Line.
Curved angel.
Shading along the curve.
One corner gained a bit of lead that led to less space she could work in.
Deep brown looked up from the lines, curves, and different monochromatic shading to memorize a little more of the beauty into her mind. Inhaling a soft breath, she looked down in utter concentration and continued to draw.
It was so beautiful out here! Though the chill was colder - if possible - for morning, she had been out in it all night and was immune. She traveled at the same brisk pace, never allowing herself a break, never taking time to rest. She managed to walk until her legs wouldn't hold her anymore and wheedled a ride with the remaining Yen in her pocket. That got her to the city next to Toyama and she was forced to walk the rest of the way.
Things she wanted to say, apologies she knew she needed to make, kept running through her head. The walk invigorated her to a feeling of simplistic pleasure, but also made her weary. Right now, she was past tired and to the point of insomniac proportions, but couldn't sleep. She had to draw this sunrise because she knew, somehow, it would be her last. It was an odd thing to be outside on a school day at sunrise, away from home for an entire night.
She stopped and rubbed her eyes before looking at the scene. Even though she was huddling under one of Toyama's park bridges to combat the wind, the stream next to her was breathtaking. It wasn't very wide and only knee-deep, but the bridge was well constructed and nice to look at.
It was barely dusk by the time she got to the city's edge. After that, it was easy to find her way back to the hotel chain. Even though she knew she had to get back and talk with her family, as soon as she got within two miles distance, her feet turned in the other direction. She couldn't make herself return yet and endure all the chaos that would surround her. So she wandered around, taking in the shops and feeling like the only person in the entire city who was awake at such a time. The street lamps guided her and seemed to point to this direction, and here she sat.
There was a long time as she wandered the park, since she never stopped here in any of her other journeys. It was gorgeous, even for the end of winter and she wished she could see it in the spring. The Sakura trees would be wondrous.
She looked back down to the half finished drawing and forced herself not to think. There was much to draw before the sun changed its position and she didn't want to think like that. Being wistful and wondering at a time like this, when she was trying to dissociate, would only bring her back to where she was before. She couldn't let that happen. Thinking of this place as her home wasn't going to help her gain a decision when she met up with her father.
She gave a small sigh. She didn't want this to be the end, but here she was, letting go of the only people she cared for more than her family. She cared about them so much she left her relatives for them! She never intended on thinking this way, never intended on wondering if the decision she made in desperation was the RIGHT one. But one conversation with a new friend changed that.
She smiled and tried to finish the sunrise. She had another bout of inspiration to draw her gracious host by memory and wondered if she could do it. Maybe a few character sketches to get her by and remember. It was worth a shot.
She left the sunrise without shading, knowing with the position she could easily go and finish up, and flipped back a page. Her lips pressed together. Her brow sadly tilted as she looked to the final drawing of Sage's face. It was the first thing she finished when she got the urge to draw and made herself finish it. Teeth harshly bit her lip. It was so lifelike, like Sage himself was standing there. She almost wished he was, so she could try and finally have an actual conversation for once.
Much of her mind wanted to tell Sage how she felt and talk to him for a while. She knew so little about him! She knew less about Sage than she did Ryo or Cye. And she talked to those two most often at lunch. The only exception with Ryo was gym, but there was little there.
She deeply sighed and touched a finger to a shaded cheek, longing to see his face. Her head slowly shook at how pitiful she became in the matter of only a few months. When did all the ice chip away and melt? She didn't know, but some of the thoughts toward Sage weren't ALL bad. Some part of her LIKED feeling like this. The last time she felt attracted to ANYONE was in America and she hadn't allowed herself to feel that since.
With the longing and wishful thinking came the deep despair and sadness of what could never be. Sage didn't like her like that...she wasn't even sure he liked her at ALL. Was he being friendly, or was it an act to placate the others from getting into one massive group discussion? She didn't know, but wished Sage would let her know if he still hated her or not. So rarely did they talk at lunch, and if ANYTHING, it was on homework or a school topic floating around. He never really played during gym unless the others helped her coax him into a Friday match of basketball or whatever they were playing that day.
Tears blurred her eyes. She didn't know why she was crying now, except the one person she liked after so long emotionally distanced himself and she would PHYSICALLY distance herself from him within a few days. By Saturday, she'd be out of his life forever. That was probably the hardest thought to bear, and it hurt to think about.
Brown squeezed shut as she clutched the drawing to her chest, wishing she could find comfort in SOMETHING in her life. Would she always be like this? She didn't want to be a living doll again...that wasn't the way to exist. She COULDN'T! How many times last night did she promise herself she'd NEVER be that person again?
A tear trailed down her cheek as she pulled the picture away and stared at it. Another followed, and soon a torrential downpour that refused to cease. She couldn't help but cry over being unable to for years and over all the stuff that piled on in a matter of almost seven months. Red-rimmed eyes looked to the rising sun. All desire to go home and set things right evaporated with the want to wallow in self-pity at how horrible her life was.
If this was a life at ALL.
~*~*~
Entering the park with the glorious sun rising in his face, Sage briefly stopped and closed his eyes. Clenched in the hand stuffed in his coat was Halo. Rowen had his as well on the other side of the park. The two took opposite sides after figuring out the general direction of this troublemaker.
Feeling her aura a little closer than before, violet slowly opened with a mock, long-suffering sigh. Why did HE have to get this task of being closer than Rowen was? Why couldn't his kanji have been different? Why couldn't he not have these meditative powers?? Why HIM?
Probably the main reason he didn't want to be the one to find the girl was the most obvious. He was uncomfortable with knowing the girl - whom he rarely talked to - was in love with him! That didn't sit very well, since he was always prone to female emotions. That was one reason why he AVOIDED them! To not get into these situations! But, he still considered her more than an acquaintance, though not a true friend yet. His true friends were his fellow warriors and Mia.
It was safe to say handling this situation when she was found didn't get planned out. He didn't want to find her if she didn't want to be found. She said so in her letter that she didn't want anyone to be told she was leaving, but he called the others anyway.
He knew she was making a big mistake. She couldn't leave her family without letting them know where she was...that was just stupid. She ALSO couldn't stay for them. Friendships were never set in stone, unless it was a rare occurrence that brought someone together. Like the Ronin Warriors.
He sighed and shook his head, resolved to not think of this until his target was found. Though he was enlightened and more so with his kanji in his hand, thinking about a solution to someone he might not even find was only going to irritate and confuse him. He'd deal with it when they found her. With a deep breath, his step continued past blossomless Sakura trees.
So caught up in his musings and wandering around, he almost didn't feel his power react the farther he got into the forest. His pace halted immediately upon hearing a soft noise in the area. Violet closed as he strained his hearing to pinpoint the noise. It was soft and muffled, like someone trying to hide it. His brow furrowed in concentration.
Slowly and quietly, feet carefully moved forward, eyes peeking open to make sure he wouldn't run into anything. He stopped at the third bridge and paused at the edge. As quietly as possible, he climbed the gentle rise of wood planks, hand on the railing to keep eyes closed. His feet were invisible against the noise, and the sound was almost above.
Stopping in the center, Sage leaned over the railing in wonder and looked to the water. Violet blinked in astonishment at finding a reflection. Leaning over a little more caught a small chunk of cloth. With narrowing, calculating eyes, a hand gripped the orb and used its power to leap to the other side of the bridge for stealth. He landed on the edge and closed his eyes. He knew who that was, and as the sound hit his ears again, he knew what she was doing.
He fought a sigh, but took a deep breath for strength, gripped his armor orb even tighter for wisdom, and walked to the underside of the bridge. Eyeing her hunched over form, clutching something in her arms, Sage quietly cleared his throat.
"Here you are." He stated, mentally cursing himself for sounding so stupid. But what should've he said - I've been looking all over for you?
She gasped and looked up with red-rimmed eyes. They widened upon seeing the first rays of light shine on Sage's hair, making him look ethereal. What was HE doing here? No wait - more importantly - how did he FIND her?! Her mouth gaped open and closed several times before she managed to look away from those eyes.
THINK! Clearing her head was key to get an explanation out and apologize. After all Sage, and most likely the others, was out looking for her on a school day. "I...I...I-" She stopped and bit her tongue before getting out anything else utterly moronic.
Slowly, he kneeled to the ground and leaned against part of the bridge, feeling uncomfortable. This was ANY of the other's social situations but his. He was prying. He wasn't a prying person. He didn't get involved in other people's business. Then why as he?
Some part wanted to help search and find her, since her family was worried out of their minds. Sage knew upon first seeing Philippe that the man wasn't a bad person, just misguided. Somewhere along the way, he lost sight of his goals and it probably took something like this to make him see what he was doing to his family. And helping the Marzellos seemed like the right thing to do...
The two sat in awkward quiet. She was trying to compose herself and subtly wipe the tears away, though it was anyone's guess to how long Sage was standing there.
Sage was trying to find the right words to bring her back without too much trouble or conversation. Anything he intended on saying during his search was wiped from his mind, even though his hand clenched tighter around his orb for help. His mind prayed for the wisdom of Halo to help get him through this. He exhaled a quiet breath, watching steam waft and disappear.
His gaze wasn't even directed to her and though it hurt a little if he came here to find her, it helped her to wipe the tracks from her face. After what seemed another long pause, she tentatively shifted to cross-legged position and gently put the sketchbook back, not wanting Sage to see her art. She didn't know what he'd think, but didn't want to be more embarrassed than she was NOW.
Looking at her empty hands, she fought for words. So much burned in her mind, but none of it would come out. "Why...why are you HERE?" She whispered.
When their eyes locked, Sage saw such pain and need to understand that it took him aback. Kevin's words repeated in his head and he swallowed. "Your family is worried about you." He answered, looking to the ground.
She thickly swallowed. Somehow, she knew that...but hearing it from Sage made it worse. Her gaze dropped as a small blush stained her cheeks. "But...you came to find me?" A tiny smile appeared. "Are the others here too?"
"Rowen is on the other side of the park." Sage muttered, sneaking a peek through his hair. He blinked and allowed himself a quick stare while she was looking to the ground. A small chunk of bangs fell in front of her face, drawing attention to the slope of her nose. Sage blinked and averted his eyes, inhaling a breath. "I'm not sure where the others are." He muttered, trying to clear his mind. What was that just now?
She slowly maneuvered to the back arch, trying to get a little more comfortable. She knew things were awkward, but this was ridiculous!
Wrapping arms around her legs, she stared past to the sunrise, trying to go back to the serene feeling she gained upon first sitting in this spot. Her eyes slowly moved to the far edge of the stream and followed it to where she sat, watching the water trickle across rocks and dirt. Nature was so lovely...
Leaning back, she suddenly looked to Sage and met his eyes, feeling better. "I'm sorry for putting you through all of this." She evenly answered.
He looked away and slowly started mimicking her stance. "It's okay." He answered, letting go of his armor orb to wrap arms around his legs against the chill.
She looked away a little hurt. He said that EVERY time she apologized! The hands lightly holding her forearms gripped to painful proportions, nails digging into skin. She barely felt it through the rising bout of frustration. Why couldn't Sage accept an apology instead of bypassing the whole deal as if it was NOTHING?! THIS certainly wasn't nothing! She blinked and looked with hard eyes, finding herself being watched. "What?"
He looked away again. "Nothing." He answered, caught watching her again. He always watched her in the past, trying to figure out her moods and herself as a person.
Her temper flared. "Why do you ALWAYS say that?" She blurted out, not really knowing what she was doing. All she knew was she was tired of the formalities and aloofness Sage tacked between them. Not even Ryo or Cye were this bad!
She effectively gained those eyes again, but couldn't stop herself. If she was going to have it out, then so be it. She wasn't going to see him ever again and part of her mind knew she was lashing out to push him away so he wouldn't WANT to see her. Maybe it was BETTER that way...
"Ever since I've known you, through any apology I've ever given, it's always been 'it's okay', or 'it's nothing'." She twisted and sat toward him. "Have you ever, even mentally, accepted ANY apology I've ever said to you?"
Sage blinked at the anger she was projecting, not expecting it. Why was she so mad? Just because he didn't take her apologies to heart? Was it something that small? Females...it was no WONDER he didn't want to get involved!
He sighed and sat back a little, looking to the sun. What did she want him to say? He knew honesty was ALWAYS the best policy, but where did that come to with GIRLS? Guess it was a trap-shoot and he'd just pick up the pieces later.
"Why did I need to in the beginning?" He started, avoiding her gaze. He could almost feel the anger she projected, he didn't to see her for THAT. "You didn't even TALK to me. When you started everything over after that month, I had no way to act around you. I thought I knew your behavior, and then you went and opened up."
She dumbly blinked and sat back, brazenly staring at his hidden profile. Her hands itched to brush back the hair over his right eye, but she severely restrained the urge. This was do-or-die right now. Now was the time to speak from her heart.
"I didn't expect you to know how to act around me." She answered, giving a mildly odd, serious look. "I just wanted you to be my friend and be yourself."
Sage finally looked at her, a brow rising. "That word holds a little more meaning to me than being someone's friend upon first meeting them." He muttered, holding her eyes.
She fought not to look away. "It does with me as WELL. You know a little more about me now...you know how highly I prize friends. For me, friends are rare because I never see them again. I let you five in because - well because of ROWEN really - but after a lot of thought I knew that you weren't all bad and I had to give SOMEONE a chance. Didn't THAT mean anything to you?"
Sage didn't even blink. "I only knew you a MONTH. You avoided me and my friends like we were the plague. Then you expected us to open up after you scorned us and avoided us at lunch. None of us wanted to even SIT at that table after a while since we knew you'd be sitting there. You burned us after we reached out to you in friendship. What makes you think that after you extended YOUR hand that I'd be as forgiving?"
She blinked to hold back tears of hurt. She felt a deep pain inside, radiating somewhere near her heart. So Sage DIDN'T think of her as a friend ,or even acquaintance. It was a safe bet to say he still hated her!
Slowly kneeling, a hand went for her backpack with a lowered head, eyes blinking to keep from crying. She WOULDN'T cry over a guy...even though she held feelings this strong for him.
She knew her answer. She wasn't Sage's friend, the others really didn't tolerate her, and she was staying for NOTHING. Maybe Mia was wrong about them...maybe living in different cities changed one of the groups. Mia might've been a little naive about her 'friends'.
Her fist gripped the strap and slowly drug it over. Brown squeezed shut after she grabbed hold, not wanting to let anything slip. It was all clear now, what she should've done so long ago. They were NEVER friends and were probably better off never introducing each other. Maybe Kento was the exception to his group.
"I see." She breathed, fearing her voice would give way if she said anything louder. "Well...I know it's not any consolation NOW...but...I'm sorry for putting you though all that." She slowly stood and shouldered the pack. In a weak moment of wishing and longing, she locked eyes, giving him a window to how much he hurt her. "I'm sorry that I ignored you when I was trying not to get hurt myself. I'm sorry you five were burned by someone you didn't know and didn't know anything of for six and a half months. And I'm sorry I introduced myself to you." Her eyes hardened. "Apparently we were better off never KNOWING each other."
Not letting him say anything in defense, she took off from under the bridge, tears streaming down her eyes. Why did such emotions have to HURT so much? If she hurt him by ignoring him in the past, then he MORE than made up with it by those words. Well, she wasn't going to finish up school now! She'd drop out this morning and spend the rest of the week with her family - the people she REALLY loved. If she was lucky, they'd forgive her for such a stupid blunder that didn't even pan out!
He was surprised when she stood, but was stunned into immobility when she took off. It didn't take long to recover and jump to his feet.
"HEY!" He shouted, taking off. She had a short lead, but his legs were taller and he'd catch up in no time. "You've got it all wrong!" He called, closing the gap.
A hand shot out and latched onto her arm, inhibiting its movement and slowly her against her will. "Stop so I can EXPLAIN to you." He insisted, trying to keep a grip on her arm. She was fighting him and swung her free hand toward him. He easily caught it and stood there as she continued to try to wrench herself away.
"I don't WANT anymore explanations!" She tearily argued. Brown glared. "You explained yourself QUITE well Sage Date! You hate me, and so do the others! I was NEVER your friend and you never thought ANYTHING of me the entire time we knew each other! I thought I MEANT something to you!"
He sighed, but didn't release her. She still continued to struggle, though it was no use. He was too strong. "You didn't let me finish." He explained, meeting her eyes.
He felt a mild case of guilt for making her cry, though she didn't stay to hear the whole story. Running away was her problem...even if he didn't word it quite right. But he was just speaking the truth he kept hidden and wasn't going to placate her. There was still a small spark he kept from the others that he almost forgot about...until she left and pulled something stupid like this.
"What makes you think I'd WANT to hear what else you have to say?" She shot out, stilling. She looked to his hands and felt a blush start. So...Sage was finally touching her? All it took was intense heartache and misunderstanding. What would it take for a hug? A shot through the HEART?
"Let go of me." She flatly ordered, boring into his eyes.
Sage didn't blink at her behavior, used to this side It was quite interesting, almost unwanted, after seeing nearly six months of a cheerful, upbeat girl. Mentally, he preferred the upbeat version. He was used to her smile and had to admit it looked better than tears and anger.
"If I do, you're going to run away again. And you're not leaving until you hear what I have to say." He knew this would most likely embarrass her, but it would get her to listen. "I heard about you...being...in love with me."
Her jaw felt like it hit the ground! Say WHAT?!
Her eyes widened to ungodly proportions and she ignored the tear that fell. Her mouth gaped again.
"How...how did...how did you KNOW that?" She stammered, face heating up. Oh lord, was she a TOMATO yet? "I hadn't told anyone and I didn't even know anything definite-" Her mouth snapped shut with a click to keep from rambling anything ELSE completely idiotic.
Sage felt a small tinge to his face. Was he blushing? Why NOW? After everything that happened between them...why was THIS incident making him want to squirm? "Kevin...ah...told me." He muttered, not wanting to tell her he was slugged and THEN told.
Wide eyes narrowed to slits as she glared at a spot behind Sage's shoulder. "Voy mataré él." She dangerously vowed. I'm going to kill him.
The little bakayaro KNEW?! Not like that was a hard task for her cousin to see. Kevin would know her mood changes, even when she was hiding something. "I can't BELIEVE he said anything! And to YOU of all people!" She looked to Sage with an indiscernible look before her cheeks flamed and drooped her head. "Oh god...I am NEVER going to be able to look you in the eye again!"
There was another awkward silence. She refused to meet Sage's eyes now that he knew, and he was trying to find the right words to dig his way out of this hole they somehow got stuck in. Finally...he settled on the direct approach. It got him here, and hopefully would get him OUT.
Momentarily pressing his lips together whilst wracking his brain for words, he wished he could free a hand to grip his armor...if not for its wisdom qualities, then its serenity! Never in his life had he been this unnerved!
"Epiphany...please look at me."
She looked up, mostly in shock, only because she never heard Sage speak to her that way! She locked eyes and felt she were being pulled into a violet vortex she was unable to steer clear of...with no want to be. She blinked when he didn't say anything. It allowed her to gain some of her wits, though everything suddenly lost focus like it normally did. Her eyes softened of their own violation.
"S...Sage?" She tentatively queried.
He awkwardly cleared his throat. "I don't know what you feel and I can't tell you to not feel that way, or keep you from feeling like you do. It's not my place to judge your emotions...having never gotten to know you." Violet jerked away in sudden shyness. Was he SAYING this? Just what was he asking? What was he INSINUATING?
He managed a wisp of a smile. "Although I know you're leaving, I'd like to keep in communication with you. It was true, in the beginning, that none of us thought highly of you. But when you opened up, things changed. Just as you changed, so did the others...and...so did I. I...I know you say you can never exchange mail with anyone because of your roving position...but...well, I would like to see a way to change that."
She blinked, bringing the sheen back. Oh lord, was she going to cry AGAIN?
"I...Sage...what're you...SAYING?" She whispered, biting her lip. She looked at him with wide eyes. Both apparently forgotten the hand was gripping one of her forearms, the other her hand. They were still there when she stilled.
He looked above to the sleeping forest before gaining the wits to continue. How was it this was so hard, yet there was a miniscule will to continue? Part wanted to continue, to ask and proposition this. "I'd like to keep in contact - if there is a way. I'm not saying anything is certain, because we don't know what your father will say. But I'd like it if we could write each other and share...about ourselves. Get to know each other better than we did this past year."
He slowly exhaled, trying to loosen the adrenaline in his system. When did that show up?
"Do you mind?" He finished. Now it was up to her.
A tear fell, unnoticed in her awed and shocked state. There WAS a god up there! Whatever it was she prayed and or wished for came true!
Taking them both by surprise, her arms jerked from Sage's grasp and tightly wrapped around him with a laugh/cry. "Yes Sage! Yes! You don't know what it means to me to hear you SAY that! This's the first time I'd EVER have kept in contact with ANYONE!" Tears of happiness fell as she buried her head in his jacket.
It took him a bit to hug her back, since he didn't expect her to. It wasn't SO bad... Slowly, arms tentatively snaked around her stature and lightly hugged her until stepping back. "The sun's almost risen." He announced, looking to the ball of light. His eyes didn't burn, as his kanji was light, and was still in his jacket. "We'd better get you back."
With a sniff, a smile on her face, she wiped her eyes as best as possible and looked at him. Her face seemed to glow, as she surely felt that way. All the harsh words, hurt, and anger were gone and forgotten with this beautiful moment. She wished to stay here forever, but they had a problem communicating in front of each other...it was best not to ruin it.
With a nod, as she cast a final look to the park. If Sage's wish came true, they'd have plenty to talk about later. With that thought cheering her up, she beamed and let him lead her out of the park.
Halfway through, Sage's attention diverted and he stopped walking. Keen eyes caught a flash of dark blue and white and narrowed. Rowen. That baka KNEW better than to search in his subarmor! What if someone saw him!?
"Rowen!" Sage called, casting a quick glance behind to make sure his companion hadn't wandered off. Seconds later, clad in normal clothes, Rowen walked from a small grove of bushes. He nearly glared. Sending a quick glance to the confused girl, he told her to stay put and walked over. "Are you crazy?!" He hissed. "What if someone SAW you?"
Rowen's brow rose, but he cast off Sage's behavior as anxiety. Rowen looked around his friend and spotted their target standing a few yards away, watching and waiting. He gave a good-natured grin. "Well, I see you found her first." Rowen gave a wink. "Talk about anything while I was searching?" He kidded, nudging Sage.
Sage glowered at his friend. "That's none of your business. But she's ready to go back home, so let's get her back."
That got Rowen's attention. "She's NOT staying?" He queried, brows going up.
Sage smirked and started back, dragging Rowen with. "Why don't you ask her YOURSELF."
As soon as the two were within better hearing range, Rowen didn't even wait. "So shorty...I hear you're going to leave after all?" He shot out, grinning. Inside, part of him was sad, but knew it had to be this way.
She didn't bristle at the nickname, but didn't look him in the eye. "Yea I am...smarty." She kidded, grinning.
Rowen's gaze shot down. "You actually came UP with something?" He breathed, giving a mock amazed look. Their gazes locked. "Not very creative...but I'll take it."
She laughed and wrapped an arm around his, giving it a quick squeeze. "You're weird. Has anyone ever told you that?"
"I have." Sage put in. He gave Rowen a glare, trying not to smile. "It doesn't do him justice though."
Rowen decided not to say anything and turned to the girl next to him. "So, you're REALLY heading back?"
She gave a thoughtful nod, sighing seconds later. "Hai... But, I think it'll be DIFFERENT this time..." A small smile blossomed. "I think - after this - father will see MY side now."
~*~*~
She let the two knock on the door and stood off to one side. Kevin opened the door and immediately yanked her inside, keeping a tight grip on her arm. As soon as the door was shut, parents and Ronins looking to see what was going on, the two cousins were already in a tight bear hug.
"I'm sorry for worrying you Kevin." She whispered. When he pulled back, she harshly swallowed. "I'm sorry for this whole ordeal."
Kevin gave a teary smile and blinked. "As long as you're back and don't EVER pull anything like that again...I think I can overlook it."
"EPI!"
She was bowled over and thrown from Kevin when Willow knocked her over. A pair of twig-thin arms wrapped around her waist with the intention. "You left me Epi...where did you go?" Deep brown looked into deep brown.
She smiled and smoothed her sister's hair. "I went all over Will. I had a good talk with someone very helpful who opened my eyes and I've got a picture of a park to show you later." She answered, kneeling to give her sister a hug. Willow missed her, but didn't know why she was gone. It was just as she thought.
"Epiphany?" Her throat clogged, tears spilling over. Slowly, she stood and let go of Willow, coming face to face with her mother. Silently and quickly, the pair hugged and she knew she didn't have to say she was sorry. For her mother to know she was safe and sound - and back home - was enough for her.
That was perhaps the easiest apology she had yet to give. Keeping her father for last, she let go and walked into the living room where a few of the others were shacked up.
Cye was the only one who looked any resemblance of awake. Kento was quietly snoring in a chair, Ryo dozing, and Cye quickly joining his friend. "Guys." She quietly called, slowly stepping down into the center.
Cye looked up and gave an amazed blink. Ryo stirred and she gently smiled, leaning over to slowly shake him awake. Those beautiful eyes choppily opened and widened. She gave him a sweet smile and leaned back. "Ryo." She held out hands to both. Each took one and gave her inquiring, relieved looks. "I'm sorry I worried you with the letters I gave; for making you come all the way here; for having to look for me; any undue stress in the entire time we've known each other; and for being here for my family when you didn't have to."
Ryo grinned. "What're friends FOR Epi?" He joked.
She gave him a shocked look; that was the first time ANY of them used her nickname. She felt a small squeeze and met Cye's gaze, getting a pleasant nod. She gave a relieved smile and turned to Kento with a smile upon hearing another snore. She left the two, knowing everything was okay, and kneeled.
"Kento...Kento wake up." It didn't take long to shake him awake and when it did, Kento shot up in the chair and looked at her. She only smiled and leaned forward, giving him a gentle hug. "I'm glad to see you Kento." She whispered, leaning her head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry I left, but I'm back and I apologize for everything."
Kento hugged her with a confused look, quickly turning to a small, understanding smile. "Nothing to forgive. As long as you don't make anymore stupid mistakes like that." He admonished, chucking her on the chin.
She smiled and pulled away, helping him stand. "I thank you all for staying here with my family when I was gone. I know you're all pretty tired and there's a lot to talk about." After waiting for the three to follow her to the front door, she locked eyes with Rowen. She had yet to apologize to him.
"So smarty-"
"No need to keep repeating yourself." Rowen butt in, waving her off. She smirked with an understanding glint in her eyes. After a brief pause, she nodded and held a hand out. Rowen took it and they slowly shook.
Biting her lip, she turned to Sage. "I'll be in school later or tomorrow to give you the details."
"I'll be sure to keep it safe." He answered, taking a few steps backward. The others gave a curious look. She waved goodbye as they headed for the elevator.
"What did she MEAN Sage?"
"What did YOU mean Sage?"
"Nothing."
"Oh you're SO not getting out of this!"
"Yea, what happened when you two searched out there??"
"Nothing."
"Hey now that's not FAIR!"
"DROP it guys."
She giggled, feeling tears come. But she didn't truly feel sad. This was a new beginning, she could feel it. Something would change for the better today.
Shutting the door, she stopped in the middle of the area and locked eyes with the last person she had yet to talk to. Tears swam in Philippe eyes as he beckoned to a chair. Before she moved, she looked to the rest. "Mother, Willow, Kevin...can father and I have some solo time?"
"Of course baby." Consuela quickly rounded Willow up. "Come on Will, let's go downstairs for breakfast." The three quickly left, letting silence deafen.
She stopped in front of the chair, seriously looking at her father. "I don't intend on shouting." She whispered, keeping his gaze.
Philippe gave a small smile. "And I promise to listen and compromise." Suddenly, he stood and engulfed her in a hug. "I'm sorry hija." He whispered, stroking her hair.
She hugged him back, feeling tears fall. "I'm sorry for all of this padre. But maybe now we can sit and talk. Like ADULTS."