(no subject)

[calledironeyes.livejournal.com]

Marsh is settled at a chair, reading and waiting. He'll be leaving soon, but it would go against the spirit of the bargain with Rider to attempt to leave without her - however dangerous her desire to go may prove to either of them. To both of them.

None of that shows on his face. Marsh has far too much of a stone-face going for his own good.

Comments

[rider-servant.livejournal.com]

She keeps her hand on his arm.

"I was given such by a friend."

Sakura. She hasn't spoken of Sakura.

"It is my favorite dessert."

If she could have such a thing.

[calledironeyes.livejournal.com]

She can. At least as far as he is concerned she can.

"It pleases me to hear that you have had friends." Marsh says quietly "Thank you for sharing it with me."

By the time they sit the two bowls are waiting for them.

[rider-servant.livejournal.com]

She sits next to him. Her hand is still on his arm.

"A friend," she says. "We shared... many things."

She won't explain the Mato household. It was not to be spoken of. Not that she is bound any longer by them. But it was still not to be spoken of.

[calledironeyes.livejournal.com]

After another moment he rests his hand on hers again. He doesn't need to eat right now. Getting to know her matters much more.

"I do not recall the last time I called someone a friend." Marsh admits. "I have been a recluse for many months."

[rider-servant.livejournal.com]

"She was the first.

"In millennium."

She pulls the spoon from the sherbet and lifts the bowl to sip from the sweetened wine.

A moment later, she holds out the bowl towards him.

[calledironeyes.livejournal.com]

Marsh takes the bowl from her and after a second places his lips where she placed hers to take an equal sip. "It is very good Rider. I am sorry that you had to wait so long between friends."

[rider-servant.livejournal.com]

She shakes her head, the soft lavender strands moving with her.

"The first."

In ever. Her sisters did not and never would count.

[calledironeyes.livejournal.com]

He stills at that, and sets the bowl down to brush a straying lock of her hair aside. "I am sorry."

[rider-servant.livejournal.com]

She stills as well, at his touch. Then, with visible effort, she swallows nothing at all and nods.

"Truths do not require apologies. Especially not from you."

[calledironeyes.livejournal.com]

"Perhaps not." Marsh says quietly "But I feel sympathy anyway and wish that your life had been easier."

[rider-servant.livejournal.com]

"And yet, I would not be myself. Nor would you be yourself. And it is no longer true."

[calledironeyes.livejournal.com]

"This too is true." Marsh says quietly.

[rider-servant.livejournal.com]

She picks up his bowl and sips the sweetened wine from the edge. Then she holds it out to him.

[calledironeyes.livejournal.com]

He takes it in his turn, sipping and passing it back.