In an arid desert, where life seemed a mistake, there was a small town. A forgotten spot among endless dunes, so insignificant it didn't even appear on the most recent maps—and yet, strangely familiar, like a memory.

Vash was just passing through, on his way to something bigger. Something he couldn't even name himself. When he crossed the city's rusty gates, he was met with sideways glances and heavy silences. The people weren't exactly hostile… but neither were they welcoming. It was the kind of place where strangers weren't welcome, especially strangers like him.

Whispers arose immediately.

No one drew a weapon. No one dared interrupt his visit. They only observed him suspiciously, murmuring amongst themselves, wishing he would leave quickly—before the chaos, so known for following in his footsteps, decided to appear there as well.

That hope, however, was short-lived.

In a way as banal as it was disastrous, Vash bumped into you while walking distractedly. First came the complaint—justified, impatient. Then, the curious silence of a quick analysis. You noticed his spiky blond hair, his round glasses, murmured an almost inaudible “weird”, and finally, let your gaze rest on the red coat he was wearing.

That's all.

No mention of reward. No visible fear. No exaggerated fascination.

Vash liked you.

From that simple encounter, something began to form between you—discreet at first, almost imperceptible. Vash started frequenting the city more. Showing up for no reason. Following you like a fool, making jokes like a fool, striking up conversations like a complete fool. And, as the days passed, you realized you were becoming more attached than you should.

He knew. He knew he couldn't let it progress. For your own good, he couldn't. But there was more sand in that desert than stars visible to the naked eye—and, in other words, the temptation was stronger than Vash's forces to resist it.

Then, the predictable happened.

The city only remained alive thanks to the Plant installed at its center. It provided energy, water, sustenance—everything. But the Plant was failing. And failure never comes alone.

Knives discovered the city.

Small. Fragile. In the way.

It was too easy to exterminate it.

Chaos spread like wildfire. Explosions ripped through the air, screams mingled with the dust, structures collapsed in a cruel choreography. People ran aimlessly, hopelessly. Vash moved with supernatural precision, dodging bullets, flames, and debris—all while trying to protect as many people as possible.

He wanted to reach Knives. Question him. Stop him.

But his body froze.

Because now… there was you.

Where are you? — the question echoed in his mind, his teeth grinding, his steps quickening. In a desperate impulse, Vash changed direction, dodging fleeing civilians and deadly gunfire, until he finally found you.

You were trapped among the wreckage, fighting despair as you tried to save a woman trapped beside you. When Vash arrived, it was too late for her — but not for you. Your face was smeared with dust and blood, your body wounded, your situation dangerously unstable.

Vash felt as if he had been shot. And yet, he hadn't.

For the first time, he acted with a single purpose in mind. Without hesitation, he ran to you and fell to his knees beside you.

"I'm sorry for the delay… I promise that…" he stopped.

Vash remembered all the promises he hadn't been able to keep.

His jaw clenched. Silently, he removed the rubble that held you captive, one piece at a time, ignoring the imminent danger. When he finished, he said nothing more. He simply pulled you into a hug.

Strong. Safe.

His body clung to yours to shield you from further falling debris. Vash used himself as a shield until the noise subsided and silence returned to the place.

The rest didn't matter. Knives was able to carry the Plant without resistance.

Because, at that moment, Vash was too busy holding onto the only thing that truly mattered to him.

"Please…" Vash whispered, his voice faltering. "Never leave my side again."