Decided to post a cliffy just to piss you guys off… Did I just say that aloud? *coughs* This is what three hours of family guy does to you… @_@

Chapter 6

Ages:

Vash- 124

Kat 8

Kat shifted and turned as she attempted to find what ever it had been that kept her warm all night. Her hand groped the sheets beside her and Kat frowned slightly when she noticed what ever it had been was gone. She opened an eye in annoyance to find a pair of aquamarine orbs staring straight back at her. She squeaked in surprise and fell off the side of the bed. Kat closed her eyes and waited for the impact that never came. Strong hands gripped her and made sure that her head didn't hit the tile. Kat opened her eyes as she was set back on her feet. It was Vash who had once again saved her.

'He's fast!' "Ah… My hero," Kat teased. Vash grinned and snatched his coat off the rack. "Where are we going?"

"The nurse said I could leave and besides, I owe you a new coat," Vash said as he gestured to the one Kat worn when she had first met him. It was coated in dried blood and Kat was grateful that she didn't have to put it on.

"So we get to go shopping?" Kat asked as her eyes lit up. Vash nodded and Kat grinned as if she had just been given one hundred double dollars.

^_^

"I like the new coat!" Kat said.

"It cost me seven hundred double dollars, she better like it," Vash grumbled to himself.

Kat ran her fingers over the strange fabric of the black trench coat and immediately loved it. The coat was about five sizes too big since it had originally been something Vash was looking to buy but it still looked pretty good on Kat's small figure. It was identical to Vash's new duster coat; it was identical to the old one he had been wearing which was shredded beyond repair. Both were happy with their new coats.

Kat was also surprised to find that the coat she was wearing, despite its size and color, actually somehow kept her cooler than a thin shirt would have.

One thing that was beginning to scare Kat was the fact that Vash seemed to be dragging her to every house he could find. She was beginning to wonder if he was trying to ditch her.

They arrived at a large house located near the center of the town and Vash knocked on the door. It swung open almost instantly and Vash was greeted by a plump man who was in his early thirties.

The man grinned and welcomed Vash in, "Long time no see partner! Please some this way."

Vash and Kat were lead into a large sitting room. Vash rested both hands on Kat's shoulders and introduced her, "Pete, this is Katsura. She likes to go by Kat."

"Nice to meet you," Pete said to Kat. She shook his hand and Vash asked Kat to go with one of the maids to help out in the kitchen.

"I want to stay with you," Kat's voice said with a hint of fear.

Vash ruffled her hair and whispered, "I know you do but Pete's wife, Terry, needs your help in the kitchen."

The maid began to lead Kat away by her arm and it was one of the first times Kat had felt helpless since her parents had died. She knew something was up but what could it be?

^_^

Terry was a nice woman and, like Pete, was also in her early thirties. Kat instantly liked her and they chattered with each other for hours while the men talked over more serious matters in the next room over.

After finally coming to a decision, the men wandered into the kitchen to break the news to Kat and Terry.

Kat was munching on doughnuts and offered one to Vash as he walked in, "Nothing better than a freshly baked doughnut!"

Vash declined the offer; he never really cared much for doughnuts. 

Pete talked to his wife while Vash spoke to Kat, "I know Terry, but haven't you wanted a child? Besides, I owe it to this man for saving my life. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be here with you and I certainly wouldn't be mayor of this town!"

Vash put his hands on Kat's shoulders again and broke the news to her as best as he could, "Kat, you can't come with me on my journey. I've got too many people after my head. Pete's agreed to take you and raise you as his daughter until I can come back for you."

Tears began to flow down Kat's cheeks, "You can't leave! You're my hero!" Kat's voice began to sound pleading and it took on the tone of a child's. For once, Kat sounded her age, "Don't leave me!"

Vash kissed her on the cheek and headed for the door. Kat ran after him out onto the streets, "WAIT!"

Vash paused and Kat caught up to him. "Take this," she handed him a locket. He opened it and it held a picture of Kat and her family. "This locket is my most precious item," she explained, "I expect to have it returned to me someday."

Smiled, "Can do miss." He proceeded to put it around his neck. The gold chain glittered in the setting sun and the three blue stones on the cover sparkled.

Kat threw her arms around his waist and buried her face in his stomach, "I love you."

Vash's heart melted, "Love you too squirt."

"I'm not a squirt," Kat mumbled. She let go and Vash turned to leave once again. "One more thing…" Kat said. Vash lifted an eyebrow, "Love and peace!"

He laughed and mirrored her movements, "Love and peace!"

(A/N: Like you didn't see that coming… You know in the manga Vash doesn't have a bounty on his head? Just randomness… PLEASE REVIEW!!!)