rEpLiEs:
CinderellaxVan: OMG! LOOK! *gets starry eyed* It's CindereallxVan!!! *I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy!* *falls on knees* *Ahem* *dusts self off* Actually, I have read a lot of your stories and I have a lot of respect for you as a writer and to have you read one of my stories is a big compliment to me! NO NONO! Don't hit them with the bat! I still need them to finish the story out! LOL ;) I'm happy to hear you like the way Van is being portrayed! He's more fun to work with this way than his usual "actions speak louder than words self" (And easier!) I'm glad you like Hitomi too. She's more mature and she also has some of my characteritsics, so in a way, she's kinda my older self! (we're a lot alike...) (LOL I would throw stillettos if it was the only thing near! And the whole conversation about books where they are on the balcony and she just keeps on yappin'...yup that's me!) People have their suspicions about Folken...and he's making his apperance in this chapter! So...YES, I always thought Yukari and Amano was better than H/A. In any of my stories, they are the PERFECT COUPLE so Hitomi and Van have something to strive for...Gaaaa I've rambled long enough! Thanks for coming! Please R&R again! (geez, I make it sound like it's my shop! LOL)
Ruby: Hey! Get excited over the story! *gets excited with her* Hehe. Van could be the writer...who knows? So many people have their suspicions...We'll see! In time though! Thanks and R&R again!
Ferai: Bwahahahaa. They will be best friends now, since Hitomi had to clean up Van's spew. I think only a best friend would do that...ok a best friend and someone better than a friend! Yea, Hitomi's a romantic in this...like me...LOL...*sheez, I've been single for waaay too long!* Yea, as soon as Van gets his act together (no more beer!) they'll start doing some stuff! Thanks and R&R again!
Hi Etowato the reviewer formerly known as Al: (not confused! ;) ) YAY! Another person who likes shrimpy skinny Van! That's great! Hitomi is very lucky...now if I could just wish him into life! *oh sorry, single girl thing again...just disregard any comments like that!* Uh...dur...dur..dur...I'm sorry about Folken! But Van had to have a reason for drinking no? Yea, I always loved Dilly as a character! He's great and I always thought in the series that him and Van would be great friends if they could just get past their differences! So, I decided to do that here! IT is Au, no? Yea, *sighs* even I wouldn't kiss a drunken Van who had just spewed! Thanks and R&R again!
Van lover: YEA, Van was kinda crazy, but there's something lurking deep within him...muhahahahaaaaa you'll see! This chapter will help elaborate on that thought!
Thanks and R&R again!
Lilstarblossom: Hi! I think this is the first time I've seen you! Thanks for reading! *smiles* I'm glad you like the story so much. I really didn't think it would go over that well at all. Yea, poor Van. He does write well, as you'll soon see by Hitomi being the little snoop she is! Two words: Hang Over. Thanks! R&R agian please!
SabineballZ: *SHHH* You don't know that! LOL I'm just messing with you...it seems to everyone's suspicion that Folken is the romance novelist! But just wait...everyone's suspicions will change with time, I can guarantee that! muhahhhahahahaaaaaa! Thanks a lot and R&R Please! and let's get on with the story already!
OH OH OH! A/n: I made up Hitomi's outfit in the previous chapter, remember the beige lace dress? with the black stillettos? Ironically enough, I was told to go look in the catalog for and Easter dress and there it was! An outfit of a beige lace dress and black stillettos! MUHAHAHAHA! *So* yea, I have that outift now! LOL I just thought it was ironic and interesting!
DiScLaImEr: Durr....Van gets to do it today! *Pats Van on the head like a dog*
Van: I don't want to do it, you already made me get drunk!
jj: but Hitomi took care of you didn't she? *wink*
Van: WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO IMPLY?!?!?!
jj: Ok, Dilly you do it!
Dilly: Chesta! Help me out here!
Chesta: Yes, sir!
*Dilly runs and gets blow torch and drags barbie-san out with him*
Dilly: Chesta! Blindfold the man!
Chesta: Yes, sir!
Allen: What kind of sideshow trick is this again? *is now blindfolded*
Dilly: The one where I burn off all your hair and then say that Jj doesn't own Escaflowne!
Allen: WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Jj: Bwahahahahaahahahaaaaa....ROTFL!!!!!
CrAzYqUiRkS
Chapter 3
Tears, Fears, and I'm All Alone
Van woke up to the wonderful wafting smell in the air. He'd smelled it somewhere but couldn't quite put his finger on it. Then he saw her flipping them. PANCAKES!
"Ohhh," he groaned shoving his bangs back so he could clasp a hand over his forehead.
"It's not good for your health to drink like that;it's very immature and irresponsible," Hitomi said sternly glancing over her shoulder.
Van wanted something arrogant to retort with, but stopped for his headache and the lovely sight before him.
Hitomi's hair was just slightly dishovled; it was just enough to look very natural. Her skin glowed with a warm light and she was wearing the greatest thing a guy could ask for...a speghetti strap tank top and a pair girl's boxer shorts. This outfit could make any girl look good. It hugged her curves and showed off toned, defined legs.
"So," she said walking to sit down on the bed next to him, "what was going wrong?"
"Nuthin'," Van replied laying back down and pulling the covers over his head.
"Uh...no, I'm thinkin' a big negatory on that one," Hitomi said pulling the covers off of him.
She then grabbed a clear glass sitting next to the bed. It had water and a raw egg in it. (YUCK!)
"What's that?" Van said with utter distaste for the looks of it.
"It's called Prarie Dog...drink it and it'll get rid of that hang over," she said handing the glass to him.
"NO WAY am I drinking that!" Van said scrunching his nose up in complete disgust.
"It's not any worse than what you had last night!" Hitomi exclaimed, "Besides, it'll knock you back out for a little while and you look like you could use the rest."
"I'm not drinking it!"
"YES, you are...it's for your own good! Do you even know what alcohol will do to your kindeys in amounts like you had?"
"I'm still not drinking it!"
"FINE!" Hitomi said slamming the glass down on the nightstand. "If you won't take it of your own free will, I'll make you!"
"Feh, yea right!"
"Let's look at this logically....
you're a shrimpy guy, you said so yourself...
you have a huge hangover
I on the other hand...
am completely sober...
And I still have about 30 pairs of black stillettos to break on someone's hard head! So you drink this, or I really will have to shove it down your throat!"
Hitomi was now leaning over Van her hands planted on the outside of each his legs. She was staring him right in the eyes. Her nose was just inches from him. She wasn't going to give in. Van blushed at the sight of having her so close. She was in a *ahem* very intriguing position.
"Fine," Van said while rolling his eyes and folding his arms across his chest. "I'll take you're dumb ol' medicine!"
"And promise never to get drunk anymore!"
"I can't say that..."
"Yes, you can...especially getting drunk while you're upset! That causes someone to be an alcoholic! I don't want you to turn into a guy like that!"
"Why are you worried about me?" Van said with that indignant tone of voice.
"Cuz you said you'd worry about me..."
"Oh..." Van said with another slight blush.
"Now drink it so you can puke and sleep the rest of it off..."
"That's rather blunt," Van said looking at the prarie dog while sloshing it around.
"At least I don't avoid the subject like you," Hitomi said grabbing the glass from him and pinching his nose. "Open up!"
Van was caught completely off gaurd with her sitting on his lap pouring that nasty,horrible drink down his mouth. He choked it down and immeadiately felt ten times worse when it hit his stomach. "Oh man..." he said throwing the covers back and heading back to the toliet.
"When you get done barfing your guts up, you can come have some pancakes and then go back to bed!" Hitomi called with a slight smirk.
Hitomi squished her face up at the noise coming from the bathroom. "*sigh* Poor guy," she said flipping another pancake.
Van returned from the bathroom, his face looking rather flushed and pale. "Were you trying to make my throat raw?"
"Raw egg makes you throw up..." Hitomi began to explain while fixing two plates of pancakes. "When you've had alcohol, water makes you throw up," she continued. "Even after the affects of alcohol have worn off, it's still in your stomach/kindey the next day causing you to be hung over..." She then set the two plates on the table. "You throw it up, you get rid of it, you feel better."
"And you aren't a doctor because..." Van said while pulling out a chair.
"I hate math," Hitomi said with a giggle.
"Figures," Van said motioning for her to sit in the chair.
"Maybe chivilary isn't dead...this is the second guy who has done something nice like that for me!" Hitomi said with a smile, her eyes beginning to look very dreamy.
"Oh yea, like who?" Van said wondering who was trying to copy his manners. The chivalrious stuff he did always impressed girls and he couldn't have any guys cutting in on his moves.
"Oh, I met him the other day...Allen-san, the Principal," Hitomi said with a big smile.
"And suddenly, I've lost my appettite," Van said putting his fork back down on the plate.
"Hey! I made those for you and me and I'll force those down your throat too!" Hitomi said waving her fork in front of Van's face. He still looked pretty bad.
Van rolled his eyes again and smiled. "Fine, I can see no use in arguing..." Van said taking a bite. "These are good.." he said with astonishment. "I mean really good."
"Thanks!" Hitomi said jerking the fork out of her mouth in a trimuphant way.
The two sat and ate as many pancakes as they could and then Hitomi let Van crawl back into her bed. "Everything in here smells so good," he thought while he fell back asleep. "Especially these sheets..." He finally closed his eyes.
Then he felt something on his nose. He opened his eyes to find a set of huge translucent green eyes staring back at him. He didn't know why, but he felt like smiling. It was a incredibly cute way to wake someone up; she was rubbing the top of his nose.
"Hey, I don't mean to bug you, but what about your apartment..." she said quietly.
"Oh..." Van groaned, "here..." She took the keys from him. She then ruffled his hair a little and he fell straight back asleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hitomi turned the key and heard the lock click. She opened the door and took a step in. "Yea, he's a single guy!" she said staring at dirty clothes on the floor, an unmade bed, and papers strown all over the place.
But then her heart skipped a beat. She heard more papers being rustled...in the bathroom...and then she heard the toilet flush. "Oh god, I don't have my stilletto!" she thought. Hitomi grabbed the lamp stand...it'd work just as well.
She approached the bathroom with much care and caution. The door was shut though. She busted it down. "MOLEMAN?!?!" She screamed and he screamed right back at her.
Then someone was behind her. "Oh, he's with me...we have permission to be here, but just who are you?" said a deep, gruff, voice.
Hitomi spun around to see a man with light blue, almost teal, colored hair. His eyes were narrow slits and he was wearing a black pants suit. Her eyes widened at the sight. "He could be a mafia member! This could be the end of me!" She panicked and before she could answer his question, passed out.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hitomi awoke later on, still shaking from fear. To her surprise, she was tucked in bed in Van's apartment. She pulled the covers back and then looked around. It was clean. She ran to the bathroom to see if there was any trace of the paper that was being flushed earlier. She peered down the hole and there was nothing but water.
"Who was that?" she thought to herself. "And why was Moleman with him?" She then walked back out to the main room. Hitomi glanced around and notice that the stack of papers by the computer hadn't been touched. "Hmn...." Hitomi said while biting her lip. She walked over to computer and sat in the chair. She grabbed the stack of papers and began to read:
"The Vision of Escaflowne"
by: Van Fanel
"Oh, this is a story of his!" Hitomi screamed with gushing delight. She leaned back in the chair a propped her feet up. She could tell she was going to be here a while and she was going to finish the book!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Van woke up and rubbed his forehead one last time. "Hitomi's right," he thought, "it did make me feel better!" He smiled at the thought of her and then wondered where she was. "Oh yea," he thought, "my place."
Van got up and walked next door. He couldn't believe what he saw. Hitomi was curled up in his computer chair reading his book! And it wasn't even done yet!
"HEY!"
Hitomi jumped and threw the papers out of hands, then caught them and hid them behind her back. "Hi!" she said with a sheepish smile.
Van eyes focused in on her and she could tell she was in trouble. "It's wonderful...I mean it's as good as a Ken Olf book," Hitomi stuttered out.
Van's facial expression softened at this comment. Hitomi continued.
"I loved it...but it's missing something...otherwise than that, it's the greatest story I've ever read!"
She clutched the papers right against her chest and looked a little lost for anything else to say. But then she remembered...
"There was someone here...he was tall, had on a suit, and he had blue hair! He was with Moleman and they were rambling through your things! I was gonna get them with the lamp, but I passed out and I woke up in bed."
"FOLKEN!" Van screamed pounding his fist against the wall. His face turned an angry and vengeful shade of red.
"You mean your famous brother?" Hitomi said raising an eyebrow.
"More like infamous," Van said rubbing his knuckles.
"What does he do?" Hitomi inquired.
"Forget it," Van said running his fingers through that dark hair of his.
There was an awkward moment of silence between the two and then Van said, "thanks, I feel a lot better."
"No prob!" Hitomi said while winking and throwing him a thumbs up.
"I appreciate it a lot Hitomi," he said with utter sincerity.
"I- I- I don't mind," Hitomi blushed and held the papers even closer while directing her gaze at the floor. "Ummm...I guess you want these back..." she said laying the papers flat in her hands.
"Yea," Van said while rubbing the back of his head, "it's not done yet."
"I'll help if you want me too!" Hitomi said with her eyes lit up.
"If I need you, I'll call you," Van said with a smile.
"Ok...well I guess I'll go...I need to go running..." Hitomi said looking at a clock on the wall.
"Running?" Van said raising an eyebrow.
"Yea, I ran track in high school and I'm trying not to let the sport go...so I run every Sunday...do you know where a track is?"
"Just go to the school and use it's track.."
"Oh, yea, Amano showed it to me yesterday! Ok...well...bye, I'll see ya' tonight, right?" Hitomi said throwing another sheepish smile Van's way.
"Yea," Van said opening the door for her.
"Chivalry isn't dead..." Hitomi said flashing him a huge smile.
"Not as long as I'm around," Van said returning it.
He shut the door and let out a sigh. For some reason, he felt like he could love her even without knowing her. She was the most perfect girl he'd ever met. Now all he had to worry about was getting her to think the same about him. Van eyed his novel and an impish grin came across his face. "Genuis, pure genius..." he said aloud while turning his computer on.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hitomi changed into some pink sport shorts and a t-shirt. She was now ready to go the track. She got on the bus and arrived at the school at about 1:00 p.m. Ironically enough, Amano and Allen-san were there too. Yukari was sitting on a bench. She waved her over and Hitomi set her duffle bag down by her.
"Who is Van's brother?" she asked.
"Oh Folken Fanel?" Yukari said, "he's professor of literature in America at Harvard..."
"Really?" Hitomi said with her curiosity peaked now. "That's funny, I never heard of him..."
"He's written like millions of books...I think they are text books though..."
"And are they under that name?"
"I think so."
"That's interesting..."
"Yea, what's really interesting is that Van has a masters in literature but he chooses to teach math..."
Hitomi's mouth dropped. She couldn't believe what Yukari had just said. "Are you serious?"
Yukari nodded and then Amano came panting over to hug her.
"QUIT!" Yukari giggled while he crawled all over her. "You're sweaty! And smelly! And dirty!"
"But you love me!" Amano said touching his nose to hers. "Hey Hitomi!" he said with a half wave going back to kiss Yukari.
"I wish I had that," Hitomi thought. A hand was then placed on her shoulder.
"No hello for me?" said a familar voice.
Hitomi was startled and jumped to turn around and find Allen-san only cinimeters away from her face.
"DAAAHHH!!!" She screamed. "You're really gonna have to quit doing that!"
Allen just let out a laugh and took the pony tail holder out of his hair.
"*Wow*" Hitomi thought. "He's got model potential too."
"So, you run?" Amano said.
"Yea, I was on the school's track team! I even broke the 13 second barrier!"
"Really?" said Allen. "Let's race then."
"Huh?" said Hitomi with a confused look.
"If I can beat your time, then ..." Allen stopped to think. "I'll take you out to eat on a date!"
"Ahhhh....uhhh..." Hitomi blushed.
"Oh, Hitomi go! It'll be fun!" Yukari encouraged.
"What about Millerna?" Amano said with a stern look.
"She'll be fine; she's too busy crying over us not to do anything about it...I don't want someone like that!"
Hitomi looked Allen over. He looked pretty heavy and not so aero-dynamic. "Hmn...If I make 9 seconds, he shouldn't be able to beat me,"
she thought. "Ok! You're on!" she said strutting over to her starting point.
Hitomi bent down and placed her hands firmly on the ground. "I really don't want to date anybody just yet..."
she thought to herself. She braced herself even more. "Now focus, focus everything!" She then heard Amano's wistle blow.
Hitomi couldn't even feel her legs or the ground beneath her. She just kept heading towards Yukari as fast as she could. Suddenly, she was there!
"9.27!" Amano called with astonishment. Hitomi felt sure she wouldn't have to go.
"That's nothing," Allen said flashing a panting Hitomi a smile. "He has a nice smile...but still...something about him...." she thought.
Allen took his place and Amano blew the whistle again. Shortly enough, it was over. Amano came over with a huge smile on his face. "You guys are never going to believe this..."
Everyone's faces told that they were on edge.
"9.26," Amano said. Hitomi's facial expression drooped, and then turned to shock. Her heart felt heavy for a min and then her stomach knotted. "Are you serious?" she said while grabbing the stopwatch still on Amano's neck. He fell a little foward as Hitomi pulled the numbers in her sight.
"I promise we'll have a good time," Allen said with another smile.
"But still," Hitomi muttered, "I feel for Millerna."
"Forget her," Allen chided, "let's just worry about our date."
"Oh, alright," Hitomi rubbed her left arm. She felt this wasn't right; it was like she was on someone else's property-namely Millerna's. She saw the way she looked at him that night at Yukari's. Millerna really cared for him.
"Where would you like to eat?"
"Anywhere that has food," Hitomi said stubbornly. "I should be happy," she thought. "I have a date with a rather nice looking guy and I have been wanting someone to date for a while...what's wrong with me?"
"I have the perfect place," Allen said putting his arm around her. "Now, I want you to pick out your best dress for Monday night at 7:00 p.m."
"Ok, I can do that," Hitomi said.
"I promise, we'll have fun and just get to know each other better..."
"Alright," Hitomi said packing her bag back up and heading back towards the train station.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
On the train, she thought about what had just happened. "Why am I so upset about it?" she thought. She felt like crying from all the frustration. "It's just a silly old date! And I have wanted a date for a long time now! What's wrong with me?!?!"
She got off and went back up to her apartment and sat out on the balcony. She grabbed her book by Ken Olf and finished off what little was left of it. Tristan and Raven had finally found true love with each other. Hitomi wanted that too. Her thoughts got to her though and she couldn't hold them back anymore. Hitomi just folded her head in her hands and sobbed out every grief she had right now.
She was homesick...
sometimes she couldn't understand people or make it to the right place...
she felt out of place....
she had people surrounding her....but she was lonely...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Van stretched from finishing another chapter on, "The Vision of Escaflowne." "I'm going to be soo proud of this one!" He said with a smile.
But then he heard something that spoiled his moment.
It was sobs...like someone was crying...
It sounded like it was coming from outside....
Van got up and went out onto his balcony to find no one there. Instead, he looked across and there was Hitomi with her head in her hands just balling her heart out. Van immeditely felt he should go to her and comfort her. Just the thought of her crying made his heart sink. He couldn't stand to see her actually do it.
He jumped across the railing and pushed a lock of her hair back. She looked up with a tear streaked face. Once her eyes focused on him, she began wiping her tears. "Hey, hey," Van said with a gentle smile. "Don't do that..." he said taking her hands away from her face and squatting to get at her eye level.
"That's something for guys to do...." he said wiping away her tears with his hands, throwing her a concerned smile. Hitomi was grateful for his sympathy. She flung herself into his arms and cried on his shoulder. Van was startled by this at first, but then he returned her embrace.
"What's wrong?" he said almost in tears himself. She just seemed so sad.
"Eve-ry-th-th-thing!" Hitomi squalled out while her hands tightend the grip on his shirt.
"Wow, that's a lot to fix...but I can do it," Van said rather chipper while stroking the back of her hair.
Hitomi choked out a laugh between sobs and just continued to cry. "It's not something you can fix...it's me; I'm broken..." Hitomi finally said getting her voice back.
Van leaned back out of her super tight grip and she did also. "People just think things break...they only need repairing..." Van said still trying to cheer her up.
"Can I just finish my good cry?" Hitomi began to sob between words again.
"I've got no prob with that," Van said with his best smile holding out his arms for her to fall back into them.
"Thank you!" Hitomi exclaimed with complete appreciation. It was so nice just to have a shoulder to lean on.
"I tell you what though, let's go back in your apartment..." Van said picking her up in his arms and carrying her in. He laid her down on the bed and Hitomi burried her face back in his shoulder. Van just sat there comforting her, stroking her hair and wiping her tears away every now and then.
Hitomi's sobs gradually faded to tears, and then Van heard nothing at all. He glanced down at his shoulder. "Poor thing," he thought. "She's cried herself to sleep..."
He leaned his head over on hers and then he closed his eyes falling asleep also. He wanted to be there for her when she woke up.
SQEEEE!!! Ok yea, this is really fluffily and I must say I like it! how about you? If you would, just review! Alright! So bye bye for now! (sorry for the delay; it was gonna come out thursday but another trig test got in the way!)
CinderellaxVan: OMG! LOOK! *gets starry eyed* It's CindereallxVan!!! *I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy!* *falls on knees* *Ahem* *dusts self off* Actually, I have read a lot of your stories and I have a lot of respect for you as a writer and to have you read one of my stories is a big compliment to me! NO NONO! Don't hit them with the bat! I still need them to finish the story out! LOL ;) I'm happy to hear you like the way Van is being portrayed! He's more fun to work with this way than his usual "actions speak louder than words self" (And easier!) I'm glad you like Hitomi too. She's more mature and she also has some of my characteritsics, so in a way, she's kinda my older self! (we're a lot alike...) (LOL I would throw stillettos if it was the only thing near! And the whole conversation about books where they are on the balcony and she just keeps on yappin'...yup that's me!) People have their suspicions about Folken...and he's making his apperance in this chapter! So...YES, I always thought Yukari and Amano was better than H/A. In any of my stories, they are the PERFECT COUPLE so Hitomi and Van have something to strive for...Gaaaa I've rambled long enough! Thanks for coming! Please R&R again! (geez, I make it sound like it's my shop! LOL)
Ruby: Hey! Get excited over the story! *gets excited with her* Hehe. Van could be the writer...who knows? So many people have their suspicions...We'll see! In time though! Thanks and R&R again!
Ferai: Bwahahahaa. They will be best friends now, since Hitomi had to clean up Van's spew. I think only a best friend would do that...ok a best friend and someone better than a friend! Yea, Hitomi's a romantic in this...like me...LOL...*sheez, I've been single for waaay too long!* Yea, as soon as Van gets his act together (no more beer!) they'll start doing some stuff! Thanks and R&R again!
Hi Etowato the reviewer formerly known as Al: (not confused! ;) ) YAY! Another person who likes shrimpy skinny Van! That's great! Hitomi is very lucky...now if I could just wish him into life! *oh sorry, single girl thing again...just disregard any comments like that!* Uh...dur...dur..dur...I'm sorry about Folken! But Van had to have a reason for drinking no? Yea, I always loved Dilly as a character! He's great and I always thought in the series that him and Van would be great friends if they could just get past their differences! So, I decided to do that here! IT is Au, no? Yea, *sighs* even I wouldn't kiss a drunken Van who had just spewed! Thanks and R&R again!
Van lover: YEA, Van was kinda crazy, but there's something lurking deep within him...muhahahahaaaaa you'll see! This chapter will help elaborate on that thought!
Thanks and R&R again!
Lilstarblossom: Hi! I think this is the first time I've seen you! Thanks for reading! *smiles* I'm glad you like the story so much. I really didn't think it would go over that well at all. Yea, poor Van. He does write well, as you'll soon see by Hitomi being the little snoop she is! Two words: Hang Over. Thanks! R&R agian please!
SabineballZ: *SHHH* You don't know that! LOL I'm just messing with you...it seems to everyone's suspicion that Folken is the romance novelist! But just wait...everyone's suspicions will change with time, I can guarantee that! muhahhhahahahaaaaaa! Thanks a lot and R&R Please! and let's get on with the story already!
OH OH OH! A/n: I made up Hitomi's outfit in the previous chapter, remember the beige lace dress? with the black stillettos? Ironically enough, I was told to go look in the catalog for and Easter dress and there it was! An outfit of a beige lace dress and black stillettos! MUHAHAHAHA! *So* yea, I have that outift now! LOL I just thought it was ironic and interesting!
DiScLaImEr: Durr....Van gets to do it today! *Pats Van on the head like a dog*
Van: I don't want to do it, you already made me get drunk!
jj: but Hitomi took care of you didn't she? *wink*
Van: WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO IMPLY?!?!?!
jj: Ok, Dilly you do it!
Dilly: Chesta! Help me out here!
Chesta: Yes, sir!
*Dilly runs and gets blow torch and drags barbie-san out with him*
Dilly: Chesta! Blindfold the man!
Chesta: Yes, sir!
Allen: What kind of sideshow trick is this again? *is now blindfolded*
Dilly: The one where I burn off all your hair and then say that Jj doesn't own Escaflowne!
Allen: WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Jj: Bwahahahahaahahahaaaaa....ROTFL!!!!!
CrAzYqUiRkS
Chapter 3
Tears, Fears, and I'm All Alone
Van woke up to the wonderful wafting smell in the air. He'd smelled it somewhere but couldn't quite put his finger on it. Then he saw her flipping them. PANCAKES!
"Ohhh," he groaned shoving his bangs back so he could clasp a hand over his forehead.
"It's not good for your health to drink like that;it's very immature and irresponsible," Hitomi said sternly glancing over her shoulder.
Van wanted something arrogant to retort with, but stopped for his headache and the lovely sight before him.
Hitomi's hair was just slightly dishovled; it was just enough to look very natural. Her skin glowed with a warm light and she was wearing the greatest thing a guy could ask for...a speghetti strap tank top and a pair girl's boxer shorts. This outfit could make any girl look good. It hugged her curves and showed off toned, defined legs.
"So," she said walking to sit down on the bed next to him, "what was going wrong?"
"Nuthin'," Van replied laying back down and pulling the covers over his head.
"Uh...no, I'm thinkin' a big negatory on that one," Hitomi said pulling the covers off of him.
She then grabbed a clear glass sitting next to the bed. It had water and a raw egg in it. (YUCK!)
"What's that?" Van said with utter distaste for the looks of it.
"It's called Prarie Dog...drink it and it'll get rid of that hang over," she said handing the glass to him.
"NO WAY am I drinking that!" Van said scrunching his nose up in complete disgust.
"It's not any worse than what you had last night!" Hitomi exclaimed, "Besides, it'll knock you back out for a little while and you look like you could use the rest."
"I'm not drinking it!"
"YES, you are...it's for your own good! Do you even know what alcohol will do to your kindeys in amounts like you had?"
"I'm still not drinking it!"
"FINE!" Hitomi said slamming the glass down on the nightstand. "If you won't take it of your own free will, I'll make you!"
"Feh, yea right!"
"Let's look at this logically....
you're a shrimpy guy, you said so yourself...
you have a huge hangover
I on the other hand...
am completely sober...
And I still have about 30 pairs of black stillettos to break on someone's hard head! So you drink this, or I really will have to shove it down your throat!"
Hitomi was now leaning over Van her hands planted on the outside of each his legs. She was staring him right in the eyes. Her nose was just inches from him. She wasn't going to give in. Van blushed at the sight of having her so close. She was in a *ahem* very intriguing position.
"Fine," Van said while rolling his eyes and folding his arms across his chest. "I'll take you're dumb ol' medicine!"
"And promise never to get drunk anymore!"
"I can't say that..."
"Yes, you can...especially getting drunk while you're upset! That causes someone to be an alcoholic! I don't want you to turn into a guy like that!"
"Why are you worried about me?" Van said with that indignant tone of voice.
"Cuz you said you'd worry about me..."
"Oh..." Van said with another slight blush.
"Now drink it so you can puke and sleep the rest of it off..."
"That's rather blunt," Van said looking at the prarie dog while sloshing it around.
"At least I don't avoid the subject like you," Hitomi said grabbing the glass from him and pinching his nose. "Open up!"
Van was caught completely off gaurd with her sitting on his lap pouring that nasty,horrible drink down his mouth. He choked it down and immeadiately felt ten times worse when it hit his stomach. "Oh man..." he said throwing the covers back and heading back to the toliet.
"When you get done barfing your guts up, you can come have some pancakes and then go back to bed!" Hitomi called with a slight smirk.
Hitomi squished her face up at the noise coming from the bathroom. "*sigh* Poor guy," she said flipping another pancake.
Van returned from the bathroom, his face looking rather flushed and pale. "Were you trying to make my throat raw?"
"Raw egg makes you throw up..." Hitomi began to explain while fixing two plates of pancakes. "When you've had alcohol, water makes you throw up," she continued. "Even after the affects of alcohol have worn off, it's still in your stomach/kindey the next day causing you to be hung over..." She then set the two plates on the table. "You throw it up, you get rid of it, you feel better."
"And you aren't a doctor because..." Van said while pulling out a chair.
"I hate math," Hitomi said with a giggle.
"Figures," Van said motioning for her to sit in the chair.
"Maybe chivilary isn't dead...this is the second guy who has done something nice like that for me!" Hitomi said with a smile, her eyes beginning to look very dreamy.
"Oh yea, like who?" Van said wondering who was trying to copy his manners. The chivalrious stuff he did always impressed girls and he couldn't have any guys cutting in on his moves.
"Oh, I met him the other day...Allen-san, the Principal," Hitomi said with a big smile.
"And suddenly, I've lost my appettite," Van said putting his fork back down on the plate.
"Hey! I made those for you and me and I'll force those down your throat too!" Hitomi said waving her fork in front of Van's face. He still looked pretty bad.
Van rolled his eyes again and smiled. "Fine, I can see no use in arguing..." Van said taking a bite. "These are good.." he said with astonishment. "I mean really good."
"Thanks!" Hitomi said jerking the fork out of her mouth in a trimuphant way.
The two sat and ate as many pancakes as they could and then Hitomi let Van crawl back into her bed. "Everything in here smells so good," he thought while he fell back asleep. "Especially these sheets..." He finally closed his eyes.
Then he felt something on his nose. He opened his eyes to find a set of huge translucent green eyes staring back at him. He didn't know why, but he felt like smiling. It was a incredibly cute way to wake someone up; she was rubbing the top of his nose.
"Hey, I don't mean to bug you, but what about your apartment..." she said quietly.
"Oh..." Van groaned, "here..." She took the keys from him. She then ruffled his hair a little and he fell straight back asleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hitomi turned the key and heard the lock click. She opened the door and took a step in. "Yea, he's a single guy!" she said staring at dirty clothes on the floor, an unmade bed, and papers strown all over the place.
But then her heart skipped a beat. She heard more papers being rustled...in the bathroom...and then she heard the toilet flush. "Oh god, I don't have my stilletto!" she thought. Hitomi grabbed the lamp stand...it'd work just as well.
She approached the bathroom with much care and caution. The door was shut though. She busted it down. "MOLEMAN?!?!" She screamed and he screamed right back at her.
Then someone was behind her. "Oh, he's with me...we have permission to be here, but just who are you?" said a deep, gruff, voice.
Hitomi spun around to see a man with light blue, almost teal, colored hair. His eyes were narrow slits and he was wearing a black pants suit. Her eyes widened at the sight. "He could be a mafia member! This could be the end of me!" She panicked and before she could answer his question, passed out.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hitomi awoke later on, still shaking from fear. To her surprise, she was tucked in bed in Van's apartment. She pulled the covers back and then looked around. It was clean. She ran to the bathroom to see if there was any trace of the paper that was being flushed earlier. She peered down the hole and there was nothing but water.
"Who was that?" she thought to herself. "And why was Moleman with him?" She then walked back out to the main room. Hitomi glanced around and notice that the stack of papers by the computer hadn't been touched. "Hmn...." Hitomi said while biting her lip. She walked over to computer and sat in the chair. She grabbed the stack of papers and began to read:
"The Vision of Escaflowne"
by: Van Fanel
"Oh, this is a story of his!" Hitomi screamed with gushing delight. She leaned back in the chair a propped her feet up. She could tell she was going to be here a while and she was going to finish the book!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Van woke up and rubbed his forehead one last time. "Hitomi's right," he thought, "it did make me feel better!" He smiled at the thought of her and then wondered where she was. "Oh yea," he thought, "my place."
Van got up and walked next door. He couldn't believe what he saw. Hitomi was curled up in his computer chair reading his book! And it wasn't even done yet!
"HEY!"
Hitomi jumped and threw the papers out of hands, then caught them and hid them behind her back. "Hi!" she said with a sheepish smile.
Van eyes focused in on her and she could tell she was in trouble. "It's wonderful...I mean it's as good as a Ken Olf book," Hitomi stuttered out.
Van's facial expression softened at this comment. Hitomi continued.
"I loved it...but it's missing something...otherwise than that, it's the greatest story I've ever read!"
She clutched the papers right against her chest and looked a little lost for anything else to say. But then she remembered...
"There was someone here...he was tall, had on a suit, and he had blue hair! He was with Moleman and they were rambling through your things! I was gonna get them with the lamp, but I passed out and I woke up in bed."
"FOLKEN!" Van screamed pounding his fist against the wall. His face turned an angry and vengeful shade of red.
"You mean your famous brother?" Hitomi said raising an eyebrow.
"More like infamous," Van said rubbing his knuckles.
"What does he do?" Hitomi inquired.
"Forget it," Van said running his fingers through that dark hair of his.
There was an awkward moment of silence between the two and then Van said, "thanks, I feel a lot better."
"No prob!" Hitomi said while winking and throwing him a thumbs up.
"I appreciate it a lot Hitomi," he said with utter sincerity.
"I- I- I don't mind," Hitomi blushed and held the papers even closer while directing her gaze at the floor. "Ummm...I guess you want these back..." she said laying the papers flat in her hands.
"Yea," Van said while rubbing the back of his head, "it's not done yet."
"I'll help if you want me too!" Hitomi said with her eyes lit up.
"If I need you, I'll call you," Van said with a smile.
"Ok...well I guess I'll go...I need to go running..." Hitomi said looking at a clock on the wall.
"Running?" Van said raising an eyebrow.
"Yea, I ran track in high school and I'm trying not to let the sport go...so I run every Sunday...do you know where a track is?"
"Just go to the school and use it's track.."
"Oh, yea, Amano showed it to me yesterday! Ok...well...bye, I'll see ya' tonight, right?" Hitomi said throwing another sheepish smile Van's way.
"Yea," Van said opening the door for her.
"Chivalry isn't dead..." Hitomi said flashing him a huge smile.
"Not as long as I'm around," Van said returning it.
He shut the door and let out a sigh. For some reason, he felt like he could love her even without knowing her. She was the most perfect girl he'd ever met. Now all he had to worry about was getting her to think the same about him. Van eyed his novel and an impish grin came across his face. "Genuis, pure genius..." he said aloud while turning his computer on.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hitomi changed into some pink sport shorts and a t-shirt. She was now ready to go the track. She got on the bus and arrived at the school at about 1:00 p.m. Ironically enough, Amano and Allen-san were there too. Yukari was sitting on a bench. She waved her over and Hitomi set her duffle bag down by her.
"Who is Van's brother?" she asked.
"Oh Folken Fanel?" Yukari said, "he's professor of literature in America at Harvard..."
"Really?" Hitomi said with her curiosity peaked now. "That's funny, I never heard of him..."
"He's written like millions of books...I think they are text books though..."
"And are they under that name?"
"I think so."
"That's interesting..."
"Yea, what's really interesting is that Van has a masters in literature but he chooses to teach math..."
Hitomi's mouth dropped. She couldn't believe what Yukari had just said. "Are you serious?"
Yukari nodded and then Amano came panting over to hug her.
"QUIT!" Yukari giggled while he crawled all over her. "You're sweaty! And smelly! And dirty!"
"But you love me!" Amano said touching his nose to hers. "Hey Hitomi!" he said with a half wave going back to kiss Yukari.
"I wish I had that," Hitomi thought. A hand was then placed on her shoulder.
"No hello for me?" said a familar voice.
Hitomi was startled and jumped to turn around and find Allen-san only cinimeters away from her face.
"DAAAHHH!!!" She screamed. "You're really gonna have to quit doing that!"
Allen just let out a laugh and took the pony tail holder out of his hair.
"*Wow*" Hitomi thought. "He's got model potential too."
"So, you run?" Amano said.
"Yea, I was on the school's track team! I even broke the 13 second barrier!"
"Really?" said Allen. "Let's race then."
"Huh?" said Hitomi with a confused look.
"If I can beat your time, then ..." Allen stopped to think. "I'll take you out to eat on a date!"
"Ahhhh....uhhh..." Hitomi blushed.
"Oh, Hitomi go! It'll be fun!" Yukari encouraged.
"What about Millerna?" Amano said with a stern look.
"She'll be fine; she's too busy crying over us not to do anything about it...I don't want someone like that!"
Hitomi looked Allen over. He looked pretty heavy and not so aero-dynamic. "Hmn...If I make 9 seconds, he shouldn't be able to beat me,"
she thought. "Ok! You're on!" she said strutting over to her starting point.
Hitomi bent down and placed her hands firmly on the ground. "I really don't want to date anybody just yet..."
she thought to herself. She braced herself even more. "Now focus, focus everything!" She then heard Amano's wistle blow.
Hitomi couldn't even feel her legs or the ground beneath her. She just kept heading towards Yukari as fast as she could. Suddenly, she was there!
"9.27!" Amano called with astonishment. Hitomi felt sure she wouldn't have to go.
"That's nothing," Allen said flashing a panting Hitomi a smile. "He has a nice smile...but still...something about him...." she thought.
Allen took his place and Amano blew the whistle again. Shortly enough, it was over. Amano came over with a huge smile on his face. "You guys are never going to believe this..."
Everyone's faces told that they were on edge.
"9.26," Amano said. Hitomi's facial expression drooped, and then turned to shock. Her heart felt heavy for a min and then her stomach knotted. "Are you serious?" she said while grabbing the stopwatch still on Amano's neck. He fell a little foward as Hitomi pulled the numbers in her sight.
"I promise we'll have a good time," Allen said with another smile.
"But still," Hitomi muttered, "I feel for Millerna."
"Forget her," Allen chided, "let's just worry about our date."
"Oh, alright," Hitomi rubbed her left arm. She felt this wasn't right; it was like she was on someone else's property-namely Millerna's. She saw the way she looked at him that night at Yukari's. Millerna really cared for him.
"Where would you like to eat?"
"Anywhere that has food," Hitomi said stubbornly. "I should be happy," she thought. "I have a date with a rather nice looking guy and I have been wanting someone to date for a while...what's wrong with me?"
"I have the perfect place," Allen said putting his arm around her. "Now, I want you to pick out your best dress for Monday night at 7:00 p.m."
"Ok, I can do that," Hitomi said.
"I promise, we'll have fun and just get to know each other better..."
"Alright," Hitomi said packing her bag back up and heading back towards the train station.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
On the train, she thought about what had just happened. "Why am I so upset about it?" she thought. She felt like crying from all the frustration. "It's just a silly old date! And I have wanted a date for a long time now! What's wrong with me?!?!"
She got off and went back up to her apartment and sat out on the balcony. She grabbed her book by Ken Olf and finished off what little was left of it. Tristan and Raven had finally found true love with each other. Hitomi wanted that too. Her thoughts got to her though and she couldn't hold them back anymore. Hitomi just folded her head in her hands and sobbed out every grief she had right now.
She was homesick...
sometimes she couldn't understand people or make it to the right place...
she felt out of place....
she had people surrounding her....but she was lonely...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Van stretched from finishing another chapter on, "The Vision of Escaflowne." "I'm going to be soo proud of this one!" He said with a smile.
But then he heard something that spoiled his moment.
It was sobs...like someone was crying...
It sounded like it was coming from outside....
Van got up and went out onto his balcony to find no one there. Instead, he looked across and there was Hitomi with her head in her hands just balling her heart out. Van immeditely felt he should go to her and comfort her. Just the thought of her crying made his heart sink. He couldn't stand to see her actually do it.
He jumped across the railing and pushed a lock of her hair back. She looked up with a tear streaked face. Once her eyes focused on him, she began wiping her tears. "Hey, hey," Van said with a gentle smile. "Don't do that..." he said taking her hands away from her face and squatting to get at her eye level.
"That's something for guys to do...." he said wiping away her tears with his hands, throwing her a concerned smile. Hitomi was grateful for his sympathy. She flung herself into his arms and cried on his shoulder. Van was startled by this at first, but then he returned her embrace.
"What's wrong?" he said almost in tears himself. She just seemed so sad.
"Eve-ry-th-th-thing!" Hitomi squalled out while her hands tightend the grip on his shirt.
"Wow, that's a lot to fix...but I can do it," Van said rather chipper while stroking the back of her hair.
Hitomi choked out a laugh between sobs and just continued to cry. "It's not something you can fix...it's me; I'm broken..." Hitomi finally said getting her voice back.
Van leaned back out of her super tight grip and she did also. "People just think things break...they only need repairing..." Van said still trying to cheer her up.
"Can I just finish my good cry?" Hitomi began to sob between words again.
"I've got no prob with that," Van said with his best smile holding out his arms for her to fall back into them.
"Thank you!" Hitomi exclaimed with complete appreciation. It was so nice just to have a shoulder to lean on.
"I tell you what though, let's go back in your apartment..." Van said picking her up in his arms and carrying her in. He laid her down on the bed and Hitomi burried her face back in his shoulder. Van just sat there comforting her, stroking her hair and wiping her tears away every now and then.
Hitomi's sobs gradually faded to tears, and then Van heard nothing at all. He glanced down at his shoulder. "Poor thing," he thought. "She's cried herself to sleep..."
He leaned his head over on hers and then he closed his eyes falling asleep also. He wanted to be there for her when she woke up.
SQEEEE!!! Ok yea, this is really fluffily and I must say I like it! how about you? If you would, just review! Alright! So bye bye for now! (sorry for the delay; it was gonna come out thursday but another trig test got in the way!)