Blue: … :in a catatonic state induced by anti-anxiety medication and tied to a chair:
Ivey: We had some uh… :glances at Blue: Technical difficulties.
Blue:giggles insanely while she stares at the wall:
Ivey: The chapter got corrupted half way through writing it… three different times… Blue went a little nuts so I had to force feed her some xanax before she jumped out the window. She kept yelling stuff like "I QUIT!" and "JUST LET ME DIE ALREADY!" So I had to restrain her and re-write it from memory… so yeah this chapter would have been out on Friday, but oh well. Right… uh… oh yeah! Review responses. AnimeFreaks13- I thought it was pretty damn funny too. Oh and Mr. Whiskers was my idea. Yoh's Girl- :glaring: You don't want to mess with me:holding the hunting rifle she some how stole from James in Silent Hill 2: I will take you down! Faery Goddyss- You have a point… it is a good book. And I laughed my ass off when we wrote the part about Johnny hitting Vash. Don't worry :evil grin: that won't be the last time something like that happens to him. Nidaba- :interrupted by Blue bursting into tears: WOULD YOU STOP THAT! GEEZ!
Blue: This chapter is EVIL! Don't read it!
Ivey: It's not evil:sighs with annoyance: Vash accidentally stealing her panties would be funny… hmmm…. :thinking: Hope-is-4ever- I'm not the evil one. I've just vicious… and kinda bitchy. Blue's the evil one. She's a lot like Kagura (from Fruits Basket) one minute she's sickeningly sweet and the next she's a crazy, violent bitch from hell.
Blue:sniffle: I am not! Bloodstained Hands- :starry-eyed: I'm your hero?
Ivey: What do you mean maybe:blinks and raises an eyebrow: Sporks…? All right then…Oh and if you send us a virus our computer will get screwed up and then you'll never get an update. Think about that! Aine of Knockaine- Over protective brothers are a pain, but in this case they're wicked awesome. Thequietwriter- Yeah, "Mr. Whiskers" is the reappearing black cat more commonly known as Kuroneko.
Blue: Saraki- :trembling in fear: I don't wanna continue! This story is evil! Evil I tell you!
Ivey: Normally I would agree with the whole quitting thing, (I am lazy…) but I've got big plans for this fic and you're going to write it whether you like it or not! Divinya9- It'll get done when it gets done. Ok then… Blue doesn't own Trigun, but she does own a hairbrush :glances over at Blue who has been too busy having a nervous breakdown to comb her hair: although you wouldn't think so…
Might As Well Be Strangers
By Blue
Chapter Nine: You're Not Here
Vash hadn't thought it possible for someone to hit harder than the short girl. Oh how wrong he was, how wrong indeed! While he was certain the older of the of the Stryfe siblings hadn't succeeded in breaking his jaw it didn't negate the fact that still hurt like hell. To add insult to injury, or rather injury to initial injury, Vash had also bitten his tongue in the process. The only thing that his mind registered, aside from the pain and the bitter taste that filled his mouth, was that Jonathan was dragging him outside by the collar of his shirt; choking him in the process.
"Gah! Wait!" He pleaded desperately. Though he could easily get out of the smaller mans hold he didn't want to hurt him for several reasons. For one, if he did harm him it was unlikely that he'd help him find Meryl and for another, if by some miracle he did help him, Meryl would murder him for hurting her brother. Begging would definitely be the way to go. "Please! Don't hurt me! Ah! Mommy!" Jonathan paused and looked at Vash incredulously.
"Did you just say mommy?"
"Uh… yes?" Jonathan rolled his eyes and released his grasp on Vash (he couldn't beat up a wimp and still call himself a man. At least not an honorable one), who immediately leaned over and spat repeatedly onto the sidewalk to rid his mouth of the lingering metallic taste. With a sigh of exasperation Jonathan pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and proffered it to Vash. The blonde man blinked in surprise then took the clean, but wrinkled cloth gratefully and wiped his mouth. When Vash made to return it Jonathan glanced at the white material now stained with blood and saliva and made a face.
"You can have it." Vash nodded his thanks and then looked at him warily.
"Are you going to hit me again?" The gray-eyed man smirked maliciously for a moment, causing Vash to well up with trepidation.
"Maybe later," he replied, crossing his arms. He looked at Vash prudently for a moment and then turned to go back inside. "Wait here. I'll be right back."
Inside the saloon Henry was getting ready to leave for the day. He'd spent the last eight hours working and was looking forward to eating his wife's delicious home cooking and relaxing while listening to the satellite. As he was slipping on his jacket Jonathan came back in wearing the expression of reluctance he always donned when he needed something, but didn't want to ask.
Jonathan never asked for anything unless it was important. Henry had known the younger man since he had started working at Neely's. He'd seen Johnny strain to carry crates much too cumbersome for his small frame and scrub the dishes until they shined; always taking pride in his work despite those who would look down on his position. Once Henry offered his help to stock the kitchen, which was swiftly turned down with a grin. Henry had then asked why he never wanted help. Jonathan simple shrugged and said something along the lines of it being his responsibility and that if he didn't take his responsibilities seriously than no one would take him seriously. To Henry this seemed to pertain to more than just his job. Johnny had had to assume the parent roll at a young age when most boys spent their time getting drunk and chasing girls. He had worked hard to raise his sister right and it was something to be admired. And so when it came to Henry doing a favor for him all he had to do was ask.
"Hey, Henry… I need a favor," he asked hesitantly. Henry mentally sighed 'Nothing beats Martha's fresh baked lasagna. Oh well, I suppose she can just heat something up for me later. "Can you cover my shift today? I've got to talk to someone about something."
"'Talk', huh? Sure Johnny. Just be sure to hide the body when your done," he joked. Jonathan chuckled and fetched Vash's bag from where it had been dropped earlier and took his leave.
"Will do. Thanks, Henry, I owe you one."
As Vash waited for Jonathan he stared dejectedly at the ground and kicked a small rock half-heartedly. Hearing the creak of the door he looked up to see Mr. Whiskers stroll outside leisurely. Vash wasn't sure whether he wanted to thank the cat for the lead or share some of the pain that he'd just received for it. He settled for giving the omen of mischievous fortune a scathing look. Said omen just ignored the glaring man and curled up for a nap in the warm sunlight. This was the sight Meryl's brother beheld when he came back. He raised an eyebrow in question.
"Has the cat done something to offend you?" Vash looked over at him and laughed sheepishly.
"Sorta…"
"Right, here," he said and then tossed the bag to Vash, who caught it without flinching, and walked off. When Vash just stared after him in mild confusion he glanced over his shoulder. "If you're coming then hurry it up!"
The walk to Johnny's apartment, all six and a half blocks of it, was awkward. Vash didn't know where they were going and was having visions of being beaten and possibly shot while Johnny remained walking ahead of him silently with his hands in his pockets. When they arrived at the complex Jonathan walked in casually and pulled his keys from his pocket. Trailing behind, Vash took in the bleak environment of the hall. The moss green and white titles were cracked in places and looked dingy and the beige paint that covered the walls was cracked and peeling. Johnny stuck a brass key in the lock and turned it. The wood was warped and often refused to budge so he leaned his shoulder against the door, twisted the knob and pushed.
Once he had it open the small man gestured for him to come in. To Vash there was only one word capable of describing the small, unkempt abode… home. Unlike the sparsely furnished, dingy hotel rooms he'd stayed in over the years or the cold, sterile environment of the SEEDs ship it felt like a home; a place filled with laughter and love. It reminded him somewhat of Lina and her grandmother's house. Not just a house, but a home. Though it was somewhat shabby there was an obvious effort made to cheer the place up.
The walls were painted a pale yellow and a green, woven rug was rolled out over the stained brown carpet. Opposite the entrance was one pitifully small window adorned with green handmade curtains that matched the rug. On the left side of the room was a small, stripped couch with a patch on one of the cushions that had clearly seen better days. Perpendicular to it was a bookshelf littered with dozens of books and on the wall across from the couch was a table with two mismatched chairs. To the immediate right was the miniscule kitchen with its outdated appliances and yellowed counters. Also to the right was a short hallway that appeared to lead to the bedrooms and lavatory.
As Vash stood idly near the front door, taking in his surroundings, Jonathan strode in, took off his jacket and tossed it onto the couch. The dark-haired man then looked over at his fidgety guest, or rather subject of scrutiny, and exhaled heavily. Johnny wasn't one for company and hadn't the slightest idea what the proper etiquette for this situation was. After a minute or so of indecision he walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.
"Uh do you want something to drink? I've got…" he leaned over slightly and glanced at the contents of the fridge. "Some soda… and milk, but I think it might be expired. Um, water?" Vash blinked in surprise at Jonathan's awkward hospitality and then broke into a grin.
"Water would be great!" Jonathan shut the refrigerator door with a slight nod and then grabbed a clean glass from the dish rack next to the sink. Turning his back to his guest he filled the glass with water from the tap and then poured some for himself. Johnny handed Vash his drink, which Vash accepted with thanks, and they fell once again into an uncomfortable silence, sipping their water. After a few moments Vash broke the silence. "So is Meryl your little sister?" Jonathan, thankful that one of them finally said something, grinned at the mention of his baby sister.
"Yeah I'm ten years older than Merry. Took care of her since I was eighteen. She's a good kid…" Johnny trailed off softly as thoughts of his baby sister flooded his mind. He glanced over at the fridge that was covered with photos and drawings held in place by ABC magnets and pulled off one. He looked at it fondly for a moment and then held it up for Vash to see. "This is from when she was thirteen." Vash beamed as he looked at the picture of teenage Meryl. She was just so cute with her chin length hair, corduroy jumper and happy little smile.
"You two look just alike!" he commented. Jonathan chuckled at the remark.
"Everyone says that." Vash then winced slightly.
"You hit alike too." At that Johnny outright laughed.
"Yeah… sorry about that. I'm sure you're not a bad guy, aside from the whole criminal record thing, but I'm the stereotypical overprotective big brother. It's my job to pummel anyone who messes with my sister. Do you want some ice for your jaw?"
"No, thanks. I'm ok, but… can you tell me…d-do you know where Meryl is?" Vash asked looking at the shorter man with eyes filled with anguish and hope. Jonathan sighed and stared into his glass for a moment. When he looked back at Vash his expression was a mixture of remorse, pity and knowing.
"You love her don't you?" The blonde man's eyes widened briefly and he swallowed nervously.
"Is it that easy to tell?" Jonathan smiled sadly in response.
"Yeah," he replied and watched the condensation form on the outside of his glass.
"Jonathan? Do you know where she is?" He didn't look up as he answered.
"I'm sorry Vash… she left this morning.
Ivey:smirk: How's that for a cliffie?
Blue: The End…
Ivey:trying not to lose her temper: That's NOT the end!
Blue: It is for me!
Ivey: We'll see about that :puts her index finger and thumb in her mouth and whistles. Mysterious stranger in black with spiky black hair and a white bandana appears.
Blue: O.O Hi-chan?
Hiei:glare: Don't call me that in public! And what are you doing giving up because of some minor setbacks? I thought you weren't a weakling like most ningens. Perhaps I was wrong…
Blue: You're right! I can't let a stupid computer beat me! I'll get started on the next chapter right now! Thanks, Hi-chan!
Hiei:menacing glare: What did I just say!
Blue: eeep!
Ivey: Review or Hiei will go Dragon of the Darkness Flame on your ass!
(P. S. Blue did a drawing of the photo Johnny showed to Vash. It isn't very good, but if you want to see it then send us an e-mail with "Pic of Merry" in the subject line and we'll send it to you. Otherwise we'll think its spam and delete it. Our e-mail address is in Blue's FF . net profile. Later!)