The Typhoon ~Vash x OC AU~

Chapter 16: Chance

Leilani

There is a chance...

A possibility. A probability that we could find him. Somewhere on the hellish surface of No Man's Land, maybe hidden between its dunes and sizzling fields of sand. Cocooned in its heat, bathed in sweat.

Jonas.

I swallow the lump in my throat. The thought of finding my uncle again has resurfaced over the years, but it was always a dull emotion that paled when compared to my anger and hatred for Millions Knives. I wanted revenge more than I wanted to make amends.

But now, sitting here with my daughter in my arms, I can't help but only desire my uncle's company. To see and talk to him again. To apologize for my past behaviors. To try to make things right, though I wouldn't blame him if he did not wish to hear me.

I wouldn't blame him if he didn't even want to see me again. The way I left things with him was cruel and just not right, and I am painfully aware of that.

Yet I can't help but hope. To wish that we find him, and that he accepts me back into his life. Then he can meet Vash and Greywynn. He can meet his great-niece, and get to know the man I love. It's a future I hope for.

But there is a dark thought that lingers. One that is far grimmer than simply being rejected. One that still fringes on the hope of finding him but becomes gray and morbid. The thought that perhaps somewhere between the time I left and now, he could have passed. That something horrible could have happened and he could have died.

That is the thought I dread the most, filling my throat with bile. It's sickening to imagine, and I hate it, but it won't leave me alone. My mind keeps circling back, running that possibility over and over again.

"Here," Vash says, passing me a cup of something steaming. "A warm drink should help." He takes a seat in the chair across from me, sipping on his own drink.

We are in the atrium, the glow of evening pooling in through the wall of windows. Grey is in my arms, sitting in my lap as she gawks and coos. We both smile at her, but I still can't shake the thoughts of Jonas.

Quietness lingers between us when he speaks. "Luida told me about Jonas and the scanner." His eyes bore into mine. "How do you feel?"

I shrug, "Sick. Like I might throw up all over the place." I run my fingers over the smoothness of my cup as Greywynn fidgets. "I keep thinking of all the possibilities. Of all the outcomes. If they find him, I mean." More bile rises. "Will he be happy to see me? Angry? Or will he...will he even be alive?"

Tears prick the back of my eyes. I hate this. The uncertainty. The frustration. The pain. All of it. It is all building up more and more, and I don't know how much more I can take.

Vash reaches over, taking my drink from me and putting it on the table. He then rests his hand over mine, encasing my skin with warmth. He speaks softly. "Hey. They will find him, and when they do, he's gonna be as healthy as a tomas. Even better, he's going to be thrilled to see you. Do you hear me? Everything is going to be just fine."

He laces our fingers together and I can feel the way certainty pumps through him. He means well. I know he does. Trying to be encouraging and positive, but I still can't swallow that doubt. It still hovers over me like doom and gloom. It still pricks my skin and clogs my brain.

He squeezes. "I know it's a lot, and I know that you're worried, but everything is going to work out for the better. Everything is going to be just fine."

I swallow, whispering, "How can you be so sure? How can you know that for certain?"

He searches me, his gaze digging deep. "I don't know for certain, but I have hope. And even if that hope isn't enough – no matter what – I'm here for you. I'm always here for you."

I don't know how this man does it, but he always manages to find a way to disarm me. Even when my mind is my greatest enemy, he still finds a way to come along and calm the waters in my head.

I smile, "I know. Thank you for that and thank you for being my rock. Always."

A red tint darkens his cheeks. "You know I'm always here for you."

"I know you are." I pull his fingertips to my lips, kissing them lightly. "And I am so grateful."

A small but sweet smile bends his lips. "I would cross a burning world for you." He cuffs the side of my face. "Nothing could keep me from you. And if it meant seeing you happy, I would do anything."

He presses his lips against the back of my hand, sending chills scattering through me. I smile. I know without a doubt that he loves me, and that he is willing to do just about anything. However, despite that, I still can't fully shake this worry.

What if something happened to Jonas after I left?

**Hello, lovelies! Wow. Two chapters typed in one day. That is unusual these days. Especially these days. Not a whole lot in this chapter, but there is a supportive Vash. Ya know, being the king he is. We love a supportive king. Today was a busy day as far as typing is concerned. I feel like I've been at my computer a majority of the day. I guess that's okay since it was a rainy day. Well, ya girl is exhausted. I might call it a night here. Once again, thank y'all so much – to the moon, beyond, and back – and I hope y'all have a fantastic evening/night/day. Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross