Chapter 11: Waiting

The following days after the incident with Legato were tense but uneventful. Vash had informed his friends and Anya's parents of what had transpired and they immediately began making plans. Anya's mother had even suggested that they flee the city but Anya wouldn't hear of it. She insisted that Knives would destroy the city in his search for her without a second thought to the innocents that would be hurt or killed. Vash had agreed and added that escape would be futile because Knives most likely already had his subordinates keeping watch in case such an event occurred. The safest course would be to stay in October and prepare for Knives' arrival.

After that, Vash and Wolfwood had insisted that they try to keep to their normal routines, in order to not arouse suspicion. Mr. and Mrs. Harper would go to and from their respective jobs, leaving Anya to go to her job at the tavern. The outlaw and the priest calmed any potential arguments by assuring them that they would shadow Anya at all times to ensure that she would be safe from attack. Vash in particular knew that Anya could defend herself but what he didn't know was how Knives would proceed, especially given Legato's defeat. The more back-up Anya had, the easier it would be. He also had Meryl and Millie keeping an eye out for trouble since they were a bit less conspicuous than Vash or Wolfwood. Kind-hearted Millie readily agreed but skeptical Meryl at first refused, saying that they couldn't let things interfere with their work. Vash almost resorted to begging but kept calm, instead telling Meryl that if she did this, she could avert incidents that would lead to costly insurance claims for her company and that she would be saving lives. The last part put a crack in Meryl's tough façade and she finally relented. The outlaw had thanked the petite insurance agent by giving her a relieved smile and a hug that lifter her clear off the ground.

Despite their careful planning, they still had no idea when Knives would strike, leaving everyone on edge. They tried to mask their feelings around Anya but all that did was wear them down more. The only one who seemed unaffected by the constant waiting was Vash. It was like he had flipped a switch and goofy, jovial Vash had disappeared. His face had become an expressionless mask, his eyes hidden behind his circular yellow glasses. Also, it seemed that the longer they waited, the calmer Vash became. It was as if he took comfort in Knives' delay.

Wolfwood in particular was impressed by his friend's attitude. One afternoon after patrolling the town, he stopped in The Golden Maiden for some lunch. The tavern was bustling with activity, packed with people eating and talking and servers hurrying about trying to keep up with the rush. Off in a corner to the side of the entrance was Vash, sitting as still as a statue, calmly observing the room behind those yellow lenses, an empty plate in front of him. Wolfwood made a beeline straight to his friend and wordlessly sat down, careful not to sit in Vash's line of sight and obstruct the view.

"Wolfwood," Vash greeted tonelessly.

"Needle-noggin," Wolfwood reciprocated, flipping up one of the extra coffee cups that were in the center of the table.

A server with a coffee carafe was soon there, expertly filling the cup and handing over a menu. As soon as he had appeared, the server was gone to the next table. Wolfwood breathed in the rich aroma of the hot coffee, grateful for this little pleasure, and took a mouthful. He grinned in content then set the cup down, turning his attention back to Vash.

"So, how's it going?" he asked curiously.

"Fine. Anya's almost done with her shift. Only thing wrong is she seems a little distracted today. Haven't had a chance to talk to her about it," Vash answered, eyes still focused on the crowd.

"That doesn't surprise me. She's incredible intuitive. She makes you look oblivious," Wolfwood replied half-joking, although Vash didn't pick up on it.

The gunman had spotted Anya and his gaze followed her as she went checking on her tables. She moved quickly, efficiently going from table to table checking on customers or gathering dishes, smiling as she went. Wolfwood noticed what had caught Vash's attention and was impressed.

"She seems fine," he observed, taking another drink of his coffee.

"Wait for it," Vash replied.

Wolfwood looked questioningly at his friend but Vash only nodded towards Anya. Wolfwood looked back at her as Vash had requested. At first she seemed fine but then as she was gathering plates, Anya began to slow, her features seeming strained. She stood straight and looked to the door, a worried look etched on her features as she seemed to look for someone. The worry had frozen her in place, oblivious to the curious stares and questions that she was receiving.

"How many times has this happened?" Wolfwood asked.

"This time makes four. Keep an eye on the place, I'll be back. I've got to get her out of here," Vash answered as he got up from his seat.

Though Vash wasn't looking at him, Wolfwood saluted his friend with his raised mug then took his friend's seat and resumed his friend's watch. Vash meanwhile walked briskly to Anya, non-chalantly wrapping his arm around her waist, and whispered in her ear. Her only response was a subtle nod but soon the two were quickly exiting the tavern.

Vash led her back to his room, quickly locking the door behind him after they both had entered. Anya stood in the middle of the room, her arms hugging herself as if for warmth. She watched silently as Vash quickly checked each section of the room before turning his attention back to her.

"Are you alright?" he asked though his voice lacked his usual warmth. He was cold, analytical like a stranger.

"I'm fine. I just sometimes feel like he's watching me. Trying to peek in when I'm not paying attention," she answered.

"Who?"

"Legato. He's spying for Knives."

Vash's jaw tightened and his fists clenched at his sides. That man was a damn nuisance. He always seemed to find a way to sneak in and work his mischief.

"Is he in the city?" he asked, voice straining to hold his dispassionate tone.

"No, he's not here. I know that much but I can't seem to find his exact location. I think Knives is hiding him from me," her annoyance at Vash's behavior beginning to show. Vash, of course, didn't notice and turned to leave.

"Wolfwood and I will take a look around. You stay here for now," he replied, hand reaching for the doorknob.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!"

Anya's angry retort made Vash pause. He turned back to her, face impassive and his yellow glasses still hiding his eyes. Anya's was much closer now and her face was twisted with anger and disbelief. When had she even moved?

"What do you mean? I'm fine," he said tonelessly.

Anya scoffed and stepped closer to him until they were just inches apart.

"You're a liar," she said evenly. "It's like you've put a mask on and you're now a different person. You're closed off and cold. I don't know you right now. I can't talk to you."

"You barely knew me from the start," he shot back, using his words as defense against her keen insight. Anya's eyes narrowed into a glare, lips pursed together in anger.

"You don't get to say that to me. Not after what we've been through, what we've shown each other," she answered, trying to keep her hurt and anger from bubbling to the surface. It was easy for Vash to notice though and his shoulders slumped in defeat. He took his glasses off, revealing the sadness in his green eyes.

"I care about you too much," he admitted. "I can't protect you if I'm worried about you. I have to distance myself. I'm sorry but this is how it has to be until this is over."

Vash expected her to be sad or say something in understanding but what he got was completely the opposite.

"That is the biggest load of crap I have ever heard!" she exclaimed. Vash rocked back on his heels in surprise.

"Huh?!"

"You heard me! Gah! You and Knives have this in common: You both think in absolutes. There's no middle ground for you. It's maddening! And besides, being a standoffish jerk isn't going to keep Knives from coming for me."

Anya paused as her anger finished playing out. Soon it was replaced by the fear that Vash had seen when Legato first had come to October.

"Vash, I'm scared. I don't want Knives to take me. You're the only one who can understand that, who knows what that means. I need you and you're acting like a stranger. I can't handle that," she added, voice now cracking with emotion.

Vash felt so ashamed and immediately embraced her, keeping her close and burying his face in her golden hair. She quickly relaxed in his arms and all Vash could think was who good it felt to hold her, to feel her soft hair and smooth skin. Had he not touched her since that day of the fight? He silently berated himself for his foolishness.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," he whispered into her hair.

"Just don't do it again," she replied, slightly muffled by his coat.

He nodded his agreement but still held her. Slowly he ran his right hand up and down her back as he breathed in her soft scent. Those sensations mixed with the memories from the last time they had been alone in her room, causing his pulse to race and his breath to quicken. He slowly moved so he could kiss under her jawline and down her neck. Anya let out a quiet gasp and clutched Vash's coat. He smiled and continued kissing down to her collarbone and onto her shoulder.

All the while uncertain thoughts buzzed about in his mind like pestering gnats. Would it be right to take this moment for themselves? Would it be right to be selfish this one time, for the both of them to be happy? He hesitated for a moment but Anya wasted no time, answering Vash's questions for him by pulling him in for a passionate kiss, her right hand gripping the front of his coat while her left hand held the back of his head, fingers in his spiky blonde hair.

Vash returned Anya's kiss with equal intensity, prompting more, each kiss full of longing and need. With barely any interruption they slowly moved back to the bed, Vash removing his coat and shirt as they went. Each kiss sent fire through Vash's veins and his body ached for more, causing a low moan to escape his lips. No more holding back. No more hesitating.

They soon hit the edge of the bed, causing them to pause and look at each other. Both of them were breathing heavily, lips slightly swollen from kissing. The corners of Anya's mouth barely curved into a smile as she began to untie the top of her halter dress. As the loose article of clothing fell to the floor, Vash's eyes roamed over every inch of her. From her smooth tan skin to her full breasts and curvy hips, she was stunning and in Vash's eyes perfect. Not even the scar on her shoulder could detract from her.

Next to her, his own scarred body looked more horrific. Each jagged scar and piece of metal stood out in stark contrast against her unmarred flesh. But once again, Anya didn't seem to care. She knew how he had received these scars and why he still carried them and she still accepted him. Her hands traced over every line, every metal suture. Each delicate touch seemed to bring back those wonderful sparks that danced along his nerves, bringing him to the edge of his control. When her hands reached his waist and trailed along the hemline of his pants, Vash thought he would break.

"Oh god, you're gonna kill me!" he breathed as Anya's fingertips continued their play and her lips grazed his neck. She giggled softly then kissed him again.

"Sorry. I just love your reactions," she whispered, now undoing his pants. That was the final straw, the last bit of permission that Vash needed.

In what seemed like one fluid movement, Vash shed the restrictive garment and pulled Anya into bed. They landed lightly with Vash lying over Anya. Propped up by his cybernetic arm, Vash moved lower caressing Anya's thigh and kissing down her stomach. Her body spasmed with pleasure at his touch, encouraging Vash to continue. As he began to kiss back up her stomach toward her chest, Vash's hand slid along her side, relishing the feel of her bare skin against his.

"Vash."

His name came out in a soft moan full of need, causing Vash to look up at her. Her eyes were heavy-lidded with desire and she lightly bit her lip in anticipation. That look destroyed any thoughts Vash had of taking things slow. He rushed back to her, his lips meeting hers in a crushing kiss, while at the same time he began to slide himself into her warmth.

Both of them let out a surprised moan as they kissed, thrilled by the new sensations. Slowly, so slowly Vash slid himself in completely, letting out a louder moan of ecstasy. He held that pose for a moment, savoring the moment, even though his body urged him to continue. He smiled, inwardly cursing himself again for thinking that he could stay away from her. Vash kissed Anya again, now moving his hips in a careful steady rhythm.

A wave of pleasure flooded through Anya's being, causing her to grab hold of Vash as her back arched off the bed. Each careful movement caused a new wave to form until they were caught in a never-ending loop. She lost all train of rational thought. All she could do was be lost in the moment and feel, just feel. Deep inside with each movement, tantalizing pressure built up like surging water against a damn. That build-up made Anya hold tighter to Vash, causing him to go deeper. Vash let out another ragged moan and sped up in response. The pressure sky-rocketed until finally they reached the climax and the damn burst as they both reached sweet release. The incredible moment lasted for a few heartbeats more then began to recede. As the pleasure faded, their eyes met, both of them trying to catch their breath as weak, pleased smiles crept upon their faces.

"Are you…I mean, was it…?" Vash tried to put his emotions into words but he couldn't seem to bring it together. Anya silenced him with two fingers pressed against his lips.

"Vash, I love you," she whispered, moving her hand away so she could give him a tender kiss. How different this was from previous kisses. Those had been born of the passion of the moment where this was gentle and more akin to a promise. Vash could feel his eyes mist over as he looked at Anya, his Anya. The one person he would never have to keep secrets from, the person with whom he could completely be himself.

"I love you, Anya," he replied, repeating that sweet kiss.

While they kissed, Vash could feel Anya's lower lip tremble. He quickly pulled back in alarm and saw that her eyes had filled with tears, a look of such terrible sorrow on her face.

"What's wrong? Did I hurt you?" he asked panicked. Anya shook her head.

"No! It's just that I wanted you to know how I felt in case anything happens," she replied. Vash's face went serious and he gently pressed his right hand against the side of Anya's face.

"Don't talk like that! We're going to be fine! We're going to get through this and then it'll just be you and me. Just you and me and we can go wherever you want. Understand?" he said determinedly. Vash's passionate words brought Anya some relief and she kissed him again. But later as they lay in bed together, Anya couldn't help but feel like something terrible was waiting nearby, ready to spring and ruin all of their plans.

-)*(-)*(-

Hello! I am so sorry for the delay! Blasted computer issues. I hope the chapter was worth the wait. Spoiler for next chapter: more flashbacks! As always comments are appreciated. Please be gentle in your criticism, I haven't written many "intimate" moments. However, suggestions will be taken into consideration. Love and peace!