DISCLAIMER: Okkkaaaayyy...this chapter didn't end up anything like I intended. It was supposed to be all about what's up with this chick they found, but somehow I got completely off track with the sexual tension between Wolfwood and Milly. So no need to bash me VM lovers. I'm well aware of how unfair this chapter turned out. By all means, feel free to skip the WM passages if they bore you. I'm also iffy about whether I've skirted off the PG-13 edge or not. If you think I have, don't report me or anything. Just let me know and I'll slap an R rating on this sucker. It probably would've helped too, if I hadn't been listening to Duran Duran's "Hungry Like The Wolf" throughout most of this. Oh well. Just warning you.

THAT NIGHT

Meryl entered the room quietly. "Is she still sleeping?"

"Yeh." Milly stood up from the chair beside the bed. "But I still can't believe there's no doctor in this town. At least the people have been helpful."

That's usually how it was in dirtspeck places like this. "Well, I'll watch her now...you go rest."

She nodded, walking for the door. "You know the guys won't want to stay here long."

The short girl sat down with a book. "I know. But they can just shove it."

Milly laughed. "I really doubt she'll sleep much longer." The girl had obviously suffered some real physical abuse, but most of her wounds were only superficial. She'd probably just passed out from dehydration or exhaustion. Who knows how long she'd been out there before they'd found her? "Goodnight Sempai, I'll be back at sunrise. Okay?"

"Don't worry about it, Milly. It's nearly morning as it is. Just get some sleep for once. I've been meaning to catch up on this book anyway."

"Right."

Meryl watched the door shut then yawned as she opened her book. She didn't mind staying by the girl's bedside. Heck, Milly had been here practically the whole night. But Meryl still wasn't exactly looking forward to the next few lonely hours.

The room was dark as she came back in, but she could easily recognize the shape of Wolfwood's body lying alone on the bed. He'd kicked the covers away as usual and was laying on his back with an arm across his stomach. The dim glow of the fading moon cast shadows across his muscles. Milly leaned back on the closed door as a warmth spread through her. She was getting so use to being around him...sometimes she forgot what it was like to really look at him. He arched his back slightly, stretching his legs out in his sleep. Milly's heart began to beat a little faster as she looked away with embarrassment. Maybe she shouldn't have let Meryl relieve her. For some reason, the prospect of sharing a bed with Nick seemed a little dangerous right now. She moved quietly across the room towards her backpack. Milly dug out a long dark blue t-shirt and stood back up, glancing around for the bathroom. She frowned after a moment. How could she have forgotten? She'd taken a shower earlier. The only bathrooms were down the hall. Ugh. She was too tired to walk all the way down there to change. Milly looked over at Wolfwood. He was asleep right? She sighed, turning her back to him. It didn't matter, laziness had overpowered modesty. She slid her coat off and lowered it carefully to make sure the ammunition didn't clink against the wooden floor. Milly then untied her boots and slipped both them and her socks off. She undid her belt, put her guns gently on the dresser, and slid off her suspenders before unbuttoning her shirt. Once it was off, she reached back and unhooked her bra. Too uncomfortable to sleep with that underwire digging into your chest. Milly tossed it to the floor then paused with a butterfly feeling in her stomach. "NICK! QUIT STARING AT ME LIKE THAT!"

He busted out laughing, sitting up. "Damn you're good!"

She looked back at him over her bare shoulder. "How long have you been awake?"

Wolfwood was obviously enjoying the view. "Since I heard you put the revolvers down..."

Go figure. She could open the door, walk across the room, and throw clothes everywhere...but one click of gunmetal against anything and the man was instantly alert. Milly quickly put on her t-shirt then slid off her skirt before turning around to chide him. "Peeping tom!"

Nick's shoulders sank in disappointment. "Aw come on! I'm only mortal."

"Well I wasn't trying to tempt you darling." She got in bed and pulled the covers over her head, curling up.

As if a few layers of material could save her. They hadn't had any time alone in days. And he was wide-awake now...in more than one place. Nick smiled at the bundle next to him. "You know honey, I don't think I'm sore anymore."

"Well that was a quick recovery."

He pulled the blankets back so he could look at her. She had her face snuggled against one of the pillows with light blue eyes glancing up at him through soft brown hair.

Milly was confused when he didn't say anything. "What's wrong?"

Instead of answering, he just lied down on his side so they were facing each other. By no means did he see his feelings for her as being solely physical, but God she was beautiful. How long had they been sharing a bed now? And he still had yet to make her his. Had she any idea just how difficult abstinence could be for someone not accustomed to it? He knew he wanted her. Nah that was understatement...he needed her. But then again, if what his heart felt was really as true as he believed...then he should be able to at least hold out until she was ready for him, right? But damn it was a pain to be so noble when she was just here for the taking. He tried to change the subject for her own good. "What the hell do you see in me big girl?"

The question caught her completely off guard. She could only say the first thought that came to mind. "Everything, I guess..."

Wolfwood didn't look like he quite understood. He smirked after a moment, a bit amused at being able to put her on the spot. "Give me an example."

What was she supposed to say? It was in the way he smiled, the things he said, how he knew how to make her laugh or blush, the way he held her at night, the color of his eyes, how she always felt secure with him...the list went on and on. "I don't know, it's just everything about you and the way you make me feel. That's the best way I can put it. There isn't any one answer. It's just all the things that make you who you are..." She looked back at him shyly as his hand slid around her back. "Am I making sense?"

She looked nervous. Like maybe she knew what he had been really thinking about after all. He grinned, moving his hand down the base of her spine. "So you even love my sideburns, huh?"

She smiled coyly, running her hand across his jaw line. "Uh huh...and the stubble."

"Mmm..." Wolfwood smirked as her soft fingers stroked his chin for a moment. It was a good feeling.

Milly still couldn't erase the image of a dog from her mind. Just like a puppy. He loved to be petted. One big cross-toting, cigarette smoking, potential Gung-Ho Gun of a puppy. That lustful look returned to his eyes and Milly hesitated, instantly correcting that thought pattern. No, not a puppy...just a wolf caught in a good mood.

Before she could even hope to react he had already pulled her in, covering her mouth with his. He held her captive, tasting deep into her mouth long enough to have them both panting for breath when he did finally pull back. They stared at each other like that for one long moment before she finally bid him to continue.

Usually it was much more cat and mouse than this. She'd play hard to get, they'd mess around a little, she'd call time when he got too bold, and they'd end up just passing out in some sort of cuddle. But looks like she was feeling a little more willing tonight. Possibly ready to move this relationship forward? He could only hope. His thoughts became mere background noise as he lost himself in their open-mouthed exchange.

Vash sighed, sitting up in bed. He looked at the empty spot beside him then sighed again. The Typhoon had been being spoiled as of late, and it just wasn't the same now. Knowing he'd already gotten the most sleep he was probably gonna get, Vash slid on a long sleeve shirt and some pants as he headed for the door. He strolled down the hall and knocked lightly on the last door to the left. When no one answered, he pushed it open slowly and looked in. "Meryl?"

The short girl was completely out cold with her head leaning back over the top of the chair and her book in her lap.

He smiled walking up. Obviously she had no problem sleeping without him. But Vash didn't know whether to wake her or not. He heard something creak and he glanced over at the bed. Hey! The blonde girl actually looked like she was waking up!

Her aching body quickly became apparent to her senses as she came back into consciousness. But pain was good, it meant she was still alive. But where? She opened her eyes to the glow of a lamp. In a room...on a bed. A man was standing over her.

Before Vash could even speak, the girl leapt back with terror in her eyes.

She looked around in a panic for some kind of weapon. "GET AWAY FROM ME! I'LL DIE BEFORE YOU TAKE ME BACK!" Angry tears were already forming. "I WON'T GO BACK!"

He dodged as she took a few swings at him. "Hey! I'm not the enemy here! We found you!" Vash caught her by the wrist. "You're in no condition to fight! Calm down! We only want to help!"

She screamed, trying to pull away. "DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH ME! YOU'RE ALL ALIKE!"

Meryl had no idea what was going on as she awoke. "VASH! WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?"

"NOTHING! SHE JUST FREAKED OUT!" He took hold of her other wrist and she bit into his arm.

Vash flinched. She was like a freaking wildcat. "OW!"

The insurance girl yelled over the both of them, taking control. "PLEASE STOP IT! YOU WERE UNCONSCIOUS WHEN WE FOUND YOU! WE DIDN'T WANT YOU TO DIE, SO WE CARRIED YOU TO THIS TOWN! WE'VE BEEN WAITING AT YOUR BEDSIDE EVER SINCE TO MAKE SURE YOU WOKE UP! PLEASE! WE AREN'T A THREAT!"

The girl relaxed slightly at the sound of a female voice, but still kept her eyes on the man.

"Let her go Vash."

He looked back at Meryl. "What? Are you sure?"

The insurance girl glared.

"Alright, alright. If you say so..." He released her wrists and quickly jumped out of striking range.

Meryl could see by her body language that the girl was much more afraid of him. He needed to get completely out of sight if they were going to make any progress in the trust department. "Vash, go get Milly for me."

"Why?"

"Just go, Vash."

"Hmph."

IN A ROOM ALL THE WAY DOWN THE HALL...

Definitely a different mood tonight. She gave no protest as he ran his hand under her shirt and up her side. Nick's heart was loud in his ears as his fingertips met soft curves and his body moved over hers.

Wolfwood's hips pressed down on hers and a blush tainted her cheeks at the feeling of something hard resting against her from inside his boxers. Her whole body felt like some kind of current was beginning to flow through it. It was obvious that he was more than ready, but she wasn't sure. Was this the right time? God, she could barely form a coherent thought with him kissing her that way.

Her fingers dug into his hair as his lips made their way down her neck. He had just begun to slide her shirt up with the intent of removing it completely, when that idiot called out.

Vash banged his fist on the door. "HEY PREACHER MAN! WAKE UP! IS MILLY IN THERE?"

They both froze at the Stampede's horrible timing. Wolfwood shot a death glare towards the door and Milly quickly covered her darling's mouth before he could yell something profane.

She tried to maintain her natural tone despite the emotions coursing through her. "WHAT'S WRONG VASH?"

He was a little surprised when Milly answered instead. "THAT GIRL WE RESCUED WOKE UP, BUT SHE'S SCARED OF US! I'M PRETTY SURE MERYL NEEDS YOU TO COME HELP CALM HER DOWN!"

Wolfwood looked down insurprise as she let go of him. His body was aching to continue. "Can't it wait?"

"If she needs me then I have to go..."

That comment made him even more despondent. If anyone was needy right now it was him, but he knew it would be pointless to argue. Those girls had a bond that no man was ever going to come between. Not even for one night. He rolled off with a heavy sigh, trying to ignore the maddening tension now throbbing between his legs. So damn close. "Right." Damn, Tongari was so up for an ass kicking.