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They had been driving for a few days now, heading forward in search of Million Knives. Meryl heard ragged breath coming from the back seat, and glanced at her rear mirror. It’s normal to hear some loud gasping with the way they drove through the bumpy lands of the desert, but this time was different.
The ragged breath belonged to Vash, who was leaning against the window, eyes closed and face sweaty. His lips was parted as he took small breaths, his arms wrapped around himself. Wolfwood was asleep next to him, or else Meryl knew the priest would be fussing over Vash in a heartbeat.
“Yo puppy, you okay back there?” It was Roberto that beat her to it. Vash eyes blearly opened and he flash them a smile that looks too forced to be genuine. “Doing great! Aha-ha….”
“Oi newbie, hit the gas. We need to find a town ASAP.” Meryl rolled her eyes. Even after travelling for a while together, this old man still calls her by that nickname!
“You don’t have to tell me twice.” She grumbled and slammed the gas.
After a few hours of driving, a nameless town came into view. Robert got out first to settle their accomodation. Meryl and Wolfwood helped Vash out of the truck.
“I’m alright.” Vash smiled, his blond bangs sticking at his forehead. His glasses were crooked and his face looked absolutely flushed.
“You’re like a furnace right now, needle-noggin.” Wolfwood grunted, gripping at Vash prostatic while the other wrapped around his slender waist. At this close proximity, the usual prostatic is letting out steam, which was unusual.
“Are you having a heat stroke, Vash?” Meryl voice was laced with worry, fanning Vash's face hoping it would help. Vash grimaced but the smile was permanent on his face.
“No, Im okay Meryl. It will ride itself out soon.” Before Merly could protest further, Roberto came out with their room keys.
“You and the puppy are going to share a room together. I trust you can take care of him.” Roberto looked at Wolfwood pointedly. The priest just gave a shrug.
By the time Wolfwood managed to hoist both Vash and the Punisher to their room, Vash was panting. Now out of sight from the old man and the short girl, his face looked pained, like he was coming down with a fever.
“Oi, dont throw the bucket on me, needle-noggin.” The priest put down the Punisher first, before helping Vash sit down on the bed. It's hard being gentle, Wolfwood thought he might have roughed up the sick man because Vash was clinging hard on him, not letting go. When Wolfwood tries to pry those burning hands off of him, Vash lets out a whimper, and tightens his grip. That startled Wolfwood, his body frozen.
Was the fever really that bad to make Vash cling to him like this, or was it something else?
At this close proximity, he got a clear look on the stampede. Vash cheeks was red and flushed. He had sweat running down his face, sticking his hair to his forehead and damping his lashes. His soft lips was parted as he took short breaths, seemingly starving for air. Most importantly, he looking up at Wolfwood like he was his salvation. Those blue eyes, knitted brows giving off the most dangerous puppy eyes on No Man’s Land.
Wolfwood felt his throat run dry.
“Nick, please-” Vash voice, sweet as nectar, begging for him. His hand tugging on the Priest belt, emphasizing on what he wants, and who was Wolfwood to deny his angel?
He pins the man down, mouth ravaging that pale neck. Vash’s sweat is salty, but also sweet. He could lick him dry. Vash was his oasis. They make quick work of taking each other clothes, a familiar rhythm, the feeling of each other body, Vash scar under his hand, the other dips in between the blooming folds, fingering the sticky entrance, as Vash moans underneath him, loud and shameless, moaning Wolfwood name, like a prayer, a mantra, as if Wolfwood could save him.
Fuck he so hard. Who cares if he got sick too after this? No way he going to pass up fucking Vash stupid.
Vash fever subsided the next morning, looking like his usual chirpy self. Before they headed downstairs, they sneak in a few kisses and soft smile at each other. Meryl looked relieved to see Vash doing better now. It's obvious that the girl had attached herself to the outlaw. It's hard not to, with Vash bleeding heart. Wolfwood took a long drag of his cigarette, watching the smoke disappeared into the scorching sky.
They continue their travels, time passed as they hunt down for Knives or even Livio. As much as Wolfwood argued, Vash was stubborn about it. That man. How could he see through him so easily? Nobody had ever been able to read Wolfwood so cleanly like he was an open book, but this man, who wears his heart on his sleeve, can.
“Seems like you’re thinking of something good.” Vash voice snapped him out of his thoughts , along with the cool probe of metal on his cheek.
Wolfwood frown, and that makes Vash grin even more.
“Just wonderin if the next town got some good booze. The previous one suck ass.” Wolfwood grunted and he heard Roberto let out a gruff laugh at the shotgun seat.
“You lot did get some good money tho, catching those wanted.”
Wolfwood grinned, looking over at Vash, who’s big eyes staring up at him. “Well, having the most wanted man around makes good money magnet.”
Vash pouted hearing that, kicking him on the feet. There was not much room for Wolfwood to avoid the hit in the cramp truck seat.
“Am I just bait to you?” Wolfwood felt something being tugged inside him at those big pouty eyes.
“Yeah, especially since you kept tripping and fumbling everytime we had to make a dash for it. Whats up with that anyway?” Even through the sunglasses, Vash knew Wolfwood was squinting at him, questionable.
Vash only gave a sheepish smile but didn't comment on it. Wolfwood wished he did, just so it cleared away the thoughts in his head.
“Vash had always been clumsy.” Meryl chided into their conversation. Vash let out a ‘ha ha’ laugh.
“Meryl is right. I was never good on my feet.” Vash smiled and Wolfwood hated that he lied as easily as he breathed.
Wolfwood rolled his eyes and pulled out another crushed cigarette, leaving the conversation. Vash however, won't leave him alone, their legs brushing against each other, his prostetic arm slide close to Wolfwood's elbow, a finger shyly reaching out and hooking itself around the crease of his suit. Wolfwood sighed, familiar with this dance too and to be honest, as he opened his right arm, the tuft of blond hair snuggling on his shoulder like he belonged there, Wolfwood enjoyed this dance a lot.
If either Meryl or Roberto noticed them in the backseat, neither of them commented on it.
Wolfwood groaned, running through empty allies, instinct made dodging bullets easy. Travelling with the most wanted man alive always going to make them caught up in trouble, like what is happening to them right now.
“Wolfwood, to the left!” Vash shouted, coming to stop only for a second to shoot down at the bounty hunter’s foot, before Wolfwood jerked his arm back to running.
That gave them enough time to outrun the hunters and hide into an abandon shack. The shack is dark, barely enough sunlight peeking through the crack. Wolfwood pulled Vash deeper in, and dragged them both down to hide under a counter. Vash unceremoniously falls down and into Wolfwood chest, breathing ragged and face sweaty. They both were, but Vash looked worse for wear.
“Oi, your loud breathing is going to attract their attention.” Wolfwood grunted, shoving his palm onto Vash's face to silence him.
Vash made a pitiful face, eyes half lidded as he tried to breathe , and something about that face along with the hot breath of Vash breathing on his palm, made something twitched down below.
Wolfwood ignored it.
Vash didnt push his hand away, and slumped even more on Wolfwood and the floor. In the end, Wolfwood pulled his hand away and Vash leaned his head on Wolfwood’s chest, breathing fast but less noisy as before.
“You okay, needle noggin?” Wolfwood denied the worry in his voice, but Vash knew anyway.
Vash didnt reply, still trying to breath. Wolfwood rubbed his back, hoping he could help him, even a little.
Eventually Vash breathing even out and they were just huddling together under the dusty counter.
“Whew, that was a workout, wasn't it?” Vash laughed, mindful to keep his voice low.
Wolfwood raised his eyebrow. “Told you not to eat too much. Now you’re running out of stamina.”
Vash continued to give him that meek smile, his tinted glasses crooked on the nose.
Cute.
What?
Wolfwood squeezed Vash, feeling something of an aggression bubbled up inside him. Vash squirms.
“Wolfwood?” There was a pink hue on Vash pale cheeks as Wolfwood arms moved his sides, up and down his torso, down to his hips, feeling him up. He noticed something.
“Did you gain weight?” There was a scoff coming from his companion, as if Vash was offended by the question.
“Nothing bad of course. Just dont want you slacking off and ended up catching a bullet through that thick head of yours.” Wolfwood nudged his forehead. Vash just squinted and smiled.
“Since its thick, my head is bullet-proof.”
Wolfwood rolled eyes.
They eventually made it out of hiding and reunited with the two reporter, Wolfwood hoisting up the Punisher with one arm and another supporting Vash as they trudged through the heavy sand.
“Im fine.” Vash insisted, but Wolfwood noticed the man slugging behind, steps heavy. The more Wolfwood stared, the more he noticed that Vash did look like he was gaining weight. Did Vash really eat so much that his stomach became round like that?
Vash, noticed Wolfwood was staring him down, covered up his body with that big coat of his, insecure. Wolfwood scoffed.
“I’ve seen you naked before, needle-noggin.” Wolfwood pointed out, watching Vash face blossom in red.
“Its not the same when you’re staring at me right now like you’re judging me!” Vash pried himself off of Wolfwood grip in a show of sulkiness. Wolfwood did not let go.
“So you prefer my bedroom eyes then? Staring at you like I want to eat you up?” He smirked, leaning close to whisper those words in his ear. He saw the red spread down to Vash neck, down his shirt.
“S-Stop…” Vash whined weakly, nudging at Wolfwood side. They both knew he didn't mean it. However, Wolfwood lets him go anyway, because they were within view of their two other companions and the truck. There was a sad look in Vash's eyes that Wolfwood wished nothing more but to kiss them away.
That reminds him. When was the last time he saw Vash naked? It was probably months ago, back when he helped Vash through his fever.
Wolfwood took a drag of his cigarette and breathed out the smoke. When they hit the next town, Wolfwood is going to ask for one room together.
It takes nearly a week with all the gas tank being used up when they found another town. This town is plantless, powered by a working windmill.
Before dropping off the truck at the gas station, they hit the motel first, mainly because Vash seems like he couldn't bare another moment sitting and needs to lay down.
Wolfwood manage to snag him and Vash one room with a double bed. The receptionist didnt even look at them strangely. Either she thought one of the guys will share the bed with Meryl, or she really doesnt care.
“Can you walk?” Wolfwood asks Vash, who has a hunch as he stands.
“Im fine.” Vash smiles but Wolfwood can see it is forced. He grunts and grab on Vash flesh arm, supporting him up to the stairs while his other arm carrying the punisher.
“Im okay!” Vash squeaks, the flush on his face makes him look as if he is embarrassed. However, Wolfwood can feel how Vash is leaning his weight onto Wolfwood, as if begging for the priest to support him.
“Shut up.” Wolfwood grunts as they haul each other into the creaky motel room.
By the time Wolfwood set Vash down on the bed, the guy let out a long sigh as he flops back down, as if this was the most amazing thing in life. Honestly, Wolfwoof agrees. They either been sleeping in the cramp truck or their shitty thin sleeping bag that still make them feel the grains of sand underneath.
Wolfwood put down his Punisher against the wall and shrug off his jacket, carelessly tossing it to the chair along with his shirt. Finally, it so good to be shirtless and let the sweat evaporate off his body.
When he turns his attention back to the bed, he sees Vash staring. When their eyes meet, Vash gives him a soft smile that makes him feel something in his stomach.
“What ya starin at, needle noggin?” Wolfwood grunts, digging his pocket for his cigarettes, but stop just before he lights it up. He remembered a week ago how Vash pleaded for him to stop smoking, or at least not smoke around him.
He growls as he shove back the cigarettes in his pocket. When their eyes met again, Vash expression seems, dare Wolfwood calls it, loving.
“Just enjoying the view.” Vash smile, leaning up on his elbow as Wolfwood gets on top of him, the bed creaks and dips at the new weight.
They met in a surprisingly tender kiss, just appreciating each other taste. The absence of nicotine and smoke from Wolfwood mouth is strange, yet welcoming.
Wolfwood hands start feeling up Vash shoulder and shrugging off his jacket, and thats when Vash froze, pushing at Wolfwood chest. This earn him a raised eyebrows from him.
“Im cold.” Vash lies.
“I can keep you warm.” Wolfwood replies, not missing a beat.
“My body is aching.” Which is a half lie. Wolfwood brows furrowed.
“I can give you a rub.” Damn, why is Wolfwood so nice? The priest doesnt admit it, but Vash can tell.
“I-I dont feel like doing it today.” Which is a big lie. Vash missed the feeling of the man so much.
Wolfwood goes silent, and Vash thought he won until he feels Wolfwood yanking his shirt up. Vash let out a manly yelp as Wolfwood yanks his jacket off in one fell swoop, his black tank top next.
“I miss you.” Wolfwood says through gritted teeth, his cheeks red at the confession. Without their glasses shielding each other eyes, there nothing to hide.
“Its been forever since I last touched you, fuck I miss you so bad, needle noggin.” Wolfwood bury his head in Vash neck. He can feel his breath ghosting his skin. “You’re drivin me crazy here.”
Vash felt his heart tug, from affection and guilt. Wolfwood deserves to know.
“Okay, just… just dont laugh okay.” Vash looks away, as Wolfwood took that as permission to throw off his shirt.
“Its not like I’ve never seen you naked before, needle noggin. What ya acting dramatic for….huh?”
Vash waits for the laughter, the sneer, the disgusting tone but it never came. Vash brave himself to look Wolfwood, wondering what got him so quiet. Did the man figure it out already?
“You gain weight? Is that what you worried about?” Wolfwood frowns.
Now that Vash is shirtless, the distention of his stomach is obvious. It also cause the scars on his body to be even more stretch, along with new pinkish stretch marks.
Vash shook his head and takes Wolfwood hand, guiding it flat on his bulging stomach.
“Can you feel it?”
The frown on Wolfwood brows slowly replace by raised, surprised ones as they felt the kick together, and movement underneath. Vash waits for Wolfwood to say something, the silence is loud in his ears. It took a few minutes that felt like hours to him, for Wolfwood to finally break the ice.
“You’re pregnant?” Wolfwood blurt out. The simplicity of the question, after that tense silence, made Vash let out a chuckle.
“Yes, I am.”
“Since when?”
That question made Vash flushed and bite on his lip.
“Remember that day when I got the fever? The one you helped me with? Yeah, actually, its not a fever. Its my ovulation day.”
Wolfwood eyes couldnt get any wider, finally, pieces are starting to fit into place.
“Shit, needle noggin. That was- like, months ago! 5 months? No wonder you’re acting weird and sluggish. Damn, why didnt you say anything earlier?! To us, or… or to me?”
The surprised finally settle to acceptance, and surprisingly, worry. Vash looks away, couldnt bare with the guilt.
“I was preparing for the worst. I couldnt accept myself if you guys didnt accept me and the baby. I thought I could hide it until delivery but…” But I miss you, Wolfwood.
Wolfwood shut him up with a passionate kiss, biting Vash lip in a growl. “Shut up. Dont think of yourself that way. Dont assume us like that. You should know us better.”
Vash is surprise to hear that. “Wolfwood….”
Despite the boldness in his words, Wolfwood is blushing, as if he was embarrassed.
“Damn, if only I could smoke right now.” He grumbles, leaning back on his knees. “No wonder you didnt want me to smoke.”
Vash sits up and throws his arms around Wolfwood's neck, clinging to him, their skin pressing up against each other. Wolfwood grunts but places his arm around Vash's waist, pulling him close into a snuggle.
“Thank you, Wolfwood.” Vash kisses his lips. “For accepting us.”
“Well, I gotta take responsibility. I'm not that much of a jerk.” The priest grins before frowning. “It is mine, right?”
That question made Vash burst into laughter. It is such a stupid question, but it did wonders to lighten the mood between.
They will deal with the consequences of their actions later. Right now, Vash is content knowing Wolfwood wont leave him.