"Mother!" She shouted gleefully. It had been so long since they'd last seen each other, since their consciousness embraced together. Too long in her mind's eye. Her mother took a step forward and instead of running to her like in the past, Washu walked instead. Her mother smiled serenely.
"Yes, you HAVE changed my daughter." She answered, as if speaking to an unspoken question. The two met in between the forest and the field. Much light was lost under the foliage in the grove; looking a lot less inviting to her than the bright field she stood in. "It has been a long time since we've last met."
"Where are Gam and Gappa?" She asked, looking past her mother. Would they too appear from the trees? A hand rested on her shoulder.
"They decided it best not to come my daughter. They've been watching, as have I, these past few months. The three of us have decided on something." Washu looked at her mother curiously when she didn't explain. Slowly, her mother embraced her only child, confusing Washu even more.
"Mother?" She asked softly.
"You have grown so much in these few months we were apart. I can tell because your mental surroundings have changed." She parted their hug and an arm swung behind her. "Do you know what that is?" She asked evenly.
Washu felt creepy emotions flow through her as she peeked aside her mother. A shiver ran through her body. "Evil." She muttered in a small voice. Her mother nodded, placing a hand under Washu's chin to grab her attention.
"The field you see before you represents your mental state NOW. This grove of trees is larger than it looks. It symbolizes the past that you have yet to let go of." Both hands rested on her shoulders. "You've made such progress my little Washu, you just need to take one more step to be free of the restrictions you've placed on yourself." She turned around and stood next to her daughter, both facing the forest. "You find this grove evil because it shows you exactly what you were like right after you left. It is a diluted version of the fog that you carried with you in your mind. Had you meditated months ago, you would probably have seen MORE of this grove." Washu's brow furrowed in confusion.
"I know I haven't done so in so long, but Trowa was around all the time and I felt no need to." She looked at the grass thoughtfully.
"You also meditated to escape, just like your grandmother taught you so long ago. With Trowa around to help you cope, you felt no need to be alone. He never gave the opportunity to leave you alone and your mind subtly accepted the fact." She smiled softly. "You also grew accustomed to his presence and whenever he left you by yourself, you craved it." Washu nodded, knowing all this. "Having never been in love before, it took you a while to figure out. That and the fact that you tried to hide the feelings, as you were accustomed to doing in the past." Her mother turned to her daughter. "Do you know what you'll do now?"
Washu turned to her mother and met her eyes. She slowly shook her head. "I don't know. I know I can't leave him, but my future is a mystery now. Before, I didn't care. But now I have someone to be with and the rest is just muddled." Her teeth clamped down on her lower lip, nibbling thoughtfully.
Her mother looked at the shaded forest. "You have to come to terms with your past in order to be fully at peace. Only then will your future become entirely clear to you." Both arms encircled her daughter. Washu felt an inexplicable sadness encompass her. Her mother pulled back and put a hand on her shoulder, looking at her seriously. "This is the last time we meet my daughter. You have grown so much that you do not NEED me or your elders any longer." She smiled encouragingly. "You have someone to go back to now. You must deal with your past if you want to be with him. Just remember that I will always be looking down on you as I always have been. Your grandmother and grandfather will always be looking down on you. Remember that and do not forget us."
Tears came to her eyes, flowing down in a torrent of emotions. "But...I don't want you to leave." She whispered sadly. Her mother's hand came up and brushed at her tears.
"Little Washu, you have not needed us in months. Only now that the truth has been put to words do you miss us." Her head tilted slightly, the long black hair she possessed shifting with her. "We have always been there and we will be patiently waiting for you to return to us." Washu's arms wrapped as tightly as they could around her mother, not willing to let her go. Emptiness started filling her soul. "Just remember we all love you Washu." Her mother pulled back from the hug slowly and walked back to the forest, her vision on her daughter.
Washu stood frozen from the sorrow she felt. One hand moved to her mother, but it seemed her feet were rooted to the ground. The forest sent shivers up her spine as she stared at it along with her mother. It was also what was keeping her from running to her elder.
When her mother stood next to the tree, she smiled widely and slowly waved to her only daughter. "I love you my little Washu..." Her voice echoed as her figure rippled, then disappeared.
"MOTHER!!" She yelled painfully. Her weight shifted forward, causing her to fall to her knees. Still in kneeling position, she loudly cried out all the pain she felt. The grass under her shimmered as the vision changed. She had to leave, this would be the last time she would see this place with her mother in it. "I will NEVER forget you." She sadly vowed. "I CAN'T."
When she opened her eyes again, the applause reached her ears first. She inhaled a shaky breath and blinked to cure any disorientation. The action caused more tears to fall down her face. A hand quickly moved to her skin in fear. Had she been crying as loudly in her physical form as she had in her spiritual? She looked around, but found no one. She was still not comfortable enough to let ANY-one know she cried. That was for the few that were extremely close and all the circus crew were on good terms with her only. She would still need time to become accustomed to them.
The flap was yanked aside and Cathy was the first to pass through. Her face flushed from another great performance, eyes sparkling. She smiled widely when she saw Washu and waved, immediately going to the back. Trowa followed at a slower pace, taking off his mask as he went. He watched his sister leave for a split second before his gaze focused solely on the one that owned his heart.
The first thing he noticed were the tracks. He was immediately concerned. "Washu?" He asked, stopping in front of her. A hand touched her face on reflex. "What's wrong?" He softly asked. Her saddened eyes met his and he felt the sorrow radiate from her to him. He quickly encompassed her form with his own protectively, trying to draw away the tears. He never wanted to see her anything but happy and he wondered what had caused such horrid emotions.
Her arms eagerly went around him as she grieved. She hadn't allowed herself to do so since her mother was alive, mostly because she was able to converse with her spirit form. Now, she was gone. Tears continued to fall. She couldn't get the words out to tell Trowa. She had discussed some of the reasons behind her meditations, but the real meaning was kept secret. She reserved that knowledge for herself only. Her family was cherished and it was something she kept to herself. Now that she had no reason to meditate, to meet with her beloved relatives, she felt hollow. Like a piece of her was gone. It was a scary feeling and not even Trowa's presence helped her any.
When she didn't show any signs of stopping, he scooped her up in his arms and quickly left the tent. She still hadn't spoken and her head stayed buried in his chest, arms still around his neck. When he found a place they could be alone, he regretted putting her down.
Even though her feet were still on the ground, she still kept her arms around his neck. She didn't want him to leave her either; he was all she had left. She didn't know what she'd do if she lost the one love still alive. Both his arms encircled her waist, trying to comfort her. She loved him all the more for that. His warmth enfolded her, his calming aura reaching out to try and help. "Washu." He whispered. Slowly, his chin moved to the top of her head. "Please tell me what's wrong." He softly pleaded. She bit her lip and swallowed hard. More tears kept falling, a torrential downpour that was kept at bay with her mother's presence. Now that she couldn't feel it anymore, she knew she was the only one left alive in her family. They didn't have any relatives around the home she grew up in and she had no clue who was still alive.
She didn't know how she found her voice, but she did. It was a meager whisper, but it was all she could muster. "My mother...she's gone." She held him tighter, trying to draw him into herself. He always seemed so strong; he was her rock.
Trowa was confused. He knew of her mother now and a little more about her. She had been gone for quite some time. He didn't know quite what to say to that. "She's been...gone for a while." He hesitantly stated. She shook her head slowly, denying it.
"No...I could always feel her spirit around me. I could see her when I mediated. I meditated while I waited for you to finish your show... She won't return to me anymore." She sniffled. "She says I don't need her presence. Her or my grandparents." He didn't understand it and he wasn't going to try. If she found some form of higher consciousness, she had a rare gift. To be able to see spirits of the departed she had connected with. He was going to leave it at that.
"Did she say anything else?" He asked softly. He didn't know what to do, but holding her was a good idea in his book. She sniffed again and pulled away to look at him.
"She said I didn't need them anymore...that I had someone to go back to..." A hand came up to wipe away her tears. He had seen them there once too many for his liking. She looked into his caring eyes, feeling the all too familiar love grow throughout her body. He smiled slightly.
"She seems very wise then. I'd take her advice." His lips slowly lowered to hers, kissing her softly. Her eyes fluttered shut, squeezing out a last tear. He pulled back and kissed each eye, tasting the salt she produced. Trowa pulled back even farther to wipe the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs before he kissed her again, hoping to vanish her sadness from her heart.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Another week passed by since the incident. She felt incredibly better, with Trowa's help of course. Sitting under a tree, materials around her, she patiently worked a craft that she would always cherish. Mostly because it was taught to her by her mother.
Black thread expertly moved as she diligently worked. The dress was nearly completed, she just had to finish attaching the zipper in the back. The pattern was crafted to the material during the beginning; she figured it would be easier on movement. She couldn't wait to wear it. Excitement made her fingers move all that much quicker, work her arms all that much faster. There was a party tonight for being back on Earth and to celebrate a successful colony tour. But it was also just because everyone hadn't had a party in so long. She smiled through a safety pin she carefully set in her mouth. One by one, the pins were taken out and positioned safely inside as she continued to work.
That was how Trowa found her. Since he woke up, he went looking for her, planning on eating with her at breakfast. He searched some of the camp, but hadn't found her. He immediately wondered if she pulled another disappearing act, but shook his head of that thought. He knew she wouldn't leave without telling him first. He wouldn't allow her to go alone even if she tried.
He was still concerned about her mental state with her mother. The first couple of days were trying, but he helped her through it. She seemed to show incredible progress afterwards and the smile made an appearance on her face again. He was glad to see it, having missed it terribly. He loved seeing her eyes shine when the smile reached.
He stopped in front of her, not gaining her attention. He noticed the pins in her mouth and fumed slightly. She very well KNEW they were dangerous, yet still put them in her mouth. He kneeled down quickly, startling her somewhat. He was just glad she didn't open her mouth and swallow one. Her surprised eyes swung to his before she smiled slightly. But she quickly changed her happy demeanor when she noticed the stern look on his face. One hand came out and grabbed the half dozen in her mouth at once. He pulled them away and set them in a nearby box, containing the rest she hadn't used. "You KNOW that's dangerous." He chided softly. She looked at the unfinished dress, slightly guilty.
"Sorry." She apologized softly. "It was just quicker." He rose a disbelieving eyebrow.
"To stick a sharp, pointy object in your mouth? What if you SWALLOWED one?" A loose fist came up and rapt on her head lightly. "You know better than that." Just to show her he wasn't too mad, he smiled lightly. Her smile made a reappearance when she realized that he wasn't truly made at her. She knew he could never stay mad for long if he ever WAS. Moving the box, he sat next to her, leaning against the tree. "So you almost FINISHED with that thing?" He asked, his eyes on the passing sky. He was mentally happy they were back on Earth. He missed the natural effect just as Washu had. She must've rubbed off on him. He mentally smirked.
"I WILL get this done before tonight." She vowed smirking. Picking up the cloth and needle, she began again, her break done. The wind blew around them, leaves rustling above as they enjoyed the scenery. There was no show tonight due to the party, allowing everyone a much needed break. It was one they all reveled in.
"How long has that TAKEN you anyway?" He asked playfully, a quirk on his mouth. Her eyes darted to his at the tone in his voice. She quickly nudged him with her elbow. A larger smile made an appearance, teeth threatening to show.
"I've been working on it here and there. When a certain SOMEONE isn't taking up all my TIME." She playfully argued. He raised an eyebrow, looking at her in slight shock.
"Well excuse ME little Washu for taking up so much of your PRECIOUS TIME." He sarcastically answered. They both smiled at the use of her mother and grandmother's nickname. She didn't care as much as she had in the past that it was used. He liked using it; it was her new pet name. He thought it was all too cute, and fit her well. She was so tiny compared to him.
Washu turned to Trowa when he gave a small pout. She thought he looked utterly adorable and fought a giggle. "Oh, so now the great Trowa is going to POUT now?" She asked, giving in to the laughter. He tried to keep his expression going, but it was hard whenever he heard her laugh. It always made him smile and want to join in.
"Yes." He answered. She shook her head slightly.
"Men." A hand grasped his chin as she quickly kissed him. She pulled away and smiled when he moved closer to her. "Happy now?" She asked. Washu didn't wait for an answer and went back to her sewing. A hand quickly turned her face to his.
"Not yet." He muttered, his lips a fraction away from hers. He planted a soft, lingering kiss over her lips. Trowa smiled in satisfaction at the content look that crossed her face. "NOW I am." He joked. She laughed and shook her head.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"So...can I ask you a question?" Cathy asked as she worked. Washu would've nodded, but that would've screwed everything up.
"No...go ahead." She muttered lazily. Both eyes were closed in bliss as the elder woman fixed her hair. Washu was able to do plenty with it herself, but with the idea she had in mind for tonight...her arms didn't quite BEND that way. So she went to Catherine for help, having no more qualms about asking for it.
Cathy smiled, knowing exactly what her 'handiwork' was doing to the Chinese girl. ANYONE loved someone else touching their hair. "Do you love Trowa?" She asked bluntly. Washu smiled at the mention of her love's name.
"Yes." She answered shyly. Cathy nodded in affirmation.
"Good, I wouldn't want you to lie to me." She joked lightly. Washu's brow furrowed. If she could've looked at Catherine, she would have, but couldn't turn her head even a little.
"What do you mean?" She asked confused. Catherine chuckled.
"Oh come ON, don't think you two were able to hide it. I don't mean recently or even three months ago. I mean since before we left the COLONIES. You two were closer than I'd ever SEEN you." A finger tapped the crown of her head playfully. "He GOT to you didn't he?" She grinned widely, sisterly instinct telling her she was right.
Washu blushed, but smiled widely. "I won't lie...yes he did." Love expanded in her heart. "But I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Yea, I saw how he was acting around you during the tour, but I didn't say anything. You two wouldn't admit it to YOURSELVES, having ME say something wasn't going to change a THING." She continued, still grinning. Washu's blush increased a little more. Cathy was quiet as she continued to steadily work while Washu tried her hardest to keep awake from the wondrous feelings that encompassed her head. "So...you DO realize what the day after tomorrow is right?" She asked, breaking the quiet. Washu fought to instinctively shake her head.
"No." She muttered, eyes still closed. It was a good thing she wasn't really tired or she would've already fallen asleep from the soothing actions. Catherine's head tilted with a fond smile as she worked on.
"It'll be six months since you and Trowa met." She said. "But since you've been with US, six months and a week." She proudly counted. "Doesn't SEEM like it does it?" She asked softly.
"No. Not THAT long." She answered. Grabbing a ponytail holder, Catherine secured the braid. She had FINALLY finished.
"Done." She announced. "Whew, THAT took a WHILE." Washu smiled and turned to her friend.
"Thanks." She said. She reached over and lightly hugged Cathy, slightly surprising her.
She smiled widely. "Anytime." After a small pat on Washu's back, the two pulled away. "So, OFF with you. Go put that masterpiece on! I've been DYING to see this thing FINISHED and you WILL show me!" Washu grinned and left Cathy's tent to go put on her newly finished dress.
After the girl left, Cathy crossed both arms contently. "Yes my friend, you have done alright for yourself." She smiled slightly, thinking of how far the girl had come in only six months. From isolating herself from everyone around and hardly speaking to Catherine, to an open, opinionated, and loving girl. Cathy would have to thank Trowa for helping her. 'Enough of the mushy stuff.' She joked. 'Time to get ready to PARTAE!'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The party was just getting started, but everything was already in full swing. Multiple people occupied a small area reserved as the dance floor, others watching or dancing in their own little spots. Trowa walked around, utterly bored without Washu next to him. He had been around to help set up, mostly to give him something to do. Washu had told him earlier that she wanted to get Catherine to do her hair, not allowing him to see what she was getting done. Even a pout didn't help his chances of staying next to her. He smiled slightly.
He'd already been through one dance with Catherine, who immediately pulled him onto the floor once the music started. She told him she knew it would be the only time they could dance, since Washu would fill up the rest of the songs. His smile widened. She bluntly reminded him of their six-month anniversary...not that he needed it. He already had things planned out, he told her. When she asked, he just smiled and told her that he didn't want her to fib to Washu.
After peeking through the flaps, Washu looked down at herself for the second time. Nervously, a hand went to the back of her head, touching the creative design she concocted...with Cathy's HELP of course. She bit her lip worriedly. 'I've never BEEN so dressed up. The only thing he's ever SEEN me in is jeans and t-shirts.' She thought. She felt like she was playing dress-up with such a beautiful dress. 'A dress that I made.' She proudly corrected herself. Inhaling a deep breath for courage, nerves on the fritz, she pulled the tent canvas aside and walked in slowly.
Her eyes landed on Trowa's, immediately spotting him in the middle of the crowd. When his eyes locked with hers, he moved around a few people for a better view. Her breath caught in her throat. He looked DASHING! Black slacks to replace his normal blue jeans, a white button down shirt that hugged his developed body, and an open green vest that matched his eyes. His dressy appearance matched everyone else under the tent, but he was by far the most handsome. His beautiful hair shone under the lights, his smile surfacing when he saw her. Her heart pounded as adrenaline rushed through her.
He stopped a few foot from her when he was able to get a good look at her. An idiot grin made an entrance. There she stood in the fabled dress she spent MONTHS making. It was certainly designed BY her, and FOR her only. The jet-black cloth hugged her small figure; two slits going up to mid-thigh. The rose and vine pattern she sewed on occupied from the right of her chest to the right slit and stopped where it ended. The colors she entwined with the fabric were a good choice, everything seemed alive. A single rose with a small vine pattern on the bottom left of the dress offset everything perfectly. A palm-size teardrop hole under the collar showed very little cleavage, but he considered it extremely sexy. It was entirely sleeveless, but the collar was high on her neck, making it even more graceful than before. He thought she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever laid eyes on. His heart started pounding wildly.
The strangest thing was the necklace that rested in the center of the teardrop. The mysterious large diamond matched the shape of her dress. The light cast rainbows over the pure stone, some of them catching on the black fabric. He wondered where she got it from; it looked extremely expensive.
When he finally gained his wits about him, he forced both feet to move, knowing he'd acted like an idiot long enough. 'More like a love-struck fool.' He corrected, mentally smirking. When he reached her, she smiled and looked him up and down.
"You look...good." She softly complimented. Okay he looked MORE than good, he looked EXTREMELY handsome. But she was too nervous to think of anything better. Her mouth wasn't forming the words and she couldn't find the breath to speak them if she tried. Gaining some of her wits, she stepped back and twirled for him, allowing him to see the rest of the dress. A matching rose/vine design on the back left matched the one in front. The zipper she worked on this morning went up to the collar, a button residing at the very top. The mass of hair spun around her like a cape. Two braids on either side of her head conformed into one large braid at the center that hung down over the open amount. It reminded him somewhat of Relena's hairstyle. But it looked better on her, so HE thought. On her feet was a curious pair of regular black high-heeled shoes. He was assuming they were Cathy's because he KNEW she didn't own any.
A small blush worked its way up from her compliment. Taking both of her hands, he looked into her eyes. "And YOU look beautiful." He muttered, bringing the back of her hand to his lips. A wide smile quickly made an appearance from such a gentlemanly gesture. She tried to suppress a girlish giggle, not having much luck. Deep green eyes looked at her, taking in the demure blush with great pleasure. She looked too cute when she ducked her head like that. Leaning back, he situated their hands until her palm lightly rested over his. It was all too cordial, but something she could get used to. "Shall we?" He asked softly. His heavenly voice sent shivers down her spine. She could only nod through the gleeful fog that surrounded her. With a closed smile, he walked beside her to the middle of the dance floor. He was thankful that a slow song was playing, followed by another. Keeping their hands clasped, his other rested lightly over her hip. Her other hand rested lightly over his shoulder, creating an all too adorable picture.
They were, without question, the most elegant couple at the party. They were the most graceful slow dancers, and the best at improv fast dancing. Their natural poise was the root of their moves. Washu had never danced so much in her life. She cared about the fast moves she was doing around Trowa, but that lasted all of one song. They KNEW they were good and that was all that mattered. With Trowa next to her, dancing his heart out, that was all she cared about. She put even more effort into her moves as they quickly got into each song. There was hardly one they missed. On the later slow songs, both of Trowa's arms wrapped around Washu's waist, having tired of the formal, 'friendly' dancing. Through every song, he relished in the comfortable weight her arms made around his neck.
Her head rested happily over his chest, hearing his heart that thudded in her ears. She could stay like this forever. 'Please don't let this song end.' She thought. But it DID end and the two slowly walked off, being too tired to handle another fast paced song. Letting the rest of the crowd have their fun, Trowa left Washu on one of the makeshift chairs while he offered to get them drinks. She plopped down on the hay bales and looked around tiredly. But it was a GOOD tired. She had never had so much fun. He returned shortly after, taking his place by her. Together, they sipped their punch and watched the dancing commence without them. It seemed to continue, at least a dozen people on the floor at all times.
Catherine spotted the happy couple nearby and smiled evilly. They looked extremely good together. She'd spotted Washu during one of the slow songs and could've squealed like a little girl if the music was loud enough. They were two of the most lovely people she'd ever seen.The dress she wore WAS extremely gorgeous and Cathy was insanely jealous that she wasn't that talented. She'd have to ask the girl for some pointers to better her own sewing. The shoes she lent the short girl brought her just up to Trowa's shoulder, making it too cute when they slow danced. She took note of when he rested his chin over her head and wished she had a camera...with about seven rolls of film. She smiled.
An idea hit. She walked up to the d.j. and started flipping through songs. They were all old, but all the music they had here was old. There had been no musicians or singers in decades. Times had changed so drastically that it was a bad profession to be in. Everyone simply had better things to be doing or making. She knew Washu was artistic, as well as Trowa, but their gifts were perfect for parties to play at, or just for fun.
Coming across a title that looked extremely promising, she read through some of the lyrics and smiled in satisfaction. 'This's them to a T.' She thought happily. Giving it to the d.j., she yelled for him to hold off for a few minutes. He nodded at her, not bothering to talk over the noise. Putting the song down with a time, he continued his work, slightly confused at the woman's request.
Knowing she had till the current song was over, Cathy hurried through the loitering crowd. When the two were plainly in sight, she slowed her steps a little. They both looked at her when she was a few foot away and smiled in greeting. Kneeling in front of them so they could hear better, she smiled widely. "Hey you two!" She yelled. "I hope you're rested because I requested a song for you to dance to!" The two looked at on confused, but shrugged their okay. Patting each of their knees, she grabbed their drinks and set them both on a nearby table. "Come on! It'll be on soon!" Grabbing a wrist, she hauled both to their feet and made a move to the dance floor. "Go on!" She urged playfully. Trowa had almost thought his sister was going crazy. Washu just looked at the older woman like she lost it. Looking at each other, they smiled and shook their heads.
Standing in the middle of the dance floor again, the two repeated their previous dance stances. When the song ended, Catherine's voice came through a microphone. "Alright everyone! This song is dedicated to a special couple tonight. I rooted around, trying to find that one song that fit and this does to me. I hope you all enjoy it." Turning the microphone off, she let the d.j. do his job. Turning a few buttons, piano music lazily spilled through the speakers. Both Trowa and Washu blushed, knowing she inadvertently pointed them out. Trowa started rocking to the rhythm as a male voice softly and slowly hummed the beginning chords.
Love wandered inside
Stronger than you, stronger than I
The
guy cut out and a soft female voice entered, making the song even lovelier
than before.
And all that has become
We cannot turn back
The
female cut out, allowing the male to finish the rest of the lines.
We can only turn into one
Together,
the two harmonized in perfect sync with the chorus.
I won't ever be to far away to feel you
And I won't hesitate at all
Whenever you call
And I'll always remember that part of you so tender
I'll be the one to catch your fall
Whenever you call
Trowa
and Washu listened to the lyrics, finding them perfect as well. They knew
this was their song and it hadn't even gotten to the second verse yet.
Both looked into the eyes of the other, enchanted with their very being.
And I, and I, truly inspire
Finding my soul, finding my soul
There in your eyes, there in your eyes
And you have opened my heart, have opened my heart
And lifted me inside, are showing me yourself undisguised
And I will never be to far away to feel you
I won't hesitate at all
Whenever you call
And I'll always remember the part of you so tender
I'll be the one to catch your fall
Whenever you call
Tears
came to Washu's eyes as she continued to look into Trowa's. There had never
been a song more perfect for the two and the aftermath their situation
than now. She silently vowed it to be their song, even if he might not
want it to be so. But the look in his eyes told her he was thinking the
same thing. She smiled lovingly at him as their slow sway continued unabated.
And I will breath for you each day
Comfort you through all the pain
Gently kiss your fears away
You can turn to me and cry
Always understand that I give you all I have inside
And I won't ever be to far away to feel you
And I won't hesitate at all
Whenever you call
I won't ever be too far to feel you
And I won't hesitate at all
Whenever you call
I'll always remember that part of you so tender
And be the one to catch your fall
Whenever you call
Whenever you call
Their
voices slowly faded out with perfect harmony on the last line a third time.
Lost in the moment, Trowa's hand snaked up her back slowly to cup the back
of her head. Her fingers played with the short ends of his hair, goosebumps
being created on both their bodies. Slowly, their heads moved, lips meeting
in the middle. To them, in this moment, they were the only two around.
Trowa didn't care if DUO saw him kissing the one he loved and openly GAWKED
at such open behavior, he would do it again. Washu didn't care that everyone
in the circus was staring, she openly admitted that she loved this man
and would prove it to the WORLD if need be. A bubble surrounded them, casting
out all but the sound of the music that played. If another slow song came
up, it was lost to their ears. All they saw were the color of their eyes
and the love that radiated from them.
For Trowa, there was no more perfect time.
Pulling away from the kiss enough to speak, his lips rested against hers.
"I love you." He whispered hoarsely.
Tears
spilled from her closed eyes. It was a good thing she wore no makeup that
could get ruined, not that she would care. Her throat clogged with emotion
and she feared she wouldn't get the words out. "I love you too." She whispered
teary. Their lips pressed together tighter than before, letting out all
emotion in this one kiss.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
'Okay
Washu, WHAT was that last phrase?' She wondered furiously. The campfire
blazed in front of her quietly as she bent over her sketchbook. Lately
it had been a songbook as well, the lyrics of her previous two songs down,
along with the notes. She was thankful she had a near photographic memory
to write everything out. Trying to puncture through the romantic haze to
the words, it finally came to her when she mentally worked through a few
that sounded like the ones she was searching for. 'Finished!' She happily
thought after a minute. Staring at the notebook cheerfully, she made a
note to pluck out the music to put down as well.
"Hey you." He softly announced in her ear. She jumped a mile, not expecting anyone else to be up. Whirling around, her face was inches away from Trowa's. She relaxed instantly and smiled. The party had gotten over maybe half an hour ago and everyone nearly stumbled to their tents from exhaustion. They were probably the only two still up, thankfully in normal clothes now. "What're you working on?" He asked. She held up her notebook.
"Writing down the lyrics to that song." She stated softly. He smiled in remembrance and moved to sit by her on the bale. His eyes glanced over her small slanted cursive. It was so delicate and beautiful, just like her. He smiled, not at all surprised.
"Did you figure out the title to that?" He asked, reaching out for it. She readily handed it over and pointed to the top.
"I'm pretty sure it's 'Whenever You Call'." She said. Unconsciously, the two touched shoulders as they looked at her notebook. It was a cute sight to watch and everyone could easily agree. Silence, save for the fire, took over the atmosphere. After a minute of reading, he handed it back and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. She leaned into the embrace, set the already forgotten notebook aside. The two stared at the fire in content silence.
His heart swelled from the intimate gesture they effortlessly displayed. He blurted out what was on his mind without thinking. "I love you little Washu." He whispered.
A smile came to her face as she heard those three words. "And I love YOU too Trowa." She whispered back. She turned midnight eyes to forest green and kissed him deeply. Trowa's arms wrapped around her back, bringing her closer. Both of Washu's arms were trapped in between their bodies and ten fingers splayed wide across his chest, moving up slightly. The action sent shivers across his torso, setting his mind aflame. The two pulled away breathless, Washu leaning her head on his chest over her hands. "I'll never get tired of hearing you say those words." She muttered contently. Trowa rested his chin over her head and smiled blissfully.
"And I'll never get tired of SAYING them." He answered. Closing her eyes, her ears picked up the slow beating of his heart. She wished she could stay like this always, without a care in the world. But the vision of the field and the dark forest sprouted itself in her mind. Her eyes cracked open sadly as she stared at shadows from the fire. She knew EXACTLY where they were, even if no one had told her their location. She knew the area, having wandered around it a lot as a child. A small smile made a brief manifestation before disappearing through her melancholy. They were only a few miles away from home.
She knew they had another show tomorrow. She planned on doing her chores and then go to put her demons at rest. They were at the edge of the town she grew up in, back to where it all started. Tomorrow, she would go home, just to see it one last time. 'Maybe I'll get some more clothes while I'm there.' She pondered thoughtfully. There was so little she had, maybe she could find another bag of her father's to take with. There was certainly no more room in the current one she possessed.
Trowa felt Washu's mood shift by the way her body sagged heavily into his arms. Slowly, his head shifted till he could look at the side of her face. "Something wrong little Washu?" He asked softly. She smiled briefly at the nickname and looked up, hoping the sorrowful emotions were cast from her eyes. She didn't want him worrying about her. Although she wouldn't mind his company tomorrow, along with his strength, this was something she had to do alone. Kissing him without an answer, she pulled back and nuzzled the hollow of his neck.
"Nothing's wrong dear Trowa." She whispered. His arms tightened around her, caught up in the feelings she created. Successfully throwing him off track, but too involved to stop, her lips torturously kissed his neck. Slowly he tilted his head to give her better access, to keep the intimate feeling going.
The blood was rushing through her ears, her heart pounding wildly. A feeling deep in the pit of her stomach started churning, something she never experienced before. It was desirable and she continued up his neck to his jaw line to keep it going.
Trowa's breath shortened slightly as she nipped at his jawbone. Unable to take it anymore, he quickly cupped her face with both hands and looked at her. A fire shone in his green eyes, showing her the fruits of what she wrought. A dimmer fire showed in her midnight eyes as she brazenly met his gaze. Swallowing harshly, he captured her lips in a passionate kiss. One hand from the back of her head pressed her lips even closer until their teeth nearly clicked. On wanton impulse, his tongue touched her lips, drawing them open. Their appendages battled on, hungry for each other's passion. The two tasted each other's essence, adrenaline running high.
The kiss escalated in speed, their heads slowly moving with it. His free hand tantalizingly brushed down her spine and caressed her lower back. Shivers ran up her back, tingling her brain. The feeling low in her stomach increased greatly. Five fingers started slowly massaging her scalp, turning her brain and any possible thoughts to mush. Not to be outdone, her fingertips slowly moved against the fabric of his shirt. Her arms were trapped tightly in between them, but that small action set Trowa's passion ablaze. Warning bells sounded in the back of his head. He ignored them twice before pulling away. He positioned their foreheads to rest against each other while they tried to catch their breath.
Washu's head was still swimming with ardor as she tried to breath. This was the first time they'd kissed like that and she would do it again if she was able to. The small gasping he was doing told her he was as affected as she.
Oh how he was kicking himself for stopping when they could've started something even more, but neither were ready for that. They weren't even together that long, and in love for even less. He wasn't going to pick that kind of pace up for a LONG time. He loved Washu, HONESTLY loved her. He didn't want to try anything that would scare her away or that she wasn't ready for. Even if she wanted it, he would keep her from making a mistake. The hand behind her head moved to cup a cheek. "I think this's where we go to our own tents and stay away from each other till we calm down." He softly joked. She giggled, somewhat nervous.
"That's what YOU think buddy." She joked back. He smiled. Good humor saved any apprehensive feelings that could arise from such a fervent moment. It was one to remember THAT was for sure.
Helping Washu to her feet, he softly kissed her. It wasn't enough, but he didn't want to enflame his emotions any more than they already WERE. He wondered if he would get ANY sleep tonight. It was going to take long enough to calm down, he didn't need to make it worse. Washu gently hugged him before making her way over to her tent. The two stopped before the flaps, looking at each other. I love you. She mouthed. He smiled slightly and winked before pulling the flap aside. She looked solemnly at the canvas momentarily before entering.
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Morning came and went, her chores already done. She'd manage to wheedle out of Trowa's eyesight so far. Sitting in her tent quietly, the notebook in her lap, she blankly stared at it with a pencil ready. Words she wanted to compose were not coming to her. She needed to do this before any more time elapsed, but she wanted to put down the right note Trowa wouldn't worry TOO much about her. She had thought about leaving right away, but dismissed the idea immediately. She knew the consequences as they were stipulated LONG ago. She didn't want Trowa or herself getting punished for making such a bonehead move. Seeing the house one last time wasn't as important as keeping her job as animal caretaker. And she knew that Trowa would scour the entire town till he knew where she was. This way, she would cover her tracks. With luck, she would be close to the neighborhood by the time he read the note. She just hoped that the messenger wouldn't be eating with Trowa when she wanted to hand the note over.
Walking out of the tent a short while later, words finally written, she looked around nervous. This HAD to go off without a hitch, she didn't want him to go with. She planned out last night to go alone, mostly because Trowa didn't need to see whatever would go on. SHE didn't even know what would happen, so whatever did happen would be to her alone.
A small search for Catherine paid off. She stopped the woman on her way to lunch and handed the note over. Catherine looked at it curiously. "What's this?" She asked. Washu forced a smile.
"Could you give this to Trowa for me?" She asked. Contrite entered her eyes all too easily. "I won't be able to make it to lunch cause I need to go to town to get something." Catherine smiled.
"Going clothes shopping again?" She asked. Humor entered Washu's eyes.
"Something like that." She avoided. Cathy held up the note and smiled again.
"Well I'll make sure he gets this. Anything else?" Washu shook her head.
"Just let him know that I'll be back before too long." She answered. Catherine's intuition perked up at the small sadness that sparked in the younger girl's eyes. She ignored it, thinking it was cause Washu was going to miss lunch with Trowa. Nodding, the two separated, neither looking back at the other. Washu kept a casual slow jog as she went past a tent. Stopping long enough to peek for anyone passing by, she breathed a sigh of relief and took off through the woods. She knew the town extremely well and all the short cuts to take. She often took them when going on a quick errand for her mother, or going to her grandparents' house to avoid her father. This time, it was for a completely different reason.
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After gathering everything on her plate, Cathy's eyes immediately went to spot Trowa. She found him looking out the window, of course. With a small smile, she walked over and set her plate in front of him. "Hey little bro." She greeted. He smiled at her and immediately looked out the window. Her eyebrow rose. She ignored him long enough to sit down before telling him the news. "I bring a message from your little Washu." She said. His eyes, and attention, quickly moved to her and Cathy had to smile. If ANYONE said Washu's name, Trowa's attention shifted to his love. She had often thought of calling them boyfriend and girlfriend, but that was too immature for them.
"Where is she? She's late." He commented. He impatiently waited while Catherine took a drink before continuing.
"She stopped me on the way over here, saying she wasn't going to make it to lunch." One hand moved to her back pocket to get the note. "She said she had something to do and would miss the entire thing, but didn't say what." She took note of the small droop in his posture. "She also gave me this." She held the folded paper in the air, it snatched away a second later. Her job done, she went to her food before it went cold.
Trowa eagerly unfolded the letter from Washu, his food already forgotten. He was down when he heard that he would have to wait till later to see Washu's smiling face, but this would have to tide him over till then. He just hoped it wouldn't be too long.
My dearest Trowa,
He smiled slightly at her little pet name for him.
I know I am not near you right now and you are probably wondering why. There is something I have to do in town that I MUST do alone. I don't know WHEN I'll be back, but I WILL be back before long. If something happens, I will evade it and find my way back to you.
His brow furrowed in confusion. 'Something happens?' He wondered, upset.
Please don't worry about me too much love, I know the streets very well from my childhood. I know the schedule and I know neither of us will get in trouble from my little 'mission'. Just remember I love you Trowa.Your little Washu
He blinked, unable to take the message he knew she was sending him. It sounded like she was extremely depressed when she wrote it, like she had a large burden she was going to. He stared hard at the small note, trying to figure it out. 'What's she trying to tell me?' He silently wondered. He KNEW that the simple message said more than it let on. 'Telling me not to worry...too late my love.' He lamely joked. He didn't even crack a smile through his old emotionless mask. He was too concerned for her, not knowing what she was going to. 'Why didn't she tell me? I would've gone with her.'
There is something I have to do in town that I MUST do alone.
'But WHAT?' He wondered furiously. He reread the note several times, trying to find the hidden message. The only words he could pick out were 'alone' and 'mission'. The phrase about her childhood was niggling something in the back of his brain. He felt like standing and pacing to work the puzzle out, but not in the middle of the lunch area.
Cathy looked at Trowa while she slowly ate, wondering what he was so intense about. She saw right through the mask he put up, being able to since they first met. She knew something was going on by the way he stared at Washu's note. Slowly, she reached out and plucked it from his fingers. She read it twice before something small clicked. Her brow furrowed as she looked at it. "Washu said she went into town." She wondered out loud. "This is her home isn't it?" Trowa's eyes shot to his surrogate sister's. Wary green met calculating blue. "If she ran away from here, why would she go back?" She asked, inadvertently figuring it out.
Trowa shot out of his chair, toppling it over. Multiple eyes looked to the source of the crash, looking on confused. Both his hands pressed heavily onto the table as he intensely stared at his sister. "Are you SURE Cathy?" He asked quickly. She looked at him surprised and slowly nodded.
"It makes sense." She said, looking back down. "She went into town to do something ALONE, not allowing you to go with. She probably figured you wouldn't let her go through that if you went WITH. If she went to the house, she would have no clue when she'd be back. I don't know what trouble she'd evade, but it sounds bad." She tapped the note and looked up at him. "According to THIS anyway. If she says 'I know the streets very well from my childhood', she's probably taking a few shortcuts."
He quickly swiped out of her hands, being careful not to give her a paper cut. Only after rereading it a final time did it make sense. His eyes shot to his sister's asking an abrupt question. She smiled softly. "Go after her lil bro." She said, almost as if giving permission. In a way, he was asking for it. He didn't want to leave suddenly and cause a panic if no one knew where he was. This way, someone would know the reason for his exit. Giving a quick nod, he darted for the door, thankful no one was in his way. Running for her tent, his head peeked in quickly to make sure her stuff was still around. Everything was neatly arranged and packed, the bed made. If she planned on coming back, it wasn't anytime soon.
Turning around outside her tent, he looked at the forest entirely lost. He had NO clue where she lived and no way to find her. His head bowed in defeat. Shoulders sagged slightly and both hands shoved themselves into his pockets. He didn't know the city at all, he wasn't even around when they picked her up, having been on Peacemillion at the time. His gaze moved up to the sky. That seemed like so long ago and he hadn't thought about it till now. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he walked to find the ringmaster. 'There HAS to be a way to find her.' He vowed. 'And I WILL find it!'
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It seemed to take forever till she hit her old neighborhood. She didn't know whether to be thankful or sad that it seemed abandoned. Going through the alley, she easily hopped the fence and meandered through the backyard. The grass was extremely long and in need of a major clipping. Sticks from the tree were everywhere and weeds ran throughout the entire yard. She looked around, incredibly forlorn. 'I don't know if I WANNA know what the FRONT yard looks like.' She sadly joked. Although corny, it brought a brief smile to her solemn face.
Slowly walking through the tall grass, she kept on guard in case there were any neighbors still around. She highly doubted it, by the looks of the houses' exterior. Even the yards were the same as hers. It was obvious that no resident was around for quite some time. She wondered when everything had changed.
Stopping at the back porch, she stared at the steps with slightly wide eyes. 'This is it. No turning back.' She softly coached. It gave her enough strength to take those few up to the back door. Her hand slowly moved to the knob, pausing an inch from it. It started to shake as she faced the final barrier to her past. Would it be locked? That wasn't too big a deal, she knew many ways to get inside, same way she used to get OUT. Swallowing hard, her hand quickly shot out and tightly grasped the handle. It WAS unlocked after all. The door slowly swung open on creaky, rusty hinges. It gave off an eerie sound that sent chills up her spine. She swallowed again but found her throat and mouth dry. Another chill raced through her body. 'Here goes nothing.' She thought weakly.
Her first step inside was a large sense of déjà vu. Not because of the way she walked in, but due to the vision from her final encounter with her father. Slowly, she warily walked to the kitchen and stopped. Her wild eyes looked at all the dust that resided everywhere. It seemed to be the only thing that ever lived after she left. She was slightly thankful that thieves hadn't broken in and stolen anything. A few steps into the dining room showed even more dust. The table and chairs were as she left them.
"You always WERE a nuisance! Just like your mother." Her small size allowed her to scramble under the table in the dining room. "You're both WEAK!" He shouted, bending to catch her. She shoved the chairs away in her haste to get away and get some room to defend herself. "Stand still and take what's COMING to you!" He yelled. His long arm shot out and clenched her ankle, cutting into her skin. She cried out in pain and kicked out with her free foot.
Horrid memories came rushing back through unbidden wishes. Squeezing her eyes shut only allowed the memories to be seen all the more vivid. She swallowed harshly. Fear she had not felt in months came back to haunt her. Her eyes swung open and she started looking around frightfully. Panic encircled her nerves like a vulture going in for the kill. 'This was a bad idea.' She quickly thought. But she was too frozen to move. Terror was holding her legs in place, keeping her from running out the back door. A siren rang through her mind, more memories playing through. Her vision shot to the windows, but they were too layered with dust to see through. Forceful deep breaths were shoved through her throat. 'Calm down.' She ordered weakly.
Only after her hands stopped shaking somewhat did she continue on till to the center of the dining room. One hand came out and touched the table, afraid she would get bit. Slowly, her fingers slid across it, leaving dirt trails in her wake. Midnight eyes stared transfixed at the center of the table, the words playing through her head. Another shiver raced through her body.
Feeling comfortable enough to take the next horrible step, she walked past the dining room and to the living room. Her eyes gravitated to the bloodstain showing through the dirt. Her knees gave out and she fell heavily onto the carpet mere feet away. Hands lay useless in her lap; wide eyes stared blankly at the large smear that would never wash out. She burned the image into her memory, something she couldn't help but do. The dilapidated condition would always stay with her, reminding her of the better life she had.
Being reminded of Trowa broke the stare and her head jerked up. She slowly looked around from her place on the floor, memorizing each position the furniture was in, where all the knickknacks still rested. Pictures were hardly visible through the grime that covered them. Standing up awkwardly, she walked to one and swiped a hand through the center. A large picture of her father and mother at a young age stared back at her happily. She blinked emotionless eyes at the two. Her mother looked a lot like she did now, in the smile on her lips and identical midnight eyes. A pity the picture was too big or she would take it as a souvenir.
Finally walking away, she went through the dining room to her room. It was easily viewable from the dining room and she saw only a few things were gone through. 'From the cops most likely.' She figured. She walked as far as the doorway and leaned heavily against it. Here was where she slept, played, and kept all precious belongings. She looked around at everything multiple times before finally walking in, not knowing what was keeping her at bay. She walked to every piece of furniture and inspected every object she once owned. Everything she touched was no longer hers; she hadn't owned anything in here in months. The only things she took WITH her were still hers. Those were the most needed, or the most prized.
She DID see a few articles of clothing that she wanted to take, once they were cleaned of filth. Everything that gaped open from when she ransacked her room needed a good washing. Her bed was still in its current condition. Walking over, she sat down and impassively stared at the carpet. It too was filthy, her footprints pushing everything through the fibers; marking where she walked. Time seemed to stop, the silence broken by the wind blowing outside. A scratching from overgrown limbs against the windows kept her from spacing. Blinking slowly, her eyes moved around the room again, ingraining everything inside her brain. Walking to the doorway again, she leaned against it and stared one last time at the place she used to call home. This time there was no light to shut off. There was enough light streaming through dirty windows to provide adequate viewing.
Turning around, she froze in standing position as she looked at the last stop. 'Saved the worst for last.' She awkwardly joked. With the speed of a tortoise, one foot planted itself forward, taking her toward the last room. Her eyes squeezed shut, knowing the way by heart. That tended to happen when a person lived in one house their entire life. She didn't even need to use the walls as a guide, knowing exactly how close she was to the doorway. Memories of childhood steps measuring the distance on a bored rainy day played out behind closed lids. Her eyes finally watered a little.
Hours seemed to pass by the time she got to her parent's bedroom. Everything was still as she left it, covered like the rest of the house in matching dirt. Her eyes stared vacantly at the other blood spot on the floor. Even though she didn't blink, a tear spilled over and slowly trailed down her cheek. She seemed caught in a time warp where everything moved at a snail's pace. Looking up, her eyes took in the objects that cluttered the room.
'Duffle bag.' She weakly reminded herself. 'Don't forget...the duffle bag.' She blinked as if nodding, causing another tear to fall. Hands moved in slow motion as they moved to help her stand. Her entire body was in slow motion, caught in that same time warp. Or maybe it was the memories and emotions that stilled any normal actions, the want to stay in one spot for as long as possible. To stay as long as she could in her old home before finally leaving. She knew the place would be leveled, it was just a matter of WHEN. Another tear fell, this time sadness entered. She looked around with a little more speed, trying to commit everything to memory.
Finally standing, she walked to the dresser and gently touched each knickknack, each piece of dirty jewelry her mother proudly displayed. 'Mother...' Another tear fell. 'I wish I could see you again.' She sadly asked. A sense of comfort enveloped her, taking away the sadness and longing. She knew immediately who it was, having felt that same presence before. A small smile tugged at her lips as if being pulled on. 'For you mother.' It made an appearance as she looked around, feeling her mother's presence in the room. The place was saturated with it. Memories came flooding through her mind of happier times when she was younger and even a few when she stayed in this room with her mother during the war. Many times of playing dress up with her mother's clothes and jewelry alongside the elder came from the depths of her mind. Her heart lightened incredibly. 'I love you mother.' She thought. Her eyes closed slowly, picturing her mother's face through the darkness.
She didn't know how long she stood in the center of the room before she moved. She hadn't paid attention to the sun before she left camp and didn't know where it was now. Her eyes landed on the open closet doors. She wasn't going to go and check, if she did she wouldn't come back inside. This was the last room she would go in, she vowed to leave after her peace was made in this room. 'Duffle bag.' She reminded herself again. Working at a more normal pace, she already knew time was almost up. Her emotions weren't constricting her movements as much, ghosts slowly being laid to rest.
She WAS able to find another bag, though severely dirty as everything else was. She gave it a couple of whacks to clean it off somewhat, sending dust clouds everywhere. A few sneezes sounded in the deathly quiet, but for her it was comfortable. Easily shouldering the bag and momentarily leaving her parent's room, she made another track for her own. This time, she would have more time to choose what she wanted to bring instead of hastily grabbing the first thing she saw.
Four more t-shirts, three sweaters, three pairs of pants, another pair of sweats, numerous undergarments and socks, two extra pairs of pajamas, and an extra pair of shoes filled the canvas to the top. She grabbed a few small items and some pictures to fit in the side pouches for memoirs. 'Treasured memories.' She fondly thought, zipping up the last side pouch. Reshouldering the bag, she looked around one last time. Unable to find anything else she wanted to bring, she left the room for good and didn't look back.
Purposely striding across the hall, she stopped a step inside her parent's room. Dropping the duffle next to her, it landed on the floor with a heavy THUD. An unbidden shiver ran through her, straightening her spine. She liked the quiet and the noise sent uninvited memories and sounds churning to the surface.
After the bang sounded, her father fell to the floor with a THUD. He looked at his only daughter in disbelief and shock. "You...YOU-" He stared at her wide, fearful eyes. A coughing spasm enveloped him, causing him to spit out some blood. His body shook from a sudden cold that enveloped him. His pain was unknown through the incredulity of what his daughter had done to him.
"I...WARNED you." She spat out shakily. He looked down at the wound in his chest, slowly touching a hand to it. Blood poured from it and some dripped from his fingers. "Why didn't you stop?" She asked sadly. He looked at her, his vision clouding over. The loud clack of his gun landing heavily on the floor reached through the blood rushing past his ears. Exhaling one last breath, he passed from the living and joined the land of the dead.
She exhaled a shaky breath. "I...WARNED you...father." She whispered. Once again, her knees gave out and she stumbled to the floor in front of the dark stain.
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He stopped in front of the house and looked at the scrap of paper again. 'THIS is the place?' He asked skeptically. Shingles were missing from the roof, the paint seemed half gone from the house, and the lawn looked like a field. Weeds sprouted from cracks in the broken sidewalk and an overgrown tree in the front yard seemed to take up the whole thing. 'Remember, she hasn't been here for half a year.' He reminded himself. Shaking off the eerie feeling he got, he walked around the house for a way in. The door was covered with a large piece of cardboard, some of the windows the same way. Taking a slow gait around the driveway, he looked on at the place his love once lived in. If it was in better condition, it might be called quaint. Now...it was just run down.
Reminding himself he wasn't here to sightsee, he walked a little quicker around back. He wasn't too surprised to see the back door open; figuring a number of thieves might still be around. He hoped not, not really in a defensive mood. Cautiously walking up the few steps, he peered in the door just in case. Seeing only one set of footprints, he knew it was safe. He knew who they belonged to. The house looked like NO one lived in it for months and those feet walked in recently. 'Like only a few hours ago.' He retorted frustrated. The entire time he searched, he was miffed that she didn't ask him to go with.
There is something I have to do in town that I MUST do alone. I don't know WHEN I'll be back, but I WILL be back before long.
His head bowed in submission. He couldn't really blame her. It was incredibly important that she do this in order to be truly happy. He knew that unless she forgave her father, she would never be. She would always carry that around within her until she finally let it go. Maybe fate brought her back to do so. 'I certainly hope so.' He hoped. He wanted to see that last piece of sorrow vanish from her eyes for good. He wanted her to concentrate on him and the circus so he could make her happy. Slowly, he silently stepped through the back door.
He walked over her footprints until he stopped in the dining room. His eyes took in everything and the condition it was in. The interior was a mess to say the least. A few cobwebs hung from corners in the walls and the ceiling. Grime seemed to live everywhere. 'It must've been lovely when it was in use.' He thought. His ears strained to hear any sound she might make, but quiet was all he found. Green eyes closed slowly. His patience was wearing on already strained nerves. It had been too long a day and it wasn't over yet. He still had a show to do.
Walking to the living room caused a pause in his step.
"I came home one night from an errand my mother sent me on, to just get me from the house. When I came back, she was in the living room...d...dead."
He hadn't seen blood since the war ended. Having been around it, and death, for as long as he could remember should've desensitized him. Perhaps it was because he'd been FREE from its hold so LONG, the sight repulsed him so. He felt like gagging. A large puddle of her mother's blood lay stained into the carpet, seemingly forever. Teeth clamped down tightly on his lower lip and he quickly averted his gaze before he was sick. The horrors of war were not lost on him either, he was just never as showy about it before now. He turned to the hallway his eyes landed on and quietly strode to the archway. To his right lay Washu's room without a doubt. The little quirks that she had stood out in what she owned. He knew she'd been there by the spots where the dust hadn't touched. The pattern was broke in spaces around the room. He took a step past her doorway and looked around at where she grew up. Where she slept for many years. A small smile made an appearance, calming him somewhat.
Turning from her childhood personality, his search ended. His eyes watered from the mass amounts of relief he felt when they landed on her hair across the hall. His heart went out to her when he noted the slumped, hunched over position she was over something. He took a few steps toward her. "Washu?" He called out.
She screamed and whirled around. Unable to turn due to numb legs, she flopped around on the carpet, landing on the stain. Feeling the clumped matted carpet under her hand, her fingers dug into it involuntarily as she regained balance. Her jaw clenched as adrenaline coursed through her from the scare, heart pounding as if she had just finished a marathon. Wide eyes slowly closed in realization of whom she was in front of and WHAT she was touching. Quickly, her hand shot away, as if burned. Now at a safe distance, she slowly opened her eyes to Trowa's concerned ones. "What're you DOING here?" She asked slowly.
He stopped above her and quickly kneeled. "I went after YOU." He retorted, feeling that frustration brew again. One hand clasped her chin, making it impossible for her to look away. "Why didn't you TELL me you were coming here?"
Wide, timid eyes looking into pensive green. She slowly blinked. "It was something I had to do alone." She whispered. Her gaze lowered to a spot on his ever-present sweater. "I had to put my demons to rest." He let go of her chin, all anger and annoyance dissolved to nothing. He couldn't stay mad at her and she looked like she'd gone through so much emotionally by just coming back. Yet at the same time, she NEEDED to come back and was very brave by facing what she once ran away from. "I told you not to worry about me." One hand moved to his shoulder. "I told you I'd be back."
He gave a small sarcastic smile. "You can't stop me from worrying about you love. I love you too much to NOT worry about you." Her gaze dropped, but a small smile lit her mouth. One hand lightly touched her upper arm. "Are you okay?" He softly asked. He looked behind her at a matching stain and felt revulsion creep up.
"I ended up in their bedroom and realized soon after I was trapped. I attacked him back, making a move to defend myself. I'd had enough. I had to use what my grandfather taught me to save my life. I knew that he kept a few...'souvenirs' from the war in his drawer. Perhaps I lucked out in running there...I don't know. I managed to stun him long enough to grab a pistol he kept in the top drawer. I warned him I knew how to use the gun and I'd use it on him, but he kept going. He told me I should take what I had coming; that I was asking for it. I realized that he would never change back to the kind man he was. It was either me or him... I pulled the trigger on the gun. I had to kill my own father before he killed ME."
He forced himself not to gag. Not in front of Washu. He quickly swung his eyes to her, to take a small portion of the composure she had to keep from losing it. "That's..."
"Yes." She whispered. She nodded sadly. "His blood. This was their room. It's where I killed him." She slowly opened her eyes and looked over at it. A small shudder ran through her, but not as bad as before. Maybe they were dimming? She hoped so...if felt uncomfortable every time. "My mother's is out in the living room." She looked at him again, nodding after a second. "You've seen it." She stated, not asked. He nodded slowly, lightly clenching his jaw. She reached over and took his hand off her arm. Bringing it up to her mouth, she lightly kissed his knuckles, unconsciously making him feel better, stronger. "I'm ready to go. Take me back home Trowa." Those words were music to his soul.
The two stared at each other for a minute, no words to say. She had gone so far to find the closure she sought, finding only a small measure. She didn't truly understand it, but some was better than none. He smiled slightly and took hold of her hand, helping her up. He entwined their fingers and pulled her into a tight hug, which she greatly accepted. "I love you." He whispered in her ear. He felt he needed to say that, to make sure she understood.
"I know." She dully whispered back. "I love you too Trowa." Lightly, he rubbed her back shortly before stepping back. Slowly, she reached down and shouldered the duffle, unconsciously ready to leave. They walked to the doorway, but she paused in the arch. Trowa was halfway down the hall before he noticed she hadn't followed.
"Washu?" He asked in question. She continued to stare at the stain, unable to hear him. The blood rushed through her ears, blocking out all sound. Years of childhood laughter rang through, casting her back to the past yet again.
"Daddy, daddy! Where ARE you daddy?" She asked, quickly becoming sad. Running to her parent's room, she burst through the closed door and found it empty. Dishearten, her entire body seemed to slouch down. Turning slowly, she closed the door equally so. Sitting on the living room couch, she sighed in the quiet house.
"What's wrong my little Washu?" A small smile came to her eyes from her cherished childhood nickname. She looked over at her mother in the kitchen before looking back at her feet swinging a slow rhythm.
"Gam said that daddy was coming home today." She muttered, still let down. Her mother smiled, knowing something her daughter didn't.
"Come here my little Washu." She gently ordered. Jumping her small body from the couch, she walked to her mother's side and looked way up to her eyes, waiting. Her mother's smile widened. "You came home in such a hurry, did you check the backyard yet?" She asked mirthfully. Youthful midnight eyes widened happily before she broke past her mother. A light chuckle sounded after her as she quickly opened the back door.
"DADDY!" She yelled happily. Her father sat on one of the lawn chairs casually, as if waiting for her. He looked her way and smiled brightly.
"Hey my little Washu. Come give me a hug." Running down the few steps carefully, she nearly jumped into her father's lap. Wrapping her skinny arms tightly around his neck, she planted multiple kisses on his cheeks. He laughed and hugged his only daughter back, having missed her terribly. "I missed you my little Washu." He murmured in her ear.
"I missed YOU daddy! I love you."
A tear fell slowly as she regrettably pulled herself from such a happy memory. "Washu?" She whirled around startled, having forgotten anything else around her. Giving her love a small smile, she turned to the stain one last time.
'I forgive you father.' She thought finally. 'I love you.'
