Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ Van the Man Whore ❯ Aftermath ( Chapter 3 )

Author's note: HOPE YOU ENJOY!

WHAT?

"You're joking," Dryden baffled. Van was smiling intensively.

"No, I'm not. I saw Shezar with a guy called Gaddes. I told you he was gay," Van said. Dryden started to laugh. "But that's not the best part, Gaddes called Shezar his lover." The two young men burst out laughing.

"Allen you idiot," Dryden said through the laughter.

"Yeah, that's our Shezar, a complete and utter twit," Van said. Dryden looked at Van for a moment puzzled.

"Why did you go see Allen?" Dryden asked.

"Folken," Van said bitterly. Dryden sighed and scratched his head.

"Can I ask what about Folken?" Dryden asked.

"Yukari," he whispered. Dryden's eyes widened.

"Folken's girlfriend," Dryden sighed. "I haven't heard that name in a while."

"You know who she is?" he asked shocked.

"Yeah, I only knew her a little," Dryden, said.

"What did you know about her?" Van asked inquisitively.

"Not much, all I knew about her was that she was a stripper," Dryden replied.

"She was stripper," Van said shocked. Dryden realised that Van didn't know. "That makes perfect sense a man whore and a stripper." Van said bitterly. Dryden could see that Van was hurting. Dryden was the only person who really knew Van and it was Dryden's job to look after Van when Folken died. Dryden didn't feel that he did a very good job seeing that Van had to become a man whore to pay for college. But Dryden just couldn't afford it. Mind you Folken didn't do much of a job looking after Van. Dryden always felt that Van didn't like Folken for this.

"Van you'll never be like them," Dryden said in a reassuring manner. Dryden was referring to Folken and Van's father.

"I'm going to end up marrying some ho or stripper aren't I? Or someone who has no education because the educated people will know, that they should stay the hell away from me." Van was truly upset. "Stop feeling sorry for yourself, Van," a voice cried. It was Merle. Van turned to see Merle.

"Merle this has got nothing to do with you," Van said.

"No it hasn't, Van," Merle said. "But let me tell you something, you are not going to end up marrying a ho or a stripper."

"What do you know?" Van asked.

"Van I know and I always known that if there was one person who would come out of this nightmare, it would be you," Merle said sadly. Van was shocked by her words. "Van you have got everything a brain, the cash, the good looks not to mention the stunning personality."

"You think so Merle," he said softly.

"I know so," Merle smiled. He smiled back. Van felt much better about himself now but he felt bad for Merle.

"I'm sorry Merle," it was the only word he could think of.

"It's not your fault," she said. "You can't help the way you feel." Van now just felt uncomfortable he started to scratch the back of his head. Dryden also did the same thing. Van the decided to change the topic.

"I think I'm going to go stargazing tonight," Van said out of the blue.

"Yeah, you do that," Merle said. "I have to go somewhere." Merle then left. The room became silent as she left.

"I feel bad," Van said.

"Don't be," Dryden said. "If it makes you feel any better we can talk about our little gay friend." Van and Dryden started to laugh yet again.

Several hours later.

The doorbell rings. "I'll get it," Millerna yells to the others. She opened it. It was Allen with another person.

"We are here it see Van," Allen said.

"OK, I'll get him," Millerna said. "Please come inside." Millerna put Allen and his guest in the lounge. "I'll be just one moment." Millerna went into Van's room.

"Van, Allen wants to talk to you and he brought a guest," she said.

"I'll be in there in a minute," Van said. He probably wants to explain his boyfriend. Van thought. Van walked into the lounge and there he saw them. Allen and Yukari. "What are you doing here?" Van said.

"Well I bought Yukari over so she could speak to you," Allen said.

"Not you, you dimwit," Van sighed. "Her."

"Oh," Allen said looking at her.

"Van we need to talk," Yukari said.

"I think we have done enough of that," Van said. "I'm not in the mood today. The day's been quite interesting so far and it doesn't need to get any more interesting."

"Van, please," Yukari, pleaded.

"Fine, but make it quick," he huffed.

"As you know Van I used to date your brother and I had his child terminated." she started.

"And you were a stripper," Van added. Yukari was shocked at this.

"How did you know about that?" she asked.

"Like it matters," Van replied. "Go on."

"And I was a stripper," she said.

"Before we carry on did my brother meet you at a strip club?" Van asked.

Yukari looked confused. "No he didn't he met me outside of it when I was getting fired."

"That's such a coincidence that I met you while you were getting fired from your new job," Van said. "I'm sorry. Continue..."

"Van I loved Folken with all my heart and I when I found out that I was pregnant. I really wanted to have the baby as a reminder of Folken but as you know I lost that." Yukari hesitated.

"And so..." Van said waving his hand.

"Van the only thing that reminds me of Folken is you and well what I'm trying to ask you is, I want you help me to have a baby" Yukari said eventually.

This was a shocking day. Van did not expect this. The room was in utter silence. Van didn't say anything.

"Van," Yukari stared at him. Allen was in shock too. He looked at Van intensively. Van had his nail in his mouth and was looking at the floor. It was like if Van had completely zoned out.

Dryden walked in the room. He had over heard the conversation with Merle and Millerna. "Van, are you ok?" Van refused to answer.

"Van if you did this it would mean so much to mean to know that I have something of Folken's," she said. Van now looked up.

"And how would you have something of Folken's?" He asked.

"Well your Folken's brother so the baby would be Folken's nephew or niece," Yukari said.

Van stared at her strangely. "No."

"But Van..." she started.

"No," he said looking art her straight in the eyes. "That child would be nothing to do with Folken it would be mine."

"I know Van but." she started again.

"But nothing," he said coldly. "I've just finally sorted my life out. Something no one in my family has managed to do and you expect me to agree to this. I don't think so." Yukari tried to say something but Van stated to speak again. "How would I be part of that child's life? How would I explain this to a potential wife or girlfriend? Can you answer these questions?" He asked vigorously.

"I can't," she simply replied.

"Get the hell out," he said and walked away. He then turned around. "And stay out and don't you ever come near me again." He then went into his room and came out with a telescope. "If anyone needs me I'll be stargazing." He then looked at Dryden, "If she doesn't budge, kick her out." With that Van went out the apartment and slammed the door.

Van was furious. You are nice to someone and then they want you to have their baby. He thought. Van never be nice to anyone again. The sun was setting and by the time Van got to his destination it was dark. He was at Frieda Heights.

Thank the heavens I have the stars. He thought. He then set up his telescope. The telescope belonged to his mother and she passed it onto him. She also passed on her love of the stars onto Van.

Nice night for star gazing Van thought. Everything was so peaceful. It was calm and not stressful. That was until Van heard a scream. Van wanted to ignore it but he had to go check it out or it would be on his mind. He didn't want to leave his telescope alone in a vulnerable place so he packed it up and hid it behind a rock. The screams became more frantic so Van ran to them. He ran past bushes and jumped over rocks.

He stood there where the screams were loudest but he couldn't see the person when suddenly he realised the screams were coming from below. He went all the way to the edge of the rocks looked down and then her saw her. It was a girl hanging on for her life on the rocks.

"I'm coming down to help you," he yelled.

"I think you should call some professionals," she yelled back. "It's dangerous."

"I laugh in the face of danger and anyway I climb these rocks all the time," Van yelled.

Van then turned himself around and climbed down to the where the girl was. He got there and he stood there right next to her. "Swing yourself onto my back I'll give you a piggy back ride to the top," he said urgently.

"I can't," she cried.

"Yes you can, I'm right next to you," he said. She then looked down. "Don't look down," he yelled. She sounded like she was ready to cry. Van couldn't see her because it was so dark. "Come on, you can't hold on much longer." She then did what Van said. She swung herself onto him. She lunged herself at him and grabbed him and then put her arms firmly around him.

"Hold on tight," he said.

"Are you sure you can climb back with my weight on you?" she asked.

"I've carried heavier," he replied. Van then climbed the rocks slowly and when he got near the top he said. "Climb over me." She did what she was told. Van felt her smooth skin against his when she did this and she sure did smell nice. Van then climbed to the top. The girl was sitting at the top.

"Thank you," she said. Van then brushed of the dirt of his clothes and looked at her.

"It's ok," he said hazily. He finally saw the girl. She looked his age maybe younger. She had silky brown hair that went down to her shoulders and she had a beautiful slim figure. But what really stood out were her glistening emerald green eyes.

She was looking at him in the same way too. "What's your name?" she asked smiling.

"My name's Van," he replied. "And yours?" he asked returning the smile.

"My name's Hitomi," she blushed.

"Hitomi, it has a nice ring to it," he said. This made her blush harder.

***

"Thank you," she smiled. She then started to get up. Van went on over to her and held out her hand so that he could help her up. She took his hand and then he hauled her up. She then let go of his hand and brushed the dirt of her clothes.

She was wearing a short black dress with a silver belt wrapped around her waist. It showed of her perfect figure. She had ruby rose lips, which were natural. There was no lipstick applied and she had black heels with straps on her feet.

She then looked up at him and smiled. "You probably saved my life."

"It was nothing," he said. "So, what are you doing, hanging onto the side of the cliff?" She laughed.

"I was on a date." she said but then was interrupted.

"Oh, you have a boyfriend," Van sounded disappointed.

"No, no," she replied quickly. "I was on a blind date. I was set up by one of my friends and well it was going really well until he brought me up her and then he tried to make the moves. And then I kicked him in the nuts and ran and then I kind of ran of the cliff and I was lucky enough to grab the rocks." She was embarrassed. Van chuckled.

"Well at least your safe now," Van said.

"Yeah, thanks to you," she was looking at him and her eyes sparkled as she did so. "May I ask why you were here?"

"I was star gazing," he replied. "That reminds I better get back and see if my telescope hasn't been stolen."

"You left your telescope to come and save me," she said marvelled.

"Yes," he simply replied. He then hesitantly said, "Do you want to come with me? I think it would be safer seeing that it is dark and you don't know what type of weirdoes there are out there."

"Yeah sure. I need a night in shining armour to protect me," she smiled. Van let out a laugh.

"Follow me," he said and she followed him to his star gazing spot.

"It's very dark here," she said, while Van picked up his telescope behind the rock.

"Well you need to be in a dark place for star-gazing," he said.

"Why?" she asked.

"Because of light pollution. It takes away the visibility of the stars," he replied.

"Could you show me some stars with your telescope?" she asked.

"Yeah sure," he replied. Van then set up his telescope. He then looked into it and set the co-ordinates. Hitomi watched eagerly at him as he did this. "Come here." She came up to him. "Look into it right now and you will see a bright disc with a kind of smudge around it."

Hitomi did as she was told. She looked into it. "It's beautiful," she gasped.

"It's the Andromeda, the nearest galaxy to us," he said with passion.

"Can you show me more?" she asked. Van then looked into the telescope and set the co-ordinates.

"Is it Saturn, it's so beautiful," she cried.

"Yep a real beauty, let me show you a planet you'll really like," he said and set the co-ordinates to it.

Hitomi looked into it. "There are so many colours, which planet is it?" she asked.

"Venus," he replied. "Named after the Roman goddess of love."

She then stopped looking through the telescope and instead she looked at him. Van was too busy staring into the sky.

"You really love the stars, don't you?" she asked.

"Yeah," he smiled. "When I look at them I forget all my troubles, it's so relaxing."

"How come you know so much about it?" she asked.

"I'm learning astrology, hopefully next year I'll become an astrologist," he smiled.

"Wow, that's so interesting, so I take it your doing the exams in two weeks," she said.

"Yep are you? What subject are you studying?" he asked.

"Well I'm studying to be a fashion designer when I'm older and yeah I've got exams too," she replied.

"Interesting," he said looking at her. They laughed even though there was nothing to laugh about. They were staring at each other now. Van felt a connection to her. She was everything he dreamed about in a girl. Then suddenly Van he heard a voice.

"There you are Hitomi. I've been looking for you everywhere," the young man moaned.

"Well, you should have left without me Brock," Hitomi said.

"Look babe, I'm not leaving without you," he said.

"I'm not leaving with a guy who tried to make certain moves on me without my permission," Hitomi stated.

Van looked at the guy. He was a jock. Van could tell but Van knew he could take him. Dryden had made Van take martial arts. "The lady has made it clear that she doesn't want to go with you. So I think its best that you leave." Van said smoothly.

"Look you've got nothing to do with this so just butt out," Brock cried.

"When a women, maybe in potential harm. I've got everything to do with this," Van said. Hitomi was looking at Van dreamily.

"Dude just keep out," Brock cried and noticed Hitomi's face.

"Ok you have two choices, one you will leave with out a word or two I'll have to kick your ass," Van said in his intimidating yet smooth voice.

"You're just a shrimp you can't do anything," Brock said.

"Wrong choice Brock; don't say I didn't warn you?" Van laughed. Brock then charged at Van. Van swiftly jumped out the way and landed in where Brock was charging. Then Brock came at him again, this time Van had his back to him and he swiftly did a back flip and head butted Brock's head. He then jumped of and landed behind him and then he elbowed Brock in his backside. Brock yelled and was on the floor.

Van then turned to look at Hitomi who seemed to be amazed. "He'll be alright; he'll be knocked out for several hours." Van then walked towards her. "Do you want me to take you home?" he asked.

"Thank you that would nice," Hitomi replied. Van then went and packed his telescope and then he walked with Hitomi.

"You where amazing back there," Hitomi squealed.

"Yeah I know," Van laughed. Hitomi gave me a light jab on the arm.

"Ow," Van pretended. She laughed.

"You truly are my knight in shining armour," She giggled. Van laughed.

"So, how far are we from your home?" Van asked.

"Around the corner," she replied. "Do you have a girlfriend?"

"No," Van said hesitantly. Hitomi looked at him shocked. "What?" Van asked.

"I just can't believe that you haven't got a girlfriend, I mean look at you," Hitomi blushed brightly.

"Well thank you, but let's just say I haven't found the right person," Van replied.

"Wow, your too good to be true," Hitomi said.

"We could say that about you," Van smirked. Hitomi blushed. Van couldn't believe he said that.

"We are here," Hitomi proclaimed. Hitomi and Van where in an awkward position. Van and Hitomi just stood on her porch. "Thanks again."

"Hitomi, I want to see you again but only if you want to," Van said.

"I thought you'd never ask," she smiled.

"Um. How will communicate?" Van asked.

"I'll give you my phone number," Hitomi got her lipstick. "I need something to write it on." Van then divulged into his pockets and found a napkin. He gave it to her. She wrote it on there. "Can I have yours?" Van thought about it.

"Don't worry I will ring you," Van said.

"Promise," she said.

"Promise," he smiled.

"Can I give you something sweet?" she asked.

"Sure," he replied. She then smiled and moved closer towards him. She then brought his head down with her hands and kissed his lips. Van had never felt something so soft and smooth. Actually Van had never kissed someone on their lips. There was on rule about whoring and that was you never kissed their lips, as it was a sign of intimacy and love. The kiss was short but she sure wasn't kidding when she said she was going to give her something sweet.

"Thank you," Van whispered.

"My pleasure," She whispered back. "Good night."

"Good night, I'll call," Van said quietly. She then walked into her house looking at him all the way as she entered. Van waved and watched her get into her house. When she was in Van walked a distance and then he touched his lips with his hand. He smiled and walked home. Van couldn't believe his mood swing today. First he was upset then angry and then laughing about Allen's sexuality and then upset and angry again and then happy.

Van knew it there and then. He was in love. He felt like he was walking on clouds. He then got to his apartment and opened the door. He saw Dryden.

"Who's in a good mood?" Dryden commented. "Van we need to talk."

"Not now Dryden, tomorrow," Van replied.

"Van," Dryden moaned.

"I said not now," Van, said. "I have more important things to do." He then walked into his room opening up the napkin with the number. He then sat on the bed and picked up the phone and dialled.

***

Van had spent all night last night on the phone with Hitomi. The mention of her name made him feel giddily. He just managed to get of the phone with her.. He didn't want to waste all the money that he just received on the phone bill. Hitomi seemed to understand him yet they hardly knew each other. Van felt his stomach grumble.

I better get some food down me. He thought and with that he got out of bed and walked into the kitchen. There he saw Dryden. Dryden gave a concerned look at Van.

"Hey Dryden," Van said cheerfully.

"Van we really do need to talk," Dryden informed him. "I can see that you are in a good mood for a change but this conversation needs to be had."

Van then sighed and sat down. "Ok, make it quick."

"When you left last night, Yukari stayed longer than she should of, I tried to get rid of her but she wouldn't leave," Dryden said.

"How did I know this conversation was going to about Yukari?" Van moaned.

"Van that girl seems determined to make you a father," Dryden yelled trying to make Van listen to the seriousness of the conversation. "Van I promised Folken I would protect you and I will live up to that promise."

Van yawned. "I'm going to have some breakfast. What about you?"

"Van," Dryden yelled. "Please will you take what I saying seriously, Yukari spoke of some things yesterday."

"Okay, okay. What did that bitch say?" Van asked. His mind was on Hitomi.

"She spoke about how she would not allow any one else to be the father of her child and that it would make Folken proud and things like that." Dryden replied.

"You know she's talking crap," Van said. Dryden looked at him weirdly. "She's not doing it for Folken. She's doing this for herself. She's quite clever using Folken as bait."

"What are talking about Van?" Dryden asked.

"When I was younger I remember Folken talking to me about responsibility. I suddenly remembered the conversation when Yukari started talking to me about babies," Van replied.

"That's why you were so silent," Dryden said. "You were thinking."

"Yep, about that conversation I had. I remember Folken telling me about a guy that got a girl pregnant and how he had to stay with her because it was the responsible thing, well it only just occurred to me that the guy Folken was talking about was himself," Van said calmly. "You see Folken knew she was pregnant but didn't know the sex of the child."

Dryden stood there shocked. "So you're trying to tell me that Folken never loved Yukari?"

"This is where it gets complicated," Van said. "When Folken was having this conversation with me it was like he had made a realisation. He thought he was in love and realised that he wasn't."

Dryden's face screwed up. "That's why Folken was so sad at his time of death." The realisation hit Dryden. "He yapped on how he never found it. I didn't understand at first but now I know what he meant. Love."

Van simply nodded his head. "Bang on. I should also tell you Yukari thought I was cute so she just wants me for my looks and she knew she wasn't my type so all she's doing is trying to get me to have her baby so I can be made to feel guilty about not being there for her kid and then enviably it will lead me to get with her." Van then poured some cereal into a bowl and then put milk on it.

"You've really thought about this Van," Dryden said surprised. "Are you sure that's what she's thinking because maybe Folken wasn't in love with her but she sure looked like she was in love with him?"

"I'm sure," Van replied. He then took a bit of his cereal. Dryden looked even more concerned.

"Hi everybody," Allen said and walked into the kitchen and sat down.

"Hi Barbie," Van replied and took another bite of his breakfast. Allen looked at Van and gave him a fake smile.

"So, what you guys, been talking about?" Allen asked.

"How do you keep your hair so shiny, Shezar" Van replied sarcastically

"Well it's a delicate procedure." Allen started.

"He's being sarcastic idiot," Dryden said. "Blondes." Dryden sighed.

"We were talking about Yukari, you ass wipe," Van moaned.

"Oh, yeah, she's really weird," Allen replied. "She banged on the door and demanded I take her to see Van."

"I bet you were upset seeing that you and Gaddes seemed to having a good time," Van mocked. Allen went bright red. Dryden tried to hold back the laughter.

"So Allen, how did the lovely couple meet?" Dryden asked loosing all seriousness that he had.

Van and Dryden burst out laughing. "Well if you must know he's in the navy," Allen replied.

"Typical," Van choked out and carried on laughing.

"I bet it was love at first sight," Dryden laughed. Van stopped laughing. His thoughts were back on Hitomi. She was in intoxicating.

Allen and Dryden noticed Van's hazy look and questioned him but Van gave no answer instead he got up and left the building to see the thing that made him happiest.

Van had walked to Hitomi's house he remembered the way from last night. He knocked on the door and another girl abut her age appeared. "You must be Van; I'm Hitomi's roommate, Eliza. Hitomi will be down in a minute." She invited Van in.

Hitomi had told her roommate about him already and they had only met last night. Maybe she feels the same way about me too. Van thought. About 5 minutes later Hitomi appeared. She looked incredible. She was wearing faded blue hot pants and a white top. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail.

"Hi Van," she yawned.

"I'm sorry for keeping you up last night, I just wanted to talk." Van said feeling incredibly guilty.

"Don't be. It's not like any of us have got any classes today," Hitomi said. "Van I need to talk to you alone." She looked at roommate who was standing there staring at Van.

"Oh I'll be leaving," Eliza said and walked out the room.

"Van please sit down," Hitomi said. Van took a seat.

"Yes, Hitomi," Van said.

"I don't want us to see each other," Hitomi said. Van's face was in shock. "Well not now."

"What do you mean?" Van asked.

"Van, we have exams in a couple of weeks and well your going to be quite a distraction for me so I don't want to see until our exams are finished." Hitomi smiled.

Van let out a sigh of relief. "Okay, I can do that." Hitomi went up to him and sat on his laps.

"I knew you would understand," she said and kissed him. Van desperately didn't want to let go of the kiss but he had to.

"So we have a date in four weeks?" Van asked.

"Yep," Hitomi replied. "And I like to be surprised."

Okay it's slow but I promise to make it better.