~the fifth chapter~
When Hitomi woke up the next morning, the only way she could think of describing the way she felt was heaven, even at the risk of sounding cliche. A pair of warm arms encircled her waist, the scent of a feild mingled with the sound and smell of brewing coffee, and a steady heartbeat thudded comfortingly in her ear. Hitomi sighed deeply, completley comfortable where she was, and opened her eyes, wondering if she was still dreaming. What she saw was not what she was expecting- Van's living room. Hitomi looked up, and sure enough, her pillow was none other than her goofy neighbor himself. Not that Hitomi minded, really, it was just that this was a slightly compromising situation, and she wasn't sure she wanted to appear like this in front of Merle. Or, for that matter, Folken.
Hey, you lovebirds awake yet? came Merle's voice from the kitchen.
We're not lovebirds, and only I'm awake, said Hitomi, her cheeks tinted pink. Hitomi struggled to sit up, but found that she couldn't- Van had her in a death grip. Hitomi cast about desperatley for ideas, and eventually saw a pillow laying on the floor not too far away. She inched most of her body off of the couch, tugged it over with her foot, and in the blink of an eye, substituted it for her in Van's arms. She hopped up and stretched a bit, and then walked to the kitchen to help Merle with breakfast.
Anything I can do to help? she asked, combing her hair with her fingers and then washing her hands.
Nah. Do you want eggs?
said Hitomi. Um, scrambled, please, if it's not too much trouble.
No trouble at all, replied Merle with a smile. She expertly flipped the bacon into the air and caught it deftly with the frying pan, and Hitomi raised her eyebrows, impressed.
she said. Merle shrugged.
You'll need to get your own drink... oh, and could you please wake up Van?
said Hitomi, walking to the fridge and pouring herself a glass of orange juice. She drank a bit and then set it on the table, walking back into the living room where Van was asleep. Hitomi stood in front of Van and poked him in the shoulder.
she sang. Wake up. Van mumbled something incoherently and rolled over in his sleep. Hitomi smiled to herself. Even though she wouldn't admit it to anyone other than herself (and Yukari, as well,) Van looked rather cute in his sleep. Like an angel, or something. Hitomi could just see him with wings sprouting out of his back, and a halo over his head. She shook off these thoughts and returned to the task of attempting to wake him up.
Hitomi tried again. Van only let out a snore in response. Now, Hitomi was getting slightly fed up.
Where's Hitomi? she heard Folken ask.
Trying to wake up sleeping beauty, Merle replied.
Did you warn her? Folken replied. Hitomi shook her head. It was bad to eaves drop. Instead, she grabbed Van by both shoulders and started shaking him.
Van, you idiot, wake up! she said. Before she knew what had happened, the pillow was flying through the air and Van had grabbed her, pulling her down onto the couch with him. He sighed and laid his head on her chest, a smile gracing his features. Hitomi scowled.
Hitomi, watch out. Van has the tendency to- oh, Folken said. Hitomi glared up at him, and he looked amused, a cup of coffee in his hand.
Too bad, he said. But good luck- he won't let go, Folken added. Hitomi only glared in response. Merle came out of the kitchen to see, and her eyes began twinkling.
How cute! she gushed. Hitomi glared at her as well, and she pulled out a polaroid camera.
Kodak moment, she said.
Don't you dare, Hitomi said, and was instantly blinded by a flash of light from the camera. It spit out the photo, and Merle took another one. Hitomi glared as the pink haired girl went back into the kitchen, laughing, with her green hair, teardrop tatooed brother followed.
hissed Hitomi, let go.
replied Van, his breath steady. He was asleep, all right, and Hitomi had no clue how to wake him up.
Van, please let go, she said as Van loosley draped his arm over her stomach. to Hitomi's dismay, he only tightened his grip around her waist.
Wake up, Van, Hitomi said, wriggling about a bit.
Stay still, Hitomi, Van murmured. Who said I wasn't awake? Hitomi's cheeks flushed pink at this.
Would you let go of me? she asked.
Van said. I'll let go... eventually. He sighed deeply, closing his eyes. Hitomi relaxed as best as she could, and awkwardly patted his head. Truth be told, Hitomi was actually quite enjoying herself, despite the slightly compromising situation this could be interpreted to be like perverts- or, by the likes of Yukari, who thought only about boys, sex, and fashion.
Hitomi whined under her breath, knowing that her protests would be futile. Van poked her in the stomach.
Shush. I'm trying to sleep. You're not making it any easier. Wriggling and whining...
Make me shut up, then, if that's what you want... Hitomi said angrily. Van pulled up from where he had been resting his head, and grinned. Uh oh,' Hitomi thought.
Maybe I will... cackled Van. Before Hitomi knew what had happened he had sealed her lips with his. Too suprised to react, Van used the opportunity to pull back, grinning, and lay back down on her chest. Hitomi's eyes were wide and her face was red, and shortly thereafter a slap echoed through the house. Van watched with a grin as Hitomi stomped, her face the shape and color of a ripe tomato, into the nearest bathroom, and slam the door.
What did you do? Merle asked Van angrily, her hands on her hip, a spatula clutched tight in her fist.
Oh, nothing, replied Van, laying back down on the couch with his hands behind his head. Merle, however, wasn't convinced so easily.
Van, go finish breakfast for our guest, Merle said, emphasizing guest.' Van shrugged and took the spatula, bouncing into the kitchen with a leer on his face. Merle sighed and knocked on the bathroom door, pressing her ear to it in concern.
Hitomi, honey, are you okay? she asked. Faint sobs echoed out, and Merle glared in her brother's general vicinity.
~*&*~
Hitomi sat on her roof later that day, still full from Merle's excellent breakfast. She heard the familiar clomping of Van climbing up the tree, and stood up, walking huffily to her window.
Hitomi! Wait, called Van. Hitomi turned around angrily.
Do you go out of your way just to bother me? she asked him. She didn't wait for an answer, and instead made her way into her room. She closed the window in Van's face and flicked the latch.
Come on, Hitomi, just talk to me! said Van, pounding his fist against the glass.
said Hitomi, fumbling with the drapes.
What did I do wrong? Van asked her. Hitomi didn't answer, and instead chose to pull the drapes over the window, sheilding Van from view. She heard several loud clomping noises in the bathroom,
followed by a Hitomi sighed and closed the bathroom door, figuring out that he must have come in through that window.
Talk to me. Please! yelled Van, pounding against the bathroom door.
No! I have nothing to say to you, replied Hitomi. There was a loud
thud, and Hitomi suspected that Van had slammed his head against the bathroom door. There was a sliding sound as Van slumped against the door, and Hitomi sad with her back facing it, preventing his entry. And so, they sat, back toback in silence, only wood keeping them apart.
What did I do? Van asked quietly, more to himself than to Hitomi.
You played with my mind, Hitomi replied, equally quietly. And with my heart.
It was unintentional, Van said. I feel like I've known you forever.
So do I, replied Hitomi, getting up to open the door and face Van. Van, I... just then, at the worst possible time, the doorbell rang. Hitomi slammed her head against the bathroom door. The doorbell rang again.
Hitomi? Hitomi, are you home? came Yukari's voice.
Stay there, Van, Hitomi instructed, their moment lost, and made her way down the stairs. She opened the door and there stood Yukari in all her fashionable glory- denim boots with painfully tall, skinny heels, a skirt she stole from Hitomi and a designer I LOVE NY shirt that had been tattered and ripped so that there was only one shoulder on the shirt-never mind that it came that way.
said Yukari happily. You know, I could have sworn I heard voices.
It was nothing, replied Hitomi. Just the TV. Yukari gave Hitomi a calculating, glitter mascara-ed look and stepped in. Just then, the same black car that had nearly run over Hitomi the previous day drove slowly by. Hitomi yanked Yukari the rest of the way in and slammed the door, locking it.
What was that for? asked Yukari after she had regained her footing.
Um, nothing, replied Hitomi with a nervous smile. So, do you want to watch a movie?
said Yukari, let's go to your room.
My... room? asked Hitomi, her face going pale.
Yeah, your room, responded Yukari, brushing an auburn lock out of her face. She dropped her purse on the banister and made her way up the stairs. Hitomi dashed less elegantly after her and into her room ahead of Yukari, where she shoved a confused Van back into the bathroom and closed the door.
Is something wrong? Asked Yukari, sitting down on Hitomi's bed.
No, no, nothing's wrong, laughed Hitomi, standing with her back to the bathroom door. She pulled it shut as it began to open again, and Yukari raised one eyebrow.
You sure?
Yeah, hang on, said Hitomi. She stuck her head into the bathroom.
Shut up in there! she whispered to Van. He looked as though he were about to reply but Hitomi had pulled the door shut and was smiling innocently at Yukari.
Hitomi, you're acting weird. And you look like you've been crying. Is something wrong? she asked calculatingly.
Damn,' thought Hitomi, smiling nervously.
N-no, nothing's wrong, how could you think that? Eh... heh... heh?
You know what I think? Yukari said as Hitomi gripped the doorknob to the bathroom door with a vice-like grip. I think it's a boy.
protested Hitomi as Yukari stood up and began walking towards her with her hands on her waist.
I think it was nail gun boy, replied Yukari with a smile like a cat that had just eaten a nice, fat bird.
N-no, of c-course not, said Hitomi, her voice high in pitch. She gripped the doorknob harder as Yukari reached for it.
And what's in your bathroom that you're so worried about? she asked. If I didn't know better, I would say there's someone in there! She opened the door and Hitomi fell inwards- revealing an empty bathroom with an open window. Hitomi exhaled in releif. Yukari looked around, confused.
Hitomi, what's with you? Seriuosly! You've been acting all skittish.
It's... it's nerves. I'm nervous because I have my first practice tomorrow.
You made it?! Yukari squealed, engulfing Hitomi in a hug full of perfume and breasts.
Hitomi rasped, the scent of Yukari's new Tommy Girl perfume making her head spin. Let go... please.
Ohmigosh Hitomi this is great! ... wait, I don't believe you. Show me the letter. Hitomi pointed to a sheet of paper tacked up to her wall (next to the picture of Made-over Van) and Yukari dashed over to it... as well as she could dash in high heels, at least.
Lets see- Miss Kanzaki.... in honor of..... olympics.... congratulations you made the team! Yukari squealed as she read. Wait, there's more...... practice from 6 to noon every day excepting weekends and national holidays... party to be held in honor of olympians. You're actually going to one of those parties? Yukari exclaimed.
What? Party?!? Hitomi screeched, dashing over to look at the letter. How come I didn't notice that before?!
You were probably in too much shock, replied Yukari with a grin. It says here that it is formal, mandatory attendance, refreshments provided. Wow! Like, one of those really fancy exclusive parties! Ohmigosh, will you take me?
I don't know... said Hitomi hesitantly, a faint queasiness stirring in her stomach. If it's formal and there's food, then there'll probably be dancing, too. And I'll need a guy to dance with- a lot of those track and feild guys are twice our age and really gross, said Hitomi. A sly grin crossed Yukari's face and she bumped hips with Hitomi.
So, take nail-gun boy, of course. Apparently, Yukari got exactly the response she was waiting for when Hitomi's face flushed pink.
After all, you didn't get along with any of the guys at our school.
Hitomi stuttered. Maybe I just won't go then...
It says mandatory, said Yukari, pointing at the letter. Hm. I wonder...
I'll think about it, snapped Hitomi. her face looking like a ripe tomato. Yukari grinned and patted her friend on the back.
That's the spirit! Now, we have to figure out what you're going to wear, and can I do your makeup? Oh, and we'll have to fix this rat's nest up, too, Yukari said, plucking a strand of Hitomi's hair. And the party's in a week! Oh, Hitomi, we're definitley going to have to do some heavy duty work on you...
said Hitomi, glaring at Van over Yukari's shoulder. He was making frantic signs through the glass, and Hitomi nodded her head to the right when Yukari was turned backto the letter. Van disappeared around the side of the house, and Yukari continued gushing about nails and looks and all sorts of stuff.
Erm, Yukari? Hitomi asked as Yukari began to dig through her closet, looking for the perfect dress. Could we maybe do this some other time? My mom'll be home soon and she's expecting some people from work to come for a conference...
Yukari huffed. I can see when I'm not wanted. But, I'm warning you, Yukari said, poking Hitomi in the chest, I'm calling you the second I get home, so you'd better stop whatever you're doing, even if it's having hot, steaming sex with nail gun boy.
whined Hitomi, her face a lovley plum color. Yukari winked.
Just kidding about nail gun boy. But I'm calling, and you'd better pick up or I'm coming straight back. And, trust me, that's not an easy walk in these dratted shoes.
Why do you wear them? said Hitomi, pointing at Yukari's disgustingly high-heeled boots.
Fashion, duh, said Yukari, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. Hitomi escorted Yukari down the stairs and out the front door.
So, remember, I'm calling, said Yukari, shaking her finger at Hitomi and putting on her tacky sunglasses. She slung her purse over her shoulder and flashed Hitomi the thums up.
she said, and walked away, down the street in the direction of her house. Hitomi sighed and felt warm arms wrap around her waist.
Party, huh? Van asked. Hitomi relaxed despite herself, and shut the front door, turning around to face Van.
said Hitomi onto his shoulder, wondering why she had been fighting with him earlier.
And you need a dance partner? he asked. Hitomi smiled.
Yeah. Why, Fanel, think you can dance? You'd more likley trip over your own two feet, she said with a laugh.
Is that a challenge, miss Kanzaki?? Van asked, holding Hitomi at arm's legnth and peering into her face.
And what if it is? replied Hitomi with a grin, all past animosity forgotten.
How about we make a bet, said Van with a sly smile.
What kind of bet? Hitomi asked, toying with some of his black, wiry hair. Van grinned and put his hand over hers.
If I make it through the party without one mess up, you're my slave for a day. And if I mess up-
You take me with you on that ski retreat I heard Merle and Folken talking about, said Hitomi. Van grinned.
Done, but I'm not sure if that's punishment for me, he replied. Hitomi shook her head and grinned.
she said suddenly, do you want to go to the arcade? I could teach you a thing or two about Dance Dance Revolution. Van shrugged.
he replied. Hitomi smiled, and made to leave when the phone rang.
Ugh... I forgot, Yukari was going to call me back. Um, Van... turn on the radio. A talk show, she said. Van obeyed, and the room was instantly filled with voices. Hitomi picked up the phone.
she asked.
Hey, Hitomi? came Yukari's voice. I see you're not having hot, steamy sex with nail gun boy.
Of course not, said Hitomi, her cheeks taking on a faint pink hue. Listen, Yukari, now's not the best time....
Yeah, I can tell, said Yukari, snapping her gum. I can hear all the voices in the background. You never told me that the radio stations broadcast live from your living room. Now, tell me, Hitomi, what's going on? Hitomi paled, and signaled for Van to turn off the stereo.
I've... just not had the best day today, said Hitomi. Not feeling well.
Oh, you poor dear, said Yukari. Is that why you looked like you'd been crying earlier?
I don't want to talk about it, said Hitomi with a clenched jaw.
Because, you know, if it was nail gun boy, that's a shame because he was really hot. Was it him?
CAN'T YOU TAKE A HINT? Hitomi screeched into the receiver. Van looked to Hitomi from where he was bouncing on the couch cushions. He shrugged and began hopping up and down on the expensive leather upholstry, and Hitomi picked up a nearby vase and chunked it at him. The missle hit it's mark head on, quite literally, and Van fell backwards onto the couch with his eyes crossed and a large red mark in the middle of his forehead.
God, Hitomi, I was only trying to help. No need to blow out my eardrums, Yukari sniffed as Van wobbled over to the pantry and grabbed two aincent barney bandaids, which he planted over the middle of his forehead in an Hitomi sighed and kneaded her eyes as she listened to Yukari babble about sisterhood' and being a good friend.'
Y... Yu.... Yukari? Hitomi stumbled, trying to get a word in. Yukari... Yuk.. YUKARI!
she asked, obviously miffed about being interrupted.
I'm sorry I yelled. But I have things to do. I will call you back, Hitomi grumbled.
Ooookay then. See ya later, girlfriend, she giggled.
replied Hitomi, and quickly hung up the phone before Yukari could start talking again.
Come on, Hitomi said to Van, grabbing him by the shirt collar and dragging him backwards out of the pantry as he continued to stuff his face full of food.
We're going to the arcade. Do you have money? she asked. Van nodded, grinning, and held up Hitomi's wallet.
Gimmie that, she snapped and yanked it out of Van's clutches, smacking him over the head with it.
said Van, swallowing the last of his food and pulling out his own wallet- black leather with fire pattern on it. Hitomi raised one eyebrow.
she asked. Van grinned and nodded.
Yup. It's fun to burn things, did you know? He asked, bounding around in circles. Hitomi wondered where he'd gotten so much energy but brushed it off.
I'll take your word for it, she responded dryly, holding the front door open for Van. He ran out, spinning occasionally, and loped off down the sidewalk. Hitomi sighed and locked the front door, and walked behind Van, wondering how long it would be before she would have to get a heavy object and drop it onto his head.
Ten minutes, max,' she thought to herself as Van ran straight into a tree. Hitomi sighed, shook her head, and walked past him.
Come on, she muttered.
Yes ma'am! Van responded and galloped after her. So, anyway, I was thinking....
~*&*~
Hitomiiii, I can't do it, Van grumbled, hopping off of the dance mat again. He kneaded the barney bandaids on his forehead and Hitomi sighed, leaning against the machiene.
It's not that hard, she said, taking a sip of smoothie. Go with the beat. Listen for the arrow, and then you'll be able to do it.
The arrows don't go with the music, Van protested, pouting at the screen. Hitomi sighed and hopped, catlike, onto the mat. She set her drink on top of the machiene and pressed the start button. The arrows came through, excruciatingly slow, but still in time to the music.
Listen, don't look, Hitomi told Van, stomping obviously on the arrows. Each scored perfectly, and also stayed in time with the music. The song came to an end and Hitomi's score rolled up on the screen.
Wow, a triple Van commented. He took a sip of Hitomi's smoothie, and she grabbed it away from him, smacking him on the head.
That was MINE, she grumbled, looking at the near-empty drink. You're buying me another one.
Sure thing, Hito-chan, he winked, saluting. Hitomi blushed a bit and shoved him onto the mat.
And, Van, when you do this you don't always need to hop back to the middle. Just... stay on the arrows. Only move as much as is absolutley necessary.
he said, feeding the machiene a quarter and starting. He stuck his tongue out in concentration as he danced, but barely missed any. Hitomi peered around the edge of the machiene to see the screen as his scores rolled up.
A she commented. Not bad, Van.
he said, dancing in a circle on the mat. Does that mean I get a treat?
Hitomi said, hopping up onto the mat next to Van. Do you want to play a versus? she asked him. Van snorted.
Like hell. You'll whoop my ass, he said.
You can do it on easy and I can play on hard, she offered. Van munched his lower lip, considering.
Van said. Hitomi grinned, plunked a quarter into the machiene.
You pick the song, Hitomi said. Van pressed the arrows, scrolling through the list of songs.
he cackled, getting to one labled PARANOIA DIRTY MIX.
Um, Van, said Hitomi, paling slightly, are you sure you want to do that one?
cackled Van. Hitomi sighed.
Okay then... she said, and pressed start. Instantly, fast paced music poured out of the speakers, and Van had to work very hard to hit the few arrows that came onto screen. Of course, for him, it seemed like there were thousands. In fact, it wasn't long before-
Ow! Shit, Van yelled, his face pressed into the metal of the dance mat. He had fallen, in typical Van grace,' flat on his face.
muttered Hitomi, breathing hard as her feet zoomed over the arrows. Finally, she just sat down in the middle of the mat, watching flash across the screen like a strobe.
she panted, we both failed.
mumbled Van into metal mat, finally pulling himself up. Hitomi, I've been at this for hours. Can we go now?
Van, it's only been ten minutes, said Hitomi, pointing at her watch.
I don't caaaare, Van whined. I'm tiiiiired. I want to go hoooooome.
said Hitomi, throwing her empty drink away as she and Van walked out the door. Hitomi walked down the covered sidewalks of the shopping center, and began to hum along with the song on the radio.
You sing good, said Van, stopping to listen. Hitomi just shrugged and strolled along.
It's my favorite song, she said, singing along softly under her breath.
I still beleive in your eyes
I just don't care what you've done in your life
baby
I'll always be here by your side
Don't leave me waiting too long please come by
I....
I still beleive in your eyes
There is no choice I belong to your life
Because
I... I live to love you someday
You'll be my baby and you'll fly away, and I'll fly with you...
I'll fly with you... Hitomi sighed and stared out at the night sky. Van had eventually caught onto the lyrics and sung along to the male part, astounding Hitomi with his good voice.
Likewise, Van was staring out at the sky on his back porch, his hands in his pockets. He hummed along to the song which was playing through in his head as well. The deep pain in his shoulders was more than he could bear, but somehow, the song kept him relaxed. It reminded him of Hitomi, calming him and soothing him.
Every day and every night.
I always dreamed of you here by my side
Oh baby
Every day and every night
We'll, us, and everything's gonna be alright
And I'll fly with you....
I'll fly with you.......
~*&*~
A/N: How was that for a wonderfully fluffy ending? *cackle* I was listening to that song and it struck me on how perfect that song would be for these two... so, anyway, keep those excellent reviews coming! Oh, and the song above is I'll Fly With You, by Gigi D'Agostino. If you've never heard it before, I would highly reccomend downloading it. You'll see why I picked it... ;)
^.~ Azure
