Chapter Text
Traveling with Vash hardly held dull moments, one moment the two of them were being shot at and chased out of town, or it was getting lost in the middle of the desert. But Vash always seemed to be able to pull you out of these bad situations, even if he was the one that caused them. A kind smile, a soft laugh, and a quiet but sincere apology, and you were hooked all over again. Following him without any regard for your own safety.
The two had been traveling for some time, leaving town before trouble started for once, and out into the sand dunes. You would never understand how Vash handled the heat in that big red coat of his, but his pace never faltered. Even when you slowed down after being too tired to continue walking, he’d slow his pace no questions asked. And the two of you would walk beside each other either talking quietly or enjoying the silence of it all.
You admired his patience, he never complained even when you made him lose pace. Like now you could already feel yourself lagging behind, Vash hasn't said anything yet about it and all you could do is stare at his hand. A part of you just wanted to be brave enough to step forward and take his hand in yours, to walk side by side with him. But the logical part of your brain forced the thought to come to a stop, you couldn't take a risk like that. Force your feelings onto Vash? Be selfish, when Vash himself was so kind to let you travel with him. You would not take advantage of him, not like how so many have before.
“y/n?”
Vash had turned to face you with a questioning look in his gaze, you hadn’t even noticed you stopped walking. “Sorry! I think the heat is just finally getting to me!” your tone was light careless even, and it didn't look like Vash believed you. Smiling once more you rushed forward past him, “Come on now, the sooner we find a place to rest for the night the better!”
Vash joined your side quickly, curse his long legs! The two continue to walk quietly beside each other, you kept glancing at his hand, fingers twitching to reach out and hold it. You knew you were being pathetic about the whole thing. Shaking your head, you didn't notice the uneven surface before you. Slipping backwards with a yelp, just hoping not to hit your head. Instead of hitting the sandy surface, you landed against something soft but firm, a pair of hands resting on your shoulders one flesh and one metal.
Looking upwards and back, you came face to face with a smiling Vash, “Careful now!” he said with a kind laugh, you relaxed into his hold enjoying it for a moment before pulling away, face heating.
“Are you alright?” Vash asked clearly concerned, while you just shook your head, placing your hands on your face, “I think the heat is finally getting to me.” You would blame the suns in the sky and not the literal ray of sunshine standing before you. Vash let out a huff hands on hips, as he looked around. You watched curiously, placing your hands back at your sides while watching the blonde.
“I think there might be a town around we could stop at and get some rest, and you out of the heat.” Vash said turning in a completely random direction and heading off, you could only watch with an eye roll as you followed after him coming to rest at his right side, you would never understand his sense of direction yet you always followed without much complaint.
Your mind began to wander once again, eyes drifting to his hand. Shaking your head and slapping your hands to your face you really needed to get yourself together! Jumping in surprise when Vash grabbed your wrist and brought it down to your side to rest in between them, he looked at you curiously.
“Uh the heat?” your voice unsure, hoping it would be a good enough explanation, “Right…” Vash teased releasing your wrist only to grab your hand and intertwine your fingers with his. Your eyes widen while Vash brought your intertwine hands up, between the two of you so they were at eye level.
“A perfect fit don’t you think?” His voice was gentle, you could detect some insecurity in it while he stared at you and then at your combined hands. You let out a soft laugh, looks like you weren’t the only one that wanted to hold hands. Bringing their hands back down, you leaned into his side smiling.
“Like it was meant to be.” You were rewarded with a genuine smile and a light squeeze of your hand as Vash pulled you along. You knew truly at this moment you would follow Vash the Stampede to the ends of No Man’s Land and back if it meant seeing him smile and him holding your hand.
You squeezed his hand back, holding on tightly. You didn’t care where you ended up as long as it was by his side.