Disclaimer: I don't own Trigun.
Note: Oh I'm so sorry, I hope you can all forgive me for taking so damn long...I started writing this chapter as soon as I submitted the last but with exams and extreme block on how to write this chapter it suddenly crawled to a halt with me writing a paragraph here and there...so it probably don't even make sense cries. Oh well its here now so please enjoy it...if that's even possible.
Thanks to reviewers:
Chibi Chibi - I'm glad you liked the last chapter, and I'm sure there will be a chance for Knives and Millie . Thanks for your review.
DecoyNeko - wow my first ratings, thank you so much for your kind review and I'm glad you like my story. Thanks sooo much for your review and enjoy the next chapter.
Luna-Kitsune-Blu - As always you made me laugh, I'm glad you like my chapters and I hope you like this one just as much. Thanks for your review.
Snapdragon76 - I'm glad you liked the chapter I wasn't sure whether it was good enough or not. Thanks for your review.
Silverado6000 - You must be the master of reviews, I always look forward to reading yours. Anyway I was also quite happy with the beginning and so far Millie hasn't taken a really important role in my fic because I concentrate mainly on Vash and Meryl. So I thought I better add some parts where she does take control and stuff cos I felt kind of mean by leaving her out. I agree with the sunglasses thing for Vash and I'm not sure why I never thought of that but thanks for pointing that out, I will remember that for next time. Yeah I've also noticed that Ashley is not taking much of a role lately, so maybe I'll bring in another short sub-plot involving her before the end. I guess the reason I haven't completely shown whether Knives is good or bad yet is because I'm not too sure myself how I want him to turn out, I'll probably decide that in this chapter.
I'm glad you liked the way Meryl and Vash got back together; I had a conversation about how to do it with one of my friends and came up with that idea. The cliff scene and the kitchen scene took me the longest to write out of any other short scenes I have done. Thank you for thanking me for all those things it really makes me happy to know that people are enjoying this fic. Hope I didn't take too long in updating, I can't really remember how long it has been or not. Thanks again for your review and I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Pammi - I'm sure you'll think of some ideas for your story soon, most of the time my ideas come to me when I'm sleeping or something stupid like eating dinner. Thanks for your review.
Neptune Butterfly - I'm glad you and Kuroneko are enjoying this fic, and I will consider keeping Violet alive...maybe I can think of some cool new plots involving her. Glad you liked my last chapter and thanks so much for your review.
Darkraven - Yes I'm always looking forward to seeing how my next chapter turns out. Well thanks for your review and I hope you enjoy this one.
Rainy-days13 - Glad you are having a good day and that you enjoyed the fluff in the last chapter, I hope you like this chapter too. Thanks for your review.
AnimeGirl2004 - Thanks for your sweet review, and here is the more that you wanted to see.
Ximchan - Here's the new chapter, hope you enjoy it. Thanks for your review.
Dustdragon - There wont be any lemon so don't worry about that, thanks for your review.
Chapter 14 - Confused
Ashley opened her eyes and yawned silently before rolling onto her back to glance up at the ceiling. There was a tension building inside of her, fluttering like butterflies and kept her from sleeping peacefully. She was concerned about Millie and she had fallen asleep before she could tell Meryl and Vash, they would probably be angry with her for not telling them sooner. 'I can't believe I fell asleep!' Sighing miserably she rolled onto her side and buried her face into the pillow trying to take comfort from it.
'What if Millie is in trouble? I need to make sure she is all right, if she gets hurt and I just sat here doing nothing I would never forgive myself. She has been too kind for me to just abandon her like that' Finally Ashley dragged herself from the couch and stretched her muscles that had cramped slightly from being on the couch for such a long time, but she wouldn't complain. A couch was much better than a cold cell floor any day.
Rubbing the sleep from her hazy eyes she ran her fingers through her wavy hair and folded the blanket at the end of the couch. She paused and blinked before heading towards the kitchen and was surprised to hear whispered voices from within. Ducking down slightly she crept over to the door which was open just enough for her to peer inside. A huge smile spread across her face at the sight, which greeted her, she was so glad that Vash and Meryl were finally revealing their feelings for each other. She had known since the moment she had heard how Meryl had spoken about Vash that their feelings went deeper than normal friendship. 'Guess it's just a natural talent' she thought with a smirk.
The quiet voices in the kitchen snapped her from her thoughts and she pressed herself as close to the door as possible to try and listen, there was no way she was going to miss what they were talking about.
Meryl was leaning back against the counter, her palms pressing against the smooth surface and fingers tapping nervously against it. She looked like she had only just woken up - a little of her normally neat hair was out of place and her eyes were dull with fatigue - but still pretty in the morning sunshine. Vash stood opposite her, his head bowed slightly so he could look at her easier, and his hair flopping down over his cool aqua eyes.
"Don't worry I'm sure it'll be okay." He murmured softly and reached out a hand to her. Meryl visibly flinched and turned her head away from him so that he couldn't see the tears, which were springing up in her eyes.
"What if...what if it has something to do with Knives?"
"He's changed Meryl, I'm sure of it." Vash leaned forwards and laid a hand against her cheek, turning her to face him. He searched her eyes for any sign of belief or trust but found nothing but fear and concern.
"I want to believe you...but..." She trailed off and leaned against Vash's gentle touch on her cheek.
"Then believe me." He smiled slightly and tilted his head to get a better view of her face in the pale light. It still felt strange being this close to her and not having to hide his feelings or getting hit on the head for touching her like he was doing now.
Meryl sighed in defeat and let a small smile creep onto her face, which brought a sparkle to her eyes.
"Fine then, if you have so much faith in your brother than I have no choice." She grinned and smacked him lightly across the head before edging away from him.
"Where do you think you're going?" Vash asked, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"Going to check on Ashley." Meryl replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Well..." Vash nodded and wrapped his arms around her tightly so that her feet lifted up from the ground. "I can't let you go without giving you a hug first." He finished.
"Stop it Vash." Meryl scolded and prised herself from his grip, "You are such a pervert, I don't know why I expected you to change."
"That's a little unfair Meryl." Vash pouted and put on a hurt face.
"It's the truth." She said desperately trying to contain a smile.
"Well then! You shouldn't be surprised should you!?" He reached over and wrapped his arms around her again.
"Shh you'll wake Ashley you big idiot."
"Is that my new pet name?" Vash smiled and nuzzled his face into her neck. Meryl smiled and nodded slightly as he pulled away. Glancing up in disappointment she met his eyes, which seemed to glow with passion and it was only seconds before a kiss ensued.
((Whoops getting a little carried away with the Vash/Meryl fluff, even though I promised this would be a Millie/Knives chapter...so lets just pause there for now and move on.))
The sand seemed to dance a swirl of patterns on the desert ground, creating dizzy spells swirling through his mind. He had many questions...so many questions but no answers and that's what annoyed him the most. Gritting his teeth as another cloud of sand lashed out at him he let his head fall forwards and rest in his hands as he paused in his step.
'Why did I take that woman home? Why did I care that she would have died alone in the desert? Why do I care that the woman Vash loves could have died? Why do I keep thinking about that annoying naïve woman?' sighing miserably he grimaced at the sting of sand on his face and closed his eyes.
He had wanted to stay until the girl passed away into nothingness, but the insistent weeping of the boy and laboured breathing of the dying woman had finally urged him to leave. He hadn't even looked back, just shut the door and walked into the desert and back to his brother...and to Millie.
Continuing on his journey now with his thoughts lingering on that tall insurance girl the last thing he expected was to run into someone, especially now it was dark and quicksand was hidden. In fact even he despised being out in the desert when night had settled in. 'I wonder if they will even want me to go back to them.' Knives thought.
The sound of a car disturbed his miserable thoughts and looking up he was almost blinded by car lights, which beamed out across the desert. He lifted a hand to shield his eyes against the rays and tried to catch a glimpse of who it was, his heart jolted as he realised it could be no one other than that tall insurance girl.
He paused in his step and stood dumbfounded at the realisation that she may have come out looking for him.
"Mr. Knives!" Came the familiar voice from the driver's seat as she brought the car to a halt beside him.
He was speechless.
"Thank goodness I found you, I was starting to think I had gone the wrong way." She continued when he didn't speak. "Get in, I'll drive you back to town, it shouldn't take too long." Her face was bright and cheerful.
He couldn't breath...couldn't move...only stare stupidly at her.
"Are you alright Mr. Knives? What happened to that girl?" Millie's smile had faded to concern and she started to get out of the car. Knives' harsh voice stopped her.
"Why?"
"Why what?" She looked slightly confused.
"Why did you come here?" He needed to know, to put his mind and heart at rest.
"Well...I don't know, I wanted to make sure you were okay I suppose." Millie ducked her head to hide the faint blush that was creeping up into her face and sighed.
"Did you really think I couldn't take care of myself? I'm not like my idiot brother you know." Knives snapped angrily as he got into the passenger seat beside Millie. She smiled slightly and sat back down in her seat before starting the car once again and turning it around.
For a moment there was silence and Knives knew if he didn't talk to her now he probably would never get another chance.
"Millie..." Her name was strange to speak, or maybe it's because he hardly ever spoke it aloud. He was aware now that he had her attention but could not look away from the road.
"What is it Mr. Knives?"
"I wanted to take this opportunity to speak with you."
"Oh." She sounded interested.
"It's been bothering me for a while now, and if I tell you...you must promise not to tell anyone, especially that idiot brother of mine." His tone was serious and dark.
"I promise." She had angled her head slightly to look at him now but he kept his head lowered.
"I want to know why you are different."
"Different?"
"I look at the humans around me and hate them so much I want to kill them, make them suffer...I want to end you're stupid race and just live in a beautiful world which isn't tainted by humans..."
Millie was frowning slightly as she listened to him, she knew better than to think he was just saying those things to scare her, she knew he meant every word, maybe he hadn't changed after all.
"But...but when I look at you..." He paused, desperately searching for the right words. "I don't feel any of that hate, I don't have the urge to kill you...Can you tell me why?"
"I don't know Mr. Knives..."
"Stupid woman, you must know!" He was beginning to get angry; he was so confused with the emotions whirling inside of him.
"I wish I could help you...maybe it's just because you are beginning to accept people and because you know me quite well...maybe you consider me a friend?"
"A friend?" He repeated quietly...but he knew that wasn't it.
"Yup, I'll be your friend Knives." He noticed how she left out the 'Mr' that time.
Ashley scrambled away from the door just in time and grabbed the covers before burying herself beneath it. Her heart was beating so loud she was sure it would give her away; seconds later Meryl and Vash came out of the kitchen and into the lounge.
"I'm still worried about Millie...I wonder where she could have gone. If Knives has taken her then she could be in danger." Meryl sighed and walked over to glance out of the window.
"So you still don't trust him..." Vash sighed.
"No." Was her short reply.
Ashley mentally kicked herself for being so stupid as forgetting Millie and jumped up instantly, making Meryl and Vash jump in fright.
"I know where Millie is. I was supposed to tell you last night but I must have fallen asleep before you got back."
"Where is she?" Meryl asked.
"She went to look for Knives..." Ashley's voice was quiet.
"And you didn't stop her?" Meryl demanded.
"I'm sorry." Ashley was close to tears, she realised now it had been a mistake for Millie to go but at the time it had seemed right for her to find him.
"Hey don't worry about it, I'm sure she will be fine." Vash smiled and patted Ashley on the shoulder.
"How can you say that?" Meryl fumed and headed for the door only to be blocked by Vash. The temper that would scare any person suddenly flared up in her and she snapped her head up to look him in the eyes. She gritted her teeth and noticed how he flinched under her gaze.
"Get out of the way." She said slowly.
"I'm sorry Meryl, but I can't let you go walking out into the desert alone." Vash told her, a slight tremor of fear in his voice.
"You can't stop me!"
A couple of seconds later Vash had lifted Meryl over one shoulder and was carrying her upstairs to lock her in her room until he could figure out what to do. Listening to her death threats from the other side of the door he knew he would regret that move later but right now he couldn't worry about that.
"She is really mad." Ashley giggled as he re-entered the lounge and flopped down on the couch. He nodded in reply.
"Maybe you should go let her out." Ashley said, sitting down next to him.
"No way! She'll hurt me!"
"You have to let her out some time." Ashley told him and laughed at his fear stricken face.
"Please don't remind me." He whined and let his head fall back against the cushion.
"You're really weird." Ashley told him.
"Thanks."
"Anytime."
"Okay so what exactly did Millie say she was going to do?" He asked.
"She...uhhh..." Ashley trailed off, not sure exactly what to tell him. "She wanted to make sure he was okay...I think."
"Do you think I should trust my brother?"
"Why are you asking me?"
"You're a good judge of character." He replied honestly and she smiled.
"Well then...I think that he is changing...but slowly...he's half way to becoming a decent person. I think he has conflicted ways of thinking...one part telling him to become a good person...the other side trying to stay the evil man he was before."
"How...how the hell can you tell all that? You've not even been around him much!"
"I don't know..." She shrugged.
Millie watched as the suns rose up in the sky and glanced sideways at Knives, he had fallen asleep an hour ago and looked extremely peaceful now. The pained and confused look was void from his features leaving his face relaxed and...handsome. Suddenly her hand seemed to take on a life of its own and moved without her consent, a panic rose in her chest as she realised where it was heading and her fingertips came in contact with his soft hair.
'What is this I'm feeling?' She wondered as she withdrew her hand from him and kept the car on its straight path back to the town. The quiet little town was on the horizon now and she hoped she would get back before Vash or Meryl woke up and discovered she was still missing.
"Where are we?" Knives' weary voice interrupted the silence.
"Nearly back in town now." She replied.
"Millie..." He was saying her name again...
"Yes Mr. Knives?" She asked.
'Ahh so the Mr. is back again.' Knives thought sadly, 'why do I care what she calls me?' He shook his head slightly and realised he had been about to ask Millie a question.
"Forget it." He snapped angrily, he just couldn't find the words to voice his feelings and instead turned his attention to the bleak desert. Every moment he spent with this girl he felt tense and uncomfortable, he had never felt that way around anyone before. He had always been totally in control and now things had changed dramatically and left him in a state of total confusion.
"Are you looking forward to getting back?"
"There isn't much to look forward to." Knives muttered
"Well I think there is, you're lucky to have a brother who cares about you."
"Who the hell cares, he should hate me."
"But he doesn't." Millie said cheerfully as she hit the accelerator.
"That's his own weakness, he trusts me too much...I could kill you right now if I wanted to." His blue eyes gleamed like sharp ice.
"I know..."
"And that doesn't scare you?"
"Why should it?"
"..." He couldn't reply...he had no reply.
The town loomed closer as the suns rose higher; the sky was alive with bands of cool morning colours. The town gleamed almost golden in the morning sunshine, and even Knives had to admit that in the right light, the planet could look beautiful. He sighed and risked another glance at Millie, she looked perfect even though she hadn't had any sleep...he cursed himself for thinking such things.
Millie's POV
Knives had definitely changed a lot - he was calm and measured and actually quite attractive. I found myself blushing slightly at thinking such things, and also horrified with myself. Wolfwood was dead because of this man...well not directly, but he was the one who led the others to do it. Why was it that I was attracted to this man, was it his honesty? His calm manner and the way he was lost in thought almost constantly, He is a quiet but intelligent man and somewhat mysterious.
The small house I had come to call home came into view, it looked peaceful and still which raised my hopes that maybe no one was awake and I stopped the car and got out. Knives too got out and paused to look at me, our eyes locked and for a moment I couldn't drag them away. Then I noticed something in his eyes that I had never seen before, he was deeply upset and confused and those usually cold eyes seemed to reveal all.
Before I knew what I was doing I had walked around the car and pulled him into a light hug. He reminded me of a confused child who just needed a little comfort and I wanted to be the person to give him that reassurance. To my surprise he didn't yell or push me away, he simply tensed and allowed me to hold him. Then I lost my nerve and released him, muttering apologies before heading towards the door to the house.
Vash's POV
"Well I think I should go look for them." I told Ashley who was now sitting on the floor opposite me; her large, unblinking eyes were starting to make me nervous.
"So you don't trust your brother?" She asked almost too sweetly.
"Yes...I mean...well, I don't know..." I stood up and paced the room trying to think of what to do, and I still had to let Meryl out of her room. She had finally stopped yelling death threats and had fallen quiet, but even that made me nervous, she was plotting someway to pay me back I just knew it.
"So when are you going to let Meryl out?" Ashley giggled.
"I don't know..." I admitted and let my head drop.
"That's not the best way to treat your girlfriend." Ashley scolded me in a teasing way.
"Ashley, don't make me feel worse than I already feel!" I sighed and pouted for a moment when suddenly the door was thrown open.
Whirling round I felt a great weight lifted from my shoulders at seeing Knives and an unharmed Millie entering the house.
"Where have you been?" I demanded and watched my brother's emotionless eyes staring back at me.
"I went to go get Knives..." Millie grinned sheepishly.
I noticed how she just called Knives...Knives and instantly made a mental note of it - I would question my brother later. Then sighing I flopped back down onto the chair and closed my eyes, relief flooding through me. Maybe now Meryl wouldn't be so mad at me, seeing as I had been right all along.
"Meryl and Vash were worried about you two." Ashley chirped up, filling the awkward silence and I opened my eyes slightly to look at her.
"Well there was no need to be, I'm fine...just a little tired." Millie yawned on cue and walked across the room to go upstairs.
"Millie!" Ashley called after the tall woman; "I need to talk to you."
"Okay." Millie nodded and I watched them go up the stairs.
It was only when they had disappeared totally that I turned towards my brother, he hadn't moved from the door and his eyes were fixed coldly on me.
"So what happened?" I asked.
"With what?" He replied.
"With that girl...where did you take her?"
"I took her to her brother." Knives said simply.
"What?"
"I didn't kill her if that's what you wanted to know, although it may have been better to put her out of her misery. Why do you want to know?"
"Is...is she dead?" I stammered slightly.
"I should think so." Knives shrugged.
"Oh..." I couldn't hide the disappointment in my face.
"Why do you care?"
"I wanted to thank her...for saving Meryl."
"Where is that irritating woman anyway?" Knives said, directing the conversation towards a different subject.
"Meryl? Ahh I completely forgot, she's gonna kill me!" I looked nervously up the stairs and then towards the front door.
"What's wrong now?" Knives asked.
"I gotta go." I yelled and dashed past him and out of the door.
Once again I apologise for the long wait and the disappointing chapter, I'm not sure what to make of it so I'll leave it for you to decide.
EDIT: Sorry for not specifying when the scene changes, for some reason the stars never showed up so I put lines instead
'Love and Peace'