A/N: ::deep bow:: Alright. I just know you're all going to kill me for taking so dang long, but I was attacked with writer's block, and it turned out to be a very formidable foe this time. So yar, new chapter! WOOT! And I know, it's short, but it's really only a prequel! Next one should be out either later today or tomorrow! Thanks at bottom of page!

Disclaimer: Okay… how many times do I really need to say that I own nothing??

The Student, the Typhoon, and the Closet

**Chapter 10**

With a yawn, I walked up to Stephie's front door. It was far too early in the morning for me, though I knew that had we stayed home any later I would be late to class. Ruddy early morning classes... I shall smite thee!!! Vash of course, had already been awake long before I even cursed my alarm clock, being the morning person that he is. Stopping just on the door step, I turned to him, slightly worried about leaving him there all alone with no one but Lockhart for company. "Vash... you know, you don't really need to do this. I'm sure we could figure something else out..."

He looked at me with that silly quizzical smirk of his, "Figure something else out? Like what?"

"Er..." Think Liz! Think! I grinned wickedly, "We could lock him up in the closet..."

Vash looked a little frightened by my semi-violent tendencies, laughing nervously. "Eh heh... I don't think he'd like that very much. And I don't mind so much..." he trailed off.

Right. "Fine, you keep up your delusions, but just try and remember that you can just be yourself here Vash." I said, always trying to get him to drop his mask. Resisting the urge to glomp the poor gunslinger, I settled for a wink instead, "Besides, you do realize that by doing this I'll be forced to buy you a huge box of donuts."

Swear to Kami, I will never get tired of seeing that expression on his face. I told myself as I watched his face light up like a Christmas tree. "REALLY?? Alright!" I laughed heartily, "Yes baka. Shall we go in now then?"

He grinned that goofy grin of his, "Sure! The sooner you leave, the sooner I get donuts!"

I laughed, "I feel so loved." I retorted teasingly as I knocked on the door. Not a moment after, the door swung open to reveal Stephie's smiling visage.

"Maegovannen Liz and Vash!" she said by way of greeting. I smirked and suppressed a laugh as Vash and I followed her inside.

With a warm smile, she asked, "I know we're in a hurry and all, but would you or Vash like something to drink?"

I grinned, always playing hostess... "No... I'm fine." I turned to Vash, "What about you?"

He looked pensive for a moment, probably wishing for a nice bottle of Wild Turkey, but he soon smiled. "No thanks!"

"All right. Then I suppose we'll be off now. See that you two mind yourselves here. Do try and keep out of trouble." Stephie said, most likely more for Lockhart's benefit than Vash's. Though apparently Vash missed that subtle meaning, as he nodded, obviously thinking it was meant for him as well.

Silly boy, you're not the one we're worried about... I thought, shooting Vash a look meant to imply "THANK YOU!"

"We'll be back this afternoon.... it'll be sooner than you think!" I told him, hoping all the while that I'd be able to get through the day without worrying too much. That's right Liz, focus on classes.

"Exactly so!" Stephie chimed in, "Well good day then. We'll return soon."

With a smile and a wave, I followed my friend out the door and to the bus stop, a long day of classes looming up ahead, though that was the last thing on my mind...

~~~*~~~

A/N: YAY! Hope you liked it! R/R please??

Thestral: ::BIG grin:: Dude. Took me long enough, ne?

Blu: I don't need funny reviews! ::giggles:: Though picturing baka tori-atama running for the hills IS pretty funny! ::snickers::

Saberpilot: ::grins:: I dunno what he'll do next… we'll just have to wait and see, ne?

greeneydgrl74: Thank you! I'm glad you like it!

Sakura and Selena: ::grins:: YAY for you!!! Hope you liked this chapter!

PT-chan: Hope you enjoyed this one! And I hope Wilson is feeling better! ::winks::

FluffysBijin05: Mmmmm… chinese food! ::grins::

Kagome-Angel2000: ::grins:: Hope you liked this chapter and I'm glad you like my little fic!

Aaringo: ::grins:: HOORAY for chills! Exactly what I was trying to do! And you do realize that your reviews are some of the best ones I get right? ::smiles:: Anyway, lemme know what you thought of this one!

Sailor-Armitage: ::grins::

Pudding333: Hope you can forgive me for making you wait so long!