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 Nineteen: Man/Woman

We sit and smile at each other when our minds race with unspoken words. The question is, why are we so afraid to say them? Why are we so afraid to love?

The Marshall's house was situated in the new part of town. It was the nicely located in the center of the street, so someone who was observant could see people coming and going without having to move much. It was the perfect way to spend the late morning. So, Meryl sat on the porch, the same porch where only a few hours before hand Vash had kissed her. She had just been joined by the Marshall who was now relating some stories she had accrued over the years and they were both laughing, when Vash and Knives rounded the corner of the street. Both women stopped laughing and shot each other understanding looks.

Marianne rose to her feet and moved towards the steps to welcome her guests for the second time that week. She looked calm, but she didn't feel that way; everything was dependant on Knives actions and she didn't like it when the ball was in the other court. Meryl, on the other hand, didn't even attempt to contain her worked up state. She wanted to hold his hand and laugh at his jokes, but she had never shown him that side of her, what if he didn't like it?

Of course, the condition of the women was quite equivalent to the condition of the men. Vash was excited and yet terrified. He was torn between running up to Meryl, scooping her up in his arms and covering her with kisses and walking up to Meryl and offering her a polite handshake. What would she want? Knives was also in a state of complete frustration. He couldn't abandon his brother after all they've been through, but that Marshall made his skin crawl. How was he supposed to react to her anyways?

They had reached the gate. Meryl got to her feet and moved over next to Marianne. Vash threw up a saluted greeting and waved for the women to come nearer. He was grinning and he shouted out to them.

"Are you lovely ladies ready for a super delicious lunch? It'll be our treat!"

Meryl looked at Marianne who smiled politely at Vash and answered him . "If you're paying, you bet we're hungry."

The walk to the diner had been fairly silent. Marianne walked beside Meryl and Vash took his place on the other side of Meryl, with his brother at his side. Marianne had chattered on about the landmarks they passed on their way, but mostly everyone was lost in their thoughts. Vash and Meryl took turns exchanging shy smiles and glances that Marianne and Knives ignored. Of course, had Knives been interested in listening to the thoughts of the other three people in the party he would have found quite the tumultuous chorus of thoughts crying through their minds. At current, he was planning out a strategy to turn the tables of control back to the Marshall. He had decided that his experience with women was just too limited for him to make any important moves, and seeing as killing the Marshall was not an option, at least not currently, he had to initiate a very surface conversation Marianne had fortunately run out of small talk topics and gave them all a minute of silence. They neared the diner and he decided to make his move.

So, how are you feeling today? He looked expectantly over at Marianne.

"You'll have to tell me how you do that." She turned towards him and smiled. He frowned, that wasn't exactly what he expected her to say.

"What was that?" Meryl looked confused.

"Er, I was just reminding myself to ask Knives a question." Marianne smiled back at Meryl.

Knives eyes narrowed just slightly. "You didn't answer my question."

I'm feeling just fine, thank you Knives. How are you? Marianne lifted an eyebrow at Knives.

Vash saw the tense looked shared between the Marshall and his brother and decided to distract Meryl before the situation intensified.

Have I told you how beautiful you look today?

Meryl blushed. "Er, no, I don't believe you have."

Well, that was a distraction. He grinned at her as they found their table and got situated around it. For some reason they always seemed to face their frustrations over meals, it made it very difficult to digest their food. The poor waiter seemed confused by the lack of conversation at the table as he took their orders. The short girl kept speaking, but no one was speaking to her – out loud.

Vash couldn't take his eyes off of Meryl. Did you sleep well last night?

"Yes I did. How about you?" She asked.

I slept great! I had some pretty amazing dreams. He grinned at her.

I have no complaints. Knives tone of voice wasn't convincing as he answered the Marshall telepathically.

That's right, I can't imagine you having complaints! That would be a show of weakness, a show of emotions. Which reminds me. The Marshall sipped her water and looked up at Knives. Tell me Knives, other than man's inferiority, does anything else move your emotions at all?

"Oh no, should I even ask?" Meryl laughed.

Absolutely! They were great dreams, you'll be missing out if you don't let me share them. Vash widened his grin.

Meryl blushed slightly and then much to her surprise found herself asking him. "Alright, tell me about them, if you want to."

Knives shifted in his seat. He couldn't concentrate. How could a mere woman make him feel so uncomfortable and why in the hell did that short woman keep talking out loud? My twin insists on making a display out of his emotions, obviously we experience them. Knives returned Marianne's shrewd look.

Ah, but your brother's emotions are obviously not yours or you would be fawning over Meryl right now. Come on Knives, I'm not interested in understanding what makes Vash tick, I asked you. Marianne smiled.

Well, I was dreaming about you. Vash suddenly donned a serious expression. I was thinking about the future.

"Er, what about the future?" Meryl's face suddenly felt hot.

VASH! Can't you teach her how to use her mind? Her voice is so irritating! Knives interrupted their conversation.

Not now Knives! Damn, give me a minute! Vash shot an angry look at his brother. He looked back at the red-faced short girl sitting next to him and smiled. Where was I?

"The future." Meryl blinked.

Right... Vash grinned again. Where should I start…

To Be Continued…