Disclaimer: I don't own Trigun, I'm just borrowing it for awhile. Trigun is property of Yasuhiro Nightow, Mad House, Pioneer, and whoever else was smart enough to get a piece of the action. I just know I wasn't. TT

"..." is talking

'...' is thinking

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A Glimpse of Eden

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Chapter - 16

With a slight groan, Meryl stumbled toward the oak tree and practically collapsed on the grass underneath it, exhausted from playing kickball with Locke all afternoon. Waving him off and begging for a break when he started to complain, she gently massaged her aching leg muscles with the knowledge that she'd be sore in the morning. He gave her another disappointed frown, then turned and ran back to play with the ball by himself.

She sighed, wishing that Knives had bought the boy back a less active present from town. But Knives had said that it would be good exercise for the boy and it would help improve his reflexes and she guessed he was right. Besides, Locke looked so happy chasing after the ball and it was a good way for him to work off some of his excess energy from being cooped up indoors all the time. She frowned, the thought bothering her. She'd have to remember to talk to Knives about that. When he was in a good enough mood, that is.

The door opened and Knives entered, his eyes focused on Locke as he made his way over to where she sat. After a brief nod in response to the boy's greeting, Knives joined Meryl under the tree, sitting down next to her on the grass and watching as Locke tried, unsucessfully, to bounce the ball on his knee.

They sat there together, both silent, and Meryl was amazed at how relaxed and comfortable they had become with each other. The fact that Knives was sitting here beside her as opposed to leaning against the tree was evidence of that. As an experiment, Meryl shifted her position slightly, allowing her leg to 'accidently' brush against his, and was pleased by the lack of reaction it got. He didn't even glance in her direction or acknowledge the touch at all. Had she done something like that in the first month she had been there, Knives would have surely reacted, probably with violence. Even as little as a month ago, Knives would have probably tensed, pulled away, or made some rude remark about her species. The amount of change in him was incredible.

She glanced sideways in his direction, noticing that he appeared to be relaxed and thoughtful. Maybe now would be a good time as any to suggest he allow Locke outside more often, perhaps even take a trip with the boy once she left. She cleared her throat and Knives turned his attention to her, his blue eyes cautious. "Yes?"

She smiled to try to put him at ease. The expression on his face reminded her of his brother when he was expecting one of her bruise-inducing 'lectures'. "I just want to thank you again for bringing Locke back a present. He's been playing with it all afternoon."

He shrugged, but she caught the pleased gleam in his eyes. "It was nothing."

"It was very thoughtful of you," she praised, and noticed him struggling to keep a smile from his face. She took a breath, hoping that his apparent good mood would last through what she was about to discuss with him. "Knives? Can I talk to you about something?"

"About what?" The cautious look was back in place.

"I want to talk about... what you're going to do once I leave," she replied, watching his face carefully for any reaction to the mention of her leaving, "Because I was thinking, if you don't have anything planned yet, maybe..." she trailed off, growing uneasy with the look he was giving her.

"Maybe what?" he asked, somewhat gruffly.

She took a deep breath. It was now or never. "Maybe it would be a good idea for you to take Locke traveling for awhile." At his dubious look she hurried on. "It would be good for him to get out and see new things, meet new peo--" she cut herself off, remembering exactly who she was talking to. Way to go, Meryl. You've probably just ruined any chance you might have had to convince him.

He frowned, but he appeared to actually be considering her words. Another testiment to how much he had changed. "I don't have the time," he finally answered.

"All you have is time," she said irritably.

"What was that?" he asked, his tone was light but his eyes held a warning.

Still, she plowed on regardless. "I said, that all you have is time," she repeated. When his eyes narrowed, she sighed and continued, more gently than before. "Knives, you've lived for more than a century. Can you honestly say that you don't have the time to take a few months off to spend some time with Locke? He needs to see the world, Knives. He needs..." she struggled briefly for want of a word, "He needs to experience... life," she finally finished. "You can't keep him locked away in a cage forever, Knives," she added, her eyes soft, and she gently laid her hand on his forearm, "He'll suffocate if you do."

He seemed affected by her words, if not just her touch, and his eyes searched hers intently. Finally, he pulled away from her touch and nodded slightly. "I'll think about it."

She smiled and lightly brushed her shoulder against his. "That's all I ask."

Meryl turned her attention back to Locke, the smile slowly fading from her face. She'd miss him, she really would. But she missed her friends, too. She hadn't seen Milly in almost a year, and she ached to see Vash again. It was so all unfair. Why couldn't she be with all of them? Why did she have to choose between them? She'd even miss Knives she suddenly realized, and her heart tensed with the knowledge that when she left she would probably never see him again.

Knives glanced down at Meryl, the sadness and doubt she was feeling almost impossible for him to ignore. She hugged herself, her eyes misting with unshed tears as she watched the boy at play, and Knives knew that when the time came, it would be the most difficult thing in the world for the girl to leave Locke. He knew she would be hurt, and for some odd reason, that made him hurt, too.

Taking a breath, he made a decision that would affect them both forever. "How would you like to go and visit my brother and your friend today?"

She turned back to him, seeming confused by his words. "How would I like...?" she repeated uncertainly, before understanding lit her eyes and her jaw dropped in shock. "You're serious!?"

He nodded, trying to appear nonchalant. "Of course. I tried to have my revolver's sight adjusted in Garrison, but the man there was incompetitant, so I thought I'd try the gunsmith in Spring, and since Vash and that girl live there..." he trailed off and he shrugged. "I just thought you might like to visit with them while I'm getting my gun taken care of."

Her face blossomed into a delighted smile and for a moment Knives was afraid she was going to hug him, so he continued on, almost rambling in his nervousness. "We wouldn't be able to stay for that long, mind you. Less than an hour, maybe even only twenty minutes, but I just thought--"

The rest of his sentence was cut off when Meryl stood and surprised him by grabbing his hand and pulling him to his feet. Interlocking her arm with his, she began dragging him toward the door. "Locke!" she called back over her shoulder, "Come on, we're going to town."

"We have to leave right now?" Knives asked, trying, unsuccessfully, to pull his arm free from her grasp.

"Yes!" she tightened her grip on his arm and quickened her step, "Before you have a chance to change your mind!"

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Knives slammed the car door, a little harder than necessary, but Meryl didn't pay any attention. He had been melancholy and pretty much silent for the entire trip and she got the feeling that he was bothered by something, but she knew better than to ask what.

She hopped out of the car, closing the door more quietly than Knives had, and eagerly scanned the town. It hadn't changed much in the ten months she'd been away and was slightly comforted by that fact. Maybe she could pick up exactly where she had left off when the time came to return. She glanced down the street and her heart beat quickened. Just a few blocks away was her home. Just a few blocks away was Vash.

"Com'on, Locke," she smiled and held out her hand to the boy, "Let's go."

Knives laid a restraining hand on the boy's shoulder. "The boy will stay with me." At her confused look, he continued. "I told you we won't be long. Go and visit your friends and come back in twen- no, thirty minutes. And don't be late. I don't want to stay in this town any longer than necessary."

She smiled, and after giving them a small wave, she turned and hurried off in the direction of her home as fast as she could. She only had thirty minutes and she didn't want to waste a moment of it.

The two watched her until she rounded a corned and disappeared from sight. Locke glanced up at Knives, somewhat disappointed. "Why couldn't we go with her? I wanted to see Vash again."

Knives sighed, his face softening when he looked down at the boy. "Locke," he murmured, his voice sounding a little sad, "We're going to have to have a talk."

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Meryl stood outside the place she had called home for over two years, listening to the murmured voices coming from within. Fighting the urge to burst in the house and scare the hell out of them, she decided to open the door quietly and surprise them instead. Her hand trembled slightly as she grasped the door knob, then after a deep, steadying breath, she turned the knob and quietly stepped inside the small residence.

Her eyes watered at the sight of them and she had to press her hand over her mouth to keep from saying their names. Milly was by the sink, washing a pot and chatting to Vash about anything and everything, just like she always did. Vash was seated at the table, a cup of coffee in front of him as he absently listened to Milly's ramble. Neither of them had heard her entrance, and for a few moments she stood there and studied them, trying to memorize each and every detail.

Milly must have finally sensed her presence, for she suddenly turned around and glanced toward the doorway where Meryl stood. Her light blue eyes widened and she cut off her sentence, her mouth hanging open in shock. After a moment, her eyes teared up and she whisped a broken, "Meryl...?"

Vash lifted his head from his drink and followed Milly's gaze to Meryl, his eyes also widening in shock at the sight of the dark-haired girl silhouetted in the open doorway. "M-Meryl?"

She smiled and nodded, and a split-second later she was wrapped in a tight hug by Milly. "Oh, Meryl!" she cried, her grip tightening around the smaller woman, "I've missed you so much!"

"Not... not so tight, Milly," she managed to gasp out and was relieved when the taller woman lessened her hold.

"Meryl, is everything alright?" Vash asked, his voice sounding worried, "Did something happen? Did Knives--"

"Everything's okay, Vash. I'm just here for a visit. I've still got two months left before I'm back permanately," she explained, trying to ease Vash's fears. He probably thought Knives had thrown her out or something.

He visibly relaxed and came over to where the two women were hugging, his eyes focusing on Meryl. A split second later, his face broadened into a huge grin and he threw his arms around both of them, squeezing them tightly and enthusiastically. "Oh! I'm so happy!" he blubbered, happy tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Can't... can't breathe," Meryl squeeked out, blushing furiously.

Vash and Milly released their grip on her and Meryl took a few deep breaths to try and regain her composure. With a bright smile, Milly grabbed her hand and lead her over to the table, gently pushing her into a seat and then began preparing her a cup of coffee.

"Er... Milly, that's alright. I'm not very--"

"Here you go, Meryl." Milly interupted, placing the cup of coffee on the table in front of her. "Nice and hot, just the way you like it."

"Um... thanks, Milly." she replied, staring down at the drink. She wasn't very thirsty, but if it would make Milly happy she would drink it.

"So..." Vash began, settling back down in his chair, "Knives really bought you out here for a visit? Where is he?" he asked, his eyes darting toward the still open doorway as if waiting for his brother to suddenly appear.

"I guess he's getting his errand taken care of," she shrugged, and then took a small sip of coffee, "He just told me to be ready to leave in half-an-hour." At Vash's worried look, she smiled and added. "Don't worry, Vash. Locke's with him and I don't think Knives would try anything with him around." Her face softened slightly and her voice became more gentle. "You were right, Vash. He has changed. I can see that now."

Vash smiled, and placed his hand over hers. "Meryl..."

She blushed and pulled away, embarassed by the way Milly was grinning at the two of them. "Er... so anyway. How have things been around here? Did I miss anything?"

Milly tapped a finger against her chin, deep in thought. "Well..." her face brightened and she giggled. "Mr. Vash got a job!"

Meryl's jaw dropped and she turned an unbelieving stare upon Vash, who was rubbing the back of his head and looking embarassed. "You got a job!?" she asked, incredulous.

"Well... yeah, I kinda had to. With you gone we couldn't afford the rent and grocery bills so..." he sighed, and looked disappointed in himself. "So I got a job."

She began to laugh, the thought of Vash having a steady job was hilarious. "Who in their right mind would ever have hired you!?" she giggled, trying to hold back the laughter, but failing miserably.

Vash frowned, pretending to be insulted. "And just what is that supposed to mean? You know, before you girls came along I supported myself just fine."

"Okay, okay." she giggled, shaking her head slightly. "Seriously, what kind of job is it?"

"The bank's security guard." he grinned, pleased with himself.

"You're a security guard?" she blinked in surprise, then realized it made sense. Who in their right mind who ever try to rob a bank that had Vash the Stampede as it's guard? "Well..." she muttered, "it's about time you got off your lazy butt and started helping out around here. You know, Vash--"

"Meryl?" he interupted with a sigh. "Just for little while, can you at least pretend you're glad to see me?"

Her face fell and she ducked her head. "I'm sorry, Vash." she said softly, then bought her head up to look him in the eyes. "I don't have to pretend, Vash. I am glad to see you."

He smiled at her, his eyes softening, and she shyly glanced back down at her cup. After a moment, she glanced back up at him, but that look was gone and his goofy grin was back in it's place. She sighed, and then asked another question. "Anything else happen that I should know about?"

Milly's face scrunched back up in thought and she bit at her lip. Vash leaned over and winked at Meryl before innocently adding, "Oh, yeah. That Andrew guy has been hanging around an awful lot lately."

Milly blushed and looked away and Meryl raised a curious eyebrow at Vash. "Andrew?"

Vash nodded and then shook his head. "Can't seem to get rid of that guy. He's always hanging around, staying for dinner... I wonder wha--"

"Mr. Andrew has been coming over almost everyday since you disappeared, Meryl." Milly interupted. "He's been so worried about you that he comes to hear if there's any news about you."

Vash snorted. "Yeah, and he sticks around eating our food and sitting at our table. Such a pest!" He nudged Meryl with his elbow and she had to stiffle a grin.

"Mr. Andrew helps alot around the house." Milly added, sounding slightly defensive. "He helps me fold the laundry and cook the meals." She blushed and sat down at the table. "He's been really worried about you, Meryl." she repeated.

"It sure sounds like it," she replied wryly. If what Vash was hinting at was true, Andrew had been spending alot of time around the house, and not for the reasons Milly was giving.

Vash chuckled at Milly's embarassment over the teasing before his face turned serious. "Meryl, I'm curious. You said that Knives had something to do in town. Might I ask what it was?"

"Oh, he said he had to get his revolver fixed. He said the gunsmith in Garrison was 'incompetant'," she shrugged, not wanting to think about Knives right now. She would have to deal with him again soon enough.

He frowned, confusion on his features. "His gun fixed? But... Spring dosen't have a gunsmith."

Her mouth opened, then closed, then opened again before any words came out. "But... that's what he said he was here for," she blinked, confused. Now that she thought about it, Spring didn't have a gunsmith shop. But then what...?

"He... he wouldn't..." she whispered. Suddenly, it all made sense. Knives' sudden trip to Spring, his silence during the trip, his refusal to allow Locke to accompany her, it all lead to just one conclusion. "No!" she shouted and jumped up from from her chair, knocking it over. Without another word, she turned and ran from the house, hurrying as fast as she could back to the car. Tears clouded her vision and she wiped them away. He couldn't... he wouldn't!

A broken sob tore from her throat when she reached her destination. The car was gone, Locke was gone, Knives was gone. He had left her behind.

Vash caught up with her a moment later. "Meryl..." he whispered, his heart breaking at the sight of her grief.

She turned toward him, her face wet with tears. "Why, Vash? Why did he leave?"

He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, not knowing what to say.

"Hey! Is your name Meryl?" A man's voice called out. Blinking back tears, she nodded, uncertain as to how the man knew her name. The man held out a neatly wrapped package to her and after she hesitantly took it, he continued. "This guy paid me and told me to give this to you. He said you would know why."

With his message delivered, the man walked away, leaving behind the confused couple. Opening it slowly, Meryl gasped as the wrapping fell away and revealed the book she had once borrowed from Knives.

She clutched the book to her chest and she looked brokenly up at Vash. "Why...?"

Vash opened his arms and Meryl went to him, burying her face in his shirt. Milly approached them, a little breathless from her run, but Vash was busy comforting Meryl and barely noticed her arrival. He held her closer and glanced off toward the distance, a gentle smile touching his lips. "I never thought I'd live to see it," he quietly whispered to himself, "For the first time in his life, Knives actually put someone else's feelings above his own."

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End chapter 16

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Cutlass317: Thank you, thank you, and thank you!

Arika: I guess every story has to end sometime, but that only means I'll be starting work on a new one.

angelarms: Tada! Here your Vashu! I told you he'd be back! :)

White Ninja Spy: Yeah, I have habit of building up the chapter slowly, then as soon as I reach the high point, I end the chapter. Gah, I hope it's not too strenuous for you.

Suki: Thank you!

Ana: lol Thanks!!!

dbzfan82: Heh, thanks alot!

Anichan: lol My OC's most powerful defense... cuteness. Heh, Excel Saga references rock. Thanks for reviewing!

Suzuki Rei: Thank you, and I hope you liked this update!

SanoGirl: Thanks! (Geez, I'm saying that alot today. lol) [is too tired from work to think of anything else to say.]

vashluver1: Actually, this is a Knives/Meryl/Vash triangle fic, not just a K/M one. But then, Vash hasn't been around much so... I guess you're right. lol

geishablade: Thanks for the encouragement!

Yma: Thank you. I'm glad I pulled off a believable Knives. I'm working on a new fic now, and I think I'll try doing Knives in a slightly different way. I hope you'll stick around and read it when it's done. I have high hopes for my second fic. It's plot twisty.

Neptune Butterfly: Fooled ya! Vash didn't go back for Meryl, Knives bought her to him! How sweet... but poor Locke. He didn't even get to say goodbye...

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Next time: ...

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