Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ There's Not A Thing I Would Change ❯ The Ultimate Sacrifice ( Chapter 10 )

~*~Welcome back to the insanity of my mind. Please, leave your coat and mind behind. Lol. I’m just kidding. Here’s Chapter Ten for you. Flashbacks will be marked again, just like the previous chapters.~*~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   Chapter Ten: The Ultimate Sacrifice   “Hi, you’ve reach the apartment of Hitomi Kanzaki. Obviously I can’t come to the phone at the moment, so leave a message after the beep. Ja ne!” Beep “Hitomi, please answer the phone. I know you’re there. ‘Tomi, please just talk to me? We could always talk before. I really don’t want to talk to your machine, but I will if I have to. Look, I was a jerk, I’ll admit that. I am so sorry, Hitomi. It wasn’t supposed to go this far. I should have just told you from the beginning what was going on. Kami, this would be so much easier if you’d pick up the phone. Please, just talk to me.” “Hi, you’ve reach the apartment of Hitomi Kanzaki. Obviously I can’t come to the phone at the moment, so leave a message after the beep. Ja ne!” Beep “Well, if I counted correctly, this is my ninth message to you today. Your machine might like it better if you’d pick up. I know you’re furious with me at the moment, but I really need to talk to you about all this. Please Hitomi. I don’t want to lose you. This would be a lot easier if I could talk to you face to face. Listen, I’ll be at the diner tonight at eight. Meet me there so we can talk? Well, hopefully I’ll see you there. Ja.” “Hi, you’ve reach the apartment of Hitomi Kanzaki. Obviously I can’t come to the phone at the moment, so leave a message after the beep. Ja ne!” Beep “Okay, I can understand why you never showed up, but I seriously think we should talk. Please don’t shut me out without explaining, Hitomi. I can’t bear to think our friendship is over. Just give me another chance, please?” “Hi, you’ve reach the apartment of Hitomi Kanzaki. Obviously I can’t come to the phone at the moment, so leave a message after the beep. Ja ne!” Beep “It’s me again. Your machine must be overloading by now, considering the twenty messages I left yesterday and the ten I left so far today. Anyway, I wanted you to know I quit Astoria that night. I don’t know what I’ll do yet, but I know I won’t return to them. I also told Dryden about Dilandau and he promised to make sure he won’t be employed anywhere in the country, so you won’t have to worry about him anymore. Here’s my standard plead: please talk to me?” “Hi, you’ve reach the apartment of Hitomi Kanzaki. Obviously I can’t come to the phone at the moment, so leave a message after the beep. Ja ne!” Beep “Hitomi, it’s been a week since that night. Won’t you please just talk to me? I miss you.” “Hi, you’ve reach the apartment of Hitomi Kanzaki. Obviously I can’t come to the phone at the moment, so leave a message after the beep. Ja ne!” Beep “Please talk to me, Hitomi.” ~ Van sighed as he hung up the phone after his latest message. It had been a week since that night, the night that ruined everything he had with her. That night he realized he was in love with her. Each day that passed hurt his heart more and more, leaving him feeling more distant from her. There had to be something Van could do, anything to hear her voice again beside through the answering machine. Even if it was just her screaming her head off at him, he would take it. He deserved much worse, just what he was getting now. Lying on his couch, Van looked up at his ceiling, contemplating what he could possibly do. ‘She’s not the type of girl to forgive someone over a bouquet of flowers. She’d probably shred them in front of me and then slam the door in my face. Gifts won’t work either. They’d be weapons for her to chuck at my head. She probably wouldn’t talk to me even if I went over to her apartment. What can I do?’ Clutching his head while covering his eyes, Van sighed then moved off the not as comfy couch to grab his jacket and car keys. ‘Maybe a drive will help.’ Walking out of his apartment, he went over to the elevator and pushed the button to the garage below. During the small ride, his mind traveled back to a time that seemed so far away. ~Flashback~ “You didn’t fix your tie.” “I usually do it while I’m on my way to the office.” “Come here, baka. I’ll fix it for you. Now hold still.” As her fingers began to work, the elevator door opened a floor early, allowing an elderly couple to enter. Van could feel her body close to his as her fingers worked their magic on his now perfect tie. While Hitomi concentrated hard on what she was doing, Van closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, taking in her scent, the same scent that lingered in his bedroom. This small moment was broken up when she pulled away from him. “All done.” ~End Flashback~ Leaning his head against the walls of the vertically moving box, Van silently swore. ‘What I wouldn’t give to inhale that scent again… her scent.’ The elevator stopped on the floor he needed and after the doors opened, Van stepped out, heading straight towards his car. Unlocking and climbing into it, he turned the key in the ignition and threw it into reverse, backed out and headed to the exit. Heading out onto the somewhat open road, the maroon eyed man drove in a random direction, trying to clear his mind. ‘Maybe the radio will help.’ Reaching over and pushing the button, his finger accidentally hit the CD button, deciding to play whatever was in his CD player. As the lyrics came out of the speakers, Van frowned. ‘It’s her CD.’ He knew the words by heart by now, considering he had heard it so many times, but this time, the lyrics took on a whole different meaning. “Lately I've been wandering Off the narrow path You’ve given me so many things that I've never had And all in all I know it's you that always pulls me through If you reach deep inside you’ll see my heart is true   “‘Cause I hate the way I feel tonight And I know I need you in my life Yes I hate the way I feel inside And I promise to make the sacrifice (yeah)   “Come on   “The world I know is pulling me More and more each day I feel like the odd man out as I begin to pray Spiteful eyes are watching me With everything I do In the midst of darkness Lord My spirit calls for you   “‘Cause I hate the way I feel tonight And I know I need you in my life Yes I hate the way I feel inside And I promise to make the sacrifice (yeah)   “I feel like this   “‘Cause I hate the way I feel tonight And I know I need you in my life Yes I hate the way I feel inside And I promise to make the sacrifice   “‘Cause I hate the way I feel tonight And I know I need you in my life (yeah)   “The way I feel (the way) The way I feel”   Not being able to hear anymore, Van immediately shut off the radio, content with driving in silence. That song hit just a little too close to home for him. Suddenly taking a turn, Van sped down the road towards a familiar apartment building. Sighing, he concentrated on the road and not the area around him, carefully maneuvering around the cars beside him. Finally, he pulled over and parked the car in an open spot. Getting out of the car, Van sighed once again as he walked over to the very nice building. A door man opened the door for him while smiling. “Nice to see you again, Mr. Fanel.” Giving the man a weak smile, he entered the lavish building, heading straight for the elevator. Pressing the appropriate button, Van waited as the box rose to take him to his destination. Finally, the doors opened and he walked down the familiar hallway to the correct room number. ‘1613. Here we go.’ Raising his hand, the raven haired man knocked twice on the door, waiting for whoever lived there to answer. Just as he was about to knock again, the door swung open and he was staring into very familiar deep brown, almost red, eyes. Smiling a bit, Van shifted from one foot to another. “Hi Folken. Can I come in? I really need to talk.” Moving aside, Folken allowed his little brother to enter the apartment. The place was rather large, holding three bedrooms, a study, an office room, small library, living room and kitchen as well as two bathrooms. If you couldn’t tell Folken was well off from his place, you had to be mentally not there. Both men moved into the living room area, which consisted of a couch, big comfortable chair, a coffee table covered with reports and books, a big screen TV, DVD/VCR player, and a wall shelving unit filled with books, pictures and random items collected over the years. One picture caused great sadness as well as a smile from Van. It was the day he and Hitomi had graduated high school all those years ago. Shaking his head, he turned to his older brother, who seemed a bit ticked off. “Before you say anything, my brother, I have something I have to do.” Raising one eyebrow, Van was indeed shocked when Folken’s fist came in contact with the left side of his face, causing him to take a few steps back. “What the…?” Folken never raised a fist to anyone, let allow a family member. “That was for never returning my call about a week. You had us all worried, to the point where I had to call Hitomi.” Seeing that look in his eye, Van realized his older brother knew what had happened. In a weakened voice, he questioned, “how is she doing?” Sighing, the silver haired man sat in his big chair, watching as his brother sat on the couch. “I couldn’t get much out of her. She was crying too much.” After saying that, Folken saw Van flinch and look down to the floor, as if ashamed of something. Raising one eyebrow, he asked, “What happened exactly?” Cringing slightly, the maroon eyed man sighed. “You want the abridged version or the longer one?” “The one that tells me why your best friend is crying her eyes out and you’re not there.” “That’s because I caused her tears.” That caused Folken to sit up a bit, nodding his head to tell Van to continue. “About a month ago, my boss told me I was one of the people that could get this big account, since my work was getting better. That Friday, Hitomi came to get me for lunch and he became interested in her. After calling me into his office, he told me in not so many words if I wanted the account, I’d have to make sure Hitomi went to the banquet with him as well as date him all week. If I didn’t get the account, Dilandau would and then fire me as soon as he could. Stupid me agreed to Allen’s demands…” Folken sat straight up on that one. “Allen? Allen Schezar?” “Yeah. Why?” Anger overtook his brother’s face. “I knew him in college. I guess he hasn’t changed much. Keep talking.” Shaking his head, Van leaned forward and lowered his head to look at the ground again, arms resting on his legs. “I talked her into it, but didn’t tell her the true reason why I wanted her to go out with him. I didn’t even tell her he was my boss. Allen was such a jackass with her, making me so angry at him and myself. Hitomi didn’t deserve that kind of treatment. Finally, the day of the banquet arrived. I was so relieved because soon it would all be over. We could go back to the way things were before. If only I were so lucky. That night was the worse night ever. An old enemy of her past turned out to be my rival, Dilandau. When she had still attended Mystic Moon, he had tried to rape her. He tried again that night, but I got there just in time. Later that night, Allen told me he was going to try and sleep with her, whether she liked it or not. I got so crazed and tried to stop him, but in doing so, I told Hitomi everything. She was so angry with me and stormed out, telling me she never wanted to see me again. And now, she won’t return any of my calls.” Sitting back a bit, Folken took in all Van had told him. “Tell me something, Van. Have you figured it out yet?” “Figured what out?” “What she truly means to you.” Shaking his head, Van’s eyebrows knitted together. “I don’t understand…” “Do you love her?” Hearing that out loud caused Van to pause for a moment. The time he had spent without her had been horrible, causing him to barely leave the apartment. He hadn’t even called back Folken, Danielle or Robin since that night. It was if he had lost a part of himself. Looking right in his brother’s eyes, he nodded slightly. “Yes I do. Very much.” The older man’s face got bright as he laughed slightly. “Finally! I thought you’d never figure it out.” *Sweatdrop* Clearing his throat, Van looked at his brother with wide eyes. “Excuse me?!?” “Don’t look so surprised, little brother. I’ve known this for quite some time now, even during high school.” The look on Van’s face could only be described as a mixture of confusion and shock. “What?!?” “Think about it, Van. Do you even remember who your other friends were? Hitomi awoke a side of you that died the same time dad did. You were so happy and so blind to the love you had for her. You did your best to make sure she never felt sorrow or pain. You were always there for her, placing her before yourself. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is.” Hearing this caused the raven haired man to blink as well as think. ‘Was I that blind that everyone could see but me?’ Shaking his head, Folken stood and sighed. “Alright, there are a few things that must be done. First one being this…” At that moment, the taller man connected his fist with his little brother’s face once again, sending the boy on his back. Van looked up at him with slight anger. “What the hell? I didn’t come here to get my ass kicked.” “It’s what you deserve for treating Hitomi like a pawn in your little game. I can’t believe I’m related to someone so stupid.” Sighing, Van glared at his brother as he picked himself off the floor. “I know, okay? I screwed up.” “It’s not okay, you twit. Did you not realize you could have pulled out of this entire thing when I made you that offer the day before this banquet thing? You could have gotten out of it before anything happened!” Throwing his arms up in the air, Folken walked away from Van. “I have the overwhelming desire to punch you yet again.” “Please hold that desire back. I think my face is beginning to swell.” Shaking his head again, Folken took a deep breath and walked back over to his chair, sitting down in it while thinking. “Okay, first things first, you have to call or visit all those people whose calls you’ve been ignoring for the past week. I’ll let you do that whenever. Now, to figure out how to get Hitomi to forgive you. If I know her correctly, this will be next to impossible.” “Jee, your confidence level in me is just so comforting.” “Am I wrong?” Sighing, Van plopped down on the couch. “No, sadly.” After a moment of silence, Folken let out this frustrated sound and threw Van the phone. Raising one eyebrow in confusion, the younger Fanel looked to his senior. “Although I know how one would operate such a device, what am I doing with it?” “You’re calling those people who you never called back while I think of some kind of plan. Might as well do something since your thinking skills are obviously not useful at the moment.” “I’d comment but I don’t think I can.” “Thus proving my statement. Call.” Sighing, Van thought for a moment, then dialed one number while his brother continue to lay in his chair with his eyes closed. After ringing a few times, he finally heard a familiar voice. “Hello?” “Hey, it’s me.” “Van?!? Where are you?” “At Folken’s. Listen, I-” The call was cut short when he realized his friend had hung up on him. Confused slightly, Van hit the end button and sat for a moment. ‘Well that was rather odd. I expected yelling or at least a slight conversation.’ As soon as that thought ended, there was a loud knock at the door. Raising his eyebrow, Van stood and went to the entrance way, seeing as Folken was now in a meditation like trance. Not bothering with the peep hole, he undid the chain lock and swung the door open. No sooner was it open then a fist met with his face, sending him back a bit. “What the…” “WHAT THE HELL, FANEL?!?!?” Looking up from his bloody nose in shock, Van was face with a very angry Danielle, who was being held back by Gaddes. She looked ready to kick some ass and it took a lot of effort by the man behind her to hold her back. “YOU BAKA! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW WORRIED I WAS?!? HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF A STINKIN PHONE?!?!?” Trying to wipe the blood away with his fist, Van stood to face his enraged friend. “I’m sorry. I just needed some time to think.” “AND YOU COULDN’T SAY THAT IN A STUPID FIVE SECOND CALL?!? THE VERY LEAST YOU COULD HAVE DONE WAS TELL ME YOU WERE ALRIGHT!” “That’s just it, Danielle. I’m not.” The furious woman calmed down immediately hearing that, realizing what he meant. Sighing, she shook off Gaddes’ hold on her and walked over to the injured man. Shaking her head and adding a small smile to her face, she pulled his fingers away from his nose as she pulled out a Kleenex from her pocket. “Such a cry baby. I don’t know how your high school class feared you. You can’t even take a simple bloody nose.” Blinking a few times, Van smiled as well, confusing Gaddes greatly. “Man, you two are something else.” Chuckling a bit, the blond turned and looked at him after giving the raven haired man the tissue. “Well, we did date for awhile back in college.” Smiling sideways, the man rubbed the back of his head. “Should I be worried?” “I’ll settle for jealousy.” Grinning just a bit, the maroon eyed man sighed while wiping away the blood. “So, you and Gaddes, huh? Never would have figured that. He’s too sane for you.” Smacking him lighting on the arm, she sent a glare at him. “I can give you more than a bloody nose, you know. Besides, I’m converting him to the dark side, or rather the insane side.” “Run for your life, man.” Before she could smack him again, Gaddes came over and took her hand, covering it with his own. “I think I’ll stick around and take my chances. Besides, you’ll gain less injuries while I’m around.” “Oh, you two are no fun. Can’t I at least throw my shoe at John or smack him upside the head?” “Only if Robin says it’s okay.” “I can live with that.” A loud groan was heard in the area of the large chair. “Kami, can you guys talk any louder? I’m trying to think here!” “And what is the all mighty Folken concentrating on now?” Danielle inquired as they all headed towards the couch to sit. “How we can get Hitomi to forgive Van.” A small laugh came from her lips. “Hitomi Kanzaki, forgive someone that betrayed her and used her like a piece of meat? You’re up shit’s creek without a paddle, buddy. Worse, you lost your canoe.” “The mass amounts of support I’m getting here is incredible.” “I’m detecting sarcasm here.” “Good.” “Watch it or I’ll make you bleed again.” “Yes ma’am.” Shaking his head, Folken turned his attention to the female in the room. “You were also there that night, correct?” After seeing her nod, he pressed on. “You saw exactly what happened. Any ideas on how to gain her forgiveness or at least get her talking to him?” “With or without him gaining bodily injury?” Seeing the look Van gave her, she smiled slightly, then lowered her head to concentrate. “Okay, let me think. And no comments from you, Vanny, or I’ll smack you so hard, so help me Kami.” All the men in the room raised one eyebrow at her statement, apparently confused, shocked or amused. Gaddes was the one to speak up. “Vanny?” Raising her head up, she blinked. “What? I can’t call him Sparky. That’s Hitomi’s thing. Besides, I figured it would probably annoy him, thus marking off another one of my life’s goals.” “You’re very sadistic, you know that?” “It’s a gift. Now, shut up so I can listen to the other voices in my head converse.” Not even bothering with a comeback for that one, the men sat in silence, waiting for the American to say something. After a few moments, she snapped her fingers. “There were a few points that made her pretty ticked off. One was being humiliated like that in front of so many people. Think about it. Being used for all that time and instead of having it revealed in private, it’s out in front of strangers? That’s just bad. If she didn’t slug you, I would have.” “Oh, this is really making me feel better.” “That wasn’t the point of this get together, Vanny. Anyway, I’m thinking you have to throw dignity aside and show her your vulnerable side.” Folken raised an eyebrow again. “He has dignity?” Before Van could attack his brother, Danielle cut in, “well, let’s redo that. What’s something you absolutely hate doing in public?” After sending his sibling a glare, the maroon eyed man thought for a moment. “Besides prancing around naked?” Cringing at the thought, Danielle covered her eyes and rocked back in forth as if she was in pain. “Ahhh!!!! Evil mental picture!!!! I’m gonna kill you for that one, Fanel.” Gaddes shook his head. “Hey, if it’s a bad image for you, a female, think what it’s like for me!” “Awww, poor baby.” “You’re just too kind.” Clearing his throat, Van gained back the attention. “ANYWAY, the only other thing I can think of is…” ~ “Hi, you’ve reach the apartment of Hitomi Kanzaki. Obviously I can’t come to the phone at the moment, so leave a message after the beep. Ja ne!” “Hitomi, it’s me yet again. I know you are probably very tired of my voice, but I wanted to say once again how sorry I am. It’s killing me knowing you’re so hurt and there is nothing I can do to help, considering I caused it. Please, just talk to me, even if it’s to curse me out. Please.” ~ After hanging up the phone again, Van sat in his chair in the living room in a defeated slump. It had been a total of two weeks now that she wasn’t speaking to him. This plan of theirs had better work or he just didn’t know what to do. A few strings had to be pulled, including calling Robin and John, which resulted in another attack. Van knew now not to underestimate Robin’s strength. When he came out of his little blackout, she was under some kind of control by her husband. It took awhile for the swelling to go down. For the past week, he had been working hard at the plan as well as thinking about Folken’s offer to work for at his advertising company. Was he really ready to jump back into that life so soon? ‘First thing’s first. I have to gain Hitomi’s forgiveness before doing anything else.’ A loud ring was heard throughout the apartment, breaking Van out of his deep thinking. Shaking his head, he answered the phone. “Hello?” “Hi Van. It’s been awhile, hasn’t it?” His blood immediately froze as he took a slight breath. “Hello mother. How have you been?” “I was calling to ask you the same thing. Merle has been worried sick since you never returned her call from two weeks ago. Also, I heard about what’s going on from Folken.” Lowering himself to sit on the couch, he sighed. “So you know the whole story?” “Sadly. I thought I raised you better than that, Van.” “You did, mom. I was just so…” “I think the word you are looking for is stupid.” “That would work.” “Well, one good thing came out of all of this.” Raising one eyebrow, Van questioned, “Good thing?” “You finally realize how you feel about her, that you love her. I was beginning to think you’d never figure it out.” Van nearly fell off the couch. “You knew?!?” “Oh please. Give me a little credit, son. You take after your father that way, so blind to the obvious. Such a guy.” *Sweatdrop* Rubbing his temples with one hand, the maroon eyed man tried to push back a migraine he knew was coming. “Glad to know my family knew this for eleven years and didn’t feel the need to tell me.” “Don’t be dumb, Van. Would you have believed us if we told you? You had to figure it out on your own, though I must say the timing is a bit off.” “You can say that again.” “So, you are going after her, right? Do you need any help?” Smiling at his mother’s question, he shook his head. “The gang helped come up with a plan. We’re going through with it tonight.” “Does it have to do with what Folken picked up last week from here?” “Yeah.” There was a short pause before his mother’s voice flowed through the phone again. “Good luck. Hopefully all will go well.” Smiling again, Van replied, “Thanks mom. Tell Merle I’m sorry for me?” “Surely. Call me if you need anything and to tell me how it goes.” “Yes mom. I have to get going though.” “Alright. Bye Van.” “Bye mom.” Hanging up the phone, Van took a deep breath as he grabbed his jacket and car keys before leaving his apartment. After taking the elevator to the garage, he jumped in his car and headed out on the road, determined to try and make her speak to him before resorting to the plan. Driving for awhile, he finally saw the high school come into view. Pulling up, he turned into the school and parked in his usual spot, which was vacant. Locking it, he walked over to the main office and smiled at the secretary. “Hi Keiko.” Startled, the woman looked up and blinked at him. “Mr. Fanel? Wow, it’s been awhile.” “About two weeks if memory serves me correctly. Is she in class?” Frowning slightly, she shook her head. “There was a field trip today to the Espano Theatre. They all left around eight or so, leaving a sub in her class.” Nodding his head, he questioned, “Do you know when they are supposed to be back?” “I think around four or so.” ‘Meaning she won’t get home until around five, probably later.’ Giving her a small smile, Van nodded. “Thanks for the info, Keiko. Hopefully I’ll see you soon.” At that, he turned and headed for the exit. “Umm, Mr. Fanel?” Stopping, Van turned around and raised an eyebrow at the secretary. “Yeah?” A small blush appeared on her face, signaling her slight embarrassment. “Please don’t think of me as being nosey, but what happened between you and Hi-Ms. Kanzaki?” Walking back over to her, Van knitted his eyebrows in confusion. “What makes you say that?” “Well, she hasn’t been herself lately. She’s usually cheerful and ready to take on the day, even though it’s obvious she’s not really a morning person. Lately, she’s been depressed and looks about ready to cry at the drop of a hat. One of her students came in one day and was talking about how they haven’t really been singing lately. It’s as if she’s lost something very dear to her.” Taking all of this very hard, Van struggled a bit before responding. “Tell me, Keiko. In all the time we’ve been here, what do you think of Hitomi and me?” “I don’t understand what you’re asking.” “What do you notice about us?” Without wasting a moment, she answered, “oh, you two are in love with each other.” Coughing a bit, the maroon eyed man looked over the secretary with wide eyes. “Huh?” “Oh yeah. I’ve known since you walked in here to pick her up for lunch the first day of school.” *Sweatdrop* Blinking many times, Van gazed at her as if she had three heads. “Are you serious?” “Sure. The whole school knows. It was kind of obvious.” After the raven haired male fell to the floor anime style, he brushed himself off and shook his head. “Why wasn’t it obvious to me?” “Well, duh! You’re such a guy!” Shocked at her forwardness, the young man stared at Keiko, who was simply smiling. “So, what did you do that made her so upset?” Sighing once again and scratching the back of his head, Van told her the entire story, not leaving a single detail out. He watched her eyes the most, considering they gave away her emotions. Finally, when he was finished, he waited for her reaction. Shaking her head, the brown eyed woman sighed. “You’re lucky we’re on school property. I’d probably slug you.” “Believe me. A lot of others had the pleasure of doing so. Since when did you become so violent anyway?” “I’ve been with Yusuke too long not to pick it up. Anyway, this plan of yours better work out or you better pray for some kind of miracle. Want me to give you Kurama’s number? He’s a friend of Yusuke who’s very good at words.” Shaking his head, Van declined. “I think it would be better if the words came from me.” “Okay. Is there anything I can do to help?” Thinking for a moment, he smiled. “Maybe. Do you happen to have a pen and paper?” Rolling her eyes at him, she laughed. “No… I’m only a secretary. What use would I have for such things?” “I’ll save my fake laughter for another day. Let me give you my cell number. Can you give me a call when Hitomi leaves for the night?” “Oh sure. No problem.” After telling her the number, Van gave her another smile. “Well, wish me luck.” “You’re going to need it.” “I’m loving all the confidence people have been giving me lately. Bye, Keiko.” “Bye, Mr. Fanel.” Before stepping out of the office, he turned to look over his shoulder at her. “Hey, Keiko. It’s okay for you to call me Van, considering.” Smiling at him, she nodded. “Bye, Van.” Leaving the office, the man bumped into a female student who looked very familiar. “Hey, aren’t you that new girl I met before? Ayame Endoso?” Nodding her head at him, the girl smiled. “You’re the one that showed me to Ms. Kanzaki’s room.” ‘I don’t know why I’m doing this…’ Clearing his throat, he looked down at her. “What do you know about Ms. Kanzaki and myself?” Without hesitation, Ayame’s smile grew wider. “You’re in love with each other.” Hearing the laughter from inside the office, Van turned his gaze up to the ceiling. “Okay, so I’m a blind idiot.” The girl shrugged. “You have an excuse. You’re a guy.” With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Van to stare at her wide eyed, mouth hanging open in shock, as Keiko was rolling on the floor with laughter. Shaking his head, he turned to look at her as tears were now falling down her face. “Jee, did that amuse you?” “The….. pain…” was all he could make out in between the laughter. Sighing, Van turned and walked out of the high school before anymore embarrassing things happened. ~ Sitting in his apartment, Van looked around the room, letting his eyes take in each and every picture he had framed. All of them, minus one, had her in them. The only one that didn’t was a family portrait from when Van’s father was alive. He was smiling at the camera while keeping the two brothers from picking on each other, Varie holding little Merle still. They looked so happy back then, so peaceful. What would his father say to him if he were alive now? He had always been so full of advice, being the first one little Van would run to when he needed help. After listening to what he had to say, his father would probably ruffle his hair and tell him to follow his heart, like he did each and every time. Unable to hold back a smile, Van turned his gaze up to the ceiling, trying to keep calm and relaxed until he received the phone call that would start everything. He didn’t realize when his eyes began to close… ~Flashback~ Lying on top of her bed as they always did, both teens looked up at her star covered ceiling, just content with being silent as they let their thoughts wander. Her calm voice broke through the silence with a random question. “If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?” Smirking a bit, he replied, “of course running into you. What was I thinking? You’ve brought me nothing but trouble, Kanzaki.” After giving him a nice smack on the arm, Hitomi shook her head. “I’m serious, Sparky. Really think about it.” “Alright. Give me a minute.” “Try not to get any of those thinking cramps.” “I’ll do my best, but they’re just so picky.” Van sat there and gave it some good thought, all the things he went through in his life. Dealing with his father’s death, sinking into a depression, joining a gang… There was a lot to consider. Finally, a smile broke out onto his face as he turned eighteen year old face to look at her. “Nothing.” Raising her eyebrow at him, the emerald eyed girl looked confused. “Nothing? Not one little thing?” “There’s not a thing I would change.” “Reason?” “Well, I figure everything happens for a reason. All the things I went through may have hurt, but they made me stronger, able to face life with different eyes. Besides, if it wasn’t for all the bad stuff, I wouldn’t be able to recognize all the good that happened to me as well. I wouldn’t have been able to go after you and, seeing as you are my very best friend, I’m glad I did. Without the bad, I wouldn’t be able to appreciate having you by my side.” A moment of silence went by, almost making him nervous. “Hey Sparky?” “Yeah?” With a small smile on her face, she placed her head on his shoulder. “There’s not a thing I would change either.” Chuckling softly, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “I’m glad.” ~End Flashback~ The phone ringing loudly broke him out of his memories. When he finally reached the phone, he pushed the talk button and placed it by his ear. “Hello?” “Van, it’s Robin. I just saw her pull into the garage.” “Alright. I’ll be right there.” “Don’t forget your g-” “It’s already in the car. Ja.” “Ja ne.” Hitting the end button, Van placed his cell into his pocket, reached for his jacket and keys before walking out of the apartment. Taking a deep breath, he headed for the elevator, silently praying all would go well. ‘Oh Hitomi. I was right back then. In reality, there’s not a thing I would change about you. You’re perfect just the way you are. I just hope I’m not too late.’ ~ The sky was dark at this time of night, the only light given was from the full moon up above. Stars twinkled up in the sky, looking down on the apartment building that held a particular person. As she dropped her things at the door, Hitomi walked into her bedroom to change into something more comfortable. Coming out in her baggy short t-shirt and gray khaki cotton pants, she walked over to the freezer, letting her emerald eyes pick through the numerous amounts of ice cream cartons. Finally choosing one, Hitomi picked up a spoon and walked over to plop on the couch, ready to watch some TV to drown out her sorrows. Before she could, however, there was a tapping on her window, causing her to raise one eyebrow while having a spoonful of chocolate chip cookie dough stuck in her mouth. Putting the carton on the coffee table, she walked over and opened it to hear the strangest of sounds. Looking below her, emerald eyes took in the sight of a certain maroon eyed man, playing an acoustic guitar with three shadowing figures behind him, holding saxophones. He was dressed in his favorite red shirt with tan pants and brown boot like shoes. Van watched as she walked out onto the fire escape, confusion written all over her face. That was when he began to play what he had practiced all that week. Gaddes, his cousin Wolfwood and his friend dubbed ‘Horn Freak’ came out of the shadows to play their parts on the tenor saxophones. When his part came, Van started to sing the words he had memorized, looking directly at Hitomi the entire time. “Yeah hey… Oh oh oh… The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful
Stop me and steal my breath
And emeralds from mountains thrust towards the sky
Never revealing their depth” Van looked directly into her eyes while singing this next line. “And tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated
I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above   “And I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love suicide
And I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life   “And rain falls angry on the tin roof
As we lie awake in my bed
And you're my survival, you're my living proof
My love is alive and not dead”
Once again, his eyes bore into hers, trying to tell her what was in his heart. “And tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above   “And I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love suicide
And I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life” All three saxophones came in for a pleasant sounding harmony for this next verse. “And I've dropped out, I burned up, I fought my way back from the dead
Tuned in, turned on, Remembered the thing that you, you said   “I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love suicide
And I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your…   “I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love suicide
And I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life   “The greatest fan of your life Yeah yeah yeah yeah Greatest fan of your life.” As Van released the last chord, he gazed hopefully at the woman above him, who held his life in her hands at that very moment. While holding his breath, he watched as Hitomi leaned off the fire escape rail, shook her head and turned to walk back inside. Panicking ever so slightly, Van handed his guitar to Folken while he ran across the street to stand right below her. “Hitomi! Please talk to me. I’m sorry.” His words fell on deaf ears as she lowered her head and raised one leg to enter her apartment, her back towards him. Lowering his head, Van tried hard to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. He was too late. He had lost her for good. The group of people behind him looked on with sadness, seeing their friend’s heart be shattered into a million pieces. Robin placed her head on her husband’s chest as he wrapped his arms around her. Danielle shook her head and held back tears as Gaddes placed a hand on her shoulder. Folken just sighed and watched his little brother in so much pain, knowing there was nothing else he could do. They had all come together to give some support to him, trying so hard to help him reach her, but Hitomi had been hurt too badly for anything to be done. Wolfwood shook his head, bent down and picked up his black cat (Trigun kitty) before turning to leave, ‘Horn Freak’ following. They were outsiders in this thing so there wasn’t much they could do. None of them could imagine what Van was feeling at the moment. ‘I’m such an idiot. I let the one person I care about more than anything get hurt by my stupid ambitions. Why did I ever agree to this? Why couldn’t I have been happy with how we were before? Why did I have to go and screw everything up?’ So wrapped up in his thoughts that Van blindly let his feet take back over to where his friends were as Hitomi was about to lower the glass, separating her from him. He didn’t notice the bright lights rapidly coming his way, nor did he hear the horn blast loudly. His friends’ cries were not heard as sharp pain suddenly went through his entire body. He felt himself flying in the air before falling hard onto the road below him, feeling the pain increase as a sticky liquid came in contact with his head. The only thing he heard as his vision was going was Hitomi’s terrified voice, calling out his name. ‘Hitomi?’ Then, his world went black.   ~*~WOW! This chapter took me forever to write! But, I got it done by my deadline! Be proud. I know you all hate me for the torture I’m putting poor Van through. Sorry. Just wait until the next chapter… Thank you all for your wonderful reviews! I love getting them and reading what you have to say. In other news, the Elimination contest is almost over. It’s down to me and one other fanfic, which I love to death! The winners will be posted on the 31st, so go to the link on my profile and vote for your favorite. Thank you all for getting me into the final round. It means the world to me. Oh! Before I forget, the first song was “The Way I Feel” by 12 Stones and the last one was “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain, the acoustic version. I suggest you all download those songs because they’re awesome. *gives you all cookies* Ja ne!!!!~*~