Trigun Fan Fiction ❯ Forever Mine ❯ Life’s Journeys: Reunions ( Chapter 47 )

 

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 47: Life's Journeys: Reunions

 

 

“I can't believe you actually did it,” the Caden complained just as soon as Meryl sat down at the table next to him.

 

“I don't see why it's so unbelievable Mr. Caden,” she immediately replied as she crossed her arms over her chest and looked directly into the outlaw's eyes, proving that she wasn't lying.

 

“But Meryl, if we would have kept the car, then we could have made it to Inepril in less than a four days, instead of having to wait here for what… almost a week for the next bus,” he replied with a dangerous glint in his eyes. “And it's just Caden, remember?”

 

“I remember… Caden,” she said right before one of the saloon's waitresses came to take her order. After placing an order for a scotch and soda, because she had a feeling she was going to need it, she reminded him of her reasons. “I understand that we could have made it there much earlier than predicted. However, the vehicle was stolen and I'm sure the owner reported it as such. So, it would only make sense too anonymously turn the vehicle into the authorities. That way the owner can get their car back and there's no harm done.”

 

“But I'm sure they had insurance on it,” he protested just to provoke her. It was always so entertaining ruffling her feathers.

 

“And that is exactly my point!” Meryl exclaimed as she uncrossed her arms and started to flay her hands around with every word. “It would have probably ended up costing Bernardelli and we just can't let that happen now can we! Right Milly?”

 

“Ummm… huh? Oh… ahhh… sure, whatever you say Sempai,” the big-girl absently muttered, while leaning over in her seat. She had her attention elsewhere. Instead of listening to the conversation going on at the table, she was intently listening to the satellite receiver that was sitting on the very corner of the bar, only a few feel away.

 

“Oh, why do I bother,” Meryl mumbled, while watching her partner from across the table. Then looking over to the outlaw, she quickly changed the subject, while he was too preoccupied by watching Milly. “So, what kind of food do they serve here? I'm starved.”

 

“Oh… the usual bar food,” Caden replied, turning his head to look at her. “Here,” he added as he reached for menu lying on the empty table next to them. Handing it over, he gave Meryl a broad smile before adding, “Ya' know… for such a tiny thing, you sure can pack the food away.”

 

“Yeah and you're one to talk,” she said with a roll of her eyes before looking at the array of choices. “If I didn't know any better I'd say that you where eating for two,” she added, while smirking into the menu.

 

“Oh wow! Did you hear that?!” Milly interrupted, instantly bringing both of their attention to her. “New Fort Bragg was attacked last week!”

 

“Really, did it say by whom?” Meryl curiously asked.

 

“Nope… the satellite simply said that according to the official report, it was a covert exercise in order to test the defenses of the compound,” Milly answered right before the satellite personality demanded all of their attention. The entire bar quieted as the barkeep instantly turned the volume up on the receiver. Then as clear as a bell, the voice transmitted the breaking news through the unit…

 

“And it has been confirmed for all you disheartened bounty hunters out there. The big one got away! That's right… the legendary gunman will stay a legend. For the sixty billion double-dollar bounty has been withdrawn from the one and only Vash the Stampede...”

 

Upon the startling announcement, just about the entire place erupted into complaints, mutterings of disbeliefs, and for some violent temper tantrums. All of how they could not believe the government could just ignore such a dangerous outlaw as glasses of alcohol were strewn about the space. Incredible frustration and disappointment ran high in the single story building, all except for the table residing in the far corner, closest to the receiver.

 

At first Meryl was in shock and couldn't believe what she heard, until Milly called out her name to see if she was okay. She wasn't. It hurt more that she could possibly imagine. It felt like she had been thrown into quicksand, slowly sinking under to suffocate, while being crushed at the same time.

 

“Oh god,” Meryl breathed as her silvery orbs shimmered with unshed tears. It was true. Vash was finally able to live his life without worrying about bounty hunters or the Feds coming after him. And she was truly happy for him. He was free to live his life alright, but he was free to live it with someone else…

 

“Meryl?” Milly called out again, clearly concerned for her best friend, while Caden gently placed his left hand on her shoulder to show his.

 

“He's finally free,” the short-girl whispered sadly as she closed her eyes and covered her mouth with her left hand. She just sat there, completely ignoring everything in order to try and get a hold of the feelings that were eating her up inside. She knew that she wouldn't be able to do so, at least not right away and needed to find solitude so she could cry her heart out, while not showing her weakness. No, showing weakness would not help anything. Lowering her hand, she slowly opened her eyes and rose from her seat, while quietly saying, “Please excuse me I am suddenly not feeling very well.”

 

“Sempai, do you want me to come with you?”

 

“That's okay, Milly. I just want to lie down. You stay here with Caden,” she absently muttered before practically running out of the saloon, heading to their hotel across the street.

 

“Oh Meryl,” Milly whispered sadly, watching her best friend make a hasty exit.

 

“Ummm… don't you think it's about time you told me why she acts differently whenever his name is mentioned?” Caden asked, after Meryl had completely left the building. Milly simply sighed as she turned back around in her seat to look at the handsome man and shrugged, tying to play it off. He wasn't buying it. “Now blue-eyes, I know that something must have happened. I mean she's normally a very confidant woman that doesn't break down like that.”

 

“I know,” Milly sighed again before reaching for her drink and downing the whole thing. “It's just that when you're talking about matters of the heart, I don't know if Sempai would like it if I told you about it. She's very private like that, you know?”

 

“Yeah… I know, but I still don't like seeing her like that,” he stated with worry evident before motioning for their server to get them another round. Caden knew he could get her to loosen up with a few more drinks. Besides, it was so much fun getting her tipsy and she always said the funniest things.

 

“Me neither,” she muttered absently, while playing with her empty glass. Becoming completely mesmerized with the way miniscule droplets of gin would move with the slow clockwise motions, while internally wondering if it would be so bad to tell Mr. Caden about her friend's plight. After all, he was a nice guy, not to mention really, really cute. Maybe he could help Meryl get over Mr. Vash, especially since it seemed like he was interested in her.

 

Actually, the way he acted, it was almost like he was interested in her, too. She always caught him looking at her and when their eyes would meet, she would feel a jolt of awareness running through her body. Something she had felt with only one other person… Nicholas. In a sense, it kind of made her uneasy. She wasn't supposed to be attracted to someone else. She hadn't grieved enough over the loss of her beloved priest.
Milly didn't know if she would ever grieve enough.

 

`Then maybe he could help Sempai,' Milly thought just as a full glass of gin was set in front of her. Stopping her play with the empty tumbler, she reached for the new glass and took a healthy drink before looking up to Caden and giving him a sweet smile. He instantly smiled back. “Maybe I should tell you, Mr. Caden,” she finally said after her heart skipped a couple of beats from gazing into his mesmerizing verdant eyes.

 

“I really would like to know, Milly. I do consider her a friend, after all,” he said, as he reached into his pocket of his overcoat and pulled out a couple of peppermints. After unwrapping one, he slipped it into his mouth before adding, “And it's just Caden.”

 

“Oh, okay Mr. Caden,” she replied with a bright smile as he offered her a peppermint. She accepted the candy with a `thank you' before placing it on the table, saving it for later. She needed to start her story first. “Well… you see Mr. Vash and Meryl grew very close over the time that we were assigned to him, which was pretty funny, because at first, Sempai refused to believe Mr. Vash was Mr. Vash. She couldn't get over the fact that someone so funny could be such a despicable outlaw. And she would never admit it, but she liked him from the beginning. It was so cute, too. He would drive her totally nuts and they would always argue and she would end up smacking him upside the head or something.”

 

“Really?” Walker questioned as she paused to take another sip from her drink. “She would smack Vash the Stampede upside the head? Meryl doesn't really seem like the violent type.”

 

“Oh she really isn't,” the big-girl replied with a giggle after setting her drink down. “Mr. Vash is the only person she had ever beaten up.”

 

“Maybe it was to hide her feelings from him.”

 

“Exactly,” Milly exclaimed with a smile. “And what's so funny is that Mr. Vash pretty much liked her the whole time, too. That's why he put up with her abuse.”

 

“Kinda like foreplay, huh,” he said with a chuckle right before downing half of his whiskey. “Well, what happened?”

 

“Then Augusta happened and Meryl finally admitted that she had feelings for him. Only we were separated from him for about two years and she couldn't tell him. Heck… we didn't even know if he was still alive,” she answered as her demeanor turned sad. “Now don't tell Meryl I told you this, but she was a complete wreck. Then one day she got call from the chief and found out that he was alive and that's when they sent Keele out after him instead. Well Sempai thought something was up… though you already know about that. So, I won't tell it again. Anyway, then it was our turn and when we finally caught up with him and Ni… well… when we found him, he was all beaten up from saving this guy, but you could tell he was really happy to see Meryl. He had this big grin on his face. It was so cute! Then we were by his side up until he left us, because Ni… ummm… until something happened and he left because he didn't want us to get hurt and he was really sad…”

 

“Why was he sad, Milly?” the outlaw asked, noticing that this part of her story hurt her just to talk about it.

 

“His best friend was killed,” she whispered sadly as a tear fell down her cheek.

 

“I'm sorry Milly. I didn't mean to have it hurt you.”

 

“Don't be. I'm positively perfectly fine,” she said after wiping her eyes and smiling again. He could tell it was forced. “Anyway… on with the story,” she started again with a slight pause. “So, before Mr. Vash left, he opened up to Meryl and told her about how his brother and his gang were after him and he had to leave us. Of course, we didn't listen and followed him and ended up getting captured, making Mr. Vash kill someone for the first time. He was completely distraught over that and Meryl was the one who helped him through it. Then he almost immediately went out to confront his brother and won. So, when he came back he started to make his feelings known, because he didn't have to hide them anymore. You see, Knives agreed that he would behave himself.”

 

“Wait,” Caden interrupted. “His brother's name is Knives?”

 

“Uhhh… yeah.”

 

“Interesting,” he mumbled, while moving his right hand up to scratch under his hat. “Does he have a sister named fork?”

 

“I don't think so,” she cluelessly replied before diving right back into the story. “So we went to the fallen ship in New Oregon and met Miss Mac and Mr. Doc they were really nice and we stayed there for about six weeks before we left.”

 

“And that's it?” he incredulously asked after she didn't continue. “That really doesn't explain why she's so upset.”

 

“Well… there is more and I suppose I should tell you. After all, I guess it could be pretty important,” Milly said as scratched her head again, while wondering if she should tell him. “Well, Meryl and Mr. Vash never really had much of a chance to be together, because he was busy helping his brother and working at the construction site. Not to mention, Jessica was always hanging on him. And when they were together, Sempai thought all he wanted to do was get into her pants, which of course, I told her that wasn't true and so did Miss. Mac. Then finally on Mr. Vash's birthday she gave him a very special birthday present and the very next day he ended up getting engaged to Jessica.”

 

“What?!” the long haired man yelled, making the other patrons of the bar look at him curiously. Sensing the sudden interest from the other people, he settled down and added, “So, I think it's pretty safe to assume that she gave him her virginity, right?”

 

“Gee… how did you guess?”

 

“Very wildly, blue-eyes,” he said with a smile. He couldn't help it. She was something else. However, his smile instantly turned into a frown after realizing how much of a prick the Humanoid Typhoon was. “What a fucking bastard,” he then mumbled before lifting his glass to lips and downing its contents with a snap of his head.

 

“I don't think Mr. Vash meant for it to happen, though. He loved Sempai way too much, Mr. Caden.”

 

“It doesn't matter,” he bit out, still angered over the situation. “If he loved her, he wouldn't have gotten engaged to someone else!”

 

“I don't know, I think Jessica tricked him into it. I mean he would never hurt Meryl. Mr. Vash isn't like that. He's too gentle of a man,” she replied firmly, grabbing onto his wrist so she had his complete attention. “Besides, he tried to explain it all to Meryl, but she was too stubborn to listen. You know how she gets once something is set in her mind.”

 

“Yeah I do,” he muttered, recalling the car issue just a short time ago as he motioned for yet another round. Meryl was the most obstinate woman he had ever met and if she didn't want to talk to you then she wouldn't. He could see that, but still, if he truly loved her, he wouldn't have gotten himself engaged to another. At least, that's how he thought love should be, though he had never been in love before. So, he didn't know from experience what it was like. Then he looked over at Milly, who was still holding his wrist. Then again, maybe he did. He knew that if he were lucky enough to have her love, then he would never let something like that happen. She was too precious to lose…

 

“Have you ever been in love, blue-eyes?” he then asked after a few moments, completely out of the blue.

 

“Yes,” she said quietly as she looked down into her almost empty glass.

 

“What happened?” he asked, noting her sadness again.

 

“He died…”

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

“Ugh… is it morning already?” McKenna absently mumbled as she rolled over to wrap an arm around Knives. Instead of feeling his warmth, she felt only the cool empty space as she touched the edge of the twin mattress in the back of the truck. Rolling back over, she absently reached for her glasses and slipped them on with a yawn, right before sitting up. She still wasn't coherent from just waking and, for the most part, kept her hazel eyes closed as she pulled her arms over her head to stretch and took several deep breaths. Then with a muttering of `what I would do for a good cup of coffee,' she opened her eyes.

 

It was blurry.

 

“What the hell,” she said in confusion as she took her glasses off and rubbed her eyes before opening them without wearing her spectacles. It was clear and, once it finally registered in her sleepy head, she knew exactly why. Her eyesight had improved enough for her not to need the glasses any longer. With a smile, the redhead climbed off of the mattress and reached for her boots. After slipping them on, she prepared to hop out of the truck as Knives stepped around the corner to assist her.

 

“Good morning,” she said with a smile as he set her on the ground. “I don't believe I'll need my glasses any longer,” she added after he grunted a reply to her greeting.

 

“Of course not,” Knives arrogantly retorted, while grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the front of the truck. “I told you before we reached New DC that you were about done wearing them. Had you forgotten already, woman?”

 

“Geez… you don't have to be so obnoxious, Knives,” she bit out, clearly annoyed with his attitude. “I mean this is pretty exciting for me and I was hoping you would be a little bit nicer about it.”

 

“I am being nice,” he smugly replied once they reached the opened door on the driver's side of the truck, where Knives had a canteen and her toiletry bag. “Here are your things and you can go over around the rocks over there to prepare. We are leaving in fifteen minutes,” he added, pointing over to an outcropping of rock a few feel away.

 

“Boy, you're in rare form this morning. What's wrong?” she asked after grabbing her things. Normally, he wasn't that much of grouch and even though their connection was still new, she could tell something was bothering him. “You know I can feel you're tense.”

 

“I know,” he sighed. He still wasn't used to sharing things with others yet, even if it was her. Running his right hand through his cropped locks, he stopped the motion at the base of his neck where he rubbed out an imaginary kink. “It's Vash,” he finally started once he dropped the hand to his side. “I'm worried about him. He's becoming more and more apprehensive every isle we get closer to them.”

 

“I noticed it, too,” the redhead replied, dropping her gear as she stepped up to her mate and wrapped her arms around his lean waist. “He's just nervous about seeing Meryl again. It's perfectly understandable, really.”

 

“To a human maybe, but I just don't understand why he's letting it bother him. He has claimed her and she should be thrilled with the prospect,” he exclaimed after wrapping his arms around her, accepting the hug. “It is a great gift he is bestowing upon her, after all.”

 

“Do you honestly believe Meryl will be that easy to get back, Knives?” McKenna asked, completely ignoring the remarks and fully knowing Vash's battle was only half won. Meryl was going to be much harder to convince than her father was. “I can tell you right now, Meryl is going to put up a fight.”

 

“We'll see,” he muttered noncommittally before letting her go. He knew they needed to head out. “Now go and get ready, McKenna. We are almost there.”

 

“All right,” she agreed before grabbing her things and heading over to the outcropping.

 

Knives watched as she disappeared, before heading to the other side of the truck to see if Vash was still standing out on the much larger rock formation that jutted out of the barren train. Just has he expected, his brother was still standing on its edge staring out to the sea of sand. His form rigid, as the internal battle still raged on while the morning breeze made his spiky hair and the panels of his crimson duster dance erratically along its flow. He noted that the image of his brother reflected all of the conflicting emotions that were running through him. Vash was tense and excited at the same time.

 

“Vash,” Knives called as he climbed up the extension. Then once he reached his twin, he supplied, “McKenna's up and is preparing as we speak. We can leave whenever you are ready.”

 

“She's out there,” Vash said instead of replying to his brother's statement, not even glancing over at his twin. He just kept his sunglass covered eyes west. “I can feel her. We're close.”

 

“Yes we are close and if we leave now we will be in the same city as her just after noon,” he interjected, placing a hand on his brother shoulder. “Let's go, brother.”

 

“Okay.”

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

Five hours later, the trio found themselves entering the outskirts of Valdour. It was a decent sized city that offered all of the enmities that a weary traveler would appreciate after a long journey, particularly hotels, food establishments, and, of course, saloons. Within the city limits alone there were seven hotels, which pretty much guaranteed that they would find a couple of rooms for the night. But, that also meant that they would most likely have a difficult time finding the insurance girls.

 

Staring out the passenger window, Vash mutely watched as the town's residents casually milled about the market place, barely noticing the vast array of activities going on amongst the space. The atmosphere relaxed as people diligently kept the economy moving with the buying and selling their wares, while some were holding animated conversations with acquaintances and children played amongst the many booths and shops that lined the town square. In all, it was quite a normal scene in a peaceful city such as this and if it were any other occasion Vash would have been enthralled by it all.

 

However, it wasn't and the ex-outlaw couldn't find any pleasure in watching the bustling activity of the prospering metropolis. He was too busy worrying about his reunion with a certain raven-haired beauty that haunted his very fiber with such a force that at times he thought he would surely fade away without her. He knew that she was in the city and their meeting was inevitable. It was just that he didn't know how she would react once she saw him again.

 

Actually, Vash did have a pretty good feeling and it wasn't going to be a good one. His gut was telling him that he was probably going to find a very peeved insurance girl and end up with a concussion. It would be well worth it, though, especially if she accepted his apology and agreed to take him back. Hell, he would accept a not only a sound thrashing, but would even swear off doughnuts for a year if she would forgive him. It would be worth it, even though he wouldn't throw the doughnut promise in, unless it was a last resort. After all, a year without doughnuts would be pure torture.

 

Then the truck came to a halt.

 

Mentally shaking his head to clear it, Vash brought his attention to his surroundings and realized that they were now parked on a side street. Looking over at his brother, he watched him opening the door to get out. “Where are you going Knives?” Vash asked as his twin helped McKenna out.

 

“Christ Vash, didn't you hear a word I said?” Knives asked with irritation apparent. “I just said that we're at the hotel and I was going to find a place to park.”

 

“Oh… sorry… I… ahhh… guess I was a little preoccupied,” he muttered, opening the passenger door and hopping down.

 

“Hey Vash,” McKenna began as they started to walk toward the main street and their intended hotel. Once she had his attention, she gave him a sympathetic smile and suggested, “I saw a tavern across the street. Why don't you go over there and see what they have for lunch, while Knives and I will get the rooms. Then we'll meet you over there.”

 

“Are you sure?”

 

“Yes,” Knives bit out as they reached the corner and turned left on the sandstone walkway. “And while you're waiting, have a couple of drinks. You need to relax, brother. The tension running through you is becoming quite bothersome.”

 

“Okay,” the ex-outlaw sighed before muttering that he would see them in a few as he stepped off of the sidewalk. With long strides, he made the short trip to the other side of the street in no time, but instantly stopped before entering the swinging doors. Raising his artificial hand up to his badge, he unfastened the Silver Star before slipping it into one of his many pockets. He didn't want to make the other patrons wary, after all.

 

Once ready, he slipped through the doorway and, out of habit, immediately took in his surroundings. The bar itself, ran most of the length of the left wall right before him, while two men leaned against the faux wood frame. To the right, circular tables stood erratically with more customers, men and women alike, sitting about eating lunch or having a drink. Two waitresses were casually working the tables, since the place was fairly empty, while a young man with short black hair tended the bar. Deciding that he didn't want to deal with either female, Vash walked up to the bar. Leaning in, a couple of feel away from the closest man, he motioned for the bartender.

 

“What'll it be?” the black-haired man asked, immediately waiting on his newest customer.

 

“Whiskey,” Vash started with a deep sigh. “Make it a double.”

 

“Gotcha,” the bartender confirmed, reaching for a tall glass and a bottle of Jack Daniels. Setting the glass down, he poured a generous portion before sliding it in front of the blonde man.

 

“Thanks,” Vash muttered, setting down a few double-dollars to pay for it. Picking the glass up, he brought it up to his lips before downing the contents with a snap of his head. He then set the glass back down before asking for another. Once the glass was refilled, he repeated the process before setting it down again. “Another,” he croaked for the second time as the burning sensation from the alcohol slid down his throat.

 

“I've got this one,” the man leaning against the bar next to him stated, motioning that he wanted the same as he moved down closer to Vash.

 

“Thanks,” the ex-outlaw said, glancing over to the man now standing a little more than a feel to the right of him.

 

“No problem,” he replied, while both men watched the bartender fill two glasses. “You look like you have something bothering you and drinking alone isn't always the answer.”

 

“And what makes you think there's something bothering me?” Vash practically bit out, looking into the now full glass before him.

 

“Well…” he started with a chuckle, making Vash look at him. “You came in here with a scowl on your face and you have basically had four shots in less than a minute and a half.”

 

“I guess you have a point,” the golden blonde replied, turning his head to completely look at the man next to him. He could tell the stranger was fairly tall even though he was leaning against the bar, but that was about it. The brim of the hat he was wearing came down low, completely covering his face so that it was difficult to catch a glimpse of his features.

 

“So,” the man then said, while lifting the glass up to his lips and taking a sip. “Is it a woman, money, or a job?”

 

“A woman,” Vash sighed after a moment, picking the glass up as well.

 

“Figured as much. They are God's gift, but sometimes I swear, they were created by the devil himself to wreak havoc on our weak souls.”

 

“Yeah, you're right about that,” he muttered, lifting his own glass and taking a sip.

 

“Well… I believe a toast is in order, then,” the man in the hat stated as he stood erect and raised his glass, Vash immediately following suit. “To the exasperating women that hold our hearts in the palm of their hands, may they not squeezed it too tightly.”

 

And with that, both men downed their drinks.

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

“Sempai, you know it isn't healthy to stay cooped up in here.”

 

“I know, Milly,” Meryl said with frustration lacing her words. “I just want to finish this, okay,” she added, momentarily turning from her typewriter to face her partner.

 

“Then do you promise to meet Mr. Caden and me for lunch?” Milly pleaded and scolded at the same time.

 

“Yes, I promise,” the raven-haired beauty said with a sigh before giving her friend a reassuring smile.

 

“YAAAY, Sempai,” the big-girl cheered as she zealously hugged her partner and the back of the chair Meryl was sitting on at the same time. Milly let go, once the short-girl complained about the lack of oxygen, and advised, “We are going to be across the street, so don't forget. And if you aren't with us in thirty minutes, I'll come up here and get you.”

 

Yeah… thirty minutes, I gotcha,” Meryl muttered, turning back around and starting to type again, until a thought crossed her mind. “Where is Caden, anyway?”

 

“Oh, he went over to the bar about thirty minutes ago.”

 

“Well, don't you think you should get over there and make sure he isn't causing any trouble?”

 

“But why, Sempai?” Milly asked, while scratching her head.

 

“Ummm… because it's our job?!”

 

“Oh yeah… I forgot!” the brunette exclaimed before rushing out of the door, leaving Meryl to her typing.

 

After a few minutes and practically flying down the three flights of stairs, Milly found herself in the hotel's lobby. As she hurried through the open space, something caught her eye or, more to the point, someone. Stopping in place, she turned to bring her complete attention to the back of woman with a mass of red curly hair standing at the front desk. Then she noticed the platinum blonde right next to her, which confirmed her suspicions. “Oh my gosh!” she squealed in delight before rushing up to the two. “Miss Mac is it that really you?”

 

“Milly?” McKenna questioned as she turned around only to be caught up in a gigantic hug from the big-girl.

 

“Wow! How are you? Why are you here? Are you two on your honeymoon? I can't believe that we ran into each other! What an amazing coincidence!” Milly happily rattled off, in rapid succession, while letting Mac go and giving Knives a hug before he could protest. “So what's up?”

 

“Well, this makes things much easier,” Knives muttered, after managing to untangle himself from Milly's infamous `death grip.'

 

“Mr. Knives, what do you mean by that?” she asked as she stepped back, still smiling broadly over seeing her friends again.

 

“We have been looking for you, Milly,” McKenna said with a smile.

 

“Me… Why?”

 

“Not just you, Meryl, too,” Knives stated already growing tired of the nonsense. “Where is she?”

 

“Up in our room, typing a report. Why, is something wrong, Mr. Knives?”

 

“Yeah… Vash is what's wrong,” he huffed out as he raised his left hand up and ran it through his hair.

 

“Oh my! What's wrong with Mr. Vash? Is he hurt? Did they set a date and you want us to come back and stop him?” Milly quickly asked before adding, “You know Sempai won't do that!”

 

“No Milly, it isn't anything like that,” Mac interjected. “Vash is fine. As a matter of fact, he's here with us.”

 

“Where? I don't see him?” Milly asked, looking around the lobby.

 

“He's at the bar across the street. We told him to go over there, while we got our rooms,” the redhead answered, still smiling over her friend's childlike nature. She had really missed her.

 

“That's amazing!” she chirped as she clamped her hands together. “Mr. Caden is already over there and I was heading there for lunch, too! Hey, why don't we eat together? Wouldn't that be wonderful?!”

 

“That's a good idea, but what about Meryl?” Mac asked as the three headed toward the hotel's doorway.

 

“She promised that she would meet us there and won't she be in for a big surprise once she sees you guys again,” Milly exclaimed happily before instantly telling them about how their adventures have been so far with the Bringer of Chaos. Finally crossing the street, the three made their way through the saloon's double doors and saw Vash leaning against the bar silently drinking with another man in a cowboy hat. With another big squeal, Milly rushed the golden blonde and caught him up into a bone crushing hug.

 

“What the…” Vash started; completely shocked over the embrace, until recognizing the bear hug. “Milly?”

 

“Oh Mr. Vash, it's so good to see you! But please don't tell me that Jessica is with you. Cause if so, Meryl won't be pleased,” she said as her eyes welled up with tears at seeing the ex-outlaw again. With a sniffle, she let go before looking over to the other man now standing behind the Humanoid Typhoon. “Gosh Mr. Vash and Mr. Caden, I didn't know you two knew each other!”

 

“Huh?” Vash questioned as he turned around to look at the slightly taller man whom he had been drinking with.

 

“So… you're Vash the Stampede,” Caden started with a sneer before lifting his hat up just enough, so Vash could see that his eyes were sparking dangerously. Then with a devilish smirk, he added, “Well you know… I really have to thank you.”

 

“Why?” Vash asked, narrowing his eyes as he felt the sudden animosity rolling off the Bringer of Chaos. He knew something was coming and instinctively prepared for anything.

 

“It's quite simple really,” Caden said with a short bark of laughter before becoming serious and adding…

 

“If you wouldn't have fucked up with Meryl, then she wouldn't be my insurance girl…”