Jackie; 'bows to Inkydoo's superior impression' Yeah, but can you do THIS? 'does the little double-middle-finger-wiggle trick!'

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Chapter 16;

"Thank you so much," Mira said to Vash and the group.

"Don't mention it!" Vash said with his goofy smile.

Wolfwood leaned on his punisher. He lit a cigarette and said, "Yeah, we're just happy to help."

"Do you have the envelope?" Knives asked Vash.

Vash was a little surprised by the interruption. Vash nodded and said, "I didn't even have time to put it down."

Vash produced the envelope from his duster, and Knives snatched it. Knives smiled and said, "I will explain later."

Vash nodded and Millie stepped forward hugging Knives so tightly that she nearly crushed him. She sputtered as she said, "Thank you, Mr. Knives, thank you so much."

Knives didn't have to ask what for. He was looking at Wolfwood over her shoulder. Wolfwood gave him a slight nod. That was the best 'thank you' he would get from the preacher. Knives patted her shoulder and choked out, "Don't mention it. Now could you let go? I still have a bullet in the side of my chest."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Millie said in her shrill innocent way as she released him.

Knives nodded and said, "Meet us for lunch tomorrow, around noon."

It wasn't a request. He turned on his heal and drug Mira along with him. She waved over her shoulder and said, "Bye! Thanks again!"

"You take care, pretty lady!" Vash called.

Knives and Mira sped off and Meryl jabbed Vash in the ribs, "Pretty lady, huh? And I'm just 'short girl'?"

"What?" Vash whined giving Meryl that innocent look.

Wolfwood snickered. He picked up his punisher and wrapped his other arm around his big girl as he purred, "Let's go home Millie, those two are hopeless."

"Do us all a favor and get laid you two!" Wolfwood called over his shoulder at them.

Vash blushed wildly. Meryl turned on her heal and chased after Wolfwood and Millie. She waved her fists in the air and yelled, "What did you say?!"

"Lighten up, short girl," Wolfwood teased.

Vash smiled and followed his friends to the car. They loaded up and headed into town. A few moments into the ride Wolfwood said, "Hey Vash, can you and Meryl get a hotel room tonight? Millie and I need to… Catch up."

Wolfwood's eyes flickered at Millie and she blushed wildly. Vash smirked and shot Wolfwood a glance that said he knew exactly what kind of catching up the preacher intended. He laughed and said, "Sure! It's not every day that someone comes back from the dead. I'm sure you have LOTS of 'catching up' to do."

"You have no tact," Meryl said in that obviously irritated voice, "What a bunch of perverts."

Vash glanced at Meryl, she seemed really upset all of a sudden. Vash winced. Why shouldn't she be? Their 'big date' had been cancelled, he was MIA for weeks, and when he gets back? A thrilling night time shootout ensues. Vash chewed his bottom lip. He knew he had some SERIOUS making up to do.

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Jackie; 'passes out jello shots' I'm gonna be a moma today! Actually, what I mean by that is my chicken eggs should hatch. I'm hoping for 80 hatch which is pretty darn good for winter.