This takes place at the end of episode 26 - Under the Sky so Blue.

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Forever

Rem... I will continue to believe in you - but from now on I'll look to my own words for guidance.
       It was an ending. Knives draped over his shoulder, Vash walked steadily back to town, the pain of his own injuries ignored. Strangely, almost ominously calm, now that the struggle of more than a century was over, now that he'd won, if you could really call it that... It would take time - though time was something they had in abundance - but he would show his brother the value of the humans, how precious they were. And together, they could - one day, maybe - release their sibling Plants to live as they always should have done, free and unfettered. Giving their energies to the act of creation. Enriching the land for the good of all.
       Oh Wolfwood - I wish you could be here to share this...
       He sighed, remembering the voice that had, literally, saved his life.

What are you doing, needle-noggin? It's right next to you. Use it, dammit!

He bit back tears. I miss you. I miss you so much.
       His head shot up as he heard that well-remembered chuckle.
       Now, you didn't honestly think I'd leave you on your own, did you? You need looking after, my friend.
       Vash came to a dead stop, eyes huge.
       Wolfwood?
       You were expecting someone else?
       The tears overflowed.
       Wolfwood? But - you died...
       He could almost see that much-loved smile.
       Well, I guess not all of me died...
       Vash fell to his knees, sobbing, eyes wild.
       Wolfwood! Where are you?...
       The voice became warm, gentle. Wrapped him up in the love they'd known for so very short a time.
       All around you.
       I don't understand...
       I'm here to take care of you. The voice turned wry. Kind of like a guardian angel. Kind of ironic, that, isn't it? This is supposed to be my atonement for all the lives I took.
       He laughed. It was clear and innocent and happy, like a child's laughter.
       I guess I was forgiven, after all...
       Tears streaming down his face, Vash hugged himself, Knives forgotten beside him.
       You're really here?
       He could see Wolfwood, outlined in a haze of gold. The vision smiled and laid a shimmering hand on his face.
       I'm really here. I love you too much to ever leave you. Unless you want me to, anyway... The image wrapped translucent arms around him, and he caught his breath.
       I can feel you.
       I'm glad. I can feel you too.
       Vash pulled back slightly, gazing into Wolfwood's face. The deep blue eyes were smiling, sparkling with a joy he'd had far too short a time to enjoy while alive.
       I... I can't believe this!
       Why not? It's no stranger than finding out you're a Plant. Knowing you might live forever. Having the ability to destroy a planet if you choose - or create an Eden instead. The possibilities are endless. C'mon, lover, you're the one who's always saying the ticket to the future is always open!
       Turquoise eyes filled with wonder.
       You called me 'lover'.
       It bothers you?
       The blond head shook. No. I like it very much - Nicholas.
       Wolfwood brushed a tangible kiss across a pale cheek still streaming with tears, then gestured towards the recumbent, unconscious Knives.
       You'd better get him into town. You have your work cut out for you, convincing him to change his mind.
       You'll help me?
       As much as I can. Which isn't much, I'm afraid - it's up to you to make it work. I'm really just here to love you and keep an eye on you. He grinned and glanced again at Knives. I don't know how he'll take to sharing you with me.
       Vash managed a smile.
       He's had his own way for 130 years. It's my time now. He'll learn.
       Wolfwood chuckled.
       Yeah. You'll drown him in so much love he'll have no choice!
       Vash sighed, happily, reaching to brush a hand against Wolfwood's face, smiling as the strange, silky, not-quite-solid surface sparkled and tingled under his fingertips. Wolfwood leaned into the contact, kissing Vash's palm, then pulling back slightly.
       C'mon. You have a world to build. A real world, where we can live our lives in peaceful days.
       Vash choked back a sob, smiling. With no wars, and no stealing.
       Wolfwood nodded. A place that isn't run by fear.
       A place where people can live and actually trust other human beings. He stood, lifting Knives back onto his shoulder, easily, painlessly, his injuries gone. He frowned.
       Nicholas..?
       Wolfwood nodded.
       Yup. Forgot to mention. I got me some small healing powers too. Thought you could probably live without those particular gunshot wounds.
       Vash smiled. The beautiful smile no-one but Wolfwood had ever seen.
       Anything else you'd like to tell me about?
       Wolfwood grinned, mischievously.
       Nah. It'll be more fun for you to find out as we go!
       Vash gazed at him, suddenly sombre.
       Nicholas - are you really here? To stay?
       Wolfwood wrapped long arms around him, and for just one moment Vash could have sworn he saw soft golden wings at the man's back. Then they were gone, and he was enfolded once more in that warm, loving presence. At peace.
       Yes, lover. I'm really here. To stay. Forever.

© 2001 Joules Taylor August 26^th


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