:Disclaimer:

Nope! Never gonna own it, not in a million years!

Chapter Nine

A dangerous encounter, and a sweet confession

Hitomi sat listlessly, allowing the rhythmic motion of the train to lull her into a deceptive calm. The commotion of her fellow passengers passed over her, never registering in Hitomi's consciousness. This was how her life had been for the past five years. Nothing reached her. Only with his return had she begun to feel once again.

Sighing in disgust she stared out at the glowing lights of the city as they shifted rapidly past her window.

She was a fool. How long had she waited for Van to return? How long had she waited to tell him what was in her heart? Well her final wish had been granted, and what had she done with that chance?

Nothing… She had allowed her fear of his rejection to stop her from telling him what she had waited so long to say. Now that chance was gone.

She had hurt a friend, had disappointed her family, and now she had lost the chance to tell Van of her love.

Stupid. She was so stupid.

Feeling the jerk of the passenger car Hitomi sat quietly observing the familiar station come into view. Rising slowly, she made her way to the sliding door and waited as the train pulled to a stop. Staring out at the abandoned station, she paused for a moment to gather herself. Inhaling slowly she stepped off the train and made her way out to the busy street.

Everyone had somewhere to go it seemed. Her life was in complete disarray and yet it didn't change the pace of those around her. Turning she started towards her apartment, ignoring the rumble of the clouds overhead.

The first drops of rain fell gently, mixing with the trail of tears that now ran down her face. No one gave her a second look as the rain hid the evidence of her despair. Stopping at the corner of her street, she looked towards the entrance of her apartment.

A shiver ran through her as the chill of the rain soaked through to her skin. Her body felt the chill of the air, but her heart blocked out all but her pain.

There was no one there. Her apartment would be dark, and empty. Empty of all but her memories of him there. She wasn't ready to face that yet. She didn't want to see with her own eyes what her mind already knew.

Van's message could not have been any clearer. His torn red shirt discarded by the side of the road left little doubt in her mind at what he had witnessed. Was this her fate? To always lose the one she loved most?

So it would seem. Turning away from her road she headed back the way she had come stopping suddenly before the entrance of a local park.

Staring down the lonely lane illuminated only by the scattered lanterns the path seemed to call to her. Never hesitating she walked forward and allowed the stillness of her surroundings to calm her shattered nerves.

Hitomi had always found solace in this place before. Maybe it was the sound of the wind as it caressed the trees, blocking the noise of the city that surrounded them. It gave her the illusion that she was back in that forest so far away, and at those times she felt as if she were home.

Now she walked slowly down the deserted path ignoring the chill of the rain and wind. Closing her eyes she blocked out her surroundings and listened to the gentle song of the forest.

Stopping under one of the lamps she felt the pain in her chest begin to ease slightly. Concentrated as she was on the sounds that surrounded her, Hitomi noted the disturbance almost at once.

Opening her eyes she looked further down the path and noted three men sitting idly on one of the benches just a few feet from her. Hitomi felt her heart skip a beat when she noticed them staring intently at her. Dropping her gaze she glanced behind her in apprehension.

Finally noting her surroundings she drew in a shaky breath. She was alone with three large men in a deserted park. 'Calm down Hitomi there is no need to think that they are anything but mildly curious about you.' Steadying her breathing Hitomi calmed herself and took a step back, watching them anxiously behind lowered lashes.

Turning slowly, she started to walk causally back the way she had just come. Glancing over her shoulder her heart slammed in alarm as the three men rose from where they had been sitting and began to walk after her.

'Damn it Hitomi this was a really stupid idea.' Picking up her pace she once again glanced behind her hoping she had been mistaken of there intentions, but as she watched the growing excitement build in their faces she knew she was in serious trouble.

She had walked pretty far into the park without seeing another soul until now. The hour being what it was, she was unlikely to find anyone around who could help her. Beginning to panic she drew a deep breath and began to run.

Hearing their excited shouts only served to strengthen her anxiety. This was her foolishness. She should have known better than to walk alone in the park at night.

Hitomi felt the impact of the paved path with every stride she made, the soles of her heels doing little to cushion her feet. Icy water leapt from the ground onto her bare legs as she ran through several puddles along the dark road. Hitomi could hear their footsteps getting closer and their voices getting louder as they easily closed the distance.

Gasping for breath, Hitomi forced her legs to move faster but there was little speed she could gain dressed as she was. The rain, which had only moments before been a gentle caress, now stung her cheeks as if driven by the anger of the now raging heavens. A small whimper of fear escaped her, as the sounds of their breaths grew closer to her. They were almost upon her, she wasn't going to make it!

Crying out breathlessly in fear she felt her legs burn beneath her as their calls drove her on. Nearly at her limit Hitomi felt herself stumble before surging forward once again. Hitomi heard their whistles and their laughter now almost upon her. Inside her head she cried over and over again 'Van! Van!'

Suddenly as her legs gave out and the ground rushed up to meet her, there was a loud shout from behind her. Cringing in fear she struggled to regain her feet, as she heard the sounds of angry shouts. Unable to stand on her shaky legs she sat on the cold wet ground and turned to the scene behind her.

One of the men from the bench now lay still only inches from her, blood running down the side of his face. The other two men circled her rescuer in the shadows that littered the path between lanterns.

The man in the middle stood still, at ease in the face of the two who circled with knives drawn. Suddenly the two men surged forward at once, intending to overpower their opponent.

Hitomi cried out in fear as the three men locked in a struggle. Suddenly the three broke apart just as one man fell helplessly to the ground. His partner backed away in alarm.

"Look man we only wanted to have a good time, she obviously was playing hard to get! There's no need to get personal."

Still locked in the shadows, Hitomi couldn't see her rescuers face but her heart recognized the familiar sound of his voice when he spoke softly into the night.

"Leave."

The man who had chased her stood hesitantly, the knife in his hand still extended towards his opponent. Watching silently she felt the man in the shadows shift forward, quiet menace in every step.

"Che' fine man I got it, she's all yours!" yelling anxiously her attacker turned and quickly fled down the path in the opposite direction. Feeling the tears burn once again, she closed her eyes. Bowing her head, Hitomi raised a shaky hand to her face wiping both the tears and rain away.

In the stillness of the night she heard his soft footfall as they stopped before her. Unwilling to see what her heart knew to be true, she sat quietly hoping to gather her courage.

"Hitomi?"

A sob escaped her at the sound of her name and she quickly looked up to see the impossible truth before her.

"You're here…"

Under the pool of light stood her dark angel staring down at her. In slow motion she watched as he extended his hand towards her. Van didn't say a word as she stared up at him silently. His hand extended patiently, Van waited for her to accept it, the drops of rain making rivers of tears along his bare skin.

Under the light of the lamp he seemed to glow, this man before her. Hitomi sat transfixed by warmth in his eyes as he continued to wait for her. As much as she wanted to reach for that hand, her strength had yet to return. She felt so weak sitting before him, her body and heart shaken by his sudden appearance.

"Hitomi…lets go home." His soft spoken words were all that it took to shatter her self

control. A soul-wrenching sob escape her as she reached her hand towards him. But suddenly he was there, surrounding her with his warm arms.

"Hitomi" burying her face in his neck Hitomi clung to his shoulders, her hands slipping from his wet skin.

"Shhh, it's ok you're safe now, you're safe." He whispered softly into her ear.

Struggling to breath she dug her nails softly into his warm back.

"I- I thought you had gone."

Feeling the shift of muscles beneath her fingers she loosened her hold on him enough so he could look into her eyes. She couldn't escape from his dark gaze.

"Do you want me to stay?" he asked quietly, holding her still with his strength.

Breathing in softly she felt a shift in her heart as she gazed back at him. Without hesitation the answer came unbidden to her lips.

"Yes."

There was only silence between them as their eyes spoke for them. Feeling the coolness of the wind Hitomi shivered in his arms breaking their silent exchange.

Gathering her close, Van rose with her in his arms and called forth his wings.

Hitomi looked over his shoulder at the beautiful wings that grew from his back. Reaching past his shoulder, she ran her fingers gently along the soft feathers. Van's hold tensed around her as his wing shivered beneath her touch.

Gazing curiously up at him, she found herself once again locked in his heated dark eyes. Reaching her arms up to circle his neck, Hitomi buried her face in his collar as the ground fell away from them.

It had been so long since she had felt the world pass by in his arms. No matter how many times she had flung herself from a plane while skydiving, she had never been able to capture this sensation. Breathing softly against his skin, Hitomi felt his arms tighten around her. Smiling Hitomi lost herself in the warmth of his embrace allowing the city below them to pass unnoticed.

Their silent journey was short and soon they arrived, landing softly on her balcony. Unwilling to open her eyes Hitomi lay quietly in his arms, reluctant to let go of this closeness.

Hitomi felt Van's muscles shift as he slowly lowered her feet to the ground. Neither of them wished to separate so they continued to hold one another. Suddenly the wind blew sharply against Hitomi's rain soaked back making her shiver.

Raising his hand, Van reluctantly eased her arms from around his neck and stepped away.

"You're soaked."

Laughing nervously, Hitomi shook her head softly feeling another shiver race through her body.

"Yeah. I guess it would be good for me to go change."

Stepping toward the glass door, Van slide it open noting that Yukari had been thoughtful enough to close it after him.

"You need to get warm first. Go take a bath, the warm water should make you feel better."

Hitomi felt her stomach flutter nervously as they grew silent in the midst of their casual conversation. Standing in the darkness of the living room Hitomi felt that if she didn't say what she needed to say now, she would never get another chance to do so again.

Stepping hesitantly towards where Van stood with his back towards her, Hitomi felt her heart begin to race.

"Van…I need to tell you…"

Hitomi stopped as Van turned towards her; trying to form the words that would tell him everything she needed him to know. Shifting slowly forward Van raised his hand to her chin and looked down into her eyes.

"I also have many things I need to tell you, but it can wait a few more minutes until you have taken care of yourself."

Staring silently up at him, Hitomi felt herself tense thinking that the moment she took her eyes away from him he would go.

"I…I…"

Feeling the soft caress of his hand along her pale cheek Hitomi's eyes closed as so many emotion's swamped her. Swallowing the lump in her throat her lashed fluttered and she once again gazed up at him.

"Don't go."

The words escaped her in a whisper her eyes filling with tears once again.

Van gazed down at Hitomi her face so filled with sadness as she whispered her plea for him to stay. Van's own emotions were running raw and he wanted nothing more than to tell her everything right then and there, but he couldn't ignore the coldness of her skin.

This confession had waited for five years it could wait a few minutes more for her to get warm.

Smiling warmly down at her Van cupped her chin in his hands, and fought the urge to kiss the uncertainty from her eyes.

"Hitomi, I'm not going anywhere. I promise…now go, I will be here when you are done and then we can talk."

Van felt her grip on his wrist tighten for a moment as her thoughts played openly on her expression filled face. After a brief moment of hesitation he felt her hold slip from him as she nodded her silent agreement.

Turning from him, Van watched as Hitomi disappeared behind the bathroom door. Breathing a sigh in frustration at his own impatience Van turned and gathered his bag from where he had dropped it earlier that evening. Pulling out a dry pair of pants he quickly changed his clothes and waited for Hitomi to emerge from the bath.

Lowering himself to the couch he leaned forward resting his forearms against his legs. His body felt bruised after the battle with the three men back in the park. Thinking back on the scene from before he felt his rage return to him once again.

If Yukari had not stopped him from leaving, he would not have been there to save her. The thought of what would have happened to her nearly driving him insane. Running an agitated hand through his drenched mane he pushed down his anger and tried to focus on what he would say to her when they began their talk.

In the silence of the darkened room Van searched through his emotions finding the need to speak of his feelings nearly overwhelming. Closing his mind to that need, he waited patiently until finally the soft sound of the opening door brought his gaze to rest on Hitomi.

Hitomi gazed out into the darkened living room, now softly illuminated by the glow of the lights behind her. Her eyes found Van easily and their gazes locked; the tension of unspoken words between them. The light in the room served to make it nearly unbearable. Unconsciously Hitomi switched the lights off plunging both rooms into shadows once again. Breathing in softly she tightened the tie of her pale yellow robe and stepped out into the living room.

Unable to look at Van directly for fear of losing her courage, Hitomi made her way over to the rain soaked window and looked down at the courtyard below her.

Neither one spoke for a moment as they both seemed to collect their thoughts. Finally unable to bear the silence between them Hitomi drew a deep breath and began.

"It seems like so long ago…that time we were both caught in the rain. Do…you remember that day?" Without turning to look at him, Hitomi knew Van was thinking back on that day in Palace. The day Van had witnessed Alan embrace her on the rain soaked bridge.

"…Yes, I remember…" The tension in his voice told her that the memory was not one he wanted to remember, but she needed to begin with this. In order to make her feelings clear, she needed to explain what she had felt in that moment. Closing her eyes she rested her forehead against the coolness of the glass.

"I know you are wondering why I am bringing this up now, but I want you to listen to what I felt that day…In order to understand what I feel right now."

Hitomi paused for a moment waiting for his response, and even though she was met with only silence, Hitomi knew that she had his agreement.

"I had always believed that the man I would love with all my heart would be a man like Amano. Someone gentle, and kind…He was my ideal back then."

Listening to the sound of the rain against the window, Hitomi took a moment to collect herself.

"The reason I was so attracted to Alan back then was because he reminded me so much of Amano. In a way Alan represented my ideal image more than Amano. He was prince charming come to life."

The tension in the room had grown, but it only strove to increase her resolve.

"Why…are you telling me this?" the hesitancy in his voice made her heart leap and she turned from the window to gaze over at his handsome face, now filled with anxiety. This wasn't what she wanted him to feel. Turning fully to face him she caught his eyes with hers and hoped that he would listen long enough to understand.

"I am telling you this, because I never got a chance to explain to you what I really felt back then. That day on the bridge I was called there by something, and at the moment it had felt as if I was following my destiny. I had convinced myself that Alan was my ideal in every way, but the truth is…" unable to look into his eyes at that moment as she recalled his devastated expression, Hitomi turned back towards the rain soaked courtyard.

"…The truth is…the moment his lips touched mine, it had felt all wrong. The moment he embraced me, it felt as if I had lost something important."

The rain tapped gently against the glass, bringing her memories back with the same wave of emotions that she had felt back then.

"…and when I looked over and saw you, I knew what it was."

Hitomi paused allowing the silence to settle her nerves.

"Earlier that day, up in the hay loft with Escaflowne and you, I…for a moment I had thought you would kiss me, and that feeling had felt so…right."

Her whispered confession drew on his deepest emotions, as he relived that moment in the hayloft with her.

"I had wanted to kiss you then." He said quietly.

Resting her hand against the cool glass, her eyes stared blindly out at the scenery.

"Why didn't you?"

He was silent for a moment before his eyes rested on her still figure illuminated in the soft glow of the street lamps.

"I didn't think I deserved to."

Turning, she looked over at him in confusion. Running a rough hand through his hair, Van sighed heavily and tried to explain.

"At the time, I was king to a crippled kingdom because I was unable to protect it. I wasn't able to protect anything because I was so weak back then. There were so many times when I couldn't protect you."

Van stared at the floor viewing himself back then, and wondering why he had been such a fool.

"I saw the way you looked at Alan. I hated it, but more than anything I hated myself for not being worthy enough to be with you. I couldn't compete with him, not the way I was then."

"What are you saying?"

Clasping his hands between his knees Van bowed his head and drew a slow breath.

"I'm saying that I was in love with you. I'm saying that, I'm still in love with you."

Raising his head Van gazed at Hitomi, watching as her eyes grew wide in surprise.

Turning from him, Hitomi's mind raced with his sudden confession. She was almost overcome with a mixture of joy and confusion. Laughing a little sadly, Hitomi rested her hand against the cool glass.

"You…love me?" The pitch of her voice sounded weak in the quiet of the room.

"Yes."

"I-I don't understand. If you loved me then why didn't you…why did you stay away for so long?"

She couldn't look at him. She felt so raw right then, as if exposing an open wound.

Why had he waited so long to come back, what had happened that he had been unable to see her for all this time?

Van watched the range of emotions play over her face. But he couldn't pinpoint exactly what she felt. Was she happy? Did she feel the same way?

"I waited for you."

Her words struck him as nothing else could, for behind those softly spoken words was a wealth of pain. He had been so stupid; he had never really considered what their separation might mean for her. All he had thought of was his own honor.

"Hitomi…I'm sorry. I was foolish, thinking I knew what it was you had wanted. I should have told you what I was thinking."

Hitomi stood silently contemplating his words.

"What were you thinking Van?" She asked glancing at his hunched form out of the corner of her eye.

"I wanted to give you time. I wanted to give you your freedom for these few years before I would return into your life."

"My freedom? What do you mean?"

Raking his hands through his hair, Van raised his head and stared at the night just over her shoulder.

"Hitomi, I came here to ask you if you would come back to Gaea with me."

"Go back to Gaea? Why? Has…something happened?"

"No, nothing has happened. Most of the surrounding countries are content to let the peace treaty hold for now. That is not why I am asking you to come back."

"I don't understand."

Hitomi felt Van's steady gaze on her and shivered in reaction. Van had just confessed his love to her, and now he was asking her to return to Gaea with him. Could he possible be asking her to marry him? Was she reading too much into this situation?

Van was the Reigning King of a prominent country back on his world. Could he really have the freedom to choose his own bride, and if so would he really choose her regardless of his confession?

Wrapping her arms more tightly around herself, Hitomi tried to contain her warring emotions.

She wanted to believe that he would do so, but she was unwilling to open herself up to that possibility without knowing that this was exactly what he was asking.

"I am not sure I understand. Please, tell me what it is you want from me…" Her voice sounded hoarse even to Van's ears and he could clearly see that she was struggling with her emotions. Van understood that after all this time, and after all their misunderstandings she needed to have a clear answer from him.

"I want you to come home Hitomi. I want you to marry me, become my wife. I…need you Hitomi."

Hitomi's breath rushed out as his words washed through her. Feeling the sting of her suppressed emotions, Hitomi blocked out the sight of the world outside her window, and focused her mind on the man who sat only a few feet from her.

How long had she waited to hear him say those words? The moment almost seemed surreal to her. Could all of this just be a dream? Unable to speak all she could do was stand there listening to the sound of the nights grief.

Van felt the silence sharply, as it seemed to consume the very air around him. Why didn't she say anything? Why wouldn't she look at him? Had his plea come too late? Unable to contain himself Van surged to his feet, and restlessly turned from the sight of her fragile form.

"I realize that my confession is troublesome to you at such a time. I know it is selfish of me to burden you with my feelings now, but I…I needed you to know how I felt!"

Glancing back at her still figure, Van clenched his hands and forced his emotions back down as best he could. He had lost, there was nothing more to say.

"I am returning to Gaea. I am sorry Hitomi, I…" Her sharp laughter stopped him short. Turning Van stared at her huddled form, and for the first time noticed just how tense she was.

"You're sorry! You're leaving and all you can say is your sorry!" Hitomi's outburst heralded her powers awakening. The room was charged with her conflicted emotions. Van gasped as they enveloped him, sending wave after wave of emotional energy.

Van had always known about her powers, but it was the first time that she had displayed them since they had reunited. The force of the energy filling the room surprised him. He had never felt it so strong before. It had always seemed gentle and soothing, but now her energy seemed to have changed somehow.

"I…how can you tell me you're leaving, when you have not even given me a chance to tell you everything I want to say."

Hitomi felt her long suppressed power spill over in her emotional state. She knew Van could feel everything she was feeling in that moment, but there was nothing Hitomi could do to contain it. Her emotions were too raw.

"You said that you were foolish in not telling me what you had planned. You say that you never wanted to cause me pain. Do…you have any idea what your words are doing to me?"

Feeling a wave of pain wash over him Van nearly dropped to his knees. What was that? Was that the pain that she was feeling?

"Hitomi…"

Opening her eyes, she felt a connection to the raging heavens. How could she make him understand? Her emotions were too much to put into words. Words of love that flashed quickly through her mind could never hope to describe what she felt for him. But she needed for him to understand! Hitomi needed him to know or he would leave.

Slowly feeling for the ties of her robe, Hitomi felt the knot give way under the gently pressure of her fingers.

The wind tore at the world outside her window, just as her love for Van tore at her very soul. Feeling the cool breeze that slipped inside her loosened robes a shiver raced through her body.

This was the only way she could make him understand. She had no words that she could tell him the extent of how much she needed him. So right here, in the midst of this storm she would show him.

A small roll of her shoulders sent the pale silk slithering from her body. Her whole being stood still as the cool fabric floated to her feet. Hitomi heard his quickly drawn breath from behind her, and knew that she had his undivided attention.

Van drew in a shaky breath mesmerized by the sight before him. Never in all of his fantasies, had he envisioned anything so lovely as the woman standing before him.

It took every ounce of his self-control to keep him from reaching out and touching her.

"Hitomi…" His throat constricted as she turned her head to gaze silently over at him.

Clenching his hands, he stopped himself from stepping closer to her side. The look in her eyes speaking to him from the depths of her soul.

"After everything you have said tonight…will you make the same mistake and assume you know what it is that I want."

Van wanted to ask her but could do nothing but stare at her silently.

"Why do you not ask me Van?"

His body moved forward unbidden, placing him just a foot away from his fantasy turned reality. Van's hands shook with the effort to hold himself still.

"Ask me…"

Van struggled to bring forth the question he had buried inside of himself for so long.

"Can…do you love me Hitomi?"

Captivated by his crumbling control, Hitomi finally began to understand why it was that he had stayed away for so long. Why it was, that he would leave here now without knowing her answer.

"A long time ago I gave you my answer, I thought you might have heard it, but…perhaps I was wrong…" Turning fully to face him, Hitomi felt a calm suffuse her as she allowed this man to see everything that she was…everything that she felt.

"I- heard your voice but I need to know now, if it is still true."

Unable to control himself any longer, Van's hand reached out to cup her cheek. Looking down into her eyes, Van felt once again the sensation of returning home. Hearing the soft sigh escape from her, his eyes were drawn to her mouth. Van traced his thumb along the seem of her lips, her breath heating his rough skin.

"Do you still love me Hitomi?"

With just the lightest of touches Van managed to steal her breath. How did he manage to heat her skin with just a look? Every nerve ending in her body had come to life the moment he lifted his hand to touch her. If she were to spend the night in this man's arms would it kill her?

Her lashes fluttered shut as she leaned further into his touch. Reaching for him, Hitomi stilled his fingers movements on her mouth, and settled her lips into the palm of his hand. Placing a soft kiss in its center she turned her head and looked back up at Van knowing her heart was clearly in her eyes.

"Words of love, will never begin to describe what I feel for you."

Closing the gap between them, Hitomi slowly raised herself on tiptoes bringing her lips closer to his own.

"You consume me…"

:Author's Notes:

Hello! I know its been soooo long! But finally chapter nine is out, and Van and Hitomi's feelings are now out in the open YAY! For my reader here on fan fic, the original chapter does contain a lemon but per rules I cannot post it here. If you would like to read the chapter in its entirety though please feel free to follow this link below (just remove anyspaces)

http/ www. http/ www. fanfic/ viewch.php? cid351486&submitView+Chapter&id62020

As always I love to hear what everyone thinks so please hit the button below and leave me a review. Flame me, praise me, nag me whatever! I like to hear it so long as its what you really think! You can also feel free to write me at this email address.

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