Vermillion

The soft tug of the brush in my hair slightly rocked my head back with each motion. The snags were worked out by careful fingers, the bristles pulled free. Soft hisses accompanied each successful stroke. There was something utterly soothing and intimate about having someone else touch my hair. No one else had done so in so long...

The timely clink of the ivory-handled brush on the table saved me from diving too far back into memory. "It's done, Miss Jury."

My hand reached up with a will of its own to lightly stroke a curl. "Thank you, Anthy." An automatic reply. There was nothing to thank her for- she would do what I asked without hesitation or remorse, but also without enthusiasm or any sort of her own will. Gratitude was for sacrifice or for effort, not for blind compliance.

"Will you be going to bed soon, Miss Jury?" Distant pleasantries.

"In a bit." I had the vague sense that something needed to be done, something was out of place... and as tired as I was, the recent adrenaline rush would make sleep impossible. "Go ahead of me, if you like." I stood, hand diving in my skirt-pocket to hunt for my locket. Upon finding it, I set it on the dresser. It would need to be fixed, and I'd need a stronger chain. Arrangements for a second bed and moving Himemiya's things to the room adjacent to mine would also have to be made. Things to be dealt with in the morning. Though, I supposed it was morning- the faint fingers of the creeping dawn were walking themselves across the floor. I looked down with detachment to see them slide over my bare feet, over the hem of my nightdress and sharply across the floor to caress the toe of Anthy's polished black shoe. She was still here? I turned to give her a questioning look.

She stood there, wisps of dark, curly hair escaping the pins that held it rolled tightly against her head. The Rose Bride. Long fingers were neatly laced in front of her, lips smiling without any heart to reinforce the gesture. I knew in that moment that I could never love or even really care for something so dead- which was fitting, because I, myself, was and still am equally cold. We'd be the perfect 'couple-' full of meaningless rituals and pointless words. We'd say them anyway, doubtless. Empty green eyes moved to meet mine. Wide, empty orbs that suddenly flashed violet in my vision. The growl sprang to my lips without warning, and I looked back to the window. "I'll be there in a minute. Do you need something to wear?" She could have nodded or shaken her head- either way, I silently ran over the number of nightdresses in my closet, settling on a black robe I hadn't worn in years. It would do. "In the closet, right-hand side. Black silk robe." It wasn't possible for her things to have been moved yet, so her answer was immaterial.

"Yes, Miss Jury." Soft footfalls decreasing in volume left me alone in what passed for my 'office.' I sank back down into my chair, and rubbed my face a bit out of habit. I had some choices that I didn't trust myself to make the moment they came up. First, there would be Tenjou. Doubtless, she'd want the Bride back. She was welcome to try to retrieve her in the arena, but not outside of it. Steps would have to be taken to ensure she left Anthy alone in class. It would not be very pleasant if I had to waste time worrying over Tenjou's actions- for her or for myself. Next, Anthy. The Rose Bride was mine and would remain so as long as I could defend her. Fair enough. I'd also move her to the next room before tomorrow night- or, to be technical, tonight. I shifted in my chair, and I could feel the scowl claim my face. Yes, I could never love Anthy. But that did not change that she was an attractive girl... and I had been alone for a very long time. Callus but true. I was not a fool- I knew that both women and men have pronounced desires, and I was not immune. Getting Himemiya out of my room soon was moved to the top of my mental list. Tonight, at least, I could rely on my own control and my exhaustion from the fight. Third? Ruka...

... I'd worry about that later.

I could feel the breath catching in my throat at the thought of him. Sadness? Attraction? Anger? I wasn't sure. An emotion to be examined after sleep. The weariness of my mind had spread to my limbs. It was time to join my 'bride' in bed. I couldn't help but scoff aloud at the thought. I let my feet take me down the hall, past the stairs. The main room of my part of the dorms was cold and empty... but not silent. There was a loud pounding on the door, followed by a sharp, annoyed rapping. I changed directions, sweeping down the chilly marble staircase and to the door. A quick glance out of the window by the entrance confirmed my sneaking suspicion- A dark-clad figure stood pressed against the door, head buried in its arm. The misty dawn reflected off the ring on the stranger's slender, feminine finger. Tenjou.

I didn't like what I was about to do, even as I did it. It was the work of a moment to undo the first button of my white nightdress and slide the neck down my shoulder, another second to sweep my hand violently through my freshly brushed hair. I brought my hand to my exposed shoulder and raked nails down it, leaving red marks that closely resembled those gathered in a lover's embrace. It was best this way.

I opened the door and Tenjou nearly fell through, stumbling with a small yelp of surprise. "J-Jury!"

"Were you expecting Himemiya, Tenjou?" The chill in my voice nearly surprised even myself. I had won- I could afford to be more gentle. She looked up at me sharply, and I saw the pain in her face the instant she registered my disheveled appearance. She drew up sharply, and stared me defiantly in the face.

"Where is she?" Her voice wavered only slightly.

I shrugged, letting my eyes fall to my shoulder. A swipe of a hand and the nightdress was properly seated again. "I would imagine waiting for me to return." Another jab I wasn't entirely prepared to give- I was letting my sword-arm get away from me. "If you've come to challenge me, I'd appreciate it being after I've slept. We do have class in a few hours." I looked back to her and couldn't stop a flicker of shock from claiming my face.

Tenjou looked ready to cry. Not tears of remorse, but of fury. Her eyes were narrowed, her stance aggressive. "I want to see her." Her hand on the doorway twitched and quivered at her tension, one aggressive foot thrust forward into the room. I noted with mild surprise she hadn't changed- she still wore her rather unorthodox uniform, and the myriad tears and rips from my rapier will still in evidence.

"Go home, Tenjou. There's nothing for you here."