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.

16. Fugue

For almost a week, Touga stayed in bed. He slept, mostly, or lay still and silent. When he did get up, it was for brief periods and at odd hours.

Saionji figured it was what Touga needed to do after coming from Ohtori, and left him alone, for the most part. He kept his distance. He said nothing to Touga aside from announcing his departure in the morning and arrival in the evening. Touga made no reply. Once in a while, Saionji left notes out for Touga. He had no idea whether Touga read them or not, and he made sure that it didn't really matter one way or another.

As he was already in the habit of cooking for himself, Saionji simply made sure to prepare enough for two, and left a tray where Touga would see it. He was relieved when Touga ate, and tried not to worry when he didn't.

Saionji wasn't sure exactly where they stood with each other, after the night of the engagement party and everything that had happened at Ohtori. But there were two things he was absolutely certain of: that now wasn't the time, and that he was going to let Touga make the first move. At night, they slept side by side, but apart, without touching.

So, for almost a week, the two of them lived almost as if Touga was a spirit that haunted the apartment, which neither spoke to nor touched its human inhabitant. And then, Saionji woke at some inscrutable hour, and Touga was asleep, fingers just touching the back of Saionji's hand.