A/N: So, I hope that people forgive me for my petit faux pas in the last chapter which was quickly dealt with (many thanks to those who pointed it out). I think that it's hard writing an agnst-y story and I probably won't be writing another one in the near future, I shall stick to something a little more easier to write with (like action scenes! - joke from Adverse Situations). Anyway, I hope that even though I am not really all that clear in some places that you do enjoy/take into account what I'm trying to say through my story. Thanks!
Tomoe
She flinched as a leaf bushed past her as she continued to stare at the water beneath her. All she needed now was a tree to come sailing past and her world would be complete. Her world seemed not to matter much as she sat on the dock and watched as the water crept up the height of the wooden posts that held the planks above the water.
"It's probably nothing" Meguimi had looked away when she had said that. She was lying. She knew much more than she was willing to tell. Tomoe had taken this as an insult. Since when was it not important to tell her everything? She stared across the dock at Meguimi, her eyes narrowed. Meguimi was oblivious to Tomoe's stares which made her annoyed. She frowned and her attention was drawn to the old boat on her left. What did it matter? It was only a boat.
"We need to talk" Tomoe hissed into Kaoru's ear as she walked past, motioning for her to follow. Outside, the garden was empty, the cold air of winter held their lingering breaths as Kaoru hurried out behind Tomoe and waited.
"What is it you want, Tomoe?" Kaoru initiated the conversation, obviously uncomfortable with the eerie silence between them.
So be it. Tomoe thought to herself as she also waited in the cold. As the temperature began to become unbearable her anger kicked in.
"I think you should go." It was quietly said yet full of conviction.
"Go where, Tomoe?" Kaoru didn't understand what was going on, the confusion evident in her voice.
"Away from here, not near us." It was louder this time, Tomoe letting the rising anger penetrate her statement.
"I don't know what you're talking about; you're not making much sense." Confusion echoed in Kaoru's eyes. The darkening sky was doing nothing for the mood of the conversation.
"The group, ok? You don't fit anymore, so stay away. You're always opposing everyone and half the stuff you say really isn't all that interesting." Tomoe felt as though she had spent years keeping this in, it felt good to be honest with Kaoru.
"Tomoe…" Kaoru was stunned, her hands started shaking.
"I don't understand where this is coming from…" she finished saying and frowned.
"You just don't meld the right way. You're different… too different. Just stay away," Tomoe hissed and turned around and moved to walk away.
"You've really stooped low, haven't you, Tomoe?" Kaoru called out from behind her, her voice colder than the snow that was falling.
"You brought this upon yourself. I have to be somewhere else. So do you," Tomoe replied pointedly without turning around and went back inside leaving Kaoru standing in the garden as the snow began to fall.
She had been honest but she had been stung with Kaoru's last remark. Had she really "stooped"? The lake rolled beneath her as she sat on the dock. No, nothing would change her mind, she did the right thing. There was no point in Kaoru trying to fit in, she was too different, and it would just lead to heartbreak. Although Kaoru had changed, Tomoe questioned whether she had any heart left. The right thing to do, however, was not necessarily the best thing. Tomoe looked over to where Kaoru was leaning against the post and looked at her wrinkled sleeves. Tomoe could never understand why they always seemed wrinkled. Maybe she just couldn't iron. The water moved noisily against the wooden posts as Tomoe looked across at the mountains in the distance.
Reviewer thanks:
Feral Panda Chick - Thanks for letting me know about the mix up, I didn't realise. Hope that you liked the chapter.
Crewel - Thank you for letting me know, I seem to manage to misspell names at the most inappropriate times. Hope that you continue to enjoy the story.
Miharu Kawashi - Hey, it's all good. Take as much time as you need. I know how hectic it can be with job searching and school. Make sure you don't wear yourself out though!
Malencia - Thanks for the review, don't cry! You never know what may happen!
