DISCLAIMER: You know, these things really get on my nerves… -.- I don't own Trigun, I never said I owned Trigun, and I'm writing a FANfic which pretty much proves I don't own Trigun. ^.^ hehehe… DFS feels better now.
SPECIAL THANK YOU's TO:
Lynda-chan, Skittles, LinaIX, Nadeshiko Kinomoto, CardMisstress Sakura, Ca (Rinoa Toki Moro Lockheart, K-chan, Bruka-chan, Akima The Stampede Maxwell, Alyson Metallium, lilith, Silver Hawk, Lynderia, Yuinrei Hoyanami, EvilBunny, Dulse Ambrosia, Dynast, Zazies, HyperFuzake!!
To CardMistress Sakura: 0.0' no, no, don't do it! Don't cry! I'll write, I'll write! *teary-eyed DFS sits down at computer* You ppl are so cruel to poor DFS… the puppy dog eyes and the crying and the evil dwarves… *sniff*
To Bruka-chan: Legato's all yours after this chapter!! ^-^ *hands over a cherry lollipop and suddenly-appearing mallet* See these? They come with him. He'll never admit it but he LOVES cherry-flavored! ^.~
LEGATO: -.- *twitches*
To HyperFuzake: Yes! DFS LOVES torturing Legato! ^-^ hehehe! He's so much fun!
LEGATO: -.- Why do I feel so abused?
AHH! Careful, VEERRY long chapter. It's the last chapter too. I really should have cut it into two parts, but I'm too lazy. *shrugs* Oh, well. ^-^ Enjoy!
LEGATO: I'm going to be in here again, aren't I?
ME: *pats on head* oooh.. how'd you guess?
LEGATO: And you're going to make me look stupid or psychotic right?
ME: *evil laughter*
LEGATO: 0.o How did I get stuck with her anyways???
ME: Pure luck! ^-^ ON WITH THE FIC!!!
* * * * * * *
EVEN THE STRONGEST WALLS CRUMBLE
CHAPTER 7
Milly, Meryl, and Wolfwood were standing outside the school in a small group, talking. It had been their plan to go save Jessica today, but none of them actually owned a car. Furthermore, neither Milly nor Wolfwood's parents were willing to let them borrow one.
"So that leaves Vash," Meryl mumbled, glancing around the empty school grounds, "Where is that guy anyway? We've been standing here for ten or fifteen minutes!!"
"Maybe a teacher held him back or something…" Wolfwood offered, not looking convinced. There wasn't a single teacher in that school that wanted to spend anymore time with Vash then they had to. He was, in their words, "annoying and disruptive". Wolfwood couldn't blame them too much… his spiky-haired friend HAD hit on three teachers… and accidentally blew up the science lab twice.
Meryl shook her head worriedly, sweeping her gaze over the campus grounds. She had a feeling that something was wrong. "Hey guys, did Vash seem a little… uh… more paranoid than usual today?"
Milly contemplated this thought, shaking her head, "Not really. Then again, I wasn't paying that much attention."
Meryl suppressed a groan as Milly and Wolfwood shared a glance. Were they going to be like this ALL the time?! The glance quickly turned to passion-filled stares, and Meryl backed down.
"You two need a closet!" She groaned, starting to walk away, "I'll go look for Vash while you two continue your little romance."
Milly and Wolfwood murmured 'good-byes', staring deep into the others eyes. Milly felt like she could stand right there for hours, just staring at him. He was everything she had always dreamed of… heck, they had grown up together! He WAS what she had always dreamed of! It was hard to believe that they were finally together… after so many years of wondering if the other felt the same way….
But, unfortunately for them, this fic HAS all the Milly and Wolfwood it needs at the moment, and it's time to be getting on to the Vash and Meryl part. So we'll leave them at the school to do their huge kissing, hugging, loving words scene and follow Meryl.
(ME: Don't blame poor DFS… blame the demonic phone ^.^)
Meryl was walking slowly down the street, in the opposite direction of her house. She knew Vash lived this way, even though she wasn't quite sure why he would have gone home without saying bye to her and Wolfwood and Milly. He HAD seemed a bit stressed today… but she had been much more concerned with her little Legato problem too notice too much. Maybe she should have paid more attention.
Meryl had been to Vash's house once… it was the time when Wolfwood and wanted her to meet Vash and had dragged her and Milly over. That same day was the day Meryl started hating Vash… the day he had accidentally tripped her on his porch when she was leaving. Meryl frowned.
Still, she remembered the house. It was hard not to remember… it was the only house with pictures of large butterflies painted all over it. Vash's adopted mother, Rem, loved them and insisted on putting pictures of butterflies everywhere. Vash seemed used to it.
(Why butterflies? Why all over the house? Rem likes butterflies and because I said so ^.^ I think she's good as Vash's 'adopted mother' … but Vash and Knives aren't brothers in this ficcy. :( Sowy)
(Or maybe they are and they just don't know it ^.~)
Finally Meryl approached the house, noticing that the car in the driveway had its hood up and some of the parts scattered on the ground.
"Damn…" she muttered, hopping up the porch and knocking on the door, "So much for using Vash's car… guess we'll just have to use the bus or something."
"Hello?" Came a soft answer as the door opened in front of her. Rem was a very calm and collected woman, with beautiful long black hair. She was in her late thirties, and although she looked in no-way related to Vash, no one really cared. She was the nicest woman in the world… if not a bit obsessed with butterflies.
"Hi Rem… remember me? I'm Meryl… I've only been here once or twice. I was wondering if Vash was home?"
Rem blinked slowly, then grinned. "Meryl? I remember you! I've heard so much about you… Vash really admires you! You're name comes up in almost every sentence he speaks!" She laughed, shaking her head, "Would you like to come in? Have a donut or something?"
(Donut! Yeah! ^.^ )
Meryl looked up at Rem, trying to force down the blush that was slowly creeping onto her face. Obviously the woman didn't realize the stuff she was saying about Vash was NOT supposed to be passed on… especially to Meryl. And… and Vash admired her?? Even when she had been so mean to him?! The guilt was starting to seep in. -.-
"Um… actually, I just wanted to talk to Vash. You see, Milly, Wolfwood, me and Vash are going to go get my little sister… but we're trying to get some sort of transportation. Vash was supposed to meet us after school, but he never did."
"Oh, I heard all about it!" Rem responded, ushering her inside. "It's strange… Vash hasn't returned yet… but how about you take a donut anyway? They're newly cooked, but Vash isn't here and they're just going to get cold…"
"Ok," Meryl laughed, taking one and heading out the door once again, "I've got to go find him, but I'll tell him to get back here quickly if I see him."
Rem laughed to and waved as she walked to the door. Right then Meryl caught a glimpse of Vash walking by really fast, pushing passed the other people on the sidewalk.
"Va-" She began, but stopped herself. He was being followed.
A dark-clad person was making their way towards Vash. Meryl gritted her teeth, watching as Vash practically ran into the woods and the person followed. She knew who the person was… she had been thinking about him all day. Legato. But why was he following Vash?
"I'll see you again sometime," Meryl said, forcing a smile as she hopped down from the porch.
Before Rem could even close the door, Meryl was already running towards the woods. A small bead of sweat was dripping down the side of her face. Legato might have a gun or something… she knew that. He might even shoot her if she got involved. After all, she refused to go with him. But all Meryl was worried about right now was Vash. She reached her hand into her jacket pocket and gripped the pepper spray bottle comfortingly. Too bad she didn't have her derringer… (just to scare the guy, of course ^.~) it was still at home, hidden in a drawer in her bathroom..
She got there a couple seconds after Legato entered the woods, following carefully and trying not to make any noise. Taking a position behind a tree, she watched as Legato walked closer to Vash, a smirk on his face.
"So we meet again, Vash."
Vash jumped, turning around and glaring at the blue-haired young man. "You! You're the one who's been following me all day!"
"And the genius figures it out!" Legato said, clapping. His face was set in an intense frown. "I've been meaning to talk to you… or rather, kill you."
Vash's eyes went wide as Legato pulled out a gun, his face hard and emotionless. The blond-haired young man gulped. "Wh-what?! Kill me? Is this some sort of pay back for ruining Knives's gang??"
"Hmm… no." Legato replied with a sneer, pointing the gun point-blank at Vash's chest. "That's what Meryl thought at first."
"Meryl?!" Vash asked, his face growing serious. Meryl shivered from her spot behind the tree. No way… this couldn't possibly be all about her.
"Yeah… she didn't tell you? Oh, of course not… she's more of the 'hide-my-thoughts' type person, isn't she? I paid her a little friendly visit yesterday. Would you like to know what it was about?"
Meryl was starting to think Legato was more than just slightly out of it… he was going insane. Maybe because Knives was in jail, maybe because everything he had built his life on was gone… but his eyes were starting to take on the same psychoticness Knives had had.
"What? What did you do to her?" Vash growled, clenching one fist. Meryl was more than a little surprised. Was Vash really that protective of her? After the way she had treated him? The guilt doubled in the pit of her stomach.
"Nothing, actually. I only asked her to come with me… and she agreed."
'What?!' Meryl thought, her all-famous temper catching fire.
"What?!" Vash yelped, his eyes wide, "Meryl would NEVER agree-"
"But she did." Legato cut in, a small twinkle appearing in his eyes, "And she wants to cut off all her contacts that might try to stop her… including you. Especially you. So ciao, spike-head."
"I don't believe you," Vash said, folding his arms as his sea green eyes glared haughtily back at Legato, "I may have just moved here recently, but I know Meryl better than that. She wouldn't go with you for the whole world and a million dollars."
Meryl cheered inside her head, happy that Vash wasn't falling for Legato's crap. However, her temper had not gone down. In fact, it had gotten worse. She was ten seconds away from jumping out from behind that tree and pounding Legato into the ground so hard that he wouldn't be able to move for years. But now wasn't the time.
"Is that so? Well, I wasn't going to tell you this… but that little girl that you're standing up for? She's mine… we got together last night, like I told you. She chose me."
Ok, that was far enough. Meryl knew EXACTLY what he was trying to get out… that they had kissed. That they had made out. But why was he making up this stupid lie for Vash? It didn't matter… he had gone too far.
"…" Vash stared at him, his emotions a mix of anger and hurt. That only lasted for a split second, however, cause right then Meryl decided to jump out from behind the tree, running up behind Legato and clobbering him over the head. He reeled forward and dropped the gun, hissing in pain.
"I NEVER AGREED TO GO ANY F***IN' WHERE WITH YOU, AND I NEVER EvEr TOUCHED YOU, YOU SICKO!!" She shouted at the top of her lungs, taking out her handy-dandy huge mallet and pounding him over the head again, "AND I'M NOT A LITTLE GIRL, DAMMIT! HOW MANY TIMES I GOTTA TELL YOU THAT?!?!"
Calming down, Meryl kicked Legato's gun away from him, looking up at Vash and smiling innocently. "Heh… um… hi. Rem's looking for you."
"She made donuts, didn't she?!" Vash exclaimed, huge hearts appearing in his eyes. (wow, situation easily forgotten 0.0)
"Yup," Meryl agreed happily, "They're pretty good to. But she said they were going to get cold if you didn't get back soon."
Vash looked down apologetically at Legato, shaking his head. "I know you wanna kill me buddy… but you're just going to have to wait till some other time. Sorry."
(Fights must stop when Vash wants donuts!)
Just as Vash was about to drag Meryl out of the woods, Legato's hand shot out and grabbed her ankle, almost tripping her. In five seconds flat Legato was on his feet again, grabbing Meryl's throat and pushing her back against a nearby tree. The girl gasped, narrowing her stormy gray eyes.
"What's your problem?? She gasped, barely able to breathe. "Why won't you just leave me the hell alone?!"
"Why couldn't you just come with me?" Legato asked calmly, his eyes holding an angry gleam.
"BECAUSE I DON'T LIKE YOU!" Meryl shouted in his face, using up the rest of her air. Great, smart one Meryl. Now you can't breath at all. The girl started struggling harder, trying to twist out of Legato's grasp.
"And you like him??" Legato growled, referring to Vash. Meryl kicked out at him, her teeth gritted.
"Better… than… you…"
Just than Legato was thrown off of her with so much force that he flew into the air and landed on the ground a couple feet away. Looking up through the strands of blue hair that fell across his face, he watched as the tall figure approached. The tall, very very angry figure.
"You bastard!" Vash growled, approaching the kneeling young man and kicking him square in the jaw. Legato quickly recovered and laughed, jumping to his feet and punching Vash in the stomach… hard.
Meryl watched as the two began exchanging blows fiercely, still trying to recover her breath. This couldn't all be about her, could it? It just didn't feel right… NO ONE had ever cared about her enough to try to go after her OR protect her. Well, Milly had always been very protective, but this sort of situation had never happened with her friend around, so it was quite a surprise to Meryl.
She reached into the pocket of her jacket, an angry expression on her face. Yes, the pepper spray was still there. She didn't want this fight too last long if she could help it.
Vash dodged another blow from Legato, his blood still boiling. This jerk had actually tried to strangle Meryl! In front of him! That was unforgivable. This bastard was going to pay.
With a shattering blow to the chest, Vash sent Legato toppling backwards. The blue-haired young man froze for a second, clearly winded. Just as Vash was hovering over him, about to deliver another punch, Meryl jumped in between them.
Standing right above Legato, Meryl glared and whipped out her trusty can of pepper spray, getting him right in the face. She jumped out of the way as the young man reeled over in pain, cursing and rubbing at his eyes and face.
"Now we can go." She said cheerfully, putting the can back in her jacket pocket. Immediately she turned to walk away, hiding from Vash the depressed look on her face. She didn't know what exactly she should be feeling at the moment… touched that Vash stood up for her? Annoyed and angry because of what Legato had said? Happy and triumphant because the jerk was now rolling around in pain on the forest floor? Or maybe just relieved that the whole thing was (hopefully) over…
But she wasn't feeling any of that. In fact, she felt more drained then anything else. All the stuff that had been happening during the passed couple of days was finally getting to her. The gang, the near-death experience, her sister's plea, her mother's death, her abusive father, Legato coming after her and then trying to kill Vash AND her… it was just too much for one high school girl to take, no matter how tough she acted on the outside. She didn't want to cheer or celebrate… she wanted to cry.
Suddenly a warm hand on her shoulder stopped her in her tracks. Meryl glanced back, surprised to see Vash staring straight into her eyes with the softest look she had ever seen him hold. The worry lines on his face were clear.
"Are you okay Meryl?" He asked.
Meryl blinked, surprised at his tone of voice. Vash, that annoying spiky-haired teen with hormones in permanent overdrive was talking to her in such a serious and worried voice that it almost scared her! Had he been hiding that side of him all along? Or was it just a small quirk-of-the-day that would soon pass? Meryl quickly got a hold of herself and gave him a small smile that she hoped was convincing.
"I'm fine! I can take care of myself you know!" Her hard gray eyes softened as she looked up at his worried expression, "Thank you Vash… I think next time I'll just stay out of alleys."
Vash glanced back at Legato, who was still on the ground, recovering. "You should have told us he came after you again. Why didn't you?"
"I-I don't know," Meryl stumbled, looking away and shaking Vash's hand off her shoulder. "I was just confused, I guess. Too many things happening all at once."
Vash nodded, opening his mouth to speak, but Meryl quickly interrupted, changing the subject abruptly.
"Rem's looking for you Vash, and I had to find you to tell you that we've got to go meet Wolfwood and Milly in front of the school. You know, that trip to go get my little sister? You don't have to come if you don't want to, but we're going to have to take a bus, so be there as soon as possible if you decide to come."
Vash blinked, his eyes growing warm. "I wouldn't miss going for anything."
If Vash had said it lightly, Meryl probably would have shrugged it off. But the tone of his voice was so intense that she had to look away, once again starting down the small path out of the woods. Deep down inside, she knew what his words implied. She KNEW what he was trying to say. But though her heart was reaching out in vain to grasp that fleeting realization, her mind was forcefully pushing it aside to the corner of her mind where all her other ignorable feelings were kept. Nope, never. She'd never give in, not even for Vash.
"Meryl…" Vash started weakly, holding out his hand towards her retreating back. She didn't hear and she didn't turn. Vash cursed himself inwardly, his longing eyes growing miserable as he headed slowly down the path after her. He had screwed up… he had let her go again. The moment had passed and now he would have to bring back out the go-lucky happy-teenager routine once again.
"Meryl! Meryl, wait up!" He shouted, a goofy smile back on his face, "We're going to the same place, right? Do you want to have a couple donuts with me and Rem before we leave?"
Meryl turned around to face him, and Vash was sure for a second he caught a glimpse of the most lost expression he had ever seen on that girl's face before. But it was gone before he had even realized it was there, replaced with a wide grin.
"Sure Vash, I'd like that."
'But first,' She thought, glancing back at Legato's writhing form, 'We call the cops on this idiot.'
* * * * * * *
"So how hard could this possibly be?"
That would be Wolfwood, asking this for about the fifth time as they sat in the back of the crowded bus, waiting impatiently to arrive in Meryl's hometown. Meryl shook her head, looking down at her watch for about the 10th time during the entire trip. She was becoming obsessive-compulsive. In fact, ALL of them were becoming that. Vash, in the seat next to her, kept jittering and looking around as if someone was watching them; Wolfwood kept asking strange and unnecessary questions, and Milly kept looking out the window and sighing every couple of minutes. Meryl finally groaned, shaking her head.
"I told you Wolfwood, I don't know how hard this is going to be! It depends on if my dad's drunk… and if he's willing to give my little sister over without a fight. She's still underage… and there's laws about taking kids from their parent's household if the parents don't agree to it… it's called kidnapping."
"You really think he'll hand her over just like that?" Wolfwood asked.
"No."
"Then why are we even going???"
*twitch*
Wolfwood shut-up as both Meryl and Milly glared at him, eyes sparking. Vash laughed, making a face at Wolfwood.
"You really don't know when to keep your thoughts to yourself, bonehead."
Ah well, better to risk the wrath of 100 Vash's than those two girls.
"Shut-up pansy boy."
"WHAT?!?!"
The rest of the trip was not quiet OR peaceful.
* * * * * * *
The disheveled group finally exited the bus on the very last stop, right in the center of Meryl's old hometown. According to her directions, her father's house was only a couple blocks away from where they had been dropped off.
Meryl sighed deeply, glancing around at the neighborhood she used to live in as they walked down the sidewalk toward her old house. The familiar people, places, landmarks… they had all seemed big, friendly, and welcoming when she had lived here. A sign that she was in a familiar neighborhood and that she was home. But now everything, down to the street bench at the corner of the sidewalk, seemed hostile and foreign. It just didn't feel like… home anymore. And with her mother dead and her sister suffering with her insane dad, it didn't have a right to be.
Meryl stopped in front of her old house, followed closely by Milly, Wolfwood and Vash. As the group of teens walked slowly towards the looming, forbidden house, each caught the sounds of shouts coming from inside. Meryl's heartbeat raced as she picked up her pace, trying to keep control of her emotions and her anger. If that stupid man laid one FINGER on Jess-!!
Meryl's thoughts were cut off as her tall friend rushed in front of her, spurred on by the cries and shouts from inside. Reaching the door before everyone else, she flung it open without a second thought and rushed in, closely followed by a panicked Meryl.
"Wait, Milly, what're you-"
They both froze in silence as they entered the kitchen, surveying the scene before them in complete horror. There stood Meryl's dad by the stove, obviously drunk. In one hand he held a large ladle, and in the other he held a pot dripping with a liquid that had probably used to be soup. Huddled near the sink, in a crumpled bundle on the floor, was the sobbing form of Meryl's sister, covered in the supposed soup and sobbing loudly. She was rubbing her body quickly, trying to brush off the scorching soup that was burning her skin. She was obviously in a lot of pain.
"Oh my god!" Milly yelped, forgetting about the drunk father as she hurried over to the crying girl, quickly wetting a nearby towel with cold water and wiping the soup of her skin. Jess was admittedly confused about what was going on, but she caught enough to realize that her sister had arrived.
"Meryl!"
By now Wolfwood and Vash were in the doorway, gaping at the horrible scene. Meryl, however, was done gaping. Yes, now she was angry. Really angry.
"You bastard!" She screamed, menacingly approaching the drunk man who had finally turned to face her, "You F***IN' bastard!!"
"Deserved it…" Her father slurred angrily, holding up the pot, "Damn girl couldn't even cook damn soup for my dinner…"
"You-… you…" Meryl growled, trembling with uncontrollable anger. He had hurt her little sister. B-a-s-t-a-r-d .
"Don't come closer, you little bitch!" Her father continued, waving the pot threateningly in front of him, "You she-demon! I know my rights! Don't you dare come any closer or I swear I'll call the cops on you!" (Keep in mind he's slurring really badly the whole time. -.-')
"This is abuse!" Wolfwood yelped, anger starting to appear on his face as well, "What the hell do you think you're doing old man?! Are you INSANE?!"
"Of course he is," Meryl growled, casting a worried glance in the direction of her little sister. "He's insane AND drunk. Wolfwood, pick up the phone over there and call the cops-"
Suddenly Meryl's dad jumped into action, rushing forward and whacking Meryl across the face with the metal ladle… hard.
"Don't you threaten me, you disobedient little bitch! I control you, remember? I control all of you. You make the soup, you don't get punished. You burn the soup, what am I supposed to do? What am I supposed to do, damn you little bitches."
They were the rantings of a madman, pure and simple. Meryl took a step backwards, holding the spot where the hot metal had hit her across the cheek. It was a hundred times worse then the stinging pain of a slap, leaving a burning red mark across her face. One tear appeared in her eye, refusing to fall as she stared angrily at the old man. This didn't last long though.
Almost instantly Vash was on top of the man, wrestling the pot and spoon out of his grasp. By some sheer force of will power, he stopped himself from hurting the man in any way. Not that the bastard wouldn't deserve anything he got.
Meryl watched the struggle for a couple seconds before turning back to her little sister. Wolfwood was already calling the police, and Milly had gotten up to help Vash restrain Meryl's dad, so Jess was left on the floor alone, wiping away her tears as a weak smile spread across her face.
"Meryl… Meryl, I didn't think you were actually coming…."
Meryl kneeled down next to Jess, wrapping her sister in a loving hug. "I came, didn't I? Are you OK?"
"Y-yes…" The girl tried to reply, cringing slightly. Meryl pulled her away and looked her up and down, noting the red skin. She shook her head.
"We have to treat those, that's got to be painful."
"What about yours?" Jess asked, pointing to Meryl's cheek. Meryl laughed.
"You first."
* * * * * * *
An hour and a half later, all of them (including Jess) were huddled in the kitchen of Rem's house, relaxing and drinking sodas. Milly and Wolfwood were sitting together on the couch, Vash and Meryl were at the table, Jess was sitting on a cushioned chair, and Rem was leaning in the doorway listening to them describe what had taken place.
After the cops had arrived, they had had to spend about an hour answering questions while Jess's burns were being treated. Then Jess and Meryl's dad had been taken into custody, and the police had allowed all of them to go home. A long bus ride later, they were all gathered here, worn out and excited.
"So what's going to happen to your father?" Rem questioned Meryl, a slight frown on her face. Meryl shook her head wearily.
"Well, we'll have to go through the usual court stuff, of course, but I think he's going to be in jail for quite some time. The only problem now is finding a place for Jess to stay."
"I can't stay with you?" Jess yelped, sitting up. Meryl smiled apologetically at her sister and shook her head.
"Sorry sis… I don't have enough money to take care of you too. Maybe you can go live with Aunt Kathy…"
Jess's face screwed up into a very comical look of disgust. "No way! That lady's a drill sergeant! Last time I spent the night there I ended up having to clean up half her house!!"
They all laughed, but Meryl still looked worried. Who could take care of her sister…?
"It's alright Meryl, she can stay with me" Milly piped up, smiling. Everyone turned to look at her in surprise.
"Milly!" Wolfwood yelped, "You've got 5 other sisters!!" (I don't know how many sisters she has… I made that up ^.^)
"That's why she'd be welcome! We've got plenty of room, and I live the closest to Meryl."
Jess gave Meryl big puppy eyes. "PLEASE Sis?? I don't want to live with Aunt Kathy!!"
Meryl laughed and patted her sister on the head. "Yeah, of course you can… but I think Milly should probably go home and inform her mother first before anything happens."
Milly nodded and Rem smiled from the doorway, finally speaking up.
"That's OK, she can stay here tonight. We have an extra room."
"Then it's all decided," Wolfwood said with a laugh, standing up and stretching, "Now if you people don't mind, I think I should be getting home. It's getting late and we've got school tomorrow." He turned to Milly. "I'll walk you home?"
As soon as Wolfwood and Milly had left, Meryl stood up as well, smiling at Rem.
"Thanks for letting my sister stay here for tonight." She turned to Jess, "Tomorrow we'll go back to the house and get your stuff, okay squirt?"
"Don't call me that!" Jess complained, giving her sister a quick hug as the girl headed towards the door. Meryl gave Rem and Vash a bright smile.
"I'll come by to pick her up tomorrow. Bye everyone!"
"Wait!" Vash yelped, grabbing his red coat and rushing out the door with her, "I'll walk you home!"
Meryl rolled her eyes but smiled as Vash started down the sidewalk with her. From the open doorway of the house, Jess and Rem watched the two go. Jess shot Rem a sly glance.
"Those two look cute together."
Rem nodded, smiling. "I have no doubt that they'll get together… once they both stop being so stubborn."
"Knowing Meryl, it's going to take awhile," Jess replied with a sigh, glancing up over at the older woman again, "Do you have any of that burn relief gel?"
Rem laughed and closed the door.
* * * * * * *
Meryl and Vash walked in silence for the longest time, both caught up in their own thoughts. Meryl, for one, felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Everyone was safe, the gang and her dad were in jail, and Wolfwood and Milly had finally gotten together. Despite the events of the last couple of days, she felt the happiest she had felt in years. Yet… a part of her was empty as well. Her mother was dead, and that played a big part in screwing up her good mood.
"Meryl…?" Vash beckoned the girl out of her thoughts. She looked up at him, her questioning glance illuminated by a nearby streetlight.
"What? Is something wrong?"
"Uh…" He faltered, finally pointing to her bruised cheek, "Are you OK?"
Meryl raised an eyebrow and laughed, rubbing the cheek without much thought, "Yeah, I'm fine Vash… it was just a ladle."
The look on his face told her HE didn't think it was something that easy to brush off, but she ignored the look. Or tried to anyway. A warm, nervous feeling was already bubbling up in the pit of her stomach.
"You know, a lot of this could've been avoided if you had just TOLD us what was going on!"
'Ahh..' Meryl mused, shaking her head, 'So that's what's on his mind.'
"Look Vash," She began, "I know I probably should have said something, but that doesn't matter now-"
"It would matter if I hadn't shown up!" Vash burst, making her stop and turn to face him. They were right outside Meryl's apartment, near a clump of trees. "Don't you get that Meryl? If I hadn't come to find you, you would be DEAD. At the bottom of that LAKE."
"So what?" Meryl ground out, clenching one fist, "What's your point? Ok, you saved my life. I'm very very grateful. Anything else?"
In the back of her mind, Meryl was stunned at her own words. And the fact that her and Vash were actually FIGHTING. They had never argued before… Vash had always just backed down with a goofy grin or a lame excuse. So what was urging him to do this tonight?
"You don't get it, do you Meryl? You block everyone out! Everything you feel you keep inside, and you act tough and angry all the time so that no one will come close to you. You never tell anyone anything, and it almost got you killed TWICE in the last couple of days!"
Meryl stared at him in angry silence, too shocked to say anything. Vash, in just a couple seconds, had revealed a secret part of her no one was supposed to know about. And Meryl HATED people figuring her out.
"This is my apartment Vash. I'll see you at school tomorrow."
Meryl turned swiftly around and headed towards her apartment door without a backward glance. She heard his soft footsteps following her but she ignored them, taking out her key and unlocking the door. She had nothing to say to him… nothing at all. She couldn't deny what he had said, but she couldn't say anything else either.
Just as she was entering her apartment, she felt someone grab her arm and pull her backwards. Before Meryl knew what was happening, Vash had spun her around and locked her into a quick but mesmerizing kiss.
Eyes wide, Meryl could hardly believe what was happening. Vash… who only a couple of days ago she had hated more than anything, was KISSING her. When? Why? How? A thousand questions found their way into her brain, but before she could even concentrate on what was happening, it was over. Just like that.
Meryl looked up at Vash in stunned silence, not failing to notice how close they were to each other. Or the fact that the hand that had been on her arm was slowly inching up towards her face. But even more surprising than that was Vash himself. His eyes were dark and his face held the begging look of a man about to lose everything important to him.
"Meryl…" He said softly, his hand gripping her shoulder lightly. "Don't walk away from me."
Finally Meryl's voice and muscles were working again. Slowly she began to pull away, a slight frown on her face.
"Vash, what're you doing? It's late, you should probably-"
"No," Vash interrupted in the same soft voice, shaking his head, "I'm not going to go until I tell you that… that…"
"That what?" Meryl asked curiously, despite herself. Her lips still burned from Vash's kiss, and her mind was slowly growing disoriented. Was this really happening? Maybe she had fallen asleep… and this was some sort of dream. Maybe… but not likely.
Without another word, Vash pulled the startled girl into his tight embrace, leaning his chin on the top of her head and closing his eyes. His hold around her did not slacken, but tightened. She was going to pull away, he knew it. She was going to hit him and tell him to go after some other prep at school who would WANT his attention. He knew it was going to happen… that's the way it always happened when he fell in love with someone. They'd always push him away.
But Meryl… this would hurt more then anything in the world. He didn't know how he had known he had fallen for her, but he knew that she wouldn't be too happy about it. Vash couldn't help himself though… all he could do was hold her tightly and pray she wouldn't push away too soon. That she wouldn't get mad.
Meryl DID push away. But what Vash saw in her face when she did was unbelievable. She wasn't frowning, or angry. In fact, she was smiling. She was smiling in a way he had never seen her smile before, as if all the troubles in the world had just melted away or they really didn't matter anymore. At least, that's the way her smile made HIM feel. It was as if that hug was all she needed to know what he was trying to say.
"Vash?" She asked, still smiling, "What's wrong?"
Vash laughed, a boyish grin spreading across his face.
"Well Miss, I seem to have a bit of a problem."
"What's that?" Meryl asked, raising one eyebrow.
"Well, you see… there's this girl. And I like her A LOT. But she doesn't seem to realize that… in fact, I think she kind of ignores me sometimes."
"Oh, really?" Meryl asked, another smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.
"Yeah. Sometimes I think she hates me or something. Also, she's too stubborn. She's always getting herself into trouble. I swear, I don't know what to do with her."
Watching her, Vash could tell Meryl had definitely changed. In a space of a couple minutes, she had changed completely. Instead of being angry, her eyes were now sparkling with laughter. Vash's heart jumped as she leaned closer to him.
"Maybe you should try kissing her."
"Really??" Vash asked, his eyes wide and hopeful as he stared at Meryl's lips, as if in a trance. Say yes, say yes… Meryl laughed and started to pull away again.
"Eh, but knowing her, she would probably try to beat you up afterwards anyway, right? Oh well…"
Vash looked at her, wide-eyed. That was unfair! She was playing unfairly!! But Vash already had it in his mind not to be denied.
"I guess I'll take that chance then!" He said, walking into the apartment and closing the door behind him. Then he pounced on Meryl's retreating form, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her into a slow, heated kiss. If Meryl was surprised, she didn't show it. In fact, she kissed him back, catching his lower lip in a playful nip that sent a predatory glint flashing through his eyes. This was the Meryl Vash had seen through her disguises and walls… this was the Meryl Vash had grown to love.
And than…
---RING---
Meryl's eyes went wide and she stopped, mid-kiss. God no….
---RING---
No, no, no, no, no, no…
---RING---
Reaching out casually, Vash pulled the phone cord out of the wall and pulled Meryl into another deep kiss. Suddenly…
---Ring---
What the-???
---Ring---
Vash pulled away, pouting as he pulled out a cellphone from one of the pockets in his red jacket. Meryl glared at it, one eyebrow twitching. The devil's cousin.
Lady fate was so cruel.
Laughing, Vash turned the ringing phone off and gave Meryl a playful wink. Slowly he drew her back towards him, not willing to give up his prey that easily. It was going to be a long night… hopefully. ^.~
* * * * * * *
Oh yes, she built the strongest walls
She built them all around
But when he came with smirks and smiles
They crumbled to the ground
* * * * * * *
And that's that!
FINISHED! COMPLETE! DONE! ^-^
Like I said in the very first chapter… this might be my one and only Trigun fic. If you loved it, GREAT! ^.~ If you didn't, oh well, can't please everyone *lol* I did manage to get fluffy scenes in there… I hope you liked ^.~
Well, Legato is all yours Bruka-chan!! *throws him over* ^-^ ENJOY!!
LEGATO: Hey, wait a minute! This isn't fair! 0.0
ME: What? Are ya gonna miss me?? ^.^
LEGATO: I feel used -.-'
The voices in my head are arguing again and my leprechaun is trying to light my cat on fire, so I must go. Ciao peeps! ^-^
And the weirdness is leaving the building…
-DFS (DarkFlamesSolitude)
SPECIAL THANK YOU's TO:
Lynda-chan, Skittles, LinaIX, Nadeshiko Kinomoto, CardMisstress Sakura, Ca (Rinoa Toki Moro Lockheart, K-chan, Bruka-chan, Akima The Stampede Maxwell, Alyson Metallium, lilith, Silver Hawk, Lynderia, Yuinrei Hoyanami, EvilBunny, Dulse Ambrosia, Dynast, Zazies, HyperFuzake!!
To CardMistress Sakura: 0.0' no, no, don't do it! Don't cry! I'll write, I'll write! *teary-eyed DFS sits down at computer* You ppl are so cruel to poor DFS… the puppy dog eyes and the crying and the evil dwarves… *sniff*
To Bruka-chan: Legato's all yours after this chapter!! ^-^ *hands over a cherry lollipop and suddenly-appearing mallet* See these? They come with him. He'll never admit it but he LOVES cherry-flavored! ^.~
LEGATO: -.- *twitches*
To HyperFuzake: Yes! DFS LOVES torturing Legato! ^-^ hehehe! He's so much fun!
LEGATO: -.- Why do I feel so abused?
AHH! Careful, VEERRY long chapter. It's the last chapter too. I really should have cut it into two parts, but I'm too lazy. *shrugs* Oh, well. ^-^ Enjoy!
LEGATO: I'm going to be in here again, aren't I?
ME: *pats on head* oooh.. how'd you guess?
LEGATO: And you're going to make me look stupid or psychotic right?
ME: *evil laughter*
LEGATO: 0.o How did I get stuck with her anyways???
ME: Pure luck! ^-^ ON WITH THE FIC!!!
* * * * * * *
EVEN THE STRONGEST WALLS CRUMBLE
CHAPTER 7
Milly, Meryl, and Wolfwood were standing outside the school in a small group, talking. It had been their plan to go save Jessica today, but none of them actually owned a car. Furthermore, neither Milly nor Wolfwood's parents were willing to let them borrow one.
"So that leaves Vash," Meryl mumbled, glancing around the empty school grounds, "Where is that guy anyway? We've been standing here for ten or fifteen minutes!!"
"Maybe a teacher held him back or something…" Wolfwood offered, not looking convinced. There wasn't a single teacher in that school that wanted to spend anymore time with Vash then they had to. He was, in their words, "annoying and disruptive". Wolfwood couldn't blame them too much… his spiky-haired friend HAD hit on three teachers… and accidentally blew up the science lab twice.
Meryl shook her head worriedly, sweeping her gaze over the campus grounds. She had a feeling that something was wrong. "Hey guys, did Vash seem a little… uh… more paranoid than usual today?"
Milly contemplated this thought, shaking her head, "Not really. Then again, I wasn't paying that much attention."
Meryl suppressed a groan as Milly and Wolfwood shared a glance. Were they going to be like this ALL the time?! The glance quickly turned to passion-filled stares, and Meryl backed down.
"You two need a closet!" She groaned, starting to walk away, "I'll go look for Vash while you two continue your little romance."
Milly and Wolfwood murmured 'good-byes', staring deep into the others eyes. Milly felt like she could stand right there for hours, just staring at him. He was everything she had always dreamed of… heck, they had grown up together! He WAS what she had always dreamed of! It was hard to believe that they were finally together… after so many years of wondering if the other felt the same way….
But, unfortunately for them, this fic HAS all the Milly and Wolfwood it needs at the moment, and it's time to be getting on to the Vash and Meryl part. So we'll leave them at the school to do their huge kissing, hugging, loving words scene and follow Meryl.
(ME: Don't blame poor DFS… blame the demonic phone ^.^)
Meryl was walking slowly down the street, in the opposite direction of her house. She knew Vash lived this way, even though she wasn't quite sure why he would have gone home without saying bye to her and Wolfwood and Milly. He HAD seemed a bit stressed today… but she had been much more concerned with her little Legato problem too notice too much. Maybe she should have paid more attention.
Meryl had been to Vash's house once… it was the time when Wolfwood and wanted her to meet Vash and had dragged her and Milly over. That same day was the day Meryl started hating Vash… the day he had accidentally tripped her on his porch when she was leaving. Meryl frowned.
Still, she remembered the house. It was hard not to remember… it was the only house with pictures of large butterflies painted all over it. Vash's adopted mother, Rem, loved them and insisted on putting pictures of butterflies everywhere. Vash seemed used to it.
(Why butterflies? Why all over the house? Rem likes butterflies and because I said so ^.^ I think she's good as Vash's 'adopted mother' … but Vash and Knives aren't brothers in this ficcy. :( Sowy)
(Or maybe they are and they just don't know it ^.~)
Finally Meryl approached the house, noticing that the car in the driveway had its hood up and some of the parts scattered on the ground.
"Damn…" she muttered, hopping up the porch and knocking on the door, "So much for using Vash's car… guess we'll just have to use the bus or something."
"Hello?" Came a soft answer as the door opened in front of her. Rem was a very calm and collected woman, with beautiful long black hair. She was in her late thirties, and although she looked in no-way related to Vash, no one really cared. She was the nicest woman in the world… if not a bit obsessed with butterflies.
"Hi Rem… remember me? I'm Meryl… I've only been here once or twice. I was wondering if Vash was home?"
Rem blinked slowly, then grinned. "Meryl? I remember you! I've heard so much about you… Vash really admires you! You're name comes up in almost every sentence he speaks!" She laughed, shaking her head, "Would you like to come in? Have a donut or something?"
(Donut! Yeah! ^.^ )
Meryl looked up at Rem, trying to force down the blush that was slowly creeping onto her face. Obviously the woman didn't realize the stuff she was saying about Vash was NOT supposed to be passed on… especially to Meryl. And… and Vash admired her?? Even when she had been so mean to him?! The guilt was starting to seep in. -.-
"Um… actually, I just wanted to talk to Vash. You see, Milly, Wolfwood, me and Vash are going to go get my little sister… but we're trying to get some sort of transportation. Vash was supposed to meet us after school, but he never did."
"Oh, I heard all about it!" Rem responded, ushering her inside. "It's strange… Vash hasn't returned yet… but how about you take a donut anyway? They're newly cooked, but Vash isn't here and they're just going to get cold…"
"Ok," Meryl laughed, taking one and heading out the door once again, "I've got to go find him, but I'll tell him to get back here quickly if I see him."
Rem laughed to and waved as she walked to the door. Right then Meryl caught a glimpse of Vash walking by really fast, pushing passed the other people on the sidewalk.
"Va-" She began, but stopped herself. He was being followed.
A dark-clad person was making their way towards Vash. Meryl gritted her teeth, watching as Vash practically ran into the woods and the person followed. She knew who the person was… she had been thinking about him all day. Legato. But why was he following Vash?
"I'll see you again sometime," Meryl said, forcing a smile as she hopped down from the porch.
Before Rem could even close the door, Meryl was already running towards the woods. A small bead of sweat was dripping down the side of her face. Legato might have a gun or something… she knew that. He might even shoot her if she got involved. After all, she refused to go with him. But all Meryl was worried about right now was Vash. She reached her hand into her jacket pocket and gripped the pepper spray bottle comfortingly. Too bad she didn't have her derringer… (just to scare the guy, of course ^.~) it was still at home, hidden in a drawer in her bathroom..
She got there a couple seconds after Legato entered the woods, following carefully and trying not to make any noise. Taking a position behind a tree, she watched as Legato walked closer to Vash, a smirk on his face.
"So we meet again, Vash."
Vash jumped, turning around and glaring at the blue-haired young man. "You! You're the one who's been following me all day!"
"And the genius figures it out!" Legato said, clapping. His face was set in an intense frown. "I've been meaning to talk to you… or rather, kill you."
Vash's eyes went wide as Legato pulled out a gun, his face hard and emotionless. The blond-haired young man gulped. "Wh-what?! Kill me? Is this some sort of pay back for ruining Knives's gang??"
"Hmm… no." Legato replied with a sneer, pointing the gun point-blank at Vash's chest. "That's what Meryl thought at first."
"Meryl?!" Vash asked, his face growing serious. Meryl shivered from her spot behind the tree. No way… this couldn't possibly be all about her.
"Yeah… she didn't tell you? Oh, of course not… she's more of the 'hide-my-thoughts' type person, isn't she? I paid her a little friendly visit yesterday. Would you like to know what it was about?"
Meryl was starting to think Legato was more than just slightly out of it… he was going insane. Maybe because Knives was in jail, maybe because everything he had built his life on was gone… but his eyes were starting to take on the same psychoticness Knives had had.
"What? What did you do to her?" Vash growled, clenching one fist. Meryl was more than a little surprised. Was Vash really that protective of her? After the way she had treated him? The guilt doubled in the pit of her stomach.
"Nothing, actually. I only asked her to come with me… and she agreed."
'What?!' Meryl thought, her all-famous temper catching fire.
"What?!" Vash yelped, his eyes wide, "Meryl would NEVER agree-"
"But she did." Legato cut in, a small twinkle appearing in his eyes, "And she wants to cut off all her contacts that might try to stop her… including you. Especially you. So ciao, spike-head."
"I don't believe you," Vash said, folding his arms as his sea green eyes glared haughtily back at Legato, "I may have just moved here recently, but I know Meryl better than that. She wouldn't go with you for the whole world and a million dollars."
Meryl cheered inside her head, happy that Vash wasn't falling for Legato's crap. However, her temper had not gone down. In fact, it had gotten worse. She was ten seconds away from jumping out from behind that tree and pounding Legato into the ground so hard that he wouldn't be able to move for years. But now wasn't the time.
"Is that so? Well, I wasn't going to tell you this… but that little girl that you're standing up for? She's mine… we got together last night, like I told you. She chose me."
Ok, that was far enough. Meryl knew EXACTLY what he was trying to get out… that they had kissed. That they had made out. But why was he making up this stupid lie for Vash? It didn't matter… he had gone too far.
"…" Vash stared at him, his emotions a mix of anger and hurt. That only lasted for a split second, however, cause right then Meryl decided to jump out from behind the tree, running up behind Legato and clobbering him over the head. He reeled forward and dropped the gun, hissing in pain.
"I NEVER AGREED TO GO ANY F***IN' WHERE WITH YOU, AND I NEVER EvEr TOUCHED YOU, YOU SICKO!!" She shouted at the top of her lungs, taking out her handy-dandy huge mallet and pounding him over the head again, "AND I'M NOT A LITTLE GIRL, DAMMIT! HOW MANY TIMES I GOTTA TELL YOU THAT?!?!"
Calming down, Meryl kicked Legato's gun away from him, looking up at Vash and smiling innocently. "Heh… um… hi. Rem's looking for you."
"She made donuts, didn't she?!" Vash exclaimed, huge hearts appearing in his eyes. (wow, situation easily forgotten 0.0)
"Yup," Meryl agreed happily, "They're pretty good to. But she said they were going to get cold if you didn't get back soon."
Vash looked down apologetically at Legato, shaking his head. "I know you wanna kill me buddy… but you're just going to have to wait till some other time. Sorry."
(Fights must stop when Vash wants donuts!)
Just as Vash was about to drag Meryl out of the woods, Legato's hand shot out and grabbed her ankle, almost tripping her. In five seconds flat Legato was on his feet again, grabbing Meryl's throat and pushing her back against a nearby tree. The girl gasped, narrowing her stormy gray eyes.
"What's your problem?? She gasped, barely able to breathe. "Why won't you just leave me the hell alone?!"
"Why couldn't you just come with me?" Legato asked calmly, his eyes holding an angry gleam.
"BECAUSE I DON'T LIKE YOU!" Meryl shouted in his face, using up the rest of her air. Great, smart one Meryl. Now you can't breath at all. The girl started struggling harder, trying to twist out of Legato's grasp.
"And you like him??" Legato growled, referring to Vash. Meryl kicked out at him, her teeth gritted.
"Better… than… you…"
Just than Legato was thrown off of her with so much force that he flew into the air and landed on the ground a couple feet away. Looking up through the strands of blue hair that fell across his face, he watched as the tall figure approached. The tall, very very angry figure.
"You bastard!" Vash growled, approaching the kneeling young man and kicking him square in the jaw. Legato quickly recovered and laughed, jumping to his feet and punching Vash in the stomach… hard.
Meryl watched as the two began exchanging blows fiercely, still trying to recover her breath. This couldn't all be about her, could it? It just didn't feel right… NO ONE had ever cared about her enough to try to go after her OR protect her. Well, Milly had always been very protective, but this sort of situation had never happened with her friend around, so it was quite a surprise to Meryl.
She reached into the pocket of her jacket, an angry expression on her face. Yes, the pepper spray was still there. She didn't want this fight too last long if she could help it.
Vash dodged another blow from Legato, his blood still boiling. This jerk had actually tried to strangle Meryl! In front of him! That was unforgivable. This bastard was going to pay.
With a shattering blow to the chest, Vash sent Legato toppling backwards. The blue-haired young man froze for a second, clearly winded. Just as Vash was hovering over him, about to deliver another punch, Meryl jumped in between them.
Standing right above Legato, Meryl glared and whipped out her trusty can of pepper spray, getting him right in the face. She jumped out of the way as the young man reeled over in pain, cursing and rubbing at his eyes and face.
"Now we can go." She said cheerfully, putting the can back in her jacket pocket. Immediately she turned to walk away, hiding from Vash the depressed look on her face. She didn't know what exactly she should be feeling at the moment… touched that Vash stood up for her? Annoyed and angry because of what Legato had said? Happy and triumphant because the jerk was now rolling around in pain on the forest floor? Or maybe just relieved that the whole thing was (hopefully) over…
But she wasn't feeling any of that. In fact, she felt more drained then anything else. All the stuff that had been happening during the passed couple of days was finally getting to her. The gang, the near-death experience, her sister's plea, her mother's death, her abusive father, Legato coming after her and then trying to kill Vash AND her… it was just too much for one high school girl to take, no matter how tough she acted on the outside. She didn't want to cheer or celebrate… she wanted to cry.
Suddenly a warm hand on her shoulder stopped her in her tracks. Meryl glanced back, surprised to see Vash staring straight into her eyes with the softest look she had ever seen him hold. The worry lines on his face were clear.
"Are you okay Meryl?" He asked.
Meryl blinked, surprised at his tone of voice. Vash, that annoying spiky-haired teen with hormones in permanent overdrive was talking to her in such a serious and worried voice that it almost scared her! Had he been hiding that side of him all along? Or was it just a small quirk-of-the-day that would soon pass? Meryl quickly got a hold of herself and gave him a small smile that she hoped was convincing.
"I'm fine! I can take care of myself you know!" Her hard gray eyes softened as she looked up at his worried expression, "Thank you Vash… I think next time I'll just stay out of alleys."
Vash glanced back at Legato, who was still on the ground, recovering. "You should have told us he came after you again. Why didn't you?"
"I-I don't know," Meryl stumbled, looking away and shaking Vash's hand off her shoulder. "I was just confused, I guess. Too many things happening all at once."
Vash nodded, opening his mouth to speak, but Meryl quickly interrupted, changing the subject abruptly.
"Rem's looking for you Vash, and I had to find you to tell you that we've got to go meet Wolfwood and Milly in front of the school. You know, that trip to go get my little sister? You don't have to come if you don't want to, but we're going to have to take a bus, so be there as soon as possible if you decide to come."
Vash blinked, his eyes growing warm. "I wouldn't miss going for anything."
If Vash had said it lightly, Meryl probably would have shrugged it off. But the tone of his voice was so intense that she had to look away, once again starting down the small path out of the woods. Deep down inside, she knew what his words implied. She KNEW what he was trying to say. But though her heart was reaching out in vain to grasp that fleeting realization, her mind was forcefully pushing it aside to the corner of her mind where all her other ignorable feelings were kept. Nope, never. She'd never give in, not even for Vash.
"Meryl…" Vash started weakly, holding out his hand towards her retreating back. She didn't hear and she didn't turn. Vash cursed himself inwardly, his longing eyes growing miserable as he headed slowly down the path after her. He had screwed up… he had let her go again. The moment had passed and now he would have to bring back out the go-lucky happy-teenager routine once again.
"Meryl! Meryl, wait up!" He shouted, a goofy smile back on his face, "We're going to the same place, right? Do you want to have a couple donuts with me and Rem before we leave?"
Meryl turned around to face him, and Vash was sure for a second he caught a glimpse of the most lost expression he had ever seen on that girl's face before. But it was gone before he had even realized it was there, replaced with a wide grin.
"Sure Vash, I'd like that."
'But first,' She thought, glancing back at Legato's writhing form, 'We call the cops on this idiot.'
* * * * * * *
"So how hard could this possibly be?"
That would be Wolfwood, asking this for about the fifth time as they sat in the back of the crowded bus, waiting impatiently to arrive in Meryl's hometown. Meryl shook her head, looking down at her watch for about the 10th time during the entire trip. She was becoming obsessive-compulsive. In fact, ALL of them were becoming that. Vash, in the seat next to her, kept jittering and looking around as if someone was watching them; Wolfwood kept asking strange and unnecessary questions, and Milly kept looking out the window and sighing every couple of minutes. Meryl finally groaned, shaking her head.
"I told you Wolfwood, I don't know how hard this is going to be! It depends on if my dad's drunk… and if he's willing to give my little sister over without a fight. She's still underage… and there's laws about taking kids from their parent's household if the parents don't agree to it… it's called kidnapping."
"You really think he'll hand her over just like that?" Wolfwood asked.
"No."
"Then why are we even going???"
*twitch*
Wolfwood shut-up as both Meryl and Milly glared at him, eyes sparking. Vash laughed, making a face at Wolfwood.
"You really don't know when to keep your thoughts to yourself, bonehead."
Ah well, better to risk the wrath of 100 Vash's than those two girls.
"Shut-up pansy boy."
"WHAT?!?!"
The rest of the trip was not quiet OR peaceful.
* * * * * * *
The disheveled group finally exited the bus on the very last stop, right in the center of Meryl's old hometown. According to her directions, her father's house was only a couple blocks away from where they had been dropped off.
Meryl sighed deeply, glancing around at the neighborhood she used to live in as they walked down the sidewalk toward her old house. The familiar people, places, landmarks… they had all seemed big, friendly, and welcoming when she had lived here. A sign that she was in a familiar neighborhood and that she was home. But now everything, down to the street bench at the corner of the sidewalk, seemed hostile and foreign. It just didn't feel like… home anymore. And with her mother dead and her sister suffering with her insane dad, it didn't have a right to be.
Meryl stopped in front of her old house, followed closely by Milly, Wolfwood and Vash. As the group of teens walked slowly towards the looming, forbidden house, each caught the sounds of shouts coming from inside. Meryl's heartbeat raced as she picked up her pace, trying to keep control of her emotions and her anger. If that stupid man laid one FINGER on Jess-!!
Meryl's thoughts were cut off as her tall friend rushed in front of her, spurred on by the cries and shouts from inside. Reaching the door before everyone else, she flung it open without a second thought and rushed in, closely followed by a panicked Meryl.
"Wait, Milly, what're you-"
They both froze in silence as they entered the kitchen, surveying the scene before them in complete horror. There stood Meryl's dad by the stove, obviously drunk. In one hand he held a large ladle, and in the other he held a pot dripping with a liquid that had probably used to be soup. Huddled near the sink, in a crumpled bundle on the floor, was the sobbing form of Meryl's sister, covered in the supposed soup and sobbing loudly. She was rubbing her body quickly, trying to brush off the scorching soup that was burning her skin. She was obviously in a lot of pain.
"Oh my god!" Milly yelped, forgetting about the drunk father as she hurried over to the crying girl, quickly wetting a nearby towel with cold water and wiping the soup of her skin. Jess was admittedly confused about what was going on, but she caught enough to realize that her sister had arrived.
"Meryl!"
By now Wolfwood and Vash were in the doorway, gaping at the horrible scene. Meryl, however, was done gaping. Yes, now she was angry. Really angry.
"You bastard!" She screamed, menacingly approaching the drunk man who had finally turned to face her, "You F***IN' bastard!!"
"Deserved it…" Her father slurred angrily, holding up the pot, "Damn girl couldn't even cook damn soup for my dinner…"
"You-… you…" Meryl growled, trembling with uncontrollable anger. He had hurt her little sister. B-a-s-t-a-r-d .
"Don't come closer, you little bitch!" Her father continued, waving the pot threateningly in front of him, "You she-demon! I know my rights! Don't you dare come any closer or I swear I'll call the cops on you!" (Keep in mind he's slurring really badly the whole time. -.-')
"This is abuse!" Wolfwood yelped, anger starting to appear on his face as well, "What the hell do you think you're doing old man?! Are you INSANE?!"
"Of course he is," Meryl growled, casting a worried glance in the direction of her little sister. "He's insane AND drunk. Wolfwood, pick up the phone over there and call the cops-"
Suddenly Meryl's dad jumped into action, rushing forward and whacking Meryl across the face with the metal ladle… hard.
"Don't you threaten me, you disobedient little bitch! I control you, remember? I control all of you. You make the soup, you don't get punished. You burn the soup, what am I supposed to do? What am I supposed to do, damn you little bitches."
They were the rantings of a madman, pure and simple. Meryl took a step backwards, holding the spot where the hot metal had hit her across the cheek. It was a hundred times worse then the stinging pain of a slap, leaving a burning red mark across her face. One tear appeared in her eye, refusing to fall as she stared angrily at the old man. This didn't last long though.
Almost instantly Vash was on top of the man, wrestling the pot and spoon out of his grasp. By some sheer force of will power, he stopped himself from hurting the man in any way. Not that the bastard wouldn't deserve anything he got.
Meryl watched the struggle for a couple seconds before turning back to her little sister. Wolfwood was already calling the police, and Milly had gotten up to help Vash restrain Meryl's dad, so Jess was left on the floor alone, wiping away her tears as a weak smile spread across her face.
"Meryl… Meryl, I didn't think you were actually coming…."
Meryl kneeled down next to Jess, wrapping her sister in a loving hug. "I came, didn't I? Are you OK?"
"Y-yes…" The girl tried to reply, cringing slightly. Meryl pulled her away and looked her up and down, noting the red skin. She shook her head.
"We have to treat those, that's got to be painful."
"What about yours?" Jess asked, pointing to Meryl's cheek. Meryl laughed.
"You first."
* * * * * * *
An hour and a half later, all of them (including Jess) were huddled in the kitchen of Rem's house, relaxing and drinking sodas. Milly and Wolfwood were sitting together on the couch, Vash and Meryl were at the table, Jess was sitting on a cushioned chair, and Rem was leaning in the doorway listening to them describe what had taken place.
After the cops had arrived, they had had to spend about an hour answering questions while Jess's burns were being treated. Then Jess and Meryl's dad had been taken into custody, and the police had allowed all of them to go home. A long bus ride later, they were all gathered here, worn out and excited.
"So what's going to happen to your father?" Rem questioned Meryl, a slight frown on her face. Meryl shook her head wearily.
"Well, we'll have to go through the usual court stuff, of course, but I think he's going to be in jail for quite some time. The only problem now is finding a place for Jess to stay."
"I can't stay with you?" Jess yelped, sitting up. Meryl smiled apologetically at her sister and shook her head.
"Sorry sis… I don't have enough money to take care of you too. Maybe you can go live with Aunt Kathy…"
Jess's face screwed up into a very comical look of disgust. "No way! That lady's a drill sergeant! Last time I spent the night there I ended up having to clean up half her house!!"
They all laughed, but Meryl still looked worried. Who could take care of her sister…?
"It's alright Meryl, she can stay with me" Milly piped up, smiling. Everyone turned to look at her in surprise.
"Milly!" Wolfwood yelped, "You've got 5 other sisters!!" (I don't know how many sisters she has… I made that up ^.^)
"That's why she'd be welcome! We've got plenty of room, and I live the closest to Meryl."
Jess gave Meryl big puppy eyes. "PLEASE Sis?? I don't want to live with Aunt Kathy!!"
Meryl laughed and patted her sister on the head. "Yeah, of course you can… but I think Milly should probably go home and inform her mother first before anything happens."
Milly nodded and Rem smiled from the doorway, finally speaking up.
"That's OK, she can stay here tonight. We have an extra room."
"Then it's all decided," Wolfwood said with a laugh, standing up and stretching, "Now if you people don't mind, I think I should be getting home. It's getting late and we've got school tomorrow." He turned to Milly. "I'll walk you home?"
As soon as Wolfwood and Milly had left, Meryl stood up as well, smiling at Rem.
"Thanks for letting my sister stay here for tonight." She turned to Jess, "Tomorrow we'll go back to the house and get your stuff, okay squirt?"
"Don't call me that!" Jess complained, giving her sister a quick hug as the girl headed towards the door. Meryl gave Rem and Vash a bright smile.
"I'll come by to pick her up tomorrow. Bye everyone!"
"Wait!" Vash yelped, grabbing his red coat and rushing out the door with her, "I'll walk you home!"
Meryl rolled her eyes but smiled as Vash started down the sidewalk with her. From the open doorway of the house, Jess and Rem watched the two go. Jess shot Rem a sly glance.
"Those two look cute together."
Rem nodded, smiling. "I have no doubt that they'll get together… once they both stop being so stubborn."
"Knowing Meryl, it's going to take awhile," Jess replied with a sigh, glancing up over at the older woman again, "Do you have any of that burn relief gel?"
Rem laughed and closed the door.
* * * * * * *
Meryl and Vash walked in silence for the longest time, both caught up in their own thoughts. Meryl, for one, felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Everyone was safe, the gang and her dad were in jail, and Wolfwood and Milly had finally gotten together. Despite the events of the last couple of days, she felt the happiest she had felt in years. Yet… a part of her was empty as well. Her mother was dead, and that played a big part in screwing up her good mood.
"Meryl…?" Vash beckoned the girl out of her thoughts. She looked up at him, her questioning glance illuminated by a nearby streetlight.
"What? Is something wrong?"
"Uh…" He faltered, finally pointing to her bruised cheek, "Are you OK?"
Meryl raised an eyebrow and laughed, rubbing the cheek without much thought, "Yeah, I'm fine Vash… it was just a ladle."
The look on his face told her HE didn't think it was something that easy to brush off, but she ignored the look. Or tried to anyway. A warm, nervous feeling was already bubbling up in the pit of her stomach.
"You know, a lot of this could've been avoided if you had just TOLD us what was going on!"
'Ahh..' Meryl mused, shaking her head, 'So that's what's on his mind.'
"Look Vash," She began, "I know I probably should have said something, but that doesn't matter now-"
"It would matter if I hadn't shown up!" Vash burst, making her stop and turn to face him. They were right outside Meryl's apartment, near a clump of trees. "Don't you get that Meryl? If I hadn't come to find you, you would be DEAD. At the bottom of that LAKE."
"So what?" Meryl ground out, clenching one fist, "What's your point? Ok, you saved my life. I'm very very grateful. Anything else?"
In the back of her mind, Meryl was stunned at her own words. And the fact that her and Vash were actually FIGHTING. They had never argued before… Vash had always just backed down with a goofy grin or a lame excuse. So what was urging him to do this tonight?
"You don't get it, do you Meryl? You block everyone out! Everything you feel you keep inside, and you act tough and angry all the time so that no one will come close to you. You never tell anyone anything, and it almost got you killed TWICE in the last couple of days!"
Meryl stared at him in angry silence, too shocked to say anything. Vash, in just a couple seconds, had revealed a secret part of her no one was supposed to know about. And Meryl HATED people figuring her out.
"This is my apartment Vash. I'll see you at school tomorrow."
Meryl turned swiftly around and headed towards her apartment door without a backward glance. She heard his soft footsteps following her but she ignored them, taking out her key and unlocking the door. She had nothing to say to him… nothing at all. She couldn't deny what he had said, but she couldn't say anything else either.
Just as she was entering her apartment, she felt someone grab her arm and pull her backwards. Before Meryl knew what was happening, Vash had spun her around and locked her into a quick but mesmerizing kiss.
Eyes wide, Meryl could hardly believe what was happening. Vash… who only a couple of days ago she had hated more than anything, was KISSING her. When? Why? How? A thousand questions found their way into her brain, but before she could even concentrate on what was happening, it was over. Just like that.
Meryl looked up at Vash in stunned silence, not failing to notice how close they were to each other. Or the fact that the hand that had been on her arm was slowly inching up towards her face. But even more surprising than that was Vash himself. His eyes were dark and his face held the begging look of a man about to lose everything important to him.
"Meryl…" He said softly, his hand gripping her shoulder lightly. "Don't walk away from me."
Finally Meryl's voice and muscles were working again. Slowly she began to pull away, a slight frown on her face.
"Vash, what're you doing? It's late, you should probably-"
"No," Vash interrupted in the same soft voice, shaking his head, "I'm not going to go until I tell you that… that…"
"That what?" Meryl asked curiously, despite herself. Her lips still burned from Vash's kiss, and her mind was slowly growing disoriented. Was this really happening? Maybe she had fallen asleep… and this was some sort of dream. Maybe… but not likely.
Without another word, Vash pulled the startled girl into his tight embrace, leaning his chin on the top of her head and closing his eyes. His hold around her did not slacken, but tightened. She was going to pull away, he knew it. She was going to hit him and tell him to go after some other prep at school who would WANT his attention. He knew it was going to happen… that's the way it always happened when he fell in love with someone. They'd always push him away.
But Meryl… this would hurt more then anything in the world. He didn't know how he had known he had fallen for her, but he knew that she wouldn't be too happy about it. Vash couldn't help himself though… all he could do was hold her tightly and pray she wouldn't push away too soon. That she wouldn't get mad.
Meryl DID push away. But what Vash saw in her face when she did was unbelievable. She wasn't frowning, or angry. In fact, she was smiling. She was smiling in a way he had never seen her smile before, as if all the troubles in the world had just melted away or they really didn't matter anymore. At least, that's the way her smile made HIM feel. It was as if that hug was all she needed to know what he was trying to say.
"Vash?" She asked, still smiling, "What's wrong?"
Vash laughed, a boyish grin spreading across his face.
"Well Miss, I seem to have a bit of a problem."
"What's that?" Meryl asked, raising one eyebrow.
"Well, you see… there's this girl. And I like her A LOT. But she doesn't seem to realize that… in fact, I think she kind of ignores me sometimes."
"Oh, really?" Meryl asked, another smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.
"Yeah. Sometimes I think she hates me or something. Also, she's too stubborn. She's always getting herself into trouble. I swear, I don't know what to do with her."
Watching her, Vash could tell Meryl had definitely changed. In a space of a couple minutes, she had changed completely. Instead of being angry, her eyes were now sparkling with laughter. Vash's heart jumped as she leaned closer to him.
"Maybe you should try kissing her."
"Really??" Vash asked, his eyes wide and hopeful as he stared at Meryl's lips, as if in a trance. Say yes, say yes… Meryl laughed and started to pull away again.
"Eh, but knowing her, she would probably try to beat you up afterwards anyway, right? Oh well…"
Vash looked at her, wide-eyed. That was unfair! She was playing unfairly!! But Vash already had it in his mind not to be denied.
"I guess I'll take that chance then!" He said, walking into the apartment and closing the door behind him. Then he pounced on Meryl's retreating form, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her into a slow, heated kiss. If Meryl was surprised, she didn't show it. In fact, she kissed him back, catching his lower lip in a playful nip that sent a predatory glint flashing through his eyes. This was the Meryl Vash had seen through her disguises and walls… this was the Meryl Vash had grown to love.
And than…
---RING---
Meryl's eyes went wide and she stopped, mid-kiss. God no….
---RING---
No, no, no, no, no, no…
---RING---
Reaching out casually, Vash pulled the phone cord out of the wall and pulled Meryl into another deep kiss. Suddenly…
---Ring---
What the-???
---Ring---
Vash pulled away, pouting as he pulled out a cellphone from one of the pockets in his red jacket. Meryl glared at it, one eyebrow twitching. The devil's cousin.
Lady fate was so cruel.
Laughing, Vash turned the ringing phone off and gave Meryl a playful wink. Slowly he drew her back towards him, not willing to give up his prey that easily. It was going to be a long night… hopefully. ^.~
* * * * * * *
Oh yes, she built the strongest walls
She built them all around
But when he came with smirks and smiles
They crumbled to the ground
* * * * * * *
And that's that!
FINISHED! COMPLETE! DONE! ^-^
Like I said in the very first chapter… this might be my one and only Trigun fic. If you loved it, GREAT! ^.~ If you didn't, oh well, can't please everyone *lol* I did manage to get fluffy scenes in there… I hope you liked ^.~
Well, Legato is all yours Bruka-chan!! *throws him over* ^-^ ENJOY!!
LEGATO: Hey, wait a minute! This isn't fair! 0.0
ME: What? Are ya gonna miss me?? ^.^
LEGATO: I feel used -.-'
The voices in my head are arguing again and my leprechaun is trying to light my cat on fire, so I must go. Ciao peeps! ^-^
And the weirdness is leaving the building…
-DFS (DarkFlamesSolitude)