The Typhoon ~Vash x OC AU~

Chapter 27: The Reflect

Leilani

He does not care who he hurts.

He is not wrong. In fact, Jonas doesn't know how accurate he is – how correct he is, because Millions Knives doesn't care.

Nai doesn't care.

A hollow pit forms in my stomach, remembering what Vash had gone through. The Great Fall was brought to fruition through Nai's hands, leading to the death of not just thousands of people, but the life of Rem Saverem – their surrogate mother. And as if that wasn't horrid enough, he is the reason Vash lost his arm, and why Vash is labeled a criminal.

No matter where Millions Knives steps or what he does, destruction follows, and the person who is left to shoulder that guilt is his brother. It has always been his brother. It has always been Vash.

"So, it went well, then?" Vash asks.

My eyes flicker to his, the setting suns' light bending and reflecting in them as the light rests on the high points of his cheeks. He looks so soft and beautiful, his eyes glimmering like gems and his lips pink. I want to taste them.

"It did," I answer, shifting. "For the most part."

"It could have gone worse," he points out.

He already knows how my visit with Jonas went. I had told him everything as soon as we were presented the opportunity, and he took it all in, even expressing support for letting Greywynn meet her great-uncle. But I already knew he would be. He has been nothing but supportive through all this.

Still, my stomach twists and knots at remembering what Jonas had told me. I couldn't even begin to imagine what it was like to witness something like that. Seeing children being tortured... It's horrific.

"Is he coming to Ship 3?" Vash asks.

I shake my head. "I told him we'd come to him. I don't want to stir too many emotions too soon for him. I'm sure Ship 3 would only be a reminder of everything that happened." I swallow, tracing back to the part about his mom.

After the conversation had shifted to Millions Knives, I hadn't pressed any further on the topic of his mother. I was too hyperaware of the emotions surging in the air.

They surge now, zapping through me like electricity and I shudder. I don't like feeling these things. They don't feel good, and they don't make me feel good.

He nods, "That's a good idea. What time?"

"Noon," I say, pulling myself from that pit. "We'll be joining him for lunch." A certain expression twists his features and I pinch my brows. "Are you okay?"

He blinks, flashing a painful smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry."

But I see the way his smile doesn't reach his eyes and how a faint tint of red pinkens his cheeks and ears.

"No, you're not," I say, cuffing the side of his face with my hand. He feels warm and soft. "What's the matter?"

He sucks in his lips, inhaling deeply. "I...I can't help but worry."

"What are you worried about?" My voice is soft, but my heart is fierce as it pummels my ribs.

He places his hand over mine, holding it closer against his cheek as he replies, "I talked to Luida about this, and she had brought up some good points, but I still can't shake this."

"Shake what?"

He is quiet for a moment, thinking. Then: "I am a criminal in the eyes of those who know what my brother has done because they cannot differentiate us." His hold tightens. "You were the first one who looked at me and didn't immediately see Nai...but will Jonas be the same, or will he see the man who made his life a living hell?"

**Ello lovelies! Another day, another chapter. Today's chapter is short, so I'll be tacking it onto the next. So, yay! A double post! There wasn't a whole lot here but now Lani knows about Vash's concerns. We'll touch a bit more on those later. Well, thank y'all so much for all the love and support! Y'all are amazeballs! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross