Lying in two muscular arms, Meryl gazed aimlessly towards the wall, many thoughts crowded in her mind. Two main emotions spiraled through her heart, relief and worry.

Happy that her secrets were out, Meryl smiled warmly. She felt lighter now that she'd told Vash about everything in her past she snuggled into Vash's bare chest, feeling as though she could never get close enough to him, always wanting to be nearer to her blonde haired lover.

Her back was now touching one of the cage-like grates on his upper chest but she didn't care, just as long as she was in his arms. Meryl closed her eyes as the gunman's steady breathing accompanied by his gentle heart beat lulled her to a blissful sleep.

Vash felt as his love snuggled into his arms, her cotton gown rubbing lightly against his flesh. Smiling lightly he listened as her breathing slowed and she fell asleep in his arms. I could have lost her. Tightening his arms slightly, he kissed the top of her head. "I believe…" he whispered, blowing her hair with his words, "that you were made just for me to love." Kissing her again he thought, and you were made too perfect.

Vash smiled again, unable to contain his happiness as he looked at her. She was his everything; his angel; his sanctuary…everything, and that's why he loved her. Remembering all the things Meryl told him earlier that day, he realized that she was as scarred as he was, but her wounds weren't visible except when she cried. Every tear…is a scar… He thought. She is so strong to be able to hide them…until recently. But she has no reason to hide any more. He brushed her hair away from her eyes. "You don't need to be strong in my arms. I will be your shield."

Now feeling his eyes drop sleepily he whispered one last time. "I love you Meryl Stryfe." He kissed her once more. Realizing he'd never tire of his feelings for her…or her even of her wonderful scent.

Knives groaned as another strike of pain his him with full force. He stood still, however, feeling as though he was tied up with black satin. Whispers echoed throughout his dark surroundings, the voice weeping in a tone of relief, though sad.

His legs were limp, his dark hair dripping with sweat. "I'm sorry." I whisper told him, the only audible statement. "I should have been stronger." The words rang in his head for a moment before Knives groaned in pain once again. "I should have been able to protect you."

Who is that? He thought, the voice sounding familiar.

"I should have been there with you…it's all my fault."

Knives then realized who it was. "It's not your fault." He grunted, trying not to scream in pain.

"I could have done more…but I was weak."

"Shut up…" he whispered, unable to say anything else to her. Another blow of pain pushed him down as far as he could, straining his arms.

"I should have been there with you…"

"You did great…" He attempted, his body being mentally torn apart. "If anything I should have protected you."

"I'm sorry." With that, he felt as a drop of moisture hit his cheek. "I love you."

Knives grinned, in spite of the pain. "I love you to…" with that he mentally passed out, unable to handle the pain any longer.

Milly apologized over and over, sweat caked over his body. His sheets were soaked with his perspiration, and his hands were clenched. He was grunting in his sleep and mumbling incoherently to her as she whispered to him, crying softly.

The tall girls eyes widened as his hands relaxed, his chest slowing their movements from heavy pants to slow steady breathing. Looking over at Knives, she watched in awe as strand by strand his hair went from shadowy grey to a dark smoke color. Little by little, she was noticing, his hair would lighten.

"I think you're healing…" she whispered, knowing he wouldn't be able to hear her. She leaned over, kissing his cheek lightly. "Hurry so I can hear your voice again…" Milly smiled, tears dripping across her lips.

Yawning, Milly finally surrendered to her to her emotional weakness, laying her head down on the edge of the bed, causing her to slouch her back in her seat.

Vash stretched and yawned loudly as he walked passed Meryl who was brushing her teeth in the bathroom. He kissed her lightly on the cheek and she smiled, foam on the corners of her lips.

Meryl spit the tooth paste out rinsing her mouth and wiping her face with a rag off of the counter. She set her tooth brush down as she felt an arm snake its way around her hip, pulling her close to a blonde haired gunman.

Vash looked at her with his deep teal eyes. "Good morning, beautiful."

Meryl smiled, but the frowned, pushing herself away from Vash. "Eww, Vash, you have morning breath."

The tall man gave his lover puppy dog eyes as he reached back over to her, but she stepped back, avoiding his tempting arms. Smirking he took off in a slight dash, pulling her into a kiss. Pulling back he looked at her. "Do I have bad breath?"

"Hehe, yeah." Meryl smirked bad. "And you don't kiss to well with bad breath either…go brush your teeth."

Vash dropped his arms, slumping miserably. "Okay fine…" and he trudged into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.

Meryl smirked, her own small win in a battle of good versus bad breath. Taking her clothes, she went down the hall to the other bathroom in order to wash away the previous day. After all, today is a new day.

Looking out the window, she noticed something peculiar however. There was no sky. There was no anything. The outside scenery was completely black. Walking towards the glass panes, she set her hand on it, then noticed it was ice cold.

She went towards the front door, pulling the cold handle harshly before she fell back, the wooden door falling open along with a pile of snow. Standing up, Meryl realized, they were trapped in the house.

Note: Dude you guys. I'm sorry that I didn't update last weekend. My uncle died last week and I was spending all my time over there with my aunt so I didn't have time to write. I am very displeased with this chapter...I must do better next week. Pray for New Orleans! One of my friends' aunt died in the hurricane. I think you may know her (my friend that is) her name is Zhen Ji or Lady Zhen Ji. Help the hurricane damaged and don't loot. Love and be merry. Get a xanga and look me up. C-ya Love Ya bye!

DPA(Pyro)