Welcome back to as I call it Escaflowne and Pregnant. I know this isn't a new idea as we all want to see Van and Hitomi together, we might make them move a little fast. I hope that this story isn't too unrealistic, but Hitomi having a baby isn't the whole point to the story just the main feature.

Chapter 4- Expectations

The entire time we were being swept through the night sky in a blinding pillar of warm light, I kept my arms wrapped tightly around Hitomi, as if this thin layer of protection would make any difference if things went bad. Sending myself through the unpredictable teleportation is one thing, but Hitomi in her current condition is a lot more fragile. Her warmth and closeness make the only measure of time that is noticeable throughout the whole ordeal is the pounding of our hearts.

Our feet touch down once again on solid ground and yet I hesitate to let go. Does she also feel as though the spell will break the moment we separate? How long was I gone? Hours? Days?

The lightening pink hue of the sky indicates the coming sunrise. Hitomi stirs in my arms but doesn't pull away.

"Where did we land?" She asks curiously, as if we could be anywhere.

"Just outside the palace." I can't help but be a little smug at her shock. "I enshrined the engergist in the cemetery, so that we always have an anchor here in Fanelia."

Impressed, she smiles up at me and I feel as though this little solution has earned me a higher regard. Honestly I wasn't completely sure it would work until now. The down side is that if she wanted to go back home this was the place she would come. The exact spot in which she left me last time.

The thought makes my throat tight and I have to work to speak again. "We should head back to the palace. You must be tired and I left Merle in charge... so there is no telling the damage I will need to fix."

She nods and this time it seems she is the one hesitant to let go. I start to lean in, drawn by her closeness and the need to kiss her soft lips. I snap back into the present with the rustling sounds of someone quickly approaching us. I move easily to stand in front of Hitomi, missing the sword not at my side.

A quick shape darts forward and I can feel the tension radiating throughout my whole body. Pink hair and cat ears burst from the shadows and I relax so that the impact of her throwing herself into me is lessened.

"Lord Van! You're back!" She grins up at me, her stripped face full of joy. "You brought Hitomi home for good this time I hope?"

"How many days have I been gone?" I ask drawing her attention away from the girl still mostly shielded from her view.

Merle's large blue eyes are confused. "Days? It's only been less than twelve hours. You missed your birthday party, but are back in time to attend your own boring meetings." Her tail swishes happily.

Twelve hours? If I was on the mystic moon with Hitomi for about six hours then she was right and the time is only half now. I glance at her and catch the knowing smirk. I don't know if we being together were the trigger or our child, but it seems to have worked. I'll have to remind her that if she had returned to me or told me sooner then it still would have worked. I feel like that will lead to another fight, so I'll wait to say anything. Her coming home to Fanelia is a happy occasion and I'd like it to stay that way.

Merle finally releases me, though gladly without any face licking. A show of affection I think she has realized is inappropriate and embarrassing. Before I can prepare her for the ultimate surprise she darts around me to hug Hitomi, but freezes in shock. Something clicks and her anger is immediate, claws click out sharply and her tail puffs out rigidly. "How dare you! I knew you were too fickle for Lord Van!" Merle hisses, preparing to lunge.

I react to move between them, but Hitomi doesn't need my help. "Stupid Cat!" Her shout startles us both. "It's Van's child! He is the only one I could ever love. The only man I could ever be with..." She trails off, realizing she just shouted about our night together. Her face reddens and I realize I should also feel embarrassed, but the declaration warms me.

I take her hand in mine and face my startled little sister. "It's true, Hitomi and I were together before she left, but on her world the time moves slower, it has only been six months."

The aggravated swish of her tail resumes as Merle glares at Hitomi and her belly a moment longer before she makes her decision. "Well then the wedding has to be soon! My niece or nephew won't be a bastard."

"Merle!" Hitomi looks ready to attack the cat-girl, fists clenched tightly at her sides.

I place my hand on her shoulder in what I hope is a soothing manner. "She isn't wrong." Hitomi's glare burns me sharply, but I don't think she fully understands. "A child born out of wedlock isn't recognized as a proper heir, especially if the father is titled. If we are not married when the child is born, our son could never inherit anything or become king."

"That's awful." The color has drained from her face. "You know it is yours so why does it matter if we are married? Everyone will know we were not married when it happened."

I hesitate since the reason she is so resistant to the idea of us marrying still eludes me. "That is true, but it is more a matter of rights and not propriety now. I want to marry you Hitomi and it is a formal reorganization that it is my child."

"Yeah think of your child." Merle speaks up spitefully. "It's not like your reputation can be saved now."

I shoot a reproachful look at my oldest friend; tact has never been her strong suit. I turn back to the poor girl who only knows about half of what she's is in for. "Hitomi, it has been a long day. We can discuss this later."

The relief on her face is clear as she lets me lead her through the trees and towards the palace. It's hard to believe that less than twenty-four hours ago I was cleaning my family memorials going about my normal post-war life. Now, not only do I have Hitomi back at my side, but in a few short months I will be a father.

As early in the morning as it is, the kitchen is already bursting with activity. Pausing at the door, I turn to Hitomi who looks beyond tired and worried. "Do you wish to get some rest before word gets around?"

"Please." She sighs, leaning against me tiredly.

"Lord Van, how will you get in unseen? The servants are bound to see, and you know how fast word travels." Merle asks concerned.

"From above." I answer shortly before adding. "Tell my steward to reschedule all my meetings for after midday." Not needing a response, I pull my shirt off for the second time in so many hours. I tuck it into the back of my pants, obscuring the journal from view. I open my arms to Hitomi and she steps into my embrace once more.

I breathe deeply, feeling the familiar burning pain as the great wings burst out, and I launch us off the ground with a powerful push from my legs. The trip to the roof is short and if we are spotted it is only my unusual habit. No one will think twice. I land lightly on the roof, not far from the door leading inside. Holding Hitomi by her slender shoulders I turn her around, so her back is pressed against my chest.

She takes in the view with wide eyes. "It's so beautiful Van." She leans into me while watching the sunrise over the treetops, casting watercolor hues over the rooftops of Fanelia.

"There is still some work to do, but this is our home." From the cliff sides to the new stone outer wall our external defenses have been improved. The best we can do to protect the people of Fanelia from reliving the nightmare from almost two years ago is to never let our guard down. As much as peace has been maintained we can't become complacent. Before Zaibach attacked there hadn't been a war since my father and mother met. The stakes are too high now to blindly trust that everything will be all right forever.

As is she could read my mind Hitomi turned in my arms. "Fanelia won't burn ever again." She stated simply with a warm smile. "Escaflowne will sleep for a very long time."

"Have you seen it?" I question, taking her face in my hands gently.

"I don't need to. I just know." She tried to hide a large yawn but I could tell her eyes were already fighting to stay open. I bend slightly so that I can sweep her long legs over one arm, and carry her easily down the castle stairs. "You are a good king and father." Hitomi murmurs sleepily into my bare shoulder.

I want to ask her more about the vague statements, but she is already asleep in my arms. It takes a little effort to open the door to my rooms without use of a free hand, but I manage without disturbing her.

Once I have Hitomi settled beneath the covers, I set her bag on a chair by the bed in case she needs something from it when she wakes.

I should also try to get some sleep, but I am still wide awake. I step into the outer room pulling the bedroom door partially closed behind me. I drop heavily into my desk chair physically exhausted but mentally awake. I pull the worn book from behind me and open it on the desk. Flipping ideally though the pages I wait for a passage to jump out at me.

Silver 19th Moon,

The New Year is fast approaching and yet my place here in Fanelia is far from secure. The advisors and people still don't want me anywhere near their King. I feel their eyes watching me with disapproval. All that melts away when Goau is near and I don't know how I could have ever lived without him.

This morning, despite the snow falling, he still finds a way to give me a flower each day. Today's was the most beautiful rose that surely couldn't grow in the frigid winter air.

As I touched the velvety petals, I couldn't help but ask the only question on my mind. "How much longer must we wait?"

He sighs heavily before brushing my cheek as tenderly as I stroked the flower. "I know my dear. Even as king it is difficult to sway public opinion." He spoke tenderly. "They just fear what they can't understand."

"If I was with child would they understand better?" My cheeks burn with embarrassment from my rash words. Even though the thought is not a new one, I can't believe I spoke it out loud.

Though my words surprised him, Goau's eyes remained warm. "As much as I want to be with you my love. Your worth to me is greater then you know, and I could not do such a thing to you."

Suddenly shy, I try to turn away but he holds me firmly in place. "Varie, you are worth being patient for."

If I wasn't already crazy about this man, I would fall in love all over again.

Silver 28th Moon,

We are to be married! The decision is final and preparations are being made. It won't be for a few more months but White 1st moon will be the happiest day of my life. Goau is so happy at the prospect of a spring wedding. Personally I could be wearing a dress made out of potato sacks tomorrow and I would still be ecstatic.

Gold 16th Moon,

The invitations have gone out and we are expecting guests from all the countries royal houses. I have been asked not to tell any of the guests about my… heritage. To keep my wings hidden.

As much as it should bother me to keep secret who I really am, it actually is a good idea. If people don't know then they can't judge us for it. It might be better for any children we have to have a chance at a normal life. Even though Goau accepts me for who and what I am, not everyone will be as understanding.

I really am very lucky. I pray that one day my son will be so lucky in love.

I close the book knowing two things are for sure. My parents were incredibly in love, and that my father is a far better man then I am. Opening the desk drawer I drop the book in and slide it shut feeling like a total ass.

No matter how mad I could be that Hitomi kept her pregnancy a secret from me, she wouldn't have been in this situation at all if I was more in control. I should have asked her to stay. I could have done so many things differently, to do right by Hitomi.

I should really try to get some sleep, but I can't force myself to re-enter the bedroom. Just leaning against the doorway I watch her peacefully sleeping. I have to find a way to make this right, to make things work.

Rubbing the sleep away from my eyes, I drag myself to the closet. Before I can do anything, these dirty clothes will have to go. Somehow it feels like in such small amount of time my entire world has shifted. Despite entering the castle and getting Hitomi settled in unnoticed, the moment another person sees her, people will start making assumptions.

I shed my standard 'comfort' clothes, worn when I have a moment to myself; training or doing manual labor. I wash up quickly, trying not to wake Hitomi. Once dressed for the day in supple dark breeches and a crisply starched full sleeved shirt. I hesitate on wearing an embroidered waist coat and grab a vest instead, the weather is getting too warm and I prefer less layers then fashionable. Tightening the belt holding my crested sword at my side I feel much better like I am incomplete without it in reach.

I know Hitomi won't like that sentiment, but things are different in this world and I hope she will remember and accept all of me. Checking on her one last time I think of writing a note so she is not confused by my absence, but I'm not sure she can read the written language here. Instead I place one of my lose feathers on the empty pillow beside her.

If that symbol works I may have a use for those blasted things that I always seem to find stuck in hair and clothes after releasing my wings.

Shutting the door quietly behind me, I make my way though the halls to the dinning hall. I don't feel hungry, though I barely ate at all yesterday. This is the best place to find my advisors this early in the morning. Shoving food in their faces and nursing steaming cups of coffee. My assumptions were correct and they spot me striding towards their table with purpose.

A few of these me where also advisors to my father; the ones that survived the years and the war. I would not have advisors that were not good men, but I wonder if any of these people were old enough to have been against my mother. I shake the thought away, the negative reaction to my draconian mother matters little now.

Yurizen, who reminds me of a shorter, less scarred Balgus, stands up upon seeing me and motions towards his table. "Good morning my lord, we missed you at your birthday celebration last night."

I smirk, though I am not in a joking mood. "I see you had a good enough time without me. Are the wine cellars dry?"

The older men all laugh. "Not yet, but give us a wedding to celebrate and we will do our best to drain the stores." Yurizen gives me a hardy thump on the back, which would have knocked the wind out of me two years ago.

This is the point of the well-known line of jokes where I would evade questions or turn the conversation to other matters. Instead I meet his eyes with a determined look. "That is precisely what I wanted to speak to you all about."

They all freeze as if afraid to spook a skittish animal. This is what they have been pleading with me about for over a year. They must fear that if they make any sudden movements, I'll go back to my earlier stance that I still had time and that Hitomi would come back to me. Rezil, one of the newer advisors spoke tentatively, having to confirm what they were all thinking. "My lord does this mean you have changed your mind?"

I shake my head slowly. "It does not." Before the hope leaves their eyes, I continue to speak. "However Hitomi Kanzaki has come back to Fanelia with me for good."

Relief floods their faces and my advisors relax noticeably. They remain focused on me but start eating and drinking where then had left off. "That is indeed good news." Yurizen grins motioning me to the empty chair next to where he had been sitting when I entered the room. "Please sit milord, we can discus plans farther. Have you and the lady spoke about wedding dates?"

"Actually, we haven't had much of a chance since we just returned this morning." I didn't sit but accepted a cup of coffee anyways. "It should be some time in the next three months."

Again they all froze. Yurizen, being the ringleader this morning found his words quicker then the other men. "This is a bit sudden, but you must have a good reason for the dramatic change. Three months is very quick for a royal wedding. Would you and the lady not like a slightly longer engagement?"

I sigh, wondering how they will react to the rest of the news. "A longer engagement would be nice, but it is important that the wedding happens before my child is born."

Shattering glass rang like destructive bells and multiple cups and glasses fell to the floor from shocked hands.

Better then I expected no one had started choking, but the noise of them all talking at once was nearly defending.

To Be Continued…

Okay hopefully things will pick up not only in the story itself but also in my slow writing and posting. I do apologize between work and a nice case of writers block both my stories have slowed. I have drawn a few more fanarts both in my 'Older Van' series and a few of Hitomi as well. The first excerpt from the diary was inspired by a picture of Varie and Goau I drew for a friend. These days I have to get inspiration where ever available.