All the usual disclaimers apply.
The day before Vash's departure was marked with an air of anticipation and much preparation on everyone's part. First, they had to get a thomas ready for Vash to ride. After several trial runs, it was determined that he got bucked off of Millie's thomas less. While Vash went back to his room to get some ice packs and Band-Aids, Millie and Meryl checked to make sure that the thomas was in good physical condition and that the saddle could withstand whatever rough conditions the might come across. As soon as they were satisfied with the transportation, Meryl and Millie set off to town to take care of the rider.
*****
The contents of a box of crayons lay spread out on a bed. All except the yellow one, that is. It was currently being used to color a cute little dog. The artist filled the pup in completely, careful to stay within the lines, and then he looked at the spectrum before him, contemplating what color to use for shading. Suddenly, there was the sound of footsteps in the hall. The crayons were quickly covered by the blanket, and the Spot -n- Friends coloring book was stashed under the mattress. Knives may have been bored out of his skull, but he'd rather kiss a human than be caught partaking in such a juvenile behavior.
No sooner had the last remaining piece of evidence been hidden than Vash walked in the room. Knives recognized at once Vash's posture.
What have they done to you now? Knives asked, his deep rooted anger rising again.
No one's done anything. I fell off a thomas, Vash said, a bit more sharply than the words called for, but when he was talking to Knives, every sentence he said seemed to carry more weight, more importance, than the words alone.
Knives eyed Vash suspiciously. How many times did you fall off?
Well, I wasn't really counting, Vash said, trying to sound lighthearted. As usual, his friendliness showed no effect on Knives. So, what did you do today?
Knives eyes immediately darted to the tossed up blanket, but he irritably said, Nothing. Because there's nothing interesting to do. Knives had found that guilt-tripping Vash was the only thing better for stress release than coloring anymore. Are you trying to dull my mental capabilities? You're already trying to turn me into a physical lump! he accused, shaking a shackled ankle for emphasis.
Indeed, Vash had made sure Knives' access to the outside world was limited. His ankle was chained to his bed, which was weighed down with sandbags. Even if Knives could've summoned the strength to break through the door or the boarded up window with the bed in tow, he wouldn't get far without being noticed, or without any help, as all of his followers were dead. Also, Vash was sure to stay within earshot of Knives at all times, and Knives had yet to think up a quiet way to break the chain. If only he had one of the guns, or the means to make a new one... But such wishful thinking would get him nowhere, and he knew it. The chain's length was just enough that he could reach both beds, the desk, the tub and chamber pot Vash had set up for him, and the shut up window, which allowed nothing to be seen save the light that made it's way through thin cracks between the boards.
It was a dull existence, giving Knives little to do but sit and think, and think.
I know you're bored, Knives, Vash said. That's why I'm going to leave for a little while. To get you something to do. Vash explained his plans for the next day, including that the nice, heavily armed ladies next door would be keeping an ear out in case he tried to start anything. Vash was glad to see that his promise of deeper, more thought provoking literature seemed to spark his brother's interest.
*****
You told him everything?! Meryl shouted.
Not everything. And shh! Vash replied, stretching out his legs. The girls and he were enjoying the calm of the evening, watching the sky's artistic show of color as the suns set. He'd figure it out eventually anyway, Vash continued, and there's no point in him thinking that he knows something that I don't know he knows.
said Meryl, who was too tired to dwell on that. Are you ready for tomorrow? Millie and I filled the canteens--
And we got you a big box of donuts for a snack! Millie said excitedly. It's a surprise!
Oh, wow. Thanks! Vash said. He smiled over at Meryl, who looked at her coffee cup.
So, uh, do you need a coat? she asked, looking up. I noticed you don't have your red one...
I... I left it with the guns. I don't need it anymore, Vash explained. There was a brief silence, then he continued, But I've already got a new one. It's a little long, but--
I could hem it-- Meryl interrupted, then blushed slightly and looked at her coffee again. Uh, I mean, if you think it would help.
Don't worry about it, Vash said casually. It's late, and I have to get up early. G'night girls!
Meryl didn't look up until Vash had left, and caught Millie grinning at her. Not one word, she said. Ah! I forgot to ask again.
Ask what, Ma'am? Millie asked.
Oh, nothing. I was just wondering where Vash got the money for the coat, and the money he's going to spend on books...
Oh, I know that! Millie said.
Yep. Y'know how he likes to play with children. So I suggested that he watch some as a job, since they were all hanging around and playing with him anyway.
But he's supposed to be watching Knives! Meryl protested.
Well, they usually stay right out front of the house, Millie explained, so he could hear anything major that Knives might try to do. Besides, a little distance between siblings is good now and then. Trust me, I know, she said smiling.
True as that may be, Meryl stormed, it's a poor excuse to allow a large number of this town's children to congregate outside a psycho-killer's room. Meryl stiffly marched back inside.
Oh, dear, Millie thought as the sounds of angry voices began to reach her outside.
