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.

45. Eternity

One could not remain forever, of course. Even so charming a host as the Chairman could not be quite that persuasive, which was probably the reason he did not extend precisely that invitation. Not under the current circumstances, anyways, though it was clear enough the eventual end to which his persuasive faculties were employed.

The allure of past grandeur was not strong enough, even when contrasted with present conditions, and the further one stood from an immediate experience of those conditions, the less compelling the contrast.

And as far as Akio's promise of future resurgence, well. It was not the first time the Chairman had presented such possibilities. He would fulfill the promise, certainly, but the result would assuredly remain unfulfilling.

But perhaps the most compelling reason for departure was the price which Akio exacted from his guests, or at least certain guests, undoubtedly not only a singular guest. What was worse, he concealed this price beneath a facetious masquerade of mutual self-indulgence.

It was just a pity that one could not leave permanently.