It was clear to everyone that Knives was not particularly keen on Meryl's plan, but it was also clear that it was their best option. Millie and Vash did a 'trial run' of his hair after he had reluctantly agreed to go along with the scheme, and by the time they'd finished, Kira had to admit, if it weren't for the beard and the disgruntled scowling, it would be tough to tell the twins apart.

Vash was absolutely thrilled with the idea, but Kira suspected that some of his enthusiasm was just leftover joy at her and Knives getting together. She wasn't entirely sure why he wanted them together so much, but he'd been bursting at the seams since it happened. He even cleared his things from the bedroom before she had a chance to broach the subject with him.

The troupe set out the following morning for Mirada. According to Meryl, out-bound sandsteamers from Octovern frequently stopped in the large, bustling town before trekking across the desert to December. Although Knives briefly griped about his disinclination to be trapped on one of the large vessels, it was by far the fastest way to travel across the planet, and the raven-haired reporter had generously offered to pay for their accommodations, courtesy of NLBC, so he really couldn't complain. To their great pleasure, they had arrived in time to catch the next shuttle, and by early afternoon they had boarded and were ready to go.

The new solar powered alterations that had been added to the previously plant-powered engines reduced the vehicle's maximum speed a bit, but the trip to the nearby city would still only take them a little over a day. When Meryl excitedly told them all about the three first class paired cabins she'd convinced her station to pay for, Knives quickly insisted that he and Kira would share one. Thankfully, no one else seemed to mind.

The duo made their way to their room and Kira shut the door behind them. She gave Knives a brief description of the small space while she set her bag on one of the two narrow beds. Apparently, Meryl and Millie usually rode in coach, which, from their descriptions, meant they essentially stayed in a closet with two tiny bunked beds, so Kira could understand the raven-haired woman's enthusiasm about having a little more space, beds that were on either side of the room, and a window.

The gray-eyed girl made her way over and peered through the small porthole, taking in the impressive view that spanned over top of all the nearby buildings, extending for miles across the shimmering desert. Sandsteamers couldn't get to Delnashville and she hadn't realized how tall the damn things were! Their room wasn't even on the top level!

She was rather excited for her first trip on one of the towering vehicles, even though most of her time would be spent below deck. They had slightly improved Knives' 'disguise' before boarding the steamer, but it still wasn't safe for him to spend more time in public than necessary. She turned to find him sitting on his bed, running his hands lightly over the mattress, the hooded cowl they'd purchased for him still pulled forward so it covered his face.

She sat down beside him with a grin. "Having fun?"

"The light's so dim, I can't see a damn thing in here," he muttered tersely.

"Well, improving your sight is the purpose of our trip."

"And this bed is too small."

"I don't know…" she said, trailing off, putting her hands on his shoulders, and pushing him back so she could straddle him. "I think we can make it work." She leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his lips, drawing out a smile from him.

"I'm sure we'll make that work, but I like it when you sleep beside me," he said plaintively.

"We can make them both work," she said, relaxing into him. "It'll be tight, but it's only one night."

He circled his arms around her securely. "Good. I want as many nights as I can get."

x.x.x.x.x

They spent the rest of the afternoon, cuddling, talking, and generally taking advantage of their greatly appreciated privacy. Kira could see the dusky red sky through the tiny window as she lay, cozily nestled in Knives' arms, listening to the gentle thrumming of the sandsteamer's engine and absently wondering how the others were doing.

She had felt the tiniest bit guilty for accepting the room with Knives and forcing Vash to stay with one of the remaining women. Meryl was the obvious choice for a number of reasons—the safest one being that they'd lived together in Octovern—but Kira assumed the reluctant plant would shy away from the intimacy of sharing a room with his 'friend.' She almost thought he'd go for Chronica, since the other two women were so close, and boarding with the blond plant would be nothing but platonic, but the matter had actually sorted itself out quite nicely, thanks to Millie.

After Knives had insisted he and Kira would stay together, the tall brunette had jumped in and asked Chronica to stay with her. The woman's underlying motivations were anything but subtle—she wanted to push two of her closest friends together—but as long as everyone was comfortable on the journey, Kira supposed it didn't matter. Unfortunately, Millie's efforts were probably in vain.

It was too bad, really. For all of Vash's enthusiasm about his brother and her getting together, he didn't seem to want anything to do with romance himself. She asked Knives about it as they lay together, and he had explained Vash's reservations, though she probably could have guessed them on her own. Knowing how self-sacrificing the aqua-eyed plant was, his choice to 'keep his distance' on Meryl's behalf was to be expected—much like what Knives had tried to do for her. She suspected Vash had actually been a factor in Knives' hesitancy. Maybe that's why the aqua-eyed plant was so happy—he felt guilty for poisoning his brother's mind, even if there was a certain gallantry to the gesture.

Regardless, both he and Meryl deserved more that the friendship on the verge of blossoming that they had now.

Knives tightened his arm around her, pressing his lips to her forehead, and halting her meandering thoughts. She grinned and ran her hand under his shirt over his bare skin, coming to rest on his side.

"What are you thinking about?" he murmured, trailing his fingers down her arm.

"Vash and Meryl." He made a face and she couldn't help but laugh. "What about you? What are you thinking about," she said, arching a brow.

He leaned back, resting his arm behind his head. "You. And us. And how stupid I was not to do this sooner…"

"The future be damned?"

"Indeed."

She let out a short laugh at his newfound confidence in their situation. "You should tell your brother that."

He wrinkled his nose. "Again with Vash?"

"I'm guessing you'd prefer if I dedicate all of my thoughts to you?"

"Of course," he said matter-of-factly. "I should be the sole focus of your attentions from now on."

She rolled her eyes and poked him in the ribs, getting a chuckle for her efforts. "So damn arrogant…" she muttered. "And what about me? When do I become your sole focus?"

He smirked. "Isn't it obvious? You already are," he murmured in a low, seductive tone, leaning in so his lips gently brushed her temple as he spoke.

"Of course," she countered dryly.

"I'm serious," he said, his mirth barely contained as he found her hand and brought it to his lips, placing soft, sensual kisses on her knuckles, still playfully attempting to entice her.

She grinned at his antics. "Fine, I'll admit it—you can be very charming when you want to be."

"I mean it!" he exclaimed with a sudden blithe exuberance, his smile wide and his gentle grip on her hand tightening as if to emphasize his statement. "You are! I love you, you know!" As soon as the words slipped from his lips his jesting attitude mellowed. "I love you," he repeated, his voice much softer.

Silence descended and she knew he was waiting for a response, though she had no clue what to say. She wasn't surprised, precisely, but she definitely hadn't expected him to blurt it out like that—especially not one fucking day into their relationship. Oh, the perils of becoming romantically involved with a plant who didn't know the first thing about normal human social practices. To top it off, she wasn't entirely sure how she felt in response. Yes, she cared for him. Deeply. But they hadn't been together long enough to know if it was love, at least not that kind of love. She doubted even he knew for sure.

She wondered briefly if he was simply misinterpreting the mind-bending effects of lust… though… there was a chance he truly meant it. They had known each other for quite a while. If this had been developing since before… Maybe he really did love her.

"I…" she faltered and she could see his anxiety mounting. "You mean a lot to me," she finally said. "You mean more to me than anyone. But this is all very, very new."

He let out a short breath and nodded, a small wrinkle between his brows.

"Hey," she said gently. "I just need a little time, okay? It's not that I don't feel that way about you, I just… I don't know exactly what I feel. I need time to process everything."

He swallowed and nodded again.

"Knives…?" She leaned in and pressed her lips against his.

He took a breath and released it slowly, his facial expression relaxing a little. "Yes, I understand," he said soberly. "I suppose… maybe I said it too soon?"

He asked with such adorably sincere curiosity that Kira had to hold in a laugh. "Maybe a bit," she answered, "but I'm honored. Really. I just need a little more time."

A faint smile curved his lips. "Very well. Take what time you need. My feelings won't change… so long as I may still sleep with you while you are 'processing' things," he amended wryly.

She snorted. "So romantic…"

x.x.x.x.x

The suns had long since set by the time Kira and Knives had worn themselves into exhaustion and were ready for bed. Unfortunately, Vash had packed his brother's toothbrush in his own bag, so Kira found herself wandering down the empty hall to retrieve it. It was late, but hopefully not so late that he and Meryl were already sleeping.

She arrived at their door and knocked on it a few times. Seconds ticked by and she wondered if maybe they were asleep. It was possible—Meryl typically rose before dawn every morning. She knocked again and the door swung open violently to reveal an oddly disheveled Vash, his hair sticking out in every direction, a look of surprise on his face.

"Haha, uh, hi!" he chirped.

"Hi…? Sorry, did I wake you?"

"Huh? Oh, no, no." He waved dismissively and pasted on an overcompensating smile.

"Uh… good. I was just wondering if I could get Knives' toothbrush from you?"

"Ahaha! Right! Yeah, of course," he answered quickly, trotting back into the room to his bag.

Kira peered in curiously and saw an equally disheveled looking Meryl with an exceptionally flushed face sitting on her bed and doing everything she could to avoid making eye contact.

What.

The.

Hell!

Kira held in an instinctive burst of laughter. Apparently Millie's efforts hadn't been in vain. Well, good for them—it was about time!

Vash came trotting back, the toothbrush in tow and handed it over with a sheepish grin. Kira gave him a knowing smirk. "Thank you very much, and again, I'm sorry to have disturbed you. I hope you both enjoy the rest of your night," she said, buttoning it with a wink. She could faintly here a muttered curse from Meryl as she turned and began sauntering back down the hall, feeling especially pleased with the world.

x.x.x.x.x

They arrived in December the following evening and an evasive Meryl led the way to the inn, conveniently located only a few blocks from the newly erected plant dome. Once again, she'd acquired three separate rooms, and the troupe unanimously decided to keep their boarding partners the same. Kira had to appreciate the raven-haired woman's shameless exploitation of her network. Honestly though, it was a fair trade. Getting footage of 'Vash' speaking to the angels was sure to boost NLBC's ratings.

After they had settled in and had some dinner, Meryl called everyone together to go over the plan once more. "The head of the plant engineers has agreed to let us visit the angels tomorrow morning as long as they're allowed to observe our stay. Millie and I will take Knives over to the bulb. Vash, Kira and Chronica, you three will wait here."

Vash began pouting immediately but Meryl shushed him with her hand.

"We can't have two 'Vash the Stampedes' walking around town," she explained. "And the less attention we draw the better. I need Millie to film, but the safest thing is for the rest of you to stay here and stay quiet."

"Right," Vash conceded grudgingly. "I guess that make sense."

"Good. We'll let Knives try to connect with the angels and cross our fingers, I guess," she said before turning to face the blue-eyed plant. "Knives, after you're done, there's a chance the engineers will want to ask you some questions. So, for example, if someone says, 'Would you please tell us how the angels are enjoying their new home?' you will say…?"

"Uh… they're… fine?"

Meryl pinched the bridge of her nose, shaking her head. "Okay, although brevity is a smart move in this situation, I'll need you to give a little bit more than that."

"I will be able to answer more thoroughly once I've actually spoken to the angels," Knives offered, obviously not eager to participate in Meryl's 'practice round.'

"And if you they don't reach out to you?" Chronica intoned flatly.

"If they don't reach out, you'll need to fake it, Knives," Meryl said, her tone lightly chastising. "Just make sure you're prepared," she said resignedly, evidently not intending to push him further. "Try to stay relaxed and cheerful. Be positive. Vash is the ultimate optimist, so channel that. And…" she tapped a finger on her lips, "… if you're feeling nervous or can't think of what to say, just smile and laugh," she finished with a shrug.

"Hey!" protested Vash, who didn't seem to be enjoying Meryl's simplistic reduction of his personality.

She continued, ignoring the outburst. "I doubt anyone will think twice about you being who you say you are, but the closer you can mimic your brother, the better."

Knives frowned but inclined his head at the reporter.

"Unfortunately, once this thing airs, even if Knives does well in his role, it will still give Garrow insight into our location, presuming he has already guessed that the twins are travelling together," Chronica said sourly. "But," she added, her tone easing slightly, "I suppose we'll be long gone by then."

Meryl gave the blond plant a stiff nod. "We can leave town as soon as we're done, if you want. Have you received word from your commander?"

"Tomorrow morning I will be meeting with several old comrades who are staying here, and will be speaking with the commander over the sat phone as well."

"Wonderful. Hopefully he has good news… Knives, you should come over early tomorrow so Vash can shave your beard and fix your hair."

An annoyed scowl crossed Knives' face, but once again he inclined his head in reluctant acknowledgement.

"Can I help?" asked Millie, who must have enjoyed assisting Vash on their first attempt.

The aqua-eyed plant grinned. "Sure thing!"

"Oh," Meryl said suddenly. "Knives, how long do you think it'll take? I mean, I know you don't know, but…"

"I really have no idea," he answered honestly. "If the angels reach out to me and all work together, I would hope it won't take longer than a few hours? But I may be entirely wrong. It could take all day… or days…"

"Well, let's say, if you can't make contact with the angels within an hour, I'll cut you off and maybe we'll try again another time. Is that alright?"

"Yes… I suppose that's for the best. And if it's working?"

Meryl sighed. "Will I be able to tell?"

"I would imagine so."

"Hm… We can't stay forever, even if you are healing. I don't know—we'll just have to play it by ear, I guess. If I think anyone's starting to get suspicious or uncomfortable about what we're actually doing, or how long we're taking, I'll find some way to signal you, then you can decide how quickly to break it off with the angels."

Knives nodded slowly. "Yes. Yes, sounds acceptable. Thank you, Meryl."

"Y-you're welcome." An expression of total shock passed over Meryl's face before it was quickly replaced by a wry smile. "Alright," she said brusquely, "it's getting late. We should probably get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be a big day!"

x.x.x.x.x

Despite their early retirement, dawn came too soon. Kira rose sluggishly and helped Knives shower and dress before leading him down the hall to where Vash and Millie were already waiting. Meryl tapped her foot impatiently as they entered, wordlessly letting them know that she'd expected them sooner, but there really wasn't much to be done about it now.

The spirited reporter had bought several boxes of donuts to feed everyone while they worked, many of which Vash had already consumed with his standard gusto. His stomach already full, the aqua-eyed plant began adeptly shaping his brother's hair into the 'broomstick style,' as Meryl called it, with Millie offering minor assistance where she could and generally giggling through the entire process.

Next, Vash took his brother into the bathroom and helped him don his buckle-laden body armor. Once they were finished, the aqua-eyed plant handed his brother the iconic red coat and Knives slowly slipped his arms into the thing, an oddly nervous expression on his face. They finished off the look with his black sunglasses to hide his damaged eyes.

"Well?" Knives asked with surprising diffidence. "How do I look?" His posture was stiff, but even with the uncharacteristic tension, his resemblance to humanity's hero was striking.

"Perfect," said Meryl firmly, and everyone else echoed her confident assessment. "Are you ready?"

A fleeting smile curved his lips. "I am."

After a brief series of goodbyes and good lucks, Meryl led the way, with Knives at her arm and Millie at their heels. The door closed behind them and Vash let out a heavy sigh, making Kira chuckle.

"You really wanted to go too, huh?"

"It just feels like I should be there. Like… what if something goes wrong? Millie and Meryl can take care of themselves, and all, but with Knives…? It'll be a lot harder for them to run if they need to."

"We just have to have faith. Knowing Meryl, she'll be able to handle any bumps in the road they might encounter."

"Yeah… you're right. She's pretty amazing," he replied dreamily.

"So… you and Meryl…?"

He turned a brilliant shade of red, a lopsided smile creeping across his lips. "Yeah, I guess."

"What changed?"

"Isn't it obvious? Once you and Knives got together, she wouldn't take 'no' for an answer."

"Um… sorry?"

He laughed. "Don't be. I thought I was happy for you two, but that was nothing compared to this! I forgot how much fun it is to be in love."

Kira's eyebrows shot up. What the hell! Did all plants rush into saying the 'L' word? Was she the crazy one? Still, all she could do was grin. "Well, I'm happy for you. And her. I know how much she wanted this."

Vash nodded. "So… Knives. Did you tell him?"

"No… I figured you and Meryl deserve to share that news in your own time."

"Thanks. I think we're gonna keep it to ourselves for a little longer. We still have a few things to figure out. But, I assumed you had with the way he's been acting toward her."

"Nope. That's all him. I think he's just gotten used to everyone—he doesn't feel the need to maintain his defensive attitude as much."

"He's finally giving people a chance," Vash mused softly. "It's all I ever wanted from him," he said, and Kira didn't miss the hint of sadness in his voice.

She pursed her lips. "Now that things are… well… however they are, are you going to tell him about Meryl? About what she did back on the ship?"

Vash grimaced. "I don't know. I didn't want to mention it until he was a little more settled. I didn't want him to flip out without giving me a chance to explain, but maybe he's ready now… Do you think I should tell him?"

Kira paused, pondering his question before shaking her head. "No. I don't think you need to. I don't really think it matters anymore. Meryl's not going to turn him in again and revealing it would only disrupt the tentative peace between them."

"Yeah, you're probably right," he said with a sigh, moving back toward the box of donuts. "It's in the past. I think it's best for everyone if it stays there."

x.x.x.x.x

Knives held loosely to Meryl's arm as they meandered through the streets, the surprisingly light, long red coat swishing around his legs as he moved. With the dark sunglasses on, it was even harder to make anything out, so he was entirely reliant on her guidance. It was unnerving, but it couldn't be helped. At least the bulb wasn't too far away.

They turned a corner and the small woman swore sharply.

"Oh dear," Millie said softly behind them.

"What? What is it?" Knives asked quickly.

Meryl let out a heavy, aggravated huff. "People. And lots of them."