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“I can see it in his eyes.” Vash’s gaze meets Wolfwood’s dark eyes. Vash smiles wholeheartedly, Wolfwood scoffs. The only thing he sees in himself is a monster with bloodstained hands and a man full of rage and sin.
Yet Vash brought out something he never thought he had anymore, love . While he’ll never admit it, Vash had found a special place in his heart, he’s become softer towards the blondie.
+++
After the wam incident Vash had also started feeling something towards Wolfwood, something he doesn’t deserve, these feelings, he shouldn’t . It was love at first sight, Wolfwood seemed cold to most people but past his tough exterior, hidden away deeply where nobody could see it was a warm, kind heart.
No , Wolfwood doesn’t deserve someone like Vash. Wolfwood deserves someone better. Vash is a man who brings danger to anyone he meets, a man who brings destruction anywhere he goes. Nothing is safe around the Humanoid Typhoon.
He shouldn’t love Wolfwood, loving him would only break the two of them. Vash has to focus on fixing Knives mistakes first. Loving Wolfwood would only get both of them killed in the end. There was no breaking the chains of destiny.
That's when it started. They had all traveled together to smaller noname towns, Meryl and Roberto would have their own rooms, while Vash and Wolfwood shared.
Vash and Wolfwood would exchange conversations and sometimes flirt with each other, but of course it was all jokes . A few days after the Wam incident Vash had been getting a twisted feeling in his stomach each time he interacted with Wolfwood.
Soon enough he was coughing. It started small at first, just an itch in his throat but soon enough he was coughing up blood. It was unusual and painful, it scared him. Vash tried to ignore it, blaming it on his biology , 'A plant thing' he reassured himself.
The others had noticed his coughing but he had convinced them he just inhaled some sand earlier, hiding the fact that with every cough he had more and more of that familiar iron taste in his mouth.
+++
Then there was the Windmill Village fight. The heartbroken voice of Vash as he yelled at Wolfwood for killing his friend, Rollo . “Mercy.” Wolfwood scowled, but he did regret his actions after seeing how much it hurt Vash. Maybe he had made the wrong decision after all, maybe Rollo could've been saved but the deed was already done. There was nothing he could do to change that now so all he could do was move on.
They decided to stop by the nearest town, it was small but it had an inn and they decided they could all use a proper night sleep so they rented their rooms, Meryl decided she would have her own room since she was paying, giving Roberto another single room before deciding Vash and Wolfwood should share to save some money. And so they went to their rooms for the night.
Wolfwood had thrown what little luggage he had with him in the corner as soon as they entered the room and locked the door behind them while Vash had carefully set his bag next to the side of the bed he claimed for himself. “Look Tongari, I’m sorry for shooting Rollo.” Wolfwood sighed, finally breaking the silence as he put Punishment down against a wall.
The mention of Rollo made Vash flinch, “I-It’s.. it wasn't for you to decide. Don't do something like that again please.” Vash sits on one side of the bed. Wolfwood frowns.
They both settle in the bed, back to back. Silent , deafening silence as they both drifted to sleep. Except Vash didn’t sleep, he stares as Wolfwood sleeps restlessly, knocked out and snoring.
Oh his beautiful face, strong frame, and bold black eyes. Butterflies filled his stomach, but Vash quickly denies the feelings. Shutting it down, not letting it go any further.
It’s the first good sleep Wolfwood’s gotten in a while. Only to be woken by a fit of gurgling coughs and rustling in the bed.
Wolfwood groans getting up. Looking to see what the spiky head idiot did now. Only to see the horror of Vash’s frame trembling, as Vash coughs up thick blood.
Vash glances at Wolfwood, blood dripping down his mouth, then frantically turns away. Running to the bathroom shutting the door, Wolfwood could hear the clicking of the lock. Wolfwood gets up to try and catch Vash, but he’s too quick.
“Oi! Needle-noggin what’s going on?!” He slams a fist against the bathroom door. Through the door he can hear the strained gurgling coughs and Vash gasping for air.
Vash looks down into the sink, puddles of blood all around the bowl. There’s something else inside of the blood, small, thick red petals . The iron taste of blood floods his mouth and stings his throat. Tears prick the corner of his eyes.
He runs the sink, draining the blood and petals, rinsing out his mouth. He’s now fully crying, staring into the mirror at the mess. Another bang to the door makes him jump. “Hey Needle-noggin, I'm talking to you! What’s wrong?!”
“Just a coughing fit, I’m fine.” Vash sucks in a wet breath. “No the hell you aren’t, I saw you coughing up blood, Are you hurt? If so, you need to tell me.” Wolfwood snarls.
“Like I said, I’m fine ! I just inhaled some sand…” Vash is unaware that he’s raising his voice. He cracks the door open with Wolfwood standing in the way to stop him. Wolfwood grabs Vash by the shoulder, Vash flinches and tries to pull away.
Wolfwood inspects Vash, then the bathroom, there lingering blood staining the white marble counter in the bathroom. Vash has puffy glossy eyes. He's been coughing up a storm lately and it’s beginning to be a lot worse than some ‘inhaled sand’ .
“Are you really okay? Get some rest and wake me if something happens.” Wolfwood sighs. “ Nick , I’m alright, just need some rest that’s all.” They get back in bed, facing away from each other.
+++
The next morning they head out, Meryl and Roberto already waiting in the car, Vash and Wolfwood a little late.
The ride went fairly smoothly at first. Vash wasn't coughing as much as before, only clearing his throat from time to time but it wasn't cause for concern. Except it was, for Wolfwood at least.
He kept a close eye on Vash, hyper aware of any small noises he made due to everything that happened the previous night. He hadn't brought it up again, Vash would be too stubborn to explain it anyway but that didn't stop him from worrying.
They'd been driving a couple of hours before Wolfwood noticed it, Vash started having a slight wheeze to his breath and he started to turn a bit pale. Wolfwood had asked if he was doing alright but Vash just nodded in response, giving him one of his fake smiles to sell it.
Wolfwood could see right through it though but it wasn't worth fighting over despite how badly he wanted to so they continued their journey without saying another word.
As they continued Vash's wheezing got worse until finally he spoke up "Can we stop for a bit?" His voice sounded weak, so weak in fact that Meryl wasn't sure she even heard it correctly before Wolfwood repeated, "Hey, you heard him little lady, stop the car. Vash needs a break." And so she complied, slowing the car until it came to a complete stop.
The car barely stopped moving before Vash threw himself out of the small space, only making it a few steps before collapsing on his knees as his reflexes took over.
His body was trembling with how violently he was coughing, only allowing him short shallow breaths between hurling up blood and vomit from the sheer force that his body clearly wasn't used to. His vision was blurry from the lack of oxygen and the tears that started forming in his eyes.
It felt like he was there for hours, trying to calm himself down until he felt a hand softly rubbing his back. "You alright Needle-noggin?" Wolfwood asked, trying to comfort him.
It took Vash only a moment to quickly shove a pile of sand over the mix of crimson and puke to hide it before turning around, "yeah… just.. car sick." It came out sounding so weak it was almost a whisper as he tried to hold back his coughs again like he had been doing since their ride had started.
Wolfwood wasn't convinced but there wasn't much he could do. There wasn't another town for iles so instead he decided to convince Meryl and Roberto to extend their break a little longer, convincing them too that Vash had gotten car sick despite him being perfectly fine on their previous trips.
Meanwhile Vash let himself roll down onto his back next to the pile of sick he tried to hide, he didn't care, he was too exhausted from everything that just happened. He closed his eyes as he tried taking in as much oxygen as he could, his lungs hurt, his stomach hurt and his ribs hurt.
He couldn't tell his friends though, they would only be worried. He just needed a moment, he convinced himself as he slowly let his exhaustion take over and let himself pass out, finally giving him a break from the constant burn in his lungs that only seemed to get worse with time.
“Hey, Needle-noggin?” Wolfwood shakes Vash, no response. “He’s passed out, let’s get moving to the next town.” Wolfwood growls. “Maybe we should set up camp, Vash is in no shape to travel again. He could get even more car sick.” Meryl suggests.
“No we are going to the next town, it’s more than just car sickness .” Wolfwood demand. Meryl throws her hands up to surrender, not wanting to argue any further. They load back into the car, Wolfwood carefully holds Vash to his side, the spiky head laying on his shoulder.
A warm fuzzy feeling takes over Wolfwood’s thought. He briefly shuts down the feelings, Vash deserves better. The warm feeling now replaced by worry, he needs to know what’s up with the spiky haired idiot.
+++
Vash’s body sprung up, sweat beading down his face. He looks around, they’re back in the van. The wind howls. Wolfwood sleeps soundly next to him, head lays on Vash’s shoulder. Vash flustered by the position they’re in, he allows himself to embrace the other’s warmth.
He felt a surge of warmth climb up his throat. Eyes frantically search the car for a cloth, a small towel on the side of the car door. He grips in and pulls it to his face, belching up blood and flowers , whole flowers. Little blooming buds with brilliant red petals.
His body shakes Wolfwood awake, Meryl glances through the rear view mirror, immediately stopping the van. "We should really stop for the day, I'm sure Vash will feel better tomorrow." Meryl sighed as she turned around to face Vash and Wolfwood.
Wolfwood however wasn't having it "No, we're not setting up camp until we hit the next town." He gave her a serious look "If blondie here suddenly decides he's actually getting sick I'd rather be stuck in a town then in the middle of nowhere" he grumbled, digging into his suit jacket and putting a bent cigarette in his mouth, grinding it between his teeth instead of lighting it. Vash probably shouldn't be inhaling smoke right now so this would have to make due.
Meryl sighed, she actually agreed with Wolfwood on that part "Fine but please Vash, let me know if you want to take a break or if you need to puke again. I'd rather you do that outside the car." She grimaced at the thought.
Vash just nodded in response, hiding the bloody cloth and flowers before anyone was able to see it.
+++
It took them another five hours and two more puke breaks before finally hitting a town. A moderate sized town called ‘Town of Delights’ , the gang stops at a hotel. It was pretty clean, good price, but Vash and Wolfwood still had to share a room.
They settled inside, Vash quickly moved to the bathroom. The sound of retched puking and wet ragged breaths emerges from the locked door and Wolfwood listens to every second of it. He’s noticed Vash’s condition worsened, yet the needle-noggin idiot won’t tell him or the others.
In fact he heavily avoids talking about it, like he’s scared of bringing it up. Wolfwood doesn’t even know what to do about it, any confrontation with Vash goes nowhere. That stubborn fool.
He heard the running water turn off and the click of the doorknob. Vash walks out looking more ill than ever, pale and nauseated, tired and unable to balance. Vash trips over himself, Wolfwood catches him in his arm, Vash’s frame is sweating and shaking.
“What the hell, Needle-noggin what happened?!” He swoops Vash off his feet and sets the lanky man on the bed. Vash is mumbling a few inaudible words, his eyes half lidded. “Tongari speak to me, what do you need? Water, food, rest?!” Wolfwood shakes Vash roughly.
“Just… really tired… that’s all…” Vash’s words slur and his vision becomes hazy. He passes out again. Wolfwood feels uncomfortable and unable to sleep after Vash’s little scene. He watches as the blonde sleeps, snoring and limbs spread across the bed.
In his eyes Vash was an angel , Vash was kind and forgiving, gentle and loving, the world doesn’t deserve a man like Vash, Vash doesn’t deserve a man like Wolfwood . It’s a dog eat dog world, kill or be killed, there is no room for kindness and love. Everyone is selfish, you do what you have to do to get by, but not Vash.
This pacifist is so determined to save every life he meets, he’ll never pull out his gun with ill intent and he’ll never kill. That’s what Wolfwood loves about Vash. But a flurry of mixed feelings messed with Wolfwood’s heart, he couldn’t love Vash, he was just a monster who only knew to be cold and lonely.
He was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard a gurgling noise. Vash was coughing and choking in his sleep. Wolfwood hastily gets up to wake Vash, propping him to sit up, shaking him and pleading Vash to wake up. Vash eyes widen and he coughs into his hands.
A lot more blood and flowers come out, he cups it in his hands out of Wolfwood’s view. Unwanted tears flood his eyes, his breath heavy. He swiftly hops out the bed and into the bathroom, locking the door behind him.
Wolfwood had no time to process what just happened and was left in bed, his eyes shifting to the few drops of blood that managed to slip onto the sheets. He would definitely question Vash about this whenever he decides to emerge from the bathroom again.
Vash rinses his hands off with warm water, it’s midnight but maybe a nice warm bath would help. He runs the bath, it fills in the silence of the night. Stripping off his sweaty black turtleneck and pants.
Slipping in the warm water, careful not to make a splash, it soothes his old scars and aches. Vash exhales, there’s a feeling in his gut, like something growing infecting his lungs. Making it harder for him to breathe.
His gut twists and turns, it makes him feel sick and tired. He quickly washes himself, his blond hair, his aching scared body. Then it comes again, a glob of blood and flowers floods his mouth and barfed into the cloudy bath water.
It paints the water crimson red and pretty red flowers float atop the water's surface. Vash grimaces, swirling around the bloody flower mix. His condition worsens and he knows the cure .
+++
An old tale Rem shared with the twins, when an independent plant finds true love, that love is so strong it blooms into flowers. It spreads throughout the inside of the body, slowly infecting the person, growing bigger and bigger the longer they wait. The only way to make it disappear is to confess their feelings to the one they love, only then the disease will disappear. If you don’t share the feelings, the flowers will grow bigger and bigger, slowly consuming you until it eventually becomes too much for the body to handle. Hanahaki disease, that’s what it’s called.
+++
Vash sighed, enjoying the warm water for a little longer before getting out. It can’t be true love, Vash couldn’t love someone, with his reputation and the danger he brought, it wasn’t right to bring love into his life. Maybe he could force himself to stop loving Wolfwood, that seemed like it might be another cure.
After a while Vash finally decided he was getting tired, quietly emerging from the bathroom after he had put his clothes back on and made sure all the blood had been washed away properly.
What he didn't expect was Wolfwood sitting on the bed facing his direction, glaring daggers at him. "Alright Needle-noggin, what's up with you?" He said it so calmly it was almost scary.
"It's fine, I'm just still feeling sick from the car rides." he chuckled awkwardly. The lie had gotten unbelievable even for his standards and it was obvious Wolfwood didn't believe him. "Cut the crap, you were coughing up more blood than ever."
Vash laughs quietly and nervously. “Truly I’m just sick. Just need a few breaks here and there, but we can still continue our journey.” He gives a drowsy smile and slips back in bed. Wolfwood shoots Vash a dirty look before he falls back into a slumber.
+++
Wolfwood is the first to wake, early in the morning, opening the window. He pulls out a cigarette and lights it, puffing the smoke out of the window. This hotel has a no smoking policy but who the hell cares.
Vash finally wakes up without a coughing fit. He yawns and rubs his puffy eyes. The blonde spikes had fallen into flat strands and his clothing had changed from his black turtleneck and black jeans to comfy loose sweats and a tank top.
Finally it looks like the blondie’s gotten some actual sleep. Wolfwood’s lips tug for a smile. “Good morning sleeping beauty.” He teases. Vash blushes and looks away, “it’s pretty early, what are you doing up?”
“Could say the same for you, Tongari.” Wolfwood replied. “Let’s head out, we can’t stay in towns for too long ya know.” Vash is already undressing to change. Wolfwood eyes widen.
His body was decorated in different shapes and sizes of scars, patches of skin missing with red to replace it, metal plates and wiring over his back. The most noticeable thing was a steel grate over his left pec, it covered and protected thin fragile skin underneath.
“You’re staring, Nick.” Vash face grows redder. “Sorry, but your scars…” Wolfwood trails off. Vash chuckled nervously, “I know, not a pretty sight to see.”
“No, you're a masterpiece Tongari.” Wolfwood compliments unconsciously. After registering what he had just said they both turn red as tomatoes.
+++
They pack up and head out first, expecting Meryl and Roberto to sleep in a little more, which they did. Vash in the mood for some sweets, Wolfwood reluctantly followed him into a small bakery.
This town was fortunate enough to have a plant that produced all sorts of food supplies and was known for the pastries they made.
The bakery smelled of fresh baked goods, sweet, sour, salty, and all that you could think of. Vash walks to the counter staring at the baked goods in the display case. While Wolfwood finds a seat by the windows. The woman asks nicely what he would like, Vash kindly orders a dozen donuts.
A few minutes later he comes back with a box and a huge grin on his face. “What a lovely day for donuts and coffee!” Vash cheers enthusiastically, he’s looking a lot more alive today, but still pale.
“Who's the coffee for? You know I don’t like that stuff, Tongari.” Wolfwood questioned. “Oh for Meryl and Roberto, that is if they want some…” he thinks to himself, “I’ve left a note at their doors stating we’ll be outside, they should be able to spot me soon!”
“Yea and other people could spot you easily too. So pipe it down Needle-noggin and mind your own business.” Wolfwood grumbled. Vash only smiled and stuffed a donut with pink frosting and colorful sprinkles in his mouth.
Vash nudges the box towards Wolfwood asking for him to take one, Wolfwood waves a hand off to his offer. Vash just shrugs, more for him, looking out the window he sees a familiar blue beret and brown attire. Meryl and Roberto
Vash waved at them as they entered. Meryl took no time before she was seated across from Vash "How are you feeling? You were pretty out of it yesterday" she asked, giving him a worried look. "I'm fine, really" Vash smiled at her before taking another donut out of the box and biting into it "I even got you and Roberto coffee."
They took the cups and thanked him before Meryl gave him a disapproving glance, letting out a sigh "Well no matter, we're staying here for today. We have the money and I don't want you to get more sick while on the road."
Vash wanted to protest, "Meryl I'm okay, we don't have to hang around here all day just because of me!" She huffed at him in annoyance and looked like she wanted to say something before Wolfwood cut her off, "Stop it Needle-noggin, we're staying. You're still pale as a ghost and I'm dragging you back to bed as soon as you're finished with those." he pointed to the box of donuts.
“Can’t we walk around for a little bit? This town seems so nice and it’s early in the morning!” Vash puts on his puppy eyes, pleading. “You’re still sick and tired looking, I don’t think that's good-” Roberto suggested before being cut off.
The sounds of clicking mags and metal were heard around the table, two JuLai officers, pointing their barrels to the group. “Well who do we have here? The Humanoid Typhoon and other fugitives having a nice day in this town.” One of them laughs.
“Hope you're not planning to destroy this town too. Hands up and don’t make this difficult.” The other officer teases. The whole table throws their hands up to surrender. “L-let’s talk this out guys.” Vash laughs nervously. Meryl gulps, Wolfwood rolls his eyes, and Roberto sighs.
Before the officers could react, Wolfwood grabs Punishment and bashes through the big window they sat next to. The group understanding the situation hastily hops out the window with him. The officers yell firing at the escapees and Wolfwood blocks it with his cross.
“Me and Meryl are grabbing the car, don’t do anything stupid and meet us where we first came in this town!” Roberto shouts through the gunfire. Vash and Wolfwood nodded and the group split up.
Vash and Wolfwood ducked into a smaller street. It didn’t help that Vash had to hold his sack of important items. Luckily the group hadn’t had that much luggage to haul around. Bullets rain down on the pair as they weave through town.
After a few minutes Vash started slowing down, gasping in a desperate attempt to get more oxygen into his lungs. Wolfwood noticed and grabbed his hand, not allowing him to slow down any further. If they stopped now this would end in a blood bath.
Vash didn't have much choice other than to stumble after Wolfwood, trying his best to keep up until the van finally came into sight. Wolfwood quickly opened the door before practically throwing Vash inside, followed by himself and Punishment .
He managed to slam the door behind him just in time before Meryl slammed on the gas and sped off, finally giving Wolfwood some time to assess the damage.
The fact he had thrown Punishment into the back with them made sure they were pinned into the awkward position that they had entered the car in. Wolfwood sitting in the place Vash usually sat while holding the upper part of the cross while Vash was half laying onto the bench with his face pressed against the window. It wasn't important now, they would stop and get comfortable as soon as the military police were off their ass.
Wolfwood let out a sigh as the adrenaline started to wear off. It was only then that he noticed the state Vash was in, he was trembling, only taking weak, shallow breaths and his skin looked awfully pale.
"You alright Needle-noggin..?" Vash didn't respond as suddenly his previously shallow breathing turned into a wet, gurgling noise. His eyes widened, filling with tears as he started clawing at his throat, looking at Wolfwood in pure panic and desperation.
The world seemed to slow down for a second as something clicked in Wolfwood's head. He looked behind them into the now empty desert before snapping back towards Meryl "STOP THE CAR!"
Meryl took a quick look in her rearview mirror to make sure their pursuers were really gone before finally slamming on the brakes when her eyes drifted to find Vash's and Wolfwood's panicking states.
"What's going on!?" She asked as the car finally came to a full stop but Wolfwood didn't answer. Instead he jumped out of the car, hastily throwing Punishment into the sand before running to the other side of the vehicle. It took him no time to drag Vash out as well before carefully laying his limp body down on his back. Vash was pale, almost blue. Blood was pooling into his mouth and his eyes were half lidded, desperately clinging to consciousness.
Wolfwood took a deep breath before putting his hands on Vash's chest and pushed, again and again and again. "Fuck– please stay with me Vash!" He didn't know how long he stayed like that, he didn't hear Meryl and Roberto yelling something in the background and he didn't notice the tears that started falling from his eyes. Until Vash suddenly lurched up, violently coughing up the blood and detached flowers that had filled up his lungs on their run earlier.
It almost didn't seem to stop, every cough only brought up more of the ungodly mixture and everyone stared at it in horror. Wolfwood gently rubbed his back, trying his best to stay calm during this whole ideal. "Breathe Vash, in and out." He tried, it didn't work so he opted to wait until everything had gotten out.
After a solid 10 minutes of coughing Vash's body finally eased and seemed to be taking in semi-normal breaths again. Vash was breathing but he had gotten so exhausted he basically passed out the moment his body was done clearing his airways.
Wolfwood managed to catch him before softly easing him back down on his back. "Why won't you just tell me what's wrong..?" He whispered, softly brushing a hand through Vash's hair before drying the tears that he didn't realize were still pouring out of his eyes.
Vash was still breathing, that's the only thing that mattered right now. They decided to drive for a little more until nightfall to set up camp. Right now was not a time to drive endlessly to another town, which any town would take ages to get to, 5 hours at least.
They make a campfire with leftover wood and set up tents. The two moons shine down on the group. There was no wind and it was a silent night. Wolfwood couldn’t sleep after the horror of Vash’s condition.
He stays up staring at Vash’s closed tent. Vash keeps baring blood and flowers. Fucking flowers, full blooming flowers. This was more than a ‘plant thing’ ; it's been going on for too long.
Eventually Wolfwood decides to check up on Vash to see if he was still doing alright. The thought of Vash's lungs being filled with blood still haunting him. "Hey Needles, I'm coming in" he said before carefully zipping open the tent and getting inside. It wasn't very big but that was fine. Vash had curled up into a ball as small as he could, he looked sicker than ever.
Wolfwood softly put a hand in Vash's hair, petting it in a comforting manner, not sure what else to do. Vash just looked up at him with glossy eyes, he was too tired to move and his body hurt.
"Why can't you just tell me what's wrong… I want to help you" Wolfwood spoke softly, the words hitting Vash like a train. He wanted to tell Wolfwood, tell him that he loved him, tell him to stay, even if he didn't deserve someone kind, warm, and loving.
The words couldn't escape his mouth, his lungs too weak to push out enough air. The realization hit that he might never be able to express his feelings to Wolfwood, he was already too far gone to speak and he dreaded what would come next. Tears started forming in his eyes, quickly turning into quiet sobs as he desperately tried to lean into Wolfwood's touch.
He could feel his skin burning, an itching sensation. Pretty red flowers bloom off his skin, it hurts but Vash doesn’t have the voice to scream as the flowers take over his body. Their pretty thin red petals cover all of his skin, he needs to take his shirt off, it hurts.
Vash weakly claws at the neck of his shirt, struggling to move and take off the top. Wolfwood notices and hastily pulls the shirt off, eyes widen in horror. You can no longer see the scars that tatter his body.
Vash bleeds under the blooming flowers, his body painted in the red mix he’s been throwing up for the last week.
Vash is scared too, drowning in a pool of pain, crying and unable to breathe. His plant patterns glow a white hue and spread across his face, where the flowers had yet to reach. Roots of the plant spread through his skin, under and over. Stretching out to every crevice of his body.
He looked over at Wolfwood, eyes filled with fear as Wolfwood couldn't do anything more than watch. “ Vash what the hell is happening?! ” Wolfwood was yelling loud enough to wake the others.
Vash could only make a whimpering noise, the flowers clogging up his lungs and throat. Wishing for all of this to end, his eyes close and he rests his head on Wolfwood’s lap. He had been such a coward, this was the consequence for it.
The flowers fully cover Vash’s body, taking over his beautiful face, covering his ethereal marking and sky blue eyes that Wolfwood loved so much. Vash’s breath slowly drifted away, his chest stopped rising and falling.
Wolfwood holds Vash's head in his lap. Tears flood his eyes and trail down, dripping on the red flowers that bloom on Vash’s face.
He touches his forehead to the flowers on Vash’s. “No, please Vash… You can’t die here, I care too much about you…” Wolfwood sobs, “I love you.”
Wolfwood holds a vessel for the whimsical red flowers. Wolfwood swears he could hear Vash’s heartbeat fade. His body tenses and freezes at that moment.
The blood seeps through Wolfwood’s pants and stains his hands. The tent fills up with the smell of iron and floral sweetness and Wolfwood sits there for what feels like an eternity. Refusing to believe Vash might be gone soon if not already.
Eyes peek open, flowers blocking his vision, those three magical words seem to make the pain stop for a little. His breath hitched and lungs gasped for air. He can hardly see Wolfwood’s face is scrunched up and crying, oh how he hated hurting Wolfwood.
He can feel hands cup his head, he likes the touch of Wolfwood’s rough calloused hands. Vash lays there like a pot of soil to the flowers that infect his body.
Limbs unable to move, he feels as if he’s holding his breath, but then his jaw breaks free of the root's grasp.
“Wolfwood, I love you too.” Vash finally exhales. The suns are rising, finally breaking over the dunes and gleaming through the open tent. Perfectly shining on the two.
Wolfwood chokes at the answer. “ I love you, I love you, but please tell me what’s wrong, what did I do?! I can't let you die because of this!” He pleads, more tears stream down his face.
The flowers covering Vash slowly started wilting and falling off, revealing scabs and wounds. "I think I will be alright" Vash spoke before coughing up more of the dying flowers, no longer being fuelled by the intense hidden feelings that were now shared between the two.
Vash gives the most honest smile, tired but wide. “It was never your fault. I was selfish, trying to force myself not to love you.” tears well up in his eyes as he reaches for Wolfwood’s hands that’s holding his head. “I don’t deserve you Wolfwood, I don't deserve anyone .”
“No Vash, it’s not fair. You deserve the world, someone better than me at least. I’m just a monster, drugged and weaponized to kill. I can only hurt you.” Wolfwood countered.
Looking down at Vash’s face, tears dried, he could see the ethereal blue eyes and beautiful smile that Wolfwood missed so much about the blondie. Vash relaxes his hand to show a blooming flower that hasn't wilted yet, he holds it up in between his and Wolfwood’s face.
Wolfwood stares intently, it is one stem of flowers, the end blossoms into multiple petals. “ Red Geraniums , they're my favorite flora,” Vash clarifies, “It symbolizes love , happiness , and health .”
Wolfwood didn’t say a word, he embraced Vash, close and loving. Vash’s body melted into his hug, tired and weary. They hug in silence, accepting one another's love and care.
Vash shuffles around, out of Wolfwood’s lap now sitting on his knees, facing Wolfwood. He leaves a pile of flowers from where he previously laid. Vash cups Wolfwood’s face, pulling him into a sweet and tender kiss. The flowers tickle Wolfwood as he accepts the kiss.
They pull apart, staring each other in the eyes. “I love you, Nicholas D. Wolfwood.” Vash says his full name. Wolfwood blushes, smiling slightly, “I’ll love you for eternity.” Vash blushes even redder, he’s put on a truthful grin.
The flowers still linger on his body, but he no longer seems to be coughing or having trouble breathing. "Just what exactly happened?" Wolfwood thinks out loud, Vash staying silent for a moment.
“I’ll tell you later, let’s just have this moment .” Vash mumbled, Wolfwood snapped out of his thoughts. Vash clinging to his hip. He rubs soothing circles in Vash’s back, the blonde makes a purring noise.
The two could hear another tent open, Roberto or Meryl. A high pitched squeak is heard, definitely Meryl. The duo look out the tent, Meryl stands not too far from the opening of the tent staring at the two.
She gasps, noticing Vash is covered in blood red flowers and Wolfwood looking like utter shit . “W-what happened?!” Meryl stutters. The two stare at her, embarrassed and unable to speak.
“I’ll tell you later?” Vash breaths out. Meryl looks displeased at the answer but nods carefully and heads back toward her tent. “You better tell us, the full truth Tongari.” Wolfwood scolds. Vash hums in acknowledgment, he buries his head back into Wolfwood’s hip.
Wolfwood would’ve known Vash was the clingy type, touch seems to always have an effect on Vash. A small cough surges out of Vash, shaking the two, had the disease come back? It was a small cough and no blood seemed to follow, that’s good. Vash also visibly looked better, beside the flowers that still covered his skin.
“When will these pretty things come off?” Wolfwood asks as he plucks a small flower off of Vash’s back, it didn’t seem to hurt the other but there was red skin underneath, probably blood.
“I don’t know but I’ll pick them off, it doesn’t hurt, just makes me uncomfortable.” Vash smiled again, “And I feel crusty, the blood is all dried.” Wolfwood hums with a small frown.
“We’ll leave for a town the moment the reporters are ready.” Wolfwood sighs. “Let’s head out now, lovebirds.” They heard Roberto’s deep voice grunt. He’s standing outside the tent, drinking from his flask.
+++
They pack up and set out for the nearest town and after a few hours they arrive. The town is relatively small and quiet, the people stare at the foreigners, especially at Vash.
While most flowers are covered by clothes, there’s still plenty on his face. They book a cheap inn, Wolfwood and Vash enter their shared room. “At least this town has running water.” Vash undresses.
The dried blood and most of the flowers coming off as Vash finally steps beneath the lukewarm water. He exhales deeply before finally stepping out of the shower, feeling fresh and able to breathe again. He finally exits the bathroom, only wearing some baggy sweatpants. Wolfwood stares at the scars that decorate his body, paired with flowers growing near and out of them.
“You’re staring, Nick.” Vash blushes slightly, Wolfwood smirks. “You’re just so beautiful.” He compliments, making Vash even redder. Vash goes to sit at one end of the bed and lets out a sigh.
“Would you come help me pick these off?” He asks, plucking the red petals off his skin. Wolfwood nods and sits behind him on the bed. He takes a hand and rubs Vash’s back. The flowers tickle his hands, Vash’s skin is soft and smooth where the scars haven't reached yet.
“So, you going to explain why you became deathly sick and refused to tell us?” Wolfwood asks in a stern tone. Vash smiles like it’s a joke, like he wasn't on the brink of death mere hours ago. “I mean it Tongari and it has to be all true.” Wolfwood raises his voice even more.
“ Love .” Vash gives one word. “Elaborate.” Wolfwood snarls. “ True love , my caretaker told me a tale. When you experience true love and deny it, a flower will start to grow. From the inside, growing more and more the longer you deny your love,” Vash explains with a sad smile, “I simply thought I didn’t deserve you, thought I could force myself not to love you. But with each passing day it hurt me more. The flower grew and grew until I couldn’t breathe anymore.”
Vash picks at the flowers. “Hanahaki disease, I thought it was a myth, a story, but it’s true. It’s true love .” Tears build up in his eyes. Wolfwood turns Vash around to face him. Cupping the blonde's face, wiping away the tears, he pulls Vash in for a kiss.
It was short and sweet. “You deserve everything, Vash.” Wolfwood tells him. Vash smiles wider and more tears flood his eyes. “If it is really true love, you deserve me and I deserve you.” Wolfwood continues.
They pull each other in a hug, Wolfwood brings them down to lay in bed. He combs through the silky blond hair and holds him close. Vash lays on Wolfwood’s chest, he can hear his heartbeat, accepting each other’s warmth and affection.
“I love you.”