Zane

I took my leave from the little girls' company, they were all waving bye to me happily and I was busy scraping the glitter from my eyelids with a wet paper towel.

"Bye little ones!" I called, slightly waving back. "I had fun."

And to be honest...I truly did!

I mean...

I didn't really enjoy having all this makeup on me but it was nice to be social after so long.

I was supposed to meet with the other ninja when I was finished with the makeover; they wanted to eat out at some place I only had the address for, but I'd finished earlier than our meeting time so I had some time to stop at the market next to Dareth's dojo...my apology was long overdue...

The kindly old woman was on duty this hour and I was pleased because she made excellent company, she was not super temperamental like many of the other stand runners along the street, and her prices were feasible despite local inflation.

"Hello there dear." She cooed in her weathered voice as I approached. "How are you doing today?"

I smiled. "I'm doing quite alright thank you. And what about you?" I asked in response, browsing her in-season fruits.

"Oh I'm just tired is all. My old age is getting to me I suppose." And she laughed. "What are you looking for?"

"I'm just looking for some good gift products for the new neighbor."

She snapped her fingers. "You mean Elena from the studio don't you?" She rummaged around behind the counter and resurfaced with some lovely, round peaches and a starfruit all wrapped in a lovely little basket. "She loves these, she came here a few days ago asking for them. Here you go sweetie."

She handed me the basket and I thanked her, handing her a few coins, and then a little extra for the beautiful, home-woven basket. "I'll see you again some time." I told her, then making my way down the street to the studio.

Standing at the entrance I took a deep breath. I wasn't sure how she would react to my presence...or if she would even be there...but this was something I had to do.

I broke into her house for Christ's sake!

After building up some courage, I opened the swinging glass door and stepped inside.

X.X.X

Elena

I heard the bell ring on my door and I tilted my head slightly in that direction. "Hello." I called softly, starting to climb down from my ladder, for I was dusting off the lights. "Hold on just a moment please."

I set foot on the floor and walked toward the door, the mirrors in the room helped me to locate the figure so I would not bump into it.

"How can I help you?"

The person sighed. "Greetings." He said, immediately making me tense.

"Um...it is Zane...I...came to offer my recompense..."

I knew exactly who he was, but of course I couldn't let him know that. "You're...the man who intruded some time ago?"

"Y...yes ma'am. I wanted to apologize for my reckless behavior. I was just...having a difficult time and...I acted purely on instinct I guess."

I heard some shuffling. "I...got this for you. It isn't really much, and I know it probably won't make things all better, but I would be very pleased if you accepted it."

My eyebrows furrowed slightly. "Accept what?" I asked, reaching slightly outward but feeling only air, I didn't want to seem too eager to receive whatever he was offering me so I put my hands back down.

"Oh!" He exclaimed. "Forgive me, you don't have the ability of sight. Here." He took one of my hands and enclosed it around what felt like woven straw, when I ran my hands over the entirety of the weight in my hands I realized that it was a basket.

"The lady at the stand down the street recommended peaches and starfruit...so..."

I smiled. "That is very sweet of you. Thanks."

"You're welcome..."

I searched for a platform, a shelf of some sort, and set the fruit down, then returned to Zane.

"I forgive you. I've never been one to hold a grudge."

And perhaps I was biased because of who he was.

"Though I am surprised you came back to see me." I stated.

"Well." He began. "I just felt awful for putting you through that situation, and I was hoping for forgiveness...you must be as kind as Cole described to not be angry about such a heinous act of invasion."

"Cole..." I contemplated aloud. "The man with the strong grip...he is your friend?"

"Indeed he is." Zane replied. "More than a friend, he is my brother. We've endured so much together. He wants to thank you for bandaging his hands. But we didn't know where to find you..."

I looked in the general direction of his face. "You can tell him I said he is very welcome, and that I can assist any time."

It was silent for a moment.

"Perhaps you can tell him yourself?" Zane suggested.

"What do you mean?"

He took my hands. "I am supposed to meet my fellow ninja and kin for an outing and I am inviting you...if you would accept my company."

I could feel myself practically beaming. He didn't know my secret, but I was still able to be close to him.

"Of course I do." I said, very elated. "Accept your company I mean. And I would be honored to join you."