The long wait is finally over! Thanks to all the reviews (especially 'Hello ()' who review god knows how many times to try to get me my 100 reviews, lol). Enjoy!
Chapter Twenty-nine: Promises
"Wha-what did you say?" Hitomi stuttered, blinking her eyes.
"I'm moving, my plane leaves at 8 p.m. Sunday night." Van said with his hands in his pocket.
"What about all your stuff and school?" she asked not believing it was happening. "I mean, you can't just leave like this."
"It's all packed," he ran a hand through his hair, "and I won't be coming to school. I already took all my finals. I'm going to stay till the past performance and then…" he sighed.
"Do the teachers know?" she struggled to hold back tears. "Why didn't you tell me? You knew about this for a while didn't you?" She watched him nod and asked, "is that why you never talked about summer plans or invite me to your place? Were you just going to leave without saying goodbye?"
"I didn't think it'd matter," he said quietly, as if ashamed of his answer.
"Not matter? How can it not matter? Don't I mean anything to you?" she felt her pain turn into anger.
"Of course you do!"
"Then why didn't you tell me?" she cried, unable to hold back any longer, "why did you have to wait until now?"
"I was going to! I thought that it take you a while to get over Allen. I thought by then I'll be gone and we would have just stayed friends. I was going to tell you until…every time the subject came up I wanted to tell you, but I was having such a good time, I didn't want to spoil the time we had left together."
"You should have told me," Hitomi said staring straight ahead with tears rolling down her cheeks.
"God I know," he apologized, hating himself for making her cry, "I'm so, so sorry." The stood in silence for what seemed like forever until Van couldn't take it anymore, "Please Hitomi, don't ignore me. Say something. You can scream at me, hit me, anything!"
She stared at him with her eyes all red and her lips puffed up from crying. "I don't want you to leave," she said barely audibly.
"What?" he asked, not sure if he heard right.
"I don't want you to leave!" she repeated again, crying out. "I want you to stay, stay with me."
"I don't want to go neither," he said rushing towards her, capturing her in a tight embrace. He ran his hands gently down her back to calm her, wishing there was a way to make this better for her, for the both of them. He let her cry in his arms and wondered how many more times he would be able to hold her like this.
"Can I kidnap you?" she asked softly, "We can hide you in my basement and you could like with me."
"What would you mom think?" he chuckled at the idea, "wouldn't she wonder about you sudden large appetite?"
"I'll just tell her that I kidnapped my boyfriend because I didn't want him to leave," she spoke like an innocent 5 years old. "She'll understand."
"I thought that I was just your friend a minute ago and now I'm your boyfriend?" he joked. "You're going to have to make up your mind."
"Friend is nice, but I prefer boyfriend," she sighed and burred her face into his chest, "but if you move, sooner or later you will become merely a memory."
"Hitomi," he lifted her chin so she could see him, "I'm not going to die; I'll come back."
"I know," she sniffed, "but it won't be the same. Long distance relationships never work."
Van watched her as more tears fell from her emerald eyes. He didn't know what he did in past life times to deserve someone like her but he knew that he didn't want anything to break them up. A long distance relationship is hard but he was willing to try. After all, there's a first time for everything and he was willing to try anything.
Suddenly, a familiar turn reached his ears. They weren't close enough to hear the words but the loud base blasted it's beat and they could hear parts of the melody. "Do you want to dance?" Van asked reaching out a hand.
"Here?" she seemed surprised and embarrassed.
"Why not?" he pulled her toward the center of the stage and wrapped his arm securely around her waist. Their bodies moved to the beat of their hears, while Van whispered the words of the song into her ear. "I could stay awake just to hear you breathing, watch you smile while you are sleeping while you're far away and dreaming.
I could spend my life in this sweet surrender, I could stay lost in this moment forever…Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure. I don't wanna close my eyes, I don't wanna fall asleep, cause I'll miss you babe, and I don't want to miss a thing. Cause even when I dream of you, the sweetest dream will never do, I still miss you babe, and I don't wanna miss a thing…"
As the song ended, the stood in each other arms, not wanting to let go. It was like they were afraid that if they did, they would never be able to hold each other again.
"Hey," he murmured, catching her attention. "I love you."
Bit by bit, he leaned down and kissed her tenderly. He poured all the love he felt inside into the kiss and was rewarded when she responded with just as much passion. When they finally pulled apart, both gasping for a breath, Hitomi reached behind her back, pulling out her pink pendant.
"Here," she helped him put it on, "I want you to have this."
"But isn't this-"
She placed a finder on his lips to let him know that she had more to say. "This is what brought you to me in the beginning. After when you move, whenever you think of me, just put it on and you'll know that I'm thinking of you too." She smiled sadly. "You'll have apart of me wherever you go. And I believe that somehow, this pendant will work it's magic and bring you back to me."
He kissed her hand and pressed his forehead to hers, "I love you, don't forget that and I promise you, I'll be back."
***
"That bastard," Merle thought out loud, "made me cry in front of all those people." She whipped her face as she struggled to run in her high heels. "I didn't even get a chance to write things down for the interview. I'm probably going to get into so much trouble. Damn it!" she cursed frustrated. She stomped her foot and cried out as she felt a sharp pain in her ankle. Before she had time to react, she felt her body tilt side ways. She caught her balance just before her body came into contact with the ground. Looking down at her feet, she saw that her right heel was broken. "There must be some kind of conspiracy to ruin my night," she mumbled to herself as she took of her shoes, "and I bet he's the head of it."
"Didn't your mother ever tell you that it's not good to talk behind people's back?" a voice started her, almost making her lose her balance again.
"Go away, I don't need you to teach me manners," she straightened herself.
"I'll take that as a no," he said trying to sound casual. "Don't worry, mine didn't neither."
"How nice, now leave me alone," she bent down to pick up her shoes, then she realized that she was wearing a skirt and immediately stood up. She turned around to see if he was looking and gave him a look of disgust as she saw him smile.
Seeing her displease look, he turned serious, "Merle can we talk?"
She felt her heart tighten but said in a cold voice, "I have nothing to say to you."
"Then let me do the talking and you listen."
"I have no interest in what you have to say," she continued to walk, hoping he wouldn't follow her.
"Is this really what you want?" he shouted after her, "to pretend that nothing ever happened?"
"Your wrong!" she shouted back, afraid that he'd see the tears forming in her eyes, "I don't need to pretend. Nothing happen, you said so yourself."
"I never-!"
"But you meant it!" she could feel her voice crack. 'I have to get out of here,' She thought. She started to run bare footed but found that the pain in her ankle was too strong to ignore. Slipping on a rock, she fell forward, scrapping her knee.
"Merle!" Folken ran towards her helping her up. She pushed his hands away, tilting her face so he couldn't see her.
"Why do you have to be so stubborn!" he demanded, "Your hurt! Let me help."
"No, go back to the dance. I don't need your help."
"Look at me!" he tried to reach for her chin, "What are you so afraid of?"
She tried to resist, but found that she couldn't. She looked down at her bare feet and said softly. "I'm afraid if I looked into your eyes, I won't be able to pull away,"
Folken felt something wet against his fingertip and realized that she was crying.
"Look at me," he pulled her face towards him. When she finally gave in and turned towards him, he bend down and kissed her. This time was not rushed like the last time. He kissed her slowly and passionately, giving her time to respond but also leaving place for her to pull away. He didn't want to surfer the same fate as last time. Merle couldn't help but give into his touch. It was the kiss she had always dreamed of, soft but exciting. To her, he was like a drug. You're warned about what it can do to you and yet, you have this undeniable curiously towards it. Once you're hooked on it, you're in too deep; you can't pull away even if you wanted to.
"No, I don't want this," she whispered between breath, running her hands through his thick hair.
"Really…That's not what your lips are telling me." She could feel him smile against her lips.
"Don't…listen to them…they've just missed you." She leaned in for another.
"…And why would they…miss me?"
"Because…because…you're a good kisser."
"Is that it?" he pulled back to look her in the eye.
"No," she smiled softly.
***
"Did you like the song?" Folken whispered into her ear as she leaned onto his chest. They snuggled together on the bench in the park, watching the stars in the sky. He watched her tranquil breathing and thanked god that she was back by his side.
"It was nice," she said with a mischievous smile, "how do I know that it wasn't for another one of your replacement girlfriends?"
"Merle…"
She smiled as she felt his body tense. "I know." She snuggled closer, leaning on his shoulder while her hand rested on his chest. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Closing her eyes, she listened to the beat of his heat beat and sighed contently. Who knew being with him could be so wonderful. Screw the dance and the school paper; she couldn't think of another place in the whole universe that she'd rather be at the moment.
"You know, I meant every word."
"Hmmm…"
"I thought about what you said that day about how it wouldn't be fair for you." he continued, "I know that I will never forget her, but I know that there is place in my heart for you. Sora is my past but you are my future."
"I'm not asking for you to forget about her," she voice trembled.
"I know."
"I just want to know that you're with me because you feel something towards me and not because I'm some kind of replacement."
"I'm with you because I feel strongly towards you. I did mean every word in the song. You are everything"
"I know," she placed a brief kiss on his lips, "I know…but just one more thing."
"What?" he asked.
"Never make you cry again in public."
"Okay," he chuckled, "I promise you."
*One Year Later*
"Flight 189 to Chicago is now boarding. Will passengers please report to gate C12." A woman accounted over the speakers. "Last call for passengers taking 189 to Chicago. Boarding gate is C12."
Hitomi sighed and looked at her watch. 'His plane should have gotten here half an hour ago, what's taking it so long,' she wondered.
One year has passed since she had last seen Van. He had convinced her not to accompany him to the airport when he left, for things might have gotten too mushy. Since then, they had kept in touch by email and phone calls but they never found the time to visit each other.
Hitomi had finished her senior year at Gaia with Merle and the rest of the gang while Folken and Dryden left for college. During the past year, she had remained the same with just about the same interests. She had become the co-captain of the track team, making her schedule even more hectic. Thought she was busy, she found time to participated in school activities such as the spring play.
Tugging at her now shoulder length hair, she bit her lower lip nervously as she wondered if Van had changed much. She wondered if his hair was still dark and wide and if he was still had his gorgeous smiled. She pictured that he might be taller but still having the same muscular built. Most importantly, time has drifted them apart. Of course he had promised her that it be like as if he never left, but deep down, she knew that time had changed things. From their last conversations, it was obvious that distance has gotten between them.
Why was she getting so excited over a simple visit? She didn't even know how long he would be staying. And for all she knew, he probably has this gorgeous girlfriend waiting for him at his new home. There was no doubt in her mind that she wished there wasn't another girl. It's not that she didn't want him to get happy. She wanted him to be happy with her. It was selfish but then again, what woman wasn't selfish when it came to matters of the heart? She had hoped for this every since he left. She wanted him back. But now, she was having second thoughts. Maybe he shouldn't have returned. What was she thinking when she said yes?
Buried in deep thought, Hitomi didn't hear the speakers announce the arrival of the delayed plane. Only when she heard a familiar voice speak did she realize that she had spaced out. "And who might this lovely lady be waiting for?" Van asked, breaking her thoughts.
"Hun?" she asked a little confused at first. Turning her head towards the voice, her eyes widened immediately and a large grin appeared on her face. "Van!" she yelled, throwing her arms around his neck.
"Wow," he chuckled, surprised by her action, "I've missed you too." He used his free arm to wrap around her waist as she held him tightly. It felt so good to be back in his arms again. It was one of those rare things where reality is better than you imagined. 'He still smells the same,' she thought happily, 'God, I've missed his smell.'
"What do you say we go get a cup of coffee and do some much needed catching up?" he suggested when they finally let go of each other. All Hitomi could do was stare at him and smile, 'Yup, he still has his gorgeous smile.'
***
"Things are pretty much still the same around here," Hitomi sighed and wrapped her hands around the coffee mug, enjoying it's warmth. "Folken and Dryden went off to college but they come back to visit once every few weeks."
"Is Merle and Folken still together?" Van laughed at his own question.
"Actually yeah, they are," she laughed along with him. "They fight a couple of starving hyenas but when it comes to the bottom line, neither manages to stay away from the other too long."
She watched Van smile at her remark from across the table then continued, "Yukari and Amano are still together but Millerna and Dryden broke up. During the summer, Dryden went through this panic section. He was afraid that he and Millerna would split so he asked her to marry him. Millerna, with her fairy tale romance obsession, accepted. During like two weeks of July, they were planning all these things," Hitomi paused to take a sip of her coffee, "then when the heat was over, they realized what fools they were and broke it off."
"It was pretty funny to see their parents freak out about the whole marriage thing," she laughed, "but now, they're just maintaining a 'mutual relationship'." Hitomi raised her hands and formed quotation marks. She saw him smile back at her and sighed contently. Who thought they'd be sitting in the same old coffee shop a year after everything they went through and act like they never left each other's side for a minute. As she studied his face longer, she noticed that Van's hair was now shorter than before. He's shoulders are broader than before and his chin was less pointy. Altogether, he seemed to have lost his boyish look, but he was still (if not more) as good looking than before. Realizing that she had been staring, Hitomi turned away and though of a distraction.
"OH!" she said thinking of recent events, "you will not believe who was name prom queen and king," she almost spited out the hot drink from laughing so hard, "take a wild guess."
"I don't know," Van shrugged with an amused look on his face.
"Steve Bout and Meredith Robinson! Remember Steve and Meredith from the play?"
Van's expression turned from confusion at first to complete shock. "You mean Steve the assistant director and the Meredith the red head?" he asked amazed. "They are still together?"
"Yup, apparently, they both managed to bring out a hidden side of each other."
"Wow I guess things really have changed."
Hitomi felt a rush of sadness overcome her from his statement. She saw the same look reflect on Van's face, then lowered her head and stared into the mug.
"Well you've seemed to have talked about everyone," he said breaking the awkward silence, "tell me, what new with you. I like what you did with the hair."
She blushed at his remark and thought about what to answer, "I don't really think anything dramatic changed about me. I'm still the same girl that you left." She put her hand on her mouth as soon as she realized what she just said, "I'm sorry Van. That didn't come out right. What I meant is-"
"It's okay, I understand," he reassured her.
Hitomi was too embarrassed to say anything else. Of course, she had been thinking ever since he left how he could have had the heart to do that to her, but she never meant to say it out loud to his face. She was relieved when he suggested a second later that they go out for a walk.
"You must be happy to finally get away from here," Van said when the crossed the street over to their old high school.
"Yeah," she sighed contently, "but it's weird, all these things that happened in there. We're always so eager to get out, but once the time gets near, you really want it to last longer." She laughed at herself, "I can't believe I just said that."
"I felt like that too." He said studying the old building. "At the beginning, it was just another school that I transferred to with my parents job. I didn't like it much, the place a like a damn maze; you couldn't even find your classes. But then, things change and I meet people."
Hitomi looked at him out of the corner of her eye, wondering if 'people' meant her in particular. "So how was your new school," she shook the thought out of her head and asked him.
"It's okay." He smiled at her. "It's much smaller than here, a lot quieter, the people are nice."
"Have you met anyone special?" she asked before she could stop herself.
Van looked at her, surprised by the question. "Actually I did."
"You did?" she felt her heart break.
"No, I'm just kidding." He laughed
"Oh," she said, not finding the joke too funny.
They started to walk again and he asked her, "So have you decided where you're going to college yet?"
"Yeah, let's just say I'm not getting out of this place anytime soon." She sighed. "Have you?"
"As a matter of fact I did."
"Are your parent's cool with it?"
"We talked and we decided that I'm going to move out." Van said with his hands in his pockets.
"That's what I'm doing, Merle and I rented this really nice place not far from school," she felt herself wince at the word 'school'. She had finally finished dealing with 12 years of torture, and now she was the beginning of another 4 years. "So what school are you going to," she asked wondering how far it was going to be.
"I just got the acceptance letter the other day." Van pulled a letter out of his back pocket and handed it to Hitomi.
Hitomi was preparing herself for the big disappointment when she saw a familiar logo. "Um Van, is this what I think it is?" she asked, staring at the envelope. She turned to look at the young man standing next to her. Instead of answering, he just smiled. "Your going to the same college I am?"
"Yeah."
"But-but, how did you know?" she asked, too excited to speak.
"I've been talking to Merle a lot lately," he said simply, "she been filling me in on a lot of things."
"Does this mean what I think it means?"
"I'm moving back."
Hitomi practically jumped on Van and hugged him. "I can't believe this!" she screamed, praying she was not dreaming. She hugged him for a long time until she realized she was squeezing him. Pulling away, she turned her head from him embarrassed. "I mean," she cleared her throat, "you'll get to see all your old friends, make new ones, start a new life,-"
"Continue an old relationship," he interrupted her.
His words froze Hitomi. Seeing that she didn't reply, he immediately said, "I mean, that is if you're willing."
After a long moment of silence, Hitomi turned to face him. "I…I don't know Van." She sighed, pushing a strand of loose hair behind her ear.
"Hitomi, silence to me," he said softly, "if your thinking about the possibility of me moving away again, that is not going to happened. I made my decision." He stopped for a second, catching his breath, "but if you met someone else and…"
"No." She assured him, "there's isn't anyone else. There's only you." She admitted blushing. " But I just don't want any chance of losing you again."
"You won't," he pulled her in for a quick hug.
She couldn't help but smile at what he said. Everything she had hoped for was coming true. He's back in her life, and he wants to stay there. Hitomi was going burst with joy. She closed her eyes and slowly leaned over to kiss him.
"Wait," he stopped her.
'Oh no!' she panicked, 'what if he meant just to stay friends and I over reacted.'
"I have something to give you." He presented her with a small box.
She gave him a questioning look, and then opened the box hesitantly. Inside, laid her link pendant, in perfect shape and shining brightly. Hitomi felt tears form in her eyes, "You kept it all this time?"
"Yeah," Van ran his hand through his hair and blushed a little (A/N: *author melts*). "If I'm not mistaken, I think it did its job," he leaned over and whispered in her ear, "it brought me back." He took the pendant from her hands and put in over her neck. "I want you to have this back."
"But I gave this to you!" she protested.
"I don't need it anymore.," he said, "now that I'm back with you."
Hitomi smiled at his remark.
"And I plan to stay right here." With that, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her softly.
~End~
*** *Bishouji whips away a tear* It's done, it's finally done. *bits her lips to prevent her from crying* my first fanfic is completed. *sighs* it's so sad to see it end. Sniff sniff. Thank you guys so much for reading, reviewing my story (especially those who reviewed every chapter), your emails of encouragement and all the IMs. If I could, I would write a list and thank each one of you individually, but here's so many of you and I'd feel horrible if I forgot someone. But you all know who you are and I love you all!!! Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever imagined getting so many reviews. (Well I dreamt but never thought it could happen) You guys are the best. *hugs all her readers* I'm really unsure of how you liked this last chapter so I'm asking you once and for all to review this last one and tell me what you thought. For those don't know, I have another fic called "Not My Kind." It's very different from this one, but I'm very proud of it none less. And I'm working on another fic that will probably come out some time soon. It's called "A second chance", another one of my H+V. So I hope you decide to go check them out. Thank you all again for being such wonderful readers. I will see you again (hopefully) sometime soon. ~Bishouji88***
~A Second Chance: Two years after Hitomi left Gaia, everyone's living his or her own lives. The memory of the mysterious girl from the mystic moon and the strange world of Gaia are still fresh in some minds, while others try desperately to forget. What if the two lovers had a chance to reunite? Would it reawaken some old feelings or would they be satisfied with their separated lives? Not your average Escaflowne continuation.