The Lone Moon: First Quarter

Apologies

By the time Toby arrived in Saluke's tent, he noticed that it was wide open. It seemed that no one was home, so he decided to take a look inside.

What he saw next, left him at a loss of words.

With his back facing towards him, he saw Saluke holding on what appeared to be a picture frame. And if he listened closely enough, he could've sworn that he heard a soft sniffle followed by a soft cry. Maybe now might not be the right time, but he had to do it nonetheless. 

Toby: Hey, Umm... I would knock, but there's no door-

Saluke: WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE?!? WHY DID YOU FOLLOW ME!?!

Not minding the shouts, Toby gestured instead to the photograph Saluke was holding in his hands.

Toby: Whose that?

Saluke: None of your business... now GET OUT!

Toby: Saluke, please just-just hear me out... I wanted to talk to you about what happened the other night. I- I didn't mean to-

Saluke: You didn't mean to WHAT?!? Huh, TOBY?  You didn't mean to come here in the first place?!? You didn't mean to make a FOOL out of me in front of my father?!? What?!? WHAT IS IT!?! WHAT TOBY!?! TELL ME!!!

Toby: I'M SORRY ALRIGHT?!? I'M SORRY!!! I'M SORRY FOR NOT BEING A RESPONSIBLE BROTHER! I'M SORRY FOR NOT BEING A RESPONSIBLE HUMAN BEING! I'M SORRY FOR NOT BEING YOU!!! 

Finally relaxing a bit; the tired Toby continued, 

Toby: Look... I'm really sorry for all that. I truly am. I just wanted to protect my family. That's all...

As soon as he was about to leave, Saluke replied back;

Saluke: You're not the only one...

Toby: Just please give me a few minutes of your time Saluke and I'll be out of here before you even know it...

Saluke immediately turned around and listened closely to what Toby had to say.

Toby: Okay... I know that you hate me and I can't agree more, but- but we need your help. Sarawano wanted you specifically to teach or train us for something I know not of! But whatever it is, he told me that you were really good at it, probably the best one there is. The sooner or later we get this over with, the sooner or later we'll be out of your lives... for GOOD! 

So... do we have a deal? Truce? 

Desperately stretching forth his hand, Saluke was just staring at him, confused about what to say.

"Wouldn't you do anything for Alphonse?" Toby cried out still hopelessly stretching out his hand.

Saluke just kept looking down, thinking of what the hell to do. A few minutes have passed and Toby's wish turned into a reality.

Finally shaking on it, both men felt relieved.

"So", Toby said, breaking the awkward silence, "whose is she?"

Saluke: A friend...

Toby: Like, girlfriend? Friend of a friend? Friend that's a girl?

Saluke: NEITHER SO SHUT-UP!

Toby: Okay, okay just asking... 

"Does she live here?"

Annoyed, Saluke violently shouted;

Saluke: SHE'S DEAD! SHE'S GONE! ALRIGHT!?! Does that answer YOUR QUESTION!?!

Toby: Oh... I-I didn't know-

Saluke: It's fine. No matter. Besides, there was nothing I could've done...

Toby: Don't worry. I know how it feels... You've lost someone near and dear to you. And you would give-up anything to go back and save them. Unfortunately, life's not like that. 

Saluke: Condolences.

Toby: You know?

Saluke: Alphonse told me everything.

Toby: Oh...thanks. I've borrowed your time long enough. Guess I'll be going ahead then...

Right as he was about to leave, Saluke called Toby out and said;

Saluke: Hey, Toby...

Toby: Yeah?

Saluke: I'm sorry too.

Toby: We have our worse moments, but I think the best of us is still yet to come. No worries, I forgive you.

Saluke: Ahé hee'

Toby: What's that?

Saluke: It means "thank you." 

With a small nod, Toby heads on back to his tent, satisfied with the night.