodding lower lip going out slightly in thought, "And yeah, that sounds fun gardening. I could teach you about my succulents in my room, less you already keep them and know how they work well. Very cool plants." Karma seemed to relax the more he talked, thinking about his plants. Thank the lord succulents rarely need watering, or else the only plants he takes care of by himself would be dead and dust by now. Well, it's not like he can't just heal them, but whatever. It's the thought that counts.

...

Feels inhumane having to bring something he killed back to like repeatedly-- even if it's a plant.

“Of course, my friend. In fact, I do believe I actually have them right here!”

Polite reached into his back pocket, before pulling out multiple seed packets, some gardening tools, and also like 3 bags of soil. All in one hand, somehow.

“Here you go, gifts, for you!”

He handed all of the things over to Karma, they stacked up pretty tall all things considered.

“Also, I would love to see your succulents! I do believe I have some, but I’d still love to see them nevertheless.”

“I don’t believe I’ve ever seen your room before as well! What a fun new experience!”

Karma, slightly taken aback by the cartoony abundance of items in Polite's hand, leaned his head back slightly in shock, eyebrows high. He grunted when they were handed over, having to balance them, though he was kinda shitty with it. After he huffed a nervous laugh, he put the stuff down, leaning the bags and such on the wall of the main plant holder thing.

"Thanks!" Karma nodded, taking a second to adjust them so they didn't fall.

A second later, he straightened his posture and stood, starting to walk towards the (slightly hidden) door to the castle. He looked behind himself, making sure Polite was following. He would put the items that polite had gifted away properly later.

A subtle flash of light appeared in one of his hands, though he attempted to hide it.

“No, thank you!”

Polite noticed the little glimpse of light, but he didn’t question it. He figured it was just a thing Karma did. His front pocket did feel a little heavier though…

He looked over at the hidden door that Karma was leading him towards, before stopping one they both had reached it.

“You know…I did not know that you have a castle! It is quite beautiful. Almost everything here is quite beautiful.”

“You included, my karma giving friend!”

He gave another smile, this one a little more sincere than his previous ones. Not that the other ones weren’t sincere of course!

Karma chuckled, gentle but clear wrinkles showing harsher in the contrasting light of the fires, lanterns, and other such things.

"Thanks! I try my best to keep this castle (and myself) looking nice and tidy. It's pretty easy, though, as all I have to do is kinda just.. snap?" Karma paused, "Well, not snap, its moreso just standing still and teleporting mess elsewhere-- unless it's trash," He rambled as he walked, leading Polite to his room. They passed a few rooms with various labels and such, and went up a staircase as he spoke. Their steps reverberated off of the stone walls of the castle, echoing pleasingly.

"Oh, and you're quite pretty yourself, Polite." Karma ended his rant, stopping infront of his door, abrasive hand touching his door. There was visibly a spot where the wood was darker and shiner, clearly from touch over the years. His, like all the other doors, had no doorknob, instead you pushed it open. The wood was heavy and solid, and could clearly withstand alot. With little effort, Karma pushed the door open, holding it for Polite. The door was kinda heavy, and he also wanted to return the polite behavior.

Inside, there were succulents all around Karma's room-- hanging from the ceiling, sitting on shelves in long containers, or on his nightstand. There were a few terrariums aswell, and they visibly were thriving. Self sustaining terrarium, Polite could notice, basing it off of the small bugs he could see inside aswell as the condensation on the glass. The ceiling of Karma's room was relatively high, though he had a modestly sized room. There was a carpet in the middle of the room, and one smaller one in a corner, two places rubbed into it from kneeling and praying. There were rosary beads on his nightstand, near one of the succulents, glasses, an unlit lantern, and a few books. Karma's bed was very neat aswell, having a prettily patterned, silk-like sheet overtop the actual, heavy looking, thick blanket. There were two pillows, laid near the headboard, and there was another, much longer, laid vertically on the bed, the fluff inside cleary pushed around from what Polite could assume was holding it.

"Ignore the mess.."

Karma sheepishly sighed, picking up a little bit. His room was well lived in and not perfectly well kempt, but it had a charm to it.

Polite let out a small gasp at the sight of the man’s room, immediately looking around to all the kinds of wild life that were all around the room. It was so incredibly wonderful to him, and he just wanted to look at everything!

“There is absolutely no reason to apologize, my friend! Your room is incredible…I too have some plants lying around in my own room.”

Polite took a seat on Karma’s bed. Running a hand along the blanket, he was pleasantly surprised that it was soft and silk-like. Almost like his own sheets at home…

“I feel as if I could fall asleep easily in this bed of yours. It’s very nice.”

He gave a chuckle.

“It’s nice to be here. With you, Karma.”

“It’s always wonderful to spend time with a dear friend.”

"You're very sweet, Polite."

Karma huffed, a sheepish blush light on his face from the flattering. Nervously, he started sorting and fiddling with items on his bedside table. After a moment of sorting, he picked up his reading glasses. His rough, well textured fingers gently started to rub over the metal of the frames, occasionally folding them open and shut, the metal pressing into the plush flesh of his finger. The abrasive, patterned skin of his finger gently swaddled the slim metal as he pressed into it, rubbing the tip of his finger back and forth on the metal.

"And it's really, really nice to be here with you too. Having visitors isn't necessarily common, but with my schedule, it's expected." Karma exhaled a laugh, his voice straight and firm (as per usual), his well worn hands still fiddling with his glasses.

He turned around, large back facing Polite as he looked at his room. He didn't seem tense nor overly relaxed, simply neutral. The leather of his cross-body belt slightly pulled on his shoulder, making the thick fabric of his jacket crease, but not harshly. Just soft creasing from the slight weight.

"Let me know which succulent you like the best, I could teach you how to germinate one."

Karma didn't finish the sentence (he prefered simpler words), but it was clear that if Polite already knew, he wouldn't explain. Karma was still fiddling, though, so that subliminal message wasn't the most obvious, but Karma was nice enough to not mind if someone didn't wanna talk much. He himself didn't like overexplaining or talking, so he didn't give two shits if someone didn't want him to. He prefered things get to the point, rather than beat around the bush.

Polite hummed for a moment, taking a look around at all of the different succulents, before landing on a random one. He didn’t quite have a favorite, he loved them all! So he decided to go with whichever one catches his eye first.

“How about that one over there? The one on your nightstand?”

A pointed a finger towards said succulent.

“You do not have to go into much detail if you do not want to, but I would not mind if you did.”

“I do quite enjoy listening to people.”

He scooched over, patting the open spot next to him, offering a place for Karma to sit at if he wanted to. It would be rude not to, of course!

Karma looked back towards Polite at the pat noise, then his eyes flicked to lock onto the succulent. He picked it up, making sure to be gentle with it, then teleported to be sat next to Polite, the bed dipping from his weight. Karma seemed much more relaxed now that he wasn't getting complimented (he wasn't used to direct compliments), his body language slack and soft.

"This is a crocodile plant. Type of aloe."

He began, rough finger grazing the spined, fat stubs of plant.

"Okay, so, basically.." Karma trailed off, narrowing his eyes slightly in thought, "They make more of themselves really often, which is what these little stubs here are around the larger one. After I cut it off, you'll need to keep it dry for a few days, so the wound from cutting it can heal. You own succulents, if I remember right. This succulent is different than most succulents. It'll turn mushy and such if you try to propigate it from a single spine and not a division from the original plant."

Karma's eyes flicked towards Polite's for a second before continuing.

"After you get it to stay alive-- and if it dies or something I can give you another, she reproduces herself alot-- Youll need to water it basically on the same schedule as most dry soiled succulents. Don’t plant too deeply to avoid rot and wait a couple of days before watering to reduce the risk of shock. These little babies are prone to rot and grow best in sandy soils that dry out quickly, and pots that allow drainage. They prefer six to eight hours of bright light every day. However, they will grow in partial sun if direct light isn’t an option. Oh! And, changes in light will evoke color changes in your plant, don't panic. It's normal. They change color alot."

Karma paused momentarily again to take a breath.

"The tips of the leaves turn a stunning red, yellow, and orange in response to bright light, and it looks unreal. As you can see."

Karma gently ran the pad of his pointer finger over the tip of one of the more outreaching, resting ones that really showed the color.

"Also choose a location in your garden with full sun, or plant in pots to move to the optimal position. They can handle partial sun (around four hours per day), but will grow far better when planted in a sunny spot."

"Oh, you can touch them by the way. Very soft spines, even if they look scary." Karma smiled when he clarified, gaze flicking to Polite only momentarily. He gently touched the spines when he looked back, giving an example. They're cold and almost soft to the touch, much like other succulents."Very cute little plants."

(( @avian-malpractice ))

//SORRY I DIDNT SEE TS BEFORE I DID THE OPEN RP THING LOL

Karma looked up, debating whether he should aurafarm with his wings and go up there, or if he should just be normal and float there. He decided, ultimately, that he would teleport up to the level they were at above the ground, then float alongside them. Sue him, he was nosey! Oh, and he wanted to be of assistance, obviously. It's the one thing he was told to do by god. As soon as he teleported up to where the person was at, he felt himself grow damp from the water vapor. He shivered, then quickly started floating alongside him. Karma waved happily at the Medic, clearly curious. Karma was (atleast he hoped) well known around freaks, enough for it to be known all he really did was either bring justice or help others.

"Hello! Do you need help?!"

Karma called out loudly, attempting to be heard over the howls of the wind. He was pretty used to the rush and loudness of flying by now, so he didn't react much to the level of noise. He grinned, eyes wide, the smile not really reaching his eyes.

(as per usual, LMAO, he smiles like he doesnt know how to)

"Oh, Come land! I can spawn you some." Karma's wrinkles showed heavily when he yelled, the muscles in his neck slightly bulging from how loud he had to yell to be heard.

"Or, wait."

Dorian's vision went white before he was suddenly on the ground. Karma was visibly unphased, though looked flushed and wind bitten.

"The Karma Soldier!" Karma held out a rough, textured hand for Dorian to shake. He had well groomed hands, though there were obvious scars beneath the various rings and other such decor. He had slight staining on the palm of his hand, smudged beyond readability. It seemed to be a list, or maybe a doodle, though it was too smudged to decipher. Clearly, it was written with an early pen, with how it shimmered slightly in the light. The ink highlighted the various grooves, notches, and wear on his hand, the lines and texture on his palm deep and clearly rough. There was very minimal (yet still there) sweat curving with the texture of his palm, slightly glistening like glitter does.

"..You don't have to use the 'The' or 'Soldier' part, by the way. I don't mind what I'm called."

"Karma hm? My pleasure, I'm Dorian Ludvig"

Karma's eyes slightly lingered on Dorian's feathers, seeming to momentarily be in thought.

"How do you balance yourself or just live with wings?" Karma glanced at Dorian's face, "They're very odd to have out."

Karma didn't visibly seem avian, not at all. Certainly rude for a non avian to say that-- it would be understandable if he was an avian, though he visibly looked entirely human-- besides the halo.

[Dorian pridefully spread his wings to fully show them off, either not catching or ignoring the slight under tone of almost hostile wonder]

"Besides I've had zhem for years at zhis point, I've simply adapted. It's not always easy being a hybrid but I certainly wouldn’t go back to being a normal human being"

"Hhm. Are you able to give me any tips?"

Karma inquired, clearly forgetting he (visibly) had zero wings. Thick padded fingers came up to scratch his chin, eyes trained on the ground near Dorian's shoes.

"I struggle staying upright with them out without floating or defying gravity."

Karma paused, noticing he had those herbs Dorian was looking for still cradled in his offhand. He held them out, staring at Dorian like a dead fish-- just with its mouth shut.

Oh… hello Karma…~

Karma just stared at the bushman, smiling. His hands were on his hips as he stared. He had his wings out, for once, though they were neatly folded behind himself.

"Hello, Brutal."

Behind him, came the unmistakable sound of a furious battle cry followed by the stomping of somebody entirely fueled by spite.

“YE THINK YE CAN SAY NAE TO DEMOPAN?! YE’LL GET A PAN CLATTERED RIGHT OFF YE SKULL!”

@iizsmart

Karma, who was aurafarming ontop of something not too far away, immediately snapped to look at the commotion. After a few more moments of observation, he teleported a few feet infront of Intelligent Heavy, hands on his hips. (He was a little bit off to ghe side, as to not get ran over. He has learned his lesson about that the hard way a few times)

“Heavy is happy to see friendly face!”

Behind him came a clang!

Demopan’s frying pan had smashed into a boulder.

He flinched.

“…Heavy is… little less happy about that part…”

Heavy quickly stepped behind Karma, using him as an extremely polite shield.

"Yes!" Karma nodded, very enthusiastic about helping-- as always.

Karma didn't mind being used as a shield, not at all. Then, he started walking towards where he assumed Demopan was. Squinting as he looked around, he didn't see Demoman, eliciting a soft grumble under his breath. Then, like two seconds later, he turned back towards Intel, grinning before teleporting himself and Intelligent awhile away. (Demopan had been in the middle of absolutely pummeling the pan at them both before they teleported away)

They hadn't teleported too far, but far enough.

"Would you like him to apologize to you?"

Karma inquired, adjusting his cross-body belt idly, his lip slightly poked out as he focused on adjusting. His brow was slightly furrowed as he brushed his coat flat aswell. After preening for like 3 seconds, he looked back at Intelligent.

For several seconds.

Heavy scratches his chin before folding his arms.

“Heavy thinks… no.”

He shook his head.

“Heavy does not think Demopan should apologize. Heavy… understands why Demopan upset… I did not agree to trade offer… maybe Demopan has no customer.”

"Oh, Alright!" Karma paused, a soft 'hum' sound quietly vibrating from his throat as he looked aside.

"Say, What all do you do in your freetime?"

Karma inquired, looking back towards Heavy, his lower lip slightly poked out. He scratched his chin a little bit as he stared, eyes still unervingly huge.

"I have, recently, been blessed with more time to myself by god," He pressed his palms together in a praying notion momentarily, "and I need ideas, if you don't mind."

“Heavy likes making things! Though sometimes Heavy is not sure how Heavy make them usually…” The gentle giant laughed good-naturally, holding one finger.

“And… Heavy likes seeing what happens…” Another finger shot up before he lower it. “…WAIT that is not really hobby,” He admitted, smiling innocently.

Karma nodded along, mentally writing this down. After a second, a flash of light appeared in his hand, and a pen spawned. He wrote those things down on the palm of his hand.

"Oh, Spyper? I remember him. And thank you, Intel! Would it be too much to ask to see the things you make?" Karma asked, looking genuinely curious, his eyes wide as hell, but in a friendly manner. (gmod stare)

(( @avian-malpractice ))

//SORRY I DIDNT SEE TS BEFORE I DID THE OPEN RP THING LOL

Karma looked up, debating whether he should aurafarm with his wings and go up there, or if he should just be normal and float there. He decided, ultimately, that he would teleport up to the level they were at above the ground, then float alongside them. Sue him, he was nosey! Oh, and he wanted to be of assistance, obviously. It's the one thing he was told to do by god. As soon as he teleported up to where the person was at, he felt himself grow damp from the water vapor. He shivered, then quickly started floating alongside him. Karma waved happily at the Medic, clearly curious. Karma was (atleast he hoped) well known around freaks, enough for it to be known all he really did was either bring justice or help others.

"Hello! Do you need help?!"

Karma called out loudly, attempting to be heard over the howls of the wind. He was pretty used to the rush and loudness of flying by now, so he didn't react much to the level of noise. He grinned, eyes wide, the smile not really reaching his eyes.

(as per usual, LMAO, he smiles like he doesnt know how to)

"Oh, Come land! I can spawn you some." Karma's wrinkles showed heavily when he yelled, the muscles in his neck slightly bulging from how loud he had to yell to be heard.

"Or, wait."

Dorian's vision went white before he was suddenly on the ground. Karma was visibly unphased, though looked flushed and wind bitten.

"The Karma Soldier!" Karma held out a rough, textured hand for Dorian to shake. He had well groomed hands, though there were obvious scars beneath the various rings and other such decor. He had slight staining on the palm of his hand, smudged beyond readability. It seemed to be a list, or maybe a doodle, though it was too smudged to decipher. Clearly, it was written with an early pen, with how it shimmered slightly in the light. The ink highlighted the various grooves, notches, and wear on his hand, the lines and texture on his palm deep and clearly rough. There was very minimal (yet still there) sweat curving with the texture of his palm, slightly glistening like glitter does.

"..You don't have to use the 'The' or 'Soldier' part, by the way. I don't mind what I'm called."

"Karma hm? My pleasure, I'm Dorian Ludvig"

Karma's eyes slightly lingered on Dorian's feathers, seeming to momentarily be in thought.

"How do you balance yourself or just live with wings?" Karma glanced at Dorian's face, "They're very odd to have out."

Karma didn't visibly seem avian, not at all. Certainly rude for a non avian to say that-- it would be understandable if he was an avian, though he visibly looked entirely human-- besides the halo.

A few minutes go by, and the rustling stops.

A figure starts to emerge from behind the trees.

“Oh dear…now where am I now? This is not where I wanted to be…”

Polite blinks before he looks around, trying to get a grasp on his surroundings. That’s until he spots Karma, who was currently minding his business. His expression immediately lightens up, giving a smile before he shuffled his way out of the forest and over to Karma.

“Karma Soldier! My friend! It is wonderful to see you!”

He calls out from behind. Trying not to sneak up on the fella.

~ @polite-espionage 🌼

"Ah!"

Karma flinched as he turned around, spooked only momentarily. Relaxing as soon as he saw Polite, he grinned, his eyes wide as hell, as per usual.

"Polite! What is up!"

Karma waved enthusiastically.

Before being spooked by Polite, he had been tending to his own, personal garden. It was mostly filled with normal plants, though there was the occasional flower. Alot of trees and a lot of odd looking, probably exotic plants. There were plants hanging from trees in baskets, their leaves and other extremities tangling in a pretty downwards spiral. Most of them were damp from watering-- clearly Karma's doing. The man had a water can in his offhand.

The area wasn't only decorated with exotic plants and such, there were also rocks, statues, stacks of said rocks, and even small ponds of water around. (Though of course in places one wouldn't accidentally step in, they were decorated heavily with long grasses and such.) The garden was obviously very well taken care of, and even had a few benches and other such decorations specifically for hanging out. Looking closely, there were mosses all around, all healthy and plump. I would describe the rest of the plants around the garden area, but I've done enough.

Karma looked a tad confused, though, Polite noticed. Just a slight twinge of it on the man's face. Hm.

Polite took a look around Karma’s garden, letting out a small gasp at the sight of all his beautiful and exotic plants that were all around. He had always had an interest in plants, mainly flowers, so the sight of Karma also having a garden excited him.

“Oh my- Karma! I did not know that you too had such a lovely garden! It’s absolutely gorgeous!”

Polite clasped his hands together in awe as he continued to take a look around. He would not touch anything though, not until he was given the okay to. It would be rude to touch other people’s things without permission.

“I would love to show you my garden too some time if you’d like…perhaps we can even share some tips with one another! It would be pleasant.”

“Enough with my rambling, though. How are you, my angel-winged friend?”

Karma stated as he turned around idly getting back to watering his plants. His garden was huge, and it was clear just looking around.

"You can look around freely, maybe give me some tips while you do so."

Karma glanced backwards at Polite, halo moving lazily with his head. It lacked behind his movements usually. He still looked like he had something to ask, that tight look on his face.

The plants he was currently watering were Spider plants, Snake plants, Zanzibar Gems, Pileas, and Peperomias. They slightly jiggled under the water that was gently poured over them, making a slight pattering noise as it did so. The upright and stiff ones (like the snake plant) just let the water run down themselves, soaking the moisture up.

“Why, of course! I do have plenty of things in mind…”

Polite began to ramble on about soil and about how much water you should give your plants and all of that. While he did that, he took a look around the garden, gently taking some by their leaves before running his thumb against them.

“Your plants are in excellent shape, my friend! Absolutely wonderful work, Karma.”

He gave the man a smile, before noticing the expression on his face.

“My friend…are you alright?”

"Euhrr," Karma subconsciously flashed his teeth, looking aside, "How did you.. get up here? Not complaining, just curious."

"And thanks! I have to take good care of them for them to stay green. It's also just something I do in my freetime, though my team usually does most of the work.. I'm usually more out and about, I have no time for things like this. I'm lucky I have time right now."

Karma laughed, though the twinge in his face told he was a little jealous. Karma has a deep, deep appreciation and love for anything on this earth (besides those who actively hurt others purposely), so he would, naturally, be jealous of his team. His team has all the time in the world to pamper the garden and relax, as they don't have the power and responsibility Karma does.

(*They literally can't help much besides teleporting and going invisible, while Karma has the true power of the bunch.*)

Karma did absolutely love his job, though, do not get him wrong. He wouldn't give it for the world (well, he would, but still), he just wished he had more time for the simpler things. Most freetime he got was being able to go around and help people, which he enjoyed, but he wished he could do simpler things once in awhile. Like caring for plants. While he does get to help animals once in awhile, it's mostly people and freaks, and that gets a little repetitive over the years.

“Ah, well…I do not quite remember! I was trying to make my way over to the BLU base when I believe I took a wrong turn…”

Polite scratched his chin, thinking back on how he could have gotten to where he was at the moment.

“It is quite alright, though. It is nice to spend time with a dear friend.”

He slid a hand up Karma’s back. He was suddenly back at Karma’s side, it was if Karma had blinked and Polite had somehow managed to get next to him without so much as a noise or movement. He was peculiar like that. Nothing could really be explained with him.

“I can see why you do not have much free time…you do have to go around and judge people and all of that.”

There was an expression of sympathy on his face.

“You do deserve to enjoy the simpler things, my friend. You do so much for the world.”

Karma's eyebrows raised a little at the touch, bristling only momentarily from the slight spook. He then relaxed, looking back at his plants, arms crossed. Karma had an look of contentment and thinking now as he stared at the greenery.

"I will have to look around later for how you managed to somehow get here. I don't want any potential freak hunters discovering it and getting in, or something."

Karma paused oncemore before replying to the other part of what Polite said, seemingly having momentarily forgotten what Polite had said.

"Yeah, yeah.." He grumbled softly, not exactly sure how to reply to that. Karma wasn't quite sure how he thought he's get away with talking about his schedule without Polite being.. well, polite. He hadn't really been seeking out tha reassurance, so he was still offput by it.

"Anyways," Karma cleared his throat into his fist before resting his hands on his hips. "What about those gardening tips, crouton? I've been thinking of getting some more flowers for the garden, but I both don't really know how to care for them and also I have zero clue what flowers thrive in the shaded yet large amount of sunlight these guys like. Plus the watering.. Gosh, I need to ask Heavy about the watering these guys like.." Karma still hadn't pulled away from Polite, as he was very much enjoying the affection. Not in a weird way, LMAO.

“I’d recommend Asters, Lantanas, Blanket Flowers, Salvia, and Sedums! They are heat resistant plants, and all need well draining soil. I do have a few seeds of those kinds back at my own garden if you would like them.”

Noticing Karma not pulling away from his touch, he decided to lay his head down on on his shoulder, looking up at him as he did.

“I’ve also got lots of extra soil as well… alongside gardening tools! I’d be more than happy to hand them over to you, my friend.”

“I would love to garden with you some time…it would be very fun.”

"Are you sure? I can easily spawn some seed packets in." Karma asked before visibly flustering at the touch.

(*like how you use the word for like a chicken getting all fluffed up when you touch them unexpectedly sometimes*)

"Gosh, I don't know if I could accept that offer, Polite. I could spawn in some plants and rocks and other things in trade, maybe?" Karma paused momentarily before nodding lower lip going out slightly in thought, "And yeah, that sounds fun gardening. I could teach you about my succulents in my room, less you already keep them and know how they work well. Very cool plants." Karma seemed to relax the more he talked, thinking about his plants. Thank the lord succulents rarely need watering, or else the only plants he takes care of by himself would be dead and dust by now. Well, it's not like he can't just heal them, but whatever. It's the thought that counts.

...

Feels inhumane having to bring something he killed back to like repeatedly-- even if it's a plant.

“Of course, my friend. In fact, I do believe I actually have them right here!”

Polite reached into his back pocket, before pulling out multiple seed packets, some gardening tools, and also like 3 bags of soil. All in one hand, somehow.

“Here you go, gifts, for you!”

He handed all of the things over to Karma, they stacked up pretty tall all things considered.

“Also, I would love to see your succulents! I do believe I have some, but I’d still love to see them nevertheless.”

“I don’t believe I’ve ever seen your room before as well! What a fun new experience!”

Karma, slightly taken aback by the cartoony abundance of items in Polite's hand, leaned his head back slightly in shock, eyebrows high. He grunted when they were handed over, having to balance them, though he was kinda shitty with it. After he huffed a nervous laugh, he put the stuff down, leaning the bags and such on the wall of the main plant holder thing.

"Thanks!" Karma nodded, taking a second to adjust them so they didn't fall.

A second later, he straightened his posture and stood, starting to walk towards the (slightly hidden) door to the castle. He looked behind himself, making sure Polite was following. He would put the items that polite had gifted away properly later.

A subtle flash of light appeared in one of his hands, though he attempted to hide it.

“No, thank you!”

Polite noticed the little glimpse of light, but he didn’t question it. He figured it was just a thing Karma did. His front pocket did feel a little heavier though…

He looked over at the hidden door that Karma was leading him towards, before stopping one they both had reached it.

“You know…I did not know that you have a castle! It is quite beautiful. Almost everything here is quite beautiful.”

“You included, my karma giving friend!”

He gave another smile, this one a little more sincere than his previous ones. Not that the other ones weren’t sincere of course!

Karma chuckled, gentle but clear wrinkles showing harsher in the contrasting light of the fires, lanterns, and other such things.

"Thanks! I try my best to keep this castle (and myself) looking nice and tidy. It's pretty easy, though, as all I have to do is kinda just.. snap?" Karma paused, "Well, not snap, its moreso just standing still and teleporting mess elsewhere-- unless it's trash," He rambled as he walked, leading Polite to his room. They passed a few rooms with various labels and such, and went up a staircase as he spoke. Their steps reverberated off of the stone walls of the castle, echoing pleasingly.

"Oh, and you're quite pretty yourself, Polite." Karma ended his rant, stopping infront of his door, abrasive hand touching his door. There was visibly a spot where the wood was darker and shiner, clearly from touch over the years. His, like all the other doors, had no doorknob, instead you pushed it open. The wood was heavy and solid, and could clearly withstand alot. With little effort, Karma pushed the door open, holding it for Polite. The door was kinda heavy, and he also wanted to return the polite behavior.

Inside, there were succulents all around Karma's room-- hanging from the ceiling, sitting on shelves in long containers, or on his nightstand. There were a few terrariums aswell, and they visibly were thriving. Self sustaining terrarium, Polite could notice, basing it off of the small bugs he could see inside aswell as the condensation on the glass. The ceiling of Karma's room was relatively high, though he had a modestly sized room. There was a carpet in the middle of the room, and one smaller one in a corner, two places rubbed into it from kneeling and praying. There were rosary beads on his nightstand, near one of the succulents, glasses, an unlit lantern, and a few books. Karma's bed was very neat aswell, having a prettily patterned, silk-like sheet overtop the actual, heavy looking, thick blanket. There were two pillows, laid near the headboard, and there was another, much longer, laid vertically on the bed, the fluff inside cleary pushed around from what Polite could assume was holding it.

"Ignore the mess.."

Karma sheepishly sighed, picking up a little bit. His room was well lived in and not perfectly well kempt, but it had a charm to it.

Polite let out a small gasp at the sight of the man’s room, immediately looking around to all the kinds of wild life that were all around the room. It was so incredibly wonderful to him, and he just wanted to look at everything!

“There is absolutely no reason to apologize, my friend! Your room is incredible…I too have some plants lying around in my own room.”

Polite took a seat on Karma’s bed. Running a hand along the blanket, he was pleasantly surprised that it was soft and silk-like. Almost like his own sheets at home…

“I feel as if I could fall asleep easily in this bed of yours. It’s very nice.”

He gave a chuckle.

“It’s nice to be here. With you, Karma.”

“It’s always wonderful to spend time with a dear friend.”

"You're very sweet, Polite."

Karma huffed, a sheepish blush light on his face from the flattering. Nervously, he started sorting and fiddling with items on his bedside table. After a moment of sorting, he picked up his reading glasses. His rough, well textured fingers gently started to rub over the metal of the frames, occasionally folding them open and shut, the metal pressing into the plush flesh of his finger. The abrasive, patterned skin of his finger gently swaddled the slim metal as he pressed into it, rubbing the tip of his finger back and forth on the metal.

"And it's really, really nice to be here with you too. Having visitors isn't necessarily common, but with my schedule, it's expected." Karma exhaled a laugh, his voice straight and firm (as per usual), his well worn hands still fiddling with his glasses.

He turned around, large back facing Polite as he looked at his room. He didn't seem tense nor overly relaxed, simply neutral. The leather of his cross-body belt slightly pulled on his shoulder, making the thick fabric of his jacket crease, but not harshly. Just soft creasing from the slight weight.

"Let me know which succulent you like the best, I could teach you how to germinate one."

Karma didn't finish the sentence (he prefered simpler words), but it was clear that if Polite already knew, he wouldn't explain. Karma was still fiddling, though, so that subliminal message wasn't the most obvious, but Karma was nice enough to not mind if someone didn't wanna talk much. He himself didn't like overexplaining or talking, so he didn't give two shits if someone didn't want him to. He prefered things get to the point, rather than beat around the bush.

(( @avian-malpractice ))

//SORRY I DIDNT SEE TS BEFORE I DID THE OPEN RP THING LOL

Karma looked up, debating whether he should aurafarm with his wings and go up there, or if he should just be normal and float there. He decided, ultimately, that he would teleport up to the level they were at above the ground, then float alongside them. Sue him, he was nosey! Oh, and he wanted to be of assistance, obviously. It's the one thing he was told to do by god. As soon as he teleported up to where the person was at, he felt himself grow damp from the water vapor. He shivered, then quickly started floating alongside him. Karma waved happily at the Medic, clearly curious. Karma was (atleast he hoped) well known around freaks, enough for it to be known all he really did was either bring justice or help others.

"Hello! Do you need help?!"

Karma called out loudly, attempting to be heard over the howls of the wind. He was pretty used to the rush and loudness of flying by now, so he didn't react much to the level of noise. He grinned, eyes wide, the smile not really reaching his eyes.

(as per usual, LMAO, he smiles like he doesnt know how to)

"Oh, Come land! I can spawn you some." Karma's wrinkles showed heavily when he yelled, the muscles in his neck slightly bulging from how loud he had to yell to be heard.

"Or, wait."

Dorian's vision went white before he was suddenly on the ground. Karma was visibly unphased, though looked flushed and wind bitten.

"The Karma Soldier!" Karma held out a rough, textured hand for Dorian to shake. He had well groomed hands, though there were obvious scars beneath the various rings and other such decor. He had slight staining on the palm of his hand, smudged beyond readability. It seemed to be a list, or maybe a doodle, though it was too smudged to decipher. Clearly, it was written with an early pen, with how it shimmered slightly in the light. The ink highlighted the various grooves, notches, and wear on his hand, the lines and texture on his palm deep and clearly rough. There was very minimal (yet still there) sweat curving with the texture of his palm, slightly glistening like glitter does.

"..You don't have to use the 'The' or 'Soldier' part, by the way. I don't mind what I'm called."

A few minutes go by, and the rustling stops.

A figure starts to emerge from behind the trees.

“Oh dear…now where am I now? This is not where I wanted to be…”

Polite blinks before he looks around, trying to get a grasp on his surroundings. That’s until he spots Karma, who was currently minding his business. His expression immediately lightens up, giving a smile before he shuffled his way out of the forest and over to Karma.

“Karma Soldier! My friend! It is wonderful to see you!”

He calls out from behind. Trying not to sneak up on the fella.

~ @polite-espionage 🌼

"Ah!"

Karma flinched as he turned around, spooked only momentarily. Relaxing as soon as he saw Polite, he grinned, his eyes wide as hell, as per usual.

"Polite! What is up!"

Karma waved enthusiastically.

Before being spooked by Polite, he had been tending to his own, personal garden. It was mostly filled with normal plants, though there was the occasional flower. Alot of trees and a lot of odd looking, probably exotic plants. There were plants hanging from trees in baskets, their leaves and other extremities tangling in a pretty downwards spiral. Most of them were damp from watering-- clearly Karma's doing. The man had a water can in his offhand.

The area wasn't only decorated with exotic plants and such, there were also rocks, statues, stacks of said rocks, and even small ponds of water around. (Though of course in places one wouldn't accidentally step in, they were decorated heavily with long grasses and such.) The garden was obviously very well taken care of, and even had a few benches and other such decorations specifically for hanging out. Looking closely, there were mosses all around, all healthy and plump. I would describe the rest of the plants around the garden area, but I've done enough.

Karma looked a tad confused, though, Polite noticed. Just a slight twinge of it on the man's face. Hm.

Polite took a look around Karma’s garden, letting out a small gasp at the sight of all his beautiful and exotic plants that were all around. He had always had an interest in plants, mainly flowers, so the sight of Karma also having a garden excited him.

“Oh my- Karma! I did not know that you too had such a lovely garden! It’s absolutely gorgeous!”

Polite clasped his hands together in awe as he continued to take a look around. He would not touch anything though, not until he was given the okay to. It would be rude to touch other people’s things without permission.

“I would love to show you my garden too some time if you’d like…perhaps we can even share some tips with one another! It would be pleasant.”

“Enough with my rambling, though. How are you, my angel-winged friend?”

Karma stated as he turned around idly getting back to watering his plants. His garden was huge, and it was clear just looking around.

"You can look around freely, maybe give me some tips while you do so."

Karma glanced backwards at Polite, halo moving lazily with his head. It lacked behind his movements usually. He still looked like he had something to ask, that tight look on his face.

The plants he was currently watering were Spider plants, Snake plants, Zanzibar Gems, Pileas, and Peperomias. They slightly jiggled under the water that was gently poured over them, making a slight pattering noise as it did so. The upright and stiff ones (like the snake plant) just let the water run down themselves, soaking the moisture up.

“Why, of course! I do have plenty of things in mind…”

Polite began to ramble on about soil and about how much water you should give your plants and all of that. While he did that, he took a look around the garden, gently taking some by their leaves before running his thumb against them.

“Your plants are in excellent shape, my friend! Absolutely wonderful work, Karma.”

He gave the man a smile, before noticing the expression on his face.

“My friend…are you alright?”

"Euhrr," Karma subconsciously flashed his teeth, looking aside, "How did you.. get up here? Not complaining, just curious."

"And thanks! I have to take good care of them for them to stay green. It's also just something I do in my freetime, though my team usually does most of the work.. I'm usually more out and about, I have no time for things like this. I'm lucky I have time right now."

Karma laughed, though the twinge in his face told he was a little jealous. Karma has a deep, deep appreciation and love for anything on this earth (besides those who actively hurt others purposely), so he would, naturally, be jealous of his team. His team has all the time in the world to pamper the garden and relax, as they don't have the power and responsibility Karma does.

(*They literally can't help much besides teleporting and going invisible, while Karma has the true power of the bunch.*)

Karma did absolutely love his job, though, do not get him wrong. He wouldn't give it for the world (well, he would, but still), he just wished he had more time for the simpler things. Most freetime he got was being able to go around and help people, which he enjoyed, but he wished he could do simpler things once in awhile. Like caring for plants. While he does get to help animals once in awhile, it's mostly people and freaks, and that gets a little repetitive over the years.

“Ah, well…I do not quite remember! I was trying to make my way over to the BLU base when I believe I took a wrong turn…”

Polite scratched his chin, thinking back on how he could have gotten to where he was at the moment.

“It is quite alright, though. It is nice to spend time with a dear friend.”

He slid a hand up Karma’s back. He was suddenly back at Karma’s side, it was if Karma had blinked and Polite had somehow managed to get next to him without so much as a noise or movement. He was peculiar like that. Nothing could really be explained with him.

“I can see why you do not have much free time…you do have to go around and judge people and all of that.”

There was an expression of sympathy on his face.

“You do deserve to enjoy the simpler things, my friend. You do so much for the world.”

Karma's eyebrows raised a little at the touch, bristling only momentarily from the slight spook. He then relaxed, looking back at his plants, arms crossed. Karma had an look of contentment and thinking now as he stared at the greenery.

"I will have to look around later for how you managed to somehow get here. I don't want any potential freak hunters discovering it and getting in, or something."

Karma paused oncemore before replying to the other part of what Polite said, seemingly having momentarily forgotten what Polite had said.

"Yeah, yeah.." He grumbled softly, not exactly sure how to reply to that. Karma wasn't quite sure how he thought he's get away with talking about his schedule without Polite being.. well, polite. He hadn't really been seeking out tha reassurance, so he was still offput by it.

"Anyways," Karma cleared his throat into his fist before resting his hands on his hips. "What about those gardening tips, crouton? I've been thinking of getting some more flowers for the garden, but I both don't really know how to care for them and also I have zero clue what flowers thrive in the shaded yet large amount of sunlight these guys like. Plus the watering.. Gosh, I need to ask Heavy about the watering these guys like.." Karma still hadn't pulled away from Polite, as he was very much enjoying the affection. Not in a weird way, LMAO.

“I’d recommend Asters, Lantanas, Blanket Flowers, Salvia, and Sedums! They are heat resistant plants, and all need well draining soil. I do have a few seeds of those kinds back at my own garden if you would like them.”

Noticing Karma not pulling away from his touch, he decided to lay his head down on on his shoulder, looking up at him as he did.

“I’ve also got lots of extra soil as well… alongside gardening tools! I’d be more than happy to hand them over to you, my friend.”

“I would love to garden with you some time…it would be very fun.”

"Are you sure? I can easily spawn some seed packets in." Karma asked before visibly flustering at the touch.

(*like how you use the word for like a chicken getting all fluffed up when you touch them unexpectedly sometimes*)

"Gosh, I don't know if I could accept that offer, Polite. I could spawn in some plants and rocks and other things in trade, maybe?" Karma paused momentarily before nodding lower lip going out slightly in thought, "And yeah, that sounds fun gardening. I could teach you about my succulents in my room, less you already keep them and know how they work well. Very cool plants." Karma seemed to relax the more he talked, thinking about his plants. Thank the lord succulents rarely need watering, or else the only plants he takes care of by himself would be dead and dust by now. Well, it's not like he can't just heal them, but whatever. It's the thought that counts.

...

Feels inhumane having to bring something he killed back to like repeatedly-- even if it's a plant.

“Of course, my friend. In fact, I do believe I actually have them right here!”

Polite reached into his back pocket, before pulling out multiple seed packets, some gardening tools, and also like 3 bags of soil. All in one hand, somehow.

“Here you go, gifts, for you!”

He handed all of the things over to Karma, they stacked up pretty tall all things considered.

“Also, I would love to see your succulents! I do believe I have some, but I’d still love to see them nevertheless.”

“I don’t believe I’ve ever seen your room before as well! What a fun new experience!”

Karma, slightly taken aback by the cartoony abundance of items in Polite's hand, leaned his head back slightly in shock, eyebrows high. He grunted when they were handed over, having to balance them, though he was kinda shitty with it. After he huffed a nervous laugh, he put the stuff down, leaning the bags and such on the wall of the main plant holder thing.

"Thanks!" Karma nodded, taking a second to adjust them so they didn't fall.

A second later, he straightened his posture and stood, starting to walk towards the (slightly hidden) door to the castle. He looked behind himself, making sure Polite was following. He would put the items that polite had gifted away properly later.

A subtle flash of light appeared in one of his hands, though he attempted to hide it.

“No, thank you!”

Polite noticed the little glimpse of light, but he didn’t question it. He figured it was just a thing Karma did. His front pocket did feel a little heavier though…

He looked over at the hidden door that Karma was leading him towards, before stopping one they both had reached it.

“You know…I did not know that you have a castle! It is quite beautiful. Almost everything here is quite beautiful.”

“You included, my karma giving friend!”

He gave another smile, this one a little more sincere than his previous ones. Not that the other ones weren’t sincere of course!

Karma chuckled, gentle but clear wrinkles showing harsher in the contrasting light of the fires, lanterns, and other such things.

"Thanks! I try my best to keep this castle (and myself) looking nice and tidy. It's pretty easy, though, as all I have to do is kinda just.. snap?" Karma paused, "Well, not snap, its moreso just standing still and teleporting mess elsewhere-- unless it's trash," He rambled as he walked, leading Polite to his room. They passed a few rooms with various labels and such, and went up a staircase as he spoke. Their steps reverberated off of the stone walls of the castle, echoing pleasingly.

"Oh, and you're quite pretty yourself, Polite." Karma ended his rant, stopping infront of his door, abrasive hand touching his door. There was visibly a spot where the wood was darker and shiner, clearly from touch over the years. His, like all the other doors, had no doorknob, instead you pushed it open. The wood was heavy and solid, and could clearly withstand alot. With little effort, Karma pushed the door open, holding it for Polite. The door was kinda heavy, and he also wanted to return the polite behavior.

Inside, there were succulents all around Karma's room-- hanging from the ceiling, sitting on shelves in long containers, or on his nightstand. There were a few terrariums aswell, and they visibly were thriving. Self sustaining terrarium, Polite could notice, basing it off of the small bugs he could see inside aswell as the condensation on the glass. The ceiling of Karma's room was relatively high, though he had a modestly sized room. There was a carpet in the middle of the room, and one smaller one in a corner, two places rubbed into it from kneeling and praying. There were rosary beads on his nightstand, near one of the succulents, glasses, an unlit lantern, and a few books. Karma's bed was very neat aswell, having a prettily patterned, silk-like sheet overtop the actual, heavy looking, thick blanket. There were two pillows, laid near the headboard, and there was another, much longer, laid vertically on the bed, the fluff inside cleary pushed around from what Polite could assume was holding it.

"Ignore the mess.."

Karma sheepishly sighed, picking up a little bit. His room was well lived in and not perfectly well kempt, but it had a charm to it.

(( @avian-malpractice ))

//SORRY I DIDNT SEE TS BEFORE I DID THE OPEN RP THING LOL

Karma looked up, debating whether he should aurafarm with his wings and go up there, or if he should just be normal and float there. He decided, ultimately, that he would teleport up to the level they were at above the ground, then float alongside them. Sue him, he was nosey! Oh, and he wanted to be of assistance, obviously. It's the one thing he was told to do by god. As soon as he teleported up to where the person was at, he felt himself grow damp from the water vapor. He shivered, then quickly started floating alongside him. Karma waved happily at the Medic, clearly curious. Karma was (atleast he hoped) well known around freaks, enough for it to be known all he really did was either bring justice or help others.

"Hello! Do you need help?!"

Karma called out loudly, attempting to be heard over the howls of the wind. He was pretty used to the rush and loudness of flying by now, so he didn't react much to the level of noise. He grinned, eyes wide, the smile not really reaching his eyes.

(as per usual, LMAO, he smiles like he doesnt know how to)

"Oh, Come land! I can spawn you some." Karma's wrinkles showed heavily when he yelled, the muscles in his neck slightly bulging from how loud he had to yell to be heard.

"Or, wait."

Dorian's vision went white before he was suddenly on the ground. Karma was visibly unphased, though looked flushed and wind bitten.