Are you still alive? Haven't fallen off have you? Well, if you keep your balance a bit longer, you may be able to survive and finally know what has happened… On a high note, thanks to those who've reviewed:

Pyro- Well, I hope this satisfies your craving. None of my teachers will be hot this year. They're all female. Plus, we haven't got any hot teachers at my school…only hot guys.

KeNsHiNs GuRl- Whoa, don't die on me, kay? Here's you update and oh…here (rolls out portable oxygen tank). Maybe I shouldn't do cliffys anymore. All my readers are having near death experiences…

jewelofbeauty- You may relax now…take a deep breath…breath in…breath out…there all better.

Demon Eyes- All in good time. Just hold on for a couple more seconds.

Uhhhhhhh- I LOVE YOU TOO!!! Lol.

vashluver1- (sigh) Foolish young love. Who knows what will happen…

Kawaiibabe14- Don't worry. There will be a lot of things happening in this chapter. I have a bad habit of rushing things so maybe Meryl and Vash might make up in the next chapter. Probably will happen since I write a lot for each chapter. Then again, maybe not. MUAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! (slaps self) Boy I've got to stop doing that.

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Disclaimer: I don't own Trigun or any of its characters. The only thing of Trigun that I own is the whole season of Trigun on DVD. Sorry peeps. Miroku wanted to do the disclaimer again but Knives scared him off…

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Chapter 10: As The World Falls Down

Meryl's POV

From that day on, I'll never forget how I felt. There was Vash and Jessica in a passionate kiss. The moment I saw them together I felt my heart shatter and fall into tiny pieces. I almost thought I was going to pass out. My vision of them became blurry with my tears. I wished I could've been blinded right then and there just to not look at the scene before me. It hurts so much. Vash how could you… They quickly broke apart and Jessica smiled at me.

"Hello Meryl. I'm very sorry you had to see Vash this way. He was going to tell you that he was going to break up with you tonight," said Jessica innocently.

"You damn bitch! I didn't say any of that bullshit! Get off of me!" Vash took advantage of Jessica's pause and pushed her off. She fell to the ground with a thump. Vash stood up and walked towards me. I took a step back and Vash stopped. "Meryl, it's not what it seems. Jessica-"

"Stop," I said emotionlessly. Tears streamed down my cheeks and I looked at the man I once loved. You broke my heart you asshole. I'll never forgive you for that. Vash shut his mouth. "I never, ever want to see your face again," and I fled from the scene.

........

"I'll see you later baby," and Jessica left the room too. There was a moment of silence before Wolfwood grabbed Vash by the cuff of his shirt and pushed him against the wall.

"Give me one reason why I shouldn't smash you face in," Wolfwood snarled.

"Can't…breathe…" gasped Vash and Wolfwood loosened his grip.

"Speak," Wolfwood snapped. Vash sighed

"Jessica followed me upstairs and dragged me into this room. She got all psycho and lunged at me. I fell on the bed and she started kissing me. I tried pushing her off but I couldn't. Then, well, you know the rest." Vash slid to the ground and started shaking. "She'll never forgive me," Vash cried. "I've lost her." Milly knelt next to Vash and embraced him.

"Oh Mr. Vash, I'm sure Meryl will understand that it was all a misunderstanding," Milly said, trying soothe him. Vash shook his head. The look on her face, he thought. She'll never believe me.

........

Outside on the porch, Meryl was sitting on a bench. The tears never stopped flowing. She'd loved Vash. She had loved Vash. It made her cry even harder. Vash betrayed her. All this time, she thought. Was it just a façade Vash? What was worse was that tomorrow would be her birthday and she had planned a whole weekend full of excitement for the four of them. Now that was destroyed. What a great birthday gift, she thought bitterly.

"Are you all right?" Meryl narrowed her eyes.

"What the hell do you want?" and Meryl turned to see Knives at her side. "Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else." Knives sat down beside her.

"What's wrong?" Knives gently asked. Oh he knew all too well what was wrong. Meryl couldn't help but tell Knives what had just happened. "That's terrible."

"I know," Meryl sniffed. Knives placed an arm around her shoulder and Meryl embraced him. "I never thought he would do something like that to me. I would've never done anything like that to him." Knives gently stroked her head.

"That's my brother for you," said Knives. "He could never keep a steady relationship. One girl was never good enough for him." Meryl hugged Knives tightly.

"Thank you for listening to me. I'm sorry you had to though. I know you must be thinking what a sap I was," said Meryl. Knives lifted Meryl's chin up and looked into her eyes.

"You are not a sap. I think you are one of the most wonderful girls in the whole world. Vash truly lost a rare treasure." Meryl blushed. Knives isn't bad after all. He's so kind.

"I know this is a stupid question but do you want to go and get some ice cream with me?" asked Meryl timidly. Knives smiled at her.

"I would love to," and Knives grasped her hand and led her to his car.

........

"Where's Meryl?" asked Vash. Wolfwood and Milly had been searching downstairs.

"I don't know where she's gone to," said Wolfwood.

"I'm worried Nick," Milly said, wringing her hands in anxiety. Vash looked out the window and squinted. He felt his heart stop. No, please don't tell me who I think it is. Oh god, please tell me I'm wrong.

"Wolfwood, tell me what you see out there," and Vash pointed to the two figures walking away. Wolfwood glanced towards the window and stared.

"Knives and Meryl, holding hands," said Wolfwood quietly. Vash suddenly felt sick.

"Can we go home Nick?" asked Vash. Wolfwood nodded. He knew Vash was hurting badly.

"Milly, do you mind? I'll take you home," said Wolfwood.

"All right," said Milly.

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After getting some ice cream, Knives took Meryl home. Meryl's mood had definitely improved. She had an awesome time with Knives.

"I really appreciate what you've done for me," said Meryl as Knives escorted her to her door.

"It's no big deal. I'm just angry that Vash hurt you." Knives rubbed his thumb against her cheek. "A girl as amazing as yourself deserves so much better." Meryl ducked her head down. Boy, does he know how to flatter a girl.

"Thank you very much," said Meryl. Knives stared deeply into her eyes and hesitantly kissed her on the lips. It was only a mere brush of the lips and Meryl was quite surprised.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't help it," said Knives. Meryl giggled.

"It's all right," Meryl said blushing. She took his hand and squeezed it. Knives wrapped his arms around her small frame and held her. She rested her chin against his chest and looked into his eyes.

"Yes?" Knives grinned.

"Tomorrow's my birthday and I was wondering if you would like to spend the day with me. My parents are away and I had other plans but since those are ruined, I'd like you to come over tomorrow. I mean, that is if you haven't anything planned for tomorrow," Meryl said in a rush.

"I'll be there," said Knives.

"Really?" said Meryl.

"Really." Meryl gave Knives a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you. This means a lot to me," said Meryl.

"Well, I better let you go. I'll see you tomorrow," and Knives walked back to his car. Meryl unlocked the door and shut it. She leaned against the door and a few stray tears left her eyes. Meryl shook her head. I must forget about him. I can't let myself fall apart.

Knives got into his car and started up the engine. He sat still for a moment to think. Jessica's plan worked. Knives smirked. All in due time, Meryl will be mine.

With that thought, Knives drove away.

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On Sunday night, Wolfwood came home from his date with Milly. He sighed. It had been a horrible weekend. He was actually looking forward to school on Monday. Vash had fallen into a state of depression. He hardly came out of his room and hardly ate anything. Wolfwood had to force Vash to eat. As he entered the house, Wolfwood could hear a soft crying sound. Oh boy Vash… Wolfwood went upstairs and yanked opened Vash's door. He flicked on the light switch.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" yelled Wolfwood. Vash was sitting on the ground with empty bottles of beer scattered around his body. A few inches away from Vash was an evil looking knife. Wolfwood quickly scanned Vash's arms for any cuts and sighed in relief when he didn't find any. Vash picked up a half empty vodka bottle and tipped the liquid into his mouth. Wolfwood yanked the bottle away. "Dammit Vash! You have no frickin' tolerance for this shit!" Wolfwood took a sip. (A/N: What great support…)

"You know what Nick?" Wolfwood was starting to get uncomfortable with Vash calling him Nick all the time. He sat down besides Vash.

"What?"

"I brought that knife with me because I wanted to end my life," said Vash. Wolfwood had to pay close attention to what Vash was saying since he was slurring. Vash started laughing uncontrollably. "But then I thought that if I killed myself, I would never see my sweet angel's face again." Tears started streaming down his face.

"Vash," Wolfwood said quietly. "Jessica's at fault, not you. You've got to stop this nonsense. Moaning over her is not going to get you anywhere. You've got to talk to her tomorrow at least."

"She hates me Nick!" wailed Vash. "My life has no meaning if I can't be with her." Vash ran a hand through his limp blond hair. He reached over for another bottle and took a swift gulp before Wolfwood could take it away.

"Stop it right now," Wolfwood growled. Vash put the bottle down and Wolfwood quickly steadied it before it went all over the place.

"I never got to tell her," Vash said quietly. He rested his head against the bed and closed his eyes.

"Tell her what?" Wolfwood knew the answer. He had known the answer long before Vash or Meryl realized it.

"That I love her," said Vash. He took in a shaky breath. Vash glanced at Wolfwood. "I'm in love with a girl that I can never have." Wolfwood felt his heart break. It was pitiful to see Vash like this. Vash acted exactly like this for a couple of days after Rem's funeral but without the alcohol and knife. Wolfwood felt the air rush out of him as Vash grabbed on to him. "Help me Nick. I don't want to live my life without her."

"I will do everything that I can," said Wolfwood.

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Meryl entered the school doors feeling quite happy. She had a wonderful time spending her birthday with Knives. He was actually a really nice guy. And all this time I've been thinking he was a weirdo and a jerk. On Friday, she and Knives went out to a movie. Afterwards they went on a catamaran ride since the beach was absolutely lovely and he had taken her out to dinner. For her birthday, Knives gave her a crystal figurine of a horse along with a dozen roses. It took Meryl's breath away.

When Meryl got home that night, she let Knives kiss her on the lips. He was an extremely good kisser. Vash was better though. Meryl scolded herself for thinking that. She really had to stop thinking about Vash. When she had entered her room that night, three gifts were laid on her bed. They were from Vash, Wolfwood, and Milly. Wolfwood had given Meryl three of her favorite perfumes and Milly had given her a leather bound book about mythological beasts. Meryl had immediately started reading it. She didn't open Vash's gift. It was a thin, rectangular box and she merely put it in her drawer.

Meryl called up Milly and Wolfwood and thanked them both and apologized for that day. They understood and said that there was nothing to apologize for. Still, Meryl felt bad since that bastard had to ruin everything.

She walked into her first period and avoided Vash. Meryl smiled at Wolfwood and Milly and took her seat. Knives got up from his desk and went over to Meryl's. Vash sighed. There was no way in hell he could get Meryl back. What little hope is left if she's with Knives?

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Vash hardly touched his food during lunch since he was just mournfully staring at Meryl. She was sitting with Knives, Legato, Midvalley, and Zazie. Dominique had joined Jessica's table since she disliked Meryl.

"I hope you've decided how you're going to talk to her," said Wolfwood.

"How can I when she's with Knives?" whined Vash.

"You have to at least try," said Milly. "If you don't, you'll never forgive yourself."

"Milly's right Vash…Vash?" asked Wolfwood concernedly. Vash's lips were slightly parted and his pain filled aqua eyes started to fill with tears. "Vash?" Wolfwood and Milly looked in Vash's direction. Knives and Meryl were locked in a deep kiss. Midvalley was patting Knives on the shoulder and started hooting like a frat boy until Knives smacked him in the face without breaking the kiss.

"I think I'm going to be sick," and Vash quickly left the cafeteria. Wolfwood and Milly followed Vash. Since the hallways were empty, Milly went into the boy's bathroom with Wolfwood. Milly's heart ached when she heard Vash retching.

"Are you all right Vash?" asked Wolfwood. Vash flushed the toilet and staggered out of the stall. Wolfwood put an arm around Vash to steady him. He helped Vash to the sink and Vash rinsed his mouth out. Vash slid to the floor and leaned his head against the wall. This is terrible, thought Milly. He's in so much pain.

"I don't want to live anymore," mumbled Vash. "Now that I know Meryl belongs to Knives, there is no hope." The resounding noise of a slap echoed in the bathroom. Vash held his abused cheek.

"Snap out of it Vash! Meryl does not belong to anyone unless she says so and there is always hope. Are you ever going to talk to her?" said Wolfwood.

"I will," said Vash.

"Good. Let's get out of here and find her." Wolfwood turned towards the exit when Milly slapped him across the face. He held his own abused cheek and stared at Milly in shock. "Whyja do that for?" whined Wolfwood.

"Hmmph," and Milly left the bathroom.

........

Vash waited for Meryl to come out of the cafeteria. He was shaking. Vash wasn't feeling very confident and he still felt kind of queasy. I shouldn't have drunk a lot last night. Wolfwood and Milly stood off to the side.

"Remember Vash, we're on your side," said Wolfwood. Vash nodded. The bell rang and the halls gradually filled with students. Finally Vash caught sight of Meryl and to his disgust, Knives.

"Meryl!" shouted Vash. Meryl glanced at Vash and scowled. Knives grasped Meryl's hand and quickly walked away. Damn bastard. "Meryl!" This time Meryl stopped and turned around.

"What do you want?" she asked icily.

"Please you've got to let me explain," Vash pleaded.

"I don't want to hear anymore of your lies. Knives told me what you're all about." Vash glowered at Knives and Knives smirked back.

"Don't believe that bastard! He's filling your head with lies. He-" Vash was cut off when Meryl slapped him across the cheek.

"Just stop right there, you womanizer! Look, I don't want you to bother me anymore. I can't be thinking of you all the time. You hurt me really badly and to think that…that-" Vash heard her take in a shaky breath. He saw tears in her eyes.

"To think that what?" asked Vash quietly. Meryl shook her head.

"It's of no importance anymore. Good-bye Vash," and Meryl walked away. Vash was left alone in the hallway with only Wolfwood and Milly. Milly walked over to Vash.

"I'll try to speak with her Vash," Milly said softly. Vash only nodded. He didn't even register the fact that Milly hadn't called him 'Mr. Vash'. It felt like he'd just been stabbed in the heart. That knife was starting to look pretty good right now.

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Poor Vash…I felt like crying when I wrote this chapter…I had to stop myself from tearing up myself. What an asshole I've made of Knives.

Knives (mumbles): You can say that again.

Me: What an asshole I've made of Knives.

Knives: That wasn't very nice.

Me: I'm just playing. I still love you Knivesy-baby

Knives: (major blush)

It'll be so sad to return back to school (FYI: I go back on August 25th). I won't have as much time to write anymore which totally sucks. But that doesn't mean I will stop. So y'all know what to do! Sorry for those who fell off the cliff. I'll call Wolfwood so he can do a ceremony or something…