A/N: Surprised that I've published two stories within twenty-four hours? As am I, but I'm spending this Winter Break finally editing stories I've written in the past few months so hopefully you'll be seeing more in the near future.

As for this story, it contains small vignettes that look into the relationship between Eriko, Sei, and Shimako because they are my favorites and because there isn't nearly enough narrative that focuses on Eriko. The story contains some spoilers for the novel that aren't mentioned in the anime so you've warn.

As always, read and review and enjoy!

Interweaving Comfort

Chapter One

Sei Sato wondered briefly if going to Lillian University was a good idea. Of course, she would be within teasing distance of Yumi and she would be close enough incase Shimako ever needed her, but those were hardly the reasons of why she chose to continue on Lillian's path toward maidenhood. While she could delude herself into thinking there were other grander reasons such as superior schooling or location all she could come up with was that she had procrastinated and Lillian was her only choice.

Which was fine.

She glanced at the other end of the table where Eriko was sitting. The yellow rose looked on amused as she listened to Yumi and Yoshino talk about god knows what. Eriko would be going away. Not too far, but far enough that she wouldn't be visiting as often.

Sei wondered if she would miss the girl, the only person she managed to remember all throughout grade school. Perhaps she would on occasion, but Sei doubted she would ever yearn for her presence like she did with Shiori. But to be frank, Sei doubted she would yearn for any of them in that capacity. Perhaps Shimako but for reasons outside of Sei's control.

"What are you doing for your mother's day, Yumi-san?" Yoshino's voice broke through Sei's reprieve. While irritated, Sei listened on with mild interest.

"I don't know," Yumi sighed. "I want to show her how much I care and how much she means to me."

Yoshino patted Yumi's back, a mischievous smile on her face. Sei watched Eriko and noticed the girl's strained smile.

"I wouldn't recommend cooking for her, Yumi-san. Judging from the chocolates you made for Sachiko-sama for Valentine's Day, you might end up killing her."

The room exploded into laughter except for the three roses. Youko met Sei's eyes in worry before glancing at Eriko, who turned pale white, eyes glassed over. Before anyone could ask, Eriko stood from her seat and slipped out of the room.

Youko made movements to follow the yellow rose, but Sei was already up and heading towards the door. As Sei walked out the door, she heard Youko sighed before addressing the group. "I guess we'll be starting the meeting without them…"

Once away from peering eyes, Sei sprinted after Eriko, not caring is she dirtied her skirt or not. Nor did she ever really.

She should have interfered in the conversation, teased Yumi or something else. But Eriko had looked all right, and Sei still wasn't sure when to and when not to protect her friends.

As Sei opened the door, she found Eriko crying outside, trying her best not to run away and regain her composure, but when she saw Sei, she flew into the taller girl's arms. The action startled Sei, but she held her and offered sweet words as she ran her fingers through the brunette's hair, anything to comfort her.

After a few moments, Eriko pulled away, wiping her eyes on her sleeves.

"I'm sorry Sei. It's just that sometimes I think that if I had never existed she would still be alive." Eriko confessed, slightly embarrassed to be in this position. "If I had never been conceived, my brothers and father would still have her."

"But your mother wanted you, and if someone as special as her wanted you that must mean something." Sei cooed as she rearranged Eriko's headband tenderly.

"I know, but how do you deal with being the reason the person you love isn't with you and never will be again?" Eriko pleaded.

Sei hardened her eyes, knowing what Eriko was referring to, but she took in a deep breath anyway. She couldn't blow up at Eriko, especially now.

"Those aren't the same things, Eriko." Sei replied coolly.

Eriko nodded her head. "I never meant to say they were. It's difficult to accept and even more difficult to know that it'll always haunt you."

"These things happen, and you can blame God if you believe in him, but that won't help. There's never a reason really and because you were the catalyst doesn't mean it was your design so you shouldn't be blaming yourself as hard as you are Eriko. It happened and try to move on as best as you can."

Eriko raised her eyebrow.

"And how easy has it been for you to take your own advice?"

Sei smirked sadly, hand running through her hair. "It hasn't, and it won't."

"You shouldn't blame yourself either Sei." Eriko placed her hand on Sei's arm. "Shiori-san wouldn't have wanted you to."

"Perhaps."

They stood together in silence, not looking at anything in particular and definitely not at each other. The wind swept through and rustled their skirts, though neither of them particularly noticed.

After a few moments, Eriko straightened her shoulders and broke the silence.

"I guess I should be heading inside."

Sei looked at Eriko in concern. "Are you sure you'll be okay?"

"What's being more of a rose than hiding your emotion behind a cool mask of aloofness?"

Sei smiled wearily. "Someone should tell Yumi-chan that."

Eriko sobered at the thought. "I hope to God no one does."

Before Sei could respond, Eriko walked inside. Sei stood, watching the door, thinking of Eriko when a familiar presence neared itself.

"Onee-sama?"

Sei turned and saw the concerned face of Shimako. Sei smiled fondly and ruffled the younger girl's hair.

"I'm fine Shimako. Just a little worried about Eriko."

Shimako nodded and grabbed Sei's hand and held it in her. Sei could tell that Shimako wanted to ask what was wrong, but it wasn't in her nature to do so.

"It has to do with mother's day." Sei offered.

Shimako nodded slowly. "Did her mother pass away?"

"Yes, and she blames herself for it."

"Her mother died during conception."

Sei nodded solemnly. "She did."

Shimako bit her lip, and Sei squeezed her hand. "Poor Rosa Foetida."

"Yeah."

"Well, we can't stand here forever. I wouldn't hear the end of it from Youko." Sei teased as she led Shimako inside.

As they walked up steps, careful not to make any unnecessary sounds, Sei hoped that Eriko would be all right. That she would be all right. But when Shimako grabbed her hand half way up the stairs, interlocking their fingers, the warmth that spread through Sei's existence told that she was going to be just fine.