She never doubted, for a sliver of a second, that, for as much as China meant to her, she was absolutely nothing to China. She resigned herself to being inconsequential, to being a side-thought, if that much.
She wasn't disappointed, was indeed thoroughly used by China over the long years they spent in each other's company. It hurt quite a bit, both literally and metaphorically, but somehow she couldn't keep away, no matter how much she resolved to.
Then, one day, the praise began.
It didn't start out particularly grandiose. It was an approving nod, a murmured sentiment of appreciation, an extra cup of tea brewed. It was enough.
It took a while to become anything overt. China was never one to rush, and there was a lot to go through.
Because at the end, there was trust, and at the end, there was repayment of every debt ever owed and more, because at the end, there was love.
Looking back, Tanith had a lot of things she questioned, things she would have changed. She didn't really regret any of it, though, and even though she had no idea why, she didn't particularly mind.
China tended to have that effect.
A/N: Ah, Chinith.
~Mademise Morte, June 21, 2012.