Disclaimer: Obviously I don't own anything in Vision of Escaflowne, or it wouldn't be a fanfiction. Don't sue me :D

synopsis: Several years after Escaflowne ended. Hitomi is a secretary in a large corporation. She has gradually over the years communicated with Van in Fanelia less and less... And suddenly a man has fallen into her lap (or she into his? o.O), and he keeps reminding her of Van. Why did he stop contacting her so very long ago? Was he too busy with his country and ruling... had he married?


***

Hitomi blushed and smiled innocently. She started to take out cups for the tea.

No... just someone's name. You just reminded me of him and I was thinking of what had happened to him. No big deal. She turned and smiled at the last bit. Oh! We forgot to take your clothes to the dryer! Quickly set the cups and saucers down she rushed to her bedroom. Hitomi grabbed her shoes, and ran back into the living room. She smiled up at Evan. He was standing in the door to the kitchen, barefoot and bare chested. He lightly leaned against the frame, watching her quizzically and apparently amused.

The young woman looked up at handsome man as she tied the last lace. She leaned forward and grabbed several quarters off the little table she had in the main room of the tiny apartment. Taking his wet socks and shirt, she put them in the crook of her arm and grinned at him.

I will return in a few minutes. Please, make yourself comfortable. She smiled once more, and headed out the door.

*

Munching the sandwich in her hand, she watched Evan drink his soup. He really did seem to be too thin. Maybe he hadn't eaten in days. Her small apartment suddenly felt a little warmer to her. Her job was a pain, true, but she always had a meal on her table. He must have caught her looking, because he looked up at her over his bowl.

Did I do something wrong Miss Hitomi? he said looking at her slightly concerned.

Oh... no not at all. I was just thinking how hungry you seem and how thin you look... She looked at her sandwich, ashamed to have been so forward about her thoughts.

He looked at her and put his bowl down on the table. I haven't had a meal in a day and a half. The last of my funds were spent on food, and it was only bread and some cheese. My roommate has had the same problems. Both of us spend our days looking for work, but nobody will hire us. I did not go to college and he...has his own problems. Evan sighed and wanted to stay still for a moment, but spotted the second half of his sandwich. He grinned at it and took a bite.

I'm sorry. I can provide a little bit for you and your roomate if necessary? Hitomi smiled warmly, and motherly at him. She knew she could not support two men in their mid twenties, but she could at least help them a little while.

He immediately dropped his hand to the table, and looked at her. She was offering help... the first help he had had offered... in all his time wandering around.
I don't want to accept help. Out of respect and self pride but, I fear I can't. I know my roommate is home starving... he paused, looking at her.

Hitomi realized what he was saying. He wanted to bring his roommate some food. She smiled an almost proud smile. When we finish, I will pack up some goods and we will go to your apartment and feed your roommate, ok?

Evan smiled. Thank you, Hitomi.

*

Hitomi clung the bag to her breast. The sliced meats inside felt cold, but she was afraid the plastic handles might break. The bag was almost bulging.

Grinning at the man walking beside her, Hitomi stepped around a puddle. The rain had stopped while they had been eating, and the air was crisp and clear. They crossed the street, and Evan had to jump to get across. He turned and put out his hand. She looked at the puddle, and the bag, and took his hand and took a leap. Her calculations were wrong and she felt short. Evan quickly stepped back, and Hitomi fell into him. Luckily the man has his footing, an pulled her to stand straight. Blinking, she looked at him with warmth and a smile.

Ahh Thank you. This bag is very cumbersome.

I can carry that for you if you wish. he said offering out his hand as the continued up the road and down the sidewalk.

They arrived at a fairly decent red brick apartment building, named the Red House. Hitomi grinned at the name. They went inside, and up several flights of stairs. Apparently the elevator was broken.

How befitting of the place...

Hitomi put on her best face as he turned the key and opened the door.

The smell of staleness hit her like a wave as she walked in. Apparently he was a little more lacking funds then he let on. The apartment was very small, and Hitomi wandered if it even had two bedrooms for both boys. She quickly spotted Evan's roommate, slouched at a computer screen.

Hey. I'm home, and I brought someone. Evan say as dramatically as he could.

Great. I can leave if you want? The man said as unenthusiastically as it seemed someone could. i hope they aren't hungry. There is no food...again.

There's no need, sir. I brought food for you. Hitomi said as sweetly sincere as she could muster. As she spoke, the man visibly stiffened and slowly turned around. He stared at her. Then blinked.

Oh don't worry about my roommate, Evan said, He is just hungry and grumpy, as usual.

Hitomi grinned and walked towards the open alcoved kitchen. She slowly took out the groceries and piled them into the fridge and on the counter. Evan's roommate watched her the entire time she unpacked and moved across the room, making her avoid his gaze.

Evan grinned. By the way, if you hadn't noticed my roommate looks strikingly similar to me. That makes it easier to pass off one man living here.. making it cheaper in this place. And I think he even thinks you look as beautiful as I do. Similar tastes. he chuckled then paused in thought. Oh! before I forget and continue to be rude... Hitomi, this is my roommate, Van Fanel. Van, This is Hitomi... um I don't know her last name though. However, she was kind enough to help me tonight in drying my clothes from the rain and fed me some delicious morsels.

Hitomi dropped the small packet of cheese and orange she held and spun around. It was then she noticed the thing hanging above the small couch. She had thought it was just a run of the mill thing, so gave it no concern...but it wasn't. It was the coronation sword of Fanelia.




***

I decided to change where I had this going. I really like unexpected tidbits, and I felt this was one of them.

I probibly won't be able to upload a new chapter for a week. Unless I get in another reallly good writing mood..eat it up kiddies *giggles* I am super busy. Otakon this weekend in Baltimore! woo!

-Oops! I dind't realize annoymous reviews were turned off! All better! D Review away, anny viewers!