A Friend in Need

1 Open Book

Jaych

(Does not own Maria-sama ga Miteru)

As Sei watched the interaction between the red roses, she tried very hard to stifle her giggles. She reminded herself that the idea was not to be noticed, as it would ruin her typical attention grabbing entrance. Calming down, Sei resumed her hiding spot off the path by Lillian's main gate. It had been a few months since she had made her way down to the high school campus and the recent graduate was feeling slightly guilty about her relationship with Yumi. The girl really needed someone without a stick up her ass sometimes and unfortunately for her, Lillian was not the place. Yumi was an open book, but the thing about open books is they get worn out. Even the ever cheerful Rosa Chinesis en Bouten needed someone to dote on and flatter her. It was something Sei loved to do. Yumi was such an amusing girl and though she was properly humble, the blush on her face always betrayed her.

Sei watched Yumi and Sachiko part ways near the gate and sighed. There was no physical contact between the two, but in a painfully awkward move unnoticed by Yumi, Sachiko jerked her arm up as if to reach out, and then kept it to herself. Watching Sachiko falter gave Sei greater hope for the other girl who kept up such rigid appearances. Instead of exiting the gate with her older sister, Yumi turned around, heading back towards the main campus. It seems she had forgotten something at the rose mansion and would be walking back all alone. The moment had arrived for Sei, who grinning madly at her own dramatic flair and good luck, revealed herself from the ginko trees.

"Sei-sama!" Yumi squealed and dropped her bag, gaping at the older girl in surprise. Sei could not have been more pleased. The small girl was completely adorable and Sei stepped closer, sweeping Yumi into a hug, arms wrapping around her waist. Yumi's breath was warm on Sei's neck and the older girl held her a little bit tighter. It was only around Yumi that Sei felt it was ok to be quite so bold. Sometimes, when things went right, she even felt a little dashing.

"Hello, Yumi-chan," Sei whispered into Yumi's ear. She could feel the younger girl tremble a little in her arms and all of Sei's good intentions nearly flew out the window. Sachiko should have been here, holding Yumi and living the dream, but Sei was not about to curse her current position. The former Rosa Gigantea was in fact greatly looking forward to her latest endeavor, and if it proved to be sweet torture, then there could be no other kind.

"Uhm, Sei-sama, I like you but," Yumi trailed off, referring the other woman to their lack in physical change. Sei grinned and shrugged her shoulders, slowly letting some space between them. Sweet torture.

"So, Yumi-chan, what's keeping you at school so late?" Sei asked, carefully beginning a conversation that she had already planned. She would have to slowly lead Yumi into her imagination, and down a road that was fully possible with just a little work.

Yumi looked up at Sei with pinched eyebrows and drawn lips that told the older girl she was on to her. The older girl was usually up to something. "I forgot my umbrella and Onee-sama reminded me right before I left it. I hear tomorrow morning it will rain," Yumi explained and turned again toward to the rose mansion.

Sei watched Yumi slowly walk away, loving the unspoken encouragement. She truly enjoyed chasing the younger girl, who for her part seemed to enjoy leading Sei through her own dance. Yumi knew all of the correct moves to make Sei follow her and Sei was hoping that with a little practice, Yumi would have no trouble showing this side of herself to Sachiko. Sei almost snickered at the thought; her friend stood no chance against her adorable little sister.

Sei jogged to catch up, quickly passing Yumi to end up walking backwards in front of her. Sei teased the younger girl, "Here I spend all my time hoping to catch up with Yumi-chan, but she just wants to leave me behind. It's so sad. "

Yumi's smile turned to just a bit of a smirk, replying, "Sei-sama only comes here to tease me, and sometimes touch me, but never to help me." Yumi came to a stop in front of Sei, the college student blocking the door with her back. Sei's cheeks hurt from trying not to laugh or smile too much.

"But that is where you are wrong, because today I have come here specifically to help you," Sei announced and opened the door behind her, holding it for the younger girl. As she followed Yumi up the stairs, Sei realized it been several months since the last time she was in the rose mansion. It seemed smaller now, though remained charming and elegant.

"And what kind of help will you be giving me?" Yumi asked, her voice tinted with humor. The girls walked into the meeting room, Yumi heading for the closet where her umbrella was put away while Sei diverged to the windows. She missed the pleasant view from just over the heads of her fellow students. Leaning out the window was both relaxing and a little thrilling.

Having refreshed her memory of the view Sei turned to see a different subject, Yumi reaching for the top shelf of the closet. Her shirt pulled up, exposing her lean figure as the second year student struggled to make contact with the umbrella handle. Perhaps someone taller had put it away without thinking. Sei walked over to save the day, or at least the umbrella, pressing against Yumi before reaching over her. When Sei handed Yumi her beloved umbrella, the smaller girl said, "Arigatou, Sei-sama, you have fulfilled your duty."

Sei laughed, head thrown back and eyes dancing. "Yumi-chan, that was a privilege. My duty," Sei paused, liking the word choice, "runs much deeper."

Yumi's foot started tapping and Sei could see the red blush creeping across her face. The girl was getting frustrated, and she all but squealed, "Sei-sama stop playing with me! How are you going to help me and what do I need help with?"

The college student leaned in slightly and took Yumi's hand. She was so adorable but Sei could tell she had gone a little too far. A little too far often proved to be her first boundary. Sei would have to be a little less cryptic. After all, Yumi should be very excited. "Love, Yumi-chan! I'm going to help your Onee-sama realize she is in love with you."