Disclaimer: I do not own Trigun. I do not own Meryl, or Milly, or Wolfwood, or Vash, or Knives or even the cute little black kitty. I simply write fanfiction in my spare time. Though sometimes I really, really, really wish I *owned* Vash. (hehe)
Author's Notes: Hello my dear faithful readers. It's been. . .how long now? A couple of months? Well, rather than get into long explanations on my unexplained absence, I thought I'd just give you a new chapter. Fair enough?
And now, since it's been soooo long (eons by the way some of you dramatize it) I hope that I get everybody's name in my short (hehehe) list of thanks. Find yourself! If I missed you, I truly am sorry. No, not really, but I thought I'd just put that in there.
the old fart: Yes, school is over. But since I needed a brain break, and the holidays were on, I couldn't get to all of you even with how much I love you all!
krazyMaze: Do you have a whole house now? And here *hands over corks*. For your pitchfork.
chaotic pink chocobo: Tada! A new chapter! Amazing, huh?
Tough Cookie: *provides goose-down pillow* If you don't know why, read your last review. LOL.
BJ4: Tempted as I am to make Vash take that advice, it's a very, very bad one to take.
Scarlet Rurouni: You can stop clicking the "refresh" button now. That is, until after you read this new chapter. (And yes, sometimes, most of the time, I am cruel and evil.)
S-chan The Great: Thanks for the Ritalin! It was useful during finals. For my professors.
NeptuneHelena: Hello procrastination buddy! It's almost time for school again, isn't it? My, my, must we do more procrastination? Hmm...I guess someone did some counting!
ShadaHack: *pats dog's head* Well, well, well! Someone who also likes Indiana Jones movies!
Weiila: Well thank you. As to the swearing, well...let's just say, I tone down a bit when I write. LOL. But kiddies out there, speak in complete sentences okay? Rain bids you speak in complete sentences with minimal swearing.
OverDose: How else would you enjoy this?
Vashra BloodReeper: No need to be squeamish.
Seabeast: You know, I just saw the animated version of Sinbad (the newest one) and when I saw your name, I totally thought of squid monsters. *ducks squid projectiles* No, no, no! Dude, that was meant to be a totally harmless comment!
dreamfairy06: You think I have talent? LOL. I guess I got you fooled.
lisachan: Grazie, Lisachan.
kiara: Eh? What are you trying to say?
wheelers_hanyou: Hmmm...to let Vash take Knives's advice or not? What a dilemma!
Alpha Draconis1: Nag? Nooooooo. Whatever do you mean by that? But I am a lazy writer, that I am, so you just gotta wait patiently.
Leina: It might have been the bear claw.
a little weird one: Thanks!
And now....dum dum dum....a new installment in the insanity. Enjoy!
Chapter 10
What to do, what to do, what to do? Being (temporarily) completely jobless, I have completely exhausted all other possibilities for entertainment. I had already played kickball with the town kids, tried to help out some people with their moving before being chased away, and aided in the rescue of a couple of old ladies overwhelmed by five boxes of donuts. And I have run out of things to do. Really. And no one will let me help. The smoldering remains of the bank vault seem to be acting as some sort of warning.
I had thought of going to go visit Meryl, but as delightfully entertaining as that thought was, I knew that if I dared, she would give me more than a couple of bruises on my head for even showing up at her place of employment.
I guess the only thing left now was to go home. Wait for Meryl and donuts. Not that I was going to be lonely. Milly (as jobless as I am) was probably there anyway.
The house was full of warmth when I got there and there was the heavenly smell of cooking, something hearty and probably full of big chunks of meat and potatoes. The slight scent of baking bread filled the air as well. All in all, it really was quite a yummy smell, the kind of smell that comforts people and makes them feel like they're home. Poor Milly. I knew it was her who had been cooking. Who else cooks when they're depressed?
I was right about the cooking. A big pot of meat and potatoes (and carrots) was simmering. By the looks of it, it was almost done, only just waiting for the final touches of spices. On the kitchen table, the medical kit was out, ready to be taken to its meeting with that ever-so-charming brother of mine. I sigh and pick it up. Milly had enough on her mind to deal with. I'll deal with Knives today. Yup. That's just what I need at the moment. Time alone with my brother. Excuse me if the sarcasm drips through. I'm not bad as a nurse but sometimes the guy just gets on my nerves. Hey, I love him but he's still annoying as hell.
As I make my weary way up the stairs, I contemplate the day, my thoughts wandering. Meryl was going to find out sooner or later what had happened. She was going to find out about the bank and about the job and she was going to do what she always does. She was going to glare. I knew she was. There were some things about her that were so adorably predictable. I wonder if she's going to try hitting me on the head again? I could try hugging her again. That was amusing last time. The planning to sneak in a hug before she noticed part. Boy will she be angry if I did. I wonder if what some of the guys at the bar said was true? That angry women are usually feisty in bed? Grandma Mary Sue agreed with that wholeheartedly. Wasn't that one of our bets the night before she left? That most sexually frustrated women deal with the frustration by being angry? I wonder what Meryl would be like in bed? Hmmm…..Meryl angry. Make-up sex. Whoa! Down boy! This is not the time to think of Meryl in bed. But what had Grandma said? It was. . .*I bet she's like a whirlwind in bed, Vash. Now what's her name again?*
I shake my head of the delighted cackling that I was imagining. That had been one of her attempts to wheedle out Meryl's name from me. It never worked of course. No matter how drunk I was, I was never going to give up that tidbit of information. But Grandma Mary Sue had said something after that. Something so serious that it had made me pay attention. I was so drunk it should have been fuzzy but it was the most crystal clear thing she'd said. *Tell her, Vash. Tell her you love her and get it over with. You'll never know she loves you back unless you tell her.*
Yup. That's what she said. Right before she made a bet that she could drink five more beers than I can.
"I'm back, sweetheart. Miss me?" I call out cheerily as I open the door to Knives's room.
"Oh, shut up," he answers shortly.
"What? You didn't miss me?"
"Between you and that. . .that creature. . .I almost want to strangle myself."
"Now there's a thought," I say and grin.
"Don't hold your breath, brother."
I shake my finger in admonishment. "Now, now, cute little brother of mine, that creature happens to be cooking your dinner."
"Good, I hope she chokes on it."
"I see you had a good day."
"And I see that you got fired," he answers mockingly.
"How do you know that?"
"I heard your little friend mouthing off downstairs."
Poor Milly. "Yeah, well. . ." Hmm. I guess I really didn't know what to say to that. "Yeah. We lost our jobs. Oh well. More time for you, then." My grin only widens as I notice the wince that Knives tries to hide. "Yes, siree, brother. More time for me and you to bond over," I add gleefully, noticing the way he's started to squirm. Oh yes, make the psychotic Plant squirm in discomfort Vash, push all his little evil buttons. I widen my eyes and give him my most adorable look. "Oh yes, Knives. Come on and let's."
"Let's what?" he asks suspiciously.
"Let's share our feelings," I exclaim, giving him the starry-eyed-puppy-dog-eyes.
"Oh shut up," he snarls grumpily, "Just shut up, Vash. And for the sake of all the males in the world, stop looking so goofy."
"Oh but we should share our feelings, Knives," I goad on. I could feel myself feeling a sort of sadistic enjoyment that Knives was the one being uncomfortable. Who knew torturing your brother could be so much fun? Oh wait, I forgot this was Knives. Of course he knew how much fun torturing one's brother was. "Yes, Knivesy-pooh, we should share our feelings. You can tell me how much you looooove being here and how much you loooooove Milly's cooking and Meryl's little visits and– "
"So is Meryl a screamer or a moaner?" Knives interrupts sadistically.
Oh crap, why'd he have to bring her up?
"She's a feisty woman, Vash. I bet she's a screamer," he continues relentlessly.
Feisty? When did Knives start using the word 'feisty'? "Feelings," I say loudly. "Let's talk about _your_ feelings."
"No. Let's talk about your, ahem, feelings, Vash."
"I thought we were on your favorite subject: You."
"What's wrong, Vash?" he says slyly. "Afraid to talk about _your_ feelings?"
"No. And there's nothing to talk about. Meryl and I aren't like that," I mumble uncomfortably.
"Yeah, 'cause you're a wimp," he adds.
"Shut up."
"No, you shut up."
"No you."
"Whatever," I say and unroll the bandages from his shoulder. "I don't want to talk about this," I say glumly.
"You should just take her and get it over with."
"Yeah. I know all about your suggestion. And again, the answer is no." As the bandages come off I notice that he's almost completely healed, the bandages now only a precaution against the wounds reopening. My own shoulder wound is completely healed too, the skin a healthy shade of pink because of Meryl's gentle ministrations. And momentarily a memory surfaces in my brain: Meryl's scent, her closeness, her gentle touch on my shoulders and a sigh escapes me. I should have kissed her then. I should have kissed her and told her. I should have kissed her and told her that I love her, that I need her, that I want her, and damned be all the consequences.
*Sigh*
But no. Why do I keep forgetting? This is Meryl. This is me. Of all the great impossibilities of life, there being an "us" was one of them.
I glance up suddenly to see Knives looking at me oddly.
"What?"
"You regret something," he accuses.
"What? No! What should I regret?"
"There's something you regret," he frowns in puzzlement. "I just can't figure out what – " he suddenly cuts off and slaps a hand to his forehead. "You are an idiot, Vash!"
"No, Knives, tell me how you really feel," I respond sarcastically.
"Idiot! Idiot! Idiot!" he exclaims, punctuating each word with a glare. "Why'd you do it?"
"Hey," I admonish. "Only Meryl is allowed to call me that three times in a row. And what the hell are you talking about anyway?"
"You like her," he sneers. "I can't believe you like her."
"No, I don't," I protest quickly. Too quickly. And Knives knows it. He looks at me appalled and the sneer turns to a look of absolute horror.
"Oh no!" he gasps.
I stop winding the bandage immediately. "What? What? Did I hurt you?"
"You – you – " he splutters, pointing at me with a disbelieving finger. A twitch seems to have developed over his eye and progressed down to his mouth, opening and closing like a gasping fish. "You – You - You're in love with her!" he shouts.
"Keep it down," I say sharply before I can stop myself. Then I realize what he'd said. "No I don't! I don't!" Oh yeah Vash. What a perfectly adult thing to say. Whine *No I don't!* and he's sure to believe you then. *Vash and Meryl sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S . . . * Even as the childish verse ran through my head I smile to myself. "Well, maybe, I do. Just a little."
Knives's face is grim. "What the hell have the humans been doing to you?"
"Teaching me humanity," I say firmly. "And kindness." And love.
Knives only moans in utter disgust and starts mumbling gibberish about spiders and butterflies. Yup. My brother. The nature-lover. Hah! (Maybe I should insert that dry ironic laughter here again? Hell, whatever. The maniacal brother of mine can do that on his own.)
The discovery seems to have deflated him and I finish the bandages quickly, hearing the sound of voices drifting from downstairs. Meryl was home already. Any moment now the donut smell was going to wind its way up the staircase and call me with its siren song.
When I open the door to go, there is a tray already there, steam gently rising from the corners of the covered containers. Good ol' Milly. Always so tactful. She probably heard me and Knives talking and didn't want to interrupt.
I leave it by Knives' bedside. He's asleep again. I suppose it's probably because this latest news depresses him.
Author's Notes: Hello my dear faithful readers. It's been. . .how long now? A couple of months? Well, rather than get into long explanations on my unexplained absence, I thought I'd just give you a new chapter. Fair enough?
And now, since it's been soooo long (eons by the way some of you dramatize it) I hope that I get everybody's name in my short (hehehe) list of thanks. Find yourself! If I missed you, I truly am sorry. No, not really, but I thought I'd just put that in there.
the old fart: Yes, school is over. But since I needed a brain break, and the holidays were on, I couldn't get to all of you even with how much I love you all!
krazyMaze: Do you have a whole house now? And here *hands over corks*. For your pitchfork.
chaotic pink chocobo: Tada! A new chapter! Amazing, huh?
Tough Cookie: *provides goose-down pillow* If you don't know why, read your last review. LOL.
BJ4: Tempted as I am to make Vash take that advice, it's a very, very bad one to take.
Scarlet Rurouni: You can stop clicking the "refresh" button now. That is, until after you read this new chapter. (And yes, sometimes, most of the time, I am cruel and evil.)
S-chan The Great: Thanks for the Ritalin! It was useful during finals. For my professors.
NeptuneHelena: Hello procrastination buddy! It's almost time for school again, isn't it? My, my, must we do more procrastination? Hmm...I guess someone did some counting!
ShadaHack: *pats dog's head* Well, well, well! Someone who also likes Indiana Jones movies!
Weiila: Well thank you. As to the swearing, well...let's just say, I tone down a bit when I write. LOL. But kiddies out there, speak in complete sentences okay? Rain bids you speak in complete sentences with minimal swearing.
OverDose: How else would you enjoy this?
Vashra BloodReeper: No need to be squeamish.
Seabeast: You know, I just saw the animated version of Sinbad (the newest one) and when I saw your name, I totally thought of squid monsters. *ducks squid projectiles* No, no, no! Dude, that was meant to be a totally harmless comment!
dreamfairy06: You think I have talent? LOL. I guess I got you fooled.
lisachan: Grazie, Lisachan.
kiara: Eh? What are you trying to say?
wheelers_hanyou: Hmmm...to let Vash take Knives's advice or not? What a dilemma!
Alpha Draconis1: Nag? Nooooooo. Whatever do you mean by that? But I am a lazy writer, that I am, so you just gotta wait patiently.
Leina: It might have been the bear claw.
a little weird one: Thanks!
And now....dum dum dum....a new installment in the insanity. Enjoy!
Chapter 10
What to do, what to do, what to do? Being (temporarily) completely jobless, I have completely exhausted all other possibilities for entertainment. I had already played kickball with the town kids, tried to help out some people with their moving before being chased away, and aided in the rescue of a couple of old ladies overwhelmed by five boxes of donuts. And I have run out of things to do. Really. And no one will let me help. The smoldering remains of the bank vault seem to be acting as some sort of warning.
I had thought of going to go visit Meryl, but as delightfully entertaining as that thought was, I knew that if I dared, she would give me more than a couple of bruises on my head for even showing up at her place of employment.
I guess the only thing left now was to go home. Wait for Meryl and donuts. Not that I was going to be lonely. Milly (as jobless as I am) was probably there anyway.
The house was full of warmth when I got there and there was the heavenly smell of cooking, something hearty and probably full of big chunks of meat and potatoes. The slight scent of baking bread filled the air as well. All in all, it really was quite a yummy smell, the kind of smell that comforts people and makes them feel like they're home. Poor Milly. I knew it was her who had been cooking. Who else cooks when they're depressed?
I was right about the cooking. A big pot of meat and potatoes (and carrots) was simmering. By the looks of it, it was almost done, only just waiting for the final touches of spices. On the kitchen table, the medical kit was out, ready to be taken to its meeting with that ever-so-charming brother of mine. I sigh and pick it up. Milly had enough on her mind to deal with. I'll deal with Knives today. Yup. That's just what I need at the moment. Time alone with my brother. Excuse me if the sarcasm drips through. I'm not bad as a nurse but sometimes the guy just gets on my nerves. Hey, I love him but he's still annoying as hell.
As I make my weary way up the stairs, I contemplate the day, my thoughts wandering. Meryl was going to find out sooner or later what had happened. She was going to find out about the bank and about the job and she was going to do what she always does. She was going to glare. I knew she was. There were some things about her that were so adorably predictable. I wonder if she's going to try hitting me on the head again? I could try hugging her again. That was amusing last time. The planning to sneak in a hug before she noticed part. Boy will she be angry if I did. I wonder if what some of the guys at the bar said was true? That angry women are usually feisty in bed? Grandma Mary Sue agreed with that wholeheartedly. Wasn't that one of our bets the night before she left? That most sexually frustrated women deal with the frustration by being angry? I wonder what Meryl would be like in bed? Hmmm…..Meryl angry. Make-up sex. Whoa! Down boy! This is not the time to think of Meryl in bed. But what had Grandma said? It was. . .*I bet she's like a whirlwind in bed, Vash. Now what's her name again?*
I shake my head of the delighted cackling that I was imagining. That had been one of her attempts to wheedle out Meryl's name from me. It never worked of course. No matter how drunk I was, I was never going to give up that tidbit of information. But Grandma Mary Sue had said something after that. Something so serious that it had made me pay attention. I was so drunk it should have been fuzzy but it was the most crystal clear thing she'd said. *Tell her, Vash. Tell her you love her and get it over with. You'll never know she loves you back unless you tell her.*
Yup. That's what she said. Right before she made a bet that she could drink five more beers than I can.
"I'm back, sweetheart. Miss me?" I call out cheerily as I open the door to Knives's room.
"Oh, shut up," he answers shortly.
"What? You didn't miss me?"
"Between you and that. . .that creature. . .I almost want to strangle myself."
"Now there's a thought," I say and grin.
"Don't hold your breath, brother."
I shake my finger in admonishment. "Now, now, cute little brother of mine, that creature happens to be cooking your dinner."
"Good, I hope she chokes on it."
"I see you had a good day."
"And I see that you got fired," he answers mockingly.
"How do you know that?"
"I heard your little friend mouthing off downstairs."
Poor Milly. "Yeah, well. . ." Hmm. I guess I really didn't know what to say to that. "Yeah. We lost our jobs. Oh well. More time for you, then." My grin only widens as I notice the wince that Knives tries to hide. "Yes, siree, brother. More time for me and you to bond over," I add gleefully, noticing the way he's started to squirm. Oh yes, make the psychotic Plant squirm in discomfort Vash, push all his little evil buttons. I widen my eyes and give him my most adorable look. "Oh yes, Knives. Come on and let's."
"Let's what?" he asks suspiciously.
"Let's share our feelings," I exclaim, giving him the starry-eyed-puppy-dog-eyes.
"Oh shut up," he snarls grumpily, "Just shut up, Vash. And for the sake of all the males in the world, stop looking so goofy."
"Oh but we should share our feelings, Knives," I goad on. I could feel myself feeling a sort of sadistic enjoyment that Knives was the one being uncomfortable. Who knew torturing your brother could be so much fun? Oh wait, I forgot this was Knives. Of course he knew how much fun torturing one's brother was. "Yes, Knivesy-pooh, we should share our feelings. You can tell me how much you looooove being here and how much you loooooove Milly's cooking and Meryl's little visits and– "
"So is Meryl a screamer or a moaner?" Knives interrupts sadistically.
Oh crap, why'd he have to bring her up?
"She's a feisty woman, Vash. I bet she's a screamer," he continues relentlessly.
Feisty? When did Knives start using the word 'feisty'? "Feelings," I say loudly. "Let's talk about _your_ feelings."
"No. Let's talk about your, ahem, feelings, Vash."
"I thought we were on your favorite subject: You."
"What's wrong, Vash?" he says slyly. "Afraid to talk about _your_ feelings?"
"No. And there's nothing to talk about. Meryl and I aren't like that," I mumble uncomfortably.
"Yeah, 'cause you're a wimp," he adds.
"Shut up."
"No, you shut up."
"No you."
"Whatever," I say and unroll the bandages from his shoulder. "I don't want to talk about this," I say glumly.
"You should just take her and get it over with."
"Yeah. I know all about your suggestion. And again, the answer is no." As the bandages come off I notice that he's almost completely healed, the bandages now only a precaution against the wounds reopening. My own shoulder wound is completely healed too, the skin a healthy shade of pink because of Meryl's gentle ministrations. And momentarily a memory surfaces in my brain: Meryl's scent, her closeness, her gentle touch on my shoulders and a sigh escapes me. I should have kissed her then. I should have kissed her and told her. I should have kissed her and told her that I love her, that I need her, that I want her, and damned be all the consequences.
*Sigh*
But no. Why do I keep forgetting? This is Meryl. This is me. Of all the great impossibilities of life, there being an "us" was one of them.
I glance up suddenly to see Knives looking at me oddly.
"What?"
"You regret something," he accuses.
"What? No! What should I regret?"
"There's something you regret," he frowns in puzzlement. "I just can't figure out what – " he suddenly cuts off and slaps a hand to his forehead. "You are an idiot, Vash!"
"No, Knives, tell me how you really feel," I respond sarcastically.
"Idiot! Idiot! Idiot!" he exclaims, punctuating each word with a glare. "Why'd you do it?"
"Hey," I admonish. "Only Meryl is allowed to call me that three times in a row. And what the hell are you talking about anyway?"
"You like her," he sneers. "I can't believe you like her."
"No, I don't," I protest quickly. Too quickly. And Knives knows it. He looks at me appalled and the sneer turns to a look of absolute horror.
"Oh no!" he gasps.
I stop winding the bandage immediately. "What? What? Did I hurt you?"
"You – you – " he splutters, pointing at me with a disbelieving finger. A twitch seems to have developed over his eye and progressed down to his mouth, opening and closing like a gasping fish. "You – You - You're in love with her!" he shouts.
"Keep it down," I say sharply before I can stop myself. Then I realize what he'd said. "No I don't! I don't!" Oh yeah Vash. What a perfectly adult thing to say. Whine *No I don't!* and he's sure to believe you then. *Vash and Meryl sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S . . . * Even as the childish verse ran through my head I smile to myself. "Well, maybe, I do. Just a little."
Knives's face is grim. "What the hell have the humans been doing to you?"
"Teaching me humanity," I say firmly. "And kindness." And love.
Knives only moans in utter disgust and starts mumbling gibberish about spiders and butterflies. Yup. My brother. The nature-lover. Hah! (Maybe I should insert that dry ironic laughter here again? Hell, whatever. The maniacal brother of mine can do that on his own.)
The discovery seems to have deflated him and I finish the bandages quickly, hearing the sound of voices drifting from downstairs. Meryl was home already. Any moment now the donut smell was going to wind its way up the staircase and call me with its siren song.
When I open the door to go, there is a tray already there, steam gently rising from the corners of the covered containers. Good ol' Milly. Always so tactful. She probably heard me and Knives talking and didn't want to interrupt.
I leave it by Knives' bedside. He's asleep again. I suppose it's probably because this latest news depresses him.