::Disclaimer:: (YAWN) is 4 o'clock in the morning! Are you really gonna make me say it?…(sigh)…alright fine! I don't own Escaflowne…(grumbles sleepily)…Can't believe you woke me up just for that!

Chapter three

(A troubled mind, and a happy reunion)

"Hitomi?!" Van cried, quickly gathering her slender form in his arms as she lost consciousness. Bringing his right hand up, he gently brushed her hair away from her face, and looked down at her in concern.

"Hitomi?" he called, tapping her cheek lightly as he tried to wake her. "Van…" She breathed softly, her eyes still closed in sleep. He heaved a sigh of relief when he heard her call to him, then let out a small gasp when she snuggled closer to his chest. Raising his right hand to her hair again, he swallowed convulsively as her warm breath caressed the base of his throat. Tightening his hold he closed his eyes as an intense wave of emotion crashed through him. He had waited so long to hold her, that the feel of her in his arms temporarily consumed him. He felt the heat of her body from beneath her thin white blouse, and inhaled her sweet fragrance.

Yes he had waited a long time to hold her; but this was not quit what he had envisioned. Perhaps he did not have an image in his mind as to how she would react upon seeing him once again, but he knew that he had not foreseen her collapsing at the mere sight of him.

He wasn't sure whether to be amused or disappointed. He smiled, and thought 'Leave it to Hitomi to throw my mind into chaos'.

Opening his eyes he stared at her soft lips, a longing suddenly drawing him closer.

He stopped just inches away and let his eyes roam over her lovely face, trying to engrain every last detail into his memory. He pulled his hand away from her hair to brush his fingers against her soft cheek before bringing them to rest against her lips.

Coming out of his daze he felt a small shiver run through her body. As much as he may have wanted it, he knew that he could not stay there all night holding her. Berated himself for his foolishness, he pulled her closer to his body.

Shifting her in his arms he positioned her purse in her lap and then quickly grabbed up her keys from the ground below them. Standing slowly he began to make his way to her apartment.

Walking slowly he made his way up the open stairwell, lost in thought. He had watched as several emotions had crossed her expressive face. They had moved so quickly, he had only been able to interpret a few before she had fainted into his arms. Van had recognized disbelief and sadness, but he had also seen happiness too…hadn't he?

Van's thoughts slowly came to an end as he approached her apartment door.

Kneeling down he balanced Hitomi's unconscious form on his legs, and then with his other hand he quickly unlocked her apartment. Pushing the door open he gathered her up into his arms once again and slowly walked into the room beyond. Kicking the door closed with his foot, he gave his eyes a moment to adjust before making his way across the living room.

Pushing the bedroom door open gently, Van looked around the room, before slowly making his way over to the bed. Laying her down gently, he kept her shoulders raised till he was able to unwrap her from her coat. Once he had it off he draped it across the end of her bed before slipping her shoes off. Now knowing that she could rest more comfortably, he made his way over to the other side of the bed. Shrugging out of his own dark coat he sat on the edge of the mattress and watched as Hitomi turned in her sleep to face him. Unable to resist the temptation, he dragged a finger slowly down her pale cheek. He smiled a bit as she leaned her head into his touch, and then proceeded to let out a long sigh.

In his mind he had always imagined her, as she had been when she had left so long ago. And while he knew she would be older than when he had last seen her, his mind had not compensated for the time they would be away from each other.

He took in her appearance now. Her light brown hair had grown to reach just a little past her shoulders, and her face had become more defined. He had yet to see her smile, but somehow knew that no matter how different she appeared, her smile would never change.

When he had arrived late last night his first thought had been to rush and see her. The need had overwhelmed him and nothing would have been able to stop him from going to her. He had closed his eyes, allowing his mind to expand, and took to the skies as he followed his senses to where she was.

Seeing her window open he had glided down to it and gone inside landing softly on her bed. He had looked down at the girl that had held his heart for so long and realized that she wasn't a girl now. She was a woman.

He had watched her for a couple hours more as she slept, and contemplated just what he would say to her. It had been so long since he had seen her and he couldn't take his hungry eyes away from her. Before, he had only thought of the time he had left until he could come for her, and somehow he had not really thought of just what he would say to her. He watched over her while his mind looked for an answer to his new dilemma, and as the night drew on he knew he could not be here when she woke up.

It had never occurred to him before, but time had not stopped for her as he had hoped. She hadn't seen him for five years now. Would she still feel the same? Did she love another? His heart had constricted as his imagination lead him down darker paths, but he drew a shaky breath and decided to wait until tomorrow to talk to her.

Slowly he had leaned over her, the temptation of her soft lips too much for him to resist.

Softly he brushed her lips with his, as he once again summoned his wings. Bursting from his back they threw a cascade of white down upon them. Releasing her lips he had pulled away and left quietly through the open window.

Now looking down at her he smiled to know that at least one thing had not really changed about her. Her beautiful eyes had not changed. They were still as green, and as soft as the forest that surrounded his kingdom of Fenelia. He had never met anyone with eyes like hers.

The sight of her gaze minutes ago had made his heart speed up and his breath catch in his throat. He had wanted so much to take her in his arms right then, that it had been all he could do to keep from pulling her closer.

Laying himself down on her bed he turned to face her, content for the moment just to watch her sleep. She was so beautiful, he thought as he put his arms around her to draw her closer. Raising his hand he cupped her check and brought his face closer to hers. Then just as he had the night before, he brought his lips to rest softly against her own.

Bringing his forehead to rest against hers, he closed his eyes and simply listened to her breath.

Van felt exhaustion begin to pull at him, and felt the stress of the last two days begin to catch up with him. He had not gotten much sleep in the past two nights, and the warmth of her body was slowly pulling him into slumber. Settling himself more comfortably beside her, he drew her tightly against him and brought his head down to rest on her hair.

He held her in his arms, and it felt like heaven. She smelled like heaven, his heaven.

Reassured in the fact that he had a week to convince her to return home with him, he closed his eyes and allowed a contented smile to spread across his face, just before sleep claimed him.

~~ 0 ~~

A few hours later, Hitomi began to stir from sleep. Moaning softly she snuggled further into her firm warm bed. Letting out a small yawn she stretched, and wound her arms more firmly against her pillow. Shifting her hand up she hesitated when she felt her fingers brush something furry. Eyes still closed, she drowsily ran her fingers further down then stopped when she came into contact with…a belt?

Her eyes snapped open as she heard a soft groan come from somewhere above her head.

Gasping she began to pull away from the source of warmth, when suddenly strong arms stopped her progress and pulled her back.

Her mind now in a panic she tensed when she felt a warm breath stir her hair. Someone was in her apartment! Someone was in her apartment…in bed…WITH HER! Overcome with panic she shrieked and scrambled to get off the bed. Unfortunately, at some point during the night, her legs had become entangled with the strangers, and she fell with a hard thud to floor below.

Hitomi drew in a sharp breath, and then quickly turned to face the ceiling above her. She let out another scream as she looked up to see a large shadow looming over her.

Supporting herself on her hands she quickly scrambled away from the bed, while feeling for anything that she could use as a weapon.

She stumbled back as her hand rolled out from beneath her, when she came into contact with a shoe. Snatching the shoe, she rose up onto her knees and raised the offending pump threateningly.

"Come any closer and I'll…" She began.

"Hitomi wait!" Her words stopped when she heard the man call her name.

Hitomi froze at the sound of his voice, and a shiver swept through her. Suddenly her mind began to recall in rapid succession all that had happened only hours ago.

'No it couldn't be!' She thought. 'Had he really been there?'

Looking up at the shadow she crawled forward slowly, then reached over to switch on the lamp beside her bed. She shut her eyes tightly as the light hit them, illuminated the once dark room. Squinting cautiously she glanced over at the man who now sat on the side of her bed. Hitomi's eyes widened in shock, as she once again felt the breath leave her lungs.

"Van…." She whispered.

Hitomi stared up at the boy…No, the man who had stolen her heart so long ago, and felt her legs give out. Thankfully not far from the floor, she felt her teeth snap together as she sat back abruptly. She opened her mouth to speak but her voice failed her, and all she could do was stare.

Hitomi watched him tense as the silence drew on. A loud sigh escaped her lips, as she drank in the sight before her. No, he was definitely not a boy anymore. He had grown, he was a man now, but his appearance had changed only slightly. His shoulders were now wider, and his muscles more defined, but his dark hair still hung around his face, and his eyes…those eyes, she had seen them so many times in her dreams.

She swallowed convulsively as she looked down at his tan chest. The 'V' shaped opening of his shirt had at some point come loose, and showed a large expanse of his chest and stomach when he leaned forward.

"Hitomi?? ….You aren't going to faint again are you?" He asked, starting to feel unsure about her reaction to him. Hitomi numbly shook her head, and then slowly began to rise, her eyes never leaving his.

Van tensed as she started to rise, and prepared to catch her if she should faint again.

"I…You….wha-" Hitomi struggled to form a cohesive sentence, but her mind had fried a circuit and once again she found that all she could do was stare.

Van couldn't help but smile as she struggled to voice her thoughts. He guessed that this had come as quiet a shock to her but still, he couldn't help but feel a little hurt at her lack of enthusiasm for his presence. 'I mean, she still hasn't even said hello!' he thought, as he watched her take a hesitant step forward.

"You're here." She said, a smile slowly spreading across her face. Her mind began to function again, as her heart slammed a desperate rhythm in her chest. 'He's really here!' she thought, the realization finally sinking in. Her smile grew wider, and tears quickly pooled in her eyes, as a sense of joy overwhelmed her.

She looked at the man she loved with all her heart a moment more, before launching herself into his arms. Van quickly drew a startled breath as he suddenly found himself locked in an embrace with the woman he had dreamed of holding for so long. A grin spread across his handsome face, as all his doubts, and worries began to disappear.

'Ok, so this is better than hello.' He thought bringing his arms more tightly around her.

Still clinging to him, she felt her doubts once again return. 'What if this is all a dream?'

Her arms tightened around him and her eyes squeezed shut, then she buried her head in the crook of his shoulder.

"Hitomi?" he called hesitantly as he felt a tear trickle down the side of his neck. Drawing in a ragged breath she found the courage to open her eyes and voice her fears.

"You're real aren't you?" she whispered against his ear. His arms tightened around her again, he then lowered his head so that his face was buried in her shoulder and inhaled her sweet fragrance.

"I'm real." He said quietly, his warm breath causing a shiver to race up her spine as it caressed the sensitive skin of her neck.

They stayed like that for a long moment before they both drew back reluctantly to look into each other's eyes. Raising a shaky hand, Hitomi brushed his hair away from his eyes and began to laugh with joy as tears once more sprang into her eyes.

"I-I thought I would never see you again." She said, gazing up at him with a small smile.

"I'm sorry." He said softly as he drew his hand up to wipe away the tears from her pale cheeks. In the warm light of the room he studied her face. Her face had become more defined as he had noted earlier but there was still a softness about it. And when he looked back into her eyes he knew he had come home. When she had awoken moments, before he had been so afraid that she would not want him here. Her reaction had been so frightening that he had felt his heart begin to break at the thought of her rejecting him after he had waited so long to come for her.

His heart began to pound as he suddenly realized their position. He knelt on the bed while Hitomi straddled his hips; her right arm circled his neck while her fingers played with his hair. Her other arm was trapped between them and her hand was gently stroking his bare chest.

His right hand stopped stroking her back to make a fist as their closeness suddenly sent a surge of desire racing through him. He remembered the feel of her warm body pressing against him, when she had launched herself into his arms. A small blush made its way into his cheeks as his mind began to wander.

By this time, Hitomi had also realized their position and she quickly lowered her eyes to his chest trying to will away the blush that was now slowly starting to creep up into her cheeks. Noting that her hand still stroked his chest, she quickly fisted it and brought it to rest over his pounding heart.

Without looking up she began to draw away from him, still trying to gain control over her raging hormones. Her eyes grew wide as his warm arms stopped her escape and brought her flush against his chest once again.

"Don't." He whispered, as his hand began to stroke her back once more.

The bittersweet longing his touch invoked, caused her to close her eyes, as sensations began to take over. Leaning her head back she gasped as she felt his soft lips brush the base of her throat, before he once again buried his face in her shoulder.

She lowered her head to his ear placing a feather light kiss at its base before hugging him closer to her again. He let out a small gasp in reaction to her soft kiss, raising his hand to tangle in her hair.

"I missed you Van." She said in a chocked voice.

Van pulled her head back so that he could look into her eyes once more. Seeing the sadness there caused him to close his own in pain. The tears stung the back of his eyes and a lump formed in his throat. He knew that his absence would hurt her, but he could not be around her without going back on his promise.

To be able to see, but not touch her would have been unspeakable agony, and he would not have withstood it for very long. Being away from her for so long had been hell, but it would have been nothing compared to what he would have gone through had he continued to visit her here.

Swallowing thickly, he opened his eyes and looked down into her lovely face, willing himself to calm down. Drawing in a shaky breath he forced a small smile to his lips before he caught her gaze again.

"I know Hitomi. I missed you too." He said, his voice thick with unspoken emotions.

Lowering her eyes to his chin she frowned. He seemed so sincere. 'Then why had he stayed away so long!' Her mind cried out.

"Why Van? Why didn't you ever come?" She asked her voice wavering as her tears continued to run down her cheeks.

Tightening his hold, he felt his own eyes begin to sting once more, and he lowered his head, unable to watch her pain anymore.

"I'm sorry Hitomi…I'm sorry I couldn't come to you." He said quietly with his head still lowered.

"I couldn't come to you. I couldn't come until now!" He breathed out, his emotions making his voice harsh. He had hurt her so much by not coming. He damned himself for the weak fool that he was over and over again in his mind. If he had been stronger, he could have come to her without the risk of him breaking his promise. But he had never been that strong, not where she was concerned.

"Please Hitomi…Please forgive me!" Her breath came out in a ragged sob as she heard the pain in his voice.

Words escaped her now and all she could do was cry. She cried into his shoulder while he held her tight and stroked her back, trying to bring her comfort. Hitomi stayed in his arms until her tears began dwindle. His soft black shirt, along with his chest was now soaked with her tears, and she laughed softly at how foolish she must look to him.

"I don't want to wake up." She said softly, turning her head to lay it against his chest.

Van ran his hand through her hair and gently pulled her face away from him once again.

"I am not a dream Hitomi! Can't you feel me?" He demanded his hand tightening in her hair.

"I can feel you! I can feel your warmth and your tears…I can touch your skin and hear your heart beat." His whispered words sent a jolt of desire racing through her, and her pulse began to quicken. Feeling his hand caress her shoulder she looked up shyly into his eyes, and had to hold back a gasp at the emotions she saw raging within them.

Van watched as she raise those hauntingly beautiful eyes to his, and he gave into the overwhelming desire to lower his head to hers, his lips stopping only a breath away from hers.

"A dream could never be this good." He whispered, before bringing his lips to gently brush against hers. He felt her gasp and tense up at the first touch of his lips. Then suddenly the tension left her and she all but melted into his arms, pressing her lips more firmly against his own.

Encouraged, he ran the tip of his tongue against the seem of her lips, tasting the sweetness of her kiss. Her mouth parted as he tasted her and with a small groan he delved into her velvet warmth. Liquid heat ran through him as he delved deeper and tasted her for the first time.

Their breathing became ragged, as the overwhelming flames of desire began to consume them. Passion overtook them and they curiously began to explore one another. They both began to feel faint for lack of air, and they quickly broke apart gasping for air.

"Hitomi…" Van gasped.

They leaned against each other letting their heartbeats slow, while willing their passions under control. Her breath still coming in gasps Hitomi raised her head and looked deeply into Van's eyes. Neither said a word for a long time, and the only sound to be heard in the room was their erratic breaths.

Hitomi brought her right hand up to softly stroke his cheek. He leaned into her caress his eyes never leaving hers as his hands continued to caress her back through her thin shirt.

"Hitomi I…" His words where stopped when her hand on his cheek came down to rest over his mouth. Her eyes following her hands motion, then gently she placed it over his lips not ready to hear what Van might have to say.

Slowly removing her hand she brought her lips up to his again, and felt his breath catch as she imitated his earlier action, and tasted him.

Passion quickly overtook them once again, as Van slowly began to lower Hitomi and himself to the bed. His left hand wrapped in her hair as his other hand drifted slowly down her side to rest on her hip. His body pressed against hers, they lost themselves in the heat of the moment. Breaking apart for breath they looked longingly into each other's eyes. Her hands resting on either side of his face, she held his head from her as she struggled to calm her racing heart.

'This has to be a dream!' Her mind cried out. It had to be! But like he had said earlier…A dream could never be this good. She brought his face down to hers and placed a gentle kiss upon his lips before resting her forehead against his shoulder.

His emotions now somewhat under control, he shifted his weight so that he rested beside her. They moved at the same time to embrace one another, each afraid to let go for even a moment. They stayed like that for a long time before Hitomi raised her head to look into his warm brown eyes.

"Van?" she whispered.

"hmm?" He breathed, exhaustion making his voice rough.

"Why did you…How long will you…" She began before trailing off. Now that her emotions had started to settle her mind once again intruded, throwing out questions that she did not want to think about just now. Unfortunately, she couldn't ignore her thoughts and she began to wonder and worry at Van's unexpected appearance. Having him here was wonderful, but why was he here? And more importantly how long could he stay?

Sensing her troubled thoughts he brought his head down to place a soft kiss upon her brow, before pulling her more tightly into his embrace.

"Shhh…We will talk about it tomorrow. For tonight, just let me hold you." He breathed, settling his head closer to hers on the pillow. Nodding slightly she tangled her legs in his and hugged him close, before bringing her head down to rest on his shoulder. His warmth comforted her, and as she lay in his arms, she let all of her confusion and worries go just before sleep came to claim her.

Feeling her body go slack he smiled as he heard her breathing become deeper as sleep came to her. Drawing in a deep breath he reached for the lamp beside him and flipped the switch. Darkness enveloped the room again, and he closed his eyes to wait for slumber to claim his exhausted body.

Tomorrow would be the beginning of all his dreams and wishes. His promise had been fulfilled, and he was now free to claim the one he wanted. A small smile pulled at his lips as his breathing evened out and his body gave way to slumber.

~~~ Authors Notes ~~~

CvR: I am grammatically challenged…don't hit me! …(Blinks sleepily)…. Oh is just you guys (BIG yawn) Thought I was under attack from my so called best friend and fiendish editor geez…. There I took out MOMENT are you happy now Kissy! (Grumbles to herself)…She is just sooo bossy!!

Anyway!! If you are reading this you have made it through chapter three hehe Lord knows I almost didn't…this chapter was a bitch to say the least LOL! Hope you all liked it and don't forget to REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW….(phew) am just to tired to keep writing that word, ok you guys I did my part! Came out with another chapter… now is your turn to help inspire me (look to the big bold words above)!

Lets see I know there where some people I wanted to thank…. Oh Yah!

Dawnrider31:: thanx so much for taking the time to review you definitely made my day!!

Aeris-LKX:: OMG! You are so making me blush!! LOL thanx for your glowing review your words really helped me a lot!!

YashiriRanma4ever:: Ok!! No more caffine Fo' You!! Hehe …But thanx so much for the review brought a smile to my lips.

And as always I want to especially thank my editor Kissy_moonlight…because she will hurt me if I don't (full-body shiver).

Well! Hope this chapter wasn't a disappointment to you guys, and as a special thanx to the people who did review, I will be posting another chapter! But don't get all gushy just yet cause it won't be up till after the holidays, have way to much family stuffz planned (sigh)…Merry Christmas you all!! CvR