Part 3
Main Character(s): Haji, Javier, Nahabi, Gray, Monique
Ship(s): None
Disclaimer: Blood+ is copyright to Production IG and Aniplex.
Author's Notes: I like to think that Haji might go back to places he and Saya have been during their travels. Hence, the trip back to Gray's farmhouse. And I just had to write Javier again. Takes place few years later during Haji's travel.
He could hear the sheep bleating and chickens clucking in the distance as he approached the building. The rooftop of the farmhouse soon came into view beyond the trees. He could now see the white fences surrounding the compound, the smoke puffing out from the chimney. The Border collie growled at first but then, catching a whiff of a familiar scent, wagged its tail at him, pink tongue lolling out of its mouth as it begged for a scratch. He obliged.
There were sounds of eating utensils clinking against the crockery inside and muffled voices as he lifted up a hand to knock on the door. He took a step back and waited. The voices halted then loud footsteps could be heard approaching the front door quickly. The door swung open and he came face to face with the girl.
She had grown a little taller over the last few years but still came barely up to his shoulders. Her hair was longer; no longer in the twin pigtails she had so favoured and she had forgone the yellow galoshes she used to wear. She stared at him, struck speechless and her mouth had opened in a silent 'O' as she struggled for words to say.
He silently held out the package to her and it broke the spell as she threw herself at him fearlessly. She had always been enamoured by him, even back then when they first met.
"You're back and you remembered!" she exclaimed, smiling up at him.
He smiled down gently at her and placed a hand on top of her head. "Happy birthday," he said.
Javier smiled, clutching present to her chest. "Come inside," she said, reaching out and taking hold of his hand. "Everyone will be happy to see you."
He followed her into the house.
Nothing has changed here, he noticed, except that the people had gotten a little older or taller. Most of the things still stayed the same and somehow, that made him glad that some things don't change, even if the world outside does. Nahabi immediately rounded around the table to greet him excitedly while Monique remained at the stove but she gave him a shy smile. She had grown into a lovely young lady. Gray /special.js / fValidate Copyright (c) 2000-2003 by Peter Bailey www.peterhe still really didn't understand why they both liked him.
"Please?" added Javier, giving him those large eyes.
Gray laughed, placing his hand on top of her head. "Come now, don't force him. If he can't stay, then he can't."
"But- "
"I'm staying," he said.
At once, both children's faces lit up like fireworks on New Year's day. Javier threw her arms around him and squeezed, grinning widely.
And suddenly, he found that he wouldn't mind staying a bit longer here than usual.
Owari.