Disclaimer: I don´t own "Escaflowne" or "Save the Last Dance"
A/N: This is a bit shorter chapter, you'll understand in the end why ;) Hope you'll enjoy, happy readings!
Chapter 8: We Meet Again
Merle glanced around her self bored. The song that was being played reflected her mood perfectly.
...You make sick...
From her spot up on the balcony she watched down at the sea of dancing people. Flashlights gleaming, steady beat pounding... this was Steps.
Merle shifted her gaze to her company sitting in the large, green armchairs and sighed in disgust. Why in the world had she been doomed with those two twerps? She watched the twins clumsily try to move their heads along with the rhythm and take occasional puffs from their tobaccos. So pathetic...
Naria and Eria. Identical twins, though hair colour was different. Merle could not recall how long the two had been clinging on her. They were like lost puppies that just did not understand the word "shoo". But she could not complain too much though, from time to time the twins had been handy, doing stuff she did not want to dirt her hands in.
She focused her attention back to the dance floor and let out a heavy sigh. Then slowly a light was lit in her eyes. Maybe a certain raven-head could end her boredom this night... She knew Van did not have the habit of screwing chicks more than once, but surely he could make an exception with her. A sly smile crept on her facial cast as reminiscing their night together. She did not wonder why he was the most eligible bachelor in the whole town; he never grew tired.
An annoying memory filled her mind. In the morning he had been gone and every time she had approached, he had objected her. And lately she had received information that he was interested in some new girl.
Merle waved her hand, wiping the thought away like fly. The girl was no problem, it would be easy to just invent some nasty story, and then Van would not even cast an eye on the tramp again. What more concerned was Van's attitude towards Merle her self. He was so god damn reluctant! She did not want a relationship of any kind; relationships were for sweeties like Yukari Uchida! She just wanted some wild activity in her bed with him.
* *
The familiar sounds and smells took upon Hitomi´s senses as she stepped into the music-filled area. She breathed in deep and enjoyed the pounding in her chest caused by the thundering basses. It was good to be here at the club again.
She glanced around herself to find any familiar faces. Millerna had not informed anything about herself, so Hitomi thought she was coming with Allen. Yukari along with Amano was arriving later, since the two had gone to movies earlier. This left Hitomi coming alone, but she was just content with the situation. Maybe she would have time to find Van. She had some things to talk with him...
Slowly she descended the stairs down into the crowd. The memory of the bar and its horrible drinks made her steer clear of it, and so she settled in following the example of all the other people in the place.
I know this little girl, her name is Maxine
Her beauty is like a bunch of rose
If I ever tell you bout Maxine
You would a say I don't know what I know (but)
Murder she wrote (fi real fi real)
Murder she wrote
Murder she wrote
Murder she wrote
Along with the rhythm, Hitomi swung her body, moved her legs and swayed her hips. She failed to notice how many of the males in the place sent greedy looks on her and her curvy body. Though many at the club were good dancers, no one had the combination of flawless coordination, perfect sense of rhythm, and the possession of an elastic, pliant and powerful body. She was femininely muscular, but at the same time lean and slim.
Hitomi twirled and made a step-series she had learned some time ago. The pain of dancing was long ago gone and she was really enjoying herself. The memory of her father's suggestion of continuing to dance as a pastime activity was still in her mind. Deep inside she was however, still greedy of her mother, and so as a reminder to her self, she had informed her father that she was okay without her beloved hobby. If she was to dance, it was done here and nowhere else.
Suddenly she noticed someone behind her, making the same moves as she did. As she cross-stepped, so did he. As she tripped and stamped, he followed. Without stopping, she turned around and her knees nearly gave up at the sight.
He stood before her, a lopsided smile as a trademark decorating his face. Never before had he looked so irresistible as he now was dressed into a crimson red T-shirt that clearly showed off his perfectly shaped upper body. Hitomi let her gaze travel from his stomach up to his chest and then to his adorably gorgeous face. His eyes twinkled as he stared down at her shocked state.
Van had noticed her the minute she had stepped into the club. Every healthy man did. She could not be left unseen in that white tubetop and those tight low-cut pants that revealed the curves of her perfect thighs. He had followed her every move and frowned when noticing that nearly every free man in the place was watching her. Just as one of them had started to approach her, he had quickly moved close to her.
He now watched the other guy stay a bit further, but continue watching the two, as if studying what was to come out of the situation. Van sent his attention back to the girl in front of him and smiled captivatingly. Seeing her just gape at him, he stepped closer and winded an arm around her tiny waist, leaning to her ear and whispering: "We look quite silly when just standing here in the middle of the crowd. Move with me."
Hitomi snapped out of her trance and gasped a bit when feeling him pull her closer and slowly starting to motion his body.
"Van."
The rhythmical music continued and Hitomi found herself moving along and staring deep into his brown eyes. The dance was a play of seduction; neither really touched the other, but occasionally she could feel his fingertips graze her hips lightly, or he could find her arms in the air around his neck, sending a silent plea for him to hold her.
As the lights finally dimmed and the music slowed, the dance floor seemed to die out. Couples wrapped themselves in each other's arms and the same crowd that had only minutes ago swung in a fast motion now calmed down to spend a moment in pure peace.
Van felt great satisfaction when he finally got the chance to pull Hitomi into his strong and waiting arms. Last time they had been like this she had been tense and kept an airspace between them, not letting their bodies come to complete contact. Now she pressed her curves against him and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. Her head softly dropped on his shoulder and he felt her warm breath on his skin.
Sighing in contempt Van hugged her back. From the corner of his eye he could sense the same guy still watch them, and so let his hands drop from her waist to her hips, sending a clear message that she was already claimed. Hitomi tensed a bit from his reaction, but when finding out that his hands kept their posture and did not start making an exploration on her lower body she slowly eased off.
The rapture lasted short and soon the place was alive again. As much as Hitomi wanted to stay in the gentle embrace of Van's, she reluctantly pulled away and grabbed his hand.
"We need to talk."
Van obediently followed her to a more silent corner and as Hitomi sat on one of the large armchairs he stood before her and examined her somewhat nervous state. She sent a pleading look to him and quietly said: "We can' t continue like this."
Van lifted a brow at her statement. Just a minute ago she had stuck to him like a leach and now she announced that it was all over. He knelt before her to speak, but did not get the chance when she already continued: "We continue going back and forth, close and then away again. First I spend an unforgettable evening with you, and then I don' t see or hear of you for days! How can I know what you want or think when this keeps just stammering?"
For the first time Van noticed that the girl was gravely serious. She stared at him with a questionable and yet solemn expression, waiting for his reply. Van pulled up a smile and softly said: "Before answering I´d like a clearance of 'this'."
Hitomi sighed and sunk deeper to the velvet cushioned chair: "This, us. The so-called relationship or whatever you want to call it we have here. Tell me what I am to you and you want of me."
Van kept his smile and took her hand to his. Hitomi's eyes focused on his act and she carefully listened as he spoke: "You are a compassionate and kind person whom I'd like to know better."
Hitomi moved her eyes to his and expressionlessly asked was that all. Van dropped her hand and looked back. Silence fell over them until Van quietly asked: "What else am I supposed to say?"
Hitomi closed her eyes. This was not working. After her conversation with Yukari she had decided to talk to Van and whatever result it brought she would accept it. But things were not looking so good. This was not the same Van that she had spent her evening with. Maybe she had started the conversation in a wrong way and tried another angle.
"Well, if we dated, what would you gain of it?"
Van was taken back a bit. What kind of a question was that? Hitomi's eyes called for a good answer. Slowly, carefully picking his words, he said: "I would have a caring and gentle girlfriend who would fill a piece in my life. And you would have someone to take care of you."
Hitomi relaxed and then smiled. The answer seemed to please her. From pure innocence and curiosity she asked: "Why do you think I need someone to take care of me?"
Van looked at her in an amused manner and then laughed merrily. "Haven't you noticed that every man in this place has an eye you. I had already a hard time keeping those flies away from you on the dance floor, think what could have happened if I didn't come to rescue you."
Hitomi felt her cheeks turn red. Was she really that attractive? She noticed Van look at her with the same gentle expression as at the beach. Slowly he leaned forward, his nose nearly touching hers and whispered softly: "It would be a nice full-time job. Protecting you..."
Hitomi sent her gaze down. Was she meant to reply to that? She thought for while and then a smile appeared on her lips. Softly she whispered back: "But I bet you call for a high price. What do you demand in exchange?"
A mischievous smile pulled his lips to a lopsided grin. He lifted a hand on her face and traced a finger along her jawbone. His gaze was locked on her rosy coloured full lips that were apart like teasing him. Normally he would have tasted those lips ages ago, but this girl was different. He had no desire to hurt her, though he desired her in other ways very much. Lifting his eyes to hers he hoarsely whispered: "You of course."
* *
A/N: This is a bit shorter chapter, you'll understand in the end why ;) Hope you'll enjoy, happy readings!
Chapter 8: We Meet Again
Merle glanced around her self bored. The song that was being played reflected her mood perfectly.
...You make sick...
From her spot up on the balcony she watched down at the sea of dancing people. Flashlights gleaming, steady beat pounding... this was Steps.
Merle shifted her gaze to her company sitting in the large, green armchairs and sighed in disgust. Why in the world had she been doomed with those two twerps? She watched the twins clumsily try to move their heads along with the rhythm and take occasional puffs from their tobaccos. So pathetic...
Naria and Eria. Identical twins, though hair colour was different. Merle could not recall how long the two had been clinging on her. They were like lost puppies that just did not understand the word "shoo". But she could not complain too much though, from time to time the twins had been handy, doing stuff she did not want to dirt her hands in.
She focused her attention back to the dance floor and let out a heavy sigh. Then slowly a light was lit in her eyes. Maybe a certain raven-head could end her boredom this night... She knew Van did not have the habit of screwing chicks more than once, but surely he could make an exception with her. A sly smile crept on her facial cast as reminiscing their night together. She did not wonder why he was the most eligible bachelor in the whole town; he never grew tired.
An annoying memory filled her mind. In the morning he had been gone and every time she had approached, he had objected her. And lately she had received information that he was interested in some new girl.
Merle waved her hand, wiping the thought away like fly. The girl was no problem, it would be easy to just invent some nasty story, and then Van would not even cast an eye on the tramp again. What more concerned was Van's attitude towards Merle her self. He was so god damn reluctant! She did not want a relationship of any kind; relationships were for sweeties like Yukari Uchida! She just wanted some wild activity in her bed with him.
* *
The familiar sounds and smells took upon Hitomi´s senses as she stepped into the music-filled area. She breathed in deep and enjoyed the pounding in her chest caused by the thundering basses. It was good to be here at the club again.
She glanced around herself to find any familiar faces. Millerna had not informed anything about herself, so Hitomi thought she was coming with Allen. Yukari along with Amano was arriving later, since the two had gone to movies earlier. This left Hitomi coming alone, but she was just content with the situation. Maybe she would have time to find Van. She had some things to talk with him...
Slowly she descended the stairs down into the crowd. The memory of the bar and its horrible drinks made her steer clear of it, and so she settled in following the example of all the other people in the place.
I know this little girl, her name is Maxine
Her beauty is like a bunch of rose
If I ever tell you bout Maxine
You would a say I don't know what I know (but)
Murder she wrote (fi real fi real)
Murder she wrote
Murder she wrote
Murder she wrote
Along with the rhythm, Hitomi swung her body, moved her legs and swayed her hips. She failed to notice how many of the males in the place sent greedy looks on her and her curvy body. Though many at the club were good dancers, no one had the combination of flawless coordination, perfect sense of rhythm, and the possession of an elastic, pliant and powerful body. She was femininely muscular, but at the same time lean and slim.
Hitomi twirled and made a step-series she had learned some time ago. The pain of dancing was long ago gone and she was really enjoying herself. The memory of her father's suggestion of continuing to dance as a pastime activity was still in her mind. Deep inside she was however, still greedy of her mother, and so as a reminder to her self, she had informed her father that she was okay without her beloved hobby. If she was to dance, it was done here and nowhere else.
Suddenly she noticed someone behind her, making the same moves as she did. As she cross-stepped, so did he. As she tripped and stamped, he followed. Without stopping, she turned around and her knees nearly gave up at the sight.
He stood before her, a lopsided smile as a trademark decorating his face. Never before had he looked so irresistible as he now was dressed into a crimson red T-shirt that clearly showed off his perfectly shaped upper body. Hitomi let her gaze travel from his stomach up to his chest and then to his adorably gorgeous face. His eyes twinkled as he stared down at her shocked state.
Van had noticed her the minute she had stepped into the club. Every healthy man did. She could not be left unseen in that white tubetop and those tight low-cut pants that revealed the curves of her perfect thighs. He had followed her every move and frowned when noticing that nearly every free man in the place was watching her. Just as one of them had started to approach her, he had quickly moved close to her.
He now watched the other guy stay a bit further, but continue watching the two, as if studying what was to come out of the situation. Van sent his attention back to the girl in front of him and smiled captivatingly. Seeing her just gape at him, he stepped closer and winded an arm around her tiny waist, leaning to her ear and whispering: "We look quite silly when just standing here in the middle of the crowd. Move with me."
Hitomi snapped out of her trance and gasped a bit when feeling him pull her closer and slowly starting to motion his body.
"Van."
The rhythmical music continued and Hitomi found herself moving along and staring deep into his brown eyes. The dance was a play of seduction; neither really touched the other, but occasionally she could feel his fingertips graze her hips lightly, or he could find her arms in the air around his neck, sending a silent plea for him to hold her.
As the lights finally dimmed and the music slowed, the dance floor seemed to die out. Couples wrapped themselves in each other's arms and the same crowd that had only minutes ago swung in a fast motion now calmed down to spend a moment in pure peace.
Van felt great satisfaction when he finally got the chance to pull Hitomi into his strong and waiting arms. Last time they had been like this she had been tense and kept an airspace between them, not letting their bodies come to complete contact. Now she pressed her curves against him and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. Her head softly dropped on his shoulder and he felt her warm breath on his skin.
Sighing in contempt Van hugged her back. From the corner of his eye he could sense the same guy still watch them, and so let his hands drop from her waist to her hips, sending a clear message that she was already claimed. Hitomi tensed a bit from his reaction, but when finding out that his hands kept their posture and did not start making an exploration on her lower body she slowly eased off.
The rapture lasted short and soon the place was alive again. As much as Hitomi wanted to stay in the gentle embrace of Van's, she reluctantly pulled away and grabbed his hand.
"We need to talk."
Van obediently followed her to a more silent corner and as Hitomi sat on one of the large armchairs he stood before her and examined her somewhat nervous state. She sent a pleading look to him and quietly said: "We can' t continue like this."
Van lifted a brow at her statement. Just a minute ago she had stuck to him like a leach and now she announced that it was all over. He knelt before her to speak, but did not get the chance when she already continued: "We continue going back and forth, close and then away again. First I spend an unforgettable evening with you, and then I don' t see or hear of you for days! How can I know what you want or think when this keeps just stammering?"
For the first time Van noticed that the girl was gravely serious. She stared at him with a questionable and yet solemn expression, waiting for his reply. Van pulled up a smile and softly said: "Before answering I´d like a clearance of 'this'."
Hitomi sighed and sunk deeper to the velvet cushioned chair: "This, us. The so-called relationship or whatever you want to call it we have here. Tell me what I am to you and you want of me."
Van kept his smile and took her hand to his. Hitomi's eyes focused on his act and she carefully listened as he spoke: "You are a compassionate and kind person whom I'd like to know better."
Hitomi moved her eyes to his and expressionlessly asked was that all. Van dropped her hand and looked back. Silence fell over them until Van quietly asked: "What else am I supposed to say?"
Hitomi closed her eyes. This was not working. After her conversation with Yukari she had decided to talk to Van and whatever result it brought she would accept it. But things were not looking so good. This was not the same Van that she had spent her evening with. Maybe she had started the conversation in a wrong way and tried another angle.
"Well, if we dated, what would you gain of it?"
Van was taken back a bit. What kind of a question was that? Hitomi's eyes called for a good answer. Slowly, carefully picking his words, he said: "I would have a caring and gentle girlfriend who would fill a piece in my life. And you would have someone to take care of you."
Hitomi relaxed and then smiled. The answer seemed to please her. From pure innocence and curiosity she asked: "Why do you think I need someone to take care of me?"
Van looked at her in an amused manner and then laughed merrily. "Haven't you noticed that every man in this place has an eye you. I had already a hard time keeping those flies away from you on the dance floor, think what could have happened if I didn't come to rescue you."
Hitomi felt her cheeks turn red. Was she really that attractive? She noticed Van look at her with the same gentle expression as at the beach. Slowly he leaned forward, his nose nearly touching hers and whispered softly: "It would be a nice full-time job. Protecting you..."
Hitomi sent her gaze down. Was she meant to reply to that? She thought for while and then a smile appeared on her lips. Softly she whispered back: "But I bet you call for a high price. What do you demand in exchange?"
A mischievous smile pulled his lips to a lopsided grin. He lifted a hand on her face and traced a finger along her jawbone. His gaze was locked on her rosy coloured full lips that were apart like teasing him. Normally he would have tasted those lips ages ago, but this girl was different. He had no desire to hurt her, though he desired her in other ways very much. Lifting his eyes to hers he hoarsely whispered: "You of course."
* *