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.

18. In the Courtyard

Upon coming home the next day, Saionji found Touga in the courtyard with the landlady, holding an assortment of gardening implements while the landlady tended to her plantings. She waved him quiet as her tenant approached, and to Saionji that signaled a secret. With the landlady, it was surely well intentioned enough, but with Touga, it would be foolish to assume as much. Saionji sighed in exasperation.

"Was your day that tough, old man?" Touga asked, flashing a conspiratorial grin at the landlady, who pretended to be preoccupied with the gardening.

"I'm glad to see you up and about." But not, Saionji refrained from adding, glad to see him up to his usual habits of charming every woman that he came across out of her wits, starting with the landlady.

He took his leave of the two of them respectfully and headed up to his apartment. Out of the corner of his eye, Saionji saw the landlady take the gardening tools from Touga and send him off. Touga caught up to Saionji as he was unlocking the apartment door. Saionji knew that the amiable way Touga leaned against his shoulder was too good-natured to be honest, and his spine stiffened.

When they were inside, Touga pinned Saionji against the back of the door, without any real force, and kissed his throat.

"You should trust me more, old friend."

Saionji wasn't particularly inclined to agree, but the next time he tried to pay rent, the landlady refused to accept.

"No, no. It's been taken care of."

She would not give any details, but Saionji knew this meant that Touga had made an arrangement to cover the expense.