They were sitting on the outskirts of the ballroom, something that would have looked strange for the best man and his lovely fiance had anyone been paying attention to them. But they were far too busy celebrating to notice Motoki and Reika separating themselves from the rest of the group.
"They look very far away," Reika said thoughtfully, breaking their silence. "Don't you think?"
Motoki looked over at the bouncing throng, watching as Chiba Mamoru dipped the love his life and new bride. When she brought it up, he couldn't help but think that it wasn't that they were physically distant from the dance floor. It just felt that way because theirs was a level of happiness neither Motoki nor Reika had felt for a very long time.
"You feel father away," Motoki whispered suddenly, furrowing his brow. "Even now."
Reika turned to look at him, blinking, though not exactly surprised. She narrowed her eyes, turning away from him to show her profile. Motoki didn't dare look too closely. After all, she would always be one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen, and he didn't want her fine aesthetics to trick him again.
"You feel it too," Reika murmured, sounding as if she had almost made that a question and then changed her mind at the last minute.
"I thought you coming home would help," Motoki said, still keep his eyes focused on the happy husband and wife. "Even if it was just for a little while."
Reika nodded. "Me too."
But it isnt, Motoki added, perhaps unnecessarily but unable to keep himself from saying it as Usagi leapt into Mamorus arms for a sudden kiss.
No, Reika agreed, her voice quieting so that Motoki thought she must have finally followed his gaze. It isnt.
They said nothing for a moment, neither one knowing exactly where the conversation could go from there. The resolution was inevitable of course. They both knew how this would end. They just didnt know how to get there.
Motoki closed his eyes and took a shot in the dark. You want what they have, he said. Dont you know?
She didnt respond immediately, making him think that she had nodded, not realizing that he couldn't see her. A second later, she said, And so do you.
He didnt hear her get up or walk away from him. He didnt hear her sigh or say goodbye. All he heard was the sound of her setting her ring on the table, and he knew when she was gone.
