*** Okay, just to clear this up, this is NOT a Hitomi/Allen fic!!! Otay, continue! ^_^
The light of morning shone blindly through the windows, casting its glow over the entire room.
Hitomi squinted before completely opening her eyes. Though the window was just above her bed frame, it blinded her incredibly by its light. She lifted her head and studied her position. She was neatly tucked into her bed, covers folded to her chin with an extra quilt on top.
Lifting herself further up, she realized she was still in her clothes from the previous night, which brought her to a curious and awkward state.
I wonder if I was
dreaming…about last night. It didn't seem at all real. Hitomi rubbed her
temples and shut her eyes in frustration. …No…it happened. I'm sure of it!
She slid her feet from beneath the covers and settled them on the floor. Remaining on her feet, she took a number of deep breaths before starting to the closed door. A rustle from beyond the walls stopped her in her tracks.
…Ty…? she wondered, but cancelled the thought from her mind. Ty should be with Mrs. Reno.
So who was there otherwise?
Without hesitating, she turned the knob and walked out of the room. Because she had a perfect view of the kitchen from where she stood, she easily noticed the person seated on a chair, their back towards her.
"I see you're up."
Hitomi continued walking, her hand running along the side of the wall. The man sat up and stared at her with a small grin.
"Hello, Hitomi." He bowed politely.
She returned the smile and rushed in his direction, her arms wide open.
"Allen, I can't believe it's you!" She loosened herself from the comfort of his arms. "It's been so long."
"Eight years, I believe?"
Hitomi cocked her head in surprise. "Eight? No…six years."
He smiled. "I should've known better."
"What do you mean, Allen?"
"It's common knowledge on Gaea that your days are much longer than ours." He leaned against one of the chairs. "Everyone you know on Gaea is two years older than you may expect."
"Everybody? Even…"
"Yes, even Van."
Hitomi was in thoughtful silence. "I haven't seen Van for quite awhile."
"Not since you returned two years after the war."
"…How is he, Allen?"
He looked at her in shock. He cleared his throat once he realized he had shown a disturbing matter. "He's…fine." Allen turned away, almost angry. Or perhaps it was frustration. Both expressions could've been identical.
A knock sounded from beyond the front entrance. Hitomi rushed to the door. Allen waited in the kitchen, not wanting to cause any unnecessary attention. He listened from where he stood.
"Oh, hello Mrs. Reno!" There was a quick pause as a second pair of footsteps entered the home. "Thank you for letting him stay the night."
"Don't mention it, hon. He's a joy to have around." The cheer in voice vanished. "Was…everything alright?"
"Yes! Of course," Hitomi replied immediately.
The old, chunky woman chuckled. "Alright then. Have a good day, both of you!"
Hitomi nodded her head and closed the door. Allen heard her whisper from around the corner, and she returned to the kitchen, her hand placed gingerly behind a small boy's head. The dark-haired child gawked at him with curiosity.
"Bud, I want you to meet Allen Schezar-"
"From Asturia," the boy finished in a slight whisper.
Allen smiled. Hitomi stood up straight and placed her hands on the boy's shoulders.
"Allen, this is Ty." She gave him a brief look. "My son."
Quickly trying to cover up his sudden surprise and marvel, he bowed in greeting.
"I'm honoured to meet you, Ty." He placed out his hand, and without delay, received a handshake from the outgoing child. He found himself studying the boy with much interest.
"Hitomi, I would like to have a talk with you."
"Absolutely," she replied, worried by his tone. Ty scurried off in the direction of his bedroom.
They both took a seat. Allen stared off after Ty.
"It's amazing how much he reminds me of Van. It's like staring into a mirror of his past as a little boy. He'll make a fine leader." He bowed his head with the same frustration and worry.
Hitomi decided not to mention it.
Allen shuffled in his seat and cupped his hands on the surface of the table. "Hitomi, I don't wish to rush you, or better yet, panic you, but I came here for a serious reason. In reply to a serious matter."
She stiffened. "Okay, go on."
He took in a breath, his blue eyes wide and serious. "After the incident of last night, it was an obvious conclusion that I would have to take you back with me."
Hitomi leaned back in her chair, cupping her hand over her mouth. "Back to Gaea," she muttered. "Even after that desperate order for me to leave?"
Allen sensed the beginning of an angry rage. He said nothing, realizing how harsh it was to intentionally ask her to leave.
"I suppose I'll just have to come back here after getting comfortable. Better yet, I'll have to take Ty with me, too. I wonder what he'd think of that -- maybe just as pissed off as I am!"
"Hitomi-"
"Don't even start Allen!" She shook her head. "Forget it all. There's no point!"
"No point in what? Going back? Cause if that's what you're thinking, believe me, it's a lot more serious that what you think! I wouldn't have come here otherwise."
Hitomi stood up from her seat and leaned over the table with clenched fists. "Why did you come here, Allen? Tell me."
He turned away.
"Tell me!" she yelled.
"Because you're in danger! You and Ty are in risk of losing your lives, alright?" He opened his mouth to begin again, but stopped.
Hitomi froze. She took a seat and looked away, ashamed and almost fearful. You turned in Allen's direction finally, and stared him in the eye with seriousness. "What else?"
"I…don't know what you mean, Hitomi."
"Yes you do." She wasn't going to give up the argument.
"No, I –" He caught a glimpse of her, waiting for an answer. She could see right through him; he couldn't hide anything from her. He refused to make full eye contact. "Van is in serious danger."
"What? Allen, why didn't you say something sooner?" she demanded.
"I wasn't supposed to even say anything at all!" He walked over to her side, and kneeled down in front of her. "Please, Hitomi. You must come back with me. I refuse to risk dangering you and Ty. I guarantee you'll be safer on Gaea."
Hitomi glanced across the apartment, only to have a pair of young eyes gleaming into hers from an open doorway. She stared into her son's eyes for a long time before facing the knight at her feet.
"You have to tell me everything when we get there. Promise me."
"Of course." Allen lifted himself with the support of the table and stopped. Hitomi looked up at him with a sensitive expression.
"Van won't…get hurt, will he?"
Allen could tell she didn't want to mention death. The replacement would do.
"I hope so."
*** Chapter 5 comin' up sooooooon! REVIEWS PUL-EAZE!