Trigun Fan Fiction ❯ Forever Mine ❯ Of Breathing and Adaptations ( Chapter 40 )

 

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 40: Of Breathing and Adaptations

 

 

 

“Meryl… Meryl?” the blonde haired woman called out as she waived her hand in front of the raven-haired woman's eyes that were glazed over with tears. “Meryl, snap out of it!” she finally scolded as the brought her hand to her friend's shoulder and shook.

 

“Huh… What?” Meryl muttered, being brought out of her stupor. She was caught again, she realized. Caught thinking about the tall blonde lecherous goof of a man that had stolen her heart and shredded it to pieces. “Oh I'm sorry Karen, I must have spaced out there,” she added, while wiping her eyes to clear the tears away. “Was there something you needed?”

 

“Yeah, we are going to lunch and you said that you would join us today, remember?” Karen replied as she placed her hands on her hips, while looking down at her friend.

 

I… ahhh… can't. Sorry,” Meryl absently muttered. Quickly, she looked down at her typewriter, realizing that she had typed were some jumbled words that made absolutely no sense whatsoever. With a frustrated growl, she pulled the sheet out and crumpled it up before throwing it in the waste can below her.

 

“Meryl!”

 

“What?” she impatiently muttered as she placed a fresh sheet of paper in the typewriter and started to type again.

 

“You promised that you would join us today! It's Susan's birthday, remember?” Karen stated as she started to tap her foot in annoyance.

 

“Darn it! I forgot about that,” the petite woman mumbled as she moved her left hand from the typewriter and ran it through her growing tresses. Then with a sigh, she looked up to her friend and gave her a sad smile before replying, “I really wish I could go, but there have been seven new claims that came in this week, alone, because of C-grade property damage, involving an outlaw whose bounty is on the rise. And, not to mention, that I have to have these reports finished and on the Chief's desk by five today,” she then added as she pointed to a stack of folders sitting on her desk.

 

“But Meryl, this is insane! You have been working nonstop since you came back six weeks ago. How do you ever expect to enjoy life to its fullest being cooped up in here?” the blonde woman scolded, wiggling her finger at her friend. “Besides, you are never going to meet the man of your dreams by staying here from dusk to dawn, filling out report after report. And lord only knows that you've had enough of them sniffing around your skirt like dogs in heat!”

 

“Yeah… the man of my dreams,” Meryl whispered with sorrow evident as her thoughts immediately returned to Vash and ignoring the last part of Karen's scolding. Oh how she missed him, his sweet smile, his intoxicating scent, and the way it felt to have him hold her. She still wasn't certain if she did the right thing by leaving him almost seven weeks ago, especially with how empty she felt inside.

 

“See, there you go again,” Karen rebuked after she watched Meryl's eyes become distant again and her entire being sadden. “Meryl, what happened out there? I have never seen you like this before,” she then added as concern for her friend took over.

 

“Huh? Oh… ahhh… nothing happened,” the petite beauty finally answered as she shook her head to clear her thoughts. Then with an overly fake laugh she added, “Oh, you know me… I just haven't gotten used to working in an office, is all. You know… getting use to my land legs.”

 

“I don't know…” she replied skeptically before instantly adding, “I would say it's more like your acting like you had your heart broken.”

 

“That's preposterous!” Meryl quickly replied with a laugh, a little too quickly, making the standing blonde narrow her olive-green eyes in consternation. “When would I have ever found the time to fall in love, let alone have my heart broken, while following VVV… him around?”

 

“Well…” Karen started until she was quickly cut off by another voice.

 

“Don't you have work to do, Karen?” the Chief asked as he stepped up in front of Meryl's desk. Then before either woman could blink, he added. “Meryl, I need to see you in my office.”

 

“Sure thing Chief, I'll be right there,” Meryl said in a rush as she rose from her seat, while watching her boss walk back into his office. “Karen, sorry about lunch, will you tell Susan happy birthday for me?” she asked before stepping around her desk and following the chief.

 

“Sure… Meryl,” Karen replied absently, while continuing to think about the short-girl's erratic behavior. She was now certain that something happened to her friend while following Vash the Stampede, but she wasn't so sure what. `Hmmm… but I know who would,' she thought to herself, while thinking that it was time to talk to Milly about Meryl. With a smile playing across her face, the blonde went to look for the statuesque brunette. After all, such questions couldn't wait until lunch. Quickly walking into the locker rooms, she looked around the space and called out for Milly, hoping to find her before they were to meet in thirty minutes. “Milly? Are you in here?”

 

“Oh hiya Karen, is it lunch time already?” Milly chirped as she walked around from behind a row of lockers to greet the blonde.

 

“No, not yet,” she started, while noticing that Milly was carrying a mop. “Ummm… what's the mop for?”

 

“Well… you see I was taking some expense reports down to accounts payable and I thought that, since they were on the first floor, I would head out to grab a snack really quick. So, while heading out, Mr. Albert caught me and asked if I would pick him up some coffee from the little shop across the street. I said sure and went and got some coffee and pudding. Then when I came back I gave Mr. Albert his coffee…” Milly rushed, until being cut off by Karen.

 

“Okay I get it. You accidentally spilled either the coffee or pudding, right?”

 

“Gosh no, what would ever given you that idea?” Milly asked before continuing with her story. “Anyway, I gave Albert his coffee and headed back up here, while eating my pudding, tapioca, I love tapioca. I guess you didn't need to know that. Well, back to the story. Since, I was to busy eating my snack, I didn't see Mark in front of me, carrying a stack of papers and I accidentally hit him, making the papers fly all over and into Mary, who was carrying her lunch to her desk. It scared her so bad that she threw her lunch into the air before it landed on Yvette's desk, knocking over her pretty sand sculpture. And boy did it make a mess! There was sand and pasta everywhere. So, what did you need then?”

 

“Huh?” Karen asked in confusion over her friend's strange (to say the least) story. Then she realized that the brunette asked her a question. “Oh… I wanted to ask you something about Meryl.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Well… she has been acting strange and I don't know why. I was hoping you'd tell me what's wrong with her.”

 

“Gee… Karen, I don't know if I should tell you. You know how Sempai is about her privacy.”

 

“I know, but it's just that I would like to help if I can,” the blonde pleaded. “I don't like seeing her like this is all.”

 

“I don't really know what you could do. Only Mr. Vash would be able to make Sempai happy again.”

 

`What do you mean?”

 

“Whoopsies… I said too much didn't I?” Milly sheepishly muttered. “Darn it! I hate it when I do that. Well, I guess I could tell you as long as you promise to keep it between us.”

 

“Of course, I promise,” Karen replied truthfully. She would never betray her good friends by turning their secrets into water cooler gossip. Now, simple acquaintances, that was a different story, but never close friends.

 

“Well you see… Mr. Vash and Meryl fell in love…”

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

Serenity.

 

When Meryl and Milly decided to move in together right after the fifth moon incident, they chose their quaint two bedroom apartment because it offered serenity. Or, more specifically, a space where they could go to find such peace and they found it through the French doors that opened from their living room to a lovely veranda.

 

Normally, the space had quite the calming effect on Meryl and on more nights than she cared to remember, she found herself leaning in the doorway looking out into the vast night sky. However, lately, the warm night breeze did nothing to erase the chill that seeped down into her weary bones. Even the stars that shone in their usual luster didn't help ease the heaviness in her heart.

 

She thought that with time she would be able to break the hold that Vash the Stampede had on her. But, apparently, it took longer than the six weeks, five days, twelve hours, and thirty-two minutes to get over the infamous outlaw. She had a feeling it would take considerably longer than what had passed since she left New Oregon, left him. Perhaps even a lifetime, if not two, in order to cut the overwhelming ties that still bound her to him.

 

“Oh Vash…” Meryl whispered, tears falling down her cheeks as she looked up to the crater marring the luminescent surface of the fifth moon. No, she would never be able to love another like how she loved him. He ruined her for anyone else. Even if she tried to find a replacement, she knew that she would constantly compare them to the faceted blonde and every potential suitor would fall significantly short. So, she decided that it would be a wasted effort to even try. Though, that didn't mean that the eligible (and some not so eligible) men agreed with her secret decision.

 

Actually, since she and Milly had returned to December, it seemed as if most of the male population of Bernardelli and the neighboring businesses had found her quite irresistible. So much in fact, that she had three offers for dates this Friday alone and even a marriage proposal coming from a promising young attorney that worked in the offices across the street. Normally, she would have been embarrassed, even a little flattered, with all of the attention she was receiving, but now it was becoming outright annoying. And what made it worse, was that she didn't even understand why it was happening, especially since she had never had men after her with such intent before. It was almost as if something was drawing them to her like there was something special about her, something different.

 

As far as she knew, nothing had changed about her except her hair, which was growing abnormally fast and now brushed past her chin. She was still the same no nonsense Meryl Stryfe that had her work completed early and had everything in perfect order. Well, almost everything, everything except her life. Her life was a complete mess and she knew that something needed to change and quick or else she would shatter.

 

“A change…” she muttered, looking back into the living room and to the manila folder that was lying on the coffee table. Within the file held a promised change. A new assignment that would have her and Milly trekking across the deserted plains of Gunsmoke to locate and observe an outlaw that was becoming a significant liability. It was very tempting to accept the offer given to her from the chief just that afternoon, especially since they already had a detailed description of the man. Something that would make the search so much easier, though Meryl thought it was very unusual.

 

Never in her career as an insurance investigator had she ever seen such detail, describing a potential assignment. The file had everything. Age, weight, hair and eye color, and that he had a dimple in his left cheek when he smiled (or sneered) and that was just to name a few. It even noted the criminal's his favorite candy, peppermint. Yes, it was very strange indeed. It almost seemed as if someone who personally knew the man wanted everyone on Gunsmoke to know what he looked like and had special interest in his capture.

 

Caden Walker, now known as the Bringer of Chaos, was rapidly climbing Gunsmoke's ten most wanted list. Per the file, he was a tall man, standing just under 7'40'', with long brown hair and green eyes, who started his new found career with the murder of his very own brother, the sheriff of Espoera. His exploits had quickly risen over the past year and half to include grand theft, tax evasion, and kidnapping. And, of course, grade-C property damage, stemming public shootouts with either law enforcement or bounty hunters that resulted in several buildings being damaged or destroyed. All of it making him now one of the most sought after outlaws with a price on his head of eight hundred thousand double-dollars.

 

Meryl already knew that Milly was all for the new mission, since they spoke of it thoroughly throughout the evening. Now she just needed to make sure she was mentally ready for such a task and, for the most part, she was. Except for that tiny part in her heart that kept her hoping that Vash would come for her. She knew that if they were to leave then any chance of him finding her would be gone and she wasn't certain she was ready to give up that glimmer of hope yet.

 

“I don't know if I will ever be ready,” she whispered sadly as she closed her eyes and sighed deeply.

 

“Meryl…” Milly quietly called, making her presence known to her best friend and partner. “Are you okay?”

 

“I'm fine, Milly,” Meryl answered right before opening her eyes to hastily wipe the tears away. “It's late… shouldn't you be sleeping?”

 

“Gee… couldn't I ask you the same thing, Sempai?”

 

“Yeah… I guess you could. I couldn't sleep, is all. You?”

 

“Yeah, same here,” Milly muttered, while scratching her head and sitting on their beige brocaded sofa. Grabbing a floral printed accent pillow, she brought it to her chest to hug it before adding, “Are you thinking about the new assignment or him?”

 

“You know me to well, Milly,” Meryl said with a small laugh as she turned to face the brunette. “Both actually.”

 

“Ya' wanna talk about it?” she asked with concern as she patted the couch next to her, motion for Meryl to sit with her. With a `yeah I think I do' the petite woman moved to sit on the couch. Once comfortable, the big-girl smiled sweetly before guessing, “So… you wanna take the job, but you're afraid that Mr. V… I mean he will come looking for you, right?”

 

“Yeah,” she sighed sadly before elaborating, “I mean… I know it sounds crazy, but I keep hoping that he's gonna show up in the middle of the office one day, while yelling insurance girl at the top of his lungs. Ya' know… he'd do that just to thoroughly embarrass me…”

 

“Yeah, it sounds like something he would do, that's for sure,” she agreed with a giggle.

 

“But deep down, I know that I lost him and I need to let go, but I can't,” Meryl brokenly whispered as her eyes started to glisten again.

 

“Oh Meryl, please don't cry,” the brunette sadly pleaded before dropping the pillow and pulling her into a comforting hug.

 

“How do you do it, Milly?” the short-girl sobbed as she returned the embrace.

 

“Do what Sempai?”

 

“Live on knowing that you'll never see Nicholas again?”

 

“It's simple really…”

 

“How so?”

 

“You just gotta remember to breathe.”

 

“Breathe?” the raven-haired beauty questioned as she pulled out of her friend's hug.

 

“Yep… just remember to do the simple things, like breathing, and then, eventually, everything else will become easier, too,” Milly clarified with a small smile as she wiped her eyes, finally realizing that she was crying, too. “At least that's was big, big sister told me when her and Billy Mitchell broke up in the eleventh grade.”

 

“Does it work?”

 

“I'm still here aren't I?”

 

“Yeah, I guess you are, huh,” Meryl said with a smile, while wiping her eyes again. “Do you really think we should accept the next assignment?”

 

“Why sure, Sempai!” the big-girl said happily before adding, “You know, I just love adventures and it sounds like following Mr. Caden around would be a great big one!”

 

“Yeah, you're right,” Meryl replied back after a moment with her usual confidence in place. “I think it's time for a change for the both of us!”

 

“YAAAY!!! That's the spirit, Sempai!” Milly squealed. “When do you wanna leave?”

 

“Well… his last known location was a thousand isles outside of Neo Colorado. So, I would say that would be just as good of a place to start as any,” she supplied, picking up the folder to look at the details yet again. “Now… I did check the bus schedule and we can leave as early as first thing Saturday morning.”

 

“Right! So, tomorrow we talk to Mr. Chief and tell him our decision,” Milly said before standing. “Hmmm… that would mean tomorrow will be our last day here, huh?”

 

“Yeah, and I was thinking that we could leave work early tomorrow, go shopping, and, perhaps, even go out to dinner. You know, to celebrate or something,” Meryl said before yawning. “Besides, I really need to get my hair cut. It's growing like a weed.”

 

“It sure is. I do like it longer, though,” Milly yawed before scratching her head sleepily. “Welp, it's time to hit the hay. We best get some sleep tonight cause we probably won't later on.”

 

“You gotta point there, Milly,” Meryl agreed, before placing the folder back on he coffee table and standing. Then with a small smile she added, “Good night, Milly and… thank you.”

 

“Good night, Meryl and remember I will always be here for you.”

 

“And I for you.”

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

The morning came quickly, signaling the start of a new day and a new adventure for the two Bernardelli stars. With a renewed vigor, the lovely ladies had themselves ready for the day and out their front door before the kuroneko clock on their kitchen wall could signal that it was 7:00am. They had several things to accomplish before heading out in search of their new assignment and knew that the sooner they got started on the long list, then the sooner they could get ready. But first, they needed to head into work to advise the Chief that they were going to accept the job.

 

Gee… Meryl isn't it a lovely morning?” Milly asked as they made their short trek from their apartment to the office.

 

“Yeah,” Meryl replied with a small smile, while absently watching the other people on the sidewalk heading to their own destinations.

 

“Ummm… don't you think it's lovely enough to grab some breakfast and sit out on the patio at Salvy's before heading into work?” Milly asked hopefully, while referring to the little café across from Bernardelli.

 

“I had a feeling you were going to ask that,” the petite beauty said with her eyes twinkling. “And I think it's a great idea. Shall we?” she added before motioning for her partner to head across the street.

 

“Really? YAAAY Sempai! You're the greatest,” Milly cheered before grabbing her friend's hand and pulling her across the street.

 

…

 

Twenty minutes and a block and a half later, the two beauties were sitting around a small bistro table with a lively green and white striped umbrella shading them from the twin suns' morning light. It truly was a beautiful morning. The fresh scented breeze wasn't too warm and very inviting, while the birds were chirping happily, completely ignoring the throng of pedestrians scurrying by. On the table resided two cups, one filled with fresh coffee and the other Ceylon tea. The rich scents wafting from the cups, making both ladies sigh in contentment.

 

“Boy… that smells good,” Meryl said, almost reverently, as she picked up her cup and took a sip of the heavenly brew. “Almost as good as the café Verona back on the… ahhh… you know,” she continued, until realizing that she was thinking about being back on the ship again.

 

“Yeah, Miss Mac could make a good cup of coffee couldn't she,” Milly instantly added, hoping to steer the short-girl's thoughts to someone other than Vash.

 

“I wonder how she's doing?”

 

“She's just fine and dandy, Sempai,” the big-girl replied right after she took a sip from her cup. “Well at least she was in the last letter I got from her. I reckon another should be arriving shortly… Oh, I hope it gets here before we leave,” she added, while internally reminding herself that she needed to write a quick note later on, letting the young doctor know of their pending departure.

 

“Oh I do, too. I wonder if her and Knives are still… well… you know?” she asked sheepishly, right before their waiter quickly set two plates of down, one filled with flapjacks and the other a waffle covered apples and whipped cream.

 

“Wow, Meryl that looks really good,” Milly stated as she looked down at her partner's large breakfast. “Gee… maybe I should have gotten a waffle, too.”

 

“Would you like some? You know I won't be able to finish it all.”

 

“Oh no, that's quite alright, Sempai. Besides, you need to eat and it would do you some good to have every bite on your plate!” she lightly scolded while wiggling her finger at her partner.

 

“Yes mother,” Meryl sarcastically muttered, making Milly giggle over the silly notion before stating that she couldn't be her mother because she was almost two years younger. The short-girl simply agreed with her logic before laughing herself. That's when she felt a presence behind her.

 

“Hello Meryl,” said a masculine voice.

 

Internally groaning at her ill-fated luck, Meryl just couldn't believe that he was here and bothering her already this morning. Roger Carson from Carson and Carson Attorneys at Law was persistent man who went after whatever caught his eye with such a sharp intensity that a man finding an oasis in the middle of the New Sahara would seem blasé. And, currently, he had his sharp brown eyes pinpointed on one raven-haired insurance girl. Without turning around, she muttered. “Hello Roger.”

 

“Why hello, Mr. Roger,” Milly chirped right before she took a bite of pancake. “How are you this fine morning?”

 

“I would be better if this lovely creature sitting next to you would say yes and marry me, Milly,” he replied as he moved in order to face his love interest. Then flashing a pearly white smile, he added, “Though, I suppose if she would at least agree to have dinner with me tomorrow night, I could manage.”

 

“Roger, I'm sorry,” Meryl sighed as she looked up at the sandy blonde-haired man and gave him a small smile. He really was a nice guy, not to mention, rich and handsome, but he wasn't him. “I can't.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“Well…” she started slowly until Milly cut her off.

 

“Well because Mr. Roger, Meryl and I have accepted another assignment and we leave first thing in the morning.”

 

“Oh…” he started as his smile dropped over the news. “Well, how long will you be gone?”

 

“As long as it takes, I guess,” the petite beauty answered truthfully, while fingering the rim of her coffee cup.

 

“I see,” he muttered, while running a hand through his short locks. Then with a deep breath he brought his gaze back to Meryl's and gave her a confident smile. “Well, I guess I'll just have to put that dinner invitation on hold until you get back, gorgeous. And once you do, I won't take no for an answer,” he declared before saying good day to the beauties and leaving them to their breakfast.

 

“Gee… Meryl, Mr. Roger is really nice.”

 

“I know,” she sighed again right before lifting her cup to take a sip. “Maybe I will take him up on his offer when we get back.”

 

“That sounds wonderful,” Milly said as she picked up Meryl's fork and handed it to her. “Now eat.”

 

“Okay, okay,” Meryl replied after accepting the fork. Picking up her knife, she cut into her breakfast and started to eat until every bite was gone.

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

Four hours later, Meryl found herself looking up into the concerned green eyed gaze of one Karen Murphy. `Oh boy,' Meryl thought as she noted the tense posture of her friend and the way she was busily tapping the fingers on her crossed arms. “Why hello Karen, is something the matter?”

 

“I'll say there is!” she bit out as she lowered her hands to her hips. “You have only been back for just a little over six weeks and you're leaving again!”

 

“I take it Milly asked if you wouldn't mind apartment sitting for us again?” she asked while looking up to the clock on the far wall and noticing the time. It was almost twelve and about time for Milly and her to leave. Rising from her seat she grabbed the remaining two files she was working on and headed over to set them in the out box just a few feel away. “Walk with me, Karen. I have to find Milly so we can leave.”

 

“Meryl, I just don't understand you,” Karen started as both women went looking for the statuesque brunette. “I mean Roger Carson is one of the most eligible bachelors on Gunsmoke and, instead of becoming his wife, you are going to chase after some low life degenerate. What is it with you and outlaws, anyway?”

 

“And just what is that supposed to mean?” Meryl sharply asked as they turned the corner and headed back to the break room.

 

“Oh Meryl… I just don't want to see you get hurt again, is all,” the blonde replied with a sigh as she stopped just inside the all but empty room. The lone occupant being one Milly Thompson, who was sitting at one of the tables with a pudding cup in her left hand and a spoon in her mouth.

 

“What are you talking about?”

 

“I'm talking about how Vash the Stampede broke your heart, and I don't want to see that happen again,” she exclaimed sincerely as she brought a manicured hand up to rest on the shorter woman's shoulder.

 

“And who told you that VVV… he broke my heart?” Meryl asked, even though she already knew the answer and pointedly looked over at the culprit.

 

“Whoopsies,” the tall brunette whispered, who was trying to hide behind a cup of chocolate vanilla swirl. Receiving the `Meryl stare,' Milly slowly lowered the cup and started to laugh sheepishly before muttering, “Ummm… I ahhh… guess that was me, Sempai.”

 

“I know Milly,” the short-girl stated with a role of her eyes. Then with a deep sigh, she added, “Its okay.”

 

“Really Sempai?”

 

“Yeah,” she answered back before turning her silvery gaze back to the blonde. “I don't mind if you know, Karen. Actually, I probably should have told you myself when you asked me about it the other day. But, please don't worry about me. I'll be fine.”

 

“Are you sure?” asked Karen, finally lowering her hand.

 

“I'm sure,” Meryl said, giving her friend a reassuring smile. “So, will you be able to watch over our apartment again?”

 

“Oh… I suppose,” She replied sarcastically as she pulled off an imaginary piece of fuzz from her pristine white uniform shirt.

 

“Thank you, Karen. You know Milly and I owe you,” the short-girl said as her partner came up to stand next to her. “As a matter of fact, why don't you join us for dinner tonight? My treat.”

 

“That would be wonderful!” Milly chirped as she clapped her hands together.

 

“I'd love too,” Karen said with a warm smile right before the ladies said their temporary farewells and the two disaster investigators promptly headed out to start their errands.

 

Before they knew it, they were standing outside of December city's most prestigious hair salon. Grabbing the handle of the door, Meryl paused before opening the door as a thought occurred to her. A change. The same words she muttered the night before, while debating on whether to accept the assignment or not. It was definitely time for a change and she meant to do just that. Looking back to Milly, she gave her a big smile before letting go of the fixture.

 

“Milly, do you really like my hair longer?” she asked as she turned to completely face her partner.

 

“Why sure I do, Sempai!”

 

“Well, I think it's about time that I let it grow a little then, don't you?”

 

“Yep, you have such pretty hair and it's so shiny,” Milly chirped happily in agreement as both ladies walked away from the door and proceeded down the sidewalk for a few more minutes.

 

Suddenly, Meryl stopped and looked across the street at the store there. It was Bauer Brothers Outfitters, the best place to find durable clothing for traveling out on the desert planes of Gunsmoke. And the same place where she happened to find her white traveling apparel. With the same thought still lingering in her head, the petite beauty smiled.

 

“Sempai, is something wrong?” Milly asked, who had taken a couple of steps ahead before stopping, after realizing that her partner wasn't with her.

 

“No, I just thought of something else I would like to change,” she simply stated before motioning for the big-girl to follow her across the street.

 

“Gosh Meryl, what's that?”

 

“I think it's time to get rid of the skirt and thigh highs, too,” she declared, realizing that the subtle changes may actually be a step in the right direction, while helping in the purging of the infamous Humanoid Typhoon from her system.