Disclaimer: I don't own Trigun or any other anime - I just like making up stories…oh, and this is my second official fan fic and my first Trigun fan fic so I'll just apologize now if it sucks. Sorry!

Chapter Thirteen: The Wager

How can you trust something or someone in hopes of the good things to come when there is so much doubt about their coming? I've heard it said that good things come to those who wait and have patience. I trust she will prove me right.

A few townspeople watched through their windows at the two strange men walking down the road. The wind pulled at the darker blondes red coat and he was rolling his eyes in frustration about something. His obvious twin was scowling and shaking his head. The brothers were actually having yet another heated discussion, although none but themselves knew it, for the conversation was not audible.

I can't believe you! Carrying her off like that, spending all that time worrying about her and you still feel badly for her even after she slaps you! The pale blonde glared at his brother.

Knives, you've got to trust me, if you knew her better you'd understand. She was surprised! I can't say I blame her; She was in a strange bed and women are very, sensitive about their clothing. The golden blonde nodded his head at his brother.

But she's such a witch! She had no interest in your welfare.

No, she's not a witch and she does have interest in my welfare.

Yes, she is a witch and what makes you think she cares at all? Why are you taking her side?

"Knives. You've got to change your attitude." The red coated man stopped in his tracks and spoke in a hushed voice to his brother. "I realize her behavior makes you frustrated, but there's a reason for her reaction. Listen, this anger, this hostility – it isn't right and you know it. I'm on your side, I always will be, but you just haven't seen the good side of mankind." Vash stood directly before his brother now and squared his shoulders as he continued. "How about this, let's make a deal. We'll stay here for awhile, maybe a week, and during that time I want you to observe mankind as I see it. If, at the end of the week, you don't see what I'm talking about, then I will leave all of this, even her, and do whatever you want. Deal?"

Knives raised a suspicious eyebrow at his brother. "Just a week? That's it?"

"Just a week. If you can't see a loving, peaceful example of humanity in Meryl or someone else in this town than we don't have to stay here, I'll go wherever you want."

"You've got yourself a deal Vash." Knives smiled and shook his brother's hand.

"Great! Now, let's get back to the ladies, I bet Meryl's up and at 'em by now." Vash smiled momentarily and then shuddered. "I hope she's in a better mood."

Does her temper frighten you brother?

Well, she can be a little bitchy.

And she's the one you want to prove humanities love and peace through?

Vash smiled. Yeah. Despite her bitchiness, she's an excellent example. You should see her with children…

Meryl finally stepped down off the staircase and looked around the hallway she was in. Well, one thing's for sure, Marianne has a good living here. She admired the lovely decorations of the hall she stood in before hearing her name called from behind a door before her. It was Marianne.

"I'm here." Meryl sighed and entered what she found was the dining room. Gasping at the spread on the table before her she turned to Marianne who was putting the final touches on the table. "This is what you call a light dinner?"

"Well, it was at first, but I suppose I got a little carried away. It's not everyday I have an acquitted but infamous criminal and his psychopathic brother over for dinner." Marianne smiled sweetly. "It should be a very interesting meal, wouldn't you agree?"

Meryl was speechless, but it didn't matter much, for at that moment the doorbell rang.

"Oh it must be the rest of my guests." Marianne smiled again at Meryl. "Shall I, or would you like to do the honors?"

"Sure." Meryl found herself entering the hallway again and quickly approaching the front door before she realized how eager she must have seemed. Stupid, why did you jump at the chance of greeting him like that?

As he approached the good Marshall's gate, Vash suddenly felt incredibly uncomfortable. Just a few steps from the porch he started sweating. He wasn't sure when his collar had gotten to be so very tight but it was, and he sure he was going to suffocate.

"No, you're not." Knives' calm voice sounded beside Vash, bringing him back into reality.

"She's in there, just beyond this door. What should I say to her? What will she say to me?" Vash felt his face flush.

"Just relax; it's not that big of a deal." Knives said.

"Not that big of a deal? I left her all alone with a pregnant woman and as far as she knew I was going to my death! I should have said something! I didn't tell her how I felt before I left and she didn't say anything to me either, but," he paused.

"But what?"

"But I know she loves me just as much as I love her." Vash stammered at his sudden expression. Giving a heavy sigh he turned to look into his brother's wide eyes.

"You're joking." Knives stared at him.

"Not at all." Vash's faux serious voice answered him. "I knew she had a good heart when we met, I knew she would mean more to me than any other girl I've ever come across. The more we worked together, I saw how well we completed each other, like a perfect fit. She figured me out."

"I can't listen to anymore of this or I'll be sick." Knives turned and rang the doorbell.

"What should I do?" Vash's panic stricken voice cried out as he hid himself behind brother.

Knives turned angrily and grabbed his brother, pulling him into a headlock. "You're going to grow up and be an adult about this and just act calm before – "

But the door opened before Knives could finish his lecture and a very surprised Meryl stood before the brothers.

"What are you doing?" Meryl's voice sounded concerned.

Knives coldly released his brother and Vash stood to his full height and smiled bashfully at the woman before him.

To Be Continued…

need input, must have input! do you know how hard it is to churn out stuff without anyone giving me their thoughts? lisa