second bloom | voice;

[princelyrose]

[Utena's voice is a little tight and quiet, barely under control.]

Himemiya's... I didn't see her today and Chu-Chu was on my bed. I tried to find her after the dodgeball game and I looked in the greenhouse too, but she wasn't there. [Lamely, she adds:] Her frequency's gone.

I... [And it's all she can stand to just choke out the next few words.]

Comments

[betrayedblade]

I am sorry, Utena. It is for the best.

[princelyrose]

...I know. It's better that she's back with her brother anyway. I'll just miss her.

[betrayedblade]

I know, piccina.

[princelyrose]

I thought, maybe, we'd get to go back together. We both came here at the same time, so I figured...

[There's something between a sigh and a sob on the other end.]

...I was dumb to think that.

[betrayedblade]

Hopeful.

[princelyrose]

[She suddenly changes the subject. Trust me, there's a point.]

...Ezio says time doesn't move on from when we left. Is that true, do you think? I mean, she won't really be alone back home, right?

[betrayedblade]

...Keep your hope, bambina. My answer matters little when I cannot tell you what I do not know. But I would lie to you if that would make you smile again.

[princelyrose]

...Thank you, Giovanni. I'll be okay. Even just hearing that cheers me up, but I wouldn't want you to lie.

[betrayedblade]

If that is what it takes that is what I must do.

...In truth, I do not know what to think. But I know what I would like.

[princelyrose]

I really appreciate it.

I think we can hope. And I came back. Maybe she will too...even if that's not really safe either.