Need
To Be Next To You
Hitomi
sat near the bed where Van lay, suffering because of the pain caused by
Escaflowne. He bled terribly, his blood leaving large, irregular spots on the
sheets. Hitomi watched on, gasping slightly whenever Van screamed in agony.
I've
been running from these feelings for so long,
Hitomi
reached out and took his hand, cold and damp, dried blood staining through the
bandages. Compassion engulfed her like a wave as the rough hand in between her
own involuntarily gripped hers.
Telling
my heart I didn't need you,
Straining
back the tear that fell from her eye, Hitomi recalled how his last look in her
eye plainly told her: I'll protect you until the last drop of my blood falls to
the ground.
Pretending
I was better off alone,
The kiss
in the rain… Hitomi realized the hurt hiding inside of him. She remembered the
blank look that passed through his face, now wincing in pain and ache.
But
I know that it's just a lie.
She
thought she loved Allen, even now. How could she? When Van tried to do
everything to make sure she'd feel alright… And Allen comes along like a golden
calf, doing nothing yet show his presence.
So
afraid to take a chance again,
What
if… Van didn't bother with her anymore? What if he died… Hitomi hated to think
of it. How could she tell him if he was gone—or what if he rejected her and did
not care? Doubt welled her heart like a flood.
So
afraid of what I feel inside…
Van
tossed about the bed, moaning, blood splattering on the morbid mess of the
sheets. Every screw unbolted in Escaflowne caused his ribs to rip in a dozen
pieces.
I
need to be next to you…
Van
didn't want anything more just then, only the presence of Hitomi by his side.
It didn't matter to him whether he would live or not. All he wanted was her… and
nothing else.
I
need to share every breath with you…
A
spasm of calm rushed through Van's senses. He felt his hand enclosed in
another. Looking across the sheets, he saw a dark shadow, with a glisten of
tears streaming down the shadow's face… Hitomi.
I
need to know I can see your smile each morning,
Tears
were streaming faster and faster down Hitomi's cheeks. Van was motionless,
quietly lying under the blood- covered sheets. Could it be--? A lump forms in
her throat.
Look
into your eyes each night
Van
looked calmly at Hitomi. The warmth flowing from her hand held his peace.
Nothing would ever make him let go. He loved her like he never loved anybody
before. All he wanted was to see her, to hear her voice, and touch her hand.
Van gripped her hand tighter.
For
the rest of my life.
Hitomi
looked up with a start. Van's hand gripped hers… pulse was beating in his
wrists—Van was alive.
Here
with you,
"Van—,"
Hitomi whispered brokenly. She couldn't speak through her tears. Van smiled weakly.
Near
with you,
"Hitomi—don't
cry," he said. He hated it when she cries.
I need
to be next to you
"Van!"
she cried, forgetting he was still in critical condition, she flung her hands around
him. Van winced for a moment, yet he could not help feeling comfort in her embrace.
It healed his starved heart and quenched the pain that did not go away. Van looked
deeply into Hitomi's eyes.
"Don't
worry, Hitomi, I'm here,"
"Van,
I—," Hitomi couldn't speak further. She drew nearer and kissed him softly. Tears
were springing down her face—not because of anguish, but of happiness—and love.
One thing's for sure—the last thing Hitomi is going to do is to let him go… but
she never will.
Awww!
What do you think? Should I continue?