The Untold Story of Texas and Lappland (Arknights)

Parting Arguments (also T & D)

A/N: Well, this is definitely later than I was hoping, but school do be like that sometime! Hope y'all will enjoy!

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Exusiai shuffled through the clothes in her closet, thoughts zoned in on getting the right clothes for the trip lying ahead. After Texas's explanation, it had been clear what the next step was, that Penguin Logistics needed to go to Columbia and finish what started possibly long ago. She tried not to think too much into the visible discomfort Texas had whenever she talked about home, what this trip signified for her as she pulled out a pair of blue jeans.

"Hmm . . . will I need jeans?"

"Bet those look good on you."

She clenched the hanger tighter, body tensing up immediately. Exusiai knew this voice all too well. It had been in her life for practically the entirety of those early years. And for a while her adoration was entirely possessed by the owner of that voice. But things are different now. Exusiai let out a small sigh before setting the jeans decidedly back on the rack.

"Thanks. But I wasn't asking."

"Just saying. Shame you don't wear them more."

"If you don't have anything more to add you should leave."

Not can leave, not please leave, just should leave. Demanding the action was unlikely to get the other to listen. She knew just how stubborn the fallen Angel could be when she really wanted something. But does she really want to be here? She had been ignorant for years. Overlooking the nomadic lifestyle Mostima lived for what it was: an escape. She kept on convincing herself it was a duty bound thing, a job that kept an unwilling bluenette away from her. But that simply was not case.

"Come onnnn Exu, don't be like that." A feather light touch pressed down on the juncture between her neck and shoulder, a reminder of where a bite had been placed not that long ago. It elicited a shudder in her lean frame, followed by a slap of retaliation as she forced Mostima away from her.

"I thought I told you not to call me that. And don't touch me." Anger lined each of her words, body shaking with the desire to express it. Stay calm Exusiai. She isn't worth it. Not with her behavior. Not after everything she's done.

Or failed to do. That would also be an apt description and they both knew it.

"Fine. I'll keep my distance if that's what it takes. But I need to talk to you."

Exusiai turned to Mostima then, knowing the other would not leave till she said her peace. However, this did not keep her from being cold. "I don't see what we have to talk about."

"Ugh, I know you're stubborn, but this is just ridiculous."

Exusiai barely restrained herself from shouting then, her white knuckled grip on the hanger tightening that much further. "Leave." She whispered.

"What?"

"I said LEAVE." Her voice rose at the end, keeping time with the rise in her emotions.

Mostima rolled her eyes. "No. I'm not leaving until I've said what I need to say."

Her face twitched, nose itching as well as her eyes that felt like they were burning. No. I won't cry again. Not again. She remembered Sora's gentle embrace. Her comfort had been just the thing to dispel her hurt then, but Sora was not here now, and this was something she had to parse through on her own with Mostima.

"Grrr . . . Fine! What is it?" The quicker I get this over with the quicker she leaves. It was this alone that kept her from slapping Mostima as she inched closer.