Title: The Hard Words To Say
Word Count: 820
Summary: A long-winded road just to say the right words. Time is short; life is unpredictable in this war-stricken land. A single choice could mean the difference between the chance the confess those words... or leaving them unsaid forever.
A/N: I'll keep it short! I'm still not sure if I'll keep it as a oneshot or add more chapters. I'm leaning towards a multi-chapter decision though, but still debating on which plot to use to continue this. Forgive the title. I was never good at them.
I hope you enjoy the short chapter :)
It was an inconvenience.
Sweat trickled down Saria's forehead as she lifted her body against the bar. A hundred reps didn't seem enough to put her mind at ease, but her body failed to cooperate. With her arms and core sore, she finally let go of the pull-up bar. A grunt accompanied her landing, followed by a soft huff from the ex-director.
The students that shared the room followed her routine, attempting to copy and apply the forms and techniques she taught. She admired their resolve, but she felt too mentally exhausted to deal with the exuberant younglings. "You may leave," she told the trainees. She was greeted with confusion, being one who was too strict, too punctual to let sessions end early; however, these quickly cascaded into joyous manner as they saw themselves out of the training room. The young ones enjoyed the early dismissal. It was evident on their faces, and she found herself turning away from this sight. It reminded her too much of Ifrit. She clicked her tongue. Her emotions chose a bothersome time to trouble her.
"Lady Saria, is everything alright?" A familiar voice snapped her back to reality. The doctor approached, worry upon his hooded figure. "You normally don't end training this early, especially if it's self-defense." She acknowledged him with a nod as she packed her things.
"Your worry is misplaced, Doctor. I simply have other things to attend to." Knowing the doctor, she knew he would pry more. An observant person, he was. She decided to save him the trouble of pondering about her condition. "Has Ifrit and Silence returned from the mission yet?" It should no longer be a mystery to him why she was invested in the two. His curiosity has reached far.
"About an hour ago, yes," he replied. That was all she needed to hear. There was no purpose in dragging the conversation further. She slung her coat over her shoulder, thanked him for his concern before leaving.
Her eyes scanned the area upon reaching the dormitory, searching for a certain duo—a pig-tailed blonde and a bob cut brunette. Rhodes Island wasn't a big company, and often times their operators are out on a mission. It didn't take long before she spotted the rowdy caster, making a mess like she always does. If she was off playing recklessly in the base, then that only meant one thing. Silence has passed out somewhere. A smile played on her lips from the thought.
A flash caught her attention. Saria crossed her arms and leaned against the wall, watching as a few operators gathered to put out the fire Ifrit accidentally started. How she wished she could come close, to give Ifrit the pats she enjoyed loved, but with so much guilt in her heart, she couldn't find the courage to approach her. So she watched from afar. She watched as she grew without her.
The situation was quick to diffuse, so she left the area before the girl could notice her presence, slinking away into her private quarters.
"Leaving so soon?" The voice broke the silence of the room. Saria turned to the man by the door, noticing the black folder he had in his hands. "You work too hard. I can tell from the look in your eyes that you've been exhausting yourself." She didn't need to be reminded of this. Ptilopsis has given her an earful not too long ago.
"Yes. I didn't intend to stay for long. I do not have much time for leisure." There was work to be done and time was precious to her goal. The doctor slid the folder towards her.
"Here are the documents you requested. They weren't easy to acquire, Lady Saria." They were all in here. Every bit of information she needed to make her move. Being in Rhodes Island proved to be useful. She couldn't have obtained these herself while remaining undetected.
"Thank you, Doctor. I must be off." She grabbed her bag and shield but before she could pass him, he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Where you're going, it's—" She cut him off. She knew what he intended to say, but her mind was made. No one can change her mind.
"I know, doctor." They exchanged glances and from there, he understood. A sigh was all he could manage.
"Please, take care." She mustered a smile for him. His concern was appreciated and it made her wonder. Would the two miss her if she never returned? Her hand fell on the sole feather hanging on her belt.
"I should go before Silence finds out I'm here. Tell Ifrit she doesn't have to worry anymore." Stopping a few feet away, she turned her head slightly towards him. She wracked her brain for the words, but nothing came. It was never easy with the owl. "And... tell Silence to take care of the child... and herself."