They tensed as a hooded figure entered the room. Muddied cloth almost dragged along the floor, and an ornate mask covered the individual's face. As the person moved closer, Ezarel caught a glimpse of his eyes...Her unmistakable eyes. Disbelief boiled within him.
"...And you are?" Nevra took out his knife, but Leiftan placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't. Miiko, I thought you were going to recall her later," he said.
"I was...but circumstances have changed. How long can you stay?"
"One week. They were pleased with my latest results, so they decided to be generous. Although, the other organizations took more convincing...Oi, don't look at me like that."
The figure pulled down her hood and removed the mask. A tired expression greeted their astonishment; however, it quickly turned into a glare as a brownie started to approach her. Meanwhile, Nevra turned towards the kitsune.
"...So, you and Leiftan did this? Without my approval?"
"We couldn't take-"
"I'm going to find a place to rest if you two are gonna have a little spat." As the woman turned around, Kero cleared his throat.
"Your room is still available. So..."
Alajéa nodded. "You have to!"
"I'm sorry, but-"
"Ezarel! Why aren't you saying anything?!" Alejéa looked toward the elf.
"What? If she wants to go, then let her leave. It's not the first time," he said.
"...Haha...Hahahahahahah..."
They all looked at her as she gripped her sides. When she calmed herself, she flashed the elf one of her prettier smiles. A smile that was not so bittersweet as he remembered. He scoffed, and the others cheered as she agreed to their pleas. And while everyone was dismissed to return to their duties, he found himself in front of a door. It was strange for anticipation to run through his veins. The door opened, and the scent of shampoo permeated through the air.
"State your purpose," she said.
"If you're trying to seduce me, at least put more effort."
"I'll present a jar of honey next time, honey."
He entered her room; by the time she shut the door, he had plopped onto her bed. Her mouth opened to respond, but she closed it instead and adjusted her towel.
"Thanks for cleaning the room...for the past few years."
"What's your evidence that I was the one?"
"Either you or Kero wouldn't leave a single speck of dust. Besides, you were the one who decorated it. I doubt all the time wasted in doing so would only be left to rot away."
The towel dropped to the floor, and he averted his eyes as she walked toward the closet. Faint scars danced along her skin.
"Did your shame leave too?"
"Pfft...It's not the first time. We've made lots of memories on that bed, y'know, that started in similar fashion."
After some minutes, she sat on the edge of the bed and wore a chemise. The woman stared off into space, most likely in her own thoughts, and to him, she looked like a worn book. Their gazes met, and he noted her fiddling with a ring. His staring caught her attention as she displayed it in front of the elf.
"You'd think I forget? I know I can be such a disappointment, but..." Her grin disappeared, and she pressed her hands against her cheeks. "It's hard to smile nowadays. Say, are they just as you remember them?"
He blinked. "No."
Her hands fell to her side. "Ah, I knew it. Disguises and all that stiff stuff really did affect me. I was hoping it didn't, so at least when I...what?"
He tilted his head.
"Always expecting some entertainment value, huh...Then allow me to pick."
Before long, she grabbed a book from her bag, threw it at him, and lay in the remaining space on the bed. Their bodies almost touched each other.
"Isn't this a recipe book from the library? So you steal literature as well."
"Shut up and translate. I'll treat you to drinks later, of course."
"How kind of you. It really is cute."
He flipped to the middle of the book and began to read. Words from a different language filled her mind while her eyes drooped. The elf stopped reading; she snuggled against him. He folded the corner of the page and set it on the ground. She shifted at the sound, but the woman turned onto her side. He glanced at her before he closed his eyes.
"Welcome back...even though it's temporary."