Evangelique ran as fast as she could, her prosthetic legs squeaking.
She remembered Tsubaki telling her where he lived only a short while ago. It was in a part of Mumei known as Gladiolus Court, a neighborhood of small, Victorianesque cottages.
When Eva had finally arrived at Gladiolus Court, she was quite winded. Snow began to fall softly to the ground, shimmering in the fluttering flames of the lamposts. She walked towards a cottage with the metal numbers, 1703, naled above it.
Evangelique knocked nervously on the door.
There was no answer, and she wondered if he was out rather than home. Eva knocked again. Shortly after, the door creaked open. Eva jumped back.
Tsubaki stood in the doorway. He had loosely tied his hair back using a white ribbon and strands of hair dangled around his two usually hidden facial scars. He wore an oversized, white button-up shirt over a pair of grey slacks that fitted him nicely.
"Are you okay...?" asked Tsubaki, tiredly.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzpe7Rd91D
"I-I..." stuttered Eva. She felt her face warm up.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9Y66iVbdS
"I apologize," said Tsubaki quickly. "That isn't very mannerly of me."
He opened his door more and stood out of the way.
"Please, come in," he gestured.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyiCCZaAk7
"T-Thank you..." stuttered Eva. She walked in carefully, making sure she didn't let any snow enter the house.
When she entered the compacted house, the first thing Evangelique saw was the small kitchen to her left. Flowers grew from the ceramic sink and vines hung from a large lantern that lit up the area. A beautiful china set was in the farthest corner of the kitchen, collecting dust.
To her right was a neatly organized living room area, where two small violet and gold laced couches sat. In that same area sat two red velvet and cherrywood armchairs, both quite antique.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPoMMuHXPG
Just a few feet past the tiny kitchen was a large wooden table with seven chairs around it. Ivy grew around the legs of the table and upon the back wall, which had one long, curtained window. Only a few inches away from a chair on the left side of the dining room was closed door that most likely led to a pantry.
Straight ahead, before the dining room, was a wooden door. Eva wondered if it led to a study or a small bedroom.
"I'm sorry I've not properly dressed for guests," said Tsubaki.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuBswhjhZy
"That's alright!" exclaimed Eva. After all, I came by without letting you know..."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruvKiIWJs9
"Thank you..." responded Tsubaki. "But, not to be rude..."
He rubbed the back of his neck nervously and looked down at the wood floors.
"Why are you here again?"
Eva froze in foolishness. She didn't want to tell him about the strange vision she saw before, but she didn't want to lie to him either.
"I just...wanted to see how you were today," stated Eva. She grinned nervously. Tsubaki stared at her for a moment.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1mVbcOzph
"I see..." his voice gentle. "Then, would you like some tea?"
She thought for sure he would tell her he was alright and then send her on her way. Instead, he acted hospitably and welcomed her, despite how aloof he seemed.
"I can't possibly do that!!" exclaimed Eva.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodnbIR0qCU
"What do you mean?" asked Tsubaki.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DTZ5VECjx
"I intruded on your home when you weren't expecting me!" replied Eva.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQWTZLn6IZ
"But you came to see how I was, despite the snowy weather outside," stated Tsubaki. "The least I can do is brew you some tea before you have to leave."
Evangelique didn't know how to reply, other than with a common, "you-don't have-to-do-that". She sighed defeatedly and ceased arguing about it. She glumly puffed her cheeks up, just like a pouting child.
Tsubaki walked into the kitchen. He picked up the china teapot and began to wash it in the sink. The water splashed upon the flowers, droplets ricocheting onto Tsubaki's shirt. Once he had completed washing and drying the teapot, he set a kettle upon a fire and picked some dried herbs from an ivory-hued, ceramic jar.
"I apologize in advance for the tea," said Tsubaki. "I'm not very skilled in cooking or preparing beverages."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0VRzwwOer
"It's okay," replied Eva with a small smile. "I'm sure the tea will turn out just fine."
Suddenly, a strange growl noise came from in the room. Evangelique knew that sound as none other than the rumbling of an empty stomach, but it wasn't her who made that noise. Eva looked at Tsubaki, who had turned away from her.
"Tsubaki...are you hungry?" asked Eva.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7SOoxHq34
"Nope," answered Tsubaki quickly.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYua9LUFy3
"You sure about that?" asked Eva, who raised an eyebrow in disbelief.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzrYEUFCnT
"Positive," replied Tsubaki. His stomach growled again.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0px7Dh13y
"I'm making you something to eat," said Eva, deadpan. She walked into the kitchen.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡednAQsOwgH
"W-Wait, a minute, you don't have to do that--"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QGINFENsL
"Too late, it's happening."
Eva walked towards the sink and turned the faucet. She quickly tied up her hair and washed her hands.
"But you're my guest--"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvpTT5CdA5
"Say, where do you keep your pots and pans?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWEP63kp4m
"You don't need to make me anything..."
Eva turned around. She pointed a wooden spatula at the tall and willowy young man.
"But I want to make you something," declared Eva. "It's the least I can do, seeing as you welcomed me into your home without the knowledge I'd be coming here."
Tsubaki sighed and looked away from her, a gentle blush coming from his otherwise pale face.
"Fine," he said stubbornly. "Then, at least let me help you."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvWbUofN6h
Eva grinned.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTUIFLurLs
"Alright then, if you could cut some herbs, that would be very helpful!" responded Eva, jovial.
Tsubaki nodded as he went to grab a wooden cutting board and a knife from a cabinet. Evangelique watched him chop up herbs. She could see he was determined to achieve perfection.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMkU1IQG6r
As she looked at him, she noticed the scar over his left eye.
"Tsubaki," began Eva as she stirred a pot filled with broth she had bought at the food market hours before. "If you don't mind my asking, do you cover up the scars on your face?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8xYOC6Bwy
"...I don't want to scare the people around me," he replied. His voice was quiet and peppered with stiffness.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CoHr4gXoN
"Why do you think your scars could scare someone?" asked Eva.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvpIYiHk0e
"Because..." started Tsubaki, who did not look away from his task. "They are afraid of them."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpW64VJEZaP
"They?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP04IoHQN5
"Everyone. People may be silent about their thoughts, but their expressions and reactions speak louder than words."
'He's more open of a person than I perceived...' thought Eva to herself.
She thought of her prosthetic legs, subconsciously looking down at them. She winced as her heart dropped.
As a child, she knew everyone around her viewed her as different. They took one glimpse of her legs and immediately felt disgust or pity. Even though they whispered that she was a disturbing tragedy of a child or an inconsiderate girl for showing the pain she had faced, she heard it all loudly.
So, she decided to wear long socks and long dresses, wishing to conceal her flaws.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyK6GW0Leo
She quickly took another glance at Tsubaki, with painful understanding in her eyes. Could she say something that could help him to know that he didn't have to hide the pain he had faced?
As her mind went through various things to say, her mouth opened.
"I understand what that can be like," said Evangelique. Her eyes softened, looking into the warm, caramel-colored broth she cooked. "When I was a child, I had scars. People were afraid of them and often stayed far away because I didn't look like everyone else."
Her hand slowly released its grip from the wooden spatula.
"The fact of the matter is, scars can tell our stories easily," she remarked. "And some people don't like that. They don't want to see the real parts of others, because it makes them uncomfortable."
Eva gently touched Tsubaki's right hand, which was still cutting herbs, slowly. He stopped his movements as soon as he felt her small fingers gently tap him.
Eva's heart began to take an anxious flight, and she hoped her next words could touch his heart.
"But even though people may feel that way, it doesn't mean you should hide your story...there are people in this world who will want to hear your tale. I know this because I'm one of them."
Tsubaki kept his head down and didn't say a word, but Eva could tell by the way he began to softly shake that he didn't know what to think of what she told him.
"Tsubaki, look at me," spoke Eva softly.
Was she bothering him by saying what was on her heart? Would she regret what she had already said?
The questions echoed in her head, but she suppressed them, focusing on the task at hand. Tsubaki sighed a quivery sigh and slowly turned to look at her.
"If you want to stop hiding your scars, then don't be afraid to," said Eva in bold tenderness. Don't worry about what others think. And if it seems no one will accept what you truly look like, then please know I'm not afraid of your scars. I never could be. So...you don't need to be alone."
Tsubaki's eyes widened slowly. He could see the truth of Evangelique's words reflecting in her eyes. He turned his gaze away from her, his thick, tangerine locks covering his face.
"...Thank you," he mumbled gently.
Evangelique smiled contently. She didn't know if Tsubaki would believe her, but maybe in time, she could convince him. Maybe in time, he could understand that he didn't have to hide his scars in such a way.
Maybe one day, Tsubaki could see that though scars do not heal, they can bring a story of healing to life.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sZ9PTE647
The stew turned out hearty and savory, with a hint of sweetness to it. Though Tsubaki did not eat much, he made sure to convey his enjoyment of the meal.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TRWsEGHRD
The tea Tsubaki had made was bitter and leafy, with a strange lack of flavor lingering in the heat of the beverage. Eva did not enjoy its taste but generously thanked Tsubaki for his hospitality.
"Thank you for visiting me..." said Tsubaki.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgIiAD1Yp3
"Thank you for having me here, despite my random appearance!" replied Eva.
Tsubaki messed with his hands nervously.
"I...wanted to ask you a question," stated Tsubaki.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlD4Q0WE7Y
"What may that be?" asked Eva.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaB2eT1y6w
"Earlier...you said that you were my friend," he began. "Why did you say that?"
Evangelique glanced at Tsubaki, who looked quite confused and timorous.
Had he ever made a friend before?
"Well...because, you are kind," answered Eva. "I find that because of your kindness; I want to get to know you more. And when two people want to get to know one another, they become friends."
Eva bit her lip nervously. She wanted to express the relation she felt, but no words came. It was as if her heart had locked itself away from her mind again, and it had no intention of releasing itself from uncommunicable seclusion.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiIX28ov4O
She feared her skin-crawling, soul shaken empathy would sound like cliched sympathy.
"But I'm not that kind..." responded Tsubaki.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9eJuhITI0
"I think you are," expressed Eva, who ardently believed in his care and thoughtfulness. "When I first met you, you asked if I had gained something that I lost before. You told me that you hoped I found it out of pure sincerity. Ever since then, you've been polite and understanding. So truly, I do believe you are kind!"
Tsubaki looked at her with his deep, emerald eyes. They reflected a sense of unbelief.
"So if you wish to be my friend, can I wish to be your friend?" asked Tsubaki.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4z4XKA1C81
"Of course!" replied Eva cheerily.
Just then, a knock came from the front door. Tsubaki walked to the front door and opened it.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WxPdCwDTv
Ago stood outside with frostbitten cheeks and a shivering body.
"Hello, Ago," said Tsubaki in a welcoming tone.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWNKdSWm30
"Hello, Brother Tsubaki," replied Ago with chattering teeth. "I'm here to pick up Eva. Is she still here?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxG5cVZWr0
"Yes, I am," butted in Eva.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Xjqr08Z9u
"Alright," responded Ago. "Are you ready to go back home?"
Evangelique looked at a clock. It was well past 10 in the evening.
"A-Ah, yes..." replied Eva. She turned to look at Tsubaki.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUUI5WUGtA
"Thank you for having me over," she said, taking a polite bow.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneNEQTxYWA
"No, thank you for visiting me," replied Tsubaki, who bowed in response.
Evangelique smiled again. She couldn't seem to stop smiling this evening. As she walked towards the open front door, she began to shiver.
"Wait, take this," called Tsubaki. He took his soft knit scarf from the nearby coat rack. He put the scarf carefully around her neck before Eva could say anything.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0O4ilt0r2N
"Thank you," she said. She grinned widely.
To her surprise, Tsubaki also smiled. It wasn't a small, forced smile. No, this was a genuine smile that came deep from within the heart.
Seeing his usually grim and solemn expression turn into an innocent and lovely smile caused Evangelique's heart to flood with adoration for the precious moment.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9k4GO3Syb
"I'm guessing you had a vision," said Ago out of the blue as he trudged through the snow.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLycbrxp8bl
"How did you know?" asked Eva.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClntv92YGd
"I felt it," replied Ago. "All Lieutenants feel the visions of other Lieutenants, even if they can't see the visions themselves."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiVHlgEb3K
"I see..." pondered Eva.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSdCmUooNx
"What was the vision about?" asked Ago.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXGgIPQaL6
"An older lady stood in front of me, holding a camellia," stated Eva. "She told me Tsubaki needed to smile again."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUWSEnwb2i
"Did the older lady have silver hair tied up in a bun?"
Evangelique gulped as she looked at Ago's austere countenance.
"Yes..." she replied slowly.
Ago looked up to the snowy sky. The darkness of a midnight blue engulfed the clouds bearing the crystalized specks of cold.
"Then you probably saw Eleanor..." breathed Ago. "She was a lovely lady, very kind. She took Tsubaki in when he was just a young boy."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡac3sphjR59
"She did?" asked Eva.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJElrNx9bv4
"Yep," replied Ago. "I remember when I first met him. I was still a young man, just married to Nadia. Tsubaki was shockingly thin and worn down, just like those who got caught up in the Great War of Areon and Nocala. I was afraid he wasn't going to make it because of how sickly he was, but Eleanor wasn't. She believed he was a fighter...and she was right."
Evangelique looked down at her feet. Tsubaki was still fragile for someone of his age. When she visited him, he looked exhausted.
Though she had made him smile, though she had touched his heart--was it enough to help him keep fighting?
Would he soon give up his battle?
"Ah, we've arrived back at the dormitory," said Ago.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YUuKlmiL2
"Thank you for walking me back," replied Eva.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKWUASLanQ
"Not a problem, Sister Eva," chimed Ago. "Now, I must get home. Nadia awaits with little Tori, and I'm sure both of them are missing me dreadfully by now!"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3wlshkDj6
"Take care!" said Eva as she waved goodbye. Ago waved in return and ran off into the snow, towards the place he called home.
Eva looked up into the silent winter night. Snowflakes kissed her dark eyelashes and button nose gently as she released a silent prayer from her lips.
A prayer...just for Tsubaki.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SS7nrAxYm
