"Hitomi!" Waking up with a start to Yukari's voice Hitomi looked around her room. She felt too tired to even lift up her head. Yukari walked in. "Hitomi come on! Amano is waiting for us at the park! He just called wanting to know where we are. You are going aren't you?"

"Yukari, I don't feel so well. I think I better stay home today." Hitomi said groggily.

"Are you sick? If you are maybe I should stay home."

Moving closer Yukari sat on the bed.

"No, it's okay. You've been looking forward to this day for a long time. I know Amano would be disappointed if you didn't go; besides what better day to spend with Amano at the park alone?"

Blushing Yukari looked over her friend.

"Well, okay. But I'll be calling so I can check on you."

"You don't have to do that. Quit worrying so much over me. Go have fun!"

"Okay. Bye."

"Bye."

With that Hitomi fell into a deep sleep.

Van awoke startled at the site of his wings wrapped around him. Then he remembered the dream. That damn dream! If he could just make sense of it! Never had he dreamt something so real. Was it really just a dream, or something more? I don't know! Retracting his wings he looked around. There had to be a way to see her again. If he could just feel the warmth of her skin at his fingertips; the feel of her breath against his neck-

"Lord Van!"

Always at the worst moments.

"What is it Merle?"

"I was just coming to say Allen's here! He said it was on business but I think that's just rude! He shouldn't just come to see you on business; I mean you guys have been friends for six years! He should at least stop by to just say hello now and then-"

As she continued her talk about Allen, Van couldn't help but smile. Same old Merle.

"Tell him I'll be down in a minute."

"Sure. I still can't believe him."

Yep.same old Merle. Van pulled a shirt on and walked down to the throne room.

Hitomi finally awoke. She looked at the time and was shocked. 6:00 pm! She hadn't even eaten yet! She quickly got up and threw on a pair of slacks and a white tank top. She tied her now long brown hair into a ponytail. She couldn't believe she had slept that late. She ran to the bathroom and threw on a light amount of make up, brushed her teeth and threw on her running shoes. The only problem with sharing an apartment with Yukari was that neither on really knew how to cook. "All well," she said aloud, "I'll just walk down to the store."

TV dinners were what college students strived on.at least those who had the ability to burn macaroni and cheese. That American meal could be good if she had any sense of how to cook it. All well. No use trying. She walked past an alleyway where she heard something move. She stopped and looked at it. Something about it looked slightly familiar but, she couldn't remember from where. All well. She continued walking, and the dark figure that hid in the shadows did as well.

Van had that same feeling he had earlier, only stronger now. What was it? Maybe he should tell Hitomi about it. Allen's visit was short, so he could have time to himself the rest of the day. Fanelia was peaceful now. He would tell her, just as soon as he got things done. He just hoped the dream somehow didn't come true.