On goddess favors

[ashesofrevenge]

So, you've finally set about getting my abilities back. Hmph. . .it's certainly taken you long enough.

. . . .

I realize there is a price to be paid for it. Settle it out. Whatever they ask for, I'll take care of it. I have no intention of wasting my time while the rest of them regain what was taken.

. . .Tch. I'm well aware of what those demands may be. Finish preparing for it already.

Comments

[futureslugqueen]

I wonder if at this pace, I'll be the last one to get them back.

[ashesofrevenge]

You haven't attempted it yet?

[futureslugqueen]

She says she has, but all I've got right now are nightmares.

[kagebunshins]

You're encouraging her to probably torture you just for some chakra?

[ashesofrevenge]

. . . .that's it?

[ashesofrevenge]

I wouldn't call what you endured torture.

[Even if it was insufferable at times on the other end of it.]

[kagebunshins]

Easy to say when you weren't the one going through it.

[ashesofrevenge]

And you both survived well enough. I can handle whatever she decides upon.

[kagebunshins]

Let's just hope it's nothing worse.

[ashesofrevenge]

I'll be fine.

[kagebunshins]

You always think that, bastard. I'll just have to make sure it ends up being true!

[ashesofrevenge]

Hmph. Are those really words you should be throwing about knowing that woman?

[kagebunshins]

I'd do whatever it takes to make sure my friends are all right, no matter what she does to us.

[ashesofrevenge]

. . .you haven't changed a bit.

[kagebunshins]

Hehe, I hope I wouldn't change too much!

[ashesofrevenge]

You could have benefited from some.

[skycrossing]

[ it's like waking up. the world fades away at the close of one's eyes, life replaced with dreams; then come the end of sleep, all is restored. or so one can believe.

it's like that when she hears his voice and catches a glimpse of his face. it's like that when she feels her heart skip a beat because reunions, bitter or sweet, are few and far apart, and there is so much longing in her soul it could make her cry any second.

instead, though, she smiles curiously. is this lapse of time between them equally felt? ]

Seems to me like you're ready for anything. Can nothing surprise you?

[ashesofrevenge]

[Such a question to ask when the answer was all too obvious in that opening moment. Shock briefly widens his eyes, silence held as emotions register. Placed and named and then quickly boxed again.

Everything back under control. How did he look to her now, with all the time that had passed. Because she. . .]

I've been in this place long enough.

[But I didn't expect to see you here.]

[skycrossing]

[ obvious as it might have been, she can never know. had he matured even more? how much more pain did he have to bear? how many goodbyes, said and unsaid rest in his heart? how many more bricks have been placed around him?

she can see and she cannot. even if he's standing right before her and she before him, there is a veil she's gauging how to tear down. what would be acceptable... ]

It's about time, on her part and in regard to what she'll do for you. How are you holding up, though, Sasuke? Really.

[ she takes a step closer, doe eyes fixed upon his face, gazing. then she reaches a hand towards it, a thumb brushing above his brow. ]

No wrinkles?

[ashesofrevenge]

[Another blink at that, head pulling back as she reaches for him. A subtle motion but one there all the same. It's not fear, not really, that has him draw back at first. But how long has it been since anyone has touched him like that?

Months. . .

The curve of his mouth is almost apologetic.]

I'm only twenty-three, Lenalee. [Shoulders lower, relaxing. She hadn't changed, had she?] It's been a long time. . .

[As if that would explain everything. His own reactions. The way she looked to him now.]

[skycrossing]

Too long?

[ there's a slight ache in her voice when she asks, a crease between her eyes, and a heavier weight of apology upon her smile. her fingers drift, brushing the locks of soft black hair above his temples and then the curves of his jaw.

i miss you. i'm sorry. i took you for granted, but do you—could you still— ]

I'm still only eighteen.

[ she may seem unchanged, but she has changed, just a little. she's matured, shed away some of that childish selfishness, felt the tightest of bonds break and moved on. she's lived and died ten more times, but her spirit is stronger for it, and the shadows of her past are confined to farther corners.

what about him? outlasting all instances of her, friends, even family—how does he remain so tall? ]

Did you grow some more? [ she sighs, a touch of jealousy. ] Stop! You're already tall enough! Or maybe I'm just shorter. I am wearing a new pair of shoes...

[ashesofrevenge]

[Still only eighteen. That earns her a soft huff, wry in its amusement. She really hadn't changed at all, yet here he was.

Did that explain all her familiarity then? What did she last remember?

He doesn't move, though his eyes are fixed on hers, looking for the answers that don't seem forthcoming at all. But, that had always been a problem between them. All the things that always went unsaid.]

I've always been taller than you. . .[Though, maybe, just maybe, there is a wider gap between them.] But I doubt I'll get any taller than this.

[skycrossing]

[ if there is gap, it would be her fault. past her easy smiles is a swelling of guilt, and it throbs with every breath. she wants to fix it, but she fears putting into words would only revive the pain that separated them in the first place. her own mistakes, repeated—but if they can get past it together, could they become close again, as what happens with her comrades? only time—and love can tell. ]

That's true... well, it's a good height! More importantly, you seem to be the same. [ it may be forward, but she reaches for his hands, smooth (if not a little dry) palms over the back of them, fingers curling in, and grips them. ] I'm grateful for that. Truly. It's really nice to come back to something unchanged... you know what I mean?

[ she makes that expression that looks like the weight of the world is just hovering over her shoulders yet not a word of pain or sadness is spoken.

a breath—renewal. violet eyes dart to the left. ]

Shall we eat? If you've already eaten, then dessert. I know the perfect place.