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So here is the next chapter. I have been busy with classes so that's why it took so long for me to update. I tried to stay as true to the characters as possible. I hope you like it!!! Stuff happens!! Hahahahahahahahaha!!! Yeah I'm tired! Enjoy!!

It's only Divine

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Vash the Stampede stood facing the two grave stones he never wanted to see. He closed his eyes and tried to push away the memories. Vash bit his lip, he promised himself that he wasn't going to cry. He felt so defeated, so alone. Milly stood beside him, as quiet as the night air. Vash laid his fingertips on the head stone, gently brushing away the dust that gathered on top of it. He read the name on the tombstone again, repeating it over in his mind, Arian. He never forgot it. The boy may have been the Jack of Hearts to the world, but to him he was just a scared kid who lost everything. He let his hand rest on the stone for a second, feeling the roughness of the rock before shoving his hands in his jacket pocket. Vash smiled softly at Milly and they both walked back to town.

It was thirty minutes past the time that Knives and Meryl were supposed to check in, Vash was starting to get worried. He tried to contact his brother himself, but he was blocked off. Vash sighed, he knew his brother probably had a good reason, but that didn't stop him from worrying. He took another sip from his drink, his eyes down cast. He could feel the women in the room eyeing him. Their dresses cut low, the skirts hiked up one side, reveling milky skin. He avoided their gaze, he had too much on his mind. The door to saloon jingled as Milly entered. Vash looked up, her eyebrows were knotted. She came and sat down next to him, her lips pressed to a thin line. Vash knew she wanted to say something, but she didn't know how. She was worried too, probably more that he was. He waited for her to talk.

Finally she looked at him and began to speak. Her voice was soft and raspy. She seemed confused. She bit her lip and explained how she thought heard Knives' voice about an hour ago. Milly said that she thought she had imagined it but now she wasn't so sure. Vash stared at her; it was odd what she was saying, but waited for her to go on. It was like Knives was trying to scream, she breathed, but his voice came out in a coarse whisper. The Stampede narrowed his eyes, this didn't sound good. He tried contacting his brother again and got nothing. Something was wrong and Vash was more than sure of it.

Just as he was about head towards the door, Vash heard Milly's name. He turned towards the front of the bar, his heart nearly stopped. A man stood by the door, brown hair to match his skin and dark eyes Vash would never forget. The man lifted his hand and waved in his direction and Milly waved back. He came towards them; it was like seeing a ghost. Milly spoke as the man approached, but the typhoon didn't hear a word. He saw him extend his hand, but Vash couldn't move his own. Gingerly he took his hand away and looked at Milly. Vash finally heard Milly's honey sweet voice call his name. Vash turned towards her, eyes still lost in memories.

"This is Arian."

No, Vash thought in a desperate whisper, no, he's not. Vash slowly extended his hand and Arian did the same.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Vash," Arian said, smiling.

"Do you have a brother?" Vash asked before he could stop himself.

Arian looked at him, puzzled. He chuckled and said,

"Well, yes I do," he looked at the blonde comically, "I've had women ask me that question before, but I think this is the first time a man has."

Vash simply stared at him, he wasn't feeling humorous. This was too much of a coincidence, all of it. The so called return of Jack, the Red October, and now this man who looks exactly like the Arian he knew. But Vash knew without a doubt that he wasn't the one impersonating Jack. He didn't have that sense of evil surrounding him. The humanoid looked st him blankly again, playing over the last time he's seen that face.

As if a light bulb went off in his head, Arian reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope. He handed it to Milly explaining that it had come in that morning at the hospital. Milly took it and read the name of the sender. Surprised, she handed the letter to Vash, it was from the Doctor. The image of the Doc brought the humanoid back to reality and barely tearing his eyes away from the man before him, Vash began to read the letter. The handwriting was shaky; he could barely make out the words:

Vash,

You must return to Seed City immediately. It's Jessica! Another plant died and she was there. Something's happening to Jessica… she's changing. You must come right away. Please!

Doctor.

Changing?Vash thought to himself. The letter was clearly written in a hurry, something was wrong. Without hesitation, Vash started towards the door. He got everything he could from April, he only hoped that Knives would get more from October. Milly ran after him. He handed the letter to the tall insurance agent as he walked out the door. Her eyes scanned the paper, widening with confusion and concern.

"But Mr. Vash, how are we going to get there?" she asked, her voice glazed with worry.

She was right they had no way to get to Seed City. There weren't any bus routes to the city because they just finished building it and Knives took the jeep that the Doctor had loaned them. Vash couldn't wait for his brother to contact him, he had to leave now, but where was he going to get a jeep from. He tried contacting his brother again, still nothing. Vash cursed under his breath, something was definitely wrong with his brother too. The spiky blonde knew that his brother would never stay out of contact without a purpose, but it still felt wrong. The emptiness at the other end bothered Vash, it was too quiet. He could hear his own thoughts being bounced back to him like an echo. And what did the Doc mean by changing? He said that she was there when the plant died and no she was changing? His heart raced thinking of her covered in glass. He had to find a jeep now!

"I can take you there."

Vash the Stampede looked up at that familiar face that haunted his dreams so long ago.

"I have nothing else to do here, so I can take you. I have a jeep," Arian smiled.

Vash looked at him, pushing back his thoughts.

"Thank you," he said and followed the mayor's son.

-

It was cold, the ground against Knives' cheek. Carefully he opened his eyes against the orange glow of the suns. Everything was so quiet; he could even hear his steady heart beat. Knives pushed his ginger body off of the ground, spitting out the sand that made its way into his mouth. Where was he? How did he get here? He looked around; the light of the orange and pink sky blinded him making him cringe in pain. There was nothing but sand mounds everywhere he looked. Knives cursed under his breath, he failed again to protect his family again. With a low groan, Millions began to wobble, calling the insurance agent's name. With no response, he called out again, his voice dry. With no luck he tried contacting his brother. The platinum blonde screamed, falling to his knees. It felt like someone was gouging a hole into his skull. He stood up, blinking the water that gathered in his eyes. Millions called out his partner's name again, only to have the wind howl back to him. He climbed a sand dune, calling out again. The idea that the so called Jack of Hearts might have her occurred to him, but he had a strange feeling that the raven haired woman was close. As he reached the top he spotted her and his breath caught in his throat. Her white clothes were dyed red with blood, and her skin glowing faintly against the scarlet dirt. Knives' feet took off before his brain had time to register what his eyes had seen. He slid on to his knees next to her and gathered her into his lap. His eyes widened. There wasn't a scratch on her only the gash on her back. Her clothes were soaked in blood. He tried to wake her hoping that maybe she just lost consciousness after the explosion. It didn't answer all of his questions, but she would at least be awake. Meryl's eyes stayed closed. He couldn't even feel her breath. Knives shook her again, not knowing what else to do. This was unlike him and he knew that. He was always in control, always. If she was gone, then that was the end of it, nothing more. However there was doubt in his mind. He knew for a fact that his sister was dead in October, but Meryl, no, she was still… He begged her silently to open her eyes. He closed his own as an image of Milly crying flashed into his mind. He didn't want to make her cry. He saw Vash, his was face covered in shadow, but his pain was clearly visible. Knives didn't want to take away another important person in his brother's life. Wake up Stryfe, wake up!

The raven haired woman stirred, taking in a sharp breath of air. Knives stared at her, astonished. Meryl sighed and opened her eyes slowly letting them adjust to the light. She turned her head and looked into Knives' pale blue eyes and whispered,

"Who are you?"

-

Seed City was deserted. It was almost as if the entire population had left. No one even came to greet them. Arian gently rolled to a stop at the building Vash pointed to. This was a strange city, he had never heard of it. It was new, but why was it so empty? The three occupants got out of the car and made their way to the door. Vash knocked and almost immediately the door swung open. A young man, no older than himself stood on the other side as if he had been waiting there the entire time. Arian heard Milly gasp at the sight of him. Mr. Eric looked like he hadn't slept or eaten in days. His left arm was wrapped in gauze and a thin scar stretched from his cheek to the bridge of his nose. He looked at Vash and Milly in desperation. Without a word he turned and walked away, Vash and Milly right behind him. Confused Arian tailed behind, but kept his thoughts to himself.

They came to a room that was labeled 'Infirmary'. The door slid open, Arian's eyes widened, advanced technology! He whipped his head towards Milly, it didn't seem like the door even fazed her, she simply had the same worried look that she had since they left April. Wirily he walked in as Eric made his way to the back. Arian gazed about at the various instruments in the room. They all looked so simple but never in his life has he seen anything like them. The tubes, the wires and the beds even the lighting felt so alien, as if they had descended from a distant time. The group came to a halt causing Arian to barely miss bumping into Vash the Stampede. He apologized, but it didn't seem like he was paying attention. Vash's eyes were fixated onto the person on the bed. Arian looked past the typhoon; he caught his breath. Milly took a step back, her eyes quivering. A girl was lying on the white bed with wavy brown hair. Her body was glowing, but patches of her skin were glowing brighter than others, patches that had sprouted feathers. He heard Eric whisper her name longingly, Jessica. She turned her head, eyes void of recognition.

"Vash is here. Do you remember him?" Eric pointed towards the blonde.

Jessica shifted her eyes to Vash and stared. She looked at him as if she was boring into his soul. The Typhoon's name escaped her lips, it sounded like a song but it was so lifeless. Arian could almost hear the humanoid's heart breaking.

"She's been like this for almost a week," a voice said from behind.

A short bald man stood, his hands behind, him looking at the girl.

"What happened, Doc?" Vash the Stampede asked.

'Doc' walked up to the girl's bed and took her hand, "It started a few weeks ago."

-

The light of the suns was almost completely gone and it was getting harder and harder to see by the minute. Knives took another agonizing step dragging an unconscious Meryl with him. She passed out a while back, to his relief. Even though he could barely carry his own weight, he would rather support both of them than have her look at him as if he never existed. In the distance he could see 2 points of light, growing larger little by little, then the quiet rolling thunder of an engine. He let Meryl slide to the sand and raised his arms, forcing one foot in front of the other. Knives gasped for air as he tripped face first. The vehicle came to a screeching halt. A woman stepped out with a man and rushed towards him. With a dry mouth he whispered,

"Nearest hospital…"

The man and woman looked at each other, confused.

"Take us there," Knives rasped, pointing to Meryl Stryfe.

There was a pause then he felt the man and woman pick him up and set him in the back seat, a while later he felt Meryl's body next to him. The engine roared on and the vehicle began to move.

-

"It started a few weeks ago," the Doctor began, "She started acting strange. She would forget things, forget people's faces, then she simply stopped talking or doing anything at all. She would just stand or stare off. This was a week ago. Soon after that she began to glow and sprout… well feathers. We did some tests and…"

He looked like he wasn't sure how to finish the sentence.

"And?" Vash demanded.

"Well her DNA was changing, she was becoming another species. Vash she's becoming a plant."

Vash looked down at the girl; he knew that that presence was familiar. Jessica was still starting at him, her eyes empty of any emotion. Eric walked up to her side kissed her cheek, her eyes stayed fixed on Vash. Eric looked up at him his face in desperation, Vash knew exactly what he was asking.

"I don't know what I can do," Vash said truthfully.

Eric nodded his head, biting his lips. He looked like he wanted to punch something, punch Vash, but he simply took Jessica's hand put his lips against it and let his tears fall.

"She doesn't recognize me at all," he whispered, "Why does she recognize you?"

Eric turned her hand to kiss the back of it exposing her right palm. Vash grabbed her wrist. There was a deep gash that hadn't healed. Her skin looked smooth, clear of all blemishes, but this was the only scar that was left behind. The feathers here were larger than the others as well, almost as if they had first sprouted here.

"How did she get that cut?" Vash asked.

"She was helping clear away the glass from the explosion," Eric recalled, "The piece she cut herself on was pulled out of the plant."

Suddenly he remembered what Knives discovered not too long ago. He brushed his thumb over the wound and immediately he could feel the electricity between himself and the girl. Vash closed his eyes as his palm began to split open. Jessica was still while the sprouts of feathers melted away. Vash could hear gasps around the bed just as her skin healed over the cut. Vash took his hand away, he felt different. He looked at his right hand the gash had already healed over.

Jessica took a sharp breath, her eyes wide open. She looked around, life returning to her features.

"What happened?" she said, eying the group that had gathered.

Eric threw his arms around her, begging her if she remembered him. Slightly confused, the girl laughed and gave her fiancée a kiss on the cheek. Smiling at him, she asked for an explanation. Before anyone could speak the Doctor pushed it aside, commanding her to get some rest. He put Eric in charge, who seemed too lost in Jessica's arms to listen. The other four left the embracing couple and headed to a quiet place to talk. The Doctor gave the new comer a questioning look, but extended his hand at Vash's nod. Arian gingerly shook it, his mind still replaying the scene that played out only a few minutes ago.

"Eric, Jessica and a few others had gone to June to get some supplies when the plant there exploded," the Doctor explained.

He sat down on the couch across from Vash, while Arian looked out of the window with Milly by his side. Vash could only imagine the thoughts that must be racing in his mind after what he had just seen. Answers to his questions would have to wait until later.

"Of course, they were the first ones to help. The damage was minimal compared to other incidents, but unfortunately the plant was killed. From what I was told, Jessica slipped and landed on glass, there was still blood on that piece…"

The Doctor paused, wondering how to phrase the next question. Vash knew exactly what he was thinking.

"Is it possible that the plant's blood was changing her DNA?" the Doctor said boldly.

Vash paused before he said, "Well there has never been a direct contact between a plant and a human before, so it is possible that the plant DNA may act as a virus inside the human body. But then again, I am a humanoid… there is also the possibility that whoever is causing the plants to die may have something to do with this."

The Doctor considered Vash's words, it was a troubling concept, he needed time to process. Many more questions remained in the old man's mind, but Vash said,

"That's all I can think of right now, Doc. Any further clarifications need to be done by Knives. He understands this kind of stuff more than I do."

He offered the Doctor a smile, it wasn't much, but it would have to do. He excused himself saying that his mind was at rest that she was the only one in her that state. The door slid behind the Doctor and Vash sighed under his breath. Once again he tried to contact his brother, only to be blocked off. This was unusual. His brother was never this late in getting back with him. He tried again, but felt nothing. All he could feel is that he was alive. He prayed that the raven haired woman was too.

Vash heard footsteps approach him from behind it was the mayor's son. He laid down on the sofa opposite Vash and looked up at the high ceiling. Vash opened his mouth to explain, but was stopped by a wave of the hand. Without taking his gaze away, Arian said he didn't want to be enlightened. He merely wanted a place to stay and that he would be gone in the morning. Vash turned to Milly, who had a shadow of disappointment over her face, but her lips were still turned up into an understanding smile. Vash's heart ached, he was her first friend in a long time and because of him he was going to leave. Milly whispered a sweet goodnight and took to her old guest room. Vash wondered if she ever regretted meeting him, he wondered if her partner ever did.

A rapping at the door brought Vash from his dreams. He had been talking with Rem, seeking her advice and revisiting the days when everything seemed so perfect. A low groan erupted from the sofa next to him as Arian sat up. He scratched his head and looked towards Vash then out at the window, it was still dark. The knock came again, this time a little louder. Pushing himself to stand, Vash made his way to the door and opened it. A young lady stood on the other side with blonde hair and pink cheeks. She introduced herself as Helen, a nurse working at the infirmary. Immediately Vash's senses flared.

"Is Jessica alright?" he asked.

"Um, yes she is fine… I'm actually here about your brother and friend," she said, a little unsure.

Knives and Meryl? They were here? Why didn't he sense his brother? Without any delays he let the nurse lead him. He tried to contact his brother again, nothing. Vash quickened his pace.

A crowd of sleepy eyes had gathered outside the infirmary door. Vash gently pushed his way through and stepped into a bustling room. He saw his brother's frame beyond a curtain, no one was with him, but he was still alive. Almost every hand in the medical center was occupied by the body next to him. Vash spotted Milly in the corner, tears streaming down her face. Vash's heart fell, that only meant one thing. He heard his name called out, it was the Doctor. The old man looked grave but waved his hand for him to come over. Taking one step at a time, he moved, praying that by some miracle that by the time he reached her he can see her smiling face. Just inches away from the curtain, Vash took a deep breath and slid open the curtain. It wasn't her… no… it was… but it wasn't. Her hair, her clothes and the shape of her face were the same, but it wasn't the woman her remembered. He heard the fast beeping of machines and someone say that her heart beat was unstable, that her breathing was shallow, but none of it affected him. Vash simply stared at the body on the bed.

Meryl's skin was pale, covered in a layer of glowing fuzz. Her eyes had lost their color and vitality, and her face was hard as stone. It didn't seem like she knew anything that was going on around her, she simply stared off into the distance. Vash let her name escape his lips, she blinked and all of the beeping grew louder. Every eye turned towards the tall blonde.

Meryl lifted a limp hand and reached out, stretching it towards the Typhoon. As if it were the most natural thing to do, Vash reached out his own hand.

"Senpai!"

Milly rushed past Vash and took the raven haired woman's hand, the sounds of the monitors seized to a comfortable rhythm. Vash stared at his empty hand for a second before letting it fall to his side.

"She's stabilizing," the Doctor said quietly.

Vash nodded, watching Milly beg her partner to open say something. He turned and walked towards his brother's bed.

-

Days passed and Knives stayed unconscious. Everyday Meryl was growing more and more feathers and the source was getting harder to find. Milly never left Meryl's side and Arian, who decided to stay for Milly, never left either. Vash stayed by his brother's side for most days, only taking a peek towards Meryl when he walked past her to the door. He could feel her changing, slipping away. The presence of a plant within the walls was becoming more and more apparent and the Meryl he knew was fading away. If something wasn't done soon, Vash knew he would lose her forever. He attempted to communicate with her like he would any other plant, but every time the confusion, the chaos and the pain overwhelmed even his own senses. He knew he was becoming a plant too, well at least more of a plant. He was more aware now. His abilities were sharpening. It took the gash on his hand to heal in an hour. Still, none of his abilities were going to help Meryl. Without finding the source, he couldn't save her. Vash let his face fall into his hands, What do I do? Rem, please tell me what to do. But an answer didn't come; the only thing he could hear was the steady beeping of the machines. The Typhoon squeezed his eyes tightly and let the lump in his throat escape. He bit his lip so he wouldn't make a sound. Slowly he pushed himself off the chair on his brother's side and began to walk to the door. Just as he passed the insurance agent's bed, he stopped. He was running away. She needed him and he was running away. Vash's eyes stung as he looked towards Meryl's bed. His feet carried him towards the raven haired woman and his mind didn't stop them. He stood in front of her bed for a moment before pulling aside the curtain.

Her eyes were closed; she looked so peaceful. He sat down on the chair that Milly sat on and stared at her hand. There was so much he wanted to say to her. He wanted to apologize for everything that had happened, if it weren't for him she would still be herself, klonking him over the head for eating doughnuts. The image brought a smile to his lips. Carefully, Vash took her hand; it was soft. He laced his fingers with hers and brought it to his lips. He whispered her name against the knot in his chest. Without moving her hand he looked up at her face.

"Meryl," he repeated, "if you can hear me, please come back."

Meryl's expression didn't change at all.

"Meryl, please, come back," Vash begged, letting the pools in his eyes fall, "I'll be good. I'll… I'll never touch another doughnut. I'll quit drinking. I'll do anything, just please, come back!"

He waited for a response. He waited for her to open her eyes, sit up and yell at him that he's lying about the doughnuts. However, she stayed still, simply breathing. Vash pressed her hand harder against his lips, tightening his fingers.

"Please, Meryl, don't… don't leave me," he choked, "I need you, Meryl. Please? I—"

A glass behind Vash broke, immediately followed by a low groan. Vash whipped around to see his brother move his head. Carefully, Vash placed Meryl's hand back at her side. Quickly he wiped his eyes and went back to his brother's bed side.

Knives looked around the infirmary, fighting the bright lights. He looked down at the floor where a puddle of water had gathered surrounded by pieces of glass. Millions tried to push himself to sit up, but his body resisted, he hissed.

"Don't do that," Vash said.

Knives turned towards Vash. He knitted his eyebrows, as if he couldn't recognize him.

"Where are we?" he said.

"Seed City," Vash said taking a seat, "A couple dropped you off here. Apparently they found you not too far from here."

"What? That's impossible! We were in October."

"I think you had help," Vash said, "Knives, what happened?"

Million Knives took a deep breath and recited his story. He told his about the man who shot him. He explained how he saw his own face on the imposter and how his attempts to shut down the plant failed. Vash listened, his chest tightening every time he heard Meryl's name. It was so surreal to Vash; everything that happened to them seemed planned. The worst part was, he didn't see a way of escape. Knives finished his story and paused. He looked at Vash again, confused.

"You seem different..." he hesitated before he continued, "Like a plant. You feel more like a plant."

Vash sighed and recounted the past few days. His brother listened intently until the end. He looked over at the other bed and then back at Vash.

"I… I'm sorry, Vash," Knives said, a little unsure of how to apologize. He knew it wasn't his fault, but he still felt responsible.

Vash looked up at him surprised, but smiled lightly.

"Thank you, Knives," he said.

Knives gave a slight nod. He looked back over at the short woman. A moment later he looked back over at Vash.

"Did you look on her back for the wound?" he asked.

"Yes, we did," Vash said, "But by the time you were dropped off, her body was completely covered. Why?"

Suddenly Knives began to pull on the various tube and wires on his body. The machines beeped violently before stopping at a continuous whine. He made his way quickly to Meryl's side, Vash closely behind him.

"What is it Knives?"

Millions didn't answer him; instead he lifted Meryl's body on her side. Without hesitation he lifted the back of her shirt. Vash stared, both dumb founded and curious at this brother's actions.

"I know it's here," Knives muttered under his breath as he ran his fingers across her back.

Knives stopped, his body stiffened. He jerked his hand away and looked up at Vash.

"It's on her back," Knives said.

Vash made his way to his brother's side and without another thought reached over to her back. Knives caught his wrist, inches from the wound. Vash looked up at his brother's hard expression.

"What do you think you're doing?" Millions demanded.

"Knives, I have to," Vash said, tugging at his arm.

"No, Vash, you've already done this once," Knives said, his expression changing, "You're already changing, I can even feel it. You're already becoming different, and you it. Who knows what this is going to do to you? Let me do this."

Vash stared ahead, taking in Knives words. It was true, he was changing, but for better or for worst, he wasn't sure. Another boost like this could either kill him, or change him completely into a plant. Vash sighed and backed away.

"I can't ask you to do this Knives," he said, grimly looking at his brother.

"You're not," Knives paused, then he added, "I took Rem from you Vash, let me save Stryfe."

Vash closed his eyes and nodded his head. He whispered a word of thanks stepping away. Knives reached over to Meryl's back. Once again his body stiffened, Vash saw his jaw clench as the feathers began to disappear from Meryl's body revealing her pale skin. The color returned to her face quickly after and the wound faded away, only to split open on the platinum blond. He staggered back losing his footing. Vash caught him just as he hit the ground.

"Knives!"

Knives blinked, shaking his head, "I'm… I'm fine."

Groaning he stood up, as the small body on the bed shifted. Vash's heart raced. Meryl opened her eyes, taking a deep breath. She glanced around pausing at Vash and Knives. Vash frowned, her eyes were empty; there wasn't a hint of recognition. Meryl sat up not taking her eyes off of them. She narrowed her brows as if she was searching for who they were.

"Meryl?" Vash said, a bit unsure.

Meryl shifted her gaze to the spiky blonde. She stayed silent for a while, searching her memory.

"Va… Vash?" she stuttered.

The humanoid took a breath of relief when he heard his name. He smiled a brightly as he could, holding back the tingling in stomach.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah," she replied, holding her forehead in her hands, "Other than the fact that my head feels like it was run over by a sand steamer. What happened? Where are we? Where is Milly? And why am I hooked up to these?" she urged holding up the various wires that were attached to her body.

Vash sighed inwardly listening to her, she was alright.

"We're in Seed City," he said, sitting down, "Milly is probably making dinner with Arian."

"Arian? What is he doing here?" Meryl asked.

"Yes," Knives gritted involuntarily, "Whatis he doing here?"

"We needed a ride from April, he offered."

Knives got up from his chair and began to walk away, hands in his pockets. When asked where he was going Knives simply waved his hand and disappeared through the door. Vash turned back to Meryl, who offered a small smile. He smiled back, as honestly as he could. He wanted to do so much. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and crush her, he wanted to pour his heart out, he want to kiss her, tell her everything. Instead he pushed back the chair and stood up.

"I'll let you rest," he said softly, "I'll tell you everything tomorrow."

Meryl didn't say anything; she was staring at her lap. Just as Vash began to walk away she whispered,

"Please stay."

Vash turned and looked at her. Her head was still down, her eyes lost behind her raven hair.

"Please don't go," Meryl lifted her head, wearing a false mask, "Milly will be here soon, I'm sure she'd like to see you smiling."

Before he could stop himself, Vash pulled the small woman into tight embrace. He felt tense up,

"Wha… what are you doing?" Meryl faltered.

"Please don't scare me like that again," Vash whispered under his breath.

Meryl Stryfe stayed quiet, unable to move. Slowly, she relaxed. The short women hugged him back, smiling into his shoulder. Vash smiled into Meryl's hair, for now everything perfect.

Next Chapter: TBD

I hope everyone like this chapter. I know a lot of people have been asking for V/M fully so this is a beginning. Is it good? Please let me know what you think, or if you find any mistakes, I will be sure to correct them as soon as possible. Thank you!!