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.

49. In Silence

That night was a sort of apology, I think. Touga could never have said it, couldn't have asked for forgiveness. Could never have said that he knew what he'd done was wrong.

But he could try to make up for it. He could come to me in the dark, in silence, naked of both humility and pride.

Was it honest? Of course it wasn't honest. Of course it was a calculated move, meant in a spirit every bit as manipulative as his earlier actions.

It wasn't cruel, though, and it could have been. He could have closed the distance between us by making me walk it. He could have played on the demons that still plague me, and instead he played on my affections and my mercy.

Sometimes that is enough.