Thank ye very much for the reviews. Wolfwood would also like to thank those who didn't die the last time around. Many of my readers fell…but their ghosts came back to review!:

KeNsHiNs GuRl- Here's your long awaited update! (although in reality, it's been about a day)

helgastwin88- Thanks for reading my story. I really hope you enjoy it!

Psychobunnygrl113 a.k.a uhhhhhhh- Wow, I'm extremely flattered! That is a big encouragement for me. I'm taking AP English this year and I'm slightly nervous about how well I'll do. Your encouragement is really helpful. Thanks very much!

balletanimerose- I'm terribly sorry. Here's your update!

Kawaiibabe14- Yeah, there wouldn't be any point of this fic being a VM if Meryl doesn't take Vash back. That's one of my favorite parts when Vash is about to jump off the cliff. He's so hot when the wind was blowing and he wasn't wearing that coat. He was so...so…uh…hot!

Demon Eyes- AHHH!!!! ANOTHER CLIFFY!!!!! Don't fall just yet. You still have this chapter to read...poor Vashy…when he's sad, I'm sad, sometimes…

Rose the Dark Warrior- Thanks. I'm really glad the characters worked out pretty well for a Trigun High school fic: Vash is still so darn cute, Meryl's a bit more mellow but she has her snappy moments, Wolfwood is still so cool, Milly's just…erm…Milly, and Knives is still an asshole. Oh and go ahead. You may use Legato for target practice. Make sure he doesn't use his psychotic mind tricks on ya! If he does, just send him to me. I'll set him straight.

Dragon of Sesshomaru- MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! (slaps face) I'm okay…

vashluver1- I think so too. Meryl can't turn down Vash.

Very fluffy chapter. Doesn't enter the NC-17 phase so I'm safe! Whoo-hoo! (hides away embarrassed face). Don't mind me. Just continue reading.

Disclaimer (by Legato): The author says that she "doesn't own Trigun or any of its characters". You humans are lucky today because I won't be killing anyone for now because the author has let me go.

Me: Mmm-hmm. That's right. You're free to go. Rose!

Legato: (?.?)

Rose (cocks rifle): Hehehehehehehe….

Legato: You incessant human. You think you can beat me with that silly rifle. (tries to do his mind trick thingy but doesn't work.)

Me (holds a jar containing Legato's powers): Sorry Legato! You hafta play fair!

Legato: O.O' WTF?!?!? Oh shit… (starts running away followed by the sound of rifle shots) You're cruel! First it was Knives, now you! What did I ever do to deserve such abuse?!

Me (dusts hands off): All in a days work. Voila Chapter 12!

Chapter 12: Take My Breath Away

"What?" Meryl said in a barely audible voice. The air was thick with tension. A light drizzle of rain fell from the sky. Vash slowly made his way up to her until he was a foot away from her.

"I love you Meryl," said Vash.

Meryl stared at Vash with wide-opened eyes. Her lips moved but no words came out. He loves me… She tried desperately to find some sort of deception in his eyes but all she found was truth and honesty.

"Why?" Meryl choked out. Mixed emotions swirled inside her heart. Confusion, shock, elatedness, love, surprise, love… I've been so horrible to him. How can he love me?

"Because you are the only person that can make me feel this way. Every morning when I wake up, I ask myself what is there to live for and the answer is you Meryl. You are the air that I breathe, the heart that beats within me, the life that I live for." Vash timidly cupped her face. "I live for your love." Meryl, by now, had tears streaming down her cheeks. She swiftly wrapped her arms around his waist and cried. The feelings that she had been trying to hold back all these weeks came flowing out like a dammed up river.

"I'm so sorry Vash! I'm so sorry. How could I have not believed you? You were always telling the truth. I was so stubborn. I should've listened to you before. How can I ever make it up to you?" Meryl cried. Vash lifted her face from his chest. He smiled softly.

"Tell me that you love me," he whispered. Meryl smiled.

"I love you Vash Saverem. I love you," and Meryl pulled his face down to hers and kissed him. Vash whimpered. How long had he been craving for this moment? He pulled her body closer to his and kissed her long and hard. Meryl kept murmuring her love for him against their lips. Vash nearly fainted from happiness.

Then he noticed that Meryl was shivering. His hands ran up her bare, wet arms… Oh crap, it's raining. They had been so caught up with each other that they hadn't noticed it had began pouring hard and they were both soaked to the core. Vash had to pry Meryl's lips away from his.

"Meryl," he mumbled. It was hard to talk when someone's tongue was invading his mouth.

"Mmmm what?" She was running her hands up his back. Vash had to keep his mind on track.

"It's raining and you're shivering. I don't want you getting sick," said Vash.

"Oh, and all this time I thought it was your doing," Meryl said. Meryl snapped her head back. "Dammit it is raining!" She gasped. "Oh no! I'm wearing white!" Vash was staring intently at her chest. Meryl quickly crossed her arms and tried to scowl but that plan failed when she noticed that Vash hadn't worn anything under his white collared shirt. She could see the strong lines of his chest and muscles. Unconsciously, she licked her lips. Vash raised an eyebrow and Meryl immediately blushed.

"Wanna get out of here?" suggested Vash. Meryl jumped onto his back and Vash placed his arms under her legs.

"Take me home with you," she growled into his ear. Vash gulped and a curl of lust uncoiled in his stomach. You know what she wants to do. Make an excuse!

"Ummm…uhhhh." It was incredibly hard to concentrate since Meryl was currently lipping his ear and gently tugging on his silver earring. "I-I don't have my keys!" Nice excuse idiot…

"Well then, we have a problem. But that can be easily fixed. I'll take you home with me," and Meryl began to suckle on his neck. Vash let out his breath.

"All r-right," stuttered Vash.

"Milly, have you seen Vash around?" asked Wolfwood. It had been a while since he saw Vash leave the gym.

"No I haven't Nick," Milly said worriedly. Wolfwood took out his cell and dialed Vash's number. Please God, let him still be alive.

"Hello?" came a breathless reply.

"Vash, where are you? Where's Meryl? Are you- What was that?" asked Wolfwood. If he hadn't been mistaken, he thought he heard the sound of a zipper.

"Meryl, behave for a minute. Quit putting you hands down my-" Vash let out a loud groan and Wolfwood cringed and pulled the phone away from his ear. More rustling was heard in the background.

"DAMMIT VASH!!! Tell that horny woman of yours to leave you alone for a few moments. Is everything back to normal?" Wolfwood asked irritatingly.

"Yeah…oh GOD!!!! Listen, I don't think I'll be coming home tonight," gasped Vash. Wolfwood heard Meryl talking in the background.

"Vash, hang up already. Let me do it," Meryl said.

"I'm not through-" Wolfwood was disconnected. "Yet."

"Is everything all right with Vash?" asked Milly. Wolfwood gave a harsh laugh.

"More than all right by the sound of it," said Wolfwood. "I hope he has some sort of protection," he muttered.

Vash was having an increasingly difficult time driving back to Meryl's house. Not only was Meryl out of her seat, she was sitting on him. The only thing Vash was grateful for was that, number one, she was small, and number two, there weren't any cops out tonight. Meryl was voraciously kissing Vash on the neck and every now and then on the lips. Please let me survive tonight, prayed Vash.

"Touch me," Meryl said seductively.

"I can't. I'm driving," Vash said through gritted teeth. Since he was driving, he couldn't swat her hands away from certain places on his body. He felt his eyes roll in his sockets and nearly passed out from the pleasure when someone honked their horn outside. Vash opened his eyes and saw an angry man shaking his fist at them.

"Watch where you're going you asshole!" shouted the guy. Meryl glanced at the guy and gave him the finger. Vash gasped and quickly sped away from the guy.

"Meryl?!" said Vash, who was in shock.

"What? The guy was being a rude jerk," said Meryl and continued her administrations. After three near death experiences and five shouts of 'you asshole!', Vash made it to the house. He walked Meryl to the door.

"I love you! Good night," and Vash tried to leave when Meryl quickly jumped on him.

"Where do you think you're going?" Meryl purred.

"Home," squeaked Vash.

"I want you to stay with me tonight," said Meryl. "Please? I promise I'll be good." Vash sighed. How could he turn her down?

"I'll stay," said Vash. Meryl kissed his neck and slid off his body. Vash went to his car and got out his bag, which held some extra clothing.

"C'mon, let's go inside."

Mr. and Mrs. Stryfe were quietly reading the living room when the door opened and revealed a soaked Meryl and Vash.

"Hello Vash!" said Mrs. Stryfe.

"Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Stryfe," said Vash in a deep voice. Meryl giggled and began dragging him upstairs. "It was nice talking to you! I wish we could talk some more!" That was the last they heard of Vash when Meryl pulled him into her room and shut the door.

"Oooookay. I'm not saying anything," said Mr. Stryfe.

"What do you mean you're not going to say anything! Our daughter has just dragged a guy upstairs into her room. Aren't you afraid of what they'll do?" said Mrs. Stryfe hysterically.

"I trust that our daughter will make the right decision," said Mr. Stryfe. I hope that she does.

Meryl and Vash stared at each other in the bright moonlight. They were both still slightly shivering from the cold but they were entranced by each other. Meryl never knew how handsome Vash looked with his hair wet and down. The sight of him made her feel like she was in the presence of some unnatural beauty of a god.

"We better change into something dry," said Meryl. Vash nodded. He grabbed his things and went into the bathroom. Meryl was tempted to watch him change since he hadn't closed the door, but there was still a small part of her that was still shy. It was funny that she could still be shy around him and yet perform intimate acts with him. She threw her damp clothes onto a chair and pulled on a long white shirt that just covered her bottom. Meryl stared out into the darkness and watched the sheets of rainfall. The thunder boomed loudly and Meryl softly yelped. She hated thunder. It was a stupid thing to be afraid of. The thunder resounded loudly again unexpectedly and she jumped.

Two strong arms wrapped around her and Meryl felt slightly at ease. She turned around. Vash was wearing a long sleeve shirt and drawstring pants. He looked down at her with concern.

"Are you all right?" asked Vash.

"I'm just fine. There's nothing to worry about," Meryl said, hoping that Vash didn't figure out that the thunder was bothering her. Another loud crack of thunder erupted and Meryl squealed. She quickly covered her mouth and blushed. Vash picked her up and gently placed her on the bed. She pulled the covers back and her and Vash slid inside. Meryl snuggled into his warm body and draped an arm across his chest. Vash wrapped his arms around her and sighed. He felt very much at peace.

"I'm sorry I hurt you Vash. I'm so sorry I caused you a lot of pain," Meryl whispered. She leaned on his chest and her face hovered above his.

"It's all right Meryl. I don't care about the past. I'm just glad I have you again," said Vash. Meryl gently pressed her lips against his and stroked his cheek. Once again, she buried her face into his chest.

"I love you Vash," Meryl said softly and her breathing evened out.

"I love you too," said Vash. He absently stroked her back. Vash couldn't believe he was in this position at this very moment. For the past couple of weeks, he thought his life was over. Now, he felt he had been reborn. A few stray tears silently slid down his cheeks. Meryl loved him and he loved her too. Just the thought of it made his heart beat faster. He glanced down at his sleeping angel. His arms tightened slightly. He would never lose her again. Exhaustion swept over him and he too fell asleep.

Mrs. Stryfe paced back and forth across the room. She was nervous as hell as to what her daughter could be doing at this very moment. Mrs. Stryfe strained her ears for any sounds upstairs but she couldn't hear anything.

"Jacqueline, why don't you give it a rest? I told you Meryl wouldn't do anything," said Mr. Stryfe. "Look at me. I'm nice and calm."

"Yeah right. Why are you reading your newspaper upside down then huh?" Mrs. Stryfe shot back. Mr. Stryfe looked at his newspaper and quickly held it right side up. He grinned.

"Okay, maybe I'm just a little worried," said Mr. Stryfe. Ten more minutes passed and Mrs. Stryfe spoke.

"That's it. I'm going up there to see what's going on!" and Mrs. Stryfe made her way upstairs. Mr. Stryfe hurriedly followed after her.

"Dear, I don't think that's a good idea," said Mr. Stryfe. They both reached Meryl's door. Mrs. Stryfe pressed her ear against the door.

"I hear something!" said Mrs. Stryfe. "I'm opening the door." She quietly opened the door and the light from the hall filtered into the room. Mr. Stryfe chuckled.

"And you got yourself all worked up for this?" said Mr. Stryfe. Laid before her eyes were Meryl and Vash sleeping soundly together. Obviously they were both clothed and Meryl was snuggled against Vash. Vash had his arms wrapped around her protectively and the 'sound' that Mrs. Stryfe had heard was Vash's light snoring.

"Oh shut up," she said in a fluster. She smiled wistfully at the sleeping couple. "They look so peaceful and happy together. Remember that's how we were when we were their age?"

"Yeah I do," chuckled Mr. Stryfe. "C'mon, let's leave them alone," and he closed the door.

Meryl woke up to find herself wrapped up in Vash's embrace. She looked at his face and smiled. He looks so innocent and childish. Meryl brushed away a few strands of hair that covered his face. To her dismay, she saw the faint marks of dark circles under his eyes. I'm here now Vash. She pressed her lips against his and gently pried herself from his arms without waking him up. Meryl brushed her teeth and washed her face. She meant to take a shower afterwards but she crawled back in bed with Vash. He grunted slightly and opened one bleary eye.

"Good morning Vash," said Meryl. He grinned lazily.

"Morning," he slurred. He wrapped his arms around her tightly. "Good night," and Vash pretended to go back to sleep. Meryl laughed and lightly smacked him.

"Get up lazy bones," she giggled. Vash chuckled and went to kiss her but Meryl moved her head away. "Brush your teeth first and then I'll kiss you," Meryl teased. Vash pouted and was quickly replaced with a seductive smile. "What was that for?" Silently, Vash moved down her body and kissed her neck. He ran one hand under her shirt.

"What's this? No pants?" he mumbled in her ear. His hand continued its upward journey. Meryl trembled slightly. Sooner or later, he would come into contact with-

"And no bra either," he whispered. Meryl shivered. To feel his bare hand against her made her reel with desire. She arched into his touch. Biting back her moans, she felt Vash push up her shirt to reveal her body to his hungry gaze. He placed tiny kisses on her stomach. "You're so beautiful." Vash ran his lips over her breasts. Meryl's breath hitched. He gently suckled on her breast while massaging the other. Meryl silently cried out. Vash continued to do the same thing to her other breast. When he finished with his administrations, he hovered over her face and grinned. Meryl's face was totally flushed and her breathing was uneven.

"I'm going to go take a shower," she said breathlessly. She got up from her bed and took her clothes.

"Aren't you forgetting someone?" said Vash. He leaned against the bathroom doorframe.

"You get to use the shower next door," and Meryl shut the door in his face.

"That's so cold," he whined.

Meryl dried her hair with a towel and came out of the bathroom. She slightly shivered from what Vash did. Meryl was quite embarrassed but in the back of her mind, she had truly loved it. She could hear the other shower running confirming her assumption that Vash hadn't finished. Jeez, how long does it take for a guy to take a shower? Hell, I finished before him! Just when she finished brushing her hair, Meryl heard her door open.

"Finally! What took you so-so-" Vash grinned sensually. Leaning against her bedpost was Vash. In a towel. Only. HOLY SHIT!!! HE'S SO FRICKIN' HOT!!!!!!! screamed Meryl's mind. An instant blush graced her cheeks. Vash glided towards Meryl.

"Is something wrong?" asked Vash. The idiot! What if my parents saw him? thought Meryl.

"Do you have any idea what kind of risk you're taking, walking around with only a towel haphazardly hanging around your waist?" Meryl growled.

"If it's such a risk," said Vash, "I guess it'll have to go." He teasingly started to unwrap the towel around his waist. Meryl blushed and quickly turned around. The towel hit the floor with a soft rustle. She squeezed her eyes shut and she heard more rustling. "You can turn around now."

"You better not be naked," and Meryl turned around. Okay, now he was only half naked wearing only a pair of long pants. Meryl gave a silent sigh of relief. He laid on her bed with his feet still on the floor. Vash couldn't help but languish under her lusty gaze. Meryl realized this and snarled.

"Pervert," she mumbled.

"I'm not the one who's staring," said Vash. Meryl smacked him on the chest. "You wound me. How about some-"

"No," said Meryl. "Perhaps in the future we can do some 'sexual healing' or whatever you call it." Vash got all starry-eyed.

"Really?" said Vash. Meryl smacked herself in the head.

"Is that all you can think about?" Meryl asked.

"When you get seductive, yeah," said Vash. Meryl jumped up and rummaged through her drawers. Vash sat up and watched her pull things out and fling them behind her. All of a sudden, a thin, small piece of material was flung into his face.

"Ah-hah, here it is," and Meryl pulled out her unwrapped gift from Vash. She turned around and paled. Vash was closely examining a very embarrassing piece of lingerie.

"A thong eh? I didn't know you wear these kinds of things," Vash said while twirling it around his fingers.

"Give that back you broom head!" Meryl exclaimed. She had to wrestle Vash to get her thong back. Vash was laughing hard while Meryl just grew redder by the second. Finally she grabbed it and threw it in a closet. "Shut up! I don't even wear those things! If you must know, my mother bought them for me. I don't fancy the idea of something going up my butt anyways," Meryl huffed. She sat on her bed and crossed her legs. "I never opened your gift."

"Open it, open it, open it!!!" Vash said excitedly. Sometimes Meryl questioned herself if Vash was really seventeen or seven. Meryl pulled the ribbon loose and ripped off the paper. She opened the box and gasped. It was the most gorgeous thing ever. Inside the rectangular box was a diamond cut necklace with an angel like pendant (A/N: Think of it like the Evenstar from LOTR).

"Oh Vash, it's beautiful!" said Meryl. She lifted the necklace in her hand. Her eyes widened. "Oh my, it's platinum." Vash smiled.

"I had to get it custom made. I kept wondering what to get you for your birthday. So I came up with this." He gently fingered the chain.

"You didn't have to spend so much on me," said Meryl.

"I didn't really care how much I spent. All I could think of was making you happy," said Vash. "So, do you like it?"

"Like it? I love it," and Meryl lunged at Vash. The force of her weight pushed him back down on the bed. She kissed him passionately and Vash reciprocated the force. "I would've also taken you up on your offer of you lying naked on my bed," she said. Vash sat up.

"That can be arranged," and Vash slowly started to unzip his pants.

"Stop it! I was just teasing," said a flustered Meryl.

"Sure," said Vash nonchalantly.

"Care to do the honors?" and Meryl held out her necklace.

"I'd be glad to." Vash put the necklace around Meryl's neck and snapped the clasp on. Meryl went to her vanity mirror and gazed at her reflection.

"It's so lovely Vash," gushed Meryl. Vash came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Anything for my lovely angel," murmured Vash and he kissed her cheek. They silently gazed at their reflection in the mirror. Vash sighed contentedly. They fit so perfectly together.

"Let's call up Wolfwood and Milly and celebrate," said Meryl.

"All right. But first I want my own private celebration," and he picked up a squealing and giggling Meryl and laid her on the bed.

Awww…ain't that cute…BUT IT'S WRONG!!!! Nah, it's not wrong. I just felt like typing that. If that sounded familiar, it's from Two Stupid Dogs. The big, fat guy always says that. NEways, I wonder how Legato is doing…

Somewhere in the middle of nowhere…

Legato (gasping): Evil…human…

Rose: I got you now Legato!

Legato (; . ;): WWWWWWWAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! What did I ever do to deserve this?

Kuroneko: Nyao

Legato: (? . ?)

Well now, I think I deserve a cup o' noodles. Yum, yum!!! You know what to do (cough, cough) Review! (cough, cough)