Trigun Fan Fiction ❯ Forever Mine ❯ A Mere Five Days ( Chapter 36 )

 

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 36: A Mere Five Days

 

 

 

The bus rolled to a stop in front of the impressive steps that led to the Bernardelli Insurance Society's main headquarters. With a grinding screech, the doors of the vehicle slid open, letting out two women and another two men. One of the ladies immediately climbed to the top of the bus with the gentlemen to assist in the unloading their luggage and a large cross wrapped in white cloth and black straps. Once the task was complete, the men gave the women heartfelt goodbyes and winks before hopping back on the bus, to continue onward.

 

“Gosh Sempai, there were really nice,” the statuesque beauty stated with a sweet smile as she glanced at the smaller woman.

 

“Yeah,” the raven-haired woman absently replied, before grabbing the handle to her pink suitcase and her partner's brown one. “Are you ready Milly?”

 

“Meryl, are you sure you want to go into work right away? I mean we literally just stepped off the bus…” Milly skeptically asked.

 

“Of course I am. I just want to drop off our closing report, so, we can be officially taken of the case, is all,” Meryl said before sighing, “And that's all I want to do. Then we can head to our apartment to see if Karen actually kept the place up while we were gone.”

 

“Well… why wouldn't she?” the brunette then asked as they started to climb to tall steps. “She has always taken care of it before.”

 

“I know…”

 

“So, then don't be a worry wart, Sempai and lets get this turned in so we can go home. I'm starting to feel crusty from not being able to bathe,” she said in a rush, proving that she was really anxious to get back to their apartment. Then with a twinkle in her baby blues, Milly quickened the pace, urging Meryl to do so as well.

 

Once the girls entered the main lobby, they waived to Albert, the security guard, before briskly walking back to the elevators that were located on the opposite wall. A few moments later (though, it felt like an eternity) a distinct ding was heard before the doors on the far right opened. The women ushered themselves into the device and headed to the fifth floor.

 

`A typical day at work,' Meryl thought as she and Milly stepped off the elevator and out into the open.

 

The floor was a buzz with activity. Personnel, who weren't stationed at their desks, were running about the space, all trying to keep up with the workload. While a wide range of noises were heard, including the clicking of keys at different speeds and intensity from typewriters, drawers being opened and closed, and the screeching of chairs on tile as someone rose or sat. Even voices were heard on occasion, discussions on everything from the latest water cooler gossip to the most recent claim that came in.

 

Suddenly, everything and everyone stopped. The entire floor became deathly quiet as the employees' complete attention became riveted on the elevator and Bernardelli's most prized disaster investigators, who were stiffly standing in front of stainless steel doors. They intently watched as women took deep breaths before gracefully walking down the main isle. As they made their way to the opposite side of the floor, faint murmurs started to buzz around the room, some speaking in hushed tones amongst one another while others quietly welcomed Milly and Meryl back. Then a pretty young woman with a longer blonde hair and bright olive green eyes stood. With a warm smile that made the beauty mark on the left side of her chin to shift upward, she started to clap.

 

Soon the entire floor erupted in applause and hoots for the society's stars.

 

Milly and Meryl were taken aback by the wonderful welcome and just stood amongst it all. It was utterly amazing. Never in a million years did they ever think that such a greeting would have been reserved for the likes of them. But, it was and the whole thing brought tears to their eyes. Then the crowd quickly closed the gap and hugs, along with even more congratulations, sprung around the insurance girls.

 

Then someone cleared their throat in annoyance before telling everyone on the floor that it wasn't social hour and to get back to work. As a result, the employees collectively, eeped, groaned, or just slunk away, while retreating to their desks. “Meryl, Milly, won't you come into my office,” the person then said as he turned and walked away, fully expecting the two to follow.

 

“Coming chief,” both women quickly replied as they picked up their things and followed the older man into his office.

 

“So… Vash the Stampede will no longer be a liability?” the chief inquired, a few moments later, as he stepped around his desk and sat before motioning for the ladies to sit in the seats on the opposite side. Accepting his offer, the investigators placed their luggage by the entrance before stepping over and sitting on the offered artificial wood chairs. “Are you certain of this?” he added once the ladies were comfortable.

 

“We are certain, sir,” Meryl replied, while hoping that the chief wouldn't ask for more detail.

 

“Well then,” he started on the exhale of a large breath before adding, “I suppose a job well done is in order.” Then with a small smile, he rose from the chair and offered his hand to both ladies. Once the hand shakes were completed, everyone returned to their seats and the chief continued speaking, “Well, your ten percent bonuses will be issued upon the completion of your final report…”

 

“Oh here,” Meryl interrupted as she hopped up and moved to her suitcase to fish out an envelope. An instant later, the short-haired woman handed the package over the chief while saying, “Here it is now, sir.”

 

“Well done ladies. Of course, I didn't expect anything less,” he said with his eyes showing a hint of mirth in their muddy depths. “Now, since it is Wednesday and this assignment had been quite hazardous, I was advised that your promotions have gone into effect on the last pay cycle. Also, you are to have the rest of the week off with the compliments of Mr. Bernardelli the third, himself. Congratulations.”

 

“Wow! Did you hear that Sempai?” Milly gushed with disbelief. After all, Mr. Bernardelli said they could have the rest of the week off. In the one hundred and seventeen years that the insurance providers had been issuing policies, that never been done before. “Gosh, are we getting paid for it too, Mr. Chief?”

 

“Of course Milly,” he replied, rolling his eyes.

 

“Ummm… Sir?” Meryl questioned.

 

“Yes Meryl?”

 

“Do I have to take the rest off the week off?” she quietly asked, while looking to her hands that were folded neatly in her lap.

 

“Sempai don't you want the time off? We could go visiting, take in a show or even go shopping. And gee… don't you wanna go and see your family?” Milly asked in a rush as she looked to her best friend in doubt.

 

“No, Meryl, you do not have to, but may I ask why?” the chief asked in confusion.

 

I…I just want to get re-acclimated with a normal work environment is all,” she said with a sigh before looking up to the chief and giving him a weak smile.

 

“It's entirely up to you. However, I would prefer that you don't start back today,” the chief said before standing. “And with that ladies, I have work to do,” he then stated, telling the insurance girls that their impromptu meeting was over.

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

The golden blonde sat hunched over on his usual stool at the end of the bar. Ever since his insurance girl had left him, it became a ritual for the outlaw to head over to the saloon immediately after work in order drink himself into oblivion. He just didn't care, anymore. Everyone who was important to him (minus Knives) left him in one way or another and, quite frankly, he was tired of feeling all of the pain. He was tired of feeling. The only thing he wanted to feel anymore was the burning heat sliding down his throat while drowning his sorrows in whiskey.

 

It had been five days since Meryl's hastened departure and for Vash, it had been five days of hell. He missed her, more than he ever thought possible. But, that didn't mean he needed her. The blonde adamantly refused to need her and the war raging in his soul because of that refusal was slowly eating him up inside. Even with the alcohol dulling his senses, he just couldn't hinder the razor sharp pain that continually sliced through his entire being since that fateful Friday in July. And when she left, two weeks later, it felt as if a part of him went with her, leaving him hollow.

 

God how he loved her and always would, but Vash also knew that he needed to get over her. He had too or it would end up killing him. His only solstice, as bleak as it may have seemed, was the fact that he had to let her go, eventually. All because of their different life spans. However, that didn't make it any easier, even when he tried to convince himself that it was better for them this way. Just the thought of her life ending and him not being there for her on that tragic day (or any other day for that matter) grieved him considerably.

 

“I guess I can think of it as trying to get over her early,” Vash mumbled to himself as he stared down at the amber liquid in his tall glass. Then in a smooth motion, he raised the glass to his lips and downed the contents in one swallow before setting the glass down on the bar. With his head bowed and his long locks hiding his pain filled face, he intently stared at the now empty glass, realizing how lucky it was. It would eventually be refilled again where he probably wouldn't feel that sensation again… ever.

 

Then, sure enough, just as life's little ironies seem to appear at the most fitting of moments. The glass was refilled right before his eyes, simply proving how true his insight really was.

 

“This ones on me,” the bartender said as he set the bottle of Wild Turkey down and leaned against bar. “On one condition… you have to tell me what happened.”

 

“I don't think you want to hear it, Ned,” Vash mumbled as he glanced through his bangs to the bald man with a fuzzy black moustache.

 

“Vash you have been coming in here every night for the past, what… five days now, drinking yourself into a stupor,” Ned pointed out as he reached for another glass and poured a double shot for himself. Once done downing the drink, he looked back to the desolate blonde and added, “And I remember a few weeks ago when you came in for a couple of nights. Back then… you seemed pretty depressed and had a lot on your mind, but now it's like you've just given up. You know… I consider you a friend and I would like to help… if you'd let me.”

 

“I know,” Vash sighed as he reached for his own glass and spun it slowly around with the thumb and index finger on is right hand. “It's just that I really screwed up this time and I don't want to trouble you with my problems. I have to face them on my own.”

 

“No offense Vash, but if this is how you deal with your problems on your own, well… you're doing a pretty shitty job,” the bald man scolded as someone else stepped up and stood next to Vash.

 

“Vash, darlin, what's the matter?” the busty brunette drawled as she set her serving tray down on the bar and leaned closer to the handsome man. “Ya' know we don't like seeing you like this at all.”

 

Vash continued to stare down into his drink for a few more minutes, contemplating on whether he should share his misery with them. `What the hell,' he finally thought as he grabbed the glass and downed its contents with a snap of his head. “Well…” he started with a deep sigh as he glanced at both of them before returning his gaze to the once again empty glass that he set on the bar. “I got engaged.”

 

“You got engaged?” the saloon's employees asked at the same time with confusion apparent.

 

“Yep...”

 

“But, shouldn't that be a good thing?” Ned asked as he scratched his bald head, still confused over the `severity' of his problem. “I mean… I thought you and that pretty little thing were a couple? It was quite obvious, really.”

 

“We were… that's my problem…”

 

“Vash honey, you aren't making any sense?”

 

“I know I'm not, Collette. You see, I…I'm engaged, but…” he started, looking to the lusty waitress and showing the tears that were threatening to fall from his red tinged eyes. “…not to Meryl,” he finally whispered as he closed his eyes in defeat, making the overflow of tears trickle down his cheeks.

 

“Ohhh…” they both murmured, in unison, as the picture became pretty clear. Then Collette prodded Vash to continue, while wrapping her right arm around his shoulders giving him a comforting squeeze.

 

“It's like this… I kinda agreed to marry someone else before I realized what exactly I was agreeing too,” the golden blonde elaborated as he watched Ned poor him another double, before stepping away to wait on the new patrons that walked up to the other end of the bar.

 

“Well… go on, we can fill Ned in… later,” Collette whispered in his ear as she rubbed her ample bosom up against his prosthetic arm.

 

“OOO…Okay…” Vash stuttered before continuing. He told her everything, how he couldn't take back his promise, Meryl and his gut wrenching argument, her refusal to speak to him, the hopeful pregnancy, and how she left without saying good bye. He even told her about how he was trying to think of ways to get out of the engagement before Meryl left and after her secretive departure, how he was trying to get over her.

 

“Hmmm…” she purred after he finished his heartbreaking tale, while placing her left hand on his muscular thigh to rub it in a languorous motion. “I think I know of a way that could help you get over her, Vash,” the brazen woman suggestively added, before moving her caress up higher on his leg.

 

“HHH…How?” he gulped, although fully understanding her meaning and with the amount depression running through his system (not to mention whiskey) he thought that perhaps it wasn't such a bad idea. Just maybe that was what he needed to get the raven-haired beauty out of his blood…

 

“Come on outside with me and I'll show ya',” she breathed before moving her hands and wrapping them around his arm to pull him with her.

 

“Okay,” the outlaw replied before grabbing his glass and drinking it all. He then let her lead him out through the darkened smoke filled space to the bar's rear exit. Once in the shadow filled alley, she pulled him deeper into its catacomb and into a corner between the saloon and the neighboring building. In order to give them just enough privacy, so that if someone were to walk by, they wouldn't get a free show. Pushing him up against the barren wall, she rubbed herself against him before pulling away and reaching for the ties on front her very low scooped neck blouse. With a flick of her fingers, the flimsy material opened, revealing full breasts that were practically falling out of her black lacy bra.

 

“So… do you like what you see,” Collette purred, while sliding her hand over the ample cleavage and watching as the lust flashed through Vash's now brilliant aqua eyes. “I see that you do,” she added with a knowing smirk as she licked her lips in anticipation. He immediately growled at the wanton display before roughly pulling her to him and crushing his mouth against hers.

 

The need flashed instantly into the golden blonde's body as their hot kisses grew in intensity. Wanting to feel more, he grabbed her bottom, bringing her infinitely closer as he ground his hips into her lower stomach, showing his obvious arousal. Then pulling away from her mouth, he attacked her chest with his overzealous mouth. He was so caught up in the moment that he vaguely noticed that her hands moved to undo his jeans, until he felt her hand grab onto him. With a throaty moan, he opened his mouth and threw his head back from sensations coming from her experienced hand.

 

“My… you're a big boy aren't you,” she whispered breathlessly, moving her mouth to his throat and starting to suckle on the flesh there.

 

Vash leaned against the wall, enjoying her `treatment.' It really did feel good, but it just wasn't quite right. Sure, he initially thought that screwing the buxom waitress up against the saloon's outer wall was a good idea. However, now that he was practically to that point, he realized one thing…

 

She wasn't Meryl.

 

And nobody else would be able to replace her… ever. No matter how drunk he was.

 

“Stop…” he pleaded, reaching for the hand in his pants. “I…I'm sorry I can't do this,” he added as he pushed her away.

 

“Vash darlin, what's wrong?” she whispered in bewilderment.

 

“I…I can't do this…” he told her again, while fixing his pants. “I'm sorry, you're not… her.”

 

“But…”

 

“You aren't Meryl,” Vash finally whispered as the tears started to fall unchecked down his face before sprinting from the alley.

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

“That has to be what's happening,” Knives muttered to himself as he added more notes to the encrypted file he had on the computer's mainframe. “I just wish I could prove this theory irrefutably,” he added after he saved the new information and scratched his head thoughtfully.

 

Ever since he found McKenna in the lab working on the new found discovery very early that Saturday morning, he had been experimenting and coming up with several different hypotheses as to why Meryl's blood was mutating. And they all led to the same conclusion. She was evolving, thanks to her and Vash's intimate encounters and Knives had deduced that the change was a permanent one.

 

Her blood samples and the consistency of the PNc count proved that. The percentage of mutated the cells had remained the same. Never going up or down in levels since retrieving the sample. He had the distinct feeling that if she were exposed to the same `environment' that initially led to the raised count, then it would continue to climb. But, what he wanted to know now was why, exactly? Of course, he tried to find other ways to increase the mutation to see where it would lead. Everything from creating complex programs that would analyze his scenarios to even mixing his blood directly with a human's. Though, McKenna did object to that little experiment, because he insisted that only her blood would do.

 

Even with her complaints, (Though, Knives had a feeling that she was doing it just to annoy him) the experiment was quite helpful. It proved that direct exposure to the cells was too much, resulting in her sample being over come by his, completely dissolving. So, he figured that a lower dosage started the intense transformation and it was in Vash's semen. Upon that revelation, new questions arose and a whole new series of experiments were needed.

 

Obviously, that meant a semen sample was required. Since Vash was to preoccupied with his self-loathing to supply one, Knives decided that he would have to do the honors. Upon that decision, he gave the redhead, who was standing right behind him, his complete attention and stated the he would donate the sample. Then with a flicker of wickedness flashing in his clear-blue gaze, he revealed another trait that he picked up from Vash, by asking McKenna if she would like to help him collected it. In shock, the young doctor immediately blushed over his perverted request before starting to stutter out a reply. Fortunately, the Doc was there and intervened by advising, in between chuckles, that they already had a sample on file from Vash.

 

So, the new tests were conducted and Knives found himself sitting in the infirmary early Thursday morning. It was a mere five days after the initial find and he was already prepared to share his theory with the Doc and even McKenna. Yawning from lack of sleep, he raised his arms over his head and leaned back on the stool to stretch the tired muscles of his back and arms. Then with a low groan, he rolled his neck to relieve the kinks. That's when he felt the redhead leaving her quarters, heading toward the med ward. A moment later, she entered the room while carrying a tray laden with food.

 

“Knives, please don't tell me you were here all night again,” McKenna complained with worry lacing her words. As soon as she entered the space, her golden-hazel eyes were set upon the Plant, immediately noticing his fatigued state. Just like it had been over the past five days, he was in the infirmary when she arrived. She knew how preoccupied he was with the research, so, she came prepared. “Here, I brought you breakfast,” she added, setting the tray on the center island.

 

“Of course, you did,” he replied absently, glancing at the tray and seeing the scrambled eggs and whole wheat toast on a plate, along with a bowl of fresh fruit, a silver carafe, and a tea cup. “What's in the carafe?”

 

“Tea… Earl Grey, your favorite,” the auburn-haired woman replied, ignoring his attitude, as she poured a cup and handed it to him. “Knives, you need to get some sleep,” she added, while watching him take a sip before setting delicate cup on the counter.

 

“Woman… you know better than to tell me what I need,” he muttered before reaching for the fork and taking a bite of egg.

 

McKenna stood before him and simply watched as he slowly ate the breakfast. He looked exhausted. And if going by his haggard appearance, she assumed that the preoccupied Plant had pulled another all-nighter. Knives' hair, which was getting long again, was lying messily around his face. While, the deep dark circles under his normally brilliant blue eyes made his already pale skin look ashen. At least, the navy sweatshirt and lighter blue jeans the fairer twin wore weren't too bad. Of course, that was because she advised him that he was starting the reek before practically throwing him out of the infirmary yesterday evening.

 

`So he at least listened to me once,' she mused, realizing that he must have left and, at least, showered last night.

 

“I also slept for a couple of hours,” Knives sent to her as he took a bite out of a strawberry.

 

“Good, but you need more than just a couple of hours, though,” she sent back, reprimanding the Plant, while crossing her arms over her chest and smirking.

 

“I don't know why I put up with such insolence,” he shot back in mock irritation before taking a sip of his tea. Then once he set the cup back down, he picked up his fork again and ate the last of the egg, while telepathically adding, “However, just so you get off of my case, I am planning on going to sleep once I talk to the Doc and share my findings with him.”

 

“You mean you have it figured out?” McKenna blurted out as her eyes widened in awe.

 

“Of course,” he simply stated as he finished off his toast before pushing the tray away.

 

“When are you going to tell the Doc?” she then asked, while watching him poor another cup tea and taking a sip.

 

“I plan on contacting him shortly,” Knives replied, setting the cup down again and turning on the stool to face her.

 

“And you promise that you will take a real nap once y…” Mac started until he effectively stopped her by reaching out and pulling her in between his open legs before softly kissing her.

 

“You complain too much,” the platinum blonde muttered after the sweet kiss ended. He then laid his head on her right shoulder and wrapped his arms around her small waist. “Hmmm… that's much better,” he then murmured, closing his eyes in contentment. She simply sighed over his sudden show affection before returning the embrace by wrapping her own arms around him and lowering her head to meet his.

 

“This is nice,” she whispered, lost in the moment as they both simply held one another while the serene minutes ticked by.

 

Finally, after a few more minutes, Knives reluctantly lifted his head while muttering that he had better contact the Doc. McKenna immediately agreed before their eyes locked. Artic-ice blue met sun-fire golden and a flash of lust shot between the two. Then just as quickly, the intensity was broken as she tore her gaze from his while pulling out of his arms. Blushing profusely, she refused to meet his eyes again and mumbled to the ground that she would run and get some coffee for her and the Doc. Then with a swift `I'll be right back' she rushed through the doorway.

 

“What in the hell is that woman doing to me,” Knives groaned after she left the room. Unfortunately, he already knew what it was and if the theories were correct, then he was doomed. However, he didn't know if it would be such a bad thing, especially since it would probably help his species in the long run. With a predatory gleam in his eyes that made them flicker again with want, he continued, “After all, if it's for the good of my kind then I would be willing to do anything…” Pausing for a moment to amend that train of thought, he let a small smile grace his handsome face while saying, “When the time is right… that is.”

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

Less than fifteen minutes later, the two doctors sat around the center island, waiting for the Plant to share his findings. They looked expectantly to the platinum blonde as he opened a couple of files on the computer, and sent the data to the three larger monitors on the far wall. Once ready, he stood before them with an air of superiority surrounding his powerful frame and started…

 

“Have you ever heard of the theory of evolution?” Knives said with a smirk as he brought his attention to Mac just long enough to watch her roll her eyes before looking back to the Doc. “When Vash first brought me back to his little nest, I noticed something very unusual, about how his body would react whenever his little pet was around. His entire being would practically sing with the desire to couple with her. Initially, I just shrugged it off as nothing, since our link was closed for so long. However, as the days went by, his body's desire to procreate grew with such intensity that I thought that he would rupture from all of the tension. Then he was finally able to relieve himself…”

 

“Go on,” the Doc urged after Knives paused for dramatic effect.

 

“Then his pet left.”

 

“Meryl. Her name is Meryl, Knives,” McKenna pointed out after taking a sip of her coffee.

 

“Fine… Then Meryl left and Vash was completely devastated… still is. And it feels like he's incomplete… if you will. Now…” he started before stopping a moment while running his right hand through his hair. “As you know, McKenna noticed the increased levels of PNc in her blood Friday and started running some simplistic tests, until I took over her research.”

 

“God… would you just get on with it already,” the redhead muttered, while showing her annoyance over the `simplistic tests' remark.

 

“Woman, you know I must keep this simple so you can comprehend,” he shot back with smirk, which made the Doc snort into his coffee cup, while Mac crossed her arms and glared back at the pompous ass. “As I was saying… her PNc count tripled since her last blood sample in June and the cause being the sexual act that she committed with my brother, or more specifically when he ejaculated his semen into her uterus.”

 

“Interesting…” the Doc muttered as he rubbed his hand over his mouth thoughtfully. “So, the semen is the carrier of the mutagen that triggered her change. Why do you suppose?”

 

“Well, my theory is this… Vash's body basically is or was, if you will, preparing her to support the child of a superior breed…”

 

“And…” the Doc and Mac said at the same time, urging him to continue.

 

“And the only way for her to carry a Plant… is to become one.”

 

“So what you are surmising is that with future fluid transferals, she could potentially evolve into a Plant. Basically guaranteeing the continued existence of your species,” the Doc deduced as his eyes shined at the prospect. “Are you certain?”

 

“Yes, I am certain,” Knives answered before elaborating, “The test that triggered the use of the semen sample proved that. You see if a human female were to become impregnated by a Plant before her body was prepared, then her tissue would basically be eaten by the life growing inside of her. After all, our dominate genes would make that fetus a Plant.” Then with a knowing smile to the smaller man, he added, “You are more that welcome to look over my data, Doc.”

 

“If you wouldn't mind,” the older looking man said with a broad smile. “This is quite fascinating.”

 

“But how long?” McKenna asked as she stood and walked over to the larger screens, wanting a better look at the information.

 

“Hmmm…” Knives replied bringing his attention to her and watching intently.

 

“How long before the change would have been complete?”

 

“I am not certain…” he muttered, watching as she turned and raised an eyebrow once their eyes met. “I would need to collect more data, like how many injections she received… etcetera.”

 

“So, Knives, you said that his body was more aroused when around her. Did you ever notice him reacting like that around another female?” the Doc then asked as he started to read over the Plant's notes.

 

“No just her,” he replied before a small chuckle escaped his lips. “It seems as if he has chosen a mate.”

 

“Hmmm… but why now?” the Doc then asked.

 

“I can only surmise because he was too busy trying to escape my wrath before,” Knives replied with a shrug. “Though, he did admit that he always had felt something for her, even when things got bad…”

 

“Then perhaps it was fate,” McKenna added as she stepped up to the two.

 

“Silly romantic notions, not bloody likely,” Knives muttered as he rolled his eyes.

 

“How about you, Knives?” the Doc started with a gleam in his narrow eyes. “Have you felt any of the symptoms?”

 

“I…I have,” he whispered as he glanced to the redhead. With a slight tinge of pink gracing is normally ivory complexion, the fairer twin returned his gaze to the Doc and saw his perceptive expression.

 

“When are you going to tell Vash?” the Doc quickly asked, changing the subject, while saving the Plant from further embarrassment.

 

“I am not going to.”

 

“And why not?” McKenna protested obviously annoyed over his answer. “If Mr. Vash knew, then he would probably go after Meryl!”

 

“Because of the state distress he has been under lately, I don't know if he can handle it,” Knives sighed before looking at her. “I will tell him when he can. Besides, I want to have more data first.”

 

“Yeah, but when will that be? After it's too late and he's married to Jessica?!” she bit out before realizing that she said that in front of the Doc. “I'm sorry, Doc. I didn't mean…”

 

“It's quite all right, Mac. I completely understand how you feel. But, you have to remember that it was his decision to marry Jessica. Now, was it the right thing to do and was the proposal a deception? I am not quite certain. However, only Vash can decide to break off the engagement and that is something that he will need to do on his own.”

 

“Your right, I apologize,” she whispered, looking to the ground in shame.

 

“So, it is agreed that these findings will remain amongst the three of us until further notice?” Knives proposed, getting their attention.

 

“Agreed,” they both said together.