Post by theravenmattknox on Jul 28, 2021 0:09:37 GMT -5
Piano had once been a chore to him.
But somewhere between the orphanage and teenhood, he learned to love it on the old off-brand out-of-tune grand piano his father had kept in the ‘great room’ where he hosted all those holiday parties Matt did his utmost to evade growing up.
Here though, with this decidedly smaller yamaha that he had kept in tune for selfish reasons at the Silver State Ballroom, or whatever his hotel home was called? It was a release. A place to lose himself and get away from the ire and mire that he found himself wading in far too often.
As his fingers gently brushed over the worn faux ivory keys a small smile tugged at his worn face. He pressed a key, letting the rich note ring throughout the empty lobby before running through a scale with his left hand, then his right..
“Almost know what you’re doing, Knox..” he muttered to himself.
It didn’t take too long before soft steps barely clacking in the distance approached. The delicate movement came to a stop almost as soon as they barely penetrated the senses, following up with a little whispered greeting. “こんにちは..” There was a slight pause at that moment, but soon enough the voice spoke up again. “There is more to come.. I hope.. this is okay for right now.”
Her presence snapped him out of his reverie as his eyes snapped to here and now. He reaches up to take his drink, tipping the glass toward her “I assure you this is more than fine, miss.” He pokes and prods at the opening notes of Burleske, before his brow furrows and he returns his gaze to the diminutive guest in his universe. “This isn’t something most people request. Would I be wrong to guess you have a taste for orchestral music?” a pause “Apologies for the lack of an accompaniment. I’m afraid the string section is out sick.”
His brand of humor brought about a small giggle that soon led to a warm smile. She then looked down to her own glass of the same drink before taking a tiny sip. Giving a nod of acknowledgment, her gaze met him once again. “This is fine.. I am happy to hear the piece simple or with all. It is one I love. This music speaks to my heart.. I do not hear it much. I never got to.. I never got to show this. So many bubbles, too many. Do you like it?”
She faded as the statement went...or danced away from the question, the point..he kept the smile glued to his face as he began to dive into the piece proper, nodding once before speaking. His tone a touch more monotone than usual as he focused on the task at hand “It will do the job, no doubt,” he said of the drink, exhaling a warm breath through his nose “What don’t you get to show much? An appreciation for piano? The song?”
Faded and trailed off.
How curious.
How familiar.
Another sip took place as the question was thought over, a sigh escaping the young woman. “それのすべて.. I am so sorry. I mean.. everything. All of it. For so much time I do not get to show everything, only what is told to me. I was happy for change but.. now I know it is not supposed to be a change for me. So I sit. I hear this.. and I am happy.” Her voice softened with each passing word until growing quiet, followed by another sip.
His focused, flat expression betrayed the rapidly turning gears between his ears as he played the tune, taking a moment to bring the drink to his lips and show off by playing one handed. Although, with the salad-fingers like hands he possessed it was hardly a show-off. He set the glass down and returned to playing like a normal human being in the silence for a moment before speaking up.
“Where were you, child? Where your personality was so heavily dictated that you couldn't enjoy an obscure piece of piano music?” his eyes remained on the keys, but he swore he felt the twitch, and the tension in the air. A tired sigh escaped her once the question was absorbed. It sounded like one that was expressed time and time again, with her expression change, the lowering of her gaze all but confirming it. “I was.. I am trapped. It is.. hard to say. It is okay.. it will be okay. I have one thing to do and then I’m okay. After this.. I will let the sky hug me.” Her smile was forced at this point, voice shaky but still managing a level of conviction. Another sip.
“You’re too young to feel that hug, quite yet.” He let his gaze shift to her now, cold and emotionless but not cruel. He tilted his head slightly “What happens if you defy them? Don’t do this one last thing?” he counted the break off before heading back into the song, although he tuned the melody out and focused on her words intently. This felt important. Weighty.
“I.. I do not know.. no.. I do.. all is lost. The rain does not get to dance with the sun. I.. have to do this. I will give my best.. even if.. I do not get to see what happens after.. I..” a quick hush caused by choking up. One more sip, perhaps one of courage. “I did bad before.. I can not make mistake.. please do not hate me. I do this for not me..”
A bit of silence as even now the song stopped. He hung in the silence for a beat, before heading into the final motions of the song. Eventually his voice cut above the keys, quiet but edged. Probing. His gaze choosing not to meet hers, less she crumble and shut down…
Or pull the ripcord and abandon the game?
“What are you meant to do, that would make me hate you?”
Two soft sniffles, then silence. It seemed to last forever considering the importance of what she was asked. It wasn’t clear whether she was contemplating choosing her words carefully or not, but a shaky tone tried to accomplish something. “I have a plan.. it is scary.. but I do not want to completely do as told. So I have a plan.. I create the picture they want.. but then escape. Maybe not me.. but at least..” another hush, this one lasting a bit longer than the others. “I want to trust.. but I do not know if you have ties to them. If any you do.. I should go.. thank you for music and the talk.”
Stay in town..
Try another street..
“I’m not a stranger to you, am I?” he interjected, his hands leaving the keys now and coming to rest in his lap as he turned himself to face her departing figure. His back straight, his gaze locked onto her and his expression flat and inquisitive. “You can tell me. I assure you, i’ve no intention of hurting you.” yet.
She froze in place. While she didn’t turn to face him, no steps were taken to further escape the situation. What she did offer was a soft nod in response to his question. “I do not know much.. but I seek the truth.. I wish I had more time with this.. I have to do this quickly. Maybe you are a friend.. but.. I can not take the risk. Too much.. it is too much. If you.. stay away.. it will help me.. both of you.. stay away from what I have to do..” Her body tensed up. “Tell your friend to leave the rain behind..”
He hated metaphors. And He hated that he had gained so many friends in the last year. It used to be easy, these messages were for Bert. Now? Who knew.
“Goodnight, Rainbow Vomit.” He says from where he sits letting a smirk crack his face before he turned back to the piano and his drink, taking a pull from the glass and launching into a half-hearted rendition of Tom Traubert’s Blues, right into the first verse. His quiet singing meant to add a period to their conversation.
“Wasted and wounded, Ain’t what the moon did. Got what I paiiiid for now…” he locked onto her form in the corner of his eye, waiting now. While she stood for a second longer, soon enough her steps resumed, accompanied by a final address. “おやすみなさい..そしてごめんなさい..” Following this, she made her exit, a heavy sigh being the last thing within earshot. On the surface, the statement went ignored but the sadness pulled at a part of him quickly buried and cast aside.
Not now.
He listened to the footsteps, his playing having gone mute as soon as she was out of earshot. He stood, grabbing his coat and walking from the lobby. Those watching close enough would see his lips silently counting the steps she took, the direction, which hall she turned down. No elevator bell. She’s on the first floor.
What does she know?
A custodian was the last man to note the odd wrestler who spent os much time here, poking at the piano and staring at nothing. So pale and quiet, he and the rest of the staff had taken to calling him a ghost.
And tonight, he moved like one.
-----
His body was sore, but it felt stronger than after the last few fights. His bell may have been rung but it did not deter him. She came to the infirmary earlier to scout him. He felt it then, but played nice for the camera. Just like she knew he would. And so, here he was tucked away at the end of the corridor her room lay in, crouched out of sight and waiting for the footfalls to approach.
Tonight he had won a title match opportunity.
And now, he’d win and get some answers the piano couldn’t.
Thankfully the level of patience didn’t have to be tested too much as light footsteps made their way towards the room. However, just as the volume rises, it goes down a bit. She turned around? Three steps away, two back again. She was spinning about, playfully or what seemed that way to the naked eye. A gentle hum soon followed before the steps ceased and a silky sound echoed in the corridor.
“Little bird, little bird fly through my window
Little bird, little bird fly through my window
Little bird, little bird fly through my window
And find molasses candy..”
His eyes narrowed as he tried to focus on the steps, then the song. He took a deep inhale, weighing the possibilities silently, then his options. He half scoffed, shaking his head as he stepped out from his hiding spot and strode confidently to stand by her room door, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms over himself, eyelids sliding half shut as he begins centering himself, pushing the pain of the fight out of his mind.
Then, he answered.
“Fly through my window, my sugarlump
Through my window, my sugarlump…”
Her back was still turned to him following another spin, but hearing the answer brought her to slightly turn her head so she could catch a bit of a view.
“And find molasses candy..”
A soft giggle followed. She then turned completely, taking the steps necessary to reach him, offering an interesting looking smile. “How are you, friend? Doing well?”
“I’m doing fine, Rookie...and remember, you can call me Matt,” He offered, eyes remaining half open, his eyes glazed over looking as if the lights are on but no one is home. He lets out a slow exhale through flared nostrils, listening to the hallway, so dead and lonely. As if the universe cleared the area in anticipation. “Heading to bed already? When the night is so young?”
“はいもちろん.. Matt..” Though her voice was soft as she spoke, there was something about it that sliced at the core. Placing her right hand on her chest, she let in and then exhaled a deep breath of her own, lowering the hand and then reaching out to him with it. Again she smiled. “I thought about resting, but I think.. enough of that has happened.. if that is okay. Maybe we can play? Maybe.. we dance?”
“With no music?” he answered, pushing off the wall and reaching up to take her hand gently in his own, as if he were about to lead her to the middle of an extravagant dance floor. Not something too far out of the ordinary. Besides, they WERE in the Silver State BALLROOM. After all. His eyes seemed to brighten now, however as he looked down at her, past their adjoined hands and to her own, dark eyes.
There were no rainbows left.
The colorless truth shone through in its own sense of beauty. One that seemed shared as eyes met and remained locked for what seemed like forever.
“We will make our own.. 甘い鳥.. I can let you play first if you want.. bring you back all the way here. I am fair this way. I like you too much to do it the other way. Will you take me?” The smile faded, her gaze growing hollow in a way. She seemed to still hold one final tether though, as if waiting for her cue. His fingers leave hers, and trail down her arm gliding over the flesh, just barely. Like brushing the tip of the fuzz on a peach..
And then suddenly the fingers struck, snatching her wrist and pinning it to the door, his other hand shooting up to her sternum and shoving her into the door as well, soft enough to evade the noise pollution but firm enough to drive home his point, “I don’t want to, either….but I will.” he leaned in then, completing the lie and image of a fling in it’s infancy. His lips hover just a hair away from her ear as he whispers, or rather hisses.
“This is your only chance to do this quietly.”
One would think from her expression that she felt the air escape her, remaining in a state of shock, but the gaze told a tale of calmness, familiarity. Another giggle, still girlish, but a bit deeper now. “私に嘘をつかないでください… あなたは私が悲鳴を上げるのを聞きたいです… そして、私は義務付けます… 1回だけ..” If there were others around, it was at this point where alarms would finally go off. A shriek broke through, followed by another bell ringing. The contact had an impact on her as well, but she shook it off quickly, creating distance with a precise strike, finding no more use in words. So why not go for the throat? The headbutt caught him off guard, as did the throat strike. He coughed, backing up half a step...then motioning for her to open the door, still coughing through it. However, for the sake of appearances he stepped forward and leaned on her. A sick friend she helped back to their room…
Eyes darted around and with a nod, the door was opened. “なんてかわいい、あなたも行動する..” Stepping back, she used the lean to bring him inside, making sure the door was locked behind them before a single final breath of air was taken followed by a quiet charge. While not desperate in nature, it showed that she knew this wouldn’t be easy. After one last breath, he shoots up vertical then and stares her down while slowly sliding his leather jacket off his shoulders.
“Last chance.” It was deadpan, emotionless and did its duty in covering up his hesitation to pursue this route. He lifted his hands up, assuming a traditional Muay Thai stance as he stared her down. Her approach didn’t stop, but it did slow for the sake of observation. His words brought about the final bit of emotion she had within her, a genuine stray drop leaving before her frown faded to nothingness. Not bothering with words, she took her own stance, being a little judoka and readied herself, staying true to her initial offer now that she knew there was no turning back.
“More fool me for thinking peace possible.” he muttered, and with that he sprung at her with a thrust kick that sends the smaller girl flying back into a chair. He hauls back a fist and goes to drive it into her solar plexus but she manages to evade. His knee, the one that was wrapped so tight earlier buckles as he feels a hard kick go into the side of it but he’s quick to pivot, getting the knee far from her and nailing her with a palm strike to the side of her head, which sends it to his left hand that he uses to snatch her hair and pull her into a traditional plum, firing knees into her chest and midsection..
Until he feels the shot in his injured shoulder. His left arm goes dead practically, and she’s out of his grasp. He takes a step back, wincing and favoring the shoulder.
“So it wasn’t just a friendly visit, then?” he gets out through tired breaths, eyes still locked on her. She took the second to recover herself, before shaking her head. “It was.. at first..” her own voice showing a sign or two of her current state. It didn’t take long for her to get back to the situation they forced themselves in. Using another scream to distract, a faked shot gave way to the nearby alarm clock being ripped from the desk and thrown in his direction, particularly at his injured shoulder. The young woman then used her speed to get to his side, giving another stiff kick to the knee once the distance was closed. Not letting up and knowing she had a number of disadvantages, she again grabbed hold of a tool, this time the lamp which she swung, aiming for the skull. While his movement caused her to miss her key target, she still struck well enough to bring him closer to her level.
Knowing this was the chance, she used his injured limb and leverage to grip tight and finally get him down to the ground. With this not being a traditional deal, there was no armbar attempt. Instead she found herself on top, throwing what strikes and scratches she can, each one whether they connected or not, being accompanied by the same cry. “ごめんなさい!” He covered up the best he could, eventually seizing an opening and reaching up to nail his own strike to her throat. He rolled her off of him then, initially going to pin her on the ground but suddenly he flips her onto her stomach and fights through her thrashing to get one arm around her neck, one under her other arm.
He locks in the Katahajime the best he can, before standing and pulling her with him still in the chokehold, “If I let you go, will you stop?!” he asked, voice low but dangerous. A lot of the noises could be chalked up to a tryst still if security came. This needed to stay where it was, how it was. A few more stray streams escaped, the young woman realizing her predicament and the potential that her thoughts were a touch misguided. Still though she struggled. “.. I.. please.. I.. can’t..” was all she could muster, but it was enough to make her point known.
With one more ghost of a squeeze, he released the hold and stepped back, instantly favoring the injured shoulder and arm as he winced and clenched his teeth through the pain, “Now, then…” a couch, clearing his throat “Some answers.” The release mixed in with exhaustion caused her to drop to her knees, the young woman letting out some labored coughs. She sniffles a few times as well before finally lifting her head up. She looked over to him, but her gaze didn’t stay locked for long, moving around the room slowly. “I.. I don’t.. I.. can’t..” More coughs came out, followed in time with a sigh. She almost looked as though she was shaking, but stopped it herself, slowly rising. One more sniffle and then a very slow turn.
He lowered his hands fully then, and after a moment of hesitation his better angels took hold and he took a long, gliding step toward her. A pale hand reached out, brushing hair from her brow and checking her over, “You’re not too hurt?” the concern was genuine, as genuine as the change in the game.
He’d broken her down.
Now he had to saddle her.
The floodgates were truly struggling at this point. She did everything she could to keep her composure. In the end she lowered her head, shying away from the touch. “I.. I will be okay. I’m sorry.. I want to believe.. but I.. there’s too much to lose.. I have to make things right.” Fighting against herself, she managed to match his gaze once again, her expression a genuine sorrow filled one. Her eyes moved to the door at that point.
A thumb brushed over a birthing bruise. A blemish on the skin of a ripened fruit. He narrows his eyes for a split second, her scattered sentiments bounce around his head for a moment before he speaks up “Whatever you stand to lose, I swear i’m not here to take it from you..” the hand, long thin and cool like death’s ought to be, dropped and cupped her chin, raising her face to his as he pretended to look for more bruises, but honestly searched her gaze for any kind of sign. Of anything. What met him at this point was a battle scarred guardian shaken to the core. She took a step back at that point breaking away, as if looking for the bricks to build a final wall. “You can’t.. I can’t.. I..” Her breathing grew labored, and she felt like everything was crumbling. “I can’t lose this.. I can’t.. it’s.. not about me anymore..” She shook her head, her voice and words falling to scattered murmurs in her native tongue.
His mind raced, but an old trick suddenly rushed to the front of his mind, surviving the maelstrom of kicks the night had brought. His hand dives into his front pocket, pulling out an ancient zippo lighter he flicks it open, and flicks the flame to life. Slowly, he moves it back and forth in front of her face between them “Rookie. Focus up. Come on.” stern, but not malicious.
Like the fight.
Like a moth she became entranced, the dance bringing about an all new set of goosebumps. Her gaze focused but also faded, as if drifting elsewhere. “The flame.. I couldn’t stop it.. I have to make it right.. I need to paint their picture.. keep her safe.. I am so tired.. I hate this.” A few blinks brought her back to the present, but still her eyes were glued, a new sense of concern and a stern image building simultaneously.
“Why don’t you rest, then? I’ll keep watch so that you can.” He brought the flame to a stop, before flicking the cap over it to snuff it out and bing her focus to him, “As for who you’re protecting...maybe I can help with that? I’m protecting people, too.” He deftly took her arm in his own, locking them at the elbow and leader her toward the full sized bed that had seemingly been spared most of the chaos of their scuffle.
The idea swirled around in her mind for a bit, bringing forth the first smile in a while. There was still plenty to be seen, but she opted to dive into the sense of relief, for now. “Rest sounds so nice.. I haven’t done this in a while.. not truly. I.. I don’t know about the next part, but this.. this is okay for right now. But..” she couldn’t help the yawn. “Could you.. I guess.. nevermind.” Looking to him, she slowly unlinked their arms, making her way to the bed.
Matthew hung back, eyes scanning the wreckage before he falls into the chair he had tried to punch her head through earlier. “Yeah. You rest...i’m here.” his eyes fell then on a bundle of wire in the corner, likely from them finally removing the ancient landlines. The telephone wire caused a smirk to crack his features “Yeah...you rest.”
-----
The time that had passed from the moment her head hit the pillow until now was unknown. All that was known to Mira was the feeling of weightlessness that enveloped her. It was nice, and while she wasn’t too sure if a dream was had, she wouldn’t be surprised if that were the case. She took her time, letting her mind swirl around, almost as if she didn’t want to return to the waking world.
Looking to partake in the customs of tossing and turning proved rather difficult. A dazed sigh escaped, of course it was. She had been in a little bit of a scrap not that long ago. However, as her wits returned, the limitations began to raise some alarms.
Her eyes snapped open and she was back in the room, but her body was not where she had left it when she entrusted her consciousness to the man she shared a painful dance with earlier. Instead she was sitting in the chair previously sat beside the desk in the corner of the hotel room and..
She couldn’t move. Her eyes darted around before drifting lower, the reasoning coming to light which led to a mix of many emotions, panic prevailing over the rest. Keeping her eyes and head lowered, she didn’t bother fighting the thought that encompassed her mind.
“どうして?なぜこれをしたのですか?私はあなたに私の信頼を与えました…”
"It's rude, I know" came his voice, decidedly mellow all things considered. The harsh smell of his cigarette hung in the air as he took another puff, loosing the noxious fumes out his nostrils. "Figured, though. This would at least help keep this a'' he motioned with one hand between them "friendlier exchange than the last."
“I told you.. I said in less words that I would stop. You didn’t believe me..” her words escaped in a low tone, her emotions out for display with little barrier. Still she offered the best nod of understanding that she could before snapping her gaze to meet him. “私はあなたが長い夜の準備ができていることを願っています.. so what did they offer? Or is this something you chose to do.. on your own?” The latter part of her questioning gave way to a sense of unease, almost like she was hoping for one answer over the other.
He stood and walked over to her after a moment, roughly grabbing her by the chin and lifting her face to meet his gaze. His tongue ran over his teeth once, a crooked smirk forming "They offered a lot for you. Even more if I could get what you're trying to protect." He released her chin, but not before blowing his next puff in her face.
Play your part.
Perfectly.
"I'm reasonable though. So...what are you willing to give, to not go back?' The young woman did her best to shield herself following a short cough, but couldn’t help the slip of a chuckle. “You have no idea.. I could show you if you loosen me up.. but you’re too cautious for this, yes? So I guess we can have this happen in this way.. it just won’t be the best that can be offered..” While her tone remained consistent, deep down she knew this was a shot in the dark at best. She had to test the waters though, and look for a way out. Too tight to shimmy right now. He knew what he was doing.
A chuckle at the implication, he drops to a knee in front of her. Now, whether the arrogance etched on his face was a part of this act or not was up for debate. As were his words.
"Darling, that would be a net gain for you. Try again."
Another cloud of smoke, blown away from her now. The little mercies. Showcasing a smirk of her own, she let out a laugh. “あなたは非常に面白いです.. Okay, fine. I offered the simple but you like complications.. I am capable of much and can be a very good friend. If this is not good enough, then I can make things really fun..” Even with the soreness, she gave a playful wink before lowering her head a bit. Something was brewing and she had to look away in order to hide the calculation. “What I protect.. is more important than myself, even more now because of my past mistake. So you tell me what do you know of true importance?”
"Concerning this? Not much. But you can teach me." He rests a hand upon her thigh then. If it was chicken she wanted to play, he would win there too. "Life importance? With what I do, what I've done? It's best to keep that in a gray area. Otherwise I'd never sleep."
Wasn't a total lie. At least God could forgive this part of the greater transgression.
Deep breath, deep breath. “I was not sure of this before. You learn of things and sometimes the meaning escapes you, but now I have a better idea. Half truths.. so will you leave me there too? Once all this is done, I mean.. this is okay if you do. Just leave that one.. or at least honor my wish to create a haven. Then I can really sleep.” Now while she wasn’t too sure about his level of understanding when her native tongue gave way, something told her he’d catch on with the right body language.. well as much as she could offer given her present limitations. “スナップした後も私がまだよく見えることを確認してください..” A simple click of the tongue followed. Now or never.
"And who is so important, to get to this haven that has men like them send a man like me…" a slide of his hand and now a buck knife, weathered and aged as his face was becoming, now pressed gently against her taut but soft all the same belly "After you?"
“You already know now.. so why bother having me spill before you make your.. end of this deal complete? And.. I know you know what I truly mean by that..” She felt the tingle of the nerves take hold, but did her best not to let it show. She wasn’t ready, but at the same time she was.
"Because the sound of your voice is enjoyable.." the blade ran up and down her abdomen then in a slow, holding pattern. The sharp edge gliding along in the barest of contact with her shirt, eyes cast across the room in thought "Where is the person you need to protect? Just a city name will do…" the blade slid all the way up then, the point taking a new roost, pressed under her chin.
"Please?" Her eyes locked up with his again, the two continuing their dance after a spell away and the sharing of twisted tales lasted much longer than times before. She seemed to be searching for something and once she found it, she lightly tilted herself, not to a point of danger, but just enough to draw a little blood and leave an eventual mark.
“Your.. best.. friend’s.. bed..”
He couldn't have hid the realization in his eyes if he tried, pulling the blade away he snatches her by the throat, toppling her and the chair over and kneeling over her. His hand releases his grip but lingers, ready to snatch again.
"Who is Ahmya, to you?" His tone low, dangerous. His muscles coiled and ready to strike. His eyes frenzied but focused, hunting any lie. Forcing a laugh, her eyes closed, the troubled one taking in another breath. “You sound like you care.. that isn’t very smart of a hired hand.”
"No one hired me. You're just easily charmed…" he almost hated how arrogant he was "Now, tell me how you know the closest thing I have to a son's clearly damaged girlfriend." A threatening tap on her throat with his index finger "And no bullshit...or we'll never dance again."
Was that part of the game? Always maybe. Another fit of laughter, softer this time. She finally decided to open her eyes and see who she’s faced with this time. What she saw brought the softest tint of color to her soul, though she still had to fight against it. “I.. I would like to dance again.. if I tell you, what will you do to me? Will you at least.. will you honor my request if you see I can’t leave?”
"I don't give a shit about your haven just that she, and he, are left alone by whatever bullshit is chasing her.." he raised a hand then, automatic and without much thought to fix a strand of hair. "And you? I'm presuming?"
A very telling sigh. “I am trapped until I complete this.. and then they’ll probably try to do to me what they tried to do to her.. what I.. what I’m supposed to finish. But I can’t.. I could never.. I.. I trust you..” Her eyes closed again, making way for tears. “She.. she doesn’t.. she needs to hide.. they both do.. if you care.. you will help me. I tried to do this alone.. gather information.. I.. caused all of this.. it’s all my fault..” She sniffled a few times, doing her best to regain her composure. “これがまた別の間違いなら、直子さんごめんなさい..” Another breath, then her gaze returned, locking with his so there would be no question about sincerity.
“She’s my sister..”
The rage melted as did most emotion. He broke eye contact a moment before nodding and lifting the chair vertical. He took the knife and silently, dutifully set to cutting her binds.
As he frees her last ankle, his free hand fires out to grab it in a surprisingly gentle grip, eyes locked on the red mark left from her binds. He let's a slow breath out, no longer interested in her gaze "I'm sorry." He offered.
Watching his movements carefully still, she finally felt a sense of ease, reminding herself that such a thing was possible. A shaky but delicate hand reached out to him, unsure of what would happen, but still willing to start.. something. “I.. I am sorry too. Can.. I.. can we.. listen to some music? The silence.. it scares me.”
He eyed the odd girl quietly for a moment, before taking the hand and squeezing it comfortingly. Wordlessly, he pulled out his phone. And with a smirk dedicated to the path of the sun, he played the last song he had played.
Soon, Burleske filled the room and killed the silence.
The ivory did have answers after all.
But somewhere between the orphanage and teenhood, he learned to love it on the old off-brand out-of-tune grand piano his father had kept in the ‘great room’ where he hosted all those holiday parties Matt did his utmost to evade growing up.
Here though, with this decidedly smaller yamaha that he had kept in tune for selfish reasons at the Silver State Ballroom, or whatever his hotel home was called? It was a release. A place to lose himself and get away from the ire and mire that he found himself wading in far too often.
As his fingers gently brushed over the worn faux ivory keys a small smile tugged at his worn face. He pressed a key, letting the rich note ring throughout the empty lobby before running through a scale with his left hand, then his right..
“Almost know what you’re doing, Knox..” he muttered to himself.
It didn’t take too long before soft steps barely clacking in the distance approached. The delicate movement came to a stop almost as soon as they barely penetrated the senses, following up with a little whispered greeting. “こんにちは..” There was a slight pause at that moment, but soon enough the voice spoke up again. “There is more to come.. I hope.. this is okay for right now.”
Her presence snapped him out of his reverie as his eyes snapped to here and now. He reaches up to take his drink, tipping the glass toward her “I assure you this is more than fine, miss.” He pokes and prods at the opening notes of Burleske, before his brow furrows and he returns his gaze to the diminutive guest in his universe. “This isn’t something most people request. Would I be wrong to guess you have a taste for orchestral music?” a pause “Apologies for the lack of an accompaniment. I’m afraid the string section is out sick.”
His brand of humor brought about a small giggle that soon led to a warm smile. She then looked down to her own glass of the same drink before taking a tiny sip. Giving a nod of acknowledgment, her gaze met him once again. “This is fine.. I am happy to hear the piece simple or with all. It is one I love. This music speaks to my heart.. I do not hear it much. I never got to.. I never got to show this. So many bubbles, too many. Do you like it?”
She faded as the statement went...or danced away from the question, the point..he kept the smile glued to his face as he began to dive into the piece proper, nodding once before speaking. His tone a touch more monotone than usual as he focused on the task at hand “It will do the job, no doubt,” he said of the drink, exhaling a warm breath through his nose “What don’t you get to show much? An appreciation for piano? The song?”
Faded and trailed off.
How curious.
How familiar.
Another sip took place as the question was thought over, a sigh escaping the young woman. “それのすべて.. I am so sorry. I mean.. everything. All of it. For so much time I do not get to show everything, only what is told to me. I was happy for change but.. now I know it is not supposed to be a change for me. So I sit. I hear this.. and I am happy.” Her voice softened with each passing word until growing quiet, followed by another sip.
His focused, flat expression betrayed the rapidly turning gears between his ears as he played the tune, taking a moment to bring the drink to his lips and show off by playing one handed. Although, with the salad-fingers like hands he possessed it was hardly a show-off. He set the glass down and returned to playing like a normal human being in the silence for a moment before speaking up.
“Where were you, child? Where your personality was so heavily dictated that you couldn't enjoy an obscure piece of piano music?” his eyes remained on the keys, but he swore he felt the twitch, and the tension in the air. A tired sigh escaped her once the question was absorbed. It sounded like one that was expressed time and time again, with her expression change, the lowering of her gaze all but confirming it. “I was.. I am trapped. It is.. hard to say. It is okay.. it will be okay. I have one thing to do and then I’m okay. After this.. I will let the sky hug me.” Her smile was forced at this point, voice shaky but still managing a level of conviction. Another sip.
“You’re too young to feel that hug, quite yet.” He let his gaze shift to her now, cold and emotionless but not cruel. He tilted his head slightly “What happens if you defy them? Don’t do this one last thing?” he counted the break off before heading back into the song, although he tuned the melody out and focused on her words intently. This felt important. Weighty.
“I.. I do not know.. no.. I do.. all is lost. The rain does not get to dance with the sun. I.. have to do this. I will give my best.. even if.. I do not get to see what happens after.. I..” a quick hush caused by choking up. One more sip, perhaps one of courage. “I did bad before.. I can not make mistake.. please do not hate me. I do this for not me..”
A bit of silence as even now the song stopped. He hung in the silence for a beat, before heading into the final motions of the song. Eventually his voice cut above the keys, quiet but edged. Probing. His gaze choosing not to meet hers, less she crumble and shut down…
Or pull the ripcord and abandon the game?
“What are you meant to do, that would make me hate you?”
Two soft sniffles, then silence. It seemed to last forever considering the importance of what she was asked. It wasn’t clear whether she was contemplating choosing her words carefully or not, but a shaky tone tried to accomplish something. “I have a plan.. it is scary.. but I do not want to completely do as told. So I have a plan.. I create the picture they want.. but then escape. Maybe not me.. but at least..” another hush, this one lasting a bit longer than the others. “I want to trust.. but I do not know if you have ties to them. If any you do.. I should go.. thank you for music and the talk.”
Stay in town..
Try another street..
“I’m not a stranger to you, am I?” he interjected, his hands leaving the keys now and coming to rest in his lap as he turned himself to face her departing figure. His back straight, his gaze locked onto her and his expression flat and inquisitive. “You can tell me. I assure you, i’ve no intention of hurting you.” yet.
She froze in place. While she didn’t turn to face him, no steps were taken to further escape the situation. What she did offer was a soft nod in response to his question. “I do not know much.. but I seek the truth.. I wish I had more time with this.. I have to do this quickly. Maybe you are a friend.. but.. I can not take the risk. Too much.. it is too much. If you.. stay away.. it will help me.. both of you.. stay away from what I have to do..” Her body tensed up. “Tell your friend to leave the rain behind..”
He hated metaphors. And He hated that he had gained so many friends in the last year. It used to be easy, these messages were for Bert. Now? Who knew.
“Goodnight, Rainbow Vomit.” He says from where he sits letting a smirk crack his face before he turned back to the piano and his drink, taking a pull from the glass and launching into a half-hearted rendition of Tom Traubert’s Blues, right into the first verse. His quiet singing meant to add a period to their conversation.
“Wasted and wounded, Ain’t what the moon did. Got what I paiiiid for now…” he locked onto her form in the corner of his eye, waiting now. While she stood for a second longer, soon enough her steps resumed, accompanied by a final address. “おやすみなさい..そしてごめんなさい..” Following this, she made her exit, a heavy sigh being the last thing within earshot. On the surface, the statement went ignored but the sadness pulled at a part of him quickly buried and cast aside.
Not now.
He listened to the footsteps, his playing having gone mute as soon as she was out of earshot. He stood, grabbing his coat and walking from the lobby. Those watching close enough would see his lips silently counting the steps she took, the direction, which hall she turned down. No elevator bell. She’s on the first floor.
What does she know?
A custodian was the last man to note the odd wrestler who spent os much time here, poking at the piano and staring at nothing. So pale and quiet, he and the rest of the staff had taken to calling him a ghost.
And tonight, he moved like one.
-----
His body was sore, but it felt stronger than after the last few fights. His bell may have been rung but it did not deter him. She came to the infirmary earlier to scout him. He felt it then, but played nice for the camera. Just like she knew he would. And so, here he was tucked away at the end of the corridor her room lay in, crouched out of sight and waiting for the footfalls to approach.
Tonight he had won a title match opportunity.
And now, he’d win and get some answers the piano couldn’t.
Thankfully the level of patience didn’t have to be tested too much as light footsteps made their way towards the room. However, just as the volume rises, it goes down a bit. She turned around? Three steps away, two back again. She was spinning about, playfully or what seemed that way to the naked eye. A gentle hum soon followed before the steps ceased and a silky sound echoed in the corridor.
“Little bird, little bird fly through my window
Little bird, little bird fly through my window
Little bird, little bird fly through my window
And find molasses candy..”
His eyes narrowed as he tried to focus on the steps, then the song. He took a deep inhale, weighing the possibilities silently, then his options. He half scoffed, shaking his head as he stepped out from his hiding spot and strode confidently to stand by her room door, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms over himself, eyelids sliding half shut as he begins centering himself, pushing the pain of the fight out of his mind.
Then, he answered.
“Fly through my window, my sugarlump
Through my window, my sugarlump…”
Her back was still turned to him following another spin, but hearing the answer brought her to slightly turn her head so she could catch a bit of a view.
“And find molasses candy..”
A soft giggle followed. She then turned completely, taking the steps necessary to reach him, offering an interesting looking smile. “How are you, friend? Doing well?”
“I’m doing fine, Rookie...and remember, you can call me Matt,” He offered, eyes remaining half open, his eyes glazed over looking as if the lights are on but no one is home. He lets out a slow exhale through flared nostrils, listening to the hallway, so dead and lonely. As if the universe cleared the area in anticipation. “Heading to bed already? When the night is so young?”
“はいもちろん.. Matt..” Though her voice was soft as she spoke, there was something about it that sliced at the core. Placing her right hand on her chest, she let in and then exhaled a deep breath of her own, lowering the hand and then reaching out to him with it. Again she smiled. “I thought about resting, but I think.. enough of that has happened.. if that is okay. Maybe we can play? Maybe.. we dance?”
“With no music?” he answered, pushing off the wall and reaching up to take her hand gently in his own, as if he were about to lead her to the middle of an extravagant dance floor. Not something too far out of the ordinary. Besides, they WERE in the Silver State BALLROOM. After all. His eyes seemed to brighten now, however as he looked down at her, past their adjoined hands and to her own, dark eyes.
There were no rainbows left.
The colorless truth shone through in its own sense of beauty. One that seemed shared as eyes met and remained locked for what seemed like forever.
“We will make our own.. 甘い鳥.. I can let you play first if you want.. bring you back all the way here. I am fair this way. I like you too much to do it the other way. Will you take me?” The smile faded, her gaze growing hollow in a way. She seemed to still hold one final tether though, as if waiting for her cue. His fingers leave hers, and trail down her arm gliding over the flesh, just barely. Like brushing the tip of the fuzz on a peach..
And then suddenly the fingers struck, snatching her wrist and pinning it to the door, his other hand shooting up to her sternum and shoving her into the door as well, soft enough to evade the noise pollution but firm enough to drive home his point, “I don’t want to, either….but I will.” he leaned in then, completing the lie and image of a fling in it’s infancy. His lips hover just a hair away from her ear as he whispers, or rather hisses.
“This is your only chance to do this quietly.”
One would think from her expression that she felt the air escape her, remaining in a state of shock, but the gaze told a tale of calmness, familiarity. Another giggle, still girlish, but a bit deeper now. “私に嘘をつかないでください… あなたは私が悲鳴を上げるのを聞きたいです… そして、私は義務付けます… 1回だけ..” If there were others around, it was at this point where alarms would finally go off. A shriek broke through, followed by another bell ringing. The contact had an impact on her as well, but she shook it off quickly, creating distance with a precise strike, finding no more use in words. So why not go for the throat? The headbutt caught him off guard, as did the throat strike. He coughed, backing up half a step...then motioning for her to open the door, still coughing through it. However, for the sake of appearances he stepped forward and leaned on her. A sick friend she helped back to their room…
Eyes darted around and with a nod, the door was opened. “なんてかわいい、あなたも行動する..” Stepping back, she used the lean to bring him inside, making sure the door was locked behind them before a single final breath of air was taken followed by a quiet charge. While not desperate in nature, it showed that she knew this wouldn’t be easy. After one last breath, he shoots up vertical then and stares her down while slowly sliding his leather jacket off his shoulders.
“Last chance.” It was deadpan, emotionless and did its duty in covering up his hesitation to pursue this route. He lifted his hands up, assuming a traditional Muay Thai stance as he stared her down. Her approach didn’t stop, but it did slow for the sake of observation. His words brought about the final bit of emotion she had within her, a genuine stray drop leaving before her frown faded to nothingness. Not bothering with words, she took her own stance, being a little judoka and readied herself, staying true to her initial offer now that she knew there was no turning back.
“More fool me for thinking peace possible.” he muttered, and with that he sprung at her with a thrust kick that sends the smaller girl flying back into a chair. He hauls back a fist and goes to drive it into her solar plexus but she manages to evade. His knee, the one that was wrapped so tight earlier buckles as he feels a hard kick go into the side of it but he’s quick to pivot, getting the knee far from her and nailing her with a palm strike to the side of her head, which sends it to his left hand that he uses to snatch her hair and pull her into a traditional plum, firing knees into her chest and midsection..
Until he feels the shot in his injured shoulder. His left arm goes dead practically, and she’s out of his grasp. He takes a step back, wincing and favoring the shoulder.
“So it wasn’t just a friendly visit, then?” he gets out through tired breaths, eyes still locked on her. She took the second to recover herself, before shaking her head. “It was.. at first..” her own voice showing a sign or two of her current state. It didn’t take long for her to get back to the situation they forced themselves in. Using another scream to distract, a faked shot gave way to the nearby alarm clock being ripped from the desk and thrown in his direction, particularly at his injured shoulder. The young woman then used her speed to get to his side, giving another stiff kick to the knee once the distance was closed. Not letting up and knowing she had a number of disadvantages, she again grabbed hold of a tool, this time the lamp which she swung, aiming for the skull. While his movement caused her to miss her key target, she still struck well enough to bring him closer to her level.
Knowing this was the chance, she used his injured limb and leverage to grip tight and finally get him down to the ground. With this not being a traditional deal, there was no armbar attempt. Instead she found herself on top, throwing what strikes and scratches she can, each one whether they connected or not, being accompanied by the same cry. “ごめんなさい!” He covered up the best he could, eventually seizing an opening and reaching up to nail his own strike to her throat. He rolled her off of him then, initially going to pin her on the ground but suddenly he flips her onto her stomach and fights through her thrashing to get one arm around her neck, one under her other arm.
He locks in the Katahajime the best he can, before standing and pulling her with him still in the chokehold, “If I let you go, will you stop?!” he asked, voice low but dangerous. A lot of the noises could be chalked up to a tryst still if security came. This needed to stay where it was, how it was. A few more stray streams escaped, the young woman realizing her predicament and the potential that her thoughts were a touch misguided. Still though she struggled. “.. I.. please.. I.. can’t..” was all she could muster, but it was enough to make her point known.
With one more ghost of a squeeze, he released the hold and stepped back, instantly favoring the injured shoulder and arm as he winced and clenched his teeth through the pain, “Now, then…” a couch, clearing his throat “Some answers.” The release mixed in with exhaustion caused her to drop to her knees, the young woman letting out some labored coughs. She sniffles a few times as well before finally lifting her head up. She looked over to him, but her gaze didn’t stay locked for long, moving around the room slowly. “I.. I don’t.. I.. can’t..” More coughs came out, followed in time with a sigh. She almost looked as though she was shaking, but stopped it herself, slowly rising. One more sniffle and then a very slow turn.
He lowered his hands fully then, and after a moment of hesitation his better angels took hold and he took a long, gliding step toward her. A pale hand reached out, brushing hair from her brow and checking her over, “You’re not too hurt?” the concern was genuine, as genuine as the change in the game.
He’d broken her down.
Now he had to saddle her.
The floodgates were truly struggling at this point. She did everything she could to keep her composure. In the end she lowered her head, shying away from the touch. “I.. I will be okay. I’m sorry.. I want to believe.. but I.. there’s too much to lose.. I have to make things right.” Fighting against herself, she managed to match his gaze once again, her expression a genuine sorrow filled one. Her eyes moved to the door at that point.
A thumb brushed over a birthing bruise. A blemish on the skin of a ripened fruit. He narrows his eyes for a split second, her scattered sentiments bounce around his head for a moment before he speaks up “Whatever you stand to lose, I swear i’m not here to take it from you..” the hand, long thin and cool like death’s ought to be, dropped and cupped her chin, raising her face to his as he pretended to look for more bruises, but honestly searched her gaze for any kind of sign. Of anything. What met him at this point was a battle scarred guardian shaken to the core. She took a step back at that point breaking away, as if looking for the bricks to build a final wall. “You can’t.. I can’t.. I..” Her breathing grew labored, and she felt like everything was crumbling. “I can’t lose this.. I can’t.. it’s.. not about me anymore..” She shook her head, her voice and words falling to scattered murmurs in her native tongue.
His mind raced, but an old trick suddenly rushed to the front of his mind, surviving the maelstrom of kicks the night had brought. His hand dives into his front pocket, pulling out an ancient zippo lighter he flicks it open, and flicks the flame to life. Slowly, he moves it back and forth in front of her face between them “Rookie. Focus up. Come on.” stern, but not malicious.
Like the fight.
Like a moth she became entranced, the dance bringing about an all new set of goosebumps. Her gaze focused but also faded, as if drifting elsewhere. “The flame.. I couldn’t stop it.. I have to make it right.. I need to paint their picture.. keep her safe.. I am so tired.. I hate this.” A few blinks brought her back to the present, but still her eyes were glued, a new sense of concern and a stern image building simultaneously.
“Why don’t you rest, then? I’ll keep watch so that you can.” He brought the flame to a stop, before flicking the cap over it to snuff it out and bing her focus to him, “As for who you’re protecting...maybe I can help with that? I’m protecting people, too.” He deftly took her arm in his own, locking them at the elbow and leader her toward the full sized bed that had seemingly been spared most of the chaos of their scuffle.
The idea swirled around in her mind for a bit, bringing forth the first smile in a while. There was still plenty to be seen, but she opted to dive into the sense of relief, for now. “Rest sounds so nice.. I haven’t done this in a while.. not truly. I.. I don’t know about the next part, but this.. this is okay for right now. But..” she couldn’t help the yawn. “Could you.. I guess.. nevermind.” Looking to him, she slowly unlinked their arms, making her way to the bed.
Matthew hung back, eyes scanning the wreckage before he falls into the chair he had tried to punch her head through earlier. “Yeah. You rest...i’m here.” his eyes fell then on a bundle of wire in the corner, likely from them finally removing the ancient landlines. The telephone wire caused a smirk to crack his features “Yeah...you rest.”
-----
The time that had passed from the moment her head hit the pillow until now was unknown. All that was known to Mira was the feeling of weightlessness that enveloped her. It was nice, and while she wasn’t too sure if a dream was had, she wouldn’t be surprised if that were the case. She took her time, letting her mind swirl around, almost as if she didn’t want to return to the waking world.
Looking to partake in the customs of tossing and turning proved rather difficult. A dazed sigh escaped, of course it was. She had been in a little bit of a scrap not that long ago. However, as her wits returned, the limitations began to raise some alarms.
Her eyes snapped open and she was back in the room, but her body was not where she had left it when she entrusted her consciousness to the man she shared a painful dance with earlier. Instead she was sitting in the chair previously sat beside the desk in the corner of the hotel room and..
She couldn’t move. Her eyes darted around before drifting lower, the reasoning coming to light which led to a mix of many emotions, panic prevailing over the rest. Keeping her eyes and head lowered, she didn’t bother fighting the thought that encompassed her mind.
“どうして?なぜこれをしたのですか?私はあなたに私の信頼を与えました…”
"It's rude, I know" came his voice, decidedly mellow all things considered. The harsh smell of his cigarette hung in the air as he took another puff, loosing the noxious fumes out his nostrils. "Figured, though. This would at least help keep this a'' he motioned with one hand between them "friendlier exchange than the last."
“I told you.. I said in less words that I would stop. You didn’t believe me..” her words escaped in a low tone, her emotions out for display with little barrier. Still she offered the best nod of understanding that she could before snapping her gaze to meet him. “私はあなたが長い夜の準備ができていることを願っています.. so what did they offer? Or is this something you chose to do.. on your own?” The latter part of her questioning gave way to a sense of unease, almost like she was hoping for one answer over the other.
He stood and walked over to her after a moment, roughly grabbing her by the chin and lifting her face to meet his gaze. His tongue ran over his teeth once, a crooked smirk forming "They offered a lot for you. Even more if I could get what you're trying to protect." He released her chin, but not before blowing his next puff in her face.
Play your part.
Perfectly.
"I'm reasonable though. So...what are you willing to give, to not go back?' The young woman did her best to shield herself following a short cough, but couldn’t help the slip of a chuckle. “You have no idea.. I could show you if you loosen me up.. but you’re too cautious for this, yes? So I guess we can have this happen in this way.. it just won’t be the best that can be offered..” While her tone remained consistent, deep down she knew this was a shot in the dark at best. She had to test the waters though, and look for a way out. Too tight to shimmy right now. He knew what he was doing.
A chuckle at the implication, he drops to a knee in front of her. Now, whether the arrogance etched on his face was a part of this act or not was up for debate. As were his words.
"Darling, that would be a net gain for you. Try again."
Another cloud of smoke, blown away from her now. The little mercies. Showcasing a smirk of her own, she let out a laugh. “あなたは非常に面白いです.. Okay, fine. I offered the simple but you like complications.. I am capable of much and can be a very good friend. If this is not good enough, then I can make things really fun..” Even with the soreness, she gave a playful wink before lowering her head a bit. Something was brewing and she had to look away in order to hide the calculation. “What I protect.. is more important than myself, even more now because of my past mistake. So you tell me what do you know of true importance?”
"Concerning this? Not much. But you can teach me." He rests a hand upon her thigh then. If it was chicken she wanted to play, he would win there too. "Life importance? With what I do, what I've done? It's best to keep that in a gray area. Otherwise I'd never sleep."
Wasn't a total lie. At least God could forgive this part of the greater transgression.
Deep breath, deep breath. “I was not sure of this before. You learn of things and sometimes the meaning escapes you, but now I have a better idea. Half truths.. so will you leave me there too? Once all this is done, I mean.. this is okay if you do. Just leave that one.. or at least honor my wish to create a haven. Then I can really sleep.” Now while she wasn’t too sure about his level of understanding when her native tongue gave way, something told her he’d catch on with the right body language.. well as much as she could offer given her present limitations. “スナップした後も私がまだよく見えることを確認してください..” A simple click of the tongue followed. Now or never.
"And who is so important, to get to this haven that has men like them send a man like me…" a slide of his hand and now a buck knife, weathered and aged as his face was becoming, now pressed gently against her taut but soft all the same belly "After you?"
“You already know now.. so why bother having me spill before you make your.. end of this deal complete? And.. I know you know what I truly mean by that..” She felt the tingle of the nerves take hold, but did her best not to let it show. She wasn’t ready, but at the same time she was.
"Because the sound of your voice is enjoyable.." the blade ran up and down her abdomen then in a slow, holding pattern. The sharp edge gliding along in the barest of contact with her shirt, eyes cast across the room in thought "Where is the person you need to protect? Just a city name will do…" the blade slid all the way up then, the point taking a new roost, pressed under her chin.
"Please?" Her eyes locked up with his again, the two continuing their dance after a spell away and the sharing of twisted tales lasted much longer than times before. She seemed to be searching for something and once she found it, she lightly tilted herself, not to a point of danger, but just enough to draw a little blood and leave an eventual mark.
“Your.. best.. friend’s.. bed..”
He couldn't have hid the realization in his eyes if he tried, pulling the blade away he snatches her by the throat, toppling her and the chair over and kneeling over her. His hand releases his grip but lingers, ready to snatch again.
"Who is Ahmya, to you?" His tone low, dangerous. His muscles coiled and ready to strike. His eyes frenzied but focused, hunting any lie. Forcing a laugh, her eyes closed, the troubled one taking in another breath. “You sound like you care.. that isn’t very smart of a hired hand.”
"No one hired me. You're just easily charmed…" he almost hated how arrogant he was "Now, tell me how you know the closest thing I have to a son's clearly damaged girlfriend." A threatening tap on her throat with his index finger "And no bullshit...or we'll never dance again."
Was that part of the game? Always maybe. Another fit of laughter, softer this time. She finally decided to open her eyes and see who she’s faced with this time. What she saw brought the softest tint of color to her soul, though she still had to fight against it. “I.. I would like to dance again.. if I tell you, what will you do to me? Will you at least.. will you honor my request if you see I can’t leave?”
"I don't give a shit about your haven just that she, and he, are left alone by whatever bullshit is chasing her.." he raised a hand then, automatic and without much thought to fix a strand of hair. "And you? I'm presuming?"
A very telling sigh. “I am trapped until I complete this.. and then they’ll probably try to do to me what they tried to do to her.. what I.. what I’m supposed to finish. But I can’t.. I could never.. I.. I trust you..” Her eyes closed again, making way for tears. “She.. she doesn’t.. she needs to hide.. they both do.. if you care.. you will help me. I tried to do this alone.. gather information.. I.. caused all of this.. it’s all my fault..” She sniffled a few times, doing her best to regain her composure. “これがまた別の間違いなら、直子さんごめんなさい..” Another breath, then her gaze returned, locking with his so there would be no question about sincerity.
“She’s my sister..”
The rage melted as did most emotion. He broke eye contact a moment before nodding and lifting the chair vertical. He took the knife and silently, dutifully set to cutting her binds.
As he frees her last ankle, his free hand fires out to grab it in a surprisingly gentle grip, eyes locked on the red mark left from her binds. He let's a slow breath out, no longer interested in her gaze "I'm sorry." He offered.
Watching his movements carefully still, she finally felt a sense of ease, reminding herself that such a thing was possible. A shaky but delicate hand reached out to him, unsure of what would happen, but still willing to start.. something. “I.. I am sorry too. Can.. I.. can we.. listen to some music? The silence.. it scares me.”
He eyed the odd girl quietly for a moment, before taking the hand and squeezing it comfortingly. Wordlessly, he pulled out his phone. And with a smirk dedicated to the path of the sun, he played the last song he had played.
Soon, Burleske filled the room and killed the silence.
The ivory did have answers after all.