Response to reviews:
WW: Thanks for the review. It's nice to know I've got your attention. ^^ I hope you find this chapter just as interesting.
EmpressGalaxia: What do you take me for, a misogynist?? If you give me the benefit of the doubt, then you will see where this is going. And I'm going to stick with the 1st pers pov. I have my reasons. Gomen nasai if you found Vash ooc.
Pyroaoi: If you took a liking to this fic then you'll love "A Silver Thorn, A Bloody Rose" by chibi-aeris027. Another Vash/Meryl/Legato triangle. Definitly worth checking out.
Sepiroth1Ripley8: Thank you so much! Like Pyroaoi, you might want to check out "A Silver Thorn, A Bloody Rose" by chibi-aeris027.
TeaRoses: Thanks. Yes, you're right, Legato didn't seem worshipful enough... But I am changing the characters around a little to match the fic. ^^
sailorsweetheart2000: I agree. Don't get me wrong, I love yaoi but it's nice to have a change, ne? Legato & Milly? I'll definitly check that out! ^_^ Thanks again for reviewing!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 2: And The Drama Continues........ (=^_^= Nyao)
---------------Meryl-chan's POV-----------------
There's that guy...and it looks like he's coming towards me. There's just something so unusual about him. I mean, blue hair...not that it's not attractive. But, having his eyes (are they really golden?) on me makes me feel so strange. I don't know if I like it or not.
"Hello, Meryl."
Huh? He knows my name. Have I met him before?
"Or should I say, I've been longing to meet you, Meryl?"
"How should I know what you should say? And why would you have been longing to meet me? I'm not entirely sure I want to meet you. In fact, how do you know my name?"
Why am I finding it so hard to keep my cool? It must be that smooth drawling voice. It's as seductive as the look on his face. But I don't think I like it. Well, not really. I mean...is this what tall, dark, handsome, and dangerous means? He's no Vash, that's for sure. I've never felt so uncertain and nervous around a guy. Vash may make me feel like I'm a quivering mass of contradictions, but this guy, he kinda scares me.
"Oh really, my dear Meryl. Don't be so standoffish. After all, there's no reason to give me the brushoff. Especially since you don't even know yet if you like me."
How did he know that? I need to find my poker face. Composure. That's the way to deal with this guy.
"So, Meryl. Why don't we just chat awhile, and then you'll never have to wonder if you gave the brush off to the one guy you've been, well, waiting all your life to meet?"
Okay fine! This guy is really pushy...and he's really getting me pissed off. There's no way he's gonna get me to...
"Oh yes...I do like that Meryl."
"What the hell are you talking about? And besides, I don't even know your name. Is this your usual way of picking up girls? If so...then I can't believe you have much success at it. For your information..."
"Ooohhh...yes indeed, I do like that."
Shut up Meryl...just shut up! You're gonna make an ass of yourself, if you haven't already. Just stand here and make him do all the work Either that or force yourself to walk away. Make up your mind girl!. After all, you don't have to talk to this guy. Oh my god, I'm actually giving myself a pep talk!
"Meryl."
No expression...no answer...watch the body language...stay cool...I need to give myself a chance to figure this guy out.
"You know, you're right to find me mysterious, my dear. I am a very mysterious man. And a dangerous one at times. But that's no reason to walk away from me...and I'm very happy to do the talking, at least for now."
Is he......reading my mind?
"So, have faith Meryl....you can handle it. In fact, I think you're gonna enjoy this encounter as much as I will."
--------------Leggy's POV----------------
Mmmmm...I like this reaction. Apprehension is indeed racing through her mind, but she doesn't want to run away. Not really. I find it strangly intoxicating. Could this be love? After all, that tender crap she feels for Vash has nothing to do with passion. She needs to learn some things about who she really is deep down inside. Fortunately, I'm here to teach her.
"Come, come, my dear, your poise is admirable but don't you know it's wasted on me?"
"So...you ARE reading my mind?"
"Only a little bit. But trust yourself. You can handle it. You might even enjoy it if you give yourself a chance."
"How dare you! Just who the hell do you think you are?!"
"Who am I? My name is Legato. Legato Bluesummers. And I'm a man who dares to do whatever he pleases. And right now, at this particular moment, my pleasure is that you...and I, will get to know one another, oh, so very well."
"You- you- How DARE you! I...I...."
Oh, that sweet little hand is coming up to slap my face, but I can't allow that, can I?. Mmm.....still, there's definitely something about her...a woman like this is worth my time. But perhaps it's time to get past these introductions before they become tedious. Yes, I do believe her sweet angry little hand needs to be kissed. Kissed by me. Legato. Yes, me, Legato.
-------------Vashie's POV--------------
How can I eat ice cream while watching this travesty unfold right in front of my eyes. What's Meryl doing with Legato? What does he want with her? Why hasn't she walked away from him? Is she intrigued? Upset? Scared? Offended? Or just plain angry? I can't tell! I know her so well, but I can't tell..... Ahhh hell! This ice cream's running all over my hand! How can I concentrate in this condition? Some hero I am, sitting here like a fool while Meryl needs me. If only I knew what to do. If I screw this up I know Legato will hurt Meryl. Hurting, that's what Legato does best. Knives has made sure of that. Oh Knives! Knives! Why does it always have to be this way?!
"Mister Vash! Mister Vash! Why aren't you eating your ice cream? It's dripping everywhere and your pretty red coat is gonna get all sticky! But don't worry, I know how to get out stains! My big big sister always said that as long as there's cold water and you don't waste any time then you can always take care of a stain before it takes care of you! Isn't that a funny thing to say? So come on over to the fountain with me and we'll just take care of this right now! Because, just like my big big sister always said, there's no time like the present!"
"Oh, don't worry about me Milly!"
"I don't mind Mister Vash! I like taking care of you!"
I can't help but smile. This girl is so kind. Milly always reminds me that the world doesn't have to be such an ugly and painful place, that kindness can right so many wrongs. Why does it seem to come so natural to some people...almost as easy as breathing? And then...there is the other side. Dark and unfathomable.
"Okay Milly, I guess you're right. There really is no time like the present."
"What the hell are you doing! That's not a public wash basin you know, that's a water fountain! Are you...are you...by god you are...you're taking off your clothes right here in the middle of town! I can't put up with that! If you want to bathe you have to do it in private, like all the respectable people of this town. This is an outrage!"
"W-what?"
Now what is this angry madman screaming at me about, waving his arms and grabbing at me this way? Why can't I ever get through a day in peace? I'm so sick of it!
"Just who are you to tell me what I can or can't do?"
"Who the hell do you think I am? The town constable of course. Its my job to take care of troublemakers like you. So get away from that fountain, and for god's sake, put your clothes back on, you pervert!"
"But Mister Constable Sir, he's only taking off his coat so I can clean this little stain. See what I mean, just look here for a minute, and you'll see what I'm talking about. There's no reason to bother him this way. I can assure you that he really is a very nice man and he's certainly not a pervert or anything like that. I've been following him for a long time now, and I know all about him, you know."
"Are you his wife?!"
"Oh no! I'm an insurance representative."
"Then Lady, you're the pervert, following a man like this around. That's it! I've heard enough. One of you is going to jail. So which one will it be?"
Oh no, everyone is staring, and now Milly is being threatened with jail. Besides, I don't need this kind of attention. How can I keep a low profile, when no matter what I'm doing there's always someone waiting to give me a hard time?
"Look Mister I'm sorry. I didn't know. I'll stop now. There's no reason to bother the lady."
"Too late with the pitiful apology Mister. Someone is going to jail, and I think that someone might as well be you. So don't try to give me a hard time. You'll just come along peacefully if you know what's good for you."
"WHAT?! Are you serious?!"
Not good! I've got to stop yelling and find a way to talk myself out of this.. How can I keep watch on Meryl if I'm in jail?! Wait.....where IS Meryl?! And Legato.....? No. He didn't. He couldn't have! Please, don't let him hurt her."
"Okay pal let's go."
"Oh Mister Constable, take me, take me instead! Please! This is all my fault, really it is!"
"No Milly. I'll go. But Milly, please find Meryl! Find her now! She's in danger! She needs you! Please...take care of Meryl. Please."
WW: Thanks for the review. It's nice to know I've got your attention. ^^ I hope you find this chapter just as interesting.
EmpressGalaxia: What do you take me for, a misogynist?? If you give me the benefit of the doubt, then you will see where this is going. And I'm going to stick with the 1st pers pov. I have my reasons. Gomen nasai if you found Vash ooc.
Pyroaoi: If you took a liking to this fic then you'll love "A Silver Thorn, A Bloody Rose" by chibi-aeris027. Another Vash/Meryl/Legato triangle. Definitly worth checking out.
Sepiroth1Ripley8: Thank you so much! Like Pyroaoi, you might want to check out "A Silver Thorn, A Bloody Rose" by chibi-aeris027.
TeaRoses: Thanks. Yes, you're right, Legato didn't seem worshipful enough... But I am changing the characters around a little to match the fic. ^^
sailorsweetheart2000: I agree. Don't get me wrong, I love yaoi but it's nice to have a change, ne? Legato & Milly? I'll definitly check that out! ^_^ Thanks again for reviewing!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 2: And The Drama Continues........ (=^_^= Nyao)
---------------Meryl-chan's POV-----------------
There's that guy...and it looks like he's coming towards me. There's just something so unusual about him. I mean, blue hair...not that it's not attractive. But, having his eyes (are they really golden?) on me makes me feel so strange. I don't know if I like it or not.
"Hello, Meryl."
Huh? He knows my name. Have I met him before?
"Or should I say, I've been longing to meet you, Meryl?"
"How should I know what you should say? And why would you have been longing to meet me? I'm not entirely sure I want to meet you. In fact, how do you know my name?"
Why am I finding it so hard to keep my cool? It must be that smooth drawling voice. It's as seductive as the look on his face. But I don't think I like it. Well, not really. I mean...is this what tall, dark, handsome, and dangerous means? He's no Vash, that's for sure. I've never felt so uncertain and nervous around a guy. Vash may make me feel like I'm a quivering mass of contradictions, but this guy, he kinda scares me.
"Oh really, my dear Meryl. Don't be so standoffish. After all, there's no reason to give me the brushoff. Especially since you don't even know yet if you like me."
How did he know that? I need to find my poker face. Composure. That's the way to deal with this guy.
"So, Meryl. Why don't we just chat awhile, and then you'll never have to wonder if you gave the brush off to the one guy you've been, well, waiting all your life to meet?"
Okay fine! This guy is really pushy...and he's really getting me pissed off. There's no way he's gonna get me to...
"Oh yes...I do like that Meryl."
"What the hell are you talking about? And besides, I don't even know your name. Is this your usual way of picking up girls? If so...then I can't believe you have much success at it. For your information..."
"Ooohhh...yes indeed, I do like that."
Shut up Meryl...just shut up! You're gonna make an ass of yourself, if you haven't already. Just stand here and make him do all the work Either that or force yourself to walk away. Make up your mind girl!. After all, you don't have to talk to this guy. Oh my god, I'm actually giving myself a pep talk!
"Meryl."
No expression...no answer...watch the body language...stay cool...I need to give myself a chance to figure this guy out.
"You know, you're right to find me mysterious, my dear. I am a very mysterious man. And a dangerous one at times. But that's no reason to walk away from me...and I'm very happy to do the talking, at least for now."
Is he......reading my mind?
"So, have faith Meryl....you can handle it. In fact, I think you're gonna enjoy this encounter as much as I will."
--------------Leggy's POV----------------
Mmmmm...I like this reaction. Apprehension is indeed racing through her mind, but she doesn't want to run away. Not really. I find it strangly intoxicating. Could this be love? After all, that tender crap she feels for Vash has nothing to do with passion. She needs to learn some things about who she really is deep down inside. Fortunately, I'm here to teach her.
"Come, come, my dear, your poise is admirable but don't you know it's wasted on me?"
"So...you ARE reading my mind?"
"Only a little bit. But trust yourself. You can handle it. You might even enjoy it if you give yourself a chance."
"How dare you! Just who the hell do you think you are?!"
"Who am I? My name is Legato. Legato Bluesummers. And I'm a man who dares to do whatever he pleases. And right now, at this particular moment, my pleasure is that you...and I, will get to know one another, oh, so very well."
"You- you- How DARE you! I...I...."
Oh, that sweet little hand is coming up to slap my face, but I can't allow that, can I?. Mmm.....still, there's definitely something about her...a woman like this is worth my time. But perhaps it's time to get past these introductions before they become tedious. Yes, I do believe her sweet angry little hand needs to be kissed. Kissed by me. Legato. Yes, me, Legato.
-------------Vashie's POV--------------
How can I eat ice cream while watching this travesty unfold right in front of my eyes. What's Meryl doing with Legato? What does he want with her? Why hasn't she walked away from him? Is she intrigued? Upset? Scared? Offended? Or just plain angry? I can't tell! I know her so well, but I can't tell..... Ahhh hell! This ice cream's running all over my hand! How can I concentrate in this condition? Some hero I am, sitting here like a fool while Meryl needs me. If only I knew what to do. If I screw this up I know Legato will hurt Meryl. Hurting, that's what Legato does best. Knives has made sure of that. Oh Knives! Knives! Why does it always have to be this way?!
"Mister Vash! Mister Vash! Why aren't you eating your ice cream? It's dripping everywhere and your pretty red coat is gonna get all sticky! But don't worry, I know how to get out stains! My big big sister always said that as long as there's cold water and you don't waste any time then you can always take care of a stain before it takes care of you! Isn't that a funny thing to say? So come on over to the fountain with me and we'll just take care of this right now! Because, just like my big big sister always said, there's no time like the present!"
"Oh, don't worry about me Milly!"
"I don't mind Mister Vash! I like taking care of you!"
I can't help but smile. This girl is so kind. Milly always reminds me that the world doesn't have to be such an ugly and painful place, that kindness can right so many wrongs. Why does it seem to come so natural to some people...almost as easy as breathing? And then...there is the other side. Dark and unfathomable.
"Okay Milly, I guess you're right. There really is no time like the present."
"What the hell are you doing! That's not a public wash basin you know, that's a water fountain! Are you...are you...by god you are...you're taking off your clothes right here in the middle of town! I can't put up with that! If you want to bathe you have to do it in private, like all the respectable people of this town. This is an outrage!"
"W-what?"
Now what is this angry madman screaming at me about, waving his arms and grabbing at me this way? Why can't I ever get through a day in peace? I'm so sick of it!
"Just who are you to tell me what I can or can't do?"
"Who the hell do you think I am? The town constable of course. Its my job to take care of troublemakers like you. So get away from that fountain, and for god's sake, put your clothes back on, you pervert!"
"But Mister Constable Sir, he's only taking off his coat so I can clean this little stain. See what I mean, just look here for a minute, and you'll see what I'm talking about. There's no reason to bother him this way. I can assure you that he really is a very nice man and he's certainly not a pervert or anything like that. I've been following him for a long time now, and I know all about him, you know."
"Are you his wife?!"
"Oh no! I'm an insurance representative."
"Then Lady, you're the pervert, following a man like this around. That's it! I've heard enough. One of you is going to jail. So which one will it be?"
Oh no, everyone is staring, and now Milly is being threatened with jail. Besides, I don't need this kind of attention. How can I keep a low profile, when no matter what I'm doing there's always someone waiting to give me a hard time?
"Look Mister I'm sorry. I didn't know. I'll stop now. There's no reason to bother the lady."
"Too late with the pitiful apology Mister. Someone is going to jail, and I think that someone might as well be you. So don't try to give me a hard time. You'll just come along peacefully if you know what's good for you."
"WHAT?! Are you serious?!"
Not good! I've got to stop yelling and find a way to talk myself out of this.. How can I keep watch on Meryl if I'm in jail?! Wait.....where IS Meryl?! And Legato.....? No. He didn't. He couldn't have! Please, don't let him hurt her."
"Okay pal let's go."
"Oh Mister Constable, take me, take me instead! Please! This is all my fault, really it is!"
"No Milly. I'll go. But Milly, please find Meryl! Find her now! She's in danger! She needs you! Please...take care of Meryl. Please."