“Vash, wait up!”

Your voice alerts the blond outlaw just as he was slipping away into the night. Cursing himself under his breath, he turns around and gives you a strained smile. You weren’t supposed to find him like this. He chose to leave at this hour for a reason.

“Hey! Funny seeing you out here. It’s, uh, kind of late to be awake, isn’t it?” His voice cracks awkwardly as he speaks.

You come close to him with nervous eyes and a shy smile. “I…have something to tell you.”

Meeting Vash was a very odd experience. You had been relaxing at home when all of a sudden, frantic knocking on your door paired with desperate pleas got your attention. Opening the door you were met with the man in question. He begged you to let him hide in your home, just for a little bit. And when you didn’t answer him immediately he took to groveling at your feet. The rest was history.

Days turned into weeks which turned into months. You had quickly gotten used to Vash’s presence and even grew to enjoy having him around. The strange man was a breath of fresh air in your, admittedly, monotonous life. He was easy to talk to and had so many interesting stories to tell. He was sweet and kind and insisted on helping you around the house as thanks, even though he wasn’t great at it. He was fun to hangout with even if you were just food shopping together.

He was a wanted criminal with an impossibly high bounty on his head. Finding that out was surprisingly anticlimactic. You had been out running errands, Vash tagging along as usual, when you came across a wanted poster of your companion. It was unmistakably him. The illustration showed off his signature spiky hair, his goofy smile, and even the little beauty mark under his left eye. You looked at him. He looked at you. You raised an eyebrow. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly and let out a little laugh. You dragged him back home immediately.

Vash explained everything to the best of his ability. He really had meant to tell you sooner. Or better yet leave before you could find out. Instead of being met with anger or fear as he expected, you simply said you’d both do better at helping him keep a low profile. You didn't believe he did all the terrible things people accused him of. And until you saw it with your own eyes, you'd continue to trust him.

You believed in Vash. That meant the world to him. And that was why he couldn't stay. He already had unfinished business, and he couldn't let harm come your way because of him. It was already selfish of him to have stayed as long as he did. Vash tried to leave many times, but something always got in the way. “Just one more night,” he’d tell himself.

Of course on the night he finally brings himself to leave, you just have to catch him. So now here you both are: you fiddling with your fingers as you prepare to tell Vash something he’s sure he won’t want to hear. And the man himself preparing for it, looking down at you as the moonlight illuminates your features.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about this, and I just…I need to say it before I chicken out. You grin up at him. “I’ve really enjoyed living with you. I didn’t expect it, but you’ve become a dear friend to me. I care about you, Vash. So much.”

Vash can’t help but return your smile with a tender one of his own. You’re always so genuine and earnest. It’s endearing to him. He knows he doesn’t deserve such treatment. Or you as a whole.

You continue, “In fact, I think my feelings go a little deeper than that.” A few beats of silence. You take a deep breath. “I love you, Vash. Or rather, I’m in love with you.”

Deciding to leave it there for now to let him process your confession, you simply look at him expectantly. What are you expecting? Honestly, you’re not completely sure. A part of you has prepared for the worst. After all, it’s selfish to believe you’re entitled to someone’s feelings. And yet another part of you can’t help but expect something, anything more. The two of you have grown quite close these past few months. Something might be there!

Vash’s smile falters a bit, changing into something more wistful. The silence is agonizing for you. Every second he doesn’t speak is another second you regret saying anything at all. As your mouth moves to form an apology, Vash takes a step closer to you. He places a hand on your head and rubs your hair gently.

“You don’t love me.”

His voice is so soft and heartfelt that it takes you a moment to realize what he said. Whatever you were expecting, it certainly wasn’t this. You’re stunned into silence. Who is he to tell you whether you love him or not? They’re your feelings and you’re sure of them! But before you can argue, Vash speaks again.

“Save your heart for someone better.” He removes his hand from your hair, and you’re so tempted to grab it and keep it there. Then he takes a couple steps back. “Thanks for letting me stay with you this long. I hope one day I’ll be able to pay you back for everything.”

With that, Vash turns around and starts to walk away from you. You and any future you foolishly imagined sharing together. Realistically you knew this would happen eventually. But that realization came before you understood your feelings for him, so it didn’t bother you as much. It’s bothering you a lot right now though.

“Vash!”

Like before, your voice stops him in his tracks. But this time he barely glances back at you.

“Will we see each other again?”

Your voice is small, but hopeful as you ask him this. You don’t get an answer. Vash keeps walking after a few moments of deliberation. Truthfully he doesn’t have an answer. And the last thing he wants to do is make a promise he won’t be able to keep.

Within minutes he’s gone. You’re left alone; just you, your heart, and the stars above.