Author's Note: This chapter is very lemony, with a hint of meringue. If you are offended by sexual acts and thoughts, you should probably not read this. If you like that kind of thing, read on! One thing more: Allen fans are not going to be happy with my portrayal of him in this section. You have been warned.

I would also like to express my appreciation for all who read and reviewed the first chapter, and I'm very sorry that I had to remove it to update this. I am always very eager to know what people think of my writing, whether that view is good or bad. So, to all, thank you very much, and I think you are wonderful!

Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne. I also do not own any of the song lyrics used within this fiction- they are the property of their respective owners, and I have noted the singer and song title. I DO own the plot (such as it is). Nyah.

Naked to the Eye

-Hey, when you look at me, baby,
-My heart's wide open, naked to the eye.
                                        -Mary Chapin Carpenter
                                        Naked to the Eye

Chapter 2: Forgive Me

-If you're feeling lonely, don't,
-You're the only one I'll ever want,
-I only want to make it good,
-So if I love you a little more than I shoould,
-Please forgive me, I know not what I do,
-Please forgive me, I can't stop loving you.
                                        -Bryan Adams
                                        Please Forgive Me

Suddenly, a hand grabbed hers, and she jerked awake with a gasp.

"Hitomi, what are you doing?" Van's voice sounded strained.

She could feel her face flaming red, and she realized that she'd been doing everything she'd been thinking about in her dream. She tried to pull her hand away, but it was no use. Oh, God, how could I have done this to him? He is trying to recover from Dryden's attack, and here I am, me, who was supposed to comfort him, attacking him, too! "I . . . I'm sorry, Van," she whispered into his back. "I didn't mean . . ."

"You'd better go back to your own room," he said quietly. He didn't release her hand, though, and his grip became gentler. He twined his fingers with hers. "If you don't . . . I think something will happen . . ."

She was confused at the way his actions and his words contradicted. "Something . . . like what?"

Unable to stop himself, he kissed her hand. From the way she'd jumped when he'd taken it, it was clear she'd been asleep, and unaware she'd been torturing him so. "I don't want to hurt you, Hitomi," he said harshly, closing his eyes. He could feel his erect manhood, throbbing in time with his heart. "And if you stay . . . I'm afraid I will . . . that I won't be able to stop myself . . ."

"Please turn over, I can't talk to you like this."

"No." His tone was a bit sullen now.

"Do you like it when I touch you? If I were to do this?" Stretching, she blew softly in his ear, then, as he shuddered, pressed her lips to the back of his neck.

"I . . . yes . . . Hitomi, stop!" He groaned as she molded herself against him again.

She eased back away from him and felt tears gather in her eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to remind you. I . . . I'm not sure what's wrong with me . . . but I can't stop touching you . . . even in my dreams, I guess." She gulped back her sobs. "Let go of my hand, I'll leave."

He was stunned by her words. She thought she was reminding him of Dryden? He gave in to her plea and rolled over to face her. He released her hand, but before she could make good her escape, he reached to brush her cheek. "What do you mean, in your dreams?" he asked, wiping away her tears.

She was confused again. Did he want her to leave or stay? "I was dreaming about you," she admitted. "In my dream, I was touching you . . . like this." Quickly, she repeated her caress, but drew her fingers away as he quivered. "I'm sorry, I won't . . ."

His breathing was hard and fast, his eyes closed again. "No, I . . . I liked it. But I think you'd better leave now . . . otherwise . . ." Her hand gently touched his chest again, and he made an inarticulate sound.

Her hand rested on his shoulder as she lay facing him. Her frown lifted as she finally comprehended. "Van, do you want to make love to me?"

"Is . . . is that what you call . . . that?" he asked, distaste and distrust filling his voice. He couldn't help but think now that she meant what Dryden had done.

She shook her head, eyes never leaving him. She didn't have to be psychic to know what he meant. "No. What happened . . . what Dryden did to you was rape. Making love is . . . is sharing each other's bodies, and getting as much joy from the giving as the receiving. It's something that two people who love each other do, because it's another way to express their love. It's not the only way, but it's a . . . a nice way."

"Have . . . have you ever done it?" Somehow, the thought of her sharing her body with someone- with Allen, maybe- felt like a betrayal.

"No," she answered truthfully. "But from all I've heard, that's what it's like."

Van considered, letting his hand slide down her neck, her shoulder, to halt on her waist. His touch made her shiver, he found, just as hers did to him. "Then, I think I'd like to . . . if you want to . . ." he said huskily.

She nodded, and when she pressed herself against him this time, she got a surprise, feeling the hardness of him against her. It made her feel . . . warm, and it made her tingle. He groaned at the contact, but didn't protest. His hand was against her back now, warm through her nightgown. She wiggled, and said, "Wait just a second." He released her immediately, and she sat up, stripping the nightgown over her head and letting drop to the floor. "There, that's better." She lay back down, facing him again. The heat of his body was much more intense against her bare skin. That felt good, too.

"What do you want me to do?" he asked, stroking her back.

"Kiss me," she said simply. "Kiss me, touch me, anywhere you want, and I'll do the same to you . . ." She closed her eyes as his mouth covered hers, as his hands drifted down her back to lightly cup her derriere. She moaned softly as his touch sent little shocks through her. He pressed her harder against him, and his erection pulsed against her stomach. She ran her fingers delicately over his shoulders, his back, and when he released her mouth, she kissed her way along his jaw with small fluttering kisses, down his neck.

She could have given him no more suitable reminder of the difference between two days ago and now. Dryden's kisses had been bold, had claimed him. Hitomi's kisses were unsure, and she offered herself to him. Distracted by her kisses and caresses, Van stroked up her side, just barely touching her breast with trembling fingers. She gasped as his thumb brushed her nipple, and arched her back, thrusting her bosom forward into his hand. Her breasts were small, just barely filling his palms. He was intrigued with the sensitivity of her nipples, and teased them with his fingers, feeling them harden.

She collapsed onto her back, to allow him better access, and raised one hand to tangle in his hair. Gentle pressure led his head down, and his breath on her sensitized breasts made her shiver. He kissed her breast, and she gasped in surprise. She . . . she likes this? he wondered, and leaned closer, to close his mouth over the firm nub of her nipple, letting his tongue swirl around it. She started to pant, arched her back again. "Oh . . . that feels so good," she whispered. She moved restlessly against him, and let her hands roam over his chest, more sure now, less hesitant.

Spurred by her throaty approval, he transferred his attentions to her other breast. Her response was arousing him further; he could feel himself so hard it was nearly painful. He shifted position until he was lying on top of her, propped on one elbow, laving her breast. Her hips bucked, and he gasped, for the movement had brought her up against his throbbing manhood. "Hitomi . . ."

"Ahh . . . yes?" It was an effort to tear her mind from what his mouth was doing.

"Do you . . . do you need something to ease . . . when I . . ." He could feel himself turning red, and couldn't finish.

He heard the smile in her voice as she said, "Give me your hand." She skimmed it down her body, to the top of her thigh. Carefully, she drew up one knee, so he fell between her slightly spread legs, kneeling. She led his hand down to her curly mound. She pressed one of his fingers between her outer lips, and he felt a slick wetness. "That will ease it . . . because you excite me . . ." She cried out softly as his finger inadvertently rubbed another nub of flesh.

Immediately, Van stilled. "Hitomi? Did that hurt?"

She shook her head, almost violently. "No, no! Do . . . do it again, whatever you . . . Ah!" She lifted her pelvis as he brushed that little pleasure center again. "Oh!" He felt a wave of wetness cover his fingers. She was moaning softly now, her hips jerking in time to his caresses. His fingers slipped as she gave one particularly forceful thrust, and he found her tight opening.

"Hitomi . . . I have to . . . I can't hold on . . ." he panted against the feverish heat of her skin. He took his hand away, and raised himself to both elbows over her. He closed his eyes, trembling, when her fingers encircled his penis.

"Van, please," she gasped into his neck, stroking the velvety skin covering his hardness. She guided him to her opening.

Instinct led him to bend to kiss her as he pushed into her. He felt himself rip through a fragile barrier, felt her stiffen beneath him, her fingers digging into his shoulders. She cried out, muffled by his mouth. "What happened?" he asked, muscles quivering from the strain of not moving. "Are you all right?"

Weakly, she nodded. "It . . . it just hurt a little when you took my virginity," she fibbed quietly into his neck.

Van stared down at her, incredulous. "I . . . I didn't think it would hurt you!" She could hear the repressed tears in his stunned voice. "I didn't want to hurt you!"

She raised one hand to his face. "Van, it's all right," she reassured him softly. "I didn't think it would hurt. I wasn't sure it would, anyway. I'm sorry." She lifted her hips a bit, smiling as he groaned, though the movement was a little painful. "See? It's already gone." She wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him down, and kissed him thoroughly, surprising him as her tongue flicked against his lips. "You can do whatever you want," she whispered into his ear. "You are the one in control . . ." For a long moment he said nothing, did nothing. But then she felt him slowly start to move within her, and kissed him again.

At first, Van savored the sensation of the smooth friction her wetness created. But soon, his thoughts were lost, and he gave himself completely to the surges of pleasure running through his body. He felt her begin to push tentatively against him, matching his thrusts. Her long legs wrapped around him to draw him even further in, bringing him closer and closer to the edge. Her moans excited him as well, growing louder, until she latched onto his neck with her mouth. Her fingers were digging into his shoulders again. Her teeth grazed him lightly, and she kissed him, down his throat. She began suckling on his collarbone, trying to stifle the noises she made. His arms closed around her as her back cleared the mattress.

Oh, gods, oh, gods, oh gods . . . Her breasts were crushed against him, rubbing his chest with each thrust. Then she gasped, arching against him, her head falling back. It was the contractions of her inner muscles that made him explode within her, and drew from him his final moan of ecstasy. His entire body stiffened as the waves of delight surged through him. With one last shudder, he collapsed on top of her.

For a long time, there was only the sound of their harsh breathing. Hitomi's hands moved gently over his back. When she caught her breath, she hugged him tightly. "That was wonderful," she murmured. "You are wonderful."

The only response Van could yet make was to nuzzle the side of her throat, still too drained to speak. He could hear her heart slowly returning to its normal rhythm, mirroring his own. He felt her fingers repeatedly run through his hair. After a few moments, he pushed himself up, off her, so he could look into her face. He could see her clearly, even in the darkness. She smiled at him a bit, her eyes half lidded. Putting all his weight on one arm, he stroked her cheek with his free hand. She leaned into his caress, closing her eyes. They opened again when he spoke. "Hitomi . . . you were right, it is a . . . nice way to express love, to become closer. I'm glad you wanted to share your body with me." He kissed her very gently. "But it's not the best way. I think the best way is . . . I love you." When he kissed her again, he was bewildered to taste the salt of her tears. He pulled back immediately, staring down at her in dismay. "What's wrong?" he asked anxiously.

She gave a breathy laugh, and hugged him close to her. "Nothing," she responded, voice quavering. "I just keep finding out more and more how wonderful you really are. I love you, too."

He shivered as he felt his softening shaft slip out of her surrounding warmth. He rolled to one side to take his weight off her, concerned that he was probably quite heavy. She snuggled against him, her head on his chest. He found that he wanted to stay close to her, too, and enveloped her in his arms, tucking her head under his chin. Breathing the warm scent of her hair, he felt he had never been happier in his life.

After a few moments of silence, he took a breath to ask her a question. He let it out again as he realized she was asleep. Smiling into her hair, he stroked her back and whispered, "I'd love you even we never shared our bodies like this. But . . . I'm glad we did. I hope you won't think I'm . . . terrible when I tell you that I'd like to 'make love' to you again . . ." Blissfully tired, he drifted off to sleep.

***

Reeling rather unsteadily up to the house, Allen fumbled with his nearly empty pouch. He'd spent the last day and a half getting sotted, and now . . . and now . . . He giggled as he couldn't finish the thought, finding it funny. He sagged against the door and tried for the knob three times before grabbing it for support. It turned on him, opening the door, and he staggered inside. He remembered to close the door behind him, but stood weaving in the entryway after he had done so, lost in his fuzzy thoughts. Why did I come here? Oh, that's right, I live here . . . Tired . . . Where's my room? He managed to navigate the stairs without too much difficulty or noise. He wandered down the hall, and opened a door at random. The room was empty, but the thought nagged at the back of his mind that it wasn't his room. He stumbled to the bed, and nearly fell over something. Leaning against one of the bedposts, he very gingerly reached down to find what it was.

He picked up an odd bag, and the sight of it saddened him somehow. As he sank onto the bed, he felt tears stream down his cheeks, stubbled with two days of growth. "Hitomi," he muttered thickly. That's right. She was the reason I've spent the last couple days draped over the bar. She was with Van. She slept with him, she gave herself to him, not to me . . . Drunkenly, he noticed that something had fallen to the floor as he'd picked up the bag, something white. He fumbled for it, and found it was a soft piece of cloth. Examining it closely, he discovered it was a pair of panties. Hitomi's panties . . . He pressed them to his face, hoping to catch some scent of her. Oh, how I want you . . . But they only held a faint aroma of soap.

I've lost you . . . Carefully, he set the bag on the floor again, but kept the underwear in his hand. He tottered to the door, as the world began to tilt and spin around him. Dimly, he realized that if he didn't lie down, he'd fall down, and succeeded in finding his room. He kicked off his boots, and flopped down on the bed, still clutching Hitomi's panties. I'll get you back, he thought hazily, as sleep claimed him. I'll take you from him . . .

-One more mountain, hey, so what?
-Trust me, baby, this is love.
                                        -Amanda Marshall
                                        This Is Love

At first, Hitomi couldn't figure out just where she was. Her senses had gotten all muddled somehow. She slowly realized she was breathing in Van's scent, oddly changed in some way, musky. When she opened her eyes, she remembered. Oh, that's right. I've been keeping his bad dreams away. When she moved, to snuggle closer to him, she felt a not-unpleasant soreness between her legs, and awoke more fully. He still held her in his arms, more loosely now, and when she looked up, he wore a peaceful, happy smile.

She sighed contentedly. She did not regret her actions, and hoped he did not either. It would be hard to explain to her mother, especially if she became pregnant . . . She flushed, smiling thoughtfully, imagining Van's child, their child. She wouldn't feel bad if she were. A little scared, maybe, but Van would be there . . .

He stirred beside her, his arms tensing around her. She reached up to give him a kiss, and his cinnamon eyes fluttered open. "Good morning, Van," she greeted him softly. "How are you?"

"I'm fine," he replied in the same tone. She felt his warm hand move on her body, coming to rest on her hip. "And you?"

"I'm fine . . . I think I'm a little sore, though." Oops, she thought, wanting to bite her tongue at the look that came over his face, full of concern for her, and self-loathing. He pulled away from her, holding her at arm's length.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, contritely. "I . . ."

"It's all right," she interrupted hastily. "It doesn't really hurt, I'm just a little sore, like . . . like . . ." She smiled as inspiration struck. "Like your wings." She touched his shoulders, inching closer. "Your wings might feel sore if you use them for a long time, because you're not used to using them. Right?" He nodded, his expression still troubled. "Well, these muscles of mine have never been used. They're only sore, they'll be fine in a little while." She stroked his cheek. "I am not permanently damaged, all right? So stop thinking that right now."

He nodded again, smiling faintly, and she cuddled back into his warmth, listening to his heartbeat. It had almost lulled her to sleep again when he said, "You ought to go back to your room."

"Mmm-hmmm." She made no effort to move. He chuckled, rumbling through his chest.

"You're not going to, are you?"

"Nnn-nnnn."

He squeezed her. "You don't have to. I like you here." He rolled onto his back, carefully carrying her with him, so that her head was pillowed on his shoulder. As she slept lightly, one hand loosely fisted on his chest, he stared at the ceiling, and realized he was smiling a bit foolishly.

Funny how returning to Fanelia had suddenly dwindled into insignificance. Though his people, and his duty, still lingered at the back of his mind, they faded nearly into obscurity when compared with the option of spending more time with Hitomi. From the painful experience this had started as, it had almost turned into an idyll, a dream, filled with her love. He knew that he'd have to return to his country sooner or later, but right now, he just couldn't find the will to do it.

The dim light gradually brightened the room. He eased out from under her, trying not to rouse her. His own clothes had magically reappeared yesterday, so he pulled them on, glad for their familiarity. After dressing, he knelt by the bed, gently brushed Hitomi's hair, and kissed her cheek. She smiled, and made a little murmuring sound, but did not wake. Quietly, he left.

When Hitomi finally woke, it was some hours later. She swung herself out of bed, grimacing at the lingering ache, as well as at the stickiness of her inner thighs. She used the small bath to wash, grateful that she didn't have to use the common bath, down the hall, which Celena had shown her before. It was unlikely that anyone would walk in on her, even there, but still . . .

She started to make the bed, but stopped short, staring at the reddish brown stain, about where she had lain. It wasn't very large, and she realized what it had to be. I must have bled a little when he broke through. She smiled, blushing a bit. It's a good thing Van didn't see this, she thought. He'd really freak. Her smile died, however, when she remembered the reason for his concern, what his concept of sex had been. If I ever, ever see Dryden again, I will kill him. She finished with the bed and remembered to pull on her nightgown before slipping back to her own room.

As expected, she found Van waiting for her. Not quite as expected, but gratifying, he leapt up off her bed at the sight of her, and embraced her tenderly. Her heart started thudding faster at the sight of him, at his touch. They held each other in silence for a moment, Hitomi kicking the door closed behind her, then Van asked, "Did you sleep well?"

She nodded. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sleep so late."

"Don't worry about it. You must have needed it." He held her closer for a moment, then released her. "Get dressed, and we'll go find some breakfast. Then we can spend the whole day outside, if you like." She nodded again. "I'll wait for you out in the hall, then."

Hitomi frowned as she pawed through her duffel. I could have sworn that I had another pair of underwear, she thought. I can wash these, but I still won't have any to wear today. An idea struck her, and she flushed, grinning. How naughty! she thought. But I'll have to. Without putting on a bra, she pulled on her last clean skirt and shirt, and picked up her sandals. Opening the door, she said, "Ok, I'm ready, let's go." Van laced his fingers with hers, and led her downstairs.

It was only while they were eating breakfast that she noticed the livid purple bruise just below his collarbone. The open neck of his shirt bared it to her. She stared at it, cheeks pinkening. "What?" Van asked in confusion. Unable to speak, she reached to touch the small circular mark very lightly. He glanced down, puzzled, then blushed, remembering, and smiled shyly at her.

Hitomi was unexpectedly filled with energy as they stepped outside. A little in front of her, Van stretched in the sun, which promised to make the day quite warm. Grinning, she tackled him from behind, causing him to stumble forwards, but not quite fall. She locked her arms around his neck, and whispered in his ear, "If you can catch me, I'll give you a kiss!" Before he could reply, she was off, running away at top speed, glancing back over her shoulder. He grinned and followed her.

After only a few strides, the way her breasts bounced up and down started to become painful. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all, she thought a bit ruefully. Small or not, they still need the support of a bra. She peeked over her shoulder again, and saw he was a fair ways behind; she'd gotten a good head start. She slowed a little, trying to ease the force of the bounce.

She managed to keep away from him for quite a few minutes. He chased her around to the southern end of the house. There was a small clearing here, and the forest began a few hundred feet from the end of the house. She kept slowing, to minimize the sway of her breasts. She'd almost reached the trees, thinking she'd climb one, when it happened. The sudden feel of his arms around her waist made her shriek. She started laughing as he swung her around in a circle.

The promise of a kiss spurred Van at first, but it was the sight of her long legs and the flirtaticious glances she sent over her shoulder that drew him on. He was a bit breathless when he caught her. "Got you," he panted against the back of her neck. She giggled as she turned in his arms to give him the forfeit she'd promised.

The kiss was more than she expected. His tongue timidly flicked across her lips, and she opened them, startled. Their tongues started thrusting at each other in her mouth. It made her face heat, the sudden sensuality of it. Her fingers dug into his shoulders as she clung to him for balance. Lips still locked, he guided her back a pace or two until she felt a tree behind her.

"You kept slowing down," he murmured, hands still on her waist. "Did you want me to catch you?"

"Partially." Hitomi smiled. "But partially, it was these." She indicated her breasts. He lifted one eyebrow in silent question. As his hands skimmed upward, she explained a bit breathlessly, "Usually, I wear a bra- kind of like a little corset- to keep them from bouncing all over when I run. But today . . . I'm not." She closed her eyes as his hands cupped her breasts, brushing the suddenly protruding nipples through the cloth of her shirt. He bent to kiss her again, pressing her hard against the tree.

"Don't . . . don't they usually come in sets?" Van asked, nibbling on her neck. He recalled how he'd liked it the previous night when she'd done it to him. Where had this passion come from? From her simple confession? He wanted her again, his manhood straining against the buttons of his pants. One of his hands slid down to her derriere.

She took his meaning from his caress, as her hands threaded through his hair. "Ahh . . . yes. I'm not wearing those, either." He was exciting her with just a few kisses. She could feel it humming through her body, her cheeks hot, her neck, her breasts, and the center between her legs. She knew she'd unconsciously wanted this, and that's why she wore no underwear.

"Mmmm." He kissed her again. He pulled some of her shirt out from the waist of her skirt, and sneaked one hand in to stroke her side. He allowed it to move upward, as his other hand tried to free the rest of her top. She twitched at the touch of his hand against her bare breast, and gasped into his mouth. He felt her fingers against his sides, beneath his own shirt, pulling him to her. He obliged, pressing his hips tightly against hers.

Finally, starved for air, he had to end the kiss. They panted against each other, hands still on each other's skin. Hitomi whimpered as his fingers continued to tease her nipples. Of its own accord, one of her hands slid from his side, down, working between their bodies, to lightly touch the hard bulge in his pants. He shivered. "Now, Van? Right here?" she breathed. She still had enough presence of mind, despite her arousal, to realize they were within sight of the house.

In response, Van slowly withdrew from beneath her shirt, took her hand, and tugged her after him into the trees. With any luck, he thought hazily, we'll find that clearing . . .

The sound of a woman's scream invaded Allen's dream, drifting as it did through his open window. He could vaguely remember opening it a few hours ago, to air out the sour smell of the room. His head throbbed as he sat up. I am so hungover, he thought blearily. There had better be a good reason for this noise. The shout had only just died away when he peeked out the window by his bed, and now he heard laughter. Laughter?

At first, his eyes were blinded by the brightness, and refused to focus. He blinked several times, and slowly, his vision cleared. He would see . . . His jaw dropped. It couldn't be. How dare he! It was Van, pushing Hitomi against a tree with the force of his kiss. She was resisting . . . wasn't she? No, her fingers lay on his shoulders, ran through his dark hair, pulling him closer as his hands roamed her body. Allen's rage reached the breaking point when he saw Van's hand disappear under her shirt. That . . . that seducer! How dare he treat her this way! The pounding in his head increased as he bent to pull on his boots. Running down the stairs was likewise an agony, but he did it. King or not, I'll kill that arrogant little bastard . . . My poor innocent Hitomi . . . But when he rounded the corner of the house, he could no longer see them. They were gone without a trace. Anger still boiling over in him, he returned to the house and locked himself in his room, but not before he visited the sideboard in the dining room for a glass and a large bottle of vino. He filled the glass with the bright pink liquid and downed it in one gulp. Immediately, his headache subsided, and he could think again. Thinking made him maudlin, however, especially as he noticed her panties crumpled in the bed. Hitomi, he sobbed silently. How could you? How could you?

Van and Hitomi's progress through the woods would have been more rapid if it hadn't been for their progress in arousing each other. Every few paces, one would grab the other, kissing him or her, pressing up against a tree. At one point, Van's fingers crept up her skirt to fondle her bare buttocks, causing her to arch against him, moaning into his mouth. Those long, warm fingers slid up over her hip, and she thought for sure they were going to stroke her womanhood . . . But with a groan, he pulled away, and she seriously considered dragging him down to the forest floor to have her way with him.

A few minutes later, they stumbled out into a clearing, the same clearing they had discovered before while exploring. Blinking, seeing that they'd come out into the desired spot, Van stopped and pulled off his shirt, then sat to remove his boots.

Hitomi watched him, and grinning, sank into a crouch. She rather imagined that a cat in heat would feel how she now felt, and she pretended to be that cat. She pounced on Van when he'd removed both boots, knocking him flat on his back and smothering him with kisses. Her hands roved over his naked chest, pinching his flat nipples. She moved down, feeling the bulge in his trousers press against her stomach as she did, so that she could kiss his chest, too, nibbling and suckling upon his nipples, first one, then the other.

He cried out softly as she did, the gentle suction of her mouth sending heat straight to his groin. He wound his fingers into her sandy hair, trying to pull her up, trying to tell her how close to his limit he was . . . Then he felt her fingers tracing over his cloth-covered erection. He gasped at the sensation, hands falling away from her hair to rest on her shoulders. Her fingers fumbled with his belt, his trousers, wiggling her body down again.

She smiled as his penis sprang out of his pants, pointing right at her face. "Can I kiss it?" she asked playfully, but didn't wait for an answer. Very softly, she pressed her lips to the tip, and felt him give a tremendous groan and shudder. Delicately, she let her fingers run up and down its length, watching it bob as her touch excited him further.

"Hitomi . . . ah! Stop," Van gasped. "I'm going . . . oh . . . going to . . . spend all over you . . . if . . . if you keep . . . ooohhh . . ."

Reluctantly, with one lingering caress, she stopped, and pulled off his pants instead. Then she knelt and tugged her shirt off over her head. Reaching behind, she unbuttoned and unzipped her skirt, and shimmied out of it, before crawling back onto him. Hungrily, her mouth covered his. He could feel her juices churning within her.

Very carefully, he rolled them over so he was on top of her. She giggled, then moaned as his mouth covered her breast. His hands were hot, even against the heat of her own arousal, as they stroked her body, drawing closer and closer to the apex of her thighs. She let her hands tangle in his hair as he drew gently on her nipples, repaying her in kind. She bit back a cry as his fingers encountered her slippery opening. Now she really was beyond coherent thought, and lifted her hips to him with a wordless moan.

Van eased his shaft into her slowly, groaning as he did so. She stiffened briefly, then relaxed, keeping her inner muscles clamped around him. He was vaguely surprised he did not climax immediately, the way she'd teased him. Every thrust made her keen his name, brought an answering moan from him. This time, it was the sound of Van gasping her name, the feel of him shuddering on top of her that led Hitomi to her moment, and she cried out at the rhythmic contractions of her tunnel.

Gradually, their hard breathing turned to tender kisses. Hitomi's fingers unclenched from his back, to smooth away the scratches she thought she'd made. Van propped himself up on his elbows, the better to drop kisses on her mouth. He settled himself more comfortably in the cradle of her pelvis, and was startled when this drew a sharp hiss from her. "Hitomi? What's the matter?" He looked down into her bright eyes, concerned.

She smiled, though it was a bit strained. "It's nothing, Van. Just still a little sore, I guess." She couldn't lie to him, not the way they were connected. He would sense her pain, slight as it was, as she had his.

He closed his eyes. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," he murmured against her, his forehead touching hers. "I was so excited, I could only think about that. I . . . I didn't mean to hurt you . . ." He choked back a sob, quickly pulled out of her, and rolled away, presenting her with his back.

Sighing silently, she yanked him back over, so he faced her when she rolled up onto her side. "Van, for the hundredth time, it's all right. Yes, I ache a little, but it's not because you abused me. You didn't do anything to me that I didn't want you to do. If anything, I am the one to blame, here, because I teased you first. So please," she was begging now, stroking his cheek. "Please, don't torture yourself over this. I don't want you to hurt anymore . . . you're not to blame." She didn't know when the tears had started, but she felt them running down her face.

He cupped her cheek, brushing away her tears with his thumb. "I'm still sorry you are in pain, Hitomi," he whispered. "What can I do . . .to make it up to you?"

"Just believe me when I tell you that none of this is your fault. Please?" She moved closer to him, put one arm around him. He responded by pulling her close and burying his face against her shoulder.

"A . . . all right. I'll try." His voice was muffled.

"I love you." She gave him a one armed embrace.

"I . . . I love you, too."

She pushed him onto his back, and knelt above him, bending down until she lay on his chest. She propped her head up on her hand, looking steadily down into his beautiful, startled eyes. "And don't stop me if I start to tease you again in a little while, and you start to get excited. That's why I'm doing it. Those muscles of mine will need to learn what they're for . . . and I enjoy making love with you," she finished in a whisper, kissing him softly. She felt his lips curve in a tentative smile, and was glad he made no protest.

The sun was heading westward, and it was long past noon when they emerged from the trees, back into the cleared area around Allen's house. Van's mood had mellowed considerably, and he kept fondling her backside, and even reaching up her skirt as they walked, smiling when it made her jump.

Hitomi obliged him by squealing and pulling away when he did touch her bare behind. She was just relieved he wasn't beating himself up over something that wasn't his fault. Rather than flying, this time, she had likened it to learning swordplay. He had admitted that learning to fight had made his arms and back quite sore, until his muscles had gotten used to it. That metaphor had also turned into a delightful little tease, in which she'd insisted he had to sheathe his "sword" properly. She rather thought that was what had relaxed him so.

She giggled as he stalked her up the stairs inside, growling all the while. He caught her at the top, pulling her against him in a crushing embrace. She closed her eyes and leaned against him, enjoying his blue and purple tinted thoughts, as she had all day. Privately, she wondered if that's why her climaxes seemed so intense, if it was looped from him, but then dismissed it. Did it really matter anyway? She gave him an innocent kiss when they reached her door. "I'm just going to take a quick bath," she told him as they entered. "Then we'll go find a snack before dinner. I'm hungry."

"Why do you need a bath?" he asked, running his fingers lightly down her cheek. "You look fine to me . . ."

"Because you got me all sweaty," she whispered, grinning at him impishly. "And sticky. You know you did."

He grinned back, and hugged her close again, then released her. She grabbed the towel that had been provided for her, which she'd hung over the chair after her bath the previous night. She blew him a kiss and left.

-There must have been wild angels
-Wild angels, watching over you and me
                                        -Martina McBride
                                        Wild Angels

The sound of laughter broke Allen from his stupor. Hitomi? he thought dimly. He'd been staring at his nearly empty glass, swirling it in his hand. The bottle, too, was nearly empty. He poured the remainder into his glass and swallowed it, before climbing rather unsteadily to his feet. He opened the door to his room, just in time to see Hitomi disappear into the bath.

He'd been brooding all morning, since they'd vanished, and all afternoon. His sadness at her perceived rejection had gradually turned to anger, a burning need for revenge. But first, he thought, first, I have to ask her why . . . why Van . . . why not me . . . He smiled unpleasantly. Then . . . then I can kill that little boy who fancies himself a man, just because he's taken one innocent girl . . . he deserves it . . . He waited at the door to the bath until the sound of splashing water stopped, then slowly, slowly, he opened it.

Hitomi sighed as she eased into the warm water. Aahh . . . that feels so good. Almost instantly, it soothed the still lingering ache from Van's earlier attentions. Not that he'd been rough with me at any time, she thought, smiling fondly. She knew that he'd never be anything other than tender with her, considering what he'd been through . . . But their "sword practice"- she giggled at the thought- had still been just slightly painful. She suspected it would be until they had joined a few more times, and this time, she'd managed to conceal from Van that she had hurt at all.

She soaked a few more minutes, but a growing feeling of unease made her cut her bath shorter than she intended. She shivered as she toweled off. She couldn't even tell why she was so nervous. Wrapping the towel around herself, she opened the door to the outer room, where she'd left her clothes.

He was there, waiting.

"Allen!" she gasped, shocked. She felt her face flame. Here she was, practically naked . . . She had not given him the right to see her like this, only Van . . .

Allen took an unsteady step toward her. Even as she retreated, she could see that his eyes weren't quite focused, and they seemed bloodshot. She'd never seen him so disheveled. His usually immaculate hair was tousled and matted, his chin stubbled with dark gold. His clothes were stained and rumpled, as if he'd slept in them. A stench of smoke and sour ale hung about him, making her wrinkle her nose in distaste.

"Hitomi," he slurred, advancing again. She backed up further, and bit her lip when she felt herself come up against the tub. She'd let him back her into a corner. Now his tall form filled the doorway, blocking it. She started to get scared. This wasn't the Allen she knew.

"Allen . . . are you drunk?" She heard her voice shake, and took a deep breath. "I was in the bath, go away!"

His eyes devoured her, imagining her without the towel, which she clutched protectively to her chest. "Hitomi, why?" he asked quietly, stepping to her. He put his hands on her bare shoulders. "Why are you sleeping with Van? Did he force you?"

"What?" She stopped herself before she knocked his hands away, astonished.

"Did he take you by force? If he did, by all the gods, I'll kill him for it . . ." His breath was rank as he bent to look into her face.

Very cautiously, she asked, "What makes you think I'm sleeping with Van?" Did he see us today? she wondered.

His hands clenched, causing her to wince at his strength. He didn't notice. "I saw you, Hitomi! You weren't in your room the other morning, when I came to talk to you. I found you in his room." He shook her, none too gently, and she cried out. "Why? Why?" He leaned closer, and his arms enveloped her, crushing her to his chest. "Am I not good enough?" he whispered harshly. "I love you, Hitomi! Why did you choose him over me? Why?"

She pushed away from him, sending him reeling back a pace. Clearly, she said, "Allen, you are drunk. I'm leaving; I can't talk to you like this . . ." She tried to slip past him, but he grabbed her arm in a painful grip. Now she was very frightened. What if he'd locked the outer door? Even if she managed to get away from him, she wouldn't be able to escape.

His face darkened with anger. "You will, damn it!" he growled, jerking her back against him. "You will tell me why you chose that boy over me!" His foul tasting mouth covered hers, even as she tried to twist away. He forced his tongue into her mouth.

"Allen, get off me!" she cried when he finally released her lips. She tried to pull away again, but it was no use; his arm was like an iron band across her back. The other hand pawed at her front, trying to free the towel from her desperate fingers. "Please, Allen, stop!"

But he ripped the towel away from her, and flung it away. She could feel his hot lips moving up and down her neck, could feel his tongue licking at her, swirling in her ear. She was beating on his shoulders, having freed one arm from between them, sobbing now, when he grabbed her hands and twisted them behind her. "Hitomi," he breathed, his earlier demand for an explanation forgotten when presented with her bare skin, her curves. "Hitomi, you're so beautiful . . ." He continued to kiss her, down her throat, over her collarbone, bending her backward to nuzzle her breast. "So beautiful . . ." He drew her nipple into his mouth and suckled hard. At the same time, he was pressing her down, forcing her to the floor.

Van had been dozing lightly on Hitomi's bed, tired from the day's activities. He came awake suddenly, breathing hard, as he felt her urgent fear. Looking into the back of his mind, where they were connected, he could feel her panic, could see the unaccustomed vortex of her emotions, swirling browns and reds and oranges . . . Frightened for her, he leapt off the bed and ran to the door of the bath. Before he even reached it, he could hear her crying, could hear her pleading with someone . . . He didn't even consider that the door might be locked, so enraged was he, and threw it open.

"Please, stop it, Allen! You're hurting me!"

Van could see her in the small bathing room, could see Allen as he tried to hold her struggling form down and kiss her at the same time. Snarling, he fisted both hands in the back of Allen's shirt and dragged him off her with a strength he hadn't known he possessed. He saw her scramble away on her hands and knees, then he threw the older man back against the wall and stepped between them. He clenched his fists, glaring at the knight. Allen slowly sat up. "Stay away from her," Van growled at him. Behind him, her quiet sobs were breaking his heart. "If you've hurt her, I'll kill you."

Quite suddenly, Allen was completely sober. It might have been the impact with the wall, or it might have been the sight of Van, trembling with outrage and ready to pummel him if he twitched, but it was done. The past few minutes came crashing down on him, and he remembered everything. "Oh, gods, what have I done?" he moaned softly, hiding his face in his hands. I attacked her . . . I attacked my Hitomi . . .

Studying him, Van decided he was no threat now, but that didn't mean the harm hadn't already been done. "Get out," he commanded, daggers in his voice. Tears streaming down his face, Allen shamefully obeyed. As soon as he was out of sight, Van shut the inner door and dropped to his knees beside Hitomi, holding her gently. "Shh, Hitomi, it's all right now. He's gone," he murmured, stroking her hair, her back. Her only response was to twine both hands in his shirt and cry harder against his shoulder. His heart aching for her, he swung around so his back was to the wall, and sat, pulling her onto his lap. "It's all right," he whispered over and over again, imagining ways to kill Allen as he felt her tremble against him.

Eventually, her sobs subsided into hiccups. "Did he hurt you?" Van asked softly. She shook her head no, still against his shoulder. "Here, let me see." She shook her head violently when he tried to push her away to examine her, and locked her arms around his neck with a whimper. He gave up and just held her silently for a while longer.

" . . . I was so scared . . ." she whispered thickly after a few moments.

His arms tightened around her. "I know. I was asleep, or I would have gotten here quicker. I'm sorry."

"He wouldn't stop, Van," she said brokenly. "He wouldn't . . ."

"I know." His voice was strained.

She bit her lip against a fresh outburst of tears. "I'm sorry . . . I'm so sorry . . . I didn't mean to . . ." She held him close. "What he did wasn't a tenth as bad as what Dryden did to you . . . I'm sorry . . ."

"Hitomi, stop. You don't need to be sorry." Helplessly, he embraced her.

"I . . . I can't help it . . . I said I'd let Dryden r-rape me if it would have stopped him from . . . and I still would." She started sobbing again. "But I thought Allen was my f-friend, I thought he would understand . . ."

Unable to do anything else, Van murmured words of comfort against her hair and rocked her gently.

When Hitomi stopped crying again, and took a shuddering breath, he managed to push her away a bit, still holding her within the circle of his arms. Her eyes were puffy, her face red and streaked with tears. She winced as he very lightly touched her lips with a finger; they were swollen from the force of Allen's kiss. Fury mounting in him, he saw a small purple mark on her neck, similar to the one she'd given him. Dark red fingerprints that looked like they might later bruise stood out against her pale shoulders, on her arms, around her wrists. He touched each mark, as delicately as he could, and she shivered. "Oh, Hitomi," he breathed, pulling her to him again. "I should kill him . . ."

"No . . . just take me away from here," she pleaded against his neck. "Take me anywhere else, Van . . . I can't stay here anymore . . ."

"We'll be traveling in the dark," he warned. "We can't make it anywhere now before nightfall. Are you sure?"

"I don't care; anywhere but here. Right now, I feel there isn't an honorable man in all Asturia."

"All right." He picked her up with him as he stood, and set her on her feet. "Are all your things in your bag?" She nodded. "Then I'll go get your bag and my sword while you get dressed and . . ."

"No!" she protested fearfully. "Please don't leave me alone . . ." She bit her lip again.

He understood what she was thinking; what if Allen came back? "Get dressed," he ordered gently. "We'll go together."

Pausing only to splash some cold water onto her face from the basin, Hitomi quickly dressed, and hand in hand, they retrieved their things from her room. Silently, they sneaked down the stairs, but their stealth was for naught. Allen was waiting for them.

He was not really waiting for them. In actuality, he was cursing himself for a drunkard and a fool, tears rolling down his still-unshaven cheeks. He leapt to his feet and spun around at the creak of the door, and his eyes widened in shock and remorse when he saw Hitomi's red eyes, Van's glare. "You . . . you're leaving?" He swallowed as his voice threatened to break.

"Yes," Van replied curtly. He sidestepped out the door, keeping Allen in front of him, allowing Hitomi to slip out behind. He kept his hand on his sword, ready to draw, though the knight was unarmed. As if she couldn't bear not to be in contact with him, Hitomi kept one hand on Van's back, just barely touching, watching Allen warily over his shoulder.

"Please, let me explain . . ." Allen sank to his knees as they backed away from him. "Please, Hitomi, please stay . . ."

Van's voice was hostile as he responded. "There can be no explanation for what you tried to do. I don't think she wants to hear your excuses, and she certainly doesn't want to stay here."

Allen lurched to his feet and stumbled down the steps after them, but stopped short as Van swiftly drew his sword.

"Back off, Allen," Van advised him stonily, ready to swing at the slightest excuse.

"I just want to talk to her, Van!" He stared hatefully at the blade, at the boy who held it, keeping him from her. "Hitomi, please . . ."

"I don't want to talk to you." Hitomi's voice shook slightly as she spoke. "I don't want to see you ever again."

The words fell onto his heart in a hammer blow. He gaped at her in disbelief. "You . . . you can't mean that!"

She hid her face against Van's rigid back, seeking strength from him for just a moment. "How can you think I don't?" Her eyes were bright in the early evening light when she looked up again. This time, her voice betrayed no hint of tears. "I thought you were my friend. I thought you'd be happy for me, that I love Van. But you're not my friend, you're not . . ."

Hitomi was interrupted by the sound of approaching hoofbeats. Celena cantered up, astride a high strung grey horse. She took in the tableau, her brother's distress and dishevel, Van's furious visage, and halted when she reached them, but did not dismount. "What's going on, brother?" she asked quietly. The horse snorted and pranced beneath her, but she easily kept him in check.

Before Allen could reply, Van spoke, never taking his eyes off the other man. "Your brother attacked Hitomi while she was in the bath, my lady, and intended to rape her." Celena gasped and stared at her brother in horror. Allen looked away guiltily. "We would like to thank you for your hospitality, as we cannot thank Allen for his."

"No, I quite understand." She glared coldly down at her brother. "Would you like to borrow my horse? It's getting late . . ." She made a move to dismount.

"No, thank you," Van replied, as Hitomi shook her head. Hitomi started backing toward the gate, her green eyes flicking from Van to Celena, waiting for him to join her. But there was one more thing . . . "This is your only warning, Allen. Stay away from her. Eventually, she may forgive you, but this will never be forgotten," he said significantly. "If you ever come anywhere near her again, I will kill you without a second thought." Finally, he looked over at Celena, controlling her dancing steed. "Goodbye, Celena. Thank you." He backed up a few paces, to where Hitomi awaited him, then turned and led her away, still holding his sword in one hand. As she leaned against his shoulder, his free arm rose to embrace her.

"No! Wait!" Allen made a move to follow them, but Celena allowed her horse to intercept him, nearly trampling him. Desperately, he looked up into her icy blue eyes, as the horse danced perilously close to his feet, then after Van and Hitomi. Van had glanced back at his call, but now he gently led Hitomi out the gate.

"No, Allen. Leave them alone." Her lip curled in distaste as she studied her kin. "Not even Dilandau ever tried to do what you have." Weeping once more at his own weakness, Allen collapsed.

When darkness began to fall, Van and Hitomi were high on the ridges, crossing into Fanelia. As it became harder to see, Van stopped in the shelter of a large spreading tree. Before Hitomi could ask him the reason, he had pulled her close to him and was embracing her tenderly. She relaxed against him, suddenly exhausted. With his back against the tree, he slid down, still holding her, until she sat between his legs, leaning against him, still in his arms. "Go to sleep," he said, giving her his shy smile, barely visible now. "Tonight, I'll keep away your nightmares." She nodded against him, and was asleep within moments.

"I should go back," was the first thing she said the next morning.

"Back where?" Van asked, lingering sleep vanishing in an instant at her words.

"Back home." She was surprised at the sudden hurt in his eyes.

"I . . . I thought you'd want to stay." He looked away. "Have you . . .changed your mind? You don't lo . . ." He couldn't finish, and stood up, his back to her.

She stood as well, and embraced him from behind. "Van, don't be ridiculous. I love you, that hasn't changed."

"Then why do you want to go?" he asked, his voice rough. He turned to her.

"I have things I need to take care of at home. That's why I should go. I'd rather stay with you." She smiled against his chest. "But I can come here any time you want. All we need to do is wish me back. And you can come see me too, I think . . . if you want." She looked up, saw his doubt. "I. Love. You." She punctuated each word with a brief kiss, and managed to keep herself from shrinking away as he responded. "I will come back. Wish me back tomorrow at nightfall. I will be here. I promise."

"All right," he agreed reluctantly. "Do you want to go home now?" He didn't release her, though.

Slowly she nodded. He let go of her then, and she picked up her bag. She kissed him lightly once more. The light tore them apart as it lifted her away.

***

-Baby, run
-Cut a path across the blue skies
-Straight in a straight line
-You can't get here fast enough
                                        -George Strait
                                        Run

One year later

Van stood waiting outside his castle, waiting for the column of light to return his beloved Hitomi to him once more. She had come to see him every week, almost without fail. The few times she could not, she warned him well in advance that she had track meets, and he'd gone to the Mystic Moon to cheer her on. Even though it had only been a few days since he'd last held her, he could hardly wait to hold her again.

The light descended, glaring its way down to the ground, a few feet in front of him. He braced himself.

As expected, as soon as the dazzle died away, she launched herself at him, and wrapped her arms around his neck. Smiling, he caught her and held her as she laughed. Her feet just touched the ground as she clung to him. He'd shot up in a tremendous growth spurt about six months ago, and now stood at almost six feet. He'd also developed some nice muscles, she thought admiringly, feeling his back and shoulders solid beneath her fingers. Though the way they embraced was almost chaste, the kiss he gave her was anything but, and it made her senses start to sing.

"Guess what?" she whispered when he released her lips.

"Mmmm . . . your parents have contracted a horrible brain disease, and they've decided in their insanity to allow our marriage," he replied, nibbling on her ear.

She giggled as she pulled away. "It's your own fault that my father doesn't like you, you know. If he hadn't caught you coming out of my room that time . . ."

He sighed. "I know. But I had to come and give you a goodnight kiss . . .and I couldn't help it if one thing led to another . . ." He grinned at her, unrepentant.

"But I don't think my father's going to be an issue anymore." She stepped back, and he noticed that in addition to her duffel, she'd dropped another, larger bag. She turned to pick up her duffel, but not before he caught the glint of a tear on her face.

"What's this?" he asked gently, swinging her back around and wiping it away. "What's wrong?" He embraced her again.

"I ran away, Van," she said in a low tone against his chest. "I can't live in both worlds anymore. Mom understands, but Dad doesn't. Even after she gave me her blessing, I stayed, hoping Dad would change his mind. So, I've come here to stay." She looked up at him, eyes bright, but cheeks dry. "He said no when you asked them for my hand in marriage. You told me that by Fanelian law, my parents have to agree, and they have to be here. He . . . he's not my father anymore. So, as long as we go get my mother first, we can get married as soon as you want."

He crushed her to him again, heart thumping madly. "I'm sorry your father won't agree, Hitomi, but I am so glad you're staying . . ." He bent to kiss her again. She wouldn't let him go until they were both dizzy. She laughed at the disappointed sound he made as his fingers encountered her bra.

"You're not the only one who has grown. They need the support," she grinned.

He sighed, and shouldered her second bag. "Oh, well. You'll just have to wait until I can get you alone."

She rested her head on his shoulder as they walked arm in arm back to the castle. She closed her eyes, breathing in his scent, feeling the nearness of him excite her senses. But beneath it, beneath the passion, she felt her love for him, as strong as it had ever been, her only desire for his happiness. "I love you, Van," she whispered, full to overflowing with tender emotion.

He squeezed her tightly against his side, brushed his lips on her hair. "I love you, too," he murmured, as the castle came into view before them.

You know, she mused silently, grinning, he still hasn't guessed . . .

Finis

***

Author's Note 2: Yes, indeed, I do have a third installment in mind for this timeline. But, it'll have to sit until I either become inspired to jump into it (thankfully, it won't be as long as this one) or until I finish the sequel to "ReVisions". Either way, it'll be a bit of a wait. In the meantime, let me know what you think- please review!