Chapter 8: A Rock and Hard Place
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Vash took a deep breath, studying himself in the mirror found in the hotel suite.
“It’s for the better,” he said out loud.
“What’s for the better?” Knives appeared in the mirror.
“This date.”
“I think it’s a mistake.”
“You think everything I do is a mistake.” Vash reminded.
“No I don’t; I think you wearing that red and silver tie instead of the green and orange tie, was a good choice.”
Something was definitely different about Knives.
“Do you want me to stay and help you with Clint?” Vash asked. At first he had been worried about it, but now that Knives was acting so different…
“No, it’s not that… He’s feeling a lot better.”
“Then wh-“
Knock. Knock. Knock.
“That will be them,” Vash said.
With clammy hands, he made one last adjustment to his tie. He felt slightly like he was in a dream.
“Where are you guys going?” Knives asked as Vash brushed passed him.
“Masson, it’s a restaurant I guess,” he answered just before opening the door.
Oh, she was beautiful. Vash wondered why she had to look so gorgeous. Her hand and arms were covered with dazzling silk white gloves and her dress gently hugged her figure, swaying down to her feet. She was in high heels that were decorated with white straps overlapping each other in elegance. The loops in her hair were conveniently curled to shorten its length- just the length Vash, (who was still hesitant about her long hair) felt comfortable with.
“Looking sharp,” Charles bared his sparkling teeth at Vash in such a way it was like a dog waiting to attack.
“Yeah, she does,” Vash laughed nervously, imagining Meryl’s name tattooed all over Charles’ handsome face.
“Vash, I was talking about you,” his smile faded.
“Yeah, but Meryl looks good too,” he laughed a bit more, wondering if he was somehow going insane.
“We’ll go pick up Vanessa, and then go to Masson, alright?” Charles said.
“Yeah, alright,” he answered in a bit of a high pitched voice.
After watching them leave, Knives returned to Clint, who, to his surprise, was putting on his shoes.
“What are you doing?” Knives asked. “Get to bed you idiot, I’m supposed to be looking after you.”
“If you’re going to keep your promise, you’ll just have to come with me.” He insisted, and then let out another cough.
“Or you’ll just have to stay here. Just where do you want to go?”
“I’m going to Masson.” Clint answered simply.
After he finished tying his shoe, he reached for the door.
“Are you coming with me?”
Agitated, Knives put on his shoes and coat, and followed him.
....
Vash knocked on the door, his heart beating against his ribs.
What if she stood him up?
Finally when the door swung open, Vash found himself face to face with a woman who had strawberry blond hair and deep dark brown eyes.
“Vanessa?” Vash asked.
“You must be Vash,” She beamed.
“Uh…yeah.” He answered awkwardly.
“I’m Vanessa.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Vash answered politely, and then wondered what to do next.
“Are you going to escort me?” She asked.
“Oh, of course.”
She took Vash’s arm.
It was good for him; Meryl was engaged, he didn’t have to worry about Knives interfering, and it should be fine…shouldn’t it?
Then why did he feel wrong? Why did he feel afraid? Meryl moved on; he should respect that and do the same.
Charles and Meryl were waiting in the car for them. Charles had rented it for the night, which was saying something considering money was hard to come by. He drummed his fingers patiently on the steering wheel.
Peering out the window, Meryl asked, “He’s escorting her?”
Charles brought his emerald eyes out the window as well. He gave a small smile.
“Well of course, Hun.” He placed his hand over hers. “She’s his date.”
“I know but…”
“I think you’re stereo-typing him too much.”
‘Easy for you to say,’ Meryl thought. ‘And…’
Vash opened the car door.
‘…Opens the door for her.’
“Hi, Charles, Hi, Meryl!” Vanessa smiled once she was in the car.
“Hello,” Charles replied happily.
….
Masson happened to be a very elegant restaurant. Anyone who ever went dressed up accordingly. The most charming thing about the restaurant was not the expensive food, but the environment. Sitting outside was one thing, but at Masson costumers were seated outside with healthy green geoplants- one of the rarest forms of life on Gunsmoke.
….
“I can’t believe I’m hiding in the bushes to spy on my brother with m-“
“Sh! They’re getting out of the car!” Clint whispered. “Did you see that?” He asked in a hushed cry.
“I can’t see anything with all these leaves and branches; since when can humans afford geoplants for decorations?”
Pulling his jacket closer around, Clint struggled to get a better view of the car as its occupants got out.
“Charles didn’t even open the door for her!” Clint growled and then (keeping his eye on the car) added “the reason Masson is so formal and expensive is because they dine outside with geoplants, and- look there she is!”
They both leaned closer as Vanessa grabbed Vash’s arm.
“She’s not too bad…I guess…” Knives commented.
“Too bad! Knives! Vash likes Meryl. We’re supposed to dislike his date and Charles, not egg-on the possibilities!” Clint chided.
….
It was awkward as they walked to the entrance, not because of the geoplants or the suit, or the rhythm of the place, but awkward because the woman Vash had had his eye on was walking ahead of him.
Her prince charming escorted her, whispering secrets he couldn’t hear.
“Do you think Vash will like Vanessa?” Charles whispered to Meryl.
“What kind of girl is she?” Meryl whispered back, silently remembering the type of women he goggled at.
“Touchy-feely, sweet, but too sweet for some, a bit nosey, but she’s just trying to find out who you are,” he explained.
“Touchy-feely? Maybe he’ll like her…”
“It doesn’t really matter,” Charles shrugged. “You’re all that matters…”
He kissed her on the cheek.
….
“Wha!”
Knives covered Clint’s mouth.
“Sh!” He warned before moving his hand away.
“Did you see that?” Clint asked with wide eyes. “He kissed her right in front of Vash! Cruel jerk!”
A sweat-drop was on Knives. “Maybe we should leave,” he suggested.
“Are you kidding?”
“Well, I’m leaving.”
Knives started to crawl away.
“Oh my gosh!” Clint gasped.
“What? What is it?” Knives asked, hurrying back over.
“You know you’re glued.” Clint smiled as Knives returned.
“Why would I be glued?”
“Because,” Clint scoffed, “Vash is on a date.”
They watched them for a few more seconds before Clint started crawling along the bushes again.
“Where are we going now?” Knives asked, thinking suddenly about how idiotic this was, not to mention slightly embarrassing.
“To the tables. They’re going to get a table, and then we won’t be able to see them from here…”
….
It’s awkward when her fiancé kisses her, and it’s awkward when Vanessa moves her body closer…but tonight he would let Meryl go…he had to…
“Where are you from, Vash?” Vanessa asked.
“Nowhere and everywhere. I don’t live anywhere, but I’ve been nearly everywhere.” Vash answered.
“A wanderer? That sounds romantic.”
“Does it?” Vash blinked. He wasn’t sure whether he wanted to try to be romantic or not.
“Why do you wander?” She came closer.
He wanted her away, but at the same time, enjoyed her company.
“I’m…searching for love.”
“Oh?”
He went a little red realizing his mistake, he hadn’t meant personal love, but he didn’t dare correct it.
They were led passed tables by a very slender and tall woman who had cherry red lipstick on. “I think I can find a place for you over here…” she told them.
With reverence, Vash stared at all the green surrounding them. Different shaped leaves covered trees and bushes, and each blade of grass poked up from the ground. He resisted the urge to touch them with his bare skin. He remembered, they ranged in textures from smooth, to rigid, some were creased, and others looked like they had healthy green veins spreading through them. But what he liked most of all about geoplants was the rhythm of life they produced.
….
“They’re coming this way,” Clint spoke.
The two couples were getting closer and closer, and Clint started getting worried.
“Where are they sitting?” He asked desperately. They were walking straight for them. “Oh great, they’re sitting over here?”
“Sh!” Knives ordered yet again as they stopped at the table two feet away- a perfect view of their feet.
Clint and Knives watched Vash scoot the chair out for Vanessa and her feet appeared in front of the chair’s legs.
Sighing within himself, Clint wondered if they could possibly remain hidden the whole dinner.
….
“Nice place, huh Vash?” Charles asked.
“Yeah, I had no idea they had such a thing.”
“I love it!” Charles continued. “To be surrounded with all these living geoplants!”
Watching Vash seat himself, Meryl felt so confused. He had changed so much. It was cruel that he would go on a blind date so simply, when Meryl wanted so much to just be next him, regardless of his feelings… but he broke the dream. Sometimes when he looks at her now, it’s like he’s looking at Rem, he loved and lost Rem, but he pushed and left Meryl. He couldn’t like her; he’s dating and glad of Charles…
When Vash sat at the table he realized immediately there was going to be trouble. How many eating utensils did one person need? The table was littered with them- six per person and it also had two cups and three plates. This wasn’t good.
He glanced sideways at Charles, it had sounded like he had been here before…
But he was looking at his menu now…
Vash pulled his out as well.
“These dishes are expensive,” he heard Vanessa say.
He looked at the prices…they were expensive, but that’s what he had expected, Masson had to pay for the care of these geoplants somehow…
By the time the waiter had come, they had decided what they wanted, and with a complete butler-ish attitude, the waiter took the menus.
“Vash? Do you have any family?” Vanessa asked.
“Oh…lots from all over.” He answered vaguely.
“I thought you only had Clint and Knives.” Charles said curiously.
“Knives is my only by blood, but I have lots I consider my family.”
“Clint’s not?”
“No, regardless of looks.” Vash answered, mentally tired of a repetitive concept. “You can believe what you want,” he added with a glance at Meryl. “But that’s the truth.”
“I only believe what I believe to be true,” Charles smiled, his emerald eyes twinkling.
Thinking it was only polite, Vash asked, “what about you, Vanessa?”
“Most of my family lives in Parker.”
Charles cornered him again. “Vash, what exactly do you do? Meryl hasn’t said much.”
Vash was about to answer when his hand (which had been on his lap) encountered something particularly gooey under the table.
“Well…” he started, trying to ignore the idea of chewed up gum suddenly becoming glued to his hand.
“He’s searching for love,” Vanessa announced.
Waving his hand under the table, Vash wondered if Charles would think it stupid or silly, but Meryl was the next to speak.
“The Mayfly of it actually,” she corrected. She didn’t like others portraying they knew more about him then they did.
“Searching for love? Sounds familiar, doesn’t it, Hun?” He put his arm around Meryl.
“It’s more of a public love of the Mayfly.” Meryl added.
“Public or not, love it love.”
Vash grabbed the napkin on his lap and tried to rid himself of the gum that was now turning into some sort of a spider web under the table. When he felt Vanessa’s eyes on him, he asked, “Do you work?”
“It’s nothing exciting, just an employee at the café,” she went a little red. “It would be nice of you to stop by…”
Meryl couldn’t believe this, it was ridiculous! Vanessa couldn’t like Vash, no one could! She wasn’t right for him…
The food came, and Vash was surprised to see yet another plate being added to his collection. Vigorously, he tried to rub the gum off faster, but the napkin had become somehow tangled in the spider web. This was ridiculous!
“You’re coming to the wedding, right?” Charles asked.
“Who?” Vash asked.
“Both of you.”
“I’ll be there,” Vanessa promised. “I already have your present.”
“Yeah…” Vash answered, trying to catch which fork Charles was using without making it obvious. His insides squirmed at the question.
Because his right hand was covered in gum under the table, Vash used his left had to grab the fork that was longer and beside his plate.
Meryl watched him suspiciously. Vash wasn’t left-handed.
“Oh, yeah, Vash, you can come to my Bachelor party as well.”
“Charles, that’s your bestman’s job,” Meryl reminded.
“It’s mine, I can invite who I want, can’t I? Unless you don’t want Vash, Knives and Clint to come…”
“You invited them too?” Vash asked.
“Just did.”
“Clint can’t go!” Meryl cried. “He’s 14!”
“That’s old enough, isn’t it?” Charles asked.
“No!”
Vash blinked, taken aback by Meryl’s strong will on the subject. Why did it matter?
….
Clint clamped his hand over his mouth as his eyes watered. He couldn’t cough here and now, but he couldn’t stop himself either. Oh, it itched terribly. It was coming… he held his breath, but the urge in his throat wouldn’t go away. After a snort and sputter, he pressed his hand harder against his lips.
He coughed slightly louder, and Knives rushed to help cover his mouth. If they were caught…what would they do? Clint could just see their surprised expression, and if Meryl was upset to see him go to a party, imagine how she would act if she saw him like this.
In hopes to silence his urge to cough, he snorted again, and desperately, Knives stuck his whole hand in Clint’s mouth.
….
“But he’s a bachelor.” Charles pointed out.
“And he should be at 14. Vash?”
“He’s your fiancé,” Vash said nervously.
“Not Charles! Clint’s your responsibility so you have to decide,” Meryl told him, agitated. “And if you’re wise, you’ll choose what’s better for him, instead of what you want. It’s time you took some parenting over him.”
Vash stared back, dumbstruck.
“Well?” Meryl pressed.
“I’m not his father!”
“But he looks to you as one! It’s obvious he’s replacing his dead father with you!”
….
A sweat-drop was on Knives as he pulled his hand free. Slobber dripped off, and mind you, that wasn’t all…
/You owe me big time for this/ Knives wiped it on his pants.
Clint put his hand behind his head.
/There’s a reason sick kids stay home/ Knives grumbled.
….
“…He looks up to you whether you realize it or not, and while he’s traveling with you, he is your son! Clint’s your responsibility, and he’s just a kid!” Meryl finished with a big breath.
“Meryl?” Charles asked cautiously placing his hand over hers.
She looked away from him, slightly embarrassed.
“If it bothers you that much, I won’t. I don’t want to do anything to upset you; I always want you to be happy.” He told her.
It wasn’t the bachelor party. It was everything- everything to do with Vash. It was him dating, his eyes, his feeling contrary to his actions, his responsibilities; it was everything about him since the moment he told her “don’t waste your time on me,” since he made her cry, since he made her leave him.
“It’s up to Vash,” she answered.
“Well, it’s not for a while, don’t let it be a hassle,” Charles suggested. “I’m sure we’ll have plenty of other times to be around each other without a bachelor party. How long will you be here?” He asked Vash.
“I’m not sure,” he answered, after taking a sip of water.
“I hope it’s for a while,” Vanessa spoke.
“Me too,” Charles agreed. “I like to get to know people, especially friends of Meryl.”
They finished their meal with small conversation (in which Meryl took little part in) containing information about one another.
“Vash,” Vanessa addressed, once the bill was expensively paid. “I don’t live far from here…would you mind walking me home instead of driving?” She asked timidly.
Finally freeing his hand enough to be brought out of the web of gum, Vash agreed, because on a nice date, that was the polite answer. Maybe he did mind, but he didn’t think on it.
They stood up, and after a pause, Charles broke the silence.
“We’ll see you two later,” he winked, before addressing Meryl. “Hun, want to come over?”
Vash lingered for a moment, before Vanessa gave him a hesitant look.
….
While Clint dashed along the bushes, Knives asked if he intended to keep following them. Once taking a parallel left turn like Vash and Vanessa, he got his answer.
“This kid is going to kill us all,” Knives rolled his eyes.
Following Vash was a mistake, but at least at Masson they had had some kind of coverage, it would be slightly trickier now…
….
Walking along side Vanessa, Vash noticed her shiver slightly.
“Can I use your jacket?” She asked.
“Oh, sure…yeah…” He answered, coming to his senses. He slipped it off, and helped her put it on. It was of course too big for her, and the sleeves sloped down passed her hands to ensure even more warmth. No problem occurred until Vash felt a little tug as he moved his hand. He still had gum on it. His hand would be stuck to Vanessa’s shoulder until the jacket came off.
“Vash, have you ever been in love?” Vanessa asked, resting her head on him.
“Yes,” he answered truthfully. “But I couldn’t, and now I’m afraid it’s too late. I have to let it go…”
“You have such an exciting life…”
“If I had it my way, it would be the dullest one.”
“Trust me,” Vanessa sighed. “It’s boring.”
“Trust me. It would be nice to be bored for once.”
It was silent for a while.
“That place always makes me want to sing,” Vanessa laughed a little. “It’s really beautiful.”
“Sound of Life? Do you know that song?”
“I don’t think so.”
“I’ll have to teach it to you,” Vash decided, some sort of excitement in his voice. Rem always wanted to sing around geoplants too, he remembered.
“So… on the first evening a pebble.
From somewhere out of no where
Drops upon my dreaming world…”
….
“He’s teaching her his song?” Clint asked in disgust. “What’s wrong with him?”
He let out another scratchy cough.
“Don’t even start,” Knives grumbled.
Regaining himself quickly, Clint continued to lead Knives along the homes, following Vash, who repeated Rem’s song with respect.
….
Slowly turning up a driveway, Vash remembered the small little dust-colored house from earlier that day. It had window shutters, and he noticed one window was expressing a large amount of light.
“Do you live here all alone?” He asked, staring at the window.
“No, my older brother lives with me.”
“Oh…sounds fun.”
“Yeah, I guess,” She answered as they came to an abrupt stop in front of the white door Vash had knocked on only hours ago.
She faced him, so close, he could see her few freckles perfectly, and noticed her strawberry blond hair catching the moonlight.
“But he’s not has fun as tonight was.” She smiled bashfully, and looked up into his sea-green eyes. “Thanks.”
“Thanks for going with me.” Vash said, straining to stare into her dark eyes, he meant it, but he wasn’t sure exactly how thankful he was.
Sensing it was time to say goodbye, he wondered what to do next.
“Could I have my jacket back?” He asked.
Vanessa slipped it off.
After he took it back, she continued to stare at him.
It was time to say goodbye… but his heart boomed against his bosom as she closed in on him. Eyes shutting and head tilting, she was coming closer until Vash snapped his eyes shut and then felt her lips against his in a kiss.
This looks almost demented at first, until someone takes a second glance. Meryl was getting married, and Vash had to start letting go.
Afterwards, Vanessa blushed scarlet and jumped to a farewell. “Goodnight, Vash!” She said, and quickly opened and shut the door of her house.
Vash watched her go, his emotions in neutral.
….
Heartbroken, Clint watched in silence.
Knives waited for the remark- the cry “that disgusting woman! Who does she think she it!”…but it never came.
“Clint?” He paused. “Come one, we better get back to the suite.”
He pulled him away from the scene in a fast pace.
….
He had to let her go… She was engaged…
“Clint’s your responsibility, so you have to decide, and if you’re wise, you would choose what’s better for him, instead of what you want!”
Vash remembered the outline, the eyes of Meryl, she was different now, but she was still right. Dragging people he liked into his mess had become a habit; it started with the insurance girls. It’s the selfish part of him…
“…Choose what’s better for him…”
Life is lonely without companionship…
“Vash, we’ll figure this out, I promise,” she had said.
“I wish I could, but I can’t, I’m not cut out for it anymore.” She had said moments later.
“Someone his age shouldn’t be involved with these matters.”
“Clint Stryfe.” Vash said out loud.
He liked waffles with powdered sugar, but didn’t like donuts. He made Vash feel important; in the little way. Vash could get him killed in all this, and then he’d never see him again. No temporary father would do that. He had to go home.
….
Back in the car, Charles appeared quite delighted with himself.
“I’ve never seen Vanessa so happy,” He said. “Well...” he thought back “…on a date,” he added. “She really liked Vash.”
Meryl looked out of the car window. “Do you need help with dinner for the kids?” She asked, changing the subject.
“No, I fed them before I left. You’re coming over right? Miles wants to see you.”
Meryl smiled at the name. Miles was one of Charles’ younger brothers that he worked so hard for, very sweet, along with the rest of them. “I’ll come over, who’s watching them tonight?”
“Katharine.”
“Millie should meet them, she likes kids.” Meryl shared.
Charles parked the car in front of his little house.
“Aren’t you going to return the car?” Meryl asked.
“I’ll do it later tonight,” he decided as they both got out of it.
“Charles!”
Meryl looked up just in time to see four youngsters running pell-mell for them. She gave a small smile as they surrounded their brother.
“How was the date?” The oldest asked.
“Did you kiss her?” Another asked.
“Ewe, gross!”
“Not on a double date,” Charles answered.
“Meryl!” Miles cried.
Smiling, she immediately became the center of attention.
“Are you going to be our sister soon?”
“Soon enough,” she answered.
….
Vash walked in the door of the suite, and was surprised to see Knives and Clint sitting on the couch, waiting for him.
He blinked, they didn’t look…well…cheerful.
Heart pounding, Clint stood up.
Apart from his mingled sadness, Vash sensed something wrong.
“You kissed her!” Clint accused.
Before Vash could ask how he knew, he realized something very different about Clint; something so strong he could nearly taste it. A plant? But Clint couldn’t be…he… Vash was speechless.
“What about Meryl? Don’t you love her?” He half yelled it with distress. “Why did you kiss her?”
Somehow within these few seconds, Vash found his voice. “Clint, you need to stop playing cupid, she’s engaged!” Vash didn’t mean the words to come out so sharp, he didn’t realize he was so agitated about it.
“But you love her!”
“I can’t go chasing taken women, it’s wrong, and she- she doesn’t even know who she is anymore!”
“Help her!” Clint ordered, obviously not satisfied with his response.
“I’ve tried!” Vash said, agitated, he didn’t want to hear it. “It’s time to let her go, she has a life. It’s not my place. How can I love someone who gets so confused with me? She’s lost herself.”
“Help her! Love her!” Clint said again, more hurt than anger now. “You have to love her.”
“It would be one sided and pointless,” Vash said quieter.
“You don’t understand!” Clint stepped closer, tears seeping out from behind his sunglasses. But they were different; instead of just water, they were made of something silver-white, and were shining immensely- not from reflecting light, but the glow seemed to come from inside the tear itself. They didn’t leave a clear trail down his cheeks, but left the glowing silver, slightly more transparent. Vash had never before encountered anything like this.
The plant in this teenager was so strong; he wondered how he hadn’t ever sensed it before. He was no plant Vash had ever come across…
Sunglasses fogging up, Clint’s vision blurred.
“Help me understand,” Vash said, calm and gentle now. What had made Clint so emotional?
Knives watched Vash intently- it was coming…
“Vash, I am your son.” Clint spoke.
“But that’s…impossible, Clint,” Vash said, racking his brain. He tried to find another meaning in Clint’s words. “I’ve never- not by blood.”
“By blood,” Knives answered eagerly.
“You said I wasn’t your father; your father is dead.” Vash fumbled.
“I told you he was lying,” Knives was clearly eating it up.
“No…” Vash’s eyes slightly narrowed. “You made his death so real.”
“I lied about you being my father for everyone’s sake, but…everything else is true. My dad is dead.”
“Then you were adopted? Your adopted dad…”
Clint shook his head, wiping tears from his cheek, smearing silver on the back on his hand. “Vash, you’re dead.”
“I’m very much alive, Clint.”
“Vash,” Knives addressed. “This kid is your kid, and you’re dead, because Clint’s from the future!” He exclaimed.
Clint removed his sunglasses to rub his eyes.
Hearing this 14 year old had gone through time, was his son, and he was dead in his time, was like hearing someone say Millie was a llama in disguise. It was completely unbelievable… until Vash remembered his life story.
When Clint opened his eyes, Vash’s bones went cold. They were white, all white, and Vash could see no pupil, in fact, and there wasn’t any way of telling if Clint could even see.
“Your eyes…” Vash whispered, making a mental note that Clint definitely didn’t wear sunglasses just to be a teenager. “How are you from the future?” He asked.
Clint shook his head. “I’m not sure…something to do with the plants, they react odd with me…something strange happened, but I’ve done something terrible…”
Vash had never seen Clint look so sad.
“Nothing is the same, nothing is right!” He said louder. “My mom hasn’t ever said anything about a man named Charles. Me being here- or whatever has happened- has changed everything! Once I realized where I was, I wanted to change your death, but now I must have ruined everything- everything is wrong…and…I’m afraid, Vash.”
It was a hard concept, but Clint was crying, and Vash couldn’t stand it. He scooped the teen in his arms, and held him close in a hug.
“I’m so afraid,” he whispered. “You and Meryl are supposed to be together.”
“Sh…” Vash hushed as Clint cried. “It’s going to be okay.”
Maybe it was this instinct…or the will to stop his crying that made him say it, because he didn’t know if it would be okay, he didn’t even understand 90 of it.