You guys are so wonderful! I feel like I'm on top of the world. To my reviewers:

Pyro- Thanks for recommending my story to other people. That would be wonderful. I went to the movies today too! I saw the Village. I guess I kind of liked it but the secret was kind of disappointing. Hope your movie was better than mine.

KeNsHiNs GuRl- Damn I feel so honored!

Crossfire- Thanks and here's your update!

vashluver1- I decided to twist Jessica's character into someone very mean and jealous. I mean she was very taken with Vash in the anime and I used her infatuation with him to make her very jealous of Meryl. Hehehehehe….

Neku-Sama- Thanks for the complement. The first chapter had the first and third person mistakes right? I think I got most of the mistakes and I think the other chapters are fine. But if you catch any of those errors, please tell me and I'll fix it. I'm a hard-core perfectionist!

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Disclaimer (by Legato): The author claims that she "doesn't own Trigun or any of its characters." Would you like to know why reader? It's because this author is a pathetic human with-

Me: OKAY Legato. That's enough. You don't want the same thing to happen to you now would you? I'm sure Knives told you about it.

Legato: Yes, yes. Of course. You crazy human…

Me: Good boy

Presenting…(drum roll)…Chapter 4!…(cymbals bangs)

Knives and Legato: BOO!!!!

Me: Hey, hey, hey! I wouldn't do that if I were you… (crickets chirp in the background) That's right, that's right!!!

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Chapter 4: Temptation and Embarrassment

Once Meryl hung up, she heard Vash snickering on the side of her. She glared at him evilly and he stopped.

"Does this mean you're my girlfriend and you'll go out with me?" asked Vash hopefully.

"You wish," said Meryl.

"Darn. Anyways, where are we going to eat at?" asked Vash.

"If you don't mind the fast food junk, I was thinking of McDonald's," said Meryl. Vash looked at her weirdly. "You don't like McDonald's?"

"No, it's not that. You eat at McDonald's?" asked Vash.

"Why? Is that such a crime?" Meryl raised her eyebrow.

"It's just that you're so skinny and-"

"Did you honestly think I was anorexic?" interrupted Meryl.

"N-No…I just…well…okay, maybe just a little," said Vash. Meryl giggled at his embarrassment.

"Don't worry. I'm not," chuckled Meryl.

"But there are so many girls that comment on your frame-"

"And you believed them?" asked Meryl. Vash let out a nervous laugh.

"Sort of," he said.

"If you're wondering if I eat, I do. It's called eating the right stuff in the appropriate proportions and getting enough exercise. Also, it's partially hereditary. Both of my parents are on the svelte side," explained Meryl. They pulled up to a McDonald's and parked. "So, having second thoughts about eating here?" she teased.

"Hell no! I'm starving," exclaimed Vash.

........

"Whoa Meryl, are you sure you can eat all of that?" asked Vash. In front of Meryl was a Big Mac, large fries, and a large soda.

"Would you like to make a bet out of that?" asked Meryl. Vash looked at her and the food.

"Nuh-uh. I'd lose my ass to you," said Vash. Meryl laughed slightly and leaned forward on the table.

"That might be a good thing," Meryl said seductively. Vash's eyes slightly darkened and he grinned sensually. A shiver ran up and down Meryl's spine. I shouldn't tease him like this the way he's affecting me.

"You do want to be my girlfriend," said Vash with an all-knowing smile. "I guess we won't need the last week then!"

"Excuse me? We're not going to rush into things yet. The deal was three weeks so you have one week left." Meryl smiled mischievously. Vash looked like Christmas wasn't going to come this year. Then Vash realized something about what Meryl said to him and grinned.

"You like my butt don't you," said Vash. A furious blush swept across Meryl's cheeks. Her mouth was slightly parted and she playfully kicked him in the leg.

"I did not say anything about your butt!" exclaimed Meryl.

"Oh but you said losing my ass to you might be a good thing." He had her trapped. Meryl was spluttering like a goldfish. She was speechless. Meryl was never speechless.

"Shut up," Meryl said embarrassingly. She covered her face with her hand. Vash gently pried it away. She looked so beautiful with her face all flushed.

"Don't hide your pretty face. You know, it's all right if you like my butt," said Vash conspiratorially.

"Shut up and eat your food before I do," said Meryl. Vash growled playfully.

"You are not touching my food," and Vash started shoving food down his throat. Meryl watched in amazement as he gobbled down two cheeseburgers and a thing of fries in a couple of minutes and he still had more food to eat.

"Slow down a bit. I don't want you to choke!" exclaimed Meryl. Vash stopped and his cheeks bulged with food. Meryl quickly got out her cell phone and took a picture of Vash. She started cracking up at the picture she took. "I'm going to send it to Milly and Wolfwood." Vash managed to swallow his food.

"No don't!" cried Vash. Meryl pushed a few buttons and Vash's jaw dropped.

"Oops! Too late!" Meryl tried to look innocent and keep her giggling in.

"One day you'll pay," said Vash evenly.

"Ooh, I'm scared," Meryl said, pretending to be frightened. She heard Vash growl and she ruffled his hair. "Be a good doggy and eat your food."

........

It was 7:45 and they were making their way back to Meryl's house. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Vash fidgeting around. She felt bad for him. He was nervous about meeting her parents.

"What if they don't like me?" asked Vash.

"Don't worry about it. They'll adore you, hopefully," said Meryl.

"Thanks for the encouragement." Vash thought of something and said, "Hopefully they'll like my butt too." Meryl smacked him on the head.

"Once we finish this I'll drive you back home," said Meryl.

"It's all right. I'll take the bus. I don't want to make you go out again," said Vash.

"I don't really care. I can take you home," said Meryl.

"Okay then," said Vash.

"Where does your parents live?" said Meryl. She received no answer. "Vash?"

"I don't have any parents," whispered Vash. Meryl glanced at him and turned her attention back to the road. She made a turn into her driveway and turned off the engine.

"Oh Vash, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to-"

"It's okay. For as long as I could remember, Knives and I were always orphans. When we were five years old, a woman named Rem Saverem adopted the both of us. We were incredibly lucky to not be separated from each other. For the next eight years, I lived happily because I actually had someone that loved me and that I could call Mom. Then one night, when she was driving home, a couple of drunken teenagers crashed into Rem, killing her instantly. I remembered watching her coffin being lowered into the ground and I realized that I had no one left except Knives. He didn't come to the funeral. I don't know where he was that day. He didn't like Rem much. I couldn't understand why. She gave us everything that we've ever dreamed of: a home, a mom, shelter, food, water, clothing, and love. Wolfwood and his parents were there with me. They offered to take me in. It was the most generous thing ever. Later that day, Knives told me he was going to stay with Legato's folks. I felt like I lost him too but Wolfwood made up for that lost. He's like my brother and his parents are like Rem. I am forever in their debt." Vash took a deep breath. "But losing Rem was the most devastating point of my life."

"Vash, that must have been terrible," Meryl said softly. She noticed that tears were running down his cheeks. Meryl unbuckled her seat belt and timidly crawled onto his lap. Vash was slightly surprised at her actions. She wrapped her arms around him and she cradled her head against his neck. "Don't cry. You have so many people that care for you, Wolfwood, Milly, and…me."

She looked into his clear, aqua eyes. His eyes were so beautiful. Meryl gently ran her hand against his cheek and he closed his eyes, nuzzling her palm. I want to take away your pain. She repositioned herself so that she was straddling his lap and held his face with both hands. Vash's eyes snapped open. "Close your eyes," she whispered. Vash's eyes fluttered shut. Meryl lightly pressed her lips against his cheek and let her lips travel the rest of his face. Her lips brushed against his forehead, eyelids, and nose. She didn't know what she was doing. All she could do was trust her instincts. Vash took in a harsh breath when Meryl brushed her lips against his. He opened his eyes.

"Don't tease me," he whispered.

"I'm not." Carefully, Vash pressed his lips harder against her lips and Meryl slid her arms around his neck. He gently rubbed her hips as his lips traveled down her neck. Meryl gasped as he slightly nipped her skin and he powerfully return his lips back to hers. This was such a wonderful feeling. His lips were so soft and warm. Before she could stop her actions, her tongue swept across Vash's lips. She gasped and backed away when she realized what she did. Vash slowly opened his glazed eyes, his swollen lips partially open.

"Meryl…"

"I'm sorry. I didn't know what I was doing. I-" Meryl was cut off as Vash pressed his lips hard against hers and took advantage of her open mouth. Her eyes widened with shock as Vash's tongue explore the contours of her mouth. Meryl timidly touched his tongue with her own and was soon twisted with his. She felt an uncomfortable ache from somewhere in her body. Unconsciously, Meryl rubbed her hips against his. Vash let out a hiss of pleasure and tightened his grip on her hips to keep them from moving.

"Don't do that," Vash said in a strained voice.

"I'm sorry about that. I've never done anything like this before. I won't do it again," said Meryl.

"No, it's not that. I don't want to lose my control," he whispered. Meryl contemplated this and wasn't really following him. Suddenly, it dawned upon her and she blushed. Desire was coursing through her body and it didn't help when one of Vash's hands came in contact with her lower back and gently ran his finger tips along the expanse of her smooth skin. She arched her back and bit back a moan.

"This is what you do to me," Vash rasped and he pressed his forehead against hers.

"That was fun," she murmured and she slowly moved her lips against his. He chuckled.

"Does this mean you're my girlfriend now?" mumbled Vash.

"Still have one more week Needle Noggin."

"Is there any way to convince you to drop it?" Vash suckled on her collarbone and attacked her neck.

"Y-You manipu-pulator," Meryl stuttered. He chuckled deeply.

"I know," and he fiercely kissed her. All of a sudden, there was a sharp rap on the window. Meryl shrieked and knocked her head on the ceiling.

"God dammit! What the- oh shit…" Standing outside the car was Ms. Jones with a disapproving look on her face. Meryl rolled the window down. Vash was trembling beneath her. "H-Hello Ma," she stuttered.

"Mrs. Stryfe!" Vash squeaked. "It's not what it seems. We-"

"Vash, she's not my Mom. I just call her 'Ma'. Ms. Jones, this is Vash. Vash, this is Ms. Jones. She's our head cook," said Meryl.

"Hello there, young man. Would you kindly step out of the car?" asked Ms. Jones. Vash gulped. Meryl opened the door and slid off of Vash and Vash got out. "Stand over here where I can see you." Meryl bit her lip nervously. Vash moved under a bright light. Boy was he nervous. Ms. Jones examined him for a few minutes. "I like your choice Meryl." Meryl let out a sigh of relief.

"You won't tell Mom and Dad, will you?" asked Meryl.

"Are you planning on telling them?" asked Ms. Jones.

"Yeah, but not now," said Meryl.

"All right. I won't tell them," said Ms. Jones. Meryl grabbed Vash's hand and led him into the house.

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Meryl led Vash down a long hallway and stopped in front of the double doors. She looked at Vash who was extremely nervous now. His encounter with Ms. Jones had shaken him up. Meryl slipped her hand in his and gently squeezed it. He looked down at her and smiled. Vash raised her hand and kissed it.

"It'll be fine," she whispered. Vash nodded and Meryl knocked on the door.

"Come in," said Mrs. Stryfe. Meryl took a deep breath.

"This is it," and Meryl opened the door. She had to slightly drag Vash inside. Vash took in his surroundings. It was a very beautiful room. A couple of paintings lined the wall each bordered by a rich mahogany frame. A man sat behind a big wooden desk and a woman stood beside him. Obviously it was Meryl's parents. They stood in front of the desk.

"Mom, Dad, I'd like you to meet Vash Saverem. Vash, these are my parents Edward and Jacqueline Stryfe."

"It's nice to meet you Mr. Stryfe, Mrs. Stryfe," said Vash.

"Pleasure's all ours," said Mrs. Stryfe. Vash chanced a look at Mr. Stryfe and saw that he had a gentle and kind face. He let out a silent breath of relief.

"Great! Vash got to meet you and you guys got to meet Vash, so we'll just be on our way," Meryl said hurriedly. She thought that she wouldn't have any problems with her parents meeting Vash but now she was kind of feeling embarrassed. This is the first time I've brought home a boyfriend. Correction: a boy who's a friend. Meryl was getting antsy standing in front of her parents.

"Oh Meryl, we just met Vash. There's no need to rush things yet. Besides, there are many things I want to ask him," said Mrs. Stryfe.

"Look Mom, it's already past eight and I don't want him arriving at his home late," said Meryl who was trying to dish out any excuses she could muster up.

"Okay fine. Let me just ask one question," said Mrs. Stryfe.

"One," said Meryl sternly. She crossed her arms and started tapping her foot impatiently.

"So Vash, when are you going to pop the question?" asked Mrs. Stryfe innocently. Mr. Stryfe accidentally let out a snort and both Meryl's and Vash's jaw dropped.

"MOM!!!" exclaimed Meryl. "God, you're embarrassing!! For one thing, Vash and I aren't even dating and we've just met!" She was quickly turning red. "Now if you don't mind, I'm taking Vash home!" Meryl grabbed Vash's hand and practically dragged him out of the room.

"Umm… It was nice meeting you Mr. and Mrs. Stryfe! Sorry I couldn't stay much longer." Meryl hurriedly pushed him out the door and closed it.

........

"Jacqueline, that wasn't very nice," said Mr. Stryfe. Mrs. Stryfe giggled.

"I'm sorry dear but I couldn't resist. I promise not to embarrass our daughter anymore," said Mrs. Stryfe. "But I know something is going on between those two. I bet you that in about a week or two, they will be happily dating."

"Vash seemed like a very nice boy. He had manners and was very polite unlike those business friends' children of mine," said Mr. Stryfe.

"I must say that Meryl has a very good taste in men," said Mrs. Stryfe.

"Excuse me?" asked Mr. Stryfe.

"She does," said Mrs. Stryfe indignantly. "Didn't you think Vash was handsome?"

"Let's get one thing straight honey. I don't look at boys. The only person I'm checking out is you," said Mr. Stryfe.

"Oh, you know how to sweet talk me," gushed Mrs. Stryfe and she gave him a kiss.

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Now if you would be so kind as to clicking that tiny purple button that says 'Go', that would be great. I'd very much appreciate that and I know Vash would like that too. He might even reward you with a kiss!