AN: My god I can't believe I wrote all of this last NIGHT! This is the most I've ever written in such a short amount of time. Well all of you better review because I busted my butt on this. And just to tell you (all that actually read my AN's) the rating will probably go up next chapter. Haven't decided yet whether I will actually do the lemon but I probably will. So be prepared to look for this in the R. section next update.

Enjoy

A tiny, slightly balding man lay quietly and in peace in his bed. His eyes were closed, his face that of one sleeping soundly.

That didn't last for long. Because at that moment his youngest daughter and her friends came in to visit him.

"PAPA!"

Millie screeched out and ran to his bedside.

Luke E. Thomas nearly had another stroke in surprise as he was woken up in less than a preferable manner.

"ACK!"

He said before a large brown-headed child attached herself to his waist.

"Oh Papa…I'm so happy you're ok."

Millie sniffed and cried as she fussed over her father.

Luke smiled, showing off large dimples on each side of his face. His light blue eyes sparkled in amusement at his daughter's antics.

"Takes more than a stroke to put this old man down."

He wiped the tears off Millie face.

"But hey now that you're here. How about you go threaten the nurses into letting me go home already."

"Papa."

Millie said disapproving.

Luke sighed and flashed another grin at Millie. He then turned his attention to the couple waiting in the door.

"In or out already. Don't leave an old man like me hanging."
Both Vash and Meryl jumped slightly before coming into the room and closing the door behind them.

"Hello Meryl…you look positively radiate today. Could the reason be that duffy looking guy?"

"Duffy?"

Vash pouted as Meryl blushed. Trust Mr. Thomas to see how things were at first glance.

"Uh…hello Mr. Thomas."

Meryl said to the floor.

"That's Luke to you youngin, you know that."

Meryl nodded feeling embarrassed for no reason. She heard Luke chuckle at her.

"Luke, this is Vash."

Vash jumped over to the bed ridden man and gave him a hearty handshake. He could tell right away that Luke was truly a man to admire. Sometimes it was like that. A simple smile and a laugh and you can tell how wonderful a man is.

Vash could tell right away that they would get along great.

"Howdy Mr. Thomas."

Luke rolled his eyes.

"LUKE! For crying out loud! How many times do I have to say that?"

"Er…sorry."

Vash rubbed the back of his head.

Luke looked at the tall man up and down before speaking again.

"Vash? As in Vash the Stampede. Hmmm…your reputations precedes you youngin."

Meryl coughed and Millie actually chuckled. Vash just looked embarrassed. Here was a man that had to be at least 50 years younger than Vash and he was calling him Youngin. Of course Vash didn't look anything like his real age so it was to be expected.

Luke looked at his three visitors knowing that he missed something. However he didn't make a big deal out of it. Probably was an inside joke or something.

"So Vash…how does a nice young man like yourself get such a horrible reputation. I would know, without Millie's letters, just by looking at you that you couldn't hurt a fly."

Vash shrugged good-naturedly but it was Meryl that answered.

"Trouble following this man. I know that sounds Cliché but its true. I've never seen anything like it."

Luke nodded gravely.

"Trouble follows him. So that's how this poor boy got saddled with you. Trouble with a capital M."

"Papa!"

Millie said trying to sound disapproving. However the effect was ruined by her trying to contain a laugh. As predicted Meryl blushed and Vash burst out in a hard laugh.

"HAHAHA I'VE never thought of it that way before! Hahah….OUCH!"

Vash jerked away from Meryl who had a sinister look on her face. Neither Millie nor Luke could see what she had done but it worked very nicely.

Suddenly the door opened startling all four people in the room.

"Big Big Sister!"

Millie cried and rushed to the person that had just come through the door.

"Little baby."

The small blondes eyes widened as Millie captured her in a hug bear huge.

"UGH! You've gotten stronger Little baby."

Vash watched the supposed sisters as they made a fuss over each other. It was really weird, or at least that's what he thought.

Millie's big sister was nothing like he had imagined. They hardly even looked like sisters.

For example, where Millie obviously took after her mother, her sister looked more like the father. She was extremly short…even shorter than Meryl. She had medium length blonde hair. She was very petite and small. It looked like a strong wind would blow her over.

They looked so different. In fact the only similarities were their bright smiles and blue eyes.

"Little Baby…you'll have to tell me what's bothering you later."

Millie nodded her fake smile never leaving her face.

Damn…I should have known I couldn't hide anything from Big Big Sister.

"Oh I almost forgot. Vash this is my Big Big sister. Big Big Sister this is Vash the Stampede."

Big Big sister turned and looked Mr. Stampede up and down. She then turned toward Meryl.

"Hello Meryl. He yours?"

Meryl nodded.

"Damn…to bad. Your really cute you know that."

Vash blushed; woman didn't tend to just blurt stuff out like that to him. No matter how much he wished it was otherwise.

"Pleased to meet you."

"Likewise cutie pie."

Big Big sister giggled as Vash blushed again. He turned toward Meryl hoping that she would be angry at the flirting. However she didn't seem angry at all, in fact she seemed amused. Seeing that he wasn't going to get any help on that front he turned back toward Big Big sister.

She gave him a big smile and a wink before turning toward her father.

"Papa…you are not supposed to be sitting up yet. Lay back down this instant! Don't make me make you!"

Luke growled but did as his oldest daughter said.

"So where's my lunch? And it better not be any of that gross hospital food either!"

"No it isn't. Even I'm not that evil Papa. I sent Little Little brother to go and get something."

"Little little brother?"

Vash asked his voice confused.

Wait a minute…big big Brother, Little Little brother…Big Big sister? I don't know anyone's real name.

Surprising everyone Vash suddenly screamed out in frustration.

"Didn't you give your kids real names?! What the hell is with all this little and Big crap!"

"Whoa there sonny. Calm down. Excitable chap ain't he Meryl."

"You have no idea Luke."

Meryl said rubbing her temple and the headache she was getting.

Big Big sister laughed at Vash before answering him.

"I'll explain. I'm called Big Big Sister, my real name is Tanya.

Big Big Brothers name is Tony, Big Little brother's name is Nathan, Little big brother is Bobby, Big Little Sister is Julia, Little Big sister's name is Angela, Little Little brother is Jimmy, Little Little sister Georgi and then there is Baby sister Jodie and Little baby Millie. Simple uh?"

"Ya…simple."

Vash said with a twitch in his eyebrow.

"Don't forget the grandkids."

Luke smiled evilly as he watched Vash.

"Oh yes…Big Big brother has six kids, John his oldest is 17, Bryan is 15, Kenny's 14, Mitchel's so cute at 8, Tony Jr.'s 5, and Jordan is 3. Next there's Little Little sisters boys, Chad who is 5, Tenchi's 4, and then there's the twins, Dusty and Freddie who are only 1 years old. Little Big Brother has one son, his name's Owen and he's 15.

Little big sister has two boys. Tge oldest Daniel is 7, and Anthony's 5.

Next is Baby's sisters kids. She has twin boys, Jesse and James. They are nine now.

And last but not least…Little big sister is nine months pregnant. We don't know what she'll have."

Luke snorted.

"Going by history it'll be another grandson."

"Papa…"

Big Big sister said annoyed.

"I have a right to be noisy!"

Luke said ignoring his daughter.

"Out of 15 grandchildren and not one girl! I want a granddaughter! Give me a granddaughter!"

"Of course Papa I'll get working on that right away!"

Luke looked aghast.

"But you're not married."

"So…hey Vash how about it. Wanna make a baby?"

It was obvious that Tanya was just kidding but Vash nearly did a freak out anyway. After tripping over a chair to get away from the girl he hide behind Meryl.

He was muttering something about little/big weirdoes.

"So excitable…so Kawanii!"

"You're such a tease."

Meryl said with a smile. If any other woman had even said half as much to Vash, she probably would have killed them. Meryl was a very possessive woman. Vash was hers…and anyone that said differently would be meeting her derringers up close and person.

But this was Millie's sister, Big Big Sister Tanya. She was more than a friend, like Millie she was family. Besides Meryl knew she was just kidding. Not only that Meryl also just liked to watch Vash sweat.

Tanya winked at her clearly enjoying the show as much as Meryl.

"Ok Papa…that's enough for now. We're going to leave and let you rest. Big little brother will be here soon."

With that Tanya shooed them all out of the room. She giggled to herself as Vash gave her a prime opportunity to pinch his butt. However she restrained herself. By the way he acted just by her teasing he would probably have a heart attack if she actually pinched that prime piece of ass. To bad…it was a nice ass too. Meryl was soooo lucky.

After everyone was out of the room Meryl spoke up.

"Sorry but we have to go. We need to get some stuff while in town."

Smiling widely at Tanya and Millie, Meryl pushed Vash away.

Tanya watched as they went…right before they were out of sight she suddenly whistled quite loudly and yelled.

"Walk like your proud Vash. That's some ass you got there!"

Even from where they stood they could see Vash blush a bright bright red. He was the same color as his coat now.

"That ones fun Millie. Meryl's a smart girl. She better hold on to that one. You on the other hand…"

Big Big sister turned towards he sister. Her eyes flickered back and forth as they took in every detail. She noticed the fake smile, the sad sparkle in her sister's eye…and the sand burn. It didn't look all that bad today but still looked like it hurt.

"Did you put medicine on that sand burn? Don't want it to get infected."

Millie raised a hand to touch the wound. Tanya hissed at her and caught the offending hand.

"You know better than to touch that with your dirty germ infested hands. Bad Baby sister! Come on I'll take care of it."

A few minutes later Millie found herself sitting on a hospital bed with her Big Big sister plastering some kind of goo onto her face. The lotion was cool and actually very soothing. She hadn't really realized how much the burn hurt until it didn't anymore.

"So…"

Tanya started as she rubbed in the lotion carefully.

"Who's this guy your love sick over?"

Millie startled.

"I am not love sick!"

She said more harshly than she meant to. However all that her Big Big sister did was lean back to study her face before shrugging.

"Ok…whatever you say. You're not love sick. Tell me about the man anyway."

Millie sighed. It was useless really to keep secrets from her sister.

"His name is Knives…he's Vash's brother."

"Whoo…"

"He's nothing like Vash. He's cold and hurtful. He's a murder hundreds of times over. He even forced his own brother to kill a man."

Tanya's rubbing of the lotion slowed down.

"You said in your letters that Vash refused to kill."

"Yes…it nearly destroyed Vash. God Big Big sister…it was horrible, hearing Vash scream and cry like that. He did it every night for weeks. It just ripped my heart apart."

Tanya sighed deeply and moved so that she sat beside her sister.

"What happened?"

"After Vash healed…they fought. Vash won. I took care of Knives while Vash and Meryl went away for a few days. He had been shot in each shoulder and thigh."

"Hmm…do you think it's the nurse, patient syndrome?"

It was a proven fact that lots of time when a patient had one nurse for a long time the two became attached to each other. There were a number of cases where such couples actually got married and lived happily ever after.

"No…I don't think so. There was, I mean there seemed to be…DAMN IT!"

The curse was enough to make even Big big sister blink in surprise. Millie was known to be the most laid back and easy going of the ten children. She was sweet and loving, so it wasn't a big surprise to see her caring for someone, even a monster. However…something in the curse told Tanya that there was more than she could see.

"I just don't know how to explain it."

Tanya sucked on her teeth before slowly removing the bandage on Millie's arm. She was a nurse that worked at the hospital so she knew what she was doing.

"How about you tell me everything that happened? We'll go from there Little Baby."

Millie nodded before starting her story. She told her Big Big sister everything. She spoke of the trouble she had trying to get him to eat. She told her about Knives holding her in his sleep. Millie had blushed at this and Tanya laughed.

Millie no longer felt so sad as she finally told someone about her week. She had felt in some way that telling someone would be invading Knives privacy. She had been afraid he would hate her if she told.

Now however, Knives was gone. She didn't need to stay silent.

Millie told her sister about the chess games, and how after that happened Knives finally began to talk to her. He had seen her that day, seen her as something more than just an insect to endure. Next she mentioned quite briefly his attack. Of course Big Big sister was mortified and only dropped the issue once Millie showed her the small cut. Already it was healed with only the slightest of scars to show it even existed.

Millie talked about their kisses in the dark. How wonderful it felt and how right.

Knives was a different person in that house and the cave.

And finally…she spoke of what happened once they got to the house.

"I shouldn't have come. I should have waited for Mr. Vash and Meryl. Because of me everything fell apart."

Tanya frowned as she gently finished rewrapping her sister's arm.

"You did what you could. Do you really think…"

Tanya placed Millie's hand back in its sling.

"That it would have been different otherwise? From what I can tell this Knives is very set in his ways."

"I know…but…"

It hurts when I'm not with him. I want to see his face again. I want to see him smile at me again.

"What should I do Big Big sister?"

"Little Baby…Poor thing. I can't tell you."

Millie frowned her eyes flashing with anger. This was just like Big Big Sister…never giving a straight answer. She always just said the answer was obvious and leave it at that. Never gave her mind on what should be done.

"Can't or Won't!"

Millie said allowing some of her feelings to surface.

Tanya sighed as she stood up. Even though she was now standing and Millie was sitting, her face came up even to Millie's. Tanya smiled and kissed her Little Baby sister on the cheek.

"For once I really don't know. I guess I should tell you to just forget about him. But I have a feeling that's not possible. Good Luck Little Baby."

With that Tanya turned and left.

Millie was left alone with a stunned look on her face.

Meryl carefully checked off each idem as she gathered them. Already she had quite a few items in her cart and the list was only half done.

Hmm…maybe this is too much. More than likely, knowing our luck we'll break down and have to carry everything.

Meryl thought about it a moment then shrugged as she placed a huge 40-pack box of doughnuts in her cart.

Can't worry about the future. What comes will come I guess.

Meryl let her mind wonder as she did her shopping.

I wonder where Knives is? He took a car so he could be anywhere? Vash has his gun so he can't cause too much damage…I hope. Knives is a vicious person. Maybe he'll just strangle ever human he finds, or maybe he'll find a different gun. He might not be able to use the Angel arm, but a guns a gun. It'll kill just as good as his.

Meryl shook her head. Damn it! She was letting her imagination get the better of her. She had to remember after all that Knives was still hurt. He probably wouldn't do anything past daily living for fear of upsetting the wounds.

Besides she was sure that Vash would find his brother very soon. Vash seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to Knives. He could feel if his brother was in a place or not and some other strange things. She didn't ask about it since it was obviously a plant thing.

It's really strange. But when you think about it I'm sleeping with a Plant. I'm having sex with a non-human. Kind weird when you think about it that way. But…I really don't care either way. When I look at Vash my heart just races. I can't get enough of his smiles…or his touches (blush).

Meryl could hardly believe that she could love anyone this much. It was so wonderful to give her heart away, and have it returned with that same love.

Or at least I think it's the same love. Vash said he loved me…although he was rather out of it at the time. I wonder if he even heard me say I love you back? Maybe…

Meryl stopped as she thought over the subject. Thinking hard she placed her hand on her chin.

Maybe I should tell him that I love him today. Nothing fancy, just a straight out, Vash I love you. That should be simple. He already knows I care about him a lot.

Yes…that sounds nice.

Meryl smiled to herself and started walking again. As she went, she passed the cloths section of the store.

She blushed again as something caught her eye.

It was lacy.

It was skimpy and indecent…

It was red. (Vash's favorite color)

It was perfect!

Without thinking twice Meryl grabbed said item and headed toward the checkout.

Vash fingered the small box in his pocket as he wondered if he really had the guts for this or not. A small box…such a small box. But inside it held a huge amount of emotions, promises and worries.

How one little box could cause such problems he would never know.

Vash reached the center of town. It was the town square, with huge monument, benches and even some plants. It was rather nice.

Vash quickly found a bench that rested in the shade and plopped down.

Reaching into his pocket he took out the box and opened it.

Inside a tiny ring glittered.

Face frowned as he let the rays of light bounce off the jewel, making it sparkle.

Gods above was he really ready for this.

Was he ready to take the vows of a human and stay with one woman until she died of old age? Vash winced as he thought of Meryl as an old woman. Not because of looks…but just the thought of her growing old and him staying the way he was now.

It sucked. Ya that was the word he wanted. The whole idea sucked!

No matter how much he loved Meryl. No matter what he did…he couldn't escape time. That was one killer that Vash could not bring to justice.

Well…

He thought as he shut the ring box closed and put it back in his pocket.

I can't escape time…but neither can I hide from it. I can either waste what precious time I have being scared, or I could do something now and treasure the moments.

Vash nodded to himself and smiled.

Ya that sounded nice. He wouldn't worry about the future. What would come, will come. There was nothing he could do about it. Whether he asked Meryl or not she was still going to grow old. So there were two choices…her grown old without him, or with him.

I want to be with you…forever Meryl

Vash was distracted as a large group of kids ran by him.

Kids…

Vash groaned as he put his head into his hands.

No doubt Meryl would want them someday. That was one of the things that tried to convince him not to go through with this.

He wasn't human. He was a plant.

It's possible to have children with a human. I don't know why, but it is. But…

Vash shook his head as he leaned back.

It was possible to have kids with a human…but there was a problem. That problem being the growth rate of the child.

My brother and I grew from babies to adults in two years. So if I were to guess that would mean the gestation rate for a plant child would be about one month…two maybe since I'm talking about a half breed. That would be dangerous…no deadly to a human woman.

Vash wondered if he should just tell Meryl…if he decided to give her the ring, that he was infertile with a human. That would take care of a lot of problems. She would never asked him to put her in danger.

He could say that and everything would be all right. He wouldn't even have to worry about an 'accident', since he was in complete control over whether or not his mate became pregnant.

Vash shrugged to himself over this little tidbit of information. A regular human male, every time he had unprotected sex the chance was there. He couldn't do anything about it; it was simply the way he worked. The human had no control over his parts.

But since Vash was a plant not a human he had special abilities. One of those abilities was that he could chose whether or not to try and get a woman pregnant.

It was an interesting and helpful talent…since he didn't have to worry about getting his one-night stands with child.

Not that that was a problem anymore. There was no one else but Meryl…and there wouldn't be for a long time.

Damn it…I'll ask. I want to say with her forever anyway. Might as well make her happy. Well at least I think she'll be happy about this?

Soothed if not really happy with everything and his decisions Vash let his mind wonder.

He could still feel the ring box press against him in his pocket. He thought about the day he had gotten the ring. It had been chaotic to say the least. In fact this damn ring was the real reason behind the 'Stealing the car' incident.

Meryl didn't know this and he didn't want her to…at least until he gave her the ring.

I left Meryl with Lina and her grandmother. The plan was for me to steal/bully a car from someone. Easy enough…all I had to do was state my real name and they would more than likely run for the hills. No one had to get hurt and no damage.

No Damage…ya right! When Gunsmoke froze over.

(flashback)

"Car…car…that's a nice one. No too nice. Don't want to attract attention."

Vash the Stampede walked calmly one of the many streets of the large city.

He was searching for a car to steal so he could get back to his homicidal brother before he healed enough to hurt Millie.

The problem with stealing a car though was that this city was so populated that he couldn't do his business in secret. Someone…several someone's would see and probably know what he was doing. And if someone saw there was a chance they would try to stop him. People got hurt that way, because he would be forced to take the car anyway and have to deal with them at the same time.

Sad…and a pain in the ass that he didn't need right now.

Maybe I should just scream out I'm Vash the Stampede and I'm filling my body bag quota today…just like I did in August.

Vash frowned as he eyed an old beat up truck.

No…knowing my luck the same thing that happened in august would happen here. No way in hell!

Vash kept walking. The truck looked like it was about to break down. He needed something halfway decent.

As Vash continued to walk…something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention.

Stopping Vash looked in the store window and at the items in it.

Rings…necklaces, earrings…a jewelry store.

Vash noticed one ring in particular that seemed to sparkle really nice. It was a rather small ring with a small diamond in the center. He didn't know why it caught his attention. It wasn't particularly grand and was rather puny compared to the other rings.

But this one just seemed special.

Just looking at this small little ring made him think of Meryl.

I'm a hundred and thirty three years old, and I've never met a woman before that I even wanted to stay with…much less marry.

Sure there had been women…quite a few of them actually that he had stayed with for a few years, here and there. But none of them were really special. He liked them fine and enjoyed their favors…but he hadn't loved any of them.

Meryl was different. Meryl knew everything about him, his scars, his past…even the fact he wasn't human. Yet she still stayed with him.

She had put herself in danger so many times he had lost count…just to help him. She was there on the steamer; she was there in that bar with Miss Stephanie, she was there in that town that wanted to kill him. Meryl had saved his life. She had stood between him and his killer. She had looked so much like Rem then.

But she's not Rem…she's Meryl. Meryl…my bossy, abusive, and somewhat dangerous girl.

Vash got a silly smile on his face just thinking at her.

Maybe…I should…at least look.

Thrusting his hands into his pockets Vash walked into the store.

He stopped his eyes widening in shock, and his hands coming up in a don't shot me please gesture.

The reason…simple…the store was being robbed.

The robbers all wore black masks and were heavily armed. They had an old woman, no doubt the store keep, and another woman, probably just a poor suckered customer as hostages.

Vash's eyes got wider as a gun was pressed into his face.

"Speak and I'll blow your head off. Into the corner!"

Vash was pushed rather roughly toward the other two women.

Dumb asses…must be new at crime. They didn't even take my guns.

Vash sighed as he turned toward the girls.

"You ok?"

He whispered so the leader man wouldn't hear him. The shopkeeper nodded and the girl broke out into tears. She was starting to cry rather loud.

Vash tried to hush her but to no ail.

"HEY! I THOUGHT I TOLD YOU TO BE QUIET!"

Vash's eyes widened again in panic as the robber suddenly turned on them and started shooting.

Vash moved…grabbed the crying girl and shopkeeper in each arm and jumped away. This all happened right before the bullets hit the wall behind them.

Vash had moved extremly fast. He had been nothing but a red blur to the robber man.

"What the hell?"

"That wasn't nice!"

Vash said…and the gun the robber was hold was suddenly shot out of his hands. Not only his but all of the robbers guns.

The robber that had tried to shot them fell down in shock. Behind his mask his eyes were wide.

"Who the hell are you?"

"OH."

Vash said rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. He twirled his gun on his hand expertly.

"I always get so embarrassed when I have to introduce myself. I'm a peace-loving gunman. A man that is forever searching for the elusive Mayfly of love. Hmmm But now that I think about it."

Vash frowned as he rubbed his chin in thought.

"I guess technically I've found that Mayfly finally. After all I was coming in her to buy my girlfriend an engagement ring. But you guys just had to ruin the whole magical experience!"

"Boss!"

Suddenly another robber came running in.

He didn't seem to see Vash or the fact that his buddies were without their weapons.

"We gotta go. I just heard on the radio that Vash the Stampede showed up at the Burnideli offices. They say he's a tall blonde man, wearing red and a large silver gun!"

The store became really quiet. Everyone in the store blinked twice before turning to stare at Vash.

"Damn it…here we go."

Vash sighed, things always got worse when they discovered who he was.

This was proved since right at that moment a car across the road exploded.

Vash screamed high pitched and shrill as he took cover with the two girls.

"Why does this always happen to me. I've been a good boy I really have, yet everything always blowing up around me and I'm always in trouble!"

Vash punched the floor as bullets flew over his head.

"We've hit the jackpot boys. There's the 60 billion double dollar man just waiting to be claimed!"

Vash screamed again, and was forced to move (with a girl in each arm), as one of the robbers threw a stick of dynamite at him.

The thing exploded and Vash was thrown across the room.

He (and the girls) took shelter behind another counter.
"Damn it, all I wanted was that little ring in the window."

The old woman looked thoughtful. She also looked very pissed. It was scary really to see an old woman fuming like that.

"Get ride of these robbers and I'll give you the damn ring. I just want them out of my store."

"OK!"

Vash said instantly happy. He had been afraid that the little ring would be too much for him to buy. But now…

Vash jumped up and unloaded his gun.

Three men and one stick of dynamite fell to the ground.

Vash screamed again as the stick went off…leaving a rather large hole in the street.

Jumping up and hoping to draw their fire off the two women Vash ran. He ran and dodged bullets like never before.

Damn how many of these people are there!

Vash fell flat on his face as a piece of the broken street tripped him. Just as he went down a bullet ripped through where his head hand once been.

Vash's face twisted into that of scared panic.

"SCARY!"

Vash quickly got to his feet and dived into the store next to the jewelry store. He was looking for a nice place where he could do his thing without anyone getting hurt.

Sniff…sniff.

"Yummy that smells good."

Vash looked around the store he had dived into. Several people taking cover from the war outside looked up at him with terror on their faces.

Vash's eyes just got wider and wider as he looked around.

Doughnuts…doughnuts everywhere.

"This…this is heaven. Surely I'm dreaming."

Deli's Doughnuts.

That's what the sign said.

Suddenly the chaos out in the street didn't matter as much. And much to the surprise of the people in the store Vash ignored bullets whizzing by him and started gorging on Doughnuts. He put two at a time in his mouth, didn't even bother to chew before swallowing and repeating the procedure.

"HMMM these are so good! I can't stand it!"

Vash jumped from foot to foot somehow dodging the bullets at random.

"Did you make these?"

Vash asked the store clerk. The middle aged man nodded.

"Wow! These are so good! The best doughnuts I've ever had! And trust me that a compliment!"

"VASH! I'll kill you!"

Vash turned and blinked. What he saw was enough to drop his jaw open and the doughnut drop from his mouth.

"MERYL!"

Vash grabbed a handful of doughnuts and waved goodbye to the store clerk.

The man just blinked and said in a small voice.

"Vash the stampede likes my doughnuts? Now that's a celebrity endorsement!"
Vash walked up sheepishly to Meryl still chomping on his pastry delights.

"What in the hell happened Vash. This place is a mess!"

"I didn't do it I swear!"

One the ground lay several would be robbers. All of them had been shot in non-vital areas with tiny little guns. Vash shook his head. Meryl…what a woman.

"Lets go Vash! We'll pick up the car on the way back!"

Vash whimpered at her angry voice and started to go with her.

"Young man!"

Vash blinked and turned around. It was the storekeeper. Vash glanced toward Meryl. She hadn't realized he wasn't following yet.

"Yes?"

The old woman smiled at him after taking note where his eyes had wondered.

"That her? She suites you. Never seen anything like it. WHAM and ever one of the robbers fell down. Anyway here…this is the one you wanted right?"

The old woman put the tiny ring in Vash's hand. He blinked at it a moment.

"But I didn't stop them…Meryl did."

The old woman shook her head.

"True, but you did save my life twice back there. So keep it…and good luck."

"VASH!"

Vash jerked and ducked his head like a scolded puppy. With a wounded look he quickly followed Meryl, the sound of an old woman's laughter followed him.

(end Flashback)

Vash smiled as he re-remembered the doughnuts. Damn those things had been good. A real work of art. But more importently he had gotten the ring.

It still called to him, even in his pocket. There was just something so perfect about the little stone. It was meant for him, but more so for Meryl.

Yes, I'll ask her. The worst she could say is no. I'll ask her tonight at the hotel. Maybe I should make this like a romantic evening or something. If I don't get engaged at least I'll get laid then.

"Ya, that sounds good."

Vash stood up and strechted his impossible long arms. With a smile on his face about tonight he ran over to the kids. Without even being asked they tossed him the ball and he was in the game.