A/N- Thanks for the reviews! I appreciate it ! I don't really care if people read my stories I just want to write. If I left this story unfinished I'd always wonder how it would end. Those people who read it do help though!
Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne or the ship Titanic
Chapter 4: Dining in 1st class
April 12, 1912
Hitomi woke up and looked at the clock on the wall. It said 8:05 and she sighed. It was always unusual for her to wake up early and the only times she did was because she was worried about something. She took it as a bad sign and realized she was bothered about the dinner tonight. What was she going to do? Those stupid people will realize that I'm in 3rd class when they see I'm not as proper as them. They'll ridicule me and treat me with no respect. What am I thinking? I shouldn't care about what they think? I'll show them! Why did I agree to this again? Oh yeah, Dilandau. There was still Dilandau to deal with but if she could avoid him throughout the whole trip then she'd never see him again. She had no idea what it would be like tonight but at the thought of it she felt a sense of dread. Maybe I should cancel it and not go at all. Dilandau or snotty 1st class people? Hitomi realized she would pick the 1st class people any day. At least the 1st class people didn't give eerie stares and tried to steal her things or rape her.
Another question popped into Hitomi's mind. Why did Van invite me anyway? It's not like it'll be fun. Does he think I'll make his dinner more fun for him or something? she thought. Or does he just want me to embarrass myself? Well, if that's it, I'll show him I can be as elegant and proper as any wealthy passenger. Maybe I'll ask Van sister. Merle, wasn't it? Hitomi would ask her once she met her.
Hitomi dressed into one of her worn out dresses and saw that Yukari was still asleep. I guess she stayed up a lot later than I thought. Once Van had left her last night, Hitomi had gone straight to bed and had decided not to return to the dining saloon.
Hitomi took a short walk around the ship and then returned to her cabin. When she entered Yukari was already dressed and she was tying her boots.
Yukari looked up and said, "I'm surprised you woke up this early. You usually sleep like a log."
Hitomi glared, "Yeah well, I went to bed early."
"I can see that. I thought you would come back"
"Oh well, I was really tired"
"That's fine. You haven't had breakfast already, have you?" Yukari asked.
"Of course not! I wouldn't go without you."
"Good, because I could use some company", Yukari said.
"Okay, but, where's Elizabeth and Celena?", Hitomi asked, indicating toward their empty beds.
"Oh they left already. They took John to this nursery to have breakfast.", Yukari sighed and then said, "Don't you think Elizabeth is a bit young to have a kid of John's age? He looks about 5 years old so she would have been pregnant at 13. She doesn't seem like the type to go and get herself pregnant."
Hitomi nodded. "I know what you mean. If it's not her kid then how did she end up with him?"
"Maybe we should ask her. I don't think she'll mind."
"Alright, but first we eat. I'm starved". Hitomi's stomach grumbled.
00000000000000000
Hitomi, Yukari, Mamoru and Amano sat down at one of the tables in the dining saloon for lunch. After sitting there for a few minutes they ordered their meal.
During breakfast earlier, Amano and Mamoru had joined them and then they had took a walk along the 3rd class deck space
When they finished their lunch, they took a walk along the open boat deck. They were heading toward the 3rd class general room. Hitomi then saw a familiar figure walking in their direction.
He stood before them. "Hello Hitomi. I was just looking for you", Van smirked.
"Great, great. You guys go ahead. I might meet you there."
Mamoru glared openly at Van but he just smirked back.
"Hitomi, are you sure?" Mamoru asked.
"Yeah. Van just wants to talk with me.", Hitomi said.
"That's alright, Hitomi. I'll just join you all." Van said with a smile.
"Alright", Hitomi nodded. They all started walking.
Van spoke up. "I hope you all don't mind but tonight Hitomi will be joining me tonight at dinner"
Yukari smirked at Hitomi and said, "That's so wonderful! I'm fine with it!"
Mamoru and Amano gave questioning glances. Mamoru said, "Alright, as long as you treat her properly and you make sure she fits in with your crowd". Mamoru pointed at Van's elegant clothes. "I don't want those snooty bastards treating Hitomi with disrespect."
Van laughed and said, "Don't worry. I'll be sure of that"
Hitomi was surprised. Usually Mamoru was more protective of her and never let her go out anywhere. But then again, it's not like she could get very far. They were, after all, surrounded by ocean.
Van continued, "I was actually hoping if I could take Hitomi away from you all to meet my sister. I have a feeling they might like each other and Merle is the only one who can make sure Hitomi 'fits in with the crowd' ".
Yukari smiled and said, "Of course. You go ahead Hitomi! But you have to tell me all about tonight and what it's like to be surrounded by those 'bastards'. I want to hear everything ", she laughed.
"Fine. But it's not like it will be anything fascinating. It's not like it'll be fun. I hear all the people do is gossip and discuss business", Hitomi sighed then continued, "No offense Van."
"Non taken, I'm not exactly a fan of my roommates. Why do you think I invited you? You'll be interesting company and I know you will make it more fun"
Hitomi gave a small blush and snorted, "Whatever. I just hope the food's decent"
"It's alright. There's a lot to choose from", Van said.
Hitomi was about to reply but Yukari cut in. "That's great! We'll see you later Hitomi! Have fun!" Yukari pushed Mamoru and Amano down the hall. To Hitomi, it seemed like she was in a hurry and wanted for them to be alone.
"She seems excited about this", Van commented.
"That's Yukari for ya. I guess she's a curious as me to know what a dinner is like with the richest people on the ship"
"Is that the only reason you're coming tonight Hitomi? Because you're curious?" Van asked, serious.
Hitomi looked at Van curiously. "Well, why else would I be going?"
Van's serious face softened and then he grinned. "Well, you could be going because you like me and you like my company"
"Ha! You wish!" she responded hotly. Hitomi turned so Van wouldn't see her small blush but he caught it.
"I think you do…", Van moved toward her and moved his head closer to hers… when he started to tickle her.
His hands moved along her body mercilessly and she tried to her hold back her laughter.
"Van! Stop! Stop!"
"Do you like me?". If Van's grin could grow any wider, it did.
"Yes! Yes! I'm coming because of you!" Van's hands stopped.
When Hitomi thought about it, she realized what she just told Van was an honest answer. She really did like him even if he would never leave her alone. He may be a little annoying but he's nice and he doesn't seem to care that I'm in 3rd class. I hope he likes me-. What? Where did that come from? What do I care if he likes me or not?
I guess it's because he's not as bad as I thought he would be.
Van's voice interrupted. "Hitomi, come on! We're going for a walk."
"Who said?" Hitomi glared.
"I did, now come on"
"You can't just boss me around! I'm not some girl who'll obey your every command"
"No, you're a rebellious girl who'll get lost on this ship if you don't come with me"
He started walking away and she ran to catch up with him. "Ha! I won't get lost! I know this ship like the back of my hand!"
"Uh huh, I'll believe that when I see it…"
00000000000000000
After a while, Van and Hitomi had stopped arguing and they talked about their lives and their families. They joked and talked about different experiences. When Van spoke of his family, Hitomi felt bad for him and told him not to let his parents boss him around. Van had laughed and agreed with her. They talked about different places they had been to and the different people they had met.
For Hitomi, it was a great day. She realized just how much she had misjudged Van. He actually had a hard life and she saw how much he cared for his sister when he described her to Hitomi.
It was the same for Van. The more time he spent with Hitomi the more he liked her. She talked about her life like it was easy but she had never had parents like he had. All she had was her grandmother and that was for only about half her childhood. He could see she looked up to her brother and that she would do anything for him.
In the middle of the afternoon Van told her he wanted her to meet Merle. He said it was getting late and that he had no idea how long it would take for her to get Hitomi ready.
Hitomi sighed and her and Van went into a hallway Hitomi didn't recognize and Van stopped before a door. He knocked and a girl with bright red hair appeared. She looked at Hitomi suspiciously and then grinned. "Is this the girl?", she asked.
The girl, Hitomi thought. "It's Hitomi! For your information!" Hitomi said.
"Oh right. Whatever get in." Merle grinned more and Hitomi realized she was teasing.
Hitomi smiled and said, "I take it you're Merle"
"Yup! Van's lovely, beautiful, kind, older sister. Now Van if you would excuse us, we have a lot of work to do."
"Ah yes, farewell my young ladies. I'll see you at dinner, Hitomi"
"What? You're going already!". Hitomi was terrified.
"Relax, Hitomi. I won't kill you… I don't think.", Merle looked at Van. "I'll tell her everything she needs to know." She stared back at Hitomi. "We wouldn't want them eating you alive, now would we?"
"Ha! I can handle them!" Hitomi replied hotly.
"Sure…" Merle said in a sarcastic tone.
Van interrupted before Hitomi could respond. "Just listen to her Hitomi, she knows what she's doing"
Hitomi muffled an okay and Van laughed as he closed the door. On the other side of the door he said, "Have fun Hitomi!"
"Well now that he's gone let's get to work", Merle said.
00000000000000000
"Take a deep breath! Suck in, dammit!", Merle said, exasperated.
"I can't, this hurts! You can't breathe in these things", Hitomi said, looking at her corset. "How can women stand these things?"
"They say it's the latest fashion, but I know what you mean. They practically kill you after one night". Merle sighed and then continued, "Here, I'll loosen it so you don't pass out by the end of the night".
"Thank you!"
"You're lucky, some people would say 'make it tighter' but then again since I'm so kind I'll let it go this time"
Hitomi let out a breath when she felt the corset loosening.
"Do you like Van, Hitomi?", Merle asked, serious.
"Oh yeah. He's nice", Hitomi said.
"No I mean, do you like him more than a friend?", Merle asked.
Hitomi was surprised but then she recovered. "Umm, I don't know"
"That's not the answer I was looking for because if you hurt him I will kill you", Merle said a serious tone. When Merle saw Hitomi's confused expression she continued, "Don't you see the way he looks at you? He likes you, Hitomi. And if you break his heart you'll wish you were never born." Hitomi was shocked. Van didn't like her that way. There was no reason for Merle to threaten her like that, was there?
Merle's deadly voice cut off her thoughts. "Why do you think he invited you? He wants to spend time with you! Unless, those looks of love that he sends at you or actually for hatred, which I highly doubt, I'd say he cares for you. And when you figure out you feel for him, let him know" Merle changed the subject. "Okay now here's some things you need to know about dinners like the one you're going to tonight. 1: Do not speak unless spoken to. And if it's someone you don't know, introduce yourself and say you're married to a man named William McKenzie. Also, you might get confused with the cutlery. You get 3 forks and 2 spoons and 2 knives. So start on the outside cutlery and work your way in. Always talk about culture or wealth. That's what the people like to hear and act like you have parents who are very wealthy. Also, dismiss any waitresses politely. Okay?"
When Hitomi nodded Merle continued, "Now I have this dress which I think will look stunning on you and then we have to do something about that hair of yours and then I have to teach you how to walk, you look like a dog every time you take a step…"
00000000000000000
Van was putting on his tuxedo when Dryden came in. "Hey Van, are you almost ready?"
"Yeah."
"Good because Anna already left. She wanted to wait for you but she said she wanted to arrive early to talk to some 'well-known' people"
Van snorted and they left the room. Dryden said, "Listen I'm going to escort Merle, okay?" Van nodded and went forward to the Grand Staircase. When he was near the entrance to the 1st class dining saloon he stood by the Grand staircase and waited for Hitomi, Merle and Dryden.
After a few minutes, Dryden appeared, escorting Merle.
They reached Van and Merle whispered in Van's ear, "I did a great job, you better be grateful. She looks stunning"
Dryden agreed. "She does. Where did you meet her Van?"
Van was about to answer but he heard footsteps and gaped at Hitomi as she descended the stairs. She indeed does look stunning, Van thought. Hitomi wore a dress of dark green with jewels covering it. (A/N- picture the dress Rose wears in the movie Titanic when she as dinner with Jack except instead of dark red it's dark green). The dress had short sleeves and continued in several layers on the floor and brought out the green in her eyes. She wore white gloves that reached her elbows
And her hair was up in a high, elegant bun.
She was looking all around her in wonder and Van held back a chuckle.
Hitomi was shocked at how beautiful this part of the ship was. She was near the bottom of the stairs and she passed a bronze cherub that held a lamp to light the landings of the staircases. The woodwork and the paneling were extraordinary and there were dozens of gilded crystal chandeliers that lighted the entrance halls. When she entered the hallway of the grand staircase it was very bright and she looked in envy at how these people lived in such beauty and luxury.
She looked below and her eyes landed on Van. He looked so handsome, Hitomi couldn't help but stare. He was smiling at her and looking at her in such admiration that she couldn't help but blush.
Hitomi said, "Hello Van"
"Hitomi, you look… amazing.", Van's smile grew wider.
"Thanks Van. I better. Your sister put me through hell", she whispered.
"Would you like me to escort you to dinner?" he asked politely.
"Oh yes. I'm not going to show up at your fancy dinner unescorted",
Hitomi put her arm in Van's and she smiled up at him. "I just hope I make it through the night"
"Don't worry. I'll protect you Hitomi", Van said.
Hitomi gaped at him when he said that. She thought of earlier about what Merle had said. Don't you see the way he looks at you? He likes you, Hitomi. Unless those looks of love he sends at you or actually of hatred…. I'd say he cares for you… Those words repeated through Hitomi's head over and over. She suddenly felt nervous being so close to Van.
Van whispered in her ear, "Don't be so nervous Hitomi. Just relax. Act like you own the place"
If only you knew Van, for once it's not the people that bother me. Hitomi smiled up at him and they walked through the entrance to the dining saloon. They passed dramatic doors that had glass panels covered with ornamental wrought iron grills. Hitomi looked around, shocked at how large the room was. It could seat about 500 passengers. They walked on linoleum times that were intricately patterned. The floor looks like a Persian carpet, Hitomi thought.
Hitomi relaxed in Van's arm and continued at the same pace as him. Hitomi pointed toward a man who looked the most elegant out of everyone. "Who is that?", she asked.
"Oh, that's John Jacob Astor, he's the richest man on the ship. See the lady beside him, that's Madeleine. And that's T.W McCawley. Over there is William Henry Allen. And over there is the designer of the ship, Thomas Andrews. Get ready, we're going in", Van grinned.
Hitomi braced herself for the greeting of the most high society people of the ship.
00000000000000000
Hitomi breathed a sigh of relief when they were heading toward their table. A woman with dark hair and dark eyes came toward them. She was beautiful and was wearing a navy blue dress.
"Hello Van, who is this?", she said with a slight sneer. Hitomi felt a pang of jealousy of the fact that Van knew such a beautiful girl.
"Hey Anna, this is Hitomi. Hitomi Kanzaki and Hitomi this is Anna Clavari.
"Nice to meet you", Hitomi said in a sweet voice. Hitomi was getting weird vibes from this girl. This Anna girl was pointing a glare at Hitomi and Hitomi glared back.
Anna then smirked and then she said, "I've never heard that name before. Tell me, where are your parents from?"
"My father was from Japan and my mom was from Italy", Hitomi said.
"Well, interesting." She turned to Van. "Care to escort me to our table?"
"Alright". Van made a sound that Hitomi could have sworn was a sigh. Hitomi smiled inside. I'm guessing Van doesn't like Anna. At that thought Hitomi felt happy and she didn't know why. Is it because I like Van? Ha! Yeah right. When Hitomi thought that, she knew she was denying it.
Hitomi was too lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice that Van was leading her and Anna to a blonde couple standing a few meters from them.
Van spoke, "Millerna, Allen, I would like you to meet a friend of mine. This is Hitomi"
Hitomi looked up and saw a tall man with long blond hair. She stood looking at him, shocked. He looks just like Amano except with blonde hair! Hitomi was brought out of her reverie when Van spoke again. "This is Allen Schezar and this is Millerna Aston."
Hitomi looked to the left and saw an exceptionally beautiful girl wearing a rose colored dress.
Hitomi realized she was staring and she remembered what to do. She stuck out her hand and Allen grasped it and kissed her knuckles. "Charmed", he said.
Charmed? Jeez they weren't kidding when they said they're formal, Hitomi thought.
"Likewise", Hitomi said. When she saw their shocked faces she instantly regretted her words. Crap! Why did I say that?
Hitomi relaxed when Millerna started to laugh and everyone else laughed with her.
"Where did you get her Van?" Millerna asked.
Van gave a fake smile. "Oh you know, around"
"Well, it's good you did. I can tell I'm going to like you, Hitomi", she said with honesty.
Hitomi gave a gracious smile. "Thank you Millerna."
Allen said, "Well, we better not leave our guests waiting. Shall we?"
"Yes, let's", Millerna said with a smile.
When Hitomi saw the table they were heading toward her mouth hang open. The table was round and seated for about 20 and was covered in a white cloth. Beautiful china lay before them with delicate patterns on each plate. Hitomi looked on each plate and there was indeed several different sizes of the cutlery. Hitomi remembered what Merle had said: So start on the outside and work your way in.
Van seated her and he sat to the left of her. Hitomi was grateful that he was sitting next to her. She didn't want to be next to some strangers who wouldn't help her get through the meal. Hitomi had no idea what she was getting herself into. Once she got comfortable in her chair Van whispered in her ear, "Just look like you're waiting patiently. We can't order until everyone is seated".
Hitomi nodded and looked around the large table. She noticed everyone was either heading toward their table or seating themselves. She stared in awe at the women's gowns and their jewelry. They were magnificent but too gaudy in Hitomi's opinion. She remembered who these people were. They may be beautiful on the outside but on the inside they're rats who wouldn't last a day in my world. The only people she seemed to get along with were Van, Merle, Millerna and Dryden. Hitomi continued to stare at the diamonds the women wore and Hitomi remembered what happened earlier.
When Merle had put on Hitomi's dress she had started to put on several necklaces around Hitomi's neck and Hitomi had shook her head and taken them off.
"No way am I wearing all of these things", she had said. She went to her pocket of her coat and grabbed her pendant. "But I will wear this".
Merle had stared at the jewel in Hitomi's hand and said, "Where did you get that? It's beautiful. "
"It was my grandmother's. She gave it to me when she died"
"Alright. You can wear it. It may not be big and showy but it represents you more. I like it."
Hitomi had smiled and said, "Thanks Merle"
Merle had looked at her and nodded.
Hitomi was cut off from the memory when Van whispered in her ear again, "Everyone's seated so get ready. Act like you already know what's on the menu. I doubt you'll eat some of the stuff on the menu so just order the salmon with cucumber and mousseline sauce. You don't want to know what else is on the menu".
Hitomi nodded and Anna spoke. "Oh Van, I have to wonder what you're whispering into Hitomi's ear. Are you whispering love comments?"
Hitomi and Van blushed and everyone started to laugh. Anna smirked and then Van spoke. "Hardly Anna, just small talk"
"I wonder how small", she murmured and everyone continued to chuckle.
When all was quiet a man said, "I haven't seen you before Miss. Kanzaki. Where have you been hiding?"
Hitomi turned and gulped. She said with confidence, "Oh my mother has been terribly sick with pneumonia and I haven't left her side. When Mr. Fanel invited me to dinner my mother told me to go and meet people. I reluctantly agreed. "
Another man at the table smiled and said, "Now there's a girl with priorities and honesty. It's wonderful that you care for her so much."
Everyone nodded and Hitomi said, "Thank you sir"
00000000000000000
Hitomi realized how selfish these people when she heard some of their conversations. All they talked about was money and investments the men had made. It was dull and Hitomi had pretended to smile to show she understood. Hitomi looked to the right and noticed a middle-aged women sitting next to her with the same bored expression that Hitomi wished she could show. The only difference was that this woman was openly expressing her bored thoughts. Hitomi smiled and said quietly, "Is this as dull as I think it is?"
The women turned and grinned at Hitomi. "You have no idea. I have to deal with these brainless twits everyday, honey", she whispered.
Hitomi stuck out her hand and said, "Hitomi. Hitomi Kanzaki."
The women shook it and nodded. "I'm Molly Brown and it's a pleasure to meet you Hitomi. At least someone understands how I'm feeling at the moment."
Hitomi nodded and smirked. "I thought I was the only one here who hated this."
"Oh, don't worry you'll never be alone when it comes to listening to snobby business men talk about their pathetic investments"
Hitomi and Molly continued their conversation quietly until Van noticed and said, "Molly, it's great to see you!"
"Well, Van you as well. I didn't know you had such great taste in women"
Van blushed and said quietly, "Well I'm glad for that."
Hitomi interrupted. "Van! Of course he does. Without me, Van wouldn't have survived this trip so far" Hitomi grinned.
Molly grinned as well, "And a confident woman at that. I can tell you don't let men trample over you like some rug"
Hitomi smiled smugly. "Well of course not. I deserve respect like everyone else."
Molly agreed and they continued chatting about anything they could think of.
00000000000000000
While Molly was telling an interesting and funny story to the people at their table Van whispered in Hitomi's ear, "Dinner's almost over and once that happens all the men go to the smoking room. But since I'm so unique I'm not going to go with them and you and I are going to go wherever you want"
Hitomi smiled and would have hugged him if she wasn't in such a formal place. Hitomi would do anything to not spend any more time in this dreadful place.
She said quietly, "Thank you Van."
Van continued, "I hope it's alright if I invite Merle. I think she dreaded this night as much as you did. I'm not going to abandon her with the witches."
Hitomi nodded and Van and the men stood up at the same time. Van went over to where Merle was sitting and he whispered something in her ear. Once he stopped Merle grinned and nodded.
A middle-aged man said, "Van, will you be joining us? I trust you won't be staying with the women."
Van replied, "No thank you. I have my own places to go tonight"
The men nodded and retreated to the direction of the smoking room.
Van left in the opposite direction that was toward the exit of the dining saloon. After a few minutes Hitomi and Merle stood up and went in the same direction of Van. They met Van at the Grand Staircase and Van said in a too-polite tone, "Where to ladies?"
Hitomi smirked and said, "Where we can really have some fun."
00000000000000000
Hitomi led them to the elevator where she told the steward to take them to C Deck. Van and Merle gave Hitomi questioning glances.
Hitomi saw their looks and she said, "Relax guys. Van, you've been here before"
Van realized where they were going and he smiled.
Once the elevator stopped Hitomi took them down the hall and they could hear fast- paced, loud music on the other side of two large doors that were closed. Hitomi opened them and the first they could see were people dancing everywhere. "This is the our idea of fun, Merle"
Irish music was blasting as men were sitting down playing spoons, the fiddle, and several bagpipes.
Hitomi seemed to be looking for someone as she gazed around the room. Her eyes stopped and focused on a group of people sitting at a table on the other side of the room. She told Van and Merle to follow her and she stopped before the group sitting at the table. Hitomi looked at her friends. Yukari, Amano, Mamoru, Elizabeth, Celena and two men Hitomi didn't recognize were in conversation. Hitomi was grateful that Dilandau wasn't there or she would have headed in the other direction at the speed of a bullet. Yukari looked up at Hitomi and eyed her gown.
"Hitomi, is that you? Oh my god, you are wearing the most beautiful dress I've ever seen! Get over here I want to feel it!"
Yukari grabbed Hitomi and touched the fabric of her dress. "It's so soft", Yukari murmured.
"Relax Yukari, it's just a dress!"
Yukari looked up and said, "You're right but it's amazing. Anyways, what are you doing here?"
"I'm here to have some fun". Hitomi paused and then indicated toward Merle, "This is Van's sister, Merle. "
Everyone greeted Merle warmly and then they all stood up. Amano grabbed Yukari by the waist and shouted over the loud music, "Are you guys just gonna stand there or what? C'mon let's dance!" Everyone paired up and the only people left were Mamoru and Merle.
Mamoru went up to Merle and asked, "W-would you like to dance?". Hitomi noticed the stutter in Mamoru's voice when he asked and she realized he was nervous. If Merle said no, Hitomi would break her neck.
Merle looked up at him and smiled. "Sure. I'd love to"
Hitomi smiled at them and then a voice whispered in her ear, "I believe there is one young man left"
Hitomi turned and smirked up at Van. "And your point?" she asked smugly.
Van wrapped his arms around Hitomi's waist. His head lowered and he said quietly into her ear, "That I'm not dancing without a partner"
Hitomi's smirking face changed and she looked down. "I'm not much of a dancer", she murmured.
Van's hand cupped her chin and she was forced to look into his eyes. "It doesn't matter. Just go with the music". He pulled her closer and she nodded numbly.
Hitomi felt a tightness in her chest at his closeness. She put her left hand on his right shoulder and her other hand in his. Once he realized she was ready he swept her out onto the floor. The music was fast and Van led her at the beat of it. They were moving quickly and she eventually kept up with it. She could hear the spoons ringing through her ears.
Everyone in the room held hands with the person beside them and they formed a ring around the circular stage. The people who weren't in the ring clapped with the beat and drank.
Hitomi smiled and moved excitedly around the stage with Van's hand in her right hand and Merle in her left hand. Nothing is better than this, she thought.
00000000000000000
Hitomi felt exhausted after dancing for so long. Her and Van agreed that it was getting late and he offered to escort her to her door.
She agreed and at the exit of the room she saw Merle and Mamoru holding hands leaving. Awww, they like each other. Hitomi thought. Lovebirds, that's so sweet. Hitomi was no doubt going to pick on him all day tomorrow. Van offered his hand and Hitomi took it. I feel so comfortable with him, I wonder why. We've only known each other a few days. But to Hitomi it felt like years. Hitomi never realized how fun Van really was until now.
"Where did you learn to dance like that?" Hitomi asked.
"Oh, you know, around." Van said.
"That was amazing."
"You weren't so bad yourself."
Hitomi and Van went to the elevator and they went down to E Deck where Hitomi's room was. Along the corridor Hitomi looked up at Van and noticed that he seemed to be in deep thought. I wonder what he's thinking about. Hitomi stopped when she realized they were at her door.
"Well, thanks for a great time, Van. I had a lot of fun", she smiled at him but stopped when he wasn't listening. He wasn't even giving her eye contact. She noticed he was staring at her lips.
"Van? Are you okay?", Hitomi asked.
Van didn't answer but instead lowered his head until his lips descended on Hitomi's. Hitomi lost all train of thought and she gave into the feeling and the softness of his lips. When his head came up Hitomi looked up at him, dazed.
Van smiled and said, "Goodnight Hitomi. Until tomorrow."
When Hitomi's senses came back Van was gone and she smiled. Van kissed me! He kissed me! Hitomi was surprised that she didn't feel revolted and instead felt glorious. Hitomi felt wonderful and felt a burst of energy. I'm not going to get any sleep tonight. All Hitomi would be able to think about was Van. Hitomi realized how much she missed the feel of Van and that she couldn't wait until tomorrow when she would see him again. Oh my god! I like him! Not just the friend way but the like like way! Hitomi blushed and entered her room.
She undressed and changed into her nightclothes.
Oh why did this happen? It's not like anything's going to happen. We live different worlds. When this trip's over we'll have to go our separate ways and that will be the end. I can't let what just happened happen again. I'll just treat him as a friend and then we'll land in New York and I'll forget all about him. At the thought of New York Hitomi felt a sense of loss and sadness.
Hitomi brushed it off and turned out the light.
Just forget about him.
00000000000000000
A/N: Aww exciting hey? Sorry I took a while to update. This story is really fun to write! I hope you guys like it so far but then again it's not a big deal if you hate it. As long as I like it I'm happy. Review if you want. Uhh yeah that's about it! Have fun thinking about what's gonna happen in the next chapter.