Chapter 3: Shall We Dance
One week following the quick draw
Vash opened his eyes hearing voices downstairs. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, then got dress. He opened the door to hear the familiar voice, he walked down and Legato looked.
" Good morning sir," Legato said
" Who is here?" Vash asked
" Master Knives' future in laws," Legato replied
Vash straighten his tie and vest then walked into the sitting room. Knives looked up and then rose.
" Vash, it's good to see you up finally, these are Dominique's parents," Knives said, " They have come to dine with us for breakfast and then later tonight for dinner."
Vash gave them a nodded and then Knives sat down.
" As I was going to say, we will sell our uncle's land for a reasonable price," Knives said
" Wait a minuet, selling our uncle's land?" Vash said
" Yes, Vash. I believe this conversation does not include you brother," Knives said, " I do not wish to live in a plantation that is much larger and less hands to help tend to it."
Vash looked at Knives and Dominique's parents looked at him.
" I'll take it," Vash said, " Once I'm married I'll move out."
" We will discuss this matter at another time," Knives said
Vash nodded and then walked off, a maid walked over to Vash and handed him a letter.
" Ms. Lina, has asked you to lunch, perhaps it is time that you got into a serious relationship sir," the maid said
" Yes, perhaps," Vash said, " But is she the one? Is she the one I am to spend for ever with? What about the mysterious woman I peruse?"
Vash sighed and breathed deep.
" To many questions, I can't answer," Vash whined
" Master Vash, I don't believe you are yourself," the maid said
" Of course I am," Vash said getting serious
The servant smiled and then walked off and Vash walked to the dinning room.
" Legato my good man what do we have on the agenda today?" Vash asked
" Your usual sir," Legato said
" And what is that?" Vash said closing his eyes to hear
" Nothing sir," Legato siad
" Huh?" Vash said
" That's right sir your agenda is full of nothing," Legato replied
Vash stood up and said, " That can't be, I have something planned. I know it. This can't be happening. I'm losing my mind."
" Master Vash, Mr. Wolfwood is here to see you," a maid said
" Tell him I'm busy, I'm trying to figure out my point in life," Vash said
" That's easy, being you," Wolfwood said
Vash looked up and smirked, " That's right being me. Thank you my friend."
He walked over and shook his hand.
" So, the letter, did you give it to her?" Vash asked
" Yes, I did, she's given me a reply," Wolfwood replied
Vash smiled and Wolfwood handed him the letter. He opened the envelope, smelling the zesty perfume on the letter. The same one that she wore to the party.
" Ah, how I love women who spray their letters with perfume," Vash said
" I believe she's just as fixated on you Mr.Vash as you are of her," Wolfwood said
" Legato, could you get us some coffee," Vash said, " Come and have a seat."
Wolfwood and Vash sat down to discuss Meryl's fixation on him, but Wolfwood refused to give him her name.
" I must respect the wishes of the young lady," Wolfwood said, " Do you mind not drooling."
" Sorry," Vash said, " She's just so mysterious."
" She's going to be in town with her dear friend, later today," Wolfwood said with a hint
" Today in town," Vash said, " I shall be there to take her breath away with my stunning looks."
Wolfwood sighed and sipped the coffee brought to him. Vash thought about what he was to do, to say.
" When will you stop playing games?" Wolfwood said, " Your getting to old for these, find a suitable wife and settle down. Your brother has."
" Are you saying I am old?" Vash said, " I have my youth to keep me company."
" Your fooling yourself, your not sure, Why don't you come to one of my services and see if the answer lies there," Wolfwood said
" I don't go to church, I find my spiritual findings in everyday life and in nature's calls."
" That would be with a gun," Wolfwood said
" It's still nature," Vash said
Wolfwood sighed and stood up and shook Vash's hand.
" I guess I'll see you sometime," Wolfwood said
" That you will," Vash said
Wolfwood walked off and Vash opened the letter. The smell of the perfume filled his nose and he sighed. He read the letter, but let his mind take off with it.
Daydream
Vash saw Meryl sitting at the table alone and once more put out his hand. She took it and he pulled her close.
" Your such a mysterious man, why not reveal who you are and I shall reveal who I am," Meryl said
They danced across the floor as others joined them on the dance floor.
" I can remember the dance, the music and your presence beside me, the name I seek is not what my father has given you. A man of mystery, a phantom in the shadows who attracts women such as I to wisp away their hearts and never reveal who they are," Meryl said
She reached for the mask that he wore and smiled.
" No, words from you only your dashing green eyes that stare, let me see who you are," Meryl said, " Let us call this masquerade game to an end. After all it is I who has chosen such a dashing man to steal my heart."
Vash bowed and Meryl curtsy
" Come to my masquerade my mysterious man," Meryl said
Vash kissed her hand and both walked off
End
Vash looked at the letter and sighed.
" Masquerade," Vash said
Vash stood up and ran upstairs and Knives and Dominique's parents looked at him. Knives shook his head and walked them to the dinning room. Vash walked downstairs and Knives stood there.
" Vash, where are you going?" Knives said
" I have a meeting to attend," Vash said, " Please go eat without me. Give my regards."
Vash put his ridding gloves on and walked to the kitchen.
" Zazie, my horse and quickly," Vash said
" Yes, sir," Zazie replied
He was out the door and Vash rubbed his chin. It was clean cut and gave a smooth look.
" Seeing Ms. Lina?" Mother asked
" No, to meet my mystery girl," Vash answered
" Master Vash, when will you learn?" Mother asked
Vash walked out and Zazie guided his horse out. He saddled the horse and took off down the dusty road. His heart was racing with excitement, he was going to see her again. As he came to town he tried to figure out what she looked like, without her mask. He too gave off a different look that even she would not know. Then he remembered that she would be with her dear friend. He entered town and all the women stared at him. He sighed looked around.
" If I could only hear her voice," Vash sighed
" Millie, I need to go to the bank will you go ahead and get us drinks," Meryl's voice came
Vash turned and it was as though he had been struck by cupid's arrow. A southern belle as beautiful as the moon and stars, walked his way. He stood up and walked only feet away from her and bought a single rose. He then walked towards her.
" Is your name as sweet as this rose madam?" Vash asked
Meryl stopped and she turned around and looked at Vash seeing the red rose in hand.
" Or perhaps your name is the same as this flower," Vash said
Meryl blushed a little as she took the rose and smelt it. She looked up at Vash and smiled.
" So, you have taken your mask off," Meryl said, " I see your whole face."
" As I see your beautiful face fully," Vash said
Meryl smiled and turned away from him and walked next to her.
" Sir, I am not flattered by your repeated lines to me, but I am amused that you have found an interest," Meryl said
" I beg of you a name, any name," Vash said
She turned around and placed her finger on his lips.
" Shh, so you may hear my name," Meryl said
Vash grabbed her hand and leaned towards her and she leaned to him to whisper in his ear.
" My name is sweeter than a rose, but it is nothing compared to the moon and stars," Meryl whispered
Meryl smiled and stood up straight and Vash looked at her.
" What name can I give you?" Vash said
" What name can you give me? I believe that is a good question," Meryl said, " You are as childish with your name as I am."
Meryl smiled and kissed his cheek and then walked off. Vash breathed in deep and ran to her once more and then stood in front of her. She stopped and looked at him, and Vash smiled.
" You do not give up," Meryl said
" Not, when it comes to perusing a beautiful young woman, I am like a blood hound on the hunt for love. Quick on my toes in getting what I want, with my keen senses," Vash said, " Especially when it comes to a mysterious young woman like yourself."
" Your very charming, but it will not work on me," Meryl said, " You have others though who it has worked on."
She pointed and Vash looked to see the young women waving.
" Don't be a dog, you're a man," Meryl said
She walked off and sighed and Vash looked at his horse and whistled. The black stallion came and he saddled up and continued to peruse Meryl. The horse trotted up to her and she continued with a smile.
" Dinner at my estate," Vash said
" Dinner?" she asked
" Yes, please," he said, " At 7 o'clock."
" Where is your estate?" she asked
" Do you know where the Millions' estate is?" Vash asked
Meryl stopped and said, " Yes, I know it quite well."
Vash stopped and looked at her then jumped down. He grabbed her hand lifted it up to his lips.
" That is mine," Vash said, " Please, I ask for you to join me."
" Tonight at seven?" Meryl said
" Seven, I will send a carriage, or my faithful horse," Vash replied
Meryl smiled and petted the horse and then smiled.
" Alright, I shall have dinner for you," Vash said, " At seven at the Millions' plantation."
Vash smiled and then kissed her hand. He then saddled up and took off and Meryl smiled. Millie walked over too Meryl and tapped her shoulder.
" Who was he?" she asked
" My mysterious guy," Meryl responded, " I know his last name though."
" What is it?" Millie asked
" Millions, and we're having dinner at his estate tonight," Meryl said
" That's great," Millie said
Later Vash stood in front of his uncle's plantation and walked in. He whistled and two Great Danes came running in and sliding across the wooden floor. Vash smiled as the dogs tackled him and licked his face.
" Alright, Amica, Cura," Vash said
A set of footsteps came down the hall and whistled. A young woman walked out.
" Mr. Vash how wonderful to see you once more," she said
Vash sat up and smiled.
" Ms. Jessica how nice to see you again, you've grown," Vash said, " I need you and the others to clean up for me. I'm having company over tonight at seven. Is it possible?"
" Yes, actually we can get it done. Your brother has already asked us to do so," Jessica said, " We've been working all day."
" Very good, thank you Jessica, are all the cooks here?" Vash asked
" Yes, we'll start dinner now, would you like something to eat?" Jessica asked
" No, I have other plans for lunch, thank you," he said
He took off and headed to Lina's estate. He came to a beautiful southern home and a stable hand came and took his horse. He walked inside and Lina's butler led him to the gardens where Lina was.
" Ms. Lina, Mr. Vash has come," her butler said
" Thank you," Lina said
She turned from talking to her gardener and looked at Vash standing there.
" Mr. Vash how are you?" she said, " I'm glad you came, your brother said you were not feeling well, but I guess you are well."
" Yes, I am Ms. Lina," he said
She walked over to him and presented her hand for him to kiss. He lifted her hand and kissed it. He took in her scent and smiled then she wrapped her arm around his.
" I thought we could have lunch in the garden," Lina said
" That would be nice," Vash said
Vash and Lina sat down to lunch as the butler brought them lunch and wine. Vash and Lina started up a dialogue together. They ate only the finest lunch provided and drank the finest wine.
" So, you have inherited the Millions' plantation?" Lina said
" What are you going to do with it?" Lina asked
" Take care of it for right now, I'll move out sooner or later," he said
" With a wife perhaps," Lina said
Vash smiled and nodded as he sipped his wine. Lina blushed a little bit as she thought about her question.
" Perhaps it could happen," she thought
Meryl pulled out a few dresses and looked at Millie.
" Millie I need to look my best," Meryl said
" I think you should go with the blue one," Millie said, " It's a good color on you."
" Then I'll wear it," Meryl said
" This is so exciting," Millie said, " Oh, Meryl this couldn't get any better."
Millie smiled and Meryl smiled.
" I got you where I want you," Meryl thought, " He's just telling me hints, but its great."
That evening Vash stood in front of a mirror and the servants slipped a dark blue vest on. He tied his tie and rolled his sleeve up just above his rest. He then looked at the servant.
" My coat," Vash said
" Here you are sir," the servant said
She slipped the coat on and then he fixed his hair.
" How do I look?" Vash said
" Like your getting married sir," she replied
Vash sighed and said, " Thanks."
She smiled and Vash walked down and Knives looked at Vash.
" Dinner isn't for another hour, why are you getting ready?" Knives said
Vash slightly lowered his head and Knives narrowed his eyes.
" You son of a bitch," Knives said
" I forgot," Vash said
" Forget coming back in this house brother," Knives said
Vash narrowed his eyes and said, " This is my house brother. Not just yours. Mother left it to us both."
" You have once more disappointed me brother," Knives said
" Give my regards, I'll make it up," Vash said
" Who is she, another whore?" Knives asked
" No, she's a woman I met at the party," Vash replied
Vash walked out the door and his horse ready to good. He took off with just a tap of his heal on the horses side. Knives threw the glass down and watched it shatter.
" What an idiot? I can not count on him for anything," Knives said
He turned around and shut the door and looked at the servants.
" What are you looking at?" he growled
They all turned quickly back to what they were doing and mumbled to themselves as Knives went to the sitting room. Mother sighed and looked at Rai-Dai and he shrugged.
" I guess it's four not five," Rai-Dai said, " That's ok I'll let them eat leftovers."
" Rai-Dai," Mother said
" What, I only cook good things when the nice master is eating, not for master Knives and his marry self."
" You could use a little parsley to make it look elegant," a maid joked
" Ah, such a good idea," Rai-Dai said
" Rai-Dai," Mother warned
" Alright, alright, two good leftover meals," Rai-Dai said, " I don't really cook for in laws."
Vash came to the plantation and the butler there opened the door for him.
" She hasn't come yet has she?" he asked
" No, sir," the butler said
" Good," Vash said
Vash entered and the aroma of smells circled him. He smiled as five maids walked out one took his coat the other took his hat. The other three made sure he was comfortable.
" If you so wish sir you may sit in the sitting room," one maid said
" No, I wish to stand," Vash replied
" Master Vash, how good to see you came," Jessica said
" Jessica, good to see you, thank you for doing this is such a rush," Vash said
Jessica smiled and said, " Oh, Master Vash you know we are able to help you."
" Yes, I know," Vash said
Vash looked at the plantation's interior and smiled, seeing that his uncle's taste was much like his and Knives. He had a smoke room with trophies from hunts and deer heads hanging on the walls.
" Master Vash, she's here," a maid said
Vash walked out and the butler opened the door. Meryl stood there in a blue dress, it's gold trim sparkled in the candle lights. Her blue eyes captured his green eyes, he smiled and walked too her.
" Come, we shall dine," Vash said, " By the finest candle light."
Meryl smiled as he lent her his arm, she wrapped her arm around his and then led her into the dinning room. The butler pulled out her chair and she sat down, Vash took the chair at the end of the large cherry wood table. The first course came, a fine salad and Meryl looked at Vash. He smiled and watched as her soft skin was captured by the light of the candles, she glittered with the light like an angel.
" Your very beautiful," Vash said
Meryl blushed a little and then smiled to thank him. Once they were finished the second meal came. The conversation picked up and Meryl found out many things.
" You have a brother?" Meryl asked
" Yes, he's much older than I," Vash said
" Are you close," she asked
" Sometimes we can be, but others I'm afraid we are just like any other family," Vash said
" Your lucky, I am an only child and my friend is just visiting for a few months," Meryl replied, " My father pushes for me to get married and my mother is just a very unhappy woman."
" I'm sorry to hear that," Vash said
By the 5th course Vash and Meryl's conversation had not seemed to slow down. Her laughter lighten the mood and Vash's light hearted stories intrigued her. The servants watched as the romance blossomed and the servants walked into the kitchen. The musician's played music in the back ground and Vash got up and put his hand out.
" Shall we dance?" he asked
" Of course," she replied
She took his hand and he led her to a cleared area that was made for dancing. The two waltzed and fell into a trance of comfort.
" Tell me," he said, " Tell me your name."
" Do you wish to know it?" Meryl asked
" Let's end this childish game of name guessing," Vash said
Meryl smiled and Vash pulled her close to him as they danced.
" I am just an average girl," Meryl said, " Raised in a southern home."
" I'm a lonely plantation owner," Vash said, " I need someone to keep me company."
" Is that a favor you ask all women you dance with?" Meryl asked
" No, just the ones I know won't slap me," Vash replied
Meryl giggled then smiled and looked at him.
" And how do you know I won't slap you?" she asked
" Because it's after dinner and we're still full of life," Vash replied
" The night is still young," Meryl replied
" Yes and there's still time in taken advantage of a woman of your stature," Vash said
" I'll let that one go, but next time beware my bark is worse than my bite," Meryl said
" I look forward to it then," Vash replied
The waltz ended and Meryl and Vash walked out on the screen porch.
" It's a beautiful night," she said looking at the stars
" Yes it is," Vash said but he wasn't looking at the sky, he looked her
Meryl slightly shivered and Vash removed his coat, he placed it on her arms.
" Thank you," Meryl said
" Your welcome," Vash said
Meryl looked at him and gazed into his eyes.
" Do you have a name?" Meryl whispered, " A name I can call you by?"
Vash looked at her and leaned towards her and then kissed her on her lips. Meryl returned the kiss and Vash kissed her deeper. Meryl pulled away and then turned from his gaze.
" I'm sorry," Meryl said, " I should not be suggesting ideas by my actions."
" I believe it was my fault," Vash whispered
Meryl looked at him and then lowered her head.
" A name I beg of you," Meryl whispered, " You are the one I see in my mind day in and day out. I have asked forgiveness of sins of thinking thoughts of a man I have met from afar."
Vash touched her face and kissed her again.
" Don't be afraid," he whispered
Meryl kissed him and Vash pulled her close to him. He held her with such a gentle hold as though she would break into his arms.
" Shall we go in it's getting colder," Vash suggested
" Yes," she replied
They entered the house and Vash grabbed her hand and kissed it.
" Wait here," he said
Vash walked into the kitchen and looked at the maids and Jessica.
" Take any room you please," Jessica said, " We're use to master Millions affairs."
Vash sighed and then walked out and put his arm around her.
" I would never ask woman I have just met, but stay, with me for this night," Vash whispered
Her stroked her soft cheek and kissed it.
" I would rather die than not be with you in this wonderful night," Meryl whispered
Knives looked at Dominique and her parents. His anger that his brother would do something so rude and out spoken, made his blood boil.
" Knives dear is everything alright?" Dominique asked
" Fine," Knives said, " Legato more wine."
Legato filled his glass then Knives shoed him off. Legato entered the kitchen and Mother looked at Legato as he showed the same expressionless face.
" Cheer up," Mother said
" How can you cheer up with a cold hard possible murderer in there," Rai-Dai said
" Hush you, keep stirring the master's going to call for the next meal soon," Mother said
Zazie came in and sat down.
" When's master Vash coming back?" Zazie asked
" I don't know, but I have a feeling master Vash has other intentions on why he's at his uncle's plantation and not because of his brother," Mother said
" Oh," the three said
" Not that you three," she said
" Well, that would be the only intentions master Vash has with being a woman all by herself," Zazie said
" He's got a good heart you remember that and it's a surprise he's lasted this long with his brother," Mother said
Legato gave a sigh hearing the bell and walked out with two plates of served food then he went back for the other two. He walked back into the back once more being shoed off.
" Legato how do you put up with master Knives' attitude? I'd have to shoot myself in the foot to ignore his words?" Zazie asked
" Trust me Zazie I have already done it many times missing my heart," Legato replied
Mother slapped Legato and he looked at her.
" Don't give the child ideas, you're a bad influence," Mother said
" I'm terribly sorry Mother, but it's the truth," Legato replied
She gave him a look then shook her head while Rai-Dai laughed at Legato's replies.
" What are you laughing at, you have cooking to do," Mother siad
" Just laughing because that's the first time I've actually heard him make a joke behind the master's back," Rai-Dai said
" Oh, you haven't heard some of his jokes like…ah…that one…no…oh well he's made some," Zazie said
Zazie looked over seeing Legato's left eye twitch a little and he smiled sheepishly. Legato hit Zazie on the head with his fist.
" I happen to be a funny man," Legato said
There was silence and then laughter in the kitchen.
" Oh, that's a good one Legato," Mother said
" He's right he is funny," Rai-Dai siad
" I can see that I am not appreciated in here," Legato said, " Master Knives' words are more comforting."
Legato started to walk and then they stopped him.
" We're sorry, you see we all just needed to hear the truth on you part and you just liven things up that's all, come back here and let me get you something to eat," Mother said
Legato sighed and sat down and Zazie sighed
Later Knives and Dominique's family moved to the sitting room and Dominique looked at him. She smiled and grabbed his hand and then leaned over, to kiss Knives' cheek.
" Should we send the parents home," she whispered, " It's just you and I in this house. Those servants won't mind."
Knives smiled and looked at her.
" Perhaps your right," Knives said
" Mother, Father, don't you have work to do tomorrow," Dominique said
" Yes, we do," her father said
" Maybe you should head on," Dominique said
" Yes, that would be good," her mother said, " Come on dear, Dominique can come home a little later."
" Nice to meet you Knives," Dominique's father siad
Knives walked them to the door and they walked to the carriage. Dominique put her arms around Knives' and kissed his cheek.
"You have away with your parents," Knives aid
" I know," Dominique said, " I'm an only child."
Knives turned to her and kissed her then she undid his tie.
" Come on," she said grabbing his hand
The servants watched as Dominique and Knives walked down the hall.
" Yuck, they're at it again," one maid said, " It's gross."
" It relieves the stress off him and us, we don't have to worry about him yelling at us," another maid said
Vash walked Meryl to a large room, guiding her with a candle. He opened the door and led her in. He then lit two other candles and turned to her. Vash smiled as she shut the door and removed her gloves. She let them fall to the ground and he walked to her. He captured her lips in his and she slowly reached for his tie. She undid his tie and threw it to the ground and then undid his vest. He untied her dress and helped her out of it, then undid her corset and let his hands travel, stroking her soft bare skin. Meryl finished undressing him and both looked at each other. Vash captured her lips as she stroked his body with her traveling hand. He lifted her into his arms and pulled down the covers. He laid her down and gently stroked her body, he looked at her as he leaned over her.
Hours of passion and love were not even heard, but the servants knew. They went on with their business and then went off to bed.
" I believe we will need breakfast," Jessica said
" Yes," the servants said
By morning the sun awoken them piercing it rays through the drawn currents. Vash looked at Meryl as she opened her eyes. She smiled and kissed him and he stroked her skin. She pulled the covers close to her nude body then looked at him. She traced his chest and saw scars all over his body.
" What are those scars from?" she asked
" A piece of history that you may soon know," Vash said
She smiled and he kissed her neck, she stroked his hair and then kissed his chest.
" Your wonderful," she whispered
Vash leaned over to her and kissed her cheek and then her lips.
" I am wonderful," Vash whispered
Meryl smiled and kissed his lips and she turned towards him. He took her into his arms as she leaned over him.
Later that morning both dressed and Meryl joined him for breakfast.
" Can I see you again?" Vash asked
" In your dreams and possibly around town," Meryl said
Vash smiled and kissed her hand and said, " Of course in my dreams cause it is you who has lighten my spirit."
After breakfast Vash ordered the stable hand to get a carriage to take Meryl home. They stood on the screen porch and Meryl stared at him. Vash presented her a rose and then leaned over and kissed her cheek.
" My name is Eriks," Vash whispered
" Eriks," Meryl looked at him
She kissed his lips and walked off once the carriage pulled up.
" Your name," he asked
" In time Eriks," she said
Meryl got into the carriage and Vash sighed with a smile as she was taken home. A smile formed in his lips as he entered the house.
" Are you wishing to depart soon?" Jessica asked
" Yes, have my horse prepared," he said
Jessica nodded and went off to do so and Vash smiled.
" She keeps playing games," Vash said, " I like this in a woman."
Meryl return home and saw Millie on the porch. She smiled and Millie walked over to her to greet her.
" Meryl you were gone all night," Millie asked
" I know," Meryl said, " But I couldn't just leave him, he was charming and very humorist at times. Oh Millie it was like a dream."
" Meryl your father, he's terribly angry at you, you better go change," Millie said
Meryl nodded and she walked upstairs and the maid helped her dress. She then walked downstairs and walked to the porch. Millie and Meryl started a new game of checkers when Wolfwood came up.
" Good morning ladies," Wolfwood said, " I trust dinner went well Ms. Meryl?"
" It was a dream," she replied
" Yes, and where did you dine that made is such a dream?" Wolfwood asked
" His estate, the Millions' plantation," Meryl replied, " I know his last name now and his first."
" Millions' estate," Wolfwood said
He walked over and had a seat beside Millie and looked at Meryl.
" You realize the last Millions has past away just three months ago," Wolfwood said
" No, that can't be," Meryl said
" It's true," Wolfwood said, " He was a good man, the land was given to his nephews."
" Nephews?" Meryl said
" Yes, you were invited to their masquerade three weeks ago," Wolfwood replied
" I see, who would they be?" Meryl asked
Wolfwood sighed and said, " I can not say."
" Come now Mr. Wolfwood, there are only our ears to hear," Meryl said
" It is not my liberty to say," Wolfwood said
Meryl sighed and rose and then looked out in the distance. She sighed and closed her eyes.
" Did he speak his name to you?" Wolfwood asked
" Yes, a name like no others," Meryl said, " His name is Eriks."
Wolfwood sighed and shook his head. He stood up and placed a hand on Meryl's shoulder.
" You of so much faith have met a man that can pull strings," Wolfwood said
" What do you mean?" Millie asked
" It's nothing, all will come together," Wolfwood said, " I should take my leave, tell your father hello and Ms. Meryl keep your head up."
Vash walked in and walked to the stairs until he heard the doors open down the hall. He quickly dashed into the smoking room and waited, he saw Knives walk out casually dressed, with the paper at hand. As he passed Vash opened the door slowly and made a quick dash for the stairs. Knives turned to see if someone had just left a room, he shook his head and went on. Vash sighed and made his way upstairs and took to his room. He shut the door softly and sighed.
" Avoiding him is the best thing to avoid further conflict," Vash said
He sighed and fell flat on his bed and closed his eyes, still smelling Meryl's perfume on him. He smiled a little and once more fell asleep curled up on top of his covers.
An hour later Vash opened his eyes and he looked up to see Knives standing there. He jumped and fell on the hard floor and Knives smirked.
" Late night brother?" Knives said
" Only in my dreams," Vash said
" Mr. Wolfwood is here and I think you better speak the truth to him," Knives said
Vash smirked and sat up and Knives made a face.
" I'll have the maids draw you a bath," Knives said, " You smell like you've been sleeping with the pigs."
Knives walked off and Vash sighed then the maid came in to tell him the bath was ready. Vash walked off and bathed while the maid laid out some fresh clothing. Vash got out and dressed then walked down. Wolfwood stood there and Vash gave him a wave.
" How good to see you Mr. Wolfwood," Vash said, " How are you?
" I'm fine," Wolfwood replied, " But I believe we need to talk."
Vash narrowed his eyes and led him to the sitting room and Wolfwood sat down. Knives gave a slightly raised eyebrow towards the direction Vash and Wolfwood were.
" So what is this about?" Vash said
" Your mysterious woman," Wolfwood said, " I'm warning you Vash this has to stop and especially giving her false identities. She's still young and her father is seeing that she wants you. Tell her who you are now before it goes to far."
" I'm sorry, but I believe it has," Vash said
Vash leaned against the mantel of the fireplace and looked at the fire.
" What do you mean?" Wolfwood said
" We went beyond what we both wished," Vash said, " Dinner wasn't enough the mood was right and neither one could with hold our desires from one another."
" Vash, you can't be serious, she's a higher class woman, if not the daughter of the second riches man in this southern town," Wolfwood said
Vash sighed and then turned and looked at Wolfwood.
" Your guiding her to the fiery pits of Hell," Wolfwood said
" I don't need your talk about spirituality, I have my way," Vash snarled
" Cut the ties with her now before her father finds out and before something bad really happens," Wolfwood said
Vash shook his head and said, " No, not until after the masquerade. I promise I'll do it then. I've made my decision on whom I'm to wed."
" Good, this woman needs to be left alone," Wolfwood said, " She's not going to understand that there are better men for her than you."
Wolfwood stood up and walked out and then walked off. Vash sighed and stared back at the fire. Legato walked in and announced breakfast and Vash looked up.
" Send Ms. Lina a letter that I wish to have dinner with her tomorrow here at my estate," Vash said
" Yes, master," Legato said
Vash turned and walked out and sat down to breakfast. Vash leaned back into his chair.
" Spare me your silence Vash, what is going on?" Knives asked
" Nothing," Vash replied, " Only that the grounds will swallow me."
Knives narrowed his eyes at Vash seeing he was lying.
" I've revealed my good half to you, but not my true self," Vash thought