Trigun Fan Fiction ❯ Forever Mine ❯ A Perfect Night ( Chapter 30 )

 

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 30: A Perfect Night

 

 

 

Meryl looked at her reflection in the mirror and smiled. She still looked reasonably fresh, even with all of the dancing that she and Jason had done. Opening her little purse, the insurance girl grabbed a tube of lip gloss from its confines and quickly applied some to her lips before fluffing her hair. Once everything was again perfect, she slipped out of the restroom and went back to the birthday party.

 

While walking through the party goers, the petite beauty decided that she was having a pretty good time. Even though, Vash was being a shaggy-headed pea-brained idiot, who didn't know how to treat a woman. Jason, however, did. He was being very attentive and even volunteered to get her some water while she went to the ladies room to freshen up. He was acting as a boyfriend should. `Why couldn't I have fallen in love with someone like him,' she thought to herself while walking up to their group and sitting down, placing her clutch purse on the table.

 

“Here's your water Ms. Meryl,” Jason warmly supplied, while handing her the glass.

 

“Why thank you,” she replied before looking around the table and noticing that McKenna was back and several of Milly's suitors were now sitting with them. “Where's Milly?”

 

“Oh, she's dancing with… ummm… I believe Curt,” Mac answered before taking a sip of her Tequila sour.

 

“Yeah, Milly loves to dance,” she commented with a smile. Looking to the dance floor, Meryl noticed that her best friend was dancing with the slightly shorter man with strawberry blonde hair. “Why aren't you dancing, McKenna?”

 

“Well actually… I'm going leave in a minute.”

 

“Why? You just got here,” Meryl asked, a little surprised that the redhead was ready to leave after being at the party for only about twenty minutes.

 

“Well…” she started as a faint blush crossed her cheeks. Then with sheepish smile, she brought her aurulent orbs up to meet Meryl's silver ones and added, “I want to give Knives his presents. Besides, I have to be in the infirmary early, so, I want to go to bed soon.”

 

“Oh well... that's no fun, Miss Mac,” chimed in one of Milly's admirers right before he gave her a wink and added, “I was just gonna ask ya' dance, too.”

 

“Yeah right… Shane,” she replied, while rolling her eyes.

 

“No seriously… I was.”

 

“Sure…”

 

“No really… I mean you're so purdy in all,” he stammered. “All three of you are. Isn't that right fellas,” he added quickly, the three other men sitting at the table adamantly agreeing.

 

“Why thank you…” she whispered as her blushed intensified.

 

“So McKenna, are you still going to leave?” Meryl asked her own cheeks rosy from the compliment.

 

“Yeah… I really should give these to Knives,” she said before taking the last sip of her drink. Then with a small smile, she rose from the table and wished everyone a goodnight before picking up the presents and making her way to the galley's exit.

 

“So, Miss Meryl would you like to dance again?” Jason asked right after the band's lead singer said that they were going to `slow it down' for a little bit, by request.

 

Meryl glanced at the hopeful young man and gave him a small smile before telling him that she would rather sit this one out. Then looking down into her glass for a moment, she sighed. The band had started to play a slow song and it saddened her a little. She really wanted Vash to ask her to dance, but she knew that he had far better things to do other than waste his time with her, like drink, act like a goof, and let Jessica gush all over him.

 

Sighing again, the sullen woman brought the glass up to her lips and took a sip while her thoughts turned to how she prepared her bedroom for later this evening. Meryl now knew that it was a wasted effort, for Vash wasn't going to join her there. She wouldn't let him, especially with how he had brushed her off all day.

 

`I'm pathetic,' she thought to herself, while lowering her glass and closing her eyes in a futile attempt to force the depressing thoughts out of her head. However, the removal of the unwanted reflections was abruptly stifled when she was interrupted by a very familiar voice…

 

“Dance with me.”

 

In shock, she opened her eyes and saw the upturned hand that belonged to the very same man that she was trying to remove from her mind. Needing verification that it wasn't dream, Meryl quickly turned in her seat and looked up to the blonde man standing before her. On his face, she noted that he was wearing an apologetic smile that matched his remorseful eyes and knew that he was really there and not just to ask her to dance, but to also ask for her forgiveness. Mutely, she placed her hand in his and stood before he led her to the dance floor.

 

“I'm sorry Meryl,” Vash whispered, a moment later, as he wrapped his arms around her back. “I didn't mean to be so inconsiderate of you.”

 

“Oh Vash,” she replied just as quietly as she slipped her hands in between his arms and ribcage, sliding them up his back. She didn't know what else to say or do, since it looked as though he was already mentally beating himself up for his lack of attentiveness. She also knew that it was impossible to stay mad at him, especially when he was being so sincere. As the raven-haired woman laid her head on his chest, she sighed before whispering, “Its okay Vash, I understand.”

 

Once her head found its way to his chest, he instinctively tightened his hold on her and closed his eyes while slowly leading her around the dance floor. They were finally in each others arms, moving as one while the enchanting music and alluring lyrics drifted throughout the space. It was a moment that dreams were made of, both only aware of one another as everything else seemed to drift away.

 

It was simply perfect.

 

It was the first time they had ever danced slowly together and he loved it, loved the feel of her and the way she fit against him. It was almost as if her head was meant to fit on his sternum with her arms wrapped around him and, of course, his around her. Unable to help himself, Vash slowly slid his real hand up her back to caress her bare skin while he brought his head down lower, completely enveloping her within his embrace.

 

Meryl also loved having him this close again. He smelled sweet, like freshly baked doughnuts, and of something a little more sensual that was Vash's own unique scent. It was a stimulating combination that she knew was more intoxicating than any aphrodisiac. She nuzzled into his shirt, the electric blue one that she had bought for him, and smiled. It almost felt as if their intimate dance was another dream and she would wake, at any moment, alone in her bed. After all, it had seemed like an eternity since they were last together, even if it was just the day before. However, she knew that it was truly real and Vash was showing everyone at the party that she was something far more than just an insurance girl to him. The way he held her signified that. It was an embrace filled with caring, tenderness, and even something deeper, much deeper.

 

`Could he truly love me?' she wondered right before she felt him move his real hand from her back to her cheek.

 

“Meryl,” he breathed, delicately lifting her head. The petite beauty brought her now heather-colored orbs up to his jade ones where they lovingly stared into each others eyes as the song came to a close. Completely oblivious of their surroundings, they started to close the gap between their lips, wanting nothing more than to taste one another. “Oh Meryl I…” Vash continued in a mere whisper, their lips only a breath apart. He briefly paused as the intensity of the moment got to him, causing his eyes to glisten. With a faint intake of breath, he gave her a small smile before he started again…

 

“I… whaaa…” the surprised man ended up blurting out, while being swept away by a group of people as the tempo of the music turned, once again, upbeat. “Damn it…” he muttered angrily, after noticing that Jessica was behind him in the conga line and had probably pulled the little stunt in order to get him away from his short-girl. Looking around frantically, Vash saw that Meryl was still standing in the middle of the dance floor looking quite peeved as well. Once their eyes met, he gave her an apologetic smile and mentally said…

 

“Meet me out on the observation deck in thirty minutes.”

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

McKenna quickly knocked on the door to the twins' quarters. The redhead knew that if she hesitated, for even a second, she would chicken out and not give Knives his presents until a later date. She was quite apprehensive about seeing him again, everything that occurred over the past few days the major reason. Not to mention, the things he revealed had affected her deeply, more than what she was willing too admit to. Then there was the incident from yesterday…

 

She groaned, recalling what happened after she saw him in the recreation room. She had absolutely no intention of doing that, but then she looked into his ice-blues eyes and saw his insecurities, his doubt. Then only one thing came to mind. Comfort him. So, the lady doctor did by slipping in between his bent knees and wrapping her arms around him, freely offering her support. Still, she never thought that he would have actually accepted it and, technically, he never did. He just let her lay there, while tentatively wrapping his arms around her.

 

But, oh how it felt so nice having him hold her like that. It felt so right. And even though, the encounter only lasted thirty minutes, (though, longer than what she expected) she could have stayed in his arms forever, especially when he started to run his hand through her hair. It was amazing and she never imagined that Millions Knives could be so tender, so loving, but he was for that blessed half an hour.

 

Unfortunately, his stomach decided to interrupt by growling loudly. Instantly snapping out of his unusual behavior, the Plant pushed her away before standing. He then looked down at her as his autocratic nature took over. Then without as much as a `thank you' for the gesture, Knives informed the `inferior' woman that she was required to prepare a meal for him.

 

“Ugh… what was I thinking,” she mumbled right before the door slid open.

 

“Woman, what do you want?” Knives coldly asked, while folding his arms across his chest.

 

“I bought you a present,” Mac started snidely, growing irritated over his `greeting.' She then narrowed her eyes and added, “Two, actually, if you include the wine. So, you could be a little nicer for once!”

 

“Well, of course… you were supposed to bring me presents. I am your superior, after all.”

 

“You are impossible,” she grumbled. With a `here,' she shoved the gifts into his chest, making him wrap an arm around them. Then without waiting for a sarcastic retort, the pretty redhead turned to leave with the very intent of going straight to bed. However, she was stopped as his free hand shot out and grabbed her wrist.

 

“Wait,” he murmured quietly.

 

“What?!” she ground out in frustration, while turning her head to look at the Plant.

 

“Won't you come in,” he whispered, intently watching the woman before him.

 

She continued to stare at him for a moment, not entirely certain if she heard him correctly. Then she saw the sincerity in his gaze and realized that he did ask her into his quarters. But, she was uncertain as to why? Giving him a curious look, she skeptically said `okay' right before following him into the space.

 

“Mmmm… it sure smells good in here,” she practically moaned, taking in the aromatic scents of tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Following him into the kitchen, she watched as he set the presents down on the counter before going to the stove to stir what was simmering in a pot. “What are you making?”

 

“Linguini and sautéed garlic shrimp with a tomato basil sauce,” Knives replied as he turned around and stepped back to the counter. Picking up the bottle of wine, he actually smiled before adding, “Pinot Noir a perfect choice, but very hard to acquire. Where did you find this?”

 

“Well… Vash's friend, Max, works for the Polo family and… let's just say that they have quite a few connections,” McKenna replied with a shy smile. Bringing her left hand up to the exposed part of her collarbone, she rubbed nervously while supplying, “Vash mentioned that you generally prefer wine, so, I thought you would like a bottle.”

 

“It will need to chill for about twenty minutes or so…” Knives started mostly to himself as he turned back to the kitchen and opened one of the lower cabinets. He pulled out a silver ice bucket before stepping over to the refrigerator and opening the freezer. Once he had the bucket filled about a third of the way, the platinum blonde moved over to the sink and proceeded to fill it with water until it was two-thirds of the way full. Then grabbing the bottle, he placed it in the icy mixture to chill.

 

“Interesting, I always thought that you suppose to drink red wines at room temperature,” she admitted with a quizzical tone, while watching as he turned on a burner, preparing to sauté the shrimp.

 

“Actually, that is a common misconception amongst you humans. Some red wines are meant to be served at room temperature, meaning the room that the bottle is normally stored in, like a cellar, which is generally set for about sixty degrees. Now with the wine that we will be drinking tonight, the ideal temperature would be right about fifty degrees.”

 

“We?”

 

“Of course, you're here aren't you?” Knives pointed out, while adding the butterfly shrimp to the now heated olive oil and garlic in the pan.

 

“Yeah but…”

 

“What?” he asked, while glancing over his shoulder at her.

 

“You're fixing me dinner?” she asked back incredulously. “I…I mean wouldn't that be considered too menial for you?”

 

“For the second time you are actually correct,” he snorted. “However… tonight I would like to have something actually worthy enough for me to eat and the only way to do so is to fix it myself. Besides, I can feel that you're hungry.”

 

“Ugh… you are utterly astounding,” she sarcastically retorted, while rolling her eyes at his arrogance.

 

“I know I am,” he said with a short laugh before commanding, “Set the table, dinner will be done shortly. And make sure to use wine glasses bigger in circumference at the bottom than at the top.”

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

Knives sat at the kitchen table and took a sip of wine. He had just spent the past hour and a half with a human, with McKenna, for company and actually enjoyed himself. The meal was, of course, spectacular and the conversation rather refreshing. They didn't even argue, which was an oddity all on its own. Looking up from the glass, he set his gaze on the redhead as she finished cleaning up the kitchen. He hadn't been able to get her out of his mind since Monday when she cut his hair. And it was only getting harder, because the unwanted lustful feelings for her where significantly growing in intensity. Even trying to push her away, didn't help. In a sense, it made it worse, since he instantly regretted it. A feeling the Plant definitely wasn't used too.

 

Then yesterday happened and she ended up lying in his arms. That had been the most amazing thing that he had ever experienced, which he really hated to admit. Her soft curves pressed against him, the feel of her hair as he ran his hand through its silky mass, and her breath caressing his chest in between the folds of his shirt. The combination had almost pushed the enthralled man over the edge, especially knowing that she accepted his past. The temptation to claim her right then and there had been mighty powerful. And Knives knew that she would have welcomed him with open arms. Fortunately, or perhaps, unfortunately, (he wasn't certain) his stomach decided to grumble, causing the enchanting moment to evaporate. At least, he was able to break free from her allure and was most definitely glad that he wasn't showing any `physical evidence' stemming from the embrace.

 

And now, here she was, in his kitchen cleaning up after a dinner that he had prepared for her. He still couldn't believe that he actually did that. Six weeks ago, he would have laughed at the very idea of preparing a meal for a spider and he even planned it, well sort of. It was more of an `I'll prepare extra for Vash and if she showed up then she could eat, too.' Though, Knives still couldn't comprehend why he would have done such an uncharacteristic thing. He could only blame it on his twin, since he was the one who `shared' his lustful feelings.

 

He watched her in silence as she finished putting away the last of the clean dishes. McKenna looked absolutely stunning and the outfit that she wore was driving him to distraction. He was used to seeing her in baggy clothing that hid her womanly curves. However, what she had on this evening only proved what he had figured out by holding her in his arms…

 

That she was, in fact, stacked.

 

The shirt she wore was a deep emerald green with the daintiest of golden brocaded flowers lacing intermittently throughout the soft material. The design was quite fascinating, even more so, with the three-quarter bell sleeves. It accentuated her voluptuous lines with a deep square cut neckline that showed off her ample cleavage while it slipped fittingly down to her rounded hips complimenting her tiny waist. Then there was the skirt, a black sheath that fell to her ankles. The cut itself was quite demure, except for the slit ending halfway up her left thigh, which showed off her creamy bare leg every time she moved.

 

`Oh… I wonder what it would feel like to run my hand up the inside of her bare thigh,' the platinum blonde hungrily thought before realizing he was giving in to the baser needs that were trying to run their course. Mentally shaking his head to clear his clouded mind, Knives begrudgingly added, `Gyah… I'm even thinking like Vash now.'

 

“Knives?” McKenna began as she noticed the unusual expression on his handsome face and the spark gleaming in his now indigo-blue eyes. “Ummm… Knives… are you alright?” she asked, walking up to the table.

 

“Why wouldn't I be,” he retorted, snapping out of licentious thoughts and noticing her concern.

 

“Whatever,” she mumbled to herself as she picked her glass up and took a sip of wine. Setting the glass down, the redhead stepped over to the counter and picked up his other present. After stepping back over to the table, McKenna handed the gift to him while saying, “Happy Birthday, Knives.”

 

He just stared at the present, wrapped in the scarlet paper, until he heard her ask if he was going to open it. He looked up at her momentarily and actually smiled warmly before un-wrapping the gift. An instant later, he removed the box cover a stared in wonder at the present before him. It was a book. An antique by the looks of it, bound in leather with the script on the cover and bindings done in gold leaf. The pages were worn and yellowing, showing their age and that they had been enjoyed often.

 

He didn't know what to say. It was and incredible gift, something that must have cost a large sum of money to acquire. Actually, it should have been impossible finding something like that for sale on Gunsmoke. But, she did and for him. He just couldn't believe it as ran his hand over the aged leather. Then he saw the title and couldn't stop from chuckling when he read it out loud, “War and Peace by Tolstoy, huh?”

 

“Yeah, I thought you would enjoy a little light reading,” she replied laughing, as well, when their eyes met.

 

A moment later their, chuckles ended as the appreciation in his gaze and wonder became apparent right before he asked her, “How did you find such a rare book?”

 

“It was my mother's,” she quietly replied. Sitting down across from him, their eye contact finally broke as she looked at her wine. Then reaching for the glass, Mac took a nervous sip as she felt his penetrating gaze boring into her. Never taking her eyes off of the red liquid, she anxiously confessed, “It has been in our family for generations, really, and… ummm… you see I'm supposed to pass it on to someone deserving…”

 

“Deserving?” he questioned as she trailed off from her explanation.

 

“Uhhh… yeah,” she whispered, finally returning her gaze to him and noticing his confusion.

 

“Well… of course, I am! I'm just glad that you finally realized it,” Knives finally remarked high-handedly, while trying to hide the flurry of emotions stemming from such a personal gift.

 

“God… you are impossible!” Mac groaned, rolling her eyes right before pushing away from the table. “Well, I suppose I should go. Thank you, again, for dinner, Knives. It was fabulous,” she added, while walking around the table.

 

“Wait…”

 

“What is it?”

 

“Could I interest you in a game of chess, perhaps?” the once human hater quickly asked, not wanting her to leave yet. Then to cover up his eagerness, he smirked while provoking her. “Or… are you afraid you'll be beaten?”

 

“Why should I be afraid of something that I know will happen?” the lady doctor replied with a laugh. “I can't play chess to save my life, how about something else?”

 

“Like what?”

 

…

 

Twenty minutes later, McKenna leaned over the table and moved her game piece before exclaiming, “King me!”

 

“Christ, I can't believe I'm actually playing such an uncomplicated game,” Knives muttered as he placed a red disk on top of the one she just moved.

 

“Oh shush! You're just mad because you're losing,” she declared with a big smile.

 

“I… am… n…” he started before trailing off as something very powerful was sent through his supposedly closed link. Closing his eyes, Knives tried to hinder the sensations that were bursting through, but to no avail. He felt what Vash was feeling at that very moment and knew that something significant just happened, something profound. What he was feeling was nothing like what he had felt in the past. It was utterly indescribable, the heat and intensity overwhelming. Then he realized it… what was happening…

 

“Knives are you okay?” the redhead asked in concern as she watched, from across the table, as the Plant shut his eyes and tensed. After a moment of silence and when he didn't acknowledge that she had spoken to him, she called Knives' name again.

 

He heard her the second time, after he was finally able to close his link. But, not before the `damage' was done. Keeping his eyes closed, the Platinum hoarsely whispered, “You had better go…”

 

“Why?”

 

“Go now, woman!” Knives bellowed as he opened his burning indigo-blue eyes to stare at the beauty before him. He knew that if she stayed he wouldn't be able to control the piercing desire flowing through his veins and he would act upon it.

 

When he opened his eyes to stare heatedly at her, McKenna gaped for a moment before pushing away from the table and quickly fleeing the space. His eyes had shocked her, especially with what she saw lurking throughout their gleaming depths…

 

Lust.

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

“You are absolutely breathtaking,” Vash breathed after walking up to stand directly behind his insurance girl.

 

Without turning around, Meryl continued to look up to the moonlit sky and sighed before whispering, “I'm surprised you noticed.”

 

“I said I was sorry Meryl and I really am. It's just that…” he started before trailing off.

 

“It's just that… what, Vash?”

 

“It's just that… I felt obligated to stay with Jessica for a bit, is all,” he replied defensively before placing his hands on her shoulders to draw her back against him. He then seductively added, “Besides, I knew that if I came within five feel of you, short-girl, I would have thrown you over my shoulder before finding a secluded spot, so, I could have my way with you.”

 

“Yeah right,” she doubtfully retorted before a bitter laugh erupted, “Like you would have missed your favorite treats for me.”

 

“You doubt me? I'm hurt,” the blonde said with a fake sniffle.

 

“Oh come on… like you would have missed the whiskey, salmon sandwiches, and a pile of doughnuts an ile high just to get me naked?”

 

“Yeah you are right… what was thinking,” Vash said with a chuckle as he pulled away from her so he could rub his chin in thought, which made Meryl turn around and glare at him. “Yup, would've needed a doggie bag.”

 

“Ugh…” she groaned before, smacking him on the head and stomping off to stand at the railing.

 

“Meeerrryl, I was just kidding,” he whined, while rubbing back of his head. A moment later, he walked up behind her and placed his hands on her shapely hips while adding that she was his most favorite treat. Then lowering his head, Vash started nibbled on her exposed shoulder, so, he could prove just that. “Mmmm… delicious,” the outlaw added while turning her in his arms so he could kiss her.

 

“What am I gonna do with you,” Meryl murmured with a smile after the sweet kiss ended.

 

“Hmmm… would you like some suggestions? I have a couple, ya' know,” Vash cheekily answered.

 

“Yeah, I bet you do,” the insurance girl sarcastically replied as she rolled her eyes. She then quickly changed the subject by adding, “So how did you manage to get away?”

 

“Hey I'm Vash the Stampede, I can get out of any situation!” he proudly replied, while pulling away and striking a pose.

 

“Ugh… you idiot, just how did you get away?”

 

“Well…” the gunman started with a laugh while raising his hand to rub the back of his head. “It's pretty funny actually… I told her I had to pee and went running.”

 

“So… she's probably looking for you, right now, right?” Meryl pointed out as she crossed her arms over her chest.

 

“Oh probably,” Vash sighed before adding, “I have some place we can go where she won't find us. You'll have to trust me, though.”

 

“I trust you, Vash,” she said, looking up to his stunning eyes and smiling. Vash immediately smiled back right before grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the opening that lead back into the ship.

 

However, instead of heading inside, Vash stopped and let go of her hand in order to pull something out from the entrance way. It was a ladder. After setting it up against the narrow overhang situated over the large sliding doors, he scooped the petite woman up and flipped her over his shoulder, which caused her to squeak in protest. Chuckling at her gripe, he reminded Meryl that she admitted to trusting him before telling her to hold on as he proceeded to climb up to the extension.

 

Once there, the blonde set her down and led her about ten yarz around the ship's hull. Where they came to another overhang about five feel higher than the one they were on. Picking light woman up again, he told her to hop on to the walkway and that he would be right back. He then turned to head in the opposite direction in order to hide the ladder. A minute later, he came back and pulled himself up to the higher spot before grabbing her hand so they could continue on their way. They walked another fifteen yarz on the ledge until the came to yet another higher overhang, only that one extended out from the ship's hull and eventually down with a railing running along its length. Stopping right before the new ledge, Vash picked her up and told her to climb over the railing right before he joined her.

 

“Vash… you did this?” she breathed in awe, taking in the space before her. The area itself was about ten feel wide and reached about fifteen feel out from the ship until coming to what looked like steps that led to another pathway, while it's beginning recessed into the ship where another door was situated. However, what surprised Meryl was what adorned the wider walkway. Vash had several chenille pillows of various colors piled strategically about and over what looked like a mat covered by a pile confiscated comforters from some of the unused quarters. He also had an ice bucket holding a bottle of wine and a picnic basket sitting against the closed door.

 

The moonlit space had been set up with one thing in mind… seduction.

 

“Yeah, this is what I was doing all afternoon,” Vash whispered as he slipped his loafers off before leading her to the pillows so they could sit on their softness. Once settled, he shyly looked at her before asking, “Meryl, would you like something to drink?”

 

“NNN…No, I'm… ahhh… fine,” she nervously replied, while slipping her shoes off and setting them in corner of the doorway.

 

“Are you sure? It's still cold even though the ice has melted,” he said with a chuckle as he pulled the bottle out of the water and set his aqua eyes on her, instantly noticing that her head was bowed. “Or how about something to munch on?” he added after setting the bottle back in the bucket.

 

She simply shook her head while staring intently at the hands in her lap. She was nervous, to say the least. After all, she was resigned to the fact that he didn't want to be with her and here they were, only forty minutes later, sitting alone in an incredibly romantic setting that Vash had created.

 

“Meryl, what's wrong?” he asked with concern lacing the words as he reached out and pulled her into his lap.

 

“I'm just scared… I … ahhh… guess,” she whispered into his shirt as she grabbed onto it.

 

“Yeah… me too,” he softly admitted, while stroking her raven hair with his real hand. “Ya' know… we don't have to do anything. I would be just as happy holding you close all night long,” he tenderly declared right before kissing the top of her head.

 

“Thank you,” she replied, pulling away slightly so she could look into his eyes. “What did you say to Knives… to keep from interrupting that is?”

 

“Oh… that,” he started with a laugh. “I told him that I wanted to spend some quality time with my insurance girl and if he even thought about interfering then I would shoot him… again.”

 

“You didn't?!”

 

“Sure did!” he affirmed with a gleam in his eyes, which made his short-girl laugh.

 

“Well, I hope he knows what's good for him then,” she said after a moment. Then pulling away from the blonde, she stood and walked out toward the steps before stopping. She immediately heard him say her name questioning what she was doing, but the petite woman decided to ignore him. Instead, she looked up to the sky and gazed at the twinkling stars and three of the five moons. Finally, after a long and slow exhale of breath, the raven-haired beauty murmured, “What a beautiful night, a perfect night really.”

 

“Meryl?” he questioned again, moving to sit on his knees while preparing to stand.

 

“Ya' know… I just realized that I have another birthday present to give you,” Meryl whispered before turning around to look at the love of her life. With a sure smile, she reached behind her back and unzipped the periwinkle dress. Then in a delicate motion, she moved both of her hands to her shoulders before slowly pulling the sheath away until it fell freely to her ankles.

 

“God… Meryl,” Vash groaned as his now jade-colored orbs drank their fill of her luscious form. His short-girl stood before him, in only her sheer white bra and panties, looking truly like an angel as the moons' reflective light rained down upon her. “Absolutely breathtaking,” he said to her telepathically while kneeling there in awe, watching as she slowly stepped up to him.

 

“Thank you,” she sent back right before she placed her hands on his face and kissed him.

 

He immediately responded by wrapping his arms around her, bringing her near so he could to caress the small of her back and derriere. Vash missed being able to hold her close, being able to touch her silken skin, and he craved it, desperately so. She was like an all consuming addiction that he would never overcome. He didn't want too, the blonde realized as she moved her hands down to his shirt, unbuttoning it, before deftly slipping her hands inside.

 

“I missed you,” he breathed after tearing away from their deep exchange so he could trail hot kisses down her neck to her collarbone, ending at the swell of her breasts. He pulled away just long enough to finish removing his own shirt before bringing his arms back around her tiny form to unclasp her bra. After a little coercing, the sheer material fell free as he again leaned back to take in her beauty.

 

Meryl's heated gaze met with his as he leaned back to look at her. She saw his appreciative smile as he turned his attention to her chest and watched with eager anticipation as he slowly brought real hand to her left breast and ran his thumb over the stiffened peak. She moaned as he continued to tease with his touch and heard him chuckle before lowering his head to the top of her right breast and kissed downward until reaching his goal.

 

Her hands flew to Vash's hair as the liquid heat flowed directly from his mouth to the pit of her stomach. Every nerve in her body was quivering in awareness as she felt him move his wicked assault over to her other breast, while wrapping his arms around her and lowering her to the bedding. Meryl didn't even comprehend that she was lying down with him leaning over her as he started to kiss back up her chest until he stopped and pulled faintly away. At the sudden loss of contact, she looked up into unfathomable blue eyes that were staring possessively at her.

 

“Vash?” the petite beauty questioned before his lips cut her off with an all consuming kiss as he leisurely trailed his real fingers along her frame, drifting down her hip to the inside her right thigh. Then with a twist of his wrist, the outlaw slid his middle finger up and over her center, causing her to arch her back and groan into his mouth.

 

“Like that, huh,” Vash sent to her, while slipping his hand under the thin covering to stroke her dampness directly, making her grind her hips into his hand. He could feel her pulse quickening and loved knowing that only he could do that to her, make her so wet, so hot, make her want him, completely.

 

Meryl was drugged by his caress and couldn't help but match the tempo his hand set with her hips. She remembered the last time he did this to her and wanted noting more than to finish. They had to finish or she knew that they would both combust from the heat they were creating. Wanting to feel him again as well, she lowered her hands from his hair and ran them over his battle scarred shoulders to his back. She stopped her trek for a moment to leisurely caress a sensitive scar before starting up again with the intent to slide them to the front of his gray slacks. That is, until she felt a probing finger at her opening. An instant later, he slipped the middle digit inside her tight passage.

 

“Mwu…ha…” she whimpered, pulling away from his mouth and digging her nails into his back because of the new and incredibly more intimate feeling. At first the invasion was uncomfortable, slightly painful even, since she was unaccustomed to having anything inside of her. But, after a moment, the twinge faded away as the new sensations took over.

 

Never in a million years did she think that she would ever experience anything as wondrous as what he was doing to her body. It was simply mind-blowing. She felt a pleasurable tension bubbling to the surface with every thrust of his finger and knew that she wouldn't last much longer if he kept up the amazing onslaught, especially with the heel of his thumb intentionally rubbing against the apex of her curls.

 

Meryl also needed to touch him in kind, give him the same pleasure. Now more than ever, she realized as he started to nip at her neck and collarbone. Lowering her hands to his pants, she quickly unbuckled the belt before unbuttoning and unzipping them.

Then the fervent woman slipped her right hand inside. Without faltering, she wrapped her fingers around him and started to pump her hand up and down his hardened length, trying to keep in time with his probing finger.

 

“MMM…Meryl,” he groaned into her neck after a few minutes, eventually stopping his own ministrations while solely concentrating on what her hand was doing to him . She was literally driving him to madness with her strokes and he wanted nothing more than to be buried deep inside of her, thrusting into her tight channel. “MMM…Mer… please,” he croaked out as he pulled away to look into her molten silver orbs. “I…I… can't take… I… need to be inside of… you.”

 

“Please Vash… I need you, too,” she breathed, looking up to him.

 

With a strained smile, desire filled Plant quickly pulled away and removed the rest of his clothing before returning to kneel between her bent knees. Bringing his head down to her belly button, he starting to lay open mouthed kisses there while grabbing on to her string bikinis. Then without the slightest hesitation, Vash started to pull them down over her hips while following their descent with his mouth on her left leg. Once to her ankles, he tenderly pulled the panties off before starting to trail kisses back up her right leg. Upon reaching the juncture of her thighs, the blonde kissed her mound softly before continuing his way up her torso. Ending at her mouth, he plunged is tongue in between her kiss swollen lips as he lowered himself on top of her.

 

Finally, what they both had been waiting for. The feeling of skin on skin (and metal) as he ground his hips into hers, in mock thrusts, preparing the both of them for what was to come. After a few minutes, they both knew that there was no turning back and it was time to take the final step. Vash pulled away from her mouth, so, they could look at one another right before he positioned his thick length at her slick entrance.

 

“Are you ready?” Vash nervously asked. After watching her nod her head in agreement, he cautiously pushed himself forward, until meeting with her maidenhead. Closing his eyes, he apologized for the up and coming pain while pulling back momentarily before quickly pushing forward, plunging himself deeply into her.

 

At last… he felt the wondrous sensation of having her tight walls envelope him within their warmth. He reveled in the sensation, while fixing all of his concentration on that one point to keep from coming then and there. Barely aware of the fact that he let his link slip open and, quite frankly, he didn't care. All he cared about was that he was finally inside of his insurance girl, who was…

 

In tears?

 

Meryl bit her lip to keep from crying out as the white hot pain shot throughout her lower abdomen, but to no avail. With the muffled cry, the tears soon followed, trailing down the sides of her face to her hair and the comforter below. It hurt; more than she thought possible. It almost seemed as if he was too big and tearing her apart. Then she heard Vash say her name as his tears fell on her cheeks intermingling with hers.

 

“Meryl, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry,” the blonde whispered sadly as he lowered his head to kiss her tears away. “We don't have to continue,” he added in between the soft kisses on her cheeks.

 

“No Vash… it's okay,” she breathed, noting that the pain was already lessening as she became accustomed to his substantial form within her. “Its getting better… just let me get used to it.”

 

“BBB…But… why? I know I hurt you badly, I…I can feel it,” he stammered, lifting his head to look into her sparkling eyes.

 

“Why?” Meryl started as she lifted her hand to wipe the tears away from his glistening eyes. “Because… I love you, that's why.”

 

“Oh Meryl,” he groaned before lowering his head to kiss her intensely, not realizing that he didn't reveal his love for her.

 

Sooner than expected, the pain had significantly lessened enough for her to signal that it was okay to continue. Slipping her hands down to his taut rear end, she pulled his hips into hers, making the gunman to groan into their passionate kisses. Taking the hint, Vash tentatively began to move within her.

 

After a few minutes of gentle stroking, he started to hear her whimpers against his lips and pulled away again to make sure he wasn't hurting her. Vash saw that her eyes were clouded over with passion and her swollen lips were now parted, letting little mewling sounds escape. Entering her mind, he felt all of the intense sensations beginning to resonate throughout her soul. Knowing what he was doing to her, made him groan her name again before kissing her once more as his thrusts became deeper, more urgent.

 

Meryl kept her hands on the small of his back, loving the feeling of his hips has he pumped into her. The sensations were becoming overwhelming as he started to move in earnest deep inside her. What he was doing to her was indescribable as the molten heat threatened to erupt from her depths. Then he did it. Vash shifted his hips while bringing his prosthetic limb to her right thigh, hitching the leg over his before lifting sweat laced torso from her own glistening body. All so he could make his thrusts even deeper, slamming against her core. With a low moan, his strokes became swift and needy bringing them both closer to release.

 

Finally it happened.

 

The raven-haired beauty cried his name out in rapture as he took her over the edge, sending her soaring to unknown heights, where he soon joined her. Letting go of all restraint, the blonde man freed all of his pent up emotions with each ardent stroke, taking him closer to oblivion. Thrusting once more deeply, a guttural moan escaped Vash's lips as he threw his head back, emptying himself deep within her.