Disclaimer: See chapter 1.

Escaflowne: All you need is Love, Isn't it?

Chapter 4: Reunited

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At the King's palace in Fanelia on Gaea

"I'm glad you were able to come," Van said as he escorted Hitomi to her room. "But I must admit I was starting to wonder if you were going to come at all."

"What do you mean? It's only been four days since we communicated in our shared vision," she replied.

"Well, perhaps only four days have passed on the Mystic Moon, but here it's been nearly three weeks," Van explained.

"Three weeks?" The shock was evident in her voice and in her expression. "How much time has passed since I left Gaea?"

"Almost half a year," Van answered.

"Half a year? But I've only been gone six weeks." She looked down at the floor as they walked. "I can't believe so much time has passed. I don't understand how this whole time-space thing works, not at all."

"Well, no need to concern yourself with that now. You're here now and that's what's important." Van smiled.

Hitomi tried to put her concerns aside and enjoy being in Van's presence.

"Here we are." The king opened the door to what would be her chambers.

"Whew! All this for me?" the teenage girl asked.

"Mmm Hmm," the king nodded. "I had this room built especially for you." He set her bag down on the bed and walked over to the large bay window. "From here you can see almost the entire city," he said as he pulled back the curtains.

Hitomi followed him over to the window. "That's amazing. You've rebuilt the entire city in just half a year."

"Well, almost the entire city. There's still much work to do, but it's coming along more quickly than anticipated," he said with a measure of pride. "My people have put their hearts and souls into rebuilding our city," he added as he gazed out at his city.

Hitomi slowly shifted her gaze from the city to the king's profile. She smiled to herself as she watched him look out over the city. 'He's so handsome. I never noticed just how handsome he really is. And he's gotten taller too. I guess that's natural. I mean, he's no older than me, or at least he wasn't before I left. I still can't get over how much time has passed here. It makes no sense. Well, Hitomi, worrying about it won't change anything. Just enjoy your time here; your time with him.'

Suddenly, Van shifted his attention back to her. "Is there anything you'd like right now? Are you hungry, tired?" A smile crossed his face when he realized she had been staring at him.

Hitomi, who continued to stare during Van's questions, finally realized what she had been doing and quickly turned away, her cheeks immediately burning a fiery red with embarrassment as she stuttered her response. "Hmm, n-n… no, no I-I-I… I'm fine, just f-fi… fine. I… I… I'd like to see m-more of the-of the c… city, i… if-if you d…don't mind." She forced a smiled. 'Smooth, Hitomi, really smooth, he probably thinks you're about as silly as a girl can be.'

"Very well, do you know how to ride a horse?" he asked, showing no sign of impatience or anger on his part.

"A horse?" Her eyes went wide.

"Yes, that is the easiest way to see the city and surrounding countryside," he replied.

"Hmm, no… bu-but if you're willing to teach me, I'm willing to learn." She grinned.

"Fine." He smiled back. "I'll have two horses readied for us." He looked at the clothes she was wearing. "Did you bring along any pants?"

"Pants?"

"Yes, it might be a little embarrassing to ride in a dress," he pointed out.

"Oh." She went red-faced again. "N…no I, I didn't think to bring along pants. Sorry."

"That's alright; I'll have one of the maids lend you a pair," he said then headed for the door.

As he walked away, a frown slowly spread across her face. 'He didn't even say anything about my outfit. I knew I should have worn the blue one instead.'

Just as Van started to close the door, he suddenly peered in at her. "Oh, by the way, you look very pretty in that dress."

"OH! You think so?" Hitomi blushed for the third time in as many minutes as she spun around so he could get a better look at the whole outfit.

"Yes, very pretty."

"Thank you, Van."

He smiled and closed the door behind him.

The young teen walked over to the bed and sat down with a thud. "Well, what do you know? He did notice." She smiled to herself as she fell back onto the bed. "I spent so much time with him before. Why does it feel like this is our first date or something? It feels… weird." Her smile grew. "I like it."