Trigun Fan Fiction ❯ Forever Mine ❯ Unwanted Attentions ( Chapter 56 )

 

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 56: Unwanted Attentions

 

 

 

Warmth… soft, comfortable, luxurious warmth, enveloped her petite and lissome frame, like a cozy bed made with genuine Egyptian cotton sheets and extra fluffy pillows stuffed with real down, not imitation. It was a dream; it had to be, because she had never felt anything so lavish against her skin before, not even on the fallen SEEDS ship. But if it were a dream, then there should have been someone else lying next to her. He was in all of her dreams. With the temptation enticing her, she slowly rolled over to touch the other side of the imaginary bed. However, instead of caressing the constant figure in every one of her vivid fantasies, her fingers felt the delicately knotted surface of raw silk and the smooth coolness of an empty pillow.

 

`Where am I?' she wondered groggily, while opening one of her silvery orbs to take a peek at her surroundings. Her body wasn't deceiving her. She really was lying on fluffy pillows and, no doubt, in between rich Egyptian cotton sheets the color of spun gold and an exquisite floral printed silk comforter was on top of that, keeping her pleasantly warm. But for the life of her, she just couldn't remember why. Her brain was extremely foggy for some reason and any memories past waking up this morning were nothing but a blur. If that was even this morning, it may have been the day before, she wasn't too sure.

 

With a faint moan, the petite woman slowly closed her eye and stretched her latent muscles before sitting up in the bed. Needing to stretch again, she raised her bare arms over her head as a purring yawn escaped her lips. Finally, lowering arms to cross them over her chest as a chill settled over her from the loss of warmth. Absently stroking fingers over her naked arms she realized she was only touching skin.

 

`What the hell?' she thought alertly, her eyes shooting open so she could take quick inventory of her state of dress, or more to the point, undress. She couldn't help but sigh in relief with the discovery that she was at least decent. Well sort of… The pale mauve spaghetti strapped satin nightgown showed way too much of her creamy skin for her to really be considered clothed.

 

“Ahhh… Miss Stryfe,” the svelte tenor of a man's voice uttered as the sound of a book closing immediately followed. “I am glad to see that you've finally awakened.”

 

“Wha…” Meryl rasped, her throat dry and scratchy, as her gaze shot past the foot of the bed to a sitting area where a casually dressed man, wearing a white oxford and buff colored slacks, sat in one of the two gold and sage striped Queen Ann chairs. Now completely confused, she closed her eyes and rubbed her aching forehead before clearing her throat. “What's going on?”

 

“I do apologize, it seems that the sedative you were given has not quite worn off yet.”

 

“Sedative? Wait… where am I? AAA…And who are you?” she questioned, bringing her complete attention back to the lean man sitting before her.

 

He was handsome, she absently decided as her wits started to slowly return, with short black hair and deep set eyes the color of melted caramel. His nose was patrician straight and his lips firm, while his angular jaw and bronze coloring gave him an exotic look.

 

“Well my dear, it seems that I have you at a complete disadvantage,” he replied smoothly as a small smile played across his lips. Placing the hardcover book on the table sitting in between the two chairs, he uncrossed his legs and pushed himself up to stand, while adding, “My name is Arturo Cruz and you are currently a guest in my home.”

 

Meryl openly gaped at the man standing just a few feel in front of her as the memories came flooding back. She, and most likely, McKenna had been captured by Bardeaux Keele and were now being held against their will. “A prisoner more likely,” she spat out as she folded her arms across her chest. Narrowing her eyes to glare at the man before her, she shortly asked, “Where's McKenna?”

 

“Ahhh… the woman Bardeaux said you were with yesterday morning, I presume,” Arturo said as he gracefully moved toward the raw silk floral drapes, left of the sitting area and pulled them open to reveal French doors that led to a small balcony. “I did not extend an invitation to your acquaintance, so my colleagues deemed it best not to have her join us,” he indifferently answered, while opening the doors to let a late afternoon breeze filter into the room. Once satisfied with the results, he turned around and set his honey brown eyes on her to ask a question of his own. “So Miss Stryfe, just how is it that a Federal Marshal would end up with you, while you're consorting with a wanted criminal?”

 

“Not that it's any of your business, but McKenna is a close friend,” she huffed out, still glowering at him as her eyes sparked angrily. “They will come after me, you know! And I would hate to be in your shoes when that happens!”

 

“On the contrary, that is exactly what I am hoping for,” he declared, smiling broadly at the fiery woman. “You see… I sent an invitation to your new assignment as well and I am more than certain he is on his way as we speak. Caden had always enjoyed playing the consummate Boy Scout.”

 

“Wait… you sent him an ultimatum, didn't you? Me for the map, right?”

 

“Very astute, Miss Stryfe, I see that Bardeaux was correct in his observations,” Cruz stated as leaned against the door jam, his smile turning more sensual and eyes glittering dangerously. “You are not only very beautiful, but highly intelligent as well. And if I may be so bold, you would make the perfect politician's wife.”

 

“It's too bad most politicians are worse than those so-called wanted criminals!” Meryl snidely exclaimed, definitely not liking the way her `host' was leering hungrily at her, like she was some tasty morsel that he couldn't wait gobble up. Suddenly, feeling extremely overexposed, the petite beauty grabbed the sheet pooling at her waist and pulled it up to her shoulders, deny him visual access to her near-naked form. “Where are my clothes?” Meryl demanded angrily even though a modest blush crept across her cheeks, while scanning the nearby area for them.

 

“They are being laundered,” he answered frankly, while completely enjoying the picture the ravishing beauty portrayed. Her hair was still delightfully rumpled from sleep and a lovely rosy blush spread across her cheeks, proving that she was quite the demure lady even though her gleaming silver eyes and sharp tongue said otherwise. Without a doubt, Meryl Stryfe was the most intriguing women he had ever laid eyes on. He decided then and there that once Walker was disposed of, he would keep her for himself, instead of giving her to Keele. If she would agree to his terms, that is.

 

“Did you… ahhh… change me?” she choked out with growing horror.

 

“Sadly no,” Cruz sighed as the petite beauty nearly wilted with relief at his reply. “I had one of my maids tend to you.”

 

All she could mutter was a tiny `oh' as she tore her eyes from her captor. The entire situation felt rather odd and she was becoming very uneasy about the whole thing, especially now that her mind was starting to clear enough for her to mull it over. She had always thought that when one was captured by the enemy, the captive kept in some sort of cell devoid of any comforts, not treated like a VIP guest at one of the five star hotels in New Miami. But here she was surrounded by the softest cotton and the smoothest silk in positively the most beautiful bedroom she had ever seen.

 

Muted colors of rose, gold, and sage ran throughout the space, tastefully accenting the dark wood of the four poster bed and matching dresser, armoire and end tables. Whereas the butter cream walls were adorned with still-life paintings of vases overflowing with delicate flowers. The room had a distinct feminine touch, she noted as she wondered who could have helped him decorate, a lover perhaps.

 

Then a sickening thought crossed her mind, maybe he wanted use her for more than just leverage…

 

“Well...” Arturo began as he moved away from the open doors, instantly attracting Meryl's attention. “I do have a couple of things too attend to before we dine tonight…”

 

“Dine tonight? And just what makes you think that I would want to dine with someone as despicable as you?” she spat out coldly, instantly cutting off the mayor of Espoera.

 

“Because…” he started in a low snarl as he fixed her with a threatening glare. He would only take so much of her insolence and deemed it time to give her an example of he did to people who dared to defy him. With the grace of a prowling cheetah, Cruz slowly glided up to the foot of the bed as a feral grin grossed his features. Then before she could bat an eyelash, he pounced. Diving on to the bed, he securely pinned her beneath his weight as his right hand detained both of her wrists, securely locking them over her head, while the left held his sinewy form just above hers.

 

“I do not think you will like the alternatives, my sweet,” he breathed menacingly, their faces scarcely more than several eyelash lengths away from each other. “If you refuse my company, then I will just have to give you to Bardeaux. And I know he has quite a bit of fun planned for the two of you, which I'm sure will involve violating your luscious little body in more ways than you could possibly imagine. So, I strongly suggest you be a good little girl, do as you're told. Do you understand?”

 

All Meryl could do was nod in agreement, while staring wide-eyed at the dangerous man above her. The white-hot anger dancing about his darkened features told her that he couldn't be pushed any further without some form of punishment involved, which in this case meant he would do exactly what he threatened to do. She would end up in Bardeaux Keele's revolting hands, giving the ex-Bernardelli employee the opportunity to exact his revenge upon her and that was something she most assuredly didn't want to happen.

 

“Very good,” Arturo stated as the anger in his eyes melted away. Then as if nothing happened, he let go, moving off of her to stand once again at the foot of the bed. After straightening his attire, he brought his attention back to Meryl and gave her a smug smile. “I will send a maid up with fresh clothing and to draw a bath for you. Dinner will be at seven,” he added before exiting the room.

 

“Oh god…” Meryl groaned fearfully, while reaching for the covers. Then after pulling them over her head, she whispered, “I'm in big trouble.”

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

Surprisingly, dinner had not been such a terrible ordeal, Meryl thought as she took a sip of her coffee. The meal, which consisted of baked toma breasts stuffed with mushrooms and wild rice, roasted potatoes and freshly cut steamed green beans with almonds slivers, had been quite delicious. Desert followed, a chocolate mousse, the creamiest she had ever tasted. She didn't even have any complaints about her dinner companion. Well, except for the fact that he was a demented crime lord who was holding her hostage and made her skin crawl every time he set his whiskey-colored eyes on her.

 

While the two dined by candlelight in his beautifully furnished formal dining room, Arturo Cruz played the ever gracious host. Without fail, he would refill her glass of wine before it became empty, while throughout the meal considerately inquiring if everything was to her liking and, overall, made the atmosphere light and serene. He was very attentive to her needs, to say the least, and if it were under any other circumstances, the petite beauty would have been flattered by his gentlemanly manners and exquisite courtesy. However, it wasn't and the whole thing was becoming quite unnerving. Cruz and his obvious intentions were making her feel extremely uncomfortable.

 

Oh how Meryl wished she could throw her coffee in his face before kneeing him in the groin or, at very least, rip him to shreds with her razor sharp tongue. However, the fear of what the repercussions would be if she did follow through with any of them made her hold back. She didn't want to become Keele's sex toy, after all. Therefore, the petite woman kept her anger in check, while essentially portraying the perfect lady, polite and poised. Though, sometimes she just couldn't resist temptation and slipped in a contemptuous comment or two in, just to see what Arturo's reaction would be. Much to her disappointment, he simply took it all in stride and even chuckled on occasion, while declaring that he always loved woman with spunk.

 

Besides, Meryl knew it was only a matter of time before Vash came to rescue her and decided that she could keep her charming façade up until then. When the two initially met for dinner, Arturo had informed her that Walker had until tomorrow to produce the map. So, she didn't have any doubts that her friends were on there way to retrieve her. She just hoped they didn't wait until the very last minute before they acted, she could very well snap if she had to put up with Cruz and his lustful looks any longer than necessary.

 

Not to mention, the sooner she got back to Vash, the sooner she could wrap her arms around him, while apologizing for not listening to him back in New Oregon. Then she would smack him upside the head for not being on the cliff, like he said he would be. Of course, Meryl fully planned on kissing the pain that she inflicted away and if it was while they were in bed together, then all the better…

 

`You had better hurry broom-head,' Meryl thought, lost in her fantasies of a very fulfilling reunion with a certain spiky haired Federal Marshal.

 

“So, how is the coffee?”

 

“Fine,” she simply replied, her thoughts returning to reality, as she set the fine bone china cup onto its saucer.

 

“Well then,” Arturo began after receiving yet another impassive answer from his dinner companion. She already knew how to push his buttons and he thought it was time to do a little pushing himself. With a devilish smile playing across his face that made his eyes sparkle, the Mayor of Espoera continued, “Since it looks as though you are about finished, I thought we could get a little more… personal.”

 

“Personal?” the raven-haired woman squeaked out, definitely not liking the sexual undertones in his voice. “What you mean by personal?”

 

“Don't worry, my sweet,” he chuckled as he reached for his glass of red wine. Taking a sip, he closed his eyes as the aromatic drink fill his senses for a moment before letting the fermented liquid slip down his throat. There really was nothing like having the best of everything and he fully intended on adding her to his collection. Meryl Stryfe would make a very rewarding possession and he couldn't wait to begin breaking her fiery spirit. “Although, it would be very tempting to slowly peel that lovely number you are wearing from your body, I was referring to getting to get to know you personally. And by the way, you look exceptional in that shade of red.”

 

“Why would you want to get to know me better?” Meryl asked, eying him suspiciously, while completely ignoring the comments made about peeling her out of the deep burgundy dress his maid delivered to her about two hours ago Though, she would admit that the color of the form-fitting outfit with a haltered neck falling to brush the top of her knees, did look quite magnificent of her. It was too bad Vash couldn't see her in it. “I am still your captive, after all.”

 

“Now Meryl… as I have mentioned earlier, you are guest in my home. It would be wise of you to remember that,” Cruz stated as he absently brushed a speck of dust away from his black dinner jacket.

 

“So,” she started smartly, while narrowing her eyes not only because she knew he wouldn't let her roam free like a true guest, but also because he had the nerve used her first name without permission. “If I am considered a guest, that must mean I can leave at any time, then.”

 

“No, it means that you are here enjoying the comforts of my home, instead of sitting in a cold dark cell,” he retorted, while reaching for his glass again. After taking another sip, he inquired, “So, why is it that such a beautiful young woman, who could achieve so much more, decided to become a disaster investigator? Was it the thrill of adventure that drew you to such a hazardous occupation? Or could it be, because you have a penchant for outlaws? ”

 

“That is none of your business!” she huffed, while crossing her arms over her chest and closing her eyes.

 

“I would say by your reaction that you do,” he proclaimed before adding, “And you were fortunate enough to get assigned to two very high profile criminals. I bet that you really enjoyed that didn't you, my dear.” Pausing for a moment, he raised his right hand to admire his recently manicured nails before continuing, “Ahhh… yes, the Bringer of Chaos and the infamous Humanoid Typhoon. It was too bad Vash the Stampede decided to settle down. I wonder. Did it bother you knowing that he chose to live his life with someone else?”

 

“Hardly,” she scoffed, while opening her eyes so she could roll them. She had to make it look like she really didn't care, after all. “I was glad to be rid of that good for nothing spiky-haired buffoon.”

 

“Peculiar. Bardeaux was convinced that you were totally enamored with him.”

 

“Well, he was wrong.”

 

“Apparently,” he began only to be interrupted, as the pocket doors to the dining room slid open and Bardeaux Keele walked through. “Ahhh… Bardeaux, my friend, what a pleasant surprise! Do you have something to report or did you wish join in on our lovely conversation regarding the now retired Vash the Stampede.”

 

“Actually, we just received word that Walker entered Johnstown and alone about three hours ago,” Keele said, while staring fixedly at Meryl.

 

“Excellent news, indeed,” Cruz declared, while taking the napkin from his lap and laying it on the table before rising to stand. “Unfortunately, this does mean that I need to cut our lovely evening short,” he continued, while looking over to Meryl and giving her a wicked smile. Then without taking his eyes off of the beauty before him, he said, “Bardeaux, please escort Miss Stryfe up to her room for me.”

 

“With pleasure,” he sneered as the unmasked half of his face showed a toothy grin. Walking around the table to stand behind Meryl's seat, the ex-elite soldier pulled the chair out for her and without a word he motioned for her to head toward the same double doors he just opened about a minute before.

 

Arturo also strode over to the opening and paused, while waiting for Meryl to catch up to him. A moment later, when she came up to where he stood she kept walking, ignoring his commanding presence, her intention to breeze by him and out the doorway into the hallway beyond. However, he quickly ensnared her tiny wrist, instantly preventing her attempt to escape him. “I do apologize for the interruption, my sweet,” he said, while pulling her back to his side. Then bringing her captive hand up to his mouth, he kissed her knuckles softly, sensuously, before adding. “We shall have to finish our engaging conversation over dinner tomorrow evening”

 

“Sorry to disappoint you, but I won't be here for dinner tomorrow,” Meryl proclaimed, while pulling her hand from his. She knew, without a doubt, that Caden wasn't the only one firmly set on rescuing her Vash, and probably Knives was with him also. But, if Walker entered a nearby town alone, then that, most assuredly, meant the other two were in hiding and didn't want Cruz to be made aware of their presence. So, she decided to keep that little tidbit from her captor, just in case. “As you said, Caden is coming for me and I will be in his company tomorrow evening!”

 

“No… I am the one who will be disappointing you then,” Cruz smugly replied as a malevolent gleam made his eyes shine dangerously. “For tomorrow, the Bringer of Chaos will be brought to justice as his criminal career comes to a jarring halt by the very man who initiated it all… me!”

 

“So never intended to let me go, did you?!” Meryl hissed, even though she already figured as much.

 

“Why would I want to give up such a fiery beauty?” he posed, while moving his right hand so he could run his index finger down her cheek. Meryl instantly swatted his hand away while calling him a bastard, which consequently, made in him laugh out in amusement over her temper. “I will see you in the morning,” he added, still chuckling before looking over to Bardeaux, who was standing right behind them. “Once you see Miss Stryfe to her room, join me in my study. We have last minute preparations to make.”

 

“I will meet you shortly,” Bardeaux responded before grasping the petite beauty's elbow. Leading her out into the mansion's opulent two story foyer, he escorted her up one the two sets of cascading stairs, while Arturo proceeded to walk across the high-gloss wood floor and down the long hallway at the foot of the other set of steps. Once on the second level, he swiftly pulled her down the hallway to the left.

 

A moment later, they reached her door where he purposely slammed Meryl up against the entry and leaned in with the uncovered half of his lips brushing her left ear. “You should consider yourself lucky that Arturo has taken a liking to you,” he breathed menacingly as he roughly grabbed her bottom and pulled her hips up to his so she could feel his obvious arousal. “Because if he hadn't, then I would be joining you in this bedroom to make you scream out while I repeatedly fuck you! And that would only be the beginning, my dear Miss Stryfe,” he heatedly murmured before licking the rim of her ear with his tongue. Then without another word, he opened the door and pushed her in, right before securely closing and locking it.

 

Meryl just stared wide-eyed at the doorway, while trying to grasp the enormity of the situation. Not only did she have a maniacal crime boss playing mayor wanting to get into her pants, but so did his psychotic first in command, who happened to be the same man that wanted to exact revenge for his face by violating her body over and over again. She was in quite a dilemma and all she could do was hope that Vash would show up soon because if they even tried to lay one hand on her before he did, then she would fight back, regardless of what the consequences would be.

 

Running her left hand through her lengthening raven locks, the insurance girl moved to absently sit on the foot of her bed. “Why me,” Meryl groaned as she covered her face with her hands before silently pleading, `Please hurry, Vash!'

 

“Don't worry Angel, I am already here.”

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

It had been twenty-six hours since the twins left the truck safely hidden amongst formidable rock formations east of Espoera and just a little over twenty-three since they reached their current hiding spot, the sand dunes at the eastern outskirts of the city that also bordered Cruz's sprawling homestead. During their wait, the two thoroughly surveyed the compound, while making last minute changes to their plans so everything would go as smoothly as possible once Caden arrived at dawn on the third day.

 

Both Plants noted that Arturo's home was a working estate with Thomas stables and practice rings set southwest of the main house, while his men's bunkhouses and two large storehouses, holding farming equipment (and most likely an armory), were located southeast. The equipment most likely used to tend the meticulously cared for crops of wheat and soybeans that looked ready to be harvested were due south and outside of the main compound. To the normal passerby the ranch simply appeared to simply be a hard working establishment that had success changing the arid and granular soil into something workable.

 

However, that was far from the truth and the security measures encasing the immediate complex were big indicators. The twelve feel high sandstone walls encircled the space as armed guards regularly paced both inside and outside the dividers, while massive wrought iron gates directly north and again south of the mansion designated the only entrances to the grounds.

 

While the house itself, was a massive two story hacienda style home made of sandstone with a slightly pitched roof made of burnt red terra cotta that held up wonderfully against the brutal sun, while keeping the inside of the home pleasantly cool. Large curved windows persistently lined the first floor of the home leading to rounded double doors in the very center of the building. In the back held several more windows along with sliding doors used to enter the desert garden that accented the rear of the home. The second floor was also lined with the large windows, except intermittent French doors that lead to verandas made of wrought iron, tastefully broke up the series of glass.

 

Though, only one set of French doors located on the eastern rear of the home held particular interest to one of two watching the estate.

 

Vash knew the moment Meryl woke and it thrilled him so much that Knives, quite literally, had to clamp his hand over his twin's mouth to keep him from crying out in joy. Up until that point, Vash was becoming fearful that Keele had done something despicable to his short-girl and it took every ounce of his control to keep him from rushing the compound to get her back. And now that he could feel that she was fine, he still wanted nothing more than to retrieve her. He could feel the fear and anger flowing through her and it was driving him insane knowing that he couldn't hold her close while comforting her. Hell, he couldn't even contact her yet, afraid that it might blow their cover.

 

So, he patiently waited, staying attuned to her body's stress level, while at the same time keeping his senses open to the others nearby, so he could judge when she was finally alone. Then three and a half hours after her initial waking, he felt the overwhelming panic run through her body making his own blood run cold as the absorbing dread made him fear the worst. However, before he could jump into action, Meryl's emotions lessened and the second person was moving away from her. He could still tell that the encounter left her quite distressed and just as he was about to contact her, he heard her words in his mind first…

 

`Please hurry, Vash...'

 

“Don't worry Angel, I am already here,” Vash telepathically replied to Meryl's plea, unable to keep the broad smile from his face as he felt her fear disappear, swiftly replaced with combination of elation and shock.

 

“Oh god, where are you?” Meryl quickly asked in relief as she let go of a deep calming breath.

 

“Well… why don't you casually head out to your balcony and glance east,” the ex-outlaw replied and once Meryl did as he suggested, she leaned against the partition and advised him that she was there, he said, “Do you see the second sand dune about an ile away?”

 

“Yeah…”

 

“I'm right there.”

 

“Well why aren't you right here getting me out of this place?” she complained, while drumming her fingers on top of the wrought iron barrier. “I'm getting sick of being held hostage!”

 

“Well you wanna switch places then?” Vash offered, feigning resentment. “I've been stuck out in the in the middle of nowhere with my brother for over twenty-four hours, while you've been all cozy in your posh prison cell.”

 

“Sure, if you wouldn't mind getting hit on by Arturo Cruz and Bardeaux Keele!” Meryl smartly replied, unable to keep herself from smiling. She was fully aware that Vash wouldn't like hearing that piece of information.

 

She was right, he didn't.

 

“What?!” Vash telepathically roared before quickly rattling off, “Have they touched you? Or done anything they shouldn't have? Is that why you were so upset earlier and just a little while ago?”

 

“No… well… yes, but they never hurt me. It was more mental distress over what they said they were going to do more than anything else, really,” the petite beauty stammered out, before realizing that his possessive nature was kicking in. Perhaps it would be nice to get a little revenge after what he had put her through the past week or so. “Though, I guess with Cruz, it was mostly lustful looks and sexual innuendos. Oh and he did say something about wanting to peel this very tight red dress I'm wearing off of my luscious body,” she added completely serious, until she felt Vash tighten up like a coil as his jealousy took over. Then she let the twinkling laughter fly.

 

“Damn it short-girl, that isn't funny!” the golden blonde groused.

 

“Sorry, I couldn't help myself,” Meryl declared mentally, while still laughing.

 

“Yeah right,” he snorted before chuckling himself.

 

“So, you obviously have a plan. Keele said that they spotted Caden in Johnstown,” the insurance girl said somberly after their laughter died down, turning poignant. Unfortunately, they had more pressing things to cover, all thanks to her.

 

“We do, so be prepared. Caden will arrive at dawn,” Vash confirmed before telling her that she should try to get some sleep because he suns would be rising before they knew it. After Meryl reluctantly agreed, he added that he needed to run a perimeter check before Knives found out that he was slacking and said that he would contact her again before sun up. Then finally, right before he said he needed to sever their connection, he warmly said, “I love you, Meryl.”

 

“Oh Vash… I love you, too.” Meryl whispered as a tear slipped down her cheek. “And I'm really sorry,” she emotionally added after taking a deep breath, expressing her deep rooted regret over what her bitchy attitude had brought them to. “If I wouldn't have been so stubborn back in New Oregon or even when we stopped outside of Inepril City, then none of this would have happened and…”

 

“No Meryl, don't,” The gunman pleaded, interrupting her. “Please… don't blame yourself. You didn't do anything wrong, okay?!”

 

“But…”

 

“No buts! None of this is your fault!” he quickly added, firm in his resolve as he cut her off again. He hated feeling how upset she was, especially since all of the blame should fall on him. “I wasn't where I said I would be, remember?”

 

“Yeah I guess…” Meryl sighed, not completely agreeing with his logic, before asking, “Where were you, anyway?”

 

“Ummm… getting doughnuts…”

 

“Figures!” she mumbled, while shaking her head. Boy, she nailed that one on the head.

 

“So, anyway, since I'm the one who got you into this mess, I'll get you out of it, short-girl,” Vash proclaimed with conviction before adding…

 

“I promise… I will keep you safe…”