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Midnight Rendezvous
The wide open night gazed down at Vash on top of Meryl's truck. Their entourage had parked for the evening, set up camp, and Vash had offered to take night watch so Meryl could be rested enough to drive again in the morning. She had hugged him tight and thanked him ceaselessly, only stopping once she fell asleep against him. Roberto apologized on her behalf, rousing her just enough to guide her by the shoulders to her bed roll, where she promptly plopped, rustled her way under, and rightly passed the hell out. They'd driven two days straight already and she didn't trust any of the guys to drive. Which was smart. It's probably why the car was still running. Roberto had waved good night to Vash as he sat on his own bed roll opposite the campfire from Meryl, and after a few sips of his alcohol and a cigarette or two, he too dozed off to sleep.
This left Vash and Wolfwood awake and on patrol duty. Vash had politely excused himself and went to rest on top of the truck, perched where he loved to be most these days. Or nights? He looked around, taking in the horizon as the last trickles of red and pink hues sank behind the dunes far off in the distance, and lost his breath at the sight of the moons and stars returning to fill the navy expanse above them. He gazed, and he gazed, and he gazed. Recalling the star charts he'd seen on the SEEDS ship, seeing which were around for the season, catching a glimpse of a couple of shooting stars, and there were even some insect worms flying lazily through the air, on a warm draft high above them, too small to make out details if you didn't know what they already were. And as time passed, he felt that sinking sensation creeping in again. His smile faded and the distant emotion seeped in, his vision unfocusing and blurring at the edges. The sky seemed to spread on further and further, almost out of his control—stretching like a tunnel, and all at once he felt so small again, like he'd float up into that great expanse of space any second and never set foot back down on solid ground. A tight fear started to rouse in his chest.
“Where do you go, so far away, when you look up at the sky like that?” Wolfwood murmured, more to himself but loud enough that Vash could hear him. Vash startled, with a gasp and jolt of his kicked up feet, and his head snapped towards Wolfwood's voice. The man was half hanging over the edge of Meryl's car, standing on the ladder leading up. Wolfwood's chin rested in his hand easily, just staring at Vash looking up the twilit night. Vash let out a shaky laugh, pressing his hand to his racing heart, feeling like he was caught doing something he shouldn't.
“You scared the crap outta me..” Vash breathed out. Wolfwood stuck his tongue out at him good-naturedly, and that roused a genuine, airy laugh from Vash.
“Not my fault you were thinkin' so hard you didn't even feel the car move, space cadet,” Wolfwood teased flatly.
Vash, still reclined, shifted over on the roof and made room for Wolfwood and patted the open space next to him, welcoming. Wolfwood huffed as he stepped up the last few rungs of the ladder and slowly nudged over to the space next to Vash, letting the weight of their day make his body heavy as he settled in. Vash had their luggage piled together behind him to rest against, and they both lay back together now. They turned to look up at the sky together; all that blue, stars, and moons peering back down at them. A warm breeze and comfortable silence coasted through.
“Didja eat?” Wolfwood asked, and he felt Vash flinch against him, fingers fidgeting with the hem of his duster jacket.
“Uhh...” Vash scrambled, trying for a lie, but looked down when Wolfwood dropped a small box of rations on his belly. Dried nuts and bits of fruit. For the first time that day, Vash's mouth watered some in anticipation of the sugar-dusted dried fruit. He took the box gingerly and gave a nervous laugh. Caught again.
“Eat, Blondie. I won't rehash the conversation. Just don't want you dyin' out on us.” Wolfwood took a bit of wrapped dried meat from his pocket and snapped a piece with his teeth before offering some to Vash. Vash reached for it gratefully, sticking the half in his mouth so he could suck the salt and spices off one end. His stomach growled loudly in response. Vash felt the color drain from his face and prayed that if Wolfwood really had a god he devoted to, that if he could just smite him real quick, that'd be super neat right now. Vash tried to sink and hide behind the collar of his duster when Wolfwood snorted before letting out a genuine bark of laughter.
“I've gotta check in with you more if you're gonna neglect your poor stomach like that. Hmm... Maybe I'll get Meryl to take turns too...” Wolfwood drawled his tone like he did, when he really wanted to strike fear and tease someone. With jerky still sticking out of his mouth, Vash sputtered and reached over to cover Wolfwood's mouth, eyeing Meryl sleeping down on the ground. She shifted in her sleep and rolled away from them, facing the fire, before snuggling deeper into her bedroll.
“NO, please, anything but that! She'll kick my ass if she knew I was pushing off meals again—” Vash begged frantically, keeping his voice a low whisper.
“Ohhh.. Multiple meals, huh? I oughta kick your ass too at that rate...” Wolfwood drawled again from under Vash's hand, so it came out muffled and his breath hot, but the fear wasn't lost on Vash. Vash's eyes narrowed, determined to keep Wolfwood's silence,
“I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I'll try my best to eat more often!” Wolfwood hummed, mocking consideration, and laid back against his side of the luggage, but still raising an eyebrow at Vash.
“I promise! Okay?! And don't tell Roberto either, he's taken to sicking Meryl on me when I don't listen, too. That's bad enough as it is...” Wolfwood smiled under Vash's hand like the devil getting his way, and he reached over to pick one of the dried fruit pieces from Vash's box and held it over Vash's mouth, waiting. Vash watched and lifted his hand from Wolfwood mouth as he bit at the fruit piece. Wolfwood's smile softened then, satisfied when Vash hummed with the taste that melted over his tongue.
“You'd better.” Wolfwood mumbled, getting the last word in, and returned to his own rations. He popped a almond into his mouth and crunched it loudly between his teeth. Vash settled back into his own spot and continued munching as well, and when he took to another bite of the jerky, he let himself make a slightly obscene noise as the flavor reached his taste buds. Wolfwood laughed quietly. He couldn't blame Vash, and maybe if he hadn't just grilled him for not eating, he would've teased him for the noise. But not this time. He was just glad Vash was getting something in his stomach. It had been a few days since his last meal and Vash always thought he was slick at hiding it.
“I know, s'good shit. Few things hit better than dried meet after a long-ass day.” Vash hummed enthusiastically in agreement, gnashing through the piece until it was safe to swallow. He cleared his throat a bit and Wolfwood held a canteen over, eyeing him wryly, knowing. Vash rolled his eyes and took the canteen, lightly shoving Wolfwood's shoulder as he made his way to sit up and drink properly. One mouthful down and then he was laying back down, handing the canteen back.
“Why do you know my eating habits so well? Oh, I know, you just can't keep your eyes off me, huh?” Vash struck a flirtatious pose, brushing his bangs aside a bit dramatically.
“No! Never! Because if I did, you'd fucking go missing or die or get wrecked to hell, like you already do!” Wolfwood nagged, grin wide and accusing.
Vash snickered and felt heat bloom all the way up to his ears, letting his palm fall flat against his face to hide from Wolfwood's unfortunately accurate scrutiny. He could feel his stupid grin pulling his lips, and he dared to peek an eye open to look at Wolfwood, who was now smiling warmly back at him. His dark, coal eyes were easy-going, gentle. Vash stared for a moment too long, letting himself get lost in that gaze, before minding himself and dragging his own eyes away. But his smile stayed. His blushed mellowed to something sweeter and it fluttered down to his stomach, which seemed to be more and more common these days. Nights?
“There you go with that blinding smile again,” Wolfwood said with an exasperated sigh. “You really do wear it well.”
“'Blinding'?? Are you trying to flatter me? It's kind of working for me,” Vash said, a half-tease and half-truth.
“Hey, I'm serious. It's not often you see a smile reach someone's eyes out here in this desert.” Wolfwood lightly bumped his knee against Vash's like it would help make his point, and Vash couldn't stop his laugh from bubbling out of him. Another short silence settled in as a new group of worms flew overhead.
“Thank you, by the way. For.. for the food, and just,” he made a vague gesture with his prosthetic hand since his flesh one was busy searching for an almond, “Checking on me. And, for everything?... Yeah. For everything.” Wolfwood hummed again, swallowing down a dried fruit chunk. The rumble of his voice felt like warm honey, pouring down somewhere deep over and into his ribcage,
“Hmm.. Know what? You're welcome,” Wolfwood replied, content. Like he was happy that he'd gone out of his way and Vash had noticed. Vash's heart swelled, for what reason, he wouldn't place. His eyes widened just a bit, taking in the sight of Wolfwood's smile as he looked back up at the sky. He looked handsome here under the moonlight, with his dark shades perched up on top of his head, sparkling stars reflected in his eyes. He finished off the piece of dried meat and then closed up his box. He chanced a glance over towards Wolfwood, who was already watching him carefully, a warning of a smirk stretching his lips.
“I'm saving some for later! I had a bunch, don't worry.”
“Small box counts as a bunch?”
“Hey, they're called 'rations' for a reason, I gotta save some for if I get hungry later—“
“When you get hungry,” Wolfwood supplied.
“When I get hungry later,” Vash corrected himself. “Nag, nag—“
“Ohhh Meeeryll—“
“NO, I'M SORRY—“ Vash covered Wolfwood's mouth again even though they had been whispering throughout their conversation. He nudged Wolfwood's side with his knuckle, which got a bit of an evil chuckle from Wolfwood. “Oh, you are the worst! Why do I let you hang out with me!”
“That's my line, Blondie.” Vash went to retort, but paused. Then, he asked,
“...Why do you let me hang out with you?” Vash exchanged his playful banter for a curious tone, voice soft and whispered. After all the chaos, the constant running, the bounty, the rumors, the overall inconvenience that was Vash the Stampede's company. What was it? Why? Wolfwood paused, too, looked at Vash and then back up to the sky, like he was really considering the reason. Or maybe reasons? As the silent moments passed, Vash held his breath.
“...Is it enough to say that I just.. want you to be around...?” The words fall out slowly, like something fragile—something timid that laced through his voice which was usually so scratched on arid winds and sands. It was like they came out more honest than he intended, but he didn't expound further. Vash digested the answer carefully as they left Wolfwood's lips, and they melted over Vash with a flush across his cheeks. He leaned up a bit without realizing, trying to get a clearer view of Wolfwood's eyes. Vash could tell, could always tell—but this time, Wolfwood meant what he said. Vash's jaw went a little slack and he felt dazed as he let the honesty sink into every muscle and bone he had. Wolfwood simply wanted him around. Wolfwood's eyes finally dragged from the stars above to meet Vash's gaze, as if seeing Vash in a new way. His expression still seemed tight with confusion over his own confession, but he looked at Vash unflinching.
Vashed breathed in, “You really mean that,” his voice carrying the awe his heart was swelling with, and it sounded more like a statement than a question. Wolfwood looked into Vash's eyes a moment longer, solidifying his thoughts.
“I do.” Simple. True. Wolfwood reached up and touch Vash's cheek, careful of the lenses of his sunglasses. His thumb felt so gentle as it swept beneath Vash's left eye, along his freckle line. Vash gasped softly, feeling the moisture smear away, and more tears collected along his lash line, threatening to drip over again. They did. He saw something soft flick across Wolfwood's expression, his eyebrows relaxing, something understanding, patient, something else Vash still wouldn't name. Not yet. It wasn't his to hold and name yet.
“I—I'm, 'm sorry,” Vash mumbled, wiping at the other side of his face as more tears curled down his cheeks. He closed his eyes and tried to take a breath to ground himself. He felt his sunglasses being taken away, with the gentlest fingers Vash could remember feeling in a long, long time, and after hearing the clicks of the metal arms being folded, he felt warm, calloused fingers wrap around his wrist.
“Com'ere.” Vash gave in so easily. It was always so easy with Wolfwood, to follow him, to hear him, to find and stand right next to him again, in all days they were together. He followed Wolfwood's hands, pulling him to lay back down on the truck's rooftop, and when Wolfwood made to lift his arm and wrap it around Vash's back, Vash allowed it. He lay closer to Wolfwood than he ever had before, right up against him, so his cheek pressed warm against Wolfwood's shoulder. In this proximity, he could smell the probably days' old cologne on his neck. It mixed with the smell of cigarette smoke, gunpowder, a bit of sweat and musk from all of them being out in the desert for days. But in the cool night, it was all faint, comforting even. Smelling something other than sand, dust, dirt, and worm carcass was like a luxury on Gunsmoke. Vash couldn't help himself and he huddled against Wolfwood's frame, curling his legs up behind him so his heels were tucked against his own thighs. Wolfwood' reached over and pulled the lower half of Vash's coat up and over so Vash's legs were covered as much as they could be. Vash whispered a small thank you, and Wolfwood returned his hand to Vash's back, trailing languid circles where he could reach. He followed Vash as he took in a deep breath and sighed out. It was surprising how relieving having someone breathing, next to you, with you, could really be. Vash scrubbed at his eyes again, trying to will the tears away more as they slowed. His eyes stung from the perpetual sand in the air and the leftover tears, and he dared to reach up and play with one of the unused buttons on Wolfwood's shirt. Wolfwood made no move to stop him, and if Wolfwood was watching him, Vash couldn't see. He surmised that that was okay. And that any stolen glances were probably more common in their daily travels than Vash realized.
“I want you around, too.” Vash whispered it, like it was a secret for just the two of them. Maybe it was. Or maybe it was a prayer... a confession. He folded his fingers into his palm but kept his hand resting against Wolfwood's chest. “...Is that okay?”
Wolfwood's arm flexed under Vash's head a bit as he hugged Vash a tighter, like that was his answer, then spoke, so softly that it felt like Vash's heart would break, “ 'Course.”
Vash felt a few more tears well at the corners of his eyes, and they fell silently. He wiped them away with the heel of his gloved hand, tired, and returned his hand to Wolfwood's chest. Wolfwood had never stopped trailing his fingers over Vash's side and back, soothing. It was working. Vash tried to bite back his yawn but couldn't, and it left him.
“Sleep, Spikey. I'll take first watch.” Vash could hear a smile in his voice, and a warmth like whiskey on your tongue.
“Are you sure? I can stay up and take...” Vash's voice drifted, despite his best effort. How was Wolfwood so warm and comfortable to Vash after a day out in the desert? He felt Wolfwood laugh, dreamy to Vash's ears.
“Yeah. I don't think you could wake up just yet even if you tried.” Vash was slipping out of consciousness, so close that he almost thought he imagined Wolfwood's fingers brushing blond hair from Vash's face and pressing a kiss to the top of his head. “Sleep well, Vash.”
And with that, Vash slipped right into hazy black. Warm. Enduring. Safe.
* * *
When Vash woke, it was still plenty dark out, and silent. The stars still shone brightly through that navy ink he fell asleep under, but another moon was parked up in the sky now, tinged with red as the other green and blue ones glistened further in the distance than before. He worked his jaw carefully, stretching out the soreness he always had from clenching his jaw during sleep, and realized that he was laying against Wolfwood, right as he had been when he fell asleep. Wolfwood was still trailing his fingers over Vash's hip and the sensation made Vash's spine relax again. He was distantly aware that they would probably need to talk about this, this intimacy, later, but not now. He stretched the thought away lazily, reaching his right arm over Wolfwood's torso and his right leg away from them off the side of the truck, pointing his toe until his ankle gave a satisfying pop noise. When he sighed and let his right arm flop over Wolfwood's middle, he felt Wolfwood laugh again. Vash recognized the smell of a burning cigarette and he angled his head up to watch Wolfwood breathe in a drag, hold it, and then let it out, practiced and controlled. Remnants of smoke curled from his lips, and he let the end of the cigarette almost burn out before snuffing it against the side of the car, brushing the ash away so it wouldn't leave a mark. He dropped the butt down on the ground, and Vash assumed that's where it would probably stay. He watched Wolfwood settle his hand back behind his head, relaxed and with eyes half-lidded. Vash whispered,
“Feeling anxious?” Vash tilted his head, as if to further express his curiosity.
“Nah. Just feels nice sometimes. Helps even me out, going through the motions and habit, I guess.” Vash's eyes drifted down, landing on Wolfwood's neck, where he could see the pulse beat from Wolfwood's jugular. Wolfwood must've been watching the pinch of concern along Vash's brow, because he spoke up again, popping a lollipop in his mouth from what seemed like thin air.
“Come on, Spikes, don't look at me like that. Smoking isn't gonna kill me—plenty of other things would get to me first. Besides, those vials I take patch even that up. I'm probably the healthiest smoker this planet's got.” He sounded confident, which Vash wasn't too convinced on, but he let it go when he felt Wolfwood's thumb at his cheek again, this time trailing down slowly along his jawline. He leaned into Wolfwood's touch, his eyes slipping closed on their own.
“You better not...” die. Vash couldn't finish it, and instead swallowed the thought away, focusing on the feeling of Wolfwood's hand, and his pulse, here and now. Against his cheek, along his side, their legs close enough to tangle together. Wolfwood's thumb traced the same trail again and Vash felt himself hugged just a bit tighter.
“Nah... not goin' anywhere. Not without ya.” Another promise Wolfwood made without realizing it that night. Or maybe he did. He could've fully meant that, too. It sounded like he did. Distant again. Distracted and focused all at once. Vash opened his eyes to back into Wolfwood's. His smile was sure, and with the lollipop sticking out from his lips, Vash's heart fluttered at how simply happy Wolfwood looked, because he was looking at Vash. The sturdy resolve in those obsidian cores. Oh yes, they'd have to discuss this at length another time. When they could have privacy. Vash let out a sigh at that look, completely and utterly smitten.
“Did you sleep okay?” Wolfwood asked, letting his fingers drop from Vash's cheek to fix something in his blonde locks before returning it to leisure behind his head. Vash sighed into Wolfwood's hold, relishing the contact,
“I think so. Probably some of the best sleep I've ever had.” He covered his mouth as another yawn escaped him. “How long was I out for?”
“Hmm, maybe a couple hours, 3 tops?” Wolfwood mused. Vash peeked over Wolfwood's frame to check on Roberto and Meryl, who were both still sleeping soundly. Meryl's nose twitched a bit, and she sneezed herself awake blearily, blinking twice with narrowed, annoyed eyes, before huffing at herself for disturbing precious sleep and rolling back away from them. Vash thought she heard her mutter some curse about sand and getting everywhere. Roberto was still out cold, snoring quietly in peace. Vash was relieved by the sight, thankful for an uneventful evening so they could all sleep easy. He lay his head back down against Wolfwood's chest. Wolfwood was drawing circles over Vash's skin again, still gazing up at the stars and enjoying the peace that could come with night on Noman's Land. They had no where to be. As diurnal human biology dictated, their only responsibility to do at night was rest.
“Are you ready to sleep? We can trade, I'll keep watch for us.” Vash offered. He leaned his head back to look up at Wolfwood, who he caught on the tail end of a yawn. Vash grinned, his eyes half-lidded with knowing, and he began to lift himself up off of Wolfwood. “Ah, yes. Your turn.” Wolfwood huffed, rubbing at some sand in his eyes.
“Yeah, I could snooze for a bit. Cover for me, wouldya?” He opened one eye at Vash as he finished rubbing the sand out of the other, and Vash had to stifled a yelp when Wolfwood rolled over to bury his face against Vash's belly. His arm draped over Vash's waist and he settled in on his left side. The satisfied smirk on his face was making Vash's heart rate rise; Wolfwood knew exactly what he was doing! Vash floundered briefly, checking back down at Roberto and Meryl to see if they saw anything. Still snoring. Vash let himself relax some at that, and then looked back down at Wolfwood. Who was peering back up at him. Those dark irises sparkled from this angle under the moonslight. Vash relaxed more, ending up leaning against their pile of luggage they were using as pillows and wrapping his prosthetic arm around Wolfwood's form like he had done for Vash. He bent his legs a bit to get more comfortable, and Wolfwood bent his own to press against Vash's, so they were both snug together. Vash let him, and he swallowed to try to calm his own heartbeat. He wondered if Wolfwood could hear it, the hot thumping in his chest. Proximity had been a thing Vash gave up long ago. He never thought he'd experience it again. How could it feel like he was experiencing it for the first time all over, right here like this? He reached up to Wolfwood's face, tracing the hairline under his bangs and pushing the hair there aside to get a clearer view. Wolfwood hummed lightly, approving, and when Vash's fingers paused at the faded sideburn, Wolfwood looked up at Vash with tired eyes,
“What're you thinkin' about in that pretty head of yers now, Blondie?” Wolfwood's accent drawled on the sleepier he was getting, and Vash tucked that away in his heart to keep for himself. It was incredibly endearing. Vash noted that he was finding a lot of things endearing about this man in his arms that he hadn't seen before. Or maybe he had and he just didn't let himself grasp the reality of what was happening until now. Vash smiled at the nickname and breathed out a laugh through his nose, and traced constellations along the sunmarks that scarcely dotted Wolfwood's skin.
“How lovely your skin is. It's such a beautiful olive tone. It looks so handsome with your dark hair and eyes.” Honesty returned for honesty. He let the truth smooth over his nerves, and Vash watched the words work over Wolfwood's expression. Felt the minute shift in Wolfwood's jaw as his lips went slack in shock, and then how the half smile tugged in and a sharpened canine peeked out. Wolfwood liked that more than Vash thought he would.
“If you think I'm that handsome, better snatch me up before someone else does.” He winked up at Vash, and the blonde laughed, both in good nature and from wrestling with his own nerves again. Wolfwood nestled his forehead back against Vash's ribs and pulled him closer with strong arms, and then sighed again. “Though, if you keep flirtin' with me like that, I might just snatch you up myself.”
Vash breathed in and felt the slightest crack in his voice go with it. For the sake of his poor heart, Wolfwood said nothing, just continued to hold around Vash's waist and let himself drift off. It wasn't long before Vash felt Wolfwood's fingers wandering again, drawing those lazy, aimless circles along his back. Vash wondered if Wolfwood found comfort in doing that, and then tucked that detail away for himself, too. Maybe he'd get the chance to ask about it another time. Vash looked down at Wolfwood, dancing his eyes over those dark features, the layers of his hair, the dark lashes and tired lines beneath them, the sharper lines and dips of his lips and jaw. Had Wolfwood watched him like this, too? Stealing glances in-between checking the perimeter. Speaking of which, Vash looked up, checking down at Meryl and Roberto—safe—and then the land around them. All quiet. The red tinted moon above shimmered down at him, and a small stream of glowworms glistened in the distant sky towards them.
Vash looked back down at Wolfwood, and that arm around his waist shifted a bit, pulled him even closer. Vash let himself be brought in and Wolfwood breathed out. Wolfwood's arm felt so solid around his waist. How much muscle could he be hiding under that suit, Vash wondered. If he really wanted to get away, could he? … Would he?
“How are you so warm...” Wolfwood's sleepy voice pulled Vash from his own thoughts, and his ears tinged with heat in response. “Even at night like this...” Wolfwood's voice slipped away again. Vash smiled shyly to himself. Wolfwood was sharp. He picked up on things about Vash, the inhuman pieces of his biology, whenever he had a moment closer to Vash than normal. Vash propped his head up, rested his cheek in his prosthetic hand, and moved his other hand to sink his fingertips into Wolfwood's abyss of hair. He trailed his fingertips over Wolfwood's scalp, and startled when Wolfwood's chest rumbled against him. Like the satisfied groan or purr of a beast.
Ohhhohoh. Vash's smile turned dopey, elated. He moved his fingers slowly along Wolfwood's scalp tracing his hairline around the nape of his neck, taking a moment to scratch at the short hairs in the back, and then back up and around Wolfwood's head. Vash all but preened when Wolfwood angled his head to give Vash access to more real estate, anywhere he could massage. Vash was happier to oblige than he could ever admit. Eventually Vash found a rhythm, between what felt natural and easy for him to do and what seemed to please Wolfwood. He knew he'd found the right pattern when Wolfwood's head dropped like dead weight, nestled right against Vash's sternum and snoring lightly. Right where he belongs, Vash thought to himself.
Vash continued to trail his fingers there even after Wolfwood fell asleep, and he checked the perimeter again. Meryl and Roberto were still safe. The fire dimmed to an embering glow, but he wasn't concerned about relighting it since the temperature was so mild. No need to use more fire starters than necessary. He extended his hearing out far and wide, listening for creatures, bandits, humans, or anything else. He heard a gentle buzzing from far, far away, and when he looked in the direct of it, saw the stream of glowworms he'd seen a while go had drifted closer. A few rolled through the sky over them, far up in the atmosphere as they rode a warm current that was blowing through, and eventually the rest followed suit. Vash smiled at the easy beauty of the sight, the glow of the green dots smattering across the dark inky sky was breathtaking. He spent the slow time passing by watching them drift up and away, towards the direction the group would set out on tomorrow, to the next town where beds, real food, and resources could be found.
He looked down at Wolfwood again, bundled up in his arms. He was still holding onto Vash tightly, but his features were relaxed. Vash smiled to himself, biting his lip to keep his giddiness from bubbling up. It was harder to ignore Wolfwood's magnetism when they were close like this, when Wolfwood was letting him hold him like this. They had all been traveling together for a while now, and after everything they'd faced together so far, Vash and Wolfwood had started to really lean into each other. This was a whole new frontier, but the prospect wasn't unfamiliar to Vash—he'd daydreamed about nights like this becoming “normal.” Caught himself praying for it. Knew it wasn't realistic and it was selfish, but wanted it anyway. The more Wolfwood took his time in Vash's company, the more Vash got to see. Got to draw out of Wolfwood. He wanted to learn more. Anything, it didn't really matter what. Whatever Wolfwood wanted him to know, whatever he didn't even realize about himself. Every new day was another to learn about him. He couldn't deny, at least to himself, at some point along the way, Vash had become a little lovestruck. And then more lovestruck. And tonight was not doing him any favors in the Play It Fucking Cool initiative. His excitement rose like carbonation eager to release, and he staved off his voice by wrapping his arm around Wolfwood to hug him close, smiling like an idiot to himself. He froze when he felt Wolfwood hug back and give a groggy hum, though it definitely sounded pleased.
“Vash...” Wolfwood's breath was hot against Vash's shirt, his voice low as he spoke in his sleep. Vash waited, and when Wolfwood went back to snoring, he let himself relax again.
Vash gazed at Wolfwood's face once more, watching a bit of dark hair fall over his eyes. This time, Wolfwood stayed still, lightly snoring. Vash tucked that glance away, too, just for him. He smiled gently at his friend, and then reached up into his bag that was mostly under Wolfwood to grab out his book he'd been working on for the rest of his watch shift. The moons were still bright up in the sky.
* * *
Vash had gotten through about a third of his book when he closed it, finally conceding that there wasn't enough light to read properly or safely for his eyes. It was around this time that Wolfwood began to stir as well, as the second to last moon was sinking behind the horizon and a dusting of pink was just threatening the promise of the suns' return for the new day ahead. Vash tucked his book away into his bag and watched as Wolfwood attempted to rouse himself awake. He tilted his head to the side to look up, blinking one narrowed eye up at Vash in silence, like he was trying to remember why he was here, holding Vash, sleeping outside, and why it was starting to get warmer. He groaned as he remembered, and shoved his face back against Vash's ribs, hugging him tighter and scrunching his legs up in defiance of the day. Completely opposite of the nonchalant grace he'd had early in the night.
Vash laughed quietly and returned his fingers to Wolfwood's scalp, scratching patterns through is hair. Wolfwood stilled and then went limp, letting out that low purr-adjacent noise again. He let Vash continue, which he did for few minutes, eating up the opportunity. Vash petted the hair back into place of just normal bedhead and not 'Vash had his hands in my hair all night' bedhead.
“Good morning,” Vash whispered against Wolfwood's hair. There was still another hour before true sunrise. He wanted Merly and Roberto to sleep as long as possible. The fire had died out about an two hours ago, and both of them seemed to be resting peacefully. Hopefully that would mean a happy Meryl which would bring everyone good fortune for the day ahead. They had one more day of travel before reaching a functioning town with the promise of beds and food and drink. Vash would do his part in keeping that deal in their future.
“No,” Wolfwood mumbled gruffly into Vash's shirt. Vash snorted gently at Wolfwood's defiance.
“Oh, right, you're not a morning person. Sorry about that.”
“What was your first clue, Spikey...” Still muffled against his shirt. Vash could feel Wolfwood's warm breath through the fabric of his shirt. Vash put his fingers back into Wolfwood's hair, which seemed to improve Wolfwood's temper. A few beats of silence passed before Wolfwood growled out, “What time is it...?”
“There's still time before sun-up, but we'll have to wake the others soon if we want to pack up while it's still cool out.” Wolfwood sighed in frustration at the idea of having to let go of Vash or get off his butt. Neither of them should complain really, since neither of them were driving (nor were they ever permitted to thanks to Meryl's strict rules with the truck), but another day of heat and cramped seats and broken static radio wasn't on either of their lists for “A Good Fucken Time.” Vash hummed thoughtfully and took a chance to try to help encourage Wolfwood to wake up for the day.
“Hey,” Vash started, waiting for Wolfwood. He turned his head reluctantly from Vash's shirt to peer up at him, his eyes still foggy with sleep. Vash brushed the back of his fingers against Wolfwood's cheek, which made Wolfwood sigh and lean into the touch. He opened his eyes again to look back up at Vash more clearly now, and he gave him a small smile. “Good morning,” Vash said, sweeter than he'd meant to, but he didn't regret it when Wolfwood's smile stretched bigger.
“Good morning, Vash.” Those coal eyes looked more relaxed than they had in days, Vash noticed. Vash felt his own gaze soften at that.
“Did you sleep okay?” Vash waited as Wolfwood turned his head to yawn away from Vash's face.
“ 'Think so. Helps when you've got a great space heater.”
Vash laughed lightly. “Thought you might be the type that runs hot when you sleep. I was worried you'd get too warm like this.”
“Nah. I regulate fine, I think. This was nice... I ...” Vash removed some dirt he hadn't seen on Wolfwood's cheek in the dark as he listened, “I think I slept good.” Wolfwood sounded confused. But a good confused.
“I'm glad to hear that.” Vash smiled at him fully, pleased at Wolfwood's response. A moment passed, and Vash spoke up again. “I was thinking...” he settled back down onto their pile of luggage to rest with Wolfwood, in the probable last half hour they had together before having to get up from this. “This was... really nice. I wasn't expecting the night to go like this. And if I'm honest, it was pretty, well.. wonderful. Maybe... when we reach the town tonight, if you want... since we'll be at a bar for the first time in a while, we can save money to use at the bar and... share a single room...” Vash trailed off, trying to gauge Wolfwood's expression as he listened. Wolfwood's eyes traveled over Vash's face as he listened, darting carefully between looking at Vash's eye and then his lips as he spoke, then back to his eye, then the other eye. Despite his attempt at a poker face, Vash could see something working between Wolfwood's eyes, some kind of gears turning, weighing options. Almost half a beat after Vash trailed off, Wolfwood's eyes softened as he looked fully at Vash again, and he smiled. It wasn't quite a “Wolfwood grin”—this smile reached his eyes.
“Yeah. Let's do that.” Vash smiled shyly and looked away, resting his arm around Wolfwood's head as he processed his answer.
“And maybe.. we can do this again?” Vash asked, carefully. The hesitation in his voice dissolved almost immediately as he took in Wolfwood's unwavering smile. He moved in closer, his hands reaching up to rest at Vash's shoulder blades and hiding his face against the crook between Vash's shoulder and neck. He breathed in gently, and Vash felt a shiver skirt up his spine.
“Sounds like a plan.” Vash smiled like a dope again, that lovestruck drunk feeling seeping into his bones and blooming across his cheeks. He hugged Wolfwood back eagerly, who laughed into the crook of Vash's neck and shoulder. They stole a moment longer like this, just holding each other, before Vash pulled back and looked down on the ground and around at the sky. The sky was beginning to brighten, to the deep purple that would drag the sun up and turn the sky bright blue in short time. It was time to wake up. He looked over at the others, who were still snoring away, and then back to Wolfwood.
“Alright, I don't want to, but now we really gotta get up.” Wolfwood growled in protest, and hugged Vash tighter to skim his lips in what Vash could fantasize was a chaste kiss to his neck before finally pulling away, too, yet still reluctantly gripping at Vash's sides.
“Ugh, fine—“ Vash cut him off with a finger to his lips, dipping his head down close so their noses were a mere breath apart. The proximity shut Wolfwood right up, and he watched Vash carefully.
“Shhh... They're still sleeping. Let's make sure we don't wake them while we're still tangled like this, hm?” Vash whispered quietly, only loud enough for Wolfwood to hear. His voice was low, and something danced across Wolfwood's eyes and cheeks, a dust of dark pink and sparks in his eyes. Vash took mercy on him and closed his eyes, pressing his forehead to Wolfwood's. He smiled, and he could feel Wolfwood smile under his finger.
“Good mornin' is right,” Wolfwood drawled, his voice coming from low in his throat, and Vash felt him kiss his finger before those calloused ones wrapped around his wrist again, pull his hand away, and kiss the back of his fingers. Vash watched him silently, his smile dropping in shock of just how badly he had it down for Wolfwood now. This was intoxicating. He couldn't wait for tonight. They'd have each other all to their selves again soon. And by the look in Wolfwood's eyes, he couldn't wait either.
Suddenly, in the last moments of silence the night sky had for all of them, Vash's stomach let out an obnoxious, hungry growl. Vash felt his face grow hot and Wolfwood quirked an eyebrow at him while stifling a huff of laughter. Vash sat up, placing his hand over his stomach, and glared down at his body,
“You absolute demon, how dare you snitch on us like this, I cannot take you anywhere—“
“I guess it's a good thing you didn't eat all your rations last night, after all,” Wolfwood smiled at him. He was sitting up now too, and he had grabbed Vash's rations from where he stored them in the night. Vash took the food with a chagrin and they shared another piece of dried meat with their trail mix. As they finished up, Vash placed his hand on Wolfwood's before he moved towards the ladder.
“Wolfwood,” Vash started, and dark eyes regarded him, patiently. “Thank you... again. For last night. Checking on me. Helping, just. All of it.” Wolfwood smiled at that.
“Jeez, Spikes. What good am I to ya if I don't even check on ya? You don't have to thank me.” Vash returned the smile and he brought Wolfwood's hand between his own, holding it firmly between his palms. Wolfwood squeezed his hand back, and Vash felt his heart swell at bit at the exchange, determined to make the last leg of their trip as smooth a ride as possible and slide effortlessly into tonight.
“Let's get to work. Do you want me to wake the others, and you refasten our luggage?”
“Sure. You're better at waking people up than I am, anyway,” he said with a yawn. Normally, Wolfwood was a bear in the morning, dangerous to poke and even more dangerous to converse with. Meryl and Roberto always sent Vash to wake him. Vash had a feeling that would be way easier from now on, if he had his way.
Vash laughed at Wolfwood's remark and hopped off the roof down the ladder. He methodically grabbed a bunch of their supplies from around their campsite to toss up to Wolfwood once he was done strapping the Punisher back into place and their bags down tight. He snuffed the fire, then woke Roberto, and lastly woke Meryl. Roberto didn't take much to wake, but Meryl was a bit more of a process, and as long as he went slow and gently, she tended to wake without much fuss. The promise of a real meal was particularly encouraging this morning, and it seemed the night's rest did her some serious good. After a minute or two of sitting up in her bedroll and blinking the dust and sleep from her eyes, her brain began whirling to life and she greeted everyone with a smile like the sweetheart they all know her to be. Vash smiled fondly at her and helped her roll her bedroll as she stretched the sleep from her body. Vash tossed both her and Roberto's bedrolls up to Wolfwood once he waved for them, he strapped them down, and that was that. They were all packed and ready to hit the sandy dunes of their road just as the sun peaked up over the horizon. They all loaded into the car, Roberto taking his morning ritual swig as Wolfwood scootched to his side of the back seat and Vash slid in after.
“Thanks for the quick pack up, you two!” Meryl said, her voice bright as she smiled at him through the rear-view mirror.
“No problem, glad to help! Did you sleep okay? You sound better than you did yesterday!” Vash supplied, answering for both of them. Vash stole a glance over at Wolfwood, who was looking out the open window and enjoying the breeze along with a fresh cigarette. He was silent, his brain still waking up, but Vash knew he was listening to the conversation.
“I slept great, thanks for asking! How about you?”
“Yep, same here!” Vash laughed, a bit shy as he recalled it all.
“Wolfwood?” Meryl asked, eager to include him. The longer they all traveled together, the more she worked at getting under Wolfwood's skin and getting him to see her as a friend. After the number of times he'd protected her, she could see he was a good person. It was hard not to. And at this point, it was a challenge for a hard worker like her to crack a shell like his. She'd told Vash once that she would keep trying even if he yelled at her. She was intent on befriending him.
“What Blondie said,” he drawled out, then looked at her through the rear-view with a wink. “Mornin', short-stack.” She beamed at that. She was getting used to the nicknames, too.
“Good morning!” She glanced quickly at Vash who smiled back at her. When she looked back at the road, Vash nudged Wolfwood and mouthed Thank you to him. He smiled back at Vash and winked at him too, then shifted so he was still looking out the window, enjoying the breeze. His foot just so happened to be able to reach and touch against Vash's. Vash looked down when he felt his boot nudged, preening at the exchange. He shifted so he mirrored Wolfwood's position, which made it possible for their knees to rest against each other's, too. The ride today was still long, but this would do for now.