Author's Notes: Well, I am truly upset. Not even one review? Even most of the worst stories get reviews. Does mine really suck that much? I am really discouraged. I almost don't want to continue, but I promised myself I would. I'm going to go cry in a dark corner now. …Yes, I am trying to get pity. I'm so shameless. But I'll trade pity for reviews any day. Come on, I know the first chapter sucked, but just stay with me, okay? Does the Christmas spirit have to leave us right after Christmas? I think not. I wish someone cared enough to take about two minutes to send a review, because, in my opinion, no reviews are just as bad as flames. Well, enough voicing my disappointments. I'll leave you to decide whether to find it in your heart to review or not.

In this story, I'm assuming that Vash only spent a short time in the floating ship and then lived back on Gunsmoke. And I think they were only on the SEEDS ship for a year. If anyone has any proof or evidence otherwise…well it would be nice to be informed about it, but I'm not sure if I could change it in the story. I've already had to change a lot in this chapter, because I found something that didn't fit with the anime. I liked it better before, but I really want to be as consistent with the anime as much as I can. Sorry if anyone is out of character.

Chapter Two: Year 17

Vash walked absently through the small house he had been renting. It was another Christmas Eve without his brother. A few years ago, Vash had shot him and run away. He would miss Christmas with Knives. The Christmas after they landed on this planet, Vash and Knives had promised each other that, whatever animosity they had towards each other at that time, they would forget about it on Christmas Day. Every year, on that day, they would forget their arguments and spend a peaceful day with each other. And not to mention the gifts. Vash and Knives had always given each other a thoughtful present. Funny how they hardly paid attention to their own birthdays. No, Christmas was their big holiday.

Vash found himself staring out the window…again. He sighed. He really did miss his brother, but he just didn't think he could live with Knives when he kept plotting to kill off the human race.

The plant sat at a table and rested his head on his arms. It was finally starting to become less of a shock to him that Knives caused the Great Fall. He killed all those people. If it wasn't for Rem-

'Rem…'

He closed his eyes as they started to water. Rem saved the entire human race from extinction, and sacrificed her life to do it.

His train of thought continued. So, as if nearly killing of the entire human race wasn't enough, Knives went and built a couple of guns capable of miles worth of destruction. He tried to convince Vash to help him, but Vash would never kill anyone. They deserved a chance! Vash had tackled Knives and grabbed a gun. In his rage, he pointed the gun at his twin. Before Vash even realized what he had done, Knives was on his knees, clutching a bleeding bullet wound on his leg. Vash would never forget the look of shock, pain, and betrayal on his brother's face. It was too much for Vash. He screamed and, grabbing the other gun, ran away, ignoring his brother's pleas for him to come back.

He wondered where his brother was. He hoped Knives was doing well; maybe even learning to like humans. But, of course, Vash knew thinking that would be putting his hopes way too high. He only prayed that his brother wasn't off killing people. At least Vash had both Knives' powerful guns with him. That fact ensured a lot more safety to the humans.

Vash decided to go outside for some fresh air. He sat down in a chair in front of the house and stared up at the clear blue sky. He just couldn't get his mind off the past that day. Deep in memory, he sat in that place for many hours more.

Vash awoke in his bed the next morning and yawned.

"Oh yeah…Christmas," he said rather unenthusiastically as he began to get dressed.

Christmas had used to be his favorite day of the year, but now, that day only brought feelings of regret and loneliness.

Fully dressed, Vash prepared to walk down to the little doughnut shop for breakfast. Doughnuts had always seemed to cheer him up. He opened the front door and paused. On the ground, right in front of the door, was a package. It was wrapped in dark blue paper with snowflake prints decorating it further.

Vash read the card that rested on top of the package,

'To: Vash

From: Santa Clause'

Vash almost dropped the present.

'No way…! It couldn't be…' he thought wildly.

He recognized the graceful, controlled handwriting, as well.

"Kn- Knives?" he spoke to himself in disbelief.

He unwrapped the present, still in a sort of surprised panic. Inside was a black and white checkered board and an ornately carved wooden box. He lifted the lid off the small box to find black and white chess pieces. He was sure this gift was from Knives, now. Chess was one of their favorite games back on the SEEDS ship.

'So Knives knows where I live, now… That's kind of creepy.' Vash thought, but he was even more delighted to know his brother still cared enough to send him a gift all the way from…wherever he was.

Vash contentedly set up the chess board, putting each piece in its place. He left the board out for decoration and, after admiring it for a moment, resumed his trek to the doughnut shop.

Halting for a moment at the front door, he thought to himself, 'Thank you, Knives,' and continued walking.

Author's Notes: Sorry if my chapters end abruptly. There's just no other way I can think to end them.