Time

&

Time

Again

By: Reo Star

CHAPTER 1: Hot Water

Vash leaned against the wall as he patiently waited for Maryl to get out of the bathroom. It had been one of the longest days in his life, and all he needed now was a hot shower. If there was any hot water left, that is.

Vash turned his attention to a small blond boy sitting in the hallway. He smiled to himself as the boy pushed a rubber ball back and forth across the floor. The boy saw Vash looking at him and stood up, starring at Vash in an odd way. Vash waved politely and smiled, the little boy's jaw dropped, and he went running inside the nearest door.

"Vash? Who are you smiling at?"

Vash turned to Maryl, who was out of the bathroom and standing beside him in the hall.

"Just some kid, playing in the hall."

"Oh, well the bathroom's free, but hurry, I think the people in 204 are waiting to get in."

Vash sighed. Again, he would be forced out of the shower early. How he hated staying in cheep hotels.

Vash closed the door to the bathroom behind him, and leaned against the door.

'Just one night. That's all I ask for. One night where I don't have to worry.' Vash thought to himself.

Nevertheless, it was more then he could ever hope to have. Why? Because he always worried. He worried mainly about everyone but himself. It was almost like a constant curse to be a decent person.

Vash turned on the water and felt it.

"Cold…thanks Maryl." He said to himself.

Vash undressed, neatly folding his clothing and placing it on the sink counter. For a moment, Vash starred at himself in the mirror. There he saw a tired, slightly disturbed man, who had given himself hell, and kept coming back for more.

Vash sighed and felt the water again. Still cold.

Vash found a wall, and leaned against it. The tiled surface felt could against his bare skin. He closed his eyes, and thought of the only thing that could possibly bring him peace. Rem.

Once again, Vash found himself lying in a grassy place, Rem sitting near by. He closed his eyes and listened as she sang that old familiar song. A sense of peace filled him, as each word drifted into his ear. If only he could stay here forever.

Vash's solitude was interrupted with a loud banging knock on the door.

"HURRY UP IN THERE, I AIN'T GOT ALL DAY!"

Vash shuddered; he was just realizing how cold he actually was. Quickly, he jumped in the shower, only to find it scalding hot.