The Stampede ~Vash x OC AU~

Chapter 44: The Desert's Frostbite

Vash

There is a silence that emanates from the bathroom in a long stretch. It is intimidating, reminding me of what I need to do. I swallow, looking at the packaging in my hands.

It's a pregnancy test. Meryl had picked it up when she was in town, and grabbed some medicine while she was at it. Whether a stomach bug or something else, we're going to have to find out. Her and me. What this is... If it's anything. But beyond that, she's going to have to discover who...what I am. And I am terrified of that.

Because if - by the slimmest chance - she is pregnant, this will not be a human child. Not completely. It will be a mix of two completely different beings. A human and plant hybrid. Something that has never been heard of before. And something that could be dangerous as a result.

There are so many unknown variables, and it all terrifies me to the core to even imagine. It pulls and twists my gut, causing my heart to beat hard against my ribs.

A strong hand cuffs my shoulder and I turn, meeting Wolfwood's gaze. He flashes a small and sincere smile. "Relax, Needle-noggin. It's all going to be okay. Whatever happens, you know we're here for ya."

"For both of you," Meryl adds. She approaches, flashing her own smile.

It's endearing to see the way they support what's about to happen, but even with that, I am still on edge, and it's not even the test that has me so wary. It's part of it, but deep down, I'm terrified to even imagine what she'll say to my confession. How she'll react... Will this hurt?

"Come on you two," Roberto says, pulling open the door. "We should go and give them some space."

"Yeah, you're right," Meryl nods. She glances at me again, flashing a final smile. "It'll be okay. Whatever happens...it'll all be okay."

With that, they all three exit, leaving me in the suite's quiet. It is eerie and taunting. I shiver, feeling every cell in my body tingle. This moment...anything could happen. She could react in any way. Anything...

I take a deep breath, and reach up, knocking on the door. There is a long pause, and then slowly, it opens and my breath hitches. Even now - even with blotchy cheeks and watery eyes - she is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.

Her dark brunette locks cascade down along the sides of her face, falling in loose waves that curl at the ends, the suns' light filtering through the restroom's frosted window casting a halo around her. Her deep russet eyes are bright like honey, and vast like the wheat fields in those books from Earth. If I were to reach in and feel them, would they be warm and soft like fur? And then there's the flush of her cheeks, her tanned skin looking so alive and warm. I want to reach out and touch her, but I stop myself.

"Vash?" she asks. Her voice is croaky and broken. Probably from her throat. It must be raw. She leans against the door, glancing around. "What are you doing? The others might see you. If you stay here too long, they might get suspicious."

A small smile lifts the corners of my lips. I shake my head. "They all stepped out."

Her eyes fall on me, her dark brows knitting together. "They stepped out? Why did they do that?"

I wish this were easier to answer. I wish there wasn't a lump taking shape in my throat. I wish I wasn't anxious and nervous and terrified. But no matter what, we both need to know the answer. We both need to know.

I swallow, extending my hand, holding out the packaging. "Because they thought we might need some privacy."

She examines me, then glances at the box. It takes a moment for it to register, but her eyes widen, and she meets my gaze. "A pregnancy test? You think I'm pregnant?"