AN: Waaii chapter 23! Wow! Thanks to all the reviewers, especially
Megumi and Kouhei, who always reviewed even from the very beginning! Also,
there's a few innuendos in here..please don't be offended but they just had
to come around eventually ^^"
Oh yes, one thing. BEWARE SAP AND FLUFF AND WAFF! I'm cramming as much as I
can into this chapter ^_^v
//Important Note\\- Things are coming to an end! I'm going to try to
make this the last chapter...but nobody gave me song ideas for Van ;-;
Soooooo...well, it'll be a surprise as to what song occurs in this. Maybe
even several songs! ~cackles~ Anway.if this is truly the last chapter, I'll
give a final statement at the bottom. Mou..that sounds like a last will or
something..~sweatdrops massively, Smoak conks her over the head with a big
piece of cheese and holds up a sign~ 'Get writing!!!'.....
Legend= //=Van singing
\=Rose singing
Faithful reader- Heh, I understand about school work ^^ Really? I kinda liked Inu-Yasha's hair.it looks REALLY good when he's human..~drool~..but thanks for the review ^_^v
Ai-chan- Yeah, I'm having fun. Our Japanese sensei is awesome ^_^v
Megumi- Glad you liked it! I'm trying to start wrapping it up but I don't know how..~sniff~ this story could be the one that never ends @_@ And you're the best for sending in song ideas!!!
Rose pet Smoak, sitting in a chair in her room and watching the flames in the fireplace jump lazily on the wood. She smiled at his purr she managed to raise from his slumbering form. Things were definitely starting to get better, now that she had told Van what had happened. She smiled again. He was just so..well ok, not perfect, but it didn't matter. He was just.HIM. Rose giggled quietly to herself. 'Oh gods, I sound like such a teenager.' And still, she smiled. There was a sleepy grumble from Smoak.
' You're fidgeting a lot, Rose..can't a young dragon get his sleep?' She laughed, which got another grumble from him. Picking him up, she set him down on one of her pillows.
' There you are, Smoak. I'm going to go for a walk, ok?' Smoak nodded.
' Just don't get into trouble.' Rose flushed a bit, remembering the conversation with Thayanna. She doubted that Smoak had understood, but still.Grabbing a cloak in case she felt like going outside, she closed her door gently and started wandering the castle, exploring each hallway she came across.
" You know, eventually you're going to end up lost again." A quiet voice hidden in the shadows of a hallway startled her, and she tensed up, looking around. He laughed, stepping out of his hiding place. Putting her hands on her hips, she frowned playfully.
" Y'know, it's not good manners to sneak up on a lady." Van chuckled, amusement in his eyes.
" And who said I was dealing with a lady?" She punched him lightly.
" That wasn't very nice either." Sticking out her tongue at him, she held it for about 30 seconds before laughing. He smiled, coming closer to her and running a hand lightly down her cheek, making her shiver. Pulling her head back, Rose raised an eyebrow and looked at him.
" You know we probably shouldn't be doing this. The advisors would give us hell if they caught us." Van grinned again.
" I think they'd be rather pleased. They are, after all, still trying to push that agreement that Folken signed," he murmured into her ear, kissing her cheek and pulling her close to him. She fought to remain standing, knees growing weak. Who could resist an offer like that? (I know I couldn't ^_~) Rose mewed slightly, burying her face into his shoulder.
" Well.since you put it that way..maybe it wouldn't hurt for a little bit." She mumbled, sighing against him. The kiss that followed was far from innocent.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Smoak smiled to himself in Rose's room and settled himself further into the comfortable pillow that Rose had placed him on. Although he wasn't too keen on having to share his princesses attentions with the human, he was glad that the Arethian race would soon be on it's way to recovery. After all.at least the boy wasn't completely human.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Van smiled, brushing Rose's bangs out of her eyes. She stirred, waking up slowly. 'She really is beautiful when she's sleeping.' A wry smile greeted him, and Rose cuddled closer.
" Smoak is gonna kill me..I told him I wouldn't get into trouble. You're a bad influence, my lord." Van chuckled, tracing her jaw line. She had told him about the play on words last night, when things got a little.um.heated. That reminded him.
" Rose.?" She was starting to fall back asleep again, head pressed to his chest.
" Mhm?" A breathy reply answered him.
" If I wasn't such a jerk in the beginning.would we have realized our feelings a lot earlier?" He lay back, watching the ceiling, hand tracing lazy circles on her arm.
" Mhm." The corners of Van's mouth quirked up in a small smile.
" Rose?" He whispered softly, turning to face her. She was almost completely asleep, and he wasn't sure if she could hear him.
" Mhmm.?" Chuckling, he kissed her nose.
" Can I keep you?" The last question came out in a quiet whisper, and he continued his trail of kisses to her cheek.
" Mhm..." Rose gave a tired sigh, and Van knew that any more questions would go unanswered. But for now, he was satisfied. He had made up his mind. Humming softly, he began to sing to Rose, even though she was asleep.
You're not alone //I've walked so long I can't remember-- where was my home?
their distant face fade away. I'm always on my own.
I can show a smile, it's not hard to do.
I can have the strength to go on
but sometimes I wanna let go of everything. When thoughtfulness is not their game, I teach by giving love.
High mountains seem higher endlessly when they're pebbles at your feet.
And if you should still fall into despair, there is one thing left to believe.
I lie in your heart always. Nothing is braver than honesty, my life is your faith in me. I'll be there when you need.
You don't have to hide from me
what you are feeling now.
I fill your soul. We will seek together destiny
troubles have an end.
We'll carry on hand in hand.
You're not alone. People searching desperately outside themselves,
caught up in thinking of what never helped.
And I'd forgotten too that love exists inside me as in
those I wanted from--
I feel you now. I'll be there when you need
We will live together.
Nothing is in our way,
with trust in our soul. We will seek together destiny
troubles have an end.
We will carry on hand in hand,
we won't forget we have each other.
Love is in the hearts of all men.
You're not alone.//
That night, he would give Fanelia a reason to celebrate. For the moment, however.he pulled her closer to him and rested his chin on her head, falling back asleep.
( Ok, ok, I tend to steal quotes..please don't sue me, I don't own Casper either T_T)
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The sun was shining in Roses' eyes as she woke, causing her to squint. 'But.the sunlight doesn't come in that angle in my room.' Suddenly the nights actions rushed back to her, and she flushed a bright red and glanced at the person occupying the other side of the bed. She giggled quietly, brushing bangs out of his face. 'Kawaii.' Then she glanced out the window again.
" Oh CRAP!!" She shot out of the bed, scrambling to pull her dress over her head as Van slowly woke and pushed himself onto one elbow.
" What's the hurry?" He asked blearily, rubbing his eyes. Rose cast a glance back at him, nearly falling over as she hopped on one foot trying to pull a boot on.
" What'll everybody think if they come in here! Now! I gotta get back to my room.ohmygod ohmygooooooodddd." With that, she yanked open the door, promptly crashing into somebody.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Allen was astonished, to say the least. It was midmorning, and he certainly didn't expect to be bowled over when he opened the door to Van's room.
" Ooohhh.." Allen blinked at the voice, and looked up into Rose's flushed face. He blinked once or twice in shock.
" Rose? What are you..aaahhh." He finished lamely, standing up. Rose was standing as well, staring at the ground and shifting nervously from foot to foot.
" Rose, what's the.Allen! What are you doing here?" Van tried to recover, but failed miserably. Silence reigned over the group for a moment, and Allen coughed slightly. Then Rose spoke.
" You're.not going to tell anybody yet, are you?" Allen and Van blinked at her as the knight shook his head.
" Nah. Not until the wedding, anyway." He grinned as the young couple flushed in unison.
" I swear Allen, if you tell anybody about this.ever.I'll-" Allen cut her off, smirking slightly. It was amusing to see the two of them like this.
" You'll what? Cut off my hair?" Her eyes glinted.
" Think lower." A dead serious tone permeated her voice, and he paled slightly. Another glare from her confirmed his question about whether or not she was serious, and he let the matter lie.
" Well.I was just checking up on Van. I'll go down to breakfast.would you like me to send something up?" He grinned, and ducked as a flying fist came his way.
" Allen, you're horrible!" Rose cried, exasperated. Chuckling, he backed away, hands held up in a gesture of apology.
" I know, I know. But that's what makes me so irresistible, right?" When he turned to go, a pillow hit him squarely in the back of the head.
" Nice shot Van!" Allen rubbed the back of his head, chuckling. Things were starting to look better, now that those two finally got together. * * * * * * * * * * * *
" WwhhhhaaaaaAATTT?!?!?!?!?!?" Merle screeched, making Rose and Millerna cover their ears hurriedly.
" Merle, could you BE any louder??" Rose demanded, double-checking to make sure her bedroom doors were, in fact, closed. Millerna giggled.
" That's so romantic Rose! I didn't know you had it in you!" Rose flushed and studied her sheets on her bed. She didn't know what had possessed her to tell Merle and Millerna what happened, but what's done is done, and now she'd have to put up with the teasing and the giggling. Which, of course, Merle and Millerna were cramming into as many seconds as possible.
" I didn't know I had it in me either. It just sort of.happened." She admitted, giggling herself. A knock on the door caused a halt in the conversation.
" Come on in, whoever you are." Rose called, and Van stepped inside. 'Oooooohhhh fun..'
" Hey Rose, I was just wondering if-" Trailing off, Van glanced suspiciously at Merle and Millerna, who were trying to turn giggles into coughs. The next look was an accusing one, sent special delivery to Rose herself, who was busy pummeling both of the girls with pillows.
" I didn't mean to! It just sort of happened!" Rose mumbled in apology, which only got the princess and cat-girl spiraling into fits of louder giggles, muffled only slightly by the pillows being ground into their faces. Van raised an eyebrow at her and she blushed.
" Yeah..well..bah, I'll come up with a fancy comeback later." She grumbled, deciding that killing a princess and a close confidante of the king were serious offences, and let the pillows go. Van chuckled, walked up to her and kissed her on the cheek, whispering to her while the other girls were busy getting their air back.
" Meet me in the courtyard after the sun sets. There's something I want to show you." Rose put on a mock frown, trying to keep back a grin.
" Knowing you, it'll probably be a sword or something." Van blinked for a moment, then turned a bright, bright red that spread to the roots of his hair. Smirking, Rose claimed a mental victory point as he rushed out of the room, mumbling something about vengeance in the highest degree. As soon as the door closed, she joined her friends in the fits of giggles that seemed to be so contagious when they got together. * * * * * * * * * * * *
Van paced restlessly, watching as the last vestiges of sunlight left the sky. Rose would be there soon, and he was more nervous than when he had to fight his first dragon. Dressed in black pants with gold trim and a sky blue vest, he took a deep breath as the warm spring air brushed by him. A wordless melody floated by his ears, and he turned to the sound. Breath hitching in his throat, he let his eyes drink in the vision that stood before him.
" Rose." She smiled shyly, pulling at the midnight sleeve around her wrist.
" You said.for nothing really fancy, so..well, here I am." Rose shrugged, and Van forced himself to breathe properly. 'Kirei na..' The crushed velvet hugged her body, sleeves stopping at the wrists. The neckline was a modest square neck, and white fabric with an edge of a doily pattern covered the square of skin and her neck that would have shown otherwise. (Think.I dunno.early pioneer dresses.except no bustles or hoop skirts or anything..) The shoulders had a slight puff to them, but it wasn't overly noticeable. The dress fell naturally to her feet. Van smiled slightly. 'When she first showed up, she wouldn't be caught dead in one of those.now she acts like it's a second skin.'
" Van..what are you smiling for?" Van just laughed at her suspicious tone.
" Nothing love, nothing. Now come on..I said I want to show you something, and I'm going to." Without giving her a chance to ask what he was talking about, he scooped her up, unfurled his wings, and took off. He just hoped that he remembered all of Folken and Allens combined advice.and the song that his father used to sing to his mother. Humming the first couple lines to himself, he took a breath and started to sing quietly, as Rose rested her head against his chest.
//Let me be your wings
Let me be your only love
Let me take you far beyond the stars\\
Rose smiled up at him, wind ruffling her hair and pulling a few rebellious strands out of the braid she had it in.
//Let me be your wings
Let me lift you high above
Everything we're dreaming of will soon be ours
Anything that you desire
Anything at all
Everyday I'll take you higher
And I'll never let you fall //
Grinning, he spiraled up, slowly headed for the forest, hugging her close and closing her eyes with a finger as she gasped in surprise.
//Let me be your wings
Leave behind the world you know
For another world of wondrous things
We'll see the universe
And dance on Saturn's rings*
Fly with me and I will be your wings//
Letting loose another brilliant smile, Rose let her eyes be closed and began to sing along with him, harmonizing.
//Anything that you desire
Anything at all
\Anything at all\
Everyday I'll take you higher
And I'll never let you fall
\You will be my wings\
Let me be your wings
\You will be my only love\
//Get ready for another world of wondrous things//
\Wondrous things are sure to happen\
//\We'll see the universe
And dance on Saturn's rings//\
//Heaven isn't too far//
\Heaven is where you are\
//Stay with me and//
//\Let me be your wings//\
Van finally let her open her eyes when he landed, taking her hand. They were on a cliff deep in the forest, overlooking the entire city of Fanelia, as well as the mountains surrounding them. A safe distance from the edge of the cliff was a large blanket, spread out with plates and glasses, along with platters of food. Rose gasped again, eyes wide as she looked around.
" Van.." He guided her down to the blanket, smiling at her.
" Yes Rose?" Her mouth worked for a moment, no sound coming from it. So, he took to opportunity presented to him and kissed her, capturing her mouth with his own. Aside from a small 'mmph' of surprise, the cliff was silent for a moment or two. When they broke apart, Rose spoke.
" It's amazing." Smirking, he leaned close to her face, resting his forehead against her own.
" Nothing can beat you, love." Van was satisfied by the light blush that stained her cheeks. * * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose laughed, sipping the fruit punch and leaning against Van. 'Ok, on a scale of 1 to 10 on the romantic things guys can do scale..this one is somewhere around one million and six.' She smiled lazily, watching the stars.
" Van?" When he answered she could feel the rumble in his chest.
" Yes Rose?" The circles he was tracing on her arm stopped for a moment.
" What are you thinking about?" She felt, more than heard, the quiet chuckle.
" You wouldn't believe me if I told you." He shifted slightly, and she sat up and stared at him, eyebrow raised.
" Oh I wouldn't, would I? Just what is this unbelievable fact?" Van smiled softly at her, and pulled her to her feet. Blinking, she looked at him, puzzled. His thumb ran over the knuckles on her hands as he paused for a moment.
" Rose, I love you more than anything. You know that, right?" Rose nodded slightly, feeling a bit of apprehension building in her stomach. Conversations that started out like that never usually ended well. Van just made her more curious when he knelt on the ground, now looking up at her. She raised her eyebrows once more.
" Van, are you ok? Did you need to sit down or...something?" The something came out in a shocked whisper as he produced a small red velvet box from his pocket.
" Oh gods.." Tears rose in her eyes as she clamped her hands to her mouth, attempting to keep them from hazing her vision up completely.
" Rose..we've been through a lot together. It was pretty much all my fault, and I'm hoping.that you'll forgive me, and..and take this ring, and become my wife." Well, that broke the ring of self-restraint that Rose had left. Bursting into tears, she practically threw herself on him, hugging him until she swore she heard ribs crack. One of his hands rose to pet her hair and she felt a cool band of metal slide over her finger. Rose sniffled, pulling away and wiping at her eyes with her free hand.
" Heh. You'd think that I wouldn't cry about this." Van offered nothing more than a smile and a kiss.
" I'll take that as a yes then." * * * * * * * * * * * * (Oh I'm gonna melt...~bounces around~)
It seemed that Van could do nothing but smile as Rose slept, head resting on his lap. Running a hand through her hair, he listened to her breathing for what seemed like forever, thinking about everything they'd been through. Glancing around the surrounding forest, he gave a silent thanks to Thayanna and the other dragons. They had given so much for their princess, believing in her totally. They were even willing to risk their lives for her, just because she was helping us.Van shuddered slightly, remembering the fear and loneliness he had felt when Rose had left him on the battlefield. He sent another prayer of thanks to whoever deemed him worthy enough to have a second chance at her.
" Mn..Van?" Rose stirred slightly, cracking an eye open. Glancing down at her, he kept his fingers going through her hair.
" Yes love?" She gave a tired smile, snuggling closer to him, and he moved the picnic blanket over her shoulders to keep her as warm as possible.
" Just checking. I didn't want it to be a dream." Bending over, Van kissed the top of her head.
" I'm not going to leave you ever again, love." She hmmed sleepily, yawning.
" Is the sun coming up yet?" Van glanced over at the mountains. They still had about an hour.
" No. You sleep, I'll wake you when it starts, alright?" Rose nodded, yawning again.
" Van? Can you sing something.? You have such a nice voice.." She trailed off, sighing tiredly. Van grinned, nodding even though she couldn't see him.
" Anything for you, your Highness."
Yubiwa (the ring)
//namida ga ato kara afuredashite (as my tears keep overflowing,)
saigo no egao ga nijinde mienai no (I can't see your last smile through the blur.)
ikanaide ikanaide koko ni ite (Don't go! Don't go! Stay with me.)
sora e hikari kakenukete yuku (Light breaks through the sky.) konna ni chiisa na watashi dakedo (I'm so insignificant but)
anata wo dare yori sei ippai aishita (I loved you with all my soul, more than anyone.)
arigatuo ikutsumo no (Thank you for... all of the)
taisetsu na kimochi (precious feelings)
tewata shite kureta yo ne (that you gave to me.) "sono toki zutto, washi wa kie kaketa hikoukigumo wo mite-ita..." ( "at that time, i just... watched for ages as the vapor trail vanished.")
wasurenaide (don't forget...)
hitori ja nai (you're not alone.)
hanarete mo te wo tsunaide iru (even if we part, our hands are still linked.)
hajimete no koi hajimete shitta (It was my first love, when I first)
konna kanashimi ga aru koto (learned of sadness like this.)
nanika ga shoumetsu shite mo nanika ga (Even if something fades away, something)
futatabi yadotte (will live again.)
wakare ni kureta hohoemi wa tsuyoku ikiyou to yuu (the smile you gave as we parted, was)
anata kara no messejii (your message for me to triumph. )
itsu kitto aeru (Someday surely we'll meet again)
futari naraba (and be together.)
tookutemo hitomi mitsumeau (No matter how far, we'll stare into each other's eyes.)
kibou to yume no subete o kakete (Bet all our hopes and dreams.)
yakusoku wo shiyou yo (let's promise each other)
ano hi no hageshisa wo (that we'll hold on to the intensity)
daite (of that day.)
ashita saku mirai wo ikiru (and live in the future that blooms in tomorrow.) * * * * * * * * * * * *
Van finished singing as Rose sighed, hugging him close as the sun rose in their room. It was the second day after the wedding, and Fanelia still carried the sounds of celebration.
" Van, that's such a pretty song...you're a good singer." Van chuckled, looking down at her.
" Thank you, my wife." Rose blushed a bit at that, and kissed him. Time to give him a heart attack.
" It's good that you can sing like that. You already sound like a father." He laughed again, and Rose bit the inside of her cheek.
" Which is good, because in about 9 months you'll need it." * * * * * * * * * * * *
Allen was about to inform Van that he was late for a meeting about the initiation ceremony of Rose into the royal family of Fanelia when he heard a whoop of joy sound from inside the room. He smiled, doing an about face, smiling as Merle waited for him at the end of the hall.
" Yup. She told him." Merle cheered, and raced to find the others. Allen chuckled. 'Yes. This week is indeed a week of celebrations.'
AN: Aannnnnddd DONE!!!! This is the complete story, the end, finito! Reviews are much appreciated :P
Faithful reader- Heh, I understand about school work ^^ Really? I kinda liked Inu-Yasha's hair.it looks REALLY good when he's human..~drool~..but thanks for the review ^_^v
Ai-chan- Yeah, I'm having fun. Our Japanese sensei is awesome ^_^v
Megumi- Glad you liked it! I'm trying to start wrapping it up but I don't know how..~sniff~ this story could be the one that never ends @_@ And you're the best for sending in song ideas!!!
Rose pet Smoak, sitting in a chair in her room and watching the flames in the fireplace jump lazily on the wood. She smiled at his purr she managed to raise from his slumbering form. Things were definitely starting to get better, now that she had told Van what had happened. She smiled again. He was just so..well ok, not perfect, but it didn't matter. He was just.HIM. Rose giggled quietly to herself. 'Oh gods, I sound like such a teenager.' And still, she smiled. There was a sleepy grumble from Smoak.
' You're fidgeting a lot, Rose..can't a young dragon get his sleep?' She laughed, which got another grumble from him. Picking him up, she set him down on one of her pillows.
' There you are, Smoak. I'm going to go for a walk, ok?' Smoak nodded.
' Just don't get into trouble.' Rose flushed a bit, remembering the conversation with Thayanna. She doubted that Smoak had understood, but still.Grabbing a cloak in case she felt like going outside, she closed her door gently and started wandering the castle, exploring each hallway she came across.
" You know, eventually you're going to end up lost again." A quiet voice hidden in the shadows of a hallway startled her, and she tensed up, looking around. He laughed, stepping out of his hiding place. Putting her hands on her hips, she frowned playfully.
" Y'know, it's not good manners to sneak up on a lady." Van chuckled, amusement in his eyes.
" And who said I was dealing with a lady?" She punched him lightly.
" That wasn't very nice either." Sticking out her tongue at him, she held it for about 30 seconds before laughing. He smiled, coming closer to her and running a hand lightly down her cheek, making her shiver. Pulling her head back, Rose raised an eyebrow and looked at him.
" You know we probably shouldn't be doing this. The advisors would give us hell if they caught us." Van grinned again.
" I think they'd be rather pleased. They are, after all, still trying to push that agreement that Folken signed," he murmured into her ear, kissing her cheek and pulling her close to him. She fought to remain standing, knees growing weak. Who could resist an offer like that? (I know I couldn't ^_~) Rose mewed slightly, burying her face into his shoulder.
" Well.since you put it that way..maybe it wouldn't hurt for a little bit." She mumbled, sighing against him. The kiss that followed was far from innocent.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Smoak smiled to himself in Rose's room and settled himself further into the comfortable pillow that Rose had placed him on. Although he wasn't too keen on having to share his princesses attentions with the human, he was glad that the Arethian race would soon be on it's way to recovery. After all.at least the boy wasn't completely human.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Van smiled, brushing Rose's bangs out of her eyes. She stirred, waking up slowly. 'She really is beautiful when she's sleeping.' A wry smile greeted him, and Rose cuddled closer.
" Smoak is gonna kill me..I told him I wouldn't get into trouble. You're a bad influence, my lord." Van chuckled, tracing her jaw line. She had told him about the play on words last night, when things got a little.um.heated. That reminded him.
" Rose.?" She was starting to fall back asleep again, head pressed to his chest.
" Mhm?" A breathy reply answered him.
" If I wasn't such a jerk in the beginning.would we have realized our feelings a lot earlier?" He lay back, watching the ceiling, hand tracing lazy circles on her arm.
" Mhm." The corners of Van's mouth quirked up in a small smile.
" Rose?" He whispered softly, turning to face her. She was almost completely asleep, and he wasn't sure if she could hear him.
" Mhmm.?" Chuckling, he kissed her nose.
" Can I keep you?" The last question came out in a quiet whisper, and he continued his trail of kisses to her cheek.
" Mhm..." Rose gave a tired sigh, and Van knew that any more questions would go unanswered. But for now, he was satisfied. He had made up his mind. Humming softly, he began to sing to Rose, even though she was asleep.
You're not alone //I've walked so long I can't remember-- where was my home?
their distant face fade away. I'm always on my own.
I can show a smile, it's not hard to do.
I can have the strength to go on
but sometimes I wanna let go of everything. When thoughtfulness is not their game, I teach by giving love.
High mountains seem higher endlessly when they're pebbles at your feet.
And if you should still fall into despair, there is one thing left to believe.
I lie in your heart always. Nothing is braver than honesty, my life is your faith in me. I'll be there when you need.
You don't have to hide from me
what you are feeling now.
I fill your soul. We will seek together destiny
troubles have an end.
We'll carry on hand in hand.
You're not alone. People searching desperately outside themselves,
caught up in thinking of what never helped.
And I'd forgotten too that love exists inside me as in
those I wanted from--
I feel you now. I'll be there when you need
We will live together.
Nothing is in our way,
with trust in our soul. We will seek together destiny
troubles have an end.
We will carry on hand in hand,
we won't forget we have each other.
Love is in the hearts of all men.
You're not alone.//
That night, he would give Fanelia a reason to celebrate. For the moment, however.he pulled her closer to him and rested his chin on her head, falling back asleep.
( Ok, ok, I tend to steal quotes..please don't sue me, I don't own Casper either T_T)
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The sun was shining in Roses' eyes as she woke, causing her to squint. 'But.the sunlight doesn't come in that angle in my room.' Suddenly the nights actions rushed back to her, and she flushed a bright red and glanced at the person occupying the other side of the bed. She giggled quietly, brushing bangs out of his face. 'Kawaii.' Then she glanced out the window again.
" Oh CRAP!!" She shot out of the bed, scrambling to pull her dress over her head as Van slowly woke and pushed himself onto one elbow.
" What's the hurry?" He asked blearily, rubbing his eyes. Rose cast a glance back at him, nearly falling over as she hopped on one foot trying to pull a boot on.
" What'll everybody think if they come in here! Now! I gotta get back to my room.ohmygod ohmygooooooodddd." With that, she yanked open the door, promptly crashing into somebody.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Allen was astonished, to say the least. It was midmorning, and he certainly didn't expect to be bowled over when he opened the door to Van's room.
" Ooohhh.." Allen blinked at the voice, and looked up into Rose's flushed face. He blinked once or twice in shock.
" Rose? What are you..aaahhh." He finished lamely, standing up. Rose was standing as well, staring at the ground and shifting nervously from foot to foot.
" Rose, what's the.Allen! What are you doing here?" Van tried to recover, but failed miserably. Silence reigned over the group for a moment, and Allen coughed slightly. Then Rose spoke.
" You're.not going to tell anybody yet, are you?" Allen and Van blinked at her as the knight shook his head.
" Nah. Not until the wedding, anyway." He grinned as the young couple flushed in unison.
" I swear Allen, if you tell anybody about this.ever.I'll-" Allen cut her off, smirking slightly. It was amusing to see the two of them like this.
" You'll what? Cut off my hair?" Her eyes glinted.
" Think lower." A dead serious tone permeated her voice, and he paled slightly. Another glare from her confirmed his question about whether or not she was serious, and he let the matter lie.
" Well.I was just checking up on Van. I'll go down to breakfast.would you like me to send something up?" He grinned, and ducked as a flying fist came his way.
" Allen, you're horrible!" Rose cried, exasperated. Chuckling, he backed away, hands held up in a gesture of apology.
" I know, I know. But that's what makes me so irresistible, right?" When he turned to go, a pillow hit him squarely in the back of the head.
" Nice shot Van!" Allen rubbed the back of his head, chuckling. Things were starting to look better, now that those two finally got together. * * * * * * * * * * * *
" WwhhhhaaaaaAATTT?!?!?!?!?!?" Merle screeched, making Rose and Millerna cover their ears hurriedly.
" Merle, could you BE any louder??" Rose demanded, double-checking to make sure her bedroom doors were, in fact, closed. Millerna giggled.
" That's so romantic Rose! I didn't know you had it in you!" Rose flushed and studied her sheets on her bed. She didn't know what had possessed her to tell Merle and Millerna what happened, but what's done is done, and now she'd have to put up with the teasing and the giggling. Which, of course, Merle and Millerna were cramming into as many seconds as possible.
" I didn't know I had it in me either. It just sort of.happened." She admitted, giggling herself. A knock on the door caused a halt in the conversation.
" Come on in, whoever you are." Rose called, and Van stepped inside. 'Oooooohhhh fun..'
" Hey Rose, I was just wondering if-" Trailing off, Van glanced suspiciously at Merle and Millerna, who were trying to turn giggles into coughs. The next look was an accusing one, sent special delivery to Rose herself, who was busy pummeling both of the girls with pillows.
" I didn't mean to! It just sort of happened!" Rose mumbled in apology, which only got the princess and cat-girl spiraling into fits of louder giggles, muffled only slightly by the pillows being ground into their faces. Van raised an eyebrow at her and she blushed.
" Yeah..well..bah, I'll come up with a fancy comeback later." She grumbled, deciding that killing a princess and a close confidante of the king were serious offences, and let the pillows go. Van chuckled, walked up to her and kissed her on the cheek, whispering to her while the other girls were busy getting their air back.
" Meet me in the courtyard after the sun sets. There's something I want to show you." Rose put on a mock frown, trying to keep back a grin.
" Knowing you, it'll probably be a sword or something." Van blinked for a moment, then turned a bright, bright red that spread to the roots of his hair. Smirking, Rose claimed a mental victory point as he rushed out of the room, mumbling something about vengeance in the highest degree. As soon as the door closed, she joined her friends in the fits of giggles that seemed to be so contagious when they got together. * * * * * * * * * * * *
Van paced restlessly, watching as the last vestiges of sunlight left the sky. Rose would be there soon, and he was more nervous than when he had to fight his first dragon. Dressed in black pants with gold trim and a sky blue vest, he took a deep breath as the warm spring air brushed by him. A wordless melody floated by his ears, and he turned to the sound. Breath hitching in his throat, he let his eyes drink in the vision that stood before him.
" Rose." She smiled shyly, pulling at the midnight sleeve around her wrist.
" You said.for nothing really fancy, so..well, here I am." Rose shrugged, and Van forced himself to breathe properly. 'Kirei na..' The crushed velvet hugged her body, sleeves stopping at the wrists. The neckline was a modest square neck, and white fabric with an edge of a doily pattern covered the square of skin and her neck that would have shown otherwise. (Think.I dunno.early pioneer dresses.except no bustles or hoop skirts or anything..) The shoulders had a slight puff to them, but it wasn't overly noticeable. The dress fell naturally to her feet. Van smiled slightly. 'When she first showed up, she wouldn't be caught dead in one of those.now she acts like it's a second skin.'
" Van..what are you smiling for?" Van just laughed at her suspicious tone.
" Nothing love, nothing. Now come on..I said I want to show you something, and I'm going to." Without giving her a chance to ask what he was talking about, he scooped her up, unfurled his wings, and took off. He just hoped that he remembered all of Folken and Allens combined advice.and the song that his father used to sing to his mother. Humming the first couple lines to himself, he took a breath and started to sing quietly, as Rose rested her head against his chest.
//Let me be your wings
Let me be your only love
Let me take you far beyond the stars\\
Rose smiled up at him, wind ruffling her hair and pulling a few rebellious strands out of the braid she had it in.
//Let me be your wings
Let me lift you high above
Everything we're dreaming of will soon be ours
Anything that you desire
Anything at all
Everyday I'll take you higher
And I'll never let you fall //
Grinning, he spiraled up, slowly headed for the forest, hugging her close and closing her eyes with a finger as she gasped in surprise.
//Let me be your wings
Leave behind the world you know
For another world of wondrous things
We'll see the universe
And dance on Saturn's rings*
Fly with me and I will be your wings//
Letting loose another brilliant smile, Rose let her eyes be closed and began to sing along with him, harmonizing.
//Anything that you desire
Anything at all
\Anything at all\
Everyday I'll take you higher
And I'll never let you fall
\You will be my wings\
Let me be your wings
\You will be my only love\
//Get ready for another world of wondrous things//
\Wondrous things are sure to happen\
//\We'll see the universe
And dance on Saturn's rings//\
//Heaven isn't too far//
\Heaven is where you are\
//Stay with me and//
//\Let me be your wings//\
Van finally let her open her eyes when he landed, taking her hand. They were on a cliff deep in the forest, overlooking the entire city of Fanelia, as well as the mountains surrounding them. A safe distance from the edge of the cliff was a large blanket, spread out with plates and glasses, along with platters of food. Rose gasped again, eyes wide as she looked around.
" Van.." He guided her down to the blanket, smiling at her.
" Yes Rose?" Her mouth worked for a moment, no sound coming from it. So, he took to opportunity presented to him and kissed her, capturing her mouth with his own. Aside from a small 'mmph' of surprise, the cliff was silent for a moment or two. When they broke apart, Rose spoke.
" It's amazing." Smirking, he leaned close to her face, resting his forehead against her own.
" Nothing can beat you, love." Van was satisfied by the light blush that stained her cheeks. * * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose laughed, sipping the fruit punch and leaning against Van. 'Ok, on a scale of 1 to 10 on the romantic things guys can do scale..this one is somewhere around one million and six.' She smiled lazily, watching the stars.
" Van?" When he answered she could feel the rumble in his chest.
" Yes Rose?" The circles he was tracing on her arm stopped for a moment.
" What are you thinking about?" She felt, more than heard, the quiet chuckle.
" You wouldn't believe me if I told you." He shifted slightly, and she sat up and stared at him, eyebrow raised.
" Oh I wouldn't, would I? Just what is this unbelievable fact?" Van smiled softly at her, and pulled her to her feet. Blinking, she looked at him, puzzled. His thumb ran over the knuckles on her hands as he paused for a moment.
" Rose, I love you more than anything. You know that, right?" Rose nodded slightly, feeling a bit of apprehension building in her stomach. Conversations that started out like that never usually ended well. Van just made her more curious when he knelt on the ground, now looking up at her. She raised her eyebrows once more.
" Van, are you ok? Did you need to sit down or...something?" The something came out in a shocked whisper as he produced a small red velvet box from his pocket.
" Oh gods.." Tears rose in her eyes as she clamped her hands to her mouth, attempting to keep them from hazing her vision up completely.
" Rose..we've been through a lot together. It was pretty much all my fault, and I'm hoping.that you'll forgive me, and..and take this ring, and become my wife." Well, that broke the ring of self-restraint that Rose had left. Bursting into tears, she practically threw herself on him, hugging him until she swore she heard ribs crack. One of his hands rose to pet her hair and she felt a cool band of metal slide over her finger. Rose sniffled, pulling away and wiping at her eyes with her free hand.
" Heh. You'd think that I wouldn't cry about this." Van offered nothing more than a smile and a kiss.
" I'll take that as a yes then." * * * * * * * * * * * * (Oh I'm gonna melt...~bounces around~)
It seemed that Van could do nothing but smile as Rose slept, head resting on his lap. Running a hand through her hair, he listened to her breathing for what seemed like forever, thinking about everything they'd been through. Glancing around the surrounding forest, he gave a silent thanks to Thayanna and the other dragons. They had given so much for their princess, believing in her totally. They were even willing to risk their lives for her, just because she was helping us.Van shuddered slightly, remembering the fear and loneliness he had felt when Rose had left him on the battlefield. He sent another prayer of thanks to whoever deemed him worthy enough to have a second chance at her.
" Mn..Van?" Rose stirred slightly, cracking an eye open. Glancing down at her, he kept his fingers going through her hair.
" Yes love?" She gave a tired smile, snuggling closer to him, and he moved the picnic blanket over her shoulders to keep her as warm as possible.
" Just checking. I didn't want it to be a dream." Bending over, Van kissed the top of her head.
" I'm not going to leave you ever again, love." She hmmed sleepily, yawning.
" Is the sun coming up yet?" Van glanced over at the mountains. They still had about an hour.
" No. You sleep, I'll wake you when it starts, alright?" Rose nodded, yawning again.
" Van? Can you sing something.? You have such a nice voice.." She trailed off, sighing tiredly. Van grinned, nodding even though she couldn't see him.
" Anything for you, your Highness."
Yubiwa (the ring)
//namida ga ato kara afuredashite (as my tears keep overflowing,)
saigo no egao ga nijinde mienai no (I can't see your last smile through the blur.)
ikanaide ikanaide koko ni ite (Don't go! Don't go! Stay with me.)
sora e hikari kakenukete yuku (Light breaks through the sky.) konna ni chiisa na watashi dakedo (I'm so insignificant but)
anata wo dare yori sei ippai aishita (I loved you with all my soul, more than anyone.)
arigatuo ikutsumo no (Thank you for... all of the)
taisetsu na kimochi (precious feelings)
tewata shite kureta yo ne (that you gave to me.) "sono toki zutto, washi wa kie kaketa hikoukigumo wo mite-ita..." ( "at that time, i just... watched for ages as the vapor trail vanished.")
wasurenaide (don't forget...)
hitori ja nai (you're not alone.)
hanarete mo te wo tsunaide iru (even if we part, our hands are still linked.)
hajimete no koi hajimete shitta (It was my first love, when I first)
konna kanashimi ga aru koto (learned of sadness like this.)
nanika ga shoumetsu shite mo nanika ga (Even if something fades away, something)
futatabi yadotte (will live again.)
wakare ni kureta hohoemi wa tsuyoku ikiyou to yuu (the smile you gave as we parted, was)
anata kara no messejii (your message for me to triumph. )
itsu kitto aeru (Someday surely we'll meet again)
futari naraba (and be together.)
tookutemo hitomi mitsumeau (No matter how far, we'll stare into each other's eyes.)
kibou to yume no subete o kakete (Bet all our hopes and dreams.)
yakusoku wo shiyou yo (let's promise each other)
ano hi no hageshisa wo (that we'll hold on to the intensity)
daite (of that day.)
ashita saku mirai wo ikiru (and live in the future that blooms in tomorrow.) * * * * * * * * * * * *
Van finished singing as Rose sighed, hugging him close as the sun rose in their room. It was the second day after the wedding, and Fanelia still carried the sounds of celebration.
" Van, that's such a pretty song...you're a good singer." Van chuckled, looking down at her.
" Thank you, my wife." Rose blushed a bit at that, and kissed him. Time to give him a heart attack.
" It's good that you can sing like that. You already sound like a father." He laughed again, and Rose bit the inside of her cheek.
" Which is good, because in about 9 months you'll need it." * * * * * * * * * * * *
Allen was about to inform Van that he was late for a meeting about the initiation ceremony of Rose into the royal family of Fanelia when he heard a whoop of joy sound from inside the room. He smiled, doing an about face, smiling as Merle waited for him at the end of the hall.
" Yup. She told him." Merle cheered, and raced to find the others. Allen chuckled. 'Yes. This week is indeed a week of celebrations.'
AN: Aannnnnddd DONE!!!! This is the complete story, the end, finito! Reviews are much appreciated :P