DISCLAIMER: Oyuki Konno created the "Maria-sama ga Miteru" characters, Mizuno Yoko and Satou Sei. Danny Griffin and Jem Griffiths wrote the song "Finally Woken," from which this one-shot drabble gets its title.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: I have never written for the "Maria-sama ga Miteru" universe, so I ask your indulgence while I play here for a bit. I love the non-canon pairing of Mizuno Yoko and Satou Sei (as you can tell from my profile avatar). This one-shot drabble is the result of a piece my most beloved co-author, E.M. Praetorian sent me and my desire to write something for my favorite pairing.
CO-AUTHOR'S NOTES: The beauty of two authors writing together is finding your synchronicity in the oddest moments; to share your passions, play beta, and sometimes muse, when you least expect it.
Finally Woken
This morning was just like any other. Teacup in hand, Mizuno Yoko retrieved her mail and returned to her apartment to go through it. As she entered her apartment, her telephone rang, so she placed the stack of mail on the table while she took the call.
"Hello?"
"Did you get my letter?"
Yoko remained silent for a few minutes, trying to place the voice.
"No, but I have not gone through the mail today."
"Okay, I'll call you later."
Before Yoko had a chance to respond, the caller hung up. She shook her head and smiled, thinking this was so like Sei.
Yoko sat down at the table, picked up the stack of mail, flipped through it and looked for Sei's letter. She was crestfallen when she did not find any letter addressed in Sei's scrawl. So, as she did every morning, Yoko opened the bills first, and solicitations last.
As she opened the last of the solicitation letters, Yoko's heart leapt into her throat. Inside the typewritten envelope was a handwritten letter. With shaky hands, she unfolded the letter and began reading.
Can I kiss your neck as I lean in to whisper in your ear?
Can I caress the swell of your firm cheeks as I guide your body a little closer to mine?
Can we stay this way, even after the music has died and the band has gone; lost in each other, dancing to a tune only we can hear?
Yoko's hand involuntarily flew up to cover her mouth, almost dropping the letter. Flushed and needing to calm her breathing, Yoko finished her almost full cup of tea in one swallow. She knew this was not a practical joke, because in her heart, she knew Sei was not a cruel person, but she did not understand the meaning of this letter.
"Sei, after all these years, why now? You know I am getting married next month," Yoko asked aloud.
She swallowed hard and continued reading.
You are the beauty deep in my heart as the dawn breaks.
You understand the better part of me. No other has made me feel as you have with just your spoken words.
I want to show you how much I love you…and if you'll have me, I never want to lose you again.
Tears rolled down Yoko's cheeks. She silently cursed Sei for her unbelievable timing and seconds later, laughed at herself for thinking Sei should know better.
All I ask is you give me a chance to prove my love to you, even though I probably don't deserve it after all this time.
All the years at Lillian, you were so strong, giving, and loving, but I never saw past my own pain.
I humble myself before you and ask for one chance to share my love with you; to see things through your eyes, feel love from your touch, and rest safe in your embrace.
Yoko finished reading the letter and placed it on the table. She reminded herself to breathe and stared out the window, not really seeing the cityscape she paid so dearly for every month. She stared and waited for Sei's call.
