Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne or the ship Titanic
A/N: Thanx for the reviews! I appreciate it! Umm ya This is my first story so ya! Review! I'm looking forward to writing more
On with the story….. ……..
Chapter 3: Dreams in America
April 11, 1912
When Van woke the next morning around 8:30 the first thing he thought of was the night before. She was truly a wonder. When he had seen her lying on the wooden floor he couldn't see any of her face due to the thick shawl wrapped around her head.
When he had held out his hand to her and she stood up he found himself gazing at two bright emerald eyes. He couldn't believe it! Could anyone actually have eyes of that color? They were hypnotic. They were eyes of the purest green and were placed on the most beautiful, delicate face he had ever seen. She had creamy colored skin, high cheekbones and pink pouty lips.
She had taken off her shawl for a few moments to re-tie it around her head. It had been obviously loose. In the moments that she had had it off he noticed her hair. At first glance in the dark it had looked to be of a deep brown, almost auburn. But when they came under an electrical deck lamp her hair transformed into a light brown that was almost honey-colored. It appeared to be very short but then he saw the tight, low bun above the back of her neck. He could tell she had braided it and used some hair pins to keep it so tight. She was truly a goddess. He thought she would have looked stunning with short hair. It wasn't exactly the style these days but he couldn't have pictured her with long hair.
Once she had started walking off with her brother comforting her he had told her his name. He didn't know why, but he wanted her to know his name. He felt like he had to see her again. From their meeting he could tell she was independent and that she thought people of his class were snobs. The funny thing was that she was right! They only care about money and looking good and rich.
But he felt like he had to get to know her. There was something about her that attracted him to her. I probably won't see her again anyways.
A few minutes later he met with Dryden and they had breakfast together at the Verandah café that was located on the Promenade deck. When they entered the café Van noticed that it was decorated to resemble classic, large English country houses that he had been in for the last year. There were enormous with copper alloy frames. These graceful arched windows gave an uninterrupted view of the passing ocean. Detailed trelliswork predominated on the wall treatment. Much of it, Van guessed was probably of silk rather than plants to make it look more luxurious and formal. To complete the decorative restaurant were wicker chairs that made the illusion of the conservatory gone to sea.
Van and Dryden were seated and they discussed many social matters and their trip so far.
Van and Dryden had met a little more than a year ago. He had met Millerna through Dryden. They immediately became friends and after spending a few weeks with the two of them Van suspected that they loved each other but after those few weeks Van heard word that Millerna's good friend, Allen, was visiting. He also learned from Dryden that it was Millerna's parents' intentions to marry Allen.
After had spending some time with Dryden and Millerna, Van and Merle had left. About 9 months later Van heard word that Millerna and Allen were going to be married in America. Van wondered how Dryden had dealt with their engagement at first. Probably horribly, Van thought.
After Dryden finished talking about his childhood Van said, "Dryden, you told me a few months ago how you felt about Millerna. Seriously, you love her and you're just going to let her get away?"
"That's not it, Van. You don't get it, there's nothing I can do. Her parents would never approve of me."
"Who says the parents have to approve? You two should run away together. You should tell her how you feel on this trip before it's too late. You have to tell her!" Van said with compassion.
"I-", Dryden was interrupted when a familiar voice reached the table.
"Could we join you two? This place is absolutely crowded!" Millerna said with an exasperated sigh. Behind Millerna stood Allen and Merle.
"Of course, there are many empty seats", Dryden said.
"Thank you", Millerna responded.
Once Millerna, Merle and Allen ordered breakfast Dryden asked, "Where is Anna? You would think she would be with you three wouldn't you?"
Van laughed, "Oh, I'm not surprised. She would have arrived with you three if she could have but unfortunately she is the type who doesn't wake up till noon"
They all continued their light conversation but Van wasn't so involved in it that he didn't catch the glimpses Dryden and Millerna sent each other. Fortunately Allen didn't notice.
000000000000000000
Hitomi also had the same sleeping habits as Anna. She woke up at about five after twelve. Above her she saw an annoyed and amused Yukari shaking her.
"Yukari, what are you doing? Meh, I need more sleep…" she trailed off and shifted her position on the bed.
"Hitomi! It's after noon! You have to get up! Come on!" Yukari yelled.
Yukari began to shake Hitomi repeatedly until Hitomi gave in and said, "Okay! Okay! Jeez! I'll get up!"
Yukari grinned and hopped off Hitomi's bunk. When she was on the ground she said, "Hurry up and get changed. I want to have lunch before we arrive in Queenstown. It's gonna be even more crowded with more people coming aboard.!"
Hitomi complained a bit more and when she was done changing, her and Yukari met with Elizabeth, John, Mamoru and Amano at the front of the dining saloon. Hitomi wondered why Celena wasn't with Elizabeth but she didn't bother to ask. Celena's probably with other people she knew.
When they were done eating their lunch, Hitomi and Mamoru decided to go for a walk on deck while the others stayed inside.
After a few minutes of silence Mamoru asked, "So, how's your trip so far? Enjoying the ship?" Mamoru always said things in a cheery tone. Like now.
"Yeah, this is such an amazing ship. I can't believe we're on it! Our rooms are fantastic!" Hitomi said enthusiastically.
"I know. Even the food is great! I'm also looking forward to America"
"Yes, they say America fulfills your dreams. I mean you're going to Connecticut and I'm going to New York." Hitomi gave a weak smile.
Mamoru frowned. He said, "Hitomi, don't pretend to smile when you don't mean it. Just because we'll be in different states doesn't mean we won't see each other. I will visit you many times!" He suddenly smiled. He gave her a warm hug.
Hitomi responded, "I know. It's just that I'm going to miss you so much!" She smiled and tightened her arms around her brother.
"Hitomi, you know you won't be alone. You'll have Yukari and Amano with you."
"I know, but what about you?", she asked. They let go and started to walk again.
"Oh, don't worry about that. I'm going to meet lots of people when I get there."
"I imagine you will! You're like a magnet for people, especially the ladies", she chuckled. "My charming older brother! What would I do without you?"
"Hmm I don't know. The oldest is always the wisest and has the most charm." He stopped but then continued by changing the subject, "You know I'll always be there for you, don't you Hitomi?"
"Of course I do! You always have been…", she answered.
"I've got an idea. Do you want to have some fun but at the same time practice your talent?", Mamoru asked with a gleam in his eyes.
Hitomi knew exactly what he was talking about. She dreaded it but at the same time she loved it. She nodded and they started to walk again. .
000000000000000000
As the ship was leaving Queenstown Van decided to return to his room and relax after talking with many people on the ship. He even had the chance to speak with some of the crew who told him many interesting things about the construction of the ship.
When Van got to his room he went into his bedroom to think. His thoughts managed to bring himself to the memory of last night. He couldn't seem to get her out of his head. I have to see her again, he thought. He realized maybe once he saw her again he would stop thinking about her and she would stop occupying his mind. But do I want her out of mind? he asked himself. Right now, he didn't care though. Either way he decided he was going to try and find her.
He assumed she was in 3rd class from when she said that she had barely any money and from her clothes. He decided to change into more casual clothes so that he wouldn't stand out from the crowd. He chose to wear some clothes that he had bought from a small store when he was in Paris. He wore a navy blue button-up shirt with a simple collar, beige colored pants with simple black boots.
He quickly retreated to a pair of stairs in the corridor. If certain people saw him they would assume he was trying to rob a suite. From all the experience with talking with these 1st class people Van knew exactly what their reaction would be if they didn't know him. From his clothes, they would assume he was poor and wasn't supposed to be there. When he got to a pair of stairs, he continued down until he thought he was on C Deck.
When he went through the door he saw many people along the corridor wearing similar clothes to himself.
He saw a steward and walked up to him. Van asked him where he could find the general room. The steward looked at him strangely for a few seconds but answered quickly. "You make two rights that way", he pointed forwards, "and then one left. You'll find two open doors and you'll be there."
Van thanked him and followed his directions. He realized that he had no idea where Hitomi's room was and he prayed she wasn't in it right now because then he would never find her from the fact that the stewards didn't give away personal information unless it was an emergency. He hoped she was in the general room so he wouldn't have to search the whole ship. If she wasn't in the general room she was most likely in the dining saloon or up on the boat deck where the lifeboats were.
When he made the left that the steward told him to make he started to hear music and a lovely singing voice that went along with it. When he reached two wide open doors the music was much louder and he could distinctly hear a piano and a saxophone. He could also hear the singing voice much clearer. The voice was clear and high-pitched but at the same time low and jazzy. The sound was so alluring.
When he entered the room he looked at the stage and saw three people performing the lovely music. When he looked in their direction he was shocked. There was one man who looked to be in his thirties with brown hair and a cut-off moustache playing the piano then his eyes traveled to the other man playing the saxophone who had curly red hair. He wasn't shocked when he saw them though, it was the singer. The one with the beautiful singing voice was Hitomi! He couldn't believe it. He gazed at her with his jaw dropped. She was amazing. She looked like she belonged on the stage. Like she's at home. She had the most beautiful voice Van had ever heard. She walked along the stage in slow steps that went with the beat of the song.
Once Van took his eyes off her he took his time looking at the audience. The men were looking at her longingly and Van couldn't help but get angry and jealous. He kept calm though and began watching and listening to Hitomi again.
000000000000000000
When Hitomi ended her song (Note: I didn't bother to say lyrics because I suck at coming up with them and I don't want to copy a song because I don't know any that were popular at that time and I'm too lazy to search for any. I already searched enough information on the Titanic) relief spread through her. It was over. She had been incredibly nervous at the thought of messing up. Stupid Mamoru, making me do this. But then again, Hitomi was thankful that he came up with the idea so she would get used to being on stage.
The crowd instantly applauded and clapped for what seemed to Hitomi like an hour. When they stopped clapping (which was actually like 1-2 minutes) Hitomi thanked them. Lyle, the saxophone player bowed as Jack, the piano player did as well. They were amazing, Hitomi thought. When Mamoru had asked around if there was anyone who played the piano or the saxophone, the two of them had raised their hands. She hadn't expected them to know the notes of the song but for sheer luck, they had. They said they both had played it in the past and memorized it because the noted were simple. Hitomi hadn't expected them to be so good. They had, in fact got all the right noted and played each note in perfect tune.
She hugged both of them and went off the small platform that represented the stage. Mamoru, Yukari and Amano greeted her and said that she was great. She thanked them and they started to head to the doorway but Hitomi stopped when she saw a familiar face. It couldn't be him, she thought. Why would he be here? He's not supposed to be here! Van was his name, she remembered. She ignored him and continued walking with her friends. Van was near the doorway and Hitomi realized she would have to walk right by him to get out of the room. She pretended like he wasn't there. When Van noticed she was purposely ignoring him he grinned devilishly and stared at her with a gleam in his eyes. When Hitomi caught his eyes for a split second she got angry and turned her head the other way as she walked out the door with long strides. She went into the corridor and waited for the others to come.
When they arrived beside her Mamoru said, "Whoa, what's the deal? You're usually the one who walks slowly and why were you walking so fast?"
Mamoru obviously didn't recognize Van so she said, "Oh no reason, it's just really hot in there and I want to get fresh air." Hitomi knew that was a lame excuse but they believed her and after saying a few more words they headed toward the stairs. Hitomi realized how cold it was when she went above before so she told the others she was going to get her heavy coat and brown shawl and that she would meet them up on the boat deck near the bow. Yukari wasn't wearing thick warm clothes as well so she said she would go with Hitomi. The two young men agreed and the two girls went towards the stairs that took them below while the other two took the stairs that went above.
When Hitomi and Yukari got into the room and put on their warm coats and shawls they shut their door. When Hitomi finished locking it she looked down and put the key in her pocket. She didn't look up until she bumped into a broad chest and was gazing at those familiar maroon eyes.
"What are you doing here?" Hitomi asked dryly.
He grinned and then said in an innocent voice, "I was making sure you were alright. Aren't I allowed to see if someone I saved is alright?"
"No! You didn't even save me all you did was scare them off. It's not like no one else would have come along", Hitomi said in an annoyed tone.
"Well when I was walking I didn't see anyone else out there"
"All the same, it's not like you fought them or anything. They simply ran off. They would have run if an old lady came along"
"Are you sure about that? Because sometimes my deep voice can scare people", he said with another grin.
Hitomi held back her anger and responded by saying, "It doesn't matter. What do you want?"
Yukari cut in and said, "Hitomi, who is this lovely young man? Something about saving you? Saving you from what?"
"Nothing! Now let's go-" Hitomi was cut off when Van interrupted her.
"I'm Van. Van Fanel. It is a pleasure to meet you. May I ask your name, lovely lady?"
Yukari giggled and said, "Yes. My name is Yukari Uchida"
"That is a lovely name. And to answer your other question Hitomi was attacked by a few men last night. Fortunately I happened to be walking by and when they heard me coming they ran off", Van said staring at Hitomi.
"Oh my god Hitomi! Why didn't you tell me?", Yukari turned toward Van. "Well, I think Hitomi should thank you. You're her rescuer! Aren't you going to thank him, Hitomi?"
"No thanks is necessary, I was just saving a young woman in need. But, I can't seem to find any of my friends and I was thinking of taking a walk around the ship. Would you two ladies like to join me?", Van asked with an innocent face.
Yukari smiled and said, "Of course we would! But I must catch up with my friends. I can't keep them waiting! But you two go on ahead! I'll see you later Hitomi!"
Once that was said, Yukari sped off down the corridor leaving a fuming Hitomi.
"Well, shall we go?" Van asked politely. " I do think you could repay me by at least walking around the ship with me. That's all I ask."
Hitomi was gathering her thoughts. What harm can it do? It's only one walk and he might leave me alone after this. If I choose not to go he'll probably keep bothering me through the whole trip.
"Are you there?", Van asked. He was bending down with his face only a few inches from hers.
Hitomi blushed at his closeness and replied hotly, "Of course I'm here! Al right I'll go for a walk with you, but that's all!"
"I wouldn't expect anything more". Van stood up straight and held out his arm. That's when Hitomi realized how much taller he really was and how she could see his lean body through the thin material of his more "cheaper" clothing. Aww that's sweet he doesn't want to stand out and make us look like rats compared to his beautiful clothing But he doesn't look half bad in those clothes. His body looks so perfect. What? Where did that thought come from? Hitomi blushed and quickly looked away. She took his arm and they walked toward the elevator.
000000000000000000
Millerna was standing in front of her wardrobe mirror when she heard the door slam. She called out, "Who's there?"
"It's me". She recognized that voice.
"Hello Dryden. How was your day so far?". He entered her room with a scowl on his face.
"I think you know. How long do you think I can go on like this? I had a talk with a friend this morning and I realized what we had and what we can still have. I love you Millerna." He took two steps forward and she took a step backward.
"Dryden… we can't…It would never work-", she was quickly cut off by Dryden.
"What? Because your parents say it wouldn't! They don't know anything about love. Look at them. They're always bickering", he took a few more steps forward that equaled Millerna's steps backward until she collided with the wall. "Millerna, I love you dammit! I care for you a lot more than that Allen Schezar. He only wants you so he'll have a good reputation. Millerna, I know you care for me as much as I care for you."
Millerna looked into his eyes and saw that they held pure honesty. "You don't understand", she said, "My parents would never accept you and me together. I have to go with Allen-", she was cut off once again by Dryden.
"Then run away with me. You and I could-" he paused when he saw Millerna's face. "Okay, I know that might take a while to get used to so I'll give you time to think about it but don't think that I'll forget about what I said. But in the mean time…I want to show you what you would be giving up if you went with Allen" he bent down and kissed her with full force.
Millerna pulled her head back and said, "Dryden, what-".
"Relax, just enjoy. Don't think just feel."
He immediately clamped his mouth down onto hers giving her no time to think.
Dryden, I really do love you. She responded and gave into the kiss.
Enjoy.
00000000000000000
Van and Hitomi were walking in an uncomfortable silence along the open boat deck. Hitomi decided that she's had enough. "Listen Van-"
"So you remember my name"
"Yes but that's not the point!-"
"Then what is the point?"
"That I should be going. It was nice… walking with you."
She started to turn but he spoke, " We haven't even had a decent conversation yet. You could at least have a nice chat with me. I did after all save your life"
Hitomi was about to yell at him from the fact that he did not save her life but she decided to give in and have this one stupid talk with him so he would leave her alone. She turned to face him.
"Thank you for your precious time". Hitomi chose to ignore that remark. "So, how are you liking the ship so far?" Hitomi's face changed dramatically. One could see her excitement when he asked that question.
"I love it! It's a beautiful ship. Have you ever seen such a luxurious ship?", Van noticed that she was trying to hold her excitement.
"No, I can't say that I have."
"And have you seen this deck? It's extraordinary! Look at the decorations and the-" she stopped when she realized that she was babbling.
"Go on", Van said.
"No that's alright. I'm sure you wouldn't want to hear about what I think-"
"You're wrong. I do care and I'm glad to see someone so enthusiastic about this ship. Everyone else seems to simply say 'it's quite nice' or 'how lovely'. They act like they've been on plenty of ships before just so that people think they're wealthy."
She was surprised to hear him say that when he was living in the same quarters as some of the people he was talking about. "I'm surprised you say that when you are just as wealthy as some of them."
"Yeah well don't think I'm like them because I'm not. Do you always judge a book by it's cover?"
"What? Of course not!"
"I should hope so because I think you took me for a snobbish, rich boy going on a trip to America. The only reason I'm going there is because my parents want my sister and I to come home. Our parents came up with the idea to go to Europe and we took the chance to get away from them. We were on our own and we wanted to know about the world not because we wanted to show people up with our parents' money." he paused. "It doesn't matter though because now you know the truth about me. You still haven't told me why you're going to America. Care to tell me about it?"
Hitomi thought about telling him about what she thought about him but his abrupt change in subject made her think about her answer to his question. "My brother, Mamoru and I are going to America so we can have a decent life. He wants to farm and I… want to sing. We haven't had the best life in Europe and I-We… think we can have a better life in America."
"Where are you residing?", he asked, curious.
"Probably with Yukari and her fiancé…"
"You mean you don't know where you and your brother will be living?", he asked with disbelief.
"Well Mamoru has this place in the country but… I haven't exactly chosen a place"
"Well it's good to see you've gotten yourself sorted out", he said with a strong hint of sarcasm.
"Hey! I'll find a place! I'll be in New York"
"How specific"
"I don't need you commenting on how I'm going to be living! Besides you haven't even told me where you're going to be living", she said with a huff.
"Well, it so happens that my parents have a house a few hours from New York. The only reason I'm coming back is because I spent a lot of money on those tickets and my parents would hire several detectives and police forces to hunt us down if we refused to come back to America". He sighed. " I guess that's what happens when you have parents who are commanding and would go through heaven and hell to get what they want and to keep their precious reputation."
Hitomi started to believe that she misunderstood Van when she assumed he was a snob. She never realized how lucky she was to know she had freedom. She didn't have to worry about overbearing parents or getting married. Van was just like her. All he wants is freedom and to do what he wants. Hitomi was cut out of her thoughts when Van spoke again.
"My dad wants me to take over his company and my mom wants me to marry. They both have such expectations of me. I can't stand it."
Hitomi felt some sympathy for Van. She said, " I guess I understand what you mean. Unlike you, the only thing I worry about is money and being able to afford a meal. I would rather live a life poor and happy than rich and dreading life"
Van smiled. "That's exactly how I feel." There's something we actually agree on, Van thought.
Hitomi smiled back and then frowned. She said, " It's getting late. I better go. It was nice talking with you Mr. Fanel"
"Yes, it was pleasure". Suddenly, there was a crowd of sea gulls above them. Van looked up and when they disappeared Van looked to where Hitomi was standing and saw that she was gone. Oh well, it was worth it, Van thought. Van had never met anyone like her. He had made friends with all sorts of people in Europe but none were like her. She didn't care what people thought of her and there was an innocence about her that Van couldn't help but notice. I will find you again, Hitomi.
0000000000000000000000
Yukari and Hitomi were heading towards their dining saloon for dinner when they met with Elizabeth and John along the way. When they saw Celena sitting with Mamoru and Amano, they joined them at their table.
Hitomi was talking with her roommates when she felt a strange feeling that she was being watched. The feeling was confirmed when a wicked, familiar voice spoke. "Well, Celena these must be your roommates you've been telling me about"
Hitomi looked up to see blood-red eyes looking at her with an intense gaze. Blood-red eyes…those eyes. It's the man from yesterday! The one who tried to rape me! Hitomi started to get scared but Celena spoke. "Hello Dilandau. Come sit down. It'd be great if you joined us!" Once Dilandau sat down, which happened to be right across from Hitomi, Celena spoke again. "This is Elizabeth and John"
"Pleased to meet you", he said.
Elizabeth and John mumbled some hellos.
Celena then introduced Yukari and they both greeted each other nicely.
"And this is Hitomi", Celena said indicating to Hitomi.
" Nice to meet you. You have a beautiful name…"
"Uhh...thanks. It's nice to meet you too" she managed to say. His eerie stare was causing her to be more fearful by the minute. I should tell everyone who he is, Hitomi thought. But he'll just deny it. He seems to have charmed everyone. And who knows what he'll do if I try to tell. Hitomi looked up at him and he gave a challenging look that clearly said ' Go ahead tell them. I dare you. I'll just kill you if you do'.
Hitomi tried to ignore his frightful face and the way he looked at her like he wanted to eat her but she couldn't handle it anymore. She stood up. "I'm sorry everyone. I'm not feeling that well. I'm going to go take a walk if that's alright."
Yukari gave her a questioning look and said, "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?"
Please come, Hitomi thought. But Hitomi knew she had to sort this out on her own and she knew Yukari's voice would distract her. She realized she needed some time alone.
"That's alright. I just need some fresh air."
"Okay, but come back soon"
"Don't worry. I will."
Hitomi walked through the doors without a second glance.
000000000000000000
Dilandau was smiling at Hitomi's retreating form. He could smell the fear off of her. You won't get away that easily. When five minutes had passed he stood up and excused himself from everyone. He didn't want to seem suspicious leaving right after Hitomi. Since he waited, people wouldn't get the idea he was following her.
Dilandau was excited. He wanted to show her that she couldn't run. When he first saw her he was ecstatic. Never had he seen such fear in someone's eyes. It was beautiful. She was his. No one could make her cower in fear like he could and he was going to act on that fear.
Here I come Hitomi…
00000000000000000
Hitomi was in deep thought walking along the boat deck. How could Celena be related to that monster? He's so cruel and she's so kind. They may look alike but that's the only similarities they have. The question is, how am I going to avoid him? Will he avoid me like I am? Oh please tell me he'll leave me alone. He's just some guy who was fooling around. Not. He's a creepy obsessive freak who thinks he can get me afraid.
At that thought Hitomi felt an emotion that was distinctively anger. What right does he have to make me afraid and think that he can control me? I'll show him. Hitomi turned around and was heading toward the door that lead inside when she bumped into something hard. She looked up and saw the very familiar red eyes that made her feel fear.
There was something about his eyes. They're evil. He was looking at her with a glint in his eyes and she couldn't help but stare.
"Dilandau? What are you doing here?"
"I came to see you, my sweet Hitomi"
"That's great, but you know it's kind of cold out so I'm going to go-"
His arm lashed out and he grabbed her arm.
"I'm not letting you go this time, Hitomi. You should know better than that" he whispered in her ear.
She involuntarily shivered but didn't have time to answer as he dragged her to the far end of the ship where no one was in sight. She could feel her fear growing at the thought of what he was going to do to her. She tried to pull away from him but he held an iron-like grip on her. She was about to scream but he noticed this and covered her mouth just as sound was going to come out of it.
He pinned her against the wall where they weren't in sight and placed her hands above her head with one hand and used the other to cover her mouth.
"Know this, Hitomi. You can't escape me. I will take my hand off your mouth but if you scream I will slit your throat", he pulled out a knife from his coat. "And that would be such a shame since it's such a beautiful neck." He lowered his head and began to lick her neck.. She felt revolted and tried to push him away.
"Get away from me! I never did anything to you!"
He looked at her and she was about to say something else but he kissed her hungrily and she felt even more disgusted. She tried to turn away but he held her head firmly. He lifted his mouth off of her when he heard some slow footsteps and quiet voices.
"Never forget Hitomi. I will make you mine and you will never leave me. Never", he whispered into her ear. Hitomi shivered again but before she could push away he was already gone. The footsteps became louder and an old couple appeared and they were snuggling.
Hitomi sighed in relief and leaned against the wall. She sank down against the wall. A tear came down her cheek and she never felt more frightened. This man was the devil, and he would never leave her alone. If I'm always with company he'll leave me alone. There's nothing he can do if I'm with Yukari or Mamoru. He can't touch me. At that, Hitomi felt a surge of hope and relaxed a bit.
A voice interrupted her thoughts. "Hitomi? Are you alright?"
Hitomi looked up and saw Van standing there in elegant clothes that were similar to the ones she saw him wear the first time she met him. He crouched down. "You look so pale"
She said, "I'm fine. I'm just thinking that's all. It's very cold out"
"Are you sure?" He looked like he was in doubt.
"Yep. Thanks for asking" she forced a smile.
"Well alright… How was your dinner?", he asked.
"Great. I love the people on the ship. They're all so kind. The food is great too"
"It is isn't it? Listen, I want you to have dinner with me tomorrow night."
Hitomi was shocked. "What? Are you crazy?"
Van looked hurt and Hitomi immediately regretted her words. "Look Van, it's not you. It's just that…well… I wouldn't exactly fit in with your people. I'd stick out like a sore thumb. Besides… your people wouldn't exactly look at me with liking. Plus, I happen to know that 1st class people treat dinner very formally and let's just say my formalwear isn't the same as yours. Your people have these beautiful gowns with loads of jewelry and elegant silks. I have wool"
Van smiled and said, "Oh don't worry about that. My sister is about the same size as you and I'm sure she'll be able to find something that will suit you. Besides, aren't you even the least bit curious about our eating habits?" he teased.
"Thank you, Van, but no. I'd feel too out of place and nervous. Those people are like leeches". Van chuckled at that comment.
"Please Hitomi. It's only one night! I know you'll have fun. Merle is great and you'll love her! You'll also like Millerna and Dryden. Allen and Anna aren't the greatest but they're not as bad as some of the people I've met. Please..." he begged.
Hitomi thought about it. If I go with him then I won't have to face Dilandau tomorrow night. Anything's better than him.
With a sigh Hitomi said, "Alright but if any of them make any snooty comments about my circumstances I'm out of there"
"You don't have to worry about that. I'll say you're a rich daughter from England who is betrothed to some American. There's no way they'll figure it out. People aren't exactly bright these days."
Hitomi nodded. They headed inside and Van gave a formal bow.
"Till then, Miss Kanzaki". He walked off and Hitomi smiled.
Maybe this trip won't be so bad after all.
00000000000000000