Response to Reviews:
Arika: Oh, thank you so much! No, no, Vash didn't get undressed! You see, Vash was taking off his coat to get out that evil ice cream stain and, well, the town constable showed up and assumed Vash was undressing. Sorry for the confusion.
angelarms: Wow, thank you! Hear that everyone, I'm UNIQUE! Well......the fic is at least.....
WW: Thanx for reviewing TWICE! ^^ Poor Vashie.... Trouble really does like him, doesn't it?
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Chapter 3: Meeting Of The Minds
---------------Meryl-chan's POV------------------
Oh my god.....is he actually kissing my hand? And those golden eyes, peeking up at me through thick strands of dark blue hair. Hmmm...who wouldn't find him atractive? What the hell is wrong with me?! I should let him have it. I should stomp him! Who does he think he is?! Oh, who am I kidding? I like this. It's nice to have an attractive man give me this kind of attention. Besides, I'm in a town full of people. What could possibly happen? How could it hurt, to give this guy just a little bit of my time? It's not like I have anything better to do. It's not like Vash needs me. he has those kids to play with, ice cream to eat, and Milly to fuss over him. And what do I have? My lonely exhaustion, as usual. And my crazy guilty mixed up thoughts that I can never seem to untangle.
"Come, my dear. Let's find a cool calm place to share some drink and conversation."
"Well...okay. But don't get any ideas. All I'm agreeing to is to have a drink with you. So don't jump to any testosterone driven conclusions."
"I understand. Believe me, I understand more than you could ever guess, Meryl. And who knows...you may find spending some time with me will be good for you... in ways you haven't even dreamed of. You do dream, don't you, my dear."
I have a strange feeling that he does understand something about me. Something that I keep in a safe private place, and try not to think about. Maybe he can help me get over this tired sadness I feel right now. But, oh Vash, I'd rather be with you. That much I do know, no matter how mixed up I feel.
"Come inside the cafe with me. Forget about everything, just for a while."
"Okay. But only for a while. And, Legato, you have to answer two questions for me."
"And what would that be?"
"Since you seem to be able to read my mind, why don't you tell me what you think I want to know."
"Hmmmm.....I'll have to give that some thought."
Why is it that I don't believe that. I think he knows more than he will ever tell me. But, for now, I'll accept things as they are. For now.
--------------Leggy's POV-----------------
As soon as I answer those questions, she'll start thinking about that damned Vash again. Funny, right now I wish I'd met her in some other way. Some way that doesn't have anything to do with my mission to destroy Vash. I need to give her time to get to know ME. But who am I anyway...just Knives' minion? Have I forgotten how to be a man? Can I be a slave and a man all at the same time? What am I thinking?! I'm no slave! I chose to be a part of all this. I did choose, didn't I? It all seems so long ago, like Knives has always been in my head. Enough! I have better things to think of right now. I'm sitting here with a beautiful fascinating girl...no...a beautiful and fascinating woman. A woman worthy of my time.
"Does it really matter...those questions of yours?"
"I'm not really sure. But I can't help but be curious."
"Well, my dear, why don't we relax awhile and take the time to satisfy that curiosity of yours? There's no hurry. What will you have to drink?"
"Oh...okay. Just some coffee please."
"Then it will be my pleasure to get you some coffee. I'll be right back."
This cafe is a pit, but it is the best I can do at the moment. I hope...I mean...Oh what am I thinking?! Look at her...she doesn't notice at all. She's watching me. Me!"
"Here is our coffee. Is this the way you like it?"
"Legato, are you trying to make me laugh. It's obvious that figuring out how I take my coffee is child's play for you. But thank you. It tastes wonderful."
Ahhh...it does feel good to make this woman happy. Strange...I'd forgotten how that can be. I can't even remember when I cared to please anyone but Knives. Aghh...I've got to stop thinking about Knives. He can go to hell for now. This is my time. Mine and Meryl's.
"So...Legato. It seems you already know all about me. Too much about me, in fact. Why don't you tell me about you? And please, stop looking at me that way. I'm not sure it's at all appropriate. Don't forget our agreement...no testosterone delusions. Right?"
That smile! Does she smile at everyone that way? Is she smiling that way just for me?
"Now really Meryl, what harm can it be for me to look at you the way a man is supposed to look at a beautiful woman? Surely you know how beautiful you are?"
Topaz? What is she thinking about? Oh! My eyes! She's thinking they look like two pools of topaz! I like that. Yes, I like that very much. And I want to kiss that small hand of hers again. Umm...I can almost feel the way my lips tingled as they touched her skin. Oh my god! Is she hypnotizing me? Isn't that my job...to hypnotize her? This is feeling very mixed up all of a sudden.
"Are you alright Legato? You have a strange look on your face."
"Don't be silly, my dear. I'm fine. I'm just thinking of how pleasurable it is...sitting here in this calm and cool half-light with you."
"Yes, I know what you mean. I haven't been this relaxed in a long while."
"Then it must be my mission to keep you here beside me in this oasis of tranquility...so you can have a rest from all that turmoil out there."
"Why...that's a strange way for you to put it, Legato. Turmoil? Why do you say that?"
"Be honest, Meryl, don't you feel it too?"
"Well...I suppose I do. We live in a harsh world, after all. That is just reality."
Oh no...this is getting much too serious. What am I doing? The next thing I know she'll be worrying about Vash again.
"In fact, I have a friend who's life seems like a mirror of this cruel world."
I knew it...Vash...I can feel him swirling through her mind. Enough of this!
"Meryl...of course things are harsh...but we don't need to think about that right now. Remember, this is our little oasis...and we are here to enjoy ourselves. So, what I want to know is...may I kiss you again?"
"Well...uh...I don't think...I mean..."
Yes! I can feel her emotions. She wants me to kiss her. And this time I'll experience the pleasure of her lips.
---------------Vashie's POV-----------------
"Oh Mister Jail Keeper Guy...I think you've made a mistake...you can let me go now...I promise not to cause any problems...it was all a silly mistake...oh Mister..."
"Shut the hell up! You crazy pervert! Just sit down and be quiet...if you know what's good for you."
He's not going to listen to me. Auuuggghhhh! What am I going to do? I can't sit in here like this while Meryl is in the clutches of that evil Legato. I feel so useless. I've got to calm down and think. Think! Okay...by now Milly's found Meryl for sure. I'm sure of it. And Milly won't let anything happen to her. Oh...who am I kidding...Milly is no match for Legato. And Legato...what the hell is he up to? What does he want with Meryl? I've got to calm down...yes...calm...that's what I need...got to think...ohhhh it's just so painful.
"Oh for crying out loud you pervert...are you crying? Cut it out...you're embarrassing me."
"Well...if you had my problems, Mister Jail Keeper Guy...you'd cry too. The world is so dangerous and and ugly and cruel...don't you see?"
"Just shut up!"
"B-b-but...I caaaaaan't! I just think about all the ugliness...and the pain...and ohhhhhh......"
"That's enough! I can't take anymore. They don't pay me enough to put up with the likes of you. Look...if you'll just shut up and stop all that bawling I'll let you out of here. Do you hear me? Shut up and listen to what I'm saying."
"Huh? What? You mean......?"
"You're damn right I do. Get out of here! And don't let me see your miserable face again. Oh...and buddy...you should take my advice and get some professional help. You need it in a bad way. Now git!"
"Oh thank you, thank you..."
"Awww...you're making me sick...get out of here!"
"I'm going...and don't worry...you won't regret this."
"Yea...well...If I regret it, you'll reget it even more buddy. You'll be here for a good long time if you give me any problems again."
I'm free! Yes! Crying...that does it every time. Not that I don't really feel sad...but right now I'm more worried and mad than sad. Still...crying always makes me feel better.
"Mister Vash...Mister Vash! There you are! I've been so worried about you. And I'm worried about Meryl too. I've looked everywhere...and I can't find her. Oh Mister Vash...what are we going to do?"
"Calm down Milly. Now that I'm out of jail, I'll think of something. She has to be here somewhere. We'll find her."
"But Mister Vash...it's just not like Meryl to go off this way. She's always so dependable, you know what I mean?"
"Yes, Milly, I do. But you know as well as I do how wonderfully brave and valient she is, and that could lead her into trouble Hey Milly, have you ever noticed how her eyes flash when she gets all determined and..."
"Why Mister Vash...you sound like you admire Meryl. Do you?"
"Oh...well...of course...uh...I mean..."
"It's okey Mister Vash. Anyone with eyes in their heads can see how you two feel about each other. And as my big big sister always said, never hold back in matters of the heart. So you just go on and say all the nice things about Meryl that you want to. I think it's a very good thing."
"What do you mean Milly, THE WAY WE FEEL ABOUT EACH OTHER? Do you think Meryl feels a certain way...I mean...well..."
"Don't be silly Mister Vash, after all..."
"Milly, what are we doing? We don't have time for this! We've got to find Meryl!"
"Okay Mister Vash. Just tell me what you want me to do."
What I want her to do? I don't have a clue! I don't even where to start. Meryl could be anywhere by now. Oh no...I think I'm gonna cry again...NO! I've got to get control of myself. Meryl needs me. And I need to find Legato. I think the time has come. This time I have to take care of him once and for all. And then I have to take care of Knives. I don't have time to think of the sadness. This is a time for action. I'll cry later. And later there will be time to imagine Meryl thinking about me...if she really does...in the way I think about her. Could it be possible?
"Come on Milly. Let's go back to the fountain and start from there. Meryl has to be someplace around here. And we're not gonna give up until we find her. That's a promise!"
.
Arika: Oh, thank you so much! No, no, Vash didn't get undressed! You see, Vash was taking off his coat to get out that evil ice cream stain and, well, the town constable showed up and assumed Vash was undressing. Sorry for the confusion.
angelarms: Wow, thank you! Hear that everyone, I'm UNIQUE! Well......the fic is at least.....
WW: Thanx for reviewing TWICE! ^^ Poor Vashie.... Trouble really does like him, doesn't it?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 3: Meeting Of The Minds
---------------Meryl-chan's POV------------------
Oh my god.....is he actually kissing my hand? And those golden eyes, peeking up at me through thick strands of dark blue hair. Hmmm...who wouldn't find him atractive? What the hell is wrong with me?! I should let him have it. I should stomp him! Who does he think he is?! Oh, who am I kidding? I like this. It's nice to have an attractive man give me this kind of attention. Besides, I'm in a town full of people. What could possibly happen? How could it hurt, to give this guy just a little bit of my time? It's not like I have anything better to do. It's not like Vash needs me. he has those kids to play with, ice cream to eat, and Milly to fuss over him. And what do I have? My lonely exhaustion, as usual. And my crazy guilty mixed up thoughts that I can never seem to untangle.
"Come, my dear. Let's find a cool calm place to share some drink and conversation."
"Well...okay. But don't get any ideas. All I'm agreeing to is to have a drink with you. So don't jump to any testosterone driven conclusions."
"I understand. Believe me, I understand more than you could ever guess, Meryl. And who knows...you may find spending some time with me will be good for you... in ways you haven't even dreamed of. You do dream, don't you, my dear."
I have a strange feeling that he does understand something about me. Something that I keep in a safe private place, and try not to think about. Maybe he can help me get over this tired sadness I feel right now. But, oh Vash, I'd rather be with you. That much I do know, no matter how mixed up I feel.
"Come inside the cafe with me. Forget about everything, just for a while."
"Okay. But only for a while. And, Legato, you have to answer two questions for me."
"And what would that be?"
"Since you seem to be able to read my mind, why don't you tell me what you think I want to know."
"Hmmmm.....I'll have to give that some thought."
Why is it that I don't believe that. I think he knows more than he will ever tell me. But, for now, I'll accept things as they are. For now.
--------------Leggy's POV-----------------
As soon as I answer those questions, she'll start thinking about that damned Vash again. Funny, right now I wish I'd met her in some other way. Some way that doesn't have anything to do with my mission to destroy Vash. I need to give her time to get to know ME. But who am I anyway...just Knives' minion? Have I forgotten how to be a man? Can I be a slave and a man all at the same time? What am I thinking?! I'm no slave! I chose to be a part of all this. I did choose, didn't I? It all seems so long ago, like Knives has always been in my head. Enough! I have better things to think of right now. I'm sitting here with a beautiful fascinating girl...no...a beautiful and fascinating woman. A woman worthy of my time.
"Does it really matter...those questions of yours?"
"I'm not really sure. But I can't help but be curious."
"Well, my dear, why don't we relax awhile and take the time to satisfy that curiosity of yours? There's no hurry. What will you have to drink?"
"Oh...okay. Just some coffee please."
"Then it will be my pleasure to get you some coffee. I'll be right back."
This cafe is a pit, but it is the best I can do at the moment. I hope...I mean...Oh what am I thinking?! Look at her...she doesn't notice at all. She's watching me. Me!"
"Here is our coffee. Is this the way you like it?"
"Legato, are you trying to make me laugh. It's obvious that figuring out how I take my coffee is child's play for you. But thank you. It tastes wonderful."
Ahhh...it does feel good to make this woman happy. Strange...I'd forgotten how that can be. I can't even remember when I cared to please anyone but Knives. Aghh...I've got to stop thinking about Knives. He can go to hell for now. This is my time. Mine and Meryl's.
"So...Legato. It seems you already know all about me. Too much about me, in fact. Why don't you tell me about you? And please, stop looking at me that way. I'm not sure it's at all appropriate. Don't forget our agreement...no testosterone delusions. Right?"
That smile! Does she smile at everyone that way? Is she smiling that way just for me?
"Now really Meryl, what harm can it be for me to look at you the way a man is supposed to look at a beautiful woman? Surely you know how beautiful you are?"
Topaz? What is she thinking about? Oh! My eyes! She's thinking they look like two pools of topaz! I like that. Yes, I like that very much. And I want to kiss that small hand of hers again. Umm...I can almost feel the way my lips tingled as they touched her skin. Oh my god! Is she hypnotizing me? Isn't that my job...to hypnotize her? This is feeling very mixed up all of a sudden.
"Are you alright Legato? You have a strange look on your face."
"Don't be silly, my dear. I'm fine. I'm just thinking of how pleasurable it is...sitting here in this calm and cool half-light with you."
"Yes, I know what you mean. I haven't been this relaxed in a long while."
"Then it must be my mission to keep you here beside me in this oasis of tranquility...so you can have a rest from all that turmoil out there."
"Why...that's a strange way for you to put it, Legato. Turmoil? Why do you say that?"
"Be honest, Meryl, don't you feel it too?"
"Well...I suppose I do. We live in a harsh world, after all. That is just reality."
Oh no...this is getting much too serious. What am I doing? The next thing I know she'll be worrying about Vash again.
"In fact, I have a friend who's life seems like a mirror of this cruel world."
I knew it...Vash...I can feel him swirling through her mind. Enough of this!
"Meryl...of course things are harsh...but we don't need to think about that right now. Remember, this is our little oasis...and we are here to enjoy ourselves. So, what I want to know is...may I kiss you again?"
"Well...uh...I don't think...I mean..."
Yes! I can feel her emotions. She wants me to kiss her. And this time I'll experience the pleasure of her lips.
---------------Vashie's POV-----------------
"Oh Mister Jail Keeper Guy...I think you've made a mistake...you can let me go now...I promise not to cause any problems...it was all a silly mistake...oh Mister..."
"Shut the hell up! You crazy pervert! Just sit down and be quiet...if you know what's good for you."
He's not going to listen to me. Auuuggghhhh! What am I going to do? I can't sit in here like this while Meryl is in the clutches of that evil Legato. I feel so useless. I've got to calm down and think. Think! Okay...by now Milly's found Meryl for sure. I'm sure of it. And Milly won't let anything happen to her. Oh...who am I kidding...Milly is no match for Legato. And Legato...what the hell is he up to? What does he want with Meryl? I've got to calm down...yes...calm...that's what I need...got to think...ohhhh it's just so painful.
"Oh for crying out loud you pervert...are you crying? Cut it out...you're embarrassing me."
"Well...if you had my problems, Mister Jail Keeper Guy...you'd cry too. The world is so dangerous and and ugly and cruel...don't you see?"
"Just shut up!"
"B-b-but...I caaaaaan't! I just think about all the ugliness...and the pain...and ohhhhhh......"
"That's enough! I can't take anymore. They don't pay me enough to put up with the likes of you. Look...if you'll just shut up and stop all that bawling I'll let you out of here. Do you hear me? Shut up and listen to what I'm saying."
"Huh? What? You mean......?"
"You're damn right I do. Get out of here! And don't let me see your miserable face again. Oh...and buddy...you should take my advice and get some professional help. You need it in a bad way. Now git!"
"Oh thank you, thank you..."
"Awww...you're making me sick...get out of here!"
"I'm going...and don't worry...you won't regret this."
"Yea...well...If I regret it, you'll reget it even more buddy. You'll be here for a good long time if you give me any problems again."
I'm free! Yes! Crying...that does it every time. Not that I don't really feel sad...but right now I'm more worried and mad than sad. Still...crying always makes me feel better.
"Mister Vash...Mister Vash! There you are! I've been so worried about you. And I'm worried about Meryl too. I've looked everywhere...and I can't find her. Oh Mister Vash...what are we going to do?"
"Calm down Milly. Now that I'm out of jail, I'll think of something. She has to be here somewhere. We'll find her."
"But Mister Vash...it's just not like Meryl to go off this way. She's always so dependable, you know what I mean?"
"Yes, Milly, I do. But you know as well as I do how wonderfully brave and valient she is, and that could lead her into trouble Hey Milly, have you ever noticed how her eyes flash when she gets all determined and..."
"Why Mister Vash...you sound like you admire Meryl. Do you?"
"Oh...well...of course...uh...I mean..."
"It's okey Mister Vash. Anyone with eyes in their heads can see how you two feel about each other. And as my big big sister always said, never hold back in matters of the heart. So you just go on and say all the nice things about Meryl that you want to. I think it's a very good thing."
"What do you mean Milly, THE WAY WE FEEL ABOUT EACH OTHER? Do you think Meryl feels a certain way...I mean...well..."
"Don't be silly Mister Vash, after all..."
"Milly, what are we doing? We don't have time for this! We've got to find Meryl!"
"Okay Mister Vash. Just tell me what you want me to do."
What I want her to do? I don't have a clue! I don't even where to start. Meryl could be anywhere by now. Oh no...I think I'm gonna cry again...NO! I've got to get control of myself. Meryl needs me. And I need to find Legato. I think the time has come. This time I have to take care of him once and for all. And then I have to take care of Knives. I don't have time to think of the sadness. This is a time for action. I'll cry later. And later there will be time to imagine Meryl thinking about me...if she really does...in the way I think about her. Could it be possible?
"Come on Milly. Let's go back to the fountain and start from there. Meryl has to be someplace around here. And we're not gonna give up until we find her. That's a promise!"
.