Disclaimer: I don't and never will own Trigun.

Note: Oh my gawd! I just realised how many reviews I had and there are over 200!! Thanks so much to everyone who has stuck with this story for so long! Apologies are at the end of the chapter folks

Thanks to reviewers:

Betsytheripper - I'm glad you liked how Meryl's powers are developing and here is the next update for you. Thanks for your review!

Steffanie - Thanks so much for your very sweet review, I really appreciate them and I'm glad you are enjoying this story, sorry I took so long for an update but...here it is

Vashluver1 - Don't worry, Meryl's family are coming soon so keep reading, yes their reaction to things will be interesting, I hope. Thanks for your review and here is the update.

cjflutterbye - A drunk Knives, now that is something to consider, I'll definitely try to get Knives and Millie sorted out cos it does seem to be dragging on a little bit. Thanks for your review!

Silverado6000 - Thanks for all your really nice comments in your last review despite me taking my long darn time to get updates out as soon as possible. I seemed to update more when I wasn't on holiday but for some reason I'm finding it difficult to focus. Anyway I thought it was about time Vash and Meryl got a little time together, I mean it's only fair I suppose. I also had to bring in the question about what had happened to Vash's bounty because even though it was removed in the manga it wasn't in the anime and I sometimes get a bit confused, plus no one has really come after him. But when I was thinking about the whole bounty thing, I figured that most of the trouble Vash got was from Knives and the gung-ho-guns he sent and that made me think that perhaps he wouldn't run into so much trouble now that Knives is somewhat more sociable. I'm glad you liked how Knives and Millie are being portrayed, I wasn't too sure that it went very well that time round but thanks for giving your views on it. I also figured that if Meryl were supposed to have this plant energy inside her, it wouldn't just sit there doing nothing so it might as well be put to use. I'm also happy that you like Ashley, the problem is I never expected to write such a long story, it was supposed to end when Meryl got saved from the slave place, so I'm not sure how to continue with Ashley seeing as I had no plans for her in the future, everything that involves her is sort of spontaneous but I'm glad you like it. Thanks for pointing out my mistake; I actually had trouble with that sentence so when I edited it I must have not read it through properly.
Now finally I must apologise for the long wait, I've kind of been procrastinating lately and zone out quite often. Thanks for your review and I hope you enjoy this next chapter.

HelpComputah - Thanks for your review, and I will continue with it. Yes it is getting rather long now isn't it and this is the 183rd page on word so it'll probably end up being way over 200 at this rate. Here is your update!

Sharpshooterjane - Thanks for your review and I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter. Here is your update and I hope it's long enough.

Faerieskye - yay for registering, and welcome! Thank you for spending your time reading this story and I apologise greatly for the long wait. That's me being completely evil.

Kagomeandinuyasha4eva - Sorry for the long update and thanks so much for your review, it means so much to me and really helps me along when I feel down and annoyed with the story. Thanks again and I hope you enjoy this update just as much.

Harvest Goddess - thanks so much for your review and here is your update!

Blu - Reading peoples thoughts would be groovy, but can you imagine all the gross stuff that you would hear as well! It would probably be really freaky but funny at the same time. Glad to see you are having fun with Knives, the poor little dummy needs someone to keep him under control. Thanks for you review and here is the update!

Jacquelyn - I will consider the whole baby thing, but I'm still not decided seeing as I don't want him or her becoming a 'Mary sue' because that would be terrible. Anyways thanks for your review and here is the update.

Pilot-Trowa-Barton - Thanks for your review and here is the update, sorry it took so long...I zoned out for a while there.

Pyro - Thanks for your review, it was really funny and if I remember rightly I really needed a laugh that day. Anyway sorry for the long wait, and here is the update. Hey that rhymed!

Neptune Butterfly - Thanks so much for your review, it meant a lot to me and lots of sugar can be good at times. Yes, I haven't had many ideas for new Trigun stories lately either which is why I have moved on to another section until I do. I haven't been away at all this summer due to laziness and money issues, but never mind I don't mind sleeping in late and all that. Oh and I hope Kuroneko is feeling better now! Here is your update.

White Ninja Spy - There are a few more chapters to come yet, but I'm glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully this chapter will be even better. Thanks for your review!

Rukato86 - Thanks for your review! Yes tension is high between those two and it'll probably get much worse

Chapter 20 - Brother

A loud knock snapped Meryl from her otherwise peaceful slumber and sitting up she glanced around the room in terror. After a moment her panicked breathing slowed and she glanced over at the clock, her eyes widening as she realised the time. Turning her head to glance at Vash's snoring figure she couldn't help but smile at him, there was something especially cute about him when he was asleep.

Another loud knock made her jump to her feet and she realised that someone was at the door. Yawning groggily she threw on a dressing gown that hung over a chair before making her way to the front door. It was most likely Millie coming to see what she was up to, or perhaps it was someone from work who had heard she was home. Either way she wasn't exactly thrilled to have company round when she had only just woken up and had a busy day ahead of her.

Running slender fingers through her mussed raven hair she raised her hand to flip the latch and pulled the door open to glance out into the bright day. Violet eyes widened and breath choked and blocked her lungs as she took a shaky step back.
"B-brother...how did you-"
"So little sister finally showed her face back in the city again." He sneered from the doorway; he was a tall man with broad shoulders and dark hazel eyes hidden beneath raven strands of hair.
"I've not been away that long." Meryl replied emotionlessly, her eyes boring into his own.
"Long enough."
"Just tell me what you want and leave." She snapped.
"I was in town this morning and I happened to spot your friend amongst the crowds, that tall, weird one that you hang out with a lot."
"Her name is Millie, you should remember it." "But that wasn't all." He smirked, "I overheard that you little sister, have found yourself someone." He glanced around the room as if expecting that certain "someone" to pop out of nowhere and start attacking him. "That is none of your concern, now leave!"

He approached her, eyes flashing dangerously as he leaned forwards to meet her fiery gaze, "You know father will not be happy to hear this."
"You mean you haven't told him yet."
"No, but don't worry. I have every intention of telling him about it."
"Of course." Meryl rolled her eyes. "So who is this mysterious man you brought home Meryl?"
"That is none of your business." She clenched her fists and tried to keep calm, it wouldn't do her any good if she ended up knocking him out.
"I forgot how temperamental you could be." Her brother sneered, "Just shows how unlike our mother you are."
"Yes, by the sounds of it, she was perfect in every way and I'm the complete opposite."
"Yep that about sums it up." He shrugged and headed back towards the door, turning briefly he gave her an exaggerated smile and spoke in a ridiculously cheerful tone, "see ya round little sis." He closed the door loudly behind him and Meryl remained standing, her eyes focused angrily on the door. She really, really wanted something to hurt right now but she was pretty sure that Vash hadn't done anything she could use for an excuse seeing as he was still asleep.

"It's no good just standing here, I have to get going if I want to speak with the chief." She spoke up as she headed back to get some clothes before taking an extremely quick shower.
By the time she was ready to leave Vash was still fast asleep, and pausing by the door she peeked in on him, glad that he hadn't woken up when her brother had paid a visit. She knew her brother too well and she was pretty sure he was up to something that would cause her more hell.

Casting one more look at Vash's sleeping figure she closed the door softly and left a small note for him in the kitchen just in case he woke up. By the looks of it he would probably be out for most of the day but at least he wasn't causing mayhem. Checking to make sure she had all of her reports and other such forms that she might need, she headed out into the street

As usual the city was buzzing with lots of people shopping, working or doing absolutely nothing but becoming an obstruction. Dust was constantly being kicked up and Meryl pushed through the crowds, muttering about how people were being completely inconsiderate. She had forgotten how busy the city could get, especially during the late hours of morning.

The bernardelli headquarters was situated in the middle of the city, which was only about a twenty minute walk from Meryl's small apartment. It was definitely a building you couldn't miss, it was a large modern looking place compared to the other small ones that surrounded it.

Meryl paused by the main entrance and glanced up at the many windows that littered the building, her lips twitching with a smile as she thought of the countless amount of times that Millie had been forced to clean them. Those days seemed so far away now that it was almost impossible to think she had lived so normally. Ever since she had met up with Vash her life had been a dizzying hurricane that hadn't calmed until very recently, but she guessed this was just the so-called "eye of the storm" and that there would surely be more to come.

Taking in a deep breath she ascended the few steps up to the main doors and pushed them open, pausing in the doorway she glanced around the large and cool main reception and smiled. It had been a long time since she had been here and it felt kind of nice to be somewhere familiar for a change.

"Hey Maria." She called out as she approached the main desk, putting on a cheery smile.
"Meryl you're finally back, we were starting to get a bit worried about you. I mean it can't be easy to keep tabs on the humanoid typhoon and keep yourself safe at the same time. The chief was getting worried because we hadn't received a report in a while but I'm sure he'll be relieved to see you safe and well." The woman tapped on the typewriter all the while, not taking her eyes from the form she was typing up.
The woman was still a complete chatterbox, just like Meryl remembered and she placed her forms on the desk, which were beginning to get a little heavy. "So how have things been lately?"
"Oh not much really, we've just been dealing with the usual boring things. I'm beginning to think I should change my job."
"Wow, things must be getting boring if you're saying things like that." Meryl laughed and patted the forms she had been holding. "Is the chief around?"

Maria paused in typing and tapped a long, polished nail to her chin in thought, her blue eyes seeming to fog over slightly. "I think he said he had a meeting this morning, but..." she glanced at the clock, "It should be over by now." She returned to her typing, "I'm sure he'll be pleased to see you, so head up to his office and see if he is around."
"Okay, will do." Meryl lifted her forms up and continued past the reception and up the first flight of stairs; the sound of people working and the low hum of talking was a very comforting sensation to her.

The chief's office was on the first floor as well as many of the other desk workers that Meryl knew, she hoped that none of them would spot her as she wound through the desks and over to the door which was her destination.

A small flutter of nerves built up in her stomach at exactly what she was going to say to her boss. She still hadn't thought of any way to explain the current situation and was a little unsure of how to go about it. She knew that there was no way to escape this and raising her hand she rapped her knuckles against the door.
"Come in." Came the usually gruff voice of the chief and Meryl drew in a deep breath before opening the door and stepping into the room.

Ashley shook her head and pushed long strands of wavy hair out of her eyes so that she could get a better view of her new project. Yes this one would be a lot harder and would probably prove an irritating yet fascinating task and she was hopeful that it would prove positive. She was not doing it for her own personal amusement, she was actually doing this for Millie, anything else was just an added bonus.

The fact was that this little girl would just not understand grown-ups, especially the male half of the species. They seemed unable to express feelings of any sort apart from anger and irritation. Yes Ashley had finally started the "Knives Project" and it was proving a little annoying.

"So how come you've been acting strange all morning?" She questioned again as she glanced up at the blonde haired man who was apparently pretending to be asleep. Shifting her weight slightly on the hard floor she sighed and moved closer. "Hello?" She waved a hand in front of his face and in response Knives simply rolled over, muttering something under his breath.

"Are you just gonna ignore me all day?" She stood up and poked him between the shoulder blades, giggling as he flinched slightly. "Well if you don't speak to me, I'll just stay here and annoy you all day. How does that sound?"

Knives groaned angrily and sat up, his blue eyes fixing on the girl standing by him, the innocent look on her face was almost sickening. "Why are you doing this to me? I just want to be left alone, if it's not you it's one of that infernal woman's family!" He yelled, "I swear, children are the most stupid creatures on this planet." "And you are the most stubborn!" Ashley countered.
"Me stubborn?" He scowled. "Yes!"
"Don't you have anything better to do?"
"Nope." She grinned, "I thought we could hang out and get to know each other, come on uncle Knives it'll be fun."
"Uncle?" He scoffed and stood up, pointing at the door. "Get out." "But-"
"I'm not interested you little brat, now get lost!" He remained firm, his cold eyes never once faltering.
"How come you're so grumpy?" She questioned as she edged towards the door. "Has it got something to do with Millie?"

The look on his face said more than words ever could.

"Bye uncle Knives!" She waved and darted from the room, leaving a very angry and annoyed Knives behind. Skipping down the stairs she swung round the corner and almost knocked straight into Millie who had just come home from shopping with her mom.
"What has gotten into you Ash?" Millie's mother asked with a smile that crinkled her eyes.
"Oh nothing really, uncle Knives just told me to get lost."
"Well make sure you don't, I'd rather not have Meryl start shouting at me if I lose you." The older woman replied with a cheerful laugh.
"Don't worry, he's just feeling grumpy this morning,"
"Oh really?" The woman's eyebrows rose considerably. "Well Millie darling, you go fetch him, we'll get him out of that grumpy mood."
"I should help you pack the things away first." Millie spoke up nervously.
"Don't be silly dear, me and Ashley can do that."

Sighing in defeat Millie glanced up the long and terrifying flight of stairs, and just beyond them was where he was, the man that had gotten her so confused. Summoning all of her courage she ascended the stairs, wincing at every creak the floorboards made under her weight. She knew what she had to do, go and knock on his door and tell him to go down stairs, then she could quickly run to the safety of her room. It didn't even occur to her that the actions she would be taking were childish and that no amount of hiding would conceal the fact that they had kissed.

Her face heated up as the image replayed itself in her mind and she covered her cheeks with her hands to hide the blush, which refused to go away. She reached the top of the stairs and glanced over at the door, which led to his room, to her dismay it stood ajar, probably from when Ashley had left. She would have to teach the child how important it was to close doors.

Creeping over to it she reached up to tap on the door, her hands trembling slightly. Obviously she had not knocked loud enough because he continued to stand by the window, glaring out at the city below, completely unfazed by her presence. His short, pale blonde hair looked slightly mussed and his pale complexion enhanced the lost look in those blue eyes, but what the tall insurance girl noticed was the color of his eyes. Watching him now she could see that the icy look had gone from them and was replaced with a much calmer, softer blue. She wondered what he was thinking about.

After a few minutes of silence she cleared her throat and he jumped, turning round fully to face her, the surprise on his face disappearing beneath a scowl as his eyes once again returned to their usual cold glare. "What do you want?" He growled.
"My mom wanted me to come get you." Her tone was cheerful.
"Why, what are you up to now?"
"You shouldn't be so suspicious, she won't do anything mean."
"Whatever, I've been annoyed enough already today." He crossed his arms over his chest. "So if you don't mind." He motioned towards the door and Millie felt herself start to tear up.

"How can you act so cold all the time?" She asked, "You keep trying to deny what happened between us and that makes me feel pretty awful."
"Shut up you pathetic human! This is your entire fault, luring me into your trap. I bet you've been planning this from that start!" He yelled angrily. "How could you think that? You're the person who killed the man I loved."
"Love? that man wasn't good enough, he was a filthy murderer."
"You shut up! Wolfwood wasn't like that!" She took a threatening step forwards, her fists clenching with fury.
"Well he's gone and there's nothing you can do about it!"
"Don't you think I know that!?" "Well then get out of here, and take your stupid feelings away from me."
"You are a cold-hearted monster."
"Then it looks like I'm the type of person you go for." He retorted.
"Shut up!" Tears trembled and swelled in her clear blue eyes as she struck him in the face, her fury leaving her trembling and crying almost hysterically. She stood for a moment in the same spot before turning and dashing from the room, the sound of a door being slammed echoed again and again in Knives' skull.

He had not expected that.

Sliding down the wall until he was sitting on the floor he looked down at his hands trying to ignore the dull ache from where she had struck him. What he had said was true, so why on earth did he feel so...guilty?

He considered going after her but he was sure he would just start another row and the headache, which was slowly developing, made the decision that it would be a bad idea. Quietly he crept downstairs hoping that no one had heard their little outburst, he wasn't really in the mood to explain why and he was sure that Millie's mother would be less than amused.

Luckily the majority of the family were now situated in the kitchen, which was at the back of the house, and causing so much noise themselves he was sure they hadn't overheard. Glancing around the empty lounge he quickly strode over to the front door before opening it and making his escape.

Leaning against the closed door he shut his eyes and drew in a deep breath, how the hell had he gotten himself into this situation? Upon opening his eyes he glanced around the busy city, it was extremely disturbing to think that he was living amongst all these humans and he almost shuddered.

He couldn't believe his brother had talked him into this, and speaking of that idiot he knew he had to head over there. He had heard someone say that Meryl's apartment was not too far away so he decided he would wander around until he found it.

After half an hour of wandering around the city streets he finally gave up looking and began to head back to the Thompson house feeling even more annoyed than when he had left.
"Oh there you are Mr. Knives!" A voice called out to him. "We were wondering where you had gotten to so I came to see if I could find you." Kathy finally appeared from the crowds and Knives rolled his eyes. Everywhere he turned there was someone just waiting to annoy him. "Wow Mr. Knives...what happened to your face?"
"Nothing, just tell me what you want."
"Well we're getting lunch ready and I thought you might be hungry."
"I'm not."
"Oh...alright then, so what are you doing out here all alone?"
"Trying to get some peace and quiet, I was also going to go find my brother."
"I can show you where Meryl lives."

Knives considered his options, and knew that if he wanted to see his brother anytime soon then this human would have to show him the way. Sighing in defeat he reluctantly agreed and allowed himself to be led back through the crowds of people.

As expected the apartment was not far away and Kathy left him to return to the house, he paused by the door and turned back to glance around the city. Why had he come to see Vash? That idiot wouldn't be able to help him, more likely he would cause even more trouble. He knocked loudly on the door and gave his brother a disgusted look when he finally opened it.
"Don't tell me you've only just woken up." He rolled his eyes at his brother's blank expression and pushed past him.
"It's nice to see you too." Vash yawned as he let the door close again, his eyes widened suddenly and a grin spread across his face, "What happened to your face?" He blurted out.
"Millie happened!"
"What? Hang on, what did you do to upset her so much?"
"That's not important." Knives scowl made it quite clear he did not want to talk about it.

Vash shrugged and glanced groggily at his brother who was looking considerably uncomfortable, but he figured seeing as he was here he might as well have that talk with him about what Meryl had heard the day before.

"Knives, I'm glad you came round."
"Why?" The suspicion was clear.
"Because I've been meaning to talk to you about something."
"What is it?"

Vash paused and tried to form what he wanted to say in words that wouldn't anger his brother, he guessed that it was probably a useless attempt giving what he was about to suggest. 'Oh man, why am I left to do this?' He thought helplessly. "It's about you...you and Millie." He winced at the look on Knives' face; this was not going to be easy.

Meryl looked nervously over at the chief, hoping desperately that he wasn't going to yell and fire her. He had remained strangely quiet during her long-winded explanation and the look on his face said very little about what he was thinking.

He leaned forwards, tapping his pen against the smooth surface of his desk, his brow creasing with thought and finally he brought his eyes up to the young insurance worker and drew in a deep breath. "By what you tell me..." he began calmly. "It seems that the company will not be losing so much money. Obviously that is a good thing, but Miss Stryfe this does not change the fact that he is still a wanted man."
"Yes I understand that sir but-"
"And by bringing him to this city you have jeopardized the lives of everyone living here."
"But as long as no one knows that he is here then everything will be fine."
"To keep him a secret in this place is impossible Stryfe. I am disappointed that you failed to see this."
"Sir, if something can be done about his bounty then he can live here without being a hazard."
"Yes, you have said that none of what happened was his fault, but if it wasn't him then who was it?"
"I...uhh..."
"Exactly, you have no way to prove his innocence and therefore the bounty cannot be removed." The chief stood up and sighed. "I understand how you feel, and obviously you and Thompson know this man better than anyone, I just think that it would be best if you move on."
"But Millie misses her family and I'm not sure whether she would want to carry on travelling."
"Then it is up to her to quit."

Meryl knew it was pointless to continue discussing it; the chief had obviously made up his mind. She should have known that Vash would not be trusted here but she desperately wanted to stay here, even if it was just for a few more days. She wondered what Millie would do, she knew very well that the girl loved her family more then anything. Travelling wouldn't be the same without her, and then there was Ashley to consider, the child needed stability not continuous moving from place to place.

"Listen, I know I have put you into a difficult position, especially with that child to take into account and I have no objections to you staying here for awhile. Just make sure to keep a low profile, keep an eye out for any suspicious people lurking around." The chief neatened the pile of reports and tapped them lightly; "I'll have a look through these in more detail later."
"Thank you sir." Meryl gave a sigh of relief and headed towards the door, "I won't let you down, there is no way I'll let that man get into any trouble." Meryl could have slapped herself for that comment, Vash was prone to getting into trouble and she had made a promise she definitely wouldn't be able to keep.

She continued out of the building, her head spinning with all the new troubles that were arising, she was sure that her brother was up to something but she couldn't figure out what. Now she had to go and find Millie and talk to her about the job and whether she would want to continue it.

Why were things never easy?

"You what!?"
"Hey, don't get mad at me!" Vash hid behind the chair peering out nervously at his brother, he hadn't seen him that angry for a long time and it was slightly unnerving.
"Well who do you expect me to get mad at?!" Knives continued to yell.
"Meryl was the one who heard it, go and blame her." "She what?"
"Well uh...she heard Millie and..." Vash trailed off, suddenly at a loss for words. How had he gotten himself into this situation he had no idea, but he was pretty sure it was Meryl's fault. He would blame her later.

A moment of silence passed between them when Knives spoke up again, his voice strangely quiet and nervous. "I think she has poisoned my mind."
"Who?"
"That Millie woman, you idiot!"
"Well I think there is more to it then that."
"What's that supposed to mean!?"
Vash blinked and feel silent again, this was much harder then he thought it would have been and now he had no way of wording his thoughts. Just looking at the irritated expression on his brother's face made him nervous. One wrong word and it could all go very wrong.

"Forget I said anything...just tell me what you wanted?" The question brought a surprising blush upon Knives' face and Vash frowned slightly but tried his best to ignore it.

"I wanted your..." The rest of his sentence was too muffled to hear.
"You wanted what?"
"Your advice on something." Knives snapped.
"Uh...okay."
"You've been around these humans much longer than I have, so you understand them better."
"I dunno about that..."
"Let me finish!"
"Sorry."

"I've been having these strange feelings for a while now...and I have waited for them to go but they aren't, so I was wondering what I have to do to make them disappear."
"What kind of feelings are we talking about here?"
"Well I don't know exactly..." Knives trailed off, obviously lost for words.

Vash sighed and rolled his eyes, they weren't getting anywhere and he guessed that Meryl was going to be back soon, if that happened then he had no idea when this conversation would continue. He gathered up every ounce of courage and drew in a shaky breath. It was now or never.

"You think you love Millie." It was a statement not a question.

Okay now for my list of apologies, excuses and other random things.

I am so so so so so sorry for taking so long to get this chapter out. I knew what I wanted to be in it but for some reason I just got lazy and kept putting it off, then my friend lent me a new computer game and I have been addicted to that and I wrote two fics on that, which you are welcome to read, although most probably haven't played it.

I also apologise for the rubbishy length chapter, I was going to make it longer but I've been hit with a nasty headache and really can't think anymore.

Plus I realised that I didn't put in a single POV in this chapter, feel free to beat me for doing that.

So forgive my laziness and I'll try and get another chapter out before I start up at college.

Thanks again to everyone who reviewed and thanks even more for your patience!

'Love and Peace'