Out for a stroll, ...

[Ashers]

<sup>The night was dark, the clouds above overcasting shadows upon the marble walkway. The only light seem to come from what small sliver of the moon still existed, the wind howling its way in and out of the alley ways and such.

The shops had long ago closed up and maybe that was why she had decided to take a walk and it had led her here. Who knew. She hadn't been able to sleep and without much consideration or thought she had gotten dressed, sneaking out the backdoor and into the night.

An appearance at tonight's rave would more than likely have been the most desired thing to do, but she hadn't felt like it. The loud music was enough to make her wanna strangle the dj and with her new found foul mood she decided against staying. Another night,perhaps, would be best.

A soft sigh escaped her lips, the wind tugging at the hood that covered her hair. Only a few stubborn curls protruded from the shadow that the cloth cast upon her face, and for once she was glad. At least they would be able to tell she was a woman, not some psychopath walking down an empty street in the middle of night.

Her feet made no sound as she seemed to glide across the road, walking a straight line and eyes set ahead. Today had been odd and if the truth be told she was still in shock. She didn't like not knowing what to do and even now she was torn. She felt guilt, yes. But she had found some sort of peace within the past ninety years. Ok, so maybe one wouldn't exactly call it peace, but she had found understanding. She understood she had made bad decisions. She understood that she was a bad person. The list could go on and on. She wasn't cut out for the life she had once lived and now, owning her own bar seemed like a dream come true. She was free to rule her pard like she wanted and prefered keeping out of the humans' way, not to mention their world.

Gaze that had dropped to the marble beneath her was suddenly sent staring forwards, the feeling of another presence causing her senses to tingle. Sapphire met amber and her features hardened, nothing but her stare along with the few strands of hair blowing from beneath the hood being seen. Hands remained tucked in her pockets as footsteps stopped, the woman watching the man wearily as she awaited his reaction.</sup>

[Hoshiko]

<sub>You never looked so good
As you did last night,
Underneath the city lights,
There walking with your friend,
Laughing at the moon.
I swear you looked right through me.
But I’m still living with your goodbye,
And you’re just going on with your life.

The wind whispered softly in his ears as he leaned against one of the many buildings. The cold brick had long since warmed, proving that he'd been waiting quite some time. How he knew where to come, even he wasn't sure. Perhaps fate was trying to prove something.

How can you just walk on by
Without one tear in your eye?
Don’t you have the slightest feelings left for me?
Maybe that’s just your way
Of dealing with the pain,
Forgetting everything
Between our rise and fall
Like we never loved at all.

The previous night's event hadn't proved such a useless measure to try and get away from what had been haunting him for nearly a hundred years. Alcohol hadn't been the best remedy, but it had helped some. Despite this, when he awoke, he felt worse, if truth be told. He'd always known it would happen. But perhaps the few hours that he'd been freed of such memories was good enough.

And now, he was ready to talk. If only she was, too.

You, I hear you’re doing fine.
Seems like you’re doing well
As far as I can tell.
Time is leaving us behind,
/Time – leaving us behind/
Another week has passed
And still I haven’t laughed yet.
So tell me, what your secret is
/I wanna know, I wanna know, I wanna know/
To letting go, letting go like you did,
Like you did.

His visit to the bar had only proven what he'd believed she'd done for the past years. Angry? Perhaps... but disappointed was more like. He knew she was stronger than that. As much as she blamed herself, he did himself. At times, he was so sure that he'd been the reason behind everything that he had lost himself. It was only the memories of her words, as well as his daughter's comfort that had brought him back to reality. It was this cruel factor that made him wish he was dead.

How can you just walk on by
Without one tear in your eye?
Don’t you have the slightest feelings left for me?
Maybe that’s just your way
Of dealing with the pain,
Forgetting everything
Between our rise and fall
Like we never loved at all.

Leaning against the wall of the building, most of his weight was resting on his shoulder blades and left leg, while the right bent back, foot resting against the brick. Sleeves were rolled up, and arms were crossed. Head rested lightly on his shoulder and the solid behind. Golden amber pools were set sternly on the woman who approached, and finally stopped. The silence was only broken by the sound of the wind once more, as it billowed past. The loose black pants and long sleeved shirt rippled lightly, as did the man's short bangs.

Features were calm, almost emotionless, but there were faint traces of mixed emotion. Overall, it was relaxed. He was relaxed. He was in control. He could handle this, like he had handled things in the past. If anything, he'd become what he once was when he first met her. True, inside, he was breaking, if he hadn't already broke. But despite that, there was still a part left, a part that remained the hard, stubborn man that had been tamed by this woman in such a way that left him untamed at the same time.

Did you forget the magic?
Did you forget the passion?
Oh, and did you ever miss me,
and long to kiss me?
Oh baby, baby.

Muscles tensed lightly as his right leg dropped to the ground, his weight shifting as he rose. Arms uncrossed themselves, coming to rest at his sides. What little moonlight there was caught part of the man's face in the light, the other, in shadow. The different shadows hollowed the handsome lines and made them broader, and the weariness dissipated.

Calm, swirling amber depths opened their blockade ever so slightly, the faintest hints of the same smirk that had crossed his features so many times appearing.

It was so funny that he could smile when it hurt so bad.

Love was strange like that.

Maybe that’s just your way
Of dealing with the pain,
Forgetting everything
Between our rise and fall
Like we never loved at all.

Broad chest rose lightly as he inhaled, following it up with a slow sigh. Jaw was clenched lightly as he straightened up, seeming much more taller than he actually was. The clouds overheard swirled, ever changing. The wind died within their wake, leaving them. Slowly, lips parted, calm, but hard tone breaking the silence.

"Nice to see that you're not tired anymore."

Like we never loved at all.</sub>

[Ashers]

It's 3 AM and I finally say
I'm sorry for acting that way
I didn't really mean to make you cry
Oh baby, sometimes I wonder why

The man was regarded with a blank stare, the woman remaining silent for a long moment. After some time her hands finally found their way to her hood, pulling back the black cloth that hid her features.

Skin glowed radiantly as the moonlight caressed her features, sapphire pools scrutinizing the man's features, her own hard. No emotion befell the blank stare as she stood there, the silence stretching between the two.

Does it always have to come down
To you leaving
Before I'll say "I love you"
Why do I always use the words
That cut the deepest
When I know how much it hurts you
Oh baby why, do I do that to you

"Is there a reason you came here?"

Tone was cold, even to her own ears and she inwardly cringed. The statement was more of a question than anything. Something she had wondered since the first time she had seen him just a few hours before. What did he want from her? There was only so much to give and after awhile even that seemed to dwindle to nothing.

I know I'd never let you walk away
So why do I push you 'til you break
And why are you always on theverge of good-bye
Before I'll show you how I really feel inside

Gaze, which had drifted elsewhere, finally returned, looking fully into his own as she continued to await an answer. The faint hints of his smirk weren't lost upon her and for a moment she almost scowled, but no..that wouldn't happen. She wouldn't let down her guard. Wouldn't let the curtain hiding her 'play' drop. He wouldn't understand, nor would he find it worthwhile to take a gander at her cards. He was here for a reason and she wanted to know why, the answer she refused to believe never seeming to be a close reality.

Does it always have to come down
To you leaving
Before I'll say "I love you"
Why do I always use the words
That cut the deepest
When I know how much it hurts you
Oh baby why, do I do that to you

[Hoshiko]

<sub>"Many."

Tone was emotionless, but not hard. No, Hoshiko wouldn't loose it. The situation was only being hardened by her, but he wouldn't allow that to affect the ease and calmness within his tone and stance.

I know I've been mistaken
But just give me a break and see the changes that I've made
I've got some imperfections
But how can you collect them all and throw them in my face

But you always find a way to keep me right here waiting
You always find the words to say to keep me right here waiting
And if you chose to walk away I'd still be right here waiting
Searching for the things to say to keep you right here waiting

Gaze shifted as the clouds did, and he found himself staring up at the half covered moon. The weres would be enjoying this about now...
Turning back, his gaze met hers, golden burning into sapphire.

Muscles tensed beneath her gaze, and he stepped forward. Once, twice, three times.

I hope you're not intending
To be so condescending it's as much as i can take
and you're so independent
you just refuse to bend so I keep bending till I break

But you always find a way to keep me right here waiting
You always find the words to say to keep me right here waiting
And if you chose to walk away I'd still be right here waiting
Searching for the things to say to keep you right here waiting

Closer now, he paused, his shadow reaching her. Stretched to the limits, it seemed, that it was almost breaking. That's what had happened to him, wasn't it? Lips parted, words the same as they had been.

"Yes, Estrella, there are many reasons why I came. But I'm afraid, knowing you, none would interest your concern."

Thoughts whirled, smart comments to go along with his words being kept in check as well. He didn't want to fight.

I've made a commitment
I'm willing to bleed for you
I needed fulfillment
I found what I need in you

Why can't you just forgive me
I don't want to relive all the mistakes I've made along the way
But I always find a way to keep you right here waiting
I always find the words to say to keep you right here waiting

There was silence as the wind died, leaving them once more. Breathing was quiet, almost inaudible, before he was broken by his sigh, gaze remaining on hers, features unmoving.

But you always find a way
To keep me right here waiting
You always find the words to say to keep me right here waiting
And if I chose to walk away would you be right here waiting
Searching for the things to say to keep me right here waiting

Now, it was his turn to ask questions.

"Is there any reason in particular that you left, or did you just...take a stroll and forget where home was?"</sub>

[Ashers]

<sup>Must be your skin that I'm sinkin in
Must be for real cause now I can feel
and I didn't mind
it's not my kind
not my time to wonder why
everything's gone white
and everything's grey
now your here now you away
I don't want this
remember that
I'll never forget where your at
don't let the days go by
glycerine

His shadow stretched across her own, almost as if trieing to strangle what life was left of it. Her body stiffened as he stepped closer and jaw automatically clenched, the pulsing beginning within her skull. Why did things have to be this way? Why could she almost not to stand here looking at him without turning and fleeing like a dog with its tail between its legs.

I'm never alone
I'm alone all the time
are you at one
or do you lie
we live in a wheel
where everyone steals
but when we rise it's like strawberry fields


His question was one she knew was to come. One that she had prepared herself for all these years, and even now it stung worse than she could ever imagine. Maybe it wasn't the question itself rather than the way he said it. Sapphire eyes automatically narrowed, her lips parting just as a muscle began twitching in her jaw.

"I don't exactly recall. You're the mind reader here so why don't you tell me?"

Her tone was icy and the glare being eminated was hot enough to burn a hole right through him. Why did he insist on doing this?

If I treated you bad
you bruise my face
couldn't love you more
you got a beautiful taste
don't let the days go by
could have been easier on you
I coudn't change though I wanted to
could have been easier by three
our old friend fear and you and me
glycerine, glycerine
don't let the days go by
glycerine

The fighting never ended did it? The reality settled like a blanket and she gritted her teeth, her glare doing anything but lessening. The fighting, the challenging..it'd never end would it? She had screwed up so many times and yet here he was, standing before her with that look of his. He wasn't supposed to be so damned forgiving. Why couldn't he see what she wanted? What she needed? Or perhaps it was what she thought was best for the two. She had screwed up too many times to count and yet he always came back. But when would it stop? They fought, made up, lived happily, fought, made up, lived happily, and on and on.

I needed you more
when we wanted us less
I could not kiss just regress
it might just be
clear simple and plain
that's just fine
that's just one of my names
don't let the days go by
could've been easier on you
glycerine

Lips parted once more as she spoke, her voice low.

"Why are you even here Hoshiko? Did you take a walk and just happen to end up four hundred miles out of your way?"

I'm never alone
I'm alone all the time</sup>

[Hoshiko]

<sub>Life ain't always beautiful
Sometimes it's just plain hard
Life can knock you down, it can break your heart

Life ain't always beautiful
You think you're on your way
And it's just a dead end road at the end of the day

At the woman's words, his features remained unchanged, all until she'd spoken her last question. Brow rose ever so slightly, golden pools narrowing lightly, the faint smirk never fading.

"Well, Estrella, if I'm a mind reader, surely you are. You could find the answer out yourself..."

But the struggle makes you stronger
And the changes make you wise
And happiness has it's own way of takin' it sweet time

No,life aint always beautiful
Tears will fall sometimes
Life aint always beautiful
But it's a beautiful ride

Thoughts swirled as he stood before her, the memories of before starting up. Despite this, he kept most of them forced away. His reasons, his opinions; everything was right there. However, he wasn't sure if he would be able to voice them out loud, let alone tell them to her.

Muscles tensed lightly, a quiet sigh following. He always did this. He always hurt himself over a mistake she made. He always blamed himself.

Life aint always beautiful
Some days I miss your smile
I get tired of walkin' all these lonely miles

And I wish for just one minute
I could see your pretty face
Guess I can dream, but life dont work that way

Gaze had slipped from hers sometime in his thoughts, and he found himself staring past a building, beyond what was behind that, into something else.

"I blame myself," the man suddenly stated, gaze flickering back to hers. This time, however, it came back softer, the barricade slipping.

"Over all these years, I have. I shouldn't have pushed you so hard to remember your memories. I can understand why you ran. But what I don't understand was why you couldn't even say goodbye."

Voice was calm, but it still retained it's stern and hardened tones. He wanted to step closer, but he was sure it would cause a reaction... He was sure she would run farther away.

But the struggles makes me stronger
And the changes make me wise
And happiness has it's own way of takin' its sweet time

"I know you don't want to hear it, Ella. Partly because I'm sure you can remember me saying it so many times before. But... I was there when you had lost them. I stayed. If you believed that you caused such a bad outcome on things, do you honestly think I would have stayed?"

Gaze burned into hers now, and his blood sped up.

"There wasn't anything you could have done about your memories, Ella. I don't blame you for running. But I do think of it somewhat hypocritical, considering all of the speeches you've given me about running away from my problems. I believe that running away from my problems no longer apply. Afterall... I'm the one that came here."

There was a pause, thoughts swirling as he took a step closer, feet from her.

"Ella... There's nothing in this world that could make me stop loving you. I blamed myself and said that I was the cause all of these years. I have the tendency to do that. I don't want to give up. I want to make this work. But... If you're not willing to, I came here to do what you couldn't."

It hurt when he swallowed, but he managed to. Golden gaze narrowed, hardening from it's softness from before. He recalled what he'd told her before...

"To say goodbye."

No, life aint always beautiful
But I know I'll be fine
Hey, life aint always beautiful
But its a beautiful ride
What a beautiful ride</sub>

[Ashers]

<sup>We were drawn from the weeds
We were brave like soldiers
Falling down under the pale moonlight
You were holding to me
Like a someone broken
And I couldn't tell you but I'm telling you now

The woman was silent through his speech, her masquerade never slipping. Only when his last sentence passed his vocals did she flench, brows furrowing. So he blamed himself? After all she had done and still he seen it as all his fault.

Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you and we'll both fall down

Fall on me
Tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you forever in me
Ever the same

A small sigh passed her lips and without evening thinking she stepped forwards, the remaining distance between the two being eaten up almost hungrily. Gaze searched his as she haulted, the space between them nothing but centimeters. She could feel the warmth radiating from him, almost hear his heart beating within his chest. A mixture of emotion was displayed upon her features unintentionally and before she could stop herself she leaned forwards, a hand being laid upon the man's chest as eyes closed, lips brushing his.

We would stand in the wind
We were free like water
Flowing down
Under the warmth of the sun
Now it's cold and we're scared
And we've both been shaken
Hey, look at us
Man, this doesn't need to be the end

The kiss lasted no more than a few seconds before the woman took a step back, unshed tears sparkling in the dark as the moon's light was reflected. Sapphire orbs seemed small as she swallowed. No words were present within her mind and thus she turned, hands pulling her hood back over her curls. It was suddenly too much and the only thought upon her mind was being screamed at her from some unknown person.

Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you and we'll both fall down

Fall on me tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same
Call on me
I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you
Forever in me
Ever the same

She was good at running, it was what she had done for so many years and after so long one could expect nothing less. She wasn't ready for this. Not ready to feel all the emotions swelling within her at that particular moment.

You may need me there
To carry all your weight
But you're no burden I assure
You tide me over
With a warmth I'll not forget
But I can only give you love

The truth was she was scared, and why shouldn't she be? Everyone she had ever loved she had shoved away. She didn't like the feeling of needing someone else..wanting someone else..She was the only person that needed to suffice her needs. Love, as she had come to believe, was nothing more than a weakness, something to keep her from being the unbreakable barrier she had tried for so long to become.

Fall on me tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same
Call on me
I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you
Forever in me
Ever the same

Hands were tucked deep within her pockets as she strode forth without much cause, once again running like she always did. Afterall Vincent would be worrying about her by now, and a drink or two didn't sound so bad at the current moment.

Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same /Ever the same/</sup>

[Hoshiko]

<sub>I hurt myself today
To see if I still feel
I focus on the pain
The only thing that's real
The needle tears a hole
The old familiar sting
Try to kill it all away
But I remember everything

No words were exchanged between them; they weren't needed. He hadn't been able to react at her own actions, only forcing himself to remember to breathe after she had pulled away. Golden pools burned into hers as she drew back, and his calm features shifted from their emotionless barricade as he attempted to sort out the different emotions on her own features.

What have I become
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know goes away
In the end
And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt

Was that a proposal for his staying? As she drew away, his tenseness relaxed, and he gazed silently after her as he slid away from him. Yet again, she was leaving. But despite her thoughts, she wasn't running. No, she had done something he knew she could, yet she was afraid to do.

I wear this crown of thorns
Upon my liar's chair
Full of broken thoughts
I cannot repair
Beneath the stains of time
The feelings disappear
You are someone else
I am still right here

Turning, he strained his senses to the sound of her fading footsteps, broad chest rising as he sighed. The silence disippated, the wind picking up lightly. Lips pressed together in a lightly thin line, the feeling of her lips against his still fresh.

What have I become
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know goes away
In the end
And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt

Like her, it seemed everything he knew was leaving. But this new discovery of hope lighted the fading embers, stoking the fire as it did so. He was faintly aware of the small flame that became of the ashes. Golden gaze watched as the woman's figure materialized within the shadows.

Slowly, he turned, footsteps carrying himself in the opposite direction. She needed time. Even if it had been nearly a hundred years... He would give her time.

Such broken sorrow still remained, but...it was calmed now. There would be further events to soothe what had been damaged, he knew. And this knowledge tempted him to answer the question he had been asking himself ever since he'd met the woman.

Would he do it all again?

For her?

Despite everything that had happened between them, all of the misunderstandings, all of the lies and truths, all of the hurt and pain? Would he do it all over again?

Yes. Definatly. No doubt. In a heart beat.

If I could start again
A million miles away
I would keep myself
I would find a way</sub>