It was a little hard to go back through the forest carrying Kimon than it was leading her. Though she wasn't heavy enough to put major strain on him, Cye regretted jostling her around like he was by stepping over rocks, tall grass, and loose sticks. The sun just started setting when he finally let go, only to discover she was deep asleep and probably HAD been for a while.
As soon as he looked to her peaceful face, the first thought in his mind was he did NOT want to take her back home. Not for the questions it would arise, or the accusations by Ataki-san. Kimon needed time AWAY from it all, and he wasn't going to put her back into the real world just yet. Doing that would force him to leave her and he wasn't going to do that until they got everything sorted through. If only the world could STOP for a day or two till they got everything worked OUT...
Finally spotting the back door, he gently moved her position so one hand would be able to knock on the wood. He carefully took the few steps to make sure Kimon REMAINED asleep and not to trip. It was a tense moment as he debated whether or not to knock, but knew he couldn't stand like this all day. Also, he needed some time to think and absorb all this. And cradling Kimon, with her body unconsciously slightly curled against him wasn't helping him to think at ALL. Taking a deep breath, he rapt on the wood and moved Kimon again back to her original position.
Blue took in her face as he waited. Already, he could hear a muffled voice somewhere in the house and movement. But he ignored it and thought back to all she said, finding her remarkable for the way she managed to survive and grow up pretty well for being blind with no mother. He felt sorry for her with those aspects. Even if he was way past seeing her blindness as anything out of the ordinary, no one should be without a mother to help guide you in your life. He only wondered what she missed out on in those crucial years of her youth.
"CYE?! What're YOU doing here??"
His head jerked around and solemnly stared at Mia's shocked face. Blue momentarily went back to Kimon's face before meeting blue. "We...had a little talk out by Sage's spot." He mumbled, moving aside as she pushed the screen door open.
"You finally talked to her about it?? What did she say? How is she doing? What happened??"
"Calm down Mia... She needs rest the most, and I need a little time alone to do some thinking." Seeing the ever-present tiger next to Mia, he walked over and met ancient eyes. "Boy...can I trust you to help me get Kimon-chan to bed?" He got a kitty nod and gently draped Kimon over the tiger's back.
Mia held the door open for both human and tiger, following close behind as they headed into the estate. She was relieved to hear Kimon wasn't anything other than asleep. With the look on Cye's face and her comatose form, she wondered if Kimon was hurt and unconscious! "Come on Cye...can't you tell me ANYTHING right now?? I've been worried for Kimon-chan ever since you called! I need details before I start pulling my hair out!" Silence followed her fretful demands as the duo slowly started up the stairs. "Come ON Cye! At LEAST tell me why you didn't let me know you were coming to the property..."
Cye stopped outside the room he and Kento shared with a deep sigh. He didn't turn around. "It was a split decision Mia. And I can't tell you anything until I talk to Kimon-chan and make sure she's fine before I ask if it's okay to tell you." He threw a look that showed emotions from their earlier talk to Mia. "If she gives the okay...I'll tell you later."
He cut off any other explanations and opened the door, keeping it from moving as White Blaze entered. They stopped in front of his bed and Cye carefully transported Kimon from the tiger to it. He covered her with his bedspread, smoothing a few locks that came out from an ear.
His face smoothed on reflex as he stared at her. She unconsciously snuggled against his pillow, the tiniest of smiles on her face. His heart twinged in comfort, knowing that she was seeking solace in his smell. With a tiny sigh, he reached out and dug in his nightstand drawer...pulling out a light blue box.
"She's staying in YOUR bed??" Mia asked, brows rose in mild shock. She peeked around Cye's hunched form to try and see what he was doing. Blaze also sat next to him, making it hard for her to see what was going on.
"It'll help her until I get back." He muttered, taking out the orb. He set the box on the nightstand, knowing it would be safe to leave it out. Fisting it in his palm, he stood and faced Mia. "She knows my scent and that'll calm her a little." Feeling the emotions start to bubble up by his near departure, Cye gave Mia a grave look. "Watch after her for a while Mia. I'll be on the premises, but I need some time in my element to collect my thoughts."
Instantly, Mia looked to his hands, finding one clenching into a tight fist. A light blue faintly pulsated out of the cracks and she solemnly nodded. "I'll keep an ear for when she awakes. Do you...want me to talk to her when she DOES wake up?"
"Just reassure her that I'm still on the estate. Anything else, that depends on what you can get out of her." Not bothering to elaborate, he slowly walked around Mia and backtracked for the back door. He couldn't stay in Kimon's presence much longer without the need to explode and hit something or cry out the unfairness he felt toward her life. NO ONE deserved the life she had! Such a sweet, kind, polite girl... And fate toyed with her!
When he reached the back porch, he leapt into the air for the ground. When he touched soil, light blue and white subarmor covered his body with barely a thought. Feeling the power of Torrent course through him, Cye took off in a dead run for Sage's spot again. That waterfall went directly to a small lake. Perfect for him to escape the real world for a while.
His feet gained wings as he took off at full speed with the need to outrun this problem. Not even breaking a sweat and reaching the rock in record time, Cye jumped through the momentum and easily cleared the rock and the ledge. After a flip to turn over, he dove straight down with the falls and landed headfirst into a very cold lake. It would've given him hypothermia without Torrent, but his armor adjusted and kept his body warm. Blinking to adjust his sight under the darkening water of approaching night, he swam to the bottom and sat. It didn't take long to get used to breathing with Torrent again. Using the pressure of water, he started punching and kicking it to get out all the frustrations of the day.
NEVER did he think Kimon's past was that horrible! Most of him thought she was making it worse than it actually was. But that certainly wasn't the case! His mind whirled as his body kept at it, not even getting tired with help from his armor. Teeth tightly clenched as his anger started boiling on low. It made sense now...why she ran. Did she think he would think badly if she told him?? Avoiding him wasn't the way to go and she only hurt herself before telling him. She got out some of the pain she kept inside, but he wondered how much she had left. Eighteen years...that was too long to hold something so awful to oneself.
By the time he was exhausted, the water was so dark he couldn't see inches in front of his face. The sun had officially set and night arrived. Only with his armor did he keep from freezing and drowning. Quite a handy thing for getting rid of one's aggressions. Cye slumped to the mud bottom and clutched handfuls in tight fists. He still felt helpless and angry. Though his anger was brought down a few notches, it was still there. He couldn't go back like this... His jaw clenched. If only there was something he could DO!
A fist moved, as fast as it could in water, and pounded the ground. Mud and soil stirred and blackened the area even more, but he repeated the movement. Finally, a yell escaped his lungs and mixed with the bubbles that lazily trailed up to the surface. He slumped to the bottom, heavily breathing. The urge to Super Wave Smasher something was starting to recede and he knew it was time to leave. It was night and no doubt Kimon would've woken up by now. He had to be there when she woke, to keep her from fearing he ran away. AFTER he cleaned up a little bit that was...
~*~*~
"Aroon...miru! She's walking!"
"I'll be. Look...she's not even trying to hold onto the chair."
"She looks so SERIOUS. Where's my camera?"
"Come on Kimon-chibi. Come to chichi..."
"Come to haha Kimon."
"She doesn't look very happy...why is that Aroon?"
"Hmm...maybe if you drop your hands... You know she's a stubborn one."
"Okaa-san miru!"
"That's very good musume. Can you show me again?"
"Hai okaa-san! But you need to watch, otherwise you'll miss it!"
"Yosh musume. Do you want help getting your feet over your head?"
"NO. I balanced my feet against the wall like last time, I can do it again! I wanna do it myself!"
"I don't wanna GO! I wanna stay and watch my tv show!"
"Musume...behave yourself in front of your parents! Don't be such a problem child. You're going because I'm going too and you're not staying here alone."
"Hai hai tsuma. But she won't stay buckled in. Can't you talk some sense into her? She normally listens to you more anyway..."
"Aroon...she listens to you too. Kimon, sit down and BEHAVE yourself!"
"Ah...KI O TSUKERU!"
"Chibi? Can you hear me Ataki-chibi?"
"Where...where AM I? What's...going on??"
"There's...been an accident Ataki-chibi. I'm sorry to tell you this, but something's happened."
"What's wrong?? What's over my face?? Take it off! I want it off!! I want my okaa-san."
"That's...not possible chibi. Your mother was killed in the car crash..."
"Iya! She's ALIVE! Take this cloth stuff off my eyes and let me see!"
"It has to stay on. Stop struggling. You were pretty badly injured as well. There was nothing she could do Ataki-chibi. And there's something else I need to tell you."
"W...what?..."
"Your injury resulting from the dashboard has rendered you......blind. It can be corrected with surgery...but not now. You have to give your eyes time to heal first. I've spoken with your father about surgery and the cost...but he doesn't know whether or not you'll ever be able to pay for the amount. It looks like you're blind permanently."
She whimpered at the voices of the past and tried to mentally fight them. "Iya...iya! Chikayoranai!... Yameru... Atashii anshin ni saru..." No...no! Go away!... Stop... Leave me in peace...
"Kimon-chan? Kimon-chan...wake up! Come on tomadachi...you gotta wake up..."
She harshly startled and jerked awake at the hand pressing on her shoulder. With a quiet gasp, she pulled away and tensed.
"Daijoubu Kimon-chan. It's me...Mia-chan." Mia reassured, biting her lip at the girl's panicked state.
It took a second to recognize the voice. She blinked and wondered what was going on. If she was in Mia's estate...why did the bed smell entirely of Cye then?? It was confusing to say the least and she was having troubles putting the pieces together and wake up. She slowly sat up and pressed a hand to her head. "Where...where am I? Cye-chan? Mia-chan? What's going on?" Her questions sounded a lot like one of the memories she just relived and a shiver passed through her.
"Cye told me to tell you in case you woke up that he's still in the area, he just needed a little time to think."
She halted the movement to get out of bed. "Think of...what?" Mild panic started pricking her nerves.
Mia's head shook. "I don't know. He didn't tell me, but I'm assuming it had to deal with whatever you told him." Teeth bit her lip in uncertainty. "Do...you feel strong enough to...tell ME?"
Her jaw clenched as she looked to her good friend. She knew the answer even before she could think about it. It was hard enough to tell CYE...Mia would be just as bad, if not worse to tell a second time. Gray looked to the comfy blanket over her waist. "I...I can't. Gomen nasai Mia-chan...but I can't right now. It's...too soon. But...if you want to know...talk to Cye-chan. He knows and he can tell you." She slowly rose and suddenly realized she had no clue what was in this room. Teeth bit her lip as she extended her hands to be taken. "Mia-chan...I've no memory of this place...could you take me to the kitchen? Onegaimasu?"
"Sure Kimon-chan." Mia answered, gently grasping those waiting hands. Within moments the two were in the kitchen and Mia let go. Kimon knew the kitchen well enough without her help.
She stopped in the archway, looking at the darkness. For being blind, it was darker now than she remembered. "It's night..." She breathed, brows rising. "Was I asleep so long??"
Mia gave a small smile and went for the teapot, knowing her friend would like some. "Hai. Cye knocked on my door late afternoon, but you were already asleep in his arms." She took note of Kimon's flustered, grinning face before turning to the cupboards. A grin tugged at her lips. "He used White Blaze to get you upstairs and put you in his bed. Something about his scent would help calm you while he was away."
As if the FIRST statement of being in his arms didn't get her blushing enough, sleeping in his guest bed set her face on fire. She dumbly shuffled to the island and sat on a bar stool, cradling her face in embarrassment. Oh gods...at least Cye learned enough of his other senses to know that he made a good choice.
Mia grabbed two glasses with one hand, the pot with the other and turned. She stopped and a grin sprouted at Kimon. The girl was so amusing sometimes with her naivety toward Cye. Seven months and she hardly changed from the first. That was mildly reassuring that the girl hadn't totally adjusted in such a short time, as she would be a little curious at the girl's behavior otherwise. "Here...I thought you'd like some tea while you wait for Cye to return."
She instinctively inhaled and nearly beamed at the black tea aroma. She went for the mug as soon as Mia finished filling it, cradling it to warm her hands. "Arigatou gozaimasu Mia-chan." She murmured, content to inhale the smell until it cooled a little more.
Mia smiled and sat across the girl at the island. "You're welcome Kimon-chan." She quietly returned, letting silence fill the room. Not much could be said from Kimon's end, as the girl didn't look too stable right now. Her hair looked unkempt and she was a little paler than normal. Her eyes seemed dull, even for unseeing eyes, and her expression dreary.
After a while of staring across the way, a small idea came. Leaving her half empty mug on the countertop, she moved to stand behind the girl and took the chunk of hair in her hands. "Did you even brush this today?" She asked, brows furrowing.
"Iya... I just hurried to get ready so I didn't keep Cye-chan waiting. I didn't bother to brush or dry it." A small grimace appeared as she sipped the tea, eyes fluttering as Mia played with her hair a little. "I bet it's even worse after that rest and the afternoon..."
A grin sprouted. "Well since there's not much to do, I'll go get a brush and make you look a little more presentable for Cye when he returns." A hand lightly patted her shoulder. "You look in bad shape. I imagine that's not all from this afternoon, is it?"
A twinge of guilt hit her again. "It's not..." She whispered, shamefully looking to the table.
Mia tsked and headed for her bathroom, grabbing a wide-toothed comb and brush. She breezed back into the room in no time at all and set the brush next to Kimon for a final run-through after getting the tangles out. "Now...just relax and let me do this... It needs it." She muttered, giving the raven locks a critical eye.
For the next few dozen moments, Kimon felt like she was in heaven. This was the second time anyone played with her hair. Mouri-san being the first, and now Mia. She would DEFINITELY have to have them do it more often. It was like a brain massage and she was quickly loosening up to the point of melting off the stool. Every thought flew from her head as she enjoyed the sensation of the comb running from crown to tip. Even near her waist, she could still feel it working through her tangles.
She was so in heaven, she barely heard Cye come in until the inside door opened. But by then she was too serene to care and just let him do as he pleased. Both hands remained propping her head up, even though her ears studiously listened to him walking around. Something seemed to change from one footstep to another and she didn't know what it was, so disregarded it.
"Cye." Mia greeted, eyes going back to her task. She snuck a few looks at him and grinned at the odd look he was giving Kimon. She wondered if Kimon sensed or heard anything different from Cye as he walked in. She spotted his subarmor through the window, but it vanished as he stepped past the threshold. Maybe he didn't see Kimon until he walked in because she certainly HOPED he wouldn't be so careless with his armor.
He stood in the kitchen, not knowing what to say. He couldn't find any kind of small conversation to start up. He didn't want there to be awkwardness right now; lightening the mood was essential. Even if it seemed Mia was doing a good enough job at loosening Kimon up. A small grin sprouted as his head shook. The girl seemed to be enjoying it just a little TOO much. He couldn't imagine what it felt like for a blind person to have their hair brushed.
Making sure his armor was securely stuffed in his pocket, he stopped next to Kimon and hesitated. He didn't want to intrude when she seemed content enough right now. He didn't want to ruin that and bring her back to the present. But he didn't know what to say to get her back to her happier self. The only thing he needed to do right now had nothing to do with her. What needed to be said couldn't be said to her.
A hand lightly rested on her shoulder, giving a gentle squeeze. Her head looked to him with those adorably half-open eyes and he couldn't help to run the back of his hand over her cheek. Her eyes fluttered shut even more as a shy smile and blush appeared. "Kimon-chan... Daijoubu desu ka?"
It took supreme amount of will through the brushing and his touch to open her eyes again. After a while, her brain processed his question. She stared at his voice and gave a tiny smile. "Hai. I'll be fine." She quietly answered. Her hand reached out and entwined with his fingers. She let his skin rest against her cheek and gave a quiet sigh. "You can tell Mia-chan. I'll let you." She whispered, meant mostly for his ears.
Blue looked to blue in a silent message. His free hand moved to Kimon's hair and pointed to the comb in her hand. Mia nodded with a small smile and tapped the comb on Kimon's head. "Three's a crowd tomadachi. I'll let Cye finish up." Friend. Not letting her friend protest, she handed Cye the comb and grabbed her mug, making for a different room to give them privacy.
Her stomach fluttered as Cye started combing her hair, even more slowly and gently than Mia did. In mere seconds, she was more relaxed than before, even if she felt a lot warmer with Cye combing her mane.
Mia did a good job. Kimon's hair looked a lot better than this afternoon. He soon moved to the brush and continued on. The silence was very comfortable and it felt nice to be able to do this. He felt all the reservations melt away along with the entire afternoon as if they didn't exist. It was a strange thing, but he eagerly rolled with it to get rid of thoughts that plagued his brain earlier.
After a while, he was just brushing her hair to touch it. It'd gone soft a LONG time ago, but he didn't feel like stopping. He mildly needed the physical contact, even a little. There was still a big need to comfort the girl in front of him, to try and shield her from the horrors...even if that wasn't possible. And he needed a little bit of that comfort as well... Only minutes later, he discarded the brush and ran his fingers through her hair to feel its softness, doing what he wanted to do earlier today.
If she was a cat, she would've purred a LONG ago. There were no thoughts in her head, no bad emotions plaguing her, nothing but Cye's fingers threading her hair. She was trying very much not to fall asleep, even if her posture was loose enough to melt to the floor. Her heart warmed immensely at the attentions she was receiving and a few emotions she felt toward Cye surfaced. A small, serene smile tilted her mouth. Feeling a little mischievous, she leaned back against his chest, knowing he'd catch her. She felt confident enough that, even though she'd startle him, he wouldn't let her fall.
He jumped when their torsos suddenly connected, and his arms instinctively went around her waist to keep her from falling. Warmth stole through his limbs as she instantly snuggled against him and was still. A loving grin popped up as he inched forward and tightened his arms, resting his chin on her head. The softness of her hair tickled his chin and he moved it to feel how well-brushed it was. A slight, contented sigh escaped as their body heat mingled. How was it possible for her to make him feel so at peace? All he had to do was hold her and Kimon to snuggle against him.
Her arms moved and rested over his, hands covering his. Fingers almost immediately tangled with hers. His arms tightened a little more and her heart sped up even faster. Just as it started slowing down too... But at least the blush didn't reappear.
She loved how right this position felt. Totally enfolded in his body and his scent. All she smelled was the ocean and a large trace of water. She didn't even think about it, just let it pass. She didn't want to think about anything but the feel of his arms; the comforting heartbeat against her back; the fabric of his shirt over her arms. Ocean and black tea were the only things in the room, and quiet breathing hit her ears. Her senses were content and the real world was a million miles away right now. Her eyes fluttered shut as a tranquil grin split her face.
He'd do ANYTHING for this girl. Telling her of his love seemed utterly appropriate right now, but he didn't want to kill the magic surrounding them. He could recreate this scene later and tell her. For now, he was more than happy to stand here all night and let her lean against him on the chair. But the night was ticking to a close and they both had to get back to the real world. It WAS Sunday and they had school tomorrow. At least things could get back to normal...until he shook them up again. Until then, he was going to savor their brief time together. Gods help him get the courage to do what he needed to do tomorrow.
Finally pulling away, utterly lamentably, he pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead and inhaled her shampoo again. "You still smell nice." He whispered, lazily rubbing his nose against her hair.
A wide grin split her face as her face heated again. Would she EVER get rid of that stupid blushing habit whenever he complimented her?? Perhaps not, as she rarely thought much of herself. That negative self-image was key root and maybe if she got over it, it'd stop. But she doubted it. "A...ano... Why did you stop?" She whispered back, slowly shifting to face him.
He grinned and rubbed his fingers across her cheek. Her eyes fluttered shut as her face tilted to it. Love pinged again and his mouth opened, but he hesitated. Teeth bit his lip. 'You have no clue how much I love you Kimon-chan...and am so worried about how you'll react when I tell you...' He wistfully mused, content to stare at her reaction to his touch.
"It's getting late Kimon-chan." He murmured, resting his arms on her legs. He leaned on them a little bit to look her more evenly in the face and grinned at how red she was. How utterly CUTE. "I suppose I should be getting you home soon before your father worries..."
The haze of Cye's arms wasn't helping her trying to process what he was saying. "Let him worry... Ki ni suranai..." She mumbled. I don't care...
He blinked, but smiled. Did she really like her time with him that much?? It gave him hope when thinking of her emotions toward him. "You don't mean that. He is your otou-san. A little brash I'll admit, but he's your otou-san..."
Lashes quivered open as her brain shot back into focus. It shouldn't have come as such a surprise that Cye didn't like her father. SHE didn't really like her father that much... A wry grin sprouted as she stared at his voice. "You don't care for my father very much either do you Cye-chan?" He sputtered a little bit, mostly apologies, and her grin widened to placate him. "Daijoubu. Mia-chan doesn't think he's all that friendly. I don't get along with him that well either."
A hand traced her jaw, that small sorrowful ping coming back. "It's a horrible thing for a parent to not treat his child with the respect they deserve." He sullenly muttered, grin dropping.
She nearly cringed against his tone. If only he knew...but he knew some now and that was enough. "That reminds me. Did you want to talk to Mia-chan before we leave? I don't mind waiting."
"Iie. I can tell her later." He absently answered, helping her to stand. His hand entwined with hers for pleasure rather than to lead her. She new most of this big house by heart and it was unnecessary. "But we should tell her we're leaving so she doesn't wonder. The car's parked at the edge of the drive in front of the house. Think you can manage the walk by yourself while I go tell her?"
She wondered why he needed to talk to Mia alone, but respected his want for privacy and nodded. "No problem." She rapidly blinked when his hand suddenly rose and a gentle kiss on the back of her hand sent her face into an inferno. "Ah...I'll just....just...go...find my way...to...to the...car......then..." She sputtered, shyly grinning.
Cye watched Kimon go with open amusement. He held back laughter when she backed into the archway with a squeak before rounding the corner. A hand covered his mouth as he gave a quiet chuckle. With a shake of his head at how easily he flustered his girlfriend, he went in search of Mia. "Mia? Doko da?"
"Just down the hall Cye!" Mia called. She twisted in the chair and watched him stop at the arch. "So? What's going on? Kimon-chan said I could ask you about it. So...tell me what she said."
He gave a humorless, lopsided grin and shook his head. "Gomen, but not tonight Mia. I'm tired, mentally and physically. I need to get Kimon-chan home before her father refuses to let her see me. I'll tell you when I can."
She wanted to know what was going on NOW, and knew it couldn't take that long to say, but the mood was a little relaxed and it was nice to be in right now after the past week of tenseness. Ruining it with worry and concern didn't sound very appealing. "Fine. But by the end of the week at LEAST."
He nodded and took a step for the hall. "Agreed. No need to see me out. I'll talk to you later Mia." With a wave, he disappeared from view.
~*~*~
As soon as classes let out the next day, he headed straight back to Toyama, but not home. Cye knew going over unannounced wasn't that big a deal, but this wasn't Kento. He was a little uneasy about just showing up, but had to see past it. This was important and highly necessary. If he wanted to help Kimon, REALLY help Kimon, then he'd do this without delay. Hopefully, he wouldn't be going to an empty house!
With a quick jog up the walk, he stopped at the front door and rang the bell. It was quiet for a second before Yayoi's head poked out. She was apparently startled at seeing him at their door, but she covered it well. "Konnichi wa Cye-chan. What're you doing here?"
He gave a polite nod and greeting smile back. "I came to talk to Sage. Is he here?" She nodded and slid the door open to let him in. She plodded back down the hall as he went for a pair of slippers before following.
Stopping at the bottom of the steps to the upper level, hands cupped her mouth. "OTOTO! Cye-chan is here!" She turned to him with a grin. "He'll be down in a second." She answered, heading into a different room.
Cye couldn't help but roll his eyes and grin at this sibling behavior. He wasn't that way with Sayoko, but that was due to the long age gap. They also behaved more like adults because of the way they were raised. It was amusing sometimes to see how the Kento and Sage behaved with their siblings.
Footsteps stopped at the top of the stairs and Cye's attention swung up. "Cye." Sage evenly greeted, nodding. "What're you doing here? This is sudden. Come on up." He waited until Cye was nearly to the top of the stairs before heading to his room. If Cye was here, that meant he wanted privacy for whatever it was that needed to be done. He didn't know Torrent that well, but he knew THAT at least.
When the door finally closed and locked for security, Cye heaved a pent up sigh. He felt Sage's eyes and went for his desk chair as Sage took the bed. "I need to discuss something with you concerning Kimon-chan."
A blonde brow rose. This was indeed serious, as the vibes he was getting from Cye were grim and intense. His brow furrowed in interest. "Sure Cye...what is it? Did you two finally talk?"
"How did you-" He stopped with a small put out look. "Kento." His head shook. "Gods...why don't I just talk to ALL of you when I want to speak my peace??"
Sage's lips tipped at Cye's voice. "You should know better than to blabber to Hardrock like that without getting him to swear to secrecy. Anyway...what happened? How much did she tell you?"
Blue looked to the floor. He couldn't tell even Sage, whom he trusted as much as the others to keep secrets. Unless he had Kimon's okay to say something, he wasn't going to snitch. "I can't say exactly...but I know what happened. Please understand, I feel I'll betray her if I tell ALL of you without her consent."
Blonde bobbed as he nodded in acceptance. Another small smile appeared. "Shinrai. I understand. Just tell me what you've come to tell me then."
He gave a small, relieved smile, knowing Sage would respect his need for privacy right now. "I feel like there's something I can do for her. Her blindness is not inherited, nor was she born like that. She got it from the accident when she was four." He gained another raised brow and shook his head. "I can't really go into more detail without giving it away, but she DID tell me that there was an operation they could do to restore her sight." He leaned forward almost eagerly on his knees. This HAD to work! "I was wondering...if there was a way to...do it with-OUT surgery..."
Even violet stared at pointed blue for what seemed the longest time before Sage sighed and looked to his bed. "You realize what you're asking Cye? Have you thought this through? Did you ask the OTHERS about this? Do you know what it could do to the secret of the armors if you asked me to heal her?" Violet rose and pinned blue with a serious gaze. "You know how I feel about healing others. That's quite a favor you're asking."
"I know Sage. You know I wouldn't ask just ANYTHING of you, but she CAN be healed! She told me herself it's possible! They just don't have the money. I can do something to HELP her. I WANT to do this for her. I would be in your debt and you could ask anything of me anytime or anywhere in return if you did this. That's all I ask. I'm willing to accept responsibility for the armors. But I think she could be trusted to keep that secret, as she kept HERS for eighteen years. Even then, she beat herself up for a week before finally telling me!"
More silence. Sage slowly moved to cross-legged position, his favored, to think. There were too many cons and not enough pros over doing this. "The whole armor issue aside...have you discussed this with KIMON-SAN? Does she even WANT her sight back? That's a big step and a lot to get used to. What would she say if suddenly she was able to see? She can only pretend to be BLIND for so long before someone finds out. What about her otou-san? He won't believe what's going on and he'll ask questions." His head shook. "You'd be turning her world upside-down just for this. She seems quite used to and comfortable being blind. Does she want to see, or does she want to remain as she is?"
"I haven't asked her yet. I wanted to make sure it's POSSIBLE first before I think things over." He answered, biting his teeth. Sage's pessimism wasn't encouraging in the LEAST. "I wanted to make sure it could be done and that...you'd DO it before I even offered. I know it wouldn't matter if you did or didn't do it. I don't want her to get her hopes up if it can't be done, but if surgery can fix it...why not magic?"
Sage gave a silent sigh and looked to his bed again. Cye's enthusiasm was touching and admirable, but it was brash. He hadn't thought of every angle before even asking yet. "Magic would be no problem...AS LONG AS technology can also heal her. The question now remains on her shoulders more than it does mine. I must think of your favor. Don't ask her before I give you my answer. I promise you I'll think this through very carefully and give you my answer within two days." Violet seriously pinned blue again. "But on one thing."
He nodded in anticipation. "Name it."
His lips momentarily pressed together. "I want to see her. To sway my decision...I want to ask her a few questions regarding her blindness. I won't give anything away, but I want to know for MYSELF what her mindset is toward it. If I don't think she should be told, I'll let you know." A wisp of a smile appeared, as if to reassure his fellow Ronin. "Who knows? Though she's been blind for so long, she might start to change her mind now that she has you. It might jog the need for sight. Has she said anything about it?"
The sunset that one day jogged his mind, but other than that wistful tone, nothing he could easily recall. "There was a small thing, though it wasn't actual words. Just the tone of her voice when she wanted me to describe a sunset to her. It can't really be held accountable though." He thoughtfully mumbled, a hand rubbing his chin.
Blonde bobbed again as he stood. "Alright then. I'll think about it. You find a way to bring her here. Just tell her I'd like to talk to her if you can't think anything up. Make sure it's during daylight though."
He grinned, but nodded. Halo strikes again... "Got it. I'll bring her around four. She'll most likely want me with, as she won't feel comfortable around you." His gaze swung to the left as they headed for the stairs. "No offense."
"None taken." He evenly answered, stopping at the top. "I hope you don't mind showing yourself out. I'm going to start right away on this. There's a lot to ponder."
He started down the steps and gave a brief wave. "I owe you for even CONSIDERING this Sage."
"You can owe me when I make my decision." He lightly called back, returning the wave. At least waiting until Cye was out of eyesight, Sage leaned against the rail with yet another quiet sigh. What a load...just as his life was getting back to normal. His head shaking, Sage headed back to his room with a small grin. His latest letter arrived from Epiphany and he was just about to read it. He'd think about Cye's proposition after he finished giving attention to his OWN girlfriend.