The Stampede ~Vash x OC AU~

Chapter 28: Indigo Lightning

Kanyon

~2 Days Later~

Five. That's the number of times I have witnessed a storm on this hellscape of a planet. Twenty-three years I have been living and breathing, and in these twenty-three years, I've only seen it storm five times.

This is one of them.

Above, a thick layer of dense clouds lay outstretched, tinted by a strange yellowish-green hue. Flashes of violet and indigo break across the sky, followed by low grumbles of thunder that shake the ground.

It rattles against my chest, vibrating my very being as it matches the chaos in my head.

My thoughts have been loud ever since Meryl and I returned from our shopping spree two days ago. They keep swirling and circling back to him. To Millions Knives and how I am aware we are wasting time here. Or at least, I was until I woke up the following morning.

As much as I hate to admit it, Meryl and Roberto had a valid reason for us all staying put, because I awoke the next morning with a stiffness in my muscles so deep that I'm almost certain it gripped my bones. And it took that entire day to loosen the tension, especially around my side.

Still, despite that, I can't help but feel anxious and eager. The longer we are here, the further he gets away. The more havoc and chaos he reaps. The more families he tears apart. The more the rage within me boils.

It angers me. I want him to pay for what he did to my family. I want him to suffer every bit they did. I want him to see me and remember that I am the girl he looked at that night and meant to kill. And I want him to be afraid. That's what I want. That's what I need.

Instead, I am seated at a table in the dining hall that looks out at the patio, and in turn, out at Penton. The streets and pavement are empty, not a soul to be seen. People are probably taking shelter from the storm, any small children are most likely uncertain about how to feel. Maybe they're scared, maybe they're fascinated. I don't know, and I don't care.

"I thought I'd find you here."

Instantly, chills dart the length of my spine, and my heart skips a beat. I don't even need to see him for my body to react, but I turn, and my eyes meet his instantaneously, my breath lodging in my throat.

Vash stands, flashing a warm smile as he waves. His posture is relaxed and casual, that crimson jacket hanging from his broad frame perfectly. Suddenly, I want to press my face against his chest and inhale him, but I resist.

Instead, I flash a small smile. "Hey. What are you up to? Avoiding the storm, I assume?"

"Sort of." He approaches, pointing at the seat across from me. "May I?"

"Be my guest."

He slides into it, staring out the window. Another flash of lightning creeps across the sky, reflecting in his eyes. Even now, he still looks so beautiful, but there is that underlying sadness. It lingers in his bewitching gaze, pulling at my chest.

"It's been a while since it's stormed anywhere on No Man's Land," he says, not tearing his gaze from the clouds. "It looks like it's just a heat storm, though. It should be over soon."

I snort, "With how hot it is on this planet, I feel they're only ever heat storms."

"I guess you have a point."

I survey this man, watching him as he watches the sky, seeing how the lightning reflects and bends in his orange-tinted glasses. I don't know if I'll ever understand him. How can someone like him – who is so gentle and kind – be so wanted by the law? It makes no sense.

He eventually glances at me through the corners of his eyes before turning to me directly. "So, how have you been?"

I don't know why, but this surprises me, and I turn, feeling my cheeks burn. "I'm good. Can't really complain. How about you?"

My heart is beating hard against my chest, and I don't understand why. How does he do this to me? How?

A small smile pulls at his lips. "I'd say the same. Can't really complain." There is a brief silence as he observes me, then: "Where's Meryl?"

"Laying down. She said that storms freak her out and she rather not be awake during one."

Which I find very amusing. She has no problem traveling with the Stampede, but a storm is a hard no. And this is the same woman who manhandles Nicholas without a concern in the world.

"What about Roberto and Nicholas?" I ask, looking at him.

"They're in our room," he answers. "I think Roberto is also asleep, but I don't know what Wolfwood is doing."

"Probably something he shouldn't."

He chuckles, "Yeah. That could very well be the case." There is another lingering silence that falls between us. It feels heavy and dense, but also so normal, almost as if this is comforting. And then he continues. "So, is whatever you were thinking about the other day still bothering you?"

This is unexpected. I hadn't even realized he remembered that, let alone picked up on anything. Has he noticed? Can he see the way I've been fidgeting and becoming lost in my own head?

I suck in my lips, shrugging, "A little, yeah."

His eyes search me. His expression is soft. "Do you...still not want to talk about it?"

"Not particularly."

I swallow, feeling the heft of his stare as it bores on me. He is searching. What for, I do not know, and I dare not ask.

Then, a faint smile bows his lips. "That's okay. I might have something that'll help."

I lift a brow. "Something that'll help? Like what?"

He stands, still smiling. "I guess you'll just have to come with me to find out." He extends a hand. "Do you trust me?"

The artificial glow of the overhead lights bends and reflects in his eyes, adding a gentle glow to his ivory skin. His lips are pressed in that warm smile, sending my heart fluttering as my breath catches in my throat.

There is something about this man. Something so docile and gentle. Something that is warm and familiar to me. Almost as if something deep within me recognizes him, but I don't know what.

Still, it is that familiarity that calls to me and pulls me, and I reach out, placing my hand in his, swallowing, "Yes, I trust you."

**Ello, ello lovelies! So, not gonna lie – this chapter is here to help set up for the next. What will happen there? I guess you'll have to stay tuned to find out! At the time of typing this (10/30/2023), Halloween is literally tomorrow. I love Halloween and am super excited, so I might not type tomorrow. Instead, I'm gonna go to work then come home and help pass out candy. Maybe I'll even watch a scary movie. But I hope that anyone and everyone who celebrates Halloween has a fun and safe evening! Well, that'll do for today. As always, thank y'all so, so much for all the love and support! Y'all are the bee's knees! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross