A/N: How you been readers??? [Cricket chirps] O.k. fine don't talk to me, all you care about is the story!!! *Runs off bawling, comes back to give you the story* I forgive you!!! This chapter was fun to write so I hope you have fun reading it . . . and REVIEWING IT!!
Disclaimer: Trigun and all its aspects may be mine in the sanctity of my dream like imagination but that excludes reality. TRANSLATION: It ain't mine!
P.S. They are getting ready for the pool.
~*~previously in chapter 8~*~
"Yay, pancakes, come on Meryl!" Vash yelled enthusiastically, much to Meryl's dismay, pulling her towards the kitchen while gesturing Knives to follow. Knives followed them to the kitchen and they all ate breakfast. After everyone was done with breakfast Meryl asked if they wanted to go swimming.
"Yay, that would be great but I don't have swimming trunk!" Vash said in a whiny voice. Meryl went towards the upstairs, dragging Millie with her so they could change (they both had bathing suits). When they got to the front of the stairs Meryl stopped.
"Go in your boxers!" Meryl yelled back to Vash from the stairs, blushing from the thought of Vash half naked in his boxers, walking up the stair after.
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Chapter 9 ::Not yourself::
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After everyone was done changing they all went outside into the pool area (led by Meryl), all wrapped in towels Meryl provided. It was so hot even Knives was going swimming (with many pleas from Vash). Knives had to act like everything was normal if he is going to going ahead with his plan, he needed not suspicious eyes watching him 24/7. Millie was the first to jump in the pool; she threw her towel on a patio chair and did a cannon ball. Vash was hesitant to take off his towel because of his . . . well, his scars. Before he went in he thought about if he should go swimming. After a second of thinking he took off his towel experimentally to see if anyone would do a double-take because of his scars. This revealed his red boxers and scarred body; no one did a double take, gasped, or gawked so Vash felt more comfortable. Vash did a perfect dive into the pool and swan to the edge of the pool. Vash shook his golden locks from his aqua green eyes. The water shining in the sun on Vash's face giving Vash an unreal look, which mesmerized Meryl. 'Oh my, he is hot!' Meryl was dazed for a while. While Meryl was thinking about Vash Millie jumped in the pool, unknown by Meryl. Millie's bathing suit was a bright green one-piece.
"Come on Meryl, you too Knives, jump in!" Millie said cheerfully, throwing a beach ball at Vash's head. Meryl gingerly put her towel on a patio chair, revealing her red two-piece bikini with a silver ring on the bottom piece. Vash's mouth hung wide open for a few minutes before Knives invaded the privacy of Vash's mind. 'You dimwit, your mouth is hanging wide open!' Knives said to Vash telepathically, pretending he just wasn't doing exactly what Vash was. Knives took off his towel and roughly threw it on a patio chair. Meryl turned around still not in the pool, and saw Knives half naked. Knives had midnight blue boxers and 6-pac abs. The sun shone brightly on Knives's slightly tanned, toned body. Knives slid in the water from the side of the pool.
Knives didn't know why but ever since the fight between him and Vash he gain a mock "respect" for Vash which made him at least "tolerate" the humans he is with.
Meryl did a dive into the pool and brought her head out of its depths and a ball stuck her head. Meryl turned around, ball in hand. She looked at Vash and Vash put a smile on and gave a weak wave; Meryl's eye twitched. Meryl raised her hand, brought it back and threw the ball at Vash, gaining giggles from Millie. Vash caught the ball and made his cat face wile saying "Dangerous toys are fun but you could get hurt!" **Like in the first episode! =^_^.=** This ball throwing game went on for a while between the three until everyone was tired and ready to get out. Knives was bored the whole time, standing in the corner.
Vash and Knives got out of the pool simultaneously. Water droplets dripped off their bodies giving them a god-like touch. Meryl looked at both Vash and Knives and here mind screamed 'damn!' and to top it off, Meryl couldn't pick which one of the two twins looked better. Vash's scars were the proof of his kindness and tranquility, Knives had a beautifully toned body (but so did Vash, just with scars, which Meryl strongly didn't mind and didn't care about at all, hardly even noticed). Meryl's mouth hung open, as did Vash's a little while ago; what Vash did now made Meryl melt. Vash knew Meryl was staring at him (naive to the fact that she was also staring at Knives) so he turned to Meryl and gave her a million dollar sexy smile and wink. Meryl blushed for a second but turned around quickly and crossed her arms, as would an insubordinate child. Millie saw the whole scene which just played out so she smiled at Meryl and whispered "I think he likes you!" then giggled profusely. Meryl's eyes turned red and flickered with fire. Meryl stomped, arms crossed, into the house, but not before taking her towel and wrapping it around her self.
"G-r-r-r, you people!" Meryl mumbled under her breath angrily. Everyone got out of the pool and changed, and again went into the kitchen.
"I'm thirsty!" Vash said, dramatically fanning himself. Meryl rolled her eyes and got up to go get Vash a drink; Knives quickly got up.
"I'll get it!" Knives said, straining a smile, which anyone could tell held hate and a fake quality. Knives ran in from of Meryl. Meryl eyed Knives suspiciously but sat back down. 'Time to put my plan into action,' Knives thought while slipping something into Vash's drink and smiling wickedly. 'I didn't want to go this far, it's the last of the herb but your stubborn ass made it go this far. Finally the teaching of that wench will be gone from your mind.' Knives walked towards Vash and handed him the drink. Vash gave Knives a thankful nod and started on his drink. Vash brought the drink to his lips recklessly and drank the drink without wonder or negative opinion. By the time they all got done and Vash finished his drink it was 11:30PM so they bid their good-nights and went to sleep.
Later that night
It was 2:00AM and Meryl couldn't go to sleep, closing your eyes to the wink of sleep she got earlier in the night. Meryl got up from her bed and slowly walked out of her room, not knowing possibly where she would go. Meryl walked across the hallway to Vash's room, momentarily leaning on the wall next to Vash's door. She squinting her eyes so her eyes could adjust to the dim light of the moon shining on her face. She didn't know why but she couldn't control her body, which at this point was curling its fingers around the knob on Vash's door and opening the door!
Meryl walked into the room, two feet from Vash and then stopped. At this point Meryl had full control of her body and she noticed everything. She noticed her bare feet on the cold floor, feeling almost as if her feet would freeze. Also the light yet ice cold breeze emitting from Vash's window, and the strands of hair falling on Vash's face. Meryl was quite aware her hand was going towards Vash's face; she just wanted to brush those stray strands away. Her hand was feather-like against Vash face and hair, not wanting to wake the infamous outlaw, which would, probably, lead to a great abashment. Meryl felt a little braver so she brought just her finger tips and lightly brushed them against Vash's lips.
Vash quickly grabbed Meryl and swiftly brought her in his bed. Vash got closer to Meryl and whispered in her ear "What are you doing in my room?" while lightly brushing his lips against her ear in the process, "Not that I mind."
"I . . . u-m-m . . . couldn't go to sleep . . . so I was checking on you." Meryl stammered with rosy cheeks. 'Lame excuses Meryl, very lame.' Meryl's mind yelled. She quickly got out of Vash's bed and power-walked back to her room, spouting apologies to and fro. Vash just closed his eyes and smirked.
Meryl got back to her room and thought 'Vash seemed a little different.' But just shrugged the thought off and went to sleep.
Meryl was the first to wake in the very dim early morning light which emanate from the window gave off a misty feel to the house. Meryl, figuring she was the only one awake, went downstairs and made herself coffee. The coffee cup was warm to the touch and sent warm tingly feelings up her hand, which warmed Meryl, something the cool breeze abstained from doing. Meryl thought it vain to change from her night shirt because she figured she was the only soul awake in the misty house at 5:30AM.
Meryl gazed around the kitchen and saw a beautiful wooden table holding a rare marble vase. She also saw a wonderful counter adorned with pictures of star constellations, which the counter went along one side of the kitchen and in the left of the kitchen not touching the wall yet not in the middle. The other side of the kitchen had a china cabinet. Yes, to most people this is pure blissful heaven but something Meryl would never admit is she loved traveling and seeing new places 'Especially with Vash' Meryl thought dreamily. Meryl snapped that thought from her mind. Frankly this house she inherited from her father was pure high-maintenance which she truly was not.
Meryl averted her eyes to the hall way which lead to the main hallway which lead to the upstairs stairs; she could have sworn she had previously heard faint footsteps coming down the stairs. Before she knew it Vash was in the middle of the hallway she was previously staring at. Vash leaned against the door way and grinned. He was wearing nothing but a pair of loose sweat pants, revealing his beautiful toned body and scars, which showed bravery and made him look very sexy. Meryl's cheeks flushed at the thought that she was in Vash's bed earlier that night: albeit they didn't do anything.
Vash got closer to Meryl, his devilish grin plastered defiantly on his face; now Vash was hovering over Meryl in his oh-so sexy way.
"Get up." Vash said calmly yet persistently.
"Why should –"Meryl was cut off by Vash's insisting voice.
"Get up." Vash insisted firmly. Meryl hesitantly got up, her body ignoring her mind's pleas not to listen and to give Vash a snappy come-back and sneer. Vash used his "real" hand and tilted Meryl's chin up so his face was inches from hers.
"Vash . . . I-"Meryl said, getting cut off once more but this time by Vash's lips **Jeez Vash, didn't anyone ever teach you not to interrupt? ^_^** Vash put his arms around Meryl's waist and pulled her close, almost as if he was trying to make them both one body, soul, and mind. Meryl's instincts told her to back away but Vash held her planted firmly. Vash started moving towards the upstairs, taking Meryl with him. Before they both knew it they were in Vash's room groping each other. Vash kissed Meryl along her neck and collarbone. Meryl moved back and laid on Vash's bed pulling Vash with her while never breaking contact. Meryl tugged on Vash's clothes wanting them to come off. Vash kissed Meryl again, this time more passionately. Meryl opened her mouth and Vash tongue came in sweetly. Meryl nipped at Vash's bottom lip gaining an appreciative groan from Vash. Vash reluctantly moved his lips from Meryl but happily brought his lips from Meryl's and kissed her earlobe gaining a groan from Meryl.
"You're a great kisser." Vash whispered in Meryl's ear then kissing her up and down her neck slowly while bringing his hands up Meryl's shirt and unclasping her bra.
"Meryl, Vash, Knives . . . breakfast is done!" Millie interrupted Vash and Meryl. Meryl quickly jumped back and clasped her bra. Vash just looked at Meryl grinning smugly while Meryl blushed furiously.
"Heh . . . um-m-m . . . well . . . BREAKFAST!" Meryl blurted out. 'Stupid!' Meryl screamed in her thoughts.
"You know, we don't HAVE to go down to breakfast just yet." Vash said while slowly moving towards Meryl, smile as wide as anything.
"HUNGRY!" Meryl said dumbly, while opening Vash's door and sprinting down the stairs leaving a disappointed nevertheless smugly happy Vash.
Meryl's POV
I can't believe I just did that! My mind was racing on the subject of what just happened. I, Meryl Stryfe, didn't just spontaneously kiss VASH THE STAMPEDE! I'm having a hard time dealing with loss of control; that just isn't me! My nick-name at Bernardelli was controlled Meryl for gods sakes! Ugh, my mind is racking.
"Are you o.k. Meryl?" Millie asked me, she always did have a good eye for what someone was feeling, even if she was didn't know it.
"Oh, just fine, don't you worry yourself Millie!" I reassured Millie, not waning to worry her. Millie nodded in reassurance even thought I think she knew something was wrong.
Normal POV
Later that day
Te whole day Meryl did her best to avoid Vash but her effects were abortive. Meryl was washing dinner's dishes despite Millie's complaints. Meryl thought she was the only one downstairs because she assumed everyone else was getting ready for bed, it was late (1:30AM). Vash's footsteps eluded Meryl's hearing because of the running water from the sink. Vash slowly walked over to Meryl and slipped his hands around Meryl's waist, turning her around to face him in the process.
"Where did we leave off?" Vash whispered, giving Meryl a lustful kiss.
"Vash we can't." Meryl breathed against Vash's mouth. Vash moved his lips down slowly, first down to her chin then to her neck and collarbone.
"Why?" Vash asked, smiling against Meryl's collarbone. Vash skillfully unbuttoned Meryl's shirt so he could kiss over the bare flesh he hasn't kissed yet.
"Because Vash, you're not yourself." Meryl said while angrily backing away and going upstairs to her room. Vash was ready and he still is but he would have to try at another time. 'Meryl is stubborn.' Vash thought while walking up to his room.
"Vash just isn't himself!' Meryl thought, confused. Meryl was proud that she resisted Vash but kind of sad that she had to. You may think Meryl didn't have to resist but Meryl didn't want to (you know) with Vash unless Vash truly loves her and he is himself; She wanted it to be perfect 'If it ever happened.' Meryl thought while furrowing her eyebrows. Meryl noticed Vash wasn't himself since yesterday afternoon. Meryl thought back to that day and to what happened in it.
'We got back from the pool and Vash asked for a drink. Ok, normal so far. I got up to get the drink but Knives offered so Knives made the drink . . . KNIVES MADE THE DRINK!'
Meryl came to the realization that Knives might have put something in Vash's drink. Meryl thought for a moment, 'Maybe I should keep this to myself until I get some evidence; yup that's what I'll do!' Meryl thought before falling into a dreamless sleep.
Morning
Meryl yawned loudly; her peaceful sleep left her content this morning. Meryl glanced over at her alarm clock, bewildered at why it didn't wake her up. Meryl's eyes widened an inconsiderable amount. They were suppose to leave for Bernardelli H.Q. to get the info then be out of December by 12:00AM; it was 1:00PM.
"Millie, why the HELL didn't you wake me up, my alarm clock didn't go off!" Meryl screamed, her eye twitching madly. Meryl heard a clatter then Millie came busting in with a sheepish grin.
"Well you looked so peaceful and I-I didn't want to disturb you!" Millie said cheerfully, her sheepish smile never leaving her face.
"Gods Millie, go get everyone up and get ready . . . hurry!" Meryl screamed jumping out of bed to change.
When everyone was changed they went downstairs, didn't have breakfast (thanks to Meryl) and set out to Bernardelli H.Q., necessities in hand.
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End of chapter 9 ::Not yourself::
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A/N: Very fun chapter and a lil' note to all you who reviewed my last chapter (Rainy-days13, kiara, Vashies-Girl, Lu Angel) Your reviews gave me inspiration to keep writing (especially Kiara's . . . I didn't know ya liked it that much ;_;) Anyway R&R is wonderful so look at that button on the bottom left of the screen, yup now press it!!! Please and thank you!!
MUCH LUV TO YOU ALL!! Love & Peace . . . and Doughnutz!!
Any suggestions or questions e-mail me at Angyluv321 (or review!)