Disclaimer: No I don't own Trigun
Note: Hello again for the 9th chapter and to tell you the truth I didn't expect it to be this long and as I am writing this I am on my 56th page O.O well I firstly have to apologise for making you wait so long but I had so much homework, plus I had a bit of writers block for a while there ^-^' any way enough of me talking to myself and giving excuses here's the thanks to all my lovely reviewers:
Pammi - thank you so much for your review you helped me to not feel so bad cos I honestly didn't like the last chapter. So thanks again and I'm glad you like the storyline.
Blu - Your review is probably the one I have thought about the most, I understand that some people don't like that pairing and I was one of them at first so I think I'll slow down with Knives/Millie for now until I can decide on what to do.
Tough Cookie - I'll have to check on that mistake you pointed out which I will probably do after I submit this. Thank you for the review.
Rainy-days13 - aww thanks for your kind review and I will try my best to do a drunk Vashie although it will be a first so I can't promise it will be any good.
Magnet-Rose - Thanks so much for your review and don't worry bout not giving suggestions I'm just glad someone reads the bottom notes, cos I usually think I'm talking to myself ^.^
Silverado600 - Thanks for your review, I really enjoy reading the advice you have to give, and I'm all too glad to be shown what I've done wrong. For one thing you learn more from your mistakes so it will help me in the long run. Thank you again for the review.
Vashies-Girl - Thankies for your review and here is your update I hope you enjoy.
Neptune Butterfly - Your review made me laugh (the thing about Knives) and I'm glad you liked the last chapter. Here is your update.
Sake21 - thanks for your review and I will keep the Knives/Millie pairing in mind even if it isn't so explicit in this chapter (I think).
Keiko's angel - Thank you for your review, it was much appreciated and I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Well there were a lot of reviewers to thank and now on with the story, let's hope it will be good. ^.^'
* * * * * *
Chapter 9 - Tension
Meryl stood up and yawned before stretching lightly, afraid of opening her wounds again and rubbed the blur of sleep away from her eyes. The healing scar tissue had become extremely itchy and irritating over the last couple of days and so she had removed the bandages and left the wounds to heal in the fresh air - well not exactly fresh.
She crossed the room to where the small mirror stood in the corner and regarded her petite form reflected on its smooth surface. She noticed how different she looked and realised now why Millie and Vash always looked at her in concern. Her face was pale and withdrawn, her eyes bloodshot and filled with fatigue. No longer was her short, dark hair glossy with health, but dull and lifeless.
Then her eyes fell to the scar that peeked out from her nightshirt and she shuddered with fear, the memory of what had happened to her would live on as a visible reminder. She raised her hands and pulled her nightshirt further closed so that the scar was hidden beneath the light material, but instantly the scar tingled as if mocking her.
Now she realised how Vash felt about people seeing his scars and he had so many more than what she did. At this thought she felt almost guilty about her emotions towards the unruly marks on her body. She remembered all too well the day that Millie and she had accidentally walked in on Vash, and his reaction to them seeing his scars. She now understood his embarrassment and his feelings of wanting to hide them away.
She heard the slight tap on the door to remind her that Millie was still waiting outside for her and bit her lip to force back the tears. It had been days since she had been safe in the house with her friends, but the fear of being left alone had still remained.
She turned from the mirror and crossed the room to dress into her clothes not wanting Millie to wait much longer and smiled as she felt the soft material of the jeans and shirt that Millie had bought for her rub warmly against her skin. Meryl had to admit that she missed wearing Vash's oversized clothes, as weird as it might sound it was nice to be surrounded in the warm, comforting scent of the man she loved more than anything else in the world.
"You can come in now Millie." Meryl called and the tall girl entered with a bowl of soup in her hands. The shorter girl knew that Millie was trying to help her get back to full health and took the soup from her gratefully.
"Did you make this?"
"No Ashley did, that girl is extremely good at cooking." Millie grinned and sat down on the edge of the bed to watch her friend eat breakfast.
"Well I have to agree with that." Meryl smiled a genuine smile and began to eat, her appetite beginning to return after all this time.
"So are you feeling any better today?" Millie asked almost nervously.
"Actually I am, I'm not so wobbly on my feet and I didn't realise how hungry I was." Meryl smiled wider and her happiness increased at seeing what her comment did to affect her friend's mood.
Millie jumped up and grabbed the soup bowl, which was now empty before leading Meryl down the stairs and into the lounge. The sunshine seemed less intense that morning and more gentle in its caress, its golden fingers stretching across the floor and catching the dust at play in the air.
Ashley stood on a chair by the stove with a pan in her small hands and the smell of pancakes filtering around the room like a fragrant perfume. Breathing in the delicious smell Meryl padded slowly over to the couch and sat down, her legs feeling slightly weakened by the walk.
"Do you want some pancakes?" Ashley chirped up as she held the newly cooked food out to her. Her large eyes pleading with her to say yes.
"If she doesn't want them can I have them?" Vash's voice trailed down from the stairs as he entered the living room. He looked extremely tired for some strange reason and Meryl quickly took the plate from Ashley and started to eat them before Vash could even make a move to get them.
"Aww I'm hungry." Vash pouted giving Meryl his biggest - and cutest - puppy eyes. She didn't respond to him although she felt her heart leap at seeing him so cute even though she knew that was the point of putting on those eyes in the first place. She mentally kicked herself for falling for his charm and turned away from him.
"Don't worry Vash, Millie and I can make some more." Ashley chirped happily and the tall blonde instantly perked up at hearing the offer of food.
"So how was Mr. Knives?" Millie asked, her voice nervous.
"He seemed okay to me." Vash collapsed on the couch beside Meryl and stretched up, placing his hands behind his head.
"Is he hungry?" Millie continued but Vash merely shrugged. "Well I think I'll take him some food." Millie offered and helped Ashley flip pancakes.
Meryl was completely taken aback by Vash's closeness, sure she had been in his arms a few days ago but that was different. He had pitied her before and wanted to comfort her to keep her quiet but now he was sitting next to her by his own choice. Her heart was pounding wildly and she tried to concentrate on the last piece of pancake left on the plate, tried to lose his wonderful scent in the syrup but failed miserably.
He must have noticed her awkwardness as he leaned even closer and her breath caught in her throat, which made her choke, and she sidled away from him very slightly. Lifting the last piece of pancake she swallowed it and turned her head slowly back to him and caught sight of the brilliant aqua eyes that were so close to her own. She almost gave a squeak of surprise if she wasn't hit by another coughing fit.
"Hey are you okay?" Vash's face was filled with concern and she felt instantly guilty, she had made her friends worry enough about her already and she nodded.
"F-fine." She croaked and tried to clear the ache in her throat.
"You want a drink or something?"
"No." She snapped and noticed the pained expression that flickered through his eyes and hastily added, "Please stop fussing I can take care of myself..." Then she realised what she had said... 'Ha you can't even be left in a room by yourself, you're like a child'
Mille saw the tension that had settled upon her two friends who were sitting on the couch and grabbing some food she signalled to Ashley who nodded instantly, and finished piling the pancakes onto a plate.
The young girl walked over and set the pancakes in Vash's lap before crawling up into Meryl's, being careful not to lean too hard against her wounds. Meryl smiled down at the girl who was snuggled in her lap and let out her held breath. Vash was already tucking into the food that had been given to him and Ashley watched with amusement.
"Meryl..." She started her voice quiet and somewhat endearing.
"Yes, what is it?" Meryl turned her full attention to the child, her senses telling her that it was important.
"Well...you know I have no parents, and no home..." Ashley dipped her face to hide a mischievous grin.
"Yes but I told you before that you can stay here as long as you like."
"Well, how can I put this...?" Ashley forced on a serious face and lifted her head so their eyes locked. "I want you to be my new mom."
For the second time today Meryl felt completely awkward and unable to tear her eyes away from the child sitting before her. Surely the girl would rather have Millie has a mother figure; the two seemed to get on so well. 'Is this some sort of game?' Meryl wondered.
"Ashley I-"
"No, please listen to me. You saved my life and I want to stay with you. You are the only person who has ever truly cared enough about me to risk their lives for me. It would mean so much to me."
"But I..."
"Oh and Vash." Ashley turned her attention to the man sitting next to them, his mouth filled with his last pancake. He blinked in surprise at suddenly being brought into the conversation.
"I want you to be my new dad." She told him, her serious face slowly fading beneath a smile. The plan was working perfectly, if they both agreed this would bring them closer together and if they didn't, the idea of them bringing up a child together would be imprinted in their minds.
Vash meanwhile was choking on the last of his food just as Meryl had done only a few minutes before. The raven-haired woman was leaning over towards him and patting his back to try and clear his airway. Ashley slipped away and out of the room to go and check on Millie to leave her two "parents" to think things through. Her smile now was brighter and wider than ever before. 'Matchmaking sure is fun' she though to herself and skipped up the stairs glancing back only once at the two on the couch.
***Knives's POV***
There was a light tap on the door, which brought me round from my thoughts of my idiotic brother. He thought he could talk me round and force me to be nice to the humans that took care of me. 'What an idiot.' I almost regretted making him that promise to try and change my ways and to not hurt him again...almost...
The tapping on the door had ended as it slowly opened and sitting up I glanced over half expecting it to be Vash - but then remembered he hardly ever knocked before entering a room - and saw only that human...Millie.
"I brought you something to eat." She explained and crossed the room in a few strides and dropped the food on my lap. She stood for a few moments watching me with those blue eyes of hers before sitting at the chair by my bed. She seemed slightly more distracted than usual and me being the silent observer I knew her quite well already.
She was sitting in the chair purposely avoiding eye contact and instead looking at her hands that were in her lap. I grinned slightly sensing how uncomfortable she was and leaned closer to her.
"What are you thinking about?" I asked, laughing very slightly, if I wanted to know I could just read her thoughts, but something had been stopping me from doing that.
She jumped at the sound of my voice and lifted her face to look at me then frowned. "You haven't touched your food yet, it'll get cold." She pointed at the bowl of pancakes that I had smelt cooking down in the kitchen and sighing I started to eat. 'Why am I doing what she tells me too' I thought but could not find the answer.
Then after finishing the food I leaned back against the pillow and stared at her, a smile lingering on my lips. She was back in the same awkward position with her head bowed and hands tucked in her lap. 'I should hate her.'
"Knives have you thought about what I said?" She kept her eyes averted.
"What did you say?"
"About trying to be nice, and smile more." This time she did make eye contact and it took all my effort to remove the small smile I had on my face.
"I'll think about it." I yawned and she sighed almost sadly when suddenly there was a sound of someone coming up the stairs and the tall girl instantly brightened.
The human child burst through the door seconds later a huge smile spread on her face and the two started talking excitedly and so fast I couldn't understand. Then they seemed to slow down and Millie drew in a long needed breath.
"So what did Meryl say?" Millie asked and I tried to think who this Meryl was (A/N: I had a quick scan through and I don't actually think Meryl and Knives have spoken to each other yet ^.^' so I'll make sure they do this chapter) Then I remembered that Vash had mentioned her a couple of times. He had said something about her being sick and that was the reason he hadn't had much time to spend with helping me get better.
Now I understood, this human creature meant more to Vash than me! His own flesh and blood. Controlling my anger as best as I possibly could I forced myself to listen to what these two humans had to say.
"Nothing much, she was shocked I can tell you." Ashley chirped.
"So she didn't give an answer?"
"Nah...so captain what's next?" Ashley asked as she jumped over to sit on Millie's bed and I scowled at her cheerfulness. 'Are all women this annoying?'
"Well let's see now I guess we will just have to talk Meryl into going to the festival." Millie tilted her head and sighed, "which might prove difficult."
"Nah, we just gotta make sure we don't give her a choice in the matter." Ashley told the taller woman who agreed.
"Well then we have the rest of the day to plan so lets get started." Millie said enthusiastically and I rolled over and lifted the blanket over my head to drown out their annoying voices.
***Normal POV***
Vash - having finally been able to breathe again - turned serious eyes to the woman sitting beside him, her face was turned away from him and he could tell she was uncomfortable with the situation. The tension was so heavy and thick that it could have been cut with a knife if he had had one in that moment.
'That girl is really up to something' he thought letting his eyes travel to the stairs where that little troublemaker had gone. Sighing he reached out and lay a hand on the short girl's shoulder and felt her tense.
"You okay?" He asked softly and Meryl whirled round, her eyes flaring with anger but he could see the confusion and fear beneath the layer of anger that was usually so well hidden.
"I'm fine, I've told you that before, why does no one listen to me?" She pushed herself up from the couch as if to leave and then glanced towards the empty stairs and knew she couldn't go up alone.
Vash still sat on the couch looking up at her silently and that was even more unnerving, where was his smile? Where were the annoying comments? 'Is it my fault that he always looks so sad?' She wondered and shook the thought from her head; she wouldn't be able to live with herself if she found out that she was the cause of his pain.
Carefully she sat back down and brought her knees up against her and rested her head upon them. She felt so useless and pathetic and suddenly Vash was there again, too close for comfort.
"You know, you should get out and breathe some fresh air for a change." She could see her reflection in the smooth facets of his eyes and she turned her head away in shame.
"I can't." She breathed quietly and shuddered very slightly.
"I know, but if you had someone there with you maybe you could." He spoke so quietly that she could hardly hear and simply nodded, too afraid to break the peace that had fallen over them.
"Well then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" He grinned and leapt up from the chair taking Meryl by complete surprise. He lifted her to her feet as if impatient to get going.
"What, right now?" She blinked and he nodded happily. "But I..."
"No excuses, come on." He grabbed her wrist and led her towards the door dragging her behind him.
He paused at the door and pulled her up beside him, he felt her tremble in slight fear and saw that her eyes were closed tight. She was terrified, that was obvious but he wanted to help her so badly that he wouldn't be put off. Gently he released her wrist and slipped an arm around her waist and pressed her up against his side. She hardly even noticed when he reached out and opened the door; all she was aware of was their closeness and the warmth from his body that had surrounded her.
"Are you ready?" His voice asked and Meryl could simply nod and cling to him tighter, afraid that if she stepped out the slavers would be there waiting for her. She almost laughed aloud at that thought, 'the slavers are gone stop being an idiot' and yet the fear remained in her mind, refusing to shift.
"Well let's go."
"Shouldn't we tell Millie?" Meryl asked, finally gaining her voice.
"Quit stalling." He grinned and squeezed her comfortingly before stepping out of the door and keeping her with him the whole way. Half the time she walked with her face buried in the folds of his jacket, trusting him to walk her through the town safely. It seemed a lot busier than usual and as they walked in silence she carefully turned her head to see out of the corner of her eyes.
Banners were being pinned up against buildings and she noticed the happy faces of the people. She looked up questioningly at Vash who was busy waving at someone in the street before he turned to look down at her.
"What's happening?" Meryl asked quietly and Vash shrugged.
"Not too sure but its some kind of festival." He grinned, his eyes starry "At least that will mean cheap food and beer."
"You'll never change." Meryl sighed and felt her legs starting to lose their strength, but she was too afraid to tell Vash to slow down and stop. She didn't want to seem even more weak and pathetic than she already was.
Then as if he had read her mind he stopped and led her over to a bench where he sat down beside her, she noticed that his arm still lingered around her waist and blushed violently. It was one thing being this close inside the house but being this close outside in public was another.
***Vash's POV***
She was terrified I could tell and she still wouldn't relax even when she knew I would never let anyone hurt her. The blush that had crept up onto her face made her look incredibly cute and her eyes that darted from side to side made her look so vulnerable.
"I would never let anyone hurt you Meryl."
"You can't be there all the time." She reminded me, and the realisation of this hit me with such intensity that I couldn't even think up a reply. Then she leaned against my shoulder, the blush disappearing from her face and she spoke, "You are leaving again aren't you?" Her shoulders shook and she didn't even attempt to look at me, I could tell she already knew my answer.
"How did you know?"
"Remember, you told me that day you came back. I haven't forgotten."
I'm not sure what surprised me more, the fact that she remembered our conversation or the fact that she sounded sorry to hear that I was leaving. So being me I decided to act like an idiot, I knew how to deal with an angry Meryl better than an upset one.
"Well you know it's about time I left, I don't like staying in one place much and to be honest it gets a bit boring around here."
"It's because of me isn't it?" She whispered and drew away from me very slightly; her violet eyes were not angry but desperately unhappy.
"Because of you?" I repeated; my mind so muddled from the conversation that was taking place.
"Its because I worry you and Millie...and don't try to deny it I've seen the way you look at me. You walk around as if it was your entire fault when it wasn't. I got myself into that mess, I was the one who walked straight into trouble and couldn't get myself out of it." She was almost crying now and I wasn't sure what to say to her that could make it better.
"It wasn't your fault Meryl, you just wanted to save someone, and you saved Ashley. We just feel bad that we couldn't get to you in time to stop them from hurting you."
"Well don't...please don't. I don't think I could bear it if I was the cause of your pain and Millie's, you have had too much of that already."
I closed my eyes and fell silent listening to the chirp of the birds that fluttered around the streets and sighed. Meryl felt so incredibly warm and comfortable against me that I felt that I could fall asleep any moment until my stomach started to protest. Meryl found that amusing and she actually laughed - the first for a long time - and I laughed with her.
"Do you want to go back?" She asked me, her eyes starting to return to their normal relaxed shade and I nodded. She almost went into a panic as I released her so I could stand up and clung to my arm as if afraid that she might lose me.
"I'm not going anywhere yet." I joked and smiled at her blushing face.
"Sorry."
"It's okay."
The walk back to the house was slightly better, she relaxed her grip on my arm and her eyes were no longer shut in fear, she actually seemed quite happy to be outside.
At reaching the house Ashley was there waiting for us and I couldn't help but feel a little nervous. She waved and ran over in our direction, her eyes lingering on our linked arms. I could tell that Meryl wanted to let go of me but she was hesitant to part, her fear still tapping at her mind.
"Millie wondered where you two were so I said I would come and find you." She informed and Meryl nodded and looked over at the house. The child led us back, making sure that we were following and allowed us inside first. Then Meryl separated from me, leaving my arm feeling somewhat lighter and cooler with her absence.
I made my way to the kitchen shortly after to raid the cupboards to find only two boxes of donuts left. Whimpering at how I would have to make two boxes last the rest of the day I sat in a chair and ate silently.
***Normal POV***
The horrible darkness was the same: thick and intense so that the lungs were starved of oxygen and the skin blistered in the heat. Even though she had been here several times before she never learned her lesson and she always opened her eyes to the blinding light. Shutting her eyes tightly she wondered why she kept having the same dream and whether maybe this was some sort of message. Suddenly the ground began to shake violently as it always did, sending the dust billowing up around her and as she opened her eyes again she saw the great mushroom of light that had burned the hole into the fifth moon. Once again she wanted to scream and even though she knew her voice would be drowned out as always she did so and the shockwave hit her as it always did. She hit the ground with a familiar thump and looked up into the murky sky, which seemed to taunt her.
Standing up she looked around the deserted plains and lifted the hair that had fallen across her eyes. Yes it was always the same, everything was destroyed and she could not stop the tears that streamed down her face, or the thought that Vash had been the cause of this even if he hadn't wanted to.
"Vash." His name came as a rasping whisper which didn't even sound like her own voice and with it came the longing that the next part of the nightmare would change.
Suddenly the sky went black and for a moment she thought her eyes were shut until she realised the ground could still be seen, and there blazing on the horizon was a figure of a man, his face covered by the shadow and eyes like beacons in the night. No, everything was the same, would her nightmare never end? Would it always be so horrific?
"Stop!" She screamed as the ground beneath her feet whirled by, forcing her to come closer to the man waiting for her, the man that she still didn't recognise.
With a hideous laugh he reached out clutching her by the shoulders and shook her violently, her head snapped back and her tears scattered onto the ground. She wanted to close her eyes and not see the next part but her eyelids weren't listening to her, she was being forced to see.
Her eyes turned to see Vash lying unconscious - possibly dead - on the ground. His right arm was revealed through the ripped shirt and the puddle of blood that was forming beneath him was still the same.
It was in this moment that she realised that maybe her nightmare wasn't the same after all; Vash was no longer lying injured alone, there was someone with him, also lying hurt. The man who had hold of her shoulders turned round to see the two unconscious figures and backed up until he disappeared into the shadows.
Meryl took this chance to dash forward and try to reach Vash before she woke up, she wanted to comfort him this time and not leave him to suffer alone. She fell to her knees not caring that the blood was staining her clothes and pulled him up into a clumsy embrace.
His aqua eyes fluttered open half way and he spotted her looking down on him then he tried to speak, his voice cracking from the pain. Meryl brought her face closer to hear what he had to say.
"My brother...Is Knives okay?" And with that he let his eyes fall closed and his body relaxed fully into the lasting rest of death. She called out to him, desperate for his eyes to open again but he was gone and she could not save him. Looking up she spotted the man that had to be Vash's brother and saw that he too was either dying or already dead. Her face was wet with tears that had refused to be held back and the sobs - that racked her body - froze her heart as well.
* * * * * *
Meryl's eyes flew open to the darkness of night and the familiar room where she always woke up and wondered whether she had made any sound during the nightmare. She reached up and touched her face, which was wet with tears and sighed miserably when she spotted Vash looking at her, his eyes burning with fear and concern.
She almost jumped at seeing him so close but was also glad to see that he was still alive and well and had to stop herself from hugging him. She sat up and tried to catch her breath and wiped the tears away. He caught her hand in his and she turned to him again.
"I'm sorry, did I wake you?" Meryl asked meekly.
"Yes, you were crying in your sleep." He told her gently.
"I was?" Meryl tried to act like she didn't remember but Vash's eyes would not allow her to lie, she was trapped in the warm orbs that offered so much comfort.
"Tell me about it."
"It's nothing really."
"Please." He begged and to her surprise he pushed her back on the bed and lay beside her. 'Does he know what this contact does to me?' She asked herself angrily but realised what a stupid question that was. Vash would never hurt anyone on purpose.
"It was a nightmare."
"About?"
"You and, and your brother."
"My brother?" Vash's interest grew.
"I saw this light, just like that day when the fifth moon gained its crater." She hiccupped as the tears threatened again and he gently stroked the tears away from her face.
"Carry on." He whispered and she felt her heart leap with joy at this moment they were sharing. He was lying next to her on the bed one hand lazily stroking her face and the other wrapped fondly around her. All she had to do was lean forward and she would be snuggled up in his warm embrace, astride the warmth of his chest.
"Then there was this man, I didn't recognise him but he hurt you...he killed you and badly injured your brother."
"Do you know where this was?"
"No, everything was destroyed from the blast." Meryl started to cry again and forgetting that she should be shy, that she should be trying to forget her feelings for the outlaw lying in her bed she snuggled up against his chest and cried until there were no more tears left.
Resting her head against his chest she closed her eyes and let her breathing slowly return to normal. The warmth made her instantly sleepy and she rested her head against him letting his strong heartbeat fill and echo her ears. Carefully - with courage she never knew she had - she slipped an arm around his waist to hold him closer. In response Vash simply reached over and grabbed the blanket that had fallen away during her nightmare and pulled it over them.
"Umm, should I stay?" He whispered as he looked down at Meryl who was buried against him and couldn't resist a smile. She nodded slightly against him and sighed very quietly.
"Is that a yes?" He asked again still not sure whether he should stay, especially if she woke up in the morning to find him next to her and decided that she wanted to beat him up.
"So warm..." Was her only response and he finally let himself relax and fall asleep with her lying safe in the warm circle of his arms.
***Meryl's POV***
I woke up not to the sun but to something warm and soft against my face and pulling away very slightly I realised that it was in fact a warm shirt that belonged to Vash the Stampede. My heart was just about ready to leap into my throat when I remembered what had happened, the nightmare returned to my memory as clear as if it had actually happened and I knew he was only here to comfort me and nothing more.
I drew in a deep breath and filled my lungs with his sweet scent, wishing that this moment would last forever. When he was with me I felt so safe and comfortable as if no one else in the world existed apart from us two.
He moved slightly in his sleep and I glanced up at his face, which was even more beautiful in sleep. His golden hair had fallen down across his eyes and moved under the warmth of his breath. His mouth was slightly open in a teasing way and his eyes were completely closed and oblivious to the world around him.
Sighing I drew myself closer to him again loving the new and wonderful feeling that warmed my heart. Suddenly he moved and glancing up again I saw his eyes opening and meeting mine, a faint blush on his face, which quickly faded to a smile.
"Good morning." I said and he relaxed suddenly and I realised that he had probably thought I was going to hit him.
"Good morning." He yawned and took his arms away from me before sitting up and rubbing at his eyes. I wriggled over into the warm hollow that he had left behind and closed my eyes again feeling the fatigue begin to take over again when he shook me awake.
"You can't go back to sleep again." He told me firmly.
"Why not?" I asked and sat up reluctantly to wait for my answer.
"Well I want to go and get something to eat and I can't leave you here by yourself." He stretched and I watched the defined muscles beneath the shirt with a longing, which put myself to shame. Nodding I got up and smoothed out the blanket on the bed.
"Will you be alright here while I go and get changed?" He asked softly and I nodded watching him leave and forcing myself to remember that he was only in the next room.
I took this chance to gather my clothes and dress quickly so that I could wait for him to come back. To my surprise it was Millie who entered my room first and she smiled happily at seeing me awake.
"I just came to see if you were hungry."
"Well I am a little I suppose and I know for a fact that Vash is...aren't you supposed to be watching Knives?"
"Ashley is taking care of him."
"You're letting a child take care of a murderer?" I could not hide my shock at Millie's stupidity.
"He isn't like that Meryl, actually could you go and ask Ashley if she is hungry whilst I go start breakfast." Millie then left the room leaving me alone and frowning at how silly she could be sometimes I obliged and entered the hall.
I carefully tapped on the door and entered feeling slightly nervous at meeting this horrible fiend I had heard so much about. The next thing I knew Ashley was at the door looking up at me with a cheerful smile and beckoned for me to enter the room. Already I could see the man sitting up in bed looking over at us with strange curiosity.
"Come in." Ashley urged and nodding slightly I entered the surprisingly light room. The child scampered around to face me and motioned for me to sit down.
"I just came in to ask if you were hungry." I said declining her offer to sit down.
"Well I'm fine, what about you Knives?" She asked over her shoulder and the man silently declined.
He didn't look a lot like Vash, his hair was blonde but of a lighter shade and his eyes were a piercing blue, cold and harsh like ice. Yet he didn't seem as evil as I would have expected him to be, but I imagine that is due to having Millie taking care of him. She was such a sweet, kind person.
"Meryl can I ask you a favour?"
"Sure thing, anything for you." I smiled softly at the girl whose eyes sparkled with something I couldn't quite make out.
"Well tonight there is a festival being held in town and I wondered if you would go with me...there will be food, drink and dancing."
"Can't Millie take you?"
"She is going as well but I really want you to come too."
"Why is that?"
"Well it'll be more fun if more people go."
"I see." No one had mentioned this to me before.
"Yeah and I guess I really want you to enjoy yourself."
"I'm fine really." That was a complete lie.
"So will you come?"
"Well..."
"Oh thank you so much Meryl, it will be really fun." Ashley smiled and at that moment Vash entered waving stupidly at his brother who simply scowled.
"Well here you are." He said to me and glanced at Ashley nervously. The girl simply waved at him sweetly - maybe too sweetly and dashed past us and down the stairs.
"What took you so long?" I asked ignoring the blue eyes that watched us intensely.
"Uhh, Millie wanted to ask me something." He looked slightly uncomfortable talking about that and simply took me by the wrist and led me down the stairs.
***Normal POV***
Millie and Ashley sat opposite Meryl and Vash at the table, looking at them strangely their eyes gleaming with mischief. Both of them had been successful in getting their two subjects to go to the festival and it had been easier than what they had expected. Now all they had to do was be patient and wait, there was only seven more hours before it began.
Vash was beginning to tuck into his third box of donuts by the time the others had found other things to do. Millie had taken food up to Knives even though he had said he wasn't hungry which meant she would be awhile and Ashley had gone outside to meet up with the other children.
Meryl on the other hand was sitting quietly with her typewriter in her lap trying to think of what to write, she had not yet got past the introductions. She was afraid that if she wrote to say nothing bad had happened then she and Millie would be called back to headquarters. She wasn't ready to leave Vash yet and the thought of having to say goodbye to him forever tore her up inside.
She poised her fingers over the keys and began to type slowly so as her eyes could take in what she was writing:
It has been nearly four weeks (A/N: just a rough guess) since Vash the Stampede has returned to us in the town and so far there has been nothing out of the ordinary occurring.
She paused again and looked at the short sentence that she had written, it was true enough but not what she wanted to write. So she continued hoping that this small lie wouldn't make her feel guilty.
Yet Vash's enemy is still alive and well, which brings doubts into the situation and has led me to believe we are not out of danger just yet.
This paragraph was true enough, his brother was alive and healing quickly and the nightmare...if it was a prophecy of some sort then they weren't out of danger just yet.
* * * * * *
The four friends stood by the door, all of them looking somewhat concerned. The festival had begun and they could hear the music playing from the town square yet none could leave until they had sorted out their "little problem" which was proving difficult.
"Well we can't all go." Meryl broke into the conversation with irritation.
"That much is obvious." Vash rolled his eyes and leaned against the doorframe waiting for someone to come up with an answer. "Well I'll just stay here then." He said at last when everyone else had fallen silent.
"No!" Millie snapped, her eyes shimmered with panic and she stepped back into the house. "I'll stay with Mr. Knives, you three go off and have fun." Her eyes went to Ashley who nodded very slightly in acknowledgment.
"Are you sure Millie?" Meryl asked nervously.
"Positive, so off you go now." Millie waved and grinned before pushing them out of the doorway and closing it very quickly.
Vash then broke into a huge grin and linking his arm in Meryl's and taking Ashley by the sleeve he led them down into the town. His mind was already thinking of the cheap priced beer and maybe even some freebees if he was lucky. He just hoped that Meryl wouldn't get angry and start hitting him because he drank too much.
"Let me guess." Meryl interrupted his thoughts, "you're going to the saloon, right?" Her gaze was one of slight annoyance but nothing stern enough to put him off the idea.
"Oh come on Meryl I haven't had a drink for ages." He pleaded with her.
"I don't know if I want to sit in a smoky place all night."
"It wont be all night Meryl, pleeease." He used the puppy eyes to help his case but she refused to look at him.
"Pretty please." He added and this time she did look up at him.
"I don't know."
"Pretty please with donuts on top." He begged and she laughed at him, her eyes sparkling for the first time in over a week.
"Fine." She gave in and he quickened his pace, determined to get to the saloon before she changed her mind.
On entering the saloon Meryl was pleased to see that it was not filled with the usual rough crowd but with families and other nice people just out for a good time. Ashley instantly found a few friends to talk to which left Vash and Meryl standing at the bar. He turned his sparkling gaze to her and smiled happily.
"Do you want a drink?" He asked.
"Umm no thanks."
"Aww come on, you never say yes."
"Which is why you shouldn't be surprised. Any way you have never offered before"
"Well I'm offering now aren't I?" He raised a hand to rub sheepishly at the back of his head and Meryl rolled her eyes.
"Fine I'll have an orange juice." She smiled at his defeated expression and then waved madly to get the bar tender's attention.
Meryl glanced around the bar and noticed that everyone seemed extremely happy and the atmosphere seemed to affect her in the same way. She couldn't rid herself of the smile that had appeared on her face and she watched Ashley sitting with her friends. The girl was so innocent but strong at the same time, her carefree ways made her so much like Millie that is was scary. Even so she was sure that the two were up to something, she could see it in their eyes but she just couldn't figure out what.
"Here you go." Vash handed her the drink and interrupted her thoughts.
"Thank you."
"What are you thinking about?" He seemed genuinely interested.
"Do you think that Ashley and Millie are up to something?" She asked him and he shrugged and took a gulp of his beer.
"Probably." He said and slumped back against the bar. Meryl smiled and closed her eyes briefly; she wanted to remember this moment for the rest of her life. This would be one of the rare moments she got to spend with the man of her heart, even if he did end up drunk before the night had even started.
An hour passed by and Ashley was still sat with her friends although it looked like they were getting ready to leave. Meryl drained the last of her orange juice and turned to Vash who was sitting slightly dazed beside her. Their conversation had been light and amusing but she could tell the alcohol was starting to take an effect on him.
A moment ago he had been yelling and laughing manically so that Meryl had been forced to turn away in embarrassment but now he seemed to have quietened down.
"Don't you think you have had enough yet?" Meryl asked firmly and he looked at her through glazed eyes that seemed suddenly a lot greener.
"I guessh so." He slurred slightly and Meryl fought to keep a stern look on her face.
"How are you going to protect me if you're drunk?" She asked almost sweetly.
"I'm sorry." He said standing and waiting for the room to stop spinning. Meryl sighed and reached out to grab his arm to help stable him on his feet, he gave her an appreciative look and allowed her to lead him out into the fresh air. Ashley followed behind them quietly, not wanting to ruin their moment.
The fresh air seemed to help clear his head a little and he turned to see Meryl clinging to his arm in an effort to help him rather than being afraid to let go. 'That's just like Meryl to get over her fears so easily' he thought with an affectionate smile. This was true, as already Meryl had forgotten about everything else except her time with Vash. That was more important to her than anything else and she wanted to treasure it.
"So where are we going next?
"I don't mind." Meryl replied 'anywhere as long as it's with you.' She thought.
"Well I'm hungry so lets go find some place to eat." He told her and felt instantly happier at seeing her smile, 'I wonder if anyone has told her she has a beautiful smile.' He thought silently.
"Okay sure thing." She agreed and turned round to make sure Ashley was still with them. The girl waved back and hurried up to walk beside them making sure that everything was going according to plan.
The moons were brighter that night than ever before and every star twinkled with an unnatural yet wondrous beauty. The town was alive with people and colourful lights and music and the three friends weaved their way through the small streets and into the main square where people were dancing and eating food that was being served for free at several stalls. A black cat watched them with bright eyes from a trashcan; it's tail flickering to the music.
Vash found the stall selling pastries and instantly directed their course over to it where he bought as much as he could afford before they found a seat near where the dancing was taking place. Meryl leaned back against the bench and watched everything around her in sheer joy, nothing could possibly make this a better event, and this would be a night she would remember forever.
Ashley who was sitting next to Vash nudged him slightly to grab his attention and he looked at her questioningly, his eyes bright and filled with starlight. She moved closer to him.
"You want one?" He asked, offering her a donut, which she took gratefully.
"Now listen to me Mister, if you don't ask Meryl to dance then I will tell her that you love her." She giggled at the fear in his face and kept her stern gaze fixed on him. "Well?" She asked but he did not reply.
"Ashley, you're so mean." He whimpered and faked tears.
"Meryl I need to tell you something." Ashley said, raising her voice so that the raven-haired girl could hear. She loved to watch Vash panic just like he was doing now until he scrambled forward and clamped a hand around her mouth, begging her with his eyes to stay silent.
"What is it?" Meryl asked, completely oblivious to as why the two were acting so strange. Vash released Ashley and jumped to his feet holding out his hand to Meryl who simply looked at it in confusion.
"Well?" He asked.
"Well what?" Meryl gazed at him with her violet eyes.
"Will you dance with me?" He asked and reached down catching her hand and pulling her to her feet. He definitely did not want Ashley to spill his feelings about a certain raven-haired insurance girl just so he could get beaten up.
Meryl was still staring at him with strange suspicion in her violet eyes and he looked down at her, smiling sweetly.
"Don't worry, I'll be careful." He added remembering her wounds that were still in the healing process. She nodded slightly and glanced back at Ashley who sat grinning idiotically at them.
***Vash's POV***
Even though a ten-year-old girl had forced me into this course of action I was still glad that it had occurred. I was also glad that Meryl hadn't turned me down otherwise Ashley would have told her and...eek I don't even want to think about that.
Carefully I led her out to where all the people were dancing and pulled her close making sure that she couldn't see my face which was burning with embarrassment. Luckily she wasn't looking at me but at the people who were already dancing around us. I took this opportunity to wrap an arm around her and lead her into the rhythm of the music.
Of course I had danced before but this was a total different experience for me, dancing with Meryl was like...like flying. She was light enough to manoeuvre easily into the turns and she fitted against me perfectly like two matching pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Could it be that my search for the mayfly had finally come to an end?
We slowed with the tempo of the music and I took this chance to wrap my arms further around her and couldn't help but sigh. This was just too perfect and then the voice in the back of my mind reminded me that it couldn't last. I was never meant to feel like this, never meant to get close enough to anyone to have feelings for them. I was being an idiot, this was not making things easier for me at all and yet my heart was blocking out these thoughts. All I could think of was how nice it felt to be close to her and what it would be like to kiss her and have her kiss me back.
Of course all the time I was daydreaming about how wonderful it would be to kiss her - along with other things - I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing and being the fool that I am I accidentally stepped on her toes. I cringed and started to apologise, dreading the response but she merely laughed.
"You're such a clumsy idiot."
"Uhh yeah, sorry."
"It's okay."
"You sure." I asked and she looked up at me and nodded firmly.
"Plus it helps me forget about my other wounds." She sighed and slowed down slightly.
"Are they hurting you?" I asked softly and she looked up again and shook her head but I could see the tears beading in the corners of her eyes.
"I'm fine." She breathed and leaned closer against me.
"I didn't mean to hurt you." I told her and she squeezed my hand gently.
"I know, and it wasn't your fault so don't go thinking it was. They hurt before I even came out."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"Because...I didn't want to worry anyone and I didn't want you to think I was weak." Her voice was muffled against my shirt but I knew what she was saying.
"Meryl its our job to worry about you, we are your friends after all."
"But-" I held out my hand to silence her.
"Meryl we know you aren't weak, no weak person could have survived what you went through and faced their fears so easily."
"I guess but..."
"Meryl..." I placed a finger beneath her chin and tipped her head up to look at me, a single crystalline tear slipped down her face and with the other hand I brushed it away.
"I'm sorry." She apologised.
"Don't be." I spoke so softly and realised that we had stopped dancing.
I looked up slightly to check that Ashley was still sitting safely on the chair, she waved at me and gave a thumbs up. That was when I realised what she had been doing all this time, most likely Millie too - they were setting us up! (A/N: aww aint Vashie slow huh - you gotta love him...^-^)
Feeling suddenly sick due to my stupidity and that I had fallen straight into their plan I took Meryl's hand and led her back over to Ashley who was looking at us in confusion.
"I want to take Meryl back now." I told the girl firmly who sighed and jumped up, her face filled with disappointment.
The walk home took a little longer due to the people that crowded the streets and Meryl started to walk slower every minute. Keeping an eye on her I wound through the people and made sure that Ashley hadn't run off.
"Are you sure you're alright?" I asked gently and Meryl looked up at me, her eyes half lidded with fatigue and her legs shaking very slightly. She opened her mouth to tell me that she was fine but ended up being a squeak of surprise as I swept her up into my arms.
She mumbled something I couldn't quite understand and snuggled closer against me and I looked fondly down at her. Maybe Ashley and Millie had done me a favour after all, but still I couldn't stay here. Even if I told her how I felt and she felt the same way I couldn't stay and keep her happy, it would be wrong of me...wouldn't it?
Ashley was the first one to reach the house and knocked on the door, Millie answered just as we arrived and I noticed how her eyes sparkled at seeing the short girl cuddled in my arms. I blushed slightly but grinned to hide it.
"So how has everything been here?"
"Fine, Mr. Knives has slept virtually the whole time." Millie stepped back to let us in and I nodded, glad that my brother hadn't caused her any trouble.
"I'm just going to take Meryl upstairs." I told the girls who beamed back at me with their large, sparkling eyes. I knew exactly what they were thinking and I wished that it were true.
I walked up the stairs starting to feel tired myself and entered the room before laying her down on the bed, her eyes fluttered open and the moonlight caught them brilliantly.
"Vash..." She whispered and started to sit up. Gently pushing her back I noticed that she winced and looked at her with deep concern.
"Are you hurting?"
"Just a little, it'll soon pass so don't worry." She smiled slightly and let her eyes fall closed but I couldn't help but worry. Leaning over I tugged at her shirt and she frowned and tried to stop me.
"Vash now is not the time to return to your perverse ways." She scolded lightly and I smiled at her effort to stop me.
"I just want to see."
"What the hell are you talking about?" She sounded slightly annoyed now.
"No not that, I mean your injury, you broke your ribs didn't you?"
"Yes..." Her word ended in a sleepy sigh. I tugged on her shirt again and lifted enough to see the swollen purple bruise that covered her pale skin. I touched it gently and felt her wince under my gossamer touch.
"Sorry." I apologised.
"It's okay." She murmured... "Is it bad?" She asked and I glanced up into her face, which was filled with fear.
"It looks sore." I admitted to her and she shivered slightly, tears flowing down her cheeks. I leaned over and wiped her tears away again; I hated to see her cry.
Then in that moment something strange happened but I didn't feel like I should hide my feelings anymore. I wanted to show her how much I loved her and that she shouldn't feel so scared and unwanted, because I wanted her. Maybe it was because our faces were close to touching as it was and I could feel her warm breath tickling my skin and causing electric shivers down my spine. Maybe it was our eyes that locked and refused to let go of each other but in that moment I couldn't help but kiss her.
I leaned forwards letting her breath touch my lips before pressing my mouth against hers. She gave a soft sound that sounded like surprise, but a surprise that she didn't mind receiving and I let the soft kiss become a little harder. It was then that I was aware of her, the small, delicate hands that climbed around my neck to hold me close to her. The sweet scent of her that mingled with my own and the soft skin, which made my own tingle with pleasure.
After what could have only been a few seconds I felt her lips part slightly almost eagerly and I chose to take the risk and deepen the kiss further than I ever would believe I could. She gave a little sigh in the back of her throat which gave me the signal that this was just fine and moving my hand from her face I grabbed the blanket and pulled it over us before rolling onto my side beside her never once breaking the kiss.
Then the ache in my lungs told me that it was time to stop and as we parted I looked into those beautiful eyes, which held a deep love inside them before she fell asleep in my arms. Lying alone in the dark beside her, the passion of the moment burning down I realised what I had done, 'you stupid idiot now what the hell have you done!' I winced and felt the tears sting my eyes, how could I leave after this? Why hadn't she rejected me...maybe it was fatigue that had clouded her moral thoughts or maybe...possibly...could she have feelings for me? With that thought I let myself fall asleep, totally forgetting that Ashley and Millie had been waiting for me to return to the lounge.
* * * * * *
Well there you go my 9th chapter and I have to say it is my longest yet, 9545 words to be exact which I'm pretty proud of. This is probably one of my fav chapters so I hope you will like it too. The only thing I think was a let down was the drunk Vash part; maybe I'll try that again in another chapter.
So was it worth the long wait? (I apologise for that)
Please review for me, I like reading on what people thought and how I can make it better so don't hesitate, it'll only take a few seconds.
Thanks **~AA~**
'Love and Peace'
Note: Hello again for the 9th chapter and to tell you the truth I didn't expect it to be this long and as I am writing this I am on my 56th page O.O well I firstly have to apologise for making you wait so long but I had so much homework, plus I had a bit of writers block for a while there ^-^' any way enough of me talking to myself and giving excuses here's the thanks to all my lovely reviewers:
Pammi - thank you so much for your review you helped me to not feel so bad cos I honestly didn't like the last chapter. So thanks again and I'm glad you like the storyline.
Blu - Your review is probably the one I have thought about the most, I understand that some people don't like that pairing and I was one of them at first so I think I'll slow down with Knives/Millie for now until I can decide on what to do.
Tough Cookie - I'll have to check on that mistake you pointed out which I will probably do after I submit this. Thank you for the review.
Rainy-days13 - aww thanks for your kind review and I will try my best to do a drunk Vashie although it will be a first so I can't promise it will be any good.
Magnet-Rose - Thanks so much for your review and don't worry bout not giving suggestions I'm just glad someone reads the bottom notes, cos I usually think I'm talking to myself ^.^
Silverado600 - Thanks for your review, I really enjoy reading the advice you have to give, and I'm all too glad to be shown what I've done wrong. For one thing you learn more from your mistakes so it will help me in the long run. Thank you again for the review.
Vashies-Girl - Thankies for your review and here is your update I hope you enjoy.
Neptune Butterfly - Your review made me laugh (the thing about Knives) and I'm glad you liked the last chapter. Here is your update.
Sake21 - thanks for your review and I will keep the Knives/Millie pairing in mind even if it isn't so explicit in this chapter (I think).
Keiko's angel - Thank you for your review, it was much appreciated and I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Well there were a lot of reviewers to thank and now on with the story, let's hope it will be good. ^.^'
* * * * * *
Chapter 9 - Tension
Meryl stood up and yawned before stretching lightly, afraid of opening her wounds again and rubbed the blur of sleep away from her eyes. The healing scar tissue had become extremely itchy and irritating over the last couple of days and so she had removed the bandages and left the wounds to heal in the fresh air - well not exactly fresh.
She crossed the room to where the small mirror stood in the corner and regarded her petite form reflected on its smooth surface. She noticed how different she looked and realised now why Millie and Vash always looked at her in concern. Her face was pale and withdrawn, her eyes bloodshot and filled with fatigue. No longer was her short, dark hair glossy with health, but dull and lifeless.
Then her eyes fell to the scar that peeked out from her nightshirt and she shuddered with fear, the memory of what had happened to her would live on as a visible reminder. She raised her hands and pulled her nightshirt further closed so that the scar was hidden beneath the light material, but instantly the scar tingled as if mocking her.
Now she realised how Vash felt about people seeing his scars and he had so many more than what she did. At this thought she felt almost guilty about her emotions towards the unruly marks on her body. She remembered all too well the day that Millie and she had accidentally walked in on Vash, and his reaction to them seeing his scars. She now understood his embarrassment and his feelings of wanting to hide them away.
She heard the slight tap on the door to remind her that Millie was still waiting outside for her and bit her lip to force back the tears. It had been days since she had been safe in the house with her friends, but the fear of being left alone had still remained.
She turned from the mirror and crossed the room to dress into her clothes not wanting Millie to wait much longer and smiled as she felt the soft material of the jeans and shirt that Millie had bought for her rub warmly against her skin. Meryl had to admit that she missed wearing Vash's oversized clothes, as weird as it might sound it was nice to be surrounded in the warm, comforting scent of the man she loved more than anything else in the world.
"You can come in now Millie." Meryl called and the tall girl entered with a bowl of soup in her hands. The shorter girl knew that Millie was trying to help her get back to full health and took the soup from her gratefully.
"Did you make this?"
"No Ashley did, that girl is extremely good at cooking." Millie grinned and sat down on the edge of the bed to watch her friend eat breakfast.
"Well I have to agree with that." Meryl smiled a genuine smile and began to eat, her appetite beginning to return after all this time.
"So are you feeling any better today?" Millie asked almost nervously.
"Actually I am, I'm not so wobbly on my feet and I didn't realise how hungry I was." Meryl smiled wider and her happiness increased at seeing what her comment did to affect her friend's mood.
Millie jumped up and grabbed the soup bowl, which was now empty before leading Meryl down the stairs and into the lounge. The sunshine seemed less intense that morning and more gentle in its caress, its golden fingers stretching across the floor and catching the dust at play in the air.
Ashley stood on a chair by the stove with a pan in her small hands and the smell of pancakes filtering around the room like a fragrant perfume. Breathing in the delicious smell Meryl padded slowly over to the couch and sat down, her legs feeling slightly weakened by the walk.
"Do you want some pancakes?" Ashley chirped up as she held the newly cooked food out to her. Her large eyes pleading with her to say yes.
"If she doesn't want them can I have them?" Vash's voice trailed down from the stairs as he entered the living room. He looked extremely tired for some strange reason and Meryl quickly took the plate from Ashley and started to eat them before Vash could even make a move to get them.
"Aww I'm hungry." Vash pouted giving Meryl his biggest - and cutest - puppy eyes. She didn't respond to him although she felt her heart leap at seeing him so cute even though she knew that was the point of putting on those eyes in the first place. She mentally kicked herself for falling for his charm and turned away from him.
"Don't worry Vash, Millie and I can make some more." Ashley chirped happily and the tall blonde instantly perked up at hearing the offer of food.
"So how was Mr. Knives?" Millie asked, her voice nervous.
"He seemed okay to me." Vash collapsed on the couch beside Meryl and stretched up, placing his hands behind his head.
"Is he hungry?" Millie continued but Vash merely shrugged. "Well I think I'll take him some food." Millie offered and helped Ashley flip pancakes.
Meryl was completely taken aback by Vash's closeness, sure she had been in his arms a few days ago but that was different. He had pitied her before and wanted to comfort her to keep her quiet but now he was sitting next to her by his own choice. Her heart was pounding wildly and she tried to concentrate on the last piece of pancake left on the plate, tried to lose his wonderful scent in the syrup but failed miserably.
He must have noticed her awkwardness as he leaned even closer and her breath caught in her throat, which made her choke, and she sidled away from him very slightly. Lifting the last piece of pancake she swallowed it and turned her head slowly back to him and caught sight of the brilliant aqua eyes that were so close to her own. She almost gave a squeak of surprise if she wasn't hit by another coughing fit.
"Hey are you okay?" Vash's face was filled with concern and she felt instantly guilty, she had made her friends worry enough about her already and she nodded.
"F-fine." She croaked and tried to clear the ache in her throat.
"You want a drink or something?"
"No." She snapped and noticed the pained expression that flickered through his eyes and hastily added, "Please stop fussing I can take care of myself..." Then she realised what she had said... 'Ha you can't even be left in a room by yourself, you're like a child'
Mille saw the tension that had settled upon her two friends who were sitting on the couch and grabbing some food she signalled to Ashley who nodded instantly, and finished piling the pancakes onto a plate.
The young girl walked over and set the pancakes in Vash's lap before crawling up into Meryl's, being careful not to lean too hard against her wounds. Meryl smiled down at the girl who was snuggled in her lap and let out her held breath. Vash was already tucking into the food that had been given to him and Ashley watched with amusement.
"Meryl..." She started her voice quiet and somewhat endearing.
"Yes, what is it?" Meryl turned her full attention to the child, her senses telling her that it was important.
"Well...you know I have no parents, and no home..." Ashley dipped her face to hide a mischievous grin.
"Yes but I told you before that you can stay here as long as you like."
"Well, how can I put this...?" Ashley forced on a serious face and lifted her head so their eyes locked. "I want you to be my new mom."
For the second time today Meryl felt completely awkward and unable to tear her eyes away from the child sitting before her. Surely the girl would rather have Millie has a mother figure; the two seemed to get on so well. 'Is this some sort of game?' Meryl wondered.
"Ashley I-"
"No, please listen to me. You saved my life and I want to stay with you. You are the only person who has ever truly cared enough about me to risk their lives for me. It would mean so much to me."
"But I..."
"Oh and Vash." Ashley turned her attention to the man sitting next to them, his mouth filled with his last pancake. He blinked in surprise at suddenly being brought into the conversation.
"I want you to be my new dad." She told him, her serious face slowly fading beneath a smile. The plan was working perfectly, if they both agreed this would bring them closer together and if they didn't, the idea of them bringing up a child together would be imprinted in their minds.
Vash meanwhile was choking on the last of his food just as Meryl had done only a few minutes before. The raven-haired woman was leaning over towards him and patting his back to try and clear his airway. Ashley slipped away and out of the room to go and check on Millie to leave her two "parents" to think things through. Her smile now was brighter and wider than ever before. 'Matchmaking sure is fun' she though to herself and skipped up the stairs glancing back only once at the two on the couch.
***Knives's POV***
There was a light tap on the door, which brought me round from my thoughts of my idiotic brother. He thought he could talk me round and force me to be nice to the humans that took care of me. 'What an idiot.' I almost regretted making him that promise to try and change my ways and to not hurt him again...almost...
The tapping on the door had ended as it slowly opened and sitting up I glanced over half expecting it to be Vash - but then remembered he hardly ever knocked before entering a room - and saw only that human...Millie.
"I brought you something to eat." She explained and crossed the room in a few strides and dropped the food on my lap. She stood for a few moments watching me with those blue eyes of hers before sitting at the chair by my bed. She seemed slightly more distracted than usual and me being the silent observer I knew her quite well already.
She was sitting in the chair purposely avoiding eye contact and instead looking at her hands that were in her lap. I grinned slightly sensing how uncomfortable she was and leaned closer to her.
"What are you thinking about?" I asked, laughing very slightly, if I wanted to know I could just read her thoughts, but something had been stopping me from doing that.
She jumped at the sound of my voice and lifted her face to look at me then frowned. "You haven't touched your food yet, it'll get cold." She pointed at the bowl of pancakes that I had smelt cooking down in the kitchen and sighing I started to eat. 'Why am I doing what she tells me too' I thought but could not find the answer.
Then after finishing the food I leaned back against the pillow and stared at her, a smile lingering on my lips. She was back in the same awkward position with her head bowed and hands tucked in her lap. 'I should hate her.'
"Knives have you thought about what I said?" She kept her eyes averted.
"What did you say?"
"About trying to be nice, and smile more." This time she did make eye contact and it took all my effort to remove the small smile I had on my face.
"I'll think about it." I yawned and she sighed almost sadly when suddenly there was a sound of someone coming up the stairs and the tall girl instantly brightened.
The human child burst through the door seconds later a huge smile spread on her face and the two started talking excitedly and so fast I couldn't understand. Then they seemed to slow down and Millie drew in a long needed breath.
"So what did Meryl say?" Millie asked and I tried to think who this Meryl was (A/N: I had a quick scan through and I don't actually think Meryl and Knives have spoken to each other yet ^.^' so I'll make sure they do this chapter) Then I remembered that Vash had mentioned her a couple of times. He had said something about her being sick and that was the reason he hadn't had much time to spend with helping me get better.
Now I understood, this human creature meant more to Vash than me! His own flesh and blood. Controlling my anger as best as I possibly could I forced myself to listen to what these two humans had to say.
"Nothing much, she was shocked I can tell you." Ashley chirped.
"So she didn't give an answer?"
"Nah...so captain what's next?" Ashley asked as she jumped over to sit on Millie's bed and I scowled at her cheerfulness. 'Are all women this annoying?'
"Well let's see now I guess we will just have to talk Meryl into going to the festival." Millie tilted her head and sighed, "which might prove difficult."
"Nah, we just gotta make sure we don't give her a choice in the matter." Ashley told the taller woman who agreed.
"Well then we have the rest of the day to plan so lets get started." Millie said enthusiastically and I rolled over and lifted the blanket over my head to drown out their annoying voices.
***Normal POV***
Vash - having finally been able to breathe again - turned serious eyes to the woman sitting beside him, her face was turned away from him and he could tell she was uncomfortable with the situation. The tension was so heavy and thick that it could have been cut with a knife if he had had one in that moment.
'That girl is really up to something' he thought letting his eyes travel to the stairs where that little troublemaker had gone. Sighing he reached out and lay a hand on the short girl's shoulder and felt her tense.
"You okay?" He asked softly and Meryl whirled round, her eyes flaring with anger but he could see the confusion and fear beneath the layer of anger that was usually so well hidden.
"I'm fine, I've told you that before, why does no one listen to me?" She pushed herself up from the couch as if to leave and then glanced towards the empty stairs and knew she couldn't go up alone.
Vash still sat on the couch looking up at her silently and that was even more unnerving, where was his smile? Where were the annoying comments? 'Is it my fault that he always looks so sad?' She wondered and shook the thought from her head; she wouldn't be able to live with herself if she found out that she was the cause of his pain.
Carefully she sat back down and brought her knees up against her and rested her head upon them. She felt so useless and pathetic and suddenly Vash was there again, too close for comfort.
"You know, you should get out and breathe some fresh air for a change." She could see her reflection in the smooth facets of his eyes and she turned her head away in shame.
"I can't." She breathed quietly and shuddered very slightly.
"I know, but if you had someone there with you maybe you could." He spoke so quietly that she could hardly hear and simply nodded, too afraid to break the peace that had fallen over them.
"Well then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" He grinned and leapt up from the chair taking Meryl by complete surprise. He lifted her to her feet as if impatient to get going.
"What, right now?" She blinked and he nodded happily. "But I..."
"No excuses, come on." He grabbed her wrist and led her towards the door dragging her behind him.
He paused at the door and pulled her up beside him, he felt her tremble in slight fear and saw that her eyes were closed tight. She was terrified, that was obvious but he wanted to help her so badly that he wouldn't be put off. Gently he released her wrist and slipped an arm around her waist and pressed her up against his side. She hardly even noticed when he reached out and opened the door; all she was aware of was their closeness and the warmth from his body that had surrounded her.
"Are you ready?" His voice asked and Meryl could simply nod and cling to him tighter, afraid that if she stepped out the slavers would be there waiting for her. She almost laughed aloud at that thought, 'the slavers are gone stop being an idiot' and yet the fear remained in her mind, refusing to shift.
"Well let's go."
"Shouldn't we tell Millie?" Meryl asked, finally gaining her voice.
"Quit stalling." He grinned and squeezed her comfortingly before stepping out of the door and keeping her with him the whole way. Half the time she walked with her face buried in the folds of his jacket, trusting him to walk her through the town safely. It seemed a lot busier than usual and as they walked in silence she carefully turned her head to see out of the corner of her eyes.
Banners were being pinned up against buildings and she noticed the happy faces of the people. She looked up questioningly at Vash who was busy waving at someone in the street before he turned to look down at her.
"What's happening?" Meryl asked quietly and Vash shrugged.
"Not too sure but its some kind of festival." He grinned, his eyes starry "At least that will mean cheap food and beer."
"You'll never change." Meryl sighed and felt her legs starting to lose their strength, but she was too afraid to tell Vash to slow down and stop. She didn't want to seem even more weak and pathetic than she already was.
Then as if he had read her mind he stopped and led her over to a bench where he sat down beside her, she noticed that his arm still lingered around her waist and blushed violently. It was one thing being this close inside the house but being this close outside in public was another.
***Vash's POV***
She was terrified I could tell and she still wouldn't relax even when she knew I would never let anyone hurt her. The blush that had crept up onto her face made her look incredibly cute and her eyes that darted from side to side made her look so vulnerable.
"I would never let anyone hurt you Meryl."
"You can't be there all the time." She reminded me, and the realisation of this hit me with such intensity that I couldn't even think up a reply. Then she leaned against my shoulder, the blush disappearing from her face and she spoke, "You are leaving again aren't you?" Her shoulders shook and she didn't even attempt to look at me, I could tell she already knew my answer.
"How did you know?"
"Remember, you told me that day you came back. I haven't forgotten."
I'm not sure what surprised me more, the fact that she remembered our conversation or the fact that she sounded sorry to hear that I was leaving. So being me I decided to act like an idiot, I knew how to deal with an angry Meryl better than an upset one.
"Well you know it's about time I left, I don't like staying in one place much and to be honest it gets a bit boring around here."
"It's because of me isn't it?" She whispered and drew away from me very slightly; her violet eyes were not angry but desperately unhappy.
"Because of you?" I repeated; my mind so muddled from the conversation that was taking place.
"Its because I worry you and Millie...and don't try to deny it I've seen the way you look at me. You walk around as if it was your entire fault when it wasn't. I got myself into that mess, I was the one who walked straight into trouble and couldn't get myself out of it." She was almost crying now and I wasn't sure what to say to her that could make it better.
"It wasn't your fault Meryl, you just wanted to save someone, and you saved Ashley. We just feel bad that we couldn't get to you in time to stop them from hurting you."
"Well don't...please don't. I don't think I could bear it if I was the cause of your pain and Millie's, you have had too much of that already."
I closed my eyes and fell silent listening to the chirp of the birds that fluttered around the streets and sighed. Meryl felt so incredibly warm and comfortable against me that I felt that I could fall asleep any moment until my stomach started to protest. Meryl found that amusing and she actually laughed - the first for a long time - and I laughed with her.
"Do you want to go back?" She asked me, her eyes starting to return to their normal relaxed shade and I nodded. She almost went into a panic as I released her so I could stand up and clung to my arm as if afraid that she might lose me.
"I'm not going anywhere yet." I joked and smiled at her blushing face.
"Sorry."
"It's okay."
The walk back to the house was slightly better, she relaxed her grip on my arm and her eyes were no longer shut in fear, she actually seemed quite happy to be outside.
At reaching the house Ashley was there waiting for us and I couldn't help but feel a little nervous. She waved and ran over in our direction, her eyes lingering on our linked arms. I could tell that Meryl wanted to let go of me but she was hesitant to part, her fear still tapping at her mind.
"Millie wondered where you two were so I said I would come and find you." She informed and Meryl nodded and looked over at the house. The child led us back, making sure that we were following and allowed us inside first. Then Meryl separated from me, leaving my arm feeling somewhat lighter and cooler with her absence.
I made my way to the kitchen shortly after to raid the cupboards to find only two boxes of donuts left. Whimpering at how I would have to make two boxes last the rest of the day I sat in a chair and ate silently.
***Normal POV***
The horrible darkness was the same: thick and intense so that the lungs were starved of oxygen and the skin blistered in the heat. Even though she had been here several times before she never learned her lesson and she always opened her eyes to the blinding light. Shutting her eyes tightly she wondered why she kept having the same dream and whether maybe this was some sort of message. Suddenly the ground began to shake violently as it always did, sending the dust billowing up around her and as she opened her eyes again she saw the great mushroom of light that had burned the hole into the fifth moon. Once again she wanted to scream and even though she knew her voice would be drowned out as always she did so and the shockwave hit her as it always did. She hit the ground with a familiar thump and looked up into the murky sky, which seemed to taunt her.
Standing up she looked around the deserted plains and lifted the hair that had fallen across her eyes. Yes it was always the same, everything was destroyed and she could not stop the tears that streamed down her face, or the thought that Vash had been the cause of this even if he hadn't wanted to.
"Vash." His name came as a rasping whisper which didn't even sound like her own voice and with it came the longing that the next part of the nightmare would change.
Suddenly the sky went black and for a moment she thought her eyes were shut until she realised the ground could still be seen, and there blazing on the horizon was a figure of a man, his face covered by the shadow and eyes like beacons in the night. No, everything was the same, would her nightmare never end? Would it always be so horrific?
"Stop!" She screamed as the ground beneath her feet whirled by, forcing her to come closer to the man waiting for her, the man that she still didn't recognise.
With a hideous laugh he reached out clutching her by the shoulders and shook her violently, her head snapped back and her tears scattered onto the ground. She wanted to close her eyes and not see the next part but her eyelids weren't listening to her, she was being forced to see.
Her eyes turned to see Vash lying unconscious - possibly dead - on the ground. His right arm was revealed through the ripped shirt and the puddle of blood that was forming beneath him was still the same.
It was in this moment that she realised that maybe her nightmare wasn't the same after all; Vash was no longer lying injured alone, there was someone with him, also lying hurt. The man who had hold of her shoulders turned round to see the two unconscious figures and backed up until he disappeared into the shadows.
Meryl took this chance to dash forward and try to reach Vash before she woke up, she wanted to comfort him this time and not leave him to suffer alone. She fell to her knees not caring that the blood was staining her clothes and pulled him up into a clumsy embrace.
His aqua eyes fluttered open half way and he spotted her looking down on him then he tried to speak, his voice cracking from the pain. Meryl brought her face closer to hear what he had to say.
"My brother...Is Knives okay?" And with that he let his eyes fall closed and his body relaxed fully into the lasting rest of death. She called out to him, desperate for his eyes to open again but he was gone and she could not save him. Looking up she spotted the man that had to be Vash's brother and saw that he too was either dying or already dead. Her face was wet with tears that had refused to be held back and the sobs - that racked her body - froze her heart as well.
* * * * * *
Meryl's eyes flew open to the darkness of night and the familiar room where she always woke up and wondered whether she had made any sound during the nightmare. She reached up and touched her face, which was wet with tears and sighed miserably when she spotted Vash looking at her, his eyes burning with fear and concern.
She almost jumped at seeing him so close but was also glad to see that he was still alive and well and had to stop herself from hugging him. She sat up and tried to catch her breath and wiped the tears away. He caught her hand in his and she turned to him again.
"I'm sorry, did I wake you?" Meryl asked meekly.
"Yes, you were crying in your sleep." He told her gently.
"I was?" Meryl tried to act like she didn't remember but Vash's eyes would not allow her to lie, she was trapped in the warm orbs that offered so much comfort.
"Tell me about it."
"It's nothing really."
"Please." He begged and to her surprise he pushed her back on the bed and lay beside her. 'Does he know what this contact does to me?' She asked herself angrily but realised what a stupid question that was. Vash would never hurt anyone on purpose.
"It was a nightmare."
"About?"
"You and, and your brother."
"My brother?" Vash's interest grew.
"I saw this light, just like that day when the fifth moon gained its crater." She hiccupped as the tears threatened again and he gently stroked the tears away from her face.
"Carry on." He whispered and she felt her heart leap with joy at this moment they were sharing. He was lying next to her on the bed one hand lazily stroking her face and the other wrapped fondly around her. All she had to do was lean forward and she would be snuggled up in his warm embrace, astride the warmth of his chest.
"Then there was this man, I didn't recognise him but he hurt you...he killed you and badly injured your brother."
"Do you know where this was?"
"No, everything was destroyed from the blast." Meryl started to cry again and forgetting that she should be shy, that she should be trying to forget her feelings for the outlaw lying in her bed she snuggled up against his chest and cried until there were no more tears left.
Resting her head against his chest she closed her eyes and let her breathing slowly return to normal. The warmth made her instantly sleepy and she rested her head against him letting his strong heartbeat fill and echo her ears. Carefully - with courage she never knew she had - she slipped an arm around his waist to hold him closer. In response Vash simply reached over and grabbed the blanket that had fallen away during her nightmare and pulled it over them.
"Umm, should I stay?" He whispered as he looked down at Meryl who was buried against him and couldn't resist a smile. She nodded slightly against him and sighed very quietly.
"Is that a yes?" He asked again still not sure whether he should stay, especially if she woke up in the morning to find him next to her and decided that she wanted to beat him up.
"So warm..." Was her only response and he finally let himself relax and fall asleep with her lying safe in the warm circle of his arms.
***Meryl's POV***
I woke up not to the sun but to something warm and soft against my face and pulling away very slightly I realised that it was in fact a warm shirt that belonged to Vash the Stampede. My heart was just about ready to leap into my throat when I remembered what had happened, the nightmare returned to my memory as clear as if it had actually happened and I knew he was only here to comfort me and nothing more.
I drew in a deep breath and filled my lungs with his sweet scent, wishing that this moment would last forever. When he was with me I felt so safe and comfortable as if no one else in the world existed apart from us two.
He moved slightly in his sleep and I glanced up at his face, which was even more beautiful in sleep. His golden hair had fallen down across his eyes and moved under the warmth of his breath. His mouth was slightly open in a teasing way and his eyes were completely closed and oblivious to the world around him.
Sighing I drew myself closer to him again loving the new and wonderful feeling that warmed my heart. Suddenly he moved and glancing up again I saw his eyes opening and meeting mine, a faint blush on his face, which quickly faded to a smile.
"Good morning." I said and he relaxed suddenly and I realised that he had probably thought I was going to hit him.
"Good morning." He yawned and took his arms away from me before sitting up and rubbing at his eyes. I wriggled over into the warm hollow that he had left behind and closed my eyes again feeling the fatigue begin to take over again when he shook me awake.
"You can't go back to sleep again." He told me firmly.
"Why not?" I asked and sat up reluctantly to wait for my answer.
"Well I want to go and get something to eat and I can't leave you here by yourself." He stretched and I watched the defined muscles beneath the shirt with a longing, which put myself to shame. Nodding I got up and smoothed out the blanket on the bed.
"Will you be alright here while I go and get changed?" He asked softly and I nodded watching him leave and forcing myself to remember that he was only in the next room.
I took this chance to gather my clothes and dress quickly so that I could wait for him to come back. To my surprise it was Millie who entered my room first and she smiled happily at seeing me awake.
"I just came to see if you were hungry."
"Well I am a little I suppose and I know for a fact that Vash is...aren't you supposed to be watching Knives?"
"Ashley is taking care of him."
"You're letting a child take care of a murderer?" I could not hide my shock at Millie's stupidity.
"He isn't like that Meryl, actually could you go and ask Ashley if she is hungry whilst I go start breakfast." Millie then left the room leaving me alone and frowning at how silly she could be sometimes I obliged and entered the hall.
I carefully tapped on the door and entered feeling slightly nervous at meeting this horrible fiend I had heard so much about. The next thing I knew Ashley was at the door looking up at me with a cheerful smile and beckoned for me to enter the room. Already I could see the man sitting up in bed looking over at us with strange curiosity.
"Come in." Ashley urged and nodding slightly I entered the surprisingly light room. The child scampered around to face me and motioned for me to sit down.
"I just came in to ask if you were hungry." I said declining her offer to sit down.
"Well I'm fine, what about you Knives?" She asked over her shoulder and the man silently declined.
He didn't look a lot like Vash, his hair was blonde but of a lighter shade and his eyes were a piercing blue, cold and harsh like ice. Yet he didn't seem as evil as I would have expected him to be, but I imagine that is due to having Millie taking care of him. She was such a sweet, kind person.
"Meryl can I ask you a favour?"
"Sure thing, anything for you." I smiled softly at the girl whose eyes sparkled with something I couldn't quite make out.
"Well tonight there is a festival being held in town and I wondered if you would go with me...there will be food, drink and dancing."
"Can't Millie take you?"
"She is going as well but I really want you to come too."
"Why is that?"
"Well it'll be more fun if more people go."
"I see." No one had mentioned this to me before.
"Yeah and I guess I really want you to enjoy yourself."
"I'm fine really." That was a complete lie.
"So will you come?"
"Well..."
"Oh thank you so much Meryl, it will be really fun." Ashley smiled and at that moment Vash entered waving stupidly at his brother who simply scowled.
"Well here you are." He said to me and glanced at Ashley nervously. The girl simply waved at him sweetly - maybe too sweetly and dashed past us and down the stairs.
"What took you so long?" I asked ignoring the blue eyes that watched us intensely.
"Uhh, Millie wanted to ask me something." He looked slightly uncomfortable talking about that and simply took me by the wrist and led me down the stairs.
***Normal POV***
Millie and Ashley sat opposite Meryl and Vash at the table, looking at them strangely their eyes gleaming with mischief. Both of them had been successful in getting their two subjects to go to the festival and it had been easier than what they had expected. Now all they had to do was be patient and wait, there was only seven more hours before it began.
Vash was beginning to tuck into his third box of donuts by the time the others had found other things to do. Millie had taken food up to Knives even though he had said he wasn't hungry which meant she would be awhile and Ashley had gone outside to meet up with the other children.
Meryl on the other hand was sitting quietly with her typewriter in her lap trying to think of what to write, she had not yet got past the introductions. She was afraid that if she wrote to say nothing bad had happened then she and Millie would be called back to headquarters. She wasn't ready to leave Vash yet and the thought of having to say goodbye to him forever tore her up inside.
She poised her fingers over the keys and began to type slowly so as her eyes could take in what she was writing:
It has been nearly four weeks (A/N: just a rough guess) since Vash the Stampede has returned to us in the town and so far there has been nothing out of the ordinary occurring.
She paused again and looked at the short sentence that she had written, it was true enough but not what she wanted to write. So she continued hoping that this small lie wouldn't make her feel guilty.
Yet Vash's enemy is still alive and well, which brings doubts into the situation and has led me to believe we are not out of danger just yet.
This paragraph was true enough, his brother was alive and healing quickly and the nightmare...if it was a prophecy of some sort then they weren't out of danger just yet.
* * * * * *
The four friends stood by the door, all of them looking somewhat concerned. The festival had begun and they could hear the music playing from the town square yet none could leave until they had sorted out their "little problem" which was proving difficult.
"Well we can't all go." Meryl broke into the conversation with irritation.
"That much is obvious." Vash rolled his eyes and leaned against the doorframe waiting for someone to come up with an answer. "Well I'll just stay here then." He said at last when everyone else had fallen silent.
"No!" Millie snapped, her eyes shimmered with panic and she stepped back into the house. "I'll stay with Mr. Knives, you three go off and have fun." Her eyes went to Ashley who nodded very slightly in acknowledgment.
"Are you sure Millie?" Meryl asked nervously.
"Positive, so off you go now." Millie waved and grinned before pushing them out of the doorway and closing it very quickly.
Vash then broke into a huge grin and linking his arm in Meryl's and taking Ashley by the sleeve he led them down into the town. His mind was already thinking of the cheap priced beer and maybe even some freebees if he was lucky. He just hoped that Meryl wouldn't get angry and start hitting him because he drank too much.
"Let me guess." Meryl interrupted his thoughts, "you're going to the saloon, right?" Her gaze was one of slight annoyance but nothing stern enough to put him off the idea.
"Oh come on Meryl I haven't had a drink for ages." He pleaded with her.
"I don't know if I want to sit in a smoky place all night."
"It wont be all night Meryl, pleeease." He used the puppy eyes to help his case but she refused to look at him.
"Pretty please." He added and this time she did look up at him.
"I don't know."
"Pretty please with donuts on top." He begged and she laughed at him, her eyes sparkling for the first time in over a week.
"Fine." She gave in and he quickened his pace, determined to get to the saloon before she changed her mind.
On entering the saloon Meryl was pleased to see that it was not filled with the usual rough crowd but with families and other nice people just out for a good time. Ashley instantly found a few friends to talk to which left Vash and Meryl standing at the bar. He turned his sparkling gaze to her and smiled happily.
"Do you want a drink?" He asked.
"Umm no thanks."
"Aww come on, you never say yes."
"Which is why you shouldn't be surprised. Any way you have never offered before"
"Well I'm offering now aren't I?" He raised a hand to rub sheepishly at the back of his head and Meryl rolled her eyes.
"Fine I'll have an orange juice." She smiled at his defeated expression and then waved madly to get the bar tender's attention.
Meryl glanced around the bar and noticed that everyone seemed extremely happy and the atmosphere seemed to affect her in the same way. She couldn't rid herself of the smile that had appeared on her face and she watched Ashley sitting with her friends. The girl was so innocent but strong at the same time, her carefree ways made her so much like Millie that is was scary. Even so she was sure that the two were up to something, she could see it in their eyes but she just couldn't figure out what.
"Here you go." Vash handed her the drink and interrupted her thoughts.
"Thank you."
"What are you thinking about?" He seemed genuinely interested.
"Do you think that Ashley and Millie are up to something?" She asked him and he shrugged and took a gulp of his beer.
"Probably." He said and slumped back against the bar. Meryl smiled and closed her eyes briefly; she wanted to remember this moment for the rest of her life. This would be one of the rare moments she got to spend with the man of her heart, even if he did end up drunk before the night had even started.
An hour passed by and Ashley was still sat with her friends although it looked like they were getting ready to leave. Meryl drained the last of her orange juice and turned to Vash who was sitting slightly dazed beside her. Their conversation had been light and amusing but she could tell the alcohol was starting to take an effect on him.
A moment ago he had been yelling and laughing manically so that Meryl had been forced to turn away in embarrassment but now he seemed to have quietened down.
"Don't you think you have had enough yet?" Meryl asked firmly and he looked at her through glazed eyes that seemed suddenly a lot greener.
"I guessh so." He slurred slightly and Meryl fought to keep a stern look on her face.
"How are you going to protect me if you're drunk?" She asked almost sweetly.
"I'm sorry." He said standing and waiting for the room to stop spinning. Meryl sighed and reached out to grab his arm to help stable him on his feet, he gave her an appreciative look and allowed her to lead him out into the fresh air. Ashley followed behind them quietly, not wanting to ruin their moment.
The fresh air seemed to help clear his head a little and he turned to see Meryl clinging to his arm in an effort to help him rather than being afraid to let go. 'That's just like Meryl to get over her fears so easily' he thought with an affectionate smile. This was true, as already Meryl had forgotten about everything else except her time with Vash. That was more important to her than anything else and she wanted to treasure it.
"So where are we going next?
"I don't mind." Meryl replied 'anywhere as long as it's with you.' She thought.
"Well I'm hungry so lets go find some place to eat." He told her and felt instantly happier at seeing her smile, 'I wonder if anyone has told her she has a beautiful smile.' He thought silently.
"Okay sure thing." She agreed and turned round to make sure Ashley was still with them. The girl waved back and hurried up to walk beside them making sure that everything was going according to plan.
The moons were brighter that night than ever before and every star twinkled with an unnatural yet wondrous beauty. The town was alive with people and colourful lights and music and the three friends weaved their way through the small streets and into the main square where people were dancing and eating food that was being served for free at several stalls. A black cat watched them with bright eyes from a trashcan; it's tail flickering to the music.
Vash found the stall selling pastries and instantly directed their course over to it where he bought as much as he could afford before they found a seat near where the dancing was taking place. Meryl leaned back against the bench and watched everything around her in sheer joy, nothing could possibly make this a better event, and this would be a night she would remember forever.
Ashley who was sitting next to Vash nudged him slightly to grab his attention and he looked at her questioningly, his eyes bright and filled with starlight. She moved closer to him.
"You want one?" He asked, offering her a donut, which she took gratefully.
"Now listen to me Mister, if you don't ask Meryl to dance then I will tell her that you love her." She giggled at the fear in his face and kept her stern gaze fixed on him. "Well?" She asked but he did not reply.
"Ashley, you're so mean." He whimpered and faked tears.
"Meryl I need to tell you something." Ashley said, raising her voice so that the raven-haired girl could hear. She loved to watch Vash panic just like he was doing now until he scrambled forward and clamped a hand around her mouth, begging her with his eyes to stay silent.
"What is it?" Meryl asked, completely oblivious to as why the two were acting so strange. Vash released Ashley and jumped to his feet holding out his hand to Meryl who simply looked at it in confusion.
"Well?" He asked.
"Well what?" Meryl gazed at him with her violet eyes.
"Will you dance with me?" He asked and reached down catching her hand and pulling her to her feet. He definitely did not want Ashley to spill his feelings about a certain raven-haired insurance girl just so he could get beaten up.
Meryl was still staring at him with strange suspicion in her violet eyes and he looked down at her, smiling sweetly.
"Don't worry, I'll be careful." He added remembering her wounds that were still in the healing process. She nodded slightly and glanced back at Ashley who sat grinning idiotically at them.
***Vash's POV***
Even though a ten-year-old girl had forced me into this course of action I was still glad that it had occurred. I was also glad that Meryl hadn't turned me down otherwise Ashley would have told her and...eek I don't even want to think about that.
Carefully I led her out to where all the people were dancing and pulled her close making sure that she couldn't see my face which was burning with embarrassment. Luckily she wasn't looking at me but at the people who were already dancing around us. I took this opportunity to wrap an arm around her and lead her into the rhythm of the music.
Of course I had danced before but this was a total different experience for me, dancing with Meryl was like...like flying. She was light enough to manoeuvre easily into the turns and she fitted against me perfectly like two matching pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Could it be that my search for the mayfly had finally come to an end?
We slowed with the tempo of the music and I took this chance to wrap my arms further around her and couldn't help but sigh. This was just too perfect and then the voice in the back of my mind reminded me that it couldn't last. I was never meant to feel like this, never meant to get close enough to anyone to have feelings for them. I was being an idiot, this was not making things easier for me at all and yet my heart was blocking out these thoughts. All I could think of was how nice it felt to be close to her and what it would be like to kiss her and have her kiss me back.
Of course all the time I was daydreaming about how wonderful it would be to kiss her - along with other things - I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing and being the fool that I am I accidentally stepped on her toes. I cringed and started to apologise, dreading the response but she merely laughed.
"You're such a clumsy idiot."
"Uhh yeah, sorry."
"It's okay."
"You sure." I asked and she looked up at me and nodded firmly.
"Plus it helps me forget about my other wounds." She sighed and slowed down slightly.
"Are they hurting you?" I asked softly and she looked up again and shook her head but I could see the tears beading in the corners of her eyes.
"I'm fine." She breathed and leaned closer against me.
"I didn't mean to hurt you." I told her and she squeezed my hand gently.
"I know, and it wasn't your fault so don't go thinking it was. They hurt before I even came out."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"Because...I didn't want to worry anyone and I didn't want you to think I was weak." Her voice was muffled against my shirt but I knew what she was saying.
"Meryl its our job to worry about you, we are your friends after all."
"But-" I held out my hand to silence her.
"Meryl we know you aren't weak, no weak person could have survived what you went through and faced their fears so easily."
"I guess but..."
"Meryl..." I placed a finger beneath her chin and tipped her head up to look at me, a single crystalline tear slipped down her face and with the other hand I brushed it away.
"I'm sorry." She apologised.
"Don't be." I spoke so softly and realised that we had stopped dancing.
I looked up slightly to check that Ashley was still sitting safely on the chair, she waved at me and gave a thumbs up. That was when I realised what she had been doing all this time, most likely Millie too - they were setting us up! (A/N: aww aint Vashie slow huh - you gotta love him...^-^)
Feeling suddenly sick due to my stupidity and that I had fallen straight into their plan I took Meryl's hand and led her back over to Ashley who was looking at us in confusion.
"I want to take Meryl back now." I told the girl firmly who sighed and jumped up, her face filled with disappointment.
The walk home took a little longer due to the people that crowded the streets and Meryl started to walk slower every minute. Keeping an eye on her I wound through the people and made sure that Ashley hadn't run off.
"Are you sure you're alright?" I asked gently and Meryl looked up at me, her eyes half lidded with fatigue and her legs shaking very slightly. She opened her mouth to tell me that she was fine but ended up being a squeak of surprise as I swept her up into my arms.
She mumbled something I couldn't quite understand and snuggled closer against me and I looked fondly down at her. Maybe Ashley and Millie had done me a favour after all, but still I couldn't stay here. Even if I told her how I felt and she felt the same way I couldn't stay and keep her happy, it would be wrong of me...wouldn't it?
Ashley was the first one to reach the house and knocked on the door, Millie answered just as we arrived and I noticed how her eyes sparkled at seeing the short girl cuddled in my arms. I blushed slightly but grinned to hide it.
"So how has everything been here?"
"Fine, Mr. Knives has slept virtually the whole time." Millie stepped back to let us in and I nodded, glad that my brother hadn't caused her any trouble.
"I'm just going to take Meryl upstairs." I told the girls who beamed back at me with their large, sparkling eyes. I knew exactly what they were thinking and I wished that it were true.
I walked up the stairs starting to feel tired myself and entered the room before laying her down on the bed, her eyes fluttered open and the moonlight caught them brilliantly.
"Vash..." She whispered and started to sit up. Gently pushing her back I noticed that she winced and looked at her with deep concern.
"Are you hurting?"
"Just a little, it'll soon pass so don't worry." She smiled slightly and let her eyes fall closed but I couldn't help but worry. Leaning over I tugged at her shirt and she frowned and tried to stop me.
"Vash now is not the time to return to your perverse ways." She scolded lightly and I smiled at her effort to stop me.
"I just want to see."
"What the hell are you talking about?" She sounded slightly annoyed now.
"No not that, I mean your injury, you broke your ribs didn't you?"
"Yes..." Her word ended in a sleepy sigh. I tugged on her shirt again and lifted enough to see the swollen purple bruise that covered her pale skin. I touched it gently and felt her wince under my gossamer touch.
"Sorry." I apologised.
"It's okay." She murmured... "Is it bad?" She asked and I glanced up into her face, which was filled with fear.
"It looks sore." I admitted to her and she shivered slightly, tears flowing down her cheeks. I leaned over and wiped her tears away again; I hated to see her cry.
Then in that moment something strange happened but I didn't feel like I should hide my feelings anymore. I wanted to show her how much I loved her and that she shouldn't feel so scared and unwanted, because I wanted her. Maybe it was because our faces were close to touching as it was and I could feel her warm breath tickling my skin and causing electric shivers down my spine. Maybe it was our eyes that locked and refused to let go of each other but in that moment I couldn't help but kiss her.
I leaned forwards letting her breath touch my lips before pressing my mouth against hers. She gave a soft sound that sounded like surprise, but a surprise that she didn't mind receiving and I let the soft kiss become a little harder. It was then that I was aware of her, the small, delicate hands that climbed around my neck to hold me close to her. The sweet scent of her that mingled with my own and the soft skin, which made my own tingle with pleasure.
After what could have only been a few seconds I felt her lips part slightly almost eagerly and I chose to take the risk and deepen the kiss further than I ever would believe I could. She gave a little sigh in the back of her throat which gave me the signal that this was just fine and moving my hand from her face I grabbed the blanket and pulled it over us before rolling onto my side beside her never once breaking the kiss.
Then the ache in my lungs told me that it was time to stop and as we parted I looked into those beautiful eyes, which held a deep love inside them before she fell asleep in my arms. Lying alone in the dark beside her, the passion of the moment burning down I realised what I had done, 'you stupid idiot now what the hell have you done!' I winced and felt the tears sting my eyes, how could I leave after this? Why hadn't she rejected me...maybe it was fatigue that had clouded her moral thoughts or maybe...possibly...could she have feelings for me? With that thought I let myself fall asleep, totally forgetting that Ashley and Millie had been waiting for me to return to the lounge.
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Well there you go my 9th chapter and I have to say it is my longest yet, 9545 words to be exact which I'm pretty proud of. This is probably one of my fav chapters so I hope you will like it too. The only thing I think was a let down was the drunk Vash part; maybe I'll try that again in another chapter.
So was it worth the long wait? (I apologise for that)
Please review for me, I like reading on what people thought and how I can make it better so don't hesitate, it'll only take a few seconds.
Thanks **~AA~**
'Love and Peace'