Jackie: Back to Vash and Meryl. I think mixing up the chapters like this will be fair to everyone. I've noticed that some are reading for Knives, and some for Vash. By switching up like this no one has to wait overly long to get back to the part of the story they are waiting for.

'blushes… a lot' Such great reviews! I have 13 reviews already. If I get ten more this fic will overtake Silver Wings, my first. That's just fabulous! Thanks, so very much for reviewing.

This is a short chapter. It's New Years day and my fifth wedding anniversary, so you'll have to forgive me on that one.

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Chapter 6

Vash woke up with a pounding in his head. He thought to bring his arms up to shield him from the light of the invading sun, but his good arm didn't respond. He looked down at it and smiled. It was tucked beneath his beautiful short girl.

Her head was settled in the crook of his arm, effectively cutting off all circulation to it, and her arm was lying across his chest. He wanted to move his arm, but cradled there beside him she just looked so darn cute and lovable. He did not want to disturb her. Besides, if last night had just been the alcohol, this would be the last time he would get to hold her like this.

Vash sighed and stroked his fingers back through her hair. He wished he had his good arm to do that with so he could feel the silky strands part between his fingertips. Lightly, and ever so carefully, he kissed the top of her head and whispered, "I love you, short girl."

"I love you too," Meryl mumbled back, "But MUST you call me short girl?"

Vash was taken aback. He would have been startled by the fact that she was awake if he wasn't far more shocked to hear what she was saying. He looked down into her sleepy lavender eyes as she tried to block the sun with her hands.

"Ohhhhh," Meryl groaned, "Did the sun get brighter or what?"

Vash smirked at asked, "Throbbing head?"

"Yeap," Meryl whispered.

"Here," Vash said titling her face towards his, "Let me kiss it, and make it better."

Meryl willingly submitted to his lips on hers. He had only meant to give her a quick breath of a kiss but as his head began to move back she moved on top of him to keep it going. He tried to speak, but when he parted his lips she used that has her opening to deepen the kiss. Vash moaned into her lips and wrapped his arms around her.

His good arm began to tingle as blood rushed into it, but he could scarcely feel that next to the electric pulse that seemed to be surging through him. His heart thundered in his chest and suddenly it became all too apparent that they were wearing far too much clothing. Vash tugged lightly at her shirt, and she rolled off him.

Vash looked up at her with surprise. She was already across the room at the door. Vash looked between her and his empty arms and whined, "Hey! That's not fair!"

"What?" Meryl asked innocently, "We haven't even had our first date. Don't tell me you expected any more than a kiss."

With that Meryl was out the door. Vash smiled at looked at the closed door for a while. He should have known Meryl wouldn't make this easy on him. He chuckled lightly as he thought he wouldn't have it any other way.

He got up a started to clean himself up. He had a deal to make good on with Knives.

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Jackie: fluff, fluff, fluff, more fluff to come between Vash and Meryl but not before checking back in on Knives. Believe it or not there will be some ACTION too. Stay tuned.

Inkydoo, Kawaiibabe, and Aine of Knockaine: Thanks again for reading and reviewing. I hope I can continue to crank out a story worth reading. 'AHEM' I do think, however, that certain persons who keep telling me to update ought to update their stories too.

Ajd262: 'blushes' Wow, how charming. Thanks for the great review, and I'm really pleased that you liked Silver Wnigs so well.