Hey guys! This is my first fic I've ever written...so... Flames are completely welcome as long as they provide some constructive criticism. But please...go easy on me..alright?

Disclaimer: I don't own Trigun...some person in another country does...

Chapter One: waiting...

Meryl sat in Vash's bed, tears flowing from her eyes. She clutched to his pillow, trying to regain any scent that may still be left. It had been a yearsince Vash went off to confront his twin. There had been no word from him or anyone else. Usually, she could always pinpoint his location by hearing from another town that had been torn apart by the humanoid typhoon. She and Milly would always run to the town and find the goofy-faced broomhead saving the day. She missed him more than anything. He brought life and fun to her work-aholic induced life. With Vash gone, Meryl seemed to be drained of any life force she once had. She took an absence from her Insurance job and now worked as a waitress in a local pub. It wasn't a glamorous job in the least but it brought money into the household. She spent the rest of her time cleaning the house and cooking for Milly whenever she got a break from her work. Milly was the same as always even with Wolfwood dead. She was just as cheery and aggrivatingly optimistic.

"Meryl, are you there," Milly said as she edged herself through the door. Her eyes traveled to the lump on the bed," Oh Meryl."

"Don't give me that look Milly," Meryl sniffled while trying to put on a smile,"I am perfectly fine. No need to worry...no need at all."

Milly walked over her and sat on the bed embracing her friend, "It's okay to cry Meryl. I know you miss him. I do too. He will come back Meryl. He would never leave you," Milly smiled," You know Vash...He never comes back when he supposed to but he's a good man. I'm sure that for whatever the reason for him being late, there is a reason behind it, right?"

"Yes...I guess you're right. But I am so kicking his ass the minute he gets back. If he thinks he's getting away with this stunt he is wrong!"

Milly chuckled," haha. Now there is the Sempai I know and love! Now come on girl! Perk up and get to work! I don't want any slackers! heeheehee"

After Milly had left the room Meryl got on her "uniform" (resembling a maid's outfit) and headed off for work. She could already her boss screaming.

"WHERE IS THAT DAMNED GIRL! She should have been here 30 minutes ago!"

As if on cue Meryl hurried through the door. "I'm right here Boss! Sorry...I got caught up in some personal business," she said, giving an apoligetic smile.

"Well don't let it happen again or it'll come out of your paycheck," the boss bellowed," I'm not paying you to take your own time."

Meryl quickly grabbed her notepad and went around taking orders. She quickly dismissed her distress and got in her work attitude. If there was one thing Meryl was good at, it was working even if she was in a crashed emotional state. The day passed quickly and it was almost time to return home. Today it had been mostly the regulars except for a new man with long, dirty blonde hair and a long brown coat. But he just kept to himself in the corner so she just took his order and then let him be. Only a few more orders to go now.

Meryl walked over to a group of men at a table. They looked to be passing through from another town. She could tell by their exterior that they were rough men. Meryl wasn't alarmed in the slightest. She was used to these type of men passing through. They were usually too drunk to cause too much trouble besides...she would be leaving soon anyways, "So, what can I get you gentlemen?"

A middle-aged man spoke first. His teeth were yellow and decayed and his face seemed to be darkened by his black whiskers. "We'll have a round of whiskey!"

Meryl started to walk off when she felt a rough hand slap her behind and a voice leer," And I think we'd like to throw you around also."

Meryl growled," I kindly ask that you keep your paws off of me. That's not the way you treat a lady, do you?"

You could easily see the anger start to build up in her. The man quickly stood up and grabber her by her wrists, making Meryl drop her notepad and grimace. He spoke again, but this time with his face closer to hers and the stench obnoxiously spreading from his mouth," No...this is how I treat short, little bar wenches like yourself."

He pressed his mouth hard against Meryls in an obvious attempt to show off in front of his friends. Meryl desperately tried to escape from his grasp but he continued to press harder. She couldn't even reach for her pistols. In a last attempt to get away she screamed for help before she eventually blacked out.

Vash

...that wasn't too bad was it?...well...I hoped you liked it...so...PLEASE REVIEW!