Love and Peace
Chapter Three
Meryl and Vash walked into the house hand in hand, quickly divesting themselves of their footwear and made their way into the front room. Upon seeing who the visitor was Meryl's face dropped and lost all color. There sitting on one of the sofa's was her family's advisor and good friend William Maystone, upon seeing her enter the room he quickly rose from his seat and made his way over to her. Grasping her free hand and bowing down as he brought it to his lips and placed a chaste kiss upon her knuckles.
" Madam, might I say you look very lovely this evening. I'm very sorry to come all this way and interrupt your evening but I'm afraid I come bearing some grave news. Two days ago in the early evening your grandfather Alistair Bernadelli passed away, his last wish was for me to come and inform you of this and that you are now eligible to take over his company. You family has also sent me here to take you home for the funeral which is in three days time from tomorrow." William looked at Meryl with deep sympathy.
Sitting on another one of the sofa's was Millie and Wolfwood, Millie was softly crying while Wolfwood looked somber as he comforted his lover. Vash who was still standing beside Meryl felf her stiffen beside him and saw tears well up in her eyes as the news of her grandfather's passing on was given to her. He gently squeezed her hand to assure her that he was there for her and he saw her relax somewhat from the corner of his eye. He himself felt his heart torn at the thought that the girl he loved was saddened, but what saddened him most was that Meryl was leaving for who knew how long.
" I'm very grateful William that you took the time to come all the way here to tell me about my grandfather. I know the trip out must have been a long one. When is it that we will have to leave to get back in time?" Meryl's voice shook with unshed tears as she adressed her family's oldest and dearest friend.
"Well I would hate to say it but the sooner we leave, then the sooner we get there. So we should be leaving tonight as soon as we can." William spoke with finality in his voice giving the impression there would be no arguing his suggestion.
Nodding her head in the affirmative Meryl's shoulders slumped and she finally let the tears flow freely down her face as everything she had just been told sank in. Quickly Vash wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug and whispered soothing words into her ear as she silently cried. Taking deep breaths Meryl calmed herself down and put on her no nonsense face and looked around the room and at the people that were gathered in their cozy front room. Trying as she might to figure out what she should do, should she just stay here and send her condolences or should she obey her families orders and come home for the funeral? First she looked at Vash who had an unreadable face but his eyes told her everything, he was upset she had to leave so suddenly, but he accepted it and would wait for her return. Then she looked at William, a man she hadn't seen for years who looked much older than the last time she saw him, his face was wrinkled and his eyes bore dark circles under them. His hair was many shades greyer and his face had stubble on it from not shaving in the past couple days. Then she looked over to her best friend Millie who was still sniffling but had herself under control finally, beside her sat Wolfwood who still wore a grim face but his eyes told her the answer she was looking for. Finally she came to a decision, albeit a hard one to say the least. Giving a long sigh Meryl spoke.
"Alright Mr. Maystone. I'll get my bags together and we will leave as soon as we can. But I have a question for you, may I bring a bodyguard along with me?" Meryl looked over to Vash as she finshed speaking to see him look up in surprise at her.
"I don't think that would be a problem Madam, and where might we find this bodyguard of yours?" William looked to Meryl awaiting an answer from her so they could get going.
"Well he's right here. William I would like to introduce you to Vash the Stampede, my bodyguard and best friend." William looked to the man that was standing beside Meryl and his face quickly transformed from its original exhausted look to one of pure shock. Vash stepped forward and extended his hand out to the elderly man to shake his.
"It's a pleasure to meet you sir. I'd be honored to be yours and Meryl's bodyguard for the trip." William grasped Vash's hand and shook it returning the pleasentries, once that was done Meryl cleared her throat once more and looked at the two men.
" Well Vash, seeing as you're now coming along with myself and Mr. Maystone, might I suggest that we go and pack as quickly as we can for the trip so we can be going?" Meryl gave Vash her trademark no nonsence look and he knew she meant business. Straightening his posture and giving her a semi salute Vash nodded.
"Yes ma'am. I'll get right on it ma'am. Just don't wallop me!" Vash looked out of the corner of his eye to where Wolfwood was sitting and saw him snigger behind his hand, trying vainly to make it look like he was coughing. Beside him Millie was giving him a perplexed look.
Rolling her eyes Meryl made her way to the stairs and up to her room where she could pack. Vash following right behind her to do the same. It was only when Vash stepped into his room and noticed the silouette of his sleeping brother in his bed that he realised that they may have a problem. What were they going to do with Knives!? Quickly but silently he made his way out of his room and down the hall to Meryl's barely taking the time to knock before entering.
"Meryl! We have a tiny little problem." Shutting her suitcase that she just finished packing Meryl looked at Vash.
"And what kind of tiny problem do we have Vash? This better be good." Vash scratched the back of his head trying to figure out the best way to break it to Meryl that Knives was going to have to come along for the trip as well.
"Well, you remember how I said that Knives is here?", At Meryl's affirmative nod he continues, "Well, you see, he's still unconscious and I can't leave him here with Wolfwood and Millie alone! Who knows what he might do when he first wakes up!" Realization dawns over Meryl's face and she nods her head slowly.
"Well then, we'll just take everyone with us. That way Millie can go shopping for baby stuff while in the city, not to mention she can see my family doctor to get a check-up. Plus we could also get the doctor to examine both Wolfwood and your brother too. Does that sound okay to you?" Meryl watches Vash's face as he lets what she just told him sink in. Suddenly his face breaks into a wide grin and he grabs her around the waist and swings her around whooping for joy, setting her back on her feet he plants a solid kiss on her lips.
"You are brilliant! Have I ever told you that? I think that's a great idea, I'm going to go and tell the others and then finish packing." Again Vash plants another swift kiss upon Meryl's lips and runs from the room, leaving her standing there in a daze, slowly she raises her fingers to her lips and smiles.
'This trip just might not be that bad afterall.' She bemusedly thinks to herself and resumes the rest of her packing. In the distance she hears Vash excitedly telling the others the change of plans, proceeded by their hurried footfalls coming up the stairs to their respective rooms to pack.
No more than a half and hour later everyone was assembled downstairs all dressed and ready for travel. Vash stood with Knives supported up against his one side holding him up, while Meryl stood on Knives' other side holding him up as well. Millie and Wolfwood stood off to the side of them and William looked at the bunch in awe. Quickly William snapped out of his awed state and cleared his throat.
"So are we all ready to go now?" The group nodded they were and they all set out from the house to the local sand steamer station down the street, which was also the local tavern.
Quickly stepping inside the tavern to get their tickets, Meryl informed her boss that a family emergency came up and she could not make it into work for the next little while, luckily her boss was understanding of her situation and told her to send notice in the next couple days and let her know when she would be returning. The groups transportation arrived shortly after they got to the station and everyone got ready to board the steamer. Both Millie and Meryl exchanged looks of worry as they began to make their way up the platform onto the large vessel, Vash and Wolfwood noticed the girls' exchange and fought to stifle their laughter. It was well known between the group of friends that everytime the girls rode on the sand steamer they were hijacked by bandits. The small group made their ways to the cabins they would be sleeping in and began to settle in, Millie and Wolfwood took one cabin. Vash, Meryl and Knives in another and Mr. Maystone took the last one. Due to the tickets being bought so short notice the group was only able to get the three tickets. As Meryl and Vash walked into the cabin they were to be sharing they stopped short at the sight of only two beds occupying the room, Meryl flushed a rosy color and Vash almost dropped Knives in shock. Looking over to Meryl to gauge her reaction Vash was surprised to see her blushing. Clearing his throat Vash gestures to the beds after he settled Knives in one of them.
"So, uh I can take one bed with Knives and you take the other if you want." Mentally Vash was kicking himself, 'Why would you say that!? You broomhead!'
"Well you and I could share a bed too you know. I mean Knives is wounded afterall and you should probably give him room. You know, just so you don't bump into him or anything hurting him more in the night, I mean. You don't have to if you don't want to, it was just a thought. I don't mind sharing a bed with you." Meryl blushed a deep scarlet as she finished her sentence.
'Oh great, now he's going to think you want to do more than just sleep next to him. Way to go Meryl.' Meryl chastised herself looking down at the floor avoiding looking at Vash. She was shocked when Vash came back over to her from where he had just laid Knives down and tilted her face upwards to look him in the eyes, a tender look on his face.
"Are you sure Meryl? You realy wouldn't mind sharing a bed with me? Because I really can just take the bed with Knives, it's no problem at all." Meryl shook her head and blushed even more at the thought of sharing a bed with Vash, vivid images of just what they could do in a bed flooded her mind.
"No, I don't mind." She managed to say in a timid voice. A shy smile rested on her lips. Vash gave her a shy smile of his own and spoke with tenderness.
"Okay then, it's settled. We're sleeping together."
Just then outside the door they heard someone gasp and another person start to choke, hurriedly they opened the door to find Millie and Wolfwood outside their cabin. Millie had her hands covering her mouth and Wolfwood was choking on the smoke he had just inhaled from the cigarette he had hanging from his lips. Taking in the scene in front of them both Meryl and Vash began to laugh, knowing that their friends must have only started eavesdropping on the last half of their conversation. Sobering up Vash looked at his friends, he tried to put on the most serious face he could muster.
"You know, if you two are going to eavesdrop you could at least and try and make it to the door for the whole conversation." Millie dropped her hands to her side looking embarrassed and Wolfwood looked up curiously at Vash's statement.
"So what is it then you two were talking about Vash, you have my full attention now friend." Wolfwood questioned a little out of breath from his recent incident with the cigarette smoke.
"Take a look for yourself in our room, we only have two beds, and figure it would be best to give Knives a bed to himself." Both Millie and Wolfwood peeked their heads into the cabin and noted that there was indeed only two beds, one of which was already occupied by Knives. Looking between themselves and then to Vash and Meryl, the couple bowed their heads in apology.
"We're sorry Mr. Vash and Meryl. We shouldn't have eavesdropped and then assumed the wrong thing." Millie spoke a blush tinting her cheeks. Meryl laid a hand upon her friends shoulder.
"Oh Millie, it's okay. Don't worry about it. No harm done right? Now how about we go and grab a bite to eat everyone?" Meryl looked at the group and they all nodded a quick yes in answer.
The dining room of the steamer was an extravagent room, with enough space to accomadate over three hundred or more passengers. The group quickly found themselves a free table and sat down waiting for a server to come and take their order, chatting and conversing amongst themselves as they did so. Soon enough a pretty young woman with short red hair and a shapely figure came to their table and took the orders from the four friends, the dinner arrived shortly after the orders were placed and the group quickly tucked into their meal savouring every bite. After the meal Millie and Wolfwood decided to retire to bed saying they were exhausted but that they would have breakfast with Meryl and Vash in the morning. Once the couple was out of sight Vash and Meryl stood from the table and made their way out of the dining room, once in the hall Vash stopped walking suddenly and turned to Meryl looking over at her with an unreadable look in his eyes.
" Is there something the matter Vash? Why did you stop?" Concerned that Vash had noticed something out of the ordinary Meryl surveyed her surroundings.
" No nothings wrong, I just thought maybe we could go for a walk if you wanted to. Would you like to join me Meryl?" Vash's face turned a light shade of pink and he scratched the back of his head nervously.
" I would like that. Where do you want to walk to? Anywhere specific you have in mind?" Meryl looked at Vash as he took a moment to consider possible places they could walk around and check out and suddenly he had an idea.
" Yeah, there is somewhere I'd like to go. Follow me." And with that he took hold of Meryl's hand and started leading the way.
Within minutes Vash ariived at the destination that he was intending to take Meryl to, he had led them to the observation deck of the steamer. Opening the door that led them outside and onto the deck Vash looked over at Meryl and gave her a tender smile and a gentle squeeze of the hand that he still held onto. Walking out into the crisp night air the two looked at the scenery around them in awe, gently Vash led Meryl over to the rails and they looked out into the desert and into the star filled sky. To Meryl the simplest things like she was doing now with Vash were the most amazing things to her, having grown up in the city of December she never really got to do anything like this growing up. And since she was assigned to find Vash the Stampede she's experienced more than she ever had in less than a year while travelling with him. Beside her she heard Vash clear his throat and say her name, turning to him she looked at him, her lilac eyes shining with happiness and a smile from one side of her face to the other.
" Meryl, there's something I wanted to tell you earlier when we were out sitting on the bluff before we were interrupted. " At Meryl's nod of understanding he continued, " Well, you see, I love you. I know that I'm a plant and that I'm probably going to outlive you and that someday you're going to grow old and pass on leaving me behind. But I want to spend every moment that I can with you, even if that means that someday I will lose you. You mean too much to me and I don't want to lose any time that I can have with you, that is to say if you'll have me." At Vash's confession Meryl's eyes welled up with tears. Giving a shaky breath Meryl reached out and brought her hands up around Vash's shoulders to tangle in the back of his head and into his hair slowly bringing his face down to hers, laying a gentle kiss upon his lips. Once she pulled back from the kiss, she whispered against his lips five words, the ones he longed to hear.
" I love you too, Vash." Without hesitation Vash claimed Meryl's lips in a searing kiss that sent jolts through both of them, it was like time itself stopped for the both of them and nothing existed but them at the time. As the need for breath occured the new couple slowly pulled away from each other, both just staring into each others eyes exchanging silent endearments.
" Vash, I've wanted to tell you that I loved you for a long time, I just could never find the right words. And with you so preoccupied with finding your brother I didn't want to trouble you. But there's something else I wanted to tell you." Meryl paused with what she was saying as she tried to find the right words to convey what she wanted to say at Vash's nod to continue she did, " You know how you said you never wanted to lose me?" Again Vash nods and she presses on, " Well the thing is... you won't. I'm not actually a human, I'm a plant too Vash, and so are Millie and Wolfood." At this Vash look confused.
" I don't understand, I thought Knives and I were the only ones. This is amazing, I never would have guessed. I mean I knew you were special and that there was something different about you guys. But for you I just thought it was my feelings for you making me think that. And as for Millie I just thought it was her personality, Wolfwood I could never pinpoint what it was, but I knew there was something to him. But how did this all come to be?" Vash's face was lit up in excitement at this new found information about his friends, finally he wasn't alone, someone was just like him! Meryl thought a moment at just how she could explain how she, Millie and Wolfwood all came to be on this planet, spotting a bench just a couple feet away from them she pointed at it and suggested they sit down while she explained. Once seated she began her story.
" Well you see Vash, when you and Knives were aboard the one ship, Millie and I were aboard another not that far off from yours. And Wolfwood was in one of the last ones. Besides your ship there were only two others that actually had crews awake on them, which were in fact the ones that Millie, Wolfwood and I were aboard. Much like you and Knives we were all basically discovered the same way, Millie and I were found in the middle of night together as babies and Wolfwood I'm not too sure yet. With Millie and I the only difference we have from you and your brother is that we are not siblings, but somehow connected in some way or another we've never been able to figure out. My mother Mery-lynn Strye and Millie's mother Maddie Thompson were the ones that found us. And my father Johnathan is Alistair Bernadelli's son, who is of course my grandfather. " Meryl finished her explanation and watched Vash's reaction, not once did the smile that was plastered on his face leave, in fact with each new fact it grew larger. Just as Vash was about say anything more about this new information the door to the observation deck swung open and a man dressed in a steamer staff uniform stepped onto the deck and walked towards the couple.
" Pardon my intrusion folks, but we are about to lock up the doors leading into the steamer for the night. So if you could please come back in that would be greatly appreciated." Nodding the two stood up from the bench and made their way back inside the steamer and down through the corridors until they were outside the door to their cabin.
Quietly so as not to wake up Knives the couple made their way inside and divested themselves of their shoes and jackets. Sitting on the bed they would be sharing, Vash watched as Meryl neatly put away their luggage they wouldn't be needing until the next day. Once finished she made her way over to the bed and sat next to Vash, tenderly he wrapped his arm around her waist bringing her closer to him resting his head on top of hers, breathing in her scent. She smelled of apples and vanilla, god how he loved that smell. Slowly he turned his head to face her as she did the same, within mere seconds the couple were kissing . Slowly one of the hands that Vash had looped around Meryls back left its place, only to come and rest upon her side as he gently lowered them into a laying down position on the bed. Meryl then took that chance to reach over and dim the latern that was beside their bed to the lowest setting, giving the room a sultry glow. Pulling back slightly, Vash took in the most beautiful sight before him; there was the love of his life laying there on the bed looking up at him. Her face was slightly flushed from the excitement coursing through her, and her pink lips now swollen from their kissing, but her eyes was what got him the most excited. Not only were they clouded with lust but they were now almost a silver color with her desire for him. Once more he lowers himself so their lips are almost touching and he whispers to her.
" I love you. My insurance girl."
That's all it took and Meryl quickly closed the distance between their faces once more, drawing him flush against her body as their mouths worked against each others. Vash's tongue darts out against Meryl's bottom lip seeking entrance which she gladly permits, soon hers joins with his tasting and exploring every crevice of her lovers mouth, as he does the same to hers. Slowly the hand that Vash had resting on Meryl's side begins to explore, caressing and feeling his way around her side and onto the flat plains of her stomach on the outside of her shirt. As he reaches the bottom hem of the shirt, he looked into her eyes for permission to explore even further under it. At her small moan of approval, he slowly traces his fingers over a small amount of her stomach he just exposed for himself. Gently he lowers his head and places a lingering kiss where his fingers just were, slowly inching his way up sliding the shirt further until he reaches the fabric that covers her breasts, small moans were escaping her throat as he continued what he was doing. Meryl at the same time was running her fingers through Vash's hair and then continuing on under his shirt collar. Once there she proceeds to gently run her nails over the scars on his shoulders, causing Vash's breath to hitch in his throat and a pleasured moan to escape his lips. He still continued kissing the plains of her stomach and back up to her chest and collarbone gently nipping them and then kissing the spot he just nipped. Enjoying his ministrations Meryl arched her back off the bed slightly and gave a tiny mewl of appreciation, taking this as a good sing Vash proceeded to rid her of the shirt tossing it onto the floor. Following his actions Meryl copied him and started to undo the buttons on his shirt craving the touch of his skin against her own, soon his shirt joined hers on the floor as she undid the last button and slid the shirt from his toned upper body running her hans over his exposed skin. Excitement coursed through Vash's veins once more as he pulled back and examined the woman beside him. Her creamy white skin glowing in the pale light filtering from the lantern that was beside their bed, her breasts swelled just slightly over the top of her bra and a flushed look across her face. Meryl was having very similar feelings herself as she took a moment to examine Vash when he pulled away from her. Although his body was scarred from fighting, or not fighting back in Vash's case, to Meryl he was perfect.
"Meryl, I love you. And before I go any further, I just want to be sure that you do. If you want to stop where we are at right now I can, I just don't want to push anything on you that you're not ready to do yet. You excite me so much and if we go any further, there may be a chance I won't be able to stop. So just give me the word and I'll stop. Is that okay?" Vash lays his forehead against Meryl's as he speaks, pressing a soft kiss against her cheek as he does so. Without any hesitation Meryl loops her arms around Vash's back and pulls him against her body lightly grinding her hips against his, feeling his erection through the soft fabric of his pants. Both of them bit back a groan as she whispers into his ear.
" I love you too Vash and I want this, I have for a long time. I trust you."
That was all Vash needed to hear and once more their lips met in a scorching kiss, only pulling back slightly Vash reached behind Meryl's back and deftly undid the clasps on her bra. Once rid of the offending garment that seperated him from what was under the fabric was gone, Vash resumed kissing and nipping at the sensitive flesh he exposed. Slowly working his way from one breast to the next, Vash kissed a path from each one to the rosy bud in the center of each, gently taking each one in turn into his mouth and gently sucking bringing forth a moan of exstacy from Meryl. Revelling in the feelings that Vash was bringing forth in her, Meryl in turn continued to run her hands along the toned flesh of his stomach, lightly raking her nails over certain areas she figured would get a reaction from him. Once he had given each bud enough attention, Vash once more started kissing and nipping his way along the plains of Meryl's stomach lower and lower until he reached the waistline of the skirt she wore. Looking up into her eyes he sought permission to rid her of that article of clothing, seeing his unspoken question Meryl shyly nodded her head. Quickly Vash undid the couple buttons that kept the skirt closed, hooking his fingers into the front belt loops, Vash slowly pulled the skirt off of Meryls hip and down her creamy legs. Once the skirt was discarded Vash took a moment to absorb the sight of the beautiful woman he loved into his memory for good. Starting at her ankles and working his way up Vash once more started kissing and nipping at her flesh, taking his time in some spots when she let out tiny gasps of pleasure. When he reached the junction between her thighs Vash slowly started to kiss outside of the fabric that seperated him and her most intimate parts. Lacing her fingers into his hair Meryl whimpered as he continued what he was doing, nearly driving her mad with want. Gently Vash moved part of the lace undergarment aside, wanting to taste and pleasure Meryl further before he allowed himself anything else. Unable to take anymore teasing Meryl slowly started to move her hips urging him to continue, sensing her desire for him to continue Vash carefully hooked his fingers in the waistband of her underwear and slid them off of her body. Making his way back to where he was Vash quickly brought his face up to Meryl's and planted a sweet kiss on her temple and then moved back down to her center. Slowly Vash works his tongue over her opening, licking and sucking where he can, then bringing his mouth slightly upward he latches his mouth on the sensitive nub sucking gently causing Meryl's hips to buck and a moan escape her mouth. With ease he brings a hand by his face and slowly inserts a finger into her opening, once again causing her to moan and move her hips against the finger that penetrated her. Taking his mouth away from the bundle of nerves he was lavishing, Vash moves his head up to Meryl's stomach and once starts to kiss and nip, reaching his other hand up to massage one of her breasts gently. Taking another finger Vash slowly inserts it along with his other one, slowly pumping them in and out in a fluid motion, eliciting gasps of pleasure from Meryl. Continuing with what he was doing Vash adds one more finger causing Meryls hips to buck even more against his hand. Knowing that Meryl wouldn't last much longer if he continued with what he was doing Vash removes his fingers and moves back up to where her face was crashing his lips against hers. As Vash continued to kiss her, Meryl moved one of her hands down to his pantline running it along the outside of the material and against his erection causing him to groan at the sudden contact. Swiftly she undid the button to his pants and tugged on the waist showing her want of him to be rid of the garment, noticing this Vash helped her and soon his pants were gone and his member was freed from its confinement. With a small gasp Meryl took in the sight of Vash naked before him, marvelling at the sheer size of him. Not wanting to waste anymore time Meryl rolled Vash onto his back and started to kiss her way across his chest and down his stomach trailing her nails as she went. Once she reached his member, Meryl gently took it in her small hand and started to gently stroke it, feeling it pulse in excitement as she did so. Feeling a little bolder as she continued her actions Meryl decided to give Vash some of the same attention he had just given her moments ago. Slowly she moved her mouth closer to the throbbing member and gently brought it into her mouth, Vash let out a low hiss of pleasure as she moved her tongue along the tip of his shaft and worked her way around the rest of his length. Letting her continue her ministrations a few minutes longer Vash couldn't contain himself any longer, he wanted to finish with Meryl together while he was inside her. Swiftly he flipped them over and positioned himself at her entrance kissing her all the while he did so. Slowly he slid his length into her, small moans escaping them both, letting her adjust to him as he went. Once he was fully inside of her, he waited for Meryl to give him a sign she was ready to continue, it didn't take long and soon Meryl was grinding her hips against his wanting more. Gently Vash slid his member partially out of her entrance and pushed himself back in, continuing this movement the couple began moving in sync both moaning in sheer pleasure. Meryl began feeling a tightening of her stomach muscles and Vash could feel it as well, she was on the edge and would be soon plummeting over it in exstacy. Picking up the pace Vash began to push himself further and harder into Meryl and soon her inner walls were clenching tightly around his shaft in release, crying out as she did. Within seconds Vash felt himself going as well and with one final push he spilled his seed inside her walls and let out a groan of satisfaction. With the last of his remaining strength Vash collapsed on the bed beside Meryl panting as she was still herself trying to regain her breath. Pulling her in to lay against his chest Vash used his free hand and brought the blankets on the bed up over their bodies. Soon the couples breathing evened out and the two lay in the bed snuggled up together, Meryl with her head laying on Vash's chest and Vash with his arms wrapped protectively around her. Exchanging a quick kiss the new couple said goodnight and fell into a peaceful slumber.
Author's notes: Well folks here is the end of chapter three! Hooray for Vash and Meryl finally getting together. So what lays in store for the gang once they arrive in December city? Well you'll just have to wait and see. I hope to have the next chapter up soon! And thank you, thank you to those who reviewed!
