of rolling around the question 'who does Sousuke love' in my head a
few times too many... this is the result
What would happen if Sousuke said no to both choices and went back to his one true love...
the battlefield.
BTW, Kleenex and your choice of means of death (I don't want to know
the target) can be found on the way out.
Regards
------------------------------
Narita International Airport, Japan
She shifted uneasily on her feet. "Are you sure you won't change your mind?"
"Was there something wrong with the one I had?"
She groaned. Only HE could take everything she said literally with no
emotion, only cold logical analysis. "I mean... are you sure this is what
you want to do, Sousuke?"
"Yes," he answered. He paused a moment, framing his thoughts.
"Chidori, we come from two different worlds, you and I. You
grew up with your parents' love, a younger sister to care for and share
with, childhood friends to share many experiences with. Me... well, you
already know about me."
"But it doesn't HAVE to be this way!!" she pleaded. "I mean, you're free
to leave Mithril whenever you want! You could... you know, settle down.
Go to school. Go to college. Heck, if you were to show up at the JSDF
recruiting office, they'd take you without a second thought, I'd bet. Don't
resign from the human race, Sousuke!"
"No, I've already made up my mind. Civilian life..." But there was
nothing more to be said. He'd been bloodied from before he was even
born in the hellhole that was formerly Afghanistan; too many enemies'
and friends' blood stained his hands to let him simply leave it behind.
Many more followed as he trekked around the globe to other killing
fields to repeat the process. He slung his duffel over his shoulder and
turned to leave. "Thank you for everything, Chidori. Farewell."
"So, you're just going to go then, is it? That's ALL you've got to say?!"
she yelled, hoping it'd get through to him.
He didn't respond, only walking towards the down escalator that lead
to the departure level.
"You BASTARD!!" She collapsed onto the tile floor, her tears flowing
freely. I've never cried over him, why am I crying now? she thought.
"I... I love you, Sousuke..." she whispered. But she'd never have the
chance to tell him that. Or anything else. Ever again.
* * *
"Sergeant Sagara?"
He stopped, surprised someone would use his former rank like that.
A figure emerged from the shadows.
"Captain Tesstarosa."
She smiled. "Already out of Mithril, and you can't get rid of that
stiff upper lip of yours."
"Even though I am no longer in Mithril, Captain, you still command
my respect."
"I appreciate that." She reached into a folder she was carrying with
her. Her bodyguard looked around nerviously, but no one else was
around in the hallway that lead to the departure gate. "I... I have
something for you. Here... your discharge contract. And a wire
authorization for a VERY handsome sum... in appreciation for your
services to Mithril."
He pocketed them without comment. "Thank you. I must ask
though, why the departure of a lowly Sergeant would interest a
Captain so much."
"You may ask." She giggled at her own weak joke, but a similar
response was not forthcoming from him. Gliding over her faux pas
with a cough "I... uh, wanted to ask where you were headed... now
that Mithril is no longer your home."
"I do not know yet. There are many troublespots in the world, places
that there still is fighting. A person with my skills can find gainful
employment."
"You... you know you don't have to go. Mithril can still use you...
use your skills. I can still use you."
He face scrunched up into a scowl at the last comment. "I... I'm not
sure I understand."
Slowly, she removed the sunglasses hiding her face. "Sousuke... can
we talk? Not as a former superior officer to a former subordinate, but
as one friend to another?"
"Always." His uncomfortness level grew by several degrees.
"Sousuke, you must know by now that.. that I've been in love with
you, right?"
"I..."
"You're out of Mithril now, and... and I still feel the same way about
you. Could... could..."
"Flight 491 to Hong Kong now departing at Gate 24A. All passengers
for Flight 491 to Hong Kong, please goto Gate 24A."
"Goodbye, Captain. I only hope... the next time our paths cross, it
will still be as friends and not as enemies."
* * *
Zing! "Guess I owe you twenty dollars."
"...and I need a beer... no, make that two cases of beer."
"What, she wins the bet of the century, and she only needs two
cases. Are you SURE you're all right with this?"
"I am... but Tessa won't be."
"Oh," Kurtz grinned, as he pondered the double meaning of that.
"Just make sure you don't take advantage of that girl too much, Sis."
She promptly put him in a headlock. "Baa-Kaa! And don't YOU take too
much advantage of that girl Kaname... GET ME!"
"Ye... yeah..."
"Yeah, what?"
"I... I won't... ta... take advantage o... of Kaname." he finally forced out,
gasping for air.
"Good boy."
"Ca... can I get my breathing back?" He struggled to catch a breath of air.
"Hmm... nahh!"
END
Nice story, HELLFIRE.
