Trigun Fan Fiction ❯ The Resurrection Of Nicholas D. Wolfwood ❯ Travel Tension ( Chapter 7 )

The Resurrection Of Nicholas D. Wolfwood

Part Seven: Travel Tension

By Bekka Mouri

(Trigun doesn't belong to me and I am making no money off of this so don't sue me. A little bit of tension develops between the guys. Minor cussing and spoilers.)

Vash looked at the map as Wolfwood checked the bike over. It hadn't shown any signs of breaking down but he didn't want to take that chance considering his past history with two wheeled modes of transportation. He would ride a Thomas if he had to but knew that Vash couldn't. He didn't really remember where he had gotten that tidbit of information but it was helpful even though Wolfwood would have gotten good laugh from finding out first hand.

Vash scratched his head and frowned. " Uh, Wolfwood? "

" What is it, needle noggin? " Wolfwood said, lighting a cigarette.

Vash carried it over to Wolfwood. " This is where we were two hours ago, " He pointed to a name on the map.

" And we are where now? " Wolfwood looked at the map.

Vash ran his finger along the route they had taken and completely off the edge of the map, " We're right here, " He said, pointing at the ground.

Wolfwood growled, " I mean on the map, jerk! "

" That's where we are on the map… if this map extended into this region at all, " Vash showed Wolfwood the front of the map. " It was just for the region we just left. "

Wolfwood took the cigarette out of his mouth and held it to the map until it caught fire. Vash freaked out and dropped the map as it burned. A breeze came up and scattered the ashes. " You could have told me that sooner, " He muttered.

" What did you go and do that for? " Vash whined as the last of the ashes blew away.

" We didn't need it any more, " Wolfwood stood up and stretched before he put the cigarette back in his mouth. " You LIVED in the town we're heading to, right? "

Vash put his hand behind his head, " Well, yes. "

" Then what's wrong? " Wolfwood braced himself for what he knew was going to be not so good news.

" I can't find anything without a map, " Vash laughed nervously.

Wolfwood took the cigarette out of his mouth again, " You mean to tell me you have been wandering this damn planet for God knows how long and you still need a map to find things? How the hell did you ever find anything when you were going after Knives the first time? "

" I rode a bus or sand steamer to where I needed to go and when I had to go on foot, I asked directions as often as I could or got a map, " Vash said.

Wolfwood sighed, " Then the next town we hit, I am getting another map. "

" Sounds like a plan to me, " Vash smiled.

Wolfwood turned back to the bike and muttered, " And he says I'm not very methodical… "

**

The suns had long since gone down and the moons were all half full when Wolfwood and Vash finally reached another town. Vash was keeping his mouth shut because he knew that Wolfwood was not in a really good mood and he didn't want to make him any madder. They were hungry, thirsty and tired. Wolfwood muttered something about being low on fuel and looked for a filling station.

Vash could feel his muscles tighten as he realized something wasn't right about the town. It seemed like it was deserted and that did not bode well for them. The sound of the motorcycle's engine echoed from the buildings as wind blew debris around in swirling masses, causing the only movement in town. The low rumble that meant Wolfwood was just about ready to hit something or someone soon joined the growl of the engine.

A two-story fuel station came into view and Wolfwood pulled the motorcycle up to a pump. He engaged the kickstand, got off the bike and opened the fuel tank. " There might not be any fuel left in the pump. Are you still going to try it? " Vash asked.

" You never know when a miracle might happen, " Wolfwood responded, his voice sounding a little strained. He acted like he was trying to keep his temper under control. He took the nozzle off the pump and placed it in the tank. He squeezed the switch and he couldn't feel anything coming out.

He slammed the nozzle back onto the pump and did some very creative cussing. He kicked the pump and shouted in pain. He fell onto the ground, holding his foot and swore some more. He focused his eyes on Vash, narrowing them as he said, " Why is it you are so much bad luck? "

Vash looked around innocently to see if anyone else was around that Wolfwood could have been talking to. (^o.o^ Kuroneko-sama moment!) All he saw was a large black cat on the other side of the bike but it got up and walked away. He looked back at Wolfwood. " I don't know what you're talking about. I was the one who said there might not be any fuel left in the pump. "

Wolfwood was about to remind Vash of his past record when a shaft of light appeared as someone opened an upstairs window, startling Wolfwood and Vash.

" You fellas got the money to pay for fuel? " A man said. His face wasn't visible because the light was behind him. " Cause if you don't, I'm not coming out to turn the pump on. "

" Of course, " Wolfwood put his free hand behind his head and let out a nervous laugh, " I didn't think anyone was around. "

" We're around, " The man said flatly. " We just don't come out at night. I suggest you get inside as soon as possible because the bandits might just rob you if you're out when they come around. "

" Bandits? " Vash and Wolfwood said together.

" That's right, " The man looked like he was pulling on a jacket. " Wait right there and I will tell you the rest of the story when I get downstairs. "

The window shut and Wolfwood looked back at Vash, " Now, where were we? "

" You were about to tell me how much bad luck I am, " Vash sighed.

Wolfwood raised his hand and pointed at him. He had just opened his mouth to speak when his stomach let out a loud grumble. His eyes grew wide for a moment and he let his hand fall to the ground. " Never mind, needle noggin. I am too hungry to yell at you any more or do anything else for that matter. "

" I know how you feel, " Vash wrapped his arms around his stomach. " I don't know how much longer I can go on myself. "

The front door to the station opened and the man from upstairs stepped out. " You boys are going to wake up the whole town if you keep shouting at each other. "

Wolfwood got to his feet, " I'm sorry, sir. We are just two weary travelers who need some fuel. "

" And some food! " Vash added. He had fallen forward and his head was resting on the handlebars of the bike as he clutched his stomach. His stomach growled as if to emphasize his words.

" When did you eat last? " The man asked, unlocking and opening a panel on the pump. He flipped a switch and shut the door again.

" I don't know, " Wolfwood sighed. " I seem to have forgotten my watch. "

" You don't wear a watch! " Vash moaned. " But I know it has been too long since we ate. I'm so hungry! "

The man looked at Wolfwood, " You're buddy there is a real whiner, isn't he? "

Wolfwood nodded as he picked up the fuel nozzle, " Sometimes. "

" Hey! " Vash lifted himself up a little.

" Okay, " Wolfwood pushed him so he could get to the tank, " All of the time. "

Vash fell to the ground, his eyes narrowed at Wolfwood. " I don't know what I ever did to you to deserve this… "

" Do you want a list? " Wolfwood muttered as he filled the tank.

" Hey, at least I wasn't deceiving you by pretending to be YOUR friend! " Vash snipped.

Wolfwood remained silent as he topped off the tank. He replaced the nozzle on the pump and turned to the man, " How much do I owe you? "

" Ten double dollars, " He said, reopening the little door on the pump and turning it back off.

" Can you tell me if there are any hotels or inns around here? I really need some sleep, food and water, " Wolfwood said. Vash heard something that sounded like water dripping but figured the cat had returned and that it was peeing somewhere.

The man pointed down the road, " A ile and a half that way. Beck Harry owns the place and should still be up. He will probably cook you something but I don't know if there is any vacancy. The rooms all fill up at sundown because no one wants to be out when the bandits hit town. "

" I'll take a chance, " Wolfwood said and got on the bike. He started it and kicked up the kickstand.

" Uh, Wolfwood? Aren't you forgetting something? " Vash asked from the ground because he hadn't had then energy to get back on the bike. Wolfwood did not respond as he squeezed the accelerator and left Vash behind in a cloud of dust.

" Boy, I think you should have kept your mouth shut or said something other than what you did, " The man looked down.

" Why? " Vash sat up.

" It may be dark out here but it doesn't take light to know you hit him pretty low with that last comment, " The man held out the money Wolfwood had given him. " Feel it. Go ahead. "

Vash reached up and touched the money. It was wet in random spots and he looked at the man, " So? He got some sweat on the money. "

The man shook his head, " That's not sweat, boy. Those are tears. "

**

Wolfwood pulled the bike into an alley that dead ended in a Thomas stable and leaned over the handlebars; he was surprised that he had been able to see to get there. Maybe he had been a little harsh on Vash but he didn't have to say what he did. Normally, it took a lot to make him mad but Vash had gone right for the jugular when he reminded him of the circumstances they met under. Sure, at first it had been a ruse just to gain Vash's trust but in the end, everything had changed and he wanted to be Vash's friend.

Vash had shown him so much and he had been grateful for that. He had learned a lot from Chapel but it was Vash who opened his eyes to how many ways he could use what he had been taught. ~That shouldn't matter anymore because I am on his side now, ~ He thought to himself. ~Doesn't he realize that comment was like stabbing me in the soul? Man, if he had kicked me in the nuts, it still wouldn't have been as hurtful as what he just said to me. ~

Wolfwood felt his eyes fill up with tears again and he let them slip down his cheeks but he refused to sob as he sat there for a long time. ~What if he doesn't trust me now that I have told him that? Does he really think I would foolish enough to abuse a second chance and try to take him down again? God, I need food. ~

He wiped the tears away and moved the bike into an empty stable before kicking the stand into place. He got off, grabbed his cross and walked back to the front of the building. It turned out to be the inn so he knocked at the front door and a man with long black hair answered. " Are you Beck Harry? "

The man nodded, " Yeah. "

" May I come in? " Wolfwood asked.

" If you're looking for food, " Beck stepped aside to let Wolfwood inside.

" What about a room too? " Wolfwood asked as he stepped in and Beck shut the door.

" You were lucky you caught me, I was on my way back to the kitchen when you knocked. You're a few minutes too late though. Some guy just rented the last vacant room, " Beck shook his head. " Sorry. "

" At least I can get something to eat, " Wolfwood sighed.

Beck got in front of Wolfwood and motioned for him to follow, " The dining area is this way. Are you hungry for anything in particular? "

" Just food, " Wolfwood said as he followed and Beck led him to a room with a few tables as well as a bar. A few people were there, eating and talking. He took a seat at the bar.

" I'll go make you something real nice, padre. It isn't often we get priests though here and you look like you have had a rough night already, " Beck said and went through a swinging door. A woman walked down to Wolfwood and leaned on the bar.

" What'll it be, padre? " She smiled and winked. She had long blue/black hair and deep green eyes. Her dress was low cut and she was showing quite a bit of cleavage.

" Whisky, " Wolfwood looked down at the bar. He was in no mood to be flirted with and he wouldn't flirt back anyway. He knew whom he wanted but she was still many iles out of reach.

The woman made a noise that let him know she didn't like being ignored but she got the whisky and brought it to him as well as a glass. She slammed the glass down on the bar and filled it. " I'll leave the bottle here, " She said and walked away.

Wolfwood took the glass and downed it in one gulp. " That tastes good, " He muttered to himself. He heard someone sit down on the stool next to his but he didn't look up.

" Excuse me, beautiful lady, " Vash called to the bartender. Wolfwood's fingers tightened around the glass but he remained silent.

The bartender came down to the end of the bar again, " Yes? "

" Can you bring me some whisky please, pretty lady? " Vash was trying too hard again. Wolfwood didn't have to look up to know Vash was probably making either the sappiest face possible or the one he thought would turn girls into unidentifiable masses of quivering goo. Either way, Wolfwood knew that he looked desperately goofy and just needed to act natural.

~No wonder he never gets a girl, ~ Wolfwood mused. ~If he really wants one, he only has to look under his nose. How can he say he is just friends with Meryl? She likes him just the way he is… even if he is a needle noggin. ~

The woman made the incensed noise again, " I can bring you a glass but you'll have to talk the padre out of the bottle. "

Wolfwood waited until he heard the glass hit the bar and he reached for the bottle the same time as Vash did. " I was here first, " he muttered, grabbing the bottle.

" Actually, I was. I came in while you were still out in the alley. I saw you there and figured you needed the time to yourself. "

" So you took the last room as revenge for leaving you at the fuel station? " Wolfwood looked up. Vash had taken off his glasses and let down his hair. Wolfwood couldn't gauge his mood because a wall of blonde hair shielded the side of Vash's face and eyes.

" No, I got it so we'd both have someplace to stay tonight. It's an apology for what I said at the fuel station. I shouldn't have brought that up and I was wrong to say it, Wolfwood. I'm sorry, " Vash sighed and looked at Wolfwood. Streams of tears had cut paths down his cheeks.

" I shouldn't have been such an asshole, " Wolfwood sighed. " I was in a really horrible mood from being hungry, thirsty and without a map so I was taking it all out on you. I shouldn't have done that. "

" So, does this mean we are friends again? " Vash asked. It sounded like it was taking a lot of effort because he was scared of Wolfwood's reply.

" Only if you promise not to bring up the past again. Things were different then than they are now, " Wolfwood put his hand out. " Deal? "

Vash took it, " Deal. "

Wolfwood picked up the bottle and filled Vash's glass then filled his. He picked it up and motioned for Vash to do the same. " For Love, " He said.

" For Love and Peace, " Vash said and they touched glasses.

**

Beck and the bartender looked at Wolfwood and Vash. Both men were passed out cold and drooling on the bar as they snored. " Maybe I should have waited to give them their drinks until after they got some food in them, " The bartender said innocently.

Beck sighed, " Oh well. Let's get them to the blonde headed guy's room. You said they were friends, right? "

The bartender nodded, trying not to grin evilly. " Really good friends from what I saw. Maybe they were meeting here. "

" Whatever, " Beck said. " Let's get them upstairs. "

" Yes daddy, " She smirked down at Wolfwood and Vash. ~Now you'll see what happens to guys who ignore me and annoy me. ~

**

Beck watched as his daughter came back downstairs, seemingly unaware that she was being watched. She had a very self-satisfied grin on her face that quickly turned to a frown when she saw Beck and she hid a bundle of something behind her back but it was too dark for Beck to see what it was. " What were you doing upstairs, Cathy Marie? "

Cathy put her right hand behind her head, " I was just making sure those to drunks were comfortable, daddy. They looked like they traveled a lot today. "

Beck smiled, " That's a good girl. I knew I raised you right. It warms my heart to see you caring for others. "

" No problem, daddy! " Cathy chirped and watched as her father went to his room. Once the door was shut, she relaxed. ~Man, that was close, ~ She brought the bundle back to her front and decided to stash it in her room.

She looked back up the stairs and smirked, " Enjoy your wake up call, gentlemen. "

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