What's that I hear? Wedding bells? Egads! I'll be late! Ludicrous speed, GO!
Disclaimer: Never, ever try to go at ludicrous speed without a very good helmet.
Chapter 27: Er, Do You...
"No, no, the cake goes at the other end of the table! Yes, just leave the rolls there. Could someone move the salad to the middle? ...Sergeant Williams! Get that finger off that cake this instant, or heaven help me, it's not going to leave, ever!"
As the barely contained whirlwind that had set itself up around the 3rd's mess hall staff, and in particular the head of said staff, continued to breeze in delectables of all sorts, a set of long-time townsfolk used the spun off energy to blow the remainder of the dust out of the pews. The city's sole church was still half buried under the drifting sand when it was pressed into service, so the speed of the cleanup was nothing short of astronomical. Now down to the wire, a mixture of stress, excitement, and sleepiness mingled among the crowd. After all, it wasn't often that a hero of the city made a request, and one such as this was hard to turn down in any case. Even so, it did take plenty of elbow grease to get things done, and some were just about out of the stuff. Luckily, though of what type was unclear, certain key elements of varying importance to a wedding were missing. Such as the groom. And the bride. And one more rather important person to the whole process, as the unofficial chief of the whole thing was about to be informed...
"What do you mean there's no priest?!"
"Well, we used to have one, but he up an' left as the town was goin' under. Ain't come back neither. T'was why we left this place buried, didn't do much good without someone to run it. Sorry ma'am, figured you knew."
"Oh dear, oh dear..." One somewhat frazzled but otherwise fine Thompson was left wringing her hands over this latest crisis. Julius was a steamer captain, so in a pinch he could fill in for a preacher- she had seen it down that way twice, for middle big brother and little big sister when they just couldn't wait for the traveling priest to come by the town. However, she was pretty sure he couldn't be both the priest and groom at the same time, and if Julius and Moore couldn't get married that would let all the nice people from the 3rd down. Another issue arose to demand her attention, but she kept fretting over the lack of a priest. Maybe they could get one of the other steamer captains to do it, but they'd have to find them first, and-
"Bride's arrived!"
-they just didn't have that sort of time. As she whisked Meryl off to be dressed, she threw up her best "Everything's great!" After all, love always finds a way, though it sometimes does need a helping hand. It would work out because it had to work out, she just had to keep her eyes open for the solution. For right now, her concern was seeing off Meryl into the hands of the bridesmaids squad.
There was only one possibility- someone clearly had found out his secret and was getting revenge for being spooked. There was simply no other way he, Private Matthew Gunther, could have landed the bad luck to be stuck outside, in the great big courtyard, announcing arrivals and directing guests. At least he could lean against the smooth stone of the entry arch, if he was stuck out in the middle of the road he would have probably fainted. A few bits of sheeting fell down from above, as the last of the protective tarps were pulled off the church's windows. Risking a glance up, he had time to note that the tarps had done their job in protecting the fragile glass before the ever-expansive sky began to make him woozy. Casting his gaze back at the friendly, reassuring gray stone steps, he almost missed the most important arrival yet. Not that it was too hard to do anyway, what with all the Cavalry personnel moving in and out. The saving grace was that he had contributed the squad insignia that graced the disguise and thus knew there was one extra out there.
"Bride's arrived!"
Having done his duty for the moment, he tried to keep a little more alert by mashing himself into the archway. It did help- he didn't get anywhere near as nervous looking across the courtyard, at least until one hulking mass of a man swaggered in. He had a look of trouble about him, and once he got close the smell of booze just confirmed it. Time to get out and be a bouncer, even though he'd be the one bouncing if things got rough.
"This is a private ceremony, sir. You'll have to go elsewhere."
"Eh, got some spunk to you kid! Of course, that's easy when you've got lots of backup. But nevermind, me and Vash go a long ways back, and things just wouldn't be right if it all wasn't as sparkly as can be. Now outta my way, kid."
The man just pushed right past him and went inside. After the small mountain of flesh was gone, he let out the breath he was holding. Man, why couldn't they have gotten the old commander to do this? He would of liked greeting everyone, and wouldn't be pushed aside like a pile of loose rags. Yep, someone was definitely getting revenge. He groaned and rubbed his head, then looked up at the sound of women. A small group came chattering down the walk and judging by the way those dresses were cut, they fell under the same category as the last man- riffraff and bar trash. He let them pass, and decided to just do the same for everyone else under that category- all were likely old friends of Vash, and from the little he'd seen of the party winding up last night Vash has a ton of them.
Things began to wind down amongst the construction crew, which meant that things would be winding up for the wedding. It must have been a little over ten minutes later that a scowling mass of bad attitude walked in the gate, across the courtyard, and into the church. Another face from last night's party, though back then he looked happy. Now, he could probably freeze water with that glare. And as if to provide insult to injury, he spotted two more faces peeking out from the gate after the departing freezer. Sheesh, what was it with those bad attitudes and women? One seemed to attract the other in droves, though the simple fact that the guy was handsome just made him that much more magnetic. Why couldn't he have that sort of luck with the ladies?
In any case, the two hurried after the object of their affections. At least they were a bit more dressed for the occasion, though he did have to strain to keep his gaze from dropping down. From the way the tall one looked and moved, that would probably cost him $$20 right there. The shorter, plain one looked a bit young to be chasing after men, though in a world like this you did what you had to do. He snuck a peek anyway as they passed into the building- he could watch the tall one's hips sway like that all day, but had his viewing cut short by a Thomasfly that dropped by and took a chunk out of his neck. He swatted at it, but the thing merrily zipped once around his head and on though the archway. Good grief, maybe he should just sprawl out on the carpet and be a doormat, that's what everyone and everything seemed to be using him as anyway.
A thudding set of footfalls from the street beyond focused his attention again, and he looked up just in time to see the groom come tearing around the corner, swing on the gatepost, dart through the courtyard, and-
"I'm late! Makeway!"
-rush past him so fast he was sent spinning even as he called out "Groom's arrived!" He bumped into the archway and fell flat on his back. Ugh, no wonder he got the nickname "The Humanoid Typhoon" if he always ran around like that. The guy was even trying to work into his suit as he tore up the road. However, Vash was gone, and he was still here. On the ground, actually. Meh, why fight what seemed to be his destiny today? He just laid there in the entry, sticking up an arm to point new arrivals in the right direction as they came. It was actually rather nice on the steps...
Inside, standing at the alter and fidgeting with his tie for the umpteenth time, one almost-late localized disaster began to sweat profusely. This was it. Before the hour was up, he'd be single no more. That assumed he didn't pass out, freeze, or spontaneously combust before then- he felt ready to do any or all of them, and his stomach was flipping more than most vehicles he tried to drive. He hardly heard the crowd noise over his ready to burst heart. A reassuring squeeze on the shoulder helped bring him back to reality. Good old Frank, he was the best- Best Man, that is.
"Hang in there, buddy. You've only got two words to say."
"Easy for you to say! You're not the one who has to speak."
"I've been through it all myself. There's nothing to it but to do it. Oh, you've got a few bent spikes on the side."
He hastily straightened out his hair in the reflection from the overly polished Cross Punisher that stood behind the alter. It was a nice touch, and actually looked completely in place, though something was a bit off... Suddenly, he spun around to the pews, eyes locked on a spot in the front row, but found nothing there. He glanced back and forth between the weapon and the pew a few more times, and rubbed his eyes for good measure. For an instant there, he could have sworn that he has seen Wolfwood sitting right up front. Great, now he was getting the heebie-jeebies as well as cold feet. Why weren't they done yet?
He began to scan the crowd to pass the time. Looks like Neon had no trouble staggering over from the bar, though it was a tad odd- how had the Bad Lads' leader managed to find out about the wedding? It hadn't even been two full days since Meryl proposed. Oh well, at least he had made the party a huge success. Roy, Julius, and Moore were all seated just one row back, and the elder Thompson had a big toothy grin and kept glancing at the lovebirds. Hoo boy, that would be something to watch once the news broke. Then there was the mayor, and there were the ladies, no doubt come to bid him a tearful farewell. Yes, the women of the world would be weeping tonight without his handsome face to chase after! ...though it looked like a few had found another one to chase after- Knives had his two escorts from last night right behind him. Well, good luck to them, bro was looking grumpy as ever. It was a surprise that Knives even showed up, he hadn't expected him to bother coming. It actually posed a bit of a problem- he didn't know quite what to feel about having his brother here. Well, Knives was family, so he could stay. However, one peep during the 'speak now or hold your peace' bit, and he'd toss Knives' sorry ass out on the street, family or not. Rai-dei was stuck all the way in the back, against the wall and scrutinizing everyone that came in. For Pete's sake, when was that guy going to stop acting like his personal bodyguard? He did pretty well on his own. Well, mostly, anyway... The rest of the crowd was a haphazard mix of dressed up Cavalry and townsfolk, engaged in a boisterous rapport that bounced around the room and kept it filled with good feelings. It was pretty relaxing, actually.
As he bounced a bit in his boots while rocking fore' and back, he heard the side entrance door clack shut. One automatic glance, a finely honed reflex for assessing someone entering through an alternate route, quickly turned into a double take. He blinked a few times as Milly came up.
"Hey, big girl. What's with the suit?"
"Well, we couldn't find a priest, and there was no time to run out to the steamers, so I thought I'd do it myself! ...If that's okay with you, Mr. Vash?"
He couldn't help but smile warmly. She just embodied so much of what made humanity good, and it kept showing up no matter what life threw her way. "That would be great. Wonderful, really. I'm sure Wolfwood's got everything covered up there, no matter who's doing things down here."
"You really think so?"
"I'm sure of it."
"I'm glad." She leaned a bit closer and dropped down to a whisper. "Though I hope it goes quickly. This suit is really uncomfortable..."
"Well, no wonder. It was made for a guy, and you buttoned it all the way up. Here, let me-"
Frank grabbed his wrist, and then he suddenly realized that unbuttoning the substitute priest's top, in the church, on his wedding, in front of all the guests, just might not be a very good idea. He brought his arm back and scratched his head, giving a weak laugh. Frank just nonchalantly adjusted his collar and tried to look stoic, but the gunsmith's reddened cheeks ruined the effect. Milly seemed not to notice either of them, and moved to the center to await the start of the ceremony.
He turned back to the door as a cavalrywoman appeared in it, looked back and forth a few times, then started to glare daggers to the corner with the organ. Glancing over, he noticed that the organist was slouched over, shoulders slowly rising and falling. He stuck his hand in a pants pocket and dug out a cufflink, then with a seemingly innocuous turn he brought the target into his field of fire and launched the cufflink. It impacted squarely in the small of the snoozer's back, who bolted awake and looked around haphazardly. Finally noticing the frantically gesturing person back at the door, the finely honed hands of a musician kicked into play and started up the first few notes, instantly silencing the crowd and turning all eyes to the entry.
"Beautiful..." His mind got stuck on that one word, as it was really all it needed right then. How he had used to throw around that term- beautiful this, beautiful that. Now, all those things were just "pretty" compared to her. Sure, maybe it was shallow to go on looks, but he knew in a way only a very few could that this beauty wasn't skin deep- quite the opposite, rather. It was an upwelling from within that had finally managed to work its way out. He could have watched her stride down the aisle for an eternity, and had to fight off an urge to just wrap himself around her and never ever let go. She eventually came to rest next to him and gazed up, eyes locking into his with only a thin veil between them. He could smell her bouquet- real roses, his favorite color too. They turned to the alter, and Milly began.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to unite this man, and this woman, in the bonds of holy alimony."
"Matrimony."
"Right! If there is anyone who would object to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace."
"Well, this is it..." He waited for the inevitable clamor to arise, but nothing was heard. Quite frankly, it was unnerving. Curiosity won out over common sense, and he poked at the hornet's nest. "/Hey, no objections?/"
"/Hardly. However, you seem adamant in going through with this disgusting thing, so I'll save my breath for something that might actually be influenced. I still consider this to be a horrible mistake./"
"/Noted and ignored. Still... Thanks./"
Milly giggled a bit. "Well, that should be long enough! No objections, so let's move on. Mr. Vash the Stampede, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"
Oh man, why did the guy always have to go first? He took a deep breath, and squeaked out some incomprehensible high pitched gibberish. He then blurted out "I do!", with just a little help from an elbow or two from his best man and almost-wife. Milly nodded and turned to Meryl.
"Ms. Meryl Stryfe, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love, honor, and cherish, for better or worse, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"The rings, please?"
Frank handed him the ring, and he paused for just a moment to take a look at it- he hadn't actually seen either ring before then, what with the whirlwind pace they had going. Indeed, between napping, scavenging, and last night's party, he hadn't done much of anything to help, aside from a bit of cash to grease the wheels. Probably had a fair chunk of that just go towards the little silver band in his palm. Flipping it over, he caught sight of a pale pink inlaid stone, shaped like a heart. Simple, durable, fairly unique, just a tad cheesy, and carrying love wherever it went- couldn't of been a better reflection of himself.
Looking back up, he caught sight of Meryl getting the hand off from Lina, and nearly ended up bursting into laughter. Lina was all decked up in a dress, with bows. Lots of bows. Pretty pink and yellow bows, with a few in her hair. And of course, stuck in the middle of the overwhelming mass of cuteness, Lina was fidgeting like the entire getup was infested with the plague. His cheeks puffed out as he fought to keep in the bubbling giggles, knowing full well what an outburst would result in.
"Are you okay?"
He nodded to Frank, and swallowed the unproduced laughs in one giant gulp. Another slight giggle brought him back to Milly. "Okay Mr. Vash, repeat after me. 'With this ring, I thee wed.'"
"With this ring, I thee wed." He slipped it onto Meryl's finger, and paused to admire how it appeared. It just looked so right being there...
"We're not done yet, Mr. Vash."
"Oh! Heh." He let go of her hand and scratched the back of his head while Milly prompted Meryl.
Meryl's voice came out strong and full of intent as always, but with a deep undertone of emotion she so rarely allowed herself. "With this ring, I thee wed."
She pushed it on, and he was left staring at his own hand and the wider silver band now on it. There was no gem on this one, but a simple design was etched into the ring and stretched all the way around it. A slightly wavy branch with leaves sprouting off to both sides- an olive branch. That meant something special, but before he could finish sorting through his head Milly finished up.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
He lifted the veil up and gazed into her eyes. This was only going to happen once to them, so he had better make it the best he could. In one smooth motion, he swept her around and down, leaned over, and applied the mother of all smooches. Applause thundered out among the hoots and hollers of the guests, though one really grating voice managed to surpass the others- "Use more tongue!" He ignored it- for now. Later, once they had some privacy... Well, that would be then.
For now, his little party moved off the alter and to a front row pew. At the same time Roy hauled Julius and Moore up, strode to the front, and planted them firmly in front of Milly.
"Dearly beloved, we are still gathered here today-"
"WHAT?!"
The exclamation came from the two simultaneously. Moore just stood there, mouth agape, while Julius spun around to Roy, who smiled, and then to the crowd, in which every Cavalry soldier gave him a thumbs up. The regiment commander then started to laugh, which completely ruined his proclamation that everyone there was now on latrine duty, permanently. While he squeezed the words out in between whoops, a crowd sprang up around the day's second bride and groom to give them a thirty second prep into a suitably bridal and groomal appearance. When the cluster of uniforms pulled back, the two were down to chuckles and the occasional finger wag. They finally settled down and turned back to Milly, hands joined.
"Let's do this thing."
"Wonderful! Now then, Mr. Julius, do you take..."
Man, that sure brought back memories. Fond ones at that, of his own wedding- how many years ago had it been? A good number, that was certain. Still, it hardly felt like it was more than a day ago as he watched the second ceremony of the hour come to a close. He sincerely hoped that both couples would long outlast his own tragically short marriage. However, in this world, outlaws and cavalry might be on opposite ends of the spectrum on paper, but both tended to end up stuck in the ground far too early. Yet no matter what the future might bring, right now, right here, it was their day.
At this point in their day, it looks like the brides were about to kick off the traditional method of choosing the next lucky ones to find marital bliss. A sizable crowd of single women had gathered before the two, and the moment the bouquets were tossed it turned into a mad scramble. Of course there were only two bouquets, so most would just have to wait until next time, whenever that would be. However, instead of heading foreward in a neat arc to the group of wannabe brides, Meryl's bouquet snagged on the dress sleeve and was shot around backwards. One startled substitute priest barely had time for an aborted "Eek!" before getting a facefull of flowers.
Needless to say, it did not take long for the now-wife to notice that her throw was a little off. She spun around and strode to her friend, a mumbled apology already spilling out. Milly seemed not to hear. She just stood there, mouth still parted in surprise, as she stared down at the red roses gently cradled in her hands. He noticed one petal jump as a drop landed on it, then another, but that was all. She bolted upright a moment later, all grins and giggles.
"Wow! That was some throw Meryl!"
"Sorry, I didn't mean to... Are those-?"
"Tears, yeah. Allergies, you know. Always popping down at the worst times!"
"But you've never... Yes, allergies! How silly of me to forget!"
Meryl turned about and moved to Vash, who was standing alongside Julius and laughing like he had no idea what just went on, but had probably laugh anyway lest he invite womanly wrath upon himself. That was Vash, but he knew better- and Vash probably did too, but just choose to remain ignorant. Not that the whole forced allergy excuse was that good to begin with- at least the crowd conversation kept it from reaching many ears. He slipped her his handkerchief and turned to watch the two grooms toss the single flowers that had adorned their vest pockets into the crowd of men. Again, things didn't quite turn out as expected.
A sudden blaring of a sandhorn made him jump, along with half the crowd and one of the grooms. This time it was Julius that misthrew, but instead of a behind the back toss his flew out high and fast, and looked to be heading right for Knives. Goddamn luck of the maniac... However, before it could complete its arc to the irritable plant, said plant glared at it and the flower suddenly stopped all forward motion, to fall straight down onto the hat of a Cavalry soldier. This seemed to greatly disappoint the other bridal bouquet holder, and a great deal of the gathered Cavalry. Much bemoaning about how "Ruddy the Robot" was going to get hitched before any of them came out. The Cavalry soldier finally figured out where the flower had landed with a bit of a bemused expression while the 'sandhorn' blew her nose again. Maybe he should just let her keep the thing...
As for the other wedding accouterments... Both managed to find their way to faces he recognized from last night's party. Vash's vest pocket contents got snatched up my a hulking man who beamed a smug look around the room. Despite the slight sway he had, he still managed to slick back his hair and not have a strand escape. There was something maddeningly familiar about the guy, he had to have seen him recently, but his mind kept drawing a blank. As for the other bouquet, the face was familiar and so was the current location- practically hanging onto Knives' shoulder. The more sultry one behind Knives' other shoulder was glaring daggers, lips firmly fixed in a pout and slightly hunched over, just enough to project irritation but not enough for that silly little hat of hers to fall off. As far as he was concerned, either one would be exactly what Knives deserved- Sultry would probably take him for all he was worth, while the bouquet holder would probably insist on sharing absolutely every little detail of her life with him, which would infuriate the plant to no end. Blinded by feminine wiles then robbed or have something under his skin for eternity- what a choice. Alas, the dance would go to someone else, since Knives seemed to repel flowers.
With the wedding proper over, everyone began to mingle as the pews were shoved to the sides. He drifted over to the food at the back, figuring he had better get what he wanted before the crowd sucked it up. He passed the musicians as they set up at the end of the concession tables- the looks promised that whatever they played would be interesting, given that he'd never heard an electric guitar and a harp at the same time. The trumpets and fiddles would also be interesting to hear, assuming they'd actually find time for playing between mouthfuls. He stopped the contemplate the soup and salad. Both looked great, and the aroma of the soup made his mouth water. However, the salad won out- it looked like everything was fresh and juicy, real top double dollar stuff, and that wasn't something to just pass up. As he piled it up, grabbing a few more tomato slices and onions, someone tapped on his shoulder. He turned to find one of the Cavalry women.
"Hey cute stuff, wanna dance?"
"Who, me?"
"Yes, you!"
"I'm flattered, but I'm already taken."
She nodded and left, but the exchange lingered in his mind. His response had been almost automatic, but even as it left his lips it felt empty. He pondered it while he settled down on the side. It wasn't true, but there was no guilt of a lie either... It had been years, since that awful day. Wasn't that long enough? The acute pain of loss had faded, but there was still a dull throbbing in his heart. His hand came up to clutch at it, and brushed against the revolver he kept above it. One of his specials, and the one he most wished he had never given out. He kept it with him at all times, always unloaded. That way, it could never be used so wrongly again. It was also his burden to carry, one that he couldn't shed yet. "No, not yet..."
He gave a start as the band struck up a waltz, jolting him out of his memories. This one was reserved for the newlyweds and the lucky catchers. He stood up to get a good view of them, and couldn't help but smile looking at the couples dance, or at least try to. The newlyweds just about managed to dance on air, Vash included. Ruddy and the bar girl were doing okay, though some toes would probably feel it in the morning. However, it was Milly and the showman that caught his eye. They were swooping around the others, their large stature giving them more distance, but that wasn't the only reason. As they turned, he got another look at her face. She looked so happy, save that instead of getting lost in the eyes of her partner, she was keeping hers closed. He sat back down, shook his head, and sighed. Whoever the poor girl was dancing with, it certainly wasn't the man in front of her. Maybe this was the fate of all with torn hearts- to only dance with ghosts and memories.
For some reason, he end up chuckling and had no idea why. He had enough of thinking for the day, so he simply grabbed the salad and started to shovel. It was every bit as juicy as it looked.
Much, much later, one bridesmaid was quite happy to be back in something with no goddamn bows, no goddamn lace, and best of all, no goddamn pink slippers. Give her some nice steel-toed boots anyday. She contemplated burning the thing, but decided that was too good- first, someone else would have to wear the atrocious dress, then she'd burn it. The only reason it had even managed to get on her in the first place was because it was Eriks getting married- if it was anyone else, she wouldn't have even touched the thing.
"His name is Vash, not Eriks, you know." She had been telling herself that for a while, but it just wasn't sinking in. Vash was the fearless outlaw. Eriks barely had enough backbone to remain upright. Vash wiped out entire cities. Eriks helped patch up the roof. Vash killed with impunity and no remorse. Eriks cried when he accidentally stepped on a bug. Vash cared for no one. Eriks wanted to make friends with every stranger on the street. They couldn't be the same person! And yet, somehow, everyone said they were.
She sprawled out on the beat up green sofa, put her feet up on the armrest, and stared at the ceiling. Eriks and her new sister-in-law hadn't come back to the apartment with the rest of them, and probably wouldn't be back until late tomorrow. She didn't want to let him out of her sight, but she knew enough to know that whatever was going on, the two did not want an audience for it. Still, why did he have to spent so little time with her? They were family...
"Mr. Vash sure has been busy lately. Tea?"
She swung into a sitting position and took the offered cup, sniffing at the contents. It smelled strong, and a slurp revealed no sugar or cream, just straight up bitter tea. She drained half the cup in a few gulps while Milly sipped hers slowly. The men were all either out or shut in their rooms to brood, so that left just the two of them. Compared to recent events, it left the room feeling very empty, almost lonely. It needed more.
"Say, Milly... You've known Vash for a long time, right? What's he like?"
"Don't you know? He's been around you about as long as we've been around him. Maybe you know him better, since he was able to be who he wanted to be instead of who he felt he had to be." Milly's face contorted a bit in confusion. "If that made any sense. He's always been so worried about others that he could never be who he is."
That made her feel a little better. Maybe everyone else was wrong, and Eriks was just Eriks. That still left her with an unknown family member. "And what about Meryl?"
"Meryl? Well, she's very complicated, so I'm not sure I can really tell you about her... I know! I can tell you all about our travels, that's much better than just hearing an opinion. I first met Meryl after they transferred me for the eighth time at Bernardelli, which was where we used to work. They needed someone to track down Vash the Stampede and minimize the damage he was causing, so..."
Once started storytelling, Milly was impossible to stop. She must have kept talking for hours, so it was good that she was excellent at telling the stories. Otherwise, drastic action involving the sofa cushions might have been required. As it was, the sheer volume was getting to her more than anything else. Maybe if she just rested her eyes for a bit...
Once Lina's eyelids drooped shut and her breathing slowed, she knew it was time for bed. Before she got herself ready, she found a nice warm blanket and draped it over the little big girl on the sofa. The poor dear was still exhausted from trying to find Mr. Vash, even though she pretended she was fine. A few more days of hot meals and good rest was just what was needed.
As for her own needs... Well, once she figured out what she needed, she'd be able to take care of it. For now, a spongedown to cleanse the body of grime followed by a night's sleep to do the same for the mind sounded about right. Anyone who didn't get enough sleep was bound to be rather distracted and grumpy the next day, and that helped nobody. Of course, being Milly, once it was decided it was as good as done. Just a few minutes later, she was ready for sleep, save one little task. She turned over to face the Cross Punisher, as it leaned against the wall beside the bed.
"It's been really busy today, Nicholas. Meryl and Mr. Vash finally got married! And I got to be the priest! Though I guess that's not really news, since you were there for the whole thing. I was really surprised that Mr. Neon was so good at dancing- people are just full of surprises, aren't they? Funny thing is, I couldn't think of anything but you the whole time... But afterwards, I did think a lot, about that and this, but mostly about what to do now. I'm not sure I have a job anymore, and I have a bad feeling that I'm in really big trouble. I mean really, really big trouble, like the kind Mr. Vash gets into. I really wish you were still here to say 'Everything'll be fine!' or something like that. I also thought of what it might be like if you hadn't gone away. We'd be married now, and I'd probably be getting all fat like big big sister did after she got married. Would it have been a boy or a girl? Or maybe three of each! Well, it's time to sleep, so I guess that's all... I wonder... if, just maybe... I might see them... when I dream?"
Milly fell fast asleep right after the last word. The Cross Punisher stood against the wall through the night. It couldn't guarantee sweet dreams, but it could chase away nightmares. That was good enough, really.
Sign here. And here. And over here. And here, here, here, and here. Oh, and initial over here too.
Wolfwood: Is this really necessary?
Hey, you're lucky I had a few Form M-837-R "Sanctification of Marriage by Proxy Post Mortem" on hand. Otherwise, you'd never make it in the three day window. The bureaucracy gets real nasty if that happens.
Wolfwood: Sheesh. Give a guy a break, why don't you? I'm supposed to be resting in peace, not up to my ears in paperwork!
A break, eh? And just where were you while the weddings were taking place? I couldn't find you anywhere around here!
Wolfwood: I was in the bathroom?
Nice try. Midvalley's been cooped up in there since he got here.
Wolfwood: Well, you're the one that's making me jealous of my own sidearm!
And what's that got to do with you being nowhere to be found? Though you do bring up an interesting possibility... I don't think anyone's done a MixCP fic yet...
Wolfwood: Don't. Even. Go. There.
Yeah, yeah... Well, that's another chapter done, and a rather good length one at that! Lots of little detail floating around, and I feel pretty good about it. Oh, I think I'll be having some fun with Knives and his girls. ¤snickers in a manner only capable by an evil author¤ Anyway, onwards to the attention you all so richly deserve, seeing as I've been a sick overworked slowarse with this chappy.
hope-is-4ever: I have a horrible feeling that your horrible feeling might be right.
cjflutterbye: An open-mouthed shocker? I still got it! and no, I'm not dead, just feeling dead. Which pretty much guarantees I'm not dead.
betsytheripper: I'm not going to die anytime soon, because I have socks to wash (guess the reference, win a cookie!). I think E.G. is available, though with the demand for these deceased GhGs maybe I ought to start charging... But I don't think there's a plumed purple hat that's large enough to do me justice, though The Stick could work as a Cane of No Mercy with some gold plating...
Blu: Man, your Zazie is a lot more fun than my Zazie. All mine does is curl up and cry about 'the bad place' and how he doesn't know why he's here. I've tried everything to cheer the little guy up- candy, beatings, sock puppets, beatings, sing-alongs, and beatings. Nothing is improving his morale!
Pen Against Sword: I know who wins the duel in your name. Or rather, who will have the populace remember that it won ;) Fear not, Milly will have her heart healed by the end (though that doesn't necessarily mean hitching up with someone), since I'm not that cruel as far as any of you know.
inkydoo: Cross your fingers for faster enjoyment output.
Yma: Actually, I only got around to half of Knives' reasons here. The rest lie beyond the other doorway to memory, and I shuffled them to a point a bit later on. That was pretty much when he decided that humanity was unsalvageable- the cause of his desire to kill in the first place shall be revealed when the story gets around to it.
Hopeful Wings: Zee wedding! Zee wedding! I hope you liked zee wedding!
Lone Warrior2: The List is good, right? Legato likes to make lists too, except they're all nasty...
kitsune: Aw, there's nothing wrong with that according to Legato, so you get a cookie! And as I just mentioned to Yma up yonder, this was only half of what made Knives so Knivesish. As for the bachelorette party, Meryl didn't bring along a headache remedy just for looks, though I seriously doubt she'd ever get totally smashed. Too much of a sense of responsibility for that to happen accidentally.