Trigun Fan Fiction ❯ Dirty Dreams ❯ Perfect Strangers ( Chapter 9 )

Dirty Dreams

By Bekka Mouri-Hibiki

(Trigun isn't mine. Wolfwood finds himself in a familiar situation and has another dream about Milly eighteen months after The Fifth Moon incident. Hot!)

Part Nine: Perfect Strangers

Wolfwood pulled his motorcycle to a stop in front of Clara Santa's general store and shut off the engine. He would have to walk an ile or so up the street to get to the bank but it didn't bother him. Parking in front of the general store meant he would be that much closer when he had to load the supplies he needed to get. He ran a hand down his side, checking to see if his gun was there and it was.

He had been back at the orphanage for a little over ten months and still waiting to hear something about Vash. He could feel the barrel of the heavy silver gun resting against the base of his spine as he walked. He didn't go anywhere without Vash's gun in tow along with his own… the one Vash had given him in May City…

(Flashback)

Wolfwood unbuckled the gun and holster Vash had lent him to fight in the tournament, " I don't think I'll be needing this now. "

Vash stopped him; " I think it would be better if you kept it. "

Wolfwood snorted a laugh, " I have plenty of artillery. "

Vash shook his head, " You might need some back up. Remember back in the desert? "

Wolfwood growled, recalling how he had jumped off the bus then found out he was completely unarmed. He looked down at the holster, " But I can't go around with this thing strapped to my leg… it wouldn't look right. "

" I can solve that problem, " Vash reached into his coat and pulled out what looked like part of a shoulder holster.

" Where's the rest of it? " Wolfwood arched an eyebrow.

Vash smirked, " You're holding it. It's convertible in three ways. "

" Three? " Wolfwood looked down at the part in his hand. " Oh yeah… I see it now. "

Vash handed the back strap to Wolfwood, " I'm sure you can put it together. "

" But why? " Wolfwood looked puzzled.

" You never know when a hidden gun can come in handy, " Vash said and winked.

(End Flashback)

It wasn't long after that conversation that Wolfwood realized that Vash had a hidden gun. He wouldn't have been able to take out the robots in the ancient spaceship without one. Since that time, he had worn it underneath his jacket, saving him in times he could not get into the Punisher Cross fast enough. It also served as his only weapon in Warrens' City while Frank Marlon repaired Vash's gun and gave the Punisher Cross' arsenal a tune-up.

Marlon had stayed sober long enough to fix the guns but started to drink as Wolfwood began to ask him what he knew about Vash. He hadn't be able to tell him much except his version of the same story Vash had related to Wolfwood in May City after Milly's impromptu performance. Wolfwood gave up on getting anything else worthwhile from the gunsmith and joined him in drinking. Three days later, Wolfwood set out again with a promise that he would take care of the silver gun until it was back in Vash's hand.

Thirteen months had passed since Wolfwood had gotten the gun fixed but he kept it clean and maintained it so it wouldn't go too long without being fired. It was the closest thing he had to Vash and would not let it out of his sight until he could give it back to the gunman. There was just something about him that made Wolfwood feel like there was some hope for the future after all.

He was just a few yarz from the bank when he heard a gunshot, causing to instinctively duck into a nearby alley. He pulled the gun from his shoulder holster and looked around the corner cautiously. Three very big and very ugly men stood in front of the bank. One was a blonde; he was holding a very big gun and clenched a stubby cigar in the corner of his mouth.

" Y'all make any move at all and the woman gets it, " The blonde man shouted across the street. Wolfwood looked across the street to see several deputies and the sheriff with their arms by their sides, their guns pointing towards the ground. They looked like they were caught in a hopeless situation and didn't know what to do next.

Two raven-haired men flanked either side of the blonde man. They looked enough a like to be brothers and the one on the left was holding an auburn haired woman of a larger build that Wolfwood gauged was roughly his height. Lefty's right arm was around her throat and a large handgun was jammed against where her temple would be under her loose fitting cowboy hat. Wolfwood groaned when the sunlight glinted off of a badge on the woman's vest, identifying her as one of the deputies.

He took a deep breath, trying to come up with a plan in his mind. The sheriff's men couldn't shoot because they would be putting the female deputy's life in danger but Wolfwood would be doing the same if he just ran out there and started shooting. He shut his eyes, trying to decide how he would handle the situation. He would have to find a way to slip up on the criminals and take them down without hurting the deputy.

He looked to his side and found he was standing next to a fire escape. He re-holstered the gun and started up the ladder. When he reached the top, he found he would only have to make a few jumps to reach the roof of the bank. Most of the buildings in Clara Santa were pretty close together, giving the city a claustrophobic feeling but the closeness would be useful for Wolfwood's plan.

The first two jumps were smooth because the buildings were the same height but the bank was slightly taller and Wolfwood wasn't sure if he could make it if he tried for the roof. He located the fire escape, aiming for it instead. He jumped for the ladder, his feet slipping a bit as he gripped onto a rung. He wasted no time, climbing up to the roof of the bank and going down to his hands and knees so he could crawl to the front of the building.

The standoff was still at a standstill and the man that had been on the blonde's right was now loading bags of money into a getaway car. He had a gun dangling from a shoulder strap but he would have to drop the money to get a hold of the weapon. Wolfwood reached into his jacket, pulling out his gun then pulled Vash's gun from the back of his pants. He aimed his gun at the man loading the car and aimed Vash's at the man holding the female deputy.

He held his breath as he pulled both triggers simultaneously, the combined report sounding like desert thunder. The man at the car crumpled instantly but the one holding the deputy didn't go down, his finger tightening around the trigger as his knees started to shake. His arm was visibly looser and the deputy pushed the hand holding the gun away as he fired, the bullet intended for her striking his boss instead.

The blonde fell to the ground, his henchman looking over his shoulder to see who fired the shot that had struck him first. He leveled his shaking hand, " You cheap shot! You're… " A rifle report silenced the man before he could finish his threat. Wolfwood looked and found it was the deputy herself had fired the shot.

The sheriff walked up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. He said something to her but Wolfwood couldn't hear it. When he was finished talking to the deputy, he looked up at Wolfwood, " You can come down now! "

Wolfwood didn't hear the sheriff because he was looking at the deputy, realizing that she was very attractive from his vantage point. Her waist-length auburn hair seemed to blaze like dark fire in the light of the suns, the part that was shadowed by her hat looked dark purple though. Her clothes were close fitting, her shirt and vest hugging her bust and waist like it was painted onto her. Her pants seemed to be painted on as well, the fabric accentuating legs that seemed to go on forever.

" Are you deaf? " The sheriff shouted. " I said you could come down now. "

" I hear you, " Wolfwood called as he jammed Vash's gun into the back of his pants and the other gun went back into its holster. He went to the fire escape and climbed down, coming face to face with the deputy as his feet touched the ground. She was his height but the wide floppy brim of her hat obscured her face so he couldn't see what she looked like up close. She took a stern stance, " Why did you do that? "

" I heard a shot and things didn't look good for you, " Wolfwood shrugged. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a cigarette. He tried to find a match but the deputy was faster, lighting his cigarette for him. " Aren't you a little young to be doing this kind of thing? "

" Well, I'm old enough but I wasn't sure how I would get out of that, " She offered a hand. " My name is Amanda Newton… Deputy Amanda Newton. I appreciate it. "

Wolfwood took a drag off of his cigarette and shook her hand, " Newton, huh? I assume your father is Jason Newton. He was sheriff last time I heard anything. "

" My father was Jason Newton, " Amanda said quietly, her stance softening slightly. " He was killed a month ago and his right hand man Robert Vaughn took over. Those bastards were the ones that killed my father and I guess I was overcome with emotion. "

" I only come into town once a month so that must have happened after my last visit, " Wolfwood muttered. " Sorry to hear that… "

" Once a month, eh? " Amanda looked down at Wolfwood's hand. It was still grasping hers tightly.

Wolfwood realized he still had a hold of Amanda's hand, " Oh! I'm Nicholas D. Wolfwood. "

Amanda let Wolfwood shake her hand again and let it fall away slowly after he let go. " You're the priest that runs to orphanage a hundred and fifty iles from here, right? "

Wolfwood nodded, " Yeah, that's my place. You've heard of me? "

" It's a good thing you're doing out there, Mr. Wolfwood, " Amanda nodded, " I will have to find a way to thank you. "

" Don't worry about it, " Wolfwood chuckled. " Those guys had reward on them, right? "

" Yes they did but I will give you something for saving my life, " Amanda looked over her shoulder. " Are you going to be staying in town tonight? I hear a sandstorm will be moving through later and it's going to last for a few days. "

" Yeah, I heard that too, " Wolfwood took a drag from his cigarette. He exhaled a few moments later, " I'm getting the harder to get stuff today and I'll get the rest once the sandstorm is over and I can get back to the orphanage. "

" That's a good idea, some things can go pretty fast if you don't get them as soon as the store has them. Perhaps I can offer you a place to sleep free of charge? There's plenty of room at my house now that it's just me, " Amanda said the last part quietly as if she didn't want anyone to hear it.

Wolfwood arched an eyebrow, " You live alone? " He whispered.

Amanda nodded, " Yes. "

Wolfwood shut his eyes, trying not to think the worst. It was dangerous for a woman to live alone and the fact she was the deputy didn't help. If anyone knew she did live alone, they could easily break into her house and shoot her as she slept or rape her although he could tell she could probably hold her own in a fight… unless she was incapacitated first. He put his hand to forehead, " Then I guess I'll have to say yes. "

Amanda removed her hat, revealing her face to Wolfwood. He nearly dropped his cigarette because Amanda looked like she could have been Milly's doppelganger except for the auburn hair and violet eyes. Other wise, the young woman looked and was built the same as the big insurance agent. Wolfwood had to blink a few times to make sure he wasn't seeing things because he had thought about the big girl quite often since parting ways with her and he missed her although he tried to deny it to himself.

She lifted her right hand and placed it on Wolfwood's face. She looked him in the eyes for a moment before leaning in, kissing his left cheek lightly. " Thank you, " She whispered as she pulled away, letting her fingers trail down his jaw slowly and let her hand fall away once she reached his chin. She placed her hat back on her head; " I'll meet you in the town square when I finish up here. I have a car so you can ride with me if you wish. "

Wolfwood pointed down the street, " Nah. I have my bike. "

" I see, " Amanda turned and started to walk away. She looked over her shoulder; " I'll see you later. "

Wolfwood watched her walk back to the bank and he walked back down to the store. He went inside and found his list of things he needed to get right away. There were things that would run out fast if one didn't get them as soon as they came into town and Wolfwood had a deal with the shop owner to hang onto some of those things for him.

He looked for the things that were a little more obtainable because he knew the limited things would be in the back and he would only have to tell the clerk to go get them but he wanted to make sure there was plenty of everything else for when he came back. He scanned the store, trying to recall if he forgot anything when he thought of one thing he would need before going to Amanda's house. The way Amanda had touched him had fired him up quite a bit and he didn't want to be unprepared in case anything happened since he would be with her for three days at least.

He went to the counter and the clerk came over. " Can I help you, sir? " She asked.

" Yes. There are some things in the back that are on hold for me, " Wolfwood handed her the list and removed his sunglasses.

The woman scanned it, " I see. You're the priest from the orphanage I assume. "

Wolfwood nodded, " Yes. I need to sign for the things but I won't be able to take them until I can leave town. "

" Let me get the charge account book, " The woman reached under the counter. She opened it before looking at Wolfwood, " Last name? "

" Wolfwood. "

The woman went to the back of the book, " Here it is. Let me add up your bill… "

" I need to add two more things to my order, " Wolfwood put his hand up.

The woman looked over her glasses at him, " What would that be? "

" I need a box of condoms and a carton of cigarettes, " Wolfwood said firmly.

The woman stared at him for a long moment, a confused and shocked expression crossing her features. She smiled knowingly, " I see. Is there some shy young man outside that was too afraid to come in here to buy the condoms himself? "

" It's better than the alternative, " Wolfwood shrugged. The clerk didn't need to know whom the condoms were for and it really didn't count as lying because Wolfwood neither verified nor denied what the woman was thinking.

" That's true, " The woman nodded as she reached under the counter. She brought the boxes up and looked at Wolfwood, " I assume these will be going with you today? "

Wolfwood nodded, " Yes. I'm almost out of cigarettes and I'm not very likable when I'm out. "

The clerk added the two items to Wolfwood's bill and turned the book so he could sign it. He signed and watched as the woman initialed in the space she was supposed to. She picked up two small bags from a stack near the register, placing the condoms in one and the carton of cigarettes in the other. She set both bags in front of Wolfwood; " You tell that young man there's nothing wrong with being responsible. "

" I will, " Wolfwood put his sunglasses back on and picked up the bags before leaving the store. Once he was outside, he stuck the bag with the condoms down in the bag with the cigarettes and walked back to his bike…

**

Wolfwood stood in the guest room, taking his clothes off so he could go to bed. He had followed Amanda to her house, finding that she lived in a small but nice house. It was obvious that her father had a lot to do with the décor because it was sparse and very masculine. Since she was still mourning him, she probably didn't want to change anything so she could hold on to as much of him as possible.

Everyone in Clara Santa knew the story of Jason and Jeanette Newton. The two of them had come to the town some twenty-five years before, turning to rough town into someplace livable. Once they had laid the law down, the town started to become prosperous. Three years after that, they had a daughter but Jeanette died giving birth to the child.

Wolfwood had heard the story or different versions of it here and there but never caught what the child's name was. When Amanda said who her father had been, it all fell into place and he realized what kind of legacy the twenty-two year old had to live up to. She seemed so mature and strong but looked like a scared little girl in the clutches of the thugs. She was trying but it seemed she wasn't ready to follow in her father's footsteps.

He stopped unbuttoning his shirt, wondering what his father and mother had been like. He really couldn't remember anything about them… they had died when he was very little and he didn't even know what they looked like. All he could recall was his guardian's harsh abuse and digging through trash for food because the bastard spent all of his money on cheap booze. He had to steal clothes from clotheslines several times because he couldn't get the bloodstains out of his own no matter how hard he tried.

His guardian was walking trash and mistreated Wolfwood in ways that would make normal people sick just to think about them. He never understood why such scum had been allowed to be around kids. It seemed no one cared just as long as the children were off the streets back then and that was something he had set out to change. Wolfwood had decided early on that no child should be subjected to the things he had to endure.

At seven, Wolfwood had met a priest and ended up telling him about the bad things his guardian had done to him. That priest had turned out to be Chapel The Evergreen and he told Wolfwood things could change only if he wanted them to. Change was what Wolfwood wanted the most so he listened. Chapel had told him a lot of things he wanted to hear and it made sense to him.

Chapel had given Wolfwood hope and he knew what to do with it. When he got home, he found his guardian's gun and hid it under some garbage bags in the alley. It was the perfect plan and he was certain nothing would go wrong. He waited for his guardian to come home; when he did, he was drunk and ready to beat Wolfwood just like he did every time he was drunk.

Wolfwood let the pig land a few good jabs and he tore outside to the alley, knowing his guardian would follow him. He dug the gun out of the bags and turned around just as his guardian stepped outside, shutting the door to the house. It took him a few moments to process he had been set up and he lunged at Wolfwood. Small fingers cocked the gun before they closed around the trigger and the brute to a few steps back before slumping to the ground.

Wolfwood had laughed once he realized how easy it had been to change everything with such a simple action. Chapel had told him that things would be different if he took matters into his own hands and he saw how true it was. He hid the gun in his shorts the best he could and ran for the church that Chapel said he would be waiting at. Back then, Wolfwood thought that things would only get better yet he was still waiting for them to improve.

He stayed with Chapel until he was almost eighteen, setting out to change things for other orphans but found himself doing what he needed to make ends meet. He never wanted the kids to find out what he had to do for them but it was necessary for their survival. He felt like the room was closing in on him and he needed a cigarette. He hated it when he thought about the past… it made him feel helpless but so did thinking about the future.

He had just picked up his jacket when there was a knock at the door. " Yes? " He called as he dug through his pockets.

" Would you care to join me for a drink, Mr. Wolfwood? " Amanda opened the door just a bit, poking her head inside.

Wolfwood pulled his cigarettes from his jacket and put it back over the chair it had been on, turning to face her, " That's would be good. I need a drink. "

Wolfwood put his cigarettes down on the nightstand so he could button his shirt up. " You don't have to do that, " Amanda said, opening the door a little more. " It's not like I haven't seen a half naked man before. "

Wolfwood let his hands fall from his shirt; " I didn't want to make you uncomfortable. "

Amanda chuckled, " It will take more than that to make me ill at ease. I'm not as delicate as most people assume I am. "

" That's good to hear, " Wolfwood got a cigarette out of the pack and then got a match. He was preparing to strike it when Amanda stepped into the room. The match hit the floor just as the cigarette fell from his lips as he stared in astounded silence and his eyes slowly scanned down what stood before him. Amanda was wearing a very short pink satin robe and it was obviously the only thing she had on.

The silky fabric clung to her curves, the hem barely covering where her rear met her thighs. Her legs were long, shapely, muscular and strong. He looked her over again, moving his eyes upwards and noticed two hardened peaks pressing against the cloth that covered her breasts. He realized that her chest looked even bigger than it had when she was in her deputy's clothes.

She moved closer, leaning in and taking his lips into hers. The kiss was hot and aggressive, her tongue pushing his lips apart. He responded by returning her intensity and putting his hands on her waist. They didn't stay there for long, moving upwards to caress her breasts until he could feel the harden peaks of her nipples pressing against his palms.

They kissed for a long time, Amanda's hands slipping inside of Wolfwood's shirt to stroke his chest and back. He moved his left hand from her chest and around to the small of her back, pressing her body closer to his. She mimicked his action but her hand soon strayed to his ass and she let her hand roam all over it. They pulled apart out of mutual need for air, Amanda capturing his tongue in her lips and sucking it as she moved back.

Wolfwood took a deep breath, " Wow… " He muttered.

" I said I would thank you, " Amanda said, a suggestive smirk crossing her lips. She looked at the door; " I'll be waiting in my room if you wish to accept the rest of my thanks. "

Wolfwood watched as she walked out the door, untying her robe as she went. He snatched up the cigarette he dropped and got another match, striking it as he tried to get his mind to work. He hadn't been with a woman in fourteen months and now he was feeling it. He snatched up the bag that held the rest of the carton of cigarettes and the condoms before heading for the hallway.

He thought he was seeing things when he saw a satiny puddle of fabric on the floor and he knew Amanda was serious. He picked it up then smelled it, shutting his eyes as he inhaled the scent of her perfume and cigarettes. He didn't know much about perfumes but he was certain the one she wore had a really sexy name because it made him hornier than he already had been. It was all he could do not to run to find her and ravish her until dawn.

Her room was easy to find because the house was so small and the door was open. He stopped in the doorway to watch Amanda pour two glasses of whiskey. He could see everything because she was standing in front of the dresser mirror and it reflected her nude front side. He tried to suppress a groan as he looked over slowly, her naked body looking even better than he imagined.

Amanda didn't notice he had come to her or she was playing like she hadn't, Wolfwood couldn't tell. He walked up behind her, putting his arms around her after setting the bag down and placed his hands on her breasts. She gasped as he gently pinched and pulled at her nipples as he kissed her neck. She pressed back against him, wrapping her arms around him and nipped at his ear.

Wolfwood smiled against her neck, looking into the mirror to see what they looked like wrapped around each other. He slid his right hand down until it was on her mound and he massaged it with his fingertips, causing her to shiver against him. She looked like she was in pure bliss, her expression making Wolfwood want to take her any way he could possibly get her. He let one finger move lower until he found her opening, slipping it inside and finding her clitoris.

She moaned, bringing her head up so she could look into the mirror as well. She slid her right hand down his arm until her hand rested on his and she held it as he continued to tease her. A few moments passed when he felt her hand moving lower and heard her making small noises in her throat. He looked into the mirror and realized she was fingering herself with two fingers.

He moved his hand lower, smoothly pushing her hand out of the way and replacing her fingers with his. She gasped, bringing her arm up to wrap it around Wolfwood's neck. He nudged it away gently, bringing his left hand over to hold onto it. Amanda didn't know what to make of the action until he took the two fingers she had used into his mouth, sucking on them.

She pushed the hand he was using on her away; " I have to have you… right now… " She whispered.

Wolfwood let her go slowly and she turned to face him, kissing him hard and deep as she pushed his shirt off then her hands went to his pants. She opened them and had them pushed down in an instant. Wolfwood took a step back to finish removing the garment, kicking it aside once he was out of it. They broke for air and Wolfwood grabbed the bag he had brought with him.

Amanda looked at it, " What's in there? " She asked as she tried to catch her breath.

Wolfwood dumped the bag out on the dresser, " Those. "

" You were expecting this, weren't you? " Amanda asked huskily.

" I'd rather have something and not need it than not have it and need it, " Wolfwood replied as he picked up the condoms. He ripped the box open with one hand and shook the contents out onto the dresser.

" You think those will be enough? " Amanda looked judiciously at the prophylactics. There was what looked like a dozen in the pile.

Wolfwood grinned, " You think we'll need more than that? "

" Oh, many more but I have some too so we should be okay, " She said, opening the top drawer on the dresser. Three unopened boxes sat right in the front.

Wolfwood narrowed his eyes and gave Amanda an incredulous look, " Busy girl? "

" I'm not a loose woman but I do get my share, " Amanda replied and kissed Wolfwood again. She pulled away; reaching behind her to pick up one of the foil packets before nudging Wolfwood towards the bed, " Lay down. "

" Yes ma'am, " He said mockingly as he moved backwards. He sat down on the bed, moving until he was on it fully. Amanda lay down next to him, putting the packet under one of the pillows at the head of the bed. She then looked at Wolfwood, " I want to taste you. "

Wolfwood didn't have time to respond before Amanda covered his mouth with hers, kissing him deeply as she ran one of her hands all over his chest. She moved away from his mouth, leaving a trail of kisses as she made her way down to his nipples. She licked them as her hand continued to descend until she was stroking his rock hard arousal. She sat up and turned around, climbing on top of him so her knees were at his shoulders.

He put his hands on her rear, pulling her down so he could reach her better. He spread her open and licked her as she ran her tongue along his length slowly before taking his tip into her mouth. She worked him, muffled moans coming from her mouth when he entered her with two fingers and stroked her. He lay back on the bed and groaned as she caressed his balls.

He moved his fingers faster, wanting her to come before he did. He could tell she was close by the way she felt and he brought his other hand up to tease her clitoris again. She let him go as her release started, looking back at him as cried out, " Yes! Oh God yes! "

He pulled out of her as the contractions slowed although she was still panting and looking at him. She took a moment to collect herself enough to move, turning around so they were face to face. She reached under the pillow and pulled the packet out. She opened it and put the condom on him as quickly as her trembling hands would allow.

She moved her hips over his, lowering herself until his tip was pressing at her opening. She shut her eyes and started to guide him into her. She gasped once she was fully down on him, her eyes wide. " Oh wow… you feel really good, " She whispered.

" You feel pretty nice yourself, " Wolfwood said as he moved his hands to Amanda's chest as she started to move, her hands grasping his forearms as she rode him and he massaged her breasts. He felt like a pressure cooker fixing to explode so he moved his hands to her hips, thrusting upwards. Amanda bent forward enough for him to be able to capture one of her nipples in his lips and he sucked it as he pulled her legs a little further apart.

He could feel her nails digging into his forearms and her core tightening around him, letting him know she was going to climax again. He let her nipple go as he shut his eyes and exploded within her. She moaned loudly as her core clamped tight around him shortly thereafter and started to spasm around him as if it were trying to draw every last bit of his seed out of him. He took a breath and exhaled, " Oh honey… "

She got off of him slowly, nearly collapsing next to him. It seemed like it took great effort as she moved close enough to kiss him before pillowing her head on his chest. " That's was good, " She muttered. " This is going to be a fun three days. "

Wolfwood ran his hand down her back but said nothing. Amanda would have kicked his ass if she had known it wasn't her on his mind but another woman… one with blue eyes and honey colored hair.

**

He was at his desk in his office, looking over the expenses for the orphanage and comparing them to the balance in the bank. He frowned, realizing they would just barely squeak by yet again for the month. He shut the folder and put his head in his hands, wondering how much longer he could survive at the rate he was going. He stood up; ready to go to bed even though he felt one hell of a headache coming on.

He looked in on the sleeping orphans, smiling at their serene little faces. Some of the smaller ones were sleeping on the floor, huddled around one of the older ladies that helped him care for the kids when he had to go traveling. The other lady wasn't very far away and she was surrounded by some more of the kids. The two ladies were quite a blessing because they didn't mind caring for the kids while Wolfwood tried to get donations or worked odd jobs when things got tight.

He shut the door quietly and headed to his tiny apartment on the other side of the church. It was little more than a bedroom and a painfully small bathroom but it was his private space. He was halfway there when heard a knock at the front door of the church. He arched an eyebrow, wondering who would be there at such a late hour.

He opened the door, surprised to see Milly there holding a suitcase. " Honey! What in the world are you doing here? " He asked, pulling her inside.

" Mr. Priest… " She said, swaying on her feet a bit. Wolfwood led her to a pew and sat her down because he was scared she would fall. " The bus… it only went as far as Clara Santa. "

" Then how did you get here? " Wolfwood asked her.

" I walked, " Milly said. " It took me a few days but here I am. "

Wolfwood held one of her hands in his, " Do you know how dangerous that could have been for you? Why did you do that? "

" I had time off from work and I wanted to see you again, " Milly said quietly.

Wolfwood stared at her in shock, " You… did that because you wanted to see me? "

She nodded, " Yes. Is there some place I can sleep? I'm really tired. "

" I bet but I don't know where I could put you. The kids' room is already crowded, " Wolfwood shook his head.

" Then I'll sleep with you, " Milly said, starting to fall forward but Wolfwood caught her by the shoulders. " There's room in your bed for me, right? "

Wolfwood suppressed a groan as he fought back thoughts of Milly under him, on top of him and a few other positions besides even though he knew she had meant something entirely innocent. He had only slept with Amanda a few days before but this was the girl he was holding was the one he had on his mind when he was with the voluptuous deputy. He was trying his best not to get aroused by the young woman he was holding by the shoulders but his body was fighting back. " Let's get you cleaned up first, " He sighed, hoping he could control himself.

He helped her out of her coat, hanging it by the door. He released the strap on her gun and put it over his shoulder, deciding to put it somewhere the kids couldn't get to it once he had Milly settled in. " I don't know if I can bathe myself, Mr. Priest. I'm really tired, " Milly said quietly as Wolfwood helped her to her feet.

Wolfwood inhaled sharply, realizing he would have to help the young woman get cleaned up and that would not be conducive if he was going to try to keep control of himself. He had dreamt of having her and if he saw her naked, his restraint would be blown to bits. ~Come on, you can do this… she's probably too tired for that anyway, ~ He thought to himself. He shut his eyes, " Come on then… we got to get you out of these dirty clothes. "

Wolfwood eased his arm around her waist and helped her to his apartment, taking her right to the bathroom. He sat her down on the edge of the tub and knelt in front of her, his hands going to her boots. He pulled them off and removed her socks. He let out a strained chuckle as he pitched her socks away; " We're going to have to burn this stuff… there's no hope for it. "

Milly nodded, " Yeah. "

Wolfwood went to her shirt next, unbuttoning it slowly because he was trying to keep his hands from shaking. He got the last button undone and eased the garment down Milly's arms. She let go of the side of the tub so he could take the shirt off; watching as he tossed it in the same corner her socks had landed in. He looked back, realizing he had three pieces left to go before the girl was completely naked.

Milly noticed he was hesitating, " Would you like it if I tried to take the rest off, Mr. Priest? You look a little uncomfortable. "

" Do you think you can? " Wolfwood asked, hoping she could.

Milly tried to stand up but lost her balance, falling forward. Wolfwood stopped her fall and eased her back down to the tub. " I guess not, " Milly said glumly.

" It's okay, " Wolfwood said quietly, reaching for her bra. He could tell it had been white but was stained with sweat and dirt. He found that it fastened in the front and released the set of three hooks that held it shut. He tried not to concentrate on her breasts as he removed the bra, looking away as he pitched it towards her other clothes.

He turned back and his eyes instantly fixed on the young woman's breasts, the sight of them causing his mind to lose its hard-fought battle with his desire. His mind had tried to convince his body that the girl was too tired for anything except a bath and lots of sleep. His carnal desires tried to reason that the girl needed to relax some before she could sleep and screwing her brains out was the best way possible. Wolfwood had tried to ignore the thoughts of making up for nearly eighteen months of hot dreams about Milly but being so close to her in her state of undress was making the thoughts hard to disregard.

He nearly jumped when she placed her hand on his face, " Is everything okay? " She asked.

He looked up at her, " I can't do this, Milly. "

Milly blinked, " But I need your help. "

" I know but I'm… I'm in no state to help you… " Wolfwood stammered. " I can't… "

" Mr. Priest… " Milly sighed. " If I could do this myself I would. I should have never come here. "

Wolfwood shut his eyes, " No, I'm happy to see you honey. I just… Do you know what this is doing to me? "

" I have a good idea, " Milly replied quietly. " If you like, I can try to undress myself again. I fell because I got up too fast. "

" No. I don't want you to get hurt, " Wolfwood was confused and wasn't certain what to do. He wanted to have sex with Milly but she was in no shape for it. His body urged him to let things happen but his mind was still fighting for control.

Milly took a deep breath, " Mr. Priest… if it makes you feel any better… I haven't been able to get you out of my head since we met… I could have stayed in December and tried to forget about you and my foolish fantasies. "

Wolfwood opened his eyes and looked at Milly. " What did you say? "

" I… I… " Milly's voice trembled a little, " I can't get you out of my head. I think about you a lot. "

" Please don't tell me that, " Wolfwood whispered. " It's only going to make me want you more. "

" Then want me, " Milly said, her face blushing deeply. " I've wanted to know what you would feel like in me since I met you. "

" Milly… " Wolfwood groaned quietly.

" I shouldn't have told you that… " Milly shook her head. " I should have never came here… I knew it was better only as a fantasy. "

" Do you really want to do it? " Wolfwood asked as he hooked a finger under her chin.

" I think I love you, " Milly whispered, her eyes filling with tears. " Do anything you want with me, Mr. Priest. "

Wolfwood took a deep breath and moved his hands to the young woman's pants. He unfastened them and unzipped the, pushing them down along with her panties. Milly lifted herself up just a little so he could pull them the rest of the way down her long lean legs. He threw them to the side and ran his hands back up her legs slowly.

" You have strong legs, " He whispered. He rose up from the floor and reached for the water spigot to start running the water for her bath. He was surprised when he felt Milly kissing his neck as he leaned over her shoulder. " Get in the tub, " He muttered to her.

Milly wasted no time, sliding down into the tub as Wolfwood stood up straight and began to remove his shirt. " Are we going to do it here? " She asked as she turned off the water once the level in the tub suited her.

" We'll see. I'm just taking off my shirt so it doesn't get wet, " He replied, sliding it off and throwing it so it wasn't too close to Milly's clothes. He went to a small cabinet, getting out a bar of soap, a bottle of shampoo and a washcloth. He went back to the tub and knelt down behind Milly, wincing a bit because of his aching arousal. He adjusted his legs so they were a little further apart then unzipped his pants and some of the pain was alleviated after he freed himself of the confines of the garment.

Milly slipped beneath the water to get her hair wet then came back up, giving Wolfwood a sidelong suggestive glance over her shoulder. He poured some of the shampoo into her hair and set the bottle down before he started to work it slowly through her honey colored mane. She leaned against the back of the tub, making small noises in her throat as he let his fingers trail over sensitive places behind her ears and down her neck. He picked up a pan from the floor, dipping it into the water and pouring it over her hair until all of the soap was rinsed from it.

He picked up the washcloth then dipped it into the water and wrapped the soap in it before he started to wash Milly's back. He rinsed her back off before kissing her shoulder and moved the washcloth to her front. She gasped as he fondled one of her breasts while he cleaned it. He rinsed the breast off and moved to the other one, his right hand lingering on the breast he had finished cleaning.

She arched her neck back against his shoulder as he manipulated her rock hard nipple with his fingers. He stopped to rinse her left breast off and set the washcloth wrapped soap down before fondling both breasts at the same time, nibbling at her throat as he did. She whimpered when he stopped and picked up the soap again but he gave her a searing kiss, his tongue pressing against her lips with an intensity that promised much more exciting things to come. She parted her lips, letting him ravage her mouth until they both needed to separate for air.

She panted a little as he slowly washed her stomach, his hand moving lower until it grazed the thicket of dense hair that covered her mound. She gasped as he let his fingers tease the delicate flesh, each touch making her tremble as he cleaned her with the other hand. She shivered as he slowly cleaned his way down to her opening, teasing her clitoris gently with the washcloth before letting two of the fingers on his right hand slip inside of her channel.

He moved the washcloth down her left thigh, his thumb taking over in teasing her jewel as she clenched her hands around the edges of the tub. " Lift your left leg up so I can finish cleaning it, " He instructed her.

She complied with his request, raising the limb so he could run the soapy washcloth along its length as he continued to use his fingers on her. When he was finished, she let the leg down slowly and lifted the other. He washed it, moving his fingers a little faster inside of her. She let the leg down into the water long enough to rinse the soap from it before bringing both her legs up and letting them hang over the sides of the tub, her hips thrusting with his stroking.

He felt her tighten around his fingers as she took a sharp breath, continuing to move in her as she climaxed and trying to get in her as deep as he could to intensify the sensations. She pressed her head back against his shoulder hard, panting for air as the contractions finally slowed. She turned her head and kissed the side of his face, whispering incoherent words. He turned to face her, taking her lips in his and kissed her languidly while he moved his fingers out of her slowly.

He washed his hand off as he pulled away from her for air, her drunken blue eyes half closed as she breathed slowly. She kept her head pillowed on his shoulder as he moved his hands to her waist, letting them rest there. They were quiet for a long time when Milly moved just slightly and started to kiss Wolfwood's jaw line. She tilted her head back a little and nipped at his ear before whispering, " What about you? "

Wolfwood pressed his lips to her shoulder and exhaled against her. She had looked exhausted when she arrived and she was probably even more so after what he had done to her. His body was aching for release but if she had walked a hundred and fifty iles, her body would not be up to much more activity. He nuzzled her neck, " What do you have in mind? " He whispered.

Milly pulled her legs back into the tub, using her foot to open the drain before rolling over to face Wolfwood. " Come up on your knees a little more, " She said as the water slowly drained out of the tub. She smiled mischievously when he moved so he was standing on his knees, " Well… Half the work is already done for me, isn't it? "

Wolfwood nodded but said nothing as she lifted herself up and supported her body with her hands while she moved closer to him, flicking her tongue across one of his nipples. He put his hands on the sides of the tub as she flicked the other one. She moved between them, swirling her tongue around them slowly before moving further down, kissing and nipping at his stomach. She nuzzled his bellybutton for a moment then ran her lips along his length, her tongue darting out to taste it.

He moved away and she looked up at him, confused. He gave her a smirk as he stood to his feet and climbed into the tub, sitting down on the edge. " I didn't want your arms to get tired, " He whispered, running his hand through her wet hair.

Milly smiled, kneeling between Wolfwood's legs. " Thank you, " She whispered. She leaned her head down and started to lick his erection, causing him to inhale deeply as she moved her tongue all over it. He let the breath out when he felt her wet mouth envelope him and her fingers teasing his balls.

He held onto the edges of the tub as she moved her head up and down, taking more of him into her mouth each time she came down. He didn't know how much more he could take because of how long he had been aroused before she had even touched him. She moved closer, bringing her breasts up to rub against his length as she concentrated on his tip, sucking on it and teasing it with her tongue. His hips started to thrust because he was unable to control them any longer and he was quite certain he would be climaxing hard.

He shut his eyes, his heart beating like a drum as she urged him towards paradise. " Honey! " He shouted as his body felt like a taut rope being cut. He gasped for air as Milly held him in her mouth.

His muscles finally relaxed and he sagged, his hands loosely gripping the sides of the tub as he tried to get the energy up to re-open his eyes. He opened them slowly, finding that Milly had let his seed drip from her mouth onto her breasts. He lifted one of his hands to her face, stroking her cheek with the back of his fingers. " That was good, " He murmured.

Milly moved off of him, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. " Thank you, " She said and looked down at her chest. " I'm sorry… it looks like I got dirty again. "

Wolfwood smirked, " Don't worry about it. We'll get you cleaned up and me too. I just took a bath earlier but I think I need another one. "

" Care to join me? " Milly asked, arching an eyebrow.

" I don't mind if I do, " Wolfwood replied, kissing her forehead.

**

Wolfwood had been riding since before dawn and he was not in a good mood. After three days, the sandstorm had finally died down and he could get back to the orphanage. He had set out much earlier than he had intended though because he had screwed up and called Amanda the wrong name during what turned out to be their last coupling after nearly three days of solid sex. The only time they stopped was for water or food, to get cleaned up before another round and a little bit of sleep.

His cheek still stung a little from where she had slapped him for the little slip of the tongue even though it had been quite a few hours since she smacked him. He was right about her being strong because she physically tossed him out into the street after letting him get cleaned up and dressed. She barely gave him enough time to get his things together and he was quite certain he hadn't got the cigarettes. He when ahead and bought another carton, not wanting to go back for something so trivial because he was sure the hothead would shoot him if he did.

He had managed to get everything he needed at the store and was making really good time. He would be back at the orphanage by noon and could take a nap when the kids took theirs. It seemed like a perfect plan until he pulled up to the church and noticed an all too familiar black car parked out in front. He pulled the Angelina II into its usual spot and dismounted. He felt a shiver go down his back… the same one that let him know Legato Bluesummers was around.

" Here, " His voice made Wolfwood nearly jump out of his skin. " Let me help you with that. "

Wolfwood turned around, " What are you doing here? " He growled.

" We need you again, Nicholas. Vash The Stampede is alive and we want you to find him, " Legato said.

" How am I supposed to do that? " Wolfwood asked. " I don't even know where to start looking. "

Legato reached into his coat and pulled out a folded paper. It was a newspaper article about a town named Carcases that had become deserted. After he read it, he looked at Legato. " What's the meaning of this? What is Knives up to? "

" He wants to get his brother's attention. He tells me that he knows Vash isn't dead and he will keep doing this until Vash comes out of hiding, " Legato smiled. " Knives wants you to find Vash and bring him to Demitrihi unharmed. "

Wolfwood looked around but didn't see any sign of Legato's toady. " Where's the Whore-Freak? " Wolfwood asked. Midvalley had been a friend when Wolfwood was young but the friendship had worn thin and the two men no longer spoke except to insult each other.

Legato chuckled, " He's inside entertaining the children with Sylvia. "

Wolfwood went cold all over because he knew what Sylvia really was. " You sick bastard… you're going to kill the orphans if I say no, aren't you? "

" If you do this job, you will be paid enough money so you will never have to worry about your orphans again, Nicholas. Of course, you won't have to worry if you say no because they'll all be dead, " Legato smiled cruelly. " It's your choice. "

Wolfwood shut his eyes, knowing he had no alternative but to say yes…