Trigun Fan Fiction ❯ Forever Mine ❯ Dinner with Friends ( Chapter 21 )

 

Disclaimer: Hmmm... I own my kids (Because I made them) I own my husband, (Because the Marriage License says so) and I own a REALLY big mortgage. (Because I'm stupid and signed on the dotted line.) However I don't own Trigun. (Because if I did, I wouldn't have said mortgage.)

“blah blah” : talking

`blah blah' : thinking

“blah blah” : telepathic talking

blah blah : other misc. stuff.

 

*~*~*

 

Forever Mine

Chapter 21: Dinner with Friends

 

 

 

Once the couple reached the entrance to Jessica's quarters, they let go of one another's hands and mentally prepared for what could turn out be quite an interesting evening. Vash looked down at his short-girl and noticed the anxious expression crossing her lovely features. He knew that a distraction was in order or she would probably rupture because of the sudden tension that was extremely obvious in her shapely frame. With a mischievous smile, he bent down and whispered in her ear that he just loved her ass as he gave it an affectionate squeeze to prove his point. Then as if nothing happened, he straightened his lean form and knocked on the door.

 

Meryl's expression changed from distressed to disbelief as she looked up to the gunman as he knocked on the door. She couldn't believe that he actually did what he just did and right before they were go into Jessica's quarters for dinner. As the initial shock wore off, she raised her left hand to smack him on the shoulder, but was interrupted as the door slid open and a very bubbly Jessica stood at the entrance.

 

“Oh Vaaash!” she squealed as she launched herself into his arms, yet again. “I'm so glad that you're here! I made all of your favorites, I hope you like them!”

 

“Jessica, I glad to see you, too,” he stammered as he set her back down. “Do you think that you could abstain from jumping into my arms all of the time, though? I'm afraid that I might drop you.”

 

“Oh Vash, you're so funny,” she giggled, while letting the newcomer's into her quarters. “Why hello Meryl, the desserts you all made look absolutely delicious,” the brunette in braids added with a smile as she led them into the dining area with the others.

 

“Thank you Jessica.”

 

“Please come in and have a seat. Dinner is ready,” she proudly declared as she motioned to the kitchen table where the other dinner guests were sitting. “Now, Vash, since you're the guest of honor, you sit at the head of the table by Milly and me.” She lightly commanded before heading to the oven to take out the main entrée, a succulent looking rib roast.

 

Meryl walked over to the other empty seat at the rectangular table and noticed that she had ended up sitting at the opposite end of the table from the gorgeous blonde. She was sitting next to her partner and the Doc, who was sitting opposite Vash. With a small smile, she sat down while thinking that this was definitely going to be a long evening.

 

“So, Meryl?” McKenna began, which brought the raven-haired beauty's attention to her from across the table.

 

“Yes McKenna?”

 

“Ummm… were you and Mr. Vash able to finish up that report?” she asked as her eyes met Meryl's, hoping she got the idea to play along. Unfortunately, just as soon Milly and Mac had arrived, Jessica asked where the two were. So, instead of telling her that they were talking about her, Milly quickly interjected that Mr. Vash was helping Sempai finish up a report for their employer and that they would be along shortly.

 

“Oh… ahhh… yes… we sure did,” she replied after catching the redhead's meaning.

 

“What was that short-girl?” the gunman asked as he brought his attention over to the other end of the table.

 

“McKenna, asked if we got the report finished,” she replied, hoping that he would play along as well.

 

“Yeah, we sure did get it done… huh, short-girl!” Vash lightly chuckled before he suddenly stopped laughing and brought his intense gaze up to meet Meryl's. “That had to be the best time I have ever had finishing… a report. I think I'll have to help you out more often…” he added with a suggestive undertone, which caused the petite insurance girl to blush.

 

“Oh Vash… that was really wonderful of you to help out Meryl like that,” Jessica dreamily chimed in as she set the roast in front of him.

 

“Yeah, it sure was, wasn't it,” he laughed goofily as he picked up the carving knife and fork, preparing to cut the entrée. “Big-girl would you like to say grace first?”

 

“Why sure, Mr. Vash, I would be delighted!” she exclaimed happily before rising from her seat to give the blessing.

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

The evening turned out to be quite enjoyable. Even with the way that Jessica gushed over Vash at every possible moment. The conversation had been light and merry, stemming from how Milly and Meryl met to a time when Mac had to assist in the removal of a bottle cap from a cadet's nose, because he stuck it up there for one hundred double-dollars. However, most of the evening's enjoyment revolved around the guest of honor and his antics over the years.

 

Meryl looked over from the kitchen sink to the living area and smiled at the sight. There was Vash sitting on the sofa looking a little uncomfortable with Jessica sitting practically on top of him, while the Doc sat in one of the two beige armchairs, talking animatedly to the both of them. `Poor Vash' she thought as she handed a clean plate to Milly so she could dry it.

 

Though, she could be annoying, Meryl decided that she couldn't help, but like the woman in braids. She could definitely see how Jessica had fallen for the handsome blonde. After all, she had fallen for him as well… and hard. In all of her 24 years, she had never experienced anything like it before. Sure, she had a couple of boyfriends in high school, (before her career) and thought for sure it was `love.' But this… this was something more. She could feel it, but what? What was the `thing' that tied them together… that connection, especially now that they have expressed their feelings?

 

`Well sort of…' Meryl thought to herself as her musings switched over to just what exactly were Vash's feelings for her. `I know now that it's more than lust and Milly says that he loves me but…'

 

“Meryl?” Milly called as she brought her partner out of her thoughts, while placing a hand on her shoulder.

 

“Hmmm…”

 

“Ummm… you okay?”

 

Of course, Milly, why wouldn't I be?” she asked as she looked up to her partner.

 

“Well… it's just that I called you three times and you didn't answer and you have been washing that plate for about five minutes.”

 

“Oh… I'm sorry,” the short-girl responded before rinsing the very clean dish and handing it over. “I guess I just spaced out there.”

 

“Gee… are you sure nothing's bothering you?”

 

“No, I'm fine… really.”

 

“Okay, Sempai.”

 

“And here's the last cup,” McKenna murmured as she walked up and placed the dirty dish on the counter next to Meryl. “I still don't understand why you didn't want to use the dishwasher?”

 

“Habit I guess,” Meryl replied as she placed the cup in the soapy water and washed it.

 

“Gotcha,” the redhead smiled. “Well, the table is clean. Is there anything else that needs to be done?”

 

“Nope this is it, Miss Mac” the big-girl supplied as she took the now clean glass from Meryl and dried it before returning to the cupboard.

 

“Ahhh… Good, I think I'm going to call it a night,” she said before yawning. “I'm beat and I still need to check on Mr. Knives. Besides, I'm sure he's getting hungry again,” she added before picking up the container filled with the platinum blonde's dinner.

 

“Well goodnight then, Miss Mac!” the big-girl chirped.

 

“Yes… goodnight McKenna and thank you for all of your help today.”

 

“It was my pleasure, Meryl. Goodnight you two, I'll see you tomorrow,” red replied before walking over to the living room and saying goodnight. Then with a final waive to the insurance girls, she walked out of the sliding door.

 

“Gee… Miss Mac is really nice, huh, Sempai?”

 

“Yeah, she sure is,” she agreed as she wiped the counter down before placing the damp cloth on the sink. “Well, I don't know about you, but I'm getting pretty tired myself. I wonder what time it is, anyway.”

 

“Oh about nine o'clock I'd say,” the big-girl yawned. “Gee… I'm sleepy, too!”

 

“Well, I suppose we should head over to the others before we call it a night, as well.” Meryl sighed before both women walked over to the living area. Upon entering the space, they immediately received the attention of three sitting comfortably. With a small smile, the short-girl told them that Milly and she were going to head back to their apartment and graciously thanked Jessica for a lovely dinner.

 

“Actually, short-girl, the Doc and I were about to go as well,” Vash smiled as he disentangled himself from the green-eyed girl and stood. “We're going to go to see about dismantling the device that creates the angle arm from the colts,” he then elaborated before turning his attention to the Doc and asking, “Are you ready Doc?”

 

“Yes, I am ready,” the bald man agreed as he rose from the chair.

 

“Vash… what are you going to do tomorrow?” Jessica asked.

 

“Well… I will probably spend most of the day with my brother, but I did want to give the insurance girls a tour of the ship,” he replied as he turned his attention to Jessica, who was now standing right next to him.

 

“Ooooh! Can I come along, too?” she squealed excitedly, which caused Meryl to wince internally as she hoped that Vash would tell her `no.'

 

“Jessica don't you have to help watch the children tomorrow?” the Doc intervened, reminding her that she had to assist in watching all of the children whose parents were out working on either the new homes or the soon to be well.

 

“Oh darn… I forgot!” she pouted as she stomped her foot. “Well, you'll at least come and visit me tomorrow, won't you?” she pleaded after she looked up to Vash and brought her now clasped hands up to her chest in hopes that he would say yes.

 

“Ummm… sure, if my brother isn't being too much of a pain,” he hesitantly replied as he brought his right hand up to scratch the back of his head.

 

“Great!” she cheered as she wrapped her arms around his waist.

 

“Okay… I'll probably see you tomorrow then,” he hastily answered, instantly removing her arms and stepping around the coffee table to stand next to the insurance girls. Then without pause, he asked if everyone was ready to go and after they all said their goodnights to brunette, the four walked out into the corridor.

 

“Vash?” Meryl called after they stopped momentarily outside of Jessica's door.

 

“Yes Meryl?”

 

“What time tomorrow?”

 

“Well, lets play that one by ear,” the gunman answered before stepping right in front of her. “How about we meet in the infirmary in the morning and, depending on what kind of mood my brother is in, maybe I could show you right after you get there.”

 

“That sounds like fun, Mr. Vash!” the big-girl chirped as Meryl agreed while smiling up to the handsome blonde.

 

“Well… goodnight then,” he smiled as he brought his real hand up to caress her face and mentally told her that he couldn't wait until the morning so he could be with her again, which caused the petite woman to smile brightly. He then turned to the Doc and asked if he was ready. With a nod, the shorter man agreed and then he also wished the insurance girls a good evening.

 

After everyone had said their temporary farewells, both men started to walk the opposite direction of the ladies, heading down to the main control room where the colts were securely located.

 

“Oh hey… ahhh… Doc,” Vash began as they turned the corner. “Ya' know the… ahhh… machine gun in my arm?”

 

“Of course…” he replied as he looked up to the blonde. “What about it?”

 

“Well… do you think you could replace it? Knives kinda shot it off in our battle,” he sheepishly uttered, which caused the Doc to laugh and say…

 

“Why doesn't that surprise me?!”

 

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

McKenna glanced at the tiny clock in the bottom right hand corner of the monitor and groaned after noticing the time of 7:30am. After all, she had been up since a little before five. One of the remaining families on the ship contacted her, imploring that she see their nine month old daughter, because they were afraid that she was deathly ill. Fearing the worst, she hopped out of bed, advising the young couple to bring her right down to the infirmary and she would meet them there.

 

After asking about her symptoms and a thorough examination of the upset little one, she diagnosed that the she was simply teething and that she would be fine. However, she did give them some medication for the fever and something to help numb her sore gums. The redhead also advised the first time parents to give her something cold and hard to chew on, like a teething ring or even a large refrigerated spoon. The relieved family graciously thanked Mac and apologized for overreacting to the situation before they left the ward.

 

Since it was after six when the family left, she figured that it was too late to go back to bed. Besides, she had to make sure the insufferable Plant was still asleep, especially after the bawling baby was there and then she could catch up on some reports. Of course, the reports could wait until after a shower and coffee.

 

So, here she was sitting at the center island in the lab, staring blankly at the screen in front her. With a sigh, she brought her hands up to her temples and rubbed them before they continued to move through her russet locks to the back of her head while pulling some strands out of the loosely tied pony tail at the nape of her neck.

 

McKenna knew that she needed to go back into to Knives' room in order to change the bandages on his torso and legs, (fortunately his shoulder's no longer required them) but for some reason she dreaded going in there. Was she afraid? No, it wasn't fear… she wasn't afraid of him, at least not that much. It was something else. It was the way he looked down upon her, his contempt, his closed mindedness.

 

In a sense, she felt sad for him, because he carried such a deep hatred for her kind and that he could not, no… would not open his eyes enough to see the good in humans. She knew that Vash wanted him too, that was apparent, but would he? Would he actually open up for his twin, his own flesh and blood? She wanted to help, especially for Meryl and Vash's sake. After all, what would happen to them if Knives didn't change his views?

 

“Ugh… stop procrastinating Madsen!” she mumbled to herself before rising from the stool. With another sigh, she picked up the coffee cup next to the monitor and took a healthy swig before setting it back down. She then walked over to the sink in the left corner of the lab and washed her hands before walking into the center room. Her anxious gaze immediately went to the single bed in the room and, upon seeing the form lying upon it, a relieved exhale of breath escaped from her parted lips.

 

Fortunately, Millions Knives was still sleeping soundly.

 

With a small smile, the redhead walked up to the bed and observed the man and thought that he actually looked very handsome, without the scowl and the haughty demeanor. `Just like his twin,' she mused as she gingerly lowered the blanket in order to remove the bandages. She tended the wounds on his thighs first and noted how far they had advanced in their healing just from when she inspected them the night before. As she took scans of both inflictions, she figured that he would only be in the med ward for another two or three days and, afterward, would only need to visit once a day for the week after.

 

`He could probably even start putting weight on the limbs today… with Vash's help,' she thought as she tied off the last bandage before lowering the loose knit gray shorts back down his thighs. Mac then moved up to his lean torso that had been free of any covering except for the white gauze that she had too remove in order inspect the wound.

 

“Just as I thought,” she whispered as she brought her delicate hand down to touch the almost completely healed wound and internally added, `he won't need anymore bandages on this, either.'

 

She gingerly touched the marred flesh wondering if he would actually end up with a scar from the bullet hole, like the faint one on his right thigh that his brother had also inflicted a very long time ago. Or would he only carry the emotional scars that remained within his troubled soul?

 

`What happened to you…' the young woman wondered, while continuing to the take in the beautiful form lying before her, the broad shoulders, the finely sculpted chest and arms, and the powerful legs. Of course, she couldn't miss the lean waist and taut stomach that she was unconsciously caressing with the very tips of her fingers. She felt the softness of his fair skin as her fingers floated aimlessly over the left side of his muscled torso, she felt the heat, and even, felt the power that his entire being obviously harbored.

 

`What power,' she mused to herself as she sighed while staring of into nothing, thinking about the man, the enigma called Millions Knives.

 

Knives subconsciously felt the tingling sensations that were stemming from his abdomen and wondered what could be creating such soft and wondrous feelings. He had never felt anything quite like it and rather enjoyed being brought out of his normally tortured sleep in such a pleasurable way. It almost felt as if butterfly wings were lightly kissing his flesh, but he knew that couldn't be possible, especially since there weren't any living outside of a ship's recreation room.

 

`What could the delicate sensations be?' he thought before completely waking and noticed the presence in the room with him. It was the redheaded human he realized once he opened his mind and felt her. At first he was shocked, but he wasn't sure what had shocked him more. Was it because she was touching him so intimately and was pretty much oblivious to the fact or was it because it didn't repulse him as much as he thought it should?

 

`Does it even repulse me at all… no… it doesn't. But why?' the perplexed Plant wondered to himself as he noted that her hands felt like the finest silk on his sensitive skin. `Could this be coming from experiencing all of the emotions flowing through out my brother for his little pet? Could this be the overflow, perhaps?' he continued internally as he mentally berated Vash for making him feel all of the unwelcome sensations that were starting to course through his veins.

 

`That has to be it…' he decided to himself before opening his ice-blue orbs, instantly setting them on the woman standing before him. Knives took in her features and noticed that she was actually quite attractive, even with the brash hair color, inferior glasses, and the pensive expression crossing her face. Unable to resist temptation, he entered her mind to discover that she was thinking about him. Wondering about how he could be so beautiful and yet so cold at the same time.

 

`Let's see what happens when she realizes I'm awake?' Knives then thought as moved his left hand from the bed and grabbed her wandering one. He studied the woman intently as he watched the surprise envelope her features right before her golden hazel eyes focused and met his.

 

“So, woman…” he started haughtily, “I'm glad to see that you have finally realized that I truly am a superior being and just how beautiful one of my stature can be.”