A.N. For all of those curious about this, Van did NOT have any other romantic relationships in the past seven years. There are several reasons for this, first he was waiting for Hitomi, then he was just too busy to care, and lastly, he just doesn't meet women a lot outside of doing his job. He also probably wouldn't realize they were flirting and wouldn't take notice. So, yeah. There has only ever been Hitomi for him.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Vision of Escaflowne nor any of the characters therein. This is purely profit free fanmade fluff.
XX
"Pick battles big enough to matter, small enough to win."
-Jonathan Kozel
XX
Chapter 24: Choosing Battles
XX
15 March, 1997
Earth
XX
The grainy black and white image upon the screen shifted and moved in strange and distorted shapes, morphing into vague assimilations of something familiar every once and a while. When it did, Hitomi's breath hitched and tears burned her eyes.
That's… my baby.
The ultrasound technician was silent, likely with disapproval, and only continued to take the measurements as was her job. Like most everyone she met, those in this office treated her and her family with disdain and a level of rude exclusion that was a little frightening. Hitomi often wondered how scary her delivery would be. She was tempted to try and deliver at home. Of course, there was little to no actual chance of that happening so she quickly dismissed it.
Despite the coldness of the technician, the aloof, dissmissal of the doctors and the overall censure of all those in the practice as a whole, Hitomi felt so happy and overwhelmed she didn't wish to be anywhere else. When the technician shifted and moved the plastic wand over her gelled belly, Hitomi could see the shape of legs, arms, spine, head and even the hands and fingers (1).
Her mother was beside her, holding her hand, the grip strong and Hitomi could feel the fine tremor that denoted the affect the images had upon her mother as well. Hitomi's breath hitched every time the baby shifted and rolled. She could see the flickering dark spot in the chest that was her baby's beating heart and for the brief time in which the technician had turned on the sound to listen to that heartbeat Hitomi felt her own heart race to keep time. It was beautiful and like nothing else she had experienced before.
This was magic.
Van… I wish you were here…
A few tears escaped and Hitomi reached up to wipe them away hurriedly as the technician shifted the wand upon her distended belly and the image shifted and morphed into unrecognizable shapes for a while.
"… the baby is male." The technician said calmly and Hitomi and her mother both jumped at the announcement.
"… I'm… sorry?"
"…" There was no response, and Hitomi doubted there would be one to her mother's question if she were to enquire, so she simply let it go.
A boy. I'm having a son.
The rest of the appointment passed with little discussion that Hitomi paid attention to. All too soon, she was wiping away the goop, getting dressed and leaving the doctor's office with her mother. Her hands were curved over her rounded belly both in a protective and overjoyed action. Once they had climbed into the car and Hitomi had buckled in, her mother started the engine and finally spoke.
"A son."
"… yeah." Hitomi started to laugh a little, more tears coming to her eyes. She knew it was due to her hormones and she honestly could do nothing about them, she still felt frustrated and rubbed them away harshly forcing a laugh. "I'm having a prince."
"… you will need a fitting name then." Kyoko offered her eyes trained on the road.
A name.
Hitomi's eyes widened as she realized that in all of this she hadn't even stopped to consider names. So far she'd only referred to her child as "aka-chan" or "Van-chan"(2). The second had been more of a joke than anything else, and she now realized, she would need to come up with a name.
… wow. What should I do?
She hadn't thought much about the ramifications of raising a child for four years away from the world and customs she hoped to bring them to. She could choose any name she wished for her child, and for the sake of the legal system here she would have to give him the last name of Kanzaki. However, when Van came for them, the child's given name should also be something that could be appropriate for Gaea.
"… you never mentioned it, but are there any naming practices for Fanelian princes that need to be followed?" Her mother asked just as Hitomi herself was pondering over it.
"… I… I don't know." Hitomi bit her thumb nail and tried to remember any details that could be useful. "Van's full name was Van Slanzar de Fanel. I think the 'de Fanel' is a reference to being a royal of Fanelia… I think."
"Hmmm. Okay, so the baby will have de Fanel then." Her mother spoke candidly as though it were no big deal. It was helpful for Hitomi who was internally freaking out. "Was Slanzar his father's name?"
"No. I think is was… Goau… or something." Hitomi responded. It had been a while since she'd viewed the memories of the past and some of the details had faded.
"…. Hm. Well, perhaps it is a family member from further back, a grandfather or something."
Hitomi had nothing to say to that. She felt foolish and regretful for not asking about that before. It was something so simple and personal, it was his name, and she had never even bothered to ask.
"… I never even asked…"
Kyoko glanced her way and then reached over to pat her hand gently. "I'm sure it won't matter too much to him dear. Besides, if it's that important, you can always change it later. I'm sure your son will be happy regardless."
Silence fell again until they had arrived home. At that point her mother handed her a printout image and Hitomi stopped to look at it. It was the same black and white grainy image from the screen. It was a profile shot of her son's face and round belly.
"!"
"… Don't worry too much. Choose a good name. One that fits this precious child, and let the rest fall where it may." Her mother smiled warmly, patting her cheek gently. "It will all work out."
Holding that tiny picture; proof of the child in her, and feeling the warmth of her mother's touch, Hitomi felt her tears erupt and fall. She pressed into her mother's arms and sobbed. It was too much to think about, too much to deal with and yet she was happy at the same time as over-whelmed. She didn't want to choose this precious child's name alone, but she had no other option.
After her tears had dried, and she had been ushered back inside the home, Hitomi sat at her desk and stared out the window. She would have to choose the best name she could for their child. A name with meaning, something special.
I guess I'll need to go to the library to research.
Her hand rubbed her belly softly out of habit and she smiled gently. She still had no idea what the Slanzar de Fanel meant for Van, but she had decided how she would deal with that.
"… Van de Fanel. I'll name you after your father… I hope he doesn't mind that." Hitomi smiled, still lost and confused, but a little more settled now that she had a plan of action and part of a decision made. Perhaps Yukari would go with her to search for names at the library after school.
Hitomi opened the window breathing in the crisp air of the newly approaching spring and felt herself shiver. It felt new and exciting. It was a time that always denoted the end of one school year and the start of another, and now it felt like she was starting anew once more. Like her classmates that were moving on without her, she was moving forward in her own way. It wasn't how she expected to spend her time back here, but it was hers.
Hitomi smiled, casting her eyes to the sky where she knew Gaea would be in a few hours, rising dimly in the daylight to shine through part of the night.
… we have a son Van. I know you will be upset not to have been a part of this…but…
She looked down at the ultrasound image which she had placed carefully next to her home pregnancy test in an album she had picked up shortly after deciding to keep her child. It wouldn't be enough she knew, but it was all she could do.
… but I still hope to share this with you.
Her hand rubbed her belly and she took one last fortifying breath before closing the window and turning to leave her room. She needed to call Yukari.
XX
20 September, 2003
Earth
XX
Hitomi's body ached pleasantly. Her hips had that tender feeling that was felt every place she and Van had connected, kissed and suckled last night. A foolish grin spread over her lips as a deep contentment suffused her and she happily watched Van sleep from the tender circle of his arms. They had made love three times over the course of the evening and night.
Any worries or self-doubt had been well and truly eliminated as Van had kissed, touched and coveted her body like a man possessed. She had quite enjoyed the over-zealousness of his desire and was embarrassed to find her own directly mirrored his. It was as though she couldn't get enough of touching, kissing; loving him. She doubted she would ever get enough of him, and she was oddly happy about that.
Her stomach churned a bit, reminding her that she and Van had skipped dinner last night in lieu of making love and going through the albums of Anil's infancy. Allen had not made a peep, but she wondered if he had eaten and that worry was what eventually drew her from the warm pull of Van's arms. His brow scrunched at her movement, but otherwise, he stayed asleep, and Hitomi pressed a kiss to his temple before gathering her clothes and dressing.
Walking out into the kitchen she put the pot on for tea and started pulling out food to make a breakfast. Today was going to be busy and she had no guarantee that the shared meal would be comfortable enough to enjoy. No matter how optimistic she tried to be, after watching how Yukari had reacted to meeting Van, she was rather certain now that this get together was going to be at the very least, uncomfortable. So she wanted Allen and Van to at least have a good breakfast in case digesting the meal later today proved impossible.
It was as she was cooking the eggs that Allen walked into the room dressed in a spare outfit from Amano. The jeans and button down top looked remarkably good on him and highlighted his similarities to Amano. Hitomi caught herself staring and quickly averted her eyes hoping he wouldn't feel uncomfortable.
He looks so much like Amano it's almost frightening.
She also knew exactly how Amano must have looked while overseas and when he'd tried getting his hair bleached. Yukari had called her up mildly distressed over the whole ordeal and Hitomi had spent several hours convincing her that Amano could pull it off. Seeing Allen in those clothes had made her think of that.
"Good morning." She offered with a smile.
"Good morning." If he had noticed her staring he didn't let on.
"Did you manage to find something to eat last night?"
"I was not that hungry." Allen said cordially, taking a seat at the kitchen table while she bustled about.
Which means no…
Hitomi didn't want to think of what he may have heard yesterday. It was embarrassing enough to know he'd foregone eating because of them, but she also realized that there was a weird sort of tension between them. It was weird because they had been living under the same roof for the past two days, and yet, if felt like she hadn't really spoken to him at all. Allen felt remarkably like a stranger in many ways.
How well did I know him before I left Gaea in the first place?
"… sorry…" She said, cheeks flushing unable to say anything more. Thankfully Allen raised his hand and shook his head.
"Do not be. I was happy to have some time to myself."
"…" Hitomi looked at him, unsure of what to say in response to that or even where to take the conversation next. It was only then that she became aware that this was the first time they had been alone together since his arrival.
I've been so busy with Van… I sort of forgot he was here.
Her cheeks burned with shame at forgetting someone she considered to be a friend. She felt even worse to realize that this wasn't the first time she'd done this to Allen. When she had returned to Gaea after the "day that never was" as she called it now, she hadn't really spoken to Allen. After the war she had been so consumed with thoughts of Van that her previous attentions to Allen had dissipated.
No… I avoided him on purpose.
It was a bitter pill to swallow, but it was no less true. The guilt made her stomach twist and Hitomi decided, as she had many times over the years, and more often the last few days; to stop running and fix the relationships she'd twisted.
"… uhm… so, how are Gaddas and the rest on the Crusade?"
Hitomi felt a little foolish that that was all she could think to ask him, but Allen wasn't bothered by it.
"Unruly and rude as ever." He chuckled. "Though, Celena has tamed some of their more… unsavory habits."
"Really? I would have thought they would have taught her every curse word known on Gaea and then some." Hitomi teased, feeling better at the casual conversation.
Allen's laugh was deep and free. "That is all too true, I'm afraid." He shook his head and accepted the cup of tea she offered. "They have also taught her how to defend herself from unscrupulous men and though they think I am unaware, Gaddas has started to teach her how to use a blade."
"A sword?" Her fear was little too clear and she winced as his blue eyes darted to her and the tension returned. Hitomi bit her inner cheek and wished she could pull those words back.
"No. A daggar. One crafted for a woman."
Hitomi had no idea what that was supposed to mean and so pretended understanding, nodding her head and escaping comment by checking on the rice cooker.
"I would rather she not learn something like that, but it would seem my men feel otherwise, enough so to go directly against me."
"As they should." Hitomi agreed with a nod and giggled at the look he gave her for it. "They only want what's best for her." She consoled, "… I bet they would never admit it, but they treat her like their own sister, don't they."
"… they do."
Hitomi hesitated before asking the next question, well aware that it could also be a delicate topic that could ruin their conversation. However, it was the one topic she was genuinely curious about. "… and how is Celena?"
"How do you mean?"
"… after everything that happened… her memories…" She didn't think it would be right to ask if Dilandau had ever made reappearance so she chose her words carefully, "…she was just a small child when she was taken. Has she made progress on that?"
"No memories have returned, with exception of a few of her memories from before the kidnapping. I think that is for the best, of course."
Yeah… probably best if she never remembers the atrocities she committed…
"She is not a typical lady… in fact she is still very much a child." Allen sighed. "But, she is showing progress and a frustrating penchant for independence."
. Hitomi grinned. "That is good."
"Is it?"
"Yes. I know it probably makes you sick with worry, but it's very good that she is confident enough to want that independence."
"…"
"It speaks to your ability as her guardian and brother." She smiled at the surprised look he gave her. "She is growing up healthy, and self-assured thanks to you."
"… thank you, Hitomi."
Hitomi finished putting the last of the meal together. All the items were set out and she had placed the plates and utensils and was just thinking about waking Van when Allen spoke up once more.
"I don't think I said this before, and I feel it must be said."
"Hm?"
"Congratulations, Hitomi." His smile was filled with honesty and that soft loving care she imagined he looked at Celena with. It made her feel warm inside. "I am glad you found your happiness."
"… Allen…"
"This is where you escaped to." Van's sudden appearance made her jump and effectively ruined the friendly moment. She spun to see the grumpy look on Van's face and had to bite her lip to keep from grinning. His hair was even more disheveled than normal, and his pout made him look like Anil when she had to drag him from his bed to attend school.
"Good morning. I thought you might want some breakfast." She said, pretending not to notice the way he looked at Allen with something close to distrust.
"… what were you two discussing?" He asked, taking a seat and practically boring holes into Allen's head with his eyes. Hitomi rolled her eyes and retrieved a cup of tea for Van setting it before him as she answered.
"Nothing much."
"…" Van didn't like that answer, and Hitomi purposefully ran her fingertips over the bite mark she had left on his shoulder, pressing just hard enough for it to be felt and hoped to distract him from whatever stupid thing he was thinking about. While the idea of jealousy may have, at one time, been exciting, she found the reality of such an emotion was exhausting and annoying; not romantic.
"!" He glanced her way and she smiled secretively at him.
"Did you sleep well?" Her coquettish question successfully diffused whatever the situation was as Van relaxed and answered her with a huff.
"I did… until I woke up alone."
"And that is as much as I want to know about that." Allen announced before she could respond. Hitomi's cheeks heated up once more and she turned to dish up the food. "So, what are the plans for today?"
Just like that, the morning faded into to mid-day. Between the last minute packing and cleaning, the time before the scheduled meal with her family came. This would be the last day she spent here on Earth, and while it promised to be hectic, Hitomi had high hopes that the good mood from this moment would follow them through the day. Even if it was awkward, she wanted to believe that this was a premonition of good for the coming day.
Even if it wasn't.
XX
While the night had been wonderful, filled with intimate gestures and reaffirming words of comfort, the day had proved uncomfortable in many ways and did not have any promise of getting better.
They had left Hitomi's home with Amano and Yukari, and had rode in their 'car' to Hitomi's parents home for a meal and what Van was certain would be an interrogation. There had been some argument over the swords once more, mostly with Allen, but Hitomi had won out in the end and so he was once more weaponless and entering unknown territory.
Van was determined not to show his discomfort and had managed to maintain his composure even after arriving at the home that Hitomi had grown up in and coming face to face with her family. It was uncomfortable, with all the greetings and warm welcomes. All the while, those closest to Hitomi were staring at him with eyes that seemed like they could cut. He had expected as much and had been prepared to endure whatever came from their mouths.
He had not, however, prepared himself enough for her younger brother.
"… are those my clothes?" The young man asked suddenly, eyeing him critically. He had nearly forgotten he had indeed chosen to wear the casual wear from her country instead of his own clothes. He regretted that now.
"You left them at my house." Hitomi deflected with a shrug.
"So you put your lover in them?" The boy made a face of disgust, looking Van over and then turned back to Hitomi. "Tell me you washed them at least."
"Don't be gross, Mamo-chan."
"Hey! Don't call me that!"
Hitomi made a face that would have mirrored Merle's from seven years ago and, like a child, said the nickname in a very exaggerated manner just to watch the young man squirm. "Mamo-chan."
"Real mature…"
"Why? Don't you like your name?" Anil asked, head tilted curiously and Van realized that despite the casual display, this was not how Hitomi typically interacted with her brother in front of Anil. He wasn't sure why, but it bothered him. He had wanted this meeting to be memorable for Hitomi; comfortable and warm.
How are we supposed to get through this if even she is uncomfortable?
"…" Mamoru rolled his eyes. "It's not my name I dislike."
"Then what is it?"
"That's a baby name." Mamoru explained all wounded pride. Van could understand where the young man was coming from, but had no interest in sympathizing with him.
"But… that's your name. Is your name a baby name, Uncle Mamoru?"
Snickers erupted from the group and the teenager flushed at the question asked innocently from the small child. Van watched the, supposed, easy going dynamic of the group, on edge despite the light-hearted conversation and lack of actual interrogation thus far.
"You know, aside from Anil, here, you are the baby." Yukari chimed in with a smirk further confounding Van's attempt to sort out if Hitomi was stressed out, or merely acting different because this was to be the last visit she would have for a long while.
"Shut up." Mamoru said petulantly, which earned him a harsh reprimand from Hitomi's mother for his rudeness, but the teen only crossed his arms and turned from the group.
"You will understand when you grow up." Allen said to Anil then, resting a hand upon Anil's head.
Anil made a considering face and then nodded, apparently bored of the topic and turning away to play with a toy his grandparents had given him the night before. So far, the only highlight of the day had been when Anil had walked him through his overnight adventure.
"So, you are Allen Schezar. Hitomi had mentioned you are a Knight?" Hitomi's father asked, turning the conversation to Allen. Van tried not to feel bitter at the ease in which Allen moved, spoke and interacted with the group. Despite being dressed in borrowed clothes, without his weapon and surrounded by strangers, Allen was still able to smile affably and, if the smiles from Hitomi's mother and friend were anything to go by, he still managed to woo every woman in the room.
It was singularly annoying, and it was useless to try and not be bitter.
"Yes. I am part of the Knights of Ceali." Allen began, shifting into an explanation of the group and its exploits easily. Allen, of course, made it seem easy to gain the favor of those around him and seemed to be comfortable in the group; he seemed to fit. Van frowned, wondering why it was he struggled with this sort of thing even at his age.
A soft touch to his arm drew his attention and he found Hitomi looking at him with a worried smile. Van swallowed and forced a weak return smile. He did not want to ruin her day. This was a day for her, and he would refused to fail her in this.
"Sorry about him. I didn't think he'd care so long as you were wearing the Umibozu sweater…" Hitomi apologized, misunderstanding the reason for his discomfort entirely.
"It's fine." He impressed this with a squeeze to her hand. He wasn't sure what 'Umibozu' was, but he assumed it was the long sleeved top she had recommend he not wear when preparing to leave that morning.
Hitomi continued to watch him worriedly for a moment longer before accepting his word and returning to the conversation. Allen, was of course, the center of attention, regaling them on stories from his time as a Knight in training. Van could find little to say and so stayed silent.
Eventually, the group moved from the interior of the home into the back yard where patio furniture was set out for the group to lounge in and converse. There were a few toys that Anil played with when the stories lost his interest and Van mostly kept an eye on him, all but tuning out the conversation.
I knew this would be the outcome. So why am I so irritated?
He slowly let out a breath, forcing himself to let go and relax. Tomorrow they would leave, and he could return to the world that made sense to him. Where he felt more in control and knew everyone personally and did not feel the need to make any sort of impression upon them. This was only one day, and it was important to Hitomi, he could endure one day.
"Hitomi said you are a King." Mamoru stated after some time, disrupting the somewhat comfortable conversation with a confrontational tone. The young man was clearly challenging him and Van wasn't sure how he should respond. He was insulted and annoyed at the question, and his initial reaction was to stare him down and impress his authority silently. However, this man was not a citizen of Fanelia, nor of Gaea. Van was, arguably no one by the standards of this world. His Authority meant nothing and he didn't know what social decorum was expected here. He settled for short and simple responses instead of the silent reprimand his glare would have given.
"…Yes."
"…" Mamoru frowned and the others stared at him as well. The awkwardness climbed higher until even Anil seemed to notice it as he shifted uncomfortably, abandoning the blocks he'd been stacking to stand beside Van. "That's it? Don't you have anything more to say than that?"
"Mamoru." Hitomi's father, Mareo, spoke up softly but firmly. "You merely made a statement. You didn't give him much to expound upon." The man, who looked the most like Hitomi, turned to him then with a kind smile and asked, "Could you tell us about Fanelia? While Hitomi has told us what she knows, it would be nice to hear it in more detail."
"What would you like to know?"
"…" Her parents looked between themselves and then back to him. No one spoke and Van started to feel foolish for asking. Should he have simply chosen a topic to tell them about? Had he somehow made a social error?
"Seriously…" Mamoru let out a large sigh and crossed his arms. "Hitomi said Fanelia had a lot of fields and forests. So, what kind of assets does your Kingdom provide?"
Van was surprised to find the boy so helpful, but was grateful for the topic that he could answer. "Fanelia provides the largest supply of grains to the other kingdoms. Due to the open land and forests, we also have the largest number of land dragons. While we have not yet started the new mandates, yearly seasonal hunts once provided drag energysts as well."
"Drag Energysts?" Kyoko asked, curiously.
"It's a source of energy for our technology." Allen smoothly explained. "It was mostly used for levi ships and guymelefs, but in recent years they have also been used to heat homes and have served other private uses."
Van had also heard that Zaibach had been working on non-military uses for the energy stones consisting of alternative lighting sources and some form of waterway advancement. He didn't say anything on this however, as it was still rather confidential and he had only heard of it in confidence from Dryden sometime back.
"That's the stone you cut out of the Dragon's chest right?" Amano asked while his wife winced in memory.
"Yes." Van answered.
"So, you can only get them from hunting the dragons?" Kyoko looked a little pale.
"No. Remember, Hitomi mentioned an excavation site in her story." Mamoru interrupted. "You can use those left behind by dead dragons too can't you?"
"… Yes, actually." Allen answered, smiling easily. "They do the job, but it has been argued that fresh drag energysts are more stable and reliable."
"That has not yet been proven." Van argued, and Allen shrugged.
"It is still debated however."
The conversation strayed then toward the caravans, trade and climate of Fanelia. It was a relatively dry topic of conversation, but one Van felt comfortable and confidant speaking on and he was slowly starting to relax. Hitomi's mother excused herself to check on the food and Yukari followed her inside needing to use the restroom. It was then, right as his confidence was returning that the expected confrontation occurred.
"I think I'll see if mom needs help." Hitomi said, standing up. Van pretended he didn't feel any particular way about being left behind, when Hitomi's brother once again derailed the conversation.
"I suppose you don't need flying ships and stones much because you can fly." Van stiffened at the casual way his secret was discussed and tried not to react. He knew those currently gathered here were aware about his wings as they had all seen Anil's at one point or another, and Hitomi had determined them to be trust worthy. However, seeing how her brother spoke about such a sensitive topic without thought or reservation, made Van question Hitomi's judgement.
"You do have wings, right? Some sort of trait left over from being from Atlantis or something." Mamoru was smiling as he asked, but it was not a pleasant look which belayed the innocent act.
He's doing this on purpose.
"Mamoru, what are you doing?" Hitomi asked, sounding both humiliated and highly confused. "… you know that isn't something to talk casually about!"
"But everyone here knows about it. It's not going to go anywhere." Mamoru shrugged. "Besides, no one here cares if he's half bird."
Half… what?
"Enough, Mamoru." Mareo said, and while Van knew very little about the man, he could see that even he was uncomfortable with the situation.
"Why? This is the first and only chance we have to get to know him. Shouldn't we check all the details?"
"That isn't really our business." Amano stated calmly. "Besides, this isn't something Van seems comfortable discussing."
"…" Mamoru frowned. For a moment, Van thought that would be the end of it, but then the teenager turned to him, arms crossed challengingly. "What, is discussing it like walking around naked?"
"Mamoru. You are embarrassing us. If you cannot behave as an adult, then leave." Mareo spoke up and his hand fell heavily upon the outdoor table with a loud sound that startled everyone there. From the way the silence descended directly after, Van had the impression Mareo did not often raise his voice or take such actions.
"…" Mamoru was rebelliously staring his father down, his expression somewhat twisted. Considering he was the one to cause such problems it was strange to see it. The boy fisted his hand repeatedly.
"… uh—uhm… Daddy has wings. He showed me." Anil piped up, drawing the attention. "Uncle Mamoru… you don't have to worry. He is Daddy. He took me flying." Anil said warily, looking around at the stern faces. He had clearly misunderstood the argument and was trying to smooth things over.
"Yes, Vayu. Thank you." Hitomi said, immediately moving to his side and comforting him. She was fretting and that made Van's ire rise.
"I just don't see what the big deal is…" The teenager said petulantly. "We are basically family now right? We all know so why—?"
"It is because the Draconian were and… still are, unfairly treated and used to be killed on sight." Allen said, calmly, his expression hard. A cold stillness fell around the group and Van slowly breathed through his nose to keep his composure. This was not something he liked to discuss and it was not something he wanted Anil to know about.
"Anil, go help your grandmother." He commanded, and Anil jumped, looking surprised, but at his tone, and the soft smile Hitomi gave him, he quickly complied.
"Yes, daddy." He ran off and the group was left in a deep tension that could be felt.
Damn it, this wasn't supposed to happen…
"… so, secularism and racism exists there too." Mareo sighed, sounding sad.
"Does that mean… will Anil even be safe—?" Mamoru began, clearly rattled by that bit of information, but Van cut him off, just barely managing to keep his voice low.
"I will protect them."
"…" Mamoru looked him over frowning.
"Despite his looks, Van is more than capable of accomplishing that." Allen's teasing tone broke the ice, and while the back-handed compliment was quite normal for him, Van could tell Allen was forcing the levity. "Actually, Things have gotten better since the war."
"?" Amano, Mareo and Mamoru all seemed raptly interested in what he had to say and the attention was drawn away from him entirely, thankfully. He was so angry he likely would have said something regrettable otherwise.
"While many places still aren't ready for change, Fanelia and Austuria are making efforts to do so. Fanelia is well aware of Van's heritage and it is kept secret within its walls. Only those closest to Van know and we do not speak of it. It isn't as bad any more, however, you can see why this is not something to be discussed lightly."
Mamoru couldn't manage to meet his eyes, or anyone else's and turned away from them, his hands fisted tightly.
"What is this all about? This isn't like you, Mamoru." At Hitomi's criticizing tone, her brother's face twisted and he suddenly stalked off across the yard angrily.
"Mamoru!" Hitomi made as though to follow him but was brought up short when Allen blocked her.
"Will you let me handle this?" Allen asked with a smile that was soft, kind and understanding. "I think I might be able to help."
"Oh… uhm…" Hitomi glanced at him and then her father. It was Mareo who waved Allen on, and Allen soon followed after the angry teenager. Van watched with his stomach churning and his body vibrating with disappointment and frustration. This was not how today was supposed to go, and despite knowing it was not his actions that had ruined it, he couldn't help but feel responsible.
If I had just shown up on time… if I hadn't been such a foolish—
"I apologize, Van, for my son's thoughtless words."
"!"
Mareo sighed, watching Allen and Mamoru who had drifted to the far end of the yard and seemed to be conversing silently. "It does not excuse him, but he has been through a lot. And I believe his concern for his sister has made him think of you as an enemy."
"…" That made sense, he supposed. Knowing Allen and how he acted toward Celena, it would seem that brothers were always touchy when it came to their sisters. However, that did not mean Van was going to forget this so quickly.
"He's being stupid." Hitomi sighed. "This isn't helpful at all, why would he—?" She was getting agitated and Van realized he needed to at least pretend to be fine with it.
"It's okay." Van said, squeezing Hitomi's hand and offering her a smile that he hardly felt. She had spent the last two days comforting him, trying to make him comfortable. He knew she was leaving her family behind, and he did not want her to leave with these as he last memories. "Your brother just wants to protect you."
"Van…" Hitomi's brows pinched and he wondered what it was she was thinking of as her eyes looked so compassionate, but he was unable to ask or dwell on it for long as Hitomi's mother and Yukari returned.
"What did we miss?" Kyoko's smile gave nothing away, but it opened up the avenue to change topic.
"Teenage angst." Amano provided with a smile and, much like Allen, it broke the uncomfortable tension. The conversation easily moved to topics Van couldn't follow as it had to do with the lives of Amano, Yukari and Hitomi's parents. He knew nothing about the Mystic Moon, and couldn't exactly join in, but he was grateful to be out of the center of discussion. It was easier to listen and fade into the conversation than to try and be part of it anyway. His eyes kept straying to Allen and Mamoru, and it was slightly frustrating to see that the two seemed to get along just fine.
It doesn't matter. Just keep your head down, and be sure Hitomi stays happy. This is for her…
His thoughts did nothing to ease his tension or his frustration, regardless of his good intentions.
XX
He hadn't intended to cause such a fuss. Okay, perhaps he had, but not to that extent. He'd only been trying to make Van a little uncomfortable. It was the job of the younger brother, especially when this man was the reason his sister and his entire family had suffered so much, to make the guy's visit a little bit hellish. He also had a personal vendetta against him. Van Fanel was the reason he, Kanzaki Mamoru, had not been accepted into his high school of choice.
Due to fighting with some of the kids in his class over comments about his parents and his sister, his reputation had become rather poor and his guidance counselor had recommended a less prestigious school. He'd refuted of course and applied anyway. He had, predictably, not been accepted.
Of course, he knew there were many contributing factors outside of his reputation. One of which had something to do with the cost, and knowing his parents were providing financial support for a pregnant daughter (3), but Mamoru didn't care about the semantics. If Hitomi hadn't met Van Fanel, she wouldn't have been tempted by him, she wouldn't have ended up pregnant, he could have gone through his school years without conflict and he would be in the High School he'd wanted to attend.
He was bitter, and he could accept that he was being childish, but he had thought it was only fair to give Van a little bit of a head ache before he got to ride off into his proverbial sunset to enjoy his life free of problems and without consequences. He wasn't even being that mean.
How the hell was I supposed to know that his ancestors were hunted and murdered?!
"May I join you?" The voice of the other visitor made Mamoru start, and he glanced his way before averting his eyes. He wanted to be alone but couldn't be so rude as to tell him no. Allen was a guest as surely as Van was, and he had no issues with this man.
… I was being very rude…
Mamoru sighed, aware that his actions would have many repercussions, and while he hadn't been outright confrontational with Van, he had indeed crossed several lines. His mother would likely be giving him a very stern lecture this evening. Yet another problem Van had managed to cause him.
"He has a very punch-able face for a King."
"!" The comment was so surprising, Mamoru had turned to fully face Allen before even realizing he'd done so. "E—excuse me?"
Allen's smile was amused. "Van. He has a face…" Here Allen let out a snort, "… and attitude that makes you want to hit him."
Shock and confusion made Mamoru snort a bit, his mouth quirking in a very uncertain half-smile. "Can you even say that?"
"Technically, I am a citizen of Asturia. While Van is a King and I should be respectful, he is not my King."
"…"
"… we also have something one might call a friendship." Allen shrugged. "It gives me a few perks."
"… like punching his face?"
"Yes."
"!" He had been sarcastically joking, but it would seem Allen was serious. "… you punched his face?"
"Day before yesterday."
"…" He sounded smug about that. A silence stretched between them then, as Mamoru tried to figure out what it was Allen was trying to say or accomplish by approaching him. He had assumed he was going to be lectured or get some crumby speech about how great of a person Van was. Neither was very appealing, but so far he had gotten nothing of the sort.
Growing increasingly uncomfortable with the silence, he decided to jump the gun and speak up first. "I didn't know about… all that. I was just…"
"Protecting your sister."
"… yes."
"I have a younger sister." Allen provided in lieu of some stupid statement of understanding him and his reasoning. "… I won't bore you with the details, but I failed her once and I swore I would never do so again."
"…"
"Sometimes, that makes me a tyrant. I often say things that are rude and I do not apologize for them. Unless, of course, I have upset her. I only ever make amends to her."
Mamoru wasn't certain, but he thought perhaps, Allen was trying to tell him not to take it too much to heart. It was interesting and odd, but it helped to hear such a thing and not have it be some baseless platitude.
Hitomi had mentioned something about him losing his sister… I guess he got her back.
It had been so long since Hitomi had regaled him on her adventure. No one really liked discussing it; so much of the finer details had all but been forgotten. He was a little mollified to relearn this detail now.
"How is she?"
"?"
"Your sister." Mamoru said, bending down and picked up a rock from the yard and tossing it up and down casually.
"… rebellious and testing my patience and sanity daily."
Mamoru laughed. "I guess… that's something that doesn't change regardless of age or planet."
"No. Sisters are precious monsters." Allen agreed. "And a brother's job is never appreciated."
"Or done."
Another silence stretched and settled in. Mamoru could hear the murmur of conversation across the yard and knew that the uncomfortable moment had passed thankfully. He knew he could return now, but he wasn't ready yet, and Allen didn't seem all that interested in rejoining the group either.
"… will he take care of them?" He managed to ask, when a particularly loud laugh brought his head around and he saw his sister laughing with his parents and Yukari and Amano. By contrast, Van sat there with a bored look, arms crossed. He seemed stern and unapproachable. It was hard to imagine the same loving angel Hitomi had spoken of in that figure. "… can he make her happy?"
"While his face is punch-able, and I personally think he is best when taken in small doses," Allen's snide comment made Mamoru smile, "Van is a good man. He is true to his word, he is kind, just and despite his arrogant speech, he can be surprisingly humble."
"…"
"Most importantly, though, he loves your sister. So much so, that it makes him a complete and total fool."
Watching from a distance he tried to imagine that on the visage of the man. Mamoru just couldn't picture it though. That was, until Hitomi turned to that brooding man, her smile bright, her hand touching his arm, and he watched Van's face and form melt.
"!"
He'd never understood that term before, though he'd heard classmates use it often enough, but now, he had a frame of reference. The stiffness in Van's shoulders drained away, his face smoothed into an almost dopey expression, and he seemed… normal.
Huh.
"To answer your question, from one brother to another, your sister will be loved. She will face hardships, but she will never have to face them alone, and they won't come from Van. At least… not intentionally."
"I guess that's the best I can expect… huh?" He asked and Allen set a hand upon his shoulder drawing him away from his observations.
"It's better than most get."
"…you know, I hated him."
"He brings that out in people."
Mamoru smirked, and tossed the rock at the fence line. "I never understood why he didn't come when he promised."
Allen made a sound and shifted. Mamoru could guess the man had the answer to that, but he honestly didn't care to hear it, so he moved on before it could be voiced.
"I don't care to know. That's something he needs to explain to Hitomi, not me."
"…"
"… but, when Mom and Dad… and Anil started talking about today like some big celebration…some happy event as though nothing was wrong…" His hands fisted. "And Mom told me to be nice. Nice! As though I were the trouble maker…"
Allen remained a silent listener.
"… it didn't help that he speaks so arrogantly and rude." Mamoru let out an explosive breath, "And why the hell did he have to wear my clothes?"
Allen chuckled and Mamoru managed a smile of his own, feeling calmer after getting most of his thoughts out into the open.
"I have to accept him, don't I?"
"No. But, you probably should pretend to."
"…" Mamoru sighed, scratching his scalp. "Will you punch his face again if he makes her cry?"
"You have my word as a Knight." Allen's grin was infectious.
"… I guess that's good enough."
He supposed, if he wanted the chance to get to know this man, and if he wanted to see his sister and Anil again, he would have to be nice. Well, nicer than he was just now. Like it or not, Hitomi was leaving with him, and any return trips would be with Van's approval only.
I'll apologize… in a little while, I'll go back and apologize.
He really hadn't meant to cause a problem. He just wanted to make him squirm.
XX
She hadn't expected the day to go particularly well, it was essentially a goodbye meal with little preparation, following a disappearance and subsequent reappearance of a small child, and a first meeting with the one person everyone here held accountable for their problems. Yukari supposed it was a minor miracle that the conversation had been as calm as it had been. However, after returning from the bathroom, she knew something big had happened while she and Kyoko had been inside.
The group was tense and subdued. Mamoru and Allen had moved to the furthest edge of the backyard and where speaking quietly together. Hitomi seemed pale and Van… well, she never could read him and didn't really want to try. He looked like he had a pole shoved up his backside, but that wasn't anything new. He always seemed tense, but in conjunction with the others, it was clear something of note had occurred.
We haven't even been here an hour… what could possibly have happened?
She looked at Susumu and raised an eyebrow. He smiled and shook his head, his hand reaching out to hold her own gently. He would tell her later, but whatever had happened had been bad enough that he didn't want to bring it up.
Did Mamoru hit him?
Yukari inspected Van for any new bruises or welts. There was nothing that she could see. However, she knew that between herself and Mamoru, they had suffered quite a lot thanks to Van and they had both discussed punching him if they ever met him. Mamoru also had the added benefit of having actually been in fist-fights before, so his threats had not been so idle.
Well, whatever had happened, she wasn't going to get answers for a while yet, and it seemed to have been resolved as the conversation had moved to lighter topics so quickly. Mareo was discussing general topics and everyone was chatting. Well, everyone with exception to Van, who seemed to be trying to disappear into the background without making a fuss.
Is he even aware of how easy he makes it for people to want to hit him?
How hard was it to join in the conversation? Yukari's thoughts stilled as she realized that perhaps Van was taking 'the better part of valor' and all that rot by keeping his haughty, arrogant mouth shut. He did seem to want to make Hitomi happy, and perhaps he thought the best way to make a good impression was not to speak.
Well, he isn't wrong…
Deciding that it didn't matter much, Yukari turned her attention to Hitomi, Anil and Kyoko. If Anil was aware or bothered by the mood from earlier, he wasn't showing it, seeming pleased to be surrounded by those who genuinely loved him. He played with whatever toys were around and brought different things over to Van, managing to ease the man's expression when he did so. It was approaching late afternoon and the meal would be ready soon. Yukari was just starting to relax when there came a ring from the front door bell.
"Oh, my… who could that be?" Kyoko asked, standing and moving toward the house. "I'll get it. I need to check on the food anyway."
She stepped away and into the house and the flow of conversation continued. It wasn't until Kyoko returned, looking concerned that Yukari started to wonder what was going on, and then she saw the figure following her.
Oh dear god, what is he doing here?!
Yukari cast her gaze to Hitomi, wondering what on Earth would possess her to invite Ishikawa Fumio of all people, and realized from the shock and draining color from her face, that this had not been her idea.
"… we have, more company." Kyoko said a little awkwardly, her gaze landing sharply upon Mareo.
"Oh…" Hitomi's father's face went lax and then there was a very imperceptible wince. Yukari could guess what happened from the way Mareo stood to accept both the book and the omiyage Ishikawa had with him (4). "Right. You have a book to return, Fumio."
"I apologize for intruding." Ishikawa said with an easy smile, holding out both a large book on Baseball as well as a gift for the meal. It was a simple tray of fruit, but it was notably comprised of Anil's favorites, which gave away his intentions as well.
This can't possibly get worse…
Ishikawa, like Van, came across as cold and impersonal. However, unlike Van, Ishikawa was adept at simple and casual conversation and putting one at ease with a polite intonation. This had engendered him to Hitomi's parents, as had his similar affiliation and like of old classical music, baseball and similar political views as Mareo. Mareo likely invited Ishikawa due to this friendship they had built and the fact that before Hitomi and he tried to date, they had been friends.
It was clear that Ishikawa had come here to show Van just how much of an outsider he was. Ishikawa knew Anil's favorite fruits, was on great personal terms with Hitomi's parents and Mamoru tolerated him without a fuss. This was a proverbial cock fight.
Goodness… should I get a ruler and tell them to whip them out and get it over with?
Yukari could feel the headache budding and pinched the bridge of her nose. She hoped she was wrong, that Van wouldn't feel jealous or insecure, that he wouldn't do something stupid. In that same hope, Yukari prayed that Hitomi wouldn't make a scene, that this will all just blow over as an awkward bump in the road and nothing more. But she was too pragmatic for that.
Maybe it would have been better if they had just left…
"Thank you for the invitation." Ishikawa said smoothly, turning to look at Anil who had gone very still. "Hey, I brought strawberries for you to celebrate." His smile was warm and sincere. "Congratulations, Anil."
Anil frowned, clearly looking for the trap in those words. "Why are you saying that?" He asked, looking around at all the adults around him.
"Your father has returned. Isn't that reason to congratulate you?"
"…" Anil seemed to not trust the words but he slid close and snagged one of the tempting red berries. "… thank you."
Ishikawa's smile was tender and held no shadows as he watched Anil. From what she could tell, he was genuinely happy for the boy. Then again, he had always treated Anil well. It was a major reason why Hitomi had even considered dating him.
Ishikawa turned then and finished greeting everyone one by one, ending with Van. Everyone of the greetings was polite and pleasant, and there was no difference between any of them with exception to the slightly deeper and more respectful bow he offered Van.
"Thank you for allowing me to properly say goodbye to my friend." He said smoothly. There was no way to misinterpret his words and actions. Yukari frowned, looking at Hitomi.
He must be using this to trap Van… if he frames it this way, Van will be the rude one in sending him away.
"…" Van stared at Ishikawa, his expression dark. It seemed he had no intention of speaking, and just when it was becoming uncomfortable, Allen and Mamoru returned.
"Hello, I do not believe we have been properly introduced." Allen cut in, smooth as butter and just as pleasant as Ishikawa.
"Ah, yes. I am Ishikawa Fumio. I work… worked, with Hitomi at the school. We became friends thanks to that."
"I see. My name is Allen Schezar. I'm a friend of both Van and Hitomi as well."
"It is nice to meet you."
"Same."
The silence returned and then, Mamoru, in a very obnoxious and unexpectedly rude gesture, crossed his arms and took on the challenge that Ishikawa presented.
"Isn't this supposed to be a family event? It's a bit rude to come, isn't it?"
"… by that logic, aren't they also intruding?" Ishikawa said pleasantly, gesturing toward herself and Susumu.
"Not at all. Yukari and I were supposed to get married. It was all pre-arranged, but I let Amano have her because it was "love-love" and I like him." Mamoru said all of that with a calm, blank face and without any inflection. It was a perfect blend of sarcasm and dry wit. Yukari gaped at his blatant lie, as well as the numerous implications that had been made.
… I guess he's siding with Van then.
"Mamoru!" Kyoko scolded and then stepped up to Ishikawa giving an apologetic bow. "Please excuse him, it's been a stressful few weeks. Thank you for the fruit, and please make yourself comfortable."
And with that, things were settled.
Ishikawa acted as though he hadn't even noticed Mamoru's rude behavior and proceeded to strike up a conversation with Mareo, speaking easily and animatedly with him. Kyoko snagged Mamoru's arm and dragged him inside under the guise of setting out the food and was likely going to lecture him. Yukari looked toward Hitomi and Van, who both looked excessively uncomfortable.
"Daddy? Are you okay?" Anil asked, bravely reaching up to grip his father's hand.
Van looked down at Anil, and softly smiled, crouching to be eye level with the boy. "Yes. I am fine." He looked at the strawberry his son was nibbling. "You like those?"
"Uh-huh. Want one?"
"… sure." Van somehow managed to keep his cool and seemed fine despite everything and Yukari was rather impressed. She could see the way his jaw worked and knew he was anything but calm, but the effort he was exerting was commendable.
"… Van..?" Hitomi asked, looking worried and Van turned to her. Yukari couldn't see his face, but it must have been calm or something as Hitomi minutely relaxed, a tentative smile curving her lips. Yukari watched them just long enough to be sure that Van was reassuring Hitomi before she turned with a large exhale grabbing her glass of water.
"… well, this has been an eventful lunch…"
Susumu snorted at her side.
"Oh, so these kinds of events aren't typically this stressful?" Allen asked, and from the way he was smiling it was clear he was joking. It broke the ice and Yukari laughed shaking her head.
"Thankfully not. I don't think anyone would be able to comfortably digest the food served if they were."
"Oh, thank goodness. I was starting to wonder."
"Everyone, the meal is ready." Kyoko called, inviting everyone back inside to eat and Yukari felt her stomach twist. She really wasn't hungry anymore, and she doubted anyone else was either.
XX
It wasn't the most uncomfortable meal he'd ever attended, but it did rank up there. Fumio managed to hide his discomfort though, and if he had to guess his plan had worked splendidly. He had returned the book to Mareo and in the action was able to speak openly and freely about one of his passions. He'd purposefully brought an omiyage that would highlight how much he knew Anil, and hopefully by comparison, point out what Van did not know of the boy he'd thrown away for nearly seven years.
He could tell from the narrowed glare, the tense posture and bitter silence that Van had been aware of his intentions and had suffered silently the entire evening. Unless directly spoken to, Van had remained quiet, and when he was speaking, it was short responses and what Fumio would call a "political" façade. The man had a fake smile that seemed almost passable and was clearly reserved for times like these in which he was anything but happy, but put up a polite front.
At least, that was Fumio's impression.
I did not expect such hostility from Mamoru though.
Fumio's eyes tracked to the sullen teenager who had kept his distance after that hostile greeting. Mamoru had never been overly friendly with him, but he hadn't been so antagonistic before either. It had been surprising, and for a moment, he had wondered why the boy was siding with Van, though as the night progressed, he could tell that Mamoru wasn't particularly kind or amiable with Van either. In fact, they did not interact at all.
Perhaps he just has a sister complex.
That was a possibility, and Mamoru would be antagonistic to any man that drew too close to his sister. Or perhaps he was merely going through a rebellious phase and was acting out simply because it would cause a scene. Working with teenagers, Fumio had learned that their motivations weren't always so simple or easily understood.
Regardless, he managed to keep up an affable conversation with almost every person there. He did not cause any obvious problems and made no comment when Hitomi purposefully sat between Van and Anil during the meal. The tension had rendered the entire meal to little better than ash, and he doubted anyone enjoyed it—which was a shame because Kyoko's home cooked meals were marvelous—but Fumio felt well and truly accomplished.
He'd managed to barge into this meal, make his point and do so without causing too much hassle. He had also managed to glean the information he had been most interested in; the time and date of Hitomi's departure. It was due to that information, given by an excited Anil, which prompted him to request a private conversation with Hitomi as the get-together was drawing to its natural conclusion. He also proposed this in the guise of leaving first knowing it was more likely that she would acquiesce that way.
"Well, I shall excuse myself. I have a prior engagement this evening." Fumio said standing and accepting the well wishes and goodbyes from the group. He pretended not to notice the obvious relief on most of their faces. "Hitomi, may I ask you to see me out? I would like to speak with you."
"?" Hitomi blinked and glanced around the table, her gaze landing upon the dark brooding man. Van's expression was particularly unpleasant but he didn't say anything to stop or sway her. Fumio wondered if perhaps the man was testing Hitomi, to see what she would do or if he seriously didn't think Fumio was a threat. "… uhm… sure."
Hitomi sighed, clearly uncomfortable and stood up. He pretended not to notice, and smiled pleasantly at all those gathered. Hitomi kept a distance between them as she lead him back to the front of the home and stood at the entry way while he put his shoes on. She was wearing flattering blue jeans and a nice top that was rather more effeminate than her usual clothes. In fact, he was fairly certain that pale green blouse with the subtle stitch work was the same one she had worn on their first official date together. The color made her green eyes more prominent and he had privately thought it her best top.
"… so, you are leaving tomorrow."
"Don't."
"That is fast." He continued anyway, taking as much time as he could in replacing his shoes.
"No, it isn't." Hitomi snapped, crossing her arms.
"You are right. It is merely six years overdue."
"…" Hitomi's eyes narrowed and Fumio decided not to press that topic any further. She was not going to respond to any further words about Van's absence it would seem.
"May I see you off."
"!"
He waited patiently, focusing on his shoelaces, practically playing with them like a child. He didn't mind acting like one if it meant he could try to persuade her. Her answer, when it came, was expected, but it didn't hurt any less for it.
"You can't be there. I'm sorry, but I am asking you, as a friend… don't come." She sounded genuinely regretful and it only made the whole situation more unbearable.
Why did this happen?
"… is this your wish, or his?" He asked quietly, far more emotional than he had ever allowed himself to be with her. He wanted to know if this was truly her choice, or if this was the will of the bastard that had left her alone with a child for seven years. If she honestly didn't want him there, it would hurt but he would accept it, because he respected her, but if it wasn't he couldn't just let her go.
"Fumio…" the way she said his given name was so bitterly sweet it made his teeth hurt.
It is his idea then.
"So we are back to 'Fumio'?" He regretted the sweet tease the moment it escaped his lips as her face hardened and she immediately corrected her words.
"Ishikawa."
He flinched, and Hitomi's arms uncrossed as she let out a loud expulsion of air. "Why does it matter? You don't believe any of this anyway! Do you want to be there to prove yourself right?"
Fumio sighed, running a hand through his hair, reminded again of his short comings and he stood up to face her. "I'm sorry. I never intended for you to know… or to insult you."
"I know." Her retort was sharp and cut like a blade despite being a confirmation of his good intentions. He wanted to ask how she had known he had not believed her story about how she had conceived Anil. Her story hadn't been long, a hand full of sentences really.
She had said she was 'spirited away' by a blue beam of light to another world. She said she met a young man who was swiftly drawn into a global war and that they had fallen in love. They had promised to meet up again after four years time and he returned her home. She was unaware of her pregnancy then and that this man, this supposed King of another world, simply never showed up. That was all she had told him. He thought he had kept his expression controlled, and he knew he had never said anything to her about this story with the exception to the platitudes of "that must have been so hard for you' and 'you are very strong for coming through that'.
Am I so bad at hiding my disbelief?
"I have been dealing with people and this event for seven years. I know when someone thinks my story is made up." She answered without prompting. "I also know you never said anything because you respected me and you… I don't know, thought you were protecting me."
"… yes." He admitted softly, a bitter smile lifting his lips. "… so, can I make that up to you?"
"?"
"Let me see you off. Let me see, for myself, the truth of your tale." The words were a challenge, and for all their cruelty and desperation, he hoped she would agree. He might never win her heart, and what they could have had was now unreachable, but he could still save her from this mess. He could save her as he failed to do with his mother. "You are leaving by that same mystical light, are you not?"
"…" Hitomi's face pinched and she looked away. Fumio knew that she must be questioning it herself as there was no way they were actually planning to leave in such a manner. Obviously, the blue beam of light was a story, nothing more. By asking this, he was demanding proof which neither Van nor Hitomi could provide. It was heartless, but if he did this, then it would force this dream to shatter when no light arrived. This was the last means of saving her.
"Please."
Hitomi sighed, "… the old temple behind the school."
"… the one with the tori gates just behind the track?" He asked, confused. That temple wasn't well known, in fact many of the students whispered about ayakashi (5) living on the grounds. It also was built up high with no motor access. There was no other way to leave the place than taking the same steps one took to go up it.
Why would they choose that place?
"If you really want to see us off… we will be leaving at ten in the morning."
"Thank you."
"No. Don't thank me…" Hitomi murmured rubbing her forehead. "… you are going to need years of therapy after tomorrow…"
Fumio chuckled, genuinely amused by her words though they were sad. She honestly believed that he would see something fantastical tomorrow. He hoped she wouldn't be too terribly devastated when she was proven wrong.
At the very least, her parents, Yukari and I will be there if she does break down.
"I will take that risk." He smiled at her. "Who knows. It might do me some good." He shrugged. "Make me a believer."
"…" Hitomi looked at him with the same compassion she had shown when he had spoken to her of his childhood. Of the reasons he had for not believing in love, fairytales or in people as a whole. It was this look that had made him wish to try and create a family with her. She hadn't pitied him, not in the way many others had, but she also didn't assume he was completely fine with his past either. "Fumio… there are miracles in this world. And while love isn't as perfect as the stories make it out to be… it exists. And it's worth taking a risk for."
Fumio could see Van just behind Hitomi, he had followed them out not long after they had left and had chosen to lean against the wall some distance back. His arms were crossed and his expression was neutral so Fumio couldn't guess what he was thinking or feeling in response to everything Hitomi had said, but he did know that this man did not deserve such trust or faith. He couldn't even trust her enough to let her speak alone with him.
"We shall see." Fumio turned to leave then, aware that he couldn't drag this out any further.
"Wait." Hitomi stopped him, her hand gently touching his arm. He turned as though compelled by some invisible force and waited to see what it was Hitomi wished to say. Hitomi's eyes were glassy with unshed tears and she smiled at him in a way that was so reminiscent of his mother that Fumio felt physically ill. "… don't give up on the world. Please don't shut out those people who might just make you believe… life is… messy. So is love. And sometimes, love isn't everything. It isn't enough on its own. But on rare occasions… it's worth it all."
He swallowed thickly and had to excuse himself before he did something he would regret. Hitomi had always been so logical. He had assumed she was different from his daydreaming mother, but looking at her now, hearing those words fall from her lips, was just too much. Though she spoke with more sense than his mother ever had, she still spoke like a fool caught in a delusion.
"Until tomorrow." He bowed and escaped, the memory of his mother's tearful face over-lapping with Hitomi's and driving him to flee.
A.N. So, my hope for this chapter was to make all of you reading it feel the same uncomfortableness that everyone else had. LOL! I"ve read far too many stories where the parents are either WAY too accepting of the male lead upon first meeting him, or they are over-the-top cruel. I wanted to bring a more realistic approach where no one is exactly happy with it, but they are all putting on a show because they love Hitomi. I really hope this came across.
1) Between weeks 20-24 of pregnancy is when one generally receives the ultrasound that determines gender. I was too lazy to see if this was the same in Japan back in 1997 but for the purpose of this story I don't think it much matters. So, yes, Hitomi would be just about 24-ish weeks along by March 15th, so all of what I described would be visible on an ultrasound. As much as one can see things on an ultrasound that is.
2) Aka-chan is a term for a baby. Van-chan is clearly van's name with the suffix used for small children so while the translation is still just Van, the implication of the 'chan' gives it the meaning of "little Van" without actually saying "little Van".
3) As mentioned before, in Japan, High School is applied for and each school is priced compaired to their reputation and standing, much like a college. For example, tuition fees for an ivy league college will not be the same as a community college.
4) An omiyage is a gift one brings when visiting anothers home/returning from a trip/as a polite gesture to others ( livejapan en/article-a0000693/.).
5) Ayakashi are evil/vengeful spirits.