Disclaimer: Don't own, don't sue
A/N: cringes So sorry my friends, but my muse faded. But it has returned, and I'm hard at work on these little stories again! I hope you enjoy this one!
076. Who?
She can never find it when she wants it. Whenever she leaves it unattended, it seems to vanish into thin air, and by the time she wants to use it again, it's nowhere to be found. It irritates her, as silly as it may be, but for goodness sakes, it's hers! She shouldn't have to hide her own possessions.
The first few times, she assumed it was Merle who had taken it. After all, the mischievous little catgirl has the tendency to swipe her things. Hitomi remembered all too well her first time on Gaea, and how often Merle would raid her duffle bag for snacks or trinkets to amuse herself with. But after several denials from the younger girl and after she had thought it over, she knew that Merle couldn't possibly be responsible for the theft. Neither can the Mole Man- it's not something he would be interested since he can't sell it. Dryden wouldn't take it either- it's not something that's in his line of study. As for Millerna, well, what on earth would she want it for? That leaves only one possibility and at first it seems too ridiculous to even consider. But when it goes missing again, she knows it is him.
The moment Merle sees her descending the stairs, she immediately points in the proper direction before making herself scarce. She veers off without a word, cornering Van at last, catching him red handed. He has the sense to look apologetic and embarrassed, sheepishly placing it in her outstretched hand.
"You know, Van, if you wanted to use it, you could have just asked." Hitomi scolds him, shaking the battery powered body massager at him. Now it's as plain as day; how could she have not thought of him in the first place? With all the sword training and kingly duties, Van probably has more sore muscles than anyone- except maybe her of course with her track running.
Even as Van apologizes to her, she's already planning to buy him one of his own for when she next comes back to visit Gaea.