Chapter 7: Fallen, Regain, and Happiness
Vash packed his track bag and looked at his mother Saturday morning.
" I'll be back around 6, can you have my suit laid out for me?" Vash asked
" Of course I can," his mother said
He kissed his mother's cheek and walked to the door.
" Win us a gold medal," she said
" I will," Vash said
He walked out and caught the bus to uptown, there he was dropped off and ran to another bus where everyone was loading.
" Vash is here," one of his teammates called
" Where have you been?" the coach asked
" I don't live in uptown," Vash said, " it takes me longer than the other guys."
" Oh, yeah that's right," the coach said
He loaded the bus and sighed and looked out the window. He saw Jessica standing out there. He pushed down the window and stuck his head out.
" Good luck Vash," Jessica said
" Thank you," Vash said
She smiled and blew him a kiss and he smiled and then put the window up. He leaned his head against the window and closed his eyes. He opened his eyes and watched their second bus drive past them. Vash sighed and closed his eyes once more.
They arrived at the stadium, where Nationals was being held, the boys unloaded and the girls track team did the same. Meryl walked over and found Knives and poked him in his side. He turned around and looked at Meryl, she smiled and kissed his cheek.
" For luck," Meryl said
Vash looked at them and Meryl looked at Vash and winked.
" We can't be seen together or Knives will really kill you,"
" Of course how can I have forgotten," Vash said, " Stop getting jealous over that."
He walked off and both track teams lined up and got into formation and stretched together with their captains calling out the routine of stretches. Vash looked at Meryl next to him leaning over.
" Great view," Vash said
" Hey," she said
Vash smiled then they did their own, and Vash watched as Meryl did her usual stretching for cheerleading.
" Your so flexible," Vash said
" Of course how else do you think I can do splits without tearing anything," Meryl said
Vash smiled and the whistle was blown and the boys lined up by sport event, Knives stood at the front as captain to lead them in. there was an opening ceremony, they were to march around the stadium presenting their school colors. Vash looked at the stadium full of people and suddenly he felt less at ease.
" This is it," Vash thought, " I have to prove that I'm good here."
Knives looked at Vash from behind and smirked. He looked in the distance and saw his father with his stepmother waving. He only gave a nod to acknowledge their presence. He looked forward and looked over at the girls team, looking at Meryl as she smiled brightly.
" My final chance," Knives thought, " I won't let him win."
They were then sent to the events that they had selected and Knives and Vash went and warmed up. Knives wore his bace around his left knee, which was warming his knee up.
" Does it hurt?" Vash asked
Knives looked at his knee and looked forward.
" Very much," Knives replied
He took off and leapt the hurdles set up for warm up and Vash took off and leapt over them. Knives stopped and rested his knee and Vash walked over to see if he was ok.
" Why are you racing if it's bothering you?" Vash asked
" Because I won't let my knee hold me back to what I have come here to do," Knives said, " I won't let it happen again."
" Isn't best that you care for yourself first before winning," Vash suggested
" Shut up, I'm going to win this," Knives said, " So, leave me alone
As each event ended the time got closer to prepare to run with all their hearts. Knives removed his brace and the bandages and handed them to his father, who came down to get a closer view.
" How is it?" he asked
" I'm fine," Knives said, " Don't worry about me. I'll win."
" Good, win back your pride that he destroyed," his father said
Knives smirked and slipped his sweats on, then walked over to wait. The coach walked over to Vash and Knives.
" What ever happens out there win or lose we still made it this far," the coach said, " Do your best boys and make your school proud."
Vash and Knives nodded and the hurdles were called. They made their way to the starting line as 7 other schools joined them on the starting line. Vash and Knives took their positions and looked at one another.
" One of us will win," Knives said, " the other will just cry with the other schools."
" Well it won't be me," Vash said
Knives smiled and looked ahead.
" Hey Millions," Vash said
" What?" Knives answered
" Taste my rubber soles," Vash said
" More like you'll be tasting mine," Knives said
They were given the ready set mark. Knives pushed his weight to the back and Vash balanced. The gun was fired and they took off like bullets up against 7 of the best schools and they had to win. Vash took a deep breath as they jumped each hurdle. Knives followed instep with Vash not letting him claim the prize he had looked forward in claiming. Vash looked as he came up to another school's runner and past him up. Knives did the same and saw Vash pushing ahead another runner. Knives did the same, feeling the burn in his knees, the aches in his joints of all the work. Knives breathed deep hearing his heart pounding against his chest. Vash looked at Knives seeing him close at hand. He could see the endless fury from the past few weeks in his eyes. It was almost like that was fueling him to run. Vash looked ahead as he met neck and neck with the head runner. He leapt and felt the breaths of the other runners as he leapt. Knives pulled ahead of Vash and the other runner and smiled.
" Feel the burn Stampede," Knives said
He had gained an extra foot between himself and the head runner. Vash pushed himself breaking away from the clustered runners as they anxiously ran towards their goal. He caught up with Knives and once more it became only them as their speed pulled them away from the others. Hurdles or no hurdles they were center stage, the corner hurdle was coming and Vash knew from there it was easy. He leapt over them in sync with Knives almost as if it were planned. The crowd became breath less as the brothers stayed on step with one another. Feet separated the other runners from them and the corner one came and that's when they broke from each others pace. Vash gain that extra foot and Knives finished the corner. As Knives landed throwing his weight to his left side he heard a crack. He continued on the same path and hurled himself forward ignoring the sharp pain shooting through his leg. Almost finished and close to Vash, his left knee failed on him and Knives fell.
" Millions has falling," the announcer said
There was gasping in the audience and Knives looked ahead and pushed himself up, but he fell.
" No," he growled
" He doesn't seem like he's in a very good mood," the announcer said, " But wait what's this…Vash has stopped running and his heading towards Millions."
The crowd watched as the star runner knelt down and looked at Knives.
" Go, you won," Knives said
" No, we won," Vash said
" Get off me," Knives said
Vash lifted Knives and looked at him.
" We started this race as brother's that's what we're going to finish it as," Vash said
Vash and Knives had the feet to spare and both together crossed the finish line together. There was silence and then there was cheering.
" Well, it looks like we have a tie, the judges don't rule it out side ladies and gentleman Vash and Knives Millions are your winners," the announcer said
Paramedics and their coaches came running over to help them. Knives was taken to get his knee looked at and the coaches walked Vash back to the team. The team cheered and high fived Vash.
" Good job," the coaches said
Vash looked over and saw his father walking over to Knives. He narrowed his eyes and turned away and saw Meryl and Millie walking over.
" You won Vash," Millie said
" Yeah," Vash said
" That was a real sweet thing you did, it almost cost you your victory," Meryl said
" It would have been worth it," Vash said, " What's the point of a victory when it didn't end up neck and neck with your biggest rival?"
After the ending ceremony they loaded up and the coaches helped Knives up on the bus. Vash looked at his brother and gave a smirk, and Knives sat down in the front seat.
" Why did you do it Vash?" Knives asked
" Cause I could," Vash said
" You sacrificed your victory for me," Knives said
" You're my brother and like or not, you'll always be my brother," Vash said
" We're rivals from two different parts of town," Knives said, " It's only right that we fight."
" But in the end even rivals become friends," Vash said
When the bus pulled into school the boys cleaned up and then went home. Vash came home and dressed into his suit. His slick suit was all he had that showed once they were wealth, but he wore it differently than a typical typhoon would wear it. He wore his suit with pride. Instead of his usual hair style he pulled it back and then walked out.
" Very handsome," his mother said, " Here, let me pin this on you."
She placed a red geranium and looked at him, then kissed his cheek
" Be nice to her Vash," his mother said, " You're a star and a gentleman."
Vash nodded and walked off to the bus stop and got on. He arrived and walked to the gym where Jessica stood. Jessica's hair was pulled up and styled with sea foam green flowers in her hair. Her strapless dress matched the flowers and a vale like scarf floated over her shoulders. Vash smiled and escorted her in and they saw people staring at them.
" Congratulations Vash on your victory," someone said
" Thanks," Vash said
Jessica smiled and they continued on and danced a few songs then Vash got them punch to drink. He looked around and then saw Knives and Meryl enter, Vash couldn't help but to stare. Meryl's dressed was long and gently hugged her slender form, but it flowed like a dream. The white dress was lined with a blue trim, she wore white gloves with a bracelet. Knives wore a tux since he could afford a nice one and keep his. Knives walked with Meryl around as people congratulated him on his victory. He was shinning with pride and Meryl sighed. She saw Vash and smiled at him, she gave a little wave and Vash waved back. He winked at her and hinted to her to meet him somewhere behind the gym. She shook her head and pointed to Knives and Vash made a gesture as if to hang himself. Meryl smiled and Knives looked at her and then looked over at Vash who quickly turned to Jessica.
" Come along Meryl there's to much ignorance around us," Knives said
Dominique watched as Knives danced with Meryl a few times and she smirked.
" Midvalley, I want to dance," Dominique said tossing her glass to an usher
Midvalley took her hand and led her to the dance floor and both danced. Like her clothes Dominique pulled off another slut dress. The front of her dress cut almost a little lower than her breast. It was just enough to see everything, but still cover important areas to the publics eyes. She had too slits that ran up high were she could still cover certain areas and still wear her revealing dress. Of course none of the guys seemed to mind as Dominique came around them. Wolfwood and Millie walked in and both sighed seeing it was Knives who Meryl was dancing with and not Vash.
" This is hopeless," Wolfwood said
Millie smiled and grabbed Wolfwood's hand.
" Come on dear lets dance," Millie said
" Of course honey," Wolfwood said
As the dance went on Dominique looked at Knives and smiled as he winked at her. Dominique nodded her head and danced with her darling date. Midvalley didn't give the slightest impression that he was enjoying himself. In fact he often forced Legato to dance with Dominique so he could take a break. Knives excused himself and walked off into the hall of the gym. Dominique followed and looked at him.
" She's becoming a bore," Knives said, " Your more interesting."
" I know I am," Dominique said
" Nice taste in your dress selection," Knives said trailing his hand down
" I knew you would like it," Dominique said, " It's a simple dress to put on and I don't know maybe I need a little help to get it off."
Knives smiled and kissed her neck and said, " Perhaps later, I shouldn't let Meryl wait she'll get suspicious."
" I can help you get rid of her," Dominique said, " Just go and have fun I'll be there in a minuet."
Knives kissed her and then wiped her lipstick off his lips. Meryl walked over to him and wrapped her arm around his.
" What took you so long?" she asked
" Someone told me my lights were on," Knives said, " Don't worry, I wasn't going to ditch you."
Meryl smiled and the two dance and Vash looked at Meryl. She didn't seem like she going to tell Knives…in fact the way she looked was like she was wanting to stay with him. Of course that all was about to change in a moment's last breath. Dominique walked over to Knives with no date following her. She reached up and kissed Knives on his lips in front of Meryl, of course what got to Meryl the most was that Knives' lips automatically reacted to Dominique's seductive kiss. Dominique pulled away and then looked at Meryl.
" Oh, dear did I just kiss your date Strife?" Dominique said playing dumb
" Yes, and my date just kissed you back," Meryl said, " Get your hands off him."
" What do you mean?" Dominique questioned as she wrapped her arms around him
Meryl narrowed her eyes and threw a punch with her infamous right fist. Her fist met Dominique's perfectly done made up face. Of course this wasn't then end of the beginning. Dominique threw a punch at Meryl.
" He doesn't want you, he wants me princess, your old news," Dominique said, " You have lost your charm."
" How dare you say that," Meryl said
" Princess doesn't get her happy ending, cause prince charming wants another princess," Dominique said
As they fought back and forth they began to really take it out on each other. From hair to dress. Knives finally broke them up and looked at Dominique with a smile. He turned to Meryl and touched her face.
" It's true isn't it?" Meryl asked
Knives looked at her and she grabbed his hand and Meryl pulled away. She started to walk off and he grabbed her by her wrist.
" I'm sorry," Knives said
" And here I thought I was falling in love with a possible changed man," Meryl said, " I'm such an idiot."
" We can still be friends," Knives said
Meryl didn't want to hear that, but what she felt like doing was give him what he deserved. She threw a hard punch directly in his face, adding a black eye to his fractured nose. She took off and ran out the double doors and Vash looked at Knives. Knives looked at Vash and narrowed his eyes.
" Meow," Dominique said, " It's a good thing you broke up with her."
Knives turned away and smiled at Dominique. Vash walked off after Meryl and he walked into the cool air. There he saw Meryl crying and he knelt down beside her.
" Here it's cool outside," he said throwing his jacket over her shoulders
" Oh, Vash," Meryl whispered, " I was a fool."
" No," Vash said, " You were beautiful in there."
Meryl smiled a little and wiped the tears from her face. Vash reached into his pocket and pulled out a tissue, he wiped her dripped make up and kissed her head.
" I knew he was going to break up with me, but I didn't expect his whore to help encourage him," Meryl said
" Yeah, that's pretty cowardly of him to have a woman help," Vash said
Meryl kind of laughed and Vash grabbed her hands into his own. He removed one of her gloves and kissed her hand, then kissed up her arm. She giggled and then placed her hand on his face.
" Vash," she whispered, " I'm sorry."
" You don't have to be," Vash said, " It's alright that you have mixed feelings."
" How can I make it up to you?" Meryl said
" Hmm," Vash said with a devilish smile
" Not that way," Meryl said
" What? I wasn't thinking that…you have a very bad mind," Vash said
" Me, look at that look," Meryl said
Vash smiled and said, " This look."
Showing the devilish smile and she nodded. Vash grabbed her hands and kissed them.
" Hey, well you can give me one of though back rubs," Vash said, " I like your gentle hands on my back."
" I owe you one," Meryl said
Vash stood up and put his hand out.
" Let's not let this ruin our dance," Vash said, " After all their playing our song."
Meryl grabbed his hands and he pulled her to him. She stumbled into his arms and kissed him.
" I might take you up on your suggesting if you keep kissing like that," Meryl said
" Sounds great, my place after the dance," Vash joked
" Vash," she said
" I was kidding," Vash said
They walked back into the dance and Jessica smiled and kissed Vash's cheek.
" Catch you later," she said
She walked off and Vash took Meryl's hands in his own and they danced. She leaned her head against Vash and closed her eyes.
" Well, it looks like a happy ending after all and the race is cancel for the two brothers," Wolfwood said, " Looks like both brothers will go home with a lady of their choice, but where's that leave me."
" What are you say Wolfwood you have me," Millie said with a smile
" Yes, of course the good friend gets a lady of his own," Wolfwood said, " Justice is served."
Later that night, Meryl looked at Vash and smiled. She kissed his lips and Vash stroked her bare arms.
" Vash, can I…can I come home with you?" Meryl asked with a blush
" Yeah, I would like that," Vash said he kissed her
Meryl called a cab and they got in and took it downtown. Vash walked her into the dark apartment and shut the door. He grabbed her hand and lead her into his room. He kissed her and then looked at her.
" Do you want to take a shower?" he asked
" Hmm, if it's with you," Meryl softly said
Vash gulped and Meryl walked over to him and grabbed his tie, then pulled him to her. She kissed him and Vash pulled her close to him. Vash smiled and led her into the bathroom. He ran the hot water and added cool water, then looked at Meryl. He gently kissed her and she removed her gloves and let them fall. He gently removed her dress and let it fall and she removed the rest of, her stockings and undergarments. She pushed his coat off and gently set it down and then undid his tie. He traced her soft skin as she undressed him. Both stepped into the warm shower and Vash kissed her then gently washed her soft skin. She then washed him and traced his muscular body with her hand.
Once they finished Vash wrapped her into a towel and dried her body and she did the same to him. He lifted her into his arms and carried her into his room. He laid her down and kissed her, craving for her lips.
" Are you sure you want to do this?" Vash asked slowly unwrapping her towel
" Yes," Meryl whispered
Vash nodded and kissed her, then removed her towel and he removed his. He took her into his arms and their night ended with pleasure.
By the next morning Meryl was wrapped up in Vash's arms under the bed sheets. Vash opened his eyes and kissed Meryl's head. He looked at her hands on his chest, he placed his hand on hers and smiled.
" I love you Meryl," he whispered
" I love you too," Meryl mumbled
Vash smiled and closed his eyes and pulled her close to him.
" Only if this could last forever," Vash thought, " I would gladly take this over anything else."
THE END