Trigun Fan Fiction ❯ Forever Mine ❯ A Little Jealously Never Hurts ( Chapter 29 )

 

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 29: A Little Jealously Never Hurt

 

 

 

“Sempai, where are you?” Milly loudly questioned as she returned their living quarters after dropping off her overnight bag at McKenna's.

 

“I'm back here, Milly,” the raven-haired woman called out from her bedroom. Where she had been for the past half an hour preparing for the evening's `other' festivities. Tonight was the night. The twins' birthday party and the night that she planned on having Vash spend the night with her.

 

If she didn't chicken out…

 

Taking inventory of the room, the petite woman stepped up to bed and inhaled deeply taking in the scent of the freshly washed linens and sighed. `No down,' she thought, deciding to turn down the bed. She pulled the sheets and comforter back and re-fluffed the pillows (for the fifth time) and stood back and smiled. “Yes, much better,” she said to herself as Milly walked into her room.

 

“Whatcha doing?”

 

“Oh just… ummm… making the bed,” Meryl laughed nervously as her cheeks tinged pink from embarrassment.

 

“Getting ready for Mr. Vash, huh?”

 

“Milly… I haven't decided yet…” she sighed as she turned to look at her friend and saw her warm smile. “I… ahhh… I guess I'm afraid.”

 

“That's understandable, Meryl,” the big-girl started as she looked around the room and noticed one thing missing. “This is a big step, after all, for the both of you. But, remember, if you're not ready then you don't have to do it. I'm sure Mr. Vash will understand.”

 

“I know…”

 

“Besides, he doesn't even know you're doing this. If you don't want to then you don't have to!” she added with a big smile. “So, enjoy the evening and don't worry about it!”

 

“Ya' know you're right!” Meryl replied, matching the smile of her partner. “Does the room look okay to you?”

 

“Sure does, Sempai! You're missing one thing, though,” Milly chirped as she quickly left the bedroom and came back a minute later with some candles. With a broad grin, she proceeded to place them vicariously about the room while saying that they were for the mood. And if she decided to have Mr. Vash over, then all she needed to do was light them.

 

“Oh Milly… you think of everything,” Meryl said with a small laugh before saying that she wanted to check her appearance one more time before heading to the bathroom.

 

Once there, she looked into the mirror and lightly ran her fingers through her cropped hair for the extra body, before spraying the tendrils to keep them in place. Setting the hairspray down, she grabbed her lip gloss and added a little to her lips before pressing them together to even out the shine. Happy with the outcome, she decided to run her hands down her bare legs, one more time, to check for any missed stubble. Finding none, she picked up her lavender lotion (Vash's proclaimed favorite) and smoothed it over her limbs, making sure that every inch of her supple body was soft, scented, and ready for is touch, his caress… just in case. With a sigh, Meryl looked at her reflection one more time before picking up her silver beaded clutch purse and leaving the bathroom. She headed out into the living area where she saw Milly standing and waiting patiently for her.

 

“Oh Meryl, you really do look lovely,” Milly declared with a big smile.

 

Meryl was the epitome of loveliness. Her hair was shining, like the blackest onyx, and her skin glowing with an inner light. The sleeveless dress she wore, a sheath of soft periwinkle, fit her perfectly. The straps were thin at her shoulders, thickening as they progressed down her chest until meeting in the shape of a `V' at her bosom. The outfit daringly showed off the creamy expanse of her chest and the swell of her full breasts. While the through the torso, it hung to her curves as its skirt fell freely to just above her knees, flowing merrily as she walked.

 

“Thank you, Milly! Do you think Vash will like how I look?” Meryl asked as she slipped on her matching opened toed mules to complete the look.

 

“Are you kidding, he's gonna love how you look, Sempai!”

 

“I hope so,” Meryl muttered as she picked up one of the presents off of the table, while Milly grabbed the other one. Then heading out the door to go to the party in the main galley, she asked, “So, where's McKenna?”

 

“Oh, she had a last minute patient and just started getting ready when I dropped my stuff off,” Milly supplied, while waiting for the elevator.

 

“She's going to wear the new outfit that she just bought, isn't she?” Meryl wondered as they both stepped through the doorway and she hit the down button.

 

“Gee… I hope so. It really did look nice on her,” she said as a slightly confused expression took shape on her lovely face.

 

“What wrong, Milly?”

 

“Well… Miss. Mac always says that she's not pretty and pudgy and… that's not true at all…”

 

“I know…” the shorter insurance girl said with a sigh. “She just needs a confidence booster, especially after what that idiot ex-fiancé did to her.”

 

“Yeah, she sure does, Sempai! Ya' know I have a feeling that she's gonna get some confidence tonight,” she happily declared before adding, “I bet she has all the men asking her to dance.”

 

“Oh yeah? And what about you?”

 

“What about me?” Milly inquired as the elevator doors opened and they started to walk down the corridor.

 

“You're going to definitely add to your long list of admirers tonight,” Meryl answered with a laugh, while glancing over at the best friend. She was dressed in a scoop necked shirt the color of ripe peaches and a pair of taupe colored dress slacks.

 

“You're really funny, Meryl!” Milly giggled before adding that Mr. Vash had better be careful because Meryl's list was going to increase as well. Also, that she knew he was definitely going to get jealous because of all of his competition tonight.

 

“Actually… Milly, that's not a bad idea,” the petite beauty decided as she stopped outside of the entrance to the main galley.

 

“What's not a bad idea?” asked Milly, while stopping and turning back to her friend.

 

“Making him jealous,” she clarified with a deviant grin. “After all, I had to put up with Jessica hanging all over him for the past month… so maybe it's time to let him know what it feels like.”

 

“Are you sure that's a good idea Sempai?”

 

“Oh… I'm not talking about anything extreme! I mean I just might actually dance with someone else is all,” she said, while mentally waiving the whole thing off as doubt took over. Then turning a bit sad, she mumbled, “Besides, it's not like he's going to notice or anything…”

 

“Mr. Vash will notice, he always notices things.”

 

“Maybe…” she started before shaking her head in doubt. “But, he will probably be too distracted by Jessica.”

 

“Sempai…”

 

“What?! It's true… isn't it?”

 

“Sempai…”

 

“Maybe… I'll just stay for about an hour and then…” she dejectedly muttered before Milly cut her off.

 

“Meryl Stryfe… that's enough! You are going to enjoy yourself, tonight and that's final!” the big-girl exclaimed before adding, “So come on!” And with that, she turned and entered the galley.

 

Giving herself a mental slap for such silly notions, Meryl plastered a smile on her face and followed her partner into the party.

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

When Jessica planned a party, she really planned a party.

 

The first noticeable thing in the main galley was the vast array of color. It had been decked out with red and blue streamers that were intertwined with one another in spirals and floating along the ceiling in waves, while the ends cascaded down the walls intermittently. Next were the balloons of every shape and color, they were hung about the space sporadically in clusters, adding cheer and playfulness to the space. Then, finally, the giant banner with green lettering hung from the far wall, saying `Happy Birthday Vash and Knives,' to complete the look.

 

Food and drink were also plentiful. A giant table, filled Vash's favorite foods, was sitting right out side of the doors to the kitchen, while on the opposite wall a table for the cake had been set up. The full bar was situated against the far wall, with three bartenders serving anything from pints of beer to the most elaborate of mixed concoctions.

 

Everything was well organized and planned with one thing in mind, to make Vash's party the best one he ever had. She had a tables covered in red linen strategically placed around the space leaving plenty of room for socializing and dancing for when the band started. She even planned the cutting of the cake and the opening of the presents at the beginning of the evening in order to have the festivities go unhitched as the alcohol began to flow freely.

 

The party officially started at 7:00pm with everyone singing `Happy Birthday' to the twins (One singing along, while the other just leaned against the wall with his arms crossed) and the blowing out of the candles, 26 total, one for each decade that the Plants had been alive. Of course, Knives refused to blow any of them out, so, Vash happily said that he would make two wishes and proceeded to extinguish the candles. Once the cake had been cut, the bar was opened and the dishes set out to let people mingle while eating and drinking. Until it was time to open presents, which was scheduled to begin promptly at eight o'clock.

 

During that hour, Vash eagerly ate before deciding to socialize. With a glass of whiskey in hand, he walked around the space thanking everyone who came and told them that he hoped they were having a good time. Knives, however, who wasn't thrilled about the whole evening, ended up sitting with the insurance girls and observing the people around him. He couldn't wait until he could leave. But, unfortunately, he promised his brother that he would stay until they opened presents.

 

When eight o'clock rolled around, Jessica quickly pulled Vash over to the present table that was set up on the wall right next to the entrance. After getting everyone to quiet down, she happily announced that it was time for the twins to open their presents and asked Knives to join them. Of course, he ignored her and decided to stay seated until Vash contacted him and asked if he would rather open his gifts from where he was. He simply said yes and that he wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible so he could leave.

 

Not letting his brother ruin his good mood, the golden blonde told Jessica what Knives wanted and the woman in braids efficiently made alterations to her plans, by moving his presents in front of him. Once that was completed, she handed Vash his first present and excitedly told him that it was from her. With a big smile, he accepted the gift and proceeded to tear into the wrapping paper with a child like zeal. After opening the box, his face faltered momentarily at what was inside…

 

It was a red duster… exactly like the one she gave him a few months earlier.

 

Vash quickly covered up his uneasy expression by laughing goofily and saying that he really did look good in red before he told her thank you. She immediately replied with a squeal that resembled a `your welcome' as she launched herself in his arms, making him drop the coat on the floor. Finally, untangling himself from her grasp, he started to open the other presents with reckless abandon.

 

Vash's haul was quite extensive, coupons for doughnuts, bottles of booze, hair gel, and a new headset that Max found for his digital audio player. And that was just to name a few. He even received a couple pieces of lost technology from the Doc that would help out if he needed to travel again. However, what he liked the most was what the insurance girls had made for him.

 

It was gun case made of the rarest of mahogany with brass hinges and a matching clasp lock. The high gloss of the slim rectangular container glinted in the artificial light and, when it was opened, the inside was lined with black satin and had form fitting spaces for his long colt, six bullets, and a reload cartridge.

 

When Vash opened the present he was in awe and continued to stare at the expensive gift until he was brought out of his stupor by Meryl asking him if he liked it. He immediately brought his tear filled eyes up to his insurance girl and told her yes before asking her how. She simply smiled and said that the Doc gave her the measurements and that Max had a lot of connections. She also told him that Knives got a matching one, only with a white satin lining for his black colt, where she quickly added a `when you're ready to give the gun back to him.' He looked over to his brother and smiled brightly as he saw him run his fingers over his matching present. He then returned his attention back to Meryl and Milly, giving them both a big thank-you.

 

Thirty minutes later, the last present was opened and Jessica announced that it was time to really get the party hopping. She quickly motioned for the band to start and pulled Vash out onto the dance floor where others followed, quickly joining in.

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

“Gosh… Mr. Vash seems to be enjoying himself,” Milly commented after she finished off her fourth gin and tonic.

 

“Yeah… the party seems to be a huge success,” Meryl dryly retorted, while holding a glass to her lips.

 

“Welp… I'm ready for another!” the big-girl chirped, ignoring her partner's sarcastic tone and rising from the table. “Sempai, Mr. Knives, would you like something from the bar?”

 

“Sure why not,” the short-girl mumbled right before slamming back the rest of her scotch.

 

“No… I do not,” Knives stated as he rose from the table as well. “I have been here long enough and I can no longer handle the drunken antics of these subordinate creatures.”

 

“But, don't you want to wait for Miss Mac?”

 

“Why would I want to do that?” he coldly asked.

 

“Well, isn't that why you have stayed an extra half hour after the presents were opened?” the big-girl asked back as she looked to the Plant with curiosity apparent on her lovely face.

 

“Hardly.”

 

“Oh… okay,” Milly added happily before she wished the platinum blonde a Happy Birthday and bidding him good night. Then without pausing, she headed over to the bar.

 

“Good night, Knives, and Happy Birthday,” Meryl added with small smile.

 

“Thank you… Meryl. Good night,” he quietly replied before heading toward the room's double doors.

 

Meryl watched his retreating form until he left the space and then searched the area for his twin. She didn't have to look long, since she figured that he was probably by the bar and, sure enough, he was. He was standing right next to it, wearing his trademark orange and green tie on his head and holding a glass filled with an amber color liquid (whiskey most likely) while talking animatedly with the Doc, Max, and, of course, Jessica.

 

 

“Figures,” she mumbled to herself, while watching the clingy woman in braids overeagerly laugh at something Vash had said. She really was getting tired of all of it and didn't how much more she could take, even with Vash saying that he was going to tell Jessica the next day. Though, she was beginning to doubt if he was going to say anything, especially with the way he was ignoring her.

 

As a matter of fact, the only time he had said anything to her all day was when opened the present from her and Milly. And she assumed that the only reason why he said something then was because she initiated it. Besides, he was talking to the both of them, so, technically the conversation didn't even count. He hadn't even talked with her telepathically since the day Knives saved Tommy, which was over two days ago and, quite frankly, she missed it.

 

She missed him.

 

Unfortunately, she wasn't certain what she could do other than trust him, especially since she understood just how much pressure he had been under lately, but still…

 

“Damn it, he could at least talk to me,” she growled under her breath as she started to become really agitated with the gunman. `Maybe, I should just go over there and give him a piece of my mind,' she added internally as she prepared to push away from the table.

 

“Hi Miss Meryl, Do you mind if I sit here?” a handsome brunette with the expressive caramel colored eyes asked while smiling down at the lovely insurance girl.

 

“Hello Jason. No not at all, please have a seat,” she said with a smile while thinking, `Hmmm… maybe a taste of his own medicine wouldn't hurt.'

 

“You look absolutely stunning tonight,” he exclaimed, sitting next to the petite beauty, while never taking his eyes off of her.

 

“Thank you,” she whispered as she blushed prettily from the compliment. “You look very nice tonight, too,” she observed, returning the compliment while noticing how the navy shirt and tan slacks accentuated his lean form.

 

“Here's your drink Sempai. Hello, Mr. Jason, are you having a good time?” Milly rushed, handing her partner a fresh drink before sitting back down. “Is Mr. Curt with you tonight?”

 

“Here sure is, Miss Milly. As a matter of fact, I'm sure he'll be over here now that your back,” he replied with a wink and a smile.

 

“YAAAY… maybe he'll dance with me,” the big-girl cheered.

 

“Oh, I'm sure he would just love that,” Jason stated after taking a sip of his ale. He then turned his attention back to Meryl and asked, “So, do you think I could get you to dance with me, Miss Meryl?”

 

“That depends…”

 

“Oh yeah, on what?”

 

“On how sweet you ask me…” she flirtatiously supplied, while giving him a brilliant smile. He was about to reply until another presence appeared before the three.

 

“I'm so sorry I'm late!” the redhead exclaimed as she set two presents and a bottle of wine on the table. “I got a call too go to the infirmary right before heading down here.”

 

“Gee… I hope it wasn't anything serious…” Milly said with concern taking over.

 

“No, not really, just some stitches,” she replied as the looked around the space. “Did Knives leave already?”

 

“Yeah, you just missed him,” Meryl replied, while giving her friend a sympathetic smile.

 

“Oh… well…” McKenna started dejectedly before looking to her friends, which made her brightened up. “Well, I suppose I could give Mr. Vash his present and then run Knives' down to him in a little bit. After I have a drink, of course,” she added with a wink before asking where Vash was.

 

“He's at the bar with Jessica,” Meryl said with a bit of anger behind her words as she raised her glass, staring intently into the swirling liquid.

 

“Is everything okay, Meryl?” Mac asked after watching the short-girl take a healthy drink from her glass. “And what are you drinking?”

 

“Scotch,” she simply replied after lowering her glass and sighing. She then looked up to the redhead and gave her a devious smile right before she raised her left hand to lightly touch Jason's shoulder. “Actually, everything is perfect. I have Jason here keeping me company and, as a matter of fact, he just asked me to dance. Are you ready, Jason?” she added as she brought her attention over to the man sitting to the right of her and smiled brightly.

 

“Sure am, Miss Meryl,” he exclaimed happily as he rose from the table taking her hand in his, leading her to the dance floor.

 

“Oookay…” McKenna started as she watched the two head to the dance floor. “Milly, did I miss something?” she asked he taller woman who was also watching the two now dancing on the makeshift dance floor to the upbeat tune.

 

“Yeah, you sure did, Miss Mac,” the big-girl replied as she brought her attention to her friend. “Meryl is upset because Mr. Vash hasn't talked to her all day and is now trying to make him jealous.”

 

“Well ya' know what, I don't blame her a bit,” she stated with her eyes gleaming mischievously. “She has been sitting on the back burner, patiently waiting for him for over a month now and has watched on as Jessica hung all over him. It's about time that she did something to get a little revenge, if you will.”

 

“Gee… ya' think so Miss Mac?”

 

“Definitely,” red replied with a smirk right before picking up the golden blonde's present, planning on heading on over to him. “As a matter of fact, I think I might want to add a little fuel to the fire. Milly would you like something from the bar?”

 

“Why sure I would!” she chirped excitedly right before she told Mac what she was drinking and that she couldn't wait to see the sparks fly.

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

Vash knew that once his brother left the party, all of the men circling the insurance girls would swoop in to try and capture their prey, like vultures. Unfortunately, he couldn't do anything about it, because he felt obligated to stay with Jessica a little bit longer. After all, she spent a lot of time and energy on his party and snubbing her right away would hurt her badly. Besides, it was against his nature to do something like that.

 

So, he bided his time and watched his short-girl from afar, while trying to make it seem as if he was paying complete attention to the child-like woman who was gushing all over him. Jessica was really starting to annoy him with her attentions. It was getting to the point where it made him want the evening to progress rapidly, particularly, after noticing that Meryl wasn't having a very good time and was actually drinking. It really bothered him knowing that she was sad and all he wanted to do was go to her and make her smile. But, unfortunately, he couldn't do that, at least not yet.

 

The younger twin knew that if he went with in five feel of the raven-haired beauty that he would completely forget about the party. He would end up taking her someplace private, so, he could worship every inch of her magnificent body. Though, Vash was extremely tempted to do just that, especially when he saw what she was wearing. Meryl was absolutely gorgeous and the dress she wore was so alluring that his whole body was practically crying out in need. He couldn't wait to slowly strip the soft material off her shoulders while kissing every inch of her silky skin and he definitely planned on doing just that, later this evening…

 

Hopefully.

 

God, he really hoped so. He didn't know how much more he could take and watching the other men lustfully eyeing his woman was about to drive him crazy. Then he saw his brother rise from his chair right before receiving a message from him, stating that he was leaving.

 

`Here we go,' Vash sarcastically thought as he felt his brother leave the space. Sure enough, no more the three minutes later someone walked up to his short-girl and asked to sit down. He knew immediately who it was. It was Jason and he didn't like that one bit. Then he saw it, the way she smiled back it him.

 

Was she flirting?

 

`No… I just imagined it,' the gunman internally convinced himself, while trying to shake off the disturbing thought. Needing help, he threw his head back as he downed the rest of his drink and turned to the bar to quickly get a refill. Once the glass was refilled, he turned back around and saw her delicate hand on his shoulder right before the brown haired man took her hand and led her onto the dance floor.

 

Growling in spite of himself, he watched as the two started to dance to the upbeat music, which got him some curious looks from two of the three standing with him, while Jessica looked pretty irritated. However, he didn't notice any of it, since he was too busy staring intently at the dance floor. He didn't like what he saw… not at all.

 

Meryl was being led around the dance floor by Jason, both smiling happily at one another. At first, their dancing seemed rather coy, until he saw him gently caress her shoulders while coming in close to whisper something in her ear. She quickly looked up to the taller man in shock before her eyes twinkled as she laughed gaily at whatever he had said to her.

 

Vash then noticed how the brunette placed his right hand on the small of her back as he twirled her around the floor. Shortly, after all of their inhibitions faded, Jason quickly closed the minuscule gap between them, making the dance all the more intimate. Their bodies molded together as Meryl wrapped her arms around his neck, while his hands were on her lower hips, slowly inching closer to her lovely backside.

 

Seething with pent up rage and obvious jealously, the golden blonde completely ignored the woman's idle chatter next to him as he roughly pulled out of her grasp. He was intending to interrupt the wanton display that only seemed to bother him, especially since there were other couples dancing just like them. However, just as he was about to create a scene, a present was thrust up into his face.

 

“Happy Birthday, Mr. Vash!” McKenna happily announced as she strategically placed the present in between him and the dance floor.

 

“Oh hey, red… ummm… thanks,” he said, focusing on the red foiled paper. He took the present and hastily set it, along with his full glass, on the bar. Then without pausing, he started toward the dance floor, until he was stopped by someone grabbing his real arm.

 

“Where are you going, Mr. Vash?” McKenna asked feigning ignorance.

 

“I was headed to the dance floor,” he grumbled, momentarily glancing at the redhead and seeing her curious expression. As his irritation rose to the surface, he bit out, “So, if you'll excuse me…”

 

“Why are you going alone?” Jessica asked as she moved to stand in front of the gunman, with a hopeful look in her eyes.

 

“Yeah, just why are you going alone?” McKenna rapidly interjected as she smirked over Jessica's perfect timing.

 

Vash just looked between the two and blinked. He wasn't sure what to say, especially with Jessica standing right there. He couldn't tell them that he was going out there to kick Jason's ass, even though that was exactly what he was intending on doing. Of course, he was going to throw Meryl over his shoulder afterward and leave the party. “Bloody hell,” he mumbled, realizing that he was stuck and had to endure watching some S.O.B. feel up his girlfriend. With a sigh, he then said, “I'm not going anywhere.”

 

“Are you sure? I would love to dance with you, Vash!” Jessica chirped as her eyes clouded over dreamily.

 

“Nah… that's okay, I just realized that I don't like this song,” he replied, while reaching over to the bar and picking up his drink. In a fluid motion, he downed the glass and then asked for, yet, another refill.

 

“That's too bad you don't like this song…” McKenna commented as she turned her attention the woman in braids, giving her a big smile. Then looking to the dance floor, she added, “Especially since it's so popular. Oh look… even Meryl is dancing to it… and wait… who is she dancing with?”

 

“Oh, it's Jason,” Jessica instantly supplied, finally noticing the raven-haired woman out on the dance floor. “Hmmm…” she added as her brows furrowed and she crossed her arms over her chest, figuring out why Vash was in such a hurry a few moments before.

 

“Wow… they look really nice together, don't they?” Mac continued, noting how Vash stiffened at the comment. With her eyes gleaming, she thought `time to go in for the kill' before she said, “He's so sweet and is always coming down to the infirmary to visit her, giving her his undivided attention. I think he's smitten and I feel that Meryl definitely deserves someone who won't put her on the back burner for any reason. You know…” Pausing for a moment, the lady doctor's eyes met Vash's aqua ones before she finished the declaration, “…not ignore her!”

 

Vash heard every word and knew that she was making a point, a very valid point. He had been ignoring her and knew that it was time for that to end. He smiled at the redhead and mentally thanked her for opening his eyes. He then took a step toward the dance floor, intending to cut in and dance with his woman. Quickly, he scanned the area looking for the both of them, but came up short.

 

He didn't see her anywhere on the dance floor or in the galley.