.:RL - So Tell Me Why:.

[jagan_glare]

It had been at least a couple days apart. Ban hadn't anticipated waiting this long; he'd counted on going over to Sakura's to talk to Rider the next day, but stopped when he realized that he'd no idea what to say. What could he say? It wasn't until today that he finally decided to just go. He'd know what to say and what to do once he saw her. This

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[riderofpegasus]

For the past few days, even though they were once again living together, Sakura hadn't seen much of Rider. The older woman had been keeping to herself, shutting herself away in her room or staying out on the roof for long periods of time. Sakura could understand, though; when Rider wished to talk then she would. Right now, however, she just wanted to be left alone in her own thoughts.

There was no doubt that Rider and Ban had another argument of sorts, even though they were supposed to be married soon. It must have been a bad one, too, considering that Rider had chosen to take refuge at the Matou residence instead of working things out.

[jagan_glare]

In terms of arguments, this had to be among the worst ones, and it was more of what was left unsaid that made it so.

Though it was still winter, the season was nearing its end, and the sun was warm enough that Ban left the windows of the tiny car rolled down. Pausing at a stoplight, he reached into the glove compartment, eying the pack of cigarettes he had left. He hadn't bought a fresh one in months, as the last cigarette in that pack was going to be his last one.

Shaking his head, he slammed the compartment shut and drove on; in minutes, he paused in front of Sakura's home, silently debating whether to leave Miss Ladybug in the street, or pull up to the mansion.

[riderofpegasus]

Neither girl heard the car pull up outside of the house. Sakura was too busy preparing a new dish she was learning to make, while Rider was spending her time up on the roof. The older woman, of course, had a book with her, but she wasn't doing much more than glancing over it. She was having trouble concentrating on anything for the past few days.

[jagan_glare]

The car was pulled up to the sidewalk (though not on it; no need to get acquainted with the Fuyuki police), and Ban stepped out, dropping his keys in his pocket. A moment to reach into the backseat, and he slung the bag over his shoulder, walking into the mansion grounds.

A glance up at the rooftop showed a hint of lavender hair blowing; a second one toward the building to reveal lighted rooms, though the sun was still out. Nodding to himself, he opted to head for the garden instead, sitting down on the edge of the pond.

Inside three minutes' time, the soft strains of a violin eased into the silence.

[riderofpegasus]

"I know. Although one can never be too certain as to what you have planned."

[jagan_glare]

"Heh. Gotta keep you on your toes somehow."

[riderofpegasus]

A small sigh. "Of course."

[jagan_glare]

"Mm. You requested that we do nothing for White Day, so don't worry about it. Besides, there's a bigger day we still need to finalize plans for..."

He trailed off, letting his words linger in the air for a bit, his thumb running along her hand.

[riderofpegasus]

Blushing slightly, Rider looked away. Damn, she was growing too soft.

"Do not misinterpret. I have not fully forgiven you, so therefore you shouldn't be thanking me..."

[jagan_glare]

He chuckled, his hand tracing idly around her thigh.

"Perhaps, but I'm grateful that you're at least giving me the chance to redeem myself."

[riderofpegasus]

"....It would be pointless if everything we worked for amounted to nothing in the end."

[jagan_glare]

"Mmn..." Brushing her hair back, Ban pressed a light kiss against her shoulder. "It would..."

[jagan_glare]

"...where would you like me to stay."

He dropped his arm from her body, but took her hand in his for a moment.

[riderofpegasus]

"Does it matter?"

[jagan_glare]

"Yes."

[riderofpegasus]

After a moment of silence, Rider pulled her hand from his, continuing to walk from the room. "I want for you to decide on your own."

[jagan_glare]

He shook his head. "It never crossed my mind."

[riderofpegasus]

"Hm..."

[jagan_glare]

"...mm?"

[riderofpegasus]

"..." Rider just shook her head.