YAY!! There's more! And it starts to get interesting *_* Special thanks to Deadly Beauty-she actually had a question! I never really thought of it that way. Hmmm. Well, if you look at it that Legato's mission was to die, he did fail. But if you look at it that it was Legato's mission to cause Vash as much pain possible, his surviving is even more successful because his body is ruined. I covered that last chapter, right? Anyway, I agree that Knives would blame Legato to avoid the truth. But I think Legato would blame himself as well, largely because he sees Knives as a god that can do no wrong. If a perfect being failed at something, it must have been his fault. That's how I see it anyway. I'm glad you likie my fic, keep reading, I love writing for my fans. And I love questions!! As you can see, I answer them; so if you're curios about something, type it up and either review or E-mail! In the meantime, Enjoy! ^_^

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~~Legato~~

I sit quietly on the couch, the previous day's events running through my mind. Spider. Of course I knew I was one, I'm not delusional. But I do everything I can to distance myself from them. He's never called me that before except in jest. I truly was foolish to think he considered me better than them.

Foolish spider.

I shiver and stand. I have to do something to distract my mind. I enter the tiny kitchen where Vash is asleep in a chair, his head down on the small table. Rummaging through the pantry, I find the makings of a stew and start up the stove. I don't normally cook, but anything to take my mind off him.

Outside, the suns are just beginning to creep over the horizon and I'm glad I woke up so early. I enjoy the sight and something resembling happiness washes over my mind. Above my head, I hear the girls getting up; I tune them out, intent on ignoring the current situation of my life. I don't want to think about anything except the twin suns and my stew.

Slowly I become aware that I'm being watched. I turn to see Vash starring at me from the table. I open my mouth to insult him, but don't get the chance. "Is that for us?" Milly rushes through the doorway in her work overalls and over to me. "It smells so good! Arigatoo Gozimasu, Legato-san." She grabs some bowls and serves up the steamy liquid before I can protest. I hadn't intended it for them, of course, but there was plenty.

From the table, Vash smiles warmly at me. "You will eat with us, won't you?" His eyes shine with hopefulness, as if he truly wants my company. Why would such a superior being want my company? I turn my back on them and leave in silence, my cane clacking rhythmically.

So I'm alone once more on the couch. I hardly notice as Meryl rushes down the stairs, complaining about being late. She and Milly hurry out the door a moment later, the taller girl smiling brightly at me as she leaves. How can she be so happy?

I turn away and jump to see Vash sitting beside me. I didn't even notice he'd come in. He looks at me with huge shiny eyes; he looks so childish. "What?" I demand as his eyes sparkle. He wants something.

The idiot's smile grows even bigger, if that's possible. "I need to go into town today, and I'm going to be out all day. I need you to take care of the boys." My disgust must be evident on my face, because he latches tightly onto my right arm. "Please! You just have to change their bandages and make sure Knives eats. Just check on them, please Legato!"

"Fine," I snap, trying unsuccessfully to wrench away from his grip. "I will, just let go." He releases my arm only to trap me momentarily in a bear hug.

He stands and thanks me again. "I'll get you something in town. But I have to go now, thank you so much!" And with that, he's gone. It's much quieter in the house now that I'm alone and I move back to the kitchen to finish my stew.

I sit in silence for a long time, lost in my own thoughts about life. I'm not supposed to be here, I have no purpose. I look up as the clock strikes eleven, most of the morning gone. I suppose I should tend to the men upstairs.

The room is dark and still, both men lying motionless on their respective beds. I'm certainly glad; I don't think I could face Master. I move to him first, carefully checking his wounds and doing everything I can for him. He doesn't appear to stir and I move to Chapel's bed. Dipping a cloth to clean his wounds, I bend over the still body.

"Why are you wasting our time with him?" I freeze at my master's voice. I guess he did wake. "A loyal servant would not waste his time – or mine – caring for a dead spider." I stand motionless for a moment before I lower the cloth and turn away from Chapel.

Hesitantly, I move back to his side. "I brought some stew for you, Master." I offer him the thermos I had filled earlier.

He pushes himself up and leans against the wall. He is so handsome, glowing in the dim light of the room. He reaches out and takes the thermos, deliberately brushing his fingers against mine. I shiver at the touch and instinctively pull back. Knives smiles at my fear and drinks some of the warm soup.

He motions for me to sit and I obey without a second thought, gently lowering my weight onto the edge of his bed since there are no chairs in the cramped room. The silence drags on for impossibly long minutes as I studiously avoid Master's gaze. At last he catches my eye and suddenly I'm helpless to look away. "You're going to stay with them here?"

"I have no where else to go."

"And when I leave?"  I feel my throat tighten. Of course he knows I only agreed to stay because this is where he was. I shake my head, no answer to his question coming to mind. He lays down again, "You would come with me, if I let you."

I answer without hesitation, "Or course, Master."

"But what good are you to me?"

My voice catches. "N-none, Master."

There is silence for a long time. I sit uncomfortably, knowing all to well what's coming. "Leave, spider."

The words cut deeply, but I was expecting them this time. I leave quietly, jaw clenched to control the emotions raging through my veins. Back to the kitchen where depression settles across me like a heavy veil darkening my sight. Time has no meaning to me in this state and hours pass before I realize.

Briefly, I consider ending this meaningless existence. I'm supposed to dead, after all. But somehow I know I am too weak. It's one thing to offer up your life as sacrifice by another's hand. It's much different to hold the gun yourself.

It's beginning to get late, and I have been up since before dawn. I stand, my body feeling tens of times heavier than it truly is, and move back towards the couch to rest. There lies Vash, seemingly asleep on the over stuffed cushions. I pause, shocked at how much he looks like Master without his huge coat.

I come to my senses, realizing that I'm staring, and back away trying not to wake him. "Where're you going?" His voice makes me stop. He sits up and smiles at me. "If you keep avoiding me, I'm going to start feeling unloved!" I know he's joking, but I still feel a blush threatening me.

But I know my face is still impassive, scowling angrily in his direction. I turn and begin toward the kitchen again, knowing I'll be the one to sleep in a chair tonight.

But I'm surprised to feel him grab my shoulder lightly. "If you're tired, take the couch." I look at him in shock, my face no longer concealing my thoughts. He steps back. "I know, I know. Don't touch you, right?" He shrugs and sits in the only other seat in the room, a low stool.

"N-no, I'm sorry. I don't need the couch." He was giving up the comfort of something similar to a bed for me? Admittedly, I didn't like the man, but he was Master's brother. A member of a race far superior to my own pitiful people. And something so perfect wanted me to be more comfortable than him.

I stand, attention focused on the ground and mind numb, waiting for him to move back to his previous spot. The gunman stands, but instead of going to the couch, he remains by my side. Carefully, he takes the cane from my hand, and without it I have no choice but to rest my weight against his body. He accepts my burden and moves me slowly to the couch, lowering me into the soft fabric. "You need it more than me." He pulls away, smiling at me warmly and I feel the blush threatening my cheeks once more. "Will you eat with us tonight?"

Completely dumbfounded by the gunman's actions, I nod slowly. He grins like a maniac and moves toward the kitchen. "Then I'll go ahead and cook your thank you gift now!" I watch him go, still in total shock. For a moment, I can't understand why Master hates him so much. I quickly shake the thought aside. It was not my place to question him, merely do as I was told. And I was told to hate Vash the Stampede.

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And so, the romance begins!!! Thanks to an overwhelming vote of two, I've decided to make this a VashxLegato ficcie. But it'll take a while to get there, as you can see. Isn't Knives an evil bastard? Sadly, like I said before, I don't think he's out of character. He is just super evil. Oh well, I hope the others are in character too. I know I'm pushing it with Legato, but I'm trying to avoid OOCness. Not really possible since I'm revamping Legato as we speak. Ah, wish me luck. So, more reviews! I love 'em. Besides, I can't give you what you want if you don't tell me what it is. Ja matta ne until the next chapter peeps. ^_^