25th step: Fortune's favor [voice]

[favorthebold]

There are things a man does not question, and regret is a wretched waste... but if this is to be the end of it, then I wish for you to know, Carmen Sandiego, and moreover I wish this whole vast city to know that there is no woman like you in the world. Not this world, and not the world I know, and I would wager, not the world you go back to, either

Comments

[pervy_sennin]

....that's an awfully nice thing to say. I agree with you that there is no other like her, but I doubt you'll be the poorer for it, instead, you'll be richer, for having met someone who is every bit your equal.

[favorthebold]

I know this, dome. It was - she is my fortune, made flesh.

But fortune is a fickle thing.

[pervy_sennin]

That is why you must enjoy your fortune. I do not believe her to be fickle, merely elusive. So hold on to her while you can.

[vile_queen]

Saul. I... I fear I do not have the words to equal what you have said.

You have been joy to me, and sorrow when I thought you had left. There is no one in my world who can compare to you.

I believe I love you, Saul Samaren.

You, as ever, know where in this world I am. Find me. I will wait here for you.

[offline]

[favorthebold]

[The storm was fading

[offline]

[vile_queen]

[Carmen watched the snow fall in silence. How strange, that a return to fame and the constant chase no longer appealed so much.

One man had changed that.

A few others had played their parts, but one had played the greatest. She was captured, well and truly, and did not wish to break free. But she had no choice. No options, no way out. She was trapped. Yet there was still time. Carmen will take what time she has. Looking down at her hands, Carmen removed one glove, then the other. Only one could find her. Only one she wanted to find her.

The door opened, and Carmen looked up to see Saul. She'd never believed in hesitation before and now time was all the more precious. Carmen crossed over to him to place her hand on his cheek.

Silently she studied his eyes, looking for confirmation of his words. She found it.

Brushing his hair back Carmen bought herself a moment. But when the moment was over her decision was the same. Gently she kissed Saul's lips, the faintest of touches.]

Re: [offline]

[favorthebold]

The sight of her - her bare hands, the courage she walked with that even he found he couldn't match - did not get any more words from him. He did not know what to say. The emotion was so focused, it seemed to deny articulation. He'd wanted to talk of so many things... but her kiss found his voice stilled, no words as real as that touch.

And so he kissed her back, and it was not gentle. He was not a gentle man; it was with a sort of dizzy effort, so counter to what he used to think was his nature, that he touched without violence. His body had reacted to her before, but he had always curbed it, always remembered that he had had many women and never with much care, and she was different, so completely different...

But it was different. To touch another with love, to recognize that within that soft skin there was another human being - to look at her eyes as their lips met and truly see her - it was like nothing else. He kissed her until he was gasping for air.]

Carmen - [Oh, clever words, enduring strength, where were you now?]

[turn_a_blindeye]

Saul, you are truly a romantic at heart. Did you get her roses and a box of chocolates to go with that?

Of course, you understand that if we don't leave, and you ever do break her heart, there will be hell to pay. Okay?

[vile_queen]

Protective? Of me, Kakashi? That is certainly unexpected.

[turn_a_blindeye]

Oh...You assume I'm providing the hell...?

[vile_queen]

Ah. Now it fits.

[bunny_flower]

I am glad to see a good thing come from this, Saul-san.

[favorthebold]

You would call this good, mm?

[bunny_flower]

Is it not ?

[favorthebold]

How can what is good for me be good for you?