Post by wordy on Nov 9, 2009 13:44:48 GMT 10
Title: A Leopard Can't Change Its Spots
Rating: G
Prompt: #15 Disguise
Summary: Kel and Zahir have trouble being friends. Has Zahir really changed though, or is it Kel who's been wearing the disguise?
"I've changed Kel."
"You don't know how badly I want to believe that Zahir, but - "
"But what? I thought you always try to see the best in people. How am I an exception?"
"I'm trying! It's difficult though, Neal doesn't trust you -"
"I'm not asking him to trust me," he interrupted angrily.
" - and you don't make it easy for me, you're always away, at the border," she finished.
"You know I can't help that!"
"I know, and I guess it's unfair on you, but it's hard to get to know you when you're never here. If you really have changed."
"How many times do I need to explain myself to you Kel?" It had been years since they had gained their knighthoods, years since Joren had died in the Chamber. It hadn't been difficult to lose contact with his former friends; they seemed so primitive and close-minded now. He knew that his upbringing had made him the same way, but at least he was questioning the important things now, trying to make sense of the Bazhir traditions and beliefs. It didn't mean he wanted to leave it all behind, he just needed to adapt. Tortall was different now. And so was he - why couldn't she see that?
"I'm sorry - " She seemed genuinely upset. It was different to see her like this, so undone - during their training, she had always seemed so focused and contained. That was why Joren had thought up her nickname, The Lump.
"I don't believe that." Zahir was getting frustrated. He was tired of arguing about this. "They call you the Protector of the Small and sing your praises, about how you stand up for people and give people a chance. You're supposed to be a nice person, but I just don't see it."
"How can you say that?" she cried.
"Why don't you trust me?" he yelled at her.
Rating: G
Prompt: #15 Disguise
Summary: Kel and Zahir have trouble being friends. Has Zahir really changed though, or is it Kel who's been wearing the disguise?
"I've changed Kel."
"You don't know how badly I want to believe that Zahir, but - "
"But what? I thought you always try to see the best in people. How am I an exception?"
"I'm trying! It's difficult though, Neal doesn't trust you -"
"I'm not asking him to trust me," he interrupted angrily.
" - and you don't make it easy for me, you're always away, at the border," she finished.
"You know I can't help that!"
"I know, and I guess it's unfair on you, but it's hard to get to know you when you're never here. If you really have changed."
"How many times do I need to explain myself to you Kel?" It had been years since they had gained their knighthoods, years since Joren had died in the Chamber. It hadn't been difficult to lose contact with his former friends; they seemed so primitive and close-minded now. He knew that his upbringing had made him the same way, but at least he was questioning the important things now, trying to make sense of the Bazhir traditions and beliefs. It didn't mean he wanted to leave it all behind, he just needed to adapt. Tortall was different now. And so was he - why couldn't she see that?
"I'm sorry - " She seemed genuinely upset. It was different to see her like this, so undone - during their training, she had always seemed so focused and contained. That was why Joren had thought up her nickname, The Lump.
"I don't believe that." Zahir was getting frustrated. He was tired of arguing about this. "They call you the Protector of the Small and sing your praises, about how you stand up for people and give people a chance. You're supposed to be a nice person, but I just don't see it."
"How can you say that?" she cried.
"Why don't you trust me?" he yelled at her.
Maybe once we'd have seen it during Smackdown!