It was so quiet; Van could hear the doors and walls breathing and groaning in their quiet sleep. Soon everything will change, he thought, and absently picked at the golden edge of his collar. Triviality of human nature, he mused and turned from the mirror. Triviality of my nature, more specifically. Like woman's heels his shiny boots clicked against the marble, his steps heavy and strained.
Broad and old, the velvet curtains didn't move. "Come on" he whispered and tugged with both hands. The curtains gave in and dust flakes slid and swirled against his still form. Almost reassuringly the wind felt soft and calm and Van shook his head at the thought. "Forgive me" he breathed and looked up. Pale and unreal, the Mystic Moon still lingered in the morning like insomnia. "Ridiculous" Van smiled and pulled off his silk gloves. "Utterly ridiculous. Can you believe it?" he asked and no one answered. His nose was broken, his shoulders broader, his voice darker and his back scarred; and he wondered if she knew. The top of his boots were touching the wall now. He leaned against the smooth windowsill. Sleep still draped across the morning and he could not help but whish that night would always linger, banning all that was to come with a new day. "I have to try. I wish… it were different; believe me, I do" he whispered. "But I have no choice. I have to try for her, she deserves that at least" Van sighed.
"She looks beautiful" Merle whispered from the door. "I just saw her; beautiful like a queen, Van". He turned and smiled. She tilted her head and her face had a look of calm and promise. Such an adult now, he thought. "You look beautiful" he said with a tired tinge. With her hair pinned back and her green dress softly floating against her tall legs, she no longer reminded him of a child. So much is changing, he realized as he walked over to hug her.
"It will be all right, Van"
"Maybe."
"She loves you" Merle smiled and rubbed his arms. "Allen is waiting outside" she said and kissed his cheek.
Slowly he stirred towards the table by his window. The pink pendant shone red against the dark oak. He ran his thumb across the stone and it felt smooth and true like her skin. "God, forgive me Hitomi" he exhaled and followed Merle.
Disclaimer: All characters and concepts affiliated with Escaflowne do not belong to me.