A/N: OH MY GOD! I UPDATED! GASP! SHOCK! DRAMA!

But really, sorry for not updating in like.....6 months....
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Really.

I'm sorry.

Chapter 4: Just One More Cup of Coffee (damn I wish I had a cigarette!)

-Meryl's POV-

I feel like I'm falling into a topaz haze, falling and falling, oh! what's going on here? He's kissing me! His lips! They're just like I imagined they would be; cool and tender, yet strong. No wonder I don't seem to have any control over myself, this is so wrong, I never lose control, I'm Meryl Stryfe, independent career woman, not some simpering silly school girl! Get a grip Meryl! "Oh, stop, right now, who do you think you are?"

"Really my dear, don't be such a prude, it is only a little kiss. You have been kissed before, haven't you? Or perhaps...not?"

"Of course I've been kissed before!" What am I saying? That's none of his business! Why should I care what he thinks? I don't have to prove anything to this man, no matter how attractive he is.

"Then relax my dear. I promise I won't bite you. What harm is a little kiss, after all."

What harm indeed! Kissing a strange man in a public place. That's not my style, and it's up to me to let him know that. "Legato, I thought we'd agreed that you would be holding your testosterone tendencies in check, that we would be having coffee together, and that's all. I expect you to keep your word."

"Testosterone? You think this is testosterone? I say, why don't we go somewhere a bit more private and I'll show you the difference between a kiss and testosterone run amok."

He's smirking! The bastard! How dare he? "Legato, you are completely out of line. I'm leaving now. I suppose I could say it's been a pleasure meeting you, but I have a policy of telling the truth. So, I'll merely say thank you for the coffee, and good-bye."

"Not so fast my dear! You were kissing me back. Don't think I don't know that. Since honesty is your policy, perhaps you should practice being honest with yourself, hmmm?"

"Ah, well, okay, You caught me by surprise. I'll admit it wasn't altogether unpleasant, but I don't make it a habit to kiss men I barely know in public places."

"Then perhaps we should find someplace less, shall we say, public."

Now, what do I say? In a way I want to do just that. But then again....! Oh, I'm so tired of feeling frustrated and confused.

-Legato's POV-

I can feel all the conflicting emotions that are pulsing through this girl. It is truly fascinating, not to mention gratifying, to realize that I'm the cause of so much feeling. I wonder what dear old Vash would do if he could see us together right now. I suspect he'd get just a little Vash-crazy. He-he....now that would be fun to see. Hmmm, even though he can't see us, I can make sure he FEELS us. Perhaps that's even better! Oh Vash...................!!!

"Well, my dear darling Meryl, I don't want to be pushy, just reasonably adult about this. I'm sure you understand. Have another cup of coffee, and we'll chat a bit more while you wrestle with yourself and decide just what you want to do."

"Okay. Another cup of coffee would be very nice. But don't assume anything. I mean that! Meanwhile, I'm not so sure I enjoy having my hand stroked. So just cut it out!"

"Of course, of course, calm down my hot tempered little darling. Relax while I get us some more coffee."

Oh this is fun. I can feel Vash picking up on my signals to him, and I can feel the emotional turmoil this sweet young thing is experiencing, all at the same time. I think I'm actually getting drunk on all their emotions. So much the better, it allows me to conserve my own. Hmmm...do I actually have real emotions any more? I must remember to ponder that one of these days.

-Vash's POV-

"WHAT IS THAT?!"

"Mr. Vash, what are you talking about? Mr. Vash, what are you doing? I thought we were searching for Meryl...why are you stopping...why are you falling on your knees....are you hurt...are you sick...what is going on...???"

Oh no, I feel sick to my stomach. That blue haired yellow eyed devil is kissing my Meryl. Oh no, it can't be! Is she...is she kissing him back? "It's okay Millie. Calm down."

"Calm down??? What are you talking about Mr. Vash? For heaven's sake, we don't have time to be calm when we have to find Meryl. You said she was in danger! What is wrong with you?"

"Oh Millie, I think I made a mistake. I think she wants to be with that Legato guy. And, well, she has the right to be with whoever she wants, doesn't she?"

"Well, gosh, Mr. Vash, I don't think so! Not if she may be in danger. Besides, I know you care about her, and I know she cares about you, and like my big big sister always said, messing around with strangers just isn't right when you know you shouldn't."

"Huh? She always said...what? Oh, never mind Millie. I think I'm going to go for a walk. I need to get away from this town for awhile, and I need to be alone for awhile. No...don't look at me that way. I'm fine. And I'm sure Meryl is fine. I'll see you both back at the hotel later on."

"Mr. Vash, I never thought I'd ever hear you say such stupid things, or give up when the going gets rough. But fine, if that's the way you want it, then that's just fine and dandy. Go ahead and take your walk, and I'll save Meryl myself. Phooey on you, and don't think I'm not going to give Meryl a piece of my mind too, just as soon as I find her. That girl! I can just imagine what my big big sister would have to say about all of this! I'm going back to the fountain, and then I'm gonna find her, you just see if I don't!"

"Do whatever you want Millie. Just leave me alone for awhile!" Now why am I taking my misery out on her, she's such a good girl. "Millie...wait!" Where is she? That girl can really work up some speed when she wants to, she's already out of sight. I guess it's those long legs of hers.