Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2002 1:46 am
(cont'd from page 1)
Hitomi?s Apartment
?The night doesn?t question the stars that appear in the skies?.?
?I wasn?t expecting a musical,? Van whispered to the girl sitting very near him on the loveseat. He had been alternating between wanting to press closer, and trying to make himself draw away. So far, close was winning as he glanced down at where her leg rested, barely brushing against his thigh.
Green eyes darted up, the images and light from the screen playing across her face. ?It has Doris Day in it, how could you not expect her to sing??
?It?s not a bad thing. I like jazz music.? Her eyes seemed to sparkle as she glanced up at him. He swallowed thickly, watching her mouth move in the dimly lit room.
?She has such a pretty voice.?
?I?ll never stop loving you??
?I?? His heart rate sped up and his head began to spin. He moved nearer as her eyelids fluttered, and her breath no longer warmed his cheek.
?RING!? The telephone shattered the romantic air in the room, bringing him back down to earth.
Damn.
?RING!?
Hitomi seemed dazed as well and she stared in his direction, as if waiting for him to say something.
?I?guess you should get that,? Van mumbled.
?Yeah, I guess? I should.?
The telephone sounded again, and Hitomi raced to the hall table where it rested. ?Hello? Rel!?
Van sighed and sunk back into the couch.
?No, yeah, I heard. Heero came back looking pretty perturbed about the whole thing.?
He could see her silhouette in the corner of his vision. He felt his head spinning again and tried to tell himself that maybe it was all a dream ? that he had dreamt the whole night, and that when he finally woke up, the feelings that he was trying so hard to deny would be gone along with the vision, along with her.
?No, no, I?m sure he understood,? Hitomi spoke into the receiver. ?He just didn?t know?No, I didn?t?er, well, Mr. Fanel is here going over those figures with me.?
Loud shouting and gunshots chose just that moment to blare from the television screen.
?The figures and a James Cagney movie. No, I know.?
He noticed her voice became more hushed as she went on. ?So, how is??
?Huh! Oh God, Rel? Van sat up straight at the alarm that was evident in her voice. ??Just stay there as long as?Dorothy and I can?No, but, Rel some things are just?No, I guess not. I?ll see you Tuesday then. Be careful. Love you. Okay, bye.?
Hitomi wove her way slowly around the living room furniture and Van stood up. ?So, I guess you got the scoop.?
?Yeah, that was Rel. She was still on the plane.?
?She wouldn?t have told Heero even if he had asked, would she?? He looked down and saw light reflecting strangely off her cheek. His eyes widened as she ducked her head and he found himself winding his arms about her small frame. ?What can I do?? Van asked in a hushed voice.
?Nothing. It?ll be all right. It will?If I just keep telling myself??
?What?s wrong? Hitomi, can?t you tell me??
Her body began to shake and he tightened his hold. ?No, I can?t Van. I would, really, I would??
His mind raced ? what could possibly upset her this much? And it had to be something to do with work, judging from the way Relena had to rush of to Seattle. Perhaps the company was in some kind of trouble?
?Have you tried a loan? I mean, certainly PCC?s assets would be??
Hitomi stiffened. ?It?s not about money, Van.?
Van nodded. ?Well, yeah, after the restructuring done last year, I wouldn?t expect it to be. Though we were all surprised when the Peacecraft family pulled its resource backing of the company.?
?What Relena lost in support from the executives and board of directors, she gained in PCC?s stockholders and Wall Street analysts.?
?Then what is it? If it?s an account, I know people in Seattle. I could talk to??
She drew out of his embrace, shaking her head as she stepped back. ?It?s nothing like that Van. It?s just that? Sometimes?things happen, life happens and it has no logical explanation. All we can do is the best we can?and pray for the rest.?
?Do you want me to stay?? He asked, cursing himself as soon as the words passed his lips. He knew that he shouldn?t, but he hoped that she would want him to. The answer he wanted to hear was also the answer he feared.
?That?s very sweet, Van, but I? I think I?d just like to be alone for a little while. I?ll have to go into the office tomorrow and get some work done ? I have to do what I can to help Relena.?
?I understand.? He tried to smile as he picked up his coat and followed her to the door.
?I had a nice time tonight, Van. And I guess I owe you a movie.?
He stepped into the hallway, feeling suddenly exposed upon stepping into the light while she remained in the shadows of the darkened apartment. ?I liked it, actually. Doris Day can sing for me anytime. I guess I owe you some coffee and dessert.?
?I?ll be looking forward to it.? She smiled up at him, and her expression was sad, but sincere. He knew he had to look away, or else he?d want to kiss her. ?Good night, Van.?
?Goodnight, Hitomi.?
**************************************************
116th Street, Outside the Lions Gate Apartments
Vash moved along the midnight streets, clutching the thin paper sack of donuts as if his life depended on it. They were probably frozen and stale inside it, but he needed something to cling to on this cold and lonely march back to the apartment. He held on to it so tightly that his fingers were numb, along with his cheeks from the winter weather. The lights in the neighborhood had dimmed by now, offering little more than wan, melancholy illumination as he neared the Lions Gate building.
Meryl? he knew it was going to happen, somewhere in the back of his mind. From the moment he stepped onto the elevator, insisting that he see her to the door of her hotel room, that it would give him a chance to thaw out. Before that, even. It could have been the way she looked at him when she surprised him on the street, or how she clung to him during the ordeal at the donut shop ? maybe the compassion in her eyes when she listened to him talk about how he grew up. Whatever it was, it meant trouble.
?Mr. Vash, I?m fine ? really.?
?Reporter girl, I couldn?t sleep unless I knew for sure you were all safe and snug in your room. Besides, it?ll let me warm up since I?m not counting on the heat being on when I get home.?
?Fair enough.?
The elevator chimed, announcing their arrival on the 4th floor. Meryl?s keys jingled in her loose grasp and Vash followed closely, nearly knocking her over when she stopped abruptly in front of room #418.
?Oof! Mr. Vash- Mr. Vash??
He was done for. He?d stretched out his long arms to steady her, but instead of taking them back, he soon found them curled tightly around her petite figure, pulling her near.
Her hand came up to rest against his cheek and he burrowed his chin and nose into its warm softness, inhaling the mix of winter air and perfume. He bent down, his lips searching for hers, but instead, he was greeted with the force of a sharp slap on the opposite side of his face.
?Mr Vash!?
?Reporter girl?? His fingers came up to touch the stinging skin as he blinked down at the dark-haired woman before him.
?I can?t let you do this, Mr. Vash. You signed that pact.?
?But Miss Meryl. I would give it all up in a second if I knew that you-?
?Knew that I what, Mr. Vash? I?ve seen you around women ? you?re hopeless. Why should ? what is there that makes me any different??
Vash swallowed hard. ?I??
Meryl cut off any possible answer. ?That?s what I thought. It?s? It?s just those raging hormones of yours taking over and that?s all. You?ve overcome so much in your life. I won?t let you lose it now. Not over? not over me. Good night, Mr. Vash, maybe I?ll see you next week.?
She disappeared behind the powder blue door, and he didn?t know how long he?d stood there just staring at it before he loped slowly down the hallway and put a finger to the lighted elevator button, just as he did now after making his way home.
He found the apartment door unlocked, and it creaked open. All he wanted in the world right now was sink into that uncomfortable sofa bed and lose consciousness in their not-quite-but-almost-as-cold-as-outside apartment.
?And where have you been?? Heero?s voice barked, startling Vash from his thoughts.
?What? Boss? Van, Quatre ? what are you guys still doing up??
?We couldn?t sleep,? Quatre spoke up between sips of tea. ?We were just wondering where you?d gotten to.
?Well, I?? What should I tell them? Van?s brown eyes flashed up, giving him a half plea/half warning.
Apparently not the truth. ?I, uhhhh?? Think, brain, I need a story! ?I? went for a walk. Nice night and all??
?You ran into that reporter, didn?t you?? Heero scowled at him from his crossed- arm, leaning-back-against-the-wall, but still-menacing position across the room.
And he looked even meaner than he usually did, which meant?Things did not go well with Relena. Damn. His shoulders slumped, then he remembered he was being given the third degree. ?Well, you see, it?s ? she ran into me!?
?You didn?t tell her anything did you??
Vash gulped. He knew he was a rotten liar. ?Uh? Did I mention that I was almost killed this evening??
Heero raised an eybrow. Quatre continued to drink tea and Van made a face.
The software tester cleared his throat and began his tale. ?I was at Mick?s down the street, just minding my own business and enjoying a couple boxes of donuts??
?Was the reporter with you?? Van asked.
?Well, yeah, but that?s besides the-?
Heero?s scowl deepened. ?Vash, we signed a??
?I know, boss, I know. It wasn?t a date! Come on!?
?Hn.?
?Anyway ? we were sitting there and all of a sudden this crazy guy came in with a gun and demanded that Mick empty the register or else!?
?Oh yeah right.? Van scoffed.
?I?m serious, Van!?
Quatre?s eyes widened. ?So what did you do??
Vash sniffed and stood up straight, giving his chest a manly thump and deepening his voice. ?Well, I got right up there and defended those kruellers with my life!?
?How??
?I, uh? I kinda gave him all the money I had so he would put down the gun and leave. Hey, Quatre, can I get loan??
The three other GLLC officers groaned and pushed back their chairs, leaving the kitchen and heading towards the hall.
?Guys??
?What, were you out all night thinking that one up?? Van mocked.
Vash stared at his friend. ?No! It really happened! Honest!?
?It was a good story, Vash, really very entertaining.? Quatre smiled and patted Vash?s shoulder on his way out.
?But Quatre! It?s the truth! Heero??
Heero paused in the doorway and rolled his eyes at his friend. ?Not a chance, Vash.?
?B-but? you guys??
Three doors slammed in unison.
?Guys? Awww, man.?
A small set of green eyes glowed from their place on the sofa bed and the lone man walked over, scooping up the purring ball of fur.
?You believe me, don?t you kitty??
It cuddled closer to his chest and fell asleep. ?At least somebody does.? His hand stroked the black fur of his sleeping companion as he stared down the hallway at Van?s closed door. ?Some friends??
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: blackrose on 2002-09-11 02:55 ]</font>
Hitomi?s Apartment
?The night doesn?t question the stars that appear in the skies?.?
?I wasn?t expecting a musical,? Van whispered to the girl sitting very near him on the loveseat. He had been alternating between wanting to press closer, and trying to make himself draw away. So far, close was winning as he glanced down at where her leg rested, barely brushing against his thigh.
Green eyes darted up, the images and light from the screen playing across her face. ?It has Doris Day in it, how could you not expect her to sing??
?It?s not a bad thing. I like jazz music.? Her eyes seemed to sparkle as she glanced up at him. He swallowed thickly, watching her mouth move in the dimly lit room.
?She has such a pretty voice.?
?I?ll never stop loving you??
?I?? His heart rate sped up and his head began to spin. He moved nearer as her eyelids fluttered, and her breath no longer warmed his cheek.
?RING!? The telephone shattered the romantic air in the room, bringing him back down to earth.
Damn.
?RING!?
Hitomi seemed dazed as well and she stared in his direction, as if waiting for him to say something.
?I?guess you should get that,? Van mumbled.
?Yeah, I guess? I should.?
The telephone sounded again, and Hitomi raced to the hall table where it rested. ?Hello? Rel!?
Van sighed and sunk back into the couch.
?No, yeah, I heard. Heero came back looking pretty perturbed about the whole thing.?
He could see her silhouette in the corner of his vision. He felt his head spinning again and tried to tell himself that maybe it was all a dream ? that he had dreamt the whole night, and that when he finally woke up, the feelings that he was trying so hard to deny would be gone along with the vision, along with her.
?No, no, I?m sure he understood,? Hitomi spoke into the receiver. ?He just didn?t know?No, I didn?t?er, well, Mr. Fanel is here going over those figures with me.?
Loud shouting and gunshots chose just that moment to blare from the television screen.
?The figures and a James Cagney movie. No, I know.?
He noticed her voice became more hushed as she went on. ?So, how is??
?Huh! Oh God, Rel? Van sat up straight at the alarm that was evident in her voice. ??Just stay there as long as?Dorothy and I can?No, but, Rel some things are just?No, I guess not. I?ll see you Tuesday then. Be careful. Love you. Okay, bye.?
Hitomi wove her way slowly around the living room furniture and Van stood up. ?So, I guess you got the scoop.?
?Yeah, that was Rel. She was still on the plane.?
?She wouldn?t have told Heero even if he had asked, would she?? He looked down and saw light reflecting strangely off her cheek. His eyes widened as she ducked her head and he found himself winding his arms about her small frame. ?What can I do?? Van asked in a hushed voice.
?Nothing. It?ll be all right. It will?If I just keep telling myself??
?What?s wrong? Hitomi, can?t you tell me??
Her body began to shake and he tightened his hold. ?No, I can?t Van. I would, really, I would??
His mind raced ? what could possibly upset her this much? And it had to be something to do with work, judging from the way Relena had to rush of to Seattle. Perhaps the company was in some kind of trouble?
?Have you tried a loan? I mean, certainly PCC?s assets would be??
Hitomi stiffened. ?It?s not about money, Van.?
Van nodded. ?Well, yeah, after the restructuring done last year, I wouldn?t expect it to be. Though we were all surprised when the Peacecraft family pulled its resource backing of the company.?
?What Relena lost in support from the executives and board of directors, she gained in PCC?s stockholders and Wall Street analysts.?
?Then what is it? If it?s an account, I know people in Seattle. I could talk to??
She drew out of his embrace, shaking her head as she stepped back. ?It?s nothing like that Van. It?s just that? Sometimes?things happen, life happens and it has no logical explanation. All we can do is the best we can?and pray for the rest.?
?Do you want me to stay?? He asked, cursing himself as soon as the words passed his lips. He knew that he shouldn?t, but he hoped that she would want him to. The answer he wanted to hear was also the answer he feared.
?That?s very sweet, Van, but I? I think I?d just like to be alone for a little while. I?ll have to go into the office tomorrow and get some work done ? I have to do what I can to help Relena.?
?I understand.? He tried to smile as he picked up his coat and followed her to the door.
?I had a nice time tonight, Van. And I guess I owe you a movie.?
He stepped into the hallway, feeling suddenly exposed upon stepping into the light while she remained in the shadows of the darkened apartment. ?I liked it, actually. Doris Day can sing for me anytime. I guess I owe you some coffee and dessert.?
?I?ll be looking forward to it.? She smiled up at him, and her expression was sad, but sincere. He knew he had to look away, or else he?d want to kiss her. ?Good night, Van.?
?Goodnight, Hitomi.?
**************************************************
116th Street, Outside the Lions Gate Apartments
Vash moved along the midnight streets, clutching the thin paper sack of donuts as if his life depended on it. They were probably frozen and stale inside it, but he needed something to cling to on this cold and lonely march back to the apartment. He held on to it so tightly that his fingers were numb, along with his cheeks from the winter weather. The lights in the neighborhood had dimmed by now, offering little more than wan, melancholy illumination as he neared the Lions Gate building.
Meryl? he knew it was going to happen, somewhere in the back of his mind. From the moment he stepped onto the elevator, insisting that he see her to the door of her hotel room, that it would give him a chance to thaw out. Before that, even. It could have been the way she looked at him when she surprised him on the street, or how she clung to him during the ordeal at the donut shop ? maybe the compassion in her eyes when she listened to him talk about how he grew up. Whatever it was, it meant trouble.
?Mr. Vash, I?m fine ? really.?
?Reporter girl, I couldn?t sleep unless I knew for sure you were all safe and snug in your room. Besides, it?ll let me warm up since I?m not counting on the heat being on when I get home.?
?Fair enough.?
The elevator chimed, announcing their arrival on the 4th floor. Meryl?s keys jingled in her loose grasp and Vash followed closely, nearly knocking her over when she stopped abruptly in front of room #418.
?Oof! Mr. Vash- Mr. Vash??
He was done for. He?d stretched out his long arms to steady her, but instead of taking them back, he soon found them curled tightly around her petite figure, pulling her near.
Her hand came up to rest against his cheek and he burrowed his chin and nose into its warm softness, inhaling the mix of winter air and perfume. He bent down, his lips searching for hers, but instead, he was greeted with the force of a sharp slap on the opposite side of his face.
?Mr Vash!?
?Reporter girl?? His fingers came up to touch the stinging skin as he blinked down at the dark-haired woman before him.
?I can?t let you do this, Mr. Vash. You signed that pact.?
?But Miss Meryl. I would give it all up in a second if I knew that you-?
?Knew that I what, Mr. Vash? I?ve seen you around women ? you?re hopeless. Why should ? what is there that makes me any different??
Vash swallowed hard. ?I??
Meryl cut off any possible answer. ?That?s what I thought. It?s? It?s just those raging hormones of yours taking over and that?s all. You?ve overcome so much in your life. I won?t let you lose it now. Not over? not over me. Good night, Mr. Vash, maybe I?ll see you next week.?
She disappeared behind the powder blue door, and he didn?t know how long he?d stood there just staring at it before he loped slowly down the hallway and put a finger to the lighted elevator button, just as he did now after making his way home.
He found the apartment door unlocked, and it creaked open. All he wanted in the world right now was sink into that uncomfortable sofa bed and lose consciousness in their not-quite-but-almost-as-cold-as-outside apartment.
?And where have you been?? Heero?s voice barked, startling Vash from his thoughts.
?What? Boss? Van, Quatre ? what are you guys still doing up??
?We couldn?t sleep,? Quatre spoke up between sips of tea. ?We were just wondering where you?d gotten to.
?Well, I?? What should I tell them? Van?s brown eyes flashed up, giving him a half plea/half warning.
Apparently not the truth. ?I, uhhhh?? Think, brain, I need a story! ?I? went for a walk. Nice night and all??
?You ran into that reporter, didn?t you?? Heero scowled at him from his crossed- arm, leaning-back-against-the-wall, but still-menacing position across the room.
And he looked even meaner than he usually did, which meant?Things did not go well with Relena. Damn. His shoulders slumped, then he remembered he was being given the third degree. ?Well, you see, it?s ? she ran into me!?
?You didn?t tell her anything did you??
Vash gulped. He knew he was a rotten liar. ?Uh? Did I mention that I was almost killed this evening??
Heero raised an eybrow. Quatre continued to drink tea and Van made a face.
The software tester cleared his throat and began his tale. ?I was at Mick?s down the street, just minding my own business and enjoying a couple boxes of donuts??
?Was the reporter with you?? Van asked.
?Well, yeah, but that?s besides the-?
Heero?s scowl deepened. ?Vash, we signed a??
?I know, boss, I know. It wasn?t a date! Come on!?
?Hn.?
?Anyway ? we were sitting there and all of a sudden this crazy guy came in with a gun and demanded that Mick empty the register or else!?
?Oh yeah right.? Van scoffed.
?I?m serious, Van!?
Quatre?s eyes widened. ?So what did you do??
Vash sniffed and stood up straight, giving his chest a manly thump and deepening his voice. ?Well, I got right up there and defended those kruellers with my life!?
?How??
?I, uh? I kinda gave him all the money I had so he would put down the gun and leave. Hey, Quatre, can I get loan??
The three other GLLC officers groaned and pushed back their chairs, leaving the kitchen and heading towards the hall.
?Guys??
?What, were you out all night thinking that one up?? Van mocked.
Vash stared at his friend. ?No! It really happened! Honest!?
?It was a good story, Vash, really very entertaining.? Quatre smiled and patted Vash?s shoulder on his way out.
?But Quatre! It?s the truth! Heero??
Heero paused in the doorway and rolled his eyes at his friend. ?Not a chance, Vash.?
?B-but? you guys??
Three doors slammed in unison.
?Guys? Awww, man.?
A small set of green eyes glowed from their place on the sofa bed and the lone man walked over, scooping up the purring ball of fur.
?You believe me, don?t you kitty??
It cuddled closer to his chest and fell asleep. ?At least somebody does.? His hand stroked the black fur of his sleeping companion as he stared down the hallway at Van?s closed door. ?Some friends??
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: blackrose on 2002-09-11 02:55 ]</font>
