A/N-FINALLY I update!

I hope you enjoy! Thank you to all those who like this so far! T_T

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Chapter 2-Catching Up

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It was almost too mind boggling for Meryl to wrap her head around. She remembered everything he had shared about himself before he went to fight Legato. He told her only because she demanded an answer to all the chaos that followed him in his wake.

As far as Meryl understood, Vash and his brother were 130-something-year-old plant hybrids who survived the Great Fall. Knives killed their surrogate mother, Rem. She was the reason Vash carried on for so long. She gave her life to save so many. Everything Vash did was for her. He felt he'd be disappointing her by not living life the way she intended him to. He felt she would be sad to see everyone hurt each other the way they do on this planet she died for. That was why he has always been such a staunch pacifist…

Meryl stared down at Knives as he lay there helpless. She noticed how weary and alert Vash had become. He stood tense, with his arms held tightly to his side.

"I shouldn't have brought him here." Vash clenched his teeth and brought his hands to his face. Meryl wrapped an arm over his trembling shoulder.

"It will be all my fault if he hurts you, or Millie…or anyone...If he does, then, I will HAVE to kill him."

Tears trickled down the man's face at the thought. His shoulders shook more violently as he struggled to contain his quiet sobbing. He turned to Meryl and buried his face into her shoulder. Meryl was at a loss for words.

"I don't want to kill again."

Her heart skipped a beat at the sudden sensation of his warm breath along her neck. The sudden realization that Vash was seeking comfort from her of all people shocked and delighted her. Inside, she was ecstatic. She was overflowing with joy at the fact that he was actually standing there right in front of her. He had his arms around her, and hers on him.

She wished it were under different circumstances. She felt terrible beyond words for Vash. His brother had put him through so much pain. But Vash didn't have the heart to return the favor.

"Vash." Meryl whispered. She didn't know else she could say. "Its alright now, shhh."

Meryl simply held him close for a moment. He pulled away and wiped his face with the back of his hand.

"I'm sorry, Meryl." He sniffed.

"No need to apologize." Meryl said with a smile, looking up at the man who towered over her. His hair was getting all in his face again. Meryl reached up and moved it out of his eyes. Vash smirked at the gesture. Meryl blushed and quickly filled the silence that was building between them.

"So, uh, How long do you think he will be out like that?" Referring to Knives.

Vash sighed and lowered his head. His smirk quickly disappeared.

"Probably for another day or so. I loaded him up with more painkillers. Even if he comes to, I suppose his injuries are still too severe for him to get away if he wanted to."

Meryl nodded in agreement. She remembered how long Vash had been out after the incident with Legato. It was about a week. Hopefully, Knives would do the same. The Plant's had magnificent healing powers. Though, it was gonna be hard to tell if Knives would take a long time to heal or not.

Vash yawned and stretched with his arms high in the air. Meryl let her eyes travel up and down his bare torso while he wasn't looking. He sported only his skin tight black pants and knee pads now. He removed his shirt because it was getting awfully hot in the house. Her stomach felt queasy when he took notice to her stare.

"You should get some rest." Meryl said quickly.

"Yeah. I guess."

Vash took a good look at his brother one last time before the couple left him alone. It was as if he were making sure Knives really was unconscious.

"I have some of your old clothes here still." Meryl said, beckoning Vash to follow her to her room. She retrieved a small stack of Vash's clothing, clean and neatly folded. Vash smiled as Meryl handed them to her.

"Thank you." Vash said, lowering his head. Meryl smiled in return. He set them on Meryl's dresser and then dove into her bed.

"Hey!" she scowled. Vash smirked in response.

"Shouldn't you put those in YOUR room?"

"But your room is here." Vash said quite simply. He folded his arms behind his head and crossed his legs, making himself comfortable in Meryl's bed. Meryl's face turned bright red. She didn't know whether to be angry or happy at this point.

Vash's expression softened.

"Aww c'mon Meryl. Lighten up."

Meryl laughed sarcastically, and sat at the edge of her bed. She crossed her arms and glared at the blonde invading her space. Vash smiled and scooted over, he patted the empty space he created, inviting Meryl to fill it.

"You look pretty tired yourself." he noted.

Meryl huffed and moved to lie in her spot in the bed. Butterflies stung at her stomach yet again as she realized she was about to be lying down beside him in bed.

"I AM pretty tired." Meryl agreed, rubbing her eyes sleepily. "I didn't sleep much last night."

Meryl's head plopped down on her pillow, she felt Vash's body turn to face her. She stared up at the ceiling, afraid of being hypnotized by those teal colored eyes. She could feel them looking through her as she laid there.

"Why could you not sleep?" He inquired.

"I had a bad dream."

"Bad dream?"

"Yeah. I've been having them for a while now."

"I'm sorry about that."

Silence built up between the two as they relaxed on the bed beside each other. Meryl closed her eyes, not realizing how exhausted she really was, she fell asleep; but only for a moments time. She was awakened at the sensation of warm skin against hers. Vash wrapped his arms around Meryl and pulled her close. He rested her head against his chest. Meryl's heart raced. She felt it could explode. She didn't want to wake if he thought she was still asleep.

Vash rested his chin lightly on top of her head and sighed deeply, as if he were a contented cat. Meryl soon heard his soft snores as she rested upon him. His deep breathing lifted her up and down slowly. Meryl smiled and closed her eyes.

The two remained sound asleep for the rest of the afternoon, all the way up until Millie had arrived home. She carried an armful of grocery bags. She was covered in dirt and mud, but still wore a smile on her face as she carried her load into the kitchen. She tossed her hard hat carelessly to the floor as she entered the living room. She was irked at the odd silence that greeted her.

"Meryl? Vash?" She called down the hallway. No answer.

She slowly pushed Meryl's door open and peeked her head inside slowly. She suppressed a fit of laughter at the sight of them sleeping so soundly beside one another. She felt relieved for Meryl, and Vash as well.

For once, they could sleep soundly.

Millie smiled and closed the door shut. She stretched her arms and yawned widely.

"Better start dinner then."

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A/N-Gosh this stuff takes forever for me...Write, correct, rewrite edit...and still I don't see every error I make. T_T
Also…I haven't had a day off in over three weeks now. And its frustrating cuz I'll be working and I'll just think "GAWD, I just wanna go home and write my funkin' fanfic! GAHH!
LOL…