folken

That person ran his fingers through his raven hair as a soft breeze came in from the window and brushed by his red cotton shirt. He took one step closer to the girl sitting, and whispered, "Hitomi..."

"Van!" Hitomi said in surprise just staring at him. "What are you doing he-" She stopped, putting her hand over her mouth.

"Well I-" He started then stopping short. He couldn't take his eyes off hers.

They just stood there, staring at each other, not willing to break the spell. Finally, he spoke.

"Well, I found this place to spend the night and I just woke up.." He said, his words coming out all jumbled.

"Same." Hitomi said. Then concern came into her eyes.
She reached forward to take his hand.
"Van.. please listen to me."
Van knew what was coming. She was going to attempt to apoligize again.

"I don't want to hear it." He pouted stubbornly and walked out of the door. "No Van LISTEN!" She yelled in frustration grabbing his shoulders and spinning him around. Van was so taken back that he stood still.

"You have to know that that kiss meant absolutely NOTHING to me! and I-"

She was cut off when Van, with a wave of his hand silenced her. "Forget it."

Hitomi persisted and clenched her hands together. "I can't forget it. I have to tell you how I really feel and I-"

Van, once again cut her off. Only in a sharper tone.
"No! I said forget it, and I mean forget it."

Tears filled Hitomi's eyes. Van felt his heart soften and he wanted to embrace her right then. but then, something cold closed over his heart and he resumed his stubborness.

"Look Hitomi, you can kiss anyone you want. Don't bother explaining to me. It's not like I care otherwise in that way about you." He stopped shortly, lowering his head, letting his raven hair fall into his eyes.

He heard a slight gasp from Hitomi and he looked up, meeting her eyes. They shimmered with tears and they began sliding, slowly down her cheek. "You- y-you.." She started taking a step back. "I-I knew you didn't anyway." She yelled. She turned swiftly and started running.

Van stared after her angrilly. Suddenly, he realized what he had done. "Shit!" Van cursed, hating himself for his choice of words. "What the hell did I just say to her? I told her I didn't care about her that way, when I do.. and just when she was going to tell me how she felt, I cut her off!" Van looked back at Hitomi in horror, but she had already disappeared.

"Van..." Hitomi whispered wiping away her falling tears. "I never knew he didn't care, I thought all along that he did." She began to cry again, allowing her tears to spill over her lashes and drop to the ground. Suddenly, someone put a hand on her shoulder. She brightened and spun around. "Van I-" then she stopped. It wasn't Van.

It was a handsome young man with silken, silver hair. He was tall, muscular and had a beautiful smile. He wore a blue sleeveless that was open slightly on the chest, and tan denim pants. But what made Hitomi amazed was the beautiful shade of color the man had. It was a sharp, ruby red.

"You're Hitomi, aren't you?" The young man asked with a small starting on his face. "Hey what's wrong?" He asked again with a slight frown when he saw the tear stains on Hitomi's face. "Someone been hurting you?"

Hitomi nodded her head slowly, then began to cry again. The young man put his arms around her, and let her cry on his shoulder. Finally, when her tears subsided she stepped back to look at him, with a questioning look in her eyes.

"Sorry, Hitomi. You must be wondering who I am. I'm Folken Fanel."

"Fanel?" Hitomi asked.

"Yes, I'm Van's older brother. Van's told me all about you!" Folken said happily.

"What did he say?" Hitomi muttered drying her eyes.

"Oh," Folken said rolling his eyes up in thought. "He said that you were really smart, kind, and really pretty too!"
He looked at her intently then smiled. "He was right."

Hitomi nodded and said gratefully "Thanks."

Folken continued, "I think you already know this, but he also, well..." Folken laughed. "He's gunna kick my ass for this, but he has kinda a thing for you."

Hearing this, Hitomi shook her head. "He just told me that he doesn't, at all. That's why... I'm.." Hitomi wiped away another tear that came down her cheek.

Folken shook his head in disbelief. "He does! Alot!"

Hitomi lowered her eyes. "He doesn't, he told me to my face. He's angry at me.. He's.." The tears started again.

Folken put his arms around her once again, consoling her. "I can't believe Van did that too you. He can be cocky and rude sometimes, but I thought he liked you. I'm sorry."

Hitomi stopped crying, but she clung on to Folken. She felt quite content in his strong arms. He was so warm, so kind.

"Well," Folken said, still holding on to her. "Why don't I take you back to the castle? We'll talk to Van together ok?" Hitomi barely managed a nod.

"How are we going to get back though?" Hitomi looked around. "There are no carriages around."

Folken grinned softly, and Hitomi felt a shiver go through her. "Who says we need a carriage?

Suddenly, a burst of feathers came out of Folken's back. He had wings, just like Van.

Hitomi's mouth fell open. "Folken, your wings, their beautiful!"

Folken smiled and held her tighter as he began flying. "And so are you."

End of Chpt 3

A/N:Sorry, I've decided I write too many V/H fics...
hey that was a slight clue! hehe.. guess how this is gunna turn out?