Beyond A Sky So Blue -- Part III

Vash joined the girls for breakfast the next morning. Meryl had made pancakes and was bringing a large pot of coffee to the table. His rumbling stomach announced his presence.

“Good morning, Vash!” Milly greeted, waving her pancake-laden fork.

“Yes, good morning,” Meryl echoed.

“These are good, Meryl,” Milly announced with a mouth full of pancakes.

Meryl shook her head at her partner’s antics but was smiling. She sat down and drank her coffee, watching Vash and Milly stuff their faces. Was this what normalcy felt like?

Milly quickly polished off her plate of pancakes. She thanked Meryl and deposited her dishes in the sink. Meryl reminded Milly she was responsible for dinner that night. With a cheery “okay”, the tall girl left for work.

That left Meryl and Vash alone in the kitchen. She suddenly found herself very interested in her coffee. The silence was deafening.

After all the time she had spent chasing him, she finally had him. He was there, sitting there across from her. Yet, for the life of her, she couldn’t think of a thing to say.

Finally, her pragmatic side availed. If she didn’t do it now, she wouldn’t have time for it later. “If you are done eating, I should take a look at your wound.”

Vash agreed. It was quick work for him to take off his sleep shirt while Meryl gathered the supplies. She was glad that he made no effort to hide his scars from her.

She was methodical as she examined his shoulder. The wound was almost closed. It probably wouldn’t leave much of a scar. “You won’t even need bandages tomorrow.”

“Well, that’s good news.”

She nodded. “We should go change Knives’ bandages.”

“Don’t worry about it. I can do it later.”

She eyed him carefully. “Are you sure?”

“I did manage in the desert. It’ll be fine.”

“Okay, but you better not forget, Vash.”

“I won’t, I won’t!” he declared, drawing an elaborate X over his heart with a finger. “I promise.”

She retreated to the sink so he wouldn’t see her smile at his foolishness. She then noted the time. She would have to get ready for work soon but she was reluctant to leave. She sighed as she began to wash dishes.

“I’ll get those.”

His quiet voice startled her. She was so intent on the dishes that she didn’t notice he had crossed the room. “Huh?”

“I said I’ll get those. The dishes.”

“Oh,” she said quietly. “I’m almost done.”

“I want to help around here. I didn’t come back to freeload, you know.”

She looked up at him sharply, surprised by the comment, especially from him. “I know that.”

The clock chimed, reminding her of the time. She would have to rush to get to work on time now. She quickly dried her hands and turned to face him.

“Look, Vash, you need to focus on getting your brother well. Seeing how fast you heal, he won’t be unconscious for long. And it would be best for you to handle him, given how he feels about humans in general. Milly and I can handle the rest.”

She suddenly found herself in his hug. He was holding her so tight that it was almost difficult to breath. “You’re the best, Meryl,” he whispered.

She was stunned. What did she do that was so wonderful? Why did he always have to confuse her?

“I’ve got to go,” she declared, pulling away. She could feel her face glowing but prayed it didn’t show. “I’ve got to get ready for work.”

She was up the stairs before Vash could reply. He finished the rest of the dishes, trying not to dwell on Meryl’s behavior. He was about to head upstairs when Meryl re-entered the room.

She was putting on her cloak. It was obvious she was doing it as fast as possible. But it didn’t stop Vash from getting an eyeful.

She was dressed in a short black dress with a white apron. Her pale legs were bare, as well as her throat and most of her arms. It was the most of Meryl’s skin he had ever seen.

And it was perfect.

He caught himself almost drooling and quickly stopped. This was Meryl after all. His head would be pounding for days if she caught him eyeing her this way.

“Well, I’m off to work,” she said over her shoulder. “Milly’s in charge of dinner, but you’ll be on your own for lunch. I’ll see you later.”

“Yeah, later,” he called as she headed out the door. He shook his head to clear his thoughts. Why did that girl always have to confuse him?

He was still trying to banish the image of Meryl from his mind as he climbed the stairs to tend to his brother.

* * * * *

Milly arrived home early that afternoon. She asked Vash about his brother only to learn there was no change. The tall girl then left Vash to put up the groceries while she took a quick shower.

She quickly returned and drafted him into helping with dinner. Milly filled him in on her work on the well and on the new irrigation system. Once that topic was exhausted, she told him about all the goings-on in town.

They finished the meal. Just in time since both their stomachs were growling. Milly set the table while Vash brought over the food.

He frowned when he only noticed the two places. “What about Meryl?”

“She’s not going to home anytime soon,” Milly answered, “since she is working a double shift. She won’t get off until hours from now. Didn’t she tell you?”

“No, she didn’t.” He wondered why he felt so annoyed. He brushed the thought aside and dug into the food. “Hey, Milly, this is really good.”

“Thanks,” she said with a beaming smile. “It’s my middle big sister’s recipe.”

“So, what’s in it?”

“Can’t tell you. It’s a family secret.”

He thought about his still-unconscious brother upstairs. “Yeah, can’t mess with those.”

She gave him a sympathetic smile. “I’m sure Knives will be better soon.”

Milly had always been perceptive. She was far more perceptive than people gave her credit for. He wasn’t surprised that she had guessed the line of his thinking.

“I’m sure he will be, too.” He turned the conversation to happier topics. He was quickly caught up on the latest news from Milly’s family.

The tall girl volunteered to do the dishes so Vash could go look in on Knives. She promised to fix a plate for Meryl. They both went off to their respective tasks.

* * * * *

It was Milly who suggested that he escort Meryl home from work. An off-hand remark about the men harassing Meryl cinched it. Milly promised to keep a good eye on Knives as she waved him off.

He quickly made his way to the restaurant. Due to the late hour, the town was quite. He noted the cool breeze coming from the surrounding desert and he was glad that Meryl would have her cloak with her.

It was about fifteen minutes before closing time and the end of Meryl’s shift when he arrived. There was a larger crowd than he would have anticipated. The bartender was asking for last calls as Vash sat down.

Vash quickly ordered a drink. He sipped it as his eyes roamed the room. He quickly spotted Meryl.

She was clearing plates from a table. The two male patrons were chatting with her. They laughed at some joke but Meryl barely smiled. One of the men addressed her, running his hand up the back of her legs.

Vash was off his stool to cross the room when a resounding smack echoed in the room. He sat back down with a grin. Meryl tucked the now bent tray under her arm, yelling at the man before stalking with the armful of plates.

The restaurant began to clear out. Meryl finally noticed him at the bar but kept working. The bartender ordered him out with the last of the patrons. Rather than argue, he went outside to wait.

A few minutes later, Meryl emerged, covered in her cloak. She seemed surprised to find Vash by the door. She gave a greeting and began walking. The lanky gunman fell in step with her.

“So, how was your day?” he asked.

“Fine. Long, but fine.”

“Do you work such shifts often?”

“No. One of the other waitresses went to see her newborn nephew. I’m covering for her for the next few days.”

They walked for a bit in silence. The journey back was taking longer, but Vash let Meryl set the pace. He knew that she had to be tired.

“So, do you have to do that a lot?”

“Work? Yeah, generally,” she replied, giving him an odd look.

“No, hit guys with your tray.”

“Just when they get rude.”

He didn’t press the matter further.

“So, what are you doing here?”

“Walking. You?” he said, repaying her for her earlier remark.

She actually smiled. “I just meant I thought you would be with Knives.”

“Well, Milly thought I should get out of the house for a while. She said she’d keep an eye on Knives while I was out.”

“Well, that’s Milly for you.” She was quiet for a moment before saying, “You didn’t have to walk me home, Vash.”

“Yeah, I know, but I wanted to.”

They fell into an uneasy silence. The house was soon before them. Seeing them, Milly bounded off the porch.

“Milly, is there something wrong?” Meryl asked.

“Knives is awake.”


Moments Vash joined the girls for breakfast the next morning. Meryl had made pancakes and was bringing a large pot of coffee to the table. His rumbling stomach announced his presence. “Good morning, Vash!” Milly greeted, waving her pancake-laden fork. “Yes, good morning,” Meryl echoed. “These are good, Meryl,” Milly announced with a mouth full of pancakes. Meryl shook her head at her partner’s antics but was smiling. She sat down and drank her coffee, watching Vash and Milly stuff their faces. Was this what normalcy felt like? Milly quickly polished off her plate of pancakes. She thanked Meryl and deposited her dishes in the sink. Meryl reminded Milly she was responsible for dinner that night. With a cheery “okay”, the tall girl left for work. That left Meryl and Vash alone in the kitchen. She suddenly found herself very interested in her coffee. The silence was deafening. After all the time she had spent chasing him, she finally had him. He was there, sitting there across from her. Yet, for the life of her, she couldn’t think of a thing to say. Finally, her pragmatic side availed. If she didn’t do it now, she wouldn’t have time for it later. “If you are done eating, I should take a look at your wound.” Vash agreed. It was quick work for him to take off his sleep shirt while Meryl gathered the supplies. She was glad that he made no effort to hide his scars from her. She was methodical as she examined his shoulder. The wound was almost closed. It probably wouldn’t leave much of a scar. “You won’t even need bandages tomorrow.” “Well, that’s good news.” She nodded. “We should go change Knives’ bandages.” “Don’t worry about it. I can do it later.” She eyed him carefully. “Are you sure?” “I did manage in the desert. It’ll be fine.” “Okay, but you better not forget, Vash.” “I won’t, I won’t!” he declared, drawing an elaborate X over his heart with a finger. “I promise.” She retreated to the sink so he wouldn’t see her smile at his foolishness. She then noted the time. She would have to get ready for work soon but she was reluctant to leave. She sighed as she began to wash dishes. “I’ll get those.” His quiet voice startled her. She was so intent on the dishes that she didn’t notice he had crossed the room. “Huh?” “I said I’ll get those. The dishes.” “Oh,” she said quietly. “I’m almost done.” “I want to help around here. I didn’t come back to freeload, you know.” She looked up at him sharply, surprised by the comment, especially from him. “I know that.” The clock chimed, reminding her of the time. She would have to rush to get to work on time now. She quickly dried her hands and turned to face him. “Look, Vash, you need to focus on getting your brother well. Seeing how fast you heal, he won’t be unconscious for long. And it would be best for you to handle him, given how he feels about humans in general. Milly and I can handle the rest.” She suddenly found herself in his hug. He was holding her so tight that it was almost difficult to breath. “You’re the best, Meryl,” he whispered. She was stunned. What did she do that was so wonderful? Why did he always have to confuse her? “I’ve got to go,” she declared, pulling away. She could feel her face glowing but prayed it didn’t show. “I’ve got to get ready for work.” She was up the stairs before Vash could reply. He finished the rest of the dishes, trying not to dwell on Meryl’s behavior. He was about to head upstairs when Meryl re-entered the room. She was putting on her cloak. It was obvious she was doing it as fast as possible. But it didn’t stop Vash from getting an eyeful. She was dressed in a short black dress with a white apron. Her pale legs were bare, as well as her throat and most of her arms. It was the most of Meryl’s skin he had ever seen. And it was perfect. He caught himself almost drooling and quickly stopped. This was Meryl after all. His head would be pounding for days if she caught him eyeing her this way. “Well, I’m off to work,” she said over her shoulder. “Milly’s in charge of dinner, but you’ll be on your own for lunch. I’ll see you later.” “Yeah, later,” he called as she headed out the door. He shook his head to clear his thoughts. Why did that girl always have to confuse him? He was still trying to banish the image of Meryl from his mind as he climbed the stairs to tend to his brother. * * * * * Milly arrived home early that afternoon. She asked Vash about his brother only to learn there was no change. The tall girl then left Vash to put up the groceries while she took a quick shower. She quickly returned and drafted him into helping with dinner. Milly filled him in on her work on the well and on the new irrigation system. Once that topic was exhausted, she told him about all the goings-on in town. They finished the meal. Just in time since both their stomachs were growling. Milly set the table while Vash brought over the food. He frowned when he only noticed the two places. “What about Meryl?” “She’s not going to home anytime soon,” Milly answered, “since she is working a double shift. She won’t get off until hours from now. Didn’t she tell you?” “No, she didn’t.” He wondered why he felt so annoyed. He brushed the thought aside and dug into the food. “Hey, Milly, this is really good.” “Thanks,” she said with a beaming smile. “It’s my middle big sister’s recipe.” “So, what’s in it?” “Can’t tell you. It’s a family secret.” He thought about his still-unconscious brother upstairs. “Yeah, can’t mess with those.” She gave him a sympathetic smile. “I’m sure Knives will be better soon.” Milly had always been perceptive. She was far more perceptive than people gave her credit for. He wasn’t surprised that she had guessed the line of his thinking. “I’m sure he will be, too.” He turned the conversation to happier topics. He was quickly caught up on the latest news from Milly’s family. The tall girl volunteered to do the dishes so Vash could go look in on Knives. She promised to fix a plate for Meryl. They both went off to their respective tasks. * * * * * It was Milly who suggested that he escort Meryl home from work. An off-hand remark about the men harassing Meryl cinched it. Milly promised to keep a good eye on Knives as she waved him off. He quickly made his way to the restaurant. Due to the late hour, the town was quite. He noted the cool breeze coming from the surrounding desert and he was glad that Meryl would have her cloak with her. It was about fifteen minutes before closing time and the end of Meryl’s shift when he arrived. There was a larger crowd than he would have anticipated. The bartender was asking for last calls as Vash sat down. Vash quickly ordered a drink. He sipped it as his eyes roamed the room. He quickly spotted Meryl. She was clearing plates from a table. The two male patrons were chatting with her. They laughed at some joke but Meryl barely smiled. One of the men addressed her, running his hand up the back of her legs. Vash was off his stool to cross the room when a resounding smack echoed in the room. He sat back down with a grin. Meryl tucked the now bent tray under her arm, yelling at the man before stalking with the armful of plates. The restaurant began to clear out. Meryl finally noticed him at the bar but kept working. The bartender ordered him out with the last of the patrons. Rather than argue, he went outside to wait. A few minutes later, Meryl emerged, covered in her cloak. She seemed surprised to find Vash by the door. She gave a greeting and began walking. The lanky gunman fell in step with her. “So, how was your day?” he asked. “Fine. Long, but fine.” “Do you work such shifts often?” “No. One of the other waitresses went to see her newborn nephew. I’m covering for her for the next few days.” They walked for a bit in silence. The journey back was taking longer, but Vash let Meryl set the pace. He knew that she had to be tired. “So, do you have to do that a lot?” “Work? Yeah, generally,” she replied, giving him an odd look. “No, hit guys with your tray.” “Just when they get rude.” He didn’t press the matter further. “So, what are you doing here?” “Walking. You?” he said, repaying her for her earlier remark. She actually smiled. “I just meant I thought you would be with Knives.” “Well, Milly thought I should get out of the house for a while. She said she’d keep an eye on Knives while I was out.” “Well, that’s Milly for you.” She was quiet for a moment before saying, “You didn’t have to walk me home, Vash.” “Yeah, I know, but I wanted to.” They fell into an uneasy silence. The house was soon before them. Seeing them, Milly bounded off the porch. “Milly, is there something wrong?” Meryl asked. “Knives is awake.”


Part IV: Conversations Back