I Love You, Good-Bye

Fatal Frame Mini-Story

Sae made it through as quickly as possible. It was bad enough that she was going to die now, but even worse, Itsuki was locked away-just for trying to help her and Yae. This was all Yae's fault. Why couldn't she just accept the facts and just kill me? Sae's thoughts buzzed angrily in her mind. Yae had managed to get away, but her sister and friend were caught. They'd never see each other again. Yae would live happily with a false name in a new village, while she and Itsuki would be punished for their "crimes". But now it was time to put away these angry thoughts. Now was the time to prepare for something even more difficult

"Who's there?" Itsuki called from his cell. He knew someone would enter even before the doorway through was all the way open. He didn't know who it would be until he saw a familiar face staring in. "Sae?! What're you-How did you-" he was almost hysteric. "Hush Itsuki." Sae said calmly. "We don't have a lot of time. I need to make this quick." You sure do!" Itsuki's tone was stern, like a parent or elder's. "They'd kill you for sure if they caught you here! I don't want to get you into anymore trouble!" "You're getting me in no trouble at all, Itsuki." Sae said, her voice still very calm and soothing. "But I must tell you something I've been keeping secret since I can't remember when…"

Itsuki suddenly grew curious. What was it Sae has been keeping a secret for so long that she would never tell me? He wondered. He leaned a slight bit closer to hear what she needed to say. "Listen closely, because I can only say this once to you. This is my only secret, and only you can hear it." She looked about to make sure nobody was around or looking for her. "To me Itsuki…you've always been more then just my friend. More than a brother even. I've always felt closer to you then anybody else I've ever known, even…even Yae." It was hard to say that name, after all that happened between them and everyone else. "Sae?…What are you trying to say?" Sae's face became flushed; her heart felt like it had fallen out of her chest and onto the ground.

"Sae, please tell me! Let me know before the villagers find out you're-" Before he could finish what he wanted to say, Sae stood up on her toes brought herself closer to Itsuki. For the little distance they had between each other, he was able to see a small speckle of a teardrop forming in her eyes. He felt it'd be easier to take if his eye were closed too. When she finally stepped down, they could both feel bittersweet warmth inside themselves. Sae managed to utter a few words before hurrying off again. "I love you…good-bye." That kiss was Itsuki's last gift from Sae-and he'd never forget his beloved friend-no, she was not just a friend. She was more than a friend…