Chapter 4: The Maiden and the Outlaw

When morning came, Anya woke slowly, feeling groggy from very vivid dreams. She rubbed her eyes which felt achy and puffy from all the crying she had done. Last night had been a mess and Anya wished that it had all been a dream. Unfortunately, she knew in her heart that wasn't the case. She rolled onto her back, a small sigh escaping her lips. Despite the fact that Vash would be waiting for her as would her boss, Anya really wanted to just stay home today.

A sharp knock on the door startled her from her thoughts of ditching, causing Anya to sit up quickly.

"Come in." she called out, voice still scratchy from just waking up. The door slowly opened revealing Anya's mother, Sarah who was already dressed in her work clothes. She was in her early fifties and had a few grays in her dark brown hair and a few wrinkles, mostly from smiling so much. She was shorter than Anya and had a slightly plump figure. She was a teacher at one of the primary schools in town and had one of the most mild-mannered temperaments. She gave Anya a soft smile and came to sit on the edge of the bed. Anya in turn rested her head on Sarah's shoulder.

"Morning, honey. You doing okay?" her mother asked, already aware that something wasn't right.

"No. Had a bad night last night." and without prompting, Anya proceeded to tell her mother all that had happened. Sarah listened closely and nodded in understanding, already fully aware of her daughter's abilities. That didn't make her love the girl any less though. Sarah ran a hand through Anya's thick hair and kissed the top of her head.

"Well, honey, maybe you just have to try harder. Maybe you've had it too easy with the locals. This boy could be a good challenge for you." Sarah suggested. Anya only shrugged in response, unsure of her mother's statement. Sarah pursed her lips in disapproval at her daughter's attitude, gently shoving the younger woman.

"You are not a quitter and you most certainly will not start now! Besides, you can't stay up here in this room forever!" Sarah replied sternly.

"I had a feeling you would say that." Anya said glumly. Sarah chuckled at that and gently tugged a lock of her daughter's hair.

"Yeah, well, it's because you know I'm right. Now get your butt out of bed and stop hiding."

Anya's mother was right, Anya couldn't hide. She would just have to focus harder around Vash. At some point she would also have to confront him about that memory she found. Anya sighed and kissed her mother on the cheek and got out of bed so she could get ready for work. One step at a time. That was all.

-)*(-

Vash tried to wait patiently for Anya at the hotel. He had even sent Wolfwood and the insurance girls on ahead to the festival without him. He had to make sure Anya was safe and sound. Last night something had spooked her, he could feel it, and if it had anything to do with him he wanted to make it right. So he would wait for her, no matter how long it took.

Vash sat at the bar drinking a cup of tea, it was honestly too early for liquor, when Mr. Baxter approached him for the third time that morning. The older, well-dressed man was quite unnerved and worried, constantly dabbing his face with his handkerchief.

"Mr. Vash, I am so sorry!" the short man exclaimed, "I don't know what is keeping Anya! She hasn't called either. This is so unlike her."

Vash smiled politely and patted the man on the shoulder. It was refreshing to see an employer so concerned about his employees.

"Sir, don't worry about me. I'll just wait for her. I don't mind." Vash repeated again to the hotel owner. The man smiled weakly, taking a seat next to Vash.

"It's not just her being late for work. She's a very special girl." he said more calmly. Vash looked at the older man, curious as to what he meant. Mr. Baxter saw Vash's interest and smiled.

"They call her an angel, y'know. She's got a way with people. It's like she knows what they're thinking. And you won't meet a kinder soul anywhere." he continued then his face grew serious, "That's why when something like this happens I worry."

He gave Vash a soft smile and a pat on the shoulder. As he got up to leave, he pulled a small white parcel from his jacket and handed it to Vash.

"Please give this to Anya when she gets here. She forgot it here last night."

Vash accepted the parcel with a nod, placing it at his side. The older man smiled again then went back to his post at the front desk.

After that it was very quiet for awhile, the only people present besides Vash being the owner and the bartender. Everyone else was off at the festival around town. Taverns wouldn't really open and get business until evening. Vash had finished his tea and was now sitting back in his chair, staring at the slow spin of the ceiling fans, Anya's package clutched to his chest. He was about to doze off when he heard the front door of the inn open. He sat up straight in his chair and kept rapt attention on the admittance desk.

Mr. Baxter's face lit up in delight as the person stepped in. He ran from his desk and wrapped the person in a big hug. Vash had a feeling it was Anya, not only by the reaction but by the girl's two-toned hair and the anklet on the right ankle. The two spoke in hushed tones, making it difficult to eavesdrop, though Vash had a feeling he was mentioned multiple times because Mr. Baxter pointed to him a few times. Finally, Mr. Baxter gave her a hug then gave her a gentle nudge toward the entrance to the tavern. As she slowly walked toward him, Vash's breath caught in his throat. She was as stunning as she had been the previous night. Although this time her hair fell in thick waves down her back and she was wearing a white shirt with gathered sleeves. Also, hung loosely around her waist was a brown, leather belt and on it were a wallet and a curious metal rod, about the length of a ruler.

Anya approached him slowly, face clearly apologetic. She stopped a few feet in front of Vash, nervously shuffling from foot to foot. Once she looked like she would speak but instead, Anya bit her lower lip and tucked her hair behind her ears. Vash felt sorry for her because she was clearly embarrassed about the previous night's events and was nervous about speaking with him. He knew that he would have to make the first move if he wanted to ease her fears and allow them to move on. Vash carefully set the parcel down on the bar and in a few quick strides, was before her, wrapping her in his arms in a tight hug. He could feel her reflexively stiffen for a moment but then she relaxed and seemed to just sink into him.

"I'm sorry for last night." she said, voice slightly muffled by his coat. Vash smiled gently, rubbing her back in comforting circles.

"It's okay. You don't have to apologize. I was just worried about you. Do you want to talk about it?" he replied softly. Anya looked up at him with a small smile on her face. Although Vash could see a hidden sadness in her eyes.

"No, I don't think I can talk about it yet." she replied. Vash nodded, silently agreeing to let the subject drop for now. For a moment, as their eyes met the two seemed locked in place. Vash admitted to himself that it did feel very natural, holding her close like this. They slowly started to inch closer but then Anya's eyes widened and she broke contact with him. It was like someone had flipped a switch and they were back to standing awkwardly apart. Vash looked around, trying to think of something light-hearted to say when he spotted the small parcel on the bar. He quickly grabbed it and presented it to Anya.

"Here, Anya! You forgot this last night." he said a little too loudly. He winced slightly at his over-enthusiasm but Anya only smirked and took the parcel from him.

"Thank you, Vash." she replied as she opened it. As she tied the shawl around her waist, Vash glanced again at the metal rod.

"Hey Anya, what's that thing on your belt?" he asked curiously, pointing at the item. Anya looked between Vash and where he was pointing.

"Oh that? Well, customers can get a bit wild and sometimes I have to protect myself." she answered, "I prefer it over guns."

Vash nodded, still eyeing the piece and pondering over how Anya used it. Also, that close he could almost make out the color of Anya's underwear. To his disappointment, Anya picked up on what he was doing and coughed to get his attention.

"Vash, don't you think we should be going?" she said, subtly saving him from a smack in the face. Vash grinned sheepishly and slowly stood up straight. Anya smirked at the goofy man's antics. Completely serious one moment and completely silly and childish the next. This was going to be an interesting week.

"So Vash, are you ready to experience October's Harvest Festival?" she asked cordially. Vash smiled, his earlier indiscretion forgotten, and he presented his right elbow to her.

"Yes Miss Harper, I am. Shall we?" he replied, his proper tone completely exaggerated. She giggled as she hooked her arm with his.

"We shall. Let's go!"

"Great! 'Cuz I'm starved!" he suddenly exclaimed in his goofy manner. Anya couldn't help but laugh as he playfully pulled her out of the hotel. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

-)*(-

Anya couldn't believe how well the day was going. Despite the late start, she and Vash had visited many of the food stands and even had a tour of the vineyards. They were on the edge of town and the delicate vines were covered with a canopy of fine mesh to dilute the harsh light from the dual suns. Anya had watched Vash with amused interest during the tour. Most of the adults present looked around and listened with what seemed like a passing interest but Vash seemed to pay rapt attention to the guide and would occasionally mutter to himself.

"So that's how they do it!" he would whisper in awe. Anya had heard this presentation multiple times before and hung back, letting him enjoy the tour.

Sometimes during a break he would look around for her. One of those times he genuinely seemed worried that she had left him. Anya snuck back through the large group and slipped her arm through Vash's, surprising him. He gave her a relieved smile but Anya could sense that he was still upset.

"I thought something happened to you." he whispered.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." she whispered back, squeezing his arm gently. Vash blushed and started scratching the back of his head.

"I wasn't scared!" he denied adamantly though his reaction had betrayed him. Anya smirked, dropping the subject, and instead clutched his arm and continued to walk with him for the rest of the tour. As they walked, Anya could feel Vash relax. To her relief, no thoughts of his followed.

Afterwards they headed back into the town proper. The suns were beginning to set and by now both of their stomachs were grumbling. It was too long of a walk back to The Golden Maiden so they stopped at one of the actual restaurants nearby.

"Vash, do you think we should find your friends?" Anya asked while they looked over the menus.

"Nah, they can take care of themselves for one night. Besides, I wouldn't want them to ruin our time alone."

Anya put her menu down and gave Vash a serious look. Vash returned her look with an angelic one of his own.

"Vash, this is not a date." she said, trying to keep a straight face. Vash continued to smile innocently, also putting down his menu and resting his hands on the table.

"Anya, just because it's not supposed to be a date doesn't mean it can't turn into one." he countered. Anya rolled her eyes, once again picking up her menu.

"You're annoyingly persistent." she replied, focusing her eyes on the words in front of her.

"Eh, that's nothing new." he answered casually, not remotely bothered by her assessment. Anya used her menu to hide her grin as the waiter came to take their order.

Dinner went well after that, and quietly since both individuals were too hungry to talk while they were eating. Vash was even prepared to order dessert but Anya stopped him.

"I've got a surprise for you. Dessert has to be put on hold." she said mysteriously. Anya paid for the meal and led Vash out of the restaurant. She stopped at a nearby bench and sat Vash down.

"You wait here. I'll be right back." she commanded then before Vash could respond, Anya disappeared into the crowds. Vash didn't have to wait long though. She returned a few minutes later carrying a bag, a pleased smile on her face.

"Okay follow me. We have to be quick. The fireworks are starting soon."

The two walked quickly, sometimes ducking down sidestreets to avoid the clumps of people that loitered in the streets. Vash had no idea where they were going, only that it seemed like they were heading for the other side of town. It did seem rather exciting though. Finally, they left the buildings behind them and the only thing left besides sprawling desert were the two plant stations.

"Um, Anya, I don't think we should be here." Vash said uncertainly. She waved that notion away and continued walking.

"Nonsense, these are the best seats in the whole town. I used to sneak in here all the time as a kid." she replied. They both easily hopped the security fence and walked swiftly on their way. Vash was surprised how effortless Anya made it seem in a skirt. Every new thing that he found out about her made him want to figure out more and more about this mysterious woman.

They clung to what little shadows they could find, avoiding the control offices. Soon they were quickly climbing up stairs to the highest platform. When they stopped, Vash looked out in awe at the town laid out before him. The buildings were dotted with lights, like sparkling jewels trying to compete with the glittering stars above. Just beyond the town, Vash could barely make out the vineyards.

"Isn't it great?" Anya asked happily, lighting candles she had pulled from the bag. Vash nodded, kneeling beside her and enjoying the view.

"Yeah. Hey, what's with the candles?" he replied. Then suddenly the lights went out. Across the town, lights either dimmed or went out completely.

"I was waiting for that." she answered, "People put out their lights so they can see the fireworks better. Then they just hang out on rooftops." Anya then pulled out a box whose shape Vash was all too familiar with.

"You got me donuts? Aww thanks!" he exclaimed, reaching for box. Anya swatted his hands away quickly.

"Whoa there, pal! These are for the both of us." she replied, glaring at him slightly.

"Heh heh. Sorry." he said embarrassed. Anya gave him another warning look then opened the box and placed it between them. The fireworks started soon after, loosing ringing explosions and bright lights. The town below was bathed in a multicolor shower of red, blue, purple, green, and gold. As Vash ate his donut he realized that Anya was right. These were definitely the best seats in town. They could see everything and were even eye-level with some of the explosions. A thought then came to mind and he looked sneakily at Anya.

"So if this isn't a date, why are we in such a secluded, romantic spot?" he asked slyly. Surprised by the question, Anya nearly choked on the donut she was eating. She coughed repeatedly to clear it from her throat then shot an incredulous look to Vash.

"This is not romantic! I was told to show you around town and have a good time. That's all!" she exclaimed.

"So you would bring anyone that won the contest here?" Vash asked, still in that sly tone. Anya faltered and quickly took another bite of donut. She ignored the question, instead choosing to look back up at the light display. Vash smiled in satisfaction, rewarding himself with another baked good.

"That's what I thought." he said, voice slightly smug. Silence engulfed the pair as they continued to watch the show. It lasted for half an hour, finishing with a grand finale that lit up the night sky almost as bright as day. Once it was over, the lights around town slowly came back on, one by one. Though currently still bathed in candlelight, Vash knew the station lights would come on soon and he didn't want to miss his chance.

"Anya?"

"Hmm?"

"I had a really great time today. And you were right, these were the best seats in town." he replied sincerely. Anya smiled, leaning closer to Vash.

"You're welcome, Vash."

To her surprise, Vash gently held her face with his left hand and leaned in to give her a kiss. It was soft and hesitant and Anya couldn't seem to pull away. She put her hand on Vash's chest which made him think that she would push him away. Instead, she held onto him, gripping his coat as if steadying herself, and returned the kiss. Their kisses were soft and tentative like they were testing the waters, unsure of how far they should go. They stayed like that for some time, even as the lights came back on.

-)*(-

Unknown to Vash, out in the desert he was being watched. The spy could see Vash, his intended target, and some girl. He wasn't sure if the girl was important but he would make sure his employer knew about her.

"Sir, I've found Vash the Stampede." he said to the midnight air. It seemed like he was speaking to no one but the spy knew that his employer heard him. He always heard him.

Good. I will be meeting you in the morning. a chilling voice said in his mind.

"One more thing, sir. He's with a girl." the spy added quickly. There was a pause for a moment and then a chuckle.

Interesting. We will handle that too.

"Very well, Mr. Legato."

No response came that time but that didn't bother the spy. He knew that his employer was pleased with the report. The fact that he was still breathing was a testament to that fact. The spy then settled into his position continuing his watch of Vash the Stampede.