The sadness in his eyes kept reoccurring in my mind and worst of all in my dreams. Had I really hurt him? The arrogant, strong, pride filled man that always seemed untouchable? It didn't make sense and my dreams weren't helping. I kept seeing him, his peaceful smile, his sad expression, and then I hear Bethany's voice saying over and over to trust him and that I don't really know him.

I turned on my side, I was at the bottom of the tank now, it was easier for me to sink down there and stay there now that the substance was thicker. Bringing my knees to my chest I thought about the possibilities of Knives feelings towards me. I knew better than to expect anything and I defiantly knew not to trust him. But getting to know him couldn't hurt right?

Even if I wanted to get to know him I wouldn't know what to ask or say. Perhaps I could just test his kindness? I knew he couldn't hurt me and I could do with a few things, so what harm could it do? I nod to myself before drifting back asleep only to be interrupted by a timid tapping sound against the glass.

It was Knives at the top of the chamber ready to help me out again. He had his hand pressed to the glass and I could feel his guilt for waking me up. I blush up at him before making my way up and holding onto his hand.

It was covered by a glove but I knew how powerful they were and somewhere deep inside it made me feel safe. I didn't let go of his hand like I usually would just to see what he would do but he just held my hand tenderly as if nothing was wrong.

I sit at my usual spot in the medical room, "Are you feeling well?" he had his back turned to me as he prepared the needle. I told him I was fine and he turns to me with a worried expression, "Not feeling dizzy at all?" I shook my head and he gives me a puzzled look.

I understood now, he thought I was dizzy or sick so I held his hand. I softly giggle to myself and his expression just becomes more confused. He was almost cute… Shaking his head he went back to mixing the vials and preparing the needle.

His hand was on my arm and I took the time to watch and see how gentle he was trying to be. He didn't pull it off well but for his sake I tried not to flinch. I was apparently getting two needles today because he turns around again to prepare it and in no time was holding onto my arm once more. Instead of looking at his hands my eyes went to his face.

He was so similar yet different from Vash… His facial features were enough to say that they were brothers but their expressions changed everything about it. Knives face was smooth and almost emotionless and it only morphed into something else when he was in that emotion. His eyes flicked to me before going back to what he was doing.

I felt the prick against my skin but I ignored it, I was captivated by his eyes now. They were a different color than Vash's and as his eyes flick back to me mine I couldn't decide who's eyes are more breath taking. He pulls away, the moment is over and I shake my head violently trying to get rid of the teenage girl that lived in me, out of my system.

"Meryl?" I meet his eyes again and blush, I must've looked like a fool just now. I turn my head away and look down in embarrassment, something I haven't felt in a long time. Something I rarely felt…come to think of it I blushed more with Knives than I had ever with Vash. It was odd, very odd and I didn't like it at all.

His fingers touch right under my chin and I flinch in surprise. I turned to look at him, he had a pained expression planted on his face, "I'm sorry you surprised me" he didn't look convinced but nodded in response anyway. "I um wanted to ask you something Knives" My eyes bravely meet his unusually soft ones. He nods again and waits patiently for me to continue but I could see his shoulders tense and I could tell he was preparing for something.

My mind wandered to his sad eyes and I knew that's what he was expecting now. "I-I just wanted to ask if I could have a few privileges?" I could tell he was at a loss for words but I wasn't done with what was on my mind, "…and I wanted to apologize for upsetting you earlier. I know…that you would never hurt me or the baby" I looked into his eyes shyly, a ripple of shock went down his face and he was really at a loss of words now.

~~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~~

I was shocked, beyond shocked her wanting privileges was understandable but I didn't exactly know what she was implying. And then she hits me with this. Meryl for all the time I've known or observed her never seemed the type to apologize. And the fact that she cared hit me the most and the tenderness…the warmth in her eyes that was just for me. It's magnified and all I can do is stare in awe at how much more beautiful it makes her.

There is a long moment of silence and it seemed like hours passed with me just staring into the blue shimmering seas of her eyes. She breaks the eye contact and the magical moment ends but my words at least return. "What privileges are you suggesting?" I eyed her wearily half expecting her to say something ridiculous.

"Just to walk around and not be cooped up in a chamber or room all the time." She looked up at me expectantly but I couldn't give her what she wanted.

"I would have to have you escorted everywhere and I don't have the available staff for it" she looked away from me and her shoulder slumped down in defeat. She was clearly disappointed and for some reason I didn't like saying no to her.

Her head shoots up and our eyes meet again, "maybe I could come with you?" her voice became lower n volume with each word and that pretty blush lite up her face again. I nod to her, I didn't want to say no again and besides I think I might have grown to liking her company…

~~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~~

They were in a decently large city. Somewhere deep down Vash was glad his brother was at least merciful to his own species and always stole the weaker angels before they died while leaving the bigger, stronger ones to fend for themselves until a later date. Although speaking with this plant would be both an advantage and a disadvantage. On one hand most of the plants could communicate with each other from certain distances but the stronger ones could communicate with all of them.

This was the strongest plant on this planet and unfortunately the stronger they were the more they seemed to agree with Knives. Vash was ready for their long talk, or rather argument but he knew it might take all night. That's why Milly stayed at the hotel while he went in the cover of the night to sneak into the building.

Now there he was face to face with the fiery angel that resembled his brother so much. Pressing the top half of his body to the glass he felt at home and enjoyed it for awhile until he finally opened his eyes and began the task at hand. "Help me find my Meryl"

The angel appeared and seemed to dance around in agitation, "She's no longer yours…she's do you want her?"

"I love her, I want her to be safe…I miss her" he was fully honest and wasn't afraid to show it.

"She is fine, well protected. Maybe even loved…stop being a child and find her yourself. You should know how to or have you spent so much time with humans that you've become an insect yourself?" She was making loops now as if trying to mock his torment.

"I haven't been in touch in a very long time. My sensitivity to sensing all of you is weak…I can only get general directions and in a short mile radius at that." He lowers his eyes and sends her his pain and desperation through the glass.

She stops dancing and for once looks at him head on, "No need to grovel, I will give you some help. You have not passed where he is yet but if you head south and use what little sense you have. You will find her after awhile…"

He knows that means another month or so and he didn't like it. Removing himself from the glass he steps away and thanks her before turning around and contemplating his options.