Wolfwood's new profession

So sorry this is so short and has taken so long! I'm just so wrapped up in my new (ish) Death Note fiction that I keep forgetting about this one till someone reviews it! So you can all thank Starlyght_Wolf for the update this time! Haha And thanks everyone else - I promise I won't abandon you!!

Chapter Twenty-Six - Rage


Knives rested against his desk, leaning calmly as he swirled the dregs of a glass of something in his hand, ankles crossed casually, his other hand on the tabletop; a picture of relaxed innocence. Except for the smile.

Vash suppressed a shiver.

Knives had a smile that belonged on mass-murderers and rapists. A smile that froze blood, terrified children and reminded him of all things evil and terrible in this long and arduous life. A smile that reminded him of just how sadistic his brother actually was. A smile that widened suddenly when Vash’s hand twitched down towards his gun before he had even spoken. He quirked an eyebrow, seemingly infinitely amused with the turn of events.

“Do you want to shoot me, Vash? Don’t you think that’s getting a little old by now? It been…how many times now? Two? Three? I’ve lost count. You seem to use that gun an awful lot for someone who claims such a peace-loving demeanour.” Knives swirled his glass again, the remainder a sickly red colour that reminded Vash of the blood still lingering on his hands. Meryl’s blood. Vash’s eyes narrowed dangerously as a copper tang hit the air.

He couldn’t have…!

Knives smirked and lifted the glass to his lips, taking a small sip and swallowing slowly, taking his time and savouring the taste.

Vash grinded his teeth when his brother spoke again, not trusting himself to speak just yet.

“You’ve been quite a… inconvenience, Vash, with all your attempts to stop the inevitable.” Knives licked his lips and raised the glass slightly in his brother’s direction. “But I have surpassed you, like I always will. Here’s to our life together, starting today.” He took another swallow.

“What are you talking about?!” Vash spat, his own voice sounding foreign and hollow to him. Knives tilted his head to the side slightly, ever bemused with his brother’s behaviour.

“Why, I’m talking about our imminent departure, of course! Surely you’ve noticed the ship. After a few minor details are cleared up, this planet on its way to impending destruction and your lovely Wolfwood taken care of, we’ll be leaving this place forever! Think of it, Vash! A new place with no irritating outsiders! A place where we can rule as the superior beings! Our…Eden!” He gestured grandly, the liquid sloshing gently in his glass.

Suddenly the new and repaired areas of the ship made sense. Knives was going to leave the planet! Apparently with Vash in tow! The Stampede’s eyes narrowed again slightly.

“What makes you think I would go anywhere with you, Knives? All you do is hurt people.” He took a step forward, fist clenching angrily. Knives lowered his glass, contemplating the liquid inside briefly before flicking his eyes up to meet Vash’s fierce gaze.

“Because if you don’t…I’ll give your lovely little priest the time of his life…and let you listen to him scream. Hell, I’ll even let you watch if you’re good…” Knives winked and Vash twitched. “Oh…he’s working for me too…if you didn’t know already. Hired to lead you here.”

Knives felt slightly disappointed that the matter of the priest’s employment didn’t get more of a reaction when Vash didn’t move a muscle but he mentally shrugged and continued with his little speech.

“I take it you found your little…friend.” Knives stated, raising his eyebrow and swirling his glass again, his ice-cold eyes raking over the gunman as Vash struggled to remain calm. “She was quite a mouthy little bitch, wasn’t she? But I found a better use for her mouth before I killed her.” The plant insinuated crudely, knowing it would get a rise out of Vash.

The Stampede jerked with barely-suppressed rage, his brother’s name hissing out between his clenched teeth as his hand edged closer to his gun, fingers twitching.

“Godamnitt. Knives…”

“Mmm…she was almost as good as Wolfwood. Now there’s a man who’s eager to get on his knees… Pity he’s decided not to join us today. I would have liked to see your face as I fucked him senseless.” Knives’ smirk widened even further as Vash’s rage finally boiled over and he reacted to the untruths, grabbing for his gun. Knives had been waiting for this exact thing to happen and threw his drink, glass and all, at Vash’s face, moving quickly as the Stampede avoided his impromptu draw in favour of fending off the liquid. His hand still went for his gun, just a moment later which proved to be a mistake.

Vash’s hand froze on his holster, his brother’s hand encircling his wrist and keeping his gun undrawn.

“Now now, brother. We can’t have you going and jumping to the last act straight away, now can we…?” Knives squeezed Vash’s wrist till the Stampede could hear the bone creak. Vash tilted his head back as Knives leaned in closer, his breath whispering across Vash’s ear in a revolting parody of a lover.

“…Not when there’s so many things still to be accomplished.” He paused here and licked his lips, the sound making Vash cringe as he began to struggle against Knives’ hold, the thought of using his other gun becoming more and more of an option. “So many things…like taking the last of what’s mine.” Knives slowly licked the side of Vash’s face, taking immense sadistic pleasure in the sound of Vash choking back a gagging noise. “Although…maybe I should just give you to Legato. He deserves some kind of reward. Hn…on the other hand though, getting to fuck your pretty priest thrice-nightly wasn’t really that much of a chore. I heard Wolfwood really enjoyed it…begged for it over and over, till they ran out of lube and Legato took him dry…”

Vash hissed angrily, too furious for words. He’d known that the priest had some deep issue with Legato, his brother had just confirmed what he’d been thinking all along. Legato had touched the priest…and he knew it hadn’t been voluntary on Wolfwood’s part. No wonder he’d been so terrified of the telepath finding them, so gentle and caring in his love for the gunman. He shoved Knives off and drew his gun, letting the first bullet fly. Knives grinned as he ducked behind the edge of the door, pulling his own gun, pleased he’d goaded the emotional Stampede into a battle with his lies.

He shot back as Vash dodged and the fight was on.

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Again, sorry it's short, but please tell me what you think!