Title: Turing: A Conversation
Pairings: Gen, Tieria, Mileina
Rating: G
Warnings: Spoilers for 2x24, not a happy fic
Summary: Mileina goes to visit Tieria.
Notes: This feels pretty clumsy, but is more an expression with my dissatisfaction with what happened with Tieria than anyone else. Inspired by some comments on /m/&GH's blog. All shittiness I blame on my sickness.

"Erde-san," Mileina whispered, clutching at the hem of her shirt. Then, louder, when she got no response, "Erde-san! I've come to see you!"

The pause as her words echoed away in the chamber seemed to last for a small eternity.

Then, "Mileina," came Tieria's voice, echoing and warm.

Mileina clenched her eyes closed, choked with the joy that came from hearing the Meister's voice, alive and well. "They told me you were alive, Erde-san," she said, smiling up at the core, the cold light suddenly comforting. "Papa said I should come see you, so I wouldn't be sad anymore." She wished she could hug him. Erde-san didn't touch people very often, but his hugs were the best, after Mama and Papa's.

"It's good to see you, too," came the same calm, happy voice. "I apologise for not sending you word myself. I will try to be more considerate in the future."

Mileina smiled to herself. Erde-san was always careful about other people's feelings. "Papa said--," she started, pausing to take a deep, shuddering breath, "Papa said you could make yourself a new body. That you could come live with us again, like before--"

"A body?" asked Tieria, voice slightly bemused, though still pleasant, warm, soothing. "That won't be necessary. I can accomplish my tasks best by staying one with Veda."

Mileina's brow crinkled, confused. "But, Erde-san, staying inside Veda is no way to become human!" she chastised. Maybe he didn't understand?

"I don't need to be human to fulfill Aeolia's goals," he said, simply.

She frowned. "Erde-san, could I see you?" she asked, suddenly uncomfortable with talking to a glowing ball instead of her friend.

There was a long pause-- she counted her heartbeat a dozen times over before she was answered. "I think it would be better if I did not," Tieria said, voice almost regretful, though still-- happy. "You will find it easier to move on, by not seeing me again."

Mileina opened her mouth to protest, voice caught in her through, before she turned and ran back to the door.

Mama had told her, after all. There were some people-- some things-- that you couldn't argue with.