#whenmayflies

It’s the winter solstice holiday, and while you enjoy seeing your husband happy, you cannot help but dislike this part of the holiday. The family dinner. After waking up and opening presents as a family, you and Vash prepare a small dinner for your family….and his brother.

A tradition Vash started a few years ago since being able to have a somewhat normal life now. A tradition that Vash absolutely loves so you and his twin attempt to call a truce to make Vash happy. It’s not without difficulty that’s for damn sure. 

You’ve done your best to be on your best behavior, but Nai always has a way about him that just annoys you. He just gives off arrogant prick vibes, but you grit your teeth. 

Because when you look up from your plate you see Vash smiling at your son, helping him cut up his vegetables. The sight melts your heart. You can get through one meal with your brother in law. It’s when Nai makes a sly remark about your casserole that you cannot take it anymore.

“The casserole is….dry...”

He says it in such a passive aggressive way. You take a moment to take a breath before sliding your eyes away from your husband to his snide brother.

“You don’t even eat”, you stare daggers into him.

“Why do you still hate me so much? Huh?”, she says in that calm arrogant tone, almost as if to mock you.

Oh no he just fucking did not. 

“Oh, I don’t know Nai”, you start with an eerie calm about you, “maybe it’s because you kidnapped and tormented my husband for months? Or the fact that you’ve wreaked havoc on humans for decades? Or maybe, just maybe, it’s because you’re an asshole and I just don’t like you”, you say trying to keep that same calm in your voice, placing your fork down and putting your hands in your lap to keep them from shaking. 

Nai smiles because he knows he won. He got under your skin. You just roll your eyes, take a deep breath and sigh. You try your best to talk with Vash about your garden, or work, or literally anything other than Nai. Making it a point to look away from Nai and smile at your son. 

“But I’m a changed man”, Nai says with that damn tone he uses when he’s being dramatic. 

You can’t help but roll your eyes, but if this is the worst Nai is going to be this year, you can deal with these antics for a little bit longer. Vash sees the effort you have to make to be around his brother. He wishes it didn’t have to be like this, but he knows with patience they could be a big happy found family with them and all their friends. 

Vash’s heart goes out to you. He understands that this isn’t easy for anybody…well maybe his son. Whose only goal is to eat enough vegetables in order to be able to eat some of the cake his mom baked. 

Vash just sits quietly, eating his meal, waiting for the storm to blow over. He knows you two are probably going to go back and forth for a minute. Nai says something else, but he doesn’t really hear what he says. 

“Boot, am a charged mon”, your son says, copying his uncle. 

You can’t help but burst out laughing and Vash starts chuckling. After a moment, Nai even laughs softly to himself. 

It was clear Nai was NOT happy when Vash told him you were pregnant. He wouldn’t speak to either one of you until Vash came to him asking for help later in your pregnancy. Carrying a human/plant hybrid wasn’t easy, who would have thought.

It wasn’t until his nephew was born and he eventually held him did he actually feel something compassionate for the first time in a very long time. He sees the good from both parents in the little boy. He carries the love and kindness of his father, but also the sassiness of his mother.  

Nai decides to play the part of a nice normal brother, not just for Vash, but for his nephew as well. He pretends to eat the casserole again.

“...well…I guess it’s not THAT dry…”, he says with the smallest smirk.

You are taken aback by this. Was Nai actually being…nice..? For Nai anyway. You laugh to yourself.

“Yeh…I know..”, you say in mock anger, smiling at your son. 

The rest of the dinner goes by fairly well. Afterwards, you all open presents in your living room you saved for this occasion. Vash’s son gives his uncle Nai a toy knife. You can see he tried to color the handle to make it all chrome color.  Nai places it on the coffee table and smiles for just a moment.

When all the presents are opened, you and Vash start to clean up and your son asks if Uncle Nai could tuck him in. Nai agrees. As he walks his nephew back to his room he can see the hallway lined with family photos, some with him in them. He glances back at the living room for a moment and sees the smiles you are giving his brother and how in love both of you look. He smiles to himself, he would never admit it, but he IS happy Vash found love and is able to live a normal life. Well as normal as The Humanoid Typhoon’s life can be.

Nai tucks his nephew in and makes his way back to the living room where he intends to say goodbye and leave. He has the sudden feeling of not wanting to bother his brother, he feels just his presence will put everyone on edge. Before he can say anything Vash speaks first.

“Oh hey Nai, wanna watch a movie with us?”, Vash asks.

“I’m making drinks! You could try one….you might relax a little”, you call from the kitchen, knowing he got the sarcasm. 

Nai is caught off guard for a moment. You walk back in the living room carrying a tray of fancy looking cocktails and hand him one. Looking at him like you don’t completely hate him, Vash with a look on his face as if he knows he’s going to be disappointed. Nai thinks for a quick moment before actually taking a sip of the drink. 

It tasted awful, and had a slight burn. He couldn’t understand the appeal. He just gives you a stiff smile and places the drink on the coffee table.

“Another time then”, you laugh softly before toasting with Vash. 

Halfway through the movie, Nai notices you have fallen asleep on Vash’s chest while Vash struggles to keep his eyes open. Nai snorts to himself, guess he’s staying the night. He goes and grabs a book from the shelf and makes himself comfortable. After a few hours, he hears footsteps behind him. Nai looks over his shoulder and sees his nephew walking to him holding a well loved stuffed animal and his blanket. His nephew doesn’t say anything, just climbs up to him and lays against his arm. Nai adjusts himself to make him comfortable and puts the blanket over his nephew.  

The next morning Vash wakes up first surprised to see his son sleeping on his brother, while you sleep on his chest on your couch. He doesn’t say a word, believing that could shift the situation. Instead he lays his head back down and holds you closer. 

“Your son…is a gift, Vash. Don’t ever forget that”, Nai breaks the silence.

“Trust me….I won’t”, Vash smiles to himself drifting back to sleep.

After everyone wakes up, you all make breakfast together. Nai decides it’s time for him to leave. You and Vash see him off.

“Dinner was great, maybe don’t be such a dickhead next time”, you tell Nai in mock seriousness.

“Yeh, well, maybe don’t be such a bitch next time”, Nai counters.

You both share a very brief, very small smile. A mutual understanding. You both think Vash didn’t notice, but he did. And he is grateful. A small victory. 

You both go back inside where your son has put on the movie. You make coffee and everyone settles down, cuddled up on the couch together watching your favorite winter solstice movie.

The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the room. You laid in bed with your eyes closed, breathing softly. Vash sat next to you, holding your hand.

You had taken a turn for the worst. He asked you why you still fight so hard, even now?

“I want to be with you as long as I can”, you told him with a smile. 

He had done everything to try and make you feel comfortable, safe, and loved.

“Do you remember when we first met?” he asked, his voice soft.

You smiled, your eyes still closed. “Of course I do. You were so nervous.”

He chuckled. “I was, wasn’t I? But I knew from the moment I saw you that you were the one for me.”

You squeezed his hand. “I knew it too.”

You both sat in silence for a moment, the only sound the gentle hum of the wind outside.

“I’m so grateful for the life we’ve had together”, he said, his voice thick with emotion, “All the adventures we’ve been on, all the memories we’ve made. I wouldn’t trade it for anything”.

“Me neither,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper.

He leaned over and kissed your forehead. “I love you“.

I love you too,” you told him.

He sat there for a while longer, holding your hands, watching the sun set.

The room was silent except for the sound of the machines beeping. Vash sat by your side, holding your hand tighter now. He knew that you were leaving him soon, and he didn’t want to let you go.

“Please don’t leave me”, he whispered, tears streaming down his face. 

He couldn’t help it. A part of him felt that if he begged you, you would stay. You would stay, like how you’ve always stayed. But a part of him knew that wouldn’t happen. He knew you just couldn’t stay this time.

You opened your eyes and looked at him, a faint smile on your lips.

“I think I need to go, my love. But I will always be with you…I promise..”, you whispered while softly twirling his wedding ring on his finger. He leaned in and kissed you softly on the forehead again.

“I will wait for you in our forest....I love...you...”, you whispered.

You closed your eyes and took your last breath. Vash sat there for a long time, holding your hand and crying. But he knew that you were at peace now, and that you would always be with him.

As he stood up to leave, he felt a cold breeze brush against his cheek. He smiled to himself, knowing that it was you, telling him that you were still with him.

*****

Seven years later, Vash sat at his desk, surrounded by papers and documents. He had been working on his final arrangements for hours, making sure everything was in order. He had to make sure something went to SEEDS, but most of everything he and his wife had to offer was going to their son and his family.  

As he wrote, his mind wandered to the forest he worked so hard to give you. He remembered the tall trees, the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind, and the smell of the sand after a rainstorm. It was a peaceful place, and he had always felt at home there. With you. 

You had brought the forest to life with your care and patience for floral maintenance. You made a small corner a food forest for the small town. People from town would help with the fruits and vegetables in exchange they got to take some home. The forest had started thriving so well, that new life wildlife had made it their home. It was so lively and beautiful…..and perfect. Absolutely perfect.

Vash finished the paperwork. He made his way to his son’s house. He spent dinner with his family, making sure to bring his granddaughter some red geraniums. After dinner, he handed his son the envelope. Gave him a hug, hanging on for a few moments longer than he normally would. His son squeezed him back for just a moment, he knew what this meant. He thanked his dad for everything and Vash headed back towards his home. 

Vash made his way back to the house he shared with you, where you both raised your son, where so many memories were made. Very soon, his son’s family would be moving in. They were needing a bigger home. He goes inside and sighs. Nothing has changed in seven years since he lost you. 

The ‘World’s Best Dad’ mug still sat in the same spot on the counter. The same homemade patchwork blanket laid across the back of the couch. He slowly walked around the house, looking at all the pictures you had put on the wall. How after Meryl gave you a camera, you filled so many photo albums and put so many pictures on the walls. Vash never minded it, he thought it was beautiful. 

He made his way to the backyard and couldn’t help but smile to himself at what he saw. The forest. Their forest. The project they took on together to help bridge the gap between humans and plants. The place that helped so many people and wildlife alike.

 He walked to the main entrance when something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. A small Mayfly, buzzing around the secret entrance he made for you when he first surprised you with this place. He bent down and slowly made his way through the almost hidden entry way.

Vash walked through the dense forest, the leaves and small sticks crunching beneath his feet. He had been coming to this spot for years, ever since his wife had passed away. It was their special place, where they had spent countless hours together, talking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company.

As he walked, he remembered all the times you both had there together. He remembered the way you had laughed at his jokes, the way you had looked at him with love in your eyes. He remembered the way you had held his hand, the way you had kissed him.

Suddenly, he felt something behind him. He turned, but there was no one there. He shrugged it off and continued walking.

But the presence persisted. He felt it all around him, like a warm embrace. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply, feeling what he came to understand as his wife’s spirit all around him.

He smiled, a few tears streaming down his face. He knew that you were with him, just like you promised. He laid down and looked at the forest all around him.

He sighed.

“Don’t worry Mayfly, I’ll be with you soon. Thank you for waiting for me.”, he closed his eyes and smiled to himself, relaxing and enjoying the feel of the wind around him. 

“Two weeks?!?”, you asked Vash. He noticed how your voice cracked a tiny bit and how you tried to hide it when you noticed.

“...I don’t like it either Mayfly…”, Vash sighed, and you noticed the look of disappointment on his face.

You relaxed, only a tiny bit. That’s two whole weeks without your husband. You both were almost done with the renovations to your new home. It had been a few months, but you still considered yourselves newlyweds. But you also understood the situation.

Wolfwood needed Vash’s help on a job for the orphanage. You know Vash wanted to help out as much as he could since becoming a free man. You also understand why you can’t go.

You both had made a promise to each other on your wedding night that you would allow Vash to protect you. All you ever asked in return was for him to open up more. An action that both of you understood is difficult for the other, but both knew this is what the other needed. 

As much as you love and understood him, you still didn’t like it. You had a look of disappointment and he hugged you in the laundry room. You hugged him back letting him know it was ok. 

“I’m assuming Nicholas is going to sleep on the couch..? What do you guys want for dinner?”, you laughed trying to lighten the mood.

Vash noticed you were trying to avoid the situation, he would know, he’s the expert, but he didn’t say anything. Not right now at least. 

“Why don’t we grill some cheeseburgers?? That sounds good to you Nico??”, you called from the laundry room. 

After Wolfwood yells his ‘yeah’, you smiled at Vash and told him to go hang out with his friend while you finished up. Vash just hugged you again and kissed your forehead before walking away. 

After you finished your tasks, you began to prepare what the guys would need for dinner. Vash noticed how you just couldn’t seem to be still. After all is ready, you all made your way outside. Vash and Wolfwood bickered about how to properly cook the burgers.

“But you’re just a plant needle-noggin, plants don’t know about good burgers”, Wolfwood said,  making you almost spit out your drink laughing.

“What does that even mean?!? I eat just like the rest of you!”, Vash joked back at his friend. 

You all enjoyed a night of doing the very human and mundane task of grilling burgers and eating dinner outside. Another thing Vash knew you enjoyed. Just being outside. You all shared so many meals in the backyard, looking out to the desert. 

You told him once the reason you like eating outside with him is because it reminded you of when you both first started dating, when he was still a wanted man, and you would have to eat wherever you could. 

Eating on a rooftop, or in the middle of the desert on top of rock in the middle of the night, it didn’t matter. You loved how he would always crack a joke and be able to stay positive. That was the start of your relationship. It's a small comfort to you, and he was not in the business of denying you anything. 

After cleaning up dinner, Wolfwood went to crash on the couch while you and Vash slowly made your way to the bedroom. You couldn’t help but seem a little bit antsy. 

“Are you alright?”, Vash asked softly.

“Yeh, of course I am”, you said, starting to straighten up your dresser.

“Don’t lie to me.”, he said flatly and seriously, but not in a malice kind of way.

You froze for a moment before you relaxed your shoulders. Vash only ever used that tone when he wasn’t fucking around. 

“You know what’s wrong”, you said flatly back, trying not to come off as mean. 

You saw him in the mirror, move to hug you from behind. You turn around and hugged him back. 

“I’m just going to miss you so much Vash”, you leaned against him seeking comfort.

“I know…”, he hugged tighter, “This isn’t going to be easy for me either, but me and Wolfwood have made sure you will be safe here…..at home”. 

You slowly slid your hands down his shoulders, to his chest, and very softly down his stomach. He automatically leaned into you, pressing you into the dresser and running his hands through your hair. 

“Mmm..Mayfly..can you do that again…please…”, he whined, igniting something inside of you. 

You slowly rubbed your hands up his stomach to his chest. You moved your hips towards him to try and get some sort of relief from what was building inside of you.He reached up and placed his hand on your cheek. You sighed happily.

“I love it when you touch me, Vash”.

He smiled and leaned in closer.

“Mmm…I like that too…you know what you’re doing to me…”, his voice was filled with a lustful moan.

He kissed you passionately as he ran his hands along your back and down on your hips. You grabbed his shoulders, and pulled him on top of you, moaning softly feeling his body weight on you. 

He let out a soft groan when he felt your body heat against him. His arms wrapped around your waist. He nuzzled his face into your neck as he held you close. He kissed up your neck and along your collarbone.

“Mmm…this is nice..”, he started to kiss down the center of your neck and tenderly lick your skin. 

You whimpered under him, moving your head back to give him easier access. He smiled as he kept kissing you, moving down to your chest, making sure to give each breast soft kisses and licking your nipples the special way you like. He gave you a small hickey on your right underboob. A special spot he can mark you, claim you as his own, a secret you both can share. 

You loved when he marked your body. You loved how it hurt, but it hurt so good. He was never too forceful or ever in a rush. He loved making you tense up and help calm you back down. Desperately trying to show you how much he loved you by his touch. 

He could never be able to admit how when you get out of the shower and he sees the marks he’s left, how big he smiles to himself. It was difficult for him to leave such love marks on you at all at first. Until he saw how happy it made you, deep down he also enjoyed it.

He began to kiss down your stomach, he kissed your hips, and slowly moved to your thighs, making sure to take his time getting to your inner thigh.

“I love you so much Mayfly….I want you so bad”, he staggered out, needing to tell you how bad he needed you.

“Please don't stop Vash”, you begged beautifully for him, putting your hands in his hair.

You and Vash made passoinate love for what felt like hours. There was no way of telling actually how long it was. You both seemed to lose track of time when you were alone. 

You both go until you just can’t anymore. Vash fell beside you. Both of you just put one hand on the other. Both too tired to really speak much less move. After you caught your breath, you move to lay across his chest. He rolls over slightly to make his arm a pillow, wrapping his other arm around you. 

*****

You checked the clock. Vash would be home soon. You made sure the house looked up to your standard, fluffing the pillows with nervous energy. 

Vash could not wait to get home. It was rough being on the road again after settling down. He saw the house on the horizon and just started smiling to himself. 

You got the house painted. The new flora Eluida gave you guy as a wedding present, the cacti that blooms small pink petals, now decorates the walkway up to their door, and the mailbox.

“The Saverems”, was painted on the side.

You put the picture in your hoodie pocket when you heard a car door getting slammed shut. Vash was home. You ran to the kitchen and put the coffee mug beside the coffee maker. You started to walk into the living room when he walked through the front door. He had such a beautiful smile, with small tears in his eyes. You ran into his arms. 

“You decorated…?”, he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

“Do you like it…?”

He looked out the window at the mailbox and back at you with a look of 'how could you even ask me that?'

“Of course..I love it..”, he just hugged you close and let a few tears come out. You hug him tight and let him. 

It had taken you both a long time and several late night talks deciding on a family name. You were the one who suggested Rem’s last name. She was practically his mother, his guardian. Vash loved the idea, but was hesitant at first. After many discussions, Vash decided that would be the best way to honor her memory and have a name he could possibly carry to children of his own. 

After a few moments, Vash liftrf his head and you wipef his tears. 

“I’m so happy you like it, I made sure to get the letters in red”, you smiled sweetly at him, “Why don’t you go make us some coffee and tell me all about your trip. I heard through Meryl that Nicholas didn’t shoot one bullet”.

“Wow. Word gets around quickly here huh?”, he laughed.

“With Meryl on the job, it does, you know that”, you laughed with him as you walked into the kitchen together.

You sat at the island counter, getting nervous at this point. Vash started to talk about something Wolfwood said in the car, he went to put coffee in the maker when he noticed the new mug and went quiet for a moment. Your stomach was immediately filled with butterflies. He turned around giving you a questioning look. 

You pulled out the ultrasound picture and slid it across the counter, trying your best not to look nervous. Vash looked at the ultrasound, eyes going wide and he smiled. God, his smile. You instantly relaxed and fought back tears. 

“It seems you left me with a present”, you said lightheartedly.

He rushed over to you, brought you into a hug, almost cradling you, and started crying. 

You both wanted a family so bad. You knew with Vash not being human it wasn’t likely. You both had talked about running an orphanage, but a proper one, and just have so many kids running around.

After running several tests, you found out they were compatible to have children, but it would be unlikely without special help. Special help that was too expensive. It wasn’t until you learned of your fertility issues that you shut down the idea of being able to get pregnant. Until you took the test, and went to the doctor to confirm. You both just held each other, crying, excited to start this next chapter in your life. 

*****

Vash woke up early on such a wonderful Saturday. It was raining hard. He glanced over to his right to see his son still fast asleep on their pillow fort in their living room. You laid beside him in the same deep sleep state. He smiled to himself and sighed. It was moments like this that made life worth it for him. Looked like was going to be another beautiful lazy Saturday. 

He very quietly got up and made his way into the kitchen and started to brew a pot of coffee. He grabbed the “World’s Best Dad” mug you had given him when you told him you were pregnant. He smiled to himself once again. He remembered how you both just stood in the kitchen crying holding each other, just so happy. How everyone he told was so surprisingly supportive. 

He remembered how you struggled during your pregnancy, but that was to be expected. And how frightening it was for you while in labor. Two days of pain and crying. Until the doctor finally suggested a cesarean birth. It was at that point you didn’t care what they did, as long as they got your son out.

Something could have gone wrong at any moment, Vash was absolutely terrified, until he heard his son cry for the first time. He was safely born, wrapped up, and handed to Vash so the doctors could tend to you. Vash was rendered speechless. He looked at this baby that had his mother’s brown hair and one streak of blonde on the right side of his head. Vash sees you looking up at them and he bends down to show you your son. Vash knew his life would never be the same, but for the better.

He is brought back to reality when he heard hisson’s giggles and your laughter. He turned around to see his family walk into the kitchen.

“Good morning guys!”, he said smiling.

“Mornin Dad”.

“Good morning honey”, you kissed his cheek, “Ooooo the coffee smells good”, you went to make a cup for both of you, “What would you guys like for breakfast?”, you asked your family while sipping your coffee.

Vash and his son glanced at each other, both smiled and answer at the same time.

“Silly pancakes!”

You burst out laughing at them, but smiles before putting your coffee down and getting so many different ingredients from the fridge. 

“Dad’s on pancake duty and I’ll cut the strawberries”, you announced.

“And I’ll get the candy!”, your son said, walking to the cabinets and rummaging through the snacks. 

You and Vash smile at each other, but don’t say a word. Both of you are just thrilled to be sharing a moment like this together. You remembered the first morning you shared together in this house.

You both had gotten a bunch of different snacks and a movie to watch to celebrate owning a home together. You didn’t realize that the next morning you guys didn’t have actual food, but you suggested silly pancakes. Because why not?

It wasn’t until your son was born did you both do it again, what started as a funny breakfast date idea was now a family tradition. Every now and then your family just has 'Silly Pancake Saturday' as a family. 

Vash helped his son put on the chocolate chip eyeballs, and you made a sliced strawberry nose, and both of you watched as your son put gummy worms as a mouth. You glanced at Vash and gave him a quick kiss behind your son's chair.

“Ew, gross guys!”, your son turned around to tell you. You and Vash laughed.

You both go back into the kitchen to get your own pancakes. Your son turned back around and smiled to himself for a second. He was actually liked how in love his parents were. It made for one happy home.

After working so much, and helping around the community, you and Vash finally had a chance to have a nice quiet date night. Vash made sure you would enjoy the evening. So he went out, bought you a new dress and made reservations at your favorite cafe. 

He zoned out for a moment thinking about the surprise he had set up for you tonight. He agreed to go “explore” the backyard of your new home. It was part of a stretch of land right outside the city that no one knew who owned it.

Most just figured to leave it well alone, and no one was curious enough to actually check it out. It was just there. Vash was brought back to reality when he noticed you playing with your wedding rings, he smiled to himself. 

“I can’t wait to have the backyard all to ourselves…I got something special for you to see out there”, Vash whispers quietly to you with a quick peck on the cheek. 

“Wait, what??”, you whisper back to him, “you have a surprise in the backyard?”, you couldn’t help but smile at him.

Vash didn’t respond right away, you could tell he was trying to hide the blush on his face. You noticed it looked like he was trying to decide on what to say. After a moment, he leaned closer and spoke softly, 

“Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. You’ll just have to find out for yourself”, he then puts his hand softly under your chin and gives you a small sweet kiss, “now let’s go”, he takes your hand and walks you to the car.

You both pull up into the driveway and just linger in the car for a moment, savoring this time together after a wonderful date night.

“Dinner was lovely Vash….thank you…”, you tell him softly. 

“You’re welcome, Mayfly”, he looks at you with a soft smile and nods.

“I’m going to change into some comfy clothes, I don’t want to ruin my dress”, you softly laugh to yourself getting out of the car and rushing into the bedroom to change. 

Vash followed behind you just to stand at the doorway, watching you, smiling to himself, feeling pretty good about how his little surprise is going to turn out. You put on your hoodie and some shorts. You look over at Vash and tell him you're ready. 

He seemed a little disappointed to see that the dress you had on wasn't going to be part of the surprise, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he grabs your hand and starts to lead you towards the backyard. 

The backyard being mainly desert, but off in the distance, there was what looked like a small forest that seemed to be dying until recently. No one knows why the trees look luscious and green again. 

“I can’t wait to see your face when you see what I have out here..”, he says looking back for a moment, giving you such a pretty smile.

You followed him happily. As you were walking, you notices the abandoned building that was right before the forest. It never looked like anything special, ever,  but now there are some flora starting to grow on the land around it. Vash lead you to the side of the forest, it looked as though a path was made there on purpose. 

“How much further babe?”, you could feel the excitement bubbling up.  

“Just a little bit further…”

Vash stopped walking after a moment. He looked at you with a smile on his face as he put his hand on your cheek and gave you a quick little kiss. His entire aura was soft and kind and he seemed to have something on his mind. 

“We’re here…your surprise is right over there”, he said pointing off in the distance. You could see a soft light coming through a clearing in the trees.

“Just close your eyes and I’ll lead you there”, he told you as he softly took your hand.

“Are you ready? This was a surprise that was meant just for you and only you…I really hope you like it”, he lead you to the clearing and bent down to whisper in her ear.

You could hear the soft sounds of the wind blowing through your hair, and the rustling of leaves. The noises died down for a moment and you suddenly felt something fall on your hair and what sounded like raindrops…? 

Vash was starting to get nervous, it’s was difficult keeping this surprise a secret for so long. He worked so hard on it. 

“Ok, you can open your eyes”.

When you opened your eyes you cjould believe what you were seeing. There were trees. So many trees. The trees were big and full of green leaves, some of them were starting to show fruit growing on them. You then noticed all the flora. So much flora, so many different kinds. You weren’t even aware it was possible to have so many different species. All the different vibrant colors nearly assaulted your eyes when you first looked out at everything. It took a moment for you to process everything you were seeing. 

“Vash…”, your voice caught in your throat. You looked around in amazement with tears in your eyes. “This is all ours..??”

Vash’s face lit up at your reaction. 

“Yeh, it’s all ours. I built this all for you….because I wanted you to have this, something nice, something special…somewhere to be your haven to escape to when things feel like they’re getting too much”.

Tears started to fall down your face. 

“I LOVE IT….so much”.

You practically jumped into his arms and cried. 

Vash held onto you tightly as soon as you jump into his arms, he smiled gave you a kiss on the cheek. He couldn't help but blush. 

He would never admit how long it took to get the trees to grow in the desert without the help of Plants. The amount of research it took to understand how to properly care for not just trees, but all kinds of foods and flora as well. You both share a dream of making life better on this desert planet and bringing humans and plants together with a better understanding of each other.

He felt so proud of himself for being able to take that dream and put it in motion to make it a reality. He was so happy with how much you were enjoying your surprise.

“Now, do you want to explore the rest of your surprise? It’s all ours…”

“Ooh..”, you took a step back and wiped the tears off your face, “Of course I do”, you smiled at him. “You are so perfect”, you cup his face and kissed him for a long moment. 

He kissed you back, deepening the kiss, he could not contain his excitement and love for you. He couldn't stop himself, he just wanted more. There was just something about this little forest that just felt nice and cozy with just the two of you there. He almost got lost in the moment. 

“I love you so mu–”, he started to say, but was cut off by you interrupting him with another playful kiss.

You broke away from the kiss, trying not to giggle when you noticed what looked like small lights in the sky.

“Vash! Look! Glow worms! Just like when we first started dating…oh, look how pretty…”, your face lit up as if you are looking at something magical. 

Vash looked up, noticing how he had missed the appearance of the worms in his distraction by you, but he looked up and smiled. He turned you both slightly so he could hold you and face the glowing light together.

“I can’t believe you remember that…”, he said softly, looking out at the beautiful landscape before the two of you. 

“Come on baby, I wanna explore the rest of the forest”, you said while taking his hand into yours.

You started walking deeper into it when you noticed some flora. You stop and rub her fingers over them.

“This place is absolutely stunning Vash and to think it’s all ours. How in the world did you manage to make this happen??”

“A LOT of planning, and asking for help, and coming out here while you were at work. I’m glad you like it. After the stuff you’ve had to deal with…you deserve this”, he sayid softly, giving you that cute little half grin. “Let’s walk further back here”.

Vash kept smiling and gave your hand a gentle squeeze. Before too long, he stopped and pointed out ahead of himself to a small clearing.

“Over here, Mayfly. I wanted you to see something…”

“Ok!”, is all you could muster out. 

You and Vash kept walking and ended up coming into the beautiful clearing, surrounded by green leaves and flora. It was quiet here. It had the perfect little spot for the two of you to spend some alone time together. As you kept following Vash, he walked you to some special flower. It was big and beautiful and they were are scattered all around the middle of the clearing. 

“This flower…it’s named after you”, he said softly, smiling at you.

Your face was stuck between shock and amazement. You looked at the beautiful pink and purple flowers and very softly ran your fingers across them and noticed the small sign beside them.

“The Mayfly flower; Mayflies” -A cross between what is known as a Daisy and a Lily -Excellent for mixing seeds with wildflowers.

“So you named them Mayflies after your nickname for me?”, you smiled as a tear fell down your cheek. 

“Yeh, these are named after you, my Mayfly. I have never met anyone quite as beautiful and as sweet as you, and I thought that these beautiful flowers fit you. They’re pink and purple like the sunset, they represent how kind you are to everyone. And just the Mayflies, you don’t stay in one spot for too long, but you leave an impact on the people you meet that never leaves, just like the beauty and wonder of this flora”, he told you warmly and you could tell he had put in so much thought behind creating the flowers.

You just smiled at him before hugging him close.

“You have worked so hard to make this hybrid flora. They are so beautiful Vash, thank you”, you told him as you try to express how proud and happy and loved you felt in that very moment. 

Vash wrapped you tight in his arms as the rain gently fell all around the two of you, he rested his head onto yours. He could see the tears rolling down your cheeks again, but he knew they are happy tears. 

“I am so glad you like it, I wanted you to have something special all to yourself. I want you to have good memories and I want to be the one who shares them with you.”

“Dance with me”, you said quietly while still hugging him.

“Right here?”, he asked, blushing to himself.

He paused only for a second, there is no way he can refuse you, not when you asked for something so sweet.

“...alright…I can do that”, he said quietly and begins dancing with you in the middle of the clearing within your little forest.

“..is this ok?..”, he asked blushing.

“It’s perfect”, you told him, giving him the happiest smile she could muster. 

You both gracfully danced together under the gentle rain and around the flora. You stopped the dance, and brought his face to yours, you passionately yet gently kissed him.

“I love this, I love you….thank you so much Vash”.

Vash leand into that passionate kiss, embracing it as his arms wrapped around you. The gentle rain fell down and washed over you, while the trees around them gently swayed back and forth. You could hear the song of the glow worms and saw them lighting up the sky above the small forest. Vash kept kissing you while having his arms wrapped around you, holding you as close as possible. 

You took a tiny step back, just to catch your breath, and smile at him. You held both of his hands in front of you.

“We should have a date night more often”, you told him lovingly.

“I couldn’t agree more…Mayfly”, he said before giving you the sweetest, softest kiss he had ever given you.

You stood in the middle of your own personal paradise with the man you loved more than everything in this universe or the next. You started the dance again and you both sway along the sounds of nature. Vash looked at you with euphoria washing over him. All his hard work paid off. Not just with you, but with the whole planet. You both share a dream that’s slowly becoming reality. Both of you were grateful you have the other to share this with.