Hey! I'm still alive!! *waves flag* and I think it was about time I up-date this fic, so sorry for the lateness!! -.-;;  but it's hard to up-date all the time with six fics all going on at the same time! Not to mention all the work of a high school student, and recently I strained my leg and had to wear stupid crutches for almost two weeks!! I can walk again, just not do any running or standing with my leg straight so far . GGGRRR….honestly, PE is dangerous!! And finals are coming *sigh* must study, blah!! And than sometimes (a lot) I get really lazy XD bad hitomi-chan! Lol^^;; but I'll try to not pass the two month range of not up-dating! This chapter may seem a little……pointless……..but I had to write something to not keep you hanging any longer! But it does help Hitomi and Van's future relationship *cough* so it may not be THAT pointless ^_^;; okay, happy reading!!!

***Disclaimer***-ditto, check all other chapters if you're utterly bored.

*~*~*Thank You List*~*~*

hitomi21- ah! *blush* thanks for reviewing and all the nice comments!!! I know it's been a while, but I hope you are still here!! Thanks again, this makes me very happy people like my fic^__________^

dark faerie2-oooh! Hehe, thanks for reviewing!! It's okay you're not hyper, but next time sleep earlier! ^^;; And you ask when Hitomi is gonna get together with Van? *evil laugh* never!! LOL, seriously, it's gonna take a while.  First, they become friends, and than the fun of flirting ;) hehe, I can just imagine Hitomi blushing like a tomato! I'll have lots of fluff^_^

CxV-hey, thanks!!! Love it when they bicker, so cute!! hehe^^;;

Sabineball Z-Hitomi is very confusing at times^^;; *pats Hitomi's head* and Van!! That boy can be even worse . but about Van's feelings: I can't say anything, but I can assure you that REALLY soon, he's gonna change….thanks again for reviewing!!! *hugs you*

MooL-haha, I like that movie, but I don't think the fic reminds me of the movie, it's very different, but the movie is cute!! ^__~ thanks for reviewing!

Mini-MoonStar-LOL. Bashing someone is always fun!! But I assure you, in the future chapters, there are gonna be some serious bashing!!! Can't say more than that^_^;; although this chapter there's nothing too important that happens…….enjoy the new chapter^____^

kcarrie-*blush* thanks for the nice compliments, thank you!!!!! *grins* Van will get Hitomi, I promise! *just can't say when* enjoy the new chapter^_______________~

Onigiri Momoko- *sniff* yeah, our hot-headed guy asked forgiveness, but will Hitomi forgive him?? *evil cackle* find out! and you'll see how the date goes:) thanks, and I hope you like the new chapter!!

Yugismpuzzle-*hides behind the sofa* sorry!! blame the teachers for up-dates! ;_; under pressure!! XD I hope you don't hate me too much!!

Dariel-you meanieT_T I'll find a way to snatch vannie-boy back….and when I do, he'll be all mine, mine I tell ya! Muhahahahah!!!! *cough* okay…^^;; good Vannie, at least you did something right for once interrupting Hitomi and Allen *pats Van*  yeah, Van appolozied because of the bet *glares at Van* but he'll fall in love with Hitomi, won't you boy? *Van nods while gulping at hitomi-chan's evil glare* good. And Allen well……you'll see! I promise, it's something that no-one expected!! At least I don't think so^^;; thank you so much for reviewing!!! *hugs you like mad* they always make me feel happy^_____________^thanks, and read!! Lol

Rhapody's Song-Thanx!! Hope you like the new chapter^____~

hmmm…-thanx!!! The rest of the story is for you to judge, I hope you like it!!! ^___^

*~* Thanks again for everyone who have reviewed! I cherish them all and make me feel *~*

very special, so thanks to you all!!!!! I hope you enjoy this new chapter, even though it doesn't progress the story much, but it does make a difference to Hitomi!! Thanks^_______^

***More Than it Meets the Eyes***

*~*Chapter five-Simple Apology*~*

"Hey, Hitomi!!" shouted Yukari enthusiastically as she started to get her papers organized, wishing to leave the classroom as fast as possible, "God, today was such a long day! I thought the bell would never ring!"

Hitomi laughed weakly, "Yeah, the teachers just kept going on and on! I don't think anyone was paying attention, honestly!"

Yukari nodded with a grin, looking at Hitomi with concern, "how are you feeling?"

"Um...better, thanks," Said Hitomi while tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "I had a little bit of a headache, but it's gone now."

"Are you sure? You look a little tired," mused Yukari as she looked at her friend more closely.

"No, no, I'm fine." Hitomi waved her hand at her friend with a forced laugh.

"Are you hiding something from me?" asked Yukari with a raised eyebrow.

"Where are Millerna and Merle?"  Asked Hitomi while her eyes skimmed past Yukari, ignoring her friend's question.

"Oh, Merle had to leave a little earlier for her dentist's appointment.  Poor thing, she was looking so pale before she left, you know, after that incident with her former dentists," Yukari shuddered, "I promised her I would phone later to see if she survived.  And Millerna? Uh, I think she left just a minuet ago, said something about having to talk to some guy Hiro.  Must be a new boyfriend or something," Yukari shrugged.

"Oh." Was all Hitomi could muster.

Yukari looker at her friend oddly, "Is there something you're not telling me?"

Hitomi snapped her head to Yukari's face, "Me?" she squeaked.

Yukari smirked, "Does it have to do with Van?"

"You wish, but in a way," Mumbled Hitomi.  Realizing she had said it, she slapped her hand over her mouth, wanting to ignore the suspicious look her friend gave her, "But it's not what you think, honestly!"

"Of course." Purred Yukari jokingly.

Hitomi had an annoyed look on her face with a tint of pink adoring her face, "It has to do with mostly Allen, if you must know."

Yukari narrowed her eyes in no one in particular, "What happened?"

Hitomi kept quiet, uncertain if she should say anything.

Yukari let an exasperated sigh, "Is it anything over rated for my virgin ears?"

Hitomi flushed furiously as she snorted un-lady-like at the comment of her friend's 'virgin ears', "NO!  Take your mind out of the gutter, Yukari!"

Yukari smirked, "I didn't imply in that sense."

Hitomi blushed even harder, if it was possible, "I…uh…."

Yukari laughed heartedly, forgetting she was teasing her friend if she had been making out with her worst enemy.

"Have you finished laughing?" asked Hitomi annoyed while she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Yes," mustered Yukari between gasps as she slapped her chest to prevent from another cackle of laughter to erupt.

"Okay, well…you see, while I was with Allen..." Hitomi trailed uncomfortably.

"What?" Asked Yukari curiously, wanting to bash the other bickering people around her in pure frustration.

"Uh…remember that walk I had with Allen when I was awake again?" said Hitomi softly.

"Oh, yeah," said Yukari dryly.

"Uh, well…while I was with Allen…. Van showed up." Hitomi coughed nervously.

"Really?" Said Yukari trying not to sound so thrilled with an inward smile.

"Yeah.... but…that's not it." Said Hitomi as she glanced at her hands uncomfortably, admiring her chipped nail polish all of a sudden.

"Than what?" wondered Yukari with an arched eyebrow at her friend's action.

"Well, he.... he was first the usual jerk, you know.  But...but than he was kinda concerned...and asked forgiveness." Said Hitomi while she dug her foot nervously.

"Wow, really? Van asked forgiveness...? What did you do to him?" Asked Yukari jokingly.

"Yukari, this is no joke! I'm serious here!" said Hitomi annoyed.

"Okay, I get your point, but what about his ego? He would never say something like that for no reason." Said Yukari with hidden hope in her eyes.

"That's just the thing, it's unlike him to shove his pride to the side.  And what about the other day? When he helped me?" Thought Hitomi as she recalled the event.

"Yeah, you're right.  There's something fishy.... or, like I said, he likes you." Declared Yukari bluntly.

"Don't fool yourself, we're talking about Van," snorted Hitomi as she shook her head.

"But you never now, he could have just noticed you," said Yukari with an evil grin.

Hitomi gave a weird look, and snorted again while mumbling to herself, "Or maybe he just needs glasses."

"Yeah, one of those thick glasses, that would make the girls drop dead…. with laughter!" Yukari cracked at her own joke.

"Uh…haha?"

"But maybe it's true, he's always squinting at the board in class," said Yukari with a shrug.

"Do you really think he likes me?" asked Hitomi as she bit her bottom lip, thinking about yesterday's events.

"Who knows," said Yukari as she glanced at her confused friend.

Hitomi maintained silent, obviously thinking about something.  The air became very thick and tense, almost unbearable for Yukari to breath. "So…what did Allen say to you?" asked Yukari, trying to change the subject and avoiding the uncomfortable silence between them.

"He, he..." paused Hitomi when she lifted her head to meet Yukari's questioning eyes, "he…"

"He..." urged Yukari.

"He…. uh…he…." babbled Hitomi nervously as she coiled her hair around her finger.

"Speak up, woman!" barked Yukari.

"He asked me out." Blurted Hitomi hurriedly as she shut her eyes tight.

"HE WHAT??" Bellowed Yukari, "That no-good-for-nothing asked you out????"

"Shhhh!!!!  Be quiet!! I don't need the whole world to hear it!!" hissed Hitomi as she covered Yukari's mouth quickly, noticing a few heads turning their way while giving a weird look.

"Okai, you kan tak your hande oute off my mouf?" muffled Yukari underneath Hitomi's hand.

"Sorry," replied Hitomi sheepishly as she drew her hands back, placing them behind her back.  Before Hitomi could say anything, the bell rang loudly.

"Let's go," said Yukari while grapping her folders and winking at Hitomi, making her friend roll her eyes.

"Are you rehearsing your winking at me for Amano?" said Hitomi cheekily with a smirk as she scooped her own materials in her arms.

"No…haha, where did you get that idea?" said Yukari squeakily with a tint of pink smeared across her face while she walked faster.

"Oh…no reason at all, what so ever." Said Hitomi sarcastically.

Yukari hurried to her locker, trying to avoid Hitomi's eyes.  Already forgetting her locker combination, "Hey, Hitomi, what's my combination again?"

Hitomi rolled her eyes at this, "5-36-26.  Honestly Yukari, I don't know what's to become of you when you're old," said Hitomi while walking slowly, standing beside Yukari, not even bothering to open her own locker.

"Yeah, well, I'll always have you," grinned Yukari sheepishly.

Hitomi snorted, "What would you do without me, eh?"

Yukari rolled her eyes, looking behind Hitomi.  Than, all of a sudden, her eyes grew large.

Hitomi noticed this suddenly, and peered confusedly at her friend's sudden change of action.  Than, all of a sudden, Yukari leaped past Hitomi, and stretched her hand to Hitomi's locker, grasping a piece of folded paper within her palm.

"Hey! What's that you got from my locker??" asked Hitomi curiously as she looked at what looked like an envelope.

Yukari's eyes sparkled mischievously, "Hitomi's got a secret admirer!!"

Hitomi blushed furiously while stretching her arms in the air, "Shut up!! And give me that!!"

Yukari grinned while circling Hitomi, "Hitomi's got a secret admirer!! And he's in looooove with Hitomi!!" sang Yukari in a taunting voice.

Hitomi growled as she leaped in the air to tackle Yukari, "Come here you!!"

Yukari shrieked as she sprinted past the laughing students, "Help!! The crazy woman is at it again!!"

"Yukariiiii!!" wailed Hitomi as she followed her friend with flaming cheeks.

Yukari laughed at her friend's futile attempt to make her stop.  Damn, why does Hitomi have to be such a good runner? She's coming close soon!! Yukari gulped while she pushed herself harder.

"You can't escape me!! I know where you live!" Joked Hitomi as Yukari opened the gym door hurriedly, heading to the track field.

"Noooooo!!!" Yukari moaned as she felt her legs burn and her hard breathing while Hitomi glided through the field to catch her.

"Aha!! And it's here that you meet your doom, muhahah!!!" Hitomi cackled with a deep voice as she tackled Yukari to the ground.

"EEK!!!" Yukari shrieked as Hitomi once again tried to grab the letter from her sweating hands.

"Give it to me, damn you!!!" Growled Hitomi with a frown while Yukari waved her arms all over the place to prevent Hitomi from snatching the letter easily.

"Never!!" shrieked Yukari while laughing at Hitomi's expression.

Hitomi smirked, "So you want war, do you? Well, I'll give you war!" at that, Hitomi brought out her expert hands and started tickling Yukari with no mercy.

"AHHH!" cried Yukari as a gush of air ran from her lips and fights of laughter was replaced, "Hi—ah! tomi aha!!! sto—aha!! P!!! STOP!!"

"Give me the envelope!!" said Hitomi with much amusement dancing in her eyes.

"Okay!! Haha! Just—ah!!! stop!!" at those words, Hitomi released Yukari from her punishment and grabbed the envelope before Yukari had second thoughts.

"Ewww, it's all sweaty!!" Said Hitomi with a scrunched face while holding the letter by the tip.

Yukari smiled sheepishly, "Sorry, I'll open for you if you're worried about my cooties."

Hitomi snorted, "I think I can handle."

Yukari rolled her eyes, "Just open the envelope already, I'm dead curious here too!!"

Hitomi paid no more heed as her attention was now fully focused on the pale yellow envelope that was once clean and neat, but now was damp and crinkled, but all thoughts escaped Hitomi's mind as she took a small parchment of paper from the envelope, and a badly shaped yellow rose fell from within the fold.

"Oh, so that's what it was inside!" Gasped Yukari as she noticed the rose lying on Hitomi's lap.

Hitomi glared, "Yeah, and it would be in perfect condition if it wasn't for a certain red haired girl."

Yukari threw her arms in the air, "I already said I was sorry! Geez!! I'm sorry, okay? Now can you please read the damn letter before I go insane??"

Hitomi smirked, "Correction, you're already insane."

Yukari glared at Hitomi, but the glare didn't reach her eyes as they showed laughter in them.

"Alright, I'm reading, geez, it seems as if it was you who got the letter instead of me…" Hitomi's voice trailed as her shaking hands started to open the letter. Maybe it's from Allen…. Hitomi mused.  Hitomi's breath quickened as her heart beat increased with every word she read, clutching the letter painfully.


Hitomi,

As I now look at our childhood, I have realized how childish and foolish I have acted towards you, forgive me.  I didn't mean to hurt you, and if I did, I'll do anything to make it up to you. 

I know we haven't started straight, but it's never too late to become friends, is it? Hitomi, I want to leave the past behind, and get to know you.  Please, accept this flower as a token to our new friendship; I present you a yellow rose, representing friendship and I hope you won't hate me as much as before.

Van

Van… Hitomi smiled.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

awww…there, no cliffy^_______^ a nice fluffy note from Van to Hitomi.  What is Hitomi gonna do? And is the note really for Van's sake of the bet, or something more….? Dum, dum, DUM!!! *cackels* I feel evil now^_^  okay, well, I hope you liked it, and don't worry, from now on Van and Hitomi are gonna start to…flirt!! *dreamy face* anyway, leave a review before you go! I feel very happy and makes me work hard on my chapters, it means a lot to me, thanks!!!! Until next time,

hitomi-chan^-^ 

30/10/03