AN: Hey squeal to the other two stories. This will probably be the last so if it's a popular story I shall write a fourth one for everyone. I tend to try to focus on Knives and his daughter more and of course Vash and his family, but Knives is my main focus. I shall bring in the terrible duo maybe later. So, read up and review
Chapter 1: Fragile
4 years after Salus' birth
Vash woke from his slumber to two hands shaking him awake. He opened his eyes and looked to his left seeing Vita standing by the bedside.
" Daddy, come on you got to get up Mommy said so," Vita said
" But, I don't want too," Vash jokingly said
He turned to his side playing the game he did every morning with Vita. She was just like Meryl in more ways than one. Vash waited to hear the tapping of her little shoe on the wooden floor.
" Come on Daddy, Mommy wants you up," Vita said
She shook him again and then sighed and tapped her foot, like Meryl always did. She then smiled and leapt on the bed and stared at him. He opened one eye and saw her sitting there.
" Come on Daddy, you not funny, I know your awake," Vita said
Vita crawled over to where he was facing and looked at him with her blue green eyes staring at him. He opened his eyes and smiled at her and she smiled big. He then reached around her and pulled her down tickling her. Vita was laugh and trying to get out of his hold.
" You've woke me up from a beautiful dream now you must pay the price," Vash said
" Stop it Daddy that tickles," Vita said between laughs
Meryl walked and looked at the two and smiled.
" What are you two doing?" she jokingly questioned
Vash picked up Vita and kissed her head.
" You see a certain woman told this little girl to wake up this man," Vash said
" Is that so," Meryl said
Vash smiled and sat Vita down and she ran out to get her things ready. Meryl walked over and sat down next to Vash.
" You've been sleeping late lately," Meryl said
" I just can't sleep," Vash replied, " I've been thinking about the past."
Vash looked at the white coat and sighed. He then looked at his two silver guns.
" You don't have to think about it Vash, it's over with," Meryl said running her hand through his now long hair
" I know, but it just comes to me," Vash said, " Megami and Raven are still alive and well there's no telling what they have planned."
" Their master's gone they can't plan anything anymore," Meryl said, " I know this because they didn't look like the most intelligent two."
Vash nodded and leaned his on Meryl's shoulder and she smiled.
" In less than a month this baby will be due, we'll have our second little angel," Meryl said
" Yeah, another beautiful baby," Vash said
" I want a boy this time," Meryl said
Vash smiled and kissed her forehead.
" Even if the baby isn't a boy I'll be happy, because this child is ours," Vash said
Later that morning, Vita went off to play with the other kids of the town. Meryl made Vash breakfast as he sat by the window. He looked out and saw Salus, Knives' daughter, sitting the porch, where Karen would sit almost every night. He looked at Meryl and grabbed her hand as they ate breakfast.
" It's been four years, do you think your brother will ever get back on his feet?" Meryl asked
" He already has, he's taking care of Salus. She's a full time job you know. He's managed to pick us some skills along the years and has a job. Doesn't pay a lot, but its just enough for two," Vash replied
" Do you think he's lonely?" Meryl asked
" No, Knives doesn't get lonely," Vash answered, " He's Knives you can't expect him to be like a normal person and mourn the loss of someone. He just moves on like he's always."
Meryl nodded and looked on the table seeing a list of things that she needed at the grocery store.
" I need to go to the store," Meryl said
" Do you want any help," Vash asked
" It's not very much, but if you want to come since your off than it will be ok with me," Meryl said
Vash smiled and looked out the window.
" I think I know someone else who would love to come," Vash said
He got up and set the plates by the sink and kissed Meryl's head.
" Don't leave yet, I'm going over to visit my brother," Vash said
" Alright," Meryl said
Vash walked out the door and walked across to where Knives lived. Salus looked up and smiled, she waved at Vash, before getting up.
" Salus, why aren't you playing with the others," he said slowly
She pointed to her ear and shook her head.
" That shouldn't stop you," Vash said
She shrugged and hugged Vash as he knelt down.
" Do you want to come with Aunt Meryl and Me to the grocery?" Vash asked
Salus smiled and nodded and Vash lifted Salus in his arms. He walked in and saw Knives cleaning something.
" Knock, Knock," Vash said
Knives looked up and shook his head.
" Come to visit your lonely brother again?" Knives questioned
" Yeah, it happens occasionally," Vash replied
" What brings you this time?" he asked
" Oh, just wanted to see if you needed anything while Meryl and I are at the grocery," Vash replied
Knives stood up and went to see if he needed anything.
" Just few things bread, eggs, milk, some kind of meat," Knives said
He looked at Salus and she smiled at him. He sighed and lifted Salus into his arms and she looked at him. She hugged him and smiled at him, she pointed to her lips.
" I don't smile you know that," Knives said
Salus sighed and looked at Vash and he smiled a little.
" I was going to ask is it alright if Salus comes with Meryl and me to the grocery," Vash said, " It gets her out the house."
" If she wants," Knives said
Knives turned Salus head towards him, he pointed to his lips and Salus nodded
" Do you want to go to the grocery with your Uncle and Aunt?" Knives asked slowly
Salus nodded and Knives kissed Salus' head.
" Go get ready," Knives replied
He put her down and she ran off down the hall. Knives sighed and picked up on what he was working on.
" Did you think about an aid for Salus and yourself? Learn sign language maybe?" Vash suggested
" I don't need an aid," Knives said, " She's fine just the way she is."
" She's becoming a loner, don't you want to hear her voice? Do it for her sake," Vash said
Salus walked out and Knives lifted her up into his arms.
" You take care of your kid and I'll take care of mine," Knives said
Salus hugged Knives and he kissed her head, then push back her braided pigtails off her shoulder.
" You be good," Knives said
Salus nodded and looked at Vash and Vash nodded to her.
" Ready," he said
Salus nodded and Knives put her down then Vash grabbed her hand. They walked back and Meryl looked at them
" I see he said yes," Meryl said
Meryl took Salus by her hand and smiled.
" Hello, Salus," Meryl said
Salus smiled when Meryl hugged her. She hugged Meryl back and Meryl smiled a soft smile. Vash walked beside Meryl as they walked to the grocery. Meryl went to get a few things and Vash went to get the rest. He also got the things Knives had told him, he needed. He met Meryl and Salus at the front and they paid. They walked back home and Vash separated the things for Knives, then put them in a separate bag.
" Salus, are you ready to go back?" Vash asked
Salus nodded and grabbed Vash's hand and they walked back over. She opened the door and Knives looked up. She ran over to him and hugged him, Knives looked at Vash as he sat the groceries down.
" Thank you Vash," Knives said
" All in a days work," Vash said
Knives picked up Salus and looked at her. She yawned a little and leaned her head down.
" So, given much thought about an aid for Salus?" Vash asked
" I don't attend too," Knives said, " Perhaps silence is what's best in this house."
" Is it because she reminds you of Karen?" Vash asked, " That your afraid that she'll sound just like her?"
" I'm not afraid," Knives said
He turned away and Vash saw the same look in Knives' eyes as he did that day Karen past away. Vash sighed and placed a hand on Knives' shoulder and Knives looked over.
" I don't need your sympathies Vash, I haven't and never will. I've moved on since that day," Knives said
" I don't know you still seem like your mourning," Vash said
" Maybe I am, but I don't need your sympathies," Knives said
Vash shrugged and sighed, he looked at Salus asleep in Knives' arms.
" You may be prideful, but think wants best for Salus she's the one with no mother and unable to hear," Vash said, " Deep down inside she wants both those things."
Vash turned and walked off and Knives just stared off. He then looked at Salus and walked to her room. He laid her down and she curled up into her blankets. He sat down and watched her sleep…he had done that since the day she was born and would continue until he knew she was able to care for herself.
" I won't let any harm come to you, I will protect you," Knives whispered
Later that day Vita came in for the afternoon to eat. Vash watched as Vita ate every last bite of her lunch, not wasting a crumb. He smiled and Meryl grabbed his hand, he turned and looked at her.
" What are you smiling about?" she whispered
" Our daughter," Vash replied, " Her presence is just so calming."
" I know," Meryl said
" I feel greedy having such a calming presence here," Vash said
Vita looked up at her parents and smiled.
" Daddy, how come Salus can't hear?" she asked
" She was born that way," Vash said
" She seems so lonely though and Uncle Knives does too," Vita said
Vash nodded and said, " I agree, but that's how he chooses to live. I've tried to get him on the right track."
" I can help, Salus needs to play and enjoy her life," Vita said
Vash nodded and Vita placed her plate on the side, she walked over to Vash and Meryl then hugged them.
" Can I go and play?" Vita asked
" Yes, go ahead, but be back before supper," Meryl said
Vita nodded and ran out and Meryl grabbed Vash's hand. Vash looked at her and leaned over, then kissed her head.
" I think I'm going to help out," Vash said, " I'm going to search for an aid for Salus."
" But isn't that going against what your brother said?" Meryl asked
" I've done it before," Vash said with a smile
Meryl sighed and gave his hand a squeeze. She nodded, knowing Vash knew what he was doing. Vash finished up and kissed Meryl's cheek and then kissed her stomach.
" Don't get to rough," Vash pointing that comment towards the baby
" Oh, Vash," she said
Vash smiled and walked off, he walked to a building for mail and asked them to send for miles around a want ad for someone who worked for the deaf. He paid them and then walked off. Vita ran over to him and tackled him.
" Hey Daddy," she said
Vash picked her up and put her on his shoulders.
" What were you up to Daddy?" Vita asked
" I'm helping your uncle out," Vash said, " What are you doing?"
" Everyone had to go inside so, I was heading home," Vita said
" Well that's acquiescence I was doing that too," Vash said
Vita smiled and Vash put her down and she walked into the kitchen. Vash smelt the fresh chopped up onions and chives, then smelt meat sizzling on the stove.
" Vash is that you?" Meryl called
" Yup and Vita as well," Vash said
" Good, I'm glad your back," Meryl said
Meryl walked over and kissed Vash and then kissed Vita on her head.
" Vita why don't you wash up for dinner," Meryl said, " Vash I need your skills in cutting."
" Alright," Vash said
Vita walked off and Vash kissed Meryl on her head then she handed him a knife.
" Here you go," Meryl said handing him the meat.
Vash began to cut it and Meryl smiled as she cooked some vegetables. She then added seasoning to it. Vash watched her cook and add the vegetables to the stew that was almost done. He added the meat and placed the top on it.
" So, what did you do?" Meryl asked
" I went and had signs made for help," Vash said, " They're going to send it all around."
" I hope your plan works," Meryl said
" I hope it does too," Vash said, " It's for the well being of both."
Meryl nodded and stirred the stew, then started to serve it up. Vita came and sat down and Meryl handed Vash a bowl. He sat it down in front of Vita, then set another bowl down for Meryl. Meryl served a third one and Vash walked to the table. They sat down and to eat and Meryl looked at Vash.
" What's wrong?" he said
" I was thinking," Meryl said, " Maybe we should see if your brother wants to join us."
Vash looked out the window and sighed.
" I think he'll be ok," Vash said
Knives looked at Salus as she ate her vegetables. He sighed and finished up and Salus looked at him. She smiled at him, then held up some of her vegetables. Knives leaned over and took a bite. He nodded and Salus gave an attempt to laugh.
" They're good aren't they?" he said slowly
Salus nodded and Knives looked at her, he saw a lot of Karen in her, which made it hard for him to look at her.
" Damn I'm becoming to soft," Knives thought
After dinner Knives bathed Salus and got her ready for bed. She looked at Knives and kind of splashed him childishly. He looked at her and shook his head and she frowned. He got her out and dressed her, then lifted her into his arms. She stared at him as he just sat there. He sighed and stroked her head while watching her eyes become heavier.
" So, fragile," Knives whispered