SABRINA & MEMINI: MEMINI'S MANSION {FINISHED}

[Wolfy]

After a long yelling at by her stepmother, Sabrina cleaned up the mess made by the sink. She fixed the faucet herself, and mopped the entire floor. While she was mopping, the watch that had fallen on the floor was pushed under the sink, out of sight from most anywhere in the room. And so, life went on as usual, and Sabrina tried to forget about the imposter that had tried to take advantage of her by acting like her old friend.

A few days later, the sink broke again. And while Sabrina was cleaning up that mess, she saw something shiny on the floor. She bent down and retrieved the object, seeing that it was a very expensive-looking designer watch. She frowned a little and looked it over carefully. Her eyes caught the inscription instantly and she sighed. She didn't know whether the watch had been stolen, or if the boy she'd had arrested was the real Memini Veritas.

Either way, she needed to go return the watch. So she walked out onto the streets and started the long trek uptown. After nearly an hour, she finally arrived up the hill to the biggest house in the grouping of mansions. She walked up the stairs to the elegant front door and pulled on the decorative chain that led to a bell on the inside. She held the watch carefully in her hand and rubbed off as many smudges as she could.

She was a little nervous, now. What if that had been the real Memini she'd had thrown in jail? She and her entire family could be ruined, or thrown in jail for her mistake.

[Rad]

"So remind me again just how you managed to impair your reputation to such a… objectionable extent during your recent visit to the Matthews’ household. You know, I do believe I’ll never tire of hearing your tale of misfortune, it is seriously most entertaining! You should endeavor to publish it as a short story! Furthermore, it also intrigues me that in the end you failed to harm a single hair on the heads of those involved. The consequences were quite contrary to what you had anticipated, in fact.” Adrasteia chuckled, sipping tea from a delicate china cup as he faced Memini in the main study.

Despite the elapse of a few days, the swelling on Memini face hadn’t quite dispersed yet and now, as had become his habit for the interim, he had an ice pack firmly pressed to his cheek in an attempt to relieve the pain. “Well initially I expected you to take my stance in the matter but you were just as insistent as Kratos that such a...insolent officer deserved a promotion rather than probation. Now look, that bastard has acquired himself the respectable rank of deputy and I have been shamed to the extent that I hope NEVER to have to show my face at police headquarters again! Hmph!” Memini scowled in indignation as he fiddled with the jig-saw puzzle scattered on his desk. He was determined not to meet his butler’s gaze.

“Indeed, it is interesting that so many members of your social order chose to reward your aggressors rather than punish them. It’s possible that others will follow suit since these events may provide them with a sense of impunity when dealing with you. I hope this incident has made you aware that your current arrogance and method of interacting with society will only earn enemies instead of friends. Additionally, the situation of the man you intended to have sentenced to death is also, how should I say, fascinating. It seems that by damaging your reputation he increased his own, moreover in a positive way as well.” Adrasteia smiled, finishing his tea as he watched Memini fiddle with his puzzle.

“Oh please, it was never my objective to have the man executed. Besides, in light of what has since transpired I did him a favor. He’s now known as the man who shared a cell with Memini Veritas, he’s practically a celebrity! He’s even been personally visited by amused members of both the nobility and the general public. What’s more, his petty crime has been renounced by that joker of a police chief who think he’s so hilarious.” Memini’s tone was condescending now as he contemplated the degree of his humiliation that had entertained so many people. “The only thing stopping that scumbag from walking free is the fact that he prefers life in prison since he’s basically treated like a king by his inmates.”

It was then that one of the maids entered the room, informing the two that a guest was at the front door. Raising an eyebrow, Adrasteia glanced at Memini as if reminding him of his obligation as the host. “Yea, yea, whatever! I must attempt to be more amiable from this point onwards and make an effort to be more humble, etcetera, etcetera. Whatever, I know!” Understanding Adrasteia’s prompt for him to personally welcome the guest, Memini sprinted through the numerous halls and corridors of the mansion, almost tripping down the grand staircase which descended into the main hall. Checking his reflection in the shimmering water of the marble fountain located in the hall’s center, Memini frowned in disdain at the swelling which still dominated half his face. Approaching the towering mahogany doors of the entrance, Memini grabbed hold of the elaborately carved handle on the left.

With a slight twist of the handle, the click of the door’s mechanisms being unlocked echoed in the spacious hall and the left side swung open in one fluid motion, revealing…revealing Sabrina. Flabbergasted, Memini stared in petrified shock at his visitor. Sabrina was the last person on earth he would expect to call in on the mansion considering she had basically abandoned him to his fate of degradation and disgrace merely a few days ago. Terrified, Memini stood rooted to the checkered marble floor, mouth agape, staring unblinkingly at Sabrina with an expression of fear. Was she here to embarrass him again?

[Wolfy]

After waiting patiently outside for only a few moments, the door opened to reveal Memini. The first thing she noticed was the big bruise on his face. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, she knew that this was the real Memini, and she had made a terrible mistake.

Sabrina bit her lip a little - an anxious habit - and looked down at the watch in her hands. She felt so embarassed, coming to his mansion, dressed as she was. She was sweating from the long walk over in the heat of the day, and she was sure that she looked completely unkemped compared to Memini's well-groomed appearance. "Hello," she said. "I found your watch, Memini... Erm, Mr. Veritas."

Sabrina glanced up to his eyes and frowned a little. Was that fear she saw? Impossible. Memini held all the power. He could arrange for anything he wanted if he wanted to take out revenge on her. She really didn't understand why he looked afraid of her.

She handed the watch to him and sighed. "Uh, well," she started nervously. "Memini, I'm sorry for what I did... earlier. I just... Got confused. It just seemed a little suspicious that you couldn't remember much." She chuckled anxiously. "I'm sorry, it really doesn't excuse what I did. And I feel terrible about it."

She wiped some sweat from her forehead and sighed. "May I step inside for a moment?" she asked. "It was a long way here, but I needed to get that watch back to you right away."

[Rad]

"Hello, I found your watch, Memini... Erm, Mr. Veritas."

Why was Sabrina being so formal in addressing him, was it sarcasm? Alternatively, could it be some snide form of mockery? Troubled by the prospect of meeting Sabrina’s eyes Memini distracted himself with analyzing the damage done to the watch Sabrina had returned to him. At a superficial glance it seemed to be intact, without a trace of any imperfections on the exterior. Memini also noted that the mechanisms must still be functioning properly as the familiar soft ticking of the seconds hand reached his ears.

However, as misfortune would have it, the watch was also coated with a layer of filth and as Memini held it out to his attendant he took immense care to maintain a certain distance between his immaculate regalia and the watch. All in all, he was handling his prized possession as if it were a contaminated object, holding an unsoiled portion of the platinum strap between his thumb and index finger until he finally plopped the timepiece into the cupped hands of one of his servants. “Please give this watch a thorough cleansing whilst being cautious of its intricate craftsmanship.” Memini instructed, watching his subordinate hasten away to complete his newly assigned task.

Listening to Sabrina’s apology, Memini realized that in passing his watch to the servant he had simultaneously turned his back on her. Although it was without a doubt that such action was unquestionably rude, Memini hadn’t the volition to face her again, in fact, he felt quite adamant about not talking to her either. Yet…he couldn’t just allow her to depart with the impression that he now abhorred her…”It’s fine.” Memini begrudgingly muttered at last, his back still turned to his guest. “Now if you would please…”

"May I step inside for a moment? It was a long way here, but I needed to get that watch back to you right away."

Before Memini could ask Sabrina to leave, she had already uttered her request. Feeling his unease diminishing as she voiced her reason for visting, Memini motioned for one of the maids. “Alright, Sabrina. I presume you’ll also want to get yourself cleaned up after traveling in this sweltering heat. This is Tami, she’ll direct you to one of the guest suites on the first floor. It includes a miniature bathhouse which you may use. Feel free to sample any of the perfumes, lotions, soaps, cosmetics, etcetera that you find in there. I’ll arrange for a variety of dresses from Etoile to be delivered to your room. You’re welcome to try on as many as you would like and take them with you when you leave.” Pausing as he walked away, Memini added, “If you wish to prolong your stay at my mansion you’re welcome to meet me in the main study once you’re more presentable.”

Ascending the grand staircase Memini paused once more, although this time he actually mustered the courage to face Sabrina as he said, “This mansion, aside from the addition of the fountain, brings back memories for you, doesn’t it? I offer my apologies that I cannot partake in your feelings of nostalgia. Yet, as I’m sure you are aware, it has almost been impossible for me to recall my past. Furthermore, please ditch the formalities. You’ve always referred to me as Memini; I see no reason for you to change that habit.”

[Wolfy]

Watching him handle the watch, Sabrina couldn't help but let out a small sigh. She had been doing her best to rub the grime from the polished silver surface the entire way there. She felt bad that he now saw his prized possesion as a disgusting thing he didn't even want to touch. She watched as the servant hurried off to carry out the task that had been assigned by Memini, and almost felt a twinge of envy.

Also living the high-class life at one time, Sabrina had also been used to servants doing what she'd asked of them. She missed that life quite a bit and was jealous of him for still being able to have it. She would never tell him that, however. She was still trying to get back on his good side so he wouldn't use his power against her.

Smiling with gratitude at his compliance to her offer, Sabrina stepped inside. "Thank you, Mr..." she said as he began to climb the stairs. She paused when he began to talk, then corrected herself by saying, "Memini." And with that, she followed Tami to the guest suite.

She decided to shower and so left the clothes she'd worn there outside the door to be washed. When she was finished, she found the dresses laid out carefully for her as promised. She tried a few on, then decided on one dress she thought fit her best.

The dress was a full-length gown that was a deep hunter's green that accented her eyes. There was a bottom layer that was white that was uncovered at about the level of her knees where the green layers cut off at an angle. She carefully fixed her hair by curling it, then went off to find her friend.

Tami directed her to Memini's study, but she walked in alone. She let out an anxious sigh, then walked forward. "Memini," she said quietly. "May I speak to you for a moment while my clothes are being cleaned? I want to ask you about why you can't remember your past."

[Rad]

During the entire duration of his wait, Memini had occupied himself with the task of assembling the puzzle which currently dominated his mahogany desk. Every so often he would sporadically pick up a piece before flicking it across the room in frustration as he glowered at the fragmented northern hemisphere which lay before him. Seriously, all those stars looked exactly identical, how was he to solve a puzzle of this magnitude? Yawning at the tedium of it all Memini swept most of the conundrum from his desk, allowing the pieces to cascade into a disagreeable clutter at his feet. He just couldn’t be bothered anymore. Resting the uninjured side of his face on his desk, Memini closed his eyes and promptly fell into a shallow sleep.

"Memini. May I speak to you for a moment while my clothes are being cleaned? I want to ask you about why you can't remember your past."

A familiar melodious voice disturbed his slumber and in a haze Memini sluggishly lifted his head, blinking incomprehensibly at the intruder. Finally realizing that it was Sabrina, Memini ran a hand through his blonde hair whilst using the sleeve of his other hand to hastily remove the puddle of drool which had accumulated on the table-top during his ephemeral sleep. “Well, most of why I can scarcely recall a single thing is still very much a subject of conjecture at the moment. My parents and brothers were already dead, having been assassinated or murdered, when I awoke so I didn’t really have anyone I could rely on to provide me with reliable facts on what may have happened. Furthermore, the previous household servants were also killed or simply disappeared…my current subordinates are all newly employed or borrowed from Kratos. As for why I survived…well…I suppose it’ll make more sense to take you to the scene of the crime.”

Whilst disclosing the apparent demise of his family and former servants Memini’s tone had retained a certain indifference and lack of concern yet when the subject changed to his miraculous survival he swiftly adopted a certain mischievous boyish excitement. Springing up from his padded leather chair Memini practically charged from the room, maneuvering like a cheetah through the various corridors of the mansion. Halting by the grand staircase a while, Memini waved at Sabrina before sliding down the banister. “You have got to try that.” He smiled up at Sabrina as he waltzed up to the fountain stationed in the center of the hall. Obviously, he had completely forgotten that Sabrina had actually been the one who had introduced him to that exhilarating game.

“This structure is actually an innovation created to guise the blemishes caused by a fallen chandelier.” Memini elaborated, pointing at the fountain, “Unlike me, you probably recall the presence of a majestic chandelier that would have hung from the ceiling directly above us. I am given the impression that it was a rather ancient piece and dated from the time this mansion was first built. Well, as is evident, it’s no longer there.” Gazing up at the artwork which had recently been painted overhead, Memini snickered, “although I’m unsure for what purpose it was originally designed it sure served the Veritas well in protecting me. Perhaps you remember that at the centre of the chandelier’s fundamental structure was a large metal dome. Well, during the…er…opening gunfire which erupted during the confrontation, a number of the initial array of bullets managed to hit the chain holding it up and…the whole structure descended upon me, protecting me with that hefty metal barricade.”

“Anyhow, that’s how I survived with only a number of minor bullet wounds whilst the rest of this mansion’s inhabitants perished. Of course, it’s all based on what Kratos told me since he’s apparently the one who discovered me here.” Finishing his explanation, Memini glanced expectantly at Sabrina, pondering what her reaction would be.

[Wolfy]

Even though she thought it was strange that he didn't sound like he had any emotion whatsoever, Sabrina just nodded and listened to the sad explaination. However, when he suddenly changed the subject to how he'd managed to survive, Sabrina was shocked into smiling with his enthusium. Then, without warning, Memini tore off out the door. As fast as she could, Sabrina ran after him, needing to hold the bottom of her dress up a little so she wouldn't trip over the cloth. She almost lost him around a hallway, but caught up to him as they reached the stairs.

She laughed as she ran down the grand staircase after he had slid down on the banister. "Yeah, I know," she said through giggles. "I taught you that, Memini!" She finally reached the bottom of the stairs and looked at the fountain. She recognized that it was new, but hadn't noticed the absence of the chandelier until he mentioned it.

She nodded slowly, stopping to stand at the base of the stairs. "Right, I remember that. I always thought that dome looked weird... But I'm glad it was there." She looked over at him and gave him a tiny smile. "You are very lucky, Memini." She walked over to him slowly, still looking up at the ceiling where the chandelier had been.

She paused for a moment before looking over at him. She was suddenly curious about the man Memini had mentioned several times in his explaination. "Who is Kratos?" she asked curiously. "I have never heard of him before. Is he another person who lives up here?"

[Rad]

“Well, Kratos Exousia is supposedly the sole surviving heir of the Exousia nobility…” Memini grumbled. He had troubled himself with the tedium of personally explaining the matter to Sabrina yet that womanizer Kratos was the one she asked about? Seriously, was it within the restraints of reality to assume that Kratos exuded such a seductive air via name alone? No, that notion was nothing less of ludicrous! Why then…ah Sabrina was probably familiar with the rumors which marred Kratos’ reputation, in particular those which concerned the annihilation of the Veritas.

Taking a seat on the rim of the fountain Memini continued, “Oh have you honestly never heard of that notorious bastard? If you’re concerned about my safety you’re welcome to directly ask my opinion on the matter, there’s no need to feign ignorance to compel an honest answer from me. I assure you that the tittle-tattle insinuating that Kratos was responsible for the demise of both my family and his own is nothing more than mere gossip. That useless man is more interested in Rouge and women than he is in hatching some vile conspiracy. I doubt that he even possesses the intellect necessary for any large-scale plot.”

Smiling at Sabrina, Memini added, “Besides, he’s my legal guardian. He’s had plenty of opportunities to kill me but he hasn’t. In fact, Kratos is so concerned for my health and well-being that he personally assigns the doctors who attend to me. So, is there anything else you desire to ask or is there a particular location on my estate that you wish to explore?”

[Wolfy]

Sabrina nodded slowly, but frowned a little in confusion. "You're implying that he killed your family? Then why do you let him stay your guardian? If you can have someone killed by just saying the word, why don't you call your friend the police chief and have him arrested? If he is, in fact, responsible for the death of your family, then he deserves it..."

It made no sense to Sabrina why he would put up with having the man who killed his family as his own guardian. Wouldn't he want to get rid of him, even if it was just for the avenging of his family.

She walked over slowly and sat next to him on the edge of the fountain. "I kind of want to meet this man," she said to him. "I'm worried about you with him if he tried to kill you before..." She brused some hair out of her eyes and tucked it behind her ear.

As he asked if she wanted to explore, she leaned back and dipped her fingers in the pristine waters of the fountain. "I like it here," she said softly. "If it's alright with you, I would prefer to just stay here and talk about this man, Kratos."

[Rad]

“What are you talking about, Sabrina?” Memini blinked at her, an expression of puzzlement crossing his face, “Despite what society thinks I personally don’t consider it possible that Kratos was the perpetrator of the tragedy that eradicated my family. My older brother was his most trusted friend so I doubt he even had a motive to do away with us…despite allegations that he was my brother’s murderer as well. Hmph, what you’re suggesting is all very baffling…”

Leaning forward into a contemplative posture, Memini continued, “I mean…everyone says that he did it, especially since he was branded the main suspect in the trial…however due to the lack of evidence he was never convicted of the crime. Hm…even if he really were guilty I am incapable of harming him anyway. Traditionally, the Exousia have always retained more power and wealth than the Veritas due to their alliances with the upmost portion of society. After his parents and siblings died I trust Kratos to have inherited all those notable connections himself. Additionally, whether you believe it or not, the depression has had quite a significant effect on my fortune.”

Turning to face Sabrina, Memini exclaimed, “Seriously, if he were the criminal mastermind it just wouldn’t make any sense! Please elaborate on how you arrived at the conclusion that Kratos is to blame? Are you suggesting that…” Memini hadn’t really been paying attention to his surroundings as he considered what Sabrina had said. In fact, he was probably under the impression he was sitting in a chair. Thus, as he leaned backwards and toppled into the water he created a rather profound splash that sent a Tami charging into the room. “Hahah, don’t worry, Tami, I merely desired a refreshing swim in this oppressive heat.” Memini grinned mischievously; he didn’t want to confess to his own foolishness whilst Sabrina was within earshot.

Swiftly changing the subject as Tami departed the room, Memini said, “You remember my brother, Caelum Veritas don’t you? Apparently he was more close to Kratos than he was to me.” Climbing out of the fountain, Memini resumed his seat beside Sabrina, his drenched figure dripping droplets of water onto the marble tiles below.

[Wolfy]

Sabrina frowned a little, leaning forward with her head on her hands, and her elbows on her knees. "I don't know," she said. "That's just... I think I've heard some negative things about him before. I just don't remember what they were. He doesn't seem like the best man to be your guardian." She sighed and shrugged a little. "You also said that he's the main suspect, so it would stand to reason..."

She jumped in surprise when there was a loud splash and she was suddenly covered with water. She looked down to see Memini floundering around in the fountain and laughed. "What are you doing?" She helped him out of the fountain and grinned back at him with a playful glint to her eye.

"Uh, I sort of remember your brother," she said. "I don't think I ever spoke to him, however. He was never really around for long or he never stayed around us." She shrugged a little bit.

[Rad]

“That’s a pity, Sabrina.” Memini murmured. Despite the truth that Caelum had always been an elusive fellow Memini had been optimistic that Sabrina would at least retain some sort of inkling concerning the type of person his brother was. Oh well, it was no significant loss since not remembering basically meant his brother never existed…right? Nonetheless, now that Sabrina was right in front of him, Memini was consumed by an intense desperation to uncover the secrets of his past.

“What about my parents? Do you remember what sort of people they were?”

As Memini voiced his inquiry he felt a brief instant of disorientation before a series of scenes flashed in his mind. Was he being assailed by a newly awakened memory? Whatever the case, the scenario which had materialized in his mind appeared rather antique, almost like an old film. Additionally, the fact that he was seemingly observing his infant form as a separate entity gave the experience a certain surreal quality.

The room in which it was set was foreign to him, although the elaborately furnished and decorated interior suggested that the owner of the establishment was of equal or similar status to the Veritas. There were a total of seven individuals in the rather spacious area; two maids, Sabrina, Memini, Caelum and two dignified ladies whom Memini could only assume to be their mothers. From the simple fact that Sabrina’s mother was present it was possible for Memini to deduce that this incident occurred over eight years ago.

Gradually, the image shifted and the soft murmurings of conversation between the ladies were disrupted by the raucous cacophony of a screaming crying tantrum. It seemed that Caelum, ten years older than Memini and already in his teens, had tired of cooperating with Sabrina and Memini’s construction game with the motley of building blocks and in his teasing had accidentally made Memini cry by obliterating Memini’s haphazard tower.

Memini’s mother, not wishing to trouble herself with the tedium of attending to Memini’s distress promptly dismissed herself from the room, leaving Sabrina’s mother at a loss of what to do. Caelum, in his various failed attempts to lessen Memini’s tears was also receiving a rather disapproving glare from Sabrina. Still, without his mother, Memini seemed intent on making a nuisance of himself so that his bawling soon reached an insufferable crescendo.

It was then that the rather muscular and imposing figure of Memini’s father entered the room. Upon perceiving this, Caelum froze before standing and bowing in respect to his father. Ignoring Caelum, his father advanced upon Memini who had ceased his wailing in apprehension and fear. Glowering at his son, Memini’s father growled, “What a disgrace that such a pathetic coward was born into the Veritas.”

Snapping back to the present, Memini clutched his head in his hands, the memory was too painful to tolerate…was it even a real memory in the first place? Attempting to compose himself, Memini lowered hands to remove a petite glass vial from his pocket. It contained his medication which he had been instructed to take whenever necessary. Certainly, Memini sensed that this must be one of those times. Downing the swirling crimson concoction in one gulp Memini indulged in the sweet taste of cherry on his tongue and the tantalizing scent of cherry in the air.

Gradually, the disconcerting images faded as he forgot about them once more. What was it that had unsettled him? Licking his lips Memini tossed the empty vial into the fountain, he couldn’t be bothered disposing of it. His servants were paid to take care of the premises anyway so being negligent in his own mansion wasn’t exactly harming anyone. Turning to Sabrina, (and not realizing that he had already asked) Memini repeated his question, “What about my parents? Do you remember what sort of people they were?”

[Wolfy]

Thinking back, Sabrina did remember a few incidents with Memini's parents. They were quite cold and harsh with Memini, and mostly left the servants to care for him. However, she didn't know if Memini wanted to know the truth or not. If it were her, she wouldn't want to know how cold her parents had been.

Of course, she had been spoiled. She'd had the best of both worlds: money, and caring parents. She knew that most of the time, it was one or the other. Sometimes neither, too. Plus, she hadn't forgotten about her parents like Memini had. Would she want to know about her own, if the situation was reversed. She couldn't tell.

After contemplating for a moment, she looked over to see her friend in a sort of trance. "Memini?" she asked, waving a hand in front of his face. "Can you hear me?" He didn't respond. She stared at him until he awoke, a few seconds later. She watched him cluth his head, and wondered if he'd gotten some form of headache or migrane.

Paying almost no attention to him drinking something she assumed was medicine, she was about to respond until she smelled the scent of cherries in the air. "What is that?" she asked curiously. "That smells familiar..."

She got distracted by when he restated his question, however. Frowning, she decided to be honest and tell him the truth. "Well...." she started, looking around so she wouldn't have to meet Memini's gaze. "Your mother was somewhat... lazy? No, that's the wrong word. Anyway, she mostly left you in the care of your servants." She glanced over for a reaction before continuing.

"And your father was harsh," she replied. "And in my opinion, unfair. He never seemed proud of you for who you were. I never liked him. He was scary, too." She sighed. "I always felt bad for you, being stuck with them and your brother..."

[Rad]

"What is that? That smells familiar..."

“Oh, it’s just my medication.” Memini stated in response to Sabrina, “It possesses this spectacular taste! You understand how much I adore cherry, don’t you? However, if by that question you wish for me to disclose the substance’s composition I’m afraid I can’t help you. I’ve always been an utter failure at chemistry so I honestly have no idea.” Smiling sheepishly, he also confessed, “I also don’t know what it’s called either. My doctors have never considered it necessary to tell me…and when I ask them they’ll just change the subject. Quite strange really, although I suppose there’s probably a scientific or medical reason for keeping me ignorant.”

Preventing himself from rambling on, Memini listened intently to Sabrina as she described his parents: "Your mother was somewhat... lazy? No, that's the wrong word. Anyway, she mostly left you in the care of your servants and your father was harsh, and in my opinion, unfair. He never seemed proud of you for who you were. I never liked him. He was scary, too. I always felt bad for you, being stuck with them and your brother..."

Was that pity invading Sabrina’s tone? Well, despite what her revelation had made Memini feel he wasn’t about to succumb to his emotions in front of Sabrina. Assuming a façade of indifference Memini forced a tentative smile, “well, I guess I shouldn’t have asked. That’s all in the past anyway, isn’t it? It’s both irrelevant and useless to me at this point. What I should concern myself with now is progress, in particular my responsibility to maintain and uphold the reputation of the Veritas. Am I correct, Sabrina?”

He couldn’t help it, a pleading tenor had crept into his voice and that was all it took for tears to accumulate in his eyes. Turning away, Memini moved a hand across his eyes, wiping away his tears but leaving a telltale smudge on his sleeve where the moisture had darkened the fabric. Oh well, if he could just obscure that sleeve from view until it dried it’ll be as if he had never been weak enough to cry. What sort of response had he anticipated anyway? The picturesque fantasy of storybooks!? What a laugh! Life and reality would never be quite so charming. In this world only melancholy existed, accompanied by alienation and abandonment. His parents were proof that he had always been unwanted, weren’t they?

[Wolfy]

As she tried to remember where she'd smelled that before, she nodded and listened to his response. She also loved cherries. She remembered when they used to gather some and eat them together as children. But where had she smelled that before? She finally gave up trying to remember and sighed. It probably wasn't important, anyway.

Even though Memini tried to put on a tough face, Sabrina saw right through his rouse. The non-ignorable tremor in his voice made her feel even more pity for him and his situation. She scooted a little closer to him and rested a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Oh, Memini," she said softly. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have put it so blatantly."

She saw him trying to hide his tears by wiping them away and frowned just slightly. "You don't have to hide from me," she told him gently. "I'm your friend. It's okay to show your emotions - it's not weakness."

But he was probably too proud to accept that. Most men were. So she stood up slowly. "But if you prefer I left, I can." She waited next to him, though, not wanting to leave if he didn't want to be alone. She looked down at him sympathetically and sorrowfully. She wished that she hadn't been the one to break the bad news to him.