Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne or it's characters.
A/N : Thanks again for all the reviews, I always love reading them. Hope you enjoy this chapy. (The review replies are at the bottom.)
In Disguise
Chapter 5
Van tenderly trailed his thumb down Hitomi's cheek.
Hitomi felt like she would melt every moment, it was so hot.
She slowly closed her eyes.
She wanted to feel Van's soft lips, she wanted to taste him.
She only wanted to kiss him.
But suddenly the warmth of Van vanished and she felt the mattress move.
She slowly opened her emerald eyes and looked into Van's face, that wasn't in front of her anymore, but almost at the bed's end.
She looked a little confused up at Van who was smiling nervously at her.
"Err, you had a lash on your cheek and I-I stroked it away."
Hitomi was startled . "O-Oh. I-I should be going now, I think. Err, good night Van." She jumped up and hurriedly ran out of the room.
* * *
"I'm such an idiot! How can I be so silly?" Hitomi punched her pillow.
"Thinking he would kiss me! Pah, me, of all girls. He surely doesn't care for me in any way." Tears welled up in her eyes.
"Ahrg!" She punched her pillow again. "But why do I even care? I couldn't care less if he flirts or kisses other women! Yes, I don't care! He is just a friend and this incident was of no importance." She giggled. "Why should I want a kiss from Van?"
Her giggles died down and her expression became sad. The thought of Van being together with other women was stuck in her heart and it made it heavy with sorrow.
Hitomi lay down on her soft bed and snuggled deeper into the developing warmth. She slowly drifted to sleep with the thought of Van's soft lips on hers and his strong arms holding her protectively.
****
Van lay down on his bed and let out a long sigh. He felt the heat slowly fading in his body.
He had really been about to kiss her!
He hadn't been able to retain his feelings that arose when he looked into her eyes, when he felt her soft skin. He had still her flower like fragrance in mind and her slightly parted full lips.
He almost felt her soft lips on his, but he hesitated.
What if she didn't want him to kiss her? What if he had kissed her and she would have slapped him and would never speak with him again?
He couldn't bear that.
Besides he felt so puzzled, she had stirred a new feeling in him. And he didn't know what to do.
Sighing Van closed his eyes and waited for sleep to come.
****
Hitomi walked down the dusty path to the small village. Her mother Yuki told her to buy some nice pieces of cloth, she wanted to make a pretty dress for Hitomi to wear on balls, although Hitomi didn't know why she needed them.
She had thought a lot about yesterday's events and she came to the conclusion that she really liked Van, but nothing more.
She had a strange feeling again. Hitomi sighed, she needed to sort out her feelings. Maybe she felt more than friendship for Van, didn't she?
It was all so confusing!
She needed to talk to a friend, perhaps he could help her and give her some advice. Until then she would act normally, like nothing had happened.
'Nothing has happened, Hitomi! Nothing has changed, everything is normal!' she reminded herself.
Deeply absorbed in thoughts she didn't realize that she had already reached her destination. She walked over to a small house, it was enveloped in ivy, only the door and the windows were still free and of course the small wooden panel, where in neat letters was written : Fujiko's little retail shop.
Hitomi had to smile, she could still remember the day they attached the panel. She thought the panel was too plain and boring, so she took the paint when nobody was watching and drew a little picture. She wanted to draw Fujiko, but she failed miserably, everyone thought she had drawn a pig in a blue dress.
She had known Fujiko for years, who was like a grandmother for her. Hitomi never got to know her grandparents, who died a few years before Hitomi's birth.
Her father and his parents had a big fight, because they didn't want him to marry Yuki. However Charriu's and Yuki's love had been so strong that they married against the will of his parents. His parents were shocked and furious and since then they hadn't talked or seen each other. They didn't even come to the celebration of Hitomi's birth.
Fujiko had been the owner of this small retail shop since Hitomi could think, she had come here when her mother was still a child and had bought this old house.
She also was her mother's midwife.
But Hitomi remembered that she had things to do and entered the house.
"Hello Hitomi, how are you?" She was greeted in a friendly way by the small, old woman behind the counter. Her hair was a light grey pulled up in a bun.
"Hello Fujiko. I'm fine, thanks. What about you?"
"You know dear, the old little pains, nothing serious." She took Hitomi's basket and began to fill it with all various things like special herbs and beautiful pieces of cloth. She always knew what the Kanzakis needed.
"So Hitomi, will you go to the feast."
"What feast?"
Fujiko turned around to look at Hitomi. "You have been daydreaming again, haven't you? Today is the traditional summer feast, have you forgotten? The whole village is occupied with preparations, but you only walk by without noticing! Typical!"
"The summer feast?" Hitomi began to think, a sudden revelation dawned on her. She smacked her head. "I totally forgot that, of course I'll go! It will be nice to see everyone again."
"That's good! And Hitomi," a big smile was forming on her lips," what about love? Did you meet some nice gentleman in Asturia?"
Hitomi rolled her eyes. "No Fujiko, I haven't found anyone in Asturia."
"Then, what about this nice young boy from your farm. Was it . Van?"
Hitomi blushed. "N-No, we are just friends and I really have to go now. Thank you Fujiko for all these things. Bye."
Hitomi stormed out of the store, she didn't want to discuss this matter any further.
Why did Fujiko have to mention Van, now her mind was set on him again .
She was about to curse Fujiko when she heard a voice calling out for her.
"Hitomi, wait ." She turned around and regretted it instantly. Simea, the daughter of the tavern owner came running up to her.
Hitomi growled inwardly, why did this have to happen now? Why couldn't she just go home in peace, without being disturbed by some annoying red- haired.
Simea worked at her father's tavern as a serving maid. All her dresses showed so much cleavage that she could go out as well au naturel. Moreover, she went after every man in the village who looked decently good.
Simea was an arrogant, rude person with .
Hitomi was disturbed in her thoughts.
"Hitomi! It's sooo great to see you again! How was your stay in Asturia?" Simea asked sweetly.
She was friendly, that meant she wanted something. Normally she wouldn't even look at her.
Hitomi sighed, she wasn't in the mood to act in a friendly way.
"Wonderful! So what do you want?" Hitomi said slightly annoyed.
Dumbfounded Simea looked at Hitomi, normally Hitomi would be friendly now. She shrugged, maybe that was better, now she didn't have to act as if she actually liked Hitomi.
"You know Hitomi, you really look terrible today. Didn't you get enough sleep?" Simea smiled in a pretence of innocence.
Hitomi tightened her grip on her basked, but suppressed a mean answerer, she wasn't in the mood for a fight, either.
"Was that all you wanted to tell me? Then can I go now?" She turned around to go, but a hand held on to her wrist.
"No, wait! I want to know if Van will come too to the feast, I think he has an eye on me. Besides I think he is really hot, and I want to look good today for him."
Hitomi's eyes went wide, but slowly her mouth twitched upwards, until she began to laugh out loud.
Van an eye on this pig? She - looking good?
It was too funny! Hitomi walked away back home without looking back, but she could imagine the look on Simea's face.
That was the funniest thing she had heard this day!
****
The sun was about to set, it looked like the horizon was on fire, painting the land orange.
Van was on his way to Hitomi's room. The other farmhands told him to go and get her out of her room. They had wanted to be at the feast half an hour before, but Hitomi didn't come.
Van softly knocked at the door. "Hitomi are you ready? Can I come in?"
"Who is it?" Hitomi replied in a very unfriendly tone.
Van took a step back. "Err, it's me, Van. But if you aren't ready now I can come back later."
"No, come in."
Van slowly opened the door.
Everywhere clothes were spread, on the bed, on the table and on the floor. You couldn't take a step without stumbling over a dress or skirt.
He heard some rumbling and a big thud from behind the door to Hitomi's bathroom.
"Darn" Some more rumbling and another thud. "Ahrg, Ouch. Why does this have to stand there?" He heard Hitomi swearing .
"Err, is everything O.K., Hitomi?"
"Yeah, everything alright! Wait a moment, I'm almost ready."
After ten minutes or so Hitomi came out, Van gaped at her. Although the dress she wore was quite plain, not puffy or covered with diamonds or rubies, of course not, it looked absolutely beautiful.
Hitomi's dress reached just a little above her knees. It was light green and showed off her well shaped body. A bit of her cleavage could be seen, but not too much. Around her neck she wore a tear-shaped, red stone on a golden chain.
Her hair was loose, it fell lightly down her shoulders and sandy blond bangs framed her delicate face. Hitomi's lips shimmered a little in the setting sun. She had no make-up on, she didn't need it, because she was naturally beautiful.
Hitomi blushed under Van's gaze and bowed her head .
"Err, I think we should go now. I have made you wait long enough, don't you think?"
Van regained his composure again. "Oh, yes, . sure!" Both went out to the others.
"Finally you are there!"
"You know, we have been waiting for almost an hour for you Hitomi!"
"What took you so long? Usually you don't need so much time to get ready!"
Hitomi had her gaze on Van, but abruptly turned away and blushed again.
"Don't know why I couldn't decide what to wear. Let's go, we are late anyway!" With that she stamped away, in the direction of the village.
The farmhands just stood there. "Now she is acting as if it's our fault, that we are so late."
They tried to catch up with her. "Hey Hitomi, wait!"
****
The air was filled with music and laughers. On the marketplace was a big space where the people were dancing. Next to it was a stage for the musicians, who played their happy melodies. Everything was embellished with flowers of almost every colour, some children even had wreaths. Some torches had been put there, with a big fire a little outside the place.
At the corners were some booths where food and drinks were served.
Everyone was so happy and had so much fun, Van was fascinated. He never had been on a feast like this, although he always wanted to go. When he was younger his advisors always told him that is was not suitable for a young king to be around the 'commoners' and when he was older, he had no time to go. He had to sign papers and treaties till late night or meet messengers from other countries. So he always sat at his desk, which was covered with papers, and looked at the bright point, so far away, in the city. He imagined to be there too, with his people, enjoying himself.
"Van, Van? Can you hear me?" Hitomi was waving her hand in front of his face.
"Uhg, sorry, I think I spaced out."
Hitomi sighed. "It doesn't matter, now come, I want to dance." She grabbed his hand and pulled him to the dance floor.
The musicians had just started a folk dance.
"Wait Hitomi!" Van stopped her. "I can't dance to this song."
Hitomi turned around. "Van, this is a common Asturian folk dance, it's danced on every feast. Even outside the borders of Asturia, now come." She began to pull him again, but Van held against her.
"Hitomi, I can't dance it, I never saw it before." Hitomi turned around again, her eyes big in wonderment. He could dance a waltz, or other posh dances, but not common folk dances!
"You really can't dance this?" Hitomi asked in disbelief "But you are a real farmhand? Everyone I know, can dance this, except the royals, of course."
Van got pale, although Hitomi couldn't see. "O-of course I-I'm a farmhand." He began to laugh nervously. "Or do you think I'm a royal?"
Hitomi began to laugh. "No, I don't think you are a nobleman." She got serious again. "You don't want to dance with me, do you?" She looked up at Van with hurt eyes.
"No, no! I really want to dance with you, but- but I can't." He ran a hand through his unruly hair. "Hitomi, please .
But he didn't finish his sentence, he was disturbed by Hitomi's laughter. Van looked at Hitomi dumbfounded.
"I was just joking" She held her stomach, from all the laughing. "Come, I'll teach you how to dance a folk dance." She took his hand and led him away from the busy market place.
They went around some houses and came to a meadow, Van still could hear the music playing.
"All right Van. Come here."
Van did as he was told, he looked at Hitomi curiously.
"Okay." Hitomi took Van's hand and put it around her waist, the other one in her own hand. "First we will practise the easy steps. We'll make it a little slower so you can learn it."
Hitomi slowly began to perform some steps. Van looked at her feet and tried to follow them. Suddenly Hitomi spun out of their embrace and began to make some quick steps and spins alone, until she locked with Van again. "Now I'll show you the men's steps for the dance."
At first Van was very clumsy and often stumbled, but after half an hour of practising he became more versatile and they danced at the normal speed.
Exhausted, not from all the dancing, but more from laughing, they sat down on the grass. "You are a fast learner."
"I had a good teacher." Van replied with a heart-melting loop side grin, which made Hitomi blush.
"Thank you. But I mean for someone who has never danced before, it's amazing that you learned so fast."
"Who said that I have never danced before? I had countless dancing lessons."
Hitomi was puzzled. "Dancing lessons? What did you learn there, if you don't know how to dance an easy folk dance?"
"I had to learn some posh dances."
Hitomi was even more surprised. "I have never seen a farmhand, who was able to dance these dances. Moreover, I have never seen a villager who got dancing lessons. It's saved for the royals, isn't it?"
'Damn, why couldn't I just shut up?' Van was in despair, he couldn't tell her the truth, what would she say? For sure she would be mad at him, more than mad, she wouldn't speak to him again!
He wanted to tell her, but not now, later. He just needed to find the right moment.
"Van? What's ."
"Hitomi, Van?" Bark came running up to them. "Here you are! I was looking for you all around the feast. I wanted to tell you that., but wait a moment, what are you two doing here all alone, with no other people around?" A mischievous smile played on his features.
Both of them blushed furiously. "I taught Van how to dance. What is it what you wanted to tell us?" Hitomi tried to change the subject.
Bark looked as if he didn't believe one word, but left the matter. "I searched for you, because the fireworks will start any minute."
"I think we would have seen it here, too. Don't you think Bark?" Hitomi retorted.
"Yeah, you two can stay here if you want to, I'm sure it is very romantic. Watching the fireworks together, under the starry sky, all alone." Bark chuckled.
Hitomi jumped up, her face as red as a tomato. "Stop it Bark!" She walked in the direction of the village. She would have liked to watch the fireworks with Van on the meadow, but she was positive that he didn't want to.
How wrong she was!
Love Witch: No kiss ;_; I wanted to make them kiss, but I couldn't, Van was too frightened *smacks Van on the head* ^_^ Hope you liked this chapter.
DragonTamer9741: WOW!!! That was a great review, thank you very much!!!!! And it really motivated me to write more, so keep up reviewing!! ^__^
SabineballZ: *runs away from Dilly and tries to hide* Don't want to end as author-steak!! I don't taste very good! ^__^ Hope you liked this chap and thanks for reviewing.
No name: Thank you, I really feel honoured!!! *looks shyly on the floor* would you leave a review this time too, please? ^_^
Freelancer47: You reviewed again! *smiles* you reviewed all chapters till now! THANK YOU! Hope you enjoyed this chapter, I don't really like this one. Till next time!
Rowan Silverfox: This time no cliffhanger. ;_; But next time *grins evilly* Hope you still keep reading!
Jess131346: Thank you! And more Fluff will come soon, very soon. *raises Fluff banner too* Fluff! Loves fluff!! ^__^
Melanie: Thanks for reviewing! *looks around* Shhh, don't tell anyone! ^__^ Please review again!
Suki: Thank you for the review, I'll keep writing!
Inuyashachic515: *blushes* Thank you! I think my face is as red as a tomato! ^__^ Please keep reviewing.
Cherryblossombabe: *grins* Love Allen bashing too!! MUHHHAAHA. *whistles* Won't tell why Allen was there! You have to read if you want to know *laughs evilly* ^__^
Lani-Anela: Yes, Van is sweet *sighs*. He gave Hitomi a feather although it hurts. *whines* I want a Van too!. ^__^ hope you keep reviewing, and there will be some Allen bashing!
Charizard: *blushes* Thank you for the review!
A/N: So, this is the fifth chapter, hope you liked it. At first it should be much longer, but I decided to finish here or I wouldn't have posted it in weeks. I'm really sorry for not posting for this looooong time, if you want to know why, please read my bio. I don't know when I'll post the next chap, but if I get reviews, I'll hurry. ^__^
A/N : Thanks again for all the reviews, I always love reading them. Hope you enjoy this chapy. (The review replies are at the bottom.)
In Disguise
Chapter 5
Van tenderly trailed his thumb down Hitomi's cheek.
Hitomi felt like she would melt every moment, it was so hot.
She slowly closed her eyes.
She wanted to feel Van's soft lips, she wanted to taste him.
She only wanted to kiss him.
But suddenly the warmth of Van vanished and she felt the mattress move.
She slowly opened her emerald eyes and looked into Van's face, that wasn't in front of her anymore, but almost at the bed's end.
She looked a little confused up at Van who was smiling nervously at her.
"Err, you had a lash on your cheek and I-I stroked it away."
Hitomi was startled . "O-Oh. I-I should be going now, I think. Err, good night Van." She jumped up and hurriedly ran out of the room.
* * *
"I'm such an idiot! How can I be so silly?" Hitomi punched her pillow.
"Thinking he would kiss me! Pah, me, of all girls. He surely doesn't care for me in any way." Tears welled up in her eyes.
"Ahrg!" She punched her pillow again. "But why do I even care? I couldn't care less if he flirts or kisses other women! Yes, I don't care! He is just a friend and this incident was of no importance." She giggled. "Why should I want a kiss from Van?"
Her giggles died down and her expression became sad. The thought of Van being together with other women was stuck in her heart and it made it heavy with sorrow.
Hitomi lay down on her soft bed and snuggled deeper into the developing warmth. She slowly drifted to sleep with the thought of Van's soft lips on hers and his strong arms holding her protectively.
****
Van lay down on his bed and let out a long sigh. He felt the heat slowly fading in his body.
He had really been about to kiss her!
He hadn't been able to retain his feelings that arose when he looked into her eyes, when he felt her soft skin. He had still her flower like fragrance in mind and her slightly parted full lips.
He almost felt her soft lips on his, but he hesitated.
What if she didn't want him to kiss her? What if he had kissed her and she would have slapped him and would never speak with him again?
He couldn't bear that.
Besides he felt so puzzled, she had stirred a new feeling in him. And he didn't know what to do.
Sighing Van closed his eyes and waited for sleep to come.
****
Hitomi walked down the dusty path to the small village. Her mother Yuki told her to buy some nice pieces of cloth, she wanted to make a pretty dress for Hitomi to wear on balls, although Hitomi didn't know why she needed them.
She had thought a lot about yesterday's events and she came to the conclusion that she really liked Van, but nothing more.
She had a strange feeling again. Hitomi sighed, she needed to sort out her feelings. Maybe she felt more than friendship for Van, didn't she?
It was all so confusing!
She needed to talk to a friend, perhaps he could help her and give her some advice. Until then she would act normally, like nothing had happened.
'Nothing has happened, Hitomi! Nothing has changed, everything is normal!' she reminded herself.
Deeply absorbed in thoughts she didn't realize that she had already reached her destination. She walked over to a small house, it was enveloped in ivy, only the door and the windows were still free and of course the small wooden panel, where in neat letters was written : Fujiko's little retail shop.
Hitomi had to smile, she could still remember the day they attached the panel. She thought the panel was too plain and boring, so she took the paint when nobody was watching and drew a little picture. She wanted to draw Fujiko, but she failed miserably, everyone thought she had drawn a pig in a blue dress.
She had known Fujiko for years, who was like a grandmother for her. Hitomi never got to know her grandparents, who died a few years before Hitomi's birth.
Her father and his parents had a big fight, because they didn't want him to marry Yuki. However Charriu's and Yuki's love had been so strong that they married against the will of his parents. His parents were shocked and furious and since then they hadn't talked or seen each other. They didn't even come to the celebration of Hitomi's birth.
Fujiko had been the owner of this small retail shop since Hitomi could think, she had come here when her mother was still a child and had bought this old house.
She also was her mother's midwife.
But Hitomi remembered that she had things to do and entered the house.
"Hello Hitomi, how are you?" She was greeted in a friendly way by the small, old woman behind the counter. Her hair was a light grey pulled up in a bun.
"Hello Fujiko. I'm fine, thanks. What about you?"
"You know dear, the old little pains, nothing serious." She took Hitomi's basket and began to fill it with all various things like special herbs and beautiful pieces of cloth. She always knew what the Kanzakis needed.
"So Hitomi, will you go to the feast."
"What feast?"
Fujiko turned around to look at Hitomi. "You have been daydreaming again, haven't you? Today is the traditional summer feast, have you forgotten? The whole village is occupied with preparations, but you only walk by without noticing! Typical!"
"The summer feast?" Hitomi began to think, a sudden revelation dawned on her. She smacked her head. "I totally forgot that, of course I'll go! It will be nice to see everyone again."
"That's good! And Hitomi," a big smile was forming on her lips," what about love? Did you meet some nice gentleman in Asturia?"
Hitomi rolled her eyes. "No Fujiko, I haven't found anyone in Asturia."
"Then, what about this nice young boy from your farm. Was it . Van?"
Hitomi blushed. "N-No, we are just friends and I really have to go now. Thank you Fujiko for all these things. Bye."
Hitomi stormed out of the store, she didn't want to discuss this matter any further.
Why did Fujiko have to mention Van, now her mind was set on him again .
She was about to curse Fujiko when she heard a voice calling out for her.
"Hitomi, wait ." She turned around and regretted it instantly. Simea, the daughter of the tavern owner came running up to her.
Hitomi growled inwardly, why did this have to happen now? Why couldn't she just go home in peace, without being disturbed by some annoying red- haired.
Simea worked at her father's tavern as a serving maid. All her dresses showed so much cleavage that she could go out as well au naturel. Moreover, she went after every man in the village who looked decently good.
Simea was an arrogant, rude person with .
Hitomi was disturbed in her thoughts.
"Hitomi! It's sooo great to see you again! How was your stay in Asturia?" Simea asked sweetly.
She was friendly, that meant she wanted something. Normally she wouldn't even look at her.
Hitomi sighed, she wasn't in the mood to act in a friendly way.
"Wonderful! So what do you want?" Hitomi said slightly annoyed.
Dumbfounded Simea looked at Hitomi, normally Hitomi would be friendly now. She shrugged, maybe that was better, now she didn't have to act as if she actually liked Hitomi.
"You know Hitomi, you really look terrible today. Didn't you get enough sleep?" Simea smiled in a pretence of innocence.
Hitomi tightened her grip on her basked, but suppressed a mean answerer, she wasn't in the mood for a fight, either.
"Was that all you wanted to tell me? Then can I go now?" She turned around to go, but a hand held on to her wrist.
"No, wait! I want to know if Van will come too to the feast, I think he has an eye on me. Besides I think he is really hot, and I want to look good today for him."
Hitomi's eyes went wide, but slowly her mouth twitched upwards, until she began to laugh out loud.
Van an eye on this pig? She - looking good?
It was too funny! Hitomi walked away back home without looking back, but she could imagine the look on Simea's face.
That was the funniest thing she had heard this day!
****
The sun was about to set, it looked like the horizon was on fire, painting the land orange.
Van was on his way to Hitomi's room. The other farmhands told him to go and get her out of her room. They had wanted to be at the feast half an hour before, but Hitomi didn't come.
Van softly knocked at the door. "Hitomi are you ready? Can I come in?"
"Who is it?" Hitomi replied in a very unfriendly tone.
Van took a step back. "Err, it's me, Van. But if you aren't ready now I can come back later."
"No, come in."
Van slowly opened the door.
Everywhere clothes were spread, on the bed, on the table and on the floor. You couldn't take a step without stumbling over a dress or skirt.
He heard some rumbling and a big thud from behind the door to Hitomi's bathroom.
"Darn" Some more rumbling and another thud. "Ahrg, Ouch. Why does this have to stand there?" He heard Hitomi swearing .
"Err, is everything O.K., Hitomi?"
"Yeah, everything alright! Wait a moment, I'm almost ready."
After ten minutes or so Hitomi came out, Van gaped at her. Although the dress she wore was quite plain, not puffy or covered with diamonds or rubies, of course not, it looked absolutely beautiful.
Hitomi's dress reached just a little above her knees. It was light green and showed off her well shaped body. A bit of her cleavage could be seen, but not too much. Around her neck she wore a tear-shaped, red stone on a golden chain.
Her hair was loose, it fell lightly down her shoulders and sandy blond bangs framed her delicate face. Hitomi's lips shimmered a little in the setting sun. She had no make-up on, she didn't need it, because she was naturally beautiful.
Hitomi blushed under Van's gaze and bowed her head .
"Err, I think we should go now. I have made you wait long enough, don't you think?"
Van regained his composure again. "Oh, yes, . sure!" Both went out to the others.
"Finally you are there!"
"You know, we have been waiting for almost an hour for you Hitomi!"
"What took you so long? Usually you don't need so much time to get ready!"
Hitomi had her gaze on Van, but abruptly turned away and blushed again.
"Don't know why I couldn't decide what to wear. Let's go, we are late anyway!" With that she stamped away, in the direction of the village.
The farmhands just stood there. "Now she is acting as if it's our fault, that we are so late."
They tried to catch up with her. "Hey Hitomi, wait!"
****
The air was filled with music and laughers. On the marketplace was a big space where the people were dancing. Next to it was a stage for the musicians, who played their happy melodies. Everything was embellished with flowers of almost every colour, some children even had wreaths. Some torches had been put there, with a big fire a little outside the place.
At the corners were some booths where food and drinks were served.
Everyone was so happy and had so much fun, Van was fascinated. He never had been on a feast like this, although he always wanted to go. When he was younger his advisors always told him that is was not suitable for a young king to be around the 'commoners' and when he was older, he had no time to go. He had to sign papers and treaties till late night or meet messengers from other countries. So he always sat at his desk, which was covered with papers, and looked at the bright point, so far away, in the city. He imagined to be there too, with his people, enjoying himself.
"Van, Van? Can you hear me?" Hitomi was waving her hand in front of his face.
"Uhg, sorry, I think I spaced out."
Hitomi sighed. "It doesn't matter, now come, I want to dance." She grabbed his hand and pulled him to the dance floor.
The musicians had just started a folk dance.
"Wait Hitomi!" Van stopped her. "I can't dance to this song."
Hitomi turned around. "Van, this is a common Asturian folk dance, it's danced on every feast. Even outside the borders of Asturia, now come." She began to pull him again, but Van held against her.
"Hitomi, I can't dance it, I never saw it before." Hitomi turned around again, her eyes big in wonderment. He could dance a waltz, or other posh dances, but not common folk dances!
"You really can't dance this?" Hitomi asked in disbelief "But you are a real farmhand? Everyone I know, can dance this, except the royals, of course."
Van got pale, although Hitomi couldn't see. "O-of course I-I'm a farmhand." He began to laugh nervously. "Or do you think I'm a royal?"
Hitomi began to laugh. "No, I don't think you are a nobleman." She got serious again. "You don't want to dance with me, do you?" She looked up at Van with hurt eyes.
"No, no! I really want to dance with you, but- but I can't." He ran a hand through his unruly hair. "Hitomi, please .
But he didn't finish his sentence, he was disturbed by Hitomi's laughter. Van looked at Hitomi dumbfounded.
"I was just joking" She held her stomach, from all the laughing. "Come, I'll teach you how to dance a folk dance." She took his hand and led him away from the busy market place.
They went around some houses and came to a meadow, Van still could hear the music playing.
"All right Van. Come here."
Van did as he was told, he looked at Hitomi curiously.
"Okay." Hitomi took Van's hand and put it around her waist, the other one in her own hand. "First we will practise the easy steps. We'll make it a little slower so you can learn it."
Hitomi slowly began to perform some steps. Van looked at her feet and tried to follow them. Suddenly Hitomi spun out of their embrace and began to make some quick steps and spins alone, until she locked with Van again. "Now I'll show you the men's steps for the dance."
At first Van was very clumsy and often stumbled, but after half an hour of practising he became more versatile and they danced at the normal speed.
Exhausted, not from all the dancing, but more from laughing, they sat down on the grass. "You are a fast learner."
"I had a good teacher." Van replied with a heart-melting loop side grin, which made Hitomi blush.
"Thank you. But I mean for someone who has never danced before, it's amazing that you learned so fast."
"Who said that I have never danced before? I had countless dancing lessons."
Hitomi was puzzled. "Dancing lessons? What did you learn there, if you don't know how to dance an easy folk dance?"
"I had to learn some posh dances."
Hitomi was even more surprised. "I have never seen a farmhand, who was able to dance these dances. Moreover, I have never seen a villager who got dancing lessons. It's saved for the royals, isn't it?"
'Damn, why couldn't I just shut up?' Van was in despair, he couldn't tell her the truth, what would she say? For sure she would be mad at him, more than mad, she wouldn't speak to him again!
He wanted to tell her, but not now, later. He just needed to find the right moment.
"Van? What's ."
"Hitomi, Van?" Bark came running up to them. "Here you are! I was looking for you all around the feast. I wanted to tell you that., but wait a moment, what are you two doing here all alone, with no other people around?" A mischievous smile played on his features.
Both of them blushed furiously. "I taught Van how to dance. What is it what you wanted to tell us?" Hitomi tried to change the subject.
Bark looked as if he didn't believe one word, but left the matter. "I searched for you, because the fireworks will start any minute."
"I think we would have seen it here, too. Don't you think Bark?" Hitomi retorted.
"Yeah, you two can stay here if you want to, I'm sure it is very romantic. Watching the fireworks together, under the starry sky, all alone." Bark chuckled.
Hitomi jumped up, her face as red as a tomato. "Stop it Bark!" She walked in the direction of the village. She would have liked to watch the fireworks with Van on the meadow, but she was positive that he didn't want to.
How wrong she was!
Love Witch: No kiss ;_; I wanted to make them kiss, but I couldn't, Van was too frightened *smacks Van on the head* ^_^ Hope you liked this chapter.
DragonTamer9741: WOW!!! That was a great review, thank you very much!!!!! And it really motivated me to write more, so keep up reviewing!! ^__^
SabineballZ: *runs away from Dilly and tries to hide* Don't want to end as author-steak!! I don't taste very good! ^__^ Hope you liked this chap and thanks for reviewing.
No name: Thank you, I really feel honoured!!! *looks shyly on the floor* would you leave a review this time too, please? ^_^
Freelancer47: You reviewed again! *smiles* you reviewed all chapters till now! THANK YOU! Hope you enjoyed this chapter, I don't really like this one. Till next time!
Rowan Silverfox: This time no cliffhanger. ;_; But next time *grins evilly* Hope you still keep reading!
Jess131346: Thank you! And more Fluff will come soon, very soon. *raises Fluff banner too* Fluff! Loves fluff!! ^__^
Melanie: Thanks for reviewing! *looks around* Shhh, don't tell anyone! ^__^ Please review again!
Suki: Thank you for the review, I'll keep writing!
Inuyashachic515: *blushes* Thank you! I think my face is as red as a tomato! ^__^ Please keep reviewing.
Cherryblossombabe: *grins* Love Allen bashing too!! MUHHHAAHA. *whistles* Won't tell why Allen was there! You have to read if you want to know *laughs evilly* ^__^
Lani-Anela: Yes, Van is sweet *sighs*. He gave Hitomi a feather although it hurts. *whines* I want a Van too!. ^__^ hope you keep reviewing, and there will be some Allen bashing!
Charizard: *blushes* Thank you for the review!
A/N: So, this is the fifth chapter, hope you liked it. At first it should be much longer, but I decided to finish here or I wouldn't have posted it in weeks. I'm really sorry for not posting for this looooong time, if you want to know why, please read my bio. I don't know when I'll post the next chap, but if I get reviews, I'll hurry. ^__^