Trigun Fan Fiction ❯ Tri-S Reactor ❯ Stampede of Emotions: What is with this Bitchy Woman?! ( Chapter 2 )

Chapter 2-Stampede of Emotions: What is with this BITCHY woman?!

Vash stared up at the ceiling of his room. What was wrong with him? He should have at least given them a chance… Vash sighed. Who was he kidding? Once those girls had gotten a look at his scars they would have run screaming. They all did. Or at least were disgusted. Might as well save himself the trouble of having to deal with it. He had to get up early the next day to leave anyway. The earlier the better, so he could leave the insurance girls behind.

The last thing he wanted to do was deal with them. Disaster investigators, huh? Curb the damages in the cases in which he's involved? Just great.

"Yeah, that's right," the short bitchy insurance girl said in his head.

"GAH!"

"Just what the hell do you have to be upset about?! Do you have any idea how much money the society lost because of the crap you've pulled?!"

Vash shot up. Boy, this was getting bad! He was already imagining her lecturing him in his own head! Yikes! A chuckle burst out of Vash as he flopped back down. The little witch is invading his head now as well as his life. Well, damn, she'd been invading his head since the moment they'd met.

He remembered when they first popped up. She was a hot little number… if only she wasn't so bitchy… Vash winced as he remembered what he'd said to her the night before. It was funny at the time, but maybe he had hurt her feelings…? Nah. She was tougher than that. He chuckled again as he remembered the look on her face. She could not even believe she was being hit on by that squirt.

"Well… Hello there cutie pie. I'm ready and willing to be your obedient little doggy. I respond well to discipline."

"Nice try, punk, but you're just a child."

Then her friend had ruined the comeback though. That had been funny too…

"That's right. She may not look it, but she's twenty-"

"Milly, he doesn't need to know that!"

Had to put two cents after that.

"Yeah, I'd advice against it anyway, pal. She's really bitchy."

"What did you say?!"

"Mr. Vash!"

"WHAT? VASH…? WAHHHH…!"

Vash chuckled. The bitchy one was sure funny. What was her name again? Um… Meryl. Yeah, Meryl. Last name…? Oh, damn. Can't remember. Oh, well. Even if they did follow him around, it was bound to be interesting. But really… He wasn't sure how to handle the dark haired one.

Not only did she not like him much-blasted understatement Vash-but he was... well… attracted to her.

Another blasted UNDERSTATEMENT, Vash.

Okay, maybe `attracted' was too mild a word. A memory flashed in his mind that had him half drooling. He'd never forget the feel of her lap under his head. For that brief moment, he'd been hot all over, feeling those soft thighs and smelling the heat of her just inches away… He sighed. And then she'd been so cold.

Vash put his arms under his head. What was with her anyway? Sending such mixed signals. Every time her temper fires up, he can't help but get excited. For such a small package, she's got plenty of fire. Just thinking about what it would be like to… heh, heh… Vash shook his head. But then she'd act so cold and indifferent. One minute he gets the feeling that she kind of likes him and the next she acts as if she doesn't care. What is with her?

So… why did he turn those other girls away again…? Oh, yeah. Scars, disgust. Same old, same old.

Really?

Okay. So right now the only one interesting enough to really seriously bed would be the dark haired hottie. But what had you been hoping, Vash? That she'd sneak into your room now and have her way with you? From the looks of her personality she doesn't seem the type that would do that… even with a guy she did like.

Vash smiled. Maybe that's what makes her so attractive?

He shook his head. Okay, he was just losing it now. He turned over on his side and tried to sleep. After a moment he sat back up. Maybe he should lay off the drinks. Dreaming of Miss Meryl giving him a striptease is not going to do him any favors.

He looked down at himself. He was already beyond conceivable hope.

Vash stood up uncomfortably and began taking off his coat. He headed toward the bathroom. There are only two things that can cure me right now, he thought to himself as he tossed his coat aside.

A really, really cold shower or…

Little Miss Meryl wearing nothing and on his bed. And since the latter was probably NOT going to happen… Sigh. He was stuck with option number one.

It seemed that things would be going downhill like this from now on. Ever since he met that bitchy woman.

Sigh. This was going to be hell.

* * *

Vash knew trouble was coming the moment Wolfwood moved from beside him to beside the big insurance girl and got himself nice and comfortable. Vash just knew it was coming. So when the short one came out of the bathroom, he was just looking straight ahead, pretending not to have noticed a thing.

"Boy, that guy sure has a lot of nerve," she said. Vash stiffened. He didn't know why, but he knew he was going to get it. "Actually, he reminds me of someone I know."

Vash turned away and faced the window. What the hell was that supposed to mean?! "Yeah, isn't he horrible? I think we should tell him off. Yeah, let's do that."

Vash could have sworn he heard her sigh, but maybe it was just his imagination. After all, she didn't do anything normal like sigh. Man, what was with this girl? Anything sets her off. And now he was stuck sitting next to her… not to mention that his body was still reacting to her, despite his better judgment. Well, there was nothing he could do about his body's response except ignore it. Maybe if he pretended to go to sleep or if he actually managed to pull it off, he wouldn't be as annoyed or physically bothered.

Sleep is probably going to sneak away, so the best bet is to just pretend to sleep. Yeah. Pretend. Then she'll ignore you and leave you the hell alone. And not find something else wrong with you…

Guess that was what bothered him the most. She always managed to dig up something that was wrong with him or that he did wrong. Not only did it annoy the hell out of him, but it also made him realize that there was no chance in hell that he'd be able to get on her good side long enough to jump her.

He should really try to get over this sexual frustration this girl was bringing out in him. But how? Guess it didn't really matter. Lots of cold showers would do wonders for his skin-

Vash froze. Gentle fingertips lightly moved some of his hair out of his face. He hadn't even realized those hairs were there. He struggled to keep his breathing even, making sure not to let her know he was awake. There would be hell to pay if she found out he was awake. But it was hell, trying to act normal, especially when she didn't move away! His lips dried, but he didn't dare lick them wet.

Vash tried not to tense up. He could feel her breasts against his arm. The softness rubbed his arm with the movement of the bus. Even though there was her coat, shirt and god knows whatever else she wears under that and his own coat and shirt between them, he felt as he'd practically touched flesh. He felt his body hardening and prayed quickly that she wouldn't notice.

He felt her legs against his, rubbing slightly. Vash's repressed hormones were running amok. Oh, hell. Oh, HELL. His blood felt like it was beginning to boil and he was having trouble breathing. Those soft thighs… He remembered the feel of them against his face. How he would love to just slide between them right now… An iron hand slammed around Vash's ardor. Don't get carried away!!! Must stay focused! Mustn't get carried away…! He tried to keep himself relaxed, making sure she wouldn't notice his stiffness. Looks like she was in her own little world right now as well. He didn't want to ruin it by making her notice-

Vash felt her breath at his neck and he almost died. In more ways than one. He felt he was about to explode on the spot, and if he didn't he was going to tackle her and have his way with her right here on the bus. Either way… he was dead. And she just didn't move away. She stayed there, breathing on his neck. Vash couldn't help but he tense now, but he didn't think she noticed. She was just still, breathing on him, her breasts and legs pressed against him, her fingers twitching centimeters from his face… But that wasn't the worst part. The worst part was that he didn't know if she was going to do something or not!

He heard her labored breathing above him and could feel every slight movement of her body. Oh, lord, do SOMETHING! Don't just sit there torturing me…! Oh, screw this! Vash was about to turn his head and kiss her, damn all the consequences straight to hell, when she suddenly moved away. He didn't move. He could almost hear a groan…or maybe he was imagining it? He felt her inch farther away and his body relaxed with an internal sigh of defeat. Well, damn.

Vash couldn't go to sleep for quite a while. He just sat there, thinking about what had happened. Did…did she really like him? Or was that just a moment of weakness `cause she hadn't got any in a while? Or maybe he'd dreamed up the whole thing! And if he didn't, he couldn't believe how close he had come to doing her right here on the bus seat in front of all the passengers. The moment they got off-cold shower!

Shift.

Vash stiffened, opened his eyes and turned his head. He let out a low startled "eep!" The girl he'd just been thinking about for the last hour and a half was fast asleep and leaning on him. Her head lay on his shoulder, her dark hair sliding around her face. Her body snuggled up against his in sleep. Vash, who'd just been getting slightly over his previous arousal, now was quite ready to have her again. He narrowed his eyes at the sleeping woman.

What was it about this livid woman that makes me react like this? No girl has ever made me like this so quickly…and so often for that matter. She mumbled in her sleep and Vash's frown faded away to a crooked smile. Oh, well. What am I going to do? I should at least try to get some sleep.

Vash got comfortable on the seat, and she instantly adjusted herself to the more relaxing position. Despite his physical discomfort, Vash quickly fell asleep, breathing in the elusive scent of jasmine.

* * *

"I wouldn't run away! …What I mean is, they wouldn't run away…"

Vash stared up at the ceiling, his arms beneath his head as his mind played over what Meryl had said again and again. What…exactly…did she mean by that? When their eyes had met when she'd first walked in on him, he'd been surprised, but he'd also been so afraid of their reaction. He'd been so careful, making sure they didn't see his scars.

Especially her. He hadn't wanted her to see them.

But the look in her eyes had been completely different than what he'd expected. She hadn't seemed repulsed, just shocked and… Vash's brow furrowed. He was still trying to decipher that other emotion he'd seen in her eyes. It hadn't been pity, she hadn't been horrified or disgusted… It looked as if she was hurting… As if suddenly she could feel the pain of his scars and everything thing he'd went through…or at least understood it. For that moment he had felt more connected to her than anyone else in his entire life.

Vash half smiled. He also realized at the moment that she had been about to break down. If he hadn't done something silly, she probably would have exploded with questions, wanting to know what had happened to him, what he was-the works. In those brief moments he had seen her ready to lose control. So he'd acted silly on purpose to make her regain it.

It worked. She was still Meryl the distant insurance girl afterwards. But then… Then she'd said that.

"I wouldn't run away! …What I mean is, they wouldn't run away…"

Vash sat up. Was she really being serious, or was that just a slip of the tongue? Or had those really been her thoughts but she'd covered it up to protect herself? Maybe… she really did feel more for him than she let on? He shook his head. Probably not. More than likely it had just come out wrong.

But…

Vash smiled. What if she really meant it? What if she didn't find his scars repulsive after all? What if, what if, what if? If you're really that curious, Vash, why don't you go to her room and ask her?

Oh, really? What would I say? "Hiya, Meryl, just wanted to know if you really don't find my scars disgusting? And if you don't, mind if I stay in your room tonight?" `Cause you KNOW that's where it's gonna lead, right?

Well, why not? What the hell do you have to lose?

My manhood, my pride. MY LIFE.

…Oh, yeah. Well, I guess there's that too, huh?

Vash muttered into the dark room. Sometimes he just had to wonder about himself. Sure, there've been a couple of times with Meryl that seemed like she felt more than what she let on. Sure, there was a slight chance that she if she had been attracted to him before (kind of iffy), she was still attracted now. Sure, he was sexually frustrated as HELL because of her. Sure, if he put his mind to it, he could probably maybe very unlikely seduce her.

So yeah, he had great background to just walk into her room and spend the night with her. Sure. Especially with Milly in the same room.

Well, you don't have to be THAT sarcastic about it.

Vash rolled his eyes. He turned onto his side and stared out the window. What was he really to think about her? Did he even have a shot? And since when did his physical reaction start turning into something…deeper…?

He closed his eyes and remembered what he'd said to them when they tried to approach him in the middle of his battle with Monev. Then he'd told them to stay away from him. He hadn't wanted them hurt…and he hadn't wanted either of them to see him like that.

Especially Meryl.

She was always so worried about him. Even though she tried to hide it, he knew she worried about him. He could tell at least that much. He hadn't wanted her to see him like that… Oh, just admit the truth, Vash. The only reason you didn't want her to see you like that was because-

Vash sighed. "I didn't want her opinion of me to change."

Even though they'd gone through so much trouble up to now, and she was always bitching about it, he knew she was having at least some fun. If not she would have quit or she wouldn't smile…and they wouldn't have had that connection when she'd walked in on him. But they did.

He didn't want her to suffer anymore. He didn't know how many more of these kinds of guys would be popping up in the future. And he definitely didn't want to put her in danger…but he also had so much fun with her around. Despite the sexual stress. Guess that was part of the fun after all. Life would be very boring indeed without his two insurance girls.

And especially without Meryl.

No matter how annoying or bitchy she was, she was like a little firecracker always ready to blow and he loved to set her off.

A smile twisted across Vash's face. That formed an interesting picture in his head… and sure enough his body immediately reacted. Oh, damn. Vash sighed and closed his eyes, trying to erase the image of Meryl naked on her knees in front of him, taking him into her hot wet mouth. But after he'd managed to banish that picture another quickly formed in his mind of Meryl naked in his arms, rocking against him as she had her orgasm on the windowsill.

Vash immediately sat up, got off the bed and headed for the shower again.

* * *

Why are you doing this, Vash?

"Because I don't like being left out."

No, Vash. The REAL reason?

Vash grumbled to himself as he continued to watch the situation unfold from his hiding spot. C'mon, Vash. The real reason now. Why are you doing this?

"Because I want to help Meryl and Milly out. Meryl likes to think she's tough and can handle things without me, which is fine, but I've gotta look out for them or they're gonna get into trouble," Vash whispered convincingly to himself.

Really???

"okay, okay, already. `cause I wanna make sure Meryl's safe, k?"

Why???

"What kind of stupid question is that?!"

It's not a stupid question. It's perfectly logical. What you're doing now, isn't. Meryl said she didn't want you involved, and you're going to risk her wrath?!

"She won't find out!"

Sure, she won't.

"Oh, will you just shut up."

How can you possibly tell yourself to shut up?!

"I don't have time to be arguing with myself, okay? I have to keep on eye on things so that way it doesn't get out of hand and the insurance girls aren't hurt."

You mean one insurance girl in particular.

"Didn't I tell you to shut up already?"

Sigh…

Vash ignored his thoughts and continued to watch Meryl. It looked like she was having a battle of wills on what she should do and what she shouldn't. Suddenly her eyes flashed with determination and Vash felt his body heat. He ignored it and a smile formed on his face as she left her hiding place, derringer ready.

"I don't think so, Mr. Morgan."

"Huh?" was the collective question that came from everyone else. Vash's smile turned into a grin. He wondered what the hot little package had up her sleeve now?

"Now that I've heard your gruesome plan I'm afraid I can't let you off that easily. Make even the slightest twitch and I'll be all over you and your sick little band of thugs."

Vash sighed. Even though what he was thinking was NOT what she had in mind, he couldn't help but be half jealous. What he wouldn't give to have her all over him! Maybe he should rile her up more often. Then maybe she'd feel inclined.

"Oh, Meryl, I'm so glad. You're here!" Milly said, her eyes watering.

Vash saw the small smile on Meryl's face as she turned to her partner. "I would suggest that next time you think a little bit more before you act, Milly. You might live a lot longer."

"Right."

"Freeze!" Meryl said turning her attention back to the group of thugs before her. "I just don't understand any of you. Why did it have to come to this? If you'd only taken the money and sold the land we wouldn't have a problem. No one would have to die and we'd all be safe from harm."

Vash saw one of the thugs move. He had his gun already on the guy when he heard Meryl say, "I said, freeze!" He looked at her and saw she had another derringer already at the guy that had moved. Vash grinned. He couldn't help but be impressed. She had awed him plenty of times with how handy she was with those things, but she never ceased to amaze him.

"You know, Milly, when you got angry before, you were right in confronting them. We should be outraged when someone threatens their own parents and do whatever we can to stop them. It's extremely important."

"Ha ha ha!" Vash turned his gaze from the imposing short form of Meryl to the man who'd laughed. The way Morgan was looking at Meryl wasn't sitting well with Vash. "What the hell is that? Are you serious?" he mocked her. Vash's anger went up a notch. "Do you actually think you can turn the tide with those tiny derringers?"

Vash had his gun on Morgan, but when he heard a light growl he turned his gaze back to Meryl. She uncrossed her arms and pointed her guns at Morgan. "Yeah, wanna find out what I can do with them? That is if you have the guts and want to risk taking a chance on the odds!"

"Go on," Morgan muttered.

After that, everything happened so fast. His gun never left Morgan. But when Vash saw the son take the deed and ride off on his motorcycle, he forgot about Morgan. The Nebraska family matriarch had thrown one of her children at the guy with the deed. Vash saw Meryl out of the corner of his eye and could barely hear her words.

"It can't…no…"

Vash timed it perfectly. The moment she shot, he shot. He knocked the Nebraska kid off course and sent him crashing. Vash smiled as he saw Meryl collapse onto the ground in shock.

"That was really amazing, Meryl!" Milly shouted.

Vash saw Meryl look at her gun in confusion. "I did that?" He blew the smoke that was still coming out of his gun with a smile on his face.

"That makes us even now for your help on the sand steamer," Vash murmured to himself.

* * *

"Wonder what the insurance girls are doing now…?"

"Watcha talking about, Eriks?"

Vash blinked at Lina through his glasses. "Oh. Hey, Lina. Aw, nothing really. Just thinking about some old friends, that's all."

Lina sat down next to him with a smile. "Old friends? Eriks, you never talk about your past ever! And now you're mumbling about old friends? I've gotta hear about it now! What are they like? Who are they?"

Vash shook his head and waved it off. "Don't fret about it, Lina. It's ancient history." Vash sighed and leaned back against the swing. "It happened a long time ago."

"Eriks."

Vash blinked and looked up. Lina had rolled up her sleeve and had her fist at his nose. "Tell me, Eriks. You never volunteer information and me and Grandma never pry, but this time ya've gotta tell me. You brought it up!"

Vash laughed and put his hand over her fist. "All right, all right. I'll tell you a bit about them. Sheesh. What a pushy short girl. You remind me a lot of one of them."

Lina blinked at him. "Hey, Eriks. You said that so sadly."

Vash shrugged. "I guess because I kind of miss her. She's a short lady with a big temper, hair about as dark as the night and really pretty eyes. They change color on me sometimes. Once in a while they're a sunset violet and the next they're a stormy gray. I guess it flips with her moods. And she gets lots of mood swings."

"She does sound a lot like me."

Vash nodded. "Yeah. She acts like a real tough cookie, but underneath she's all mush. She's a really nice person and takes her work seriously. Too seriously sometimes, I think. Hope she's gotten a vacation and cut loose a bit. I mean, she would get riled for anything, and I mean anything. She spent half the time mad at me." He chuckled. "I have to admit it was fun." He looked out into the desert. "I wonder what she's doing now…?"

"H-Hey, Eriks?"

Vash turned to Lina and saw her staring at her fisted hands. He sat up. "Lina?"

"Do… Do you really miss her? Do…do you wanna go back to her soon?"

He blinked and gave a short laugh. He waved a hand in front of her face. "Lina, what are you talking about? She's an old friend. Nothing else. She's got her job, and her own life to live. And I've got mine. I'll probably never see her again, so it really doesn't matter, does it?"

Lina's head shot up and he was surprised to see her eyes watery. "But when you talked about her, your voice sounded so far away, Eriks! Maybe you care about her more than you think! Maybe you'll be happier if you went to find her instead of just staying here! Eriks!"

Vash shook his head and put his hand on Lina's shoulder. "Listen up, Lina. One of the reasons I left her behind is because I wanted her to be happier without me. Maybe it is because I care about her a lot, but she's probably much better off without me-"

"You don't know that, Eriks!" Lina shouted tears streaming down her cheeks. "I know, if…if it was me, I wouldn't want you out of my life. I'd want you to be a part of it forever! Just like I can't imagine you ever leaving now; I wouldn't know what to do if you left. I'm… Well, I'm sure she feels the same way, Eriks!"

Vash gave her a light smile. "I'm not so sure about that, Lina…"

"You said she was a lot like me, right?"

Vash blinked at her. "Well, yeah…"

"Well, then, she most definitely, definitely misses you a whole lot!"

"That's enough, Lina." Vash turned and saw Grandma standing at the doorway. He heard Lina call from behind him.

"But Grandma!"

"Let Eriks be, Lina," the old lady said with a calm smile. "He has his own path to follow; his own decisions to make. You can't make them for him. He's chosen to leave his old life behind him. And that includes his friends and his loved ones," Vash's eyes widened. "You can't tell him what he should and shouldn't do, Lina. All you can do is give him your opinion and advise him. Because that is what friends do."

Vash turned to Lina and he saw her nod solemnly. She gave him a smile. "Thanks for telling me about her, Eriks. Maybe one day you'll see her again after all." Lina got up and went into the house. Vash stared after her for a moment and then turned back to Grandma.

Grandma smiled at him. "She's right, though. Just like Lina can't make the decision for you, you can't make the decision for that friend of yours, Eriks. If she wants to be with you no matter what, and if she's a lot like Lina, then she's probably out there somewhere…looking for you right now."

She turned and walked back into the house. Vash turned around, away from the door and sighed, leaning his head over the back of the swing.

Meryl, out there, somewhere, looking for him? Didn't seem very likely… But she had been changing a bit. What he'd told Lina was right. She was short-tempered and a big pain…but there was a soft side to her too. Maybe that soft side is what would urge her to look for him? Maybe her feelings for him…went beyond friendship?

Vash straightened and looked out into the desert. Meryl, I really hope you're not out there somewhere looking for me. You should get on with your life. Besides, it's really kind of mean to drag poor Milly along to look for me, you know.

He closed his eyes and leaned back again. He sighed. I wonder…

Vash fell asleep like that, dreaming of life without his problems, of living a quiet peaceful life with Meryl, Wolfwood and Milly, raising kids and living a normal life…

* * *

Vash watched Meryl at a distance. He saw her cooking with the little girls and his heart swelled in a way it never had before. There was just something about her. She was pushy and short-tempered, but all those thorns were bristled to protect the soft mushy person inside. And boy, was there a soft mushy person inside.

He didn't get many views of this side to her, but he did get them a couple of times. Like earlier today in the car. What had she wanted to say? Even though he had been half lost in his own thoughts, he had seen her tortured expression. She had wanted to tell him something, but she'd lost the confidence to up and say it. Usually when Meryl had something on her mind that she wanted to tell him, she'd just spit it out. But today-well, actually, it was more like lately-she'd been acting more reserved around him, more careful. And that wasn't very Merylish.

Or maybe he was just seeing a side to her he'd never seen before. Hell, hadn't even known it existed. Though he kind of guessed, from the first moment he met her, that most of her confidence and pride was all bluster. Well, it was sure starting to look like that now.

But one thought kept nagging at the back of his head.

What had she wanted to tell him before?

"So, if you cut it with a knife along the tendon at a right angle like this and sprinkle on a lot of pepper, it'll actually last a lot longer than you think! And guess what? It'll taste better too!" Meryl said to the little girls around her. Vash's heart warmed even more. He had really been feeling down lately. For some reason, seeing her like this made him feel comfortable, happy…at home…

"Really?" the little girls chimed in.

"Women are a marvel, aren't they?" Wolfwood muttered at Vash's side. Vash smiled as he looked at the group. His sight was filled with Meryl.

"That's for sure."

* * *

Vash looked out at the view with a sigh. What was he going to do? He didn't have the courage to do what had to be done anymore. He'd…he'd taken a human life. How could he face Knives? How could he even begin to do what he had to do? How was he going to take care of Knives, when he was no better?

Rem. Help me. Somehow. Send me a sign; send me a message. I've lost so much. And now… Now, my hands are stained as well. I'm no better. Tell me what I should do, Rem. Or at least, at least send me some sort of message… Please, Rem?

Vash took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He let out his breath and then opened his eyes, staring into the starry sky.

"So… On the first evening a pebble… From somewhere out of nowhere drops upon the sleeping world…"

Vash smiled lightly to himself. He took another deep breath and began the next verse. Maybe if he sang Rem's song the answer would come.

"So…" Vash stopped and turned around. Another voice had sung it with him, and for a brief moment he had thought it was Rem. But when he turned around he saw Meryl approaching him. She continued singing the song.

"On the second celestial evening, all the children of the pebble join hands and… compose a waltz…" He watched her as she stopped and then sat down beside him with a smile. "That's a nice song," she said quietly.

"Mm," he murmured in agreement. He looked at her shy face and his heart warmed. He turned his gaze back up to the stars. Meryl…

"You can…"

"Hm?" he questioned, turning to her. She wasn't looking up at him, just staring at the floor. Her face looked flushed. Vash half smiled. Was she embarrassed or was it something else? It was kind of cold outside. But for some reason, despite the cold, Meryl's presence warmed him.

"You can stay here as long as you like," she said finally.

Yup. She was definitely blushing. She seemed so different right now. Different from the usual Meryl. This shy girl that seemed more delicate and fragile. Maybe this was the girl Meryl was usually hiding underneath. "That sounds good." He turned his gaze back to the stars. Hey, Rem? Is she my sign?

"Huh?" he heard her say.

"Might not be such a bad idea," he responded quietly. Might not be such a bad idea after all…

* * *

Vash shifted Knives on his shoulder. Damn, he was heavy. Vash looked up half disgruntled at the unconscious Knives. "How much weight have you gained over the last half a century, Knives? You weigh a ton!" Vash rolled his eyes and sighed. Oh, well. No use bitching about it.

Speaking of bitching…

What had that been all about before he left? Vash smiled. Meryl was really breaking down. The first time she'd hit him in a long while was the other day. He shook his head. He still couldn't believe what had happened that day. He'd asked Rem for a sign while he was on that cliff and Meryl just happened to appear. And the next day, the person who had saved him from condemning himself to death was Meryl, saying Rem's words. He'd gotten a sign all right.

And then when he'd freaked and gotten all goofy on her, she'd punched him. Vash couldn't help but grin. Ah… It had felt so nice to hold Meryl in his arms. Her breasts had felt so good against his chest. That punch had actually helped clear his head. After feeling those luscious things against him, he'd almost taken her back to the house to have his way with her. That punch had brought everything back into proper perspective… and made him realize that Rem was Rem and Meryl was Meryl.

Vash smiled. And now he was heading back to them. Well, where else was he going to go? Somehow in someway, both those girls had become like home to him. He wasn't home unless he was with them. When he'd been wandering without them, he'd felt like he had no place to go, even though he knew he had places to go, and he went there too… Still… It wasn't the same as Meryl and Milly.

If he wasn't with them, he wasn't home.

Vash paused for a moment. But what had been the look on Meryl's face when he was leaving? He'd seen her softer side for quite some time, marveling in it, amazed by it. But the other day… Well… She just looked like she had something so important to tell him that she was ready to explode with it.

And when she'd looked at him with that expression he had only wanted to kiss her breathless. Naturally he restrained himself, didn't want to die before confronting Knives, and he definitely would have died if he'd tried it. But… now for some reason… Well, now that he thought back, maybe she wouldn't have killed him. Maybe she would have kissed him back after all…?

Vash shook his head and continued walking. Nah. Would never have happened. But if it had, Vash knew exactly what would have happened afterward. He wouldn't be carrying Knives back right now. He'd probably just be leaving to take care of Knives. Because he would have spent all the time in between with Meryl… all over the house. Vash sighed as his mind tormented him with the fantasy.

Just great. The moment I get back I'm going to be all hot and bothered and since I was dumb enough to toss my coat into the desert, both Milly and Meryl are going to notice. And when Meryl notices, I'm going to get it…

Vash stopped, put a hand over his eyes and looked around. Maybe there's a well around here somewhere with a lot of cold water…