A/N: It's the chapter you've all been waiting for! -drum roll- The truth about Van is revealed! But besides this, I feel crappy . . . -sobs- Sorry, but school work took forever (stupid English and World Cultures!) And I couldn't find a hockey team to play on (GR). And and . . . I kept watching Tsubasa Chronicle! (the manga is so much better, but the music is awesome. I suppose it's fun to see them move too, heh. And I was watching Bleach as well . . .) Aw, whatever, I'll just get on with it.
Last Stop
The weeks passed by in a rush of happiness that I had never felt before. I began to smile frequently, even when I wasn't with Hitomi or Hana. Although I didn't realize it, I was wrapped in a radiating cocoon of love. Life finally seemed worth living. But even love could not pierce the darkest recesses of my heart, until one day, God decided to help me along . . .
Chapter Six: Time to Pay
Mornings. So tiring, so hard to wake up for, so blah. I definitely was not a morning person (Okay, so I hated all parts of the day . . .). But I began to wonder which I dreaded more: mornings or nights. Nights are nice; you get to just sit around and relax. But mornings are the beginning of a whole new adventure. A clean slate, waiting to be written on. They were the beginning of. . .
Another day with Hitomi.
The time we spent together was constantly growing; Saturdays, Sundays, both; she even came back to my apartment sometimes after we went to the orphanage. And when she left, I always felt lonely, like something was missing and I couldn't find it. How did I ever survive the days with just myself to care about? I couldn't remember. But it didn't matter. Hitomi was on my mind constantly.
Yet I still hadn't told her. Nothing. Not even a hint. The timing, the place, the everything, was never right. Just like I still hadn't kissed her. What was wrong with me? I was more of a chicken than I ever thought.
But Hitomi wasn't the only girl on my mind. Hana always lurked somewhere in the background as well. Sweet, innocent little Hana. How could I resist her? Her smile, her laugh, her spontaneous, profound questions, everything. After all that she'd been through, she could still smile happily at me. It was hard not to smile back. And it was even harder to believe a million people weren't trying to adopt her.
If I had been as strong as her, what would my life have been like?
I weaved through the buses slowly, trying to reach mine. I hated that thought. What would my life have been like? Who cares what my life would have been like? I couldn't take back the past. Besides, it could've been crappy anyway. I could've been adopted by some crappy family, living in some crappy neighborhood, going to some crappy school. But I wasn't; I was just a lonely, pessimistic bastard.
"Van?"
I jumped in surprise, looking at my boss standing in front of my bus. He had a tool box with him. Tuning up the bus? No . . .
"Sir?" I replied politely, masking my surprise with a blank, sleepy stare.
He stared back at me for a moment, digging for something, until he finally said. "You're different."
"Wha . . . What?" I asked, confused. It was too early in the morning for these games.
"From the first day I met you. You're different," he repeated, as if that explained all.
"I . . . don't understand," was all I could muster. But I understood perfectly well. I'm not that oblivious.
He gazed at me again and just smiled, a good-natured smile. "Of course you don't. You can't see the transition in yourself. But you aren't as morbid anymore. That orphanage must be good for you after all."
"Yes . . ." I drawled, allowing a small smile to creep upon my lips. "It's the greatest thing I've ever done."
My boss laughed. "It's weird, you know? You almost seem like you're in love or something, rather than just some guy doing a nice deed"
I couldn't say anything.
oOo
"It's nice to see you again, Van."
"Nice to see you again, too," I replied, a bit awkwardly. I had been wondering where she was, but I hadn't bothered to ask Dryden. It was always possible that even Mr. Happiness could get divorced, wasn't it? But I suppose I should have known better. Dryden and Millerna went together like peanut butter and bananas.
"So, how have you been?" Millerna asked, smiling at me gently, like a mother. I always thought the blond haired, blue eyed woman would make a great mother. Perhaps that's why she took up working at the orphanage . . . Or maybe it was just because Dryden happened to own the place. Who knew?
"Fine," I replied dryly. When I was younger, though not much, and under her care, Millerna had always had a way of making me tell her my feelings. Sort of. Now, it seemed, her powers over me had diminished.
She pouted, that same pout she always gave me. "That's all? After all this time, I only get a 'fine'?"
"Yes," I replied, unwavering.
Millerna sighed in defeat, then smiled. "I guess my powers over you are gone now that you're a man."
"What powers? You never had any power over me," I said, trying to mask my true self from her for once.
"Don't even kid yourself, Van," she laughed.
I glanced off into the distance. Kidding myself was one of my best traits. I watched Hitomi and Hana as they played at the other end of the yard. I couldn't kid with Hitomi, though. And I couldn't lie, either. I just couldn't tell the truth.
"Aren't you going to ask where I've been?" Millerna asked, following my gaze playfully.
"Don't care," I growled, ready to ditch her in a second.
"I told you to stop kidding yourself! Well, I've been in another country helping out orphanages there. Think things are bad over here? You should see some of these places . . ." her voice faded.
"I said I didn't care, and I meant it. Besides," I watched as Hana ran towards me, "you should be fixing this damn country before you try fixing the world."
"Van!" Hana exclaimed, tugging at the tail of my shirt exasperatedly. She looked so cute. "Why don't you come play?"
I scooped her up quickly and with relative ease. She hated it when I cradled her in my arms as if she were some little baby. Or at least, she claimed she did. But I knew she liked it, secretly. What little kid doesn't? (Besides me?) I stared down at her indifferently, a small smile threatening to emerge. "What's the matter? Hitomi not good enough for you anymore? You know I had to pass inspection. Millerna wouldn't want anything to happen to you because of mean old Van."
Yeah, like I said, I was still lying about everything related to my childhood. Including my relations to Millerna and Dryden.
"You're not mean," Hana giggled.
"Well, not to sweat little girls," I replied, setting her solidly on the ground again.
"You're not mean to me, either," Hitomi said, nudging me.
"Like I said," patting her on the head as if she were in elementary school, "Not to sweat little girls!"
Hitomi jammed her elbow into my ribs, trying to actually cause pain. "I'll get you for that, Van Fanel!"
"Yeah, sure, whatever you say,"I replied. I turned my attention back to Hana. "So, what did you want to play with me instead of lowly Hitomi?"
"Argh, Van!" Hitomi looked ready to pounce. I chuckled.
"No, no, no," Hana scolded, in that tone that every child seemed to have when they are exasperated with adults. "I want to play with both of you!"
"Oh, I see," I said as I reached for her hand, "you're just greedy."
Millerna coughed suddenly to get our attention. I'd forgotten she was even there. Then again, so had Hana and Hitomi. We were all too wrapped up in insulting each other (Okay, so I was doing most of the insulting).
"Hitomi, I don't mean to be a bother . . ." Millerna began coyly, "but would you mind retrieving a folder from my desk?"
"Not a problem!" Hitomi exclaimed, already heading in the direction of Millerna's office.
"You can't miss it! It doesn't have anything written on the front, but it's huge! And it should be the only folder on the desk!"
"Okay!" Hitomi called back before going inside.
"Come on, Van," Hana tugged at my hand.
After a moments hesitation, I nodded. "Okay . . ."
oOo
Ten minutes passed, and still Hitomi had not returned. How long did it take to deliver a freaking folder! Something smelt fishy. Sure, Hitomi wasn't the brightest bulb in the box, but she also wasn't that much of a dimwit. What could be taking her so long? What was she doing? Where was she? Crazy thoughts started running through my mind.
Eleven minutes.
Hana and I were playing catch. Hana wasn't much of a thrower, as most young children aren't. It was easy to get distracted from our game; every time I got the ball, I simply had to flick my wrist in her direction. She, rather comically, used both hands and was still only able to get the ball about half the distance. After a minute or two (and after getting mad at herself for being unable to throw the ball), she noticed how distracted I was.
"Van, you're not paying attention," she whined, carrying the ball in her hands.
"Huh?" my focus slowly turned back to her. "Oh . . . I am so paying attention."
"Where's Hitomi?" Hana asked, staring at me, boring into my soul and prying apart my thoughts.
"I was just wondering that . . ." I said quietly. "I think I'll go look for her. Stay put. I'll be back in a minute or two."
Wrong again.
oOo
No. No, what was that folder doing there? Why did they still have it? How? Why? How did Hitomi find it? Why was it just lying there? No . . . I was going to tell her, I really was. It was a set up. No . . . damn it, no
Sweat ran down my face as I just laid there, breathing heavily. I covered my mouth with my hand. I couldn't believe. Hitomi knew. Just like that, Hitomi knew. Millerna . . . Damn her, she set me up. I played right into her hands. There was no way I could ever out play her. And now Hitomi knew.
What would happen now? This was something I couldn't run away from. I couldn't avoid Hitomi for the rest of my life. Unless, of course, I gave up my job and moved halfway around the world. But that was impossible. What to do? What to do?
She had been sitting there quietly, her back slightly to the door, studying something. For a few moments, I just stood there, admiring how pretty she looked with a serious face. Then it clicked. A serious face? What was she doing? Stealthily, I crept just inside the doorway. The light of the doorway and a small lamp made a picture visible. I squinted. A boy with unruly hair, piercing eyes, and a gut-wrenching frown. My eyes widened in shock, and perhaps a bit of horror.
It was me.
Somewhere along the line, I must have let something slip, for Hitomi turned around in a flash, attempting to conceal the folder. Upon seeing me, she jumped up, seemingly horrified herself. Pain was etched in her eyes.
"Van . . . I . . . you . . ." Hitomi stuttered. Nothing was coming. All she could manage was a shake of the head.
I stepped backward, silhouetted in the doorway. The smiles, the openness, the happiness I'd achieved the past month or two crumbled with this revelation. And all the hate which had been suppressed came rushing back through my veins.
"No . . ." I whispered menacingly, stepping out of the doorway into the hallway. "No . . ." was all I said before running.
"Van!"
oOo
Cold water felt nice as it ran down my face, mingling with hot sweat. I had to calm down, think rationally. It was a good thing I hadn't fixed my mirror yet; it'd probably be shattered again. Plus, I couldn't see my disheveled self. Wet fingers intertwined with my hair as I stared at the faucet.
A knock came from my front door. It could only be one person.
"Go away," I whispered, impossible for Hitomi to hear, especially from the bathroom.
Another knock.
Slowly I walked to the front door and leaned on it. By now, Hitomi was calling my name.
"Van . . . Open the door, I know you're there!"
I hesitated. "You know nothing . . ."
"Van, please," she begged. "We need to talk."
"No, we don't."
"Yes, we do, and you know it," she cried.
Silence.
I unlocked the door, opening it just a crack. Hitomi was standing there, her eyes frantic, and even a little hurt. I inched the door open the rest of the way until we stood facing each other. She walked in slowly, and plopped down on the couch, like this was something normal. I closed the door and leaned on it.
Silence.
"Damn you," I hissed. "You come to talk, yet you're not talking."
She stared at me, a sad, painful stare. "I think you're the one who needs to talk," she said quietly.
I smiled; not my "beautiful" one, but my old, evil one. I chuckled. "I don't even know where to begin . . . Tell me what you know."
"Sit down, Van," Hitomi commanded.
"Why should I?" I growled.
"Please . . ."
I shrugged. "Whatever. It doesn't matter."
I plopped down next to her, leaving some distance. In truth, it did matter. Just her presence ruffled me. If I weren't so furious, I'd probably give in to her. I was so . . . pathetic.
"When you were eight . . . you were left on the orphanage steps, sitting in the rain, completely drenched before anyone found you. No information could be found on your parents. Not that you wanted to know of your parents. There were signs of starvation. You refused to talk much. You were especially spiteful towards possible adoptive parents. As a result, you were never adopted. But you had a talent in writing. Dryden and Millerna paid for you to go to college. You dropped out," Hitomi stated these facts in a monotone voice. After a moment, she turned to me. I said nothing. "That's all I know. Which means I know nothing."
"You're fucking right you know nothing," I said coldly. A little too coldly. Hitomi winced at my profanity. What was I doing? Technically, Hitomi hadn't done anything wrong.
"So what if I was malnourished? . . ."
Muffled voices filtered through the door. They sounded angry. They always sounded angry. What had I done now? I never knew why they were angry . . . I could never understand. But I knew it had something to do with me. Perhaps Folken too. But more with me.
My stomach growled. I knew better than to ask for food. That had something to do with it, too. There wasn't much food. Compared to other kids, I was so skinny. But I knew better than to ask for food. I knew there wasn't any. If there was, I would've gotten it already.
I crept towards the doorway and put my ear to it. I could make out what my parents were saying, but I didn't understand. "We can't do that!" my mother cried.
"Why not! It's best for him. Living here only makes him suffer!" my father exclaimed.
"Because he's ours! And what about Folken?"
"Folken is older. He could be useful. He can fend for himself."
"He suffers, too."
"He's too old, damn it!"
A hand touched my shoulder. I jumped. But it was only my brother. It was only Folken smiling down on me. He was never angry. He always had a smile that touched his eyes. He never yelled like mommy and daddy. "Van . . . are you hungry?"
"No." I lied. I always lied. I never knew what would happen if I said yes.
"I have a little snack. If you want it, you have to come away from the door. Don't you want it?" Folken always tried to cover up our parents fighting. He knew something I didn't. But I was hungry . . .
I ate whatever it was Folken was giving me slowly. I couldn't even see what it was. It was night time, plus rainy, and there were few lights in our house. Soon, our parents came out from behind the door. The moonlight sifted though the window, broken by drops of rain. They looked very sad.
My mother hugged me. "Go get your coat," she whispered.
"Why? Where are we going, mommy?"
"Shh. Please . . .just do it."
Hitomi closed her eyes as I paused.
The rain was cold as it pounded against my bare skin. I had a rain jacket on, but it was too small. I hadn't gotten new clothes in a year or two. But I didn't say anything.
We were standing in front of some sort of building. I couldn't make out the sign. It didn't look familiar, though. My parents sat me down on the step. Folken was waiting in our beat up car. He seemed very upset about something. So did my parents.
"Why are we here, mommy? Why is everyone so sad?" I asked, confused and hurt. I was still hungry. And cold.
My mother embraced me. "You wouldn't understand . . ." She started crying. "You're too young to understand . . ."
"Mom . . . my?" I asked, scared.
She stood up, standing next to my father. They started to walk away. I stood up. My father turned around. "No, Van. You mustn't follow. Stay there. We'll be back for you."
I didn't know what to do. I'd never disobeyed my father. So I sat back down and watched as they got in the car and drove away. I sat there all night in the rain. But they never came back. They said they'd come back . . . But they never came back for me.
Hitomi opened her eyes again. They were sparkling with unsprung tears.
"So I was stuck at the orphanage. At the time, Dryden's father owned the place . . ."
"He refuses to play. At all. Even by himself. He just sits there. You tell him to color, and you know what he'll do? He'll color the whole page black. He won't leave even one little white spot. He says that's what his heart looks like. Empty. We've tried therapy, but he doesn't seem to be responding to it. And by god, you should see what this kid writes!"
I was a horrible child. I could never do anything right. But why should I listen to them? They weren't my parents. I was alone in the world. I wasn't wanted. I didn't want their help. I was a horrible child. They were always talking about me.
"You're doing all you can. But I thought writing was some sort of comfort for this kid? I thought he was good at it?"
"Oh, he's an excellent writer. It's what he writes about. Van . . . it's like he's composed of hate and sadness. There is not an ounce of happiness in his words. And his words . . . reach out and touch you. They're that powerful. And it hurts, because all you feel is pain. It's the same feeling you get when you look into his eyes. They're such a unique auburn, a dark fire, and you can feel them burn. Even so, I think writing is a release of energy for Van. No matter how depressing."
The door cracked open as I accidentally leaned too hard. Meiden, the owner of Fassa Foundation, and another worker were revealed. I walked away quietly.
"I see . . ."
"Van . . ." Hitomi choked, the tears beginning to spill.
"I'm not done yet," I said quietly, chuckling. "Under Dryden, I was to go to college . . ."
"I don't want to go!" I exclaimed. What was with this guy? I thought Meiden was bad . . . His son, Dryden, is worse. He's always forcing me into things. He won't even ask my opinion of things.
"You're going, and I don't care what you say. You've got talent, Van, why don't you share it?" Dryden replied calmly. Calm, calm, calm. He was always calm.
"Why do you want me to share such things?"
Dryden stared at me for a minute. "Because I believe one day, you'll find someone who you will want to share 'such things' with. Spread it to the world; I'm sure there's at least one person who will understand."
"I hate you."
oOo
I screwed up again. Again and again. They kept lying to me. They kept telling me the truth. Half and half. I couldn't find a middle. Dryden lied, and my professor told the truth. I didn't like either of them.
"I'm sorry, Van. Your writing just isn't suitable. You have a strong voice, an odd, yet powerful writing style, but you lack . . . the ability to make people want more. Sad stories, they're fine, but yours . . . Sting. Can't you muster even an iota of happiness? No one can be so pessimistic."
I walked towards the door. There was no point in arguing, because I didn't disagree. But before I left, I said the stupid, overused proverb, "Never say never," and stormed out.
"And now I'm a bus driver, visiting everyday the very place I loath, pouring out my heart to some girl!"
By now, Hitomi allowed her tears to flow unchecked. She didn't say anything. She couldn't say anything. I pondered what I'd just told her. Had I ever told anyone that before? No. And suddenly . . . It hurt. Was this the power of my words?
A sad smile crept onto my face. "I'm a horrible child," I whispered. "I can never do anything right. I'm such a horrible child . . . Folken is so much better." By now, my eyes were filled with tears. "Horrible . . ." A little trickle of salty water slid down my cheek.
"No, Van . . ." Hitomi had finally regained control of herself. She was reaching out for my hand. This is all her fault, my brain cried She was the reason I was crying. She was my problem. A sudden rage unleashed itself, causing me to jump up in frantic state.
"Shut up! You think just because I told you that, now you know me all the sudden? Well, let me tell you something: you don't know jack shit about me! I don't want your damn pity. I don't want anything from you. I don't even know why I told you."
Hitomi stood up, too. It took her a moment to stabilize herself, for she was still quiet shaken. But there was something intimidating in her bright green eyes. Something that wouldn't be pushed down by my hollow yelling. It was determination.
"You're wrong," was all she said.
I gazed at her like she were some loon. "What?"
"You're not a horrible child. Your parents loved you. That's why they left you at the orphanage. Folken was just too old, and perhaps an asset; don't you see? It's not your fault your parents didn't have enough money to support you. Don't eat yourself up about that. It's not your fault."
I'd heard this explanation at least a million times. When I was younger, I had never accepted it. And as I got older, I always shrugged it off. But deep in my heart, I knew it was true. I didn't blame myself for that anymore. It was just that I'd loved my parents so much. And it hurt when the people whose hand you held so tightly suddenly let go.
"And . . . and I do know you. Maybe I don't know all about your past, and maybe I don't even know what your favorite color is, but I know you. I know the Van that isn't held down by the past. I know you for who you are, right here and now. You're the guy who attracts a small girl who opens up to no one. You're the guy who lets people ride the bus even if they don't have the money. You're the guy who has a smile that's brighter than the sun." At that moment, our eyes locked, and a soft smile spread over Hitomi's face. Her body was warm against mine. "And I love that guy," she whispered into my ear, kissing my cheek ever so lightly.
'Love'. Love is a word that is thrown around just like any other word. 'Love' and 'hate'. Both are misused. By everyone. I threw around the word hate like it was some play thing. But when Hitomi said the word love, there was more sincerity in that one word than all the hundreds of thousands of words I'd ever written.
When was the last time someone had said they'd loved me and meant it? Various people at the orphanage had told me several times. Dryden and Millerna had told me every day. Yet none of their words were as powerful as Hitomi's one. Her word was only rivaled by that of my mothers. And look where that got me . . .
"You're funny," I whispered, gazing down at Hitomi. Her eyes still held that flame of determination. "How can you love me?"
"You never wronged me. Rather, you've made my life ridiculously happy. All I ever think about is you. I get distracted during class. I'll think about you in the hallway and start smiling like a doofus. I can't wait to spend time with you in the afternoon. No, simply loving you is an understatement. I love you more than anyone or anything I've ever loved before."
For once, I couldn't find any words. My mind was a jumble of nonsense. How does one respond to such a statement? I couldn't control my body anymore. It was all too sudden. How did our lips become locked? It was a rough, sloppy kiss, yet everything inside of me, all the hate and sadness, just melted away. There was only Hitomi. Nice, sweet, adorable, happy Hitomi. And she loved me. Of all the people in the world. Me.
Hitomi didn't seem at all surprised by our sudden kiss. She was even smiling against my lips. And after a few teasing butterfly kisses, she tucked her head into the crook of my neck. It was all so sudden, yet it felt so right. I hugged her fiercely against my body, as though if I pressed hard enough, she might melt into me. But I had to settle for the shear warmth of her body and the fresh, flowery scent of her hair. It had to take at least ten minutes of me holding her in this position for me to muster words.
"You probably have a lot of guys chase you. All of them better than me. I'm not good enough for you, social worker. You're one of my hated enemies. But . . ." I paused. It'd been so long since I'd uttered these words. "I . . . love you, too. More than anything."
Her arms tightened around me as we became locked in another kiss. I was a horrible kisser. "Hm . . . It's a shame I have school tomorrow," she whispered before kissing me again.
"Guess that means you want me to take you home?" I asked.
Hitomi gave me a sly grin that I'd never seen on her before. I kinda liked it. "Oh, it's not that I want you to, it's that you have to."
"Well, it's not that I have to, it's just that I should."
She punched me lightly as she broke our embrace. "Argh, you're better than that. I thought you were ethical."
"Everyone breaks the rules every once in a while."
"You're so bad," Hitomi laughed. I laughed with her.
It didn't matter what time of day it was. It could be the middle of the hottest day of the year, or the middle of the coldest night. Nothing mattered. As long as I was with Hitomi.
A/N: -dies- I finally finished! I'm so sorry! Okay, see, first, school got in the way. And then, second . . . this chapter turned out waaaaaay longer than I thought! (That's a good thing, right?) So yeah . . . This is kinda like my 'yes, no more school!' chapter. But alas, my summer is jam-packed. First, I have summer school, because I'm taking Health as an advanced placement course. And then, I actually have a job (amazing!). And then I have a violin thing for the first three weeks for two hours. And then, after all those things are done, I have a goalie camp! I think then I get a week break . . . But I'm gonna have to do the required reading/essay writing in there too.
So that gives me August free, right? Well, to escape the pain, I'll try to write. I have to have gum surgery done on my lower front teeth. Apparently, they're gonna numb me up real nice and good, and then remove part of the gum from the roof of my mouth (isn't that just dandy?). Then, they're gonna sow that to my non-existent lower gum, so it'll start to grow. They said the roof of my mouth won't heal for about three weeks. And since it'll hurt and all, I won't want to eat too much, so I'll end up losing a few pounds. (Okay, that might not sound so bad to you, but I seriously don't have any pounds to lose! XX)
And then in six months to a year I have to have my wisdom teeth removed! Gah!
Hope you enjoyed this chapter! (Where did my editor run off to!)
-Spirit0
Review Replies-
Carrie21: Mission: Make Van Fall In Love is now complete! Hehe, thanks!
C.G Forever is Now: See, I was seriously gonna have Van kiss her last chapter. But I changed it at the last minute because I figured this chapter wouldn't have been this powerful then. I'm so happy I did! Hope you liked it.
akai chou: Glad you decided to read this fic! And it's okay, I never know what to say either. My reviews are just a bunch of nonsense . Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Strawberryz: When you're with Van, you gotta be persistent! Otherwise, Hitomi would never get anywhere XD. Aw well, they definitely got somewhere this chapter. (Finally, right?) But I'm so sad; there are only five chapters left! -sigh- But I guess it has been awhile since I worked on it, so it doesn't feel like that short a time ago when I started this XD. Anyway, thanks for the review!
Inda: Of course he loosened up some more! The story wouldn't go anywhere if he didn't . Hope you liked all the looseness.
Avelyn Lauren: Hm, those are some good ideas. I seriously have a one track mind. I need other people to guide me down other paths, heh. But I think I made Hana like him just 'cause . . . That's how little kids are. They have, like, ESP or something on others feelings. It disappears once you get older and understand things. Darn, I really liked it when I was like Hana. -sigh- Growing up is so overrated. I will always have the mindset of a four year old. I'll try to have Van tell a story next chapter! Hope you can wait until then.
Chisikami Saiyuki: I'm glad you found this story too! Thanks for the review!
Grrl N: I hope this chapter answers, um . . . most of your questions! And yes, Van has occasional mood-swings . . . I didn't know what else to do with it. Er . . . there will be some more on Van's family in the next chapter as well. But after that, I think they pretty much drop off the face of the earth, heh. Like I said, hope that answered most of your questions.
Annie: No! Don't be jealous of me! I'm nothing! It takes me forever just to write a paragraph. I sit there and ponder it forever. (That's part of the reason it takes me so long to update). Oh, sorry, no update so soon. I hope this chapter makes up for it?
Cherry Dragon: Haha, I know, it's so dramatic, I can't take it! I can't believe I'm doing this. I usually hate all these drama-ish things. Oh well. I guess it turned out okay. Thanks for the review.
Anime Monkey: Hm, was this chapter 'cute'? I guess the end was cute. I'm still shaky with using the word cute. Hope you liked this chapter!
Native Wolf Cub: Oh, so now I'm cool? That's cool . I'm new to this first person point of view thing. But it's actually really fun. I am Van, mwahaha! Fun fun. Hope you liked this chapter.
jossi-31: Aw, I actually didn't come up with the stargazing idea. My best friend/editor came up with that one ('cause she didn't like my idea!). Oh well, I must admit, it worked out pretty well. Thanks for the review.
Sakura onto Hitomi: Pizza covers all the food groups? That's new to me . . . Perhaps if you subtracted all the grease, it would be good for you, haha. -ponders- I'm trying not to be too cliché. So, er, no, I don't think Folken will magically appear. But it as a consideration in the planning stage. You'll see :P. Hope you thought this chapter was cute too.
Lady Luna: Oh yeah, I thought about the therapy thing. Had to find a way around that one. Hitomi is his therapy! Guess this chapter answers your question (well, not in great detail, but you know, Van was only eight . . .). And look, lots of kissing-ness. Yay! Thanks for the review.
dreamingofflyingaway: Heh, I can't believe people think I write well in first person when this is my first time. But it is really really fun to be Van, haha (even my created depressing Van). This chapter almost made me cry. And I was the creator o.O Um . . . I think there's something wrong with that. And hey, I don't find school so bad. Unless it's just so ungodly boring. Then I just learn the stuff later. Hope you didn't mind the wait for this chapter either.
no name: Oops, guess I tortured you again. Sorry, it's not intentional! Hehe, and yes, I feel very honored. I luff reviews! Thanks a bunch.
animelo: The angst feeling, I feel it too, haha. Er . . . is angst even one of my genres? If it's not, I should really change that . And there's a plot? Just kidding . . . it's there somewhere. Um . . . I don't even fully understand where I'm taking it the next five chapters. But that's okay! I'll manage. Thanks for the review!
water block: Oh wow, if you thought last chapter was depressing, what did you think of this chapter o.O! But yes . . . college is a good thing. It really helps in this thing called life. I intend to go there one day in about three years from now -is only going into tenth grade-. Heh, anyway, always remember that school is cool! XD Thanks for the review!
little fairy: Happy happy, joy joy, they kissed! (Actually . . . they kissed a good amount o.O I must've been desperate XD) I'm not good with kissing scenes, though -has never really written one-. I hope it was okay -has to go hunt down editor-. Thanks for the review.
reiniku: Now do you feel bad for Van with reason? It's okay if you don't, seriously XD. Thanks for the review!
kyoy: Hehe, yes, a poncho is a sort of raincoat. I don't know why I just didn't write raincoat. Poncho just sounds cooler. And hey, wow, I actually write these lines! o.O I'm so horrible; I don't even remember! And yes, Allen should definitely die a slow, painful death. I hate him so much, gah! I have to add some random, funny thoughts of Van's. Otherwise, this story would be too angst (Oh crap, did I add any this chapter! XD) Anyways, hope you liked this chapter, and I should remember to thank Aya-chan.
Sakura-Blossom-Cilla-85: Thanks!
ROTTENAPPLES: Hope you waited veeeeeeery patiently. God, I just take forever. I don't even remember Easter anymore XD (no, for real, I don't remember what I did on Easter . . .) ANYWAY -nervous cough-, hope you liked this chapter as well .
Kayorine: I try to make my stories inventive like this . . . I don't like cliché things. They get boring after awhile, right? Hehe, thanks for the review!