(Untitled)

[_bloodyrose]

Touga is sitting at a table with his chin resting on the backs of his interlocked fingers. Just watching the world pass him by.

Or he is watching the single white rose in a vase in front of him.

One has to wonder what he is thinking of.

Comments

[anthy_rosebride]

Someone settles into the seat next to him; her teacup clinks against its saucer as she sets it on the table.

[_bloodyrose]

He doesn't move.

"What does it feel like?"

[anthy_rosebride]

"Warm," she says reflectively, without looking at him. "Moist."

"But you have to be careful with your tongue . . ."

Wasn't he referring to the teacup she's holding a hand over? The steam feels lovely.

[_bloodyrose]

He looks up. The multicolored roses shimmer and bloom in the vase.

"You should always take the time to let things cool. Otherwise, you will have just wasted your time in preparation and anticipation."

[anthy_rosebride]

Anthy's mouth curves, just a little. It could be called a smile.

"Of course."

Steam lifts, twisting around itself in a rising spiral. "And what have you been doing with yours, seitokaichou?"

[_bloodyrose]

"I let it go."

Beat. He takes a sip of his own tea. The single white rose looks a little wilted around the edges but still blooming strong.

"I never liked tea, anyway."

[anthy_rosebride]

"Ah," says Anthy, stirring hers. Clink.

What she wonders: Has anything changed? How is he? What is the Student Council up to these days? Do you know? Do you know what happened? Has anyone really changed?

What she says: "I hope you and Nanami have been well?"

How lucky she's not Pinocchio.

[_bloodyrose]

"She is enjoying her new hairspray. Skintight Cling."

[anthy_rosebride]

"I find it isn't necessary, myself," Anthy says, and pauses for a sip of tea. "But I'm sure Nanami finds it very helpful."

[_bloodyrose]

"Women and their tools."

He looks up again from his tea.

"Not that you need to worry about that."

[anthy_rosebride]

Anthy raises her eyebrows.

Just a little. But it's Anthy; even minor changes in expression are hard to miss.

[_bloodyrose]

He moves his tea cup just a little further out of reach.

"Have you spoken to the Chairman lately?"

[anthy_rosebride]

"Cream?"

She offers it with a perfectly steady hand.

[_bloodyrose]

He covers his teacup with one hand.

"No. Thank you."

He is President for a reason, you know.

[anthy_rosebride]

Anthy smiles. "How lovely it's been to see you again, seitokaichou."

And rises, leaving her empty teacup behind.

"Give my regards to your father."

[_bloodyrose]

He focuses on the teacup.

"Thank you, Himemiya. I will give the Chairman your love."