On Unions Civil and Otherwise

by Kita-Ysabell

Ten years have passed- ten years to the day- and when Utena and Anthy's engagement party goes somewhat awry, Saionji finds that some things are not so easily forgotten, and faces the bitter possibility that to make good his escape from Ohtori, he must rescue his oldest and closest friend- whether that friend wants to be rescued or not.

14. No Promises

Touga was waiting beside the car by the time Saionji got back to it. He didn't say a word about how he'd crossed the distance so quickly, just got in, leaned one elbow against the window, and propped his chin on his hand, tilting his head so that a layer of hair hung in such a way as to obscure his eyes.

Saionji looked over at him. "You don't have any luggage?"

"No."

If Saionji had been as clueless as he was generally perceived as being, he would have offered to wait while Touga went back for whatever he wanted. Instead, he said nothing, started the car, and pulled away.

"I would've burned it all, if I'd had time. I wouldn't have left anything of mine there," Touga said as they wound through the parking lot crowded with cars.

"Of course." Saionji didn't stop.

Some time after they had passed through Ohtori's gates and out into the world, Touga looked over at Saionji like a wild animal, body suddenly tense.

"No promises," he said. "Please, no promises."

Saionji didn't take his eyes off the road. "Of course."