Author's Babblings: Okay! Scene. Vash and Meryl are already a thing-- it was bound to happen.
Phwee, this is my first time actually posting and I is nervous about it. o-o Make me feel better? R'n'R?
Disclaimer: Trigun and all its subdivisions of disclaimables are not mineand I make no profit from writing this sad little fic, save helpful criticism. cough Helpful criticism. furrows brow at reader
Chapter One: Secrets and Smiles
Cold, gaunt hands brushed yellowing pages, flicking them one after the other. Pale faces, smiling and crying and displaying many other emotions, peered up off them into the tired eyes that were following their every line, every shadow and every detail…
A small woman fidgeted, breathing fast, struggling to contain her excitement. "Oh my god," she kept whispering feverishly to her herself, repeating it over and over. "Oh my god…" She slowly resolved to try and calm herself down.
"Okay," she breathed. "Okay…Relax, Meryl," she spoke softly. "Just relax."
She collected herself a little, seating herself down at the foot of her bed. She took time, breathing slowly and deeply, smoothing her hair and clothes over in the attempt.
"Phoooo," she exhaled, and then allowed herself a small smile, which consequently became a wide grin. She hugged herself, savoring the happiness that consumed her in the moment of discovery: the discovery of the miracle brewing inside of her.
She stood up, her eyes brimming with joy. She looked at herself in the mirror and was never so proud to be Meryl Stryfe. Her reflection gave her a congratulatory beam and folded her arms across her stomach. The short, young woman stepped forward, her lavender eyes glittering. She could hardly contain herself, she was so happy.
"Milly!" she called, her voice slightly shaky. She paused, recalling that her friend and workmate was not in the house. Meryl cast around as to what to do with herself. She snatched up her usual white blouse, decided on spewing the news out to Milly as soon as possible. She pulled on her white boots and cleared away a box and the used contents beside it. She gave the mirror one last look, smiling with utter joy, before racing out into the street, not bothering to lock the front door of the house behind her.
"Milly!" she yelled out, her black-cerulean hair whipping in the wind rushing past her, not caring about the odd looks she was receiving from the passing townsfolk.
"MILLY!" she squealed again, drawing closer to her friend's part-time workplace. "Mil—" Meryl was cut mid-shout when abruptly the ground began to rumble. She stood for a moment, teetering on the spot worriedly when at once a great fountain of water disgorged from the well ahead.
"Meryl!" the high gleeful voice of Milly Thompson sounded out. "Meryl, we hit water!" Meryl beamed as her friend rushed over and a discontented cat rushed away, the water raining down on the small square. "Isn't that great?" Milly cried, her arms outstretched, welcoming the water that was drenching her clothes.
"Yeah!" Meryl agreed, chuckling and turning her face to the sky, letting the droplets cool her face. Milly did a small jig, smiling and looking unmatched for her own amount of glee. Meryl looked with content eyes to the outlying desert into the fluid haze.
"Vash will come back, right?" Milly suddenly asked, out of the blue. Meryl grinned wickedly, the notion of informing Milly about her recent discovery trailing into the back of her mind.
"Of course he will," she replied smugly. "He wouldn't dare keep a good woman like me waiting!" They stood for a long time, enjoying the discharge as it continued for another hour or two. Meryl soon found herself a seat atop a roof, graciously sharing with Milly and a few others who sat out the afternoon to enjoy the display. And, as fate would have it, as Meryl Stryfe sat welling in pleasure, she spied a familiar figure on the horizon. Meryl nudged Milly sharply in the side.
"Ow. What is it, Meryl?" Milly responded, slightly bothered.
"Milly, look! There. Down there!" Meryl shifted eagerly, sending out her index in the direction of a slowly approaching man with something hanging over his shoulder.
"Could it be!" Milly said excitedly. "Could it be mister Vash?" But Meryl was ahead started, already off the roof and hurrying towards the silhouette.
"Meryl?" Milly blinked then spotted her friend. "Oh, Meryl! Wait for me!"
Meryl hardly heard Milly's call as she set out in pursuit. She sprinted towards Vash, his angular features coming into focus with his trademark goofy grin. Meryl was beginning to wonder whether this was the best day of her life when the sight that met her eyes, slung over Vash's shoulder, took her aback. She faltered for a moment, letting out a tiny gasp, but continued at a fast walk towards Vash.
"Hi." Vash greeted Meryl with a wave and a warm smile.
"Welcome back," Meryl stuttered, frightfully happy upon Vash's return but frightened of the form across his shoulder.
"Thanks," he said, beaming.
"Mister Vash!" Milly squealed, jumping up to him, panting. "Welcome home!" she bellowed enthusiastically. Vash laughed.
"It's good to finally have a home to come back to."
Milly blinked at the load occupying Vash.
"Is this…mister Knives?" she asked, having been informed about Vash's homicidal sibling through Meryl.
"Yes. This is my brother," Vash stated. "I need to," he trailed off hesitantly. "…look after him awhile—"
"Say no more," Milly cut in over him. "We'll help you however we can, right, Meryl?" Milly put an encouraging hand on Meryl's shoulder.
"Uh… Yes of course," Meryl granted, somewhat reluctantly, trying not to sound apprehensive.
Milly and Vash chatted animatedly together as the three of them walked briskly home. Milly seemed almost happier than Meryl that Vash was finally home again. Little though their house was, it was still comforting and indeed it well deserved the title of their home. Vash quickly disappeared into the small cellar below the house and proceeded to dress his brother's wounds and make a stay for him. Milly stroked a passing cat on the windowsill in the kitchen as she began preparing to make dinner. She giggled to herself, flicking the switch of the stove.
"He's just as wonderful as ever, isn't he, Meryl?" Milly turned to her friend, clapping her hands together.
"Yes… Yes he is," Meryl replied absently. "I mean no! No! No way! Of course not. Vash is just Vash, Milly. He's just silly!" She gave a hollow laugh.
'Gawd, why am I still acting like this?' She groused in her mind. 'I got over the whole denial thing ages ago, didn't I?'
Meryl sighed.
"Uh, Meryl…?" Milly ventured, a look of mild uncertainty on her face.
Meryl jumped. "Ahh… Yes, Milly?"
"Are you…okay?"
"Oh! Yes, I'm fine Milly. I'm just a little out of it, that's all." Meryl stated, giving her hand a dismissive wave. "Yes. He is wonderful, Milly." Meryl felt her mouth broaden into a small smile and her cheeks warming at the thought of Vash but only to have it chased away by the boding shadow of Knives.
"Meryl, is something wrong?" Milly asked, concernedly. "You seem a little distant."
"I…" Meryl wavered. "I'm… I'm worried about him."
"Mister Vash?"
Meryl nodded.
"Why?" Milly asked perplexedly.
"Just…Oh, it's nothing. It's just me," Meryl chirped, giving Milly a reassuring, peppy smile.
Milly returned the gesture and nodded. "Would you like to help with dinner, then, Meryl?"
"Of course," Meryl volunteered.
They hummed and talked together, Meryl feeling a might better than before, cooking and preparing, enjoying it as they did. The neighboring cat meowed helpfully and within half an hour a beautiful smelling, and even better looking meal of casserole was placed neatly on the kitchen table. Milly dished out a healthy portion of it for her plate and then followed with Vash's, giving him an even greater portion. Meryl ensued with: "Don't you think that's a bit much, Milly?"
"Now, Meryl, you know how mister Vash eats," Milly chortled.
"Yes. I guess you're right. He does like food, doesn't he?" Meryl laughed. "I'll go fetch him then."
"Okay." Milly replied. "I'll wait for you both."
Meryl tiptoed down the cellar stairs and found Vash cleansing his hands in the sink. She turned her gaze to Knives, who was placed gingerly on a stretcher, his wounds strangely delicately and intricately dressed. She recoiled slightly at the sight of him and his maniacal ideals. Knives had issues with the human race. Meryl wanted not to get involved with him. She looked back at Vash.
"Dinner is ready," she announced quietly.
"Smells good." Vash clapped his hands eagerly together.
"Mm." Meryl nodded. She had the urge to fling her arms around him but thought more over it in the presence of Knives, even if he was unconscious and incapacitated.
"Vash?"
"Yeah?" he answered, stepping towards her.
"Uhm, I have…" Meryl paused, feeling Vash's strong arms curl around her.
"Mm?"
"I have—" Meryl was suddenly interrupted by Milly.
"Come on, you two, or dinner will get cold!"
"Coming!" Vash called up to her. He looked warmly down at Meryl. "Spill after dinner."
"Right." Meryl nodded in agreement. Vash took her hand in his and led her up the stairs.
"Oh my. I'm sorry. Was I interrupting something?" Milly inquired apologetically.
"Oh, no. Nothing, Milly," Meryl said, giving her another reassuring smile.
"Let's eat!" Vash proposed.
"Lets!" Milly agreed and they both began a mock eating competition, each one wolfing and scoffing down food happily as Meryl surveyed hopelessly. In no time at all, the casserole dish was emptied and being licked clean by an appreciative cat. Vash sat with one arm draped over his stomach, looking a little (perhaps a lot) less lanky than usual, and Milly was in a similar position, her mouth twisted into a funny grin and looking satisfied. Meryl cleared away the plates, shaking her head.
"I swear it," she declared. "You two could eat the fourth moon, were it made of cheese!"
Vash and Milly looked at one another, exchanging glints.
"And…" they posed.
"And?" Meryl looked at them quizzically.
"And is it made of cheese?" they asked in unison, hopeful looks on their faces.
Meryl snorted. "No, of course it is not made of che— … Yes."
"OH MY GOD! WE NEED A SPACESHIP RIGHT NOW!" Vash and Milly swiftly jumped to their feet and immediately started buzzing around the room, stockpiling random items in order to build their own makeshift space capsule. Meryl was doubled over with laughter, holding her sides and staggering over to the couch. Never had she seen something so comical: two grown adults under the delusion that the moon was made of cheese.
"It's—heehee—it's not made of—ahahahah—chehehese!" she managed.
At once Vash and Milly let out great whines accompanying a long: "Awwwwww…"
They both looked crestfallen, and Meryl could not have laughed harder.
"Thanks a lot, insurance girl," Vash sniffed, folding his arms in a juvenile fashion. Milly proceeded to sniffle and wipe at her eyes. Meryl only continued her guffaw. Milly and Vash looked woefully at one another and both burst into tears. Meryl let away her last few giggles.
"Come on. You didn't seriously believe me, did you?" she cooed, feeling slightly awkward.
"Meryl! You can't joke about food!" Milly wailed and threw her arms around Vash, crying into his chest. Meryl paused, slightly flustered.
"Uh…" She cast around hopelessly. "Hey! Is that desert I smell?" she asked loudly, plastering a grin on her face.
"DONUTS!" Vash chimed, leaving a cloud image of himself in Milly's arms as he shot into the kitchen and returned almost instantaneously with a heavenly box of cinnamon and sugared donuts, three of them already crammed tightly into his mouth.
"Yum!" Milly whipped up and seized a donut off of Vash, savoring it, taking careful little nibbles and bites. Meryl laughed hopelessly, all guilt wiped away at the stupid smiles on Vash and Milly's faces. Meryl looked at Vash, a great sense of warmth swallowing her cheeks. She couldn't force away a smile at that goofy, donut crowded grin of his. Even if it was just a cover, but perhaps it wasn't and that Vash was wearing as warm and true a grin he could collect for Meryl, she didn't know, but all at once she lost herself in Vash's features.
"Don't eat them all!" Meryl heard Milly snap.
"Gesch uur uumn!" Vash replied, his mouth incapacitated with pastry and sugar as he shouldered Milly onto the sofa next to Meryl.
"Ahh! Mean Mister Vash!" she whimpered, lunging at him. Vash dodged and Milly haphazardly hit the floor. She lay on the floor, pretending to be hurt, sniveling, luring Vash. Vash paused and bent down slowly, reaching out to give Milly a small pat, when she cackled and precariously tackled Vash over, his shoulder colliding and smashing into the wall.
"ACH!" Vash yipped, the box of remaining donuts flying out of his hand and landing fortuitously on the couch beside Meryl who was jerked roughly out of her trance at the spectacle in front of her.
"Ohmygosh! I'm so sorry, Mister Vash!" Milly gasped, springing back away from him. Meryl leapt up, shocked, her eyes fixed on a spot on Vash's arm. She pointed to it, clapping a hand to her mouth.
"Vash! You're bleeding!" she squeaked. Milly's eyes went wide.
"Oh my god," she breathed.
"Ah!" Vash blinked at his arm. "Oh!" He looked from his arm to Meryl then to Milly, her eyes glazing. They were all silent for a moment, struck dumb at what had just happened, and then Milly's eyes began to water.
"Oh no! Milly! No! That wasn't your fault, Milly! I completely forgot about it! I'm not hurt! It's okay!" But by now, Milly's face was knotted in fear and guilt, tears streaming silently down her face.
Meryl grasped Milly's shoulder and shook her gently. "Milly, it's okay. He said it was okay." Vash nodded quickly.
"It's an old wound, I just completely forgot about taking care of it when I got back!" he explained helplessly.
"You…" Milly hiccupped. "You're sure?" she sniffed. Vash nodded vigorously. Milly moaned. "I'm so sorry, Mister Vash!"
"Milly!" Meryl said forcefully. Milly paused, mid-weep.
"Take Vash up stairs and see to his wound," she said firmly. "Okay?"
Milly nodded weakly, picking herself up as Vash got to his feet tenderly. He and Milly clambered up the stairs, Milly sobbing more apologies to Vash. Meryl sighed silently to herself, wondering what the hell had just happened. She looked back at an innocent, near empty box of donuts. She gathered herself up off the floor and commenced cleaning up the room after the ruckus those two children had made. They were far too hyper.
Meryl was in the course of washing the dishes, when Milly reappeared at the foot of the stairs, her nose pink and her cheeks shining.
"Milly?" Meryl said softly.
"Mister Vash is taking a shower." Milly looked to her feet.
"I see," Meryl replied. "Listen… Milly, don't worr—"
"It's okay." Milly suddenly looked up, a smile gracing her face. "I know it wasn't my fault," she told Meryl, a little colour returning to her cheeks. "But…" She paused.
"Yes?"
"As it turns out, mister Vash had more than one untreated wound."
"Oh…" Meryl felt her chest begin to tighten.
"But it looks like he'll be just fine," Milly said confidently.
"That's good." The strain in Meryl's chest loosened.
Milly nodded, smiling, taking a tea towel off the counter and began drying the moist dishes. Meryl continued, feeling somewhat anxious, swirling the wash brush around the interior of the casserole dish. Milly stacked the day's worth of plates with a chink and stored them away, the cutlery following.
"It's great, isn't it, Meryl?" Milly fronted to Meryl.
"Pardon?"
"The town finally has a big water source."
"Oh." Something nagged at the back of Meryl's mind to be remembered. "Yes. It is good. It is quite a large water vein running below us, and a reliable one, at that. I'm surprised it wasn't discovered it a long time ago," she spoke absently, her gaze taking her attention into the street beyond the window.
"Yeah," Milly agreed, flicking a butcher's knife dry. "By the way, Meryl, it was nice of you to come and greet me today," she said sweetly. Meryl felt as though an anvil had collided with her stomach. She hadn't told Milly.
"Were you about to do some shopping?" Milly suggested, the metal cutlery clinking as she filed it into the draw below the counter.
"N-no…" Meryl fidgeted with the remaining dishes, feeling her face heating.
"Oh, were you coming to spend lunch with me? That was nice of you."
"Well…"
"Well?" Milly paused.
"Well, I guess that was a part of it," Meryl continued, self-consciously sweeping her raven hair behind her ear. "But I had something important to tell you."
"Oh, I see. Ooh, we got distracted, didn't we?"
"Yes. We did. It was something important… very important."
"Would you like to tell me now?" Milly coaxed, all a quiver of curiosity. Meryl turned a deep shade of scarlet, her eyes scintillating.
"I… I suppose so," she squeaked gently. "Well, Milly…" And she told Milly her secret.
…He sat in his own presence in a small living room, flicking through the pages of a decrepit photo album with only the first moon's snowy effervescence to illuminate the stills before him. He laid weary eyes on the growth of a young girl before turning back several pages, as he had done countless times that night, and fixed his gaze to a woman. Of the many oh-so-treasured pictures he had of this woman, he liked this one the most. She was not smiling. In fact, it was hard to tell if any emotion was coursing through her at all. No, there was something in those eyes: It was as though she was determined. Determined to live for something… Or someone? And at the same time determined for them to live as well.
No, she was not smiling. Smiles were concealing. But if she had smiled, the man sitting before her image would have little reason left to live on without her.
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