A-ha-ha! I am invincible! *something nearby explodes and Kalanoa is horribly singed* Ow. OK. Saying that is just asking for trouble. Oh well, it's still cool that I'm finishing this so fast. Not much to say this time – I don own it. Oh, and to tell you guys a secret. Every time someone blames their actions or feelings on guilt? That, boys and girls, is called denial! Especially in this chapter. ^_^ Enjoy!

And on to crediting reviewers. I'm surprised the chapter actually posted! I'm at my cousins' for Thanksgiving and his computer told me it didn't work. Oh well, makes me and you guys happy. As always, thank you to Pandora.81 and Deadly Beauty, they are my two die hard fans for this fic – a review nearly every chappie. And to Li, heh heh heh, I got you hooked on my fanfiction! *explodes in evil laughter* I'm so greedy, I still hope I get more reviews. Little disclaimer – I praise all my reviewers, I just don't always credit you guys in the author's notes. ^_^

**

~~Vash~~

            I went back to the house with every intention of beating my brother to a bloody pulp for what he did. I don't know what it is about Legato, but I'm drawn to want to protect him. Guilt, I guess. As it is it took me an hour and four hotdogs with the promise of more to come just to convince him to come back with me.

            That, and he felt guilty, too. He had left Wolfwood alone with one seriously pissed off Knives, and he felt bad about it. Success, looks like we're wearing off on him.

            So I was in the mood for a serious pummeling, not that I would have really hurt him that badly. But, of course, I never got it. When we got back home, Knives was long gone. I suppose it was only to be expected, but I had hoped I could keep him there and out of trouble. I guess my failure in that respect has led to my bad mood right now. I'm still smiling, but it would be a lot easier if I knew Knives wasn't out there planning havoc.

            Legato is currently exhausted. He doesn't even have the energy to yell about me touching him as he leans against me to get up the stairs. The only good thing about my brother being gone is that now he has a bed to sleep in. And I get the couch; my back couldn't take another night in the chair.

            But the room itself is a mess. I can see the splintered pieces of cane all across the floor and I notice the door appears to be damaged. Still, everything seems to be intact. Especially – to my unimaginable relief – Wolfwood.

            Legato picks himself up off me and hobbles to the bed. He sits and looks up at me. "Thank you, Vash . . . sama." I frown at the title, but Legato doesn't see it as he lies down for a much needed rest. I hope he can get over this. I'd be willing to put money on the fact that my brother beat him in the past. Probably did a lot more. But I'd also bet that this is the first time Legato ever saw Knives truly angry with him. It scared him, I know, and I only hope he can recover.

**

~~Legato~~

            How could I have been so stupid? What was I thinking? Caring for Chapel at all was risky, but tending him before I even tended my master? I did it in the hope that Knives wouldn't wake and thus wouldn't find out. Honestly, I'm usually smarter than that. Master had a right to be angry.

            My dreams are not nearly as peaceful as they were last night. Several times I wake up in a cold sweat, visions of Master hovering over me burned into my sight. I stay in bed all day, not caring to do any more. A couple times Vash comes to see me, worried about me. I'm beginning to realize that I don't hate the gunman anymore. I still say I do, try to despise him with or without reason. But slowly, my mask is breaking. Maybe it's guilt because he's been so kind. No, I suppose it's because he's so much like Master, so perfect. And he gives me something I could never have dreamed to get from Knives. He actually cares.

            I shake off my thoughts, drifting back to sleep in the dark night. I haven't moved in hours and hours. I wake from my dreams again and look at the small clock, barely visible in the dim light. Seven o'clock. In the morning? It must be, I know I've been here at least that long. Though it seems like no time has past at all. I've spent the time sleeping, but it has not been restful.

            I close my eyes in another vain attempt to get some rest. What the hell is that noise? I roll onto my side, trying to ignore the annoying noise. What is that? I turn to where I think the noise is coming from and pause. Chapel. That noise is coming from him. My sleep-clouded mind slowly realizes that he's groaning. That he's moving!

            I push myself up and look at him. His eyes are open slightly. I stand and he turns his head, trying to orient on me. "Vash  . . ?" In his injury and sleep confused mind, he can't tell the difference between me and his traveling companion.

            I move to the door, casually noting on the way that the floor has been cleaned. "I'll get you some food." I hurry down the stairs. Well, as fast as I can go right now, and into the kitchen. There's some broth in the fridge and I heat it on the stove quickly. Then back up the stairs, and back to Chapel – no, Wolfwood's bed. I sit behind him, propping his head up and touching the bowl to his lips. He hesitates a moment and then swallows.

            I hear someone coming up the stairs and look up as the door opens, a very tired Vash peeking his head in. "What's the big hurry, Legato? I thought you were still . . . asleep . . ." He sees Wolfwood and trails off.

            The black haired man makes a confused noise as he sees the blonde. I imagine he still thought I was the humanoid typhoon. I set the bowl of soup aside and attempt to stand. Vash offers his help and accompanies me to the door. Behind us Wolfwood is still confused, but I doubt he even realizes who it was caring for him. If he had, he would have been terrified.

            Vash turned to me. "Legato, thank you. I didn't think you'd care enough to help him." I nod, not trusting my voice right now. He moves forward and hugs me gently. "Really, thank you. But I have to know. If he asks . . ."

            "You know what happened. Tell him whatever you want." I pull out of the loose embrace and head to the stairs. The blonde watches me go and I feel strange under his caring gaze. Accepted. Almost . . . loved.

**

~~Vash~~

            I know I should go. I should turn around as fast as I can and rush back into the room where my friend is finally awake. I have to explain things to him, make sure he's all right. But I can't seem to make my body move in that direction. I stand, almost frozen to the spot, watching as Legato struggles down the stairs and to the couch below.

            I shake off the feeling I have, not even sure what it is. Really, I don't have time for this. I move back into the dark room and kneel beside Wolfwood. "Hey, you're finally awake. How you feeling?"

            The priest stares at me blankly for a moment, confusion clouding his features. "How long have I been out? The last thing I remember was entering the church . . ."

            I sigh, not wanting to relive the memory of finding him there, all but dead. But my friend needs to know. "I found you and brought you back here. It's been over a month, getting close to two. I was worried you wouldn't ever wake up."

            "Feh. Takes more than that blue haired freak to stop me." I bite my lip hard, trying not to make a sound. "I know Chapel never would have shot me then. It had to be that psychopath controlling him." He looks over and seems to notice me for the first time. "What's wrong? What did I say?"

            "Legato . . . He's here. He was the one to take care of you the last few days."

            Wolfwood chokes and his next breath is spent in a coughing fit. "He's what? Don't do that, Tongari, I'm injured here!"

            "I'm serious, Nick! After you . . . him and I had a confrontation and I . . .I shot him." I can hardly bring myself to say it. "I thought I'd killed him. Now he's really hurt, handicapped, and he's been staying here for a few days now."

            His blue eyes falter, looking up at me. "You're showing compassion to him?! Vash, I knew you were nuts, but this . . . Do you have any idea how many people he's killed!"

            "I know, Nick. I know all about him and the Gun-Ho-Guns. I know all about you." That seems to quiet him as he remembers that he was once a member of that team.

            "So you've forgiven everything he's done?"

            "No. Yes. I don't know. He can't be held responsible for most of that, he was just following orders."

            "And I was just breaking them when I saved you from Caine's bullet! That's no excuse." His eyes narrow as he looks at me. "He is the one that pulled the trigger of Chapel's gun. He's the one that killed hundreds including innocent children. And you just want to let him lounge around here like a welcome guest?"

            "It's not that simple, Wolfwood. He may have done those things, but it wasn't of his own will. It was my brother, you have to understand that." The smoking priest sighs, tired from this little argument, and leans back down. I'm going to assume that means he's willing to listen and, like it or not, he's going to hear exactly what happened.

**

Yay, Leggy got a hug! All together now: awwww. And huzzah! My favorite bishie is awake again!!! Too bad he's being a stubborn head about the whole Legato thing. Oh well, that should change soon. In fact, I already know the scene. Oh well, that's for later. Hope you guys enjoyed!^_^ And hey, did anyone notice that Legato referred to Knives by his name a couple times instead of master? It's not a writing fault, it's the signs of change! ^_^ I'm so clever, dontcha think? Oh, and to Li. See how Wolfwood woke up immediately after Knives left? I hadn't thought about it, but you suppose Knives was the one keeping him unconsious? It would be within his power . . . anyway . . .

OK, the following has absolutely nothing to do with my fic or anything of importance really. But I have to tell you all. I live near LA and there's going to be a jazz festival where I live soon. So on all the adds, they show a saxaphone player dressed in a dark suit with a pink shirt and dark, slicked back hair. MIDVALLY IS INVADING THE SOUTHLAND!!!! For anyone who cares, I found out his name is actually Dave Koz. But it is totally and completely creepy like. I swear, he looks exactly like the Hornfreak. *slight shudder*