Trigun is owned by Yasuhiro Nightow.

He's awake

Vash and Meryl stood like stone as they gazed at Knives. He leaned leisurely against the porch pole and looked bored with the whole thing. Vash blinked, while Meryl stared wide-eyed.

"Knives…" Vash spoke finally. He took great care with Meryl and moved her behind his back keeping him in between her and Knives. There was no telling what he might do, or even how much he had heard.

"Yes brother? I asked if you two could keep it down. Can you? I was enjoying a rather good dream and then you started yelling about owning that human behind you. Did you really think that I would want such a disgusting creature? Really Vash, what do you take me for?"

"It seems he hasn't been up that long." Whispered Meryl, Vash nodded grimly and gripped her arms tighter.

"Knives. Are you…alright?" questioned Vash. He feared for everyone in the town, Meryl and Stella could only do so much.

Knives glared at Vash and tried to sneak a peek at Meryl who continued to hide. It was Nick's loud laugh that broke the three of their stares.

Knives looked to the disturbance and grew even sterner.

Stella walked up to them, a smile on her lips. She took one look at the situation and feeling Meryl's unvoiced plea for help walked up to Knives and smiled adoringly at him.

"Well mate we finally meet in the waking world." And taking his hand pulled him back into the house.

The four sets of eyes blinked, not really registering what had occurred. Millie and Nick turned to Meryl and Vash.

"Well Vash, Stella gave big girl and me the keys to the room she rented at the inn. We're going to go there tonight. I'll leave dealing with your brother to you and short girl. Have fun!" Nick waved as he and Millie walked away.

"Are you sure they'll be alright? We don't know how Mr Knives is going to take the news." Whispered Millie once they were out of ear shot.

"Don't worry big girl. If there is anyone that can handle Knives it's the short girls. Remember what Meryl said, she'd kill anyone who tried to hurt the ones she loves. And we both know that she loves Vash and well Stella, that's a given."

----

Meryl and Vash continued to stand in the middle of the road for another few moments digesting what had just happened. Meryl could tell through her link that Stella was explaining what they were. She seemed quite at ease, but that was Stella for you, she could be calm and happy in a sand storm. Vash as well picked up humour from Knives as well as all things related to carnal lust. He was looking at the time wasted beating up on Vash as a waste. He should have been looking for the twins and begun procreating. Vash shuddered and held Meryl closer.

"I think we should go in now." Said Meryl, She didn't really want to but they had to sleep, and well, her and Vash had some things to work out.

"Uh huh." Mumbled Vash as he led them inside.

There they found Knives sitting with Stella on his lap while she stroked his face. Meryl and Vash stood very still, their eyes slowly making their way out of their heads. This was not what they had been expecting.

'Uh Stella what the hell are you doing?' gasped Meryl. Never in their years together had she seen her sister so affectionate with anything male.

'Why Meryl, I'm just getting to know my mate, just as you are to. Don't worry, I wont let him do anything stupid. Go to bed, take your Vash and make sure he knows where he belongs.' Stella then closed the mental door that linked the twins. Meryl sighed and tugged on Vash's arm to lead him to the single bedroom.

Vash at the same time was having a rather disturbing discussion with Knives. 'Umm Knives…what are you doing?'

'Exactly what you were planning on doing with your mate, brother. I'm just far better at it then you. I have been looking into what our superior bodies can do. And procreating was one of them. Now you go on and make that mate of yours scream and I will do the same with mine. That is of course if you know how to please her, but if you need to be shown how I'll gladly show you…' Knives chuckled when he not only felt Vash's disgust but saw it on his face.

Vash felt Meryl pull at him and he went with out complaint. He just hoped that Knives had not been serious, he hoped…