AN: Hey this is my first Trigun Fanfic. I hope it's ok, the characters may seem OOC, but I'll try to get them back into Shape. Please Read and Review. Love and Peace everyone.
Chapter 1: Starting over
3 days after Vash and Knives' fight
Meryl sat by the window and sighed with perfect content ness. She was glad Vash had returned and that he was pretty ok for once. A couple gunshot wounds, but nothing life threaten. They remained at the town that was now at peace, though she wasn't pleased when Vash had brought his wounded brother back.
" Vash, why must you always bring pain back with you," Meryl whispered
She got up and sighed and walked down the hall and knocked on the door. She opened it a little.
" Vash," she said
Meryl opened the door and saw Vash still fast asleep. She smiled and walked in placing a cover over him.
" He's so cute when he's asleep," she thought, " But he's full of life that everyone should follow when he's awake."
She pushed back some of his hair and then stood up. As she was about to leave Vash opened his eyes.
" Meryl," he whispered
Meryl stopped and turned to face him, she looked at Vash as he sat up holding his wounds. She then walked over to him and sat beside him.
" Your still recovering, you shouldn't rush into things like sitting up," Meryl said resting her hand on his shoulder
Vash smiled a soft smile, but still if was filled with sadness. He reached up his hand and grabbed Meryl's hand, then gave it a squeeze. She blushed a little as he held her hand.
" I want to thank you for everything," Vash said, " You and Millie have been there for me, but I haven't been there for you."
" It's not a big deal Vash, it's our job," Meryl said
" No, it's more than that now isn't it?" Vash said
Meryl felt her heart pound against her chest. Vash turned to her and she stared at him. She lowered her head away from his eyes and tears slid down her cheek.
" Yes, it's more than that," Meryl said
Vash lifted her chin up and looked at her. She was over come by emotions and wrapped her arms around him, leaning her head on his bare chest..
" I was so afraid that you might not come back," Meryl said, " I don't know what I would have done if you didn't."
Vash looked down at her and then wrapped his arms around her.
" You don't have to worry anymore," he said, " Everything is over."
Meryl nodded and just leaned her head on his chest. She sighed in hope that she could tell him her feelings. Right now was not the time, though he made her feel warm inside as he just held her.
" We can stay here for as long as we want," Meryl said, " Just what you wanted, a place that you can make a living. Start all over."
" Starting over isn't such a bad idea," Vash replied
Later that day Meryl went to help out at the local saloon. She was thinking about what would happen now that Vash had no problems to worry about. She was concerned for him though. On her break she sat on a near by bench wondering what would happen to Millie and herself since Vash was no longer a danger to anyone.
" Meryl," Millie called
Meryl looked up and saw Millie getting off her shift for the day. She sat by Meryl and smiled.
" How is Mr. Vash?" Millie said
" He's doing great, he'll be fine tomorrow, he was just resting today," Meryl said
Meryl looked at the paycheck she held in her hands and sighed.
" Starting over isn't such a bad idea," Vash's voice echoed
" Hey Meryl," Millie said
" Yes," Meryl replied
" I was wondering, are we going to stay here with Mr. Vash?" Millie asked, " I sure like it here."
Meryl smiled and nodded and said, " We have a duty still, to keep Vash out of trouble right? So, we're going to stay here until he's got a stable life going."
Millie's eyes lit up and said, " Really! That's wonderful."
Meryl nodded and looked at the hard workers and the busy people as they lived in peace.
" What about his brother?" Meryl thought, " What if he tries something again? Poor Vash I don't think he could handle another fight with his own brother."
Meryl and Millie walked back to small home they were so graciously given permission to stay at. Meryl prepared some warm soup and brought it to Vash, but found he was missing.
" Vash," she called
She walked in and set the hot bowl down on the table just by the door. She walked over to where Vash had been laying and sighed finding a note.
I'll be back soon, I need time to think. Don't worry.
" Oh, Vash," she whispered
She walked down to the kitchen and sat down.
" He went out, to get some fresh air, he'll be back," Meryl said
" Oh, well that means he'll be alright and he's all healed up," Millie said, " He'll be on his feet in no time."
Meryl nodded and ate some of the soup she made with a satisfied look on her face.
Vash walked back into the town and sat down on the well. He looked at the peaceful town that he now stayed at.
" It's been awhile since I felt at eased," Vash whispered
He looked at the stars and smiled a little.
" I find it hard to believe that it's over, I can find peace here," Vash thought, " No, more running around. I have everyone to thank. Without them I couldn't find myself living another peaceful life unless I was dead."
Vash stood up and walked to another home and walked in an old woman walked out, then greeted him.
" Why hello Mr. Vash?" she said
" I've come to see my brother," Vash said
" Ah, it's good to see brothers getting along, Karen is just feeding him," the old woman said
" So, he's awake?" Vash said
" Yes, in fact he woke up earlier this morning, but lost consciousness seconds later. He's only spoke your name Mr. Vash," the old woman remarked
She guided him into the far room of the home and Vash looked in. It was strange to see a woman cradling his brother in her arms while feeding him. He was shocked that he would allow this, but he was in such a state that he depended on them now to become healed. Karen looked up and smiled at Vash, she was a young woman in hear early 20's, long wave blonde locks and blue eyes to match her fair complexion. Vash smiled back and took a seat next to the bedside.
" I was just feeding him, he's wounds seem to be healing, but he'll be in bed for quite sometime," Karen said
" I'm glad to hear improvements in his condition," Vash said
Knives looked at Vash and turned his gaze away from his brother. Karen finished and gently wiped Knives' mouth, then went off.
" It's good to see you alive," Vash said
" Your sympathy for these beings are pathetic," Knives growled
" Sympathy, I don't call it that, I just like being around them," Vash replied, " You learn a lot from them."
Knives narrowed his eyes and grumbled sitting up.
" You waste a life time for these humans and they will shrivel up and die," Knives said, " Their better off dead."
Knives lifted up his left hand and Vash pushed his hand down.
" Can't you see that your wasting time for some stupid obsession," Vash said
" I told you the humans have polluted this planet and will go on with their greedy ways," Knives said
" No, your wrong, if you kill them your just like those who kill. You'll just be one of them," Vash said
Knives pushed Vash's hand away and narrowed his eyes.
" Why did you come here anyway?" Knives said
" Cause I want you to change that's all. Start over," Vash said, " You can learn a lot just by living without hate."
Knives narrowed his eyes and shoed Vash off with his hand, as though he were a servant.
" I don't need you lectures Vash, I have my way of living and you have yours," Knives said, " The weaker being will die."
Vash stood up and shook his head.
" It doesn't have to be this way," Vash said, " You'll see."
Vash walked out and Karen stood there.
" Is everything alright Mr. Vash?" she asked
" Yes, of course," Vash said with a smile, " My brother is lucky to have someone so caring to care for him. He's grateful."
Karen smiled and then Vash walked off. Vash walked outside and then walked back to where he was staying. He walked in and Meryl walked out, she stood there and folded her arms in front of her.
" I'm glad your back, I made you some soup," Meryl said
" Thank you," Vash replied
He walked over and sat down at the table, Meryl sat down next to him. She placed the bowl down and handed him a drink. He looked at her and smiled at her, she returned the smile to him, but there was sadness in his eyes.
" Vash where did you go?" she asked
Vash looked at her for a second and then looked at the soup.
" I went and saw my brother," Vash said
" What happened?" Meryl asked
" Just a brother to brother conversation," Vash said with a sudden cheerful tone
Meryl sighed and drank the warm coffee and Vash ate quickly.
" We don't have anything to worry about," Vash cheerfully said patting her on the back, " Don't worry."
Meryl looked at him as he got up, he smiled that classic smile, the one she couldn't resist. Vash walked off and Meryl sighed and leaned her head on the table. Millie walked in and looked at Meryl.
" Oh, Meryl what's wrong?" Millie asked
" I'm an idiot," Meryl said
" Why do you say that?" Millie asked
Meryl lifted her head up and said, " I couldn't tell him how I felt about him. His eyes were filled with so much pain. I didn't want to burden him with my feelings."
" Oh, Meryl your going to have to swallow your fears and you don't know how it will make him feel if you do tell him," Millie said, " Now go on and tell him how you feel it's one of the best ways to start over again."
Meryl nodded and pushed her chair out, she suddenly felt her pride return and her courage encouraging her to go tell her true feelings. She walked down the hall and headed to his room. She stopped and knocked on the door and waited.
" Vash," she said, " I need to talk to you."
She tapped her foot and knocked on the door again and sighed. She started to walk off and then she heard the door open. She turned and saw Vash stick his head out and turn in her direction.
" Oh, Meryl," he said
" It's about time, I was beginning to think I was knocking on the wrong door," Meryl said
Vash smiled and welcomed her in.
" Sorry about that I was just in thought," he said sheepishly
" It's alright," Meryl said
Meryl walked into his room and he shut the door a little. She looked at him then looked out the window.
" It's a beautiful tonight," Meryl said
" And it feels good too," Vash replied
Meryl turned around and walked over to him and Vash sat down.
" Vash…I….I…" Meryl stuttered
" I know your worried, but I told you not too," Vash said
Meryl sighed and shook her head and said, " It's not that."
She looked down and Vash looked at her. He tilted his head to the side then stood up and lifted her chin using is thumb and index finger. Meryl slightly blushed and looked into his eyes, then tried to avoid them.
" Meryl," he said
" Vash," she whispered, " I…I…I'm…in love with you."
She stared Vash in the eyes and his lips curved into a soft smile. He then leaned to her and kissed her on her lips.
" I was wondering when you were going to tell me," Vash whispered
" Meryl, wake up," Millie's voice echoed in her head
Meryl lifted her head up and looked around.
" Huh? It was a dream," Meryl whispered
" Your just so tiered Meryl you need to go to bed and not wait up for him. He'll be back," Millie said
Meryl rubbed her eyes and said, " Millie your so confident. How do you know he will?"
" He will," Millie said
Meryl got up and walked down the hall, she ran the water for a bath, then she grabbed her things. The door shut and Meryl walked down the hall and saw Vash walk in.
" Oh, Vash," she whispered
She watched him sit down and eat a little of the soup, then just sit there and think. She walked back down the hall and stopped, then looked up.
" I'm sorry Vash, I can't take your pain away," she whispered
Meryl sighed and walked to the bathroom and took her bath. She soaked and closed her eyes as she did. After awhile she got out and dried off, then dressed in her night clothing. She walked out and turned a sharp corner into Vash.
" Oh, I'm sorry," Meryl said not looking up
" It's alright," Vash said
Meryl looked up and blushed a little.
" Vash," she said
" Is there something the matter?" he questioned
" Oh, no I'm sorry," Meryl said, " I…I was just thinking."
Vash smiled and said, " It's always good to think before you say something."
Meryl nodded and sighed trying to force the blush away. She calmed down and smiled a delightful smile.
" How was the fresh air?" Meryl said
" It was nice," Vash said, " I visited my brother, he seems to be doing well as well."
" Oh, that's nice," Meryl said, " I'm glad your not ignoring him. He seems like he would need a lot of love from family."
Vash smiled and looked down at Meryl as he noticed the blush kissing her cheeks. He kind of chuckled and she gave him a look.
" What's so funny?" she questioned
" Oh, nothing," Vash said, " Just your face."
" What about my face?" Meryl said becoming angry
She finally slapped him hard and looked at him.
" You really didn't have to slap me," Vash said with huge lump on his head
" Don't laugh at my face," Meryl said
Vash sighed as she walked past him, and he rubbed his head.
" Meryl," Vash said
She stopped and he stood up.
" There's something you want to say, isn't there?" Vash stated softly
" Yes, Vash there is something I want to say," Meryl replied softly
" Then speak up so I can hear!" Vash said cheerfully
" Vash!" she growled
She stormed off after popping him in the face.
" It was just an idea," Vash said in a mangled form
Meryl walked to her room and shut the door.
" He can never last a minuet without cracking a joke," Meryl said, " He's so immature."
She turned to the window and stared out.
" How am I ever to tell him how I feel, I know he wants to listen, but could he be serious like he was that time he held me," Meryl said
Meryl walked to her bed and pulled down the covers then slid into bed. She was tiered and she had to get up early to help out with opening the saloon. She closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.
Vash sat on the windowsill in his room and stared out.
" Knives why can't you see what your doing to yourself, why can't you accept that we are all equal, human and plants? We have a cycle of life that eventually we die," Vash thought
Vash slipped on a shirt to fend off the cold in his room, he then got up and walked out his room. He then turned down the hall and walked down to Meryl's room. There he slipped into the room and shut the door. He pulled a chair up and sat down and just watched Meryl sleep.
" Meryl, your to understanding," Vash whispered, " How can you spend your life following a hopeless fool like me around? I must be an idiot putting you and Millie's life in danger. People I care about always die and now I can't let it happen to anyone else. I'm ready to start a new life without fighting and without anger. I need your help. No longer will I be called Vash the stampede. It's my promise."
Vash leaned over and kissed Meryl's head. He then leaned his head beside hers and fell asleep.
The next morning Meryl opened her eyes and saw Vash's head resting on her bedside. She gasped at the sight then looked at him, there was a certain peace to his face. She smiled and pushed some falling hair from his face.
" Vash," Meryl said, " It's time to get up."
Vash moaned and then opened his eyes and saw Meryl just sitting there. He felt her hand gently run through his hair. He sat up and stretched then yawn, he then looked at her and smiled.
" Morning," he said
" Morning," Meryl said, " I trust you slept well?"
" Never slept better," he answered
Meryl slid out of bed and stood up, then looked down at Vash. He just sat there staring at her. She looked at him and then reached over and grabbed her robe.
" Stop staring!" she shouted slapping him on the head
" Ow, I wasn't staring," he whimpered, " That really hurt."
Meryl took in a deep breath and then knelt down and patted his head.
" Alright, if your ready to start the day, I know the perfect place you can be useful," Meryl said
Vash looked up at her and then stood up.
" Yes, of course I would like to put my time in effort in this town to prove once and for all that this world should be filled with love and Peace!" Vash proclaimed
" Well, then go change and we'll get the day started," Meryl said
" Right of course," Vash said
He took off down the hall and Meryl slapped her hand over her face.
" This is going to be a long day," Meryl sighed
Later that morning Meryl took Vash to the saloon and asked the owner if he had any openings for a new face. The owner was a jolly man, looking always for fresh faces. So, he gave Vash a dishwashing job. Vash began his first job and actually found some enjoyment out of it. Meryl smiled seeing him come to life after a rough night, she knew this was the first part of starting over for Vash.
" Vash," Meryl said, " How I wish you could see how happy you look now."