Tempest Wind (Vash x F!Reader)

First Day of the Future

You packed away the tablet, leaving it among your clothes in the bag. You didn't finish reading all the reports; you didn't go through all the pictures and videos. You didn't open the profile of the doctor, you didn't learn his name, and you didn't look at the logs. It is all irrelevant. You filled in a large gap in your life; you found your answers, or at least have enough information to form your own theories. You don't know what the future will bring, but you're happy that the voices in your head are quiet. They no longer have to scream for you to remember them, because you're well aware of their pain now.

"Hey, you want to grab something to eat?" Vash's voice asks behind you; apparently, he is back from taking to Brad.

"No, thanks, you can go; I'll just pack up my stuff," you say calmly as you fold up a shirt.

"Won't you come?" His voice becomes a bit pleading.

"I don't need to eat," you remind him, "and I don't require the distraction either."

"Alright... Want to go to the biodome instead?" His voice perks up again.

"Vash..." your hands stall while picking up the next shirt, your back still turned to him. "You don't have to hover. I'm not upset. I'm not falling apart. I'm fine. I'm more than fine. I got what I was looking for, I feel great, and the voices are gone. You don't have to walk on eggshells, on the watch for the moment I break apart."

"Iris..." he says. You told him not to use the name he saw in your files, telling him you aren't that person anymore. He finally catches your attention, and you turn to face him with a smile, throwing the unfolded shirt back onto the bed.

"I am so grateful to you. Thank you." You take a few steps closer but remain out of reach. "For sticking around, for being so patient, for loving me despite everything. I didn't make it easy; I know, I wasn't myself. Still, you supported me in ways nobody else ever has. You were there for me when I needed you the most. You made me laugh when there were nothing but storm clouds over my head. You helped me heal, and I can never repay you for that. I want you to remember that. I know you; in your mind, it's the most natural thing to do—to help me and support me, even if I were a stranger. But your kindness is immeasurable; it doesn't compare to anyone else, so it is a big deal. Don't undersell this; don't ever doubt that you are everything to me."

Vash steps closer; his hand reaches out to touch your face, but you grab it gently and press it to your heart.

"I've been thinking about what we read on that tablet," you avert your eye for a moment before forcing them back onto his face and continuing, "It said that my healing starts from the heart, and as long as I am tied to this realm, I will come back. So I give it to you. My heart is yours; it has been for a while, but... You saved it, you made it beat again, lighter than it had before, and you didn't give up on it. So it's your responsibility now."

Your smile grows wider and toothier, the joyous glimmer in your eyes taking Vash's breath away. His shy gaze is on you as he steps even closer.

"I will take that responsibility seriously," he smiles, but his expression is more stern than anything. "You are the most beautiful soul I have met; since the very first day, you've made me feel like I belong with you. I believe I was meant to find you. I was sent to find you. Never in all my life did I think that a soul like yours was out there. Looking at you always gives me comfort because, deep down, I know it will all be alright. If I stick by you, everything will work out. I will be home. So if you think helping you and sticking by you were hard, then you're mistaken. You don't owe me. It was the easiest thing for me to do. You have me, body and soul, the good, the bad, and the ugly."

"I will keep them safe."

You reach up, taking Vash's face gently into your hands, and stand up on your tiptoes to kiss him softly on the lips. All the anxiety and worry are melting away from your souls; they sing together, making your chest feel like it is blooming flowers from your flesh. His arms wrap around you, a rib cage protecting its heart.