For starters, if you are a Knives fan, you probably won't like this. I should have warned you earlier, but I make him out to be a real jerk in this fic. Worse than a jerk, he's a real bastard! But, the sad thing is, I don't think he's out of character – he just IS that evil. Oh well, you have been warned. And thanks to all my reviewers so far. I'm going to need your input, so keep it up. Ja!

**

~~Vash~~

He survived. I don't know whether to be happy or upset. Certainly I'm happy he's alive, but he's hurt. It's like he's trapped in a body that doesn't work any more. When you think about it, isn't that worse than death? I mean, everything must be so strange and difficult to him now. True, he's alive, but is that life ruined because of me?

Unconsciously I edge away from him as we walk along the dusty roads. Am I afraid of him? No, I'm not afraid, it's just . . . I'm not afraid. But what if the girls try to kill him? Or worse, what if they take pity on him? I don't even want to think about what Meryl will do to me. But it's not even what they might do that worries me . . . it's what Legato might do.

I force myself to act normally, a phony smile plastered on my face. I know he can see through the act though, and I know he's taking pleasure in my discomfort. Sadistic jerk. I want to start a conversation to break the silence, but I know he won't talk with me, oh heaven forbid that. Finally I can see the house up ahead, just a small two-story thing, and I turn to him at last. "We're almost there."

I plaster on my biggest grin, but it quickly fades under his withering glare. Does he put effort into that, or is he just naturally creepy? "Ummm, we don't have any spare rooms . . . but I'm sure we can find some space for you." Actually, we're strapped for beds as it is. The girls share one of the upstairs bedrooms while the other serves as our infirmary. I sleep downstairs on the couch. But we'd find room somehow; it just might take some effort.

"Where is master?" he asks in that icy voice as I open the door.

I swallow the sudden lump in my throat. "He's upstairs. But he hasn't fully recovered yet, he might not even be awake." He ignores me and goes immediately to the stairs. He seems baffled as to how to get up them with his cane though and I step forward. "Let me help you."

He spins that cane, slamming the handle into my stomach. I grab the stick, my breath rushing out in a loud whoosh, and watch as he struggles up the steps alone. As he reaches the top, he stumbles and I move to catch him before he falls. I push the cane into his hand again and try to help him steady on the weight.

Legato angrily pulls away from my grip. "Don't touch me!" I wince and hurry in front of him to open the nearest door. Legato steps inside and stops, his eyes wandering across the second bed in the room. "Chapel . . . is alive?"

"No," my brother's cold voice came from across the room. Knives was sitting up in his bed. "My brother just likes to pretend he is. He hasn't woken up once. How long has it been, Vash? Two weeks, a month? Longer?"

I bite my lip, refusing to answer his provocation. He's right of course; Wolfwood has been comatose since I brought him here. But he's alive. I grab a damp cloth and go to my friend, doing what I can for him. I've been taking care of both men while the girls work.

Legato approaches Knives slowly. "Master?"

Knives just looks at him for a while before speaking. "Let me see your face." Legato obediently reaches up and pushes aside his bangs. His back is too me, but I know the scar I gave him is barely hidden by those locks. "Pity. You were so beautiful.

Legato stands in silence and I realize that I am staring. I can't imagine what he's waiting for. After a moment, Knives reaches out and takes Legato's left arm. My arm. He lifts it slightly then lets it fall and Legato looks away in shame. "I'm sorry, master."

"Useless. After I went to all the trouble of giving it to you." I stare in silence at the two. It feels so odd to see this, like intruding on a private meeting. For the first time I can see Legato's undying devotion to my brother – he's completely infatuated. And I can see Knives pulling his strings expertly.

"Master, what do you want me to do?"

"Leave." Legato stiffens, frightened by the word. "You are of no use to me now, even more worthless than most humans. Leave, foolish spider, before I finish what my incompetent brother began!"

His cane clatters to the floor as I watch. Knives lies down and turns his back to the blue haired man. Legato stumbles back muttering halfhearted protests softly. He darts out the door and I can hear him fall in the hallway. I rush out after him, Wolfwood momentarily forgotten.

He lays halfway to the stairs – thank goodness he didn't get to them. I kneel and wrap my arms around his shoulders. He doesn't push them away and I notice he's crying. Wordlessly I help him downstairs and to the couch where he can rest. Then I climb the stairs once more to face Knives.

He cracks an eye open when I come in the room. I can't keep the anger from my face as I glower at him. "How could you say that to him? Legato isn't useless! He was more than willing to give his life for you and still is. He loves you!"

"Hn. Stupid spider."

I retrieve Legato's cane from the floor and open my mouth to yell at him some more, but I'm interrupted by a loud scream from downstairs. Damn it! The girls are home. Too fast, this is all happening too fast! I run back out the door and down the stairs.

Meryl has two of her derringers out and leveled at Legato. Said man stares at the two girls evenly, all trace of his early devastation gone. I jump at Meryl, grabbing her hands and disarming the guns in one motion. "Maryl-chan, chotto matte! It's all right, he's a guest. Calm down!"

After much questioning and explaining, I manage to convince the girls that Legato isn't a threat. They finally agree and kindly leave me alone with Legato. I stand in front of him and hold out his cane.

He takes it and sets in on the ground beside the couch. "I won't be eating tonight, I'm not hungry."

I frown, aware that Legato not eating is the sign of big trouble. I set a hand on his shoulder and look into those deep golden eyes. "Are you all right?"

He slaps my hand away. "Don't touch me. I'm fine."

My frown deepens. "I'm here for you if you need me. I know how you feel right now."

I receive a dark glare from him. "You know nothing." He lies down on the couch, turning his back on me. I sigh, knowing I can't help him now. I hear a gentle snore and let out a long-suffering groan. Looks like I'll be sleeping on the floor tonight.

**

Poor bishie. I hope you like it so far. I'm having a lot of fun with this idea. But I have a question. Obviously there's going to be references to KxL, more to come too, I promise. But do you guys want to see another one? It would be Legato seeking comfort – tell me what you want to see and I'll write it in if enough people want it. So, I'll see you soon, promise!