Disclaimer: I don´t own "Escaflowne" or "Save the Last Dance"
I don´t own Ice Cube´s "You Can Do It" nor Madonna´s "Forbidden Love"
A/N: Thanks for all the nice reviews, here´s the waited club-chapter, bit longer than the other chapters, hope you´ll enjoy. Happy readings!
Chapter 4: Steps
Hitomi stood before an enormous house and again looked at the small piece of paper she had received from Millerna earlier. This had to be the place she thought and slowly walked to the door.
Hesitantly she ringed the bell and within seconds a chubby old woman with a servants uniform opened the door. She smiled revealing a row of white teeth and then spoke in a friendly manner: "You must be Hitomi, Millerna told that you would be arriving. Do come inside."
She opened the door fully and Hitomi stepped on the marble floor. The woman took her coat and Hitomi looked around herself in great awe. She stood in a huge hall with a high roof and white walls. The woman then led her to the living room and told Hitomi to wait.
When left alone, Hitomi examined her surroundings. The living room was like the hall; enormous and white, with expensive looking furniture and many green plants. On the corner was a television with a largest screen she had ever seen. She did not see any stereos, but the six speakers placed high on the surface between the wall and the ceiling played soft music making the open space slightly echo. Through the glass wall facing to the garden she saw a swimming pool and a large grassfield.
On one of the living room walls was a door, which Hitomi suspected leading to a dining room or a library. Between the hall and the living room she had marked the curved staircase that led to the upper floor. Kitchen had been on the right side of the entrance.
She heard rushing footsteps and mild talk. Soon Millerna appeared to the living room and smiled to Hitomi: "Lily just informed me that you´re here, sorry that I kept you waiting."
Hitomi gaped at the blonds clothing. Her blue strapless dress just covered her butt, and was so tight it looked like squeezing the person wearing it. Hitomi herself would have to be paid to wear such a piece of cloth. Millerna smiled when seeing Hitomi stare at her and spun around a few times.
"Like it?"
Hitomi cleared her throat. "It´s a bit...short." Millerna laughed and replied: "It´s the normal clothing we wear here. Now let me see you." She helped Hitomi up from the white sofa and circled her. After thinking for a while, she announced her opinion: "It´ll do."
Hitomi frowned. She had spent a lot of time choosing her clothes, finally ending up with a black haltertop and a red skirt that had a slit. She already felt like sending the message: come and rape me, but Millerna´s note gestured that her clothing was too simple for Friday-night.
Millerna did not seem to notice her annoyance, but proceeded to the hall. Hitomi quietly followed and soon the two were outside walking in the cool evening breeze. Millerna started her perpetual gossip, and Hitomi was again lost in her thoughts. Realities stroke her again when Millerna nudged her.
"Huh?"
The blond looked at her hopelessly: "Seriously Hitomi, I doubt that you heard even half of what I just told you." Hitomi shifted her gaze to the ground and murmured an apology. Millerna placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled reassuringly: "I just said that we´re here."
Hitomi shot her head up and looked at the direction Millerna was pointing to. On the other side of the road was a huge building with "Steps" flashing on the roof. The sidewalk was crowded with people lining inside and beating music could be heard pushing its way through the walls. A small tingle of fear flashed in the back of Hitomi´s mind, as Millerna took her hand firmly and led her closer.
Confidently Millerna made their way to the door, calmly passing the others that were queuing inside. Hitomi hesitated and spoke quietly: "Millerna, don´t you think that we should... I mean, everybody else is waiting for their turn so..." Millerna turned to her, amused smile on her lips.
"We don´t need to wait, my father owns the place."
Hitomi startled and dropped her head. She then continued quietly following Millerna.
* *
Music filled the open area. The lights flashed, colours changing from bright red to soft yellow and then back to green. Dancing people filled the floor and a steady beat could be felt in the chest once stepping inside.
Hitomi looked at the crowded place from the end of the staircase. She felt Millerna take a tight grip on her forearm and motion to follow. They proceeded down the stairs and into the ocean of fast moving bodies.
Millerna headed to the bar on the other side of the dancefloor, dragging Hitomi along. Once reaching it, she took a seat on the high stool before the desk and waved for Hitomi to do so too. Snapping her fingers the bartender came to her.
"Gin Tonic with ice," then turning to Hitomi: "You?"
Hitomi startled, did she actually have to order a drink? But seeing Millerna´s amused face she turned to the bartender and said firmly: "Make it two."
The man on the other side of the bar nodded. Hitomi turned to Millerna but they did not have time to start a conversation when Yukari and Amano appeared beside them.
"Hey! Having fun?"
Hitomi smiled to the redhead. For a moment she hoped that she did not have to spend her whole evening with her present companion, but her thoughts were crushed when the couple was again on their way. Suddenly Millerna squeezed her hand. Hitomi turned and looked at her with concern: "Millerna?"
"It´s him!"
Hitomi turned to see to whom her friend was referring to, but the other protested by squeezing her hand tighter: "Don´t look."
Somebody appeared behind them. Hitomi had the urge to see who it was, but it seemed like Millerna had her own act to play. Slowly the blond turned in her stool and Hitomi found it safe for her to follow suit. She came across with a tall youth, with facial features most beautiful she had ever seen. He had long golden hair that reached half of his back and sky-blue eyes.
"I heard about your little adventure with that college-girl."
Hitomi turned to the speaker and found Millerna playing with her fingernails, like it did not really matter to her. The person in front of them smiled smugly and then leaned closer to the blond. Hitomi barely caught his words: "Let´s not go into personalities, we both know that I´m not the only one fucking outside of this relationship. Besides...You came here because you wanna dance with me."
The rest of the whisper was lost into the music. Hitomi tried to ignore the two, but Millerna´s occasional giggles could not be left heard. Finally the two rose from a rather awkward position and Millerna turned to Hitomi: "Hitomi, this is Allen. Allen: Hitomi." The two exchanged nods and then Millerna was dragged to the dancefloor.
Hitomi was left alone, but did not mind one bit of it. She was content just watching the crowd from her place, occasionally sipping from her drink that tasted rather horrible.
* *
"Think she´s here tonight?"
Van turned to face his friend who´s normally light brown hair now steadily changed its colour due the spotlights. The couple had stepped into the music-filled hall only minutes ago and already it started to feel warm.
The darker of the two 17 year olds shifted his gaze back to the dancefloor and a smile crept to his lips: "She is."
They proceeded down the steps and Mark secretly scrutinised his friend. For the two years he had been acquainted with Van, Mark had grown to know his friend very well. He had hoped that tonight would not be the same as every other...
He knew the talk about his friend, but nobody knew the right side of the life he lived. People always made up absurd stories about folks that came from somewhere else, but it had been long since Van had last paid attention to the gossips on him.
The fact that Van did have foreign blood in his veins served him to have an exotic outline and charming features. Ladies drooled on just seeing him and there was always a small contest on who would gain his attention first. It was like watching a play; the moment Van entered, girls started fixing their hair and checking that make-up was on place. Then one by one they would approach him and when dancing, nuzzle as close as possible and make sure what they wanted by tickling his neck and shooting captivating smiles at him.
So, he was never to make the first move. He did not need to; it was his looks that worked like a magnet. But even though girls continuously hunted him, it seemed that not one of them suited him. To Van they were nothing but maidens seeking for an adventure with something exciting. He was a mere object to them, and so in return, he neither had feelings ever involved. To him, a one-night stand was just trying something new.
Van never justified his actions to anybody. He owed no explanations. Mark had long ago lost hope in trying to talk with him; every time he got closer, Van always found a way to wriggle out of the situation.
But now it seemed like Van had caught an eye on a certain lady. Few days earlier Mark had returned from his a trip and when catching up with Van on the parking-area, a sandy-haired girl had passed them. Mark had noted how Van´s gaze had lingered on the girl's back for long, but when questioning about it, all he had received was a shrug. Silently Mark watched as his friend's gaze travelled over the crowd.
Van surveyed the place. There was a certain pair of emerald eyes that he was keen on finding. The girl hung out with Millerna Aston, so he was definite that she would be here. Finally he spotted her sitting alone at the bar, and a small but noticeable smile tugged on his lips. With a short nod to his friend, Van started making his way through the crowd. Mark shook his head and left to the other direction.
Van remembered the first time the girl had hit his eye. She was pretty, but it was not the reason why he was curious about her. She had passed him on the parking area, and not even flipped her hair. She had showed no sign of any kind of attraction towards him; more like backed away than pushed up to him. She was interesting and he had wanted to learn more about her.
Then when he then had approached her and made some warming up, she had almost seemed like scared. Like he would ravish her right there in the corridor. Van did not wonder; if the girl spent her time with someone like Millerna Aston, half of the things she knew about him were bullshit.
Van continued his way through the dancefloor and smirked. He did not care what the girl thought; he would find a way to crush her prejudices of him. He had already laid his eyes on her, and wanted her, for being hard to acquire. She was a challenge he needed to conquer.
Suddenly a pair of arms wrapped around his slim waist. Van sighed as he smelled the familiar perfume and turned around to find a girl with pink hair and sweet smile on her lips. Firmly he unwrapped her hands and said coldly:
"I think I told you Merle. Leave me alone."
The girl before him pouted and lifted a hand to caress his forearm. Then she spoke with the most syrupy voice: "Aww Van. Why are you being like that?" Then, looking him from under her brows she added with a hint of something: "I thought we had a really nice time together."
Van turned to leave. The least he needed now was a heated she-cat who seemed to have rutting season all around the year. He heard Merle whine something after him, but decided to avoid it and turned his attention back to the fascinating creature that sat at the bar.
Hitomi was bored. Though she would have loved to dance, her mind was determined not to get up from the stool. She turned to the bar. After Millerna had gone with Allen, she had been left alone. She played with the edge of her glass and sighed. It had been a mistake to come here and she thought it was time to leave. She would just go and find Millerna to tell that she did not feel so good. Then she would go home.
Her thoughts were interrupted when out of nowhere somebody appeared beside her. Turning her gaze to him, Hitomi choked when recognising the person leaning casually to the desk. He examined her penetratingly and suddenly Hitomi felt like her clothes had just been shed right in front of him. Again that same mischievous glint shimmered in his deep brown eyes and a smile played on his lips. She felt troubled in his company and wanted to leave on that very minute. When she made no reaction, he smirked:
"Are we just gonna sit here?"
Hitomi blinked. It took a while for her to understand what he was asking. She opened her mouth but no words came. Smiling, he held his hand out for her: "C´mon."
Hitomi stared at his extended hand for a while. Then she frowned and stated determinably: "Look, I don´t know what you want from me, but I´d ask you to forget it and leave me alone." She gasped when he leaned close to her face and whispered in her ear: "All I want is to dance with you." With a small smile he added: "Or is it that you don´t know how to?"
Hitomi scowled. What did the guy think he was!? She did not understand what other girls saw in this man. True, he was good looking, with those chocolate eyes and well built chest muscles, but he was more arrogant than any other boy she had ever met. In addition, only few days earlier he had scared her and now he was insulting her! Hitomi lifted her chin stately and said: "If I were you, I´d be more aware of what I said. You´ll just make a fool out of yourself if we go to the same dancefloor."
Van smirked. He had known that the girl would fall into his trick and things were going really smooth now.
"Well then, let´s go so that you can make a fool out of me."
Hitomi bit her lip as he watched her expecting. She had vowed not to step on that floor, but she could not back up now. He smiled as she stood up and started to make her way in the middle of the crowd.
Hitomi started it slow. She would show that fatheaded boy what she knew. Taking a hold of the beat she moved her hip from side to side, making it swing with the rhythm.
You can do it put your back into it
I can do it put your ass into it
You can do it put your back into it
I can do it put your ass into it
Put your back into it
Put your ass into it
As the pulsation fastened, she made a series of hard step figures, causing people to move away to watch. Spinning around she stamped her foot, the slit in her skirt revealing her whole thigh. Van lifted a brow. The girl was good. As she slowed down to get his reply, he made his own moves causing people to cheer.
Tic-tic-boom
Hear me banging down these back streets
Bumpin' Blackstreet, fiending like an athlete
Life ain't a track meet (no) It's a marathon
Fuck the cemetery that a nigga get buried on
We be clubbing till the day we die
Nigga ask the bartender if you think we lie
But if you think we high, nigga think again
Cause when it's sink or swim
You got to think to win
And if I drink this here
Everybody will know it
Cause I ain't going for it
So pray to the Lord that I don't pull out
Cuss out and bust out
Go to nigga raveling
Make the clip traveling, uh
You can try to smoke an ounce to this
While I pronounce this shit Baby bounce them tits
Mama move them hips
Baby shake them cheeks I got dick for days
You got ass for weeks, yeah, yeah
The two continued their dance battle. Hitomi was overall relieved when the music finally changed to slow and people left their watching places. She grinned triumphal at Van and turned around to leave, but startled when a pair of hands settled on her hips and stopped her.
She turned around and saw Van watch down at her with a strange face. The music went on and the lights dimmed as he pulled her close and wrapped his arms loosely around her waist.
I don´t, don´t care if it´s not right
To have your arms around me
I want to feel what it´s like
Take all of you inside me
Hitomi was taken by surprise and was not sure what to do. Slowly she lifted her shaky hands around his strong shoulders and felt him bury his face in her hair. She was tense as they moved along with the music.
In your eyes, forbidden love
In your smile, forbidden love
In your kiss, forbidden love
If I had one wish, love would feel like this
Van felt funny. Something in this girl made him feel strange. She was like nobody else he had met. The smell of her hair, the way she fit so perfectly in his arms...
I know that you´re no good for me
That´s why I feel I must confess
What´s wrong is why it feels so right
I want to feel your sweet caress
Hitomi felt her heart pound savagely against her chest. She tried hard to keep in mind what Millerna had said about this guy, but something in the way he held her made her feel at ease. Slowly she let her eyelids shut down and her body relax in his arms.
If I only had one wish
Love would always feel like this
Wishing all the stars above
Forbidden love
If I only had one dream
This would be more than it seems
Forbidden love
Van felt her ease off and sighed happily. It had been time since he had felt so pleasant when with a girl. This time...maybe this time...
Heaven forgive me
Never forbid me-
Love should always feel like this
The song ended and was immediately offset by another beatful piece. Hitomi backed up from Van, only to bump into Millerna. The blond scowled and shortly stated:
"Hitomi, we´re leaving."
Hitomi glanced at Van and opened her mouth to protest, but did not have time to say anything, when she was already being dragged to the hall to fetch their jackets. Once outside Millerna exploded.
"I leave you for a minute, and at once you disappear! Seriously Hitomi, I was worried!"
Hitomi frowned. She had been alone at the bar for over half an hour, and now Millerna was accusing HER for leaving. The girl certainly had an attitude-problem. As Millerna continued her jabber, Hitomi´s thoughts moved to Van. He was so confusing! First arrogant, but when they danced he seemed so... affectionate.
The two arrived in front of Hitomi´s home. Millerna had stopped her bluster and set up a strike on talking. Hitomi sighed and after thanking Millerna for the night, walked to the door.
Inside, she quietly hummed to herself as removing her jacket. Though half of the evening had been spent on just sitting, she was extremely happy about dancing. Perhaps it would not be so bad if she went to Steps again...After all she had had fun and...
Her thoughts were broke off when somebody moved on the sofa. Hitomi nearly let out a scream, but ceased it when recognizing the person.
"Morning," her father coughed.
Peace returned to Hitomi´s mind when she recalled her father's words:
"I´ll be back next Friday"
But what followed was a long preach on how she was not allowed to leave without letting him know first. Hitomi felt like boiling, NOW her father was ready to be concerned of her, NOW he could lecture her! Tears in her eyes, Hitomi ran to her room and threw herself to the bed. She hit the pillow with her fist and cried for long.
"Why did you leave me mom!"
After calming down, she left to wash herself. As the hot water ran down her back and spine, she thought of everything that had happened today. A familiar pair of chocolate-eyes appeared before her in her mind, and a small shade of pink crept on her cheeks.
´Get a hold of yourself Hitomi! Remember what happened with Sean and then think about Van again!´
Hitomi reproached herself for having thoughts of a man. A year ago she had sworn never to get involved with any man ever again. She would not be hurt again!
"What should I do?"
* *
I don´t own Ice Cube´s "You Can Do It" nor Madonna´s "Forbidden Love"
A/N: Thanks for all the nice reviews, here´s the waited club-chapter, bit longer than the other chapters, hope you´ll enjoy. Happy readings!
Chapter 4: Steps
Hitomi stood before an enormous house and again looked at the small piece of paper she had received from Millerna earlier. This had to be the place she thought and slowly walked to the door.
Hesitantly she ringed the bell and within seconds a chubby old woman with a servants uniform opened the door. She smiled revealing a row of white teeth and then spoke in a friendly manner: "You must be Hitomi, Millerna told that you would be arriving. Do come inside."
She opened the door fully and Hitomi stepped on the marble floor. The woman took her coat and Hitomi looked around herself in great awe. She stood in a huge hall with a high roof and white walls. The woman then led her to the living room and told Hitomi to wait.
When left alone, Hitomi examined her surroundings. The living room was like the hall; enormous and white, with expensive looking furniture and many green plants. On the corner was a television with a largest screen she had ever seen. She did not see any stereos, but the six speakers placed high on the surface between the wall and the ceiling played soft music making the open space slightly echo. Through the glass wall facing to the garden she saw a swimming pool and a large grassfield.
On one of the living room walls was a door, which Hitomi suspected leading to a dining room or a library. Between the hall and the living room she had marked the curved staircase that led to the upper floor. Kitchen had been on the right side of the entrance.
She heard rushing footsteps and mild talk. Soon Millerna appeared to the living room and smiled to Hitomi: "Lily just informed me that you´re here, sorry that I kept you waiting."
Hitomi gaped at the blonds clothing. Her blue strapless dress just covered her butt, and was so tight it looked like squeezing the person wearing it. Hitomi herself would have to be paid to wear such a piece of cloth. Millerna smiled when seeing Hitomi stare at her and spun around a few times.
"Like it?"
Hitomi cleared her throat. "It´s a bit...short." Millerna laughed and replied: "It´s the normal clothing we wear here. Now let me see you." She helped Hitomi up from the white sofa and circled her. After thinking for a while, she announced her opinion: "It´ll do."
Hitomi frowned. She had spent a lot of time choosing her clothes, finally ending up with a black haltertop and a red skirt that had a slit. She already felt like sending the message: come and rape me, but Millerna´s note gestured that her clothing was too simple for Friday-night.
Millerna did not seem to notice her annoyance, but proceeded to the hall. Hitomi quietly followed and soon the two were outside walking in the cool evening breeze. Millerna started her perpetual gossip, and Hitomi was again lost in her thoughts. Realities stroke her again when Millerna nudged her.
"Huh?"
The blond looked at her hopelessly: "Seriously Hitomi, I doubt that you heard even half of what I just told you." Hitomi shifted her gaze to the ground and murmured an apology. Millerna placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled reassuringly: "I just said that we´re here."
Hitomi shot her head up and looked at the direction Millerna was pointing to. On the other side of the road was a huge building with "Steps" flashing on the roof. The sidewalk was crowded with people lining inside and beating music could be heard pushing its way through the walls. A small tingle of fear flashed in the back of Hitomi´s mind, as Millerna took her hand firmly and led her closer.
Confidently Millerna made their way to the door, calmly passing the others that were queuing inside. Hitomi hesitated and spoke quietly: "Millerna, don´t you think that we should... I mean, everybody else is waiting for their turn so..." Millerna turned to her, amused smile on her lips.
"We don´t need to wait, my father owns the place."
Hitomi startled and dropped her head. She then continued quietly following Millerna.
* *
Music filled the open area. The lights flashed, colours changing from bright red to soft yellow and then back to green. Dancing people filled the floor and a steady beat could be felt in the chest once stepping inside.
Hitomi looked at the crowded place from the end of the staircase. She felt Millerna take a tight grip on her forearm and motion to follow. They proceeded down the stairs and into the ocean of fast moving bodies.
Millerna headed to the bar on the other side of the dancefloor, dragging Hitomi along. Once reaching it, she took a seat on the high stool before the desk and waved for Hitomi to do so too. Snapping her fingers the bartender came to her.
"Gin Tonic with ice," then turning to Hitomi: "You?"
Hitomi startled, did she actually have to order a drink? But seeing Millerna´s amused face she turned to the bartender and said firmly: "Make it two."
The man on the other side of the bar nodded. Hitomi turned to Millerna but they did not have time to start a conversation when Yukari and Amano appeared beside them.
"Hey! Having fun?"
Hitomi smiled to the redhead. For a moment she hoped that she did not have to spend her whole evening with her present companion, but her thoughts were crushed when the couple was again on their way. Suddenly Millerna squeezed her hand. Hitomi turned and looked at her with concern: "Millerna?"
"It´s him!"
Hitomi turned to see to whom her friend was referring to, but the other protested by squeezing her hand tighter: "Don´t look."
Somebody appeared behind them. Hitomi had the urge to see who it was, but it seemed like Millerna had her own act to play. Slowly the blond turned in her stool and Hitomi found it safe for her to follow suit. She came across with a tall youth, with facial features most beautiful she had ever seen. He had long golden hair that reached half of his back and sky-blue eyes.
"I heard about your little adventure with that college-girl."
Hitomi turned to the speaker and found Millerna playing with her fingernails, like it did not really matter to her. The person in front of them smiled smugly and then leaned closer to the blond. Hitomi barely caught his words: "Let´s not go into personalities, we both know that I´m not the only one fucking outside of this relationship. Besides...You came here because you wanna dance with me."
The rest of the whisper was lost into the music. Hitomi tried to ignore the two, but Millerna´s occasional giggles could not be left heard. Finally the two rose from a rather awkward position and Millerna turned to Hitomi: "Hitomi, this is Allen. Allen: Hitomi." The two exchanged nods and then Millerna was dragged to the dancefloor.
Hitomi was left alone, but did not mind one bit of it. She was content just watching the crowd from her place, occasionally sipping from her drink that tasted rather horrible.
* *
"Think she´s here tonight?"
Van turned to face his friend who´s normally light brown hair now steadily changed its colour due the spotlights. The couple had stepped into the music-filled hall only minutes ago and already it started to feel warm.
The darker of the two 17 year olds shifted his gaze back to the dancefloor and a smile crept to his lips: "She is."
They proceeded down the steps and Mark secretly scrutinised his friend. For the two years he had been acquainted with Van, Mark had grown to know his friend very well. He had hoped that tonight would not be the same as every other...
He knew the talk about his friend, but nobody knew the right side of the life he lived. People always made up absurd stories about folks that came from somewhere else, but it had been long since Van had last paid attention to the gossips on him.
The fact that Van did have foreign blood in his veins served him to have an exotic outline and charming features. Ladies drooled on just seeing him and there was always a small contest on who would gain his attention first. It was like watching a play; the moment Van entered, girls started fixing their hair and checking that make-up was on place. Then one by one they would approach him and when dancing, nuzzle as close as possible and make sure what they wanted by tickling his neck and shooting captivating smiles at him.
So, he was never to make the first move. He did not need to; it was his looks that worked like a magnet. But even though girls continuously hunted him, it seemed that not one of them suited him. To Van they were nothing but maidens seeking for an adventure with something exciting. He was a mere object to them, and so in return, he neither had feelings ever involved. To him, a one-night stand was just trying something new.
Van never justified his actions to anybody. He owed no explanations. Mark had long ago lost hope in trying to talk with him; every time he got closer, Van always found a way to wriggle out of the situation.
But now it seemed like Van had caught an eye on a certain lady. Few days earlier Mark had returned from his a trip and when catching up with Van on the parking-area, a sandy-haired girl had passed them. Mark had noted how Van´s gaze had lingered on the girl's back for long, but when questioning about it, all he had received was a shrug. Silently Mark watched as his friend's gaze travelled over the crowd.
Van surveyed the place. There was a certain pair of emerald eyes that he was keen on finding. The girl hung out with Millerna Aston, so he was definite that she would be here. Finally he spotted her sitting alone at the bar, and a small but noticeable smile tugged on his lips. With a short nod to his friend, Van started making his way through the crowd. Mark shook his head and left to the other direction.
Van remembered the first time the girl had hit his eye. She was pretty, but it was not the reason why he was curious about her. She had passed him on the parking area, and not even flipped her hair. She had showed no sign of any kind of attraction towards him; more like backed away than pushed up to him. She was interesting and he had wanted to learn more about her.
Then when he then had approached her and made some warming up, she had almost seemed like scared. Like he would ravish her right there in the corridor. Van did not wonder; if the girl spent her time with someone like Millerna Aston, half of the things she knew about him were bullshit.
Van continued his way through the dancefloor and smirked. He did not care what the girl thought; he would find a way to crush her prejudices of him. He had already laid his eyes on her, and wanted her, for being hard to acquire. She was a challenge he needed to conquer.
Suddenly a pair of arms wrapped around his slim waist. Van sighed as he smelled the familiar perfume and turned around to find a girl with pink hair and sweet smile on her lips. Firmly he unwrapped her hands and said coldly:
"I think I told you Merle. Leave me alone."
The girl before him pouted and lifted a hand to caress his forearm. Then she spoke with the most syrupy voice: "Aww Van. Why are you being like that?" Then, looking him from under her brows she added with a hint of something: "I thought we had a really nice time together."
Van turned to leave. The least he needed now was a heated she-cat who seemed to have rutting season all around the year. He heard Merle whine something after him, but decided to avoid it and turned his attention back to the fascinating creature that sat at the bar.
Hitomi was bored. Though she would have loved to dance, her mind was determined not to get up from the stool. She turned to the bar. After Millerna had gone with Allen, she had been left alone. She played with the edge of her glass and sighed. It had been a mistake to come here and she thought it was time to leave. She would just go and find Millerna to tell that she did not feel so good. Then she would go home.
Her thoughts were interrupted when out of nowhere somebody appeared beside her. Turning her gaze to him, Hitomi choked when recognising the person leaning casually to the desk. He examined her penetratingly and suddenly Hitomi felt like her clothes had just been shed right in front of him. Again that same mischievous glint shimmered in his deep brown eyes and a smile played on his lips. She felt troubled in his company and wanted to leave on that very minute. When she made no reaction, he smirked:
"Are we just gonna sit here?"
Hitomi blinked. It took a while for her to understand what he was asking. She opened her mouth but no words came. Smiling, he held his hand out for her: "C´mon."
Hitomi stared at his extended hand for a while. Then she frowned and stated determinably: "Look, I don´t know what you want from me, but I´d ask you to forget it and leave me alone." She gasped when he leaned close to her face and whispered in her ear: "All I want is to dance with you." With a small smile he added: "Or is it that you don´t know how to?"
Hitomi scowled. What did the guy think he was!? She did not understand what other girls saw in this man. True, he was good looking, with those chocolate eyes and well built chest muscles, but he was more arrogant than any other boy she had ever met. In addition, only few days earlier he had scared her and now he was insulting her! Hitomi lifted her chin stately and said: "If I were you, I´d be more aware of what I said. You´ll just make a fool out of yourself if we go to the same dancefloor."
Van smirked. He had known that the girl would fall into his trick and things were going really smooth now.
"Well then, let´s go so that you can make a fool out of me."
Hitomi bit her lip as he watched her expecting. She had vowed not to step on that floor, but she could not back up now. He smiled as she stood up and started to make her way in the middle of the crowd.
Hitomi started it slow. She would show that fatheaded boy what she knew. Taking a hold of the beat she moved her hip from side to side, making it swing with the rhythm.
You can do it put your back into it
I can do it put your ass into it
You can do it put your back into it
I can do it put your ass into it
Put your back into it
Put your ass into it
As the pulsation fastened, she made a series of hard step figures, causing people to move away to watch. Spinning around she stamped her foot, the slit in her skirt revealing her whole thigh. Van lifted a brow. The girl was good. As she slowed down to get his reply, he made his own moves causing people to cheer.
Tic-tic-boom
Hear me banging down these back streets
Bumpin' Blackstreet, fiending like an athlete
Life ain't a track meet (no) It's a marathon
Fuck the cemetery that a nigga get buried on
We be clubbing till the day we die
Nigga ask the bartender if you think we lie
But if you think we high, nigga think again
Cause when it's sink or swim
You got to think to win
And if I drink this here
Everybody will know it
Cause I ain't going for it
So pray to the Lord that I don't pull out
Cuss out and bust out
Go to nigga raveling
Make the clip traveling, uh
You can try to smoke an ounce to this
While I pronounce this shit Baby bounce them tits
Mama move them hips
Baby shake them cheeks I got dick for days
You got ass for weeks, yeah, yeah
The two continued their dance battle. Hitomi was overall relieved when the music finally changed to slow and people left their watching places. She grinned triumphal at Van and turned around to leave, but startled when a pair of hands settled on her hips and stopped her.
She turned around and saw Van watch down at her with a strange face. The music went on and the lights dimmed as he pulled her close and wrapped his arms loosely around her waist.
I don´t, don´t care if it´s not right
To have your arms around me
I want to feel what it´s like
Take all of you inside me
Hitomi was taken by surprise and was not sure what to do. Slowly she lifted her shaky hands around his strong shoulders and felt him bury his face in her hair. She was tense as they moved along with the music.
In your eyes, forbidden love
In your smile, forbidden love
In your kiss, forbidden love
If I had one wish, love would feel like this
Van felt funny. Something in this girl made him feel strange. She was like nobody else he had met. The smell of her hair, the way she fit so perfectly in his arms...
I know that you´re no good for me
That´s why I feel I must confess
What´s wrong is why it feels so right
I want to feel your sweet caress
Hitomi felt her heart pound savagely against her chest. She tried hard to keep in mind what Millerna had said about this guy, but something in the way he held her made her feel at ease. Slowly she let her eyelids shut down and her body relax in his arms.
If I only had one wish
Love would always feel like this
Wishing all the stars above
Forbidden love
If I only had one dream
This would be more than it seems
Forbidden love
Van felt her ease off and sighed happily. It had been time since he had felt so pleasant when with a girl. This time...maybe this time...
Heaven forgive me
Never forbid me-
Love should always feel like this
The song ended and was immediately offset by another beatful piece. Hitomi backed up from Van, only to bump into Millerna. The blond scowled and shortly stated:
"Hitomi, we´re leaving."
Hitomi glanced at Van and opened her mouth to protest, but did not have time to say anything, when she was already being dragged to the hall to fetch their jackets. Once outside Millerna exploded.
"I leave you for a minute, and at once you disappear! Seriously Hitomi, I was worried!"
Hitomi frowned. She had been alone at the bar for over half an hour, and now Millerna was accusing HER for leaving. The girl certainly had an attitude-problem. As Millerna continued her jabber, Hitomi´s thoughts moved to Van. He was so confusing! First arrogant, but when they danced he seemed so... affectionate.
The two arrived in front of Hitomi´s home. Millerna had stopped her bluster and set up a strike on talking. Hitomi sighed and after thanking Millerna for the night, walked to the door.
Inside, she quietly hummed to herself as removing her jacket. Though half of the evening had been spent on just sitting, she was extremely happy about dancing. Perhaps it would not be so bad if she went to Steps again...After all she had had fun and...
Her thoughts were broke off when somebody moved on the sofa. Hitomi nearly let out a scream, but ceased it when recognizing the person.
"Morning," her father coughed.
Peace returned to Hitomi´s mind when she recalled her father's words:
"I´ll be back next Friday"
But what followed was a long preach on how she was not allowed to leave without letting him know first. Hitomi felt like boiling, NOW her father was ready to be concerned of her, NOW he could lecture her! Tears in her eyes, Hitomi ran to her room and threw herself to the bed. She hit the pillow with her fist and cried for long.
"Why did you leave me mom!"
After calming down, she left to wash herself. As the hot water ran down her back and spine, she thought of everything that had happened today. A familiar pair of chocolate-eyes appeared before her in her mind, and a small shade of pink crept on her cheeks.
´Get a hold of yourself Hitomi! Remember what happened with Sean and then think about Van again!´
Hitomi reproached herself for having thoughts of a man. A year ago she had sworn never to get involved with any man ever again. She would not be hurt again!
"What should I do?"
* *