Typing away with a storyline strategically plotted out in her head was always something she loved to do. It was someplace she reached whenever she had a good length of time for creation and silence to delve into. Silence helped her think, and sometimes she'd use music as inspiration for her stories. At times, she would pause the music on her trusty laptop and reread what she had...for either pleasure or to see where to go next.
There weren't many times with her schedule where she could do something like this and not worry about time. She always kept so busy to keep from getting bored, which happened easy for her, or overwhelmed with things to do. A schedule was a habit she had to keep everything in order to keep from stressing out. Mentally tallying things throughout her day was a mental process she went over at least once a day, sometimes more.
Times like that often got to her as well, and it was times like THESE when she liked being void of people and set in silence. With only her guide resting on the floor next to her bed, napping away, she allowed herself to relax and smile. Spinning tales of old mythology or short stories was her way of having fun.
Which was why she was sorely disappointed and irritated when the phone rang!
She startled and quickly paused the music on the computer before reaching a hand down to find Beethoven. The last thing she wanted to do was step on him in her haste to find out who was calling for her father. She knew no one would call for her, because no one ever DID. Too bad he left for work three hours ago, or she wouldn't even bother to get up.
After the fourth ring, she quickly reached down and took the phone, annoyance rising by the second. Now she'd NEVER finish the story she was working on! It surely wouldn't have the same feel or mindset when she returned to it... She probably would end up scrapping the whole thing!
"Moshi moshi?" She asked, trying to keep her voice even. She bit back a put-out sigh.
"Moshi moshi...is this Kimon-chan?"
A brow rose at the unexpectedness of it all. Someone WAS calling for her...and it was the last person she ever expected to talk to again. "Hai...konnichi wa Epiphany-san."
Epiphany pouted at the formal use to her name, but bypassed it. There were more important things at hand. "Konnichi wa. I was just calling to let you know that Mia-chan and I are on our way over to say hello in person."
"NANI?" She burst out, eyes shooting open. "What...why...how...where ARE you??"
Epiphany smiled. "As far as Mia-chan reports, we're about five or six blocks away from your home. You didn't think she'd be this rich and not own a cell phone, do you?"
She could hear Mia's soft, amused voice in the background, but barely heard it through the pounding in her heart. She tried to take a deep breath, but was unable. "Why are you coming over? You haven't even called to ask my PERMISSION-"
"It was supposed to be a SURPRISE, but Mia-chan thought it would be nice since you have to buzz us up apparently."
Her mouth set in a deep scowl. "What if I don't feel up to a visit? I was right in the middle of something actually." Every bit of her voice was even and void of emotion to keep from offending, though the words were hardly polite. She didn't WANT anyone intruding on her private time!!
"Is there any way you can go back to it? I see the tips of your complex over the trees."
A frown marked her face. How impetuous of the girl...to think she could come over uninvited and expect to be welcomed. She didn't WANT anyone here! This home belonged to no one but herself, otousan, and Beethoven. No one else visited without a better reason, save for Mia. But the girl had her with her question. She could save her writing and go back to it whenever she wanted. But, DAMN IT ALL, she didn't WANT to! "I-"
"Onegai? I was hoping to give you your Christmas present, but what I bought didn't suit you after Christmas Eve, and I had to get you something else. I leave in three hours back for home and wanted to talk to you one final time before then."
Her brows rose through her confusion. It was a funny picture, had someone been looking. A mix of surprise, befuddlement, and wariness all in those unseeing eyes and forehead. "Why do you want to talk to ME?" She sidestepped. In the background, she could hear Mia's quiet announcement that they arrived. A bit of panic ensnared her. "We don't even know each other at all."
"Exactly. So...do you mind if we come up?" Epiphany hesitantly asked.
Yup...entirely too impetuous. But what could she do? They were in the car, waiting for her ok. What was she going to do...tell her good friend Mia NO? Seeing her would be nice after the few days apart. "Give me a minute and I'll buzz you up..." She muttered, hanging up the phone without waiting for an answer. She finally heaved a loud sigh, aggravated by this unwanted change of events. She'd rather see Mia over Epiphany, but one must take the good with the annoyingly cheerful.
She hurriedly went to the wall and pressed the buzzer for a few seconds before plopping into the chair to wait. The soft jangle of tags greeted her ears and headed for her with a nose that rested on her leg seconds after. She heaved another sigh and scratched his ears for a brief time, listening for footsteps outside the door. It didn't take long and two sets of well-trained ears perked up as they stopped outside. Beethoven barked when a short knock sounded before she quieted him. She grabbed his collar, not knowing how the girl would react to her dog, and unlocked the door. "BT-kun...uresai." Quiet.
Without giving another greeting, a happy gasp rent the room as Epiphany dropped to her knees in front of Beethoven. "Why HELLO there you!" She gleefully gushed, immediately scratching him under the chin. "You're such a handsome boy, aren't you? Yes you are, yes you ARE!"
She blinked at the baby talk, something SHE never used, and numbly let go of her hold on his collar. She heard that tail of his wag as he panted in happiness over the attention. So much for her theory. "Konnichi wa Mia-chan." She quietly greeted, stepping back. She went for the door as both dog and girl walked around to the center of the room and resumed their activity. She quietly closed the door and relocked it before going back to the chair.
"Konnichi wa Kimon-chan." Mia responded, standing in amusement at Epiphany's behavior. An obvious pet-lover that one. "Epiphany came here not only to give you something, but a proposal."
A raven brow rose. "Hai?" She warily queried, going to the noise in her home. "And what would THAT be?"
Epiphany had the smile of a child with a baby animal as she continued to faithfully scratch Kimon's seeing-eye dog. "The weather is nice and crisp and just right for a walk in the park. I was wondering if you'd like to accompany us and thought it'd be nice to surprise you."
Her face smoothed, even though she felt like scowling in irritation at that innocent offer. The smile made her blood boil on low. All she wanted to do was to begrudgingly accept the gift and go back to typing. Every bit of her wanted to say a harsh no and go back to the solitary she was immersed in, but found she couldn't say the words. It wasn't that she WOULDN'T, she COULDN'T be impolite. Not after all that happened for that to be drilled into her mind. "Why must I come along?" She sidestepped, once again trying for an out. Didn't this girl see how much she wanted to be alone??
Epiphany locked eyes, still paying absent attention to the dog next to her. She felt a little nervous doing this, but had to resolve to be strong. Something had to change this person. "I just told you. And I'd like to talk to you before I go."
"Why can't we talk here?"
Epiphany's eyes swung to Mia's, a little pleading. She knew if anyone could get this blind, anti-social girl outside, it was her.
Mia slightly scowled, but caved in and put a hand on Kimon's shoulder. She wanted her friend outside about as much as Epiphany did, if not for the walk, to get her into the world and out of the one created by her mind. "Kimon-chan...can I talk to you? Onegaimasu?"
Epiphany watched the two head off around a corner and a door quietly shut. She couldn't hear the voices, but knew that Mia was doing her best to get the girl to come outside. She just knew it. Deep brown turned to the dog, giving him her full attention. "Is she always that stubborn?" She quietly murmured. A smirk appeared when Beethoven continued to pant as she scratched his coat.
What seemed like minutes later, the two returned...Kimon looking not as happy about being with her friend and getting fresh air as she should be. Epiphany just smiled and scratched Beethoven's shaggy coat, standing when the two stopped. She met Mia's eyes and the elder gave a wry smile, explaining everything without words.
"We ready?" Epiphany asked.
"I'm going to take Beethoven out for that walk as well, since he can use the exercise and you apparently have no problem with him." She evenly answered. With a snap of her fingers, the dog was at her side and she silently went back to her room to outfit him with his harness.
"So, I take it she put up a fight when you two were alone?" Epiphany whispered, straying closer to Mia.
Mia scowled. "I told you she doesn't like people that much and doesn't like to be outside. I had to do some pretty heavy convincing. Just don't ask me to do it again."
Epiphany gave a small, wry smile. "Mia-chan shinmpai suranai...I'll be gone soon remember?" Don't worry...
The door clicked and their heads whirled around. "Alright, let me grab my coat and we're ready." She walked past them and snatched one from inside the closet next to the front door. After silently donning it, she reached out for Beethoven's harness and opened the door. "Shall we?" Not waiting for an answer, she stepped across the threshold and waited for the others to exit so she could lock the door.
~*~*~
"Can I ask you a question Kimon?"
"You already did."
Epiphany had to chuckle. "ANOTHER one then. On a sort of...hypothesis...ano...how would you tell a guy that...that you loved him?"
Raven brows shot up to her hairline. "You're asking ME this? I've never dated."
"¡¿NUNCA?!" NEVER?!
The foreign word passed over her head, but she went with the incredulous tone of voice and guessed. "I have no reason to date 'guys'." She evenly answered, looking away. A silent moment passed before a bulb turned on. "You're asking about you and Date-san aren't you?"
Epiphany felt her cheeks warm. "...Hai." She quietly answered, feeling a girlish smile light her face. "Mia-chan says I should say something to him before it's too late and I end up with him as a friend forever. But...I don't know...I'm just-"
"Kowaii." Scared.
"Hai...sore."
"Mia-chan is very wise for being so young. You should listen to her advice, and listen to what's in your heart and act on that instead of what your mind tells you." Kimon stoically answered. Her eyes closed as they kept walking. "Before you let the chance pass you by. And you're left with 'what if's'."
Epiphany grinned tenderly, knowing that this was one of the few times Kimon ever gave her advice. "Arigatou Kimon-chan."
"So how long do you intend for us to be outside?"
Epiphany had to grin. "How can you hate such nice weather?"
"I didn't say I hated it, I just don't get much free time to myself. I live on a schedule and father's always watching over me."
"But he was gone when we arrived?..."
"Work."
Epiphany 'hmmed' and paused as the two walked over the bridge. It was one of the many dotting the park on such a gloriously sunny, cloudless day. Mia departed from their side only minutes before, giving Epiphany a chance to talk to Kimon.
She bent over the bridge and remembered the past two times she was at parks like these. A small, amused snort passed her as she wistfully looked around. How she wished to come back in the spring and see the Sakura blossoms for herself... "You know the first time I ever saw a park like this was when I ran away from the hotel me and my family stayed at?"
A brow rose, but she stayed silent. Again, she was learning something from someone who was leaving the country and probably bound not to return, if not for a long time. Her back rested against the railing as her hand rested over Beethoven's head to keep him in place and not to forget his position. She didn't want to look more foolish than she did NOW.
Deep brown subtly swung over and back to the scenery. She didn't THINK the girl would say anything. "Sage found me hiding under a bridge and he and Rowen walked me back."
"Why are you telling me these things? I don't know you, you will never know me, and you're leaving today. Why bother getting to know me?" She finally asked, exasperated at hearing something she was hardly listening to.
Epiphany's gaze lowered to the trickle of cold water below, lips pouting almost shyly. "I already told you. I don't want you to end up like I was. Dead inside. I'd give anything for anyone to keep from feeling that. Why do you shut yourself up anyway? Being blind is no excuse because you've mastered getting around that. People could hardly know from looking at you if they watched you move around your home."
Her lips pursed, but she kept quiet. Why should she be expected to answer such a personal question? If she answered that, her darkest secret would be exposed. And she'd be pitied...something she LOATHED.
"You still don't trust me?" Epiphany quietly queried, eyes locked on that thin frame.
"I thought you said you wouldn't be offended if I didn't?" She parried, a brow rising. "Don't expect someone like me to be your friend in the matter of two weeks. If you say you know how I feel, it would take you just as long to befriend Mia-chan's friends."
Sadness tinged her face, but she popped a smile on and hoped the emotion wouldn't show. "A girl can always hope..." She quietly answered. "Being friends with me wouldn't be THAT bad would it? I mean, even though I'm leaving, just saying you know me and didn't think I was that bad of a person isn't so hard to bear, is it?"
She looked to the sun and stared at it, letting the heat warm her face. Why was she being put on the spot like this? All she wanted today was to indulge in a simple pleasure she didn't get to do very often. And now, not only was she taken from that, but she was being thrust into a conversation she didn't want to have, with someone she tolerated because the girl stayed at Mia's house.
So why couldn't she snuff this girl then? If she said yes, Epiphany would never talk to her again, she was sure of it. She could go back home with very little guilt since the girl would be gone. But she couldn't do it. Just knowing someone else out there felt the same gave her that bond, even though they were oceans apart. Someone else knew her pain, knew exactly what this loneliness was like...even if it was mostly forced on her part.
"So, you want to know why I shut the world out?" She evenly asked, giving Beethoven an absent scratch when he shifted. She dodged the question again to keep from answering it, like she didn't want to do. Silence greeted her question, but she felt she was being watched. She had the girl's rapt attention. Her eyes closed, still in the direction of the sun. "It's my punishment. For what happened in the past."
"What happened in the-"
"That...I will never tell you." She gripped the harness and swung away from the girl. "If you don't mind Marzellos Epiphany-san, shall go find Mia-chan and get out of this chill before my dog catches cold? And I think I've had enough walking for one day."
~*~*~
It came to pass through a bit of pointed ignorance, that she found herself being drug along for another ride...this time to the airport. She DIDN'T want to go to the airport, but had no choice except to go with. She didn't want to go IN, but knew she had to, for she didn't feel safe enough to stay in the car and wait for their return. She didn't know when Mia would return. But she was convinced to leave Beethoven in the car, provided the windows would be cracked for fresh air, all doors securely locked behind their exit, and the fact that the place was going to be PACKED. That last one was enough for her to tell Mia to drop her somewhere else, or take her home, if she wasn't trying to relax in her seat from the car itself.
She was escorted by Mia into the building as Epiphany had all her luggage with her...as she found out by the back trunk opening and shutting. They wound around cars and her ears were overrun with noise the second the automatic doors swung open. She cringed and unconsciously strayed closer to Mia's side, keeping a tighter grip on her arm. She was given a silent pat on the hand, but it did little to reassure her. The only thing that would was walking right out those doors and away from so many eyes.
After checking in all the bags and carry-on, the three remained in the vicinity of the check-in counter. Deep brown scanned the areas almost constantly, expectation in those eyes. The flight loaded in about half an hour, and she hadn't said goodbye to the OTHERS yet. They planned it to meet her at the airport to see her off, much like her arrival. Epiphany bit her lower lip and wondered if they'd make it in time. It was early afternoon...but an airport was NO place to be around the holidays.
After another ten minutes of scanning caught a patch of blue hair from the tallest member. She sighed in relief and felt her shoulders sag. "There they are Mia-chan." She pointed out, waving to get their attention. The others weaved toward her and she moved everyone to the wait area for the room...and chairs to sit in.
Her carry-on rested on the empty seat next to her, with Kento on the other side and Ryo to the other. She wanted to use this precious time to say her proper 'goodbye's', but couldn't get past the sorrowful lump in her throat. It was all she could not to keep the tears away as she sat and stared at the ground, trying not to think this was happening. Where did two weeks go??
"Hey," Kento suddenly announced, plopping a hand on her shoulder, "this isn't GOODBYE you know...more like a ja." See you.
"Ja..." She whispered, absently nodding. Her eyes misted from his voice and swung up to his face, wrapping him in a fierce hug. "Arigatou gozaimasu Kento-chan...for everything." She whispered, taking a deep breath.
He hugged back and gave her shoulder a light, encouraging pat. "You just write to me sometime...hai?"
She pulled back and grinned. "Hai."
Standing on leaden legs, she moved to Ryo and hugged him when he stood as well. "Like Kento said...you be sure to write more than just Sage. Okay?"
She smiled and nodded. "Hai Ryo-chan." She quietly answered. Her eyes dropped. "I'm going to miss you guys intensely."
"Daijoubu...You'll have to plan another trip in the future." It's okay...
Epiphany gave him another smile, partly through tears, and was engulfed in a playful hug from behind. A large grin popped up as she went slack in Rowen's arms and was let go almost immediately. A cry left her as she nearly fell to the floor, but managed to steady herself. She whipped around and gave her friend a light swat on his arm. "Oi! What'd you do THAT for??"
"Things always get way too serious with you shorty." He commented, shrugging through a grin.
She couldn't help but grin back. "Maybe I LIKE it that way..." She gave him a poke to his arm, and hugged him seconds later. "I'm going to miss this too..." She murmured.
"Hey...you can write me all you want and we can trade insults and sarcasm. How's that?"
Epiphany looked into those blue eyes and saw a tinge of sadness and knew he hid it very well. "Sounds like a plan smarty."
There weren't as many words to exchange with Cye, since she didn't really talk to him much throughout the time she knew him. Cye was shy and polite, and although she was as well, she just found him to be a little hard to connect to.
The call to board the first half of the plane suddenly came and Epiphany's mind raced. She stood in front of Sage with mildly wide eyes, partially sad, and somewhat like a deer in front of an oncoming car. Her mouth wouldn't even gape open to spew out nonsense words or a goodbye, thought it was all running through her head at a rapid pace.
"Oh...so I'm the only one who doesn't get a hug or even at least a 'goodbye'?" Sage quietly joked, his mouth tilted upward.
She gave a weak smile and tentatively stepped forward, arms going around his neck. Her heart was pounding so hard...she prayed that he didn't feel it, or at least mistaken it for something else. She knew she couldn't REALLY tell Sage she still loved him, not in an environment like this, with all his friends around. She didn't have the guts, and they'd BOTH be embarrassed by it. Even IF there was something else she wanted to do as badly instead of words. She just didn't know if he'd ever write or talk to her again...
"You be sure to write me the moment you get home, so I know everything goes okay. And be sure to keep me up to date on your college stuff." He quietly answered, feeling his heart sink a little. There were few times when he held Epiphany, and also the first girl he ever held like this, and it would be the last for quite some time. Sage almost didn't want to let go of the strange feeling that fluttered in his stomach.
Epiphany slowly pulled back and stared into dual violet pools, even as her ears heard the second announcement for first half of boarding. Teeth harshly bit her lip as she managed a numb nod. Her hands were shaking so bad...but her index fingers felt the softness of Sage's hair and her heart plummeted to her stomach. She had it so bad... Just looking into those eyes made her want to go with plan B all that much more...
"You should listen to her advice, and listen to what's in your heart and act on that instead of what your mind tells you. Before you let the chance pass you by. And you're left with 'what if's'."
"So...I guess this's goodbye..." He almost awkwardly trailed. Those dark orbs were staring so intently into his and he couldn't figure out what emotion was staring at him. He wanted to know what she was thinking. In a small attempt to break the silence, his mouth tilted a little. "Hey...aren't you even going to say goodby-"
Her lips closed around his before she could stop herself. Her hands pressed his face more to her shorter level, catching him on a prime opportunity. Her eyes remained firmly shut, so she couldn't see the surprise, or distaste in his. In the span of a heartbeat, she memorized the feel of his lips and his arms around hers before letting go. She looked into his eyes and hurriedly dug into her pocket. Her hand grabbed his stunned one, pressing a folded note into his palm before stepping back. "Read it only when you're alone." She murmured.
A quick gaze caught shocked looks from everyone. Even a raised brow from Kimon. Without a word, she swiped the carry-on bag from its resting spot and almost hastily made for the forming line around the corner. "Sayonara! I'll miss you all!" She proclaimed, waving before she walked around the corner and was gone.
Sage blinked and barely felt the paper flutter from his stunned, frozen hand to the floor. He didn't even blink, just stared where the Hispanic walked to. His mouth was still wide open, but his heart was pounding a mile a minute...even as an all new warm feeling spread through his veins.
Rowen was the first to break through Sage's stupor by clapping a hand on his back. "Wow buddy...nice going there. Didn't know you had it in you lover-boy."
Glaring violet whipped around to his good friend. "URESAI YO!" Sage growled, his face flaming. He quickly swiped the letter from the floor and stuffed it in his pocket. "Shall we go then? And NO backtalk in the car Rowen!" A finger pointed in Strata's face, making him close his mouth in haste.
"What about me?" Kento piped up, standing and stretching. An evil grin arose on his face. "I can think of a few things I'd like to say."
"Yea, like how long have you two been playing patsy?" Ryo added with a smirk. "I take it that was the first move?"
Sage glared at his old leader, not bothering to answer, before twisting around and heading for the doors.
Mia, for the most part, was still in shock and watched the four hurry to follow Sage since he was the one to drive them here. Never did she think everything the Hispanic would so something so bold as to kiss Sage Date. She didn't think Epiphany had that much courage, since she couldn't even say the WORDS...but apparently she was very wrong. "Well......shall we go?"
Kimon blinked from her thoughtful stupor and automatically stood, entwining her arm with Mia's. She was led back to the car, her mind a fog. She almost would've traded her hearing for sight to see the look on both their faces. Her ears caught most of the kiss through the noise, but that was only speculation until the others piped in with the sarcastic comments.
Part of her wondered if Epiphany kissed Sage from the advice she gave. That wasn't meant to be anything more than to get her to get off the topic of something as foreign as her language. Who knew the advice she gave was something that set in motion something that would affect their friendship?
She was thrown from her thoughts when the engine suddenly roared to life and Mia backed from the parking spot. Automatically, she tensed, and her fingers found the seatbelt, pulling it a little tighter.