Trigun Fan Fiction ❯ Forever Mine ❯ No Turning Back ( Chapter 60 )

 

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 60: No Turning Back

 

 

 

With a simultaneous clatter, two plates, piled high with Lo Mein noodles, were placed on the bar in front of two weary looking men, who were hunched over with tall glasses of whiskey in their hands. Immediately following the dinners, two sets of chopsticks and a glass bottle of soy sauce were efficiently deposited.

 

“Do you need anything else, Caden?” the owner of the saloon and deliverer of the meal asked, while wiping his hands on his white apron.

 

“Nah, this is good for now Ted,” Caden replied, giving the older looking man with short salt and pepper hair a small smile while reaching for his chopsticks. “Thanks buddy.”

 

“No problem,” Ted said as a smile broke across his face. “Mei whipped this batch up just how you like it.”

 

“You mean she hasn't wizened up and dumped you yet?”

 

“Nope, she still fancies herself in love with me,” he answered, now showing a toothy grin as he reached for a new bottle of Wild Turkey and opened it before refilling both men's glasses. Then setting it on the bar, he added, “You would think that after eighteen years of marriage she would have figured out that I'm nothing but a bum.”

 

“Oh don't worry, honey. I have.” A lovely older looking woman with long black hair sprinkled with just few strains of grey within the silky mass interrupted, while carrying out a plate of steamed dumplings from the kitchen and setting it on the bar and in between the other two plates. Then with a smile that made her chocolate colored eyes twinkle, she looked at Caden and said, “I just decided that I might as well stay with him. You know, to keep him out of trouble.”

 

“And what a task that is,” the long haired man stated with a chuckle while snatching a dumpling from the center plate with his chopsticks and taking a bite.

 

“So, are you going to introduce us to your handsome friend, Caden?” Mei asked, giving Walker a teasing wink.

 

Swallowing quickly, Caden glanced at Vash, who had just started sucking in a mouth full of Lo Mein, but stopped as he looked curiously at the woman as the ends of the soft noodles dangled down past his chin. The sight looked quite comical, Chaos thought, before looking at the tiny woman and grinning widely. “This is the infamous Humanoid Typhoon, Vash the Stampede.”

 

“Hey, aren't you a Federal Marshal, now?” Ted asked as he stepped over a few feel to pour a couple of drinks for a waitress right before she whisked them off to her customers. “Not to mention, one of the two who brought Cruz down?”

 

“Yeah,” Vash quietly muttered after hastily swallowing his noodles. Unfortunately, his thoughts were elsewhere and he was just too preoccupied to answer with more than a one word reply.

 

“Well Marshal, we would like to thank you…” Mei started before pausing a moment as she turned her attention to Caden. “…well, both of you, for what you did. Cruz was a regular tyrant and I know that all of the other business owners are glad that he has finally gotten what he deserved.”

 

“And we are really sorry about what happened to Regan,” Ted added sadly as he stepped back over to stand next to his wife, while wrapping his right arm around her narrow shoulders. “He was a good man and will be missed.”

 

“Thank you,” Caden whispered, looking down to his uneaten plate of noodles. He missed his brother, too.

 

Knowing that the two needed their solitude, Ted and Mei informed them that the meal and the bottle of whiskey was on the house before adding that all they needed to do was holler if they needed anything else. Then the older looking couple returned to their respective jobs, giving the men some quiet so they could eat in peace.

 

Vash watched as the obviously happily married couple parted and returned to running their lucrative business. Mei walked back through the swinging doors behind the bar that led to the kitchen, while Ted went back to helping the other bartender pour drinks. Then with a sigh, he returned to eating his meal while wondering if he would get the chance to share the next eighteen years with Meryl. He wasn't sure if he deserved too, especially since he broke his promise and didn't keep her safe. In fact, he did the exact opposite and as a result, she almost lost her life.

 

Just thinking about that horrendous morning made Vash's stomach churn violently as the memories assaulted his mind. Setting his chopsticks down, he reached for his drink and took healthy swig. He had never felt so helpless in his very long life, not since the great fall. But, this time was completely different from when his surrogate mother died. When Rem sacrificed herself for the good of mankind, there truly wasn't anything he could do, being whisked away by an escape pod with Knives the reason. With Meryl, however, he had every opportunity to save her, but almost didn't. He was too afraid to act and if it wasn't for Knives' reassurance, then he would have lost his Angel forever.

 

`Thank you, brother,' he thought to himself as he held up his glass in a silent toast, before downing the entire contents. When Meryl's blood was seeping through his fingers and he had called out for help, it wasn't Rem or Wolfwood that answered his desperate plea for help, it was Knives. Words could never express the ex-outlaw's gratitude for what his twin did that day. Without hesitation, the one time human hater offered his support, while at the same time, channeling his own energy and thoughts through Vash, helping save Meryl.

 

It was amazing really. Knives had come so far since their showdown in Demitrihi six months ago and Vash was truly glad to have his brother by his side. He had always been a substantial part of his life, even during their separation, but now that they were back together, Vash realized just how much he needed his twin. Knives was the only person, dead or alive, who would have been able to pull him out of the deep-rooted state of helplessness that paralyzed him that ill-fated morning.

 

Sighing again, the golden blonde set his empty glass back on the bar before picking up his chopsticks and reaching for a dumpling. Popping the whole thing in his mouth, he chewed slowly while turning his thoughts back to his short-girl. Once they were close enough, he immediately sensed she was awake and doing just fine and that elated Vash immensely. Until he remembered that he still had to tell her everything, which would probably be quite the eye opener for the petite beauty. And he wasn't just talking about his inability to act on his own to save her, either.

 

She wasn't even aware of the mutation occurring thanks to their incredible lovemaking sessions. He had a bad feeling that once Meryl realized that the increased PNc running through her veins had everything to do with her overabundance of admirers, then he was a dead man. There was no doubt in his mind that was why Cruz and Keele had reacted the way they did and, given enough time, Meryl was most definitely smart enough to figure it out as well.

 

Then he remembered the high priced call girl in Inepril City…

 

“Oh God… I really am a dead man…” the ex-outlaw groaned, while dropping his chopsticks so he could rub his face with his hands.

 

“Would you lighten up, Saverem,” Caden scolded, while pouring Vash another drink. “Meryl isn't going to kill you.”

 

“You're right,” he whined dramatically. “That would probably be too merciful…”

 

“Geez… are you always this whiny?”

 

“Hey… you would be whiny too if you were going to have to endure short-girl's wrath!” Vash exclaimed as he lowered his hands and reached for his drink. After taking another healthy swallow, he set his glass down and added, “You've never experienced one of her punches and I'll tell ya'… she has a wicked right hook!”

 

“Whatever Vash,” he replied with a roll of his eyes, while picking up some Lo Mein with his chopsticks and bringing them up to his mouth. With a short slurp, he sucked the noodles in before reaching for another helping and repeating the process. After finishing his second mouthful, Caden noticed that Vash had started to absently play with his own dinner. Sighing out, he dropped his utensils before scratching under his Stetson with his right hand. Were his insecurities over Meryl really bothering him that much?

 

“Look Vash…” Caden started as he moved his left hand to touch the blonde's right shoulder. “I know as well as you do that you're more worried about her rejecting you than you are about getting your ass kicked. Meryl loves you and she's not going to leave because of some little changes. Nor she is going to blame you for being shot. So… you really shouldn't let it bother you like it is.”

 

“Yeah… I know…” Vash sighed before grabbing his whiskey and looking into the glass.

 

“Of course, if you're really worried about that wicked right hook of hers, then I would suggest not letting her get the chance to take a swing,” Caden added suggestively, while lowering his hand and leaning back on the stool. Seeing he had Vash's complete attention, a wide grin formed on the brunette's face before he added, “Perhaps, it's time for you to be a little more assertive in your relationship…”

 

“More assertive…” Vash mumbled out, while looking back down at the drink in his hand. That may not be such a bad idea.

 

“Yeah… you know, show her you aren't in the mood to take her crap,” Walker continued, while watching the imaginary cogs turning in the ex-outlaw's head. “Meryl's gonna be quite pissed when she figures out that you're here instead of going to see her and…”

 

“She's already on her way…” Vash calmly interrupted before, raising the glass and taking a sip. He knew the moment she found out and judging from her reaction to the news, she wasn't exactly thrilled. “And she's fuming mad…”

 

Sure enough, not even two minutes later, the saloon's swinging doors flew open as the raven-hair beauty stormed through the opening with her partner following right behind. With his drink still in hand, Vash continued to face forward while watching Meryl from the corner of his eye. There she was, his Angel, stiffly marching toward him with her cheeks rosy and her molten sliver orbs sparking dangerously as her blood boiled. The blonde man had never seen anything more beautiful in his entire life. The petite women exuded vitality and the blessed sight made him so happy that it took every ounce of his control to keep himself from hopping off the stool a sweeping her up in his arms. After all, he needed the upper hand when he finally told her everything.

 

“For someone who says that they are in love with me, you sure do have a funny way of showing it!” Meryl huffed angrily as she stopped to stand just left of the red clad man, while Vash simply sat there, staring at the bottom of his drink. He didn't respond or even show any indication that he was aware of her presence. By the time that Milly walked over and sat on the stool to Caden's immediate right, Meryl's agitation sky rocketed as she fisted her hands at her sides, she incredulously yelled, “I cannot believe you! After driving non-stop to make it back here to see me, you decide to go to a saloon for a drink instead! And now that I'm standing here, right next to you no less and you completely ignore me! You have to be the single most exasperating, no, idiotic man I have ever met, Marshal Saverem!”

 

Instead of retorting or even acknowledging her, the ex-outlaw simply brought the glass in his right hand to his lips and took another sip. The short-girl growled out furiously as she swiftly let her right fist fly, intending to punch him in the jaw. However, it never connected. Vash instantly caught her tiny hand in his much larger prosthetic one, while casually setting the drink on the bar. Then without looking at her, he finally spoke. “If you have any doubts about me, then I strongly suggest that you return to your room, because just as soon as I finish this drink, I'm going to show you exactly how I feel about you. No matter where we are…”

 

“You can't be serious…” she squeaked, wide-eyed as her cheeks became impossibly rosier. Then he turned to face her and locked his smoldering jade-colored eyes with hers. Meryl knew right then and there that he wasn't bluffing. Without another word, she hastily pulled her hand from his grasp, turned on her heel and darted out of the bar.

 

“Sooo…” Caden started slowly, after Vash turned back around and picked his drink up again. “How much time are you going to give her?”

 

“Maybe five minutes,” Vash replied, smiling into his glass before slamming the rest of his drink back.

 

“Are you sure she's going to head back to her room?” Caden inquired.

 

“No doubt in my mind,” he confidently replied as his smile broadened, while slipping off of the stool.

 

“Here, Mr. Vash,” Milly said, smiling brightly, as she reached into her overcoat pocket and pulling something out. Then handing the item over to the gunman, she chirped, “Just in case she's stubborn and locks the door!”

 

It was her room key.

 

“Thanks big-girl,” Vash replied, as a jolt of anticipation shot through him when his fingers curled around the key. He couldn't wait to feel his mate's luscious curves against him again. After saying a quick goodnight, he strode out of the bar, so he could quickly grab his gear from his room on his way to Meryl's. He was definitely not planning on sleeping in his own room any time soon, unless she was with him. At least he hoped that was the case. The gunman knew that it all depended on how well his short-girl took the news he was about to spring on her.

 

“Well… I guess it's just you and me, blue-eyes,” Caden said, turning his attention to Milly after the both of them watched the blonde's retreating form. “So, why don't we have a drink and celebrate!”

 

“YAAAY!” she squealed, while Caden motioned for a glass. With a wink, Ted gave him one and a moment later Milly had a freshly poured drink in her hand. She looked at the amber liquid curiously before moving her gaze up to Caden's and asking, “Gosh… what are we celebrating, anyway?”

 

“Well… for starters we can celebrate the fact that Meryl's okay,” he informed her as he watched a beautiful smile spread across her face. “Then… that Vash left us alone… and finally, that I don't have to go to jail!”

 

“Really?! Oh that's wonderful, Caden!” Milly chirped happily as she set her drink on the bar and flung her arms around his neck. “How come, anyway?”

 

“Well…” he whispered in the statuesque beauty's ear as he wrapped his right arm around her slim waist and reached into a coat pocket with his left. As he grabbed a silver six-pronged star out from its depths and efficiently fastened it over his heart, he added, “Because Vash and Knives told McKenna's dad that I deserved the same punishment they received…”

 

“Then that means…” Milly breathed as he pulled away and looked down to his chest.

 

“Yep… you can call me, Federal Marshal Caden Walker, now!”

 

“Oh Caden that's so wonderful,” the big-girl squealed again flinging her arms around him for the second time in less than a minute. This time he wrapped both of his arms around her waist and pulled her close, almost completely off of the stool. It really made her happy knowing that they could spend time together and she absolutely loved it when he held her close. And by golly, he always smelled so good, so masculine with just a hint of peppermint, making him smell sweet, too. And now he was a Federal Marshal, just like Mr. Knives and Mr. Vash… “Oh no!”

 

“What?” Caden asked in concern as Milly pulled away from his arms again. “What's wrong, Milly?”

 

“Mr. Vash is going to spend the night with Sempai…”

 

“Yeah and?”

 

“Well… where am I gonna sleep?”

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

Sitting on the edge of her bed, Meryl hastily untied her boots before pulling them off and letting them drop to the floor with a thud. Looking at the black socks covering her feet, she paused for just a moment while debating on whether she should leave them on or take them off. “Off,” she muttered right before removing them as well. Instantly standing up, she went for the snap on her blue jeans until something made her stop.

 

“What in the hell am I doing?” the petite beauty asked herself incredulously as she started to pace. She was supposed to be mad at that spiky-haired idiot, not stripping down naked, while impatiently waiting for him to join her. After all, he did go out drinking with Caden instead of coming to see her! But, it was just so difficult to stay angry with Vash, especially after he set his penetrating gaze on her. The lust and love swirling in their aqua depths sent a jolt of need right to the pit of her stomach.

 

Not to mention, that he looked too damn good sitting there. Stopping a few feel from her bed, she closed her eyes and tilted her head softly to the right. Meryl couldn't help but moan out as she recalled the delectable sight of Vash sitting there. His red duster was taut against his broad back as he leaned over with his right elbow resting on the bar, while casually holding a glass of whiskey in his gloved hand. Oh how she longed to rake her nails down that muscled expanse of flesh (and metal).

 

No, there was absolutely no way Meryl could keep up the air of hostility. There were far better ways to expel all of the pent up frustrations running inside of her and she would much rather channel those emotions into something more passionate. Now all she needed to do was to wait for Vash.

 

She didn't have to wait long.

 

A moment later, the protesting groan of the door opening invaded her thoughts as she instantly brought her complete attention to the man walking through the entrance. After closing and locking the door behind him, Vash dropped his bag on the floor and simply stood there staring at her, not uttering a word. He looked determined, confident even, and Meryl had never wanted anything more than she wanted him at that very moment. Then he slowly started toward her, while unbuttoning the collar of his overcoat.

 

“Wait,” the raven-haired woman hastened, while raising a hand up to motion for the gunman to stop. With his fingers on the top right button under his collar, Vash instantly stopped in his tracks, fingers unmoving in their quest to strip himself of his coat as he complied too her request.

 

He still had not said anything verbally; he didn't need to. The air around him spoke volumes. The Plant was there to reclaim his mate and if the glint in his eyes was any indication, then he was bound and determined to do just that. Meryl, of course, didn't have any qualms with his intention, but she wasn't going to let him walk into her room and completely control their heated reunion. It was time for her to throw him a `curve ball,' just to see how he would react.

 

“Leave your coat on…”

 

Vash stood there, watching as her heather-colored orbs took on a mischievous glint. `Did she just say…' he thought to himself before comprehension dawned on him. A slow smile crept across his handsome face as he realized what she meant. Taking immediate action, the enamored man swiftly closed the gap between them and bent his head down to claim her lips in a deep and searing kiss, while bringing his hands to the snap of her pants. Deftly, he proceeded to remove Meryl's clothing while the mind-numbing lip lock continued, only pulling away once from her luscious mouth when he lifted her black turtleneck over her head. Then as he reached around her back to unclasp her bra, he heard the heavy clunk of something hitting the ground.

 

It was his gun belt.

 

The golden blonde couldn't help but smile into their fervent kisses after hearing the noise, especially since her petite hands instantly moved to the buckles that snugly secured the body armor around his thighs. By the time her bra and panties were off, she had them undone and started on his black Levis. And a heartbeat later, she boldly slid her right hand inside his pants and around his stiffened erection. Unable to stop a groan from escaping his occupied lips, he wrapped his arms around her and moved his gloved hands up and down the naked flesh of her back. Then Meryl started to caress him in kind while she slipped her left hand through the panels of Vash's coat and grabbed his firm butt.

 

“Mer…” was all Vash got out as he tore his mouth from hers while straightening his shoulders and throwing his head back as he pulled her infinitely closer. It felt so good, so right having her work her eager hand over his pulsating length that he was very tempted to let her have complete control over the situation, which at that particular moment, she had. But he knew that he couldn't let it continue, he needed the advantage. Not to mention, that her stroking was sending shivers down his spine and he wouldn't last much longer. It had been literally months since the last time `he' received that kind of attention.

 

Unable to take much more, the incensed Plant slipped his hands down behind her and cupped her bare bottom making Meryl stop her ministrations and grasp his shoulders as he picked her up off the floor and wildly thrust his tongue into her mouth. She eagerly accepted his zealous attentions, while sliding her arms up to wrap around his neck. The next instant, Vash made his way to her twin bed and leaned over, gently depositing her on the mattress. Pulling away from her reddened lips, he stood erect and loomed over her naked form taking in the sight of her lying before him.

 

Oh how he loved every inch her body. She was petite and nimble with perfectly placed feminine curves covered by silken ivory skin that was lightly flushed a heavenly shade of pink. He also noted that her heavy breathing moved her full breasts invitingly and their rosy nipples where taut with arousal. Not to mention, that every time she shifted her tone legs in anticipation, it showed off the black thatch of curly hair at the juncture of her thighs. `God, she truly is an Angel…' he groaned internally as the blood in his veins quickened.

 

“Vash?” Meryl quietly questioned, looking up to the red-clad man. She wasn't entirely certain why he continued to stand there and stare, instead of taking her, especially with the acute lust swirling in his jade-colored eyes. Haven't they waited long enough?

 

Then she saw the small smile form on his lips as he unbuttoned another row of the black buttons on his duster before slipping his prosthetic hand under the fabric. She watched inquiringly as the bulge of his hand moved over to his right shoulder and his fingers stirred under the fabric as if he was undoing something. An instant later, he removed his hand and slid it up his right sleeve to grab a hold of his upper arm before slowly tugging downward, eventually pulling his arm and shoulder armor out of the opening. Immediately after, he stripped off his right glove while his heated gaze never left her face.

 

“I want to feel your skin,” Vash sent telepathically in explanation, noticing her questioning gaze. Dropping the brown covering to the floor, he advanced to the bed and leaned over, resting his hands just above her shoulders. The bed groaned in protest as he lowered himself onto his knees and nudged his way in between her bent legs. Now completely hovering over her, Vash had control of the encounter once again as he brought his full attention to her partially open mouth.

 

Swooping down, he claimed her lips in a passionate kiss as she wrapped her arms around his back trying to pull him closer. Immediately complying, the golden blonde lowered himself to lay his body on hers and started to explore her skin. In lingering motions, Vash moved his uncovered hand along her rib cage and side before sliding it back and in between their bodies to cup her breast, while he ran the fingers of his prosthetic one up the base of her head to bury them in her silky raven locks.

 

Meryl moaned out as she moved her mouth away from his and started to kiss ardently up his left cheek before reaching the silver hoop hanging from his ear. Vash was right! The earring was just too damn sexy on him and she couldn't keep her mouth from his lobe, while her tongue played with the piece of jewelry. Taking a tiny nip, she heard the enamored man's sharp intake of breath right before he turned his head and attacked her neck with tiny bites and open mouth kisses.

 

Vash urgently made his way to her collarbone where he sucked hard, causing the petite beauty to whimper as he marked her before moving his attentions to her chest. His mouth immediately closed around the stiffened peak of her right breast, while he rolled the left one in between his thumb and index finger. He heard her moan out again as he drew his mouth away from her nipple and licked his way over to her left, giving it the same attention, while moving both of his hands to her hips.

 

After another moment, he set both palms on the bed and proceeded to move downward to her spread legs while laying more kisses and tiny bites on her ribs, paying particular attention to the only mar on her otherwise perfect skin before proceeding to her lightly muscled stomach. Upon reaching the delectable belly button, he flicked his tongue into the hollow as his left hand returned to Meryl's hip and the right went to her lower abdomen. Pausing for a moment, he stopped his caresses long enough too briefly glance up to the panting woman before sliding further down the bed. The very next moment, Vash lowered his mouth to the juncture of her thighs and lightly kissed her heated center before opening his mouth and running his tongue along the seam.

 

“Vash,” Meryl gasped, arching her back off of the bed as her hands flew into his falling blonde hair. The gunman was ardently licking and suckling the oversensitive flesh, creating a delicious frustration that would surely make her combust at any moment. After a few amazing minutes of long and gentle sweeps of his tongue, Vash shortened his strokes and added a little pressure, solely concentrating on the bundle of nerves at the apex of her womanhood. He then lowered his real hand down to her tight passage and circled the entrance with his index finger before slipping the digit in.

 

She cried out hoarsely, while tilting her hips upward and opening her legs even wider as Vash rhythmically moved his finger inside of her and increased the tempo of his very talented mouth. With her muscles involuntarily contracting, the aroused woman knew that she was teetering on the edge and at any moment would fall into sweet nothingness of climax. But she couldn't, not yet. Meryl wanted Vash to fall with her and had every intention of waiting until he was to that point as well. That is until she heard the Plant telling her in her head to let go because he wanted to catch her.

 

“Oh God… Vash,” she breathed out in pure rapture as the intense climax washed through her. It had to be one of the most amazing things she had ever experienced, second only to the feeling of having Vash release himself within her while she was falling. And she couldn't do anything, but lay there in bliss as she reveled in the sensation of it all.

 

After a few heavenly moments, Meryl's breathing slowed and her wits started to return. That's when she realized that something was not quite right. Instead of Vash making his way back up her body to finish what they had started, he had his right cheek cradled on her stomach while he tightly clutched her hips. Then she noticed his tears. “Vash, what's wrong?” she quietly asked as she softly ran her fingers through his hair.

 

“Nothing,” the torn man replied telepathically, since he didn't trust his voice at that particular moment. “I just want to hold you for a minute.”

 

And she let him.

 

Vash was afraid that if he moved an inch or brushed his lips against her creamy skin one more time then he would lose his resolve and wouldn't be able to stop until he lost himself deep within her. He couldn't do that though, not until he had a chance to tell her everything. It wouldn't be fair of him to send more of the PNc into her system without her being aware of the consequences. So, he just lay there, holding her close, while her breathing and cries of passion echoed in his mind. It was so hard to stop, painful even, as his body still quivered with need of her. And he knew that if the intoxicating beauty gave him even the tiniest of pushes, he would break…

 

“Kiss me, Vash.”

 

The pleading command was breathed out on the slightest of whispers. But the effect was cataclysmic to the ex-outlaw's silent oath as he groaned out and started to lay hot kisses up her stomach. Quickly, Vash made his way to her chest and upon reaching her inviting mouth, he kissed her longingly. He felt Meryl's hands once again slipping under his red duster to the waistband of his jeans, where she started to push them down and over his slender hips. Giving her assistance, he lifted his hips and hastily shoved the clothing down to his knees before moving the panels of his coat out of the way. With the remaining barriers gone, Vash lowered his hips back to hers and positioned his length at her entrance. Then, without pausing, he slipped his hands to her hips before thrusting forward.

 

“MMM...Mer…” he moaned into her mouth, not moving a muscle. He was finally enveloped in his insurance girl's warmth and it felt far better than he remembered. And all he wanted to do was lie there forever, savoring the moment. Although, absently realizing that it could possibly be the last opportunity he was this close to his Angel. Then Meryl ground her hips up into his, signaling that she really wanted him to continue.

 

Vash tore his mouth from hers and groaned again as he started to move within her. As the thrusts gained in intensity, the blonde slipped his hands from her hips and placed them, palms down, on the mattress, returning them again to just above her shoulders. Then lifting his chest from hers, he started thrusting vigorously into her mewling form. And before he could even think about preventing the inevitable, he felt the all consuming buildup of pressure deep inside.

 

A heartbeat later, Vash throatily cried out `Meryl' as he drove himself deeply into her one more time as his orgasm hit. The waves of ecstasy paralyzed his every movement, even his breathing so that he dared not move until the delirium ebbed. When it finally did, he collapsed on top of her and buried his head into the side of her neck.

 

Almost immediately the tears returned, as the full impact of what he had just done, thanks to his lack of control, invaded his thoughts. Without her consent or even her knowledge, she was yet one step closer to evolving into a Plant. “I'm so sorry,” he choked out, unable to hold it in any longer. He really needed to tell her everything.

 

“Why are you sorry?” Meryl asked in confusion as she slid her hands from his back to his face and gently tilting his head so she could look into his troubled eyes.

 

“For what I just did, Meryl,” he sadly replied as she wiped his tears away.

 

“What did you just do, Vash? I thought you wanted this to happen,” she whispered apprehensively, while wondering if he meant that he didn't want to be with her after all. “Didn't you want this?” she added in self doubt as she felt tears forming in her own grey eyes.

 

“No,” Vash breathed, rolling off of her to sit on the edge of the bed. “Not like how it happened…”

 

“What do you mean?” the raven-haired woman asked desperately, needing clarification before she died from fright. Sitting up, she quickly scurried off of the bed and stood before him, not caring about her current state of undress. Meryl had more important things to worry about, like whether she and Vash were going be together or not. Touching his cheek, the short-girl brought his gaze up to hers again before lowering her hand and beseeching, “Please Vash… tell me what you mean!”

 

Taking a deep breath, Vash closed his eyes for a moment before opening them on the exhale. When his uneasy aqua eyes returned to hers, he spoke. Starting out, he told her about the rage that consumed him after Keele shot her and how he retaliated by vehemently shooting back, not caring if he killed the man or not. Then he spoke of his fears once he realized that he was losing her, which led up to his revelation that he could save her, but was unable to do so without the help from his twin. Next he revealed to her how her body was mutating because of their love making and the side effects, particularly the way members of the opposite sex (and some the same) reacted because of the way the PNc was affecting her pheromones. Finally, Vash told her why he pleasured her like he did, while not wanting to finish himself. It would only advance her changes and he didn't what that to happen without her approval first.

 

Meryl simply stood there with a blank expression on her face, while absorbing every detail. She listened to his words, how he spoke them, and studied his expressions, particularly his eyes, all throughout the declaration. And she fully understood why he was acting the way he was. Vash felt that everything his fault and was truly afraid that she was going to reject him after hearing his `confession.' At first she was angry because he should have known her better than that, but then she realized something…

 

Time and experiences change a person and she wasn't the same as she was just six months ago. Neither was he.

 

And upon that revelation, she fell in love with him all over again.

 

When he finally finished talking, Meryl watched as he closed his eyes, while expelling a deep and slow breath. Then after another moment, she quietly spoke. “Did you kill him?”

 

“No,” Vash whispered, refusing to open his eyes. “Though, I did injure him pretty bad.”

 

“I see,” she muttered, while stepping up to stand in between his thighs right before starting to unbutton his red duster.

 

“What are you doing?” he asked, opening his eyes and instantly searching her face for an answer.

 

“What does it look like I'm doing, broom-head?” she replied with a smile before adding the most obvious, “I'm unbuttoning your coat.”

 

“But why?”

 

“Because I already had one fantasy fulfilled by you wearing it and now I want you naked…”

 

“Wait, you mean…”

 

“Vash, I love you and if you think that little changes or something that you had absolutely no control over are going to change that fact, then you really are a needle-nog…” Meryl started only to be cut off as Vash grabbed her and pulled her in close to silence her with a sweet and lingering kiss.

 

Once he lifted his head and broke the kiss, the relieved Plant gave her a brilliant smile while exclaiming, “God Meryl… I love you, so much!” Then he kissed her again, only longer and with more intensity. When the heated lip lock ended, his vibrant eyes took on a devilish glint right before he suggestively added, “Ya' know… I could use a shower. Wanna join insurance girl? I could really use you to wash my back!”

 

With a matching gleam in her eyes, the short-girl quickly continued to unbutton his coat, while advising him, “Well… then I suggest that you had better hurry up and help, Marshal Saverem, because I could really use a very long and hot shower, myself!”

 

“Yes, Ma'am!” Vash saluted before breaking his own personal record for stripping down to his birthday suit.