As usual, the Puppeteer came home from her visit to the library and such. It was her daily routine. Wake up, dress up and go out with Marisa somewhere. (But there isn't really a reason to dress up, after all, she's seen mostly in the same clothes every day. She also doesn't like waking up either) Today was a little different though as she came home with a little smile forming on her face. She knew that love-struck librarian loved her, even if they didn't have the best start. After this particular visit to this library, the Puppeteer admitted her feelings to the Magician. So before I tell you the rest I'll tell you what happened at the library today, just to make sure we're on the same level c: (Just keep in mind that they haven't told Marisa about this...they should consider telling her later)
-Earlier today-
"Beep...Beeep...Beeeep" Alice's alarm increasingly got louder, or that's what she thought anyway. She didn't want to get out of bed. So she turned off her alarm and faced the other way, where her phone was. Unfortunately, that meant more noise for Alice since she didn't put her phone on silent. Suddenly, her phone started to vibrate constantly. Only for her to find out it was Marisa asking her to head out to the library. She realised that it had been ages since they've visited the library...She texted her back, "I'll be 5 mins. Wait for me outside. P.S Don't leave me again…" Then she sighed and finally got out of bed "I just want to sleep in for one day but nope. There's has to be one person, at least, to get me out of bed. Mostly that damn witch, maybe I'll try again tomorrow..." She muttered, so Alice got up and brushed her hair. Opened the cupboard, nothing there. "Ugh," She moaned "I don't have anything to eat...When was the last time I went out to refill my stock.." Finally deciding to feast on her left-overs from yesterday, She came out and met Marisa who was half-asleep. Alice whacked her on the head lightly "HUH?! WHAT'S HAPPENING?! DID SOMEONE DESTROY YOUR SHRINE REIMU 'CUZ IT WASN'T ME THIS TIME?!…Alice! Don't do that! I was taking a nap, can I not get one WITHOUT someone waking me up? You took so long! I fell asleep!" The witch smirked. "And how do you think I feel about you waking me up all the time huh?!" She face-palmed. "Anyway, that aside. Heading to the library you say?"
"Yup, mainly because I haven't stolen some books there in a while..."
"Marisa, You have too many books. Your house might as well be a library."
"Oooh! Thanks for the suggestion! I'll start right away!"
"Please don't...It wasn't a command."
"Wasn't it? Ah well, better start later!" Marisa giggled. Alice shook her head, climbed onto her broom they both and soon reached the Mansion.
–At the SDM-
"Does that Gatekeeper ever wake up? She seems to be sleeping every time we visit" The witch asked passing by Meiling as they entered the massive Mansion. "I wish I got that job, at least I could get some rest...but I probably won't slack off as much..." Alice muttered. They opened the doors to the library before greeting the Magician. "Yo Patch! Haven't seen you in a while!" Marisa shouted as they both approached her. "Ah, Alice and Marisa. Nice to see you" Patchy smiled. Koakuma soon joined them "Hi Marisa, Hi Alice!" and greeted them with a hug. "Hi guys" Alice responded sitting down, picked up the book that was in front of her and started to read it. "So, what have you guys been up too? It's been forever since you've last been here" the red-haired devil yawned as she sat down on a chair, sorting the books left by Patchy. "Not much, just the usual things..." Alice said as she flipped through the old book, blowing dust off the crusty pages. "Also, you look a little tired Koa. What's up with that?" Marisa asked. "Ah," Patchy said "Koa has helped me sort out the whole library this week. Remi said that it was time for the library to have a massive clean-out. So everyone has been in and helping with the clean-out when they have time"
Alice: Well, that explains the mountains of books around here...
Patchouli: I also offered Koa time-off but she refused...
Koakuma: I like to spend time helping you, Lady Patchouli!
Marisa: Aww, Now ain't that sweet!
-Everyone laughs for a bit-
Patchouli: I know you do, but you should get some rest...you can't spend all day busy tidying the library.
Koakuma: I understand…
Marisa: Hey, maybe I could help?
Patchouli: Really? That would help massively.
Marisa: No problem! So, where should I start?
Patchouli: But promise me you won't steal any of my books.
Marisa: Okay, fine.
Koakuma: I'll show you what you can tidy…
Patchouli: Make sure Marisa doesn't steal any books…
Koakuma: Yes, Lady Patchouli.
Marisa followed Koakuma to a part of the library where they could tidy. Meanwhile, Alice agreed to help Patchouli sort out the books Koakuma left unfinished. "Hey Patch, Do you help as often? I mean, I must be a little tricky with your condition and all..." Alice asked, unintentionally putting her hand over Patchy's "Oh, yeah. It's okay. I just don't do a lot..." Patchy wheezed a little, not noticing Alice's hand over her's. Alice nodded and continued to sort the books out. I sure hope she's okay... She thought. As she was sorting the books out, she came across one particular book titled 'Patchu's Diary' Patchouli's Diary?! What is it doing here? She thought, a little surprised. Shouldn't this be...somewhere secret? Where no-one can read it, or have any other types of access at that too… She did feel an urge to read it but didn't. Nah...I couldn't do that to Patchouli. She put her diary in a different place on the table. She took a quick glance over at Patchy then looked back down at the table...there was one question that she's been meaning to ask for a long time Is this the right time to tell Patchy? Well...it's worth a shot. "P-Patch? Can I ask you a question?" Alice nervously stuttered a little. Patchy looked up from her book, "Go ahead...You can ask me anything Alice" She smiled at her, reassuring Alice. "Do you love Marisa?" She said, looking up from the table. "Well," Patchouli started after a few seconds of silence "Not really..."
"You didn't love her in the first place?"
"Yeah...my love lies with someone else..." Patchouli said calmly. Alice then started to blush, which made Patchouli blush as well. "Well, who do you love now?" Alice asked her, hoping that it was her. Patchouli sighed, "It's you, Alice. I love you...I-I love you more than Marisa" She blushed and turned away. Alice smiled and hugged her from behind, "I love you too Patchy..." Patchy then turned back, "R-really? Do you love me more?"
"I love you more than anything."
And with that said, they kissed. Alice now knew that Patchouli did love her back, and she was happy. Patchouli was too. They both spent the rest of the day next to each other, talking more, finishing sorting the books out, ect. Then Alice remembered Patchouli's diary "Patch, I found this earlier when I was sorting out your books" and gave her diary to her. "Oh!" Patch exclaimed "There it is, thanks for finding it. I was wondering where that was..." and took it. "Did you read it?" She added. "Nope," Alice smiled. "I can assure you I haven't!" She proudly said. Patchouli giggled, "That's good..." Marisa came in with Koa, "Finally finished sorting the books!" Marisa said, short of breath. "I never thought I would be putting books back instead of borrowing them!" Patchy smiled, "Me neither...
Koa: It took so long, I thought we'd never finished…
Alice: It's a good job you did.
Marisa: You bet! I wouldn't last another minute!
Patchouli: I'm sure putting books away isn't that hard.
Marisa: Well, If your're tidying books away for a librarian that has all the books in Gensokgo, I'm sure it's a LITTLE difficult
Alice: I feel sorry for Koa now!
Koa: Smiles It's not that hard. I've been with Lady Patch for a long time!
Marisa: Lucky you…
Alice: Take that as a compliment!
They spent the rest of the of the day resting and reading books.
Patchouli: Ah, It's getting a little late...You guys should head back…
They all looked out a window and realised how late it was. "Woah...Your right" Marisa said, "We should head back Alice"
"Okay..." Alice sighed, letting go of Patchouli's hand. "It was a joy having you guys over!" Koakuma smlied, "Come back tomorrow?" She added. "Yeah sure, You okay with that Ali?" Marisa asked. "Yep!" Alice smiled back. Marisa and Alice waved at them as they were leaving.
-Girls are now travelling back to Alice's house-
"That was fun!" Marisa smiled at her. Alice nodded, "Yeah, it was...are you going to pick me up tomorrow again?" She asked. "Yep!" Marisa smiled and flew away. So as usual, the Puppeteer came home from her visit to the library. The smile formed on her face. "Ah...What a day it's been..."
