AN: Hehe, FLUFF CHAPTER! Haha, I didn't do the hunkification of Van because then there was NO way I could make Hitomi resist him without making her seem like some sort of stupid fudge cake ^_^ Of course, she HAS been a stupid fudge cake before but let's make her smart for once ^_~ Remember, this is ALL FLUFF!!! There will be drama for you drama lovers next chapter ^_^

Sailor Centauri: Haha the good old gutter ^_^ Haha thank you *blushes like mad*
Inda: Here's some more loosening up!
Rheia: *waves VxH flag in air* Yeah! Van Hitomi forever! XD
Fushizen Na: Ooh! Read update! I remember reviewing your newest chapter, but if I didn't tell me! *has very bad memory span* Hehe who couldn't like Van's wings? ^_^
Dariel: Hehehe *glomps Van* Haha here's your update!!!! Haha of course Van wouldn't only want Hitomi only for an heir... Well he did at the beginning O_O *decides to shut up* ^^;;
Ash Night: *blushes* Hehe, thanks! I'm trying to practice my fluff ^^;; Big fluff chapter here XD Haha, you really liked that chapter? Took long to write it ^^;;
Niffer: Haha yup, Hitomi's pretty stubborn ^_^ I love fluff too!
Sailor Hope: BIG LOAD OF FLUFF!!! Hehe Van's having problems speaking XD Haha hope you had fun in class!
Aeka-himme: Haha, unsuccessful with the hunkification project ^^;; Oh well, if Van were any hotter my keyboard would melt and then I couldn't write anymore! XD And yes i'mthewebmistressofwhitedragonunfortunatelysinceitsucksarse
just a fan: *wipes tear away* Thank you! Thank you! *hahaha* ^_^
SabineballZ: There! *cowers* Togetherness! LOL
Magicman/Smokegirl: Yup, good old Allen's gonna make Hitomi hurt Van's feelings later ^_^ Thanks, the leapy line thing was new for me XP
Ink: Hehe, here's fluff! Getting togetherness! XD
Dahee Fanel: *blushes like mad* Thank you for the reviews! *wipes away tears* NOW UPDATE YOUR FIC! MYSTIC EYES!!!! *whacks dahee fanel over the head* Hehehe..... Well, I guess I prefer Millerna to be with Dryden because I don't like Allen, and I do like Millerna, though most people don't *sniffs* If I didn't love VxH so much I'd make a VxM pairing but then again I'm too in love with VxH ^_______^
van lover: Gah! Don't die! Here! Chapter 5! Lol

"Stop fidgeting" chided Merle as she worked on Van's hair. Dryden and Millerna had invited them to a ball in Asturia, and it would be rude to refuse. Besides, Van hadn't seen his friends in a while. He was about to head out to pick Hitomi up from her room, however Merle had pounced on him (not literally), commanding him to stop.

'Your hair is a mess and you still have an HOUR before you should be even knocking on Hitomi's door'
'It can't be that bad...'
'Van, I love your hair. On an everyday basis. However, for a ball this just will NOT do. Have you been going to balls like that when I was away??'
Van had given Merle a nervous smile, looking rather sheepish.

He was half afraid she'd completely tame his hair and make it resemble a smaller version of that knight, Allen Schezar's coiffed locks, and he was half tempted to throw her across the room, in a playful manner of course, he added to himself grinning, and run. Merle was donning a pale yellow strapless gown with an empire skirt, her usually bouncy pink hair tumbled over her small shoulders in a straighter fashion. There were plump yellow flower buds embroidered on the bodice, and cream petticoats flashed the viewer when she lifted her skirt slightly to walk. She was applying something to his hair, and Van yearned to leave and pick his wife up.

"There Mr. Ants In His Pants" she teased, and she stood back and admired her work. Van stood up and walked over to the full length mirror in his quarters and couldn't help but grin. Thank the gods that Merle hadn't made his hair all sleek and perfect. Instead of having his locks go in all different directions as usual, she had tamed his hair into a less wild version of his usual spikes, while the product she had applied made his hair shine slightly, and well... Instead of a wild warrior he looked like a king.

"A handsome king" smirked Merle, as if reading his thoughts. She almost could, or at least the two had a very strong bond and connection.

"Thanks Merle" he laughed, about to do his usual routine of ruffling her hair affectionately but she karate chopped his arm.

"Not the hair!" she screamed slightly, backing away. Van laughed, and grinned.

"Thank you, Lady Merle" he stifled a chuckle, bowing stuffily.

"Now spin around" she instructed, making sure he looked perfect. Sighing, Van turned around once. He was wearing a midnight blue jacket with gold cuff links, black breeches with a thin gold stripe running down the leg, and white gloves. With the addition of his new hair, he looked like a heart throb. Merle gave an excited squeal of delight and ushered Van out the door.

"Now go pick up your wife" she bounced, and with that the king was on his way to meet his queen.

***

Millerna had insisted on letting Hitomi have a day of pampering, despite Hitomi's protest. So she had spent the entire day relaxing and getting ready for the ball. She was donning a light turquoise gown, and on her skirt were sheer layers of turquoise and white, so if Hitomi spun around softly it would seem like the ocean was crashing, causing waves and sea foam. The hand maids had applied a very fine shimmer powder to her shoulders and back, and had accented her eyes with a very light turquoise shadow. They hadn't pinned her hair up, rather back, with turquoise glass and silver combs, the rest of her hair tumbling down in, thanks to the maids, more refined and mermaid like loose curls. Nails clean and manicured, skin nourished with all sorts of treatments, the maids curtseyed to Hitomi, smiling proudly.

"You look like a vision, Queen Hitomi" they chorused, and Hitomi blushed faintly.

"Thank you very much" she smiled, and with a final curtsey the maids left the room. About to sit down, Hitomi stood back up when she heard a knock at the door. Quickly slipping on elbow length white gloves, Hitomi opened the door to find Van looking extremely handsome. Her mouth gaped open slightly, there was something different about his hair, and the blue of his jacket set off the brownish red in his eyes. His shoulders seemed broader, but his head was cocked slightly in a friendly manner.

Van looked up at Hitomi and his eyes widened. She was a dream of turquoise and light, her pink lips irresistibly shiny. Her shoulders sparkled lightly as light caught on the powder, however Van thought it was just part of her beautiful magic. The turquoise set off her emerald green eyes startlingly well, and the bodice hugged her body, as the skirt flowed down effortlessly.

"Hey" she said finally, breaking the silence.

"H-hey" he replied, reluctantly tearing his eyes away from the sight of her and locking her green eyes, which hypnotized him just as much.

"Ready?" she breathed, and he nodded, gulping, and she linked her arm through his, and they made their way to the ball room.

***

"You look amazing!" cried Millerna, and she meant it with all her heart. "Why can't the maids ever do that to me?" she laughed good naturedly, and Dryden pecked Millerna on the cheek. Millerna was donning a icy sapphire colored gown, and her blonde hair was held up in an elegant knot. Blue crystal earrings dangled from her ears, and her violet eyes were sparkling with delight.

"You look stunning as well" Hitomi replied, laughing lightly, blushing.

"Your hair looks quite impressive" grinned Dryden, and Van smiled bashfully.

"It's all thanks to Merle" he laughed, "Nice to see you clean shaven once in a while" he joked, and Dryden gave him an uncanny grin, when the orchestra began to play.

"Shall we dance?" bowed Van slightly, holding out his hand to Hitomi. This was the first time his advisors didn't need to remind him. He wanted to dance with her. Hitomi blushed, and accepted his hand.

***

This dance was different. Much different. Instead of stiff upper bodies, their bodies fit together, in a startlingly complimenting manner, and Van held Hitomi close to him with his strong hands, while Hitomi rested her cheek on Van's shoulder. There was a warm feeling building in the pit of both stomachs, spreading through each person's body. Hitomi's skin was pleasantly fragrant, and Hitomi felt relaxed in his strong arms.

***

"I'd like to make an announcement" beamed Dryden, a hand on Millerna's shoulder as he raised his goblet of wine. "I have arranged this ball, as you know, to refresh acquaintances, however, there is another reason. Asturia's beautiful queen, Millerna Aston Fasaa, and I, would like to proudly announce that an heir for Asturia is on it's way! The queen is pregnant!" The court went into applause, and Hitomi, who was sitting next to Millerna at the head table, gave her a hug.

"That's wonderful" smiled Hitomi, while Van made his way over to shake Dryden's hand, patting him heartily on the back.

"You're next" Dryden grinned at Van, not loud enough for Hitomi or Millerna to hear. Van turned a slight shade of red, and had he not been standing in front of a great deal of respected figures on Gaea he would have whacked Dryden on the head. A cheerful waltz started, and everyone began to dance.

But Van and Hitomi never stopped. They danced the night away, and several people murmured softly among themselves, admiring the queen and king of Fanelia. Each step they took, a tingling feeling would run through them, and the comfortable ease they held before was now slightly more awkward, their knee caps being replaced by gelatin. A swirly, warm feeling engulfed their hearts, and it was like if they parted they would faint. They had only noticed the ball was over when Dryden thanked everyone for attending. Parting unwillingly, Van escorted Hitomi out of the ball room to his quarters to talk as they usually did.

"Did you have fun?" she asked nervously, and he nodded. She sat facing him on the bed, and he smiled.

"The um.... Wine was quite good" he offered, as he took off his restraining white gloves. "That's better" he grinned, massaging his hand briefly before allowing it to rest by his side again.

"It was" agreed Hitomi, and she nervously began to edge off her gloves. Van moved forward, and with his warm dry hands he gently eased the smooth gloves off his wife's hands. Keeping his hands on hers for a moment longer, he placed the gloves on the night stand, and the two stared awkwardly at each other.

"So... Van, tell me..." Hitomi searched her brain for something to talk about. "Tell me about your family" A look of searing pain flickered through his eyes, and Hitomi's brow knitted together slightly, concerned. "You... You don't have to tell me..." she told him softly, resting a hand on his arm. She had immediately regretted the words.

"No, it's okay" he assured, trying to prepare himself for what he had to say. There were two parts of his life that Van rarely shared. Being Draconian and his family. He supposed it would only be right for his wife to know. In a way, he wanted her to know.

"....Well, as you know, my parents passed away when I was young. I had a brother..... Folken. Lacour de Fanel. We used to play everyday by the river, with the sun sparkling on it, grass green." Van remembered fondly. "My mother always warned us that one day we'd slip in and hurt ourselves, but of course, we never listened. One day, we were playing tag... I was 'it'" Van trailed off. He shut his reddish brown eyes momentarily, features darkening slightly. Hitomi crawled up beside him, clasped one of her hands with his own, and gently rested her head on his chest.

"Keep going" she ushered softly, and feeling her soft hand on his, his eyes flew open and he took a sharp intake of breath. Exhaled. He then continued.

"I was chasing him, and he was heading towards the river. We never actually played in the river, the current was too strong, the rocks too jagged. But that day..... He slipped in. He tried to spread his wings but only injured himself further. I was ten years younger then him... I didn't know what to do. I screamed for help, and my mother came.... But too late." The happy look on Van's face was gone, and his face was rather grim. "It was all my fault" he added bitterly, looking up at the ceiling as if for moral support.

"It wasn't your fault" said Hitomi softly, but firmly. "You were just a tiny kid, you couldn't have saved him." Van looked into the pools of Hitomi's eyes, nodded but didn't say anything. They didn't say anything for the longest time. Van waited for Hitomi to excuse herself to her room.

She never did.

***

Van woke up, and the first thing he noticed was... The time. It was quite early, and he wrapped his arms around Hitomi in a snugger fashion and shut his eyes again. Then suddenly, his eyes flew back open and he looked down at Hitomi doing a double take. He was still in his uniform, so they hadn't... Done...Anything... Thank gods prayed Van. He was about to pry herself off her, when she gently whispered "Please stay" He looked down at her, but her lips were, seductively, parted slightly, and her green eyes were shut. She was still sleeping. Sighing, he stayed still for a moment, and eventually began to gently run his hand up and down Hitomi's back slowly, tracing her spine with the tips of his fingers.

Hitomi's eyes moved slightly underneath her shut lids, and she felt a hand gently making a trail up and down her back. She fluttered her eyes open ever so slightly, and she found herself in the crook of someone's neck. Make that Van's neck. She could tell from his scent.... That summer scent..... Thankful that she still had her gown on, she relaxed slightly, stopping her hands from reflexively smoothing it down.

So nothing happened.
Well he wouldn't take advantage of you anyways. He probably wouldn't kiss you without having the wits snapped out of him.

Smiling slightly to herself, Hitomi decided to test that theory.

Pressing herself closer to Van, she encircled one of her arms around his waist, moving up till her face was inches from his. She let her lips graze his cheek as she dropped her face by his ear, pretending to be asleep still and merely shifting positions. Ever muscle in Van's body tightened up, tighter than a bow string, and she could feel his heart beating rapidly with the hand that was on his chest. With a final touch, she allowed a small gush of warm air flow from her mouth, tickling his ear.

Guess I was right she grinned. Good thing I didn't moan through all that Van, or I may have given you a seizure. To her utter amusement Van didn't move forever, and Van was beginning to get a cramp in his back. With a yawn, Hitomi allowed her eyes to open completely, and she feigned an innocent expression.

"I guess I must have fallen asleep" she muttered, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. However, when she had nearly given poor Van a heart attack she hadn't noticed how close she had gotten. Their noses were barely touching, and both of their eyes widened as they both separated slightly at the same time. Hitomi took in Van's deep reddish brown eyes, the straight bridge of his nose, his weather worn features, his dark eye lashes, the strong arm that was still partially wrapped around her.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"I should go... Get..... Changed...." Hitomi stumbled out, her arms making rather erratic motions.

"Yes, um.... I'll see you at... Breakfast" replied Van nervously.

"Breakfast! I just love breakfast, don't you?" Hitomi said, trying to force a cheery smile on her face but only getting a rather odd expression. Okay, Hitomi, stop it now before you make things worse Hitomi warned herself. "Um...I should go now" she repeated, and with that she bolted out of the room, her skirt trailing gracefully behind her despite her bright red features.

AN: Gyah! Okay I know for all those emotional roller coaster lovers with the drama and such will be quite angry at me but I NEEDED TO HAVE A FLUFF OUTLET!!! So please don't hurt me ^^;; Fluff! Fluff! Oh it's so good to be back. ANYWHOO, of course knowing me I won't make them together right away ^_^ We have good old Allen to thank for that ^_~ Hehe, anywho, how should I make Allen move on Hitomi? So far I've made him pretty pious... Hm.... Any ideas? Well please review! ^_^